Beth Ciotta Talks Cupcakes (and Giveaway)

 

I am THRILLED to have Beth Ciotta, Author of Fool for Love, the first in her new Cupcake Lovers Series here today at A Tasty Read. 

Beth is also giving away a copy of Fool for Love to ONE LUCKY WINNER...So make sure to leave a comment answering Beth's giveaway question in order to be entered and a valid email address.  Winner will be chosen on Monday, Sept 3rd.

**Congratulations Jen C....who is the winner of the Fool for Love Giveaway.  I will contact you ASAP, so that I can get your address to Beth.  Thank you to all of you who entered!!

So without further ado...

A Tasty Read: Hey Beth...Thank you so much for taking the time to hang out with A Tasty Read today.

Beth Ciotta: Thank you for having me, Lisa. What a delicious place to be!   

A Tasty Read: You are here today talking about your New Release, Fool for Love, which is the first book in the Cupcake Lovers Series.  This book sounds RIGHT UP MY ALLEY, coming from a Romance Writer, Reader and Serious Baker.  Can you tell my Tasty Readers a little bit about Fool for Love?

Beth: Where to begin? What to share? Let’s start with the Cupcake Lovers series overall. Do you like soap operas or nighttime TV dramadies like Gilmore Girls or Northern Exposure or Men or Trees or… well, hopefully you get my drift. Small town. Quirky characters. Secrets, betrayal, intrigue, comedy, drama. Sexy romance and complicated relationships with friends and family.

As for FOOL FOR LOVE specifically, St. Martin’s Press sums it up in a way I can’t beat. Here’s the pitch!

 

SHE’S CRAVING A SWEET NEW LIFE…

Call her a fool, but chef-in-training Chloe Madison wants to have her cake and eat it too.  So when her boyfriend dumps her for some French tart, she decides to start over from scratch—with a new life and a job in Sugar Creek, Vermont.  What could be sweeter than cooking for an eccentric lady who’s crazy for desserts?  What could be more tempting than joining a club called the Cupcake Lovers?  Just one thing: local business hunk Devlin Monroe…

AND HE’S THE ICING ON THE CUPCAKE

Although he’s the grandson of Chloe’s fun-loving boss, Devlin Monroe is all work and no play. Micro-managing the family business, he doesn’t have time to indulge in life’s sweetest pleasures—until he meets Chloe.  How can he resist such a vibrant, beautiful woman who brings so much passion to the table? But when old grudges and secrets threaten to destroy the Cupcake Lovers, Devlin must decide if his feelings for Chloe are a recipe for disaster—or a sinfully delicious ever-after…

A Tasty Read: This sounds like my FAVORITE kind of romance.  Are you allowed to share with us your plans for the Cupcake Lovers Series?

Beth: Hmm. Well, I certainly don’t want to give up any spoilers, but I can tell you this. The characters that you meet in FOOL FOR LOVE will continue throughout the series as will any drama connected with them. Each series centers on a new hero and heroine and their romance, but also revolves around the on-going antics and pursuits of the Cupcake Lovers—a club dedicated to charitable causes.

A Tasty Read: And butting into everyone's love lives I bet!! 

Contemporary, Steampunk, Historical and Paranormal...WOW...out of the four, do you have a favorite genre to write?  One that sparks your creative genius?

Beth: Yikes. I don’t know if I can choose. I adore them all for different reasons. Each sub-genre speaks to me in a different way, sparks my passion with its unique world. I don’t mean to cop out, but I seriously do get a rush writing all the subgenres mentioned.

A Tasty Read: Any other Upcoming/New Releases that your fans need to know about??

Beth: In addition to the small town contemporary Cupcake Lovers series with St. Martin’s Press, I’m also writing a new steampunk romance series—The Glorious Victorious Darcys—for NAL (Penguin). The launch book—HER SKY COWBOY releases November 6^th.  Something for everyone. Exciting times for me!  

A Tasty Read: Tell us ONE thing that your fans may not know about you?

Beth: I didn’t go to college. There are probably a lot of things readers don’t know about me and I don’t know why I chose that tidbit, except to maybe emphasize that there are many ways and roads to reach your goals. I have a motto—“My passion is greater than my fear.”  It has served me well.  

A Tasty Read: I love that motto, I hope you don't mind if I borrow it!!

As a guest of A Tasty Read, you have to share with us your favorite Dessert.

Beth: Oh, crud. Really? If I were promo savvy just now I’d share a specific, wondrous and unique cupcake recipe. But, honestly? German Chocolate Cake. I’ve been a sucker for good old fashioned German Chocolate Cake for as long as I can remember. I don’t give a fig if it’s in cupcake or pan cake form. Bring. It. On! 

A Tasty Read: Since you have graciously offered Fool for Love as a giveaway, you get to pick the *Giveaway Question* that must be answered to enter the contest!!

Beth: What fun! *rubbing hands together and waggling brows* Let’s see. Oh, yes. If you could lick icing off of one celebrity’s chest, who would that hunky celebrity be?

A Tasty Read: WHOA...Great question...ok ladies...if you want to enter the giveaway, you must answer Beth's question...this should be interesting!!

Thank you, thank you so much for visiting with me and for letting us get to know you better!!  I can't wait to get my hands on more Beth Ciotta Romances!!

Beth: I can’t thank you enough for having me, Lisa. I had a blast and hope we can do it again!

 

Don't forget to answer Beth's question if you want to enter to win the copy of Fool for Love, and make sure to keep an eye out tomorrow for my review of Fool for Love!!

For more information on Beth and her upcoming releases, check out her website: http://www.bethciotta.com/

 

 

 

 

Give this one a shot!

Close Enough to Touch
Victoria Dahl
Released August 28th, 2012
384 Pages
Harlequin HQN
Source: NetGalley


This is the first in a new series from Victoria Dahl, a bit more emotional than her other contemporary romances, but if you give it a chance, I think you will be happy that you did.

Make-up Artist, Grace Barrett, escapes to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with thirty dollars in her pocket and a duffel bag full of everything she owns.  Her great-aunt, Rayleen, offers her an apartment to stay in until she can get back on her feet, which sounds easier said than done, when you owe your ex-boyfriend eight thousand dollars and there could be a warrant out for your arrest.

In steps Cole Rawlins, yummy, sexy cowboy neighbor, who tries to get past Grace's defenses, but gets into her pants instead.  Between these two broken souls, it will take a miracle for either to find more than physical release with one another, but never say never.  With a cast of characters that shake things up for Grace and Cole, you will enjoy Close Enough to Touch, you just have to give it a chance. 

I personally was very close to putting the book down a few times, I was having a hard time holding interest, but then I got to a point where I was very curious about Cole and what past secrets he was hiding, and then I got swept into the story and by the time I was done, I had come to really like Grace and Cole, and I was curious to see where their relationship was headed.  So, I will say if you are feeling this way at the beginning..KEEP READING...it just gets better!!

I am excited to see where this series is headed and who will be the next hero and heroine, we certainly have many new faces to choose from!!  As a fan of Victoria Dahl, I should have known she would never let me down when it comes to romance!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

Reese's Brownie Cheesecake Bars

I haven't shared a recipe in SOOOOOO long...and I came across this decedent dessert while looking for a yummy treat to help a friend with her bake sale.  They looked too good to pass up, so I want to share them with you...My Tasty Readers!! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

12oz Bag Reese's Pieces
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix
Eggs and Oil for Brownies
12oz Bag of Chocolate Chips
8oz Package of Cream Cheese
1/2 c. Creamy Peanut Butter
14oz Can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 tbsp. Whipping Cream
12 large. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Prepare a 19.5 oz box of chocolate fudge brownie mix according to package directions.  Spread batter in the pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat one 8oz package of softened cream cheese with a hand-held mixer until fluffy.

Add:
One 14oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
1/2c. creamy peanut butter

Beat until smooth.

Stir in a 12oz bag of reese's pieces candies.

Spoon the mixture over the brownie batter and spread evenly.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and the edges are golden brown.  Cool for 30 minutes and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Add the following ingredients to a small microwaveable bowl:

12oz bag of chocolate chips
3 tbsp whipping cream

Microwave on High for 1 minute, or until chips are melted.  Stir until smooth.  Spread over the cheesecake layer.  Sprinkle 12 large Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (chopped) over the top.  Store covered in the refrigerator.

Makes 20 large portions, 40 smaller

Recipe is from SparkPeople, http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1852710

Hannah Harrington Strikes Again

Speechless
Hannah Harrington
Released August 28th, 2012
288 Pages
Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley

"Hate is easy, but love takes courage."

 
 Hannah Harrington's sophomore release, Speechless, leaves you feeling vindicated, which might be the wrong word to use, but I felt that anyone who reads this wonderfully written YA novel will know that hate crimes against Gay's are serious and even just doing a small part in the diminishing of these stupid views of what is right and wrong can make a difference.

Hannah Harrington has the amazing ability to keep you thinking, about her stories, about how you live your life and what you can do differently.  I know that anyone who reads this book will have a different view of a lot of things when they are finished, and I hope you will see yourself as our heroine, Chelsea or even Asha and Sam, rather than a character like Warren or Joey.

Speechless is a story about Chelsea Knot, wanna be popular girl, who's gossiping ways has caused a life-changing event within her High School and she decides to do the right thing and take a stand.  Not only does she learn who her real friends are, but she meets a few new friends who teach her that "Hate" comes at a high price.

Chelsea Knot might have been a foolish girl at the beginning of Speechless, but by the end you will see a stronger Chelsea, someone who isn't a follower anymore, but a leader, a real friend and maybe even a teen crusader...I liked her a lot!!

Simply put, I thought this was a wonderful story and everyone should read it, if not for the message, but the cute love story that blooms like a fragile flower in a rain storm.  This is one to have your children read, especially those who don't realize that Words Hurt, and befriending someone who may appear different could change your life!!

I HIGHLY recommend Speechless and I hope you all will take the time to read this wonderful release, and maybe pass on the message to someone else!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY

Hey My Lovely Tasty Readers....

Who is in the mood for a GIVEAWAY?? ME!!!

I have a BRAND NEW Paperback copy of the Re-released WILD CARD by Lora Leigh.  This is the first book in her Elite Ops Series...and One of the BEST books I have read...Talk about a tear-jerker!!

 

 

It was supposed to be simple. All Navy SEAL Nathan Malone had to do was rescue three young girls from a Colombia drug cartel, then allow himself to be captured just long enough to draw out a government spy. That was before his mission went disastrously wrong…and before his wife, Bella, was told that Nathan was never coming home.

Bella’s mourned her husband’s death for three long years. But she has no idea he’s still alive. Forced to assume a new identity, the man Nathan was is now dead. If he can get back to his wife, can he keep the secret of who he really is…even as desire threatens to consume them? And as danger threatens to tear Bella from Nathan’s arms once more?

 

 

Winner will be announced on Thursday, Sept 30th!!

 

Congratulations Sue P. for winning the copy of the re-release of Wild Card.  Thank you for everyone who entered!!

 

 

To enter:

 

(1) PLEASE be a Follower of A Tasty Read, either through Email, Google Friends or NetworkedBlogs

 

 

(2)PLEASE leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS to enter, anyone without an email address will NOT be entered.

 

 

(3) PLEASE share this post on your Facebook page or Twitter, if you feel so inclined to do.  I'd love to gain new followers, especially if you have some Romance-a-holic friends!!

 

 

Hope you all will enter...and good luck!!

Holiday Season in Last Chance

Last Chance Christmas
Last Chance #4
Hope Ramsay
Releasing Sept 25th, 2012
352 Pages
Forever
Source: NetGalley

Dear Reader,
I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

Who doesn't LOVE a great Christmas story...and this certainly was a beautiful story about a chance at love a second time around, and opening our hearts to new possibilities.  We have seen Stone throughout the complete series and he was grumpy and surly and just a Grinch.  But why?  We heard a bit here and there but never knew the full reasons or what happened between Stone and Sharon from when they were eighteen to now.  We finally get all of our answers in Last Chance Christmas...completely worth the read.

We meet a few new friends, Lark Chaikin, who is out heroine, who has Stone feeling things that he thought were gone forever.  David, a new friend of Lizzy, and a few other friends who help us solve a forty-year-old murder mystery and reveal a huge secret that will change lives forever. 

Haley and her sorrowful angel play a big part in Last Chance Christmas, and I have to say, I was thrilled that they were able to help Stone find his second chance at a Happily-Ever -After.  This was a beautiful story about a man and woman who found each other at a time in their lives when they needed someone the most.  Plan on getting choked up a few times while reading Last Chance Christmas, and keep an open mind and heart...Hope Ramsay will have you believing in Angels!!

I hope you will plan on reading the whole Last Chance series but make sure to put this one on your Christmas List....There is nothing like a story about a second chance at love...LOVED IT!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

Takin' a Trip to 1990 in Last Chance

Last Chance Bride
Last Chance #3.5
Hope Ramsay
Releasing Sept 4th, 2012
40 Pages
Forever Yours
Source: NetGalley

Dear Reader,

My boy Stone has always been the quiet one in the family, but now he's got the whole town talking. He and his long-time sweetheart Sharon are crazy about each other, but suddenly they can't see eye-to-eye on their future. Sharon thought they were going to go to college, then get married. But Stone had other plans--plans he didn't share with anyone. So it looks like our resident matchmaker Miriam is going to be wrong for the first time ever. She swears Sharon and Stone are true soul mates. Well, I think between the broken promises and Sharon's meddling mother, these two kids are going to need a miracle to make it down the aisle. . .

There's Arlene-I just need to finish her trim and then I can head over to the Watermelon Festival. Be sure to stop back by the Cut 'n' Curl for hot rollers, free coffee-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Last Chance Bride is a flashback to 1990, giving Last Chance fans a look at Stone and Sharon's relationship right before they go off to college, or so Sharon thinks that is what their plans are.  Stone is headed in another direction and when he tells Sharon his plans, well...lets just say they don't go over very well.

It was fun to see all the Last Chance characters back in the day, especially Rocky with her bare feet and dirty knees.  I loved the small scene where Stone has a heart-to-heart with his Aunt Arlene, who we have seen in previous books, but never really got to know her all that well.  I enjoyed the intimate scene between aunt and nephew, Arlene sure is a smart lady!!

Even though the novella is very short, it is really all we need to get a small taste of where the Stone/Sharon magic came from, and it is easier to understand why Stone is so closed off in the love department.  I can't wait to finish Last Chance Christmas, where Stone might just meet the one woman who throws him off his balance...and I am lovin it!!

Enjoying the Watermelon Festival

Last Chance Beauty Queen
Last Chance #3
Hope Ramsay
Released Feb 1st, 2012
368 Pages
Forever
Source: NetGalley

Dear Reader,

Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty?

Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same.

Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes


Rocky Rhodes romance sure didn't disappoint!!  Take a small town, mix in a an English Lord, throw in a bit of drama for fun and you get yourself one very sweet romance.

I was excited to read Last Chance Beauty Queen because we didn't get all that much Rocky Rhodes, little sister, in the last two books, so I was curious to know more about her.  Small town girl disguises herself as buttoned up business woman, when all she really wants to do is run around in her bare feet and live in a Fairy Tale.  Unfortunately, the only prince material around is Hugh DeBracy, and he is the last man that she should be thinking about falling in love with.

Poor Hugh...I just loved him and I savored every kiss that he and Rocky shared...they were so romantic.  It could also be that a man with an English accent it hot...but I think Hope did an amazing job with writing a hero that we all would fall completely in love with.  Rocky never stood a chance.

Like the rest of the series, Last Chance Beauty Queen has many of our favorite town folk involved in the drama, and the more the merrier in my book.  We get to find out a bit more about Bubba and Dash, who have been making small appearances, and I am dying to know if the Sorrowful Angel is who I think it is...according to Aunt Petal...she might be a spirit of someone who has unfinished business...and I think I know who that is...I'll just have to start Last Chance Christmas right away!!

I hope you have enjoyed hanging out in Last Chance, South Carolina as much as I have.  Tomorrow will be our last day here, and just enough time to see what happens when Stone Rhodes meets a woman looking for information about her father...maybe he will even crack a smile!!  We'll see!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

Two-Steppin at Dot's Spot

Home at Last Chance
Last Chance #2
Hope Ramsay
Released Sept 1st, 2011
352 Pages
Forever
Source: NetGalley

Dear Reader,

You won't believe what's happened. My son Tulane has come back home! You remember Tulane? He'd set out to find fame and fortune in the big, wide world outside of Last Chance, and I'm mighty proud. But that's not the half of it-Tulane isn't only back, he's brought a young lady with him.

Now Sarah-she does PR for Tulane's stock-car team-she's from Boston, but she's just about the sweetest girl you could meet. I think she's meant to keep Tulane out of trouble after that story in the papers, but he doesn't want to talk about it. Anyhow, the Ladies Auxiliary can't wait to start matchmaking and introduce Sarah to our Reverend Ellis. But mark my words, Sarah is tired of being a good girl. And no one is better at breaking the rules and raising Cain than my son . . .

Listen to me going on and keeping customers waiting. I best get back to work, but you come round again. The Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

Don't you just love the blurbs for this series!!  They are so cute and inviting, I think it's one of the first things to catch my attention when looking into this series by Hope Ramsay. 

I will be honest and say I didn't love Home at Last Chance as much as the first book.  The storyline was still cute, and I enjoyed watching Tulane and Sarah fall for each other, but there were some things that were left unfinished for me, which they could be a running storyline, but I guess I was looking for a bit more closure, and the ending seemed a bit abrupt.  I was left with a feeling of being lost instead of smiling and feeling like all is right with the world.  Hopefully these cliffhangers will be answered in the next book of the series. 

Things I did enjoy about Home at Last Chance was the friendship that developed between Tulane and Sarah, and then a crush, and then a budding relationship, only if both of them could get their heads out of their asses long enough to realize that they both feel the same way about each other.  They had some funny moments and I got a kick out of these two!

We get a peek at all the same town folk that we loved from book one, and a few more characters that shake things up a bit.  One of my favorite parts of these book is the Angels.  I can't wait to find out what will happen with the Sorrowful Angel of Haley's who cries all the time.  I am a big believer in Angels and the protection of Angels, and I love how Hope Ramsay gets us to find the child within ourselves and has everyone believing in Angels.

Excited to get started on the next book, Last Chance Beauty Queen and I'll be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on Little sister, Rocky's book!!

Hope you all enjoy this series and give it a shot, you won't be disappointed!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading!!

Hanging at the Cut n' Curl

Welcome to Last Chance
Last Chance #1
Hope Ramsay
Released March 1st, 2011
332 Pages
Grand Central Publishing
Source: Reviewer Purchased

Dear Reader,

Yes, our town is way off the beaten path, but strange, wonderful miracles happen a lot around here.

I've owned the Cut 'n' Curl beauty shop for years, and I've seen folks come for a visit, then stay for a lifetime. Take Jane-that pretty firecracker of a girl who just arrived in town. I would swear she's running from something. She came with only five dollars in her pocket but she's worked real hard to make a fresh start. She's turned my son Clay's life upside down without even realizing it.

And thank goodness for that! Ever since Clay left his country western band, he's played everything too safe. He needs to take a chance on Jane. Besides, the more he tries to keep his distance, the more he'll realize that he and Jane are singing the same tune.

But I should quit ramblin' and go check on Millie's permanent wave. Next time you're in Last Chance, be sure to swing by. We've got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,

Ruby Rhodes

What a GREAT beginning to what looks to be a fun, small-town series, with characters that capture your hearts and have you wishing Last Chance, South Carolina actually existed.  A few chapters into Welcome to Last Chance and I was sucked in, I simply loved it, reminded me so much of Susan Elizabeth Phillips earlier books when her characters practically jumped off the pages.

From the first page I LOVED Clay Rhodes...well Clayton P., but only his Momma or Jane can call him that.  He is so much more than your typical bad-boy and has a huge heart that carries a lot of pain and a lot of worry, but things are different when he gets around Wanda Jane Coblentz, or just Jane, or if you want you can call her Mary Smith, cause that's what her license says. 

Yes, there is that much drama going on, but you will be laughing, tearing up and saying...Seriously...Not another one!  But when Miriam tells you that a woman coming on the nine-thirty greyhound is your soul mate, you have no other choice but to listen.

The characters are amazing!!  Hope Ramsay sets a town with people who you want to be around, I simply loved every single one....well...I could do without Lillian Bray, but please don't let the word get out...She gives The Look and I don't want to be on the return end of that one!!  The perfect amount of secondary characters come into the story without being overwhelming, or annoying, and they enhance the romance instead of taking away from it. 

This book left me light-hearted and ready to gobble up the next book of the series.  The one person I am looking forward to reading about is Clay's brother, Stone, the handsome, all-too-serious town Sheriff...Can't wait to see who will be able to puncture the walls he has put up around his heart!! 

Great series so far, loving every moment, and I hope you will too!!  Highly recommended and I can't wait to read more about my new friends over in Last Chance.