Crackling fires...tea, cakes and PANN!

Hi everyone. Yes this is KOOKS actually writing a blog. After the past few mad weeks of ankle breaking, children illness and other things, I am stoked to let you know that The MisAdventures of Pann Haggerty is now available.

Now that the nights are drawing in and the Christmas season is underway, what could be more appropriate than to indulge in warming, hearty, stick-to-your-bones recipes that will warm your cockles from tip to toe. At the back of the book is the first part of Pann's cook book. Including a treasured Christmas pudding recipe (from my mother-in-law) and Christmas cake which needs making as soon as possible. The longer it is matured, so much the better.

So why not take some time out. Switch off the television. Snuggle up under a cosy blanket with your pet and immerse yourself in pure quirkiness that is Pann Haggerty.

Pann is available from 
Sweet Cravings Publishing
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Follow me on Facebook
and my official website http://amandajward.weebly.com/
Don't forget if you like Pann, please let me know at mrsajward@hotmail.com with much love and hugs Kooks xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Does this teaser whet your appetite?

HTML Link:

Revenge in Rio 

Countdown Teasers

No.4

Are you ready for the 4th and final teaser? It's introducing the lovely Daniella Venancio to you. I adore Daniella and so did this reviewer, saying she's one of the bravest heroines that she has ever read! **Feels so proud** I hope you like her too.

***

Daniella Venancio

That's my teaser countdown finished. I hope everyone enjoyed them and more so, you enjoy the book itself, which is released TOMORROW!!! Eeeek! #Excited

'Til next time!

Sam :-) 

X

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Samantha Darling is teasing us again.....

Revenge in Rio 

Countdown Teasers

No.3

Teaser No. 3 people! It gives you a peek at the book's hero, Luca Venancio and his gentlemanly charm but don't be fooled! 

***

Luca Venancio 

Hope you enjoyed that one....he's yummy, right? 

4th and final teasers next week! 

'Til next time 

Sam :-) 

X

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Revenge in Rio. Countdown....Number 2

Revenge in Rio 

Countdown Teasers

No.2

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I'm VERY excited to share today's teaser with you, not only because it's so damn pretty but also because it's from one of my favourite parts of the book and see's Luca whisking Daniella off to a gala for the social and business elite!

Again, a huge thanks to Laura for working her techno/design magic! I'd love to know what you all think of it!  

***

Let's go

See you next week for teaser No. 3.

'Til next time!

Sam :-)

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Here to tease Revenge in Rio

Revenge in Rio 

Countdown Teasers

No.1

With release day only 22 days away - honestly I'm not counting down like a crazy woman (hmm, ok, maybe just a teensy bit crazy!) I thought I would share some lovely little teasers with you. I can't take the credit for making them sadly, that's where the talented Laura at MusicPlusBooks came into play and did her thang! 

So, here we go. This is teaser number one for you and features at the end of chapter one. Watch out for number 2 this time next week! 

***

Prove

Hope you enjoyed!

Sam :-)

X

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Introducing Emily!

Hi everyone.  Long time no blog and believe me there is a very good reason.  Whilst visiting Loch Ness on holiday, I fell into a boat and broke my ankle.  However I didn't know it at the time, and walked around on it for a week before going to my local hospital.  I broke my ankle. Fast forward two weeks and I'm now on the mend with a rather fetchingly sexy boot cast on.  So I have asked the rather gorgeous Emily A Lawrence to take over my blog this week and talk about her new release  Hopeful Dreams and New Beginnings part 2

Over to you Emily!

Thank you so much Kooks.  Here goes!

Emily A. Lawrence lives in Transylvania with her family, hence her love for vampires and paranormal books. She is extremely passionate about fiction and has been writing stories, mostly fan fiction, for years now, but only began thinking seriously about publishing approximately a year ago. Having her family's support, and encouraged by friends and fellow authors, she pursued her dream of becoming a published author.

Emily loves creating new characters with whom readers can identify themselves, and losing herself in their worlds. Usually, she writes contemporary romance in three heat levels: sweet, sensual and erotic. However, she would like to try her hand at other genres one day, such as paranormal or mystery.

When she's not writing, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures, new sceneries, food and meeting new people, or simply reading a good book.

 

Book title: Hopeful Dreams and New Beginnings – Book 2

Prequel: Hot Dreams of a Lonely Soul – Book 1

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Book blurb:

After two traumatic years spent with her abusive ex husband, Carly swore that she would never remarry. With a low self-esteem and haunting demons from her past refusing to relinquish their grip, she could hardly confide in men until she met Robert, her handsome boss who managed to sweep her off her feet and show her the time of her life.

With his help, her fears and frustrations became a swell of lust, a wave of desire that aroused her numb senses, restoring her lost confidence and reviving her need for a man’s touch and affection, needs that she had suppressed for such a long time.

Naughty, erotic fantasies are fulfilled while on a well deserved vacation to the Andros Island in Bahamas, adding more spice to their steamy sex life.

Will Robert manage to convince her to give marriage another chance and start a new chapter in their lives?

 

Buy links:

Amazon US:

http://www.amazon.com/Hopeful-Beginnings-Weekend-Getaways-ebook/dp/B00EQJ3RXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377342537&sr=8-1&keywords=hopeful+dreams+and+new+beginnings

Amazon UK: 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hopeful-Beginnings-Weekend-Getaways-ebook/dp/B00EQJ3RXS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377342451&sr=8-1&keywords=hopeful+dreams+and+new+beginnings

Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=33&products_id=688

 

Author contact links:

Blog: http://emilyalawrence88.blogspot.ro/

Website: http://emilyalawrence.wix.com/emily

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmyALawrence?ref=tn_tnmn

Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/author.emily.a.lawrence?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmyALawrence

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/20344150-emily-a-lawrence

 

Excerpt:

“Why are you so afraid that I’m going to leave, anyway?” she asked, running her hand up and down his firm abs. She could feel his muscles contract under her fingertips.

“Because it’s happened before,” he answered in a low, feeble tone.

Carly tilted her head up to look at him, taken aback by his answer. “What?”

“Yes, I’ve been dumped before. After that I could no longer trust women. I refused to get emotionally involved with anyone. It was nothing but no-strings-attached sex for me.”

She took a moment to process his words. “Who would want to leave you? You’re the sweetest, craziest, naughtiest man I’ve ever met and if someone locked me up in here with you for the rest of my life, I’d be more than happy to accept such punishment.” She pressed her lips to the pulse that was pounding in his throat, amazed that a sexy, clever guy like him would have troubles in love. Unable to help herself and feeling the need to erase the unwelcome memories she had stirred, she gave in to the impulse and licked along a damp line up his neck, nipping at his chin on the way. She hoped that the sensual treatment she was giving him was enough to make him put everything behind.

His voice was husky when he spoke, “I guess she had better plans…”

“Nothing could be better than this,” she stated and offered him a scorching kiss, devouring his mouth possessively. It was her turn to make him feel at ease. Determination oozed from every pore of her body, and she did everything she could to make him understand that she had no intention of leaving him.

“When you…showed up…for the job interview…” He tried to speak, but she kept interrupting him with kisses, his own tongue playing with hers with an eroticism that made her head swim and her need for him grow.

“Yes?” she asked, curious to hear what he had to say. She angled her head down and moved her mouth back to his neck, then swept it over the curve of his cheekbones, his stubble tickling her soft lips. Her palms were splayed against his chest and her fingers toyed with his nipples in a way that she knew inflamed him.

Robert let out a low roar and moaned her name unintelligibly, but he seemed to struggle to concentrate. “Carly…the moment I saw you…I was struck by your beauty. You innocent smile was the sweetest thing I had seen. I went home from work that day and nearly crashed the car twice. I couldn’t stop thinking of you. It was not something that I had experienced before and I wasn’t sure how to act. Then…once I found out what had happened to you I got so angry. I wanted you even more. I wanted you so much that I ended up knocking on your door in the middle of the night and asking you to sleep with me. Straightforwardness is my thing, but it was the first time I was doing that with somebody that I really liked. I acted on an impulse because I couldn’t stand one more day without holding you in my arms and loving you like you deserved it. I needed you…badly…”

Carly had stopped her playful assault and was hanging onto every word he was saying to her, their gazes locked in a heated clash. She felt an unusual sensation of weightlessness and the illusion held for a long moment as she stood enthralled by the promise in his eyes. “Any other man who would have showed up at that hour requesting such a thing would have most likely made me call the police. But you…I wanted you too even though I was scared as hell. I still can’t believe I did it. I could not recognize myself. But I do know one thing…that was the most beautiful, hot, sensual, enticing night in my entire life and I’d be more than happy to have nights like that with you for as long as I live.”

Their tender embrace turned to raging passion in the blink of an eye. Desire for one another spiraled higher, pushing away thoughts of the past and the future, lost in their happy place, their bodies yearning to move to the rhythm of a melody only they could hear.

Scotland Away. A holiday treat

Hi guys

I realise that I have been lapse recently with blogging.  My children have broken up for the school holidays and life is more chaotic than normal. 

The Wards are heading north to Argyll and a small village called Lochgoilhead for two weeks.  During which the family and I will be visiting Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond and Inverary to mention just a few of the many places.  I'm particularly excited about Edinburgh, as we are going to Edinburgh Castle, King Arthur's seat and Holyrood House.  For an avid royalist and historical buff, I can't wait. I am meeting Marguerite Kaye, Alison Lodge, Katie Graham and Raven McAllen too.  I'm going to be so gushy.

Plus there will be a few surprises in store as I have handed our wedding anniversary and my birthday days into my husband's hands. 

So for the next two weeks I will be in the wilds of Scotland.  Internetless and hopefully ticking off the foods I want to try off on my list.

Before I leave, I wanted to share with you my first cover from Secret Cravings Publishing.  My book called the MisAdventures of Pann Haggerty is out at the end of August. I am editing and reworking the stories, bringing more romance and quirky humour into the book.

Isn't this a great cover?  When the edits are okayed from the very lovely Lori, I shall be able to post a snippets weekly up to release date.  This is the first of a three part series about an Englishwoman of a certain age, travelling around America in an RV. 
'
From kooks who is about to head 'North Miss Testmarker'  I bid everyone adieu.

Keep it Kooky

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Daughter of Jerusalem. Review and Giveaway

Waves hi from a very sunny England.  I have the fan blasting, and daintily slurping a mug of tea.

Today I am reviewing and giving away a copy of DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM by Joan Wolf.

 

Copyright Amazon.com

 

She was a widow, a businesswoman, an adulteress.

In her lifetime, she knew murder, prejudice, and faith. She transformed from a Jewish girl longing for family to one of the closest friends of Jesus of Nazareth -- the Son of God.
HER NAME WAS MARY MAGDALENE.
In this fictionalized story of one of the Bible's most compelling women, New York Times best-selling author Joan Wolf beautifully recreates the history, romance, and tradition of Mary's world. Daughter of Jerusalem follows Mary's life from her first love through her loveless marriage, to the moment she heard of a miracle worker in her own town -- and ultimately to the moment she saw Him risen from the dead.

As this inspiring chronicle reminds us, Mary was the first to witness history's greatest moment. She was a woman who sought forgiveness for her sins, and a follower of God who yearned for a deeper faith. She was Jesus' beloved disciple. Read Mary Magdalene's story and find yourself in this remarkable woman's journey to discover the Kingdom of God.

 

My Review

 

Ok, my experience with the historical novel has been with the mainstream ones about English history. All I know of Mary Magdalene is from the Bible and Jesus Christ Superstar.  So for me this is a new foray.  Bit dubious at first, some Christian novels are rather 'in your face' preachy.  However...Daughter of Jerusalem surprised me in many ways.

First the storyline flowed smooth as silk. My preconceptions about Mary Magdalene as a prostitute in this book were unfounded. The book is fiction, and thoroughly enjoyable.  As I read certain parts, especially those referring to women during their cycles as 'unclean', well the women's lib side of me wanted to go 'grrrrr' at whoever made that ridiculous rule.  

As the storyline unravelled, I found myself enjoying the setting, and most of all that Mary became stronger and stronger.  Establishing her own identity and refusing to be subservient to any man.  She stood up for her beliefs and when she met Jesus, knew that he was the Messiah.  The Jewish leaders spoke of someone who would save them and in their own mind became blinkered to the events happening around them.  They had their own ideals, and refused to believe that God would walk among them in human form.  Experiencing for himself the world he had created.

 

So, as a conclusion.  Please do not judge a book by it's cover.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and have no problem recommending this to friends and family.

 

I have one copy for a lucky commentator.  Just pop in the comments section what appeals to you about this book and I will let one of my sons choose the winner.  Don't forget to put your email address so I can contact the winner for their mailing address. 

 

Good luck and keep it kooky!          

 



BOOKS TO GO NOW CHRISTMAS IN JULY BLOG HOP

 

 

A warm welcome to the Books To Go Now Christmas in July Blog Hop.  Please comment here and around the hop for a chance to win:

 

We have TWO grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment. To take part readers must enter their name and email address in their comment to win.

We are going to also offering two Grand Prizes!! In order for readers to take part, they must leave their comment and email address.  Two winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than July 29, 2013.

1st Grand Prize: (1) $100 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Grand Prize: (1) $25 Amazon Gift Card

I am offering two commentators a chance to win a pdf copy of my book Without Saying A Word.

All you need to do is leave a comment about your ideal romantic hero.

Don't forget to leave your email address and please hop around to read work by my amazing fellow authors.



 

Here is a snippet from my book to whet your appetite.  Enjoy

Prologue

Two years earlier...

Laura slammed the door behind her. Thank God, home at last. She lugged her heavy plastic bag full of groceries into the kitchen, and then glanced at the clock on the wall, yawning as she switched the kettle on. Her children would be home from school soon, with their demands for snacks and help with homework.

As she put away the groceries, she remembered in her haste dropping her handbag by the front door. Laura grumbled under her breath as she dashed into the hall, noticing her husband's leather wallet as she happened to glance down at the phone stand. Well that's odd, Laura thought. He's normally at work this time of the day. As she touched it, a slip of paper floated to the ground. She reached down to pick it up and her forehead crinkled as she read the words. What on earth is going on? She peered round the door into the lounge. All was fine, the room as neat and tidy as before. Laura headed up the carpeted stairs to her bedroom. As she tiptoed toward the closed door, Laura heard the muffled sound of grunting and moaning. As she opened it, the creak of the bed alerted her to the fact that her husband was not alone. The bed frame shook with the force of his thrusts as his milky white buttocks moved in and out of the woman beneath him. Shock flooded Laura's body. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Nausea rode up in her stomach. Aghast, her hands flew to her face and her voice sounded in a whisper.

“Max. What on earth?” Laura’s body shook. She steadied herself by clutching the door, her knuckles white with strain, mentally willing herself to remain upright. This must be a dream; he wouldn’t do this to her. The whole scenario seemed unreal.

Her husband pulled himself off the woman and walked toward her his erection beginning to subside. Max's handsome face contorted into a snarl. His lips curled, nostrils flared, and his eyes looked cold. Laura held her breath as she managed to let go of the door and back away from him. Out of the corners of her eyes, Laura glimpsed the blonde-haired woman run to the bathroom, a cream-colored sheet wrapped around her. Laura’s eyes then fixated on Max who raised his hand toward her. She desperately needed to escape, but she stumbled over a shoe, which gave him the chance he sought.

“You stupid bitch,” he spat in contempt and slapped her around the face. The gunshot crack echoed in the room. Laura screamed out loud as white-hot pain seared her cheek and caused it to throb with fire-like intensity. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. Heat flooded her face as Laura sobbed out loud. Black spots danced in front of her eyes, and blurred her vision. Confusion and shock overwhelmed her as her head swam.

“Stop, Max. I don't understand,” she whimpered. Why had he hit her? What had she done to him?

“You wouldn't, would you?” Max maintained his rant. “Lovely Laura has it all— money, a house and children. But guess what? You don't have me. You never did,” he sneered.

His hand rose again. Laura tried to duck, but it landed on her other cheek, and knocked her to the floor. She sobbed harder, the salty tears stinging the grazes on her cheek. Laura lost her vision as her check swelled. By instinct, she curled into a ball, to protect herself from his blows. What on earth caused her loving husband to act this way?

“I should never have married you, you fertile, frigid bitch!” The hateful words rained down on Laura,

Laura, huddled on the floor, begged him to stop. Tears streamed down her face. Her eye closed. Fear and nausea racked her body, and combined with the pain from her face, Laura's body shook. She wanted him to stop. What had she done to deserve this?

“Max, stop. Please. I love you. Please stop hurting me,” she begged in a cracked, harsh voice, but to no avail. His foot swept toward the upper part of her body and collided with her chest. Her ribs cracked. Laura felt the sudden whoosh of air as her lung collapsed. As the breath left her body she tried to scream out. Her voice hoarse and mouth full of blood, she struggled for air. He’s going to kill me, Laura thought. Her children— they would be left alone with this monster.

“Help me,” Laura whimpered from the floor. “Please, help me.”

“Take this, you whore!” Max yelled as his foot came toward her yet again. When it collided with her side, Laura's body jerked at the impact. Too weak to run, too weak to hide, Laura lay on the floor unable to move. Her mind raced with images of her children, and she willed herself to live, to protect them. She could feel herself slip into unconsciousness from her injuries, as her body shut down in self-preservation.

 As blackness encompassed her Laura thought she must be hallucinating, when she heard her eldest son scream.

 “Leave my mother alone, you bastard!”

 

 

Have fun hopping around

 

Love  Manda x

HUMP DAY HOOK!

Welcome to a very hot and sticky Wednesday, and welcome to the HUMP DAY HOOK!

For my hook, I'm not sure if this snippet will help cool you off or perhaps intensify the heat.  This is from my novel WITHOUT SAYING A WORD, available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

A cool breeze blew across Laura’s face as she walked towards the poolside. When she saw movements in the water, her breath caught in her throat at the sight that greeted her.

****

Rhean was swimming laps in the pool. He loved the feel of the water against his skin and the exercise helped burn off excess energy. The villa was the one place where he could relax and recharge his batteries. It also took his mind off his wife sleeping in their bedroom. As he turned in the water to make another lap, he felt eyes on him. Stopping, he  trod water and saw his wife, still dressed in the swimsuit and sarong, her heated gaze on him. Rhean smiled, swum over to the steps and stood up.

****

Laura saw Poseidon in the flesh as Rhean stood up and let the water stream off his muscled body. Droplets clung to his chest hair and nipples. He was nude and gloriously erect, his hardness pointed toward her, beckoning Laura, enticing her, tempting her. Rhean held out a hand toward her and taking courage in both hands, she looked at him. Her green eyes sparkled with passion, and she slowly drew off her swimming costume, leaving herself bare to his midnight blue gaze. The hungry look he gave her spoke volumes and made her nipples peak in anticipation.

She stepped into the water, taking hold of Rhean’s hand and steadied herself as the warmth flowed around her feet. Never taking her eyes away from her husband’s, Laura reached out and touched his chest. She loved the way the hair felt under her fingers and she curled her fingers around it and pulled gently.

What happens next?  Aha, just wait and see.

Hope you enjoyed today's hook.  Please hop around and enjoy more of these very talented authors work.

TTFN! KOOKS xxxxxxxxxxx

COMING SOON

Hi all from a very sunny England. 

For all those that are followers of the blog, I would like to give you a heads up on some exciting events over the next two weeks

First off, on the 19th July I am taking part in a blog hop with Books To Go Now (publishers of Without Saying A Word) and will be giving away 2 pdf copies of the book.  There is a grand prize, so please hop along with these amazing authors taking part. Pop along to the main blog page.

 

 



 

On Wednesday it will be hump day hook.  Hop along and see sexy snippets of our work.

 

 

 

 

Finally, save the date of 20th July as I will be reviewing and giving away a copy of  Joan Wolf's Daughter of Jerusalem.  For a lucky commentator there will be a paperback copy of the book as a prize.



So a few events coming up on Kooks Nook. Not forgetting I will be neck high in edits, reading and also my children's summer holidays are coming up. 

Hope to see some lovely comments, enjoy the sun, be safe and above all.........Keep it Kooky xxxxxxxxxx

Hump Day Hook

Hump Day Hook authors

 

 

Welcome to Hump Day Hook Kook's style.

 

Today my hook comes from my novel Without Saying A Word.  In this scene, Rhean confesses to Laura something that she would NEVER have guessed.

 

“Laura, there is something I need to say, and for me to tell you this, well, it's very difficult. But I need to be straight with you.”

Laura shook her body, and stepped away from him with a frown on her face.

“You are going to tell me you are gay,” she blurted out wildly, pre-empting his speech.

“I had a feeling this was coming. How could you do this to me now? Well, this is going to make life incredibly awkward for us.” She wrung her hands in despair and humiliation.

Rhean pulled her back into his arms, holding her tight despite her struggles

“What on earth are you talking about? I'm not gay—far, far from it. Would I kiss you like this if I was interested in men?” His mouth crushed hers, claiming her as his own, branding her.

So what is it you have to tell me then?” she asked, still reeling from the dominance of his kiss.

“That I have never made love to anyone.” His voice was calm, his gaze steady as his cheeks flushed crimson.

“Let me get this straight. You mean you have never had sex? That you are a...?” Laura's voice trailed off and she was at a loss for words. It was rather a bizarre statement to have made—especially in the gallery with its echoing atmosphere. Anyone could have heard, and especially the staff.

That he trusted her enough to tell her a very intimate secret was flattering, but Laura now regarded Rhean in a whole new light.

“Not at all, and yes, I am a virgin; a 34-year-old virgin.”

 

Hooked, well if you want to read more please follow these links and follow me on my Facebook page.

 

Till next week

 

With Love

 

Kooks xxxxxxxxxx

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Without-Saying-a-Word-ebook/dp/B00CPT0KN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371202602&sr=8-1&keywords=without+saying+a+word
and
http://www.amazon.com/Without-Saying-a-Word-ebook/dp/B00CPT0KN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371202676&sr=8-1&keywords=without+saying+a+word

 

Facebook

 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/AmandaAJWard