Saturday, February 26, 2011

Book Club: Next Week's Book and a New Logo

First things first! The lovely Kris Gilson has a friend who is a graphic designer and she has come up with an AWESOME new logo for the Romance and Oreos Book Club. I'm so excited to debut it here:



It was designed by Lori Lewellyn at Big Picture, Inc. (Lori@BPIWorks.com/LoriLewellyn_333@yahoo.com) and we love it. Hope all the book club wenches will like it just as much! Thank you Kris and Lori!

Next up for this week's meeting is Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden.

She wants revenge . . .
Six months after her lover died in an arsonist's blaze, firefighter Lora Spade calls in the FBI's elite Serial Services Division to track the elusive killer. When Special Agent Kenton Lake is lured into a violent inferno, Lora pulls him to safety and is stunned - not by the fire, but by her own searing attraction to Kent. For the first time in months, she longs for something other than vengeance.

He wants her . . .
Kenton's interest in Lora should be purely professional. But one fleeting kiss and he can't get her out of his mind. Her combination of strength and vulnerability makes him want to protect her, and that means solving this case - and fast. For even the passion igniting between them can't hide a terrifying truth: Lora is the next target in a murderer's sadistic, fiery game.

A vicious killer wants only . . .
DEADLY HEAT


I can't wait to read this book! Only ONE more RITA book stands between me and getting back on track with book club! Can't wait. Hope to see you all at book club next week when the very sweet Cynthia Eden will join us for Oreos and chat.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Book Club: Everyone Loves a Hero by Marie Force

From Anne, who is delighted to be included among the “Whip Cracking Book Club Wenches”:

“EVERYONE LOVES A HERO” -- AND SO DO I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In fact, there wasn’t one tennsy-tiny thing I didn’t love about Marie’s latest book! “ELaH” was a first class flight from that first “jolt” to the final “pinky swear” deal.

Cole and Olivia are “steal-your-heart” characters and their “almost-fairy-tale-esque” love story runs the full gamut of emotions. A wonderful secondary cast of characters fuels the strong quality to this storyline as well. The skillful writing flows naturally and the dialogue is delightfully realistic. High Fives for the choice of marvelous localities ranging from our nation’s capital to Chicago to San Francisco—and even a quick glimpse of Houston! Also, there was a welcomed surprise peek at a kinship between Olivia and Juliana, who found her HEA in “Love at First Flight.”

From way-too-many exes to dysfunctional family issues, “ELaH” will capture your attention and you’ll soon be cheering Cole and Olivia as they strive to overcome the stumbling blocks in their developing relationship. Their story is captivating, engaging, charming and, of course, generously threaded with sizzling hot romance (my favorite kind!). This book will flat-out appeal and satisfy romance readers. Once again, Marie has gifted us with a “keeper-shelf” addition.

Because I don’t want to spoil the book for any readers who haven’t read “ELaH”, here’s just a few highlights that made this latest gem special for me!

1. The to-die-for-work-of-art-hero, Cole (WOW, YUMMY, I WANT ONE FOR MYSELF!)
2. The alluring, talented Olivia, who is beautiful , quiet, shy, and reserved—who simply awakens, spreads her wings and takes flight
3. The powerful romance and the range of emotions shown and felt by both Cole and Olivia. Cole’s determination to support and aid Olivia in her artistic career was outstandingly portrayed.
4. Olivia’s “insistence” to drive that black Mustang GT (loved watching Cole squirm!)
5. The “pinky-swear” proposal
6. Did I mention the sizzle and heat?????

Share some of your favorites!

**Additional comments on “All Things Marie Force”:

In 2008, I discovered Marie’s marvelous writing! While searching Amazon.com for something new to read, I came upon a book entitled “LINE OF SCRIMMAGE” and was hooked. (The cover was an added incentive!) I devoured LOS (many times in the years since) and couldn’t wait for the next book by this new-to-me-author. I went to Marie’s website and read each and every word. I was caught up in the information there and captivated by Marie’s “The House that Jack Built” – a collection of 3 books, which are yet to be published. The first, “ Treading Water” is Jack’s story. Jack stole my heart from only the tidbits posted by Marie. I will never be satisfied until Jack gets his book, along with the other two, published. They are a must for my keeper-shelf. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed and am praying that a smart publisher will wake up and get it done in the near future.

“Love At First Flight” came next and my addiction grew stronger. Marie’s “Fatal” romantic suspense e-book series intensified my love for this genre. Nick and Sam are among my very favorite characters and their books are just plain fun to read! I can’t wait for their September wedding. I’m eagerly awaiting the entire series in hard copy to be added to the dearly beloved keeper-shelf treasures. The “fixes” to my addiction continued in the form of more e-books entitled “True North” and “The Fall” – both of which are fantastic reads that I wouldn’t mind adding to that “shelf” as well!! I’m all about the “Real Thing” when it comes to my favorite books and colas!

Some time down the line, I’m fervently hoping for another peek and update on Ryan and Susannah, along with their little daughter, Hope – and maybe even some additional little Sandersons. Can you tell I’m a major fan of “LINE OF SCRIMMAGE?”

Last, but certainly, not least – For your wonderfully addictive stories, your unending generosities, your kindness and friendship, THANK YOU MARIE!!!

Keep’em coming – please!!!

APPLE SAUSAGE QUICHE
(An easy and delicious recipe that has become a standard for our family’s Christmas morning brunch, along with at least once a month, as well – fantastic reheated in the microwave, too!)

½ lb. sausage , cooked and drained well
15 oz. can sliced apples (frozen apples can be used)
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 eggs
1-1/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheese
1 tsp. salt
1 unbaked pie shell

Mix first three ingredients together. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Mix eggs, milk and salt together and pour over the apple-sausage mixture.
Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Top with cheese and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted well.



CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
(Just because I love the combination of chocolate and raspberries, here’s a quick and easy but nonetheless tasty treat!)

1-Chocolate Pie Crust (6 oz.)
6 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (not evaporate milk)
1 egg
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (reserve a few for garnishment)
Chocolate Glaze

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. With mixer, beat cream cheese until fluffy; gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well.

Arrange raspberries on bottom of crust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool.

Top and spread evenly over cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze; chill. Garnish with raspberries. Refrigerate leftovers (if you have any!)

Chocolate Glaze: In small saucepan, over low heat, melt two (1 oz. each) squares semi-chocolate baking chocolate with ¼ cup whipping cream. Cook and stir until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Next Up on Book Club: Everyone Loves a Hero

Everyone loves a hero. That's the problem.

Hero pilot Cole Langston is learning to live with—and enjoy—his newfound fame and the rabid female attention that comes with it until a lucky punch knocks some sense into him and opens his eyes to true love.

When his copilot suffers a heart attack in flight, Cole lands the jetliner in a blizzard and revives the stricken captain. Catapulted to national hero status, Cole has more women vying for his attention than he knows what to do with. They all have one thing in common: they try without success to bring this happy-go-lucky pilot down to earth. Then comes an airport altercation, a punch to the face, and the lovely Olivia—a shy, timid artist who does what no other woman has ever managed to do: steal Cole's well-protected heart. With women coming on to him everywhere they go, Olivia struggles to believe that Cole is ready for a committed relationship. His biggest problem is getting rid of all his extra ladies before the only one he wants figures out that she's one of many.

Looking forward to chatting about my new book on Thursday, any time after 6 AM EST. I'll be giving away a signed copy of the book to one commenter. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Book Club: The Pretender by Celeste Bradley

By: Ronlyn Howe
(artwork courtesy of www.celestebradley.com)
The Pretender is the first book of the Liars Club series (which leads into The Royal Four series) and features Agatha Cunnington and Simon Rain. Set in 1813 England, The Pretender builds a world filled with spies and liars, sneaks and servants, intrigue and intelligence. From the moment Simon steps into Agatha’s parlor we’re trying to figure out who is telling the truth as well as what is the truth. Who is the spy master vs. who is being played? A series of assumptions (which of course are wrong) lead us down a path of hilarious twists and turns.

Agatha is on the hunt for her brother and is willing to go to any lengths, or tell any lie she needs to in order to find him. I admit that I typically believe in honesty to a fault, but Agatha is so wholly loveable while she lies through her teeth that I can’t help but adore her. Simon is also on the hunt for James Cunnington, who he is forced to believe (due to surrounding circumstances) has turned traitor against the crown. He erroneously believes that Agatha is James’s mistress and sets out to find out what he can through use of trickery and…yes, lies. Poor Simon is so bound by his service that he’s fighting his attraction and interest nearly from the moment he crashes into her while posing as a chimney sweep. Agatha hatches a plan for Simon to pose as her fictitious husband, Mortimer Applequist, in order to gain her entry into parts of society that are strictly accessible to the married or jaded. Simon agrees to go along with it since it will serve his purposes as well.

It’s no secret I love the Liars. I’ve been telling everyone about them since I stumbled onto the series several years ago. The heroines are vibrant and fun, the heroes are strong and sexy and the world of the Liars is filled with a supporting cast of characters that bring a smile to my face and make me wish I was capable of such subterfuge. Ok, maybe not that, but I’d love to match wits with any of the Liars.

I’m thrilled Celeste Bradley has agreed to join us today to talk about the Liars as well as the journey she’s been on since leaving the Liars behind.

OREO TRUFFLES

Ingredients
1 package (1 pound, 2 oz.) Oreo cookies, finely crushed
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
sprinkles or additional crushed Oreos for coating truffles

Directions
Mix cookie crumbs and cream cheese until well blended. Refrigerate Oreo mixture for at least one hour. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in sprinkles or crushed cookies to coat. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Ronlyn’s Notes
You can use low-fat Oreos and low-fat cream cheese. It really won't affect the flavor, but your truffles may be a little bit softer. You can also make these with mint Oreos, or for peanut butter truffles, try using crushed Nutter Butter cookies. Yummy!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Fatal Wedding Wrap Up and Grand Prizes

I can't believe it's over! The last 14 days have flown by in a frenzy of cake and shoes and dresses and rings. I had the time of my life hearing what you all thought of the choices Ronlyn and Aly came up with. I so enjoyed hearing you talk about characters I've created with such care and concern for what they'd want. I found it equal parts amusing, touching, entertaining and sometimes downright funny!

Tonight I went through all 14 posts and copied down every name from every comment and put all those names in the ice bucket in my hotel room. I used every single scrap of paper in the hotel room, including those coaster things they put under the glasses. For every comment you made, you received an entry into the grand prize drawing. From this photo, you can see there were hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of entries.

For 14 days leading up to the Sept. 5 release of Fatal Destiny, I will reveal the winning choice for each category, so be sure to check in on August 22 and every day thereafter to find out what you all have chosen for Sam & Nick's Fatal Wedding! And mark your calendars for July 18 when Fatal Consequences will be released.

Since we had SO many entrants, I decided to do two more Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift cards for two runners up:

$25 Gift Card goes to: Jamie Lynn

$25 Gift Card goes to: Wantbaby (Heather)

AND THE GRAND PRIZE, FATAL BOOKS IN ADVANCE OF RELEASE DATES FOR THE LIFE OF THE SERIES, GOES TO.....

CORRINA!


Email me at marie@marieforce.com to claim your prizes!

To all who participated in the wedding planning, I can't thank you enough for making this such a fun experience for me and my characters. You exceeded my wildest expectations! I'm so looking forward to hearing what you think of the wedding when it's all put together in the Fatal Destiny novella.

And one more time: Alyson Hackett and Ronlyn Howe, I love you both forever and ever for doing such a great job putting this whole thing together. In a million years, I never could have done anything close to what you two came up with. THANK YOU so much!

Please come back for to join us for Book Club, every Thursday! Hope to see you there.
xoxo
Marie

Fatal Wedding Day 14: Honeymoon!

**Make sure to check the sidebar to see if you've won any of the random prizes over the last 14 days!**

Sam and Nick are finally getting a week off together—granted, they had to get married to make it happen! We need to send this special couple to a place where they can recharge, regroup and reconnect after some crazy months. I'll let the photos do the talking... Remember to comment to be entered into the grand prize drawing of advance Fatal Books for the life of the series. Be the very first to know what's up next for Sam and Nick!

Honeymoon Destination 1
The St. Regis Bora Bora Hotel, Tahiti, French Polynesia








Honeymoon Destination 2
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Pacific Ocean







Honeymoon Destination 3
Paradise Island Resort & Spa, Maldives Islands, Indian Ocean







Vote here!

Phew! Well, that does it for the Fatal Wedding planning. I hope you've all had as much fun as I have planning Washington's Wedding of the Year. Sam and Nick asked me to tell you how very much they appreciate your input to their big day and how very much we ALL appreciate your enjoyment of their ongoing story. We'll release the results of your choices on September 5 along with the FREE Fatal wedding novella, Fatal Destiny.

A very special thank you my dear friends Alyson Hackett and Ronlyn Howe, who came up with all the beautiful choices for Sam and Nick. About five minutes after I had the big idea to involve readers in Sam and Nick's wedding, it dawned on me that it would be an enormous amount of work to put together the variety of choices we've given you over the last 14 days. Aly and Ronlyn LITERALLY saved my life (and saved Sam & Nick's wedding) by stepping up to the plate and hitting a grand slam. Thank you both so much!

Okay, watch the comments later tonight to find out who won the Grand Prize of advance Fatal Books for the life of the series!

Thank you all.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Next up on Book Club: The Pretender by Celeste Bradley

She had a secret she'd do anything to hide.
Agatha Cunnington, headstrong beauty from the country, has come to London in search of her missing brother James. The only clue she has is a cryptic letter signed "The Griffin." Agatha decides to disguise herself as a respectable married woman so that she can go about the city unnoticed. But for her charade to work she needs a suitable "husband," preferably someone tall, elegant and rakish—Someone like Simon Rain.

He had a secret he'd do anything to hide.
Simon Rain is a member of the Liar's Club, a renegade group of rogues and thieves in the service of the Crown. When someone begins murdering members of the undercover cabal one by one, Simon is given the mission to bring in James Cunnington, one of his comrades who is suspected of betraying his brothers. Simon goes undercover and infiltrates the home of "Mrs." Agatha Applequist—who he believes is James's mistress. Before Simon knows what's happened, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Agatha's soft, feminine charms—and he is tempted beyond reason to break the first rule of the Liar's Club: Never fall in love.

Thursday, Feb. 17, beginning at 6 a.m. EST!

Fatal Wedding Day 13: Wedding Favors

Sam and Nick want to thank you for helping to plan their wedding! They've given a lot of thought to a gift they could give their guests to remember their special day. In the course of their work as a police officer and as a U.S. senator, they see a lot of need in their local community. So in lieu of favors, they are going to make a donation in the name of each wedding guest to one of their three favorite charities. Nick left it up to Sam to decide what three charities to offer as choices, and she chose three organizations near and dear to her:

Charitable Organization 1

Washington D.C. Police Foundation

The Washington DC Police Foundation is a group of Washington area business and civic leaders who work with the D.C. Police Chief to promote better public safety across the District of Columbia.

The DC Police Foundation was formed in 2000 by Washington area business and civic leaders under the aegis of the Federal City Council to generate resources to support crime prevention programs and programs for at-risk youth.

The Washington DC Police Foundation works to support key unmet public safety needs identified by the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department and other public safety leaders in the District of Columbia. We do this by giving support to MPD and by engaging directly on public safety policy initiatives in the city.

The Foundation relies on financial support and in-kind resources from our members who include the business and professional community, retailers, faith-based leaders, civic leaders, philanthropic foundations, and individuals who are interested in improving public safety in our Nation’s Capital.

Charitable Organization 2

Big Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children through professionally supported long-term, One-To-One® mentoring relationships with carefully screened, caring and committed adults in Washington, DC, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the Washington Region. We are the leader in One-To-One youth mentoring services. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children ages 6 through 18 in our community.

Charitable Organization 3

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) offer resources on spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility related disabilities.

Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered for random drawings for prizes and giveaways!

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 12: Sam & Nick's First Dance

Those of you who've read Fatal Justice may have a "leg up" so to speak when it comes to choosing the first song Sam and Nick will dance to as husband and wife. If you want to know Sam's favorite, hurry up and read Fatal Justice! :-) I love that Ronlyn and Aly included Bless the Broken Road, which is one of my favorites, and they didn't even know that! Which one will I vote for? My favorite or Sam's? Hmmmm....

Here are our choices:

Song 1: At Last, Etta James 
Listen Here

Song 2: Thank You For Loving Me, Bon Jovi
Listen Here.

Song 3: Bless the Broken Road, Rascal Flatts
Listen Here

ADDED EXTRA TODAY: Write in your own choice for Sam & Nick's first song!

Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered for random drawings for prizes and giveaways!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 11: The Groom's Cake

Pssst... I'm going to let you in on a little secret that you'll hear more about in Fatal Book 3, Fatal Consequences, coming July 18: Nick is a rabid fan of the Boston Red Sox. He grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts, which is just north of fabled Fenway Park. In FC, you will meet a new FON: Friend of Nick's, who will ask Sam about doing something special for Nick at the wedding. This is what they come up with together:

Groom's Cake 1:



Groom's Cake 2:



Groom's Cake 3:



I think Nick will be thrilled with any of these special cakes, but I leave the choice up to you!

Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered into random drawings for prizes and giveaways!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Book Club: Talk of the Town by Karen Hawkins

By: Ronlyn Howe
Welcome to Glory, North Carolina! I’ve somehow managed to miss this adorable little town in all my literary travels, but I’ve been found it now.

To assist in my preparation of this book club discussion I’ve received a dossier on the main players:



Roxie Treymayne: recently went through an ugly divorce and dyed her hair blond, much to her mother’s dismay. She’s on a path to try to find herself and apparently that path got her into a tattoo parlor to get an eagle tattooed on her rear.



Sheriff Nick Sheppard, former town bad boy turned good guy. He returned to Glory after some dubious circumstances in Atlanta, where he was a police officer for a few years. He and Roxie have a history.



The Murder Mystery Club of the Pine Hills Assisted Living Center. I could tell you more, but they’re top secret.



Miss Tundy Spillers. Roxie’s maid has agreed to travel to Glory with Roxie and her brother to attend their ailing mother.



Lilah Treymayne, Roxie & Mark’s mother who has fallen ill and inadvertently started everything in motion. She hates that. I probably should feel sorry for her.

So, now that you know who’s who, stop by Micki & Maud’s Diner for some peach cobbler and to greet Karen Hawkins! Karen will be offering up a copy of "Lois Lane Tells All," the follow-on to "Talk of the Town" to one commenter today. Find out more about Karen and her books.


PEACH COBBLER
Ingredients
• 8 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced into thin wedges
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup boiling water

MIX TOGETHER:
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly, and pour into a 2 quart baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blend in butter with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined.
4. Remove peaches from oven, and drop spoonfuls of topping over them. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about 30 minutes.

Fatal Wedding Day 10: The Cake

Mmmm, I love cake! Of course, I want it to be chocolate with buttercream frosting, but I digress. Here are the choices for Sam & Nick's wedding cake! There is one choice from each of the flower collections you viewed earlier.

Wedding Cake 1: Orchid



Wedding Cake 2: Calla Lilly



Wedding Cake 3: Tulip



Vote here!

Go forth and discuss. Remember, you have to comment to be entered into random drawings for prizes!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 9: Sam's Ring

When Nick proposes to Sam *in Fatal Justice* he gives her a diamond engagement ring. Of course, Sam being Sam, she is immediately concerned about whether he will understand if she doesn't wear it to work. So we've given you a few choices here that we think suit Sam's busy life. Nick being Nick, he will want to see that diamond on her finger once in a while, so I will let you chose what her ring will look like!

Sam's Ring 1



Sam's Ring 2



Sam's Ring 3



Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered into random drawings for prizes and giveaways!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 8: Nick's Ring

**Make sure to check the sidebar to see if you've won one of the random prizes!**

Isn't there something so sexy about a wedding ring on a man's finger? It tells the world he has committed his life and his heart to one special woman. Nick Cappuano can't wait for his Samantha to put a ring on his finger. Help Sam decide which one best suits her Senator.

Nick's Ring 1:



Nick's Ring 2:



Nick's Ring 3:



Vote here!

Remember to discuss in the comments. You must comment to be entered into the random drawings for prizes!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 7: Sam's Hair

**Make sure you're checking the sidebar to see if you've won any of the prizes!**

Sam needs your help in figuring out what to do with her long hair for the wedding. Up? Down? It's up to you! Here are the choices for hairstyle:

Sam's Hairstyle 1



Sam's Hairstyle 2



Sam's Hairstyle 3



Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered for random drawings as well as the Grand Prize of advance copies of Fatal Books for the life of the series, awarded on February 14!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 6: Sam's Shoes

Sam Holland loves her shoes. Just ask her sister, Angela, who keeps stealing Sam's favorite shoes, and just ask Nick, who still can't believe what a "girl" his fearless cop becomes when shoes are mentioned. Thankfully, Sam's groom is 6' 4" tall, so she can bust out some heels for her big day. Help Sam to make the decision she has most looked forward to while planning her wedding.

**Make sure you check the sidebar list of giveaway winners as several prizes have not yet been claimed!**

Sam's Shoes 1



Sam's Shoes 2



Sam's Shoes 3



Vote here!

Remember to comment to be entered for random drawings during the wedding planning!

Next Up on Book Club: Talk of the Town, Karen Hawkins

Do Blondes Have More Fun?
Newly divorced Roxie Treymayne is dying to find out. After years of being the perfect Southern lady, all she ended up with was a cheating husband. So she goes bombshell blond, gets a provocatively placed tattoo, and prepares to live it up as a Bad Girl. But then her mother falls ill...and Roxie is forced to return to Glory, North Carolina.

He'd Love to Know.
Once the town bad boy, Nick Sheppard is now Glory's highly respected sheriff. When the hot blonde he stops for speeding turns out to be formerly prim Homecoming Queen Roxanne Treymayne, Nick doesn't quite know where to look -- though he'd like a much closer one at the tattoo peeking from her shorts.

But It Takes Two to Tango.
Roxie and Nick had a steamy fling in high school, but a love affair between a Southern princess and a boy from the wrong side of the tracks was doomed from the start. Now they have a second chance. Can they get it right? Or will they just end up...the talk of the town?

Karen will be visiting and offering up a copy of "Lois Lane Tells All," the book that follows "Talk of the Town," so come on by on Thursday, beginning at 6 a.m. EST, for a lively chat about this fun book!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Fatal Wedding Day 5: Sam's Dress

Sam needs your help to pick the perfect dress! At the end of Fatal Justice, Sam and Nick attend a state dinner at the White House. Nick surprises Sam with a Vera Wang gown. In Fatal Consequences, Sam is contacted by the fictional Vera Wang who wants to design Sam's wedding gown. So we turned to Vera for inspiration for Sam's dress. Without further ado...

Sam's Dress 1



Sam's Dress 2



Sam's Dress 3



Vote here!

Remember to comment often to be entered into random drawings for gift cards and other goodies, leading up to the Grand Prize *advance copies of Fatal Books for the life of the series* on Feb. 14.