Party For Two is FREE until Monday! Go grab your copy from Amazon! "If you love your romance with a dose of humor, this is the book for you. Monique DeVere is a master at tugging at your heartstrings and your funny bone, all at the same time. Highly recommend!"
XOXO
"Well developed characters combined with a clever plot kept my attention."
XOXO
"I took turns laughing at the antics and wanting to put the characters in timeout."
XOXO
"This was a fun read."
XOXO
"I liked that the relationship between Dani and Casey wasn't just sexual."
XOXO
Her sexy weekend fling.
Ex-lawyer turned pregnancy model Danielle Hampton has one simple rule; never date an attorney, even if he’s so deliciously hot she’s nicknamed him His Hotness Esquire. When her father asks her to strap on her silicone bump and pretend to be Casey Lowe’s pregnant fiancée in order to pull her family’s law firm out of trouble, her first answer is a resounding no! But she owes Casey for wrecking his pool.
Civil Rights Attorney Casey Lowe lives by a code of practice: never date his boss’s daughter, but he’ll do just about anything to make partner at the top law firm—even if it means violating his personal code. He hasn’t bargained on the fierce desire that burns hotter than the Mojave Desert and combusts every time he gets his boss’s daughter alone. She may drive him to distraction and melt in his arms, but will this party girl hang around long enough for him to convince her that all the best parties… are for two?
“Answer the question, Lowe. Did you or did you not say—”
It should have wiped the smile off his face but if anything it brightened his grin. “Yes, I said it, but—”
“Just the facts, Lowe.”
He chuckled. “Why the hell did you ever give up law?” His mouth landed on hers and she hadn’t even seen it coming.
Dani refused to let her eyes drift shut. Refused to let the sweet sensation of Casey’s lips on hers seduce her. She should pull back. Push him away. She got as far as planting her palms on his chest—his hard chest with the solid muscles that flexed beneath her fingers. Then, as if they operated independently of her brain, her hands bunched in his shirt front, tugged him closer. Her lids became too heavy and fluttered closed. The tip of his tongue caressed the seam of her lips. They softened, parted of their own accord. He accepted the invitation, slid his tongue in slow bewitching strokes inside her mouth. A shudder skittered through her, coaxing a sigh from her.
She was going to push him away… in a minute… any minute now… just one more second…
He made a half growl kind of sound deep in his throat then broke the kiss. “How’s that for a fact?”
Dani blinked. She couldn’t think. Every muscle in her body had jellified. She’d never been kissed stupid before.
XOXO
Grab Your FREE Copy of Party For Two before it reverts to regular on Monday!
Happy Friday!! Am I the only one who lives for the weekends? Yeah, sure they're busy, but c'mon, it's the weekend! I have a little treat for you. My Dish The Pie guest today is Deborah Hall-Branch. Not only is she an ordained minister, she's also the author of THEONA, a faith-based women’s fiction novella. Before we get to the book, though, I need to ask you, Deborah...
Do you like desserts? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us?
Deborah: Southern Style Banana Pudding. My husband isn’t a big fan of it, so I usually find myself eating it all.
Monique: So I guess you usually make this pudding for one? . I've never heard of Southern Style Banana Pudding and can't wait to get your recipe. Please share it with us.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; cook until thickened.
Remove from heat; add vanilla and mix well.
In serving bowl, layer the wafers, bananas, and the pudding.
Monique: Sounds delish! Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast? If so, what was it?
Deborah: No. I can’t even eat lunch without having
Created by Crystal Swan for Dish The Pie With Monique
breakfast first no matter what time of day. Monique: No indulgences for you then? I think some of my readers would agree with me when I say...pie can be breakfast! What is the happiest moment of your life? (besides giving birth, or hubby proposing)
Deborah: Being told I was cancer free. That was the happiest moment of my life and still.
Monique: I can imagine, Deborah. I'm so happy to hear that you've been well and truly healed! Who do you get along better with? Men or women?
Deborah: Men. Although I’m a woman too, I have discovered we just have too many isms and schisms. One day we like the person we call friend. The next day we’ve moved on to someone else. No, I pick men every time.
Monique: I hear you there! I get along so much better with men. The best female friends I have are all cyber. Have you ever had a best friend of the opposite sex?
Deborah: Yes
Monique: Okay...just yes? You've piqued my curiosity big time...Which movie is your all-time favourite? The one you watch so often you know every line?
Deborah: The Temptations. Someone brought me the movie for a Christmas present several years ago and we’ve played it so much it kind of drags now. But, I know all their dance moves, songs, and lines. Funny!
Monique: I think I would pay good money to watch you shake your stuff! It's been wonderful hanging out with you, Deborah. Would you tell us a bit about your novella?
THEONA
by
Deborah Hall-Branch
A faith-based women’s fiction novelette
“Theona, wait! You have me wrong. I wasn’t… maybe I should not have said that. Please believe me; I would never use anyone. That was just my stupidity speaking out loud in case you turned me down. I really do want to have dinner with you; get to know you better. Can you forgive me?”
Sympathy burrowed deep within her spine. His saddened eyes burned into her soul. He reached over for her hand and held it in his. “Don’t worry, I’m not a swindler or some handsome, mesmerizing demon from hell that has come for your soul—just a lonely guy who can’t handle rejection from a beautiful intelligent woman and would love to share his evening with you.”
Theona couldn’t deny the burst of sympathy for him in her heart. His sincere words made her heart race. “Maybe we can have a few drinks. We’ll see how the evening goes in reference to dinner. You better hope karma stays on your side.”
“He smiled. “Okay, I can go along with that.” Satisfaction twinkled across his face.
Deborah Hall-Branch was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A unique author whose promo tag
is “Sometimes Fantasy. Sometimes Reality. Always Spiritual. After working many years in the health field, a job separation nudged her to begin writing about her life’s experiences. Deborah is also a multi-genre published author, co-author, and motivational speaker who teaches about abuses warning signs, its devastating aftermath, how to break free from their low place to women, children, and men. Her first book, Through the Eyes of Abuse was published in 2009. She has written more than several published five star articles. Her compassion to help someone else be healed from this horrific stigma became her mission and to share her most intimate stories with others has opened many doors such; as, C.O.P.E. (Coalition of Prison Evangelists) a well-known organization throughout the United States of America, CASA, a nonprofit network supporting and promoting court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children, Youth and Teen symposiums, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Zeta Mu Chapter) “The Morning Aphter” Programs. A licensed/ordained Elder in the ministry where she serves, her addressees has also been those of leadership positions within the Christian denomination. Married nineteen years, mother of three adult daughters, and grand mom to three handsome grandsons, and one beautiful granddaughter. Deborah and her husband now reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
In November 2015, Deborah published her first faith-based women’s fiction novelette, THEONA available now on ebook format.
Please welcome my guest Linda Nightingale to Dish The Pie. Today Linda and I are talking SouthernPecan Pie and her Romantic Suspense, Gambler's Choice. But before I ask Linda about her fab book, I need to know... Do you like desserts, Linda? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us? Linda: I’m not much of a dessert person, but I love ice cream. Since I can’t make my own ice cream, I’ll share the recipe for something my mom used to make…Southern Pecan Pie. Monique: Oh yum! I love pecan anything. Bring it on!
Linda's Mom's handwritten recipe for Southern Pecan Pie.
Southern Pecan Pie
Recipe
Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon flour
Add 3 unbeaten eggs, 1 cup white Karo syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ¼ pound margarine or butter – Mix well (do not heat)
Place pecans in pie crust and pour mixture over pecans
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, reduce heat to 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes (do not overcook)
Linda: And that’s how my mom made the most extraordinary pecan pies!
Monique: I'm totally making this pie, Linda! Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast? If so, what was it?
Linda: A guilty pleasure—yes—pecan pie (as in the recipe!) Monique: Yummy! What’s your favourite food? Linda: Lobster, hands down, no contest—but I love a good, medium rare steak prepared Pittsburgh style (charred on the outside, very rare on the inside). I’ll also take snow crab, king crab or lamb chops with mint sauce. Hum, I must be hungry as of this writing. Monique: I think we can all agree that Lobster is pretty delish. How important is humour to you? Linda: Very. That’s high on my list of priorities in finding the man of my dreams. I had a British gentlemen once as a boyfriend and he constantly made me laugh. Such fun! Monique: How often do you laugh, Linda? Linda: A lot—most of the time at myself. I’m very clumsy. Monique: Awww...maybe you’re one of my heroines . When was the last time you laughed? Linda: This morning, but as to a fit of hilarity, my friend and I went to Galveston for my birthday. We started laughing and couldn’t stop, each feeding the other another line off the cuff until our sides hurt. Monique: Happy belated birthday! When was the last time you cried? Linda: I read a post on Facebook about how one missed her father. I miss mine to this day, and he died in 2006. I cried then. Monique: I sympathise. I still shed a tear when I think of my loved ones who have gone home to be with the Lord. Would you tell us a bit about your book, Linda?
Gambler's Choice
A Romantic Suspense
by
Linda Nightingale
Becca McQuaid came to England to find the perfect horse but instead met a darkly mysterious challenge in Austen Heath, Baron of Hampton. She’s determined to buy Austen’s stallion Gambler’s Choice. He’s determined not to sell, but the rivals are thrown together by an accident that leaves Austen with a broken leg and the threat he’ll never ride again.
Austen Heath has the title, heritage and manor house…but not the fortune. Becca is wealthy. Her charms are irresistible, but he believes she’s shopping for a Ladyship to go with her money. He has another reason to hold the sexy blonde at arms’ length—the unexplained disappearance of an old friend everyone thinks was his lover. When her body is discovered on his property, he becomes a suspect in her murder.
Rebecca McQuaid was in England for one reason.
To find the perfect match.
Size was important. Becca was a tall girl. Money was of no consequence whatsoever. Becca was a wealthy girl. Heart mattered most. He must have the heart to go the distance. She dreamed of a partnership that would last a lifetime. But looks did rank quite high on her list of priorities.
“I simply can’t ride an ugly horse. That would be like dating an ugly man.” Tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder, she laughed and winked at her friend.
Meg shot her a frown, her tone accusing Becca of being an uncivilized colonist. “Rebecca McQuaid, you say the damnedest things.”
An appreciative chuckle turned her around to squint into the sun. A tall, elegant, dark figure of a man on a magnificent horse caught her imagination mid-stride. She couldn’t see the rider’s face, but she knew he’d overheard the exchange with her friend. He saluted her with a tap of his whip to the brim of his hat as he rode past. Excitement capered over her, and she smiled. The horse’s muscled, blood bay rump glistened. The stallion was sixteen-two hands, fit and impeccably groomed.
“Nice buns. That one’s good-looking enough for me.” She elbowed her friend. “Who is it?”
Meg shaded her eyes. “Gambler’s Choice and Austen Heath. Both horse and rider satisfy your criteria, my dear girl.”
“The horse is handsome.” She wished she had gotten a better look at the bay, but he was a mahogany blaze in the morning sun. “Are you telling me the rider is?”
“That’s the general consensus, but Austen hides in that rambling, dark mansion of his.” Meg studied the pair picking up a trot along the arena. “Fierce competitors. Hard to beat at Intermediate. We’ll see how they handle Advanced.”
“An Advanced horse?” Becca wriggled her shoulders. “I’m in the market.”
“Look elsewhere.” Meg’s finger jutted at Becca’s nose.
“Austen won’t sell Gambler for love or money. Guaranteed.
Not even for the kind of money you’re willing to spend.”
“Meggie.” She linked arms with her friend. “Everything has a price.”
Meg balked like a donkey. “You’re in a different world, princess.”
“Well, not everything. Love doesn’t have a price.” Pain wrenched her heart as a memory of the breakup with Daniel flashed through her mind. The hurt was too fresh to even think of another man. “But I’m not in the market for love.”
Becca had found that the best way to protect her heart was to play spoiled little rich girl. She had that part down pat, and, as Winston Churchill had said, There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. She was looking for a horse to fall in love with and help mend her broken heart.
Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta and Houston. She’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for many years. Linda has won several writing awards, including the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award. She is the mother of two wonderful sons, a retired legal assistant, member of the Houston Symphony League, and enjoys events with her car club. Among her favorite things are her snazzy black convertible and her parlor grand piano. She loves to dress up and host formal dinner parties.
Linda is giving away one of her backlist eBooks to a lucky commenter. You get to choose from these titles: Sinners’ Opera, Sinners’ Obsession, Cardinal Desires, Gemini Rising, or Love For Sale. Please leave a comment below for Linda, and your chance to win one of her books.
Today my guest on Dish The Pie is Peggy Jaeger, a fellow Candy Hearts author. We're talking about her new Candy Hearts story 3 Wishes, which is released today! and Chocolate Mousse-to-die-for. Happy release day, Peggy, and welcome to Dish The Pie. The first thing I'd like to know is... Do you like desserts? What is your favourite and would you share the recipe with us? Peggy: Does Candy count as dessert? If so, then yes I do! My favourite has no recipe – it’s a Hershey’s kiss! Monique: Hmmm... I guess dessert is whatever we deem it to be . But please tell me you have a lovely dessert recipe for us. Ah, I see that you do:
Chocolate Mousse-to-die-for!
Ingredients
Photo: Peggy Jaeger
•21 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed •1/4 cup butter, softened •1 cup heavy cream •1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1 pinch salt •2 cups heavy cream •1/4 cup white sugar •1 cup heavy cream, chilled •1/4 cup white sugar
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (Grease a 9 inch springform pan with 2 3/4 inch sides. 2.In a medium bowl, mix together crushed cookies and softened butter or margarine. Press mixture evenly into greased pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then cool. 3.Combine 1 cup cream, chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt, in the top of a double boiler. Heat until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth. Bring 1 cup cream to a boil on stovetop, then slowly pour cream into processor with blade running. Continue to process until mixture is smooth. 4.Pour chocolate mixture into a bowl and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. 5.In a large bowl, beat 2 cups chilled cream with 1/4 cup
Created by Crystal Swan for Dish The Pie With Monique
sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Pour mixture into cooled crust. 6.Chill pie overnight before serving. Prior to serving, beat remaining 1 cup cream with 1/4 cup sugar until stiff, then pipe onto top of pie with a star tip, or place a spoonful on top of each slice. Monique:Have you ever eaten pie for breakfast, Peggy? If so, what was it? Peggy: Nope, sorry. I’m not a pie girl. Monique: Fair enough. Which season (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) is your favourite and why? Peggy: I favour Autumn the best. I live in the North East of America, New England to be precise, and we have the most amazing Autumn season. The colors start to turn from green to red to orange to yellow in a patchwork of gorgeousness in September and go straight through until November. We have a cottage industry in these parts called LEAF PEEPING SEASON where tourists come from all over the world to get a view of the beauty that is our region. Monique: Sounds delightful. Are you married? How did you meet your husband? How did he propose? How long have you been together? Peggy: I am married. Dec. 26th it was 28 years. We met over a patient who was getting a urinary catheter inserted – hubby is a doc and I am a nurse! Not the most romantic way to meet your future partner, but hey! It worked for us. Monique: Awww... What do you love most about him? Peggy: Truly, he is one of the kindest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Monique: What is your concept of a romantic date? Peggy: I’ll tell you about our first date because it sealed the deal for our relationship. We flew to Boston from NYC for the day. I’d never been on a plane before so that alone was exciting for me. We toured the historic city, had dinner in the famed North End and then flew back to NYC because he was on call the next night. Such a whirlwind in 15 hours! From that moment on I knew he was a man after my own adventurous heart. Monique: How utterly romantic, Peggy! Sounds like something straight out of a romance novel! Speaking of romance novels, would you tell us a bit about your new release?
3 Wishes
A Candy Hearts Romance
by
Peggy Jaeger
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday. Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family. But this year for her big 3-0 birthday, she just might get her three wishes.
At about five minutes of ten I was almost ready to turn the Closed sign on the door when it opened. I heard Janie’s breath hitch and turned from where I was sweeping up. Staying open late is always a risk, with the thought thieves will invade at the end of the day. If the guy standing at the door glancing around the shop was a thief, then Dio mio, I wanted to be robbed. About six foot, his hair was the color of a deer’s pelt, with autumnal golds and browns shot together in a glorious patchwork that grazed the collar of his jacket and curled a little at the ends. He wore a faded brown bomber jacket over a shirt I couldn’t see, but he had shoulders almost as wide as my doorway. A pair of well-worn jeans covered his mile long legs, and the fabric on the stress points at his knees was practically white. “We’re about to close,” I heard myself say. “Can I help you?” It was at that moment he looked over at me. His face could have been sculpted by Da Vinci or Michelangelo. A broad, smooth, forehead housed naturally arched eyebrows I knew some of my gay guy friends would have paid a fortune to have on their own faces. His cheeks were carved from marble, high, smooth and deep. And his mouth, mother-of-God, his mouth. Full, thick beautiful lips sat perfectly over a chin with a dent you could shove a button into and have it stay put. “Sorry,” he said, those fabulous lips pulling up a little shyly at the corners. “I got stuck at work and couldn’t get here until now. I’ll be quick. Promise.” So here’s the thing: the guy was gorgeous. But even if he’d looked like a frog with raw antipasto smothering his face, I would have dropped to my knees when he opened his mouth. Warm honey, a shot of raw whiskey, and a little hot puff of smoke wafted from his mouth like a fine and rare brandy being decanted.
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance author who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can't live without them.
Her current titles, available now, include SKATER'S WALTZ and THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME, and FIRST IMPRESSIONS books 1 through 3 in her 6-book The MacQuire Women Series, published by The Wild Rose Press.
Peggy holds a master's degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer's Disease during her time running an Alzheimer's in-patient care unit during the 1990s.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
. I've never heard of Southern Style Banana Pudding and can't wait to get your recipe. Please share it with us.
