Karen Docter's Blog, page 150

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE, Brides of Little Creede Book 1 by Cici Cordelia

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE

Brides of Little Creede Book 1

BY CICI CORDELIA

Blurb

HARRISON . . .

Once his fortune in silver mining is secured, Harrison Carter finally sends back home for his fiancée. It’s been four years since he’s seen Jenny.

But it’s Retta Pearce, Jenny’s sister, who arrives by stagecoach with young daughter Adeline in tow. When this lovely, soiled dove brings devastating news and a written plea from Jenny to marry and care for Retta and little Addie, what’s a good man to do?

RETTA . . .

Fulfilling her dying sister’s request, Retta travels across dangerous territory to marry a man she barely remembers. But the hard miner who meets her at the stagecoach surely isn’t the same one her sister claimed was kind and honorable, a gentleman who’ll embrace her and her daughter as if they were his own. Has she made a mistake she’ll pay for, the rest of her life?

TWO PEOPLE . . .

Thrown together in shared sorrow, Harrison and Retta struggle to forge a life in the brand-new state of late-nineteenth-century Colorado.

~~~

Introducing CiCi Cordelia…

Hello everyone! First off let us introduce ourselves, we are Cheryl Yeko and Char Chaffin and we are the faces behind author CiCi Cordelia.

We are here today to talk about our new release The Substitute Wife, the first book in our Brides of Little Creede series and winner of the Utah’s RWA’s Heart of The West Great Beginnings Contest, in the Historical category.

The story behind Substitute Wife was sparked from a real-life love story as told by Cheryl’s Mom and Aunt Crystal, regarding her great-grandparents. Once we heard how these two met, we knew it was a story that had to be written.

[image error]THE SUBSTITUTE WIFE

Brides of Little Creede Book 1

BY CICI CORDELIA

Excerpt

Chicago, Illinois

March, 1878

The earsplitting whistle made Retta Pierce choke up as she hugged her sister goodbye on the train platform. Jenny’s slight frame trembled in her grip, and Retta fought back her worry.

Too thin. Too frail. Shoulders drooping, as though too heavy to hold up.

“There must be a better way, Jenny,” Retta murmured, stricken. “It’s just not right—”

Her sister’s features took on that stubborn look Retta knew so well, indicating there’d be no changing her mind. “And what would be right, Retta? For Papa to really hurt you the next time he feels the urge to beat the devil from your soul? For him to finally slip and hit Addie?” Tipping up Retta’s chin with two shaking fingers, she smiled gently. “That darling girl is the best thing that ever happened to this family, no matter how her skunk of a father ran off and left you.”

Jenny glanced over to where their Aunt Millie stood under the metal portico, holding two-year-old Adeline in her arms. The desolate flapping of a loosened, rusty panel, noisily vibrating in the chilly breeze, only added to the solemnness of the day. Moisture gave a sad sheen to her aunt’s eyes as she cuddled the toddler closer.

Retta’s sigh was as broken as her heart. “No, of course not. But to leave you when you need me the most . . . Please, Jenny. Don’t ask.”

The dark circles around Jenny’s blue eyes gave her complexion a grayish cast. She shouldn’t be standing out in the wind like this, as sick as she was. She could barely stay upright. But Retta knew all too well her sister’s inner core of strength, because Jenny was cut from the same cloth as their beloved mother, gone three years now. “Mama wouldn’t want me to desert you,” Retta began, only to be silenced by her sister’s dismissive wave of one skeletal hand.

“Mama would do exactly what I’m doing.” She shoved a wrinkled pouch into Retta’s shabby reticule, ignoring her protests. “Take it. You think I would leave Mama’s rubies to rot in Papa’s strongbox?” She snorted weakly, but her disdain was evident. “It’s your future, darling.” Her voice dropped to a wisp. “It’s my legacy to you.”

Fighting back tears, Retta held on to her sister’s fingers when she would have pulled away. “You can’t go back. Papa will know you took Mama’s necklace, and will beat you for it.” She gripped her bag between whitened knuckles, then gasped at the clinking sound coming from within. “Are those coins? Jenny, where did you get them?”

Jenny drew herself up, straightening her shoulders, and for a shining moment Retta saw her sister as she’d been, before consumption ravaged her body. “My dowry. Yours, now.” She patted the reticule in Retta’s fist. “There’s a letter folded inside with the coins. You take that letter to Harrison. It explains everything. Tell him I wish for him a happy life. Tell him I’m sorry.”

She dashed wispy locks of dull-brown hair off her perspiring forehead. “I’m going to stay with Aunty until, well, until . . .” Her chin firmed. “I will be safe and well-cared for. By the time Papa sobers up enough to realize we both left him, it’ll be too late to do anything about it.”

A rambunctious boy bumped them as he sprinted across the wooden platform to keep up with his family. “Oh, Jenny,” Retta murmured sadly, steadying her sister when she nearly lost her footing.

Retta blinked away fresh tears as Jenny gave her hand a final squeeze, before she eased away.

Aunt Millie transferred Retta’s sleepy daughter into her arms then whispered in her ear, “I know, child. She wouldn’t admit anything but I know how sick our Jenny is. I’m taking her back to Dewfield with me. I promise you I will never say a thing to your father, and I’ll care for her faithfully.”

“You’ll keep in touch? You’ll write?” Retta clung to her aunt’s vow, even as everything inside her demanded she remain to care for Jenny herself.

“Yes, indeed. Have no worries.” Millie curled a supporting arm around Jenny’s thin shoulders. “I’d best be getting you back to the house, darling girl. A nice cup of cocoa and a nap will do you wonders. Just you wait and see.”

An errant tear tracked down Jenny’s pale cheek that she quickly batted away before offering an encouraging smile. “Harrison is a good man, Retta. Be happy. All I want for you and Addie is to have a good life. Promise me you’ll give him a chance.”

Retta’s stomach clenched with fear and uncertainty, even as she hesitantly agreed. For the love of her sister, she’d acquiesce to her final wish. Though it’d been four years since Jenny had last seen her fiancé. Who knew what kind of man he was now?

Jenny traced a slender finger down Retta’s cheek. “I love you, little sister.”

Blinking through a flood of tears that fell silently against the top of her sleeping daughter’s head, Retta whispered, “I love you, Jenny. I’ll hold you in my heart forever.”

There were no final goodbyes, just an assortment of promises and encouraging murmurs, before Aunt Millie guided Jenny from the platform, toward a waiting hackney.

Struggling for composure, Retta held Addie close. As the March wind whipped around her ears, she watched them go until their figures merged into a single, blurred image, and the train whistle blew its final, ‘All Aboard’ warning. Only then did she allow the conductor to help her with her baggage.

Harrison had reserved a sleeper for Jenny, an extravagance to be sure, but safer for a woman traveling alone. What will he do when I arrive instead?

Blinking furiously, Retta guided Addie through the doorway. Inside the cramped compartment, she laid the sleepy child on the narrow bed and covered her with the only blanket she could find. Addie cuddled into a ball, snoring lightly. Retta brushed the tangled golden curls from her fair brow, trying to envision what sort of future awaited them out West.

Love for her child stiffened her spine. Her baby—her world.

I’ll make a better life for you, I promise.

Even if she had to travel halfway across the country and marry a stranger to do it.

Look for the rest of the series. The Dance Hall Wife scheduled for an October release, and The Innocent Wife scheduled for early 2019.

[image error]To honor a dying sister’s request, she’ll travel across dangerous territory to marry a man she barely remembers.

 

 

[image error]He’ll confront his family’s vengeful nemesis–a killer–to protect the one woman he swore he’d never love.

 

 

[image error]Being the Carter Brothers’ baby sister stands in the way of getting the man she wants. Can the Sheriff and the Virgin ever find love?

 

 

[image error]About Author CiCi Cordelia…

CiCi Cordelia is the writing team of BFFs Char Chaffin and Cheryl Yeko. They share a love of well-written stories infused with their favorite romantic genres: paranormal, suspense, western, and erotica. Both are fans of Alpha Men and the women they’d lay down their lives for.

~~~

Links to Cici’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Y95VY9

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/Substitute-Wife-Brides-Little-Creede-ebook/dp/B079Y95VY9

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Substitute-Wife-Brides-Little-Creede-ebook/dp/B079Y95VY9

The Substitute Wife can also be found at Audible, narrated by the awesome Alan Taylor. www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-Substitute-Wife-Audiobook/B07D7HQNQD

Find out more about CiCi

https://ccromance.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartfeltRomance/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14855439.Cici_Cordelia

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cici-cordelia

~~

You can Find Char and Cheryl, individually here:

Cheryl Yeko:

Website: http://www.cherylyeko.com/ ‘Where Love Always Wins’

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/qzsks8q

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhereLoveAlwaysWins

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cherylyeko

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cyeko/boards

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5406425.Cheryl_Yeko

Char Chaffin:

Website: http://char.chaffin.com ‘Falling In Love is Only the Beginning’

Facebook: http://facebook.com/char.chaffin

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pvscu7w

Twitter: http://twitter.com/char_chaffin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5337737.Char_Chaffin

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cici will give away an ebook copy of RODEO KING to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Cici, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

 

 

Congratulations Week 06-25-18 Blog Giveaway Winners!

[image error] CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

06-25-18

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Paula Martin…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Paula will give away a PDF or Mobi of any one of the Mist Na Mara Series (winner’s choice) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Paula, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: SAMANTHA McFARLAND!!

~~~

There’s still time to #WIN!

[image error]SPECIAL CONTEST: SIX DAYS LEFT!!

Clara will give away a pair of Marie Antoinette Earrings from Dames a La Mode. Visit @Carawinterswriter1to view rules of eligibility. Ends July 7, 2018.

~~~

SPECIAL CONTEST: FIVE DAYS LEFT!!

To celebrate the release of THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE by Lynsay Sands, we’re giving away one paperback set (6 books in total) of THE HIGHLANDER SERIES!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of the Highlander series by Lynsay Sands.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 7/6/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

~~~

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1

By Bestselling Author K.L. Docter

Blurb: Some secrets are better left dead.

Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.

Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.

There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.

(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg

B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB

Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U

Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs

iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN

[image error] COP ON HER DOORSTEP, True Love In Uniform Book 1

By Bestselling Author Karen Docter

Blurb: In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.

S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.

But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.

[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cop-Her-Doorstep-True-Uniform/dp/0988258668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497628797&sr=8-1&keywords=cop+on+her+doorstep

B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd

Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep

HAPPY READING!

All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with WOLF’S ENEMY, Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series by Author Lynn Nodima #Recipe ~ Enchilada Bake

[image error]

[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with LYNN NODIMA!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, LYNN NODIMA, and her favorite recipe for ENCHILADA BAKE!!

~~~

WOLF’S ENEMY

Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series

BY LYNN NODIMA

Blurb

Nate

Human-raised Nate Rollins struggles to unite all werekind, worldwide, into one kingdom. Building a kingdom is hard when you don’t have a country of your own. With enemies attacking his family and pack, Nate must defend them all while striving to fulfill the charge given him by the Progenitors.

But that’s not easy when both human and were leaders don’t yet have a reason to trust him.

Dusty

As Nate’s step-father, Dusty was tortured for two full decades for preventing evil forces from finding his step-son before he could protect himself. With Nate grown and his captivity over, all Dusty wants is to settle down with his true mate and create a blended family. But every time he approaches her, she runs.

Nettie

Widowed, Nettie won’t take the risk her true mate will be as evil as the alpha she was forced to mate. After years of spousal abuse, the thought of mating again is terrifying. Even if her true mate is the king’s step-father.

Besieged by enemies within and without, will Nate keep his people safe, or will rogue vampires destroy the were and enslave humans?

~~~

[image error]WOLF’S ENEMY

Texas Ranch Wolf Pack Series

BY LYNN NODIMA

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Vice-President Zachary Collins slammed his cellphone onto his desk on top of the treaty negotiation documents he should be reviewing. Five weeks and still no news. And now, Arthur Tyler, his Huntsman advisor was missing. Wiping his face with his hands, he stood and turned to the window behind his desk. The first shadows of evening drifted across the manicured White House lawn. He shook his head and wondered what to do. Even now, he twitched when anyone tapped on his office door. Keeping watch in every direction was getting to him, but since the failed attempt on the president’s life . . ..

He heaved a shuddering sigh, swallowed, and sat in his office chair. No one knows I was involved, he assured himself. Well, no one but Secretary of Defense Bianchi. And he wouldn’t talk. Not unless Bianchi wanted President Whelan to know he was a werewolf. Among the government officials, only Bianchi even knew of the failed attempt. A knock resounded through the room, then strains of canned Christmas carols drifted faintly on the air when the office door opened, and his secretary stepped inside.

“Sir, Arthur Tyler called. He asked to speak with you, but the call was cut off before I could put him through.”

Collins gritted his teeth. “What did he say?”

“All he said was HQ is gone.” She tilted her head, her short brunette hair falling forward to caress her cheek. The tiny seasonal bell earrings she wore rang softly when her head moved. “He didn’t say what HQ he was talking about. The call just ended.”

Pulling in a long, slow breath, Collins nodded. “Thank you, Ms. Tremaine. That will be all.”

With a nod, she stepped out and shut the door behind her. Collins stared at the door. Gone? How could HQ just be gone? He stood and walked around the desk to give himself room to pace. Head down, hands clasped behind his back, his footsteps echoed in the small office while he tried to decide what to do. If HQ was gone . . .. Gone? Blown up? Destroyed? Overrun? Why didn’t Tyler give more information than that?

He shivered. If something happened to the Triumvirate, the Huntsmen leaders would blame him. Unless he could do some damage control. He blew out a harsh breath and walked to his desk. Sitting in his desk chair, he unlocked the bottom desk drawer and pulled the drawer completely out of the desk. The phone he needed was wrapped in plastic and taped to the back of the drawer. Retrieving it, he took another slow breath, then pressed the Favorites button marked Uncle Victor. He had no Uncle Victor. Instead, the number was a direct line to Huntsman HQ hidden somewhere in middle Europe. His rank in the Huntsmen wasn’t high enough to let him know exactly where in Europe.

When the call went through Collins wasn’t surprised there was no voice answer. He twitched and glanced around, then decided to trust the device he installed to prevent anyone recording or listening to conversations in his office. “This is U-leader One. I need to speak to the Consul.”

“The Consul is unavailable. You will be contacted.” The line went dead.

Following Huntsman protocol, Collin triggered the virus installed on the phone, waited for it to complete, then pulled the back off the burner phone and removed the battery. Using his pocket knife, he pried out the encapsulated SIM card, then shredded it. He wiped everything carefully to remove his fingerprints. The phone might be found, but no one would ever be able to follow the call. Putting some of the pieces back in the plastic bag, he retaped it to the back of the drawer and replaced the drawer. The rest of the pieces went into his pockets. The great thing about being Vice-President is that he wasn’t searched like most of the people who came into the White House.

Having done what he could to ensure his future remained viable, he leaned back in his chair and wondered if the enemy, whoever they were, caught or killed Tyler. Shame if he was dead. It was hard to find a man you could trust. Collins shrugged and turned back to the negotiation contracts President Whelan asked him to review. Tomorrow morning, the Huntsmen would contact him, but for now, he had work to do.

[image error]Meet Author Lynn Nodima…

Lynn Nodima’s two favorite activities are writing and reading. She learned to love telling stories from her tall-tale telling grandfather, her story-spinning father, and her mother’s round-robin storytelling games. Spinning yarns is in her blood, and she happily continues the family tradition.

The main difference is that Lynn writes her stories down to share with people she will never meet. Lynn writes paranormal romances/adventures, fantasy, and science fiction. Lynn Nodima is a pen name for Linda Pogue. Using her own name, she writes non-fiction, which includes textbooks and books for writers.

~~~

Links to Lynn’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2KyWDMo

Contact Information: lynn@poguepublishing.com

Website URL: www.lynnnodima.com

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/LynnNodima/

Purchase Links:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DCL8X42/

I hope you enjoy the recipe Lynn is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 380 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Attribution:

If you are from Texas, you understand the difference in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. Mexican cuisine is the food actually served in Mexico, and therefore is authentic to the country. Tex-Mex, however, is not authentic Mexican cuisine, but is instead food cooked with Mexican flavors and tastes.

The Tex-Mex Enchilada Bake recipe is one I found in a magazine sometime in the mid-1980s. Over the years, I have tweaked it until it is my own recipe. My family loved it the first time I baked it, and love it even more with my changes. Enchilada Bake is a staple dish to take to family get-togethers and all other types of covered dish dinners, too. While it is not authentic Mexican cuisine, it is delicious!

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe and made it my own. As per copyright for recipes, I have rewritten the instructions. As Texans, we often enjoy eating Tex-Mex food, and this recipe is always included.

ENCHILADA BAKE

Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger meat

1-15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 pkg. taco mix

12 flour tortillas

1-4 oz. can chopped green chilies

2 cups sour cream

2 cups grated sharp cheddar

Canola baking oil spray

Instructions: 

Brown hamburger meat and drain.
Add tomato sauce and taco mix to the meat. Stir well and simmer to 15-20 minutes.
Spray a 9″x13″ pan with the canola oil.
Place small amount of meat mixture into a tortilla and roll. Repeat until you have filled pan.
Mix the sour cream and chilies in medium bowl. Pour over rolled enchiladas.
Top the enchiladas with the grated cheese.
Bake at 350° until cheese melts about 20 minutes.

Serving suggestion: Serve with salad and jalapeno cornbread.

~~~

Thanks, Lynn, for sharing your book and recipe with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: IRISH SHADOWS, Mist Na Mara Series Book 5 by Paula Martin

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

 IRISH SHADOWS

Mist Na Mara Series Book 5

BY PAULA MARTIN

Blurb

After a heart-breaking experience, Rose Finlay has vowed never to give another man a chance to hurt her – until Liam McKenna arrives at Mist Na Mara Arts Centre in the west of Ireland to organise an anniversary celebration event. Liam has his own reasons for not wanting to embark on a new relationship, and both fight the mutual magnetic attraction.

Shocks await them when Liam meets the boy his sister gave up for adoption twenty years earlier, and Rose’s ‘ex’ makes contact with her thirteen-year-old son.

Rose also discovers a betrayal which has divided her family since the Irish Civil War in the 1920s.

Will Liam and Rose be able to resolve all the shadows from the past in order to find a future together?

~~~

[image error]IRISH SHADOWS

Mist Na Mara Series Book 5

BY PAULA MARTIN

One Thing Leads to Another!

Five years ago, when I was writing IRISH INHERITANCE, I had no idea it would lead to a series of five books. I thought I was writing a stand-alone story about two people who meet when they jointly inherit Mist Na Mara, a Victorian house in Connemara in the west of Ireland.

Once that was finished and submitted, I started writing a story set in the English Lake District. The hero was a veterinary surgeon, and the heroine was an actress who was escaping her busy life in London for some well-earned ‘R and R’ in the country. I wasn’t very happy with the way it was progressing, but then my publisher suggested the possibility of a spin-off story about the best friend of the heroine in Irish Inheritance. ‘Okay’, I thought. ‘I’ll think about that once I’ve sorted out this Lake District story.’ Two days later, I had another thought: ‘Why not move the Lake District story to Ireland?’ The hero became an Irish vet, but I had to rethink the heroine’s reasons for being in Ireland, so that it followed on from where she had been at the end of the first story. I also needed to inject more ‘suspense’ into the story, with some unexplained crises at the veterinary surgery, and the hero’s wife trying to claim custody of their two children – and that’s how IRISH INTRIGUE was born.

Half way through this story, one of the characters was explaining to the hero his idea for a screenplay about an American who was adopted as a baby and comes to Ireland to search for her birth mother. Even while I was writing this conversation, I realised the character had given me the idea for my next novel.

I then had to do a fair amount of research about the baby adoption scandal in Ireland in the 1950s and 1960s. Because of the timing, I decided my heroine needed to be trying to find her mother’s birth mother (rather than her own) but coming up against a wall of secrecy (which, indeed, is what real-life adoptees have had to face). This gave me the title of IRISH SECRETS, and I also gave the hero a secret of his own.

After this trilogy of Irish novels, I contemplated a different setting for my next novel (and even started to write it), but Ireland pulled me back. In this story, the heroine and her friend were setting up a dance and drama school for children, which made it easy to transfer the story to the Mist Na Mara Arts Centre. This story became IRISH DECEPTIONS, with a hero who appears to be deceiving the heroine.

A thirteen-year-old streetwise boy in Irish Deceptions led me to my fifth book in the series, IRISH SHADOWS (which was released yesterday, June 27), when I realised his mother, (deserted by her lover when she became pregnant at seventeen) had a story to tell. A quick check on the timeline of the series showed me that five years had passed since the launch of the Mist Na Mara Arts Centre – and this gave me my hero, an events manager who arrives to organise the anniversary celebration. Add to that a link to an incident in the Irish Civil War in the 1920’s and the hero’s search for his nephew (his sister’s son), and I had plenty of ‘shadows of the past’ for the characters to deal with and resolve.

Although this is a ‘series’, all the stories are ‘stand-alone’ with new heroes and heroines in each. The link between them is Mist Na Mara House and, of course, the beautiful Connemara area in the west of Ireland.

[image error]About Author Paula Martin…

Paula Martin lives near Manchester in North West England and has two daughters and two grandsons.

She had some early publishing success with four romance novels and several short stories, but then had a break from writing while she brought up a young family and also pursued her career as a history teacher for twenty-five years.

She returned to writing fiction after retiring from teaching, and is thrilled to have found publishing success again with her contemporary romances.

Apart from writing, she enjoys visiting new places and has travelled extensively in Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe, the Middle East, USA and Canada. Her other interests include musical theatre and tracing her family history.

~~~

Links to Paula’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2lsRTNz

Website: http://paulamartinromances.webs.com

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Paula-Martin/e/B005BRF9AI/

Tirgearr Publishing Author Page: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Martin_Paula/

(this has links to all major ebook distributors)

Blog: http://heroineswithhearts.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulamartinromances

Twitter: @PaulaRomances

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Paula will give away a PDF or Mobi of any one of the Mist Na Mara Series (winner’s choice) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Paula, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

 

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: DEEPEST MIDNIGHT, Book 1 of the Immortal Kindred Series by Clara Winter

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

 DEEPEST MIDNIGHT

The Immortal Kindred Series Book 1

BY CLARA WINTER

Blurb

True love never dies. At least it doesn’t for Millicent, a once French noblewoman turned immortal vampire. Her big problem is the love of her life was murdered before she was granted immortality. Forever is a long time to live in despair. 240 years later, she locks eyes with an English actor named Jack, who happens to look exactly like her dead lover.

Trying to figure out Jack’s true soul identity becomes complicated by her own uncertainty, Jack’s mortality, and the other man in Millicent’s life. Alexandre, her maker and companion, isn’t going to make it too easy for her. Millicent must decide if she’s going to continue to be led by others or take the reins and drive the outcome of her life.

Deepest Midnight is set in modern day Savannah, Ga with occasional glimpses back to 18th century France.

~~~

[image error] DEEPEST MIDNIGHT

The Immortal Kindred Series Book 1

BY CLARA WINTER

Excerpt

River Street feels like my home away from home. Uneven cobblestone underfoot, shops and restaurants to my right, trees, and black, smooth water to my left. After walking about halfway down, I see camera crews. For the last couple of days, I have seen them around. Areas of town sectioned off with bright industrial lighting, trailers, and curious onlookers. I know a movie is being filmed but haven’t been all that interested.

Alexandre, on the other hand, loves movies. He is besotted with the dark-haired beauty starring in this film. His mission is to meet and seduce this woman, which I’m sure he will. At 6’3”, Alexandre is one solid male, with a face that could have been chiseled from marble and a perfect, wicked smile. He is blonde, although his eyes are baby blue. His muscular body could very easily sell underwear any day of the week.

Alexandre is happy to bounce from one bed to the next, sating his very healthy appetite for female flesh. And why shouldn’t he have his fun? He is the very copy of a Roman god, and women can’t help but fall over themselves to please him. Annie and I, seemingly the only two women able to resist his charms.

I reach into my clutch to take out my phone. Someone may as well get lucky tonight. Before I can begin my text, Alexandre is next to me. I hate being psychically linked to him sometimes. Ok, all the time. If I wasn’t so lazy, I would learn how to shield my thoughts.

As I put my phone away, he says, “You know I hate texting.”

“Why are you whispering? Who could possibly hear us?” I ask, in my sweetest southern belle accent, the one I use the most. Irritating him is what I do best, although he doesn’t always take the bait.

“Do you see her?” He pauses, looking around. “There she is in the back, next to the man with the copper hair. Don’t you have a thing for gingers, Mills?” He tugs on my arm, pointing with his other hand, as I look up.

Alexandre starts explaining how he is going to approach her. I roll my eyes. He thinks he can just walk up to a world-famous movie star, throw up an eyebrow, and she’ll be stripping naked. The annoying thing is, for Alexandre, she probably will. On the last half of my eye roll, I lock eyes with a man who was murdered over 200 years ago. It feels as if all the breath has left my body.

[image error]About Author Amy Rugg/Clara Winter…

Amy Rugg grew up reading Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, and Alice in Wonderland, while watching Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and Doctor Who. Writing her own stories naturally ensued. She is a wife, mother, and former school counselor, with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Amy is from Colorado Springs, Co and currently resides in Mission Viejo, Ca. clarawinterbooks.com

~~~

Links to Amy/Clara’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2MViYWm

Website: http://clarawinterbooks.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/clara_winter_writer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraWinter10

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/clarawinterwriter1/?ref=bookmarks

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL** Clara will give away a pair of Marie Antoinette Earrings from Dames a La Mode. Visit @Carawinterswriter1 to view rules of eligibility. Ends July 7, 2018.

Thanks, Clara, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 

 

 

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: ANYTHING FOR LOVE, The Bradens and Montgomerys (Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) Book 2 by Melissa Foster

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~~

[image error]ANYTHING FOR LOVE

The Bradens and Montgomerys

(Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) – Book 2

By: MELISSA FOSTER

Blurb

Neither Charlotte or Beau is looking for an attachment or a fling, but true love is hard to ignore.

After Charlotte Sterling loses her last family member, she moves to Sterling House, her family’s Colorado mountain inn, to live a solitary life. As an erotic romance writer, her days and nights are filled with passion and

intrigue—even if only fictional. She loves her busy, quiet lifestyle, and she learned early on that real men can’t live up to the fictional heroes she creates—until ruggedly handsome Beau Braden arrives to do some work at the inn and, for the first time in forever, she’s intrigued by a real man.

Beau lost his first love years ago, and he’s never let go of his guilt over her death. As he nears the anniversary of his loss, he is on the cusp of becoming the star of a home-renovation reality show. Escaping the painful memories of his past to work at the defunct old inn is just the promise of solitude he needs to clear his head before diving in to the all-too-public career. But he didn’t count on being attracted to the whimsical, adorably sexy

innkeeper.

Neither Charlotte nor Beau is looking for an attachment or a fling. But the more they learn about each other, the closer they become. Romantic evenings lead to intimate conversations, and neither can deny their deep connection or the passion it sparks. They’ve never fully healed on their own, but together maybe anything is possible.

[image error]ANYTHING FOR LOVE

The Bradens and Montgomerys

(Pleasant Hill – Oak Falls) – Book 2

By: MELISSA FOSTER

Excerpt

Chapter One

BEAU BRADEN GUIDED his rental truck around ruts and wild brush on the road that led to the Sterling House, a rustic inn located in the Colorado Mountains. He planned to spend the next four weeks shoring things up at the inn as a favor to his relatives Hal and Josh Braden. The umbrella of trees thickened, and sunlight splashed through in fits and spurts, eventually disappearing altogether, creating a tunnel-like expanse. It was like driving into a scene from Where the Wild Things Are. Beau had delayed his arrival for months, waiting to escape his hometown until the ghosts of his past came back to haunt, as they did every year at this time. It had been years since Sterling House had functioned as an inn, and the owner, Charlotte Sterling, didn’t seem to mind the delay, though she’d taken forever to respond to phone calls, texts, and emails.He didn’t know much about her, other than that she was a writer. Given the overgrown road, he was beginning to wonder if she actually lived there or if he’d have the place to himself.

He didn’t care if he had to live among grizzlies. The job had gotten him the hell out of Pleasant Hill, Maryland.

The tree-bound tunnel birthed him into a virtual paradise. Beau stepped on the brakes at the top of a long driveway, taking in acres of sprawling meadows and picturesque mountains. Trees dotted the landscape, so vibrant and full they looked painted in place. At the end of the driveway, three stunning stories of glass, stone, and cedar overlooked a heart-shaped lake, with breathtaking views in all directions. Grand terraces adorned the structure like open-ended invitations, filled with possibilities.

He coasted down the empty driveway, thinking he might actually have the luxurious inn to himself after all. Perfect. There was a time when he’d thought his small hometown was the perfect mix of city life and rural surroundings. That had gone to hell in a handbasket a long time ago. But this? This was nirvana. Plenty of work, no family around to suffocate him, no dodging the haunted looks in friends’ eyes. And four weeks from now he’d be on his way to Los Angeles for a job far away from the skeletons of his past.

As he stepped from the truck, he pulled out his phone and glanced at the waiting text messages from his family. He wasn’t surprised to see several from Jillian and Jax, his younger twin siblings, the most emotional of them all. Each of his five younger siblings were different, ranging from the meticulous and thorough Graham, to too-macho-for-his-own-good Nick and wildcat Zev. As the oldest, Beau had always been the one to take care of his siblings, but this time of year they hovered—or rather swarmed—with well-meaning words and offers of distraction. He loved them, but nothing could take away his guilt for causing Tory Raznick to lose her life.

He pulled up Charlotte’s text and read the cryptic instructions as he grabbed his bags. Come whenever. I’ll have a room ready for you. My wing is downstairs to the left. I’ll be in my office. Knock first. She’d added a winking emoji, making him wonder what kind of woman she was that she couldn’t arrange whatever was going on behind closed doors around his arrival. Not that he was a saint, but self-control was not an issue.

He rang the doorbell, and when it went unanswered, he tried the door. Surprised to find it unlocked, he pushed it open and then tried the doorbell again, listening for the chime. Answered with silence, he mentally added it to his list of repairs and stepped inside the spacious mansion. He noticed a stairwell leading downstairs just off to his right and set his bags on the floor, taking a moment to get his bearings. Expansive stone and glass walls, exposed-beam ceilings, iron and antler chandeliers, and a beautiful stone fireplace added a wealth of character. His footfalls broke the silence as he walked by a study and dining room, both adorned in rich, dark wood. He admired a redcarpeted staircase leading up to the second floor. The ornate balusters had lost their shine, and he made a mental note to bring them back to life. He crossed the room and gazed out the doors to the terrace, trying the knob. Unlocked. It was easy to imagine the inn bustling with activity, children playing in the wildflowers while their parents mingled nearby. He meandered into the enormous kitchen, which was definitely in need of some TLC. Another unlocked door led to a terrace overlooking the rear of the property. He stepped outside and shook the railing, which was already on the list of repairs his relatives had given him.

Alone in such a peaceful location with nothing to do but the work he loved most?

Oh yeah, this is nirvana all right.

Continue Excerpt:  First Chapter – h ttps://melissafoster.com/anything-love-sneak-peak/

 



Don’t miss the next in series! 
Pre-order today!

Meet Author Melissa Foster…

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with

emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE, Highland Brides Book 6 by Lynsay Sands

[image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~~

[image error]THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE

Highland Brides Book 6

BY LYNSAY SANDS

Blurb

In a spellbinding new Highlands story from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands, the laird of the Buchanans finds the one woman who is his equal in passion and courage.

Aulay Buchanan has retreated to his clan’s hunting lodge for a few days of relaxation. But the raven-haired beauty he pulls from the ocean puts an end to any chance of rest. Though he christens her Jetta, she knows nothing of her real identity, save that someone is trying to kill her. As she recovers, it will not be easy for Aulay to protect her and keep her honor intact when she mistakenly believes they are man and wife…

Jetta sees beyond Aulay’s scars to the brave, loyal warrior she’s proud to call her own. But as the attempts on her life grow more brazen, Jetta realizes that not all is as she believes. And if Aulay is not her husband, can she trust the desire flaring in his eyes, or his promise to defend her with his life?

About the Book

The Highlander’s Promise

by Lynsay Sands

Series

The Highlander Series

Genre

Adult

Historical Romance

Publisher

Avon Books

Publication Date

June 26, 2018

Purchase Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Avon Romance | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of THE HIGHLANDER’S PROMISE by Lynsay Sands, we’re giving away one paperback set (6 books in total) of THE HIGHLANDER SERIES!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback set of the Highlander series by Lynsay Sands.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 7/6/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

About Author Lynsay Sands…

LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author of the Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series, as well as numerous historicals and anthologies. She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there’s occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Please visit her on the web at http://www.lynsaysands.net.

Author Links

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

 

This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.

 

**Author Peek** Interview with DEEPEST MIDNIGHT, Book One of The Immortal Kindred Series by Author, Clara Winter

[image error]

 [image error]KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!

~~

[image error]INTRODUCING Amy Rugg/Clara Winter….

Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full-time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Amy Rugg, pen name Clara Winter. I am from Colorado Springs, Co, but currently reside in Mission Viejo, Ca. I am a full-time writer, with two novels and a novella scheduled for release in the coming months. I’m an avid reader of almost every genre; I love all books. I’m a wife, mom of an almost teenager (help!), and two Siberian Huskies. Horror movies and Halloween are my thing, I think I scare the neighbors a little.

1. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?

I love paranormal, because the possibilities are really endless. Even if you are writing about a subject, like vampires, that’s been written about a thousand times, you can still take your story in a whole new, fresh direction. I have loved all fantastical genres since childhood; sci-fi, paranormal, horror. A fantasy is a world where anything is possible, what’s not to love about that? Mix in a little romance and it’s even better.

2. Are you a plotter or a pantser (one who writes “by the seat of your pants”)?

As a Virgo, I am a plotter through and through. When I began my first novel, I tried to fly by the seat of my pants. I managed to make it about five chapters, before I realized I had no idea what I was doing. Several hours of research on plotting later, and I was back at it with my plotting board all filled out. The only writing courses I took in college were the basic essay writing classes, as I wasn’t much interested in creative writing at the time. I had to learn all of this from scratch, and am still learning. There are a goldmine of blogs and books out there on how to plot. Thank goodness!

3. What is your favorite part of writing?

Probably the beginning and the end. I love researching, sketching out my characters, and plotting the story. Beginnings are always exciting. Creating inspiration boards on Pinterest is my obsession. I could pin pretty dresses and jewels all day long. The long days of writing your story can become tedious. To write “The End” on a document that has taken everything out of you is so very satisfying. I may be crazy, but I do enjoy the editing process and designing your cover is so much fun.

4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?

I would go back to school counseling. Prior to moving and getting serious about writing novels, I was a school counselor for seven years; three years at middle school and four at elementary. It’s a wonderful, meaningful, and incredibly stressful profession. I enjoyed creating my own counseling lessons and writing my own curriculum for groups. I was able to flex my creative muscles while still working within a set framework. And of course, the kids were great. There was nothing more professionally fulfilling than observing a student’s emotional and personal growth.

5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?

I have to pick one? If I’m forced to pick one, it would be breakfast. As long as I don’t have to cook it. I don’t mind cooking, but I don’t love it, and there is just something about having breakfast made for you. I’ll take eggs benedict with a side of bacon, please. And keep the coffee coming. 

6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? Why?

Before I started writing, I would have thought female. As it is, I’ve enjoyed writing both. I adore my female characters, but writing Jack and Alexandre, both characters from Deepest Midnight, was so much fun. I especially love Alexandre. I’ve just completed Book Two in this series, and almost feel that out of all of my characters, Alexandre may be my favorite. I just get him. He will be getting his own story in Book Three.

7. If you had a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?

There are so many cool superpowers to choose from. I would probably chose flying. To have the ability to get myself anywhere in the world without resorting to the means of traditional travel, would be amazing. In my books, my vampires have the ability to jump great distances, so when they get going, it can feel to them as if they are flying. Can you imagine how freeing that would feel? No more driving in a cramped car, no more waiting for hours at the airport. You can just go!

8.  Many writers dream of having the ideal location to write. If you could live anywhere in the world or live a particular lifestyle, where would you be answering these questions right now?

This is an emotional question for me, because I am so homesick. I am a Colorado Springs girl, currently living in southern Orange County, California. California is great. The only complaint I have is, it’s not home. I’m enjoying life here, but would choose the Springs in a second. It’s probably not very romantic. I imagine most people would say Paris or Rome, but Colorado is where my heart is.

9.  Do you have any rejection stories to share? Reviews that meant something special to you?

Of course, I have rejections stories! Rejection is part of the game. For awhile, I wanted to be a children’s writer. After writing and polishing several stories and two picture books, I sent them out in the world. I received nothing but rejection and silence. I came close only once, with one of the picture books. Before signing a contract, the interested company, decided they were no longer interested. Talk about deflating. A few years later, I realized I was on the wrong path. So, I began writing my first full-length novel. That novel, which releases today, was only rejected once before being accepted by Inkspell Publishing. I tell you that was a happy day. Since this is my debut, I don’t have review stories yet, but hope too.

10.  Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?

Deepest Midnight is a paranormal romance and Book One in The Immortal Kindred Series. It follows the story of Millicent, a once French noblewoman, turned immortal vampire. Before Millicent was turned, she lost the love of her life to murder. Millicent then has to navigate her way through the centuries, lonely and heartbroken. Over two hundred years later, she locks eyes with her long dead love. Her maker, Alexandre, isn’t happy with the developments, creating even more complications.

Deepest Midnight releases June 25, 2018.

~~~

Be sure to come back to learn more about Clara Winter’s novel, DEEPEST MIDNIGHT, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog!

~~~

Links to Amy/Clara’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2MViYWm

Website: http://clarawinterbooks.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/clara_winter_writer/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraWinter10

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/clarawinterwriter1/?ref=bookmarks

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL** Clara will give away a pair of Marie Antoinette Earrings from Dames a La Mode. Visit @Carawinterswriter1 to view rules of eligibility. Ends July 7, 2018.

Thanks, Clara, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Congratulations Week 06-18-18 Blog Giveaway Winners!

[image error] CONGRATULATIONS WEEK

06-18-18

BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Gryffyn Phoenix…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Gryffyn will give away an ebook copy of HAVEN AWAKENING to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Gryffyn, for sharing your book with us!

WINNER: BONNIE GONZALES!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Ellie Mack…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Ellie will give away a $10.00 Amazon gift card to one lucky reader and a signed print copy of ROXY SINGS THE BLUES to a second lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.

Thanks, Ellie, for sharing your book with us!

$10 Amazon GC WINNER: HELEN DRAKE!!

Signed Print Copy of Roxy Sings the Blues  WINNER: GLENDA M.!!

~~~

[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Cara Marsi…

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cara will give away an ebook from her backlist, winner’s choice, to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. (A list of books is on her website.)

Thanks, Cara, for sharing your book with us!

WNNER: KATHLEEN BYLSMA!!

~~~

There’s still time to #WIN!

[image error]SPECIAL CONTEST: 

https://www.katmartin.com/beyond-control-giveaway/

To CELEBRATE the release of BEYOND CONTROL, enter my new contest for a chance to win a KINDLE FIRE 7″ Display, Wi-Fi, 8 GB and a Kindle copy of AGAINST THE WIND, AGAINST THE FIRE and AGAINST THE LAW. Contest runs from May 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018.

For JUNE, Kat Martin is giving away to THREE winners a copy of both INTO THE FIRESTORM and SEASON OF STRANGERS.

~~~

[image error]#ThatBookRocks Summer Time Fun #Giveaway! Enter to Win A Mix of Ebooks & Paperbacks & Surprise Gift!

ENTER HERE: http://bit.ly/2Jpd9Bm

~~~

[image error]Hellfire Celebration Giveaway: To celebrate the release of the Hellfire series, Jena Gregoire is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to three lucky winners!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open internationally. By entering, you are agreeing to sign up for Jena Gregoire’s weekly newsletter. Once the giveaway closes, all of the entries from the giveaway landing page and the Rafflecopter giveaway will be combined and the winners will be chosen at random. Three winners will each receive a $50 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR.  Giveaway ends 7/1/2018 @ 11:00am EST. Pure Textuality PR will send the prizes to the winner via email. Limit one entry per reader. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

~~~

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS!!
[image error] KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1

By Bestselling Author K.L. Docter

Blurb: Some secrets are better left dead.

Rachel James’ ex-husband is released from prison determined to reclaim her and her little girl — the child is his key to controlling the James fortune. Frightened, Rachel flees to Denver with the child who hasn’t uttered a word since her daddy went to prison.

Contractor Patrick Thorne wants nothing to do with another of his parents’ charity cases. He failed his own wife so abysmally she took her own life as well as his unborn son’s. After two years, it’s time to concentrate on the bid he’s won and the saboteur trying to destroy his construction firm.

There is no room for trust in either of their hearts. But trust is all that will untangle the secrets that dominate their lives, free a little girl of her silent prison, and save them all from a serial killer who stands too close.

(All Karen/K.L. Docter novels have HEAs, no cliffhangers.)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2iFFWmg

B&N: http://goo.gl/wsqVxB

Kobo: http://goo.gl/KM563U

Google Play: http://goo.gl/mogQqs

iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN

[image error] COP ON HER DOORSTEP, True Love In Uniform Book 1

By Bestselling Author Karen Docter

Blurb: In the six years since her husband was killed by S.W.A.T., Carrie Padilla has spent long hours at work, rebuilding a life for herself and her son. The little time she has at home is spent keeping her eight-year-old son out of trouble, but he is all too eager to try to be the man in the house. When a handsome cop shows up on her doorstep, her errant son in tow, Carrie’s heart stutters. The sexy Italian cop sets off all kinds of bells in her system, and she knows there’s only one thing she can do to save what is left of her family, her husband’s memory, and her heart…avoid her new neighbor at all costs.

S.W.A.T. officer Jake Stefani already lost one little boy to gang violence, the dead boy’s older brother is missing, and Jake’s not about to let the same thing happen to a neighbor’s son. He drags the youngster home only to discover much more than a passing interest in the boy’s beautiful, but wary, mother. Forced to take a leave of absence after a bust goes awry, Jake can think of nothing better to occupy his time than to keep Carrie and her son safe, and locate the missing teen who holds the key to taking the gang off the streets, once and for all.

But Jake doesn’t count on his stubborn, intriguing neighbor distracting him from his job, or the passion that flares between them. He doesn’t expect her amazing son to steal a piece of his heart. Jake is ready to risk everything for Carrie, body and soul. But it’s not all up to him. If their new love is to survive, Carrie will need to be strong enough to see the man’s beating heart behind the badge, to look beyond the pain of her past, and decide that loving again is worth the risk.

[All of Karen/K.L. Docter’s books are HEA. No cliffhangers.]

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://goo.gl/bUHNMu

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cop-Her-Doorstep-True-Uniform/dp/0988258668/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497628797&sr=8-1&keywords=cop+on+her+doorstep

B&N: http://goo.gl/6uoZTd

Kobo: http://goo.gl/fd92aB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26183834-cop-on-her-doorstep

HAPPY READING!

All giveaway winners chosen by random.org from reader comments with the exception of Rafflecopter giveaways which are determined and announced offsite by publisher/authors. Thank you!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with CAPRI NIGHTS by Author Cara Marsi #recipe ~ Potato & Onion Frittata

[image error]

[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with CARA MARSI!

Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, CARA MARSI, and her favorite recipe for POTATO & ONION FRITTATA!!

~~~

CAPRI NIGHTS

BY CARA MARSI

Blurb

A San Francisco sous chef discovers she might have bitten off more than she can chew when a yummy Italian man stirs up a recipe for romance on the delicious Isle of Capri.

Sous chef Cat Connors has spent a lifetime feeling like a stale cracker on a plate of fancy hors d’oeuvres among her stepfamily. But when she travels from San Francisco to the sunny Isle of Capri, she’s determined to finally shed her dowdy image and spice up her life. She has big plans for her future as a chef. Those plans don’t include a yummy Italian with a mouth-watering body and a smile that melts her insides like gelato under the hot Capri sun.

When Alex Viteli retreats to his villa on Capri to escape the notoriety and legal troubles brought on by his family, the last thing he needs is a beautiful, tempting dish of a woman. Alex may be the scion of a wealthy Italian family, but that won’t matter if he can’t cook up a scheme to clear his father’s name and keep himself out of prison.

Though they fit together like strawberries and chocolate, Cat and Alex may not have time for more than a quick bite of romance. Cat’s future is in San Francisco. Alex can’t leave Italy. But the sultry Capri nights might tempt them both to savor just one more sweet taste of love.

~~~

[image error]CAPRI NIGHTS

BY CARA MARSI

Excerpt

Isle of Capri, Italy

“Mi scusi, signorina! Signorina, scusi!”

The urgent male voice broke into Cat Connors’ thoughts and rose above the babel of languages from the tourists crowding Capri’s main square, La Piazetta. The man’s voice got closer. Her knowledge of Italian was limited, but it sounded like he wanted a woman’s attention. He couldn’t be talking to her. She kept walking.

Someone touched her arm, stopping her.

With a gasp, she turned around. Her gaze collided with a black T-shirt stretched over a hard, muscled chest. Slowly, she raised her eyes to take in six feet of male hotness. He stared down at her with the hazel eyes of a Roman god. He must have descended from the heavens, with those chiseled cheekbones, wavy dark blond hair and full lips that promised heavenly delights. He epitomized the kind of gorgeous guy she’d expect to find on this romantic island.

He held out a phone to her. “Ha perso il suo telefono?”

She felt in her pants pocket. Empty.

“My phone! Thank you. Where did you find it?” Hoping he spoke English, she took the phone from him.

“It fell out of your pocket.” Speaking perfect English, his deep voice with a hint of lilting accent sent a jolt of pleasure coursing through her.

Clutching the phone, she patted her pocket again. The movement of her hips as she walked must have pushed the phone out. She should have known to secure it better. Her eyes met Mr. Roman God’s. “Thank you again.”

His killer grin made her insides melt like gelato in the hot Italian sun.

He shrugged in that offhand way Italians had perfected. “No problem. You are American?”

“I am.”

Someone shoved against her and she almost lost her balance. Mr. Roman God cupped her elbow, steadying her.

“It’s not every day I have the pleasure of meeting a beautiful American,” he said.

Her beautiful? No one except her mother had ever called her that. “Uh—thank you,” she stammered.

“I would like to buy you a glass of wine.” He studied her with those incredible hazel eyes fringed by thick dark lashes.

This smokin’ guy was picking her up in the middle of Capri’s main square? Men rarely hit on studious, quiet Cat Connors. Must be something in the water here.

Anxiety fueled by shyness compelled Cat to say no. If she was ever to become the new Cat, she had to forge ahead and take chances. Forced to come here on this family trip, she’d decided it would be the catalyst she needed to complete her metamorphosis into a new Cat. She’d finally pull free from the shadows of her glamorous stepsisters and be her own person—a woman who no longer tried to please others but lived her own life. A little harmless flirtation with Mr. Roman God would be the perfect place to start. In this square packed with tourists, she’d be safe. She had time before she had to meet Angelina.

“Okay, I’d like to have a drink with you.”

They sat at an outdoor table in a nearby café that fronted the square. Mr. Roman God said something in rapid Italian to the waiter who brought over a bottle of chilled pinot grigio, opened it, and presented the cork to her companion, who sniffed the cork and nodded that the wine was acceptable. The waiter filled two glasses and shoved the opened bottle into an ice-filled bucket on a stand next to them.

When he left, Mr. Hotness leaned his elbow on the table and raised his glass. “My day has become more interesting.”

She touched her glass with his. “To interesting days.”

[image error]Meet Author Cara Marsi…

An award-winning and eclectic author, Cara Marsi is published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and contemporary romance. She loves a good love story, and believes that everyone deserves a second chance at love. Sexy, sweet, thrilling, or magical, Cara’s stories are first and foremost about the love. Treat yourself today, with a taste of romance.

When not traveling or dreaming of traveling, Cara and her husband live on the East Coast of the United States in a house ruled by two spoiled cats who compete for attention.

~~~

Links to Cara’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MbCD2Z

Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/3L9z51

My social links:

www.facebook.com/authorcaramarsi

www.pinterest.com/caramarsi

www.instagram.com/carolyn2829

website: www.caramarsi.com

I hope you enjoy the recipe Cara is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 379 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

POTATO & ONION FRITTATA

NOTE FROM CARA: Much like the spinach, mushroom, potato frittata Cat and Alex share.

1 large red onion
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium red potatoes (about 12 oz.), cut into ½ inch pieces
Salt and pepper
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
8 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
4 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Finely chop the onion.

Heat oil in a large oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and chopped onion, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and just tender, 12 to 15 minutes more. If desired, when the potatoes are almost done, stir in fresh spinach and sliced mushrooms and saute. Stir in the parsley.

While the potatoes and onions are cooking, in a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and ¼ Tsp. each salt and pepper; stir in the cheese.

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and stir to distribute the ingredients. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed, brown around the edges, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 14 to 16 minutes.

Serve with a salad and crusty bread.

~~~

[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cara will give away an ebook from her backlist, winner’s choice, to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. (A list of books is on her website.)

Thanks, Cara, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!