Karen Docter's Blog, page 208

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: My Zombie Fiancé (The Undead Canadian Series Book 2) by T. Strange

 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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MY ZOMBIE FIANCÉ

The Undead Canadian Series Book 2

BY T. STRANGE

Blurb

Edward Grey is no stranger to the undead; since raising his cat as a zombie when he was a child, he and his mentor Mariel have explored and developed his power as a necromancer. Despite everything he’s learned, as a necromancer and a medical student, he’s never encountered a ghost.

While Mariel is unreachable in Haiti on mysterious business, a ghost wakes Edward in the middle of the night, claiming to be his grandfather. When the ghost offers to teach him about this different form of undeath, Edward has little choice but to trust the spirit.

After receiving a phone call from a young girl claiming her father is possessed, Edward and his Undead Canadian fiancé, Kit, must travel to an acreage in Kingston…Ontario.

The haunting proves far more complicated than Edward could ever have guessed, and he finds himself pitted against an ancient evil determined to engulf everyone on the farm.

Edward’s love and connection to Kit will be tested, and his necromancy stretched to his limits as he has to find—and destroy—a twisted spirit more powerful than anything he’s ever encountered.

With your purchase of My Zombie Fiancé from Torquere Press you will receive a free copy of My Zombie Cat. eBooks purchased from Torquere Press include all eBook file formats, including Kindle (mobi)

THE UNDEAD CANADIAN SERIES

BY T. STRANGE

T. shares…

All of My Zombie Boyfriend took place in one city, but in My Zombie Fiancé Edward has to leave his comfort zone and head to Kingston–Ontario.

I don’t remember exactly how it happened. It might have just been for the joke:

““I have to go to Kingston.”

“Oh my God, no way! I’d love to go to Jamaica!”

“Kingston, Ontario.”

“Oh.”

I certainly didn’t set out to write a novel set in Ontario, especially a city I’ve never (shhh!) been to, but I think it’s fitting. I have a lot of roots in Ontario; the ancestor I can trace back the furthest in my family tree, a band major who served in the British Army in India, moved to Ontario and started a farm. My ancestors farmed in Ontario for several generations, until they headed West. I’m sure I still have many relatives there.

There’s a new character in My Zombie Fiancé, Claude Jenkins, who is a little tip of my hat to those early Ontario farmers. Even his name has meaning for me—my grandfather’s middle name is Claude, and it was his father’s name, too.

I also apparently have a thing for string players from Ontario??? My last ex was a double bass player from Toronto, and my wife is a cellist from Hamilton (she insists that she isn’t from Hamilton, because she was very young when her family left and she doesn’t remember it. But she was at least born there).

Ontario is a beautiful province, and one I’d like to explore more in the future! I hope My Zombie Fiancé will encourage and inspire you to visit.

Meet Author T. Strange … 

T. Strange didn’t want to learn how to read, but literacy prevailed and she hasn’t stopped reading—or writing—since. She’s been published with Torquere Press since 2013, and she writes M/M romance in multiple genres, including paranormal and BDSM. T.’s other interests include cross stitching, gardening, watching terrible horror movies, playing video games, and finding injured pigeons to rescue. Originally from White Rock, BC, she lives on the Canadian prairies, where she shares her home with her wife, cats, guinea pigs and other creatures of all shapes and sizes. She’s very easy to bribe with free food and drinks—especially wine.

She can be found on Facebook and Twitter by searching T. Strange, or you can email her: author.t.strange at gmail.com

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Links to T.’s website, blog, books, etc.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00DX6YGW6

Torquere: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=464

Torquere Press: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4695

Blogger: http://authortstrange.blogspot.ca

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTStrange

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tq.strange

Twitter:  @AuthorTStrange

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3334999.T_Strange

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28386926-my-zombie-fianc

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authortstrange

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+TStrange/posts

Tumblr:  http://authortstrange.tumblr.com

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: T. is giving away an e-book copy of MY ZOMBIE FIANCÉ, The Undead Canadian Series Book 2, to one lucky reader who comments on this Karen’s Killer Book Bench blog. Thank you, T., for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

**Author Peek** Interview with Donna Fasano

**Author Peek** Interview with

DONNA FASANO!

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INTRODUCING….Donna.

1. What are you reading now or what do you have in your TBR pile?

I just finished Learning to Swim by Sara Henry. I’m currently reading Julia’s Daughters by Colleen Faulkner. On my TBR pile you’ll find A Reluctant Hero by Jackie Weger, Creatus by Carmen DeSousa, The Neighbor by Dean Koontz, Three Junes by Julia Glass, One Way or Another by Elaine Raco Chase, Love Me Tender by Mimi Barbour…should I go on?

2. What flavor is your writing style?

I always tell people I write cotton candy for the mind. Think back to when you were a kid and you took a bite of that delectable confection. What did you do? You smiled. That’s what I’m going for in my romance novels.

3. Was writing always the first thing you wanted to do in life?

No, I wanted to be a teacher, but then I met and fell in love with my husband. We married and began raising a family. It wasn’t until my children started school that I started writing.

4. While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters? 

I believe there’s a lot of me in my protagonists. I write about women who are strong, yet vulnerable. My main characters and my secondary characters have flaws and make mistakes (don’t we all?), but then most of them do all they can to learn, grow and become better people.

5. Do you have any advice for other writers?

One piece of advice I often give to writers is to READ. Don’t just read in the genre in which you write. Read everything. And then figure out what you liked and what you didn’t…and then think about why. Reading and analyzing the writing of talented people can help you perfect your own skills.

6. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 

I bow down to readers! I am so appreciative that they spend their hard-earned money on my books and then take the time to read my stories. I am so blessed to have a job I love, and I wouldn’t have this job if there weren’t readers who love romance novels.

7. What inspired you to write your first book? 

I came to writing through my love of reading. I spent many a Saturday as a kid in the local library. I loved books, but I never imagined I would ever write one. My husband gets the credit for my becoming a writer. When my children started school and I decided to find a part-time job, he looked around at the piles of romance novels in our home and said, “You’ve read a lot of those. Why don’t you try writing one?” So, you see. It’s all his fault.

8. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? 

Not my latest book, but one of my titles—Where’s Stanley?—features an ending that I didn’t come up with. I handed in the completed manuscript, and my editor suggested a different ending. I wasn’t happy, but I did as she asked. Personally, I think the book suffered for it, but readers seem to enjoy the story.

9. What books have most influenced your life most? 

Old Yeller, Sounder, The Bell Jar, To Kill a Mockingbird…how can people read these books and not be influenced? There are so many titles that inspired me and moved me, molded and shaped me, there isn’t time to name them all. The characters in these wonderful books help young readers to decide what kind of individual they want to be.

10. Do you ever experience writer’s block? 

There was a time when I’d have said no. I have a plant-your-butt-in-the-chair-and-the-words-will-come attitude. But I did suffer writer’s block while my dad was battling cancer. It’s difficult to write feel-good happily-ever-after when your beloved father is dying.

11. Do you write an outline before every book you write?

I do, yes. I equate an outline with a road made; how do you know where you’re going if you don’t have a map? I might write the first chapter or two on the fly, but I always take the time to plan out where I want the story to go. Now that’s not to say that the characters are going to stay on the straight and narrow. They decide to veer off the highway every now and then, and that’s when I have to do a quick reroute.

12. Have you ever disliked something you wrote? 

I’ve never published anything that I disliked. I have started projects that haven’t seen the light of day, either because I couldn’t figure out where to take the story, or I couldn’t make the protagonist sympathetic or likable. It’s a rare occurrence, and when it happens, I just set the story aside and hope I can someday come up with a solution.

13. Tell us why you’ve decided to set a series of book at a seashore location.

I love the ocean. There’s just something about a large body of water that induces a great calm in me. I think many people feel the same, so I decided to come up with a series that involves three women friends who live and work in Ocean City, Maryland. The first, Following His Heart, is Sara and Landon’s story. The second, Two Hearts in Winter, is Heather and Daniel’s story. I’m currently plotting out the third book of the series.

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Be sure to come back to read more about Donna and her book, TWO HEARTS IN WINTER, Ocean City Boardwalk Series, Book 2  on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!

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

Buy Links:

US Kindle: http://amzn.to/29zb6rI

UK Kindle: http://amzn.to/235L56Z

Nook: http://bit.ly/TwoHeartsNook

iBook: http://bit.ly/TwoHeartsiBook

Kobo: http://bit.ly/TwoHeartsKobo

Google Play: http://bit.ly/TwoHeartsGoogle

Paperback: Coming very soon!

Find Donna Fasano on social Media:

Blog: http://donnafasano.blogspot.com/

Sign up for her newsletter:

http://madmimi.com/signups/110899/join

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonnaFaz

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/DonnaFaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donna_fasano/

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/donnafasano

BookBub Author Page:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-fasano

GoodReads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1111480.Donna_Fasano

Add the book to your “Want To Read” shelf on GoodReads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29754379-two-hearts-in-winter

Blog post:

http://awesomeromancenovels.blogspot.com/p/two-hearts-in-winter-by-donna-fasano.html

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  Donna is giving away an e-book version of TWO HEARTS IN WINTER to two lucky readers who comment on this Author Peek or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Thank you, Donna, for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Ann Myers #recipe ~ Spicy Summer Corn Salad

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with ANN MYERS!

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, ANN MYERS, and her favorite recipe for SPICY SUMMER CORN SALAD.

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CINCO DE MAYHEM

A Santa Fe Café Mystery

By ANN MYERS

Blurb

Cinco de Mayo brings margaritas, guacamole—and murder—to the menu in the second Santa Fe Café Mystery.

Tres Amigas Café chef Rita Lafitte is whipping up green chile soufflés and chocolate flan cake to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and prepare for a romantic dinner date. If only her friend Linda, the daughter of Rita’s octogenarian boss Flori, could get into the festive spirit. Linda’s humble food cart, Tía Tamales, is under siege from Crepe Empire, the hottest stand in Santa Fe, and its owner, a pompous star chef named Napoleon.

Linda confronts Napoleon in a public argument that leaves her dying from embarrassment. However, it’s Napoleon who ends up dead. When Linda discovers his body, stabbed and pinned beneath her tamale cart, she becomes the number-one suspect. Determined to prove Linda’s innocence, Rita investigates. From Napoleon’s disgruntled former employees to a shady health inspector, the list of suspects grows longer than Flori’s strings of dried chiles. And when another corpse surfaces, Rita must scramble to catch an elusive killer with an appetite for murder…

CINCO DE MAYHEM

A Santa Fe Café Mystery

By ANN MYERS

EXCERPT

I don’t know who came up with the expression “no crying over spilt milk.” Does anyone really get that emotional about milk? A fallen soufflé, however, now that’s worthy of some weeping. I stared through the glass oven door, helpless as once-glorious pillows of cheesy, eggy deliciousness sank to the depths of their ceramic dish.

My friend Linda, the soufflé slayer, barely noticed. I couldn’t help feeling peeved. Linda had seen the dish in the oven. She’d even said, “Oh good, you have the oven on.” Right before she jammed in two overstuffed trays of tamales and slammed the door with enough force to bring down my soufflé and any others rising in the greater Santa Fe area. As if for good measure, she stomped her sensibly shoed foot on the Saltillo-tile floor of Tres Amigas Cafe.

“I hate that man! I hate him!” she said, timing each word to a clomp of her tan loafer.

Such uncharacteristic sentiments from Linda shocked me from my soufflé sulk.

They shocked Linda, too. She clamped her hands over her mouth before crossing herself and turning wide eyes to me. “Rita, forgive me. I should never say ‘hate’ about another human being, especially on a Sunday.” Her shoulders quivered, and her dark eyes welled with tears.

This was no time to fret about flattened French food. Taking Linda by the arm, I guided her to the main dining room, hoping the exuberant décor would cheer her up. How could it not? My elderly boss, friend, and occasional sleuthing partner, Flori—who was also Linda’s mother and an overenthusiastic holiday decorator—had outdone herself for Cinco de Mayo. Garlands of colorful tissue paper cut in intricate patterns crisscrossed the ceiling, interspersed with piñatas, including a sombrero-wearing burro, a rainbow-striped poodle, various ruffled chile peppers, and a turquoise Eiffel Tower. Mexican flags poked from the condiment holders, atop vibrant vinyl tablecloths printed with tropical birds and flowers. Most decorators would have stopped there, if not way before. Not my octogenarian friend. Flori had added a half-dozen mannequins dressed as a mariachi band, complete with instruments and embroidered jackets. I hadn’t asked Flori where, or why, she’d acquired the plastic people. I also couldn’t tell whether some were male, female, or extraterrestrial. What I did know was that the trumpet player’s vacant stare creeped me out.

I caught his unseeing eyes, the black orbs floating in pools of empty white space. Firming up my grip on Linda, I headed for a table by the window. Besides being far from the trumpet player, this spot had a lovely view of our outdoor dining patio, recently reopened for spring. Glancing out, I admired the metal tables with their fresh coat of glossy turquoise paint and the lilac hedge, sagging with blooms of deepest purple.

Linda sank into a chair. Her hair, straighter and darker brown than mine, was salted with silver and skimmed her shoulders in a blunt cut matched by thick bangs, The cut was new, and the bangs, according to Linda, were regretted. She scraped them from her forehead, staring down at the psychedelic tropical forest on the tablecloth.

“It’s Napoleon, isn’t it?” I asked, adding a hefty dash of sarcasm and eye rolling to the name. I mean, really, who changes their name to not only a singular moniker, but one so singularly pompous? Superstar singers, I supposed. Or supermodels or—

“Yes, Napoleon,” Linda said, confirming my guess with a weary sigh.

About Author Ann Myers… 

Ann Myers writes the Santa Fe Café Mysteries. The first book in the series, Bread of the Dead (2015), introduced café chef and reluctant amateur sleuth, Rita Lafitte. Rita and her friends stir up more trouble in Cinco de Mayhem (March 2016) and Feliz Navidead (October 2016). Ann lives with her husband and extra-large house cat in southern Colorado, where she enjoys cooking, crafts, and cozy mysteries. You can contact Ann on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AnnMyers.wri... or via www.annmyersbooks.com/

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Links to Ann’s Website, Books, & Social Media:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29rmlk7

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/readouts/cinco-de-mayhem-a-santa-fe-cafe-mystery/

And on the shelves or by order at independent bookstores like

Tattered Cover: http://tatteredcover.com

Garcia Street Books: http://garciastreetbooks.com/

My Shelf Books and Gifts: 

http://www.wellsborobookstore.com/

I hope you enjoy the recipe Ann is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 268 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.

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SPICY SUMMER CORN SALAD

[Serves 6]

Quick and easy and perfect for summer potlucks, this salad features the flavors of elote, Mexican grilled corn served up with mayonnaise, lime juice, grated cheese, and spices.

Ingredients

6 ears of corn, shucked, or about 4 c of frozen corn

¼ c mayonnaise

3 T lime juice, preferably freshly squeezed

3 T red or sweet onion, finely diced

1–2 T jalapeño, deseeded and minced

1 clove garlic, minced

½ t chile powder (mild or medium, preferably New Mexican)

¼ t cumin powder

¼ t salt (to taste)

1/3 c fresh cilantro, chopped

1/3 c Cotija cheese, crumbled (or substitute feta or other relatively dry, salty cheese)

Prepare the corn. If you have fresh corn on the cob and a grill, shuck the corn, brush it with olive oil, and place on a medium high grill. Turn about every 2 minutes as the corn turns golden brown and lightly charred. Let cool slightly and then cut the corn off the cob into a large bowl.

If you are using frozen corn or don’t want to grill, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the corn kernels and cook over medium-high heat until golden.

To make the dressing, whisk together all the remaining ingredients except the cilantro and cheese. Mix the dressing into the corn. Then fold in the cilantro and top with the crumbled cheese. You can serve this dish as a side salad or as a dip with tortilla chips.

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Ann is giving away a mass-market paperback copy (U.S and CANADA Only) of CINCO DE MAYHEM or BREAD OF THE DEAD (winner’s choice) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Thank you, Ann, for sharing your stories and recipe with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: His Driven Domme (The Dungeon Fantasy Club Series, Book 4) by Anya Summers

 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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HIS DRIVEN DOMME

The Dungeon Fantasy Club Series, Book 4

BY ANYA SUMMERS

Blurb

Jesse Noble loves fast cars and even faster women. A professional race car driver, he’s used to being in the driver’s seat, until a devastating loss on the track forces him to walk away from the only life he’s ever known. After months of rehab and soul-sucking depression, Jesse heads to his friend’s place in Scotland, thinking a month or two of indulging in the fleshy delights of the Dungeon Fantasy Club will help him maneuver the road to recovery more than any painkillers.

Lucy Martin is the mistress and commander of her world. Labeled an ‘Ice Queen’ by her co-workers, she hides her tender and passionate heart from the world, even as she hopes to one day find a man who will help soothe her shattered heart. Now her best friend Zoey, the only person on the planet Lucy can confide in, has gone AWOL and left the country for some Scottish laird. On a mission to rescue her BFF, Lucy travels to Mulladoch Manor and has her world turned on its axis; finding herself in an exclusive BDSM club where she feels right at home.

When the dominant Jesse spies the luscious Lucy sporting four-inch stilettos and leather in the Dungeon Fantasy Club, he surrenders to a night of mind-blowing ecstasy, her caresses somehow driving away every one of his inner demons with supreme skill. In the race of his life, Jesse moves out of the driver’s seat and willingly becomes her passenger – if only she’ll continue tying him up and paddling his bare ass into the most erotically charged, world altering orgasms he’s ever experienced.

When their past secrets are revealed, Jesse will have to convince Lucy to enter the fast lane with him – and prove that he’s willing to submit to all of his Domme’s utmost desires. Can he make the ultimate sacrifice and give up control – for love?

Publisher’s Note: While this is the fourth installment of Anya Summer’s Dungeon Fantasy Club series, like all the books in the series, it can be read as a standalone. It contains explicit sexual themes including anal play and BDSM elements, as well as femdom scenes. If such material offends you, please do not purchase.

HIS DRIVEN DOMME

The Dungeon Fantasy Club Series, Book 4

BY ANYA SUMMERS

EXCERPT

Jesse exited his room on the fourth floor of Mullardoch Manor. He’d dreamt about the damn accident again. He had come here to escape from the hounding of the press. With the review panel hearing coming soon, the media frenzy surrounding his April crash had resurrected to a fevered pitch.

When Declan had made the offer that he could stay at the Manor and Dungeon Fantasy Club until the legal hearings were finished, Jesse had hightailed it from his apartment in Monaco. The rabid zealousness of the media meant he couldn’t even venture forth to the grocery store without being photographed or questioned.

And any chance of getting to his favorite BDSM Club, Voyeurs, had been out of the question.

After the short ride in the elevator, Jesse entered the Dungeon Fantasy Club hoping that he’d find a sub to help him pass the time. The resounding bass pumping rock out of the sound system filled the air. He liked Declan’s place. The sleek and sophisticated aura and layout of the club were different from his local club, but he really liked this one. The DFC, as everyone called it, was like stepping into first class accommodations BDSM style. The black, ultra-modern décor, where everything was state of the art with clean lines, was plush with hints of the sexual undercurrent always present at a club.

Since he’d arrived a week ago, the offerings at the DFC, while utterly and beguilingly attractive, had barely managed to pique his interest. Not even a little blip on his radar. Which, in his opinion, majorly sucked. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d sunk himself into the tight sheath of a willing sub. Jesse’s normal change of pace was a much more balls to the wall, anything goes, sampling a different sub every night routine. He wasn’t looking for a relationship. Hell, in his line of work, women were more plentiful than flies on shit. On the circuit, he’d had a different one—sometimes more than one—a night. Those who’d been more strictly vanilla, he’d still been able to convince into trying some light bondage. And he had always been more than obliging to accept what was so readily offered.

Except here lately, he couldn’t seem to rise to the occasion, any occasion. Since the crash in April, Jesse’s life had taken on a monotonous overtone where misery and guilt were his only companions. Christ, just thinking about the crash made his chest tight and the air stutter in his lungs.

He climbed on a barstool, flagging Jared for a beer, and set his black leather goody bag on the stool next to him. This would be his one drink of the night. Ever since the accident, he didn’t allow himself to indulge in more than one drink per night, ever. He had to maintain control, which had become too much of a slippery slope. He wasn’t an addict. At least, that was what he told himself. But if he loosened the reins a bit, partying more than was wise, he feared he would start popping pills again. Down that road, madness and addiction lay in wait with subtle, welcoming arms.

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 a M.A. in History.

Anya is a #1 Amazon 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.

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

Visit her website here: www.anyasummers.com

Amazon Author Page:

www.amazon.com/author/anyasummers

Visit her on social media here:

http://www.facebook.com/AnyaSummersAuthor

Twitter: @AnyaBSummers

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Anya Summers and Blushing Books!

Dungeon Fantasy Club Series

Her Highland Master, April 15, 2016

To Master & Defend, May 15, 2016

Two Doms for Kara, June 12, 2016

His Driven Domme, July 15, 2016

Her Country Master, August 17, 2016

Love Me, Master Me, September 16, 2016

Submit To Me, October 15, 2016

Her Wired Dom, November 14, 2016

Thank you, Anya, for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Into The Whirlwind (A BOSS, Inc. Novel) by Kat Martin

 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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INTO THE WHIRLWIND

A BOSS, Inc. Novel

BY KAT MARTIN

Blurb

A bodyguard, a bounty hunter, a private investigator, no one can handle the heat like the men of BOSS, Inc.

Megan O’Brien is at her wit’s end. Her three-year-old son has been kidnapped. No police, says the ransom demand. Fearing for her son’s life, Meg has no choice but to turn to her former bodyguard, Dirk Reynolds.

Dirk’s never forgiven Meg for the way she left him after their brief affair. But with bounty hunter Luke Brodie on his side, Dirk knows he’s got to help Meg rescue her son.

The few clues they’ve gathered send them spiraling into a murky world of high-stakes gambling and international crime. Meg may be way out of her depths, but she’s seeing a side of Dirk she never suspected—one no woman could possibly resist.

INTO THE WHIRLWIND

A BOSS, Inc. Novel

BY KAT MARTIN

EXCERPT

“Ms. Megan, thank God you’re home! It’s…it’s Charlie. I can’t find little Charlie.”

Meg’s heart took a leap as she stepped into the house, nearly colliding with her housekeeper, Rose Wills.

“Charlie’s almost three. He probably woke up and wandered off somewhere. He has to be here someplace.” But even as she said the words, worry jolted through her. Telling herself not to panic, Meg hurried toward the stairs.

“I put him down for a nap an hour ago,” Rose said, hurrying along behind her. “When I went back to check on him, he was gone.”

“You know how he likes to hide. He’s just found a new place is all.” But fear had her pulse kicking up, and her stomach started to churn. At the top of the landing, she turned and ran down the hall to her little boy’s bedroom, the housekeeper close behind her.

Charlie wasn’t in his small white youth bed. “Charlie! Mama’s home. Charlie! Where are you, sweetheart?” Meg ran to the closet and pulled open the door, searched through the stuffed toys and games on the closet floor, but found no sign of her son.

Her heart was hammering now, her stomach balled into a fist. Meg told herself to stay calm. There were dozens of places a little boy could hide in a two-story house.

“Charlie! Charlie, where are you, sweetie?”

Rose’s higher-pitched, worried voice chimed in. “Charlie! Come out now. Your mommy wants you.”

They searched upstairs but he was no where to be seen, went downstairs and searched the floor below.

“God, Rose, where could he be? You don’t think he went outside?”

“I always keep the doors locked and the chain on. There’s no way he could have gotten out.”

They checked all the doors, but Rose was right. No way could her little boy have gotten out of the house.

Meg ran back upstairs. She returned to his room, walked over to the bed to see if the covers still held a trace of warmth. Reaching down, she touched the soft blue blanket with the sailboats on it, but none of Charlie’s heat remained.

Instead she spotted an envelope protruding from the folds, her name in ink on the front.

“What did you find?” Rose walked up beside her.

“It’s a letter.” Her hands shook as she tore the envelope open.

“I didn’t see it before,” Rose said. “Oh, dear Lord.” She started to tremble, her pendulous breasts heaving as the implication sank in. She was a big woman, nearly as tall as Meg’s five-foot-ten inch frame. “What…what does it say?”

Meg read the note and her heart clutched, then turned to stone. “‘We have your son. He’ll cost you ten million in cash. You’ve got three days or he’s…he’s dead. No police.'”

Meg swayed on her feet. She gripped the headboard, afraid she might faint. Dear God, my baby! She turned, let Rose pull her into a hug, and her eyes welled with tears. They clung to each other, both of them crying.

The housekeeper straightened away. “We have to call the police. They’ll know what to do. They’ll get Charlie back.”

Meg shook her head. “No police. If we call them, they’ll kill him.”

Rose crossed herself. “What are going to do, Ms. Meg?”

Meg closed her eyes and prayed for strength. Her dad was extremely wealthy. He loved his grandson. Her father could get the ten million dollars they needed to pay the ransom.

But her dad was extremely controlling. And he believed money was the solution to everything. What if the kidnappers took the money and still killed her baby?

She thought of Charlie’s father, Jonathan Hollander, the man she had married to please her dad. Yes, he was handsome. She couldn’t deny she’d been attracted to his dark good looks and charming smiles. Her father hadn’t been able to see past Jonathan’s impressive Harvard education and his family’s lofty position in society.

Meg thought what a no-good, lying, cheat he had turned out to be.

She couldn’t go to Jonathan.

Another man’s image came to mind. Smart. Loyal to a fault. Strong. Tough. Reliable. The one man she would trust with her precious son’s life.

“I know someone.” Strength seeped through her as determination set in. “I know a man who can bring Charlie home.”

Meet Author Kat Martin … 

New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara where she majored in Anthropology and also studied History. She is married to L.J. Martin, author of western, non-fiction, and suspense novels.

Kat has written more than sixty-five novels. Sixteen million copies of her books are in print and she has been published in twenty foreign countries, including Japan, France, Germany, Argentina, Greece, China, Russia, and Spain.

Born in Bakersfield, California, Kat currently resides in Missoula, Montana, on a small ranch in the beautiful Sapphire mountains.

Her last 10 books have hit the prestigious New York Times bestseller list. AGAINST THE WILD, AGAINST THE SKY, AGAINST THE TIDE and INTO THE FURY her latest release, took top ten spots.

~~~

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

WEBSITE

Website: http://www.katmartin.com/

VIDEO

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6TuR...

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@katmartinauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

PURCHASE LINKS

Kindle: http://amzn.to/29AgWcw

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/29ECk0I

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/into-the-whirlwind-kat-martin/1122624817?ean=9781420139020

Books A Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9781420139020

Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781420139020

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/into-the-whirlwind-kat-martin/1122624817?ean=9781420139037

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/into-the-whirlwind-1

Googleplay:https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kat_Martin_Into_the_Whirlwind?id=coCCCgAAQBAJ

Ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/into-the-whirlwind/id1052616810?mt=11

~~

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**:  Kat is giving away a copy (paperback, Nook or Kindle, winner’s choice) of INTO THE WHIRLWIND to two lucky readers who comment on this Author Peek or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Thank you, Kat, for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Vernal (The Royal Protector Academy Book 1) by Randi Cooley Wilson

 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!

 ~~

VERNAL

The Royal Protector Academy Book 1

BY RANDI COOLEY WILSON

Blurb

Serena has a bright future etched in stone.

Tristan has a dark past that haunts him.

Together, they have a love that can never be.

When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love?

Sheltered, and unable to escape her bloodline, Serena St. Michael has spent the last two years training at the Royal Protector Academy. Struggling with a dark past, Tristan Gallagher’s current assignment is to protect a lifetime of secrets. One chance encounter will change everything. Serena must decide if she will follow her heart, forsaking all she’s ever known and risking a future worse than non-existence. Tristan will break every rule to save Serena, even if he can’t keep her. In their world of darkness, one love will ignite an ancient war. When pasts collide with the present, and secrets are revealed, will love be enough? Or will one lie destroy it all?

When you’ve hidden behind a mask for so long, would you reveal yourself for love? Vernal, the first novel in The Royal Protector Academy series is a dangerously exciting and darkly romantic tale that will take your breath away.

VERNAL

The Royal Protector Academy Book 1

BY RANDI COOLEY WILSON

EXCERPT

Note from Randi: I’m thrilled to be able to share an excerpt from Vernal, A Royal Protector Academy Paranormal Romance Novel!

With a lazy grin, I stretch my arms over my head, causing my shirt to ride up a bit at the bottom. Both ladies flush at the sight, averting their gazes when I catch them.

Serena clears her throat. “Why are you here, Tristan?”

I return her stare with a shrug. “I was walking and heard you scream. I thought perhaps you were in . . . danger.”

Her gaze narrows at the lie, as does the nymph’s.

“As you can see, I’m not in . . . danger,” she mocks.

“Why were you screaming then?” I counter.

Serena looks to Freya, who offers a slight shake of her head, before turning her attention back to me. It’s obvious they’re working together to hide something. Interesting.

“I, um,” Serena stretches.

“Yes?” The annoyance in my voice is unmistakable.

“Thought I saw a frog.”

“A frog?” I repeat in disbelief.

“Yes.”

“You’re afraid of amphibians?” I question.

“Terrified.”

“Of a toad?”

“Toads, newts, salamanders, all amphibians really.”

I try to hold back my smile. “Why is that?”

She swallows, uncomfortable with lying. “Well,” her eyes dart around the forest, searching for an answer. “They’re tailless and slimy. Unpredictable when they leap,” she adds. “Full of warts and stuff,” her voice trails off.

I watch her fake a shiver for effect. It’s awkward, yet amusing, that she thinks I’m buying her pathetic reasoning.

“They also have that weird sac in their throat that makes that awful croaking sound,” Freya adds in a murmur.

Serena nods her head in agreement. “That, too. The,” she forces out the words, “weird sound, thingy, they make.”

I raise a brow and press my lips, while filling my tone with sarcasm. “I can see how that would be . . . terrifying.”

“Petrifying, really,” Serena continues.

“Chilling, even,” I add.

“Horrifying.”

“Frogs!” I announce.

“Crazy.”

We hold one another’s gaze in a gentle manner. The connection between us is palpable.

For one perfect moment, everything around us fades out and it’s just me and her.

Meet Author Randi Cooley Wilson … 

Randi Cooley Wilson is a bestselling author of paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance books. Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years. Randi makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her daughter and husband. Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via social media

~~~

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/298c2nM

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vernal-randi-cooley-wilson/1123441022?ean=2940152864090

iBooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/vernal-royal-protector-academy/id1085522068?mt=11

Twitter: R_CooleyWilson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RCooleyWilson

Website: www.randicooleywilson.com

Thank you, Randi, for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Lala Corriere #recipe ~ Lala’s Black Tie Salmon

Karen’s Killer Fixin’s

**AUTHOR SPECIAL**

with LALA CORRIERE!

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, LALA CORRIERE, and her favorite recipe for LALA’S BLACK TIE SALMON.

~~~

BYE BYE BONES

A Cassidy Clark Novel, Book 1

BY LALA CORRIERE

Blurb

Jaxon Giles’ beloved dog is dead. He can’t prove it, but he knows who killed Gecko. His stalking ex-wife wants to take away anything and anyone he loves.

Private investigator Cassidy Clark agrees to run surveillance, while in the midst of helping the city of Tucson.

Women are disappearing. Gone. Were they murdered? Kidnapped and being held captive? A cult that enticed them to leave all belongings behind?

Without bodies and any crime scenes, there is no DNA. No evidence. No trace.

~~

Gutsy investigator Cassidy Clark is the star of “Bye Bye Bones,” a thriller that crackles with snappy dialogue and feisty females. Tucson author Lala Corriere expertly tracks a series of abductions, including that of a powerful Arizona congresswoman, building this savvy suspense novel to a breath-taking conclusion.

Betty Webb, best-selling author of “Desert Rage,” “Desert Wives,” and other best-selling Lena Jones mysteries.

BYE BYE BONES

A Cassidy Clark Novel, Book 1

BY LALA CORRIERE

EXCERPT

It is said every human has an evil eye.

Seeing through it is what becomes disturbing.

 

Mirror, mirror, on the wall,

Time for the pretty ones to fall.

Chapter One

JAXON GILES PUKED over the edge of his front patio as he waited for the sheriff’s department to arrive. Again. Wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his suit jacket before stripping it off, he tossed the soiled Armani over the stucco wall, managing to avoid the pile of vomit.

As he dialed 911 for the umpteenth time, he felt like the male-version of Nicole Brown Simpson. “You know the house. You’ve been here before. Sandra Vickery is at it again.”

Jaxon sat down on the second travertine step and loosened his tie. February in the desert brought chilly evening temperatures. The crisp air was now his friend. Hell, Fargo wouldn’t be cold enough to cool down the blood that boiled in his veins.

The red and blue lights finally made their way up his driveway and an all-too familiar deputy exited the car. Jaxon didn’t recognize his partner on the other side of the car.

“Mr. Giles, to what do we owe the honor?”

“She was just here. Again.”

“Who?”

“You know damn well. My ex.”

“Did she cause you physical harm this time?”

“She was pulling out of the back drive when I got home.”

“No verbal threats?”

“Non-verbal. A nice big finger waving at me and you know which one.”

“Property damage?”

“No. Because my dog is not my property. He’s my goddamned family.”

“You need to calm down, Mr. Giles.” The deputy thumbed through his notes and, after a long sigh, said, “So, I see here from dispatch that you arrived home approximately forty minutes ago to find your ex-wife pulling out of your back driveway, flipping you the finger, to quote you, and only later you discovered your dog in the backyard. Deceased.”

“If you think five-minutes is later, that is correct. You’ve been here how many times? You know she’s the one who killed Gecko!”

“The only thing I know right now is your emotional state has me most concerned.”

The deputy motioned to his sidekick before turning his gaze to Jaxon. “My partner will escort you inside your home while I check out your backyard, okay?”

Jaxon nodded, understanding the stern verbal hint. He knew if he weren’t careful he’d be the one spending the night in a jail cell. After following the second deputy indoors, he poured himself a scotch, neat.

Worried about his girlfriend, Jessica Silva, he checked his watch. It was 10:15 and Jessica, a local evening news anchor, would be on the air. And safe. Maybe.

Fifteen minutes later there was a rap at his back kitchen door. The first deputy entered, just ending a phone call.

“I can’t see any signs of foul play, Mr. Giles. Your dog shows no trace of injury.”

“Dead is injured!” Jaxon exclaimed.

“I just took a call from another squad car that drove to Ms. Vickery’s home. The funny thing is that she was home, sitting in the living room watching television. She had no problem letting our deputies inside. In fact, they report she had been sitting on her sofa knitting a baby blanket.”

“Don’t you get it by now? There is no goddamned baby. She’s brilliant at this game. I haven’t touched this woman in over two years and yet she insists she’s carrying my baby. Maybe she’s delivering an elephant and going for twenty-two months. Either way, it isn’t mine.”

“Didn’t you report a burglary about a year ago at this property? No sign of forced entry?”

“It was nineteen months ago. The place was ransacked. Vandalized. The deputies asked me if anyone had a key to my home. At first I said no but then remembered my housekeeper kept one.

“They wanted to question her, and they did, but I was the one to put the pieces together. My housekeeper has been with me for years. And suddenly, she also began cleaning my ex’s house.”

“But your wife was cleared, along with the housekeeper.”

“Ex-wife!”

The lead deputy took a seat on the leather sofa. “Then give me something. Right now we can’t even bring her in for questioning.”

Jaxon blurted out, “You won’t touch her because she donates to all of your fundraisers. I get it. She’s Tucson’s own little heiress. Vickery Pools. You guys won’t do anything but kiss her royal ass.”

He knew he was crossing the line. Frustrated, he tossed his hands up in the air and rolled his head from shoulder to shoulder, well aware of every knot and pop.

“I’m ordering an autopsy for my dog, Gecko. They’ll take tissue samples and test for drugs. You’ll see soon enough. My dog was poisoned.”

“Might help.” The deputy paused, took a deep breath, “Why haven’t you taken out a restraining order on her?”

“Because she doesn’t want to kill me. She wants to hurt me. She wants to see me suffer.”

“Well, apparently she has. Get the restraining order. And notify all of your neighbors. This is no time to be private.”

He knew the facts. At best, that order was a worthless piece of paper. The flip side was that it might send this woman over the edge into a cavernous rage.

About Author Lala Corriere… 

Corriere is the author of five titles in suspense & thrillers. Her most recent work, Bye Bye Bones, released in November 2015. Credits include the endorsement and mentorship from the late Sidney Sheldon, listed on USA Today as MUST READ SUSPENSE, and blurbs from Betty Webb, Andrew Neiderman, J.Carson Black, Paris Afton Bonds, and KT Bryan.

A desert rat, Corriere nestles there with her husband of twenty-seven years, and two Teacup Yorkies, Finnegan and Phoebe.

~~~

Links to Lala’s Website, Books, & Social Media:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29oHUoy

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/lala.corriere?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LalaCorriere

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lala-corriere-b3b8a610?trk=hp-identity-headline

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalacorriere/

Google+: 

https://plus.google.com/106567306624264547600/posts

I hope you enjoy the recipe Lala is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 267 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.

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

LALA’S BLACK TIE SALMON

[Serves 2]

While it might first look a little daunting, once you make this you’ll find it’s a breeze to prepare for any elegant occasion.

3 leeks

1 C Extra Virgin olive oil +

1 lemon

1 can chicken broth, or from your stock.

2 bunches chives

2 flat salmon filets, skin off

2 potatoes

1 Roma tomato

Chive Oil:

Cut the green parts of chive in sections and put in blender. Reserve a small amount of chives to use as a garnish. Add 1 C olive oil and process until smooth. Strain into a container. This can be done ahead of time. The color is fantastic!

Leek Sauce:

Discard dark green parts of leeks. In a large skillet, slice and sauté leeks in a small amount of EVOO, until slightly limp and translucent. Add chicken broth and the juice of ½ the lemon. I like to cut the lemon lengthwise so that I have nice wedges to use as a garnish Simmer on high, stirring often, until thickened and reduced. About ten minutes. Place sauce in a blender or processor. Make sure the lid is tight fitting. Do not use an immersion blender. Process until smooth.

Potatoes & Salmon:

Peel and shred potatoes. OR, my way. Buy the fresh already shredded potatoes, no seasoning, OR by the frozen patties. They ‘set up’ well. Add salt and pepper. In a preheated skillet coated with EVOO, press the shredded potatoes down, firmly. [If using the frozen patties you can skip this, but first brown one side and then turn.] Top the potatoes with the salmon. You will be plating individual servings, so if using potato shreds form individual foundations for each filet. When salmon is mostly cooked to your liking, carefully turn each portion to finish. 1-2 minutes.

Presentation:

Spread enough leek sauce on the center of each plate to reach an inch from the outer rim. Place the salmon/potato on top. Drizzle the outer rim of the plate with the chive oil. Garnish with small chopped chives, chopped tomato, and a wedge of lemon. VOILA!

Caveat:

It took me a couple times making this to feel comfortable, but it really is a breeze! And oh-so-elegant.

This recipe is for two, but you should have plenty of sauce and oil to stretch it to four with added salmon filets and potato.

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Lala is giving away one trade paperback copy of one of her backlist books (WIDOW’S ROW, COVERBOYS & CURSES, EVIL CRIES or KISS AND KILL) to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Thank you, Lala, for sharing your stories and recipe with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Something Good by Darlene Deluca

 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!

 ~~

SOMETHING GOOD

BY DARLENE DELUCA

Blurb

A mistake. A blessing. A tragedy.

And now, Mandi Evans has made it her goal to fade into anonymity. Once a straight-A student with her choice of colleges, she’s withdrawn into a life that consists of two jobs, an online class, and memories. Crippled by the past, she feels unworthy of a better life – until Lane Whitmore walks into the diner where she works six nights a week.

An urban planner, Lane is looking to revitalize the rundown part of town where Mandi’s hidden herself away. He can’t help but notice this diamond in the rough as well, and what starts as simple good times grows to . . . something more.

With Lane, Mandi feels alive again, and she makes a bold decision – one that could chart her course on a path to redemption. But will keeping her plan a secret from Lane turn out to be the biggest mistake of all?

Something Good, award-winning contemporary romance. Something Good was first runner-up for the 2015 RONE Award in the contemporary romance sweet category. It also received a 2015 Maple Leaf award for Best Ending from Still Moments Magazine and TransCanada Romance Writers. InD’Tale Magazine calls Something Good’s hero a “McDreamy-worthy” main male character.

SOMETHING GOOD

BY DARLENE DELUCA

EXCERPT

As they started up the walkway, Lane grabbed Mandi’s hand, sending her pulse jumping again.

He shot her an easy smile as he opened the door and ushered her inside. They squeezed into the waiting area, and Mandi was suddenly self-conscious. They looked like a couple – as if they lived together, had gotten out of the bed they’d shared the night before and were going about their day together. As heat rose to her face, she took the small complimentary cup of coffee he offered her, thinking an ice-cold glass of water might be a better choice.

It was too noisy to talk, thank God, and Lane sifted through the many sections of newspapers spread around the seating area. Mandi stole a sideways glance at him while he sipped his coffee. He hadn’t shaved before they left his place, and the shadow of new growth gave him a roguish look. She kind of liked it. When he looked over and caught her staring at him, a quick smile spread across his face, He shifted, and draped an arm around her shoulder. For a moment she envied his ability to smile so naturally. She’d forgotten how to smile spontaneously. These days, she had to have a reason. Had to make a conscious effort. Most of the time, she just couldn’t muster one.

Mandi straightened and shook off those thoughts. Any time she was tempted to feel sorry for herself, she remembered how it all began in the first place. Whose fault was that? She blew out her breath, thankful when the girl at the desk called Lane’s name.

“What can I get ya’ll to drink?” a waitress asked as soon as they were seated.

Mandi checked her watch. Almost eleven. This would probably be her only real meal of the day. She ordered a tall orange juice, and couldn’t help but notice that the waitress, all the wait staff, was neatly put together in bright-colored collared shirts and khaki slacks. While it wasn’t fancy, the restaurant had a sophisticated feel, with modern light fixtures and wooden tables with fabric-padded chairs. A far cry from Jimmy’s, for sure. The diner was nicked and torn and outdated – shabby without the chic.

Lane requested more coffee, then closed his menu and raised his brows. “Ah, the healthy choice. Showing me up.”

“I’ll probably switch back to caffeine later before I go to work,” Mandi told him.

When the waitress returned, Mandi ordered a basic egg breakfast with bacon and hash browns. Lane ordered an omelet loaded with just about everything.

“You’ll have to let me know how it compares to the omelets at Jimmy’s, so I can tell Carl.”

Lane took a sip of his coffee. “You can tell Carl the omelet I had there was delicious.”

Mandi had to laugh. This guy was too nice. She swallowed the lump in her throat. She was in over her head. In over her status, anyway. Lane Whitmore was too good to be true. Of course, she’d known it the first time she’d seen him. He was temporary. Like an over-the-counter medication, he provided temporary relief from common aches and pains.

“I’ll tell him,” she said softly. She gulped down the cold water, trying to pull her thoughts away from dwelling on what she couldn’t have. “So, what are you doing today?” she asked, attempting to offer some kind of conversation.

“I figure since it’s Saturday, more people will be home, outside doing yard work, things like that. Thought I’d do some canvassing, talk to folks in the neighborhoods.”

“You’re just going to walk the streets?”

Lane grinned. “Something like that.”

“I’ll loan you a can of pepper spray.” And she wasn’t joking. But she knew it was different for a man. A man might get hassled, maybe roughed up in the worst areas. A woman could disappear.

He sat back and tapped his fingers against his coffee mug. “I know this place doesn’t have a great reputation, but I’ve been here a few days, and haven’t seen anything that scares me too much yet. As far as I can tell there are a lot of hard-working people just trying to live their lives. Obviously not making a ton of money, but plugging along.”

“That’s true. But there are also gangs and drug dealers and basic stupid low-life.”

Lane leaned forward again, his smoky eyes intense on hers. “Which brings me to the question I asked you the other night. What the hell are you doing working at Jimmy’s? You could work someplace like this.”

Mandi glanced around the restaurant. Someplace like this. She knew what he meant. Cleaner. More upscale clientele. “Maybe. But Jimmy’s is close to home. When I get off work at eleven or twelve, I want to get home. Besides, Jimmy’s been good to me.”

Her throat constricted. A sense of loyalty kept her at Jimmy’s. She’d stay there until she had enough money to blast out of Texas for good. The people there had helped her through the worst days of her life. She owed them. They’d covered for her through the times when she froze up, threw up or didn’t even show up.

“You live close to Jimmy’s? By yourself?”

“I’m by myself now. But when we first–” Whatever thought she’d had, whatever she was about to say completely escaped her brain. Her eyes locked onto the elegant woman coming toward her.

“Mom!”

Panicked, she looked at Lane, who immediately slid out of the booth.

“Miranda, honey. My goodness! What a surprise.”

“What are you doing here?” What the hell is what she really meant. Why were they out of their own zone? Now. Here.

“We were meeting the Martinsons for brunch.”

Another woman stopped at the table. “Why, hello there, Miss Miranda. How are you?”

Mandi’s father and Mr. Martinson stopped behind the women, and with reluctance, Mandi stood. She let Mrs. Martinson pull her into a brief hug. “I’m fine, thank you,” Mandi murmured. But her eyes were on her father. Even on a Saturday morning, her dad wore dress slacks, polished loafers and a collared shirt. She watched him take in the scene, looking from Mandi to Lane, knowing how he’d interpret the situation. His unmarried daughter, the slut, having breakfast with the man she’d spent the night with.

“We’ll wait up front,” Mrs. Martinson told them. “No rush.”

When they moved on, Lane looked at Mandi expectantly, probably waiting for her to come to life and introduce him to her parents. Hmmm, how to introduce him? What was he? Friend, casual acquaintance, sex partner?

Before she could decide, Lane took charge. With a confident smile, he extended his hand to her father. “Lane Whitmore. Pleased to meet you.”

“Prescott Evans.”

The men shook hands, and then Lane and her mother did the same.

“So nice to meet you, Lane. I’m Beth,” her mother said, hitching her boxy Kate Spade bag over her shoulder.

Mandi wondered if Lane was the kind of guy who’d notice designer labels. Would he notice her dad’s Rolex? The diamond flashing on her mother’s hand? Probably. Those were hard to miss.

Her mother gave a nervous laugh. “Well, we better get out of the way. Are you coming by tomorrow?”

Mandi thought of the mountain of laundry piling up in her closet. She sometimes went to her parents’ house on Sundays for dinner, and tossed in a load rather than going to the sketch Laundromat at The Meadows.

“I’m not sure yet.”

“All right. Let us know.” She glanced at Lane. “Bring your friend. We’d love it.” She gave Mandi a hug, then in a loud whisper asked if she needed any money.

Mandi wanted to sink through the floor as her dutiful father pulled out his wallet. She waved it away, her face burning. “No. Dad, really. I’m fine.”

He replaced the wallet. “All right then. We’ll see you later.” He leaned in and planted a quick kiss on Mandi’s cheek then he gave Lane a curt nod, and nudged her mother along.

Please. Go already. Mandi sank back into the booth, knowing Lane’s eyes were fixed on her. Thankfully, the waitress appeared with their food. And Mandi nearly did a face-plant into her plate.

Meet Author Darlene Deluca … 

Darlene Deluca writes contemporary novels that are about people and their relationships – what brings them together or keeps them apart. Her characters are well-rounded women (with some classy heroes sprinkled in) who juggle careers and personal life, and find fulfillment whether it’s through romance or solid I’ve-got-your-back girlfriends.

Darlene is a Kansas native with a degree in journalism. A life-long reader, books have always been important to her, and she’s spent many years as a classroom and library volunteer at her kids’ schools, and somehow always managed to run the book fair.

She enjoys books, dark chocolate, and tea – preferably combined with a sunny day by the pool or at the beach!

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29iLIrX

B&N:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Darlene+Deluca/_/N-8q8?_requestid=1107521

iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/something-good/id836461483?mt=11

Website: https://darlenedeluca.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Darlene-Deluca-282385088481413/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Darlene is giving away an e-copy (Amazon or Smashwords) of SOMETHING GOOD to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Book Bench blog. Thank you, Darlene, for sharing your story with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Karen/K.L. Docter #Review Spots Opening

KAREN/K.L. DOCTER REVIEW TEAM

~ SPOTS NOW AVAILABLE ~

We’re definitely wallowing in the hot summer months, at least here in Denver! I know we aren’t the hottest state in the country, and our heat is often much higher in August and September, but steady 90+ degrees is pressure cooker temperature for me so I’m getting an early start on complaining. Especially since I usually keep my house below 70 degrees.

Yeah, yeah, I’m like the reverse Punxsutawney Phil. I stick my head out and if it’s too hot, I scuttle back into my cave.

Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Protecting the Quarterback (Harlequin Superromance) by Kristina Knight

 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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PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK

Harlequin Superromance

BY KRISTINA KNIGHT

Blurb

This is more than just a game…to her

Sports broadcaster Brooks Smith has always been more involved with the game than the players. But after she shares the spotlight at an awards ceremony with tabloid sensation Jonas Nash, one night of letting her guard down around the infamous quarterback spirals into many heated days and nights together when she gets assigned to the story of the year

The hottest player in professional football is hiding a secret that could end his career for good. Now Brooks is caught on the sidelines between the job she loves and the man she is falling in love with.

PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK

Harlequin Superromance

BY KRISTINA KNIGHT

EXCERPT

“I’m assigned to the Kentuckians, not to one player.” Brooks sat up straighter in her chair. Hard gaze or not, these two were not going to derail her assignment. With the veritable all-access pass she had with the team, she could create real buzz. Maybe land a spot at the network sports desk or maybe even in the booth during games. “I can’t report on the other players if I’m all the way in—” she looked from man to man.

“Hyde Park,” Jonas said, reluctantly. The neighborhood was a ten-minute drive from the training camp facility. Not so far away she couldn’t report on what was going on, but something was off about this request.

“And several team staffers will be on hand, talking to the boys about nutrition and proper training as well as the sport fundamentals,” Earl added. “Think of it as a team training camp, but with an emphasis on kids, not professional athletes.”

With the right angle, this could be something the network would be interested in. There were several initiatives the league was involved in to get kids more active, and this camp sounded like a way to bridge league and team programs. But it could just as easily be covered by the local affiliate. They didn’t need her, and she did need an interview with Jonas. “Why me?”

Earl studied her for a long moment, which was odd because Jonas seemed to be making a point of not looking at her. Not even a sideways glance. His chocolate-brown eyes were focused on the corner wall seam as if something magical might appear at any moment. Weird. He’d had no problem giving her a hard time in the locker room yesterday. He might not like her reporter side, but he liked other parts of her. After yesterday’s locker room incident, Brooks knew where she stood on the personal like-o-meter of Jonas Nash.

The thought sent a shiver of excitement up her spine.

She wouldn’t do anything with the knowledge; she’d stopped dating jocks in high school. But it was still nice to be noticed by a man like Jonas.

“The interview.”

Brooks’s breath caught in her throat. “I get the interview when you get the coverage for the charity camp.”

“It’s not a charity, these kids deserve better than pot-holed streets disguised as basketball courts or football fields.” Finally, Jonas joined the conversation, although he still wasn’t looking directly at her. Instead, those deep, deep eyes were fixed on something just above Brooks’s head.

“Again, not my assignment. I’m the beat reporter assigned to report on your team, not your charity work.”

Jonas clenched his jaw. “You can report on the charity work or you can deal with a locker room full of men who won’t give you the time of day through early February,” he said. “Assuming we’re playing for the championship.”

“You can’t shut me out.”

“Oh, you can walk that fine ass into the lockers any time. Finding someone who will talk to you, that’s a whole other subject.”

Meet Author Kristina Knight … 

Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way, she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.

Kristina writes sassy contemporary romance novels; her books have appeared on Kindle Best Seller Lists. She loves hearing from readers, so drop her a line!

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/29mkmQh

        Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protecting-the-quarterback-kristina-knight/1122856806?ean=9780373609598

iBooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/protecting-the-quarterback/id1052693233?mt=11

KOBO:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/protecting-the-quarterback

Harlequin:

http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=64371

Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorkristina

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina/

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827833.Kristina_Knight

Google+:

https://plus.google.com/+KristinaKnightAuthor/posts

 

**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Kristina is giving away an e-copy of any backlist book as well as a signed copy of PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK to two (2) lucky readers who comment on her Karen’s Book Bench blog. Thank you, Kristina, for sharing your story and recipe with us.

Don’t miss the chance to read this book!