Book Club: Hidden Away by Maya Banks

By: Kris Gilson

Kelly Group International…a super-elite, top secret, family-run business.

Garrett Kelly is the ultimate alpha male; former military, rock hard body, highly intelligent, the type to shoot first and ask questions later. His scowl and suspicious nature would have a lesser man shaking in his boots. In the two previous books (The Darkest Hour, No Place to Run), Garrett is always very intense and consistently broods, but his deep loyalty and devotion to his family is evident when he takes a bullet (in No Place to Run) for his soon-to-be sister-in-law. In Hidden Away, Garrett is recuperating and he accepts a mission to babysit Sarah Daniels on a tropical beach. Most people would think an all-expenses tropical getaway for a cake job would be fabulous, but Garrett sees it as a potential opportunity for revenge. Sarah Daniels is the secret half-sister of Marcus Lattimer, the man who betrayed Garrett and his team and resulted in the deaths of several of his men.

Garrett is instantly drawn to Sarah. She is haunted by a devastating betrayal of her former bosses. One of those bosses is the man that Marcus Lattimer killed, drawing the attention of the CIA and, subsequently, the Kelly Group. From early on in the story, you can see that both Garrett and Sarah are closed off people, and not very trusting for decidedly different reasons. During their time on the beach, both of them slowly start to change. Garrett is described by his mother as a self-sufficient loner, but deep-down there are more dimensions to his character than just being grouchy and anti-social. We get to see the warm and caring qualities and his lighter side the more he interacts with Sarah. It was also a sweet journey to watch Sarah begin to overcome her past, her timidity, and her vulnerability.

Garrett follows Sarah to Mexico and when he shows up at her house, telling her that her brother hired him to watch over her, she asks what’s in it for him, besides the money. He tells her “You, you’re what’s in it for me”. A minute later they’re kissing and she is laughing when he tells her to forget about his expanding groin. He tells her that he was trying not to be an asshole. She laughs harder and says “You break into my house. You take my gun away from me. Informed me you lied about pretty much everything when we were on the island. Then tell me I’m an idiot who’s trying to get herself killed. And you’re worried about being an asshole?” To me, this scene exemplifies the book and how it transports us from the emotionally tender to the laugh out loud.

Garrett knew Sarah would be unhappy to find out that he lied about working for her brother. He knows there is a loyalty and innate goodness to her, but he desperately has to believe he is doing the right thing in fulfilling his unspoken promise to avenge his fallen teammates. Even as he begins to realize that he could lose Sarah and might be losing some of his honor, he is driven by the honor of that promise. It is this internal struggle that kept me from thinking that his lying to Sarah was a despicable act!

When they’re kidnapped in Mexico and Garrett takes a beating for her, she tries to defend him as she is sick with worry that he will be too badly hurt. She doesn’t understand how strong willed he is that he could suffer a beating without uttering a single sound. When Rio shows up to rescue them, she doesn’t know who he is and puts herself between Rio and a sleeping Garrett in order to defend him. She is ready to humiliate herself and give him her body in order to protect Garrett. Then she is embarrassed that she partially bared herself in front of one of Garrett’s men. Not only is this a glimpse into Sarah’s loyalty and her growing love for Garrett, but we get another glimpse into Rio’s mysterious and unique personality. I am so looking forward to Rio getting his own book (which, according to Maya’s web page, will be Book 5, after Nathan’s story!).

There are so many wonderful and intriguing characters we’ve been introduced to so far who are further developed in each book, and I really am hoping that each and every one gets their own story. There are also other elements that simply add to the story, namely the family dynamic and the interaction among the brothers. Visiting again with some of the characters was great, and truly meaningful, not simply page filler. I was charmed by Sam with the birth of his baby and devoured the news that Rachel continues to improve. Other than Rio, I’m especially intrigued by PJ and Rusty. I know Rusty has a lot of growing up to do, but I’m really hoping that we’ll get to see her paired up with Sean someday. Perhaps if Maya is able to pop in and chat she will give us some more info on what the future might bring!

Maya is giving away the winner's choice of one of her books, so comment to be entered in the drawing! Find out more about Maya and her books at http://www.mayabanks.com./

Since a portion of the story takes places in the Caribbean, I thought we could cook up a treat from the island where I honeymooned just about 20 years ago:

Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Jerk seasoning, a spicy blend of garlic, onion, chiles, thyme, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon, originated in Jamaica and is traditionally used on pork and chicken. Because the jerk marinade can burn easily, the chicken requires slow cooking on the grill, which also helps keep the meat moist.

Ingredients
For jerk marinade:
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 to 5 fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, stemmed and seeded
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons ground allspice
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For chicken:
• 4 chicken breast halves with skin and bones (3 pounds), halved crosswise
• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks

Preparation
Make marinade:
Blend all marinade ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Marinate and grill chicken:
Divide chicken pieces and marinade between 2 sealable plastic bags. Seal bags, pressing out excess air, then turn bags over several times to distribute marinade. Put bags of chicken in a shallow pan and marinate, chilled, turning once or twice, 1 day.
Let chicken stand at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.
Papaya Salsa accompaniment

Ingredients
• 2 pounds papaya (2 preferably pink-fleshed strawberry variety), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 1/2 cups diced (1/4 inch) fresh pineapple (from 1/2 small pineapple)
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Preparation
Stir together all ingredients.
You can also substitute mango or cantaloupe.

Next Up on Book Club: Hidden Away by Maya Banks

A man who shoots first and asks questions later…

Most people would take an all-expenses-paid trip to the beach in a heartbeat. Garrett Kelly only accepts to keep tabs on Sarah Daniels, who’s in hiding after witnessing a murder by Marcus Lattimer, her half-brother—and a personal enemy of KGI. This gig may be beneath a disciplined soldier like Garrett, but if he gets a shot at Lattimer, it will all be worth it…

…and the ultimate moving target.

But Garrett hadn’t counted on falling for Sarah. He’d considered seduction as a tactical maneuver, but when he glimpses Sarah’s dark past, he feels an urgent desire to keep her safe—even after she disappears on him. Garrett doesn’t know exactly who, or what, Sarah’s running from, but whatever it is, she’s running for her life…

Join us Thursday, March 31, from 6 a.m. EDT on to discuss book 3 in Maya's exciting Kelly Group International series, which has become one of my favorites! Look forward to talking about Garrett, Sarah and the rest of the Kelly family!

Book Club: One Night Stand by Cindy Kirk

By: Kara Conrad

Weddings can make a girl a little crazy…

Which is probably why Marcee Robbens found herself in the arms of a sexy stranger before the bouquet was even tossed at her best friend’s wedding. And after a night of knee-weakening kisses in handsome Sam McKelvey’s arms, even happily single Marcee is humming the wedding march. So when the sun comes up and Sam hits the road, the usually tough-as-nails beauty finds herself nursing a tender heart…

Sam’s not the kind of guy who would have a super-hot hook-up with a woman he barely knows. But something had him mesmerized—enough for this usually sensible single dad to abandon his responsibilities for one unforgettable night. But Sam never thought his one night stand would turn up as his new next-door neighbor. Or that once he glimpsed the soft side of this captivating woman, he’d find himself falling in love…

Shoes, chocolate, and dimples. Yep, in the first few pages of One Night Stand, Cindy Kirk manages to get in three of our favorite items.

This is a story of two people who have what they both assume is a one night stand, only to find it to be much, much more. Sam is a single parent trying to improve his relationship with his daughter, Fern. He is ‘classically handsome’ or ‘hot and delectable’, depending on which character you choose to listen to (neither option sounds bad, now does it?) While attending a wedding, Sam meets Marcee, who is trying to make big changes in her own life. Beyond these main characters is a memorable cast of secondary characters, some you will love and others you will love to hate.

I read the book several years ago when it was first released, and enjoyed it because of the romance and humor. Now that I am the proud, and often overwhelmed, parent of a teenager, I have a new appreciation for the story! Whether you live with a teen or not, you’ve no doubt heard of their unexplained mood swings and bad attitudes. Cindy’s story also reminds us that teens can be incredibly insightful and, like all of us, do not need to be judged by their appearances.

If you’ve not read this book, you’re missing out! If you have read it, let’s have some fun today talking about the characters and scenes we like best. Cindy will pop in between work commitments, so if you have questions for her, have those ready. Cindy is giving away a copy of her latest Special Edition release, The Christmas Proposition. Find out more about her books on her website.

Now, if shoes, chocolate, and dimples are not enough to convince you to try this book, maybe this will do the trick: “Faster than she could say What the hell? a band of steel encircled her wrist.” Aahhh, nothing says true love like a pair of handcuffs.

As for recipes, a mandatory part of our club, most of you know I am NOT a cook. In fact, ‘Mom’s turn to cook’ usually translates into ‘which drive-thru do we hit tonight?’ However, there are a couple of recipes that are guaranteed hits at my house. Granted, there’s no real cooking involved, but then, that’s just part of their magic. I chose these two because it’s 80 degrees here now and we are enjoying our Spring Break. If your corner of the world has yet to defrost, you may want to save these for later.

PISTACHIO PIE
1 package pistachio instant pudding
1 20 ounce can, crushed pineapples
1 8 ounce Cool Whip
(The recipe also calls for ½ cup coconut and 1/3 cup walnuts, both of which are left out in this house.)
Put pudding mix in large bowl and add pineapple (not drained). Fold in container of thawed Cool Whip. Add to a graham cracker crust and refrigerate for two hours. (My guys also like it frozen.)

BROCCOLI SALAD
4 cups broccoli florets
½ cup carrots, shredded
½ cup sunflower kernels
½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
½ cup purple onion, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
½ cup sugar
Mix broccoli, carrots, sunflower kernels, bacon, and onions. In a separate bowl, combine mayo, vinegar, and sugar. Fifteen minutes prior to serving, add dressing to salad and toss.

Next Up on Book Club: One Night Stand by Cindy Kirk

Weddings can make a girl a little crazy…

Which is probably why Marcee Robbens found herself in the arms of a sexy stranger before the bouquet was even tossed at her best friend’s wedding. And after a night of knee-weakening kisses in handsome Sam McKelvey’s arms, even happily single Marcee is humming the wedding march. So when the sun comes up and Sam hits the road, the usually touch-as-nails beauty finds herself nursing a tender heart…

Sam’s not the kind of guy who would have a super-hot hook-up with a woman he barely knows. But something had him mesmerized—enough for this usually sensible single dad to abandon his responsibilities for one unforgettable night. But Sam never thought his one night stand would turn up as his new next-door neighbor. Or that once he glimpsed the soft side of this captivating woman, he’d find himself falling in love…

Join us Thursday, March 24, beginning at 6 a.m. EDT for a fun chat and tasty recipes!

Book Club: The Chief by Monica McCarty

By: Aly Hackett

Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.

The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.

Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.

I am not a Historical Romance reader. I have admitted to being a snot about Historicals because I would much rather read Austen, Dickens, Bronte, etc. Recently some people—ahem Book Club Wenches this is you!—kept telling me that I was missing out. So a month or so ago I read my first Historical and it was a fun, enjoyable! And now I have found myself in a very dangerous place with the second Historical I have read—falling in love with Historical Romance. Or at least those written by Monica McCarty!

Monica McCarty does a fantastic job with the history aspect of her story and I think that is what I loved most about The Chief. The weaving of fact and fiction is done so well that part of me wanted The Chief to be a true piece of history. But it isn’t just the story that Ms. McCarty does so well.

The characters in The Chief are fabulous! Tor definitely comes across as a hard, obstinate, dedicated Highlander. But we get these glimpses of his soft side. His merry cast of men also have some intriguing qualities to their character. We only learn a little about each one in The Chief so it definitely makes you want more and more…and luckily enough for us, there are more and more!

Christina was a female character that I really enjoyed. She was naïve without coming across as an idiot and that is so important to me. She was intuitive enough to know not to let on that she was educated but still inexperienced enough to go out without an escort.

In the end The Chief was a fantastic read that kept me riveted and wondering who and what was around the next corner. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

Monica will be here with us today to chat about the book and the series. She's giving away a copy of The Hawk to one lucky reader today, so let us hear from you! Find out more about Monica and her books on her website.

And as for recipes…well Aly is not nearly as talented as the rest of the Book Club Hostesses so here are two very easy recipes from some fabulous blogging ladies!

Chicken and Dumpling Bake
From the Kitchen of Deep South Dish

Ingredients
3-4 cups of cooked chicken (or 3 to 5 pieces of raw chicken)
2 cups chicken stock/broth
1/2 stick of unsalted butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup

Preparation Instructions
Use precooked chicken or poach raw chicken in the chicken broth or stock in a medium sized saucepan. Cook on a low simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is mostly done. It will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool but reserve the stock.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a Pyrex measuring cup, melt 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave and pour that into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Shred the chicken and spread it on top of the butter.

In that same Pyrex cup, whisk together the milk and the flour and slowly pour that over the chicken taking care not to disturb the chicken too much. Don't stir it up!

Strain the chicken stock through a colander into the same Pyrex cup (now you know why I wanted ya to melt that butter in it!) and whisk in the cream of chicken soup. Very carefully pour that over the flour and milk mixture and again, don't stir it up!

Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes, or until top is light golden brown.

Does not freeze well.

*Use chicken breasts, mixed chicken parts, leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken

Source: http://deepsouthdish.com

And for dessert….

Apple Dumplings
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/02/apple_dumplings/

Ingredients
2 whole Granny Smith Apples
2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
2 sticks Butter
1-½ cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
Cinnamon, To Taste
1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda

Preparation Instructions
Peel and core apples.
Cut each apple into 8 slices each.
Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll.
Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir.
Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples.
Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.
Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Next on Book Club: The Chief by Monica McCarty

AN ELITE FIGHTING FORCE UNLIKE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN . . .

Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.

The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.

Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.

Read more about Monica McCarty.

Book Club: Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis

By: Hope Frost
A-Tac is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. The members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets. I am not usually a huge stickler for reading in order, but I would say to for the A-Tac series. In the first book you are introduced to the team and give a little back ground, that being said....I was hooked on this series from the very first HOT paragraph.

Nash and Annie were not only partners they were lovers. But when Nash thinks that Annie is a traitor and not only left him for dead but she disappeared without a trace, he has no other option then to try and move on. He takes a job with A-Tac and 8 years later, his job and Annie cross paths again, but this time, she is on the wrong side of the law, or so Nash suspects. Annie is a trained assassin and the best in the business, until she retired. When her son is kidnapped, she is given no other choice but to follow through with an assassination plot the kidnappers have mapped out for her. If she refuses, her son dies. When Nash discovers that Annie is the assassin they are supposed to subdue on his latest mission, sparks fly!!!

One of the things I found interesting is that the members of A-Tac are actually professors. They each teach classes in their expertise, it isn't just a front. I loved that there are women on the team and they are protected but not coddled. I loved that you are kept guessing until the very end, I don't like figuring out the who-did-it part half way through the book, the intrigue is part of the fascination I have with romantic suspense.

The series book has it all, HOT love scenes , lots of hunky men and strong women...there is suspense in each story line and it is revealed that there is a traitor in the group. You gather clues throughout the entire series on this traitor and I was wrong about 10 different times and still wrong, and completely shocked when the truth was discovered.

Find out more about Dee's books at her website and check out the cool, interactive A-Tac site. Dee will be giving away copies of Dangerous Desires (Book 2) and Desperate Deeds (book 3) to two lucky participants today, so make sure you comment to win!

It is still cold in Southern Oregon, so I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Chicken & Dumplins (my kind of comfort food). And after mine, Dee has sent one of her favorites for readers to try!

CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS

Ingredients:
3 to 3 1/2 lb. stewing chicken, cut up
4 celery stalk tops
1 med. carrot, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 sm. onion, sliced
2 sprigs parsley
2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
5 c. water
1/2 c. Bisquick

DUMPLING DOUGH:
2 c. Bisquick
2/3 c. milk

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, place all ingredients, except Bisquick and dumpling dough. Cover pan and heat to boiling. Cook over low heat about 2 hours or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from pan to cool enough to chop. Add chopped chicken back in to pot and adjust heat to medium high.

Prepare dumpling dough from recipe. Drop dollops of dough directly in to boiling pot. Cook uncovered over Medium heat, 10 - 15 minutes....Enjoy!!

S'more Brownies
Ingredients
Crust:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
Pinch fine salt
Brownie:
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 large cold eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
Topping:
4 cups large marshmallows
Directions
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line an 8 by-8-inch square baking pan with foil so it hangs over the edges by about 1 inch.

For the crust: Lightly butter the foil with some of the melted butter. Stir the rest of the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan. Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the brownie. Put the butter and chocolate in a medium microwave safe bowl. Melt in the microwave on 75 percent power for 2 minutes. Stir, and microwave again until completely melted, about 2 minutes more. Alternatively, put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl on the pan without touching the water. Stir occasionally until melted. Stir the light brown and white sugars, vanilla and salt into the melted chocolate. Add the eggs and beat vigorously to make a thick and glossy batter. Add the flour and stir until just incorporated.

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Cool on a rack, gently removing the brownies from the pan using the aluminum flaps. Carefully separate any marshmallow from the foil and fold away. Cut into 12 (2-inch) squares.

And the recipe from Dee:
Macaroni and Cheese (adapted from recipe from Artisanal Fromagerie and Bistro, NYC)

Serves 6
This classic dish is served at Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro and is known as “the best macaroni and cheese in town.”

Ingredients
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano
5 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
salt
Black pepper in a mill
3 cups Gruyere or Comte, grated (from 6 to 8 ounces)
1/2 cup mascarpone (can substitute ricotta or farmers cheese)
1lb dry pasta

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour 2 quarts of water into a 3-quart pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. In a small sauce pan, melt 2 1/2 tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add the bread crumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, toss well, and set aside.
3. Put the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a 2-quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan and melt it over low heat. Add the flour and cook for 4 minutes, whisking constantly. Pour in the milk and cook for 4 minutes, whisking constantly. Add 2 teaspoons salt , 4 grinds of pepper (can substitute a shake or two of white pepper), the Gruyere and mascarpone, and continue to whisk until the cheese is well incorporated. Remove the pot from the heat and pour the cheese sauce into a large bowl.
4. Add 2 tsp salt and the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni in a colander and add it to the bowl with the cheese sauce. Mix well with a wooden spoon. (can just mix in the baking dish if your prefer).
5. Pour the macaroni mixture into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until golden brown and bubbly, approximately 40 minutes. Serve.

Also really good with one bag of Italian grated cheese (Kraft) – 2 cups. And chopped sharp cheddar. About a cup and a half. Instead of the gruyere and mascarpone.

Next Up on Book Club: Dark Deceptions by Dee Davis

A-Tac is an elite CIA unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college. Brilliant, badass, and seemingly bulletproof, the members of A-Tac are assigned to the riskiest missions and the most elusive targets.

TORN BETWEEN DUTY AND DESIRE
Covert operations expert Nash Brennon has spent the last eight years trying to forget Annie Gallagher, his former field partner and the only woman he ever loved. Annie betrayed him when he needed her most, then vanished without a trace. Now suddenly she's back in the game - this time as a suspected traitor and threat to national security.
Annie's son has been kidnapped by political terrorists. The price for his life? Assassinate a UN ambassador. When Nash and his group find her, the smoldering passion between Annie and the man she swore she'd never contact again blazes out of control. But can Nash trust her? The stakes couldn?t be higher: Their enemy's endgame is personal, and one false move could cost them their lives.

Join us Thursday, March 10, from 6 a.m. EST on for a discussion about this book and a visit with the author!

Book Club: Deadly Heat by Cynthia Eden

By: Mary G
I had Cynthia’s book, Deadly Fear, in my TBR pile for a while. She was new to me. Then the dreaded thing happened. I was in the mood for a rom. susp. and since our faves, Christy Reece, Pamela Clare & Marie Force don’t publish books every week (darn it) I dug Deadly Fear out of the pile. OMG a new found treasure!! What was even better was the timing. It was just a day or two before Deadly Heat released so no waiting between books. Today we’re featuring Deadly Heat. We meet the hero, Kenton Lake, in Deadly Fear so they are both “must reads”. Deadly Heat heroine, firefighter Lora Spade, calls in the FBI to track down a killer arsonist.

Smooth, suave Kenton Lake shows up at a fire in progress where he tries to be a hero. Lora is the one that pulls him out of trouble though he fights it. He doesn’t know “the asshole who slugged him” is a female firefighter until she takes off her helmet & mask. This book literally grabs you right from this first scene. While he’s thinking that she’s sexy, she’s calling him GQ and not in a complimentary way. She gets his name only to want to report him to his boss. This sets up such witty banter between these two. As the ambulance drives away with Kenton & the injured informant he’d been wanting to talk to:

Page12
“Prick.” Lora Spade watched the ambulance pull away in a flash of lights and shook her head. These bureau boys always thought they ruled the world.
God’s gift.
Okay, yeah, he had been hot, and not just because of the flames around him.
But still… a prick.

To say the chemistry between these two is hot is an understatement. Kenton is such an Alpha guy. Lora is a strong kick*** woman. When the arsonist makes Lora a target, Kenton goes into protective mode but never makes it seem that Lora can’t take care of herself. Both are only interested in a temporary affair. I enjoyed the progression to permanence.

While there have numerous discussions on the right balance between romance & suspense in a good rom. susp., Cynthia goes beyond this. The romance & suspense are so intertwined that it is seamless. There is never a thought of – now they’re on the case, and then, okay now it’s time for sex. It’s just all perfectly blended.

There is plenty of everything for everyone in this book. Humor as well as emotion, strong characters, a great plot & and an even better romance. I’ve got Deadly Lies on its way to me and I can’t wait.

Cynthia is giving away two copies of Deadly Lies today, so make sure comment to be entered to win!

Now in honor of the hotness that is this book here’s a recipe for one of our family faves :
Hot Buffalo Wings Recipe
Ingredients
Wings
2 lbs chicken wings (about 12 wings)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
4 Tbsp bottled hot pepper sauce (like Crystal or Frank's Original)
1 Tbsp paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 Cut off wing tips (discard or reserve for other use such as making stock). Cut wings at the joint. Put chicken wing pieces in a plastic bag. Set aside. Food safety note: when cutting raw chicken it is best to use a cutting board reserved just for cutting raw chicken. Wash thoroughly when finished. Do not let raw chicken juices come in contact with other food.
2 Create a marinade by stirring together the melted butter, hot pepper sauce, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Pour all but 2 tablespoons of the marinade over the chicken pieces in the plastic bag. (Reserve marinade for coating after the pieces come out of the oven.) Seal bag and let marinate at room temperature for half an hour. When marinating is finished, drain marinade and discard bag.
3 Place wing pieces on the rack of a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes on each side, until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Remove from oven and baste with reserved marinade.
Serve with Blue Cheese Dip and celery sticks. Makes approximately 24 pieces (about 12 appetizer servings).