Hello and welcome to this week’s hop. Hope your Tuesday is going great! Thanks so much for joining us. We absolutely appreciate you!
Here is this week’s challenge:
Describe the best dessert you have ever had? When was the last time you ate it?
Now, that’s hard. I have a very sweet tooth and I love desserts. To make it even more difficult, I used to bake for a living, and had to constantly come up with new and interesting confections. Quality control dictated I had to try everything, right?
But if I had to pin it down to the best…that kind of depends on my mood. Sometimes I have to have chocolate, which means a rich homemade brownie with vanilla ice cream. Or my special Kahlua fudge, which I only make at Christmas.
Other times, it’s lemon and, in all modesty, I make some delicious lemon bars. They are rich with butter and sugar and, of course, lemon zest.
Did someone say cranberries? If you sweeten them with sugar and spread them in a pan with a light crust on top and bake until bubbly – yeah!
But, I suppose my very favorite has to be homemade apple pie. None of those canned apples, either. Granny Smith’s with sugar and cinnamon and butter. And a flaky crust. Wait, I just started drooling.
I haven’t had that apple pie in a long time, but I’m going to the store right now to get some apples. So, you should pop over to the wonderful Jenna Da Sie and hear about her best favorite…
Hello and happy Tuesday. Hope you had a restful weekend and today is going great. Thanks so much for joining us! It means so much!
Here is this week’s challenge:
The secondary characters (friends, family, colleagues, etc) in a romance novel can greatly influence the story. Describe a secondary character you’ve written that you can’t forget.
When I first wrote “The Dream Dancer” I had no intention of making it a series. But the Lady Bryce had three friends that were pretty interesting. Her sister-in-law, although not kind to Bryce initially, turned out to be an ally and they ended up great friends. In that case, the secondary character became the primary. And then there was Margaret. She was a widow and bored with her life, so she gave it all up to be a court jester. I mean, how could I pass up telling that story?
I kind of thought I was done until the Lady Grace started nagging. She wasn’t even considered a secondary character until she started speaking up. She wanted her story told as well. So, of course, what choice did I have?
That’s the thing – when a writer creates characters, they tend to take on a life of their own. You can either ignore it, or explore it. Me? Well, I’m curious by nature and always want to know more.
In the “Morocco” series, it was the same. I started out telling one story and the secondary characters wouldn’t leave me alone until I told their stories as well.
Now, I am writing a stand-alone – well, I think it’s a stand-alone. But what if?
Now let’s hop over to the wonderful and talented PG Forte and hear about her secondary characters. But first…
Only available for two more days!
Shifter Fever
This free collection is only available until the end of May. It includes PG Forte’s short story:Can’t Fight the Moonlight.
The Sierra Nevada foothills have been vampire Josiah Lodge’s hunting grounds for over a century. Alone since a lover’s betrayal cost him his family, the former trapper-turned-wildcrafter has given up on ever again finding love or acceptance. If he didn’t have to eat, he’d never venture out of his woods again. But needs must.
When Coldpelt (Cole) Moonwalker’s true shifter nature asserted itself, he was judged an abomination and cast out of his pack. Without a territory to call his own, he’s constantly on the move—which is how he ends up on Josh’s doorstep. While Cole dreams of someday finding a place where he can belong, he knows that place can never be with the scarred and surly vampire who undoubtedly has the blood of Cole’s people on his hands.
Will the attraction they feel for one another allow these natural enemies to overcome their sense of mutual distrust? Is enemies with benefits even a thing? Download Shifter Fever to find out!
It’s Tuesday again and time for our hop. We are really glad you’re here. It is so nice of you to join us today!
Here is this week’s challenge:
If you could live in any sitcom on TV past or present, which one would it be? Why? What character would you be?
This was an easy answer for me. Ted Lasso. I just love that show. It is rich and complex, funny and poignant, with wonderful characters and a storyline that never disappoints. And the character I would choose to be? Keeley.
Unapologetic, kind, smart and loving. Enough confidence for three people and a wonderful friend. I try to be all those things, but no one does it better than Keeley. Her old boyfriends are still in love with her and that says a lot.
She takes total responsibility for her actions and refuses to regret her decisions when they harm no one else. And she never holds a grudge that I’ve seen. Her office manager was not even polite to her most of the time, but Keeley bought her a gift when the company folded and welcomed her back when it re-started. Why? Because Keeley sees the good in people. What a gift.
Yes, if I could choose, it would be Keeley. But since I can’t be her, I’ll just try harder to be more like her.
Now let’s pop over to the amazing Brenda Margriet.
But first – look what’s available for pre-order…
The final book in the Silverberry Seduction Seasoned Romance Series – Too Good for Words
After more than two decades as a stay-at-home mom, Penta Potter’s life is at a crossroads, her future stretching emptily ahead. When her youngest son vandalizes a local motorcycle mechanic’s garage, confronting the forbidding yet compelling owner sparks deliciously wicked longings.
Since his release from prison twelve years ago, Cash Rylance keeps his head down and his nose clean. He has no business aching for a fiercely protective, sweet-lipped, divorced mother of four. If he promises to keep his hands to himself, maybe she will help him be the dad his estranged daughter deserves.
A fake relationship between these two restless hearts seems the perfect route to take…until their improbable plan detours toward a totally different destination.
Hello and welcome to our hop. Thanks so much for joining us. Hope your Tuesday is wonderful.
Here is this weeks’ challenge:
If you could time travel, what time period would you choose and why?
Having written eleven historicals, I have done a lot of time travelling. At least on paper. But I have to say, if I had to choose, I would go with the setting for “The Defiant Bride.” It takes place in the transitional period between Henry VII and Henry VIII.
When Henry VIII was crowned, he decided to make it a time of festivity. His father’s reign had been characterized, especially toward the end, by death and sadness and this new Henry wanted his country to celebrate all that it was and leave the melancholy behind. There were feasts and pageants and games and Henry was a happy man. His sense of humor lightened all situations and he was all about love and joy.
It was with this backdrop that my hero and heroine were able to gain the king’s blessing when both had defied Henry’s father. My heroine had refused to follow Henry VII’s decree to wed and instead faked her own death. My hero, a nobleman, discovered her and wed her without seeking the permission of the king.
Long before the other five wives and the court intrigue that caused so many executions, this was a time of happiness and it would have been amazing to experience it firsthand.
Now let’s hurry over to the talented PG Forte and hear which time period she would choose. But first, check this out…
Redemption
A Fallen Angels Paranormal Romance Collection
Perfection is impossible, even for this collection of angels.
Once esteemed immortals find themselves banished from the heavenly realm and condemned to a life on Earth amongst the mortals, unless they find a way back through the veil. Before they can find redemption they must first learn how to navigate their new life.
Will they find a new appreciation for humanity and choose this life over the one they were created for?
Grab this limited edition collection now before it disappears beyond the veil.
Hello and welcome to our weekly hop. It is so lovely that you are taking the time to join us and we really appreciate you!
Here is this week’s challenge:
The setting of a romance novel can be vital to the story. Where do you set your books and why?
Interestingly, the settings of my books are many times the inspiration for the stories themselves, especially with my historicals. There are so many times throughout history which are overlooked and are so interesting. For example, in “A Dance in Time”, the era was vital since I wanted to write about the sinking of one of Henry VIII’s favorite ships, “The Mary Rose”. It went down for no reason and so many died since sailors in those days didn’t know how to swim. My heroine, who happened to be a time traveler, knew the fate of the ship, and needed to prevent my hero from being aboard when it sank.
In the “Morocco” series, it had to be set during the time when Sultan Moulay was collecting women for his harem. And, of course, it had to be in Morocco, a fascinating place both then and now.
“Payback” needed to take place in a college campus, since my heroine had to give up a promising career as a big-city detective to care for her father in a college town. And it’s based on a real life series of murders – in a college town.
“Texas Summer” – well, that’s obvious. The setting created the mood.
I can’t explain why some places intrigue me more than others, but I do know when a discover one, the story can actually tell itself. Setting adds texture and creates atmosphere which inspires the writing.
Now let’s pop over to the wonderful Jenna Da Sie and read about her choices…
Hi and thanks so much for joining us today. Hope your week is starting out great!
Here is this week’s challenge:
Would you rather vacation at the beach, a Scottish castle or Paris and why?
No hard choice here. A Scottish castle, hands down!
I live near the beach and it’s lovely, but that wouldn’t be a new experience. And I’ve been to Paris. Now, many people think it’s the ultimate city for romance and it’s known as the City of Lights, but it wasn’t my favorite. The food was wonderful and it is a beautiful place, but if I had to choose a city in Europe for a vacation, it would be Rome or Venice or Florence.
But a Scottish castle would absolutely be my first choice! History must just ooze from the walls and I know it would send my imagination into the stratosphere. To me, everything about Scotland is pure magic. The moors, the heather, the green hills. I am not that fond of mist and dampness and cold, but I think I could easily adjust. At least I’d love the opportunity.
I’ve written several books set in Scotland and, in fact, the one I’m writing now takes place at Eilean Donan castle, so it would be amazing to actually experience life there firsthand. Maybe next year…
Now let’s hop over to the incredibly talented Brenda Margriet and read about her choice. But first…
COMING MAY 9…only 99 cents!
SILVER SOLDIERS: A BOYS BEHAVING BADLY ANTHOLOGY #7
Satisfy your craving for stories with older alpha male heroes—salt-and-pepper hotties with crow’s feet earned through rugged training and years of combat. These soldiers are nearing the end of their military commitment or former soldiers finding their footing after their first careers. All of them are searching for the right partner, one that isn’t afraid of scars and rough edges, and ready to put down roots.
14 sexy stories, including Brenda’s OPERATION PURPLE SPARKLE DIAMOND
A resolute Afghan veteran deploys on his most desperate mission yet—wooing the hesitant heart of his daughter’s kindergarten teacher.
Hello and happy Tuesday. Thanks so much for taking the time to join us today. It means so much!
Here is this week’s challenge:
What cheers you up when you’re feeling down?
That’s simple: petting my dog.
Okay, now look at that face and tell me if you could be sad for long if she was around?
Josie is the definition of unconditional love. She approves of (almost) everything I do and she is happiest when she’s by my side. Yes, I spoil her. But, in a way, she spoils me, too. Writing is such lonely work most of the time, but she’s always here cheering me on. She makes me laugh and who couldn’t use a hug sometimes? And she’s great at those. She stands on her hind legs and puts her paws on my shoulder and just pulls me in.
Josie reminds me that I am worthy, that I am strong.
Experiencing the world through her is always fun. Every time we go for a walk, there’s an amazing new smell, a new person or an old friend and she gets very excited. We have a golf cart, which she loves riding in, and it makes me happy just to see her joy.
Yes, obviously, I love my dog and she loves me. And she always cheers me up when I need it!
Now let’s hop over to the wonderful and talented Brenda Margriet and read about what cheers her up. But first, she has awesome news….
Strictly by the Bookis now available!
An adventurous, go-with-the-flow historian…a scrupulous, stick-to-the-rules scientist…an attraction so wrong it’s absolutely right.
Natalie Minton’s cheerful exterior hides desperation. She’s been out of work for months when her estranged sister appears on her doorstep pleading for help. An offer to write the biography of a local political legend couldn’t come at a better time.
Rafe Talbot rejected family tradition and chose medicine over politics. When he stumbles upon evidence of a hidden scandal, his only recourse is to work alongside—and stay one step ahead of—the vivacious scholar hired to chronicle his mother’s career.
Natalie’s exuberance strikes sparks off Rafe’s steely severity, luring them to ignore the secrets shadowing their pasts…until the glare of the present exposes intolerable truths.
Hey, there. Thanks so much for joining us on our weekly hop. Here’s hoping this is your best Tuesday ever!
And here is this week’s challenge:
What are your favourite tropes to read and write?
For me, it’s all about great writing. Any trope works if the storyteller is skilled. I have to say I do get tired of the same ones over and over if they’re conceived without much imagination. Changing the name of the ranch or the cowboy isn’t enough. Now I’m definitely not trying to throw shade on any other authors, but how many secret babies can there be? Unless there’s a twist or an author voice that captivates.
When the writer can take the same theme, well-worn or not, and breathe life into it, that’s when it’s magic. I think that’s why I love to write historical novels, since the same trope set in a different time and place already makes my job easier. For example, a runaway bride (common theme) who must take extreme action to cover her deception already makes that trope more exciting. And, if the king or queen doesn’t approve, it can be even more intriguing.
I also love to write romantic suspense, since there really are more choices in that genre other than revenge or espionage. How about a deadly series of serial killings that forces two detectives who dislike each other to work together? (Enemies to lovers facing a common threat).
Since there really isn’t anything new under the sun, it’s very important to cultivate a unique approach, a special voice. So my favorite trope is the one that holds my attention by offering something special in the writing. And my favorite to write is the one where I believe I’ve explored something within that theme that is unique to me.
Now let’s pop over to the very talented PG Forte and find out about her choices.
But first…you can’t miss this!
Shifter Fever
A Limited Edition Free Collection
This free Shifter-themed collection will be available through Bookfunnel for a limited time only, and will include my short story: Can’t Fight the Moonlight
The Sierra Nevada foothills have been vampire Josiah Lodge’s hunting grounds for over a century. Alone since a lover’s betrayal cost him his family, the former trapper-turned-wildcrafter has given up on ever again finding love or acceptance. If he didn’t have to eat, he’d never venture out of his woods again. But needs must.
When Coldpelt (Cole) Moonwalker’s true shifter nature asserted itself, he was judged an abomination and cast out of his pack. Without a territory to call his own, he’s constantly on the move—which is how he ends up on Josh’s doorstep. While Cole dreams of someday finding a place where he can belong, he knows that place can never be with the scarred and surly vampire who undoubtedly has the blood of Cole’s people on his hands.
Will the attraction they feel for one another allow these natural enemies to overcome their sense of mutual distrust? Is enemies with benefits even a thing? Find out when you download this FREE anthology!
Hey, there. How is your Tuesday going? Hope reading our hop makes it better! So thanks for joining us. We do appreciate you!
Here is this week’s challenge:
It’s time for a recipe swap! Now the days are warming up, share your favourite springtime recipe.
I guess I could say just a cold glass of Pinot Grigio…but that might be cheating. So, one of the other recipes that brings spring to mind is my potato salad. It reminds me of picnics and the warm summer to come and it never lasts very long in my house.
There is one thing to know about how I cook – I cook like I write – so I’m a pantser. So it’s all about how it tastes and how it looks, rather than exact measurements. So sample as you go.
Leslie’s Potato Salad
One mesh or plastic bag of small Yukon gold potatoes or any small potatoes (red ones work, too)
3-green onions – just the green part, chopped (optional)
A bunch of cilantro or parsley, chopped (about ¼ cup)
½ small package of bacon bits (or more to taste)
Mayonnaise (about a cup)
Spicy mustard (a squirt or two – to taste)
Salt and pepper
In a medium pot, boil the eggs for 15 minutes. Rinse in cold water and refrigerate. In another pot, boil the potatoes until tender, but not mushy (about 20-30 minutes). Drain and place into a bowl and refrigerate. (It should take 5 or 6 hours for eggs and potatoes to get cold), so I boil the eggs and the potatoes in the morning when making the potato salad for dinner).
When you’re ready to make the salad, peel the eggs and chop them. No need to peel the potatoes, but cut them into bite-size pieces. Place eggs and potatoes in a large bowl. Add the celery, onions, cilantro/parsley and bacon bits. Mix up all ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise with mustard. Add to salad slowly and toss a little at a time, so you don’t have too much dressing. If it appears dry, mix in a little more mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
For best results, serve with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Enjoy!
Now let’s hop over to the fantastic Jenna Da Sie and read her favorite recipe…
Hello and welcome! Thanks so much for taking the time to join us. We really appreciate it!
This week’s challenge comes for our own wonderful Jenna DaSie…
100 word Flash Fiction using spring, orange, and park bench.
Olivia sidled up to the park bench and sat. A perfect day spring day and just the beginning of so much. The sky was a majestic blue, cloudless, and the trees were budding green, kissed by the warming sun. It was finally going to be her turn. Always the bridesmaid…well, not again! No more horrible fuchsia dresses with orange bows, or green monstrosities that made her look like death. The next wedding was going to be hers, the dress a simple gorgeous white. And there, coming down the path, was the love of her life.
Now let’s hop over to the talented Jill Haymaker and read her flash fiction. But first – don’t miss this amazing book – and it’s free!
Colorado Sunset is free on Amazon for your kindle. Go back to where it all started in this first book in my Peakview Series. Characters are in their mid-50’s and find their second chance at love in the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Leslie Hachtel, Writer 