Book Review: Zombie Moon by Lori Devoti

Title:  Zombie Moon
Author:  Lori Devoti
Grade:  DNF

Paranormal Romance (PNR) can be a lot of fun.  And what could be more fun than joining forces against the scourge of brain-feasting zombies?

I very seldom quit reading a book (DNF means did not finish).  But this was so bad that I had to skip large parts of it. 

Heroine is an idiot:  Heroine brings a small snub-nosed revolver and just 5 bullets to a zombie fight.  C'mon, she went looking for the undead, they did not take her by surprise.  Why on earth would she not come 'loaded for bear?'

Hero is an idiot:  Infects self with lycanthropy (werewolf) virus to immunize himself (hopefully) against a zombie bite.  But there's no guarantee that this works.  I for one, would want some assurances.  Subplot includes him taking over a pack from another alpha.  But there's no real reason for him to do so.  Except that this would make him an alpha male.  Yeesh.

Romance falls flat:  The only thing they have in common is killing zombies, which she's not even that good at. 

Book Review: The Secret of Cypriere Bayou by Jana DeLeon

Title:  The Secret of Cypriere Bayou
Author:  Jana DeLeon
Grade:  F

I usually like romantic suspense.  But I will swear off this author forever.  I had hoped for a little southern charm.  Instead we are treated to setting worthy of an episode of "Scooby Doo," complete with secret passageways and a ghostly history. 

The romantic relationship falls flat.  There's little emotional connection for either hero or heroine.  She leases the old mansion to write a horror fiction novel.  He's the caretaker who happens to have vital signs.  Therefore it is IMPERATIVE that she sleep with him.  I don't get it.

Cooking with Cast Iron

Most people don't use it because it's heavy, and they don't know how it works.  Here's a few good reasons to have at least one 10-inch skillet:

 1) Adds iron to your diet, a vital nutrient.  No other cookware does this.
 2) Heats evenly
 3) It's cheap, and it lasts forever.  I paid $9 at a thrift store for mine, 15 years ago.
 4) The more you use it, the better it gets.
 5) It's virtually indestructible.  If you stuck a blazing hot pan into a sink full of icewater, you could probably crack it (same goes for any other pan). 
 6) When properly seasoned, DOES NOT STICK.

How to season:
1) First use:  Fry a couple strips of bacon in it.  Eat bacon.  Wipe clean with a paper towel.
2) Do not use soap.  Iron is porous, you want the oil to go in the pores.  Rinse with lukewarm water, then wipe dry with towel.  If it rusts, rub it with a little oil.  Rust is a little scary to some people, but trust me, it won't hurt you our the pan, just oil it.

Some people don't like to use cooking oils.  One or two teaspoons of peanut oil or olive oil in your cooking isn't going to make you fat.  Eating chips and pop, and not getting any exercise will make you fat. 

Hairpin Legs

I like minimalist and modern designs.  Unfortunately, there's only one store in Kansas City that carries modern furniture, and it's expensive.  I had a look online at AllModern.com and Thrive Furniture, but they weren't any better.  So now I'm looking into building a few pieces.  My time is limited, so I need a shortcut.  Hairpin legs.

See?  This has to be better than paying $300 or more for a particle-board TV stand.