Saturday, August 31, 2013

The Way to a Man's Heart~ Baked Fried Chicken #recipe #goodeats

The Way to a Man's ♥~
Baked Fried Chicken

This simple recipe for Baked Fried Chicken frees up your time so you don't have to spend an hour standing over a hot greasy pan or deep fryer-

Ingredients-
Chicken
Milk

1/2 tsp. Salt
1 TBSP Season All
3/4 tsp Pepper
1 cup Flour
2 tsp Paprika

Mix dry ingredients in a Gallon size Ziploc bag or a large bowl.

Preheat oven to 400ยบ. Melt 1/2 a stick of butter in a 9x13 dish in oven after it's preheated.

Make sure bottom of dish is thoroughly coated in melted butter (if not, use some cooking spray to cover it)

Dredge chicken through milk and then into flour mixture then place in dish.

Cook 20 minutes and then turn each piece over and continue cooking for another 20 minutes more, until cooked through.


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Welcome @SondraCarr #Author of The World of Pangaea Series to #ThursdayswithTaryn

Thursdays with Taryn
Sondra Allan Carr

(click image above to go check out Sondra's Website)

What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?
Some years ago, I read Robin McKinley’s first book, Beauty. It’s a little gem of a YA novella that forever hooked me on the Beauty and the Beast theme. My first published novel, A Bed of Thorns and Roses, is a historical romance set during America’s Gilded Age. It follows the Beauty and the Beast story fairly closely.
Apparently, one book wasn’t enough to get Beauty and the Beast out of my system. My second full-length novel is titled—wait for it—The Beast. This book is the first in my fantasy romance series, The World of Pangaea. Despite its title, the book doesn’t follow the Beauty and the Beast story quite as closely, though it deals with the theme of redemption through love. My hero is really beastly. His father subjected him to horrible abuse throughout his childhood and youth. As a result, he suffers from what we now call post-traumatic stress disorder. He lives with a hair-trigger temper that sends him into fits of rage and causes him to commit acts he later bitterly regrets. He’s the darkest hero I ever have or ever hope to write. Thankfully, the hero of the second book in my series, The Savage, is anything but savage. He’s the exact opposite of my hero in The Beast and very easy to love.

What book do you read over and over again? A debut novel by Toby Barlow called Sharp Teeth. It’s the only book I’ve ever read straight through three times in a row. I rarely buy hardcover books any more, but when I came to “The End” for the third time and immediately flipped back to page one, I decided it was time to buy it, and I returned my library copy. I said all that before describing the book, because when I tell you, you’ll probably have the same Say What? reaction I did when I first heard of the book. It’s a story about werewolves set in modern-day L.A. and written entirely in blank verse. Please don’t let that turn you off. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read, and it’s beautiful. I still dip into it every so often, and I’ve probably read through it half a dozen times by now.

Tuesday/Thursday Trio-
1)      Movie- I can’t name just one! I love comedies, though really good ones are few and far between. Legally Blonde; Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels; A Fish Called Wanda; and here are some more obscure ones that are worth searching out: Jabberwocky (with Michael Palin); Death at a Funeral (NOT the American remake but the original British comedy starring the actor who played Darcy in Pride and Prejudice); and an indie production called A Film with Me in It, great if you like those English farces in the tradition of Kind Hearts and Coronets, where people keep dying off hilariously.
2)      Music- The Beatles, always and forever; Brahms; current favorite performer: David Garrett (Sometimes the gods walk among us. He is Apollo and Adonis rolled into one, I’m sure of it.)
3)      Decadent Dessert- Any kind of pie made by Sweet Magnolia, the world’s best pie shop, which is fortunately (or unfortunately) just down the street from me.

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel?
Really, it’s almost too gross to share. The second novel in my series, The Savage (coming in the late fall), takes place in the rainforest. There are really heinous parasites there, and my heroine keeps refusing to remove her ugly woolen cap the whole time she’s there. I knew she had a good reason for this but didn’t understand until I finally came across a news article about a story that happened recently. A woman vacationing in Peru had a fly get in her ear. She didn’t think anything of it until she got home and started having horrendous headaches. The MRIs showed she had maggots hatching out in her brain. Yuck! Sorry, I’ve probably put you off your dinner now. If you’re not so squeamish and want to know more, here’s the link to the news story: Flesh Eating Maggots

Novel on your Nightstand:
Who/what are you currently reading? Actually, it’s a book I’m re-reading. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. It’s one of those books I study for craft {Tweet This}. I’ve never read any other book that takes me as deep into a character’s psychology. It’s written in third person POV, not first, but stays in the title character’s perspective the entire time. It’s claustrophobic and enthralling. I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to give away any spoilers. Just read it!

Whom would you cast as your Main Characters/Hero/Heroine if your book became a movie?
Chris Hemsworth, as he looked in Thor, definitely. He’s exactly how I imagined my hero, King Armander, in The Beast. And his brother Liam would be perfect to play Armander’s younger brother, Aurik, who is a secondary character in The Savage, and the hero of the third book in the series, The Swordmaster’s Daughter. I’m definite on the hero, but in a complete quandary for my heroines. If anyone has any suggestions, I’d love to hear them. 



The King’s Witch: A Short Story Introducing The World of Pangaea  

The Knowledge. It shows her what has been, what will be, and--even more fearful--what may be. Some call it a gift, but Koreen knows better. The Knowledge is a curse.

Her story is a tragic one; The Knowledge has revealed as much. Though she cannot save herself, she may yet save others. Then her sacrifices were not in vain.

An unspeakable evil is about to overrun the earth, while the only man able to defeat the demon hordes remains ignorant of his destiny. The future depends on her ability to convince him of the truth. But will the young king listen? Especially since he has sworn death or exile to all who practice the black arts.

King Armander finds it difficult to believe the vile creature standing before him was the dead king's consort. She seems more demented than evil, and unaware her life hangs in the balance. His sense of justice demands he allow her to plead for herself.

"Can you tell me, Witch, any reason why I should spare your life?"

As soon as she speaks, he regrets his question. She reveals his past, and the dark deed no one else could know he committed. Her knowledge of his secret adds weight to her dire prophecy: that with her execution, he will lose his only ally in defeating the dark forces loosed on his kingdom. His own life, in fact, will be forfeit.

Does he dare defy his own edict to save himself and his people? Can he trust the woman known to all simply as The King's Witch?

Reader's caveat: This story contains a single sex scene that is fairly graphic and may be disturbing to some. Those who prefer to avoid such content and those under 18 please be advised, this story may be inappropriate for you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Beast, Book One of The World of Pangaea

Young King Armander inherits the throne determined to restore his kingdom to its former glory. The years of abuse suffered under the old king’s reign have taken their toll on his people—even more so on Armander. The torments visited on him by his demon-worshipping father have disfigured his soul and left Armander with an enduring anger that no longer has a target. His barely contained rage, unleashed at the slightest provocation, has earned him a name whispered behind his back: The Beast.

When Armander learns a neighboring king has plotted his assassination, he demands the king’s daughter as reparation. Immediately captivated by the beautiful princess, Armander discovers it is he, in fact, who has become hostage to her charms. As his love for her grows increasingly apparent to those around him, Armander fails to realize Princess E’laiahna has powerful enemies within the palace, men who will stop at nothing to keep her from becoming Queen. Yet only one man can drive her away forever—the one people call The Beast.

You can also find Sondra on Facebook HERE.

 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Welcome @WithLoveSiobhan MacKenzie, #Author of M/M Erotica "His Man" Series to #TuesdayswithTaryn

 Tuesdays with Taryn
Siobhan MacKenzie



What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?
I loved reading the works of Sidney Sheldon, Erica Jong, and Jacqueline Susan. Such raw sensuality – books like Valley of the Dolls and Fear of Flying really resonated with me. I love stories that aren’t afraid to push the sexual bounds – Fifty Shades of Grey, Masters at Arms are two of my current favorites.

What book do you read over and over again?
Actually, the “book” I read over and over is a series – the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I love historical fiction/romance and this series is absolutely brilliant.

Tuesday Trio-
1)      Movie- Cleopatra with Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison
2)      Music- The Moody Blues (great music for romance)
3)      Decadent Dessert- a really good chocolate torte with lots of whipped cream and hot fudge

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel?
When I was researching for Her Scottish Exile, as well as His Man Friday, I wanted to know about the male orgasm, what it felt like and the sensations of it. So much is made of the female orgasm but no one ever discusses the orgasm from the male viewpoint. I found a couple of message boards where someone had asked that very question, and the answers that men gave were fascinating to me. They all said the same thing, to the effect that the male orgasm is that perfect zen moment {Tweet This} for them. Which is what I wrote in the particular chapter of Her Scottish Exile and in the section between Rick and Dave in His Man Friday.

Novel on your Nightstand:
Who/what are you currently reading?
Ecstasy by Bella Andre

Whom would you cast as your Main Characters/Hero/Heroine if your book became a movie?
I’m gonna go with Zac Efron for Dave Johnson – he’s got that innocent vibe going on and yet, he is a lot smarter than many give him credit for being. Yeah, he’d make a great Dave. I could totally see Justin Timberlake playing J. R. “Rick” Rickman – he’s got that street smart playboy vibe happening. He’d be perfect.


**The debut of Erotica and Romance author Siobhan MacKenzie**

David Johnson gets the job of a lifetime when billionaire mogul J. R. Rickman ("Call me Rick") hires him on as his Personal Assistant. In all of the qualifications for the job, Rick prizes one above the rest -- that David be an adventurous man. Rick promises him amazing sites and new experiences. David finds out those adventures don't just come in the boardroom either. David decides that being His Man Friday is a pretty exciting job after all.

His Man Friday is a piece of short fiction of approximately 11,500 words, featuring m/m sexuality.





**From Siobhan MacKenzie, author of 'His Man Friday', comes the sequel and continuation of the His Man... Series.**

Dave Johnson is about to celebrate his third anniversary as J. R. Rickman's Personal Attache and sometime lover. The milestone brings complications, however. To celebrate, Rick names Dave President and CEO of a new holding, bringing their relationship to a new level. But Elyssa decides she wants more from her relationship with Dave, adding a little more complication to his life. She knows nothing about what really goes on between the men. Dave is going to have to decide what he really wants from both Rick and Elyssa, and life as 'His Man Saturday'.



Siobhan's FACEBOOK PAGE
You can find out even more by visiting
With Love, Siobhan

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Taryn's Sunday Snippits Heavenly, cursed man! CASTAWAY HEARTS #excerpt


     “What? Do you want to rub more salt into my wounds?” Catherine spit the words in his direction.
     “No, Catherine, I wish to apologize.” Dawson knelt down and took a seat next to her on the grass. “For what I said last night and for what I mentioned at dinner tonight. I only meant to tease.”
     “Well, that’s cruel mockery on your part.” He smelled of pine and tobacco, familiar scents that reminded her of England and caused her to bite back another round of homesick tears.
     Heavenly, cursed man!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

The Way to a Man's Heart Sweet & Sour Pineapple Pork Chops #recipes #goodeats

The Way to a Man's ♥~
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Pork Chops

A sweet and savory recipe, this isn't far from the actual recipe on the back of my cornstarch box, as I discovered the other night as I was preparing it.

Ingredients-
Pork chops

1-14 oz can of Chicken Broth
2 TBSPS Soy Sauce
1 TBSP Vinegar

2 TBSPS Brown Sugar
2 TBSPS Cornstarch
1 15 1/4 oz can Pineapple Tidbits

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยบ
  2. Place Pork Chops in foil-lined casserole dish
  3. Bring broth, soy sauce and vinegar to a boil in a saucepan
  4. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, cornstarch and juice from pineapple until smooth
  5. Whisk into boiling broth mixture until slightly thickened, then mix in pineapple tidbits
  6. Pour over pork chops, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes
  7. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes.


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Welcome @AbigailKeam #Author of Wall of Doom to #ThursdayswithTaryn

Thursdays with Taryn
Abigail Keam
(Click image above to go to Abigail's website)

What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Double Indemnity by James M. Cain
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Any book by Raymond E. Feist
A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton

What book do you read over and over again?
The classics of any genre. 

Thursday Trio-
1)      Movie- Gilda with Rita Hayworth
2)      Music- Sixties Rock
3)      Decadent Dessert- My mother’s Christmas fudge

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel?  There are scorpions in Kentucky. 

Novel on your Nightstand:
Who/what are you currently reading?
Wrath Of A Mad God by Raymond E. Feist

Whom would you cast as your Main Characters/Hero/Heroine if your book became a movie?  Summer Glau as Princess Maura  and Taylor Lautner as Dorak

Princess Maura is the beloved and spoiled daughter of Queen Abisola and her Consort Iasos, but an ill wind is blowing their way. From the distant east nomadic tribesmen known as the Bhuttanians have unified under the leadership of Zoar, a powerful chieftain who is bent on building a vast empire. Queen Abisola has little time to transform her peaceful, agrarian country into a fighting military unit able to take on Zoar’s experienced warriors.

Queen Abisola must sacrifice her daughter to the Dinii, a bird-like people who will adopt and train Princess Maura as a warrior who will lead her people against Zoar. For years, both the Dinii and Maura’s people train to withstand Zoar’s inevitable onslaught, but they never anticipated fighting the powerful black magic of Zoar’s evil Wizard.

Will Princess Maura lose the love of her life as she struggles to save her people? Will her country be able to survive where other countries have crumbled before the tyranny of Zoar? Or will the Dinii betray her county to the warlord Zoar?

Also recommended by Abigail-

"I find anything by J. R. Konrath in regards to marketing helpful."{Tweet This!}

Here is his blog:J. A. Konrath

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Welcome @LeTeishaNewton #Author of MURDER BY RITUAL to #TuesdayswithTaryn

Tuesdays with Taryn
Welcome LeTeisha Newton!
(clicking image above will take you to LeTeisha's website/blog)

What book(s) most influenced you as a writer?
Wow. I think that I’d have to say Kushiel’s Dart, by Jacqueline Carey, which was, by far, one of the best debut books I have ever read. I think I was salivating with each one that came out, it was a nine book series by the time she stopped writing in that world. Any time you have people tattooing their flesh with something that was in your book you have done an amazing job. I wanted to do that, and it is still my “I want to get there” novel.

What book do you read over and over again?
It’s a toss-up between Kushiel’s Dart (because I have the first printing with the original cover and I love the feel of it in my hands) and Dark Fire, by Christine Feehan, also in book format. Dark Fire introduced me to paranormal romance and I’ve never looked back!

Tuesday Trio-
1)      Movie-  Fifth Element is still a favorite!
2)      Music-  Danger by Etro Anime
3)      Decadent Dessert- Vanilla ice cream and a warm brownie!

What’s the most interesting or bizarre bit of trivia you’ve learned from researching for a novel?
That I have family members in England that perform sรฉances! I was researching psychics and people who commune with object of the dead for my heroine, Eris, in my book Murder by Ritual. That was a shock to see! I hadn’t known she was doing it (and I don’t publish her name because she asked me not to. Something about interfering with the spirits and the people who ask for her help). Also, I studied East Asian Studies in college, hence my use of the Chinese Four Mystical Animals in Dragon's Ward.


Novel on your Nightstand:
Who/what are you currently reading?
Dark Seduction by Gena Showalter. I wanted to read Paris’ story again. I was so heart-broken for him when he lost Sienna, and I was happy to see him get a woman!

Whom would you cast as your Main Characters/Hero/Heroine if your book became a movie?
Hmmm. When I think of Murder by Ritual, which is long enough to be a movie, I would have to say Thadie Newton (no relation I think) for Eris and Ken Watanabe for Ken, my hero and heroine of the story. I would also cast Alexander Skarsgard for Bosnair, head of the Vampire Houses, man he’s a beef cake, Julianne Moore as Bean, the Banshee director of the Special Core for Strands. I think they would be perfect. I would say who my villain would be, but then you’d know who the murder is and that would take away from the story!

Murder by Ritual-
(click book cover to go to Amazon Kindle buy page)

Eris Herrington on the scene of a grisly quadruple murder thinks she’s been pushed too far. Strands--humans who now had the power to walk as animals or, like her, could see into anything they touch--haven’t been public for long. A killer among them won’t be good.

Eris realizes she’s been manipulated for this case in order to join the Strand Special Core, and Ken Satou will be her partner. She’s ready to walk away, but Ken won’t stand for it. If he has to seduce her into submission to solve this case (TWEET THIS!) that is exactly what he’ll do.


Also available at
And COMING SOON!
(September 20, 2013)
Dragon's Ward
LeTeisha Newton


She became the Dragon’s Ward.

Brook had been hunted by her stalker, Roach, for nearly two years. He’s become crazed to have her, toying with her, until he can make her his forever. Just that forever for him means death for her.

When Stefan caught a nearly frozen woman in his arms, he never thought he would find the Phoenix to his King Dragon. She’s priceless, and his nobles, Cadoc and Nero, have been awaiting her to complete their quartet as well. Come hell or high water they will save her from Roach and claim her.

You can also check out a podcast reading of the 1st chapter HERE on LeTeisha's PodOmatic Profile!

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Taryn's Snippit Sundays~ The man had some nerve. CASTAWAY HEARTS #excerpt

 

      “Nathaniel looked happy as a lark to sail his maiden voyage as Captain.” Dawson commented. “Since a child, he’s claimed his wife would be the Sea.”
     Catherine shot Dawson a glare. The arrogant smile on his lips and the message in his eyes read as a warning.     She rolled her eyes at him and took another bite of green beans, chewing with such force she almost bit her tongue.
     As wonderful a cook as Althea was, the food tasted bland and had the texture of rubber. She knew it wasn’t the food, but her distaste for Dawson’s heartless remarks.
     The man had some nerve. {TWEET THIS}
     He knew she wouldn’t talk about her secret engagement to his brother in front of her grandparents and yet he seemed determined to taunt and tease her that she was not the wife his brother wanted or needed.
      Who was he to think he had any right to make that kind of presumption?