Thursday, January 31, 2013

Blog Tour: Interview w/ Amanda McIntyre + Giveaway!

WELCOME TO THE BLOG, AMANDA! :)



Author by trade, storyteller by heart


Whenever you embark on anything creative, it is the passion that gives spark to the flame of determination. My passion is in taking the ordinary and creating something extraordinary. It is what has fueled my life in many ways from an office career to motherhood, being a newspaper columnist and stepping into writing fiction. My love for penning"character-driven" stories-many of them romance- allows me to explore the potential and possibility that lives deep inside each of us.

Referred to by reviewer as a "true artist in the writing realm" I am humbled and also challenged to stay fresh, be unique to my voice, and listen to my readers.


I am honored to be published internationally, in audio, in E-book and in print. I currently write steamy contemporary and historical romance.

 
 
Where to Find Amanda:


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The_Book_Queen: Hi Amanda! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 
 
Amanda: I’m a mom of four, married to my high school sweetheart, have had a plethora of jobs from insurance to newspaper columnist. I am an avid supporter of the Fine Arts in schools and have a passion for art and nature. I love stage and screen musicals, lighthouses, Great Lakes Shipping history, and am a tapophile (someone who loves old cemeteries and tombstones.) And I find the best part of writing is doing the research!



TBQ: If you couldn't write, what would you do? Do you have a hidden talent that many people do not know about, or perhaps a dream job that was pushed into the back of the “closet” years ago?

A: :) I always wanted to be an artist for Disney. The type where you draw each cell, but life happened and my path wound around a bit differently. After a variety of jobs, (that have all helped me in some facet) marriage, then children, it was when I had my twins that I searched for a job that I could do at home. That led to my seven year stint as a weekly columnist for the importance of Fines Arts education in schools, which led to being online, then to becoming a book reviewer, magazine editor and finally an author. I always say that I really just “paint pictures with words.” I really do give a great deal of credit to my art teacher in high school for encouraging my creative side.



TBQ: Your newest release, Fallen Angel, is part of the Sweet Magnolia series. Can you tell us a little bit about this book, and why readers are going to love it?
 
A: Well, I hope readers will enjoy the journey of Shado and Angel. ;) It is set in the winter, specifically at Christmas, but the holiday aspect takes a backstage to the actual story of a man searching to find his life/his heart again after the tragic death of his brother. And a woman from another time, who wants desperately to find a man that she has fallen in love with through the words of a song. The Magnolia series are steamy, character-driven, time-travel romance, with fun secondary characters, poignant moments and a bit of paranormal. My take on TT comes from watching too much Torchwood and Dr. Who, I’m afraid and having an interest in the psychology of my characters. In this series, time travel is achieved through the help of a strange little man who acts as a conduit to helping people toward the place where they will meet their hearts desire. Sometimes that may be the guy next door, but it might take you to another era entirely—and that’s where things can get pretty interesting.;) (Sounds great!)



TBQ: You've written books from a variety of genres over the years, from historical to contemporary. Are there any genres, or themes, that you haven't written yet, but would someday like to try?  

A: I once told myself that I would NEVER write erotic romance, then I got my first real break with Harlequin when they asked me to write for their Spice line. The experience has broadened my writing, took me deeper into the minds of my characters, and gave me whole new batch of research certainly!  I tend to mix my genres as well—good or bad, I find it interesting. And to that end, its not so much that I have other ‘genres’ I’d like to write, but I do have stories I want to write. I simply don’t have enough hours in the day.;) (*sigh* I know...)



TBQ: You've been interviewed many times over, as well as having answered countless answers from individual readers over the years. Is there a question that you've never been asked, but wish that you had?  

A: I’ve had some great questions asked of me(present group included!) but I can’t honestly say that there’s something specific that I’ve wanted to be asked, but I’ll probably start thinking about that now that someone has mentioned it! LOL



TBQ: I know we all hate this question, author and reader alike. :) But I have to ask: What are a few of your favorite books and/or authors?

A: I have my TBR pile and my “keeper” shelf like anyone else;) I am a very eclectic reader (same is true with my music and movie preferences!) On my keeper shelf; Christmas Knight(Christina Skye,) Pink Moon (Steph Ann Holm,) Colony (Anne River Siddons,) Roan (Jennifer Blake,) Morning After (Suzanne Forster) to name a few. I have countless other books and authors from Heather Graham to Sally Mackenzie, from Judi McCoy to Lori Foster, --far too many to name them all.


 
TBQ: Have you ever fallen for a hero, either from one of your books or from another author? If so, who is he and what drew you to him?

A: Interestingly, this is my “candy thermometer” as it were, for how I’m doing when writing my heroes or heroines. If I haven’t “fallen in love” with the hero, if I haven’t found a connection to my heroine—then something isn’t right, the book isn’t where it should be. That said, one of my first loves was Gabe Russell. The young farmer whose family farm was taken from him in a foreclosure. His tenacity to do whatever it took to get his farm back, his pride, his integrity and belief in himself is quite often the “formula” I use in creating my heroes. The fact that he was a dark-eyed hunk of steely cowboy might have also had something to do with it;) (Maybe just a little bit... :) I'd happily take him! :) )


 
TBQ: What's next-- Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming releases or WIP?

A: Well Most immediately I’m working on releasing my first book, UNFINSHED DREAMS (hero described above) And I’ve got a new series featuring the lives and loves of three would-be brothers trying to maintain their stepfathers ranch. It’s working title is called, THE KINNISON LEGACY and is set in the small rural town of End of the Line, Montana. It too, has a host of fun and quirky characters that create all manner of havoc for the three young men. (Ooh--I can't wait, they all sound great!)

 

SPEED ROUND:

 

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?
Secluded island

Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?
Can’t I have both?:) (*nods* A perfect answer. There is nothing wrong about being greedy in this case!)

Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
An affair? Let’s see, who would pose more of a challenge? Probably the English Lord, because I’d love the chance to break down that staunch aristocracy and because I have an aversion to massive swords and all the brutality of the Celtic medieval era. ("an aversion to massive swords"...My inner 12-year-old boy just had a very, very inapropriate thought....I'll keep it to myself. LOL)

Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
Cold winter nights.

Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness?
Definitely in the mountains.

If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
Wow, good question, that’s usually the one I ask!;)  It would be in the past, perhaps the late 1800’s.

Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
I’m an artist, the cover catches my eye first, then I read the blurb. (I'm the same way.)

Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?) Again with the either/ or…ok, probably the slow build up, which doesn’t necessarily mean “sweet” *wiggling eyebrows* (Very true! *smirks*)

And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:

  • Don’t tell me I can’t do something, I will set out to prove you wrong.
  • I don’t ever want to grow up.
  • I love to dance!

 

TBQ: Thanks so much for stopping by, Amanda, and please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

 

A: Thanks so much for having me! I invite you to check out my web home. ere you can sign up for more fun with my monthly newsletter, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and GoodReads!

 

If you could time travel, what era or location would it be and why? What eras would you like to see more of in books?

 

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Fallen Angel by Amanda McIntyre
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC (November 27, 2012)
Series: Sweet Magnoli, 2
Genre: Time Travel Romance

A hunger gnaws at Angel Marie Sutter to find the man behind the soulful music she heard played on piano at the Sweet Magnolia. Following her heart, desire takes her on a fantastic journey. When she becomes a witness to murder, she finds herself under the forced protection of a scarred detective. Her gentle healing brings the past to his present in timeless passion, but will she be able to hold onto this precious gift, or will a killer take it all away?

 
Shado Jackson is a lone wolf undercover cop carrying guilt over the death of his brother. When a mysterious, beautiful woman becomes eyewitness to a murder, his job is to protect, not fall in love. But when his brother’s killer again threatens to take what’s precious from him, Shado must find him before time runs out.
 
 
 
 

Where to Buy:
More Info:



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One winner will be chosen at random from comments to receive a signed copy of WILD & UNRULY, the first book in my TALES OF THE SWEET MAGNOLIA time travel romance series!


How to Enter:
  • Leave a comment on this post--answer Amanda's question! :)
  • Be sure to follow the rest of the tour (find it on the sidebar of Amanda's site)!


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Thanks so much for stopping by today, Amanda! I really enjoyed our interview, and I hope the readers do as well! I can't wait to read your books--no matter the genre! :)



Don't forget Amanda's Question:

If you could time travel, what era or location would it be and why?
 
What eras would you like to see more of in books?
 
 
 

Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Blog Tour Blurb Blitz: "Shameless" + Giveaway!



Cheryl began her professional career as a nutritionist, but her love of books started at an early age. She studied writing for many years before she decided to pursue her passion as a full-time career. After receiving constructive criticism from several well-known authors, Cheryl finally had the confidence to write her first romance novel.
 
The first book in the Nashville Nights series, Shameless, was a book that had been dwelling in Cheryl’s subconscious for years. For her, the surprise came when the manuscript began taking on a life of it’s own. Characters came to life, secondary characters became more prominent, outlines were forgotten, and a single title evolved into an eight book series, and another eight book spin-off series entitled Nashville Nights, Next Generation.
 
One word would aptly describe Cheryl: workaholic. She lives and breathes her writing, when she’s sleeping, watching TV, driving, reading… it’s always in the periphery of her mind. Her imagination rarely takes a holiday, even when she escapes to a sandy beach with her husband and son, she’s planning, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming.
 
Cheryl feels blessed to be able to get up every day and do something she loves. The thousands of fans who have embraced the Nashville Nights have made that possible. She writes for the readers who ask for more, she writes to satisfy the muse residing inside of her, but most of all, she writes because she couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her life. It took her thirty-seven years to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, but now that she knows, she’s convinced she’s found her purpose.
 
 
Where to Find Cheryl:


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Shameless by Cheryl Douglas
Publisher: Self Published -- Douglas Publishing
Series: Nashville Nights, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Trey Turner may be topping the country music charts but his life has been going downhill since his wife left him five years ago. He’s desperate to make amends for the mistakes he’s made and convince Sierra their love deserves a second chance.

Sierra Brooks is happy for the first time since her divorce. She has a career she loves and a fiancé who loves her. Unfortunately, her fiancé isn’t the only man professing his love. He may be able to offer her safety and security, but will she decide to risk everything for another chance with the man who broke her heart?

 
 
 
Where to Buy*:
More Info:


Shameless by Cheryl Douglas
Excerpt


Prologue

Five Years Earlier

 

The sexy little waitress stretched to offer her neck as Trey Turner prepared to do another body shot at the urging of his inebriated friends. He licked the salt off her neck as he felt a small hand grip his shoulder.

 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

 

He turned to see his wife, Sierra, staring up at him, disgust darkening her bright blue eyes. He heard a few of his friends mutter curses as the crowd broke up and went back to drinking and dancing.

 

“Baby, I was just havin’ a little fun.” His words slurred and he wondered how many body shots he’d had before Sierra intervened. 

 

The waitress slid her hand down his chest, hooking a finger through his belt loop. “That was fun. How ‘bout we pick up where we left off later?”

 

Sierra turned away, not waiting for his answer as she began weaving her way through the crowd.

 

“Sierra, baby, wait,” he called, trying to push his way through the throngs of people before she reached the door. He grabbed her wrist just as she was about to cross the threshold. “Wait. Please, don’t go.”

 

“It’s over, I’m done with this shit,” she said, trying to shake loose of his grip.

 

He had more than a foot and a hundred pounds on her. She wasn’t going anywhere until he decided he was ready to let her go, which wouldn’t happen in this lifetime. “What’s that supposed to mean? Where the hell do you think you’re going?” 

 

“Home to pack.”

 

He felt the room begin to spin out of control. “What did you say?”

 

“I’m leaving you. Our marriage is over.”

 

His grip on her wrist tightened. “No, you can’t leave me.”

 

She pressed a hand to his chest. “It’s been over for a long time. I’m just making it official.”

 

“We’re not having this conversation out here in front of a hundred people,” he said, pulling her through the horde of friends he’d invited to his private party. He opened the door to the small dressing room usually occupied by the nightly entertainment that performed at Jimmy’s bar. “We’ll have some privacy in here.”

 

She was finally able to shake free of his tight grip. “I’ve already said everything I have to say to you.”

 

He gripped her waist. “Don’t do this, Sierra.” He bent to kiss her neck. “I love you, baby. God, I love you so much. I can’t live without you.” He backed her toward the couch as he lowered himself down on top of her.

 

“You’ve been living without me for the past year, Trey. You’ve spent your days on a tour bus and your nights in a stadium or bar.” Her voice broke. “We lost our baby girl and you don’t seem to care.”

 

“Don’t say that,” he whispered furiously. “Don’t ever say that I didn’t care about Callie. I loved her, Sierra. It damn near killed me when we lost her.”

 

She glared at him. “Really? Is that why you boarded that goddamn tour bus a week after her funeral?”

 

“I’m a musician; it’s what I do.” He knew the excuse was weak. Sierra was right. He’d been trying to run away from his grief and sadness instead of staying at home where he belonged, supporting his wife.

 

She shook her head, looking defeated. “It’s what you do—it’s who you are. Trey Turner, country music’s award-winning, platinum-selling mega-star. What about my husband? Callie’s father? Where is he?”

 

He closed his eyes, feeling disgusted with himself for letting her down again. “Baby, I’m sorry. Look, I know I’ve made mistakes, but let me make it up to you, okay?” His hand eased up her shirt to cup her breast.

 

Her head rolled back and she closed her eyes. “No, we can’t do this. It won’t fix the problem.” Making love to her may not solve all of their problems, but it would buy him some time to figure out a way to convince her to give him and their marriage another chance. “Just relax,” he whispered, licking her neck.

 

“Hmm, that feels so good.” She wrapped her denim-clad leg around his. “But then you had lots of practice with your girlfriend right before I got here, didn’t you?”

 

He cursed himself for indulging in the adolescent drinking game and giving his wife reason to question his fidelity yet again. “Sweetheart,” he whispered, flipping the button on her jeans. “You’re the only one I want; you know that.”

 

She squeezed her eyes shut as she shook her head. “No, I don’t.”

 

He hated that he had given her reason to doubt herself, to doubt them. “Let me prove it to you, then.”

 

His tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips until she finally parted for him. He groaned, taking her mouth with a savage intensity. His mind raced; fear warring with panic as he realized this may be the last time they made love, the last time he had the right to touch her.


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Cheryl will be awarding: two(2) - $20 Amazon Gift Cards to randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and one
(1) - $20 Gift Card to a randomly drawn host.
 
Also, Cheryl will be awarding ten
(10) trading card/cover flat packs to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (US/Canada), ten (10)
digital books from the Nashville Nights series (winner's choice) to randomly drawn commenters during the tour and two
(2) Swarovski crystal necklaces to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (US/Canada).
 
 
How to Enter:





I'll be putting this series on my list, it sounds great! :) What about you?


On Sunday I picked up Shameless for my NOOK for...FREE! :) It was also free for Kindle and on ARe. Not sure how long this will last, so pick it up quick!



Enjoy!   




Until Next Time,

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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Kame + TBQ's Interview w/ S.L. Scott + Giveaway!


 Kame, who has been doing guest reviews here on TBQ's Book Palace for a few months now, recently reviewed, NATURALLY, CHARLIE. Today, Kame and I are interviewing the author, S.L.! 


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, S.L.! :) 



S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.
Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.

Scott lives in the beautiful Texas Hill Country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.




Where to Find :


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Kame: Hello SL, thank you so much for stopping by to answer a few questions about “Naturally, Charlie”.  I really loved the book.  I am not sure what my favorite part was, but I was drawn in right away by the idea of the two characters having the same name.  Loved the idea – I thought of a few other possibilities “Naturally Sam” (Samuel and Samantha), “Naturally Mel” (Melvin and Melanie) okay besides the obvious of those gender neutral names that are so the rage now, was it always Charlie? 

S.L: Thank you for having me. I love the other ones you came up with. For me, it was always Charlie. From the second the two characters appeared in my mind and thoughts the name was just always Charlie. It felt right from the beginning so I stuck with the name and it ended up being in the title also.



K: Boy and Girl Charlie taking point of view turns with the chapters was very interesting.  The symbols on the chapters were ingenious.  Was the change in POV always in the plot or did it evolve that way?

S.L: I actually love alternating point of views because it gives you that insight into the mind of the ‘other’ character. I want to know, what was he thinking when he first saw her, how did that feel to him, etc... So since this was written in first person, I included the different perspectives. Yes, it was always a part of this story, written with intention. It’s not back and forth every chapter though because sometimes we need more time with one of them to get the full story of a scenario.



K: Boy Charlie dated Girl Charlie’s friend Rachel.  Was this crucial to the plot?

S.L: Yes, and my prereaders and editors weren’t thrilled, but agreed that it was necessary. At the point when Charles goes on a date with Rachel, he’s letting his life happen. He eventually starts to stop waiting for his fate and starts to pursue his destiny. It also makes him more real in my opinion. Sometimes we go out with the wrong person, but we don’t know until we experience it. Those experiences help to shape our thoughts and alter our views in the future to narrow down more of what we are looking for in a partner.



K: The Charlies both suffered losses, and actually supported each other at the funerals.  I understand having characters suffer a similar situation and supporting each other, but why have them attend funerals together?

S.L: It was odd to me, but that was the first ‘scene’ that I ever had of them. It’s the beginning of chapter 5 and the entire story developed from it. I envisioned a man and a woman who share a name and had previously met briefly run into each other in a NYC park. They recognize each other and both are heading to a funeral – two different funerals. It’s a slightly awkward conversation given the circumstances, but there’s an attraction and something more. These two people are at low points in their lives and suddenly it feels like someone else understands what they’re going through.
My thought after having this scene play out in my head was ‘Can two people who meet under these circumstances build something more out of their relationship?’ I’m a romantic at heart, so I could see them accepting each other with their flaws and hurt hearts, share their tears, and bring each other into the other’s world without judgments or criticism. They could be friends and see how their relationship develops from this low point in life.
As you read when they are at the funerals, the other one gets a glimpse of the reality each Charlie is living with. It strengthens their bond because they don’t have the baggage weighing them down. They support each other without want for themselves. They really are acting truly selfless as a support for the other during the funerals.



K: They are selfless, and become strong friends. I loved Boy and Girl Charlie’s friendship.  It seemed so easy to me. Was it important for them to have a platonic friendship?  This was my favorite part of their story – did you and your husband have a similar courtship?

S.L: I love that they are real friends first and for a long time. Yes, they want more, but they don’t want to risk what they do have. Their relationship forms naturally and that starts out as friends. They slip into a couple-dom of sorts without realizing it and then it’s just like the other was always a part of their lives. Their banter was easy and just flowed. They have quirky thoughts, especially girl Charlie, and they challenge each other. They actually crack me up and if it makes me laugh, I leave it in the story.
The two Charlies being friends first was pivotal to the story – it is the story in my opinion. They formed a deep bond that would carry them through anything. We read so many love at first sight stories and they have that too, but their circumstances dictated that they needed a friend in their lives when they met, not another lover. That’s what made their relationship special to each other.
It was love at first sight for my husband and me. Lol BUT, I will say we became very good friends during our courtship. He made me laugh and has a romantic side and we were both ready for love. His British accent didn’t hurt either. 



K: They need a friend not a lover – so true, love that! And British accents are wonderful!
I love when Boy and Girl Charlie talk about fate and destiny. Can you explain to readers the difference between fate and destiny?

S.L: Fate and Destiny evolved. You live your fate with no hand in the outcome. I feel like we play a part in creating our destiny. We make decisions that may lead us in a new direction that alters our fate. That’s what I like to believe.



K: New York City in my mind is another character in this book.  Could this story have happened in another big city, such as Boston, Chicago, Atlanta or Los Angeles?

S.L: It had to be a walking city, a city that is up all night and that offers diversity where different social classes, backgrounds, professions all have the opportunity to engage with each other. To me it was always New York City and I never imagined anywhere else. I’ve been to NYC and I could visualize exactly where the scenes were taking place and the vibe of the locations, the feelings the locations evoked in the characters.
So although technically, it probably could have taken place in say Boston or Chicago, NYC was the one that made the story what it is, made it right for this story to be told.



K: By the Way – I SOOO think you should really do a book signing at the bookstore mentioned in the book – I would be in line so fast!

S.L: That is a famous Barnes and Noble and would be an absolute dream come true to do a book signing there. Maybe put in a good word for me. hehe



K: Boy and Girl Charlie were friends of mine at the end of the book.  I would love to read more about them, in maybe Rachel’s story – any ideas for more books based in New York City so we can maybe see a glimpse at their happy life together?

S.L: It would be a lot of fun to explore more with these characters and the supporting characters in this book. I’ve had a few thoughts, but not a complete story. I wouldn’t write it unless it felt right to do so and I could do it justice.



Kame: Thank you so much SL for answering my questions.  I really enjoyed “Naturally, Charlie”.   Girl Charlie loved to bake as a way to relax, I do too maybe that is why I loved her so much, anyway I know you have a recipe for one of the cupcakes from the book, as a parting gift to our readers would you be willing to share it?


S.L: I’d love to share a cupcake recipe. I made this one for a book signing party a friend threw for me. See, I bring cupcakes to my own parties. Haha.

This cupcake is divine and you will not get enough of this frosting. You’ve been warned.
 




 
Margarita Cupcakes with Tequila Lime Frosting

1.5 cups all purpose flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature, unsalted
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temp
2 limes, zested and juiced
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk, room temp
1-2 TBSP tequila

Preheat oven to 325. Line tins with wrappers.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. In bowl of your mixer, with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on med speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, stopping to scrape down as necessary. Mix in the lime zest, juices, and vanilla (may look curdled). With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Beat until just incorporated.

Divide into liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake 20ish minutes, but check around the 15-18 minute mark. Cupcakes should spring back when pressed and toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool. Poke holes in tops of cupcakes and drizzle with tequila. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely.

 
Tequila Lime Frosting

1 cup butter unsalted, cool but not cold
2 3/4 - 3 cups powdered sugar
1.5 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice
1-2 TBSP tequila
pinch of salt

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar until incorporated and smooth. Scrape down sides and add lime juice, tequila, and salt. Mix until fluffy. Taste and see if it needs more tequila, add little by little... no more than a tsp at a time.

Frost cupcakes and then garnish with course sea salt and a lime wedge. You can do some without salt for those who don't like their margaritas salted. This is my friend, @JParkerWrites recipe. She is a baker and an author and shared her secret recipe with me so I could share it with you.
 

Thank you for the interview. I had a great time and enjoyed the questions.

XO,
S.
 
 
 


Kame: I am so making these cupcakes!  Thank you so much – SL – this has been a lot of fun!  Goodluck on your future books, I can’t wait to read them!



SPEED ROUND:

 

A day on a secluded island OR a day at the spa?
Ooooh, that’s a tough one. Let’s go with day on a secluded island. I love the beach.
Reading a spicy romance novel OR a sweet “my-heart-skips-a-beat” one?
Sweet ‘My-heart-skips-a-beat’ novel
Which would you rather have an affair with: a sexy highlander OR a devilishly handsome English lord?
These are tough questions. Lol I’m gonna go with a devilishly handsome English lord. (It's so hard to pick, isn't it? I'm usually greedy and go with "both" LOL)
Hot summer days OR cold winter nights?
HOT summer days for sure – no debate here.
Where would your dream house be: in the city, where all the action is OR nestled in the mountain where you can enjoy the quiet and the wilderness?
City. I’m a girl on the go. I like being near the action and/or in the center of it.
If you could live in any time period, past or future, which one would it be?
I’m attracted to the glamour of old Hollywood, so maybe the 1940’s or 1950’s. This answer would definitely change from day to day. lol
Cover Lover OR Blurb Fan?
Cover Lover.
Steamy Novella OR Sweet Novel? (aka, Quickie or Slow Build Up?)
Even though I can appreciate a good steamy read, I love angst and the slow build up.
And finally, tell us 3 unique/wacky/fun things about yourself:
  • I was once a contestant in a Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum blowing contest. I was probably 7 years old.
  •  
  • My first three crushes in life were (in this order): Winnie the Pooh, Speed Racer, and Ricky Schroeder.
  •  
  • I once ran around the San Francisco 49ers end zone at Candlestick Park and did my version of a touchdown dance.

 
The_Book_Queen: Thanks so much for stopping by, S.L., and for sharing the yummy recipe! Please know that you are welcome back anytime! Do you have any questions for our readers—something to spark a good discussion? :)

S.L.: Thank you so much for having me on your site. It’s a really fantastic site and I’m truly honored.

Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?

XO,
S.L.
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Naturally, Charlie by S.L. Scott
Publisher:
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Twenty-five year old Charlotte “Charlie” Barrow is caught between her old life and the one she is beginning to build when she crosses paths with a handsome stranger on the subway. Not looking for romance, she closes her heart off to the possibilities of love. With a knack for mishaps, Charlie maintains her sense of humor while befriending the kind stranger who seems to be there at all the right times.

New York freelance writer, Charlie Adams, is forging his own path beyond the expectations of the society circles of his childhood. Rejecting family money, and fast-lane friends, he is snubbed by his family as he follows his own compass to a life more extraordinary.

Through a coincidence of events, they come to rely on each other for comfort. This is the tale of two Charlies learning to trust again while fighting their fates to create their own destiny.


Where to Buy*:
 Kindle | NOOK | ARe
More Info:




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S.L. Scott is giving away ONE e-copy of Naturally, Charlie!
 
Open INT.
 

How to Enter:
  • Leave a comment below, answering S.L.'s question!
  • Please leave some way to contact you (ie, email addy or Twitter handle). If you don't, it's sometimes hard to contact you if you when! But, if you don't feel comfortable doing this, then please be sure to check back once the winner's announced!
 
 
 
Giveaway ends Feb. 5th! Winner will be picked by Random.org and announced on the 6th. Good Luck!
 
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Thanks so much for stopping by today, S.L.! I really enjoyed reading your interview with Kame (and the recipe!), as well as the speed round Q's I sent. I cannot wait to read this one, I'm glad to hear that Kame loved it so much! :D

Thanks again Kame--you always come up with much better questions than I, for which, I think, our readers will be thankful for. LOL. :) 



Readers, don't forget to answer S.L.'s question

Is your destiny created by following your heart or your head?



Enjoy! 


  

Until Next Time,

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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Blog Tour: Guest Post w/ Hanna Peach!


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, HANNA! :)

 
A writer of fantastical things, especially stories with fangs, magic or wings.
I want to tell you tales that will rip away the glamour from your life, keep you running and fighting and gasping long past the devil’s hour and maybe, just maybe, reality will look a little bit different when you return.
Sit with me around this witchlight. Let me tell you a story.

 
Where to Find Hanna:


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Wanted: Israel



The story continues at Tricia Kristufek’s Blog on 31st Jan. Missed the previous Angelfire ‘media’ stories? Go to www.hannapeach.com for the Angelfire ‘media story’ schedule and to follow it from the start.



~Hanna Peach

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Angelfire by Hanna Peach
Publisher: Gypsy Publishing (November 22, 2012)
Series: Dark Angel, 1
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

An army of angels walk among us. They have kept us safe and ignorant, so far.

Earthbound for centuries and ruled by the Elders, they have established hidden cities, a society and The Code: obey your Elders, kill all demons, eliminate Rogue-angels, protect the mortals, remain hidden. Their warriors are the ungifted earthborn angels armed with blades and the ‘borrowed magics’ of distilled angel-blood tattoos.

Alyxandria is a young warrior with a fondness for customized knives and illegal night-races. If only she could overcome the taint of her parents who abandoned her to become Rogues.

When Alyx saves Israel, a gifted mortal with a past, she is forbidden to see him again. But she can’t help herself, drawn to him through their Guardian-bond, an ancient and long-forgotten bond; if he dies, she dies.

An encounter with a handsome Rogue leaves Alyx questioning all she has been taught to believe. Alyx begins to dig into the Elders’ secrets. Two thousand years of secrets that begin with the death of the Archangel Raphael. She is not prepared when she uncovers an Elder’s dark plan.

Somewhere on earth is a key to unlock hell. Somewhere on earth are pieces of an amulet that controls Lucifer and his army. Somehow Israel is the link and now both sides are after him. Who can Alyx trust when Good and Evil is no longer clear?

The war for earth begins.

 
 

Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Angelfire by Hanna Peach
Excerpt



“This is going to sound crazy.” She presses her palm to her forehead.

He laughs softly. “Remember who you’re talking too.”

“Right,” she says. “I think it’s time I admitted some things to you. But you have to promise not to freak out or get angry before I finish, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Remember the last time we met, you asked me how I happened to come by the alley in time to save your life…”

“A lucky coincidence.”

“It wasn’t. I knew you would be there, I knew you were being attacked.”

Israel frowns. “How?”

Alyx takes a deep breath - no turning back now - and begins to tell him about her visions of him. Then to prove she isn’t lying she describes each one.

“Let me get this straight,” he says. “You see things through my eyes?”

“Essentially, yes. That’s how I knew where to find you then. And tonight.”

“Do you hear my thoughts as well?”

“Just whatever thoughts you have at the time.”

“That is...” his eyes blaze at her, “...so frickin’ cool.”

Her mouth parts as she sucks in air, realizing that she has been holding her breath. “You think so?”

“Think about it Alyx. You have been inside my body, felt my heart beating as if it were your own, felt how I feel, thought as I thought. You know what it’s like for me.” He leans forward as he speaks, grabbing her hands. “You don’t just know me, you know me.”

Alyx swallows, hard. His eyes have a way of making her feel like she is underdressed. Alyx wonders for a moment whether he can see inside her as she does him.



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Thanks so much for sharing this great (and unique!) post with us today, Hanna! :) I look forward to reading Angelfire!




Enjoy!



Until Next Time,


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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!