Monday, September 29, 2014
Goddess Fish Promotions Book Blast: Dinner For Two
BLURB:
Sean and Darby love food - but is their relationship a recipe for disaster - Or a chance to make kitchen magic?
Find out in Dinner for Two, Book 1 in The Queensbay contemporary romance series
Sean Callahan was a hot shot big city chef whose high handed ways got him into trouble one too many times. Now he's in a small town hoping for another shot at the big leagues.
Darby Reese is a big city lawyer who can bake like an angel. Unfortunately, a life lived according to the law has left her burned out. So when the chance comes to run her family's deli in the small town of Queensbay, Darby's happy to take it.
But when Sean, the former chef du jour walks into her kitchen, she's definitely not prepared for sparks to fly. Will the two of them be able to find the recipe for happily ever after?
Book one in the Queensbay Series, a contemporary romance series.
Excerpt:
It had been another perfect day in Queensbay, with a blue sky and strong breeze, but now there was a different feel to the air. A bank of gray clouds was building out to the east, and the breeze had quickened. Still, over the town, sun reigned.
She sniffed. “What are you doing?” Sean asked.
She hazarded a glance up and explained, “The air. It’s changed. Rain’s coming.”
“Still looks sunny to me.”
Sean pointed toward the blue sky out to the west.
Look out to the east, out over the water, toward the ocean. Looks like a squall is coming through.”
“Guess I’ll have to trust you on that,” Sean said, his voice light.
She stared into those liquid brown eyes and tried to control the reaction in her body, the way her stomach did a flip flop before sending out a call for the rest of her to do a happy dance. Seriously, she knew that Sean Callahan was not a good person. Why, then, did she feel that familiar tightening, the clutch of desire just south of her churning stomach?
Something almost like a giggle escaped from her. She told herself not to be so nervous. She had nothing to worry about. Sean Callahan had sought her out. If she had been one of her clients and this had been a negotiation or some sort of a deal, she would have told her client to act cool, collected, let Sean do all the talking, see what he wanted. See where this was going to go.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Drea Stein is the author of the Queensbay contemporary romance series. She lives in rural New Jersey – yup, there really is such a thing – with her family and writes in an old barn. Visit her at www.dreastein.com or https://www.facebook.com/DreaSteinAuthor
http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Two-Queensbay-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00HGWY6LO/ a Rafflecopter giveaway
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Album Review: Erasure - The Violet Flame
The Violet Flame shows Erasure still sounding very danceworthy, but also with some added maturity here and there.
"Elevation" is the opening single. This is Erasure, doing their best to remind us that disco didn't really die. Andy Bell is channeling Donna Summer and ABBA on this one, and the sound is totally infectious. This one song defines what Erasure is all about, great dance music.
"Reason" is a little bit cheesy in the lyric department, and the sound is rehashed, I Say, I Say, I Say, but considering I Say was one of their most fun offerings, that doesn't mean that this is bad. In fact, the chorus to this one, is going to worm its way into your head, and it will probably stay there for the long haul.
From the opening strains of "Be The One" you know that this is more than just a love song. It makes you wonder if it is a song about Andy Bell's partner, Paul Hickey who passed away two years ago. This is also one of the band's best ballad's since "Tenderest Moments." Its a shame that there aren't more ballads on The Violet Flame.
This album is more about dancing and what's good is good, but unfortunately there are a few filler tracks that just don't make the cut and "Dead Of Night" and "Smoke and Mirrors" fit in that category. There are still more shining stars than duds though. "Sacred" and "Under The Wave" are pure Erasure fun.
"Paradise" has a darker, spacey tone. It's more techno in the bleeps and bloops department, a darker shade of pop, and oddly it works. Erasure usually work the best when they stick to what they are good at, shiny, happy, music. This is one of the exceptions.
The album closes with "Stay A Little Late Tonight" another, dare I say it "Abba-esque" sounding track. Its a strong ending to a near perfect album. Sure there are a few misses here, but this is still a solid offering, and really, Erasure can do no wrong. They are one of the few bands to put out a perfect covers album. The only downside to this album is the cover. The Day Of The Dead themed art doesn't seem to fit the title or the music.
5 out of 5 stars
Watch: Elevation
Friday, September 26, 2014
Doctor Who In Review: Time Heist
Time Heist, to me felt like Doctor Who had gone all Leverage. I really enjoyed this episode as a result.
It was fast paced, it had some funny moments, (Lordy the shuttity up scene was fantastic) and it was a pretty good mystery/adventure.
Capaldi is really coming into his own, as the Doctor. You see that more and more each week. The only problem is, with the new personality they've given Clara, the companion and The Doctor just don't seem to fit.
There is one thing that constantly bugs me about Clara. What happened to her nanny job? It seems that we went from one job to another pretty quickly after Eleven's regeneration. I realize a lot of time had passed during the Christmas episode, but it all seems so convoluted at times.
Keeley Hawes was terribly underutilized.. I was expecting her character to be so much more than she actually was. Ms. Delphox was just ho hum. Oh and I hate that our story arc has vanished again. No more clues about The Promised Land or the mysterious Missy.
As for The Teller....there was a market lack of originality there. This was something done last season. Maybe it is time for a few new writers.
So while the episode was good, it wasn't brilliant.
But it did give us, this..
It was fast paced, it had some funny moments, (Lordy the shuttity up scene was fantastic) and it was a pretty good mystery/adventure.
Capaldi is really coming into his own, as the Doctor. You see that more and more each week. The only problem is, with the new personality they've given Clara, the companion and The Doctor just don't seem to fit.
There is one thing that constantly bugs me about Clara. What happened to her nanny job? It seems that we went from one job to another pretty quickly after Eleven's regeneration. I realize a lot of time had passed during the Christmas episode, but it all seems so convoluted at times.
Keeley Hawes was terribly underutilized.. I was expecting her character to be so much more than she actually was. Ms. Delphox was just ho hum. Oh and I hate that our story arc has vanished again. No more clues about The Promised Land or the mysterious Missy.
As for The Teller....there was a market lack of originality there. This was something done last season. Maybe it is time for a few new writers.
So while the episode was good, it wasn't brilliant.
But it did give us, this..
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Ten Reasons To Love David Tennant and how he's bringing sexy back better than Justin Timberlake
Happy 42nd birthday to the hunky 10th Doctor!
1. He looks good scruffy
2. He looks good in a kilt
1. He looks good scruffy
2. He looks good in a kilt
3. He looks good in anything really, however strange
4. That smile
5. He makes evil sexy
6. He makes dorky sexy too
7. He makes eating ice cream sexy
8. He's the Doctor, dammit!
9. Cos even a little skin will make you thud.
10. Even kittens love him
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Howls N Bites Book Blitz
Fall into the Ever After Series,
a paranormal romance box set, by New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author A.C. James. It’s only available for
99 cents during preorders—Get your copy before the price goes up to
$4.99!
Preorder Now:
Cry Wolf Series by New
York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Mäkelä,
will make you So preorder your copy today!
howl for more. Get four incredible books for 99 cents.
It won’t stay that way for long.
Preorder Now:
Giveaway
Grand Prize — One $50
Giftcard
5 e-book copies of Breathe
by A.C. James (Contemporary Dark Erotica Story)
5 e-book copies of Jungle
Heat by Sarah Mäkelä
2 audiobook copies of
Eternal Ever After by A.C. James
2 audiobook copies of Cold
Moon Rising by Sarah Mäkelä
Eternal Ever After – Book 1:
His past holds a secret that becomes
her nightmare.
Arie Cush has a secret that he thought
he'd left behind. When his past follows him to Chicago he must
protect someone that reminds him of all the painful memories he's
tried so hard to forget. But when every touch from her sets his heart
and body on fire--he finds it hard to maintain his aloof façade.
Holly Ellis has secrets of her own. An
encounter with the handsome stranger who frequents her coffee shop
reveals a vampire with baggage. Even though it might be more than she
bargained for, she can't resist the one person who understands her.
But her life is in danger and a supernatural threat could reveal the
underground world of vampires to humankind in this Gothic Cinderella
re-telling.
Fallen Ever After – Book 2:
He can’t lose her when danger
strikes again.
Arie Cush wanted Holly from the very
first moment he met her. A night at the Hellfire Club (HFC) is filled
with old friends and new danger. The long-standing feud between the
faeries that run the Chicago Crew and a lethal toxin puts Holly and
other fledgling vampires in danger. Can they stop a vampire-fae war
that’s been brewing for nearly a century?
Beyond Ever After – Book 3:
The half-demon unleashed a force
that can tear them apart.
On the night, Daeveena, a half-fey,
half-demon walked out of the Hellfire Club, she left a tide of
destruction, but everyone figured that was the end of it. No one
imagined that she would steal something so valuable. Can Arie
discover who is harboring her before he loses everything?
As a special BONUS readers get
Winter Promises: An Ever After Christmas Story that takes place
between book one and book two!
The Witch Who Cried Wolf – Book 1
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Be careful what you wish for…
A potion gone wrong: Mia Brooks
is a reluctant witch, with powers that she tries to hold in check.
But when her magic gets mixed up, supernatural forces are unleashed
and suddenly she’s being pursued by werewolves—that she didn’t
even realize existed…
Hidden emotions: Ethan Parker,
Mia’s brother’s best friend, is home from deployment for the
holidays. Mia’s not only hiding from werewolves, she’s trying to
keep her feelings for Ethan secret; it would be a disaster if he knew
she’s been nursing a long-time crush…
The power of love: things take a
terrifying turn when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf. Ethan
is amazed when Mia reveals her paranormal prowess as she tries to
shield them from danger. But can she really protect them from the
darkness that lurks? And how can he tell her that, for ages, he’s
been denying what he really wants? Mia...
Cold Moon Rising – Book 2
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Passions flare when the cold moon
rises…
Kelly: a normal college girl,
who knows what she wants—to survive her final exams, and find
someone to share her life with. Studying with Jacob is becoming too
hot to handle; she’s falling for him, but he’s going too fast…
Jacob: a not-so-typical frat
guy, who hides a secret—he’s a werewolf. Whenever the moon is
high, he’s driven to shed his human form and satisfy his powerful
desires. He craves Kelly, but she’s pushing him away…
Fallout: Jacob can smell Kelly’s
arousal, but she insists she doesn’t want sex. A wolf can only take
so much before his natural instincts win out. When the tension
between them explodes, Jacob has no choice but to walk…
Kidnapped! Kelly is abducted by
evil scientists who’ve mistaken her for a female werecat and,
despite their differences, Jacob has to try and find her. But it’s
a race against time and the lunar tides. The scientists have taken
Kelly to their lab and turned her into a shapeshifter for real. The
full moon is rising, and soon neither Kelly nor Jacob will be able to
control their inner beasts. Who knows what the consequences will be
when they are consumed by unquenchable animal lust…
The Wolf Who Played With Fire –
Book 3
Some magic can’t be unspun…
Meddling in magic…
If Mia Brooks could turn back time, it
would be to when she used her fledgling magic to craft a potion for
an injured werewolf. It nearly killed the Pack Alpha, and now the
lives of her witch mentor, Jessa, and her soldier boyfriend, Ethan
Parker, have been changed forever. Jessa is in hospital after a
vicious werewolf attack. And, Ethan, having being bitten, is becoming
a werewolf himself.
A wolf at the door…
Mia can’t turn back time, but she can
try to make things right with the two people she cares about most.
She’s keeping Jessa’s shop, Eternally Magick, open, and she’s
there for Ethan as his inner wolf grows. But, by the next full moon,
his transformation will be complete. Can she really be the mate of a
half-man-half-wolf, living within the law of the Pack?
Under his spell…
Struggling to contain his new lupine
senses, Ethan goes missing on active duty. When Mia realizes her
werewolf lover has been abducted, she knows must harness every magic
power she possesses to get him safely back…
About the Authors
A.C. James
New York Times and USA
Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal
romance and erotica, includingEternal Ever After which
was featured in the bestselling Spice
Box anthology. She pounds out sexy scenes at her
keyboard where romance is laced with horror in hot stories of
vampires and bad boy werewolves. Her stories feature strong heroines
and alpha heroes, with plenty of action, twists, and turns that will
keep you turning pages.
A.C. resides in northeast Pennsylvania
where she entertains her husband with her imaginative yarns and
quirky sense of humor. She spends her time drinking large vats of
coffee while taming two toddlers by day and writing by night.
Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew-up going to
cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures
around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber
Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.
Connect With A.C.
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ApQ7z
Website: http://www.acjames.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ac.james.9
Facebook Fan Page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AC-James/129228540578101
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ACJamesauthor
GoodReads:
https://www.goodreads.com/acjames
Sarah Mäkelä
Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark,
magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but
she's written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi,
fantasy, urban fantasy...even a sweet contemporary romance!
A life-long paranormal fan, she still
sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books,
watches scary movies (and Ghost Adventures), and plays computer games
with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the
world too.
Connect With Sarah
Website: http://www.sarahmakela.com
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/sarahmakela
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/sarahmakela
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Doctor Who In Review: Listen
I'm not sure what to make of Listen, because there was so much to think about in this one.
1. Is there really a monster?
2. The whole Clara/Danny/Rupert/Orson thing..
3. Holy Time Lords Of Gallifrey!
I was really confused through most of this episode. I loved the dark quality of this season and I love Peter Capaldi as The Doctor, but truth be told, there aren't many actors that have played this role that I didn't like.
I liked Clara very much throughout these last episodes, until the last 10 minutes of this one. There were parts of me that understood why she did what she did, but other parts that instantly hated her. As a companion, I've had such mixed feelings about Clara. I liked that she is getting more of a personality in this season, and her Impossible Girl status is beginning to disappear.
4. Hugging...this part of the epi almost redeemed the hatred I was feeling for Clara at the time.
5. Danny Pink. I don't know why, but I really love him and I love the relationship that's developing with Clara.
6. I the whole soldier thing that is becoming part of this season's crazy story arc. Thanks Moffat...love when you give us a double arc.
I think this is an episode that you have to rewatch a few times, not because it is your favorite, like Robot Of Sherwood (shut up, I loved the silliness and could watch this one over and over) but because there's so much you miss if you are distracted.
This is definitely a strong episode and one that reaffirms how great Peter Capaldi is as The Doctor.
1. Is there really a monster?
2. The whole Clara/Danny/Rupert/Orson thing..
3. Holy Time Lords Of Gallifrey!
I was really confused through most of this episode. I loved the dark quality of this season and I love Peter Capaldi as The Doctor, but truth be told, there aren't many actors that have played this role that I didn't like.
I liked Clara very much throughout these last episodes, until the last 10 minutes of this one. There were parts of me that understood why she did what she did, but other parts that instantly hated her. As a companion, I've had such mixed feelings about Clara. I liked that she is getting more of a personality in this season, and her Impossible Girl status is beginning to disappear.
4. Hugging...this part of the epi almost redeemed the hatred I was feeling for Clara at the time.
5. Danny Pink. I don't know why, but I really love him and I love the relationship that's developing with Clara.
6. I the whole soldier thing that is becoming part of this season's crazy story arc. Thanks Moffat...love when you give us a double arc.
I think this is an episode that you have to rewatch a few times, not because it is your favorite, like Robot Of Sherwood (shut up, I loved the silliness and could watch this one over and over) but because there's so much you miss if you are distracted.
This is definitely a strong episode and one that reaffirms how great Peter Capaldi is as The Doctor.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Overnight French Toast Casserole
I always look for a way to treat my family on the weekends. By family, I mean my elderly parents and my oldest nephew.
Breakfast is usually his meal to deal with during the week, because they eat after I've gone to work.
My mother isn't a fan of eggs, unless they are sunny side up, so she doesn't like most breakfast casseroles that I try, even though some are fantastic.
I had some leftover Italian Bread from Giant Eagle and I got to search for a French Toast Casserole and I found this one and Mommy's Kitchen.
Like all cooks, I changed a few things
Ingredients:
1 – stick butter (1/2 cup) melted
12 - slices Texas toast or any leftover bread, cut into pieces (I used Italian from the grocery bakery)
1 - cup brown sugar
3 - teaspoons cinnamon sugar
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
3 - eggs
2 - cups milk
The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups but it looked two dry when I went to put it in the oven Maple Syrup
Directions: Melt butter and pour in a 9x 13 .
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts if you are using them.
Whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together. Layer bottom of pan with half the bread pieces Sprinkle half brown sugar mix over the bread.
Layer second half of bread. Pour egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, remove from the refrigerator, drizzle with maple syrup (as much or as little as you like) and cover with a new piece of foil.
Preheat oven to 350 bake the casserole for 30 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes the French toast bake should be browned and set.
This was so yummy, most of us went back for seconds and at least one of us (no, not me) for thirds!
Breakfast is usually his meal to deal with during the week, because they eat after I've gone to work.
My mother isn't a fan of eggs, unless they are sunny side up, so she doesn't like most breakfast casseroles that I try, even though some are fantastic.
I had some leftover Italian Bread from Giant Eagle and I got to search for a French Toast Casserole and I found this one and Mommy's Kitchen.
Like all cooks, I changed a few things
Ingredients:
1 – stick butter (1/2 cup) melted
12 - slices Texas toast or any leftover bread, cut into pieces (I used Italian from the grocery bakery)
1 - cup brown sugar
3 - teaspoons cinnamon sugar
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
3 - eggs
2 - cups milk
The original recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups but it looked two dry when I went to put it in the oven Maple Syrup
Directions: Melt butter and pour in a 9x 13 .
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and nuts if you are using them.
Whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together. Layer bottom of pan with half the bread pieces Sprinkle half brown sugar mix over the bread.
Layer second half of bread. Pour egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, remove from the refrigerator, drizzle with maple syrup (as much or as little as you like) and cover with a new piece of foil.
Preheat oven to 350 bake the casserole for 30 minutes.
Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes the French toast bake should be browned and set.
This was so yummy, most of us went back for seconds and at least one of us (no, not me) for thirds!
Friday, September 12, 2014
The Royals Rock
Both Princes have jobs, besides their royal duties or waving to the crowds and looking pretty. Prince Harry does this best..but don't tell Will I said that.
Their jobs aren't easy. Both men put their lives on the line.
There aren't many in Congress that can say that, and of the few that can, one of them is an old fool that let his party vet Sarah Palin. Seriously? And you thought Reagan's Alzheimer's was a frightening thing....and this guy is still in office!
Oye to the vey.
I like that they try to lead normal lives. Or at least as normal as you can get when your grandmummy is a monarch.
These men seem to have more integrity than our elected officials too. And they seem to genuinely care about
the people of Britain, which is more than I can say about our politicians, who only care about the money they get from which ever corporation owns them.
And yes, I realize that there are lobbyists etc in Britain, but hey, can't some of them pretend that the people matter?
I find that more and more as I read the papers and watch the news that no party really cares about anyone other than themselves.
So William and Harry, you rock for at least making us think that you give 2 figs!
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Food Network Annoys Me
I used to love Food Network. There were so many great cooking shows that made food that I would love to eat.
Then reality creeped in, along with some really obnoxious and pretentious cooks, Ree Drummond, I'm looking at you.
I loved shows like Unwrapped. Those were fun and we learned something about some of our favorite eats. Oh and Good Eats. Alton Brown was the Bill Nye of cooking. I'd never cook things his way, but I felt like I learned something after watching.
Heck, I even tolerated Rachael Ray and her freaking EVOO.
And can I just say, I miss Paula Deen. I loved her and her food, however fattening.
Good food has never been healthy, I tell you.
Ever since her scandal, Food Network has been trying to replace her, and they are failing miserably. Paula never came across as show offy. The Pioneer Woman sure does, and she laughs at her own jokes which is doubly annoying.
Oh and Food Network? Unless the family is cooking with the host...I don't want to know about their family or what they are doing. That goes for Ree, Giada, Bobby and anyone else.
And these stupid challenges.
I'm sick of CHOPPED....Cupcake Wars....etc.
I want to find new recipes, not watch people try to win a fast buck.
And while I'm ranting, please put Guy Fierie out to pasture. He is obnoxious and so are all of his shows.
The only show I kind of like on the channel these days is The Kitchen, which is a dumbed down version of The Chew, but with less obnoxious hosts. I love Katie Joel, Jeff Mauro and Sunny Anderson.
Anyone else want to rant with me?
Then reality creeped in, along with some really obnoxious and pretentious cooks, Ree Drummond, I'm looking at you.
I loved shows like Unwrapped. Those were fun and we learned something about some of our favorite eats. Oh and Good Eats. Alton Brown was the Bill Nye of cooking. I'd never cook things his way, but I felt like I learned something after watching.
Heck, I even tolerated Rachael Ray and her freaking EVOO.
And can I just say, I miss Paula Deen. I loved her and her food, however fattening.
Good food has never been healthy, I tell you.
Ever since her scandal, Food Network has been trying to replace her, and they are failing miserably. Paula never came across as show offy. The Pioneer Woman sure does, and she laughs at her own jokes which is doubly annoying.
Oh and Food Network? Unless the family is cooking with the host...I don't want to know about their family or what they are doing. That goes for Ree, Giada, Bobby and anyone else.
And these stupid challenges.
I'm sick of CHOPPED....Cupcake Wars....etc.
I want to find new recipes, not watch people try to win a fast buck.
And while I'm ranting, please put Guy Fierie out to pasture. He is obnoxious and so are all of his shows.
The only show I kind of like on the channel these days is The Kitchen, which is a dumbed down version of The Chew, but with less obnoxious hosts. I love Katie Joel, Jeff Mauro and Sunny Anderson.
Anyone else want to rant with me?
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Goddess Fish Promotions Cover Reveal: An Intimate Murder
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions to show off the cover for AN INTIMATE MURDER by Stacy Verdick Case.
Stacy will award a signed ARC of An Intimate Murder (US only) to THREE randomly drawn winners via the rafflecopter at the end of this post.
Check out this awesome cover!
Now find out about the book:
A Catherine O'Brien Mystery.
When Jonathan and Susan Luther are murdered in their home, St. Paul homicide detective Catherine O'Brien and her partner Louise discover this isn't the first time the Luther family has been visited by tragedy. Is it a case of bad family luck or is there something more?
Here's an excerpt!
The world as a whole is a strange place, and the people who inhabit this world are even stranger. The Luther’s neighbors proved to be the strangest I’d encountered in ten years of law enforcement. Considering the whackos and ice-blooded murders I’d run into, these neighbors could be proud of their over achieving ways.
The street looked benign, an affluent tree lined parkway with a BMW or Mercedes in every other driveway. The neighbor across the street had a pickup truck in their drive, but it turned out to be the yard man’s, who happened to be cleaning up the left behinds from the oak and maple fall deposits. Pretty to look at until they rotted into brown slime piles on your grass.
We questioned every neighbor on the block but no one heard the gunshots. They lived behind triple pane glass where the temperature was never too hot or too cold. Only one had dared to steal a glance out their insulated glass when an older car, rusted in too many places and not carrying the pedigree of a classic automobile, sped down the street.
“I knew right away they were up to no good.” Bernice Leigh, who claimed a relation to Janet Leigh, rocked on the edge of her tufted, chintz ottoman.
“Well maybe not right away.” She rolled her hand dramatically in the air. “At first I thought the car could belong to one of the boy’s friends who visit the Luther’s from time to time.”
“Did you know the Luther’s very well?” Louise nibbled the edge of a Ginger Thin Mrs. Leigh had fanned out on a china plate, and placed on the coffee table in front of us.
Bernice Leigh shook her head with such force that her hair, which had been so obviously a wig, dislodged itself and canted to one side. Bernice righted the wig without as much as a second thought.
Stacy Verdick Case was born in Willmar, Minnesota. After a brief stint as a military brat, where she lived in Fort Sill Oklahoma and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, her family moved back to Minnesota.
Stacy has written all her life earning a High School Writer Award and a Daphne Du Mauier Award for excellence in Mainstream Mystery/Suspense.
Stacy currently lives in a suburb of St. Paul with her husband of twenty-years, her five-year-old daughter, and their two cats.
An Intimate Murder is the third book in the Catherine O’Brien series.
Visit Stacy on the web:
www.StacyVerdickCase.com
Twitter @SVerdickCase
https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Grand-Murder/265021126858004
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5094848.Stacy_Verdick_Case
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Doctor Who In Review: Robot Of Sherwood
After two rather dark and serious episodes of Doctor Who, Mark Gatiss treats us to something lighter and a whole lot more funny then we'd seen this series.
Sure the old jokes were still there, and quite frankly they are getting a bit stale. Peter Capaldi is 56 years old, and he doesn't have one foot in the grave, so really, the writers need to just STOP!
This episode really brings out the best in everyone in the cast. Peter gets to show of his comedic skills. Jenna gets to be gorgeous, as usual, as well as showing us the spunk we didn't know she had until 11 regenerated. Oh and Tom Riley's Robin Hood, couldn't have been better, or even sexier.
How could you not fall for him, or a few of his merry men?
There's so much to giggle at here, from jousting with a spoon, to all the jabs between The Doctor and Robin Hood. (My favorite being The Doctor calling Robin, Hoodie)
Have I mentioned Ben Miller's Sheriff of Noddingham? He was a fantastic bad guy, who brought a little touch of sexy to the part. You knew he was smarmy, and his story telling made him sound slick, but if Robin Hood wasn't so smokin' hot, he could probably have seduced Clara.
The funky robot aliens were awesome and they were headed to The Promised Land...WTF...can't wait to find out what that place is, as well as who Missy is. Oh and these robots? Oddly a lot creepier than the Cybermen.
This is Doctor Who for everyone. There's nothing in it to terrify the littler fans and it is funny enough to keep the older folks laughing.
Capaldi is definitely coming into his own as The Doctor and he'll likely just get better as the season moves on.
Sure the old jokes were still there, and quite frankly they are getting a bit stale. Peter Capaldi is 56 years old, and he doesn't have one foot in the grave, so really, the writers need to just STOP!
This episode really brings out the best in everyone in the cast. Peter gets to show of his comedic skills. Jenna gets to be gorgeous, as usual, as well as showing us the spunk we didn't know she had until 11 regenerated. Oh and Tom Riley's Robin Hood, couldn't have been better, or even sexier.
How could you not fall for him, or a few of his merry men?
There's so much to giggle at here, from jousting with a spoon, to all the jabs between The Doctor and Robin Hood. (My favorite being The Doctor calling Robin, Hoodie)
Have I mentioned Ben Miller's Sheriff of Noddingham? He was a fantastic bad guy, who brought a little touch of sexy to the part. You knew he was smarmy, and his story telling made him sound slick, but if Robin Hood wasn't so smokin' hot, he could probably have seduced Clara.
The funky robot aliens were awesome and they were headed to The Promised Land...WTF...can't wait to find out what that place is, as well as who Missy is. Oh and these robots? Oddly a lot creepier than the Cybermen.
This is Doctor Who for everyone. There's nothing in it to terrify the littler fans and it is funny enough to keep the older folks laughing.
Capaldi is definitely coming into his own as The Doctor and he'll likely just get better as the season moves on.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Goddess Fish Promotions Blurb Blitz Tour: A Woman Of Honour
A
Woman of Honour
by
Marlow Kelly
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Duncan
Campbell wakes to discover he is imprisoned with a woman in his
enemy's dungeon in the Highlands of Scotland. The disenchanted
warrior hopes his last few moments on earth will be spent in the arms
of the sweet-voiced Isabel. If only she will cooperate.
Isabel
Douglas has no intention of obliging the crude captive. The penniless
noblewoman considers herself too tall and thin to be desirable. She
intends to become a nun. But first, disguised as a boy, she must
deliver an important letter to Scotland's hero in hiding, King Robert
the Bruce.
Together,
the pair make a daring escape that plunges them into the bleak
countryside in the middle of winter. In the struggle to survive, they
learn the true strength of their feelings for each other. But when
Duncan's animosity towards the king becomes evident, Isabel must
decide between her heart and her country.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
Duncan
Campbell drifted into consciousness and opened his eyes to absolute
blackness. He lay perfectly still on the cold, dirt floor listening.
A small rustle of fabric echoed in the darkness. He cocked his head,
getting a sense of the sound’s location, then rose to his feet.
“Tell
me who you are before I tear you apart,” he roared, seizing his
opponent. Whoever it was didn’t answer, just silence. A fist
punched him on the nose. Pain ricocheted through him, and he grabbed
his face. In the dark, he lost his balance and fell in the dirt,
cradling his head in his hands.
“Oh
my, are you all right?” asked a small voice.
“No,
I’m not.”
“You
threatened me, and I wanted to give you fair warning I will fight
back if you touch me.”
The
lyrical voice stunned him. A woman? She spoke Gaelic with a strong,
lowland accent. He shook off the pain and asked, “Where am I?”
“Dunstaffnage
Castle. Don’t you remember your capture? I’ve heard of people
getting a bump on the head and not remembering their own name. Is
that what happened to you? Did you bump your head?”
Lord,
she was talkative.
“Is
it?”
“I
remember I was hit from behind scouting the bast….Are we in the
dungeon?” He rose to his feet.
“Yes.”
He
grunted. On the bright side he hadn’t gone blind. On the other hand
they were in a dank, windowless cell with no hope of escape. There
wasn’t even a sliver of light coming through the door.
AUTHOR
Bio and Links:
After
being thrown out of England for refusing to drink tea, Marlow Kelly
made her way to Canada where she found love, a home and a pug named
Max. She also discovered her love of storytelling. Encouraged by her
husband, children and let’s not forget Max, she started putting her
ideas to paper. Her need to write about strong women in crisis drives
her stories and her curiosity regarding the lives and loves of
historical figures are the inspiration for her characters.
Links:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)