Krista Ames's Blog, page 97

Tasty Tuesday & A Teaser ~ A.C. Katt

Tasty Tuesday & A Teaser Every Tuesday we'll welcome an Author who will share a foodie type post with a recipe or two and some book promo! Today please help me welcome AC Katt!

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The Indiscreet Series and My Foodie Tendencies.
AC Katt
 I admit it, I’m a foodie and because I am, in every one of my books food is featured prominently.   The Indiscreet series starts out in A Matter of Trust with Bear and Reed drinking Kona coffee over blueberry scones.   In the second book, Jack’s Back, Jim, Reed’s submissive throws a beautifully decorated carrot cake at Reed.



 In Cisco’s Boy, the third novel of the Indiscreet Series; Master Cisco d’Loria takes Dr. Greg Harris as his sub; but he doesn’t want love, in fact the contract expressly forbids it. One of the ways Greg seduces Cisco is food. One of the dishes that Greg prepares Cisco is southern fried chicken with cream gravy, mashed potatoes and broccoli with garlic and oil.      The recipe for the chicken and gravy follows:
12 chicken thighs or
1 ½ cups flour
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp rubbed sage
1 tsp. thyme
salt to taste
pepper to taste
 8 oz of light cream
Enough peanut oil to put an inch of oil in the bottom of your skillet.
 
1.   Rinse and thoroughly dry your chicken.
2.   Mix flour, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt and pepper thoroughly in a bowl.
3.   Fill a second bowl with light cream.
4.   Dip the dried chicken in flour and leave it set for ten minutes.
5.   Dip the chicken in the light cream.
6.   Dredge the chicken through the flour and leave it set for an additional ten minutes.
7.   Heat oil in an electric skillet to about 340 degrees.
8.   Put chicken skin side down and fry for five minutes. Turn the chicken and fry another five minutes.
9.   Take chicken and put it in an oven proof pan and bake at 325 degrees for fifteen minutes.
10.       While chicken is in the oven, drain the oil from your skillet leaving the brown pieces on the bottom of the pan. Whisk your cream mixture into the pan and cook adding salt and pepper to taste. This is your cream gravy.
11.       Serve chicken with gravy on the side.
 
Greg also cooks Cisco lemon chicken with butter lemon sauce and long grain and wild rice, veal marsala and a hearty beef stew. Does Greg win Cisco over with his charms or his cooking.  Read the book and you decide.  Cisco’s Boy is available from MLR Books at: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AK_CISCOand Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Ciscos-Boy-Indiscreet-C-Katt-ebook/dp/B00GPS1TSI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388267249&sr=1-1&keywords=cisco%27s+boyand read the other books in the series for more food ideas including the next book in the Indiscreet Series, Bull’s Whip due out on January 31;  where Jamie make blueberry pecan muffins for his man.
 

Book Blast: UNFORGETTABLE HEROES - The Boxed Set

 


UNFORGETTABLE HEROES BOXED SET
Sexy, Strong, Irresistible and UNFORGETTABLE
 




Several of Turquoise Morning Press’ award-winning and bestselling authors share their favorite contemporary romance heroes—all boxed up for you in one sexy and irresistible package! From a sexy carpenter to magnetic CEO, a rough-and-ready cowboy to a homeless man, a classic car buff, a starving artist, a Latin-style dancer, and an FBI agent—each unique hero has his own story to tell, and a heroine who just can’t forget him. Ever.
 
With an introductory promotional price of $0.99, how can you resist this unforgettable boxed set, either?
 
Released:  January 30, 2014
Turquoise Morning Press
ISBN: 978-1-62237-258-4
     Ebook only
Available at these retailers:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, All Romance Ebooks, and more.
 
Promotional Price: $0.99
 
 
 
 
The UNFORGETTABLE HEROES boxed set includes:
 


Will Work For Love —Hurricane Destiny leaves a trail of destruction across the island of St. Thomas, jeopardizing the wedding of Whitney Oliver’s best friend. When Whitney arrives on the island, she finds a disaster only a sexy carpenter like Chris Maxwell can repair. Despite the sizzle between them, Chris has secrets that threaten his construction business and force him to work for Whitney’s love. Amie Denman , EPIC Award and Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist.
 
 
 


This Magic Moment —Zack Graham, CEO of Scrumbles Snack Cakes, is energetic, magnetic and forget it—no women for him, except to relieve an occasional sexual itch. He’s a workaholic who refuses to let a woman make a fool out of him again. But what about Crandall Drake, the CEO of Pretzelicious Pretzels? He tells himself all he wants is sex. His heart tells him it wants more. Bobbye Terry is the award winning author of contemporary, historical and fantasy romance.



 
Her Hired Man —Hot nights, a double sleeping bag and a stranger for a husband…how much can one city girl take? Lillian Osborne needs a husband for a weekend. Wesley Hatfield needs money to customize his beloved classic car before Detroit’s biggest auto show. The perfect agreement turns out to be anything but when their accommodations turn out not to be what Lillian had expected. Cat Shaffer is a Golden Heart finalist and award-winning writer.
 


 
Sins of the Father —Just like the Princess in the classic tale Sleeping Beauty, Aurora’s life doesn’t really begin until her heart is awakened by a handsome struggling artist. But with her life in danger, Aurora must hide who she really is. Unbeknownst to her, her struggling artist isn’t who he appears to be either.... Friend, lover, or foe? Janet Eaves is an Amazon bestselling author of the Ladies of Legend contemporary romance series.
 
 
 
  Holding Out For a Hero —Abigail Benton is a bum magnet, according to her dad, so when she becomes attracted to Eli, a homeless man at the community center where she works, she wonders if what her dad says is true. But when Eli saves her life, Abigail decides she is going to return the favor and save his life by turning it around. Trouble is, Eli isn’t on board with her plan. Jennifer Johnson writes comedic romances are so entertaining even guys read them. Author of the TMP top-selling Rescuing Riley.

 
 
 
Rawhide and Roses—She’s roses, he’s rough-and-ready rawhide. Kim Martin is hardly equipped for a Colorado camping trip, especially when her mountain guide is a rough-edged cowboy who is as untamed as the wilderness. Thad Winchester’s patience for city women is wearing as thin as the seat of his jeans. But there is something about Kim that puts his hard-and-fast don’t-touch rule to the test. Maddie James , Amazon bestselling author of contemporary and western romance.
 
 
 
Long Distance Love —Sometimes the distance between two hearts can be measured in frequent flier miles. Love may be a many splendored thing, but it’s rarely convenient. Can FBI Agent Jack Rudolph and fiercely independent Ellie Nichols find a way to make a long distance relationship work?   Margaret Ethridge , contemporary romance fan favorite and TMP top-selling author of Commitment.
 
 
 
 
Silent Partner —Grayson Anders is a talented Latin-style dancer and wealthy co-owner of a happening nightclub. Chloe LaRoche is a talented artist, but failing entrepreneur with her once thriving studio now on the brink of foreclosure. When the two indulge in a passionate, out-of-control, one night stand, they awaken the next morning consumed with inspiration. Grayson finds his perfect dance partner while Chloe finally finds her muse. Will her secret destroy both their dreams? Renee Vincent , award winning author of historical and contemporary romance.
 
 
 
 
Buy Links:  
Turquoise Morning Press Bookstore  
 
AMAZON  |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  KOBO  | iBOOKS |  ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS  | BOOKSTRAND  |  SMASHWORDS  
 
Tourwide Giveaway
 Turquoise Morning Press and its authors will be giving away…
1 - $25 Amazon Gift card
1 – ebook set of UNFORGETTABLE HEROES
  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author, author... Cynthia Sax ~ Flashes of Me

...read all about it !!



Today please help me welcome a Character interview with the heroine of Flashes of Me!
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Cynthia Sax Interviews Kat from Flashes Of Me
 
A curvy blonde waltzes into the room. She wears a pale yellow skirt suit with scallop details, a white belt, white slingback heels and pretty white lace wrist-length gloves.
 
Cynthia Sax: I love the suit.
 
Kat: (beams as she sits down) Thank you. (smoothes her blazer) This is one of my father’s favorites. When I wear it, he calls me his sunshine.
 
Cynthia Sax: (smiles) You’re close to your father.
 
Kat: I’m very close to him. He’s a wonderful person and a brilliant businessman. I spent the last five years by his side, helping him. It wasn’t formal work experience, that space on my resume is distressingly blank, but I learned so much from him.
 
Cynthia Sax: Are you worried about not having any formal work experience?
 
Kat: (leans forward and whispers) Between you and me, yes, I’m very worried. I’m a new intern at Blaine Technologies and interns are chosen by their executives. What if no one chooses me?
 
Cynthia Sax: I can’t imagine that happening.
 
Kat: I can imagine it happening…too vividly. (forces a smile) But I have to think positively. My father says there are positives in all situations.
 
Cynthia Sax: (nods) He’s a wise man. (flips through her notes) You recently moved from New York to L.A. What positives do you see in this move?
 
Kat: No one here knows my last name or my past. They don’t know I shouldn’t be happy. (smile wavers) I need to be happy, Cynthia. I need to laugh, to have fun, to focus on this fresh start. If I don’t, I’ll cry and I promised my father I wouldn’t cry.
 
Cynthia Sax: (clasps Kat’s gloved hands) You’ll be happy here, I know it, and maybe you’ll find love also. What are you looking for in a man?
 
Kat: He should be kind and clever and treat me well. (eyes sparkle) I also like BIG men, VERY big men, the bigger, the better.
 
Cynthia Sax: He should be big all over?
 
Kat: (laughs) Oh, yes. (her cheeks turn pink) He should be big all over.
 
Cynthia Sax: (grins) You’re my type of girl. Thank you for stopping by today, Kat.
 *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *    Flashes of Me By: Cynthia Sax Releasing Feb 18th, 2014   Blurb  
Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly, using his network of cameras, and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, along with his scarred hands and huge size, have resulted in his being feared by everyone … almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss's wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses … and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can't look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?   Link to Follow the Tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/12/now-booking-tasty-virtual-tour-for.html     Buy Links:  Harper Collins   Amazon   B&N   iTunes   Author Info Cynthia Sax lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always say, “I love you”, they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They play hard. They love the same women forever.

Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago.Please visit her on the web at www.CynthiaSax.com   Author Links Author Website: http://cynthiasax.com/ Blog: http://tasteofcyn.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.sax Twitter: @CynthiaSax   Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 Amazon or B&N Gift Card) a Rafflecopter giveaway   

Author, author... Elizabeth Morgan & Truth or Dare? @EMorgan2010

...read all about her !! Please welcome Elizabeth Morgan to A Passion for Romance! Hi there, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure. Hey, I’m Elizabeth Morgan. I write erotic romance mostly in the subgenres paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary.  I live in the UK in a little cottage with my two cats, Phantom and MJ. I’m a movie addict. I love the computer game the Sims. I love comic books. My fave TV show is Dr Who. I love mythology and folklore. I like gardening, and have yet to kill any of the flowers I planted, which is a good sign. I’m afraid I’m not very interesting. lol

What did you want to be when you were growing up or did you always want to be a writer?
I originally wanted to be an actress. I went to drama groups, and studied Musical Theatre in college, but although I enjoyed performing I kept having story ideas, and I knew that as an actress I would always be taking part in someone else’s stories, and it seemed like such a waste of all these ideas I was being given. So, I started writing scripts, and then after a friends suggestion, I started writing stories.


When did you first start writing?
My own stories? I think the first time I tried I was like 14 years old. We had to write a story for English, and I wrote about an assassin.  
What is a typical writing day like for you? 
Ideally, I would get up make myself a cuppa and after I have checked my emails, I would turn on my mp3 player, open my word doc. Read over the last page I wrote and carry on from there. If I’m super lucky no one will interrupt me, and I will only take breaks if I really need to. This might last all day.
The way it stands at the moment, I might have an hour or two to spare after I get in from work to write as much as I can. Oh the joys of day jobs . . . .


Do you have any specific routine you follow or specific items you need with you when you write?
No, I’m afraid I’m rather boring. I do have my mp3 player on most of the time, but its not necessary, mainly to just block all outside noises out.
   What is your favorite part of writing?  Is there anything you don’t like about being a writer?
I like becoming hooked on a story, or rather obsessed to the part that you need to work on it. I like the feeling of accomplishment when you see the final product.
No, there’s nothing that I don’t like about being a writer, but I do find it difficult to write sometimes, especially because my day job can exhaust me to the point that I go brain dead, which is naturally not helpful to an author in any way, shape, or form.
   What is your favorite length of book to write?  (Short story, novella, full length novel) Why?
I don’t actually have a favorite, because a lot of the time I’m not actually sure how short or long the book is going to be. I tend to improvise a lot. To date, I have written two short stories, four novellas, and two novels.
  How does your family feel about your writing and you being an author?
Half of my family think it’s really cool, and half think that it is a hobby and don’t know anything about what I write, or even that my work has been published.
   Is there a to-be-read waiting on your bedside table?
I have a lot of books that I both want and need to read. I’m currently experiencing my first audio book. I’m listening to Angela Aarons “Pleasure Island,” which I’m enjoying so far. After that I will be reading a book called, “Rescuing Lacey.”
  Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 
Favorite 5 1)  Favorite Holiday
Rome, which is sadly the only place I have ever been outside of the UK.

2)  Favorite Drink
Hot chocolate with all the extras ;-P

3)  Favorite Author
Oh that’s such an unfair question lol I don’t have a fave. I have a handful; Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Lara Adrian, Kit Rocha, Jill Myles, Meljean Brook, Gena Showalter, Moira Rogers, Dianna Hardy

4)  Favorite Book
Even harder question, because there are tons of books that have blown me away and made me go, “damn, why didn’t I think of this?” A lot of those books have been written by the above authors.

5)  Favorite Animal
I love all animals, but I do have two cats who I adore.

 And for a bonus:  What is a typical mood for you?  And is your mood different when you’re writing?
Hard to say lol if it’s my day off I’m in a good mood, which is improved because I have time to write. So, I tend to feel a lot happier. If it’s a work day I tend to just want to get through the day so I can come home and write.
So yeah, my mood tends to pick up when I’m writing because, well, what can I say I enjoy writing. I love creating.
  Where can our readers find you?? 
Email: Elizabeth-Morgan@hotmail.co.ukTwitter: @EMorgan2010Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944

Website: www.e-morgan.com

Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1390414121&sr=1-2-ent
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan



Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?
Yes, my sexy little short story, Truth or Dare?was released on January 28th from Decadent Publishing!

Truth or Dare? 
Blurb:
Do you dare tell the truth?

A tequila fuelled game of Truth or Dare is not Dani’s idea of fun, but when Cameron, the jerk who rejected her a year ago is the one provoking her into playing, how can she say no? Not that he’s giving her the option in the first place.

Bravado compels her forward, but when the dares get physical and their friends leave them alone, Cameron’s questions turn to her feelings for him, and unfortunately, lying is not part of the game.
Will a dare give Dani the courage she needs to tell Cameron the truth?
Buy Links:   Decadent Publishing   Amazon US   Amazon UK   ARe


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Excerpt:
“Fine, I will take a dare.” I glanced at Ben. “What do you want me to do?”
A wicked grin spread across his lips. It was almost as sexy as his brother’s. “I want you to lick salt off Cameron, and then take the lime from his mouth.”
He had to be fucking kidding. “What?”
“You heard the man.” The amusement ran clear in Cameron’s voice.
An idiotic bout of nerves skipped through me. “And do I dare ask where I will be drinking the tequila from?”
Ben’s gaze flicked to Cameron, who I couldn’t bring myself to look at. Holding up my hand, I cut Ben off before he suggested anything else.
“Never mind. I’ll do it.” Untangling my legs, I slid off the sofa, levelling a look at Cameron.
He pulled his T-shirt over his head, and my mouth dried at the way his six-pack rippled with each movement. He was solid, perfect. His skin was a healthy bronze. A fine dusting of dark hair ran from his navel and crept down into his jeans. I couldn’t help but follow the teasing path with my gaze….
“See something you like?”
Did I ever. I hated to admit it, but he was the kind of guy you just wanted to lick—well, anything off of.
“Nope. I’m just wondering why removing your top is necessary. Scared I’m going to spill my drink on your T-shirt?”
His lips turned upward. “Man told you to lick salt off me, but he didn’t say where you would be licking the salt from.”
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a Rafflecopter giveaway  

*   *   *   *   *   * Elizabeth, thanks so much for sharing with us.  It was a pleasure to learn more about you and Congrats on your new release !!   Please come back any time !!!   

Author, author.... Fighting Love by Abby Niles

Fighting LoveAbby NilesTalk about kicking a fighter while he’s down. Former Middleweight champion and confirmed bachelor Tommy “Lightning” Sparks has lost it all: his belt, his career, and now his home. After the devastating fire, he moves in with his drama-free best friend, Julie. One encounter changes everything and Julie is no longer the girl he’s spent his life protecting but a desirable woman he wants to take to his bed. Knowing his reputation, he’s determined to protect Julie more than ever—from himself.
Veterinarian Julie Rogers has been in love with Tommy since she was ten, but would love to get over the man. She’s quiet nights at home and a glass of wine. He’s clubbing all night and shots of tequila. As friends they work great. As a couple? No way in hell. She just can’t get her heart to agree. When she starts spending time with another fighter, the man who’s always treated her like a sister is suddenly not being very brotherly and enflames her body like never before.Can two childhood friends make a relationship work, or will they lose everything because they stopped FIGHTING LOVE.
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1622660471/Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fighting-love-abby-niles/1114591191?ean=9781622660469Author Bio:  Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She didn’t plan for writing to become an obsession, but it did. Today, she juggles work, home life, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy? When Abby’s not writing, you can find her playing ‘Just Dance’ with her kids or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list.
Website: http://www.abbynilesauthor.com/Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/abbynilesauthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/abbyniles
Giveaway:The author is giving away a $50 Visa gift card.http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554240/

Author, author... Cupid's Promise by Kimberly Quinton

Please welcome Kimberly Quinton !!So great to have you here with us.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I never know what to put here! J I grew up in several small towns all around Texas and Arizona and then went to college in the south and married a boy from New Orleans—so I feel like I’m a hybrid southerner-westerner. I started writing romance as an escape from a job that stressed me out and then when I had a baby and quit that stressful job to be a full-time mom (a whole other level of stress!) I decided that maybe the writing thing would be my new thing and I got serious about it. My babies are now in elementary school, and thanks to a very supportive superhero of my own, I get to write full-time!  
Do real life events find their way into your stories?
In subtle ways. I did visit Boston and fell in love with New England. I worked in a medical center for years so I feel like I “know” doctors and my hero in Her Wish Before Christmas was a physician. We’ve all had pain or heartache or fallen in love and can remember what that feels like, even if we didn’t experience exactly the same scenario in the book. I’m a people watcher and I think a lot of my characters are drawn from that.   
Do you ever mimic family members or people you know when you choose characters? I have and not realized it until re-reading later… And I use names of people I know or little quirky things friends do. Not intentionally, but it happens.



Do you find yourself going back to the same inspiration for each story or is it always something different?  I love pinterest! I have a whole “Hero Inspiration” board and I’ve started boards for my stories. I love to find pics that resemble the heroes and heroines in my head and since this series is centered around holidays—I have holiday themed pins that get me in the mood.


When do you write?  Early morning? During the day sometime or all day?  After the kids go to bed?  I write when my kids are at school and in the evenings if I have a deadline or am behind. I am trying to write on my new WIP every day, before editing, blogging, and social media… But it’s so hard not to check email first!   
How do you feel about marketing your book?
I like blogging and I love it when someone leaves a comment or interacts on twitter or facebook, but I don’t think I could do it every day. I’m not a shy person, more of a hermit because I’m too lazy to go out, but once I am out, I usually don’t want to leave the party. I’m also a watcher or lurker on a lot of sites. I have to get better at commenting and interacting myself!   
What social sites do you feel work best for marketing?
I like twitter and facebook for their instant gratification. I like blogs for actual information. For marketing and what actually works- I have no idea. I get most of my book recommendations from word of mouth, friend’s lists on Goodreads, reviews or if I like the author as a person.



Do you like to pitch stories to your publisher or do you wait until you have written the story and have a final manuscript to turn in?  I’m still a newbie, so I have to write the full manuscript and get it accepted. I’m not in a “sell-on-proposal” kind of relationship with an editor or publisher. Hopefully one day, but I feel like I still have so much to learn it’s not my time for that yet.



Is there any other genre that you would love to try writing?   If so, what is it?  I have story ideas for every genre in romance plus a mystery/thriller and several cozies. I have enough to keep me busy for years and new ideas come every day!



Do you always/ever see yourself as the heroine/hero when you write a story?  I don’t, but I do “feel” like him or her when I am writing in their point of view. I’ve brought myself to tears and scared the dickens out of myself when I’m in the zone. Those are my favorite days.
 
Just for fun, I have a few personal questions, 
Favorite 5
1)      Favorite Male Actor  - Do I have to have one favorite? I have categories, but I will watch anything with John Cusack…I’m an eighties girl after all.
2)      Favorite vehicle – DeLorean from Back to the Future.
3)      Favorite way to relax – Ummm… Reading and wine…Movies and wine…Girls night out and wine… There’s a theme there.
4)      Favorite ice cream – Anything with lots of chunks of stuff- Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked is awesome.
5)      Favorite outfit – Yoga pants, tee-shirt and flip flops is my indoors uniform. If I have to go out, it’s jeans and tee. But, I do like to dress up for dates and such as I have a large collection of fun heels.
And for a bonus:  If you could pick any place in the world to live, besides where you are now, where would it be?  (Of course, without the hindrance of jobs or money needed)  Since I dream of winning the lottery (Don’t we all?) I have given this some thought and I would have to have a winter place and a summer place. Winter in Tahiti and Summer in Switzerland sounds good to me.
 
Where can our readers find you?? 
Email: Kim@KimberlyQuinton.com                        
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kimquintonFacebook: www.facebook.com/kimberlyquintonauthorWebsite/blog: www.kimberlyquinton.comAmazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Quinton/e/B00GL3XER6/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1390962338&sr=8-1 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7388548.Kimberly_Quinton
 
Is there an upcoming or current release you would like to share with us today and where can we find it?  Cupid’s Promise Holiday Hearts Book 2 By Kimberly QuintonA sweet contemporary Holiday romance with a touch of paranormal Shot through the heart...  Cupid’s Promise Cupid's Secret promises to set Laurel Cove on its ear with a sexy new boutique that answers what a woman desires. When the owner ends up in the hospital it's up to Lena Ridgeway to make sure this heart-stopping opening goes off without a hitch, but she finds her every idea challenged by a no-nonsense businessman. Capitalizing on a feeling... Marcus Blackwell is a bottom-line kind of guy and he knows that sex and hearts sell. When he arrives to find his latest venture in chaos, his partner injured, and a model- turned-manager in charge, he rolls up his sleeves and dives in. If only he could keep his mind-and hands - off the sultry model with her whimsical faith in a fake holiday. Can't fight this fortune... Lena can't help teasing the straight-laced, business-only boss who keeps sneaking into her dreams. One passionate kiss has her believing he may be the one she's waited for all her life, but she'll need every arrow in Cupid's arsenal to prove she is his true Valentine....   Buy links:     Decadent Publishing    Amazon    B&N   ARe Rafflecopter Giveaway:A $25 gift card to AmazonAn ebook copy of Her Wish Before Christmas  a Rafflecopter giveaway *   *   *   *   *   *   *  
 
One last thing before we let you leave us today.  Do you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share?  I like to cook and am always looking for new recipes to try and share.
I’ve had this recipe for years and it’s from an old cookbook that I no longer have and I can’t remember what it was! Maybe a Pillsbury something. But, I make this around Thanksgiving or Christmas and everyone loves it.
Zucchini Orange Bread
This recipe makes 2 loaves
4 eggs
1 1/2 C sugar
3/4 C Oil
2/3 C Orange Juice
2 C Shredded unpeeled zucchini
3 1/4 C All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
2 tsp grated orange peel
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)
Glaze
1 C powdered sugar
2 to 3 tsp orange juice
Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour bottoms of two 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pans. In large bowl, beat eggs until thick and lemon colored; gradually beat in sugar. Stir in oil, 2/3 c orange juice, and zucchini. Stir in remaining bread ingredients; mix well. Pour batter in pans.
Bake at 350 for 45 to 55 minutes until toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool slightly
In small bowls, blend glaze ingredients, adding enough orange juice until desired spreading consistency. Spread over warm loaves. Cool completely, Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator,
 
 

Happy 1st Birthday Evernight Teen !!!

EVERNIGHT TEEN turns one this month and we’re helping them celebrate during their 1stBirthday Blog Hop!  It’s EVERNIGHT TEEN’s birthday, but you get the presents. Enter below for a chance to win a $100 iTunes gift card!
 
EVERNIGHT TEEN books feature fresh teen fiction that’s raw, gritty and real. Whether paranormal, contemporary, sci-fi or suspense, EVERNIGHT TEEN stories are about real issues and pack a strong emotional punch. You’ll find cutting edge fiction that today’s young adults can relate to and will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Upper Young Adult titles, include…
 
Incarnation by Susan Nolan
Katherine Blair has no idea she possesses supernatural abilities. Not until Richard St. James, an intriguing and mysterious classmate with powerful skills of his own, initiates her into his world. Wanting to explore her newfound shape-shifting powers, she spends time getting to know Richard, only to find herself increasingly drawn to him as time goes by.
Haunted by dreams of ancient times, she is caught in a desperate struggle against past injustice. The link to this unknown past experience sends her own life plummeting into the dark realms of revenge and murder, as she attempts to reconcile her feelings for the young man she’s come to rely on to protect her and keep their shared secret.
Will Katherine and Richard be able to break the spell that has held her captive through the years, before it consumes her? Can their budding young love survive tragedy, or will they be torn apart?
14+ for brief violence
 
Incarnation by Susan Nolan is now 25% off at Evernight Teen until January 31st!
Leave a comment about Incarnation below for a chance to win an Evernight Teen eBook of your choice. Then follow the Rafflecopter to enter the grand prize of a $100 iTunes gift certificate.
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Happy Release Day to Unforgettable Heroes!!! @turquoisemorn

I can't tell you how excited I am to own this set!




Several of Turquoise Morning Press’ award-winning and bestselling authors share their favorite contemporary romance heroes—all boxed up for you in one sexy and irresistible package! From a sexy carpenter to magnetic CEO, a rough-and-ready cowboy to a homeless man, a classic car buff, a starving artist, a Latin-style dancer, and an FBI agent—each unique hero has his own story to tell, and a heroine who just can’t forget him. Ever.
With an introductory promotional price of $0.99, how can you resist this unforgettable boxed set, either?
UNFORGETTABLE HEROES Eight Contemporary Romance Novels
WILL WORK FOR LOVE by Amie Denman, EPIC Award and Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence finalist. When a hurricane sweeps across St. Thomas, Whitney Oliver turns to a sexy carpenter whose secret life forces him to work for her love.
THIS MAGIC MOMENT by Bobbye Terry (writing as Daryn Cross), award winning author of contemporary, historical and fantasy romance.Zack Graham, CEO of Scrumbles Snack Cakes, is energetic, magnetic, and a workaholic who refuses to let a woman make a fool out of him again.
HER HIRED MAN by Cat Shaffer, Golden Heart finalist and award-winning writer..Hot nights, a double sleeping bag and a stranger for a husband…how much can one city girl take?
SINS OF THE FATHER by Janet Eaves, Amazon bestselling author of the Ladies of Legend contemporary romance series. Just like the Princess in the classic tale Sleeping Beauty, Aurora’s life doesn’t really begin until her heart is awakened by a handsome struggling artist.
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO by Jennifer Johnson, who writes comedic romances so entertaining even guys read them. Author of the TMP top-selling Rescuing Riley. Abigail Benton is a bum magnet, according to her dad. When she becomes attracted to a homeless man at the community center, she wonders if what her dad says is true.
RAWHIDE AND ROSES by Maddie James,Amazon bestselling author of contemporary and western romance. Kim Martin is hardly equipped for a Colorado camping trip, especially when her mountain guide is a rough-edged cowboy who is as untamed as the wilderness.
LONG DISTANCE LOVE by Margaret Ethridge, contemporary romance fan favorite and TMP top-selling author of Commitment. Sometimes the distance between two hearts can be measured in frequent flier miles.
SILENT PARTNER by Renee Vincent, award winning author of historical and contemporary romance.
Grayson Anders is a talented Latin-style dancer; Chloe LaRoche is a talented artist. When the two indulge in a passionate, out-of-control, one night stand, they wake the next morning consumed with inspiration. 
Release date:  January 30, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-62237-258-4Format: Ebook onlyRetailer Availability:  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, All Romance Ebooks, and morePromotional Price: $0.99    Retail Price: $4.99 (April, 2014)
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | iBOOKS | ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS | BOOKSTRAND | SMASHWORDS

Review: Taking Chances by SJ Maylee

Taking Chances

by: S.J. Maylee


Blurb: Lydia's father walked away from her when she was eight. She's struggled to not let him affect her, but fears she wasn't loveable enough to make him stay. Jake wants to love one woman, but after scaring the last woman he met outside of the club, he doubts he deserves the right. She protects her heart by sticking with her fantasies and he lives by a set of rules that excludes women who choose a vanilla lifestyle.

The two will be kept in a conference room working together until their special project is complete. If Lydia and Jake hold tight to their bland lives, they'll always yearn for love that is out of reach. Together they find common ground, passion, and a reason to take chances. Once they discover the grand possibilities of the love they desire, they find themselves in the very place they tried never to be again, facing unguaranteed loved.

Buy Links:  Amazon    B&N     Evernight Publishing  


My Review:   I'm a firm believer in Taking Chances.  Sometimes it's plainly a necessity in life.  However, with that said, I would have done the shrinking violet in my chair the same way Lydia did in the board room, especially if I were trying to not be noticed by the guy I'd been having fantasies about. 

Now as for Jake, he's just a yummy character and I found it very endearing that for as strong and domineering a person as he is, he's just as nervous as she is to be in the same room together.  Alone. I'm sure you can just imagine the things going through both their minds :)

The discovery of getting to know someone is very much taking a chance.  These two complex characters did a stellar job of focusing on the task at hand while they multi-tasked at keeping their fantasies and cravings on the back burner.  At least for as long as they could.  At some point would human nature and desire take over?  Make sure you get your copy and find out !

I seriously loved this story, craved the next paragraph, and the next.  I couldn't put it down.  It was a quick read but it packed a powerful punch in those few pages.   Excellent writing SJ Maylee!!!




S.J. MAYLEE BIO:

S.J. Maylee fell in love with storytelling at a young age and with it came a deep-seated desire for everyone to find their happily ever after. She's finding the happy endings for her characters one steamy story at a time.

When she's not reading or writing, you can find her caring for her garden, laughing with her two young sons, or dancing to her husband's music. She's a PMP (Project Management Professional), Nia instructor, and coffee addict.

As a writer she has a tendency to break hearts, but she always glues them back together.

Blog:  http://SJMaylee.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SJMaylee
Facebook Page:  https: / /www.facebook.com/pages/SJ-Maylee/3394...
Google+  https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SJMaylee
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/sjmaylee/

Bring on the Heat Anthology

(Review pending)
Bring on the HeatA scorching collection from ten of today's hottest authors

  Authors: Eden Bradley, Cassandra Carr, Stephanie Julian, Amber Kallyn, Keira Kohl, Adriana Kraft, Emma Lai, Anh Leod, Ann Mayburn, Cari Quinn

Genre: Erotic romance Length: Approx 275k words Release date: January 6, 2014

FB page: https://www.facebook.com/BringOnTheHeat



Breaking Skye by  Eden Bradley:  
When power play becomes more than just a game…BDSM. Submission. Spanking. Skye thought one night with the perfect Dominant might purge these dark desires from her system. But Adam has other ideas…and soon all he can think of is breaking Skye-and keeping her for himself.

Caught by  Cassandra Carr: 
Given a second chance, can a Dom overcome his fears and claim his one-true submissive forever? Callie left her Dominant, Jack, three years ago, believing he'd never love her. Yet when their paths cross, she agrees to submit to him and is drawn deep into Jack's world once more. This time, Jack knows he needs to overcome his fears and claim Callie forever or lose everything.

An Indecent Proposition Parts I & II by  Stephanie Julian: 
One woman. Two men. Half a million dollars. One very indecent proposition...


Burned, Dragos Book 1 by  Amber Kallyn :
What happens when a dragon falls in love with a fireman? Someone's bound to get burned. When Calla, a dragon shifter, heads to a sleepy mountain town to investigate their arson outbreak, she doesn't expect to find the dark dragon who killed her mother, or her destined mate.

Firefighter Scott O'Neil can't fight their burning attraction, even after he finds out what she is, and the shocking secret of his own past.



Cherry Tune Up by  Adriana Kraft:
A twenty three year old virgin, a dirt track racecar driver, and one very special assignment.


Laundry Day by  Keira Kohl: 
Who knew doing laundry could be so much fun?
Carmela Keyes runs an apartment complex with fun and sex games. Despite her curious nature she never partakes in the Keyes Manor Saturday night key parties. She's got her sights set on Declan McLean to join her own private laundry day party. Clothing prohibited.


Riding Rodeo by  Emma Lai:
Rodeo's back in town and willing to do anything to convince Amanda to forgive him...including inviting another cowboy along for the ride.
The last person Amanda Goodson expected to walk into her bakery was Sean Cassidy, the bareback bronc rider who rode her hard one night and left without a good-bye the next day.

A nasty hang up ended Sean's career and left him with nothing but time to contemplate his past sins--the most damning one being walking out on Amanda, the one woman he couldn't forget once outside the bedroom.
Searching out Amanda to right the biggest mistake of his life, he finds he has competition. Never one to back down from a challenge, he offers to fulfill her fantasy of riding two cowboys. At the end of the night, will Amanda decide riding Rodeo is worth the risk to her heart?

Clockwork Captive by  Anh Leod:
Rescuing his captive lover…Enslaved in a gentlemen's club by a fiendish clockwork device, Liza knows she has few options...until the night she recognizes Brace. Though he has no idea they share a secret, he must possess her, and replace her scars with sexual healing. Rescuing the captive will make her his forever.

First Kiss by  Ann Mayburn:  
He'll do anything to earn one more night with his reluctant Dominatrix. Ryan will never forgot that night in high school when he kissed Emma and lost his heart to her forever. Years later he finds Emma, but now she's a pro-Domme that refuses to fall in love. Ryan begins a campaign to win her reluctant heart, one night at a time.


Jingle Ball, More the Merrier Book 1 by  Cari Quinn:
This year, rocking the office holiday party has taken on a whole new meaning.
All receptionist Wendy Stanton wants for Christmas is a chance for a relationship with her sexy, dominant boss outside the boardroom. But his secrets-and hot encounters including her other boss-are complications she never expected.

Buy link:   Amazon