So this Memorial day, please try to remember why you are free and who helps protect your Liberty. Honor the fallen and those who are currently serving and their families. They sacrifice so much for us, it’s the least we can do.

And if you want to do more, check out organizations like HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS or WOUNDED WEAR who help our military men, women and families.

So many projects, so little time, but that’s a good thing.

I’ve got an exciting idea for the prequel to THE REBORN which I’m going to pitch but, hint hint, here’s a throwback to the first book in the SINS series, SINS OF THE FLESH, which morphed into the SIN HUNTERS series. You’ll be seeing lots more of the Carrera clan in future books in the series as well as some other unexpected places.

If you can’t see the excerpt below, you can click here.

It was so much fun exploring that period of time, that when the opportunity presented itself to write a novella, GHOST OF A CHANCE, I decided to do some more research and created a story with a mystery that had occurred along the Jersey Shore during the height of Prohibition.

Those were exciting and dangerous times along the shore then. Bootleggers ran rum from the Caribbean and whiskey from Canada in various forms and a great deal of the liquor that was sent throughout the country made its way through Newark at one time.

Anyway, I thought it would therefore be appropriate this morning to offer up a recipe for a Rum Runner’s punch for you! If you don’t drink alcohol, feel free to leave out the rum or substitute some rum flavoring in the recipe.

Rum Runner’s Punch

2 cups rum (light or dark. Dark is sweeter)
1 bottle sparkling apple cider (about 25 ounces)
2 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
1 quart fruit punch (feel free to use a sugar free product)
Shot of grenadine for color
Ice

Mix all of the above in a punch bowl or large container. Slice up some oranges, pineapples and maraschino cherries as a garnish. Serve over ice.

You can also substitute a sparkling wine or ginger ale for the sparkling apple cider. Also feel free to go with a spiced or coconut-flavored rum for some variety.

Paul was born in Passiac, New Jersey, but raised in Kansas. You’ve seen him in countless movies, from his 1995 appearance in CLUELESS to his latest appearances in THIS IS 40 and PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER (fabulous movie by the way!).

There is just something aw shucks, sexy boy-next-door about Paul that is so appealing. I hope you’ll think so, too!

Photo Credit: Author=lukeford.net Creative Commons License Use

If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I want to come back as a house cat.

Without further ado, Diary of a Sad Cat. If you can’t see the video below, you can click here!

Have a great weekend!

Gamble on Love/Fool for Luv Contest:

Pat Freely – Name a Character in a Book
Jayne Heidelberger – E-reader
Pam Jones Hamblin – $25 Gift Card

Big Cocks & Shamrocks Giveaway – $25 Gift Card and a copy of THE VAMPIRE’S CONSORT

Kristia M.

We’ll be picking a winner for the Double Trouble Blog Tour shortly!

But first Tatiana has to deal with sexy detective Peter Roman and a possible jewel heist at an upcoming event that the Ivanov family is holding in their fabulous Monaco casino. TO CATCH A PRINCESS is exciting, action-packed, glamorous and sexy, much like Tatiana and the man who wants to win her heart – none other than a prince who has been in hiding right beneath Tatiana’s nose!

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from THE PRINCE’S GAMBLE where you first meet Tatiana. If you cannot see the excerpt below, you can click here!

THE PRINCE'S GAMBLE Romantic Suspense – Meet Tatiana

While you could go to a smoothie shop, why now make your own for a cool snack or quick breakfast?

One of my all time favorite combos is Peach Mango! Check out this quick and easy smoothie that you can make year round by using frozen peaches and/or mangoes. You can also use fresh fruit and/or canned. Just make sure that when you purchase the canned fruit it’s packed in 100% juice and not a heavy syrup.

For those who are not big fans of the tang of yogurt, you can substitute 1 cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and really cut down on the calories. One cup has 30 calories compared to 100 calories for a cup of fat free plain yogurt.

Peach Mango Smoothie

1/2 cup frozen mangoes
1/2 cup frozen peaches
1 cup fat free/low fat light vanilla yogurt (or substitute 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 2 tablespoons of fat free/low fat light vanilla yogurt)
1 teaspoon honey

If you are not using frozen peaches and mangoes, toss in 3 cubes of ice for that frostiness! You can also change this up and use blueberries and strawberries or a banana for a slightly thicker smoothie.

Blend together until smooth!

For more smoothie recipes, you can click here!

Derek is played by hottie Tyler Hoechlin. Tyler has appeared on various shows, including 7th HEAVEN and CASTLE. Tyler began acting at the age of 9 when he appeared in ROAD TO PERDITION.

For more of Tyler as Derek Hale, here’s a video interview with him. If you can’t see the video below, you can click here.

Photo Credit: Genevieve@en.wikipedia.com

If you can’t see the video below, you can click here.