Sara Daniel Romance Author: November 2013

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Character Interview Blog Hop #WiccanHaus #pnr #secondchanceromance

Today we welcome Holly Walters of The Wiccan Haus: A Man Worth Fighting For. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Holly. Why do you think Sara Daniel chose you to represent her?
Well, that’s easy. She tried to get Justin to come here, and he refused. Since running a PR company is my job, I understand the value of reaching out to people and building a solid network. Honestly, I’ll be able to tell you more about Justin than he’d ever admit to himself.

Tell us a little about yourself.
Justin, who I’d been dating for a year, sent me an eight-word text to end our relationship. “I don’t want to see you anymore. Sorry.” Really? That’s all I get after a year together? I don’t think so. Sometimes a girl has to stick up for herself and demand better, so that’s exactly what I did. I tracked Justin all the way to the Wiccan Haus.

Do you feel you were portrayed fairly?
I wasn’t very happy that calling all of Justin’s colleagues and taking a week off work to find him made me look like a stalker ex-girlfriend. Then Sara made me look like I was going crazy because of all the weird—some people would say magical—things happening on the island. My clients depend on my upstanding, sane reputation. But you know what? I forgive Sara because she brought me to Justin and gave us a second chance to work out our issues.

Speaking of Justin, what do you think of him getting his picture on the cover? Are you jealous you don’t get to share the cover with him?
Not at all jealous. Justin is a determined, honorable man who will go to any length to protect the people he cares about. Despite putting his life on the line every day for his country, he never figured out that he is a man worth fighting for. That’s why I came to the Wiccan Haus to fight for him. That’s why I’m on this blog spilling our private details. Besides, have you ever seen a hotter, sexier man than my Justin? No, you haven’t, and that perfection deserves to have an entire cover devoted to it.

Do you believe in ghosts?
Well, if you’d asked me before I came to the Wiccan Haus, I would have said absolutely not. But after spending a week at the Wiccan Haus, let’s just say I now believe in things I never imagined existed before. Ghosts don’t even begin to cover it.

Why should the readers be interested in your story?
Besides the fact that reading A Man Worth Fighting For is like taking a mini-vacation to the Wiccan Haus, everyone needs to meet Justin and hear his story of bravery, healing and determination. If that’s not enough for you, here’s the clincher. He’s sexy, strong and vulnerable all at once. Who wouldn’t fall for a man like that? However, since I’m not going to share him with you, you’ll just have to read the book if you want to experience it for yourself!


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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Character Interview Blog Hop #WiccanHaus #pnr

Character Interview with Armando Verdad from Psychic Lies


Today, I would like to welcome Armando Verdad, hero of The Wiccan Haus: Psychic Lies. Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Armando. Why do you think Sara Daniel choose you to represent her?
As the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for Syndicate (which is the government of the paranormal world for you humans out there), I am well-qualified to articulate myself. And honestly, I can’t afford to pass up any positive coverage to boost my department’s image right now.

Tell us a little about yourself?
As you might have figured out, I have the truth-finding power. This means when I touch a person who is speaking, their words mentally play back in my head followed by the word “truth” or “lie.” If the person speaks a sentence that is half truth and half lie, my power will break it into parts so I know exactly what part is truth and which is a lie. This makes me a very useful investigator for the government in solving crimes and ferreting out those who aim to deceive our honest citizens.

What do you wish people would know about you?
I wish people understood how much I want to use my power for the greater good of keeping the Syndicate safe. It’s true that I don’t have Cyrus’s amazing retro-cog power, but I can still make a difference, and I intend to prove it by cracking this high-profile murder case before the police do. I’m following the victim’s lifebond Vetter to the Wiccan Haus. She’s definitely hiding something, and I’m going to figure out exactly what and bring her to justice.

I get the feeling you don’t believe you’re portrayed fairly in the media?
I have a problem with everyone believing the Department of Truth-Finding is not capable of solving crimes and protecting the Syndicate. Everyone constantly wants to compare me to Cyrus. It’s very frustrating to continually come up short.

What really pushes your buttons?
People not telling the truth, obviously. But aside from the big lies to cover up evil intentions, I don’t understand why people lie about insignificant things that don’t matter either way. How do I know which lies are worth digging into when everything that comes out of a person’s mouth is a lie?

Sounds like you need to relax a bit. Any ideas on how to go about that?
Well, if I’m lucky enough to have a woman to relax with, I enjoy a picnic with some exotic fruit, a variety of cheeses and a fine white wine. I’m not opposed to finishing the meal off with a nice massage or a swim in the lake (clothing *ah-hem* optional), but ultimately it’s whatever the lady wants. If she’s happy, then I’m relaxed.

Is the man on the cover of Psychic Lies a fair representation of you?
The man is definitely me, and the picture of the lake behind me is very nice, as well. But cover itself is rather embarrassing. I’m the head of a government department. I need to be portrayed professionally, wearing my overcoat…or, at the very least, have my shirt buttoned.

What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is the Syndicate dissolving the Department of Truth Finding, so I’ll be forced to use my power to investigate cheating spouses and petty concerns. How does that serve the greater good?

Thank you, Armando, for dropping by to talk with us today. I hope your trip to the Wiccan Haus gives you the answers you’re looking for.

Fiona must keep her ability to read minds during sex a secret from those determined to exploit her, especially a sexy truth-finding investigator who needs her psychic power to save his job.

Fiona has spent her life hiding her sexual mind-reading power at the risk of being exploited by the government. Instead, she pretends to have lifebond vetting powers like the rest of her family. When her fake power results in the death of an innocent woman, her life of lies unravels and she retreats to the Wiccan Haus.

Armando is the head of the Department of Truth-Finding for the Syndicate. To prove his unit’s worth to the government, he follows Fiona to the Wiccan Haus to expose her as an infiltrator of an enemy faction. The truth about Fiona is even more valuable to his people and his career.

Fiona uses her power to seduce Armando and stop his plans to betray her. But nothing is strong enough to keep her from falling in love with this man whose power threatens to destroy her. Now she must trust him, not only with her life and her psychic lies, but also her heart.

Buy Links:
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Amazon
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All Romance eBooks
Kobo
iTunes



Monday, November 18, 2013

#MondayMunchies - @sharonledwith serves Maple-Planked Stuffed S’Mores…Mmmm

Maple-Planked Stuffed S’Mores…Mmmm
by Sharon Ledwith

Sticky, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth heaven. I’m talking about S’Mores – one of the mainstays of camping and a first choice with kids around the campfire. Here’s an easy-peasy treat that takes five minutes to prep, fifteen minutes to make, and serves eight. And guess what? No campfire is required. You can create this treat in the comfort of your own back yard with your barbecue.


What You Need:
8 jumbo marshmallows
16 milk chocolate squares
3 tbsp butter, melted and cooled
½ cup of crumbled honey graham wafers (about 3) spread on a plate, plus 16 whole wafers for serving
Maple grilling plank, soaked in water for 2 hours

What You Do:
Preheat barbecue to medium.

Make a slit in the middle of each marshmallow end. Stuff each marshmallow with 2 squares of chocolate (one in each end), hiding chocolate inside. Lightly brush stuffed marshmallows with butter and roll in graham crumb to coat evenly.

Grill soaked plank for 2 to 3 minutes on each side (to help intensify smoky flavor and prevent warping). Once plank begins to smoke and crackle, place prepared marshmallows on top and close barbecue lid. Bake for 3 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly toasted and slightly gooey.

Remove plank from barbecue and set on metal pan. Serve marshmallows directly on plank with whole wafers for scooping and sandwiching.

ADDED BONUS – if you feel adventurous you can spread smooth peanut butter over the milk chocolate squares before stuffing it into the marshmallow. Trust me—it will make a peanut butter cup blush. Oh, and 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
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
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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 11, 2013

#MondayMunchies - @samcheever's Easy Pasta #recipe

from Sam Cheever

This recipe is so easy you'll want to make it time and time again. Throw all ingredients into one pot, even the uncooked Pasta. All ingredients cook along with the pasta. And the really cool thing, in my opinion, is that there’s nothing exotic here. This is all stuff I always have on hand!

No Strain Tomato Basil Pasta
12 ounces pasta
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with liquid (Get creative and use seasoned tomatoes!)
1 large sweet onion, cut in thin strips
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 large sprigs basil, chopped
4½ cups vegetable broth (Not low sodium)
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Parmesan cheese for garnish

Put the pasta, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil in a large pot and add the vegetable broth.

Sprinkle the pepper flakes and oregano over the top and drizzle with the oil.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook covered for about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.

Cook off most of the liquid, then season to taste with salt and pepper.

You’ll want to stir the pasta several times to distribute the remaining liquid.

Garnish with the Parmesan cheese.

And here's a little from my latest erotic romance to spice up your night.

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.

LABELS
Cupid Only Rings Twice, erotic romance, Musa Publishing, Sam Cheever, pasta, spaghetti,

Friday, November 8, 2013

#FridayFriends - Dress is @kings_falcon's strong suit...NOT

Dress Has Always Been My Strongest Suit

NOT

by Nancy DiMauro


Something strange happened to me when I turned 40. I became a girl. I was that Tom-boy on the school playground, who when forced to wear a skirt by her mother snuck a pair of shorts under it. After all, I couldn’t play on the monkey bars in a skirt. Now could I?

I didn’t experiment with makeup in high school. I was too busy running off to ride a horse, or three. My standard high school outfit was army surplus camo pants, a black t-shirt and ratty sneakers. Hey, it was the 80s. But I’m sure something in my mother died every day I went out of the house like that.

By law school, I’d learned the benefit of a little black dress and a few good suits. But my style was still a diamond in the rough. That started changing when I turned 40.

Why 40? I’m not sure, but maybe it’s because your forties is a magical decade. After all 42 is the answer to THE question. Sorry. I digress. Anyway, I finally had the money to buy shoes in those department stores where I bought my suits. There seems to be an unfortunate rule in shoe fashion. The more expensive the shoe the more comfortable it is. Spending all day in a set of heels became something to look forward to and not a torture.


Now I that had really cute shoes, I needed better clothes. At 42 (see, I told you that number was the answer to THE question), I hired a professional fashion consultant to take me from well-dressed to stunning and polished. Girlfriend, if you want to take your look from lukewarm to sizzle you need to call Annette Harris and her company, Harris Image Works.

Given the discovery of my inner girl there’s probably little surprise that one of my short stories focused on fashion turned deadly. The idea for Best Dressed and Obsessed (included in the Shots at Redemption collection) came from a computer glitch. I participated in Liberty Hall’s weekly writing prompt. One week a computer error made me receive the word “array” rather than the actual prompt. I hit a blank wall. So, I typed “array” into my word processor and hit the synonym button. The second group of words related to “dress.” I had the first half of a Medea myth retelling by the end of that hour. Best Dressed and Obsessed won an Honorable Mention from the Writers of the Future contest.

And none of it would have happened without the perfect little dress.

To read excerpts from Nancy DiMauro's Musa Publishing books, please click HERE.

Learn more about Nancy DiMauro and her impressive work on her website Falcons Fables and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, November 4, 2013

#MondayMunchies - @sloanetaylor2's Quest for the Perfect Pork Chop #recipe

Guest Post by Sloane Taylor

Studs is my partner for life and his favorite food is pork chops. Unfortunately for him that is not a meat I cook well. In fact, most of the time you could chew your shoe sole and have a more tender dinner. I’m constantly on the quest to cook the perfect pork chop because after all these years that cut of meat has become my nemesis. Under the guidance of my awesome butcher Raoul, from Walt’s Food Centers, I have finally achieved a recipe that has worked consistently for moist and tender chops. I even dared to serve this dish to guests and they loved it. I hope you do, too.

Grilled Bone-in Thick Pork Chops

2 – 1¼ to 1½” pork chops
1 cup olive oil maybe a little more
¼ cup white wine
4 sage leaves or 1 tbsp. dried sage
6 thyme sprigs or ½ tbsp. dried thyme
2 gloves garlic pressed or chopped fine
Freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a glass or ceramic bowl. Set in the refrigerator for 2 -3 hours.

Remove chops from the refrigerator 1 hour before grilling.

Grease grill grates with olive oil. Preheat grill to medium-high.

Grill chops 7 minutes per side.

Tent with aluminum foil. Let rest 5 - 7 minutes, then serve.

Here's a little from my latest release to satisfy your other tastes.

Never mix business with pleasure, unless pleasure is your business.

Photojournalist Emily Peters gives herself the perfect birthday gift - a weekend in Paris. Her excitement builds when she hits the scene of the exclusive S&G Club. Exposing the truth behind their private pleasure chambers and the elite who frequent them will be the diamond in her career crown. At least Em thinks so until she’s tied up in knots by the Devil himself.

British restaurateur Nicholas Caine visits Paris to check on his S&G Club investment and to sample its many benefits. Nick’s not on the hunt until he encounters a tiger that pretends to be a kitten. There’s no doubt she’ll satisfactorily flex her claws given the right incentive.

What starts as a prime photo opportunity evolves into a weekend of erotic fantasies as Nick awakens Emily’s dark passions.

To read an adult excerpt from PHOTO Op! please click HERE.

To read excerpts from the other erotic romances by Sloane Taylor, please click HERE.

Sloane Taylor believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes sexually explicit romances that take you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.

Her books are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. They also bring more than lust to their men’s lives.

Learn more about Sloane Taylor on her website, and her blog for easy recipes. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.