.@VickiBatman ~ Wishing you Happy Holidays & sharing a movie! #MFRWorg #RLFblog #Christmas

Every year, I travel to a small town for their Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. We visit historical homes that have been decorated for Christmas. After my friends and I tour the homes, we go to the park. It sits in a square surrounded by very old houses and a church. Quite picturesque. 

Here's the entrance with two soldiers standing by:

#PlottingPrincesses - Chrys Fey: Can 30 Seconds be a lifetime? #MFRWorg #romanticsuspense

The Plotting Princesses welcome Chrys Fey 

with 30 Seconds. 

Welcome, Chrys!

Chrys Fey is a lover of rock music just like Dani Hart in 30 Seconds. Whenever she's writing at her desk, headphones are always emitting the sounds of her musical muses -especially that of her favorite band, 30 Seconds to Mars, the inspiration behind the title.  

30 Seconds is her second eBook with The Wild Rose Press. Her debut, Hurricane Crimes, is also available on Amazon.



Speed Round:

Favorite movie: Little Women
Favorite book: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb 
Last book read: Broken Branch Falls by Tara Tyler 
Favorite color: Neon-Green 
Stilettos or flip-flops: Sneakers 

.@VickiBatman - Delving into Christmas Past - Candlelight Home Tour #MFRWorg #historicalcities #historicalsites

Delving into Christmas Past – Candlelight Home Tour

Every year, I travel with funsisters to a small town for their Christmas Candlelight Home Tour. Usually, homes predating 1850, which have been restored, are featured.

My friends and I make stops along our route to pop in our favorite antique malls to search for new finds. We have a quick lunch, shop a bit more, and then finish our drive. After we arrive at our destination, we purchase our tour tickets and check in at our bed and breakfast.

Most of the time, we stay at the same B&B. The hostess’ mom researched many of the historical plaques for the community. We usually eat at the yummy Italian restaurant and every time, wonder how the ricotta layer is so light. Then we tour two homes. Afterwards, we go to the park and wander through the Christmas tree land.

Demon Lore is available NOW! by Karilyn Bentley #urbanfantasy #TWRP #plottingprincesses

I'm happy to announce that the first book in my urban fantasy series, Demon Lore, is out now! Squeeeeeee!!!!! Isn't the cover awesome?


This is the story of Gin Crawford and her transformation from nurse to demon slayer (or huntress as she likes to call herself). Here's the blurb:

Gin Crawford has enough problems dealing with her empath abilities. Finding out she's the world's newest demon-slayer is the last thing she needs. Unfortunately, when she slips on a mysterious bracelet she is given no other choice. On the plus side, her new gig comes with Tall, Dark and Handsome, a mage who may or may not have her best interests at heart. Thrust into a power-play between good and evil, Gin must choose a side before she becomes the next victim in the ongoing battle.

And the excerpt:

@KathyIvan - Suspense. Mystery. Romance. What a fun package! #PlottingPrincesses #MFRWorg #romanticsuspense

Suspense.  Mystery.  Romance. 

There's something about those words that stir the imagination.  Being able to craft a story filled with the right elements, a blending of all three, reminds me of baking.  All the ingredients have to be added in exactly the right amounts in order for your delicious confection to come out perfect (and in my case hopefully edible). 

I love layering in all the nuances to my stories, adding a dash of mystery to keep the reader turning the pages.  Did I write enough intrigue and danger within the world I've created that the reader absolutely, positively, unequivocally cannot stop reading when they reach the end of the chapter, and must turn the page to find out what happens next.  Don't you love that feeling? 

#PlottingPrincesses welcome guest author Anne Ashby, a fan of Kris Kristoffersen #MFRWorg #RLFblog #romance

Anne Ashby is joining the Plotting Princesses today. Let's get to know her:

Anne Ashby lives in New Zealand and writes clean contemporary romance using her homeland as an added point of difference to her stories.  Her interest in family, genealogy and rugby often feature. "Leath's Legacy" is her sixth book.  

Favourite Movie: The Sound of Music

Favourite Book:  Any by Essie Summers

Last Book Read: A Mother’s Wish by Debbie Macomber

Favourite Colour: Yellow

Stilettos or Flip-flops:  Flip-flops

Coffee or Tea:  Neither

E-book or Paperback:  Paperback

Pencil or Pen:  Pencil

Favourite Song: Any by Kris Kristoffersen

Streak or not:  Not

Favourite Dessert: Pavlova

Champagne or Gin: Neither

Paranormal or Historical: Neither, Contemporary only

Ginger or Mary Ann: Mary Ann

Favourite TV Show:   Packed to the Rafters

Hot or Cold: Hot

POV: Male

I’d die if I don’t have: My Family

Tales from the Crate: How to Write with a Puppy by Karilyn Bentley #crazydog

As some of you may remember, we got a puppy in June that we were told was seven months old. In July we found out she was really three months old when we got her. Yikes. I never thought to have that young of a puppy. Karma is getting me back for looking at others and thinking I could do a better job of raising a puppy than they were. Somewhere Karma is laughing its butt off.

So how do I write with a puppy? Well, this is what used to happen on my day off. I'd sleep in until The Hubster would wake me with a kiss as he was walking out the door. Then I'd determine whether the old gimpy dog, aka Hell Hound, was able to go for a walk. If so, walk him. If not, do Tai Chi and meditate. Feed dog. Have coffee and breakfast while reading paper. Take shower. Get in a couple of hours writing/promo before meeting Hubster for lunch. Come home, write some more. Greet Hubster with kiss and spend evening with him.

What happens now.

Help! The Cookie Monster Has Me!

Why is it that we eat more during the holidays than we do the rest of the year? It’s as if we all get into this baking frenzy and try to outdo each other with our fabulous recipes and decorating the house. We run around like crazy people buying gifts, putting up a tree, seeing little Timmy’s Christmas play, decorating our homes and baking. We may not bake the rest of the year, but by golly at Christmas, the recipes come out and we’re in the kitchen.

Okay, I confess…I don’t cook that much. I wish I did, but even though I’m a full-time writer working from home, I don’t spend much time in the kitchen. My husband does most of the cooking and he’s not all that bad. I’ll run downstairs and throw some stuff in the crock pot and say whew that’s dinner.  It’s a lucky night when he comes home and dinner is fixed.

But at Christmas it’s like some spell comes over me and I want to bake cookies, pies, candy and try all these new recipes. Do I need to eat that much? No, I seriously am watching my weight and my sugar intake. I’m pre-diabetic with type II diabetes in my family. I know the risks. But I WANT COOKIES.  It’s like the cookie monster takes over my body and I think peanut butter, oatmeal, ginger snaps and oh…those delicious ones with the Hershey’s kiss stuck in the middle of them. GIVE ME COOKIES!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

FROM ALL OF US AT THE PLOTTING PRINCESSES, WE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.  

Spend this time with those you love, sharing stories, laughter and love.  And remember those who cannot be with their families and friends on this day of thanks, and keep them close to your hearts and in your prayers.  

#PlottingPrincesses : @ChrisKeniston asks are you Brave or Crazy? #MFRWorg #skydiving

Brave or Crazy? 


Not very long ago my daughter and I had a conversation about why would anyone want to jump from an airplane.  My views are fairly simple. No amount of money could get me to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.  I wouldn't even consider jumping out of a crippled aircraft. As a matter of fact, had I been a passenger on Air Force One with Harrison Ford, I would have taken my chances with the terrorists. 


Imagine my surprise when one Sunday morning my daughter and I have the following conversation: 


"By the way, Mom, I went skydiving yesterday." 

"That's nice, dear."
 
"You don't believe me?" 

"No, dear." 


Teasing mom with the absurd was nothing new in our family. Except my disbelief was corrected when photos of my daring daughter appeared on the internet the next day. Holy Silk Parachutes. I watched the video.  She really did it! In order to celebrate a friend's birthday my child, who only a few days before had agreed with me that nothing could make us jump out of a plane, did just that.  Terrified. The most fear she's ever felt in her life. But she did it.  

Princess Vicki Batman welcomes SEASON of MAGIC co-authors who'd all wear flipflops & drink champagne! #MFRWorg #holiday #holidaybooks

The holidays have long been known as the Season of Magic. So when my friends came together in an anthology, Season of Magic fit well.

Here’s a bit about each author: Cara Marsi; an award-winning author and self-proclaimed TV junkie; is a former corporate drone and cubicle dweller. Freed from her fabric-covered cage; she can now indulge her love of all things romance. She craves books with happy endings and loves to write about independent heroines and the strong heroes who love them. Gerri Brousseau was born and raised in Connecticut where she resides with her pug; Mimi Sue; and their cats; Harry and Louise. Gerri writes historical and contemporary romance. Her greatest wish is to meet J.K. Rowling. A graduate of Post University, Marian Lanouette/Merry Holly is one of ten children. With an overactive imagination she started creating her own characters and stories. Marian's first book If I Fail, A Jake Carrington Mystery hit the Amazon top two hundred out of one million books when it was first released. The second book in the series, Burn in Hell followed with in the year and also resided in the top 500 on Amazon in its first month of release. Bobbi Lerman’s writing has evolved to cover a multitude of topics, from travel writing to historical medieval romance for blogs and is the founder of Scribblers Ink, an active online community and website offering interviews with authors, writing tips, and daily prompts.

#PlottingPrincesses are thrilled!!! to have author Sloane B. Collins What's with C'est Si Bon? #MFRWorg #RLFblog #Paris

Thrilled and happy dancing because Sloane B. Collins is with us today!

Let's get to know her: Sloane B. Collins is an award-winning author of Contemporary Romance. Although she is a fifth-generation Texan, she dreams of moving to the French countryside someday. Right now, she lives in the Dallas area with her husband of over twenty-six years, and their four rambunctious cats. Since Sloane and her husband love to travel, she is determined to write a novel set in just about every place they visit.

Speed Round:

Favorite movie: Charade (the Cary Grant/Audrey Hepburn version) YES!!
Favorite book:  What Happens in London by Julia Quinn
Last book read: Unmasking Juliet by Teri Wilson
Favorite color: Pink
Stilettos or flip-flops: Flip-flops
Coffee or tea: Tea
Ebook or paperback: Both!
Pencil or pen: Pen

Favorite song: C’est Si Bon (Eartha Kitt)

Streak or not: Not

Favorite dessert: Chocolate

Champagne or gin: Champagne

Paranormal or Historical: Historical

Ginger or Mary Ann: Mary Ann

Favorite TV show: The West Wing

Hot or cold: Cold

POV: 3^rd person

I'd die if I don't have: Books

#PlottingPrincesses - does author Leann Harris run hot or cold? The answer and many more in this spotlight #MFRWorg #RLFblog #romanticsuspense

The Plotting Princesses welcome a dear friend, Leann Harris! Let's see what she has been up to:


Bio: Leann has always had stories in her head. When her children went to school, she gave in to her desire to write. The Last Lie is her 17th book. The Last Truth, Book 2 in the series Legacy of Lies is out this month.


Speed Round:

Favorite movie: Last of the Mohicans Favorite book: Mackenzie’s Mountain Last book read: Honor Favorite color: Purple Stilettos or flipflops: Stilettos Coffee or tea: Tea Ebook or paperback: paperback Pencil or pen: pencil
Favorite song: Come, Oh, Come Israel
Streak or not: Not
Favorite dessert: MacDonald’s Ice Cream
Champagne or gin: neither
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Ginger or Mary Ann: Mary Ann
Favorite TV show: Major Crimes
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: Hero
I'd die if I don't have: tea in the morning to get me up and running.

Giving Thanks

As you all know, Thanksgiving is the one day of the year dedicated to giving thanks. I don't know about you, but I consider myself especially blessed. Life has been good to me lately.

First, there is my family. Both kids and their spouses are healthy and doing well and have jobs they like. With the exception of an occasional cold and/or ear infection, all four grandkids are doing well, also. Hubby is retired but still consulting in the job he loves…one that takes him out of the house two days a week, for which I am especially grateful.

And me – – well, life is just good. I worried that my editor would hate my first book (the one she bought on proposal.) Turns out she loved it. Then I worried I would get bad reviews. Turns out I did get a few, but most of them were really good. The good news is that the bad ones didn't bother me as much as I thought they would. I've come to the realization that not everyone will like me and my writing. I'm okay with that – – at least for today.

But what I'm really grateful for is that I'm doing exactly what I love to do…and getting paid for it. How many people can say that about their job?

MY SEPTEMBER VACATION By Phyllis Middleton

Fun in Alaska

This last September, my dear Husband, Frank and I went on our third cruise to Alaska. Can you tell be really like it? It is so amazing to see the beautiful landscapes carved from advancing  glaciers. Be prepared for rain or drizzle if you decide to go there. Why? Because I learned on our first trip that Alaska is a rain forest! I bet you didn't know that fact about our 49^th state.

All three visits, we charted a fishing boat out of Juneau. Chris, the owner of Rum Runner Charters, is solidly booked throughout Alaska’s summer tourist season.  1^st trip, I caught the first and last silver salmon and overall we caught four.  We had them processed and shipped to us. We had 35 pounds of fresh salmon and enjoyed it for two years.

Coming Release -- Deadly: Lipstick and Lead Series Book 2

This Friday, the first full length novel Deadly, in my new series Lipstick and Lead comes out. The heroine in this story is one of my favorites and in fact all of the sisters in these books have been fun to write, but Meg has stayed with me.

We first met the sisters in the Novella, Desperate.

Meg's a woman forced by life to take over the care of her sisters, wear men’s clothes and when her father dies, she must find a way to save their family farm. After trying a typical job for a woman back in her time period, she and her sisters become bounty hunters like their father. It’s a profession they know, but they’re women chasing bad guys.

Only Meg has a dream. A dream of owning her own dress shop and dressing like a woman. And her hero…well let’s just say they have a past that involved her leaving him tied up and naked on main street.

Here’s an excerpt from Deadly:

#PlottingPrincesses guest #author Donnell Ann Bell & a new suspense #MFRWorg #RLFblog #RWAKOD

Welcome to a dear friend to the Princesses, suspense author Donnell Bell! Let's get to know Donnell:

Donnell Ann Bell grew up in New Mexico and today calls Colorado home.  A homebody at heart, she leaves the international thrillers to world travelers, and concentrates on suspense that might happen in her neck of the woods – writing SUSPENSE TOO CLOSE TO HOME.  The author of The Past Came Hunting, Deadly Recall and Betrayed, all of which have been e-book best sellers, her fourth release, Buried Agendas is due out November 7th and is available for preorder on Amazon Kindle. Her books have won or been nominated for prestigious writing awards, including The Epic Award for Best Thriller Suspense, Greater Detroit’s Booksellers Best for Best First Book and Best Single Title, and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery Suspense. Donnell co-owns Crimescenewriters a Yahoo group for mystery/suspense writers. www.donnellannbell.com    

.@ChrisKeniston : Military Heroes #MFRWauthor #WoundedWarriors

Holy Heroes, Batman !

Sometimes when I see reruns of the sixties TV series Batman I wonder what happened to Alliterating Robin when he grew up? Did he become an alpha hero like Batman or evolve into a loveable beta hero?  

We all love a good book with a good hero. I'm especially fond of the strong beta hero. The guy with a sensitive heart and the patience of saint, but not so mild that people walk all over him. My mind immediately turns to Commander Harmon Rabb of the TV show JAG.  He had it all – except that it took him 9 years to get the girl! But he did – and in full mess dress too. Heaven's he looked handsome.

Some folks prefer the strong, take charge, high risk alpha hero.  And I'll admit, I wouldn't throw one back!  I love those Navy SEAL books.  The guy who takes on the bad guys and leaves them in his wake like debris after a tornado. What's the cliché? Could eat 'em with a spoon- lol.

Today, I'd like to take a minute of your time to mention real heroes. Everyday heroes, like firemen, and policemen, and the person who risks his or her own safety for a stranger in trouble. But more specifically, our military heroes. The ones who put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom. And who too often come home to face challenges and hardships no person who fought for our country should.

#PlottingPrincesses welcome Merry Farmer with a new book, Trail of Kisses. #giveaway #MFRWauthor #rafflecopter

What a treat to have Merry Farmer come to the Plotting Princesses to help launch her new book: Trail of Kisses!

Let's get to know Merry: 

Merry Farmer is an award-winning author of historical romance. She lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats and enough story ideas to keep her writing until she's 132.

#PlottingPrincesses : a treasured friend, author Kella Carlton & why is the last book she read entitled Foreplay? #MFRWorg #RLFblog

The Plotting Princesses are uber excited to have visiting today Kella Carlton. Kella is sharing some great stuff about her FIRST book, Rocky Mountain Stranger. 

Congratulations, Kella and welcome to the PP!

Let's get a little inside info on Kella: Kella is excited to launch her first book Rocky Mountain Stranger and is currently writing book two in her Mountain Blue Clique Series. Kella enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, and photography. Visit her website to view her most recent pictures. 



Speed Round:

Favorite movie: Titanic 
Favorite Book:  Outsiders 
Last book read:  Foreplay 
Favorite color:  red 
Stilettos or flip-flops: stilettos 
Coffee or tea: coffee 
E-book or paperback: paperback 
Pencil or pen: pen
Favorite song: Grenade

Michelle Miles: A Fair Weekend

The State Fair of Texas ended this past weekend. Every year I say, “Let’s go!” and every year we end up not going. Except this year we actually made it!

I remembered why we don’t go every year – it’s darn expensive! But you know…having not been in nearly two decades, it was a blast. The husband and I spent a small fortune on coupons, most of which we blew on food. Hey, you can’t go to the fair and NOT eat the food, right?

We arrived early to beat most of the crowd. By early, we were at the gate by 9 am. I’d purchased the tickets ahead of time because Kroger had them with a discount. That saved us a couple of bucks. Immediately inside the gate was the Chevy drive event. Now, I’m a Chevy girl all the way. Hubby is a Ford guy. We still managed to get along. ;) I paused to look at the new Tahoe. Candy apple red with this sleek knew interior, sunroof, drop down screen for the back passengers, third row seat, hidden storage in the back. I was in love.

.@VickiBatman - "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived" #MFRWorg #MFRWauthors #KOD #TWRP

Time to Party!

My Journey began a few years back when I took the challenge to write something. I am a huge reader. However, deep in my being was a tiny bubble, a kernel and I didn't dare admit anything to anyone about my secret desire: I wanted to write a book. 

But I was scared. Because writing a book meant showing it to someone to read it--right? Because books are meant to be read. Which meant what if readers don't like it? 

The idea of not being liked stifled me; so I shelved and shuttered the idea until...I was challenged. 

One of my favorite movies is Strictly Ballroom, a Cinderella story set in the ballroom scenario. A not-so attractive girl who everyone takes advantage of desperately desires to blossom by becoming a ballroom dancer. A young man has the chance to be ballroom champion if he picks the right partner. These two come together and fulfill their dreams. 

Right before the big show, the young man admits his fear about dancing in a new way. The girl quotes an old family saying, "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived." Wow!

Move Over Marley, You've Got Nothin' On Me #crazydog #plottingprincesses by Karilyn Bentley

I'm sure you've all heard of Marley, the lab that ate his way through his owner's home. I often wondered what the owner did to cause their dog to go so crazy. So, for my audacity, the universe blessed me with a couple of crazy pooches. At the end of this tale, you can tell me what we did wrong.<g>

Hop in your time machine and journey back with me several years ago when we had first moved into our brand new house and Clara, aka Jaws, still walked among us. Warning: never buy a new house if you own a crazy dog (or a puppy for that matter). Just saying.

Okay, back to the story. Let me set the scene. Clara (the usual eater of the home) had to have surgery (no, it had nothing to do with eating the house, she'd calmed down by this point and only snacked on mail or any other paper item lying around, which BTW worked better than any other shredder). Hell Hound had torn a gash on his leg and was forced to wear the cone of shame so he wouldn't lick the boo-boo. Outdoor maintenance men were coming over, and since HH had a nasty habit of jumping on the doors and windows while barking, snarling and drooling, hence scaring the crap out of the guys, we had to lock him in the bedroom (why not the crate, you ask? B/c he ate through a solid steel crate to get to the windows and the UPS guy. Crate had a broken door and was therefore a no-go.).

When we got home we were met at the door by Hell Hound. A very excited, Hell Hound.

Do You Love Bad Boys?

As a writer and a reader one of my favorite types of plot is changing a bad boy into a guy that falls in love. I like to take a strong heroine who sort of knocks the bad boy on his knees. When I say bad boy, I don’t mean someone who is abusive or criminal, but rather a guy who you know deep down is really a good guy, but he’s just got some tendencies that need to be tamed.

In my new novel, The Relationship Coach, just released last Friday...I hope I’ve done that. I love Reed Hunter, but as far as my hero's go, he’s out there. He uses women for his own purposes and never intends to get married. So when he and his boss get dumped after their girlfriends attend my Relationship Coach’s Twelve Steps of Dating Seminar, Reed is out for blood. Her blood. As a documentary filmmaker he has the tools to either promote or destroy her business.

Come along for the fun ride where my bad boy gets knocked to his knees and Lacey Morgan learns the value of passion in The Relationship Coach. 

Here’s an excerpt:

#PlottingPrincesses author @LindaSteinberg : wants to know What do the hero & heroine have in common? #MFRWorg #RLFblog

“But what do they have in common?”

 Emotion in Romance

How often have you read a romance novel where the sexual tension is palpable? Tingling, breathing heavily, you squirm in your seat, eager for the big payoff, wondering Will they/Won’t they/When will they? Of course, the would-be lovers can’t get together, because of a family feud, or a big misunderstanding, or he’s a firefighter and she’s an arsonist, fill-in-conflict-here.

But then that conflict gets resolved, and they are finally in each other’s arms (not necessarily in that order). And the couple suddenly realizes that not only do they share an intense sexual attraction, but that they like and respect and yes, love each other. 

And I as a reader scratch my head and wonder, when did this happen?

Release day for CHRISTMAS BRIDES

It’s release day for CHRISTMAS BRIDES!

Huzzah, huzzah! I am so very excited!

And, I'm so very, very sorry!

Yes, that’s right—my delight comes with reservations, because  this means that the Christmas book season is now officially open. Which is why I am sorry. Because I’m not ready for it to be the Christmas Season, either. I’m not even ready for it to be Halloween, much less Thanksgiving or the Yule! 

So to assuage my guilt over having to force the holidays upon you, and to get into the proper spirit of the season, I am giving away five (5) copies of CHRISTMAS BRIDES, the marvelous anthology of four Christmas stories from historical romance authors Suzanne Enoch, Alexandra Hawkins, Valerie Bowman and me! 

#PlottingPrincesses welcome author Bonnie Dodge Writing her Mom's stories #MFRWorg

Please help me welcome my friend and fellow writer, Bonnie Dodge to the Princess Palace today. Bonnie lives and writes from her home in southern Idaho. Her award-winning fiction, poetry, and non-fiction have appeared in several newspapers, magazines and anthologies in the Pacific Northwest. For more information about Bonnie visit her web page at http://bonniedodge.com/ and follow her on Twitter @BJDodge. So take it away, Bonnie.

Today my mother would be eighty-four. If she were still here. For twenty-one years I’ve survived without her, and today I could be sad, but instead I’m feeling grateful.

The day before my mother died, we spent the morning traipsing up and down southern Idaho ditch banks looking for wild asparagus. Mother called this “free” food because we didn’t have to pay $2.99 a pound for it in the local grocery store. As we combed the ditch banks I told her I wanted to be a writer. I told her about the stories I was creating.

.#PlottingPrincesses interview: Katherine Grey & is her favorite movie despicable? #MFRWorg

The Plotting Princesses put Katherine Grey under the microscope. So what is her despicable movie? Read on!

Let's get to know  her: When Katherine started talking to her friends about the characters in her head as though they were real people, she decided it was time to start putting all those people populating her mind along with their exploits down on paper. Friends have gotten used to Katherine's imaginary friends but still often ask, "Wait, is this a real person?" whenever she mentions someone they don't know.

Okay, Katherine, let's get down to the nitty gritty:

.@VickiBatman - The BIG Goof #LongLiveLongmire #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses

The BIG Goof - #LongLiveLongmire

A few weeks ago, word filtered through that the superb Western, Longmire, had been cancelled at the end of three seasons.

I was shocked! So were a lot of other folks.

I began watching this superb show because it wasn’t about Housewives, or chef cook-off, or a badly behaving bridezilla. Nope, Longmire was about a sheriff, his staff, family, and friends who lived in a small Wyoming town. The series is based on the books written by Craig Johnson.

The show averaged 5.6 million viewers. Isn’t that a lot of people? More viewers than “Mad Men” and “Justified” according to a Wall Street Journal article. Wall Street Journal

Yes, but it seems the viewer-ship is primarily older viewers—the average age of 60 versus 48. According to the Wall Street Journal article, “Longmire’s fate is reflective of two growing trends in the television industry-the obsession of advertisers with younger viewers and the desire of TV networks to own as much of their content as possible.” An executive at the network said, “...we genuinely loved the show, but the audiences in the key demographics just weren’t there.”

Michelle Miles: Hello, the 80s called. They want their movies back.

At my house, Saturday night is “movie night.” We’ve been doing it consistently for a month or so now. The kid LOVES it. And even when he’s not there, the Man and I have movie night. But with popcorn – Kid has braces and can’t eat it so we try not to have it in front of him cuz that just mean.

Anyway, he recently turned 13. Aside from him joining the land of social media and instant communication, it also means he gets to catch up on all those 80s movies that we loved at his age.

Aside from Ghostbusters (1984) which he’s already seen, we introduced him to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986). He loved it. I’ve never heard the kid laugh as hard as he did at that one. This past weekend, we watched Crocodile Dundee (1986). After we watched it, I got to thinking about thin the plot was. And they kept saying he was a poacher but…we never really saw him poaching anything. Well, except for the one crock that he stabbed in the head to save the girl stood by the water, scantily clad, and dipped in her canteen. It was pretty easy to see she was going to fall for the Aussie after he “boyfriend” was such a jerk to him (and her) at dinner. There really didn’t seem to be a lot of character development, either. I guess I’m jaded. ;)

.@PlottingPrinc1 - Anna Jeffery teases us with The Cattleman #MFRWorg #westernromance

Today, the Princesses welcome long-time friend, Anna Jeffery, to the site with some good...hot...stuff from her new book, The Cattleman. Howdy, Anna!

THE CATTLEMAN, a contemporary romance, is Book #2, of the “Sons of Texas” series. It’s a sequel to THE TYCOON that I released about a year and a half ago.


In THE TYCOON, the oldest Lockhart son, William Drake Lockhart, III, is the star character. He’s smart, good-looking and is the master of all he surveys. In the CATTLEMAN, I tell the story of Drake’s younger brother and middle son, Pickett Charles Lockhart. 

SUPERSTITIONS: ARE YOU A BELIEVER? by Kathy Ivan

I grew up in South Florida and spent many a happy vacation going to the beach and/or visiting with family and friends along the Florida Keys and Key West.  Imagine my surprise when I found out that after a day combing the shore for spectacular seashells that I wasn't allowed to bring them inside the house.

Why?  Because it's bad luck to have real shells in your house.  Bet you didn't know that (unless you were brought up by a very superstitious grandmother and mother.) 

Most of you know the superstitions or omens which are fairly common. 

Watching Loved One's Age

This month my father will celebrate his 83^rd birthday. It’s hard to believe that’s he’s that age and I still remember him as a young man working hard to earn a living for his family. My mother is 78 and she still gets around really well, but my father is starting to struggle.

Aging is just part of life’s journey and I know that eventually we all die, but until the last five years I never realized how difficult the journey could be. Unfortunately, I fear that I haven’t seen the worst yet and know that eventually there will be a time when my family members will be gone.

In the last five years, we’ve lost my husband’s mother, my grandmother, my aunt and an uncle. And I know that this is just the beginning. All my family is aging and for that matter, so am I.

Before my mother-in-law died at the age of 88, she told me she was ready to go because all of her friends had passed on. She said you reach a time when you no longer have funerals to attend and you’re the only one left. That statement has stayed with me and I know that there could come a day when that will be the case with me.

At first this really bothered me, but the logical part of me says that this is just part of life. This journey we call everyday living will someday come to an end. The optimistic side of me says that’s why we’re to love each other and enjoy our time together. Live each day to the fullest.

A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER is out!

My Latest story A SCANDAL TO REMEMBER released on Tuesday, and I wanted to celebrate by sharing an exclusive excerpt with the Plotting Princesses, and by giving away a copy to one of our loyal readers!

The rules of courtship are swept out to sea when a shipwreck offers a Reckless Bride a true taste of paradise…  

CAN A WHIRLWIND ROMANCE

For too long, Miss Jane Burke’s father has taken advantage of her painstaking research. Heading to the South Seas to make her own name as a scientist despite the crew’s insistence that a woman aboard is bad luck, she isn’t prepared to be championed by a handsome ship’s officer who rouses longings inside her as wild as any storm… 

LEAD TO A PROPER PROPOSAL? 

For Lieutenant Charles Dance, a post on His Majesty’s survey ship Tenacious is just one more dutiful rung on the ladder of his career. Even a headstrong bluestocking on board is less troubling than the ship’s drunken captain—and the ferocious gales that drive the ship off course. Stranded on a remote island, passion blazes between them as hot as the sun, but it’s Jane’s love Dance wants forever…

Here's the Excerpt:

LIKE JOE MANGANIELLO? YOU COULD WIN A BLAZE!

SPOILER ALERT! Do NOT read the next couple of paragraphs if haven’t caught up with this season of TRUE BLOOD!

Ok, are they gone now? Whew! I almost titled this blog Alcide might be dead, but Long Live Joe. Then I realized some people might not have watched this season yet. Now I’m going to cry. And rant. CRY! Alcide, oh Alcide! Say it ain’t so! I’ve always been on TEAM Bill, because I always go with first love=True love in a Romance, but, still… That doesn’t mean you had to DIE!
WHY?? Why did you have to die? As Sookie said, you were so big and strong. And SO sweet! You deserved a happy ending!

#PlottingPrincesses have all the answers: What would a guy give a girl? #MFRWog #RLFblog

I have been working on a second book and was trying to come up with ideas of what a guy would give the new girl he had been dating. So I posed this question to The Princesses:

What would a guy give a girl? And here are some delightful answers:

Karilyn Bentley: My hubby isn't romantic but he's a great guy.  He usually gets me a plant for Valentine’s Day b/c he knows I don't like cut flowers. He manages my website and offers a lot of opinions on what I write and how a scene can be improved.  I appreciate his insights!  He's bought me a lot of techie stuff but has avoided the jewelry since the first year we were hitched. 

Michelle Miles: My hubby bought me a pair of Christian Louboutin's as a wedding present. Sometimes, he'll send flowers for no reason. Other times, it's when I make a sale. He almost always sends me fall flowers because he knows that's my favorite time of year. I love the little things. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture to make me swoon. :)

Alisha Paige Wilson: So after the birth of my baby, I was really, really dreading going back to work for this clown but it paid the bills. My husband woke me up one day and told me he had a surprise. He took my hand and led me into the living room where he had bought me a brand new desk and a shiny new computer and said, "Sit down. Now write your books. You never have to go back to work again." He is my hero. 

Michelle Miles: How to Behave in Public

This past weekend, the husband and I went to see the Dallas performance of Phantom of the Opera at the very beautiful Winspear Opera House. It’s a newer venue here in the area and I’d been wanting to check it out. I bought the tickets way back in May and had been looking forward to it since then. Plus, it was a great cultural date with the husband.

It was an afternoon performance. We dressed business casual for the event. I actually wore heels.

We arrived about an hour early. We weren’t the only ones hanging around there. It was already starting to fill in with people. Our seats were on the third level, so we headed up there to hang out and people watch, an activity we both enjoy.

What amazes me about people in general is when they go to these types of events, they wear everything. There was a lady in a lacy, very low cut dress. Her boobs were so big, they were about to pop right out. I don’t know. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but this was just inappropriate to me.

There were people dressed in jeans—inappropriate. If you’re going to spend that much money for an event, have the decency to wear nicer clothes, at least. Jeans don’t belong there. I don’t care how comfy you want to be.

#PlottingPrincesses are pleased as punch with special author Tina Donahue and Make Me Surrender #MFRWorg

The Plotting Princesses welcome a special guest, author Tina Donahue, to the blog. 

Let's get to know Tina: She is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, and Kensington. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic romances (Adored, Lush Velvet Nights, and Deep, Dark, Delicious) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. The French review site, Blue Moon reviews, chose her erotic romance Sensual Stranger as their Book of the Year 2010. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for Lush Velvet Nights, and two of her titles (The Yearning and Deep, Dark, Delicious) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition (2011 and 2012). Take Me Away and Adored both won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. She was the editor of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company. 

Is guest author Laura Strickland a Mary Ann or Ginger? An interview at #PlottingPrincesses #MFRWorg #historical

Hi, Laura, and welcome to the Plotting Princesses where we pride ourselves in asking funny questions! 

Let's get to know Laura better: Laura Strickland is the author of Scottish romance Devil Black as well as The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy consisting of Daughter of Sherwood, Champion of Sherwood, and Lord of Sherwood. She is currently working on the second book of a new Steampunk romance series.

Is she a Mary Ann or Ginger?


Speed Round:

Where do YOU Read?

What’s your favorite place to read? 

Fess up... 

Are you a book snuggler, like me? Do you take one to bed with you? Do you read under the covers? At the Park? 

Are you a sunny porch with a cup of tea reader? Do you have book tucked in your purse and whip it out whenever the opportunity to read arises? 

Do you read in the carpool lane? Are you a beach reader? Do you prefer the quiet of the library for your reading adventures? What about the easy chair in the living room, is that where you curl up with a good book?

Take our survey and let’s see where readers enjoy their books the most:

School Supplies -- Office Supplies -- My Addiction

Yes, August is upon us and soon it will be back to school time. Time to start thinking about new clothes, new shoes and school supplies. Getting my new school supplies was always the highlight of getting ready to go back to school.

Even now I seem to have this fetish thing with office supply stores. You walk in and automatically I start getting excited and thinking what do I need. There’s a smell that just says spend money now. Automatically, I grab a basket and start to fill it up and this stuff ain’t cheap.

On my desk at home, you will see an electric pencil sharpener. An electric stapler – love it. A cute little posted note purse, a timer and a beautiful paperweight given to me by an old friend.

Inside the desk drawers are organized with my trays and I have one whole drawer of posted notes. Yes, that’s right. Love the posted notes. A writers must have.

.#PlottingPrincesses - welcome Ashantay Peters who wows!!! us with her new book

The royally fun girls, the Plotting Princesses, welcome author Ashantay Peters to the blog. She's got tons of stuff up her sleeve. 

Check out her bio:

Ashantay Peters lives in the North Carolina mountains, where she loves escaping into a well-written book. She loves to hear from readers and promises not to stalk anyone who contacts her. 

Speed Round:

Favorite movie: His Gal Friday  (BTW: Vicki loves this movie)
Favorite book: any by Amanda Quick 
Last book read: The Secret Language of Leah Sinclair 
Favorite color: Rainbow! 
Stilettos or flip-flops: Neither 
Coffee or tea: Water 
E-book or paperback: Paperback 
Pencil or pen: Pencil
Favorite song: Bad Love
Streak or not: Not
Favorite dessert: Fruit
Champagne or gin: Champagne
Paranormal or Historical: Historical
Ginger or Mary Ann: Mary Ann
Favorite TV show: Dead Like Me
Hot or cold: Hot
POV: First
I'd die if I don't have: Light