Thursday, April 30, 2020

Thursday book recommendation



These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.



This week is:  Rebel (Ballsy Boys Book 1) by K.M. Neuhold and Nora Phoenix 


Blurb: I’m everyone’s friend, but no one’s everything…

I love working for Ballsy Boys, but when you make the kind of videos I do, relationships are pretty damn impossible. Guys find me sexy and want to either be with me or be me, but no one has ever cared enough to see the real me.

Until I meet Troy...who shows up in a banana suit at my door. Long story.

Troy has no problem whatsoever with my job, but he’s determined to keep me at a distance. I get it, he’s been hurt before. But for the first time, a hook-up alone is not enough. I want more with him. Hell, I want everything. But he resists at every step until I’m about ready to give up. What do I need to do to show him that what we have is real and worth fighting for?

Rebel is the first book in the Ballsy Boys Series and is a sexy, emotional MM romance that will make you fall in love with all the Ballsy Boys. While this book and this series do contain some instances of sex outside of the main relationships, there’s NO cheating.



My thoughts: There are several books in this series! So yay for that, and every last one is awesome. The plot centers around porn stars. I have to admit, this was a first for me. I haven’t read something with kind of character, but I’m a fan of K.M. Neuhold and Nora Phoenix, so I took a chance. So there’s nothing growing a tail, or fanging-out, or throwing glowing balls of magic… but I loved every minute of it! I read all the books lol. Then I went on the hunt for more.
And btw, Nailed (Four Bears Construction Book 2) just came out. I saw it on my Timeline recently. I reviewed book #1 several weeks ago. That’s on my TBR list as soon as I finish Bound by Love. Already got it ready to go in my Kindle lol.



Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Tuesday Teaser




His mind jumped for one subject to another, unable to stay on any one thought. He leaned his head against the tile wall and tried to clear his mind, but his brain refused to cooperate. His body ached with weariness, but he couldn’t rest. Disgusted, he shut the water off and stepped onto the drying mat. Grabbing a towel, he dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist.
He wiped the condensation off the mirror and stared at his face. There were slight shadows under his eyes, and his skin had a shallow tint. Even his eyes gleamed dully. Sighing, he opened the door and walked into the bedroom. A few crystal glowed softly, and the bed was turned down, but Neo had a large sheet spread out.
“Come here.”
Hamza admired the short robe Neo had changed into. It shimmered in the soft light. A shiver danced across his skin as he stepped toward the bed.
“Take the towel off, and lie on your stomach, please.”
A purr rumbled in his chest. He loved it when Neo took command. He stripped, letting the towel drop at his feet, and climbed onto the sheet, lying on his stomach. Crossing his arms, he rested his head against them.
“Nope, hands by your sides.”
Hamza unwound his arms.
“Good.”
There was a snick, and a light scent filled the room. The bed sank as Neo climbed on and then straddled Hamza’s hips, carefully moving Hamza’s tail out of the way. Naked warm skin touched his, and Hamza groaned. Neo wasn’t wearing anything under that short sexy robe.
“This is massage oil.” Neo spread silken wetness across Hamza’s shoulders and down his back. “You won’t be able to smell any lingering traces of it tomorrow morning, but it’ll leave your skin soft.”

Monday, April 27, 2020

Pucker Up Monday


Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.







Friday, April 24, 2020

Finicky Friday - 15 minute Chicken Pasta

Chicken and pasta in a garlic tomato sauce topped with mozzarella & parmesan cheese cooked in just 15 minutes could become your new favorite weeknight meal!


Ingredients

2 chicken breasts cut in strips

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium yellow onion chopped

1/2 bell pepper chopped

3 cloves of garlic minced

1/2 teaspoon EACH salt, pepper, & garlic powder

1 cup marinara sauce

1/2 cup mozzarella or Italian blend cheese

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese optional

3 cups cooked pasta 1.5 cups dry pasta






Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of salted water to boil, pour 1.5 cups of uncooked pasta and 1 tsp salt into the water. Cover and allow to cook for 10 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, cut chicken breasts and, onion and bell peppers. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy-duty pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and sautee 30 seconds or until lightly golden. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, & garlic powder and saute until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through.

Add the marinara sauce and allow to simmer for 5 minutes while the pan is covered. After 5 minutes, drain the water from the pasta and pour pasta on the chicken mixture. Mix well, add the cheese and turn off. The cheese will melt from the heat of the pan. If desired, broil the cheese under the broiler in the oven until bubbly.

Top with Parmesan and enjoy!

Link: https://gimmedelicious.com/quick-easy-15-minute-chicken-pasta/

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Thursday book recommendation


These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.





This week is: In the Wreckage: (Metahuman Files Book 1) by Hailey Turner


Blurb:
A Marine with honor.

After surviving a horrific chemical attack that turned him into a metahuman, Captain Jamie Callahan got a second lease on life. For three years he’s been working for the Metahuman Defense Force and leading Alpha Team—all against the wishes of his family. The job requires his full dedication, so it’s no surprise Jamie doesn’t have time for a relationship. An enticing one-night stand with a gorgeous stranger is all it takes to show Jamie exactly what he’s been missing. When a mission to take down a terrorist cell brings that same stranger back into his world, Jamie’s life gets complicated.

A soldier with secrets.

Staff Sergeant Kyle Brannigan was only looking to relieve some stress after a long mission. He didn’t know the hot guy he picked up at a bar was the leader of the MDF’s top field team. When Kyle and his partner get seconded to Alpha Team to help fight a terrorist threat, he has to balance his desire for Jamie against his duty to keep his secrets safe. That gets harder and harder to do amidst regulations both are tempted to break.

Two men trying to survive.

Giving into passion could cost both their careers. Abiding by the rules will only result in heartache. An attack on MDF headquarters brings with it a choice Jamie and Kyle can’t escape—duty, or love?



In the Wreckage is a 100k word steamy m/m sci-fi military romance with a HFN ending. There is military violence within the story that may not be suitable for everyone, as well as explicit intimate scenes not suitable for readers under 18.


My thoughtsWhoot! M/M sci-fi military romance! Can I get a hell yeah??? This is one kinky book. The sex scenes are smoking hot, which, YAY! But there is plot to this, a very well-thought-out plot. Plus, the book is long and is part of a series.



Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Tuesday Teaser




He couldn’t find Neo. Hands on his hips, he studied the area. He’d looked everywhere! It felt like he’d been hunting for days. Stupid hide and seek game. He’d been sure he’d find Neo with no trouble at all.
“Atat? Where’s Neo?” Hamza demanded. He was hot, tired, and so over this game.
“I can’t tell you. According to Dale, that would be cheating. You’re supposed to find him on your own. You know that.” Jolak looked up from the comm and grinned at Hamza’s look of frustration.
“I’ve searched everywhere! In trees, in holes in trees, in tall grass, in the many, many sitting areas in your garden… and he’s gone. Poof! He could be lost. Maybe in danger.”
Jolak tapped a finger against his lips. “I see.”
“I think you should tell me where he is. It’s been unit hours since I stopped counting, Atat! I’m concerned.”
“Uh-huh. My young, it’s been less than twenty unit minutes.”

Monday, April 20, 2020

Pucker Up Monday

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.



Friday, April 17, 2020

Finicky Friday - Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake




Ingredients-for 4 servings (fast and easy to make)

3 chicken breasts

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

6 tablespoons ranch dressing

6 slices bacon

4 oz cheddar cheese


Preparation

Preheat oven to 350˚F (200˚C).

Place chicken breast in a baking dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.

Spread 1-2 Tbsp. ranch on each chicken breast.

Layer two slices of bacon on top of each chicken breast.

Top with cheese.

Bake for 40 minutes.



Note: I make something similar, and I'd suggest cooking the bacon before hand. Or broil it at the last few minutes before serving, otherwise the bacon might still be raw. And I like a lot of cheese, so I add more than what is used. :)


Link: https://tasty.co/recipe/bacon-ranch-chicken-bake

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Thursday book recommendation




These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.


This week is:  Cronin's Key by N.R. Walker  




Blurb: NYPD Detective Alec MacAidan has always been good with weird. After all, his life has been a string of the unexplainable. But when an injured man gives him cryptic clues, then turns to dust in front of him, Alec's view on weird is changed forever.

Cronin, a vampire Elder, has spent the last thousand years waiting for Alec. He'd been told his fated one would be a man wielding a shield, but he didn't expect him to be human, and he certainly didn't expect that shield to be a police badge.

Both men, strong-willed and stubborn, are still learning how to cope with the push and pull of being fated, when fate throws them another curveball.

Rumors have spread quickly of turmoil in Egypt. Covens are fleeing with news of a vampire who has a talent like no other, hell-bent on unleashing the wrath of Death.

Alec and Cronin are thrown into a world of weird Alec cannot imagine. What he learned in school of ancient pharaohs and Egyptian gods was far from the truth. Instead, he finds out firsthand that history isn't always what it seems.

My thoughts: This is probably one of the best vampire books I’ve ever read. And to add to it, there are several more in the series. And to add to that, lol, each book is about Alec and Cronin… something you don’t see too often.
Again, the worldbuilding is amazing and rich in the history of our (meaning human lol) world. You’ll have to read it to understand what I mean. 😉 Each book in the series add to the foundation that is laid out in book one.
Honestly? You can’t go wrong with a N.R. Walker book. I’ve read just about every one that is out there, lol.


Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Tuesday Teaser



“I do want to address something you said earlier about Hamza’s reaction to this situation. My young, he’s reacting as any Tah’Narian would. I’m not sure why this concerns you,” Doc said.
“Oh good grief, Doc, really? You’ve been mated to a human for how long now?” John pried the comm out of Doc’s hand. “And don’t flatten those ears of yours at me either.”
Neo snorted. He knew that tone of voice. His dabba was in trouble.
“Neo? I want you to remember that neither Duran nor Jolak are human. You, on the other hand, do have human DNA—mine,” John said. “I raised you to understand my culture and to understand human perspective. Hamza does not have human DNA. As your dabba said, he’s reacting like a Tah’Narian would. What Doc should have added was he’s reacting like a pure-blooded Tah’Narian. They were once a warrior race.”
“Once?” Doc growled. “My love, we still are! We are fearless. We are merciless. We are—”
“Hotheaded, and that’s putting it nicely.” John rolled his eyes. “Hamza is responding as his genetics demand. Do not look for human empathy, my young, because there is nothing human about your mate. Hamza is decidedly angry, and for a Tah’Narian, that can be deadly.”
“Empathy and genetics aside, the Ne Reyn have committed a grave offense,” Doc added.  



Monday, April 13, 2020

Welcome to Pucker Up Monday. It's not what you think, lol. Since Mondays do tend to suck, I though I'd try to start the week off right for y'all.




Saturday, April 11, 2020

Finicky Friday - EASY CHICKEN PARMESAN PATTIES



Ingredients

• 1 can of chicken in spring water or 200 grams of cooked shredded chicken breast

• 1/2 zucchini finely grated with liquid squeezed out

• 1/2 cup baby spinach finely chopped

• 1/8-1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp mixed herbs

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional


Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken breast, grated zucchini and baby spinach. Mix until well combined. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mixed herbs, red pepper flakes and shredded parmesan cheese and mix until fully incorporated.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the egg until frothy. Add the egg to the chicken mixture and mix in the batter.

3. Coat a frying pan with oil and heat on medium until hot. Form the batter into five to six palm sized patties and 2 patties at a time, cook in the frying pan.

4. Fry each patty for approximately 2-3 minutes, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden on the exterior.

5. Serve with sriracha, hot sauce and a side of potatoes.


Notes
These patties are fantastic hot or cold- and can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to two months

Link: https://thebigmansworld.com/easy-chicken-parmesan-patties/

Friday, April 10, 2020

Release Blitz: James, Earl of Crofton by Rebecca Cohen


James, Earl of Crofton by Rebecca Cohen
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh, Black Jazz Design
Release Date: April 10, 2020
Length: Novel / ~86,000 words
Pairing / Genre(s) / Keyword(s): M/M Historical Romance
Available on AMAZON in KU and KDP






James Redbourn, Viscount of Crofton, enjoys all the pleasures King Charles II’s Restoration court affords him. His encounter with the enigmatic Chivalrous Highwayman in Epping Forest, sets the court aflame. Tales of the charming rogue treating his latest victim with his usual gentle hand has ladies’ fans quivering with every whisper.

While the Chivalrous Highwayman is a delicious fantasy, it is the intriguing Adam Dowson, the son of one of the greatest Cavalier generals, who is firing James’s daytime desires. Their friendship might be growing stronger, but Adam seems to be one of the few men who is impervious to James’s charms, no matter how hard James tries.

When James’s father become deathly ill, James races home. He is ill-prepared to become the 4th Earl of Crofton, and his father’s vague but dire warnings on his deathbed only make matters worse. Now the earl, James must discover what is happening at Crofton Hall that had troubled his father so deeply.

James turns to Adam for help. Despite Adam’s own secrets, James trusts him. James hopes he’s not making a mistake, risking his family estate, and his already bruised heart. Together, they need to work to clear out the rotten core at Crofton Hall, and along the way secure a happy future for them both.



A sneaky snippet of what’s in store…
“I hear the Viscount of Crofton has a fondness for pretty things.” The highwayman came to stand in front of him, much closer than James was expecting. He could smell the heady mix of expensive scent, mingling with horse and leather. It was intoxicating. No wonder people freely offered themselves to this man.
“I am honoured you know who I am.”
“Let us just say that I am fond of pretty things.” A deep chuckle accompanied the hand that made quick work of opening his jacket. “But today I am particularly interested in your love of little watches.”

Meet Rebecca
REBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of a living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Thursday book recommendation




These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.



This week is:  Surfacing (Wolf Born Book 1) by Claire Cullen


Blurb:
A wolf fighting to save the last of his pack. A merman struggling with his true nature. They’re worlds apart, but they can’t survive alone…

Luke wants his life back, but he'll settle for his freedom. His only chance of escape is Red, the fearsome, furious wolf searching for his stolen sister. He’ll say anything to convince Red to take him away from his human captors, drawn toward the man who sees him as little more than a burden. Red is danger and power all wrapped up in one, and Luke can’t tear his eyes away.

Red has done his best to ignore what’s happening out in the world. But all that ends when he comes face to face with Luke and is forced to confront reality—wolves aren’t the only shifters anymore. He frees Luke as a means to an end, but the longer they’re together, the stronger the pull he feels. It can’t be real. There’s no place for a merman in a wolf pack. Yet his instincts tell him Luke is something more, something to be protected.

Just when Luke thinks Red is going to sacrifice him to save his sister, the wolf promises him safety and a second chance at life. With Red by his side, Luke starts to believe freedom is worth fighting for.


Surfacing is the first book of the Wolf Born trilogy. It’s a m/m shifter romance, featuring babies, helicopter rides, and, as always, a happy ending. There are some difficult themes, including fear of drowning/being under water. Surfacing is not suitable for readers under the age of eighteen.


My thoughts: Seriously, you can’t go wrong with a Claire Cullen book. And this one has a merman! And a wolf! Really, what more do I need to say? I liked the take on how Luke came into existence. I haven’t read too many like that. Having written mermen myself, I really liked how she explained how Luke shifted. Red did kinda annoy me at first, but he’s supposed to do that. His character growth was well done. By the end of the book, I was fully on board with him.

Oh, and for y’all who like merbabies… you’re gonna want to read this. I should add this is NOT mpreg, though. Can’t say more than that. ;)



Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Tuesday Teaser - Bound by Love




A few unit seconds later, he removed Jolak’s cup from the reduplicator. “Here you go.”
Jolak took it and sat. “Fill me in on what’s going on.”
That certainly wasn’t a request, but unfortunately, Neo didn’t know that much. What little he did, he related to Jolak.
“This simply won’t do,” Jolak said once Neo had repeated the embarrassing lack of information he did had. “As the King Consort, you have certain obligations you must attend to, and to do that, you must have the data needed to do so.” Jolak tapped his comm.
In a few unit seconds, Hamza appeared. “Atat? Is everything okay?”
“Everything is perfectly fine. Well, mostly fine. I need access to all status updates, reports, any and all transmissions from other planets about the… the death of Duran, any condolences… everything.”
“You don’t need to be worrying about—”
“But I do,” Jolak snapped. “Actually, Neo is the one who needs this, and he needs this information so he may do his job as King Consort, which I am going to help him with. So yes, I need it. Give me access. Now, Hamza.”
Neo hiked his eyebrow. Jolak was in rare form this morning.




Monday, April 6, 2020

No Sacrifice by Grace R. Duncan


No one gets to live your life but you.



Out now at Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited!


You can find No Sacrifice here.
 

About No Sacrifice:

Patrick has taken his acting talents from high school all the way to a role in a major television show. But as the show progresses, his life of absolute certainties crumbles when he finds himself reacting to the kisses of his male costar. He refuses to accept it, reminding himself he’s happily married to a woman and has a sweet son, Avery. So, straight. Right?

One night he goes to drink his worries away and meets the gorgeous Chance Dillon. After too many drinks, Patrick spills his problems to Chance, who helps him realize he’s probably bisexual, and the new understanding helps him sleep better. It turns out Chance is a sound technician on the same set, and the two become fast friends.

Their friendship grows, Patrick’s marriage ends, and he returns from his family’s home in Hawai’i with Avery who captures Chance’s heart. Patrick and Chance’s romance blossoms, giving both dreams of a life together as a family of three. When Patrick is outed by the press to his unaccepting mother, he pushes Chance away to spare him the mess Patrick's life has become. By the time he realizes his mistake, it may be too late.


About the author:


noh8Grace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age – many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica.

As someone who loves to travel and see new places, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children - both the human and furry kind.

As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.

Website FacebookTwitterYoutubeGoodreads

Friday, April 3, 2020

Finicky Friday - Tuna Melt



Tuna melt

Tuna sandwiches don't seem like dinner, but tuna melts do. Basically, you're making a grilled cheese sandwich with a generous layer of tuna salad. It's just harder to turn over. So butter a piece of bread, put in the skillet, top with a spoonful of tuna salad, then slices of your favorite melting cheese. Put another piece of buttered bread on top. Push down with a spatula and grill till the bottom piece of bread is crusty. Carefully turn it over, cook until the second side is crusty and the cheese is melted. 



My Tuna Salad Recipe

Ingredients

12 oz white flaked tuna in water drained

1 stalk celery finely diced

3 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dijon

1 teaspoon lemon juice

salt & pepper to taste


Directions

Drain the tuna well. Albacore tuna has the freshest flavor, any brand will do as long as it’s packed in water. Put the tuna into a bowl and use a fork to separate the pieces.

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.


(I like tuna salad sandwiches, but I also like it on wheat bread or wheat crackers. Or, make a tuna melt!)

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Thursday book recommendation



These are books I’ve read and really enjoyed. Most of what I talk about will probably be paranormal/scifi but not always. Although it’s rare, I do read some contemporary.


This week is:  His Surrogate Omega: An MPREG Omegaverse Book (Omega Quadrant 1) by Kelex

Amazon link:







Blurb:
Omega Gray Tomlinson is positive he’ll remain unmated for the rest of his life. By his mid-thirties, he remains unclaimed and without prospects, and lives confined to the Omega Quadrant, where he’s sure he’ll end up dying alone.

When his older brother, Silver, and Silver’s alpha die in a tragic accident, Gray’s nephews come to live in his little sequestered world. Without an alpha, he knows he has little means to help support the boys. The only choice he can stomach is to offer his services as a surrogate.

The minute Gray meets Jamie, the infertile omega who so desperately wants a child, he senses a bond like none he’s ever felt before. It’s brotherly love at first sight, and Gray decides Jamie is the one, agreeing to carry his and his alpha, Rohan’s, child.

But when circumstances change, Gray is faced with new challenges, a new love interest, and a battle for the very life that grew inside him. And maybe there’s an alpha out there for him after all…

****
Want more Gray and Rohan? Check out Unexpected Heat: An Omegaverse Short ASIN: B07S96DLVG

Meet a character who'll play a major role in the Avery's book in Suddenly His Alpha: An Omegaverse Short ASIN: B07TJJPTQ7

And keep an eye out for His Reluctant Omega (Omega Quadrant, 2) coming soon.


Also check out the new OV series based in the same world
~Alphas of the Western Provinces~
The first novel, One Wild Heat ASIN: B07RSLPH7Y and the second, One Wild Omega ASIN: B07W4WF3RS



My thoughts:
Okay, first off: This is a non-shifter, mpreg book. With that out of the way, lol, OMG. Look, I’ve read a lot of Kel’s books, but this one… this one really got to me. I cried. And I’m someone who does that over books, as a rule. The emotions in this… whoo boy, prepare thyself. When this came out, I told Kel I thought it was the best book she’d ever written.

The worldbuilding is out of this world, and really, for me, that’s one of the highest compliments I can give. (See a pattern here LOL? I go for books that focus on worldbuilding!)