Sara Daniel's Blog, page 17
March 20, 2016
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup from @lizzietleaf #recipe
Guest Post by Lizzie T. Leaf
Our grocery stores occasionally send special prices on a few items for card members. One of ours for August was sweet potatoes, or yams as the notice read. So of course, I had to take advantage of the deal.
Thank you to Elise who shared her recipe on Simply Recipes. Hers was delicious even without the tweaks I made to spice it up a little as in this recipe. Enjoy!
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1½-inch cubes
4 large shallots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. ground thyme
1 tsp. ground marjoram
¼ tsp. cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
3 cups chicken stock
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tbsp. sour cream or plain yogurt (Greek or regular, omit for paleo version) optional
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Combine potatoes and shallots in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt, thyme, marjoram, and cumin. Toss so all pieces are well coated with olive oil and seasonings.
Spread the sweet potatoes and shallots out on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes or until cooked through and nicely caramelized and browned around the edges. Remove from oven.
Heat the chicken stock in a 2-3 quart saucepan on the stove until steamy.
Place the cooked sweet potatoes and shallots in a blender or food processor. Add the hot chicken stock a half cup at a time. Purée until smooth.
NOTE, when blending hot liquids, fill the blender or food processor bowl no more than a third full, and start with short pulses. Depending on the size of your equipment you may need to work in batches.
Taste for seasoning, add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with a good size dollop of sour cream.
Serves 2 to 4
Here's a brief intro to my vampire story that is guaranteed to warm your winter nights.
Socialite Deb Stein lives a life of luxury until she takes the hunk dressed as a vampire to her bed. When she wakes up one of the living dead, she’s pissed-off. To complicate matters more, she has to find a new identity since everyone thinks she's dead. Plus, if she’s dead, she can’t touch her trust fund, and that means she has to work! How can someone who has never held a job find one?
And her social life is in the tank. Her new friends are a street guy called Rat and fellow strippers at the dive where she works. If she ever sees Aaron Lowell again, she’ll put a stake in his heart.
Aaron Lowell feels guilty he took his mentor’s advice and left town after taking the sexy socialite into the undead world. Concerned, he returns to check on her and discovers she’s become a stripper—and not a very happy one when she sees him. But she’s still hot, and he can’t stay away from her, even if their meetings are explosive.
Can two vampires move beyond anger, combined with a strong sexual attraction, to find the kind of love they both crave?
BUY LINK
To read excerpts from other books by Lizzie T. Leaf please click onto Amazon .
Lizzie T. Leaf loved books since she opened her first one. Her dream was to write them herself. Lost in the hectic day to day world of family, job, laundry and housework, writing became a distant memory. When the twinkling ember did spark, it was usually doused by someone demanding their share of her time.
Lizzie's life went full circle. The desire to put the stories that continued to play in her head on paper emerged stronger than ever, and at a time when there was someone who encouraged. Now she lives her dream.
Learn more about Lizzie T. Leaf on her website and blog . Connect with Lizzie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter .
See all of Lizzie's book on Amazon .
Our grocery stores occasionally send special prices on a few items for card members. One of ours for August was sweet potatoes, or yams as the notice read. So of course, I had to take advantage of the deal.
Thank you to Elise who shared her recipe on Simply Recipes. Hers was delicious even without the tweaks I made to spice it up a little as in this recipe. Enjoy!
Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1½-inch cubes
4 large shallots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
2 tsp. ground thyme
1 tsp. ground marjoram
¼ tsp. cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
3 cups chicken stock
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 tbsp. sour cream or plain yogurt (Greek or regular, omit for paleo version) optional
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Combine potatoes and shallots in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with salt, thyme, marjoram, and cumin. Toss so all pieces are well coated with olive oil and seasonings.
Spread the sweet potatoes and shallots out on a foil lined baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes or until cooked through and nicely caramelized and browned around the edges. Remove from oven.
Heat the chicken stock in a 2-3 quart saucepan on the stove until steamy.
Place the cooked sweet potatoes and shallots in a blender or food processor. Add the hot chicken stock a half cup at a time. Purée until smooth.
NOTE, when blending hot liquids, fill the blender or food processor bowl no more than a third full, and start with short pulses. Depending on the size of your equipment you may need to work in batches.
Taste for seasoning, add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with a good size dollop of sour cream.
Serves 2 to 4
Here's a brief intro to my vampire story that is guaranteed to warm your winter nights.
Socialite Deb Stein lives a life of luxury until she takes the hunk dressed as a vampire to her bed. When she wakes up one of the living dead, she’s pissed-off. To complicate matters more, she has to find a new identity since everyone thinks she's dead. Plus, if she’s dead, she can’t touch her trust fund, and that means she has to work! How can someone who has never held a job find one?And her social life is in the tank. Her new friends are a street guy called Rat and fellow strippers at the dive where she works. If she ever sees Aaron Lowell again, she’ll put a stake in his heart.
Aaron Lowell feels guilty he took his mentor’s advice and left town after taking the sexy socialite into the undead world. Concerned, he returns to check on her and discovers she’s become a stripper—and not a very happy one when she sees him. But she’s still hot, and he can’t stay away from her, even if their meetings are explosive.
Can two vampires move beyond anger, combined with a strong sexual attraction, to find the kind of love they both crave?
BUY LINK
To read excerpts from other books by Lizzie T. Leaf please click onto Amazon .
Lizzie T. Leaf loved books since she opened her first one. Her dream was to write them herself. Lost in the hectic day to day world of family, job, laundry and housework, writing became a distant memory. When the twinkling ember did spark, it was usually doused by someone demanding their share of her time.Lizzie's life went full circle. The desire to put the stories that continued to play in her head on paper emerged stronger than ever, and at a time when there was someone who encouraged. Now she lives her dream.
Learn more about Lizzie T. Leaf on her website and blog . Connect with Lizzie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter .
See all of Lizzie's book on Amazon .
March 16, 2016
Easy Chicken Pot Pie #recipe from @DominiEastwick #regencyromance
Guest post by Dominique Eastwick
Dom’s Easy Chicken Pot Pie
1 whole chicken/hen
4 large eggs boiled (I like eggs so I usually add more )
2 cans of mixed vegetables
1 small can of cream of mushroom soup*
1 small can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups self rising flour
2 cups milk
2 sticks melted margarine (tub butter has too much water)
All-purpose seasoning
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Boil chicken until done (I like to put it in the slow cooker over night with a dash of all-purpose seasoning). Reserve 1 cup of broth. Pull the chicken off the bone and place in the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish.
Slice the eggs and lay on top on the chicken.
Mix together vegetables, both soups, and 1 cup of broth. Pour over chicken and eggs.
Combine flour, milk, and margarine. Pour on vegetable mixture. Sprinkle all-purpose seasoning on top.
Bake for 1 hour or until golden.
* You can substitute another can of cream of chicken in place of the mushroom, or one family size can of cream of chicken in place of both cream of chicken and mushroom.
While you have that hour wait how about a cool glass of wine and a hot read from my three book series?
From Book 1: In a time when women have few options for their futures, bluestocking wallflower Llysa Hamilton has aged out of the marriage mart. With offers for her hand unlikely, she enlists Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service to find the perfect man for one passionate night.
Wolfe Thane, Duke of Foxhaven, has never lacked for anything, but he’s bored with his entitled life. Winning a 1Night Stand voucher in a poker game appears to offer a perfect, commitment-free opportunity to add spice to his sex life.
Hiding behind a mask during her date with the duke offers Llysa anonymity and courage. Wolfe has never met a woman as intriguing and disingenuous.
Can true love be unmasked in just one night or will it be destined to stay on the shelf?
BUY LINK AMAZON
Award-Winning author Dominique Eastwick currently calls North Carolina home with her husband, two children, one crazy lab and one lazy cat. Dominique spent much of her early life moving from state to state as a Navy Brat. Because of that, traveling is one of her favorite pasttimes. When not writing you can find Dominique with her second love…her camera.
Learn more about Dominique Eastwick on her website , blog , and Amazon author page . Be sure to join her Newsletter for up to the minute info on new releases, contests, and more.
Stay connected on Twitter , Tublr , Tsu , and Pinterest .
Dom’s Easy Chicken Pot Pie
1 whole chicken/hen
4 large eggs boiled (I like eggs so I usually add more )
2 cans of mixed vegetables
1 small can of cream of mushroom soup*
1 small can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups self rising flour
2 cups milk
2 sticks melted margarine (tub butter has too much water)
All-purpose seasoning
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Boil chicken until done (I like to put it in the slow cooker over night with a dash of all-purpose seasoning). Reserve 1 cup of broth. Pull the chicken off the bone and place in the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish.
Slice the eggs and lay on top on the chicken.
Mix together vegetables, both soups, and 1 cup of broth. Pour over chicken and eggs.
Combine flour, milk, and margarine. Pour on vegetable mixture. Sprinkle all-purpose seasoning on top.
Bake for 1 hour or until golden.
* You can substitute another can of cream of chicken in place of the mushroom, or one family size can of cream of chicken in place of both cream of chicken and mushroom.
While you have that hour wait how about a cool glass of wine and a hot read from my three book series?
From Book 1: In a time when women have few options for their futures, bluestocking wallflower Llysa Hamilton has aged out of the marriage mart. With offers for her hand unlikely, she enlists Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand service to find the perfect man for one passionate night.Wolfe Thane, Duke of Foxhaven, has never lacked for anything, but he’s bored with his entitled life. Winning a 1Night Stand voucher in a poker game appears to offer a perfect, commitment-free opportunity to add spice to his sex life.
Hiding behind a mask during her date with the duke offers Llysa anonymity and courage. Wolfe has never met a woman as intriguing and disingenuous.
Can true love be unmasked in just one night or will it be destined to stay on the shelf?
BUY LINK AMAZON
Award-Winning author Dominique Eastwick currently calls North Carolina home with her husband, two children, one crazy lab and one lazy cat. Dominique spent much of her early life moving from state to state as a Navy Brat. Because of that, traveling is one of her favorite pasttimes. When not writing you can find Dominique with her second love…her camera. Learn more about Dominique Eastwick on her website , blog , and Amazon author page . Be sure to join her Newsletter for up to the minute info on new releases, contests, and more.
Stay connected on Twitter , Tublr , Tsu , and Pinterest .
March 13, 2016
One Pot Beef Stew #recipe from @sloanetaylor2 #freezeleftovers
Guest post by Sloane Taylor
This month I decided to keep dinners to a minimum amount of work, but still tasty. And most important, I wanted enough leftovers to freeze for when the pace gets more intense.
One Pot Beef Stew
Egg Noodles
Tossed Salad
French or Italian Bread
Red Wine – Pinot Noir
One Pot Beef Stew
4 tbsp. olive oil plus more as needed
2 pounds sirloin cut into chunks with fat removed
4 large cloves of garlic pressed
10 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried
1 large onion chopped
16 oz. Portobello mushrooms halved
¾ tsp dry mustard
freshly ground pepper to taste
4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tbsp. sour cream – make them a healthy ones
3 cups beef stock
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onions and thyme. Cook until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 – 60 seconds. Set this combination aside in a bowl.
Heat pan again adding olive oil if needed. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft. Remove to same bowl as onions.
Add olive oil to the same pan and heat on medium-high until the oil sizzles. Sprinkle dry mustard, then pepper, on steak chunks. Brown meat on all sides. Set the chunks in the bowl with the other ingredients.
On medium heat, pour red wine vinegar into the pan. Add tomato paste and blend in. Mix beef stock and sour cream in a small bowl, then add to pan. Bring to a simmer while stirring well to make a fairly smooth broth. Add meat and other cooked ingredients. Heat thoroughly while stirring.
Egg Noodles
Fill a large pot with water and follow the package directions to cook. If the noodles are done before the stew, drain them in a colander and set the pot or lid on top of the noodles to keep them warm.
REMEMBER: all noodles/pasta can easily be re-warmed by running hot water over them before serving.
To serve, scoop egg noodles into soup/salad bowls. Spoon hearty portions of stew over the noodles.
Salad
Lettuce from 2 different types torn into bite size pieces, green leaf and head are excellent
Tomatoes sliced
Cucumber peeled and sliced thick
Green Onions, sliced, be sure to include some of the green
Mushrooms sliced
Any and everything else in the fridge that appeals to you.
Combine all the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Your favorite bottled dressing or oil and vinegar work great with this hearty meal. Pour on a small amount of dressing and toss. Or, set a variety of bottled dressings on the table for everyone to help themselves.
Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.
Taylor currently has five explicit romance books released by Toque & Dagger Publishing. Excerpts from her books can be found on her website http://www.sloanetaylor.com, blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/, and all popular vendors.
Subscribe to Sloane’s newsletter . Connect with Taylor on Facebook , Twitter , and Google+ .
This month I decided to keep dinners to a minimum amount of work, but still tasty. And most important, I wanted enough leftovers to freeze for when the pace gets more intense.
One Pot Beef Stew
Egg Noodles
Tossed Salad
French or Italian Bread
Red Wine – Pinot Noir
One Pot Beef Stew
4 tbsp. olive oil plus more as needed
2 pounds sirloin cut into chunks with fat removed
4 large cloves of garlic pressed
10 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried
1 large onion chopped
16 oz. Portobello mushrooms halved
¾ tsp dry mustard
freshly ground pepper to taste
4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tbsp. sour cream – make them a healthy ones
3 cups beef stock
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onions and thyme. Cook until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 – 60 seconds. Set this combination aside in a bowl.
Heat pan again adding olive oil if needed. Add mushrooms and sauté until soft. Remove to same bowl as onions.
Add olive oil to the same pan and heat on medium-high until the oil sizzles. Sprinkle dry mustard, then pepper, on steak chunks. Brown meat on all sides. Set the chunks in the bowl with the other ingredients.
On medium heat, pour red wine vinegar into the pan. Add tomato paste and blend in. Mix beef stock and sour cream in a small bowl, then add to pan. Bring to a simmer while stirring well to make a fairly smooth broth. Add meat and other cooked ingredients. Heat thoroughly while stirring.
Egg Noodles
Fill a large pot with water and follow the package directions to cook. If the noodles are done before the stew, drain them in a colander and set the pot or lid on top of the noodles to keep them warm.
REMEMBER: all noodles/pasta can easily be re-warmed by running hot water over them before serving.
To serve, scoop egg noodles into soup/salad bowls. Spoon hearty portions of stew over the noodles.
Salad
Lettuce from 2 different types torn into bite size pieces, green leaf and head are excellent
Tomatoes sliced
Cucumber peeled and sliced thick
Green Onions, sliced, be sure to include some of the green
Mushrooms sliced
Any and everything else in the fridge that appeals to you.
Combine all the dry ingredients into a large bowl. Cover with a damp paper towel and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Your favorite bottled dressing or oil and vinegar work great with this hearty meal. Pour on a small amount of dressing and toss. Or, set a variety of bottled dressings on the table for everyone to help themselves.
Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy. Taylor currently has five explicit romance books released by Toque & Dagger Publishing. Excerpts from her books can be found on her website http://www.sloanetaylor.com, blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/, and all popular vendors.
Subscribe to Sloane’s newsletter . Connect with Taylor on Facebook , Twitter , and Google+ .
March 9, 2016
Potato Soup #recipe from @JosephJody76 #lesfic
Alicia Joseph is here to share a hearty recipe that's easy and tasty. Here's Alicia!
Since most of my mom's recipes are all in her head and she "eyeballs" most of the ingredients, it was hard to get one from her that she can actually give me precise measurements, but I think I found one. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
Potato Soup
6 med size potatoes
1 med size raw onion or one med - lg leek, green onions may also be used
3 to 4 stalks celery, chopped fine (some leaves are good)
2-3 cups of milk
2 tbsp. oleo or butter
Peel and cut the potatoes into approximately ¼ inch cubes.
Add them in a large kettle, along with the onion or leek and celery. Cover with enough water to be visible at the top of potatoes. (Do not completely cover with water.) Boil until potatoes are tender and slightly mushy.
Add just enough milk to make the soup a consistency of your choice.
Add oleo or butter.
Heat only until liquid appears ready to boil. Do not let this soup boil.
Place in soup bowls and enjoy!
Here's a short tease from my sweet romance to enjoy with your soup.
One moment from their past had brought two women together in a way neither could have ever imagined.
Dana Perkins lost her longtime partner in a tragic accident. Although she still struggles with the loss, her profound loneliness is evidence that it is time to move on. She knows her deceased lover, Casey, wouldn't want her living this way. Dana begins her slow process of letting go, removing reminders of Casey from her house, and dating again.
The women she meets leave Dana uninspired and missing her deceased partner even more. Just as she is about to resign herself to the belief that she will never love again, Dana meets Emily Daniels, a married woman who is deeply conflicted over her attraction to women. Soon, the two women form a friendship that leads to deeper emotions. They discover that one moment in their past had brought them together in a way neither woman could have ever imagined. Is that one moment in time enough to let both women follow their hearts, or will they let their past continue to rule their future?
BUY LINKS
Affinity eBook Press - Amazon
Alicia Joseph grew up in Westchester, Illinois. Her first novella, Her Name, was published by Musa Publishing in 2014. Her Name is a sweet, romantic story about a woman who believes the beautiful woman she dreams about is the real love of her life.
Loving Again is her second published novella. Alicia is currently working on a new novel called A Penny on the Tracks, a coming of age story about love and friendship. Alicia has many works-in-progress that she hopes to finish soon.
When she is not writing, the author enjoys volunteering with animals, rooting for her favorite sports teams, and playing “awesome aunt” to her nine nieces and nephews.
Learn more about Alicia Joseph on her blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
Since most of my mom's recipes are all in her head and she "eyeballs" most of the ingredients, it was hard to get one from her that she can actually give me precise measurements, but I think I found one. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.
Potato Soup
6 med size potatoes1 med size raw onion or one med - lg leek, green onions may also be used
3 to 4 stalks celery, chopped fine (some leaves are good)
2-3 cups of milk
2 tbsp. oleo or butter
Peel and cut the potatoes into approximately ¼ inch cubes.
Add them in a large kettle, along with the onion or leek and celery. Cover with enough water to be visible at the top of potatoes. (Do not completely cover with water.) Boil until potatoes are tender and slightly mushy.
Add just enough milk to make the soup a consistency of your choice.
Add oleo or butter.
Heat only until liquid appears ready to boil. Do not let this soup boil.
Place in soup bowls and enjoy!
Here's a short tease from my sweet romance to enjoy with your soup.
One moment from their past had brought two women together in a way neither could have ever imagined. Dana Perkins lost her longtime partner in a tragic accident. Although she still struggles with the loss, her profound loneliness is evidence that it is time to move on. She knows her deceased lover, Casey, wouldn't want her living this way. Dana begins her slow process of letting go, removing reminders of Casey from her house, and dating again.
The women she meets leave Dana uninspired and missing her deceased partner even more. Just as she is about to resign herself to the belief that she will never love again, Dana meets Emily Daniels, a married woman who is deeply conflicted over her attraction to women. Soon, the two women form a friendship that leads to deeper emotions. They discover that one moment in their past had brought them together in a way neither woman could have ever imagined. Is that one moment in time enough to let both women follow their hearts, or will they let their past continue to rule their future?
BUY LINKS
Affinity eBook Press - Amazon
Alicia Joseph grew up in Westchester, Illinois. Her first novella, Her Name, was published by Musa Publishing in 2014. Her Name is a sweet, romantic story about a woman who believes the beautiful woman she dreams about is the real love of her life. Loving Again is her second published novella. Alicia is currently working on a new novel called A Penny on the Tracks, a coming of age story about love and friendship. Alicia has many works-in-progress that she hopes to finish soon.
When she is not writing, the author enjoys volunteering with animals, rooting for her favorite sports teams, and playing “awesome aunt” to her nine nieces and nephews.
Learn more about Alicia Joseph on her blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
March 6, 2016
Fresh Cranberry Relish #recipe from @EMMAJLANE #regencyromance
Guest post by Emma Lane
My family insists upon this favorite every holiday, Thanksgiving or Christmas. If I get my hands on fresh berries, I serve it when it is not a holiday. It sounds difficult, but is anything but. It’s one of the dishes that may be prepared ahead of time keeping the hot food preps for the special day. I use my prettiest bowl, usually a clear one to show off the gorgeous color. Many recipes call for unpeeled oranges, but I prefer to peel. A food processor is necessary; I once used a blender with a great deal of caution when my processor was broken. The texture should be coarse but not lumpy.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
One bag fresh cranberries
1 cup of walnuts (or pecans)
1 peeled and chopped orange
⅓ cup orange juice or apple juice
1 cup sugar (to taste) (Can use Splenda or some other artificial sweetener to taste.)
Wash berries and carefully pick out any bad ones. They will usually float to the surface of the water.
Add all ingredients to food processor, but do not over fill the bowl. Use pulse speed and slowly process. Avoid turning it into slush. The end results should be coarsely chopped.
Serve in pretty bowl. May be prepared beforehand and refrigerated. The sweetness will counteract the acidity of the cranberries, but it is purely to taste—yours!
Enjoy!
Here's a peek at Emma's latest release to carry you in the holiday mood.
A Wild Wicked Duke
After a cruel family betrayal, Caroline Engelson vows the wicked duke will never regain her love unless he first earns her respect, no matter how fervently she longs for his kisses.
A serious accident delivers the wicked duke into Caro’s care, but she is shocked and hurt when he refers to her teen years as the ‘brat with tangled curls.’ Caro is all grown up now when the wicked duke tries to take advantage of her emotions, even as he turns the orderly household into total chaos with his ducal roars. To his astonishment, his best friend’s sister is made of sterner stuff. The situation changes drastically when Caro learns of a shocking family secret..
A Duke Finds Love
Young love is disrupted and the couple parted, but their unsympathetic parents fail to extinguish the strong bond between the two.
Roseland, left pregnant by the duke’s son, weds a neighbor, mistaking that her lover has been forced to marry another. A war and five years later, the two face a second chance, but despite their deep love for one another, impediments must be faced before happily ever after will be theirs at long last.
Beloved Soldier Returns
A wounded British soldier faces amnesia and frustrating dreams, but is finally well enough to reclaim his fiancée and his heritage when a gypsy woman arrives to share an important secret.
Robert Cooper-Hanton, a soldier who fought against Napoleon at Waterloo, is seriously wounded and suffers amnesia but survives in a gypsy camp for three years. Pockets of memory are still missing, leaving him with dreams of people with no names, when he makes the decision to begin his journey home. He has no conscious remembrance of a fiancée he left behind but is not surprised to learn that a cousin has usurped his property. When neighborhood friends reveal the fact of his engagement to Lynda Clarington, his memory of her returns in a flash and he recognizes the woman of his dreams.
Lynda had struggled without much success to accept her loss and is overjoyed to learn that Cooper is alive. She has loved him since childhood, but can she adjust to a man who seems irrevocably changed? When a gypsy woman shows up searching for Cooper, Lynda is plagued with doubt. Will Cooper manage to reunite with his old life and the woman he loves or will he remain lost in his hazy memories, dreams and a changed reality?
Dark Domino
Sarah Louise and Ethan have loved each other all their lives, but a war and time apart may have jeopardized their relationship.
Ethan has been away at war for six long years—without a single letter to the young girl he left behind. He is certain she has forgotten him, but he is still drawn to her. Dressed for a masquerade in a dark domino, he leads her to the garden and tries to steal a kiss. Sarah does not know why the man in the dark domino is so familiar, and why a stranger should give her a feeling of home. When Ethan reveals his identity, Sarah’s anger and hurt overwhelm even her love. Can a new life be built on the foundations of a first love? Or will the Dark Domino remain alone forever?
BUY LINK
Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes under several pen-names. She lives with her patient husband on several acres outside a typical American village in Western New York. Her day job is working with flowers at her son’s plant nursery. Look for information about writing and plants on her new
website
. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.
Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter .
My family insists upon this favorite every holiday, Thanksgiving or Christmas. If I get my hands on fresh berries, I serve it when it is not a holiday. It sounds difficult, but is anything but. It’s one of the dishes that may be prepared ahead of time keeping the hot food preps for the special day. I use my prettiest bowl, usually a clear one to show off the gorgeous color. Many recipes call for unpeeled oranges, but I prefer to peel. A food processor is necessary; I once used a blender with a great deal of caution when my processor was broken. The texture should be coarse but not lumpy.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
One bag fresh cranberries 1 cup of walnuts (or pecans)
1 peeled and chopped orange
⅓ cup orange juice or apple juice
1 cup sugar (to taste) (Can use Splenda or some other artificial sweetener to taste.)
Wash berries and carefully pick out any bad ones. They will usually float to the surface of the water.
Add all ingredients to food processor, but do not over fill the bowl. Use pulse speed and slowly process. Avoid turning it into slush. The end results should be coarsely chopped.
Serve in pretty bowl. May be prepared beforehand and refrigerated. The sweetness will counteract the acidity of the cranberries, but it is purely to taste—yours!
Enjoy!
Here's a peek at Emma's latest release to carry you in the holiday mood.
A Wild Wicked Duke After a cruel family betrayal, Caroline Engelson vows the wicked duke will never regain her love unless he first earns her respect, no matter how fervently she longs for his kisses.
A serious accident delivers the wicked duke into Caro’s care, but she is shocked and hurt when he refers to her teen years as the ‘brat with tangled curls.’ Caro is all grown up now when the wicked duke tries to take advantage of her emotions, even as he turns the orderly household into total chaos with his ducal roars. To his astonishment, his best friend’s sister is made of sterner stuff. The situation changes drastically when Caro learns of a shocking family secret..
A Duke Finds Love
Young love is disrupted and the couple parted, but their unsympathetic parents fail to extinguish the strong bond between the two.
Roseland, left pregnant by the duke’s son, weds a neighbor, mistaking that her lover has been forced to marry another. A war and five years later, the two face a second chance, but despite their deep love for one another, impediments must be faced before happily ever after will be theirs at long last.
Beloved Soldier Returns
A wounded British soldier faces amnesia and frustrating dreams, but is finally well enough to reclaim his fiancée and his heritage when a gypsy woman arrives to share an important secret.
Robert Cooper-Hanton, a soldier who fought against Napoleon at Waterloo, is seriously wounded and suffers amnesia but survives in a gypsy camp for three years. Pockets of memory are still missing, leaving him with dreams of people with no names, when he makes the decision to begin his journey home. He has no conscious remembrance of a fiancée he left behind but is not surprised to learn that a cousin has usurped his property. When neighborhood friends reveal the fact of his engagement to Lynda Clarington, his memory of her returns in a flash and he recognizes the woman of his dreams.
Lynda had struggled without much success to accept her loss and is overjoyed to learn that Cooper is alive. She has loved him since childhood, but can she adjust to a man who seems irrevocably changed? When a gypsy woman shows up searching for Cooper, Lynda is plagued with doubt. Will Cooper manage to reunite with his old life and the woman he loves or will he remain lost in his hazy memories, dreams and a changed reality?
Dark Domino
Sarah Louise and Ethan have loved each other all their lives, but a war and time apart may have jeopardized their relationship.
Ethan has been away at war for six long years—without a single letter to the young girl he left behind. He is certain she has forgotten him, but he is still drawn to her. Dressed for a masquerade in a dark domino, he leads her to the garden and tries to steal a kiss. Sarah does not know why the man in the dark domino is so familiar, and why a stranger should give her a feeling of home. When Ethan reveals his identity, Sarah’s anger and hurt overwhelm even her love. Can a new life be built on the foundations of a first love? Or will the Dark Domino remain alone forever?
BUY LINK
Emma Lane is a gifted author who writes under several pen-names. She lives with her patient husband on several acres outside a typical American village in Western New York. Her day job is working with flowers at her son’s plant nursery. Look for information about writing and plants on her new
website
. Leave a comment or a gardening question and put a smile on Emma's face.Stay connected to Emma on Facebook and Twitter .
March 2, 2016
At Her Service with @Emilia_Mancini and 7 of her Sexiest Friends #boxset #99centreads @HolleyTrent
Guest Post by Emilia Mancini
I had the absolute honor recently to join in with seven amazing authors and collaborate on a spectacular box set of sexy, steamy, hunky novellas. In At Her Service , each author put their own spin in the term “manservant” and delivered up a ton of fun.
All eight stories provide tons of entertainment—whether you prefer light, intrigue, or a touch of BDSM with your romance, we’ve got it all. And for a limited time, you can get the entire boxset (over 650 pages!) for just .99 cents. Less than a freakin’ dollar for all this?
Yes, indeed.
Check it out!
A good man is easy to find...if you know where to look.
In this hot novella collection, manservants are up for any task and just a click or call away. When these sexy drivers, personal assistants, bodyguards and other hot men on the job make "your wish is my command" their mission, lust--and sometimes love--isn't far behind.
Includes:
LACE FOREVER by Nicole Flockton
None of designer Lily Green's careful lists can prepare her for her meeting with Grayson Warren--a bodyguard desperate to get his business back on track.
EYES OF THE WOLF by Emilia Mancini
Private detective Jake McDonnell has been hired to make sure Maria Rodriguez isn't involved in illegal activities. What he discovers will leave his senses reeling and his body thrumming.
DESIGNATED HITTER by Holley Trent
When Quinn Hathaway arrives on Marina Cassevete's doorstep for a job, her instinct is to send the troublemaker away, but she can't afford to tell the charming hustler "no."
PLAYING PRETEND by Alyse Zaftig
When a romance novelist hires disgraced football player Jude to help her block scenes, business turns to pleasure as the heat slowly turns up.
BOYFRIEND BY THE HOUR by Tara Crescent
Sadie thinks her new neighbor Cole is an escort. He's not. Given his womanizing past, she doesn't believe he can be true. Could playing the part of hired boyfriend be the ticket to changing her mind?
HELEN AND THE MAN FROM TROI by Holle Dolce
Adam is a BDSM slave who, desperate for employment, has become a manservant. Although anxious about his new gig, he's determined that his brand of submission is what lovely, heartbroken Helen requires.
EUROPEAN TOUR by L.V. Lewis
Brody Kent wants to leave his rock star alter ego in the past. Is taking a gig as personal assistant to a pop princess Skylar Samuelson worth the risk of exposing his sordid past?
PERFECT ON PAPER by Kristina Knight
For three weeks, Daisy MacIntosh has been stringing Nick Vega's firm along and they badly need the influx of cash a new contract will bring. Stepping in to become Daisy's ManServant isn't the best idea, but it's the only one he's got.
Buy on Amazon
I had the absolute honor recently to join in with seven amazing authors and collaborate on a spectacular box set of sexy, steamy, hunky novellas. In At Her Service , each author put their own spin in the term “manservant” and delivered up a ton of fun.
All eight stories provide tons of entertainment—whether you prefer light, intrigue, or a touch of BDSM with your romance, we’ve got it all. And for a limited time, you can get the entire boxset (over 650 pages!) for just .99 cents. Less than a freakin’ dollar for all this?
Yes, indeed.
Check it out!
A good man is easy to find...if you know where to look.
In this hot novella collection, manservants are up for any task and just a click or call away. When these sexy drivers, personal assistants, bodyguards and other hot men on the job make "your wish is my command" their mission, lust--and sometimes love--isn't far behind.
Includes:
LACE FOREVER by Nicole Flockton
None of designer Lily Green's careful lists can prepare her for her meeting with Grayson Warren--a bodyguard desperate to get his business back on track.
EYES OF THE WOLF by Emilia Mancini
Private detective Jake McDonnell has been hired to make sure Maria Rodriguez isn't involved in illegal activities. What he discovers will leave his senses reeling and his body thrumming.
DESIGNATED HITTER by Holley Trent
When Quinn Hathaway arrives on Marina Cassevete's doorstep for a job, her instinct is to send the troublemaker away, but she can't afford to tell the charming hustler "no."
PLAYING PRETEND by Alyse Zaftig
When a romance novelist hires disgraced football player Jude to help her block scenes, business turns to pleasure as the heat slowly turns up.
BOYFRIEND BY THE HOUR by Tara Crescent
Sadie thinks her new neighbor Cole is an escort. He's not. Given his womanizing past, she doesn't believe he can be true. Could playing the part of hired boyfriend be the ticket to changing her mind?
HELEN AND THE MAN FROM TROI by Holle Dolce
Adam is a BDSM slave who, desperate for employment, has become a manservant. Although anxious about his new gig, he's determined that his brand of submission is what lovely, heartbroken Helen requires.
EUROPEAN TOUR by L.V. Lewis
Brody Kent wants to leave his rock star alter ego in the past. Is taking a gig as personal assistant to a pop princess Skylar Samuelson worth the risk of exposing his sordid past?
PERFECT ON PAPER by Kristina Knight
For three weeks, Daisy MacIntosh has been stringing Nick Vega's firm along and they badly need the influx of cash a new contract will bring. Stepping in to become Daisy's ManServant isn't the best idea, but it's the only one he's got.
Buy on Amazon
February 29, 2016
#AuthorInterview with @jsubject on her #newrelease #scifi #cloneromance
Author Interview with Jessica E. Subject, sci-fi romance author, on her new release Made For Her:
Welcome Jessica. How did you come with the idea for this story?With this story, I decided to get away from aliens in my sci-fi and try something different. I’ve always asked myself the “what-if” about Human cloning as soon as I knew what cloning was. And since many sci-fi romances deal with the military, I decided to try that aspect as well. I had a LOT of help from Karlene Petitt, who is a pilot, DL Jackson, who served in the US military, and my original editor, Rie Langdon, who also has military experience. They helped me to craft this story together, so that it worked and fit into the military romance subgenre.
If you could spend a whole day with one of the characters from Made For Her, where would you go and what would you do? I’d want to go with Mikayla to the clone labs in Geneva. It would be fascinating to see the entire process. Plus, I wouldn’t complain about all of the sexy clones around.
Where is one place you would like to travel for story research?Space, where else? Though, I’d love to train with astronauts at the Johnson Space Center.
What are you currently working on?I have started a new series called Galactic Defenders. It is about a group of beings from all over the universe, who travel to different planets to protect the citizens from the Erebus. The tagline for the series is They were trained to fight, not fall in love. The first book will be called Bryce, and will release later this year. And I hope to have the first draft of Jager finished by the end of 2016.
Do you have any upcoming author appearances?
Yes, I will be at Romancing the Capital in May. It is held in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and is hosted by Eve Langlais. I will be participating in a panel on sci-fi romance, and other events. Plus I’ll have books for sale at the signing. You can find more information here: http://orc.evelanglais.com/
MADE FOR HERBy Jessica E. Subject
After terrorists murder the love of her life, Colonel Mikayla Jones trains squadron after squadron of the clones he brought to life, to take to the skies. When she discovers a young clone of her husband in her newest class, her world spins out of control. How can she command the look-a-like when she can’t help but yearn for him to fill an ache in her heart?
Dare was created to be the best. As the first Daniel clone to leave Onatria labs, he needs to prove he is more than just a DNA copy. To do that, he must rely on the wife of the man who donated his genes. But when she refuses to train him, Dare faces discharge and returning to the labs. Can he convince Colonel Jones to finish his training and find a way into her bed? Or will long kept secrets unhinge the entire clone project?
Please note: Made For Her was previously published with another publisher. It has been revised and expanded from the original version. This version also includes the short story, Replicated Consequences, which takes place in the same world.
Available from Amazon US | UK | Canada | Australia | Germany | JapanAll Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks| Kobo | SmashwordsAdd to Goodreads
Reviews:“…a brilliant plot twist that was a tear-jerker, and had me physically reeling – I really hadn’t expected it.” - Critique de Book
“The entire thing was cohesive; the characters, dialogue, and setting were natural and well paced. Very glad I went with my initial instinct I read it…Highly Recommended!” - Books, Books & More Books
“I loved this twist on the Sci-Fi clone story… This was like a Top Gun story set in the future where cloning is real and space exploration is growing and alien contact is a reality for which the government has been preparing for years.” - Tracy Riva Books & Reviews
Bio:Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you could not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.
When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk with her giant, hairy dog her family adopted from the local animal shelter. Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.comand on twitter @jsubject.Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | FacebookPinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph
February 24, 2016
SPOTLIGHT on What You Crave by @LandraGraf @DecadentPub #BDSM
What You Crave by Landra Graf
Genre: BDSM Erotic Contemporary
Pages: 62
Blurb: Sigmund Bermudez has spent the last year out of the BDSM scene. Lauren Elser has heard about kinky escapades from one of her more challenging patients, and never taken in part in one. When both of them sign up for a 1NS, courtesy of Madame Eve, they're not prepared for the bonds formed over a little rope play. It's time to confront their fears or faced getting burned.
Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/What-You-Crave-1Night-Stand-ebook/dp/B01BXDZ354/ ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whatyoucrave1nightstand-1986672-147.html Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/616490
Excerpt:“My relationships didn’t ever last long enough for gifts.”“Because...” He waited, and as usual his hands sought their own occupation, twisting the cloth napkin into a simple slipknot.“I had career goals. Relationships were a natural casualty in my pursuit of professional success. The one guy I got serious about—” She smothered a laugh with her palm.He understood. “It’s weird wanting to tell someone you just met anything and everything.”“You have no idea. I’m not used to doing the talking.”Her job, a therapist. He’d been recommended to one, but preferred to work through his leftover emotions by saving the casino. Words were not action. Still, a profession like hers no doubt came with a big emotional cost. “I’m told doctors need therapy too. Keep going.”Instead of rebuking at his gentle command, she relaxed. Tension eased from her shoulders, arms going to the armrests on the dining room chair. “His name isn’t worth mentioning, but he didn’t cut it... in the sack.”“Too vanilla?”“Too concerned with his own orgasm, and any requests or lack of enthusiasm earned me some rude responses. Then he told me I'm too frigid to try new sexual experiences. So I got rid of him.”“Ouch.” Sig stood, walking around the table and offered to help her up. She took it. “I’ll try to make sure I meet all your needs, then.”She laughed, a throaty, melodic sound, which had his half-mast cock springing to full attention. “I'd like a good submissive experience to see if this is something I want.”“Are you enjoying yourself?” Time to find out if she’d admit to her submissiveness from the moment she’d walked in the door. He directed her actions and so far she’d capitulated like a pro.“Yes.”“What do you want?” Normally he’d never ask such a question. It laid the foundation for a sub to top from the bottom, which he’d never agree to or condone.“I want your ropes.”
Author Bio:Landra Graf has been crafting stories since the tender age of too-young-to-watch-rated-R. When she finally got old enough for adult material, she believed adult meant anything besides the smexy. Then she discovered erotic romance and all things kinky. Since then it’s been a journey down a rabbit hole. Landra writes BDSM erotic romance and historical erotic romance, among other less smexy offerings.
Author Links:Website: http://landragraf.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/LandraGrafFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landra.grafGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/landragraf/Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/LandraGraf/e/B...
February 21, 2016
Need a #Dessert #recipe for a #bridalshower? Check out this yummy pound cake with strawberries
I created this flavorful recipe in celebration of my new series
One Night with the Bridal Party
. This is the perfect dessert for a bridal shower or post-wedding brunch. It's also delicious with a cup of tea and a good book.
Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups flour
Fresh Strawberries – sliced
Preheat oven to at 325° F.
Grease and flour a 9 X 5 loaf pan.
Beat butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute.
Add sugar to butter, a bit at a time, beating on medium/high for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating for one minute after each egg, and scraping the bowl. Add vanilla and beat for another minute.
Gradually add nutmeg, baking powder, and flour, beat on low/medium until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour.
Cool and slice. Serve with fresh strawberries.
Here's a little about my One Night with the Bridal Party series.
Whether the one-night stand occurs a week before their scheduled wedding or seven years later, meet six couples for whom one night will turn a fairy tale wedding from a mistake into a happily ever after.
1. One Night with the Bride
2. One Night with the Bridesmaid
3. One Night with the Groom
4. One Night with the Best Man
5. One Night with Her Husband
6. One Night with His Wife
Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries
1 cup butter, room temperature1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
¼ tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking powder
2 cups flour
Fresh Strawberries – sliced
Preheat oven to at 325° F.
Grease and flour a 9 X 5 loaf pan.
Beat butter with an electric mixer for 1 minute.
Add sugar to butter, a bit at a time, beating on medium/high for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating for one minute after each egg, and scraping the bowl. Add vanilla and beat for another minute.
Gradually add nutmeg, baking powder, and flour, beat on low/medium until just combined.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake 1 hour.
Cool and slice. Serve with fresh strawberries.
Here's a little about my One Night with the Bridal Party series.
Whether the one-night stand occurs a week before their scheduled wedding or seven years later, meet six couples for whom one night will turn a fairy tale wedding from a mistake into a happily ever after.
1. One Night with the Bride
2. One Night with the Bridesmaid
3. One Night with the Groom
4. One Night with the Best Man
5. One Night with Her Husband
6. One Night with His Wife
February 17, 2016
Alpha Fever box set - special pre-order from 22 authors #99centread
***Limited Time Price***
Alpha Fever is filled with a scintillating, spicy blend of ***BRAND NEW*** contemporary and paranormal romance stories written by 24 NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon best selling Authors wrapped up in one amazing boxed set!
#Preorder now for 99 cents. Releases March 19, 2016 at the following retailers:
Nook: http://goo.gl/UdqCcK
iBooks: https://goo.gl/NgQuG4
Amazon US: http://goo.gl/0m0IqTAmazon UK: http://goo.gl/f7jNKwAmazon CAN: http://goo.gl/ni5ub4Amazon AUS: http://goo.gl/yppfRKARe: https://goo.gl/nJvkoP
**Don't forget to add to your *want to read* list on#Goodreads: https://goo.gl/1biqZd
Enter to Win!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1be762339/
Elianne Adams – Erzabet Bishop – Muffy Wilson – Rozlyn Sparks –Jacintha Topaz – Elvira Bathory – Tara Crescent – Crystal Dawn – Tricia Owens – D. F. Krieger – A.C. Nixon – Isis Pierce – Abi Aiken – Dawn White – Kiki Howell – Gina Kincade – Bethany Shaw – Danielle Gavan – Abby Hayes – Paige Matthews – Tierney O'Malley – Jacqueline Sweet – Angelica Dawson – Tanith Davenport
#AlphaFeverBoxedSet #Rafflecopter #Prizes#Giveaway #Paranormal #Contemporary #Steamy
