Tag Archives: historical

A TWRP New Release Spotlight – PLUS Fun Fact and Favorite Lines…

I have only one new release to share today, but it looks like a great one! I love a misunderstood hero and a tough heroine. Sounds like this novel has both.

I’m very pleased to introduce…

 

Barbara Bettis with THE HEART OF THE PHOENIX, a medieval romance 

Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her heart. 

Fun Fact:

Although I’d always written in some form or another, after a career writing for newspapers and the occasional magazine, I never thought I could write ‘long enough’ for a several-thousand-word book. But when a former student encouraged me to try, then invited me to join her critique group, it wasn’t long before I’d begun my first (never-to-be-published) historical, a medieval. It finally came in at over 115,000 words. My two published books are, fortunately, not that long. 

Favorite lines:

“You are not remaining at the monastery, and you are not traveling to England.” He stepped forward, and she tilted back her head to meet him eye to eye. “Must I tie you to that horse?” 

She leaned in. “Just you try, Sir Stephen-the-Bully.”

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There would never be another woman for him. Ever. Especially one whose smiles could light up a man’s heart. If only he possessed one.

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Available here:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vSZgLF

TWRP:

http://bit.ly/1nIViQy

Barnes & Noble:

http://bit.ly/1twpN3o

Visit her at:

http://barbarabettis.com

www.barbarbbettis.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraBettisAuthor

www.twitter.com/BarbaraBettis

 

3 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

New Releases from The Wild Rose Press plus Fun Facts & Fave Lines

I am proud to share some of the latest releases from The Wild Rose Press… Please check out the books and follow these authors on Twitter and Facebook, etc.

Enjoy the wonderful stories, fave lines, AND the fun fact tidbits…

 

Frances Evesham with An Independent Woman, Historical (Victorian) mystery romance Novel

Northanger Abbey meets Downton in Victorian England

Fun Fact: One day, my mother took me to the old Post Office in a tiny English Cotswold village where she grew up. There, I met Great Aunt Annie, a maiden Victorian lady, almost a hundred years old. Tiny and neat, with cotton-wool hair styled in a careful bun at the back of her neck, Aunt Annie bustled about, making cups of tea and cutting slices of fruitcake.

Aunt Annie lived quite alone, content, full of lively interest in the world and its news. She would have adored the internet.

Philomena, the Independent Woman of my novel, is, like Aunt Annie, a Victorian woman: self-sufficient, spirited and capable. The Victorians invented and built things. They engineered steam trains, bridges and factory machinery. Their photographs suggest they were solemn and unsmiling, but that was because they had to keep still for 30 seconds for every shot.

I believe the Victorians were like us inside, nursing their own hopes and dreams of adventure, love and happiness. I’m having fun writing their stories.

A few lines from the story:

Philomena leaped in the air and turned, terrified.

Lord Thatcham, tall and menacing, glowered at her from the doorway, his eyes ablaze with fury.

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Click HERE to order from The Wild Rose Press and to order from Amazon, click HERE

Webpage: http://francesevesham.com/an-independent-woman-coming-soon/

Find Frances here:

Website and blog: www.francesevesham.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/francesevesham

Facebook: www.facebook.com/frances.evesham.writer

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Marilyn Baron with Homecoming Homicides A Psychic Crystal Mystery Book Two, Mystery and Suspense Novel, Dark romantic suspense with a humorous twist 

Psycho Meets Miss Congeniality 

Fun Fact: When my daughter was a homecoming contestant at her university in a small North Florida town, I attended the pageant and noticed a man approach each contestant for her autograph on his pageant booklet. That sparked my imagination and was the inspiration for this story. I wondered what would happen if that man was a serial killer. The fictional college town, Graysville, was patterned after the town where I went to college, Gainesville, Florida.

A few lines from the story:

“All right, you immature rat bastard, listen up. I am going to pick up the phone and have you reassigned. It’s obvious we can’t work together if you can’t get over yourself. Okay, we had sex. Let’s just get that out on the table.”

 

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Click HERE to order from The Wild Rose Press and to order from Amazon, click HERE

Find Marilyn here:

Blog: Petit Fours and Hot Tamales www.petitfoursandhottamales.com

Web site: www.marilynbaron.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarilynBaron

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marilyn-Baron/286807714666748?fref=ts

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4722647.Marilyn_Baron

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Diana Rubino with A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE, paranormal novel 

“How would a ship swarming with vampires liven things up?”

Fun Fact: My husband and I are hooked on cruising, and my very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world. I met an Italian woman named Fausta in the mid-80s and always loved that name–I always planned to use that name in one of my books someday. I finally got the chance with Fausto, close enough!

A line from the story:

“All the blood has drained from your face, and not in a good way.”

 

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Click HERE to order the paperback from The Wild Rose Press and to order the ebook from Amazon, click HERE

Find Diana here:

www.DianaRubinoAuthor.blogspot.com www.DianaRubino.com

https://www.facebook.com/DianaRubinoAuthor https://twitter.com/DianaLRubino

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Heidi Wessman Kneale with AS GOOD AS GOLD, paranormal historical novella,

What would you pay for the chance at love?

Fun Fact: In the Seventeenth Century, gold and silver were the standard coinage throughout Europe. However, each country minted their own coins. Even these changed from time to time, often depending on the whimsy of whoever was king at the moment. Our Heroine Daywen Athalia, had she been wealthy enough (she isn’t) to deal with gold coins, she would most likely have been familiar with British Guineas. 

Our Hero Bel MacEuros is fond of stealing foreign gold. Here, he has stolen some Bavarian Guilders. It was entirely possible he could have also stolen some Florins, depending on where he was thieving in the German States. 

The Gypsy woman Alishandra doesn’t care if her gold is Guineas or Guilders. For her, gold is gold and rather fungible–she’ll take it in any form, unless it’s cursed. Like this gold was. 

A few lines from the story: 

“Lachlan,” she said, her voice quivering ever so slightly. “Would you marry me?”

He studied her for a moment, then sucked his teeth. “I’d hate tae break your heart. I dinnae want tae marry ya.”

zAsGoodAsGold_w1798_750

!!!Currently on sale from The Wild Rose Press and Amazon, $1.99!!!

Click HERE to order from The Wild Rose Press and to order from Amazon, click HERE

Find Heidi here:

Heidi Kneale blogs at http://romancespinners.blogspot.com

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Lynn Shurr with A Wild Red Rose, Contemporary Western Novel

As a rodeo bullfighter, Clint Beck is unafraid of wild things, but can he tame a beautiful gold-digger and win her heart?  

Fun Fact: When I began to do research on bull riders for The Convent Rose which preceded A Wild Red Rose, I often watched the Professional Bull Riders on TV and attended rodeos. While I admired the courage of the bull riders, I was even more taken with the bullfighters who put their lives on the line to save a downed rider. They are heroes, too. Those who read the first book know Renee will not be easily tamed. I thought a rodeo bullfighter just might be up to the task.  

A few lines from the story:

“But people like us don’t deserve true love.” Renee Niles to Bodey Landrum

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!!!Currently on sale at The Wild Rose Press for $2.50!!!

Click HERE to order from The Wild Rose Press and to order from Amazon, click HERE

Find Lynn here:

www.lynnshurr.com

http://lynnshurr.blogspot.com and www.romancingthejock.com

Friend Lynn on FaceBook at Carla Lynn Shurr Hostetter

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Cait Jarrod with Entangled Love, Romantic Suspense novel 

In the question of love and death, where does the truth lie? 

Fun Fact: My family and I took a trip to California a few years ago. When I started writing the story, the sunny setting came forth as a perfect location for the characters to move forward with their relationship. Santa Monica beach is beautiful. 

3 of the author’s favorite lines:

 “I’ve wanted you since we were teens” ~ Ryan

He’s making me say it. “I want you.” ~ Emma

“Now that’s settled, I have a dumpster to see about suitcaes.” ~ Niles, Ryan’s Butler

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Click HERE to order from The Wild Rose Press and to order from Amazon, click HERE

Find Cait here:

Webpage: caitjarrod.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cait-Jarrod-Author/500705936640529?ref=hl

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/cait.jarrod

Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaitJarrod

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966274.Cait_Jarrod

Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CaitJarrod/posts/p/pub

Email: cait.jarrod@aol.com

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caitjarrod/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19 Comments

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Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste – Jane Austen Heroes

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing actors/characters in Jane Austen movies/TV shows.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy, Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Wentworth, Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley

darcy rupert knightly

(Sorry the pics are so small, not sure what happened)

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of DEATH NOTICE – A killer is using her obituary column to forecast his kills. 

Want: Mr. Darcy – I must admit, I still haven’t watched ANY Jane Austen movies. Ugh…I swear, I will one of these days. But for now, I have to base it on what I know/see. I watched a clip of Mr. Darcy and the girl out in the rain, and it was very emotional, very sensual. I adore rain, so I would have to want Mr. Darcy.

Wed: Mr. Knightley – Just because he’s the most appealing of the two who are left over, and I would rather Wed him than Want him, because Mr. Darcy is sexier. (Do the heroines in Jane Austen novels actually call these guys by “Mr.” or “Captain” so and so? Even in the throes of passion?)

Waste: Captain Wentworth. He is the least attractive of the three, although if I saw these three guys in action, I might change my mind. Besides, making her call him “Captain”….isn’t that a bit pretentious? Or, is he actually a captain?  

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Linda McLaughlin, author of Lady Elinor’s Escape, Cinderella meets Jane Austen in this sweet Regency romance.  website: http://www.lindamclaughlin.com

Want: Matthew MacFadyen as Mr. Darcy. He brings an intensity to the role that neither Colin Firth nor Laurence Olivier could, though their Mr. Darcy’s were more elegant and perhaps true to the book. I like the notion of an Atlas-sized Mr. Darcy, since he does willingly shoulders the troubles of the world, or at least the part of it he controls, which is not inconsiderable. But I put him in the want category because marriage to such a paragon would be a bit daunting, esp. having to deal with Lady Catherine de Burgh!

Wed: Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Wentworth. I’ve always had a fondness for naval gentlemen, and I love Rupert Penry-Jones. The only fault I see in the casting is that he’s too fair to be believable as a sea captain. (They were perpetually tanned from being outside in the sun and wind.) He is handsome though, and does a good job of portraying the reserved captain who never got over his first love. Persuasion is Austen’s most emotional book, IMO, and the movies always touch my heart.

Waste: Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley. This doesn’t seem right, but Emma is the least romantic of the three movies. It’s really the education of Miss Emma Woodhouse–19th c. chicklit, really–and Mr. Knightley seems more best friend/older brother than prospective suitor. It’s not Jonny Lee Miller’s fault, but rather the limitations of the character as written. I hadn’t seen this version of Emma and it was fun to watch. I’ve always found Mr. Knightley less dashing than Austen’s other heroes, though he’d be good husband material. But if I have to choose between Mr. Knightley and Captain Wentworth, I’ll take my sea captain.

 

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Jill Hughey, author of the Evolution Series set in Charlemagne’s empire, wants you to know that today, April 2, is Charlemagne’s birthday! Get her five-star series bundle only $6.50 for three novels and a short story! http://jillhughey.blogspot.com

 

Alicia is killing me with this round of choices because I LOVE all these movies.

 

Want – Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley – I enjoy Jonny Lee Miller in this movie and also his series, Elementary. I’d probably wed him except he was once married to Angelina Jolie, which worries me more than a little, and he has some affectations that might get on my nerves. I’d definitely like him to court me for awhile, though! The way he sighs when Emma reveals her feelings for him is truly swoon-worthy.

 

Wed – Rupert Penry Jones as Captain Wentworth – This character drives me a little crazy when he leaves the recital after Anne throws herself all over him, but that is Jane Austen’s doing. I think Rupert Penry Jones absolutely nails the pivotal interaction that gives Anne renewed hope with the way he delivers the line: “A man does not recover from such a passion with such a woman. He ought not. He does not.” I just melt. And the way he looks at her in both the kiss scene and the end of the movie shows that he will be attentive and faithful to the end! 

 

Waste – Matthew MacFayden as Mr. Darcy – Matthew MacFayden does a wonderful job in this role. My family will tell you I’ve about worn out my DVD of this movie, so it is pretty surprising to discover that he is not my type. I can’t even figure that out because I absolutely adore Richard Armitage who has a similar build, coloring, and voice, but Matthew doesn’t really light my fire. Sorry Mr. Darcy! 

 

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RoseAnn DeFranco, author of Secondhand Romance She wants to know if he’s a Mr. Darcy or a Mr. Knightley. He’s there to fix more than the wiring in her bookstore. A bet and a stack of old love letters leads to a secondhand romance.  Website: www.radefranco.com

 

Choosing between Jane Austen’s heroes is very difficult for me but here goes….

 

Want: Persuasion – Rupert Perry Jones as Captain Wentworth. Sigh. The passion in the Captain as played by Rupert Perry Jones gets me EVERY time…and I do try to watch this one at least twice a year! The glances he steals of Anne throughout the story smolder as he tries to conceal his passion, but his final declaration, and the kiss at the end of this one makes me think these two will enjoy a very happy marriage bed.

 

Wed: Emma Masterpiece – Jonny Lee Miller as Mr. Knightley. First, Johnny Lee Miller gives the best performance of Knightley to date! His portrayal of Knightley conveys the thoughtful, honorable traits of Knightley while also exposing his depth of emotion for Emma plain for everyone (except her) to see. His love and understanding of Emma and her family situation makes him perfect husband material.

 

Waste: Pride and Prejudice – Matthew MacFayden as Mr. Darcy. As much as it pains me, and it DOES, someone has to go in the waste column. While perhaps not my favorite portrayal of Mr. Darcy (See Colin Firth, BBC Version THE POND SCENE) Matthew MacFayden portrays a very passionate Darcy, one that it would be hard to say no to. “You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you…” Amazing moment in the movie, sigh. Damn. I want them all. I’d wed them all. I’d let nothing go to waste! But in this instance, sorry Matthew!

 

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Linda Carroll-Bradd, author of Capturing The Marshal’s Heart, a western historical, that will be on sale on Amazon for 99 cents 4/4/14 only.  Website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

 

Want—Rupert Penry Jones—his performance was understated and confined, which makes me think there was so much more under the surface to be discovered. 

 

Wed—Matthew MacFadyen—he stepped into big shoes to play this role and within the first couple of scenes, he made me believe in his sincerity and steadfastness. 

 

Waste—Jonny Lee Miller—he was good in this role but I wasn’t convinced that such a high-energy performer was the calm and laid-back Mr. Knightley.
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Juli D. Revezzo, author of Passion’s Sacred Dance, He may be her savior in disguise–but can she trust him? 

 

Want: Rupert Penry Jones 

 

Wed: Johnny Lee Miller (He seems like a sweetie)

 

Waste: Matthew MacFayden (Sorry. But his portrayal of Darcy was just *too* depressing)

 

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Jane Austen Heroes would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

6 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Downton Abbey, North and South, Mad Men

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing men in period drama roles. WARNING: Spoilers if you’re not caught up on the shows.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Richard Armitage as John Thornton in North and South (BBC) – Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley in Downton Abbey – Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men

richard_armitage abby Don-Draper-Mad-Men

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of DEATH NOTICE (Northland Crime Chronicles, Book 1)  – A killer has something to say, and he’s using her obituary column to get his point across…

(I don’t watch any of these shows, shame on me, so I’m going by looks and what the other ladies have said)

Want: Matthew Crawley – He’s very young-looking (but from my past choices, apparently, I’m into young guys), but he’s also freakin’ hot! Love those blue eyes. He seems like the kind of guy who would make you swoon.

Wed: John Thornton – I’m sold with the English accent and the intensity. I like the way he looks, too…very sexy. I really MUST check out that show.

Waste: Don Draper – I think I would like this show, I love the era of the 50’s, but I’ve never watched it. However, I think Jon Hamm is overrated. I hear women raving about how gorgeous and sexy he is, but I don’t see it. I might if I watched Mad Men, but since I don’t, he drew the short straw.

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Jill Hughey writes historical romance and absolutely adores most period drama. Vain, the third book in her series set in Charlemagne’s Empire, features a hero she refers to as a medieval metrosexual (he likes clothes) and his tailor’s daughter, the closest thing to a haute couture designer he will ever meet. Vain is available at Amazon and most ebook vendors.

WANT: If I could pick Richard Armitage twice, I would, but Alicia has her rules! So, I’ll pick Dan Stevens as Matthew Crawley, though I’d like to request that he dress in a Downton Abbey costume, we meet in a period-correct setting, and he looks at me longingly with those beautiful blue eyes.

WED: Richard Armitage. Richard Armitage. Richard Armitage as John Thornton in North and South. I am such a North and South addict that I wrote a free serial sequel that starts here. http://jillhughey.blogspot.com/2014/01/chapter-1-becoming-mrs-thornton.html Anyway, about Richard Armitage. His voice. The study he brings to his roles. His sharp good looks. His intensity. His voice. His eyes. Did I mention his lovely deep voice? If he said, “Will you put toilet paper on the grocery list?” I would probably swoon and say, “Right after you take me back to the bedroom, darling.”

WASTE: Jon Hamm as Don Draper. I realize that the 1950s are a period and that Mad Men is a drama, but it is one century too recent to be of interest to me. Darn it, now I have to go watch the last ten minutes of North and South again!

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Lyndi Lamont, author of “How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride” steamy Victorian romance, ONLY 99¢!!! Website: http://www.lyndilamont.com

Lyndi is offering a free ebook copy of How to Woo…A Reluctant Bride to one lucky commenter!

Want: Don Draper of Mad Men – I’ve been a fan of Mad Men since it started, and against all common sense, I still want Don, if only because Jon Hamm is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen on the small screen. What a hunk! Don is a player and can be a real a jackass at times, but he’s not as chauvinistic as some of the men he works for. (After all, he recognized Peggy’s abilities and promoted her from secretary to copy writer.) He’s terrible husband material, good for the short haul only. But, oh, what a fun ride it would be!

Wed: Matthew Crawley of Downton Abbey – Big sigh. Matthew comes as close to being the perfect man as anyone could wish. He’s handsome, honorable and kind, if at times a bit too proud and stubborn. He would have been good marriage prospect even if he weren’t heir to an earldom. His love made Lady Mary a better person.

Waste: John Thornton of North and South – This was hard, in part because I haven’t had a chance to see the entire mini-series yet, just the first half, and because I think he’s an honorable man in his own way. But I’d have to waste him for the mother-in-law-from-hell factor, if nothing else. Not to mention the snotty sister. Seriously, would you want to marry into that family? And John doesn’t seem like the type to engage in a lighthearted fling. I do think he’d make a good husband, just not my cup of tea. (Besides, I was raised by two union members, so it would be like consorting with the enemy!)

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Andrea R. Cooper – fantasy/ paranormal and historical romance author. Viking Fire – historical romance w/ a touch of magic

Want: Richard Armitage as John Thornton – What can I say, except he makes my giddy. It would be interesting to hear all about anything he had to say with that natural English accent. Sigh.

Wed:  Matthew Crawley on Downton Abbey – Also with an English accent 😉 And his coloring reminds me of my husband a bit. Is it hot in here?

Waste:  Jon Hamm as Don Draper in Mad Men – Sad to say, out of all three of these, he doesn’t appeal to me at least not in the Want or Wed.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Hotties from the Past would you Want, Wed, and Waste? Thanks for playing!

14 Comments

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Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Talk Show Hosts – Giveaway – 99¢ Ebooks!

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing talk show hosts.

 

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman

carson lenbo letterman

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). FOUR different Ebooks on sale for a limited time from Amazon: 99¢ each! Lady in the Mist, Death Notice, Liberty Awakened, Liberty Divided. Click here for info and links: Alicia Dean Kindle Book Sale

Want: Johnny Carson. He was funny and adorable. Definitely the sexiest of the three. I think I would actually rather be married to him than David Letterman, but when I think of ‘want,’ Johnny definitely comes to mind before David. So, since I can’t Wed and Want Johnny, he gets the ‘want.’ (Who made up these stupid rules, anyway? J)

Wed: David Letterman. He’s not sexy at all, but he’s really funny. We would have a chaste marriage, but I would have a lot of laughs.

Waste: Jay Leno. He is NOT attractive, and I find him the least funny of the three. I’m SO glad Jimmy Fallon  is taking over for him on Late Night. Now, talk about a ‘want’…

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Callie Hutton, author of An Angel in the Mail, Angel never wanted to be a mail order bride, but now she’s facing a stranger with five children.  Website: www.calliehutton.com

Want: Johnny Carson, cause in his own way he’s ‘bad little boy’ sexy

Wed: Jay Leno, cause he’d always have me laughing

Waste: David Letterman. ::sigh:: It seems I wouldn’t need a reason, cause he really is a ‘waste.’

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SILVER JAMES, author of CHRISTMAS MOON  What’s a Wolf to do? Save the girl or save Christmas? Website: http://silverjames.com

Want: Johnny Carson. I went to bed with this man every night for years and I still miss his particular brand of humor. I just wish he was still breathing.

Wed: Jay Leno. He’s rich, funny, has a garage full of really hot classic cars–what’s not to get cuddly over that pre-nup with?

Waste: David Letterman. Yeah. He is sooooo not my type. Snide, arrogant, and there’s nothing socially redeeming about him, IMO.

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Linda McLaughlin, author of LADY ELINOR’S ESCAPE A runaway heiress leads her would-be rescuer on a merry chase in this sweet Regency romance. ON SALE for ONLY 99¢ at Amazon & B&N. Website: http://www.lindamclaughlin.com/ladyelinor.html

Want: David Letterman who has such an off-the-wall sense of humor. Though if I had my choice, it would be the adorable and equally off-the-wall Charleston dandy, Stephen Colbert. He’s such a hoot.

Wed: Jay Leno, who seems to be an all-around good guy. Plus have you seen his classic car collection? I’d love to go tooling up Pacific Coast Highway in a classic convertible with him some Sunday afternoon. I grew up with old cars and love them.

Waste: Johnny Carson, mostly because I’m not into necrophilia. 😉

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M.J. SCHILLER, author of BETWEEN ROCK AND A HARD PLACE (Even rock stars aren’t immune to murder.), http://www.amazon.com/BETWEEN-PLACE-ROCKING-ROMANCE-COLLECTION-ebook/dp/B00H0SPAAA/ Website: www.mjschillerauthor.blogspot.com

GIVEAWAY!!! M.J. is offering a FREE copy of Trapped Under Ice to one lucky commenter! Name will be drawn Monday, January 6, 2014 – Be sure to leave your email address along with your comment.

Want: Okay, I’m going purely on looks here for the want. Johnny Carson is the most attractive of the three, although he’s much older than I am and I probably wouldn’t be interested, no offense. But if you’re going straight looks, Johnny’s my pick.

Wed: Well I can’t say Letterman, because I think it was rumored that he’s had affairs. I’ve never heard that about Leno, so I’ll stick with him.

Waste: Wow, that leaves me wasting Letterman, who I have no real desire to waste. Sometimes this game is cruel.  …but I still LOVE it!

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Talk Show Hosts would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

8 Comments

Filed under Entertainment

Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Gossip Girl’s Chuck, Dan, Nate

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing the main guys from Gossip Girl.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Chuck Bass, Dan Humphrey, Nathaniel Archibald

Damien Darko WWW-Dan (2) WWW-Nate (2)

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of We All Fall Down – Gossip Girl Book 1Did you really think the Upper East Siders were gone for good?

**** The first 5 people to share their WWW choices for this week in the comments will receive a #FREE Kindle copy of my Kindle Worlds story, ‘We All Fall Down’ – If you have the book or don’t watch the show, you can choose any of my other titles****

WANT: Chuck Bass. Oh my…I love that intense, broody, unpredictable thing he has going for him. I think marriage with him would be exhausting, but I would definitely enjoy that angsty, steamy, on again-off again thing he and Blair had going on. I adore bad boys, and I would enjoy our angry times almost as much as our ‘not angry’ times. And, think of the make up sex! I also love that he calls Nate Nathaniel. It’s a little thing, but it’s delightful for some reason. Lastly…can we say ‘limo scene’? Enough said. 🙂

WED:  Nate Archibald. He’s gorgeous and sexy and funny. I think he’d make a better husband than Chuck, but hopefully, mine and Chuck’s thing could continue after the wedding. Nate was the inspiration for my bad boy vampire in the Isle of Fangs series. I just completely and totally adore him!

WASTE: Dan Humphrey. He’s a cutie, and I hate to waste him, but he’s the least appealing of the three, although, he’s definitely appealing. He’s a writer, and he’s sexy and the whole Lonely Boy thing makes him vulnerable and charming. I know poor Dan has been kicked around enough, but yes, I’m afraid, he would be the one to go, out of the three.

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Callie Hutton, author of Miss Merry’s Christmas  ON SALE for ONLY 99¢ – The Duke of Penrose is not happy with Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He quickly replaces her, happy to have his unwanted attraction to the unsuitable woman behind him. Until his mother hires her as a companion…

(Callie graciously agreed to play along, even though she’s never seen the show :))

Want: Chuck Bass, cause I love a man in a suit (Alicia sent me pics of these guys).

Wed: Dan Humphrey, cause he looks cute, and why not marry a cutie?

Waste: Nate Archibald, only because he looks like someone I wouldn’t like.

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My daughter and GG fanatic, Lana Clary.

Want – Nate. He’s a mini Ian Somerhalder and ridiculously sexy. I’d give anything to run my fingers through that hair and look into those eyes. Oh…and of course we would have to re-create the entire Blair-Nate scene when they made love for the first time and Apologize by One Republic was playing (you thought I was going to say Nate-Serena scene on the bar….didn’t you??).

Waste – Dan. Sorry bro. You’re kind of whiny, a bit of a backstabber, you’re up against Nate and Chuck, and you’re a writer (no offense to anyone reading this….just doesn’t do it for me).

Wed – CHUCK. BASS. Yes please! Um – where do I start? Hot, sexy, gorgeous, smart, ambitious, rich, exciting, great sense of style, amazing in bed (yes, I do KNOW this for a fact…I have my sources), emotional enough to be cute and vulnerable but not whiny like Dan, mean, ruthless, charming, hot one-liners, deep sexy gaze, has been with Blair Waldorf whom I would also wed if she’d let me, rough…just enough……oh…..and…..he’s Chuck Bass.

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My sister and GG fanatic, Christi Perryman

Want-Chuck Bass -He is not the marrying kind, he is powerful, rich, gorgeous and wonderful! Who would not want this bad boy! But not the marrying kind.
 
Wed-Nate Archibald. I know the Archibalds have had their share of “issues” I would still proudly carry the Archibald name!! Nate is genuinely a good guy-I think he would be a loving and loyal husband. And ummmm, look at him…he is beautiful!
 
Waste-Dan, mostly because he is not athletic and therefore less manly in my opinion. I do not see the attraction to him and how he managed to get Serena, the hottest girl in the world??? I will never understand.

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Sexy GG Guys would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

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Wednesday’s Want, Wed, Waste: Historical Fictional Characters

Hello and welcome to my version of the game, ‘F*@#’, Marry, Kill. This week we are WWW’ing Historical Fictional Characters.

Myself and some of my friends are sharing our Want, Wed, and Waste choices from this week’s list:

Robin Hood, Sir Lancelot, Zorro

bestcrowe Venezuelan pole dancer Romina Dabbio per

(The Zorro franchise is pretty strict about copyright, so rather than post a pic, I inserted a link to a movie clip) Click here for a ZORRO Movie Clip (Of Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones)

Click on book titles below to learn more and to be taken to a buy link

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Me (Alicia Dean). Author of Liberty Divided Isle of Fangs Book 2 ~

Want: Zorro, because of all that mystery and danger. And because, in the above-linked scene, he was soooo sexy, it made me wish I was Catherine Zeta Jones! (Or wish that I was Antonio Banderas, she’s pretty hot too ;)) I was going to say I also want him because of how fast he moves, but then I realized that might not be a plus.

Wed:  I guess Sir Lancelot so I could live in a castle. With Robin Hood I would have to live in the woods. And Richard Gere as Sir Lancelot, come on…who could resist that? Although since Lancelot was stealing King Arthur’s woman, he might not be faithful. But on the other hand, I would be ‘Wanting’ Zorro, so I guess I wouldn’t exactly be faithful either.

Waste: Robin Hood, although that probably makes me a bad person since he steals from the rich to give to the poor. But if I was married to Sir Lancelot, I would be rich, so he might steal from me. So yeah, I would have to waste him. But if he looked like Russell Crowe, I would definitely do him first.

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Jannine Gallant, Author of We’ll Never Tell (Book One in the Secrets of Ravenswood Series) FREE on Kindle!!! Oct. 16-18.  Website: http://www.janninegallant.com/

WANT – Robin Hood. Defender of the downtrodden—and too gorgeous for words. You can haul me off on your horse any day!

WED – Has to be Sir Lancelot. Let’s face it—Guinevere caused him nothing but misery. Lancelot is a tragic character, and he needs the love of a good woman to turn his life around. I’m volunteering!

WASTE – Sorry, Zorro, but you lose. I just can’t be sure what’s behind the mask and cape. The others are a sure thing.

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Kathy L Wheeler, Author of Quotable Website: http://kathylwheeler.com

Want: Zorro – Antonio Banderas. When he focus his attention on his heroine (me), I am living a character in one of my own books. YUM.

Wed: Robin Hood – I’ll take Russell Crowe as Robin Hood. He’s scary enough to keep the bad guys away.

Waste: Sir Lancelot – I hate to say that Richard Gere is a waste, but compared to the other two… there’s really no choice.

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Christine Elaine Black, Author of A Rose for Lancaster Blog/Website:  http://christineelaineblack.blogspot.ca/ ~

Want: Zorro, of course. I love a hero who can wear a cape with style and the Latin lover accent is a complete turn on. I don’t mind the mustache or the color black, so all in all he’s a ‘stallion’ in my book.

Wed: Robin Hood. He does the right thing, stands for something legit and is faithful to his lady. He’s used to outdoor living and probably knows how to throw a mean BBQ supper, and there’s always a ready supply of ale. He can steal my heart anytime!

Waste: Lancelot. He’s the least romantic one for me. Other than fall for King Arthur’s wife I don’t recall anything memorable about him except for having the guys over and sitting a ’round’ the table (haha). Sorry, but it’s good ‘knight’ and goodbye for him.

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Silver James, author of THAT OL’ BLACK MAGIC Website: http://www.silverjames.com ~

Want: Robin Hood. He looks good in tights and he’s good with a bow. That means strong hands and arms. But he has that whole “merry men” thing going on and hanging out with his buds. If the Sheriff of Nottingham came knocking, ol’ Rob would take off to create mischief. But that’s cool. He has a sense of honor and looks out for the poor but I think he’d want to hang with the Merry Men instead of staying home at night.

Wed: Zorro. Oh be still my heart. Sexy, Latin lover who likes to play at being someone else? There’s just something about a man in a mask… His love life would definitely be filled with spicy heat. He has a well-honed sense of duty and honor (are you sensing a theme here? LOL) and I bet he dances a mean tango, which is the dance of love. He might dash off to save someone but he’ll come right home, a rose in his teeth and a look of “I want you” in his eyes.

Waste: Sir Lancelot. Yeah, yeah. Knight of the Round Table, chivalrous and all that, but dude! She was married. So not cool in my book. Especially since her husband was his best friend. I don’t care how gorgeous he looks sitting on a charger, sword in hand, armor all shiny and stuff, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And even though he sort of tried to redeem himself, it just doesn’t work for me.

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Darcy Flynn, author of  Keeper of My Heart Website: www.darcyflynnromances.com

Want: Robin Hood! He’s charming, romantic, and a thief with a roguish smile. A short-term adventure with him would be thrilling, but he certainly isn’t marriage material. Plus, I don’t want to live in a forest.

Waste: Sir Lancelot! At one time, I would have loved to marry him, but his affair with Guinevere ruined that dream. Any man, no matter how noble and honorable, if he commits adultery, he’s not the man for me.

Wed: Then there’s the engaging and mysterious Zorro! I want to marry this romantic, well-educated, wealthy and cultured nobleman! To be Mrs. Don Diego by day, all the while knowing his secret. Dressed in black, cape flowing behind him, wielding a sword…what can I say!  *Sigh* Did I mention he’s a superb athlete! 🙂

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Now we’d like to hear from you….which of these Historical Fantasy Dudes would you Want, Wed, and Waste?

Thanks for playing!

13 Comments

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You’re invited! – Summer Solstice Recipes and Reads

(RECIPE FOR EASY STUFFED MUSHROOMS LISTED BELOW)

How about a menu of summer food and fabulous summer reads? Some author friends and I are sharing our favorite dishes, and we’ve posted the recipes on our individual blogs so you can give them a try. As an added bonus, while the food is simmering, you can lose yourself in a great book.

We offer a variety of flavors to satisfy your taste buds and your reading tastes (with a few non-fiction reads in addition to romance in sub-genres from historical to erotica to paranormal to young adult)

Check out the menu below and click on each book title to be taken to the authors’ websites so you can see what we  all have cooking…both in the kitchen and on your Kindle, Nook, or whatever reading device you favor.

For an entire list of ingredients and an entire list of our books, you can visit:

Linda Joyce Contemplates

MENU

Cocktails

Blackberry Gin and Tonic by J.K. O’Hanlon ~ Three Ingredient Cocktails

Pomegranate Martini by Kathy L Wheeler ~ Quotable

Appetizers

Japanese Chicken Wings by Jan Morrill ~ The Red Kimono

Sweet & Sour Hawaiian Meatballs by Vonnie Davis ~ Rain Is A Love Song

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms by Alicia Dean ~  Liberty Awakened (Isle of Fangs, Book 1) (SEE RECIPE BELOW)

Salads

7 Layer Salad by AJ Nuest ~ She’s Got Dibs

Mandarin orange & spinach salad by Barbara Barrett ~ And He Cooks Too

Entrées

Pesto Chicken by Nancy Parra ~ Gluten for Punishment

Taquitos by Calisa Rhose ~ Risk Factors

Linda’s Summer Shrimp Boil by Linda Joyce ~ Bayou Born

Oven Fried peach chicken Juli D. Revezzo ~ The Artist’s Inheritance

Betty’s Nutty Pork Chops by Betty Bolte ~ Hometown Heroines

Desserts

Kolaches by Gina Hooten Popp ~ The Storm After

Chocolate-Cherry-Coconut Cupcakes by Luna Zega ~ Tokyo Tease

Fruit Compote by Brenda Sparks ~ A Midsummer Night’s Demon

After Dinner Drinks

After Dinner Iced Coffee by Sandra Sookoo – Winging It ~

My Recipe:

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

1/2 pound breakfast sausage

1 8 oz package cream cheese (softened)

8 to 10 jumbo mushrooms

Garlic salt, butter

Pre-heat oven to 350°.  Crumble sausage into a skillet and brown. Drain. Rinse and de-stem the mushrooms. In a bowl, combine cream cheese and sausage. Add garlic salt to taste. Stir until well mixed. Place mushrooms upside down in a 9×12 pan. Brush with butter. Spoon mixture into the opening of each mushroom. You can push the stems into the stuffing or discard them, whatever is your preference. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Liberty Awakened Isle of Fangs Book 1 – A YA Vampire Novella

Buy it on Kindle

LibertyAwakenedFinal

Blurb:

Evil lurks beneath the surface in the beauty of the tropics…

After graduation from her small, Oklahoma high school, Liberty Delacort is looking forward to a fun-filled summer before college. But when the people she trusts the most betray her, and a letter arrives claiming her deceased father is still alive, she jumps at the chance to travel to an exotic island to meet him.

But her excitement is short-lived. Her father is dying, and he doesn’t want her around. And, in spite of its outward tranquility, the island is filled with danger and ominous secrets. The secrets soon begin to unravel, and she discovers she is a descendant of Van Helsing, the vampire hunter.

The one up side is her budding romance with the sweet and sexy Ryan Kelly. But even that is threatened when—in spite of her fear of him—she finds herself attracted to an insolent, formidable vampire. Her plan to stay away from him fails when she learns he is the only one with the ability to train her to fulfill her destiny—to save humans from a faction of vicious vampires.

Will her inexperience lead to her death—and the death of others—or will she rise to the challenge and realize her full potential as a Hunter?

Excerpt:

Eli moved closer until only a hint of space separated their bodies. “Liberty?” His raspy voice was like a caress over her flesh. A breeze wafted over her bare back, and she shivered. She waited breathlessly for his next words, his next move. “You find me irresistible,” he whispered, his gaze never leaving hers. “You’re helpless to deny me anything. Your knees are weak.” He stroked his finger over her shoulder, letting them trail down to the center of her chest, just above her breasts. “Your heart is pounding for me right now. All you can think about is what it would feel like to kiss me.”

She licked her lips, wishing her glass wasn’t empty. Her mouth was so dry, she couldn’t speak. But oh wow…was he ever right. She didn’t even mind his aggressive, unusual approach. Something about the atmosphere, about leaving behind the trappings of home. The memories of what Cam and Alyssa had done made her reckless. She took his glass from his hand without breaking eye contact. His eyebrows rose as he watched her take a sip of the strong liquor, whatever it was. It burned her throat and eyes, but she resisted the urge to cough. It had done the trick, and she was able to whisper, “Yes.”

The corner of his mouth quirked. He moved closer, brushed his lips along hers, just a tease. That was it? That was the kiss? She bit back a groan of frustration. Her body ached with disappointment. But he moved toward her again, his eyes searching, his lips a hairsbreadth from hers. He stroked a hand down the side of her neck. His touch sent a flash of fire through her veins. She nearly moaned in anticipation, in yearning to feel his mouth, firm and hot against hers. She braced herself. Something primitive deep within told her this would be the kiss to rival any other. She swayed, her lids drifting shut, every nerve in her body tingling…

A scream tore through the night, breaking the spell. Liberty’s eyes flew open, and she gasped.

Eli stepped back. “Dammit,” he bit out. He cupped her cheek in his hand. “Don’t forget where we were.”

Then he was gone. She could barely feel her legs. Were they still supporting her? What the hell had just happened?

She shook her head, then followed the sound of excited voices where the scream had originated.

A group of people had gathered around a gazebo at the back of the house.  Liberty pushed her way through the crowd. Ryan knelt in the center of the gazebo next to a bench where a girl lay still. Her skin was as white as the moon, blank eyes staring at the midnight sky.

Liberty was afraid to look, but somehow couldn’t help herself. She scanned the girl’s body from head to toe. No blood. Good, that was a good sign, right? But the girl looked so…dead.

“Son of a bitch,” a male voice shouted. “She’s been drained.”

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