Otto of the Silver Hand By Howard Pyle

Otto of the Silver Hand was originally published in 1888 - and I am amazed that the content within this novel continues to be relevant in today's society. This story is set in medieval Germany when castles, feuds, barons, knights, kidnapping, soldiers, and rescues were common. Violence, revenge, hatred are all themes that continue to permeate within our society. Yet, in both the past and present we can also find humility, gentleness, love, sacrifice and forgiveness. The traits that little Otto possesses will encourage children to see the good and evil in their world and strive to have a positive outlook on life, even when experiencing turmoil within ourselves. Otto's gracious and forgiving nature will inspire the best in all who read this novel.

Otto of the Silver Hand
By Howard Pyle
Publisher: Yesterday's Classics
ISBN: 1599151979

Personality Not Included by Rohit Bhargava

When was the last time you heard a business book described as fun? The author, Rohit Bhargava, works at one of the largest marketing agencies in the world, and is a frequent speaker on the topic of marketing with authenticity. He believes that personality is the key to building a successful business and career. His new book, Personality Not Included (PNI), is a guidebook and collection of stories every businessperson, entrepreneur or consumer should read, including...

• Why a small restaurant outside Barcelona is rated "Best in the World" despite being closed 6 months of the year


• How the Death of Superman comic book series led to the rise of authenticity in marketing


• Why a small cartoon from the back of a business card is changing the corporate culture at Microsoft


• The secret of where to get a $7 steak in Las Vegas and why you won't find it on any menu


• How a travelling salesman in 1872 changed the face of American retail forever


• And more than 100 other stories of personality from brands like Trader Joes, Timbuk2, Dyson, Bugaboo, Apple, Moleskine, Subway, Virgin America and lots more!

Here's what Jono has to say about the book:

"Rohit definitely nails it. He's right on when it comes to what brands need to do to connect with consumers and his hands-on tools and guides are a pretty sweet bonus that help bring his concepts home. Plus, he's witty, conversational and insightful - all things I can relate to!"

Personality Not Included has been taking the marketing world by storm since its release just last month, with more than 100 positive reviews on blogs and in media around the world. Get an exclusive inside look at Personality Not Included:

"Do not eat iPod": Read the first story of the book...
Download the full introduction

Exclusive Download: The Story of BzzAgent's Personality Download an exclusive excerpt from Chapter 1

Dave Balter Retells How the Bee Logo Was Created Read Dave's story on The Personality Project

Give The Book As The Ultimate Father's Day Gift! Buy the book for Dad

So, what are you eating?

Everything you ever wanted to know about the things you eat (and probably a few things you didn't want to know, too). Learn how foods affect your health and the simple changes you can make to maintain a healthier diet.

NutritionData.com has everything you need to help you watch what you eat - nutrition facts for over 1000 foods and meals (including information on protein quality, nutrient balance, glycemic load, and fullness factor), sensible diet advice, tips on supplements, healthy alternatives and an e-pantry where you can store, analyze and create recipes or meal plans and track your daily consumption.

Start by completing the Daily Needs Calculator to determine your Body Mass Index and recommended minimum consumption of calories, vitamins, minerals, carbs and proteins. Then find the foods that best suite your needs by searching for items sorted by their nutritional characteristics (like the ones highest in fat, lowest in carbs, or the best choices for weight loss). To get a little more in-depth knowledge, check out the Topics section, where you'll find info on fatty acids, dieting and weight loss, food additives and plenty of delicious, wholesome recipes.

Next, stop by the Pantry and save your favorite foods to study their nutritional value and compare them to some NutritionData.com-recommended alternatives. You can also check out a pre-loaded pantry, stocked with items great for special dietary needs such as low-carb, heart healthy, and super nutritious.

So, what are you eating? Visit Nutrition Data.com

Castles and Medieval Fun

My 13 year old and I read the book "Castle" by David Macaulay together. He absolutely loved reading about the history and building of the castle. He has another larger DK book on Castles and as we read told me about his previous knowledge on the topic we were reading about and expanded our discussion. The images (drawings) being b/w are a perfect match so that details of the castle stand out.

After reading this story, we watched the accompanying PBS special Castle by the same author. The movie is s a perfect tag-a-long going into further details and highlighting real castles and showing the details of the Castle that was discussed in the book.

To follow up on the book/movie, my son is now building his own brick castle. We ordered a kit and it includes everything to make little bricks from molds and then directions on exactly how to build the castle.
I highly recommend purchasing the book, movie and castle building kit together if you or your child is interested in castles and/or medieval studies. All three provide great discussion, for both visual and auditory learners as well as a hands-on learning experience.

Visit OVGuide.com — the Online Video Guide

Founded in 2006, OVGuide.com is the Internet's most comprehensive guide to online video sites, including those containing TV shows, movies, user-generated content and video games. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the privately-held company delivers an innovative, user-friendly way to search and browse relevant, high-quality video content on the Web. OVGuide.com currently indexes more than 1,600 online destinations, offering both short- and long-form video integrated into an intuitive and categorized directory. The site offers a very relevant, powerful search engine, receiving more than 10 million visitors, 50 million page views and over 10 million searches per month. OVGuide.com's team of experienced editors review all video sites prior to listing them, ensuring all content listed is valuable and categorized appropriately.

OVGuide.com receives video site submissions from people throughout the world, and in their attempt to remain complete and comprehensive, they have launched a contest for users to be eligible to win $1000 if their site is placed on OVGuide. OVGuide encourages all users to submit new video sites for a chance to win $1,000! In addition to the cash monthly drawing, all users who submit sites are entered to win one of 25 FREE OVGuide.com t-shirts. Submit a great video site today @ www.ovguide.com/contest.

There is a human behind all editorial decisions at OVGuide.com, and they remain to be the only site on the web that truly sifts through the noise of the Internet to deliver the BEST sites in online video to our users.

OVGuide has a very powerful video search. Their video search is currently utilized over 400,000 times per day-delivering very relevant results-because we only index the best sites in online video.

Visit OVGuide.com — the Online Video Guide

Educate your children about safety and crime prevention

A fun and entertaining way to educate your children about safety and crime prevention.

Drugs, bullies, gangs, strangers - the potential dangers facing kids these days are numerous. You want them to be safe, but it's not always the easiest thing to sit them down and give them advice they're going to want to listen to (or remember). So why not try teaming up with McGruff the Crime Dog?

Parents and kids have been looking to McGruff for almost thirty years for facts and tips about safety and crime prevention - now you and your family can look to McGruff.org. The site is loaded with fun interactive games and stories, videos, downloads and advice, all featuring McGruff and his nephew Scruff, helping show your children how they can stay safe. There's even a section with information for parents and educators, so you can reinforce everything your kids are learning from the crime-fighting hound dog.

You don't have to teach your kids about safety alone - let McGruff give you a hand!

Visit McGruff.org

Sacrifice for "Freedom From Oil"

“I plan to deliver an address from the Oval Office one month from today. The topic will be oil dependence.”

I tend to steer clear and far away from any type of political book. My disinterest stems from the obvious bias and propaganda that these types of political figures tend to bring into their views and writing. The viewpoint and rambling on and on bores my racing mind. “Freedom From Oil” was written from a completely different perspective and point of view that it took me by surprise. I was fully engrossed throughout the entire book and often referenced previous views and opinions as I read through Sandalow’s ideas.

The format of this book was written as fairly short, but highly detailed documents written to the next President of the United States by the various Directors and Secretaries within the President’s office. Each perspective detailed the pros and cons of how to eliminate the United States’ addiction to oil. The forward thinking approach brings in thinking from all factors which would affect the people and corporations of the US.

These views facing the problem of oil addiction include memorandums from the President, his Counselor, the Secretary of Energy, the National Security Advisor, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Economic Council, with several articles profiling American viewpoints.

Solutions to the oil addition problems are presented by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the US Trade Representative, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of State. Additional viewpoints include profiles and ideas presented by American citizens. The range of solutions presented include Biofuels, Plug-in Cars, Fuel Efficiency, Coal, Hydrogen, Smart Growth, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Diplomatic Strategy.

Finally, a compilation of all the problems, solutions and discussion is provided via a press release and “The President’s Speech to the Nation.” The format presented in this book not only held my attention but strengthened my belief that all Americans should work toward finding solutions to our current energy crisis and work toward using cleaner fuels and be willing to sacrifice convenience for what is best for not only the United States, but also the world.

"Freedom From Oil"
By: David Sandalow
Publisher: McGraw Hill
ISBN: 978-0-07-148906-5

SimpleTuition is a solution for comparing student loans

SimpleTuition is a revolutionary solution for comparing student loans. They have assembled a free comparison tool with dozens of loans from multiple competing lenders. SimpleTuition can help you find the right student loan, whether you are an undergraduate, a graduate student, a parent of a college student or private school (K-12) student, or even returning to school.

Like other online shopping sites, SimpleTuition allows you to enter a few pieces of information and see sortable lists of student loans, including federal loans — like Stafford, PLUS and Graduate PLUS — and private student loans. No credit checks are conducted and no personal information is collected. Comparing student loans has never been more simple.

SimpleTuition's lists of loans are dynamically updated based on your changes to the loan amount, loan features or borrower benefits. Filter lists by loan attributes, see extensive details about each loan, and apply directly with your chosen lender online or by phone.

For those of you who already have student loans, SimpleTuition even includes a comparison resource for student loan consolidation. Combining multiple student loans into one loan with one payment could help lower monthly payments and stay organized. Enter your current student loan amounts and see the impact of consolidating those loans on the monthly payment, the total cost of the loan, and the length of the repayment period.

Ensure you make the most of your resources to pay for your education at SimpleTuition.

Loans shown on SimpleTuition.com are for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. The calculations on SimpleTuition.com are estimates and are intended for comparison purposes only. Lender information may change at any time. SimpleTuition assumes no responsibility errors or omissions in the information provided. SimpleTuition is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan. All credit decisions, including loan approval and the rates, terms and other costs of the loan you are offered, are the sole responsibility of the lenders and may vary based upon the lender you select. We urge you to review carefully each lender's loan application and promissory note for final loan terms, including incentives.

Wherever you're headed, don't be a stranger.

With CitySearch.com, there's no reason you shouldn't live like an insider anywhere you go.

Whether you're new to the area, only visiting or just looking for the best of the best (or the hidden gems) around your home, CitySearch can help you get to the right places in over 130 cities. With categories ranging from restaurants, hotels, and shopping to pets, religion and alternative medicine, the local expertise on this site is bound to get you some positive results.

Many businesses on CitySearch have an editorial review followed by user reviews and ratings, so you can get a good idea of the place before you head out. They also show any awards and nominations the business has received, their hours, accepted payment types, maps and directions — as well as a list of other featured places nearby your search. And each one is linked to a Yellow Pages directory listing, so you know the information is correct and up-to-date.

So whatever it is you're looking for, check with the experts at CitySearch.com for 14.5 million business listings, more than 600,000 user reviews and ratings on over 2 million business locations nationwide. Wherever you're headed, don't be a stranger. Visit City Search

“Babyproofing Your Marriage”

The “Babyproofers” Stacie, Cathy, and Julia are a humorous bunch of moms (and wives) that not only give helpful tips, but they also share from their own experiences and experiences of others. Many stories and viewpoints from both the male and female perspective are given. The overall goal of this book is to unite husband and wives through the early childhood years while providing an understanding of what the other spouse needs and wants out of the marriage.

The authors go through lengthy descriptions of how children change marriage, and individuals. Examples of men not helping in the house and childrearing yet yearn for more physical contact with their wife predominate the better part of this book. For those that are experiencing this situation (and by the sound of it from this book – the majority of married couples) there are numerous tips to help both parties get what they need out of the other spouse.

While reading this book, I realized very early in my reading that my marriage is unique and not at all like the partners described in this book. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who probably does more than his share around the house and has always helped with the children. Whether it is feeding, changing a diaper, washing clothes, cleaning up bodily excretions, reading a story, or sitting next to a toddler while he makes potty, my loving husband is always there for me and my children.

Although this book was not written for my particular situation, it would be extremely helpful for many. This book is well written with plenty of humor along the way. My advice would be to read this book while expecting your baby. Once your baby arrives, there is very little free time to read during the first few months. In addition, this book would be a wonderful shower gift for any expectant couple.

“Babyproofing Your Marriage”
By: Cockrell, O’Neill, and Stone
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-117355-4

Hungry?

All you have to do is go to GrubHub.com, type in your address, and up pops a list of all of the restaurants that deliver to you. On a BBQ-only diet? No problem. Late night sushi craving? Bring it on.

Just try us.

• Search by cuisine, coupons, and other neat stuff
• Check out menus
• Order online or by phone
• Read and write reviews (and share them with your friends!)
• Store your favorites in your virtual menu drawer
• Love that last meal you got? 1 click reorders the same meal!

Best of all, it is and always will be 100% FREE!

Currently in Chicago, San Francisco and Boston, GrubHub.com is growing crazy fast — but we weren't always this big. GrubHub.com began back in 2004 by two guys — Matt and Mike — who often found themselves working late, hungry, and in need of delivery. They turned to the Internet for a list of Chicago restaurants that would deliver, but the internet failed them. Matt looked at Mike, Mike looked at Matt, Matt said "Grub", and Mike said "Hub". With that, GrubHub.com was born.

So the next time your mother-in-law is in town and you can't take another bite of meatloaf — hop on to GrubHub.com and impress her with your ordering skills. And let her write the review, moms love that stuff. Visit GrubHub

Heat - Eat - Review

Frozen food can be quite delicious. It can also be disastrous. So don't take your chances. Before you head to the freezer section, head to HeatEatReview for the scoop on all meals microwaveable.

Most people consider themselves lucky if they have enough time to eat during the day, let alone prepare a meal from scratch. So it's not unusual for those swamped with work and other responsibilities to look to the freezer aisle for a quick cure for their hunger pangs. But little time doesn't mean little taste. Or does it? That's what the people HeatEatReview aim to find out.

Start off by reading the five star items (if you're tight on time, it's better to know what to buy than what to avoid), then work your way down. The site has product reviews for over 75 companies, from appetizers to four course meals to desserts, so finding something you'll like won't be hard. Each review includes information about ease of preparation, level of deliciousness and the item's "bang for the buck" — helpful tidbits when you're short on time and money. And they're all pretty cheeky, so you'll have fun reading about something before you enjoy eating it.

But if the ratings on HeatEatReview are any indication, there are a lot of frozen foods out there that are tough to swallow. So check out this site before getting experimental in the freezer aisle — your taste buds will thank you. Visit HeatEatReview

Resolve to “Feeling Better” in the New Year

How our mind interprets chronic and annoying (non-life threatening) symptoms is a topic that has recently gained much research and respect in the medical field. Through their successful 6-Week Program, Dr’s Barsky and Deans tackle many of the annoying and often debilitating issues facing a very large, stressed and overworked human population.

If any of the following symptoms sound familiar to you: anxiety, migraines, headaches, stress, depression, fatigue, arthritis, lower back pain, insomnia, indigestion and you have not found relief from your medical provider, I highly recommend reading and following Barsky and Deans “6-Week Mind-Body Program to ease your Chronic Symptoms.”

Through their step-by-step plan you will slowly change the way you perceive your symptoms and the way you approach life. You will spend time reflecting, journaling, becoming more active “in life,” finding and using stress reducing activities on a regular basis, concentrating on better nutrition and discovering an exercise program that will work for you.

In addition to examples and strategies, real-life stories and examples are provided for the reader. This is the type of self-help book that should be read more than once to gain the full benefit and to reinforce positive thinking and goal attainment over a period of time. I challenge you to resolve to “Feeling Better” in the New Year.


“Feeling Better”
By: Arthur Barsky, M.D. & Emily Deans, M.D.
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 978-0-06-076614-6

Overcoming the Force of Violence

Finding redemption and self forgiveness is the difficult task that is revealed through the history and growth of a young boy that ultimately is able to redeem himself as a grown man.

Through the story of “The Kite Runner”, we read and enjoy the deep friendship and bond between two young boys. Hassan proves over and over his loyalty to Amir, while Amir yearns for his father’s approval and love. This bond is ultimately broken by bullies, fear, confusion and the Afghan rules and society. I felt a closeness to each of the characters in this story and felt as though I was struggling to make decisions with them as they were living their lives. I wanted to give them my input especially to Hassan and Amir. In fact, the character development was told in such a magnificent way that one instance took me by surprise.

This is a brilliantly told story and one that will not be forgotten. As an American, I was taken into an unknown culture. I was intrigued by the author’s descriptions of Afghanistan and the various cities and cultural areas. I enjoyed reading about the preparations for and the kite flying contests that occurred in the Afghan winters of past. I was saddened by the treatment of the less fortunate, the abused and abandoned orphans, and the rampant destruction of property and human life by the Taliban.

The foreshadowing in the plotline was woven in carefully so that the reader was not readily aware that this element would appear in the future. In addition, I was pleased to have several of the plot resolutions end in a way that I had anticipated.

I highly recommend this novel and I am looking forward to the motion picture that is in theaters this month.

The Kite Runner
By Khaled Hosseini
Publisher: Riverhead Books
ISBN: 978-1-59448-000-3

"Plane" Jane Discovers Life and Art

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend” is a fun, lighthearted story of a young woman finding her own identity with the help of her friends and strength that she finds within herself. “Plane Jane”, as she calls herself, is easily identifiable in most every young woman. She is single, has relationship issues, resents her boss, dislikes a co-worker, is bored with her mundane life and is having difficulty finding meaning in her chosen career. These real life issues are so very common among young women that the character of Jane is easy to identify with, even if the reader has moved passed this phase of their life; it can bring back so many individual memories from the readers past.

This novel is centered on the theme of art. However, the reader does not need to know anything about art to enjoy this heartwarming story. This Novel is not a true romance story; it is more in the category of “chick-lit.” However, I would imagine many men would also enjoy Jane’s quirky nature and her experiences in the art world.

I found that this was a very quickly paced novel as Jane and the famous artist Ian traveled around the globe promoting Ian’s artwork. I was eager to read of their adventures together and the mishaps along the way. I was very please by Jane’s character development throughout this story. She began as a very week and uncertain individual who needed to rely on others. In the end, she was transformed into a strong woman who knew exactly what she wanted out of life and carrier and was able to vocalize her feelings and solve her own problems.

One major theme presented in this novel is to always think positive of situations that may seem negative or not fit into our plans. You may find unexpected growth in yourself by remaining positive and finding the “good” in all situations.

“If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend”
By Alison Pace
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 0-425-20024-8

Kill Me Instead

“The Good Guy” by Dean Koontz
Publisher: Bantam
ISBN: 978-0-553-80481-2

As a writer, Koontz is improving. I found that this novel had very little rambling about his characters and scenes. His development of characters was amazing. I found that even though I despised the evil character, Krait, I was just as attached to him as I was the main characters, Tim and Linda.

This novel had a very interesting and scary plot. What made this Novel so intensely frightening was that it was a plausible situation. It is a plot that could very well be happening or could happen to anyone that unknowingly was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Krait had received payment by his “people” numerous times previously to kill. This time, the payment was for Linda. In a strange mix-up, Tim was given the money to perform the hit on Linda and refused to give it to the killer, Krait. Instead, Tim took it upon himself to save Linda from the determined killer. A cat-mouse chase ensues where Tim and Linda are unable to escape Krait and eventually they must face him.

I do not think the reader is totally surprised by the ending, but what is surprising is what we learn about the characters and why the mission to kill Linda took place. Anyone that enjoys crime novels, mystery, and suspense will find this a very entertaining read.

A Fiery Historical Novel

“Fire Bell in the Night”
By: Geoffrey Edwards
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 978-1-4165-6424-9

Crime, conspiracy, manipulation, racism, slavery, honesty, and mystery are all themes dealt with in this page turning novel. The setting is pre-civil war in the US. The mix of detailed history and research provides a rich learning experience about America of the past through the telling of a unique historical trial in the South. North-South divisions are debated through the perspectives of southern plantation owners, residents and a northern reporter, John Sharp.

Throughout this story, we learn about a simple man, Darcy Calhoun, who is charged with harboring a slave. We learn about this man’s history and fate through the investigative reporting of John Sharp. John uncovers many secrets that are held by the plantation owners throughout his adventures.

Angry mobs and fires are common occurrences in this normally quant city of Charleston, SC. John’s little friend Samuel helps to research the fires and disturbances around the city which lead to further discoveries and several near death experiences for John.

At the end of the trial, John struggles with the information he uncovers about his new friend Darcy Calhoun. John must decide how to handle this information as he will have to live with these decisions that will impact the rest of his life. These life changing experiences make John a stronger character as he has grown from a novice questioning reporter to a decisive strong man at the conclusion of the novel.

A Murder Mystery with Fishing on the Side

“Blue Heron Marsh” by Douglas Quinn
ISBN: 978-0-595-45822-6
Publisher: iUniverse

“Blue Heron Marsh” is a unique mystery told from the perspective of a loner Webb Sawyer, who must deal with his difficult past to bring him into today’s world in order to solve a series of murders.

We learn about quiet life and fishing though Webb’s life. He lives for fishing and shares this passion with all that touch his life throughout this novel. We also see a transformation in Webb Sawyer as he deals with the difficult situation presented to him while serving the US. His closest friend looses trust in Webb and he is forced to reconnect with an old friend Bly after making several bad decisions. Bly helps to ground Webb, bringing him into the technological age and finds him the perfect fishing and hanging out buddy that he desperately needs.

Begrudgingly, Webb assists a soon to be Private Investigator, Amanda, as she hunts down clues across the state of NC trying to free her friend Clara from jail and find the true murder of a well known business man. Amanda believes that she has found convincing clues that prove her friend is innocent and seductively begs for Webb to help her and present her case to her former boss and an old friend of Webb, the prosecutor, Randy Fearing. After reviewing Amanda’s research and following her lead, Webb gives in and agrees that something is not right about this case.

After Amanda leaves the case, Webb continues to follow his gut feeling and seek additional information about other murders around the state that occurred in the same fashion. His research leads him to confront the killer and he finds that he is perplexed as to what to do once he knows the past and truth.

The twists and turns and unexpected events in this novel will continually make you second guess who is at fault and what should be done about the evidence that is uncovered.

Book Review: “The Paper Doorway” Poetry by Dean Koontz

I recently gave my 12 year old son the assignment to reflect on poetry that he had recently read. His response was that he could not do the assignment, as he did not like poetry and had never really read any poetry.

My response to him went something like this “but you love poetry, and you recently were telling me about all the great little ‘stories’ you were reading in your Dean Koontz book.”

His response “That’s not poetry, I liked that book. It was full of funny little stories.”

We had a long discussion after about how poetry takes on many forms and brings many different emotions. The emotions that were felt with Koontz’s poetry made my son feel happy. All poetry is not like that and my son did later admit he enjoys poetry, especially Koontz’s poetry.

“The Paper Doorway” is filled with humorous, whimsical poetry for children of all ages. There are wonderful illustrations on nearly each page and each illustration contains a mouse for your child to find.

This is a must have book for all young readers which will expose them to the joys of poetry.

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood is back, and in the latest installment of this bestselling paranormal romance series they're bigger and badder than ever. In Lover Revealed, Butch O'Neal, the hard-living ex-homicide cop goes even deeper into the world of these vampire brothers, with their revved-up sex-drives, strange language (a glossary is provided!) and violent turf wars with the "lessers," who are de-souled humans in the evil Omega's Lessening Society. The only human allowed into the inner circle of this band of "brothers," Butch falls for Marissa, a female vampire who's an aristocratic beauty way out of his league. Needless to say, this complicates his life just a little bit...

What is loved about this installment is watching all the characters grow and evolve—Butch especially comes into his own here. Richly layered, this book is far from "vampire-lite" chick lit, with the exception of Ward's occasional "brand name" dropping. It's gritty, suspenseful and not for the faint of heart, with plenty of strong sexuality and even stronger language.

Preview Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward (Chapters 1-4) on sale 3/6/07, paperback original, $7.99 list price http://www.bzzagent.com/member/campaigns/7608883881/LoverRevealedexcerpt.pdf

J.R. Ward Ward is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the erotic paranormal romance series The Black Dagger Brotherhood. Frighteningly addictive, these books have a great, page-turning effect and have deservedly earned Ward an Anne Rice-style following. She also writes contemporary romance novels under the name of Jessica Bird. She currently lives in Kentucky with her husband. Visit her website at jrward.com.

Get a 25% discount off of any of the books offered in this BzzCampaign by going to us.penguingroup.com and entering the code BZZFEB when you check out. Hurry, this offer expires on April 17th!

J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Novels are Earning Rave Reviews

Praise for LOVER REVEALED:
"[T]hese erotic paranormals are well worth it, and frighteningly addictive...it all works to great, page-turning effect...In just two years, the first three books in the series have earned Ward an Anne Rice-style following, deservedly so; this entry should prove no less popular." —Publishers Weekly

Praise for LOVER AWAKENED:
"[A] raw, gritty tour de force, creating an array of ugliness and beauty, pain and pleasure in a tale that sparks enough plot stunners to keep readers fascinated for years to come. Not for the faint of heart—strong sexuality and stronger language rule here—this genre-bending third novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series...is a perfect fit for those who like fast-paced urban fantasy rich in both fury and poignancy."—Booklist (starred review)

"J.R. Ward's third entry in the fabulous Black Dagger Brotherhood vampire series is all adrenaline all the time, starting from page one."—BN.com

"Best new series I've read in years! Tautly written, wickedly sexy and just plain fun. Now here's a band of brothers who knows how to show a girl a good time."—New York Times bestseller Lisa Gardner

"[U]tterly absorbing and deliciously erotic. The Brotherhood is the hottest collection of studs in romance, and I can't wait for the next one!"—USA Today bestseller Angela Knight

"J.R. Ward's unique band of brothers is to die for. I love this series!" —New York Times bestseller Suzanne Brockmann

"When it comes to tormented heroes, few can top the dangerous and tortured Zsadist. In a change of pace, it's the hero who has sexual issues resulting from his violently abusive past as a blood slave. Both the hero and heroine have suffered greatly, but it's Zsadist's journey to self-acceptance that makes this book so compelling. Ward pulls no punches in this dark, dangerous and at times tragic series. Waiting for successive installments is getting harder and harder."—Romantic Times, Top Pick (4½ stars)

Praise for LOVER ETERNAL:
"Like any good thrill ride, the pace changes with a tender story of survival and hope and leaves readers begging for more. Fans of L.A. Banks, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Sherrilyn Kenyon will add Ward to their must-read list."—Booklist

"[A] fun ride."—MonstersAndCritics.com

"[I]ntense paranormal thriller that will have new fans and old begging for more."—BN.com

"Extremely intense and emotionally powerful...colorful, dangerous and richly conceived. With both intricate plots and believable characters, she has penned a surefire hit."—Romantic Times, Top Pick (4½ stars)

Praise for DARK LOVER:
"[A]n awesome, instantly addictive debut novel. It's a midnight whirlwind of dangerous characters and mesmerizing erotic romance. The Black Dagger Brotherhood owns me now. Dark fantasy lovers, you just got served."—Lynn Viehl

"A dynamite new Vampire series — deliciously edgy, erotic, and thrilling! In DARK LOVER, J. R. Ward has created a wonderful cast of characters, with a sexy, tormented, to-die-for hero and the spirited woman who proves his soul-mate. What a fabulous treat for romance readers!"—New York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan, author of WICKED FANTASY

"J.R. Ward makes an exceptionally polished debut in this intense paranormal romance."—BN.com

"It's not easy to find a new twist on the vampire myth, but Ward succeeds beautifully. This dark and compelling world is filled with enticing romance as well as perilous adventure. With myriad possibilities to choose from, the Black Dagger Brotherhood series promises tons of thrills and chills."—Romantic Times, Top Pick (4½ stars)

"J.R. Ward takes you deep into her intense, dark world of vampires and holds you captive until her last breathless word. This is the first in her series 'Black Dagger Brotherhood,' and it's sure to satisfy lovers of vampire romance everywhere." —Affaire de Coeur (Reviewer Pick, 5 Stars)