Sara Daniel's Blog, page 48
December 22, 2013
#MondayMunchies - Candy Cane Cookies #recipe
My favorite holiday recipe is for Candy Cane Cookies. I love these festive cookies for their hint of almond flavor and the crushed candy canes on the top. I only make them once a year, and I double the recipe below.
I will warn you to make sure that you only use peppermint candy canes (or peppermint candies). A couple years ago, I went around our family Christmas tree, plucking off all the red and white candy canes. I crushed them into the topping, which I then sprinkled onto the cookies. Well, you can imagine my dismay when I took a bite and discovered mixed in with the refreshing mint flavor was also the not-so-refreshing taste of watermelon candy. Yes, unbeknownst to me, one (or more) of the candy canes I crushed was watermelon flavored, not mint, and I can NOT in good conscience recommend it to anyone! This year I used round peppermint candies to ensure there was no mix-up!
½ cup butter, softened½ cup shortening1 cup powdered sugar1 egg1½ t. almond extract1 t. vanilla2 ½ cups flour1 t. salt½ - 1 t. red food coloring1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candyMix butter, shortening and powdered sugar. Mix in egg, almond extract and vanilla. Continue mixing as you add in flour and salt.
Divide dough in half. Place in separate bowls. Blend food coloring into one bowl of dough.
Shape one tablespoon of dough from each color into a rope. Place ropes side by side on a cookie sheet. Press together lightly and twist. Curve down the top third to form a candy cane.
Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minute.
Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle cookies with crushed peppermint candy. Wait until cookies are cool to prevent breakage when removing them from the pan.
Enjoy the tastes and smells of the season. Happy holidays!
December 15, 2013
#Monday Munchies - Celebrate the 2 year anniversary of Mr. Forever with a scone #recipe
To commemorate the 2 year anniversary of the release of Mr. Forever, I'm reprising my scones recipe which was also published in the free Passionate Cooks cookbook. Enjoy! --Sara
Scones are a specialty of The Scot's Mansion in my novel
Mr. Forever
. Olivia Wells makes plain scones and several flavors of the day, and serves them with jam and hot tea. All her guests rave about them. Then Dr. Caleb Paden shows up. He insists that scones are dry and heavy and not to his liking at all.
Well, if he thinks that, he certainly hasn't tried her scones. Ethan Paden knows exactly what his brother is missing out on. The moment he bites into one of Olivia's scones, he is enraptured. He dubs her a "scone sorceress" and asks to marry her on the spot.
I can't guarantee instant marriage proposals and a sorceress-level following, but these scones are sure to inspire devotion from all who try them. And hey, if you've been waiting for years for a marriage proposal that hasn't come yet, they're certainly worth a shot.
The Scone Sorceress's Almond-Poppy Seed Scones
1 cup flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1 ½ tsp. poppy seeds
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp. sour cream
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tbsp. milk
Powdered sugar
Sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Chill butter and cut into pieces. Combine dry ingredients in bowl. Add butter pieces. Use pastry cutter to mix butter and dry ingredients, until mixture is coarse.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, egg, almond extract and milk. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula.
Finish mixing by kneading the dough with your hands. Pat into a 5-inch circle.
Set circle on cookie sheet and use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 triangle wedges. Spread pieces apart.
Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Dip warm scones into powdered sugar and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Enjoy!
(optional but highly recommended) Serve to the person you love. Watch them kneel in front of you. Savor their vow of love and devotion. Accept proposal. Live happily ever after.
The discovery of a secret baby threatens Caleb's professional reputation. Falling for the woman who loves this baby would ruin him.
Marriage therapist Caleb Paden has just found out he has a son from a one-night stand, making a mockery of his core belief of stable relationships--"friendship above all physical encounters." On his way to take the child for a paternity test, a snowstorm leaves him stranded with single mom Olivia Wells, who blames his advice for breaking up her marriage. Caleb finds himself fighting the urge for the most basic of physical encounters. Olivia would like nothing more than to destroy the career he spent a lifetime building, but her maternal instincts draw her to help Caleb bond with his child. Soon, she finds herself falling for both of them. Nowhere in any of his advice does Caleb have an answer for how to make a relationship work if he loses his heart to love.
To read an excerpt from Mr. Forever please click a vendor's name.
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
iTunes
Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.
Scones are a specialty of The Scot's Mansion in my novel
Mr. Forever
. Olivia Wells makes plain scones and several flavors of the day, and serves them with jam and hot tea. All her guests rave about them. Then Dr. Caleb Paden shows up. He insists that scones are dry and heavy and not to his liking at all.Well, if he thinks that, he certainly hasn't tried her scones. Ethan Paden knows exactly what his brother is missing out on. The moment he bites into one of Olivia's scones, he is enraptured. He dubs her a "scone sorceress" and asks to marry her on the spot.
I can't guarantee instant marriage proposals and a sorceress-level following, but these scones are sure to inspire devotion from all who try them. And hey, if you've been waiting for years for a marriage proposal that hasn't come yet, they're certainly worth a shot.
The Scone Sorceress's Almond-Poppy Seed Scones1 cup flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1 ½ tsp. poppy seeds
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¼ cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp. sour cream
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tbsp. milk
Powdered sugar
Sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Chill butter and cut into pieces. Combine dry ingredients in bowl. Add butter pieces. Use pastry cutter to mix butter and dry ingredients, until mixture is coarse.
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, egg, almond extract and milk. Pour into dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula.
Finish mixing by kneading the dough with your hands. Pat into a 5-inch circle.
Set circle on cookie sheet and use a pizza cutter to cut into 8 triangle wedges. Spread pieces apart.
Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Dip warm scones into powdered sugar and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Enjoy!
(optional but highly recommended) Serve to the person you love. Watch them kneel in front of you. Savor their vow of love and devotion. Accept proposal. Live happily ever after.
The discovery of a secret baby threatens Caleb's professional reputation. Falling for the woman who loves this baby would ruin him.Marriage therapist Caleb Paden has just found out he has a son from a one-night stand, making a mockery of his core belief of stable relationships--"friendship above all physical encounters." On his way to take the child for a paternity test, a snowstorm leaves him stranded with single mom Olivia Wells, who blames his advice for breaking up her marriage. Caleb finds himself fighting the urge for the most basic of physical encounters. Olivia would like nothing more than to destroy the career he spent a lifetime building, but her maternal instincts draw her to help Caleb bond with his child. Soon, she finds herself falling for both of them. Nowhere in any of his advice does Caleb have an answer for how to make a relationship work if he loses his heart to love.
To read an excerpt from Mr. Forever please click a vendor's name.
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
iTunes
Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.
December 12, 2013
#FridayFriends - New Release Czech Mate by @sloanetaylor2
Discover the passion that is a Sloane Taylor story with the hot release of
CZECH MATE
Pink boa and red stilettos…anything goes with Armani.
Musa PublishingErotic Contemporary Romance
Life isn't easy for American Lacey Blake when she’s stranded in Praguedressed like a dolled up hooker and nowhere to go. The cash-strapped American, boasting a pink boa and red stilettos that would make any working girl jealous, is saved by a staid giant in classic Armani.
Dragan Petrovic worked hard to shed the stigma of his youth and what his mother endured to put food in his belly. Now that he is a success, Dragan is determined his 5-star hotel will retain its unblemished reputation and no apprentice prostitute will launch her career in his lobby.
But one look in Lacey’s eyes proves there is more to the desirable woman than a micro mini and a push up bra. The urge to protect her compels Dragan to suggest an unconventional plan that stirs deep desires and alters their lives forever.
EXCERPT:Lacey lifted out a teetering stack of silky looking items. Lingerie? A light blue bra encased with what must be rhinestones slid to the floor, quickly followed by matching bikini panties.
“What are these?” Dragan knelt next to her. Blood pounded through his veins as he captured the delicate cloth in his hands.
“My undies.” She continued to rummage, spilling more silken items onto the carpet.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Uncomfortable?”
“Surprisingly, no.” She giggled. Her creamy skin took on a rosy glow as she dipped her head lower to the suitcase. “Damn it, where is it?”
A vision of her dressed only in the intimate garments and those sexy high heels strapped to her ankles flooded his mind, sending jolts of electricity south.
His stiff cock, which was its normal posture in her presence, swelled larger as she walked toward him. The throbbing head was anxious to be deep inside her and wrapped in her wet heat. The tips of her hard nipples shoved against the silky fabric of her bra. Their outline was a beacon to his aching member. His fingers itched to caress the soft mounds that rose over the miniscule rhinestone studded cups. He wanted to tongue her hard nipples Erotic sensations streaked through him as he imagined mounting her, and sliding his cock between their firm flesh.
She stepped closer, drawing his attention lower to her shapely hips. He was mesmerized by their sway, the movement seductive, sensual, compelling him to taste her.
The clear gems sprinkled across her sheer panties twinkled in the dim light. He licked his dry lips. The burning desire to kiss the lacey V at the apex of her thighs, suckle her clit through the thin material, and graze a finger along her folds brought sweat to his brow.
She slid the bra straps down her shoulders. His heart thudded, banging against his ribcage. He stood—
“Earth to Vic. Come in, Vic.”
A hand shook his shoulder and slammed him into the present.
“Um, you might want to let go, big time.”
He glanced at his hands wadding her undergarments into a knot. Souložit. Fuck, what the hell could he say and not appear an old lecher? “I apologize. My mind must have taken a short vacation.”
“Yeah, right.” She laughed. “Don’t even think I’ll buy that one, big guy.”
Dragan smiled. Even in a dire situation she still enjoyed life enough to make amusing retorts. A wonderful asset more women should embrace. And even though she owned the sexiest lingerie he ever had the pleasure to fondle, Lacey Blake was not a whore. The lady had style. But time was short and he needed to move forward and not dwell on her attributes.
He pursed his lips and was not sure how to best measure Lacey’s shapely body without appearing to molest her, especially after making a fool of himself over her delicate things. He did not trust himself to hold back and not wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him to make love to her.
Make love to her?
Obviously that thought was formed wrong. Or was it? ____________________________________________________
WEBSITE / BLOG / FACEBOOK
Pink boa and red stilettos…anything goes with Armani.
Musa PublishingErotic Contemporary RomanceLife isn't easy for American Lacey Blake when she’s stranded in Praguedressed like a dolled up hooker and nowhere to go. The cash-strapped American, boasting a pink boa and red stilettos that would make any working girl jealous, is saved by a staid giant in classic Armani.
Dragan Petrovic worked hard to shed the stigma of his youth and what his mother endured to put food in his belly. Now that he is a success, Dragan is determined his 5-star hotel will retain its unblemished reputation and no apprentice prostitute will launch her career in his lobby.
But one look in Lacey’s eyes proves there is more to the desirable woman than a micro mini and a push up bra. The urge to protect her compels Dragan to suggest an unconventional plan that stirs deep desires and alters their lives forever.
EXCERPT:Lacey lifted out a teetering stack of silky looking items. Lingerie? A light blue bra encased with what must be rhinestones slid to the floor, quickly followed by matching bikini panties.
“What are these?” Dragan knelt next to her. Blood pounded through his veins as he captured the delicate cloth in his hands.
“My undies.” She continued to rummage, spilling more silken items onto the carpet.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Uncomfortable?”
“Surprisingly, no.” She giggled. Her creamy skin took on a rosy glow as she dipped her head lower to the suitcase. “Damn it, where is it?”
A vision of her dressed only in the intimate garments and those sexy high heels strapped to her ankles flooded his mind, sending jolts of electricity south.
His stiff cock, which was its normal posture in her presence, swelled larger as she walked toward him. The throbbing head was anxious to be deep inside her and wrapped in her wet heat. The tips of her hard nipples shoved against the silky fabric of her bra. Their outline was a beacon to his aching member. His fingers itched to caress the soft mounds that rose over the miniscule rhinestone studded cups. He wanted to tongue her hard nipples Erotic sensations streaked through him as he imagined mounting her, and sliding his cock between their firm flesh.
She stepped closer, drawing his attention lower to her shapely hips. He was mesmerized by their sway, the movement seductive, sensual, compelling him to taste her.
The clear gems sprinkled across her sheer panties twinkled in the dim light. He licked his dry lips. The burning desire to kiss the lacey V at the apex of her thighs, suckle her clit through the thin material, and graze a finger along her folds brought sweat to his brow.
She slid the bra straps down her shoulders. His heart thudded, banging against his ribcage. He stood—
“Earth to Vic. Come in, Vic.”
A hand shook his shoulder and slammed him into the present.
“Um, you might want to let go, big time.”
He glanced at his hands wadding her undergarments into a knot. Souložit. Fuck, what the hell could he say and not appear an old lecher? “I apologize. My mind must have taken a short vacation.”
“Yeah, right.” She laughed. “Don’t even think I’ll buy that one, big guy.”
Dragan smiled. Even in a dire situation she still enjoyed life enough to make amusing retorts. A wonderful asset more women should embrace. And even though she owned the sexiest lingerie he ever had the pleasure to fondle, Lacey Blake was not a whore. The lady had style. But time was short and he needed to move forward and not dwell on her attributes.
He pursed his lips and was not sure how to best measure Lacey’s shapely body without appearing to molest her, especially after making a fool of himself over her delicate things. He did not trust himself to hold back and not wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him to make love to her.
Make love to her?
Obviously that thought was formed wrong. Or was it? ____________________________________________________
WEBSITE / BLOG / FACEBOOK
December 9, 2013
#TuesdayToolbox - Favorite Romances that Influenced My Writing
I have always been drawn to relationship stories, happily ever after, and romance. I was first sucked into the Sweet Valley High series in middle school and always rooted for the good girl to win. A book I still remember from my early teen years is Dial L For Love by Marian Woodruff. In this teen romance, the girl began dating a socially awkward but popular football player who had his best friend call her pretending to be him, and the girl and the best friend ended up falling for each other. Decades later, I still remember the heart-wrenching emotion I felt while reading that story.
My first adult romance books were Johanna Lindsey historicals that I read late at night when my mother thought I was sleeping. Soon after, I moved on to contemporary category romances by Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, and Sandra Brown. I loved the emotional ride each author delivered in every book, and I lived vicariously through the heroines, experiencing love and heartbreak as they did. When I write, I hope to capture even a portion of the pure, raw emotion those stories inspired in me.
My all-time favorite hero is Kenny Karmody from Suzanne Brockmann’s Out of Control. That mix of sweet, vulnerable, tough, fearless, and irreverent made me fall head-over-heels in love in a way I never have before or since with any other book character. Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ First Lady is probably my all-time favorite book because every single character captivated me on every single page. When I finished that book for the first time, I turned to page one and immediately started reading it again.
Contemporary romances with memorable characters and pure, heartfelt emotion are the stories I love. They’ve stuck with me through the years, influenced the core of my writing, and are now the types of books I too write in the hopes they will touch others in the same way.
My first adult romance books were Johanna Lindsey historicals that I read late at night when my mother thought I was sleeping. Soon after, I moved on to contemporary category romances by Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, and Sandra Brown. I loved the emotional ride each author delivered in every book, and I lived vicariously through the heroines, experiencing love and heartbreak as they did. When I write, I hope to capture even a portion of the pure, raw emotion those stories inspired in me.My all-time favorite hero is Kenny Karmody from Suzanne Brockmann’s Out of Control. That mix of sweet, vulnerable, tough, fearless, and irreverent made me fall head-over-heels in love in a way I never have before or since with any other book character. Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ First Lady is probably my all-time favorite book because every single character captivated me on every single page. When I finished that book for the first time, I turned to page one and immediately started reading it again.
Contemporary romances with memorable characters and pure, heartfelt emotion are the stories I love. They’ve stuck with me through the years, influenced the core of my writing, and are now the types of books I too write in the hopes they will touch others in the same way.
December 6, 2013
#MySexySaturday - Holiday Shopping for the CEO
It’s that time of year again, where we’re trying to find the perfect gift for the special people in our lives, and if that special someone happens to be a CEO who has everything, what the heck do you buy for him or her? I mean, they probably already have everything, and let’s be honest anything that has a chance of impressing a mega-successful CEO is waaayyyyy beyond my budget.
So, I did a bit of research and hunted down Willow Jeffries, a massage therapist who specializes in giving massages to CEOs who are too busy to leave their offices to get to the spa. Naturally, in her professional opinion, she considers a gift certificate for an office massage to be a good bet. But if you’re the type who sees a white collar guy and automatic heads for the men’s clothing department, here are Willow’s personal thoughts on the subject (as excerpted from Captivating the CEO):
Colin set aside his earpiece and laptop, then crossed the room and shoved his arms back into his shirt sleeves. After buttoning his crisp white shirt, he looped a blue tie around his neck.She didn’t recall him ever wearing another color in her presence. “Are all your ties blue, or do you only own one?”“I change at least once a day, sometimes twice.” Opening an oversized cabinet door, he gestured to several suit bags, a half dozen white shirts and a dozen blue ties. Some ties sported a muted stripe, others a subtle paisley design.Without staring at them lined next to each other, she wouldn’t have discerned a difference. “Well, Christmas shopping for you will be easy. White shirt, blue tie. Check.” Of course, if she bought him a gift, she’d attempt to rock his wardrobe with a tie-dye shirt or, even better, Rudolph boxers with a prominent, glowing red nose.While winding his tie and securing it in a snug knot against his starched, buttoned collar, he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Do you buy presents for clients?”“If the mood strikes.” Unable to hold his gaze without leading him on, she shrugged and glanced at the clock above the treadmill. “Anyway, you’re not a client at the moment. Your session ended two minutes ago, and you don’t have any upcoming sessions booked, so I’m on personal time.”“That sounds promising.” He winked. “How much personal time do you want to devote to me?”
So it’s official. Next time I have a CEO on my gift life, I’m going to buy him Rudolph boxers, and I’m definitely going to enjoy that glowing red nose! What fun things are you shopping for this year?
Captivating the CEO
He only plans for the future. She might not have a future.
When live-for-the-moment massage therapist Willow Jeffries bursts into Colin Vanderhayden's office, she makes it her mission to loosen up the future-focused CEO, knowing each moment of the present is too precious to waste. Despite her immediate attraction, the only future she can offer is one full of heartache.
The last thing Colin needs is a flighty woman messing up his carefully-constructed plans, but her heavenly massages and addictive personality prove hard to resist. But he has no idea how sick she is.
No longer able to ignore her life-threatening medical condition, Willow slips away to spare Colin a miserable future with her. Is Colin willing to sacrifice his well-laid future plans to get Willow back?
So, I did a bit of research and hunted down Willow Jeffries, a massage therapist who specializes in giving massages to CEOs who are too busy to leave their offices to get to the spa. Naturally, in her professional opinion, she considers a gift certificate for an office massage to be a good bet. But if you’re the type who sees a white collar guy and automatic heads for the men’s clothing department, here are Willow’s personal thoughts on the subject (as excerpted from Captivating the CEO):Colin set aside his earpiece and laptop, then crossed the room and shoved his arms back into his shirt sleeves. After buttoning his crisp white shirt, he looped a blue tie around his neck.She didn’t recall him ever wearing another color in her presence. “Are all your ties blue, or do you only own one?”“I change at least once a day, sometimes twice.” Opening an oversized cabinet door, he gestured to several suit bags, a half dozen white shirts and a dozen blue ties. Some ties sported a muted stripe, others a subtle paisley design.Without staring at them lined next to each other, she wouldn’t have discerned a difference. “Well, Christmas shopping for you will be easy. White shirt, blue tie. Check.” Of course, if she bought him a gift, she’d attempt to rock his wardrobe with a tie-dye shirt or, even better, Rudolph boxers with a prominent, glowing red nose.While winding his tie and securing it in a snug knot against his starched, buttoned collar, he cocked an eyebrow at her. “Do you buy presents for clients?”“If the mood strikes.” Unable to hold his gaze without leading him on, she shrugged and glanced at the clock above the treadmill. “Anyway, you’re not a client at the moment. Your session ended two minutes ago, and you don’t have any upcoming sessions booked, so I’m on personal time.”“That sounds promising.” He winked. “How much personal time do you want to devote to me?”
So it’s official. Next time I have a CEO on my gift life, I’m going to buy him Rudolph boxers, and I’m definitely going to enjoy that glowing red nose! What fun things are you shopping for this year?
Captivating the CEO
He only plans for the future. She might not have a future.
When live-for-the-moment massage therapist Willow Jeffries bursts into Colin Vanderhayden's office, she makes it her mission to loosen up the future-focused CEO, knowing each moment of the present is too precious to waste. Despite her immediate attraction, the only future she can offer is one full of heartache.
The last thing Colin needs is a flighty woman messing up his carefully-constructed plans, but her heavenly massages and addictive personality prove hard to resist. But he has no idea how sick she is.
No longer able to ignore her life-threatening medical condition, Willow slips away to spare Colin a miserable future with her. Is Colin willing to sacrifice his well-laid future plans to get Willow back?
December 1, 2013
#CyberMonday #ebook Deals from @MusaPublishing and More!
Yep, you read that right. Cyber Monday has hit Musa Publishing. All books purchased from the site are 50% off. It's a great way to scoop up your favorite authors, and if you haven't started or need to get caught up on the Wiccan Haus series, they're all half off too!
Musa also has a free read going up each day for a 13 Days of Christmas special.
I also have my own Cyber Monday sale going on at All Romance ebooks. Haley's Man is currently 50% off.What great deals to load up your e-reader or the e-reader you're gifting to that special someone in your life! Happy shopping!
November 26, 2013
Character Interview Blog Hop #WiccanHaus #pnr #secondchanceromance
Today we welcome Holly Walters of The Wiccan Haus: A Man Worth Fighting For. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Holly. Why do you think Sara Daniel chose you to represent her?Well, that’s easy. She tried to get Justin to come here, and he refused. Since running a PR company is my job, I understand the value of reaching out to people and building a solid network. Honestly, I’ll be able to tell you more about Justin than he’d ever admit to himself.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Justin, who I’d been dating for a year, sent me an eight-word text to end our relationship. “I don’t want to see you anymore. Sorry.” Really? That’s all I get after a year together? I don’t think so. Sometimes a girl has to stick up for herself and demand better, so that’s exactly what I did. I tracked Justin all the way to the Wiccan Haus.
Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?I wasn’t very happy that calling all of Justin’s colleagues and taking a week off work to find him made me look like a stalker ex-girlfriend. Then Sara made me look like I was going crazy because of all the weird—some people would say magical—things happening on the island. My clients depend on my upstanding, sane reputation. But you know what? I forgive Sara because she brought me to Justin and gave us a second chance to work out our issues.
Speaking of Justin, what do you think of him getting his picture on the cover? Are you jealous you don’t get to share the cover with him?Not at all jealous. Justin is a determined, honorable man who will go to any length to protect the people he cares about. Despite putting his life on the line every day for his country, he never figured out that he is a man worth fighting for. That’s why I came to the Wiccan Haus to fight for him. That’s why I’m on this blog spilling our private details. Besides, have you ever seen a hotter, sexier man than my Justin? No, you haven’t, and that perfection deserves to have an entire cover devoted to it.
Do you believe in ghosts?Well, if you’d asked me before I came to the Wiccan Haus, I would have said absolutely not. But after spending a week at the Wiccan Haus, let’s just say I now believe in things I never imagined existed before. Ghosts don’t even begin to cover it.
Why should the readers be interested in your story?Besides the fact that reading A Man Worth Fighting For is like taking a mini-vacation to the Wiccan Haus, everyone needs to meet Justin and hear his story of bravery, healing and determination. If that’s not enough for you, here’s the clincher. He’s sexy, strong and vulnerable all at once. Who wouldn’t fall for a man like that? However, since I’m not going to share him with you, you’ll just have to read the book if you want to experience it for yourself!
Buy Links:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
Smashwords
Diesel
Kobo
Sony
iTunes
Tell us a little about yourself.Justin, who I’d been dating for a year, sent me an eight-word text to end our relationship. “I don’t want to see you anymore. Sorry.” Really? That’s all I get after a year together? I don’t think so. Sometimes a girl has to stick up for herself and demand better, so that’s exactly what I did. I tracked Justin all the way to the Wiccan Haus.
Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?I wasn’t very happy that calling all of Justin’s colleagues and taking a week off work to find him made me look like a stalker ex-girlfriend. Then Sara made me look like I was going crazy because of all the weird—some people would say magical—things happening on the island. My clients depend on my upstanding, sane reputation. But you know what? I forgive Sara because she brought me to Justin and gave us a second chance to work out our issues.
Speaking of Justin, what do you think of him getting his picture on the cover? Are you jealous you don’t get to share the cover with him?Not at all jealous. Justin is a determined, honorable man who will go to any length to protect the people he cares about. Despite putting his life on the line every day for his country, he never figured out that he is a man worth fighting for. That’s why I came to the Wiccan Haus to fight for him. That’s why I’m on this blog spilling our private details. Besides, have you ever seen a hotter, sexier man than my Justin? No, you haven’t, and that perfection deserves to have an entire cover devoted to it.
Do you believe in ghosts?Well, if you’d asked me before I came to the Wiccan Haus, I would have said absolutely not. But after spending a week at the Wiccan Haus, let’s just say I now believe in things I never imagined existed before. Ghosts don’t even begin to cover it.
Why should the readers be interested in your story?Besides the fact that reading A Man Worth Fighting For is like taking a mini-vacation to the Wiccan Haus, everyone needs to meet Justin and hear his story of bravery, healing and determination. If that’s not enough for you, here’s the clincher. He’s sexy, strong and vulnerable all at once. Who wouldn’t fall for a man like that? However, since I’m not going to share him with you, you’ll just have to read the book if you want to experience it for yourself!
Buy Links:Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
BookStrand
Smashwords
Diesel
Kobo
Sony
iTunes
November 19, 2013
Character Interview Blog Hop #WiccanHaus #pnr
Character Interview with Armando Verdad from Psychic Lies
Today, I would like to welcome Armando Verdad, hero of The Wiccan Haus: Psychic Lies. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Armando. Why do you think Sara Daniel choose you to represent her?As the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for Syndicate (which is the government of the paranormal world for you humans out there), I am well-qualified to articulate myself. And honestly, I can’t afford to pass up any positive coverage to boost my department’s image right now.
Tell us a little about yourself?As you might have figured out, I have the truth-finding power. This means when I touch a person who is speaking, their words mentally play back in my head followed by the word “truth” or “lie.” If the person speaks a sentence that is half truth and half lie, my power will break it into parts so I know exactly what part is truth and which is a lie. This makes me a very useful investigator for the government in solving crimes and ferreting out those who aim to deceive our honest citizens.
What do you wish people would know about you?I wish people understood how much I want to use my power for the greater good of keeping the Syndicate safe. It’s true that I don’t have Cyrus’s amazing retro-cog power, but I can still make a difference, and I intend to prove it by cracking this high-profile murder case before the police do. I’m following the victim’s lifebond Vetter to the Wiccan Haus. She’s definitely hiding something, and I’m going to figure out exactly what and bring her to justice.
I get the feeling you don’t believe you’re portrayed fairly in the media?I have a problem with everyone believing the Department of Truth-Finding is not capable of solving crimes and protecting the Syndicate. Everyone constantly wants to compare me to Cyrus. It’s very frustrating to continually come up short.
What really pushes your buttons?People not telling the truth, obviously. But aside from the big lies to cover up evil intentions, I don’t understand why people lie about insignificant things that don’t matter either way. How do I know which lies are worth digging into when everything that comes out of a person’s mouth is a lie?
Sounds like you need to relax a bit. Any ideas on how to go about that?Well, if I’m lucky enough to have a woman to relax with, I enjoy a picnic with some exotic fruit, a variety of cheeses and a fine white wine. I’m not opposed to finishing the meal off with a nice massage or a swim in the lake (clothing *ah-hem* optional), but ultimately it’s whatever the lady wants. If she’s happy, then I’m relaxed.
Is the man on the cover of Psychic Lies a fair representation of you?The man is definitely me, and the picture of the lake behind me is very nice, as well. But cover itself is rather embarrassing. I’m the head of a government department. I need to be portrayed professionally, wearing my overcoat…or, at the very least, have my shirt buttoned.
What is your biggest fear?My biggest fear is the Syndicate dissolving the Department of Truth Finding, so I’ll be forced to use my power to investigate cheating spouses and petty concerns. How does that serve the greater good?
Thank you, Armando, for dropping by to talk with us today. I hope your trip to the Wiccan Haus gives you the answers you’re looking for.
Psychic Lies Fiona must keep her ability to read minds during sex a secret from those determined to exploit her, especially a sexy truth-finding investigator who needs her psychic power to save his job.
Fiona has spent her life hiding her sexual mind-reading power at the risk of being exploited by the government. Instead, she pretends to have lifebond vetting powers like the rest of her family. When her fake power results in the death of an innocent woman, her life of lies unravels and she retreats to the Wiccan Haus.
Armando is the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for the Syndicate. To prove his unit’s worth to the government, he follows Fiona to the Wiccan Haus to expose her as an infiltrator of an enemy faction. The truth about Fiona is even more valuable to his people and his career.
Fiona uses her power to seduce Armando and stop his plans to betray her. But nothing is strong enough to keep her from falling in love with this man whose power threatens to destroy her. Now she must trust him, not only with her life and her psychic lies, but also her heart.
Buy Links:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
Kobo
iTunes
Today, I would like to welcome Armando Verdad, hero of The Wiccan Haus: Psychic Lies. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Armando. Why do you think Sara Daniel choose you to represent her?As the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for Syndicate (which is the government of the paranormal world for you humans out there), I am well-qualified to articulate myself. And honestly, I can’t afford to pass up any positive coverage to boost my department’s image right now.
Tell us a little about yourself?As you might have figured out, I have the truth-finding power. This means when I touch a person who is speaking, their words mentally play back in my head followed by the word “truth” or “lie.” If the person speaks a sentence that is half truth and half lie, my power will break it into parts so I know exactly what part is truth and which is a lie. This makes me a very useful investigator for the government in solving crimes and ferreting out those who aim to deceive our honest citizens.
What do you wish people would know about you?I wish people understood how much I want to use my power for the greater good of keeping the Syndicate safe. It’s true that I don’t have Cyrus’s amazing retro-cog power, but I can still make a difference, and I intend to prove it by cracking this high-profile murder case before the police do. I’m following the victim’s lifebond Vetter to the Wiccan Haus. She’s definitely hiding something, and I’m going to figure out exactly what and bring her to justice.
I get the feeling you don’t believe you’re portrayed fairly in the media?I have a problem with everyone believing the Department of Truth-Finding is not capable of solving crimes and protecting the Syndicate. Everyone constantly wants to compare me to Cyrus. It’s very frustrating to continually come up short.
What really pushes your buttons?People not telling the truth, obviously. But aside from the big lies to cover up evil intentions, I don’t understand why people lie about insignificant things that don’t matter either way. How do I know which lies are worth digging into when everything that comes out of a person’s mouth is a lie?
Sounds like you need to relax a bit. Any ideas on how to go about that?Well, if I’m lucky enough to have a woman to relax with, I enjoy a picnic with some exotic fruit, a variety of cheeses and a fine white wine. I’m not opposed to finishing the meal off with a nice massage or a swim in the lake (clothing *ah-hem* optional), but ultimately it’s whatever the lady wants. If she’s happy, then I’m relaxed.
Is the man on the cover of Psychic Lies a fair representation of you?The man is definitely me, and the picture of the lake behind me is very nice, as well. But cover itself is rather embarrassing. I’m the head of a government department. I need to be portrayed professionally, wearing my overcoat…or, at the very least, have my shirt buttoned.
What is your biggest fear?My biggest fear is the Syndicate dissolving the Department of Truth Finding, so I’ll be forced to use my power to investigate cheating spouses and petty concerns. How does that serve the greater good?
Thank you, Armando, for dropping by to talk with us today. I hope your trip to the Wiccan Haus gives you the answers you’re looking for.
Psychic Lies Fiona must keep her ability to read minds during sex a secret from those determined to exploit her, especially a sexy truth-finding investigator who needs her psychic power to save his job.
Fiona has spent her life hiding her sexual mind-reading power at the risk of being exploited by the government. Instead, she pretends to have lifebond vetting powers like the rest of her family. When her fake power results in the death of an innocent woman, her life of lies unravels and she retreats to the Wiccan Haus.
Armando is the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for the Syndicate. To prove his unit’s worth to the government, he follows Fiona to the Wiccan Haus to expose her as an infiltrator of an enemy faction. The truth about Fiona is even more valuable to his people and his career.
Fiona uses her power to seduce Armando and stop his plans to betray her. But nothing is strong enough to keep her from falling in love with this man whose power threatens to destroy her. Now she must trust him, not only with her life and her psychic lies, but also her heart.
Buy Links:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
Kobo
iTunes
November 17, 2013
#MondayMunchies - @sharonledwith serves Maple-Planked Stuffed S’Mores…Mmmm
Maple-Planked Stuffed S’Mores…Mmmm
by Sharon Ledwith
Sticky, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth heaven. I’m talking about S’Mores – one of the mainstays of camping and a first choice with kids around the campfire. Here’s an easy-peasy treat that takes five minutes to prep, fifteen minutes to make, and serves eight. And guess what? No campfire is required. You can create this treat in the comfort of your own back yard with your barbecue.
What You Need:
8 jumbo marshmallows
16 milk chocolate squares
3 tbsp butter, melted and cooled
½ cup of crumbled honey graham wafers (about 3) spread on a plate, plus 16 whole wafers for serving
Maple grilling plank, soaked in water for 2 hours
What You Do:
Preheat barbecue to medium.
Make a slit in the middle of each marshmallow end. Stuff each marshmallow with 2 squares of chocolate (one in each end), hiding chocolate inside. Lightly brush stuffed marshmallows with butter and roll in graham crumb to coat evenly.
Grill soaked plank for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (to help intensify smoky flavor and prevent warping). Once plank begins to smoke and crackle, place prepared marshmallows on top and close barbecue lid. Bake for 3 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly toasted and slightly gooey.
Remove plank from barbecue and set on metal pan. Serve marshmallows directly on plank with whole wafers for scooping and sandwiching.
ADDED BONUS – if you feel adventurous you can spread smooth peanut butter over the milk chocolate squares before stuffing it into the marshmallow. Trust me—it will make a peanut butter cup blush. Oh, and make sure you have plenty of napkins or wipes on hand.
Enjoy!
There is no moving forward without first going back.
Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.
Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.
To read an excerpt from Legend of the Timekeepers please click
HERE .
If you haven’t already read Sharon Ledwith's novel,
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis
, here’s the blurb…
When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis , please click HERE .
Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
When Sharon Ledwith is not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
by Sharon Ledwith
Sticky, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth heaven. I’m talking about S’Mores – one of the mainstays of camping and a first choice with kids around the campfire. Here’s an easy-peasy treat that takes five minutes to prep, fifteen minutes to make, and serves eight. And guess what? No campfire is required. You can create this treat in the comfort of your own back yard with your barbecue.What You Need:
8 jumbo marshmallows
16 milk chocolate squares
3 tbsp butter, melted and cooled
½ cup of crumbled honey graham wafers (about 3) spread on a plate, plus 16 whole wafers for serving
Maple grilling plank, soaked in water for 2 hours
What You Do:
Preheat barbecue to medium.
Make a slit in the middle of each marshmallow end. Stuff each marshmallow with 2 squares of chocolate (one in each end), hiding chocolate inside. Lightly brush stuffed marshmallows with butter and roll in graham crumb to coat evenly.
Grill soaked plank for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (to help intensify smoky flavor and prevent warping). Once plank begins to smoke and crackle, place prepared marshmallows on top and close barbecue lid. Bake for 3 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly toasted and slightly gooey.
Remove plank from barbecue and set on metal pan. Serve marshmallows directly on plank with whole wafers for scooping and sandwiching.
ADDED BONUS – if you feel adventurous you can spread smooth peanut butter over the milk chocolate squares before stuffing it into the marshmallow. Trust me—it will make a peanut butter cup blush. Oh, and make sure you have plenty of napkins or wipes on hand.
Enjoy!
There is no moving forward without first going back.Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.
Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.
To read an excerpt from Legend of the Timekeepers please click
HERE .
If you haven’t already read Sharon Ledwith's novel,
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis
, here’s the blurb…When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.
Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.
To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis , please click HERE .
Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page .
BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
When Sharon Ledwith is not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter .
November 10, 2013
#MondayMunchies - @samcheever's Easy Pasta #recipe
from Sam Cheever
This recipe is so easy you'll want to make it time and time again. Throw all ingredients into one pot, even the uncooked Pasta. All ingredients cook along with the pasta. And the really cool thing, in my opinion, is that there’s nothing exotic here. This is all stuff I always have on hand!
No Strain Tomato Basil Pasta
12 ounces pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid (Get creative and use seasoned tomatoes!)
1 large sweet onion, cut in thin strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4½ cups vegetable broth (Not low sodium)
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Put the pasta, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large pot and add the vegetable broth.
Sprinkle the pepper flakes and oregano over the top and drizzle with the oil.
Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook covered for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
Cook off most of the liquid, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
You’ll want to stir the pasta several times to distribute the remaining liquid.
Garnish with the Parmesan cheese.
And here's a little from my latest erotic romance to spice up your night.
Bitten by Paranormal Romance gives Cupid a
4 – A Pack Howl!
"This is a delightful and sexy story of competition not only in the office, but between a cupid and a demon."
Long and Short Reviews:
"Cupid Only Rings Twice was a very cute story that was short but entertaining.”
This Valentine’s Day, Rori’s gonna meet an honest to god Cupid. And he’ll use more than arrows to win her love.
Rori Foster is too beautiful to find love. Men just can’t seem to look past her exterior to recognize the human being inside.
Unfortunately he’ll have to save her from the bad intentions of a cocky Love Demon first.
But Damios is determined to protect her. Even if he loses her in the process.
To read more or purchase Cupid Only Rings Twice please click the vendor's name.
Musa Publishing | Nook | Kobo |
Sony | ARe | Kindle | Amazon.uk
| Amazon.ca
Sam Cheever writes mainstream romantic suspense and fantasy, all heat levels; and Declan Sands for M/M romantic suspense and fantasy. Her books are fast paced and fun loving. Not one of them will solve a single world problem, but you definitely won’t be bored while reading them!
Sam’s published work includes 40+ works of young adult, romantic suspense, and fantasy/paranormal. Her books have won the Dream Realm Award for fantasy, been nominated and/or won several CAPAs, were nominated for Best of 2010 with LRC and The Romance Reviews, and won eCataromance’s Reviewer’s Choice award. She is published with Ellora’s Cave, both Romantica and Blush; Changeling Press; Electric Prose Publications (her own imprint), Musa Publishing, and Red Rose Publishing.
She lives on a hobby farm in Indiana with 11 dogs, 2 horses, and one husband.
Learn more about Sam Cheever on her blog Eclectic Insights . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find Sam on Goodreads.
LABELS
Cupid Only Rings Twice, erotic romance, Musa Publishing, Sam Cheever, pasta, spaghetti,
This recipe is so easy you'll want to make it time and time again. Throw all ingredients into one pot, even the uncooked Pasta. All ingredients cook along with the pasta. And the really cool thing, in my opinion, is that there’s nothing exotic here. This is all stuff I always have on hand!
No Strain Tomato Basil Pasta12 ounces pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid (Get creative and use seasoned tomatoes!)
1 large sweet onion, cut in thin strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4½ cups vegetable broth (Not low sodium)
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish
Put the pasta, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large pot and add the vegetable broth.
Sprinkle the pepper flakes and oregano over the top and drizzle with the oil.
Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook covered for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
Cook off most of the liquid, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
You’ll want to stir the pasta several times to distribute the remaining liquid.
Garnish with the Parmesan cheese.
And here's a little from my latest erotic romance to spice up your night.
Bitten by Paranormal Romance gives Cupid a 4 – A Pack Howl!
"This is a delightful and sexy story of competition not only in the office, but between a cupid and a demon."
Long and Short Reviews:
"Cupid Only Rings Twice was a very cute story that was short but entertaining.”
This Valentine’s Day, Rori’s gonna meet an honest to god Cupid. And he’ll use more than arrows to win her love.
Rori Foster is too beautiful to find love. Men just can’t seem to look past her exterior to recognize the human being inside.
Unfortunately he’ll have to save her from the bad intentions of a cocky Love Demon first.
But Damios is determined to protect her. Even if he loses her in the process.
To read more or purchase Cupid Only Rings Twice please click the vendor's name.
Musa Publishing | Nook | Kobo |
Sony | ARe | Kindle | Amazon.uk
| Amazon.ca
Sam Cheever writes mainstream romantic suspense and fantasy, all heat levels; and Declan Sands for M/M romantic suspense and fantasy. Her books are fast paced and fun loving. Not one of them will solve a single world problem, but you definitely won’t be bored while reading them!Sam’s published work includes 40+ works of young adult, romantic suspense, and fantasy/paranormal. Her books have won the Dream Realm Award for fantasy, been nominated and/or won several CAPAs, were nominated for Best of 2010 with LRC and The Romance Reviews, and won eCataromance’s Reviewer’s Choice award. She is published with Ellora’s Cave, both Romantica and Blush; Changeling Press; Electric Prose Publications (her own imprint), Musa Publishing, and Red Rose Publishing.
She lives on a hobby farm in Indiana with 11 dogs, 2 horses, and one husband.
Learn more about Sam Cheever on her blog Eclectic Insights . Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find Sam on Goodreads.
LABELS
Cupid Only Rings Twice, erotic romance, Musa Publishing, Sam Cheever, pasta, spaghetti,
