Monthly Archives: November 2018

Nov30

One Of A Kind Christmas Blog Tour

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One of a Kind Christmas
A Christmas Carol Book #4
By Lexi Post
 

Lexi has a $25 Gift Card to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win. You may find the tour locations here https://goo.gl/sPP5CV.

 About One of a Kind Christmas:

 For her to love him, he must face a spirit, an archangel…and himself.

 The spirit of Cameron Douglas has totally screwed-up…again. Now, he has to fix his mess in one night with the help of his best friend and somehow encourage his widow to move on.
Holly Douglas is anguished that this is the last Christmas she’ll be visited by her late husband, Cameron. For three years he’s sent her the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, and they‘ve helped her cope with her loss. But now all that ends, and she doesn’t understand why he must push her away.

 Ethan Stewart has been in love with Holly since Cameron’s death, but she isolated herself from everyone, including him. Then something changed, and he was welcomed back as her friend. But he wants more— to love her openly, and most of all to make her happy again. Though he loved his best friend like a brother and will do anything for Holly, as he’s pulled into the spirit world, he discovers the price they must pay for their chance at forever…and it just might be too high.

Releases Day December 5, 2018

 Buy Links for One of a Kind Christmas:

Excerpt:

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. “I miss Cam. It was as if we were two parts of the same soul. I lived vicariously through him even while I worried constantly about him. It was one of the reasons I was constantly warning him to be careful. I was afraid to lose him.”
Ethan looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. “And then I did.”
She felt as if her heart were breaking all over again, not for her but for Ethan. He was so good to her. He even loved her. And she… “Ethan, I understand.”
His gaze returned to hers. Though she couldn’t see his face clearly, the limited light reflected off the sheen in his eyes.
She placed her hand on his cheek and rising on her toes brushed her lips across his in a feather-light kiss. She only meant to give comfort, but a spark of something else hit her heart.
She remained there, her lips close to his but not touching, wanting more but afraid to ask.
Ethan remained absolutely still, his breath mixing with her own.
He loved her but would never push her. It wasn’t his nature. She could walk away right now, but to what?
Nothing.
She stared at his mouth in the dim light. She wanted to live again. She wanted to feel again. Tilting her head, she pressed her lips more firmly against his, moving her hand down his stubbled jaw and behind his neck to pull him closer.
Ethan’s lips opened, and she slipped her tongue between them.
As his arms came around her, it was like waking from a dream. A slow burn flowed through her veins as he took control of the kiss and explored her mouth with his tongue. It was an unhurried exploration and heat built in her belly. When he pulled back to lick the underside of her top lip, she took her first deep breath. As she exhaled, tingles spread throughout her body.
He kissed the corners of her mouth before leaning his forehead against her own. “Ye catch my blood on fire, lass.”

Other Books in the Series:

 A Christmas Carol Book 1, Pleasures of Christmas Past is on sale for only $.99!

 Pleasures of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol Book 1) by [Post, Lexi]

 Jessica is assigned a hot, Scottish mentor who confuses her heart. But will he protect her soul?

 Buy Links for Pleasures of Christmas Past:

Desires of Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol Book 2)

 Desires of Christmas Present (A Christmas Carol Book 2) by [Post, Lexi]

 Sometimes not knowing is better…for everyone.

Temptations of Christmas Future (A Christmas Carol Book 3)

 Temptations of Christmas Future (A Christmas Carol Book 3) by [Post, Lexi]

He set out to prove the future was far worse than she imagined. Now he wished it wasn’t.

About the Author:
 

Lexi Post is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of romance inspired by the classics. She spent years in higher education taking and teaching courses about the classical literature she loved. From Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death” to Tolstoy’s War and Peace, she’s read, studied, and taught wonderful classics.
But Lexi’s first love is romance novels so she married her two first loves, romance and the classics. From hot paranormals to sizzling cowboys to hunks from out of this world, Lexi provides a sensuous experience with a “whole lotta story.”
Lexi is living her own happily ever after with her husband and her cat in Florida. She makes her own ice cream every weekend, loves bright colors, and you will never see her without a hat.

 
Lexi’s Social Links:

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Nov26

Peanut Butter Fudge

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This is my once a year Christmas Fudge recipe.  Its creamy and delicious.  It makes a lot and is perfect to give as gifts.  I buy containers from The Dollar Tree and fill them with Fudge to give as gifts.  A great recipe, can add other flavor chips, nuts or other additions to make it your own.

Peanut Butter Fudge

4 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3- 11.5 oz. bags milk chocolate morsels

1- 10 oz. bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips

2 sticks butter, cut in small pieces

1 teaspoon vanilla

1- 12 oz. can evaporated milk

7 oz. marshmallow cream

Directions:

In a large bowl, something that can handle heat, I use metal, add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, marshmallow chips, butter, set aside.

Get your vanilla ready, next to the metal bowl.  Be sure to put a trivet under the bowl as it will get hot when you add mix to it.

Now, In a large stock pot add sugar, evaporated milk.

Heat over medium heat 7-8 minutes until you get a rolling boil.  You must stir constantly.

Once you get a rolling boil after at 7-8 minutes, take off heat and immediately pour over chocolate mixture. Stir fast to get all ingredients incorporated and butter is melted.  Then add vanilla, mix again.  Immediately pour into a 9×13 pan or into several small containers for gifting or storing.  Let chill in fridge.  For a creamier feel, remove from fridge an hour before eating.

This lasts at least a few days for sure in fridge.  Mine never last more than 5 days so I can’t be sure of anything after that.

 

 

 

 

Nov25

Dark Corner: Read first chapter here

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Dark Corner by Vicki Vass is available to purchase now  read the first chapter below

October 31, 1862

Black Mountain, North Carolina

Prologue

“Terra, run now. They’re coming.” Agatha’s words echoed across the open field. I glanced up at her. I lay in the crop field that Agatha had been tending. We were at the top of a clearing outside her cabin on Black Mountain, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. I stared deep into her turquoise eyes. I saw fear rising up from her. She stood, putting a hand to her lower back, and stared across the field. The purple flowers of the chives rustled in the breeze; the evergreens that surrounded her land swayed in the wind. Her red and white dogs sensed the intruders approaching. They darted around the field, barking, circling her, ready to protect her from whatever evil approached.

“Go, Terra, before it’s too late.” Her voice was more urgent this time.

I stood and stretched, realizing I couldn’t remember when she had become so old, her hair gray, her skin withered and wrinkled, her movements slow and unsure. I was reluctant to leave her. Since arriving in North Carolina, Agatha had provided me with refuge, allowing me to curl up by her fire, eat from her table, and accompany her on healing ministries. A woman of few words, she was a powerful healer. Despite her abilities, she still had not found a way to heal me. I remained as a cat, my true girl form hidden from me. At seventeen years of age, escaping from the trials in Salem, I took a potion that transformed me into an ordinary alley cat, and thus I have stayed. The knowledge to change me back to my true form was lost with my coven leader, Elizabeth, who had met her fate in the Salem witch trials.

I felt the pounding of the hooves charging across the field and the rattle of the heavy wagon before I saw them. Then I heard the telltale rebel yell. Garbed in yellow and gray, there were three men, two on horseback, brandishing pistols and one, the leader, driving a horse-drawn wagon. They stopped in front of Agatha, who was as surprised as I was. No intruders had ever broken through the enchanted woods around the cabin. The dogs barked, circling the wagon. Two black horses frothed at the mouth and kicked up their hooves. The wheels of the wagon sunk deep into the ground. Like the horses, the wagon was black. Holding the reins was a lieutenant, tall and thin. He cracked his whip as he stared the dogs down. The dogs whimpered and stepped backward. The oldest dog lunged toward him, and the whip cracked again. I ran and hid behind the wagon. Dangling from the bed hung bones tied with tendons. One sniff and I could tell they were human. Trophies, I thought, spoils of this brutal war.

As the dogs continued to lunge and bark, he cracked his whip toward them.

“No,” Agatha screamed, standing in front of the dog. “Run,” she screamed at her dogs as the whip cracked, lashing the flesh off her arm, causing her to drop to her knees.

Snarling, the largest dog lunged for the lieutenant, attempting to pull him down from the wagon. The whip cracked again, wrapping around the dog’s neck. The lieutenant pulled the whip, snapping the poor dog’s neck. The other pups scattered. Clutching her arm, Agatha knelt down next to the dog, cradling his head in her lap.

I stopped, stepped toward her, and then froze in place when I saw the face of the lieutenant. His face was scarred, his mouth distorted with a comical grin that stretched ear to ear. What kind of battle had he been through? He tugged at the kerchief around his neck, revealing the deep red scar that hung like a noose around it.

I ran into the fields toward the stream, the dogs behind me. We scattered, the dogs making their way into the stream, me avoiding water. The soldiers had been targeting Agatha since the conflict started as she would not declare a loyalty to either side. Blue or gray, she treated both with her healing medications. Agatha was not a proponent of war. Nor was I. I had lost too many friends to conflicts. I leaned against a mighty oak, catching my breath. I clawed my way up the tree, finding comfort on a heavy limb. From my vantage point, I watched as the lieutenant dismounted and circled Agatha. There was something about him, the lieutenant, that chilled me to the bone. His eyes stared past Agatha as though he could see through her. I had seen other soldiers, some mere boys, others old men. The lieutenant was neither. I looked at him, yet I didn’t see him. It was moments ago, yet I couldn’t remember his face, any of his features except the lieutenant bars on his uniform and the cracking of his whip.

They came without warning. Agatha Hollows enchanted the cabin and the woods surrounding it. The ash, oak, and thorn bent their mighty limbs over the road leading up Black Mountain, barring the way to any unwanted strangers. I had not heard them crack, and I had never seen Agatha Hollows truly scared. My heartpounded. The war was coming to Black Mountain; the war was coming to Agatha Hollows.

Nov24

The Christmas Ballet Blog Tour.

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The Christmas Ballet
By Constance Bretes

Constance has 2 $10 gift certificates to Paparazzi Accessories to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here https://goo.gl/taJJDH.

About The Christmas Ballet:

Laura Hemmingway cut herself off from men and her family when the man she loved married her sister. She moved across the country and was doing just fine until she received a devastating call to return to New York. She had to face the death of her sister, her sister’s little girl, Maria, and Maria’s father, Stefan—the man she had once loved. She figured she would pay her respects and leave as soon as possible. She never anticipated on the beautiful little girl stealing her heart. And she never expected that seeing Stefan again after twelve years would stir up old feelings.

 Stefan’s life was complete. He had a successful career as an attorney, a beautiful wife and an adorable six-year-old daughter. Although he and his wife had been married in name only for the past several years, he cared for her deeply. Then her unexpected death brought him face-to-face with his former lover, and the guilt he’d carried for years.
Stefan is still in love with Laura and wants to give her everything she deserves. He and Maria are racing against time to convince Laura to stay with them in New York.

 Can a little girl’s love, and the true magic of Christmas, help Stefan convince Laura to stay and give their relationship another chance?

 Content Warning: contains some sexual content
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Heat Level – Hot

Excerpt from The Christmas Ballet:

He smiled as he thought about the look on her face when he’d stroked her. Maybe she was more interested in him than she either believed or cared to be.
Then he thought of something. “One more thing, Laura,” he called out to her, and she stopped at the door and turned around.
“On the nineteenth, the law firm is hosting the annual Christmas party. It’s quite grand and lasts all evening long.”
“You want me to be sure to be available to babysit Maria,” Laura said.
“No. I want you to plan to come with me.”
“What?”
“Remember that beautiful, green, velvet dress we saw at Macy’s? I want you to get that dress, and the accessories to go with it, and attend the party with me.”
“Stefan, really. You know I don’t go to those types of events, and I don’t wear those kinds of clothes. I’m not comfortable with either of those things.”
“You need to get comfortable.” He smiled.
“This is not a part of a job for the nanny and teacher. It’s out of the range of the job description. You need to get Ginger to go with you. I’m not going.” She gave him a defiant look.
“Laura, I want to take you to this event. I’m not taking no for an answer. I will arrange for Rhonda to take you shopping to help you get what you need. You will charge all the purchases to a credit card I will give you that’s for your use only. This is the first of many social parties you will be attending.”
He watched her as she clenched her hands into fists and released them.
“Who do you think you will get to care for Maria on these…occasions?”
“Usually Lillian is available.”
“Stefan, it’s my job to care for Maria, not be your date to your parties. I don’t like being told what I will or won’t do. I don’t like social parties, and I don’t like wearing expensive clothes. It’s not me, and you’re not going to change me.”
“I don’t want to change you. I want you to attend an event by my side. It won’t hurt you to have some beautiful clothing to show your feminine side. I want the world to see the beauty I see. Be glad I want to show you off. Some men might decide they don’t want others to see what they see.”
“Flattery doesn’t work with me. You can tell me what to do as far as Maria is concerned, but my personal life is off limits to you.”
“That’s good to know. At least I know you won’t get carried away and escape my grasp by someone making flattering remarks to you. Your personal life interests me.”
“Stefan, you just don’t get it. I am not going to this party,” she said, enunciating each word slowly and carefully. “Besides, your mother would be horrified to see me walk in with you.” Her face hardened as she stared at him.
“Look at it this way—you’d be doing me a big favor.”
“How?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not interested in the other women that come to this social party looking for an eligible bachelor. With you on my arm, it would send a clear message to all the others that I’m taken.”
“God, you’re impossible. Ginger is more than capable of providing you that kind of service.”
“I don’t want Ginger. You have the grace, quiet beauty, and finesse I want in a date, and I will not take no for an answer. After Maria’s recital, you and Rhonda will set a shopping date. And one more thing. When you get your hair done, I’d like you to wear it down.” He smiled at her.
“This is not going to happen.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
“It will. I’ll just have Maria work on you.” He eyed her.
“What?”
Stefan grinned. “You heard me. You’d never turn down anything from Maria.”
“Grrrr.” She growled and stomped up the stairs.
He laced his hands and put them behind his head. Oh yeah, it’ll be a night she’ll never forget.

About the Author:
Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She retired from the State of Michigan after 38-plus years of service and now writes and researches full time. She is married to her best friend and has recently moved from Montana to Alabama. Her hobbies include basket weaving, sapphire digging, and checking out old ghost towns.

Constance’s Social Links:

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Nov23

Keeping Faith Blog Tour

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Keeping Faith 
Fair Cyprians of London Series (Book 3)
By Beverley Oakley

Beverley has a print copy of Her Gilded Prison to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win a print copy of Her Gilded Prison. You may find the tour locations here. 
 
About Keeping Faith:

“My beautiful Revenge.”

 Four years ago, Faith’s mysterious benefactress falsely accused her of stealing and deposited her in Madame Chambon’s exclusive brothel.

 There, Faith was to learn how to entrance London’s noble gentlemen with her learning in philosophy, politics and art.

 Her body was to be saved for the greatest enticement of all: revenge.

 Faith doesn’t care what she has to do. She lives only to fulfil a bargain that will set her free.

 But when Faith is recruited as the muse of a talented, sensitive painter whose victory in a prestigious art competition turns them both into celebrities overnight, she discovers the reasons behind her mission are very different from what she’d been led to believe.

 Now she is complicit in something dark and dangerous while riches, adulation and freedom are hers for the taking.

 But what value are these if her heart has become a slave to the man she is required to destroy?

Genre – historical romantic suspense
Heat Level – Medium

Keep Faith Buy Links:
https://www.books2read.com/u/bP5pGY
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Dg70UP

Excerpt: 

Chapter One

 “What did you learn last night?”

 “A gentleman must always believe he knows best.”

 Confident that her answer was pleasing, Faith reached across the table to help herself to a macaroon but a sharp slap across the back of the hand stopped her progress by the silver teapot.

 Her smile of feigned contrition was rewarded with a raised eyebrow from Madame Chambon. Not an invitation to partake of a macaroon, unfortunately. The table laden with eclairs and petit fours in Madame’s private sitting room was merely for show.

 “Greedy girl, Faith! You can eat at the Dorchester tomorrow and I daresay you won’t even spare a thought for the other girls who are justified in being somewhat jealous of your cossetted life.” Madame sniffed as she patted one of the grizzled, orange curls of her elaborate coiffure. Faith suspected a squirrel’s pelt had made its contribution. “I’m sure they wonder every day why you never have to stir yourself – or anyone else, for that matter – to get your fine clothes or a roof over your head.” Madame Chambon piled three macaroons onto her already laden plate before making a sweeping gesture that encompassed the furnishings of her surprisingly decorous private sitting room with its gold tasseled green velvet curtains and flock wallpaper. “What have you told them, Faith? About why you are here, I mean?”

 Faith’s stomach rumbled as she gazed from the prints of the famous artists that lined the walls to the fine fare in front of her, ordered from Fortnum and Mason. These monthly sessions in table manners were supposed to give Faith the practice she needed to deport herself like a lady when eating in public. However, under Madame’s guardianship, Faith never actually got to try the specialties.

 “Answer me, Faith. In all the three years that you’ve been here, you’ve had to do precisely nothing to justify your existence. Surely the girls have questioned you? I have my own version of the truth for them, as you know, but I’d be interested to hear what you have to say.”

 Faith didn’t answer. She already knew how lucky she was, but Madame was not ready to drop the subject, despite having just crammed an entire chocolate éclair into her mouth. Faith just managed to make out the muffled words, “Every night you lie peacefully in your bed while the other girls have to earn their livings.”

 Lying peacefully in her bed was not how Faith would describe the restfulness of her slumber. She was kept awake every night by the grunts and cries of ecstasy that penetrated the thin walls of her attic chamber.

 Still, she’d finally learned when it was wise to respond meekly, so she bowed her head and stared at her neat kid gloves while dreaming of the delicacies Mrs. Gedge would order for them when Faith really was dining with her at the Dorchester Hotel the following afternoon. The Sacher Torte Mrs. Gedge had ummed and aahed over before finally choosing the baked Alaska from the sweets trolley last month still haunted her. However, since part of Faith’s tutoring included how to win over reluctant gentleman ‘and make them wild with wanting’ which is how Madame phrased it, then surely Faith could persuade her American benefactress to order the Austrian chocolate specialty?

 She was so busy rehearsing her words for tomorrow that she almost missed Madame’s prophetic and appalling statement.

 “Well, Faith, the time has come for you to start earning your way, now.”

 Faith brought her head up in shock. Was Madame teasing? When it appeared not, she gripped the table edge as she struggled for composure. For so long she’d known the reckoning would come. Yes, and with three years preparing for it, she’d believed she could meet it head-on with the necessary fortitude.

 But there’d been no warning.

 She began to shake, biting into her bottom lip and clasping her hands in her lap to try and keep secret the manifestations of her terror from Madame who’d only be spurred onto gloating and make her suffer even more.

 “Mrs. Gedge reported last month that she wasn’t entirely happy you were ready for what she has in store for you when she took you to tea, Faith.” Madame chewed noisily, unperturbed, it seemed, by the crumbs that landed on her gaudy vermillion skirts.

 Faith didn’t suggest that Mrs. Gedge’s dissatisfaction was perhaps the fault of Faith’s tutor – the one sitting in front of her – who knew nothing about deporting herself as a lady.

 With a dainty gesture using only her forefingers, Madame Chambon raised her plate and licked at the crumbs that had not been dislodged before saying, “Fortunately, Lady Vernon is recovered at last from her long indisposition and has agreed to forget your rudeness to her from six months ago. In fact, she’ll be here shortly. Yes, she’ll soon have you passing the scrutiny of the most discerning duchess.” Madame gobbled down another macaroon with as much finesse as the dogs Faith’s father used to goad into fighting each other after they’d fought over the scraps from the scrubbed wooden table at the farm. Not that there’d been many scraps with ten children to feed.

 “Should we not have waited for Lady Vernon?” Faith suggested, daringly. But she had to say something to stop herself from launching into a volley of querulous questions about exactly what form this ‘having to earn her own way’ might take.

 Madame Chambon pushed aside an untouched plate of bread and butter to reach for another chocolate éclair and sighed. “There was just so much food on the table it seemed unnecessary to wait if her ladyship was going to be late. Ah! And here she is.” Madame’s orange painted mouth turned up at a knock on the door. “Shoulders back, Faith! And make sure you don’t talk with your mouth full.”

 Since this was not a danger, Faith supposed there might be some compensation in having to face her former nemesis who surely must subscribe to the belief that learning table manners required one having to eat.

 Madame threw her arms wide in a welcome as the door opened to admit the new arrival. “Good evening, Lady Vernon. We’re so glad you’ve recovered from your chest ailment,” she gushed. “A good rest has done you the world of good. Why, you look ten years younger. Just as you do every time I see you, in fact. And we’re indeed humbled that you’ve consented to return.” Madame simpered at the elderly woman, dressed all in black who looked, Faith thought, even more wraith-like than usual as she pinned up the veil of her bonnet and took the seat at the table proffered by Madame who went on, “I’m sure you’ll feel even better once you’ve heard Faith’s heartfelt apology.”

 Faith blushed under the scrutiny of the two pairs of expectant, unforgiving eyes, and glanced longingly at the remaining macaroon.

 Yes, there were times when it was worth being abject. She mightn’t mean what she said, but if the last three years under Madame Chambon’s roof had taught her one thing, it was how to sound heartfelt and sincere when she felt anything but.

 “I’m sorry for my rude comments about…” Faith hesitated. Perhaps it was best not to stir up old memories. While it must be perfectly obvious to anyone who met Lady Vernon as to why an earl’s daughter could remain a spinster into her sixtieth year, it hadn’t been in anyone’s interest – Faith’s least of all, it turned out – for Faith to have gone into quite such specific and extensive detail regarding her thoughts on the likely reasons. “I behaved like a child, though it’s such a long time ago, now, I can barely remember what was going through my head at the time. I was only seventeen and, in those days, prone to losing my temper but now I’m eighteen and, thanks to all your efforts in teaching me how to act like a lady, Lady Vernon, I’m so far from the rude and impulsive young thing I was before, you’d not recognize me today. Thanks to your thorough tutelage, I am determined that I will never speak out of turn, to you, or anyone. Indeed, I have changed! I truly believe that, confronted by a table of delicacies like this, for example, I would certainly not embarrass you or Mrs. Gedge or any lovely young man or his mother who might take me out to tea by any show of greediness or lack of restraint.”

 Lady Vernon’s eyes remained fixed firmly on Faith for the duration of this speech with no indication of how forgiving or otherwise she might prove to be.

 After a long silence, she spoke. “Restraint?” She sniffed. “Restraint is the most important requirement of any young lady, Faith. I’ve told you this many times, so I’m glad it’s a lesson you claim to have finally learned.”

 With her eyes fixed on Faith, she reached towards the remaining macaroon that sat lonely on its plate just in front of them both, her long-fingered hand hovering just above. “Please pass that to me, Faith. I can’t seem to reach it.”

 Wordlessly, Faith complied, schooling her features into impassivity while she railed inside, I hate you! I hate you! as she watched Lady Vernon transport the coconut confection to her thin, bloodless lips.

 “Delicious,” Lady Vernon murmured. “In fact, I believe it is the best macaroon I have ever tasted? You must surely agree, Faith, since the plate is now empty.”

 She looked pointedly at the two remaining crumbs that clung to the edge of the fine china, as if to imply that Faith had eaten the rest. Then she indicated the plate of bread and butter near Madame Chambon. “Please eat, Faith. Madame Chambon and I have a leisurely afternoon at our disposal. She and I will partake of the remaining chocolate eclairs –” Her pointed chin wobbled slightly, whether from the suppression of mirth or the swallowing of bile, Faith could only guess, “while you make good work of the bread and butter with all the ladylike restraint you’re so anxious to prove.”

 Other Books in the Series:

 Saving Grace (Fair Cyprians of London Book 1) by [Oakley, Beverley]
Saving Grace Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2z7rVGx

 Forsaking Hope (Fair Cyprians of London Book 2) by [Oakley, Beverley]
Forsaking Hope Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2DlzV9M

 Beverley Oakley’s Bio:

Debutantes, widows and the occasional courtesan test society’s boundaries in Beverley Oakley’s wicked, passionate historical romances dripping with scandal, intrigue, and suspense.

 Her Fair Cyprians of London series is about a group of determined and clever courtesans at a high-class Soho brothel who use their wit and beauty to avenge past betrayals – and who find lasting love along the way.

 How can there be a happily ever after? is a question many a reviewer has asked before admitting to being delighted and satisfied by the unexpected plot twists and surprise endings – just like in Beverley’s own life. You can read more on her website.

 Beverley’s Social Links:

 Website: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverleyOakley/
Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/beverleyeikli/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5989577.Beverley_Oakley

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Nov20

BOOK TOUR: Moonlight and Moet

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Moonlight & Moet
B&B Billionaire Romance Series (Book 2)
By Madison Michael

 Madison has put together some really awesome Prize Packages to giveaway during the tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here (https://goo.gl/ESBmdA). 


 About Moonlight & Moet:
 

Can the Hottest Man Around Melt this Ice Queen’s Heart?

 When her husband publicly cheats on her, Leigh Dobbs trades her humiliating reputation as an ice queen and a hometown that shuns her for the unknown of rural North Carolina. Taking over a small bed and breakfast, Leigh sets out to restore it, her dignity and her life. Excited at the prospect of adding more rooms and a full-service restaurant, Leigh’s big plans encounter the brick wall that is Caleb Rausch. Sparks fly even as Caleb votes no on the planning commission, crushing Leigh’s dreams.

 Handsome powerhouse Caleb Rausch is a man on a mission, expanding his huge corporation without encroaching on the small town where it resides. His commitment to his products, employees and historic preservation are unwavering. What’s lacking is his commitment to one woman. Caleb is the most eligible bachelor in three states, dating celebrities and models, but never settling down. Until now.

 Even as Caleb forces Leigh’s expansion plans on hold, the couple moves full-steam-ahead on their relationship, unable to resist the mutual attraction. So why, after a steamy night together, does Caleb disappear for weeks? Has Leigh put her heart out there again, just to be played?

 Will the magic of a moonlit night be enough to kindle their love or will Caleb’s constant disappearing act prevent him from melting this ice queen’s heart?

Moonlight & Moet Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2DDXQm9

 
  1. Excerpt:

    Exhausted and anxious to return home, Leigh wasn’t paying attention as she stepped out the door of the small law office at the end of the row of storefronts. Leigh went down hard on the cement, her skirt flying up, her brochures flying. A shook-up Leigh assessed the damage and caught her breath. Her dignity was beyond repair.
    Leigh was brushing the dirt from her palms, scraped from trying to break her fall when a shadow blocked the sun, and a large, dirty hand, attached to a long, strong arm reached down to assist her. Leigh’s gaze followed the flannel covered forearm up over a muscled bicep and continued until her scrutiny was arrested by a pair of coffee-colored eyes surrounded by the deep laugh lines of an outdoorsman. He was staring vast expanse of creamy thigh and more than a hint of her magenta panties. His expression told Leigh that he liked what he saw.
    Leigh clumsily scrambled to lower her dress, gather the brochures fluttering in the breeze, and take the proffered hand all at once. Several pamphlets escaped down the sidewalk, but she quickly forgot them as she was lifted like a feather against her mountain’s chest and too swiftly placed gently on her feet. She winced when the blisters made contact with the hard surface beneath them and the lumberjack buried behind a grizzly bear beard reacted.
    “Injured, little lady?” he asked with concern. “Let me help you get you to urgent care.
    “That won’t be necessary,” Leigh responded, smoothing her dress to cover her embarrassment and interest.
    “Then at least let me help you to your destination.”
    “I was just heading to my car, down the ways,” Leigh tried to gesture with the arm the man still held. “But, I’m fine. Really. I can take it from here.”
    “Fine, indeed,” Grizzly Adams replied in a sarcastic, deep baritone.
    He was tall, covered in a subtle sheen of dirt and sweat, but Leigh quickly realized the shirt under her fingertips was the finest wool and his boots, caked in an inch of dried mud, were Scarpa Phantom 8000’s. He was a very wealthy Grizzly Adams, and a dedicated hiker too. Those boots were featured in the mountaineering store up the road for over $1000, way too rich for Leigh’s blood.
     He stood still, his smile twitching as caught Leigh checking him out. Then, without warning, he swept her into his arms, carefully adjusted her dress to modestly cover her behind while managing to slide his hand all along them. The man was a pro. Leigh couldn’t fault his effort, even as she realized he was copping a feel.  Carrying her easily, he began taking long strides in the direction she had pointed.
    “This is completely unnecessary,” Leigh repeated more than once, interspersed with “put me down, please” and “Really I can walk.” He ignored them all, speaking right over her repeated and flustered objections.
    “You took a nasty fall there. People are always missing that last step.” His face was too close and too handsome. He smelled of the outdoors – pine, sweat and sunshine. It was intoxicating.
     “Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer I took you over to the doc’s office or the urgent care?”
    “Just to my car, thanks,” Leigh requested, done trying to argue with the hard-muscled man. Who was she kidding? It felt incredible to rest against his broad chest, his arms holding her securely and his minty breath blowing on her face. He may have been filthy, a bearded mountain man who was certainly not her type, but he was sexy as hell. Leigh wished her car was miles away. ,
    “Will you be ok to drive, Miss…”
    “Leigh.”
    “Miss Leigh,” he repeated, caressing her name. “Are you sure you’ll be alright to drive?”
    Leigh bobbed her head in the affirmative. She loved resting her head against the power of this man’s chest, secure in his firm grip. Leigh looked up at him from under her eyelashes, admiring what she saw. She could tell that under the caked on mud and scruff, he was handsome, with a cocky smile and those laughing eyes. She wished she could see more.
    “This is my car,” she finally motioned. “Thank you, Mr…”
    “You’re certain you can drive?” he asked in his slow, smooth drawl, ignoring her question.
    “I’m not going far,” Leigh reassured him. “I’ll be fine.”
    The mountain man placed Leigh on her feet, holding her by the waist as if waiting for reassurance that she was solidly standing. Leigh looked down as if to assure herself both feet were there and with a deep breath made eye contact. The man was a head taller, broad and powerful, and staring at her as if he wanted to devour her. A hot flush filled Leigh’s cheeks, and she extended a hand to shake his.

     

    “Well, thank you again. You certainly turned out to be my knight in shining armor today,” she jested.
    “Well, Miss Leigh, then I guess I get my knight’s favor,” the man responded with a devilish grin. Leigh was still registering his warning when he lowered his head to hers and placed his warm lips upon her cooler ones.  

    Other Books in the B&B Billionaire Romance Series:




     Desire & Dessert Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2Fg1qo5
     


     About the Author: 
     
    Madison Michael is an indie publisher, blogger and the author of the Beguiling Bachelor Series as well as the novella Desire & Dessert, from her sizzling B&B Billionaire Bachelor series.
    A Chicago native and hopeless romantic, Maddy was raised on Chicago culture, fairy tales, great literature and swashbuckling movies. Maddy employs that history, writing steamy contemporary romance novels set against the sumptuous backdrop of Chicago’s elite society.
    After receiving a BA in Journalism from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago, Madison abandoned her writing to find her way in the corporate business world. Daughter of a librarian, it was inevitable that she would return to the world of books.
    Maddy writes from high above Chicago where she can stare at its gorgeous skyline or the shores of Lake Michigan surrounded by feline assistants. When she is not writing,, Maddy can be found lost in a book, fighting for the rights of the mentally iil or dining on Chicago’s famous cuisine. Hot dogs and pizza, anyone?
     

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Nov19

Chocolate Dipped Clementine’s

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Winter has its own scent in my opinion, so when I smell certain scents I always think of Christmas.  Cinnamon, Apple, peppermint and citrus are my top Christmas scents.  There’s just something about a crushed candy cane or a freshly peeled clementine that brings back great holiday memories.  This recipe is a way to use up your case of clementine’s in a fun way to treat your family and friends.  I’m not sure how long these will last in the fridge or out because they always go so fast I barely get them on the table before they are all gone.  Enjoy and Happy Holiday!!!

CHOCOLATE DIPPED CLEMENTINE’S

1/2 cup milk chocolate morsels

3 clementine’s, peeled

optional, sugar crystals or salt for decoration

Directions:

In a microwave safe bowl add morsels, microwave 30 seconds, mix, return to microwave if needed an additional 30 seconds or until chocolate is melted.  Dip 1/2 of the peeled clementine in the milk chocolate, add to a foil lined pan. continue until all are dipped, Optional: add salt or sugar crystals for decoration.  I used sugar crystals.  Place in fridge until chocolate is set.  About 15 minutes.  Serve freshly made for best results.

 

Nov12

Roasted Vegetables

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I love the taste of roasted vegetables.  Its pretty easy to make them too.  The hard part is the prep, peeling and cutting all the yummy veggies.  I use what I have on hand and you can feel free to add or subtract any veggies you may like.  This makes a great side dish for holidays.  Enjoy!!!

ROASTED VEGETABLES

1 pound Brussel Sprouts

2 large sweet potatoes

1 large onion

about 3 Large Carrots, or half a bag mini carrots

1 large red pepper

salt

pepper

garlic powder

1/4- 1/2 cup oil, I use canola

DIRECTIONS

pre heat oven to 400 degrees

Peel and dice sweet potatoes, peel and cut carrots into bite size pieces, peel and dice onion make sure you use a larger dice on the onions so they don’t burn, clean and large dice the red pepper, clean and cut Brussel sprouts in half.

On a foil lined pan add all vegetables, pour oil over top, I start with 1/4 cup and go up to half cup if needed to coat all the vegetables.  spread veggies evenly.  sprinkle the vegetables with salt pepper and garlic powder.

bake for 15 minutes, mix the vegetables making sure they don’t stick.  if they do add about 1 tablespoon oil to pan mix. place back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through and fork tender.

Enjoy!!!

Nov11

Blog Tour: Snatching Dianna

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Snatching Dianna
Feisty Lawyers Book 1
By Seelie Kay
 
Seelie will be giving away some great ebooks for this tour. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Remember you may enter every day for your chance to win one of the prize packages. You may find the tour locations here. 
 

About Snatching Dianna:

The hours are counting down as investigators try to prove that Dianna Murphy has been snatched. Unfortunately, without witnesses and solid evidence, all the police really know is that she is missing.
 
When suburban Milwaukee law student Dianna Murphy fails to connect with her roommate, there is no real evidence that she has been snatched. Until Law Professor Janet MacLachlan, a former covert agent, discovers a single clue, one that points to a taking by a slave trafficking cartel. In a race against time, Janet recruits her husband, secret agent Cade Matthews, small-town Police Chief David Manders and his wife, criminal defense attorney Julianna Constant, and other law students to uncover the truth. Can they prove she has been taken, before Dianna disappears without a trace?
Romantic Suspense (Three Flames)

Buy Links:
Publisher:   http://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2263-9-snatching-diana/
Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/902308
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2EVls7g
Barnes and Noble:  Coming soon

 


 Excerpt:
After what seemed like hours in the sweltering van, it lurched to a stop.
 
Dianna heard a man bark orders. A door to the van opened and someone pulled the rope from her feet, then removed her hood. She took a deep breath.  A man grabbed her by the arm, forced to her feet, and pulled from the van. Dianna stumbled when she hit the ground. The stones were hot and her feet were covered by athletic socks, no shoes. Show no weakness.
 
Dianna immediately surveyed her surroundings. It was still night, but she was in a well-lit courtyard. A large stone mansion stood in front of her. She looked to her right, then her left. The courtyard was enclosed by a large stone fence, at least eight feet high. A fortress. Fortunately, Dianna was a rock-climber. She could rappel over the fence with the right equipment. All she would need was something to serve as a pick, maybe a rope. A knife, a screwdriver, even a fork. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be ready.
 
A large black man, dressed in a white suit and a maroon turban, walked out of the front door and down the stairs. He stopped and flashed a malevolent smile. He flung his arms wide and in a cultured baritone boomed, “Welcome to paradise, ladies. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
 
Some of the guards laughed.
 
“Crikey,” Tillie muttered. “Sounds like a blasted genie.”
 
Dianna glanced sideways and for the first time, got a look at her new friend. She was tall and thin, her body well defined. She looked strong and aware, almost fierce. Her eyes seemed to be studying the place, taking everything in. She showed no fear. Instead, she seemed interested. Something was off. Tillie did not act like a victim as the others did. She was not cowed. Was she a cop? Or like Dianna, someone who would not permit themselves to be broken?
 
There was only one thing of which Dianna was certain. She had found a friend. A useful one.
 
About Seelie Kay:
Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen!  In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of multiple works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, and The President’s Wife.
 
When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
 
Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS:  Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
Author links:
 
www.seeliekay.com
www.seeliekay.blogspot.com
Twitter: @SeelieKay https://twitter.com/SeelieKay
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seelie.kay.77
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Seelie-Kay/e/B074RDRWNZ/

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