Lisa Rayns's Blog, page 11

Tiddly Jinx Released

Tiddly Jinx  

Selene Warren’s life is plagued by disaster. To fix the trouble her good intentions caused, she needs to rescue the necromancer who tried to help her, find and return the Pole of Charon, and win over the Elfish people. However, nothing ever goes as planned. The necromancer reappears in the Abyss, but is determined to be an enemy rather than a friend. The Pole of Charon can’t be tracked, yet small tears between worlds pop up and let in monsters that threaten to expose what Selene brought back. Tensions between elves and the other fae could erupt into violence at any moment, tearing apart the race once and for all. To mend the rips in the veil, Selene’s coven will have to use black magic, but that comes at a cost. Every time a spell is cast their souls are at stake. Forced to make a deal with an enemy or let the world be destroyed, all of her the lies and double crosses start to add up. The line between good and evil blurs until Selene doesn’t know which side she is fighting for.
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

Start the Series for FREE - Easy Bake Coven

For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated. A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible. This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble    

About Author Liz SchulteMany authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more. When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.

Follow Liz Schulte:Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Welcome Adrianne James

Henry Maximus is a super-hero-loving geek and proud of it. He’s also a genius when it comes to business. It’s how he earned the title of CEO of Maximus Gaming … not to mention the billions of dollars in his bank account. Henry’s tried living the life of a bachelor, but a different girl every night has left him wanting more. Needing more. 
Aubrey Vincent is in love with her job. She’ll love it even more if she lands the promotion that gets her out of her parent’s attic. She loves it so much that she has no time for relationships, not that she was ever very good at them to begin with. Aubrey is perfectly happy with the random, nameless men she picks up at the bar. 
After a brief encounter with Aubrey on a business trip, Henry packs his bags and moves back to the small town where he grew up. Aubrey’s town. Aubrey attempts to find her way into Henry’s bed, while he tries everything to get into her heart. Will Henry’s plan to break down the walls Aubrey has built around her heart work or will his unbelievable million dollar offer scare her away? 
THE COMING HOME BOOKS ARE A LINE, NOT A SERIES. THIS IS A STAND ALONE NOVEL. ALL OTHER COMING HOME NOVELS WILL HAVE THE SAME THEME, BUT NONE OF THE SAME CHARACTERS. BOOKS MAY BE READ IN ANY ORDER.
Purchase on: AMAZON / B&N
A White Hot ChristmasWithout YouThe MacKenzie Duncan seriesThe Billionaire and the BarflyLife on LoanOverxposed
~*~AUTHOR BIO~*~

Growing up, Adrianne couldn't get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn't have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.

During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.

As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy

Connect with Adrianne: WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER 



And now for the interview... 

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do for fun?
Wow, this is a big question! Well, I am of course a reader. But besides that I love the arts. I am a photographer and when I’m not being paid to take photos of families, I am out there taking pictures of anything and anything that catches my eye. I love to get outside and walk trails around the local state parks with my kids. And when I’m not doing that (or working either on books, covers, or in my family business) I just like to veg out and cuddle with the husband.  

Q: What do you like most about the genre you write in?
Well, I write mostly romance so I guess what I like most about it is the falling in love part. I love LOVE! I am a sucker for a good romance, always have been. I love when real characters have real emotions and I LOVE watching (and writing) the butterflies start to develop in them.

Q: Where is your favorite place to write?
Right now, anywhere quiet! We are currently looking for our own home and in it will be an office. If I have my way I may even sound proof it! For me, I need quiet to write. I can’t even listen to music, otherwise I start typing the lyrics without thinking about it.

Q: What’s your next project?
Right now I am working on the first draft of the last book in my Mackenzie Duncan Series. This is a paranormal romance that focuses on Werewolves and kick ass characters (with a female lead who does some ass kicking of her own!)

Q: How do you feel about Dr. Pepper? 
I love that Dt. Dr. Pepper is actually quite close to regular and LOVE that I can drink it :D I am a HUGE Dr. Pepper fan!
ME TOO!  

Part-Time Reaper Book Blitz & Excerpt

Part-Time Reaper

Available April 15th

Shaina has 99 problems and death ain’t one. Well, actually it is. She is the newest reaper. Shaina’s partner is her ex best friend as well as her former boyfriend who disappeared without a goodbye four years ago. Her current boyfriend isn’t a boy at all but an ancient angel with a defect. He has never heard the voice of God. Headaches, heartbreaks and mayhem...Yeah Shaina has 99 problems but Death is the least of them.

Will she be able to heal her shattered heart and save his lost soul?


Excerpt: 

Team Echo (okay not really)

Echo sneezed, and I raised a brow. He sneezed again.

"Are you allergic to cuteness?" I popped a hand on my hip, cocking my head in disapproval. "You are dead, how is that even possible?"
He sighed. "I am not dead, for one. Do you even listen when I speak?"
"What kind of monster are you to be allergic to a kitten? You are supposed to be better post mortem or what are the perks?" The fact that I was appalled was evident in my tone.
I waved off Echo's annoyed glare as I took Scythe from Echo. "Do you see his tiny face? I'm in love."
"Shaina put the cat away--"
"Kitten. You can tell 'cause he's so wittle-bitty!"
"Okay. Put the kitten away, please."
"Dude, away? He is a living thing. You don't put them away like a stuffed animal." I continued to nuzzle Scythe's kitten face as he squirmed.
"Shaina put the damn animal down!" His lips set in a hard line, the way they always did when he disapproved of my antics.
"Alright! Jeez. Relax. You seriously lack a heart! Are you sure you aren't dead?" I put the kitten in my oversized beach tote and told him to stay there. We all know cats are known for their perfect listening skills. Luckily, he curled into a ball and snuggled in. Maybe my cat did have mad listening skills. Yay.



About the Author:

Casse Narome is the alter-ego of an awesome woman who started writing her first book in 2001 when she was 18 years old and had to take a bus a hour to work and a hour home each day. Although she loved the story she admits that it was very "self-indulgent." She actually admits that it is possible that all her stories are but only because she only writes the stories she wants to read at the time. She doesn't follow fads or writing trends she is just a paranormal, young adult/new adult kinda girl to the heart! She is also goofy and loves comedy so expect that from her and in all of her books.

Casse Narome is an Air Force brat so she has picked up the odd behavior of never staying in the same place for too long. She is quite the nomad. She is never serious, has been accused of wishing her life was a sitcom laugh track and all, she loves to laugh and occasionally snorts while laughing but it’s fine “dudes find that shit sexy, right?” Casse is also very introverted, has a bad habit of talking out loud to herself and she is fine with being a little insane.
You will find her on Twitter way too much being very random and spewing her opinions. When you see her online, tell her to get back to writing!

Contact Casse: Email / Blog / Facebook / Twitter





Join the facebook event to win some fabulous prizes!

Release event link:https://www.facebook.com/events/1413048462288444

Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner's choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.
Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)
All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" GiveawayThe winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)
  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)
    Giveaway Sponsors:I Am A ReaderFeed Your ReaderInspired KathyAuthor Rachael AndersonAuthor Carolyn CooperAuthor Kimber Leigh WheatonLaurie Here - Contemporary Fiction and MOREFabio Bueno, YA AuthorA Book Lover's RetreatLaurie's Thoughts and ReviewsBecoming BooksFae BooksAuthor Christie AndersonAuthor David PandolfeJetpack DragonsClutter Your KindleCrossangelsAuthor Mary Ting/M. ClarkeAlexandrea Weis AuthorAddicted ReadersAuthor Alecia StoneTressa's Wishful EndingsAuthor Rae Z. RyansBella Street's Weird RomanceBonnie Blythe's Pure RomanceAuthor Inger IversenAuthor M.A. GeorgeTheresa DaLayneBuried Under RomanceAuthor Myrna MackenzieOwl Always Be ReadingJacqueline DiamondAuthor Joan LeacottFree BooksterEmma MichaelsJennifer Laurens - authorMy Nook, Books & MoreLOVE. WITHOUT YOUThe (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old GirlBound 4 EscapeReviews from a BookwormThe YA BuzzClaudia BurgoaLynda Raymond Books for Young ChildrenA. Wrighton, AuthorAuthor Niki DanforthLori's Reading CornerHearts On Sleeves Book BlogThe Forever Girl SeriesAuthor Crystal DonahueA Leisure Moment : A Casual Conversation about our love for LiteratureAuthor Elizabeth Parkinson BellowsMe, My Shelf and IAuthor FA MichaelsThe Reporter and The GirlAuthor Ashley StambaughExtaordinaryreadsLaurie Treacy, AuthorFaithful Acres Books   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups    Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash. Ends 4/30/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Sweet Blood Review

Life altering events draw Bee Specialist, Gabrielle Angelo into the immortal life drama of Professor Colton Stone, the last remaining member of the O'Logha Clan; the last of the Sweet Blood Bee Vampires.

Together they take an emotional roller coaster ride that leads to intrigue, danger and a mystery that reveals how their lives come full circle ending with a love that will bind them together forever.

An archaic species of honey bee has surfaced with a vengeance over the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It searches for a fresh blood supply to replenish Stone's human hive that is well hidden in the Superstition Mountains.

Unforeseen complications arise when a terrible accident threatens Gabrielle's life as she searches for the illusive colony of bees. She is left with no memory and finds herself dependent on Colton Stone.
Colton realizes he must help Gabrielle remember her past if he is to find out how she came to be wearing his immortal Clan's ring that disappeared over 100 years ago.

The mystery of Gabrielle's lost life starts unraveling as Colton uncovers hidden information that leads to deceit and betrayal among his own kind when a rogue vampire is hired to destroy him.

Purchase on Amazon

Author Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook


And now for my review...

Sweet Blood by Jacqueline Mary Piepenhagen

Fast-paced and unique, Sweet Blood is an interesting paranormal romance. I enjoyed the characters and the world/environment the author created. I found the twist on the feeding needs of the vampire, Colton Stone, an endearing point in the book, which I must say, makes it perfectly titled.

Challenging Destiny Release Party!

Challenging Destiny by Cherie Colyer is now available on Kindle and to celebrate Cherie’s throwing a party and giving away fun prizes!
CHALLENGING DESTINYPublisher: The Wild Rose PressKindle Release Date: March 27, 2014Worldwide Release Date: July 11, 2014
Synopsis:Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons.
Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana.
Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity.
Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?
Purchase Links: Kindle / Kindle UK

Click here to read Challenging Destiny on Kindle today!
Rafflecopter Giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author:
Cherie Colyer is the author of YA paranormal thriller/romance, EMBRACE and HOLD TIGHT from Omnific Publishing. Her latest novel, CHALLENGING DESTINY will be available this spring from The Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint. Check out her website and blog for news on her books and bonus material. Follow Cherie on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Goodreads to get the latest updates on her books.
Challenging Destiny: Unfortunately, the link’s not available yet, so the link above is to all my books:  Kindle:  coming soon  Kindle UK: coming soon
Embrace  Hold Tight   Website  BlogTwitterFacebookPinterestGoodreads

Peacock Swamp Release!

Peacock Swamp: Book 1 | The NineIn 2064, The Nine are preparing to assemble. This board of individuals is President Madame LaFonte’s solution to an ailing nation in search of medical care. While it seemed ideal at first, the folks of the borough are quickly discovering it isn’t quite what it seems. The lucky ones are issued a red gown and another chance at life. That’s the happy ending. However, not everyone gets a red gown. The others have to make their own second chance at life--if they’ve got the heart to do what it takes.

When the superstitions of the swamplands run just as deep as the mud, every little bit of luck helps. They named her Vitalia, a name that means life. But her name was the only advantage that she had. In need of a heart transplant, Vita leaves Peacock Swamp behind to stand before The Nine. With her family by her side, they run into the dangers that government healthcare has created: an underground medical clinic that services the rejected citizens...for a price.

Her whole life has been a struggle. Why should her death be any different?

Purchase on Amazon - Paperback / Ebook
Katie Femia took a leap of faith several years ago and left her career as an elementary school teacher to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. She now enjoys the day-to-day musings of writing for a variety of blogs and websites as a regular contributor. She covers topics such as home finance, DIY projects, money saving strategies, and everything in between. While a number of manuscripts still slumber in a kitchen drawer, Peacock Swamp | Book One: The Nine is her first published novel. She lives in South Bend, Indiana with her husband and three children, where they enjoy the typical Hoosier summers of chasing fireflies in their bare feet. When she isn’t writing, Katie can be found making over vintage furniture pieces and scouring local thrift spots.
Follow the author on her WEBSITE and FACEBOOK FANPAGE
The author is giving away a copy of her book (winner's choice - ebook or paperback ) and peacock bracelet. Fill out the form below to enter.
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Welcome Diana Rubino & Special interview with Mona Rossi!

Romance writer Mona Rossi's book sales are slipping. She needs new ideas and fast! Her vampire love, Fausto Silvius is a doctor aboard the Romanza, a luxury cruise ship. Holding a "Motion on the Ocean" writer's cruise sounds like a great idea. What better way to combine a career boost with romance? 
But they soon discover hunters on board who give chase to Fausto and his fellow vampires. While he longs to bring Mona into his world, how can he convince her to join him with fringe lunatics on the hunt? In the prime of her life she's not sticking her neck out for a shot at eternity.

A Bloody Good Cruise is available in Kindle Version: Amazon / Paperback

A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, about romance author Mona Rossi and her relationship with Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.
My stories are romances set against a backdrop of political upheaval, court intrigue, poverty general drama of the surroundings, and at times a splash of the paranormal. What I’m trying to get across in my stories is that love can prevail no matter what the conflicts and obstacles, earthly or not.
Coffeetime Romance says in its review, “A Bloody Good Cruiseis a high seas adventure with twists and turns around every corner. The lively cast spins non-stop excitement with thrills and enough snags to keep the pages turning.”
          I’m a longtime a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association.
          Please visit me at my website, blog, and on Twitter.  

And now for a special surprise...

An Interview with Mona Rossi, heroine of A Bloody Good CruiseBy Diana Rubino

You, the Heroine . . .
Tell us more about yourself! Readers love to know about their favorite heroines, and this is your chance to make them feel close to you. If you have 2 hours free time tonight, what would you rather do? Why?
Soak in my hot tub overlooking the Tuscany Hills with a chilled glass of Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from right there in Tuscany. Fausto bought me a case of this for our one-year anniversary. It’s a  deep ruby red with intense aromas of notes of leather and cherry. Upon sipping, you get an astringent taste.
At $389 a bottle, I splurge when I sell a book—then I buy another bottle when the book sales hit the 1,000 copy mark.
But when I can’t be so decadent I drink Beaujolais Nouveau, produced in the Beaujolais region of France. (sorry, Fausto, it’s not Italian.) It comes out once a year, and goes on sale the third Thursday of November. If you don’t get to a store in time, you can miss out. It sells out fast. Distributors deliver it to stores at 12:01 a.m. local time. I’ve seen people in line waiting for it. I’d do that for a Springsteen concert, but not for a bottle of wine!
Yes, I’m a Springsteen fan, and that’s something else I’d do with two free hours—go to one of his shows or blast his CDs and dance like crazy.But along with the wine, I’d have Sinatra or Dean Martin playing in the background, with a vanilla candle. And if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll bring three white chocolate truffles, and eat them fast so they don’t melt.


What kind of books do you love to read? Why?
The same kind of romances I write—suspense, where the heroine gets into one mess after another. I read out loud, it improves my diction for when I speak at writers’ conferences. I also like to browse cookbooks. I take a snapshot of the recipe in my head, then go and improvise. My favorite author is Linda Howard. She writes such pulse-pounding suspense. And I know this sounds hokey, but when I met Fausto, I began reading Anne Rice. Fausto and his family aren’t the same kinds of vampires she writes about, but it gave me some perspective. To me, the original book Dracula, by Bram Stoker, was scary as hell. But I do consider it one of my favorite books because it was so innovative. I never believed in vampires before that book, and look where I am now!
     I like to go to Goodreads to seek out new titles. I don’t read the reader reviews, though. Too many of them have misled me. I just read the book summary and make up my own mind.
What is your stress buster?
A Pilates class or watching my favorite shows while working out on the elliptical trainer—I watch comedy working out, certainly not the news—I want to bust stress, not increase it. I have DVDs of some classic sitcoms: I Love Lucy, the Dick Van Dyke Show, All in the Family, Seinfeld—and some live standup: Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Richard Pryor, the pioneers, the greats. No comedians working the clubs today come close to those legends. Moving for an hour to comedy—or music—is the best way to relieve stress and work it all off. When not on the elliptical, I’ll get out my iPod, close the door, pull the shades and torch some calories dancing to my cardio mix—a scientifically engineered mix of songs that burn 450 calories—one of my warm up songs is Scream by Usher, one sprint song is Pump It by Black Eyed Peas, a recover song is Goin’ In by J.Lo, and a cool down song is Halo by Beyoncé.
What is your favorite food? What food do you seek when you==re sad, sort of a comfort food?
Cheesecake made with cottage cheese—it’s healthy and low fat, and tastes every bit as good as ‘real’ cheesecake but much lighter. I also make honey balls, “Struffoli” which is a Christmas treat, but I make them year round. I added the recipe below. Every morning I make a healthy smoothie with almond milk, coconut milk, yogurt, either spinach or kale, cinnamon, and protein powder. If I use chocolate powder, I also add peanut butter. You can’t even taste the spinach or kale, but it does turn the smoothie green. I also do some creative things to oatmeal—top it with cinnamon or nutmeg. I make it with a green tea bag instead of plain water for a healthy boost.
Describe yourself in one word.
Determined.
What is the most adventurous thing you=ve ever done?
Being turned—but it was a matter of life and death. I trusted Fausto with my life, and here I am.
What makes you happy/sad/disappointed/frustrated/hopeful/angry? (Pick one)
What makes me angry is intolerance. After I went through with Fausto and his family, I saw first-hand what someone different must go through to gain acceptance. I’m trying to change that by giving talks about vampires, explaining who we really are, so someday prejudice against us—and anyone else the ‘majority’ deems ‘different’ will be an ugly thing of the past.
What are your wildest dreams/fantasies/kinks/quirks?
My wildest dream is to live a week in Ancient Rome, as a Senator’s mistress.
         What do you most want out of life, and what’s its opposite?
          I most want social acceptance and its opposite is to disappear in the crowd,      to be an ordinary citizen.
What would you never say, do or think?
I’d never insult someone just to show I’m better or smarter.I’d never let anyone boss me around.I’d never think I’m inferior to anyone because of my new status as a vampire.
What are some of your faults?
I’m too assertive at times. I still worry about what people think of me. I overcompensate to get them to accept and like me. I make a mess after cooking and don’t clean it up right away. This drives Fausto nuts. He’s a neat freak. Another fault that also drives him nuts is that I put off going to the doctor. We’ve been granted eternal life, but we do have to get checkups along the way!

Any new projects, work in progress?
Since I joined the vampire world, I began writing The Dark Side, a vampire romance set during the War of 1812 Salem MA, about the (fictional) son of historical figure Deacon Brodie, a larger-than-life Scotsman who faked his own death in the 1700s.
What is your advice to aspiring writers?Even though your first, second, third, or even fourth novel may never see print, not a word is wasted if it's considered a learning experience. I also believe that you must write from the heart, and your passion will shine through in your work. An Italian Tradition, Struffoli (Honey Balls)
When my grandparents came from Naples and landed at Ellis Island in the early 1900s they brought many recipes with them, but only in their heads. No one brought cookbooks or written recipes on the boat along with their possessions. A favorite Chrismas treat is Struffoli, better known as Honey Balls. One Christmas when I was a kid, I watched my grandmother make them and scribbled down the ingredients as she sifted and mixed and baked and drizzled. Here's an accurate recipe in English!
Ingredients
Dough:
•2 cups flour, plus extra for dusting
•1 large lemon, zested (about 2 teaspoons)
•1/2 large orange, zested (about 2 teaspoons)
•3 tablespoons sugar
•1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
•1/4 teaspoon baking powder
•1/2 stick (2 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, at room temperature
•3 large eggs
•1 tablespoon white wine, such as pinot grigio
•1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
•Canola oil, for frying
•1 cup honey
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tablespoon lemon juice
•1 1/2 cups hazelnuts, toasted (see Cook's Note)
•Vegetable oil cooking spray
•Sugar sprinkles, for decoration
•Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional
Directions
For the dough: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together 2 cups of flour, lemon zest, orange zest, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Add the eggs, wine, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture forms into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Cut the dough into 4 equal-sized pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough until 1/4-inch thick. Cut each piece of dough into 1/2-inch wide strips. Cut each strip of pastry into 1/2-inch pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a small ball about the size of a hazelnut. Lightly dredge the dough balls in flour, shaking off any excess. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F. (If you don't have a thermometer a cube of bread will brown in about 3 minutes.). In batches, fry the dough until lightly golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. (The rested and quartered dough can also be rolled on a floured work surface into 1/2-inch thick logs and cut into equal-sized 1/2-inch pieces. The dough pieces can then be rolled into small balls and fried as above).
In a large saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the fried dough and hazelnuts and stir until coated in the honey mixture. Allow the mixture to cool in the pan for 2 minutes.
Spray the outside of a small, straight-sided water glass with vegetable oil cooking spray and place in the center of a round platter. Using a large spoon or damp hands, arrange the struffoli and hazelnuts around the glass to form a wreath shape. Drizzle any remaining honey mixture over the struffoli. Allow to set for 2 hours (can be made 1 day in advance). Decorate with sprinkles and dust with powdered sugar, if using. Remove the glass from the center of the platter and serve.
Note: To toast the hazelnuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven until lightly toasted, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely before using.
Total Time: 4 hr 12 min
Prep: 1 hr 30 min
Yield:8 to 10 servings

My Plea to the World

I mentioned my childhood in a January post, and in case you missed it, I grew up around judgmental people. I don't want to group every family into this post so I'll stick with mine and maybe some of you can relate. If you can't relate, consider yourself lucky.
My mother recently told me how she was raised. In that ancient generation, she and her siblings were taught to do what they were told without question. THIS is the way it should be and that's the end of it. They weren't allowed any freedom to express themselves, and they definitely weren't allowed to think for themselves.  

So, I guess my mom grew up not thinking. She doesn't think about being judgmental, it's just the way it is and
that's the end of it. From one generation to the next. I count my blessings that I was smarter than that cycle. 
WE ALL have the choice to either accept the way we are raised/taught or not. But that's not my plea, and this post isn't for me.
I have all boys so my nieces mean the world to me. They are the daughters I never had, and I love them dearly.   
Last night, my niece was at a FAMILY gathering and she was hurt badly by this "judgmental" behavior by either my sister or her husband. I'm not sure what was said, but I know my niece was hurt and that's all I need to know. 
My niece is sixteen, and she (and all my nieces) is such a sweetheart. She is kind and fun and she has a heart of gold, but all they see is her blue hair, her facial piercings, and gauged ears. I don't care how she chooses to express herself. She always has been and always will be beautiful to me. And I would NEVER love her any less for being herself and becoming the person she wants to be.
She's at a difficult age and growing up is hard enough without people judging. And with all the talk of teenage suicide and depression, I have to say I'm ashamed of whoever in my family said what they said last night. 
I'm ashamed of and pissed at the superintendent at my son's school who tried to throw him up against a wall because he dyed his hair pink and kids started rumors that was bringing guns to school. And the lunch lady who said he was the biggest problem at that school. Those people work in the public school system and should know better than to contribute to this negative attitude toward kids expressing themselves in colorful ways. This shit is getting out of hand. Seriously.
So here is my plea to the world...

Be judgmental all you want, but LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE!

The Red Dress Flash Fiction

Happy March 1st! At the beginning of the year, I promised some flash fiction so here is the first one.

Since I don't want to step on any copyright toes, here is the link to the picture that inspired the work.


Mika allowed the ceremonial red gown to fall down her body and soothed out the skirt. The red stood for disgrace, and the gold designs were added to remind her of her people’s wealth which she would now have to live without until the end of her days. She would be the first of her kind to leave the city, the first female elf to ever be banished.

She did not hold herself responsible for the crime of dishonoring her parents and her people. No. It wasn’t her fault. Blame fell upon the golden-haired werewolf who entered the city a week ago to trade furs and gems with her father. His sea blue eyes penetrated her unlike any elven man’s had. Certainly, unlike her betrothed––the Prince. How could she go through with the arranged marriage after that gaze had seared her soul and wounded her heart until she could think of nothing else? They’d shared no more than one look, one long glance, and he’d ruined her for the rest of her long life. Truth be told, those eyes were to blame for her fate.

But how could she regret the tiny explosions in her heart and abdomen?

Mika draped the cape of the dress over her head and cast a solemn glance at the guards who entered. Her life-long friends who had tried to change her mind and save her from dishonor, now had to escort her out of the room she’d been imprisoned in, out of the city, past the great wall, and leave her in the forest where starvation or death by predators awaited.

Head down, she followed them in silence and endured the humiliation and hisses of disapproval with all the grace of a high elven princess. No matter her fate, she had vowed to leave with her honor intact. She would not cry or fight or demand the laws change. She simply accepted her choice to listen when her heart spoke and accept the consequences, even if it meant death.

The torturous journey became easier once they passed the city walls. The guards weren’t allowed to speak to her, so she had time to attune herself with the earthly surroundings before they left her standing alone inside the forest line.
Removing the degrading cape from her head, she searched for a strong stick to use as a weapon. She’d always been wealthy and had never spent one day toiling alongside the working class, but she was far from helpless. Long before she was born, elves had lived in forests and survived happily for centuries. She had faith, she could do the same.

“Do you need assistance, ma’am? A warm place to stay perhaps?”

Startled by the voice, Mika turned around to face the intruder. The stick fell from her grip, and her heart melted as she met sea blue eyes.



I hope you enjoyed this! Please, leave a comment and let me know what you think.


Also, I'd like to offer YOU a CHALLENGE.

Either add your version of this picture (to be published on my site at a later date) to the comments OR post the link to a new picture you'd like me to try and create some flash fiction from.

If you'd like to send a picture you took, great! Email it to me with the subject Flash Fiction at lisarayns@gmail.com. (Please note, if you do this, you are giving me permission to post the picture online. Flash fiction is normally 500 words or less.)

Sound like fun? I hope so.

GO!