trueromance

Setting:Moscow in the near-future (a very dark, dystopian Moscow)
Subgenre: Paranormal romance
Hero: Bad boy fallen angel Brends Duranov
Heroine: Always-in-control good girl Mischka Baran

One sentence summary: Mischka Baran temporarily sells her soul to fallen angel Brends Duranov in exchange for his help finding her missing cousin—only to get more than she bargained for when Brends decides he’s playing for keeps and Mischka is his pre-destined soul mate.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
When my editor and I were discussing Bond with Me, she suggested giving Mischka Baran’s missing cousin her own romance with a fallen angel. Mischka’s cousin, Pell, has a very naughty side and her angel stages a very wicked seduction. The Fallen can make wishes come true. All a woman has to do is accept the Fallen’s dark offer: bond with him, swear to serve his every desire, and receive one favor. Whatever she names, he’ll deliver. All she has to do is serve him, in bed and out, letting him drink of her soul through their bond. Of course, the greater the favor, the longer the bond will last. Name too large a request and you’ll serve forever. Pell and Dathan bond in a bathhouse—in a very steamy, very sensual seduction that sets the stage for their growing relationship.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
Whatever you say, dear. Mischka is a strong, independent woman—she’s not used to handing over control and letting someone else drive her life. She has her hands full dealing with an alpha male like Brends.

What celebrity is your hero like:
Ah… the dreaded compare-your-hero-to-a-movie-star question. Honestly, I don’t watch too many movies that aren’t animated children’s movies (I have an incredibly low tolerance for bloodshed and violence in my movies) and Mr. Incredible just isn’t my idea of sexy. Large. Dark. Predatory. The vampire king in Underworld, perhaps.

What celebrity is your heorine like:
When I was searching for a face for Mischka, I wanted her outward appearance to be beautiful and serene. Outwardly, she’s a classic dark-haired Russian beauty like Oxana Federova. She’s a self-composed woman—who hates to lose control. Secretly, however, she’s always wanted to give up that control and to explore some of her darker sexual fantasies. She’s looking for a bad boy who can tempt her to turn over the reigns to him temporarily—and Brends Duranov is more than up to the challenge. The first time he sees her walking towards him, he wants to unwrap her and all of her secrets.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Mischka is a restaurant hostess. When Brends shows up and demands to be seated, sparks fly between them. She’s torn between doing the responsible thing—her job—and giving in to her feelings and demanding he hit the road.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Brends Duranov is one of the Fallen, an elite band of former warrior angels. When he’s not defending his sire and hunting down fallen angels gone bad, he runs an extremely popular club. The human residents of Moscow love G2’s—it’s a damn sexy club, the sort of place you visit when you’re in the money and feeling very, very lucky. Put on your best dancing clothes, flash your cash, and get ready to bargain very, very hard—because only the select few are allowed inside.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The fantasies. Mischka is a very sensual woman and, like many of us, she has a number of secret fantasies. When she decides to give herself permission to explore those fantasies, watch out! Brends wants to make all of those fantasies come true for her—so there are plenty of extremely sexy scenes in the book.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Two names have been popping to the top of the list: Zer and the archangel Michael. I’d love to write Michael’s story, but next up is Zer.

What’s next:
Next up for me is Zer’s story. The leader of the Fallen, Zer believes he’s way past redemption—so, when he meets a woman who is a potential soul mate, he believes she must be a match for one of his brothers. He doesn’t deserve her and he’s going to run far and fast from his forbidden attraction to her. Zer’s story, His Dark Bond, will be published by Kensington Brava in early 2012.

Do you enjoy stories about fallen angels? Recommend a great fallen angel story for me to add to my To Be Read pile and one commentator will win a $20 Borders gift card.

Do you know about Borders Rewards Plus?

Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham

Setting: Ireland, 1180

Heroine: Morren Ó Reilly

One sentence summary: A grieving Irish warrior with a thirst for vengeance rescues a wounded woman, and they heal the scars of each other’s past.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
There’s a scene where the hero and heroine are working in the field together to salvage some of the burned harvest grain. Due to rain the night before, they start slipping in the mud. It’s the first time in almost a year that Morren has laughed, and when Trahern carries her to safe ground they share a tender moment.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
“Come here and kiss me.”

What celebrity is your hero like: Sam Worthington (Perseus from the remake of “Clash of the Titans”). He’s strong-willed and a fighter.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Liv Tyler (Arwen from Lord of the Rings). She’s endured a horror no woman should have to face, and yet she has the inner strength to overcome it.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Morren is good at making things grow, whether it’s crops or herbs. She has a connection with the land.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:
Trahern is a bard who travels across Ireland telling stories.

What you think readers will like best about this book:
As the last book in my MacEgan Brothers series, it’s an emotionally-driven story that gives a shocking twist about Trahern’s past. It does stand on its own (any new reader can join in on the story), but I hope readers who have read the other books will enjoy the character reunions to learn what happened to the other romance couples. You can visit my website at http://www.michellewillingham.com to read an excerpt.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
Prince Karl from my Accidental series (set in the Victorian era).

What’s next: First, I have a sequel novella called “Pleasured by the Viking” that tells the story of Gunnar, a secondary character from Surrender to an Irish Warrior. It’s available now in e-book form through the Harlequin Historical Undone! imprint. Next, I have a new series of Scottish medieval books coming out in the spring of 2011, beginning with Claimed by the Highlander. It’s a reunion story of a prisoner-of-war who returns to the woman he loved seven years ago and how they rekindle their romance.

The MacEgan Brothers series is set in medieval Ireland, and I spent a week this past summer doing more research there (You can visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans to see the photos I took of Ireland, Scotland, and London). Do you have a favorite setting for historical romance? If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Three lucky winners will be selected from the comments for a signed copy of Surrender to an Irish Warrior, a free download of “Pleasured by the Viking” or a $10.00 Borders gift card. Good luck!

Well, aren’t you surprised to see me again? Wires got crossed & lucky you all, here I am

Today, I would like to start the discussion on emotion in romance. There have been a couple of books of late I’ve read that had an emotional level of 300% — you know those books, “WOW, that was something”, as you wipe the tears from your eyes. I’m really not that emotional of a person, but if something really hits the mark, or resonates with me in such a way, those feelings start to take on a life of there own

So! to start, I’d like to tell you about what I’ve almost finished reading, ETERNAL HUNGER by Laura Wright — let me qualify this review by saying, even if you are not a paranormal romance fan, this story has characters you & I adore — the heroes are very tortured, set apart from vampire society. The Roman brothers escaped the world of where they were raised. The culture, their family, did not support them & how they wanted to live their lives. Unfortunately, a threat to the Roman brothers emerges & guidance is needed from the higher power. The thing that sold me on this book was definitely the emotion but also the strong heroine - Sara works in a hospital, psychiatric ward, where her brother is a patient. Sara is a strong women, that cares about her family especially after all they went thru. Sara also feels responsible for the fire that killed her father, sent her mother away & is the reason that she has had to hospitalize her brother. The strength she shows as the book develops is one you can only respect, as does Vampire Alexander, the man who literally sweeps her off her feet. Now, Alexander is a very tortured character who finds a connection with Sara, his soon to be mate. Alex sees her strength & respects her loyalty & commitment to her family & in the end tries to help her heal her brother.

Together these characters fight their own battles but also help each find answers to their own demons. The emotion is huge & you feel the depth of Alexander’s emotion immediately which makes you want to fly thru this book.

Characters readers, don’t miss this -

Another book that I’ve recently read is Maya Banks, THE DARKEST HOUR.. The beginning of a new suspense series, The KGI, Navy Seal, Ethan Kelly, finds out his wife is still alive. After a year of guilt, feeling as if he drove her away from him & their marriage, he receives a message of her being alive & how she can be rescued. All works well & she comes home, however, what Ethan is not prepared for is her memory loss & the guilt that just gets stronger & stronger until he finally faces Rachel with his feelings & the truth. OMG, people, talk about emotion! & does this author know how to make you read until wee hours of the morning — each chapter is a clincher to transcend you into the next — WOW! The reader is literally taken on an emotional roller coaster, so if you like that intensity — read this book.

Robyn Carr’s, PROMISE CANYON, is another one! No surprise there, as Robyn’s Virgin River series has taken us on one big emotional ride — well, in PC you meet a man & woman who are of Native American descent & learn a little about their very traditional cultures & families. The reader understands that partially because of their upbringing these characters are very committed people . . to their families, friends, work & in the end to one another, however, both have had pasts where someone has not felt the same way & has badly hurt them. The story is about being able to overcome the fear that comes with learning to trust someone again .. .. & if you’ve ever been there, it is something that is not easy to do. Robyn does a phenomenal job in portraying these characters & how they overcome their pasts. Need I say, this was a verrrrrrrrrrrrrry emotional book!

I could not find a cover but hopefully you’ll enjoy this picture of the grand canyon

So see where I’m going here? I personally have thought, that this level of emotion I’ve described in these books has been missing in the genre. . . not that you want this commitment in every book you read, but you want there to be strong values, feelings . . help me out here . . . Ladies, where do you want the level of emotion/commitment in your books? What author does that for you?

Comment below, 2 randomly chosen will win Sue’s Stash — Thanks for chatting with me,
SueG

Ck this out:
Dominic of the Dragonseeker Carpathians is on a desperate mission, in the very heart of enemy territory. Solange Sangria is one of the last jaguar people. She has long been fighting to save women who are able to shift from the hands of the man who slaughtered her family. They are two warriors who have lived their lives alone. Now, at the end of their time, they find each other, a complication neither saw coming.

Those of you that are Carpathian fans you know that Christine Feehan excels in the emotional depth she gives her characters — don’t worry about not being in order with this series . . . I have not been consistent but when I pick up her books I want to read & read them all over again. Put her on your list

& what about:
Elite Ops agent Nikolai Steele, code named Renegade, is on a special assignment involving a beautiful woman. But his involvement is about to go beyond the call of duty–and into the realm of dangerous desire.

One thing I look for when reading Lora Leigh is a fast paced, sexy (make me blush kind of sexy) story that makes my day. If you’ve not tried Lora, now is the time to include her on your list.

“New York Times”- and “USA Today”-bestselling author Macomber returns to Cedar Cove in the tenth novel of her beloved series.

WOW — #10 for Debbie? Couldn’t happen to a nicer author — Debbie’s stories are sweet & the characters are endearing . . . these contemporary stories are written about people you & I have met — you’ll be amazed, but, it is best if you start at the beginning with 16 Lighthouse Road.

A bestselling and multiple award-winning author sets her new story in the town of Fool’s Gold . . . where a planned pregnancy and an unplanned proposal will change two people’s lives forever.

This is Book 3 in Susan’s Series & each book is better than the last — you’ll want all 3: Chasing Perfect & Almost Perfect.

Praise for Carly & her second book in her Bachelor Blog Series:
The perfect catch is about to fall for the the one woman he’s always resisted … until now!

Carly’s writing is just fun — great characters, nice pacing — no dragging here! You’ll finish the book before you know it!

A “New York Times”-bestselling author continues her beloved vampire series starring the Argeneau family.

I think this says it all:

The follow-up to “White Heat” continues Novak’s series of romantic suspense featuring Department 6, a small but effective private security company that is investigating the murders of illegal aliens in a small town along the Arizona/Mexico border.

Looking for good Suspense? Brenda delivers — action & romance, you feel like you’re there. A personal favorite.

The author of “Cutting Loose” and “Bending the Rules” wraps up her sizzling Sisterhood Diaries series with this final installment.

Susan heats up the pages in this series — readers who like Susan Elizabeth Phillips will enjoy this Susan too!

& so much more:

BURN , by Linda Howard - Reissue of last years suspenseful Hardcover

GHOST MOON, by Heather Graham - Bk # 3 in Ghost Island Trilogy!

KISS ME KILL ME, by Maggie Shayne - Final book in her back to back suspense trilogy

VIKING TAKES A KNIGHT, by Sandra Hill - Funny historical - Sandra Rocks!

WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BE, by Tracy Ann Warren - Fourth book in the Byrons of Braebourne series

PRIMAL INSTINCTS, by Susan Sizemore - Spin off in Susan’s Paranormal world

MAYBE THIS TIME , by Jennifer Crusie - Jennifer at her bset — a book you won’t want to miss it’s laugh out loud funny!

HAWK, by Monica McCarty - Book 2 in her Highland Guard series - luv’d it!

WHEN BLOOD CALLS, by JK Beck -If you only buy one book, this is it — beginning a new series in a sexy, dangerous other-world - WOW!

JUST ONE TASTE, by Louisa Edwards -Next installment of the Recipe of Love series

MIDNIGHT CRYSTAL, by Jayne Castle - Book 3 in the clever Dreamlight Trilogy

YOU ONLY LOVE ONCE, Caroline Linden -Sexy historical romp!

LAST TO DIE , by Kate Brady - Readers who enjoy Karen Rose will be fans of Kate Brady too.

SEDUCED BY A HIGHLANDER, by Paula Quinn - Just a darn good romance!

MY SOUL TO KEEP , by Sharie Kohler -Book 3 in the Moon Chasers series.

HELLFIRE , by Kate Douglas - Book 2 in the Demonslayers series.

NEVER TRUST ROGUE, by Olivia Drake -Continues with the Crompton Sisters series

For a complete Shopping List, click here

What an exciting week & just in time for Labor Day reading! Tell, me which of these books is a must buy for you & why —- 4 randomly chosen bloggers will win a copy of Crusie’s, MAYBE THIS TIME!

Good luck!

- - - - - - - - - - HOT OFF THE PRESS, NEW! BORDERS PLUS, click here for Details! - - - - - -

Primal Instincts by Susan Sizemore

Setting: Contemporary Los Angeles

Heroine: Francesca Reynard, Vampire female

One sentence summary: Tobias Strahan is blackmailed into seducing the woman of his dreams while trying to save the supernatural inhabitants of Los Angeles.

Scene you like most and would never cut:

The scene I like most is the scene that was the hardest for me to write, which is an airplane crash. It was a very emotionally difficult scene to write, very challenging. That makes it important to me. Also, the hero acts very heroic and brave and is hurt terribly in this scene, physically and emotionally. A good hurt the hero scene is to be treasured.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:

My heroine is a shop on Rodeo Drive, perfect hair and makeup sort of girl - uh, vampire. She’s not one for getting dirty or breaking a nail - uh, claw.

What celebrity is your hero like: Since I cast my books I know exactly who he looks like: Eric Bana.

What celebrity is your heorine like: Catherine Zeta Jones in Mask of Zorro.

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:

One of the frustrations of her life is that she’s the heir to vampire clan and doesn’t get to have an occupation. Vampire females are rare and over-protected by their Prime males. She doesn’t find her purpose in life, or the courage to free herself from traditional roles, until she meets the hero.

What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:

Tobias is a the leader of a group of supernatural special forces operatives. He’s also the father of an adopted teenage human daughter. So he’s a pretty busy guy.

What you think readers will like best about this book:

Action, adventure, romance, humor, all that good stuff. I know that I am deeply in love with the hero. He’s an alpha male warrior out to save his world, a determined suitor determined to have the woman he desires, a fantastic lover, and a great dad.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:

The heroine of this book (Primal Instincts), Flare Reynard. Flare appeared in one scene in the first Primes book, I Burn For You, and I’ve been asked to write her story ever since. I’m delighted that it’s finally Flare’s turn.

What’s next: Next for the Vampire Primes will be a novella featuring two more members of the Dark Angels special forces unit. I’m writing a new book for my other vampire series, Laws of the Blood. I’m also writing a fantasy novel.

I’d like to know if readers are as interested in vampire heroines as they are in vampire heroes?

I’m offering a $25.00 Borders gift card to two of the readers that post comments.

Follow me at http://twitter.com/SusanSizemore

Time certainly flies! I just celebrated my 15 years at Borders & we’ve turned over our first year with Borders True Romance Blog! How exciting is that?

To celebrate, I would love to hear from you all what you like about our blog; what you think we could do better; & what you totally hate - k? Be honest — I can take it This site is for all of us to enjoy & it is important to me that you like visiting as much as I do! So leave your comments below - Thank you!

Now for our winners - congratulations to all!

Carly Phillips Winner 4 Sunday is April; & Sue’s Stash Winner is Rachel C

Livia Dare’s Monday winners are Kate Marcille; Lisa Alexander Griffin

Sheri Whitefeather’s Tuesday Winners are Zina; Cories; Susan Leech

SJ Day’s Winner Is on Wednesday, Diane Sadler

Thursday Winner with Abby Gaines is Maree Anderson

Friday Winners are for Alexandra Ivy Jenny is her winner; & Sue’s Stash winners are: Anne; Cynthia N

**Remember, if you are a Sue’s Stash winner you must live in the US.

Now, for next week — come visit us & meet:

Sunday w/Brenda Novak

Monday with Susan Sizemore

Tuesday is ME! Today is a BIG romance release week & I’ve got a list of books I think you’ll want to buy . . . .

Wednesday with Sue & her Book Report!

Thursday with Michelle Willingham

Friday with Anne Marsh

& Saturday with the lovely, one & only, Teresa Medeiro’s - Devil Wears Plaid

Thanks again for being part of Borders True Romance Community — see U soon!

SueG

Setting: Bordertown, Arizona (a fictional town based very loosely on Douglas, Arizona)
Subgenre: Romantic Suspense
Hero: Hot, hot, hot Roderick Guerrero!
Heroine: Up to her eyeballs in deep shit Sophia St. Claire (LOL!)

Short (Ha! Changed this!) summary: Police Chief Sophia St. Claire finds herself out of her investigative league when someone starts shooting people at pointblank range and leaving them to rot in the desert sun just outside her small town. Help arrives in the form of California’s Department 6 Roderick Guerrero, but as far as Sophia’s concerned that only makes things worse. As the half-breed bastard of a wealthy local rancher, he has a history he can’t get past–a history that includes her.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
I don’t want to give too much away, but the scene I love most is where Sophia and Rod first meet up (after having known each other in high school years before). I love that the power has shifted from Sophia to Rod and watching her grapple with the change (and what Rod has become) is a lot of fun. The humor in this scene makes me smile every time I read it.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: That she loves her stepfather. LOL Their relationship forms some of the conflict in the story. She can’t stand him—and for good reason.

What celebrity is your hero like: Oh boy. I’m notoriously bad at this because I don’t watch TV and don’t remember the names of the stars I see in movies. He’s taller than Tom Cruise and not as stocky as Gerard Butler. I guess he sort of resembles Ricky Martin but his personality is very different.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Another tough one. If I had to cast someone to play Sophia, it would be someone closer to an Angelina Jolie than a Jennifer Aniston.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Sophia is chief of police, but she’s new and the way she got the position was rather political. She has a lot to prove.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Rod works for a security contractor called Department 6 that specializes in undercover ops inside the U.S.

What you think readers will like best about this book: The chemistry between the hero and heroine! It’s my favorite of the HEAT books for just that reason. The hero and heroine came to me so clearly when I was writing and are so perfect for each other—without knowing it, of course. I loved seeing them work through their conflicts and find what the reader believes almost from the start—they need to be together.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I probably get the most requests for a sequel to my second Superromance—SNOW BABY. I just got one today! The heroine’s sister, Stacy, meets a guy at the end of the story. I did this to show that things were hopeful for her, too, and that was my only intention. But readers really want me to write that romance so they can see Stacy become happy. Next would probably be a sequel to the Stillwater Trilogy. I’ve had a lot of people email me to see if I’m going to write the last sister’s story (even though the mystery is solved after Book 3 and there really isn’t anywhere to go).

What’s next: KILLER HEAT comes out September 28th and will complete the Department 6 trilogy. In KILLER HEAT, the remains of seven women have been discovered in Skull Valley, Arizona. It’s up to Jonah Young, from Department 6, to assist the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department in solving these murders. But he doesn’t anticipate the complications that arise when he’s forced to work with an old flame. Then everything grows more complicated—and far too personal. They quickly zero in on the most likely suspect, but betting on the wrong man might be the last thing they ever do….

I received a note from one of my fans that she was “disappointed” that I was writing a book about the illegal immigration problem (she hadn’t read it yet—just the excerpt on my web site, which only gives the first chapter). This book is definitely NOT about illegal immigration. It doesn’t get involved in the politics of it or try to sway people one way or another, but it does use the tension and problems along the border as a backdrop for a juicy murder case. Do you find yourself biased against books you perceive as incorporating problems that are currently in the media? Or do you find such stories more intriguing because they feel so real and show characters dealing with today’s problems?

Giveaway - Brenda Novak tote filled with autographed copies of WHITE HEAT, BODY HEAT & KILLER HEAT - Good luck!

ENJOY : )

ROYAL MOCHA CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE

Ingredients:
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2/3 c. sugar
3 T. coffee liqueur
2 eggs
1 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 ready-to-use chocolate cookie crumb pie crust

For Garnish:
Whipped cream
Instant coffee crystals

Directions:
Mix cream cheese, sugar and coffee liqueur at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs; mix until blended. Stir in 1/2 cup of the chips. Pour into crust. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 c. chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate three hours or overnight.

Garnish with thick, sweet whipped cream sprinkled lightly with instant coffee crystals.

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Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 pkg. (10 - 16 oz.) frozen broccoli, thawed & drained
Durkey’s French fried onions
1 egg
1 cup Bisquick
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup cheese

Mix together chicken, soup, 1 cup of cheese, and broccoli,
Spread in 8×12 casserole dish or equivalent. Sprinkle fried
onions on top. Mix together egg, Bisquick, and milk. Pour
over top of casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Bake at 425º for 30 minutes.

==============================================

Coconutty Oatmeal Cookies
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

In large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in coconut and walnuts.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 3 inches apart onto greased baking sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake at 350 for 11-14 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Store in an airtight container. Yield 5 ½ dozen.

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Beef and Cabbage Soup

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 head medium cabbage, rough-chopped
2 ribs celery, sliced
1 large onion, rough-chopped
1 (16 ounce) can kidney beans
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (32 ounce) carton beef broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
several bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Brown ground beef and drain. In a large stock pot, combine remaining ingredients and add ground beef. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and cover, simmering for one hour or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

========================================

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Combine the peanut butter, white sugar and egg. Mix until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 6 to 8 minutes. Do not overbake! These cookies are best when they are still soft and just barely brown on the bottoms.
============================================

BROWN SUGAR MEATLOAF

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
6 slices white bread, cut into cubes 1/2 cup milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons yellow mustard, divided
1/2 cup ketchup, divided
3 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef, onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mix in bread, milk, egg, 2 tablespoons mustard and 1/4 cup ketchup.
3. Press the meat mixture into a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, stir together remaining mustard, ketchup and brown sugar; pour on top of the meat loaf.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours or until done.

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http://www.recipezaar.com/recipes/5-or-less-ingredients

Simply Good Salad

1 small box jello (strawberry, cherry and lime are all good)

1 small can (11 oz) mandarin oranges, well-chilled, undrained

whipped topping

In refrigerator dish, dissolve jello in one cup boiling water. Stir well so that powder is dissolved. Add undrained mandarin oranges and stir until combined. Refrigerate until set. Top with whipped topping to serve.

If desired, you can substitute sugar-free gelatin and sugar-free whipped topping for a “lite” version.

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COOKIES ‘N CREAM PARFAITS

In a tall parfait glass, place one scoop of your favorite ice cream. Crumble some cookies of your choice (good way to use broken pieces), and add enough cookie pieces to cover ice cream. Top with a little of your favorite syrup. Repeat. Top off with whipped cream, nuts, sprinkles, candy, cookie pieces…whatever you like. Just be sure to put a cherry on top : )

===================================================

E-Z BEEF FAJITAS: In large skillet, brown one pound ground beef along with 1 coarsely chopped onion and 1 coarsely chopped bell pepper. Drain grease and add one 14.5 oz. can “Mexican Style” diced tomatoes. If desired, add extra cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes & etc to taste. Heat through, stirring well. Spoon desired amount into center of each pre-warmed tortilla. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream. Fold tortilla to form fajita.

Wow… How on earth do I give the awesomeness of this book justice in my review? I think it’s taken me three hours, at least, to finally think of something to say.

I enjoyed SIN UNDONE. I adored Sin and Con and the dynamics of their relationship. I loved the way Larissa skillfully weaved problem after problem into the book without ever making me sick of all the drama. (Let me tell you, there was a lot. I actually gave a sigh in relief when everything was finally resolved.) And most importantly: I love how Sin’s origins–how she’s the only female Seminus demon–is explained. Yeah, it was brief, but it worked.

But primarily? I adored Sin and Con.

I’ll admit, I was curious about how the two were going to connect as a couple and resolve all their issues. Con had to have issues, otherwise, the pairing wouldn’t have been convincing. Not when Sin’s past was so messed up. In this regard, readers are not let down. Con’s got emotional baggage up the wazoo, just like Sin. It definitely made for an interesting read, that’s for sure.

Unlike other paranormal romance series, Larissa continually reconnected readers with her past couples. That is something I find fairly important while I’m reading. Usually, when I’m reading other series, I start to ask myself questions such as: are these past couples dead? Is the current couple living on a deserted island away from civilization? What the hell happened to the past heroes I used to drool over!?  (okay so maybe I don’t think so much about the first two questions… but the last one is fairly important)  I mean, older characters/couples were painstakingly created, why not bring them back for a quick scene or two? Well, Larissa did that, and so much more. They became an integral part of the storyline… much like every other book in this series.

There was sap with the reunions, yes, and usually sap will make me cringe, but I felt it was necessary for SIN UNDONE… especially because this book was also the end. We, as readers, participated in a family’s journey. First with Eidolon, then with Shade, Wraith, Lore, and finally with Sin. And I must say, the journey was draining, heartbreaking, heartwarming, gut wrenching, holy-shit-I’m-going-to-bite-all-my-nails-off dramatic, sappy, lovey dovey, and AMAZING.

For some reason, though, I wanted to see more fighting in this book. Especially because Sin’s the leader of the Assassin’s Den. I mean, there was a lot of fighting, but I wanted a little bit more. I think it’s because I had a True Blood marathon for three days straight. Right before reading this book… Yeeah.

Oh and before I forget: Luc’s in this story! If you’re like me and you were rooting for this poor were’s HEA, prepare yourselves, because you’re gonna get it.

SIN UNDONE is a stellar finish to a wonderful series that I am somewhat sad to see go. I say somewhat because, while I will miss the Demonica series, I cannot WAIT for Larissa’s spinoff series with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. If you buy this book, I highly suggest checking out the preview of ETERNAL RIDER, book 1 of the Lords of Deliverance series coming out in March 2011.

As for SIN UNDONE? Well, I already think highly of this series, and Sin and Con’s story is one you would regret missing out on. All five books were definitely worth their price and time.

Overall verdict: 5/5 Stars

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

-Tori
Check out my paranormal book review blog, Book Faery (http://book-faery.blogspot.com/).

Yours for Eternity

Alexandra Ivy:

Setting: London, England
Subgenre: Historical Paranormal
Hero: Victor, Marquis DeRosa
Heroine: Juliet Lawrence

One sentence summary:

Victor is a vampire who is accustomed to getting what he wants, and what he wants is Juliet in his bed, and ruling at his side, if only he can convince the stubborn female she’s his destined mate.

Scene you like most and would never cut:

The scene where they’re battling the Jinn beneath the London docks. It reveals the depth of emotion between the two and how much they’re willing to sacrifice for one another.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:

Staring into the mirror to see how pretty she looks.

What celebrity is your hero like:

Darcy in Pride and Prejudice…only with fangs.

What celebrity is your heroine like:

Sandra Bullock

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:

She is half-fey, half-witch with the unique ability to sense magical objects.

What is your heroes occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing:

Clan Chief of England.

What you think readers will like best about this book:

The combination of action, horror, and humor.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:

Levet, the tiny gargoyle who makes life hell for my vampires 

What’s next:
Tane’s story in Devoured by Darkness. This is the seventh book in my Guardian of Eternity series.

If you could have any book made into a movie, which would it be?

I’ll be happy to give away a book of the winner’s choice.

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Hannah Howell:

Setting: Medieval Scotland
Subgenre:Paranormal/Vampire romance
Hero: Adeline Dunbar
Heroine: Lachann MacNachton

One sentence summary:Lahcann MacNachton is hunting for the lost members of his clan when he finds Adeline Dunbar and the child, Osgar, a MacNachton, and together they fight to get the child to the safety of Cambrun, the MacNachton fortress, as Lachann overcomes his mistrust of human women and falls for Adeline.

Scene you like most and would never cut: The prologue. It was one of those scenes that just came to me when I was struggling to come up with a better beginning than I had. The beginning was good but I felt it didn’t have the snap I wanted and then, suddenly, I wrote the prologue and it fit. It’s the satisfaction I felt that also makes me like it the best.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: She’d never say - ”You can just leave me here.” And she would never, never leave Osgar.

What celebrity is your hero like: Maybe like Clive Owen in Child of Man where he does so much to save the child and the woman. In truth, I never think of celebrities when I draw my characters, although I will give them some bits of actors or actresses that I like, such as one’s eyes, or another’s mouth.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Here comes that problem of never thinking of a celebrity when devising my characters. Maybe a little like the Sarah Connor character in the Terminator movies where she does all she can to save her son. Adeline might not be able to kick butt like that, but she has the spirit to do anything she can to save those she loves.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: She’s a healer/midwife, an expert with herbal remedies. She does what her mother did and that gets her marked as a witch.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He is a soldier for his clan and one of the ones hunting down the Lost Ones, people with MacNachton blood. They are the descendents of the clans’ forefathers that the clan has only recently learned about and the ones who have survived are now being hunted so the clan is working hard to gather them all together.

What you think readers will like best about this book: I hope they like the way these two completely different people come together to save the child Osgar and both learn to trust despite pasts that have taught them not to.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
There’s a character in my late-Georgian psychic tales(If He’s Wicked, …Sinful, …Wild) that people have already said they want me to write about – Modred, the head of the Vaughn and Wherlocke families, who has telepathic powers and an empathy that’s so strong he has become a complete recluse. Unfortunately, he needs to be a lot older than he is now to get his own story but I have a few ideas. I do know that he will get his story if the series continues long enough for he just won’t stay tucked away in his castle on the border of Wales like a good little duke and constantly gets mentioned or appears in the stories of his family. So he is definitely demanding one.

What’s next: I just turned in the manuscript for the next Murray tale – HIGHLAND PROTECTOR – that is Sir Simon Innes’ story. I found the perfect Murray lass for him. And now I’m working on another tale of the Wherlockes and Vaughns. Sir Argus is in trouble and he’s going to get help from an unexpected source, a lovely young woman his ‘gift’ has no effect on. Such an arrogant fellow deserves a strong woman who can look him in the eye and say – Hah, I don’t think so, sir.

I like to write about strong women who do what’s needed in extraordinary circumstances and don’t let the hero walk all over them. Is there a strong woman in your life that you admire?

I have contests on my web page: www.hannahhowell.com where I give away signed copies of my books and other goodies. Come and try your luck at the various ways my webmistress comes up with to test you.

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YOURS FOR ETERNITY, Immortal Dreams

KAITLIN O’RILEY

Setting: Victorian London
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance/vampire novella
Hero: Lord Radcliffe
Heroine: Grace Sutton

One sentence summary: What’s more romantic than finding the man who has been in love with you for over a century?

Scene you like most and would never cut: That’s tricky to answer without spoiling the plot, but there’s a sexy dream sequence that I love. Dreams play a big part in this story.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Grace is independent and strong-willed at heart, but she would never kick-box anyone who got in her way.

What celebrity is your hero like: Lord Radcliffe is very handsome, intense, secretive, and has a dark past, so I’d say he’s a little like a Victorian version of Jon Hamm’s Don Draper character, just without all the drinking and smoking and cheating!

What celebrity is your heroine like: Grace is beautiful with auburn hair and probably physically resembles Rachel MacAdams.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Of course a Victorian lady did not work, but if she had a career, I think Grace would be a writer because she keeps a journal.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: He’s a sexy vampire and has amassed a fortune over the years. He doesn’t need a job.

What you think readers will like best about this book: This was my first venture into the paranormal genre and Immortal Dreams is a very haunting and romantic story. A love that endures the physical realm is what everyone longs for.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Readers are waiting for the next in my Hamilton sisters series. Lisette’s story will be out in October 2011. And yes, the younger sisters will get their stories told too!

What’s next: I’ve a steamy novella coming out in February in An Invitation to Sin, along with Jo Beverley, Sally MacKenzie and Vanessa Kelly.

Who do you think is the sexiest vampire out there in TV or movies?