Product Reviews

OK, here goes again. Sarah McCartys latest “Promises Reveal” was a bit of a disappointment for me. I’m an ardent fan of the promises series and I couldn’t wait to read her latest, so I was quiet disappointed by this story. If you are like me and you like your erotic romance to have an emphasis on the erotic, you too will be disappointed.

This story like the others is set in the old west at a time when men were strong and silent and women were expected to be seen and not heard. Evie Washington is a woman who feels that she should be able to make her own decisions and live her own life without some man telling her what to do. She is also a talented artist and this is what lands her in trouble. Evie decides to shake up the town and paints a nude portrait of a faceless man. The town immediately draws the conclusion that the portrait is that of the town’s reverend Brad Swanson. With her reputation in ruin Evie and Brad are forced to wed.

Brad Swanson finds himself being forced to the alter to marry Evie although he had always sworn that he would never marry. Even though he has denied that the portrait is of him the town folks do not believe him. Brad finds himself in a position where even though he does not want to get married, he is looking forward to showing Evie that her preconceptions about him are all wrong.

Brad and Evie get married and the marriage starts off on very shaky grounds. This is further complicated when Brad’s past comes calling. Brad now has to protect Evie and his beloved town even though it will mean the revelation of his less than sterling past.

Here are my problems with the book;

• I thought the premise of the story - the shot gun wedding- a little weak. I thought if Brad and Evie really wanted to get out of marrying each other the could have done so.
• The love scenes were a little censored compared to the other “promises”. I suspect that the reason for this is due to the publisher, Berkley in this case, as opposed to the other books which were published by Ellora’s Cave.
• I was not as drawn to the main characters Brad and Evie as I had been in the previous stories and I felt that Ms. McCarty could have spent a little more time developing them
• I found Evie to be a little childish as she flies off the handle at every turn instead of trying to get an explanation.
• Brad on the other hand became quiet annoying with his constant harping on the fact that events of his past made him unworthy.

If you are a fan of Ms. McCarty and the “Promises” series you may still want to read this one. But be warned it’s not one of her best.

If you want to read more reviews before making up your mind, click on the link;

Sayre Lynch left her family and her home in Louisiana ten years ago vowing never to return. She however, breaks her vow and returns when she hears of her younger brother’s death. Sayre is devastated to learn that her younger brother, Danny, has allegedly committed suicide and she is wracked with guilt over his death. Before killing himself Danny had attempted to speak with Sayre on the phone. Due to the position she took on her family 10 years ago she refused to take his call. Now she wonders if there was anything she could have done to prevent his death.

Sayre comes from a family who, for all practical purpose, own the town due to the fact that they own the Iron foundry, the town’s only industry. The livelihood of the town and everyone in it is tied into the fortunes of the company. Therein lies the problem, as her father and older brother have a strangle hold on the town’s inhabitants who are solely dependent on Hoyle Industries. In a town where the Hoyles are Kings, corruption is the order of the day.

When Sayre goes home to see her younger brother laid to rest, she realizes that nothing has changed. Her father and older brother are still as corrupt as ever. Much to Sayres chagrin they have hired a shrewd new lawyer, Beck Merchant, to work with them.

Her plans of leaving town immediately after the funeral are delayed, when the sheriff notifies the family that Danny’s death may not have been a suicide. Sayre decides to stay, as she is determined to find out who killed her brother and also to liberate the town from the clutches of the Hoyles.

She is immediately caught up in a web of deceit that threatens to overwhelm her as she finds herself having to deal with the painful memories of the past. Not only does she have to battle her family, she also has to battle the growing attraction she feels toward Beck Merchant. An attraction that she finds unacceptable as she sees him as no better than her corrupt family.

Beck is a man with his own agenda. however when he meets Sayre he finds himself unable to resist the attraction between them. Beck too has his own past to contend with and his own reasons for being the Hoyles “hired gun”.

Sayre and Beck come together despite their obvious differences and despite the fact that they seem to be on different sides of the issues. Sayre feels that Beck is so much better that his employers and tries to convince him that he is on the side of wrong. Beck for his part knows that in Sayre, he has finally found someone he would want to spend the rest of his life with. However he fears that the web of lies and corruption in which they are caught, could end up costing them each other.

Another riveting story by Ms. Brown, who does such a great job of mixing romance and suspense. Although you are able to figure out who the killer is you are still left in suspense about the motive until the very end. Click item below to learn more.

Tonight I’m going to break my own rule. My intention was to only review those products that I liked and would recommend. I am going to deviate from this for a second because I feel that I need to warn the unaware of a great wrong that was done to me which I hope I can save you from.

In November of 2008 I ordered and received the bender method of core training and buns and thigh. I placed my order directly with the company on line and the DVD was shipped out to me. I will say, it was a passable workout especially for beginners, however I do not want to talk about the workout.

Here is my story, the product was advertised for $7.99 but when they were finished with the add on the product ended up costing $20.91, this included shipping to Florida. Ok I thought, false advertising, immoral, unethical, but not criminal and I was hooked one the claims so I decided to go ahead and try it.

approximately one month later I received, in the mail, two more DVDs from the Bender people. The bender method of advanced core training and the Bender method of Pilate’s. I was confused, I had not ordered anything else as I did not think the first DVD was worth my $20.91. Then I thought they may have sent these new complementary DVDs in order to encourage me to buy other products.

This gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling and I thought “OK, let me use these new products and if I am happy with them I would go back to the site to see what else they had to offer”. To my chagrin, on searching the packaging I realized that these products were not complementary at all, as there was a note advising me that my credit card would be charged for $19.99 for the two DVDs.

I was angry and speechless. I immediately fired off an email to the company asking for an explanation. I was advised that the products were sent out to me automatically as I was enrolled in their auto shipment program after I placed my original order.

Maybe I’m missing something, and maybe someone can enlighten me, but I’ve been shopping on the net for a few years and I have never had this experience nor have I heard of anything similar. Correct me if I’m wrong but when I go to a company, I think it is reasonable to expect that they will give me value for money, treat me with respect and not abuse me.

However, when you shop online, the reality is your credit card details are out there and if you are unfortunate you will encounter some unscrupulous person or company sooner or later. This was my first experience and it was the most blatant misuse of trust that I’ve encountered for a while. I’ve asked for a refund and I’m awaiting a reply.

I would like to reiterate that at no time was I advised that ordering the first product would obligate me to purchase further products. I was not advised, nor is it anywhere on the site that I would be enrolled in an automatic shipment program.

This is my story, I’ve tried to leave nothing out and I certainly added no embellishment. Please be aware that this is the practice of the Bender Company. Don’t allow yourself to be caught. I cannot even speak about the products as the experience has left me with a very bitter taste. If you are really interested in trying the program I would suggest you purchase it through Amazon. I’ve been a customer for over two years and I’ve never had any complaint. The one time I had a problem it was dealt with immediately and satisfactorily.

I will say right off, that the weakness of this book is the fact that the villain was rather one dimensional as I do not feel that Ms. Holly spent too much time thinking about him. Having said that, I will say, you don’t read a Stephen King if sleep is your objective so don’t read an Emma Holly if you are looking for a gripping “who done it”. That’s my disclaimer, now on to the review.

Although this book can be classified as “erotic romance” and it was hot, the love scenes were not as explicit (in description and language) as some of her other books. This should appeal to readers who don’t like hard core mixed in with their romance.

The story opens on the world at a time in the future, when humans and Yama (an alien life form), have formed an alliance which calls for “peaceful” co-existence.

The hero, Adrian Philips is an Inspector of police who is reviled and ostracized by his colleagues and superiors alike because he made the decision to participate in an experiment to be implanted surgically by the aliens. When activated, the implant causes the human body to perform beyond it’s normal capabilities. This allows Adrian to be exceptional at his job but the price he pays is high.

Roxanne McAllister is an outcast like Adrian. Her crime, by society’s standards, is being the illegitimate daughter of a famous, now deceased, singer. Roxanne is a woman who lives life on her own terms and she does not care what society thinks of her.

Adrian and Roxanne come together when Roxanne finds him passed out in her garden in the rain after a beating he took from some thugs. Roxanne nurses him back to health and in the process, they engage in an ill fated love affair.

Adrian knows that despite how he feels about Roxanne, he cannot promise her permanence as this would forever ruin his chances of advancement in the force. Roxanne for her part, knows that her reputation will keep them apart and she will not ask him to choose between her and his future.

What ensues is a very tender love story, as these two people come to realize that they need each other more that they need the approval of society.

There is the requisite bad guy and heroine in danger but this novel is really about the love story between Adrian and Roxanne.

Child psychologist, Alex Delaware, teams up again with friend police detective Milo Sturgis to help a patient track down her mother who has disappeared.

The last time Alex saw Melissa Dickinson was eleven years ago when she was a scared seven year old in need of his help. The call from her is surprising, but not unexpected. Melissa needs Alex to advise her on concerns about her mother, who has her own set of unique problems.

Melissa’s mother, Gina suffers from agoraphobia (extreme, intense fear of open or public places) brought on by a vicious attack by an ex lover. The attack ruined her face and her aspirations of becoming a movie star. It also left her unable to function normally for twenty years. As a result of her illness she does not leave her house, therefore Melissa and the servants have been her only source of companionship and support.

While Alex is trying to figure out how to help Melissa and Gina, Gina disappeares without a trace. Enter, Milo, who is on suspension from the police department. Milo and Alex team up to help Melissa find her mother.

The more involved they become in this mystery, the more they realize there is more going on than can be seen on the surface. All the players have secrets that date back twenty years prior to the attack. Alex and Milo must unravel the secrets if they hope to find Gina alive.

Another good read from Jonathan Kellerman. Alex and Milo are two of my favourite suspense characters. Also returning is Robin, Alex’s estranged live in lover. This adds another dynamic to the story as we see Alex trying to do his job, while trying to come to terms with the complex emotional situation that is created by Robin’s return.

My only complaint is, it was fairly obvious who the bad “guy” was fairly early on. However the getting there and the resolution kept me engaged. If you are a fan, this book is worth reading. If you have never read this series this book can stand alone perfectly but some references to the past may confuse you. They do not however detract from the story. Check this product out here;

In this novel about obsession, love and murder, Sandra Brown once again proves that she is a voice to be reckoned with in the “romantic suspense” genre.

Griff Burkett is an ex football hero who was convicted and sent to jail for throwing a game for profit. He was also accused of murder but as this was not proved he was not convicted of that crime. Fresh out of jail he is a desperate man without friends or prospects.

Enter Foster Speakman with a proposition Griff cannot refuse. Foster and wife Laura are desperate to have a child but due to a cruel twist of fate they are unable to do so. Foster proposes Griff should impregnate Laura as he does not want to go the route of artificial insemination as it may bring into question the right of his heir, if records of his birth were to become public.

This is the premise of the story and could even be plausable given the fact that the reader realizes early on that Foster has his own agenda. Griff agrees to participate because he needs the money, Laura agrees out of guilt and a desire to preserve her marriage.

Some may not like thi story because the hero is not your regular paragon of virtue. In fact, he is quiet flawed as he allowed himself to be corrupted by greed. If you like a dose of reality with your romance you will be able to relate to this character as he is no better or worse than the average individual. Given his background you can even understand how he fall came about.

Laura is a woman consumed with guilt as she was driving the vehicle when the accident occured which, resulted in her husbands paralysis. For two years she has been living with this burden and as a result when Foster makes his proposal she goes along even though she knows it is morally wrong.

As expected the relationship between these two started out with a great deal of angst. However given where they both were emotionally, it was inevitable that they would be drawn to each other.
The “course of true love never runs smooth” and it did not for these two, as they find themselves running for their lives, as they are targeted by Griff’s old nemesis. A good, fast read.
Click link if you would like to buy this item.

The 10 minute trainer is the perfect quick workout for you when you are pressed for time. There are two DVDs with 5 workouts. The are;

• Total Body
• Lower Body
• Abs
• Cardio
• Yoga Flex

The kit also includes;

• On the Go Workout Cards
• 10 days Lean Jeans Plan
• Customized Workout calendar
• 10 Minute Meal Plan
• Cardio Belt
• Resistance Band
• Door Attachment

The on the go cards, as the name suggests, are cards you can carry with you if you are travelling. They are 5 ins. x 4 ins. attractive colored cards each dipicting a different exercise.

The 10 day plan deals with diet combined with exercise for best result over a 10 days period. There is a meal plan for each day of the week coupled with the workout for that day.

10 minute meals gives you some healthy options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

The cardio belt is used in conjunction with the door attachment and resistance band to increase the degree of difficulty of the workout.

The workouts are 10 minutes each, as a result they are quick and intense. Each provide a good workout but for optimal results it is suggested that you combine the workouts so you are doing 20-30 minutes per day.

Now if you are severely challenged for time 10 minutes sounds good and it really is better than doing nothing at all. However experience has taught me that to get the best results I need to do at least 30 minutes if that’s all I will be able to do on a given day.

What I have done and this may work for you also is to use the 10 minute trainer as a component of my workout program. here is an example;

I may work with this program for a few weeks before changing to a different mix. Of course that is just one suggestion. The idea is the 10 minute trainer is a great addition to your existing workout library.

My only criticism is I got a little annoyed switching between DVDs. The programs are so short I’m not sure why they used 2 DVDs instead of 1.

The resistance bands are a great addition especially for beginners and the belt and door attachment allows you to work at varying levels of intensity. However I’m more comfortable working with weights so I really don’t use the bands much.

To conclude, the workouts are short, intense and effective. You do not need any additional equipment and you don’t need a great deal of space. If you are interested in checking out this product click here;

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P90X is arguably one of the best home use workout system I’ve ever used. That’s actually saying a lot as I’ve spent years trying various systems. let me say right off the bat, this product is not for the faint of heart. It’s also not for you unless you have already attained a certain level of fitness. So who is this program for?

• As I indicated before, you must be at a certain fitness level, maybe you participate in a sport, lead a very physical lifestyle or are already working out regularly either at home or at the gym.
• You must be sure that you are ready for such an extreme program and you are ready to “bring it”
• You must be prepared to commit to at least the 90 days that the program requires
• You must be determined or the program will chew you up and spit you out

The program consists of 12 workout dvds and 1 introduction dvd. It also includes a diet guide, workout sheets for you to record your progress and a training manual. The workout dvds are;

• Chest and Back
• Plyometrics - extreme cardio
• Shoulders and Arms
• Yoga X
• Legs and Back
• Kenpo X - extreme cardio, using fists, elbow, kicks, knees and forearm
• X Stretch
• Core Synergistics - total body, incorporating cardio, core resistance and stretching
• Chest, Shoulders and Tricep
• Back and Bicep
• Cardio X
• Ab Ripper X

The program starts with the “How to bring it” dvd where the trainer Tony Horton walks you through what to expect, additional equipment, supplements and diet. The next step is to take the fitness test that is outlined in the training manual. This enables you to gauge your fitness level before starting the program. The next step as they say is to start Xing.

I bought this program approximately 2 years ago and despite the fact that I have other programs that I work with as well this remains my favourite. Because of the nature of the program, if you are committed and consistent you are guarenteed amazing results.

I’ve already done the 90 days so now I use the program for maintainance. I work out 4 days per week so I have to design my program to get the maximum out of those 4 days. My areas of focus are shoulders and back, bicep and tricep, leg and thigh, cardio, yoga and abs. It means on some days I work out for more than an hour but that’s the price I pay for only working 4 days. My program does include the other workouts, just not every week. Of course your focus may be totally different from mine so design your program in a way that works for you.

The additional equipment that you will need are dumbells, pullup bar or a resistance band. The P90X Chin-Up Bar - Pull Up Bar - Used with Tony Horton’s P90X Program can be hung over a door. However it’s a bit challenging to use especially when you are just starting out. I found the resistance band to be a good lead in to the pullup bar. To buy this product click here Light/Medium/Heavy Resistance Exercise Bands in Black Mesh Bag

Working with Tony and the “kids” is great fun and they are at different fitness levels so you don’t feel as if you are outclassed. Tony strikes a good balance as the trainer as he does not come across like a drill sergent or a cheerleader.

So, if you are already at a certain fitness level and you are ready to take it to the next level, then Beachbody P90x Extreme Home Fitness: The Workouts (12 Extreme Training Routines) may be for you.

The program ensures that you never need to step into a gym again if you don’t want to. Remember to set realistic goals, the program is hard and you are not expected to keep up right away. However if you stick to it the results will make it well worth your while.

The only issue I have with the program is that now that I’ve completed the 90 days I find the workouts too long for my purpose which, is maintenance. However I mix it up and pick out what I need.

I have an entire exercise program that I constructed specific to my needs. It includes diet, exercise and other wellness programs. If you are a woman over 40 or about to get there you may be interested in visiting this site for some tips;
A call to action for women over 40.