Blog Challenge Day 1

I thought I'd do a March Blog challenge to keep me writing! So each day is a new topic! 

Since I shared a few things about me yesterday I thought I’d write an introduction to what you will find here on my blog!

Along with book reviews, book recommendations, product reviews. I’ll also be posting recipes with pictures. I love to cook and I love trying new recipes so I’ll be posting those! 

Here is a recipe I tried last night! BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadillas! There will be another post with the recipe!

I’ll also be posting updates on my weight loss journey. I started on January 1^st and I’m still going strong! I’m currently doing the “free” version of Weight Watchers as in not going to meetings but still counting points and doing weekly weigh ins!

Another reason I decided on a weight loss journey is for my health. I’m a diabetic. I was diagnosed 2 years ago. I’ll have a separate post about my health, weight loss and where I’m at now!

Starting today I’m going to try Dave Ramsey’s 7 baby steps. Starting with a budget, meal plans, etc. I’m quite excited to actually save a little money for a down payment on a house! So I’ll also be posting my meal plans, monthly updates and my meal prep on Sundays! I just meal prep my lunches, but I’ve found it saves so much time in the morning and it helps me with pre-counting my points for the day! Going along with the budgets and meal plans I’m going to get back into couponing. I saved a lot when I did it so I’m anxious to start it again! So I’ll be posting my grocery hauls and deals with a $50 dollar a week grocery budget!

I have so many goals this month that I’m excited about! I’m going to be making a household budget binder, and a recipe binder (I’ve been wanting to make one of these forever!). If you can’t tell I love making lists, and being organized!

Other than the weight loss, budget, & meal plans. I’m an avid reader with a Goodreads reading goal of 150 books! Last year my goal was to read 75 books and I read 162. I originally planned on setting a goal of 100 but my husband convinced me to up it. So I’ll be posting my reviews here as well as on my Goodreads page! I’ll also occasionally do book cover releases or book releases in general!

I’ll also be posting product reviews of things I really liked or didn’t care much for!

Another thing I’ll be posting is any DIY crafts I do!

BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadillas!

Over the weekend I decided to try a recipe I found on Emily Bites Blog. It is Bacon BBQ Cheeseburger Quesadillas! I didn't have any bacon so of course I didn't add it! I also couldn't find the extra thin yellow corn tortillas so I made this my own recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup chopped onion

1 lb 95% lean ground beef

1 tablespoon McCormick Hamburger seasoning

4 tablespoons barbecue sauce 

8 flour tortillas

2 cups reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Mist a large skillet with cooking spray and bring over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until onions are translucent. Add the ground beef and continue to cook, breaking up beef with a spoon, until meat is cooked through and broken into small bite-sized pieces. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary. Add the hamburger seasoning and stir until meat is coated. Add the barbecue sauce and bacon and stir in until well combined. Remove from heat.

Mist one side of five tortillas with cooking spray and place the tortillas sprayed side down onto a griddle pan or large skillet (may need to cook them in shifts). Sprinkle the shredded cheese onto the surface of each tortilla and top with ½ cup of the meat mixture. Top with a little more cheese then mist the other side of a tortilla and put it sprayed side up. I let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese on the bottom layer was melted and it was nice and golden brown. Then I took a spatula and flipped the hold thing over! Repeat 4 times! 

I adapted the recipe from Emily Bites.. here is her recipe! http://www.emilybites.com/

NEW RELEASE BY K.T. FISHER! The King's Daughter!

Title: The King’s Daughter
Series:The Highborn Series
Author: K.T Fisher
Genre: Historical Romance

BLURB



When you’re the daughter of the King and Queen of England, you have a birth given duty not only to your family but to your country. A Princess does not have the choice of love. Marriage is nothing more than an arranged match to boost alliances and feed the greed of the rich. Princess Grace is now old enough to enter court and her journey is about to begin. Court wasn't what she had imagined, and Grace realises quickly everything she thought to be true was far from it. Through the depravity of court, the deceit and betrayal, she finds out that love is everywhere, even if it's not the usual kind. She’s been raised to protect her virtue and in turn, her family’s reputation. If Grace gives in to temptation, she could ruin everything and that cannot happen. Not when your father wants you as the future Queen. But it's not only flirting that puts Grace in danger, hidden in shadows are people who would love to ruin England’s reputation and Grace seems the perfect target. Can Grace find her way through the many lies and deceit to find herself the right husband for her, even if her King has other ideas.

Add To Goodreads



EXCERPT

“You’re Scottish,” I point out and he stops in his tracks, smiling back at me. Those dimples show again and I begin to feel a little hot.

“That I am. I am here visiting relatives and decided to help out.” I cannot lie, but I find myself gravitating to his accent. It is rather lovely.

“That is very kind of you,” I offer. I’m smiling again and I do not know why, this conversation seems oddly intimate but we are not talking of anything improper. I am acting responsible, even though I am alone with a very handsome man who seems to be affecting me a lot.

“I like to do what I can,” he wipes his hands on his trousers and I take those few seconds to try and calm my beating heart.

“Have you been here long?” I think to ask.

“Not too long, but I am not planning on heading home just yet,” he winks and it sets my heart off again. I place my hand over my heart, and try to fan my face with my hand. He gives me a funny look and I get the feeling he knows the effect he is having on me. He is a very good looking man, he must have many admirers and know the signs of a girl who is appreciative to his handsomeness, “Are you ok?”

He reaches his hand out to me, and when he touches my arm I become very aware of his hand. I swallow thickly, hoping my throat does not sound too dry, “I am little light headed.”

“Would you like to sit down?” He offers, staring down into my eyes and I see that there are so many different shades of blue in his eyes. They are truly beautiful.



PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon UK
iTunes
Kobo

AUTHOR BIO



K.T Fisher is a British romance author. She was born and raised in Nottingham, surrounded by her family. Now, she has two daughters of her own and decided that she needed to live her dream to inspire her children.
K.T Fisher mostly writes about hot, delicious men. Her books are packed with hot suspense and thrilling dangers, add her signature erotic scenes and you have a steaming romance that you have to read.
Ever since K.T Fisher released her first book, Rockstar Daddy she hasn't been able to stop and has since released many books that are loved by many.

If K.T Fisher isn't writing, she has her head buried in a book. She loves to hear from you, so feel free to contact her.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook
Website
Twitter
Google +
Goodreads

Get to know me!

*waves* I thought I’d answer a few get to know me questions and give you a heads up on what I’ll be posting!

Let’s start with the basics! I’m Jessica. I’m 29. I’m a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend & secret keeper, a book lover/avid reader, an amateur photographer, a cook, dog lover and so much more!

I thought I’d do the 25 question Get to know me tag!

What is your middle name? Lynn
What was your favorite subject at school? Reading!
What’s your favorite drink? Raspberry Lemonade
What is your favorite song at the moment? Hold me down by Halsey
What is your favorite food? Italian! I love pizza but I also love tacos!
What is the last thing you bought? Dog treats
What is your favorite book of all time? Harry Potter or The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Favorite color? Red, Black, Orange, Blue, Pink and Purple
Do you have any pets? Yes, Austen & Sadie (sisters, 1.5 years old) and Jersey (4 months old)
Favorite Perfume? Fantasy by Britney Spears or Love Spell
Favorite holiday? Christmas!!
Are you married? Yes. Going on four years!
Have you ever been out of the country, if so, how many times? Nope. Hopefully someday!
Do you speak any other language? Nope
How many siblings do you have? Two, a brother and sister both younger.

If you want to know anything else just let me know!!

Finally Unbroken COVER REVEAL

Book:Finally Unbroken
Series:Finally Unbroken #1
Author:Maria Macdonald
Genre:Contemporary
Release Date:18th March
Cover Design:Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews

Synopsis



"A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks."
-Richard Bach

I'd known my soulmate, my best friend, my sister, forever. No span of distance nor time would ever change that. Even as I trudged through my colourless life. Loneliness and isolation snapping at my heels. I always had her as my North Star.

Now I know I’m going to lose her—my soulmate—and I have to learn to lean on the only man I’ve ever loved. The one who pushed me away… just to survive.
The life I once dreamed about has been washed away in a sea of regret. People from my past are appearing in my present, hoping to remain in my future. Each day I draw strength from my history.

I have to learn to live again, to have hope again and to love again.
She wants me to trust him. He wants another chance. I just want the strength to move on with my new life.

All I have to do now is take my hands off the safety bars... and have a little faith.

Add To Goodreads

About The Author


Maria is a full time working Mum, she has two beautiful daughters, both of whom love books as much as she does.

Maria has loved to write since she was a little girl.

Reading and loving books, as well as blogging, has inspired her to write and publish.

Maria, her husband and children now reside in Wiltshire, England.

You can stalk Maria Here:

Facebook
Pintrest
Instagram
Goodreads
Twitter
Website
Youtube

Right Where You Are by L.E. Bross

I loved this book!! 

Right where you are was such a good read! I loved Seth & Avery! I have to admit I did get a little emotional on some of the parts which I wasn't expecting! 

Blurb
Avery Melrose is used to having it all. So when her boyfriend cheats on her, she reacts like any spoiled rich girl-she freaks out and vandalizes his new truck, Carrie Underwood style. Now she's stuck with 300 hours of community service doing road-side garbage duty.

Seth Hunter just got out of prison, and after a few hundred hours picking up litter on the side of the highway, he can finally put his mistakes behind him. If he can string together some kind of existence, maybe it'll be enough to get his sister away from their stepfather, the man who sent Seth to prison in the first place.

A romance between these two is doomed from the start. Girls like Avery want castles and white horses, and Seth is no prince charming.

But sometimes, being around Avery makes Seth think he could make something of himself. Maybe even be worthy of a girl like her. It's just too bad real life gets in the way first, tearing these two apart before they have any chance of getting to Happily Ever After.

MY REVIEW

Reading the blurb I figured it would just be another rich girl/poor boy, wrong side of the tracks but fall madly in love type of book..
I guess in a way it was.. but it was a lot more than that! 

I had a hard time picturing them as 21.. they just seemed older to me. I guess Seth's experiences made him seem older. 

I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like Avery.. but ended up really liking her! I love that she is such a strong heroine! I personally think she is just as strong as Seth. Of course they both have polar opposite lifestyles but that doesn't have to mean they don't have their own obstacles in their day to day life!

Right Where You Are ins't a generic rich chick/bad boy story! It's a story that will definitely hit you right in the feels! I got goosebumps reading a few parts in this book! You need to read it now!! 

I can't wait to read the next book in the series! Ryan was such a good character in this book, I want to know more about him!!

*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review! THANK YOU!!


AMAZON BUY LINK: http://amzn.to/1othUeY

Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson REVIEW!

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/20MK1XZ



This is my first book by Sue Watson and I'm glad I was able to get a copy of Bella's Christmas Bake off from NetGalley from the publisher!! 

Blurb:
Bella Bradley is the queen of television baking – a national treasure. Her Christmas specials have been topping the ratings for years and her marriage to Peter ‘Silver Fox’ Bradley is the stuff of Hello magazine specials.

But this year things are going to be different.

For Amy Lane, Bella’s best friend from school, life hasn’t held quite the same sparkle. And when Amy’s husband walks out three weeks from Christmas, it seems their lives are further apart than ever.

Amy has watched Bella’s rise to fame fondly, despite the fact Bella was always a terrible cook. But when she realizes that Bella’s latest Christmas book is made up entirely of Amy’s mother’s recipes, the gloves are off…

After winning a competition to appear on Bella’s TV show, Amy is going to make sure that for Bella and her viewers, this will definitely be a Christmas to remember…

A hilarious, heart-breaking and feel good read about best friends, baking and the magic of Christmas.



MY REVIEW
I love the fact that even though Amy & Bella have totally different lives, they still come off as great characters! I instantly liked them! Bella did come off a little snobbish at first but I still liked her! I love books that make me laugh out loud and this definitely made me laugh! I really enjoyed her writing style and I can't wait to read more of her books!

Just Fall by Nina Sadowsky REVIEW!

Just Fall by Nina Sadowsky

Blurb

Balanced on the razor edge of moral ambiguity, this sexy and seductive debut novel asks: How can you find out that the person you love is a killer...and continue to love him anyway?

On the night of her wedding to Rob, Ellie's perfect world suddenly collapses. Her suave, charming, sophisticated husband is not the man she believed him to be. Could he really be a killer?

Ellie is rapidly swept into a lethal vortex of betrayal, lies, and uncertainty: Who is the man she married, really?
And how far will she go to protect him?

From Manhattan to the Caribbean, Rob and Ellie struggle to escape the grip of Rob's former life - a life his employers are determined to ensnare him in for good.

When faced with a terrible choice -- to become a murderess herself to save the man she loves, or to let him die -- Ellie's decision propels her into a whiplash-paced adventure, filled with cinematic twists and a startling sense of unease.

My Review!

It took me a little while to get into Just Fall. I kept picking it up and putting it down. The beginning was a bit odd and I'm still not sure how I feel about it. 

I really enjoyed the story and the writing was good. I didn't like the back and forth of Now & Then very much. One thing I really liked was that it had short chapters so when I did get into it, it didn't seem like it took as long to finish it. 

It was a good read! I'd definitely check out more from Nina! 

*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

AMAZON BUY LINK: http://amzn.to/1XjSQ64 

The Truth About Him by M. O' Keefe REVIEW!

AMAZON BUY LINK: http://amzn.to/1QO3Oy2

"The truth, our truth, was complicated. But it was beautiful. And it was real." 

Man! What a roller coaster!! I really enjoyed The Truth About Him. It definitely kept me on my toes! 

Blurb
We played our roles, told each other lies.

But now Dylan is no longer just a mysterious deep voice on the other end of the line. We’re face-to-face and our relationship is very, very real.

We still have secrets—but so much is crystal clear:

The thrilling danger.

The raw, naked desire.

The need to keep feeling the way he makes me feel. Forever.

Dylan is putting up walls, trying to keep me safe, but he can’t shut me out. He has seen my darkness and rescued me. Now it’s my turn, if only he will let me.

The push and pull of Annie & Dylan's relationship is intense. Each of them have their demons and everything pretty much comes to a head in The Truth About Him! 

Great book!

*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Addicted to Sin by Monica James REVIEW!

Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/20h307m

"I never said I was the hero of this story, or even the good guy. However, who wants to be good, when it feels so good being bad?" 

Addicted to Sin help me captive from the first few pages. I admit the cover and blurb is what essentially pulled me in. This is my first book my Monica James and I'm already looking at her other books!

This book was full of ups and downs! Dixon Matthew is a pretty funny guy. It was kind of hard picturing him as a Doctor, but it didn't take me long to love him. From the moment I met Juliet.. I hated her. 

"Ms. Juliet Harte is complete perfection wrapped in pure sin."

I think Addicted to Sin was a well written book, as in each character felt "real". They had their own personalities.. they weren't typical cookie cutter persona's. 

One of my favorite scenes in the book is when Dixon gets together with his two friends Finch & Hunter! 

"After one too many scotches, Finch is begging Hunter and me not to become lion tamers, but the idea is really ingenious and I can't believe I haven't thought of it sooner."

Dixon goes on quite the journey throughout the whole book and I loved it!

I really really love Madison! She was one of my favorite characters! After reading the blurb I was expecting a love triangle but essentially it's completely different! 

"The doctor in me is itching to find out what, and dissect her. But the man in me just wants to hold her and tell her that everything will be all right."

I can't wait to read the next book!!! 

*I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review! Thank you!