Karen Docter's Blog, page 248
March 11, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Thane’s Redemption by Nina Crespo
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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THANE’S REDEMPTION
The Song ~ Book One
BY NINA CRESPO
Blurb
The one night she’ll want to remember, she’ll be forced to forget.
It’s been almost a year since Celine’s fiancé’s death and she’s still struggling to move on. But when she meets Thane, the super hot lead singer of Thane’s Redemption, she finds her desire reawakening, and her heart opening. Soon one kiss leads them straight into a night of heated passion…
Thane’s unexpected connection with Celine only leaves him wanting more of her—but his life makes it impossible. For Thane’s Redemption is just a cover for a deeper secret: A former Army Ranger presumed dead, Thane is really a time-traveling, covert operative charged with saving the world from disaster. Each jump through time forces those around him to forget he ever existed—and Celine would be no exception. But can time work in their favor to give them a second chance at love? Or will a choice Thane makes in the future put Celine in mortal danger?
THANE’S REDEMPTION
The Song ~ Book One
BY NINA CRESPO
Excerpt
“Let’s go.”
Flutters swirled in her stomach as she hurried down the main corridor with him. No way was she escaping now.
He drew her close, and a weightless feeling, as if she sped down the hill of a giant roller coaster, rushed through her. Surprised, she stumbled into his chest.
“You’re all right. I’ve got you.” He kissed her temple.
She caught her breath as the light golden haze clouding her vision cleared. Moving out of his embrace, she stared at the main floor of the lounge. Either she’d lost her tolerance for the good stuff, or the bartenders were generous with the rum. How had they gotten there so fast?
Why didn’t she remember walking past those women in the hallway?
He squeezed her hand. “The song’s about to end. Come on.”
Channeling Lauren, she held her head high and kept her eyes trained on his back. As they moved closer to the stage, the keyboardist signaled the band. The tempo picked up. Sound vibrated over her skin, and her heartbeat matched the timing of the music.
Lauren spotted them and nudged Ari. The dark haired woman did a double take and her mouth fell open.
After what felt like the longest walk of her life, they reached the table. Celine sat down, and Thane stole a kiss.
As he moved away, he gave her a wink and panty-dropping smile. “Enjoy the show.”
Thankfully, somebody had ordered her another mangotini. Celine sipped and acknowledged Lauren and Ari’s questioning looks with a shrug. Good thing the loud music kept them from asking questions. She couldn’t explain what had happened if she tried.
Thane jumped on stage and grabbed a microphone. He blended into a song driven by the keyboards and a fierce drumbeat. By the end of the song, worries about what their encounter did or didn’t mean slipped into the music. The eye candy on stage and the raw, lyrical power of his voice pulled her into the moment. Letting go of her inhibitions, she cheered and chair danced with her friends to the rock and blues-inspired tracks.
An hour into the set, he conferred with the band, and the bassist handed him an acoustic guitar. He put a stool center stage behind one of the microphones and sat down. “What I’m going to perform now is a song I wrote a few months ago. No one’s heard it yet, but because you’re such a special audience, I’d like to play it for you.” His gaze found hers. “I hope you like it.”
He strummed the first chords, and the flamenco, rumba-styled rhythm brought up images of slow breezes and sultry nights. His voice flowed smoothly into the melody, and her heart squeezed.
Stay with me…lay your troubles down…let me set you free…
His singing inspired an erotic fantasy of her legs intertwined with his. Of gliding her hands over the hard ripples and valleys of muscle she’d felt holding onto him. Of her kissing him, and Thane devouring those kisses right back. The invisible touch of his words whispered over her skin. Every pulse beat, including the one between her thighs, magnified. She shifted in her seat, trying to quiet the steady throb as liquid heat spread low in her middle.
Ari playfully shoved her arm.
With a backdrop of thundering applause, she met Thane’s gaze. His desire matched her own. The band started to play another song, and he looked away. She exhaled a shaky breath and downed the rest of her drink.
A server stopped by their table and placed an envelope next to her arm. “Lucky girl, these are for you.”
About the author, Nina Crespo…
Nina Crespo lives in Florida where she indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.
Her lifelong addiction to romance began in her teens while on a “borrowing spree” in her older sister’s bedroom where she discovered her first romance novel.
Curiosity about people and places, including what’s beyond the stars, fuels her writer’s imagination. This wellspring of inspiration allows Nina to create sensual contemporary stories and steamy paranormal tales, which she hopes will feed your own addiction for love, romance, and happily ever after.
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Links to Nina’s website, blog, books, etc.
Link to Follow Tour:
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/12/thanes-redemption-song-1-by-nina-crespo.html
Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23403874-thane-s-redemption?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/139033-the-song
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
March 10, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Chimera’s Kiss by Michele Callahan
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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CHIMERA’S KISS
Timewalker Chronicles ~ Book Six
BY MICHELE CALLAHAN
Blurb
Forbidden son of Itara, Nicodemus, knows what it means to walk in darkness. For hundreds of years as a Triscani Lord, he led a small army of lost sons, always struggling to maintain some semblance of control over his warriors and their frightening power. Now Nicodemus and his army have been reborn as Darkwalkers, warriors sworn in service to protect three worlds. Their highest priority is to protect the human females, the Timewalker descendants on Earth, from the now dead Itaran Queen’s vengeful daughter and the host of Immortal bounty killers she commands.
When a Seer’s forewarning leads him and his Darkwalker brothers to Colorado to save an innocent human female, all hell breaks loose. He’s too late and suddenly the terror-inspiring dark power he wielded for centuries has deserted him. Without it, he’s lost, weak, but determined to protect the Timewalker, Haley Miller. Unfortunately, the stubborn female won’t cooperate and, no matter how much he tries to ignore the pull between them, she Marks him, claiming him. But Nicodemus is no mere human male.
Haley Miller is a free spirit, a part-time college student with nothing more on her mind than fun, friends, and graduation. That is, until the day the spaceship appeared over Denver and the unusual birthmark on her shoulder went crazy. The government lied and tried to cover up the sudden alien appearance with an interesting tale of a Hollywood prank. But Haley knows better. She can feel the aliens now, and so can her cousin. When Haley wakes up in the middle of the night with an alien bounty killer in the house, she will do anything to protect her family.
Prepared to lie, cheat death, and steal the unimaginable power of an alien male who claims he was sent to save her, Haley is drawn into a dangerous world she never imagined existed, but she refuses to be a pawn in an alien war. She will stop at nothing to save her cousin and give her Marked Mate exactly what he needs…freedom. She’s a Timewalker, after all. It should be a simple thing to travel back in time to prevent her cousin’s death, even if that means the scarred warrior she’s grown to love won’t remember her at all.
But in love, and in war, nothing ever goes according to plan…
CHIMERA’S KISS
Timewalker Chronicles ~ Book Six
BY MICHELE CALLAHAN
Excerpt
Haley Miller’s eyelids popped open and she stared at the dark ceiling fan that rotated in quiet circles over her head. She was frozen in place by a cold numbness that flowed into her limbs. The icy dread bloated her psychic senses like helium filling a balloon.
Someone’s in the house.
She turned her head to quickly scan her small bedroom from where she lay sprawled in bed. The red numbers on her digital alarm clock read 3:23 a.m. Her desk was littered with books. The hardwood floor and tattered throw rug were bare but for the slip-on shoes she’d kicked off earlier. Frayed and worn through in places, her burnt-orange backpack leaned on the wall next to the closed door. Everything was shadowy and undisturbed except for the steady whirring comfort of the small ceiling fan rotating in the same, steady rhythm that normally lulled her to sleep.
But something was very, very wrong.
She’d been dreading feeling this again, ever since those stupid alien spaceships had shown up over the U.S. a few weeks ago. That was the day she realized her odd birthmark was connected to something not of this world. Something foreign to the Earth completely. Something from another place.
The spaceship had settled over Denver, floating in the sky like something out of a Star Wars movie, and her birthmark had literally heated on her arm until it felt like she was being branded. The circular mark then turned three shades darker and she’d felt an odd buzzing, like it was saying “Hello” to an old friend on some super-secret, inaudible frequency, and she just happened to be the radio.
She’d looked up into the sky from the front porch of her Boulder home to where one of the three spaceships had hovered like a giant floating wasp, and accepted that life as she knew it was over.
Haley had spent the rest of that day hiding in her house like a coward. And, just like nearly every other person on the planet, she’d stayed glued to her TV until it was over. Washington D.C., Denver, and Los Angeles had all been invaded. When the spaceships left a few hours after they’d appeared, she’d nearly fainted with relief.
The government had tried to spin it almost immediately. With only three spaceships, and those only seen over three U.S. cities, it had been easy for the spin doctors to convince most of the world that the whole event was nothing more than a Hollywood propaganda stunt to promote a new science fiction movie coming out later in the year. The majority of Earth’s inhabitants had swallowed the lie hook, line and sinker.
She didn’t believe a single word of it. And neither did her cousin, Danielle, or her best friend, Makayla. The three of them all had one little problem with the movie angle. The new, darker marks in their skins. All three of them had felt something that day. Something bizarre and haunting, because after that, things had gotten weird.
Haley would have bet her life that whoever, or whatever was on those ships, they weren’t friendly, peace-loving, cute little Ewoks from her parents’ old-school Star Wars movie.
The feeling of dread, of evil, she’d had that day flowed through her now, stronger and more frightening than anything she’d ever felt before. She struggled to breathe, and her hands shook like dried aspen leaves in the wind.
“Danielle.” Her barely there whisper got her moving. She threw aside the covers and sat up. Her cousin’s room was at the end of the hall. Haley barely spared a thought for their other two roommates in this rambling, two-story rental home. The other two girls didn’t have the alien birthmarks from hell on their skins, couldn’t feel the aliens’ presence. Not like her cousin, Danielle, who could not only sense their presence, but catch snippets of their freakish thoughts as well.
Their roommates thought the spaceship’s arrival had been, “freaking awesome”. Haley and Dani had been hiding, drinking shots and hoping to feel normal again. Their roomies had hopped in their car and headed downtown, to get closer. They’d believed the Hollywood lie, and Haley hadn’t been able to summon the energy to try to convince them of the truth.
The dark energy rolling through Haley’s body right now left no doubt in her mind that they were in big trouble. She climbed out of bed, her hot-pink pajama shorts and tank all that covered her as she tiptoed, barefoot, to her bedroom door.
Pressing her ear to the old wood, she listened for a few moments, but heard nothing. She lifted her head to scan the room for a weapon. No knives. No gun. Damn. She had the aluminum baseball bat that had once belonged to her younger brother. Her mother had pressed it into her hands and insisted she take it with her when she’d moved into the dorms on campus six years ago. A stupid Little League baseball bat. Hardly a weapon of choice against an alien home invasion.
Better than nothing.
She grabbed the bat and slowly opened her door so she could step into the dark hallway.
About the author, Michele Callahan…
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.
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Links to Michele’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/188yZ5q
Twitter: twitter.com/MicheleCallahan
Facebook: facebook.com/michele.callahan.142
Website: michelecallahan.com
Goodreads: goodreads.com/michele_callahan
Email her at michele@michelecallahan.com
Michele’s books include the Timewalker Chronicles (contemporary sci-fi romance), the Ozera Wars (space opera romance) and an upcoming, untitled sci-fi series (2016).
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Michele is giving away an e-copy of CHIMERA’S KISS! Comment on her blog for a chance to win. Don’t miss the chance to read this great story! Thanks, Michele, for sharing your story with us!
March 9, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Need Me by Shelley K. Wall
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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NEED ME
BY SHELLEY K. WALL
Blurb
Amanda Gillespie never bargained on seeing Jackson Holstenar ever again. In law school, he was the sexy, rich guy every girl wanted—even her. But they never quite got past the friend zone, and their complicated relationship ended with her being “asked to leave” the law firm where they worked. Now she’s got a great legal career and has met the perfect guy . . . who unfortunately happens to be Jackson’s good buddy, Carter.
Jackson’s used to getting what he wants—and he’s always wanted Amanda. But he can’t betray his friend, no matter how crazy their chemistry. No, he needs to stay far away from Amanda. So why does he find himself offering to help her become his pal’s ideal girl?
With a little help from fate, these two confused hearts might just find a way back to each other for good.
Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors
NEED ME
BY SHELLEY K. WALL
Excerpt
Caroline Sanders sat in her silver-bullet gray Land Rover outside frat house row. She loved the way the buildings looked—so clean and perfectly manicured. Sure, the frat boys inside were party animals bent on throwing their parents into financial ruin while they drank, chased girls, and studied-slash-cheated their way to fancy degrees. Tonight was no exception. The red traffic light glared at her while rap music blared from the house to her right. Geeze, a party on a Thursday night? Don’t they have exams like the rest of us?
She’d just finished one of the many photography gigs that helped pay the bills while she pursued that elusive journalism degree. The traffic light switched to green, but just as she moved her foot to the gas pedal, her passenger door flew open and a bulky frame dropped into her seat. Was she getting carjacked?
“Go. Go. Come on, the light’s green.” The panicked student-looking carjacker shoved the dash as if to propel them forward.
Caroline didn’t budge. She took in the wavy, brown hair that fell over chocolate eyes, the dimpled face that gave away a propensity to laugh regardless of his current fear. He didn’t look like a criminal. His clothes were clean, though tattered, and he held a can of something in his hand. Not beer. She glanced at his gold fingers. Spray paint?
She lifted a brow then looked behind him. On the trunk of the tree in the front yard of the beautiful house was a haphazard drawing in gold—of a kid whizzing on the tree. How childish. “You did not just do that. What are you, twelve?”
Footsteps thundered toward the car. “You’d better hit the gas unless you want to get blamed, too.” The guy reached a foot over the console and slammed his flip-flop-clad toes over hers.
Against her will, she sped through the light. He kept his foot in place. No chance of turning at the current speed. Another green light accommodated their escape.
A quick glance in the rearview mirror showed half a dozen preppies standing in the street watching their taillights. Gulp. They probably had memorized her plate number.
“You realize you just made me an accomplice to whatever happened back there. Please tell me I won’t be tracked down for vandalism.”
The guy gave her a quick preview of the dimpled smile he probably used frequently. “Don’t worry, I painted over your license plate before I got in the car. You’re safe.”
Oh, that’s comforting.
He returned his leg to the passenger seat and glanced out the window. “You can pull over up there and drop me off. My house is a couple blocks away.”
Caroline shook her head. “No way. You jump in my car after doing … whatever you did back there … and my car is probably the only thing all those guys remember. Plus there’s gold paint on my license plate that just happens to match the crime scene—”
“There’s no crime … or at least nothing serious. You’ve read too many spy novels. That was payback. Besides, they won’t report anything because they don’t want us to report them.” He rolled the window down. As they passed the lake in front of the student union, he flung the can out hard. Splash.
“Yes, and you just tossed the only thing that linked you to the artwork you left behind. Now my gold-enhanced license plate makes things even worse. No sir, I am not taking you all the way home. Better yet, why don’t I just circle around and drop you right back where I found you?”
The dimples went still. “You wouldn’t do that, would you? They’d beat both of us into oblivion.”
About the author, Shelley K. Wall…
Shelley was born near Kansas City, the middle daughter of three. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with additional post graduate work there and at the University of Wyoming extension in Casper. She has a career in technology outside of her writing endeavors.
Other titles by Shelley include Numbers Never Lie (2012) – Amazon Bestseller, Bring It On(2012), The Designated Drivers’ Club(2012), Disgruntled (2013), Flood Flash and Pheromones(2013), Chloe’s Secret(2013), Text Me(2014), Find Me(2014) and Need Me(2015.) She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency.
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Links to Shelley’s website, blog, books, etc.
Contact Shelley:
swall@shelleykwall.com
Website: http://shelleykwall.com
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Shelley-K.-Wall/e/B0067BOIZO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Shelley-K-Wall?store=allproducts&keyword=Shelley+K+Wall
Don’t miss the chance to read this great story! Thanks, Shelley, for sharing your story with us!
March 5, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Jacquie Biggar
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with JACQUIE BIGGAR!
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, Jacquie Biggar, and her favorite recipe for WALDORF SALAD!
THE REBEL’S REDEMPTION
Wounded Hearts #2
BY JACQUIE BIGGAR
Blurb
Jared Martin left Tidal Falls. Now, after eight years in the military he returns and finds out he’s a father.
When an old enemy follows and causes mayhem, can Jared overcome the odds to protect the woman he’s always loved, or will it be too late?
THE REBEL’S REDEMPTION
Wounded Hearts #2
BY JACQUIE BIGGAR
Editor’s Note: Some editing due to language.
Excerpt
“Talk to me, Martin. So help me God, if you don’t answer…”
“They’re gone, Chief.” Jared hated even putting voice to the words. “That dirty mother-f###er took them and I couldn’t stop him.” Defeat and self-loathing turned his stomach inside out. He swiped a shaky hand down his face and smacked his thigh. “What am I going to do?”
“First, tell me what the hell is going on. Then call the local PD and tell them what you told me, understand?”
The impact of what had just happened hit him. He sunk to his knees, right there in the middle of the empty street. Lights had blinked on in the nearby homes. He could see families sitting down together for dinner, smiling, chatting, without a worry in the world.
“Did I tell you I have a son, Frank?” Jared kept his gaze focused on those happy families and slowly the ache in his chest turned to rage and retribution. “I have a son. That bastard Sergei Barnikov just signed his own death warrant. I gotta go, Chief.” He slammed the phone shut, jumped to his feet, turned toward the cop shop, and froze.
Annie faced him, fist pressed against her mouth. Her eyes shone with despair while tears streamed down her face. She stared at him with denial.
Fear.
Dread.
The fist lowered, reached for him. His feet unglued, and he hurried the last few steps to her side, grasping her cold hand. “Annie, I’m so sorry. I tried to stop him. I really did.”
“We were on our way to have some ice cream. I told the kids to put their bikes around back and meet me at Grace’s,” she whispered, all but shrinking before him. Jared gently pulled her into his arms and just held on. She resisted at first, then gave in. Her head nestled against his heart seeking solace as she leaned into him. “Why didn’t I follow them, Jared? I should have followed them.” She began to cry in earnest, big racking sobs that shook her whole body and soaked his shirt.
Helpless, Jared ran his hands up and down her spine. When the tears slowed somewhat he cradled her head and tipped it back so she’d look at him. Tears ravaged her face, bathed with light from the streetlamps. It broke his heart. He placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead. “Honey, it’s not your fault. Please, Annie, none of this is your fault, okay? Don’t blame yourself. If you want to hate someone, I’m the one who brought that pig to town, hate me.”
“Who is he, Jared? What does he want? Why did he take my babies?” Her voice rose with each question as panic set in. “How are we going to find them? God, what if he hurts them?”
He wished he had a positive answer to give her. He didn’t. Truth was, he had no idea what the Russian had planned. Best-case scenario would be ransom, or a swap. His worthless hide for the children’s. But he just didn’t know.
“C’mon honey, let’s head over to the police station. Maybe your friend Jack can help.” Right now Jared would take anyone’s offer of assistance.
Annie pulled away and rubbed her face on her sleeve before straightening her clothes. They moved quietly down the street for a few moments. “You know, don’t you?” she asked with a brief sideways glance, before turning her gaze back to the path they were taking.
Her words caused the last of his doubts to fade along with the anger and betrayal. “Yeah, I know.” He halted their progress and waited until she faced him. “He’s a beautiful little boy, Annie. We need to talk about this. Soon. But for right now, let’s just worry about getting them back safe and sound, okay?”
Annie sniffled and continued down the street, but not before she closed the distance between them and slid her fingers around his. Jared’s heart squeezed back.
About the author…Jacquie Biggar.
From the time Jacquie was twelve years old, she knew she wanted to be a writer. That year she wrote a short story called Count Daffodil after spending countless hours searching for ideas. The story garnered her an A and was read aloud through the school’s loudspeaker system. Needless to say, after that she was hooked.
Jacquie grew up, got married, raised a family and left her writing urges to simmer in the background unattended.
She owned and operated a successful diner in her hometown for a number of wonderful years before deciding to live her dream of becoming an author.
Links to Jacquie’s website, blog, books, etc.
Buy Link:
http://bit.ly/14PHxfM
Jacquie’s first book, Tidal Falls, a romantic suspense novel about second chances released September of 2014.
http://Facebook.com/jacqbiggar
I hope you enjoy the recipe Jacquie is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 190 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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A Note from Jacquie: The holiday season is my favorite time of year. An air of festivity takes hold as stores bring out their Easter decorations and old time favorites play on the television.
One of my favorite Easter recipes came from my grandmother, Waldorf Salad. Every year I’d look forward to seeing that fancy glass bowl filled with chopped up apples taking pride of the place on our dining room table. Grandma’s donation to our holiday dinner.
We’ve kept the tradition going, even though she passed away a few years ago now. Now, when I look upon that simple bowl of salad every year, I feel her presence among us and smile.
In my romantic suspense series, Wounded Hearts, there’s a much loved café called Grits and Grace owned and operated by the hero of my second book, Jared Martin. I think Grace would like my grandma’s recipe. 
WALDORF SALAD
6 Spartan or Mac Apples
3 Stalks Celery
1 cup Chopped Walnuts
1 cup Mayo, 2 tbs. sugar, 4 tbs. milk whipped together
Use lemon juice or citric acid to whiten apples.
Peel and chop apples and celery into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with lemon juice. Add walnuts. Stir in dressing and refrigerate until use. Enjoy.
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Jacquie is giving away an Amazon e-copy of THE REBEL’S REDEMPTION and a $10 Amazon gift card! Comment on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog for a chance to win. Don’t miss the chance to read this great story! Thanks, Jacquie, for sharing your story with us!
March 3, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench *Double Feature*: The Coin and The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
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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THE COIN
BY MARIA ELENA ALONSO-SIERRA
Blurb
The cost of this coin might just be too high… When Gabriela finds a mysterious coin in the French Riviera, she is thrust into a struggle between governments, terrorists, and madmen, all seeking vital information she doesn’t know she has. Richard, the intelligence officer assigned to protect her, has all he can do to keep her safe–and keep the stirrings of his heart from endangering them both.
THE COIN
BY MARIA ELENA ALONSO-SIERRA
Excerpt
“I feel like I’m in the middle of a damn Greek tragedy.”
Richard, feeling awkward and clumsy in his newfound gentleness, unhappily listened to her hushed sobs. “Gabriela, please don’t. I hate to see you cry.”
That made her cry harder.
His arms tightened around her. If she only knew how her tears affected him, how she affected him. He ached, but not from holding her.
She lifted her face, valiantly attempting to control her emotions. “I’m okay,” she sniffed. A tear overflowed, cruising slowly over her damp cheek. Richard softly brushed it away with his thumb. “I can’t seem to stop making a stupid fool of myself lately,” she told him in a broken voice. “I wonder what the hell is going to happen next.”
“Nothing. Not while I’m around.”
“That’s what worries me. I’ve never had to deal with such emotions before, so much pent-up violence. It scares me. You scare me.”
He was taken aback. “I wouldn’t harm you for the world.”
“But in order to protect me, you’d harm others. I saw it in your eyes.” Her own became troubled. “You are like a simmering volcano, Richard. If you ever explode, you’ll obliterate everything obstructing your path. I don’t want to be devoured by it, and I know it will be inevitable if I’m by your side. That frightens me.”
“Scared of the fire . . . or of wanting to be devoured?”
THE BOOK OF HOURS
BY MARIA ELENA ALONSO-SIERRA
Blurb
For artist Gabriela Martinez, psychopaths do strike twice. In The Coin, two star-crossed lovers were cruelly used by fate—and now, in The Book of Hours, destiny isn’t done.
In The Coin, Gabriela almost lost her life to a psychopath hoping to claim her artwork, her career, her body, and her love. If not for Richard, the operative sent to protect her, she would have fallen victim to his twisted vision. The dramatic showdown pushed Gabriela and Richard together, even in the face of countless obstacles.
With someone new threatening Gabriela’s life, Richard will risk everything to protect the woman he loves. But with a new villain on the horizon, bent on possessing Gabriela’s latest work no matter what it takes, she is forced to fall back on old friends, including the man who changed her life not so many years ago.
THE BOOK OF HOURS
BY MARIA ELENA ALONSO-SIERRA
Excerpt
Gabriela’s body stilled at the soft sound of her name. For a moment, she stood listening, then shook her head like a wet dog shaking off water. You are such a fool, her mind supplied. Disgusted, she stabbed at the cerulean blue on her palette. Her mind had deceived her yet again. She slobbered the paint on the canvas, realized what she had done, and hissed. Since agreeing with Jean-Louis to call Maurice later that evening, she’d been a nervous wreck. Throughout the noon hour, her brain had staged all sorts of encounters with one infuriating, unforgettable man. Like a dutiful stage manager, her mind had supervised every possible scene, every possible emotion under its tutelage. She’d jumped from rage, to indifference, to haughtiness, but longing had finally won, hands down. No matter how hard she tried to avoid it, she could never escape the terrible need she felt for him, a need that went deeper than the instinct to breathe.
About the author, Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra…
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is a full-time novelist based in North Carolina. With Cuban roots, she has lived in many countries, including France, the setting for her first novel, The Coin. She speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German, and reads Latin, Middle English, and old French. She holds a Masters in English literature, specializing in medieval romances, and is currently an active member of the Carolina Romance Writers. She loves to hear from her readers, and always hopes to open a dialogue with her fans.
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Links to Maria Elena’s website, blog, books, etc.
To Buy The Coin
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1I8Y8Z9
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/13Pbdcn
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1zKEPRm
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1K9Y3rH
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Binjb7
To Buy The Book of Hours
Amazon: http://amzn.to/14kNQbI
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1sWiXFm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/1wNfaFr
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1rPDrPy
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1xFHlKs
Website: http://www.MariaElenaWrites.com
Blog: http://MariaElenaWrites.blogspot.com
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/MariaElenaAlonsoSierraWrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariaelenawrite
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7093896
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/mariaelenaalonsosierra
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Maria Elena is giving away an e-copy of THE COIN and THE BOOK OF HOURS to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read these books! Thanks, Maria Elena, for sharing your stories with us!
March 2, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Garrett, Cold Fury Hockey #2 by Sawyer Bennett
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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GARRETT
Cold Fury Hockey #2
BY SAWYER BENNETT
Loveswept
Blurb
USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett hits the ice with the story of a playboy athlete whose winning ways lead him to a beautiful woman with a lot to lose.
Carolina Cold Fury star Garrett Samuelson never wants to miss out on a single minute of fun. Whether he’s playing hockey, hanging out with friends, or walking the red carpet with a new date on his arm, he lives every day to the fullest. When he meets Olivia Case, he sees someone who’s exactly his type—confident, sexy, smart . . . his next fling. But the more he pursues her, the more Garrett shares a side of himself that other women don’t normally get to see.
Olivia has been keeping a secret. While Garrett lives for the next thrill, Olivia’s not sure she’ll live to see the next day. She’s undergoing treatment for some serious medical issues, and she doesn’t have time for a relationship with no guarantees—especially one with a hot-as-sin womanizer who won’t take no for an answer. But as she gets to know the real Garrett, Olivia can’t help falling for him . . . hard. To reveal the truth would mean risking everything—but you can’t score without taking the tough shots.
GARRETT
Cold Fury Hockey #2
BY SAWYER BENNETT
Loveswept
Character Interview ~ Garrett
Editor’s Note: I caught Sawyer Bennett’s yummy hero on the fly and threw a few questions at him. Here’s a sneak peek into Garrett Samuelson!
1. What is your name? Do you have a nickname?
Garrett Samuelson. I don’t have a current nickname but my parents called me “Peanut” when I was a little kid. That was before my growth spurt.
2. Who is your best friend? What kinds of things do you do when you’re together?
My best friend is my team mate, Alex Crossman. We workout together, grab a few beers sometimes, double date when we can.
3. If you have a family, how do you get along with them? If you don’t, are there people in your life that you consider family? How do you get along with them?
My parents both live back home in Minnesota but I’m extremely close to them as well as my younger brother and sister.
4. Do you have a birthmark? Scars? Where are they? How did you get them?
I have a small scar on my temple where our family dog knocked me over by accident and my head hit the coffee table. Got a pretty big scar on my calf courtesy of an ice skate blade when I was about thirteen years old.
5. When you’re angry, what do you do? Where do you go? How do you deal with your anger?
It takes a lot to get me angry as I’m a pretty easy going kind of guy. I never resort to violence unless it’s out on the ice and another player does something dirty. Then the gloves come off and we’re going to bare knuckle it.
6. What’s the one thing you’re afraid of losing?
Olivia.
7. What makes you laugh out loud?
The Three Stooges. And Stevie.
8. Has anyone broken your heart? Who was she?
Read the book. You’ll see some heartbreak, but you’ll also see it mended as well.
9. You’re getting ready for a night out. Where are you going? What would you wear? Who’s going with you?
I’m a super casual dude. It’s always jeans and a t-shirt for me. I’m usually with Olivia, sometimes Alex and Sutton will join us.
10. What’s the one thing you want out of life that you don’t think you can have? Why can’t you have it?
The one thing I wish I could have in life is to be able to play hockey for many more years to come, but I know I can’t have that because there is an age by which it just becomes impossible to compete on a professional level with younger more healthier guys.
Thanks so much, Garrett, for answering a fan’s questions!
About the author, Sawyer Bennett…
USA Today Best-Selling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series and the Last Call Series. She will be releasing her second book in the Cold Fury Hockey Series with Random House Loveswept, February 2015.
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Links to Sawyer’s website, blog, books, etc.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iTunes | Kobo
Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/11/garrett-cold-fury-2-by-sawyer-bennett.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23121837-garrett
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/125350-cold-fury-hockey
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March 1, 2015
**Author Peek** Interview with Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with
MARIA ELENA ALONSO-SIERRA
~~
INTRODUCING…Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra.
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full - time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
I am Cuban-born, married, and an empty nester. My home is in North Carolina, and I love to cook and to walk the beautiful wooded areas of the state. I also teach middle school language arts and literature, which keeps me busy and entertained. But my favorite hobby is to read, read, read, and research, especially anything that is medieval.
1. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Romantic suspense. I have always been into murder and mayhem with a good splash of romance. I love bringing two strong characters together who need to help each other in order to stay alive.
2. What’s your favorite beverage?
Coffee, coffee, coffee….
3. If you had to listen to one song over and over again for a whole day, what would it be?
Caribbean Blue by Enya.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing?
The proofreading. God, I hate proofreading.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to live in the French Riviera again. It is an incredibly beautiful place, full of history, surrounded by the maritime pre-Alps, and the Mediterranean.
6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
Yes. I tend to gravitate toward the genre in which I write, but I also truly enjoy historical fiction.
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Anywhere. For my first novel, The Coin, I got the idea from a hike into the mountains in France, when I was living there. For the third one, still untitled, I got the idea while doing something in social media in another place I lived in, New York City.
8. Tell me about your ideal reader .
One who is enthusiastic about living your fictive dream. A reader who appreciates fleshed-out characters, plot lines, and visualizes your scenes. A reader who loves language.
9. If you were to choose one superpower, what would it be?
Speed, like Flash or Superman. Would love to be able to do all that I want, and need to do, within a 24-hour period.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My next novel is a murder mystery set in New York City. The main character, Nick Larson, is a detective who has to catch a killer who likes to hang his victims. Eventually, his love interest will be threatened and the real chase is on.
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Links to Maria Elena’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://www.MariaElenaWrites.com
Blog: http://MariaElenaWrites.blogspot.com
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/MariaElenaAlonsoSierraWrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariaelenawrite
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7093896
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/mariaelenaalonsosierra
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Maria Elena, her releases, and excerpts from both THE COIN and THE BOOK OF HOURS, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Maria Elena is giving away an e-copy of THE COIN and THE BOOK OF HOURS to one lucky reader who comments on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read these books! Thanks, Maria Elena, for sharing your stories with us!
February 27, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Left To Forever by Roe Valentine
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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LEFT TO FOREVER
BY ROE VALENTINE
Blurb
Realist Dr. Carla Harris believes that people create their own fate through hard work and careful planning. She believes in playing things safe. But, while preparing for her upcoming nuptials, she’s forced to confront the most reckless thing she’s ever done…her estranged husband, Jacob.
Idealist Jacob Moreau believes in soul mates as much as he believes in saving endangered companies. When his long lost wife reenters his life seeking a divorce, he is convinced more than ever they are meant to be together. And he will do—and lose—anything to have her again.
She thought she had her life planned to perfection. He thought they made perfect sense together.
Would marrying Jacob be the craziest thing she’s ever done, or divorcing him?
LEFT TO FOREVER
BY ROE VALENTINE
Excerpt
Door after door, his heart pounded faster. He was already revved up from dealing with Chuck, so he wasn’t sure if his need to see Carla was a good idea. He also didn’t know what he’d say or do. What he did know was he had to see her. Make her smile again.
Seconds later he stood before her door. Room 327. He gulped. All the sounds of the corridor went silent. All he heard was the blood coursing through his veins in the midst of hotel guests and the dings from the elevator.
He knocked.
Stomach clenching, he raked a hand through his hair. It had been long dried from his shower. Rustling sounded from the other side, but it wasn’t an open door that greeted him. Carla’s muffled voice came through from the other side.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
He shut his eyes. “According to?”
Silence.
The door pulled open, and there she stood. But that time, she wasn’t so smoothed down. In fact, she was barefoot and her long hair was tied in a bun on the top of her head. Her gray dress was wrinkled as if she’d been rolling around in the bed. His heart pounded. Beautiful didn’t begin to describe her.
“Your lawyer.” Her eyes lifted to meet his. Had she been crying?
“He doesn’t tell me where to be.”
She gazed passed his body, eyebrows slanted. “You should go.”
He didn’t step closer, though he desperately wanted to. Taking her in his arms was all he could think about. Especially if she was crying because of him. “What if I don’t want to?”
About the author, Roe Valentine…
Roe Valentine was born into the right family. Not only does the name Valentine suit her, but her grandmother, unknowingly, introduced the young Ms. Valentine to her first romance novel. She hasn’t read anything else since. She calls herself a romantic at heart and believes that love conquerors all.
The San Antonio native, who now lives in Houston, attempted to write her first contemporary romance novel when she was nineteen years old. That attempt didn’t take, but her story has a happy ending. She kept pursuing the dream until she landed her first publishing contract in 2013.
When not busy writing or reading love stories, Roe can often be found in a yoga class or chatting with friends at her favorite coffee shop. Enjoying margaritas with some girl-talk isn’t unusual for her either. For a night in, she watches reruns of her favorite TV shows and, of course, romantic comedies on her Roku, usually with a glass of wine.
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Links to Roe’s website, blog, books, etc.
roevalentine.com
@roevalentine
[FaceBook]/roevalentine
Don’t miss the chance to read this great story! Thanks, Roe, for sharing your story with us!
February 26, 2015
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Karalee Long
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL**
with KARALEE LONG!
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, Karalee Long, and her favorite recipe for SIMPLE PANCAKES!
LOVE AND MURDER IN RED SATIN
BY KARALEE LONG
Blurb
Allie Blair, a divorced marriage counselor accused of murdering her ex-husband, tries to prove her innocence but unwittingly accepts the help of the one man who wants to prove her guilt.
Greg Weston, a Denver homicide detective, vows to bring his cousin’s accused murderer, Allie Blair, to justice. To win her trust, he signs up for a class she’s teaching, “What Women Want.”
When Allie becomes the target of the actual killer, her sizzling chemistry with Greg ignites a passion too hot to ignore. But Greg knows even if they survive, he’ll lose Allie when she learns he’s a cop.
LOVE AND MURDER IN RED SATIN
BY KARALEE LONG
Excerpt
“What exactly did Greg Weston say to make you invite him to breakfast?” Allie asked Uncle Jake.
He gave her a questioning look. Crap, she should’ve masked her irritation. She put ham slices in a skillet on the stove and got out measuring cups and a flour sifter.
“He said he wanted to talk to you about the troublemaker in the diner last night.”
“It was just teenage I’m-tougher-than-you stuff,” she said, taking the electric griddle from the top of the fridge to the counter and opening the canister of flour. She’d actually forgotten about that bully, but he’d said he’d catch her later.
Maybe he hadn’t been posturing in front of the other kids, after all. Someone had been at the cabin this morning, watching her, and a pop had made her think someone was shooting at her. She’d run, tripped over a log, fallen, scrambled to her feet, and run home. Once she was safe, she assumed that after finding Ian’s body, her imagination had misinterpreted the sound. Besides, if someone had really shot at her, wouldn’t he have shot more than once?
Or had she been so frightened that maybe she didn’t hear more pops? Had Snake tried to shoot her?
Scooping flour from the canister to dump into the sifter, she bumped its side. Flour billowed upward before settling on the countertop.
“I’ll see if Hazel wants some breakfast,” Uncle Jake said. “She had a bad night.”
Hadn’t they all? “How about Deidre?”
“I doubt she’s up yet, but I’ll check.”
Uncle Jake left the kitchen, and Allie stared at her flour-covered hands. They were shaking. Whatever Greg wanted to tell her about that kid, she didn’t want Uncle Jake to know. Especially, if that kid was the person watching her at the cabin. Shooting at her? That had to be just stress, and she couldn’t let it make her paranoid.
She thought about cleaning up the mess on the counter and making scrambled eggs, but Uncle Jake loved pancakes. Pushing her bangs to the side with the back of her hand, she resumed adding flour to the sifter. The doorbell rang, startling her, and flour plopped onto the counter again, sending up another cloud.
Hurrying to the living room, she parted the drapes enough to see if it was Greg on the porch. Relieved the media wasn’t out there, she opened the door and stepped back to let him enter.
“That was fast,” she said, not bothering to keep the irritation from her voice. Closing the door, she stepped in front of him.
“I was in the neighborhood,” he said. “But if …”
“I do not want my uncle upset about that bully in Iris’s Diner. He has enough on his mind, and nothing happened.”
Greg nodded. “I understand, and I know my timing is bad. Should I leave?”
She shook her head. “My uncle invited you, but you may be sorry. I’m making pancakes and just spilled the flour and don’t know how much went in the bowl.”
“I like pancakes.”
“They’ll be without blueberries.” She headed to the kitchen. “Deidre doesn’t like them.”
“Pancakes with or without blueberries are good,” Greg said, following.
In the kitchen, she returned to the counter and again dug the scoop into the flour canister.
“Uncle Jake will be down in a minute.”
Greg didn’t need to be a detective to know Allie was uptight. Her words were clipped. Her back was stiff, her motions jerky as she sifted flour. He was glad he’d left the Tiller’s newspaper lying on the porch. She didn’t need to see what her uncle’s wife had told the reporter.
When Allie had let him in, she had flour on her nose and on the front of her blue T-shirt. The part that stuck out. Under different circumstances, he would’ve thought she looked sexy. But she was strung so tight, he hoped she didn’t snap.
“Want some help?” he asked.
“Can you bring me the milk and eggs from the fridge?”
He took that as her acceptance of his being there and got the requested items. Allie took the carton of eggs from him and dropped it.
She swore. He grabbed the carton. At knee level. Both knees had Band-Aids that didn’t cover all the scrapes. They weren’t there last night at the diner.
“You’re good with your hands,” she said when he stood up.
You have no idea.
“Fast reflexes too,” she said. “Thanks. Oh, oh.”
She was frowning at his hand on the egg carton. He glanced at it and saw and felt the problem at the same time. His thumb on the top of the carton was gooey. So were his fingers underneath. He’d gripped too hard when he’d caught the carton.
“The sink.” She pointed with a floured finger that had a Band-Aid on it.
So did the one next to it.
“Here, I’ll take the milk.” Her hand left a trail of flour on his as she took the milk from him.
“What happened to your fingers?” He set the carton of eggs in the sink.
“Cut them on a broken glass,” she said, measuring and pouring the milk into the flour-encrusted bowl. “I need two eggs.”
He wanted to ask about her injuries, but her tone indicated she wasn’t in a talking mood. Prying open the egg carton took the tops of three eggs with it.
“You can buy pancake mix, you know,” he said as he searched among the casualties for two intact eggs.
“Made from scratch are better.”
He gently liberated an egg and offered it to her.
She snatched it from him and smacked it against the bowl, held the shell up high to drain, and tossed it in the sink. After the second egg suffered the same fate, she stirred with a vengeance. Then she sprinkled a little water on the griddle and watched it skitter across the surface. He backed out of the danger zone.
“Hello, Greg.” Jake Tiller entered the kitchen and went directly to the coffeepot. “This is just ordinary coffee, not the high-test stuff. Would you like some?”
“Yes, thanks.”
Allie cast him a dark look but went back to pouring batter on the griddle.
“Please, have a seat.” Jake motioned to the table. “Sugar? Milk?”
“Just black.” Greg sat at the oak table that was set for four, feeling out of place despite being invited. Jake set a cup of coffee in front of him and sat down with the other cup. The man looked like he’d been through hell.
“So, I take it someone was causing trouble at Iris’s last night, and I suspect you helped out.”
“Uncle Jake, it wasn’t a big deal,“ Allie said, turning a pancake that landed half on the griddle and half on the countertop. “Oh, crap.”
Greg watched her scoop the casualty into the sink and figured he’d better not remind her to check the ham sizzling in a skillet. “There was a …” remembering Allie’s directive, he finished, “… punk teasing the other kids.”
Allie stopped in the middle of flipping pancakes to glare at him. “Iris shut off the music, and told them all to go home. Which they did.” Allie’s eyes targeting him were blue frost.
“Yes, everyone left. Your stepdaughter and Matt Zooker said they didn’t know who he was. He’s around nineteen or twenty, six feet tall, about 180 pounds with long brown hair and a snake tattooed on his right arm. Does he sound familiar to you?”
Jake frowned and shook his head. “Sure doesn’t.”
He glanced at Allie who gave him another warning look, but he was getting very worried about the ham. The pancakes’ future was already in jeopardy, and smelling that ham made him ravenous. Unfortunately, looking at her in those shorts and blue T-shirt that formed perfectly to her curves made him hungry for something else.
Excusing himself, he got up and went to the stove. Adjusting the heat to low under the skillet, he picked up the fork lying on the counter and turned the slices of ham.
Allie finished flipping the pancakes and frowned at him. “I was about to do that.”
He gave her his best apologetic smile. “Sorry. I’m starved.” He grinned, glanced at the sink of discarded eggs and pancake, then looked back at her. “What else can I do to help?”
For a second he thought she’d throw the spatula at him, but then her shoulders slumped, and the anger left her eyes. Now, the dark circles under those baby blues accentuated her pale, drawn face. He ditched his grin.
The look she gave him squeezed his chest. Her expression was a mixture of gratitude and apology. This was not the Allie made of cold steel he’d seen yesterday.
“There’s butter, trans-fat free margarine, and maple syrup in the fridge,” she said. “Could you warm the syrup in the microwave, please?”
He nodded and went to the fridge.
“Is either Hazel or Deirdre coming down?” she asked her uncle.
Glancing at Jake, Greg caught the pain reflected in the man’s blue eyes.
“Doubtful,” Jake said.
Greg saw Allie tense but didn’t know if it was because he’d had to get close to her to use the microwave mounted above the stove or the fact her uncle’s wife and stepdaughter weren’t joining them.
“I’m glad you were at Iris’s last night,” Uncle Jake said to him.
Greg was glad, too. When the microwave beeped, he took the syrup to the table, and sat down. He thanked Allie as she set a platter of pancakes on the table and returned to the stove. Taking two, he poured syrup on them, figuring that would cover up the dark brown. He smelled the ham coming and was ready with a smile.
“Matt’s father called me first thing this morning,” Jake said.
Allie froze with the skillet over Greg’s head.
“I can’t believe RG called you so early.”
The skillet started to shake in her hand. Greg slowly scooted his chair back and stood up.
“What did he want?” Allie asked.
“He wants me to keep Deidre away from Matt.”
Greg reached for the skillet as it tilted precariously toward where his head had been.
Hazel’s voice boomed from the doorway to the kitchen.
“That pompous ox needs to keep his spoiled kid away from Deidre.”
Allie dropped the skillet. Greg tried to grab the handle, but the angle was wrong, and it landed upside down on his chair. Ham flew, some hitting his hand on its way to the floor. The ham was hot enough to make an impression.
“Oh, no. Did I burn you?” Allie turned stricken eyes on him, grabbing his forearm to examine his hand.
“No, it’s …”
“Look at the mess you’ve made in my kitchen,” Hazel shouted as she started for Allie.
Greg pulled free of Allie’s grip, ready to deflect Hazel’s attack, but Jake was out of his chair faster than Greg thought him capable of moving and intercepted his wife.
“Cold water,” Allie said to Greg, pointing at the sink. She glanced at her uncle as he herded Hazel back down the hall. “I’m sorry,” she called after them. “I’ll clean it all up.”
She grabbed Greg’s arm again, and he let her lead him to the sink. “Oh, God, did the skillet hit you?” She turned the faucet on, and cold water sluiced over his hand, wrist, and forearm. “How bad is it?”
With his free hand, he turned the water off. “It’s fine. No harm done,” he said.
But instead of letting go of his forearm, she turned it, inspecting the slightly reddish skin of his hand. She stopped and stared when she saw the white scar. He’d acquired it when he was a rookie cop stupidly trying to break up a knife fight. It was a wonder he hadn’t gotten himself sliced and diced.
She looked at him with more concern than he deserved. “I was a slow learner when it came to sharp objects,” he said, removing his arm from the sink and from her grasp. “I’m fine, really, but I could use a towel.”
She snatched the towel hanging by the sink, handed it to him, and retrieved the skillet.
“We’re out of eggs, but I can fix more ham. There’s plenty of bread for toast, and …”
“Why don’t I take you out to breakfast after we clean up the kitchen?”
She stared at him. “I don’t want to date you, and please, don’t say it would just be having breakfast together. Actually, I’d really prefer you to leave and not upset my uncle with any more talk about what happened at the diner last night.”
Greg folded the towel, placed it on the counter, and left. When he reached Iris’s Diner, he remembered he hadn’t warned Allie about Snake.
About the author…Karalee Long.
Karalee Long has been writing stories since second grade. Reading comic books taught her story structure while her imagination conjured characters to talk with and adventures to plot. She now writes romantic suspense and paranormal romantic suspense novels.
She lives at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an alpha male cockatiel who owns the family room, and Bad Boy Bones who came to visit at Halloween and now resides in the living room — and doesn’t pay rent. She and her husband are blessed with a wonderful son, amazing daughter-in-law, and lovable grandson.
She loves to hear from readers at www.karaleelong.com.
Links to Karalee’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: www.karaleelong.com
I hope you enjoy the recipe Annie is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 189 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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SIMPLE PANCAKES
[Recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens new Cookbook]
1 ¼ cup sifted flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 T. sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
2 T. salad oil or melted shortening
1 beaten egg
Sift together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Combine milk, salad oil, and beaten egg and add to dry ingredients. Stir just until flour is moistened. (Batter will be lumpy.)
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Karalee is giving away a copy of LOVE AND MURDER IN RED SATIN, to one lucky reader who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss the chance to read this great story! Thanks, Karalee, for sharing your story with us!
February 24, 2015
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Storms of Chaos by J. Morgan
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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STORMS OF CHAOS
Scrolls of Eternity Book Two
BY J. MORGAN
Desert Breeze Publishing
Blurb
First day of school sucks, even if you are a superhero. Patrick hoped being Horus would change his luck. Instead, his school year can’t get any worse. Anubis, his instructor in all things superhero, has disappeared. Norse myths attack him. His homeroom teacher is out to get him, and worse of all, he embarrasses himself in front of half the school.
Then, his wife shows up.
The Norse god Woden wants the planet earth. The only thing standing in his way is Horus, who happens to be the key to opening the doorway between Asgard and Earth. With the help of the daughter of the Celtic goddess of war and Horus’ wife Hathor, Patrick must find a way to stop his family from paying the price for him becoming Horus, and the end of the world.
All in a day’s work for the earth’s only resident superhero.
STORMS OF CHAOS
Scrolls of Eternity Book Two
BY J. MORGAN
Desert Breeze Publishing
Excerpt
“Aunt Jen, this is no earthquake.” Though the shaking sidewalk tried to call him a liar. He turned just in time for the first giant to pull free of the cracked street. “So, let’s get inside where it’s safe.”
“Scion of Osiris!” The giant pointed right at him. “Your vessel cannot hide you from the Jötnar.”
“Patrick, do you know these guys, because they seem to know you.” Grimacing she leaned forward. “Is there something you need to tell me?”
“Not especially.” He gnawed his bottom lip, flipping his head between his scowling aunt and the now three giants making right for them. “I’ve got that kinda face.”
“Sure you do, but I don’t think it’s the kind of face monsters would mistake for the son of an Egyptian god.” She pinched her mouth to a thin harsh line. “Horus, if I’m not mistaken.”
He avoided her question entirely by ducking as a parking meter sailed over their heads and smashed through the bookstore’s window.
“Sky god, show your true self or the woman dies, then we burn this town to the ground around your human form.” The giant ripped a light from the concrete and swung it around his head. “Choose now!”
Patrick licked his lips. There was no way he could summon Horus without Aunt Jen seeing him do it. Too bad, because if he didn’t, they both would die. He needed to decide if keeping his secret was worth someone he loved dying? He didn’t even have to think about it.
“Aunt Jen…” His tongue blanked on what he wanted to say. What could he say? Hey, I’m a superhero and don’t freak out because I’m about to go Superman before your very eyes. Okay, maybe that would have to do. “I’m sorry, but please don’t freak out.”
Turning to the giants, he let his soul touch the power churning inside him. The Horus energy sang out as he brought it coursing through him. He doubled over, the impact of it taking over nearly bringing him to his knees. He held on in spite of his stomach wanting to drench the giants with this morning’s Egg McMuffin.
As suddenly as the feeling washed over him, it passed. Straightening up, the raw energy of being Horus’ Knopic flowed out of him. He whipped his long black hair around him, and stretched his gold armored arms out to his side. The golden breastplate that matched the gauntlets felt scorching hot against his flesh. The scent of exotic spices mixed with the wavering heat of the shifting desert rolled through his nose and he knew Horus had returned to call him home.
“You are so explaining this one later, young man.” Aunt Jen flipped her fingers toward the giants. “But, first go save the day, and then, we’ll go for hot chocolate, and I’ll even throw in a cookie.”
On sale now in digital and print from Desert Breeze Publishing:
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/scrolls-of-eternity-book-two-storms-of-chaos-epub/
About the author, J. Morgan…
Thanks to a special dispensation from the Super Secret Probationary Board of Literary Figures the truth can finally be revealed! J. Morgan is in truth not the reclusive romance author you thought, but in fact an elusive figure known far and wide as the Space Cowboy. But, seriously, allow me to introduce myself, again. Hello, my name is J. Morgan and I’m a romance novelist. Yeah, I find it hard to believe myself, but it’s the truth. I have always been plagued with a vivid imagination, since my earliest childhood and writing seemed the perfect outlet for it. Now, instead of the stories sitting in notebooks gathering dust, I’m unleashing them on the world. Be very afraid. I am happily married to fellow author Jenna Leigh. When not writing books, I can be found in front of the TV pretending to write while really watching endless hours of drivel and laughing at the voices in my head who are constantly feeding me plot lines. While, the voices may not be in control yet, one day they hope to have a book deal of their own, ‘til then I will continue to get to spend the royalty checks.
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Links to J.’s website, blog, books, etc.
Where in the net can you find J. Morgan?
My Yahoo Newsletter
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jmorganslair/
My Website
http://www.freewebs.com/jmorganslair/
Facebook
jmorganauthor@facebook.com
My Blog away from home
http://jennmorgan69.wordpress.com/
To sample some of my books,
you can find me at either of these fine places on the internet.
Desert Breeze Publishing
http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/brands/J.-Morgan.html
Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/J.-Morgan/e/B0032R8BFE/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1366412334&sr=8-1
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: J. is giving away a copy of STORMS OF CHAOS, Scrolls of Eternity Book Two, to one lucky reader who comments on his *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss the chance to read this great series! Thanks, J., for sharing your stories with us!
