Marie Force's Blog, page 19
September 1, 2011
Book Club: Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish
By: Shelly Estes
Formerly an investigator in the FBI's violent crimes unit, Special Agent Dean Taggert knows the vicious nature of some people. He is now a member of the Black CATs – a cyber crimes unit headed up by Wyatt Blackstone. The unit has just discovered online video of vicious murders committed by The Reaper, who sells his murders in an online world called Satan's Playground. One of the victims resembles a missing person case in Hope Valley, Virginia. Dean and Wyatt travel to Hope Valley to meet with the local sheriff, Stacey Rhodes, who took over for her father when he retired. She is still reeling from being a Virginia State Police first responder to the violence of the Virginia Tech killing spree. All she wants is a nice, quiet, non-violent life. Her cozy life is turned upside when she identifies the first Reaper victim as a local girl named Lisa Zimmerman, who has been missing for more than a year. She agrees to help the FBI unit with their investigation. She and Dean also share an instant attraction to each other. Stacey is willing to have a physical relationship with Dean, but doesn't want to get too involved because it would mean opening up her feelings to pain and sorrow. Dean is willing to try a physical relationship because he has been celibate since his divorce 10 months prior. He was thinking more along the lines of a bar hook-up, but when Stacey proposes that they hookup, he's all for it!
While Dean & Stacey plan to get together after a day of searching for Lisa's remains, which Stacey is sure are near town based onthe video, a horrible surprise is left on her front porch. She arrives home to find the body of her dad's dog on the porch, and the word Bitch written in the dogs blood on her doormat. While she is cleaning up the carnage,Dean arrives for their rendezvous. He takes over the cleanup, and encourages Stacey to go inside and shower. When he's done and comes inside to check on her, Stacey invites him join her, resulting in one really steamy shower! Later, she overhears Dean having a goodnight talk with his young son, and realizes he is someone she could fall for, even though she doesn't want to.
While continuing to investigate the Reaper murders,several of the townies are considered suspects, and in the process of elimination they almost accidently stumble on the Reaper and his currentvictim. The Reaper escapes capture by hanging himself for the Satan's Playground audience. Once the investigation is over, Dean has no reason to stay in Hope Valley, and Stacey must decide if she is willing to risk her heart.
I really liked this book, except for the killing of the dog :o). The attraction between Dean & Stacey was believable and well thought out. There was some humor and lightheartedness, even in the midst of the murder investigation. I love the part where Stacey turned Dean onto Chuckie Cheese for his son – and Dean had the thought that if he never saw that big singing rat again, he'd be happy!!My office mate gave me the second recipe – when you see the first one you'll know why!
PizzaPreheat oven to 400Open box, place frozen pizza on pizza panBake until golden brown.Slice and enjoy with your favorite beverage
Pasta Carbonara with Bacon6 oz uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (1/4 lb)1 clove garlic, chopped1 egg¾ cup milk¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves¾ cup chopped plum (Roma) tomato (1 medium)½ cup thinly sliced green onions (8 medium)1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Greek Fat Free plain yogurt
1) Cook and drainfettuccine as directed on package. In 10-inch skillet, cook bacon and garlicuntil crisp. Drain; remove from skillet, and set aside.2) In small bowl,slightly beat egg. Beat in milk, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Place cookedfettuccine in skillet. Add milk mixture, spinach, tomato and green onions.Cover; cook about 5 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, untilspinach is tender.3) Stir in yogurt;cook over low heat just until heated through.
Serve with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese andfreshly ground black pepper.
Leslie will be dropping in to say hi and answer questions. She will also be giving away the next two books in this series - Pitch Black and Black at Heart.
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 11: Groom's Cake
Groom's Cake 1:
Groom's Cake 2:
Groom's Cake 3:
And you chose....
NUMBER 2!!
I love the scene where Scotty presents Nick with the cake and their reaction when Shelby hands them a knife to cut it. I'll let you read all about it in Fatal Destiny! Four more days... It's now available for pre-order (even though it says $1, it will be free) on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I'd love to give away a Red Sox ball cap today, but that would be promoting my own agenda, so we'll go with another $25 gift card to Godiva in celebration of all things chocolate! Remember, you have to comment ON THE BLOG to be entered into the drawing.
Thanks to everyone who has come out to play during the Big Reveal. It's been so much fun reading all your comments!
August 31, 2011
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 10: The Cake
Wedding Cake 1: Orchid
Wedding Cake 2: Calla Lilly
Wedding Cake 3: Tulip
And the winner was....
NUMBER 1! Y'all went all orchid all the way!
Comment on the cake to be entered to win a $25 gift card to Godiva Chocolates!
August 30, 2011
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 9: Sam's Ring
Sam's Ring 1
Sam's Ring 2
Sam's Ring 3
And the winner is....
NUMBER 1!!!
Sam really appreciates that you took her job into consideration in helping Nick to make this decision for her. Comment today to be entered for a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble! Don't forget that all comments are entered for the grand prize drawings: either a Kindle or a Nook (or $100 to Amazon or B&N if you already have a device) OR advance copies of Fatal books for the life of the series. Be the first to read about Sam & Nick's latest adventure. We'll be drawing the grand prize winners on Sept. 5, the day Fatal Destiny becomes available--for free!
August 29, 2011
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 8: Nick's Ring
Nick's Ring 1:
Nick's Ring 2:
Nick's Ring 3:
And the winner was:
NUMBER 1!!!
I love the scene where Shelby helps Sam pick the perfect ring for Nick, and I hope you will enjoy it, too! Today I'm giving away another $25 gift card to Amazon so make sure you comment here on the blog (only) to be entered into the drawing for today's prize. Reminder that every comment will be entered into the grand prize drawing for a Kindle or a Nook (or a $100 gift card to Amazon or B&N if you already have a device) OR advance copies of Fatal Books for the life of the series. Be the first to read about Sam & Nick's latest adventure!
Good news: Fatal Destiny will be out in ONE WEEK! And it's free!
August 28, 2011
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 7: Sam's Hair
Sam's Hairstyle 1
Sam's Hairstyle 2
Sam's Hairstyle 3
And the winner is....
NUMBER 1!
Smooth and up with an orchid tucked in. Sam was very happy with the style you chose for her. After the wedding, it will be Nick's job to pluck that orchid from his new wife's hair...
By the way, since we talked about it the other day, I think I might've thought of a way to keep Shelby in the cast....
Comment on Sam's hair style to be entered into a drawing for a print copy of FATAL AFFAIR, the book that started the Fatal Series!
August 27, 2011
Up Next On Book Club: Fade to Black by Leslie Parrish
Dean Taggert, a former street cop turned FBI agent, has accepted a transfer into a new CAT for one reason: he needs to remove the violence from his life in order to get his ex to give him more time with his son. Not easy to do when he's been thrust into the darkest, most violent investigation of his career. A psychopath calling himself the Reaper is auctioning off murder at a deviant cyber club called Satan's Playground, and Dean and his team are forced to helplessly witness the killer's brutal crimes online.
Stacey Rhodes is happy in her quiet, sleepy little town of Hope Valley, Virginia, where she has taken over as Sheriff because of her father's ill health. Nothing much seems to happen here, except for the mysterious disappearance of the town bad girl a year ago. So she is shocked when a sexy, brooding FBI agent intrudes on her world, bringing evidence that the missing local girl was the victim of a serial killer. Even more shocking, that serial killer might be someone she knows.
Maybe even someone she loves....
Join us Thursday, September 1 for a discussion about this suspenseful read!
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 6: Sam's Shoes
Sam's Shoes 1
Sam's Shoes 2
Sam's Shoes 3
And the winner was....
NUMBER 2! Everyone loved that jazzy buckle.
Comment today to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Zappos so you can buy yourself a jazzy pair of shoes to rival Sam's. Eight more days until Fatal Destiny!
August 26, 2011
Fatal Wedding Big Reveal Day 5: Sam's Dress
Sam's Dress 1
Sam's Dress 2
Sam's Dress 3
And the winner is....
NUMBER 1!
Yippee! The big decision has been made, now Sam has to put up with Tinker Bell and all the damned fittings (and she is none too happy about that, let me tell you!) Can't wait until you can read the conversation Sam and Nick have about her dress. :-) Less than two weeks now until Fatal Destiny!
Today, I'm offering another $25 gift card to Amazon for those who comment--on the blog (sorry Facebook comments don't count) by midnight EDT tonight. Everyone who comments during these two weeks will be entered to win one of two grand prizes: a Kindle or a Nook (or a $100 gift card to Amazon or B&N if you already have a device) OR advance copies of Fatal books for the life of the series.
August 25, 2011
Book Club: Just The Way You Are by Christina Dodd
by Brooke Hren
*Summary*
When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and flattered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable – marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together….
*Review*
Hope Prescott is a minister's daughter and Zach Givens is a corporate raider to the core. She's friendly, charming, and goes out of her way to help people; he is an egomaniac, uncaring, and rude to the point of being mean. The virgin and the bad boy.
The book begins with the moment that shapes young Hope and her siblings lives- she and her siblings are being separated and sent to foster homes/orphanages around the county because their parents were killed in a car accident. Her parents were also accused of embezzling church funds and were on the run when they had their accident.
Seven years later Hope is employed at a answering service and studying for a degree that she thinks will enable her to find a job that pays enough for her to search for her siblings.
"Money's the most important thing in the world. You have some, so you don't realize that without money, you're dirt on the streets. Without money, you depend on compassion, and there's not much in this world."
It's through the answering service that she first "meets" Zach who's company had contracted their services- except Hope thinks that Zach is really his butler Griswald. Zach does nothing to correct Hope because his fondest wish is for someone to like him for himself and not his last name or portfolio. And Hope does treat him like a normal person. Some of the comments that she makes about Zach are not very flattering and not something that I would say about a client to his employee. Imagine his surprise to be on the receiving end of those comments!
At the beginning of the book Hope comes across as a very bright, hard working girl who has been down on her luck for too long and is afraid to have good things happen to her. She spends all of her time working and studying. Zach throws himself into his work and only has relationships that fit his needs at the moment. Even his friend thinks he can't go a day without making someone cry.
There's an interesting tension in their relationship: romance vs. affair.
Hope says, "An affair involves body parts. A romance is of the mind and heart." I felt like Hope was having a romance and Zach was initially only after an affair.
The romance they develop does showcase the intense chemistry they have together though. Hope is consumed with all the new feelings she's experiencing, while Zach seems incredibly demanding in regards to those feelings.The steady stream of thoughts about how to bed Hope made Zach appear cold and calculating. He is so sure that once he has Hope that she will forgive him for deceiving her and it never really occurs to him that she wouldn't. It took me a long time to warm up to him. Their first time together and Hope's first time ever feels a little fast after the circumstances that bring her to his mansion but at the same time happen in a very Zach-like way; he sees an opportunity and takes it. He does wait until she has recovered and is no longer in shock though. You wonder when the big reveal of Zach's identity is going to happen and whether her will have a chance to tell her himself or someone else will.
As the story continues Hope is broadsided by an embezzlement scam that leads to her arrest and abduction by the bad guy who was scammed. It was nice to see all of Hope's clients rally to save her, with Zach's help.
Their reunion was sweet and orchestrated by the wonderful secondary characters of the Givens family. Zach pulled out a wonderful surprise for Hope that showed how far he had come. I adore Zach's fathers advice:
"Crawl, boy." "Women like to see a man crawl."
Ultimately Just the Way You Are was a good read and a intriguing beginning to the Prescott family mystery. It makes me want to read the rest of the series to find out what happened to the parents and see all the siblings reunited. It is a good read for readers who enjoy romance with a little mystery and happy endings.
*Recipe*
Zach promises to make Hope dinner if she returns to his house to let him tutor her in physics. Of course he orders out but his secretary recommended lasagna which is a great first dinner date meal. My favorite recipe is by the Pioneer Woman:
Ingredients
1-1/2 pound Ground Beef
1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage
2 cloves Garlic, Minced
2 cans (14.5 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes
2 cans (6 Ounce) Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
1 teaspoon Salt
3 cups Lowfat Cottage Cheese
2 whole Beaten Eggs
1/2 cup Grated (not Shredded) Parmesan Cheese
2 Tablespoons Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon Salt
1 pound Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
1 package (10 Ounce) Lasagna Noodles
(add 1/2 Teaspoon Salt And 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil To Pasta Water)
Preparation Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, combine ground beef, sausage, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain half the fat; less if you're feeling naughty. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, 2 tablespoons parsley, basil and salt. After adding the tomatoes, the sauce mixture should simmer for 45 minutes while you are working on the other steps.
In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, 2 more tablespoons parsley, and 1 more teaspoon salt. Stir together well. Set aside. Cook lasagna until "al dente" (not overly cooked).
To assemble:
Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking pan, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles. Spread evenly. Cover cottage cheese with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Spoon a little less than half the meat/sauce mixture over the top.
Repeat, ending with meat/sauce mixture. Sprinkle top generously with extra Parmesan.
Either freeze, refrigerate for up to two days, or bake immediately: 350-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until top is hot and bubbly
