Mardi Gras Books

For those of you who like your erotic-romances to have a solid romance in them, then this is a great book to read! I don't mind erotic romance books that have tons of sex...they're fun to read ;) but sometimes, the romance angle lags behind. That doesn't happen in Cara North's "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" (by the way - fantastic title!). This is one erotic romance book where you can get the erotica and the romance all in one, which makes it a fun read.

I really enjoyed all parts of this book - the characters, the setting, the romance, and of course, the sex. North does a good job of letting you get to know the characters so that they don't seem like strangers (which unfortunately happens in some books). The relationship that built between Bethany and Jack was sweet and nice to read. I always enjoy books where you can actually see the characters falling in love with each other.

The sex scenes were fantastic. I loved how they played around and how Jack let Bethany explore. I wouldn't have expected him to go along with some of the things she did, but he willingness just made him a better character.

There was really only one thing that annoyed me at times in the book, and that was the wording in some of the dialogue. A lot of the time when Jack spoke (or thought) he didn't contract phrases like "are not" or "they are" (to aren't or they're) and it made him sound very...formal. I could see Bethany speaking like that because of her background, but for Jack, a born and raised cowboy, it just didn't seem to fit. I'd have expected his language to be a little rougher and not so proper. It just made reading his words seem a little awkward, at times. At least to me. But it doesn't really affect the story all that much. I still enjoyed it a lot.

Now that I've finished this one, I can't wait to read the follow-up, "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy", which features Jack's brother Heath and the often mentioned Chance.

This book is just great. Once I started reading it I couldnt put it down. This book is so good I found myself trying to find the time to read it. and I was so disappointed when I finshed because I didnt have another book as good as this one to read, so I had to read it again. It has a great flow to the story line with a continuos flow of things happening that keeps you wanting more. So I odered another book by this author.I just cant wait for it to arrive.

This is a delightful romp. The characters are well written, interesting, and fun to hang out with. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I would love to hear what happens with Jack's two brothers and his sister. I sure hope there will be sequels.

Bethany Dodson is a little rich girl; but she doesn't want to be. Because her father has forced her into an engagement to further his business interests she goes to Las Vegas with her girlfriends in an attempt to find a man she can marry quickly, get a name change and start a new life.

Jack Johnson is in Las Vegas in an attempt to meet and marry a woman, but from different reasons than Bethany. Jack has to marry to gain his inheritance. Jack and his brothers have a ranch in Montana. Their inheritance will help turn the ranch into a dude ranch, something Jack has always wanted. When he meets Bethany in a bar he's intrigued. And the next thing he knows they're married.

Bethany goes with Jack to Montana, where she helps him obtain his inheritance in a much different way than he anticipated. Then Jack helps Bethany deal with her problems in his own way. But can these two people from totally different lifestyles keep their marriage for convenience only, or will they form feelings for each other?

Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off is a fun, entertaining read. Bethany and Jack's journey toward love was a hot, tantalizing ride. Jack's reaction to the fact that Bethany is a virgin is sweet and made my heart go soft. Bethany is surprisingly grounded for someone who grew up as a spoiled little rich girl. Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off takes readers on a stimulating ride.

Amelia
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Bethany needs to escape her family and fiancée and disappear - fast! Easier said than done, when you are the daughter of a rich and powerful man determined to keep up appearances for the sake of his political career.

Jack is in Las Vegas looking for a wife. With a will stipulating Jack won't come into his inheritance until he is married for three months, Jack's grandfather has left Jack desperate.

When Jack and Bethany meet over a bottle of Patron tequila, they seem the answers to each other's prayers - a theory furthered when they stumble into a wedding chapel accidentally! Jack's remote ranch appears to Bethany to be the perfect place to hide from her family with a new name to cover her trail. Jack believes that Bethany, being the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country, will easily relinquish any claims to his inheritance when they divorce in three months. Neither expected to fall in love.

When their secrets are exposed and Bethany's family finds them, will their love be strong enough to keep them together or will they lose everything?

This was a truly great read! Cara North proves she has a captivating writing style with Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off, spinning a contemporary tale of love between two people who thought they'd never find it and have resigned themselves to a business relationship.

Jack is the cowboy every little girl and grown woman wants to find for herself! Sweet, sexy, and very randy, he easily steals a woman's heart without even trying!

Bethany personifies that woman inside of all of us - yearning to break free and find that wild woman inside herself after a lifetime of being isolated and ignored by her family. Watching her learn to let go is absolutely heartwarming.

Cara North has thoughtfully paved the way for future sequels should she choose to follow up Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off, by giving Jack two brothers, each of whom have their own romantic woes. Brothers Heath and Rafe are equally as hunky and strong as Jack, but their romantic troubles are vastly different. The author has cleverly allowed us peeks into Heath's and Rafe's relationships in this story, leaving the reader panting for more! In fact, she also leaves room for more of Jack and Bethany's story, without leaving the reader feeling as though this story is in any way unfinished. I look forward to reading more of Cara North's work, and fervently hope to see sequels to this one!


Series Order:
Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy

Lifted - The fourth section of Moments and Milestones gives us, the readers, a welcome respite from the drama and angst of previous chapters. The author takes us on an internal journey of discovery that leads to the awakening of a new and brighter consciousness.

Looking - Section five, finds the author using his new found sense of self-worth empowering him to become an adventurer. Traveling overseas in a hopeful search for both purpose and meaning. It is at this point that the story really became engaging for me. Life in a strange and exotic land with romantic love seemingly just around the corner. Exciting!

The pace of the writing seems much more clear to me now, though still furiously frenetic. Perhaps I am just becoming used to the author's style.
Lifted and Looking provides a bouncy almost buoyant feel good adventure that completely enthralls the reader.

Up next is 'Loving'! (The story I originally picked this book up to read.) Can't wait!

The third and fourth installments of Moments & Milestones, with the lilting alliterative continuance of L-words, Lifted and Looking, is filled with an empirical exploration of the author's personal acquaintance with hallucinogenic drugs, and also a graphic annotation on earning a living "in the flesh." In fact, Mr. Mulder's exploration of meth is as fully rendered as Carlos Castaneda's exploration of peyote buttons. The little voice (the wee scientist, sort of a Jiminy Cricket) also takes us vividly into the world of legal prostitution and "escort services" in Australia. It's a catalog as long as Don Giovanni's and as spicy as Frank Harris'.

Mr. Mulder has indeed presented us with an immense life, and we still have more "L's" to go. Plus, his evident love and enthrallment with the world down-under inspires. The carefully crafted description of Sydney and its pristine environs compliments the work.

I recommend Moments & Milestones highly, starting with Little and going through to the last L (whatever that will be), which I am looking forward to reading. I am now proceeding to Loving, and then to Lunacy with all the interest of a newbie at life's circus. "Come one, come all. Step right up and listen to that little voice . . . ah, another L-word, but I think an important one, for there is plenty to "l"isten to in "l"ittle's voice.

As a part-time member of the New Age movement I was thrilled to read the account of Timothy Mulder's spiritual awakening. He details his past problems with organized religion and his devout connection to rationality and the scientific principle. When his investigation of the physical world dovetails into his shamanistic experiences, the results are a completely believable perspective on the nature of reality.
Though he has not yet discovered all the answers to life, in truth his journey seems to have only just begun, Mulder is definitely a man on a mission. Truth has become his goal.
Where that quest takes him is anyone's guess, but I for one intend to be there as the hoped for answers are revealed.

I found myself reading 'Lifted' with both hands holding on tight to my Kindle while perched precariously on the edge of my seat. This chapter of Timothy Mulder's memoir dealt with his experiences with drugs, one drug in particular and the effects this had on him both mentally and physically. It also describes how he came in touch with his inner psyche. I felt this section was well written. It was as though I was present in the room as the scenes played out. When the Author hit rock bottom and finally decided it was time to make a change, I felt as if I too needed to come up for air.

"Looking" is a good title for this 5th chapter of his memoir. It details how he made a change and began looking for who he wanted to be and the efforts he made to be that person. It talks of his success as he left his former self behind. There is a golden light at the end of this tunnel....and once again I find myself anxious to explore the next installment of his book.

What more mischief is in store for our hero? I thought I had seen it all. Timothy Mulder opens our eyes to a reality unknown to some and yet keeps our sympathies while he struggles with life and its revelations.

He gives hope where none is expected and passion where missed. Shows love and concern for the lonely and opens your eyes to a new reality with his discoveries.

Highly recommended and still wanting more...
I look forward to the next installment.
Sondi

It takes some time to settle the soul, after reading this gem. It seems so real because the author dares to take reality and bend it just enough to deliver a fantastic tale - in true soap opera fashion. To all the Lou's out there...don't settle for a Stonn. Head on down to Nawlin's and find your boogie on Bourbon Street!

You're worth it!!

What do a group of teens do when their disfunctional world is more dramatic than a daytime drama? They create their own soap. When main character, Rusty, has to deal with a bi-polar mom and an abusive stepdad, she turns to her friends for support. But when they continuously dump their problems on her, she avoids her own insanity by creating a role for each in a fictitious soap opera called Northgate Bay. Ms. Vaught is a master storyteller, and a genius at winding a plot that appeals to teens. No doubt Fat Tuesday is only the first of many excellent young adult novels we can look forward to from Susan Vaught.

What can I say but this book is absolutely amazing. From the very first line it caught my attention and never let me go until the very last page. Susan Vaught has masterfully penned this story, and it is absolutely a must read.

Please allow me a moment of gushing...I could not put Fat Tuesday down! It gripped me, held me, shook me around and didn't let me loose until it ended. Susan Vaught has a way of writing about difficult situations and making them yours; making you feel and want to react. This is an author not to be missed.

Ok, now for the nitty gritty. Fat Tuesday hosts a group of teens and their traumas that will grab hold of you, make you laugh [the soap opera notations whilst a result of a horrible reality can make you laugh as well, most especially the Mary Hartman reference had me howling], make you cry for lost innocence and make you proud when maturing and understanding comes along.

Fat Tuesday is a book about teens; their lives thus far, what the future holds for them and them taking hold of the reins for themselves. Does this mean that the adults in this book are all horrible, no, just all to real. This also means that Fat Tuesday is a book for parents just as much as it is for their teens.

Fat Tuesday is not to be missed and Susan Vaught should be added to your automatic buy lists...beautiful writer whose plotlines hold very tangible subject matters.

I finished this book last night, staying up much later than I meant in order to see the resolution of this multilayered story. It's a gritty tale in some respects, but Ms. Vaught handles tough issues with a deft hand, making the reader care about her characters. It goes beyond the standard teen angst book in many ways. I should mention there is humor as well, mostly in the form of Stonn, a blunt Finnish exchange student who had me laughing out loud. But mostly it's the story of Rusty, who must deal with her mother's mental illness, a suicidal friend, and her own budding sexuality. The action climaxes in the rich atmosphere of Mardi Gras, which Ms. Vaught captures quite well. Highly recommmended!

Mardi Gras to Mistletoe was a well-received gift and a great addition to my lady friend's cookbook collection. I have enjoyed the recipes she has used to prepare a number of fabulous meals. The photographs add visual appeal and a wonderful touch to a collection of mouth-watering recipes that add flavor to any occasion. Mardi Gras to Mistletoe is sure to inspire whether a novice or a well-seasoned cook. It is a must have. Mardi Gras to Mistletoe: A Cookbook of Festive Favorites from the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier

This cookbook not only has great recipes, but the photography of the food and of the area is outstanding. The history of the area that is provided in the cookbook provides answers to questions about the origins of our traditions. I reviewed the recipes and they are among the top recipes of the area, including some from well known restaurants that were a delightful suprise (Superior's Queso). A variety of excellent recipes are provided, from TexMex to authenic Cajun. The crawfish corn soup (chowder) is wonderful. This cookbook would be a welcomed gift for someone who once lived in the area as well as for us natives who are still here.

The book not only has wonderful new recipes but it has a lot of history about Louisiana traditions in the copy. It is a very good book to read as well as to use for the recipes. It is a beautiful book that could easily be a coffee table book because the pictures are so wonderful. For cooking it has some difficult as well as easy recipes. I especially like the shrimp and grits casserole and the turnip green casserole.

This is a beautiful book that not only has great recipes but also has beautiful pictures of life in Shreveport-Bossier! The proceeds from the sale of this cookbook go to fund community events supported by the JLSB. My favorite recipe is the Chipolte Prawns with Goat Cheese Polenta which is a recipe straight from local favorite restaurant Bella Fresca! It is one of many "secret" recipes that are shared in this great text. Also, try the cranberry salsa, herbed tomatoes, and turtle candy. Enjoy!

I DESIGN MARDI GRAS COSTUMES. THIS BOOK HAS BEEN EVERY USEFUL FOR IDEAS

If you wish to view the real New Orleans carnival celebration, take a look through this window opened by its legendary artist/historian, Henri Schindler. Schindler is a local icon, the touchstone of this unique cultural expression. Students of cultural and social history as well as art lovers and designers will share delight in Schindler's masterful recreation, through well-researched and entertaining text and beautiful color plates, of the "golden age" of the celebration--an oeuvre to which Schindler adds annually through his own designs for several of the old-line carnival organizations, thus keeping alive the artistic and cultural tradition of which he writes in this and his previous books. The reader comes to know, through the insights of a true "insider", the meaning and spirit of the "real" Carnival.

This book is exquisite.
In New Orleans, Mardi Gras as practiced by the faithfull is the high holy event of the year. Mr. Schindler has documented the aesthetic traditions of the rites in a series of beautiful books- this is the lastest and focuses on costume designs from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The plates are all original drawings by the great designers of Carnivals' past (Mr. Schindler is the great designer of Carnivals present). New Orleans Mardi Gras is rooted in the aesthetic of 19th century Italian opera and this book has some truly surreal illustrations. Any Carnival faithfull, opera fan, theatre designer or just folks who love costume parties should love this book. It also stands as a serious work of art history- the talent and effort that go into mounting parades and tableaux balls in New Orleans get overlooked and all of Mr. Schindlers books on the subject document a rich history of artists and artisans who worked in the city and built its most revered tradition.

I guess if your only complaint about a book is that it's too short, that's not so bad.

I love this book. The pictures are terrific. I even used it to make a doll-sized Mardi Gras outfit. Definitely recommended.

I PERSONALLY KNOW JUST ABOUT EVERYONE MENTIONED IN THIS BOOK. CAROLYN DID A WONDERFUL JOB IN RELAYING OUR CULTURE INTO A BOOK. I REMEMBER WHEN SHE WAS INTERVIEWING SUSAN LAUNEY FOR THIS BOOK I ABSOLUTELY FELL IN LOVE WITH CAROLYN'S WORK. I JUST RESENTLY SEEN CAROLYN WARE AT A FESTIVAL IN MONROE, LA AND SHE IS STILL WORKING HARDER THAN EVER TO PROMOTE CAJUN HISTORY. IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN OUR MARDI GRAS PLEASE RECOMEND THIS PARTICULAR BOOK. IT DESCRIBES OUR TRADITION (WHICH HAPPENS TO BE THE FIRST AND ORIGINAL MARDI GRAS) TO THE TEE. I APPLAUDE YOU CAROLYN WARE FOR YOUR MAGNIFISENT JOB ON THIS AND ALL OF YOUR WORK. I DO HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK ON CAJUN CULTURE BECAUSE I HAD TAKEN PART IN THIS ACTUAL BOOK. I LEARNED FROM MY FRIEND SUSAN LAUNEY HOW TO MAKE THE MASK IN THIS BOOK AND IT IS A REALLY NEAT AND INTERESTING ACTIVITY FOR ADULTS AND KIDS TO TAKE PART IN. THANK YOU CAROLYN FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND INTEREST IN OUR CULTURE. SEE YOU AT JAZZ FEST 2000 SINCERELY, RYAN FONTENOT

This is a lovely book about the history and traditions of a New Orleans tradition. It will appeal to young and old, black and white, especially now after Katrina when New Orleans people are trying so hard to hang on to what is left of their former lives and traditions.

My daughter and I both enjoyed this book. It has an interesting storyline as well as a view into the "real" Mardi Gras experience.

Years ago the Chicago Trib did an article on this place and I clipped it and hung it on my frig. I made several of the dishes and was intriged enough to visit NOLA.

After visiting NOLA I had to visit this place. Wonderful.

The book is GREAT. And the recipes are very easy to follow. Also you don't have to have HARD TO FIND spices..

Chef Bannos has some of the best Cajun/ Creole cooking in the country and most of his greatest hits are featured in this book. Unlike "traditional" Cajun cookbooks, Bannos does not restrict himself to Louisiana. Jamaican, Italian and Greek influences are fused effortlessly with Cajun Creole foundations. A perfect example of this, and my favorite recipe in the book is Bannos' jerktoufee, a wild and wonderful blending of Jamaican jerk and Cajun etoufee.
Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Very colorful and well done pictionary type book. My party guests seemed to all spend some time brushing up on their mardis gras knowledge.

This book beautifully describes the Mardi Gras tradition of Louisiana and defines things related to it. Did you know that a scepter is held by a ruler as a sign of authority? Now I do too.

Schindler, himself a treasure-trove of history and lore of New Orleans' "golden age", shares through lucid and eloquent essays and stunning color plates the story of the evolution of the Carnival street pageant, from its beginnings in pre-Civil War affluence to the great depression of the 1930s. He weaves a tapestry of social, political and economic events through the warp of the lives of the great artists and artistic movements that shaped the unique street parades of the New Orleans Carnival. From the sadly anonymous creator of the 1858 Comus pageant memorialized in the London Illustrated News through the accomplishments of prolific Virginia Wilkinson Wilde and the remarkable Plauche family in the last century, Schindler offers a rich chronicle of the men and women who created a unique art form that provided mass public entertainment long before the invention of the motion picture projector and cathode ray tube. Those of us who have enjoyed his prior publications, Mardi Gras and Invitations of the Golden Age will delight in this latest addition to the multi-layered history of New Orleans' pre-Lenten celebration. Readers new to Schindler's magic will eagerly await his next opus.

Mardi Gras Treasures charts the specialty parade floats of Carnival in New Orleans from 1870-1930, examining classic and artistic themes and recreating original float designs in watercolor and lithographs. The author, Henri Schindler, has himself designed Mardi Gras parades and balls for some time: his striking full-color illustrations will appeal to a wide audience, from float designers to artists with a special interest in New Orleans works and history.