Karen Docter's Blog, page 274
January 26, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Cheryl Bolen
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with CHERYL BOLEN
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 fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.
1. How did you get started writing?
I have a degree in journalism and wrote news stories as a reporter for many years. I liked putting words together and was good at spelling and grammar. And I loved to read novels. I could put all these things together and write books! It took seven books before I ever sold my first, though, in 1997.
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I am known for my historical romances set in Regency England. I have also written contemporary romantic suspense, mostly of the lighthearted variety, like my Stately Homes Murders series.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
Hands down, I love, love to write Chapter 1. It took me a while to learn how to pack in all the elements while making it compelling, and I think I do a pretty good job now on those first chapters.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
The sagging middle.
5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Most of mine come about because I play “what if?” with some of my favorite tropes, like marriage of convenience. One of my books, A Cry in the Night, was slightly inspired from a magazine article I read about many, many years ago about a teen mother who gave up her baby for adoption, and years later – after she was married with other children – she felt something was wrong with that son she’d given up – and sure enough, she was right. His adoptive parents had died. So the story had a happy ending because she was able to take custody of the boy. In my A Cry in the Night, the heroine keeps dreaming that the son she gave up for adoption is calling her because he’s in danger. And, sure enough, he is. Of course, she and the birth father must rescue him!
6. What is your typical day like?
First thing every day is exercise. This rotates. A vigorous spinning class two days a week. Mall walking with a dear friend one morning each week. I love to walk outside on a pretty day, but we don’t have a lot of these where I live. I also do the elliptical trainer and treadmill at my gym, and during these two I can listen to recordings from the national Romance Writers of America conference. Sometimes I can read email (on my Nook tablet) as I do the treadmill. Once I get home, I check email for about an hour before I start writing. I try to meet a writing quota each day. Sometimes I’ll make it before my husband comes home at 3:30, but usually I’m writing well into the evening. (Darn that email!)
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
The hardest thing for me to write is first kiss. Think about how hard it is to describe all the emotions and physical sensations that go into that first kiss.
8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My popular Brides of Bath series continues with Love in the Library. It’s the first new Brides of Bath since Zebra published number four in 2004. Fortunately, I’ve got the rights back on these and brought them back with new covers—and they’re finding new readers every day. Here’s a short description of Love in the Library:
Desperate widow persuades scholar to help her recover her late husband’s nearly priceless stolen manuscript, the sale of which will give them both financial independence. Mysterious forces contrive to keep them from success while their mutual quest bring them closer than either have ever been to another. . .
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Links to Cheryl’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.CherylsRegencyRamblings.WordPress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Bolen-Books/146842652076424
Blog: wwwCherylsRegencyRamblings.wordpress.com
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Cheryl and her release, LOVE IN THE LIBRARY, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Cheryl will give away a print copy of her book MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE or any of her ebooks (winner’s choice) to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Cheryl, for sharing your stories with us!
January 23, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special with Shawntelle Madison
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SHAWNTELLE MADISON!!
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, SHAWNTELLE MADISON, and her favorite recipe for SHASHLIK (шашлык) or more famously known as kabobs-skewered meat!
REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON
Book Blurb
Supernatural matchmaker Tessa Dandridge knows a little mist here and a little magic there will help reckless werewolves and precocious pixies find love. That is, until her magical Smythe scroll is lost in her repo’ed car and she can’t contact her V.I.P. clients. To connect with an important client cavorting in the fifth dimension, Tessa must depend on handsome Rob Shin, a warlock repo man, to enter Limbo and find her Smythe scroll.
Rob has money problems of his own, thanks to the bank determined to foreclose on his elderly aunt and uncle’s home. Repossessing magic wands and cursed pianos from disgruntled warlocks isn’t the best pay, but the Navy SEAL works well as a repo man to pay off his family’s debts. Rob’s repossession jobs catch up with him when a powerful warlock seeks to end his life for his constant meddling, drawing Tessa in the middle.
REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON
Excerpt
Chapter 1
Dating Tip #24: Witches hate warlocks who want to jump into bed after the first date. Just because you can pull a rabbit out of your hat doesn’t mean you can pull something magical out of your pants.
From behind the desk in her matchmaking agency office, Tessa Dandridge thought she’d heard it all until her client blurted, “My last date had National Geographic boobs.”
She leaned forward, praying she had a serious expression. “Liam, you’re a five hundred year-old warlock. You can’t be picky when it comes to witches. I understand some women tend to decline and often use glamour to portray themselves as something they’re not, but you shouldn’t close yourself off from perfectly fine dates.”
“Tessa, after all these years, I feel like I’ve obtained a status that should attract younger witches who aren’t hags—no offense, ladies.” He glanced to where Tessa’s assistant, Danielle, took notes.
In her line of work, too many warlocks used the wand between their legs to do all the thinking. “Don’t talk that way about the women I represent. The simple fact is that you won’t be able to relate well to most of the younger women in my club. They have a lifestyle that you don’t follow anymore. I think you’d be better suited to an older witch.”
Liam shook his head and stroked his salt-and-pepper-colored beard. The wealth and power he’d accumulated in the magical community hadn’t attracted any quality women—women who didn’t need an enchantment spell to remain in his presence. The young ones found him disgusting and the older ones weren’t going to put up with his superficial crap. Of course she couldn’t tell him that…
With enthusiasm she added, “Now, trust my professional judgment. Danielle will arrange a party in a week for you to meet eligible women. You’ll love who I have for you.”
Liam had approached her agency a few days ago claiming he was tired of the old-school witch matchmakers who weren’t hip enough to find a woman worthy of his status. He was full of it—and she didn’t mean all-power magic either. He was out for sex, plain and simple. And if she didn’t need the income so badly, she’d send him packing.
“Why can’t I just help you pick out the women you intend to invite?” he asked. “Then I’d be sure to find one I like.”
“If you connect with someone, then you’re free to go out on a personal date. But, you’re not allowed to cast any spells on her and I expect the date to be platonic. If you both have a good time, you can continue on your own from there.”
He frowned. “If you could just sprinkle in a few younger ones—”
Tessa cut him off. “Be sure to stay open-minded over the next couple of days.”
He tapped his finger on top of her desk. “About this no sex thing…I see no reason why two adults can’t have a good time together if the feeling is right.”
“Because I run a matchmaker service. If you’re looking for a call girl, there are plenty of them around town. I make marriages, not one night stands.”
Deep furrows lined his forehead in displeasure. He rose, gripping an old oak cane between long fingers. With a curt nod, he shimmered and disappeared into mist. She’d won, for now anyway.
Danielle rose and removed a piece of lint from her tweed skirt suit. Tessa had dragged her best friend from Northwestern University in Chicago to New York City to join in this venture. Over the years, she had been the optimistic, perky side to the business. From her blonde pixie haircut to her short, dainty frame, Danielle exuded sunshine. “Two or three witches we have on file fit Liam perfectly.”
Days like these made her long for weekends. “Thanks, Dani.”
She nodded and left. Most likely to take care of something Tessa always forgot to do.
Time to focus on what the day would bring. The glare of the morning sun peeking over the New York City skyline reflected against her iPhone as she confirmed her full schedule. It looked like she would have enough time to run an errand or two before a lunch with an important client. So, with a skip in her step, she left the office to enjoy a bit of the day before she had to head back to the office.
Spring had arrived in New York City, and the streets buzzed with pedestrians flowing down the streets. April sunshine wasn’t too hot or cold, the perfect time to enjoy the city. Tessa hailed a cab to the curb. A sexy businessman in a tailored suit emerged and grinned. His emerald-green eyes glanced at her legs and ran up her skirt. Before settling on her hazel-colored eyes, his gaze lingered on her chest. If Tessa didn’t have a limited amount of time to get things done, a brief conversation might’ve been in order. Her gaze drifted to his ring finger. Not married. But he wasn’t supernatural either, so she smiled and tried to enter the cab, only to find out she wasn’t the only one eager to reach her destination.
An older woman, dressed in a dark red coat, swept in like a vulture on a kill and slid into the seat.
“Whoa!” Tessa said.
One would expect the cab driver, or even the gentleman in the suit, to say something, but the woman gave Tessa a rude gesture, grabbed the door, then slammed it shut. Everyone left her standing on the curb gaping.
Just another day in NYC.
The man in the suit shrugged and offered a half-assed apology, then walked away. Wow. Good thing she didn’t do matchmaking for herself.
She glanced at her iPhone. Since she didn’t have much time left, she’d have to walk until she caught another cab. The exercise wouldn’t kill her.
The first stoplight she reached took forever so she checked her cell for any new messages. She got through a few before a strange sensation stirred her stomach. It was that feeling of being watched. A long shadow extended toward hers, showing the profile of someone tall and lean. Long legs. Wide shoulders. Even though he stood a few feet behind her, she could practically sense his heated gaze as it traveled from her high heels up to her calves. Caressed her inner thighs then rested on her ass.
She shifted her weight while the light remained red. Enough time had passed for him to take in her favorite black skirt which showed off her hips. His gaze then tickled the nape of her neck beneath her shoulder-length brown hair. For a moment, she was self-conscious that he could see through her and take in the opening of her shirt.
The desire to lick her dry lips intensified, and the urge to turn around to see the man grew stronger. Was he attractive? Would she be horrified to know he was checking his phone instead of checking her out?
Hell, wasn’t she usually spot on with this kind of thing?
She slowly turned around to see a gorgeous Asian man staring at her. Most of the time—like earlier—she would’ve glanced at his ring finger, but her gaze left his to linger on muscular legs wrapped in jeans before moving up to his intimidating chest. His shadow hadn’t lied. Matter of fact, it had held quite a bit back from her. This dark-haired guy was hot as hell and had bedroom eyes to boot.
A buzzer sounded, the light turned green, and a few pedestrians began to walk across. For a second, she wasn’t sure what to do. Yeah, a shocker. Most men just spoke up and tried to strike up a conversation. This one simply walked around her and strolled across the street and this time, Tessa took in his backside. She would’ve watched the view even longer if she hadn’t stared so long the light changed yellow. She prepared to dart across, but gave up since she didn’t want a free ticket to the emergency room.
Now separated by a busy street, Tessa lost the mystery man as he disappeared down the street into a parking garage.
***
Rob Shin rarely used his magic in public—especially for something as childish as messing with stoplights—but he couldn’t help himself. He was practically on the clock with a time limit imposed by his employer: Repossess the vehicle at the 12th Street parking garage by noon. No pit stops, no coffee breaks, and most certainly, he shouldn’t have held up all those humans so he could undress that witch with his eyes. He made a beeline for the elevator. He could practically hear his boss busting his chops. “You keep messing around and sooner or later, the wrong person will see you doing that shit, Rob. If you really want to get paid, play by my rules.”
There really weren’t many rules to be honest. Just one in particular for his line of business: Don’t get caught.
He couldn’t afford to break the rules right now. Not with others he had to be financially responsible for.
His target, a Honda Coupe Civic, sat between two other smaller cars. Everything was squeezed in nice and tight, but he had more than enough room to work. He opened his worn satchel and reached into the folds.
A whisper, followed by an old man’s chuckle, emerged from the satchel. “I’ve never seen you do that in public before, Doryeonim. What was so special about that one?”
Rob sighed. “Oh hush and pass me what I need, Harabeuji.”
Magic brushed against his hand like layers of electrified silk. Between the layers, his hand encountered wands, bolt cutters, and other tools. So many toys to play with—the tools of the trade for a warlock who needed to collect on the debt of others.
The restless spirit woven into the old leather bag harrumphed. “You don’t see me casting spells to charm the Gucci bags off 5th Street.”
Rob chuckled. “Every man has his weakness. Mine happens to involve beautiful women with long legs. You have no room to talk. You almost convinced me to let you spend the night in a leather outlet.”
“The craftsmanship in that place was impeccable. Almost as fine as what you’d find in a Goryeo marketplace. Have I ever told you about the time I armed my handler with a grand ice staff? He stood proud against ten fire demons!”
Rob couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile. Harabeuji had constant tales from medieval Korea to tell him, but he had work to do. First things first, he needed to disable the spell protecting the vehicle. A pretty powerful one, but he’d faced stronger ones before. After that, the hardest thing he’d have to face was the parking brake. He tried to focus on the mission at hand, but frowned when he smelled perfume. The scent was probably from the car beside this one.
The feminine perfume filled his nostrils and then settled into his tightening groin. He couldn’t help but think about the woman he passed on the street. Damn, she was beautiful. She’d satisfied his curiosity easily enough when she peered at him.
Rob had been too long without a woman. He should remedy that when he got some spare time which, unfortunately, he didn’t have much of. Just one month of medical leave and then he’d have to report back to base.
His commanding officer had been kind, yet firm. “You’re too good of a SEAL to stay down for long, Shin. Don’t get too comfortable.”
He returned his attention back to the task at hand. Finish the mission and get paid.
About the author, Shawntelle Madison….
Shawntelle Madison is a web developer who loves to weave words as well as code. She’d never admit it, but if asked she’d say she covets and collects source code. After losing her first summer job detasseling corn, Shawntelle performed various jobs—from fast-food clerk to grunt programmer to university webmaster. Writing eccentric characters is her most favorite job of them all. On any particular day when she’s not surgically attached to her computer, she can be found watching cheesy horror movies or the latest action-packed anime. She lives in Missouri with her husband and children.
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Links to Shawntelle’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website Information: http://www.shawntellemadison.com
Social Media Links: http://www.twitter.com/shawntelle
http://www.facebook.com/shawntellemadisonauthor
https://plus.google.com/+ShawntelleMadison/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shawntelle-Madison/e/B005GF4YTM/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Shawntelle-Madison?store=allproducts&keyword=Shawntelle+Madison
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Shawntelle is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 127 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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SHASHLIK (шашлык)
Kabobs-skewered meat
I think I was a carnivore in another life. Take me to a steakhouse and I’m in heaven. Fire up a grill and I will do a victory dance. I would have preferred to make galbi, or Korean barbecue in honor of the Korean hero in my latest release Repossessed, but I’ll show a dish I love just as much: kebobs! Shashlik (шашлык) is more famously known as kabobs–skewered meat. The food is usually marinated overnight with spices (which I prefer) and then it’s cooked on a grill over wood or charcoal. For this recipe I used a stovetop grill.
http://coveted-series.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ingredients_shaslik.jpg
I can smell the food already:
1 lb of beef cut into cubes (You can use lamb or seafood like fish if you like.)
1 small onion chopped up
1 tablespoon of parsley
1 cup of pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
1 dash of salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for cooking)
1 dash of pepper
Gather your ingredients. I actually like to marinate this kind of meat inside an old ice cream container. You don’t need to, but hey, after eating a gallon of ice cream it’s always good to feel like you’re doing something responsible. 
Add the meat, parsley, pomegranate juice, salt, pepper, and the onion into the bowl. Mix together and then leave in your fridge overnight to marinate. Or let it sit in the fridge for an hour or two if you don’t have time. But it’s best when marinated.
http://coveted-series.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/cooking_shaslik.jpg
Now comes the fun part. Remove the meat from the marinade and make sure they’re dry. Skewer the meat and then brush them with oil. Set your grill to medium high heat. When it’s ready, cook the meat until done. A little over ten minutes will get you slightly pink meat in the middle. Twenty minutes or so and the meat is nice and well done. This is a great dish to eat all by itself or with some rice. The meat is so succulent and that slightly tart flavor is absolutely delicious!
http://www.shawntellemadison.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/newswagpack.jpg
Do you love kebobs? Maybe galbi? Let me know how you love it. As thanks for stopping by I’m offering a Coveted swag pack to a winner. Just leave a comment to enter.
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As noted, Shawntelle is giving away a COVETED swag pack to a reader who comments on her blog. Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Shawntelle, for sharing your book and recipe (with mouth-watering photos!!) with us!
January 22, 2014
Congratulations Week 12-30-13, 01-06-14, 01-13-14 Giveaway Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 12-30-13 GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with AVA MILES!!
Giveaway: Ava will give away one ebook copy of THE TOWN SQUARE to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Ava, for sharing your stories with us!
WINNER!! KATRINA!!
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CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 01-06-14 GIVEAWAY WINNERS!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with EILEEN DREYER!!
Giveaway: Eileen will give away an autographed copy of ONCE A RAKE to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, Eileen, for sharing your story with us!
WINNER!! JAN K!!
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with DONNA MICHAELS!!
Giveaway: Donna will give away a $5 Amazon Gift Card to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Karen’s Killer Fixin’s blog!! Thanks, Donna, for sharing your upcoming release and scrumptious recipe with us!
WINNER!! Ann Everett!!
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CONGRATULATIONS WEEK 01-13-14 GIVEAWAY WINNER!!
Karen’s Killer Book Bench with K J MONTGOMERY!!
Giveaway: K J will give away a print copy of TROVE to TWO of her lucky readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Thanks, K J, for sharing your story with us!
WINNERS!! VIRGINIA NELSON and ROBENA GRANT!!
January 21, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Unraveling Secrets by Lana Williams
KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, 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!
UNRAVELING SECRETS by LANA WILLIAMS
Book Blurb
*
Unraveling Secrets, Book I of The Secrets Trilogy
When the past returns to haunt her…only one man can save her.
Set in 1880′s London…a new Victorian Historical Romance!
When her father’s murderer returns from the dead to threaten her family, Abigail Bradford attempts to warn him off, but soon learns chasing a ghost is no easy task.
Stephen Nolton, Viscount Ashbury, stumbles upon Abigail in the dirty streets of London’s East End. Able to read auras of good and evil after an electromagnetic experiment went terribly wrong, Stephen hovers on society’s edge, keeping secret his unique skill and personal mission. Despite his fascination with the lady and her unique golden aura, he intends to keep his distance.
Desperate to protect her family, Abigail turns to the one man she believes can aid her. In Stephen’s arms, she finds so much more than she hoped. Stephen tries to resist his desire for the independent beauty, afraid she’ll unravel his secrets. But when he discovers the murderer is linked to his own past, he must decide how much he’s willing to risk for love.
~~~~~
UNRAVELING SECRETS by LANA WILLIAMS
EXCERPT
Those green eyes bored into hers as his fresh, clean scent filled her lungs. It struck Abigail that, for the second time that day, she’d placed herself in danger.
“Did you not see the knife he held the last time you confronted him?”
“Ah…” How was she supposed to think when he loomed over her? His lips were close enough to—
“He could stick that knife in your side before anyone noticed he held it.”
His hands held her waist to make his point. She jolted forward at the contact, her nose bumping his chin.
“Oh!” Her lips parted. She couldn’t take her gaze off his mouth. His hands felt warm on her waist despite the layers that separated them.
He gave her a little shake as he spoke. “Do not approach him again.”
She looked up into his eyes and tried to swallow. What had she been trying to say? Oh, yes. “Someone has to and you’re not taking any action. I don’t understand why you haven’t yet spoken with him.” Lord Ashbury didn’t seem to realize how desperate she was to put an end to the threat that Simmons represented.
“For one, Simmons vacated the lodging house you discovered and hasn’t been seen at the pub. Secondly, a more pressing matter is now requiring my attention.”
She drew in a breath to steady her nerves only to catch his clean scent once more. It reminded her of the sea with a hint of bay rum. Compared to the foppish dandies she’d met who smelled of strong cologne in an effort to mask other odors, Lord Ashbury smelled refreshing. She looked up at him from beneath her lashes, hoping to hide his affect on her.
What on earth was wrong with her?
A mere look from this man had her fumbling like a young girl, uncertain of herself. And when he touched her—regardless of the layers of clothing that separated them—awareness speared through her to her toes. The sensation was very unsettling, not to mention unfamiliar, but oh, so intriguing. No man had ever made her feel anything like this.
He rubbed his forehead as though he had a headache before scowling at her. “I did not promise a particular schedule.”
“If you can’t find him, simply say so. There’s no need to become defensive.”
The glare he gave her would’ve withered others, but luckily she was no fainting wallflower. “Perhaps we should locate him together,” she suggested, her enthusiasm growing as the idea took hold.
“I’m experienced in such matters. You may rely on me to take care of it.”
“You must forgive me for failing to trust you,” Abigail said. “After all, I only have your word.”
“That should be enough.”
“Hmm. I would suggest we plan some sort of outing for the morrow to see if Simmons appears.”
“No.”
“Probably not Regent Street again. What of Hyde Park?”
“Miss Bradford—”
“Or perhaps Piccadilly would be better?”
“The two of us seen together will only complicate matters.”
She frowned, not sure what he meant. “How so?”
“I’m an unattached gentleman and you a lady. If we’re seen together in public, certain conclusions would be drawn.”
“Oh, but—”
“We wouldn’t want the ton to latch on to the notion that we are involved in any way.”
She bit her lip, pondering the ramifications of what he’d said.
“I would remind you,” he continued, moving to the edge of his seat, “that your visit here today is highly inappropriate.”
“True.” She blinked and eased back, suddenly uncomfortable with his proximity.
“I think it best we don’t meet again.” He tapped his gloved finger on her nose. “And do not confront Simmons.”
A spark of awareness flashed through her, mingled with fear.
But she couldn’t afford to let him intimidate her. “I will do what I see fit—”
A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. “Do you never cease arguing?”
She stiffened when his lips took hers, shock holding her still. The heat from his lips melted her from the inside out. A tiny moan escaped her mouth and he groaned in response.
Her anger slipped away and desire took its place. All thoughts flew from her mind and she could only feel. Much more than simple heat spiraled through her.
So this was desire…
For so long now, she’d thought herself incapable of feeling it.
She tilted her head, wanting more of what he offered. His hand cupped her cheek, the other holding her arm, steadying her from the sway of the carriage. With more courage than she’d thought she had, she reached up to rest her hand on his broad shoulder.
For a long moment, she allowed herself this pleasure. She allowed herself this longing for things that could never be. This man was not for her, but that didn’t mean she didn’t wish he was.
He eased back, breaking the fragile moment that she’d never forget.
She opened her eyes and couldn’t stop a smile from spreading across her face. She knew exactly why he’d kissed her, and while a small part of her was sad that it wasn’t because he desired her, she was grateful he’d tried to distract her from her purpose. It had been a lovely distraction and had taught her something new about herself. She was capable of passion. How wonderful to know.
“You are a very clever man, Lord Ashbury. Of that I have no doubt. But you will not be rid of me so easily.”
Meet Lana Williams, Author….Lana Williams writes historical romance filled with mystery, adventure, and a pinch of paranormal to stir things up. Her medieval romances begin with A Vow To Keep, the first in The Vengeance Trilogy, followed by Trust In Me and then Believe In Me.
Unraveling Secrets is her latest historical romance release and is set in Victorian London.
Filled with a love of books from an early age, Lana put pen to paper and decided happy endings were a must in any story she created. She writes in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two growing sons, and two dogs.
She loves hearing from readers! Stop by her website at www.lanawilliams.net and say hello!
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Links to Lana’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: www.lanawilliams.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LanaWilliamsBooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LanaWilliams28
Find my books on:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/18wWuV3
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1cyNx9I
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IVk4zl
Paperback: http://bit.ly/1ji9DpW
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Lana will give away an ebook of UNRAVELING SECRETS to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Lana, for sharing your stories with us!
January 20, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Shawntelle Madison
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SHAWNTELLE MADISON!!
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, SHAWNTELLE MADISON, and her favorite recipe for Shashlik (шашлык) (Kabobs-skewered meat)!
REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON
Book Blurb
Supernatural matchmaker Tessa Dandridge knows a little mist here and a little magic there will help reckless werewolves and precocious pixies find love. That is, until her magical Smythe scroll is lost in her repo’ed car and she can’t contact her V.I.P. clients. To connect with an important client cavorting in the fifth dimension, Tessa must depend on handsome Rob Shin, a warlock repo man, to enter Limbo and find her Smythe scroll.
Rob has money problems of his own, thanks to the bank determined to foreclose on his elderly aunt and uncle’s home. Repossessing magic wands and cursed pianos from disgruntled warlocks isn’t the best pay, but the Navy SEAL works well as a repo man to pay off his family’s debts. Rob’s repossession jobs catch up with him when a powerful warlock seeks to end his life for his constant meddling, drawing Tessa in the middle.
REPOSSESSED by SHAWNTELLE MADISON
Excerpt
Chapter 1
Dating Tip #24: Witches hate warlocks who want to jump into bed after the first date. Just because you can pull a rabbit out of your hat doesn’t mean you can pull something magical out of your pants.
From behind the desk in her matchmaking agency office, Tessa Dandridge thought she’d heard it all until her client blurted, “My last date had National Geographic boobs.”
She leaned forward, praying she had a serious expression. “Liam, you’re a five hundred year-old warlock. You can’t be picky when it comes to witches. I understand some women tend to decline and often use glamour to portray themselves as something they’re not, but you shouldn’t close yourself off from perfectly fine dates.”
“Tessa, after all these years, I feel like I’ve obtained a status that should attract younger witches who aren’t hags—no offense, ladies.” He glanced to where Tessa’s assistant, Danielle, took notes.
In her line of work, too many warlocks used the wand between their legs to do all the thinking. “Don’t talk that way about the women I represent. The simple fact is that you won’t be able to relate well to most of the younger women in my club. They have a lifestyle that you don’t follow anymore. I think you’d be better suited to an older witch.”
Liam shook his head and stroked his salt-and-pepper-colored beard. The wealth and power he’d accumulated in the magical community hadn’t attracted any quality women—women who didn’t need an enchantment spell to remain in his presence. The young ones found him disgusting and the older ones weren’t going to put up with his superficial crap. Of course she couldn’t tell him that…
With enthusiasm she added, “Now, trust my professional judgment. Danielle will arrange a party in a week for you to meet eligible women. You’ll love who I have for you.”
Liam had approached her agency a few days ago claiming he was tired of the old-school witch matchmakers who weren’t hip enough to find a woman worthy of his status. He was full of it—and she didn’t mean all-power magic either. He was out for sex, plain and simple. And if she didn’t need the income so badly, she’d send him packing.
“Why can’t I just help you pick out the women you intend to invite?” he asked. “Then I’d be sure to find one I like.”
“If you connect with someone, then you’re free to go out on a personal date. But, you’re not allowed to cast any spells on her and I expect the date to be platonic. If you both have a good time, you can continue on your own from there.”
He frowned. “If you could just sprinkle in a few younger ones—”
Tessa cut him off. “Be sure to stay open-minded over the next couple of days.”
He tapped his finger on top of her desk. “About this no sex thing…I see no reason why two adults can’t have a good time together if the feeling is right.”
“Because I run a matchmaker service. If you’re looking for a call girl, there are plenty of them around town. I make marriages, not one night stands.”
Deep furrows lined his forehead in displeasure. He rose, gripping an old oak cane between long fingers. With a curt nod, he shimmered and disappeared into mist. She’d won, for now anyway.
Danielle rose and removed a piece of lint from her tweed skirt suit. Tessa had dragged her best friend from Northwestern University in Chicago to New York City to join in this venture. Over the years, she had been the optimistic, perky side to the business. From her blonde pixie haircut to her short, dainty frame, Danielle exuded sunshine. “Two or three witches we have on file fit Liam perfectly.”
Days like these made her long for weekends. “Thanks, Dani.”
She nodded and left. Most likely to take care of something Tessa always forgot to do.
Time to focus on what the day would bring. The glare of the morning sun peeking over the New York City skyline reflected against her iPhone as she confirmed her full schedule. It looked like she would have enough time to run an errand or two before a lunch with an important client. So, with a skip in her step, she left the office to enjoy a bit of the day before she had to head back to the office.
Spring had arrived in New York City, and the streets buzzed with pedestrians flowing down the streets. April sunshine wasn’t too hot or cold, the perfect time to enjoy the city. Tessa hailed a cab to the curb. A sexy businessman in a tailored suit emerged and grinned. His emerald-green eyes glanced at her legs and ran up her skirt. Before settling on her hazel-colored eyes, his gaze lingered on her chest. If Tessa didn’t have a limited amount of time to get things done, a brief conversation might’ve been in order. Her gaze drifted to his ring finger. Not married. But he wasn’t supernatural either, so she smiled and tried to enter the cab, only to find out she wasn’t the only one eager to reach her destination.
An older woman, dressed in a dark red coat, swept in like a vulture on a kill and slid into the seat.
“Whoa!” Tessa said.
One would expect the cab driver, or even the gentleman in the suit, to say something, but the woman gave Tessa a rude gesture, grabbed the door, then slammed it shut. Everyone left her standing on the curb gaping.
Just another day in NYC.
The man in the suit shrugged and offered a half-assed apology, then walked away. Wow. Good thing she didn’t do matchmaking for herself.
She glanced at her iPhone. Since she didn’t have much time left, she’d have to walk until she caught another cab. The exercise wouldn’t kill her.
The first stoplight she reached took forever so she checked her cell for any new messages. She got through a few before a strange sensation stirred her stomach. It was that feeling of being watched. A long shadow extended toward hers, showing the profile of someone tall and lean. Long legs. Wide shoulders. Even though he stood a few feet behind her, she could practically sense his heated gaze as it traveled from her high heels up to her calves. Caressed her inner thighs then rested on her ass.
She shifted her weight while the light remained red. Enough time had passed for him to take in her favorite black skirt which showed off her hips. His gaze then tickled the nape of her neck beneath her shoulder-length brown hair. For a moment, she was self-conscious that he could see through her and take in the opening of her shirt.
The desire to lick her dry lips intensified, and the urge to turn around to see the man grew stronger. Was he attractive? Would she be horrified to know he was checking his phone instead of checking her out?
Hell, wasn’t she usually spot on with this kind of thing?
She slowly turned around to see a gorgeous Asian man staring at her. Most of the time—like earlier—she would’ve glanced at his ring finger, but her gaze left his to linger on muscular legs wrapped in jeans before moving up to his intimidating chest. His shadow hadn’t lied. Matter of fact, it had held quite a bit back from her. This dark-haired guy was hot as hell and had bedroom eyes to boot.
A buzzer sounded, the light turned green, and a few pedestrians began to walk across. For a second, she wasn’t sure what to do. Yeah, a shocker. Most men just spoke up and tried to strike up a conversation. This one simply walked around her and strolled across the street and this time, Tessa took in his backside. She would’ve watched the view even longer if she hadn’t stared so long the light changed yellow. She prepared to dart across, but gave up since she didn’t want a free ticket to the emergency room.
Now separated by a busy street, Tessa lost the mystery man as he disappeared down the street into a parking garage.
***
Rob Shin rarely used his magic in public—especially for something as childish as messing with stoplights—but he couldn’t help himself. He was practically on the clock with a time limit imposed by his employer: Repossess the vehicle at the 12th Street parking garage by noon. No pit stops, no coffee breaks, and most certainly, he shouldn’t have held up all those humans so he could undress that witch with his eyes. He made a beeline for the elevator. He could practically hear his boss busting his chops. “You keep messing around and sooner or later, the wrong person will see you doing that shit, Rob. If you really want to get paid, play by my rules.”
There really weren’t many rules to be honest. Just one in particular for his line of business: Don’t get caught.
He couldn’t afford to break the rules right now. Not with others he had to be financially responsible for.
His target, a Honda Coupe Civic, sat between two other smaller cars. Everything was squeezed in nice and tight, but he had more than enough room to work. He opened his worn satchel and reached into the folds.
A whisper, followed by an old man’s chuckle, emerged from the satchel. “I’ve never seen you do that in public before, Doryeonim. What was so special about that one?”
Rob sighed. “Oh hush and pass me what I need, Harabeuji.”
Magic brushed against his hand like layers of electrified silk. Between the layers, his hand encountered wands, bolt cutters, and other tools. So many toys to play with—the tools of the trade for a warlock who needed to collect on the debt of others.
The restless spirit woven into the old leather bag harrumphed. “You don’t see me casting spells to charm the Gucci bags off 5th Street.”
Rob chuckled. “Every man has his weakness. Mine happens to involve beautiful women with long legs. You have no room to talk. You almost convinced me to let you spend the night in a leather outlet.”
“The craftsmanship in that place was impeccable. Almost as fine as what you’d find in a Goryeo marketplace. Have I ever told you about the time I armed my handler with a grand ice staff? He stood proud against ten fire demons!”
Rob couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile. Harabeuji had constant tales from medieval Korea to tell him, but he had work to do. First things first, he needed to disable the spell protecting the vehicle. A pretty powerful one, but he’d faced stronger ones before. After that, the hardest thing he’d have to face was the parking brake. He tried to focus on the mission at hand, but frowned when he smelled perfume. The scent was probably from the car beside this one.
The feminine perfume filled his nostrils and then settled into his tightening groin. He couldn’t help but think about the woman he passed on the street. Damn, she was beautiful. She’d satisfied his curiosity easily enough when she peered at him.
Rob had been too long without a woman. He should remedy that when he got some spare time which, unfortunately, he didn’t have much of. Just one month of medical leave and then he’d have to report back to base.
His commanding officer had been kind, yet firm. “You’re too good of a SEAL to stay down for long, Shin. Don’t get too comfortable.”
He returned his attention back to the task at hand. Finish the mission and get paid.
~~~~
About the author, Shawntelle Madison….
Shawntelle Madison is a web developer who loves to weave words as well as code. She’d never admit it, but if asked she’d say she covets and collects source code. After losing her first summer job detassling corn, Shawntelle performed various jobs–from fast-food clerk to grunt programmer to university webmaster. Writing eccentric characters is her most favorite job of them all. On any particular day when she’s not surgically attached to her computer, she can be found watching cheesy horror movies or the latest action-packed anime. She lives in Missouri with her husband and children.
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Links to Shawntelle’s website, blog, books, etc.
http://www.shawntellemadison.com
http://www.facebook.com/shawntellemadisonauthor
http://www.twitter.com/shawntelle/
Shawntelle on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shawntelle-Madison/e/B005GF4YTM/
Shawntelle on B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Shawntelle-Madison?store=allproducts&keyword=Shawntelle+Madison
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Shawntelle is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 127 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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SHASHLIK (шашлык) (kabobs-skewered meat)
(A Native American dish from various sources)
I think I was a carnivore in another life. Take me to a steakhouse and I’m in heaven. Fire up a grill and I will do a victory dance. I would have preferred to make galbi, or Korean barbecue in honor of the Korean hero in my latest release Repossessed, but I’ll show a dish I love just as much: kebobs! Shashlik (шашлык) is more famously known as kabobs–skewered meat. The food is usually marinated overnight with spices (which I prefer) and then it’s cooked on a grill over wood or charcoal. For this recipe I used a stovetop grill.
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I can smell the food already:
1 lb of beef cut into cubes (You can use lamb or seafood like fish if you like.)
1 small onion chopped up
1 tablespoon of parsley
1 cup of pomegranate juice (unsweetened)
1 dash of salt
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for cooking)
1 dash of pepper
Gather your ingredients. I actually like to marinate this kind of meat inside an old ice cream container. You don’t need to, but hey, after eating a gallon of ice cream it’s always good to feel like you’re doing something responsible. Add the meat, parsley, pomegranate juice, salt, pepper, and the onion into the bowl. Mix together and then leave in your fridge overnight to marinate. Or let it sit in the fridge for an hour or two if you don’t have time. But it’s best when marinated.
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Now comes the fun part. Remove the meat from the marinade and make sure they’re dry. Skewer the meat and then brush them with oil. Set your grill to medium high heat. When it’s ready, cook the meat until done. A little over ten minutes will get you slightly pink meat in the middle. Twenty minutes or so and the meat is nice and well done. This is a great dish to eat all by itself or with some rice. The meat is so succulent and that slightly tart flavor is absolutely delicious!
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Do you love kebobs? Maybe galbi? Let me know how you love it. As thanks for stopping by I’m offering a Coveted swag pack to a winner. Just leave a comment to enter.
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As noted, Shawntelle is giving away a COVETED swag pack to one lucky reader who comments on her blog! Thanks, Shawntelle, for sharing your books and recipe with us!
January 19, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Lana Williams
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with LANA WILLIAMS
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 fulltime writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share.
Hi Karen! Thank you so much for having me! I have the pleasure of living in Colorado. I think I’m nearly a native now as I’ve been here longer than I was in South Dakota, where I was born and raised. I’m an office manager at an investment banking firm by day and a writer by night (and weekends)! I love to read, hike, camp, watch movies, and spend time with family and our two labs.
1. How did you get started writing?
I have been writing for many years. Lucky for me, my mom loved to read romance novels and got me hooked at a young age. I started with Barbara Cartland and when I got a bit older, read Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Sigh. Loved that book! I didn’t start writing my own stories until well after college. My very first writers’ conference was Pikes Peak Writers and it was amazing to realize how many other writers there were!
2. What genre(s) do you write in and why?
I write historical romance stories with a pinch of paranormal. My first three books are medieval romances (The Vengeance Trilogy) and my latest release is set in Victorian London (1880’s). While I love the medieval period, I also enjoy the 1800’s – things were changing so quickly then compared to previous centuries. I enjoy adding a bit of paranormal to my stories as it adds an extra element that complicates things.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
Whatever phase I’m in, whether it’s brainstorming, planning (I hate to call it plotting), rough draft or revisions, it’s always the next part that I want to be doing. LOL. Do you have that problem too? The grass is always greener I suppose. 
I love them all, but I especially enjoy that last of the editing when you can really see the whole story, and your characters have become even more real to you. Adding in the little touches that pull heart strings or the descriptions that paint a vivid picture can be really fun. Plus you know it’s almost ready to be sent out into the world.
4. What is your least favorite part of writing ?
The middle of the rough draft is probably my biggest challenge. Ugh. Sometimes I have a difficult time thinking of what else these characters could possibly say to each other! Lucky for me, I have awesome critique partners I can call and brainstorm with. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
5. Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
Sometimes I’m not sure myself! LOL! The trilogy I’m currently working on (The Secret Trilogy set in Victorian London) shares the story of three lords who, while at university, were involved in an electromagnetic experiment that went terribly wrong. They lost their professor and their friendship. And they were burdened with the ability to read auras, but each slightly differently. One small interesting bit of research can spark some great ideas as can listening to the evening news or watching a movie. Ideas are everywhere!
6. What is your typical day like?
During the week, I get up at 5:30 am and drink coffee with my husband, then exercise and/or write after he leaves for work. Then I take my youngest to school and head to the day job. Evenings are spent making supper, helping with homework, running kids to activities, and hopefully writing more. I write pretty much every day, 7 days per week. Weekends are a bit more productive, but not always.
7. What is most difficult for you to write? Characters, conflict or emotions? Why?
Definitely conflict. I hate conflict in my own life, so it’s hard for me to write it! I have to make sure that I really understand what makes my characters tick. What problem they’ve had in their past that makes them the way they are today. Then I pull in a twist in the plot that sets them up for disaster. I don’t like to read books where you can see that if the characters would just sit down and talk it out, they could resolve everything! Life is more complicated than that, so I try to have my characters reflect that too.
8. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
My latest release, Unraveling Secrets, just came out! As I mentioned, it’s the beginning of a new trilogy set in Victorian London.
When her father’s murderer returns from the dead to threaten her family, Abigail Bradford attempts to warn him off, but soon learns chasing a ghost is no easy task.
Stephen Nolton, Viscount Ashbury, stumbles upon Abigail in the dirty streets of London’s East End. Able to read auras of good and evil after an electromagnetic experiment went terribly wrong, Stephen hovers on society’s edge, keeping secret his unique skill and personal mission. Despite his fascination with the lady and her unique golden aura, he intends to keep his distance.
Desperate to protect her family, Abigail turns to the one man she believes can aid her. In Stephen’s arms, she finds so much more than she hoped. Stephen tries to resist his desire for the independent beauty, afraid she’ll unravel his secrets. But when he discovers the murderer is linked to his own past, he must decide how much he’s willing to risk for love.
Thank you so much for having me, Karen! I’d love to give away an ebook of Unraveling Secrets to a commenter! What historical period is the most interesting to you?
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Links to Lana’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: www.lanawilliams.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LanaWilliamsBooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LanaWilliams28
Find my books on:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/18wWuV3
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1cyNx9I
Kobo: http://bit.ly/IVk4zl
Paperback: http://bit.ly/1ji9DpW
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Lana and her release, UNRAVELING SECRETS, on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Lana will give away an ebook of UNRAVELING SECRETS to one of her lucky readers who comments on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Lana, for sharing your stories with us!
January 16, 2014
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **Author Special** with Sheri Whitefeather
Karen’s Killer Fixin’s **AUTHOR SPECIAL** with SHERI WHITEFEATHER!!
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, SHERI WHITEFEATHER, and her favorite recipe for INDIAN FRY BREAD!
BEAUTIFUL MUSICIAN by SHERI WHITEFEATHER
Book Blurb
My name is Seven, and I’m an up-and-coming musician, a so-called bad boy. I’m also madly, painfully in love with Abby Winston. Every wild-hearted song I write is for her. Currently she lives in a psychiatric treatment center, and I slip secretly into her room. Abby is schizophrenic, and I’m a romantic figment of her troubled mind. She created me when she was a child, and now we’re both adults and on the verge of losing each other. I know I’m not real, but that doesn’t change how I feel about her. Nor does it solve the dilemma of how we’re going to survive the ache of not being together for the rest of our lives.
Beautiful Musician is the prequel in the highly romantic, emotionally charged Room 105 series, books intended for readers 17 and older.
This is a free e-book, available anytime! You can grab it on Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.
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Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beautiful-musician
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-musician-sheri-whitefeather/1117496655?ean=2940045462600
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About the author, Sheri Whitefeather….
Sheri Whitefeather is a national bestselling author. She pens a variety of romance novels and has earned prestigious awards.
Her writing career began in 1998. Prior to that, she worked as a make-up artist and leather artisan. One of her first professional make-up jobs was at the Playboy Mansion for a photo shoot that featured Hugh Hefner. As a leather artisan, she painted jackets and guitar straps for a host of musicians, including legendary bad boys, Motley Crue, and country legend, Waylon Jennings.
She lives in Southern California and enjoys ethnic dining, shopping in vintage stores, and visiting art galleries and museums. She has two grown children who are tribally enrolled members of the Muscogee Creek Nation.
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Links to Sheri’s website, blog, books, etc.
Sheri loves to connect with readers. You can reach her at:
Website: www.SheriWhitefeather.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sheri-Whitefeather-Author/204439682948104
Twitter: https://twitter.com/swhitefeather
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I hope you enjoy the recipe Sheri is sharing with us today on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!
Karen
P.S. We’re at 126 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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INDIAN FRY BREAD
(A Native American dish from various sources)
Cornmeal or flour for dusting board
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup instant dry milk
¾ cup water
Oil for deep frying
Dust pastry board. In a mixing bowl, stir flour, baking powder, salt and powdered milk. Add water in small amounts, stirring until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for ten minutes. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Pull off a palm-size mound of dough, roll into a ball, then flatten into a 6-inch disc. Fry one at a time on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with honey or covered with taco fixings. Makes about 4 servings.
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: As noted above, BEAUTIFUL MUSICIAN is the prequel in the highly romantic, emotionally charged Room 105 series, books intended for readers 17 and older. This is a free e-book, available anytime! You can grab it on Amazon, Kobo or Barnes and Noble. Please do comment, but then click on one of her free links above. Don’t miss this chance to read this story!! Thanks, Sheri, for sharing your book and recipe with us!
January 15, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Liar, Liar, Hearts on Fire by Jennifer Zane
KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, 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!
LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE by JENNIFER ZANE
RELEASES TODAY!!
Book Blurb
*
Violet Miller is a teacher savoring her summer break until she’s been called in as emergency reinforcements—of the dating kind. She volunteers to help an old flame by pretending to be his girlfriend. In Alaska. At a family reunion. Since the guy is a handsome, lumberjack-sized doctor she’s never quite forgotten, faking a relationship won’t be hard work.
Mike Ostranski is a desperate man on vacation. His mother wants grandchildren and sees a crazy Alaskan woman as a candidate for daughter-in-law. Mike needs Violet by his side to deflect the lady’s advances.
A week in Alaska as boyfriend and girlfriend should be easy for them. They grew up together, even had a brief fling. What could go wrong?
Everything.
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EXCERPT
Liar, Liar, Hearts On Fire
© Copyright 2013 – Jennifer Zane
“Careful walking up the slope,” Mike advised, letting me lead the way up the incline. “I’ll go behind you to catch you if you slip.”
It was solid mud, deep and thick, our boots making sucking noises as we stepped. I was almost to the top when my right foot lost traction. With a rod in each hand, I couldn’t stop myself. The reels would be ruined if they were caked in mud, so I lifted my hands up, landing elbows first with a big oomph. It was jarring, but the mud was soft and absorbed most of the impact.
“Ow!” Mike yelled as the top end of the rod whacked him in the head like a whip.
Besides my arms buried in mud, the entire front half landed hard and I quickly slid back down the incline and collided with Mike. It’s easy to fell a tree when you cut it low to the ground, which was what happened with Mike.
“Crap!”
Taking his legs out from under him like I did, he fell forward, landing on top of me, smooshing me into the oozing mud even deeper, knocking the wind out of me.
He tried to push himself off, but sunk elbows deep himself with weird mud-farting sounds. Recognizing a lost cause, he rolled to his side, and then flipped me over like a pancake, deflecting one of the rods before it hit him again. I lay there, my back now equally cold and soggy wet from the mud, trying to suck air into my lungs as rain fell down onto my face.
“Jesus, Vi, are you all right?”
I just stared up at the thick clouds, waiting, waiting…gasp.
Sucking in gulps of air, I turned and looked at Mike. He had a red welt down the left side of his cheek the shape of a fishing rod. His hood had fallen back, his red hair now wet. He was covered in mud from the chest down. “So much for catching me.”
“God, sorry about that. I did not see that one coming.”
Yeah, neither had I.
I was afraid to look down at myself, but I knew I had mud…everywhere, but fortunately protected by my waders and raincoat. I was wet and cold from top to bottom. Squishy. This was one of those moments in life where you could either throw a total tantrum like a toddler or embrace the moment and see something ridiculously positive, even when bogged down in thick, dark, cold glop.
Struggling against the tug of the mud, I gave up the fight after a few seconds and collapsed back. I started to laugh at the situation. Mike brought his hand up to wipe something off my face, but when he saw that his hand was coated as well, he started to laugh, too.
“Is there any part of me that’s not covered?” I asked, knowing we were quite a sight to the other fishermen. I saw a few people pointing from the pedestrian bridge. No doubt they’d be telling stories of the idiots who fell in the mud for years to come. So would I.
Mike’s gaze raked over me, and not in a clinical, doctor sort of way. He looked from top to bottom and back up again, his blue eyes assessing, but stopped at my lips. “Just one.”
He lowered his head and kissed me, a gentle, soft brushing of his lips against mine. His mouth was warm, no hot, and the contact heated me better than a shot of whiskey and a crackling fire. Wow, his lips felt good. Soft, gentle. A little shock to the system. My body did a little “Oh yeah, I remember this” moment. His kisses were not something easily forgotten.
Amazon Buy Link: http://amzn.to/1d4RTs9
Jennifer Zane, Author [Photo with Jubal Early, Civil War character re-enactment in Maryland]….Jennifer Zane has lived all over the country–from Georgia to Maryland, New York to Colorado, including an exciting five years in Montana. Her time in Big Sky country was the basis for this book. When she’s not writing, she savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. She currently lives with her family in Colorado.
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Links to Jennifer’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1d4RTs9
jennifer@jenniferzane.com
Twitter: @JenniferZane
Facebook: JenniferZaneWriter
Web page: http://www.jenniferzane.com
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance & Romantic Comedy
PUBLISHER: Jennifer Zane
RELEASE DATE: January 16, 2014
Available in e-book from Amazon and All Romance eBooks
Paperbacks available just about everywhere, online.
Goodreads Book Page (with pre-release reviews):
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18803814-liar-liar-hearts-on-fire?ac=1
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jennifer will give away ebooks of LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE to FIVE lucky readers. Please comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs, and then click here for a chance to win!!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b767427/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway
d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js“>~~~Don’t miss this chance to read this zany romantic comedy!! Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your story with us!
January 14, 2014
Karen’s Killer Book Bench: Trove by K J Montgomery
KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where, every Wednesday, 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!
TROVE by K J MONTGOMERY
Book Blurb
*
Katie Walsh is an investigative mythologist seeking clues that could lead her into the very distant past and uncover the secrets of the mythic Norland. Alec MacGowan is an archaeologist searching for clues in the recent past in an attempt to bring a murderer to justice.
Anonymous lovers five years before, they’re re-united as their worlds collide when they are thrown together to decipher the murdered man’s notes and identify his killer. As the quest unfolds, they are forced to deal with their simmering attraction and hidden secrets.
Can they uncover the secret hidden in the murdered man’s notes before the killer finds them? And can they open their hearts to each other before it’s too late?
Follow Katie and Alec as they search for clues in their race to uncover secrets from the long past and their past while staying out of the killer’s cross-hairs.
~~~~~
TROVE by K J MONTGOMERY
EXCERPT
Alec MacGowan watched the woman and the interplay with the red-haired male, appreciating the genuine warmth he detected in their greeting. The affection between them suggested more than friends. Lovers perhaps? She was exactly as Robert had described her: petite, about five feet tall without the killer heels, chestnut hair, sparkling eyes that were noticeable even behind her glasses or maybe because of them. His appreciation of her grew as he noted that she had curves in all the right places, though Robert neglected to mention that. She had a woman’s figure, something to hold onto, sink his fingers into. He hated the way modern women tried to deny the luscious curves that nature endowed them with.
He noted that she was not a staid academic as most PhDs he’d dealt with seemed to be. She was not one to hide behind the academic uniform of dark man-tailored suits. She was wearing a red dress that accented her figure, hugging and folding against her body suggestively, while the other females were dressed in variations of their unspoken dress code. Most researchers were rather bookish or totally obnoxious and angry at the world, though he had to concede that the research profession was very cutthroat. Competent people were forced to fight each other to grab their piece of a finite amount of financing. But she… she seemed alive. Robert was right, though. She didn’t look like a pushover. She was definitely in charge of the huge man with her, or was it more that he was protective of her, indulging her, but protecting her?
He watched her as she headed toward the bar and him. As she neared, he started towards them and then froze. No, it can’t be her. It couldn’t be KitKat, the woman with whom he spent the night five years ago.
His anonymous lover had a name and her name was Dr. Katie Walsh. Damn, this makes everything more complicated.
He exhaled, steadied himself, and stepped in front of her, effectively and totally blocking her path as she neared the bar with the red-headed male in her wake.
“Excuse me, but aren’t you Dr. Katie Walsh of the Nordstrom Institute?”
She halted, forced to stop abruptly. She teetered in her high heels, grabbing the red-haired man’s arm to avoid ending up in a heap on the floor. She raised her head and scowled. He watched her closely as she scanned his face for recognition. He mused that it may have been difficult since her glasses had slid down from the bridge of her little nose and were now resting on the tip of it, clearly in danger of continuing their downward path.
“Yes, I am. I’m sorry, but do I know you? You look somewhat familiar, but I can’t seem to recall your name.”
“We have a mutual acquaintance, Robert Baines.”
“Really?” she said, tilting her head slightly, releasing her scowl at the mention of Robert. “How do you know Robert?”
“Actually, he’s my half-brother.” He added, “My older half-brother by three years. I’m Dr. Alec MacGowan, archaeologist.” He reached over, and with his forefinger, he gently pushed her glasses up to the bridge of her nose then nodded his head slightly. “At your service.”
****
Stepping back, Katie studied his face. What incredible grey eyes, she thought before she continued the perusal. Smoky grey eyes, almost black, silky straight hair touched with grey at the temples, high cheekbones, and a body that exuded masculinity… My God, she wanted to scream, it can’t be him. She swallowed, trying to maintain her control as visions of his long body draped over hers flashed before her. Concentrate, Katie, concentrate. He was dressed in a navy suit and a pale blue oxford shirt, his tie loose at the neck. He looked every bit the sexy “love ‘em and leave ‘em type,” straight out of a Hollywood film. Yet that’s exactly what she did five years ago. She’d picked him up, loved him and left him in the pre-dawn light after that wickedly delicious night. Oh my God, it is him, she moaned inwardly as she forced herself to listen to what he was saying while her heart raced and her breath tried to keep time.
She reached up and tucked her hair behind her right ear as she subconsciously licked her lips. “I can see a physical resemblance around the mouth and I think you have the same nose.”
But Robert didn’t have a brother, did he? He’d never mentioned it in the almost seven years they’d been friends. Surely he would’ve mentioned a brother, even if it was only a half-brother. “So, Dr. MacGowan, how is Bobby?”
“He’s fine. He asked me to remind you that he still owes you a dinner. Oh, and by the way, Dr. Walsh, you know as well as I do that no one, and I mean no one, calls him Bobby. If you want to call him and verify my identity be my guest. Actually…” He reached into his jacket and pulled out his cell phone, giving Katie a glimpse of the muscled chest straining against the confining material, the chest she had explored, caressed, kissed for one night of unbridled, decadent passion. Her fingers itched to wind themselves in the dark hair she knew was hidden under the shirt, to revel in its silkiness. “Allow me.”
The heat spread across her face like wildfire. Was it because he was calling her out for testing him, or was it because she was remembering how his body felt pressed intimately against hers? Hopefully, in the subdued lighting he wouldn’t notice. She reached for his cell phone, the call already connecting. “Hello, Robert?”
“Katie. So he’s found you.”
Her free hand rested on her hip. “Yes. I’m standing here with this guy, and he claims to be your brother. Dark hair, grey eyes, about six-three I’m guessing.”
“Half-brother,” Alec corrected, his elbow propped casually against the high, free-standing cocktail table.
“Excuse me, your half-brother. Who is he?”
“He’s my half-brother Alec MacGowan. He’s an archaeologist.”
“Mm, a digger,” she murmured. “So he’s safe to be around? You know how I feel about diggers. I mean, he’s not a modern day Jack the Ripper-type is he?” Why, oh why, did he have to be a digger?
Robert’s laugh was clearly audible as her eyes swept from Eric to Alec. Eric looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from his left to his right foot. Alec wore a smug grin.
“No, Katie, he’s safe to be around. You have my word on that.”
She wished she could believe him. She wanted to ask him why he neglected to tell her, his very close friend, that he had a brother. But this wasn’t the time or place. She sighed. “Thanks. I’ll see you when I get back to Boston.” She ended the call and thrust the phone at him, letting her other hand drop from her hip. “Seems like you’re legit.”
He winked. “Yep, got all my papers in order and I’m housebroken too.”
K J Montgomery, Author….KJ Montgomery has always looked beyond the obvious and firmly believes there are no such things as coincidences. Since her early years, she has yearned for knowledge no matter how obscure and carefully tucked it away knowing that someday she’d find a use for it.
She loves writing as much as she loves reading and often has three or four books, both for writing and reading, in process at any moment. Her stories are smartly written and reflect her love for the paranormal, the excitement of sexual tension, and the lure of a complex mystery.
KJ resides in coastal New England and loves spending time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where the night skies are painted with brilliant starlight and the heavens seem to be within reach.
KJ is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the New England chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and the Romance Writer of America’s sub-chapters: Kiss-of-Death and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal.
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Links to K J’s website, blog, books, etc.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Trove-Katie-Walsh-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00BTPB9W8
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trove-kj-montgomery/1114587155
Website: http://www.kjmontgomery.com
Blog: http://kjmontgomery.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Author_KJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJMontgomeryAuthor
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**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: K J will give away a print copy of TROVE to TWO of her lucky readers who comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs!! Don’t miss this chance to read this Katie Walsh Mystery!! Thanks, K J, for sharing your story with us!
January 13, 2014
**Author Peek** Interview with Jennifer Zane
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with JENNIFER ZANE
Editorial Note to my Readers: I’ve decided to shake up the interview questions a bit for 2014 so you, my reader, can get to know the highlighted author a bit more beyond their genre and book release dates. I’m not even going to run the same questions each week. I hope you have fun reading the author’s answers!
As an extra-special treat today, Jennifer is sharing some photos she took while she was in Alaska researching this book! I’ll insert them into her interview in no particular order.
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INTRODUCING…JENNIFER ZANE!!
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.
View from train ride to Seward, Alaska
1. How did you get started writing?
I got started writing on a dare. A co-worker and I both decided to write a romance and see who could do it better. I got into the spirit of the dare more than I should and I joined a romance critique group (the lovely Karen Docter is in it!) and they kept me going once the dare was completely forgotten.
Jennifer Zane fishing in Hope, Alaska.
2. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
Life is tough. I have kids so I’m extra sappy. I don’t like to watch movies where bad things happen, where the bad guys are really BAD. Same goes for books. I remember reading a romance where the heroine died toward the end. I wouldn’t call that an official romance because obviously there wasn’t an HEA. I was stunned and cranky about that book for weeks. I wouldn’t have invested all the time to read the book for the heroine to die. I love a good HEA.
A terrible (Jennifer’s word ) shot of the moose in
the backyard (as referenced in the book!)
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
When I’ve got a story going–and it’s going well–I’ll walk away and miss my characters. I want to get back to them and see what happens next. I love that feeling when I want to spend more time with my characters. It’s one thing to do it with Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series (right, people?) but with my own characters it was a surprise the first time I missed them!
Jennifer Zane travels to Maryland to meet with
Jubal Early, a re-enacted Civil War figure.
4. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
I like breakfast for dinner. I don’t like eggs, but I love carbs, so my breakfast-dinner would be hash browns, toast, French toast and bacon.
Ship Creek fishing.
5. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? The heroes and heroines, or the villains?
I’m a goodie-two-shoes (ask anyone) so it’s hard for me to write bad guys. My bad guys aren’t all that bad, which isn’t good. I write in the POV of the heroine, so it’s fun to write the hero. You don’t have to write their thoughts, but you have to write lots of looks, touches and good dialogue to make sure he comes across all Alpha and hot.
Train ride to Seward, Alaska.
6. Are you an avid reader? When you do read someone else’s writing, what is your favorite genre?
I read. A lot. Probably at least two hours a day. I’ll read whatever someone recommends, like my mom. I read TONS of romance so I can be up on what’s hot (literally and literarily!)
7. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE will be released in two days on January 16th!! Come back on Thursday for an excerpt from this zany romantic comedy!!
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Links to Jennifer’s website, blog, books, etc.
jennifer@jenniferzane.com
Twitter: @JenniferZane
Facebook: JenniferZaneWriter
Web page: http://www.jenniferzane.com
~~
GENRE: Contemporary Romance & Romantic Comedy
PUBLISHER: Jennifer Zane
RELEASE DATE: January 16, 2014
Available in e-book from Amazon and All Romance eBooks
Paperbacks available just about everywhere, online.
Goodreads Book Page (with pre-release reviews):
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18803814-liar-liar-hearts-on-fire?ac=1
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Jennifer and her zany romantic comedy release, LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE, on Thursday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench!! Happy Reading!
~~~~
**SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Jennifer will give away ebooks of LIAR, LIAR, HEARTS ON FIRE to FIVE lucky readers. Please comment on her Monday Interview or Wednesday Book Bench blogs, and then click here for a chance to win!!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b767427/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway
d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js“>~~~Don’t miss this chance to read this zany romantic comedy!! Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your story with us!
