Karen Docter's Blog, page 260
September 16, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Little Yellow Stickies by Rachael L. McIntosh
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!
What do you get when a visual artist and former US defense contractor heavily involved in a Presidential campaign writes a novel? A gripping thriller based on actual national events and a transformative time in our history. Please join us as we welcome Rachael L. McIntosh author of “Security Through Absurdity, Book One: Little Yellow Stickies”.
LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES
Security Through Absurdity: Book One
By Rachael L. McIntosh
Book Blurb
“Jocelyn McLaren is a beautiful, hard working, yet naive visual artist who, through a twist of fate, ends up working for a major US defense contractor during the lead up to the Iraq war. She unknowingly witnesses and unwittingly participates in crimes that haunt her and are ultimately interlinked with the most nefarious psychopaths on the planet.
Divided into three books, SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY is the story of corporate shenanigans, an unstable home life, and a quixotic presidential campaign. These situations propel Jocelyn through a believably bizarre journey and into dangerous psychological territory. In a matrix of life threatening situations, she is forced to question the very fabric of her GenX American upbringing.
BOOK ONE: Little Yellow Stickies is the first of the SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY, series which follows the misadventures and development of the main character, Jocelyn McLaren.”
LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES
Security Through Absurdity: Book One
By Rachael L. McIntosh
Excerpt
[The following is copyrighted material. Karen's Killer Book Bench blog is using it by permission of the author for promotional purposes.]
Chapter Eight
When she got to her office, the very first thing Jocelyn did, even before she took off her coat, was tape a piece of red paper to her wall. During her time off at home, she had theorized that maybe the colorlessness of the office was causing her to freak out. Of course, the lack of color paled in comparison with the fact that she was now be forced to deal with mercenaries.
The defense conglomerate that owned Jocelyn’s division had bought (retired) Four-Star Army General Claude Vaughn’s company and morphed its functions and personnel into her diminutive division, thereby growing her workload severalfold over the past few months.
General Vaughn was a highly respected figure in the United States Army, and when he retired, he started one of the first specialty government-contracting companies. The business grew and now offered not only the functions of commissary, outfitting, and shelter to the US Army, but also included specially trained former army personnel who could be shopped around to any government or concerned interest on the planet to help with waging a war, inciting a revolution, rebuilding an infrastructure after the war that they had so handily helped win, and setting up a fledgling democracy.
Jocelyn was first introduced to General Vaughn’s business via a Netscape Navigator Web search that landed her at www.thiscompanysucks.com. The site was filled with Vaughn’s disgruntled employees’ comments about pay and benefits—the usual stuff. But it was the links to the legalities of the situation in Serbia with the underage kids that some of the of employees had taken to getting their jollies off with that made Jocelyn go to Adam and ask him if it was a smart move to get involved with these people.
“This could be a PR nightmare,” she warned.
“Oh, I’m sure the boys can take care of themselves,” Adam had responded in his typical off-the-cuff way. He didn’t seem too bothered by the whole matter.
The thing that struck Jocelyn was that the parents of these girls and boys, some as young as nine, were not so much outraged that a US military-type person would have his way with their child, but that they had not been offered fair market value for their kid.
She remembered the conversation she had heard in the break room.
“Sisters?”
“Oh, it was like heaven,” one former Special Ops guy quietly gushed to a small crew gathered conspiratorially. The grown-out buzz cuts, even though officially done with their “time in the suck” and now working for one of the tendrils of the Conglomerate, still wore the colors of the army. They didn’t even seem to notice Jocelyn as they passed around the photos. “It was just weird having their mother make breakfast for me the next morning.”
That’s how war-torn and poor the places Vaughn’s company involved itself in were. And the employees of General Vaughn’s mercenary branch knew this and exploited it. The employees who had been there long enough knew there would be no consequences. This was not to say that everyone who worked for Vaughn was involved in some sort of seedy scandal. Many were military guys who honestly did not know what they might possibly do outside the scope of their military training and enjoyed the fact that they could find a good-paying job with their credentials. Of course, some were just flat-out adrenaline junkies.
Despite all the recruiting techniques playing upon emotional triggers like patriotism and proud service within the US Armed Forces, employees were merely contractors playing the centuries-old part of mercenary. They could go home to their wives puffed up with their own bravery, sense of purpose, and tax-free compensation at the end of their 365-day OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) contract. As far as Jocelyn could ascertain, it was just like an adventure getaway in which employees got paid many times more than what they had been paid while in the service.
And Adam had been right. The situation with thiscompanysucks.com never did present itself as the pimple on their complexion that Jocelyn had feared. Resolution came simply in the form of cash payouts to the affected children’s families and then, at a much higher cost, purchasing the domain name thiscompanysucks so that it would never see the illuminating glow of the Internet again.
Jocelyn knew that her coworkers were not officially in the military but in that grayish, muddy, beige area outside the reach of any international rules of engagement or US military standard of conduct. This area, otherwise known as “anything goes,” was where the phrase “war is hell” took on yet another layer of interpretation for Jocelyn, as the employees would intermittently send her clips of them gunning down “ragheads,” hoping to impress her or, in their own confused way, thinking that it might somehow be helpful in the media outreach effort.
These e-mails, with the attached videos, had caused Jocelyn to complain. She didn’t want to see that. It wasn’t cool watching some poor guy running for his life across a pixilated black-and-white street and having his head instantly explode like a watermelon accidentally dropped off a kitchen counter. Unfortunately for her, when she went to submit her official request that she not be on the recipient list for these e-mails, the person she was handing her paperwork to was so distracted as he visually devoured the latest “must watch” clip of a beheading that was currently being passed around the office that he just told her to put it in his inbox on his desk. “Okay, Joss, I’ll take care of it. But remember, war is hell, baby.”
Recognizing “war is hell” as a standard response to just about anything, she became desensitized to it and just stopped asking if a war had actually been declared in any of these “hot spots” she was monitoring. And it was around this time something funny started to happen. As there was no point of reference in terms of right or wrong in her daily environment, Jocelyn started to literally see things in terms of the beige area. She would walk into work and feel almost numb at the colorlessness of the place. It was just so incredibly beige. The walls, the rug, the desks. Beige. It made her almost want to cry—but of course, she never did.
So today, she had decided that she was going to do something to fix that. She stood back to appreciate the red, six-by-eight-inch, torn and wrinkled strip of wrapping paper in front of her. At once it took on some sort of minimalist/dada quality. As she continued to study it, she took off her coat. The little arbitrary punctuation mark of red looked good floating on a sea of Navaho Bone. She liked it! It was staying.
About the author, Rachael L. McIntosh…
Rachael McIntosh attended Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Hartford, and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has extensive experience teaching and consulting in the New England area. Rachael has a strong background in fine art, marketing (traditional and guerrilla) , and non-profit administration.
She is an Elected Artist Member of the Norwich Arts Council, a Yale Art School Fellowship nominee as well as Fulbright Grant nominee (as selected by MassArt), and has received many scholarships, grants, and awards. Her most recent juried shows include the Fidelity Investments Invitational at the Providence Art Club, Mystic Art Association, Yale University, the Norwich Arts Council Gallery, and the Newport Art Museum.
For six years Ms. McIntosh worked as a Marketing Communications Specialist at one of the nations largest defense contractors.
Currently Ms. McIntosh is writing novels based upon her real life experiences working for a major US Defense Contractor and her involvement with a US Presidential Campaign. The first novel in the trilogy, SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY book one: Little Yellow Stickies, is available on Amazon and local book stores. http://www.amazon.com/dp/149173311X
~~~
Links to Rachael’s website, blog, books, etc.
www.rachaellmcintosh.com
(psssst….don’t forget the second L because otherwise you’ll end up some female athlete’s site)
http://eatsleepwrite.net/esw123
(podcast)
http://www.amazon.com/Security-Through-Absurdity-Little-Stickies/dp/1491733128/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1410526619&sr=8-1
(the book!)
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Rachael is giving away a signed hard cover copy of LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Don’t miss this chance to read the first book in Rachael’s Security Through Absurdity series. Thanks, Rachael, for sharing your new release with us!
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They’re both going to discover that true love breaks all their rules.
** RomCon Reader’s Crown finalist ~ Contemporary Category
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http://www.amazon.com/Satin-Pleasures-ebook/dp/B0078VSY6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330384089&sr=8-1
September 14, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Rachael L. McIntosh
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with Rachael McIntosh
INTRODUCING…Rachael!
1. How did you get started writing?
I think I basically had a breakdown and I needed to do something with the ball of confusion I had tangled up inside. I am an artist who ended up working for a defense contractor during the lead up to the Iraq war. By the end of my stint there I was in charge of the marketing for five product lines. I left the job when I became pregnant with twins. The thing was I couldn’t do the oil painting that I had always done with the kids around so I started typing my story. I had never written anything before, but when I submitted it to the editors they told me to 1. Use a pen name. 2. Get a life insurance policy 3. Break it down into a trilogy because I had submitted 4.8 novels worth of material. I did everything but use a pen name. My family and friends have heard these stories as they happened in real life and I figured what’s the point of a pen name. I’ll just change the character’s names in the book. I fictionalized everything making it easier to read and (hopefully) guarding me from lawsuits.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
This is a tricky question I am just listed as FICTION. I guess I could be listed in Suspense / Thriller. But honestly its not like cars are flipping over and bombs are going off. It could be a Whistle Blower / Tell-all but it doesn’t have the typical confrontational / angry tone. It’s a really good story about how a woman deals with things that are fairly common place but not “normal” for most Americans because most don’t get to see this stuff. I was afforded a unique perspective of world events being an artist working inside the military industrial complex.
3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
I think about how I’m going to make these books into a NetFlix series.
4. What is your favorite part of writing?
I LOVE it when the plot lines start weaving themselves together by themselves! I love that.
5. What is your least favorite part of writing?
Marketing. After you’ve got the book complete and you’re all proud of your accomplishment and its REAL, now you have to get people to look at it and read it. And then you are in sales mode and I’m not really as into that as I am staying up till 2am waffling between dream state and reality.
6. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?
Hmm….I don’t know celebrity names but I always wanted Samantha from Bewitched to be my mom. I guess my dad could be Rupert Murdoch the owner of News Corp, someone powerful in shaping world view and really rich. Samantha is of course a witch and can fix things with a twinkle of her nose. And Rupert would be plotting to take over the world but somehow Samantha keeps him in check despite his well laid plans. I’d be their kid who can work magic sometimes. That would be COOL!
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Mostly, I’ve lived everything I write about. Then I let the story write itself.
8. Tell me about your ideal reader.
I’m not sure. I think it has to be someone who has an inkling that something isn’t right in the world. Probably someone who liked the XFiles back in the day.
9. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
I get the kids to sleep and just start typing. I do this every night. I have written every night for the past three years now. I guess I bring down a tasty beverage depending on the mood I’m in. Tea or hot chocolate or coffee and something sweet. If I’m feeling really cool and like a bad a$$ (which isn’t often after dealing with twins) and I’m in “reading-what-I-wrote” mode I’ll have a pint of Guinness.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
There are three books in this SECURITY THROUGH ABSURDITY series. This first one, LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES, was released four months ago The next one, BUBBLES WILL POP, should be on the street at the end of this month. And the last book, THE BIG SHOW, I’m hoping will be out by the end of the year, but at this rate I’m thinking it will be early next year.
~~~~~~~
Links to Rachael’s website, blog, books, etc.
www.rachaellmcintosh.com
(psssst….don’t forget the second L because otherwise you’ll end up some female athlete’s site)
http://eatsleepwrite.net/esw123
(podcast)
http://www.amazon.com/Security-Through-Absurdity-Little-Stickies/dp/1491733128/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1410526619&sr=8-1
(the book!)
~~~~
BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Rachael L. McIntosh, her new release, and an excerpt from LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Rachael is giving away a signed hard cover copy of LITTLE YELLOW STICKIES to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Rachael, for sharing your new release with us!
September 12, 2014
Congratulations Week 09-01-14 Giveaway Winner!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 09-01-14 GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with ASHLI ROSE!!
Giveaway: Ashli is giving away a HEARTS ON FIRE SWAG pack, including a signed HEARTS ON FIRE paperback, bookmark, magnet, and button, to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Thanks, Ashli, for sharing your story with us!
WINNER!! CHRISTINE ARDIGO!!
[All winners chosen by random.org. Thank you.]
September 11, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Jessica Aspen
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with JESSICA ASPEN!
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, JESSICA ASPEN, and her favorite recipe for JESSICA ASPEN’S FLORIDA HOLIDAY MUFFINS!
GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST
A Haunted Holidays Novel
By JESSICA ASPEN
Book Blurb
Jen MacNamara flees the Christmas wedding of her best friend and cheating fiancé and runs to the country to spend the holiday alone. It’s the perfect plan, until her unexpectedly sexy neighbor and landlord, Nate Pierce, insists on bringing the holiday to her—complete with a Christmas tree, hot chocolate, and an unexpected kiss.
And that’s not Jen’s only problem.
The cozy country farmhouse is already occupied by something evil. Now Jen’s nights are spent wrapped in sensual dreams of a past life, and her days growing closer to Nate as they solve the mystery of the malevolent ghost that haunts not only the house, but also wants Jen dead.
Dare to discover Jessica Aspen’s sexy, new adult, contemporary, Gothic romance, today.
Available at:
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Ibooks, AllRomanceEbooks
Add Ghosts of Christmas Past to your Goodreads shelf.
~~~
GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST
A Haunted Holidays Novel
By JESSICA ASPEN
Excerpt
Jen turned, gazing over the bare winter fields to the tangle of trees. No explanations, no obligations, no complications. For two whole weeks she could just hide here, and write.
The first genuine smile she could remember since April spread her face wide.
Then the pickup arrived.
Black, large, and full of male attitude it parked right next to her vacation house, dwarfing her small car and taking up the entire drive.
“Oh, there’s Nate now.” Mrs. Castlebury waved at the man pushing an eager black Labrador back into the cab while trying to exit the vehicle.
He got the door shut, faced them, and grinned. Dressed in New England casual of laced-up work boots, jeans, and plaid shirt under a denim jacket, Nate Pierce, striding across the snow, hand out in welcome, was a commercial for settling down. Tall. Good-looking in a rugged, works-for-a-living kind of way. And he had a dog. A big, sloppy, super-cute dog, wagging its tail and drooling on the driver’s side window.
For one impulsive moment Jen wished this was her life. She loved big dogs, the country, and secretly, men in plaid shirts, but she hadn’t had the opportunity for any of it since her dad’s death. Their daddy-daughter fishing trips, where he’d gotten to get out of his suit and she’d gotten to be free of her school uniform, had stopped cold the year she’d turned twelve.
This was the first time since then she’d ventured outside of somewhere hot and warm with a very clean, very controlled hotel. Her mom’s idea of a vacation. Of course, neither her mom nor her ex, Jason, tolerated dogs of any size. And as for living outside of the Boston city limits?
Neither of them would consider the horror.
She squashed the sudden surge of loneliness and desire for something she’d probably never have, and pasted on a smile.
Mr. Good-Looking Country Boy tramped through the snow to the porch, pushed his overlong forelock of sandy brown hair off his face, and held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Nate Pierce, your landlord.”
“My what?” She shot a quick look at Mrs. Castlebury.
“Your landlord, dear. I’m just the listing agent. Nate owns the house and he’ll see to any upkeep you need.”
“In fact, I’ll be back in an hour or so after you’ve gotten settled and bring the Christmas tree.”
“The Christmas tree?” She’d forgotten. She’d purchased the Christmas in New England package because it had been cheaper than renting by the day. “That’s not necessary,” she said, her voice chillier than she’d intended.
“I’ve already cut the tree down.” Nate’s friendly grin wavered as did his hand hovering in the air between them. “It would be a shame to waste.”
She didn’t want to be friendly with the neighbors. She wanted to hide out and recuperate. Make up her mind as to what in the world she was going to do next. But good manners won out.
Jen repressed a sigh, reached out, and slid her bare hand into his. As it disappeared into his tan callused grip, her hand seemed slim and small. He squeezed gently and a tingling warmth spread across her skin.
Hot caramel sensation slid from the connection between them, up her palm, along her arm, and through her entire body. Her hand tightened automatically, and a responding spark lit in his eyes.
Jen swallowed. Shoot! She wasn’t ready for this. She was here to lick her wounds, not some guy’s abs. And given the strength in his hand and his wide shoulders, she’d bet he had some killer abs.
She gazed up into Nate’s warm chocolate brown eyes and his face blurred. For a moment she saw another face superimposed over his. Same brown eyes, same tanned, rugged New England skin, but more boyish, broad-boned and black haired.
Every hair on her scalp tried to climb out of its slicked back, ponytailed restriction.
Then her new neighbor’s sharper, more intense features came into focus. Jen panicked and jerked her hand away. Wiping her buzzing palm on her long red wool coat she backed up, nearly running into Mrs. Castlebury.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Pardon me.” She circled around, putting the older woman between herself and Nate Pierce.
What the hell just happened?
Jen tucked her hands into the safety of her coat pockets, surreptitiously rubbing her tingling right palm along the silk inside her pocket. Trying to get rid of the strange feeling spreading along her skin and telling her pounding heart that everything was fine. That something bizarre hadn’t just happened to her. And that life was safe and normal.
About the author…Jessica Aspen.
Jessica Aspen has always wanted to be spirited away to a world inhabited by elves, were-wolves and sexy men who walk on the dark side of the knife. Luckily, she’s able to explore her fantasy side and delve into new worlds by writing paranormal romance. She loves indulging in dark chocolate, reading eclectic novels, and dreaming of ocean vacations, but instead spends most of her time, writing, walking the dog, and hiking in the Colorado Rockies. You can find out more information and read about Jessica’s paranormal romances at http://JessicaAspen.com
To sign up for Jessica Aspen’s new release email please go to: http://eepurl.com/zs4Sj
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Links to Jessica’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://jessicaaspen.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759763.Jessica_Aspen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaAspen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAspenAuthor
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jessicaaspen/
Join the Jessica Aspen mailing list! Get the scoop on new releases, sales, plus the chance to win ARCs and participate in special giveaways. When I send you an email, there’s always something in it for you! http://eepurl.com/zs4Sj
I hope you enjoy the recipe Jessica is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 161 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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Hi Karen, and all the readers here at Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Between the approach of Halloween and promoting my new ghostly Christmas book, I’m ready for the holidays. Deciding which holiday recipe to feature was a tough call. I ended up with a recipe that works for both holidays—and its gluten and grain free!
I used to celebrate Christmas in Florida with my grandmother, so tropical flavors are a big Christmas trigger for me. This recipe combines fall’s pumpkin and Florida’s lemon and tastes delicious. Use if for a fall brunch all the way through Christmas morning and you’ll have sunshine in your kitchen as well as a pumpkin holiday feast!
JESSICA ASPEN’S
FLORIDA HOLIDAY MUFFINS
6 eggs-room temperature
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup melted coconut oil (you can use butter, but you lose the tropical flavor)
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cup maple syrup (the real stuff!) room temperature
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ginger
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine wet ingredients, blend well and set aside. Combine dry ingredients, get all the lumps out of the flours by using a fork to mix. Stir to combine wet and dry ingredients and set aside. While letting ingredients sit, grease a muffin tin. Divide batter evenly into the well-greased muffin tin and bake for 35-40 minutes.
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jessica is giving away an ebook copy of GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST to one lucky winner who comments on her Killer Fixin’s blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Jessica, for sharing your new release and recipe with us!
September 9, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Coffee, Cigarettes and Crisis by Jana Misho
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!
COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND CRISIS by JANA MISHO
Book Blurb
A girl in a loving relationship with Paris, with two best friends and a father figure she found in Pigalle, leads a perfectly designed life, in her Gare du Nord apartment, with a wonderful job and a lot of coffee.
Yet, one spilled coffee, one lost job, and one small flood later, Paris fails in always being a good idea, and manages to mock the heroine in every step. She slowly forgets what peace and boredom feels like, and learns that quarter life crisis is not only a thing, but it’s happening to her. As if that’s not enough, she finds herself batting her eye-lashes at a man she didn’t even notice before. Mothering complicated and eccentric friends, fighting with the person whose indigo shade of eyes she noticed just five minutes ago, also contributes to a chaos which is very unnerving for a person who simply doesn’t like turbulence. And when your father figure is in fact a bohemian art enthusiast who works at/owns a strip club on Pigalle, all the advice you can get puts things into a rather unique perspective.
Growing up can be quite difficult, especially when it’s happening some time after you decided you’ve completed that process. Especially when all you can think about is escaping yourself, and Paris simply won’t let you do that.
~~~
COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND CRISIS by JANA MISHO
Excerpt
STUFF YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR BROKEN-HEARTED FRIEND
The shiny, magenta letters on my computer screen composed the title of an article that was supposed to inspire me how to get my friend out of the house, after her boyfriend of a hundred years told her he didn’t want to get back together.
A week ago, Edith called me screaming on the phone, and it took a while before she calmed down and explained that she finally called Daniel, but he was “a different person”, and “didn’t sound like the Daniel I know” and “doesn’t want me back, I’m going to DIE”. So I was babysitting for a few days, reading magazines online when she was asleep, and I found that appropriate one. Not knowing what else to do, I clicked it. In a less interesting font, the article went on:
1. Have sleepovers like when you were in high school.
Did that. Didn’t get much sleep though. We didn’t braid each other’s hair either, she was sobbing, and asking why, while I listened and tried to say things that didn’t even matter at that point. It wasn’t even arranged and anticipated, I just couldn’t leave her alone and miserable, so I decided to just stay on her couch. We talked about boys, the way you do at a sleepover, only I didn’t, because, after her umpteenth “he would just give up?!” I couldn’t just mention ‘so, you know, this guy came by the other night, you might know him…”
2. Have a girls’ night out.
How did I even stumble upon this article? Did that as well. After two days of break-up holocaust, I managed to impose my makeup philosophy on Edith, so for five seconds she felt confident and allowed us to go to a club, which I detested, but I was willing to sacrifice my evening for friendship. It proved to be fruitless, because fifteen minutes after we got our drinks, Edith felt it was a good time to stop being tolerant to alcohol, so before she vomited extensively, partly from bad quality, partly from misery, she realized that clubs were ‘for unhappy and single people,’ which she was, and it was then that she took it all out of her system. Literally.
3. Have long conversations
Really? Really, article? Longer than analyzing every mistake ever made in the longest of long relationships? We spent hours double-checking if what she said to him was appropriate, if it would make him want her back, or just push him further away.
4. Cook together
Seriously, the person who wrote this had probably never heard of the hardwood floor forming in your throat when you are love-suffering. Edith (like me) was not capable of eating, so cooking would have been a total waste of time and groceries.
5. Workout together
Go to hell, writer of article. Basile would have fired you immediately.
6. Watch comedies all the time
That one was kind of good, if I could get her to stop staring into nothingness all day. I tried luring her into watching Tais-Toi!, but half-way through the movie, she remembered that the first time she watched it was with Daniel, thus inducing more catatonic behavior, so abort.
7. Surround them with fun, interesting people
…like members of the family, for instance, brothers. No. I shoved Max into her face. This was one of the rare things that worked, because Max was impossible to ignore, plus, he was fun to be around. He selflessly shared one of his rare love stories with her, about one of the few steady relationships he was in, how it ended, and how he moved on. He told it in a casual way, with no regrets or sadness in his voice, and that amused Edith. She was okay that day.
8. Go on a trip
You know how people go to mountain tops and deep in caves to find wise men and ask them questions? Well, the wisdom we needed was just outside Paris. We visited Adele, Edith’s grandmother, who lived in the Paris suburbs. Her house was a miracle, as was she, and after Max, it was that day with her grandmother that Edith went back from the (un)dead. Adele was beautiful and powerful, and her words could uplift a prisoner sentenced to life. She made strong coffee, and as she brought her graceful, fragranced self to the picturesque backyard, she asked why Daniel left Edith. I focused on the perfect smell of freshly ground coffee, not paying close attention to Edith’s answer, partly because I knew it, and partly because it was in French.
‘Well, he said I’d been taking him for granted, Grandma…’
‘Yes, and he’s right,’ Adele said absently, as she finished filling her own cup.
‘So you’re saying it’s my fault?’ Edith exclaimed desperately.
‘No, you can never blame only one partner, you cow,’ Adele said peacefully, leaving me amused for the millionth time she used simple animals to address people. ‘Even if it is the best and the worst people in the world in a relationship, both of them are to blame in the end. You took him for granted, but the jackass could’ve told you that he’s not happy like that. Yet, if only people would immediately know what troubles them…’ she smiled.
‘Yes, he could say something!’ Edith said, unnerved. ‘He says he’s been putting up with things for a long time, and he couldn’t do it anymore. Why put up, why not mention them and find a solution before it’s too late?’
‘Would you have accepted everything he would bring up as a problem?’ Adele inquired wisely, and Edith didn’t say anything. ‘There are things that last forever, my dear Edith. But if someone is willing to let you go, when he doesn’t have to, then that’s not forever. It’s just a pity you weren’t as lucky as your brother to have a shallow-headed hen beside you, those are easy to forget.’
I could start paying attention now, though.
‘Will I be able to forget about him?’ Edith asked hopefully.
‘You’re not supposed to forget about him, mignon, he is a big part of your life,’ Adele chuckled with her velvet voice. ‘But if you’re asking me if there will be a time when you think about him as a wonderful part of your growing up, or a kind friend you sometimes like to have a drink with – then yes, I promise there will be.’
Wisdom was pouring out of Adele like her warm coffee was pouring out of her kettle, filling our cups for the third time. It was a long afternoon and the best girl time I’ve had in my life. I felt like I could listen to Edith’s grandmother for days and months and not get bored. She was smart and experienced about every important thing that exists in this world. And later, when we prepared to leave, she asked us to come more often than between relationships. I asked her to come live with us.
‘Oh I wouldn’t go back in that jungle and in my twenties if you paid me, my dear,’ she said as she kissed us goodbye.
9. Find her someone new
Let’s not push it. When we went to G20 to buy something for dinner, she kept glancing at the janitor, “his eye-brows are so much like Daniel’s”, and I had to guess which isle held “Daniel loves brown rice and always said it was so healthy”, so we don’t catch another crying spell.
10. Do something crazy
No.
About the author, Jana Misho…
I am a new author and I write things I want to read. I spent my whole childhood going in and out of Paris, and it is my inspiration on every level. I love Salvador Dali, espresso and urban scenery and even though my first book is Chick Lit, I love Tolkien and I’m biting my nails until GRRM’s The Winds of Winter comes out.
I am 27, I paint and drink coffee a lot. If you want to make me miserable, all you have to do is put me somewhere in the country, with no buildings, no asphalt and no service. I’ll probably bring my laptop and write there anyway, and my shoes will be totally inappropriate.
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Links to Jana’s website, blog, books, etc.
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnCC35Mzu4I
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jana is giving away a .mobi or PDF copy of COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND CRISIS to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Jana, for sharing your new release with us!
September 7, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Jana Misho
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with Jana Misho
INTRODUCING…Jana!
1. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
It relaxes me. The events match the ones in my life right now. That, and the fact that I’ve been through so many situations in life that deserve to be in an urban romance/chick-lit book. Those people deserve to be written somewhere 
2. Are you a plotter or a pantser (one who writes “by the seat of your pants”)?
A pantser, absolutely. I have no idea how my WIPs will end. I like to surprise myself because that’s how you can have a glimpse in what a potential reader might feel. I go side by side with my characters and solve their problems on the way. Sometimes I know what will happen in the next chapter. But never like, three chapters in advance.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
The thrill of doing it. The way time passes when you’re in the zone, the bubble you create while you’re creating. The weight I lose! My writing makes me hot, ergo I’ll never stop.
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
Act. Perform. Also thrilling, rewarding and figure flattering. Both things are a huge part of my life and aspirations.
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
I don’t have a favorite meal if we’re talking about the time of the day. I know I hate eating in the morning. But if I think about it, I guess the right answer is dinner. Whichever includes pasta or pizza.
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters ? Why?
I know the perspective of female characters, and I’d choose them for a main one, but I love writing supporting male characters. They have huge potential in making the story more colorful. This is probably because I am a girl, surrounded by guys, each of them a fountain of male emotions, humor, silliness and depth. I borrow from my life, like I said.
7. If you had a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?
Oooh, dear… I have no idea right now, and I watched X-Men a few days ago… Teleportation? Oh, that would be nice. Telepathy. Telekinesis. Tele-everything.
8. Many writers dream of having the ideal location to write. If you could live anywhere in the world or live a particular lifestyle, where would you be answering these questions right now?
The ideal location to write would be the place I’m writing about. Right now, I have a WIP going on in London, Paris and Barcelona. See? Teleportation, teleportation, teleportation. Anyway, I love my lifestyle. I’d love to go back to travelling some more and I plan to, but otherwise, I’m fine.
9. Do you have any rejection stories to share ? Reviews that meant something special to you?
I have only received two rejection letters and they were both very decent and very generic, ‘Thank you, come again.’ J And one of the most meaningful reviews was one by a lovely blogger I also quoted on my blog. She said that she loved how different my book was from others in the genre and that the supporting characters were people you want to know in real life. I loved that!
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Pantser, remember? I have no idea, but it will be out soon. It’s about a young psychologist in Paris, urban lifestyle, romantic weirdness, friendships and the corners of that beautiful city. All I know is I enjoy writing it.
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Links to Jana’s website, blog, books, etc.
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnCC35Mzu4I
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Jana Misho, her new release, and an excerpt from COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND CRISIS, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jana is giving away a .mobi or PDF copy of COFFEE, CIGARETTES AND CRISIS to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Jana, for sharing your new release with us!
September 4, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Cate Beauman
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with CATE BEAUMAN!
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, CATE BEAUMAN, and her favorite recipe for SLOPPY JOES!
Cate Beauman is back with the seventh installment in her bestselling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County!
SAVING SOPHIE
The Bodyguards of L.A. County
By CATE BEAUMAN
Book Blurb
When the only choice is to run…
Jewelry designer Sophie Burke has fled Maine for the anonymity of the big city. She’s starting over with a job she tolerates and a grungy motel room she calls home on the wrong side of town, but anything is better than the nightmare she left behind.
Stone McCabe is Ethan Cooke Security’s brooding bad boy more interested in keeping to himself than anything else—until the gorgeous blond with haunted violet eyes catches his attention late one rainy night.
Stone reluctantly gives Sophie a hand only to quickly realize that the shy beauty with the soft voice and pretty smile has something to hide. Tangled up in her secrets, Stone offers Sophie a solution that has the potential to free her from her problems once and for all—or jeopardize both of their lives.
SAVING SOPHIE
By CATE BEAUMAN
Excerpt
Sophie glanced around one last time at the town she’d called home for more than twelve years as Dylan merged south on the onramp towards Brunswick, knowing she would never come back to the place where she and her mother had made their fresh start.
“Your train leaves at nine. We should make it in plenty of time.”
“I’ve never traveled by train.”
“Me neither.” Dylan moved into the right lane, letting faster traffic pass. “Have you decided where you’ll go?”
She shook her head, even though she’d thought of little else since she woke this morning, knowing today had to be the day. “Somewhere big. Somewhere where he can’t find me.” She swallowed. “He’ll look. He’ll never stop,” she said, staring into the side mirror, waiting for the black Mercedes to rush up behind them and force them to pull over. “You have to be careful.”
Dylan huffed out an amused laugh. “That bastard doesn’t scare me.”
She wished he didn’t scare her either. “Be careful anyway.”
“I will, but he’s a coward.”
“No more than me,” she murmured, glancing down at the hints of bruised skin peeking out from under her sleeves.
Dylan tossed her a look. “Don’t go there.”
She sat back fully in her seat, unable to take her eyes off the mirror until Dylan eventually exited the interstate and drove toward the center of town, stopping in front of the Amtrak station as the train pulled up.
“Looks like you won’t have to wait.” She set the emergency brake and searched through her purse. “Here’s my license.” She handed over the Maine ID and paper ticket she’d bought and printed when Sophie gave her the green light from her kiosk at the mall. “We don’t look all that different with your wig, so this should get you your next ticket in Boston.”
“Thank you.” Sophie leaned over and gave Dylan a big hug. “Thank you so much. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”
“Don’t look back, Sophie.” Dylan eased away, squeezing her hand. “Get out of here and never look back. Here are the phone numbers for the Stowers house shelters in Baltimore and LA I told you about—just in case.” She handed over the March copy of Trendy magazine with papers sticking out from the edges.
“Thanks. Please don’t forget to put flowers on my mother’s grave.”
“I won’t.”
She nodded and hugged Dylan for the last time. “Bye.”
“Bye. Take care of yourself.”
“I will.” Sophie got out, sliding her backpack on her shoulder as she made her way to the bored-eyed man at the ticket kiosk.
“Ticket and ID, Ma’am.”
Sophie handed over both, holding her breath, waiting for her plan to fall apart.
“Safe trip.” He gave them back.
“Thank you,” she murmured, letting loose a shaky exhale as she turned and moved toward the train, wanting to run instead of walk. She boarded the first available car and stared out the window as she sat down, watching Dylan pull out of the lot in the rusty hatchback, already missing the only person she’d had a connection with. She bobbed her leg up and down, struggling to keep her fidgeting at bay. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, until finally the doors closed. The train jerked forward, moving toward Boston—the first stop on her journey to freedom.
Did you enjoy the excerpt? You can read the first chapter on my website, www.catebeauman.com, or you can finish the whole book here!
The Inspiration Behind Saving Sophie
Stone and Sophie are as opposite as can be—or so it seems—and that’s why telling their story was so much fun! Readers met Stone in Justice For Abby. He’s a gorgeous bad boy, more interested in taking care of himself than worrying about anyone else. Stone’s a hard-ass. There’s no other way to say it, but everyone has an achilles’ heel. That’s what drew me to Ethan Cooke Security’s latest bodyguard. I kept asking myself what type of woman had the power to bring a man like Stone McCabe to his knees. Enter Sophie Burke, a shy jewelry designer dealing with lots of trouble, and you just might have your answer.
I hope you enjoy Sophie and Stone as much as I enjoyed writing them!
~ Cate
The Unofficial Saving Sophie Soundtrack
Here are a few of the songs that I had on “repeat” while I created Stone and Sophie’s story! You can listen to them on my website www.catebeauman.com.
The soundtrack, of sorts, for Saving Sophie:
Grey Street by Dave Matthews
Sleep by Plumb
Come To Me by The Goo Goo Dolls
All I Want by Staind
I’d Come For You by Nickelback
Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran
In My Veins by Andrew Belle
Only You by Matthew Perryman Jones
Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk
Saving Sophie is on sale now through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes! Buy it now!
About the author…Cate Beauman.
Cate currently lives in North Carolina with her husband, their two boys, and St. Bernards, Bear and Jack. She is the author of the best selling romantic suspense series, The Bodyguards of L.A. County. Before her career as an author, Cate worked in special education for 12 years.
“I’m a pretty lucky girl; one day I woke up and my entire life changed. I saw the light, so to speak, and decided I was going to be a writer. Now, four years later, I’m currently working on my eighth novel, Reagan’s Redemption, which I plan to release in early spring of 2015. I’m very grateful for the support and success I’ve had.” – Cate
~~~
Links to Cate’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM/
Social links:
I hope you enjoy the recipe Cate is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 160 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi, Karen! I’m so excited to be back on Killer Fixin’s! I love connecting with readers of romantic suspense and the idea of blending killer recipes with supenseful reading is fantastic!
I LOVE to cook and bake, but there’s a catch: I’m a bit of a maniac when it comes to good, wholesome food. Rarely does an unbalanced meal make its way to my dining room table. I have two growing boys always eager for their dinner, but it’s not often that I have time to slave over a hot stove or oven all day. That’s where the Crock-Pot comes in.
My mother-in-law shared this recipe with me. It’s a family favorite and one that brings fond memories with it. Served on a whole-wheat bun with home-baked fries and a salad, and you’ve got a little slice of heaven!
SLOPPY JOES
[Serves 6]
1 lb. lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
¾ cup ketchup
3 teaspoons brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
For the Croc-Pot: Brown beef, onion and green pepper. Drain off liquid. Put meat mixture in croc-pot, stir in remaining ingredients, and cook for 3-4 hours.
For the stovetop: Brown beef, onion, and green pepper. Drain off liquid. Stir in remaining ingredients, simmer (covered), thirty minutes on low (or simmer longer for a sweeter taste.).
I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as my family has!
~Cate
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Cate is giving away an ebook copy (Kindle or Nook) of SAVING SOPHIE to four lucky winners who enter her Rafflecopter giveaway. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Cate, for sharing your new release and recipe with us!
September 2, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Hearts on Fire by Ashli Rose
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!
HEARTS ON FIRE by ASHLI ROSE
Book Blurb
It has been five years since Ava Kingston left her parents’ house in New Jersey. She ran and never looked back, all because of one night. One night that could’ve changed her life forever. Now living in Chicago, working as a journalist, Ava thinks her life is finally where it should be. She is working toward a promotion, has a great family, and a few amazing friends. What more could a girl want? Just when Ava comes to a calming sense of closure in her life, her past reappears in the form of the Hunks in Uniform calendar. Will Ava’s feelings for this fearless firefighter resurface against her better judgment? Or will Ava try to forget the one person she ever really loved?
Gavin Sawyer is a Chicago firefighter who is stopping many women’s hearts as a model for the Hunks in Uniform calendar. Gavin only tried out for the calendar because of her—the one person who knew he was worthy of such prestige. He knew how much she wanted him to do it, but then she was gone. Without a warning, Ava left Gavin behind with a broken heart and bruised ego. He loved her, but she ran. One night separated them forever. Now, five years later, Gavin will stop at nothing to win her back. A chance encounter with Ava sets his heart on fire and proves that old feelings really do die hard.
~~~
HEARTS ON FIRE by ASHLI ROSE
Excerpt
“Gavin, this is amazing!” Ava said as she held his hand while they walked toward the castle in Central Park.
“I’m glad you like it. So, am I off the hook for surprising you?” Gavin asked as he pressed her against the castle wall overlooking the river.
Ava couldn’t breathe. She stared into Gavin’s intense eyes and could tell he wanted to kiss her; at least she hoped so, because she definitely wanted to kiss him. Instead, she smiled. “I guess I can let it slide just this once. But, please don’t forget that I absolutely hate surprises.”
Gavin laughed and kissed her forehead. “Duly noted. May I ask what brought on the hatred of surprises?”
“I don’t know. I just don’t like them. I guess it’s because I always have to know what’s going on, and I don’t like being caught off guard. Maybe it’s the journalist in me.” Ava turned her body in Gavin’s hold and looked out into the distance. It was a beautiful summer day. Tourists were out on the lake in paddle boats, and the trees were swaying in the light breeze. Light goose bumps popped up on her skin, and Gavin ran his strong hands up and down her arms to warm her.
“Do you want to keep walking? It’s a little chilly in the shade, but I have another surprise for you.” Gavin smiled wickedly and raised his eyebrows.
Ava smacked his arm. “You know I hate surprises.”
“In my defense, I did not know this when I planned our date.”
Ava thought about it for a second. “OK, but this is your last free pass. The next surprise will cost you.”
“Oh yea? What will happen if I surprise you again?”
“I won’t kiss you goodnight.”
“Well, then I guess I’d better get on with this surprise so I can get that kiss.” Gavin winked at Ava and grabbed her hand to lead her to the next part of her surprise.
***
Gavin and Ava walked hand in hand through the park. It turned out to be a beautiful day, though the park was a bit crowded. It seemed that everyone had the same idea. Ava didn’t mind though. She loved being outside and having the sun warm her skin. Gavin seemed to notice this and asked, “You really like being outside, don’t you?”
“I do. I even love being outside in the rain, especially in the summer. There is just something about summer rain that makes me feel happy. Winter rain, on the other hand, no thank you. I hate being cold.”
Gavin laughed. “I’m learning about a lot of your dislikes today. This is good. No surprises, winter rain. Anything else?”
“Rodents! Ugh, I hate them. I don’t just mean mice and rats. Ferrets, possums, squirrels—anything with a long tail and beady eyes.”
“So, if I bought you a pet rat for your birthday, you wouldn’t like it?”
Ava shuttered. “Eww, no, just the thought skeeves me out.”
The two just laughed at each other and made their way through the park. Ava heard people singing in a shady part of the park, and Gavin was actually guiding her in that direction.
“What’s going on there?” Ava asked.
“You’ll see,” Gavin said with that devilish smile.
“Oh boy! Is this my next surprise?”
“Come on,” Gavin said as he pulled her over to a group of people gathered around two men singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. Ava turned to Gavin with a look of shock. He remembered. She had told him in conversation the week before that she loved classic rock, especially the Beatles. She also told him that, if she ever had a daughter, she would name her Lennon. Thinking back on it, Ava was surprised Gavin asked her out after that comment. Ava held Gavin’s bicep and laid her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and listened to the two men sing one of her favorite songs. At one point, she began to sway, and she felt Gavin pull her into his body. It felt right being with him. Their bodies fit together perfectly, and she didn’t want to break contact with him. Fire was shooting through her veins, and she couldn’t believe that someone’s touch could do this to her. When the two men were done, the crowd erupted in a loud applause. Ava didn’t notice but she had been crying. That song always did it to her.
“Are you OK, Ava?” Gavin asked as he wiped a tear with the pad of his thumb.
“I’m fine, Gavin. That is my favorite song, and I always get emotional when I listen to it. That was amazing. Thank you.”
“Of course, but you haven’t seen the best part.” Gavin pulled her through the crowd, and in the middle of the circle was a huge peace sign made out of stone with the word imagine in the middle. Along the outside of the peace sign was a bunch of different flowers outlining it. This truly was amazing. Ava could only imagine what this man would’ve been capable of had he been alive today.
Ava looked at Gavin and reach up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. “Thank you, Gavin. This has been the best date ever.”
Gavin held Ava in his arms and kissed the top of her forehead. “So, could we add this to the list of things that you like?”
Ava laughed into his chest. “Yes, Gavin, we can.”
The next moment happened so quickly Ava didn’t even realize what was going on. Gavin dipped Ava back and planted a sweet kiss on her lips. Thankfully, Ava didn’t scream when it happened, because the kiss probably wouldn’t have been as amazing. Gavin’s lips were so soft against hers, and they tasted like mint and lemons. Ava cupped her hands behind his head and opened her mouth so Gavin could deepen the kiss. Gavin’s hand was on Ava’s lower back, and the other was behind her head. They continued their kiss, dancing with their tongues. They would’ve kept kissing if it weren’t for the applause and whistles they heard around them. They broke their kiss, and Ava buried her head in Gavin’s chest once again.
“Good job, man!”
“Get a room!”
Gavin just waved to everyone, and Ava pulled him toward the street.
“Oh my god! That was so embarrassing,” Ava said with a slight blush in her cheeks.
“Was it really that bad kissing me?” Gavin asked with his hand over his heart, faking insult.
“No, the kiss was amazing. I have never done anything like that in public before.”
Gavin pulled Ava closer. “Good. I like that I was able to share that with you. But, I promise, Ava, the next time I kiss you will be behind closed doors, and I will not stop there.”
Ava’s cheeks burned, and she knew she was red. The thought of Gavin’s lips on hers again was causing a stir in her belly. She wasn’t the type of girl to sleep with someone on the first date, but she could make an exception for someone who made it the best date she’d ever had.
If this date gave Ava any clue as to how their relationship would be, Ava was going to be one lucky girl. © Ashli Rose, Hearts on Fire 2014
About the author, Ashli Rose…
Ashli Rose is a wife, mother, and teacher from Northern New Jersey. She lives with her husband, Patrick, and their two-year-old daughter, Laila Rose. When Ashli isn’t writing, she can be found reading, watching The Office or Super Why, doing puzzles with her daughter, or just relaxing.
Hearts on Fire is her debut novel and the first in the Hearts on Fire Series.
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Links to Ashli’s website, blog, books, etc.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashliroseauthor
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ashliroseauthor
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/ashlirose11
Twitter- @ashlirose11
Buy Links:
amazon- (kindle and paperback) http://amzn.to/1rzLI8u
BN(paperback only)- http://bit.ly/1oahK4J
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Ashli is giving away a HEARTS ON FIRE SWAG pack, including a signed HEARTS ON FIRE paperback, bookmark, magnet, and button, to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this great story! Thanks, Ashli, for sharing your new release with us!
September 1, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Texas Twist by Cynthia D’Alba
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!
Enter to Win
TONS of TEXAS TWIST Goodies
Gift Card, Mugs, T-Shirts, Etc
BOOK BLURB
Real bad boys can grow up to be real good men.
Hit hard by the death of her parents, Paige Ryan needs to figure out what to do with her life. She moves to Whispering Springs, Texas, to be near her step-brother. But just as she starts to get her life on track, the last man she ever wanted to see again sends it right back off the rails.
Cash Montgomery was on the cusp of having it all. Three bull riding titles, fame, fortune and respect from his family. Until a bad bull leaves him injured, angry and searching for comfort at the bottom of a bottle. With nowhere to go, he moves into his sister-in-law’s old ranch house in Whispering Springs—which he’s surprised to find already occupied.
As Cash rebuilds the dilapidated home and Paige starts out on her medical career, their old friendship begins to reemerge and sparks are ignited. Paige knows that Cash is nothing but a heartache waiting to happen. But maybe this bad boy has grown up to be a real good man?
Warning: Watch out for falling lumber, falling in holes, and falling for the wrong guy…again. You can leave your hard hat on.
TEASER
“Here’s the deal, slick,” she said with a lift of an eyebrow. “I’m still attracted to you and, if I’m reading your kisses accurately, the feeling is mutual.” She sat back on her heels with a sigh. “I want to finish what we started seven years ago. Don’t freak out,” she added quickly when he opened his mouth to speak. “I’m not looking for long-term or asking for a commitment. Come fall, school’s going to be time consuming and tough. I won’t have the time or the energy for a relationship.” She shrugged. “So for as long as it lasts, I propose roommates with benefits. What do you say?”
Award winning author Cynthia D’Alba was born and raised in Arkansas. After being gone for seventeen years, she’s thrilled to be back home living on the banks of an eight-thousand acre lake. When she’s not reading, writing or plotting, she’s doorman for her two dogs, cook, housekeeper and chief bottle washer for her husband and slave to a noisy, messy parrot. She loves to chat online with friends and fans
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