Celebrate Valentine's Day with the Perfect Treat and a Romantic Read by Tina Griffith...

I am a true romantic at heart which is why I write romance books. So, of course Valentine’s Day is a special day for my husband and me. Today I want to share my favorite treat for February. These pancake cups are delicious any time during the year, but they seem to fit perfectly with Valentine's Day, especially since I make mine with cherry pie filling. They are so light and sweet that they melt in your mouth. YUMMY!

PANCAKE CUPS

1 cup milk 

6 eggs 

1 cup flour

½ tsp. salt 

1 tsp. vanilla 

1 tsp. orange zest, optional 

¼ cup butter, melted 

Preheat oven to 400° F. 

Blend the first 6 ingredients together with a hand mixer, and then add butter very slowly. 

Grease muffin tins then fill them half-full with pancake mixture. Bake 15 minutes, or until fluffy and golden brown. 

Once the cups have cooled, fill them with your favorite fruit. I prefer apple or cherry pie filling, but you could use pumpkin or blueberry. 

Before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of icing sugar on top. I’ve sprinkled shaved dark chocolate on top of the icing sugar, but that's just me. 😊 

My latest murder, Til Text Do Us Part, was released around the world on Valentine's Day 2021. Grab a copy then sit back and nibble on some these tasty pancake cups. They are my favorite treat for February. 

Louisiana Hobbs is an award-winning, murder mystery writer, and she has a malicious stalker. This person has been taking particular passages from the pages of her books, and has used the detailed information to commit chilling murders to perfection. But, has the stalker killed people out of revenge or as a form of flattery? While the author works closely with Detective Brody Anson to find the answer to that question, they develop an obsession for each other that becomes difficult to deny. 

As the weeks turn into months, they have been trying to keep their surging desires in check…at least until the murderer has been put behind bars. But when Louisiana becomes the target in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, will this couple continue to withhold their true feelings from each other and the rest of the world?

Tina Griffith, who also has thirty published children's books as Tina Nykulak Ruiz, was born in Germany, but her family moved to Canada when she was in grammar school.

After her husband of 25 years passed away, she wrote romance novels to keep the love inside her heart. Tina now has tirteen romance novels on Amazon, and while all of them have undertones of a love story, they are different genres; murder, mystery, whimsical, witches, ghosts, suspense, adventure, and her sister's scary biography.

Tina has worked in television and radio as well as being a professional clown at the Children's Hospital. She lives in Calgary with her second husband who encourages her to write her passion be it high-quality children's books or intriguing romances.

Stay connected with Tina (Griffith) Ruiz on her Facebook group Tina Speaks Out.

Jump into a Romantic Read this Spring with The Star-Crossed Seamstress by Suzanne G. Rogers...

Romance at its finest with this new release from the incomparable Suzanne G. Rogers. This beautifully written sure-to-be-bestseller is an historical romance that will touch your heart as it sweeps you away to an era long gone.

Skylar flees a family scandal in Boston, expecting assistance in society from her English relatives. Once her plans fall apart, however, she is obliged to earn money with her skills as a seamstress. Just when she’s given up on the notion of marriage, her path crosses that of a charming laborer who inexplicably sets her pulse racing.

When wealthy Joe Fiddick hits a patch of bad luck, he seizes the opportunity to do something meaningful by helping a neighbor and her pretty granddaughter with repairs to their cottage. As it turns out, he has more in common with the granddaughter than he realizes…and what they share spells disaster for their budding romance.

Will Joe and Skylar be star-crossed lovers or can the rift between them be mended?

EXCERPT

“Let’s start with the window in your workroom,” Joe said. “It can’t open and close properly because the hinges are rusted?”

Skylar nodded. “Yes. I should dearly love to have fresh air, but I cannot seem to force it open.”

He recoiled. “Insupportable! You cannot perspire over a petticoat or suffocate over a seam!”

Skylar couldn’t suppress a giggle. “Or gasp over a gown.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Or faint over a fichu.”

“Or swoon over a sash.” Joe chuckled.

“Or pant over a pantaloon.”

“Or…or…become clammy over a coat.” She wrinkled her nose. “I suppose that last one wasn’t very good.”

“On the contrary, I thought it was splendid. In addition, since I’d just exhausted my cleverness, you win the game.” He made a gesture of invitation. “Will you show me to the window in question?”

“Indeed, I shall. Follow me.”

As Skylar led him into the cottage and down the hall, she had a smile on her lips. Joe was only a laborer, perhaps, but obviously he was possessed of wit as well as good looks. Even though he was poor and lowborn, she imagined he must cause quite a stir in his neighborhood.

In the workroom, Joe unlatched the window, gave it an experimental push, and peered at the hinges. “I’m going to need to pop out the pins on these hinges and sand off the rust. After a drop or two of oil, the window will give you no reason to complain.”

“I hope you’re right.”

When she leaned in closer to examine the hinges, his physical proximity made the fine hair on her forearms stand on end. Her eyes met his and for several heartbeats it was if something unspoken passed between them.

She cleared her throat. “I see what you mean about the rust.”

WATCH the VIDEO 

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The Star-Crossed Seamstress can be read alone or as part of The Mannequin Series.

The Mannequin (Book One) is available at your favorite bookstore here.

Grace Unmasked (Book Two) is available at your favorite bookstore here.

Suzanne G. Rogers lives with her husband and son in romantic Savannah, Georgia, on an island populated by deer, exotic birds, and the occasional gator. She's owned by two Sphynx cats, Houdini and Nikita. Movies, books, and writing are her passions.

Learn more about Suzanne G. Rogers on her historical romance blog and her fantasy blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to check out the website for the Sweet Romance written by Suzanne G. Rogers.

Guest Post: A Series in the Making by Marci Boudreaux...

Since I know a thing or two about writing and planning a series, I thought I'd invite friend and romance writer Marci Boudreaux to share her experience on creating a book series. Take it away Marci...

Never before have I felt the need to make a series bible. Maybe because I’ve only written one series before and had no idea what the hell I was doing!

On to series two…the title is still a work in progress, but I have some ideas that I’m just waiting for my editor to tell me are crap so I can start over. (She’d say it very nicely, though.)

This new series is about a detective agency run and operated by some pretty kick ass dames who don’t take crap from nobody—especially the men in their lives. This is also completely out of the norm for me, so we'll see what (if anything) happens to it.

Meet the ladies of the yet to be named agency that will be doing awesome to be determined kick ass things! Also known as Em's imaginary friends for the next year or so.

Problem is, unlike my last series, I’m dropping all the characters into book one. Most will be in the background so I don’t boggle anyone’s brain with a huge cast. But, even so, my brain gets boggled so I gotta keep all these people and their nuances straight in my head.

And, that right there, folks, is what that whole series bible thing is for.

I get it now.

Since I’ve never done this before, I’m totally winging it. Pinterst pages. Word docs. Notes in two different notebooks that will eventually all be put in one place. I have pictures. Descriptions. Quotes. All kinds of things that someday, I’ll look at and go “DAMN! I totally forgot she’s got blue eyes not green!”

I’m working on getting organized enough to have all this in one place. I’ll get there. I’m just a wee bit slow, but I am taking this whole thing very seriously, y’all.

I’d love to introduce you to the ladies, but book one is still with my editor and I don’t want to jinx this series before it is even out of diapers, but keep an eye out. I think you’ll be hearing about them soon!

Until then…any suggestions on how to keep all this stuff straight?

As a teen, Marci Boudreaux skipped over young adult books and jumped right into the world of romance novels. She's never left. Marci lives with her husband, two kiddos, and their numerous pets. Until recently, she was a freelance writer appearing monthly in a variety of local magazines. She now focuses on writing and her work as a content editor.

Romance is her preferred reading and writing genre because nothing feels better than falling in love with someone new and her husband doesn't like when she does that in real life.

Learn more about Marci Boudreaux on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Guest Post: Romance Author Sloane Taylor Serves Up A Long Weekend Summer Feast...

Time to resurrect a Taylor family favorite, a long weekend feast everyone loves. We make the main meal, but friends and relatives arrive with appetizers, desserts, and the perfect adult beverages for all to enjoy. Below is our menu complete with recipes to serve on your next summer long weekend:

Barbecued Pork Ribs

Pork ribs, plan 1 slab for 2 people if you make all this food
Beer
Chicken stock
Barbecue sauce – Sweet Baby Ray’s is my favorite

PREHEAT oven to 325°F

PLACE ribs in a single layer in a roasting pan. Pour in about a half inch of stock and the same amount of beer. Cover tight with aluminum foil and bake 1 – 1½ hours. You want the meat tender but not falling off the bone.

CAREFULLY remove ribs from pan to a cookie sheet. Discard cooking liquid. Spread barbecue sauce over ribs.

HEAT grill to medium. Carefully rub vegetable or olive oil onto the grates. Lay ribs on grate and grill 10-15 minutes turning once and basting with plenty of sauce.

Photo by tiverylucky

Hamburgers Sloane Style

Ground chuck about ¼ pound per adult
Ground sirloin about ¼ per two adults
Worcestershire Sauce
1 dash per adult
1 egg per
1 ½ pounds meat
chives snipped, fresh or jarred

BEAT egg lightly in a small bowl. Combine the meat, Worcestershire Sauce, and handful of chives into a mixing bowl. When the mixture is well combined, break off clumps of the meat and form balls. Set them onto waxed paper, then cover with another sheet of waxed paper. Use a cake plate or large soup bowl to press the meat into a patty the thickness you like. Refrigerate until ready to grill.

ON medium heat, cook patties until they are done to your preference. Be sure to turn only once.

USE any type roll that suits your fancy. Dress the burgers with ketchup, mustard, lettuce, onion, and tomato. You can also add cheese for the topping. If you do, then lay it over the burger a minute or two before the end of the cooking time.

My Mom’s Potato Salad

1 medium red potato per person
1 hardboiled egg for every 2 potatoes used
1 celery stalk for every 3 potatoes, chopped small
½ medium onion for every 3 potatoes chopped small
Pepper
Real Mayonnaise – NO substitutes

BOIL the potatoes in their jackets until fork tender. Remove from pot as they are done and allow to cool. While the potatoes are cooking, lay the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and place a lid on the pan. Bring to a full boil, then shut off the heat and allow to sit on the burner for 8 minutes. Peel, then slice in half widthwise and lengthwise. Slice into the bite size pieces. Set aside covered with plastic wrap or a paper towel to eliminate drying out.

COMBINE celery and onion in a large bowl. Grind in a healthy amount of fresh pepper. Stir in several large spoonfuls of mayonnaise. You have to gauge by the number of potatoes you use. Add eggs. Mix well.

SCRAPE the skins off the potatoes. Slice in half widthwise then lengthwise. Slice into the bite size pieces. Add two at a time to the mayo blend and mix well. Continue until all the potatoes are added. Check the salad for dryness. It should be moist but not swimming in mayo. Add mayo as needed. Taste for seasoning. You may need more celery and onion.

FOLD into a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Baked Beans

1 small can Bush’s Honey Baked Beans
1 small can Bush’s Homestyle Baked Beans
2 tbsp. dried mustard
2 tbsp. maple syrup - optional 2 strips bacon

PREHEAT oven to 325°.

POUR beans into a metal loaf pan or oven safe dish. Stir in mustard and syrup. Lay bacon strips on top. Bake in the center of the oven uncovered for 45 minutes or until desired consistency.

To cook on the grill:

HEAT grill to medium.

PREPARE as above, then place pan on top rack. Cook about 45 minutes or until desired consistency.

TO SERVE – discard bacon.

Sweet Corn on the Grill

1 ear fresh corn per person – do not remove husk
Water
Butter or margarine
Salt

POUR cool water into a container large enough to hold the sweet corn. Soak corn still in its husk at least 1 hour, but no more than 2 hours.

SET grill on medium high. Remove corn from the water and lay the ears on the grill. Roast until the husk is brown on that side, then turn and repeat the process. Total cooking time is about 20 – 25 minutes.

TO SERVE - peel back the husks. Roll the ears in butter or margarine, then sprinkle on a touch of salt, and enjoy!

Photo by khumthong

Snazzy Sliced Tomatoes

1 tomato per two people
Red wine vinegar
Garlic powder or fresh garlic minced
Fresh or dried chives

PREPARE this dish about an hour or so before serving.

SLICE tomatoes ½” thick and arrange on a serving plate.

DRIZZLE vinegar over the tomatoes, then dust with garlic powder or fresh garlic.

SPRINKLE plenty of chives across the top.

SET on the counter away from sun or heat to flavor through.

Wishing you all a Happy and Safe Summer Holiday ~ Sloane

Award-winning author Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and and good food are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes romances that takes you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.

Her books are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. They also bring more than lust to their men’s lives. Taylor was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Studly, her mate for life, and Sloane now live in a small home in Indiana and enjoy the change from city life. She is also an avid cook.

Learn more about Sloane Taylor on her website . Check out her blog for more tasty recipes. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Guest Post: Top 10 Foods to Improve Your Memory by Sara Daniel...

Most of us are probably not going to end up with amnesia so severe our memory of the past ten months is completely wiped out as happened to my heroine Gwen in Loving the Amnesia Bride. However, if you’re anything like me, you walk into a room intending to do something, which had to be important since you went there with a purpose. But now you’re standing inside the doorway with no earthly idea what you walked all the way across the house to do.

Or you’re all ready to run some errands…if you could just find where you left your darn car keys. Really, how far away could they have disappeared in the two hours since you last drove the car??? Clearly, it’s time to address the problem. And the problem is not the keys.

Below are ten foods which have been scientifically proven to deliver health benefits to your brain—improving memory, focus and concentration. So, let’s start eating!

1. Blueberries – All berries are good options, but blueberries are the superhero food choice! Blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and premature aging.

2. Salmon – Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function.

3. Broccoli – Broccoli has nutrients for healthy blood flow, protection against free radicals, and removes heavy metals that can damage the brain.

4. Beans/Legumes – These excellent sources of complex carbs and fiber provide a steady supply of glucose for the brain without the risks of sugar spikes. They are also packed with folate, a B vitamin critical to brain function.

5. Avocados – Although high in fat, the avocado is a monounsaturated fat, which promotes healthy blood flow to the brain. Their antioxidants protect the brain from free radical damage. They also contain potassium and vitamin K, which protect the brain from the risk of stroke.

6. Pomegranates – Either the seeds or the juice will do, protecting the brain from free radicals with their strong antioxidants.

7. Sunflower Seeds – These, along with other seeds, are packed with protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, and tryptophan, which the brain uses to boost mood and combat depression.

8. Whole grains – If you’ve ever bought whole grain bread, the advertising on the package probably shouted that whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease. And if your heart’s healthy, that’s good news for your brain.

9. Almonds and other nuts – Nuts are extremely good for the brain and nervous system. High levels of vitamin E protect against dementia and cognitive decline by protecting the brain against free radicals and improving brain power.

10. Chocolate – Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has strong antioxidants and can improve concentration and focus. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, putting you in a good mood. 

Now, excuse me while I munch on some chocolate-covered almonds and look for my car keys!

  Sara Daniel writes what she loves to read—irresistible romance, from sweet to erotic and everything in between. She battles a serious NASCAR addiction and was once a landlord of two uninvited squirrels. She lives her own happily-ever-after romance with her hero husband, and she gets amnesia at least three times a day because she can never remember where she left her keys!

Learn more about Sara on her website and blog. Subscribe to Sara’s newsletter. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Candy Cane Cookies compliments of Romance Author Sara Daniel...

My favorite holiday recipe is for Candy Cane Cookies. I love these festive cookies for their hint of almond flavor and the crushed candy canes on the top. I only make them once a year, and I double the recipe below.

 I will warn you to make sure that you only use peppermint candy canes (or peppermint candies). A couple years ago, I went around our family Christmas tree, plucking off all the red and white candy canes. I crushed them into the topping, which I then sprinkled onto the cookies. Well, you can imagine my dismay when I took a bite and discovered mixed in with the refreshing mint flavor was also the not-so-refreshing taste of watermelon candy. Yes, unbeknownst to me, one (or more) of the candy canes I crushed was watermelon flavored, not mint, and I can NOT in good conscience recommend it to anyone! This year I used round peppermint candies to ensure there was no mix-up!

Candy Cane Cookies

½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1½ tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cups flour
1 tsp. salt ½ - 1 tsp. red food coloring
1 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candy

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Combine butter, shortening, and powdered sugar. Mix in egg, almond extract, and vanilla. Continue mixing as you add in flour and salt.

Divide dough in half. Place in separate bowls. Blend food coloring into one bowl of dough.

Shape one tablespoon of dough from each color into a rope. Place ropes side by side on a cookie sheet. Press together lightly and twist. Curve down the top third to form a candy cane.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle cookies with crushed peppermint candy.

Wait until cookies are cool to prevent breakage when removing them from the pan.

Enjoy the tastes and smells of the season. Happy holidays! ~Sara

Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.

Guest Post: Get Ready for Good Friday with Sloane Taylor

Today, I've got romance author and gourmet cook, Sloane Taylor slaving away in my virtual kitchen in order to share one of her popular catches of the day for the upcoming holiday. Heat up those elements, Sloane and take it away...

Hi, Sharon! Thanks for allowing me to steamroll my way into your kitchen. This dinner we’re about to make is delicious and a breeze to prepare. The perfect meal for busy schedules. So please pour us a glass of white wine, maybe a Riesling, and lets cook Seared Tilapia and Baked Potatoes.

Baked Potatoes
1 Idaho potato per person
olive oil
butter
sour cream
fresh chopped chives
pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Rinse potatoes in cool water then wipe dry. Stab each potato in 6 or 7 different locations to allow steam to escape and stop the vegetable from exploding.

Coat the potatoes with a small amount of oil. Set them on a cookie sheet you’ve covered with aluminum foil.
 
Roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour or until a toothpick may be easily inserted in the potato.

Serve with butter, sour cream, chives, and pepper.

Seared Tilapia
¼ cup flour
3 tilapia filets or any mild white fish
4 tbsp. butter
1 lime, ends trimmed and sliced into thin circles
1 tbsp. capers, rinsed and drained

Pour flour into a paper or plastic bag. Add one filet and gently shake the bag to coat fish. Shake to remove excess flour and set filet on a plate. Do the same with the next fillet skillet.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium – large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lime to skillet. Cook until lime is lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Push limes to the side.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the fish. Fry until the tilapia flakes easily, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Add the remaining butter and capers. Remove skillet from the heat and tilt the pan to swirl the butter until it melts.

Transfer the fish and limes to individual plates. Spoon the caper and butter sauce over the top.

Add tossed salad for a wonderful meal you and your family will want to repeat.

Thanks again, Sharon, for sharing your kitchen. Bon Appétit!

Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes sexually explicit romances that takes you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.

Her books are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. They also bring more than lust to their men’s lives.

Taylor was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Studly, her mate for life, and Sloane now live in a small home in Indiana and enjoy the change from city life.

She is an avid cook. Check out “It’s Wednesday. So What’s Cooking?” with new recipes posted each week on her blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/.  The recipes are user friendly menus, meaning easy. Feel free to email her at sloanetaylor@comcast.net to be included on the Cooking Pals list. These people receive advance notice of the new recipe.

Website http://www.sloanetaylor.com/

Blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sloane.taylor.5

Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSloaneTaylor

Twitter https://twitter.com/sloanetaylor2
Sloane Taylor Amazon Author Page

Books, Banter & Bites on my Dock…featuring Sloane Taylor

Welcome to my virtual dock in the wilds of Muskoka, where it’s always sunny and warm no matter what time of the year it is. Please pull up one of the dock chairs, sit your butt down, and be prepared to be entertained and enlightened. Today, I’ve got busy and ballsy romance author, Sloane Taylor stopping by for a visit all the way from Indiana, USA. If you’ve never heard of this awesome author, here’s her mini bio:


Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes sexually explicit romances that takes you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.
Taylor was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Studly, her mate for life, and Sloane now live in a small home in Indiana and enjoy the change from city life.

She is an avid cook. Check out “It’s Wednesday. So What’s Cooking?” with new recipes posted each week on her blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/.  The recipes are user friendly menus, meaning easy. Feel free to email her at sloanetaylor@comcast.net to be included on the Cooking Pals list. These people receive advance notice of the new recipe.

Hi Sharon, it’s great to be here with you! The dock is terrific and the view is gorgeous. And I love your pup. He’s so friendly and swims like a fish!

Why, thank you, Sloane! Yes, my doggy can’t get enough of lake water, that’s for sure. BTW—my whole body blushed just reading your bio! You certainly know how to write great ‘mommy reads’, LOL! Please, sit down and enjoy the late afternoon sun, and help yourself to the Salmon Bruschetta and Smoked Salmon dip. I know you’re a gourmet cook, so I hope I meet your standards with these tasty appetizers. Now before we get into the thick of things, here’s a shot of Schramm vodka on ice to help you cope with any mosquito bites you acquire during our chat. Hmm—perhaps I should make that a double. Salute, Sloane, and let’s get this party started by plugging your upcoming release…

 
Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write PHOTO Op!?
 
You know, Sharon, on the entire flight up from Indiana I tried to come up with an answer and failed. Like all my books PHOTO Op! started as a silent movie that ran through my brain until I wanted to scream. The thing would not leave me alone. The only way to clear my head was to write down the scenes and expand and they became a new book. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But that’s the truth. I’m just glad writing erases all that action from my head so I can concentrate on cooking.

 

Nope, that doesn’t sound crazy to me at all Sloane. After all, artists are complicated creatures. What sets PHOTO Op! apart from other books in the same genre?

 

Maybe the humor and sarcasm? Definitely the location. There are many romances set in Paris, but not in private clubs. Writing PHOTO Op! allowed me to bring a little history and a great deal of the beauty from a city I love to my readers.

 

Oh, I’d love to visit Paris someday! How long did it take for you to start and finish PHOTO Op!?
 
You’d think I was writing a modern day War and Peace with as long as I took. The whole process from first thought to delivering the manuscript to Musa Publishing was about five months. Sharon, I have a small problem – I’m the Queen of Procrastination. If there’s a way I can get out of writing, I do it, even though I’m only the happiest when I write. Another little issue I need to work on.:)

 

LOL, you sound a lot like me! Do you have any advice for writers wanting to write in your genre?

Absolutely! No writer can experience everything they write, so let your imagination soar. Eat, sleep, and think your book all the time. Never let it leave your mind for long. That way you open yourself to amazing thoughts and ideas.

What’s next for Sloane Taylor the author?

Why thank you for asking, Sharon! There’s a slew of work and I’m really excited about from now through March of 2015. Czech Mate releases in December, then January kicks off the Melt the Ice series of four books with each set in a different Scandinavian country. They are stand alone with individual characters that don’t appear in the next book. Next is the Donaghue Brethren series of three books about three brothers in Ireland. Mixed in with the two series are a few single title books. Of course, they’re all romance with a touch of humor for readers over eighteen.
 
Thanks for having me out today, Sharon. Unfortunately, but I have to catch a plane for home. I had a great time hanging out with you. Next time we party, come on down to Indiana and I’ll cook dinner.

That’s a definite date, Sloane, and I’ll bring the wine! Here, let me pour you another shot of vodka seeing as there must be a hole in that glass! Now, before you go, please let readers know where they can buy your book, and how to connect with you. Thanks for taking the time to share your novel and your wisdom with us on my dock this afternoon. Cheers and best wishes in ALL your publishing ventures, Sloane!

Buy Links: MUSA PUBLISHING
 
Learn more about Sloane Taylor on her WEBSITE and BLOG.

 

Stay connected on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.

Books, Banter & Bites on my Dock…featuring Nancy DiMauro

Photo by Brianne Boulton

Welcome to my virtual dock in the wilds of Muskoka, where it’s always sunny and warm no matter what time of the year it is. Please pull up one of the dock chairs, sit your butt down, and be prepared to be entertained and enlightened. Today, I’ve got fantasy/romance author, Nancy DiMauro stopping by for a visit. If you’ve never heard of this wicked-awesome author, here’s a little background information about her:

Nancy DiMauro is a mommy, writer, lawyer, and farmer. Her condo-raised husband agreed to move

out to the country with her 12 years ago because living on a horse farm was her dream. They have two horses in their front yard, and two dogs, three hermit crabs and four cats in the house. Her dear hubby has managed to resist the pleas for a partridge in a pear tree so far. But, he doesn’t realize she planted a pear tree this last spring.

Anyway, she’s lucky enough to have two boys (soon to be 14 and 12). Nancy has been a practicing trial attorney since 1995, and in her free time, she writes. Actually, she’s pretty regimented about when she writes – between 9pm and 11pm 4-5 nights a week. After all, being a writer is one of her jobs.

Since Nancy loves the early morning (I think it’s a must if you live on a farm), she arrived VERY early this morning, and has brought along her favorite appetizer and sweet treat. Now since it’s too early to serve chicken wings, I’ve popped them in the oven to keep warm. In the mean time, we’ll snack on some of her Sesame Seed cookies with our morning tea while we’re chatting and watching the sun come up from my dock. Thank goodness, I managed to slip into Huntsville yesterday to grab some teas from Flotron’s Tweed and Hickory, one of my favorite local shops!

If you wish to sample either the wings or cookies at a later time, Nancy was sweet enough to bring both recipes. She’s my kind of guest! Here are both recipes:

Chicken Wings – single batch

½ cup soy sauce

¼ cup oil (olive is ideal)
1 tbsp. meat tenderizer
1 tbsp. dry mustard
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp. molasses
¼ tsp. crushed garlic
½ tsp. “Accent”
2-4 lbs. wings.

Mix all ingredients together, Marinate, covered, for at least 12 hours, 24 hours is better. Stir occasionally.
Place on a foiled greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

 

Sesame Seed Cookies – Recipe feeds an extended Italian family (and don’t ask about the calorie count).

1 lb. Crisco (I like using the Crisco blocks over trying to scoop it out of the can)

6 eggs
1 lb. of confectionary 10X sugar
6 heaping Tsp. of Baking Powder
1 Tsp. Vanilla
6-7 cups of flour
Sesame Seeds.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream Crisco, add eggs on at a time while creaming.

After all 6 eggs are incorporated; add sugar and baking powder slowly into the mixture.
Then add the Vanilla. Slowly add the flour into the batter until the mixture has the consistency of cooking dough. I add one cup at a time in the beginning. When the dough starts to become more incorporated I add ½ cup a time. The dough should be soft and not sticky.
Roll Dough into logs about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1inch – 2 inch long pieces. Roll the pieces in toasted sesame seeds. Place on cookie sheet.
Cook until bottoms are lightly brown, about 10-15 minutes.

ENJOY. These are great dunked into your morning coffee (or tea, in my case).

So let’s get to business, Nancy. Where did you get your idea and inspiration to write Flashes of Life one of the short stories in Paths Less Traveled?

On one of the Writing Excuses podcasts, Mary, Brandon, Howard and Dan were brainstorming story ideas to show how it might be done. They posed a question about halloysite clay. And sort of challenged the listeners to figure out how to use it in a story. So, I started wondering, how in the world was I going to do that? The neat thing about halloysite is that has naturally occurring nanotubes and may be used to disrupt electronic signals. So, maybe, it would also repel psychic powers. Hum, I can work with that. Then came a long internal discussion about how and why, but since those elements are in a later story, I won’t go into them now.

 

But that story was going to be a murder mystery. So, now I needed my heroine. I started thinking about what a curse being a psychic could be if you were very strong but your talent was so limited as to be practically useless. So, I started playing with the idea of a psychic who could pull memories from the dead. But that wasn’t enough for me. How else could I make her an outcast? I use to have a boyfriend who saw people as colors more than features. One of the people in my building walked by my door one day and he jumped back a step. When I asked him why? He said a flash of orange had just walked past. I knew that orange blur as Sally (not her real name). So, what if my psychic didn’t feel emotion but saw it? I loved the idea of expressing emotion through color. Vonna was born.

Flashes of Life started its life as the prologue of the murder mystery and as Vonna’s origin story. She decides that she doesn’t want the life laid out for her, and chooses another path. Once Flashes was done, I realized that the novel length story I had been outlining to go with it really was better suited to a position later in a series. What? I was writing a series, how did that happen? Anyway, Flashes became a story in its own right.

Oh, I know all about how a series can get started! What sets Flashes of Life apart from other books in the same genre?
 
My kick butt heroine. There are female detectives. There are female psychics. But to my knowledge, Vonna’s the only psychic detective out there.

 

Sounds like you have a winning combination there, Nancy! How long did it take for you to start and finish Flashes of Life?

 

It took me about three months to get Flashes to the point it could be marketable. I originally planned on submitting it to the Writers of the Future Contest, but then had an opportunity to submit it to Musa Publishing. I spent another month on edits after Musa accepted it. So, about four months of work.
 
I do believe I’m a tad jealous of your speed. Do you have any advice for writers wanting to write in your genre?

 

Keep working. Keep mashing together ideas that don’t seem to go together until the puzzle pieces fall into place. Most writers give up before they achieve their publishing goals. Don’t give up.

 

Such sage advice, too. So, what's next for Nancy DiMauro the author?

 

I just finished the first draft of my erotic romance, New Bohemia: Just One Night. It needs to cool off a bit before I can start on edits. I’m editing The King’s Falcon, which follows the other kick butt heroine from the Paths Less Traveled short story collection. And I’m outlining Vonna’s next novel, a thriller about a serial killer targeting feline based shape shifters. My goal is to have the rough draft of that story done by ThrillerFest on the 4^th of July.

 

All I can say is move over Allison DuBois here comes Nancy DiMauro and Vonna! Sounds like you’re one author who knows how to juggle your life! Oh here, let me warm up your tea, and please help yourself to another cookie. Later, we’ll dig into those chicken wings, and enjoy a Vodka Gimlet together. Now, before the sun hits the dock, please let readers know where they can buy your book, and how to connect with you. I want to thank you for taking the time to share your novel and your wisdom with us on my dock today. Cheers and best wishes in ALL your publishing ventures, Nancy.

Buy Links: Musa Publishing and Amazon

Learn more about Nancy DiMauro on her website and blog

 

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Wenches of Words Wednesday: Susan Lodge

 I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Susan Lodge, a gutsy regency romance author on my blog today! In my opinion, this Wench is a hero in her own right for never giving up on her publishing dreams. Take it away, Susan…

ONLY A HERO WILL DO The latest release by Susan Lodge.

Hetty’s desperate gamble to avoid an odious match lands her all at sea. Can an overbearing ship’s physician really be the hero she needs to escape her treacherous family?

BLURB:

Marriage to a cruel dandy is not how Hetty Avebury envisions spending the rest of her life. Determined to raise funds to escape the match she earns money the only way she knows how—gambling. Her plans go astray and she finds herself onboard a man-of-war under the care of its stern physician. But Hetty soon realizes that the disapproving Doctor Withington is not at all the man she had first imagined.

If it wasn’t bad enough declaring one of the pressed men as a woman, Robert has been tasked with the tiresome job of returning her safely back to her dysfunctional family. It was ten years ago when his father gambled away his inheritance, home, and any chance of marrying the woman he loved. So when Robert discovers Hetty gambling he takes drastic action to cure her of the habit.

EXCERPT:

“Annie, will you please walk beside me? Try to remember, I am supposed to be your brother not your employer. You must keep your arm on mine.”

Annie pursed her lips but did as she was told. At five foot four, Hetty was tall enough to masquerade as a male. Her disguise was not of fine quality this time, as she had no desire to stand out in the crowd. It was serviceable and clean, if a little ill-fitting.

She resembled a rather youthful clerk.

They had left in the early hours after Hetty had written her aunt a short note to tell her not to worry. She couldn’t risk anything else, as she knew Stark and her father would ask too many questions. If she knew nothing, Aunt Amelia wouldn’t have to lie—something she didn’t like to do.

After a moment, Hetty and Annie searched for a respectable inn, both having missed breakfast. It was only after they had seated themselves in the Boar's Head and ordered a modest meal that Hetty realized it was a bad choice. The tables were occupied by groups of unsavoury looking males, half of whom were staring at Annie in a very vulgar way. Hetty looked around with a feeling of foreboding while picking at a cold rabbit pie. The room started to empty as a strange murmur of discontent rippled through the establishment.

Annie fidgeted beside her. “I don’t like it, Miss Hetty! It ain’t right.” Hetty groaned.

“Harry—not Miss Hetty! For heaven’s sake, Annie!”

“Beg pardon…Harry,” she said, as though the name was blasphemous, “but I think we should go now.”

Hetty agreed and prepared to rise when the door shot open and the remaining customers scattered in all directions. A small party of hefty men, armed with wooden batons, sauntered in and stopped in the center of the room, assessing the occupants.

Annie grabbed Hetty’s arm. “It’s the press-gang!”

It took a moment for Annie’s words to register then Hetty swallowed violently. If only her skirts were back on. One of them noticed her and narrowed his eyes with a terrifying gleam like a predator. He pointed his finger her way. “Now, lad, I reckon you look ripe for adventure. Eager to serve your king, I wager.”

Hetty shook her head and grasped Annie. “No, sir, I have my sister here to look after.”

The man wandered closer, his fleshy face beamed and his voice cajoled. “What’s your name, lad, and how old are you?”

“Harry Blake. I am fourteen." Surely that is too young.

The man considered her for a moment, and Hetty didn’t dare to breathe.

“Bring him.”

Logic ceased. Hetty ducked under the table and tried to crawl toward the door, but one of them crunched a foul-smelling boot down on the small of her back, and her breath escaped in one whoosh of pain. A large hand hoisted her up by the neckcloth and placed her on her feet.

BUY LINK

Susan Lodge is a life long writer, but has marketed her work just these last few years. When she is not writing, Susan tinkers on her piano, enjoys the company of her children, or takes long walks along the coastline with her real life hero.

Once asked the most important piece of advice she had been given in pursuit of publication, Susan answered - The only difference between the unpublished writer and the published writer is the fact that the published writer didn't give up.

Catch up with Susan on her website and blog.

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Wenches of Words Wednesday: Sara Daniel

I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Sara Daniel, a fabulous romance author, on my blog today! This Wench works hard to produce top quality romantic reads, and was featured on my blog back in mid-November. If you get a chance, click HERE to read the post. As for Ms. Daniel’s latest release, take it away, Sara…

With another new release, Wyatt’s Guilt, part of Musa’s Finally Ever After second chance at love series has hit the internet. Wyatt’s Guilt occurs over the wedding weekend for Julianne and Zane (who earned their happily ever after in Zane’s Art) and picks up with the story of their siblings. If you have read Zane’s Art, it’s a chance to catch a glimpse of their (spoiler alert!) happily-ever-after. If you haven’t read it, no worries. Wyatt’s Guilt is a stand-alone story.

Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

BLURB:

Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

EXCERPT:

Wyatt touched Nicole’s arm, trying not to notice her warmth and the electric tingle that shot up his fingertips. “Can I talk to you privately?”

She aimed her blue eyes straight at him. Her gaze proved she knew exactly what he was thinking. “Everything is fine, Wyatt. I never told anyone, and I’m not going to start now. The only person who might have guessed was my mother.”

“I’m sorry about your mother.” He closed his eyes briefly, relieved she had no intention of ruining Julianne’s wedding, embarrassed that the possibility of her doing so even crossed his mind. Nicole had proven she could move beyond the past. For him to do so, he had to start with an apology, preferably where no one in their party would overhear. “Please, come with me.”

He guided her through the backdoor of the restaurant. Stepping to the side of the building, he turned to face her. He should have let go of her arm, but somehow speaking came easier while touching her. “I should have apologized first thing when I saw you this afternoon, but meeting over your car troubles caught me off-guard.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m over it.”

He shook his head. She might be willing to let him off easy, but he wasn’t ready to forgive himself. “You still deserve a formal apology. I am sorry, very sorry. I treated you horribly fifteen years ago. You have every right to cut off my balls in front of our families.”

Her gaze shot down to his crotch and back up. “You’re the first guy I’ve met who’s been willing to put his testicles on the chopping block for any reason. As I recall, you treated me fine and gave me exactly what I asked for. Of course, I was so smitten that I took it pretty hard when you decided you’d had enough of me.”

Great. He’d delivered his big apology, and now he felt worse than ever. It would have been easier if she’d vowed never to forgive him. She’d been “smitten”? No apology was strong enough. And yet knowing she’d felt more for him than pure lust warmed his lonely soul.

“The point is I wanted you,” Nicole argued, her shiny black hair swaying emphatically with her words. “I threw myself at you and gave as good as I got.”

She didn’t deserve any of the blame. He refused to allow her to share what he alone was responsible for. “You’re not getting it. I planned to hurt you, and I did.”

“I got my heart broken by following it and making stupid choices. It happens. I grew up. I got over it.” She leaned so close to him that he could see violet flecks in her round blue eyes. “What I can’t understand, Wyatt, is why you didn’t.”

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Wenches of Words Wednesday: Marci Boudreaux

I’m excited to feature fellow Wench of Words, Marci Boudreaux, a fabulous romance author, on my blog today! Like the title of her book suggests, this author cranks out words that are unforgettable. Take it away, Marci…

ROMANCE AS IT’S MEANT TO BE Is the buzz about Marci Boudreaux's new release Unforgettable You. Here's a little for your reading pleasure.

When life throws a widowed innkeeper and a world-famous movie star together they share an unexpected romance. But is their love strong enough to survive their real lives?

BLURB:

Desperate to keep her ailing mother-in-law, Doreen, in the woman’s home, Carrie Gable agrees to board a handful of Hollywood’s most elite actors at the manor. Despite her resentment of the demands being placed upon her, she can’t help but be taken in by actor Will Walker.

Will, in a last-ditch effort to save his career, has agreed to a project he has no interest in. The more time he spends with his egotistical co-stars, the more drawn he is to Carrie. Long nights spent talking about the paths their lives have taken make him realize he’d rather have a simpler life, but his ties to L.A. aren’t as willing to let him go.

With the temptation of stardom pulling Will in one direction and the need to care for Doreen tugging Carrie in another, the couple struggle to hold onto the happiness they were missing until finding each other.

EXCERPT:

“It must be heart-wrenching to see Doreen fading away like that,” Will said.

Carrie’s face sagged. “It isn’t easy.”

“It’s a lot of work trying to keep up with her.”

“Sometimes,” she said dismissively as she looked at the menu. She glanced at the clock again. “Well, I won’t be slow roasting chicken tonight, will I?”

“I’m worried about you.”

“About me?” she asked lightly. “Why?”

“This is a lot for one person to handle.”

“I’m fine.”

“You keep saying that.”

“Because I am.”

“Carrie.” He coaxed gently. Turning from the menu, she seemed to plea with her eyes.

“What do you want me to say, Will?”

“You can start by telling me how you are doing.”

“How the hell do you think I’m doing?” He took in the deep creases on her forehead and the puffiness of her eyes.

“Not nearly as well as you’d like everyone to believe.”

“Falling apart is not an option right now.”

“Well, burying it isn’t either.”

Carrie opened her mouth as if to argue with him but, after a moment, she stepped back, putting space between them. He watched her pull out a Dutch oven and carry it to the sink to fill with water.

Moving to her side, he looked down at her. “Can you just talk to me? Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“What I’m thinking?” she asked. “I’ve spent the last two years pretending that my dead husband is at the grocery store,” she sat the pot on a burner, “returning insane purchases, picking her up from all over the county after she’s driven off to some place that no longer exists, if it ever did exist, but somehow it didn’t seem real until today.”

“The disease—”

“I know,” she said turning to look at him. “I know what it does. But I never really felt it. Pretending Mike is running errands, taking away her access to money, hiding the car keys, it all seemed so ordinary. Laundry? Check. Dishes? Check. Lie to Mama? Check.”

He saw fresh tears shimmering in her eyes before she turned toward the drawer where she’d hidden the knobs for the stove to prevent Mama from turning on the heat.

She tried several times to get the knob in place but it resisted her push, refused to fit. Cursing under her breath, Carrie slammed it down and turned to face him. “I’ve read the books, I’ve done the research, I’ve talked to support groups and doctors, but nothing they said could have possibly prepared me for that,” she said as the tears that had made her eyes shine fell down her cheeks.

“Nothing could have prepared me for her not knowing who I am.”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered as he reached out to her. When he wrapped her in his arms, she leaned into him and buried her face in his chest. A sob escaped her causing her shoulders to shake and he soothed her by whispering softly and running his hand over her back.

BUY LINK

Check out the trailer for Unforgettable You HERE.

Learn more about Marci Boudreaux on her website.

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