Monday, December 30, 2013

Love Among the Undead and Their Friends

My longtime friend Lizzie T. Leaf is here to talk about her series and how it came to be. The floor is all yours, Lizzie!

I like humor in my life. Maybe that’s why I enjoy reading and writing humor. When approached to do a vampire Halloween story for an anthology by a now defunct publisher, no surprise when my mind went in that direction.

I took the bull by the horns and did vampire “my way.” DEAD Awake’s heroine (thanks to a Jewish friend who suggested the idea) is a socialite from a Jewish family that keeps a Kosher kitchen. Our gal is a little on the wild side (think Paris Hilton), and a paparazzi darling. Her hook-up with a “hot” guy in a vampire costume at her annual Halloween party, changes her life…forever.

She wakes up smelling pine and discovers, thanks to the helpful stranger lurking outside the funeral home, our gal learns she’s now one of the living dead. And, her new main food supply is blood. Yuk! She doesn’t eat food that has snuggled against blood, let alone drink the stuff. But a girl can get hungry and real hunger can cause values to slip.

I finished the book and moved on…my vampire days behind me, or so I thought.

Readers asked, “When’s the next book in the series?” Series? My mind hadn’t ventured down that path. Then one of my friends suggested I write a book about a vampire who faints at the sight of blood.

Once she planted the seed, my mind wouldn’t leave it alone, and DEAD Faint came into existence, as well as the start of the DEAD series.

Vampires don’t always have to be scary, blood hungry, beasts. They can have “attitude” that will make you smile. And when they connect with a soul mate, it goes to show, vampires need love too.

In DEAD Hunter the heroine discovers her focus as a vampire hunter has been off course and not all vampires are her enemy, especially the one she falls in love with. DEAD Memory, has a hero with a little problem—he can’t remember he’s a vampire, or that he’s not supposed to be attracted to a werewolf.

Thanks to Musa Publishing’s encouragement, the series continues to grow. The latest release brings smiles with not only vampires, but shifters. If your daddy is Hispanic and your mama a cross-blend of Asian and German, the options are open...at least for the heroine in DEAD Hot. And I’m delighted that DEAD Hot is a finalist for 2013 Best Novella in the Aspen Gold.

November 2013 brings the release of DEAD Santa. Tangling with a bat during his Christmas Eve deliveries leaves Santa with problems. He has to deal with accelerated lust in the bedroom and an unquenchable thirst for blood. This leads to an unhappy wife, but what’s a fellow to do?

Will there be other books? So glad you asked. At the moment I’ve stated to make notes for DEAD Viking. We’ll have to see where that goes.

Do you like your paranormal with a touch of humor, or prefer blood and gore? Why?

Check out all my Musa books HERE.

Learn more about Lizzie T. Leaf on her website and blog. Connect with Lizzie on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...

Happy Reading!

Sloane

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

WISHING YOU ALL


Pleasant memories from holidays past.

Sloane, Studs, and the entire Taylor family

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

British Traditions

from Susan Lodge

Christmas is but a short time away and no British home will be without fruit cake. Many people prepare this holiday treat months in advance, but in our hurried world not too many of us have that luxury. Here is a quick and easy recipe I hope you enjoy. Top the finished cake with a little brandy a day or so before you sprinkle on the icing sugar. Your guests will love it.


No Fuss Fruit Cake
120g/4oz plain flour
120g/4oz self-raising flour
225ml/8 oz Water
1 tsp. mixed spice
1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
2 beaten eggs
120g/4oz margarine
170g/6oz sugar
400g/14oz mixed dried fruit or any combination of sultanas, currants, raisins, glace cherries, mixed peel. Whatever you have handy!

Preheat oven to 350 F/ 180 C/ Gas Mark 4.

Line a 7 inch (18cm) square or 8 inch (20cm) round cake tin with 2 layers of greaseproof paper.

Combine margarine, water, sugar, dried fruit, bicarbonate of soda, and mixed spice in a saucepan over moderate heat. Bring to the boil and simmer for one minute.

Pour into mixing bowl and cool thoroughly. It is important to let the mixture cool before adding the eggs.

Add sifted flour and eggs and mix well.

Pour into prepared tin and bake for one to one and a quarter hours. You may need to put a sheet of greaseproof or brown paper over the tin to prevent top browning too much. Cake is ready when an inserted skewer or toothpick comes out clean.

Leave to cool.

Dust with sifted icing sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar) and ENJOY.

While the cake is baking, how about a romantic contemporary by Susan Lodge to fill in the time?

What is it about men in breeches? Shona finds out her dream man turns out to be not at all what she expected.

When a man in tight buff breeches examines her with his quizzing glass and calls her Miss Bennet, Shona fears the Regency themed ball is going to be as awful as she predicted. But then she is introduced to the gorgeous Nick who ticks every box for her perfect man.

As Shona looks forward to her first date with Nick, her happiness is marred by some disturbing observations around her flat. She doesn’t usually leave her blind rolled down that far, and she never keeps her bunny slippers tidily by the bed. And what is the man in the buff breeches doing lurking on the street outside?

As both men pursue her, Shona finds one makes her body quiver with desire, the other itch with annoyance. Then the men finally confront each other, and her life turns into a nightmare. Can her judgment regarding the male species really be so seriously flawed?

To read an excerpt from The Man in the Buff Breeches, please click HERE.
To read excerpts from the other books by Susan Lodge, please click HERE.

Susan Lodge’s first publication was a story for a UK national woman’s magazine. Heady with this breakthrough, she went on to write her first novel Only a Hero Will Do. She loves writing contemporary and historical romance, usually with a large dose of humour. After working in several cities including London and Bristol, she moved down to the Hampshire coast to raise her family.

Once asked the most important piece of advice she had been given in pursuit of publication, Susan answered -
The only difference between the unpublished writer and the published writer is the fact that the published writer didn't give up.

Catch up with Susan on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Science and Fiction, but Not Combined

by Holley Trent

Truth: a lot of what I know about the setting of my upcoming paranormal romance Love by Premonition—Enfield, North Carolina—is based on my own family tree research. I grew up a couple of counties east, but my maternal grandfather, Frank, was born in Halifax County and left as soon as he could.

I know that sounds bad, but he was a man with a Big-Fish-Small-Pond type of personality. He was also prone to telling tall tales, and I could never tell which of his stories were truth and which were fiction. He was particularly mystifying when it came to his ethnic background. Kinda like Marcia, my LbP heroine. But, unlike Gramps, Marcia is capable of itemizing her heritage. She had a little supernatural help at it. Gramps could only guess based on best available information.

Because miscegenation was illegal around the time Gramp’s grand- and great-grandparents were doing it, there’s very little legal evidence that can be used to establish several of his ancestors’ paternities. Death records may list a father, but depending on who provided the information, those reports may be false. Gramps may have been told the names of his mysterious grandfathers, but he likely didn’t know much about them.

And that’s how I came to setting a book in contemporary Enfield. The more I researched my holey family tree, the more befuddled and intrigued I became about the citizens. I’ve even toyed around with the idea of writing a historical romance set there, but I can’t come up with single darned plot that would have a happily-ever-after ending. (Maybe Gramp’s Enfield sentiments rub off on me in that way.)

My sister and I always thought it’d be a hoot to take one of those ancestry composition tests so we could have a better idea of which of Gramp’s “facts” were grounded in reality. I had forgotten all about that until I got a letter in the mail from the national blood marrow donor registry. In it, they told me I have an uncommon HLA type. (That happens when your components are like fruit punch—melded together and unidentifiable.) Means I’ll probably never be a marrow match for anyone.

Anyhow, that letter reminded me about that test and a couple of weeks ago I sent a spit sample to the lab. They’re gonna analyze my DNA and tell me what I am…more or less. There may be enough information there to separate Gramp’s facts from rumors, or the results may raise even more questions. I know where, more or less, my father’s parents came from, so any wildcards will come from Enfield Gramps.

I’m supposed to get results in 4-6 weeks—just in time for Love by Premonition’s debut. Marcia knows exactly what she is ’cause that’s the way I made her, but I’ve got to rely on science for the same info about myself.

It’ll be interesting to see how similar I am to a fictional character of my own creation.

Holley Trent is the author of Executive Decision, Mrs. Roth’s Merry Christmas, and Her Resident Jester – all available now from Calliope Romance. Marcia’s story Love by Premonition will be available May 3.

To see all of Holley Trent's Musa Publishing books, please click HERE.

If you want to learn the results of Holley’s 23 and Me test and how far off her guess they were, check her blog in late April or early May.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Easy Dinner - Delicious Appetizer

from Sara Daniel

These are so easy I commissioned my nine-year-old to make them when she wanted to cook dinner for the family to give me a break. (Yes, she can be absolutely adorable when she wants to be, and yes, I still supervised the chopping and the oven.) These roll-ups also make a wonderful appetizer for holiday parties.

Ham and Broccoli Roll-Ups

2 cups chopped broccoli
2 tbsp. parsley flakes
2 tbsp. margarine/butter softened
1 ½ cups shredded Colby-jack/cheddar cheese
2 cups ham chopped
2 (8-roll) cans crescent dinner rolls


Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook and drain broccoli.

In a large mixing bowl, combine parsley and margarine. Add cheese, broccoli and ham. Mix. Set aside.

Grease a round pizza pan. (A rectangle cookie sheet works too.) Separate the crescent roll dough into the pre-cut triangles. Arrange triangles around the outer edge of the pan, points hanging over the outside of the pan, bases overlapping. If you have more rolls than the pan will hold, you can use the remaining rolls to make a small inside circle as shown in the picture.

Spoon ham filling evenly over the bases of the triangles. Fold points of triangles over the filling and tuck under the bases toward the center of the pan.

Bake for 17-20 minutes or until golden brown.


Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

BLURB:
Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

To read an excerpt from Wyatt's Guilt, please click HERE.

Buy Links:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks



Learn more about Sara Daniel on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to subscribe to Sara’s newsletter for updates on her latest books and contests.

Monday, December 09, 2013

LAST DAY TO PLAY




December is my birthday month and we have partied for the past seven days.

Today is the last day for a chance to win a book! Each day two winners were chosen to claim a free download of their choice from the books offered below. Here's a list of winners so far:





 12-8
Barbara C - Masquerade
Bettye O - French Tart
12-7
Fritz D - French Tart
Janet Q - Heated Negotiations
12-6
June Z - Heated Negotiations
Patty N - Masquerade

12-5
Charisse A - Heated Negotiations
Lonnie J - French Tart
12-4
Bill R - Masquerade
Rosemary M - French Tart
12-3
Jack S - Heated Negotiations
Linda P - Masquerade
12-2
Stephanie W - Heated Negotiations
Theresa L - Masquerade

You can be a winner, too! To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Now here's the books to choose from:

FRENCH TART

Bon Appétit...
Satisfy all your cravings at cooking school.

Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Doni's lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.

Mark Anderson is incognito and hating every minute. To pose as a student while keeping tabs on a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the dish of Crème Brule good enough to eat.

Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Mark heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.

HEATED NEGOTIATIONS

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.
Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.


MASQUERADE

Behind every mask is always a fragment of truth.

Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger.

Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.


And there's a special bonus prize for EVERYONE who enters!



This book is compiled from recipes by the Musa authors who love to cook. There are over seventy recipes that range from exciting appetizers to interesting adult beverages. You'll definitely find plenty to tempt your palate.







Good luck and thanks for helping me celebrate!

Sloane

Friday, December 06, 2013

THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER

Is today's release today of my hot erotic romance CZECH MATE!

Pink boa and red stilettos…anything goes with Armani.

Life isn't easy for American Lacey Blake when she’s stranded in Prague dressed like a dolled up hooker and nowhere to go. The cash-strapped American, boasting a pink boa and red stilettos that would make any working girl jealous, is saved by a staid giant in classic Armani.

Dragan Petrovic worked hard to shed the stigma of his youth and what his mother endured to put food in his belly. Now that he is a success, Dragan is determined his 5-star hotel will retain its unblemished reputation and no apprentice prostitute will launch her career in his lobby.

But one look in Lacey’s eyes proves there is more to the desirable woman than a micro mini and a push up bra. The urge to protect her compels Dragan to suggest an unconventional plan that stirs deep desires and alters their lives forever.

EXCERPT:
Lacey lifted out a teetering stack of silky looking items. Lingerie? A light blue bra encased with what must be rhinestones slid to the floor, quickly followed by matching bikini panties.

“What are these?” Dragan knelt next to her. Blood pounded through his veins as he captured the delicate cloth in his hands.

“My undies.” She continued to rummage, spilling more silken items onto the carpet.

He lifted an eyebrow. “Uncomfortable?”

“Surprisingly, no.” She giggled. Her creamy skin took on a rosy glow as she dipped her head lower to the suitcase. “Damn it, where is it?”

A vision of her dressed only in the intimate garments and those sexy high heels strapped to her ankles flooded his mind, sending jolts of electricity south.

His stiff cock, which was its normal posture in her presence, swelled larger as she walked toward him. The throbbing head was anxious to be deep inside her and wrapped in her wet heat. The tips of her hard nipples shoved against the silky fabric of her bra. Their outline was a beacon to his aching member. His fingers itched to caress the soft mounds that rose over the miniscule rhinestone studded cups. He wanted to tongue her hard nipples Erotic sensations streaked through him as he imagined mounting her, and sliding his cock between their firm flesh.

She stepped closer, drawing his attention lower to her shapely hips. He was mesmerized by their sway, the movement seductive, sensual, compelling him to taste her.

The clear gems sprinkled across her sheer panties twinkled in the dim light. He licked his dry lips. The burning desire to kiss the lacey V at the apex of her thighs, suckle her clit through the thin material, and graze a finger along her folds brought sweat to his brow.

She slid the bra straps down her shoulders. His heart thudded, banging against his ribcage. He stood—

“Earth to Vic. Come in, Vic.”

A hand shook his shoulder and slammed him into the present.

“Um, you might want to let go, big time.”

He glanced at his hands wadding her undergarments into a knot. Souložit. Fuck, what the hell could he say and not appear an old lecher? “I apologize. My mind must have taken a short vacation.”

“Yeah, right.” She laughed. “Don’t even think I’ll buy that one, big guy.”

Dragan smiled. Even in a dire situation she still enjoyed life enough to make amusing retorts. A wonderful asset more women should embrace. And even though she owned the sexiest lingerie he ever had the pleasure to fondle, Lacey Blake was not a whore. The lady had style. But time was short and he needed to move forward and not dwell on her attributes.

He pursed his lips and was not sure how to best measure Lacey’s shapely body without appearing to molest her, especially after making a fool of himself over her delicate things. He did not trust himself to hold back and not wrap her in his arms and kiss her until she begged him to make love to her.

Make love to her?

Obviously that thought was formed wrong. Or was it?

Musa Buy Link
Amazon Buy Link

To read excerpts from my other erotic romances please click HERE.

And my birthday celebration continues!

December is my birthday month and we are partying for the next four days! Each day two winners will pick the free download of their choice from the books offered below. December 4 winners were:

Charisse A - Heated Negotiations

Lonnie J - French Tart

You can be a winner, too! To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Now here's those books I mentioned above:

FRENCH TART

Bon Appétit...
Satisfy all your cravings at cooking school.

Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Doni's lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.

Mark Anderson is incognito and hating every minute. To pose as a student while keeping tabs on a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the dish of Crème Brule good enough to eat.

Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Mark heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.

HEATED NEGOTIATIONS

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.
Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.


MASQUERADE

Behind every mask is always a fragment of truth.

Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger.

Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.


And there's a special bonus prize for EVERYONE who enters!



This book is compiled from recipes by the Musa authors who love to cook. There are over seventy recipes that range from exciting appetizers to interesting adult beverages. You'll definitely find plenty to tempt your palate.







Good luck and thanks for helping me celebrate!

Sloane

Thursday, December 05, 2013

My Birthday Celebration continues

Join me for a piece of cake


and 

a chance to win a free read

December is my birthday month and we are partying for the next four days! Each day two winners will pick the free download of their choice from the books offered below. December 4 winners were:

Bill R - Masquerade

Rosemary M - French Tart

You can be a winner, too! To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Now here's those books I mentioned above:

FRENCH TART

Bon Appétit...
Satisfy all your cravings at cooking school.

Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Doni's lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.

Mark Anderson is incognito and hating every minute. To pose as a student while keeping tabs on a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the dish of Crème Brule good enough to eat.

Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Mark heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.

HEATED NEGOTIATIONS

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.
Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.


MASQUERADE

Behind every mask is always a fragment of truth.

Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger.

Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.


And there's a special bonus prize for EVERYONE who enters!



This book is compiled from recipes by the Musa authors who love to cook. There are over seventy recipes that range from exciting appetizers to interesting adult beverages. You'll definitely find plenty to tempt your palate.







Good luck and thanks for helping me celebrate!

Sloane

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

SOUP RULES!

Today we have multi-published author and awesome friend Dominique Eastwick here to share her culinary talents. I think you're going to like this recipe! The kitchen is all yours, Dom.

One of the many reasons I just love about fall is pumpkins. I love to carve them, look at them, and now that Halloween is past, eat them.


I love pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice Latte…I could go on and on. But one of my favorite things is Pumpkin Soup.So celebrate this spooky day with a bowl of Easiest Soup ever, you can quote me on that.. There is nothing better for a cold day. And what makes it better is that it's easy, especially if you use canned pumpkin.

Pumpkin Soup
1 stick butter or margarine
2 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 tsp. packed brown sugar
2 cans of chicken broth
1 cup water
½ tsp. salt (optional)
2 cans (15 ounces) Pumpkin or 2 cups pureed fresh pumpkin
2 cans (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg to garnish

Melt butter in large saucepan. Add garlic and brown sugar; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft.

Add broth and water; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Stir in pumpkin, evaporated milk, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

With real pumpkin you may need to puree your soup again.

Serve warm and enjoy.

serves 10

How about a hot read while you enjoy a warm bowl of soup?

What doesn't kill us makes you stronger. But is their love strong enough?

Lucas Sherman wanted one thing in life. Never to set eyes on his ex-fiancé Kiloran O’Connor again. But no one said life was fair. Now with a stalker hunting both of them Lucas is forced to put his distrust and hatred to the side to keep them both alive.

Kiloran only ever wanted to keep Lucas safe. But no matter how hard she tries danger seems to be a step behind them. Now creating a public front can she break through the wall Lucas has erected around his heart? Those same walls she helped cement.

Can true love conquer and forgive all or will it kill them both?

To read and excerpt from Killing Lucas, please click HERE.

Dominique Eastwick grew up a US Navy Brat, so if there was a Naval base that was probably home. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two children, crazy lab and lazy cat.

Dominique's love of reading started when she was told to read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. It’s the book that opened her eyes to the joys of reading and entering into the world of the author. To this day she ranks this book as her favorite.

When not writing you can find Dominique at her second love, behind the lens of her camera.

Learn more about Dominique Eastwick on her website, blog, and Amazon author page.

December is my birthday month and we are partying for the next five days! Each day two winners will pick the free download of their choice from my Birthday Books. See December 2 blog for list. December 3 winners were:

JACK S        Heated Negotiations
LINDA P            Masquerade

You can be a winner, too. To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Good Luck!
Sloane

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

WE HAVE BIRTHDAY WINNERS!


December is my birthday month and we are partying for the next six days! Each day two winners will pick the free download of their choice from the books offered below. December 2 winners were:

Stephanie W        Heated Negotiations
Theresa L            Masquerade

You can be a winner, too. To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Now here's those books I mentioned above:

FRENCH TART

Bon Appétit...
Satisfy all your cravings at cooking school.

Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Doni's lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.

Mark Anderson is incognito and hating every minute. To pose as a student while keeping tabs on a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the dish of Crème Brule good enough to eat.

Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Mark heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.

HEATED NEGOTIATIONS

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.
Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.


MASQUERADE

Behind every mask is always a fragment of truth.

Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger.

Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.


And there's a special bonus prize for EVERYONE who enters!



This book is compiled from recipes by the Musa authors who love to cook. There are over seventy recipes that range from exciting appetizers to interesting adult beverages. You'll definitely find plenty to tempt your palate.







Good luck and thanks for helping me celebrate!

Sloane

Monday, December 02, 2013

CELEBRATE with ME!


December is my birthday month and I want to party! Starting today, and for the next week, two winners a day will pick the free download of their choice from the books offered below.

FRENCH TART

Bon Appétit...
Satisfy all your cravings at cooking school.

Determined to prove herself and shed her party girl image, Donatienne Dubois pins her hopes on the exclusive cooking school in Nice, France. One by one her expectations are shattered by a foul-mouthed parrot, a bogus Michelin chef, and a headmistress with a heart of tungsten steel. Doni's lifesaver is a bad boy hunk too hot not to handle.

Mark Anderson is incognito and hating every minute. To pose as a student while keeping tabs on a rich wild child is his version of hell, until he partners with the dish of Crème Brule good enough to eat.

Class takes on a whole new meaning as Doni and Mark heat up the kitchen when they discover honey has better uses than sweetening tea.

HEATED NEGOTIATIONS

Mergers and negotiations are not just for the boardroom, especially when things heat up high over the Atlantic.
Travel agency owner Teddi Howard is Hell in high heels when she jumps a plane to Munich. Her goal—strangle the German tour operator who reneged on their exclusive contract.

German businessman David Stiefel well knows the feeling of being screwed over and is resolved to avoid emotional attachments. This strategy has served him well, until his chance encounter with the enticing Ms. Howard.


MASQUERADE

Behind every mask is always a fragment of truth.

Chicagoan Clancy Marshall has planned her dream vacation in Venice down to the last detail. From gondola rides to masked balls, and anything else that just happens along, she is determined to experience all pleasures. But those careful plans fly out the door when she literally falls into the arms of a masked stranger.

Vittore Ricci comes from an old Venetian family that claims two doges in their lineage. A straight-laced Count and owner of a prestigious hotel, he never does anything without serious consideration. Until a sexy American tourist offers an opportunity no man can refuse.


And there's a special bonus prize for EVERYONE who enters!


This book is compiled from recipes by the Musa authors who love to cook. There are over seventy recipes that range from exciting appetizers to interesting adult beverages. You'll definitely find plenty to tempt your palate.









To enter, please email me sloanetaylor@comcast.net with BDAY in the subject line. In the body of the email please add your title and format preference.

Also, if you like bookmarks and trading cards include your snail mail address in your email and I'll get you a packet in the morning mail, no matter where in the world you live.

Good luck and thanks for helping me celebrate!

Sloane

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Calling All Grill Warriors!

To all you faithful grillers, I present my Canadian buddy Sharon Ledwith and her amazing recipe. The kitchen and patio are all yours, Sharon.


What can I say, ribs - a favorite of Grill Warriors everywhere.

Ribs conjure up images of cook-offs and eat-to-the-death contests at festivals and fairs. Here’s a sweet and spicy rib recipe that will make your neighbors jealous, and your friends and family get down on their knees to beg you to make every time they visit. The secret is in the sauce, and most people can’t get enough of it! It takes fifteen minutes to prep, with a cook time of two hours and is ready in three hours, fifteen minutes. In the end, you’ll have enough ribs to serve eight, but will most likely kick yourself (or be kicked) for not preparing extra!

Backwoods Barbecue Ribs
4 pounds pork spareribs (we use back ribs)
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup Heinz® Ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup rum (we use amber or dark)
½ cup Heinz® Chili Sauce
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 dash ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).

Cut spareribs into serving size portions, wrap in double thickness of foil, and bake for 1½ hours. Unwrap, and drain drippings. Place ribs in a large roasting pan.

In a bowl mix together brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, chili sauce, garlic, mustard, and pepper. Coat ribs with sauce and marinate at room temperature for one hour, OR refrigerate overnight.

Preheat grill for medium temperature. Position grate four inches above heat source.

Brush grill grate with oil. Place ribs on grill, and cook for thirty minutes, basting with marinade.

WARNING—if eating outside, anything with wings (fairies included) will end up sticking to your hands, fingers, or face, so make sure you have plenty of napkins or wipes on hand.

Enjoy!

There is no moving forward without first going back.

Lilith was a young girl with dreams and a family before the final destruction of Atlantis shattered those dreams and tore her family apart. Now refugees, Lilith and her father make their home in the Black Land. This strange, new country has no place in Lilith’s heart until a beloved high priestess introduces Lilith to her life purpose—to be a Timekeeper and keep time safe.

Summoned through the seventh arch of Atlantis by the Children of the Law of One, Lilith and her newfound friends are sent into Atlantis’s past, and given a task that will ultimately test their courage and try their faith in each other. Can the Timekeepers stop the dark magus Belial before he changes the seers’ prophecy? If they fail, then their future and the earth’s fate will be altered forever.

To read an excerpt from Legend of the Timekeepers please click
HERE
.

If you haven’t already read Sharon Ledwith's novel, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb…

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, please click HERE.

Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page.

BUY LINKS
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

When Sharon Ledwith is not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Santa Author

I'm excited to have author Sam Cheever visit today with sage advice I really need to follow.

Some authors like to give stuff away and some don’t. I personally know one author who refuses to give away copies of her books and just gives bookmarks and trading cards away at conferences. No bling for her. She’s not alone. Promotional items cost money, giving away books takes sales out of an author’s pocket. But what about the old business adage, you have to spend money to make it? Does it apply to creative businesses as much as traditional ones? I think it does.

Nobody can chart a direct affect from a promotional item to a book sale. It isn’t possible to identify a monetary result, because it’s not a direct transaction. It really isn’t even monetary. It’s emotional.

People love getting free stuff. They especially love getting clever and useful free stuff. And when they get something they really like they generally remember the person who gave it to them. That’s why I love fun promotional items. When I start researching a new item to take to conferences or give out to new fans in their goodie boxes, my first goal is to find something nobody else has thought of. I rarely give out bookmarks anymore. I have boxes and boxes of them in my closet as proof! When I give away a print book I include a Romance Trading Card because those are collectors’ items and they’re more fun. I load heart-shaped memory sticks with free reads, book trailers, and first chapters and give those away. They’re useful, they bear my website and tagline on their shiny red surface, and they contain lots of fun reading and viewing that will hopefully inspire someone to buy one of my books. It’s a win-win! For my Declan Sands books (MM romance) I found a tiny tool kit with four screwdrivers and a tape measure. Again, useful, and bearing my website and tagline in case someone decides he/she needs a great book to read while repairing their computer with the toolset.

I have knit caps with my website on them, book lights with twisty stems, mouse pad planners that double as notepads, and lots of other fun stuff. Call me Author Santa. Yeah, the stuff costs and I have no way of knowing if I’ll recoup my investment in book sales. But when people receive a goodie box or promo item from me they remember it and hopefully they’ll remember me. In fact, people often come up to me at conferences and exclaim, “Oh, you’re the one with the great promo stuff!”

I just grin and offer them something else from my red velvet bag. ‘Cause I’m selling fun and smiles…hopefully I’ll even sell some books!

Happy Reading Everybody!

Bitten by Paranormal Romance gives Cupid a
4 – A Pack Howl!

"This is a delightful and sexy story of competition not only in the office, but between a cupid and a demon."

Long and Short Reviews:
"Cupid Only Rings Twice was a very cute story that was short but entertaining.”

This Valentine’s Day, Rori’s gonna meet an honest to god Cupid. And he’ll use more than arrows to win her love.

Rori Foster is too beautiful to find love. Men just can’t seem to look past her exterior to recognize the human being inside.

Unfortunately he’ll have to save her from the bad intentions of a cocky Love Demon first.
But Damios is determined to protect her. Even if he loses her in the process.

To read more or purchase Cupid Only Rings Twice please click the vendor's name.

Musa Publishing | Nook | Kobo |
Sony | ARe | Kindle | Amazon.uk
| Amazon.ca

Sam Cheever writes mainstream romantic suspense and fantasy, all heat levels; and Declan Sands for M/M romantic suspense and fantasy. Her books are fast paced and fun loving. Not one of them will solve a single world problem, but you definitely won’t be bored while reading them!

Sam’s published work includes 40+ works of young adult, romantic suspense, and fantasy/paranormal. Her books have won the Dream Realm Award for fantasy, been nominated and/or won several CAPAs, were nominated for Best of 2010 with LRC and The Romance Reviews, and won eCataromance’s Reviewer’s Choice award. She is published with Ellora’s Cave, both Romantica and Blush; Changeling Press; Electric Prose Publications (her own imprint), Musa Publishing, and Red Rose Publishing.

She lives on a hobby farm in Indiana with 11 dogs, 2 horses, and one husband.

Learn more about Sam Cheever on her blog Eclectic Insights. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find Sam on Goodreads.

I'll be back Wednesday with a new recipe. Until then...

If you want a sample of my swag I'm happy to mail you a small packet no matter where you live. Please email sloanetaylor@comcast.net with Bookmark in the subject line and supply your address and your goodies will be in the next post.

Sloane

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Naughty Ladies of Nice Tell All

Hi Everyone,

Thanks to Sam Cheever for inviting us to take part in her Character Interview Blog Hop. We have prizes today for everyone who comments or emails me sloanetaylor@comcast.net! Prizes range from bookmarks and trading cards to free copies of French Tart. So be sure to make contact with me by either method.

The Naughty Ladies of Nice are the brazen heroines from French Tart, French Delights, French Twist, French Kiss, and French Tickler. They agreed to behave while my author friend Dominique Eastwick interviews them. I don’t know if I can keep these rowdy chicks under control. They’re all jabbering in French and English and I can’t understand one word. Why did I ever write their stories!

Dominique: Hi ladies! Thanks for agreeing to meet with me today.

Naughty Ladies as one: Bon jour, Dominique!

Lisette: Dominique, such a joli name.

Sloane: English, please. Our readers may not know you mean Dominique is a pretty name.

Lisette: Why did you not name one of us Dominique?

Group chaos ensues.

Doni: Rachel, s'il vous plaît, this is not the time to work on your new novel. Pay attention.

Rachel: Sorry, I’ll just finish one more line and…

Claudette claps her hands: Assez! We do not have all day nor do the kind people reading this. We must make the decision on our speaker.

Lisette: I suggest Samantha. She is American and will do the best.

Sloane: Ladies, please, give our hostess a chance to speak.

Their racket dims to a low roar and finally trails off.

Sam: Thanks, girls, for the confidence. I’ll give it a whirl.

Why do you think Sloane Taylor choose you to represent her?

Sam: That’s easy to answer. We’re all Sloane or at least some facet of her.

Doni and Lisette in unison:
Mai oui, you are right, Samantha!

Doni: I have her cooking talents.

Lisette: I have the business knowledge.

Claudette: Certainement, I am her secret desire!

Rachel: I’m what she wishes to become!

Sloane: Aaarrgghh.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Sam: We’re all from different parts of the world, but I was born in New York of Italian parents. My mom was great, but she died when I was young. That left my father, the head “made man” and me alone a lot. Years later, I worked in the rag trade after my art teacher advised me to become a designer. I opened my own house and create ultra sexy lingerie for every size lady.

The road to success wasn’t always easy, like the time I was poisoned and almost died. Ugh. I hate to think of that.

Doni pats Sam’s shoulder: Cheri, it was terrible for all of us to see you so ill. We are happy Sloane knew how to write the good ending. (Doni gasps) I meant for the scene not your life, mon ami.

Where do you live?

Sam: My business is mobile so I can live anywhere in the world. I choose to be in beautiful Nice, France and party with the other Naughty Ladies.

Naughty Ladies stamp their feet and clap: Whoo Hoo!

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the lime light?

Sam:
Hmm, I guess I’ll be cast as a secondary character in the future, but I do have two cousins who’d be perfect Naughty Ladies. Hey, girls, what about Estelle? You know, the woman who runs the bar by the market?

Lisette: Oui, she is perfectionner.

Claudette turns to Sloane: S'il vous plaît, you must add Estelle to our group.

Doni: Rachel, I will not tell you again. Give me that notepad.

Sloane: Ladies, we’re getting off track here. We’ll carry this on at home. Now let Dominique and Sam continue with the interview.

Is there anything you wish Sloane had kept her mouth shut about?

Snorts and glares at Sloane from all the Naughty Ladies.

Sam: Obviously, we all have a secret. It seems some authors have no respect for privacy, including our author.

A momentary Naughty Ladies huddle.

Sam: We don’t mind Sloane flung open our bedroom doors and shared our intimate sexual quirks. She should have left our fears of loneliness and failure, naming just two of the five, out of our books. We love to party and make love, but we do have pride.

Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?

Another Naughty Ladies confab.

Sam: Yes. If it’s one thing Sloane did well, it was to tell our stories with heart and depth. We thank her for that.

The Naughty Ladies clap.

Sloane blushes


Tell us about Cisco what drew you to him?

Sam:
The man is stiff with a capital S. C’mon, who wears a three-piece suit to the beach? My Cisco, well at least the day he finally garnered the nerve to speak with me. I’m very happy to tell you he’s loosened up quite a bit. Now days he hardly wears anything!

Naughty Ladies: Ooh la la!

What do you do to relax?

Sam:
Draw naked ladies which is how Cisco and I met.

Doni: I like to cook and entertain!

Lisette:
I make lists of charities my foundation can assist.

Sloane: Shush, ladies. Sam does all the talking, remember?

Claudette: Just because you wrote us does not make you are the boss of us.

Sloane emits a groan.

What about the women on the covers, are they a fair representation of each of you?

The Naughty Ladies cluster together.

Sam: Yes, and they are beautiful. Even though we still argue over who has the best cover, we all agree that Kelly Shorten, the head cover artist at Musa Publishing, is the best in the business. Each cover has items relevant to our specific stories. Our men are life-like and true and we ladies are shown to our best advantage. Each of us is very happy with the outcome.

Sloane: Okay, ladies, it’s time to wrap this up before we have to pay rent.

Sam: Thank you again, Dominique, for having us out. It’s been fun.

Doni turns to Lisette: Does this mean we must return to our books? When do we get to come out again and play?

Claudette glances over at Doni: Oui, you goose, of course and when someone reads us. En fait, I can hardly wait to be with my Doe nahld again.

Rachel: Okay, Lisette, give me back my notepad. I’ve got a terrific idea for a new book.

Lisette: Oui, sorry. I was thinking about Paul and perhaps a quiet evening at home.

Sloane:
I need a drink.

To read excerpts from the Naughty Ladies of Nice series, please click on the book title.
FRENCH Tart
FRENCH Delights
FRENCH Twist
FRENCH Kiss
FRENCH Tickler



Dominique Eastwick is a multi-published author who grew up a US Navy Brat. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two children, crazy lab, and lazy cat.

When not writing you can find Dominique at her second love, behind the lens of her camera.

Learn more about Dominique Eastwick on her website, blog, and Amazon author page.

To read and excerpt from Killing Lucas, please click HERE.