Karen Docter's Blog, page 155
May 3, 2018
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s #Recipe: Snickerdoodle Cookies
It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES!
A lot of people have recipes for Snickerdoodle Cookies but this is my version. One of the reasons I love it is because it makes so many wonderful cookies. If you need cookies for a school bake sale, this is the recipe for you! No, these won’t be those, “I forgot to tell you, Mom, but I need a million cookies tomorrow” cookies. But they’re so yummy and worth the effort.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 372 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.
SNICKERDOODLES COOKIES
[Makes 3 dozen]
1/2 margarine, softened
1-1/2 cup flour, sifted
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
DAY ONE: Mix softened margarine and sugar together until creamy. Add egg; mix until well blended. Sift and measure flour. Add soda, salt, and cream of tartar to flour and sift again. Add sifted dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix together until well blended. Put dough into a smaller bowl. Cover, label, and store in the refrigerator. In another small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Cover, label, and store.
DAY TWO: Heat oven to 400 degrees. Check oven racks. Wash hands. Roll pieces of dough into balls about the size of small walnuts. Balls of dough should be about the same size. Roll balls in sugar/cinnamon mixture in small bowl. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees, 8-10 minutes. Cookies will be soft.
Happy Eating!
May 2, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: MAP OF THE HEART by Susan Wiggs
[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!
MAP OF THE HEART
A Novel
BY SUSAN WIGGS
Blurb
Widowed by an unspeakable tragedy, accomplished photographer Camille Palmer has made her peace with the past and is content with the quiet safety of life with her teenage daughter, Julie, in a sleepy coastal town. Then the arrival of a mysterious package breaks open the door to her family’s secret past. In uncovering a hidden history, Camille has no idea that she’s about to embark on an adventure that will shake her complacency and utterly transform her.
Camille, Julie, and Camille’s father, Henry, return to the French town of Henry’s youth, sparking unexpected memories for him—recollections that will lead them back to the dark days of the Second World War. And it is in the stunning Provençal countryside that they will uncover their family’s surprising history.
While Provence offers answers about the past, it also holds the key to Camille’s future. Along the way, she meets an American historian who stirs a passion deep within her—a feeling that she thought she’d never experience again.
Brilliantly written and infused with Susan Wiggs’s trademark style, this hugely popular author has created her biggest, most powerful story yet in MAP OF THE HEART—an instant New York Times bestseller on the hardcover list. MAP OF THE HEART beautiful and heartfelt novel that celebrates the bonds of family and pays homage to the sacrifices of the past.
[image error]MAP OF THE HEART
A Novel
BY SUSAN WIGGS
Excerpt
A car’s headlights swept across the front of the house, and crushed shells crackled under its tires. She glanced at the clock—nine p.m.— and went out onto the porch, snapping on the light. Her heart flipped over. Mr. Ponytail Professor was back.
“Did you forget something?” she asked when he got out of the car. “My manners,” he said.
What the . . . ? “Pardon me?”
“Do you drink wine?” he asked.
“Copiously. Why do you ask?”
He held out a bottle of rosé, the glass beaded with sweat. “A peace offering. It’s chilled.”
She checked the label—a Domaine de Terrebrune from Bandol. “That’s a really nice bottle.”
“I got it from a little wine shop in the village.”
She nodded. “Grand Crew. My father was one of their suppliers. He’s retired now.”
“He was in the wine business, then.”
“He owned an import and distributing firm up in Rehoboth. And why are we having this conversation?”
“I came back to apologize. I got halfway across the bridge and started feeling bad for yelling at you, so I turned around and came back.”
She caught herself staring at him like a smitten coed with a crush on her professor. She flushed, trying to shake off the gape-mouthed attraction. “Oh.” An awkward beat passed. “Would you like to come in?” She held open the door.
“Thought you’d never ask.”
In the kitchen, she grabbed some glasses and a corkscrew. What was he doing back here? “Actually, you did forget something—your sunglasses.” She handed them over.
“Oh, thanks.” He opened the wine and poured, and they brought their glasses to the living room and sat together on the sofa. He tilted his glass toward her. “So . . . apology accepted?”
She took a sip of the wine, savoring the cool, grapefruity flavor of it. “Apology accepted. But I still feel bad about your film.”
“I know. You made a mistake. I should have been more understanding.” He briefly touched her arm.
Okay, so maybe he wasn’t such a jerk. She stared at her arm where he had touched it. Why was this stranger, whose one-of-a-kind film she’d ruined, taking care of her? Watching him, she tried to figure it out. “I’ve never screwed up a project like that,” she said.
“So what happened?”
“Everything was going fine until I got a phone call from the local hospital that my daughter had been brought in by ambulance. I dropped everything and ran out the door.”
“The girl I met earlier? Oh, man. Is she all right?”
“Yes. Yes, Julie’s fine. She’s upstairs now, online—her favorite place to be.”
“So what was the emergency?”
“She was in a surf rescue class—most kids around here take it in ninth grade. She hit her head and got caught in a riptide.” A fresh wave of panic engulfed Camille as she pictured what could have happened.
“Thank God she’s okay.”
Camille nodded, hugging her knees to her chest. “I was so scared. I held myself together until . . . well, until you showed up. Lucky you, getting here just in time for my meltdown.”
“You should have said something earlier. If I’d known you rushed off because you got a call about your kid, I wouldn’t have been such a tool.” He offered a half smile that made her heart skip a beat.
At least he acknowledged that he’d been a tool. “Well, thanks for that, Professor Finnemore.”
“Call me Finn.”
She took another sip of wine, eyeing him over the rim of her glass. “You look like a Finn.”
“But not a Malcolm?”
“That’s right. Malcolm is totally different.”
He grinned, flashing charm across the space between them. “How’s that?”
“Well, buttoned down. Academic. Bow tie and brown oxfords.”
He laughed aloud then. “You reduced me to a cliché, then.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“Want to know how I pictured you?” Without waiting for an answer, he rested his elbow on the back of the sofa and turned toward her. “Long dark hair. Big dark eyes. Total knockout in a red striped shirt.” He chuckled at her expression. “I checked out your website.”
Oh. Her site featured a picture of her and Billy on the “about us” link. But a knockout? Had he really said knockout? He was probably disappointed now, because on this particular night, she didn’t look anything like the woman in that photo.
“You look just like your photo,” he said.
Wait. Was he coming on to her? No. No way. She should have looked at his website. Did history professors have websites?
She saw something flicker across his face, an expression she couldn’t read.
“Go ahead,” he said. “You can look me up on your phone. You know you want to.”
She flushed, but did exactly that, tapping his name on the screen. The information that populated the web page surprised her. “Ac- cording to these search results, you’re a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former intelligence officer. You’re now a professor of history at Annapolis, renowned for tracing the provenance of lost soldiers and restoring the memories to their families. You’re an expert at analyzing old photos.”
“Then we have something in common. If you ever come across something mysterious in a picture, I can take a look.”
She couldn’t decide if his self-confidence was sexy or annoying. In the “personal” section of the page, it was noted that he had been married to “award-winning journalist Emily Cutler” for ten years, and was now divorced. She didn’t read that part aloud.
“I’m renowned? You don’t say.” He shifted closer to her and peered at the screen.
“I don’t. Wikipedia says. Is it accurate?”
“More or less.” He grinned. “I don’t know about the ‘renowned’ part. I’ve never done anything of renown. Maybe choosing this exceptional wine. Cheers.” He touched the rim of his glass to hers and took a sip.
About the Book
Map of the Heart
by Susan Wiggs
Series
n/a; standalone
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
April 24, 2018
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iBooks
About Author Susan Wiggs
SUSAN WIGGS is the author of more than fifty novels, including the beloved Lakeshore Chronicles series and her most recent, instant New York Times bestseller Family Tree. Her award-winning books have been translated into two dozen languages. She lives with her husband on an island in Washington State’s Puget Sound.
Author Links
May 1, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: MYSTIC REALMS, A Limited Edition Collection of Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romances by Viola Estrella ETAL
[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!
~~
MYSTIC REALMS
A Limited Edition Collection of Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romances
By Nicole Morgan, Tamsin Baker, Tracy Goodwin, Lynn Crain, Krista Ames, Dylan Keefers, Laura Baumbach, Viola Estrella, Christine Donovan, Jo Grafford, Jan Springer, Mardi Maxwell, Sadie Carter, Georgia Lyn Hunter, C.J. Black, D. Anne Paris, LaVerne Thompson, Misha Elliot, Dariel Raye & Tina Donahue
Blurb
What goes bump in the night? What causes you a fright?
While the answers for each may vary, I promise that these stories will not leave you wary.
From vampires and demons to shifters and creatures that you’d never suspect, this set will leave you breathless in the best possible ways.
So, don’t be afraid. Come, step into our realm. Allow the mysticism of romance in many shapes and forms fall over you like a veil of sweet, soothing, spine-tingling comfort.
We promise… you won’t be sorry.
Featured Stories
Secrets of the Hollows (Book 2) by Nicole Morgan
What’s a girl to do once she falls in love with a demon?
Fallen by Tamsin Baker
Gabriel thought he’d do anything to earn his way back into Heaven. He was wrong.
Cursed by Tracy Goodwin
Forbidden love. Dangerous prophecies. Limitless power. Fate is a witch.
Avenging Aingeal (Protectors of the Earth 1) by Lynn Crain
Bound by vengeance, she is humanity’s one hope…
Her Fate, His Mate (Wolves of Windsor Woods) by Krista Ames
Can she accept all he is and all he stands for?
Sleeping in the Dragon’s Den by Lexi Thorne
His Hungry Dragon My Curious Desire
His Tattoo Curse My Wet Dreams
Dark Side of the Moon by Laura Baumbach
Vampire rentboy vs. the world.
Angel Vindicated by Viola Estrella
Some sins are hard to avoid…
A Wolf’s Touch by Christine Donovan
Can she love him–wolf and all?
Dr. Magic (Vampire Island, Book 1) by Jo Grafford
One more dance with the devil…
Dark Heat by Jan Springer
Betrayed by her two forced mates, she hides within Vampira.
Torkel by Mardi Maxwell
Love unites them in the mists of time.
Silent Storm by Sadie Carter
Sometimes the monster is the good guy…
Tangled Sin by Georgia Lyn Hunter
She was the light in his eternal darkness…
Seduction’s Scent by C.I. Black
Giving in to temptation threatens everything.
Ghost Mate by D. Anne Paris
She was going to kill him even though he was already dead.
Living on the Edge (Clan Book 1) by Laverne Thompson
Mate wanted. Dead or alive.
The Warrior’s Curse by M. Elliott & T. Eden
What comes next may be the end of it all.
Three Days From Hell by Dariel Raye
Can a permanent resident of Third Hell be trusted?
Just Tell Me What You Want by Tina Donahue
Her wishes will leave him breathless…
~~~
MYSTIC REALMS
A Limited Edition Collection of Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romances
Includes:
[image error]ANGEL VINDICATED
Abby Angel Series Book 1
BY VIOLA ESTRELLA
Blurb
Deporting unruly demons back to Hell is what I do best. Demon Control Agent isn’t just my job—it’s my life. Too bad my personal matters aren’t as straightforward. The virtuous gene seems to be missing from my DNA, getting me into more trouble than I’d like to admit. To date, my biggest vice has been Simeon Keller, a half-breed demon, who managed to seduce me five years ago. I’ve avoided him ever since, but I can’t knock the bad reputation the blunder has branded on me.
Now, the threat of a demon rebellion has Angels, Inc. overwhelmed, and I’m forced to trust Simeon to help me find the fiends threatening to end Angels’ existence. Staying out of the enemy’s bed is the least of my worries as I fight to keep the earth from falling under demon rule.
ANGEL VINDICATED
Abby Angel Series Book 1
BY VIOLA ESTRELLA
Excerpt
I twisted the hefty knob and eased the door open. My eyes found him right away. He was sitting at his desk. A different desk, thank the heavens. And he was staring at his computer screen, ignoring me just as his receptionist had. His ink black hair was longer, reaching his shoulders, I noticed straightaway as I closed the door behind me. The length was incredibly sexy, I thought, and immediately gave myself a mental slap on the forehead.
Keep it professional, Abby!
I took in the room around me to keep from staring. His office had been remodeled since I’d been here. The bookshelves and desk were a dark mahogany just like the door. The burgundy and gold rug on the floor covered most of the hardwood. Two sleek black leather chairs sat in front of his desk.
“Have a seat, Abigail.” His crisp silver eyes flickered over my body briefly as he stood.
Suddenly I became acutely aware of what I was wearing as I dropped down into one of the leather chairs. I hadn’t dressed up for the occasion, but my clothes were somewhat nicer than my usual. Instead of a T-shirt or sweatshirt, I wore a forest green fitted V-neck sweater, and replacing my faded jeans was a pair of dark stretch jeans. And naturally, I had on my running shoes. I was going to work soon, after all. Who was I trying to impress anyway?
He followed my lead and sat back down. It gave me the chance to assess his duds. Charcoal leather pants and a ribbed white sweater that clung to his lean muscles. Yep, more alluring than any full demon I’d ever laid eyes on.
“It’s good to see you again.” His voice was as smooth and pleasing as I remembered. “It’s been too long, but I’m afraid I’m confused by the nature of your visit. I don’t believe I’ve done anything lately to require your presence.” He grinned toward the last part. Red, soft, powerful lips. “Or have I?”
“No,” I blurted out. “I mean, that’s not why I’m here.” I leaned toward his desk and noticed his eyes dip to my chest. I should’ve worn a T-shirt. An extra large one.
Slowly, deliberately, he met my eyes again. “Why then?”
I could feel my entire body heat up. I probably looked like a big red freak of nature.
Get a hold of yourself. He was evil. A demon. Not worth the provocative thoughts dancing through my mind.
“I’m looking for someone you used to employ. His name is Peter Piper, and last night he escaped a second warning.”
“And?”
“And I hoped you’d be able to give me some information about him.”
He cocked his head, braced his hands on the desk, and bowed toward me to look at my bruised cheek. It couldn’t have been too noticeable. With MOG’s medicine and my healing power, it should be mostly gone.
“Did this Peter Piper hit you, Abigail?” He went on to examine the rest of my face and down farther.
“No,” I said, thankful there was a large piece of furniture between us. Afraid I’d be in his lap right then if there wasn’t. “No, he didn’t touch me.” His buddy did, but Simeon didn’t need to know that.
He sat back down. “What happened to you then?”
“I fell.” I was such a bad liar. Judd was right.
Simeon smiled, showing me a perfect set of teeth and a dimple on his left cheek. “Aren’t Angels bred to be honest and noble?”
“I am those things.” Most of the time.
“Really?” He tsked. “That’s disappointing to hear. I thought you were different.”
I didn’t ask what gave him that idea. I already knew. I also knew the half-breed sitting before me was the devil in disguise and was being very good at avoiding my purpose for coming here.
[image error] Meet Author Viola Estrella…
Viola Estrella loves a story with humor, flawed characters, paranormal elements, and romance. She tries to include these aspects in all that she writes and loves every minute of it. When she’s not reading, writing, or working at her day job, she’s spending quality time with her husband, sons, adorable granddaughter, and three pups in their Colorado home.
Viola is a 2010 RWA® RITA® finalist. Her Urban Fantasy, ANGEL VINDICATED, was nominated for Best First Book. In 2015, her paranormal romance novel, HAUNTING YOU, won the Specialized Category in the NTRWA Carolyn Readers Choice Awards and was a CRW Award of Excellence finalist.
~~~
Links to Viola’s website, blog, books, etc.
Purchase Links:
Amazon iBooks Kobo Nook
Viola Estrella’s Website: www.ViolaEstrella.com
Viola Estrella’s Facebook: Facebook
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Viola is giving away her Bewitching Women Trilogy in either epub or mobi (Bewitching You, Haunting You, and Finding You) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Viola, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 30, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: A KISS AT SUNSET, US Park Rangers Book #1 By Judy Kentrus
[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!
~~
A KISS AT SUNSET
US Park Rangers Book #1
BY JUDY KENTRUS
Blurb
Cameron MacGregor’s lifelong dream was to become a US park ranger. In school, she’d earned the nickname Paula Bunyan. She knew more about the ecosystem of the forest than her teachers. Raised by her grandfather from the time she was nine years old, she’d come to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature in the Alleghany Mountains of Pennsylvania.
Only one boy looked beyond the un-female personage and saw the warmhearted, sweet girl she kept hidden from her classmates. Now, after twenty years, he’s come back home to Laurel Heights. She’s well trained and devoted her life to the job she loves, but is hesitant to act on the feelings she’s harbored for Treig Taylor since high school. Could she risk him finding out about the secrets and guilt she’s harbored all these years?
Treig John Taylor hadn’t a clue what it was like to live a “normal” life. For the past eighteen years, he’s worked undercover, associating with the slime of the earth. Darkness had grown inside him and he didn’t know how to stop it from festering.
His best friend and boss brings TJ in to save himself and offers Treig a job as head of security for the Laurel Heights Inn. He’s reluctant at first but accepts the position for six months. There’s more to the “temp” job than he anticipated, including getting reacquainted with US Park Ranger Cameron MacGregor.
The woman was heart-stopping beautiful, but a whole different class. Inside he was tainted and not worthy of her. He hadn’t associated with a nice woman who wasn’t part of an assignment, in a long time. Could he climb out of the darkness and turn his life around?
No matter what TJ does to try and live a normal life, someone from his past comes back, seeking revenge in a way he never saw coming.
~~~
[image error]A KISS AT SUNSET
US Park Rangers Book #1
BY JUDY KENTRUS
Excerpt
TJ didn’t believe his boss, who was also his brother-in-law because his voice lacked conviction. Dressed in jeans and a casual shirt, no one would take Lincoln Adams for the owner of one of the largest security companies in the country.
“Why are you busting my balls? I’ve been working my ass off the past 3 years working undercover with a bunch of murdering, drug running Columbians. I got home two days ago and moved into the garage apartment in the back of your house.”
“Yeah, and you mirror the trash you worked with. Women and children would purposely cross the street to avoid getting close to you.”
TJ pressed his hands over his unshaven cheeks and covered his ears. “Stop talking so loud. My head feels like the drummer from a rock band has taken up residence in my head.”
“And whose fault is that? You’re drinking too much and I’m far from done. Your niece saw you going up the stairs to the apartment yesterday when she got off the school bus. Edith said uncle Treig’s face looks dirty with his beard. My wife is disappointed you haven’t stopped by the house to see Noah. Your nephew is quite a handful. You better clean up before you face your mother.”
Getting reamed by his best friend was one thing, but facing his mother took things to a whole different level. “People should stop worrying about me.”
“We’re not just “people” but your family. Constantly working undercover with bottom feeders has caused you to distance yourself from normal human beings. Your assignments were all undercover, working with a different caliber of scum. Since then, you’ve taken on risky assignments we’ve coordinated with the FBI and DEA. You’ve made some powerful enemies. It’s time to step back into normalcy.”
I don’t know remember what normal is. “You know I need a challenging job,” he offered as a poor excuse.
“Living with low-life’s can change a person. We’ve got a psychologist on retainer that will be glad to talk to you.”
TJ suffered the invisible punch in the gut. “Psychologist! Now you think I’m messed up in the head?”
He shoved up from the silver-framed chair in front of his bosses’ sleek desk and walked across the thick gray carpeting to pause in front of the wall of glass. His eyes were drawn to the restored train station across from the vast parking area. From the number of cars, it appeared the six specialty shops were doing a good business. He shoved his hands in the back pockets of his jeans. “Busy place.”
“You were always good at quickly changing the subject,” Lincoln added with a short laugh. “You should see it on the weekends. We have a trolley service that takes the tourists to my grandfather’s house since it’s been declared a historical landmark. We’re currently looking for a second trolley driver. You’d get to wear a nifty cap. It would certainly be a change of pace.”
TJ caught the hint of sarcasm in his friend’s voice and returned to his chair. “Thanks, but no thanks,” he sneered, running his hands through his overly-long hair in frustration.
“All kidding aside, you know I like to hire Veteran’s and understand what they’ve gone through because I’ve been there myself, dealing with physical as well as emotional trauma.”
“But I wasn’t in the military.”
“No, you weren’t, but you’re part of an elite group that fights the bad guys who threaten the American way of life both on and off home turf.”
“Jeeze, I’m nobody’s hero. I’m just doing my job.”
“You don’t see yourself that way, but I do. We’ve been best friends since junior high school and I know you better than you know yourself. Mr. I’m Invincible, nothing can touch me, has a vulnerable side and that trash you worked with has tainted your well-being. You just turned forty. You don’t have a permanent residence, no woman in your life, no direction. You don’t own a vehicle because you’re never home long enough so you’re driving my truck.”
“So now you resent loaning me your pride and joy?”
“Don’t be such an ass! If I got an undercover assignment right now, you’d grab your duffle and be out of the house a half hour later. When we were teenagers you were always the one to push the envelope and you’ve continued to live your life on the edge. What the hell are you searching for? Or maybe I should ask, what are you running away from?”
Lincoln summed up his inner turmoil perfectly. What am I running away from? Hell, I don’t know. How could he say to his oldest friend that working for him instilled a sense of purpose and tethered him to a form of stability, one that always had his back? If he couldn’t sink his teeth into some kind of risky situation, what would he do? His mind came up blank.
“Are you really firing me?”
“Let’s just say I’m pointing you in a different direction.”
Lincoln pulled open the top drawer of his desk and took out a colorful brochure and passed it to TJ. “You were in Columbia when The Laurel Heights Inn opened. We have a full house and can accommodate small conventions.”
TJ glanced down at the front cover that displayed a rustic, two-story log building surrounded by the Alleghany Mountains. The first page listed the different types of accommodations, places to eat and scheduled activities.
“Wow, this is quite extensive. You actually think this place will support itself? Laurel Heights isn’t close to the interstate.”
“That’s exactly why it will survive. We’re one hundred percent booked through the summer. The Halloween and Christmas family weekends are already reserved.
“Adams’ is handling security and we need someone to oversee the entire operation. The near-by campground is part of the National Park Service and is overseen by the park rangers.
“Me? A security guard? Make nice and pander the prissy guests who lost their jewelry and complain about loud noises coming from the neighboring room?”
From the look of disappointment on his bosses’ face, it was the wrong thing to say. “When did you become such a winey, hardened snob? Maybe you’re not right for the job after all.”
His best friend knew him too well and had pointed out the problem he was facing. Interacting with good-for-nothing riffraff, he’d been forced to do things he’d be arrested for in the States. He had to depend on one person to survive – himself.
When was the last time he didn’t have to stop looking over his shoulder? Worry his real identity would be discovered? When was the last time he’d genuinely laughed? Was he running away from something? When had he stopped caring?
He leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees, sighing in resignation. “You’re right. You’re right,” he repeated and shook his head. “I don’t know myself anymore. Maybe it’s time to take a step back and literally smell the roses?
“Try the job for six months to see if the position is right for you.”
“Will I be required to wear one of those “mall” guard uniforms?” TJ asked the question with a half-smile.
“Not necessary. We supply light blue golf shirts with Adam’s security logo and tan shorts or trousers, depending on the season and a Navy blazer. You have a staff of six full-time security personnel who work rotating shifts, twenty-four seven.”
“Radio or cell phone communication?”
“Radios are a combo of walky-talky and cell phone.”
“You mentioned the campground. Do you know any of the rangers overseeing the area?”
Merriment danced in his friend’s gray eye before he spoke. “Your girlfriend is one of them.”
“I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Sure you do. Your date from the senior prom. I was there when you defended her in front of a bunch of kids when they called her Paula Bunyan. Then you slipped your arm around her shoulder and declared yourself, breaking a number of female hearts.”
TJ’s brows lowered in a thoughtful frown. A picture of a teenage girl formed in his head. Curly auburn-red hair haphazardly gathered with an elastic band and nerdy glasses. Faded bib coveralls camouflaged her teenage body. “You mean Cameron MacGregor? That girl knew more about the forest and ecosystem than our teachers.”
“Same one. She became a US Park Ranger and works out of the Laurel Ridge station.
“When do I have to start?”
“Tomorrow. First get a decent haircut and a shave. I’ll let the general manager know you’ll be heading up security. Stop in Randall Byer’s office and introduce yourself before you meet your staff.”
“Are you going to tell him I’m your brother-in-law?”
“No, I’ll leave that up to you. The town has grown the past three years and there are a lot of new faces. Those who don’t know you might be of the opinion I gave you the job because we’re related. You’ll have to prove your worth that much harder.”
TJ snickered. “Like that’s something new. I’ve had to deal with the fact that my mother is a judge and a lawyer and my father before her. Growing up I didn’t dare blacken the Taylor name.”
“I’m sorry you believe that, but keep it to yourself. Your mother would be devastated if she heard your derogatory comment. Quick question before you leave. Did you cover your tracks when you finished this last assignment?”
“I took extra precautions because I knew I’d be returning home. A perk of this new job is I won’t have to keep looking over my shoulder or keep my hand ready to retrieve a weapon.”
TJ stood up with a deep sigh of surrender and held out his hand. “Thanks for not giving up on me.
TJ walked out of the newly restored brick building that was once an old warehouse and paused to take in the panorama of the Alleghany Mountains that surrounded Laurel Heights. A blanket of white clouds drifted above the vibrant green, tree-covered terrain. God’s country. Peace and tranquility at its best.
He wasn’t feeling it. A vice of uncertainty still gripped his body. Maybe it was time he ditched his wanderlust and got reacquainted with the town he grew up in. Find out who he was. Slay those demons he carried that kept him running away from reality – no – normalcy.
[image error]Meet Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense Author Judy Kentrus…
I’ve always been a romantic at heart and married my high school sweetheart. I make my home in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. After raising our two children, I followed my dream to publish my books. When I’m not at my computer giving couples their happily-ever-after, you can find me in the kitchen, baking, especially cookies. I’ve been dubbed the cookie queen by my family and friends. My stories are fun, sexy, romances that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love.
~~~
Links to Judy’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2FWfXoJ
Website: http://www.judykentrus.com
Facebook: Judy Kentrus, Author
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Judy is giving away a signed, print copy of A Kiss at Sunset (U.S. Only) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Judy, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 29, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: WILD DEADWOOD TALES ANTHOLOGY by Sylvia McDaniel ETAL, Proceeds benefit the Western Sports Foundation
[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!
~~
WILD DEADWOOD TALES
An Anthology of Short Stories
From Bestselling Authors
By E.E. Burke, Zoe Blake, Paty Jager, Teresa Keefer, Megan Kelly, Sylvia McDaniel, Amanda McIntyre, Peggy McKenzie, Angi Morgan, Nancy Naigle, Jacqui Nelson, Terri Osburn, Ginger Ring, Maggie Ryan, Lizbeth Selvig, Tina Susedik & A.C. Wilson
Blurb
Romance and rodeos, Old West adventure, even a few ghostly tales.
Deadwood’s wild past and exciting present come alive in Wild Deadwood Tales, a limited edition collection of 17 original short stories written by USA Today and Amazon bestselling authors: E.E. Burke, A.C. Wilson, Amanda McIntyre, Angi Morgan, Ginger Ring, Jacqui Nelson, Lizbeth Selvig, Maggie Ryan, Megan Kelly, Nancy Naigle, Paty Jager, Peggy McKenzie, Sylvia McDaniel, Teresa Keefer, Terri Osburn, Tina Susedik, Zoe Blake.
Proceeds from Wild Deadwood Tales go to benefit the Western Sports Foundation, an organization providing critical assistance to athletes competing in Western lifestyle sports. Whether they need help recuperating from an injury or planning for the future, WSF is there for them.
Keep our rodeo heroes riding strong. Purchase your copy of Wild Deadwood Tales today.
~~~
[image error]WILD DEADWOOD TALES
An Anthology of Short Stories
From Bestselling Authors
LOVE ACROSS TIME
By Sylvia McDaniel
Sylvia’s story is about a barrel racer riding in her last race and not knowing where her life is going next. Her grandmother makes homemade quilts as my own grandmother once did. She gives Sadie a new quilt to sleep under and tells her that the man she dreams of will be the love of her life. But Sadie doesn’t believe the old wives tale and is shocked what the dream reveals when she returns to the wild days of Deadwood.
I s it possible to love someone in another time? Are dreams real?
Excerpt
“Are you ready for your life to change?” her grandmother asked.
A sigh escaped her. “I’m tired of being out on the road all the time. So yes, the time for me to do something different is here. Currently, I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
A grin graced her grandmother’s face. “Why don’t you move to Deadwood.”
“Grandmother, I’m a stranger here,” she said.
“After this weekend, you’ll meet the rest of the family.”
“Maybe,” she said, thinking she really had no direction to go anymore. Her favorite horse was retiring and the thought of riding the circuit without her or training another one, was too much. While she had some great years racing barrels, it was time to retire.
“Listen, I’m going to bed. The doors are locked and in the morning, we’ll have breakfast and then I’ll have to go check on the horses,” she said. On the way into town, they dropped them off at the rodeo grounds and her trainer was staying with them tonight.
Her grandmother rose from the table. “Before you go, there’s something I made for you.”
The bag she insisted on carrying was sitting on the couch. Hurrying over she pulled out a beautiful quilt and carried it to Sadie.
“There is an old wives tale that if you sleep under a new wedding ring quilt, whoever you dream of is the man you’ll marry.”
Sadie started to protest when she held up her hand.
“Hear me out.” She paused. “My ancestors are here in this town. This hotel is known for having spirits and you’re at a turning point in your life. Maybe you don’t believe in this fable, but give it a try. To please your old grandmother, sleep under the quilt.”
Brushing her hand against the tiny stitches, Sadie recognized the special blanket had been made with love. “As my only granddaughter it would please me so much if you were to find a man here in Deadwood.”
How could she turn her grandmother down after that impassioned plea? Besides, it was an old wives tale, nothing more.
Standing, she hugged the little old woman she loved. “Thank you grandma.”
The woman’s face filled with love. “This will work.”
“You didn’t tell me there were ghosts here.”
A quick shrug of her shoulders and she said, “There are ghosts everywhere. Pleasant dreams love.”
[image error]Meet Author Sylvia McDaniel…
USA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than forty western historical, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels. Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented stories, Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides, Lipstick and Lead series, The Cuvier Widows, Return to Cupid, Texas series and several other stories that refused to get out of her head until they were penned.
~~~
Links to Sylvia’s website, blog, books, etc.
Links to Book:
http://bit.ly/WDTales (Amazon)
http://bit.ly/WDTApple
http://bit.ly/WDTBN
http://bit.ly/WDTKobo
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/…/sh…/39739914-wild-deadwood-tales
Links:
Sign up for Sylvia’s newsletter: www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Visit Sylvia’s website: www.SylviaMcDaniel.com
Follow Sylvia on twitter:
www.twitter.com/SylviaJMcDaniel
Join Sylvia on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/SylviaMcDanielAuthor
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/150774.Sylvia_McDaniel
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Sylvia is giving away a paperback copy of WILD DEADWOOD TALES ANTHOLOGY to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. For your chance to win, tell Sylvia something about Deadwood, SD.
Thanks, Sylvia, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Congratulations Week 04-23-18 Blog #Giveaway Winners!
[image error]
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK
04-23-18
BLOG GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Janet Elizabeth Lynn & Will Zeilinger…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Janet and Will are giving away an ebook copy of SLICK DEAL to two lucky readers who comment on their Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Janet & Will, for sharing your book with us!
WINNERS: BETTY GRACIE & BN100!!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s with Misha McKenzie…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Misha is giving away a SWAG BAG with…
The first book in each of my series, signed.
A ceramic coffee cup
An electric coffee cup warming plate
A $50 dollar Amazon Gift Card
And assorted swag
to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Misha, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: LORI KANDER!!
~~~
[image error]Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Owen Clough…
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Owen is giving away a PDF copy of WHISPERS OF THE PAST to two lucky readers who comment on his Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Owen, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: SAMANTHA McFARLAND & KENNA MARY McKINNON!!
~~~
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with Claudia Connor…[image error]
**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Claudia is giving away an ebook copy of LOVE AT LAST to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Claudia, for sharing your book with us!
WINNER: JUDY TULLOCH!!
~~~
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
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!
April 27, 2018
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with LOVE AT LAST Author Claudia Connor #recipe ~ Crock Pot Tacos
[image error]Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with CLAUDIA CONNOR!
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, CLAUDIA CONNOR, and her favorite recipe for CROCK POT TACOS!!
~~~
LOVE AT LAST
BY CLAUDIA CONNOR
BLURB
With her ex-groom’s words, I’m in love with someone else, still ringing in her ears, Clare Franklin flies off alone to her would-be honeymoon. Forced to accept not everyone gets that happily ever after she’s always dreamed of, she’s done with men. Until she gets tangled up, quite literally, with one sexy veterinarian.
The only thing Dr Deacon Montgomery wants is to share his surgical expertise and get back to his two year old twin daughters. But, the connection he feels with Clare highlights just how alone he really is and makes him wonder if he can be more than doctor and daddy.
Long talks and moonlit walks under the rustle of palms has Clare thinking maybe she gave up on love too soon. Until one phone call from home changes everything.
~ Review ~
If you love SINGLE PARENT ROMANCES and if you swoon over protective heroes who are amazing fathers, then you’re going to LOVE this book!!!! I read it in one sitting and was left feeling so HAPPY!!! — Aestas Book Blog
[image error]
LOVE AT LAST
BY CLAUDIA CONNOR
EXCERPT
Her full lips curved up shyly. “I knew you’d do fine.”
She lifted one foot then the other. “Damn. This is hot.” She stepped to the side to slip her feet into flip-flops sitting by the edge. She had one on and was going for the second when she squeaked, made a grab for his arm, and nearly tumbled back into the pool.
And for the second time, he caught Clare against him. His hands went to her waist to steady her, and just that touch sent most of his level-headed ideas flying. They stood for a moment, her bare, wet skin burning his palms. His heart rate picked up, and he caught her scent— coconut and oranges.
“Sorry. Shoe problem. Again. This is embarrassing,” she said, eyes on her feet, working the flip-flop between her toes. “You’re always catching me.”
He let his fingers tighten the slightest bit on her flesh, wanting to slide them around to her back and draw her closer.
With her shoes on, she looked back up. “I’m going to get you wet.”
He was just about to say he didn’t mind, but she stepped back, and he dropped his hands.
Let it go. Move on.
She shifted on her feet, stared past his shoulder, then met his eyes again. “I hope you’re not angry after the…you know, last night. I mean, I have no idea if you’re married, or… I mean, you probably would have said something if you were, but…”
She went on, talking quickly, much like she had last night at the bar.
“Maybe you have a girlfriend or…or maybe you just don’t like to be kissed like that or—”
Deacon felt himself smiling. There was just no way to stop it. “Do you always apologize so profusely when you kiss someone?”
She bit her lip. “I don’t kiss many people.”
He nodded, storing that away. “Good to know. Also, I’m not married. No girlfriend. I do like being kissed like that, though I can’t say I’ve ever been kissed quite like that.”
“No?”
“No. But then you’ve never kissed me before.” And that was definitely not letting it go.
She stared at him, utterly still. “That’s…good.”
“That’s true.” And he couldn’t let it go, because seeing her again drove home what he already knew. If it was only physical, he could and would walk away and forget it. But it was more than that. “Do you want to have dinner with me tonight?”
“Oh, well…” She averted her eyes again. “You know, I’m not really looking to get involved with anyone.” She huffed out a laugh. “Obviously, you couldn’t tell by the way I acted last night, but I’m really not. I mean, that would be crazy. Seeing as why I’m here and all and…”
“I’m not, either,” he said and meant it.
The last woman had left a bitter taste. A woman who would walk away from her babies without a backward glance would do that. But for whatever reason, he just couldn’t let this go. Couldn’t let Clare go.
“So, you just want to have dinner?”
“Yes.” No, not just. But anything else he wanted he’d do well to forget about.
“Okay.” Her purely kissable lips turned up into a sweet smile. “Why don’t I meet you?”
“That works. Any preferences?”
“Not really. I have six nights and six more restaurants. I plan to hit them all.”
“Okay. Want to try the Italian? Say, seven thirty?” “Sure.”
“Great.” Smiling, he gave her hip a pat. “Try to stay on your feet until then.”
[image error]Meet Author Claudia Connor…
Claudia Connor is an award winning New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary Romance, including the beloved McKinney Brothers series. Claudia writes, warm, heartfelt romances with a bit of steam, a lot of family and always a happily ever after. Claudia attended Auburn University, where she received her undergraduate and masters degrees in early childhood education, and completed her studies in Sawbridgeworth, England. When she’s not writing, she enjoys movies, reading, and travel, with a heavy dose of daydreaming during all three. Claudia lives near Memphis, Tennessee, with her husband and three daughters.
~~
Links to Claudia’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IXKmQE
iBooks: http://bit.ly/LoveAtLastiBooks
Nook: http://bit.ly/LoveAtLastNook
You can find out more about Claudia’s books at http://claudiaconnor.com. News on upcoming releases, promotional sales, fan club swag, and chances for advanced reader copies can be found in her monthly Newsletter. https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaConnor
I hope you enjoy the recipe Claudia is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 371 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CROCK POT TACOS
Okay. Are you ready for the absolute yummiest and easiest recipe EVER??? Yes? Okay, here we go! Pay attention as it’s so short you blink you might miss it!! LOL
At my house we call these crock pot tacos.
Supplies:
Crock pot
Boneless Chicken thighs
1 jar salsa
1 pack taco seasoning
Fresh cilantro
Corn tortillas
1 avocados
In your crock pot, dump one pack boneless chicken thighs, one jar any kind of salsa, one pack of taco seasoning.
THAT’S IT!!! You can stir it around but once I was running out the door and didn’t even mix it together and it turned out FINE!!
Come back six hours later and pull meat apart with two forks.
Serve on corn tortillas with fresh chopped cilantro and avocado.
TADA!! Your family will love you!!
Let me know what you think below and Karen will pick a winner for an e copy of my newest book, LOVE AT LAST!
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY: Claudia is giving away an ebook copy of LOVE AT LAST to one reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Claudia, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 25, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: HOT RESPONSE, Boston Fire by Shannon Stacey
[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!
HOT RESPONSE
Boston Fire
SHANNON STACEY
Blurb
The men of Boston Fire are back and hotter than ever! Don’t miss this brand-new novel from New York Times bestselling author Shannon Stacey.
Gavin Boudreau lives for the job, but he also believes in “work hard, play harder.” As the youngest guy in Ladder 37, he figures he’s got plenty of time before settling down becomes a priority. Soft, pretty women who aren’t looking for promises are exactly his type, and he’s comfortable with that. Working with a gorgeous EMT isn’t going to change who he is.
The last thing Cait Tasker needs in her personal life is a firefighter whose challenges on-scene have been a thorn in her side from minute one. Her plate’s too full for a man anyway. Back in her childhood home to help her family cope with an unexpected tragedy, she’s got enough to handle without throwing a hot, testosterone-laden fireman into the mix.
As long days on the job lead to long nights together, Gavin and Cait will discover how far temptation can take them—and what happens when the one you thought was all wrong for you turns out to be the person you can’t live without.
About the Book
Hot Response
by Shannon Stacey
Series
Boston Fire Series
Genre
Adult
Contemporary Romance
Publisher
Carina Press
Publication Date
April 24, 2018
Amazon | Carina Press | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play | iBooks
[image error]HOT RESPONSE
Boston Fire
SHANNON STACEY
Excerpt
“Hey, try not to push any firefighters down the stairs this time, okay?”
“It was one time, Tony.” Cait Tasker reached between the seats to get a couple of blue gloves from the dispenser mounted on the back wall of the ambulance cab and snapped them on as her partner pulled up behind a fire truck. “And that was an accident.”
“So you’ve said, multiple times. Hell, I’m pretty sure you said it twice before he even hit the landing.”
“Funny.” She grabbed her bag and headed toward the door of the building, leaving Tony Colarusso—her partner of four years—to grab the OB kit since it sounded like they’d probably need it. Dispatch was also sending a paramedic, but it was going to be a few minutes.
A police officer was holding the door open for her and she nodded her thanks as she passed through. The first flight of stairs was no sweat, but she felt the weight of the bag by the time she reached the second. Another officer was standing there, and he pointed off to his right.
Not that she needed any help finding the commotion. The reported screaming had stopped, but there was a gaggle of firefighters in the hall. Or a herd or a flock or whatever you’d call a bunch of guys holding turnout gear, standing around and doing nothing.
They parted to let her through, and she saw the back of the firefighter kneeling between the patient’s legs. And his back was all Cait needed to see to know it was Gavin Boudreau.
That freaking cowlick.
They crossed paths occasionally, and there was something about the man that got under her skin. The first time they’d been on the same scene—a minor MVA involving a confused tourist going the wrong way up a one-way street—she’d gotten sucked in by his good looks and quick humor. She’d been working up the nerve to ask him if he wanted to grab a coffee or a drink sometime when he’d called her ma’am.
Not only had she not asked him out, but every time she saw him, she remembered the ma’am. It made her feel old and these days, she didn’t need any help feeling older than her years.
Gavin glanced over his shoulder and as soon as he caught sight of Cait, he moved to the woman’s other side and gave an update—including the patient’s name and what vital info he had—as he moved.
Then Kelly grabbed a fistful of Gavin’s shirt and pulled so hard, she almost yanked him down on top of herself. “Don’t leave me.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I just need to get out of Cait’s way so she can take over. She’s better at delivering babies than I am.”
He knew her name. Why that should stand out to her in their current situation, she didn’t know, but she noticed it and was surprised. “Kelly, he can stay by your head, but I need room for my partner.”
“By my head, like a husband,” Kelly said with a short, breathless laugh.
“You should at least buy me dinner first.” He moved toward Kelly’s shoulder without letting go of her hand.
Cait ignored him as she moved into the position he’d vacated. It was baby time.
“I want my husband,” Kelly said, and her face began to crumple as tears welled in her eyes. But before the crying could begin in earnest, her face paled and her eyes widened. Her sharp intake of breath held a note of panic, like a sour musical tone, and Cait blocked out everything but the baby crowning between her patient’s legs.
Tony was next to her, ready to take and assess the infant. It went as smoothly as unplanned labor on a hallway floor could go, and by the time the paramedic arrived, Kelly had a squirming, fussy bundle of baby boy on her chest. Though it was a busy day for EMS and there were a lot fewer paramedics than EMTs, they always tried to transport newborns with them in case they needed advanced medical care.
Phil had a rookie EMT with him, but Cait and Tony stood back and let them take over since they had to take care of the OB kit and somebody had to bag the mess. Gavin was still holding the patient’s hand as they put her on the stretcher, and Cait saw him smile at Kelly.
He really had a great smile.
“That’s a good-looking boy you have,” he was saying. “If you and your husband have trouble coming up with a name for him, Gavin’s not too bad.”
She laughed and said something Cait couldn’t hear. Then Phil had the firefighters in motion, ready to carry mother, child and gear to the ground floor.
It was just Cait’s luck that Gavin also lingered. She couldn’t blame him for letting the other guys do the heavy lifting down the stairs, since they’d basically done nothing during the incident, but seeing him was a reminder she hadn’t dated in a while and, considering how things were going at home, wouldn’t be for a while. And that made her feel even older than the ma’am had.
“I feel like I should be handing out cigars,” he said, and both he and Tony laughed.
Gavin’s laugh made her even more tense. It was rich and deep and made heat curl through her insides. It was his laugh that had first turned her head, so every time she heard it, it reminded her of that day.
“Not gonna lie,” he continued. “I’m glad you guys got here in time for Cait to play catch.”
Play catch? “At least I took the situation seriously.”
He’d been in the process of picking up her bag, and his head jerked up as if she’d slapped him. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Emergency childbirth isn’t playing catch.” She took her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
“Jesus, lighten up. It was a joke.”
She was tired. She was hungry, and she wasn’t in the mood. “Like I said, I take my job seriously.”
“When I got here, she was laying on the floor screaming, and not just from the pain. She was in labor and in a full-blown panic. Her BP was through the roof and that’s no good for her or the baby, so I did what I had to do to relax her.”
She headed for the stairs before the conversation could escalate any further. If she really pissed him off, Tony might feel obligated to intervene and that wouldn’t be fair to her partner.
“At least you’re going down first,” Gavin called after her. “I don’t have to worry about you pushing me down the stairs.”
“That was an accident,” she shouted over her shoulder, and she might have been tempted to go back and explain it a little better, but she heard both men laughing.
Gavin was pushing her buttons and she’d let him get under her skin. Again.
After helping load mommy and baby into the back of Phil’s truck, Cait and Tony took a few minutes to pack their gear away in their own ambulance before climbing into the cab. The firefighters were still milling around on the sidewalk, laughing and talking about who knew what.
Her gaze landed on Gavin because it always seemed to, whether she wanted it to or not. She wasn’t sure how old he was. One of the younger guys in his house, but around her age—late twenties or so. There definitely weren’t enough years between them to merit him calling her ma’am.
He was average height for a guy, but with a better than average body. Or maybe that was just her take on it. She liked guys who were in shape, but not such good shape they spent hours at the gym and expected applause when they flexed an arm. Physically, he definitely checked all her boxes.
And every time she saw him—which thankfully wasn’t that often—she wanted to smooth that damn cowlick down. Maybe run her fingers through his hair a few times to help it stay. Then she’d invariably remember how close she’d come to asking him out, and why she hadn’t.
Tour Wide Giveaway
To celebrate the release of HOT RESPONSE by Shannon Stacey, we’re giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open internationally. One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR. Giveaway ends 4/30/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Limit one entry per person. Duplicates will be deleted. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About Shannon Stacey
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and off-roading with her friends and family. You can contact Shannon through her website, www.shannonstacey.com, as well as sign up for her newsletter.
Author Links
This promotion is brought to you by Pure Textuality PR.
April 24, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: WHISPERS OF THE PAST by Owen Clough
[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!
~~
WHISPERS OF THE PAST
BY OWEN CLOUGH
Blurb
Sam is employed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) with his two mates helping out. Their task is to clear out as many feral pigs as they can in the Tongariro National Park, which is located in the North Island of New Zealand.
There are three major volcanoes within this park, so the culling of the pigs has to be done with great care as there are an abundant amount of thermal pools, mud pools, and of course, volcanoes.
In the high country of New Zealand, the weather can be very fickle, going from warm to cold within minutes. The three friends draw even closer as they get caught up in a weather pattern with a difference. Mist, sulphur, and rain envelop them and propel them back to the start of the New Zealand Wars of 1863.
Three modern blokes, with all of the paraphernalia of the 21st century, running around in the past, lost, confused and trying to stay out of harm’s way, once they realise where they are.
Will they get home? Will they change history? Experience a former era of New Zealand in an exciting story of the past and the present.
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[image error]WHISPERS OF THE PAST
BY OWEN CLOUGH
Excerpt
It was continually getting thicker as we headed off down the track. The mist was starting to wisp around the trees in front of us, but we could still see okay. Looking back though, you could not see from where you had come. Within fifteen minutes, the mist was so thick we could hardly see each other. ‘Sam,’ I said. ‘I think we need to stop and get ourselves settled, this is thick stuff – I have never been in a fog like it.’ There was a smell of sulphur in the mist as well.
‘I’m sure there is a cave or overhang down here, if we haven’t come across it in another 10 minutes then we’ll stop,’ Sam replied.
I have good eyesight, but I could hardly see Sam’s pack in front of me. Then out of the gloom we came across a rock wall with a slight overhang, this could do. We would have to climb up to see. It took us a few minutes until we got to the ledge, where we found a cave about three metres deep, bingo! It was nice and dry with natural fresh water seeping through the rear of the rock wall. ‘This is not the one I was thinking of, but it will do the job,’ said Sam. We dropped our packs and looked outside. God, it was eerie! The fog had become thicker, the sulphur smell was really quite noticeable and we could not see where we were at all.
‘I’m pleased we are here mate, I don’t think I would have liked to go any further – I reckon if we had kept going, we would have been in deep shit,’ Shane speculated.
Sam rang base, but all he got was static. I pulled out the GPS. ‘That’s strange,’ I said, ‘I can’t pick up a signal; either it’s packed up or we’re in a black spot.’ I looked at my watch. ‘Bugger me, it’s 4 pm, what happened to the day?’
‘This whole fog thing is weird,’ said Shane. ‘What do you think, Sam?’
‘Well,’ he answered, ‘I have run into fog like this around here before, but nothing as thick as this. It is serious stuff, to affect the radio and the GPS. There has to be a bloody big storm out there. At least we will be dry here for the night. We should make ourselves comfortable.’
We hunted around picking up dead branches to start a fire. The temperature had fallen quite a bit and it felt like it was less than ten degrees. We changed into our cold weather gear and got the billy going. Then we sat down with our backs against the wall of the cave. We were looking out into the mist while eating the sandwiches that Maggie had made for us and enjoying a hot drink, when we notice a golden swirl in the fog. ‘What the hell’s that?’ I said.
‘God knows,’ replied Sam. ‘I have never seen golden fog or mist before.’
It swirled around the entrance to the cave, making the hairs on our arms stand on end, our skin tingle and we felt a bit dizzy. Then a few minutes later, we felt normal again.
‘That sure was strange,’ said Sam. ‘Did you blokes feel dizzy?’ ‘Yeah, that felt weird’ we answered. ‘Well, it must have something to do with the sulphur in the lagoon. As the crow flies it’s about 4 kilometres south of us, with the wind bringing the smell this way.’ We sat and debated the ins and outs of the strangeness of our situation to the point of killing the subject.
‘That golden stuff was dry though fellas,’ I added. ‘Mist isn’t dry’
‘Do you think it was a chemical?’ Shane asked.
‘I don’t think so; well, I hope not. If it was, who would do that sort of thing in NZ?’ Sam replied.
‘Yeah, sounds a bit dozy when you say it like that,’ I said.
It was only just after 5 pm and the day was getting quite gloomy. It seemed too early to be so dark in February. Then we heard an unusual sound, coo-ee, coo-ee. Sam sat up straight, turning his head to the sound. ‘Did you blokes hear that?’
‘Yeah,’ we said, ‘sounds like someone calling out.’ We walked to the edge of the cave and looked out. That was a waste of effort because we couldn’t see a thing. The sound came again on the wind. With the third coo-ee, Sam was beside himself. ‘I’ve heard that sound before on a tape in Wellington DOC HQ,’ he said. ‘It was the sound of the laughing owl.’
‘That’s great,’ Grunt remarked.
‘No, you don’t understand, it’s been extinct for over eighty years.’
We looked at him. ‘Well, it can’t be that,’ argued Shane.
‘But what if it is?’ insisted Sam. ‘It would be like finding the takahe in the 40s after everyone thought it was extinct.
‘We could be famous,’ I laughed, ‘in our own lunch time.’
‘Shit fellas, I’m serious, this is big deal. Just make sure that your cameras are at the ready, just in case, okay.’
‘Yeah, good as gold, mate,’ we echoed. I’m thinking Sam might need to get out of the bush for a while. He now hears stuff that is probably his imagination. I heard the sounds, but it didn’t sound like a bird to me. ‘It could be a couple of people lost and trying to make contact. Voices will travel in this weather,’ I concluded.
‘Yeah, you’re most likely right,’ Sam admitted. ‘But keep your cameras ready anyway.’ We were all a bit paranoid; things were just not right. ‘Let’s prepare dinner fellas,’ I said. ‘It will take our minds of this shit. Once we have a full gut and our minds are working normally, we will feel better and be able to look at things rationally.’
We looked at each other and grinned. ‘Yeah,’ we all agreed. We needed to make a big effort to stay focused. Food always helps and we had lots to eat. The stove quickly heated our meal and we sat down to mushroom soup, sausages and eggs along with Maggie’s mixed salad, apple pie, fresh fruit bread, tea and coffee. By the time it was over we all felt better. We cleaned our gear and yarned for a while until Shane announced, ‘I’m dropping off to sleep, I’m feeling quite buggered. I’ll catch you two in the morning.’ Within five minutes his breathing was deep and it made us decide to hit the sack as well. I pointed out to Sam. ‘It will be good as gold tomorrow mate, the fog will go and we will get more pigs, and everything will be back to normal.’
‘Yeah, Brill,’ he frowned. ‘I hope so. Night mate.’
The bird noise woke us, it had crept into our sleep like a living thing, and it was like being in an aviary with a thousand birds. The noise went on and on. Waking up groggy, I went out for a pee. The fog was still thick but maybe not as bad as last night. I still could not see much. Though I was feeling better and confident this would soon lift. Sam and Shane came out, ‘What a bloody racket,’ they grumbled.
‘I have never heard bird sounds this loud.’ Sam commented. We went into our routine: wash, breaky and then clean up. We’ll see how the day pans out once we have had a feed. With breakfast over, we sat on the lip of the cave with a tea and coffee in our hands, looking at the fog swirl around but getting lighter and lighter. Slowly the shape of the bush became more distinct, but we were still puzzled about the bird noise. It really hadn’t let up. The last of the morepork’s cries vibrated off the bush, as the misty morning slowly turned grey, then to white and finally the sun peaked through the canopy.
Sam was trying to raise base on the radio. ‘Not even static and the GPS is still not working,’ he grumbled. ‘I tried the mountain radio; nothing, not even a peep. Hope we can get them soon, otherwise they’ll be out combing the bush for us. I don’t know what to make of all this, I’m stumped.’
We went outside; the fog was just about gone.
‘That’s a plus.’ I said.
Shane nodded, ‘Yeah, fellas have you noticed the size of these trees. I have never seen matai, rimu, and totara for that matter, so tall. Just look at them, and the size of the tree ferns. That’s rata over there,’ he pointed. ‘Shit, it’s a monster, it’s a good thirty metres, but it should have some flowers left, as it is only the middle of February. Look at all the wood pigeons in there. I have been watching them, I counted twenty-two. When was the last time you saw twenty-two in a rata tree? There’s Tuis as well, and I have never seen so many kaka. This is only one tree fellas, and there must be hundreds, this bush is thick with them.’
Just then Sam raised his gun to use the scope, and yells. ‘This is bull, it cannot be,’ he exclaimed.
‘What’s wrong mate?’ we both ask.
‘See those birds just about half way up the rimu tree?’
‘Yep.’
Shane was squinting, ‘Oh yeah, got it.’
‘That’s a bloody huia.’ Sam announced. ‘And not just one, there are about five of them. They must be a family group. Dad’s got the long curved beak and mum has the smaller one. Look, it’s turning, orange wattles on its cheek. Oh shit, fellas, they have been extinct since about 1907.’ He looked at us and went on quietly. ‘The owl last night, the huia now and this bush noise; I’m a wee bit worried, I really don’t know what to think. Once could be coincidence, but twice? Two extinct birds within twenty-four hours, I just don’t know.’
Shane theorised. ‘You know this bush reminds me of the movie Jurassic Park.’
‘I must admit it does look primeval,’ I answered.
~~~
[image error]Meet Author Owen Clough…
Leaving school at fourteen, Owen travelled around New Zealand on a working holiday. Then at the age of seventeen joined the Royal New Zealand Airforce, where he spent eleven years on different bases including time overseas.
He married his wife Kaye at Twenty and are still together after fifty years of marriage. Over the year he has had various jobs from driving the buses in Christchurch to selling dairy products on the road.
He owed two businesses, a coffee bar/tearooms and a limousine. Then in 1995 he joined the tourist tram operation in Christchurch and spent the next twenty years with the company including a year in Auckland helping set up their operation.
After surviving the devastating earthquakes of 2010 in Christchurch Kaye and Owen sold their home after the repairs and hit the road in their 5th wheel caravan. He is now retired with two grown children and one granddaughter.
Owen a keen genealogist, motor caravaner and rugby fanatic with a love of history has put his hobbies to good use when he wrote his first novel of Historical Fiction.
He wonder what it would be like to live back in the turbulent times middle of the nineteenth century he wrote the first of the trilogy Whispers of the Past.
The second book Shadows of the Mind is very close to been published with the third book in the series Clearing of the Mist a wee bit down the line
Whispers of the Past, has 22 reviews on Amazon, 19 on Goodreads, 10 on the Facebook page and on the website 188.
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Links to Owen’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon Paperback:
https://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Past-Owen-Clough/dp/099411754X
Website: http://www.owencloughbooks.com
Facebook:
https://web.facebook.com/Book1WhispersofthePast/
https://web.facebook.com/Book2ShadowsoftheMind/
https://web.facebook.com/clearingofthemist/
https://web.facebook.com/Liquidgoldnovel/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/oclough63
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cluffy?lang=en
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Owen is giving away a PDF copy of WHISPERS OF THE PAST to two lucky readers who comment on his Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Owen, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
April 23, 2018
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: TAWNY JUSTICE, Lost Creek Shifters Series Book 1 by Misha McKenzie
[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!
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TAWNY JUSTICE
Lost Creek Shifters Series Book 1
BY MISHA McKENZIE
Blurb
She was his. From the moment he first saw her, he’d known he had to have her. And he’d kill anyone who stood in the way of his prize.
Kaia would do whatever it took to protect her home from poachers. It still outraged her that the one who had shot and killed her brother had gone unpunished. As mountain lion shifters, Lost Creek State Park had been their sanctuary—a place they could run and be free. But not if lawless men with guns lurked in its shadows.
Mac has tried his damnedest to look out for his best friend’s sister since his tragic death. But she hasn’t made it easy. Nothing he says as a friend, or as the sheriff, will dissuade her from taking matters into her own hands. When trouble comes, and the law can’t contain it, Mac realizes that unconventional methods may be the only way to save them all.
~~~
[image error]TAWNY JUSTICE
Lost Creek Shifters Series Book 1
BY MISHA McKENZIE
Excerpt
Kaia spun around to see a massive cougar leaping for Mac. Going straight for his throat.
Only Mac’s quick reflexes saved him from the killing bite, but the big cat still took him down. Without thought, she shifted in an instant, her cat taking over to protect her man. Mac’s shirt fell to the ground in shreds, and as soon as she’d landed on all fours, she was on the move.
The cougar had Mac pinned to the ground, his arms raised and crossed like a shield, protecting his face and neck. Blood already coated his forearms from the cat’s razor-sharp fang teeth as he fought off the vicious attack.
He took a blow when a large paw swiped out at him. Raking down the side of his head, it left a furrow near Mac’s temple. Dark red blood instantly welled up and flowed.
With bunching muscles, Kaia sprang and hit the male mid-body, driving him off of Mac.
They tumbled together briefly before finding their feet again. The male crouched and braced, ears turned and flattened to his head. He snarled at her and then slid his focus to Mac somewhere behind her.
Not taking her eyes off the larger cat, Kaia stepped into his eye-line, drawing his attention away from his target and keeping it on her. He’d have to go through her before he got to Mac.
Angry, he struck out at her with his huge paws. She answered with her own growl and swiped back at him, letting him know she wouldn’t back down. Mac needed time to get away. She had to keep him busy.
Unless he was hurt. Was he lying in the dirt, dying?
He was behind her, so she couldn’t see him. No matter how hard she listened, she couldn’t hear him either.
Her heart was racing, but her fears had to be pushed aside. This cat was skilled and strong and hell-bent on killing. She needed all of her wits about her to keep them both alive.
There were other cats in the park, but she’d never had one come into her territory. This big male must be new to the area, brought in by her being in estrous. Mountain lions were normally solitary animals. But when a female was in heat, males could scent the hormones from miles away.
He’d probably only come, thinking he’d find a receptive female to mate with. Instead, he’d found her.
Not going to happen, big guy.
It wasn’t his fault he’d stumbled into the wrong situation. Now she just had to persuade him to move on. That he’d get no action here.
She hissed and charged at him, taking a couple more swipes for good measure—and making sure he knew she wasn’t into him.
He backed off but tried circling around her. She cut off his route by rushing him again, letting him know, in no uncertain terms, to leave.
A scream of rage told her he wasn’t happy at being denied. But the angry cougar finally seemed to give up, huffing as he finally retreated and ran off.
Mac.
[image error] Meet Author Misha McKenzie…
Misha McKenzie grew up in a small town in Michigan. After high school she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business, married her high-school boyfriend, and had two amazing boys. Eventually, she landed a job as an office manager at a construction company. It was while working there that the Marquands and The Magic of the Heart Series was born. The writing bug may have bit late, but it hasn’t eased up. Misha has now written a total of ten paranormal romance novels and is now working on her first in a new shifter series.
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Links to Misha’s website, blog, books, etc.
Email: mishamckenzie@comcast.net
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authormishamckenzie
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MishaMcKenzie
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/authormishamckenzie
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Misha-McKenzie/e/B00I14HSDE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1522334523&sr=8-1
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Misha%20McKenzie%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall
~~~
[image error]SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!! Misha is giving away a SWAG BAG with…
The first book in each of my series, signed.
A ceramic coffee cup
An electric coffee cup warming plate
A $50 dollar Amazon Gift Card
And assorted swag
to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Misha, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
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