A Presidential Monday

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Silver James

Who decided that having President’s Day Sales was a thing? I guess if you’re in retail, anything goes. Of course, technically, I’m in retail so…d’uh. I mean, I produce stories and try to get people to read them, paying me while they do–either by buying the book or pages read through Kindle Unlimited on those books still in the program. That said, there was a past week. And a weekend. And a new week staring us in the face. Moving on.

Sports: SOFTBALL! I got to watch softball this weekend, including my OSU Cowgirls. Who are ranked! And should be ranked higher this coming week. They were down in Florida playing in the Clearwater Elite Tournament. They upset some teams. Fun to watch. Also, pitchers and catchers have reported to their respective camps in Florida and Arizona for Spring Training. Games start…Friday? Yay!

TV: Y’all….SHAKA KHAN! I know I’m dating myself but I really enjoy her music. She was Miz Monster and unmasked on last week’s “The Masked Singer.” I think I know who the White Tiger is and I’ll just put it out here, right or wrong. In the beginning, I thought it might be Gronk (Rob Gronkowski, retired from NE Patriots) but now? Now I’m thinking it might Joe Manganiello. Only time will tell. Other than the LIVE PD franchise, there’s not much I’m watching. Ah well.

Reading/Listening: Okay. Last week was pretty good, with one minor exception. If you are looking for a dark fantasy, I recommend Millie Vane’s A HEART OF BLOOD AND ASHES. It is DARK! And dirty. But totally my catnip. Beware of trigger warnings and be sure to check out reviewers you trust. That led me to a listen of NIGHT SHIFT–no, not my book but the anthology with Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews, Lisa Shearin, and Millie Vane. It’d been a few years and now I want to do a Kate Daniels marathon. I just might. At the moment, I’m listening to Louise Penny’s STILL LIFE, the first book in the Chief Inspector Garmarche series. It’s a mystery. Not cozy but not…my normal fare. We’ll see.

Writing: Neither last nor least. I’ve added some bits and pieces to MOONSTRUCK MAFIA because the flash fiction challenges I’ve done lately pointed me that direction. At the same time, I am making progress on the new material for MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL. I wrote a hard scene between Hannah and Mac. Currently, I’m going back in time to touch base with SEAL Team Atlantis. And by back in time, I mean their time at Area 51 before Hannah got them sprung, then leading up their encounter with Amy in BRIDE’S MOON. I discovered something about Dalton yesterday that surprised me. I love when that happens. Hopefully, this little sojurn will get Iffy back in the mindset of Hard Target so I can get another book out this year. I also got the opening of Dillon’s book so he’ll likely be the next Red Dirt Royalty hero. We’ll see. One day at a time. Some days the words flow and somedays I sit and stare and wish I was a clerk at Walmart, or something. Nobody ever said it would be easy.

WOW moment: Spent some time with Only and Stormy while playing chauffeur. I’m lucky that not only do I have an amazing daughter, I have a good friend. And a far-too-smart and precocious grandson. Speaking of, Stormy is coming here today because he’s out of school and his parents aren’t off. Fun times. Not sure what we’ll do but I doubt I get much writing done. The weather is supposeed to warm a little so maybe we’ll take Jake for a walk. Exercise would be good for all of us.

And don’t forget, tomorrow is the big day! FIGHTING FOR ELENA and all the rest of the Tarpley VFD books go live. Just click on the cover up there on the right and go grab it now so it’s waiting on your Kindle when you wake up. Or, as I always mention, if you have Kindle Unlimited subscription, you can read them all for free.

On that note, time to get on with things. How was your weekend? Anything good? Any plans for the week? Remember, always look for the possibilities!

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Friday Sinema: Kissing in the Rain

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Silver James

Happy Valentine’s Day. I thought I’d share a video of some of the best kissing in the rain scenes so we can feel all romantic and stuff. You know, considering how iconic kissing in the rain is in the movies, I’m not sure I’ve ever written such a scene in one of my books. I should rectify that. What do you think?

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Love at First Sight

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Silver James

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Or Palentine’s, Galentine’s, or whatever. It’s a day to celebrate love–of every variety. I write romance. Love is my stock and trade. And it means that I’m a firm believer in love. And yes, I believe in soul mates and love and first sight and second chances. Friends to lovers? You bet’cha! Enemies to lovers? Why not? All the tropes, all the time. Because love is important.

Silver, have you ever seen a complete stranger across a room, street, or hallway, and sent them a silent, “You are loved,” just for the good it might do?

I have.

But then, to me, they’re not really strangers.

Neither are they to you, Silver –
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

There are no accidents, Silver, no coincidences, and no strangers.

I need to remember that last bit when I’m writing, except…there are accidents, coincidences, and strangers–at least in the beginning. By the end, it’s all about the HEA. Go hug someone you love. And happy almost V-Day. 🥰

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Wednesday Words: Only the Lonely

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Silver James

So…I was working yesterday. I had a phrase to work with: “What else do you want me to say?” And a theme: Lonely. In addition, a scene needed to evolve from something that occurred off page in BRIDE’S MOON. And as I sometimes do when I’m stuck, I started to doodle with words, and this is what came out:
****
“What else do you want me to say?” Hannah didn’t move from the window. She stood there, back straight, shoulders stiff, the Virginia countryside rolling away on the other side of the plate glass.

An emotion Mac didn’t recognize squeezed his heart. They’d been together for years now, been through so damn much. His wolf whined, also unsure. The wolf knew he was the one that wanted pups, knew the man hurt each time this happened. But his mate hurt too. He saw the fine lines around her eyes—put there by pain, not age. When was the last time Hannah had smiled? Truly smiled. Not her snarky fuck-you smile but the one that melted his heart. The one she turned on their son whenever Liam was looking hid the one when she thought no one saw. The one tinged with the soul-deep ache of a mother’s broken heart.

“Hannah…” His voice cracked, his own emotions overriding his usual reticence.

“Don’t. Just…don’t.” She turned away from him, hiding her tears, he knew. They’d played out this scenario too many times. Once was too many, but his wife…his mate…the other half of his heart kept trying. For him. Liam’s conception had come almost instantaneously. The pregnancy? Not without a few scares but Hannah carried to term and after a great deal of cussing, she’d brought their son into the world, healthy, whole, and letting everyone know he was here to stay.

Easy peasy, Hannah had told him on Liam’s first birthday. Let’s try again. Up until then, Mac had consciously curtailed their lovemaking during her most fertile periods—without her being aware of his actions. So they’d tried. Often. And their hearts had been broken. A little girl. Another boy. A second daughter. None of them viable to term. And with each loss, he felt her pulling further away away until there was a huge gulf between them.

He inhaled and the scents hit him. Stale cigarette smoke with a whiff of cheap whiskey. But they didn’t come from his mate. No. She smelled of wet ashes, dead roses, and almonds. Regret. The stench of loneliness wafted from him, from every pore in his body. Hannah had shut him out.

“Baby?” He stepped closer, reaching for her.

She jerked away and her words came out flat. “Go away, Mac.”

So he did. He turned and walked out, softly closing the door behind him, wondering if that door would ever open again.
****
So, that’s my lonely snippet. Things are about to go downhill even further for Hannah and Mac, because… Well, those of you who have read BRIDE’S MOON knows. This is a first and very rough draft. Will this scene make it in MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL? Maybe. Or not. Something close to it probably will because there are things behind that scene that need talking about.

What about you writers? Have any lonely words to share? And readers, got a tough question for y’all: What is your favorite song to listen to when you’re feeling lonely? Inquiring writer minds (mine!) want to know.

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Tuesday Treats: Five Ingredient Deep Dish Meatball Pizza

Posted on February 11, 2020 by Silver James

Our favorite pizza from Papa Murphy’s is the All Meat Pan pizza. Except we exchange salami for black olives because I’m not a big fan of salami. I do like the Canadian bacon, hamburger, pepperoni, and Italian sausage. When I discovered this recipe, I knew I’d have to try it. I’m not the only one. 😉

Total Time: 35 Min.
Prep Time: 10 Min.
Cook Time: 25 Min.
10 servings

What You Need
1 lb. refrigerated pizza dough
1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese Expertly Paired for Pizza, divided
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
3/4 lb. frozen Italian-style mini meatballs
1 jar (14 oz.) pizza sauce

Let’s Make It
1 – Heat oven to 450°F.
2 – Roll out pizza dough into 11-inch round on lightly floured surface. Spray 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Place dough in prepared pan, gently pressing dough onto bottom and 1 inch up side of pan.
3 – Sprinkle 1 cup cheese onto bottom of crust; top with layers of mushrooms, meatballs and pizza sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4 – Bake 22 to 25 min. or until cheese is melted and edge of crust is golden brown.

As usual, you can find all the nutritional details over at My Food & Family by CLICKING HERE. I’ll give you three guesses (and the first two don’t count) about who else decided this recipe was quick and easy enough and filling enough for her two “men.” Okay, one man and one teenager with a bottomless pit for a stomach. 😉 Yes, our intrepid den mother, aka Major Hannah Jackson McIntire, who is notorius for burning water and undercooking turkey, can actually put this meal together. Of course, Mac and/or Liam have to watch the oven to make sure the pizza doesn’t burn. If you want the full story of Hannah and Mac getting together and Liam’s birth–because Mac plays a role in next week’s release, FIGHTING FOR ELENA, and all three of them have parts in MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL coming really soon now–you might want to catch up before the new stories come out by reading or rereading, as the case may be, MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. Just click on the cover or the title. The book is available all sorts of places. And you can still pre-order FIGHTING FOR ELENA. 😉

What about y’all? Would you make homemade pizza? And deep dish with meatballs?

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Loving Monday

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Silver James

Another week retired, a new week beginning. Possibilities, people. Possibilities! And poor Monday. It needs some love once in awhile, right?

So…what went on last week and over the weekend? I’m sure inquiring minds want to know. 😛

Writing: I did some! I finsihed up the first section of MOONSTRUCK: BETRAYAL. I’m stuck–slightly–on whether to include a chapter inserted into the timeline with BRIDE’S MOON or put it into the bridge novella that’s all new material. I spent yesterday thinking and I figure after I finish my morning routine of coffee and emails/blogs, I’ll have it figured out. The day is still early. 😊

TV: “The Masked Singer” is back. This show is my secret TV crack addiction. So far, two singers have been eliminated. The first to go, the Robot, was revealed as rapper L’il Wayne. The celebrity judge panel was shocked. That was Super Bowl night. Wednesday, which is the regular night and time for the show, it was the Llama (who was too cute!). He was revealed as TV host and comedian, Drew Carey. He sang a Tom Jones song and sounded just like Tom Jones. I was totally surprised. I can’t wait to see what this week brings. Also, “Live PD,” “Live Rescue,” “To Catch a Smuggler,” and yeah, I do like me some reality cop/first responder shows. 👮‍♀️👨‍🚒🤖🦙

Sports: How long until pitcher/catcher? Like a week? Or less?!?!?! Yay. Some are reporting as early as Wednesday. Happy Valentine’s Day to me! 💕

Wow moments:
Tuesday, Stormy came to stay after school while his parents did stuffs. His “Big Daddy” aka Lawyer Guy came home early with a surprise for him: a model of a B-17 WWII bomber. My dad was one of the first engineers on the 17 and several innovations were his. It’s always been a matter of pride in the family. Well, Stormy–who won’t be 6 until the end of March–put the model together mostly all by himself. He had a little instruction and one bit of help from LG. Too cool for words and a sniffly moment when they came to show me it. 🥰

Wednesday, we woke up to a record (for the date) snowfall of 4.6 inches officially. We had more here a Chez James Gang–closer to 6 inches. I remember how excited that first snow was when I was a kid–something always magical about the stuff here in Okieland. It was pretty to look at and I happily stayed snug and warm inside. 🥶

Reading/listening: I finally got to listen to Karen Hawkins’s LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON, a novella in her Dove Pond series. LOVED it. I want to find a Dove Pond, North Carolina and live there. I also got to enjoy JD Robb’s GOLDEN IN DEATH, the 50th novel in the In Death/Eve Dallas series. I’m a total Dallas fangirl and enjoyed the investigation. Can I just say that Dennis Mira makes me all sniffly–in a good way! (Prof. Mira is married to Dr. Charlotte Mira, who is the chief forenisic psychologist/profiler for the NYPSD, for those not familiar with the series. He misbuttons his sweater and insists on making sure Eve is wearing a warm knit hat and mittens when it is cold outside. He’s a darling man!) I’m currently listening to Christine Feehan’s VENDETTA ROAD. It’s the 3rd book in her dark-and-dirty Torpedo Ink MC series. These books are not for the faint of heart.

Not much else going on in my world. Anything fun or interesting in your life? Any wow moments to share?

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Friday Sinema: Cool Ranch Dance

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Silver James

Okay, as promised, this is my follow-up to the Super Bowl. In other words, this is my assessment of the 2020 crop of Super Bowl commercials. There were approximately 50 ads aired. I remember 9 of them. In the order they aired, these are the ones I made note of because I was either WTF? or laughingly entertained by them.

1. Walmart “Out of this World.” I have no idea if that’s the actual title but the add showed a plethora of otherworldly beings dropping in to pick-up groceries at Walmart. It was fun, hip, and nostalgic all at the same time. Lawyer Guy and I had a blast naming the movies/TV shows those beings appeared in.

2. Rocket Mortgage “The Comfort of Home.” Again, my title. This one starred Jason Mamoa who is hotHotHOT! It also showed him “relaxing” at home by “stripping down.” His muscles, that is. He has a great sense of humor. It got a gigglesnort out of me.

3. Snickers “The World is out of Sorts.” You really need to catch the “preview” commercials but basically, Snickers is going to fix the stupid in the world by digging a big hole and dropping in a giant Snickers. I laughed. A lot. Especially at the end.

4. Hyundai “Pahk the Cah.” Three native Bostonians, Boston accent in full bloom, amazed at a Hyundai Sonata “pahkin'” itself. Big Papi’s cameo at the end is priceless. According the “experts,” this ad was the most highly rated. It was good but not that good IMH.

5. Verizon 5G “What 5G Won’t Do.” OMG! Cold chills and the sniffles. It’s a powerful commercial. If you missed it, look it up. it’s on YouTube.

6. Heinz Ketchup “Find the Goodness” to the tune of “I’ll Be There.” Four groups/families in very different places looking to eat… The song nostalgia added to the humor.

7. Cool Ranch Doritos. See below…

8. Toyota Highlander “Go Where You’re Needed. Okay. I drive a Highlander so this might be a sentimental favorite, but the mom driving the Highlander”? She. Is. AWESOME! I must Google Cobie Smulder, who is driving.

9. Jeep “Groundhog Day.” The Super Bowl was played on Groundhog Day. Bill Murray starred in the iconic movie of the same name. This one was a close second for best commercial in my book.

All that said, I had to go with Doritos “The Cool Ranch” featuring Lil Nas X and Sam Elliott, along with the rapper’s version of “Old Town Road.” Watch for the moustache. Just sayin’…

And the winner is:

What was your favorite commercial? Now, go have a great weekend!

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Heartbreak

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Silver James

Where would a romance novel be without the Black Moment™? What would romance authors do instead of sitting around dreaming up the worst thing that could happen to our hapless couples? It’s hard, people! Seriously. Writing a book where boy meets girl (or any combination thereof), they date, get to know each other, get married (or not), and live happily ever after is easy. Boring for the reader, though. There has to be conflict. There has to be a modicum of relationship suspense even if the book isn’t a suspense, mystery, or thriller. We want to see a couple fight for each other, fight for their relationship, fight for love. Right? What’s that got to do with our message from the Universer today?

Hearts don’t actually break, Silver, but sometimes they’re forced to grow so fast, it feels like they have.

Sorry about that,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

For every heart ache, Silver, you feel deeper, love greater, and glow brighter. Yeah, which means right about now, you’re blazing.

Heartbreak is at the soul of a romance novel–ie. the Black Moment™. And the Universe is right–whether in fiction or real life. For every hurt of the heart, you do feel deeper, love greater, and glow brighter. And when a couple–real or imagined–come out the other side, that HEA is a blazing moment of glory. And that’s why I write and read romance. Besides, “torturing” a fictional couple in love is so much fun! Bwahahaha

What about y’all? Are you a fan of the Black Moment™ or do you want just a story of two people falling into love and living their lives in an easy-peasy HEA?

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Wednesday Words: Emboldened

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Silver James

Okay, y’all! Get your fans out, crank up the AC and buckle up. Today’s short snippet is definitely NSFW so be warned because Holy Hotness! Today’s guest contributor, USA Today best-selling author MJ Nighingale, is truly bringing the heat! Of course, Angel Murphy is a firefighter so he can handle it and I’m betting he knows what to do if Jemma combusts!
****
When he parted his lips, she tentatively darted her tongue into his mouth. He captured it with his teeth before he allowed her further entry. Then he let her in. Her stomach tightened as she stroked his tongue with her own and felt a deep heat engulf her core. When his hands gripped her arms, and she felt the powerful man under her shudder while she kissed him, it emboldened her further. She needed, no, yearned, to be closer to him. She swung her legs over his body and got onto her knees, placing one on each side of his lean hips so that she half lay astride him. The connection was intimate, and she could feel him grow hard at her apex where their bodies touched through their jeans. His erection against her femininity, even through her clothes, made her body come alive. She thought the position would ease some of the ache inside her, but it only made it worse. She gently pushed against him, and they both groaned in unison at the pleasure that pressure created.
****

If you haven’t already, go pre-order FIGHTING FOR GEMMA by clicking on the cover, the teaser meme or the cover! Want more info? Here’s the book’s blurb to further entice you. 😉

High school science teacher Jemma Haner is ready for love, but she doesn’t do firefighters. Period. Never. No way. But Angel is everything she is looking for. Tall, dark, handsome and kind. As a veterinarian he shares her love of animals, nature, and the outdoors. She’d been burned in the past and had lost too much already to risk her heart to a firefighter.

Angel, “Short Shit” to his friends with the Tarpley Volunteer Fire department, can rescue cats and kids out of trees without a ladder. He works hard and loves harder, but when he meets Jemma he thinks only of making her his. Only problem–she won’t date firefighters. Can he get her to change her mind and give love a chance? Can he win her heart?

And when the storm of the century hits Tarpley, Texas, can Angel save Jemma from the dangers that come at her from all sides, and still do the job he loves? Find out in Book 4 of TVFD, part of Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor series.

Is anyone emboldened to share some words today? Be bold and go for it! (And they don’t have to be sexy. 😉 )

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Tuesday Treats: Jemma’s Fall-Off-The-Bone BBQ Pork Ribs

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Silver James

Today, we have another set of “guest chefs” in the house: MJ Nightingale and her heroine, Jemma Haner. I ❤ ribs like damn and whoah so I'm all over this recipe! And guess what?!?! These ribs are healthy. No. Really!

Here is Jemma's Recipe for Fall-Off-The-Bone Barbecue Pork Ribs.

Ingredients:
3 to 4 pounds of Pork Ribs
An avocado (Or a quarter cup of vegetable oil)
Light Brown Sugar, Coke, Barbecue Sauce.

Directions:
1. Mash the Avocado, and mix with 1 cup light brown sugar, half can of coke, and one cup of your favorite barbecue sauce.
2. Heat oven to 275 degrees.
3. Use meat scissors to cut ribs into single servings.
4. place tin foil on bottom of pan and put ribs on top, meat side up. Lather with the mashed avocado mixture. Cover.
5. Bake in oven for 3 hours on low heat.
6. Uncover ribs and remove excess juice from pan. Put ribs back in oven uncovered and bake at 400 degrees for ten minutes to crisp. Let stand ten minutes before serving.

Jemma is very impressed with Angel’s cooking and his updated kitchen. When she invites him to her place for a meal, she wants to impress him with her culinary skills as well, and wants to make him some real Texas style barbecue with all the fix-ins. She’s a high school teacher who has no time for firefighters. Yeah, that’s a problem since veterinarian Angel “Short Shit” Murphy is a member of the Tarpley VFD. Will Angel manage to convince Jemma he’s as perfect as her BBQ ribs? To find out, y’all will just have to read their story in FIGHTING FOR JEMMA, releasing on February 18th! You can preorder now. Just click the cover or the title and zoom over to Amazon to snatch it up. Or, you can wait and read for free with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

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