Literary Nook Excerpt Tour: Ever Hopeful

 

Combining heart-soaring contemporary romance with heart-pounding suspense is a trademark of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Ryan—and in her novel Ever Hopeful she delivers spectacularly on both counts. Two-months pregnant and trapped in a violent marriage, Laura Kensington realizes that her ruthless and powerful in-laws will never let her go, even after the strange sudden death of her abusive husband.  Fleeing far away to the Texas ranch of Cade Bishop, a strong yet tender man who believes in second chances, Laura finds herself irresistibly drawn to Cade’s gentle passion and giving heart. But there is no escaping the shadows of her past and soon danger re-enters her world, pulling Laura into a deadly web of lies, betrayals, and murder.  And only Cade Bishop’s quiet strength and unwavering love can set her free.

Laura smiled but Cade’s comment sent her thoughts in a completely different direction. She was suddenly painfully aware that she wanted him to see her as a woman. How totally inappropriate was that? She was pregnant with her dead husband’s child and running from his family. She might be a grown woman but the fact was, she’d never been independent. She’d always been tied to a man—first her father and then her husband. This was the time in her life when she needed to take charge, learn to support herself, and be independent. Yet, here she was thinking about how gorgeous the man sitting across from her was and wondering if he liked what he saw when he looked at her.

Cade frowned at her. “What are you thinking? You seem like you took a little trip in your head for a minute.”

If only you knew.

Laura shook her head. She needed to figure out how she was going to take care of her baby when it came, how she would support them both. How she was going to get away from the Kensingtons and their powerful, seemingly endless reach. How she’d fight them if they tracked her down and tried to take the baby from her. The last thing she should be thinking was what it would be like to be in Cade’s arms, to touch him and feel his mouth on her skin....

“I was just thinking that I need to find a way to support myself and the baby. I can’t live off you guys forever.”

“Try telling that to Mama. I think she’s planning to adopt you,” said Cade.

Laura felt a sharp pain at his joke and had a feeling she probably grimaced. What would it have been like to be born to May Bishop? To have been raised in a place like this by someone who loved her? To receive the unconditional love that a parent is supposed to have for their child?

Fairy tales…. She’d given up on things like that a long time ago. It wasn’t useful to sit and pity herself and cry about her circumstances. But, being so close to a family like the Bishops...made her want to go back in time and rewrite her story. If not rewrite who she was born to, at least change her decision to marry Patrick.

“Well, I’ll have to come up with something,” Laura said, but in all honesty waiting tables was about the only thing she was qualified to do.

She forced a smile. She may not have ever had a mother like May Bishop, but she’d make damn sure her child did. Her baby would know she was loved no matter what. That nothing could ever take her mother’s love away. If Laura was sure of one thing in her life, she was sure of that. She would love this child with all her heart and all that she was.

Lori Ryan is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romance with a twist of suspense. She lives with an extremely understanding husband, two wonderful children, two mostly-behaved dogs, and a lone little cat in Austin, Texas. It’s a bit of a zoo, but she wouldn’t change a thing. Lori published her first novel in April of 2013 and has written three more books since then. Each of Lori’s books have made their way to the Amazon bestseller list and she quickly climbed the Amazon bestselling author list, as well. In November, 2013, Lori and a group of romantic suspense authors landed on the USA Today and NY Times bestseller lists with an anthology only eight months after the release of Lori’s first book. Lori loves to connect with her readers. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to her blog. Oh, and if you’ve read Lori’s books and loved them, please consider leaving a review on Amazon.com or with the retailer of your choice. Writers live and die by their reviews and Lori promises to do a happy dance around her office every time you write one!

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ONLY .99 CENTS FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS!

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Print version: http://bit.ly/1emYufl

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/L1G24U

Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/ever-hopeful

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Link for contest - http://loriryanromance.com/ever-hopeful-contest-for-authors-and-bloggers/

Album Review: Jennifer Nettles - That Girl

Jennifer Nettles has managed to release a solo album that doesn't sound like Sugarland, and considering she is the voice of Sugarland, that's quite a fete.

What sets That Girl apart from her work with Sugarland, is the maturity in the songwriting, and the album is a lot more than just the run of the mill country album.

Take the title track "That Girl," which sounds just a little bit like 90s Cher. That's just the tip of the iceberg. "Jealousy" is pop gold with a touch of Nettles signature twang. There's a jazzy swing to this song that screams sexy. She keeps that vibe going with a touch of blues on "This One's For You."

This album is so vastly different from her previous work and that is what makes it so amazing. Even when she goes back to her country roots on "Know You Wanna Know" she doesn't deliver the expected. This is more rockabilly.

The songs on That Girl may not have the earworm potential that her work with Sugarland is known for, but she's proven that she's more than just a country singer.

Perhaps the quality of the songs she's written (10 of the 11 were penned by Nettles) with the help of notable writers such as Richard Marx, Sara Barielles and Butch Walker, make the album stand out. However its amusing to learn that "Know You Wanna Know" is the song co-written with Marx. That song is so lively and that is is hard to believe the ballad king had his hand in it.

Whatever the reason, That Girl is going to make more than the country fans sit up and take notice of Jennifer Nettles and for good reason. The lady has a voice that can twang, rock, swing and go all bluesy.

If there were any songs that stick out as better than any other, "This Angel" is one of them. It is a ballad that definitely can hold a candle to "Stay" from Sugarland's Enjoy The Ride.

So if you are looking for a Sugarland-ish album, you might want to step away. But if you want to hear Jennifer Nettles at her vocal best, than you don't want to miss That Girl.

I've Been Sher-locked: The Sign Of Three

Sherlock is definitely one of those shows  that get better each time you watch it, and you appreciate each episode more with additional viewing.

I'm not sure if it is a fangirl issue or if it really does prove that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss are bloody brilliant. If it weren't for the crazy way they treat Doctor Who, I'd lean towards brilliance.

The Sign of Three is an episode that bares watching again and again, just for Sherlock's Best Man speech. Benedict couldn't be any better in this part. He is crazy brilliant and vulnerable at the same time, especially as he is helping Mary with the wedding prep. (The napkin folding scene is hysterical)

Oh and Sherlock dancing = THUD

However there are two cases he has to solve and they all get tied into his speech, which in itself is pure brilliance.

Seriously folks Sherlock = Brilliant.

Mary, is the most impressive character ever. She's hit it off with Sherlock in a way that makes her part of the group. You have to love her.

But back to the wedding, Sherlock gets to play his violin, and that will bring a tear to every eye. Plus his interaction with the bridesmaid really brings some laughs.

It is impossible not to love this show.

I've Been Sher-locked: The Empty Hearse SPOILERS as River Song would say

Ah what to say about Sherlock's Series Three premier.

Let's start by saying, Moffat and Gatiss do Sherlock better than they do Doctor Who these days, and maybe it is time for a change of showrunners...

Sherlock was bloody brilliant.

Let's recap the best bits in no particular order!

~ Sherlock kissed Molly!!!!!!!



~ Watson's wife is in fact...Watson's wife...

~ Sherlock dressed as a waiter with drawn on mustache!

~ Headbutting Sherlock for being alive, but not telling you that he faked his death.

~ Moriarty/Sherlock shipping!

~ Mrs. Hudson thinking that Sherlock and Watson are a couple..and Watson freaking out about it!

~ Mary and Sherlock saving Watson's ass.

God I could go on, but really this episode was fantastic. It tied up the loose ends from The Reichenbach Fall in a way that only The Moff can do it, while still leaving you thinking.

It had the trademark hilarity that comes with Sherlock. Anyone that's that much of a genius has to be hysterical. Seriously...I want a crossover with Sheldon Cooper.

86 minutes wasn't nearly long enough! I need more Sherlock NOW!

Doctor Who In Review: The Time Of The Doctor

I've learned something in watching the last 4 full episodes of Doctor Who.

You have to watch them more than once to get the full effect.

On Christmas Day when I watched The Time Of The Doctor, I didn't shed a tear.

Today when I rewatched the episode, tears poured down my face when Handles died and when Matt slowly regenerated ...or quickly regenerated...however you want to look at it, into Peter's 12th Doctor.

There's so much I loved and hated about this episode.

Matt's interaction with the children in Christmas is really fantastic and the return of the giraffe dance...and of course the whole naked scene....followed by him clothed but naked at Clara's house.

And when the bowtie fell...oh god, I cried. I think it would have been even more powerful if it had been his original costume. If Moffatt had added a fez...I think I would have gone mental.

As far as regenerations are concerned, I think Matt's quirky as it were, was better and more poignant than David Tennant's. Perhaps because, Matt's looking back wasn't quite so...disgustingly perfect.

It is a shame that the story just isn't enough...it isn't good enough to be a send off for Matt Smith's fabulous Doctor.

Matt deserved better, especially after the stellar 50th anniversary episode.

The Time Of The Doctor just felt like a half hearted effort to say goodbye to an old friend.

I think the huge problem with the story is the total lack of action, until the last 10 minutes or so. It didn't feel like The Doctor was fighting to save anyone.

And poor Clara, who is not one of my favorite companions, but she really gets left in the dust here.

Maybe after I watch it a few more times it will win me over completely

Why Sherlock Is My TV Boyfriend....and my TV Boyfriend Harem

Until I tuned into an episode of Sherlock I was never sure what Benedict Cumberbatch's appeal was.

After watching, I realize, it isn't Benedict that the world is fussing about...it is Sherlock.

Sherlock is bloody brilliant.

He's a naive, genius. He's part Shawn Spencer from Psych and part Sheldon Cooper from Big Bang Theory.

It is these personality traits that make Sherlock a character that women...well at least this woman...want to grab and take care of...in more ways than one.

Now I'm not saying that Benedict Cumberbatch isn't a cutie on his own.

Cos lord knows this guy has some pretty baby blues...

But he's nothing to me outside of his character.

I also admit to having another TV boyfriend...

Cos I'm fickle like that....

That boyfriend is The Doctor.

First let me say this had nothing to do with David Tennant being a hottie...cos well...he is..he can't help himself...

But see...it is The Doctor character...I love

Quirky brilliance...and he's an alien on top of it all.

And yes, the fez is cool..

I have to admit though...even though 11 would be my favorite TV Boyfriend of the Doctor..I would also take 10, 8, 5, 4 and 3....

Again I'm fickle.

But as I've said repeatedly...its the character I love more than the actor...I'm hoping the 12th Doctor joins my list of TV boyfriends this year.

So ladies, who are your tv boyfriends and do you like them because of who they are or the character they play?

Take Me Downton: Downton Abbey In Review Series 4 Epi 2 SPOILERS

The second episode of Series 4 Downton Abbey aired last night and any fan of the show can come away with a few conclusions.

1. Julian Fellowes is an evil man and there are certain characters in this series that he really hates and others he really loves.

2. The storyline of Anna Bates was just shoddy.

Allow me to elaborate on these two points. Lady Mary always has a beau, even 6 months after her husband died, when she is still in proper mourning. (Heck for as backward as these aristocrats are...I have to wonder if her acquiring new beau is not de rigueur. Lady Edith on the other hand gets the short end of the stick with men and truthfully I think she has a much more pleasing personality. Lady Mary, please remove the stick from out of your bum, you'll have a much better time.

Oh and where was her baby?

GAH!

I just feel bad for Edith...she gets the gorgeous older guys and things always go wrong. I love Michael Gregson, he's been the best of her beau (I would do him in a heartbeat) and you just know something bad is going to happen, because Julian will not let Edith have happiness for any length of time. Julian are you good friends with Steven Moffat? Because you both know how to inflict misery on the fans of your shows.

Now onto the Anna Bates rape...Yeah...this was just bad. First of all, her behavior plays in with the boys club "She was asking for it" mentality. I mean, her behavior wasn't the Anna we're used to. It was like she was playing coy with Green, and you could tell he was up to no good.

I really felt that this story arc was done for shock value and it wasn't really well written at all in comparison to other parts of this show.

Now onto the awesomeness...Michael saving Lord Grantham's ass. Woot! I wish they'd start making Lord Grantham just a little bit more progressive. It is hard to imagine him and Cora as a happy couple. They really are two different people.

Any scene with Mrs. Patmore. And seriously Mr. Fellowes, don't you dare think of killing her off, m'kay?

Loved the house party and Lady Mary's new beau Lord Gillingham is quite a dish, though not as dishy as Michael Gregson.

I can't wait for next week!

Album Review: Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest

Sara Bareilles is one of those artists that always make you sit up and take notice, even if she's isn't quite a household name. (And she should be).

Take the opening song of The Blessed Unrest, "Brave." This is the song that Katy Perry's "Roar" wanted to be, if it had some depth and if Katy had a little more talent.

Sara, is an artist that doesn't need the bells and whistles or in this case, the leopard print, skimpy outfit. Pick any song from The Blessed Unrest and you'll see that.

She's a songwriter and a girl with a piano. Yes, that's so typical with female artists, but Sara has that special something that makes her music different. "Chasing The Sun" follows "Brave." It is a more thoughtful song with a slower melody, yet the chorus grabs you and lingers in your head.

This album is a mixture of deep and introspective to fun and almost frolicking. "Little Black Dress" dares you not to tap you foot. "Cassiopiea" is dark and mysterious. The song's tone takes you to space, to that very constellation.

Sure, Sara's the type of music you can expect to here at your favorite coffee house. Her music makes makes you want to sit back and relax and simply enjoy. "I Choose You" is sweetly romantic. It is the type of song you expect to hear playing during a romantic comedy when the guy and girl finally have a crazy, awesome date. (Probably in a park)

"Eden" is super quirky tune, that sees Sara channeling The Artist Formerly Known As Prince. This song escaped from the 80s!

The album closes with "December." It is the perfect winter song. The lyrics "December, you have always been a problem child," will have many nodding their heads in agreement.

Sara Bareilles proves to all who will listen that there are some albums worth buying and The Blessed Unrest is one of them. Twelve songs that will make you remember what "good music" sounds like.

Kielbasa Soup

Ingredients:
2 cartons of chicken broth
2 carrots chopped into small pieces
1/2 small head of cabbage chopped
1 ring kielbasa or smoked sausage
1/3 cup of onion chopped (I like frozen onion)
Dumplings

Sweat the onions for a few minutes then add broth, carrots and cabbage.
Let simmer for 5-10 minutes
Add the kielbasa (I like it cut in rings but you can cut it smaller if you have the patience for it)
Continue to simmer for at least 45 minutes.

Prepare dumplings.

The basic dumpling recipes is easy peesy.

1 c flour
1/2 c water
1 egg
salt

When mixed together the batter will be slightly thicker than pancake batter.

Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the soup until all the batter is gone.

Simmer for another 10 minutes and serve.

Goddess Fish Book Promotions Cover Reveal: Shannon's Law

COVER REVEAL

SHANNON'S LAW by Emma Calin

Thanks so much for hosting the Cover Reveal for my forthcoming contemporary romance SHANNON’S LAW. This is the second in my ‘Passion Patrol Series’ - steamy action-romances that feature sassy female cops who solve crimes, catch crooks and always get their man.

Blurb

Wild child inner city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of people and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals. As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. When she meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington, there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need. Already in the mix is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl's bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet. Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her. All the same, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission, their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

Shannon’s Law USA Shannon's Law UK

(Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

I will be revealing snippets from the story, photos of places and people that inspired the venues and characters on Pinterest during my pre-launch book tour. There are already some scrap-book cuttings posted, take a look and follow my board to get updates: http://www.pinterest.com/emmacalin/shannons-law-launch-reveal-on-pinterest/

There is also news about the book on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

(‘Likes’ are always appreciated.....)

I’m having two launch parties “Afternoon Tea At Bloxington Manor”. The first is online on the 28th February on Facebook and the second is LIVE at the English stately home that inspired the home of my hero on Sunday 2nd March. A local favourite venue for me, Avington Park in Hampshire is steeped in history and tradition. (Think genuine Palladian style rather than Downton Abbey neo-Jacobean). The private owners have kindly agreed to open up for us with a tour of the house and then tea and cake – oh and launch the book of course!

ooooOOOO Shannon's Law Cover Reveal Draw OOOOoooo

$30/£20 Amazon voucher

A pair of tickets to my Avington Park Launch Party 2nd March (UK only)

3 Advanced Review Copies of Shannon’s Law

EVERY entrant will receive a FREE gift of an audiobook of my short story Escape to Love.

Just click here: a Rafflecopter giveaway to register to win - either 'like' the Facebook page or comment on this blog to qualify for an extra 2 chances.

Good Luck!

About Emma Calin

Emma Calin was born in London in 1962. She currently lives in France and the UK. She has been writing since childhood and has won numerous local, national and international prizes for poetry and short stories.

"Knockout!" is the first of the “Passion Patrol Series” a stand-alone love story set against a backdrop of international gambling corruption and deception. Interpol cop Anna Leyton finds herself torn between love and duty when her professional and private life intersects. This book is now available in both paperback and Kindle formats.

“The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection” is a bargain anthology of 5 short stories and novelettes, available in paperback and digital formats.

"Sub-Prime" is a prize-winning hard hitting short story about courage, exploitation and love. It is a raw and brutal exposé of life at the bottom in the aftermath of recession.

"The Chosen" is also a short story, set in modern times where working people struggle to keep their dreams alive. A world where the promise of love motivates desperate measures.

“Escape To Love” is a 'novelette' (longer than a short story but shorter than a novella), a gritty urban romance with suspense and mystery but a love story at it's core.

“Angela” a short story about a late-night taxi journey.

“Love in a Hopeless Place” a novelette about a middle-aged woman striving to find her true identity.

Amazon links to books by Emma Calin

Shannon’s Law USA Shannon's Law UK (Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

Knockout! (Passion Patrol Series)

The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection

Sub-Prime

The Chosen

Escape To Love

Angela

Love in a Hopeless Place

About.me page: http://about.me/emmacalin

Emma Calin Blog: http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com

Emma Calin Website: http://www.emmacalin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emma.calin

and book page: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

Twitter:https://twitter.com/EmmaCalin

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/emmacalin/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915751.Emma_Calin

For this cover release every commenter will receive an audiobook of Emma's short story "Escape to Love." Emma will be awarding a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, another commenter will receive two tickets to the live launch (UK only), and three randomly chosen commenter will receive an ARC of SHANNON'S LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Album Review: Charles Szczepanek - Winter Day Dreaming

Artist: Charles Szczepanek

Album: Winter Day Dreaming

Review by Andrea Guy

There has probably never been another CD so appropriately named as Charles Szczepanek's

Winter Day Dreaming. This collection of instrumental holiday tunes will put anyone in a festive mood.

Winter Day Dreaming consists of nine holiday favorites played by Charles Szczepanek and two

original compositions. This is the perfect addition to anyone's holiday music collection. Solo

piano brings a wintry element to the music. The tinkling of the keys seems to add a chill to the

air.

Holiday music is something people love or hate. There's no way that you can hate the music

of Winter Day Dreaming. Though the songs are nearly all classics, their is nothing cheesy or

gimmicky about the arrangements that Charles has done. These are just songs that everyone

knows, stripped down to their barest, just a piano bringing their melodies to life.

Whether you are listening to "What Child Is This" or "O Holy Night" you'll feel like you are in

an intimate setting, perhaps in front of the tree, or the fire, with hot cocoa at hand. Whatever you

visualize, you'll probably feel the stillness and peacefulness of the music.

"O Holy Night" has a particularly quiet arrangement. This is a song that is usually comes with a

full orchestra, and yet, Charles brings it down a notch or two. It is so calm and so soothing. The

piano almost sounds like a music box playing.

"Silent Night" has a similar arrangement. It is hard to give words to the music that Charles has

created. It is easy to string adjectives along, such as beautiful, stunning, gentle and calming, but

those only touch the tip of what he's done here.

"Silent Night" is now a lullaby and that is perfect when you think of the lyrics that you aren't

hearing. (Even though they play through your head with each note.)

Charles does a marvelous job with "Carol Of The Bells." The keys ring out the tune, as lively as

any bells could do and without fanfare. This is probably the most energetic melody on the album,

especially as the melody reaches the crescendo.

"Snowfall" is one of Charles' original compositions. The arrangement, like those on the

traditional tunes, is one of lightness. This is music that is very visual. Without even knowing the

title of the song, you can easily picture a blanket of white covering a country landscape and feel a

bite of cold in the air.

"Winter Day Dreaming" has a lilting melody. It is easy to imagine this song in the background of

a holiday film, probably a romantic comedy. It would be playing as the guy finally gets the girl.

One of the most beautiful songs found in this collection is "Angels We Have Heard On High." As

Charles' fingers glide over the keys, it may be hard not to sing along with the melody, though the

piano keys do some lovely singing of their own. Charles has some drama and flair towards the

end allowing the song to pack a nice punch.

The album closes with "Auld Lang Syne" which is appropriate. Christmas is over and the New

Year is waiting. The solo piano seems to sound lonely sending off the old year.

In a world where big and flashy things are all the norm, Charles Szczerpanek delivers a holiday

album that is just the opposite. This album is beautiful in all its simplicity. One man, one piano

and eleven songs that will fill you with holiday spirit even in the middle of summer.

If you are looking for something that isn't all glitz and glamour for your holiday music collection,

Winter Day Dreaming is the CD you must have.

Rating: 5 (out of 5 stars)

Promo Spot: The Trust Me Trilogy

Trust Me?

The Trust Me? Trilogy

Book 1

KE Osborn

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780992333805

ASIN: B00F0G6JRW

Number of pages: 283 pages

Word Count: approx 89,000

Amazon    Smashwords

Book Description:

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

Jenifer Taylor is content with her life, dull and boring as it is. Being absent from the dating scene means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men that stem from a controlling and aggressive ex-boyfriend and an absentee father.  She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.

When Jeni starts a typical day in the big city of Mornington Vale, California, it turns from bad to worse when she’s involved in a chain collision on her way to work.

Her world changes forever that day because she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial corporation. Aiden is an up-and-coming young businessman who's ready to take on the vice presidency of his father’s company. He is the good son, and it’s imperative to Alistair that Aiden succeed and follow in his footsteps. Life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else.

After the accident, however, Aiden’s world changes as well. He finds Jeni irresistible and instantly pursues her. With some coaxing, she eventually agrees to a date, and the attraction is mutual.

Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue.  When to trust is tested in many different ways but comes to a head when Aiden is investigated for a serious crime.  As her trust issues spark, she is forced to go through a journey of self-discovery.

She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves when she’s asked the ultimate question: “Do you trust me?”

This is book one in a series of three.  Book two "Love Me?" was released on November 18^th, 2013.

Short Excerpt Trust Me?

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.

“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”

He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.

This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.

“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.

  

Love Me?

The Trust Me? Trilogy

Book 2

KE Osborn

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 9780992333812

ASIN: B00GMCILB0

Number of pages: 271

Word Count:87,000

Amazon   Smashwords

Book Description:

This book is for mature audiences 18+ It contains explicit language and sexual content.

In the first book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor finds the love of her life, but as the second book begins, she finds herself lost without Aiden O’Connell, who’s been wrongly convicted of embezzlement charges and incarcerated. She must find the strength within to help prove he’s innocent while dealing with other issues. Aiden’s father, Alistair, still taunts her, making life between Jeni and Aiden more difficult, and an unexpected visitor enters their lives, creating havoc and turning it upside down. Jeni’s trust issues return in a major way after an incident leaves her fragile and broken. Aiden and Jeni find themselves going through more trials and tribulations than ever before in this second installment of the Trust Me? Trilogy. In the end, Jeni will be asked the ultimate question: Do you still love me?

  

Short Excerpt Love Me?

       My nerves start to get the better of me, I start to feel nauseous; those darn pesky butterflies attack again. I’m not sure why I’m nervous, whether it’s the shoes making me unstable or whether it’s the memory of our first date, our first touch, or our first kiss that’s making me bashful.
       I turn the corner to see him standing there with a bunch of red roses, in the suit that he changed into earlier, this time with a baby pink tie on. Behind him is that gorgeous waterfall cascading down the cliff with the lush greenery surrounding us. As I take a step closer, I hear music playing. “Thank You for Loving Me” by Bon Jovi. It’s our song. I feel my eyes welling up as all the emotion and love I feel for this man is becoming too much to bear.
       His smile is beaming from ear to ear when I approach. Finally I reach him. He holds out his hand for me to take. I take it, and he pulls me into a tight embrace.
       “This is perfect,” I whisper.
       “Perfection for perfection, my love.” He kisses my cheek, and places the bouquet of flowers on the railing.

About the Author:

K E Osborn is the Adelaide based Author of the Trust me? Trilogy, a romance series with love, laughter and plenty of lust!

K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pileup that the characters of her first book came to life.

Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.

https://twitter.com/KEOsbornAuthor

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https://www.facebook.com/trustmetrilogy

http://www.goodreads.com/KEOsbornAuthor

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KEOsbornauthor

http://www.keosbornauthor.com/

Tasty Ham Salad

If you are looking for something quick and easy to make with your leftover ham, this super tasty sandwich spread is definitely the thing.

I improvised my recipe from Mr. Food.

Ingredients
2 cups cooked cubed ham
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup onion

Directions
Place all the ingredients in a food processor with the blade attachment.
Chop 1 minute on medium then scrape the sides of the bowl and then chop again until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve immediately or chill

Oreo Cream Cheese Cookies

I found the recipe for these yummy cookies at Crumbs and Chaos

The original recipe only made 18 cookies, so I did some doubling and some tweaking (tweaking not twerking..m'kay!)

 Ingredients 
1 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 tsp vanilla
2 cup flour
1 cup dark chocolate morsels
26 oreo cookies, crushed (Double stuffed ...and even good generic oreos work..to save some cash)

Instructions 

 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

Add the sugar and vanilla and mix until the ingredients are well combined.

Add the flour and mix on low until the flour is incorporated. Stir in the mini chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.

Place the Oreo crumbs in a small bowl.

Create 1½" balls and then roll in the cookie crumbs. (I do mine smaller, cos I don't like big cookies)

Place the cookie balls on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly puffed.

Cool on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.

Damn Snow

OK, Google has come up with something that makes your pictures come alive.

Usually I don't get all excited about stuff like that, but OMG it added snow to my snow picture!

I have to admit when I first saw the picture I let out a loud squee.

Yes, my friends, I am very easily amused

Album Review: Erasure - Snow Globe

There are some artists that you just can't imagine putting out a full Christmas album, but when they do, you are so happy you could burst.

That's the case with Erasure's Snow Globe.

The album opens with the stunning "Bells Of Love" which really isn't holiday or winter related, but it is one of the strongest songs on the album. It is the one song that will stick with you all year long.

"Gaudete" is the album's lead single. It is songs such as this that show off Andy Bell's vocals. It leaves the listener breathless. It is a medieval song of praise written sometime between the 15th and 16th century.

Next up is "Make It Wonderful" another Erasure original that feels Christmasy but really is pure Erasure and not really holiday related at all, yet somehow it fits perfectly among all the other more festive tunes.

"Sleep Quietly" is a haunting carol. Vince Clarke provides an appropriately dark and atmospheric melody of bleeps and bloops.

Erasure recorded "Silent Night" many years back and Snow Globe wouldn't be complete without this song making an appearance. This is a song that so many have covered, some good, some bad and in the case of Erasure, some magnificent. If you are a religious person, you may feel like you are in the presence of angels when you hear Andy Bell sing this.

"Loving Man" is another departure from the festive fun. This song is fun and just what you'd expect from Erasure. It makes you want to get up and dance.

Vince Clarke once again brings some interesting electronic sounds to the standard "The Christmas Song." It is probably one of the weaker tracks on the album, mostly because in an album full of more unique selections this particular song feels a bit out of place.

"In The Bleak Midwinter" follows in the vein of "Gaudete" and "Sleep Quietly." This is a darkly beautiful carol. This song seems to be becoming a staple on holiday albums since The Moody Blues recorded it for their 2003 release December.

"Blood On The Snow" is another moody sounding song. Andy's range dips low for these, really low!

"There'll Be No Tomorrow" is another bouncy dance number. This is a great song to play to ring in the New Year.

The album closes with three holiday standards "Midnight Clear," the overdone, "White Christmas" and "Silver Bells."

Of the three, "Silver Bells" is the one that stands out. Andy delivers a theatrical vocal and Vince's melody is full of whimsy. It is the perfect song to close out an album that is a must have for your holiday.

Apple Raisin Bread Pudding

This is such a yummy bread pudding.

Ingredients

1 can of apple pie filling
6 slices of bread or enough to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish
1 cup of raisins regular or golden
5 eggs slightly beaten
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups of milk
1 stick of butter
Cinnamon

Directions

Cut the bread up (I always remove the crusts) and line the bottom of the pan with the bread.

Top with raisins and then pie filling

In a microwavable bowl add the butter, sugar and milk. Microwave for a minute or more until the butter is melted.

Let cool

~ Tip if you take the butter/milk mixture out when the butter isn't completely melted and whisk it cools faster

Add the eggs to the milk mixture

Pour over the bread

Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes

Butterscotch Bread

This recipe is one that my family has made for years. My mother made it and so did my grandmother.

It is a nice dense quick bread..good as a sweet for breakfast or as a lighter dessert.

Ingredients

2 eggs
2 T melted shortening/butter
2 c brown sugar
4 c flower
1 1/4 tsp soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 c buttermilk or sour milk
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Beat eggs, add sugar and shortening. Mix flower,soda, powder and salt together. Add to egg mixture alternately with milk. Add nuts.

Pour into 2 greased/floured loaf pans. Place on 4th shelf from the bottom.  Both on one shelf

350 degrees for one hour...

From the recipe file of Emma Rehula

Recipe: Crescent Turkey Pot Pie

Left over turkey anyone?

Here's an easy and pretty cheap way to use up some of those holiday leftovers

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of chopped turkey
3 cups of gravy...if you don't have any leftover, I recommend the Stonehouse mixes.
1 bag mixed veggies
1 package of crescent rolls

Directions

Warm the gravy or prepare according to package directions.
Add turkey and mixed veggies and heat until warmed.
Spoon into an 8 x 8 pan and cover with the crescent dough..you can make it pretty if you want or just cover the top of the pan. Whatever works for you.
Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

The result is super yummy!

Cover Reveal: The Book Stops Here

The Book Stops Here: A Bibliophile Mystery will be out in hardcover in June 2014 and this time around, Brooklyn Wainwright is invited to be the book expert on an antiques appraisal TV show called This Old Attic. I worked in TV for many years and now I finally get to put all my backstage, death-around-every-corner daydreams into a book! Brooklyn appraises an autographed first edition of The Secret Garden, which happens to be one of my favorite childhood books, but then the book's owner is murdered....

The Book Stops Here is officially available for pre-order and on sale at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Check it out!

Doctor Who In Review: The Day Of The Doctor (A Mostly Spoiler Free Review)

Anyone of the millions that watched the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, had to come away with a smile on their face and a few tears in their eyes.

I know I did.

Without any real plot spoilers...

Steven Moffat delivered an episode that wasn't scary...but more reaffirming what The Doctor and his companions are all about. This episode is about The Doctor...his past and his future.

You'll see one very early on in the form of an asthmatic girl who who is working for U.N.I.T.

But they are all over the place when you watch.

Plus you also have the return of David Tennant's 10th Doctor. He was the Doctor who drew me into the show, and I admit I was a fangirl for most of his tenure, and I love him, I really do, but for me, he was possibly the only slightly downside of the special. Not for any bad acting or leg humping that we got in the Rose Tyler days...(though Billie is in the special.....) but because it seemed like he was having trouble getting back into character.....except one time early on....with a woodland creature. I dare you not to laugh there.

But this special really is all about John Hurt's character. He was brilliant. He had humor and seriousness and a bit of the curmudgeonliness that will remind longtime fans of William Hartnell's 1st Doctor all those 50 years ago.

Probably my only gripe with the whole thing revolves around David Tennant. He just didn't seem to come back into character as well as I had hoped he would. Other people were smashing in their return..but Tennant...just didn't feel quite like 10.

This is also an episode that you want to watch over and over again, because you'll catch all sorts of wonderful things that Moffat tossed in to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show's airing. Each time you watch you'll find something new.

If you are a Whovian, you're mind will be blown.

10 out of 10 Tardis

TV Review: An Adventure In Space And Time

When I first heard about the movie about the making of Doctor Who I was fascinated. When I sat down to watch it, I was excited, and by the time it had ended I was crying. The tears were tears of joy that Mark Gatiss brought the making of the show to the world so well and tears of sadness, because the show also shows how William Hartnell, who was THE DOCTOR was forced out due to health reasons, though not by his choice.

There was a lot of behind the scenes stuff in the early days. The show's producer was a young woman who really had a lot of spunk, or as they say in the movie, piss and vinegar. That producer was Verity Lambert who was played by Jessica Raine in the film.

However the best acting in the film is done by David Bradley who looked almost like a clone of William Hartnell. You really come to love the man, almost as much as you love The Doctor, watching this film. They really made you sympathetic to him, though if you read some bios of Mr. Hartnell, he wasn't always a sweet grandfatherly figure.

Not that it will matter as you are watching this, because you will fall in love with him, and at the end, you will cry. You will cry for the actor that let the role become his life and you will cry for The Eleventh Doctor who makes a cameo in the end.

It is just a shame that the actor portraying Patrick Troughton wasn't nearly as spot on.

Oh and did I mention the Daleks were an important part of the film?

It can't be Doctor Who without the Daleks. I loved the scene where Verity was arguing with Seymour about them.

Definitely a movie all Whovians should watch and will want to watch again and again.

Goddess Fish Promotions Blurb Blitz Tour: Choose Your Heart

Choose Your Heart

by Callie Hutton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Midwife Kerry Mackenzie has tried to move on with her life to no avail. Her deceased husband’s parents expect her to remain true to his memory. But at twenty-four, Kerry’s too young to wear widow weeds for the rest of her life. Seeking independence, she takes a job miles from home that will require her to move. Things may have worked out as planned if she hadn’t gotten stranded on the way…

Ranch owner Damian Greer happens upon Kerry perched alongside her disabled car on an Amarillo highway. Coming from a family whose members move quickly when it comes to love, the instant attraction he feels is no surprise. After observing her during an emergency, he suspects she may be the woman for him.

When it appears her car will be out of commission for a few days, Damian offers to drive Kerry to Albuquerque to meet with her realtor. Can Damian convince her to abandon her plan, and give them a chance?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt :

The baby boy slid out of its mother’s body just as two medics pushed a gurney up to the truck. Kerry quickly used her index finger to clear the infant’s mouth.

The baby sucked in a breath, and let out with a wail. Damian released the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Hopefully, he wouldn’t embarrass himself by having anyone notice the tears standing in his eyes.

His trembling fingers ran through his hair, tugging at his scalp. Never in his life had he witnessed anything so incredible. He took in a deep gulp of air and grinned. Kerry’s face lit up, and her gaze connected with his. In the flashing light from the bar, their eyes locked. Her face shone with sweat, curls plastered to her head, almost as if she had given birth.

Damian’s gut clenched, and a powerful, totally unfamiliar feeling raced through him.

He fought the urge to grab this woman and kiss her senseless. His previous sense of finally having found the right one for him hit him like a fist to the gut.

Dude, you’re in big trouble.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Callie has been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave her a way to turn off the voices in her head. After having a number of articles and interviews published in newspapers and magazines, she took on what she’d always dreamed of. Writing that book. She currently has a number of both historical and contemporary romance books published. Visit her website for more information. www.calliehutton.com

She currently lives in Oklahoma with her husband and adult children who move in and out with alarming regularity. Add three rescue dogs and the household is complete—and full. She enjoys hearing from her readers, and would love to have you visit her on Facebook.

Or First person:

I’ve been making up stories since elementary school, and writing gave me a way to turn off the voices in my head. After having a number of articles and interviews published in newspapers and magazines, I took on what I’d always dreamed of. Writing that book. I currently have a number of both historical and contemporary romance books published. Visit my website for more information. www.calliehutton.com

I currently live in Oklahoma with my husband and adult children who move in and out with alarming regularity. Add three rescue dogs and the household is complete—and full. I enjoy hearing from my readers, and would love to have you visit me on Facebook.

Website: www.calliehutto.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Callie-Hutton/206166449404454

Twitter: @calliehutton.com

Buy links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Choose-Heart-Honky-Hearts-ebook/dp/B00DN6J1BC/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381448710&sr=1-11&keywords=callie+hutton

TWRP:http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=175_141&products_id=5311

Callie will be awarding an autographed copy of any of her in-print books, (A Run For Love; An Angel in the Mail; A Tumble Through Time; Emma's Journey; A Prescription For Love) and a hand-made beaded bookmark (US ONY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/virtual-blurb-blitz-tour-choose-your.html

Cover Reveal: Flashes of Me - Cynthia Sax

Blurb:

Henley, the head of cyber security at Blaine Technologies, is a man no one crosses. He watches employees constantly using his network of cameras and enforces his rules by any means possible. Rumors of his violent past, his scarred hands and huge size have resulted in him being feared by everyone… almost everyone.

Katalina, the new intern, worries about the revelation of her most painful secret much more than she fears her sexy boss’s wrath. She sees the loneliness in his dark eyes, feels the gentleness in his marred fingers, tastes the need in his kisses, and she knows he watches her. His silly rules about not stripping for the cameras and no sex at the office are destined to be broken.

Kat likes to be watched. Henley can’t look away. Will this beauty be able to tame her beastly boss?

Flashes Of Me
Pre-Order Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Me-An-Erotic-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXO

Note From Cynthia Sax: 

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover and blurb for Flashes Of Me today! Bright color, especially pink, plays an important role in this story. Blaine Technologies has a very strict dress code yet Kat, our heroine, feels so strongly about wearing color that she risks losing her job.

Here is a brief excerpt giving you a glimpse at why color is important to Kat (this excerpt is completely unedited so please excuse any typos or my crazy use of commas)

***

Henley paces around the perimeter of the small room, his movements drawing my gaze. I sink into one of the black leather chairs, the seat cushioning my ass.

“The dress code at Blaine Technologies is strict,” he informs me. “The preference is a black suit. Gray and navy blue are also acceptable colors.”

“I don’t wear black.” I fold my hands on top of the tiny table and Henley glares at me. “My father told me not to wear black so I don’t,” I explain.

Henley’s face softens. “Your father’s not here.”

My father isn’t here and I miss him desperately, having spent the last five years by his side. He isn’t alone, neither of us are. My father has my mother to keep him company and I now have a rule-setting behemoth.

“When I give my word, I don’t break it.” I lean forward, willing Henley to understand. “Business deals are built upon trust--”

“And trust is built upon truth,” Henley completes my father’s saying.

“You remembered.” I smile at him, pleased.

“Yes.” Henley resumes his pacing, striding back and forth, back and forth, his hands gripped tightly behind his back as though he’s winding up for another round of his rules. “When we’re at work, we have to be professional. No taking our clothes off. No touching. No talking about sex.”

“Is thinking about sex okay?” I skim my fingertips over the collar of my blazer. “Because I think about having sex with you all of the time.”

***