Karen Docter's Blog, page 179

**SPECIAL** Goodreads Giveaway ~ Five (5) Paperback Copies of Killing Secrets, Thorne’s Thorns Book 1 by K.L. Docter

CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS GIVEAWAY!!

Win an Autographed Print Copy

of

KILLING SECRETS

Thorne’s Thorns Book 1

by K.L. DOCTER

I’m giving away an autographed, print book to five (5) readers on Goodreads!

Enter for a chance to win a signed paperback copy (US Only) of KILLING SECRETS, Thorne’s Thorns Series Book 1, a standalone romantic suspense novel by K.L. Docter.

KILLING SECRETS by 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.

Please follow me on Goodreads and add this book to your WANT TO READ books today.

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5754902.Karen_Docter

Follow K.L. Docter:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7919729.K_L_Docter

~~~

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE:

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/244867?utm_medium=api&utm_source=giveaway_widget

Contest Dates: July 15 – August 15, 2017

5 Winners ~ U.S. Only

GOOD LUCK!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Spinach Dip for Veggies/Crackers

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 SPINACH DIP for VEGGIES/CRACKERS!

This is a great recipe for those summer parties and BBQs, although I’ve been known to make this for our neighborhood Christmas parties as well. It’s healthy (if you serve with veggies instead of crackers), easy to make, and delicious. I’ve even used leftover dip to stuff chicken breasts before wrapping the breasts with bacon and baking.

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 323 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.

SPINACH DIP for VEGGIES/CRACKERS

10 oz. Pkg. Frozen chopped spinach, thawed

½ cup chopped parsley

½ cup chopped green onions, whole stalk

2 cups sour cream

1 tsp. dry dill

1 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. dry Italian salad dressing mix

½ cup pkg. Dry Leek (or Onion) soup mix

Squeeze spinach dry. Combine all ingredients in blender or processor. Process until blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Happy Eating!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Her Viken Mates (Interstellar Brides Book 11) by Grace Goodwin

 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!

~~

HER VIKEN MATES

Interstellar Brides Book 11

BY GRACE GOODWIN

Blurb

Isabella Martinez was always good at rebelling, against her parents, her school, her boyfriends. She had needs no one could meet, desires so dark no one could tame her. When her wild side gets her in trouble with the law, she doesn’t think twice when given a choice between prison or transport to a new world as an Interstellar Bride. Alone on Earth, the decision was easy. But when she arrives on Viken, she learns she’s been matched to not one fierce, alien brute, but three—and their desires, their needs, their demands are far darker and more demanding than her own. As enemies plot to destroy Viken’s place in the Coalition Fleet, Bella will have to learn to trust, or lose everything. Her mates will feed the hunger inside her no others ever could. Their complete dominance will either break her…or set her free forever.

And love? Well, they can demand, taunt and tease her submissive body. But her heart will not be so easily won by Her Viken Mates.

HER VIKEN MATES

Interstellar Brides Book 11

BY GRACE GOODWIN

Excerpt

“Damn it, Doctor. That’s disgusting.” I was angry, furious. The foreign taste of chemicals drove the lingering flavor of sweet female from my mind completely. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get her honeyed nectar back on my tongue.

I heard a door open and two sets of heavy boots entered the room.

I knew without looking those boots belonged to Evon and Liam. My friends and brothers-in-arms. The fools who’d talked me into this. The damn chair. The dream.

The doctor slapped me on the arm like we were old friends, pushed a button to retract the restraints and walked away. “Welcome back, Rager.”

I rolled my head around on my neck as the manacles were removed from my arms and ankles, stretching, trying to regain some sense of control when all I could think about was my woman. Hot. Wet. Eager. “I didn’t want to come back.”

The doctor chuckled. “No one ever does.”

I sat up as Evon and Liam both came to a stop a few feet in front of me. Loomed over me so I had to look up. I was bigger than both of them, but the testing chair made me feel small, made me feel vulnerable.

“Well?” Evon asked. His family had served the Coalition Fleet for generations. Even now, he and his sister Thalia both served the IQC here in the north. Evon’s black uniform and short blond hair indicated his allegiance to Sector 2. But the red band around his biceps, around all of our arms, meant we were Royal Guard. We belonged to all of Viken now, not just our home sectors. And like other warriors on our planet who’d fought the Hive and returned, we were beyond Sector politics. These two were my most trusted allies. We’d fought the Hive together and survived. Returned whole. They were tough as nails, hardcore killers. And they were both lovesick fools.

“By the gods, I want to punch you right now,” I grumbled as I wiped a hand over my face. It had been so real. Her skin. The soft sounds of her surrender.

By the gods, perhaps I was as big a fool as these two.

I glanced down at the front of my steel-gray uniform, relieved that no wet spot there revealed the depths of pleasure I’d just experienced, and would be denied forever. Had they had a similar experience when they were processed for the Interstellar Brides Program? We’d been told it would be mild, a hazy experience that we might not even remember.

So why did I clench my fist to lock the softness of her soft skin to me? Had it affected Liam and Evon so intensely? Or was I simply a freak for wanting a mate so badly I was willing to break with centuries of tradition and follow the new order of three warriors sharing a bride, as our kings did. Evon argued that we would have a much higher chance of finding a mate together. Perhaps he was correct. But we were different, we three. And I could not imagine a mate who could accept all of us. It was little more than a child’s dream.

A mate? The possessive joy that warrior had felt when he looked on his woman, conquered her, claimed her? That would never be mine. And now I knew exactly what I was missing. “I never should have agreed to this.”

I expected the doctor to leave the room, but he seemed occupied at the control panel, so all three of us ignored him as Evon responded. “Why?”

I looked from his pale blue, ice-like eyes to Liam’s dark blue gaze and shook my head. “This is never going to work. No woman is going to want all three of us.”

Meet Author Grace Goodwin. ..

Grace Goodwin is an international bestselling author of Sci-Fi & Paranormal romance. Grace believes all women should be treated like princesses, in the bedroom and out of it, and writes love stories where men know how to make their women feel pampered, protected and very well taken care of. Grace hates the snow, loves the mountains (yes, that’s a problem) and wishes she could simply download the stories out of her head instead of being forced to type them out. Grace lives in the western US and is a full time writer, an avid romance reader and an admitted caffeine addict.

Sign up for my VIP Reader list at http://bit.ly/GraceGoodwinNews

Interested in joining my not-so-secret Sci-Fi Squad? Get excerpts, cover reveals and sneak peeks before anyone else. Be part of a closed Facebook group that shares pictures and fun news.

JOIN Here: http://bit.ly/SciFiSquad

All of Grace’s books can be read as STAND ALONE novels. Her Happily-Ever-Afters are always free from cheating because she writes Alpha males, NOT Alphaholes. (You can figure that one out.) But be careful…she likes her heroes hot and her love scenes hotter. You have been warned…

 ~~~

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

Amazon: https://goo.gl/XLK47K

iBooks:   https://goo.gl/CCybof 

Nook: https://goo.gl/QSshkc

Kobo:     https://goo.gl/LQ6T6r

Google:  https://goo.gl/oULKW4

~~~

Thanks, Grace, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Teacher And The Virgin (The Virgin Pact Book 1) by Jessa James

 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 TEACHER AND THE VIRGIN

The Virgin Pact Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Blurb

An older man, a younger woman, an irresistible attraction.

My BFFs and I made a pact the last month of high school: No one was going to college a virgin. The only question was, who would we choose? I knew exactly who I wanted. My teacher, Mr. Parker.

I might have just graduated, but I was still his student. But Mr. Parker isn’t teaching me anything in that boring civics textbook any longer. He’s bossy. He’s demanding. He’s so much older than I am. And he’s opening my eyes, teaching me exactly how pleasurable surrender can be.

Author’s Note: This is a sweet and sexy novella with a guaranteed HEA. As a special bonus, LIP SERVICE is included in the back of THE TEACHER AND THE VIRGIN for FREE for a limited time!

THE TEACHER AND THE VIRGIN

The Virgin Pact Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Excerpt

“Jane,” said that ever-familiar voice that haunted my imagination. When my friend stopped to stand beside me, he added, “You can go ahead, Anne. I just want to have a discussion with Jane.”

The rest of my classmates filed out of the room and Anne followed suit. When it was finally just the two of us, I clasped my hands together and waited for the sermon. I wanted to hug myself. No good could come out of my teacher reading a note basically saying I wanted him to have sex with me. Was thinking dirty thoughts enough for disciplinary action? Could I be expelled? My heart sunk. Graduation was next week. There was no way—

He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I want you right here, one hour after graduation.”

I didn’t want to overthink more than what I was already doing, but the way he looked at me made it seem that I had nothing to worry about. Instead, I had everything to worry about. I waited for him to say something more and watched as his eyes trailed from my ankle socks, up to my plaid skirt to my white blouse, then finally met my surprised gaze.

Did he know I was eager for him? Could he see me squirming from his scrutiny?

I never got the answer to that. When an unfamiliar student entered the room, that was my cue to leave and head to my next class.

“Jane, you didn’t answer me,” he said.

“Yes,” I replied, starting toward the door.

“Yes, sir,” he added and I stopped in my tracks.

A shiver coursed through me at the deep tone of his voice.

I glanced back, saw that he was waiting for me to repeat it.

“Yes, sir,” I whispered, finding saying those two words really hot. Yes, I wanted him to be my teacher in more than just US government.

As I walked the hallways I’d never see again in a week’s time, all I could think about was after graduation. He told—no, commanded—me to come back and meet him. I just had to wonder… why?

Meet Author Jessa James. ..

Jessa James grew up on the East Coast but always suffered a severe case of wanderlust. She’s lived in six states, had a variety of jobs and always comes back to her first true love – writing. Jessa works full time as a writer, eats too much dark chocolate, has an iced-coffee and Cheetos addiction, and can’t get enough of sexy alpha males who know exactly what they want – and aren’t afraid to say it. Sometimes sweet, sometimes sappy, sometimes so hot they’ll melt your panties – ONE CLICK a JJ book now!

~~~

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

Amazon: https://goo.gl/9nE2cX

Don’t miss Jessa’s next HOT release!

Sign up HERE for Jessa’s VIP Reader List: http://bit.ly/JessaJames

If you crave hot alpha males, sappy-sexy love stories with ALL the feels, and a HEA with NO cheating and NO cliffhangers – one click a Jessa James title today!

Sign up for my mailing list:

http://jessajamesauthor.com/mailing-list/

www.jessajamesauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/jessajameswrites/

~~~

Thanks, Jessa, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Teacher And The Virgin (The Virgin Pact Book 1) by Jessa James

 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 TEACHER AND THE VIRGIN

The Virgin Pact Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Blurb

An older man, a younger woman, an irresistible attraction.

My BFFs and I made a pact the last month of high school: No one was going to college a virgin. The only question was, who would we choose? I knew exactly who I wanted. My teacher, Mr. Parker.

I might have just graduated, but I was still his student. But Mr. Parker isn’t teaching me anything in that boring civics textbook any longer. He’s bossy. He’s demanding. He’s so much older than I am. And he’s opening my eyes, teaching me exactly how pleasurable surrender can be.

Author’s Note: This is a sweet and sexy novella with a guaranteed HEA. As a special bonus, Lip Service is included for free for a limited time!

THE TEACHER AND THE VIRGIN

The Virgin Pact Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Excerpt

“Jane,” said that ever-familiar voice that haunted my imagination. When my friend stopped to stand beside me, he added, “You can go ahead, Anne. I just want to have a discussion with Jane.”

The rest of my classmates filed out of the room and Anne followed suit. When it was finally just the two of us, I clasped my hands together and waited for the sermon. I wanted to hug myself. No good could come out of my teacher reading a note basically saying I wanted him to have sex with me. Was thinking dirty thoughts enough for disciplinary action? Could I be expelled? My heart sunk. Graduation was next week. There was no way—

He crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I want you right here, one hour after graduation.”

I didn’t want to overthink more than what I was already doing, but the way he looked at me made it seem that I had nothing to worry about. Instead, I had $everythingto worry about. I waited for him to say something more and watched as his eyes trailed from my ankle socks, up to my plaid skirt to my white blouse, then finally met my surprised gaze.

Did he know I was eager for him? Could he see me squirming from his scrutiny?

I never got the answer to that. When an unfamiliar student entered the room, that was my cue to leave and head to my next class.

“Jane, you didn’t answer me,” he said.

“Yes,” I replied, starting toward the door.

“Yes, sir,” he added and I stopped in my tracks.

A shiver coursed through me at the deep tone of his voice.

I glanced back, saw that he was waiting for me to repeat it.

“Yes, sir,” I whispered, finding saying those two words really hot. Yes, I wanted him to be my teacher in more than just US government.

As I walked the hallways I’d never see again in a week’s time, all I could think about was after graduation. He told—no, commanded—me to come back and meet him. I just had to wonder… why?

Meet Author Jessa James. ..

Jessa James grew up on the East Coast but always suffered a severe case of wanderlust. She’s lived in six states, had a variety of jobs and always comes back to her first true love – writing. Jessa works full time as a writer, eats too much dark chocolate, has an iced-coffee and Cheetos addiction, and can’t get enough of sexy alpha males who know exactly what they want – and aren’t afraid to say it. Sometimes sweet, sometimes sappy, sometimes so hot they’ll melt your panties – ONE CLICK a JJ book now!

~~~

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

Amazon: https://goo.gl/9nE2cX

Don’t miss Jessa’s next HOT release!

Sign up HERE for Jessa’s VIP Reader List: http://bit.ly/JessaJames

If you crave hot alpha males, sappy-sexy love stories with ALL the feels, and a HEA with NO cheating and NO cliffhangers – one click a Jessa James title today!

Sign up for my mailing list:

http://jessajamesauthor.com/mailing-list/

www.jessajamesauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/jessajameswrites/

~~~

Thanks, Jessa, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Exposed: A Novella (Elkridge Series Book 5) by Lyz Kelley

 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!

~~

EXPOSED: A NOVELLA

Elkridge Series Book 5

BY LYZ KELLEY

Blurb

A woman in hiding. A past to resolve. A Marine to the rescue.

When a broken water pipe destroys Gwen Keebler’s thrift store, she’s convinced her day can’t get worse. But that same day, her blackmailing ex-fiancé finds her living in the small Colorado town of Elkridge. She’s ready to pack up and hit the road again when a former Marine provides options.

Former Brigadier General Dale Bryant has returned home to repair his relationship with his daughter, and his broken, widowed heart. The last thing he expects is to rescue Gwen as well. The sexy storeowner caught his attention the first time they met, but he’s fourteen years older, and she’s his daughter’s friend.

Yet to truly save Gwen, the widower realizes he must let her go. Will Gwen run again, or will she face her past and fight for Dale?

EXPOSED is a sweet contemporary romance about a brave woman and a heroic man who fulfill their dreams. If you like heartfelt characters, deep topics with powerful emotional cores, and happy endings, then you’ll love this fifth book in Lyz Kelley’s tales of strength, love, and survival. A 25K words, 85+ page novella.

Buy EXPOSED to unlock the emotional tale today!

EXPOSED: A NOVELLA

Elkridge Series Book 5

BY LYZ KELLEY

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How did the book EXPOSED come about?

Both Gwen and Dale were secondary characters in previous books. My editor, Faith Freewoman, insisted that I put the characters together. My first thought was, “no, there is too much of an age difference. What would they have in common?” However, I’d recently made the decision to put more diversity into my books—younger, older, black, white, purple…it doesn’t matter. I want to create complex, diverse characters, so I took on the challenge of creating a story for Gwen and Dale.

Why did you make Gwen’s parents wealthy?  

Years ago, I saw Into the Wild, a movie about a young man rejecting his wealthy upbringing to live a simpler, more authentic life. It’s a true story, and if you haven’t read the book, or seen the movie, I would recommend it.  When I started thinking how Gwen’s a part of Elkridge, I asked myself how her life is/or would be affected by Sheriff Sam’s murder, and wham, there was her story. A woman wanting a normal life, away from greed and corruption, finding happiness in Elkridge, Colorado. How cool is that?

Why are EXPOSED and SPURNED novellas? Why not write full-length books?

Three reasons. First: Writing shorter pieces is hard. Trying to write a full story in such few words is challenging, but I wanted to grow as a writer and take on that challenge. Second: I wanted to honor and meet women’s needs. There are women all over the world wanting short, fulfilling reads. I thought about working women riding the train or taking a bus to work, or those who want good lunchtime reading. I considered new moms wanting an escape while their child is breastfeeding or napping, or they want to pass the time while waiting to pick up their children from school. With these shorter books, I celebrate our differences, and allow all readers, no matter where they are, the chance to be swept away into another world.

Meet Author Lyz Kelley. ..

Award-winning, contemporary romance author Lyz Kelley lives in a small community in Colorado with her husband and several four-legged family members. Lyz writes about brave women who have faced extraordinary challenges, and the honorable men who have an enormous capacity to love, even if they may not know it.

A healing love is at the heart of her book series. Creating wounded yet amazing characters—discovering what drives them, frightens them, heals them, makes them laugh—is what gives her joy. Lyz is pleased to share that joy through her masterfully written stories.

~~~

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2t8FDUH

Website and Newsletter Sign Up: www.LyzKelley.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LyzKelley

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyzkelley/

~~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Lyz has a reviewer giveaway going on for anyone who leaves a review. Here is the link: http://lyzkelley.com/elkridge-series.html

Thanks, Lyz, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Lip Service (Bad Boy Billionaires Book 1) by Jessa James

 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!

~~

LIP SERVICE

Bad Boy Billionaires Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Blurb

Carter: She’s mine. I want her. I need her and I’m tired of waiting.

Emma: He’s all I think about but I can’t wait for him any longer. Tonight’s the night. I’m punching my V-card.

I might be a f#cking saint waiting for her to be ready for what I want to give her. Then I overhear she’s going to ditch her virginity with some random jerk at a bar.

She’s mine. She’s not giving those soft curves and luscious mouth to anyone else. After tonight, she’ll never doubt who she belongs to again.

When she’s screaming my name, she’ll know I’m going to give her a hell of a lot more than just LIP SERVICE. I want forever.

Lip Service is a stand-alone, fast read with a HEA and NO cheating! If you like dirty bad boys who know exactly what they want, insta-luv so hot it will melt your panties, and a guaranteed Happily Ever After – one-click now!

LIP SERVICE

Bad Boy Billionaires Book 1

BY JESSA JAMES

Excerpt

I was the right man for her, the only man for her.

There was no way Emma was giving her virginity to some random guy at a bar. She wanted to get to get laid? She could take full advantage of me. But it wasn’t just one night I wanted. I wanted all her nights. I’d stayed away because she was pure, because I didn’t want to risk ruining her with my base needs. And because I knew she had plans, was just finishing her degree. I was trying to be a god-damned gentleman and wait until she was ready.

That was over. If she was ready to give her body away, she damn well was going to give it to me and no one else. I wanted Emma. Her body was mine. Her smile was mine. That luscious mouth was mine. Her virginity, mine to take. I wouldn’t share her. I couldn’t stand by and watch her give herself to some random stranger all too eager to take her and forget her.

She deserved better than that and I was going to make sure she got it.

Forever. Yes, Emma was going to be mine tonight. After that, she wouldn’t have any doubts about who she belonged to.

But first, I had to convince her that I wasn’t playing around. I’d take her out to dinner and hold doors, that’s what I’d do. I’d seduce her, make her scream with every orgasm, claim her. I’d send her roses every day and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe. Eventually, I’d put my ring on her finger and my baby in her womb. I’d claim her every way a man could claim his woman.

I was done trying to be noble, trying to protect her from my darkness. If she was ready for more, I was going to give it to her. Me. No one else.

She was mine, she just didn’t know it yet.

Meet Author Jessa James. ..

Jessa James grew up on the East Coast but always suffered a severe case of wanderlust. She’s lived in six states, had a variety of jobs and always comes back to her first true love – writing. Jessa works full time as a writer, eats too much dark chocolate, has an iced-coffee and Cheetos addiction, and can’t get enough of sexy alpha males who know exactly what they want – and aren’t afraid to say it. Sometimes sweet, sometimes sappy, sometimes so hot they’ll melt your panties – ONE CLICK a JJ book now!

~~~

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

Amazon: https://goo.gl/zursZg

Don’t miss Jessa’s next HOT release!

Sign up HERE for Jessa’s VIP Reader List: http://bit.ly/JessaJames

If you crave hot alpha males, sappy-sexy love stories with ALL the feels, and a HEA with NO cheating and NO cliffhangers – one click a Jessa James title today!

Sign up for my mailing list: http://jessajamesauthor.com/mailing-list/

www.jessajamesauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/jessajameswrites/

~~~

Thanks, Jessa, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: BBQ Sauce

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 BBQ SAUCE!

‘Tis the season for barbecues! If you’d like to try your hand at a homemade BBQ sauce, this is the one to try. It’s spicy and savory and delicious!

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 322 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.

BBQ SAUCE

[Makes 16-20 Servings]

2-1/2 cups catsup

¾ cup brown sugar

1-1/2 cup chili sauce

1-1/2 cup wine vinegar

1-1/2 cup water

¾ can beer

¾ cup lemon juice

½ cup mustard

1 T. celery seed

4 T. Worcestershire Sauce

2 T. soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

dash of bottled “hot” pepper sauce

ground pepper to taste

Mix all together and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The longer it “steeps”, the better, although you can use right away if necessary!

NOTE: This BBQ sauce is wonderful on hamburgers. It’s also great to change up the flavor of meatloaf. I stuff mine with pepperjack cheese and ham. Then smother the meatloaf with BBQ Sauce (instead of catsup) and parmesan cheese. Delicious!

Happy Eating!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Survival Instinct (Instinct Series #3) by Janie Crouch

 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!

~~

SURVIVAL INSTINCT

Instinct Series #3

BY JANIE CROUCH

Blurb

The voices in her head have decided to kill her. 

Most people joke about hearing voices in their heads. For Chloe Jeffries, they’re real. And as the creative force behind one of the most popular shows on television, she has used the constant flood of voices in her mind to her advantage: fuel for entertainment.

But now one of the voices has decided it wants Chloe all for itself.

Ex-Special Forces soldier Shane Westman just wants to make it back to Wyoming to begin to heal from the horrors of war. The last thing he needs, even as a favor for a good friend, is to take on bodyguard duty of a flighty television writer. But once he does, he realizes there are threats at play he doesn’t understand. And the woman who has somehow begun to thaw his frozen heart is in desperate danger from a menace they can’t see, but is always close.

The voice that will never allow Chloe to escape alive. 

*100% of proceeds until July 16 goes to Cystic Fibrosis charities – with a special $0.99 price. Help us stomp CF! Plus, buy Survival Instinct before July 16 and get a free ebook by Janie not available anywhere else! More details here:  http://www.janiecrouch.com/si-pp-0717 

SURVIVAL INSTINCT

Instinct Series #3

BY JANIE CROUCH

Excerpt

Chloe Jeffries looked over at her creative team. The Days End team was tired. Worried. The stalker had seen to that. Not to mention all the new bodyguards had definitely put a damper on the creative energy usually surrounding the show. But the new guy coming in definitely wouldn’t.

“The studio is sending in a security expert to coordinate security around here and to investigate our friendly neighborhood stalker,” Chloe told them. “We’re supposed to give him access to anything he needs. I’ve been assured that he will fit in just fine and will not hamper our artistic energy in any way. We won’t even know he’s here.”

“Like that guy walking towards us who definitely doesn’t scream I’m-a-Navy-SEAL or anything?” Travis’ eyebrow was raised so far it looked like it had found a new home in his hairline.

Chloe stared at the man in question. Didn’t seem able to turn away from him even if she wanted to. His long legs were encased in perfectly creased khaki pants, a collared light blue shirt tucked in—also perfectly—at the waist. His broad shoulders were covered in a tailored suit jacket under which Chloe was willing to bet all of this year’s salary lay a shoulder holster for a gun. His posture screamed military. The way he carried himself — the set of his shoulders and lift of his chest.

Alert. Deadly. Ready.

But impressive as his body was, it was his face that drew her more. There was nothing pretty about him. His face was rugged to the point of being harsh. His jaw already holding some stubble even though it wasn’t even yet lunchtime. And she had no doubt Mr. Military Man had shaved this morning, unquestionably during his perfect morning routine. His dark hair was cut close to his head, as if he couldn’t quite decide whether to keep it military short or go for a more relaxed style.

His eyes were hidden behind aviator sunglasses, but Chloe knew he saw everything. Knew he saw her and that if she stopped him right at this moment, blindfolded him and asked him to tell her where everyone was, he’d be able to do so with astounding accuracy, even though there were more than a dozen people milling around that he hadn’t looked at directly.

This man was the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. She could feel the former radiating off him. Wanted to close her eyes and sink towards him. Her brain, always under such constant onslaught with the thoughts of others, and particularly the one voice that had been searing through her mind so agonizingly lately, wanted to bask in this man’s ice. Wanted to douse herself in it.

But she couldn’t. Because while she had no doubt this man would be able to organize the hell out of security and unquestionably catch the stalker and freeze him with his ice-beams after leaping tall buildings in a single bound, there was no way he wasn’t going to hamper the creative energy of the set. Energy that Chloe relied on not only to make Day’s End the greatest show on television, but to keep her own sanity.

He was already sucking in her energy and they hadn’t even spoken yet.

Ten seconds later he was standing directly in front of Chloe with his perfect hair and jaw, perfect shirt tucked into his perfectly pressed pants.

“I’m Shane Westman with the Linear Tactical. We’ve been hired for security,” he said, taking off his sunglasses. Chloe wasn’t a bit surprised to find he had perfectly icy blue eyes. “I need to know who’s in charge.”

There was no way this Shane Westman could stay. No possibility Chloe could allow it.

He was too perfect. Too distracting. Too everything.

He may keep them safe from the stalker but who would keep her safe from him?

Meet Author Janie Crouch. ..

Award-winning romantic suspense author and 2017 Romance Writers of America RITA finalist Janie Crouch recently relocated from Virginia to an American military base in Stuttgart, Germany with her hubby and four kids. She loves travelling, adventure racing, and movies of all kinds.

~~~

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

Link to Follow Tour:

http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/survival-instinct-janie-crouch

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34875822-survival-instinct



Goodreads Series Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/202990-instinct

Buy Links:     AMAZON | B & N | ITUNES | KOBO

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

**Link to Free ebook offer with purchase: 

Free Protector’s Promise ebook with purchase of Survival Instinct:  http://www.janiecrouch.com/si-pp-0717

~~~

Thanks, Janie, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Flirting with Time (The Charlie McClung Mysteries Book 5) by Mary Anne Edwards

 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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FLIRTING WITH TIME

The Charlie McClung Mysteries Book 5

BY MARY ANNE EDWARDS

Blurb

Detective Charlie McClung is haunted by someone leaving mysterious paper hearts in odd places for his bride, Marian. Any thought that this is the work of a harmless prankster quickly vanishes when his men are attacked and people begin to die. The stalker is growing bolder and Charlie knows he needs to act quickly but there are too many suspects, too many alibis, and too much at stake.

What people are saying about Flirting With Time

“Haunting, but in a good way. Twisty, turny, and full of heart.”

~Gretchen Archer – author of the USA Today Bestselling Davis Way Crime Capers

“Fans of Nick and Nora, fans of Tracy and Hepburn—rejoice. You’ll love Marian and Charlie. The talented Mary Anne Edwards weaves a charming, entertaining and delightfully romantic tale of small town deceit. It’s as if Agatha Christie wrote Hart to Hart—and happy readers will eagerly await the next page-turning puzzle.”

~Hank Phillippi Ryan – Anthony, Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark, and Macavity winning mystery author. Emmy-winning journalist.

“Mary Anne Edwards has written a classic whodunit, but the deeper mystery at its heart is who and how we love. Tender, fast-paced, and rich in character, Flirting With Time delivers malice and warmth in equal measure.”

~Tina Whittle – Bestselling author of the Tai Randolph Mysteries

FLIRTING WITH TIME

The Charlie McClung Mysteries Book 5

BY MARY ANNE EDWARDS

Excerpt

Chapter 1

Marian walked into Joan’s bedroom. Everything was in its place. She thought a vase of fresh cut flowers from her garden would brighten up Joan’s bedroom. As she turned to leave, Marian saw a pump action shotgun behind the door.

“Hmm, Joan should have that beside the bed tucked in-between the nightstand and headboard,” Marian muttered to herself. “I’ll have to mention that to her.”

A banging noise on the front door startled her. She walked down the hall and stood in the upstairs open landing that overlooks the foyer. Marian saw shadows moving on the frosted glass panes in the door. There were voices. Men. At least two.

Marian felt the fine hairs on her forearms raise. A cold chill ran down her spine as the banging continued.

They’re trying to kick down the door, the thought screamed inside her head.

Marian ran back to Joan’s bedroom, grabbed the shotgun, and searched the nightstand for shells. Bingo! She grabbed the box and returned to the landing as the door gave way. It crept open. The voices were louder but subdued.

She heard her heartbeat drumming in her ears as she waited for them to enter.

“Go on! Get inside. See what that rich lady’s got.” A commanding voice goaded one of the men.

“Stop pushin’ me. There might be a dog inside.”

“She ain’t got no dog. Get in there. We’re right behind you.

Now Marian knew there were at least three intruders. She prayed the racking sound of the shotgun would be enough to scare them away. If not …? She hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

The first man snuck in. He looked around and saw the antique silver tea set displayed on the Hepplewhite sideboard. “Holy crap, Don, there’s silver stuff in here.”

Before the others could enter, Marian racked the shotgun. In a deep, steady voice, she ordered the young man, “It’s best that you leave right now, son.”

The bug-eyed boy stared at the shotgun.

Marian studied his face and wondered why the boy wasn’t in school. He couldn’t be any older than sixteen and already on the road to ruin. “Go on get out!” Marian held her aim on the boy.

“Don’t listen to her.”

Another young boy stumbled in. His knees landed hard on the hardwood floor and he yelped in pain as an older man pushed him aside.

Marian moved her aim on the older man as he pulled something out from behind the back of his pants. She saw a flash of steel as the older man held a pistol in his right hand.

“You have a choice, boys. Live or die. What’s it going to be?” Marian knew there was no turning back from her decision to stand her ground. “Live or die?”

“You boys get what you can. That skinny little girl ain’t got the guts to pull no trigger, but I do.” An evil grin slid across his wrinkled, pock-marked face.

Marian felt her stomach lurch as she pulled the trigger. She screamed at the sound of the blast and the smell of the gunpowder. Someone’s hand was on her and she screamed again as she recoiled from the touch.

“Marian!”

She felt someone kissing her face as she was pulled into a bear hug.

“Sweetie, wake up. It’s a bad dream.”

The warm whisper in her ear woke her up, but she could still smell the gunpowder. Marian began to cry. The dream was too real.

“Shhh, you’re okay. It was just a dream, baby. A bad dream, that’s all.”

Marian clung to Charlie as she wondered why she kept having the same horrible dream. “Oh, Charlie. Every time it gets more real.” She sobbed.

Charlie worried about his wife as he held her and stroked her soft hair.

His alarm clock buzzed. He flung his arm backward and turned it off with a quick slap. “I’ll stay home with you today, sweetie.”

Marian wiped her eyes and sniffed. “No, I’ll be okay. Just a stupid dream.” She tried to roll away, but Charlie held her close. “I’ll get over it.” She kissed him. “Let me go make us some breakfast.”

“No, you stay in bed; I’ll make breakfast.”

Marian squeezed him. “I won’t argue as long as I can watch.”

“What? You think I need supervision?” He chuckled.

“No, I like to watch you, you sexy beast,” Marian whispered as she tried to shake off the nightmare. The best thing for her was to get up, do something, and not wallow in the disturbing memory. “Now let me go wash the sleep from my eyes. I’ll be in the kitchen in a jiffy.”

Charlie kissed her nose. “All right, bacon and eggs or pancakes?”

“Pancakes and bacon.”

Charlie released her and rolled out of bed. “As you wish.”

Meet Author Mary Anne Edwards. ..

Born in Mercedes, Texas, Mary Anne has lived in Georgia most of her life. A life-long fan of authors such as Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, and Elizabeth Peters, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Mary Anne decided to listen to the voices in her head and began writing her own series of traditional mysteries featuring Detective Charlie McClung.

The first book in the series, Brilliant Disguise, was released to critical acclaim in January of 2014. The next three in the series, A Good Girl, Criminal Kind, and Sins of my Youth were released soon afterward. The fifth book in the series, Flirting with Time, will be released in June 2017, with at least five more to follow.

Mary Anne and her husband currently live in Smyrna, GA with an ill-tempered Tuxedo cat named Gertrude. Mary Anne is active in the Sisters in Crime Atlanta Chapter and sits on the advisory board of Rockdale Cares, a non-profit advocacy group for the developmentally challenged.

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Links to Mary Anne’s website, blog, books, etc.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/authormaryanneedwards

Website: http://maryanneedwards.com/

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/maryanneedwards/

Google+:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MaryAnneEdwards/posts

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maryanneedwards

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maedwards58

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Anne-Edwards/e/B00HZ28TIQ

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpzz9_nQ5yzE60nW-LMkgUQ

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7791576.Mary_Anne_Edwards

BookBub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anne-edwards

Buy Links Amazon

“Brilliant Disguise” – http://goo.gl/OaJGwc

“A Good Girl” – http://goo.gl/CBW00b

“Criminal Kind” – http://goo.gl/7EzXn8

“Sins of My Youth” – goo.gl/1QqMBV

“Flirting With Time” – goo.gl/MPaGHH

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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Mary Anne is giving away a mobi copy of Flirting With Time (Winner must have a Kindle email address) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Book  Bench. Thanks, Mary Anne, for sharing your book with us!

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!