Penny Watson's Blog, page 91

The Quickie: A Romance Amuse-Bouche

For those of you not obsessed with Top Chef (What the hell are you waiting for!!!??? Start watching it! It rocks!), let me first define "amuse-bouche"-- according to Wikipedia (the center of the internet universe and source for all vital information...hee hee!) it is a "single, bite-sized hors d'oeuvre." It should excite the taste buds and give one a sense of the chef's cooking approach. But is it satisfying? Only one bite? That's a tall order...to make it sparkle, make it delicious, make...

Beard of the Day and Gardening Update (Hee hee..that's a weird combination!)

Happy Friday! Time for Beard of the Day. Here's Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has an extremely masculine scruffy beard, with the just the right amount of salt and pepper. He also has those super intense puppy dog eyes that are hard to resist.
Now, you're probably wondering how I'm going to segue into the gardening section. Well, here I go.....
Just imagine you're diligently working on your herb garden, when Jeffrey Dean Morgan suddenly appears, wearing faded blue jeans, a tight T-shirt and a...

Interview and Give Away with Sandra Sookoo!

One of my favorite sub-genres in romance is "light" paranormal. I love the idea of taking a typically dark subject matter (like vampires, werewolves, demons, etc) and making it...funny! And sexy, and sweet. Sandra Sookoo manages all that and more with her new release Demons and Stilettos Are A Girl's Best Friend. The hero of this story is a demon/IRS agent, and he is absolutely fantastic! (Please check out Penelope's review here).

I'm tickled to have Sandra with us today for an interview and...

Quickie Reviews: Beauty and the Feast and Demons and Stilettos

Since I haven't gotten into a "JR Ward"-y mood yet, my copy of Lover Mine remains unread. I know, I know. I'm getting to it! In the meantime, I have been reading a lot of other books.
First is Beauty and the Feast by Julia Barrett. I'm obviously someone who recognizes the sensuality of food...I made the hero and heroine of my first novel (Sweet Inspiration) pastry chefs. When I saw Mandi's review for Beauty and the Feast, I knew I had to read it. The heroine is a caterer and the hero falls in...

Review of Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
A long time ago, when I first discovered romantic fiction, I found a Sherrilyn Kenyon book and was instantly hooked. What an imagination! The heady combination of intense, sexy, truly "heroic" heroes, her fascinating twist on mythology, and lots of lusty sex, fanned the flames of my romance addiction. Kenyon and Christine Feehan were my introduction to paranormal romance, and I could not get enough of their stuff.
Two of her books really stand out for me. span

Lover Mine Will Have To Wait

The UPS man finally delivered my book! Yee haw! Unfortunately, my dachshund Lucy is guarding it with her life. I guess she wants to read it first. She said I don't deserve to read it since I've been harshing on John Matthew for the past year, and Xhex is her hero.
Well, hell.
Hope Lucy is a fast reader.

Penelope's Sunday Recipe!

Happy Sunday! As many of you may know, I was a science geek in my former life...I have degrees in biology, plant taxonomy and horticultural science. Even though I am currently obsessed with romantic fiction, I still adore working on my garden every year. I am nuts about growing culinary herbs (I have over 10 varieties of basil alone), and I just love using fresh herbs in my cooking.
Since my recent wake-up call about my health, I have been trying to find a better balance in my life, which...

Spring Break Reading Update!

Is everyone surviving Spring Break week? I am in the midst of a crazy spring cleaning project, as well as reading as much as I can. Here are my updates....
Read The Prize by Julie Garwood. I realized, in a fit of embarrassment, that I never read this one, which some folks think is her best book ev-ah. Well, I liked it, but it was definitely not as good as The Bride or Honor's Splendour, my favorites Julie Garwoods.
Re-read Stephanie Lauren's A Rake's Vow, which is Vane Cynster's story. Love...

And We Have A Winner....

Big congrats to Stella (Ex Libris) who has won a copy of Carolyn Crane's most excellent debut novel, Mind Games! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello and enter the give-away.
Happy Patriot's Day, Happy Boston Marathon Day, Happy Spring Vacation!Penelope

Beard of the Day

I was a little late getting on the American Idol bandwagon, but I must say that watching David Cook perform Lionel Richie's song "Hello" is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. David Cook is freakin' brilliant, his voice is rough and tumbly and growly...oh yeah! And, his beard is the perfect balance of masculine scruff and well-groomed hotness. Rock on, Davy!
Happy Weekend! Happy Commencement of Spring Vacation! Happiness to All,Penelope
p.s. The contest is still open to win a copy of...