Kimberly reviews The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

Accidental demon Slayer

TITLE: The Accidental Demon Slayer
SERIES #: Demon Slayer #1
CHARACTERS: Lizzie & Dimitri
AUTHOR: Angie Fox
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/23/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s never a good day when an ancient demon shows up on your toilet bowl. For Lizzie Brown, that’s just the beginning. Soon her hyperactive terrier starts talking, and her long-lost biker witch Grandma is hurling Smuckers jars filled with magic. Just when she thinks she’s seen it all, Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer-and all hell is after her.

Of course, that’s not the only thing after her. Dimitri Kallinikos, a devastatingly handsome shape-shifting griffin needs Lizzie to slay a demon of his own. But how do you talk a girl you’ve never met into going straight to the underworld? Lie. And if that doesn’t work, how dangerous could a little seduction be…?

REVIEW:
If you like silly and paranormal then you will enjoy this book. I was going to give it 1 stars because I really did not enjoy this however I can see that someone who enjoys silly movies, books, etc would like this.

I am also not a fan of talking animals even though Pirate has some ok lines it is not enough to make this book worth while. I am not a fan of silly movies (Austin Powers, The Hangover, etc) and know I am one of the minority but if you are a fan and like a good paranormal then do not take my word for it. Try it yourself and see.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

2hearts

The Entity Within Interview with Cat Devon and Giveaway

Entity Within, the

I am so excited to have Cat Devon here today to discuss her new release, The Entity Within.  I love vampires and witches, so if you love paranormal romance, this is definitely one to pick up.

1. Tell me a little bit about your new release.

SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY came out June 4th and it’s the story of the cupcake maker and…the vampire! Daniella Delaney is ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man. He’s got fangs.

THE ENTITY WITHIN is out July 2nd. Zoe Adams and her grandmother Irma are witches who have been banished from Boston. With nowhere to go, they accept an invitation to come to Chicago…but what they don’t realize is that their new space puts them right in the heart of the most dangerous spot of all: Vamptown. The more vampire Damon Thornheart gets to know the stunning, spirited Zoe, the less he understands about his own true nature. Vamps and witches have always been archrivals in the entity world; surrendering to their passion could mean losing their immortal powers. Is their desire worth the risk?

2. Where did you come up with the idea for Sleeping with the Entity and The Entity Within?

It started with the hero and heroine.  In SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY, I wanted the heroine to be the opposite of the dark and brooding vampire hero.  A cheerful and determined cupcake maker who is immune to vampire compelling seemed the answer.  Plus I enjoyed doing the research on cupcakes at the local cupcake shop in my area!  In THE ENTITY WITHIN, I wanted a heroine who had magic of her own, who knew what it’s like not to fit in the human world, and so I came up with a witch named Zoe.  Not only is she Damon’s opposite, but vampires and witches do not get along.

3.  Have you always wanted to write paranormal romance?

Yes, especially paranormal romance with heat and humor.  Readers have told me that my characters seem very real to them, which is wonderful!  I write a fast-paced book with a lot of dialogue.  The books have been getting great reviews so far.  SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY was described as “Sinfully delicious! 4 Stars” by RT Book Reviews and received a highly-coveted Starred Review in Booklist.  Of THE ENTITY WITHIN, RT Book Reviews wrote, “Devon’s humor and offbeat scenarios give this paranormal pleaser a lighthearted feel that features just a touch of danger. Zoe and Damon’s sexy antagonism is pure delight!”

4.  What are you working on next?

I’m finishing up LOVE YOUR ENTITY which comes out Dec. 31st.  And a few days ago, I finished my Entity e-novella which is coming out this fall. It’s called THE ENTITY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS.

5. How many books are you planning for the series? 

There are three so far, but there could be more.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I have 3 steps for those who want to write.   1) Just Do It  2) Do It Anyway  3) Yes, I Mean Now.  Also if you are interested in writing romance, then join Romance Writers of America at rwanational.org, where you will find a lot of information for aspiring writers.

7. Do you have specific actors in mind for each of the characters in your book?

For all of the vampire heroes – yes!  Nick in SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY was inspired by actor Alex O’Laughlin.  Damon in THE ENTITY WITHIN was inspired by Ian Somerhalder.  And Ronan in LOVE YOUR ENTITY by Joe Manganiello.

8. Favorite type of pizza? 

Giordano’s Chicago deep-dish style with extra mushrooms – yummm!!  Pizza seems to show up in several of my books! 

pizza

About the Author:

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Cat Devon is a pseudonym for an award-winning author. A former librarian and confessed bookaholic, she has a weakness for wickedly sexy vampires, imported dark chocolate and decadent cupcakes. She and her family live in the Chicago area.  For more info please visit my website www.catdevon.com or Like me on Facebook www.facebook.com/catdevonauthor or follow me on Twitter @catdevonauthor.

Jennifer’s Review of The Entity Within

TITLE: The Entity Within

CHARACTERS: Zoe Adams and Damon Thornheart

AUTHOR:  Cat Devon

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Is Love Something……

Zoe Adams and her grandmother Irma are witches who have been banished from Boston.  With nowhere to go, they accept an invitation to come to Chicago…but what they don’t realize is that their new space puts them right in the heart of the most dangerous spot of all: Vamptown.

You Can Sink Your Teeth Into?

Damon Thornheart is just that–virtually untouchable when it comes to love.  As Vamptown’s highest-ranking demon hunter, he sees red flags when he meets Zoe and Irma, who unwittingly unleashed a brutal evil upon the community. But the more Damon gets to know the stunning, spirited Zoe, the less he understands about his own true nature.  Vamps and witches have always been arch-rivals in the entity world; surrendering to their passion could mean losing their immortal powers.  Is their desire worth the risk?  Only one thing is for certain: Damon will make it his mission to find out…..

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer            NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: Zoe is a witch that is afraid of using her powers because her mother died while using black magic and Zoe believes that the same thing may happen to her.  When Zoe and her grandmother, Irma, relocate to Chicago, it is a chance for a fresh start but some of the local vampires are concerned that the witches may be in Vamptown to cause trouble.  Especially, the new vampire in town and resident demon hunter, Damon.  He is very skeptical of Zoe and isn’t about to trust this sexy witch to keep out of trouble, especially when Zoe accidentally unleashes sinister forces in Vamptown.  The two of them together seems like a disaster waiting to happen but they find that they just can’t keep their hands off each other.  So now, Damon must deal with sending these demons back to hell while fighting the sexual attraction he has for Zoe.

Zoe was so adorable in this book and I just loved her personality.  She was torn between living up to her magical heritage while trying to protect herself from any type of black magic.  She just wants to lead a normal life but that is hard to do when she accidentally helps to release demons into the city and she is one of the few people that can send them back where they belong.

Damon is one sexy vampire.  With his smoldering eyes and nonchalant attitude, I can understand why he is so popular with the ladies.  He has never gotten over his past betrayal at the hands of a witch and chooses to believe that all witches are evil. Both Damon and Zoe are strong-willed and opinionated and are the perfect match for each other, even though they fight it at every turn.  They also definitely know how to turn up the heat in the sexual chemistry department which makes this book fun to read.

One of the best things about this book is the humor.  Putting Zoe and Damon in the same room together brought out some of the best one-liners that I have read in a while. Cat Devon is an extremely talented author who has created a paranormal world that will not only have you laughing out loud but wanting a sexy vampire of your own. This is one of my favorite books at the moment and I can’t wait to get my hands on Love Your Entity which is out in December.

Giveaway

I have a copy of Cat’s new release, The Entity Within, to give one lucky reader. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

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Kimberly reviews Don’t Bite The Bridesmaid by Tiffany Allee

Dont bite the bridesmaid

TITLE: Don’t Bite The Bridesmaid
SERIES #: Sons of Kane #1
CHARACTERS: Alice & Noah
AUTHOR: Tiffany Allee
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/27/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Alice Shepard needs one thing: a date for her sister’s wedding. And not just any date. A hunk who will make her fiancé rue the day he left her for her best friend. Her drop-dead gorgeous neighbor fits the bill—even if he is a bit quirky and never comes out during the day—and Alice has downed just enough appletinis to ask him. But she makes it quite clear that there will be no funny business.

Spending a week on a cruise ship full of humans while sleeping close to his sexy next-door neighbor sounds like a helluva bad idea to vampire Noah Thorpe. But his friends need time to get him out of a shotgun wedding—a vampire bonding that will tie his fate to a female vampire he’s never met. And Alice’s offer comes at just the right time.

What could possibly go wrong?

REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This is a cute story with more of a contemporary feel than a paranormal even though Noah is a vampire. The characters are very cute together and while it is a vampire romance it has a bit of a different storyline than a lot of paranormal romance.

While short parts of the story went on a bit too long. But it is really cute so worth it. If you enjoy a contemporary paranormal with vampires then this is the book for you.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews Beautiful Danger by Michele Hauf

Beautiful Danger

TITLE: Beautiful Danger
SERIES #: In the Company of Vampires #1
CHARACTERS: Domingos LaRoque & Lark (Lisa
AUTHOR: Michele Hauf
PUBLICATION DATE: July 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Could Her Sworn Enemy Lead Her Out of Darkness?As a member of an ancient order of hunters, Lark has found that eliminating dangerous vampires is about more than duty. It’s personal—a kill for every day her husband was held captive before his death. Staking her prey isn’t a challenge until she confronts Domingos LaRoque. Mad with vengeance and the blood of a powerful phoenix, Domingos tests her skills…and seduces her soul.

Once a talented musician, Domingos can’t escape the constant music in his head …or his need to destroy the werewolf pack that tortured him. Though trusting the hunter ordered to kill him could be his gravest mistake, the dark desires between them can’t be refused. Yet as he and Lark become allies to defeat a mutual threat, loving the enemy may be the ultimate sacrifice.

REVIEW:
This was an okay story for me. Normally I love the worlds that Michele Hauf creates. But for some reason I just didn’t connect with this story or the characters.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

3hearts-68-77

Spotlight Feature of Pamela Palmer’s Wulfe Untamed

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Brief Synopsis:

Wulfe knows the end-game is approaching.  The Mage are preparing to free the Daemon plague and Wulfe’s own small strain of Daemon heritage has been awakened. Worse yet, the beautiful human he once rescued needs saving again. Though Mage sentinels are the ones after Natalie Cash, Wulfe knows his heart is what she really should watch out for. He’ll do everything he can to protect her…and keep his distance. Running for her life while trying not to fall for this gentle, wounded warrior, Natalie’s world’s been turned upside down. But when the Mage begin to free the Daemons, it becomes clear that the Ferals’ only chance of defeating them is for Wulfe to use Natalie to harness the dark forces-and risk becoming evil in the process. The future of the world hangs in the balance, but can Wolfe endanger the woman he loves to save her?

Excerpt (keep reading below for second, steamier excerpt!!!):

“It’s me, boy. This might hurt, but I’ve got to staunch your wounds.”

Her fingers pressed gingerly, burrowing through Wolf’s fur, as she sought the site of the stab she’d seen him take to the shoulder. Warm blood coated her fingers and she knew she’d found it. As gently as possible, she pressed one of the shirts against the wound, then started searching for any others.

“Poor guy,” she whispered. “You chose the wrong night to come see me, but you probably saved my life.” She needed to get him to a vet. The beautiful animal made no sound, gave no indication of consciousness. He might be alive, but for how much longer?

Something skittered across the floor downstairs, stopping her heart for another moment. Why hadn’t they followed her upstairs? For that matter, how in the heck had she fallen asleep on the guest bed in the middle of an attack on her house? None of it made a bit of sense. The last thing she remembered was hitting one of the nasties with the lamp and the other one grabbing her. Had he hit her, then? She didn’t hurt anywhere. Somehow, she must have stumbled up here and passed out.

As she probed the dog’s side, she felt more warm blood and knew she’d discovered another wound. If only she could see them. If only she had a flashlight. Or…a camp lantern. Yes. Her camping supplies were stored in the closet in this room. Rising, she dug the lantern out of the bottom of the closet and turned it on only a little, bathing the injured animal in a soft glow.

He had blood everywhere. Her gut cramped. How was she supposed to know how much of the blood was his and how much belonged to the men? They’d been dressed so strangely, like some kind of foreign army, in matching blue tunics. And swords.

She pressed tee shirts against the two wounds she’d found so far, knowing she had to find the others, yet wondering what she was going to do with them if she did. She only had two hands. And no telephone or suturing supplies.

“Hang on, Wolf. Just hang on for me. Sooner or later, they’ll leave and I’ll be able to get you to a vet. What are they doing down there?” She heard something roll across the hardwood foyer. Roll. Suddenly she remembered the way they’d broken down her front door and relief left her on a hard exhale.

“It’s not them, it’s the wind. Of course, of course.” Leaping to her feet, she stroked Wolf’s head. “This is going to hurt, boy, but I have to move you if I’m going to get you help.”

She scooted around to his back end and, as gently as she could, lifted his hips and lowered them again a few inches out from the door. Moving to his head, she did the same, back and forth, a few inches at a time until she nearly had him far enough from the door to open it. Once more should be enough.

Sweat beading on her brow, she took a deep breath, squatted at his tail, and lifted his hips one more time.

Suddenly, her hands were empty, the dog just…gone…exploding in a spray of colored lights.

Natalie fell back, landing on her backside, then stared, jaw dropping, as a man appeared out of thin air…a huge, naked man lying on the floor right where the dog had been.

She crab-walked back, the bed catching her in the shoulder blades. This isn’t happening.

                The man groaned and began to stir. Natalie tensed, her heart pounding violently in her chest as she pushed herself to her feet, then sank onto the bed when her legs refused to hold her.

Slowly, the man sat up and leaned back against the door, his muscular body marred by half a dozen stab wounds, one on the shoulder…right where the dog’s had been.

This isn’t happening. Dogs don’t turn into men. They don’t!

But even as the argument roared in her head, her gaze took in the sight in front of her. The man was built, his waist narrow, his abs ripped, his biceps as thick as tree trunks, one adorned with a thick golden armband with what appeared to be the head of a wolf. His shoulders were easily half the width of her sofa. Her gaze continued up, reaching his face, and her heart clenched. Scars crisscrossed the flesh every which way, tugging down one of his lips, cutting across one eye. His body might be prime, but his face was made for nightmares. Within that ruined face, eyelids lifted revealing dark eyes that turned to her, contracting on a sheen of pain, radiating a dismay so raw it almost made her ache.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Natalie.” His voice was low and urgent as he struggled to his feet, grimacing. Towering over her—he had to be a full seven feet tall—he watched her with eyes filled with the same intelligence, the same gentleness she’d seen in Wolf’s. “I would never hurt you.”

She was shaking, her pulse racing, her stomach cramping from shock. But not from fear. Because as she stared into those dark eyes, she saw only truth and honor and kindness. And, odd as it was, she recognized the essence of the dog in the man.

“I would never hurt you,” he said again, his voice throbbing with sincerity and desperation that she believe him.

“I know,” she told him.

And she did.

 

Second Excerpt (if you prefer some steam on a hot summer day!):

“Harder, Wulfe, harder.”

He ground his hips into hers until sweat slicked their bodies, until they were both grunting and groaning, racing to the top of the highest peak. And beyond. Far, far beyond. As they approached that far-flung precipice, their gazes met, locked, and Natalie smiled as her orgasm began to roll through her, an arrow straight to his heart.

With her body contracting around him, her low, sexy cries filling his ears, he came with a roar, the beauty of the moment, the perfection, beyond words, beyond imagining.

And then she began to laugh, that throaty laugh that shot straight to his groin, as he collapsed, spent, on top of her. Not wanting to crush her, he forced himself to roll, taking her with him, still buried to his balls inside of her. Her golden halo of hair flew around her face as he righted, and she laughed again, then covered his mouth with hers, kissing him as if he’d just given her the world.

His heart swelled until he thought it would burst from his chest.

With his hands tight on her sweet ass, he kept them fused below while their mouths joined above. Goddess, he didn’t want to let her go. He wanted to stay like this, just like this, forever. Or at the very least, for days and days and days.

As one hand gripped her soft, perfect rear, his other slid up and down her slender back, love barreling through him, hard and fast. A golden thread began to weave around his heart, a thread that flowed outward to hers. The beginning of a mating bond.

Guest blog & giveaway with Shona Husk

The Truth About Fairies

Fairies are real, but because they don’t live in our world, they live in Annwyn, we don’t see them very often. And when we do see them we can convince ourselves that it was just a person and the magic was track of the light. However, since they are real and can be dangerous here are a few essential things to keep in mind should you find yourself face to face with most beautiful person you’ve ever met.

  1. Check their eyes. Fairies have pale eyes, ice pale and they come in all different colors including odd ones like orange and pink, as well as the greens and blues. Even changelings have pale eyes.
  2. Changelings are mortal, but they are fairy. They have a tendency to love deals and gambling and they always have some psychic ability like psychometry or seeing the future.
  3. Never make a deal with a fairy. It might seem like a really good idea at the time, but it will unravel and you will be left worse off.
  4. Never accept a gift from a fairy. First, that gift will not remain shiny and beautiful. Things made in Annwyn change in our world. Gems will become coal, fine clothes will become course. Second, accepting a gift puts you in their debt. It’s never a good thing to owe a fairy.
  5. Not all fairies live in Annwyn. Plenty live among us. Some by choice, some are exiled and some are banished.
  6. Exiled fairies are the least dangerous. Exile is a social death. They are not allowed to return to Annwyn and lose all social standing but they are still connected to the power, however they don’t want to occur an extra penalty so they are on their best behavior. They often work as Brownies or other roles helping mortals.
  7. Banished fairies are the most dangerous. Banishment is a slow wasting death cut off from the magic that once sustained them. They will do anything to get home, lying, cheating, stealing and generally making trouble. Sometimes they’ll make trouble for fun, after all if they are suffering so should everyone. They are the imps, boggarts and monsters in the closet. Children can often see them (and all fairies), so next time your child says there’s something under the bed they may not be lying.
  8. Fairies need humans. Without a human partner they can’t have children. A child born in Annwyn is fairy, but a child born in our world is changeling.
  9. Fairies are not immortal. But compared to our lifespan they may as well be. Can you imagine what it would be like to live for centuries? To live so long you lost track of time? To have so much time you can literally waste a year playing dice or creating elaborate schemes to bring down your enemy?
  10. Because of their long lives and the way the Court of Annwyn works, they have different morals than us. They aren’t beautiful humans, or harmless beings. They are dangerous and deserve to be treated with caution and respect. That said they are capable of caring and falling in love—which they happen to consider very foolish and one of the most dangerous things a fairy can do.

 

 

THE OUTCAST PRINCE

by SHONA HUSK

The Outcast Prince Cover

JULY 2013

 Amazon  | B&N

 Just One Taste Is All It Takes…

This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost…

Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

 

Praise for The Outcast Prince:

“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk’s engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

“Innovative fantasy… An emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Shona Husk Author Photo 2ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!

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Kimberly reviews Being Me by Lisa Renee Jones

being me

TITLE: Being Me
SERIES #: Inside Out Trilogy #2
CHARACTERS: Sara & Chris
AUTHOR: Lisa Renee Jones
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/11/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The sexy second installment in the Inside Out erotic romance trilogy, following If I Were You—in the seductive tradition of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Fascinated by the dark fantasies in the journals she’s discovered, and the two men who have now found a place in her life, Sara McMillan finds herself torn between her new life and her past. Now, more than ever, Sara identifies with the lost journal writer, Rebecca, and is certain that something sinister has happened.

In the arms of the sexy, tormented artist Chris Merit, Sara seeks answers about Rebecca and ends up discovering things about herself she never knew existed. Chris forces Sara to reconsider who she is and what she truly wants from life, but not before his dark desires threaten to tear them apart. Her boss, Mark Compton, offers her the shelter to understand just what those needs mean to her, and what they might have meant to Rebecca, but can she trust him to lead her to a final conclusion to Rebecca’s story?

REVIEW:
This is the second in a trilogy and the first thing you need to know is it does not stand alone. You must read the first to understand the second (and the third am sure). And the second thing you need to know is while it might be in the genre of erotica this book is not. And neither was the first for that matter. Sure it has a feel to it of erotica but honestly nothing happens in it that so many other books don’t have too.

Now I really enjoyed the first book but so it seems with so many trilogies the middle one just doesn’t stand up to the first (and usually the last) of the three books and I feel that way about this one. Something is off in it a bit. First it is too long. I say that because there is just a lot of “I must tell him my secret but he will never forgive me so I won’t tell him my secret”… it gets old kind of quick. And honestly the secret doesn’t end up having the big wow factor I think it is supposed to.
And there is something amount desperate and needy about this story that the first one I didn’t feel had.

But all of that being said it is a good story. It is one that makes me want to read the last in the trilogy (Revealing Us) to see how the story ends. Once again I am not one that compares books but seeing as the publisher/author itself seems to want to jump on the bandwagon saying “if you loved 50 Shades you will love this” I will say that if you loved 50 Shades you probably will enjoy this even though it is very different there is that underlying connection the books seems to have.

But again do not read this one as a stand alone. It needs the first to understand any of this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts

Guest Post with Daryl Wood Gerber & Giveaway

The-Final-Sentence-186x300

Daryl Wood Gerber is here today to talk about her new release, Final Sentence, and share one of her yummy recipes. I can’t wait to try this myself.

In all my culinary mysteries, I include recipes. I had no idea when I started writing mysteries that I would have to be a cook, too. Luckily, I was. I catered during college. I worked at restaurants. I even subbed for the chef at one restaurant. Now I offer up recipes every week on Mystery Lovers Kitchen with other author pals. All of us like to cook up crime.

In the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, I’ve included cookie recipes. Jenna, the protagonist in the series, loves her sweets. I’ll be sharing some of those recipes on Mystery Lovers Kitchen after the book’s release.

This Five-Cheese Mac  and Cheese recipe is from the Cheese Shop Mysteries. It wasn’t included in the recipes at the back of the book, but a fan wrote me and begged for it. Sure, why not? Then a friend of hers posted the link (it’s on my website) and it went viral!

There is a tavern in town that Charlotte and her pals go to for girls’ night out. Tim, the fun-loving Irish owner, makes some of the best appetizers and sides.  I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a macaroni and cheese to me. [This can be made gluten-free and it’s amazing.]

Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese

mac and cheese plate

Ingredients:

2 cups dried macaroni, cooked to tender (about 4-5 cups cooked)  [You can use gluten-free macaroni]
3 cloves garlic chopped
8 tablespoons butter [a cube]
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup white wine
3 Tbs. rice flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 cups grated cheese (equal parts Cheddars, Smoked Gouda, Parmessan, Monterey Jack, Havarti)

Directions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.  May be made a day ahead.  Note:  Do not forget to drain and set aside.  You do not want the pasta to be “wet.”

In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook about 2 minutes.  Add rice flour and stir.  Cook 1 minute, let boil and thicken, stirring constantly.

Add milk and wine, stir and let boil to thicken.

Remove from heat and add cheeses and seasonings.

Pour sauce over drained macaroni.

Serve with a crisp salad.

QUESTION:  Have you ever shared a recipe via twitter or the Internet or even via email with friends?

About the Author:

Daryl-Wood-199x300DARYL WOOD GERBER aka AVERY AAMES pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series. As DARYL, she writes A Cookbook Nook Mystery series, featuring a culinary bookshop and café owner. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. As an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more. Visit Daryl & Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Check out her recipes on her blog www.mysteryloverskitchen.com And friend her on Facebook

 

Jennifer’s Review of Final Sentence

 TITLE: Final Sentence

SERIES #: A Cookbook Nook Mystery #1

CHARACTERS: Jenna Hart & Aunt Vera

AUTHOR:  Daryl Wood Gerber

PUBLICATION DATE:  07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: In need of a change, Jenna Hart leaves the high-pressure world of advertising to help her aunt Vera open a culinary bookshop and cafe. Back with her family in Crystal Cove, California, Jenna seems to have all the right ingredients for a fresh start–until someone adds a dash of murder.

As a marketing expert, Jenna wants to make sure the grand opening of the Cookbook Nook draws a crowd, and no one is better at getting attention than her old college roommate, celebrity chef Desiree Devine.  But when Desiree arrives in quiet Crystal Cove to do a cookbook signing, the diva stirs up more trouble than business…especially when she turns up dead.

Known for stealing husbands and burning bridges, Desiree left behind plenty of suspects–including Jenna.  Though the celebrity’s life always appeared to be an open book, Jenna will have to read between the lines in order to clear her name, and catch a killer before another body is served cold.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: This is the first book in a new series and I believe that this series is off to a great start.  Jenna Hart has returned home to Crystal Cove after the death of her husband to start a new life and help her Aunt Vera open a culinary bookstore and cafe.  For the opening festivities, Jenna has asked her friend and famous chef, Desiree Devine, to hold a book-signing event to help bring in customers for their new store.  Instead of a book-signing, Desiree ends up dead on the beach and Jenna is the prime suspect in her murder.  Jenna is now out to clear her name before it is too late and the entire town believes she is responsible for the murder.

Daryl Wood Gerber creates a delightful cast of characters set in an inviting little coastal town that will charm anyone.  I liked Jenna because she was trying to get back on her feet after the death of her husband and was hoping that returning home would help her start a new life.  She was very smart and even though she wasn’t a great cook, she never let her short-comings get her down.  I liked how her family and friends helped rally around her and it will be interesting to learn more about them in other books in the series.  The mystery in Final Sentence will keep you guessing and I definitely enjoyed visiting Crystal Cove.  I’m looking forward to reading more about Jenna and her adventures in the next installment of this delightful mystery series.

 

Giveaway

I have one copy of Daryl’s new release, Final Sentence, to give one lucky reader.  Please leave a comment answering Daryl’s question or let us know your favorite recipe.  A winner will be chosen on July 10th.

Spotlight feature of A Gift of Fate by Layna Pimentel

A Gift From Fate

by Layna Pimentel

AGiftFromFate_SM

After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.

Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.

Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?

 

EXCERPT

“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.

“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”

His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.

“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”

He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.

“What is so amusing?”

“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.

 

WHERE TO BUY

www.secretcravingspublishing.com

www.amazon.com

www.allromanceebooks.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.bookstrand.com

WHAT AM I WORKING ON NEXT

I’m working on the second installment of my Pleasure Garden Follies series, and something super sexy, I hope to announce soon. Make sure to stop by my site for latest updates.

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

A Gift from Fate

 

Kelly reviews Claiming His Mate by Savannah Stuart

claiming his mate

TITLE: Claiming His Mate
SERIES #: Crescent Moon #2
CHARACTERS: Max McCray & Lauren Hayes
AUTHOR: Savannah Stuart
PUBLICATION DATE: June 16, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She thought the house was empty when she broke in…

When jaguar shifter Lauren Hayes breaks into an alpha’s home to steal back what rightfully belongs to her pride, she doesn’t expect to be tackled by Max McCray, second-in-command of the Kincaid wolf pack. As punishment for her crime the sexy wolf shifter demands that she stay with him for one week. Knowing she’ll start a war between her pride and his pack if she doesn’t, she has no other choice but to agree, even if the thought of being near him 24/7 makes her scared that she won’t be able to hide her growing attraction to him.

Now he has a week to make her his…

Max has waited months to make a move on the sexy jaguar shifter and now that she’s broken shifter rules, he’s not letting her go. He doesn’t care that he’s a wolf and she’s a jaguar, claiming her forever is the only thing that matters. Unfortunately, not everyone likes the idea of him being with a feline shifter. Max is forced to choose sides between Lauren and members of the pack he’s sworn allegiance to in order to protect the woman he knows is his destined mate.

REVIEW:
It should have been a quick smash and grab, but oh no!!! It had to get all complicated the form of Max McCray, the uber sexy were that Lauren can’t stop thinking about. Now that he catch her breaking & entering her fear now is what her punishment will be.
She was back. Max was beside himself excited that she finally came back. But catching her breaking into the Alpha’s house was not the welcome home party he had in mind. But this gave him the perfect ideas for the perfect punishment for his perfect little mate.

This was a very quick, guilty Saturday afternoon read. I loved the tension between Max & Lauren. I didn’t read book 1, where Max & Lauren first crossed paths, but I didn’t feel lost at any time in the book. I do plan on going back and reading book 1 very soon.

And really who would have ever thought that dogs & cats would play so well together. I can’t wait to see what Savannah has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

 

4 Hearts