Cate Masters's Blog, page 53

Bright spot in a sad day

Probably like you, I've been caught up all day in the unspeakable tragedy unfolding in Newport, Connecticut. My heart's breaking for all those families, and I've been unable to tear myself away, trying to make sense of it all.

So it came as a nice surprise when I learned that Robin Covington of USA Today had featured my book video for The Goddess Connection series in her column. You can see it here. Thanks so much, Robin - I really appreciate it! And I'm glad you like the video. Now I need to get to work on the other two books I have planned for that series...

Right now, it's difficult to think of anything except hugging my kids and grandkids, and praying that this type of horror doesn't happen again. An impossible request? Hey, we all deserve a Christmas miracle right now.

12 1/2th Day of Christmas: Lucy Felthouse

Cate: Yay, I convinced Lucy Felthouse to travel Across the Pond to spread some holiday cheer! Lucy, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Lucy: I am a British writer of erotica and erotic romance for several publishers. I also run my own company, doing PR, Marketing and Web Design (http://www.writermarketing.co.uk) for writers. My days consist of juggling writing, running my company, and promoting my own work!
Cate: You're living the life! :) What do you love most about Christmas? Lucy: I used to say time off work, but since I quit my job and started working for myself, there's no such thing as time off! ;) So I'd say all the delicious food and chocolate that is offered! :D
Cate: Writers keep terrible hours, don't we? lol Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past? Lucy: Ooh, last Christmas was pretty special. I was on holiday in Fuerteventura, and we found an English pub that was doing traditional Christmas dinners. So we sat, overlooking the beach and the sea, eating a yummy Christmas dinner. Awesome!
Cate: It sounds it! If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for? Lucy: The winning lottery ticket would be great, thanks Santa. That means I can splash out and head to some US conferences next year!
Cate: That would be cool! What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special? Lucy: Hmm… we don't really do surprises in my family. We tend to give each other lists – and mine always consist of books and DVDs!
Cate: You sound like me - I think my Amazon wish list is 7 pages long, lol. Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share? Lucy: I don't do cooking. I'm the one who sits around eating the food other people have made.
Cate: Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Lucy: My latest release came out on the 7th December. It's an erotic short story—the first in a series—called A Taste of London. It's published by Ellora's Cave.
It's based on the lead character, Ryan Stonebridge, going on his gap year with a friend. They start their adventure in London, which is where the action in this book takes place. Later books in the series will go to Paris and Rome. After that... who knows?
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Lucy: Ryan Stonebridge and his friend Kristian Hurst are heading off on the trip of a lifetime. They’re spending their gap year traveling the world and expect lots of sun, sights and sex. The guys have a couple of days in the English capital before catching the Eurostar to Paris. Unfortunately, a family emergency means that Kristian has to head back home for a while, leaving Ryan to continue the trip alone. Luckily for Ryan, he’s an attractive guy and there is no shortage of gorgeous women available to help take his mind off Kristian’s family drama. There's more info and a trailer here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/a-taste-of-london/
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Lucy: Basically, I wanted to write something for Ellora's Cave, so when I saw they'd launched a range for men, I thought it would be perfect. I like to write for men, and from the male perspective, so I had a lot of fun writing the story. It took a while to come up with a concept, especially since it's so male-fantasy orientated, but when I got the idea I was surprised to find it would very easily turn into a series. So here I am, now trying to find some time to write the next installment.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Lucy: Yes, please! I'd like to let readers know about my upcoming release (December's a busy one for me!) – Reindeer Games: Cupid. It's very different from A Taste of London, in that it's more aimed at women, and is a paranormal erotic romance. It comes out on 17th December, and is a perfect Christmas read, along with the other titles in the Reindeer Games series.
You can find more info here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/cupid/
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 - er, 12 1/2 -  Days of Christmas! :) Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!
Thanks so much for having me, Cate! You have a great holiday, too! :D

12th Day of Christmas: Helena Harker

Cate: Helena is here to spread some holiday cheer! And heat up your cold winter nights. :) Helena, please tell us a little bit about yourself.Helena: I’m new to erotica. I’ve been writing novels for young adults for several years now, and after the 50 Shades of Gray furor, I decided to try my hand at writing something a little spicier and naughtier. And I actually had some stories accepted by Ellora’s Cave! I’m thrilled!
Cate: Very exciting - congrats! What do you love most about Christmas?Helena: The decorations! I love to drive down the street at night and look at all the brilliant displays of colour. It’s amazing the lengths some people will go to make their houses look great for Christmas. My house isn’t so great, but I’ve got a row of huge red candy canes across my porch.
Cate: Love taking the kids out at night to see the lights too. Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?Helena: When my mother used to let us open ONE Christmas present after midnight on Christmas Eve. That was always special.
Cate: If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?Helena: Please, Santa, can you get my kids to go to bed at 7 pm every night so I can have more time to write? LOL.
Cate: Ha, I know the feeling! :) What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?Helena: My husband always buys me jewelry. Usually it’s gold or pearls. So those gifts are always special.
Cate: Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share?Helena: Oh God, there are so many! I have a sweet tooth. I like anything that is chocolate mint, or fudge, or a “bûche de Noel”, or egg nog!
Cate: It is hard to pick just one! Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.Helena: It’s about a submissive woman who is given the task of being a dominatrix for the evening. It’s daunting for her, but she manages to rise to the challenge. It was great fun to write. Here’s the buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Submission-ebook/dp/B00A8MOALU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354583089&sr=8-1&keywords=helena+harker
Cate: Whew, I think you just melted a few snowmen with that cover, lol. Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Helena: Blurb: When Bethany finds her Master’s note, she expects it to contain the usual set of instructions telling her how to prepare for their Friday evening play session. But her Master asks for the unexpected—he wants her to be his Domme. Bethany is terrified at the prospect, but she doesn’t want to disappoint Master. She’ll need to tap into her inner dominatrix if she’s to give her newly submissive lover what he needs. Show More Show Less
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?Helena: A lot of BDSM books are about a woman being submissive, but I wanted to try something different and have the woman become a switch.
Cate: Helena has her Santa hat on!Helena: I’d like to give away a copy of “Master’s Submission,” my first release with Ellora’s Cave. Remember, leave your email address so I can contact you if you win!
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas, Helena! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!
And tomorrow will wrap up the event! Yep, it's a baker's dozen. And there's a time lag between the U.S. and the U.K., so it still counts. :) So be sure to visit again tomorrow!

11th Day of Christmas: Wendy Ely

Cate: Wendy is here to spread some holiday cheer! Wendy, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Wendy: Thanks for having me here, Cate. I’m Wendy, a contemporary and romantic suspense author, in Phoenix, Arizona. I have a busy life with two teenagers and my real life hero.
Cate: So sweet! What do you love most about Christmas? Wendy: Like most families, mine is very busy. Between Dan’s 6 day work week and the teenagers’ work week, we only have a few hours of quality time together. Christmas provides us extra days off of work and school to enjoy each other’s company.
Cate: Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past? Wendy: I received my first book contract right after Christmas. I had been stressing over a publisher giving me the run-around over the manuscript during the holidays. Their contract was the perfect ending to the holidays and a great beginning to the new year.
Cate: Love that. :) If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for? Wendy: This might seem silly but Dan and I are not engaged. I’d love for Santa to grant me the wish of Dan formally proposing. We’ve talked about getting married but he hasn’t popped the question yet. He says he does everything in a big way and it’ll come without me suspecting it.
Cate: Aww. Hope Santa grants your wish! Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share? Wendy: I’ll let you in on a little secret… I don’t do the cooking. Dan does, so I really don’t know the Christmas recipes ;) By the way, the kids prefer his cooking over mine any day.
Cate: You lucky woman! lol Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Wendy: Confessions, Desert Secrets Book 1 has been re-released. You can find the book here: http://amzn.com/B00A3FVT84
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Wendy: Here is a short excerpt: Jordan slid to the side so she could position herself in front of the monitor and keyboard. His hand brushed her thigh, sending sparks through her. It took effort to remind herself that the task at hand was much more important than his thigh resting against hers, or his hand moving to the back of her chair and his fingers playing with a strand of her hair. Denying the temptation was a lost cause. She wanted Jordan, and wanted him bad, but she could only admit it to herself. Even though she was supposed to be looking for her daughter, every part of her body yearned for Jordan’s touch.
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Wendy: I started with the character, Chelsea Montgomery, and asked a bunch of questions about why she’d left her hometown without telling them.  After playing the “what if” game with her, the details of her selling her baby, Jordan finding her, and being forced to stay in Wilson, Arizona seemed to mesh together for a fantastic story.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Wendy: Confessions is book 1 the series. Midnight Secrets is book 2 in the series and available on most ebook retailing sites.
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas, Wendy! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!

10th Day of Christmas: Wendy Burke

Cate: Author Wendy Burke is here to spread some holiday cheer! Wendy, please tell us a little bit about yourself.Wendy: Well, Cate, when I’m not playing with the people in my head –and there are way too many to count! – my day begins at 3AM. I wish I could say I’m up writing – in a way I am – but not on the fiction I love so dearly. I’m a television producer and am responsible for two hours of local programming daily. I’ve been in media all my life – radio, TV, commercial production, and now fiction writing. And, yes, my coworkers will find themselves in one of my novellas soon! (Gee, hope they all have a sense of humor!)And, I’m proud to say I’m a born & bred Cheesehead – displaced, however, for the past 30 years!I live with my cute chef husband (no cooking – bonus!) and two furry felines in the Great Lakes region of the MidWest.
Cate: Definite bonus, lol. What do you love most about Christmas?Wendy: Just how wrong would it be if I said I’m really not a fan of holidays?! Well, I just did. However, I am a huge fan of winter, although winter certainly isn’t the ‘winter’ I remember growing up in Wisconsin! There just isn’t nearly enough snow!But, going back to the ‘Christmas’ question – what I love about Christmas is my husband’s obsession with getting a real tree, cut at a tree farm the day after Thanksgiving and having it lit by the time I get home from work (since I’m usually working holidays).Of course, the religious aspect – which is slowly becoming something in the ‘background’, in my opinion. A good carol by a church choir always gets to me.
Cate: I know, where did all the Christmas snow go? :)Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?Wendy: My favorite memoriesare a collection of things: my mom making potica (a Slovenian nut bread), the entire five-foot in diameter kitchen table covered in dough---the special cookies she would make (waterhorns were my favorite)--the large tree bulbs with the clips on them, they got HORRIBLY hot after a few hours of being lit – ribbon candy, which I’m sure was made only ONCE in the past 600 years, like sourdough bread it all comes from the same batch and no one eats it!
Cate: Ha! Yes, like those clear hard lollipops that kids were lucky to finish with their teeth intact, lol. If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?Wendy: The ability to hang out with my parents—both gone too soon.
Cate: Mine too, and the holidays are a little empty without them. On a cheerier note, tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.Wendy: Well, this blog fits right in, as Wise Men Say is set during the holidays! I was so pleased to honor my hometown (Hey, Sheboygan!) by having it as the hometown for the characters. I may have inadvertently written the perfect Lifetime or Hallmarknetwork movie…long lost love returns for the holidays…with a bit of a twist. Let’s just say the title is two-fold. (And, uh, Lifetime, if you’re interested, have your people call my people…)Wise Men Say is my third 1NightStand story through Decadent Publishing—I’m happy that DP keeps me around! You can find it on my publisher’s website: www.decadentpublishing.com, Amazon, and other ebook retailers.If you head over to DP, you’ll also find my first three works, Respite – and two more 1NS stories, The One He Chose, and Haste Ye Back.
Wise Men Say – Blurb:
More than twenty years ago, Emmy Patterson kissed her fiancé for the last time. Despite bad news from U.S. military services, to this day she has reasons to hold on to hope he's alive and celebrates his life every chance she gets.          Her family, however, thinks her partly crazed, unable to grasp the reasoning behind her perpetual optimism.            Called on a business trip to promote her glass artwork, she spends the winter holidays in Las Vegas.  Is this chance travel to the Hotel Castillo in Vegas a coincidence, or does the wise Madame Eve know ‘some things’ were meant to be?
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share?Wendy: I love to hear from readers, and I personally respond to emails (no auto reply for this gal!). Holler at me: wendyburke1994@bex.net. Tweet me: @wendyburke1994.  Facebook me: Wendy Burke Author. Or harass me at my blog: www.whateverwendy.blogspot.com 
Cate: Woot! Wendy has her Santa hat on. :)Author:  Zip me an email by midnight Dec. 12, 2012 and one lucky person will win a copy of Wise Men Say – wendyburke1994@bex.net.
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!

9th Day of Christmas: Katie Harper

Cate: Katie is here to spread some holiday cheer! Katie, please tell us a little bit about yourself.Katie: I started writing when two people showed up in her head and wouldn't leave until I told their story. They had a party, invited a few friends over. Now I spend my days doing the bidding of imaginary people. I live in a city made for sin on the edge of a desert with my husband, two daughters, no pets, and enough lemon bundt cake to give a refugee camp an obesity problem.
Cate: Love it. :) What do you love most about Christmas?Katie: The presents. Not receiving, I don’t really care if I get something. I like to give. I like to surprise people with a gift they didn’t know they wanted but ends up being perfect.
Cate: It's a great feeling, isn't it? Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?Katie: Christmas and I have had a difficult relationship. Six years ago on Christmas Day my husband died. I was 27 and I had an 18 month old daughter. I went through all the typical stages psychiatrists like to blather on about until I reached a point where I was totally happy being single. In fact I'd decided to never marry again. Kind of an odd declaration for a romance novelist. Then I met Rogerio. It might have been that I hadn't been involved with anyone in years but I was instantly attracted to him. The fact that he had a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, was a pastry chef, sexy as hell, and from Brazil had pretty much everything to do with it. Then I got to know him and discovered that all that stuff paled when held up to his kind, compassionate nature. My daughter fell in love with him from the moment they met. He went to all her school functions, helped her with homework, taught her to ride a bike, all the dad stuff. He just needed to suck it up and ask me to marry him because I sure as hell wasn't going to do it. I knew he wouldn't do anything showy. What he did will go down in history as the single most ballsy proposal ever. On the five year anniversary of my first husband's death, on Christmas Day, he asked me to marry him. He hedged his bet by showing up with a five carat ring. How was I going to say no to that? His goal was to give me a happy memory of Christmas. And he did. One year later, two weeks ago, I gave birth to our beautiful daughter Scarlett Sophia.
Cate: Such a sweet story! And bittersweet. If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?Katie: I’d ask for my whole family to be together on Christmas morning. I have four brothers, one sister, and a whole slew of nieces and nephews so getting us all together in one place is a bit difficult. I’m kind of getting my wish this year. My youngest brother has been in Malaysia for two years and he will be home just before Christmas this year. The whole fam damily will be here the day after Christmas to see him. Almost.
Cate: What a wonderful reunion! What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?Katie: My engagement ring. It was special because the man attached to it is so amazingly wonderful.
Cate: He sounds it. :) Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share?Katie: I’m kind of known for the world’s best hot chocolate. My daughter calls it Polar Express Hot Chocolate. My husband calls it Eight Ounces in a Cup = Ten Pounds on Your Butt.
Ingredients:1.5 cups whipping cream1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk6 cups milk1 teaspoon vanilla2 cups of milk chocolate chips
Instructions: Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a crockpot.Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Garnish as desired.
Cate: Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.Katie: Never Say Just is about an ex mercenary/assassin whose past comes back to haunt her. When a group of Force Recon Marines show up to pull her butt out of the fire she has to learn to let someone fight beside her. You can find it wherever ebooks are sold!
Decadent Publishing http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=569&osCsid=4v7ius91s5rjqnqb8lbg173e72
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Never-Say-Just-ebook/dp/B008C9MD06
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt?Katie: You betcha!
Haunted by her past of murder for hire and skinning people alive to gather vital intelligence, Kat Boudreaux wants nothing more than to hide away in her sprawling mansion with the love of her life--her daughter. But then Private Gump and his band of Bubbas land on her doorstep. Her brother and his unit of misfit Marines insert themselves with the misguided need to protect her from someone hell-bent on vengeance.
For Shooter, it's love at first sight, though he wouldn't be caught dead admitting it. When Kat is nearly fatally injured while saving his life, he knows he's found the woman for him. Together, they fight side by side to get to the bottom of the threats. Kat's daughter is kidnapped and this ex-assassin mom reverts back to old habits to save her. Saving Kat and her daughter is easy, taming the shrew that is Hell Kat Boudreaux might mean losing his favorite appendage.
~Excerpt~
Shooter leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Bar?” Oh God yes. Yeah, this evening will be brought to you by Jack Daniels and Jim Beam. I ordered a shot of whatever was closest and downed it. Shooter handed me a mint julep while he sipped his scotch. Bless that man. I scanned the room for the enemy. I had honed this skill over several missions for GSA. It’s amazing how quickly things come back to you when you were threatened.
My gaze fell on the first threat, Louise LaLourie. Why her parents had named her Louise with a last name like LaLourie was completely beyond me. Of course she had sported several other last names over the years but she always returned to LaLourie. At one time she desperately wanted to be known as Louise Boudreaux. But, I was married to my husband at the time and he had shown her the no trespassing sign right away. Louise held a flute of champagne in her hand, her cunning eyes searched for the next Mr. LaLourie. Her sights fell on me and she stalked forward. I’m not kidding, she stalked, like a lioness, toward me. I looked over at Shooter. I needed to warn him that the most bedded woman in New Orleans was on the prowl. He was busy at the bar fighting for his constitutional right to get good and shit faced completely missing my look of caution. Since I knew Louise watched me I smiled and prayed the words “die, bitch, die” were not tattooed on my forehead.
“Oh my gawd. Are you finally out of mourning?” Her accent was so thick you could cut it with a K-Bar. “I understand grieving, but honey you can’t put yourself in cold storage for the rest of your life. But you are looking great. Look at you. I was afraid you’d locked yourself up in that big ole house and either ate or drank yourself to death. I am so relieved to see you looking as good as ever. Who are you wearing, darlin’? You look positively wonderful.”
Of course her compliments were about as real as her boobs, but I smiled back and said, “Versace.”
“Donatella?” Louise asked with pity in her voice.
“No, Gianni. It went up for auction at Sotheby’s a few years ago and I just had to have it. Though this is the first time I’ve worn it.”
Edna could look forward to a big, fat Christmas bonus this year. The envy on Louise’s face was priceless. It was worth coming to this damn ho down, and I mean ho down, just to see her face turn a lovely shade of green. She would have given a lot to own an original Gianni but she didn’t and I did. Take that you nasty bitch.
Shooter took that moment to turn around and hand me another cocktail. His eyes went big and he tried to take a step back but the bar was in the way. I hadn’t taken in what Louise wore until that moment. She wore a black, too tight to breathe, strapless Dolce and Gabbana that made her boobs spill over the tops. Truth be told I had that same dress in my closet at home. But I would never choose to accessorize it with a purple leopard bra that poked strategically above the neckline. Her lecherous eyes zeroed in on Shooter. She had the sniper in her sites and he was about to feel the full force of Louise’s slut-o-matic up close and personal.
“Well, hello. You must be Kat’s brother?”
“No, Louise,” I interrupted, “This is my date.” I choked on the last word.
Louise didn’t care. She wouldn’t care if a man was in bed with his wife on their wedding night, she believed all men were available. “And what is your name, gorgeous?”
“Shooter,” he smiled and leaned into her gaze a slight come and get me smile smeared across his face. I seriously wanted to pop his eyes out with a shrimp fork but I reigned in my rage.
“And what is it that you do, Mr. Shooter?” Translation: Can you afford me? She said as she pressed herself up against his body shamelessly exposing all her voluptuous assets.
He raised his hand and extended a finger. Shooter pushed the tip of his long thick finger into the center of Louise’s forehead forcing her to take several steps backward. His gaze had gone from playful to deadly. “I kill people,” his whisper was sinister.
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?Katie: I am a military history junkie and I love strong women, you can’t get stronger than a woman who made a living slitting throats. More than military history or strong women, I like watching people change for the better.  
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share?Katie: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Cate: Merry Christmas to you! Woot! Katie has her Santa hat on!Katie: I will give a copy of Never Say Just to one random commenter. Get those fingers flying people and comment away!
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday! And I hope all your family makes it home to see your brother. :)

8th Day of Christmas: Alexa Bourne

Cate: Alexa is here to spread some holiday cheer! Alexa, please tell us a little bit about yourself.Alexa: I’m a teacher by day and a romance writer by nights, weekends and all school holidays. I love to read, travel, eat chocolate and watch sports. I’m a little crazy, but people seem to love me anyway!
Cate: lol What do you love most about Christmas?Alexa: I love everything about it! I love the music, the gift-giving, the decorations, and spending time with family and friends. I also love to see people being kinder to each other.
Cate: Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?Alexa: When I was young, my parents got divorced. After that, my aunt and uncle made it a tradition to take me to their house for an overnight to help them decorate for Christmas. We would pick out the tree, decorate it, sometimes we made ornaments, and watched Christmas shows. This meant so much to me that when I bought my home, I began inviting my youngest nephew and niece to come over to help me decorate.
Cate: So sweet. :) If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?Alexa: A chance to visit with my father and my grandparents. They all passed away before I received a book contract and they were so supportive of my dream to be an author. 
Cate: Aw, I'm sure they're still proud! Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share?Alexa: LOL! Nope. I don’t cook. I just eat. :)
Cate: Ha! It always tastes better that way. :) So tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.Alexa:  Simple Treasures was a difficult story to write. I actually wrote it twice because it wasn’t working as I was writing it. I took a day off, studied why it wasn’t working and plotted a different book with the same heroine but a different hero. THAT worked and I couldn’t be more proud of the story as it is now. As for where it is, I’m still waiting for an official release date from Decadent Publishing.
Cate: Stunning cover! Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Alexa: Sure! Here’s the blurb:
Take-charge bodyguard Colin Munro believes working for the International Protective Network will be the perfect occupation for him. Unfortunately, his trial assignment is protecting a woman who has no intention of blindly following orders. Aye, he’ll bring the bonnie lass in line because there’s no way he’ll allow her to ruin his chance of securing his dream job.Physically and emotionally scarred during her stint as a U.S. soldier, Joanna Grainger wants nothing more than to enjoy life. New Year's Eve in Edinburgh marks the beginning of her transformation. But when she witnesses a crime no one believes occurred, her plans come to a screeching halt. To make matters worse, her sexy but headstrong bodyguard has no compassion for her or the victim.As danger hunts them during one of the busiest time of the year, Joanna must convince Colin she's a worthy partner. But first, can she convince herself?
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?Alexa: I spent New Year’s in Edinburgh a couple of years ago and I had so much fun I knew I wanted to write a story set there and during that time. As for the suspense angle, it just came to me as the characters revealed themselves to me.
Cate: Very cool. Anything else you’d like to share?Alexa: I hope you and all your readers have a WONDERFUL holiday and a happy 2013!
Cate: The same to you! And thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday! Alexa: Thanks for inviting me to join you!

Cate: On a side note, I'm holding a Holiday BlurbFest at TBR, my reader's blog this weekend. If you have a holiday story, please share your blurb there! Or if you're a reader who loves holiday stories, go check out the blurbs and get ready to add to your TBR list.

You can find TBR here: http://tbrtheblog.blogspot.com/

7th Day of Christmas: Angela Brown

Cate: Author Angela Brown is here to spread some holiday cheer! Angela, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Angela: Hey Cate :)First, let me say that it is an honor to be here with you and your readers today. I am the author of Neverlove, a young adult novel infused with action, romance and elements of paranormal. I’m a single mom who works a full-time day gig while living a double life as a recently self-published author. Reading and writing are big-time passions for me and Wild Cherry Pepsi is my addiction of choice lol!
Cate: The honor is mine, Angela. :) What do you love most about Christmas? Angela: The fact that more people choose to treat each other as people. We seem to become more aware of how blessed we are and take it for granted for less…until we awaken drunk on New Year’s Day lol!
Cate: Ha, too true! Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past? Angela: Yeah, it’s one my little Chipmunk – my daughter – has no memory of. Her father and I were still happily married at the time. We woke up early because I was so giddy to celebrate my little girl’s first Christmas. We opened presents left and right. She slobbered on new stuffed animals effectively rendering them unreturnable then she crawled on the floor having the best time with just the boxes. Yep, the boxes lol! Couldn’t get mad. She was having a blast. As I watched her, so was I.
Cate: So cute! If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for? Angela: Peace on earth and good will toward men is nice, but perhaps we could start with putting concern for human beings as employees somewhere near equal footing with profits for a start, maybe?
Cate: What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special? Angela: I’ve always considered my daughter my best gift. She was born in the summer but she was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever been a part of creating. Her love for me is beaten only by the love I believe God has for me. That’s a whole lot of love J
Cate: Aw, love that. Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share? Angela: Uhhhhh…I am so inadequate to respond. I really need to get in better touch with domestic Me lol!
Cate: Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Angela: Neverlove is a tale of overcoming, of two teens – upper YA – who grew up with little to no expectation of love and eventually find it in each other. But with secrets and duties that pull them in different directions, would they be able to keep this rare thing they’d found or would they be destined for an existence without true love? It can be found at Amazon. Here are the buy links: Amazon.com, Amazon.fr, Amazon.de, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon paperback
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Angela: Sure. Here is a brief scene with Basil after an assignment: He tiptoed from the shade trees then made his way through the complex, past the pool and into his corner apartment. Lucky for him, the upstairs neighbors moved out the day he arrived. Although, the more he thought about it, the more he wondered if luck had anything to do with his life. How lucky could he be if he joked up on sealing a deal with the devil for his soul? Stupid lucky, maybe. He shut the door behind him and strode to the overstuffed couch, one of many pieces of the furnished and decorated apartment. From the Zen posters, glass vases with silk flowers weighted in place with assorted marbles to the serenity fountain nestled in a nook of the hallway, nothing really fit him. Until now. He picked up the journal and pen, finally feeling a piece of home. Pressing the blue button, a thin strand of blood slithered from the end. Putting pen to paper, he wrote: Important rule: Cleansers are my enemy. Important rule: “Don’t even think about falling in love. Not happening. Can’t happen. So don’t try,” as quoted by Perfect Pam. So what am I supposed to do with what’s going on inside me every time I think of or see Abby? Important truth: I’m not what I used to be. What I am now is a crap-load of unknown. Unworthy. Yeah, afterlife with the devil sucks.
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme? Angela: Forbidden love is something that always calls to me. The novel also touches upon a few sensitive subjects that aren’t the center focus of the story, but their presence has purpose in regards to the importance of finding ways to overcome obstacles, even if we’re the ones placing them before us without realizing it.
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Angela: I’d be honored to have folks hop on over to Amazon to get their own copy of the novel, if they haven’t yet, but maybe they’d like to consider it a gift for someone else. Also, a small random act of kindness can go a long way to making someone’s day.
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday! Angela: Thank you for having me.

6th Day of Christmas: Krista Ames

Cate: Krista just arrived by special delivery! Krista, please tell us a little bit about yourself.Krista:  Hi Cate, thanks so much for having me here to spread the holiday cheer !!  I am a stay-at-home wife and mom of 4 and a full-time author in between all that wife/mom stuff J  I live in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan where we definitely get some snow.  Those are the days I wonder why I ever left Florida lol. 
I also love visitors and hope that readers will come see me at my blog,  http://www.apassionforromance.blogspot.comor my website, http://www.kristaames.com
Cate: What do you love most about Christmas?Krista:  You know, I think the thing I love most is seeing how excited and happy my kids are come Christmas morning.  There’s no better feeling. 
Cate: I agree. :) Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past?Krista:   I don’t’ think I’ve ever had a bad Christmas really.  The  biggest surprise I think I ever got was before I was married.  We went to my mom and dad’s house for Christmas morning and after everyone was done unwrapping and cleaning up, he sat me on the floor and sat a huge box in front of me.  I got super nervous lol.  I unwrapped the big box only to find another box inside, a bit smaller and wrapped as well.  That went on for about 5 more boxes until I got down to a tiny box that turned out to be a ring box.  I was in a bit of shock but when I opened it, there was no ring, only a folded up piece of paper.  I didn’t dare look around because I knew everyone was watching me.  So, I read the note, crying as I finished it and when I looked up he was on his knees in front of me holding the ring.  Of course I said yes J
Cate: That's so sweet! And romantic. :) If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for?Krista:   For my kids to all have long and happy lives!
Cate: What was the best gift you’ve ever received? What made it so special?Krista:   I’ve received so many over the years but my favorites have been the ones hand made by my children. 
Cate: Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share?Krista:  Oh of course :)
These are 2 I love to make for any of our get-togethers…
** Cream Cheese Bars
2 (8oz) pkgs. Cream Cheese(softened) (I microwave 30sec to 1 min.)2 tubes Croissant Rolls¾ c. sugar½ stick butterCinnamon-sugarPreheat oven to 350deg. Mix sugar and cream cheese, set aside.  Spray bottom of 13x9 pan.  Spread 1 can of Croissant rolls in bottom of pan.  Cover the rolls with the cream cheese mixture.  Carefully spread the 2nd can of Croissant rolls over the top of the cream cheese mixture.  (I do this last task in triangle sections.  I spread them out on a cutting board then place them on top so the cream cheese is all covered)  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar all over the top and dot with butter.Bake 20-25 min. or until rolls are browning.  Cool before cutting and serving.

Pineapple Cake
Cake2c. flour1 tsp. baking soda2 c. sugar2 eggs1 can crushed pineapple and juice (Large can)Mix all ingredients well.  Bake at 350 deg. 30-35 min. in 13x9 pan or Texas sheet cake (jelly roll) pan.  (I use the jelly roll pan, makes the cake last longer and the pieces aren’t so thick.)
Frosting1 (8 oz.) pkg cream cheese½ c. powdered sugar½ stick butter1 tsp. vanillaBeat all til creamy, frost while cake is hot!
Cate: Mm, I'm going to try those! Now for the real goodies - tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online.Krista:  Sure, my latest release is called Take Me Home, Cowboy in the Western Escape series at Decadent Publishing.
Buy Links:
Decadent:  http://www.decadentpublishing.com/
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Take-Cowboy-Western-Escape-ebook/dp/B00AA3PA52/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1353466393&sr=8-7&keywords=Krista+Ames
B&N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/take-me-home-cowboy-krista-ames/1113823704?ean=2940015728804
ARe:  http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Krista:   Of course…how about both ?
Blurb: Ally Kincaid returns to Freewill, Wyoming, to see her father after a two year absence. Anticipating a quiet family reunion, she finds herself butting heads with her father’s foreman instead. The man’s arrogance and sexy drawl push all her buttons, making her wonder what he’s hiding beneath his cowboy swagger.
Matt Gentry walked away from the past and shies from the future. No ties means no one gets hurt…until the boss’s daughter, a hot, green-eyed blonde, tempts him to break his own rules.
When tragedy strikes, will building tension and pride destroy their growing attraction or show them the way home?
Excerpt: “I need to buy that man an answering machine.” Furious, Ally held the receiver away from her ear, eyes closed as the phone on the other end rang continuously. “Come on, Daddy, where are you?”
She was ready to hang up in frustration when the receiver was picked up and then—by the sound of the loud clanging on the other end—dropped.
“Circle K,” said the deep male voice rather breathlessly.
“Where in the world were you?”
“Excuse me?” the husky voice asked.
Oh crap, that’s definitely not Daddy. She’d been so surprised her call had finally been answered, she hadn’t realized there was nothing familiar about the voice at the end of the line “I’m sorry….” she cracked. Wow, where did that high-pitched squeak come from? “I’m sorry, who is this?”
“This is the Circle K Ranch. Who’s this?”
The man’s question held an impressive sexy drawl. Definitely not a voice she’d ever heard in New York City, and one she’d only be lucky enough to find in her dreams.
“I’d like to speak to Jesse Kincaid, please.” She did a mental inventory of all the ranch hands but couldn’t place the voice. And he obviously didn’t recognize hers either. Must be somebody new her father had hired since the last time she’d been there.
“Sorry, ma’am, he’s not here. What can I do for ya?”
“When will he be available, please?”
“Now, ma’am, I don’t guess I’m at liberty to say until I know exactly who it is I’m speaking at.”
God, men could be so arrogant. Why did he need to know who was calling? A simple answer would suffice.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but this is Ally Kincaid. Who exactly are you?”
“Well, well, isn’t this a nice surprise? Miss Ally Kincaid. Did your father know you’d be calling?”
She gritted her teeth in frustration. Who does this cocky, know-it-all cowboy think he is? 
Cate: What inspired you to write about the theme?Krista:  Cowboys in general J  I love cowboys and I love the west and one day the storyline just popped in my head so I wrote it down. 
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share?Krista:  Just want to thank you so much for letting me be a part of your 12 Days of Christmas!  I had a lot of fun!
Cate: Woot! Krista has her Santa hat on.Krista:  I would love to give away an ebook copy of Take Me Home, Cowboy to one lucky commenter that can tell me what they like most about Christmas !!  and don’t forget to leave an email address so I can contact you!
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday!

5th Day of Christmas: Cassandra Dean

Cate: Cassandra Dean is here to spread some holiday cheer! Cassandra, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Cassandra: Sure thing, Cate! I predominantly write historical erotic romance, with stories set in Ancient Rome, Victorian London and the American West, but I also have plans to write in other time periods and genres. Bit of a hodgepodge author, that’s me. I’m Australian, love Joss Whedon, have an inappropriate obsession for film cameras and tend to get stuck on this question right about now…So I will leave it there ;)
Cate: Ha, I can relate. :) What do you love most about Christmas? Cassandra: Ohhh, so many things, it super hard to choose just one! I think the thing I love most about Christmas is getting together with my family and opening presents. The joy and laughter that abounds is the loveliest experience, and I look forward to it every year.
Cate: Me too. Do you have a favorite memory of a Christmas past? Cassandra: Again, so many but the first one that popped into my head was the year my parents gave me a digital SLR camera. We’d had a horrendous year as a family, with lots of crap and terrible things occurring. I’d wanted a digital SLR for ages, and had a vague thought of purchasing one at some undefined point in the future. When I unwrapped my present that year and saw the expense my parents had gone to and the beautiful thought behind it, I burst into tears. It was so overwhelmingly generous of them.
Cate: So sweet. :) If Santa could grant one wish, what would you ask for? Cassandra: Oh man, a toughie! Um…happiness and health for my family and friends, I reckon. But, if I were to be selfish, I would ask for an all expenses paid trip around the world! That would be rather awesome :D
Cate: Any favorite Christmas recipes you’d care to share? Cassandra: Mince pies! They are so yummily delicious, and so simple to make!
MINCE PIE RECIPE
Fruit mince recipe: 470g can crushed pineapple ¼ cup brown sugar 1 cup sultanas ½ tspn cinnamon 1 cup raisins  ½ tspn nutmeg ¼ cup currants 1 tbsn cornflour ¼ cup apricots ¼ cup brandy 1 apple
Peel and grate apple. Combine all ingredients in saucepan except cornflour and brandy. Stir over medium heat until mixture boils, reduce heat, simmer 3 minutes or until fruit is plump. Blend cornflour with brandy, mix into hot fruit mixture. Stir until mixture boils and thickens. Cool before filling into pie shell.
Pastry recipe: 1 cup plain flour                                       1 egg, seperated 1 tbsn icing sugar 1 tbsn iced water (approx) 1 tbsn custard powder 1 tspn finely grated lemon rind 90g cold butter, chopped coarsely1 tbsn white sugar
Grease 12 round based patty pan (or metal pie shells). Process flour, icing sugar, custard powder and butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and enough of the water to make the ingredients come together. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius. Roll two-thirds of pastry until 3mm thick. Cut rounds to fit patty pan or shells. Repeat until all 12 are filled. Spoon fruit mix into pastry cases. Roll reserved pastry until 3mm thick. Fashion pie lids in whatever shape you desire. Place over fruit mixture, brush with egg white and sprinkle with sugar. Bake pies 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Stand for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Cate: Yum! Thanks for sharing. Tell us about your latest release, and where readers can find it online. Cassandra: Book 1 of the Diamond Series and part of Decadent Publishing’s Western Escape, ROUGH DIAMOND is the tale of a lady saloon owner and the empty-headed Englishman who wants to purchase it from her.
ROUGH DIAMONDis available from the following ebook retailers:
Decadent Publishing ~ Amazon.com~ Smashwords ~ All Romance eBooks ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Amazon.co.uk
Cate: Care to share a blurb or excerpt? Cassandra: Of course! How about both?
Owner of the Diamond Saloon and Theater, Alice Reynolds is astounded when a fancy Englishman offers to buy her saloon. She won’t be selling her saloon to  anyone, let alone a man with a pretty, empty-headed grin…but then, she reckons that grin just might be a lie, and a man of intelligence and cunning resides beneath.
Rupert Llewellyn has another purpose for offering to buy the pretty widow’s saloon—the coal buried deep in land she owns. However, he never banked on her knowing eyes making him weak at the knees, or how his deception would burn upon his soul.
Each determined to outwit the other, they tantalize and tease until passion explodes. But can their desire bridge the lies told and trust broken?
Rating: 3 Hot
~ Excerpt ~ Lifting the glass, Alice studied its contents. “There is nothing quite like the enjoyment you get from a good whiskey. There’s the look and color of it, and the way it burns in the light.”
“It’s the same color as your eyes,” Llewellyn breathed, his own wide and empty of thought.
A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. That’s right. Fool me into thinking there’s not an ounce of calculation to your words. “Is it? Mighty kind of you to notice.”
A happy grin was her response.
Well now, she was surely going to enjoy this. Setting her own half-smile, she tilted her glass, watching as the whiskey caught the light of the candle. “Have you ever noticed the feel of glass? It’s smooth against your fingers, and though the whiskey burns you, the glass is cool. It seems strange, doesn’t it? That such fire could come from something so cool.”
Intensely aware of his gaze upon her, she brought the glass to rest on her bottom lip. “You lift the glass to your lips, and all that coolness rests upon your flesh. The scent of the whiskey hits you, sweet and fiery. Your mouth waters, and you can’t wait to have it inside you. Slowly, so slowly, you tip the glass, teasing yourself as long moments in want of its taste stretch unbearably.”
He no longer wore a smile. Dark eyes watched her as strong fingers dug into the glass before him.
A prickle washed over her skin, her heart a steady beat in her chest. With hushed voice, she continued. “Liquid slides down your throat. The flavor explodes inside you, a glorious rush of sensation that overwhelms and consumes. You curl your tongue, enjoying the lingering sensation in every part of your mouth. Then, you look at the bottle.” Finally, she met his gaze direct. No subterfuge. No tease. “And you know you can do it again.”
Cate: Oo, love it. What inspired you to write about the theme? Cassandra: My editor, actually. We were finalizing edits on my previous book, TEACH ME, and she suggested I submit a story to Decadent Publishing’s Western Escapeline, with which she was involved. I had a bit of a think, came up with lady saloon owners, coal mines and empty-headed Englishmen who aren’t what they seem and the rest is history. I must admit, I had never even contemplated writing a historical Western, but I’m really glad I did. It was so interesting to research all the bits and pieces that made up ROUGH DIAMOND, to learn about coal mining in Wyoming and how long it takes to get from Cheyenne to San Francisco by train in 1876!
Cate: What’s coming up next for you? Cassandra: A Christmas-themed book! The second in the Diamond Series, FOOL’S GOLD is the tale of Pearl la Monte and Ethan Garrett, two people who dislike each other and are trapped alone in the Diamond Saloon by a blizzard on Christmas Eve…Here’s the blurb:
Christmas in Freewill
Christmas Eve, the Diamond Saloon is empty of its people, and Pearl la Monte has a hankering to retire early. A pounding at the Diamond’s door rids her of such a fool notion. Her irritation rises when she sees the prissy, polite-like Garrett standing outside.
Ethan Garrett has a powerful need to gain succor. When the saloon’s voluptuous redheaded singer scowls at him from the threshold of the Diamond, he doesn’t stop to think on how his ire at her has disappeared. Or how he just wants to spend some time in her company.
When a blizzard storms in, trapping them, will they spend their time arguing or find their irritation for each other disguises something more?
Cate: Anything else you’d like to share? Cassandra: I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, however you choose to celebrate, and a safe and prosperous New Year. Now, bring on the mince pies! :D
Cate: Peeps, Cassandra has her Santa hat on... Cassandra: I’d like to offer a giveaway#! Comment below, leave your email address and you’ll go in the running to win ROUGH DIAMOND swag – a signed postcard, a magnet and a keyring! But that’s not all - seeing as it’s Christmas, some special Christmas-spangled Haigh’s Chocolates* will be included! Haigh’s is the BEST CHOCOLATE EVA, and I’m sure the lucky person who wins will enjoy immensely.
Cate: Thanks so much for being part of the 12 Days of Christmas! Hope you have a jolly holly holiday! Cassandra: Thanks so much for having me, I’ve had a blast!
Cassandra Dean Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Tumblr ~ Pintrest ~ Amazon.com
===================================================================== # The small printComment before midnight on 12 December 2012 (Australian Central Standard Time) to be entered to win one (1) signed ROUGH DIAMOND postcard, one (1) ROUGH DIAMOND magnet and one (1) ROUGH DIAMOND keyring, as well as Haigh’s Chocolates to the value of AUD$5.00. Winner will be selected via random.org, with winner’s name posted on this blog by 15 December 2012. Cassandra will also contact the winner by e-mail; the winner will be required to reply with their postal address so Cassandra can send the prize to them. Only one entry per ISP address. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. By entering, you agree Cassandra can use your name when announcing the winner if you should win. If potential prize winner forfeits or does not claim the prize, prize will be re-awarded, in Sponsor’s sole discretion. All prizes will be awarded. International entries are welcome. No purchase necessary to enter. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Void where prohibited by law.
*Haigh’s Chocolates will be sent via mail from Adelaide, South Australia, to wherever in the world the winner resides. This could take some weeks. If this is something that concerns you, please consider carefully before entering the competition.