Mini Review: Everyday Enchantments by Maria DeBlassie

Title: Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings
Author: Maria DeBlassie
Format: Paperback, 200 pages
Pub. Date: October 26th 2018
Source: Author


Book Description:

Spellbinding meditations on conjuring your own bliss. Everyday Enchantments is a love letter to the magic of everyday life, the sweet moments and the profound that we often overlook in our hurry to get from one place to the next. This collection of essays reminds us to escape into the ordinary, find beauty in a simple cup of tea or rereading a beloved novel and joyfully let our world turn upside down when synchronicity strikes in the form of wrong turns down forgotten lanes and unexpected midnight conversations with the moon. Everyday Enchantments is a study in what it means to live deliciously, joyfully, and magically. And it's an invitation to conjure your own bliss, because, let's face it, we could all use a little more magic in our lives.

Review:

★★★

This is a quick little read, a book of short collections of thoughts about every day life.

I will say, that this book to me was very soothing. It's comprised of these little "everyday enchantments" that act almost like guided meditations. They're realistically written with a sense of calm and coziness that make it appealing to read. Because the book is divided into these little fragments, it's also very easy to walk away from and read a little snippet at a time.

I think that if there were an audiobook of this, it would be very peaceful and full of ASMR, and I would enjoy it very much. I think reading it loses a little bit of the meditative type tone, as opposed to hearing it.

Because this is written from the author's day to day life, not all of it was very relatable. I might, for example, know the familiar scent of coffee as I make breakfast on a Saturday morning, but I'm from the land of ice and snow and don't relate to a lot of the daily goings on in New Mexico.

I also know that this has nothing to do with the content of the book, but I adore that cover. Even that conjures up cozy images and draws you in.

If you're looking for something that might work as a grounding tool or for something to calm you down, I think this is a good option for you. You'll certainly relate to some of the enchantments, and might look at some things with a new sense of appreciation.

HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN! Review: A Year and a Day of Witchcraft by Deborah Blake

Title: A Year and a Day of Everyday Witchcraft: 366 Ways to Witchify Your Life
Author: Deborah Blake
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 8th 2017
Source: Publisher


Book Description:

Connect with your witchy self every day using small, easy, and fun practices. This book features quick and meaningful ways to integrate witchcraft into your daily life, inspiring you to take your magick to a new level whether you're a beginning or experienced practitioner.

Deborah Blake guides you on a journey through the Wheel of the Year, providing witchy wisdom, affirmations, spells, questions to ponder, and much more. From connecting with nature to connecting with deities, A Year and a Day of Everyday Witchcraft explores a variety of modern Pagan practices to help you get more in touch with your personal path of witchcraft.

Review:

★★★★

I think this is a great concept. I love the idea of having little "witchy" things to do each day. I'm a list following, schedule-making type person, so having something that applies to paganism really appeals to me. This is the type of book I'd really like on my shelf. Plus, look at the cover art- would that darling black cat lead you astray?

This book has a little bit of everything. As the title suggests, includes 366 daily exercises that pertain to witchcraft. Each day has a theme, and a little lesson. The tone is very approachable, which I think would be helpful to those who are just starting out along their spiritual paths. Because these ideas are generally pretty short, I think it'd be a good way to dip one's toes into the magick pool, so to speak. It's also time considerate, so even if you don't have a huge amount of free time, you'll be able to reflect on or complete most of the "try this!" activities on each day.

I also really like that the author gives suggestions, not orders. One thing that really, really turns me off from pagan books is when the author speaks as though they are the One True Knower of All Things and that their way is the One True Way or You're Not a Wiccan or whatever path. It happens far more often than you'd think, given that this branch of spirituality tends to be wider in its forms of expression. Blake is the opposite, the tone is very "hey, you could do this, but if you'd rather do that instead, go for it". It's a refreshing tone, that is well appreciated and didn't go unnoticed.

The "try this" suggestions that are listed, one per day, are really widely varied. They include tasks that are more directly spiritual like candle lighting and prayer, but also creative arts such as writing poetry and coloring. There's also a good mix of "self-help" type ideas, like organizing lists for yourself and topics for self-reflection.

A few of the suggestions are a bit less than accessible. There's one day, for instance, that suggests walking around a shop to find crystals. Not everyone has access to such places. But, I suppose that's where the "suggestion" part comes in- I plan on scrolling Amazon and counting that.

All in all, I plan on getting a physical copy for myself. I'm always one of those "new year resolution" people who always has these big dreams but then gives up in a week when the holiday glow has worn off. Hopefully, this will be a successful resolution to follow this book for a year.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Review & Giveaway: Better Sex in No Time by Josey Vogels!

Title: Better Sex in No Time: An Illustrated Guide for Busy Couples
Author: Josey Vogels
Format: Paperback, 282 pagesegalley
Pub. Date: April 14th 2015
Source: Cleis Press


Book Description via Goodreads:

In those first heady days of a relationship, couples can barely keep their hands off each other. But as relationships mature, sex can get pushed further and further down the list of priorities. Suddenly, instead of a passionate date you can’t wait to keep, sex might start to feel like one more nagging to-do.

It doesn’t have to be that way. And it doesn’t require quitting a job or wearing dirty clothes to reclaim the spark. Couples just need a few moments of tender connection a day (and a few pointers from Canada’s leading sexpert), and soon they’re looking for ways to devote even more time to amazingly hot sex.

Josey Vogels has created a fun and approachable guide for couples that is packed with tips, tricks, and time-guided ideas to try. With this book on their bedside tables, readers start having better sex in no time.

What you learn from this book:
• Ways to sexually connect to your partner in five minutes or less
• Massage techniques
• Why romance matters
• The importance of self-pleasure (and learning new private tricks!)
• Sex on the go
• Tantric sex for busy couples

Review:

★★★★★

I'm a firm believer that your sex life can always be better. For the most part, I'm pretty satisfied with my sex life, but I mean there is always room for improvement. So when I got asked if I wanted to read Better Sex in No Time, I was excited to say yes. I think this book can help any couple improve, even if a little, no matter how long you've been together.

It's important to start out by saying that my partner is a female. This book is written primarily for heterosexual couples- which is in no way a complaint. I found that it was easy to pick and choose the physical things that would work for females, and almost all of the romance aspects are still applicable, regardless of gender. I'm not sure how it plays out for gay men, but for lesbians, there's still plenty of tips in here for you!

The book is divided into four big sections. Part one is "Seduction". Part two is "Foreplay". Part three is "Union" and part four is Spice. I appreciated that this book was chunked in this way, because it makes it easy to focus on the parts that you know that your relationship may be lacking in. There's smaller sections in each part, narrowing the focus even further.

There's a lot of really good tips and advice in this book. There are some really nice (and non-explicit) photographs that help keep the romantic/sensual vibe about the book. There are also helpful illustrations throughout the book that help to explain what the text is trying to convey. Things such as positions or ways to move your fingers, things like that, become more clear when you look at the illustrations. I was a little bit worried when I found out that it was an illustrated book, but they really do add to the advice.

Honestly, I think that this book is perfect for any couple (over 18, blah blah). It's full of advice for any part of your sex life that may be struggling, from adding some kinky fun to the mix, or communication and intimacy problems. It's a book that will happily find a home on my sexuality shelf for reference in the future.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Gummi Bears Should Not Be Organic by Stefanie Wilder-Taylor

Title: Gummi Bears Should Not Be Organic: And Other Opinions I Can't Back Up With Facts
Author: Stefanie Wilder-Taylor
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: April 7th 2015
Source: Gallery Books


Book Description via Goodreads:

From the popular mommy blogger and seasoned author of Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay and Naptime Is the New Happy Hour comes this hilarious book of honest, no-holds-barred musings on motherhood.

Stefanie Wilder-Taylor is officially fed up with the endless mommy fads, trends, studies, findings, and facts about how to raise children. Tiger Mom or Cool Mom? Organic or vegan? TV is the devil or TV is a godsend?

The mother of three young girls, Stefanie has finally decided to hell with Google she's going to find out how to be a mom all on her own. In this latest mommy book from the popular blogger, author, and TV personality, Stefanie will share her secrets for achieving a balance in motherhood between being protective and caring, and downright batshit crazy. She'll debunk some of the looniest parenting myths and reinforce others; she'll describe how, through as simple a process as good old trial-and-error, she's learned to pick and choose what works for her and her family, and tune out the rest.

Filled with sage advice, laugh-out-loud stories, and Stefanie's signature wit, Gummi Bears Should Not Be Organic is sure to appeal to any and every renegade mom who's forged her own path to childrearing.

Review:

★★

I really wanted to like this book. The blurb sounded great, the title is hilarious, and who doesn't want to read a book with a big red gummi bear on the cover? Unfortunately, I think this book is another example of "just wasn't for me".

I don't have kids, but I can enjoy a book about parenting if it's well done and if I connect to it. I didn't have that connection to this book. I had never heard of the author before, so I was unfamiliar with her type of humor. She's funny, no getting around that. But I didn't laugh as much as I was meant to, I don't think. There were quite a few places where it was trying way too hard to be funny, which had the opposite effect of laughter. Other times (and I had this issue not that long ago with Jim Gaffigan's parenting book), the humor just comes off as smug.

Actually, that's kind of how I felt about this book. That "here's an example of all the things I do with my kids and I support your own systems, but mine is better and I'm judging you a bit". I know that no two parents agree on every method of raising a kid, but this book serves as a reminder of how judgy the parent pool can be. I also didn't really learn anything from this book. There were no moments where I thought "Wow, that's such a great idea, I'll have to remember that for my kids!" That's not to say that the author gives bad advice: she doesn't. It's very reasonable advice that in general just has to do with finding balance- not too much, not too little. I agree that this is a good approach to parenting. There just wasn't anything new to me.

Despite my issues with this book, I think people will like it more than I did. Like I said, I think this is an example of it's not you, book, it's me. Maybe it's funnier and more relatable if you're a parent, or if you're older than I am. Or maybe you just need a different sense of humor than I have. This isn't a bad book, but it's one I was disconnected to.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mini Review: The Trouble with Peer Pressure by Darlene R Wood!

Title: The Trouble with Peer Pressure: A Simple "My ADHD Story" for Young Teens
Author: Darlene R Wood
Format: Paperback, 32 pages
Pub. Date: October 20th 2014
Source: Darlene R Wood


Book Description via Goodreads:

When the world seems too difficult for a person with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to cope with, peer pressure just seems to compound any situation. Somehow, some way we just need to figure out how to get along with everyone in this small world.

Review:

★★★★

I was drawn to this book for a few different reasons. The first of which is because I'm in school to be a teacher, so gaining any additional insight into the minds of young people is a great help. The other reason is because my girlfriend has ADHD, and I often fail at learning to step into her shoes. She was only recently diagnosed in adulthood, though she's struggled with school and learning for a long time. So, I thought I'd check this book out in order to learn a thing or two.

The first thing that really draws the attention is the illustrations. They're really well done, with good, vibrant colors. This is good for keeping the attention. And I found that each illustration was well corresponded with whatever topic was being discussed in the book at that present moment.

This book is written in choppy, short sentences, but I think that's a good thing considering the subject matter and intended audience. It's also written in a first person narrative, so those who know what it's like to live with ADHD can easily relate, and those who do not know this life are forced to put themselves in that position. There's a lot of questions narrated in this book, making it easier to think out loud and to formulate a discussion.

That's actually how I think this book is best used- a discussion starter. It opens the doors to have a bigger, more meaningful conversation but leaves something to be desired in the actual story itself. I don't think that the themes of ADHD and peer pressure always blend together in this book, but I understood the point well enough. I think this is the type of book best shared between parents and children, used as a communication or educational tool. It's a solid book that I'm sure parents and educators alike will find useful.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Tour Interview, Review, & Giveaway: The Ultimate Guide to Sex After 50 by Joan Price!

Title: The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Fifty: How to Maintain or Regain a Spicy, Satisfying Sex Life
Author: Joan Price
Format: Paperback
Pub. Date: December 22nd 2014
Source: Cleis Press


Book Description via Goodreads:

The population over age 50 is larger than ever in history. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 32.1 percent of the U.S. population were age 50 and over in 2011. This demographic is also healthier, more aware, more youthful, and more vocal than any previous older generation. Thanks to ongoing medical discoveries, the sexual revolution, and the Internet, today’s seniors are also sexier than ever or at least they’re now willing to talk and ask about sex as never before. They are the generation that discovered clitoral orgasms, vibrators, and Viagra, and there’s no stopping the thirst for knowledge and pleasure now. Since 2005, Joan Price has penned Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk About Sex After Sixty and emerged as the go-to sexpert for the over-50 population. Price's savvy advice, honesty, helpfulness, and humor garnered awareness in the media, in professional circles of therapists and sex educators, and among the huge population of people over 50 who hunger for real information from an age appropriate author. Price tackles it all in this definitive guide to sex and aging: health, fun (and function), disability, dating, illness, orgasms, G-spots, P-spots, polyamory, kink, and much more.

Interview with Joan Price:

I am very excited to have sex expert Joan Price on the blog today to answer some questions about her new book!

*How did you begin your work as a senior sex expert?

I was led by passion – literally! I had fallen in love with a 64-year-old man when I was 57, and I didn’t understand why there were no books that reflected how hot an older-age love affair could be! So at age 61, I wrote Better Than I Ever Expected: Straight Talk about Sex After Sixty to celebrate the joys of senior sex.

After that book came out, readers deluged me with questions and concerns that were making their own sex lives less than satisfying. I started on a quest that has lasted 10 years (so far) to provide people of my age group with the information they need to enrich or revive their sex lives, partnered or solo. Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud about Senior Sex was my next book, and it won multiple awards.

People continued to write me – they wanted more information, more depth. I realized that I needed to write a book that would be the most comprehensive and up to date senior sex guide possible. That book became The Ultimate Guide to Sex after Fifty.

*What is one of the most common issues that arises between couples, in regards to their sex lives?

I use “the old ways don’t work anymore” as the umbrella term for all the changes, physical and emotional, that wreak havoc on our sex lives. For couples, this can be mismatched libidos, medical problems, staleness in a relationship, and much more. The less couples communicate about these changes, the worse the problems become. I see many couples who love each other, but sex is not satisfying, and they haven’t found a productive way to talk about it.

*Sometimes sex just stops all together, whether both partners want it to or not. Do you have any tips on how to start a dialog about how to bring sex back into the relationship after it has taken a hiatus??

Yes, in fact, I have several dialogues in The Ultimate Guide to Sex after Fifty that readers can adapt to their own situation so that they’re bringing up the subject in a loving, non-accusatory, welcoming way. It’s important not to blame or shame the partner, but to propose that you would both be happier by working to regain the intimacy that has fallen away. It’s a journey you’re going on together, and the rewards are worth every effort.

*Did you always know that you wanted to write books to help others?

Yes, I’ve always wanted to help people, even before I became a professional writer. I was a high school English teacher for 22 years. After that, I wrote health and fitness books and articles for many years until I switched topics to senior sex. I have to say, this topic is the most enjoyable!

*Can those who are affected by pains such as arthritis or fibromyalgia still maintain an active sex life?

Yes, I have plenty of information in the book about arthritis and other medical conditions, timing medications, positions that work when our old favorites don’t, and other ways to adapt so that our aging bodies can have sex actively and joyfully. I also suggest that we should be direct about asking our doctors for help, and we should be prepared to say, “If you can’t help me, please refer me to someone who can.”

*What are three "tools" (so to speak) that every couple should have on hand?

1. Lubricant
2. Vibrators
3. Communication

*A lot of people assume that because there's little-to-no chance of pregnancy, that safer sex isn't a necessity at a certain age. That can't be true, can it?

No! STIs are rampant in our age group. We have to insist on barrier protection every time, with everyone, until or unless we’re in a committed, sexually exclusive relationship. I’m on a safer-sex soapbox, as you saw from Chapter 16. I give some scary stats about how susceptible we are to STI transmission. We’re in charge of our own sexual health.

*I know that it can be hard to seek new partners, especially when your own confidence isn't very high. What's a good way to boost self-esteem or self-comfort?

That’s a huge question. We have to do the inner work, maybe get some counseling if we have low self-esteem. No partner can “complete” us. We have to feel complete in ourselves, then we’ll attract the partners who are drawn to the person we are.

*Can you tell us a bit about your new book in your own words?

The Ultimate Guide to Sex after Fifty covers a myriad of topics about older-age sexuality with accurate, up to date information, tips, warmth, and humor. It covers the concerns of singles as well as couples, and is LGBT inclusive. It covers reviving relationships, medical issues such as ED and vaginal pain, medications, dating at our age, grief, and all those elements that affect our sexuality whether they directly involve our genitals or not. I’m very proud of this book!

*What is one piece of advice or knowledge you'd like your readers to walk away with?

Whatever problem you’re facing, there is a solution. Arm yourself with solid information and be willing to use creativity and a sense of humor as you explore solutions. Don’t give up!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some of my questions today, Joan. I'm positively honored!

Visit the Author!:

Website | Blog

Review:

★★★★★

I have to say, Joan Price really did think of everything.

When I was asked to be a part of the blog tour for this title, I opted to do a review despite the fact that I'm in my twenties out of the interest of being a pro-sexual health and all inclusive blog. I definitely wasn't expecting it to be so jam packed with information- I'm really glad I gave this a read!

No matter what problems you may be facing in the bedroom, Price has offered solutions, or at the least, help to help you find your own solutions. Whether the problem is something stemming from problems in communication, pain or illness, or just trying to find the "mood" again, the bases are covered in this book. There's a focus on health in this book which I find super important, from finding positions that "work" to avoiding things like STIs- just because you've gotten older doesn't mean the risks get less scary!

There's also a lot of helpful starts to dialogues in this book, which I think is a great and well-needed inclusion. It can be awkward to talk about feelings and sexual desires no matter what your age is. Price offers safe conversations to have in the interest of avoiding discomfort or fighting, and I think people of any age can appreciate that.

I was also really happy to see that this book is LGBT inclusive. It's a dynamic that's often missed, in my personal opinions, in sexual help books.

I think that any adult can benefit from reading this book. Though the main demographic is for those over 50, I am 23 and I still learned from it because there is so much cohesive and helpful advice in this guide. Though I may not need all of the advice just quite yet, I will definitely be keeping this book on my sex positive bookshelf for future reference (and may be discreetly giving copies to some people in my life I think could benefit from reading it!)

Thank you so much to Cleis Press for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway:

-This giveaway will run from November February 19th to the 27th, 2015
-This giveaway is US & CAN ONLY
-This giveaway is open to those 18+

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Halloween Review: Forevermore: Guided in Spirit by Edgar Allan Poe

Title: Forevermore: Guided in Spirit by Edgar Allan Poe
Author: Kristy Robinett
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 8th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Llewellyn Publications

Description via Goodreads:

Kristy Robinett has always had helpers in spirit, but when she was thirteen, she met the most fascinating spirit guide of all-- Edgar Allan Poe. Forevermore tells the true story of how Edgar Allan Poe helps Kristy fulfill her destiny as a writer and a psychic medium.

Far from being a madman (as he's often portrayed in the media), Poe is an insightful guide and a sleuth with a passion for justice. Working with law enforcement, Kristy and Poe uncover truths of the past--murders, suicides, missing persons--and shed light on the wrongs that have found their way into the present day.

Join Kristy as she shows how personal growth can come from the unlikeliest places and affirms the comforting fact that we are all given the chance to learn and evolve on the other side.

★★★★

It is no secret that from a very young age (perhaps too young, admittedly) I have always had an obsession with the works of Edgar Allan Poe. When I was still in grade school, at some point, my mom had given me a copy of his collection that she'd picked up at a garage sale. I read it and at first was creeped out, then mesmerized. This is a feeling that has continued with me into adulthood, and he is still one of my favorite authors. That's what led to me picking out this book to read.

I have read books on spirit guides before, but never one on a specific guide, let alone a famous one. I found Kristy's story utterly fascinating. It was well written, in an almost fantasy-like prose despite the fact that this is a book of firsthand accounts. It was very easy to read and understand, even if one has never read anything on the topic before. It's clear from this book that she has a great gift for story telling, something that no doubt Mr. Poe contributed to. This book follows Kristy from childhood into adult hood, and charts her journey and growth both with her spirit guide(s) and as a medium as a whole. She shares how she's used these gifts and how she's learned to use them by telling stories about her life, and specifically, how it helped her in the career of law enforcement.

I was also really happy with how much fact was presented in this book. Whether you are a spiritually inclined person or not, you will at the very least learn quite a bit about Edgar Allan Poe himself. I found this useful, because any information that I knew about him previously was only through my own interested Googling. I don't know how schooling is in other places, but in my district (and college, if we're being honest) never really focus on the authors themselves, just their texts. This gives an intimate look into his life in a way that not many can narrate.

This book is a little bit of a lot of things that make it somehow work together as a whole book. It is a little bit self-help/instructional guide, a little bit of excellent writing, a bit of historical fact, a bit fantastical, and a bit of memoir/nonfiction all rolled into one handy little book. This is one that I would recommend to anyone who considers themselves spiritual, a medium, or who just loves Edgar Allan Poe in general. I'll definitely be taking along a few lessons from this book and integrating them into my own life.

Thank you so much to Netgalley & Llewellyn Publications who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy- Giveaway, Excerpt, & Review!

Hello darlings.How is your week going? Today I'm happy to announce that I'm a stop on the Blog Tour for Violet Blue's new guide book The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Have Incredible Sex with Role Play, Sex Games, Erotic Massage, BDSM and More. Stay tuned on this post to read a juicy excerpt, my review, and enter for a chance to win a copy for yourself. Don't you want to spice up your boudoir? Now's your chance ;)

Excerpt:

ROLE PLAY
Erotic Acting

Motivation is why you’re there—as yourself and as the character you’re playing. Your goal is always to turn on your lover and yourself, and for both of you to have a great time getting off in a new, exciting, and sexually significant way. But the role or character you are personifying also has his or her own motivation. Your character’s goal may be to humiliate, punish, or control your partner’s character. Your interaction with your partner will be primarily sexual, but different from the role or persona you’re used to playing with this person (though not too different than you’d like it to be).

Say, for instance, you’ve been asked to play a sexy teacher who spanks the mischievous schoolboy, and you don’t normally spank your boyfriend in your sexual routines. You’ll probably find that once you put on your teacher’s outfit part of you gets an erotic charge out of erotically dominating your boyfriend—or you wouldn’t have agreed to try the scenario. If you’re still feeling uncertain but are willing to play along with the sexual fun and games, you can tap into your eagerness to serve up your lover’s number one sexual fantasy on a silver platter—and give him what he deserves, because you know how much it means to him, and how much it turns him on.

There’s nothing wrong with allowing yourself to really get into “punishing” your partner, especially if you find it makes your shared sex life exciting. Don’t worry about feeling silly—if you do, laugh it up and then get down to business. you can have fun, feel goofy, and get off all at once. If you’re worried about your performance, or anything else, remember that the role-play scenario is just a momentary, fun thing that you’re trying: A little experimentation is just that; it’s not a commitment. Before you begin, do whatever you need to get into role—read erotica, watch porn, play music, dress in costume. It’s extremely helpful to be aroused when you “make your entrance” into the scene.

From the Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy, 2nd Ed., by Violet Blue

My Review

Title: The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy: How to Have Incredible Sex with Role Play, Sex Games, Erotic Massage, BDSM and More
Editor: Violet Blue
Format: Paperback, 288 pages
Pub. Date: June 17th 2014
Source: Cleis Press
Purchase: Amazon

★★★★★

The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy is the kind of book that I think should be required reading for adults. Whether the reader is male, female, straight, gay, single taken, or any label in between, this book has something to learn and adapt to fit any lifestyle and any kink. Speaking of kink- whether you'd call your sex life vanilla or if you already have some kinky tricks up your sleeve, Violet Blue has tips and advice on how to make your fantastical sex the absolute best that it can be.

Personally, I am a huge fan of role play. Character possibilities are endless and your imagination can go wild. Violet Blue dedicates a whole chapter (and then some) to this topic. She goes above and beyond just naming classic roles/characters- although this book includes that too- by offering acting advice, steps on how to properly plan out these roles and the night of sex that follows it, and even includes resources in the back on where to shop to buy the costumes and items necessary to lose yourself into the role. I was beyond impressed with the amount of advice packed into that chapter.

And honestly, I was beyond impressed overall at how much knowledge, advice, and spicy tricks of the trade Violet Blue manages to fit into this book, period. She writes each chapter with clear expertise on the subject, as well as with a hint of snark and humor. I really like this style of writing, because instead of feeling like I needed to read a book to improve my sex life, I feel like I'm turning to an old girl friend and getting some saucy advice over mimosas. It's a friendly, unassuming, and easy-to-read prose that all ages and walks of life can appreciate and understand.

I was very pleasantly surprised to see that there is space in this book dedicated to solo play. I think it's a great inclusion, because you should know your body better than anyone else. And I know that there are some people out there who simply want to be alone in their fantasies. I think it is great that this book doesn't shun or exclude them, but rather loops them into the conversation by offering advice and techniques for men and women alike.

No matter what your fantasy is, there's a topic in here for you. Threesomes (or more)? Check. Stripping? Check. Games, public sex, fetishes? Check check check. New to all of it? No sweat. She starts you with the basics so that you always feel safe and comfortable. Ashamed or embarrassed about the fantasy you have? Again, Violet Blue has you covered. From safe sex practices to swinging and guidance on how to lap dance, this girl knows what you want in your bedroom and makes it damn near impossible for you not to integrate it.

With a book full of advice like this, how can your partner (or your own body) resist?

This is a book that I feel all sexually active and adventurous books should keep on a shelf close to the naughty drawer for inspiration. Thank you so much to Cleis Press for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway!

And now the moment you have been waiting for. Enter to win yourself a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Sexual Fantasy.
The Rules:
-This giveaway will run from June 25th to July 3rd, 2014.
-This giveaway is open to those 18+ and is USA ONLY.
-It is open to anyone over that age who can legally enter, receive, and use their prize.
-One (1) winner will win a copy.
-This giveaway is sponsored wholly by the publisher.
-This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity.
-Winner will have 48 hours to reply, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter.
-Invalid entries will be removed, so please don't cheat.
-Void where prohibited. Odds will vary. No purchase necessary.
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EDIT: THE FIRST WINNER DID NOT RESPOND. ANOTHER HAS BEEN CHOSEN, PENDING HER REPLY.

Guest Post, Giveaway, & Review: Never Say Never by Alison Tyler

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Excerpt, Giveaway & Review: 50 Shades of Kink by Tristan Taormino

Hello my beautiful readers. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend and soaked up some sun. Today I'm really happy to share with you an excerpt from 50 Shades of Kink by Tristan Taormino. This is a pocket sized introduction into the world of BDSM. If you, like so many others out there, enjoy reading erotic fiction but aren't quite exactly sure where to begin, let Tristan help you with this new book. As if a sneak peek wasn't enough, Cleis Press has decided that they want to help you unleash your inner kink, and has offered up a chance for you to win a copy of your very own.

This teaser is taken from Chapter 9 of 50 Shades of Kink entitled: Smack! Spanking, Paddles, and Crops

Sneak Peek:

Lots of people love a good spanking. Don’t just take my word for it: there are hundreds of adult movies devoted to spanking, dozens of erotic websites, and over the years, there has been more than one magazine devoted to the subject. For some, spanking goes along with fantasy role playing—naughty schoolgirls and unruly boys disciplined at the hands of a cruel teacher, a stern governess, or an unforgiving nun. Perhaps the play is closer to home, with Mommy or Daddy wielding the unrelenting hairbrush. Others use spanking as a tool of dominance and submission, an expression of control, humiliation, and punishment (or reward!). A spanking can be just a spanking, but decide in advance what the spanking will mean in the context of your play. Many pervy people report that spanking was the first kinky thing they did.

It can be dreaded and scary or sweet and sexy, but it is undeniably a very intimate act. Get your bottom in a comfortable position: lying over your lap, on all fours, or bent over the bed, a stool, or a table. Like most things, it’s best to start out slowly, beginning with light, gentle taps before moving on to full-handed slaps. Not only does this make the spanking more fun, but the bottom can usually take it longer and harder if you warm up the ass first. Begin alternating sides with a light spank, followed by a massage. Keep your hand as close to the ass as possible in the beginning; the farther away you take your hand, the less control you have over hitting the exact spot you are aiming for and the more likely you are to hit it too hard. Remember, the more aroused she is, the more enjoyable the spanking will be for both of you, so don’t hold back on stroking the other nearby parts, too!

As you move on to harder slaps, experiment with different sensations—the tips of your fingers versus your entire hand, the middle of the ass versus right where the cheek curves into the thigh. Add variety to your spanks by wearing a pair of soft leather gloves (for a different sensation), wetting your hand (for a stingier slap), or place your hand on a heating pad first (for a warm spank).

Many people get very turned on by spanking. Slapping someone’s butt cheeks can be gentle and sensual or deliberate and painful; either way, the consistent smacks release endorphins into the bloodstream and fuel the body’s arousal. While the ass is usually the target of a spanking, you can also slap the butt cheeks, thighs, and other fleshy parts of the body; always avoid bones and joints, such as the tailbone and the back of the knees, and organs like the kidneys. All these rules apply if you use your hand or one of the toys discussed next.

To add a little something more to a spanking, position a vibrator between her legs so it’s nestled against her clit exactly where she likes it. A wand- style clitoral vibrator with a large head, or a rounded one meant to rub against work really well for this.

With each spank, her body will press into the vibrator with a little more pressure and the vibration will feel more intense. Or slip a set of Ben Waballs (also called “Kegel balls” or “smart balls”) inside her. As you spank her butt cheeks, the balls will move against each other inside her, which will create a different kind of vibrating sensation. If she’s on her stomach or leaned over something, gravity will work in her favor, and the balls can actually massage her G-spot. Have her clench her pelvic muscles around the balls to intensify the sensation. You could also use an insertable vibrator or a dildo to combine penetration with a rhythmic spanking. As the spanking progresses, the toy will move inside her (or you can move it for her), delivering double the pleasure.

You can also spank or slap the genitals, but start out very gently. The tissue of the vulva and penis are much less fleshy than other parts and a lot more sensitive. To spank a vulva, put your hand up, fingers together facing the vulva. Start with light taps, and see how she responds. For some women, this will simply be too intense, but for others, especially once they are aroused, it can be both exciting and stimulating. Try concentrating on the pubic mound and above the clitoral hood; or, spank over the hood directly. In between slaps and taps, use your fingers to stroke her labia and clitoris. Talk to her, pay attention to her body language, and only escalate your spanks when you know she’s enjoying it. To spank a penis, hold the shaft with one hand and slap with the other. Try light taps on the head and see how he responds. You can increase the speed and strength of the slaps if he’s into it.

My Review

Title: 50 Shades of Kink: An Introduction to BDSM
Editor: Tristan Taormino
Format: Paperback, 162 pages
Pub. Date: March 18th 2014
Source: Cleis Press
Purchase: Amazon

★★★★★

Five stars.

This book is a must have for anyone looking to broaden their horizons when it comes to the bedroom. Like many readers, I have in fact read the 50 Shades trilogy. That being said, I was already well aware of the BDSM scene, how I fit into the spectrum of play, and what I liked. Of course, these things are always changing. But I'll admit, it worries me to think that there are readers of erotica who will jump in too far too fast.

50 Shades of Kink is the answer to that problem. First and foremost, this book is written in a way that anyone, whether you're vanilla as can be or an experienced Master, can understand. Taormino doesn't assume that the reader is familiar with the terminologies associated with the scene, and makes sure that every phrase, word, and acronym is thoroughly explained. Even I learned a term or two.

Also, and I'm aware of how simple this statement is, this book has a lot of good advice. The author lays everything out for you and breaks it down into step by step layman's terms. When necessary, there's even samples and drafts provided, including a contract and a limits chart. It's an extremely useful extra touch that I wasn't expecting.

Plain and simple, this is the book I wish someone would have handed me the first time I realized I had an interest in the scene. It would have saved me from so many creepy people, bad websites, and even worse erotic fiction that I'd visited hoping to make sense of it all. At the end of 50 Shades of Kink, there's a reading list of recommended books that I can't wait to get started on, and I can't stress enough how much I personally agree with her recommendation of the website Fetlife.com

If you enjoy reading about dominance and submission or bondage but don't know where to start, this is the guide for you. From telling your partner you have these feelings to perfecting rough sex, Taormino's book is there to walk you through it all. So take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and get reading so that you can maximize your pleasures. I will be keeping this one on a shelf nearby, for certain.

Thank you so much to Cleis Press for my copy in exchange for my honest review.

Giveaway!

Now, here's your chance to win a copy of 50 Shades of Kink!
The Rules:
-This giveaway will run from May 27th to June 3rd, 2014.
-This giveaway is open to those 18+ and is USA ONLY.
-It is open to anyone over that age who can legally enter, receive, and use their prize.
-One (1) winner will win a copy.
-This giveaway is sponsored wholly by the publisher.
-This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity.
-Winner will have 48 hours to reply, or a new winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen using Rafflecopter.
-Invalid entries will be removed, so please don't cheat.
-Void where prohibited. Odds will vary. No purchase necessary.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Partners in Passion Guest Post & Review!

Title: Partners in Passion: A Guide to Great Sex, Emotional Intimacy and Long-Term Love
Authors: Mark A. Michaels & Patricia Johnson
Release date: February 11th 2014
Publisher: Cleis Press
Buy Link: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Happily married partners in passion themselves, award-winning authors Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson provide readers with a fun, step-by-step manual to creating a lasting, loving and erotic relationship.

Partners in Passion proposes alternative models of long-term connection, founded on mutuality, a collaborative mindset, empathy and transparency. It features interviews with long-term couples and includes an extensive resource guide that covers everything from health to erotica, with excellent advice from many of today’s leading sexuality and relationship educators.

Inside, you'll learn:
- Why communication is important but talking is overrated
- How to balance the need for intimacy with the need for personal freedom
- Ways that sexual adventuring can strengthen your bond
- Tips to deal with discrepancies, distractions and disruptions in your sex life
- Ways to maintain a vibrant erotic connection throughout your lives

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I am so excited to be a part of the tour for this new Cleis Press publication. I'm lucky enough to have a guest post today courtesy of the authors of this book, Mark A. Michaels & Patricia Johnson on a topic that interests me in particular- kink. Without further ado, here's what they have to say on the topic!

Guest Post:

Kink is a term that covers a variety of activities and forms of sexual expression. It is a catchall word for sexual practices and interests that are outside the mainstream—from role play to dominance and submission, a vast array of fetishes, and sadism and masochism. Tristan Taormino defines kink as ". . . an all-encompassing term to
describe the people, practices, and communities that move beyond traditional ideas about sex to explore the edges of eroticism," and we like her definition.

Initially, the world of kink seemed a little strange and scary to us. Nonetheless, sexual exploration has been a core part of our relationship since day one. Even before we met, each had a deep and abiding interest in sexuality and a willingness to explore. This open and curious attitude had its limits, however, and we both had inhibitions and judgments about some forms of sexual expression that were unfamiliar.

Some of these inhibitions were based on cultural messages that impinged on our abilities to fully embrace our sexualities and sexual tastes. It took us a while, both individually and as a couple, to discover what worked for us, a process that involved both reflection and experimentation. Actual experiences also played an inhibiting role. Before we met, we had both been to BDSM clubs in New York City – the Vault, Hellfire, and Paddles.

Most of our experiences in this realm were somewhat off-putting. We were outsiders with interests that were not really congruent with the scene, and we certainly had no understanding of its various dimensions, rules, and protocols. After we started teaching Tantra, we came both more curious and more judgmental; we wanted to know more about all aspects of human sexuality, but the idea of inflicting pain on or humiliation seemed antithetical to the Tantric approach in which each partner worships the other. As we continued to explore, we began to recognize that kink and Tantra have a great deal in common and that many serious kinksters are closer to the true spirit of Tantra, which involves fearlessness and a radical ability to recognize the sacred in what is generally perceived to be profane.

As a result of these explorations, we've incorporated some kink into our own interactions, and this has expanded our sexual palette and given us access to new pleasures. We like to say that virtually everyone is a little bit kinky, it's just a matter of discovering the particular kinks that work for you. For us it was impact play. Mark, who grew up in a very feminist milieu, had to adjust to the idea that flogging or spanking a partner was not intrinsically abusive. The key to making this shift was tapping into the pleasure and arousal that the seemingly abusive behavior inspires. This is something that's of great value in any erotic encounter. If you can tune into and feed on your partner's enjoyment, your own enjoyment will increase commensurately.

Recent research indicates that couples who have adventures together (this includes any kind of adventure from travel to sex) are more deeply bonded and have higher levels of relationship satisfaction. There's also a study showing that participants in BDSM scenes have lowered cortisol (stress hormone) levels after a scene, even if the scene itself has not gone particularly well. Kink and other forms of conscious sexual adventuring seem to be good for relationships and stress management. If you have reasonably good communication skills, these activities can strengthen bonds between or among partners.

About the Authors:

Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson are a devoted married couple. They have been creative collaborators – teaching and writing about sexuality and Tantra together – since 1999. Michaels and Johnson are the authors of Partners in Passion (Cleis 2014), Great Sex Made Simple, Tantra for Erotic Empowerment, and The Essence of Tantric Sexuality. Their books have garnered numerous awards: Independent Publishing (IPPY), ForeWord Reviews, and USA Book News Best Books, among others. They are also the creators of the meditation CD set Ananda Nidra: Blissful Sleep. To support the pleasure-positive community in New York, they co-founded Pleasure Salon in 2007. www.MichaelsandJohnson.com

My Review:

★★★★★

Five stars.

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This is one of the rare times that I can honestly say that everyone should read this book. Whether you're young and just starting out in the world of sexual relationships or a senior citizen looking on how to best continue, this book has something for everyone to learn.

There is so much useful information packed into this guide, I can't even begin to describe it all. So, I'll hit on some main things that I personally enjoyed or learned from in this book.

Not shockingly, the sections on kink and exploring sexual fantasies interested me. I'm not a stranger to the lifestyle of BDSM, and I have to say the advice about communication and exploring new ideas and activities with your partner is dead on and crucial. There are plenty of tips for everything, from how to admit that you're into a fetish to how to meet like minded people. Color me surprised when I found a familiar website, Fetlife, mentioned. This is a great site, and I was really happy to see it incorporated.

Similarly, I was happy to see open relationships and polyamory represented in a non-judgmental and professional way that explains the lifestyles well. They're words that come with bad associations, and I'm very happy to see the authors clearing up the confusion and connotations that encircle them.

Honestly, I'm really impressed with the amount of technical knowledge that this guide includes. There are anatomical diagrams, plenty of facts about medical conditions that effect sexual regions and desires, and even things such as STIs and safer sex. Additionally, these facts are cited in the back, along with resources on everything from sex shops to safety websites. It's a great list that includes some sites and businesses that I'm already familiar with and recommend.

Advice on how to be the best partner you can both emotionally and physically, tantric sex, how to keep your bedroom sexy, how to last for the romantic long haul and so much more are held within this book. If you are sexually active, this should be in your life. I know that my copy will stay on a nearby shelf for whatever questions may come up in our own boudoir. I'd also like to point out to my darling readers that THIS BOOK IS LGBT INCLUSIVE! Couples of all ages, experience, and orientation are represented here, so when I say everyone I mean it. This is a huge plus for me as well.

Thank you so much to Cleis Press for sending me a copy of this in exchange for my honest review, and to Mark A. Michaels & Patricia Johnson for taking the time to talk with me about their new book.

Review: 77 Things You Absolutely Have to Do Before You Finish College

Title: 77 Things You Absolutely Have to Do Before You Finish College
Author: Halley Bondy, James Lloyd
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: March 11th 2014
Source: Netgalley & Zest Books

★★★★

Four stars.

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The point of this guide is fairly obvious: this is a list of things every collegiate student should do before they graduate. Being in university myself, I had to pick this up to not only see what else I could be doing to make the most of my experience, but to also see how many of them I had already done. I'm happy to say, by the way, that I have done a fair few.

I strongly agree with many of the items mentioned in this book. For example, that you should make your dorm room into a homey, personalized space. My first year I didn't bother, and I hated being stuck there to sleep and study. The next year I went all out, getting rugs and wall decs and things like that, and my dorm has become my favorite place to be. Another great example of advice from this book is to spend time in your library without doing homework. The library holds far more than you realize, and it's a great resource and honestly just a cool place. (And I say this not biased as a future librarian.)

I did find some of the advice to be a bit less helpful, or at least inapplicable. For example, exploring your town without a goal or destination. My town isn't always the safest, and I would never consider just aimlessly wandering. I might find something cool, but I could also get myself into trouble. Another one is that you should rent an apartment on your own. I wish, but financially, it's not in the cards. My loans are great at covering on campus housing, and that's where I'll stay.

All in all though, this is a solid guide that I would recommend that any high schooler or current college kid take a look at it. This is the kind of manual that would make for a great graduation gift or last minute advice- so much of it is useful. Thanks to Netgalley and Zest Books for the chance to read this.

Review of Kissing: A Field Guide

Title: Kissing: A Field Guide
Author: Violet Blue
Format: Paperback, 164 pages
Pub. Date: February 11th 2014
Source: Cleis Press

★★★★★

Four and a half stars, rounded up.

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Kissing: A Field Guide is a short little reference book on, you guessed it, how to be an excellent kisser. Violet Blue does a great job covering all questions and concerns that we've all asked ourselves about our kisses at one point or another, and offers advice on how to kick your game up a notch.

Since today is my "happy shit-ton-of-month-versary" with my significant other, I felt it was a great day to review this seductive little book. This book has it all, including a quiz to help you assess what kind of kisser you are. According to her quiz, "Victoria's got nothing on my secret". This may be my new comeback in all situations where it's applicable (and maybe even when it's not).

This guide offers tips on how to better your skills, how to deliver a kiss that says EXACTLY what you want, how to avoid the dreaded bad kissers, and so much more. Whether you want to know how to get rid of stubble-burn from too much nuzzling or some fun new games to play with your partner, this book has it. Both the kissing newbie and the seasoned seductress have something to learn from Violet's sage advice. I know I did, and I am officially excited to see my girlfriend over break next week. -waggles eyebrows-

The author includes handy lists too, such as songs to make out to (we differ greatly on this), movies to snog to, and the best flavors for your lips. The list of ways to ask for a kiss made me chuckle. Fun fact: I got nervous when my girlfriend hadn't kissed me on our first date. So what was my smooth reply as she was leaving? "Kiss me goodnight whore." It must have worked, since she still deals with my BS.

This is a great guide for anyone looking to be the best kisser that they can be, or to spice up things with their partner. Though this is written with the prose of a male/female relationship, the information is easily applicable to LGBT couples as well. Thanks to Violet Blue for bettering my skills (I hope) and to Cleis Press for sending me this little number in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Rude Bitches Make Me Tired

Title: Rude Bitches Make Me Tired: Slightly Profane and Entirely Logical Answers to Modern Etiquette Dilemmas
Author: Celia Rivenbark
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 22nd 2013
Source: Netgalley & St. Martin's Griffin

★★

Two stars.

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Rude Bitches Make Me Tired is, according to the blurb, a sassy, modern-day etiquette guide that will help the reader learn how to react or what to say in a particular situation. It's written in a question & answer format, like an advice column in a newspaper or magazine, and covers broad topics including children, dining out, and airplane travel.

Unfortunately, the advice wasn't very useful. I understand that Celia Rivenbark is a comedic author (and this book made me laugh more than once), but there is very little actual life advice in this "guide"- it's often sacrificed for the sake of getting another joke or jab in. Such as, when she recommends that you put unruly children in the overhead bin of the airplane.

In addition to the obviously (or, I hope at least) satirical advice like mentioned above, some of the more sound advice I completely disagree with. For instance, that if there's something on a menu you don't know how to pronounce, don't order it, because it'll make you sound like a "doofus". As someone who has often attended dinners where people are confused by the menu and amount of silverware, this is nonsense. Order what you want. Also, that you should ALWAYS tip your waiter. I've worked in restaurants, and if a server is god awful, a server is god awful.

She also comes across as pretty rude and judgmental herself throughout this book. Like when she mentions that pregnant women should "get over themselves" and accept people touching their stomachs. How about no? Step off away from my body. She also down talks people with in memorial tattoos, and suggests that all things prepared for a funeral have to be hand made. When you're crying your eyes out, you don't care what food is home made or not. And what about those who mess up even a boxed cake mix? Oh, and then there's the bit where she judges how teens use leet speak, but then uses phrases such as "like" and "OMgod." Add in a few gender/gay jokes and a few cheap shots at Chaz Bono, and that's pretty much the tone of the "advice".

There was another part of this book that bothered me, but it's not the fault of the author. I have this issue with a lot of different books, as I'm sure my readers have noticed by now. Pop culture references do not make your book seem cool, they date it. This book makes reference to things like Jersey Shore and Breaking Bad- things that are already passe. It gives readers, or at least gave me, the sense that this book is already old news.

Now, despite all of the negatives that I've written about above, this book does have some good points to it. For one, the title. It drew me in immediately, because it sounded like a book my bitter, drunk sister would write, and that promised a few good laughs. And I did laugh, sometimes a lot, sometimes barely. Plus, every once in a while, there was a bit of advice that was really dead on and accurate, to the point that I wanted to cut it out and glue it to peoples' faces. The main one that struck a chord with me was that it is ridiculous to have baby showers for ALL of your children. Having recently attended a FOURTH child's baby shower- PREACH IT!

I think that a lot of people will find this book hilarious, and I think that I would have liked it more had it been labelled as a satirical or joke etiquette guide as opposed to a genuine one. But because that's what I was expecting, this book fell far short of what I wanted. There are some good jokes but also a lot of bad advice. Read it for a laugh, but not to become better mannered. Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.

Review: A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru

Title: A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru
Author: Patricia M Lafayllve
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: November 8th 2013
Source: Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications

★★★

Three stars.

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A few months back, I read a fictional book in which one of the characters practices the pagan religion of Asatru. I had never heard of it before, but was intrigued when he mentioned that he wore Mjolnir -the hammer of Thor- on a pendant on his neck. I was super excited to see this title, because I was eager to learn more about it.

This is a handy guide of what gods and goddesses are affiliated with this particular branch of paganism. Each is mentioned and explained in detail, and their mythologies are given. I learned a lot, since my own knowledge of Norse gods pretty much only involved Loki and Thor.

This useful book also has instructions and guidance for how to set up prayers and ceremonies, and offers a pronunciation guide for those hard-to-pronounce names and words used in Norse and Icelandic worship. It's well rounded, offering a sampling of knowledge on various aspects of the religion.

While I did learn a lot about Asatru, I feel like this is a title I'd have to read more than once to fully comprehend. It was a slow read for me, because I was so completely unfamiliar with terminology and concepts, I had a bit of a hard time sorting things out.

This is a good book for those who already have an understanding about Asatru, or for those who are looking to learn more about the deities of Norse origins. But if you're new to it like I was, brace yourself. There's a lot of new information packed into this book, and it can be intimidating and difficult to get through.

Thanks to Netgalley and Llewellyn for my copy.

Mini Review: How Not to Be a Dick

Title: How Not to Be a Dick: An Everyday Etiquette Guide
Author: Meghan Doherty
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 1st 2013
Source: Netgalley and Zest Books

★★★

Three stars.

This book is a quick read of advice for the modern person on how to act better in a variety of situations. Like most people (I assume, anyway), I was intrigued by this book because of its awesome title. But for me, the rest of the book wasn't as awesome.

This is due in large part to the fact that I have no idea who this book is supposed to be marketed towards. I initially thought it was just an adult satire, spoofing the old primer books. But then I realized it was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group. Children's. I don't want my children to be reading advice on how not to be a "dick." And sure, I got a few chuckles out of this, but it's not laugh out loud funny to the point where it's for adults. My guess is that it's aimed for young adults, even though there's advice included about being a boss and more adult themed sitautions.

That being said, the advice is solid, and the examples and illustrations did make me smile. This book at the very least will be amusing to the reader, and will probably teach them a thing or two, no matter the age.


Thanks to Netgalley and Zest books for my copy.

Review: The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex

Title: The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex
Authors: David Borgenicht, Joshua Piven, Ben H. Winters
Format: Hardcover, 419 pages
Pub. Date: March 5th 2013
Source: Quirk Books

★★★★★

Four and a half stars, rounded up.

The Complete Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex is just as it sounds. This guide book is over 400 pages that cover the broadest possible range of topics that one in the dating game could use help with. Using both humor and fact, this handbook has an answer to any possible problem that could arise from the first date to marriage and beyond.

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This book, ya'll. Oh my god. It made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion, that's true. But I actually learned a lot more than I thought I would. I'll definitely be keeping this book on my shelf for when I have my own love crises in the future. (Not if, but when.)

+This survival handbook offers a lot of really useful advice, some of which I actually used today. This information includes (but is nowhere limited to) how to open a bottle if you have no bottle opener, how to heal/treat passion wounds like bites and scratches, how to unlock a pair of handcuffs if you lose the key, and how to move on from a break up. To those of you wondering, you can in fact use a deadbolt lock slip to open a bottle of tasty Samuel Adams seasonal brew, Octoberfest. I highly encourage only doing this in a dormitory where 21+ year olds are allowed to have alcohol, as I am. Yay college, and yay to the authors for solving a problem I didn't know I'd need to solve.

+This book also has heavy sprinklings of humor, such as how to date a vampire, strange animal mating habits, and even an "it's not you, it's me" form letter. This guide is peppered with illustrations to help the reader get the most out of the advice that's being given, whether serious or hilarious.

Honestly, this book is just one big treasure trove of information. Men and women alike can learn something from it, and even if you don't learn anything (unlikely), you'll at the very least get a laugh or two. If you ever find yourself confused by the action of your spouse or the opposite sex, unsure of how to call off a date, or even just want some tips on basic stain removal and wound treatment, this survival guide has something for you. This book does contain sex advice, but it's not explicit. I would totally recommend this.

Thanks so much to Quirk Books for my copy!

Review: Magical Fashionista

Title: Magical Fashionista: Dress for the Life You Want
Author: Tess Whitehurst
Format: egalley
Pub. Date: October 8th 2013
Source: Netgalley/Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.

★★★

Three stars.

Magical Fashionista: Dress for the Life You Want is a book that serves to educate the reader on how to dress in order to get the life they want. Using basic fashion advice in tandem with magick elements such as the Wheel of the year and astrology, Whitehurst teaches how one should build their wardrobe in order to build a better outlook and confidence.

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This book is a solid fashion guide, but at the end of the day it really just didn't teach me as much as I had hoped.

A lot of this book read as common sense to me, such as how what you wear can change how others view you, how "dressing to impress" is an ideal that rings true, and that wearing a pretty or sexy pair of underwear can change how you feel about yourself.

However, once the more magickal elements came into play, this guide became more informative to me. I appreciated that Whitehurst gave fashion advice for each element, and for each Wheel of the Year sabbats. While I knew what colors were symbolic of each of the aforementioned, I didn't realize that things like textures or fabrics in particular could help to harness more desired energy. There are also blessings that are given throughout the course of this book, which I thought was a nice touch to truly becoming a "magical fashionista."

I also really liked that the author made a point of mentioning how to dress down when one wants to be invisible. I know that I personally don't always want to confidently stand out in the crowd, no matter how pretty I may look. It was a nice mention that I think a lot of other fashion experts would have probably left out.

Plus, the cover of this book is really pretty. It's catching to the eye and is a good visual representation of the advice tucked within its pages.

I think that those who are looking to get the full potential out of their wardrobe and more fashionable pagans than I would get a lot out of this little self-help guide on being a more powerful you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. for my copy.

Review: Have You Been Hexed?

Title: Have You Been Hexed?: Recognizing and Breaking Curses
Author: Alexandra Chauran
Format: egalley edition
Pub. Date: August 8th 2013
Source: Netgalley and Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.

★★★★

Four stars.

Sometimes, there are streaks of misfortune in our lives. It seems like Murphy's Law comes true- anything that can go wrong, will. Lost jobs, cheating spouses, monetary losses. There comes a point where even the most un-superstitious person begins to think to themselves: "Maybe I'm cursed." Have You Been Hexed? Is a guide written to help the reader sort through their misfortunes, learn about hexes & curses, and what you can do to stop yourself from becoming a victim of intentional ill will.

This book serves its title purpose: recognizing and breaking curses and & hexes. I found that author Alexandra Chauran explains the topic in an easy to understand, non-judgmental tone that makes it easier to fully grasp what she has to say.

The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the perspective. I was honestly expecting a book that says "oh my gosh, you're cursed! Now that you've bought my book, I can help!"

But, that wasn't the tone of this guide at all. In fact, Chauran goes to great lengths to explain how rare curses are, and how many different forms of bias there are when it comes to the self-identification of such spells.

Chauran also offers advice, instructions, and tips for identifying & rectifying these magickal maladies. Whether your poison be tarot cards, aura reading, or even pendulums, Chauran uses great language to explain the tools of the trade so that even the most unseasoned practitioner can understand what is being talked about.

Though this book covers only a very specific niche of magickal woes, it is a highly useful guide into righting wrongs that have been cast. This is a book that every magick practitioner should have on their shelf as a reference when needed. That being said, if you're not a practitioner, don't be afraid of picking this up.

Thank you to Netgalley and Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. for my copy of this book.

Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition by Nicole O'Dell

Title: Hot Buttons Sexuality Edition (Hot Buttons #3)
Author: Nicole O'Dell
Format: Paperback, 172 pages
Pub. Date: October 2012
Source: Goodreads First Reads

★

One star.

I received this through Goodreads First Reads.

I can't possibly review this fully without saying mean things that I'll regret, so I'll try to keep it professional.

First, I didn't realize that this was a Christian/faith based books. And that, frankly, is my fault. Had I known, I wouldn't have bothered entering for it.

Long story short, this book is full of paraphrased/updated Bible quotes applied to sexual relationships. This book stresses a "pure until marriage" lifestyle and quite honestly, doesn't do a good job in answering the so-called "important questions" that teens "are asking."

First of all, who are the teens that are asking these things? They have to be sheltered. Most teens don't want to talk to their parents about the weather, let alone sex and advice about it. Unless you keep your kids in a Saran wrap bubble, they're going to read things, watch things, and learn things. It is inevitable. I am not anti-Christian. I don't follow Christianity myself, but I've no ill will to those who do. But the way to help your child is not to make sex seem disgusting and shameful and preach purity. Nor is it to answer with a Bible quote.

But, the reason I will never recommend this book is for the homosexuality chapter. While I respect the overall message of "Jesus loved the sinner, just not the sin", I think it's absurd that the author suggests things such as prohibiting tv or movies that portray homosexuality in a positive light, limiting friendships with gay friends, and prohibiting your children from getting into a situation that may "tempt them to try out a homosexual relationship." Seriously? Because homosexuality is an obvious choice that we all get tempted into. I know that my first gay experience, I was alone too long with a girl and thought to myself, you know what would be fun? Sex with girls. (Sarcasm. Since I know not everyone will comprehend that). I think it's extremely hypocritical to say that Jesus loves you, but never ever let your kids watch about it on tv lest they be tempted to try it. And to add to it, this "help" book uses the New International Version, and not the King James version. I didn't realize that the NIV has changed the Bible quote to read: "'Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman." Whereas, the KJV says: Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind. People often ask me why I don't take the Bible as my Word. That is your answer. It is randomly updated and changed around so much that I can't possibly start to pick and choose what was meant versus what has been "wrongly changed".

If you're a Christian, maybe this book will mean something to you. If you're gay or non-Christian, don't even bother reading the first page. It's preachy, and quite honestly, unhelpful. I personally feel that if even if I were a Christian, this book would provide little parenting information.