Saturday, July 30, 2011

TAKING DOWN A RAKE

Lord of Scoundrels
Loretta Chase
Released Jan 1st, 1995
384 Pages
Avon Publishing



I got the name of this great historical on a recommendation from Susan Elizabeth Phillips on Facebook.  She announced that Amazon was giving away the Ebook for $1.99 and I thought why not give it a shot.  Boy am I glad that I did, this book was such a great read!!  It truly is the taming of the biggest Rake and boy did I enjoy every minute of it.  Dain was a great hero, sarcastic, funny, complex and a big ol' bully.  Jess was just the perfect heroine to take him down, and she lived up to the challenge, while loving him all the same.  She was smart, funny and gave as good as she got.  I love a bad-ass heroine, especially in the historical books.

If you haven't read this book then you need to get a hold of it.  It was charming, fun, and in some parts heart wrenching.  Especially when Dain is dealing with Dominick for the first time and when he calls him 'Papa", it nearly breaks your heart.

So buy it, borrow it or check it out, but definitely check out this throwback novel!

Friday, July 29, 2011

TRUE LOVE OR FOOL'S GOLD

Only Mine
Susan Mallery
Released July 26th, 2011
384 pages
HQN Publishers




 Dakota Hendrix, one of the Hendrix Triplets, is working with the new reality show that has come into town.  Finn Anderssen is trying to keep his handsome twin brothers from ruining their lives by apprearing on a stupid reality show.  He is stubborn, she is opinionated.  Will it end with True Love or will one of them be left the fool in Fools Gold?

Susan Mallery has done it again with the newest installment of The Fool's Gold series.  I really enjoyed the chemistry between Dakota and Finn, and the secondary story involving Stephen and Sasha.  If you are a lover of all Susan Mallery then you might find the book to be a bit predictable, but I still fall in love with every book she writes, and this one was no different.  Definitely a To-Read! 

I am not going to give away any details because I want everone to go out and buy the book.  But I will say that I thought the end was kind of abrupt.  I felt that I wasn't done with the story just yet.  I wanted to know what happened between Stephen and Aurelia, and I was kind of left in the dust.  But there are two Hendrix Triplets left to find True Love, so I guess I will just have to wait and see what might be revealed in the next two installments.

Don't miss Nevada's and Montana's stories,  Only Yours and Only His coming in August and September.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

PHILADELPHIA Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake



total time:
6 hr 15 min
prep:
20 min
servings:
 16 servings
 
 

This is a light and delicious treat great for any summer party!!
 
** Brought to you by Kraftfoods.com

 

What You Need

40 NILLA Wafers, crushed (about 1-1/2 cups)
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened, divided
1 cup sugar, divided
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. vanilla, divided
3 eggs
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
 

Make It

HEAT oven to 325ºF.
MIX wafer crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
BEAT 3 pkg. cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and 1 Tbsp. vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Pour over crust.
BAKE 50 to 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely in pan.
BEAT remaining cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with mixer in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in COOL WHIP; spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours. Remove rim of pan before serving cheesecake.    

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

ALL BETS ARE OFF....

Playing Dirty
Susan Andersen
Released July 26th, 2011
384 Pages
Published by HQN Books











Definitely worth the wait for Playing Dirty, the last book in the Sisterhood Diaries Trilogy.  Ava Spencer was used as the butt of a cruel joke back in High School by Cade Gallari, the guy she had given her virginity to, the guy that she thought felt something for her too.  Thirteen years later, and forty pounds lighter, Ava is called upon by Cade, a now Documentary Film maker, to be concierge to his film crew for the filming of his next documentary on Mrs. A, a special woman to Ava and her friends and the woman who they have inherited a mansion from.  She doesn't trust Cade as far as she can throw him, but as the days pass and truths are revealed, can she see past the "Fat Girl" image to the sexy woman that holds Cade in the palm of her hand?  Or will she throw it all in his face?  You will definitely have to read this book to find out.

I really like Ava as a character.  She represents all woman who have been torn down by someone, who may have moved on, but sometimes it still lingers in the pit of your mind and can make sudden appearances when you least expect it.  I admit that I did tear up a bit during the prologue and in certain parts throughout the book.  Its hard not to feel for the young girl she had been back then, and for the cruel things that stay with people beyond high school.  I loved that Susan was able to make us almost understand what Cade had been thinking at the time, not that it excuses what he did, but we were able to see that he wasn't that person anymore, and he had done his share of living with the regret of hurting someone that he cared about.

Susan, great finale to the trilogy, and keep them coming!

Don't forget to check out the first two books in The Sisterhood Diaries Trilogy, Cutting Loose and Bending The Rules to find out how Jane and Poppy found love!

LOVE IS A FOOTBALL FIELD?

The Game Of Love
Jeanette Murray
Release Date, August 29th, 2011
Carina Press











Retired tennis pro, Chris St. James meets retired WR Brett Wallace and it is mutual dislike at first sight, well she dislikes him and he thinks she has hot legs. He shows her that all jocks aren't chauvinist pigs with his support for her tennis team and for her as a coach and she shows him that not all woman are pro ho's looking for a piece of the pie. But can she set aside her past and fall in love with another jock, or will the past show up and ruin a future with the guy that might have just won her heart?

The Game of Love is a fun, delicious read with sexy players. I loved the chemistry between Chris and Brett. The progression of the relationship was more realistic than usual for a romance novel, but I like the realistic nature of the story and the writing was vivid and descriptive. I got a great sense of the characters and I really like them as individual people, Chris, the want to be hard ass but with the marshmallow center and Brett, the tough footballer taken down by the soft kisses of one hot tennis coach. Great story and nice progression. Looking forward to seeing more from Jeanette Murray!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

GOOD GIRLS DON'T....OK SOME DO!

Good Girls Don't
Victoria Dahl
Release Date, August 30th, 2011
384 Pages
HQN Books




Victoria Dahl has done it again with this fun, flirty new series about The Donovan Family. The first installment, Good Girls Don't, follows Tessa Donovan, the "little" sister to Eric and Jamie. And oh boy do they treat her like the sweet, innocent little girl they think she is...boy are they wrong. Tessa meets Detective Luke Asher and is finally able to break free of the "Virgin" status her brothers associate her with, even though they don't like Luke or the fact that he is having a fling with their baby sister.

Luke has his own issues aside from the fact that the Donovan brothers don't think he is good enough for their little sis. He has a pregnant partner, who everyone assumes he is the sperm donor, a bad divorce that still keeps him cautious when it comes to the female sex, and an investigation that has him all wrapped up in the Donovan's business and might just cause him to lose the one things that has made him smile in a long time.

The novel was a bit confusing at times, and took a little while to get started in the action, but I still enjoyed the story. Tessa was a little hard to get to know at first, and I really enjoy when I can put myself into the shoes of my heroine, when I really like her as a person. She was very much a people pleaser and it took a while for us to find out what she was really afraid of. 

Luke, on the other hand, was adorable. I love cranky detectives who get caught up with a beautiful woman who drags them out of the black funk that can be brought on by being a detective. He cared about Tessa and his partner Simone, and he even loved his mother. He was the kind of hero we all want in our lives.

A really fun start to what is shaping up to be a sexy, flirty series.  Keep August 30th open on your calendar for this great read!

Looking forward to Jamie and Eric's books, Bad Boys Do coming Oct 2011 and Real Men Will coming Nov 2011.

CAN'T HURRY TRUE LOVE

Can't Hurry Love
Christie Ridgway
Three Kisses Trilogy
Released July 5th, 2011
304 Pages
Berkley Publishing



Can't Hurry Love is the third installment of the Three Kisses Trilogy by Christie Ridgway.  We finally, finally find out what happened between Guiliana Baci and Liam Bennett.  Not that you couldn't have guessed if you are a Romance Novel Aficionado like me..haha. 

I liked the book, not as much as I like the first two, but I liked that we got our finale.  We needed to find out why Jules and Liam had to such animosity towards each other.  I don't want to give to much away, but sometimes life throws you a curve ball and maybe the first time at bat you strike out, but that doesn't mean you stop playing ball all together, you just need to give it time, and the next time you might hit that curve ball right out of the park. 

I think that's what was in store for Liam and Jules.  Everyone ended up with their Happily Ever After.  Thanks Christie for another amazing book!

Don't Forget to catch up with the other two Baci sisters, Alessandra and Stevie, and the men who win their hearts in the first two books of the Three Kisses Trilogy.....
Crush on You and Then He Kissed Me

Monday, July 25, 2011

Ground Control to Major Tom....

Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blow to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world.
But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up with his grieving father again. And remembers how he walked away from Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death.
In a year when everything's broken. Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.


An amazing sequel to Saving Francesca, or a great stand alone, Melina Marchetta has done it again.  This is a beautiful book about loss, forgiveness and the strength of bonds that can stretch continents.  the piper's son  gives us a glimpse into a family that is rocked by a death that still haunts them after two years, and shows us what it takes to bring them together once again.   Loved every minute of it, Tom Mackee is the bad boy that we all want to save.

I would suggest reading Saving Francesca before reading the piper's son.  You won't be disappointed.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

NKOTBSB.......AHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Yes, I did attend the NKOTBSB Concert last night in Greensboro, NC and yes I screamed like a thirteen year old,  I am woman enough to admit it.  It was like being transported back to 1989 listening to my sisters fight about who liked Jordan Knight more....ahh the memories.  It was a packed house and I don't think there was anyone in their seats, except for a few men that were dragged there by their significant others.

I loved all the homemade T-Shirts, the crews that showed up with the letters 'NKOTBSB' spelled out across each one of their bodies, and the bonding between generations of fans...It was definitely an experience I will never forget, and getting to share the experience with my best friend since First Grade made it even more memorable.  So here it to you Donnie, Jordan, Jonathan, Joey, Danny, Nick, Howie, A.J. and Brian....Thank You for coming back and giving an amazing performance. 

Keep Hanging Tough and we will be loving you forever!!!  XOXO

Oh....almost forgot the opening act, Matthew Morrison from Glee, was AWESOME!!  What a great addition to the show.  Amazing voice and great new original songs....and a couple of really cool treats thrown in.....Fantastic job Matthew....can't wait to hear more from you!

Friday, July 22, 2011

What's On Your Playlist??

For those of you who don't know I am an aspiring Author currently working on my first Contemporary Romance novel.  Writing a book is something I have always wanted to do and then the ideas just started coming, the characters started talking and away I went. 

Sometimes I will hear a song on the radio which brings one of my stories to my mind.  I take these songs and make a playlist for each of my novels so that while I write I am able to bring back the emotions that are triggered by certain songs.

I thought it would be fun to list the songs that make up the playlist for my first novel.....which I have titled but it will remain a surprise.

Playlist # 1
Use Somebody by Kings of Leon
Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart by Alicia Keys
Please Dont Leave Me by Pink
Breakeven by The Script
Im Broken by Pantera
Sexy Bitch by David Guetta ft Akon
Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas
Love The Way You Lie by Eminem ft Rihanna
Edge of Desire by John Mayer
Lost In You by Three Days Grace
Basketcase by Sara Bareilles

I would love to hear about your playlists....even if just a songs that reminds you of your favorite book.  Send me a comment, I'd love to chat!!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

PECAN TOFFEE TASSIES

In honor of all the yummy treats Kate whipped together for The Grand Reopening of The Sugar Shack, I added a recipe for one of my favorite treats!  They are so easy to make, but be warned that you will need to make extras because they will be gone in a flash!


 

**These amazing treats are courtesy of Paula Deen

 

Ingredients

  • 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 (10-ounce) package almond brickle chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Unroll the piecrusts onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into 2 (15-inch) circles. Cut out 48 circles using a 1 3/4-inch fluted or round cookie cutter, re-rolling dough as needed. Place in 1 3/4-inch muffin pans, pressing on the bottoms and up the sides of each of the mini-muffin cups. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and eggs in a large bowl, mixing well. Add the vanilla. Stir in the pecans and brickle chips. Spoon the pecan filling evenly into the pie shells. Bake for 25 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is lightly browned. Cool in pans on wire racks.

SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK: A Sugar Shack Novel

  E-Book Released July 19th
  Harper Collins Publishing

  MMP Released August 9th
  336 Pages
  Avon Impulse Publishers

                                                                          

 Kate Silver’s back in town, and her dead mother just won’t leave her alone.




 This debut novel by Candis Terry was a recommendation by Rachel Gibson on Facebook.  And because I am such a Rachel Gibson fan, I knew she wouldn't steer me wrong.  Boy was she right on with this book.  Second Chance at the Sugar Shack was a great start to what will be a fun series. 

Katie Silverthorne, known to her Hollywood people as Kate Silver, left Deer Lick ten years ago and never looked back until the phone call that changed her life.  Kate heads back for her mother's funeral and finds that life had gone on without her, and the worst of it is that no one but her father is happy that she is back, especially Matt Ryan, (Who might I add that I imagined as Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles the whole time) her old boyfriend that she left without a goodbye ten years ago.

Kate is volunteered by her Professional Quarterback brother, Dean and her successful lawyer sister, Kelly to stay in Deer Spit (haha Josh) and help their father with the family bakery for the next five months.  As the days slip by, Kate realizes that Deer Lick may not have been the horrible place that she thought it was at twenty, when she was dying to break free of her hovering mother.  And with a little help from that same mother, who keeps popping in "Its Not Unusual", Kate starts to see that maybe she is a little more Deer Lick than Hollywood and she can have the life she never saw for herself and maybe even a blue eyed soul mate to keep her warm at night!

This novel is one for the TO-READ pile, and keep a look out for The second Sugar Shack Novel,  Dean's story,  coming out November 2011.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

LOVE STORY BY JENNIFER ECHOLS

Released July 19th, 2011
256 Pages
Published by MTV Books


She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..




This book reminded me of the saying 'The Ties That Bind'.  It seems to be the case between Erin and Hunter.  For the past six years their lives have been so intertwined without ever having spoken to each other.  Very Pride and Prejudice I thought, loving but hating from afar, and never letting go of their pride long enough to follow the path that would lead them to each other.  Until they are away from the Kentucky horse farm that has held them in the roles of Rich Girl and Stable Boy for far too long. 


Both attending college in New York City they have become just Erin and Hunter.  What Erin thinks is a coincidence, Hunter has transferred into her creative writing class, which starts a back and forth story writing between the two, which gives us a look into the past between them.

Love Story is different than Jennifer's other books in a sense that so much lies beneath that if your not paying attention, you miss it.  Hunter and Erin were both strong, independent characters, making the best of the situation they find themselves in.  You will have to read the book to find out what exactly happens that puts them where they are in the story, but it will be worth the read.


Other Great Reads by Jennifer: Forget You, Going Too Far and Endless Love


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Need More Fatal ......NOW!!!

Released July 18th, 2011
E-Book
Published by Carina Press




Lieutenant Sam Holland thought that things may settle down for her and fiance, Senator Nick Cappuano after she solved the murder investigations of two of Nick's colleagues and friends.  She may have spoken too soon....because the death of two of the Capital Cleaning Staff has opened up a case that reveals a scandal that will rock the Capital.  What will happen to Sam and Nick when this scandal is cracked wide open? 

Fatal Consequences, the third installment of The Fatal Series by Marie Force has left me wanting, no needing more. I have so many questions that need answering......What will happen with Freddie and Elin?, What did Stahl mean about getting what he wanted?, What did Peter mean about Nick no looking so well the last time he saw him?. I need to know and I don't think I can wait....

If you haven't jumped on the Fatal train you may want to buy a ticket very soon and get on.....

Fatal Affair and Fatal Justice are the first two of the series

Next Up, Fatal Destiny, The Wedding Novella on Sept 5th, 2011
Followed by Fatal Flaw on February 2012

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Top Shelf Book Shelf

Ahhhh.....my book shelves.....they are like a beloved friend.  If there was ever a fire in my house I think I would actually take a minute to rescue some of my beloved books.....sad, I know!  This is my second move in the last six months, first from New York to North Carolina and now from an apartment to my beautiful new home.  So for the second time I am packing my beloved books up into cardboard boxes, of course still trying to keep them in alphabetical order by author, I know......I alphabetize our DVD's also. 

Because my blog is so new, it would take forever to review all of my past and present favorites, so I am going to be giving you a list of my Top Shelf Reads.  These are books that I rattle off when someone asks "What should I read?" (then they regret asking when I don't stop talking).


Top Shelf Romance Reads

  • See Jane Score by Rachel Gibson
  • Birthright by Nora Roberts 
  • Falling for Gracie by Susan Mallery
  • Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins
  • Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
  • Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
  • The Blue Bistro by Elin Hildebrand
  • Jemima J by Jane Green
  • Paradise by Judith McNaught
  • Thread of Fear by Laura Griffin
  • Devil In Winter by Lisa Kleypas
  • Match Me If You Can by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson
  • It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
  • Wild Card by Lora Leigh
  • The Scent of Rain and Lightening by Nancy Pickard
  • Tempt Me Tonight by Toni Blake
  • Something About You by Julie James
  • Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force
  • Untraceable by Laura Griffin
  • High Powered-Hot Blooded by Susan Mallery (Christmas Read...Tissue Needed)
  • My One and Only by Kristan Higgins (Tissue required




Top Shelf Romance Series

  • The Hathaways by Lisa Kleypas
  • The Fatal Series by Marie Force (ebook)
  • The Bakery Sisters by Susan Mallery
  • Writer Friends by Rachel Gibson
  • Travises Series by Lisa Kleypas
  • The MacKade Brothers by Nora Roberts
  • The Stanislaskis Family by Nora Roberts
  • The O'Hurleys by Nora Roberts
  • Lucky Harbor by Jill Shalvis
  • The Gemini Men by Jami Alden
  • The McCarthys of Gansett Island by Marie Force
  • Three Kisses by Christie Ridgway
  • Sisterhood Diaries by Susan Andersen
  • Tumble Creek by Victoria Dahl
  • Chicks with Sticks by Heidi Betts
  • Destiny Series by Toni Blake
  • Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts
  • The Sullivans by Bella Andre (New Series, ebook only)





 Top Shelf Young Adult

  • The Duff by Kody Keplinger
  • Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott
  • The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
  • Love at First Click by Elizabeth Chandler
  • If I Stay by Gayle Forman
  • Bloom by Elizabeth Scott
  • When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
  • The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
  • Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
  • The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott
  • Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
  • Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
  • Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
  • The Wind Blows Backward by Mary Downing Hahn
  • This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen 











 Top Shelf YA Series

  • Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer
  • The Perfect Chemistry Series by Simone Elkeles
  • The Dairy Queen Series by Catherine Murdock
  • Leaving Paradise Series by Simone Elkeles
  • First Kisses Series (Multiple Authors)
  • The She's So Dead To Us Trilogy by Kieran Scott 

Saturday, July 16, 2011

HOT SUMMER READING

In honor of the NFL moving towards settlement, I am giving you a list of Smokin' Sports Reads composed of my favorite Bad Boys of Football, Baseball, Hockey, Racing and even one very hot Cyclist.  So get yourself a big glass of iced tea because these reads are seriously HOT!


The Play by Play Series by Jaci Burton

The Bad Boys of Football by Bella Andre

Chicago Stars Series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips


The New York Blades Series by Deirdre Martin

The Seattle Chinooks Series by Rachel Gibson



 The Pacific Heat Series by Jill Shalvis

 Richmond Rogues Series by Kate Angell















The Fast Track Series by Erin McCarthy





Single Title Reads


Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery

Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery

Finding Perfect by Susan Mallery

Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson

Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force





Friday, July 15, 2011

SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS BY LAUREN BARNHOLDT

Released July 12th, 2011
320 Pages
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing



 This book runs along the same lines as last year’s Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott and Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti.

This book addresses the question “Is it ever OK to fall in love with your BFF’s man?”

Hannah spends the first week of summer vacation drowning her sorrows in Ice Cream and Friday Night Lights DVD’s after finding her boyfriend of five months, Sebastian, in a serious lip lock with a sophomore who “Does it Better” (you have to read the book…haha).

Ava, who is Hannah’s BFF, has taken a camp counselor position in Maine, leaving Hannah to wallow alone for the rest of the summer.  Ava sends Noah, her boyfriend, to check on Hannah, you know…making sure she isn’t swallowing every pill in the bottle. 

Noah pushes her into taking a waitressing job at the diner where he works as the cook and it turns out to be the best thing she could have done.  But suddenly Sebastian isn’t the one giving her butterflies and Hannah can’t understand why Noah keeps going hot and cold with their friendship.

The book flips between the summer and the first day of Senior Year, which is also the first day that Hannah will be seeing Ava, after a whole summer apart, Noah, after the night that changed EVERYTHING, and Sebastian, who wants Hannah back. 

You will have to read the book to find out what happens between Hannah and Noah, Ava and Hannah, Ava and Noah or Hannah and Sebastian.

I really liked Lauren’s take on the subject.  I’m not one who loves when authors portray the Best Friend of the heroine as a huge Bitch, just so that they can justify the boyfriend choosing the heroine.  Sometimes the person you are with may not be the best person for you.  There may be someone who you have more in common with or share similar interests.  Or as in the words of Riker “Sometimes It Happens”.

Don’t forget to check out other books by Lauren Barnholdt:

Two Way Street, One Night That Changes Everything and Watch Me






PB Brownie Explosion

Because the weather is HOT, I decided that everyone needed a great summer dessert recipe to keep cool.
Hope you all enjoy....I know I have left many a happy faces behind me when bringing this dessert to any event.

Peanut Butter-Brownie Explosion

2 Boxes of Instant Chocolate Pudding
3 Cups Milk (Whole or 2%)
16oz Tub of Cool Whip
1 Cup of Peanut Butter
16 Chopped Peanut Butter Cups
1 Box of Brownie Mix (will need oil, eggs, water)

1. Make brownies according to box, preferably in a 13x9 pan, let cool (overnight if possible), then when they are set, cut and cube.

2. Melt Peanut butter in microwave for 1 minute, let cool

3. In a large bowl, whisk the pudding into the milk, then add the melted PB into the mixture, mixing well.  It will be thick, if too thick add a bit more milk.

4. In a large clear bowl, layer brownies, pudding mixture, cool whip topped with half of the chopped peanut butter cups.  Repeat with a second layer.

And there you have Chocolate Peanut Butter Yumminess!!

**  The pudding and candy toppings can be substituted for any flavor you would enjoy. 

Oreo Cookies with Oreo Pudding (Soooooo good)
Heath Bar with Butterscotch Pudding

Have fun with it......there is no wrong way to make this!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Author Spotlight --Marie Force

If you haven't heard of her you may need to clean out your ears because Marie Force is not only an author, she is a super author, giving us Amazing Book after Amazing Book.  I first heard the name Marie Force when searching Amazon for a new book to download on my new Kindle.  Line of Scrimmage (9/08) sounded right up my alley, with a hot Quarterback hero and his newly engaged ex-wife.  After balling my way through this emotional book (you will need a tissue), I was hooked!!  I wanted more by Marie and let me tell you, she doesn't disappoint.

Love at First Flight (7/09) was such a delightful book that asks the question, Can a relationship form between two strangers on the same flight?  Since I am a read-a-holic (yes, just ask my husband) I needed more and Marie was sure to deliver with the start of The Fatal Series, Fatal Affair (6/10).  This was the start of something great.  We get to follow Sam and Nick on a wild roller coaster ride of murder, shootings, more murder and some steamy love between these to people who are getting a second chance at love, and that's just the first book. 

Marie then published two tantalizing ebooks, True North and The Fall just in time for the holidays.  Thankfully the next installment of the Fatal series, Fatal Justice, was released in January, just in time for us to catch Sam and Nick trying to adjust to their new titles, only to be hit with another murder.  I know...its crazy....but the story is so high energy, you can't help but get sucked in.

She followed these with another mass market paperback, Everyone Loves a Hero (2/11) which definitely put her on my list of Hero's.  This was followed by The Wreck (3/11), another fantastic ebook and another tearjerker.  Thank you Marie for building up my heart and then breaking it, and then building it back up again.

Her newest series, The McCarthys of Gansett Island, which starts with Maid for Love was released April 2011 followed immediately by Fool for Love and Ready for Love.  This series was such a hit with not just me but all of her followers that she has decided she will write stories for some of our favorite Gansett characters, starting with Grant's story.  (Thank you Marie, I am waiting patiently for Tiffany's story).

Ok...Im taking a breath.....just thinking of all the writing she has done is making me tired......

As to the reason that Marie was my pick for my first ever Author Spotlight is ....drum roll here.......The third installment of the Fatal series, Fatal Consequence is being released on Monday, July 18th....yea, yea, yea!!  I have a date scheduled with my Kindle, so don't call me, I wont be calling you!!

Marie will also be publishing Fatal Destiny- The Wedding Novella in September, and the fourth installment Fatal Flaw in February, which I am psyched about......I can't get enough of Sam and Nick, I juts hope they can make it to the wedding in one piece!!


Marie, as an aspiring writer and a huge fan, I would just like to say a big THANK YOU for all your hard work and dedication to your fans.  You give us everything we want and more...I don't even know when you have time to sleep.  Please keep writing....I wouldn't know what to do without some of the best characters that I have read, and I owe it all to you!!