Just Imagine

Feeling chatty?

Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

2-Day Countdown To "Tease To Please" Party!


 
We're just 2 days away from the "Tease To Please" party! Just in case you haven't heard yet, "Tease To Please" is a 50-author anthology filled with extraordinary excerpts from New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and Award-winning authors.

All romance, including contemporary, erotic, fantasy, historical, LGBT, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Time Travel, and the list goes on. Whatever you fancy, we've got something for your discriminating taste buds. Join the party to meet and chat with some of the authors, win prizes, ask them questions, play games, and just have a great time. I'll stop talking now so you can...
 
 
And...
Enter the Rafflecopter Below



Friday, August 21, 2015

Paranormal Romance. Devil's Playground by Helena Shaw.



Today it’s my pleasure to feature, Devil’s Playground, a paranormal romance by Helena Shaw.

 Book Four in the Night Hunters series . 

Book Description

She finally thought she was free.

Dawn Garrett has been on the run from her past since the day she turned eighteen. A new name, a new life, and a new love have kept her safe from the one man who will stop at nothing to get her back.

Together with Jase Byrnes, Dawn has stood up against werewolves, witches, vampires, and so much more. She’s learned to be a hunter and with Jase by her side, she’s finally found the strength she’s been looking for.

But the man she’s spent so long running from is hot on her trail and Dawn is out of places to run. She’ll need to stand and face him, but she’s trapped in his playground and he’s got more tricks up his sleeve than she ever thought possible.


Excerpt


The snow showed no signs of slowing down as it whipped and whirled through Dawn’s hair. All her sweaters were gone, her makeshift scarf, her boots, everything.

And yet she wasn’t cold.

When she and Jase had gone out earlier, the snow had been so cold that it hurt, and it had been even worse when they got back to the hotel and her toes and fingers started to warm up again. The pain and itch had combined into pure agony and part of her wanted to bury them in the hotel’s ice bucket just to alleviate the pain, but in time it had begun to subside on its own.

Maybe I’m going numb, she wondered to herself as she marched through the snow. She’d read that was a sign of hypothermia. The body numbs itself to the cold and eventually you just go to sleep, but never wake up.

But she wasn’t tired. She was looking for something, and she couldn’t sleep until she found it.

She had no choice but to keep moving forward through the blowing wind. Each step was a struggle against the constant pressure of the gale, but she couldn’t stop.

It wasn’t until she reached the park that she realized that she was completely alone.

“Jase!” Dawn called. He’d been with her a moment ago, she could have sworn it, but now she was alone.

Entirely alone.

“Anyone?” Dawn screamed. No one was out in the freezing weather. The snow was too much, too wet and cold, and it just kept falling.

I have to find him, Dawn’s mind raced as she moved through the park. Panic surged through her and she kicked through the snow while it planted wet kisses with every flake that landed on her cheeks.

But the further she went, the less the snow behaved like normal. It changed, mutated, and when she looked up at the trees she saw they were no longer bowed and bent, but easily carrying the weight of their loads.

“No...” Dawn muttered as she spun. The wet snow turned to dry speckles of white ash and the wind was no longer cool on her face, but a hot blast of air.

The ash in the trees spread and grew, and without warning, it burst into red hot flames. Smoke filled the air and Dawn knew she had no choice but to run or risk getting swallowed by the fire.

It’s not real, she told herself as she ran. It can’t be real. It’s just a dream.

But it didn’t feel like a dream. The heat was real, the smoke in her lungs too. The hot blasts of air stung her eyes and everything was too clear.

Ahead, she saw what just might be her salvation. A subway entrance beckoned to her and she ran right for it.

Like the rest of the New York in her dream, she was alone when she got down the long flight of stone stairs. She’d hoped a train would be waiting, a train that would take her out of her dream and keep her safe, but she wouldn’t be so lucky.

As a teen, she’d loved the subway. The freedom it had given her that she hadn’t had in her small home in New Jersey. Without the need for a car, she could just get on the train and go anywhere she wanted to without a moment’s notice.

It would be her eighteenth birthday present to herself, or at least, that’s what she had decided. The moment she was legally an adult, she’d be gone and she’d keep running until he could never find her again.

Her plan had been to get some cash, get on the subway, and catch a train. With cash in hand, she’d be able to do it all easily enough. No one could trace the cash and she’d be out of the city before the sun rose.

It had all been worth it. The freedom she’d had on the road was better than the subway had ever offered her. It couldn’t even compare, and now she could only hope that this time, the train would actually lead her somewhere safe, rather than just looping around the city.

She knew she couldn’t stand there and wait for the train, not for long. Something was outside and it was coming for her. She couldn’t risk standing still and she needed to get moving or risk being caught.

With no train in sight, Dawn jumped down on the tracks. Even knowing it was a dream, she avoided the third rail and debated whether to go left or right.

Right, she decided. An old bit of trivia was what kept her from going left. Sinister, that was the old word for left, or at least that’s what she had heard. She couldn’t go the sinister way, it was just asking for trouble.

She hadn’t made it far when behind her she heard something. Even without turning around, she knew she was no longer alone. The soft sounds of scraping claws and heavy breath filled her ears and when she turned, all she saw were glowing yellow eyes.

Run, her mind screamed, and she did just that. There was no hesitation, no paralysis, only instinct as she began to run down the tunnel. 

Visit Helena Shaw’s Website


Monday, August 17, 2015

Only Righteous Love Can Conquer All. Chalvaren Rising by Paula Millhouse.



Today I’m thrilled to welcome over Paula Millhouse, author of Chalvaren Rising, a Kingdom of Chalvaren Romance.

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing

Book Description


THE DRAGONSTONE HAS RETURNED

With the love of Kort, Chalvaren’s warrior-prince heir, Mia Ansgar will seize her birthright and become the great dragon-riding wizardess prophesied to free that elven kingdom from her embittered sorceress kin.

TO ASCEND TRIUMPHANT

Twenty-five years ago, Theo Ansgar abandoned the Kingdom of Chalvaren for a hiding place on another world. Some called him traitor. Some, thief. Now his fully grown daughter Mia must return to the land of her birth...and their war. 

It was the elf prince Kort Elias who brought her back. Theirs was an instant connection, an inescapable union of body, soul and sorcery, reminding Mia of what she truly is, and what she must become. There is also Magnus, destined to be more potent than any wyrm Chalvaren has ever seen, a three-day-old dragonlet Mia must nurture and then ride. And then there is the Dragonstone, an artifact of power nonpareil. Joined, they can tip the scales of battle against the wraith-possessed forces of darkness, of Mia’s own embittered kin. Redemption will be offered, the protected will become the protector, and an ancient prophecy will come to fruition, but only righteous love can conquer all.


Giveaway! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter after this post for a chance to win all sorts of goodies including $25 Gift Card to Boroughs Publishing Group, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble - Winner's Choice, 3 custom designed Dragonstone Book Thongs open to US Shipping, 2 e-copies of Dragonstone (Lunchbox Romance prequel to CR) and 2 e-copies of Chalvaren Rising.

Book Trailer



Let’s hear from Paula…


Character Interview with Paula Millhouse and Chef Thorvid and his Royal Recipes

I interviewed Chef Thorvid, an elf from Castle Elias on cooking for the Royal Family and what he loves about his job.

Paula: Chef – I understand you have quite a job on your hands. You’ve worked for King Lachlan and Queen Elissabet for the past 27 years. Could you tell the Readers what you like most about your position with the Royal Family?

Chef Thorvid: I like nurturing the elves of the castle with nutritious fare. Watching the little elves grow up tall and strong with full tummies makes me the happiest guy on Chalvaren. As you might imagine cooking for the family and their staff can sometime amount to a laborious task, what with well over a hundred mouths to feed every day. Sometimes I think the family believes I practice magic, or something!

Paula: So, yeah, that’s a ton of people to cook for. Do you have a staff to assist you? Or, do you practice magic?

Chef Thorvid: Magic didn’t come my way, darling. Everything to do with my menus is hands-on. The king likes it that way.

Paula: Speaking of King Lachlan, what’s his favorite food? Can you tell us?

Chef Thorvid: If I did I’d have to kill you. That’s top secret of course.

Paula: Oh…okay. Well, what about you? A big guy like yourself is obviously keen on his own cooking. What’s your favorite meal to prepare and eat?

Chef Thorvid: That’s a wonderful question, Paula. I like lazy summer afternoons where the entire family joins me outside for a cookout. I don’t usually do this sort of thing, but because you’re as good as family in Castle Elias now, I’ll share my favorite menu with you. Don’t let the word get out on these Dragon-Fruit Margaritas or you’ll have guests returning time and again to hound you for these cocktails. 

Chef Thorvid’s Summertime Cookout Menu

Dragon-fruit Lemonade Margaritas  

Ingredients:
  • In a cocktail shaker add 2 Oz of your favorite tequila
  • 1 Oz of triple sec
  • 4 Oz of coconut water
  • Juice from a half a lemon
  • ¼ of a cubed, skinned, and macerated dragon fruit
  • 1 tsp of simple syrup
  • Add ice and shake, or blend.
Directions:
  1. Pour into salt rimmed glass.
  2. Garnish with a slice of dragon fruit.

Dragon Burgers
(We don’t use real dragon meat – we use beef)

Ingredients:
  • 1lb ground chuck (you want the higher fat ratio ground beef for a burger – it does wonders for the flavor)
  • 1lb ground pork
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Directions:               
1. Combine ingredients. When evenly mixed, divide into four chunks, form patties.
2. Chill for half an hour while charcoal grill warms up.
3. Grill until medium rare, and serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

Thorvid’s Magic Sweet Potato Salad

Ingredients:
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 4 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup whole sweet peppers, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Directions :
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl combine potatoes and oil. Season with salt, and pepper. Roast for 18 minutes or until just tender but still hold their shape. Remove.
  2. Return potatoes to large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar; stir to coat. Cool completely. Add eggs, peppers, green onions, and dill. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and yogurt. Pour over mixture; toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Castle Elias Cucumber Honeydew Slaw

Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon poppy seed (optional)
  • 1 medium honeydew melon seeded and cut in bite-size cubes (5 cups)
  • 1 cucumber (12 oz.), unpeeled, and cubes (2 cups)
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion, briefly rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1 cup)
Directions:
  1. In a large bowl pour lemon juice. Whisk in olive oil in a slow, steady stream until incorporated. Whisk in honey, salt, pepper, poppy seed, if desired, and pepper. Add melon, cucumber, onion, and dill weed. Toss to combine. Just before serving top with feta.  


About the Author



Paula Millhouse grew up in Savannah, Georgia where Spanish moss whispers tales in breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, and the Intracoastal Waterway. As a child, Paula soaked in the sunshine and heritage of cobblestones, pirate lore, and stories steeped in savory mysteries of the south.

Paula lives with her husband at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains with their pack and pride of furry babies. In the southern tradition of storytellers, she loves sharing the lives of her characters with readers, and following her muse on the quest for happily-ever-afters in thrilling romantic fiction.

Website  


Twitter  

Tsu  


  

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Tease to Please! 50 Extraordinary Author Excerpts.



Tease to Please
EXTRAORDINARY AUTHOR EXCERPTS
from 
50
NYT, USA Today & Amazon
Bestselling & Upcoming 
Authors


Releasing August 2015
***FREE***
to
All Our Fans


Find new reads in genres you love and find more you will adore! Explore the genres now! Love the excerpt — love the book!

Indulge in this decadent collection of Tease to Please excerpts from some of today’s most acclaimed, best selling and award winning romance authors in a variety of romantic genres. This catalog includes excerpts from more than 30 bestselling romance authors.

Follow the author links to indulge in a great read and sign up for the author’s newsletter, magazine, or blog subscription so you never miss a new release, free download, author promotion or giveaway/contest.

Do, please, share with all your friends and book clubs! This book is a *FREE* download. But please be considerate. Not everyone appreciates adult material and this book may include language and subject matter neither advisable nor suitable for all audiences.

Adults only please. And for those of you that are, adults that is, — Enjoy!

All material is copyrighted. All rights reserved.
© Muffy Wilson

Pick Your Favorite Romance SubGenre Author or Find New Ones  

Erotic Romance

Christina Mandara
Gale Stanley
Paige Matthews
Leanore Elliott
Siobhan Daiko
Jade West
Normandie Alleman
A.R. Von
Ju Ephraime
Chloe Thurlow
Lucy Felthouse
Lily Harlem
Scarlett Flame
Jacqueline George
Shyla Colt
Teresa Noelle Roberts
Billionaires
Jaye Peaches
Chantel Rhondeau
Jacintha Topaz
Airicka Phoenix
Kim Carmichael
Cowboys
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Paranormal/SciFi/Fantasy
Erzabet Bishop
LaVerne Thompson
Dariel Raye
P.T. Macias
Kayla Stonor
Ashen White
Lola StVil
Kiki Howell
Tabitha Rayne
Travis Luedke
A. K Michaels
Heather Cole
Romantic Suspense/Mystery
K D Grace
Debra Andrews
Natasha Knight
Marissa Farrar
Time Travel
Sky Purington
Multicultural/Interracial Romance
Cora Blu
Muffy Wilson
Vampires
Jordan K. Rose
Pablo Michaels
Carole Gill
Other
Bernard Foong
Athena Marie
Charity Parkerson
Jake Malden
Blak Rayne
Arla Dahl



Coming in August
...wait for it...


Your Comments Encourage
 Thank you 
 °*"˜˜"*° 


Please Feel Free to Share


Live ~ Laugh ~ Love
with Passion