Laurel Cremant's Blog, page 6
April 3, 2014
Cover Reveal of Keeping Secrets by Kiru Taye
Keeping Secrets By Kiru Taye Series: The Essien Trilogy, Book 1 Genre: Contemporary Romance, Multicultural Length: Full length novel Release date: May 12, 2014 The Essien Trilogy – Series Blurb Secrets, Scandals, and Seduction under the African skies. The Essiens are the kings of African finance. A close-knit family, their father is the patriarch of a finance dynasty that ranges from retail to investment banking spanning the African continent. Yet all is not as it seems as the three brothers—Felix, Mark and Tony—soon discover when their family is rocked by secrets and scandals. Blood ties or not, family is family. If you like your book boyfriends to be tall, dark and handsome billionaires, then say hello to the Essien brothers. Keeping Secrets – Blurb Have you ever loved someone and didn’t even know it? That’s the dilemma facing Felix Essien when he wakes from a coma to find he … Continue reading
March 27, 2014
Let’s Talk Romance and Industry News @RomanceinColor
It’s the 4th Thursday of the month which means I’m over at Romance Novels in Color reporting on some industry news and talking about some new Movers & Shakers on the bestseller charts. Stop by and join the convo or just lurk, b/c we all do it sometimes What’s Happening in Romance The post with industry news can be found here. Today I cover some news regarding the RWA, the SWIRL Awards, and Archie Comics becoming progressive, as well as some of this month’s Movers and Shakers in multicultural romance. I hope you get a chance to stop by Talk to you soon, Laurel
March 26, 2014
Hot N’ Sprung Blog Hop Sign-Up
Hello All, The lovely author RaeLynn Blue and I will be hosting the Hot N’ Sprung Blog Hop in May and we’re looking for authors and bloggers to participate. If you’re an author, aspiring writer or blogger who would like to participate please sign up for the hop here. this is a great opportunity to promote your individual sites, but to also interact with new readers and authors. If you’re a reader, we plan on having some great giveaways and prizes so stay tuned! Talk to you soon, Laurel
March 22, 2014
Golden Pack Alphas, Volume 1 Available Now!
Golden Pack Alphas: Volume 1 A Paranormal Romance BUY NOW The first three installments of the best selling Golden Pack Alphas serial all in one volume. ***Midnight Mistletoe, Book 1*** All were-hybrid, Georgia Walker wants for Christmas is to spend some time away from her pack and in particular, away from one increasingly dangerous enforcer turned Beta. She has every intention of spending her days basking in the warm Caribbean sun and indulging in an island fling, or two. Anything to forget the way a certain were made her pulse race and skin tingle. Marcus Legrand has only one goal this holiday season, bring Georgia home and finally claim her for his own. Convincing the strong willed ice princess will take all of his skill and patience, but Marcus is no stranger to hunting prey. He has every intention of putting both his rank and heart on the line. ***Midnight … Continue reading
Midnight Truce Available Now!
Midnight Truce A Paranormal Romance BUY NOW Book 3 in the Best Selling Golden Pack Alphas serial The journey of Georgia and Marcus continues…Georgia’s father, current alpha to the Golden Pack has made his announcement for successor, tilting Georgia’s world on its axis. She and Marcus must find a way to work together and keep the pack unified enough to face the looming threat of a force set on changing shifter society forever.
March 13, 2014
Let’s Talk Fantasy and Industry News at #RomanceinColor
It’s the 2nd Thursday of the month which means I’m over at Romance Novels in Color reporting on some industry news and talking about Romantic Fantasy. Stop by and join the convo or just lurk, b/c we all do it sometimes What’s Happening in Romance The post with industry news can be found here. Today I cover some news regarding Amtrak, the world’s #1 readers, and trail blazing in romance writing, as well as some of this month’s Movers and Shakers in multicultural romance. Let’s Talk Romance: Fantasy Dream In this post I talk about the elements that make up Fantasy Romance and provide some recommended reads for anyone new to the genre. You can check out the full post here. I hope you get a chance to stop by Talk to you soon, Laurel
March 10, 2014
My Website is Getting a Face Lift
Hello All, My website www.laurelcremant.com is getting a face lift this week, so there will be some connectivity issues until the new website is fully loaded. So as the week goes on you may see a few 404 errors and "Oops" messages, but rest assured the new site will be up shortly.
When I first began this blog a few years ago I never expected to expand into my own site so quickly. But just after my first book I launched a website and continued to also post here to this blog. Since then I've resisted the urge to migrate everything onto one site, but alas the time has finally come. By next week this blog and my website will be one just as the internet intended. So please excuse all the cyber dust while all the nuts and bolts are migrated over.
Talk to you soon,
Laurel
March 7, 2014
Negotiating Skills Now on Audible
Negotiating Skills is now available on Audible and other audio book markets. You can check out the book and listen to a sample here. Blurb: Witnessing a private act leads to some interesting negotiations… Software programmer Veronica James is struggling to make her new business a success. After finally landing a major account, she’s at risk of losing it all when she catches her new client Victor Rossi in a very compromising position. In an effort to regain the upper hand, Rossi insists on some sexy and compromising concessions from her that have Veronica reconsidering her hard fast rule of not mixing business with pleasure.
Under Construction
Please excuse the dust as we build
March 5, 2014
A Chocolate Treat #AmWriting #Cooking
SourceHello All, I'm gearing up for my March releases and wanted to share with you a naughty dish I like to treat myself to when I'm stressed, craving sweets and just plain frazzled. And the best thing about it is that it's dairy free and low fat. Yup crazy I know.
About a year ago I was introduced this amazing thing call a MUG CAKE. A mug cake is exactly what it sounds like, a cake inside a coffee mug. If you Google the term "mug cake" you'll find all sorts of recipes. I love making these cakes because they are super quick and easy.
The one I have listed below has been modified from a variety of sources. I've removed the need for eggs and dairy from mine because it just makes things easier, especially if I haven't gone grocery shopping in a while. It also helps to cut down on any extra calories.
Give this gooey treat a shot. It takes less than five minutes to prepare and less the 2 to bake. Which means in less that ten minutes I get to satisfy a craving and get back to my desk and start working.
CHOCOLATE-BANANA MUG CAKE RECIPE:
Ingredients
4 Tablespoons flour (all purpose)
2 1/2 teaspoons sugar OR light agave nectar
2 Tablespoons cocoa (unsweetened)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dash of salt
1/2 a banana
2 teaspoons of semi-sweet chocolate morsels (optional)
4 1/2 Tablespoons water OR almond milk (or other milk of choice)
Directions
1.) Spray the inside of a large microwave safe mug, with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2.) Add all the ingredients (liquid first) into a small blender and mix until smooth. Batter will be slightly thick.
3.) Pour batter into already prepared mug.
4.) Optional Step: Take one tablespoon of chocolate chips and sprinkle over the top of the mixture. The mix is dense, so using the back of a spoon press them down slightly so that the are just below the surface of the batter. The purpose here is to create a gooey stream of chocolate as the cake cooks.
5.) Place in microwave and cook on high for 1 minute and 40 seconds, uncovered. Stare intently as the mug turns and the smell of chocolate fills the air. *Be careful not to slip on your own drool.*
6.) Remove from microwave and check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean.
7.) Let sit for 10 seconds then garnish with whatever floats your boat. *I prefer strawberries and powdered sugar
WARNING: Be sure not to over cook! Each microwave cooks differently, so adjust time accordingly! The first time I cooked this I started off with 90 seconds then added on in 10-15 second increments until I reached the sweet spot for my microwave.
In the end you have a really delicious treat that you don't have to feel too guilty for. Plus it always gives me a great jolt of energy to pound away at my keyboard.
I have a sweet spot for chocolate, but have been known to jump ship for a delicious bread pudding. What are your guilty culinary pleasures?
