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Posts Tagged 'Victoria Vane'
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW – SADDLE UP BY VICTORIA VANE
Posted in Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Western Romance, tagged 2016 Read, 5 Stars, Hot Cowboy Nights Series, Review, Sensuality-Hot, Victoria Vane on June 6, 2016| 6 Comments »
(Hot Cowboy Nights, #4)
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance
Award-winning author Victoria Vane lets loose the fourth in the Hot Cowboy Nights series
WILD HORSES COULDN'T BRING THEM TOGETHER…
With exceptional talent and looks, cowboy "horse whisperer" Keith Russo once had the world at his feet – until his career was unwittingly destroyed by an aspiring filmmaker. After being rejected by his family for exploiting his Native American heritage, Keith has no choice but to turn back to his humble beginnings as a wild horse wrangler.
BUT MAYBE THEIR PASSION CAN…
Miranda Sutton always dreamed of making films, until wild mustangs captured her heart. But turning her grandmother's Montana ranch into a wild horse sanctuary proves harder than she thought. She needs someone who knows wild horses. Keith and the mustangs need each other. And while working together to save the herd, Keith and Miranda discover a passion as wild as the mustangs they love.
PUBLICATION DATE: 7th June 2016
As you know I read very few Contemporary Romances but I love Victoria Vane's Hot Cowboy Nights series with its absorbing and well-researched stories, intriguing characters and scorching hot romances.
Keith Russo(Two Wolves)
Keith Russo was born and grew up in New York but had always felt an outsider in his own family. It is only after he discovers that his real father is a full-blooded Shoshone that he understands why. Eager to explore his Shoshone heritage, he goes to live on the reservation, working on his grandparents' horse ranch. At first, he embraces his native roots but, as he gets older, the novelty of living on the reservation starts to pall and he leaves. His natural rapport with horses leads to a successful career travelling the world as a horse clinician using his Shoshone name, Two Wolves. At first, he is flattered by the female attention he receives but gradually tires of the constant propositions.
When he agrees to participate in a short promotional film about his horse clinic for Starlight Productions, he is instantly attracted to the videographer, Miranda Sutton. With her natural look and direct manner, she is refreshingly different to all the other women he has met. However, when he turns down the advances of the female head of the Starlight Productions, he finds both his reputation and his career ruined by Ms Sutton's video. He returns to the reservation but, after his grandparents reject him, accusing him of exploiting his Shoshone heritage, Keith is forced to return to his former job as a wild-horse wrangler. Helping a friend with a mustang round-up, the last person he expects to meet is Miranda Sutton.
Miranda Sutton
Miranda grew in a small town in Ohio but has ambitions of becoming a film maker. After graduation and encouraged by her grandparents to fulfill her dreams, she heads for Los Angeles. Once the excitement and glitter wears off, Miranda realises that she doesn't fit in this world. Her only real opportunity to get behind a camera is as a stand-in videographer on a short promotional film for Starlight Productions about horse clinician, Two Wolves. She feels an instant attraction towards him but knows that "rich and beautiful always won over plain with brains".
With only work offers of commercials and corporate promos which Miranda hates, disillusionment and disappointment soon set in. When an opportunity to film a wild-mustang roundup for The Bureau of Land Management comes along, she jumps at the chance. The last person she expects to meet is Keith Russo (Two Wolves) who angrily accuses her of ruining his reputation with her video.
Both Keith and Miranda are on a journey to discover their place in the world but Keith's journey is the hardest. He has always struggled to reconcile his two opposing worlds. He seems strong and self-reliant but fundamentally he has led a lonely, drifting life, never truly belonging.
All my life, I've taken a day at a time. I've never had a serious relationship or any real responsibilities. I've never even stayed in one place for more than a few months at a time. And that kind of life suited me just fine."
Miranda takes a chance when she decides to give up her job in Los Angeles and return to live with her grandmother Jo-Jo on her ranch in Montana and finds purpose in her life creating a mustang sanctuary on the ranch. I love how Ms Vane portrays the loving relationship between the two and I adore Jo-Jo. She's not only wise…
"You gotta understand, with men, actions speak much louder than words, especially when it comes to matters of the heart."
but funny too.
There may be plenty of sparks between Keith and Miranda but their relationship isn't plain sailing. Keith knows that it is more than lust he feels for Miranda but he's afraid to make any commitment. Trust doesn't come easy after the hurt and pain caused by his family's rejection and I like the analogy Ms Vane draws between Keith and the renegade mustang stallion. I also love the way his grandfather's visions convey that Keith has finally found his place in the world.
Ms Vane's always writes scorching hot love scenes but my favourite must be the "stallion and mare" conversation which leads to some pretty hot action!
"I've had a raging hard-on since you started this whole damned breeding discussion."
"That was the idea," she confessed with a giggle.
I like the inclusion of Dirk and Wade Knowlton, characters who provide a link to the previous books, and I also love the Epilogue, although it is tinged with a little sadness.
I have enjoyed the thought-provoking issues Ms Vane brings to this series, whether it is highlighting the daily struggles of the Montana ranching community in SLOW HAND, or presenting the issues surrounding the reintroduction of the wolves in SHARP SHOOTIN' COWBOY or the controversy surrounding the mustang round-ups in this book. As with the other books, her extensive research is impeccable.
MY VERDICT: Another excellent addition to this absorbing series. A must for all lovers of Contemporary Western Romances.
Hot Cowboy Nights series (click on cover for more details):
**I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. **
DISNEY BOOK TAG!
Posted in Miscellaneous, tagged Any Duchess Will Do, Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Catherine Anderson, Comanche Heart, Crystal Cove, Devil May Care, Elizabeth Hoyt, J. R. Ward, Judith Ivory, Lisa Kleypas, Renee Bernard, Scandalous Desires, Tag Game, Tessa Dare, The Devil DeVere, The Devil in Winter, The Proposition, Victoria Vane, Wallflowers Series on January 28, 2016| 10 Comments »
I have been tagged to do the Disney Book Tag by the lovely Frankie of Chicks, Rogues and Scandals Blog
This was one Tag Game I was happy to do because it presented such an interesting challenge. So without further ado, here is my selection.
The Little Mermaid: a character who is out of their element, a fish out of water.
My choice is Mick Tremore from Judith Ivory's The Proposition, a cocky Cornish ratcatcher who has to pass himself off as a gentleman.
Cinderella: a character who goes through a major transformation.
This has to be "Charming" Mickey O'Connor from Elizabeth Hoyt's Scandalous Desires (Maiden Lane, #3), the ultimate bad boy who transforms into a swoon-worthy hero.
Snow White: a book with an eclectic cast of characters.
I'm selecting Renee Bernard's Devil May Care which is full of unique and off-beat characters.
Sleeping Beauty: a book that put you to sleep
I can't really recall any books that put me to sleep so I'm selecting Lisa Kleypas's Crystal Cove (Friday Harbor, #4) which turned out to be a tremendous disappointment.
The Lion King: a character who had something traumatic happen to them in childhood.
Amy Masters from Catherine Anderson's Comanche Heart (Comanche, #2) is my choice here. She suffered a terrible ordeal at the age of twelve, when captured by a band of Comancheros.
Beauty and the Beast: a beast of a book (a big book) that you were intimidated by but found the story to be beautiful.
This is not so much a book as a whole series. J. R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series is now on its 13th book and that equates to an awful lot of pages!!
Aladdin: a character that gets their wish granted, for better or worse.
Sebastion St. Vincent in Lisa Kleypas's The Devil in Winter (Wallflowers, #3) is in need of a fortune and wishes for a miracle which comes in a unlikely form.
Mulan: a character who pretends to be something or someone they're not.
In Tessa Dare's Any Duchess Will Do (Spindle Cove, #4) barmaid Pauline Simms pretends to be a future duchess.
Toy Story: a book with characters you wish would come to life.
It has to be all the characters from Lisa Kleypas's wonderful Wallflowers series.
Disney descendants: your favourite villain or morally ambiguous character.
No hesitation here, it has to be the deliciously wicked Viscount Ludovic DeVere from Victoria Vane's The Devil DeVere series.
I am not tagging anyone but, if any of my fellow bloggers would like to take part in the Disney Book Tag, please feel free to do so.
NEW BOOKS ADDED TO MY BOOKSHELVES
Posted in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, New Books Added To My Bookshelves, tagged All About the Duke, Audiobook, Books, Courtney Milan, Duke's Club Series, Eva Devon, Hotel Rodeo Series, Lord Dashwood Missed Out, Maggie Craig, Once Upon a Marquess, One Sweet Moment, Spindle Cove Series, Tessa Dare, The Worth Saga Series, Two To Wrangle, Victoria Vane on December 13, 2015| 8 Comments »
I will buy anything that Courtney Milan writes! This is the first book in her new series.
Source: Purchased from Amazon Kindle
(The Worth Saga, #1)
The last man Judith Worth wants to see again is Charles Trent, the Marquess of Ashford—the man who spent summers at her family home, who kissed her one magical night…and then heartlessly ruined her father. But when a tricky business matter arises, he's the only one she can ask for help. With any luck, he'll engage a servant to take care of the matter, and she won't even have to talk with him.
But Ashford has never forgotten Judith. He knows she will never forgive him for what he's done, but when offered the chance to assist her, he arrives in person. His memory of Judith may have haunted him, but it pales in comparison to the reality of the vivacious, beautiful woman he rediscovers. Throughout his life, he has always done what is correct. But now, he finds himself doing something utterly wrong…falling in love with the one woman he can never have.
Tessa Dare returns to Spindle Cove with this novella
(Spindle Cove, #4.5)
A snowstorm hath no fury like a spinster scorned!
Miss Elinora Browning grew up yearning for the handsome, intelligent lord-next-door…but he left England without a word of farewell. One night, inspired by a bit too much sherry, Nora poured out her heartbreak on paper. Lord Dashwood Missed Out was a love letter to every young lady who'd been overlooked by gentlemen—and an instant bestseller. Now she's on her way to speak in Spindle Cove when snowy weather delays her coach. She's forced to wait out the storm with the worst possible companion: Lord Dashwood himself.
And he finally seems to have noticed her.
George Travers, Lord Dashwood, has traveled the globe as a cartographer. He returned to England with the goal of marrying and creating an heir–only to find his reputation shredded by an audacious, vexingly attractive bluestocking and her poison pen. Lord Dashwood Missed Out, his arse. Since Nora Browning seems to believe he overlooked the passion of a lifetime, Dash challenges her to prove it.
She has one night.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review
(Duke's Club, #4)
A Lady Who Vows Never to Wed:
Lady Allegra Portmund knows the cost of marriage. After the death of her dearest and only sister, Allegra swears she will never suffer the same fate. She will not become a possession shaped and destroyed by a husband. So, when her parents insist she marry the man of their choosing, there is only one thing for Allegra to do. Run. But when she runs, determined to be free, she meets the Duke of Roth, a singular man who sees her unique and vital spirit. Now that her heart is awakened to the most dangerous longings for love, how will she resist the temptation to break her vow?
A Duke Ruled By Honor:
Nicholas Andrew Edward Forth, Duke of Roth, values family above everything else. Despite his wild reputation, having lost both of his parents when he was a child, his most secret wish is to have a family again. When he meets a young lady in disguise, Nicholas quickly realizes that she is unlike any woman he's ever met and is also the only woman for him. But when he discovers how quickly she has abandoned her own family, he doubts whether she is the exceptional woman he believed her to be. Now, that he knows the truth about Allegra's past, will his own sense of honor destroy his only chance at happiness?
Source: A lovely Christmas gift from a friend
Audiobook narrated by Leslie Mackie
Since losing their parents, Kate and Andrew Dunbar have been living with their cold-hearted aunt and uncle within the vaults of Edinburgh's South Bridge. Worked relentlessly, Kate has little chance to secure a different way of life for herself and her brother.
Then one day Richard Hope walks into her life. An upper-class student training to become a doctor, Richard knows that he and Kate come from very different worlds. Instantly smitten, Richard vows to do whatever it takes to spend his time with her. But as the romance develops, not everyone is happy for the young lovers.
Can their fragile relationship survive the pressures of family betrayal and society's disapproval, or will they be forced to part?
Victoria Vane is one of the few authors whose contemporary romances I read.
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
(Hotel Rodeo, #2)
A COUNTRY BOY
Maybe having a hot and heavy affair with the boss's daughter wasn't the smartest move. But country boy Ty Morgan didn't regret a moment with city girl Monica Brandt…until she left Las Vegas to return to her life in New York. When devastating news sends her running back, Ty can't help but open his arms. His heart, however, is another matter.
AND A CITY GIRL
Now that Ty has what he's always wanted—controlling interest in Hotel Rodeo—Monica is certain their time together is at an end. Then Ty asks her to come on board as a partner. Maybe it's just her money he needs, but the chance to stick close to the sexy wrangler sure could make work a whole lot more interesting.
GET READY TO TANGO
Their partnership doesn't come without a heap of problems. The two can't agree on anything—except their iron-hot attraction. As the hotel's Grand Opening approaches, the truth is all too clear: Ty and Monica must find a way to mix business with pleasure if they have any shot at dancing off into the sunset together…
Expected publication date: February 16th 2016
Posted in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, New Books Added To My Bookshelves, tagged A Happy Christmas Series, A Lady Forsaken Series, A Mackenzie Clan Gathering, Audiobooks, Books, Christina McKnight, Christmas Ever More, Delilah Marvelle, Flowers From The Storm, Hell On Wheels, Hotel Rodeo Series, Jennifer Ashley, Laura Kinsale, Lord of Scoundrels, Loretta Chase, Lucinda Brant, Madeline Hunter, Noble Satyr, Rockcliffe Series, Roxton Series, Scoundrels Series, Stella Riley, Tall Dark & Wicked, The Christmas Wager, The Mackenzies & McBrides Series, The Parfit Knight, Victoria Vane, Wicked Trilogy on December 3, 2015| 8 Comments »
A family gathering with all those delicious Mackenzies…how could I resist!
(Mackenzies and McBrides, #8.5)
Genre: Historical Romance (Late Victorian)
Ian Mackenzie is awakened at Kilmorgan Castle one night to find robbers stealing the priceless art collection of his oldest brother, Hart. Since Ian and Beth are the only ones in resident at Kilmorgan at the moment, Ian decides he must find the art and the culprits before the family shows up for Hart's birthday gathering. With Inspector Fellows and Beth, he investigates, though Ian is somewhat worried by Beth's late husband's brother, a retired missionary, who decides to visit. Does John Ackerley hold the "cure" to Ian's madness? And can Ian discover what has happened to Hart's treasures, and who is targeting the Mackenzies before the enemy strikes again?
Return to Kilmorgan Castle to visit the Victorian branch of the Mackenzie family, and catch up on the brothers and friends, their children, and their lives.
These two audiobooks were early surprise birthday presents from my dear friend, Wendy Loveridge.
Narrated by Nicholas Bolton
Genre: Historical Romance (England, early 19th century)
The Duke of Jervaulx was brilliant – and dangerous. Considered dissolute, reckless, and extravagant, he was transparently referred to as the "D of J" in scandal sheets. But sometimes the most womanizing rakehell can be irresistible, and even his most causal attentions fascinated the sheltered Maddy Timms.
Then one fateful day she receives the shocking news – the duke is lost to the world. And Maddy knows it is her destiny to help him and her only chance to find the true man behind the wicked facade.
But she never dreamed her gentle, healing touch would alter his life and her own so completely – and bind them together in need, desire…and love.
Narrated by Kate Reading
(Scoundrels, #3)
DETERMINED LADY
Tough-minded Jessica Trent's sole intention is to free her nitwit brother from the destructive influence of Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain. She never expects to desire the arrogant, amoral cad. And when Dain's reciprocal passion places them in a scandalously compromising, and public, position, Jessica is left with no choice but to seek satisfaction …
Damn the minx for tempting him, kissing him … and then forcing him to salvage her reputation! Lord Dain can't wait to put the infuriating bluestocking in her place — and in some amorous position, And if that means marriage, so be it! — though Sebastian is less than certain he can continue to remain aloof … and steel his heart to the sensuous, headstrong lady's considerable charms.
This was highly recommended by my friend, Wendy
(Wicked Trilogy, #2)
A wickedly wonderful new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of His Wicked Reputation...
Most women will give him anything he wants. She is not most women…
As a well-known barrister and the son of a duke, Ives confines his passionate impulses to discreet affairs with worldly mistresses. A twist of fate, however, has him looking for a new lover right when a fascinating woman shows up in his chambers, asking him to help save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, he has already been asked to serve as the prosecutor in the case, but that only ensures close encounters with the rarity named Padua Belvoir. And every encounter increases his desire to tutor her in pleasure's wicked ways…
Having always been too tall, too willful, and too smart to appeal to men, Padua Belvoir is shocked when Ives shows interest in her. Knowing his penchant for helping the wrongly accused, she had initially thought he might be her father's best hope for salvation. Instead, he is her worst adversary—not least because every time he looks at her, she is tempted to give him anything he wants…
Delilah Marvelle is one of my top favourite authors and I jumped at the chance of reviewing this Christmas novella.
Source: Received from the author via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
(A Happy Christmas, #1)
A mysterious key to an attic that cannot be found…
A ghost with good but overly ambitious intentions…
And a forgotten wager that is about to turn Miss Barrington's life into a holiday mess.
Are you ready for the outrageously funny and Happy Christmas Series?
WARNING: THERE IS A LOT OF MAGIC AND ROMANCE IN THIS BOX.
London, England – Winter of 1860
When all the ladies of London realize that handsome and refined gentleman, the Duke of Ainsley, is formally looking for a wife, only weeks before Christmas, a mad dash to claim him begins. Miss Barrington knows her chances with the duke are incredibly good given what her close gypsy friend had once foretold, but a forgotten wager with her greatest nemesis, American millionaire, Mr. Redstone, is about to bring on complications and…chaos.
Will she claim the dashing and respectable duke once foretold by the stars? Or will she fall for Mr. Redstone and go against destiny? Only the days leading up to Christmas will tell!
I don't read many contemporary romances but I absolutely love Victoria Vane's books – whether it's her fabulous historicals or her sexy contemporaries!
Source: An ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Some Odds are Meant to be Played…
PLACE YOUR BET
The Hotel Rodeo in Las Vegas has seen better days, but managing partner Ty Morgan has come up with a way to return it to its former glory. His plan looks promising until the unthinkable happens. Suddenly Ty is working for the boss's daughter. And Miss Monica Brandt, hot as she may be, doesn't share his vision…
She left a fabulous career and a frustrated fiancé in New York to move to Vegas and save her father's investment. But now Monica is locking horns with a sexy cowboy-turned-businessman. What does Ty think he can do that she can't? All Monica knows is that she doesn't dare trust him—or is it herself she doesn't trust…
The battle lines are drawn. The stakes are high. And the attraction can't be denied—especially the more closely Ty and Monica have to work together. Some odds are just meant to be played, and with chemistry this electric, it may be time to grab life by the horns…
Expected publication date: January 19th 2016
This is another recommendation from my friend, Wendy Loveridge.
(Rockliffe, #1)
Genre: Historical Romance (Georgian, 1764)
Rosalind Vernon, robbed of her sight by childhood accident, had no idea that the cherished voice at her door belonged to a notorious rake. Marquis of Amberley had distinguished himself in gaming room and boudoir alike. Now, stranded by snowfall, he became enamored of his innocent hostess. And she, who had lived in seclusion, welcomed his lively wit and distinctive charm.
After listening to MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE recently, narrated by the amazing Alex Wyndham, I wanted to listen to NOBLE SATYR, the story of the Duke of Roxton and his wife, Antonia. So I was delighted to receive the offer of a free download of the audiobook from author Lucinda Brant.
Source: I received a free download from the author in return for an honest review
Narrated by Alex Wyndham
(Roxton Series, #1)
Genre: Historical Romance (Georgian)
1740s France and England. Abandoned to fend for herself at the court of Versailles, Antonia turns to her distant cousin, the all-powerful Duke of Roxton, to help her escape the attentions of a lecherous nobleman. Roxton is an unlikely savior – arrogant, promiscuous, and sinister. Antonia's unquestioning belief in him may just be his salvation, and her undoing.
I'm way behind reading this series, having only read book 1, but I hope to catch up during 2016
(A Lady Forsaken, #3.5)
A lady seeking forgiveness for her past…
Lady Viola Haversham is determined to put her past where it belongs—behind her. To do so, she sets out to host the grandest holiday celebration Foldger's Hall has ever seen; proving to everyone—including herself—that she has more to offer than the hardship and loss she has brought to her family.
A woman forging a new path in life…
Mrs. Ruby Jakeston is tired of others taking care of her. She is ready to show everyone that she can look after more than just herself and her new husband; she also wants to set her overprotective friend at ease, and bring her hellion sister to heel.
A girl lost and in search of a place to belong…
Lady Ellington is on the brink of losing the only home she's ever known. The last thing she wants is to attend a grand soirée. However, when her older sister demands her presence at a country Christmas party, she is compelled to attend. With only a stablehand as her companion, she arrives at a house teeming with unfamiliar faces—and nowhere to hide.
A trio of women holding out hope for three different holiday miracles…
Christmas ever more.
Posted in Historical Romance, tagged A Gentleman For All Seasons, A Pirate for Christmas, A Very Matchmaker Christmas, Anna Campbell, Breton Wolfe, Christi Caldwell, Christina McKnight, Covent Garden Cubs Series, Danelle Harmon, De Wolfe Pack Kindle Worlds, Earls Just Want To Have Fun, Elizabeth Hoyt, His Wicked Proposal, Jane Lark, Kate Noble, Lauren Smith, League of Rogues Series, Maiden Lane Series, Marlow Intrigues Series, Renee Bernard, Shana Galen, Sweetes Scoundrel, The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel, The Siege of Lady Aloria, Theresa Romaine, Valerie Bowman, Vanessa Kelly, Victoria Vane on November 9, 2015| 8 Comments »
I have been waiting patiently for the 3rd book in Lauren Smith's League of Rogues series so I jumped at the chance to review Cedric's story. This book will be published on 19th January 2016.
Source: Complimentary copy received from the author in return for an honest review
(League of Rogues, #3)
He doesn't need his eyes to uncover her true beauty.
Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton's golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.
Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can't refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.
Still reeling from her father's death, Anne's deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.
His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.
Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.
Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn't quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true.
This sounds such a delightful collection of stories that I couldn't resist the review request. It includes stories by three of my favourite authors which was an extra incentive. This book will be published on 10th November 2015.
Source: Complimentary copy received from the authors in return for an honest review
The tiny village of Hemshawe is the sort of place where nothing ever happens…until a handsome ex-soldier and his matchmaking sister let the imposing manor house at the edge of town. The friendly Londoners shake up the staid people of Hemshawe, and villagers see each other in a new and oh-so-appealing light.
Suddenly long-sparring enemies become lovers, a town festival heralds a new start for a fallen woman and a dandy, and a man who has given up on love gets a second chance with the woman he never forgot. And the matchmaker herself? She won't rest until she finds her own happily-ever-after…
A Madness in Spring by Kate Noble
Adam Sturridge has made Belinda Leonard's blood boil since childhood, and the feeling is mutual. But when a would-be matchmaker arrives in the village of Hemshawe, she'd determined to erase the thin line between love and hate. Now, Belinda and Adam are faced with falling for someone they've always considered an enemy — can they overcome old prejudices and discover how to rub each other the right way?
The Summer of Wine and Scandal by Shana Galen
When viscount's son and dandy Peregrine Lochley is temporarily exiled from London to the country for his misdeeds, the last thing he expects is to encounter an intriguing woman. But Caroline Martin has a secret to hide, and it just might be too scandalous for even this debauched rogue.
Those Autumn Nights by Theresa Romain
Ten years ago, wealthy Eliza Greenleaf broke lowly soldier Bertram Gage's heart—but the last decade brought changes in fortune to them both. Now that he's made his mark on the world, a twist of fate brings the Greenleaf family under his power. Will this war-hardened officer triumph over his former lover…or will Bertie and Eliza give love a second chance?
The Season for Loving by Vanessa Kelly
Miss Georgie Gage, matchmaker extraordinaire, is resigned to life as a spinster—almost. When notoriously aloof bachelor Fergus Haddon arrives from Scotland to spend Christmas with the Gage family, Georgie thinks she's finally found her own perfect match—if, that is, she can get the handsome Highlander to agree!
I LOVE Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series and so I was delighted to receive an ARC of the latest book which will be published on November 24th.
Source: Received from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review
(Maiden Lane, #9)
SHE'S TAKING CHARGE
Prim, proper, and thrifty, Eve Dinwoody is all business when it comes to protecting her brother's investment. But when she agrees to control the purse strings of London's premier pleasure garden, Harte's Folly, she finds herself butting heads with an infuriating scoundrel who can't be controlled.
HE'S RUNNING THE SHOW
Bawdy and bold, Asa Makepeace doesn't have time for a penny-pinching prude like Eve. As the garden's larger-than-life owner, he's already dealing with self-centered sopranos and temperamental tenors. He's not about to let an aristocratic woman boss him around . . . no matter how enticing she is.
BUT LOVE CONQUERS ALL
In spite of her lack of theatrical experience—and her fiery clashes with Asa—Eve is determined to turn Harte's Folly into a smashing success. But the harder she tries to manage the stubborn rake, the harder it is to ignore his seductive charm and raw magnetism. There's no denying the smoldering fire between them—and trying to put it out would be the greatest folly of all.
I'm a huge fan of Victoria Vane's Historical Romances and was delighted to receive a copy of her latest novella.
Source: Received from the author in return for an honest review
(A De Wolfe Pack Kindle Worlds novella)
Genre: Historical Romance (Viking – 907 AD)
She vowed to defy him to her dying breath… but passion blurs the line between love and hate…
The bluest blood and the hardest heart… at least when it comes to marriage… The daughter of a duke and granddaughter of a king, Adele of Vannes was bartered at birth in a marriage treaty for the sole purpose of producing a royal heir. When her philandering husband is slain by Norse marauders, Adele's only desire is to retire to the peace and solitude of a cloister—until coerced to wed a savage Norseman. Adele knows that her beloved Brittany needs a strong hand to survive, but how can she ever reconcile her bitterness and hatred with the desire she feels for her avowed enemy?
She's the jewel he seeks for his Breton crown…A Barbarian bent on building a dynasty, Valdrik Vargr, 'the Norse Wolf,' is renowned for both his bravery in battle and shrewdness in statecraft. Setting his sights on claiming the kingdom of Brittany, he knows that siring sons from royal blood would solidify his hold, but the woman he would claim as his queen refuses to have him. Will he fuel her hatred by taking her to his bed, or will the man who strikes terror in the hearts of men be reduced to wooing his bride?
Anna Campbell is high on my list of all-time favourite authors and I was lucky enough to receive a copy of her Christmas novella.
There's a pirate in the manor house!
What is vicar's daughter Bess Farrar to do when the dashing new earl, the man gossip paints as a ruthless pirate, kisses her the day they meet? Why, kiss him right back, of course! Now Lord Channing vows to claim the lovely firebrand, despite interfering villagers, a snowstorm, scandal, and a rascally donkey. The gallant naval captain's first landlocked Christmas promises mayhem – and a lifetime of breathtaking passion
Pursued by the pirate…
Bess Farrar might be an innocent village miss, but she knows enough about the world to doubt Lord Channing's motives when he kisses her the very day they meet. After all, local gossip insists that before this dashing rake became an earl, he sailed the Seven Seas as a ruthless pirate.
Bewitched by the vicar's daughter…
Until he unexpectedly inherits a title, staunchly honorable Scotsman Rory Beaton has devoted his adventurous life to the Royal Navy. But he sets his course for tempestuous new waters when he meets lovely, sparkling Bess Farrar. Now this daring mariner will do whatever it takes to convince the spirited lassie to launch herself into his arms and set sail into the sunset.
A Christmas marked by mayhem.
Wooing his vivacious lady, the new Earl of Channing finds himself embroiled with matchmaking villagers, an eccentric vicar, mistaken identities, a snowstorm, scandal, and a rascally donkey. Life at sea was never this exciting. The gallant naval captain's first landlocked Christmas promises hijinks, danger, and passion – and a breathtaking chance to win the love of a lifetime.
Christina McKnight is a new author whose books I discovered this year.
Lady Aloria has experienced firsthand what balls, betrothals, and the ensuing betrayals can do to a woman. To heal her heart, Aloria's aim is to simply survive her final grand ball before her twenty-fourth birthday, and hope that her parents finally come to terms with her spinsterhood and allow her to retire to the country in peace.
Unfortunately, Marcus Adair, the Duke of Wolfeton, has other plans for her future. In town to secure a bride, he has set his sights on Aloria, and no other woman will do. But after a chance meeting in a darkened hallway, Marcus realizes he not only needs Aloria in his life; he desires her above all others.
Can Lady Aloria forget her scandalous past to build a future with the Duke of Wolfeton?
This is a series I have been following by British author, Jane Lark.
(Marlowe Intrigues)
How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?
Lillian is in love with her charming protector. He brings her gifts and gives himself to her at night, but she knows nothing of his days; all she knows is that with Peter visiting her she is happier than she has ever been. The way he touches her and treats her is so different from other men.
Emily is excited, hopeful and expectant, waiting on the moment that everything seems to be leading towards. Lord Peter Brooke has courted her for a year; she is awaiting his proposal, certain it will come very soon, and everything he does indicates that it will.
Peter is torn; his soul is seeking one thing, but his mind wants another, and what about his heart? Where does his heart lie?
I enjoy Shana Galen's books and this one was free (for a limited period only).
Source: Free from Amazon Kindle
(Covent Garden Cubs, #1)
His heart may be the last thing she ever steals…
Marlowe is a pickpocket, a housebreaker-and a better actress than any professional on the stage. She runs with the Covent Garden Cubs, a gang of thieves living in the slums of London's Seven Dials. It's a fierce life, and Marlowe has a hard outer shell. But when she's alone, she allows herself to think of a time before-a dimly remembered life when she was called Elizabeth.
Maxwell, Lord Dane, is intrigued when his brother, a hired investigator, ropes him into his investigation of the fiercely beautiful hellion. He teaches her to navigate the social morass of the ton, but Marlowe will not escape so easily. Instead, Dane is drawn into her dangerous world, where the student becomes the teacher and love is the greatest risk of all.
I thought this anthology, including some of my favourite authors, would be a lovely addition to my Christmas reading.
What do you get when you have four despairing mamas with four unwed daughters? A very matchmaker Christmas, of course! This delightful holiday anthology features 4 novellas written by 4 authors, all revolving around the same fun plot involving a Regency holiday house party and hijinks aplenty!
Her Christmas Rogue by Christi Caldwell
Lady Winifred Grisham has been in love with her brother's best friend Lord Trent Ballantine more years than she can remember. The only problem is, Trent is a notorious rogue who doesn't dally with the respectable. Except, Winnie doesn't want a dalliance–she wants his heart.
To Make a Perfect Scandal by Danelle Harmon
Tristan St. Aubyn, the Earl of Weybourne, is a driven man. Haunted by the bad decisions he made in his youth, his life is all about work … working to restore his fortunes, working to rebuild the herd of unique racehorses that were his late father's legacy, working to forget just how lonely he really is. Lord Weybourne isn't looking for a wife … but when a saucy young lady dressed as a lad finds her way into his stable and charms the most irascible colt in the barn, Tristan can't help but be intrigued …
To Win a Quiet Heart by Renee Bernard
Suffering from crippling shyness, Nicodemus Chesterfield, the Earl of Athmore, would rather battle an army of demons than put one toe inside the treacherous social waters of a holiday house party. But sometimes, a man just has to face his fears—and when Jane Pemberly is the surprisingly beautiful and fantastically charming prize at the opposite end of the gauntlet—it seems there is nothing a man won't do to sidestep scandals and win her love.
To Tempt a Saint by Valerie Bowman
What happens when a saint is tempted by a sinner? Prudence Carmichael is the epitome of well, prudence. But when a rumored pirate—with whom she just might have had a secret scandalous interlude years ago, that she's been beating herself up about ever since—appears at Lady Weston's Christmastide house party and charms the innocent young lady again, can Prudence resist her first and greatest temptation?
BOOK SPOTLIGHT AND EXCERPT: BRETON WOLFE BY VICTORIA VANE
Posted in BOOK SPOTLIGHT, Historical Romance, tagged Breton Wolfe, Excerpt, Victoria Vane, Viking on November 2, 2015| 7 Comments »
Victoria Vane is one of my favourite Historical Romance authors and I am delighted to feature her latest historical novella (the first in a series) on Rakes and Rascals.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Hcyu5I
Adèle spent the night on her knees in prayer, gaze cast heavenward in supplication. She hadn't dared to bow her head and shut her eyes for fear that sleep would overtake her. She couldn't afford to be caught aware when the marauders came. And they would come. That was a certainty. Rudalt had never returned from his 'Norse" hunt. None of them had returned. They were dead. She felt it down to her bones.
She'd dispatched riders to Cournailles but he was days away. He would never arrive in time. Her home would be burned to ashes before help ever came. Perhaps she could buy them off? Did she have enough silver and jewels to pay tribute? Or would the Norsemen simply extract their payment in woman's flesh and men's blood?
Her throat thickened at the sudden remembrance of her wedding night. She had borne Rudalt's ravaging for years; surely she could survive it again. And survival was all she dared hope for. The Norse would come with their battle axes and siege machines. The Bretons might keep them at bay for a few hours or maybe a day, but penetration of their walls was inevitable. She had no true defenses outside of a few dozen archers. In his arrogance, Rudalt had taken the best warriors, leaving her defenseless.
From her bedchamber window, Adèle cast her gaze eastward where the sun was rising, painting the landscape of rolling hills in soft shades of pink and gold. She stared off into the distance, chewing her lip and willing her nerves to settle. Last night she'd worn holes in her slippers and bitten her fingernails to the quick. She now accepted that her fate was out of her hands. She had no choice but to entrust herself to the merciful will of God. If death awaited her, she prayed it would be swift.
Moving shadows appeared on the horizon. A moment later they took shape as a solid line of men. Hundreds of mounted men. But rather than shrinking in terror, a strange peace settled over her. She was the daughter of Judicael, a great warrior and Duke of Brittany. Her great-grandfather was Erispoe, the first proclaimed King of the Bretons. She would do as the father and grandfather had done before her—she would fight them to her dying breath.
Connect with Victoria:
Email: victoria.vane@hotmail.com
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: AN INTERVIEW WITH VICTORIA VANE
Posted in Author Interview, tagged In The Spotlight, Victoria Vane on June 22, 2015| 5 Comments »
I'm delighted to welcome award-winning romance novelist VICTORIA VANE for an exclusive interview.
Thank you so much for having me here, Carol!
R&R:
Could you tell us where you were born and what it was like growing up there?
I was born in Bangor, Maine and grew up in a town called Pittsfield about thirty minute away and lived in that area for most of my childhood. At the age of sixteen I became an exchange student in Finland and then later moved to South Florida. The thing I liked most about growing up in a small town (approximately 3,000 people) was the security of knowing everyone. The thing I disliked was everyone knowing everyone's business! Also, in my experience people in the north are not as friendly as people in the south, especially toward outsiders and new comers.
As an adult I have gravitated toward a happy medium and have lived in an average sized town in South Carolina for many years which feels like the best of both worlds to me. The climate is more tolerable (Maine was too cold and Florida was too hot) and the people are friendly.
How would you describe yourself – temperamental or easy-going?
Neither! I think I would best describe myself as quirky!
I'm not temperamental as I think I maintain an even keel most of the time, but I'm also not easy going as I like to be the one in charge (which has never made me a good team player). I also hate schedules and routines, but structure is very important to me. I have to have my own space and my own stuff. Writing has been a wonderful fit for me as I get to be my own boss and do things my way most of the time.
When it comes to food do you like sweet or savoury or both?
I LOVE sweets and spicy foods but also enjoy a combination of sweet and savoury- like Crackerjacks or white chocolate pretzels.
One of my most treasured possessions is a clay statue my son Sean made for me one Christmas of my favorite horse.
The statue is on the top shelf to the left of my head!
If you were able to afford a second home anywhere in the world where would you choose and why?
My first choice would be Tuscany. The pictures of it are so lush and beautiful, the history and culture are fascinating and I love Italian food!
Finally, what has been your most embarrassing moment?
Perhaps getting introduced to a famous NYT Bestselling author and not even knowing who she was. Oops! Very bad moment!
Victoria, thank you so much for taking time out to be here today and sharing these fascinating facts about yourself.
Thank you so much for the invitation, Carol. I love your blog and have followed it from its inception!
If you would like to find out more about Victoria and her books, here are the links:
Twitter: @authorvictoriav


Hungarians make many kinds of strudels. Apple Strudel made with filo or phylo dough is the most well know by non Hungarians. But there are other strudels made with yeast doughs that are rolled into a roll and when cut the slice shows a thick spiral of filling. That filling might be ground Poppy Seed, ground Walnut or Raisin Cinnamon.
These three rolled strudels were made by my family every year at Christmas time.
A lot of visiting goes on during the Holidays. Every one visits one another to see the decorated Christmas Trees. It was a ritual to visit each other on New Year Day. All the children would receive a small coin from the uncles and grandfathers for reciting a simple poem that starts..."I wish I wish for what I do not know, but put your hand in your sack and give me something!" (this was said in German). The predecessor or "trick or treat".
A supply of strudel is baked weeks before and the cakes are wrapped and kept cold until needed. I have had some forgotten strudel turn up in the refrigerator in March, and it was as good as the day it was made. The rolled strudels start out with the same basic yeast dough, But with a difference. The yeast dough is not allowed to rise. It is mixed, made and baked in one session.
Mix until dough is smooth and leaves side of bowl clean. DO NOT LET RISE.
Divide into four portions and roll each out in a rectangular shape sprinkled with raisin filling, dribble 1/4 cup of melted butter over all and roll up like Jelly Roll.
BAKE AT ONCE in 325 oven about 30 to 45 min. or until brown.
Soak raisins in hot water 5 minutes to soften raisins, drain and pat dry. Divide raisins into 4 bowls. One for each rolled strudel.
To each bowl add a heaping 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon. Toss.
These cakes can be wrapped in foil and stored in the freezer after they are baked. Hope you enjoy this strudel.
Makes 4 small rolled strudels.


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As liquidity becomes tighter, the CFO is back in the centre running day-to-day business
The challenges facing the CFO are quite considerable. Organizations have to deal with difficult market conditions and new competitive threats – all these pressures are coming back into the office of the CFO
The CFO is no longer just keeping the scoreboard. He is down on the pitch, helping to drive the game, ensuring that the organization is fit for future business success
In F&A outsourcing, client must ensure that the third party provider is a natural extension of the client's business
Q: What are some of the priorities that CFOs face today?
Ans: I think some of the priorities that the CFO faces today really stem out of what's been happening to global economy for the last couple of years; businesses have been under pressure,liquidity has been tighter and this has led to the CFO being very much more brought back into the center of running day-to-day business in organizations.Cash has become king again, liquidity is tight, therefore decision making has become far more important from the point of view of insuring future success, long-term survival, call it what you will,at least it has brought CFO right into the heart of the business. So it has been less about sales growth, long-term development and much more about effective business decision making and ensuring that those decisions are going to secure the future of the business rather than a short-term hike in revenues may be at the expense of long-term sustainability.
So the CFO is back into the middle of the business, very much at the heart of what the business he is doing and he has or she has to impose him or herself right in the central business inorder to ensure success for tomorrow.
Q: What are the challenges CFOs face in meeting these priorities?
Ans: I think the challenges facing the CFO today are quite considerable. Organizations generally have a number of issues to contain with. They have very challenging market conditions, they have new competitive threats, new competitors coming in, challenging traditional markets that got a much more educated customer base, more demanding internet services and products in the market place. They have to maintain their competitive edge, striving-moving forward, they are also faced with issues around technology changes, peoples' habits have changed, the availability of the internet - those allowed people to, may be, buy things in a new way. And that has led to whole changes as priorities imposed new pressures on the organization.There are also changes around with environmental issues, green issues, sustainability issues,carbon, all of which inevitably come back into the office of the CFO. At the same time the CFO is facing convergence issues around the IFRS, differences between IFRS and US GAAP reporting,which results in two sets of books needing to be produced and reported upon.
But also the investor community is looking much more at economic value in the business and ensuring that when they read the financial statements in an organization that they can get an assessment of how well that business is doing, how well the executives and the business are driving the business and what is the long-term value in that business.
So, all these pressures are coming back into the office of the CFO and he needs to be focused on the business, where he has got to be making the right decisions. Driving value in the organization is very much less of keeping the books, undertaking the statutory and regulatory reporting, it is much more about being dynamic in the heart of the business and helping the fellow executives drive the business forward.
Q: How do you see the finance function evolve over the next 3 to 5 year?
Ans: I think the next 3-5 years is going to be quite exciting. I was the CFO many years ago when we were still using manual ledgers, we still have multiple platforms we had to utilize, there was no real linkage of technology between different platforms. It was a long process to bring accounts together.
We have seen a radical change in recent years, we have seen clearly the globalization of economies, which has led to geographic borders coming to end, language borders coming to end.All really around technology enabled change, which is allowing the finance functions to be located remotely from physical operations of the business. It becomes a very virtual world then, but the benefit of that is it opens up access to a new talent pool around the world.
People have changed their educational habits, many are adopting courses study now around international finance qualifications, servicing people going after CPA qualifications, CFA qualifications, certified and chartered accounting qualifications, all of which are universally recognized and acknowledged.
This is becoming very attractive throughout all parts of the world whether it be Latin America,Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, India, Russia, China and so on. So the benefit for organizations is firstly, technology is starting to reduce the burden around undertaking basic transactional activities. The term like chartered accounting is being used, which really means simply that technology will very much streamline the basic end-to-end transactional flows and reduce the need for manual intervention. So, gone are the days when somebody would write out a purchase order and send it to somebody else for approval. When the goods were received in an organization, they will write out the goods receipt note and it was sent somewhere in the organization and then when invoice finally came in, you would match the invoice with the goods receipt note, with the purchase order. All that now is very much done on the screen using word flow and other tools and that has really speeded up the whole interim process, but it has reduced the needful physical intervention as well. That will continue and that then will lead to the finance function becoming very much more focused on value creation, working on strategic decision making, tactical decisions, effective budgeting, forecasting, analysis and helping the executives of the organization to drive the business forward.
So we are seeing the CFO coming out of the score box, if you want to use the corrected analogy,he is no longer sitting out there keeping the scoreboard, he is down on the pitch, he is helping to drive the game, he is moving the players around the pitch to insure that the organization is fit for striving for future business success.
So we are in for interesting 3-5 years, it is a changing world out there, the CFO of tomorrow is very different from the CFO of the past. He is not just the finance man anymore, he is a businessman, he has such strong communication skills, he needs to be a strong project manager, he needs to drive change and he has got to be at the heart of business as it evolves to be fit and lean and secure to great sustainable future success.
Q: Why should CFOs look at FAO?
Ans: I think F&A outsourcing is still in some respect relatively new phenomena. Some of the older arrangements have been around for 20 years, but really it is in the last may be 6-7-8 years that more organizations have considered outsourcing. So let's break that down and look at the various components of what that means.
I think initially outsourcing; the obvious benefits are stated around cost, quality and control. So what I mean by that is from a cost perspective, if you can move work to a cheaper location and access a cheaper talent pool and you can centralize and consolidate that activity, drive process end-to-end efficiency then inevitably you are going to drive down the cost of your organization. An organization can do that itself or it can get a third party to do it for you. And we will come back to that in a minute. From a quality perspective, obviously technology can help in part to improve quality. But again if you got an organization, which is really focusing on quality as part of its core operational methodology then you are going to be looking for best practice, best process end-to-end efficiency, and you are bringing tools and methodology that is the best such as Green Six Sigma to really ensure that you are driving out the maximum efficiencies.
Now again an organization can do that itself or it can contract with third party to ensure that those sort of quality improvement measures abet into the contract and that there is certain incentives to ensure that outsourcing provide and drive those benefits. The third component is around control. Many people worry in a financial accounting outsourcing arrangement that they are going to lose control of the activity. This really stems from the point of view that account is naturally a fairly conservative and cautious. They have to ensure that we fulfill our statutory and regulatory obligations and they want to feel that they can actually control the inputs going into those processes.
Now, if you are moving activity away from the office next door, the floor downstairs, the building opposite, there is just a tendency to feel that you are starting to lose control. When you give that to a third party then there is increasing urgency and nervousness about undertaking that activity.But what we are seeing now is when you bring in a third party provider, you have to remember this is their core business, they have got the skill base to undertake these activities, they have got the contract in place. It is very clearly defined what the outputs and requirements of their contracts are.
You need a very strong governance, methodology in place, so that both organizations are talking on a day-to-day basis, you need to ensure that the outsourcing service provider, the third party provider is really a natural extension of the client's business. Through all intents and purposes,the team providing the service within the outsourced service provided is part of the client organization and they must have that kind of empathy with the business ethos.
So all that taken together, it provides an opportunity actually for the CFO to improve the level of control in the business. So you are getting an organization to undertake a large amount of your activity, but in a very managed and controlled way and a very structured way that the organizations are working together. And it is enabling to retain the organization for focusing on the high level value creation activity, which is where they should be and we started talking about that earlier on.
I just now want to come back to the issue about cost savings and where we are today. In the last 6-7-8 years we have seen more finance and accounting outsource arrangements taking place around the world. This is inevitably going to continue. Many organizations have moved to a shared service model, where they have done their own consolidation and coordination. But now the opportunity to move to a third party provider is going to provide an opportunity for further cost savings to be taken out.
But I think the key at the moment is around organizations within the current global economic liquidity crisis although we are emerging from it in many respects. Organizations need to see quick value. When you have competing pressures on the organization, they can seek to drive that value through some off-shoring activity, through bringing in some new technology to drive savings. But bear in mind, they still have to run their core business and that is taking management time and effort to do that.
So by bringing a third party in, you are asking somebody else to take on that activity and undertake it for you, which of course is their core business, so they are good at that stuff.Therefore, you are looking for that organization to drive benefits. But the key now at the moment is to drive benefits more rapidly than if you do it yourself.
So, I think where finance outsourcing is really going to gain in the next couple of years is the ability of both providers to come up with innovative, interesting, quite challenging solutions, which are not only going to strip cost out of the functions but improve quality, improve control. But also bring it in certain speed, which is very attractive from the point of view of a cost efficiency structure and helping the client organization to see real true P&L savings earlier rather than later.But at the same time freeing that organization, you have to look at value creating activities and helping business strive for future sustainable success.
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Home » FLEGT VPAs » FLEGT VPA Countries » CameroonYou are here:
Cameroon signed a VPA with the EU in 2010, although work towards implementing the agreement has been beset with obstacles including a retraction of space for meaningful civil society participation in governance and legal reforms. The VPA entered into force on 1 December 2011.
Cameroon has around 20 million hectares of forest, which is almost half of its national territory. Most of this forest area has been permanently allocated to long-term forest production or conservation, with a smaller area intended for community forestry. The forest sector contributes around 6% of GDP. Cameroon is Africa's largest exporter of tropical hardwood to the EU, most of which is sown timber that goes to Italy and Spain.
Latest VPA update:
After a long period of stability, Cameroon, the largest economy in the Central African region, is grappling with political tensions, security problems and violent conflict in both the Far North and the Western Anglophone region. The falling price of oil has also triggered an economic crisis. Weak governance and high levels of corruption hinder the country's development and ability to attract foreign investment. Legislative and municipal elections are scheduled to be held in February 2020, but they will be boycotted by the main opposition leader. Against this complex national context, the VPA process is failing to make major progress.
Although timber exports have increased considerably since 2009, the EU's market share is shrinking as Cameroonian timber is essentially exported to Asian countries such as China and Vietnam.
Misuse of logging permits, the lack of effective regulation and law enforcement, land conversion for infrastructure, and agricultural plantations continue to be Cameroon's primary drivers of deforestation.
In May 2019, Cameroon's Forest Ministry released a public notice detailing plans for the Cameroonian owned company Camvert Sarl to turn 60,000 hectares of primary forest into a major palm oil site. This was followed in November by a Prime Ministerial decree confirming the declassification of the forest which is located in the Ocean Department of Southern Cameroon. It is near to the Campo Ma'an National Park which was established in 2000 with funding of the World Bank to compensate for the environmental damage of the Chad-Cameroon pipe-line project. This will be Cameroon's largest palm oil plantation and the second largest agricultural-commodity site in the country after SOSUCAM's 61,000 hectare sugar plantation.
Local communities, CSOs and activists are seriously concerned about human and environmental violations and destructive impacts on biodiversity including gorillas. This forest conversion contradicts Cameroon's commitment to respect and protect the environment, biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples rights.
In this challenging context, the VPA process – which has not made significant progress for two years – took a step forward with a promising stock taking exercise. A June national multi-stakeholder workshop led to the development of a joint theory of change, a roadmap and a communication strategy to reinvigorate the VPA process over the next seven years.
Identified blockages included: the Ministry of Forests' inappropriate monopoly on forest management, the lack of inter-ministerial coordination, insufficient incentives and sanctions to change key actors' behavior; impunity from corruption; lack of political will; ineffective implementation of the EU Timber Regulation and a lack of dialogue with Asian countries. Solutions were formulated for each of these problems and included in the strategy, roadmap and workplans. A revamped Cameroon-EU VPA website was presented as a key tool to improve access to information. During the stock-taking process, stakeholders reiterated the need for continued cooperation, ownership, transparency, participation and dialogue.
Sadly, more than six months after the national VPA workshop, the plan of action, strategy and roadmap have not yet been officially validated. It is hoped that a national committee meeting to follow up on this will be held soon to endorse the precious collective work done in 2019.
Last updated in January 2020.
A brief history of VPA negotiation and implementation, from a civil society perspective.
Civil society counter-brief on the Cameroon-EU VPA
Community Rights FLEGT Independent Forest Monitoring (IFM)
VPA updates
When Cameroon and the EU agreed the VPA, civil society from the country produced a ' VPA counter-brief with Logging Off', providing perspectives on the process, the challenges and opportunities for improving the way forests are owned and managed.
The challenges in implementing Cameroon's VPA
In 2013, civil society groups in Cameroon issued an updated assessment of the challenges of implementing a VPA in the country.
For the latest information about Cameroon, contact CED at ced@cedcameroun.org
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How to ensure FLEGT is a success: Make sure we stay the course
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Pour garantir la réussite de FLEGT, gardons le cap !
By: LoggingOff, Fern
Ghana, Ghana, Republic of CongoRepublic of Congo
FLEGT FLEGT FLEGT


In this tutorial we will merge all the parts seen in these past tutorials here. In those tutorials we have seen how to measure resistance, current, indcutnace and capacitance. Measure voltage is very easy. In this tutorial we make a 5 in 1 multimeter based on an Arduino, an ADC module and an LC tank circuit. The case is 3D printed. You have the schematic, code and all you need to amke this project.
You have the schematic for this project below. You need the Arduino, the ADS1115 ADC module, the OLED display, the ACS712 current module, the TP4056 based charger and a few more components. You have all the values below. After you make the connections, you can downlaod the code and upload it to the Arduino and give it a test.
Below you have the full code for this project. Download it and read it line by line in order to understand it better. You will also need the OLED library and the library for the ADS1115 module so downlaod those and install them on your Arduino IDE.
But first, let's go step by step and see how we measure each value: voltage then resistance, then capaciance, inductance and current. Let's start with volage since that is very easy. Below you have an example code for the ADS1115 module using the library. We read and print the values to the serial monitor. The ADS1115 has its own refference so it doesn't matter if the voltage battery is 3.7 or 4.2 or any other value, the output will always be precise.
So, make the connections and uplaot it to the Arduino. It will measure voltage with high precision. But!, you need the voltage divider at input in order to measure up to 20V. Otherwise the ADS1115 module will burn out. See schematic for voltage divider values and how to integrate that in the code measurement.
For more details see the RESISTANCE METER TUTORIAL. But we will use a basic voltage divider to calculate the resistence. As we know, a voltage divider is made of two resistences (R1 and R2) in series. The output voltage in the middle point is [R2/(R1+R2)]Vin. Using this formula and knowing the value of one of the two resistors and measuring the Vout it is very easy to calculate the resistence of the seacond resistor.
On our schematic, the resistance measurement is made with the 2k, 20K and 470K resistors connected on pins D6, D7 and D8. By that we have 3 different scales. If we set D6 as OUPTUT and set to LOW, that will our GND for the voltage divider. The other pins, D7 and D8 are set to INPUT so they have high impedance. So our volage divider is amde out of the 2K resistor and the unknown resistor. We measure the voltage on the ADC1 pin and using the formula we get the resistance. We do that for all the scales.
Make sure that you measure the vlues of the 2k, 20K and 470K resistors so you know the exact value and put that later in the full code. Put the multimeter into resistance mode and try different values. Tune your values in the code till you get good results.


Presenting NightLase: A Breakthrough Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment!
Home > Blog > Presenting NightLase: A Breakthrough Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment!
Did you know that approximately 67% of the population snores? Among those snorers, 80% of them have sleep apnea as well. Factors like these can ruin sleep and deprive you of your much-needed rest. NightLase snoring treatment has seen great success across Europe as an answer to the disruptive effects of snoring and sleep apnea. After being used safely for years, NightLase is now available in the United States! Here at Rozenberg Dental NYC in New York City, we offer NightLase snoring treatment to reduce snoring and sleep apnea.
NightLase is a non-invasive solution to snoring! The NightLase Er-YAG laser utilizes superficial laser light to tighten oral tissue and restructure natural collagen found in the body. As the NightLase laser does its work, your airways become larger—reducing the effects of snoring and sleep apnea by up to 70%!
Treatment requires three sessions, spread out over approximately three weeks. Each individual appointment lasts as little as 30 minutes. NightLase is both non-invasive and pain-free! Neither surgery nor anesthesia is required, and there is no downtime associated with our NYC snoring treatment.
You can resume daily activities immediately after your procedure, and your ability to eat and drink is not affected. Results are known to last up to one full year before additional treatment is necessary.
Dr. Lana Rozenberg and her staff look forward to answering any questions you may have about our NightLase snoring treatment procedure, as well as any of our other dental procedures. Contact us at our New York office at 212.265.7724, or you may request an appointment online for a personal consultation with Dr. Rozenberg.


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Dainik Statesman
Home / Cities / Himachal residents lacking in financial literacy
Himachal residents lacking in financial literacy
Financial literacy of HP is 16 per cent against the national average of 24 per cent.
Bhawani Negi | Shimla | June 6, 2018 3:15 am
Representational Image (Photo: Facebook/File)
The residents of Himachal Pradesh are lacking in financial literacy, which is below the national average.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shimla Regional Director Amaranth speaking about the ongoing financial literacy week that began on Monday said, "Financial literacy of Himachal Pradesh was 16 per cent, which is below against the national average of 24 per cent."
The findings have been revealed by the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), working under Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that had conducted a survey across the country, he added.
According to the NCFE study the financial literacy of Goa was 50 per cent, Kerala being the highly literate state (84 per cent) in India has the second highest level of financial literacy which was 36 per cent.
The states like Manipur, Gujarat also has high financial literacy at 36 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.
Besides, HP other states like Chandigarh, Mizoram, Bihar, Nagaland, Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Jharkhand, Maharashtra have the lowest level of financial literacy which is below 20 per cent.
The RBI as an initiative under 'Project Financial Literacy' has taken up the task of disseminating information about the basic banking concepts to the various target groups from various walks of life including rural and urban people, school and college students.
Amarnath said that with the recent digitisation having secured a vital role, it has become all the more imperative for 'consumer protection' which has been adopted as the theme this year for financial literacy.
The objective is to create awareness among the consumers of financial services about their rights, responsibilities, good practices to be followed in banking transactions for safe digital banking experience and resolution mechanism in a fast changing digital financial landscape, he added.
During the financial literacy week focus will be on four related themes that includes know your liability for unauthorised electronic banking transaction, banking ombudsman (an easy mechanism for complaints redressal), good practices for a safe digital banking experience, risk and return for which content has been developed by RBI.
He said that there have been numerous complaints where people got defrauded by someone claiming to be from Bank or RBI and asking for customers personal details like card numbers One Time Passwords, expiry date and other details.
Awareness will be disseminated to the target groups besides the RBI official website, with the help of banks, local government agencies, school and colleges through brouchers, pamphlets.
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A cultural programme "Amra Nuton Jouboneri Doot", based on the theme of Netaji, will also be held.
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PEOPLE'S PARLIAMENT, ALWAYS IN SESSION
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There's a little green oasis for fans of healthy food, hidden in the centre of Ljubljana, and it's called Organic Garden. With original and yummy combinations, their colourful vegan and fish burgers have convinced vegans and meat-eaters alike. And they're at least as tasty as they are healthy and pretty.


New Delhi, (IANS) T , who had uploaded a video in social media over poor food for soldiers.
"The voluntary retirement plea of constable Tej Bahadur Yadav has been cancelled owing to the pending court of inquiry," BSF spokesperson Subhendu Bhardwaj told IANS.
Bhardwaj said that Yadav has currently been kept in his battalion headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Cancellation of his plea to opt for VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) was communicated to Constable Tej Bahadur on January 30, 2017, evening," said Bhardwaj.
BSF trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav had complained about the quality of food being served to security personnel, and accused unnamed officers of illegally selling off the food supplies meant for the troopers. The video uploaded by Yadav had gone viral in the social media.
The BSF official denied the claims by the family of Yadav of him being arrested and not being allowed to go out of the battalion and opt for the VRS.


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SBA.gov » About SBA » SBA Newsroom » Press Releases & Media Advisories » SBA Awards XlerateHealth with $50,000 to Support Startups and STEM Focused Entrepreneurs
SBA Awards XlerateHealth with $50,000 to Support Startups and STEM Focused Entrepreneurs
Kentucky based XLH is the only healthcare accelerator to receive the national SBA award four times
michael.ashcraft@sba.gov
SBA Kentucky District Office
LOUISVILLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced 60 winners of SBA's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, including XlerateHealth (XLH), a Louisville-based healthcare accelerator. XLH and other recipients represent accelerators and incubators focused on a broad set of industries and sectors to support startups and entrepreneurs researching and developing STEM-related innovations.
XLH is the only healthcare accelerator and one of only two accelerators nationwide to receive the award four times and the only Kentucky-based accelerator to receive the award in 2019. XLH was developed to cultivate and grow promising healthcare innovation in underserved areas.
"I am proud to announce the winners of the 2019 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition," said Acting SBA Administrator Chris Pilkerton. "Since its inception in 2014, the SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition has provided awards to innovative and promising accelerators and incubators."
"We are honored to receive recognition for a fourth year from the SBA," says Jackie Willmot, CEO & Co-founder of XLH. "Since 2013, we have supported over 80 companies across a range of healthcare and life sciences domains."
The 2019 recipients will focus at least 60 percent of their competition-related work to entrepreneurs who represent one of the following groups: women; socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; entrepreneurs living in or whose businesses are located in states with a lower number of SBIR/STTR awards, or in an Opportunity Zone. By focusing the accelerators' and incubators' efforts on these entrepreneur groups, SBA aims to increase the pipeline of future SBIR/STTR applications and STEM-related innovations.
XLH will allocate the awarded funds to further advance training and mentoring for life science focused entrepreneurs to help them understand the path to commercializing their technologies and how to successfully apply for SBIR/STTR funding in underrepresented states, including Kentucky. XLH supports this work through its Southeastern XLerator Network, one of four shared accelerator hubs supported by the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program at NIH, which funds R&D partnerships between small businesses and academic institutions.
Applications were judged by panels of experts with entrepreneurial, investment, startup, economic development, and academic backgrounds from both the public and private sector.
For more information about the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition and a full list of award winners past and present, visit: www.sba.gov/accelerators and www.sbir.gov/accelerators.


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Thai Securities Regulator Propose Fresh Legislation for Crypto Custodians
Reading Time: 2 minutes by Anna Larsen on August 25, 2021 Regulation
Cryptocurrencies can no longer be classified as a niche sector in light of the tremendous development made. At the moment, the primary worry with this emerging industry seems to be with regulations that define how the technology fits into our present economy.
As of now, Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken the next step in this direction, soliciting public comment until late September on the proposed crypto custody laws.
Crypto Exchanges in the Crosshair
The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed new laws on Wednesday concerning the custody of investors' cryptocurrency assets held by digital asset business operators. The latest proposed regulations include both fiat money custody for digital asset accounts and cryptocurrency lending, or earning interest on cryptocurrency holdings.
The SEC is explicitly trying to ban crypto businesses from utilizing investor assets for the "benefit of another client or other persons," or from profiting from both investors' fiat money and digital assets, including digital lending to other persons. The proposal states that "seeking benefits from clients' fiat money shall be prohibited except in the form of deposit with commercial banks."
The proposed legislation also suggests a new structure for withdrawing and transferring fiat money from digital asset accounts, which must adhere to the concepts of "decentralised approval authority, multi-sign approval authority, and check and balance."
The guidelines, according to the SEC, will improve investor safety and the dependability of cryptocurrency service providers by guaranteeing that records of investors' holdings are correct and up to date.
As of now, the SEC is now requesting public comments on these newly proposed regulations till September 22.
The Thai SEC has been aggressively implementing new crypto sector regulations this year, despite the country's surging cryptocurrency usage. In March, the authority suggested imposing a minimum yearly income threshold of $32,000 for investing in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC). In June, the regulator prohibited crypto exchanges from processing certain token types, including non-fungible tokens.
CBDC Coming Soon
Meanwhile, The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has revealed that it plans to develop and test its retail CBDC in the second quarter of 2022. The central bank has announced that initial pilot tests would be conducted within a limited group under the BOT. Once the test is successful, the central bank will expand the CBDC to the public, retail stores, banks, and non-banking facilities.
U.S.: Rep. Paul Gosar Introduces "Crypto-Currency Act of 2020"
Binance Launches Research Division to Provide 'Institutional-Grade" Reports
Hong Kong's Central Bank to Reveal Plans for Crypto Regulations Come July 2022
Investor Accreditation Laws Must Change for Security Tokens to Gain Traction
Thai SEC Thailand Thailand SEC


Blyth - Mid-North Region, South Australia.
Blyth, a small town in South Australia's Mid-North wheatbelt, was laid out in 1875. It was named for Sir Arthur Blyth, a businessman and successful politician who was three times Premier of South Australia.


LENGTH: 3-7 hours, highly dependent on flow level.
This section of the Snake offers a beginner friendly float via canoe, raft, or drift boat. The section takes about a 1/2 day, and seems substantially more popular with fisherman than recreational boaters. Be aware that above 7000 or 8000 cfs, the current becomes forceful, and requires intermediate or better canoe skills.
Along the way, numerous large sand bars make for great lunch spots.


Hi! Sign in to let us know how Grassroots Home & Garden was?
Lucille B. Jun 29 .
I discovered this delightful shop last week. They have many unique gift ideas for the garden and gardener. I found an evergreen plant that I never seen before and have it in my garden now. If you want something special for your garden, this is the place to go!
If you've been to or used Grassroots Home & Garden, leave a review.


Indoor gardening/Outdoor gardening/Hydroponics gardening/Medical gardening. From seed to harvest patience is the most important skill to learn whatever growing method you choose! You can have amazing success as a beginner grower but time and experience will make you a master cultivator.
Indoor gardening/Outdoor gardening/Hydroponic gardening. Now that you have the basics in experience and skills to gardening you want to upsize/upgrade your equipment to push production and quality levels to maximum. Now you can enjoy the benefits of growing at home for recreation or a self sufficient medical gardener!
This is master cultivator status gardening. Which is the best choice for your commercial garden? Indoor commercial/outdoor commercial/hydroponic commercial gardening all have their benefits and all have draw backs. INDOOR GARDENING with the technology for cultivation today has brought benefits to completely control environmental and critical factors for cultivation. OUTDOOR GARDENING is relying on critical factors from nature to see it through to the end of harvest. If done correctly and nature cooperates Outdoor gardens can bring you a beautiful harvest with less energy cost. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages energy cost being the best example. Greenhouses are becoming the future of commercial gardening by controlling the environment and cutting down energy cost.
Complex mixtures of carbon based organic matter, minerals, microorganisms(soil biology). Soil biology breaks down nutrients in the soil to make them available for plants to uptake nutrients.
What do i need to know before purchasing lighting for my grow room(s)? What type of lighting do i need for growing? Do i need a different spectrum bulb for blooming my plants?
What fan size and how many fans do I need for my grow area? There are some simple formulas to find out your grow areas requirements for proper ventilation.
A typical rule for ventilation is the exchange of your grow areas fresh air every minute. CALCULATING the active grow area is multiplying the LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT. After finding this volume number multiply by 1.25 (this calculates in for any inefficiency from carbon filters), this number is the minimum requirement for cubic feet per minute (CFM) that you will need for your growing area. If you are calculating for a non filter intake fan just use this formula L X W X H = CFM.
The idea of hydroponic cultivation is the soiless growth of a plants roots in a nutrient rich solution of water and oxygen. Various mediums used to hold the plants and its roots in place are rock wool cubes, rock wool slabs or rock wool granular chunks used to fill mesh pots. Hydroton or clay pellets are also widely used as well as coco coir and glass growstones.
Types of hydroponic systems are DRAIN TO WASTE systems and RECIRCULATING systems. These vary on the needs of the grower and the expense allocated for your garden.
Hydroponics system set ups include flood and drain, ebb and flow, top feed (drip or spray), deep water culture(DWC) and nutrient film technique (NFT).


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July 29, 2021 Feb. 10, 2022
PowerSchool, Major Ed-Tech Provider, Valued at $3.5 Billion Following Initial Public Offering
David Saleh Rauf
PowerSchool, a major provider of student information systems and an array of other K-12 tools, raised $711 million in its initial public offering this week, marking what the company says is the largest IPO in the K-12 software space in North America.
The company debuted on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "PWSC," capping a week where several other major ed-tech companies also hit the public markets.
That includes language learning app Duolingo, which also made its market debut Wednesday on the Nasdaq and is now trading under the ticker symbol "DUOL." Duolingo raised $521 million in its IPO, giving the company a $3.7 billion valuation.
For it's part, PowerSchool sold 39.5 million shares for $18 each, the low end of its price range expectations. The company had previously said it expected a pricing in the range of $18 to $20 a share. The IPO gives PowerSchool a valuation of roughly $3.5 billion.
"This IPO is a key part of our strategy to continue building our platform," Chief Executive Officer Hardeep Gulati said in an interview.
PowerSchool says its products, which include student information systems and products focused on assessment and analytics, special education, talent management, and human resources, serve about 45 million students in 90 countries.
Relatively few companies in the education sector have been traded on public markets, but that appears to be changing.
The growth of publicly traded education companies has been pushed along partly by the rise of special purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, shell entities that are formed to acquire companies raise money for initial public offerings. Gulati said PowerSchool was approached by multiple SPACs about going public, but the company decided on an IPO because "the PowerSchool brand is one our strengths, and we always wanted to do this as our business."
Publicly traded companies in education, such as online education provider Stride, Inc., formerly K12 Inc., and Pearson, have drawn criticism in the past from advocates who have questioned whether the pressure they face to satisfy shareholders is inherently in conflict with the need to deliver resources to schools. Whether the new class of public companies is the target of similar ire remains to be seen.
Founded in 1997, PowerSchool has seen its ownership change hands numerous times in just a few decades. It was sold to Apple in 2001. The company was then sold again in 2006 — this time to the global education corporation Pearson. And in 2015, Pearson sold PowerSchool to Vista Equity Partners for $350 million cash. Another private equity firm, Onex Corp., purchased a stake in PowerSchool from Vista Equity in 2018.
Collectively, the two private equity firms will control about 78 percent of shareholder voting power following the IPO, according to a regulatory filing.
In its IPO prospectus, PowerSchool disclosed revenue of $118 million and a profit of $483,000 for three months ended March 31. In 2020, PowerSchool lost $46.7 million while generating $434.9 million in revenue, and the year before that recorded a loss of $90.7 million with $365 million in sales.
More Mergers and Expansion on Horizon
The company, in its IPO filings, warned investors of "a history of cumulative losses" and that "we do not expect to be profitable for the foreseeable future."
PowerSchool intends to use money from the IPO to pay off a bridge loan related to its March acquisition of Hobsons, a provider of college and career readiness solutions.
Since 2015, the company has made 12 acquisitions to expand its portfolio — and Gulati says going public will provide the needed financial boost for continued investments in the form of acquisitions and research and development to keep growing.
"This IPO is giving us the currency and the growth path to continue," he said.
According to its IPO prospectus, PowerSchool is also planning to expand its customer base in North America with "significant and targeted" investments in direct sales and marketing. And the company is also hoping to broaden its reach overseas, listing international expansion as one of its key objectives moving forward by making "product, personal, partnership and acquisition-related investments to expand geographically."
PowerSchool's listing on the public markets comes as school districts have made large investments in an array of distance learning tools, including cloud-based software solutions, over the last 18 months of the pandemic.
The company says it has seen spikes in customer acquisitions and renewals, and in the number of its users and engagement since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Gulati said while the pandemic has changed how educators think about ed tech, the tailwinds for growth and plans for an IPO predate the pandemic.
"The IPO," he said, "was a natural progression for business scale."
Image by Getty
Another Education Company Goes Public: Instrucutre IPO Gives Ed-Tech Firm $2.9 Billion Valuation
Powerschool's CEO on the Role of Learning Management Systems During Covid-19
Powerschool Acquires Schoology, in Major Pairing of K-12 Information Platforms
David Saleh Rauf is a contributing writer with EdWeek Market Brief.
E-mail drauf@educationweek.org
Chinese Hackers Accused of Targeting Pearson, Accessing Millions of Student Records
K-12 Dealmaking: Apptegy Raises $5.7 Million; BookNook Raises $1.2 Million
National Network of Schools to Pilot Discovery 'Techbooks'