Karen Docter's Blog, page 267
May 18, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Chicki Brown
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with CHICKI BROWN
INTRODUCING….Chicki Brown!
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.
After a decades as an administrative assistant, I left the corporate world to write full time. Other than reading and writing, I enjoy spending what little free time I have listening to music and dining out.
1. How did you get started writing?
Back in 2001 I started writing what was supposed to be a short story to fill the time on a very slow job. As it turned out, that story grew into a 400-page novel entitled LYRICS. Thankfully, it was never published, but that writing experience is what got me started on my journey to publication.
2. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
I absolutely love romance and women’s fiction. There is nothing more fascinating to me than the interaction between men and women. It’s what makes the world go round. I have always been an avid reader, but I didn’t always read romance. In my early adult years, I read a lot of African-American social commentary and fiction. Later I moved to Christian fiction then mystery and legal dramas. It wasn’t until the mid-90’s that I read LUCKY’S LADY by Tami Hoag, and it started me on a quest to find more romance books. I’ve been reading romance and women’s fiction ever since.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
The creation of characters is the most enjoyable part for me. I get a real charge out of coming up with the plot – what the story is going to be about and writing the attraction between my hero and heroine. I also love coming up with their backgrounds, researching their professions and where they live.
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
There isn’t anything I’d rather do more than writing, but if I had my way, I would be doing it from my own beachfront house.
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
Dinner. My favorite food is Italian.
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? The heroes and heroines, or the villains?
I enjoy writing the male characters most. Getting into the heads of these men is fascinating, even though their opinions and attitudes sometimes make me scream. The good guys are the ones who have my support. I’m always cheering them on.
7. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
Since I started writing, I can’t read as much as I would like to, but I make it point to never miss the releases of my favorite romance and women’s fiction authors.
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?
I’d be sitting on the terrace overlooking the ocean in my beachfront house in Aruba (or Maui, or even the Georgia sea islands.)
9. If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Red, because it arouses passion in others.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My new release, TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME, is the second in my Stafford Brothers series.
The Stafford Brothers were born into a closely-knit family and raised and educated among Atlanta’s elite. But the six sons of one of Atlanta’s most successful doctors have not always walked in their father’s footsteps. Charles, Jesse and Vic, Jr. followed the medical path. Marc and Greg took different routes. Nick isn’t sure which way he wants to go. The brothers have challenges to face, secrets to keep and stories to tell.
In TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME, Charles Stafford decides to give up his plastic surgery practice to devote a large part of his time to performing reconstructive surgery in a Third World country. He travels six thousand miles away from home and finds what’s really been missing in his successful, prosperous life.
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Links to Chicki’s website, blog, books, etc.
Blog: http://sisterscribbler.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@Chicki663
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ChickiBrown
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chicki663/
Amazon Central Author Page: http://amzn.to/l2kjXQ
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Chicki and the second book in her Stafford Brothers series, TILL YOU COME BACK TO ME, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Chicki will give away an e-copy of the first book in her series, A WOMAN’S WORTH, to one lucky reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Chicki, for sharing your story with us!
May 16, 2014
It’s a Release & Anniversary Party #WINNERS!!
It’s a Release & Anniversary Party Winners!!
To celebrate the release of Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter, and my own personal Happily Ever After — 34 years and counting — I’m giving away ebook copies of my romantic suspense, Killing Secrets, or contemporary romance, Satin Pleasures by Karen Docter (winner’s choice), to readers!
For a chance to win one of these books, readers shared their dream honeymoon or anniversary celebration. If you haven’t had a chance to read everyone’s dream celebration, check out the May 10th blog, It’s a Release & Anniversary Party!
The following readers are #WINNERS of the ebook of their choice:
Jess W., Patricia Denke, Lisa B., bn100, Jana Shay
Caroline Clemmons, Cathy Brockman, Wayne Zurl, Kate Wyland
~~~~
Karen Docter ~ Contemporary Romance
K.L. Docter ~ Romantic Suspense
Website/Blog: www.karendocter.com
K.L. Docter FB Author Page: http://goo.gl/uD1iGL
Karen Docter FB Author Page: http://goo.gl/WQz7fv
Book Bench for Romance Lovers Group: goo.gl/UizOxd
KILLING SECRETS:
Amazon: goo.gl/BzGZLc
B&N: goo.gl/wsqVxB
Kobo: goo.gl/KM563U
iTunes: http://goo.gl/pg58wN
SATIN PLEASURES:
Amazon: http://goo.gl/9EftxB
B&N: http://goo.gl/mmDAG1
May 15, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Mary Sullivan
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with MARY SULLIVAN!
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, MARY SULLIVAN, and her favorite recipe for MARY SULLIVAN’S GRAIN BOWL!
ALWAYS EMILY by MARY SULLIVAN
Book Blurb
This time, it has to be forever…
Emily Jordan has been in and out of Salem Pearce’s life for years. As an archaeologist, her work often took her far away—even when he asked her to stay. She called it bad timing. He called it running away. Now she’s back and asking for one last chance.
But Salem is a single father with more than himself to think about. If he gives Emily another shot and she takes off again, it’ll hurt his daughters, too. He can’t take that risk. But deep down, he needs Emily. He always has. Maybe this time she’ll stay…
ALWAYS EMILY by MARY SULLIVAN
EXCERPT
About the author, Mary Sullivan….
A few years ago, Mary picked up LaVyrle Spencer’s Morning Glory and became hooked on romance. She discovered Harlequin Superromance and knew she wanted to write these heartfelt stories of love, family, perseverance and happy endings.
In 2005, she was a finalist in RWA’s Golden Heart Contest. She has since won writing awards and garnered wonderful reviews. Her tenth Superromance, ALWAYS EMILY, is in bookstores now. Who knew daydreaming could feel so rewarding?
~~~
Links to Mary’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://marysullivanbooks.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/mary.sullivan.1460?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter: @MSullivanWrites
http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=51512
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/always-emily-mary-sullivan/1117445596?ean=9781460331965
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/home/search/?keywords=always%20emil
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Mary is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 143 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Karen, thank you so much for having me here today! The recipe I’m going to share is called a grain bowl. I first had a version of this at a small take-out place in Toronto called The Urban Herbivore in Kensington Market. It was exactly my kind of food, so I’ve come up with my own version that I make at home.
The recipe looks long and complicated, but isn’t really. It’s dead simple. It’s just that I make this in a large batch on Sunday and then have lunches ready for the entire week. It comes in handy when I’m on deadline!
MARY SULLIVAN’S GRAIN BOWL
BASE:
1 cup of raw quinoa or brown rice
Cooking this much quinoa or rice should give you about 2 ½ cups of cooked grain.
TOPPINGS:
Tinned beans or lentils, drained
Roasted vegetables, any selection of the following, as many or as few as you like, according to what’s in season:
Carrots (I roast them with olive oil and turmeric for my joints)
Cauliflower (fabulous roasted until done at 425 degrees with oil, thinly sliced garlic or shallots, and a little crushed red pepper flakes)
Beets
Parsnips
Squash
Sweet potatoes
Or whatever appeals to you, using whichever oils, herbs, spices, garlic, fresh ginger, etc. that you like
Sautéed vegetables, whichever combination you prefer and as many or as few as you like, according to what’s in season:
Sliced mushrooms
Spinach or Kale
Colorful sweet peppers
Celery
Green beans
Asparagus
Zucchini
I like to sauté my veggies, especially kale, with olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning.
Store the quinoa, beans and vegetables in containers in the fridge.
When you are ready to make lunch, spoon some cooked quinoa into a bowl and add some beans or lentils. Cover with your selection of roasted and/or sautéed vegetables. If you don’t like beans, add a different protein, i.e. diced turkey or chicken, sliced cold cuts, tinned tuna, boiled eggs, tofu, or broiled salmon, etc.
I top it all off with two of my favorite garnishes…some sliced avocado and toasted sunflower seeds!
Pour on some of this healthy dressing recipe I made up:
CARROT SESAME DRESSING:
2/3 cup carrot juice
1/3 cup cashew butter (I’ve also substituted almond butter, and peanut butter, depending on what I had in the house at the time)
½ to 1 TBS minced fresh ginger
4 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper, if desired
Crushed red pepper flakes, if you like heat.
Put into a jar and shake well. You are ready for the week. Shake well before using.
With a little preparation ahead of time, lunches are easy and healthy.
This grain bowl is a shot of awesome nutrition and will keep you full for hours!
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Mary will give away a copy of her May Superromance, ALWAYS EMILY, to someone who answers this question today…what is your favorite vegetable?
Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Mary, for sharing your story with us!
May 13, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: The Destiny Trilogy 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!
DESTINY TRILOGY by MICHELE CALLAHAN
The Ozera Wars Series
Destiny Trilogy: A Collection of Hot Sci-Fi Romance
By Michele Callahan
Book Blurbs
Rogue’s Destiny, Queen’s Destiny, Warrior’s Destiny: Three Stories in One Omnibus Edition
The Powerful First Three Books
of the Erotic Sci-Fi Romance Series:
The Ozera Wars
Imagine…A planet divided along two lines — magic vs. technology. A society of women warriors who rule their continents with the most advanced weapons and technology in the quadrant. The Daughters of The House of Moons escaped from magical and sexual slavery over seven hundred years ago, but now produce Ozera Potent, a chemical weapon used suppress their own people, and to sexually enslave others.
Imagine…A race of powerful sorcerers, who have had enough of the female Moon Warriors taking them hostage, stealing their seed, and then murdering their brothers.
Let the battle begin…
~~~
ROGUE’S DESTINY (Book 1)
Hana is the second daughter of the House of Moons, sister to the Queen, and revered scholar of Anthea. Everything she believes about her people, and about herself, is a lie.
Kiel Lonriev, Prince of Melos, left his home on a rescue mission. Captured by powerful Anthean elders, he knows death is preferable to the torture ahead.
Only she can save him…
Only he can show her the truth…
Their forbidden union will violently alter the course of their planet’s future.
QUEEN’S DESTINY (Book 2)
A strange message from a kidnapped friend sends Charla, next in line to the throne of Anthea, away from home in search of answers on the dangerous and scintillating Space Station Tantra 9. ‘T9′ is famous for illegal deeds, sexual slavery, and sales of everything imaginable, including the highly prized aphrodisiac Ozera Potent supplied by her people. But she gets too close to her prey and a sorceress from her own planet, an enemy, will take control of her mind and memories, sending her on another mission entirely…to track down and protect one of the most feared men from her home world, the bastard prince Padraic, pirate, rebel, and blood enemy.
Padraic Lonriev is on a mission of his own. His beloved younger sister was kidnapped by slavers, his niece murdered, and the Crown Sentinals in charge of their protection have both mysteriously vanished. He’s determined to find his sister and her abductors, and he has no time for a meddling, naive Moon Warrior from Anthea no matter how attractive or deadly. Trouble is Charla is the only link he has to his missing sister. If he loses the trail now, he might never get it back. Now all he has to do is seduce the fierce female warrior without getting himself killed in the process…or falling in love.
WARRIOR’S DESTINY (Book 3)
Princess and powerful sorceress, Kamara Lonriev went to great lengths to escape her planet undetected to hunt her cousin’s killer. After months of posing as the Slave Empress, the notorious and highest priced courtesan on Tantra 9, her prey draws near, unable to resist her promised perversions, or the deep well of her magic, power the evil parasite needs to sustain his immortal life.
Royal Crown Sentinel Tobiath is being hunted for a murder he did not commit. He walks and no one sees him. He watches and none notice his presence. He infiltrates spy rings, executes criminals, hunts the truth… and no one remembers his face. To his people, he is less than an insect, less than a ghost. Spy and assassin for his government, he is immune to magic. And so he moves, flows, and drifts anywhere and everywhere. Unseen and forgotten.
Blood bound to his charge at her birth, Tobiath is the only one who knows the truth, the princess’s cousin is still very much alive, prisoner of an ancient and malevolent enemy. Honor bound to both rescue his charge and save the headstrong Kamara from her own machinations, he infiltrates the Slave Empress’s lair and takes her captive. Evil hunts them both. Tobiath can’t afford distractions. But how can he resist a woman he would die to possess, but is forbidden to touch?
Hope you all like my erotic sci-fi romp! For more books, visit my website at michelecallahan.com. Sign up for New Release Alerts to receive special notifications and Members Only secret book sales!
About the author, Michele Callahan….
Michele Callahan is a wife, mother, romance and science fiction addict, and founder of RomCon, the only Fan Convention geared toward women who read romance and genre fiction. Suffering from a healthy case of sci-fi/fantasy fever, Michele never turns down an opportunity to sit through a Star Wars, True Blood, Game of Thrones, LOTR, or Matrix marathon.
Her favorite things in books; hot heroes, superpowers, freakish things that can’t be explained by modern science, and true love! Her past jobs include fast-food drive through goddess, nurse’s aide, cashier, anatomy & physiology instructor, medical office nurse, and entrepreneur. When she’s at home her life is ruled by her family plus two 100 pound rescue dogs and their wagging tails (which should really be classified as dangerous weapons.)
Her all-time favorite movie list includes: The Matrix, Terminator, Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back, The Princess Bride, Braveheart, and Jerry Maguire. (BTW- She doesn’t understand that list either…)
The Timewalker Chronicles: Red Night, Silver Storm, (June 8) Blue Abyss, (June 15)Black Gate, White Fire
The Ozera Wars: (Erotic Space Opera): Rogue’s Destiny, Queen’s Destiny, Warrior’s Destiny, coming soon Hunter’s Destiny
The Chimera: Chimera Born coming June 15
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Links to Michele’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: michelecallahan.com
MONTH OF MAY – Sign up for my New Release Alerts email!
One subscriber will get a $50 Visa Gift Card!
http://list.robly.com/subscribe?a=27d5f0bc62bebc97e84907198364c4aa
Other Books by Michele Callahan:
Red Night (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 1)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z9ADW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Z9ADW2&linkCode=as2&tag=rom03-20&linkId=Z5HZSK5ORQMKN6NF“>Red Night (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 1)
Silver Storm (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 2)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007U0VXLI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007U0VXLI&linkCode=as2&tag=rom03-20&linkId=7IH7QMP5RG4A3CMQ“>Silver Storm (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 2)
Blue Abyss (Timewalker Chonricles, Book 3 – June 8, 2014)
Black Gate (Timewalker Chornicles, Book 4 – June 12, 2014)
CHIMERA BORN (Book 1 of the Chimera Series) Alphas Unleashed Anthology with S.E. Smith, Carolyn Jewel, and Mina Khan – June 15, 2014)
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Michele will give away an eBook of DESTINY TRILOGY to two readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Michele, for sharing your story with us!
Congratulations Week 04-28-14 & 05-05-14 Giveaway Winners
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 04-28-14 GIVEAWAY WINNER
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with DONNA FASANO!!
Giveaway: Donna will give away an ebook copy of THE MERRY-GO-ROUND (Kindle, Nook, Kobo, or iBook) to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Thanks, Donna, for sharing your story with us!
WINNER!! JAN K!!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 05-05-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with DONNA MICHAELS!!
Giveaway: Donna will give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Thanks, Donna, for sharing your story with us!!
WINNER!! ANITA A!!
[Winners chosen using random.org]
May 11, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Michele Callahan
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with MICHELE CALLAHAN
INTRODUCING…MICHELE CALLAHAN.
I would like to introduce you to Michele Callahan, Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench author of DESTINY TRILOGY, the powerful first three books of the erotic sci-fi romance series, The Ozera Wars. Today, she’s chosen to answer some interesting, and revealing, questions. Happy reading!
1. Have you ever been in trouble with the police?
Well, not technically. Other than speeding tickets. I was very close to being in trouble one night as a foolhardy teenager, but luckily my BFF was in the thick of it with me – and her dad was on the local police force. Those two cops debated in their squad car for what felt like hours, but then just sent us home. I was never SO glad her dad was a cop with a very unique last name in a small town. LOL. Close call!
2. Have you ever gotten into a bar fight?
Nope. I have never been big on bars – and my husband refuses to dance. (Bet you’ve never heard that one before.) Bars are always too noisy, too much smoke (in the old days), too much trouble looking for a place to play. I’m much happier at home with a bottle of wine and a few friends. I think every writer I’ve ever met was a bit of an introvert. I’m a nerd. I’d rather read than dance most of the time.
3. What is your biggest fear?
This one is easy these days – that something will happen to one of my kids. It doesn’t matter how old they are now. Don’t mess with my babies. :) I get mean quick.
4. What do you want your tombstone to say?
Awesome Mom, Great Friend, Loving Wife, Sister & Daughter. The rest of life is just noise and nerves. When push comes to shove, only a handful of things really, really matter to most people, and it’s usually our relationships with others.
5. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Unfair. I have to pick ONE? Okay, okay…flying.
6. What secret talents do you have?
Secret talents, you say? Hmmm. If I tell, it won’t be a secret. I play piano, poorly. I write a mean book blurb, and I once taught cadaver lab (My degree is in Human Anatomy and Neurobiology). So, I know a lot of body part stuff…is that a talent, or just creepy? LOL.
7. Where do you want to visit that you haven’t been before?
The Pyramids, The Amazon Jungle, Russia, Scotland, Japan and Australia. (That should get me started.)
8. What is something you want to accomplish before you die?
I want to master the piano and swim with dolphins.
9. If you could have any accents from anywhere in the world, what would you choose?
Scottish or Irish. I love them both.
10. Do you have any scars? What are they from?
I ran into a real estate for sale sign during a rain storm when I was six years old and sliced open my right cheek. I still have that scar. Stupid sign.
11. What were you like as a child? Your favorite toy?
Me? I was really shy until about 6th grade. Then I got tired of worrying myself to death about what all the other kids thought of me and started doing and saying whatever I wanted. I was much happier then – and surprise! The other kids liked me better, too. Favorite toy? Really? A book. Not kidding. I chart my childhood memories based on what books I was reading at the time. My all time favorite was an old book called Snow White and Rose Red. The drawings were spectacular, the prince was a cursed bear in disguise, and the sisters were courageous. Loved that book.
12. Do you dream? Do you have any recurring dreams/nightmares?
Yes – all the time. One nightmare I had when I was in my early 20’s is the basis for my Chimera Series coming this summer. It was around 1990 and I was dreaming in a world that’s still probably 40-50 years ahead of us today. I’m odd, I know. But I still dream almost every night – sometimes here, sometimes in outer space. 
Hope you all like my erotic sci-fi romp! For more books, visit my website at michelecallahan.com.
~~~~~~~
Links to Michele’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: michelecallahan.com
MONTH OF MAY – Sign up for my New Release Alerts email!
One subscriber will get a $50 Visa Gift Card!
http://list.robly.com/subscribe?a=27d5f0bc62bebc97e84907198364c4aa
Other Books by Michele Callahan:
Red Night (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 1)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z9ADW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004Z9ADW2&linkCode=as2&tag=rom03-20&linkId=Z5HZSK5ORQMKN6NF“>Red Night (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 1)
Silver Storm (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 2)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007U0VXLI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007U0VXLI&linkCode=as2&tag=rom03-20&linkId=7IH7QMP5RG4A3CMQ“>Silver Storm (Timewalker Chronicles, Book 2)
Blue Abyss (Timewalker Chonricles, Book 3 – June 8, 2014)
Black Gate (Timewalker Chornicles, Book 4 – June 12, 2014)
CHIMERA BORN (Book 1 of the Chimera Series) Alphas Unleashed Anthology with S.E. Smith, Carolyn Jewel, and Mina Khan – June 15, 2014)
~~~~
BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Michele and her erotic SciFi romance DESTINY TRILOGY on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Michele will give away an eBook of DESTINY TRILOGY to two readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Michele, for sharing your story with us!
May 10, 2014
It’s a Release & Anniversary Celebration!! #Win #Free #Book
It’s a Release & Anniversary Party!!
To celebrate the release of Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter, and my own personal Happily Ever After — 34 years and counting — I’m giving away ebook copies of my romantic suspense, Killing Secrets, or contemporary romance, Satin Pleasures by Karen Docter (winner’s choice), to ten (10) readers!
For a chance to win one of these books, please comment on this blog about your dream honeymoon or anniversary celebration by May 15th. No, you don’t have to be married to play. This is your DREAM celebration.
I will pick the winners by random.org on Saturday May 17th. Come on! Let’s hear your dreams!
Karen Docter/K.L. Docter Links:
Website/Blog: www.karendocter.com
Amazon Author Page/K.L. Docter:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=K.L.%20Docter
Amazon Author Page/Karen Docter:
http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Docter/e/B008TST8TY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Facebook/Karen Docter Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Docter-Author/112017712223396
Facebook/K.L. Docter Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/kldocter
Book Bench for Romance Lovers FB Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/281099382014548/
Google+:
google.com/+KarenDocter
Linked In:
www.linkedin.com/in/karendocter/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5754902.Karen_Docter
Shelfari:
http://www.shelfari.com/karendocter
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/karendocter/
Killing Secrets by K.L. Docter
Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JPQ5ZVO
Amazon Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Secrets-Thornes-Thorns-Volume/dp/0988258633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397621981&sr=8-1&keywords=Killing+Secrets+by+K.L.+Docter
B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/killing-secrets-kl-docter/1119242571?ean=2940149259311
Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/killing-secrets
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/killing-secrets/id860222895?mt=11&uo=4
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KLDocter
Satin Pleasures by Karen Docter:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Satin-Pleasures-ebook/dp/B0078VSY6G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330384089&sr=8-1
B&N:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/satin-pleasures-karen-docter/1108927235?ean=9780988258600
Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/24214
May 8, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s: Oatmeal Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s! Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers. So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is OATMEAL CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIES!
Oatmeal? Semisweet chocolate? There is no way this cookie doesn’t top the charts on deliciousness! They’re really not difficult to make and add that “something extra” to wow the neighborhood block party or show your family how much you love them.
I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 142 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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OATMEAL CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIES
[Makes 2½ Dozen]
1½ cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 pkg. (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup orange juice
2 T. shortening
3 cups oats, uncooked
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; blend in orange juice. Add combined oats and flour, mixing well; refrigerate 10 minutes. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press into 2-inch circles. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet, cool completely. Combine chocolate and shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 1 minute. Stir. Microwave 1 minute longer. Stir until smooth. Spread 2 tsp. chocolate on flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies. Drizzle with remaining chocolate. Refrigerate 10 minutes. Store tightly covered in cool, dry place.
May 6, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: 10 Timeless Heroes Box Set by Donna Michaels etal
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!
10 TIMELESS HEROES (Box Set) by DONNA MICHAELS etal
10 Timeless Heroes Box Set
Book Blurbs
Magic & destiny unite lovers across time and space in this epic collection of award-winning, chart topping tales. From sweet to sizzling romances, 10 Timeless Heroes has a little something for everyone.
Fiona by PL Parker: In the past, she found her future.
Somewhere My Lass by Beth Trissel: Neil MacKenzie’s well-ordered life turns to chaos when Mora Campbell shows up claiming he’s her fiancé from 1602 Scotland. Her avowal that she was chased to the future by clan chieftain, Red MacDonald, is utter nonsense, and Neil must convince her she’s just addled from a blow to her head–until the MacDonald himself shows up wanting blood.
Going Back For Romeo by LL Muir: Alone with a Highlander, in his castle, on a cold dark night…Okay, so it wasn’t that cold. Jillian is duped back to 15th Century Scotland to rescue a plaid-clad Romeo and Juliet. The monster in her way, however, is a handsome Highlander who may just be her own Romeo.
Swordsong by Skhye Moncrief: He’s arrived to help her create the perfect bride. His ticket home relies on a lonely woman haunted by more than apparitions. If time-travel duty, romance, and a bit of magic don’t help them realize their destiny resonates in mysterious fairy SWORDSONG, all known history could change.
Highland Mystic by Sky Purington: Caitriona is not who she seems. Her fate was foreseen long before birth and so important it will impact all future MacLomains. When dreams of Alan Stewart begin, she knows the time has come. But how to convince a Highland laird from another century that he must die for her? Especially when she couldn’t bear his death.
My Honorable Highlander by Nancy Lee Badger: Bumbling present day herbalist, Haven MacKay, gets more than she bargains for when her love spell goes awry, is cast back in time, and meets her true love — Laird Kirkwall Gunn. Kirk’s plans go slightly off course when he falls in love with a woman wandering through the Scottish Highlands. After all, he has pledged to marry another, from an enemy clan, in order to end a century-old feud.
Out of the Blue by Caroline Clemmons: Police Detective Brendan Hunter wants answers. Who shot him and killed his partner? Why? And why does Deirdre Dougherty know details of the event? He can’t let her out of his sight until she confesses to how she learned details no one but he and his late partner knew.
A Train Through Time by Bess McBride: Ellie awakens on a train to Seattle to find herself on a bizarre historical train full of late Victorian era reenactors. When handsome Robert convinces her the date is 1901, Ellie presumes she is in the middle of a very interesting dream—a dream she doesn’t want to awaken from.
Captive Hero by Donna Michaels: Test flying an invisible plane—unreal. Time-shifting to WWII—unbelievable. Capturing a hero—unavoidable. When test pilot Samantha Sheppard accidentally flies back in time and inadvertently saves a WWII pilot, she changes history and makes a crack decision to abduct him back to the present, but convincing him it’s another century and she’s not a German spy proves tough.
Desires of the Heart by Linda LaRoque: At a cottage in the UK, recently divorced Loren Fairchild rebuilds her life. A simple-minded woman appears and triggers an event that hurls Loren 60 years into the past. During WWII, Miles Chapeau’s wife is hurt in an air raid. She now has the mind of a child. One day she disappears. That very night a strange woman appears. Caught in a web of confusion, Loren and Miles struggle with the direction their lives must take.
CAPTIVE HERO by DONNA MICHAELS
Excerpt
Plopped onto a wooden chair, arms hooked around the back, Sam clenched her teeth against the pain ripping her muscles. Dammit. If he wasn’t a Black Sheep, she’d kick his ass. Turning the tables on him would not be a problem. But she refrained. Barely.
He doesn’t understand, her mind reminded. You plucked him from the middle of war and dropped him in the middle of nowhere. Therefore, you will not give him a permanent limp.
Discipline once again kicking in, she relaxed her shoulders and the stiffness from her arms, and soon the sting of her restraints lessened.
“Now, Captain,” she said as calm as possible. “Kindly tell me what the hell you think you’re doing?”
“Why, I should think that was obvious…Sam.”
The Marine’s unfriendly tone sent shivers of the wrong kind down her spine. Her blood froze. This can’t be good. She lifted her chin, refusing to be intimidated. She also refused to look him in the eye. The last time had completely disoriented; not at all what she needed right now.
With her gaze fixed on his regulation tan shirt, she stared at the uniform, hoping to find the view safer.
Wrong.
Broad shoulders forced the material to hug his lean frame. Damn. He sure had wonderful muscle definition for someone born before the fitness craze. Her mouth dried. And the waxing craze. Ah hell. He had hair, too. A light sprinkling peaked out from his collar, teasing her with thoughts of what else his uniform concealed. She gave herself a mental shake and concentrated on the situation at hand.
“What’s obvious, Captain, is that you’re being a jerk. So you’d better spell it out for me. What are you doing?”
He stepped closer without a reply.
More intimidation tactics. Instinct cried out he wasn’t going to speak until she looked up. Damn, stubborn…
“I’m not interested in playing ‘who’s the baddest Marine’ with you. It’s been one hell of a long week. I’m tired, hungry, and thanks to you, I’m sore, so let’s call our tussle a draw.” Composed, her voice belayed the turmoil swirling in her gut. Fine, he wanted her to look up, she’d look up.
With fingernails biting into her palms, she tipped her head and stared into a pair of unmerciful, cold, blue-green eyes. Beset with an overwhelming urge to swallow—okay, gulp; his unfriendly gaze demanded she gulp—Sam’s cowardly side did an about-face and her chin lifted higher.
“Well? Do you always treat women this way? Does man-handling make you feel big and strapping?”
Frosting further, eyes now more blue than green narrowed as his clenching jaw cracked out an ‘I’m losing my control’ tune.
Way to go, Sam. She pushed him into pouncing tiger mode and was the only flesh around. At least she possessed the good sense to back down. Usually. Too bad she left good with common back on the base.
“Okay.” Keep your mouth shut. Zip it. “Can I take your silence to mean there’s a reason you attacked me and tied me up?”
Muscled arms folded across a broad chest, while a humorless grin crossed his face. “Oh, there’s a reason all right, Sam. A very good one.”
“And your reason is?”
His grin disappeared, along with her breathing.
“To capture the captor.”
About the author, Donna Michaels….
Donna lives in Northeast Pa where they experience all four seasons, although, she wouldn’t mind hanging onto summer a bit more and winter a bit less. She is married to a career military man and they have four children, and an assortment of rescued cats. Voted most likely to succeed in high school, she took that title to heart and set her sights on a writing career. Winner of eHarlequin’s Round Robin Writer Contest, Donna turned to the internet and now has several titles published through The Wild Rose Press, one with Whimsical Publications, and several self-published novels, including the Harland County Series of which her 4th book in the series: Her Forever Cowboy will release this month.
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10 Timeless Heroes Boxed Set book links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1eZi2b3
Barnes & Noble: http://alturl.com/3fdnp
Kobo: http://cut.cc/AqbHr
Links to Donna’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website and Newsletter sign up: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaMichaelsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donna_Michaels
Blog: http://donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnamichaels/
Harland County Series:
Book One/Cole: HER FATED COWBOY
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWAD5KE
Book Two/Connor: HER UNBRIDLED COWBOY
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4846AK
Book Three/Kade: HER UNIFORM COWBOY (winner Best Cowboy in a Book/Reader’s Choice-LRC;
Awarded Crown Heart of Excellence by InD’tale Magazine)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HBWQCAC
She Does Know Jack
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DZZGMEA
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Donna will give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Donna, for sharing your story with us!
May 4, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Donna Michaels
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with DONNA MICHAELS
INTRODUCING…DONNA MICHAELS.
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.
Hello everyone, I’m Donna Michaels, author of romaginative fiction. I’m a full-time self published and small press published author/screenwriter. I write from short to epic, sweet to hot and across several romance genres, Contemporary, Time Travel, Suspense, Sci-fi, Paranormal and action, but they all have humor sprinkled throughout. I’m probably best known for my contemporary Amazon Best Selling Harland County Series—unruly cowboys and the women who tame them. All of my full length novels are romance through the H’s—Hot, Humorous & Heartwarming.
This past Saturday, my husband and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. Yes, I got married when I was ten. J Michael is full-time National Guard, so you’ll find most of my books have a military protagonist. They are my heroes. God Bless our troops, male, female, past present and future, any branch, as well as their support system. They all sacrifice, and my family and I thank you.
Books, television and movies are my hobbies. Like my writing, my reading and viewing pleasure is of mixed genre, but humor is a must. Love Jill Shalvis, I buy all of her books, and I love Karen Kelley. Some of my fav tv shows: Supernatural; NCIS; Faceoff; Doctor Who; Sherlock, and yes, I love all of these shows because of their humor! Movies? Numerous, will just shout out a few : LOTR; POTC; Star Wars; Matrix; Indiana Jones; Die Hard; Lethal Weapons; Star Trek; Iron man; James Bond (especially Daniel); Austin Powers; and of course, romantic comedies, Two Weeks Notice; How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days; Fools Gold; Kate and Leopold. And my favorite movie of all time (so far) is Frequency. Loved it. That movie had romance, murder, a serial killer, action, suspense. Great writing, casting and acting. The golden trifecta. Unfortunately, I can’t spend as much time on my hobbies as I’d like, but as you can tell, I do my best.
1. How did you get started writing?
As I mention on my website, it’s all my mother’s fault. She read to me when I was little, so I’ve always been an avid reader. I wrote my first story about a cougar cub when I was eight, after seeing Born Free. At age eleven, I began to read Harlequin Romances, the tame ones, until I was bit older, and my love for romance novels has soared ever since. My desire to read strong heroines is what prompted me to actually try my hand at writing. For awhile there, the heroines were too young, too passive, too so not me or any of my friends, so I decided to write one myself. That story is still on my hard drive. My son was two when I wrote that, then I got pregnant with twins and my writing was put on hold until my daughter, (my 4th youngest child) went into the first grade. I wrote my second novel then and haven’t looked back.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
Oops, I mentioned this too soon above. lol Sorry. I can’t just choose one. My imagination is all over the place, although, I am enjoying contemporary at the moment.
3. What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
Writing. I plot while I drive. Can’t help it. I think writing 24/7, yes, even in my sleep. Plots are everywhere, I tell ya!
4. What is your favorite part of writing?
Writing. When I can actually sit down and without interruption BICHOK (butt in chair hand on keyboard) I am a happy girl!
5. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
Marketing. I enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, but man, does it cut into my writing time!
6. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who would they be and why?
For dad: John Wayne, because my dad does a great killer impression, and well, I do love cowboys and military, and he certainly portrayed them well. For mom: Lucille Ball. Brilliant, talented funny lady. Plus, I have daily ‘Lucy’ moments and often wonder if I’m related.
7. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
They are everywhere. A word, a phrase, a photo, they all lead to story ideas in my head. For CAPTIVE HERO, my contribution to the 10 TIMELESS HEROES BOXED SET, it was my obsession with the Black Sheep Squadron and the south pacific during WWII. I wanted to do a contemporary time travel and knew immediately I would use a Black Sheep pilot as my hero and pair him with a present day female Marine pilot. Then I thought, what if she abducted him and brought him back to the present to keep the timeline safe? Now he thinks she’s a German spy. Too fun! The rest is history, or should I say time-shift history? ☺
8. Tell me about your ideal reader .
The one’s that get me and my humor. I’m grateful for all my readers. They are so supportive, always emailing to tell me about a part of my book that touched them in some way. So, very gratifying. I truly appreciate the time they take to write to me. Means the world ♥ They rock!
9. What is your “go to” routine that helps you get in the mood to write? Special beverage? Music? Etc.
Well, first, I put on a floor fan that’s in my room. Between my kids, my parents (who live with us) and our many rescued cats, I need to block out noise. Then it’s BICHOK, with a glass of Coke Zero and a chewy chocolate chip cookie, if possible.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My next book is with my editor now as we speak. HER FOREVER COWBOY, Book 4 in my Harland County Series, due out around May 19th is Kevin’s story. If you’ve read the series, you’ll know Kevin Dalton is drop-dead gorgeous, the kind of guy his buddies call pretty-boy, and women call dreamboat, he is the vice president of a computer software company where he’s the lead programmer. Brilliant, funny, Kevin is my easy-going Casanova cowboy with an allergy to relationships. It takes two to bring him to his knees—single mother Shayla and her sweet little baby girl Amelia.
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Links to Donna’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website and Newsletter sign up: www.donnamichaelsauthor.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DonnaMichaelsAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donna_Michaels
Blog: http://donnamichaelsauthor.blogspot.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/donnamichaels/
Harland County Series:
Book One/Cole: HER FATED COWBOY
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BWAD5KE
Book Two/Connor: HER UNBRIDLED COWBOY
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D4846AK
Book Three/Kade: HER UNIFORM COWBOY (winner Best Cowboy in a Book/Reader’s Choice-LRC;
Awarded Crown Heart of Excellence by InD’tale Magazine)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HBWQCAC
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Donna and the box set she’s featured in, 10 TIMELESS HEROES, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Donna will give away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one reader who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs. Don’t miss this chance to read this story. Thanks, Donna, for sharing your story with us!
