Oct 24, 2017 | Barbara Freethy, Blog, Blog Tour
Happy Book Birthday Ryder by Barbara Freethy in the 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers series. Two families are at war, the battle still going on after decades of rumors and gossip. To this day, no one knows the real reason why it started in the first place. When Ryder Westbrook returns home he’s ready to put an end to this blasted feud so he can expand the town’s airport. Will it finally be put to rest once and for all? This former soldier will discover that crossing enemy lines in his family feud is laced with a few explosive secrets that could destroy his plans.
Bailey Tucker has recently returned home, her career in limbo, and her reputation shattered. Will she find comfort back home in a small town or will the scandal follow her? Once destined for the bright lights and greatness of city living, she’s left to reflect on what happened. Caught in the crossfire when Bailey’s high school crush returns home it will push her to fight for the truth. How will she cope when her heart betrays her conscience?
Eagles Ridge is a special place, one built from friendship and the love of the land. It’s time to set the story straight once and for all. Can Ryder and Bailey help fuse the gap and end their family feud?
This was the first book I’d read from Barbara Freethy and I look forward to reading more from her backlist. I can’t wait to read all the other soldiers stories.
EXCERPT
Prologue
“We’re hit! We’re hit!”
Navy pilot Ryder Westbrook heard the panicked words of his copilot, Michael Valdez, but he was too busy trying to regain control of the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter to reply. They were coming back from a humanitarian mission—having dropped food, water and medical supplies into the rugged and remote villages of Afghanistan—when they’d taken enemy fire.
They weren’t going to make it back to the carrier in the Persian Gulf. They were going to have to set down somewhere, hopefully far from the rebel forces that had just shot at them.
His heart pounded against his chest, but he remained calm, his training playing through his head as he went through every option to retain control of the twin-engine helicopter.
Flying was in his blood. The helo had always felt like an extension of his own power, but now that power was crumbling, and he was being forcibly reminded of just how fragile life could be.
But he couldn’t quit. There had to be a way out.
Unfortunately, his optimism was dampened by the fact that the ground was getting closer by the second, and his crew was depending on him to get them down safely.
His copilot had a wife and a baby back in the States. Colin Forbes, the sensor operator, was getting married in a month. And he…well, he still had things he wanted to do.
He had to keep them all alive.
Searching the ground for a viable landing site, he spotted what appeared to be a flat, open rural area. Not only did he want to protect his crew, he didn’t want to hurt anyone on the ground.
Glancing over at Michael, he saw his friend making the sign of the cross.
“We’re not going to die,” he said emphatically, drawing Michael’s gaze to his. “Not today. Not this time.”
He could see the hope in Michael’s eyes. His friend wanted to believe him.
Hell, he wanted to believe himself.
He’d been in tight spots before, and he’d always come out on top. It had been that way his entire life. Growing up in Eagle’s Ridge, he’d been the golden boy—the one who set new records, who made things happen, who achieved whatever he went after.
But this was real life. This was happening now, and he was the only one who could save all their lives.
In ten years of naval service, he’d never encountered a situation exactly like this. He’d never felt so worried that his number might really be up.
He shook the negative thought out of his head, squaring his jaw, tightening his hand on the controls, as he rode the bird down to the ground.
The impact was harder than he’d expected, the helicopter shattering into pieces of fiery metal. And when everything went black, he fought against the idea that this might be it.
He had more he wanted to do, people he should have made peace with a long time ago, a home that beckoned to him—the Blue Mountains, the Snake River, the people of Eagle’s Ridge—a life still to be lived.
He needed more time… He just didn’t know if he was going to get it.
Don’t miss any of the sexy soldiers!
Ryder (#1) – Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) – Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) – Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) – Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) – Julia London
Noah (#6) – Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) – Samantha Chase
Barbara Freethy Bio
Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 60 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara opened Fog City Publishing in 2011 and has since sold over 7 million books! Twenty-three of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists, including one title, SUMMER SECRETS, which hit #1 on the NYT. In 2014 Barbara was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of all time! She was also the first Indie writer to sell over a million books on Barnes and Noble.
Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, romance and suspense, Barbara is a six-time finalist and two-time winner in the Romance Writers of America acclaimed RITA contest for her novels DANIEL’S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME.
For more information, visit her website at www.barbarafreethy.com
Oct 24, 2017 | Blog, Blog Blitz, Eliza Knight, October 2017
USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight is back with the first in an all new swashbuckling series, Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea. SAVAGE OF THE SEA features a daring pirate brotherhood, high-seas adventures, and unforgettable romance…
The Whole Latte:
This series as of now will have four books, books one and three are written by Eliza Knight and books two and four are written by Kathryn Le Veque. The blog tour features Eliza’s new release, which is the first book in this one-click worthy series.
Are you ready for a swashbuckling high seas adventures? A story packed with enough plot filled twists to keep you on the edge of your seat? Don’t miss Eliza Knight’s book in this fresh new series, Lords of the Sea. It’s a must read.
Shaw “Savage” MacDougall is a pirate and must save members of his crew. There is only one snafu, he must make a deal to commit an act he vowed never to perform, ever. If he doesn’t its possible he might never see those crew members again, at least in one piece.
Oh, if only it were that easy. Nope. Remember, this is a story with pirates, and with Eliza at the helm, this pirate has one hell of a story to tell.
Savage is ruthless, but despite the rumors, he has a moral compass and a few notable traits that have so far prevented him from losing his own head. At first sight of Lady Jane Douglas he will violate every pirate code to save her, despite his instructions. How? Now where would the fun be in that? You are going to have to pre-order this must read story and pour a dram, or two. If you are looking for a pirate that will curl your toes and take you on an adventure of a lifetime, or at least for a few hours of reading enjoyment, Savage is your pirate.
Lady Jane might be young, but she is strong, stubborn, and will prove herself to be an equal match for Savage. The sacrifices that Savage takes to keep Lady Jane safe will result in many readers placing ads across social media in search of pirates.
Assumptions have been made and when Savage discovers the secrets Jane has been keeping, will he cast her aside or keep her close? Most pirates live to pillage and plunder, will Savage take what he wants and cast her aside, or love her till the end of time? The excitement of Jane discovering her true purpose is thrilling and inspiring. The excitement of Savage finding a true soul mate kept me turning page after page.
From the halls of Edinburgh castle to the majestic ship sailing the vast sea it’s time for a new series. It’s thrilling, romantic and has the perfect amount of spice. This brotherhood of pirates is seamless and the little nuances of castles, ships and travel are written with precision and such care you feel you are there with them.
Don’t miss this new series from Eliza Knight and Kathryn Le Veque and find out who will survive? Who will surrender? Who will find love? Whose story will be next? The first three are up on Amazon for pre-order now. Just click on the book covers:
A two and a half spicy pepper read. It has enough 
heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
I received an advance copy from Barclay PR and the author for a fair and honest review. One-click now and in just two sleeps you can set sail with Savage and his crew!
Exclusive excerpt from SAVAGE OF THE SEA
Copyright © Eliza Knight 2017
Isle of Iona
October 1445
The nights were normally quiet at the abbey. Lady Jane Lindsay walked the open-air cloisters between compline and matins when everyone else was sleeping, because sleep rarely came to her.
It was an issue she’d dealt with ever since that horrible night five years before, this inability to rest. And the only thing that seemed to help was walking in the nighttime air, no matter the weather, with no one present so that she could clear her mind, stare at the stars and think of a world outside these confining walls.
Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it did not.
She was Lady Marina now, her birth name of Jane a secret between herself, her aunt and the Mother Superior. Well, and her gentle warrior. She’d not written him since that day he’d warned someone else was reading her letters. And ever since she’d stopped, the scornful gazes she’d been receiving from Mother Superior had subsided. Was it she who read the letters?
Marina had been on Iona since the day the pirate prince had left her at the shore just before dawn so none of the sisters at the abbey would be able to identify her rescuer. And though five years had passed in the company of the devoted women of God, Marina had yet to take formal vows herself. Though not for Mother Superior’s lack of trying. She wasn’t certain what held her back, only that she felt destined for something, and she’d yet to figure out what. Perhaps the overarching fear of discovery had been at the heart of that desire to keep herself free and separate from the women who had taken her in.
She’d once thought that she might like a life at sea. Those few days upon the Savage of the Sea had been the most peaceful of her life. No one had looked at her as though she were a pawn. No one had expected to use her, as had been her lot since the day she was born. Surprisingly, not even Shaw MacDougall, who she owed a debt.
For now, she knew that their lives could be in danger.
Even that rakishly handsome devil prince of pirates did not know the true danger she was in. The secret that would have made Livingstone want her dead. She’d kept that from Shaw. The less people who knew, the better.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
Rafflecopter for Savage of the Sea Blitz Tour Giveaway:
One (1) lucky winner will receive a Celtic jewelry box plus a signed print copy of SAVAGE OF THE SEA! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:
About the Author:
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sizzling historical, time-travel and contemporary romance novels. Under the name E. Knight, she pens rip-your- heart-out historical fiction. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.
Connect with Eliza at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
Oct 23, 2017 | Blog, Coffee With, Kira Archer
Rae: If we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a spiced latte with Coconut Milk. What would you order?
Kira: I actually have an unfortunate sensitivity to caffeine, so I’d be sipping a nice hot chocolate with a shot of vanilla and whipped cream topped with cinnamon.
Rae: Fall is in full swing, do you have any traditions or decorate the house? If I had the time and money my house would be totally decked out lol I LOVE fall. I mostly decorate my house for Christmas though. Day after Thanksgiving, everything goes up 🙂
Rae: For those who are not familiar with your work, your backlist ranges from romantic comedy’s to urban fantasy, and stuff in-between, can you tell us a little bit your series?
Kira: The Winning the Billionaire series begins with Cole and Kiersten, a workaholic, demanding boss billionaire and his personal assistant…who shortly after the book begins wins the lotto. And instead of immediately quitting her job as most people would, her friends talk her into sticking around and seeing how much she can get away with before her boss fires her. A little payback for all the aggravation she went through working for him 😉 He catches on and tries to see how much she’ll take before she quits. And everyone gets in on it – betting to see who will crack first.
Cole belongs to a poker group with 3 of his billionaire buddies who are prominent in all the books and each book in the series will follow one of them with some sort of funny bet as a major theme. Cole, Brooks, Harrison, and Christopher. Kiersten’s two besties who won the lotto with her – Cass and Izzy – also show up in all 4 books.
Rae: Congrats on Truly, Madly, Sweetly being optioned by Hallmark. That is so exciting. Where are things right now with that? How long till we see it on our TV screens?
Kira: Thank you!! I’m still over the moon about it 😀 I don’t have an exact date on it just yet, however it is listed on IMDb website and several other sites that list upcoming Hallmark movies as releasing this year. I would assume in Dec or perhaps early next year. It looks like Dylan Neal (he plays Anastasia’s stepdad Bob in the 50 Shades movies and is prominent in Hallmark movies) is listed as both the lead actor and the script writer. They’ve changed the names of the main characters, from Nat and Eric to Emily and Ryan – so it’ll be interesting to see the movie come to life and see what changes and what stays the same!
Rae: Where do you find your inspiration?
Kira: Everywhere! The inspiration for 69 Million Things came from my husband’s lotto playing and a convo we had about what we’d do if we won. I draw a lot of inspiration from conversations and situations in my real life. Brainstorming is one of my favorite parts of the whole process. Taking little bits of ideas from all over, twisting them and combining them to make a cohesive story. Love it!
Rae: How do you keep all of your characters from crossing over into other books? Do you use a series “bible” or have files of notes?
Kira: I’ve been meaning to make a bible for a long time and haven’t had the time to do it lol But I need to soon. I do keep written notes though on character’s names and appearances. Those are hard to keep track of.
Rae: When you are writing a book, do you plot it out page by page, chapter by chapter? Or, do your characters guide you?
Kira: Both! I do plot, heavily. I didn’t use to but it made the edit process insane. Now, I begin with a synopsis. The beginning and end are fairly detailed with the middle more vague. Once I’ve got the beginning written and I know the characters better than just the descriptions I’ve written out, I’ll go through and plot the middle with more details. And usually about half way through I go through and plot out each chapter.
Typically, I know what will happen before I start the story. But how the characters react to that sometimes changes as their personalities sometimes change on me as I write them. For instance, I’m working on book 3 in the Winning the Billionaire series right now. I had outlined the heroine as more of a straight-laced person who would be horrified by the hero’s wacky family. But as I wrote her, she morphed into a quirky, spunky chick complete with bright-colored streaks in her hair and tattoos who will fit right in with them. It’s not what I originally envisioned, but it will actually end up working much better than I’d had plotted so it’s a win win 😀
Rae: What was the defining moment that you realized you wanted to write?
Kira: I never really had one defining moment. I just always wanted to write. My mom sent me a box of my old papers a year or so ago that had stories I’d written when I was 5. I won a young author’s book fair in 5th grade. I was always jotting down story ideas. But it wasn’t something I thought I could really do. It was a dream job like A-lister actor or rock star. Not something most “real” people did. Then when my son was a baby, I started writing little stories for him and I decided to try writing novels again. I wrote my first book while my kids were babies and I was going through graduate school. It took awhile lol And then I had this finished book and decided maybe I’d try and get it published.
What really helped was meeting other writers on the same journey. I found some critique partners and an amazing site, QueryTracker.net, that not only is an excellent resource for querying but also has a forum where I met a group of incredible authors who became really dear friends.
Rae: What can we expect to see on the bookshelves in the upcoming months?
Kira: Lots of fun things are coming up! Book 2 in this series, The Billionaire’s Unexpected Baby (Brooks’s book) will be releasing in Jan. The other books in the series, a new Lovestruck series, and the remaining books in my highlander series (written as Michelle McLean) will all be releasing next year and early 2019. And hopefully, the Hallmark movie will be out in the next few months!
Rae: Thank you for hanging out in the cafe today.
Kira: Thank you so much for having me!!
***** Tasty Tidbits *****
1. What is a must read book and why? Two of my all time favorite series are the Outlander series (by Diana Gabaldon) and the Wild Swan series (by Celeste de Blasis). They are historicals and both are massive sagas but they follow epic love stories that will wring your heart out and stay with you forever.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? I live in the tiniest little town in Central PA and honestly, it would take literally 2.5 mins to drive down mainstreet lol But it’s like living in a Norman Rockwell painting. I love it here. We do have a LOT of amazing things within driving distance though, including Hershey, PA (a must see if you like chocolate). Really though this is the place to go if you like nature and the outdoors. The PA Grand Canyon is close as are several breathtakingly gorgeous state parks, hiking trails, caves, etc.
3. Do you take-in or cook? If so, what is your “go-to” dish? So, according to my family, I’m not the best cook LOL I do bake really well though 😀 You need cinnamon rolls, cakes, etc, I’m your girl! I make a REALLY good sugar cookie cake/cupcake that is to die for!
4. What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m actually pretty shy in person until you get to know me. Then you can’t shut me up lol But I’m the biggest introvert. I’m happiest when I’m holed up at home with my family.
5. Hard Rock or Classical? Favorite Band or Artist? Ooo this one is a hard one. It really depends on my mood. I love everything from Metallica to the Beach Boys lol I do have an obsessive love with 80’s hair band monster ballads though…
6. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? Scotland! I have a massive list of places I’d like to go, but Scotland has always been up at the top.
7. What is your guilty pleasure? I’m a pretty big binge watcher. I’ll get busy with deadlines, etc, and not be able to watch my favorite shows, so if I can get a few days or a week off I will get caught up on everything all at once.
8. What are you afraid of? Spiders. Heights. Not a fan of small spaces. This is also why I had to abandon a childhood dream of being an astronaut (the heights and enclosed spaces…not so much the spiders. Space spiders….there’s a new nightmare!)
9. Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats, but I love them. I have a pinterest board with tats I love. I have considered getting a white ink tat with a tiny heartbeat line on my wrist to honor a baby I lost.
10. Organized or Free Floating? A weird mix of both. I really really like being organized but I rarely have the time to get as truly organized as I’d like. So I organize everything as much as I possibly can. And spend a lot of whatever free time I have organizing more lol
11. Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? LOL (see guilty pleasure) 😀 I do like to binge watch because you don’t have to wait a week between episodes! My current faves that I watch every week are Outlander, Scorpion, Big Bang Theory, Will and Grace, Scandal, The Good Place, Modern Family, Speechless – I like the sitcoms because I can sit and watch one while eating breakfast or lunch and then get back to work without being sucked in for an hour+ at a time.
12. What’s on your playlist? Depends on the mood – writing music usually includes Lindsey Stirling, Rob Dougan, Piano Guys. If I’m cleaning or trying to stay awake I like something with a good beat so I’ll go for Lady Gaga or 80s and 90s hip hop lol 🙂
13. What play or musical do you want to see next? It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen a play or musical! Well, I did see my kids’ school’s production of Seussical last year which was fabulous. And I’m a huge Into the Woods fan so I was thrilled when the movie came out. I’d like to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
14. Are you a crafter? Yes! Love crafts! I especially like making those name letters for my kids (like my son has the letters of his name decorated like soccer balls hanging on his wall – gymnastics themed letters for my daughter). I used to cross stitch a lot years ago. I miss doing that. And I really love decorating cakes.
15. What’s your favorite TV show and why? I don’t have one favorite really. I do really love Outlander because it’s based on one of my all time fave books and the casting is so amazing! Mostly though, I want to watch something that’s going to make me laugh. Big Bang Theory and Mom are favorites. Also enjoying the Lethal Weapon show. And Castle was a huge favorite of mine before it was cancelled.
16. If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? LOL well until a year ago, I would have said Outlander but they made that wish come true!
17. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why? Ohhh, same problem here as with books. Too many to choose from!! I’m a big rom com girl though (surprise, I know!) Fool’s Gold is one I will watch every time it’s on. And The Holiday.
18. Would you rather see a movie in the theater or at home on DVD and why? Kind of depends on the movie. I do love seeing movies in the theater but I love the comfort of being in my own home also. We go to the drive-in a lot in the summer with our kids. Kind of the best of both worlds. We get the big screen experience but it’s much more relaxed.
19. What is the one thing you can’t live without? It’s probably a cliché answer and it’s not a “thing” but my kids. Material things I can learn to live without. Even books, though it would make the world a dreary place – because I have enough stories going on in my head to keep me company if I didn’t have access to other books. My kids though…I don’t know what I’d do without them.
20. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would be at your table? Hmmm Ellen DeGeneres – she seems like a really fun and amazing person. Robin Williams for the same reason. Ryan Reynolds. Melissa McCarthy. Emma Thompson. That would be a seriously fun dinner party!
21. If you could try any career for a day, what would it be? When I was in school I wanted to be a museum curator. I’d still really love to do that. And a zookeeper. I think it would be fun to take care of animals all day.
22. Person you admire and why? My sister. She has gone through some nightmare situations but is building an amazing life for herself and her kids despite seriously massive obstacles and still has the best sense of humor around. She’s amazing!
Rae: Thanks again for hanging out! Time for another spiced latte 🙂
Happy Reading Dear Readers. Happy Writing Kira
Oct 22, 2017 | Blog, Kira Archer, October 2017
A wager, one irritatingly sexy boss, and a whole lot of wicked shenanigans make way for funny scenes and hilarious one-liners. Those are just a few reasons why 69 Million Things I Hate About You by Kira Archer is one-click worthy!
A story packed with characters that make you laugh, a plot that moves fast, and scorching hot chemistry. You don’t want to be the only one who hasn’t read this story.
Kiersten should quit her job with her good fortune. However, the thrill of annoying Cole Harrington, her smokin’ hot boss, means that you will laugh, scream and toss your book at Cole. This sexy boss has demands that are over the top, and expects you to respond with just one text or ring.
When Cole and Kiersten try to best each other the competition is fierce. Only one will come out on top. Will Kiersten give him the thrashing that he needs 
😉?
Well played Kira! What would you do if you won the lottery? Readers, run to your computer, drag out your e-reader, and download now! Best. Story. Ever. Happy Reading.
I give the collection a spicy 2 1/2 pepper read. It has enough heat to make you sizzle and is for mature readers 18+.
Excerpt:
His gaze roved over her face, focusing for a moment on her lips. She sucked the bottom one into her mouth, more to wet it from the sudden desert her mouth had become than to be sexy, but if it worked for both, more power to her.
“You know, I’m happy to take my shirt off for you anytime. You just have to ask. I know how much you enjoy
the view.”
Oh hell yes, she did. Wait. She frowned slightly. “What do you mean, you know I like the view?”
“The day you became my first assistant,” he said, leaning in closer. “You came into my office and I was on the
treadmill. Sweaty. Shirtless.” He leaned in even closer and took her chin in his fingers. “You couldn’t keep your eyes off me.” His voice had hit a husky, low level that had her belly tightening.
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” she said, though her voice came out far too breathy for someone who wasn’t supposed to be affected by her boss. “I was merely concerned you were getting dehydrated. With the amount of sweat I saw, I was afraid you were going to dry up like a cockroach and die.”
She smiled sweetly at him. He hadn’t released her face yet. He opened his hand to trail his fingers along her jawline, cup her cheek. “It was good of you to be concerned. No worries though. I have amazing stamina.”
Her face was so hot he could surely feel it flaming in his hand.
“I’m…sure you do,” she said, trying to force herself to stay unaffected. Mind over matter and all that. Her mind, however, was going AWOL. Along with the rest of her traitorous body.
Bio:
Kira Archer resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kiddos, and far too many animals in the house. She tends to laugh at inappropriate moments and break all the rules she gives her kids (but only when they aren’t looking), and would rather be reading a book than doing almost anything else. Most of her non-writing hours are spent hanging with her family and running her kids around because they are busy and she’s the taxi driver. She loves her romances a little playful, a lot sexy, and always with a happily ever after. She also writes historical romances as Michelle McLean.
Oct 21, 2017 | Blog, Blog Blitz, October 2017, Shayla Black
Misadventures of a Backup Bride
by
Shayla Black
Misadventures of a Backup Bride by Shayla Black is latest in the hot and sexy series from Waterhouse Press.
Carson Frost has received a business offer and must decide if he can sacrifice a life without love. Will he finalize a deal and live without a real marriage, or walk away from family obligation. Would you agree to a marriage of convenience and a life without love? If Carson can counter with a better offer and save his company, he just might end up at the alter with the right woman. Will he chose to spend the rest of his life happy or with regret?
Ella Hope is an actress and if she can convince everyone that she’s in love with Carson, she just might prove she’s worthy of the A-listers. It all goes according to the role she was hired to perform except for one little thing, she isn’t prepared for her feelings to overcome her obligation. What will Carson do when he finds out she’s invested more than just her career?Carson’s business plans are about to be renegotiated, and the new terms will change everything. Will he triumph or walk away? Carson and Ella are about to find out how perfectly matched they are despite their arrangement. Hopefully Carson can save his company and find true love. The chemistry is smokin’ hot, the plot twist keeps you reading till the last page and the characters are fun. I hope we see them again! This story is pretty hot with content for mature readers 18+. 
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review.
Click on the cover to start reading now: 
Meet the Author
Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.
Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.
Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.
Oct 18, 2017 | Barbara Devlin, Blog, Boxed Set, Claire Delacroix, Eliza Knight, Emma Prince, Hildie McQueen, Kathryn Le Veque, Laura Landon, Layna Pimentel, October 2017, Suzan Tisdale, Tina de Salvo
The Nutcracker Reimagined by Kathryn Le Veque, Claire Delacroix, Barbara Devlin, Eliza Knight, Suzan Tisdale, Hildie McQueen, Tina DeSalvo, Laura Landon, Layna Pimentel, and Emma Prince.
Hopefully by now you’ve already one-clicked this collection for your holiday reading. If not, there is still time to add it to your e-readers!
On the last day of The Nutcracker Reimagined Blitz the authors wanted to share a favorite recipe. So, from their holiday table to yours Happy Reading & Happy Cooking, or Drinking 😉
~ From the Kitchen of Claire Delacroix ~
We eat a lot of British foods at Christmas in Canada, and there’s nothing more British than a good trifle. This is a showy dessert to bring to the table and serve.
Claire’s Trifle
Custard, fruit and ladyfingers in layers.
For the vanilla custard:
1 tbsp conrstarch
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 cups homogenized milk
2 cups table cream (18%)
1 piece vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs
6 egg yolks
In a heavy saucepan, blend cornstarch with sugar. Whisk in milk and cream, add vanilla bean. (If using vanilla extract, add it after the custard is cool.) Stir constantly over moderate heat and bring to a simmer. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes to develop vanilla flavor; reduce to low. Beat eggs and egg yolks until smooth: blend in one cup of hot milk, then whisk back into hot milk in saucepan. Stirring constantly with a whisk, cook until custard is thick and smooth, 7 – 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Whisk custard as it cools. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now. You can keep the custard covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for a day.
Three hours before serving, assemble the trifle.
1 package ladyfingers soaked in sherry
1 pint blueberries
1 pint raspberries
Custard (recipe above)
In an 8-cup glass or crystal bowl, layer the custard with the ladyfingers and fruit – I do ladyfingers, custard, fruit, ladyfingers, custard, fruit. Refrigerate until serving. You may wish to serve the trifle with fresh whipped cream. You certainly want to serve it with dark chocolates and brandy!
~ From the Kitchen of Kathryn Le Veque ~
A perfect Medieval holiday recipe (one I have tried and it’s very good!)
Maximus’ Tart
Guaranteed to make all future knights very happy with full tummies!
4 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
pinch saffron
6 eggs
1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 lb. soft cheese, grated
1/2 cup currants
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. sage
1 tsp. hyssop (this is an herb with a minty-ish taste)
1 tsp. powder douce (equal parts ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
Grind saffron with salt, mix with butter, and set aside.
Place onions into boiling beef broth and cook until just tender and drain.
Beat eggs and combine with saffron-butter, onions, and remaining ingredients, pour into pastry shell, and bake at 350°F for one hour.
~ From the Kitchen of Laura Landon ~
Old Fashioned Candied Pecans
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg white
1 tablespoon water
1 pound pecan halves
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
Mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a bowl.
Whisk egg white and water together in a separate bowl until frothy. Toss pecans in the egg white mixture. Mix sugar mixture into pecan mixture until pecans are evenly coated. Spread coated pecans onto a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, until pecans are evenly browned, 1 hour.
~ From the Kitchen of Tina DeSalvo ~
Cajuns love bread pudding…heck who doesn’t. Best way to not let any food go to waste, right. This is made (or can be) with stale bread. Enjoy
Serve with a nice strong cup of cafe’ au last!
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding – (w Rum sauce)
4 cups of milk
4 eggs, separated
10 slices of stale bread (or use French bread)
1 ½ cups of sugar (cane sugar is best)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
I small can of evaporated milk
1 regular size can of condensed milk
pinch of salt
-Heat the milk and pour it over the bread. Mash it together.
-Cream the egg yolks and sugar together. Add it to the bread mash.
-Add evaporated milk, vanilla, salt and half of the condensed milk to the bread mash and mix well. Make sure it is very moist but not runny.
-place in a buttered, rectangular pan and bake uncovered at 375 degrees for about an hour. Make sure the eggs are cooked and mixture is springy to touch.
-Extra: This is not necessary, but you MAY want to add this to the pudding. Take the egg whites and combine it with four tablespoons of sugar and beat until it is dissolved and stiff. Pour it over the top of the pudding and return it to the oven and brown at 350 degrees.
-Drizzle the remainder of the condensed milk over the top and serve warm.
If you want to add a Rum Sauce to the top of this bread pudding- here is a recipe you may enjoy:
½ cup (1 stick) butter
¼ cup water
1/3 cup sugar (cane sugar is best)
1 ½ tablespoon dark rum
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-bring the bugger, sugar, water and rum to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook, until the sugar dissolves, making sure to stir continuously. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir int eh vanilla. Let it stand for a couple of minutes, pouring it warm over the pudding. YUM! You can top it with a little bit of whipped cream too.
For your Fur Babies:
Molasses Cookies recipe (for dogs or three-legged deer)- that Aurora would have used.
Ingredients:
2 cups cornmeal
2 large eggs
2 tbsp molasses
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup powdered milk
Preheat oven to 400º. In a large mixing bowl combine all the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Roll this mixture out ¼ inch thick and cut into shapes or shape into dog biscuits by hand. Place 1 inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
~ From the Kitchen of Barbara Devlin ~
Italian Christmas Cookies
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 cup flour
4 tsp. baking powder
Sift dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs; add vanilla and dry ingredients.
Knead and add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to hands. Pinch off dough, roll in your hands to form a log and then twirl into shape. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.
Icing
2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
6 tsp. water
Stir until creamy
Dip cookies into icing and sprinkle with trim. Place on wire rack with wax paper on counter to collect the dripping icing and sprinkles.
Now, this isn’t a personal recipe. Like most cooks, I collect all sorts of recipes, and I can’t even begin to say where I found this one, but it’s a holiday winner.
~ From the Kitchen of Eliza Knight ~
Spicy Sparkling Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle of prosecco (or moscato if you prefer)
1 cup of Fireball whisky (or other cinnamon whisky)
2 bottles of hard apple cider beer
2 cups of apple cider juice
2 of your favorite apples cut into cubes
2 blood oranges sliced in thin rounds
Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Soak the cut up apples and oranges in the whisky for about 2 hours
After 2 hours, mix in the prosecco, beer and apple cider and cinnamon sticks
Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours
Pour over ice, scoop some soaked fruit into the cup, and sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds
~ From the Kitchen of Hildie McQueen ~
Golden Apple Martini.
1 shot
Butterscotch schnaps
Hot Damn schnaps
2 shots
Skyy Vodka
Sour Apple schnapps
add chipped ice
2 dollops or a equivalent whipped cream from can into shaker
Shake and pour into glasses
Sprinkle top with nutmeg
If you try it, let me know what you think. It’s super yummy!!
~ From the Kitchen of Layna Pimentel ~
Great Pumpkin Cookies
Kids will love these fun pumpkin cookies. Decorate with all sorts of goodies like chocolate chips, icing and candies or enjoy them plain
Prep Time: approx. 20 Minutes Cook Time: approx. 15 Minutes Ready in: approx. 35 Minutes. Makes 20 large cookies (20 servings).
Printed from AllRecipes.com, Submitted by Libby’s Pumpkin
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 large egg
1 1/3 cups quick cooking oats 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon salt decorating icings,
1 cup butter or margarine NESTLE@ TOLL HOUSE@
1 cup packed brown sugar Semisweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup granulated sugar candies, raisins or nuts
1 cup LIBBYS@ 100% Pure Pumpkin
Directions
1 PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees F. Grease baking sheets.
2 COMBINE flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter, granulated and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy Add pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract; mix well* Add flour mixture; mix well* Stir in nuts and raisins. Drop 1/4 cup dough onto prepared baking sheet; spread into 3-inch circle or oval Repeat with remaining dough.
3 BAKE for 14 minutes or until cookies are firm and lightly browned Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes remove to wire racks to cool completely as desired with icing, morsel* candies, raisins or nuts.
~ From the Kitchen of Emma Prince ~
Bourbon Balls (one of my favorite holiday cookies)
Ingredients:
6 oz. chocolate chips
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp. corn syrup
1/3 cup bourbon (and maybe a wee dram for yourself as you work!)
1/2 box nilla waifers, crushed/crumbled
1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
Melt chocolate chips (you can do this in a microwave-safe bowl and just microwave until the chocolate chips are smooth)
Mix all the ingredients together with your hands (yep, time to get messy!)
Form into balls
If you like, you can roll the balls in more chopped nuts for a pretty coating
That’s it! No baking, just mix and enjoy!
Don’t forget…one more day to enter for the giveaway. TWO winners will receive a kindle e-book of The Nutcracker Reimagined! Open to US residents only.
** When you make these recipes please post a picture and tag the authors on social media with the hashtag #NutcrackerRecipe
Happy Reading and Happy Eats!
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