Afbeelding auteur

Laura StampsBesprekingen

Auteur van A Vampire's Kiss

19 Werken 98 Leden 15 Besprekingen

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A collection of photographs from Erwin Olaf's work from 1981-2018. The book came in multiple different covers.
 
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eesti23 | Mar 29, 2022 |
The poems in Laura's book are so peaceful and relaxing. It was almost like meditating as I was reading. And the addition of Laura's cats in almost every poem was sheer delight. This is a book I will cherish and go back to again and again. I especially liked how there were poems for every season. This is a must read for people who love poetry...and cats.

My favorite poem from the book:

CAT PAUSE

"A lone bubble escapes
a soapy pond in the sink,
captivating my youngest
cat, as if it were some
alien insect sailing above
the plateau of his nose,
and I know at any moment
I could choose to look
away from dirty dishes
and this cat to the world's
sadness, to the sorrowful
way humans abuse one
another, the grim realities
of depression, anger, fear.
There are critics who wish
I would, condemning the
buoyant water-tumble
of my words, this affinity
for joy, the sweetness.
But then three wrens gather
at the window to discuss
the cornflower jacket
of the sky, the cat bites
the bubble, and I laugh,
thinking it's not so terrible
to choose happiness,
to chase after that which
blesses, whether it's the
wild tangerine of a spotted
lily or blue jays cackling
on the porch. Did Roethke,
Whitman, or Thoreau
every regret the cartwheels
of bird-whistle etching the
hours? For some the quest
for simplicity is enough,
a golden chance to harvest
the tasseled fields of the
moment. To simply notice
the sky sketching cloud-
castles today, to breathe
the gardenia's intoxicating
smile, to marvel at soap
bubbles whirling in the
kitchen with the cat, to
dance, to dance, to dance."
 
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TheTrueBookAddict | Mar 23, 2020 |
I was bored I'm afraid. Not too much else to say about it.
 
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breena31 | 3 andere besprekingen | May 24, 2013 |
Actual 3.5

What I Loved: Wynn is a great guy! I love his devotion to Noelle, his sexiness, and his all around charm. He is funny and enduring. The is a "naughty" novella and in that aspect this book was HOT! It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Laura writes really good "naughty" scenes and she does not disappoint in this book.

What I Liked: The playfulness between Noelle and Wynn. They were very fun to read.

What I thought was So-So: This has more to do with me as a reader than Laura as a writer. I didn't really like Noelle's commitment issues. I understood them and could sympathize with them. I just wanted to scream at her: WYNN!

Why I gave it a 3.5: This book at it's core is a fantasy novel and it delivers in that capacity very well. I didn't enjoy it as much as the MV book but it is still a good read. I did like the magic being interwoven into the moments between Noelle and Wynn, it was unique and fun to read! I would recommend this to any "naughty" book reader.

Author Website: http://www.avampskiss.blogspot.com
 
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thehistorychic | 3 andere besprekingen | Apr 3, 2013 |
Normally my reviews list what I loved, what I liked, what I thought was OK, and what I didn't like. This series lends itself to a different type of review! I have read the first 4 that have been released so this review encompasses all of them (so this same review will appear in all 4--have avoided spoilers the best I can)!

What is worthy of 5 wine glasses (Yummy Goodness): Sara does and says everything that we all wish we would be like if we ever met the man of our fantasies. She is out-spoken, straight forward, and goes for what she wants. She is fun to read and I dare any PNR reader to not identify with her on some level. I mean she references Ash *YUM* (though I am more a Dev girl LOL)! Dray is just the yummy goodness fantasies are made from and yet the thing I think that really wins me over about him is his sweetness (don't laugh-something about a southern gent opening car doors, walking you home is enough to make me go all girly)!

What is worthy of 4 wine glasses (Teasing Goodness): The moments between these two are H-O-T! I mean fan yourself off hot and there is very little left lacking. I like the humor and the flirtation between these two, it adds a fun sensuality to the mix. That really starts to blossom for me between them in 3 and 4.

What is worthy of 3 wine glasses (Good but want more): I think the friends in this book are fantastic. I want more of them but since this is Sara/Dray's story, I will survive. They really do add a great layer to the story and just saying the brother, hubba hubba and fun!

Why did I give it a 4: I would recommend this to any PNR reader who can handle the steam (though honestly most can). This is an ADULT novel and highly enjoyable. Great read with a good glass of wine. It is steamy, hot, and raunchy but oh so good at all 3!

Author Website: http://laurastamps.blogspot.com/
 
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thehistorychic | 1 andere bespreking | Apr 3, 2013 |
The Harvest Moon was a wonderful ending to The Rune Witch trilogy. Laura Stamps really turns up the heat in The Harvest Moon.

Wynn is as sexy as ever in The Harvest Moon. He is still trying to convince Noelle to marry him but he feels he has almost there so he has someone design rings for them. He is a man of many talents, he can get Noelle to beg for the release only he can give her, but he can also save the day when little Re (Savannah's cat) goes missing.

I loved that Noelle finally opened up and admitted how she feels about Wynn, and gives Wynn an answer to his proposal. They make the perfect match, and I am glad that Noelle finally realized that.

Erotica loves this has plenty of sizzling hot scenes, that you will love. I don't believe there is a room untouched by their activities throughout The Rune Witch trilogy. Throughout the series I loved the chemistry between Noelle and Wynn. Overall The Harvest Moon was a wonderful ending to the series. Oh and I have to say I love the cover.
 
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MDobson84 | Jul 19, 2010 |
The second book in the Rune Witch trilogy, Bewitched at the Beach is even better then the first one, Sex Magick. Bewitched at the Beach picks up where the first one leaves off so you don't feel as though you missed a lot of time with Noelle and Wynn.

Wynn gets the opportunity to stay at a luxury beach house for a long weekend with Noelle from his boss Dray and of course they jump at the chance. Who can pass up a chance at the beach, and what promises to be a chance at amazing beach sex?

Wynn uses this opportunity to try to convince Noelle to marry him. I loved that Wynn hasn't given up trying to convince Noelle to marry him, even after he is turned down. I thought that Wynn trying to convince Noelle to marry him while on vacation was the perfect time.

Bewitched at the Beach is a short but sexy read, with some hot sensual sex. Noelle has a bit of an exhibitionist streak and there are some sizzling hot sexy senses in the hot tub and at the beach that I loved. I loved how daring both Noelle and Wynn are. After reading Bewitched at the Beach you will need a cold shower.

In Bewitched at the Beach we find out why Noelle is reluctant to marry. I was glad we found out, but to me it seemed a little unrealistic but I think that is because I always wanted to grow up and get married. Wynn tries hard to convince Noelle to marry him and I loved that. I think they make the perfect couple.

My favorite part of Bewitched by the Beach was the scene with Wynn's wild flowery swim trunks, it added a nice dose of humor. Overall I loved Bewitched by the Beach and look forward to reading The Harvest Moon. I wonder if there is a wedding in their future.
 
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MDobson84 | Jul 18, 2010 |
Laura Stamps' Rune Witch Trilogy gets a running start with Sex Magick. Noelle and Wynn are such an eclectic couple. I really enjoyed Sex Magick, it was the quick and fun read.

I loved Wynn, he was so easy going, and comfortable in his own skin. Laura Stamps has a way of making Wynn sound so unbelievable sexy, with his long black hair, that you want him in your bedroom. Wynn is also a cat shapeshifter, purrifict.

Noelle, is on the short side at only 5 feet, but she has a strong personality that it makes up for it. She has a goth look going on with her short dark spiky hair, and it works for her. She is 35, and has avoided any long term relationships until she met Wynn.

One of my favorite things about Noelle and Wynn was how playful they were with each other. That is something every committed couple needs. The only thing I didn't care for was that Noelle and Wynn decide to cast a sex magick spell to help her stock portfolio. I guess I had a problem with that because using magic to gain money seemed like stealing to me, and against everything I believe in. But boy does the casting o the spell sound steamy.

Sex Magick is very descriptive but I never felt that Laura Stamps went over the edge. There are some sizzling and steamy scenes, that will leave you needing a cold shower. But there is a lot of typical day stuff int he book such as shopping and cooking, that I am not really convinced needed to be there. It was nice hearing about their everyday life, but it seemed to miss something. I did really enjoy how the magic was interwoven throughout Sex Magick.

The cliff hanger will leave you wondering what happened to Noelle to make her avoid long term relationships. What will happen now that Wynn wants to marry her? It will leave you wanting the next book immediately.

Overall I enjoyed this novella and I look forward to reading Bewitched at the Beach and The Harvest Moon. I am dying to know if Wynn can convince Noelle to marry him. Sex Magick was a unique read and I would recommend it to any erotica book lover
 
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MDobson84 | 3 andere besprekingen | Jul 17, 2010 |
What I Loved: Wynn is a great guy! I love his devotion to Noelle, his sexiness, and his all around charm. He is funny and enduring. The is a "naughty" novella and in that aspect this book was HOT! It is definitely not for the faint of heart. Laura writes really good "naughty" scenes and she does not disappoint in this book.

What I Liked: The playfulness between Noelle and Wynn. They were very fun to read.

What I thought was So-So: This has more to do with me as a reader than Laura as a writer. I didn't really like Noelle's commitment issues. I understood them and could sympathize with them. I just wanted to scream at her: WYNN!

Why I gave it a 3.5: This book at it's core is a fantasy novel and it delivers in that capacity very well. I didn't enjoy it as much as the MV book but it is still a good read. I did like the magic being interwoven into the moments between Noelle and Wynn, it was unique and fun to read! I would recommend this to any "naughty" book reader.½
 
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thehistorychic | 3 andere besprekingen | Jul 2, 2010 |
Normally my reviews list what I loved, what I liked, what I thought was OK, and what I didn't like. This series lends itself to a different type of review! I have read the first 4 that have been released so this review encompasses all of them (so this same review will appear in all 4--have avoided spoilers the best I can)!

What is worthy of 5 wine glasses (Yummy Goodness): Sara does and says everything that we all wish we would be like if we ever met the man of our fantasies. She is out-spoken, straight forward, and goes for what she wants. She is fun to read and I dare any PNR reader to not identify with her on some level. I mean she references Ash *YUM* (though I am more a Dev girl LOL)! Dray is just the yummy goodness fantasies are made from and yet the thing I think that really wins me over about him is his sweetness (don't laugh-something about a southern gent opening car doors, walking you home is enough to make me go all girly)!

What is worthy of 4 wine glasses (Teasing Goodness): The moments between these two are H-O-T! I mean fan yourself off hot and there is very little left lacking. I like the humor and the flirtation between these two, it adds a fun sensuality to the mix. That really starts to blossom for me between them in 3 and 4.

What is worthy of 3 wine glasses (Good but want more): I think the friends in this book are fantastic. I want more of them but since this is Sara/Dray's story, I will survive. They really do add a great layer to the story and just saying the brother, hubba hubba and fun!

Why did I give it a 4: I would recommend this to any PNR reader who can handle the steam (though honestly most can). This is an ADULT novel and highly enjoyable. Great read with a good glass of wine. It is steamy, hot, and raunchy but oh so good at all 3!
 
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thehistorychic | 1 andere bespreking | Jun 4, 2010 |
What Witches Want,
Book Two of the Witchery Series
Written By: Laura Stamps
Published By: Trytium Publishing, Apex North Carolina, 2008, First Edition, 259 pages, paperback, ISBN-13: 978-0-9798413-2-3

“What Witches Want is an entertaining story that wraps you in the comforting and spell-binding arms of the Wiccan faith”BCM

Savannah Monroe is a thirty-five year old Wiccan Faery Witch who owns a successful business called ‘Savannah’s Magickal Handbags’.
Her now ex-husband Reece is a negative man who had taken the joy out of everyday life for the loving and friendly Savannah. Moving to South Carolina was just what she needed for a new start and inspiration.
One morning Savannah finds a messenger of light; a small kitten that she happily welcomes into her home. Unsure of what the furry little bundle’s appearance may portend, Savannah is pleased that her...

**Please follow the link to read the whole review of 'What Witches Want' http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/book-review-6/½
 
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Nurture_Your_BOOKS | 1 andere bespreking | Oct 18, 2008 |
"What Witches Want" is book 2 of the Witchery series by Laura Stamps. What a fun read and Goodreads.com even gets a mention!!

This second book in the series spins the tale of Savannah who fled an abusive marriage to move near her friends in South Carolina. Savannah is a Wiccan as are her frinds. She is finally settling in and looking for quiet and serenity in her life, while happily designing her up-market, spelled handbags and living with her two cats. Fairly quickly, it becomes obvious that Savannah's life will be anything but quiet. She must deal with a new kitten, a new neighbor, a possible stalker, visits from her ex, and a new man! Now I ask you...is that peaceful?

Savannah is someone I would like to be friends with and her new man...well, if I could steal him, I would! Although he doesn't appear til well into the story, Savannah's not ready for him until then; it just wouldn't work any other way. But when he does appear? He's hot, and so is the sex!

I've already put the 3rd book in this series "Call of The Witches" (Sep 2008) as well as "A Vampire's Kiss" (a Witchery series spin-off due in spring 2009) on my to-buy lists.
 
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jjmachshev | 1 andere bespreking | Jul 1, 2008 |
A very powerful and uplifting read. "The Witches of Dixie" by Laura Stamps is actually 4 stories in one book. We meet Savannah, Maylene, Mirabella, and Ravena as each is facing a crisis in her life. Each of the women is at a different point in her life and depicts a different type of struggle be it daring to live your dreams, dealing with the uncertainty of a career, realizing the fullness of your life, and wrestling with marriage decisions. I pictured each woman at the different ages where these concerns become paramount in our lives. The length of the stories also varied. The (in my mind) younger women's stories were shorter almost signifying how we let these concerns take over our lives at those ages. The story that spoke the deepest to me was that of Mirabella. Her story details her journey away from a life based on material riches and toward a life based on more spiritual rewards which resulted in both spiritual and material gain. It also descrribes how this journey changed her inner-self, her outer-self, and her inward and outward interactions with others. Ravena's story is heart-wrenching as she is facing the possible breakdown of her marriage. But rather than throw away 24 years of togetherness, she searches her own self to find the time and patience to overcome the rough patches that all relationships face. Her choice, her decision.

While each of the women in this book is a practitioner of Wicca, the ideas and attitudes echo those of varying beliefs. It's about dealing with success as well as adversity, or maybe turning adversity into success. But mostly, I think this book is about taking control of your life, regardless of age and status, and choosing to empower yourself as a woman instead of letting others choose your path and dictate your actions.
 
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jjmachshev | 2 andere besprekingen | Jun 30, 2008 |
Since I hadn’t read the first book, I was concerned I’d be missing something. The series isn’t set up that way and the author gives enough background information to where I didn’t feel lost in the story.

For me, the first half of the book lacked the conflict needed to move the story forward. It's basically a day to day in the life of Savannah. It wasn't until the middle when the story became interesting. I also felt the relationship between Savannah and Donnie was rushed. The book ended before I was able to get excited about their relationship.

On the plus side, the way Stamps is able to string words together in a sentence is beautiful. I wish all writers could do this with such ease. Her dialog is equally done to perfection, and that's not all. She creates an environment to be envied by every reader. By the end of the book, I wanted Savannah and her friends to be my friends and neighbors. They are all so believable that you have me wanting to know if they really exist.

More reviews like this one can be found at http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/
 
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judithkaye_v01 | 1 andere bespreking | Jun 6, 2008 |
It is not every day that one reads a book written by a witch and, in fact, The Witches of Dixie, by Laura Stamps, is a first for me (as far as I know, of course). Being only vaguely familiar with the concepts of Wicca and aware of the somewhat controversial range of opinion regarding the religion and those who practice it, I began the book hoping to learn what the life of a modern day witch is like and how it differs from my own. I was pleased to find that this is exactly what the book has on offer.

Stamps offers a glimpse into the lives of four women, all practitioners of Wicca, who are facing the same daily pressures and problems with which all of us contend. What is different about these women is the way that they deal with what life throws at them.

We meet Savannah Monroe who is suddenly faced with the fact that sales of the "magickal handbags" that she depends on for her income are slumping badly. There is Maylene Whitmire, a woman who comes to feel that she is having so little impact on the world that she is becoming invisible in the eyes of others. Mirabella Middleton, who has had a successful art career for years suddenly finds that a declining economy is taking a toll on the ability of galleries to sell her work. And, finally, there is Ravena Riley who is sadly watching her husband go through the midlife crisis that is threatening the very stability of their marriage.

What all of these women have in common is their close relationship to nature and the spells and rituals that are part of Wicca. They are White Witches and they know where to go to get the help that they need. As Ravena once explained to her husband, "A White Witch worships the feminine aspects of the Divine...Someone who desires a magickal life, following a code that instructs every thought and spell to work for the good of all."

Each woman begins to solve the problems facing her by using the real spells, chants and rituals included throughout the book. As each ultimately conquers the worst that she is faced with, the reader is left with a clear understanding of the principles of Wicca and those who practice it in the twenty-first century. It is a fascinating look into a lifestyle of which most of us know very little, and understand even less.

Rated at: 3.5½
 
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SamSattler | 2 andere besprekingen | Oct 10, 2007 |
Toon 16 van 16