Bon Appétit and a Book: Elle James

Since the book is set on the coast of Oregon, whip up a lovely Seafood Chowder, ladle a large bowl full and cuddle up to read DEADLY OBSESSION.

Seafood Chowder 

Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp (32 to 36 per pound), peeled and deveined (save shells for stock) 
1/2 pound scallops
1/2 pound monkfish
1/2 pound fresh lump crabmeat, picked over to remove shells
1/4 pound unsalted butter
1 cup peeled and medium-diced carrots (4 carrots) 
1/2 cup medium-diced yellow onion (1 onion) 
1 cup medium-diced celery (3 stalks) 
1 cup medium-diced small white or red potatoes
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 recipe Seafood Stock (see recipe) 
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional) 
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 

Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Seafood Stock: 
2 tablespoons good olive oil
Shells from 1 pound large shrimp
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions) 
2 carrots, unpeeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup good white wine
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
10 sprigs fresh thyme, including stems 

Directions 

Cut the shrimp, scallops, and monkfish into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with the crabmeat. 

In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter; add the carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and corn and sauté over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are barely cooked, stirring occasionally. Add the flour; reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the Seafood Stock and bring to a boil. Add the seafood; reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes, until the fish is just cooked. Add the heavy cream, if desired, and the parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve. 
Seafood Stock: 

Warm the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells, onions, carrots, and celery and sauté for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add 1 1/2 quarts of water, the white wine, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Strain through a sieve, pressing the solids. You should have approximately 1 quart of stock. You can make up the difference with water or wine if you need to.

Recipe from Foodnetwork.com
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/seafood-chowder-recipe.html?_escaped_fragment_=

Excerpt: The Wedding Wager by Barbara Deleo

About the Book

Nick Katsalos has a foolproof plan to save his parents' floundering wedding venue. The last thing he expects is for Erin O'Malley, the captivating daughter of his parents' biggest rival, to waltz in and charm the client who could finally get the family business back on track. Nick would be furious--if only he could stop thinking about her.

When Erin and Nick enter into a wager to determine who will win the contract she prepares for the worst...and is surprised by the glimpses of warmth she sees in the man behind the numbers. But Erin isn't about to forfeit what could be the biggest wedding of the decade to a man as cold as Nick. Especially since securing it means she could finally prove to her father she's just as capable of handling the family business as him. 

But as the competition heats up, Erin and Nick must decide what's more important—winning or love. 

Excerpt

“Erin, I do respect you. Obviously way more than I’ve made clear. Your professionalism, your drive, your determination—I don’t mind admitting it’s those things that are driving me a little crazy for you.”
He wasn’t joking. She knew by the tone in his voice and the set of his body that he meant every word. And it melted her from the inside out.

“You’re an interesting equation, Erin O’Malley.”

“What does that mean?”

He tilted his head and gave her a look that made her feel as though he could see right into the most secret parts of her. “It’s pretty easy to get most people’s number, work out what makes them tick, how the sum of their parts will add up to a neat solution. Not with you.”

“That’s an original pickup line.” Her fingers drummed rapidly against the bowl of her wineglass.

He chuckled and shrugged. “I’m a mathematician. What can you do? But at the very least you should take it as a compliment. I will work you out, Erin. I’ll find your variables and your points of differentiation. By the time we’re through, I guarantee I’ll have you summed up.”

He stepped closer and still she held her ground, but now her cells were screaming for her to lean into him, to taste his mouth and to feel his body beneath her fingers.
Instead, she squared her shoulders. “That’s just about as arrogant as anyone could possibly get. Being so certain that just because you work with numbers and percentages you can work people out. I can tell you now, a guy like you would never understand a woman like me.”

Instead of bending his face toward her as her body wished he would, he reached out and twined his fingers with hers. “If you really don’t think there’s anything happening here, then I’ll accept it, but no matter what happens, I don’t ever want you to think that I don’t respect you, Erin. You couldn’t be more wrong.”

She swallowed as he squeezed her hand and all her blood seemed to pool where they touched. He was smiling at her, and all she could think was how much she wanted his mouth on hers. There was something about Nick Katsalos that drove her crazy, and she didn’t know how to stop it. And then she squeezed his hand back.

Before she could think about what she was doing, they were kissing, her hands around his neck, his arms around her waist.
She’d imagined he’d taste heavenly, but she’d expected the bitterness of beer on his lips, not the sweetness of ginger and honey. When his tongue pressed along her bottom lip she thought she might crumble. As if she were in some sort of vacuum, the noise of the bar around them disintegrated, and all she could hear was his breathing and the rush of blood in her ears. He pulled her closer, his hands splayed across the bare skin of her back and she pressed herself to him.

Moments later, when they sprang apart, it was as if they’d broken the surface of a pool and the noise of the bar, and the heart-pounding reality of what she’d just done came rushing up at her.

About the Author

Barbara DeLeo’s first book, co-written with her best friend, was a story about beauty queens in space. She was eleven, and the sole, handwritten copy was lost years ago, much to everyone’s relief. It’s some small miracle that she kept the faith and is now living her dream of writing sparkling contemporary romance with unforgettable characters.
 
After completing degrees in Psychology and English then travelling the world, Barbara married her winemaker hero and had two sets of twins.
 
She still loves telling stories about finding love in all the wrong places, with not a beauty queen or spaceship in sight.

Connect with Barbara: Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

Release Day: May Bliss Releases

Release date: 5/16/16

About the Book

There are certain words that have always described Cam Brantley: Town bad boy. Soldier. Protector. But never, ever dad. Until he returns home from his latest military tour to discover the girl he had one smoking-hot night with is now mom to the adorable two-year-old Zoey. Who has his eyes.

Plenty of words could describe Emma Walker these days. Mom, dutiful granddaughter, budding designer, the town’s golden child. But when her longtime crush Cam Brantley comes back to town, she knows the perfect word to describe herself: screwed.

Cam and Emma are both shocked to discover he truly wants Zoey in his life. But Cam’s not sure he’s ready to be a dad, and Emma can’t gamble her daughter on maybes. As the long-simmering heat between Cam and Emma reaches a boiling point, he’ll have to work past his demons in order to be the man both girls need. 

amazon

About Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a pretty new pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Editorial reviews

The Bad Boy’s Baby by Cindi Madsen was a sweet, heartfelt tugging romance that will be sure to leave readers smiling big.” ~Michelle T., Netgalley review

“If you are looking for a light hearted, well written, standalone baby romance, definitely give this book a read - you won’t regret it!” ~Lucia, Goodreads review

“Pure perfection! A sweet and warm-hearted romance about second chances, forgiveness, open mindedness, communication and the most important of them all: family.” ~Katrina B., Goodreads review

Release date:  5/16/16

About the Book

Nick Katsalos has a foolproof plan to save his parents' floundering wedding venue. The last thing he expects is for Erin O'Malley, the captivating daughter of his parents' biggest rival, to waltz in and charm the client who could finally get the family business back on track. Nick would be furious--if only he could stop thinking about her.

When Erin and Nick enter into a wager to determine who will win the contract she prepares for the worst...and is surprised by the glimpses of warmth she sees in the man behind the numbers. But Erin isn't about to forfeit what could be the biggest wedding of the decade to a man as cold as Nick. Especially since securing it means she could finally prove to her father she's just as capable of handling the family business as him. 

But as the competition heats up, Erin and Nick must decide what's more important—winning or love. 

amazon
barnes and noble

About the Author

Barbara DeLeo’s first book, co-written with her best friend, was a story about beauty queens in space. She was eleven, and the sole, handwritten copy was lost years ago, much to everyone’s relief. It’s some small miracle that she kept the faith and is now living her dream of writing sparkling contemporary romance with unforgettable characters.

After completing degrees in Psychology and English then travelling the world, Barbara married her winemaker hero and had two sets of twins.

She still loves telling stories about finding love in all the wrong places, with not a beauty queen or spaceship in sight.

Connect with Barbara: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Excerpt: Conflicted by Ruby Black

Synopsis

She’s the only one I’ve ever needed and the only one I’ll never have.

The only problem is…she’s my best friend.

I’ve always felt the connection, but I just can’t go there. Not with her. She deserves better than what I can offer her. So I drown myself in women and booze, certain I’m doing the right thing, keeping her at a distance.

Or so I thought.

When Lacey tells me about the internship she’s scored with a hotshot criminal attorney, I’m happy for her. This could make her career. If anyone deserves success, it’s her.

Then I learn who her new ‘mentor’ is.

My father.

Now, the secrets I’ve been keeping may cost me the very friendship I’ve been trying to protect.

amazon

About the Author

Ruby Black is the pseudonym for a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She likes angsty romance, alpha males, and full bookshelves. Her novel Conflicted will be available May 10, 2016.

Connect with Ruby: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Excerpt: Guiding Fate by Tamra Lassiter

Synopsis

Melanie Woodside, ER nurse and single mom, has endured suffering of her own. Her ne’er-do-well husband bailed after learning she was pregnant with their first child. Now he’s back and threatening her new life. When a hot Marine moves in next door, Melanie has more than enough on her plate, without trying to heal her new neighbor as well. But a handsome man battling the wounds of war is hard to resist, especially when he and her son take an instant liking to each other. And having him close makes her feel safer.

Will Everton is a hero of the Iraqi conflict, according to the Marine Corps, his friends, and his family. The problem is, he feels more like a mess. Plagued by headaches and nightmares, Will just wants solitude to glue his wounded psyche back together. That means keeping his distance from his pretty new neighbor. But when her son refuses to recognize the boundaries between Will’s house and his own, neither Will nor Melanie can resist a little boy’s pleas for togetherness. If Will’s presence deters Melanie’s ex, all the better.

Can Will trust himself to be the strong, steady man they need? And can Melanie trust herself not to repeat the mistakes of her past? Fate brought them together … will it be enough to keep them here?

amazon
barnes and noble

About the Author

I live outside Washington, D.C. with my wonderfully supportive husband and two daughters, one of which is approaching her teenage years. Help us all! If that isn’t enough, we have a Great Dane and an English Bulldog to keep us on our toes. It’s crazy around here, and I love every minute of it!

Writing is my third career. I didn’t set out to be a writer, it was just meant to be. My Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech prepared me well for my first career as an Engineer/Program Manager. My second career was in Human Resources. Long story, but I figured it out. I believe the best start for a writing career is to be a reader first, and I’ve been an avid reader my whole life. I’ve loved to read ever since I picked up my first Nancy Drew mystery in the fourth grade. Now, I love reading just about everything, but I don’t read sad books. I don’t watch sad movies either for that matter, no matter how many awards they’ve won. Life’s too short, and who needs all that strife to bring us down?

Many of my words have been penned late into the evening, which explains why I’ve never viewed whatever television show you recommend to me. I would, however, love to hear your recommendations for a great read!

Connect with Tamra: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr

Read an excerpt from Love Walks In by Samantha Chase

The Shaughnessy Brothers are back
 
He lives by a schedule
Aubrey Burke is on the run from an about-to-be-disastrous mistake when resort owner Hugh Shaughnessy catches her climbing through his office window. Until Aubrey tumbled into his life, Hugh had relied on work and discipline to safeguard a heart damaged by family tragedy. Now his careful world will never be the same.
 
She lives for the moment
Hugh’s approach to life and love is the opposite of Aubrey’s, but she soon finds herself falling hard for the handsome hotel mogul. There’s a darker reason behind her “live for today” attitude than Hugh could possibly know, but for the first time Aubrey dares to hope this man’s love might make it worth taking a chance on the future.

Excerpt

She smiled at the hint of uncertainty in his voice. “I feel the same way, Hugh. I mean, I know it’s only been two weeks and I know we shouldn’t be this comfortable with one another and yet, we are.”

“Does it freak you out?”

“No,” she replied honestly. “It just feels right.” Then she thought about it. “Why? Is it freaking you out?”

“I’ll admit I may be feeling a little…unsettled. I don’t want to feel like I’m rushing you or like we’re acting…”

“Impulsively?” she teased.

Hugh must have noted her tone because he grumbled, “Yes.”

Aubrey was certain Hugh had his reasons for being so cautious in all areas of his life—and she’d find out what they were. Eventually. For right now, however, she was content to just let the topic go.

“If it’s any consolation,” she began silkily, “I really enjoy being impulsive with you.”

She could hear the smile in his voice when he said, “I enjoy it too.”

“Well, good. Now how about we both get some sleep and plan on me driving down on Saturday.”

“Aubrey, I was serious. You don’t have to. I really don’t mind driving to you.”

“Do you want to get away from your family already?”

“Why?”

“Because if that’s why you want to come here, then we’ll do it. If you want to do all the things you were telling me about, then let me come to you. I don’t mind. I haven’t been to the Carolina coast in years. I would love to see it.”

“Only if you’re certain…”

“I do have one stipulation.”

“Name it,” he said.
“I’m not sleeping on Ninja Turtle sheets. I have to draw the line at that.”

Hugh burst out laughing. “I think we can work something out. We’ll find someplace else to stay. My brother Aidan has an apartment over his garage I’ve stayed at before. Or if you’d prefer something a little more private, I can get us a hotel room.”

“You live out of hotels all year long. I think your brother’s apartment sounds perfect. We can food shop and cook meals together and lock the world away if we want to.”

Hugh chuckled.

“What? What’s so funny?”

“Wait until you meet my family. They’re not going to give us much privacy no matter where we stay, but if we’re staying at Aidan and Zoe’s place, I have a feeling they’ll be just as intrusive as housekeeping at any resort.”

The idea didn’t bother Aubrey. No one bothered her much in her everyday life. At least not because they loved her and wanted to spend time with her. It was normally about work and obligations. It would be nice to see how a loving family behaved with one another.

“I don’t think it will be so bad,” she finally said. “But I’ll leave the choice up to you. I’m just happy to be seeing you—it doesn’t matter where we stay.”

“Oh, don’t do that. Which would you prefer?”

“Surprise me.” Aubrey yawned loudly. “I hate to hang up but I really am exhausted. It’s been a long day. Can I call you tomorrow?”

“You can call me any time you want, sweetheart,” he said softly.

“Mmm…” she purred. “I like that. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”

“Okay. Good night, Aubrey.”

“Good night.”

About Samantha Chase

Samantha Chase, a creative writing teacher, released her debut novel, Jordan’s Return, in November 2011. Since then, she has published seventeen more titles and has become a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two sons in North Carolina. 

Connect with Samantha: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google +