Hope you're having a great holiday, everyone!
Cheers to the end and the beginning!
Cupcakes vs Muffins: An Epic Battle
(I do not own this image. I take no credit for it.)
Is
a cupcake really just a muffin beneath all that icing?
Is a muffin really a cupcake without
all the fancy window dressing?
Can you be pro-cupcake while being
anti-muffin? Or pro-muffin and anti-cupcake?
Is it possible to enjoy both?
It’s hard to know where to draw the
line, if indeed a line should be drawn at all. Cupcakes and muffins have long
since been at war with one another. One is well-regarded as an irresistible treat
to be enjoyed at any moment, day or night, while the other is simply relegated
to a certain time of the day, which is usually the a.m. with a cup of coffee or
maybe a glass of orange juice.
There are also flavors to consider. Take
a carrot cake cupcake, most likely topped off with cream cheese icing. Carrots
are a vegetable, right? And yet, here it is, swirled into a treat that is held
in perhaps what some may consider as a higher standing than a muffin. Now let’s
take a double-chocolate, chocolate chip muffin, no icing needed. No vegetables,
either. Yet, it’s to be enjoyed in the morning and somehow is much more
decadent than a carrot cake cupcake.
Is this fair?
Can this justify the battle between
such delicious treats? The crumbs that are left behind? The paper sleeves
balled up and tossed away? Can this even explain the carefully-avoided fact that
cupcakes are made in muffin tins?
The battle is on-going.
Delicious, but on-going nonetheless.
Correct Punctuation...It Can Make a Difference
Correct punctuation--it can make the difference between a harsh comment and one that...well, might end up in the bedroom....
GIVEAWAY TIME! **Now Closed***
Peeps!
It's GIVEAWAY TIME!
And why?
Because Halloween's coming and that means CANDY!
You all know my sweet tooth is legendary so what better way to celebrate the sweetness in the time of chills, thrills and screams?
So okay. Let's lay down some rules. Yes, rules. I know, I know, I don't like them either but sometimes they're necessary.
For this giveaway, my thriller LIGHTS OUT is on sale for $0.99! YAY!
All you have to do is purchase a copy, send me your verified purchase code and be entered into a drawing for this:
*squeals*
How CUTE is this thing? How can a ghost be any cuter than this? Yep, it's an adorable throw pillow (dimensions are 16'' x 16'') and not only that, but look at the back of it:
*dies*
Happy ghost on the front and sad ghost on the back!
Who knew Halloween was totally capable of cuteness!
Now, I know LIGHTS OUT has been out for a while now (2013 to be exact, ugh, where IS the time going?) so for those you who already have a copy, whether it be an ebook or a hard copy, send me a pic of your smiling face along with your copy of LIGHTS OUT (again, ebook or hard copy, doesn't matter) and you can enter to win as well!
You can send me your verified purchase codes and/or your pics on this blog post, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, wherever you can find me!
Oh and did I mention a $10 gift card to Starbucks? No? Well, let's throw that in as well, shall we? Nothing like sipping on a hot beverage while relaxing on a ghosty pillow!
Oh and did I mention a $10 gift card to Starbucks? No? Well, let's throw that in as well, shall we? Nothing like sipping on a hot beverage while relaxing on a ghosty pillow!
I'm going to keep this giveaway running through Halloween until November 3rd so good luck, peeps and Happy Halloween!
Creepy Campfire Tales with Debbie Christiana
So incredibly honored to be a part of Debbie Christiana's Creepy Campfire Tales Blog!
Come check out what I've conjured up around the crackling fire....see if you can go to sleep tonight after hearing this one.....
While Getting Coffee....
This is the face I make when I run into rude people.....especially in a Starbucks. Seriously. You're in a Starbucks. You're getting a hug in a mug. Why are you going to be rude? What is there to be rude about? Your brain is about to get a jolt of love. Your body is going to receive the burst of affection it craves and you're going to be rude?
*sigh*
Birthday Cupcake
One thing that's good about birthdays is the treats. And I'm not talking just any treats. But original treats. Treats made specifically for you by your awesome co-workers. The heavenly cup of cake that's above--are you looking at it, huh, are you, are you?--is lovingly called, "The Larry."
(sidebar: this recipe will not be forthcoming, for its creator is as territorial as a rabid dog.)
(sidebar: this recipe will not be forthcoming, for its creator is as territorial as a rabid dog.)
With a fluffy vanilla cake, pocked with peanut butter chips, topped with a creamy wig of peanut butter buttercream icing sprinkled with candied bacon garnish, this was truly a way to celebrate another year older. And honestly, can getting older really be that bad when you're sinking your teeth into this sweet deliciousness?
Excuse me, I'm still recovering from sugar shock.....
Excuse me, I'm still recovering from sugar shock.....
Cover Reveal for Caridad Pineiro and One Summer Night
Don't judge a book by its cover.....it's easier said than done! That cover, whether it's good, bad or ugly, has a way of masking a truly amazing story. So without further ado, here's the awesome cover for Caridad Pineiro's new novel, "One Summer Night":
Blurb:
Maggie Sinclair has tried
everything to save her family's business. Her options are dwindling, and she
needs someone who can turn things around—fast. Problem is, the only person who
can help her is trouble with a capital T. The Sinclair and Pierce families have
been feuding for nearly 30 years, but that hasn't stopped Jax Pierce from
noticing Maggie. And he likes what he sees—a lot. But getting involved would
mean risking his family, his inheritance, and above all, his heart. Can Maggie
and Jax keep their simmering attraction at bay—or will mixing business and pleasure
bring nothing but heartache?
Excerpt:
With keen interest, Owen Pierce
took note of the three women as they hurried away from the
dais and into the Sinclair mansion.
“Put your eyes back in your
head, Bro. She’s nothing but trouble,” Jon warned in low tones.
Owen bit back the retort that if
anyone knew about trouble, it was his brother. Jonathan had always marched to a
different drummer and had set out on his own as a teenager to explore what he
wanted out of life. Now a successful entrepreneur, he had captured the media’s
attention with his innovative designs and daring adventures. That left Owen to
shoulder most of the burden of the family’s real estate business, as well as
deal with his father’s anger over Jonathan’s latest newsworthy escapade.
He envied his brother’s carefree
spirit and determination, especially as Maggie Sinclair marched back onto the
patio with her friends, an angry bride, and an obviously inebriated groom. Both
the bride and groom looked far from happy as they approached the elaborate
multi-tiered wedding cake that had been wheeled out to the middle of the
makeshift dance floor.
He worried the bride might
plunge the long knife she held into her new husband, but luckily for the
newlyweds, Maggie directed the blade toward the cake.
Jon playfully elbowed him.
“Seriously, Owen. She’s not for you. Father declared the Sinclairs off-limits
ages ago. He would have a stroke if he thought the two of you were involved.”
Involved with Maggie Sinclair,
Owen thought and sighed with regret.
In a way, he’d been involved
with her forever. He’d like to chalk it all up to a sloppy, hurried, and stolen
kiss at eighteen and the allure of forbidden fruit. But since that kiss, he’d
watched her mature into a smart, beautiful woman. One who was willing to work
hard for the town and business she cared about as well as friends and family.
With every encounter, he’d grown more intrigued with the person Maggie had
become.
But his father had come down
hard on them about mingling with the Sinclairs right after Maggie’s mother’s
death. For years, they’d been unable to come to their Sea Kiss home, and even
when they’d returned, they’d done so without their father, who refused to be so
close to the family he thought had wronged him.
Not that Owen expected that Jon
would kowtow to such rules, since his brother was the kind of man who didn’t
hesitate to take what he wanted.
He arched a brow and met his
brother’s blue-eyed gaze, which glittered with a mix of undisguised challenge
and amusement. “Do you think you’re the only one entitled to a little adventure
in your life?” he said.
Jon chuckled. “My kind of
adventure is way safer than what you may be considering.”
“Why’s that, Li’l Bro?” he
asked, appreciating the sight of Maggie in a dusty-rose gown that hugged dangerous
curves. Her chestnut-brown hair fell to her shoulders in soft waves and framed
ice-blue eyes and a sassy, sexy face that snared his attention every time he
saw her.
Jonathan took a last sip of his
champagne and barely stifled another laugh. With a shake of his head, he
replied, “Because all I risk is an occasional broken bone, but that…” He
jerked his head in Maggie’s direction as she stepped back beside Connie and
Emma. “That will break
your heart.”
Behind the Scenes Tidbits for the At the Shore Series:
Purchase Links:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2krMwfE
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2kYLWZV
B&N: http://bit.ly/2kNuo0p
iBooks: http://apple.co/2qsqdwx
Kobo: Coming Soon!
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2kYLWZV
B&N: http://bit.ly/2kNuo0p
iBooks: http://apple.co/2qsqdwx
Kobo: Coming Soon!
Caridad Bio:
Caridad Pineiro is a
transplanted Long Island girl who has fallen in love with pork roll and the
Jersey Shore, but still can’t get the hang of tomato pies. When Caridad isn’t
taking long strolls along the boardwalk to maintain her sanity and burn off
that pork roll, she’s also a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author with
over a million books sold worldwide. Caridad is passionate about writing and
helping others explore and develop their skills as writers. She is a founding
member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers and has presented workshops at the
RT Book Club Convention, Romance Writers of America National Conference as well
as various writing organizations throughout the country. You can connect with
Caridad at www.caridad.com. You can also find Caridad on:
Twitter at https://twitter.com/caridadpineiro
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author
Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/caridadpineiro/
Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/Caridad_Pineiro
Want to receive Caridad's newsletter with exclusive content just for subscribers and special giveaways? Just visit http://bit.ly/2cbxlYw to sign up. Caridad values your privacy and will not share your e-mail or personal information.
Twitter at https://twitter.com/caridadpineiro
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author
Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/caridadpineiro/
Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/Caridad_Pineiro
Want to receive Caridad's newsletter with exclusive content just for subscribers and special giveaways? Just visit http://bit.ly/2cbxlYw to sign up. Caridad values your privacy and will not share your e-mail or personal information.
Naughty Bedtime Stories: Four You is Here!
I am so excited to be a part of this super-sexy anthology! For me, it was a nice break to write something light (and steamy), a huge step to the side of what I usually write. Check out who else is sharing the awesomeness between the sheets with me:
Feel like sinking your fingers into something good? Take a romp in the bedroom with these sexy-as-hell stories!
Happy Valentine's Day
So, yeah, okay. I'm late. Valentine's Day was two days ago....two and you know what? I missed it because I was too busy recuperating from a sugar coma....and it was worth every bite.
You Know The Feeling....
Walking outside after finishing a tasty, stomach-extending meal and the air on your flushed face feels so good, so cool. As delectable as that last bite of hot apple crumble sliding down your throat.
Oh yeah.
Carb Flush.
That, my friends, is the rush of blood to the face after raising your head from the carb trough. It’s not easy to do, especially since we deny ourselves carbs all the time.
They’re too much fat, we cry.
They’re too much sugar, we scream.
And with a hell-bent for leather single-mindedness, they head straight for multiple areas anywhere between our knees and our necks.
As emphatic as we are about our carb-denial, when we do finally cave, it’s a rush of euphoria seldom duplicated in any other aspect of our lives.
We think, “Yes, oh, yes. This is what I’ve been missing.”
Life is short, right?
So go ahead.
Eat that cake.
You don’t have to overdo it.
But you need to taste it.
Taste the rush.
Feel the flush.
Oh yeah.
Carb Flush.
That, my friends, is the rush of blood to the face after raising your head from the carb trough. It’s not easy to do, especially since we deny ourselves carbs all the time.
They’re too much fat, we cry.
They’re too much sugar, we scream.
And with a hell-bent for leather single-mindedness, they head straight for multiple areas anywhere between our knees and our necks.
As emphatic as we are about our carb-denial, when we do finally cave, it’s a rush of euphoria seldom duplicated in any other aspect of our lives.
We think, “Yes, oh, yes. This is what I’ve been missing.”
Life is short, right?
So go ahead.
Eat that cake.
You don’t have to overdo it.
But you need to taste it.
Taste the rush.
Feel the flush.
Dangerous, Unsettling and Sexy as Hell is Jami Gray's Upcoming Novel, "Marked by Obsession"
As a writer, I'm always curious about what drives other writers. What kinds of questions go through their minds when they're putting a plot together? What kind of characters keep them awake at night? What kinds of problems do they encounter when said characters just refuse to cooperate? Or better yet, what happens when they do?
In Jami Gray's next paranormal romance suspense novel, Marked by Obsession, it's chocked-full of things that will make your pulse pound and your blood roar. Read below for an excerpt of this exciting new continuation of her PSY-IV Teams series!
Synopsis:
Wolf is a hardened solider, solid and sure of himself and
his place, and just happens to be a telepath. He deserved someone who could
keep him grounded, someone who couldn’t be manipulated. Enter Meli, who is
quite happy curling up with a book and avoiding arguments, or anything she
doesn’t want to deal with. Wolf fascinates her, but she’s lost her only family,
her brother, and his death leaves her floundering while her normally staid
world tilts on it axis. It also means she’s hesitant to reach out for the one
man who tempts her dream big. It doesn’t help that she’s managed to become the
focus of deranged stalker, who wants not just Meli, but revenge, and is willing
to go through Wolf to get it.
Excerpt:
A flash of something came and went in those sea-glass eyes.
“You don’t like accepting help, do you?”
"What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I’m not talking in tongues, here. It means exactly what I
said.” He cocked his head, his face unreadable. “Why are you picking a fight
with me, Meli?”
His question made me pause, and I sat back. Why was I
picking a fight? Wolf and Bishop were only trying to help, and getting Rabbit
to uncover the details behind Eric’s death might give us a clue as to what
waited in the safety deposit box. Or maybe, it would just raise more questions.
And there it was, “I think I’m scared of what you’ll find.” Saying it out loud
didn’t do a darn thing to diminish the dread lodged like a weight in my gut.
Wolf leaned forward, one arm stretching across the table
until he could cover my hand fisted next to my plate. “Why?”
Such a soft question to land so hard. The fears chasing
themselves in my head were so disloyal, but there was no escaping the logic.
Whatever Eric was involved in was at my front door, and there was no outrunning
it now. I raised my head and met him head on, even though the words choked me.
“During the last year, Eric changed. He was darker, harder than before, and
worried. If this is tied to him, or what was haunting him, and it killed him,
how do I fight it?”
His grip tightened. “You’re not doing it alone, angel. I
won’t let you.”
The solemn depth to his words triggered another fear, even
as shame scrambled underneath. As much as I’d love to stand alone, keeping
everyone else safe, I couldn’t, I didn’t have the necessary skills to navigate
this dangerous new road. But I couldn’t bear it if this man was hurt because of
me, because of the trouble I brought. “Don’t stand in front of me, Wolf.”
His thumb brushed back and forth along my wrist, his gaze
never wavering. “I can’t walk away. I won’t, so don’t ask.”
I shook my head vehemently because I knew beyond a shadow of
a doubt I wouldn’t survive whatever was coming without him. “Beside me, stand
beside me.” It came out rough and aching.
His smile was brilliant and fierce. “That I can do.”
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Available in paperback or e-book at:
Or anywhere books
are sold!
|
 Jami Gray is the award winning,
multi-published author of
the Urban Fantasy series, The Kyn Kronicles, and
the Paranormal Romantic Suspense series, PSY-IV Teams. She
can be soothed with coffee and chocolate. Surrounded by Star Wars obsessed males and two female labs
moonlighting as
the Fur Minxes, she escapes by playing with the voices in her
head.
Hunt her down at:
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