Karen Docter's Blog, page 172
October 12, 2017
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Burger Joes
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 BURGER JOES!
Sometimes your day is simply full and you’re looking for something to do with the hamburger you’ve thawed. This is a fast and flavorful recipe designed to make dinner quick and easy. A variation of the Sloppy Joe, the flavors of this recipe is a nice blend. No premixed flavor packages? This takes the mystery out of recreating it from your own kitchen spice cabinet.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 336 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.
BURGER JOES
[Makes 8]
2 T. butter
1 lb. ground beef
¼ cup onion
1 T. mustard
2 T. tomato paste
2 T. soy sauce
½ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. horseradish
1-1/2 cups bean sprouts
½ cup sour cream
8 hamburger buns
Melt butter in skillet. Add beef and onion. Cook until brown. Stir in mustard, tomato paste, soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper, horseradish and bean sprouts. Simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream. Spoon on buns.
Happy Eating!
October 9, 2017
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Thrill of Love (The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #6) 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!
~~
THRILL OF LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #6
BY MELISSA FOSTER
Blurb
Do you believe in fate?
World-renowned mountain climber and nature photographer Ty Braden never believed in second dates, much less heart-pounding, steal-his-breath love. But that was before a trip to Saint-Luc, where he met funny, strong, and entrancingly beautiful Aiyla Bell, a ski instructor and fellow photographer whose hopes and dreams, and love of the outdoors, aligned perfectly with his—and whose kisses alone turned him inside out.
After spending five magical days and four sweet, soulful nights falling in love, Aiyla couldn’t imagine a day without Ty. But when he asked her to go with him on his next assignment, his reputation for having women at his beck and call stopped her from upending the life she’d worked so hard to create.
Months later fate steps in when a chance encounter brings Ty and Aiyla together for a five-day wilderness event held in the Colorado Mountains. Their deep, passionate connection is stronger than ever, and Ty is bound and determined not to lose her again. But when tragedy strikes and their worlds are turned upside down, their love faces the truest test of all.
THRILL OF LOVE
The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor, MD #6
BY MELISSA FOSTER
Excerpt
“Do you believe in fate?”
His warm breath coasted over her cheek, and she swallowed hard, paralyzed by the sound of the deep, seductive voice she’d heard in her dreams so many times she wasn’t sure it was real. Her heart thundered against her ribs, and she forced her shaky legs to work. She turned, both of them rising at the same time, bringing all six-plus broad, muscular, feet of Ty Braden into focus. Oh God. It’s really you. His silky brown hair was in desperate need of a trim, stopping just short of his shoulders and framing his rugged features. The mix of longing and shock in his golden-brown eyes unearthed a storm of memories—her hand in his, his lips on hers, deep conversations as they shared their hopes and dreams, which were as perfectly aligned as the stars in the skies of Saint-Luc.
“Ty” came out ridiculously breathless. She wanted to scale him like a mountain, to kiss his hot, sensuous mouth again and feel him holding her as he once had. But she couldn’t do any of those things. She was frozen in place, and that was probably a good thing. He was still Ty Braden, the world-renowned mountain climber and photographer, with a reputation as a player that preceded him.
In an effort to regain control, she shifted her gaze away and managed, “What are you doing here?”
“It’s fate,” he said confidently, as if he believed in it. “Fate has brought us together for another five days.”
She forced herself to meet his gaze, her heart thundering at the prospect of more time with him. “You don’t believe in fate, remember? You believe people are in charge of their own destiny.” Their last night in Switzerland, he’d asked her to leave with him the next day and travel with him “to see where things end up.” Oh, how she’d wanted to throw caution to the wind and join him. But she’d worked years to build the life she had always dreamed of, and she couldn’t risk it all to be one in a long line of Ty’s women. She’d fallen hard for him—fallen in love with him—and she hadn’t been able to bring herself to confront the rumors about his reputation. Instead, she’d said, Do you believe in fate? And though he’d said he didn’t, she always had, and she’d said, if this is meant to be, we’ll meet up again. They’d agreed not to exchange phone numbers or addresses, and not to track each other down by any other means, but to truly leave their future in fate’s hands.
“I think that’s changed, Aiyla.” He said her name like he’d been waiting to say it for all these months. He stepped closer, so close she could smell something minty on his breath. “I can’t believe you’re here. After all this time, you’re really here.”
The longing in his voice confused her even more. She looked into his eyes, and memories swamped her. She remembered the feel of him holding her in his arms as they fell asleep fully clothed and waking to his sweet whispers and gentle kisses. Cuddling under blankets as snow fell around them and they reminisced about their childhoods and families. She felt like she already knew his five siblings, though she’d never met them. A lump rose in her throat, and she shifted her gaze over his shoulder to try to regain control. Two female competitors were whispering and watching them. Her stomach knotted again. Why did the only guy she’d ever fallen for have to come with a womanizing reputation? He hadn’t seemed like a player in Saint-Luc. He hadn’t even tried to sleep with her until that very last night, when she knew he’d been picking up on all of her sexy signals. Signals she’d then dashed with one sentence. She’d been seconds from going back to his hotel room when he’d stepped away to answer a call. The brief moments it had taken him had given her a chance to clear the lust from her head enough to make a more rational decision. He probably thought she was a cocktease, but it wasn’t merely sex she’d been avoiding. She’d thought she was saving her heart. And she’d regretted that decision ever since.
[image error]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.
~~~
Links to Melissa’s website, blog, books, etc.
Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24779253-thrill-of-love
Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/174204-the-bradens-at-peaceful-harbor-md
Buy Links:
AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS | KOBO | GPLAY | PBK
Author Links:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
~~~
Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 8, 2017
**Author Peek** Interview with Kristine Schwartz, GHOSTED (My Shattered Soul Saga Book 1)
**Author Peek** Interview with Kristine Schwartz
GHOSTED, My Shattered Soul Saga Book 1
INTRODUCING…Kristine.
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.
First and foremost, I want to say thanks for having me here today. Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll jump right in. I’m a busy full-time working mom of four amazing children (Jontae, Aiden, Leah, and Abigail—if you read my debut novel, you’ll notice right away my inspiration for my stories) all while running a very busy editing service and writing my own material. My day job is managing my partner’s family business, which I manage to do at the same time as my editing service, and my evenings are filled with my children, their homework, and managing our home life. Any free time I find goes to my hobbies: reading, writing, and gaming (I’m an Xbox gamer girl extraordinaire). And all of this wouldn’t be possible without my best friend, Caffeine.
1. How did you get started writing?
It’s sort of a long story. I began nearly a decade ago as a book blogging reviewer. I started as a way to read for free but it wasn’t long before that blossomed into a love of helping the amazing indie community. I developed a personal way to rate the books I read, which somewhat included letting the authors know if I had found errors within their editing (I just couldn’t seem to turn my inner grammar Nazi off). One author, whom I will never forget but won’t mention for their own privacy (also, I’m fairly confident enough time has passed since our last discussion that I’m nothing but a blip in their history by now), who asked me if I wouldn’t mind editing his manuscript since I had found errors in a professionally edited manuscript. I accepted, and over the next few years, my book blog developed into an editing service and I switched gears.
Fast forward another five years and another amazing author (again I won’t mention for privacy reasons) encouraged me to put my own story down to paper. It took me several years to create my masterpiece, but this week, my debut novel will be published. And now, I know my passion is words. I adore my editing service and I cherish the time I find to write my own stories down. I have several ideas and many plans for my future. This is just my beginning.
2. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
They tell you to write what you love, so I write in the paranormal/urban fantasy genre for young adult readers. Those are my absolute favourite books to read, and creating stories in that genre is such a thrilling way to pass my time. Think of how much you adore reading your favourite genre. Now think about taking a small idea for a story and letting it carry you to the end. It’s like being in the driver’s seat and guiding the roller coaster to where you want it to go. Do you like the high climbs? Or the terrifying drops down a cliff? Writing what you love, you get to decide.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
I believe I answered that in number two.
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
Editing. Or teach English. Whatever I do, I know it will involve words.
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
Dinner. I am actually one of those really unhealthy hybrids who only drink coffee for breakfast and survives on nothing but caffeine, snacks of cheese and/or soup and sandwiches until dinnertime where I actually make an effort to hit all the food groups with a decent dinner… but mostly, I just order pizza and call it a night.
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? The heroes and heroines, or the villains?
I’m finding my favourites are the villains. I actually may have to explore this more and try something a little darker. Stay tuned.
7. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
Yes. I make it a point to always have a book on the go. My busy schedule has slowed my reading pace to a near snail’s crawl, but I read and review whenever I get the chance. I’m currently reading an interesting urban fantasy novel by a fellow indie author. I leave most of my reviews on Goodreads (I just created a new account to pair with my shiny new Author Profile over there).
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?
I’d be in my own personal library with shelves full of signed books from all of my favourite authors and my own books on display. A cushioned seat in a bay window for reading and enough pillows to make a comfy seat wherever I wish to hunker down. A desk with an uber comfy chair would also be a plus. And a magical door that blocks all sounds from the rest of my house (it gets really loud at home sometimes).
9. If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Teal. I’d be teal. Teal is such a relaxing colour. I have this dream of fully decorating my bedroom. I would have teal walls, chocolate coloured fabrics, orange accents, and a teal throw blanket and throw pillows. I think it would be so relaxing and so calming for my busy, stressful life.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I’m working on a new book, an urban fantasy for young adult readers, and I’m hopeful it will be out in 2018. I’m also in the early stages of writing Haunted, book two in the My Shattered Soul Saga (my betas have been hounding me for Ghosted’s sequel). If all goes to plan, remember I’m a new author and new to all this, then I will be publishing two books in 2018. Squee!
~~~
Be sure to come back to learn more about Kristine’s novel, GHOSTED, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
~~~
Links to Kristine’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yzqVwp
Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/ShatteredSoulSaga
Website
http://www.kristineschwartz.com
Debut Novel
http://www.Books2Read.com/Ghosted
~~~
Thanks, Kristine, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss your chance to read this book!
October 6, 2017
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Diomere’s Exile (The Gate Keeper Chronicles Book 1) by Sabrina A. Fish
[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!
~~
New Fantasy Romance Novel from Sabrina A. Fish
DIOMERE’S EXILE
Sabrina A. Fish
Series: The Gate Keeper Chronicles Book 1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: September 29, 2017
Add to Goodreads
An exiled woman seeking redemption, and the man who distracts her from finding it.
Five Gates. Five Sisters. Five Very Different Men.
Once there were two worlds connected by five magical gates. Then the Gate Keepers closed the gates and disappeared. The Gate Keepers have returned.
Nadia de Quinones was exiled when her nephew, the crown-prince was abducted on her watch. She’ll let nothing stand in the way of her redemption, not even discovering her heartbonded and a connection to an ancient magical gate.
Lord Gregor Cyrene is sworn to protect his country’s royal heirs. After the youngest prince’s life is threatened, Gregor sets out to discover who is responsible and suspects the answer lies with Nadia.
When fate forces their competing goals to align, neither are prepared for the irresistible attraction between them. Can they see beyond their pasts and a millennia old hate between their people? Or will they continue to distrust, allowing those plotting against them to win?
This is an excellent, fast-paced story that held my attention from beginning to end. Prepare yourself – the love scenes are hot, hot, hot!
– Staci, Goodreads Reviewer
Secrets, lies, magic, love, lust and betrayal made for an excellent read. Recommended.
– Errin Krystal, Goodreads Reviewer
[image error]DIOMERE’S EXILE
The Gate Keeper Chronicles Book 1
BY SABRINA A. FISH
Excerpt
Playing her part, she bit her bottom lip and looked up at him through her lashes. “Pardon, m’lord. I didn’t mean to mistake you for a running path.”
His low, husky voice caressed her ears, its softness belying strength and control rather than weakness. “If all runners were as beautiful as you, I’d be willing to be the path more often.”
She barely kept from rolling her eyes. Expose a little cleavage or the hint of a curvy figure and men were all the same, the sight of a woman’s face being totally unnecessary to judge beauty. Even had she not been wearing the mask, she knew there was nothing beautiful about her. Too tall and mouthy, she preferred dressing like a Diomerean nobleman rather than the noblewoman she was. Never mind the scar that bisected the left side of her face.
“Thank you, m’lord,” she said, tone dry. She smiled and batted her lashes up at him.
His low chuckle sent a shiver down her spine as he leaned toward her until his breath tickled her ear. “Acting the coy miss isn’t one of your gifts,” he said, his lips grazing her ear, causing an arrow of desire to arc through her body.
She leaned up on her toes, their cheeks only a breath apart, and whispered back. “Insincere flattery is obviously one of yours.”
She caressed his chest, unable to resist the swell of muscle under her palms as she pulled away, chin lifted. Striking amber irises circled in a black outer ring and thick black lashes peeked from the eyes of the mask. Her mind went blank as desire rolled through her, taking her breath. A ripple rolled through the power inside her, like this man had reached in and touched a finger to the still surface of her a’mi. Her smile slipped. You’re acting like Father. Her stomach flipped, threatening to eject her morning meal. She jerked her hands from his chest as if she’d been burned.
He trapped her gaze in his. “Is it not said that flattery makes friends and truth makes enemies?”
Nadia scowled and shoved her a’mi deep.
“Then I’d rather be enemies.” She stepped back and held her hand out in the traditional greeting of her people, rather than the shoulder clasping Thunoans used. His smoldering gaze held a challenge as he slid his palm against hers. His thumb caressed the back of her hand, making her shiver, before he finally pulled his hand back toward his chest, the parchment she’d slipped him tucked between his fingers. The greeting ended with their palms over their hearts. Nadia ignored the heat pooling in her stomach. “The gods keep you, m’lord.”
“Asha’s blessing on you, lady,” he said.
She told herself she clenched her fist because the greeting demanded it, not to hold on to the feel of his skin against hers. Tearing her gaze away, she strode to a nearby vendor’s stall. She smiled at the merchant as she perused his selection of meat pies. Pointing to a small, stuffed pastry, she handed him her coin and glanced over her shoulder. Heated eyes studied her. Her thighs clenched. She frowned and struggled to wrestle back control of her traitorous body. The man tilted his head in a shallow nod, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Purchase Links
Available now for $4.99 only. Grab your copy today.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Wild Rose Press
Book Tour Schedule
Follow the ongoing book tour until October 16, 2017.
Visit each tour stop daily and discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and other extras on the tour. Check the complete tour schedule at
Giveaway
WIN $25 GIFT CARD AND MORE!
Prizes up for grabs:
$25 Gift Card (Winner’s choice: Amazon or Barnes & Noble)
2 Diomere’s Exile eBooks
3 Mystery Prizes
Contest runs from August 29 – October 16, 2017.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Sabrina A. Fish
Sabrina A. Fish lives in Oklahoma with her husband, son, and two cats, where she owns a trophy company and collects names for her novels from lists of award’s recipients. She loves all things chocolate and her husband is sweet enough to never let the candy dish near her computer become empty.
She loves and advocates being involved in the local writing community, and is President for the 2018 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc (OWFI).
She is an annual featured speaker at The Rose State Writing Conference and has been a panelist at Wizard World Comic Con.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, she considers the three years she spent in a Texas high school to be a short trip down the rabbit hole that ended at graduation. She returned to Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma. BOOMER SOONER.
When she isn’t writing & promoting her novels or running her company, she can be found reading, scrapbooking, or spending quality time with her family.
To find out more about Sabrina and her books, visit her website https://www.SabrinaAFish.com
Official website: https://www.sabrinaafish.com/
Connect with Sabrina A. Fish on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Pinterest | Linked-In
About The Wild Rose Press
The Wild Rose Press has been publishing electronic and print titles of fiction for more than nine years. Our titles span the sub-genre spectrum from sweet to sensually erotic romance in all lengths to mainstream and womens fiction. To check out the latest and upcoming releases and more, visit https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com.
Social media: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
In partnership with
Book Unleashed Blog Tours
Thanks, Sabrina, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 5, 2017
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s BONUS **Author Special** BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN by Michelle Lynne #recipe ~ Inside Out Classic Chicken Pot Pie
[image error]
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with Michelle Lynne!
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, MICHELLE LYNNE and her favorite recipe for INSIDE OUT CLASSIC CHICKEN POT PIE!
~~~
BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN
BY MICHELLE LYNNE
BLURB
It’s been years since Kelsey fled Green Villa, seeking independence from her broken heart. Now she’s back, facing the man that left her devastated while fighting to prove her innocence from a crime she didn’t commit. Battling her inner desires that could lead to her ultimate downfall, Kelsey struggles to accept the time she has left and tries not to get herself killed in the process.
The worst day of Nathan’s life comes back to haunt him when the one woman he can’t have walks back into his life. Discovering the trouble she’s in, he vows to save her from the unknown person who’s fixed on destroying her. And this time, Nathan’s playing for keeps.[image error]
BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN
BY MICHELLE LYNNE
Excerpt
Kelsey was just about to go look for Amy when she heard a voice very close to her ear that caused a tendril to stir against her neck. Shivers went through her body when she recognized whom the voice belonged to.
“Easy with that champagne, beautiful, it’ll go straight to your head.”
She slowly turned around and looked up into Nathan’s piercing, dark gaze as he towered over her. He was more handsome than she remembered, but the changes in his face and body made him seem even more confident and compelling. Her eyes greedily consumed his robust appearance. His waist was lean in contrast to his broad shoulders and muscular arms. Even the material of the tux failed to hide his large frame. Nathan’s hair was as black as his father’s once had been and was neatly brushed back off his forehead. His dark eyes seemed to have hardened further over the years, which gave him an even more intimidating look. As they roamed slowly down her body, he let a smile tug at the corner of his mouth.
“What? You think this is my first time drinking champagne?”
She saw the exact moment when he realized who she was. His grin faded as his eyes went from teasing to alarm. Nathan’s jaw slackened, and it appeared his composure was completely lost.
He swallowed hard before he whispered, “Kelsey.”
He saw her sly grin before she took another sip of champagne. Earlier that evening when he had first seen her, he couldn’t help but be captivated by her. Even without fully seeing her face, Nathan knew she was the most beautiful woman in the room, with curls spilling from the hair piled up on her head and a body that was slender with curves in all the right places. She moved gracefully through the crowds as she was being introduced to most of the guests, leading him to assume she was new in town.
Now looking intently at her angelic face, he could see all the details he missed that gave away her identity. He could see the freckles sprinkled lightly across the bridge of her nose. Kelsey’s lips were the same as he remembered, her lower lip being slightly fuller than her top; they had always looked inviting. And the striking eyes that haunted him in his dreams. The eyes that, at the moment, appeared more grey than blue. He would never be able to forget those eyes.
[image error]Meet Author Michelle Lynne…
Michelle Lynne lives an adventurous life as a wife and a mom of four rambunctious boys. In the limited time she has to herself, she enjoys getting lost in romance and suspense novels. She discovered that as much as she likes to read, she loves writing stories that she often looks for in books. In addition to literature, Michelle loves going out and exploring new foods and wines. Currently, Michelle is working on her next novel and aspires every day to bring serenity and tranquility to her household.[image error]
~~~
Links to Michelle’s website, blog, books, etc.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/michellelynnenovels
I hope you enjoy the recipe Michelle is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 335 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INSIDE OUT CLASSIC CHICKEN POT PIE
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped carrots
1 can Pillsbury grands flaky layers biscuits (could use 2)
1. Preheat oven as directed on Pillsbury grands flaky layers biscuits.
2. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; cook for 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4. Gradually stir in broth and milk, cooking and stirring until bubbly and thickened.
5. Stir in chicken and potatoes.
6. Place in oil coated casserole dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. During this time, also cook your biscuits.
7. Serve over top of the biscuits and Enjoy!
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Michelle will give away an ebook copy of BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Michelle, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with HER ROCKSTAR DOM (Pleasure Island Book 5) by Anya Summers #recipe ~ Candy Corn Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
[image error]
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s
**AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with Anya Summers!
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, ANYA SUMMERS and her favorite recipe for CANDY CORN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CAKE!
~~~
MY ROCKSTAR DOM
Pleasure Island Book 5
BY ANYA SUMMERS
BLURB
Julia Dailey has a secret. She’s an imposter planted on Pleasure Island, an undercover agent who’s investigating visitors to the exotic, exclusive getaway. Until now, she’s been able to pretend at face value that she is part of the lifestyle. But that all changes when she receives a new set of instructions from headquarters. She’s to get close enough to their latest suspect that she will be forced to do something she’s never considered herself capable of doing – submit.
Collum Robinson is an Australian guitarist with the band The Harbingers, with a dark and lonely past he’s never fully escaped. At clubs around the world, he has women fighting over the chance to end up in his bed for the night. Never one to turn down a willing, soft body, he enjoys the fairer sex, frequently. But he’s never met a woman who wanted more than a night with the fabled rock star – or one he wanted to keep. Until he meets Julia.
As they become intricately intertwined, Collum wants to make Julia his, but when her identity is revealed, can he forgive her betrayal? And will Julia be able to convince him where her loyalties lie and that he is the only man for her?
Publisher’s Note: Book five in Anya Summers’ bestselling Pleasure Island series contains explicit scenes and adult language.
MY ROCKSTAR DOM
Pleasure Island Book 5
BY ANYA SUMMERS
Excerpt
Julia would examine the video feed. Perhaps he had found another submissive for the night and was already engaged. Not that she wanted to watch him bang another chick, but perhaps if she studied him in his bungalow, she could discern his pattern. Then she’d be better prepared to go after her mark in the morning.
Cruz wouldn’t be happy. Tonight’s dismal failure had shrunk her window of opportunity before he pulled her from the case. If she reviewed the footage when she arrived home, she should be able to salvage what was left of her mission.
Without a second thought, she stripped out of her barely there clothing, tossed it on a nearby lounge chair, and dove in. The water was warm from the heat of the sun. She surfaced, her body lengthening as she swam the length of the pool. Swimming was a catharsis. It calmed her, always had. She wasn’t certain why. Perhaps it was because it was the one time she was alone. She enjoyed the way the water sluiced over her skin. The way it seemed to seep into the core of her being and bring her peace.
She surfaced, and ran smack dab into a solid wall of distinctly male muscle.
“Gah!” She swam backwards, her heart pounding, nearly sinking back below the surface.
“Steady there. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” the voice flowed, sounding like a fifty-year-old single malt scotch. Strong hands gripped her biceps, hoisting her up. An unexpected heat flared in her, her skin singed where he touched her, her nipples hardened into taut peaks, and the resonance of his voice curled within her chest.
“Like hell. Give a girl a heart attack, why don’t you? Are you insane?” she snarled, and glared up at the sinfully handsome visage of Collum Robinson. Her mission to investigate him, get close and uncover his secrets, was tossed out the window. In the darkness, shadows played with her vision, hiding what she knew were his dark chocolate eyes amidst his rugged appearance. Even though he was her intended target, she didn’t want to feel anything for him, not even desire. And it bothered her that a simple touch ignited her blood: it hummed deliciously through her veins, and need for him pulsated in her body.
His angular jaw was clenched with a muscle ticking in his cheek as she struggled to free herself from his hold. He murmured, “Careful how you speak to me, beauty.”
[image error]Meet Author Anya Summers…
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Anya grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Anya never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Anya is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance under the name Maggie Mae Gallagher. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
~~~
Links to Anya’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon https://goo.gl/uYq6kw
iBooks https://goo.gl/Tzy1mB
Blushing Books https://goo.gl/ZpnXuQ
Visit her website here: www.anyasummers.com
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor
Twitter: @AnyaBSummers
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15183606.Anya_Summers
Sign-up for Anya Summers Newsletter
Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/Anya-Summers/e/B01EGTVRKC/
Bookbub
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anya-summers
I hope you enjoy the recipe Anya is sharing today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy Eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 335 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CANDY CORN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE CAKE
Note from Anya: This is one of my favorite fall recipes. It’s especially a fun treat for Halloween gatherings. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Chocolate Cookie Cake
3/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa (I use Hershey’s Special Dark)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 -3/4 cup of chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
1/2 -3/4 cup candy corn
Chocolate Icing:
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup shortening
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tbsp water (or milk)
Instructions:
Chocolate Cookie Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9 or 10 inch cake pan by placing parchment paper in the bottom of the pan and spraying the sides with a non stick spray.
2. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add flour, cocoa and baking soda and mix until combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chunks and candy corn. Dough will be thick and sticky.
6. Spread the dough evenly into the cake pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes. The center may still look a little undercooked but it will firm up and continue cooking as it cools.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely in pan, then carefully remove.
Chocolate Icing
1. Beat the shortening and butter until smooth.
2. Add cocoa, vanilla and half of powdered sugar. Mix until combined.
3. Add 1-2 tbsp water.
4. Add the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add water to get the right consistency.
Recipe from: http://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/…/candy-corn-chocolate-chi…/
Courtesy of www.lifeloveandsugar.com
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Anya will give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog.
Thanks, Anya, for sharing your book and recipewith us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 4, 2017
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Reflections From Within (Sequel to Shadow in the Mirror) by Adele Hewett Veal
[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!
~~
REFLECTIONS FROM WITHIN
Sequel to Shadow in the Mirror
BY ADELE HEWETT VEAL
Blurb
When do you tell the man you love that you suffer from an incurable identity disorder? When is it the right time to have that type of conversation?
Multiple Personality Disorder is real and like her mother; Leslee Cramer, in the novel, Shadow in The Mirror, Kelly has learned to manage hers – until now.
Kelly Jenison is a third-year college student at UCLA. In March, Kelly mysteriously disappears. And just as mystifying, she turns up a year later, beaten and stabbed at Mercy Hospital as a Jane Doe.
Get ready for a breathtaking story that will take you on a romantic binge. The twists and turns of Kelly’s consciousness will leave you clutching your heart and wondering –
Will she be lured away by Daniel or swept away by Pen?
REFLECTIONS FROM WITHIN
Sequel to Shadow in the Mirror
BY ADELE HEWETT VEAL
Excerpt
“Kelly, Let me in. Hurry. Let me in.”
The voice was distinct and urgent but who was it?
The scene unfolded as if it were a movie playing out in her head. She remembered opening the door to let him in.
“What happened? Are they okay –?”
“Like I said on the phone, I only know that there’s been an accident. They were both in the car. Somehow they missed a turn, and the car went over the side of a cliff. I was asked to bring you back to Gilbert. That’s all I know. They need you there as soon as I can get you there.”
“Oh my God, are they –? Oh my God!”
She rushed around the room, throwing clothes into a suitcase. Then slipped her feet into her shoes and tossed a cardigan sweater around her shoulders. She grabbed the suitcase and her purse and rushed out of the apartment.
Kelly was meticulous about the way she looked. Her “dressing down” would be considered dressing up to others. Today she wore a pair of dark blue embellished bootcut jeans with a white, pull-over, Ralph Lauren shirt that laced then tied tastefully at the top. Once outside, she was hurried into the back seat of a car and the car sped off.
After driving for a while, Kelly leaned forward to peer through the windshield. Realizing they were not on the main road, she said, “Hold on, we’re going the wrong way. The freeway is back there.” She pointed behind her but, he didn’t stop. “Where are you going? I’ve got to get to the hospital, and you’re going the wrong way.”
“Just shut up and sit back!”
“Why? What are you doing? Where are you taking me?” Kelly lunged forward and hit him in the back of the head. “Stop the car and let me out. What’s wrong with you?”
“Settle down. Believe me, Kelly, you don’t want me to stop the car.”
She lunged forward again and delivered another blow to the back of his head, knowing her ring would leave a stinging gash that would make him slow down long enough for her to jump out.
The blow was more painful than he expected.
As the car slowed, Kelly pulled up on the handle fast and rammed her shoulder into the door as hard as she could. It didn’t open. She searched the back of the car for a weapon or anything she could use as one.
“Listen,” he yelled, rubbing the back of his head. He brought his hand around and looked at it to determine how much blood was oozing from his wound, “That does it. I’m tyin’ your ass up. God! What did you hit me with?”
“My fist!”
“That was more than your fist!”
He swerved, just missing an oncoming car and took a sharp right, driving down a dark secluded, dirt road.
Kelly put a protective hand on her ring and then, anticipating his intent, she slowly removed it from her finger and placed it deep inside the pocket of her cardigan. Without a second thought, she eased down and removed one of her shoes from her foot, thankful she had decided on the Prada’s with the one-inch heel. She clasped the shoe in her hand and waited for the best time to use it.
The car finally came to a screeching halt, and he threw the door open then hopped out. Still rubbing his bleeding wound and blinded with fury, he darted to the back door, snatched it open, and yanked Kelly out of the car, which gave her the chance she had been waiting for.
He grabbed her hand and searched for the object that made the painful gash in the back of his head and was caught off guard when Kelly brought the shoe around and hit him with all her might. The shoe sliced through the air repeatedly, connecting once with the side of his face and again with the hand he put up as a protective shield. He was finally able to get a firm grip of the shoe and pry it away from her. The whole ordeal left him viciously scratched, bitten, and kicked.
“Damn it!” He cursed and dabbed the painful areas that stung from Kelly’s cat-like assault and then he searched his hand to assess the damage done to it. Then he walked slowly toward her, winded from the tussle.
Kelly straightened her back.
“I’m not afraid of you.” She spat.
“You should be.” He drew his hand up and it cut through the air.
She felt its powerful sting connect with the side of her jaw in a back-handed slap that knocked her backward and unconscious.
Kelly disappeared.
[image error]Meet Author Adele Hewett Veal…
Adele Hewett Veal was born in Akron, Ohio and relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in 1999. A lifelong storyteller, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communication. “Reflections from Within,” is her second novel. The stand-alone sequel to, “Shadow in the Mirror. Adele has also written and produced a CD of her theatrical poetry entitled, “From a Whisper to a Touch” which includes the featured poem, “The Oyster’s Pearl”.
~~~
Links to Adele’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xSM03B
Website: www.adelehewett.com
Contact: adele@adelehewett.com
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Adele will give away a PDF copy of REFLECTIONS FROM WITHIN to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
Thanks, Adele, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 3, 2017
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Heart Breaker (Alpha Aviators) by Tara L. Ames
[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 HEART BREAKER
Alpha Aviators
BY TARA L. AMES
Blurb
Working on a classified project, aerospace engineer Sabine Reynolds discovers a major miscalculation right before she’s forced to spend an evening out on the town with her bosses. Assured they’ll address it in the morning, Sabine enters a bar and is unprepared for the burning attraction between her and the owner, who pursues her for a night of pleasure. Set ablaze, she needs to bolt out of there before she breaks her good girl rule and gives in to her desire.
Navy Instructor Pilot and co-owner of JD’s Seafood Bar & Grille, Luke Hastings has his wings, but he’s no angel. He’s known for leaving a stream of broken hearts in his wake until Sabine lures him in with her sexy blushes and shy ways. Thinking he’s gone to heaven after meeting her, he soon learns they’re both working on the same project and someone’s after her. Hell, he doesn’t know which one is more dangerous, the ruthless killers chasing them or the sweet engineer threatening his heart.
[image error]THE HEART BREAKER
Alpha Aviators
BY TARA L. AMES
Excerpt
Editorial Note: Edited for language.
“Holy Mary, Mother of God.” Luke Hastings stood behind the bar and slammed down a cold beer in front of Tory Nolan, a friend and fellow naval aviator. “We got two bogeys, behind you.”
Seated on a stool, Tory wheeled his head around. “I’ll take the one dressed in pink.”
Luke stood behind the bar and shook his head, filling an order calling for five Margaritas. Man, he thought Tory would’ve gone for the dark-haired one in the black sundress. The guy had a penchant for brunettes. For Luke, the chick in the pink dress would’ve been the safer one of the two. She wasn’t the type you’d bring home to mama, unlike her shy friend. On second thought, maybe that’s why Tory had picked the blonde instead.
His friend took a sip of beer and let out a low laugh. “It amazes me the way you can zero in on hot chicks. You’re a walking-babe-radar.”
“Hey, what can I say?” Luke shot him a grin.
Tory shook his head. “Ethan was so unlike you. He had his eyes set on only one girl and you—hell, you got ‘em on all of them.”
Luke whipped a towel over his shoulder and wished it would whip away the pain. It was two years. Two effin’ years since his kid brother was killed landing a helo, along with a team of Navy SEALs on board, by a group of insurgents deep inside enemy territory. That had been the worst day of his life. The second was the year before when he lost Lansing, a good friend and a damn good wingman, in a crash landing.
Ah f*&k. Why did Tory have to mention Ethan? Lips thinned, Luke poured the Margarita mix into the last three cups, then set his gaze back on his mark. What a gorgeous sight to take his mind off his sad, ugly shit.
Just a few yards away, the pretty chick in the black sundress weaved her way through the crowd like a skittish deer, ready to flee at a moment’s notice, with her doe-like eyes on high alert. Man, there was nothing sexier than a woman behind framed glasses with curves in all the right places and hair the color of midnight pulled back in a bun. His imagination ran wild as he visualized himself undressing her, starting first with the glasses, then freeing her hair. Was it long or short? Straight or wavy? Hell, he would have to stay away from her. She wasn’t the Friday night, hook up kind of special. And those specials were definitely his type of women.
But man, her dress, high at the neck, covered two perfectly shaped breasts. He could only dream they’d make a nice, big handful. Bare legs tan, slender and long, she wore strappy sandals with ribbons wrapped around each ankle, tied into a neat bow. He never knew ankles could be so sexy. He eased out a breath and delivered the five Margaritas to a group of customers waiting eagerly for their order.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught one of the drunken bikers leering at the skittish deer. What was up with that? Dammit. Now, he was trailing her. Luke didn’t want to go and play hero. Not tonight.
Meet Author Tara L. Ames…
Tara L. Ames is a Michigan native with a penchant for creating highly sensual empowered stories about brave sexy men and strong-willed women. You can find her Alpha Aviators Series on most retail sites, coming this summer. Now living in Florida, she is actively writing another series in between taking care of her family, reading and enjoying the sun. Qigong/Tai Chi/Sudoku are her three biggest addictions besides chocolate.
~~~
Links to Tara’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon http://amzn.to/2xNTLVr
Apple http://apple.co/2wpsdpV
Google Play http://bit.ly/2wU7vla
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/taralamesauthor
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-l-ames
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/taralamesauthor
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/taralamesauthor
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/taralamesauthor
Website https://www.taralames.com/
Amazon Author Page amazon.com/author/taralames
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tara has two (2) contests going for her readers!
09/26 to 10/02 Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win 41+Steamy Romance eBooks!
https://AuthorsXP.com/giveaway
~~~
09/26 to 10/06 Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win 11 ebooks a piece.
Five winners will be randomly chosen.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06da97043/
~~~
Thanks, Tara, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 2, 2017
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: True North by Mary Lingerfelt
[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!
~~
TRUE NORTH
BY MARY LINGERFELT
Blurb
Lucky Morgan is a cynical, world weary filmmaker who’s just been dumped by her fiancé. She takes a vacation to Maine to forget him, but soon gets tangled up with the gorgeous PR director of the local hospital. Greg is the best-looking man that Lucky’s ever seen, and he seems smitten with her. But is Greg really interested in her, or is he just using her to get free PR for the hospital? When Lucky’s ex arrives and asks her for a second chance, she has to decide which of these shady men to trust―and if she should risk her heart again for another chance at love.
TRUE NORTH
BY MARY LINGERFELT
Excerpt
When I got close enough to hear Gerard’s speech, I was startled to learn that I was a part of it―at least by implication. The newest selectman of Bay Hill was making it clear that meddling outsiders were not welcome.
I got the old reporter’s rush as I slipped through the mob, because I was taking a risk. These people were in an ugly mood. I pulled my cap down over my eyes, lowered the camera, and was careful to skirt around the edge of the crowd. After the break-in attempt, I was taking no chances.
Gerard’s voice blasted out from the podium: “These outsiders have come here to twist the truth. They’re trying to block the best thing that’s ever happened to this town. They’re trying to kill the deal that’ll bring jobs back to Bay Hill!”
I moved behind the cover of some bushes until I found a spot that would give me a clear shot of Gerard. He was standing at the top of a platform that raised him five feet above the crowd. I put the camera to my eye and focused the lens on his face. The little red light flicked on.
“Use your own judgment!” he roared. “Which is better―that a small, rundown hospital should close, or that a whole town should disappear?”
Another thunderous roar. I turned the camera around to get a shot of the men nearby and wondered if they were―as Nia had claimed―hired muscle brought in to stir up trouble.
Gerard’s mouth was practically a ring of fire. “Well, I don’t know about any of you, but I’m not going to stand back and watch a stubborn few ruin this chance for the rest of us―for us, and for our children! I’m going to fight for Bay Hill!”
The roar that followed was like a jet flying low; coats, cans, and fists jumped into the air; and my head swam so that I almost blacked out. But it was a mercy I didn’t, because the drama was about to go to another level.
“You!”
The word was shouted so close to my ear that it hit me like a fist to the jaw. Somebody grabbed my shoulder and yanked me around so hard that I staggered to my knees and almost dropped the camera.
I struggled up from the ground. A man stood there glaring at me. His breath was sour, his face was twisted, and his voice was thick with anger.
He pointed a bony finger in my face. “You take your camera and get out of here! Nobody asked you to come meddling in our business!”
I groped for something solid to lean on. The man hardly needed to knock me down―I was almost down without him.
“Look, I’m just here to cover both sides of this story as fairly as I can.”
The man’s mouth twisted contemptuously, and he leaned in close to hiss: “You’re a liar.”
His words were like a slap across my jaw, and I jerked myself upright. Sick or well, those were fighting words. In spite of my danger, it was all I could do to keep from swiping his mouth right off his face. But even if I controlled my hands, I couldn’t control my mouth.
“It’s the God’s truth, you drunken idiot! Out of my face, or I’ll give you the back of my hand!”
“You better be careful,” he breathed, moving toward me. “We don’t like outsiders. I’ll show you what I mean…”
He grabbed me by the shoulders, and I forgot to be hurt or scared. I sent my fist into his jaw with all my might. The impact made me scream in pain, and lights popped off in my head; but dimly I could see amazement wipe a zero across the man’s face. He let go of me and put a hand to his reddening cheek.
“You hit me!” he blurted incredulously.
“And I’ll do it again!”
What would’ve happened next I don’t know, because a brown blur crossed the man’s pointed chin and he spun face down on the ground. A hand clamped my wrist and I was dragged away as fast as I could stagger.
I was pulled to a stop behind the shelter of a small tent. A brown hand grasped my chin and lifted it until I looked up.
To my amazement, it was Eric.
“Wicked right hook,” he smiled.
“The temper helps,” I replied, but his face was fading away. I felt myself falling and then, just before everything winked out, I could have sworn that his arms closed around me.
[image error]Meet Author Mary Lingerfelt..
I’m a night owl. I find I write best when the house is quiet and still, and I usually don’t get to bed before 2 a.m, I live on tea and chocolate. I am mother to one cat and dozens of very sociable characters, all of whom like to talk to me at inappropriate times. My goal for my stories is that they should be fun reads; but more than that, I hope they show my readers the beauty and satisfaction of a life lived in friendship with God.
~~~
Links to Mary’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075XCFBKZ
Website: www.marylingerfeltauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marylingerfeltpage/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryLingerfelt
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Mary will give away prizes to two lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. 1st Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Card. 2nd Prize: Kindle copy of TRUE NORTH.
Thanks, May, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
October 1, 2017
**Author Peek** Interview with Tara L. Ames, Author of THE HEART BREAKER (Alpha Aviators)
[image error]
**Author Peek** Interview with Tara L. Ames
THE HEART BREAKER, Alpha Aviators
INTRODUCING…Tara.
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.
I’m a coffee addict. Love chocolate, books and movies. Practice Tai Chi and Qi Gong four days a week and love my husband, son and family. I strongly believe you follow your passion and success will follow you.
1. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
I’ve always been drawn to stories where the hero is emotionally scarred from war and the heroine is emotionally scarred from a personal tragedy. Yet, they both manage to overcome their obstacles by helping each other. Hence, resulting in an HEA. I guess that is why I like military romances, both contemporary and historical set in the Georgian era.
2. Are you a plotter or a pantser (one who writes “by the seat of your pants”)?
I used to be a pantser, but now I’m definitely a plotter. Pantsing causes way too many rewrites, delaying releases of books–at least for me anyway.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
Developing my characters. I love getting to know who are they, what they want, why they want it, why they can’t get it and how will they overcome the obstacles that are preventing them from achieving their goals. I also enjoy writing action scenes, especially when the stakes are high and the main characters are placed in danger.
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
This is a tough question. I don’t want to even imagine what life would be like if I couldn’t write.
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
Breakfast because it always includes at least two cups of coffee. I need that caffeine fix in the morning. LOL.
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? Why?
Male characters are easier for me to write. I think I was a man in a prior life-LOL. I was not only a tomboy when I was growing up, but I was also very close to my brother (still am). I was always competing against him in sports and in school and had more friends who were guys in high school than I had girlfriends. However, I love writing bitchy female secondary characters. They’re a blast.
7. If you had a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?
Hmmm, I’d like to be able to wheel a hammer around like Thor and fight against evil. Look out everyone, here comes Tara with her badass hammer-LOL.
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?
I’d love to write in England. I was there two years ago and I’d love to go back there.
9. Do you have any rejection stories to share? Reviews that meant something special to you?
All I can say about rejections and bad reviews is accept them graciously and move on and when you receive a positive review thank the reviewer.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
I have two more books in the Alpha Aviators Series yet to release: The Dream Maker-book 3, which won’t be out until late October or early November and The Soul Shaker-book 4, early January. They were to be put out sooner but Hurricane Irma threw a wrench in my schedule and I had to push the release dates out.
~~~
Be sure to come back to learn more about Tara’s novel, THE HEART BREAKER, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog.
~~~
Links to Tara’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon http://amzn.to/2xNTLVr
Apple http://apple.co/2wpsdpV
Google Play http://bit.ly/2wU7vla
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/taralamesauthor
BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-l-ames
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/taralamesauthor
Instagram http://www.instagram.com/taralamesauthor
Twitter http://www.twitter.com/taralamesauthor
Website https://www.taralames.com/
Amazon Author Page amazon.com/author/taralames
~~~
[image error]**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Tara has two (2) contests going for her readers!
09/26 to 10/02 Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win 41+Steamy Romance eBooks!
https://AuthorsXP.com/giveaway
~~~
09/26 to 10/06 Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win 11 ebooks a piece.
Five winners will be randomly chosen.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06da97043/
~~~
Thanks, Tara, for sharing your book with us!
Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
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