Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 3 – Hot Rock Star Heroes)

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Week 3 – Hot Rock Star Heroes

Olivia Cunning

Sinners on Tour

OMG!  These are perhaps some of the best characters ever! I refuse to admit how many times I’ve read this series – it really is that sensational.  The author wickedly turned five, hot, slutty, rock stars into lovable characters.  The only negative thing I can say is that Sinners at the Alter, left me dying to hear more about Trey’s story (the author notes that more will follow in other books – I’m crossing my fingers)

One Night With Sole Regret

For those that enjoy a high sex to story ratio, the second 3-story bundle is for you.  I guarantee that it won’t disappoint.  There are two more in the series, but I’m waiting for the next 3-story bundle to read (I have little patience waiting for the next story to get published). I hope I survive the wait.

Lauren Dane 

Brown Family

I want to be adopted into the Brown Family.  Each story is crazy exceptional.  There’s nothing that gets old about these stories.  These are a must purchase, but do not lend to a friend unless they sign a contract that they will return the book to you.  Laid Bare starts off the series with a bang, making you feel raw and exposed.  [Todd] “You’re bad for my self-control, Erin.  You make me want things I should’t want.” … [Erin] “Or maybe I make you want things you’ve always wanted and only now have a safe place to express them,” she challenged.  “Why shouldn’t you want them?  Why shouldn’t you get off on what gets you off?”  In addition, to some wild hot scenes, Lauren Dane draws out the reader’s appreciation for true love and acceptance.

Delicious Series

Great name for the series because each story is sinfully delicious.  This is an awesome extension from the Brown family, but great as a stand alone series too.  The friendship between all the women in this series can seriously make a person jealous.

See All Suggested Hot Rock Star Heroes

Milk Chocolate Fudge – SO MUCH BETTER than semi-sweet

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Why did it take me so many years to realize that MILK CHOCOLATE is a MUCH BETTER choice for fudge than SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE?  The texture is smoother.  The taste is richer.  There’s a time and place for all types of chocolate.  This doesn’t affect my opinion on other uses of semi-sweet chocolate.  For example, who doesn’t like your basic chocolate chip cookie with semi-sweet chips? I guess I’ll have to make up for past indiscretions by making more of this fudge.

I used the standard Nestle recipe and simply substituted milk chocolate chips for semi-sweet.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c sugar

2/3 c evaporated milk

2 Tbls butter

1/4 tsp salt

2 c mini marshmallows

1 1/2 c MILK CHOCOLATE CHIPS

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with foil

Combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy duty saucepan.  Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Stir in marshmallows, chips, and vanilla.  Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until fully combined.  Pour into prepared baking pan.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

See Related Posts:

Nutella Fudge

Nutella Fudge

Peanut Butter Fudge

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HAPPY BAKING!

Shattered by Love Blitz

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Title: Shattered by Love

Author: Dani René

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2016 

BLURB

The boy from the wrong side of town.
The girl who stole his heart.

Jayce

For five years, I’ve lived with my choice.
Pain. Regret. Heartache.
A shattered soul.

She was my salvation. My love. My world.
Until I let her walk away.

Ivy

For five years, I’ve lived with my secret.
Hurt. Remorse. Sorrow.
A shattered soul.

He was my life. My love. My world.
Until he let me walk away.

Broken hearts, shattered by love.
Secrets. Deception. Lies.

Can shattered love be mended?

GOODREADS LINK

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29976536-shattered-by-love

VIDEO TRAILER

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlI8XdCviCs

PRE-ORDER LINKS

Special pre-order price – $1.99!  Price will go up to $2.99 after the release!

US: http://amzn.to/2aFGGTh

UK: http://amzn.to/2aocevT

CA: http://amzn.to/2aLla0Y

AU: http://amzn.to/2b5zSz5

AUTHOR BIO

Hey darlings,

I am an indie author and freelance graphic designer. I started focusing on writing in January 2015 and after a few fan fiction stories, I decided to publish Ace of Harts it was my first full length novella. On a daily basis I have a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in my mind. If I am not on Pinterest or Instagram looking for my next muse, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook. So head on over, I love meeting new readers and authors.

When I am in the cave, I am happiest. If you can’t find me sitting behind my trusty MacBook writing about hot alpha males, I am probably drinking coffee at a coffee shop, or wine tasting one of the few hundred wine farms in my home city of Cape Town, in South Africa.

I have an addiction to reading (who doesn’t?), TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream. I am constantly looking for a new book to get lost in and new book boyfriend to fall in love with. My favorite authors include – M Never, K Webster, KL Kreig, Meghan March, and that’s just to name a few!

Much love xo

Stalk Me

WEBSITE  |  NEWSLETTER

FACEBOOK  |  FACEBOOK GROUP

GOODREADS  |  TWITTER

INSTAGRAM  |  SPOTIFY  |  AMAZON

Chocolate & Walnut Mud Cupcakes (gluten free)

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Finally! I found a chocolate cupcake that satisfies my chocolate-loving teenage daughter.  She tends to prefer rich chocolate desserts such as ganache, fudge, or french hot chocolate.  She usually feels short-changed by chocolate cupcakes because they have a chocolate flavor but are not “real chocolate.”  If you can relate to this taste preference, I highly suggest trying these cupcakes.  However, these cupcakes need to come with a warning: Seriously Rich Cupcakes – don’t even try consuming more than one at a single sitting.

Cupcakes

Ingredients:

2 c  dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)*

3/4 c butter

6 eggs

1  c brown sugar

1/4 c maple syrup

1 c ground walnuts

1/3 c chopped walnuts

Directions (makes 23-24 cupcakes):

Pre-heat oven to 325 F

Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler over simmering water.  Remove from heat.

Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground walnuts, and chopped walnuts.

Pour in the melted chocolate and butter and stir until fully combined.

Fill cupcake papers 3/4 full.  Bake for 27 minutes or until slightly firm to the touch.  Remove from pan immediately and allow to cool completely.

* I used Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips.  They are rich and melted quite well.  With a recipe like this, using a good quality chocolate is essential to the flavor of the cupcake.

Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients:

6 c powdered sugar

1/2 c Crisco (shortening)

2/3 c milk

pinch salt

3 tsp vanilla

1 c cocoa

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a blender.  Be sure to start on a very slow setting and increase the rate as the ingredients begin to combine.

Decorating

Don’t forget that cupcakes should look great as well taste great.  I covered these cupcakes with mini chocolate chips.  To do this, I frosted the cupcakes then immediately turned the cupcake upside down and dipped them in the chips.  I needed to use my hand to help form a nice mound and sprinkled with a few more chips to help fill in the gaps.  Because the cupcakes include nuts, I added a walnut half on top to clearly indicate that the cupcakes contain nuts.  I would never want someone with a nut allergy to accidentally have a bad reaction to my baked goods.

See Related Posts:

Snickers Cupcakes 

 Snickers Cupcakes

Oreo Cupcakes

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HAPPY BAKING!

 

Celebrating Authors/Books that I didn’t blog about but haven’t forgotten (Week 2 – Rich, Racy, and Romantic Romeos)

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Week 2 – Rich, Racy, and Romantic Romeos

Maya Banks 

Anetakis Tycoons: The men have the money, but I like that the female goes after what she wants.

Breathless Series: The straightforwardness of each of these dominant males’ wants and demands is refreshingly honest in a very provocative kind of way.  Another hit by Maya Banks.

Kings of the Boardroom: Simple story, that has been told before, but the way Maya Banks writes makes it sing.  A quick enjoyable read (only 192 pages)

Pregnancy & Passion: These are surprisingly good books.  I have to admit that the meshing of pregnancy and erotic romance had me flummoxed.  The books stirred a love/hate relationship with the male characters.  It is always amusing finding out how the male pulls his head out of his ass.  Enjoyed their individual style of Go Big or Go Home. I was hooked after the first book and couldn’t wait to finish the series.

Emma Chase – Tangled Series

Fresh, Blunt, and Funny.  Give it to me straight – what a guy really thinks.  I love a book that makes me feel so strongly about a character that I would like to smack him upside his head.  Awesome series – can’t wait to read the next.

Sylvia DayCrossfire Series

Sex, Steam, and Angst Oh my!  More than filled the gap after reading FSOG a few times.  In this series, the characters both had a background in rubbing elbows with the upper crust, which I prefer over the whole Pretty Woman fantasy.  Eva finds Gideon’s most fabulous attributes to include his beauty, stamina, size, and prowess, which can make for an entertaining relationship.  More importantly, those traits make for a captivating book!  After recently gifting Bared to You to a relative, I couldn’t help myself and go back and read it again.  Well, once I finished it, I continued with the next, Reflected in You.  I was enjoying myself too much and I finished the rest of the series.  It fits the criteria: (1) page-turner/can’t put down (2) want to re-read (3) would gift to a friend.  This series is listed on many sites as something to read after Fifty Shades of Grey.  I prefer not to compare books for a number of different reasons.  I know a lot of people disliked Fifty and I wouldn’t want people to be hesitant to read this series because they disliked FSOG.  I’ll refrain from comparing these two series even though there are a number of similarities.  But simply, if you like a book with a lot of seriously steamy scenes – read this series.  Gideon and Eva can’t get enough of each other.  If they’re happy, they shag.  If they’re angry, they shag.  STAMINA – that’s the first word I think of when I think about this book.  They go at each other at least 3-4 times per day.  Their couples therapist isn’t certain that their indulgence in sex is actually healthy.  They both refuse to try abstinence to address their issues.  Gideon and Eva share a similar troubled past and a relatively similar taste for the rich and fancy.  They face constant problems as a result of their pasts and can’t seem to catch a break.  In addition, the side characters are fantastic.  Cary, Eva’s best and purely platonic friend is great.  He’s flawed but lovable none-the-less.  Hopefully he’ll get his happily-ever-after in the final installment.  Gideon is generally very supportive of Eva’s relationship with Cary.  But at one time he suggests that Eva might be better off without Cary in her life.

Abbi Glines – Rosemary Beach

Even though I accidentally read this series out of order, I had no problem keeping up.  The intermingling of this group of friends and their relationships had me craving for more.  I will be very sad when the series ends.

E.L. James – Fifty Shades of Grey

This is the book that all books involving filthy rich males seducing a woman are compared against.  My favorite part of the novels were the emails that went back and forth between Christian and Anastasia.  The cheekiness was delightful.

Lisa Rene JonesInside Out Triology

Nice combination of mystery, sex, and affluence centered around the world of art.  I have yet to read the rest of the books in this extended series, but would like to.

J. Kenner

Stark Trilogy: Yes, he’s unimaginably wealthy, but the connection between Damien and Nikki is the essence of what makes this series great.  The balance of their need for one another speaks to the heart.

Stark International: This is a spin off of the Stark Trilogy and is written in the same vein.  The connection between the two series is fantastic but I refuse to spoil it.  Similar to Damien, Jackson Steele is a wealthy and powerful architect that gets what he wants.  He is controlling and manipulative, but for a submissive those are all good attributes.  Sometimes the line between good control and bad control aren’t clear, which makes relationships complicated.*  He has a history of pushing Sylvia Brooks too far.  Is he out to win her heart or just out to win control over her?  Sylvia Brooks left Jackson once before, but will returning to his bed be too much for her.  Beware, this book ends such that you’ll feel compelled to read the next.   * This complication only relates to the adult relationship between Sylvia and Jackson.  Sylvia’s childhood past includes being assaulted by an adult.  Under no circumstances should an adult take such action on a minor child.  This distinction is clear in the story as well.

Most Wanted Series: Holy GQ, bad boy, hotness! The males are corrupt but totally sexy.  The titillating game of cat and mouse as the characters unite is brilliant.  It would be great if other books followed in this series.

Beth KeryBecause You Are Mine Series

This is a series that starts out hot, but then explodes with fierceness in the final book.  Must read the entire series!  It is totally worth it.

R.K. Lilley – Up in the Air Series

What makes this series exceptional is that not only are the two main characters, Bianca and James, interesting, but the gay best friend of the female character, Stephen.  Through the use of this character, many more facets about the main characters are revealed.  Looking forward to reading Mr. Beautiful soon.

Jennifer Probst – Marriage to a Billionaire Series

My favorite of the series was the 1st, The Marriage Bargain, where the marriage didn’t actually involve a billionaire.  If power and tomfoolery that comes with big bucks appeals to you, read this series.

Tina Reber – Love Series

Big A list actor falls for bar owner.  The stories excel in weaving realism and hollywood fantasy.  The bets between the characters left me rolling on the floor laughing.  Totally entertaining.

J.C. Reed – Surrender Your Love Series

Signing a consensual sex act and confidentiality agreement with your new boss at a real estate firm might not be the best idea.  However, with a hot mega-wealthy boss, named Jett, where do I sign?  Steamy scenes and crazy twists, make the book great.

Tara Sue Me – Submissive Series

Ready to step into the world of BDSM?  Finding a balance in life is often a challenge and it was gripping to behold how the characters balanced their sex life.  When Abby says “Turpentine” I wanted to cry for her.  I look forward to every additional book in this series.

See All Suggested Rich, Racy, and Romantic Romeos

Rebecca Grace Allen – The Theory of Deviance

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REVIEW

A really well paced and structured story.  I loved how the relationship between Krissy, Rafe, and Mikey develops.  Some stories go from 0 to 60 in seconds and leave the reader thinking that the transition was too simplistic.  This story takes more of a dipping the toe in the water approach.  The story gives the virgin a little bit of chance to get used to the water.

The threesome aspect offers a few different homophobic reactions of the religious nature.  While the issues may be maddening, the story emphasizes the strength of the characters and their triumphs.  In the end, I came to respect the characters more than feel sorry for them.

I might have been able to rate the book higher, if the main character’s name wasn’t Mikey.  Honestly, that name doesn’t ever belong in a romance novel.  Names are critical to a story.  The only image in my head that the name Mikey conjures is that of a young adolescent boy.

This is the third book in the series.  I hadn’t read the first two books, but had no problem jumping into this story.  After reading this one, I would like to go back and read the first two in the series.

BLURB

Deviance is unacceptable. It’s taboo. And it’s the one thing he’s always wanted.Portland Rebels, Book 3Painful shyness isn’t the only reason Mikey Pelletier is a twenty-five-year-old virgin. Between working for his parents and volunteering at his church, he neither has the time nor the inclination to admit his bisexuality to the world-or to himself.A visit from Krissy Porter will hopefully fix everything. After three months of chatting with her, Mikey’s got one carefully planned week to win her heart and lose his V-card. He’s hoping he can pull it off, even with her roommate along for the ride.Krissy has been drawn to Mikey for a while. He’s so easygoing, she thinks he could be the calm in her storm. But there’s an extra complication when she comes to visit: her friend-with-benefits, “hetero-flexible” roommate, Rafe.During a week of revelations, intimacy, and kink, Krissy and Rafe become the angel and devil on Mikey’s shoulders, tempting him in different directions. And all three of them discover that a week of pure deviance can lead to the most uncontrollable emotion of all: love.Warning: This book contains innocent board game-playing that takes a sexy turn, use of recreational substances, back-door action, and some smokin’ hot threesomes. Plus, scenes of inner-demon slaying. Fans and tissues advised.

Thank You Arc to Rebecca Grace Allen!

Jay Crownover – Rule

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REVIEW

Holy Crap!  This book is amazing.

This is a MUST READ book for anyone who understands the pain of having a long-lasting, unrequited crush.

I listened to the audiobook version – and the actors are phenomenal!  Rule’s voice is like butter: smooth, rich, and makes it all better.

Rule is incredibly hot while being incredibly stubborn.  There’s only one woman that could possibly tame this bad boy.  He’s nearly impossible to love.  Only Shaw is up to the task.

I love how the emphasis on being true to oneself is essential to finding true love.

BLURB

Shaw Landon loved Rule Archer from the moment she laid eyes on him. Rule is everything a straight-A pre-med student like Shaw shouldn’t want – and the only person she’s never tried to please. She isn’t afraid of his scary piercings and tattoos or his wild attitude. Though she knows that Rule is wrong for her, her heart just won’t listen.

To a rebel like Rule Archer, Shaw Landon is a stuck-up, perfect princess – and his dead twin brother’s girl. She lives by other people’s rules; he makes his own. He doesn’t have time for a good girl like Shaw – even if she’s the only one who can see the person he truly is.

But a short skirt, too many birthday cocktails and spilled secrets lead to a night neither can forget. Now, Shaw and Rule have to figure out how a girl like her and a guy like him are supposed to be together without destroying their love…or each other.

Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 8.55.28 AM to Jay Crownover!

 

Grace Risata – Nights in the Fast Lane

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REVIEW

The connection between Dane and Izzy has a primal feel.  The protectiveness and concern that they show for each other is hot. Dane’s compass seems to be set to due North and his character doesn’t falter.  Izzy’s character is a bit manic.  Her caring side is very attractive, but her irrational side is over the top.

Overall, I felt like the love interest grew organically, but some personalities were a bit too extreme and detracted from the story.

Dane’s friends, Spider and Ant, add a lot to the story.  Each deserve their own story.

Nice little tie-in to her previous novel, My Dirty Detour.

I don’t think I’ll be able to walk down the chip aisle at the grocery every again without thinking about sex.

BLURB

Dane and Izzy.

Complete opposites.

As the New Year begins, they find themselves facing very different circumstances.
Dane is a street racer stuck with a blown engine, no money, and no options after he gets fired for saving a damsel in distress.
Izzy can’t believe she was just rescued by the same handsome stranger she walks past, and lusts after, on a daily basis. With a massive blizzard about to bury the town, she ends up taking him in for the night.
Sparks fly when she brings out his playful side, and he shows her a passion she’s never known before.
As they slowly begin to trust each other, walls come down and tragic pasts emerge. Dane is haunted by the family he never had, while Izzy will stop at nothing to deny her birthright.
When Dane receives an offer he can’t refuse, will one bad decision cost him everything? Or will fate intervene and send these two down the path they were destined for?

This is a full length, stand-alone novel with no cliffhangers. Please be advised that you will find strong language, attractive men with tattoos, a dog with a cat name, steamy bedroom scenes including one involving Doritos, plenty of character backstory, and a very healthy dose of humor.

Related Posts

Grace Risata – My Dirty Detour

Thank You Arc to Grace Risata!

J.L. Leslie – Finding Dawn

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Review

I have an extreme love/hate relationship with this book.  As a stand-alone book, it is a great dark romance with plenty of twists.  However, the dark aspects of this book are not even remotely alluded to in the book blurb, which initially made me react quite negatively to the story.  I truly enjoyed the book that preceded this novel (giving it 5 stars) and described it as a “feel good” book.  Finding Dawn takes on a drastically different tone.  This book is very gritty, including some graphic violence.

If I work hard at trying to parse out my initial negative reactions, I think this is a compelling story.   I liked how a lot of the unexpected twists contrast the overly predictable beginning.  I find that this pacing strategy enhanced the drama.

Blurb

Moving to California is the best decision I’ve ever made. I no longer work for my ex-fiancé’s father. I’m hundreds of miles away from my ex-fiancé. And I met a woman who completely intrigues me. Dawn. No last name.

Yeah…moving to California was a great idea.

Only I can’t seem to get Dawn out of my head. The way we met. The way she acts. The night we had together. Now she’s just gone.

She bailed on me. But I don’t give up so easily. I’ll find her.

I just wasn’t expecting what I’d find…or who…

**Due to mature language, adult content, drug abuse, and strong sexual content this book is intended for mature audiences only.**

(Finding Dawn is Drew’s story from Let The Waves Come In, but is a stand-alone full length novel. It is not necessary to read Let The Waves Come In prior to reading Finding Dawn.)

See Related Posts:

J.L. Leslie – Let the Waves Come In

Misleading Book Blurbs Lead to Bad Reviews

Thank You Arc to J.L. Leslie!