Killer in Crinolines debut. Welcome Duffy Brown (and thanks for the giveaway!)

Killer in Crinolines      
by Duffy Brown, author of Iced Chiffon

When Reagan Summerside is asked to make an emergency bowtie delivery to Magnolia Plantation for a wedding, she finds the groom face-down in five-tiers of icing and fondant, a cake knife in his back and her good friend and local UPS driver accused of the murder. Can Reagan find the real killer without winding up in the local swamp as alligator meat? Will Walker Boone, pain-in-the ass attorney and once-upon-a-time gang member, help her out or feed her to the alligators himself? 

**Facedown in five-tiers of icing and fondant a dead groom leads to wedding chaos for the bride, the bff and the hotshot attorney. 

Duffy Brown

Berkley Prime Crime

Consignment: Murder series

-Iced Chiffon  Oct, '12

-Killer in Crinolines May '13

www.DuffyBrown.com

 

Thank you to Duffy for her fabulous giveaway of totebags to three lucky folks!


And here are some delightful words from the author herself....


                                       Southern Food





I love Savannah, visited there a lot of times and did a ton of research on the place when I wrote Iced Chiffon. Things like what streets are one way, how many squares are there, and is the Pirate House really haunted? 



     One of the things I love researching the most is the food! Eating my way across Savannah is a delicious, lip-smacking, calorie-overload adventure.  Is there anything more delicious than Southern cooking? 

    You can have your sushi and broiled skinless/boneless chicken breast but give me a good old pork something-or-other anytime. I read somewhere that there are two religions down South...Baptist and Barbecue.  This is where the pork comes in, a cookout over a hardwood fire. Pulled, shredded, chopped, diced or sliced, it’s all pure heaven.  

 
     Then there’re the pies. Lord have mercy, pies! My Kentucky mother-in-law taught me to make crust that crumbles if you look at it sideways. And the filling… I have a pecan pie recipe that makes grown men cry, a peach cobbler recipe bequeathed to my eldest daughter and a sweet potato pie recipe that Paula Deen’s broken into my house twice now trying to swipe.

    Some of my friends just don’t get it. North food, South food, what’s the difference? Lots! Here’s a list and you tell me if it’s on a Northern grocery list or a Southern one. First off there’s the grocery itself…just try and find a Winn Dixie or Piggly-Wiggly in New Jersey.




 
    Bagels or hush puppies, granola bars or bread pudding, soft pretzels or jambalaya, baguette or grits, penne or grits, 12-inch Italian sausage or grits.  You get the idea.

 

    So what about you? What is your favorite Southern dish? Is there one passed down in the family or one you found in an old Southern Living magazine in your doctor’s office? Share the good food! I’ll give away three Iced Chiffon totes from the answers. Yummmmm!
   

 Please leave your response AND e-mail address in the comments section.  Giveaway is for readers in the U.S. and Canada.  Names will be drawn on May 18, 2013.

Killer in Crinolines (and make sure you visit tomorrow for a special guest post by Duffy Brown!)

Killer in Crinolines          
by Duffy Brown is the second book in the 'Consignment Shop Mystery' series that features the intrepid Reagan Summerside who was introduced in the fun cozy mystery Iced Chiffon.  The book is filled with the delightful witticisms that epitomize the southern charm that couches setdowns and insults in the most polite of ways until someone suddenly snaps!  I haven't quite finished reading (although it has been a bit embarrassing when I suddenly start chuckling in the middle of the doctor's office or wherever I happen to be sitting and reading).  The author's sly humor is subtle and can be missed if you aren't paying attention (I had to read the passage about the misdelivery of a certain package to the convent several times before I realized the insult being implied).

I have enjoyed revisiting the entertaining characters who populate this fun series, including Reagan's Aunt Kiki who is always ready and willing to be a sidekick to Reagan although she insists on her essential snacks and the sexy Walker Boone, lawyer and investigator who wields a mean bat.  I have not quite finished discovering whodunnit and killed the womanizing Simon Ambrose but I am definitely enjoying the hunt although I feel my tongue (and brain) tangling as I try to pronounce names like Waynetta and work through the permutations of a pseudonym such as Pillsbury.  Another fun read and it is great to know that there is another delightful volume in the works, Pearls and Poison, which should be released in 2014!

Please be sure to look at the next post (which should be live May 10, 2013) and features the words of the wonderful author herself....AND a giveaway!  Happy reading!


                

Musings about things (a bit sad)

I wander around a LOT of blogs...which seriously cuts into my reading time, lol.  Somewhere, I recently ran into an app that had fishes swimming around in the little box that you could move your cursor over and click to feed them.  It was strangely entertaining...but what a time waster...and, silly me, I followed the link and discovered that this is something you can do on your google page (which I was startled to realize that I had)...AND they had a virtual dog!

The rest is a little sad so continue reading at your own risk!

My beloved dog has been gone more than three years and I still choke up thinking about her because I had the privilege of being able to take her to work with me every day so we were pretty much together almost all of the time, except when we went to L.A. because she didn't especially like traveling in the car.  She was really well-trained except for her love of people, we could not break her of her habit of giving kisses and resting her front paws on people but she played a mean game of kibble hockey, was ambidextrous in which paw she would shake with (giggle), curled up in cat beds or laps very comfortably despite her relatively long legs, and obeyed multiple commands...including 'back up'!  Ok, so everyone gushes about their furbaby and thinks they have the best one but of course I think mine was fantastic.  If you visit my Goodreads page, her picture is the one I use for my profile.

Anyway, our hearts have been too sore to find a new furperson but for awhile, I assuaged my grief by interacting with the dog that lived next door.  We share a wooden fence with our neighbors on one side and there is a hole in it about 2 feet off of the ground...perfect for sticking my hand through and petting or sneaking small treats (shh, don't tell) and, if I neglected to acknowledge her...she made sure to whine at me and let me know that she knew I was outside and she wanted attention.  I felt badly for her when a new smaller dog was added to the household because she lost her favored status but she still kept her good-natured attitude and we communed many times to our mutual benefit.

It has taken me a little while to write about her because some idiot on our quiet neighborhood street was driving too fast a couple of weeks ago and my fence buddy was out in the street at the wrong time...my only solace is that she died quickly and without much apparent trauma.  It does no good to repeat how often I told the neighbors that she should not be allowed outside her yard without a leash but my life is emptier without her following me along the fence line and trying to race me to 'our' hole.  So, I remind you to please keep your dogs on leashes when they are outside of their enclosed yards.

I am particularly melancholy tonight because one of my friends had to say goodbye to her beloved cat today and I am reminded how short our pets' lives are in comparison to our own...but their hearts are big enough to match the love that we give them so they enrich our lives with their presence.

Anyway, now that I have depressed everyone, I have to say that it is fun to play with the virtual dog on iGoogle...even though apparently these apps will disappear later this year.  So, I am going to go toss a ball for it and entertain myself by adjusting the colors and playing with the buttons.  Don't forget to hug your furry children and give them a safe place to live.

Star Trek, TNG, On Board the Enterprise

Star Trek: The Next Generation, On Board the U.S.S. Enterprise   

by Denise and Michael Okuda is a beautifully illustrated book and accompanying CD-ROM that provides a very detailed tour of the iconic starship featured in so many movies, books and television series.  The familiar characters featured in The Next Generation are sprinkled throughout the book which offers closer views of items such as a communicator, tricorder and a phaser and one can use the CD-ROM to travel throughout various areas of the ship such as the bridge, sickbay, a turbolift and other areas familiar to fans of the series.  There are a couple of fold-out pages that give an impressive overview of the exterior of the famous ship.

A book that will appeal to fans of the popular spin-off of the original Star Trek series, whether they call themselves Trekkies or Trekkers or just fans.  The CD-ROM is fun to play with (although as a video game player I thought it would have been nice to have little games in the various areas or perhaps some voiceovers) because one can turn around or look up and down in whichever area one is visiting.   This book reminds me of a self-guided museum tour that will entertain a fan of the series but probably will not be sufficiently detailed for the diehard aficionado.  There are nice pictures of scenes from some of the most popular episodes of Star Trek:  TNG and it was fun to see some of the popular characters such as Tasha Yar, Data, Geordi and Guinan.  An entertaining way to revisit a popular series.
 

© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 

I had fun looking around the ship and this slightly oversized book has beautiful pictures that makes me want to watch some of my favorite episodes again but I do wish that it was slightly more interactive. 

Come chat with a few authors! (sorry, over--but join us Next Month!)

Sorry...the party's over )-:


But...there were more authors than readers at this chat and it would be great to change that so MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

This time you missed out on a chance to chat with:  Randi Alexander, Sarah Barimen, Darlene Winston, Duffy Brown, Roxanne St. Claire, Shoshonna Evers, Traci Hall, Elle James/Myla Jackson and Sabrina York (and I know I must be missing somebody but I can't remember who!).  Poor Terry Spear couldn't get into the chatroom for some reason, maybe her connection )-:

You never know who is going to drop in so come join us...sometimes there are giveaways and sometimes it's just a lot of kooky conversation to go with discussions of the new books and the upcoming releases but we always have a lot of fun!

First Tuesday of the month, 6:00 p.m., PST  (sorry, geocentric so I have no clue what that would be in other areas of the world except that it would be really late in England!)


*********

Drop in on the Writerspace chat tonight (Tuesday, May 7, 2013) at 6:00 PST and get a chance to chat with Terry Spear, Randi Jackson, Sabrina York and Myla Jackson and Susan Lyons! (if all of their schedules permit!)


Click on this link (or type in http://writerspace.com/chat/)

Please note:

If moderation is 'on' (usually to keep authors from being overwhelmed), readers are encouraged to raise their hands by typing a ? in order to keep the questions from flying fast and furious.  If you have a question, type in the question mark (?) and wait to be called on.  You can go ahead and type your question in the box but do NOT hit send until your name is called.  We usually have lots of fun (and fight over the virtual nutella and popcorn) and the authors are great to chat with, come join the fun!



And don't forget the great Brenda Novak's online auction has started.  Brenda started this as a way to raise money to search for the cure for diabetes and so many great authors and other people related to the publishing community donate wonderful prizes.  I can drool on the site for hours, lol.  Please go to this site http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf

See the Light and Velocity (Adult titles)

See the Light      
by Cassandra Carr is a yummy ADULT tale.

This is a spicy m/m novella that centers around hockey player Jason ‘Roney’ Monroe and older coach Patrick Parker, neither of whom has come out about their attraction to males, which sorely complicates their growing desire for one another.  Patrick is reluctant to deal with the ethical and professional implications of becoming sexually or romantically involved with a player that is he responsible for helping groom to represent their country at the Olympic games.  Josh is decidedly still in the closet and apprehensive about his reception in his chosen profession if he comes out.  Both men must decide whether their hearts and spirits will overcome their misgivings, hopefully before it is too late for them both.


A sensual m/m romantic tale that combines the excitement of the world of hockey with the challenges that face anyone who doesn’t conform to the conventional norm.   The author does a wonderful job of presenting the dilemma that each man faces as well as the frequently harsh censure that they may have to overcome from family, friends and colleagues, let alone strangers.  The sizzling attraction between the two men and the lengths that they go to, first to avoid one another and then to find a way to deal with their lust for each other is deftly portrayed and the deepening of the relationship is delightful to watch.  It is wonderful to see that there are some mature people in this couple’s world who are supportive and accepting even as one knows that, unfortunately, this is a work of fiction and real life doesn’t always have such a positive atmosphere.  Another enjoyable tale from a talented author.



**********

                               

My review of Impact (one of her bull rider's novellas) is at this link. 

Velocity        


is also an ADULT title that is the fourth novella in the ‘Buckin’ Bull Riders’ series and features Paolo D’Allesandro, younger brother of Marco (who was featured in book 3, “Momentum”). Paolo left Italy to follow his older brother to the United States and join the bull riding circuit but he has never felt the same passion or expertise for the vocation. Meeting the graduate student Savannah Harrington seems to exacerbate both his disenchantment with his sport and his sense of inferiority which continues to plague him even more as his broken English prevents him from saying everything he wants to. Savannah’s study of adrenaline junkies leads her to Paolo and neither of their lives will ever be the same.

This entertaining novella continues the saga of bull riders, set after the events in “Momentum” which focused on the elder D’Allesandro brother. Written with the author’s usual dexterity for creating an engaging and spicy tale, this heartwarming story reminds the reader of the importance of being true to oneself and following one’s own dream, not someone else’s. The added twist of the challenges faced by an immigrant to the country gives depth to the story and makes one hopeful that there will be additional cameos by this engaging pair in future tales. Glimpses of the stars of the previous three books in the series help tie them all together yet this title can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Another fun read.

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of these titles in return for an honest review.



I was delighted to see these titles offered for review as I think that this author tells wonderful and sensual tales that have characters one can relate to (although not necessarily emulate, lol).  I always look forward to reading Ms Carr's stories because I know that they will be both spicy and well-written.

Contests and Giveaways (and slowly catching up)

Don't forget that Brenda Novak's online auction full of great things to raise funds for diabetes research has started.  Please go to this link:
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf

Night Owl regularly has contests on its blog at this link but there is also the Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt at this link which ends May 15.

Romance Books 4 Us has its monthly contest at this link.

The Romance Studio is having a 'Staying at Home' party at this link.
(oops, I got so distracted reading some of the excerpts and commenting that I forgot I was working on this post, lol)

There's a Father's Day contest (among many other giveaways) on the Aunt Maggie Rocks blog at this link.

Adults only contest at the Smutketeers' blog where R.G. Alexander is diligently keeping those of us sad at not being at the RT convention occupied by showcasing all of the delightful titles she and her fellow authors have been writing.  Enter all 4 days but hurry, it ends soon!  Link.

and don't forget Sabrina York's free read (see post at this link)
and the bargains available for a limited time at the Book Lover's Buffet (see post at this link)

Upcoming giveaways:

I am delighted to be able to announce that cozy mystery author Duffy Brown will be visiting my blog next week with a hunger inspiring guest post on Southern food and a giveaway to celebrate the release of her new book, Killer in Crinolines (and for those of you who like me only had a fuzzy idea of what a crinoline is...it's a coarse stiff fabric of cotton or horsehair used especially to line and stiffen hats and garments. 2. A petticoat made of this fabric according to Freedictionary.com)
                          



Later in the month I have the wonderful opportunity to host a giveaway of Patricia Beard's A Certain Summer, a women's fiction title that looks intriguing.
                                     
 
and last, but not least, the prolific Terry Spear is visiting my blog (squee) and I think she might have one of her delicious shapeshifters accompanying her!   (0:
Come visit the Writerspace chat on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. PST--and chat with Terry!   http://writerspace.com/chat/

(aren't these droolworthy covers?)
                          





Meanwhile, I am frantically trying to catch up with just a little of my reading and have just finished Cassandra Carr's yummy m/m erotic romance, See the Light, the prolific and imaginative Cheyenne McCray/Jaymie Holland's re-release of the first book in the 'Seraphine Chronicles', Forbidden, and am FINALLY writing up reviews for the mesmerizing dark erotic story Selling Out by the talented Amber Lin and Shona Husk's intriguing science fiction novella, Lunar Exposure, not to mention Anya Bast's interesting novella Winter's Pleasures:  The Training.  (hopefully, Tammie at Night Owl Reviews won't notice how overdue some of my submissions are, lol)