Romance with an Attitude

2012-01-25T23:30:00.002-05:00

I signed up for this Goddess Fish tour because the book cover is, ah, smokin! LOL From the blurb and excerpt it sounds pretty hot, too.

Finding Inspiration aka Things that Turn Me On

Writers are commonly asked where we find our inspiration. I think this is doubly so for writers of erotic romance. A lot of people tend to think we have outrageous sex lives—I can assure you that in my case, I certainly haven't done everything I've written about.

Last weekend, my future sister-in-law had her bachelorette party. We kicked the evening off with a "life-drawing" session, where, you guessed it, we all settled in at easels and sketched the nude man at the front of the room. I'm going to interrupt myself here to note that the model, whose name was Adam, was an excellent specimen of male. Truly excellent. That's the beginning of a story right there.

So, what happens next? And for anyone who's wondering, yes, this is going on my list of inspiration for a future story. Does my heroine approach the model at the party? Does she run into him later on? Does he approach her? Maybe she organized the party and he has her phone number...the possibilities are endless. Why is he modeling? Is he an artist himself? A college student who needs the cash? While I might not have the nerve to jump him myself, it's certainly something I'd daydream about 

Later that same evening, we went out dancing at a jazz club where there was live music. The guitarist was H-O-T, hot, absolutely, positively smoking hot. Part of that was his complete absorption in his music, which added a degree of sexiness and depth to him. Would he show that same absolute intensity when he was with a woman? Hey presto, I have another hero and the beginning of a plot.

At the same club, I noticed a girl dancing by herself. I watched her for a while—being a writer requires a certain degree of voyeurism—and she didn't seem to be there with any friends. She didn't stop to get a drink, didn't pause to flirt. If a guy approached and started dancing with her, she just took it in stride. To my thinking, she was there for the love of dancing.

Um, can anyone else see her hooking up with the guitarist and maybe sneaking off to make music of their own? Two intensely passionate personalities, a love for rhythm...mmm...

How do I find my inspiration? I look for concepts that I find sexy. The extremely male model, the passionate guitarist. A woman so caught up in dance she's unaware of her surroundings. What fantasies do these characters and settings inspire for you?

Bio-

A born reader, Louisa discovered her love of romance at an early age and began sneaking her mother's romance novels by age twelve. A sucker for a happy ending, she was often disappointed by the lead up–not enough sexy stuff. Where was the anticipation, the flirting, the tension? Her solution? Write it herself.

Living in Melbourne, Australia, she is renowned for complaining about the weather and the calories associated with eating ice cream, but has learned to ignore both and enjoy life anyway. Visit Louisa at http://www.louisamasters.com/

Blurb-
With her resignation submitted, Jeannie Price has one last task she’s itching to perform before leaving her job. After months of sitting next to hot, sexy colleague Tim Harding, it’s time to turn fantasy into reality with a scorching invitation to collaborate on matters of the flesh in Conference Room B. Then she can walk away without regrets.

Tim’s dreams of wild, sweaty sex with Jeannie come true when he accepts her offer, but he’s stunned to learn she doesn’t want to see him again after their steamy tryst. She may be trying to brush him off as just one more item on her To-Do List, but he’s determined to convince her there’s nothing taboo about inter-office relations.

Excerpt-
“Do you want to have sex in Conference Room B?”

Tim Harding jerked his head up from the cost analysis on his computer screen. Jeannie Price was leaning on the partition between their desks, her dark eyes fixed on his face. He took a moment to admire them as he pondered her words.

“Is this a hypothetical question?” he asked finally. “Because—”

“It’s not a hypothetical question. It’s an invitation.”

Her words slammed straight to his cock. Was she joking? Had she guessed that she was the star of his late-night fantasies? He’d even pictured taking her in the office—okay, he’d imagined the boardroom, but he was flexible.

He swallowed, hard, his cock twitching. She’d been very flexible when he imagined her on his balcony. And in his shower. And...

“I’ll tell you what,” she said. “I’m going to be working in Conference Room B for the next half hour. You think about it, and if you decide to join me...” She shrugged, and her long brown hair slid forward, drawing his eyes to her breasts. In his dreams, her hair flowed over her naked breasts, her nipples peeking through the locks, and when he drew her down over him, it would swing forward, surrounding them like a silken tent...

She straightened, gathered up her laptop and notepad, and handed him an inter-office envelope.

“This may help you make up your mind.”

He watched her walk away, the sway of her hips and the way her dress slid across her ass making him shift uncomfortably.

What will Louisa be giving away?

Louisa will be giving away three $10 Amazon GCs to randomly drawn commenters during the tour and to the host with the most comments (excluding Louisa's and the host's).

Monday Man Candy

2012-01-23T14:16:00.002-05:00

10 Excuses Being Late to Work

2012-01-23T12:59:00.000-05:00

What's the best excuse you gave your boss for being late to work? Below are ten examples a new career builder's survey came up with.

Employee:
thought she had won the lottery (she didn't).
got distracted watching the Today show
angry roommate cut the cord to his phone charger, so it didn't charge and his alarm didn't go off
believed his commute time should count toward his work hours
claimed a fox stole her car keys
leg was trapped between the subway car and the platform (turned out to be true)
said he wasn't late, because he had no intention of getting to work before 9:00 a.m. (his start time was 8:00 a.m.)
was late because of a job interview with another company
had to take a personal call from the state governor (turned out to be true)

Around the World with Virginia Campbell!

2012-01-20T07:15:00.001-05:00

Exotic tastes from the Amazon Rainforest!

The amazing Amazon rainforest geography covers 9 nations: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. The dense Amazonian jungle is home to more than thirty-five hundred species of birds, tens of thousands of different kinds of insects, eighty percent of all species of life can be found in this jungle, and it is speculated that tens of thousands of life forms in the jungle may still be unidentified. Over two thousand species of fresh-water fish are believed to live in Amazonian waters. Francisco de Orellana was a Spanish conquistador and the first European to travel the length of the Amazon river, in 1541-42; he named the Amazon River. It is the second longest river of the world. Starting from Peru it pours into the Atlantic Ocean after traversing a distance of more than 3000 miles. Only the Nile River is longer than the Amazon River. When you think of the rainforest, you probably think of monkeys, jungle plants, big snakes, and lots of rain. You may not think about oil, copper, and gold, but these are found in the rainforest, too! Companies from many different countries are interested in removing things like oil, copper, and gold from the rainforest and selling them in other parts of the world. The wood from certain types of trees in the rainforest, like mahogany, is also very valuable. When these natural resources are removed from the rainforest, companies often destroy or damage the water, soil, plants, and animals there. Another reason the rainforest is disappearing is because of cattle farming. Although cows aren't normally found in the rainforest, some individuals and companies are clearing rainforest land and raising cows on it because the land is relatively cheap. However, the rainforest soil isn't very good for growing the grasses cattle eat; usually after a few years the cattle farmers have to move on to new areas of the rainforest, cut down more trees, and start over again. The Rainforest Site ( http://www.therainforestsite.com/ ) offers many useful and interesting ideas on how to preserve the rainforest and help other worthy causes.

Although rainforests have been around for millions of years--they're the Earth's oldest living ecosystems--they may not be around for much longer. At the present rate of destruction, all the earth's rainforests will be gone in 30 years. And once the rainforest is destroyed, it doesn't come back. 137 species of plants and animals become extinct every day in rainforests around the world. Some uses of the rainforest land are very damaging to the rainforests' survival. However, other products can be "sustainably harvested" from the rainforest and greatly benefit both the native people living in the rainforest and the rest of us in other communities. For instance, did you know that: One out of every four medicines in pharmacies today comes from the rainforest. These include treatments for serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and childhood leukemia. But there's much more testing to be done: scientists estimate that over 99% of the plants in the rainforest haven't even been studied yet for their possible medical uses. Destruction of forests is the second largest cause of global warming. Scientists believe that if global warming continues, it could cause serious problems like floods and droughts in different parts of the world. Rainforests supply yummy foods. Look to the rainforests for Brazil nuts, cocoa, coffee, bananas, yams, and many other foods and spices we enjoy every day. About one million people call the Amazon home. These people's ancestors have lived in the Amazon for hundreds of thousands of years, and the survival of their culture depends on the rainforest's survival.

The Amazon rainforest covers over 1.2 billion acres, or two-fifths of the South American continent. Many pharmaceutical specialists believe that this vast forest could hold the cure to many otherwise incurable diseases such as AIDS, cancer, leukemia and herpes. It is estimated that the U.S. National Cancer Institute has identified over 3000 plants that indicate some sort of promising agents against cancer cells, of which 70 percent of them are found in the rainforest. Furthermore, “twenty-five percent of the active ingredients in today’s cancer-fighting drugs come from organisms found only in the rainforest.”

More than two thirds of the world's plant species are found in the tropical rainforests: plants that provide shelter and food for rainforest animals as well as taking part in the gas exchanges which provide much of the world's oxygen supply. Rainforest plants live in a warm humid environment that allows an enormous variation rare in more temperate climates: some like the orchids have beautiful flowers adapted to attract the profusion of forest insects. Competition at ground level for light and food has lead to evolution of plants which live on the branches of other plants, or even strangle large trees to fight for survival. The aerial plants often gather nourishment from the air itself using so-called "air roots". The humidity of the rainforest encourages such adaptations which would be impossible in most temperate forests with their much drier conditions.

The Amazon rain forest offers an unending variety of plants that are known to have medicinal properties, and more are being discovered each year. Herbal knowledge from the Amazon jungle is gradually making its way to the Western world. Each Amazon tribe has one or more shamans who is quite familiar with the healing power of the local herbs in the Amazon forest. Amazon Indians have known about herbal medicine for thousands of years. Superfoods from various exotic places like the Amazon, and anti-ageing elixirs are becoming more popular. Exotic drinks and beauty products based on indigenous resources from the Amazon and personal grooming items for older men are fast growth areas. Beauty products containing botanicals from the Amazon believed to have strong health benefits have become extremely popular all around the world, and follow the fashion for food and cosmetics using natural ingredients.

There are many different products from the Amazon rainforest. Natural rubber (or latex): used to make many rubber products from electronic components to condoms. Rubber was responsible for the first economic cycle of development in the Amazon rainforest. Natural rubber is extracted from tall trees called "Seringueiras" and still today is a major activity for many families. Brazil-nut: the nut is actually a seed. The Brazil-nut is one of the biggest nuts of the world and is exported all over the planet. Local populations use this nutritious seed to make all sort of food and condiments. Guarana: is a small berry-like fruit that is very sweet and juicy. You can taste it in natural refreshments anywhere in Brazil , they are also used to make sodas. Brazilians are very fond of their guarana sodas and it's something they usually miss when living outside Brazil. Because of that you can find it in any city that has a Brazilian community like Miami , New York or Paris. People use Guarana to stay awake and active in parties and raves, since guarana has an effect similar to caffeine without the problems related to it. Nowadays some companies sell Guarana as a weigh loss substance, although its value for weight loss has not been proven. Acai: another fruit that has a strong taste and purple color is very nutritious and brings energy after consumption. It is used by athletes of all kinds. It hit the Brazilian market outside the Amazon region only in the nineties when professional fighters and gym-addicts start to eat Acai whenever they could. Nowadays you can find juices and ice creams of Acai anywhere in Brazil and is steadily going out to the world market.

Many minerals like iron, manganese, uranium, bauxite, copper, gypsum, lignite, nickel and gold can be found in the Amazon rainforest region. Most of the bauxite used in the world comes from here and bauxite is the primary component of aluminum. Chances are that your aluminum soda can came from the Amazon rainforest. Diamonds and other less valuable gems are mined in the Amazon rainforest. These gems are obtained by river mining, most of it still using manual techniques. The gems are responsible for the great migration of people in the sixties to the Amazon rainforest searching for diamonds and gold. Craftwork: if you imagine hundreds of indigenous tribes you can also imagine how much craftwork like baskets, tapestry, sculptures, musical instruments, body ornaments, primitive weaponry, furniture and rituals related objects you can find in the Amazon rainforest. The variety is so great due to the number of different indigenous cultures. Some professional interior designers use a lot of primitive art for decoration because it's original and there are very beautiful works.

What is the most exotic place that you have ever visited or dreamed of visiting? Do you like to try different and unusual foods from around the world? What is the most unique food that you have ever eaten? Do like to visit museums and cultural centers which feature exhibits from peoples and lifestyles from around the globe? What is one thing that you hope to achieve in 2012? Have a fabulous new year!

Rainforest Trail Mix
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup cashews
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup peanuts
1 cup dried banana slices
¾ cup shredded coconut
1 cup dried pineapple

Pour items together in a large bowl. Stir until evenly mixed. Serve in small paper cups or plastic
bags. Makes about 10-12 servings

Brazil Nut Brittle

¼ Cup butter (melted)
2/3 Cup packed brown sugar
¾ Cup dark corn syrup
2/3 Cup chopped Brazil nuts

Mix butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Beat until smooth. Place in shallow baking dish and bake in
preheated oven at 375 F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then break into small, bite-size pieces.

Amazon Quinoa Soup
2 carrots
2 stalks of celery
1 small onion
1 large tomato–no seeds
1 piece of squash or pumpkin
½ cup of peas
2 garlic cloves – minced
½ cup Quinoa
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ fresh chicken
7 cups of water to cover the chicken

Cut carrots, celery, squash, tomato, onion and garlic cloves into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat and stir in the vegetables and quinoa. Cook a few minutes until lightly browned, stirring frequently, then turn off heat. Cover the chicken with water, add salt and pepper and cook for about 30 minutes. Skim the foam off and remove the chicken. Pull the meat off the chicken and discard all the bones. Return the chicken to the broth and add the vegetable and quinoa mixture and ½ cup peas. Cook on high heat for about 10 minutes and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if you like.

Spicy Shrimp in Coconut Sauce

1 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 tablespoons palm oil or other cooking oil such as annato or peanut
1/4 cup chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped broccoli
1/4 coconut milk
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
3 dried red chilies (chopped finely)
1/2 cup rice

Warm oil on medium heat. Add paprika and the onions. Saute over low heat until onions are transparent. Add garlic, coriander, thyme, parsley, cilantro, chilies, and walnuts. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Add the tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring now and then. Finally add the broccoli, coconut milk, and shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes (until shrimp are cooked). Serve over rice.

Potato Bread Rolls
1 large potato
1 1/2 teaspoons dry instant yeast
3/4 cup warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup of milk
4 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 large egg
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups bread flour

Peel potato and cut into 4 pieces. Boil until tender, then mash thoroughly or pass cooked potato through a food mill. Let cool. Bring milk to a boil and remove from heat. Add butter and salt to hot milk. Let cool until just a little warmer than room temperature. In the bowl of a standing mixer, dissolve yeast and sugar in 3/4 cup warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add egg, potato, all purpose flour, and half of the cooled milk mixture to mixer bowl, and knead with dough hook on low speed. Gradually add remaining flour and milk and continue to knead for 5 to 10 minutes. The dough should remain fairly soft, and if it seems to be getting stiff, don't add all of the flour. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky after kneading. If dough seems too wet, add a little more flour. Turn dough out into oiled bowl and let rise in a warm place until double in size. Punch down dough and cut into pieces the size of a small tangerine. Roll pieces into a ball shape on a floured surface and place on a greased cookie sheet, about an inch apart. Make a one inch slash in the tops of the rolls with a sharp knife. Preheat oven to 425. Let rolls rise until almost double in bulk. Bake for 5 minutes, then lower temperature to 350 and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more. Rolls should have light golden brown color when ready. Tip: To make loaves: Bread can also be divided in half and shaped into two loaves, and baked in two standard-size rectangular bread pans, or in one large bread pan.

Acai Berry Smoothie
1 1/4 cup plain or vanilla soy milk, or almond milk
3/4 cup Orange juice
3/4 cup Acai juice
1 large Mango, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Add all ingredients to blender or food processor and blend until deliciously smooth. Enjoy!

OMG!!!

2012-01-19T11:05:00.000-05:00

I just received a customer review for Her Hands-On Man on Amazon! Please follow the link to check it out.

AMAZON

#4 GOAL for 2012

2012-01-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

Start putting some serious money away! I won't be able to live on my looks when I retire. LOL

Blog Hops

2012-01-19T10:09:00.000-05:00

Morning all! I wanted to talk to you about blog hops. Anyone know what they are? You've probably noticed during the holidays that I participated in a few. And recently I've joined one in particular called Just Romance Me Blog Hops. We have yet to set our first blog hop up but it's coming.

I've discovered that blog hops are fun! Not only do they bring people together but the hosts also give a lot of cool prizes away to the readers. You might want to play the next time you visit a website where one is going on. During one of the holiday blog hops I joined there were over 400 participating authors. Know what that means? There were over 400 prizes up for grabs! And blog hops run for more than one day so you have time to visit all the participating blogs.

Here's how it works:

The author signs up at the website hosting it. On the day the hop begins the author puts up a post explaining what it's about, what he/she is giving away and what you have to do for a chance to win it. They usually keep it simple. The author will also list the link list of the other blogs participating, or the link to the main page where the list is located. All you have to do for a chance to win the prize is visit each blog and do what they request.

The more blogs participating the more chances you can win something. Of course, you have to visit each blog, too. And you always have the chance of winning more than one giveaway! This is an easy way to find new blogs and make new friends.

Try it the next time you see one posted.

Roni Loren

2012-01-17T23:30:00.002-05:00

Good morning folks! Please take time to say hi to my guest today, Author Roni Loren. She's giving away some awesome prizes, too!

Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. Though she’ll forever be a New Orleans girl at heart, she now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her reading, watching reality television, or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to rock stars, er, rock concerts. Yeah, that's it. Her debut novel, CRASH INTO YOU, will be published by Berkley Heat January 3, 2012.

Website/Blogs: http://www.roniloren.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/roniloren
Tumblr (where I post mancandy photos): http://roniloren.tumblr.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/roniloren
Buy links for book: www.roniloren.com/books

Getting to know Roni Loren

1. Did you choose writing or did writing choose you?

I would say it was a little of both. I’ve been an avid reader since as long as I can remember. In 5th grade, I remember reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and thinking--yes, I want to do THIS for my job. So the urge to write has been there since then. But as with most of our dreams, if we want to make it happen, we need to consciously choose it at some point. When I quit my day job and started staying at home with me son, I made that decision to transition from writing as a hobby to writing with the intent to make it my career.

2. If you could only have one food to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Hmm, that’s a tough one since there aren’t many foods I don’t like, lol. But I’m a New Orleans girl so I could probably happily live on seafood for the rest of my life--especially crab. Yum.

3. What's your favorite movie?
I’m probably not breaking any romance author stereotypes but Dirty Dancing is still my favorite movie. I think that was the movie that turned me into a hopeless romantic. It never gets old for me.

4. Who is your hero?
My mom. She’s the most fabulous, kind-hearted woman I know. I strive to one day be as cool as she is.

5. Where would you like to travel to that you've never been before?
I’ve never been to Europe, so there are SO many places I’d love to visit over there. But I’d have to get over my fear of that loooong flight first, lol. Within the U.S., I’d love to go to the Pacific Northwest. I’ve heard it’s beautiful out there and I love the rain. :)

6. Do you believe in luck?
Yes. I think there is always some element of luck in things. For instance, I met my husband online. I sometimes think--what if on that day, one of us took a few extra minutes to do something and ended up not being on at the same time? But I also think for most things, we make a lot of our own luck. Where preparation meets opportunity, or whatever that cliche is, has a lot of truth to it.

7. Beauty and perfection, or flaws and character? And why?
I tend to write good-looking characters with very deep internal flaws. I like the contrast of having this hero who is physically beautiful, but on the inside, there are all these things preventing him from living a happy life. Of course, the heroine is there to help him with those (and him with her flaws.) For CRASH INTO YOU, my theme song was “Outside” by Staind. And there’s a line in there: “Inside you’re ugly, ugly like me. I can see through you. See to the real you.” And I think that best describes the kinds of characters I write. What they think is ugly on the inside about themselves turns out to be what brings them happiness with the other person.

8. If you could repeat an age, what would it be?
I’m happy where I am now, but if I had to relive an age, it’d probably be a few of those college years. I spent way too much time studying and not enough time having fun. :)

9. Do you believe in happily ever after?
Yes, absolutely. My mom and step dad are still like newlyweds after 21 years. And my husband and I have been together 12 years and couldn’t be happier. He’s definitely my very own romance hero. I’m not sure I could write happily ever after books if I didn’t believe in happy endings in real life. :)

10. Tell us one thing that no one knows about you.
I’m so afraid of bugs that I once took off my shirt in the middle of the street because a friend told me there was a caterpillar on it. So my fear of bugs is apparently stronger than my fear of public nudity.

11. What makes Roni Loren mad?
Judgmental people. I’m a live-and-let-live kind of girl, and I get really annoyed when people want everyone to think and act exactly as they do.

BLURB
Brynn LeBreck has dedicated herself to helping women in crisis, but she never imagined how personal her work would get, or where it would take her. Her younger sister is missing, suspected to be hiding from cops and criminals alike at a highly secretive BDSM retreat—a place where the elite escape to play out their most extreme sexual fantasies. To find her Brynn must go undercover as a sexual submissive. Unfortunately, The Ranch is invitation only. And the one Master who can get her in is from the darkest corner of Brynn’s past.

Brynn knows what attorney Reid Jamison is like once stripped of his conservative suit and tie. Years ago she left herself vulnerable only to have him crush her heart. Now she needs him again. Back on top. And he’s all too willing to engage. But as their primal desires and old wounds are exposed, the sexual games escalate—and so does the danger. Their hearts aren’t the only things at risk. Someone else is watching, playing by his own rules. And his game could be murder.

EXCERPT-

Brynn emerged from the bathroom with a handful of Band-Aids and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. She pointed to the dining room table. “Sit.”

He dried his hands with a paper towel and fought a smile. She always had been a bossy little thing. But he knew the truth. Underneath all that tight control was a woman who, at least when he’d known her, loved handing over the reins. He swallowed hard, tamping down memories he didn’t need to rehash at the moment.

He dropped into one of the chairs, and Brynn sat across from him, her knees bumping against his. He widened his legs, and after the briefest of hesitations, she scooted forward, allowing his thighs to frame the outsides of hers as she reached for his injured hand. She circled her fingers around his right wrist, his pulse jumping at her touch, and brought his hand up to her face to examine it. His fingers itched to reach out and trace the bow of her lips.

Dammit. He took a deep breath, trying to keep his desire to touch her in check, but the citrus scent of her shampoo drifted to his nose and sent a bolt of carnal need straight to his groin.

He stared down at her. One quick grasp of her waist and he could lift her to straddle his lap, bunch up that dress, and slide right into her sweet heat—kiss away all the tension furrowing her brow, drive her to that place of wild abandon he knew she could reach.

Without thinking, he lifted his other hand and twined her broken dress strap between his fingers, brushing the backs of his sore knuckles across her collarbone in the process. The small catch of breath in the back of her throat made his balls tighten. Such a feminine sound, so close to the noise she would make as he entered her.

But she didn’t raise her eyes to him and beg him to take her like he secretly hoped she would. She simply took the slip of material from him and tucked it under her bra strap to hold it in place, sending her message loud and clear. Not yours.

Not anymore.

THE PRIZE RONI WILL BE GIVING AWAY:
* One signed set of Romance Trading Cards for "Crash Into You" to a random commenter at every stop.
* A $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
* A signed set of Romance Trading Cards for "Crash Into You" AND a basket of romance novels (approx. $50 value) to the host with the most comments (excluding the author's and their own) including: Switch by Megan Hart, Big Jack by J.D. Robb, Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow, Beyond the Night by Joss Ware, and The Fallen: Raziel by Kristina Douglas.

Looks who's back with us again!

2012-01-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Wendi Zwaduk! She's here promoting her new release. I asked Wendi if she could do a character interview and below are the results. I think you'll find it very interesting. Wendi will be giving away a $10 GC to Liquid Silver Books to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Character Interview with Sully Tanner

Hello Tory. So glad I could be here today. I don’t get to be on the hot seat very often. Let me introduce myself. I’m Sully Tanner. I love rock and roll and taking care of those who matter to me. But let’s get this interview going. You didn’t come to the blog just to look at me. (Did you? Sorry. Had to ask.) So the name of the game is five questions. I can handle that. Fire away.

Q: Question one - You were in rock and roll. Why leave the scene?

A: Ah. Right to the meat of the interview from the start. I got out of the music business to the degree I was in because I got tired of it. There’s only so much fakeness one man can take. I could play. Sure. But I couldn’t take the crap. Groupies who wanted to sleep with someone famous to make them famous. Fellow musicians who want to play, but want to do illegal things more often. I never saw the point in trashing my hotel room. I guess I never really fit the mold. Plus there was this girl I never quite got out of my head.

Q: Question two - There was a girl, eh? Dish. Yes, that’s not a question, but answer it. Grin.

A: I knew you’d go there. (Folds arms and leans back in chair) When I was living at home, before I decided to go out on my own, I fell in love with a little girl next door. Okay, I wasn’t much older than her, but yeah, I liked my best friend’s sister. I had an inkling she liked me, but I’m a doofus sometimes and don’t see the obvious. I never forgot how I felt about her, but I didn’t know how to deal with it. Taking off to New York seemed like the thing to do. It wasn’t, but it felt like it.

Q: We all make mistakes. The point is to learn from it.

A: I learned from it alright. I learned that running only makes the problem worse.

Q: You know that wasn’t a question before, right? Okay, question three - you’ve spent time in the music business, obviously. What are your favorite bands and genres?

A: I’ll give you a bye on the earlier line. Conversation will do that. My favorite bands? It’s an evolving taste. I like a lot of the harder bands that are up and coming. You never know what’s on the horizon in music and it’s fun to find new blood. Then again there’s nothing wrong with the old classics, Kiss, AC/DC, Boston...lots to name. But I like a little country sometimes, too. I’m with a new band, well, it’s my old band and it’s not really mine. I play the bars and honky tonks. I don’t want fame or fortune, just to make people happy with my music.

Q: Question four – What does Marley think of your music? Does she like that you’re in the R&R life?

A: That’s a toughy. I’m not in her head, so I can’t say for sure. I can tell you what it seemed like from my point of view. Will that work? When we were younger, it was like a puppy love thing. She mooned over me, I didn’t know what to think but I did like the idol worship. Then I realized she actually liked me and I wasn’t ready to be tied down. How stupid, yanno? She’s a very mature, responsible kind of person. I’m sure she hated my crazy life when I took off. Probably chafed with frustration. And she was right to. I acted irresponsible. I know she still doesn’t trust me. I deserve it and I’m working like hell to make her see I’m not that dumb kid who took off. I’m a little more world weary and ready to settle down—with her. I didn’t really answer your question, but like I said I’m not her, so that’s how I see it.

Q: Awww. That’s sweet. Okay, last question. What do you see for your future? What do you want to accomplish? What are your goals for the rest of your life?

A: Well, gee. Make the last question the hardest. (leans forward and rests elbows on knees.) My goals are to make something of my life. Being in NY in the scene didn’t get me anywhere. Yeah, I played music, but I wasted my chance. I’m not going to do that any longer. If it means breaking my back working the farms with my brothers-in-law, then I’ll do it. I’d love for Marley to realize I’m a changed man and fall in love with me, but for now that’s just a dream. If I had my druthers and could chose my destiny, I’d like to live in the house my parents built, marry the girl of my dreams, work the land of my grandparents and grow old knowing I’d done something with my life.

I have to say you ask hard questions. I had a great time and am glad I participated. Thanks for having me!

BIO:

I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I tend to write books with titles taken from songs because music is one of my many muses.

I earned a BA in education at Kent State university and as well as a Masters in Education from Nova Southeastern University. I've tried my hand at teaching, waitressing, and retail sales, but writing holds my heart.

I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. I have more stories than my brain can handle percolating. I can't wait to share them with you!

http://www.wendizwaduk.com/
http://www.wendizwaduk.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/wendi.zwaduk
http://twitter.com/#!/WendiZwaduk
http://www.manicreaders.com/WendiZwaduk/

BLURB:
He never knew what he was missing until he came home to find his place to belong—with her.

Sullavan Tanner walked away from Jarvis, Ohio, afraid to give his heart to the woman he loved. He lived the rock and roll lifestyle, but never quite made it to the big time. Fifteen years later, he’s back and ready to claim what’s his—if she’ll accept his help.

Marley Lockwood’s done asking for help. The family farm is more than she can handle, but if she can survive a cancer scare, the loss of her parents, the abandonment by her first love, and a messy divorce, she can handle anything.

Until Sully shows up.

Although she’s not interested in rekindling the love affair, she’s not above accepting Sully’s hands on the farm. What’s the worst that could happen? They get the farm out of the red and into the black? That’s her plan. They actually fall in love? The past says it won’t work, so she’s not hedging her bets.

Too bad Sully’s not giving up this time.

EXCERPT: “I know you don’t want a thing from me, and I guarantee you’ll never accept my help, so I’m insisting. I’ll beg if I have to.”

“Sully.” If she stayed in is embrace much longer, she’d cave and admit she needed him—but not for romance. She needed the extra hands on the farm.

“I don’t have anywhere else to be, and I don’t back down.”

“No kidding. Look, it won’t work a second time around.” She wriggled from him and closed her eyes. “You’ll hate it here.” If he’d just take the out...just walk away. She fortified the barricades around her heart and insulated her soul from letting him get too close. Close meant she’d get hurt again when he took off.

“Aren’t you a sparkling ray of sunshine?” He tugged her ponytail, not causing harm. Just playful, like a sibling. Always like a sibling.

“We can’t get along when something other than friendship is involved. When we added sex, things imploded. But I guess that doesn’t matter because you don’t have anywhere to stay.” She groaned and opened her eyes. “Kellie won’t take you. Not with three kids already under foot and another one on the way.”

“And here I thought you’d say you’d take me in because then you’d have 24-7 access to my slave labor and hot body.” He tipped his head and winked. “Please?”

Marley weighed her options. She needed the help. Desperately. Having Sully nearby meant a stable set of hands. It also meant she’d have to keep an eye on him. Sure, Kellie claimed he’d quit the drugs and the booze, but people relapsed all the time. If he hadn’t changed his ways, he’d be just as much of a liability as an asset. Worry flowed through her mind as she palmed her phone in her pocket. The most recent text message from her ex-husband, Taylor, outright demanded she sell him the farm and cut her losses. If it took her last breath, her last dollar, she wasn’t about to sell anything to Taylor. Having Sully around would provide safety. God knew she needed all the help she could get to keep her good-for-nothing ex away from the farm. Could she trust herself to keep her hands off Sully a second time?

When she’d needed him in the past—her mother’s death, the endless hours in the hospital—Sully had run. Why did she have to need him? Need led to heartbreak.

Hell.

Monday Man Candy

2012-01-16T11:55:00.000-05:00

Good morning friends!

2012-01-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

With Earl being cared for today I'm taking today for myself. Yep! Gonna be selfish and wrap myself up in my own little world for some needed peace and calm. It's a cold morning here in Florida but it feels so refreshing, and I have a nice fire going. Well, does a three wick candle count? LOL I always have a candle going. Love the smell it puts out through the room. I told my daughter that I'm not home today. Translation, no kids:)

Just me, my cats, and syfy!

2012-01-14T08:02:00.002-05:00

2012-01-10T21:37:00.000-05:00

My soul mate and I had to make a heart wrenching decision and that is to put him into a nursing home. Hospice convinced us it's time and he needs round the clock care now. His doctor called me today and said there is nothing more she can do for him. I know in my heart that Earl isn't going to get better but I think I've been in just a little bit of denial because he's always come through whatever God handed him. Cancer more than once, a blood infection, open heart surgery, numerous other ailments. Deep down I have to believe he will come through this, too.

2012-01-10T09:24:00.001-05:00

There are five things that you cannot recover in life:

(1) The Stone...........after it's thrown,
(2) The Word...............after it's said,
(3) The Occasion......after it's missed, and
(4) The Time.............after it's gone.
(5) A person...............after they die

Monday Man Candy

2012-01-09T05:04:00.004-05:00

Wow! Wow! Wow!

#3 GOAL for 2012

2012-01-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Unscribe from all the junk that clogs my inbox every single day! I've already done about 20 and what a difference it's made.

5 and RECOMMENDED READ!

2012-01-07T04:47:00.003-05:00

Just in! This fantastic review for All the Right Moves by Blackraven's Reviews! Below is a snippet of the well written review my book received. I hope you'll check out the whole thing.

If you’re looking for a sensual story where the chemistry between the hero and heroine is hot, the emotions are raw, the suspense is gripping, the banter is intense, yet at times humorous, and the love is endearing, then All the Right Moves by Tory Richards is definitely the book to read. Check it out! You won’t be sorry!

Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!

Whoohoo!!!

Tiger Woods’ ex-wife bulldozes $12 million home...

2012-01-06T16:05:00.001-05:00

I know it's her money and her right but it's a shame she tore down such a beautiful home! She bought the home, then tore it down so she can build her dream home. Are you going to tell me she couldn't find a piece of beachfront property just as nice as this one, to build on it? Must be nice to have $12 million dollars to just flush down the toilet. If she wanted to throw her ex's money away, she could have given it to a worthwhile charity or something. That kind of money would go a long way to helping those in need.

Excerpt from THE MERCENARY WAY...coming soon!

2012-01-05T09:23:00.002-05:00

“Is Stan─”
“Sshh!” he warned briskly, his gaze returning to hers. “Now isn’t the time for conversation, angel.”

Sarah pressed her lips. She didn’t like being told to be quiet. She dropped her eyes before his steady gaze, beginning to feel self-conscious of their intimate situation. Clint was too sexy and in spite of his gruff ways, she was attracted to him. Sarah recalled the eagerness of her response when he’d had his fingers inside her. She was hungry for that particular feeling again but now was hardly the place or the time.

“You can get off me now,” she spoke quietly, pushing against his shoulders. “They’re going away.”

Clint didn’t budge. “They may have lowered someone to the ground to continue the search,” he reasoned. “Be quiet.”

Sarah listened to the sound of the chopper diminish as it moved further away and raised her eyes to the top of the trees above them where the sky was visible. And where Clint’s gaze was focused. She couldn’t help noticing how thick and muscular his arched neck was. The veins were evident beneath his whiskered jaw.

“You can still get off me,” she insisted, wincing at the weakness in her tone. He glanced down at her. Their gazes met and held. Sarah tried to gauge what he was thinking. After an awkward moment of silence, Sarah looked away, but not before she acknowledged the flame of awareness in Clint’s pupils. His body grew taut.

She caught her breath when his cock turned hard and demanding against her. With little between them, it was easy to determine Clint wasn’t lacking there. And the knowledge turned Sarah hotter. It seemed the danger of being captured was over but another more primal danger threatened her.

She knew she was playing with fire but couldn’t stop herself from acknowledging Clint’s hard-on in the most obvious way. Parting her legs, she arched into the hard shaft, being rewarded when he sucked in his breath.

“You know if I was a smart man I’d roll off, start walking and not look back.”

Sarah stiffened. Then why didn’t he? When Clint didn’t move right away, Sarah closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at him. His closeness was unnerving, catching her off guard when she realized how much she liked his weight against her. However, closing her eyes turned out to be a bigger mistake when all it did was enhance the charged atmosphere between them.

Her ears picked up the low drone of the helicopter as it was all but out of ear shot, but her senses were acutely aware of Clint. His breath was against her face, hot and intimate, his heart beating against her chest keeping rhythm with another more vital part of his body. When he began to grind his aroused cock against her, she began to respond to the situation against her will.

Suddenly, she felt alive. Her breasts became ultra-sensitive, swelling against his chest as her nipples hardened into tight little nubs. In her mind’s eye, Sarah could see his mouth on her, licking and tugging on them until she was breathless and on fire. As her breathing became shallow, she closed her legs to the liquid heat pooling there, denying its existence along with the hard shaft she’d unknowingly trapped there.

Oh God! What is happening to me? An explosive rush swept through her blood. She kept her eyes closed, desperate to ignore the changes in her body, trying to ignore that it was a man like Clint— callous, raw, and totally unlovable—who was turning her on to such a feverish pitch. She struggled to bring her breathing under control, embarrassed when a soft whimper broke the silence.

“Open your eyes,” he demanded in a voice hoarse with desire.

“No.” The way Sarah figured it, if she didn’t look at him, nothing would happen. He couldn’t possible know she was so turned on she was burning up with it.

“I’m going to kiss you.”

It sounded like a threat. Her eyes flew open. “No!” The firmness she tried to inject into her tone came out weak and throaty, revealing her condition. The savage expression on his face frightened her but not nearly as much as the untamed wildfire racing through her body. His body began to move against her, his hardness fitting perfectly in the damp crevice between her legs. The ache in the lower half of her body became a tangible, almost painful, reminder that she hadn’t had a cock in there in a long time. Too long.

“No? Are you sure about that, angel?”

“Yes,” she gasped, mesmerized by the smoldering look in his eyes. “I don’t think it’s wise to complicate things.” Not to mention she was scared out of her wits that she’d enjoy it. And she wasn’t forgetting the fact he’d already fingered her. She’d never hear the end of it.

“One little kiss doesn’t have to complicate anything,” he returned with a wolfish grin.

He was actually teasing her—or was he testing her? “We both know that’s not all you have on your mind,” she pointed out.

“No, but maybe a good fuck will tame that mean mouth of yours. Right now, though, a kiss is all we have time for.”

Right now? That insinuated they might have time for a good fuck, later.

#2 Goal for 2012

2012-01-05T09:03:00.000-05:00

Cut back on the sugar. I'm a big sweet tea fan but I've started the New Year out by ordering unsweet tea wherever I go somewhere. And since drinks are free here at work I've forced myself to reach for the unsweet tea. Will I eventually cave? Of course I will! I'm not going to be dishonest and say I'll never drink another sweet tea again. There will be times when nothing else will quench my thirst. Remember, I said cut back.

Poor Little Bear Cat

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

He's the little black cat Earl and I share at our Winter Haven home. An indoor cat that somehow got out (Earl has a habit of leaving the door open) the other day and spent the whole night out. The next morning Earl said he heard a faint crying outside and when he opened the door Bear Cat came out from beneath the car. The poor little guy was all chewed up! He had blood on him and some kind of injury to his back. We rushed him to the vet.

They had to sedate him in order to look at his wounds. Then shaved him wherever they located them. Not only did he have a lot of puncture wounds he was scratched deeply in places. I would say by the location of the wounds on his back that he was running away from whatever it was attacking him. The bite marks on his stomach revealed he must have been pinned to the ground at some time during the fight. I felt so bad for him, and so mad at Earl. I can't tell you how many times I warned him about leaving the door open!

Bear Cat has never been out, so therefore he couldn't have been prepared for what could happen to him in the outside world. I hope he got in some good scratches, too, and I'm thankful he still has his claws. Otherwise, it could have been a very different outcome. Unfortunately, we have to look out for any sign of rabies now. His shots were outdated and the vet couldn't give him one because his system was stressed.

After we brought him home from the vet I overheard Earl say to Bear Cat, "did you learn your lesson about wanting to go out?" And I snapped right back, "did you?" You see, Earl had actually thought he'd trained Bear Cat not to go near the door. I was constantly telling him that cats are curious and will do what they want.

Last night as Bear Cat sat at the foot of Earl's chair looking up at him, looking so pitiful with all his bare spots that reveal so much, I glanced at Earl to see he was crying. Then he said, "I did this to him." No words were necessary. I hope they both learned their lesson.

COOL FACTS ABOUT THE HUMAN BODY

2012-01-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

Scientists say the higher your I.Q.

The more you dream.

The average human dream lasts 2-3 seconds

The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man

Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three

A pair of human feet contains 250,000 sweat glands

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of your feet

The acid in your stomach is strong enough

to dissolve razor blades

Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes

to bring half a gallon of water to a boil

The enamel in your teeth is the

hardest substance in your body

Your teeth start growing 6 months

before you are born

When you are looking at someone you love, your pupils dilate,

And they do the same when you are looking at someone you hate

Monday Man Candy

2012-01-02T16:17:00.003-05:00

Well...well...well! What a fine specimen we have here. Can't you just see him swinging a sword in a gladiator arena? Or swinging from tree to tree in a loin cloth? Tell me, what do you see him doing?

IT'S BEGUN!

2012-01-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

My goals for 2012. I just joined the ASPCA! I love animals and those darn tear jerking commercials finally wore me down. What's next? You'll have to come back for #2:)

While I'm talking about animals, here's the Christmas gift I treated my 3 furry felines to. And they love it! Gin Gin has actually claimed the house as her own, even though she's on one of the shelf's. Jezzie and Woofy have claimed the top. Of course Alivia had to get into the picture.

2012-01-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Here's wishing all of you have a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. Make resolutions you can keep. And not the same old one you make every year, that eventually goes by the way side. I'm guilty of that. I can recall the only New Year's resolution I've managed to reach. Back when I was fifty, I decided I needed to slow down. Stop and smell the roses so to speak. And I haven't looked back. Have I had relapses? A few here and there. But then my inner voice reminds me to slow down.

For those of us who need to lose weight, try something different. Don't say, this year I want to lose weight. Say instead, I'm going to eat healthier this year. This New Year I've decided to set goals for myself. Take baby steps so my body doesn't go into shock. I'm going to do my best to give up a few things that aren't good for me. No, I don't have any bad habits like doing drugs and drinking. I'm talking about certain foods, and life choices. Find less stress in my life. I'm always telling my staff, don't fret over things outside your circle of influence. If you can change it, do, if you can't, let it go and move on.

I think I'll take a page out of my own book.

So...what are some of your New Year's Resolutions?

2011-12-27T08:37:00.001-05:00

Okay, don't laugh at my old 1940's rocker. It's perfect for me and I love it. I just wanted to show you what my feline family does the minute I walk out of the room. GinGin, the calico is so heavy that the back of the chair goes back in the reclining position when she's on it. They love my chair, too. So I can't get rid of it. They won't move until I turn and lower my butt toward them:)

GinGin also likes laying on the foot rest.

2011-12-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

OMG, people are crazy! Today was the third biggest shopping day of the year. Are you kidding me? As if black Friday wasn't bad enough. I'll never understand why anyone would want to fight the traffic and crowds to return gifts family and friends spent time looking for, or to spend those gift cards as if they'll expire any second. Okay, so maybe there are some terrific deals out there. But is it worth it? I tried that route one year and stashed the stuff away, totally forgetting about them the following Christmas.

Did you have a nice Christmas? I had to work that morning and spent the rest of the day with Earl. I had a stomach virus so was sick a couple days. In spite of that I fixed a small ham dinner for us. Napped and watched A Christmas Story. Just enjoyed spending quiet time together.

Less than one more week and we'll be entering a new year. I've already got some exciting things planned! Like an MRI, Dexa Scan and Mammogram:)

Monday Man Candy

2011-12-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

I never knew a back could be so handsome! Do you think he's waiting to be frisked?

2011-12-24T05:39:00.006-05:00

Has everyone voted?

2011-12-21T09:45:00.004-05:00

There's only a few more days left to vote for your choice of Romance of the Year 2011 over at Deep in the Heart Romance! Yours truly has a book listed for the title:) Link above.

Around the World with Virginia Campbell

2011-12-20T03:21:00.003-05:00

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD WITH VIRGINIA CAMPBELL

Santa Claus is the original globe-trotter and multi-tasker. What a guy! Although he has many different aliases, such as Father Christmas, Old Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or just plain "Santy", the image of a jolly old soul with a white beard and a hearty belly-laugh is recognized around the globe. The original St. Nicholas was born in the third century in the area that eventually became the country of Turkey. Selfless and devout, Nicholas became Bishop of Myra in the city now known as Demre, Turkey. Living his whole life as a follower of the principles of Jesus Christ, Nicholas worked for justice and cared for those in need. There are some who say St. Nicholas existed only in legend, without any reliable historical record. Legends usually do grow out of real, actual events, though they may be embellished to make more interesting stories. Many of the St. Nicholas stories seem to be truth interwoven with imagination. St. Nicholas followed the words of the Lord, to "lay up treasure for yourself in Heaven," by praying every day, by fasting, and by performing good deeds. The legend of St. Nicholas began with the perception that God worked many miracles through Nicholas. People began to call him a "wonderworker" (a person who works wonders or performs miracles). Many people were so inspired by his life of service to others that they too aspired to perform good deeds and show compassion for the inhabitants of the world around them. Throughout the centuries, the personas and images of St. Nicholas have been changed and reinvented, although he is always perceived as a kindly old man who is capable of a great many miraculous and magical deeds. Whatever your conception of St. Nicholas or Santa Claus may be, and whether or not you are a person of faith of any denomination, there is no denying that the holiday season is celebrated around the world with time-honored customs and festivities.

"INDIA'S "SANDA CLAUS"

Christians are a minority in India, comprising only a very small percentage of the population. However, Christmas is celebrated in India not only by Christians, but by people of other religions as well. The tradition of Christmas observance was introduced here with the colonization of Europeans. Though the country gained its independence in 1947, many European customs and festivals stayed on. The fact that there is the presence of a Christian community in India helped to maintain these traditions. Today, Christmas is the biggest and most-loved festival of Indian Christians. The festival is also enthusiastically celebrated by people of other religious denominations. As in many other countries, Christmas is observed in India on 25th December. Everyone gears up for the festival from nearly a week before. Stores are decked up for the occasion with every gift shop packed with Christmas trees, presents, ornaments and other items of decoration for those who embrace the season

According to legend, on Christmas Eve in Germany rivers turn to wine, animals speak to each other, tree blossoms bear fruit, mountains open up to reveal precious gems, and church bells can be heard ringing from the bottom of the sea. Of course, only the pure in heart can witness this Christmas magic. All others must content themselves with traditional German celebrating, of which there is plenty. As a matter of fact, there is so much celebrating that is has to begin on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day. As in many other European countries, on the eve of Dec. 6th children place a shoe or boot by the fireplace. During the night, St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, hops from house to house carrying a book of sins in which all of the misdeeds of the children are written. If they have been good, he fills the shoe or boot with delicious holiday edibles. If they have not been good, their shoe is filled with twigs. The custom of trimming and lighting a Christmas tree had its origin in pre-Christian Germany, the tree symbolizing the Garden of Eden. It was called the "Paradise Baum," or tree of Paradise. Gradually, the custom of decorating the tree with cookies, fruit and eventually candles evolved. Other countries soon adapted the custom. The combination of a useful tool and a figural form with a human appearance, the nutcracker is a much-loved holiday decoration. The job of the nutcracker was to work hard for the children of the family by biting open the nuts. The Nutcracker King made his appearance in 1891 as an enchanted prince in Peter Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite", and to this day, he continues to win the hearts of children of all ages. The famous ballet contributes to the ever-increasing popularity of the nutcrackers as collectible objects.

In France, Christmas is a time for family and for generosity, marked by family reunions, gifts and candy for children, gifts for the poor, Midnight Mass, and le Réveillon. The celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. Most provinces celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, which is a bank holiday. However, in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on 6 December, la fête de Saint Nicolas, and in some provinces la fête des Rois* is one the most important holidays of the Christmas season. In Lyon, 8 December is la Fête de lumières, when Lyonnais pay homage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in their windows to light up the city. In 1962, a law was passed decreeing that all letters written to Santa would responded to with a postcard. When a class writes a letter, each student gets a response. Although fewer and fewer French attend la Messe de Minuit on Christmas Eve, it is still an important part of Christmas for many families. It is followed by a huge feast, called le Réveillon (from the verb réveiller, to wake up or to revive). Le Réveillon is a symbolic awakening to the meaning of Christ's birth and is the culinary high point of the season, which may be enjoyed at home or in a restaurant or café that is open all night. Each region in France has its own traditional Christmas menu, with dishes like goose, chicken, capon, turkey stuffed with chestnuts, oysters, and boudin blanc (similar to white pudding). Another important aspect of French Christmas celebrations is the crèche , which is displayed in churches and many homes. Living crèches in the form of plays and puppet shows based on the Nativity are commonly performed to teach the important ideas of Christianity and the Christmas celebration. Mistletoe is hung above the door during the Christmas season to bring good fortune throughout the year. In Provence, an area of southeastern France, the entire family helps bring in the Yule Log, which must be large enough to burn from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. Many years ago, part of this log was used to make the wedge for the plough as good luck for the coming harvest.

CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, FRANCE

Christmas in Mexico, in both traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. Every home will have a Nativity scene. The hosts of the home are the innkeepers, and the neighborhood children and adults are Los Peregrinos, the Pilgrims going to Bethlehem. The Peregrinos will ask for lodging in three different houses but only the third one will allow them in. Once the innkeepers let them in, the group of guests comes into the home and kneels around the Nativity scene to pray the Rosary. After all the prayer is done, then it comes the party for the children. There will be a Piñata, filled with peanuts in the shell, oranges, tangerines, sugar canes, and hard candy. The children will sing while the child in turn is trying to break the Piñata with a stick while he/she will be blindfolded. Although the Piñata was originally from Italy, it has become a Mexican tradition for celebrations where there are children involved. The Piñata was originally made out of a clay pot and decorated with crepe paper in different colors. Today's piñatas are made out of cardboard and paper mache techniques and decorated with crepe paper. This change was made to prevent the children from cutting their hands when going for the fruit and candy when the Piñata was broken and the clay piece would become a hazard. They have all kinds of designs besides the traditional star.

Christmas in Australia is celebrated during the Australian Summer. So, no snow and log fires, but Australia is a multicultural country and traditions are often mingled and derived from a mixture of other countries. Christmas Trees, Father Christmas, Christmas Carols and gifts are part of the celebration, and Christmas Dinner may be a barbeque in the backyard or a picnic on a beach. Champagne may be served instead of eggnog, and Pavlova is favored over Plum Pudding. Christmas also coincides with the Summer Holidays and quite often families will celebrate Christmas away from home. The big events of the Christmas season are the Carols By Candlelight. These began in Melbourne in 1937 and are outside concerts in the warm summer evenings where people sit on blankets light candles and join together to sing Christmas Carols. Most towns have a concert and two major ones are televised across Australia from Sydney and Melbourne. The trend for Christmas in Australia has been toward seafood - prawns, lobsters, crabs, mussels, scallops, pippies, and cold salad as Christmas fare. Fine Australian wine and robust Australian beer are perfect for holiday cheers.

On Christmas Eve in Greece, carols are usually sung by small boys to the beating of drums and the tinkling of triangles. They go from house to house and are rewarded with dried figs, almonds, walnuts, sweets and, sometimes, small gifts. Very few presents are exchanged between friends and family during Christmas. Instead, small gifts are given to hospitals and orphanages. Priests sometimes visit homes sprinkling holy water around in order to dispel any bad spirits which may be hiding in the houses. Most Greek families decorate their tress with tinsel and a topmost star. Any gifts which are exchanged are done so on January 1st, Saint Basil's Day. On Christmas Eve, groups of people gather around the holiday table to feast upon figs which have been dried on rooftops, served with spicy, goden Chrisopsomo bread, and such sweets as kourambiethe, a Greek nut cookie. During the twelve days of Christmas, there is a tradition called kallikantzeri when, it is believed, mischievous goblins appear from below the earth.

Have you ever celebrated the holidays in a country different from where you make your home? Is there somewhere in the world that is your dream holiday destination? What customs from other countries are part of your heritage? What is your most cherished holiday tradition or favorite recipe? I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a fabulous new year in 2012!

"WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS"

FOR SANTA'S COOKIE PLATE:

KULKULS--made all over India at Christmas time

4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
1 cup coconut cream
4 tbsps sugar, powdered
1 tbsp butter
Oil for deep frying
1 cup sugar (granulated)
3-4 tbsps water

Mix the flour and baking powder well. Add the butter a little at a time, mixing gently. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the flour-butter mix. Add the powdered sugar and coconut milk to this and mix into a soft dough. Form the dough into small marble-sized balls. Grease the back of a fork with some oil and flatten and press a ball of dough onto it. Starting at one end, roll the dough off the fork and into a tight curl. The end result will be a tube-like curl with the design from the fork on it! Make the remaining dough in the same manner till it is all used up. Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan on a medium flame. When hot, fry the kulkuls in it, making sure to turn often, till they are a light golden brown in color. Drain and cool on paper towels. Put the granulated sugar and water in a separate pan and cook till the sugar melts fully. Put the cooled kulkuls into this sugar syrup and coat well. Remove and allow to sit in a plate till the sugar encrusts on the kulkuls. When fully cooled, you can store the kulkuls for a considerable amount of time if kept in an air-tight container.

Pfeffernusse Cookies--German Tradition

1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup margarine
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons anise extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting
Stir together the molasses, honey, shortening, and margarine in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until creamy. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in the eggs. Combine the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combines. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Bake in preheated oven 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.

FRENCH CHRISTMAS COOKIES

1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. honey
2 egg yolks
1/4 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 c. sifted cake flour

Cream butter until soft, add sugar and beat. Add honey and egg yolks. Add milk, vanilla, and beat. Add flour gradually. Beat after addition. Chill dough. Roll out and cut. Bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Cool and frost with white or chocolate icing.

Mexican Christmas Cookies: Galletas de Navidad
1 1/2 cups butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
juice of 1 lime
2 1/2 cups fruit preserves
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease two cookie sheets. Mix the butter, 1/3 cup sugar and flour until well blended. Add the vanilla and egg yolks and mix until a large ball can be formed. Knead the dough 4 to 5 minutes, dust with flour, cover with plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour. Beat the egg whites until stiff, lower mixer speed and gradually add ¾ cup sugar and the lime juice. Beat for 1 minute, until the mixture is shiny. On a large, floured surface roll out the dough.

Transfer it to the greased cookie sheets and continue to roll out until very thin. Combine the preserves and the Grand Marnier, then spread the mixture over the dough. Cover the preserves with the beaten egg white mixture and sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and chopped walnuts. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until egg whites are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven, allow to cool and cut into squares. Makes about 2 ½ dozen.

Kourambiedes (A Greek Christmas Cookie)
2 cups butter, softened
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 -4 cups flour
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon brandy
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 cup almonds, chopped and roasted
some rose water or orange flower water (available in many ethnic groceries) or ouzo
extra confectioner's sugar, for rolling the cookies in

Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer for 15 minutes, until it begins to turn white. Mix in the baking powder and baking soda. Add the egg yolks, the brandy, and gradually add the flour, until you have a dough that is neither too soft nor too firm (you may need to add slightly more than the amount I've written); stir in the almonds. Let the dough stand for an hour in a warm place (away from drafts - the inside of your oven is fine) covered by a towel. Next, with small amounts (about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough), shape small rounds by gently rolling the dough around between the palms of your hands. Arrange the round cookies on a buttered pan and flatten ever so slightly on top with your hand. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes.

ANZAC BISCUITS--Australian favorite

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup flaked coconut
2 tablespoons golden syrup*
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon boiling water

Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut. Melt syrup and butter together. Mix soda with boiling water and add to melted butter and syrup, add to dry ingredients. Place teaspoonfuls of mixture well spaced on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 300 F for 20 minutes.

Note: * if you are unable to locate golden syrup, try substituting it with 2 parts light corn syrup and 1 part molasses or equal parts of honey and light corn syrup.

2011-12-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

I had a nice surprise at work today. My staff gave me a gift card to Beall's for Christmas. I was glad I chose today to bring in the little gifts I got for each of them. I'd been waiting because I didn't want them to think they had to go out and get me something. Now, because of how it turned out today, we all know we did it from the heart.

Monday Man Candy

2011-12-19T05:02:00.001-05:00

Dreamy!

2011-12-18T13:50:00.002-05:00

2011-12-17T05:00:00.002-05:00

Eve chats with God. "Lord, I have a problem."

"What is it, Eve?"

"I know that you created me and provided this beautiful garden and all of these wonderful animals, especially that hilarious snake, but I'm just not happy."

"And why is that Eve?"

"Lord, I'm lonely, and I'm sick to death of apples."

"Well, Eve, in that case I have a solution. I shall create a man for you."

"Man? What is that Lord?"

"A flawed creature with many bad traits. He'll lie, cheat and be vain. All in all he'll give you a hard time, but he'll be bigger and faster and will like to hunt and kill things. I'll create him in such a way that he will satisfy your physical needs. He will be witless and will revel in childish things like playing cards and knocking a ball about.

"He won't be as smart as you, so he will also need your advice to think properly."

"Sounds great," says Eve, with ironically raised eyebrows," but what's the catch?"

"Well,..... you can have him on one condition."

"And what's that Lord? "

"Well, since he'll be proud, arrogant and self-admiring, you'll have to let him believe that I made him first. And it will have to be our little secret..... you know, woman to woman."

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop

2011-12-13T11:03:00.003-05:00

Congratulations NEDRAW! You are the lucky winner!

Whoohoo! There are 72 blogs signed up for this hop, and each one is giving away a prize. The link below will take you to the page of links to follow.

My giveaway is a $20 egift certificate to All Romance eBooks, Bath and Body Works, or Victoria's Secret, winner's choice!

Let the party begin!

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/12/12-days-of-christmas-blog-hop-is-hosted.html

Monday Man Candy

2011-12-12T05:00:00.001-05:00

Wow! Both of these are fine specimens!

I'm Done!

2011-12-11T10:47:00.002-05:00

Finished up my Christmas shopping this weekend. Did most of it online but did pick up a few toys for the baby at Wal-Mart. My daughter wrapped all the kids stuff last night after they went to bed. I hate wrapping. And she refuses to let me put them in a gift bag. Had to laugh because when she was done she put everything under the tree and said, there's Damein's stuff, pointed to a stack, there's Alivia's stuff, then Masons. Then she pointed to a spot and said, and there's my stuff. I said, I don't see anything. She said, that's my stuff! Nothing.

She has stuff, she just doesn't know it yet.

By the way, not a good idea to get your nails done right before shopping. In less than an hour three of them were messed up good!

ONE STOP SHOP

2011-12-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

Hey, has anyone checked out the excerpt of The Mercenary Way posted on the coming soon link above? For those of you who might have missed an earlier post, this is now my official website/blog site. I combined the two for easier access for my readers.

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

I love my new shop vac! I don't care if I am a dork. With three cats in my part of the house keeping ahead of all the hair has become an issue. First I purchased a sharp sweeper. It doesn't get the corners or baseboards very good. So then I invested in a sharp mini vacuum, but that required too much work on my knees and with my bad back I neglected using it. Recently I saw an add for a shop vacuum on sale and ordered it. And I love it.

Just used it for the first time this morning and got all the corners and baseboards done. Plus, the suction is so great that every lost cat ball under the bed was soon on the tip of the wand. For a clean freak it made a usually long and painful job short and sweet.

I don't care if it is big and bulky.

2011-12-08T22:47:00.001-05:00

For years I have had to live with constant pain in my back, hips and legs due to a degenerative condition. There were days when I could barely walk. Times when my leg would give out, or be numb to the point that I would stumble because I didn't lift my foot high enough off the ground.

The last year or so I've had to grab shopping carts in order to make it through the store. The last time I went to St. Augustine the baby stroller came to my rescue. Finally I have some relief! My doctor started me on cortisone shots in my spine and I felt a big difference after the first one. Today I had number two.

I've even started getting some decent sleep again! I can only have three shots a year so I'm hoping I can skip next week and bank it for later. I know surgery is down the line but for now I'll take the shots and gladly.

What a difference, not to have some kind of pain every day. Whoohoo!!!

Celebrity Mugshots

2011-12-07T09:03:00.001-05:00

Thought some of you might find this interesting. I know I did. It's nice to know that even the famous make mistakes, however they don't always pay for them. Look how many chances Lindsey Lohan has been given. And it certainly isn't doing her any good!

Okay, who is this guy? He's a celebrity?

Mel Gibson was so handsome when he was younger. If he'd taken care of himself he would have aged gracefully, like George Clooney. And he's not all that old now, but he looks like a man who has lived a hard life. My opinion is that alcohol takes its toll on your looks because I think he's a lot younger than he is in the picture below.

Can you believe this is her mugshot? She looks like she's posing, and worse then that, could care less that she's been arrested!

Here's another man who is really quite handsome when he's all together. I would say that no one takes a good mugshot...but the above picture would make me out a liar. LOL

The first thought that comes to mind when I look at this picture is Jesus.

No words needed.

Another handsome man. Though these days he never seems to be put together.

Who is this handsome, young lawbreaker?

Monday Man Candy

2011-12-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

The more the merrier!

I did something stupid today...

2011-12-04T21:57:00.000-05:00

I blame it on turning fifty-six. I was on my way home on I-4 when I came up on a sign that advertised the kind of food places you could find at that particular exit. The word Krystal's just reached out and grabbed me. I was hungry. And I hadn't had a Krystal burger in years. I veered off the exit and drove until I found it. I was almost drooling with anticipation. I remembered how much I liked those little burgers on the grease soaked buns, when I was a kid.

I pulled up to the speaker and ordered four original Krystal's and an ice tea. Next stop was the pickup window, where I paid a dollar twenty-five for what used to be a fifteen cent burger. I glanced in, watching as four burgers in those neat little boxes was placed on the counter next to the window. I waited, and waited some more. My eyes glued to those boxes, knowing those were my Krystal's. Just sitting there, cooling. I licked my lips, waiting some more. What was taking them so long? Finally someone showed up with my tea, dropped the boxes into a bag and brought them to me.

I wolfed one down before I even got out of the drive through and back on to the main road. Oh God it was good! Just as I remembered. The second one went down a little slower but I hadn't satisfied my taste buds yet. It was still good. I pulled the third one out of the bag and about halfway through I found myself slowing down considerably. Each bite had begun to lose its appeal to me. The soggy bread, yuck! The paper thin gray meat probably wasn't meat at all. The only way I got the rest down was with a swig of ice tea.

I looked over at hamburger number four and made a face. Two Krystal's would have been enough. But I'd ruined it by trying to force four down, thinking it might be another life time before I got another one. Have you ever wanted something so bad, and then realized after getting it that it didn't stand up to what you remembered? The build up, the anticipation, hadn't delivered.

Hamburger number four is in the garbage.

2011-12-04T05:00:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

This year I get to celebrate it with my grandson Mason. He turned one on the first. It's hard to imagine life without the little rascal! Until he came along I'd always been partial to girls. After all, we didn't have any boys in the family. My daughter and I used to say, "what do we do with a boy?" LOL We sure found out soon enough!

Get a room!

2011-12-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

Say hi to Josee Renard everyone!

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-05:00

Tory, thanks so much for having me at Romance With an Attitude and for giving me an in to this guest blog with the title of yours. I guess it's the way I like to live my life - with an attitude. Luckily, it's a good attitude, definitely upbeat, maybe because I always think of my mom's favorite saying: Life wasn't meant to be easy, but it was meant to be fun.

My life isn't always easy, in fact, it's generally pretty damn complicated. I do contract work (for two or three or sometimes four different law firms) as a paralegal and I teach, both law to junior paralegals and creative writing. I write. A lot. I have friends, a partner, family. I'm a voracious reader - it's my addiction. I love to shop. So, although it's taken me quite a while to figure it out, I'm never going to be the kind of a writer who has great big long blocks of time to write. Or wants them.

And maybe that's a good thing because I seem to write - and live - better that way. I use a kitchen timer for writing (and I might as well use one for my daily schedule) - a friend gave me one that's shaped like a lemon. (And yes, I know, there's an alarm on my computer but it just doesn't feel the same.) I set it for a half hour and I write. When the bell rings, I stop, even if I'm right in the middle of a sentence. I set it again for a half hour and I do something else.

And the rest of my life is kind of like my writing. On an average day I might write (which includes blogging, writing fresh pages, editing, email) for an hour or so, go to one office for a couple of hours, take a break to run errands (bank, shopping, dentist, whatever), off to the other office for a few more hours, meet my book club, my partner or a friend for dinner or drop in at the Art Gallery for a quick run-through, then home to catch up on email and maybe some edits or a few fresh pages. Some days are even more complicated. And you know what? If I was working full time and putting in these ten or twelve hour days, I'd be exhausted. Variety for me equals satisfaction.

I can't tell you how many years it's taken me to figure this out. The reality is that in every single aspect of my life I am very easily bored. So, obviously, this crazy schedule is what I need to make me productive, to keep me sane, to make me happy. I'm a very lucky woman to be able to live and thrive in this insanity.

For the past four months I've added to my craziness by writing a ten part serial (yep, just like Dickens) that's been released week after week after week. It's great fun because I get to write the continuing saga of Jules and Mercy, who own the Part Time Lovers website, which promises the right sexual partner for right now, and each week, I get to meet and write about a new set of their clients.

This week, it's If It’s Magic

I'm onto something else already - in fact, I'm onto two or three other things. A story about an immortal goddess, a story about a woman's search for her mother, a five book series about a group of men who call themselves the Losers Club. Oh, yeah, and then there's...

Well, you get the picture.

Blurb:

Jules and Mercy are getting ready for the Part Time Lovers annual Christmas party, but even that excitement isn’t enough to drag Mercy out of the doldrums while she waits for Rafa to arrive for the holidays. Jules wants to cheer her up and the magic of Room 1217 might be just the answer. Almost a century ago, Cassandra and William spent five years meeting in this room and hiding their relationship from their fathers. Now, Mercy is dreaming their romance and sexual awakening, each and every moment of it.

Giveaway: Just comment and tell me What Works for You and you’ll be entered to win a copy of the ebook, If It’s Magic.

Links:
You can find Josee at:

http://joseerenard.wordpress.com/

http://www.joseerenard.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josee-Renard/163055307086304/
http://www.twitter.com/Josee_Renard
http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/joseerenard.htm

2011-11-29T11:20:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like Mom's lap no matter who you are. This is precious!!!!

This is a newborn offspring of Taskin, a Gypsy Stallion owned by

Villa Vanners of Oregon.

These pictures were taken immediately after his birth on April 6.

The mare laid down, and then he trotted around and crawled right up into her lap.

Monday Man Candy

2011-11-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

I don't like the bikini cut but I sure like the boxer briefs on the stud muffin in the middle. And while he might not be built like any of the men below, he's got some sexy legs!

Does this make up for missing last week's man candy?

What an honor!

2011-11-25T13:00:00.004-05:00

Guess what! I just got a message from my publisher at Whiskey Creek Press and my book cover for Someone to Love Me is featured in our 2012 Whiskey Creek Press Torrid calendar! How cool is that? I didn't even know it was being considered. Check it out here. It's beautiful and there's a link that allows you to view all 12 months.

A Great Household Tip Ladies:)

2011-11-25T12:47:00.001-05:00

Always keep several get well cards on the mantlepiece so if unexpected guests arrive,they will think you've been sick, and unable to clean.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING MY FRIENDS!

2011-11-24T11:16:00.001-05:00

Enjoy your holiday!

2011-11-22T15:19:00.002-05:00

THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL IS SOMEONE WHO STIRS THE POT AND THEN STANDS BACK TO WATCH IT BOIL.

Around the World with Virginia Campbell

2011-11-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

"A FLAVORFUL ADVENTURE AWAITS!"

The Netherlands is a small country nestled between Belgium and Germany on the North Sea Coast. Over half of the landmass is below sea level which necessitates the need for the historic Dutch levees and dykes to hold the encroaching water at bay. The national government comprises three main institutions: the Monarch, the Council of Ministers, and the States General (parliament). There also are local governments. The Dutch are primarily of Germanic stock with some Gallo-Celtic mixture. Their homeland frequently has been threatened with destruction by the North Sea and has often been invaded by the great European powers. Julius Caesar found the region which is now the Netherlands inhabited by Germanic tribes in the first century B.C. The capital city is Amsterdam, located in the province of North Holland. Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands.

Classic Dutch houses in Zaans Schans, a popular tourist destination just 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam

Traditional Dutch cuisine may be simple, wholesome and hearty, but the variety of food on offer in Amsterdam is huge and influenced by culinary styles from across the globe. The Netherlands was once a major colonial power and its trading ships brought back exotic ingredients, ideas and people from former colonies to settle. Dutch chefs branched out and tried new flavors, and as such, "fusion" food has long been a feature of Amsterdam's menus. From its street-corner fish-stalls to its cafés and top-flight gourmet restaurants, eating out in Amsterdam can be full of surprises. Over 50 national cuisines are represented, offering a sometimes bewildering variety of choice and good value for money. The heaviest influences are due to historic ties to France and Indonesia. The quality varies, and the range of foods on offer is vast, from Vietnamese to Lebanese, Thai to Greek, Indian to Turkish, Moroccan to Japanese. Indeed, it is difficult to find a country whose cuisine is not represented by some restaurant in the Netherlands. There is also an infinite variety in the range of food, contents, presentation and price. The majority of ethnic restaurants are situated in larger towns and cities, but even in the countryside their numbers are steadily increasing.

AMSTERDAM

With agriculture taking precedence, many of the traditional Dutch dishes include lots of vegetables as opposed to meat, and draw heavily on dairy products. The locals practice fishing and farming, producing their own crops and keeping domesticated animals. It is for this reason that the vegetarian count in the country is very high. Holland produces the most well known cuisine from the country. The most famous product is the Hollandse nieuwe (soused herring) which is caught on the coast and served with onions. Mussels are also popular. A lot of cheese is made here, with the most prominent being Gouda, Edam and Leerdammer. Fresh seafood, including mussels and shrimps, is a speciality. Zeeuwse bolus, a sweet bread covered with caramelized sugar and spices such as cinnamon is also greatly enjoyed.

Windmills are said to have existed in Holland from about 1200. Manpower or horse-power was insufficient, just as for the pumping of the polders and the drainage of the lakes; rivers or brooks with a fall sufficient to supply the requisite power for industrial purposes by the use of a water-wheel did not exist in Holland. The only natural source of power available in these regions to an abundant degree was the wind. This natural form of energy, which was freely available every day, was utilized by the inhabitants on a huge scale; because of this, the construction of windmills was raised to a high degree of mechanical perfection.

The typical Dutch menu offers good, solid fare. Pork, hams and all kinds of sausages are popular, while the North Sea provides plenty of fresh fish, especially cod, herring and mackerel, as well as its own variety of tiny brown shrimps. Leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, endive (chicory) and curly kale make regular appearances, frequently mashed with the ubiquitous potato. Sauerkraut arrived from Germany long ago and is now considered a native dish. The world famous Gouda and Edam cheeses are sold at various stages of maturity, and with flavorings such as cloves, cumin or herbs.

Surprisingly, the Netherlands was not the first place to grow the tulip. As early as 1,000 AD, the Turks were cultivating tulips; their source was the mountainous region of central Asia that borders Russia and China. Many believe the flower was named for its resemblance to turbans worn in the Middle East. “Turban” in Latin becomes “tulipa.” Dutch tulip history began in 1593 when botanist Carolus Clusius discovered tulips growing in Vienna, and began cultivating them in the Netherlands. A group of “enterprising” Dutchmen stole a portion of Clusius’ collection and cultivated the seeds for sale. Initially, the tulip was a rarity only the very wealthy could afford. By 1624 the price of one Rembrandt-type tulip reached the equivalent of $1,500. The time between 1634 and 1637, commonly known as “Tulipmania,” is often compared to the Stock Market surge of the 1920’s. In 1637, tulip trading crashed, leaving many of the rich instantly impoverished. Despite these challenges, the Dutch have managed to maintain a commercial devotion to the tulip. Today the Netherlands produces three billion tulip bulbs each year, two billion of which are exported. The U.S. is the top importer of tulip bulbs.

Old Delftware , was made as early as the 16th century. It was originally a low-fired earthenware, that was coated in a very thin opaque tin glaze with painted on blue or polychrome design. It was in the last half of the 19th century that the Delftware became commonly referred to as Delft. It acquired its name from the Dutch village of the same name, where it was being widely produced.

Wooden shoes have been popular in the Netherlands for about 700 years. Wooden shoe wearers claim the shoes are warm in winter, cool in summer and provide support for good posture. The wood also absorbs perspiration so that the foot can breathe. Wooden shoes, as icons of Dutch culture, appear in customs such as the practice of young Dutch men presenting their fiancees with a pair of carved wooden shoes.

Dutch chocolate is actually the name for a process known as "dutching," which is the removal of cocoa butter from cocoa beans. A Dutch chocolatier named Conrad J. Van Houten actually created a hydraulic machine in 1828 called the cocoa press that made the process easier, hence the term "dutching" and the name, Dutch chocolate. Part of the process of dutching is that after the cocoa butter is removed from the beans, it's treated with an alkalizing agent to give it a more mild flavor and change the color. (Extreme alkalizing products can effect the color of the cocoa so much that it can even appear to be black.) Dutch chocolate forms the basis for a lot of chocolate candy, ice cream, and baking cocoa. In addition, the alkalizing agent makes it easier to disperse in milk and other drinks.

Dutch cuisine has long been recognized for its bread and cheese, with the Netherlands renowned for their dairy produce. Some of the most famous cheeses are Edam and Leyden, which blend herbs and spices to create their strong yet distinctive flavors. Sugarbread and rye bread are eaten for breakfast or lunch as they are of a light consistency, whilst Kerststol is traditionally made for Christmas and consists of bread dough, sugar, dried fruits, and lemon/orange zest. Other Dutch delicacies include snert (a type of thick pea soup), stamppot (mashed potato and vegetables) and desserts such as vla (vanilla custard) or yogurt. The Netherlands exports the largest proportion of beer of any country in the world - approximately 50% of global production. There are three main brewery companies in the Netherlands: Heineken (which also brews Amstel), Groslch, and Bavaria.

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Have you visited the Netherlands? Are you of Dutch heritage and have some traditions and family stories to share? I hope you will enjoy this sampling of traditional Dutch recipes:

Dutch Bacon & Apple Pancakes
1 cup white flour (140 g)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk (250 ml)
1 egg
1 tsp butter
1 tsp oil
10 rashers of bacon, sliced into thin strips
3 crisp apples, thinly sliced

‘Suikerstroop’ (Dutch pancake syrup) or a syrup of your choice*

Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and a little of the milk to a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk gradually, while whisking. Add the egg, beating the mixture well. For a lighter texture, leave to rest for a few hours or overnight. Melt the butter and oil in a large frying pan and wait until it sizzles. Pour in enough of the mixture to cover the entire surface of the pan (spread the mixture evenly by tilting the pan). Bake until bubbles appear on the surface and turn over. Pancakes should be pale gold on both sides. Set aside. Fry bacon in the pan until crisp and/or cooked. Remove to a paper towel to drain. Now add the sliced apples to the bacon fat and caramelize. Drain on paper towels. Serve pancakes open-faced on the plate, top with apples and bacon and drizzle some suikerstroop on top.

*Dutch pancake syrup is a dark molasses-like syrup, but you could use golden syrup or maple syrup instead.

Asparagus Hollandaise
8 -10 asparagus spears per person (approx. 3.5 pounds/1.6 kilos for four people)
1 tsp salt
4 whole eggs & 4 egg yolks
8 slices boiled ham
4 tbsp dry white wine (e.g. Pinot Blanc d’ Alsace)
1 cup melted butter (100 g)
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt and white pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley

Soak the asparagus in cold water as soon as you get them home. Rinse and peel with a potato peeler (start from just under the head and work your way down). Now cut the woody bit off the end (about 1/2"/1 cm). Place the asparagus and salt in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to the boil. Now temper the heat slightly and allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. Take off the heat and leave the asparagus in the hot water for a further 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, boil 4 of the eggs and chop finely. Slice the ham into fine strips.

For the Hollandaise, beat egg yolks and wine until foamy. Place on a low heat and beat continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and add the melted butter in a thin trickle, while continuing to whisk. Add the nutmeg, lemon juice, salt and white pepper. Whisk again, and set aside.

Gently drain the cooked asparagus. Be careful not to damage the tender heads. Plate them up, making sure the asparagus are facing in the same direction, and top with the Hollandaise sauce, chopped ham and boiled eggs. Scatter parsley over and serve with the rest of the chilled wine.

Farmers Cheese Soup

4 tablespoons butter
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 medium-sized carrots, scraped and cut into ¼-inch dice
2 medium-sized boiling potatoes (about ½ pound), peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice
½ pound cauliflower, trimmed, washed and separated into small flowerets
¼ pound celery root (celeriac), peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice
1 quart chicken stock, fresh or canned
4 lean bacon slices
4 slices homemade-type white bread, cut about ½ inch thick and trimmed of all crusts
¼ pound imported Gouda cheese, cut into 1/8-inch slices

In a heavy 2- to 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the onions, carrots, potatoes, cauliflower and celery root. Stirring frequently, cook for about 5 minutes, then pour in the stock. Bring to a boil over high heat, partially cover the pan, and lower the heat. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not too soft. Meanwhile, in a heavy 12-inch skillet, fry the bacon over moderate heat until the slices are brown and crisp around the edges and have rendered most of their fat. With tongs, transfer the bacon slices to paper towels to drain. Add the slices of bread to the fat remaining in the skillet and fry until they are crisp and brown on both sides. Set the fried bread aside on paper towels to drain. Just before serving, preheat the broiler to its highest setting. Pour the soup into a ½- to 2-quart ovenproof tureen or casserole. Float the bacon slices on top of the soup and cover each of them with a slice of fried bread and then a slice of cheese, arranging them so they mask the surface of the soup. Slide the tureen or casserole under the broiler (the top of the tureen should be about 3 inches from the heat) and broil for 2 or 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns a delicate brown.

Speculaas (Dutch Windmill Cookies)

Dutch windmill cookies are traditionally made using wood cookie forms that have passed through the generations. Today, they can be made into any shape you like, using cookie cutters.

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup finely chopped blanched almonds, divided

In a bowl, beat the butter 30 seconds or until softened. Combine the remaining ingredients, except for the almonds, in a small bowl. Add half of this mixture into the butter. Stir until mixed. Add the remaining flour mixture and 1/3 cup almonds and stir until mixed. Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface roll one portion of the dough to 1/8" thickness. Cut into desired shapes, place on greased cookie sheet and decorate with remaining almonds (if desired). Repeat with second half of dough. Bake at 350 degrees 8-10 minutes, or until browned. Cool on cookie sheet one minute. Remove and allow to cool.

To Show My Gratitude!

2011-11-17T10:26:00.001-05:00

Dear Readers,

I truly appreciate your support and without you let's face it, I wouldn't be here. There are 190 other blog hosts doing the same thing between now and November 27th. So hop on the train. Some lucky person will receive an autographed copy of one of my print books, their choice, a 2012 calendar, a candle and a few other goodies! Be sure and leave a comment so I'll know you've been here. And follow me on twitter. That's it!

Link to where you can find the other hosts also showing their gratitude.
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/november-giveaway-hop_08.html

Twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/ToryRichards

Good luck!

2011-11-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, can someone please explain to me why one side of the road the speed limit sign says 55 but on the other side it says 65? I take a toll road home sometimes and just noticed this the other day. Don't you think that's weird?

Men!

2011-11-15T06:25:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I had some work done in the house. An ex brother-in-law and his son-in-law did the work for me. And like when they enclosed the double car garage into a room for me a year ago, they did a top notch job, at a very reasonable price. While fitting in a new closet door they had to remove some of the baseboard. Of course, he used some loud tool and not only did it stink but it made a mess. Dust went every where. But I knew they'd clean it up before leaving.

So...I'm sitting in my chair, working on the computer and watching syfy, when I hear them begin to clean up. First the tools, and garbage. Then they broke out the vacuum. I had a couple area rugs down and I glanced over just in time to see my ex brother-in-law pick one up and then proceed to shake it out. Not just a little. But like you might do when you take it out.

My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I snapped at him, that's not something you do in the house! He was making a bigger mess because all the dust and saw dust was flying all over the furniture, where as before it was mostly on the carpet. He just kind of chuckled like it was no big deal. His son-in-law and I exchanged a look and just shook our heads with disbelief.

Oh, they cleaned up their mess. But left a mess for me to clean up in the process. And it occurred to me, my hubby does the same thing. I honestly believe they have no clue what all we do to keep a house clean. Example: A conversation between hubby and me one afternoon.

It was a Saturday and I was puttering around the house. Hubby was sitting in his chair watching TV. I have an antique crock collection and was in the process of wiping them down, as well as the shelves they were on.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Cleaning," I respond.

"Why are you doing that?"

I looked at him...and smiled. "Why do you think? They're dirty. How do you think the house stays clean? I just twitch my nose and bam, everything is done?"

"I've never seen you clean them before."

He should never have got me started. "There are a lot of things you don't see me do around here, but the house is clean isn't it? And we both know that you didn't do it."

He shut up and went back to watching his TV show.

Monday Man Candy

2011-11-14T05:00:00.001-05:00

Oh ladies...he's got that smoldering, I've got to have you now look going on! He might be a little too pretty for my tastes but I love those eyes!

2011-11-13T18:09:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! I just added an excerpt for The Mercenary Way on the coming soon page, link above. I hope you enjoy it.

My Veteran

2011-11-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

My soul mate is a WWII vet. I don't imagine there are too many of them still around today. He lied about his age in order to enlist. He doesn't talk much about his service, and over the years I've caught bits and pieces. I know he served on a carrier, and survived a sinking ship. He's intensely interested in the History channel when they showcase WWII stories. Once in a while he'll look at me and say, "I was there."

Bottle of Wine

2011-11-11T10:57:00.006-05:00

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it's a bad one. Both of their cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt. God works in mysterious ways.

After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers.

The woman says, 'So, you're a man. That's interesting. I'm a woman. Wow, just look at our cars! There's nothing left, but we're unhurt. This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days.'

Flattered, the man replies, 'Oh yes, I agree completely, this must be a sign from God! But you're still at fault...women shouldn't be allowed to drive.'

The woman continues, 'And look at this, here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune. She hands the bottle to the man.

The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man.

The man asks, 'Aren't you having any?'
The woman replies, 'No. I think I'll just wait for the police...'

MORAL OF THE STORY:Women are clever, evil bitches. Don't mess with us.

Please Welcome Author Rebecca Royce

2011-11-09T23:45:00.000-05:00

As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

http://www.rebeccaroyce.com/
http://www.rebeccaroyce.blogspot.com/

As Rebecca's hostess today I had a few questions for her.
How did you come up with the title Love Beyond Sanity?

Every book in the Outsider series will start with the words Love Beyond. The first book, Love Beyond Time, was titled because that was Isabelle’s particular power and because their love had sustained over time and distance.

For each title, I tried to come up a reason that the last word would be present in the title. Love Beyond Sanity refers to two things. Number one, Charma’s particular talent is healing the emotional burdens of people with mental health issues. She gets into their heads and removes their burdens. The problem? She carries part of their pain with her and begins to question her own mental health. Jason doesn’t know he’s an Outsider so he assumes his ‘delusions’ are just that: delusions. Being a man used to logical deduction, he simply decides to stop having them, which is how he ends up abandoning Charma at the beginning of the story. She assumes he is long dead. Thus, Sanity seemed to be the most logical title. I think of each of the books by the last word in their title.

Time
Sanity
Loyalty
Sight

…..
Name five things in your bucket list.
They all involve travel.
Italy, Greece, China, Australia, and St. Lucia to name a few.

What's your guilty pleasure?
The Kardashians

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to overcome?
I’m dyslexic. I don’t know that I’ve overcome it but I’ve learned to compensate for it. I think that’s been pretty tough.

If you could bring back one person who's passed away, anyone, who would it be and what would you ask them? It doesn't have to be anyone you knew.
I miss my father-in-law. I’d like to bring him back just to say hello.

What's your favorite animal and why?
Siamese Cats. I grew up with them. I love them.

Who's your hero?
My Mom. I think she’s just a great lady.

What's the one thing you do to pamper yourself?Hot baths and red wine.

What's your favorite movie of all time and why?
The Usual Suspects. I just think its so perfectly done.

If there's one thing you could do over again, differently, what would that be?
Um. How do I pick just one??

Blurb - Eighteen years earlier, Charma lost her destined soul mate. Convinced he must be dead, she kept her fears to herself so as not to destroy the morale of the Outsiders who already live with a shaky prophecy as their only guide.

Dr. Jason Randall is a man used to getting what he wants. There has never been a problem he couldn't out think or a situation he wasn't capable of handling.

Now they are both hunted by not one but two demons as they lead the slowly forming group of Outsiders out of the darkness and back into the light. The two strong souls will have to decide if prophecy alone is enough reason to stay together through insane odds...or if love is their true fate.

Excerpt - No, she was not nuts. He was here. The nameless man—she'd never learned his name—who had been made for her, chosen for her in heaven was in this room.

And, she had felt him die. Felt it the night he hadn't come to their secret garden. It had been like someone had taken a sledge hammer and demolished half of her body and soul with one hit. She'd known he was dead.

Alone. That was how she'd felt. With other people's problems filling her days, nights, and dreams.

Until now.

Had he been this way since he'd disappeared when he was twelve? Charma's eyes roamed his body for signs. Impossible. He looked too healthy. Muscle tone defined his body. He didn't look like a man who had been endlessly asleep on a bed. His eyes fluttered as if he was in deep REM sleep.

She cleared her throat, afraid to wake him but wanting to at the same time. "Hello."

Nothing. Charma's cheeks warmed. Why had she assumed he'd respond to her? He was in a coma for goodness sake. She was going to have to do more than speak aloud to get his attention.

I live in Florida!

2011-11-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

AMY S gave the correct answer first (Alaska) and is the winner! Congratulations! I'll be in touch with regard to your egift certificate.

I saw a state license plate while driving I-4 yesterday, and did a double take. First one who guesses from where correctly wins a $10.00 egift certificate to All Romance eBooks! November 12th at 12 noon my time is the last date I'm accepting answers. Good luck!

Blog Hop and Prizes

2011-11-08T10:32:00.001-05:00

ALL 37 OF YOU WERE CORRECT IN YOUR RESPONSES TO MY QUESTION. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT: TORY.RICHARDS@YAHOO.COM

TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE

Two hundred and nine (209) blogs to follow and two hundred and nine (209) giveaways to be had! The link below will take you to the page where the list of blog urls are located! Each blog will have their own giveaway and how to enter into it. Mine is below.

http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/november-giveaway-hop_08.html

Name the first book I wrote and had published under my pen name, Tory Richards. Everyone who guesses correctly will receive a free download!

ALL BOOKS ARE LISTED ON MY BOOKS PAGE LINK ABOVE!

Monday Man Candy

2011-11-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

Yum! Now this is the beginning of a perfect Monday!

Please Welcome Author Shea McMaster!

2011-11-06T23:00:00.001-05:00

I recently asked Shea to write a post on how to break writer's block and here's what she had to say.

How to Break Writer’s Block

A hammer usually works.

The kind of hammers I use are a bit different than what you find in the hardware section of the local store. In some ways these hammers are soft. Others are very blunt, a few are rapier sharp. Some hit harder than others. Some have curly hair, some straight. What am I talking about? My critique partners. My girls. Posse. Actually, we have another name for ourselves, but it doesn’t pass the PG-13 rating system. Nor do many of our discussions.

We sit down to lunch on a semi-regular basis and talk about our writing. If someone needs help breaking a block, the technique of choice is brainstorming, and that’s when the hammers come out. In our group everyone knows to keep an open mind and let the suggestions roll. Sometimes, when things are going well, the meeting carries over to a coffee house where we sit and talk, often until closing time. Since many of us do hand crafts at the same time, we also call it Knit and Crit. Or Second Tuesday where we discuss matters of craft. Writing craft.

Sound simple? Sound fun and effective? Actually, it’s terrifying when you’re the focus.

And as tough as being the focus can be, I’ve had great breakthroughs when things click. What it boils down to is concentrated brainstorming. Tossing out ideas, exploring options, accepting, rejecting or laughing over the suggestions has a way of blasting through whatever is holding back the flow. Especially when someone suggests all your story needs is a succubus or incubus. Like that works in most situations. Might as well throw in a zombie or two and you have a whole new storyline.

Even harder to bear, but in many ways more fulfilling, is moving out of the coffee shops and taking a road trip with two writer friends critiquing your ears off. Especially a trip of five hours. One way. If you’re the driver, you can’t go to sleep and tune your partners out. There is always the option of leaving them at the next gas station, but seriously, it’s not my style. And there are few gas stations along the Alaskan highways, especially in late November when there’s snow and ice on the ground. (Besides, once at our destination I got to take pictures of them while they drank tequila in a bar with local fishermen. It was worth the trip. One had a naughty tiara on her head.)

A road trip is particularly effective for brainstorming when people are jazzed and feeling creative. In fact, I have a specific example. I have one science fiction/futuristic story I’ve started five times. Five. It still has weak spots, but somewhere along that long road trip, two friends did help me find the perfect beginning. Somewhere in the dump is a paper placemat with the suggestions written in orange crayon when we stopped for lunch. Should have kept that placemat. Fortunately I have a pretty good memory.

The problem with brainstorming with hammers is the intensity. It can come close to feeling like an intervention. Or a lynching, with you as the lynchee. The only thing you can do is open your mind and consider the scenarios being tossed (hurled) at you.

On the flip side, one must return the brainstorming favor. Polite society says we must share the limelight from time to time, so you can’t always be the prima donna, although you really do deserve the attention. You have to give back, which oddly enough, will help kick loose even more ideas for your own writing. Amazing!

The give and take of a good critique group is what helped mold me as a writer. And continues to mold me. In fact, I’m a lovely shade of green. Almost ready for my zombie debut.

Okay, enough joking. Recently I had the very fortunate experience of once more having the attention of two writers and, while knitting and crocheting, they helped me finalize a few plot twists of my latest WIP. It was exhilarating. They know my writing well enough they were able to challenge me to write a different kind of heroine. Darn them. I like my heroines, but I suppose they have to have more variations than hair and eye color.

So, if you don’t yet belong to a group of writers with hammers, what can you do? Stay tuned to the tour to find out!

In the meantime, I’d love to hear some of the block breaking strategies that work for you. Post them in the comments.

Thank you so much for having me!
Shea McMaster
Traditional Romance for Modern Women

Rachel Dahlrumple
A Novel of Romantic Suspense.
Her husband's death is just the beginning of her marital woes.
Website: http://sheamcmaster.com
FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shea-McMaster/240251469328338

Also Available From Shea
Borealis II: A Space Anthology – Bleu Lies ~ebook
Six Foot Hero ~ebook

Author Bio:

The softer, sweeter side of Morgan O’Reilly, Shea McMaster lives for traditional romance.

Born in New Orleans, raised in California, Shea/Morgan got moved to Alaska in 1977, where she attended high school before running back to California for college. Alas, once back home she met and fell in love with her own forever true hero, a born and raised Alaska man. Since then she’s had a love-hate relationship with America’s largest state.

With her one and only son half way through college, and mostly out of the house, Shea is fortunate to spend her days engaged in daydreaming and turning those dreams into romantic novels and novellas featuring damsels in distress rescued by their own brains and hunky heroes.

shea@sheamcmaster.com
http://sheamcmaster.com /
http://morganqoreilly.com
http://themorgandiaries.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shea-McMaster/240251469328338
Buy Link: http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=81&products_id=472

BLURB:

Her husband's death is just the beginning of her marital woes.
Rachel's humiliation over the discovery of her late husband's affairs turns to fear when one of his mistresses sends her a poisoned bouquet. But finding the source of the killer flowers is only one step on her path to solving the mystery her husband left behind.

Deputy Dan Weston is with Rachel when the bouquet arrives, and he's at her side as she deals with so many of the secrets that come to light after her husband's death. Dan has carried a torch for Rachel since puberty and he's not going to let her dead husband's vindictive girlfriends or his psychotic mother come between them now. But that means finding out who is sending snakes and poisoned posies before one kills Rachel.

Excerpt

Deputy Dan inhaled and cleared his throat. “Rachel… Your husband…Burt is… dead.”

“Oh.” Staring at Dan, I blinked. I sensed more than heard Cyndi speaking, as her hands clutched mine. I couldn’t hear over the bells of Notre Dame roaring in my ears, as if I stood in the belfry with a dozen different bells of all sizes swinging chaotically. No tune, just great ponderous, vibrating booms and spastic little tinkles filling in the spaces. I almost put my hands over my ears to block out the sound, only nothing could ever be loud enough to drown out just one thought.

Burt’s dead.

Burt. Dead.

Damn. I didn’t get to kick his ass out. I’d’ve killed him for that if I could.

Wait. He was already dead.

Dead.

Okay.

I inhaled deeply as I searched for something to say. “Well then, there are plans to adjust…”

“Rachel, you need to know…to understand…” Pity filled Dan’s eyes. Cyndi shoved a tissue wad into my hand, then used another to dab at her eyes.

“I understand,” I said. “He’s not coming home. I get it. That’s fine. The party can still go on. It’s not like he does much to help out.”

2011-11-04T22:12:00.000-04:00

I'm getting a new assistant at work! I know I shouldn't rejoice, but the young woman I inherited when I got there has been a thorn in my side from day one. We butt heads, to say it mildly. She thought things should be done her way, I thought things should be done my way. With tons more experience, and being the boss, it usually went my way. Not to say I can't bend or give in at times. If she proved her case I had no problem with that.

She was the kind of assistant that rarely backed me up. Especially when I called team meetings. It was as if she would purposely say something that would put me on the spot. I tried explaining to her that it was okay not to agree with a decision I'd made, but that I would appreciate her support in front of the group. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I was wrong.

She's being moved to a different department, and I promoted another woman on the team that already has management skills and experience in her past. She was ecstatic! I think it will be best for all around.

Next Party Up!

2011-11-01T20:44:00.000-04:00

Head on over if you want to have some fun. Plenty of chances to win some fabulous prizes. I happen to be one of the sponsors!

http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php

Monday Man Candies for Halloween

2011-10-31T23:30:00.001-04:00

Yes, I know I'm a day early but it's to make up for not posting last Monday. I doubt any of you will complain:)

What better way to celebrate Halloween then with 3 hunks who aren't afraid to dress up in a costume. First we have the Sexy Cowboy Costume. I bet he has spurs on, too:)

Next we have the Spartan Gladiator! Looks a little dangerous, doesn't he?

And lastly we have the Moon Shine Costume. For the guy with a tight budget. LOL...I just made myself chuckle:)

Why Parents Drink

2011-10-31T08:55:00.001-04:00

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees was absent but had not phoned in sick. So he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper. ' Hello ? ' 'Is your daddy home?' ' Yes, he's out in the garden,' whispered the small voice. 'May I talk with him?' The child whispered, ' No .' ; So the boss asked, 'Well, is your Mommy there?' ' Yes, she's out in the garden too '& The boss asked; 'May I talk with her?' Again the small voice whispered, ' No .' Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'Is anybody else there?' ' Yes ,' whispered the child, ' a policeman. ' Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'May I speak with the policeman?' ' No, he's busy , ' whispered the child. 'Busy doing what?' ' Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the police dog men. ' Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background, the boss asked, 'What is that noise?' ' It's a helicopter ' answered the whispering voice. 'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive. ' The search team just landed a helicopter ' 'A search team?' said the boss. 'What are they searching for?' Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle.... ' ME '

BLOG HOP

2011-10-23T23:30:00.004-04:00

This could very well be the event of the year folks! Four hundred and twenty-three (423) prizes are being offered up by four hundred and twenty-three (423) blogs. The link list can be found on the I'm a Reader, not a Writer Blog. So head on over, start at the top, work your way down and keep your fingers crossed. This blog hop runs for 8 days and you could possibly win more than once. Each blog host will have their own giveaway rules. Mine is below.

My mom and I used to get together every once in a while for a special meal that no one else in the family liked. What was it?

Choices:

Beef liver and onions

Blood sausage and onions

Venison stew

Rabbit

Beef tongue and cabbage

Every one who guesses correctly will have their name put into a drawing for a download of one of my books, their choice.

GOOD LUCK!!!

2011-10-21T05:00:00.001-04:00

Good morning all! I'm hosting another Goddess Fish Tour and this time we have Vanessa Devereaux with us. Please welcome her and leave a comment because as you an see at the end of this post, there be a prize to be had:)

Author Bio-

Bestselling author Vanessa Devereaux was born in London, England but now resides in the US. She writes erotic romances and erotica. A freelance writer during the day, her work has appeared in both US and UK magazines. When she’s not writing, she can be found pursuing some of her hobbies which include cooking, gardening, photography and biking. Prior to a writing career she worked in PR and was a book publicist for three years. Then Came You is Vanessa’s first title published with Total-E-Bound. Her other titles include, Mistaken Identity, The Man Next Door, Who’s The Boss and her Regency Trilogy, Brazen Ladies including What the Lady Wants, Caught in the Act and Double Her Pleasure, and the contemporary erotic romance, One Night With You. Her next release will be Forbidden which will be released in 2012 with Total E Bound.

Links- http://www.vanessadevereaux.com and http://www.twitter.com/vandevereaux

Sometimes being given a topic or choice of topics for a blog is tough. This time it was easy: “How do you get out of writer’s block”.

I’m not sure if I had writer’s block or what happened to me but I didn’t write any fiction (other than some short stories) for a decade. It was after my father passed away. He’d been ill for sometime and then was diagnosed with cancer. The last nine months of his life were very traumatic. He suffered from depression and I slowly spent less time writing and more time with him.

I had many attempts to get back on track after his passing but every time I sat down to write I’d look at a blank page or screen for hours and nothing would happen. Believing it was grief and would pass I attempted to get some sample chapters written so I’d at least have something to prove I was still a writer. I thought a request for a full manuscript might even be the kick in the butt I needed. However, when a couple of editors did ask to see the rest of the stories I couldn’t produce a single page and finally gave up. At this point I really believed that my writing days were behind me. Since then I’ve produced more work in three years than I had prior to my writer’s block. So how did I finally get back on track and what advice can I give to you? Here are my five tips-

Tip #1- No matter what, write. Even if it’s one word, don’t go a day without writing. I used to think okay, I don’t feel like writing today but I probably will tomorrow so no big deal if nothing gets done today. It never happens the following day either so don’t kid yourself. Even if just means sitting on the couch while you’re watching TV and making notes for future stories, do something writing related each day.

Tip #2-set a routine and don’t break it. Before my ten year dry spell I’d write any time of the day and had no problem with stopping and starting a story. However, I discovered I couldn’t do that any more and therefore needed a schedule. Make an appointment with yourself every day. It could be when you first get up in the morning or maybe you have to wake up an hour earlier but make it a daily habit. I used to like watching cooking shows on the Food Network in the evening but decided I needed to give that up so that time could be just for writing and nothing else. You might need to make some sacrifices but if you want to be a writer or achieve your goal that’s what you have to do

Tip #3-reward yourself. Just like anything else you’ve got to give yourself something in return for sticking with your goal. For me, the chocoholic, it was a bar of chocolate at the end of the week. It could be renting a DVD every weekend or even going to see a movie every month.

Tip #4-write in the same place…remember the old Batman series, tune in same time, same channel? Same goes for writing. I have a spot on the couch where I sit with my laptop. I know when I’m there and the laptop is turned on, it’s writing time and nothing else gets down. The phone doesn’t even get answered.

Tip #5-Listen to some music. I used to play CDs from my collection but discovered after my ten year writing drought that was too distracting because I’d start listening to the lyrics. Now it’s New Age and world music and some relaxation CDs thrown in. Find what music inspires you and have it playing softly in the background.

I hope your writer’s block never lasts a decade but should you find yourself looking at a blank screen follow these tips and I can assure you if they worked for me, there can work for you too.

Blurb-

Connor O’Riordan had his heart set on Gillian Matthews the first day she stepped onto his ranch but the only problem was she had a boyfriend. He’d made her promise that if the two of them ever broke up she’d tell him. Gillian is a woman of her word and when Connor finds out she’s now available he’ll do anything to woo and romance the lady of his dreams. The best way to start…invite her to spend Thanksgiving at his ranch.

The author is giving away the winner's choice of one of her backlisted eBooks! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/08/virtual-book-tour-then-came-you-by.html

Good luck!

AROUND THE WORLD WITH VIRGINIA CAMPBELL

2011-10-20T05:38:00.003-04:00

''A Flavorful Adventure Awaits!"

For my first epicurean expedition, I could not have chosen a more culturally complex and diverse destination than the continent of Africa, which is really a "world within a world". The indigenous foods of each of the numerous regions have been blended through time with the input of the many colonizers to the vast lands of Africa. With over 50 countries, and many hundreds of millions of people, Africa can not be summed up with a few words. It is the second largest continent, surrounded on all sides by water, and it comprises one-fifth of our world's landmass.

Some of the produce raised includes: peanuts, coffee, tea, sugarcane, bananas, oranges, grapes, pineapples, olives, coconut oil, tomatoes, and cacao. They also raise the following crops: corn, wheat, rice, millet, sorghum, cassava, plantains, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, barley, dry beans and watermelon. African food recipes are as varied as the thousands of tribes and cultures found in this amazing continent. A visit to a local food market will astound and delight true foodies with the variety and unique flavors of the many offerings.

No trip to the market would be complete without the traditional hand-woven market baskets. The making of these baskets is a skill passed down from generation to generation. The baskets are also exported as a Fair Trade item to benefit the economy in lower income areas which produce the baskets.

Traditionally, the various cuisines of Africa use a combination of locally available fruits, vegetables, grains, milk, and meat products. Most African foods are based on common foodstuffs like: cassava, yam, rice, beans, maize, sorghum, groundnut, coconut, plantain, millet, melons, seafood, poultry, beef, goat meat, bush meat, palm oil, potatoes, lentil, beans, cowpeas, vegetables, vegetable oils, and a wide selection of tantalizing of spices and chilies. You will also find influences from other countries such as France, Portugal, Great Britain, Arabia, North America, and many more. Popular exports from Africa include richly sweet honeys, varietal teas such as Red Rooibos, darkly delicious Ghanaian cocoa and chocolates, South African wines, tangy exotic fruits, and the flavor and heat of spices and chilies.

Have you ever been to Africa or thought about visiting there? What are some of the exotic foods and locations you long to experience? What are your most memorable food and travel adventures? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please share!

Moroccan Lemon Cake

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

zest from 1 or 2 lemons

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat your oven to 350° F (180° C). Grease and flour a small bundt or tube pan. Zest and juice your lemon. With an electric mixer or by hand, beat together the eggs and sugar until thick. Gradually beat in the oil. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt, and then the milk. Beat until smooth, and then mix in the lemon juice, zest and vanilla. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake tests done. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 7 to 10 minutes. Loosen the cake from the sides of the pan with a spatula, and turn out the cake onto a rack to finish cooling.

Jollof Rice

500 g (1 lb) lean beef or chicken

Salt and ground white pepper, to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

1L (1-3/4 pt) stock or water with 3 crushed stock cubes

3 large onions, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
2-3 chillies (hot peppers), finely chopped

4 large tomatoes, blanched, peeled and blended or mashed

45 g (3 tablespoons) tomato paste

250 g (8 oz) each of assorted chopped vegetables, e.g. carrots, green beans, mushrooms and capsicums (sweet or bell peppers)

500 g (1 lb) long-grain rice
Lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs to garnish

Cut meat or chicken into 5 cm (2 in) cubes or small pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cover and allow to stand for 1-2 hours. Heat oil in fry-pan and fry the meat or chicken pieces until brown. Remove meat from oil and add to the stock in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Simmer on low heat until meat begins to soften, then remove from heat. Drain excess oil from fry pan leaving enough oil to fry onions, garlic and chillies (hot peppers) until golden. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, half the combined vegetables and 250 mL (8 fl oz) of stock from the meat mixture. Stir well, adjust seasoning and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes. Add this vegetable sauce to the meat mixture in the saucepan and simmer gently. Finally, stir in the uncooked, long-grain rice. Adjust the seasoning again, cover and simmer slowly on low heat for about 15 minutes. Arrange the remaining vegetables on top of the rice and continue to simmer until the rice absorbs all the stock, softens and cooks, and the meat is tender. It may be necessary to sprinkle additional water mix to help the rice cook. If so use small amounts at a time of approximately 250 mL (8 fl oz) lightly salted water. Serve hot, garnished with chopped lettuce, parsley or fresh coriander (cilantro) and hard-boiled eggs.

Banana Fritters

1½ cups all-purpose flour

4 or 5 medium-sized ripe bananas
3 eggs

1 cup milk

6 Tbsp sugar

vegetable oil, as needed for deep-frying
confectioners sugar

Stir the flour and sugar together, in a deep mixing bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time with a wire whisk. Whisking constantly, add the milk approximately 1/3 cup at a time. Continue to beat until the batter is smooth and elastic enough to stretch like a ribbon from the beater when the beater is lifted out of the bowl. Peel the bananas, chop or slice them coarsely, and place them in a shallow bowl. Mash the bananas to a smooth purée, using the tines of a table fork. Stir the purée into the batter and allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before frying. Pour oil into a deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan to a depth of 2-3 “. Heat the oil until it shimmers with the heat. For each fritter, ladle approximately ¼ cup of the banana batter into the hot oil. Deep-fry 2 or 3 banana fritters at a time, taking care to leave enough space between them to allow them to spread into 4 “ rounds or oblongs. Turning once or twice with a slotted spoon, fry for approximately 3 minutes or until the fritters are a rich golden color on all sides. As they brown, transfer the banana fritters to paper towels and allow them to drain. While the fritters are still warm, sprinkle lightly with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

Spicy African Yam Soup

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

1 small onion, chopped

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 clove garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup chunky salsa
1 (15.5 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup diced zucchini

1/2 cup cooked rice

2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Heat the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Saute onion, sweet potato, and garlic until onion is soft. Turn down heat if necessary to prevent burning. Stir in the chicken broth, thyme and cumin. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in salsa, garbanzo beans and zucchini. Simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice and peanut butter until the peanut butter has dissolved.

"Traveler's Treat" Hot Chocolate

1 pint whole milk

1 (6 to 8 oz) dark chocolate bar, finely chopped

1 tablespoon honey

3 tablespoons brown sugar

pinch of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

2 tablespoons dark rum

Pour the milk into a small saucepan then add the chocolate. Over low heat, stir gently just until the chocolate melts. Stir in the honey and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the cinnamon and vanilla, stirring until mixed. Remove from heat and stir in the rum. Makes two large mugs of awesome hot chocolate for two lucky travelers.

2011-10-19T09:26:00.000-04:00

This book has been out for a while but how thrilled and exciting it was to receive a new review for it. Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by Lena, at Blackraven's Reviews! Below are some of the comments that really stood out for me:)

Chase Saunders is sex on a stick, plain and simple.

There is only one word for Tory Richards’ The Cowboy Way and that is WOW. Ms. Richards, from the beginning you had this reviewer hooked with a man like Chase. Brooding, dark and handsome, this cowboy tells it like it his. He wants Lacey and he makes his intentions known, so all I can say is WOW.

Once again Tory Richards knows how to create a story that will linger in your head days after you’ve read the story. I highly recommend The Cowboy Way and keep up the awesome work Ms. Richards.

2011-10-18T21:15:00.001-04:00

There's nothing we can't build if there's a demand for it. I'm sure there are lots of people who can afford a $3 million dollar luxury camper. But if you had that kind of money, would you want to drive somewhere? And as campers go, what happened to roughing it out in the wilderness? Sleeping beneath the stars, or in a tent, and peeing behind a tree?

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't turn this down if someone offered me one. I don't like roughing it and a hike along a well marked trail is about as far as I will go.

2011-10-18T14:51:00.000-04:00

LOL...the post below about texting made me think of the first time my daughter texted me those 3 letters. Lots of love to you, too, I texted back. She cracked up. How was I supposed to know? I mean, didn't LOL mean lots of love before texting came along?

Texting for Seniors

2011-10-18T01:11:00.001-04:00

Since more and more Seniors are testing and tweeting there appears to be a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code). If you qualify for Senior Discounts this is the code for you.

ATD:
At The Doctor's

BFF:
Best Friend Fainted

BTW:
Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT:
Bring Your Own Teeth

CBM:
Covered By Medicare

CGU:
Can't get up

CUATSC:
See You At The Senior Center

DWI:

Driving While Incontinent

FWB:
Friend With Beta Blockers

FWIW:
Forgot Where I Was

FYI:
Found Your Insulin

GGPBL:
Ota Go Pacemaker Battery Low!

GHA:
Got Heartburn Again

HGBM:
Had Good Bowel Movement

IMHO:
Is My Hearing-Aid On?

LMDO:
Laughing My Dentures Out

LOL:
Living On Lipitor

LWO:
Lawrence Welk's On

OMMR:
On My Massage Recliner

OMSG:
Oh My! Sorry Gas.

ROFL... CGU:
Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up

TTYL:
Talk To You Louder

WAITT:
Who Am I Talking To?

WTFA:
Wet The Furniture Again

WTP:
Where's The Prunes?

WWNO:
Walker Wheels Need Oil

GGLKI:
(Gotta Go Laxative Kicking In)

Monday Man Candy

2011-10-17T05:00:00.001-04:00

Wouldn't you just like to reach out and run your hand over those abs?

2011-10-15T10:59:00.001-04:00

That's right baby, I still got it.

2011-10-14T10:35:00.000-04:00

You know, life is about sacrifices, and doing what's right. This post is meant for my soul mate's son, who won't see it. He won't talk to us, he won't return our calls. He uses his wife as a go between because he can't "deal" with it. Not because he doesn't care. Because he doesn't want to think about his dad passing away. Doesn't want to see him sick.

We all have to deal with unpleasant things in life. It helps us grow and become strong, it's part of living. Doesn't mean we have to like it. And no one wants to see their parent sick and possibly dying. But it happens. I went through it with my dad and mom and I know I'll go through it again when my step-father passes. Right now though, it's about my soul mate.

We've been together 17 years. A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with a bone infection. We were warned with his low immunity and other health issues, coupled with his age, that this was a very serious time. The intravenous antibiotic they have Earl on is very toxic. He was supposed to receive a dose once a day, but because it started building up in his system they come out every other day. The nurse.

The bottom line is he's not doing well right now. He needs someone with him round the clock, at least until the treatment is over in another 3 weeks. After that we will have to make a decision none of us wants to think about. But it's about doing what's right for Earl.

Right now I can spend weekends with him, and nights, but I work full time during the day. So I asked his sons to come and help. I only asked them for one week each. The one from Boca Raton is coming Monday. The other, who lives in Oklahoma, won't talk to us.

I wish he could see his dad. Hear how he mumbles under his breath that he doesn't understand why his son won't call or come. It's so sad. Because this son used to call him faithfully every weekend. The medication makes Earl forgetful, very weak, and he sleeps most of the time. It doesn't appear he's reacting very well to the antibiotic. He's in terrible pain.

Is he dying? God I hope not, but it's a good possibility he won't bounce back from this. And his son will have to "deal" with that. And any regrets he has for not doing the right thing. For not seeing his dad possibly one last time.

We have a release date!

2011-10-13T19:15:00.001-04:00

February 1, 2012!

Monday Man Candy

2011-10-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

Oh baby! Getting ready for work? Be careful zipping up!

2011-10-09T17:39:00.001-04:00

Okay, I hope I don't offend anyone. This picture is what came up the other day when I googled - pictures of blue balls.

I was actually looking for a picture of a plain blue ball! You know, the kind you throw?

2011-10-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

Good morning all! Just popping in to say happy Sunday. It's raining here. Has been all weekend. But you know I love it. It's the kind of steady rain that really soaks into the ground and leaves everything looking so new and green. Course, no one likes driving in it, including me. Makes the roads so dangerous and a couple of times I felt like my car was on skies.

I hope this means a change in the weather for us. For a while anyway. The last few days have been really nice. I haven't worked up a sweat in a week! LOL And that usually requires just opening up the front door in Florida:)

You've got to read this review!

2011-10-08T12:58:00.000-04:00

The reviewer wrote up a great review for The Promise and there was no way I could just pick a snippet to share with you all. Please check it out at Two Lips. Thanks!

Thought this was cute!

2011-10-07T10:58:00.005-04:00

TRUE STORY FROM A KANSAS STATE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER

I made a traffic stop on an elderly lady the other day for speeding on U.S. 166 Eastbound at Mile Marker 73 just East of Sedan , KS . I asked for her driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. The lady took out the required information and handed it to me. In with the cards I was somewhat surprised (due to her advanced age) to see she had a conceal carry permit. I looked at her and ask if she had a weapon in her possession at this time.

She responded that she indeed had a .45 automatic in her glove box. Something---body language, or the way she said it---made me want to ask if she had any other firearms. She did admit to also having a 9mm Glock in her center console. Now I had to ask one more time if that was all. She responded once again that she did have just one more, a .38 special in her purse. I then asked her what was she so afraid of.

She looked me right in the eye and said, "Not a damn thing!"

I've Always Liked Spiders!

2011-10-06T09:50:00.000-04:00

I don't know why. And I hate killing them. The only reason I do is because I'm afraid it might be a brown recluse or a black widow. I've heard horror stories about them! Or, I'm afraid they'll get on the kids. I read somewhere that every spider is poisonous. The other day at work there was a huge spider in a huge web. It was beautiful but very frightening because of the size. I mean, it was big enough that I could see the eyes. I made sure to stand back far enough because I was afraid it would jump on me. Then I saw the article below. Good to know. However, this particular spider was right next to an over grown wooded area, and could very well have been one of those jumping spiders!

That Nasty, Hairy Spider on the Wall is Going to Jump on You any Second Now

In the United States, there is only one family of spider, called Salticidae, that is capable of jumping, and these spiders are not commonly found in houses (they prefer forests). Generally, spiders do not seek people out and attack them. It's not in their nature. Spiders are only going to crawl across you if they're headed somewhere and you're in the way. As for the hairiness—what can I say? They are indeed hairy. But personally I find them to be quite darling.

We have a guest today!

2011-10-05T23:30:00.006-04:00

Hi, everyone. I’m so happy to be at Romance with an Attitude today! My thanks to Tory Richards for inviting me to her house to play.

Every writer sets limitations on what they write, especially romance writers, because face it – we write about love, and sex is a big part of a healthy, loving relationship. I actually started out writing mainstream romance – the kind with little or no sex on the page. Since none of that stuff has been published, you can see how well that worked out for me. I hadn’t read much erotic romance, and I didn’t think I would ever be comfortable writing explicit sex scenes.

Then one day, I had an idea. It started out as a way to occupy my brain on family cruise. There’s lots of down time on a cruise, which is of course the point of cruising, but my brain isn’t used to all that inactivity. This idea took hold, and when I returned home to my computer, I began to write the story of a young dot com millionaire who owns a hedonistic cruise ship.

I’d never written anything like it in my life. I blushed and fanned myself as I wrote scene after scene of very explicit sex. I laughed at my own reaction, and kept writing. Whatever limits I’d put on my writing sank to the bottom of the ocean as THE LUST BOAT sailed out of dry dock and into publication. Since then, I’ve come to terms with my erotic writing.

As the Lothario (aka The Lust Boat) sailed again, and again, I broke through more of my self-imposed limits. I’ve explored a wide variety of sexual fantasies and fetishes, and tackled a few stereotypes along the way, among them the stereotypical dominatrix and her submissive man. For that one, I’ve stepped off the cruise ship onto dry land in STILL TAKING CHANCES.

I’m sure there may be people like Mary Beth Winters, but I’ve never seen anyone like her in romantic BDSM literature. She’s cute, petite, and could easily pass for the stereotypical girl next door. Only Mary Beth has a toy chest filled with the most wicked toys, and she knows how to use them. Then, there’s Elgin Huddleston, an alpha male by anyone’s standards. Until he met Mary Beth, he’s never served a dominatrix who demands his complete surrender, or one capable of earning it. It’s an epic struggle, with lives, hearts and reputations on the line.

So, what won’t you find in one of my books? Boring, narrow-minded, or stereotypical characters. I try to make my characters someone you would like to know in real life, then I give you a glimpse at what makes them unique, whether it’ s a kinky sex life, a heart of gold, or a first class brain. And if they have hot steamy sex often, then more power to them!

I’d love to hear what makes a character memorable for you. Leave a comment, or drop me a line via one of the links!

Author Bio –

Roz Lee has been married to her best friend, and high school sweetheart, for over three decades. These days she splits her time between their home in rural New Jersey, and Southern California, where her husband works. Even though she’s lived on both coasts, her heart lies in between, in Texas. A Texan by birth, she can trace her family back to the Republic of Texas. With roots that deep, she says, “You can’t ever really leave.”

Roz and her husband have two grown daughters they couldn’t be more proud of, and are currently raising a ten-year-old Labrador Retriever, Betty Boop, who isn’t aware of her canine heritage.

When Roz isn’t writing, she’s reading, or traipsing around the country on one adventure or another. No trip is too small, no tourist trap too cheesy, and no road unworthy of traveling.

Blog: http://www.authorrozlee.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.rozlee.net/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorrozlee

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Iwriteromance

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/rozlee

Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/rozlee

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dolores-maroney-roz-lee/21/650/8a0

Blurb –

After a mission in a South American jungle goes wrong, DEA Agent Elgin ‘Hud’ Huddleston returns to his boyhood home to lick his wounds. Despite his better judgment, Hud is drawn to the woman across the street, a petite Dominatrix with a freeze your balls off name.

Mary Beth Winters packed away her toys and put the BDSM lifestyle behind her years ago when she realized the men she dominated didn’t need her as much as she needed them. But when a troubled bad-boy, Elgin ‘Hud’ Huddleston, moves in across the street, she dusts off her toy box and risks her heart to help him heal.

Excerpt -

Her eyes raked over him and he had the impression she was mentally undressing him as thoroughly as he’d undressed her in his mind. Something about her perusal made him want to squirm, but he held still. “Do you always wear black?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Yeah, he could play this game. She jumped off the high stool she’d been sitting on, and walked around the worktable. He followed her with his eyes, admiring the curve of her legs and the fine bones in her feet and ankles. She stopped and dug around in a large pink canvas bag that sat on the end of the flower-print covered sofa along the long wall opposite the door. His heart almost stopped beating when she pulled out a serious looking set of leather handcuffs and a length of chain. Whoa there! Where the hell did she get those? All the fight went out of him.

“Hold out your hands.”

Hud allowed her to fasten the cuffs around his wrists. She hooked them together with a short length of chain that looked like it came from a hardware store. If he twisted his hands around, he’d be able to unfasten the cuffs, he reasoned, as panic threatened to set in. He was momentarily distracted by the sweet curves of her ass as she walked away from him. She picked up a step stool and dropped it next to his feet. “Take your shoes off.”

He toed his shoes off and kicked them to the side. When he looked up from his task, Mary Beth was on the step stool, a head above him. In one hand, she held an S hook attached to a chain and pulley, the other she reached down to him. “Give me your hands.”

Hud swallowed hard and lifted his shackled hands. For the first time, he thought he might have underestimated Mary Beth Winters. She looped the chain at his wrists through the hook, and with a hand on the pulley chain, she jumped off the stool. Hud watched in dawning horror as she pulled the chain tight enough to make his shoulders burn and secured the pulley chain to a hook on the wall, well out of his reach even if he had his hands free. He cursed under his breath. How had he missed the chain pulley overhead? If he’d been on a mission, a mistake like that would mean he’d be dead.

Make sure you leave a comment folks! The author is giving away a copy of the book KINKY CUPCAKES to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon GC to the blog host with the most comments.

Welcome Scarlett Scott

2011-10-04T23:00:00.002-04:00

I'm pleased to announce Scarlett Scott will be spending the day with us here and sharing an excerpt and blurb on her new release. She'll also be talking about how she came up with the title! Something not always easy to do.

Scarlett Scott writes sexy historical and contemporary romances. She lives with her hero and their adorable but occasionally evil puppy.

Blog: http://scarscoromance.blogspot.com

Twitter: @scarscoromance

The feared art of the book title

I’m finally finished writing a book. I’ve worked hard on researching, writing, plotting, editing, and revising. I’ve read it and reread it. Now there is only one dreaded thing left to do. Give it a title. Ugh.

To be honest, one of my least favorite parts of writing a book is finding a title. It’s nerve-wracking. This is the title all my hard work will be known by forever. Giving your book a title is kind of like getting a tattoo. You better like what you chose because it’s not easily removed.

A title is really quite important, I’ve discovered. Readers like attention-grabbing titles and cover art. The cover art is out of my hands. The title? Not so much. It’s all up to me to create something clever. Something that fits the book. Something my publisher can happily live with. How on earth do I do that?

I’ve had different strategies for different books. For Reprieve, for instance, I wanted a title that embodied the entire premise of the book. Sophie is saved by Trevor in more than one way, so Reprieve seemed a good fit. The title for A Mad Passion was inspired by a quote by Oscar Wilde. I’ve also used character dialogue when coming up with titles. But all too often, my poor books are known as the name of a character until I finish writing them and finally decide on a real title. Reprieve went by Sophie and Trevor for quite some time!

Thanks for letting me drop in. I look forward to chatting.

Blurb -
It’s been a year since Sophie lost her husband and daughter in a car wreck but time hasn’t healed her wounds. A desperate choice leads her to Trevor, the handsome stranger who saves her life and leaves her wanting more than just a few steamy kisses.

Trevor is content living the fast-paced life of a successful NYC entrepreneur. The last kind of complication he needs is a troubled woman like Sophie. But he’s immediately drawn to her even if his bachelor instincts scream for him to run.

As Sophie struggles to fight her growing feelings for Trevor, she’s torn between her past and the future. Somehow, she has to find the strength to finally let go and move on with a man who is everything she never thought she wanted.

Excerpt -
“Sophie, I want to kiss you.”

His grip on her waist tightened, pulling her body into contact with his. Every inch of his muscled form pressed into her softness. Her breath left her lungs in a faint whoosh. The feel of him against her was so arousing, so right. His arousal pressed against her abdomen.

“Do you want me to kiss you, Sophie?” Trevor’s warm breath fanned her lips.

“No. Yes.” She blinked. “I don’t know.”

She couldn’t do this. Peter’s memory deserved better than this, her pawing some stranger in the kitchen. He had been such a good, kind man. He deserved better.

But even as the thoughts swirled through her mind, she was pressing closer to Trevor, basking in his heat and touch. She ran her hands up his arms, then down over his chest, enjoying the ripple of powerful muscles beneath her fingertips.

Trevor’s lips were half an inch from hers, on the brink of the kiss she so desperately craved. All she had to do was lean into him.

“Kiss me, Sophie.”

She hesitated for the briefest second, then leaned forward, brushing her lips hesitantly over his. He groaned, his hands roaming over the small of her back in a caress. The chaste kiss deepened as Trevor angled his lips over hers, applying just enough force to make her want more.

There's a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate offered up by the author folks so make sure you leave a comment and follow the tour. The more you comment the more chances you have of winning! The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/08/goddess-fish-promotions-is-organizing.html

Good luck!

Monday Man Candy

2011-10-03T05:00:00.001-04:00

I've never seen an iron and iron board look so good! Lucky iron board:)

2011-09-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

While driving home from work the other day I saw something on the side of the road ahead of me. As I got closer it moved and I was able to make out a flash of brown and white. Then, I caught my breath as a beautiful bald eagle took flight. So close yet so far. It was majestic. Any time I see wild life along the road I smile, and a warm feeling invades my being. In a flash the stress of a long day, or being in heavy traffic goes away.

The sight reminded me of my cruise to Alaska a few years ago. We saw hundreds of bald eagles during that ten days. Did you know that if you're caught with a bald eagle feather, even one you've picked up off the ground, that you can be fined $10,000? At least that's what we were told. Before going to shore everyone was given a brief education of the dos and don'ts with regard to any wild life we might encounter.

I've had friends say they've seen eagles here in Florida, but that was my first. I usually see small deer or wild pigs, and the occasional alligator. I'm constantly searching out the tree top nests where Osprey, a smaller bird of prey that resemble the eagle, makes its home. Seeing that grand bird spread his wings and take off made my day.

INBREAD CAT

2011-09-30T08:14:00.000-04:00

2011-09-28T08:16:00.004-04:00

An old man, a boy and a donkey

were going to town.

The boy rode on the donkey and the old man walked.

As they went along they passed some people

who remarked, "What a shame the old man
is walking and the boy is riding."

The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.

Later they passed some people who

remarked, "What a shame....he makes that little boy walk." So they then decided they'd both walk!

Soon they passed some more people

who remarked, "They're really stupid to walk when they have a decent donkey to ride."

So, they both rode the donkey.

Now they passed some people

who shamed them by saying, "How awful to put such a load on a poor donkey."

The boy and man figured they were probably right,
so they decide to carry the donkey.

As they crossed the bridge,

they lost their grip on the animal
and he fell into the river and drowned.

The moral of the story?
If you try to please everyone,

you might as well...

Kiss your ass goodbye!

2011-09-27T19:17:00.000-04:00

Hey all, just in case some of you haven't noticed the links above I've made some changes to my blog. I'm in the process of combining my website with my blog so that you only have one place to go to see everything your heart desires. It's still a work in progress but feel free to explore. Eventually my website will no longer exist.

Monday Man Candy

2011-09-26T04:03:00.002-04:00

Let's see...aren't some of them wearing dog tags? With the ocean behind them and those hard, hot bodies I say they're navy seals on a secret training mission:)

25 things you don't need after you're 50

2011-09-25T09:38:00.002-04:00

1. The three-dozen-egg carton, the 2,000-pack of Sweet'N Low and the Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar-size ketchup.

2. Super-sized fries (no one in the minivan to take the last handful, or take the edge off the guilt).

What guilt?

3. The minivan. How about a snazzy car, a smart car, even a wiseguy car?

Then what would you haul the grand kids around in?

4. A brand-new model four-over-four house — even on the golf course. Even if your kids live next door. Especially if your kids live next door.
Totally agree! Small is better. Less is more:)

5. A one-horse open sleigh. Yes, you've been meaning to get the horse but …

6. A Costco membership. You'll never need that many paper towels, unless you run a car wash. You'll never need that much toilet paper unless you run … out.

7. The gym ultra-membership. How about the dog, the shoes, the SPF 50 and the open road?

Or cruise ship.

8. Those seven, nine or 20 unfinished quilts and birdhouses. This makes me think of my mom. She was always quilting or making something. I have her quilts folded on a blanket chest that's filled with the afghans she crocheted. It was something she loved doing.

9. All those teaspoons, fruit spoons, salt spoons, cheese knives, crab picks and lobster crackers liberated from the restaurant along with the extra lemon, the fistful of sugar bags, the basket of rolls.
This is my hubby.

10. Fourteen matching place settings … 14 unmatched place settings are more fun, funky and functional.
This is me:)

11. Just one extra shot — tequila, espresso, Botox.
Just one?

12. Your very own chickens (really, really not).

LOL, I have a good friend who has chickens! She's the kind of person who has a garden every year and cans her own food. The chickens were going to cut down on the cost of eggs and meat. I think by now she's given them all names.

13. Four-inch heels for the wedding reception.

I have trouble in one-inch heels!

14. Another cat.

I disagree with this one. If I had the room I'd have more than three.

15. Another hat. Not even red?

16. Another hobby.

Disagree. You can never have enough hobbies! That's what makes life fun.

17. A bigger flat screen.

What, who has 20/20 vision after 50?

18. A bigger boat.

19. A bigger mortgage.

Hopefully your mortgage is paid off or close to it.

20. More than 700 channels in one night.

OMG! So true. Admit it, you only watch the weather channel and maybe a couple others.

21. More than 700 calories in one hand.
Depends on what you're holding:)

22. Double cheese.
Makes everything better!

23. 3-D.
Ok, thought this was a bra size at first.

24. Four-wheelers.

25. Quintuplets.

THE NEW GOVERNMENT SYMBOL

2011-09-24T08:11:00.000-04:00

The government today announced that it is changing its symbol from an Eagle to a CONDOM, because it more accurately reflects the government's political stance and policies. A condom allows for inflation, halts production, destroys the next generation, protects a bunch of dicks, and gives you a sense of security while you're actually being screwed!

Damn, it just doesn't get more accurate than that.

2011-09-19T19:33:00.001-04:00

The love of my life is in the hospital again. He has a bone infection this time. When they release him, hopefully tomorrow, he will be in for 6-8 weeks on intravenous antibiotics. Thankfully they can put a pick in his arm and a nurse will come to the house every morning to administer it. The last time he was on something like this he had terrible side effects from the medicine. I hope this time will be different. He's been through so much!

Going to the hospital the last few days has brought me to the conclusion that I hope I die before I get sick. I listen, watch and see it's a place I don't even want to visit. It's dirty. And the poor staff are so overworked they don't have time to really get to know the patient enough to care. They're so detached. And they seem to have no sense of urgency.

Earl's first room mate had a mental issue. He'd holler out things like praise the lord and glory be the lord, and was never left alone. I wondered if he was dangerous and eventually they moved him to another room. Yet we could still hear him yelling and singing out. His next room mate was a young alcoholic who was warned he was killing himself.

The third man they moved in the bed next to Earl was violently sick. It made me sick. Poor guy was begging for a nurse to come help him so I finally went to the nurses station to let them know. By the time I got back to the room the smell almost knocked me over. I felt so bad for Earl. So I went back to the station and asked for some air sanitizer. I was told they aren't allowed to use it and that the smell would go away.

I just glared at the unfeeling woman. All this was happening during dinner time. I wanted to drag her ass down to the room and stick her nose in it. So I dragged Earl out into the hallway and found him a chair while someone cleaned up the room. Praying he doesn't get sick before he comes home.

Monday Man Candy

2011-09-19T05:00:00.003-04:00

2011-09-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

Yippee! Just received another great review, and this one from Joyfully Reviewed! Tanya said...If you want a fast paced, unbelievably sexy and well-written story then you want to pick up Talk Dirty to Me.

You can read the whole review here.