Drop By for Yummy Cake with Guest Blogger: Donna Alward

You've Gotta Try 

This Recipe From 

Romance Author Donna Alward 

today at the Book Boost!

A Note from the Book Boost:

Featured Author Donna Alward sent us this yummy recipe to share during the holidays but...well...it didn't make it up on the blog during the last minute frenzy.  However, if you're at all like me...cake is good every day of the year!  And this poor cake shouldn't be made to suffer another day.  So, I'm posting it now...here...LIVE...on January 15th.

Now, I know what you're thinking...hey...Kerri @theBookBoost, I'm trying to lose all that holiday poundage...why in the world would you share that recipe now?

To that I say...give a piece a chance!  Oy!  So, maybe I don't have a future in stand-up comedy but hubby & kids think I'm funny.  I've got that going for me, eh?

And...now...without further ado (and before I overdose on the use of ellipses in a single post)...


A Recipe from Donna Alward:

Gum Drop Cake

This cake is a holiday tradition. Usually my daughter makes it, and has since she was about 8 years old! While the recipe says you can use baking gums, the real sugared gumdrops work best!

1/2 cup Margarine
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups flour
1 cup milk
1 cup gum drops (no black) chopped, or baking gums

• Cream margarine and sugar, beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla. Mix together flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to the mixture, alternating with the milk until smooth.
• Dust gumdrops with flour (to keep them from sticking together). Add to batter. Grease and flour a funnel or bundt pan. Bake at 350 until toothpick comes out clean. Wrap in foil and let ripen for 1 week (if you can stand to wait that long!).

We’ve also made these in mini-loaf pans to give as gifts!

Want More Donna?

Visit her on the web here: http://www.donnaalward.com/

Looking forward to this February Release!>>

Click here for details.

Watch My Back with Guest Blogger: Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

Win a book and chat with 

author Linda Thomas-Sundstrom 

today at the Book Boost!

Hello Book Boost Blog. Glad to be here today. Thought I’d jump in with a post about my something on my mind.

I’ve been asked a hundred times over why I choose the characters in my books. Why those particular people, with their particular backgrounds inspires a story, or a series. And I can answer this pretty simply, at first.

The people I write about have to have certain qualities that I either might aspire to in their situations. Qualities I’d look for in friends, close acquaintances, and lovers. Not perfection, certainly, but close to it, according to my own internal parameters for things like that.

Of course, a vampire might not be somebody’s idea of the perfect male. So, when I write about vampires, my males still have those qualities that would make me want to love, or admire.

I write paranormal romance, and about worlds where the supernatural is imposed on the known one. So my Others carry over my search for the ideal. As tortured, scarred, or dangerous as my immortals and werewolves might be, in my world, they are never despicable criminals or monsters. They all possess the stuff that makes me want to write about them over and over again.

My latest Nocturne is out now. Guardian of the Night is part of my Vampire Moons series for Nocturne, which takes a few of the seven Blood Knights from the Aurthurian times up through the centuries and into the present. The Seven have scattered around the globe, still honoring the quest that set them into motion as a group. They still maintain the qualities that made them a part of the honorable knights of old. But they are, of course, immortal. They are also world weary, and lonely, but remain in seclusion.

In Guardian of the Night, we find Mason LanVal in France. One of the Seven, with all those characteristics I told you I like: loyalty, strength, intelligence, elegance, and control. All seven of the Blood Knights are Guardians of a holy relic, and are tied to that cause. Mason LanVal has stretched his blood oath to include guarding the mortals his area.

I just love the idea of a guardian angel. Of having someone like that watching over me when I might not even know about it. And if I found out, then what? Would you approach such a being? What would you do?  *** That’s the question of the day.

The first of my Blood Knights was detailed in last year’s Golden Vampire. Another of them will appear in 2013. Really, writing about these guys is an adventure in pleasure. No matter how serious their stories are, and how deeply they go into their own world, I’m there to chronicle it, and to share their plights and oaths with you.

Guardian angels? You bet. No wings on these guys, but they do have a pair tattooed into the skin on their backs. . . that never let them forget what honor is all about.

Hey – that’s it for me. How about you?

I know that some folks like their vampires dark and horror-ified. They get off on that chance that he will roll over and bite you on the neck while you sleep. Is that what floats you? Or, like me, do you crave that Guardian? And maybe knowing that the Seven are out there somewhere, keeping the bad guys from you?

Does a Guardian have to be an angel? Does yours? Fill me in on your thoughts. One lucky commenter will win book from my backlist.

I hope you’ll give the Blood Knights a read. Guardian of the Night is out now.

Oh, and yet another dark immortal makes an appearance in my novella for Nocturne’s Holiday with a Vampire 4 anthology. He’s sexy, too.  Ha-zah! These guys are sheer author bliss.
   

A Note from the Book Boost:  I totally believe in guardian angels.  That little voice that tells you not to turn down that road or go down those darkened stairs.  Of course, the question remains...do we most often listen to that little voice or ignore it?  Thanks for joining us and this series sounds amazing!


Blurb:

The Guardian. An immortal with incredible strength, created centuries ago to protect the purity of the vampire bloodline and fight those who would abuse its power.

As one of the seven Blood Knights, Mason LanVal spent lifetimes honoring his vows without wavering. That all changed the night he found Faith.

Faith James will do anything to save her missing sister, even if it means risking her own life. She sought Mason for help, and instead found more questions and the key to unlocking her own latent powers. She is a woman and a trueborn Lycan. Her pull on Mason is twice damned, and yet he can't tear himself away.

With just one kiss, the blood gift Mason gives Faith sets in motion an all-consuming desire that is forbidden to indulge, but impossible to ignore....

Want More Linda?

Visit her on the web here: 
http://www.lindathomas-sundstrom.com

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.

Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Linda and be entered to win a book from her backlist.

 

Sanity is a Virtue with Guess Blogger: Melissa Jarvis

Win a Gold Rush million dollar bill 
(No kidding!)  

& meet author Melissa Jarvis 

today at the Book Boost!

CRAZY FOR SANE VILLIANS

“I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too.”  We all know the phrase, and the villain who said it, the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.  She was the big bad, and everyone feared her.  Of course, if you’ve read Gregory McGuire’s Wicked, you’d find out that she was just misunderstood.

Call me crazy, but I prefer the boy or girl next door villains, the ones you don’t see coming, the ones whose motives are oh so reasonable, the ones you can relate to in a “Yes, I’ve thought about taking over the world too,” way.  Don’t give me an in your face obvious bad guy like the Joker or Glory from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I want someone who at the end of the story, I’ll wish they were the good guy.

In Past Her Time, my villain was clear.  You were meant to hate him (even his own wife didn’t want to kiss him) and cheer for the hero.  They were locked in constant battle.  For In His Own Time, without giving it away, my bad guy or girl isn’t so apparent.   You don’t know who is fighting whom, and which side they’re on.  And at the end, if I did my job right as an evil writer, you’ll feel a twinge of sympathy.

I recently saw Skyfall, and I have to say, I think Javier Bardem’s performance as Raoul Silva was mesmerizing.  He may very well be one of the most memorable villains in the Bond franchise.  His monologue about the future made so much sense, and it wasn’t until he pulled out his facial prosthetic that you realized just how damaged and insane he was.  That scene both creeped me out and made me feel sorry for him.

Speaking of monologues, why do villains feel they’re necessary?  I caught my villain doing one in In His Own Time, a scene I completely did not intend to write.  I couldn’t help but think of The Incredibles, and Syndrome’s self mocking phrase “You got me monologuing.”  Do they do it because they want us to understand them?  To sympathize?  Or cower in fear at their plans of world domination?  For the obvious villain, we can go with the “wet your pants” part.  But for the less obvious one, I think they want for us to not see them as evil.  Going back to Wicked, it’s all a matter of perspective.

For me, the perfect villain is one who could, with a couple of different choices, easily be the hero.  Someone whose plans for world domination you might actually want to succeed, unless it involves zombies.

I would love to know—who is your favorite villain and why?  Tell me, and you could win my giveaway.  See below for details.

A Note from the Book Boost:  I love it when the villain surprises me, too.  Although, since you mentioned it, there was something to be said about having Buffy's "in your face foe" in Season Five to be both visually appealing and still more powerful than our heroine.  As you said, it is all in one's perspective.  Nice take you have on the villain your current book.  Well done.


Blurb:

There is a traitor in the time travel organization the Lineage, and it’s up to new recruit Victoria Vasquez to discover his identity. After an incident (and stolen kiss) on her first assignment in 1923 Egypt, she suspects she knows who it is.

Veteran agent Banderan, Count of Ibile, is hiding a secret, one that could endanger everything he holds dear. He will do whatever it takes to ensure his goal, no matter who gets in his way.

Victoria has fought hard for her independence, and has no time for arrogant know-it-all men. When both Victoria and Banderan are assigned to 1848 Gold Rush California, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and lies. And when they are cut off from the Lineage, it will be up to Victoria to decide if the man she has come to love is a traitor or a hero.


Excerpt:

California, 1848

“Señor Ojeda, you must make the acquaintance of my niece Ana, and our dear cousin Victoria,” Aunt Sophia cooed as Aunt Sylvia grabbed poor Ana’s arm, shoving her in the direction of Banderan’s chest. Victoria managed to sidestep the other arm, pretending not to notice the older woman’s glare. Ana blushed and mumbled something to her shoes. 

Banderan muttered something equally polite, and then his eyes locked on Victoria. Something passed through the black, gold-specked depths, although she’d swear it wasn’t recognition. Rather, it was almost the same look he’d had right before he’d kissed her at the tomb in Egypt. Victoria tilted her chin up and met his gaze head on, mindful of Nicolai’s advice. Don’t shy away. Make him notice you. And, she added silently, don’t let him intimidate you. She was a Lineage agent. She would not fail.

“I am honored to meet you, Señor Ojeda.” Victoria extended her hand for the obligatory kiss, wishing instead she could slap him with it.

“The pleasure is mine, señora,” he said smoothly, his accent blending with those around him. His hand and kiss were lighter than she expected. 

Ana nearly swooned. Poor Roberto, Victoria thought. Forgotten for a smooth charmer with a seduce-me gaze and voice. If only she knew the truth.

Victoria gestured to the table in front of her. “Can I tempt you with something to eat? I’m sure you must be famished from such a long journey. Perhaps some carne or pollo asada? Or does your taste run to more spicy fare?”

“I tend to prefer things with a little more”—he paused, drawing the word out—“flavor.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Victoria noticed one of the aunts nod approvingly, while the other patted her hair with what could almost be called a coquettish wink.

With perhaps a too large smile, Victoria reached up and twirled a lock of hair around her fingers and blinked slowly at Banderan, the closest she could come to an eyelash flutter. “I think I can accommodate you. If you’ll give me a moment?”

“Certainly.”He turned to Ana, who had been hanging on his every unspoken word. The pigeons moved in closer, gesturing to the musicians at the far side of the courtyard. His attention and dances were claimed.

Victoria’s smile changed to an evil grin as she reached under the table for the jar of habanero chiles she’d been saving for Lalo, one of the oldest and senior ranch hands. He preferred his food with a little kick, as he boasted it was the only way he could taste it anymore. Banderan wanted spicy. He would get scorching.

The little plate of beef and tortillas looked innocent enough when she’d finished, the entire jar of habaneros finely chopped and mixed in. According to Lalo, just a few of the burn-your-mouth-hair-singeing chiles could test the mettle of a man, or send him running back to his mama.

At the tap on his shoulder, Banderan turned. Victoria’s innocent smile was back as she held out the plate to him. “I made this especially for you.”

One eyebrow raised, and a smile teased the corners of his mouth. With a small bow he took the proffered food, his fingers lightly brushing the top of her hand. “Gracias.” The word was drawled.

“De nada.” Her eyes were slightly hooded as she waited. Waited for the first bite.

It started with a tear. A single one, which rolled down his cheek. Then a flush, a faint pink that grew redder as it progressed up his neck to his cheeks. A second and third tear followed as his eyes began to water. He blinked and shook his head, one hand reaching up to tug at his shirt. By now, his face was as red as the sash at his waist. The plate dropped from his hand as he began to cough.

“Madre de Dios!”

Victoria placed a concerned hand on his arm. Even his skin felt hot. “Is something wrong, señor? Is my cooking not to your, ah, taste?”

Want More Melissa?

Visit her on the web here:  www.melissajarvis.net

Pick up a copy of her book today!  Click here.

 
Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Melissa and be entered to win a Gold Rush million dollar bill and a vintage postcard from one of the settings used in In His Own Time.

Be Kind To Your Servers Month with Guest Blogger: Terri L. Austin

Meet author Terri L. Austin 

& friends today at the Book Boost!

Be Kind to Food Servers—Or Else!

“Hello, my name is Rose Strickland and I’m a waitress at Ma’s Diner. You may not know this, but January is Be Kind to Your Servers month. So I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that servers are people, too and—”

“Get real, Rose.”

“Sorry for the interruption. This is my fellow waitress-slash-bestie, Roxy Block.”

“How you doing? What Rose is trying to say in her nice girl way, is tip your freaking waitress. Do you think we like schlepping around platters of food and getting stiffed? Do you? We have bills to pay, too, you know.”

“Again, sorry. Roxy has been a little cranky since she gave up smoking. And most people are really nice. Especially our regulars.”

“I’m only cranky when I don’t make bank. And what about Hermit Jim? He sits in the back of the diner, never smiles, and always leaves like, fifty cents. Look, we work hard, dudes. Fifteen percent and a smile. Is that so difficult?”

“But we enjoy our job, right, Rox? We like serving people and seeing their smiles after a short stack and a cup of coffee. And our boss, Ma, is the best. She’s owned the diner for almost fifty years. She’s an institution in our town.”

“Yeah, I love Ma. She’s good peeps.”

“What we’re trying to say is that servers don’t make much of an hourly wage. Your tips go a long way in helping us pay tuition or keeping us in ramen noodles—you know, the essentials. And we like a kind word as much as the next person.”

“And maybe if you’re nice, we won’t give you high octane when you ask for decaf. Just remember, we have our ways of getting even. Be cool to your waitress—me—and we won’t have a problem. Now tell them about Janelle, Rose.”

“I’m not sure they want to hear about that.”

“Of course they do. Who doesn’t love a dramatic story about jail and ex-cons and hot bad guys?”

“You got me. Okay, our friend, Janelle Johnson, is in jail, accused of putting her ex-husband in a coma.”

“But she’s totally innocent, right? Tell them.”

“Janelle is guilty of many things: bad judgment—”

“Terrible taste in men.”

“Indeed. But attempted murder? Uh uh. So it’s up to us to find out who tried to kill him. And there are a few other problems associated with this coma business.”

“Rose has a total crush on a criminal. And he’s in hot water.”

“Sullivan isn’t a bad guy and somehow, he ties into all this. But he’s helped me out more than once and if I can return the favor, so be it.”

“You are so blushing right now. She’s totally smitten.”

“Back to Janelle, we have to get her out of jail in time for Christmas. She has little kids.”

“You can do it, Rose. I have faith in you.”

“Ah, thanks Rox. Now everyone, go forth and be kind to your servers.

“Or else!”

A Note from the Book Boost:  Thanks for joining us Terri, and Rose and Rox!  Nice meeting you, ladies.  Getting out my tip calculator right now...


Blurb:

Rose Strickland is having a blue Christmas. Her friend is arrested for attempted murder, her sexy bad guy crush is marked by a hit man, and her boss is locked in an epic smackdown with a rival diner.

Determined to save those she loves, Rose embarks on an investigation more tangled than a box of last year's tree lights. With her eclectic gang at the ready, Rose stumbles across dead bodies, ex-cons, jilted lovers, and a gaggle of strippers as she searches for the truth. What she finds will leave her entrenched in a battle for freedom she might not survive.


Excerpt:

There are some absolutes in this life that are irrefutable. If you leave the house looking like crap, you’ll see someone you know, usually an ex-boyfriend. If you’re running late for an appointment, you’ll hit every red light on the way. And a three a.m. phone call is never good news. Either someone’s dead, in the hospital, or you’re a drunken booty call. But that Saturday morning, I discovered another reason to avoid the ringing harbinger of bad news.

“’ello,” I answered, my eyes still closed.

“Rose, I’m in jail, girl.”

I sniffed and sat up on my futon. “Janelle?”

“Of course it’s Janelle. They think I tried to kill Asshat.”

Scrubbing a hand over my eyes, I glanced at the clock. “Asshat?”

Janelle lowered her voice. “Rose, wake up and listen. I’m in jail, Asshat’s in a coma, and they’re saying I tried to kill him. I need help.”

Her dilemma finally penetrated my sleep-fogged brain. “Oh my God. Where are the kids?” Janelle had two, Damon, nine, and Sherise, seven. Both so cute you wanted to pinch their little cheeks. But I wouldn’t recommend it—that Sherise was a biter. 

“They’re staying with my cousin, Sondra. But I got to get out of here. If they think I’m spending Christmas in jail then I’m Halle Damn Berry.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Call that fancy lawyer you know. He’ll figure it out.”

Dane Harker. “I’ll call him and come see you in the morning. Will they let me bring you anything?”

“Cigarettes and toiletries. These bitches trade everything for cigarettes. And Rose? Thanks.”

Want More Terri?

Visit her on the web: http://terrilaustin.com/

Pick up your copy today!  Click here.

The Very Fine Art of Villains with Guest Blogger: Kerri Williams

Win a copy of Heart for Justice & more 

with author Kerri Williams 

today at the Book Boost!

Villains?

Cold-hearted or misunderstood?

You love to hate them, right. That’s what a good villain is.

I’m often asked about the villains in my books and believe it or not I find the best Villains are not just the ones you don’t expect, but the ones you love to hate! And women villains are the best of all because let’s face it; we can be fair dinkum bitches and hold a grudge better than any man.

A good Villain has to be realistic, has to have motive and stay true. They can be anything from fathers, mothers, priests, serial killers, revenge motivated characters and even an illness; whatever it is, they needs to stay true and they need to grow in that role, for better or for worse.

I like to feel their justification through their characters. One of my Villains and I wont say who because I hate spoilers, but they grew up in a family of hate and crime so it was no wonder they came out the same and yet you still don’t feel sorry for them. You just understand them, which is half your battle right there.

It can even be someone who feels like they haven’t had a choice in the matter and lost their way, like vigilantes (okay, so those I feel sorry for), but you get my drift.

As for an illness, that’s a whole other story because the only motive an illness has is to bring you down and no amount of begging, digging or anything other than treatment can save you. This is a major game changer as villains go because your heroes are helpless to help, but the idea is still the same, they need to fight together and hope to come through at the end. Highly emotional journey, this one. I’m in the midst of writing one of these.

I had cancer as a teenager right in the midst of high school, boyfriend and family dramas, so I thought it was time to write what I know. Never Goodbye will be out in the middle of this year.

Back to it? Writing a nice person, someone who you fall in love with is easy and easier still (for me at least) is the villain because they are so driven which propels every other character in your book along.

I mean the hero and heroine could live happily ever after making love every damn day if it weren’t for a villain who is set out to either kill them or break them up. This leaves the main characters no choice but to get the asses out of bed, get dressed and fight for what they believe in and want.

Yep, to sum it up, a good villain is just as important as your main characters as long as you get it right.

For a taste of villains try my new series The Moore Justice Trilogy, #1 Hunger For Justice, #2 Heart For Justice, #3 Blood For Justice (#3 out 26 Jan 2013).

A Note from the Book Boost:  What a great post!  Thanks for breaking down your artistic talent for creating a great villain.  Best of luck on the upcoming release.

Blurb from Hunger for Justice:


Have you ever felt a hunger so intense it blinds you from everything else in your life?

For Claire Moore, her hunger for justice is her coping mechanism, her reason for getting out of bed each morning, struggling to face her day to day life alone after her father and brother were violently taken from her.

Other nineteen-year-olds are at parties and studying at University, living the fun naïve life of a teenager, but in the world of Claire, there was nothing left for her other than the desperate hunger for justice.

Unfortunately it’s this hunger that’s driven everyone who cares for her away, unable to watch her place herself in danger any longer and that includes her teenage love, Talon Baker.

But true love never really dies and after stumbling upon information to the identity of their murderers, together Talon and Claire are hunted until they can figure out the clues her father left for them.

Through her hunger for justice, Claire grows by relinquishing control of her fight and allowing others to love her, even though the fear of losing them is too excruciating bear.


Excerpt:

She sat in her chair glaring him down, not hiding her disrespect for a man who was used to getting it.

“You’re right, it is enough. So how about you do your job so I can go.”

He strode the small distance of the life-stained linoleum floor to take the seat Damien had abandoned across from her. “And where would that be exactly?”

“Sea World. I love the seals,” she said grinning and clapping like an excited child high on red cordial. She saw the muscle in his jaw clench and felt a self-centred triumph in it.

“You are nineteen years old now. Does everything have to be a joke to you, Claire?”

“You’re a joke to me. This place?” she said waving around, “?is a joke.”

“What do you think your father would say if he were here to hear you say such things about the place he respected and cherished with his life, huh? What do you think Penny, your mother would say if she saw you throwing your life away?”

“If my father were here this place wouldn’t have become the joke it has and he may have respected this place and what it stood for, but he cherished Jimmy, Me and Talon. That’s the difference between him and you and no amount of rigid rules or denial will help you become even a fragment of the man and officer he was. As for mum, don’t even go there. She’s been at peace for over half my life don’t you think you could leave her out of this.”

“Denial,” he boomed. “Talk about denial. All of you Moore’s believed in that rogue out there, but you don’t know what he or his family are capable of. Your whole family were delusional. I tried to warn your father against forming a bond with him, but he didn’t listen. I said he would cause nothing but problems, but he still didn’t listen.” He pushed against the table and his chair fell to the floor with a loud echoing bang.

Suddenly, Claire wished she had pressed for Talon to be present, she wished she knew what Frank was talking about and for God’s sake, she wished he would stop yelling because her head couldn’t cope with much more. Claire was rubbing her temples unconscientiously when Frank stopped his pacing and ranting and sat back down with a loud sigh.

Want More Kerri?

Visit her on the web here: http://www.kerri-williams.com/

Pick up her books today.  Visit here to learn more.

Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment for Kerri and be entered to win a copy of Heart For Justice #2 which was just released and a spot on Kerri's blog to promote or talk about whatever you want.

And a Holiday Character presented for Thee: With Featured Author Donna Alward

Win THREE books from Harlequin author 

Donna Alward today at the Book Boost!

Donna visits us for a special holiday Featured Author spot and here's what she's thinking...


What About Mr. Potter?

This past weekend I watched It's a Wonderful Life for the first time. For some reason, I’d always been slightly turned off by the sight of a rather quirky-and-crazed George Bailey during all the ads for it over the years. But as I got older I heard more and more people saying how wonderful it is, so this weekend I curled up with hot cocoa, my husband’s Orange-Spice Shortbread, my youngest kid, a fuzzy blanket and put on the DVD.

I loved it! Even though George’s frantic energy was sometimes a little bit much, I cried in at least 3 places. And here’s the special thing about It's a Wonderful Life: we love it so much because of the characters.

The story’s about George. George, who worked to save for college, who longs to see the world before going to school for four years. George doesn’t want to stay in Bedford Falls. He has dreams and plans. And yet – when his father dies, he sacrifices his trip and then his education to keep the family business from falling into the clutches of Mr. Potter, who’d own the whole town if he had his way.

All along the way George makes the right decisions and does the right thing but at great sacrifice to himself. Little by little each hope and dream is stripped away, all to keep Bailey Building and Loan alive. Not just alive – but to do what’s right for the regular Joe in Bedford Falls.  His college money goes to send his brother Harry to school. He marries a wonderful woman and has beautiful children, but you know deep down George feels the loss of his dreams keenly. So it’s not much wonder that when it looks like Bailey Building and Loan is going down and he’s probably going to prison, he becomes a man on the edge. He gave up everything and now it looks like those sacrifices were made for nothing.

The ending is, of course, happy. But what really intrigued me was this MAN. And know what else? I really wanted to know more about Mr. Potter. I was telling my daughter later that I was super-curious about this character. What made him so greedy? Why did he make the  choices he did, why did he care more about money than what was right for the town?

Why, in the end, was he so cruel as to be the instrument of Bailey’s business’s failure, and then not only ignore George’s plea for help – certainly groveling to Potter is a last resort – but then call the police on him to have him arrested?

And I wanted to know whatever happened to that $8000. And if Potter ever had a moment of reckoning of his own.

It just goes to show that well drawn characters – whether they are heroes or villains – make a story unforgettable long after the last page or end credits.

There’s nothing quite like a holiday story, and I really enjoyed writing my current release, Sleigh Ride with the Rancher. Blake is the kind of man who will definitely sacrifice for what he believes in.  Add in a stubborn heroine, some disabled kids and a good dose of Christmas spirit and hopefully you come out smiling at the end.


A Note from the Book Boost:  I love how you watched the movie with your kid and then analyzed it.  Only a writer would be able to break it down so beautifully.  Thanks for joining us and sharing your holiday movie experience with us.  Happy Holidays!

Want More Donna?

Visit her on the web here: www.donnaalward.com

Pick up a copy of her latest today!  Click here.

Contest Time:

Leave a question or comment between now and the end of the December to be entered to win a set of three First Responder books from Donna.

Featured Author Finale with Author: B.J. Scott

Win a Highland gift set and chat with author B.J. Scott this week at the Book Boost!

Recently we chatted with our friend, B.J. Scott and here's what you need to know about this talented author...

TBB: Which of your books is your favorite and why?

BJS: I think every author holds a special place in their hearts for their first book, but because my goal is to continually improve my writing, I would have to say my second book, Highland Quest, to be released on Dec 19th. I was pleased with the first book in the series, Highland Legacy, but hope the readers will enjoy the second book as much if not more. I am currently working on the third book, Highland Homecoming, and so far it could be my favorite. I will have to wait until it is done to see.

TBB: If you had to describe that book using ONLY ONE word what would it be?

BJS: Intense.

TBB: What do you dislike the most about being a writer?

BJS: Not having enough time to write what I want, when I want.

TBB: Who, in your life, is your biggest source of inspiration and why?

BJS: My father.  He taught me anything is possible if you work hard enough and want it bad enough,

TBB: And now, one for fun...if you were a cartoon character, which one would you be and why?

BJS: Road Runner.  I never seem to be able to sit or stay in one place for long because there is always something to do.

TBB:  Thanks for joining us over the past week here at The Book Boost.  I understand you'd like to leave us a fave holiday recipe?

BJS:  Yes, here is a traditional Scottish recipe.  Hope you'll enjoy!

Cranachan
(Serves 6)

60g of coarse oatmeal
300g of fresh or frozen raspberries
600ml double cream
3 tablespoons of runny honey
3 tablespoonsof malt whisky
Toast the oatmeal until it is golden brown, whip the double cream until it is thick, stir in the whisky honey and oatmeal and fold in the raspberries gently. Spoon into individual glasses.

Serve.

Don't miss Highland Quest coming soon 
on December 19, 2012!

View the book trailer here!

Blurb:

Tired of walking in the shadows of his two older brothers, Bryce Fraser rejoins the fight for Scottish independence, but he arrives too late to warn his fellow patriots of an ambush.

Wounded in the confrontation, Bryce awakens to find Fallon MacCrery,  a women he vowed to forget tending his wounds—a twist of fate that rekindles passion, and prompts him to question his destiny.

Can their unspoken love withstand the test of time and war, or will devious plans of their enemy keep them apart forever?




Author Bio:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

Want More B.J. Scott?

Visit her on the web here:  http://www.authorbjscott.com/ 

Or here: http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com/ 

Click here to purchase Highland Legacy today!

Highland Quest coming December 19th to Soul Mate Publishing!

Contest:

Leave a question or comment for B.J.  any time during this week and be entered to win a copy of Highland Legacy or Highland Quest (releases 12/19/12).  The winner will also receive a book thong, regular book mark, a key chain, a can cooler and a pen.