K.T. Castle's Blog, page 10
October 16, 2017
Ten Year Dance
Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!
Ten Year Dance
by Ara Grigorian
Genre
Contemporary Romance
About Ten Year Dance
Best friends since sixth grade. A ten-year high school reunion. A truth they’ve danced around for a decade.
Unlucky-in-love Sophie Perez knows her divorce won’t be easy—but she doesn’t expect it to be dangerous. So when things get ugly, she agrees to move in with Pete Nicos, her commitment-phobic best friend since childhood. Pete has always been there for Sophie, just like she’s been there for him. At first, taking her in seems like the best option, but soon her tantalizing proximity blurs the lines of friendship. With their high school reunion on the horizon will they find closure, forgiveness, and new beginnings?
Ten Year Dance is a contemporary love story, rich with engaging and relatable characters trying to find themselves and each other. Ara Grigorian’s latest will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Grab Your Copy Today!
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AUS | Amazon Universal Link | B&N |Apple | Kobo | Books2Read
Exclusive Excerpt
— Pete —
Today
THE SHERIFF DELIVERED the divorce papers. It’s done.
My heart slams against my ribs. Did she finally leave that toxic relationship for good? I swerve to the curb to read Sophie’s text again. Maybe I read it wrong. Maybe my wishful mind added words that aren’t there.
The sheriff delivered the divorce papers. It’s done.
Halle-freakin-lujah! I’m elated for her, but also worried. That imbalanced jerk is capable of anything.
I’m proud of you! I reply.
I’m not proud of myself… I hope you’re on your way, she writes. Don’t be late.
I pull away from the curb and accelerate toward the country club. She shouldn’t be left alone now that Seth knows she’s serious.
A few minutes later I park next to her black-on-black Mini. I glance up. Sophie is running laps around the court now. Still the All-American athlete she was in school. Which leads to one conclusion—she’s going to hurt me. Again. I can practically feel the pain.
Watching her now, I can’t help but beam. She’s free.
I slide out of the car and grab the tennis racquet from my trunk. I don’t know why I let her talk me into these things. After sixteen years you’d think I’d be able to say no to her once.
I stroll onto the court just as Sophie rounds the corner and heads toward me. “Hey, Soph.”
She slows down as she reaches me. Her golden-cinnamon eyes latch onto mine. The breeze lifts her red hair. “You’re late, Pete. Again.”
“I am an advocate for delaying pain and humiliation.”
She grins and her dimples appear, reminding me why I never say no to her. She’s awesome. I chose well back in sixth grade. My best friend then, my best friend now.
“Dork.” She punches my arm.
I hold her arm gently. “Soph, are you okay?”
She shrugs. “I think so.”
We stare at each other for a few moments. “You did the right thing.”
She studies me. “I’ve never quit before. Ever.” The last word catches in her throat.
I fold her into my chest. “You did not quit. You tried. For much longer than you should have.”
Her taught body softens.
“Now what?” I ask.
“Learn how to breathe again. Care for myself. Begin to choose me first.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Welcome to the singles club,” I whisper.
She pulls back. “You broke up with Natalie?”
“No, but you know what I mean.”
She steps away, shaking her head. “It’s this cavalier attitude of yours about relationships that’ll leave you alone and unloved.” She walks toward her tennis bag.
I decide not to remind her where her idealistic notions of love have left her. “You love me,” I say. “Who else do I need?”
“Yes, I love both you and my pit bull,” she says as she draws her blood-red racquet out of the bag and executes practice swings. “But in my dog’s case”—she eyes me—”I had him fixed.”
My leg muscles spasm and my hand instinctively reaches down to protect my vitals. “You’re sick… And dangerous.”
She glances at me with her divine smile. “And you’re still the same snot-nosed twelve-year-old I met in sixth grade. C’mon, let’s play.”
About the Author
Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…
He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).
But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.
Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.
Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.
Follow him on Social Media
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodread | Author Website
Enter Ara’s Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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The Accidental Wedding Review
by Debra Elizabeth
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GENRE
Contemporary Romance
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BLURB
Unemployed Keira Callahan decides to try her luck at the casino before delving back into job hunting. As she walks through the casino, she bumps into the most handsome man she’s ever seen. When he asks her to dinner, she doesn’t hesitate. As she learns Cade Tyndale’s story—he needs to wed or lose his British estate, her impulsive nature rears up and she agrees to marry him and move to England for one year. What does she have to lose except her heart to the impossibly handsome Earl of Barrett?
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EXCERPT
Kerry looked around for the nearest cashier window, spotted one past the roulette and craps tables, and hurried toward it. As she passed the craps table, she looked at her ticket again, with its final payout of one thousand and seventy-five dollars. It was the most money she’d ever won at the casino. Tonight was indeed her lucky night. This money would certainly give her some added time while she made up her mind about what she wanted to do next about finding a job. Still looking down at her ticket, she nearly fell to the floor when she ran into something rock hard. Or make that someone. As she began to fall backward, her arms doing wild cartwheels to try to regain her balance, her eyes found the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen standing in front of her.
He was tall and lean, with striking blue eyes and light-brown hair that fell in waves to his shirt collar. Women would kill for hair like that, it was so perfect. He looked like he’d stepped out of a GQ magazine cover; or better still, put him in a suit of armor and give him a sword, and he would become the legendary knight Tristan come to life. A hero destined to make the ladies swoon, and Keira was ready to swoon. He was impossibly handsome.
All these crazy thoughts swirled through her mind as she fell backwards. This tumble was going to be so embarrassing, never mind the bruising her bottom would endure. Much to her surprise, none of that happened. A strong arm wrapped around her waist at the last minute and prevented her from falling. Instead of sitting on the floor embarrassed, she found herself pressed against a hard and very toned chest.
“Oh, my God! I’m so sorry,” she blurted out. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Blue eyes twinkled at her. “The fault is mine. I stepped back from the table without looking. Please accept my sincere apology,” the handsome stranger said in a charming English accent before releasing his grip on her waist.
Could he be any more perfect? Not only was he Adonis, the god of beauty and desire, in the flesh, but an Adonis with an English accent. Her mouth hung open as she stared at him.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links
[image error]Debra Elizabeth is the romance pen name for fantasy author Debra L. Martin. She has been writing all kinds of stories since her teens and decided to finally publish her romance stories under a pen name so as not to confuse her fantasy fans. She publishes epic and urban fantasy with her co-author and brother, David W. Small and blogs regularly at Two Ends of the Pen.
Debra lives in New England with her husband and two kitties.
Contact links
Website | Facebook | Amazon author page | Goodreads
The book will be on sale for only $0.99.
Buy links
Amazon | BN | Kobo Books | iTunes
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GIVEAWAY
Debra Elizabeth will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
MY REVIEW
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Keira Callahan is a kind, hard working marketing specialist that finds herself in a difficult position at the beginning of the story. She recently lost her job and doesn’t know what to do, she decides to put everything away in storage… without a job and a home, she decides to go to Vegas to visit her sister’s family and see what her luck brings her. She believes that some downtime might help her figure out what she wants to do next in her life.
Cade Tyndale is the handsome and sexy fourteenth Earl of Barrett, who also has a difficult situation in his hands. He ran out of time to marry and become heir of his father’s title. There’s a lot at stake if he doesn’t fulfill the position that is rightfully his, since his brother doesn’t care much about the people that depend of it. Sadden by the reality that he soon would face, he decides to spend some time in Las Vegas.
Keira and Cade soon meet, their attraction is immediate the moment they see each other. It doesn’t take much time for them to want to get to know each other better, and when they do, the accidental wedding happens:
Before she could change her mind, she blurted out, “I’ll marry you.”
His fork stopped halfway to his mouth. “What?”
Under his intense stare, Keira swallowed hard. “Well, I was just thinking. You need a wife to keep your home, and at the moment, I’m homeless and unemployed. I could be your wife.”
It wasn’t a surprise when they ended up marrying and making a deal that will benefit both of them, with the idea of eventually going their separate ways. What seemed like a reasonable idea for both of them, turns complicated when they realized that the attraction they feel is more than they originally anticipated, making their dynamic fun and interesting.
How could she have been such a fool, falling in love with her husband?
It wasn’t at all part of the plan.
I loved that from the beginning Keira really meant to help Cade out. She wasn’t interested in the title and money he offered her in exchange of their wedding transaction. Cade saw her as a beautiful human being, and that’s why he accepted the idea as a business proposition and treated is as such thinking it was best for them both.
Keira’s welcome to England wasn’t as merry as she hoped for. She’d always had dreamed about visiting the country and spending some time there, but there was a lot she didn’t understand about her new title as Lady Barrett and the obligations that she now had. Cade was happy he could keep his father’s state and help the community that depended of it, even if his happiness was placed last in his priority list. Keira and Cade made a wonderful team and soon Keira found a way to use her expertise to improve Cade’s business and make it more profitable.
This book is a great sweet contemporary romance that will have you reading page after page until you finish it. They way Keira and Cade’s relationship develops is interesting and has you want to give them both a slap in the back of the head for being so slow at accepting the love they feel for each other, after all… they’re already husband and wife. If you like wedding romances this is a book you’ll love.
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Get your copy today!
Amazon | BN | Kobo Books | iTunes
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October 14, 2017
The Nearness of You
Check it out and grab your copy today!
The Nearness of You
by K.G. Fletcher
Genre
Contemporary Romance
About The Nearness of You
Lounge singer, Lauren Rose lived her comfortable life in Atlanta always dreaming of making it in show biz. When she unexpectedly meets British male super-model, David Randle at a gig at the posh St. Regis Hotel, she is swept away by his striking good looks and lilting cadence.
In town for his sister Catherine’s nuptials to NASCAR driver, Brian Brady, David invites Lauren to the wedding on a whim. The two instantly bond over music, fashion and family. They continue their new relationship in New York City when David invites Lauren to see him in action at a high profile fashion shoot for his debut fragrance, “Drive.”
Sparks fly when his assistant, Sabrina Watson is none too happy that his new girlfriend has interrupted his grueling, fast-paced schedule. She becomes fixated on separating the happy couple who are falling in love.
Traversing the East Coast and Europe with the paparazzi in hot pursuit, David and Lauren navigate the precarious path of fame, fashion and fate.
Her wildest dreams were coming true. Would she ever truly believe that his desire was to be near her – always?
Get Your Copy Today!
AMAZON | KOBO
About K.G. Fletcher
KG Fletcher is the author of the contemporary romance novel, The Nearness of You released in October, 2017. She has also penned romantic suspense novels, Love Song released in April, 2017 and Unexpected released in December, 2016. She is an active member of RWA and the Georgia Romance Writers Association. She was a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN and a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café. She earned her BFA in theater at Valdosta State College and has traveled the world professionally as a singer/actress. She currently gets to play rock star as a backup singer in the National Tour, “Remember When Rock Was Young – the Elton John Tribute.” (www.almosteltonjohn.com)
KG lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Ladd and their three gorgeous sons. She is a hopeless romantic continuing her work on her original cabaret act called, “The Novel Romantic – an unexpected evening of sweet & spicy love” to help promote her romance novels.
Find KG online
Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon | Cabaret Act
Enter KG’s giveaway!
Excerpt
Lauren stopped in the middle of the room wringing her hands in front of her. Her voice quivered as she spoke. “Sabrina said you were a fan of this designer. She said you told her his creations reminded you of your favorite Robert Redford movie, The Great Gatsby. I trusted them, David. But there’s no way in hell I’m accompanying you to the awards show looking like this.”
He stood several feet from her taking it all in and couldn’t find the words to comfort her; to apologize for what his team had done.
“Please say something,” she whispered as big, black tears rolled down her face.
She was wearing a dismal, gray, floor-length gown that had a high collar covering most of her skin. Long, stringy fringe hung off the neck-line and shoulders down to her breasts. It was ill-fitted and did nothing to enhance her figure. Black lace “Madonna” gloves with the fingers cut out were on her hands and several chunky, silver bracelets jingled up her arms. Her makeup was Gothic—heavy, dark eyeliner outlining her eyes and grey lips. There was not a trace of color, not a hint of the beautiful Lauren Rose in the woman that stood before him. He was most concerned about her honey-colored hair. It was either pinned up with a thousand pins or cropped short, one lone curl plastered to the middle of her forehead embellished with a flapper headband in gaudy, fake rhinestones.
“Your hair…,” he started uneasily.
“It’s pinned.” She nervously reached a shaky hand to her head as if feeling a thousand bobby pins. “I’m sorry.” She broke down, her knees buckling from under her, collapsing onto the carpet with her head in her hands.
David rushed to her, pulling her into his arms. “Oh, Lauren. Hush, darling… it’s all right. It’s not as bad as it seems,” he tried to reassure her.
“Yes! It is! The look on your face said it all. I knew this wasn’t a look that you would be fond of, but I was too embarrassed to stop them.” She sobbed while he rocked her back and forth in his arms. He tried to stroke her hair but was met with the sharp edges of hundreds of pins holding her golden locks in place, plastered with hairspray.
He pulled her back from his chest and lifted her chin with his fingertips offering a sympathetic smile. The Gothic makeup was nothing but black smears running down her cheeks.
“They didn’t even have the decency to give me waterproof mascara!” She erupted in another burst of tears, hiding her face with her gloved hands.
David was beside himself. “Lauren. Please, don’t cry. We can fix this.” He helped her up into a standing position. “And for the record, I never told Sabrina that I was a fan of this designer. I told her his creations looked like repulsive Great Gatsby zombies!” He couldn’t believe that Sabrina had deliberately done this, lying to Lauren on top of it. This news brought about another burst of tears.
“I’m a repulsive zombie.” she sobbed.
He started to lead her into the master bathroom, determined to repair the situation when the hotel phone started to ring.
“Blasted!” he yelled, quickly answering it. “Yes?” He listened as the concierge informed him that their limo was waiting. They had run out of time.
“I will be there momentarily.” He slammed the phone down.
Lauren stood in the doorway with two smudged eyes watching him, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath, keeping her sobs at bay.
“You have to go,” she said, the look on her pitiful, makeup-stained face ghostly.
“I don’t have to,” he replied. He started to take off the bow tie of his Ralph Lauren tuxedo. He didn’t have to do anything but console her. “Screw the award.”
“No! David, you have to go! They’ll blame me.” Her lower lip trembled as she steadied herself against the doorframe.
He closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Can’t you see? This isn’t going to work.”
“What?” He hadn’t heard her correctly, his eyes opening quickly.
Don’t forget to get your copy!
AMAZON | KOBO
October 10, 2017
A Shot at Love
by Peggy Jaeger
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GENRE
Contemporary Romance
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BLURB
Nothing’s impossible when love is on the menu. In Peggy Jaeger’s luscious series, the only thing more tempting than a delicious meal is a truly delectable romance . . .
Look for exclusive recipes in each book!
Photographer Gemma Laine is looking for arresting faces on the streets of Manhattan when her camera captures something shocking—a triple murder. In that moment, she becomes a target for the mob—and a top priority for a very determined, breathtakingly handsome, FBI special agent. With deadlines to meet and photo shoots on her calendar, Gemma chafes at the idea of protection, but every moment she spends under his watchful eye is a temptation to lose herself in his muscular arms . . .
With two of his men and one crucial witness dead, Special Agent Kyros Pappandreos can’t afford to be distracted. But Gemma is dazzling—and her connection to Kandy Laine’s high-profile cooking empire makes her an especially easy mark for some very bad people. Keeping her safe is much more pleasure than business, but as the heat between them starts to sizzle, Ky is set to investigate whether they have a shot at love . . .
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EXCERPT
Dressed in similar sweats to what he’d worn the morning before, his body bathed in gleaming sweat, Ky pummeled one of the suspended bags. His hands were wrapped with white gauze, his arms toned and taunt as he executed each strike with perfect precision and technique.
Gemma stopped on the final riser and watched him batter the bag, fists moving with swift, defined actions, the jabs fast and hard, the recoils even faster.
Shoulders raised, elbows tight, hands balled and up blocking his cheeks and jaw line, he threw a right jab, left, then two rights, all aimed high, and a final forward thrust left, lower on the bag, his knees bending to give him balance.
Gemma wanted to race back to her room, grab her camera and capture the scene before her.
Kyros Pappandreos was the epitome, the very definition of a natural born fighter. Distinctly male, uniquely the warrior, his body moved with the grace of a panther, the stealth of a tiger stalking its prey, and the accuracy of a cobra striking. There was something so sensual, so primal, so animalistic about him, she knew she had to photograph him just this way.
She’d capture him in slow motion first, his tight fist connecting with his target, the sweat of exertion flying from his forehead. Then, she’d move to rapid fire, the image blurring with the speed of his hits. A pugilist, enigmatic, tough, and hard bodied, the bulging muscles and corded sinew in his arms distended with his action, outlined and bathed in the shiny moisture pouring from him.
Ky repeated the moves in the same series of strikes three more times before dropping his hands to his thighs.
He swiped at his forehead with the back of his hand, his breathing hard, but not labored, and turned.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
[image error]Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.
Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
Tying into her love of families, her children’s book, THE KINDNESS TALES, was illustrated by her artist mother-in-law.
Peggy holds a master’s degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer’s Disease during her time running an Alzheimer’s in-patient care unit during the 1990s.
In 2013, she placed first in two categories in the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest: Single Title Contemporary Romance and Short/Long Contemporary Romance.
In 2017 she came in 3rd in the New England Reader’s Choice contest for A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and is a finalist in the 2017 STILETTO contest for the same title. A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mmj122687/
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GIVEAWAY
Peggy Jaeger will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2412/
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10 must-have items in every kitchen
It’s no secret I love to cook. Over the past forty years I’ve had a lot of experience in deciding what I need to have in my kitchen and what’s just a passing fad ( remember THE SALAD SPINNER? HeeHee) The following items are the ones I think every kitchen should have. Whether you are just starting out on your own in adulthood, or getting married for the first or second time, these items are perfect for the average household. They will get used frequently, won’t sit in a drawer gathering dust, and are all worth the money spent on them. In no particular order, the 10 must-have kitchen items, according to me, are:
a SCALE. When I got my first measuring scale from Weight Watchers a lifetime ago, it simply weighed the food so I would know what my portion sizes were. These days, scales do so much more, from giving you the nutrition values for the items you are weighing, to helping you convert measuring systems. How much you invest in a scale is up to you. I still have my original WW $9.99 scale and it works great for me.
a really good, basic prep COOKBOOK. I know most things are digital nowadays, but there is nothing I like better than actually thumbing through the pages of a cookbook, seeing the pictures of the finished products, and easily reading how to prepare a recipe. In my house, I have over 130 cookbooks and they have all been used at varying times. Some more than others!
a good sifter. There really is no substitute for a good sifter. If a recipe calls for sifting, the need for aeration is there for a reason. You can actually taste the difference between cake that has been sifted in the prep stage and cake that hasn’t. The sifted will taste lighter and be more delicate. The unsifted may taste denser. I prefer delicate and light, myself.
a marble rolling pin. So why marble and not the standard wooden one? Marble is heavier for one thing. I have arthritis in my hands and when I use a wooden pin to roll out dough I have to work harder – press down more firmly – to get the desired effect of thinning the dough. With a marble pin, due to its denser makeup, I don’thave to press as hard and I still get the desired thinning effect. Wooden pins, it has been my experience, tend to crack if you don’t keep them proper oiled, and after a while I just think no matter how well you wash them, bacteria builds up on the surface. Plus, it makes sense that the chemicals in your washing liquid penetrate the wood after time. With marble, because it isn’t porous like wood, that doesn’t happen.
a cutting board. So many materials to choose from and every professional chef will tell you theirs is the best. Again, I prefer something other than wood for the bacteria reasons mentioned above.
a microplane. A hand held one is the kind I like best because I can control the amount of food, vegetable, cheese, or spice I am grating. Those old fashioned, bulky cheese graters are a pain in the neck to clean. A hand held one is so much easier all around to use.
a good set of measuring spoons and cups. Some cooks are excellent “guessers.” They can spoon an exact teaspoon of salt, or add a solid, perfect cup of sugar without measuring it. Not me. I use my measuring tools daily.
a really good, sharp knife. Again, every chef has his/hers own set of individual knives they like best ( Ever watch TOP CHEF? When Padma says, “Pack your knives and go,” she is not just stating the party tag line!) You can have a full service of fifteen to carve and slice every item imaginable, or you can have one or two that you use for most everything that needs slicing and dicing. The caveat is that it has to be sharp and easily handled.
a Spice Rack. And I’m not referring to the kinds you can purchase that already house thirty spices, 24 of which you will never use and probably have never heard of. No. I want you to individualize your own spice rack – and it doesn’t even have to be a rack, per se. It can be a cabinet in your kitchen. Just fill it with the basics for now and as your cooking talents grow, so too will the variety of your spices. Start with these 5: salt, black pepper, chili powder, nutmeg, cinnamon.
a set of mixing bowls of varying sizes. Glass or metal, it makes no difference to me. Just have them vary in sizes so you are not mixing eggs in a bowl meant to house dough as it rises! Tiny to medium to large. I actually have 3 sets, all with varying sizes from the other, so I have 9 differing sized bowls. I know…but I’m a little obsessive.
Thanks so much for hosting me today. It’s been a pleasure.
October 9, 2017
Last Week of Laura’s Tour!
Hi, everyone!
THIS IS THE LAST WEEK OF THE TOUR!!!
I had a wonderful eight weeks visiting good friends and meeting new people. It’s incredible how time flew and I can now look back at two months of love and support from so many wonderful people.
The last stop of the tour is at The Avid Reader. I had a great time during her interview. Make sure to visit and you’ll find out about my future writing plans, my characters and my furry friends.
To keep the tour spirit, my books will be on special price ($0.99) until October 15. Please let all your friends know, I don’t know when they might be on discount again.
Now more than ever I encourage you to visit all stops in the tour, not only to comment and leave me a message, but to participate in the giveaway. We all love to win exciting prizes! The Rafflecopter giveaway will be live until TODAY!
Thanks for all your support!!
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Here are all the stops:
August 21: Fabulous and Brunette – How to Hold Yourself Accountable
August 21: Straight From the Library – Author Interview
August 24: Romance Novel Giveaways
August 28: Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews – Author Interview
September 4: The Reading Addict – A Writing Process That Works
September 11: Hearts and Scribbles
September 11: Christine Young – Author Interview
September 18: Reviews by Crystal – Author Interview
September 18: Long and Short Reviews – Character Interview
September 25: T’s Stuff – Author Interview
October 2: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews – Guest Post
October 9: The Avid Reader – Author Interview
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Here are the links. Remember that the special price will be running for limited time!
The Bridesmaid’s Checklist: Laura’s Wedding
The Bridesmaid’s Checklist: Marisol’s Wedding
Later!!
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October 4, 2017
Thrill of Love
by Melissa Foster
Check out the blog tour and be sure to grab your copy today!
About Thrill of Love
The Bradens are a series of sexy stand-alone romances. These hot contemporary romance novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction.
Fall in love with Ty Braden, a world-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer. He’s about to take on his toughest assignment yet–winning the heart of the one that got away.
Do you believe in fate?
World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his–and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.
After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.
Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.
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“When it comes to contemporary romances with realistic characters, an emotional love story and smokin’ hot sex, author Melissa Foster always delivers!” The Romance Reviews
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York TimesBestseller Lauren Blakely
WANT MORE BRADENS? All Braden books can be read as stand-alone novels or as part of the series:
THE BRADENS (Peaceful Harbor, MD)
Healed by Love (Nate)
Surrender My Love (Cole)
River of Love (Sam)
Crushing on Love (Shannon)
Whisper of Love (Tempest)
Thrill of Love (Ty)
***
The Bradens are part of the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Characters from each sub-series appear in future books.
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About Melissa Foster
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, and the Wild Boys After Dark. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented.
Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
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Don’t let the lighter covers fool you. The Love in Bloom big family romance series features fiercely loyal alpha male heroes, sassy, smart women, and sinfully hot love scenes. Characters from each series appear future books, so you never miss an engagement, marriage, or birth. Download a free reader’s guide HERE and get more FREE readers guides, family trees, and more HERE! To make following the series even easier, pick up the essential Love in Bloom Series Guide HERE!
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Excerpt
He leaned in close, and she held her breath, readying for a kiss she wasn’t sure she should accept—but she wanted nonetheless. She closed her eyes and his lips touched her cheek.
“Good luck out there, baby cakes,” he said just above a whisper, and walked away.
The air rushed from her lungs. Baby cakes. That’s what he’d called her last time they were together, though she’d never known why. Did he call everyone baby cakes? And if so, did those other women feel as special as she did when he said it? She watched him walk away and noticed several other girls also enjoying the view of his fine ass in those tight cycling shorts. Life would be a whole lot easier if she were more like her much-older sister, Cherise, who had raised her from the time Aiyla was fifteen, when they’d lost their mother. Cherise lived a careful, meticulously orchestrated life, void of any risks, including those that pertained to her heart. She’d married a safe, reliable accountant with no sense of adventure. They had a comfortable home with a white picket fence and two adorable little boys. Just the idea of living such a mundane life made Aiyla’s stomach turn. Hadn’t their mother’s death taught her sister that fate played its hand no matter how many walls one erected? Living a safe, boring life in fear of it all being taken away wasn’t living at all.
Aiyla had accepted long ago that she’d never be a white-picket-fence type of girl. She loved adventures, thrived on capturing in photographs that would live on forever the faces of people who had lived full, even if torturous, lives. And she felt rejuvenated when surrounded by untamed wilderness. As she forced her gaze away from Ty, her fingers absently brushing over the cheek he’d kissed, she had to admit, she also enjoyed the sheer energy of a man marking his territory.
Now, if only she could focus on the race instead of the man who’d set her heart on fire.
October 3, 2017
Mine for The Week
From the award-winning author of MINE FOR NOW comes the next sizzling standalone story in her Wild Love Series available now, about a chance meeting that changes the course of two people’s lives! Don’t miss the amazing excerpt below and grab your copy of MINE FOR THE WEEK today!
About MINE FOR THE WEEK (Wild Love Series #2)
As the top collegiate shortstop in the country, Ryan O’Donnell’s life is about discipline and training. But a growing restlessness causes him to bail on his baseball team over spring break to join his buddies at an exclusive singles resort. He just needs a few days to escape his life, and then he’ll get right back on track. But not twenty minutes after he arrives he meets HER, and the world as he knows it changes irrevocably. It should only be a hookup—that’s what spring break’s all about—but one taste of this sexy, vibrant woman isn’t enough. He has to have her. Even if it’s only for a week.
Sophie Valentine—yes, that Valentine—just found out her siblings want to sell off Crazy Hearts—the Peeps of the Valentine’s Day world. Being the youngest by eight years, she’s used to feeling left out, but selling off her family’s legacy without talking to her first? Not gonna happen. Upset, she takes off with her friends on their spring break vacation. She only wanted an escape—she never imagined meeting HIM. He’s smoking hot and intensely protective of her—and she loves it. But he’s about to start a major league baseball career, and she’s launching a battle to keep the family company. They have no future. It’s just…she’s never felt this way for anyone before.
Are they really going to walk away from this kind of connection…this
passion? Or can a week turn into a lifetime?
Order your copy of MINE FOR THE WEEK today!
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And don’t miss the first title in the Wild Love Series!
Excerpt
“Soph?” His arm banded around her, and he hauled her closer to his chest. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he stopped himself. He watched her with an unnerving intensity.
“Yes?” she said, barely able to speak. Was he going to kiss her?
But he just leaned his forehead against hers and let out a slow breath. “I’m about to defile my body, and I need your support.”
“Crazy Hearts are all about the lovin’.”
He fought a smile. “We’ll see about that.” He brought the cookie to his mouth and took a small bite. Immediately, his mouth puckered. He coughed, blowing the powdered sugar all over the desk. “That’s terrible.”
“No, it’s not. It’s beloved.”
“It’s like eating a mouthful of sugar. Is that the only ingredient?”
“Of course not. There’s also corn syrup, hydrogenated oil, artificial coloring, and some benzoate
preservatives.”
“Jesus, Soph. You trying to kill me?”
“And, look, it’s not just a cookie.” She pulled his hand toward her, licking her lips before pressing them into the confectioner’s sugar. “It’s lipstick, too.”
He looked at her like she made him happy. “Everyone used to do that in middle school. I don’t know why it didn’t have this effect on me then.”
“What effect?”
“Makes me want to kiss you.”
“I know. I’m a sexy beast.”
“You are so sexy.” He leaned in, lips parted, and he stayed right there, so close she could smell the cookie on his breath. Was he asking for permission? She didn’t know. All she knew was that one moment her breath was trapped in her throat and the next his tongue swept along her lips. Arousal streaked through her so hot and fast the soles of her feet burned.
“Delicious,” he murmured, before tipping her chin. And then he kissed her. The moment their mouths met, he moaned, his arms wrapping even more tightly around her. “You light me up.”
His mouth opened hungrily, his tongue sliding in and seeking hers. She couldn’t resist. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him right back.
Yes, oh, yes. Sensation spread from her center, a warm, thrilling rush that pulled her under. His hand went to the small of her back, pressing, and his kiss grew hungrier, more carnal.
“Damn.” His other hand gripped her thigh, and he shifted her, spreading her legs so she straddled him. And once he had her right there, pressed up tight against him, his hips rocked up.
And, God, the heat of his body, the silky softness of his hair. The urgency of his kiss. She slid her hands under his T-shirt, caressing the smooth skin and hard muscles of his chest. His stomach contracted, his arms tightened around her back, and his kiss turned voracious. She moaned into his mouth because nothing had ever felt so good.
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About Erika Kelly
Award-winning author Erika Kelly has been spinning romantic tales all her life–she just didn’t know it. Raised on the classics, she didn’t discover romantic fiction until later in life. From that moment on, she’s been devouring the genre and has found her true voice as an author. Over three decades she’s written poems, screenplays, plays, short stories, and all kinds of women’s fiction novels. Married to the love of her life and raising four children, she’s lived in two countries and seven states, but give her pen and paper, a stack of good books, and a steaming mug of vanilla chai latte and she can make her home anywhere.
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October 2, 2017
Last Few Weeks of Laura’s Tour!
Hello, everyone!
THIS IS WEEK SEVEN OF THE TOUR!!!
Two more weeks before the tour is officially over. I’d love to continue visiting more blogs and collaborating with them, but I also have to prepare for NaNoWriMo 
September 28, 2017
When I Fell For You
by Candace Shaw
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GENRE
African American Romance
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BLURB
Has a wedding planner with a commitment phobia finally found the man to make her fall head over heels in love?
Reagan Richardson loves planning extravagant, classy weddings as the head planner of Precious Moments Events. Though the notion of walking down the aisle has never entered her mind … considering none of her boyfriends have ever lasted long enough thanks to her. However, meeting Dr. Blake Harrison changes all of that in a glance and she finds herself in uncharted territory.
Blake knows all about Reagan’s fear of commitment but that doesn’t stop him from pursuing the ravishing beauty. Breaking down the wall guarding her heart isn’t as easy as he thought but being with Reagan has stirred emotions in him that no other woman ever has. Can he convince her that history isn’t going to repeat itself this time around?
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EXCERPT
“And you’re going to try parasailing? I’m driving the speedboat.”
The thought of being attached to a parachute high above the ocean while dragged by a speedboat made Reagan nauseous. “I’m still contemplating, but I will go jet skiing with you.”
“Perfect. Can’t wait either way. I don’t care what we do as long as I see your fine bod in a bikini.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. Blake always knew what to say to make her weak at the knees. Now she had to go shopping to find a sexy new bikini and a cover-up considering it was a family outing. She couldn’t be too sexy.
“You just concentrate on keeping me safe on the jet ski and the parasailing.”
“So, that’s a yes to the parasailing?”
“Mmm … only if you go really slow.”
“I’ll drive at whatever speed you can handle,” he said in a low, deep voice. “Just scream out my name when you’re comfortable and want me to go faster.”
“You have a dirty mind, Doc.” Not that I care.
“What?” he asked in an innocent manner. “That’s your mind in the gutter. Just want to make sure you can handle the excitement and stamina of it all. It’s a very … uh, thrilling adventure.”
“I bet it is.”
“Can’t wait for you to find out.”
“Are we still discussing parasailing?” she asked, crossing and uncrossing her legs. This conversation was causing her to have the urge to jump in the car and speed to his bed where he’d just finished his nap.
“Were we ever talking about parasailing?”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candace Shaw writes romance novels because she believes that happily-ever-after isn’t found only in fairy tales. When she’s not writing or researching information for a book, you can find Candace in her gardens, shopping, reading or learning how to cook a new dish.
She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her loving husband and is currently working on her next fun, flirty and sexy romance.
Social Media and Website Links
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Buy Links for When I Fell for You
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GIVEAWAY
The author is giving away a $10 Amazon/BN giftcard.
September 27, 2017
Birthday Girl
Check it out and grab your copy today!
Birthday Girl
by Lily Kate
Genre
Contemporary Romance
About Birthday Girl
Good things come in extra-large, smoking hot birthday suits.
Bad boy Cohen James has screwed up yet again. Star forward of Minnesota’s pro hockey team, Cohen’s made a name for himself—and not in a good way. So, at the insistence of his agent, he’s stuck volunteering at the local YMCA teaching introductory adult swim lessons for ten weeks. Ten weeks of torture.
What he doesn’t expect is her.
Annie Plymouth, star pupil.
Her ruffled green bathing suit might be the most ridiculous thing he’s ever seen, but after a few heated breaststroke lessons and some intense mouth to mouth, Cohen’s ready to get her out of the water and into her birthday suit… except she has a different game plan.
Is the pair destined to sink… or can they swim?
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Exclusive Excerpt
I step under the steam of the shower and let the water cascade down my back. The goose bumps wash away, as does the rush of adrenaline. Eventually, the nightmarish memories wash down the drain, too—at least for now.
Surprisingly, the only thing that doesn’t fade is the memory of Cohen’s hands around my waist. His fingers just a little too low, a little too close to my core. When he held me it was nice; it was strong, protective even, as if he’d never let me get hurt. This makes me even more annoyed because it’s the last thing I should be thinking about right now.
I stay under the water until another woman enters and decides it’s her time to shine in the karaoke spotlight that is the women’s locker room. She begins belting out a little ditty from Night at the Roxbury, and I decide it’s time for me to leave before my eardrums turn in their resignation letters.
I towel off, change, and return to watch my grandmother’s synchronized swimming class once I’ve calmed down. If I didn’t absolutely have to stay, I’d already be gone. Unfortunately, Gran’s my ride home. Well, my mother is, technically, and she won’t let me leave Gran here, so I have no choice but to wait.
As I enter the pool area, the last thing I expect to see is Cohen James, asshole extraordinaire, holding a baby. And looking sexy as hell doing it.
Before my ovaries combust, I turn away from where he’s teaching something that looks like a toddler swim class and face a bunch of women in their eighties attempting handstands and dance moves in the water. The change in scenery from Cohen James to retired synchronized swimming is not ideal, but it’ll have to work.
Because the way Cohen’s gaze met mine just now, across the open pool, a look of apology waiting specifically for me—the whole thing nearly wiped away my entire grudge against him. His eyes have an almost magnetic pull to them, as if begging me to run across the deck and jump into his arms.
That’s out of the question, however, since I’m still pissed at him.
Maybe, someday, I’ll forgive him.
Then, maybe, I’ll let him kiss me.
About Lily Kate
USA TODAY bestselling author Lily Kate works a pretttttty boring day job and writes books filled with heat, heart, and humor by night. Her debut novel, Delivery Girl, landed instantly on the USA TODAY list, thanks to all of her fabulous readers!
