Karen Docter's Blog, page 240
July 5, 2015
**Author Peek** Interview with Jannine Gallant
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with
JANNINE GALLANT
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INTRODUCING…Jannine!
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full-time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
Thanks for having me! I live at Beautiful Lake Tahoe in California. I’d love to say I pay the mortgage writing…maybe someday. LOL Until then, I work part time for the local Parks and Recreation Department, hanging out at the boat ramp all summer, writing between boats. I’m an outdoors woman. I love to hike in the woods with my dog.
1. How did you get started writing?
I actually started writing my first book the summer after I graduated from high school. I think I still have it in a notebook somewhere…where it deserves to stay! LOL I did major in creative writing in college, but I didn’t get fully motivated to pursue writing as a career until both my daughter were in school and I had time to devote to my craft.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Currently I write mostly romantic suspense. It’s the genre I enjoy reading and writing most because it keeps me on my toes and excited to find out what happens next. I’ve also written novella length contemporary stories and two historical novels. I adore history and love the research involved, and I may go back to that genre in the future.
3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
Plot holes. Of course I can’t write down the fixes I come up with… Kind of like waking up in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea you forget by morning!
4. What is your favorite part of writing?
Editing. I enjoy smoothing out my dialogue and filling those plot holes to make my writing the best it can be.
5. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
Editing. LOL When my editor tells me my writing isn’t so awesome, I’m not as thrilled as when I’m telling myself that! But every bit of input does make my writing stronger.
6. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
My stories usually come to me when I’m walking my dog in the woods where I do all my best thinking. Often they’re born of what ifs. What if this happened? Then what? A story slowly emerges from the questions.
7. Tell me about your ideal reader .
My ideal reader is someone who likes fast action and characters grounded in reality. I don’t do billionaires. I love readers who can relate to small towns and appreciate adventures as much as I do!
8. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
I need silence! Unfortunately, I don’t focus well with a lot of background noise. To get into the flow of my story, I edit what I wrote the day before and then keep going. I find it helps with continuity, with the perk benefit of less editing time later on!
9. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Every Step She Takes, the second Book in my Who’s Watching Now series releases tomorrow! This is a fast paced romantic suspense story set in the wilds of Alaska and in San Francisco. I hope you’ll join Grace and Travis on their action-packed adventure!
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Jannine and her #excerpt for EVERY STEP SHE TAKES on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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Links to Jannine’s website, blog, books, etc.
Author Links:
Buy Links:
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Jannine is giving away a PDF copy of one book from her Secrets of Ravenswood series to one lucky read who comments on her **Author Special** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Winner chooses between We’ll Never Tell, She’ll Never Rest or He’ll Never Know. Find blurbs for each book on her Website. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Jannine, for sharing your stories with us!
July 2, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Chocolate Banana Cake
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 CHOCOLATE BANANA CAKE!
This is a fun twist on the basic chocolate cake, and who doesn’t love banana bread and chocolate chips. Mix it all up together and what do you have? A cake full of rich flavor. It doesn’t even need frosting!
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 207 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.
CHOCOLATE BANANA CAKE
[Serves 8]
Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¼ cups sifted flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. instant coffee powder
2 eggs, room temperature
1 T. grated orange peel
1 cup banana puree (3 lg. very ripe)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
powdered sugar
Position rack in center of oven. Preheat to 325 degrees. Butter 6-cup fluted tube pan; dust with cocoa powder. Sift flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cream butter in another bowl. Add brown sugar and coffee powder and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat 2 minutes. Add orange peel. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with banana puree, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake until firm to touch in center, about 70 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Invert onto rack and cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
July 1, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Summer at the Shore by V.K. Sykes
Summer at the Shore by VK Sykes
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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SUMMER AT THE SHORE
Seashell Bay #2
BY V.K. SYKES
Blurb
JUST A SUMMER FLING?
Morgan Merrifield sacrificed her teaching career to try to save her family’s bed-and-breakfast and care for her younger sister. She can’t let herself get distracted by Ryan Butler. After all, the rugged ex-Special Forces soldier is only in Seashell Bay for the summer. But her longtime crush soon flares into real desire-and with one irresistible kiss, she’s swept away.
Ryan values his freedom. As much as he wants Morgan, he’s not ready to settle down with anyone, much less in sleepy Seashell Bay. But his code of honor doesn’t allow him to leave a woman in distress-and she’s in desperate need of help to fix the inn. It only takes one day working under the same roof and Ryan is already hoping for a lifetime of hot summer nights . . .
SUMMER AT THE SHORE
Seashell Bay #2
BY V.K. SYKES
EXCERPT
Ryan pushed his sunglasses up on his forehead, his dark eyes studying her so intently she began to feel nervous.
“Not boring,” he finally said. “Nice. You deserve the right man, Morgan. And he’ll be a damn lucky guy when he finds you.”
And maybe I’m already right under his nose.
She strongly doubted that he was thinking along any such lines, which meant she shouldn’t either. “It’d probably be easier for him to discover the cure for the common cold than unearth the love of his life in Pickle River, Maine, population ten and falling.”
Ryan choked out a laugh. “That bad, huh?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Trust me, I’m barely exaggerating. So what about you, mystery man? Are you waiting for the right woman? Because you certainly deserve to find her,” she finished with a teasing smile. She didn’t want him to go squirrely on her now by getting too serious.
Ryan turned away again, gluing his gaze on the water. Her heart sinking, Morgan wondered if he was simply ignoring the question.
She shimmied back around, picked up a pebble from the beach, and tossed it as far as she could into the channel. It made a barely perceptible splash. Ryan looked at her again, and she got a jolt at the grim set to his gorgeous mouth and something that looked like pain in his eyes.
“I don’t think of it in those terms,” he said. “In fact, I try not to think about it much at all.”
Annoyed by his cryptic response—and annoyed that she was annoyed—Morgan scrambled for a light response. “More fun to keep playing the field, huh? I can see why. You must have to fight off scads of women who’d like nothing better than a little attention from big, strong you. You’re such a badass.” She batted her eyelashes.
Weirdly, his gaze narrowed with even greater intensity. It surprised her that he didn’t take the easy out.
“I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not a great idea to get involved,” he said. “Even if somebody could put up with the danger and with only seeing me once in a blue moon, I’m not into that kind of a relationship. They hardly ever work.”
The obvious conviction behind his words took her aback. “You know there are successful military marriages, Ryan, despite long deployments.”
His smile was grim. “You know what the divorce rate is in Spec Ops units?”
Morgan wasn’t about to guess.
“I’ve heard it’s around 80 percent,” Ryan said. “So your chances of success are one in five. And believe me, it’s no better for guys who work for private military contractors.”
She stared at him. “That’s awful. But you won’t be doing that kind of work forever. You told me that at Diamond Cove.”
“No, but it’s where I am now. Would it be fair to a woman to pretend we could have a relationship that would actually last?” He picked up a pebble and launched it out into the channel, far beyond where hers had sunk.
Boy, how could she even respond to that kind of cynicism?
“You’ve told me that teaching means more to you than anything else,” Ryan went on, as if challenging her. “Would you sacrifice your career even if you thought you’d found the right guy?”
His attitude was starting to piss her off. “I don’t know about that, but I’ve certainly given it up now, at least for the time being. Maybe for a long time.” She stared at him, feeling defiant. “And I did it because my sister needs me. That’s more important than my career.”
He grimaced. “Jesus, Morgan, I didn’t mean—”
She held up a hand. “It’s fine, Ryan. Really.” She flashed him a smile. “We shouldn’t be getting this heavy anyway. We’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves.”
His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We can blame it on Kristi.”
“Yes, let’s. And speaking of Mrs. Buckle, mark my words, that woman is hot for you, husband or no husband. You’re only sleeping about twenty feet apart, so I’d advise you to keep your door locked at night if you want to avoid a midnight visit.”
This time, the smile did reach his eyes. He slid an arm around her waist. “If I wanted company, Kristi’s not the woman at Golden Sunset I’d want in my room.” His arm tightened around her waist, gently pulling her against his naked torso.
Morgan froze, staring at him. The slowly building heat in his gaze sure didn’t look like a joke, nor did the arm around her waist feel like just a friendly gesture—not when she was plastered against all that warm, brawny muscle. And honest to God, she hadn’t a clue how to react.
About the author, V.K. Sykes…
V.K. Sykes is really two people – Vanessa Kelly and Randy Sykes, a husband and wife team who write USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance and also romantic suspense. Randy excels at plot and characterization, but tends to fall down on the job when it comes to that pesky old thing called emotion. That’s where Vanessa steps in. She usually writes the sex scenes too, since Randy is a bit uncomfortable when it comes to that sort of stuff. Vanessa also writes award-winning Regency-set historical romance for Kensington Zebra under her own name. You can check out Vanessa’s bestselling historical romances at www.vanessakellyauthor.com
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Links to V.K.’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour:
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/03/summer-at-shore-seashell-bay-2-by-vk.html
Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23341861-summer-at-the-shore?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/129828-seashell-bay
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Monthly Blog Subscriber JULY #Winner!!
Time to announce the JULY 2015 #WINNER of my Monthly Blog Subscriber Giveaway, where special readers can win a read or coffee – two of my favorite things—on me!!!
And the winner is…
JANICE@ABOUTTIM…
Congratulations! You have won a $5 gift card from Amazon or Starbucks (your choice)! I’ll contact you privately to arrange for delivery of your gift.
Dear Readers,
If you missed this month’s giveaway, you can still subscribe to my blog at http://www.karendocter.com/ to get my blogs delivered straight to your email and be entered EACH MONTH into a random drawing for #FREE $5 gift card. On the first of each month, I’ll draw one name at www.random.org from all of my subscribers to receive the card.
More wonderful perks to subscribing to my blog? The blogs, when they appear in your Inbox, are pretty and easy to read. You can discover new authors, recipes and reader fun…and many of the authors have GIVEAWAYS.
If you’re only in the mood to receive my Special Release Alerts, you can subscribe to my mailing list instead. This is NOT a newsletter, but the occasional Karen/K.L. Docter news release.
Thanks for joining me on Karen’s Killer Book Bench!!
Karen/K.L.
To avoid SPAM filters, I will be announcing this random giveaway on the blog from now on because some have not responded to my emails about winning the drawing. If your name is announced and you don’t hear from me and can’t find an email in your SPAM folder, please contact me at kldocter@yahoo.com. Thank you!
Winners selected by random.org.
June 30, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: #RomCon2015 #Readers 4th of July #SALE
FOURTH OF JULY SALE!!! FOURTH OF JULY SALE!!!
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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Hi everyone.
On the Book Bench today I wanted to highlight my friends and fellow authors who will be at RomCon® with us in SEPTEMBER. Come to RomCon, have fun, play games, get free books, win stuff, and laugh like you haven’t in years. Find your tribe. We’ll be there. I promise you.
Since we have to wait SO LONG to get together at RomCon, we’re launching a Rafflecopter contest to give away a KINDLE PAPERWHITE and a $50 Visa gift card to celebrate summer and my upcoming trip to RomCon® 2015 in Denver. All you have to do to enter for a change to win is sign up for our newsletters! Super simple.
And then? Register for RomCon! Join us! It’s NOT too late.
Register NOW: http://www.romcon.com/about-reader-weekend
See you there!
Michele Callahan & Jennifer Zane
**Contest ends JULY 15. Don’t miss your chance to win!
June 29, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Bachelorette For Sale by Gail Chianese
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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BACHELORETTE FOR SALE
A West Side Romance
BY
GAIL CHIANESE
Blurb
This sparkling debut dives right in to everything funny, flirty, and fiery about modern dating with the tale of a sexy singles auction that comes with the prize of a lifetime…
As far as Cherry Ryan is concerned, the bright lights of Hollywood are nothing but glare after her heart is broken on a reality show for millions to see. Instead she’s throwing herself into fundraising for the local community center that was a priceless lifeline to her as a kid. But when a volunteer for the singles auction bails at the last minute, Cherry finds herself on the block—and sold to Jason Valentine, a handsome contractor with a gorgeous body—and a really bad attitude about her days in the limelight…
Cherry soon finds that Jason’s more than eye candy, and not entirely sweet—especially his quest to win the bid for the center’s renovation. Mixing business with pleasure doesn’t seem like such a good idea—until Jason has a chance to reveal the big heart beneath his surly exterior. Cherry’s falling for him hard, but trust isn’t easy when you’ve been burned. To conquer her fears will take a giant leap of faith—straight into the spotlight again…
BACHELORETTE FOR SALE
A West Side Romance
BY GAIL CHIANESE
EXCERPT
Movement outside the exterior glass doors caught Cherry’s attention. “Mama mia, that’s some serious testosterone heading this way.”
What was it about men in tuxes, especially those who wore them as casually as they would their birthday suits? Primitive, instinctual, internal responses stirred to life inside her, whether she wanted them to or not. Down, girl. Something about the men, their presence, the way they walked, those amazing shoulders, told her these two would be comfortable in anything, but a suit would be their last choice. Nothing at all would be fine with her. But still, they didn’t fit in here. A ball game, yeah. A ballroom, no.
“I want the blond. You can have tall, dark, and spiky,” Tawny whispered before they reached hearing range.
It was good to know she wasn’t alone in her reaction, yet Cherry shook her head and mouthed “no thanks.”
“We could flip a coin. Rock, paper, scissors, Spock, lizard. Winner gets first choice.”
“You always cheat. Besides, I get the feeling with those two, there is no loser.” Pushing her inappropriate thoughts aside, Cherry slipped on her game face. “Welcome to the Providence West End Community Center Gala and Celebrity Auction. Can I have your names, please?”
“Valentine,” answered tall, dark, and spiky.
Several seconds passed in silence, and for some reason she thought of James Bond. The man definitely had the arrogance of the famous British spy. Then he turned serious blue-green eyes with flecks of brown to meet her gaze. Her breath held for the split second he kept eye contact, and then with the blink of an eye, he dismissed her to scan the ballroom. Aloof and impatient, he drummed his fingers along his lean thigh while he waited. According to her list, he was Valentine … Jason Valentine. Yeah, that worked.
“Thank you, Mr.—” He walked off mid-sentence without a second glance. The man was nice eye candy—the kind that looked sweet and yummy and when you bit into it found out it was sour and made your mouth pucker.
“David Farber,” answered his friend. “How are you lovely ladies this evening?”
Cherry searched for his name on the guest list and retrieved their tickets from the will-call envelope.
“If there’s dancing later and either of you need to be rescued from any two-foot lefties, just give me a sign. Unlike others,” he nodded toward Valentine, “I like to dance and am as light on your feet as I am on mine.”
“Thanks, but I don’t know if my toes can take any more abuse. If you’d like to proceed into the ballroom, dinner is being served now and the auction will begin at eight. Thank you for attending, your donation is greatly appreciated,” Cherry said.
“I definitely want him,” Tawny whispered as David walked away to join Valentine in the ballroom.
“You can have him and tall, dark, and arrogant. I’ve sworn off dating.”
About the author, Gail Chianese…
Gail Chianese’s love of reading began at the tender age of three, when she’d make her grandpa read Fourteen Country Rabbits over and over and over again (and correct him when he skipped parts). While she’s branched out over the years by reading mystery, women’s fiction, and urban fantasy, she always circles back to romance in the end. That’s probably because she’s married to her real life hero. Her wonderful hubby has served in the US Navy for the past twenty two years and he’s done things he can’t tell her about. But it doesn’t stop her from being extremely proud of him and the sacrifices he makes for her, his family, and his country. He’s also uber-supportive of her dreams and of their three children. Living in Mystic, CT and a member of Connecticut Romance Writers of America, Gail loves to hear from readers
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Links to Gail’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://www.gailchianese.com/
Twitter: @Gail_Chianese
Email: gail.chianese@yahoo.com
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Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Thanks, Gail, for sharing your story with us!
June 28, 2015
**Author Peek** Interview with #RomCon Founder & Author Michele Callahan
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with Author &
RomCon® Founder MICHELE CALLAHAN
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INTRODUCING…Author Michele Callahan & RomCon® 2015!
Today we’re talking with RomCon® founder Michele Callahan about the upcoming fan convention for romance readers. We asked a few questions to find out what’s new this year.
Q: What is RomCon? And when?
A: RomCon is SEPTEMBER 25-27 in DENVER. It’s a fun weekend for romance readers, authors, and fans. Unlike other huge conferences, we are small and personal. Fans sit at a table and play a game with their favorite authors, or meet some new ones. We laugh a lot and get crazy. We have shows, games and intimate chats. You won’t get this much real face-time with the authors at any other convention or conference – anywhere.
Q: What’s NEW THIS YEAR?
A: Wow. Big question. This year we are offering a Saturday Reader Appreciation Luncheon! If you just can’t get three days off work we’ve got a 16 hour crash course in fun planned for Saturday. It starts Saturday morning with both Reader Games and Writer’s University Events, followed by a Reader Appreciation Luncheon with tons of gifts and raffle baskets donated by the authors. After that is a huge book signing, more events, and then a Wild West dance party. Don’t miss it!
Q: What genre of author is represented at RomCon®?
A: We keep everything balanced as much as possible. We try to schedule an equal number of events in the main genres of romance – Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal/Sci-Fi, Erotic, and Romantic Suspense. If you look, you’ll see a pretty equal mix of events in each genre. We felt it was important to represent all of them. Most readers don’t just read one kind of book. I know I don’t. And this is a convention all about authors building relationships with readers. Readers read a lot of different stuff.
Q: If I were a first time RomCon® attendee, what would you say are the absolute musts?
A: You need to get into an intimate chat. There is nothing like sitting in a small, quiet room with a group of like-minded people and having an author you adore at your mercy for an hour. My first year, I sat in with Christine Feehan and got some insider scoop on her Dark series. I’ll never forget it. And a total bonus? She was awesome. Nice. Funny. A normal person. I adore her more now, after I met her. I’ll buy her books until she stops writing.
Q: I heard that RomCon® has a program this year for aspiring authors. Can you tell us about it?
A: Yes. With the rise in Indie publishing, we have been scrambling for answers and resources ourselves. We decided to run a special 2 day course for people who are interested in honing their craft, but especially in taking the leap into self-publishing. RomCon® University has classes designed to get anyone ready to self-publish. We found all the answers we needed ourselves and put it into a comprehensive program. It’s less than the half-price of the other writing cons, including the one here in Denver. We’ve got digital press, Smashwords, and multiple self-published authors who made their way to the NYT Bestseller lists ready to tell you how they did it. Totally worth it if you are an author who wants to take control of your own destiny.
Q: What kind of authors come to RomCon?
A: We have a fair mix of traditionally published authors and Indie or self-published. At RomCon® they are all treated the same. No separate rooms for the signing, or other things like that. We know that readers are interested in the authors and their stories, and couldn’t care less about the company imprint on the book’s spine.
Q: What are you hearing from past attendees? What was their favorite thing, or what are they looking forward to?
A: The fabulous and hilarious local improve comedy troupe called Stick Horses In Pants is returning for a third year. They do a family friendly show that they modify for us. Nothing is off limits, and it got a bit wild last year as the readers and authors yelled out suggestions for them. I laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe and my face hurt for hours afterward. I can’t wait to see what kind of hilarity ensues this year!
Q: Thanks for sharing with us. Anything else you want to share?
A: Yes. Thank you! I am excited to say that you will be able to meet over 60 exciting authors at RomCon® this year. It’s going to be a ton of fun, so I hope you all can make it. Register TODAY!
Michele Callahan
http://www.michelecallahan.com
Michele Callahan is a full-time science geek and writer who often makes emergency trips to the store for coffee, pickles, or a Twix candy bar. A confirmed sci-fi nerd, she studied human anatomy, physiology and chemistry before working in the medical field for over a decade. She then returned to her first true love…writing. Michele suffers from a dangerous case of sci-fi/fantasy fever and never turns down an opportunity to sit through a Star Wars, Star Trek, True Blood, LOTR or Matrix marathon. Her favorite things in books? Courageous characters (whom she loves to push to their limits), superpowers, true love, and freakish things that can’t be explained by modern science. Her mother, an English Lit teacher, inspired her love of books and reading, and Michele is eternally grateful.
Michele’s books include the Timewalker Chronicles (contemporary sci-fi romance), the Ozera Wars (space opera romance), Alliance, Book 1 in the Timewalkers: Forbidden Son Trilogy (August 2015).
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about the upcoming RomCon 2015 event ~~ including a SPECIAL REGISTRATION SALE FOR READERS taking place over the 4th of July ~~ on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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Links to Michele’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://www.michelecallahan.com
Twitter: twitter.com/MicheleCallahan
Facebook: facebook.com/michele.callahan.142
Goodreads: goodreads.com/michele_callahan
Email her at michele@michelecallahan.com
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Thanks, Michele, for sharing your book with us!
Can’t wait to join all of the readers and authors coming to RomCon 2015!!
June 25, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Lynn Cahoon
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with LYNN CAHOON!
Welcome to my Friday bonus feature called Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special**!! Today, in lieu of one of my own recipes, I’m going to introduce you to a new author who will share one of her favorite recipes. Not only will you and I occasionally learn how to make something new and delicious, but we’ll get a chance to check out some wonderful authors. Introducing author, Lynn Cahoon, and her favorite recipe for LYNN’S FRESH & SPICY SALSA!
DRESSED TO KILL
A Tourist Trap Mystery
B
Y LYNN CAHOON
Blurb
Jill Gardner—owner of Coffee, Books, and More in the tucked-away town of South Cove, California—is not particularly thrilled to be portraying a twenties flapper for the dinner theater murder mystery. Though it is for charity…
Of course everyone is expecting a “dead” body at the dress rehearsal…but this one isn’t acting! It turns out the main suspect is the late actor’s conniving girlfriend Sherry…who also happens to be the ex-wife of Jill’s main squeeze. Sherry is definitely a master manipulator…but is she a killer? Jill may discover the truth only when the curtain comes up on the final act…and by then, it may be far too late.
“Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true.” –Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries
DRESSED TO KILL
A Tourist Trap Mystery
B
Y LYNN CAHOON
EXCERPT
Sometimes what you see is not what you get. The small building had its doors flung open, looking more like a gaping mouth posed to devour us than the entrance into South Cove’s newest and only clothing business, Vintage Duds. Pots of flowers lined the sidewalk, giving the store what should have been a homey look. My aunt nudged me, and I took one halting step closer. I, Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More and South Cove’s business community liaison to the city council, knew a trap when I saw it. And this tastefully decorated store selling upscale designer clothing at a ridiculous price for used threads was definitely a snare.
“What is wrong with you?” Aunt Jackie snapped. “Just because Greg was married to the woman doesn’t mean the two of you have to be sworn enemies.”
Yep, the new store owner was my boy toy’s ex. Small towns are alike. You have to learn to forgive and forget because the person you fight with—or divorce—just doesn’t move away. It’s more than likely you’ll run into them at the grocery, or the diner, or even at a meeting you’re running. Life is messy that way. I turned away from the door, ready to sprint back to my shop down the street. “Maybe I don’t have to attend every Business-to-Business meeting. You could say I was sick.”
Jackie gently turned me around, linking her arm in mine. “You can do this. It’s just a two-hour meeting. You can do anything for two hours.”
As soon as we entered the store, I knew my aunt was dead wrong.
A hostess greeted us and gave us a swag bag. Aunt Jackie cooed and opened the silk ties. “A scarf, bubble bath beads, a coupon for a free glass of wine at Darla’s winery, and”—she pulled out one last item—“jewelry.”
The high school student grinned. “Keep digging. There’s a little something from every store in South Cove.”
“Except ours. Total waste of marketing money. You’re preaching to the choir with this group,” I muttered. Aunt Jackie quickly closed her bag and grabbed mine, as well, tucking them both into her purse.
“We’ll save those for later.” She smiled at our greeter and led me deeper into the store. Two chair-massage technicians had their area set up against the wall next to an eight-foot-square portrait of Marilyn Monroe. People lined up for their turn.
Bill Sullivan, our meeting chair, waved us over to where he waited in line. Bill was a member of the city council along with running South Cove Bed-and-Breakfast with his wife, Mary. “Great meeting, don’t you think? Sherry went all-out.”
“Is this a meeting or a party?” I waved away another high school student who had a plate of black caviar on crackers.
“Relax, Jill. We have plenty of time to get through the agenda.” He glanced at the now empty chair. “Looks like it’s my turn. You should get in line. You could use a massage.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
About the author…Lynn Calhoon.
New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon is an Idaho native. If you’d visit the town where she grew up, you’d understand why her mysteries and romance novels focus around the depth and experience of small town life. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi river where her imagination tends to wander. She lives with her husband and two fur babies.
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Links to Lynn’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/
I hope you enjoy the recipe Lynn is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 206 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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LYNN’S FRESH & SPICY SALSA
Spicy Salsa – Fresh from the Farm
One of my favorite memories from my Idaho life is setting out on the deck, drinking an adult beverage (okay, I like beer – now you know my secret) and eating chips and homemade salsa.
My eighty-eight-year-old mother canned up to her last summer. She made what she called ‘hot sauce.’ I like my salsa fresh and right out of the garden. It gets better as it sits in the fridge for a day or so, but normally, I can’t go that long before the spicy concoction draws me back and the next thing I know, it’s gone.
The salsa is also amazing over grilled chicken or fish.
Jill Gardner, the main character in the Tourist Trap mysteries, makes this year round, with the bounty of fresh vegetables available on the California coast. If you like your salsa spicier, you can use chopped jalapeno peppers in place of the green chilies. That’s the great thing about this recipe, you can adjust it to taste or what’s locally available. I saw some amazing fresh Anaheim chilies in the store yesterday. (Note- If you do use a fresh, hotter pepper, make sure you wear gloves while you’re chopping. Especially if you wear contacts. I won’t tell you how long the burn lasts.)
Lynn’s Fresh and Spicy Salsa
4-6 medium tomatoes, chopped (Use the entire tomato, skin, seeds and juice)
1 small can of chopped green chilies
1 cup of chopped Walla Walla (or sweet) onions
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp (or so) of salt (I love my salt.)
Mix together and serve with fresh chips.
This recipe is perfect for using up those extra garden tomatoes that aren’t big enough to slice for sandwiches.
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Don’t miss the chance to read this book!
Thanks, Lynn, for sharing your story and recipe with us!
June 24, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: How To Marry A Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly
How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly
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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HOW TO MARRY A ROYAL HIGHLANDER
The Renegade Royals #4
BY VANESSA KELLY
Blurb
Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…
At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met…
After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…
HOW TO MARRY A ROYAL HIGHLANDER
The Renegade Royals #4
BY VANESSA KELLY
EXCERPT
For the first time since she’d entered the room, Edie looked uncomfortable. She took a hasty sip of the spiked tea, probably to fortify herself.
“Whatever it is, lass,” he said gently, “you won’t shock me. Just say it.”
Her gaze met his, and she gave him a reluctant smile. “Very well. I got myself into a spot of trouble last night at Lady Charlfort’s ball, and Mamma is furious with me.” She grimaced. “My parents are convinced I need to rusticate.”
Alec wasn’t surprised she’d gotten herself into trouble. As far as he was concerned, she was an accident waiting to happen. But it startled him to hear that Lady Reese was unhappy with her. The woman adored her daughter and, according to Wolf, was convinced that Edie could do no wrong.
“Would I be correct in assuming this trouble involved a man?”
There was that faint wash of pink again. This time, though, Alec wasn’t charmed. The idea of Edie getting into trouble with a man had him clenching a fist against his thigh.
“Who was he?” he asked sharply when she remained silent.
She seemed perplexed by his tone. “Sir Malcolm Bannister, though it really isn’t any business of yours.”
Now both his fists were clenched against his thighs. “Bannister? Are you mad? The man is a notorious rake.”
Edie set her teacup down on his desk with a loud click. Then she crossed her arms over her impressive bosom and gave him an ironic stare. That she was silently but clearly commenting on his reputation as a rake did not improve Alec’s mood. Yes, he liked women, but he never tampered with virgins or innocents.
“Never mind,” he growled. “Just tell me exactly what happened.”
“Nothing. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell everyone.”
“Then why the need for such drastic measures?”
“Well, almost nothing,” she grudgingly admitted. “I’d almost escaped from him when Lady Charlfort and her witch of a mother stumbled upon us.”
Alec closed his eyes, trying to ignore the fury turning his vision blood red. When he opened them, she was eyeing him like he was the one who’d lost touch with reality. And perhaps he had. The notion of Edie in another man’s arms made him want to commit several acts of mayhem.
“Did he hurt you?” he growled.
She blinked as if surprised by the question, then waved an insouciant hand. “As if I couldn’t handle a cad like Bannister. You can be sure he’ll never come within ten feet of me again.”
Her naïveté and reckless self-confidence bordered on criminal. Still, there was little to be gained in pursuing that point. The sooner he got the image of Edie in Bannister’s lecherous embrace out of his head, the better.
“As a result of this unfortunate encounter with one of the ton’s most notorious rakes,” he said, “you now find yourself in an awkward situation. Lady Reese is no doubt focused on the gossip.”
She was obviously irritated by his characterization. “Yes, Mamma is convinced the damage to my reputation will be quite severe. It’s an assessment I don’t agree with, by the way.”
“Imagine my surprise. And yet, your parents want you to rusticate. To Maywood Manor, I assume?” But what did any of this have to do with him?
She pressed her full lips into a grim line.
“Miss Whitney?” he prompted when she remained silent.
“Actually, Wolf suggested another alternative, something you’ll find as displeasing as I do, I’m sure.”
The familiar sense of premonition Alec never ignored prickled along his nerves. “Which is?”
“They want me to go to Scotland with you,” she blurted out. “For the entire winter. Can you imagine? I’d probably kill myself by leaping off the nearest Highland peak. Or we’d kill each other, which is, I suppose, the likeliest scenario.”
About the author, Vanessa Kelly…
Vanessa Kelly is an award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated for awards in a number of contests, and her second book, Sex and The Single Earl, won the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her current series, The Renegade Royals is a national bestseller. Vanessa also writes USA Today bestselling contemporary romance with her husband, under the pen name of VK Sykes.
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Links to Vanessa’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/03/how-to-marry-royal-highlander-renegade.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22891461-how-to-marry-a-royal-highlander?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/102630-the-renegade-royals
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
Author Links: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
June 23, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Mail Order Outlaw by Cynthia Woolf
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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MAIL ORDER OUTLAW
The Brides of Tombstone, Book I
BY CYNTHIA WOOLF
Blurb
Ed Talbot isn’t husband material. He’s an outlaw, was forced into his father’s gang at the age of thirteen, and is wanted Dead or Alive in more than one territory. But now his father is dead, he hates the life, the blood, and his brother’s rages. When a stagecoach robbery goes awry, Ed ends up with a satchel full of charming letters from an enticing young miss. Unfortunately for Miss Lizzie Cobb, her betrothed is now dead, and Ed Talbot sees a way out. Impersonating a fine, upstanding young man shouldn’t be too difficult. Despite the risks, falling in love with her proves to be all too easy.
Isolated on her mother’s ranch just outside of Tombstone, Miss Lizzie Cobb doesn’t have the time or the means to find a respectable husband. As a half Apache woman in the Arizona Territory, being a mail order bride seems like the only solution to her problem until she realizes that San Francisco is too far away, and she’ll have to leave her vulnerable mother and baby brother behind. Her solution? Call off the wedding.
When her groom shows up on her doorstep, she’s shocked. He’s handsome, strong, and has traveled hundreds of miles to claim her. His kisses inflame her body and his presence soothes her soul. Falling for the rugged man is beyond her control. But the past has a way of catching up to outlaws, and facing the truth is going to be hard…for both of them.
MAIL ORDER OUTLAW
The Brides of Tombstone, Book I
BY CYNTHIA WOOLF
EXCERPT
As he read a plan formed. His only worries were how much Lizzie knew about Malcolm Brandon. The dead man signed his later letters ‘Mal’ so Ed would go by that name. He was only a little taller than the man had been so his clothes would pretty much fit, might be a little tight.
Could he do it? Could he become Mal Brandon?
The more Ed thought about it, the more he liked the idea. He’d have to sneak away in the middle of the night. If his brother knew of his plan to leave the gang, Harvey’d stop him; maybe even kill him if he had to. Especially if he knew about the money Ed had found in the lining of the valise, a lot of money. Enough for a fresh start.
Ed didn’t want to be in the gang anymore. He’d never wanted to be in it to begin with. His mother had wanted him to go to school and become a teacher. Ed had wanted that, too or at least to do something…legal.
As a kid he’d never really known Josiah. He was just the man who stopped by and spent the night every couple of months when Ed was growing up. Then when his mother died, Ed had been by himself for a few weeks before Josiah showed up. A few glorious weeks where he could mourn his mother, Becky Brody in peace. When Josiah found out Ed’s mother had died, he took Ed with him. Ed had been in Josiah’s gang ever since. The only things he had left of his mother were her green eyes.
He did have some things he was thankful to his father for. Josiah had taught him to use a gun and to ride like the wind. He could speak Spanish as well as anyone, because Josiah’s mother had been Mexican and he made sure both his sons could speak it. He was big; six-foot-four and muscular.
Only Harvey had been bigger.
Harvey was also meaner. He had no problem killing people.
Ed thought he actually liked it.
Harvey used and abused women, as well. He liked that, too.
Ed hated to see and hear the abuse, when there was nothing he could do. Once he’d tried stopping Harvey and nearly died for his efforts. Now he just stayed away from camp whenever Harvey brought a woman there, which thankfully wasn’t often.
Unless it was Belle. For some reason Belle James could give as much as she took and Harvey liked her best. Maybe loved her, if he was even capable of that emotion.
Ed didn’t have women very often. He’d fallen in love once.
When Harvey found out, he had taken the woman, raped her and left her for dead. There was no way he or Josiah, either one, would let Ed leave the gang for any reason.
Ed watched Joe stoke the fire and add wood to it. It was cold in the mountains and on the desert at night. It shouldn’t have been considering how blistering hot they were during the day, but at night the temperature dropped to uncomfortably cold.
Ed didn’t want to be responsible for that happening to any other woman, so he stayed away from them. He visited the occasional brothel. He was a twenty-eight year old man, after all and had needs just like any other man. But other than those visits, and he never saw the same girl twice, he stayed away from women.
Except for the valise Ed had, there was only a strong box on the stage. The box was locked and Harvey let the boys use it for target practice until the safe was opened. There was a small payroll inside. Only a thousand dollars, but that was enough to keep the men in liquor and women for a couple of weeks and then they’d plan another robbery of a stage or train or bank. Probably a stage because it was easiest and Harvey was all about easy.
Plans made, he waited for two weeks knowing the men would eventually go into Tucson to let off some steam. They never lasted longer than a couple of weeks after a score. By then the liquor ran out and so did the ammunition from the target practice and the money they’d gotten was burning a hole in their pockets.
This time, he’d leave. He had the knowledge and ability to take over another man’s life. His brother wouldn’t know where he’d gone and there was no one in the gang who could track worth beans.
Finally Ed could begin a new life. A good life as a good man and leave the gang and all those memories behind.
He was ready.
Harvey came over to him as usual. Ed was playing solitaire on one of the blankets. “Come on, little brother. Let’s go into town. Have a few drinks and screw some women.”
“Ya’ll go on. I’m staying in camp.”
“You need to let off some steam, just like the rest of us.” Harvey laid his hand on Ed’s shoulder and squeezed. “Come on. Let’s go.”
Ed shrugged off his hand. “I don’t want to. Leave me be.”
Harvey looked at him, gaze narrowed.
Sweat beaded under his collar. Ed wondered if he would force him to go. But finally Harvey shrugged. “If that’s what you want, so be it. Let’s go men. We’ve got drinkin’ to do and women to fuck.”
Ed waited for two hours after his brother and the other men rode out before he took the valise and headed the opposite direction from Tucson. South seventy miles to Tombstone. Toward a new life. One he couldn’t wait to start.
The ride took him three days, taking care to go easy on his horse across the mountains and desert. He skirted the way stations, not wanting anyone to see him. He did stop at several smaller watering holes along the way that were off the beaten path. When he got outside of Tombstone, he made camp, changed into the clothes out of the valise and shaved off his beard. The clothes were small and a little short, but not enough to make a difference…he hoped. He was trying his best to put a new foot forward and put Ed Talbot behind him in another life.
About the author, Cynthia Woolf…
Cynthia Woolf is the award winning and best-selling author of twelve historical western romance books and two short stories with more books on the way. She was born in Denver, Colorado and raised in the mountains west of Golden. She spent her early years running wild around the mountain side with her friends.
Their closest neighbor was about one quarter of a mile away, so her little brother was her playmate and her best friend. That fierce friendship lasted until his death in 2006.
Cynthia was and is an avid reader. Her mother was a librarian and brought new books home each week. This is where young Cynthia first got the storytelling bug. She wrote her first story at the age of ten. A romance about a little boy she liked at the time.
Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia’s father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy not a bounty hunter and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now) not the ranch owner.
Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband Jim and the great friends she’s made at CRW for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.
TITLES AVAILABLE
MAIL ORDER OUTLAW – The Brides of Tombstone, Book 1
NELLIE – The Brides of San Francisco 1
ANNIE – The Brides of San Francisco 2
CORA – The Brides of San Francisco 3
JAKE (Book 1, Destiny in Deadwood series)
LIAM (Book 2, Destiny in Deadwood series)
ZACH (Book 3, Destiny in Deadwood series)
CAPITAL BRIDE (Book 1, Matchmaker & Co. series)
HEIRESS BRIDE (Book 2, Matchmaker & Co. series)
FIERY BRIDE (Book 3, Matchmaker & Co. series)
TAME A WILD HEART (Book 1, Tame series)
TAME A WILD WIND (Book 2, Tame series)
TAME A WILD BRIDE (Book 3, Tame series)
TAME A SUMMER HEART (short story, Tame series)
TAME A HONEYMOON HEART (novella, Tame series)
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Links to Cynthia’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon:
http://amzn.com/B00XEKFLIE
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mail-order-outlaw-cynthia-woolf/1121894192?ean=2940151415125
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mail-order-outlaw/id993479746?ls=1&mt=11
Kobo:
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mail-order-outlaw
Google:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cynthia_Woolf_Mail_Order_Outlaw?id=U74kCQAAQBAJ
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Cynthia is giving away a print copy (US Only) of MAIL ORDER OUTLAW to one lucky reader who comments on her **Author Special** Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Cynthia, for sharing your book with us!
