Wednesday Words: RAINdrops Fallin’ On My Head

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Silver James

Who’s ready for Hump Day and more #1lineWed words on Twitter? The RAINdrops all fell yesterday, and we needed them! And if we’re lucky this week’s theme won’t RAIN on anyone’s parade even if the RAIN in Spain falls mainly on the plain. Can you guess what the theme is? **RAIN** of course. However, I’m sensing a theme in the #1lineWed prompts–first it was Earth, Wind & Fire. Now it’s Fire & Rain… 😆

But let’s get to the snippet. This is from one of several Nightrider WIPs. Gunner has been mentioned a time or two in previous NR books. In his book, he’s sent to Oklahoma City as a nomad enforcer to help Lucky out with a situation. He rents half a duplex and his landlady, Harper, lives in the other half. She’s a war widow, attracted to a man for the first time in years. Gunner needs to break off things with her for…reasons. Too bad he picked the wrong night to do so…

****
Harper

Rain dripped off my umbrella and the chill wind raised goosebumps on my skin. I rapped on Gunner’s door hard enough to bruise my knuckles. I was shivering by the time it opened a crack.

“I saw you come home,” I began.

He cut me off. “Yeah, and?”

From his expression and tone of voice, I could have been a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of his boot. Too late, I understood I’d made a huge mistake. I wanted to say I’d been scared about the storm, about him getting caught out in it. He’d never given me his cell phone number so I couldn’t call and check on him. I’d watched for his arrival from my window. Considering how much I hated storms, that said a lot. Not that he cared.

“What do you want, Harper?”

He sounded testy, irritated. And definitely tired of me. I should have seen this coming. We’d had two weeks of…what? Fantastic sex? Fun and games? I should have seen the signs. Except I was out of practice. The one man I’d loved left me, through no fault of his own. Dying in a war wasn’t walking away from me. Not like my father, my brothers, and every man I’d been involved with before Rob. And silly me. I thought Gunner was different. My big, bad biker with a heart of gold. Yeah, right.

“I was worried about you. I…” I swallowed hard, seeking my pride, which was in extremely short supply at the moment. Good thing the wind blew rain into my face. He couldn’t see the tears. “Sorry I bothered you. I won’t again.” Thank goodness my voice hadn’t cracked. I pivoted, my body so stiff I could barely walk back toward my side of the duplex.

I heard Gunner’s door slam shut, then his muffled, “Fuck.”

I didn’t turn around. Three steps. Breathing like I’d just run a marathon, I made my feet keep moving. Five steps. Seven. Arms grabbed me. I almost passed out from relief. He’d changed his mind. Then it hit me like a bolt of lightning. Those arms…they didn’t belong to Gunner. I screamed.

“Harper!”

Gunner yelling was the last thing I heard.
****
Nothing like a good cliffhanger, right? *bwahaha* And now I want to work on Gunner’s book instead of Gravedigger’s. Dang it. Any of you have rainy words to share?

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Tuesday Treats: Fluffy Easter Cheesecake

Posted on March 27, 2018 by Silver James

Easter is this Sunday. With the arrival of the hated Daylight Savings Time, days are getting longer and warmer and we’re all busy with family, friends, and our own stuff. This Easter Cheesecake recipe is quick and easy and so scrumptious you might want to forego using a fork and grab a spoon instead to get every last yummy bite.

Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 3 hr. 10 min.
Servings: 8 servings.

Try a Fluffy 2-Step Easter Cheesecake in a graham cracker crust for a great springtime treat. Top this Easter cheesecake with jelly beans & you’re all set!

What You Need
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed
1 ready-to-use graham cracker crumb crust (6 oz.)
16 jelly beans

Make It

Beat cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. Stir in COOL WHIP. Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 3 hours or until set. Top with jelly beans just before serving.

CLICK HERE for the complete nutritional information at Kraft Recipes. When I checked with my characters to see who wanted to claim this recipe, I got the stink-eye from Hannah. She stood there, hands fisted on her hips, chin jutting and everyone else ducking for cover. “Jeez,” she groused. “How hard is it to whisk a few ingredients up and dump them in a store-bought pie crust thingy. Wait. Do ground-up graham crackers count as pie crust? Never mind. It says it is on the package so…whatever. Wait a minute. This is a cheese cake. Wouldn’t that make it a cake crust? Do cakes have crusts? Whatever. Plus, I don’t have to bake it so it doesn’t get burned. Everyone frickin’ loves it. If they don’t, they know better than to come around and ask for a piece. And if I don’t have jelly beans, I use M&Ms or Hershey Kisses. Works just as good and nobody complains. If they do, they know to do it out of earshot.”

Yeah, that’s our irascible but loved Hannah Jackson McIntire. If you haven’t already but would like to, you can read about her romance with her Wolf shifter mate, Ian “Mac” McIntire, and their son, Liam, plus all the Moonstruck Wolves and their mates in MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. It’s still on sale everywhere for $2.99. Grab it now before it goes up to $4.99 next month. Just click on the cover for the universal link to all the stores.

What’s an Easter dessert your family enjoys?

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It’s Another Monday

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Silver James

I have no idea why I continue to obsess over Monday. It’s not like I have an 8-5/M-F job these days? In fact, I haven’t had one of those for a long time now. I think people just get hardwired that way. Monday? Ugh! First day of the week after lazing all weekend. Gotta go to work. Drag outta bed, hit the ol’ job and be productive. Except I’m a writer. I pretty much work every day because trying to make money in the noveling business is Hard. Freaking. Work. 95% of writers don’t live glamorous lives. We struggle to make ends meet. We do our best to write stories and books people will pay money for to read because we don’t pay our bills otherwise.

Yeah, my sales suck right now, why do you ask?

So, it’s Monday. I did take Saturday off because Stormageddon, aka 4nado, had his 4th birthday party. Star Wars themed, with hot dogs and cake and lots of screaming kids having a blast. Only and Baseball Boy put together a fun party. Sunday, it was back to work. These stupid books don’t write themselves. Dammit.

Sports and TV hasn’t changed in past week, though we are closer to Opening Day. I could gritch and moan about MLB and the stupidity of their blackout policies but there’s no point. MLB doesn’t listen to me. *shrug*

I am reading…or listening to books. I discovered Jennifer Ashley’s Unbound Shifter’s series. Interesting take on the creation and existence of shifters–made by Fae magic, now “collared” by Fae magic by humans and treated like second-class citizens. I’m on book #3.5, but technically, it’s the 5th book in the series. I’m enjoying it, especially since I can get all the books either through my Audible Romance subscription or from the library. I’ll probably work my way through the whole series while waiting for a couple of new releases I’ve got on my wish list to come out.

And that’s pretty much my life. Boring as all get out. And people wonder why I like living in my head with either the characters other people create that I read about or the ones I create to write about. Not a bad place to be.

How was your week/weekend? What are you reading or writing? Or doing? Life keeping you busy?

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Friday Sinema: #MakeADateWithHarlequin

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Silver James

Another video in the Make a Date With Harlequin series has been unveiled. What would you do if a prince asked you to lunch in the park?

Want to see all the videos so you can pick your favorite?

Highlander:

Cowboy:

Viking:

My favorite parts are the innuendos and the looks on the bystanders’ faces! Have a great weekend.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Starts

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Silver James

When I finish a book–whether writing or reading–I’m faced with the decision of what to do next. Sometimes I have deadlines already in place and those deadlines dictate which project comes next. Sometimes, the deadlines are my own in that I know I want to write X books this year but as to which book in which series comes next, I don’t have to be hard and fast on deciding whose story to tell next. Reading is a bit easier, though I tend to read like I write–in series.

When the opportunity presents itself, I like to kick back and play with ideas, with scenes and characters in various projects just to see which one catches my attention and fires my imagination. That’s when writing is fun. And it’s always the way to get something finished, just like the Universe says.

Starting something, Silver, is the best way to finish something.

And just doing a teeny, tiny something today, anything, from wherever you are, is the best way to start something.

I’m not just a client,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Today, Silver. Make a call, ask a question, search the web, buy a book, pound the pavement, measure, cut, paste, poke, and of course, give thanks in advance.

What are you starting today?

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Wednesday Words: Fire

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Silver James

And Hump Day rolls around again, with more words and another #1lineWed theme. I’m all fired up because this puppy is done but for one tweak on the copyright when I get the info about the photos on the cover and I get the cover. And I’m sensing a theme here…Earth, Wind, and Fire. Because, yeah, today’s theme is **FIRE**. Today’s snippet is basically the first time our furry hero meets our not-so-intrepid heroine. I hope it lights a fire in your interest to read the whole book when it releases in April!

****
Tilting his head, Tait listened. Two sets of footsteps faded. The two who’d been covering the rear must have come inside to search while the rest of their hunting party was stalled out in the bar. “Stay still,” Tait whispered against her lips.

“Let me go,” she whispered back.

“In a minute.” Or an hour. He’d backed her into a corner but didn’t feel guilty. For reasons he couldn’t decipher, this woman drove his wolf to distraction and the damn thing might as well be chasing his tail in dizzying circles. Focus. He desperately needed some. Despite the delicious fragrance of blueberry muffins and the sweet taste of her mouth.

“Put me down,” she spat.

He eased the door closed with the toe of his boot before complying. He stepped back to get a better look at her, ignoring her ineffectual shove against his chest.

“Stay away from me.”

Bravado. She had it, despite the terror quaking her insides. He liked that. He didn’t like the stink of ammonia hovering just beneath her natural fragrance. That’s how he knew she was scared. He also picked up a whiff of cinnamon that made him want to grin. She wanted him. Always a good thing since his dick was so hard it wanted to pop the buttons off his fly. Focus. They weren’t out of the fire yet. Once he got her away and undercover, he fully planned to explore the desire flaring between them.

“You are Lauren Reilly, yeah?” He watched her eyes dilate even as she shook her head in the negative. “I’m not going to hurt you. People call me Shooter.” He wasn’t ready to reveal his real identity. Not yet.

Lauren stared, almost afraid to blink. His nickname was Shooter. And that was supposed to make her feel better? He was just as scary as those other men but he hadn’t hurt her. Yet. “Why are you hunting me?”

“Someone is worried about your safety. Someone I owe a favor.” Hell, he owed Mac McIntire his life. “You need a place to hide and someone to look after you until the people chasing you are dealt with.”

She locked her knees to remain standing. He knew? How could he? She needed to get away. “You can’t. You don’t understand who’s—” She swallowed hard. “If you did, you wouldn’t keep me safe.”

“I will if you give me a chance.” He was well aware of who was on her tail and why. This whole deal would be so much simpler if his damn wolf relaxed and let the man work his magic. “Black Root.”

His words fell like a boulder in a quiet pool, the resulting ripples of fear washing all the starch out of her backbone. She slid down, huddling in the corner. He crouched in front of her. Touched her cheek with his warm palm.
“See? I do know. I will keep you safe.” And he would. He’d also keep her close, like in-his-bed close because that kiss? It went straight to his dick and no one was going to be happy until he was buried deep inside her. The wolf brushed against his insides, wanting to come out and play, liking the idea of this woman in their bed. Tait liked women. A lot of women—lot being the operative word. At the moment, though, his other half was adamant. It was this woman or none. Damn wolf. This was all his fault.
****
Does anyone else want to leap from the frying pan into the fire to add so words in the comments?

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Tuesday Treats: Lemon Lasagna

Posted on March 20, 2018 by Silver James

Ah, March 20th, the spring (or vernal) equinox. That means winter is over, spring is here, and all those daffodils blooming in my flowerbeds will be giving away to tulips, roses, and bluebells before too much longer. Since we’re looking forward to warmer weather, I thought I’d share a springtime dessert–one that was shared by my friend, Karrie. I haven’t made this but it looks totally yummy.

LEMON LASAGNA

Lemon Lasagna – 4 layers of goodness including a Lemon Oreo crust, cream cheese layer, lemon pudding layer and topped with cream! It’s DELICIOUS!

Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 12-15

INGREDIENTS
1 package Lemon (or Golden) Oreos
6 TB unsalted butter, melted
1 8 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (softened)
½ cup Margarine or butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large container cool whip – 16 oz. – or you can make your own cream
2 – 3.9 oz packages of lemon instant pudding
3 cups milk
lemons (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by crushing your Oreos. For a very fine mixture, place Oreos in your food processor. Place in a ziploc baggie and add your melted butter. Mix until it is well combined.

Press into the bottom of a 9×13 pan spreading out to cover the entire bottom of the pan.

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, margarine/butter, powdered sugar and ½ of the cool whip. Blend well and pour over your Lemon Oreo Crust.

In another bowl, make your pudding by adding your milk to your bowl and instant pudding. Whisk together until pudding thickens. Pour over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 5 minutes.

Top off with the rest of your Cool Whip.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Add lemon slices and ENJOY! Karrie shared THIS WEBSITE where she found the recipe. Please go check it out for more pictures and a video of how to make it.

This is one of those fancy desserts that looks like it was made by a dessert chef. That pretty much leaves all of my heroines out of the mix. But you know who makes it? One Dillon Tate, the youngest of the Tate brothers, musician extraordinaire and a man of surprising talents. Of course, his brothers are really going to rib him about this. Dillon doesn’t have a book yet but you can read about him in Deacon’s book, THE COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROPOSITION.

And if anyone is interested, I was interviewed by Fiona McVie on her blog. HERE’S THE LINK if you want to go check it out! 🙂

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March Monday Madness

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Silver James

Well…we survived the Ides of March and St. Paddy’s Day. Can we survive March Madness? Whose bracket is completely blown by the upsets? I’m not a big basketball fan so no bracket for me. I was little miffed that OSU wasn’t invited to the big dance while OU was. OU is out, OSU went to the NIT and is still alive. OU women lost in the NCAA but OSU Cowgirls are still in the tourney. So yay for the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Moving on.

Sort of. As long as I’m talking sports, I’ll mention that the St. Louis Cardinals are shaping up as we get closer to opening day. I’d love to have the funds to take the whole family to St. Louis for opening day. I’ll do that when I win the lottery.

Speaking of the lottery, I wish I could win for reasons writing business related. I did a little gritching yesterday when I updated my reading progress. My eyes are giving me some trouble so I’m trying to “read” via audio books more and more. I realize not every book is available in audio, especially those self-pubbed titles by mid-list or lower authors. It ain’t cheap to produce an audio book. They run $200 and up per finished hour. So…if a book runs ten hours, that’s $2,000.00 minimum, and more likely more because $200 is cheap for voice talent. And that money is paid all upfront. ROI (Return On Investment) is low and takes awhile though most authors do make their money back. What I was gritching about was the particular book is by a best-selling author, the rest of the books in the best-selling series are out in audio and were within a week of their release dates. This book has been out a month and a half and no sign of the audio version. And the deal is? I’ve wanted to read this book since the hero was first introduced. I’m reading the ebook from the library. I would have pre-ordered the audio book had it been available. Which made me wonder how many people might want to “read” my self-pubbed books but can’t because they aren’t in audio. Hence, my wanting to win the lottery. My other avenue would be to do some sort of crowd-sourced fundraising and that soooo isn’t me! Anyway…

Reading, and listening, I’ve been doing some. I jumped ahead in Christine Warren’s Others series to a book with lion shifters, WALK ON THE WILD SIDE. I got it from the library and enjoyed it. I also read Jennifer L. Armentrout’s MOONLIGHT SINS, the first book in her new de Vincent series. Contemporary Gothic Romance FTW. Now I’m listening to Eve Langlais’s WHEN AN ALPHA PURRS. We’ll see. And as my eyes allow, I’m reading THE BASTARD’S BARGAIN, which is likely the last book in Katee Roberts’ O’Malley’s series. I just wish I could read faster! Ah well.

Okay, as to my own writing. First reports are coming in on MONTANA MOON. I probably need to tweak a bit at the end but that’s okay. I had thoughts that I might. While waiting on edits to come back, I played around yesterday afternoon with the Nightriders. I opened the main project file and sort of rifled through the “books” that have either chapters or scenes already written to see which one attracted my attention. At the moment, it looks like Gravedigger is going to get his story next. We’ll see if he and Shy, his heroine, continue jabbering at me. I’m also working to finish up the proposal on Cooper’s story, the next Red Dirt book, plus ideas for the books for the rest of the Tate cousins, ending with Hunter’s story. His is a thread that starts in Tucker’s book and runs all the way through. I have ideas for Boone, Bridger and Dillon but final execution will depend.

So, that’s it for me. I’m still fighting the time change and probably will from now until whenever. I still hadn’t adjusted since the fall change so you’d think I’d go back to normal. Nope. Not hardly. Other than that, Mabel, life is pretty darn okay. How’s life in your corner of the world?

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Friday Sinema: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Silver James

Tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day and we feel a little bit Irish. Enjoy this “tour” of Ireland with Celtic Thunder’s “Ireland’s Call.”

And to share the Irish goodness, enjoy Celtic Woman’s video of “Tír na nÓg” which features Oonagh. So now you know why my first book ever published was FAERIE FATE, a time travel set in 9th Century Ireland. 😉

Be safe and sane if you celebrate tomorrow.

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Thursday Thoughts: Universal Hurry Up

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Silver James

I had a phone “visit” with my editor yesterday and we both commented on how time seemed to be in a weird time warp or slip. That it shouldn’t be mid-March but barely January. At the same time, each day seems to drag until it’s tomorrow and then I wonder where the time went. Today’s message from the Universe is in the same vein. It’s true, when I’m in a big hurry, things happen that slows me down–both external and internal. Internal in the sense that I goof up and have to start over, or I miss things that I find later and it takes longer to fix than it would have if I’d noticed and corrected the situation in the first place.

Have you noticed that the more you hurry, the slower you go?

The more you wait, the longer it takes?

The more you worry, the less you dream?

But the more you live, love, and laugh, Silver, the more you live, love, and laugh.

Weird?
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®
Loving you like bees love honey, Silver. And bears….

That whole more worry, less dream is totally true when it comes to me. Stress has that same affect and to be an effective writer, I need that dream time. I need to make time to live, love, and laugh more because those things make life worthwhile, makes the words flow from my imagination through my fingertips to the keyboard and ultimately to the monitor. And I’ve decided I need more bears in my life. Just because. What are you loving today?

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