Victoria Adams's Blog, page 82

Victoria's Pages of Romance on Weekend Writing Warriors #8sunday

Welcome to another weekend of Weekend Writing Warriors. My 8 sentence snippet this week is from my latest release NA contemporary romance – A Guy and A Girl. Scene Set – Hunter and Chelsea get to know one and other.

Hunter held up a finger, signalling she wait a moment then copied something out of the textbook, flipped it shut and focused on her. "Okay, I'll go first. Why do you dance?""Why do you play hockey?"He shrugged. "Hockey's an addiction. An obsession. It's who and what I am."
 
Tagline
Lies, deceits and secrets - not a good way to begin a relationship.
Blurb
After an ugly past forced Hunter Connolly to escape to Europe, the talented hockey player is back in North America and determined to land a position with a professional team. But he can’t hide from his past forever, especially when his beautiful classmate, Chelsea, forces him to reexamine his life. Soon, hockey is not his first priority anymore.
Chelsea Henderson is a bright co-ed working towards her dream of being a professional dancer. She forms a unique friendship with one of her father’s newest recruits and would love nothing more than to take it to the next level. However, there’s just one small problem. He doesn’t know she’s his coach’s daughter.
Amid the deceptions, danger lurks closer than they could ever imagine. Will fate contrive to rip the young lovers apart? Or will Hunter and Chelsea have their shot at love?

What people are saying about – A Guy and A Girl
5 Stars - I loved this book...I think that it was an awesome story. It was interesting on how everything came about as well as some surprises on who was doing what. I liked how the couple had issues that would be real life issues as well. Very well written, can't wait to read more books by Victoria as well as maybe some more in relation to characters in the book.

5 Stars - What a great romance. Fast paced. Chock full of tension. Little bit of hockey Little bit of dance. Lots of love.

5 Stars - I'm not really sure where to start with this book. The story took so many twists and turns. The suspense in the first part of the book was good, and the twist, I didn't see coming. I expected the story to end when the conflict resolved itself, but I enjoyed that the author chose to continue the development of the relationship between Hunter and Chelsea. I think a lot of stories are written so that the happily ever after comes right after the conflict, but in this story, the reader is drawn through more than one conflict, it shows the growth of each character and a progression of a relationship that is more like real life. Think about it, in our real life relationships, most of us don't go through one crazy experience and then BAM...everything works out. I think that's what made the story so real to me. All the challenges faced by Hunter and Chelsea helped to build and strengthen the relationship. The time frame may have been a little short for the amount of things going on, but that didn't affect my opinion of the story. I was still able to become invested in the story and enjoy it.

Buy Links – Exclusively at - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2GRD1U

Link back to Weekend Writing Warriors - www.wewriwa.com



What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 29 – Dara Young – Prince Charming Need Not Apply




Highlights on Victoria's Pages of Romance 1- Flash Fiction and Book Hooks  4 - Weekend Writing Warriors6 – Allison Merritt – Wystan (The Heckmasters Series)7 – Sherry D Ficklin – Queen of Someday8 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction9 – Mageela Troche – The Laird's Right11 - Weekend Writing Warriors15 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks16 – Tina Gayle - Stormy18 - Weekend Writing Warriors22 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction25 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks

Guest Post-Carolyn Mathews - My Wiritng Journey

My Writing Journey (to heaven) – Carolyn MathewsLike many people with a lifelong writing bug, every so often I'd arrange a date with my muse only to be stood up, leaving me staring at a blank sheet of paper or an empty screen. 
In the early days I wasn't totally unproductive, but my short stories were inevitably returned by women's magazines. I didn't even bother to submit the dodgy poetry. When the original Richard and Judy Novel Writing Competition was announced, I got quite excited, dashing off the first chapter plus synopsis, convinced (along with the other 45,000 entrants) that I'd win. I have to admit, though, that if I had, I'd have been terrified at the thought of producing a WHOLE novel. 
In the meantime, as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language, I managed to get some reading books published. It was all so easy. I submitted a few stories and plays to Macmillan, the editor chose what she wanted and I received a tidy sum of money as an advance. Great, I thought, I'm officially a writer now. I can develop this skill and retire from teaching. But the publishing industry can be as disappointing as a novel with its last page missing. No sooner had the books and tapes been produced, than Macmillan transferred its English Language Teaching arm to a much smaller outfit, who decided that this batch would be the last in the series, thus puncturing my fantasy of becoming a professional ELT writer.After that, I drew on my dawning interest in the connection between mind, body and spirit by producing a correspondence course which combined self-development with creative writing. I enjoyed it while it lasted but it was too much work for a small return so, veering once again from the creative to the prescriptive, concentrated instead on acquiring an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics. 
Fast-forward to September 2010 when I decided to join a Novel Writing class at Birkbeck College, London. We were a mixed lot: among us a journalist whose novel was set in a newspaper office; a psychiatrist writing about a disturbed child; a knight of the realm writing about 20th century Ireland, inspired by his family's experiences. Get the picture? Most of the class were writing about what they were familiar with. And mine? It was about a woman of a certain age, Pandora, who's sceptical about New Age literature, healing techniques and products, but who, after some supernatural experiences of her own, finally embraces her own spirituality. (This was interspersed with her love life, naturally.) 
One important aspect of a Creative Writing group is to assess the work of others so I was interested to see whether they loved or hated the 'spiritual bits'. Finding they were divided 50/50, I thought about watering down the content, but I pressed on with the concept and am currently engaged in composing the third book, still featuring Pandora and her 'spiritual bits'. Sometimes I can't believe that I've so far produced 255,000 words: I couldn't have done that if the subject hadn't interested me and an integral part of it all has been the 'spiritual bits' which underpin the rest.
So how did the rest of the group do? As far as I know, only two of us took the process to its natural conclusion: publication. The other is the knight of the realm, Sir Christopher Bland, whose launch party for his debut novel "Ashes in the Wind" was held in Westminster recently. Sipping a cocktail and nibbling on a delicious canapé, I surveyed the milling guests (among them Melvyn Bragg, Joan Bakewell, Max Hastings, Sandra Howard), reflecting on my writing journey and where it had taken me. And at that moment, entranced by the sheer glamour of it all, I was in heaven.


 Squaring Circles blurb:  Free spirit Pandora is shaken by the sudden death of her mother and the presence of a mysterious stranger at the funeral. When her mother’s grave is disturbed, she turns detective and finds herself drawn into a world of intrigue, centring round a devious couple’s plot to exploit a healing circle for their own ends. Her partner Jay’s collaboration with a sexy singer and her own encounter with an old flame add to the confusion. Will she succeed in her quest to restore equilibrium to her family circle or will the decisions she and Jay make set them up for more heartache?
 Carolyn Mathews' English Language writing and teaching career included a stint with a class of 'Harry Potter' extras at the local Warner Bros. studio, Hertfordshire. With so much magic in the air, it's no wonder she now writes fiction with more than a hint of the supernatural.
Buy LinksPaperback
Author Linkshttp://carolynmathews.co.ukfacebook    twitter           


If anyone wants an autographed copy they can email Carol. The address is on the contact page of her website. Carolyn Mathews




What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 28 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 – Dara Young – Prince Charming Need Not Apply
 What's Coming Up in October on Victoria's Pages of Romance
1- Flash Fiction and Book Hooks  4 - Weekend Writing Warriors6 – Allison Merritt – Wystan (The Heckmasters Series)7 – Sherry D Ficklin – Queen of Someday8 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction9 – Mageela Troche – The Laird's Right11 - Weekend Writing Warriors15 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks16 – Tina Gayle - Stormy18 - Weekend Writing Warriors22 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction25 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks

Book Blast Danielle-Claude Ngtontang Mba's The Bird of Prey Saga

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Bird of Prey Saga

Series: Contains all 4 Semya Slotin Mystery Books

Author: Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Published: September 25th, 2014

Word Count: 219,000

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romantic Thriller

Content Warning: Mature content and minor violence

Age Recommendation: 18+Synopsis:A dead world famous supermodel.A contract killer in love with her best friend.
An organised crime family looking for revenge.
A boyfriend with a mysterious legacy.
French sleuth Sémya Slotin is officially back on the case. The break is over.

“I’m Semya Slotin, yes this Slotin. I love wine, vodka, absinthe, my younger brother Aaron and my best friend Polliannah, in no particular order. When Josh Heinz and I are not too busy fighting or tearing each other clothes off, I solve mysteries. And I’m really good. I’m really good at a lot of things and people usually don’t see me coming… but here I am and I’m not going anywhere.”

It all started with a simple case…

Book One: Bird of Prey
Who killed the infamous supermodel Johanna Cartier?
After spending three years away from sleuthing, Sémya Slotin is thrown back in the business when she found her body. With the help of her best friend Polliannah Koch, DCI Ally Gibbons and the mysterious but extremely sexy Josh Heinz, she vows to see this through.

Book Two: The Plot Thickens
What happened while Semya Slotin and Josh Heinz were busy solving Johanna Cartier’s murder in Bird of Prey?
When Polliannah met John Allen, she thought that she had finally found her Prince Charming. When John set his sights on Polliannah, he knew that he had a job to do and that the beautiful Miss Guryev should only be a means to an end. Then they fell in love. Now he and his Russian Princess had to leave London for their safety. But it may already be too late…

“I’m Polliannah Koch Guryev, yes I’m part of the infamous Guryev family but you can call me Polli or Mrs Allen. I love my parents, some of my brothers, high-end shopping, Russian vodka and last but not least my worst half and partner in crime Sémya Slotin. When I’m not managing our wine store in Chelsea or committing some kind felony with Sémya in the name of the God of Sleuth, I dream of Prince Charming. I’ve kissed enough frogs to give up on love but somehow it doesn’t seem to want to give up on me. How many times do I need to get hurt before it does? But still, here I go again…maybe this time it would be the last.”

Book Three: Polliannah Got Married!
The truth this time, and nothing but the truth…
Polliannah is in trouble and her boyfriend is dead. Nothing’s prepared Sémya, Detective Extraordinaire, for what she finds in Toronto. Polliannah is a widow and her late husband John Allen was a hit man for the powerful Dovos family. What did they want from her? Why is this happening to them? Josh Heinz knows more than he lets on, but he’s not telling her anything. Old conspiracies and secrets resurface putting them all in peril. Sémya’s worst fears about her relationship with Josh and his past are confirmed causing a rift between that may never heal. Sémya and Polliannah’s world is falling apart. Will they be able to come out of this stronger?

Book Four: Vincent Mallory Edgerton
Every love story has a beginning.
From the moment their gazes locked, Sémya and Vincent sealed their fate.
Sémya Slotin had been coasting through life solving one mystery after another. While investigating a friend’s disappearance in Hawaii, she met Josh Heinz. Her mind kept telling her to stay away from the handsome stranger but he awakened something in her and she was unable to resist him. Vincent Mallory Edgerton had always been an efficient FREGG operative. He loved his job, even when he had to leave everything behind for his own safety. On his last assignment, he was forced to work covertly with the sexy bold sleuth. Sémya’s beauty and intellect enthralled him, but his passion and growing love for her also changed him. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to finally win her trust and keep her safe, causing him to unleash events that would shape the rest of their lives.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GoodReads | Smashwords | iTunes | All Romance

EXCERPT

Sémya Louise Slotin was staring at Josh Heinz talking on his mobile and sighed for the third time. Once again, he was keeping her in the dark and she hadn’t felt this helpless in years. No, it wasn’t even that. She was desperate and she hadn’t felt like this in a long time. That helpless desperation that took her over each time she knew she couldn’t control a situation.
The first time she felt this way was after her birth mother, Corinne Durante, told her that she was dying. Her mom had always been honest with her, but at eight when you learnt that your only parent was going to die of AIDS, a then relatively unknown illness, wouldn’t you become desperate too? Then there was the time when her adoptive mother, Annika Slotin, was accused of the murder of her creep of a husband, Martin Demeure. She knew that her mother was innocent but she was just fifteen and no one listened to a fifteen-year ago teenager; even if her IQ was three times higher than average. For both of these events she had an anchor, her safe harbour, her Russian princess, her Polliannah.
So it was smooth sailing for a while until one night her anchor called her. She was scared and for the first time, Polliannah was the one who needed her help and support. Sémya dropped everything and took the first flight to Moscow. She had never felt as desperate and helpless as she was that day. She was only twenty-two, but she needed to be strong for them both. They packed up everything and left Europe for new horizons, new adventures, new encounters and new mysteries to solve. That was what Sémya had been known for, solving mysteries. And when she wasn’t sleuthing, they kept each other safe from bad men, wrong men, and stupid men.
It was just the two of them until Josh Heinz came into their lives three and a half years ago. After the Hawaii fiasco, which she scarcely remembered, Sémya and Polliannah went back to Europe; with Josh. They moved to London; where Josh was. They settled in Camden Town; across the street from Josh. There, Sémya had spent nearly every night… with Josh. Josh, Josh, Josh… the handsome and sexy Josh Heinz. The secretive and mysterious Josh Heinz. The guitarist with a suave voice Josh Heinz. Josh, Josh, Josh… Josh, who stated that he loved her. Josh, who said that he wanted to protect her. She sighed for the fourth time and headed to the closest kiosk.
This time she failed her. After eight years of taking care of each other, of dodging every bullet in the name of love, friendship and family, she failed Polliannah. They received the scariest call from her, she was crying. Her new boyfriend John had been killed and she thought that she was next. So Sémya felt helpless and desperate again. She lost control of the situation, control of their lives. She was angry. Anger usually followed. She and Polli lived a quiet life in London. Who would want to harm them? One thing for sure, Josh knew and as usual, he wasn’t talking. But they would see about that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I’m obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life… most days.
I’m a major goof.
I can’t stand intolerance.
I’m curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Website | Blog

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What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance

27 – Carolyn Mathews – Squaring Circles28 - Weekend Writing Warriors
29 – Dara Young – Prince Charming Need Not Apply
What's Coming Up in October on Victoria's Pages of Romance
1- Flash Fiction and Book Hooks  4 - Weekend Writing Warriors6 – Allison Merritt – Wystan (The Heckmasters Series)7 – Sherry D Ficklin – Queen of Someday8 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction9 – Mageela Troche – The Laird's Right11 - Weekend Writing Warriors15 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks16 – Tina Gayle - Stormy18 - Weekend Writing Warriors22 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction25 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks

Book Hooks and A Guy and A Girl #MFRWhooks #MFRWAuthor

IF YOU ARE HERE FOR WEDNESDAY BRIEFS - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN


Welcome to Victoria's Pages of Romance and Book Hooks. This week's 6 to 8 sentences are from my NA contemporary romance – A Guy and A Girl


Scene Set – Chelsea and Hunter get to know one and other.
Hunter scratched his head with his pen, and then checked to see which end he'd used. "What's the stupidest thing you've ever done?"
She pulled her cellphone from her purse, checked her message then press the vibrate button. "Stupidest thing. Kissed Roger Camps on the lips in seventh grade."
"Lucky guy. Which leads into why was that stupid?"
  TaglineLies, deceits and secrets - not a good way to begin a relationship.
BlurbAfter an ugly past forced Hunter Connolly to escape to Europe, the talented hockey player is back in North America and determined to land a position with a professional team. But he can’t hide from his past forever, especially when his beautiful classmate, Chelsea, forces him to reexamine his life. Soon, hockey is not his first priority anymore.Chelsea Henderson is a bright co-ed working towards her dream of being a professional dancer. She forms a unique friendship with one of her father’s newest recruits and would love nothing more than to take it to the next level. However, there’s just one small problem. He doesn’t know she’s his coach’s daughter.Amid the deceptions, danger lurks closer than they could ever imagine. Will fate contrive to rip the young lovers apart? Or will Hunter and Chelsea have their shot at love?
What people are saying about – A Guy and A Girl
5 Stars- I loved this book...I think that it was an awesome story. It was interesting on how everything came about as well as some surprises on who was doing what. I liked how the couple had issues that would be real life issues as well. Very well written, can't wait to read more books by Victoria as well as maybe some more in relation to characters in the book.
5 Stars - What a great romance. Fast paced. Chock full of tension. Little bit of hockey Little bit of dance. Lots of love.
5 Stars - By the end of this book I had tears running down my cheeks.
4 Stars - The story is solid, the love is solid, I'm looking forward to reading more books by Victoria Adams

Buy Links – Exclusively at - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2GRD1U



What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance
26 - Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba - The Bird of Prey Saga  27 – Carolyn Mathews – Squaring Circles28 - Weekend Writing Warriors


What's Coming Up in October on Victoria's Pages of Romance
1- Flash Fiction and Book Hooks  4 - Weekend Writing Warriors6 – Allison Merritt – Wystan (The Heckmasters Series)7 – Sherry D Ficklin – Queen of Someday8 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction9 – Mageela Troche – The Laird's Right11 - Weekend Writing Warriors15 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks16 – Tina Gayle - Stormy18 - Weekend Writing Warriors22 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction25 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks

Flashing my Wednesday Briefs on Victoria's Pages of Romance #WedBriefs

Welcome to this week's Wednesday Briefs.
This is a raw (unedited) m/f time travel romance. It's a 500 to 1,000 word excerpt inspired by earring, fence, nail, plus the photos below. Chapters 1 through 5 are available on the free read tab at top of blog.


Sunrise 49


A crack of thunder followed by a pounding of rain on the window, made Sian jump. "Wow. This sounds like it's going to be a vicious storm."J'dol released his clenched fists. "I feel much safer inside. I do not think the power that brought me here can reach me in a building."Sian placed her hand on his cheek. "I hope not. I'd like you to stay."For  brief moment, happiness filled J'dol. He pulled her closer, wrapped her in his arms and settled back on the couch. "I, also, want to stay here. Your time confuses me, but being with you– Uh, I do not know how to say what I am feeling." He tilted his head forward and placed a small kiss on the crown of her head.She caressed his arm. Her hand was soft. Her fingernails grazed his flesh causing tingles to explode in his body and a heat to build deep inside.Sian twisted her neck to face him. "Oops. My earring. Must have come loose." As she fumbled to clasp the earring shut, she said, "Tell me about where you live."A bolt of lightning filled the room. For a moment, the front window was illuminated and they could see the rivers of raining streaming down the glass. The trees just beyond the window were menacing, ghostly shadows. J'dol felt Sian press tighter against him. He tightened his embrace to offer her protection and love. He flinched. Love? Could he have possibly fallen in love with Sian. Warriors did not fall in love. They protected the village and died in battle, heroically and alone. Unloved."Where I live is exactly here yet completely different." Even in his head, his voice sounded distant. "I don't mean because of the time difference. You live in peace. You are not afraid."A bolt of lightning was immediately followed by snap of thunder. Sian jumped and chuckled. "Well, not usually afraid. But this storm has me on edge.""I live in a small village, next to the lake. The lake is surrounded by a large forest, which we patrol nightly to defend against attack. Going east towards the creek, there is a footpath leading to a small bridge. I helped build the bridge when I was a lad. The blacksmith forged nails and we put a fence along the side of the bridge to keep the sheep from falling in the river."  He chuckled. "It is very difficult to get a sheep out of the water. Their wool collects the water and they get very heavy. And angry. Sheep do not like getting wet. There is a path that leads to the pasture across the creek. The livestock graze there, protected by the llamas, dogs and shepherds.""What creek?" Sian shook her head. "I don't ever remember seeing a creek. East? Hmm. That's that." She flicked her finger. "Once you get up to the main road, there is just…well road and then the town.""I will show you where the bridge is. I mean, will be. Late in the afternoon, on a sunny summer's day, the light filters through the trees and shines down upon the bridge. The creek is an old one so it is slow and calm." He sighed. "It is a very serene place."The howl of the wind and rain interrupted him. He chuckled. "Not like here. At this moment.""What is your village called?""Orondonto.""Orondonto. Lovely name."To J'dol, the name sounded beautiful escaping from Sian's lips. A pang of homesickness and anger filled him. "It was not beautiful when I left."Sian shifted around, but stayed snuggled against him. "There was sadness, but a lot of anger in your voice. What happened?""I was away on patrol and given leave. It was a two day walk back to the village. I was close when the Miz-happen attacked and at the same time a storm hit. There were plasma bombs landing and thunder and lightning. The village was burnt. Destroyed. Everyone…died."Sian said nothing, but the look of pain in her eyes, told J'dol she understood."My sister and her two children were killed. I could not save them." He closed his eyes, shaking his head to erase the monstrous vivid image of their charred bodies.Sian slipped a hand out from under his arm and rubbed his arm, offering silent comfort."I vowed to my brother that I would protect his family and I failed. I did not even have a chance to bury them and properly honour them. I had just reached their cottage and saw…found their burnt bodies when a brilliant bolt of lightning struck near me just a plasma bomb exploded in the village and that's the last thing I remember until I hit your dock."The cottage shook from the force of the thunder and rain. The lights went black. A raw wind whipped through the cottage."J'dol." Sian snuggled closer.He started to speak, but stopped when a cold, wet hand gripped his throat.
Now onto the other flashers.  Go to this link Wednesday Brief authors  or go to individual authors
Jim DunawayM.A. ChurchChris T. KatJon KeysCarol PedrosoYvonne HillNephylimMatthias WilliamsonJohayanTali SpencerElyzabeth VaLeyRob ColtonCia NordwellAvery DawesJC WallaceShelly SchulzRavon SilviusJulie Lynn Hayes


What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance
26 - Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba - The Bird of Prey Saga  27 – Carolyn Mathews – Squaring Circles28 - Weekend Writing Warriors


What's Coming Up in October on Victoria's Pages of Romance
1- Flash Fiction and Book Hooks  4 - Weekend Writing Warriors6 – Allison Merritt – Wystan (The Heckmasters Series)7 – Sherry D Ficklin – Queen of Someday8 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction9 – Mageela Troche – The Laird's Right11 - Weekend Writing Warriors15 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks16 – Tina Gayle - Stormy18 - Weekend Writing Warriors22 - Book Hooks and Flash Fiction25 - Weekend Writing Warriors29 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks

Bake Love Write on the Fall into Romance BlogHop #HopswithHeart

Welcome to Victoria's Pages of Romance and the Fall into Romance Blog Hop.
Romance writers love to write about love. We create characters, make them fall in love, break them apart and put in as many twists and turns until the final HEA - happily ever after. It's our job. We love our jobs.

What does that have to do with the Fall into Romance Blog Hop - A group of authors - 105 to be exact - have just released a brand new book filled with recipes, love life advice and writing advice. This was the brainchild of the fabulous Lois Winston.

For today's love life advice - make the following recipe, then take someone special on a cool crisp fall walk. Check out the wonders of autumn. Then snuggle on the couch with a hot chocolate and an Anita's Tart. What happens next is up to you.
ANITA'S TARTS


This is a 4 generation Christmas tradition in my family.
2 eggs3/4 cup brown sugar1/2 cup corn syrup1/2 cup coconut6 tbs. margarine3/4 cup nuts (chopped pecans or walnuts)1 tbs vinegarpinch salt
Make small patty shells or buy small frozen ones. At least 18 are needed.
Mix ingredients together stirring thoroughly. When you fill the shells, stir constantly as the nuts and coconut drop down in liquid. I use one tablespoon to fill shells after arranging them on a cookie sheet.  The liquid boils and fills in the patty.
Bake at approx. 425F for about 15 mins.  Watch carefully the first couple times you make them so you can judge the heat and time needed in your oven.  Middle rack is good.
Blurb and list of authors


What do most authors have in common, no matter what genre they write? They love desserts. Sweets sustain them through pending deadlines and take the sting out of crushing rejection letters and nasty reviews. They also often celebrate their successes—selling a book, winning a writing award, making a bestseller list, or receiving a fabulous review—with decadent indulgences. And when authors chat with each other, they often talk about their writing and their lives. Recipes. Writing. Relationships. In this cookbook 105 authors not only share their favorite recipes for fabulous cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and more, they also share the best advice they’ve ever received on love and writing.
Authors include: Brenda Novak, Lois Winston, Debra Holland, Dale Mayer, Shelley Noble, Caridad Pineiro, Diana Orgain, Lisa Verge Higgins, Lynn Cahoon, Jasmine Haynes, Jan Carol, Meg Bellamy, Bobbi Chukran, Melissa Keir, Amy Gamet, Kristy Tate, Terry Shames, Barbara Phinney, Kitsy Clare, Raine English, Cathryn Cade, Haley Whitehall, Shilpa Mudiganti, Melinda Curtis, Jessa Slade, Jill Blake, Daryl Devore, Molly MacRae, Elizabeth Rose, Helena Fairfax, Lourdes Venard, Jessica Aspen, Maegan Beaumont, Kay Kendall, Elizabeth John, Victoria Adams, Cyndi Pauwels, Alice Loweecey, June Shaw, Donnell Ann Bell, T. Michelle Nelson, Nina Milton, Pam DeVoe, Skye Taylor, Conda V. Douglas, Pepper Phillips, Judy Alter, Cadence Denton, Lesley Diehl, Erin Farwell, Regan Walker, Kaye Spencer, Barbara Monajem, Kathleen Kaska, Catherine Kean, Rose Anderson, Suzie Tullett, Deborah Hughes, Cynthia Luhrs, Judy Baker, Alicia Dean, Leslie Langtry, Janis Susan May, Mitzi Flyte, Ruby Merritt, Renee D. Field, Kathryn Quick, Susan Cory, Judy Penz Sheluk, Kay Manis, Kathryn Jane, Debra Goldstein, E. Ayers, Chantilly White, Sloan McBride, Triss Stein, Ana Morgan, Adele Downs, L.C. Giroux, Pamela Aares, Nancy Warren, Barbara Lohr, J.J. Cook, Lynn Reynolds, Cori Arnold, B.V. Lawson, Lynn Franklin, M.L. Guida, Irene Peterson, Sue Viders, Liese Sherwood-Fabre, Susan Santangelo, Sheila Seabrook, Elaine Charton, Sharleen Scott, Kathy Bennett, Jody Payne, Reggi Allder, Ashlyn Chase, Beverley Bateman, Susan Lohrer, Donis Casey, Barbara Leavy, Stacy Juba, Karen Rose Smith.


Now, unfortunately I can't give away a free copy of Love,Bake, Write. It was just released and I don't have a print copy yet.  It is available -



AmazonEbook:  http://amzn.com/B00NO2DPTYPaperback: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940795133/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1940795133&linkCode=as2&tag=loiswins-20&linkId=O527EADGSABCIA2J
Barnes and Noble - Nookhttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bake-love-write-lois-winston/1120365873?ean=2940150401860
Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/bake-love-write

PRIZES -

If you scan my books up in free reads and I'd be happy to send an ecopy to the winner. PLEASE NOTE - RED TULIP AND SUNRISE ARE NOT BOOKS - yet. They are flash fiction stories.
Just follow these simple rules for a chance to win
1.The winner hereby agrees not to distribute the ebook A Guy and A Girl, Dancing in Circles, Circles Divided or Circles Interlocked via email or upload to a file sharing website or via any technology presently in use or yet to be invented. Distributing ebooks is a violation of the author’s copyright, and violators would be fined and prosecuted. And besides it's rude!2. What's your favourite dessert?3. Leave your email address. 

GRAND PRIZE:  1 $75 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway





What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 19 – 22 – Fall into Romance Blog Hop24 – Book Hooks and Flash Fiction 26 - Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba - The Bird of Prey Saga  27 - Weekend Writing Warriors

Victoria's Pages of Romance on Weekend Writing Warriors #8sunday

Welcome to another weekend of Weekend Writing Warriors. My 8 sentence snippet this week is from my latest release NA contemporary romance – A Guy and A Girl. Scene Set – Hunter's response to Chelsea returning from her confrontation with Todd.

As Chelsea sat across from Hunter, he looked up from his textbook. "Make up or break up? I'm voting for break up."Oh, that's so sweet of him. "Forget Todd. He's a nonentity." She tapped her notepad. "Now, to this assignment."
I won't be on WeWrWa next week – will be on a blog hop. But I'll be back Sept 28.
Tagline
Lies, deceits and secrets - not a good way to begin a relationship.

Blurb
After an ugly past forced Hunter Connolly to escape to Europe, the talented hockey player is back in North America and determined to land a position with a professional team. But he can’t hide from his past forever, especially when his beautiful classmate, Chelsea, forces him to reexamine his life. Soon, hockey is not his first priority anymore.
Chelsea Henderson is a bright co-ed working towards her dream of being a professional dancer. She forms a unique friendship with one of her father’s newest recruits and would love nothing more than to take it to the next level. However, there’s just one small problem. He doesn’t know she’s his coach’s daughter.
Amid the deceptions, danger lurks closer than they could ever imagine. Will fate contrive to rip the young lovers apart? Or will Hunter and Chelsea have their shot at love?

What people are saying about – A Guy and A Girl
5 Stars - I loved this book...I think that it was an awesome story. It was interesting on how everything came about as well as some surprises on who was doing what. I liked how the couple had issues that would be real life issues as well. Very well written, can't wait to read more books by Victoria as well as maybe some more in relation to characters in the book.

5 Stars - What a great romance. Fast paced. Chock full of tension. Little bit of hockey Little bit of dance. Lots of love.

5 Stars - I'm not really sure where to start with this book. The story took so many twists and turns. The suspense in the first part of the book was good, and the twist, I didn't see coming. I expected the story to end when the conflict resolved itself, but I enjoyed that the author chose to continue the development of the relationship between Hunter and Chelsea. I think a lot of stories are written so that the happily ever after comes right after the conflict, but in this story, the reader is drawn through more than one conflict, it shows the growth of each character and a progression of a relationship that is more like real life. Think about it, in our real life relationships, most of us don't go through one crazy experience and then BAM...everything works out. I think that's what made the story so real to me. All the challenges faced by Hunter and Chelsea helped to build and strengthen the relationship. The time frame may have been a little short for the amount of things going on, but that didn't affect my opinion of the story. I was still able to become invested in the story and enjoy it.

Buy Links – Exclusively at - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2GRD1U

Link back to Weekend Writing Warriors - www.wewriwa.com

What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 17 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks19 – 22 – Fall into Romance Blog Hop24 – Book Hooks and Flash Fiction 28 - Weekend Writing Warriors

Five Secrets from Anne B. Cole's Souls Entwined

Five Secret Things About Souls Entwined By Anne B. ColeSharing secrets is fun! Here are my top five secrets behind Souls Entwined…#5 Pirates!Johnny Depp’s character, Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean Movies is the inspiration behind Souls Entwinedpirate character, Kadir Haty….and yes…Kadir will return in the sequel, Souls Estranged!

#4 Grandmothers and RingsMy real life great, great, great, great grandmother’s name was Roxana, who gave her second granddaughter a garnet ring that was given to her by her brother, who was a US sailor in Europe during the early 1800s. It was passed down through the generations to my grandmother. She gave it to me (I’m also a second granddaughter) when I was about 12 years old. I’m not aware of any curses on my ring and I wear the heirloom often.

#3 RunnersI enjoy running and once nearly tripped over a squirrel that darted in front of my purple sneakers. During Gretta’s run in the park, Sam watches her suddenly fall. He didn’t see the squirrel that tripped her…this was cut out during edits…Readers don’t know in Souls Entwined that Katarina’s spirit is entwined within the squirrel. In the sequel, Souls Estranged, Katarina’s presence within the squirrel will be revealed in true ‘Katarina style’.

#2 Deleted, but not forgottenI wrote the first draft of Souls Entwined in composition notebooks. It topped at 150,000 words. In this original, Gretta and Sam don’t meet in the park until Chapter Eight! Needless to say, I have many deleted chapters and scenes to reveal in the future on my blog.

#1 TitlesSouls Entwined was originally titled Maledicta, which is the Latin word for ‘cursed.’ During edits, it was suggested that I change my title to something that is easier for readers to pronounce and remember. Authors tend to bond with their titles, especially their first novels. For weeks I referred to my novel as #1 because I already had the sequel written and was in the editing process. I asked everyone I knew for title ideas and finally came up with Souls Entwined. The #1 nickname stuck and I continue to call it #1 and refer to the sequel as #2. The (yet to be written) final book of the Soul Series is called, you guessed it, #3.Here is the original cover prior to my title change…

And here is my real cover.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed Five Secrets from Souls Entwined!Check out my website and Souls Entwined on Amazon .


Souls Entwined
Released April 30, 2014 from Soul Mate Publishing
A Romantic Suspense Time Travel Paranormal

Souls Entwined Blurb
When a cursed family heirloom sends Gretta Dobbs back in time, a hunky construction worker, Sam Daggett, suddenly finds himself love struck and joins her adventure. Their souls entwine within the bodies of young lovers on a Greek island in 1829, where they begin to unravel the mysteries behind Gretta’s ring all while avoiding a bloodthirsty pirate who is determined to seek revenge. Gretta and Sam must find the secrets needed to save her and her relatives from an afterlife in purgatory and return to their own lives---or risk becoming prisoners of the past, continuing the evil cycle of the ring’s curse.
A bit about Anne B. Cole
Souls Entwined is Anne B. Cole’s debut release, combining sweet romantic suspense, time travel, and paranormal elements in a New Adult novel attractive to a wide range of readers.
In addition to writing, Anne teaches preschool and is raising three very active teenagers with her husband of twenty-two years. Her love for making fresh baked goodies, running, hiking, historical fiction, and her three pet cats continue to be her inspiration while she pens the sequel to Souls Entwined.
Connect With Anne
To follow Anne’s publishing journey and connect with her, check out her website and find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Website
Twitter
Facebook
Click on the Buy Link below to see Souls Entwined on Amazon. BUY LINK 

A Review - I don't write a lot of reviews. It reminds me too much of high school English class. So, taking a deep breath - here goes.

5 Stars!!! - I received a copy from the author, with no expectations attached. A review was not requested. But I wrote one because by the second page of the prologue I was hooked. The line - Evil embraced all – made shivers run down my spine. Souls Entwined is fabulous. It's like a chocolate chip cookie. Somebody had cookie dough. Somebody had chocolate chips. Somebody mixed them together. In this this story – there are fabulous characters - Gretta and Sam and Katarina and Roxana, Lorenzo and Anya ( the cookie dough) and a cursed heirloom (the chocolate chips) - mix those together and you have a BOOK YOU JUST HAVE TO READ

What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance
13 - Weekend Writing Warriors
17 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks19 – 22 – Fall into Romance Blog Hop24 – Book Hooks and Flash Fiction 27 - Weekend Writing Warriors 

Spotlight on Renaissance of the Heart by Lori M. Jones

RENAISSANCE OF THE HEARTBY LORI M JONES

After her husband of fifteen years comes out of the closet, a blindsided, forty-year-old Amanda Lewis is forced to salvage what remains of her shattered heart and navigate a new life for herself and her teenage daughter. But will a sizzling secret romance with a famous young NFL quarterback lead her to winning the life she deserves or set her up for her biggest loss yet?

As she embarks on the journey of rebuilding her home, Amanda discovers that finding forgiveness and repairing her damaged self-worth are her biggest challenges of all. While searching her soul–and even searching inside her city's history–she finds answers. But will answers come too late and can a broken heart ever be truly fixed?
Excerpt
 Chapter 1 "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." -Anne Bradstreet 
JANUARY Six days of relentless self-pity mingled with bouts of guttural sobbing. Pain so persistent her hair hurt. The raw grief now behind her, Amanda recognized the brilliant face of hope poking through her dank mood, offering a piece of relief from the misery. Although an unshowered, disheveled mess, she intended to celebrate hope. The sunshiny face of hope. Her focus now, along with surviving a Saturday night alone, would be getting to the root of why he left, and then fixing the problem. Three drops of red wine cascaded from the glass's rim, adding another stain to Amanda's sweatpants. Making her way to the sofa, her comforting friend, she tugged at the drooping waistband. One benefit to Derrick announcing the end to their fifteen year marriage one week ago, she mused, was the loss of a few pounds. What a cruel diet plan. She flipped through the movie channels unable to find one she hadn't already seen this week. Enough with the nauseating love stories. The remote hit the floor as she reached for her cell phone, which alerted her to a new text. Probably another friend checking in or a family member inviting her to a sympathy dinner, she thought. It was Derrick. His name on the phone screen shot a ball of sickness into her gut. After a quick response, she bolted up the steps to her bedroom, hitting her sister's number on her speed dial on the way. "Deb, Derrick wants to meet me for a drink tonight. What do you think?" Amanda asked, yanking her pink sweater from the hamper, Derrick's favorite. "I think maybe he finally got his head out of his ass and wants his perfect life back." Her sister's irritated tone evident and expected. But his life obviously hadn't been perfect here, and Amanda had to know what she did to cause his departure. With another sigh, Amanda spoke, not really wanting advice or comfort, but just needing her sister's reassuring company. "I'm not sure what's gonna happen, but I'm nervous, really nervous." "Text me if things aren't going well and I'll come over and key his precious Beamer in the parking lot." Author Bio Lori lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she writes women's and children's fiction. RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART is her debut novel. She's also the author of children's books, RILEY'S HEART MACHINE and CONFETTI THE CROC, both written with the hope that children will celebrate what make them unique. She's also written award-winning flash fiction pieces and her articles have been featured in various publications.Lori serves on the Board of Directors for the Children's Heart Foundation and is the president of their Pennsylvania chapter. She visits schools to speak about writing, about the human heart and about embracing what makes you special. Besides writing and spreading awareness about Congenital Heart Defects, her passions include her two daughters, her husband, Mark, her Pittsburgh sports teams and running in 5Ks. Lori is a member of Pennwriters and she loves her local writing groups! She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and journalism. She also holds a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University and is a former Washington, D.C. paralegal. Visit her website at www.lorimjones.com.
*RILEY'S HEART MACHINE (Guardian Angel Publishing)*RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART(Soul Mate Publishing, Spring 2014)*CONFETTI THE CROC (Winter 2014)www.facebook.com/LoriMJonesAuthorThis is a 10 stop tour. E-copies provided for reviews. Reviews to be shared on the usual sites such as Goodreads and Amazon please. Giveaway on the tour via rafflecopter. The giveaway prizes are:1 x $25 Amazon Gift card1 x free download of Renaissance of the Heart.

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What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 12 – Anne B. Cole – Soul Entwined13 - Weekend Writing Warriors17 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks19 – 22 – Fall into Romance Blog Hop24 – Book Hooks and Flash Fiction 27 - Weekend Writing Warriors

Book Hooks and A Guy and A Girl #MFRWhooks #MFRWAuthor

IF YOU ARE HERE FOR WEDNESDAY BRIEFS - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN



Welcome to Victoria's Pages of Romance and Book Hooks. This week's 6 to 8 sentences are from my NA contemporary romance – A Guy and A Girl
Scene Set – Having made her decision, Chelsea and Hunter sit down and get to know one and other.
Excerpt Hunter scratched his head with his pen, checked to see which end he'd used, then asked, "Why do you dance?""A dancer is part of what I'm becoming. Quite an evolution's been going on here." Chelsea waved her hands around herself. "I don't know if dancer will be the end point. Oh, that was a pun. Get it?"
TaglineLies, deceits and secrets - not a good way to begin a relationship.
BlurbAfter an ugly past forced Hunter Connolly to escape to Europe, the talented hockey player is back in North America and determined to land a position with a professional team. But he can’t hide from his past forever, especially when his beautiful classmate, Chelsea, forces him to reexamine his life. Soon, hockey is not his first priority anymore.Chelsea Henderson is a bright co-ed working towards her dream of being a professional dancer. She forms a unique friendship with one of her father’s newest recruits and would love nothing more than to take it to the next level. However, there’s just one small problem. He doesn’t know she’s his coach’s daughter.Amid the deceptions, danger lurks closer than they could ever imagine. Will fate contrive to rip the young lovers apart? Or will Hunter and Chelsea have their shot at love?
What people are saying about – A Guy and A Girl
5 Stars - I loved this book...I think that it was an awesome story. It was interesting on how everything came about as well as some surprises on who was doing what. I liked how the couple had issues that would be real life issues as well. Very well written, can't wait to read more books by Victoria as well as maybe some more in relation to characters in the book.
5 Stars - What a great romance. Fast paced. Chock full of tension. Little bit of hockey Little bit of dance. Lots of love.
5 Stars - By the end of this book I had tears running down my cheeks.
4 Stars - The story is solid, the love is solid, I'm looking forward to reading more books by Victoria Adams

Buy Links – Exclusively at - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2GRD1U



What's Coming Up in September on Victoria's Pages of Romance 11 – Lori M. Jones – Renaissance of the Heart12 – Anne B. Cole – Soul Entwined13 - Weekend Writing Warriors17 - Flash Fiction and Book Hooks19 – 22 – Fall into Romance Blog Hop24 – Book Hooks and Flash Fiction 27 - Weekend Writing Warriors