Treading Water Marie Force Released Oct 25th, 2011 E-Book Source: Reviewer Purchased
First things first, I want to take a minute to Congratulate Marie Force on Finally being able to publish this Trilogy. If you have visited Marie's Website, you would have read all about the Treading Water Trilogy and how they have been put on the back burner for long enough, and let me just say how excited I am to be able to get my hands on the first two books!
If you are a Marie Force lover like me, you must have already read all of her other series and stand alone books, so I wanted to give a fair warning that this Trilogy is a bit different from the usual Force book. They touch on some sensitive subject manner that many of you may not agree with, and they are just more "REAL" or "True to Life", meaning that you might know someone who has gone through the same situations happening or have read something like it happening.
They aren't your typical Romance where Two people meet, fall in love, break-up and then find each other again...ohhhh NO.....these are definitely not that...They are So, so much more!!
Treading Water starts with a horrible accident that changes the lives of Jack Harrington and his three daughters, Jill, Kate and Maggie. After a year passes, with his wife still in a coma, Jack knows he needs to get his family back together and start living again. Finally back to work, Jack meets Andi Walsh, a colleague working with his firm on a large Hotel project. Jack is not looking for love when he meets Andi, but that is exactly what he finds.Will Jack and Andi get their second chance at love or will surprising events tear them apart?
I can't give anymore away....I am going to leave you with only your wild imagination and the need to purchase this book the second you finish reading this blog. But, I will tell you that this book will take you on a roller coaster of emotions from feeling warm and fuzzy to your chest tightening over the pain and heartbreak.
The one thing that Marie never fails to do, is to bring us these beautiful "Worlds", or settings. They are so well described that you can almost feel the breeze of the ocean blowing across your face. After reading Treading Water I was ready to pack a bag and head to Newport for the weekend!
Everyone is going to have their own opinions about this book, it has be getting some "controversial reviews". I think everyone has the right to their own opinions, BUT don't let bad reviews that go on and on and on, keep you from enjoying an AMAZING book. When you are finished you will have your opinions too, but like me, when I really LOVE a book, that's when I have A LOT to say about it.
Um...can you tell I liked the book!! haha
Get it, Read it, Enjoy it and Review it!!
Don't forget to stop by tomorrow where I will be reviewing the second book in the Trilogy, Marking Time. You won't want to miss it!!
Not only is this easy to make treat Delicious...but it makes a GREAT GIFT for Teachers, Neighbors or anyone you want to impress with your AMAZING Culinary Skills!!
Preheat Oven to 375 degrees
Ingredients:
40 Saltine Crackers 1 c. Butter 1/2 c. Packed Brown Sugar 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda 12 oz. Chocolate Chips
Add your favorite nut for an added crunch!
Directions:
1. Line baking sheet with foil, arrange the Saltines in a single layer, they can be touching.
2. In a small sauce pan, bring butter and brown sugar to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in baking soda
3. Pour over crackers, then bake for 6-8 minutes, until bubbling.
4. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with Chocolate Chips. Spread with a spoon or spatula, allow them to melt. Sprinkle with nuts before chocolate is set.
5. Let cool completely, then break into chunks. Store covered at room temperature.
** Hint: Grab some fun Holiday tins from your local dollar store and fill with the Saltine Break Up for a Fast and Easy gift, or a last minute invite gift!!
Sugar Daddy Lisa Kleypas Released Mar 6th, 2007 384 Pages St. Martin Press Source: Reviewer Purchased
SHE'S FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Liberty Jones has dreams and determination that will take her far away from Welcome, Texas---if she can keep her wild heart from ruling her mind. Hardy Cates sees Liberty as completely off-limits. His own ambitions are bigger than Welcome, and Liberty Jones is a complication he doesn't need. But something magical and potent draws them to each other, in a dangerous attraction that is stronger than both of them.
HE'S THE ONE MAN SHE CAN'T HAVE
When Hardy leaves town to pursue his plans, Liberty finds herself alone with a young sister to raise. Soon Liberty finds herself under the spell of a billionaire tycoon---a Sugar Daddy, one might say. But the relationship goes deeper than people think, and Liberty begins to discover secrets about her own family's past.
WILL THEY FIND THEIR HEARTS' DESIRES OR WILL HEARTBREAK TEAR THEM APART?
Two men. One woman. A choice that can make her or break her. A woman you'll root for every step of the way. A love story you'll never forget.
The blurb wasn't kidding when it said "A love story you'll never forget" because I have NEVER forgot this story...It is one of the best books I have ever read...as is the rest of the series. (Smooth Talking Stranger being my favorite...I know...but Jack Travis is just dreamy....swoon)
I was reminded of Sugar Daddy this morning after lending it to a co-worker who finished it in a day and then told me how much she LOVED IT!! Which always puts a huge smile on my face. I love when I recommend a book to someone and they fall in love with it as much as I had!!
"Sometimes life has a cruel sense of humor, giving you the thing you always wanted at the worst time possible."
Sugar Daddy starts a lot different from most romance books. Some may be turned off by the beginning, which is full of A LOT of back story. I was almost turned off the first time I read the book, but I tell you .....KEEP READING!! The book is SO MUCH more than what you can imagine, with a fun, supportive cast of characters!!
Liberty is SUCH a strong heroine, you can't help but feel for her from the start. She is just amazing and so deserves EVERYTHING that she had coming to her. You will follow her through the trenches of life, love and heartbreak, and you won't stop reading until THE END!!
"But I think if it's the right person, you wouldn't have to work so hard at intimacy. I think..hope that it would just happen naturally. Otherwise, opening up to the wrong person..." I made a face.
"Like putting ammo in their hands."
I don't like to give too much away when I review because I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but Gage Travis with the flu has to be the cutest, grumpiest, most adorable hero EVER!!
WARNING: You will need to just purchase the whole series at once because when you finish Sugar Daddy...You are going to have to find out what happens with the rest of this amazing cast of characters!! And Don't fret ladies...this is not the last you will see of Sexy, Hardy Cates.
Today I am Honored to have the Very Talented, Very Sweet Candis Terry, Author of Second Chance at the Sugar Shack and Any GivenChristmas hanging out with me. We are talking Ghosts, Spandex Pants and More Sugar Shack!
I'll be Giving Away both of these AMAZING books to TWO Lucky Winners. So make sure to leave a comment below with your answer to my Fun Giveaway Question.
Good Luck to Everyone!
A Tasty Reader:Candis, Sooooo Happy to have you hanging out today!!
Candis Terry:Thanks for having me today, Lisa.
ATR:So, Firstly, I have to know.....Will we be seeing more of MATT RYAN throughout Any Given Christmas?? (Please say yes, please say yes)
Candis:Yes! How easy was that? Matt, Kate, Edna, and the whole crew will be back for Any Given Christmas. You did want to be updated on whether Matt is elected sheriff or not, right? The residents of Deer Lick and the entire Silverthorne family are the heart and soul of the Sugar Shack novels, so they will play a part in Any Given Christmas and also in Kelly’s book (currently untitled but set as a Spring 2012 release) as well. And honestly, I’ve grown to love these people so much I just couldn’t leave them behind. Kate from Second Chance at the Sugar Shack wouldn’t let me leave her behind. Warning, she just might be picking up where mom left off.
ATR:Uh....Oh...I am not sure how Dean will feel about TWO meddling ladies in his life...haha. So, How did the idea for Second Chance come about? Any Ghosts living in your car?
Candis:No ghosts in my car, but I have had a few wander about my house from time to time.
The idea for Second Chance came about from my own life-changing situations and unresolved issues. My father died when I was 11 and my 84 yr old mother has Alzheimer’s. These situations changed my life in a big way. I’m always intrigued by how people react when everything they are familiar with abruptly changes, and how they deal with their new reality. In our family we have what is called “windshield time.” Which means, you turn off the radio and talk about everything and nothing. It was an excellent way to torture my daughter when she was a teenager. So I thought it would be befitting to have Kate and her dead mother do a little “windshield time” to work out all their issues.
I have to say, Josh had me rolling on the floor with his random names for the town of Deer Poop....Um...I meant Lick, Deer Lick.
Where did you come up with the name Deer Lick?? Is it a fictional town or is it real? And if it is real....I would like directions on how to get there.....teehee
Candis:Ah yes, Josh. He was actually inspired by a cousin of mine who would tweak a phrase that left no question of how he really felt.
Who would ever name a town Deer Lick besides me? Basically I’m a cookie from a different cutter and I love things that are just this side of ordinary. So when I created the fictitious town of Deer Lick, I wanted to give it a name that was a true reflection on the whole town and the people living in it. One part hokey. Two parts charming and heartwarming. One part a big slice of small town America. Besides Idaho (where I live), Montana is one of my most favorite places on the planet. So I took three of my favorite small (and I do mean small) Montana towns—West Yellowstone, Darby, and Ennis, and I rolled them all into Deer Lick. It’s a place I’d move to in a heartbeat. Or at least visit frequently.
ATR:The way you describe it in both of the books has me looking to book a room for a visit...hum...Maybe Dean has some extra room over at his house...(wink, wink). So Candis, aside from the Man Candy, my stomach took note of all the delicious treats described in Second Chance. What treats can we expect in Any Given Christmas? And while we are on the subject of treats, what is your favorite Holiday Treat?
Candis:Until I turned 30, I went by the name Candi. So I guess my sugar addiction has deep roots. I guarantee there are more delicious treats in Any Given Christmas. The hero, Dean, has a real fondness for . . . muffins.
My favorite holiday treat? Hmmm. I have to choose just one? Impossible. One of my many favorites is my Aunt Marge’s divinity. Okay, she really wasn’t a blood relative. She was the neighbor across the street. But she was one of my mom’s best friends and she was the nicest, kindest woman I’ve ever met. And she made amazing divinity. It’s tough to make because the humidity in the air has to be perfect (or so she said), but when you make a good batch and you bite into it, it’s a guaranteed trip to heaven.
ATR:I love those "will never be replicated because only Aunt So and So made it best and it will never be the same" recipe's. Makes you want to find that special thing that ONLY you can make and people will talk about you for years to come. So, I read about the many career "HATS" you have worn, from Graphic Design to Designing Costumes for 80's Hair Bands (Um...tight leopard spandex anyone?), and that is just naming a few. How did you end up wearing the "Author Hat"?
Candis:Funny you should mention leopard spandex. Been there. Done that.
I’ll admit I have led a rather diverse existence. And it’s been really fun for the most part. Okay, wiping sheep noses, not so much. My Author’s Hat came about because I couldn’t act my way out of a good script. In college I took drama. And apparently I sucked. For an assignment we were instructed to write a biography for the theatrical character we were presenting from the time of their birth to the time in which the play took place. I remember mine was a thirty-something divorcee. I received an A++ on my biography with a note from the teacher to stick to the writing and leave the acting to others.
Later when my daughter was born, a friend gave me a bunch of romance novels to read while I was rocking my wonderful child who was a complete night owl. One of the stories sparked something in my head and I knew the only way to get it out was to write it down. I had no idea what I was doing and I didn’t discover Romance Writers of America until three years later. I’ve been driven by the characters in my head ever since.
ATR:I know how you feel...Sometimes they have more to say than I do!! Speaking of people who hear voices, who are some of your Favorite Authors, or Authors that have inspired you?
Candis:I consider myself a readaholic, so I have a pretty big keeper shelf. Rachel Gibson is one of my absolute favorites. I love how her heroes are such real men who don’t always say or do the right thing. Judith McNaught has always been one of my favorites. It was her book Whitney, My Love that inspired that first story in my head. And Suzanne Brockmann. What can I say about her writing than wow. Just. Wow. She has inspired more heart palpitations than I can count.
ATR:A girl after my own heart, but Paradise was my Judith McNaught "Ahh" moment. While we are on the subject of Great writers, what can we expect next from The Sugar Shack Series? Any hints you can give us about Kelly's book?
Candis:The next book in the Sugar Shack novels will be an Avon Impulse Spring 2012 release. Here’s just a little hint about what you will find in our third trip to our favorite Montana town: Letty Silverthorne has her work cut out for her when her middle child, Kelly, returns home to Deer Lick reeling from a major courtroom loss and needing to shake the “Sister Serious” moniker she’s been carrying since childhood. With the help of her dead mother and a former bad boy in uniform, anything is possible at the Sugar Shack.
ATR:CANT WAIT!! There were so many sparks flying between those two in Any Given Christmas....I thought a fire would break out!
Once the Sugar Shack series is finishes, do you have anything brewing for another Series or Single Title? Is there any other Genre you would like to write for?
Candis:Honestly, I have more stories in my head than my fingers will probably ever type. I do have another series coming down the line and a possible anthology. So please stay tuned to my website www.candisterry.com for news as it happens.
As for writing in another genre? Yeah, but man, it would be so different than what I’m writing now. I can honestly say that I will write it because I have to write it. The protagonist has been hitting me over the head with his story for three years now. I’ve been politely ignoring him. But he’s a hardheaded (and hot) detective with a very big stick. Oh, and there will be death involved. Just sayin’.
ATR:Big Stick....your funny!! It could be a fun venture!! So before I let you go, As the Guest of Honor, you have to answer the Giveaway Question: Have you ever been set up by a Family member? (AKA: Nosy Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Co-worker)
If yes, please tells us if the date was a Tru Dud or True Love!!
Candis:I don’t believe I’ve ever been the Guest of Honor of anything before, so I will be happy to answer the Giveaway Question.
Yes. Many years ago I was set up by a wayward cousin. Final report: major Tru Dud.
I dressed to the nines since I had been given no clue about the date. Better to be safe than sorry. Right? He was a nice looking guy who picked me up in a yellow Porsche. Hmmm. Promising. He seemed very excited about where he was taking me on our date though he wouldn’t tell me where we were going. Me, being the suspicious type, I mentally clicked off what weapons I had stashed in my purse.
It was a long drive to get where we were going and the entire time he told me how wonderful and successful he was. Immediate turn off. Don’t tell me. Show me. When we finally arrived at our destination I was shocked and for once in my life (literally) speechless. He’d taken me to a WWF (now WWE) wrestling match to see Hulk Hogan. He bought me a beer and popcorn and then proceeded to shout profanities at the ring throughout the entire evening. When he took me home he expected a flying liplock. Ummm, no thank you.
ATR:Thank You, Thank You so much for taking the time to chat with me today, and Congratulations on the Release of Any Given Christmas. I will be telling ALL of MY FRIENDS about it!! I think they will all be getting a copy for Christmas!!
Candis:It’s been a really fun visit! And I wish you and everyone a very merry!
ATR:And A Happy and a HEALTHY to you and your Family too!!
Giveaway Question: Have you ever been set up by a Family member? (AKA: Nosy Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Co-worker) If yes, please tells us if the date was a True Dud or True Love!!
*Don't forget to post your email address with your answer so I can contact the winners. Winners will be announced tomorrow, so don't forget to check back!! Good Luck!
Delectable Guest
Growing up in Southern California, I was too busy reading books, hanging out at the beach, or finding ways to have a good time that wouldn’t land me on restriction to even consider writing a book. Oddly enough, a college drama teacher (who politely discouraged my inept acting abilities) encouraged me to develop the A+ character bio I’d created into a complete story. Right. Years later, in the midst of a bleary-eyed all-nighter (rocking my newborn, that is), I picked up a romance novel and fell in love with more than just the infant in my arms.
I’m married to a wonderful man who takes out the trash without being asked and who puts up with all my crazy ideas. To find inspiration, my family and I often grab our trailer and ATV and venture out to discover the off-road splendor of the Idaho wilderness. And when I need a fun dose of reality, I call upon my daughter and her little Mini-Me or one of our 3 furry troublemakers.
Holiday Kisses A Holiday Romance Collection Alison Kent Jaci Burton HelenKay Dimon Shannon Stacey Released Dec 5th, 2011 313 Pages Carina Press
Not Only does the Holiday Kisses Collection have four Amazing Authors introducing Four heartwarming Christmas Novellas, but I can't decide which one I like the best! They all touched my heart in a different way and I really LOVE all of the Amazing Characters that we meet.
Alison Kent brings usThis Time Next Year, with Brenna Keating spending a last few days with her Gran before she heads to Ethiopia for volunteer work as a nurse, when a horrible snow storm has her car skidding off the road. She is rescued by a handsome man on a horse, Dr, Dillon Craig, who takes her back to his place to get her out of the cold. Dillon, a neighbor of her Grans, takes an instant liking to Alison, and the sparks start flying. But Alison can't stay, she has obligations 8,000 miles away.
What happens in this story will touch your heart and squeeze until the very last page. Dillon steals your heart and you know exactly how hard it would be for you to leave him too!!
A Rare Gift by Jaci Burton, takes us back to one of our Favorite brothers, Cranky Wyatt Kent. We meet Wyatt again at the Day Care run by his Ex-Wife's younger sister, Calliope Andrews, where Wyatt is giving her an estimate for the extension she is having put on the Center. What Wyatt doesn't expect is to be attracted to the woman Calliope has turned into, she is beautiful and her smile lights up the room. Wyatt tries his hardest not to give into the attraction he feels for he, but she is not making it easy on him. Calliope has loved Wyatt for years and it is time he finally realized that she might be exactly what he always wanted.
Calliope was so likeable from the start, but I liked her more and more every page I read. She was strong, honest and she demanded the truth. Wyatt needed someone who looked at life from the same window he saw through, and Calliope was it, it just took him a little longer to figure it out!! Love these two, and Can't wait for Tori and Brody's Book....Oh boy it will be a steamer!!
It's Not Christmas Without You by HelenKay Dimon had me smiling from page one. Austin Thomas found out his on again, off again love of his life wasn't coming home to Holloway, West Virginia for Christmas this year, so he took Christmas to her in D.C. Carrie Anders has no defense against her feelings when it comes to Austin, but she can't forget that he let her go six months ago without a backward glance. Austin is determined to show Carrie what she means to him, and he won't leave until she agrees to come back home with him, but Carrie loves her new career. Will his love be enough for her to come home?
HelenKay does an amazing job with this Novella and I LOVED Austin, his determination, his Smile and knowing that he was so in love with her that he would let her go if that was what she really wanted. We have a heart pincher with this one!
Shannon Stacey gives us Mistletoe and Margaritas, which both things are the reason that Claire Rutledge and Yummy Justin McCormick get into trouble in the first place. Claire has relied on Justin as her best friend since her husband passed away two years ago. Justin has been in love with Claire for as long as he has known her, but after she lost her husband, who had also been Justin's Best Friend, he knew she needed him for a shoulder to cry on and nothing more. Things heat up one night and things get complicated, but before they lose each other for good, someone unexpected has a few words of wisdom for them both.
This one was a great story of love lost, new love and opening your heart to new possibilities. Loved it!!
Purchasing Holiday Kisses is a NO BRAINER BUY....Get it, make some hot cocoa, grab a throw and snuggle up for Four Tales of Christmas Romance. Love it...Hope they do another next year!!
Some Like It Hot Rising Star Chef #2 Louisa Edwards Published Nov 29th, 2011 352 pages St. Martins Paperbacks Source: Purchased by Reviewer
Some Like It Hot?
I say 'Some Like This Book...A LOT!'
Louisa Edwards brings us the second book in the Rising Star Chef series and for me it might just be the best out of the ENTIRE Recipe For Love Series!!
We are finally able to dive into the head of sexy Pastry Chef, Danny Lunden. Danny and Eva Jansen, the sassy socialite in charge of the entire RSC Competition, have sizzlin HOT chemistry, and that is just within the first few pages.
Eva knows that starting something with one of the RSC Contestants should be off limits, but fortunately for her, she was never one to follow the rules. After a steamy kiss in the Hotel elevator, its GAME ON for Danny and Eva, but what was supposed to be 'Just For Fun' has turned into a mutual respect and could it be....LOVE?
As the pair agrees to Simmer Down, the RSC competition seems to Heat Up, and some contestants get Burned.
Again I say, this is my FAVORITE book (so far) in the Rising Star Chef Series and out of the whole Recipe for Love series. I only say "so far" because I LOVE strong, silent Beck and I think I will absolutely adore getting to know him better!
Danny and Eva have this "thing" between them, that grabs your attention at page one and keeps you reading until the very last page. I know it seems cheesy to say this, but it was as though they were "MADE" for each other. (I know they were...but it was so...REAL)
After reading Too Hot To Touch, I wanted Danny to find someone who got him, who understood him and who needed him. Eva was all of those things, but she also had him smiling, having fun and breaking all his rules. She was exactly what he needed. You won't be disappointed by their affair of the Heart!!
The love story is GREAT! You find yourself routing for them the entire time!
Louisa is such a descriptive writer, using words that transport you to the pages. So real, you almost feel as if you are right there, beside the chefs, chopping away, as part of the team.
And the Kane/Claire relationship is KILLING ME!! Every time they finally take a step forward, something happens to boot them back three steps!! Ugh...Its killing me!! But I did really enjoy getting to know Kane better, catching a glimpse into the mind of the adorable, sensitive rocker....He is so cute when is is all insecure...Like a trembling Virgin!! haha
So, my vote is TWO THUMBS UP for Some Like It Hot.....get it, read it, love it!!
And we get a sneak peak at the Highly Anticipated, Hot Under Pressure, Henry Beck's story, which will be released March 2012...WOO HOO, Can't wait!!
Today's Throwback is written by one of my Wonderful Tasty Readers, Amy!! This book sounds HOTT! A great read for anyone looking for a little Smut!! (Oh Yeah!)
Breaking All the Rules Monica Robinson Released Nov 1st, 2008 240 Pages Samhain Publishing Reviewed By: Amy L.
It’s Christmas time, so along with the garland and the ornaments in my home, my Kindle takes a decidedly seasonal tilt. And one of my favorite Christmas (but not Christmas) reads is Breaking All the Rules by Monica Robinson. Let me preface this discussion by saying Monica Robinson rivals clean baseboards, a size four waist, and Bigfoot on the mighty Lineaweaver Elusiveness Scale. Seriously, this gal wrote three books (insofar as I can tell) and all three on are in the "Greatest Hits Collection" on my Kindle. I haven’t found her on the Internet, and her posted website hasn’t been updated since the Macarena was in style. But she wove a tale and Breaking All the Rules is an oldie, but a goody.
The Premise: Allie, a successful romance author, when she isn’t dealing with the mother of all writer’s blocks, works as a hostess in a trendy writer’s bar in Raleigh, NC. (They call it fiction because it is. Take the leap.) When she isn’t hosting in the bar, offering body shots to the highest bidder, and strutting across the bar like the spunky hipster she is, she mentors aspiring writers. The thing is, the writers are male and she sleeps with them, but only for the six month term of their mentor-mentee relationship. After 180 days, they split and she moves on. All of her partners need to be writers – no exceptions.
In walks a very handsome, incredibly appealing attorney (not an oxymoron) – Adam. Adam takes an instant shine to Allie, spending the contents of his considerably deep litigating pockets to bid on a body shot. He wins and takes her home. She even gives the shot a littlesomething extra (wink, wink). Spoiler alert: He takes her home on his motorcycle and they knock boots but good.
Adam can’t get enough of her, so he fibs and says that he wants to be a new tutor in Allie’s School of Novelist Instruction. She takes him through the lessons, which require a lot of togetherness and a lot of "experimentation" in the name of literary research. Allie discovers that Adam’s mom is her favorite novelist and Adam discovers Allie’s catalog on his mom’s shelves. It’s KISMET!
He woos her. He romances her. He feels incredibly guilty that Allie believes he is actively writing the Great American Novel when all he is doing to writing briefs and shopping for gifts and restaurant seats for the girl for whom he is smitten. He’s not an eely attorney, so he honestly feels terrible about his trickery. But, he’s hoping that the burgeoning feelings between them will overcome the lie. It’s clear that Allie feels genuine care about Adam. She skirts around her commitment phobia by hinting that they could change the terms oftheir agreement; she’s not ready to lose Adam, either.
Well, come Thanksgiving, Allie and Adam fall solidly in love with each other. All is good for roughly the time it takes to watch a game, dish up the potatoes, and eat some pie. Then the lid is blown off the whole shebang. They deconstruct in especially dramatic fashion, wounded and crushed. I’ve discovered that the VERY BEST element I appreciate in romance novels is male pain and subsequent redemption. I love the agony and the ecstasy. Maybe it’s my inner dominatrix talking, but I adore the feeling of the heart-wrench. And boy, does this have heart-wrench-and-a-half.
So, Amy, you may be thinking, what does this have to do with Christmas. Well, ladies, let’s just say that Santa isn’t Allie’s ONLY visitor late that night.
P.S. If anyone knows anything about Monica Robinson, let me know. And you should also read her other releases, Alex and the more obvious holiday choice, Twelve Days of Bliss. Delicious!
Today's Tasty Reader
Amy Lineaweaver is a mother, wife, and speech-language pathologist who is a recently moved home to the Pacific Northwest. When not responding to the beck and call of motherhood and wifedom, she is an obsessive reader of romantic fiction. She loves a clean house, a dirty mind, and a filthy mouth.
Congratulations Casey!! Please email me you Mailing Address to Atastyread@live.com , so that Louisa can mail out your copy.
To those ladies who didn't win, come back on December 6th, Author Candis Terry will be hanging out with us, and I am Giving Away both books in the Sugar Shack Series, to TWO lucky winners!!
I am thrilled to have Louisa Edwards hanging out with us today. We are talking about her New Release, Some Like It Hot...which I am currently flying through...and chatting about How she came up with some of the ideas for her AMAZING 'A Recipe For Love' Series!!
She is also going to be Giving Away a copy of Some Like It Hot, so make sure to answer the Giveaway Question at the bottom of the interview to be entered into the drawing!!
Good Luck Everyone!!
A Tasty Read: OK.....Firstly....Kane Slater......What is his address and is this "Thing" with Claire very serious?? Louisa: I love your priorities! Kane is a big favorite of mine, too--bold, sexy, artistic without being silly about it, and pretty down to earth for a famous rock star. Sadly for you and me, he's head over heels for Claire Durand, even though their different lifestyles seem to be a serious obstacle right about now...
ATR: (Frowning) There is always Beck...for Now (Mischievous Smile)...Sorry, back on subject...Your books have been published at a time where Chef's have finally stepped out of the Kitchen and have become more of a Name Brand. Did the change in the industry inspire the idea for your Recipe For Love series?
Louisa: That's probably true on some level, because the change in the way the public views chefs enabled a lot more chef memoirs to be published--and that's really where my interest started. Books like Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and Bill Buford's Heat provided glimpses into real restaurant kitchens. And as I devoured nonfiction about chefs, all I could think about was how sexy they were, and what good heroes they'd make!
ATR: Very cool Louisa. I guess it's true that we find inspiration Everywhere! I read that you worked as a Restaurant Reviewer, aside from numerous other things. Have any of your books been written from experience?
Louisa: In addition to reviewing restaurants, I also have several friends who work as professional chefs, and they were nice enough to let me trail them through their kitchens and ask a lot of nitty gritty questions! So a lot of my research came from that and from their stories, but a lot of it is straight out of my imagination, too.
ATR: That has got to be some Good Nitty Gritty....Oh Boy!! (Laughing) I love that The Rising Star series takes place in New York. As a born and raised New Yorker, Lunden's Tavern takes me back to the GREAT Restaurants that line the Manhattan Streets. Did you create the Tavern after any specific restaurant? What is your favorite cuisine to eat?
Louisa: What a fun question! I actually think of Lunden's as sort of a cross between Minetta Tavern and 21 Club--physically, more like Minetta, but with the old classic feel of 21. When we lived in New York, our favorite restaurant was probably Ouest, on the Upper West Side, but now when we visit, we go everywhere and try everything! I could never narrow it down to one favorite cuisine, but country French (steak frites, salade lyonnais) is my comfort food.
ATR: Sounds Yummy....So much for that Lean Cuisine Pepperoni Pizza I had last night...Anyway, The Rising Star Competition......What an Awesome Idea....How did it come about??
Louisa: Anyone who follows me on Twitter or is a fan of my Facebook page knows--I'm obsessed with Top Chef! And Iron Chef, and Hell's Kitchen, and...you get the idea. I love culinary competitions, love the creativity talented chefs display under pressure, and the way tensions (and personalities) run hot when the competition gets fierce. I thought it would make a great backdrop for romance, and I loved that it gave me the excuse to do research like attending the US finals of the Bocuse d'Or at the Culinary Institute of America!
ATR: Oooooh...Do they give out Free Samples?? Tee hee...So, can you tell us a bit about the New Trilogy you are working on?? Um....Black Irish...HELLO!!
Louisa: Details on the new trilogy are pretty hush hush because we're right in the middle of negotiating the deal. Sorry! But if you want to keep updated, follow me on Twitter @LouisaEdwards, 'like' my FB page at http://facebook.com/LouisaEdwardsFanPage or sign up for my newsletter at http://louisaedwards.com/mailinglist.html. I'll be posting news very soon, I hope! Fingers crossed.
ATR: I'll cross mine for you too!! So before I let you go, I have to ask you the Giveaway question: With the Holiday's like...hovering over our shoulders......Do you have one Signature Holiday dish that is a hit year after year?? Or a Favorite Holiday Treat that you request year after year??
Louisa: Hmmm...My favorite holiday dessert is an old-fashioned one that we make every single year in my family, for generations: Delmonico Pudding! In fact, there's a variation on my family's recipe in the back of my second book, On the Steamy Side!
ATR: Um...I am grabbing my copy off the shelf right now (stomach growling)Louisa...THANK YOU, THANK YOU for doing an interview with A Tasty Read. Congratulations on the New Release of Some Like It Hot, and I am dying for Beck's book.....So keep em' coming!!
Louisa: Thank you so much for having me! It was a blast. And good luck in the drawing, everyone!
Giveaway Question: Do you have one Signature Dish that has become a HIT year after year, or is there a Holiday Treat that you put in a request for each year?? (Be aware...I may be asking for some recipies) *Don't forget to leave an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!!
Delectable Guest
Louisa Edwards grew up in Virginia before moving to Manhattan to work with some of the biggest names in romance publishing. She also worked as a restaurant reviewer for a small-town newspaper, a waitress at a retirement home, and behind the counter at an organic bakery before she decided to unite her lifelong passions for romance novels and cooking by writing contemporary romances full of smokin’ hot chefs, smart and independent women, and original recipes.
Treading Water 
