Apr 23, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Coffee With, Dan Churchill
First, if we were meeting at a coffee shop I’d be drinking a Latte đ
What would you order? These days I am keeping to my Italian roots and having an Espresso most of the time⊠however I still get the odd piccolo or Long black every now and then đ
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. In between reading and blogging I try to balance eating right and staying physically fit. When I saw your YouTube video I was hooked. How often can we expect to see those fabulous videos? No problem at all mate⊠I am here to make a positive impact on this world, so I am honored you want to hear my tasty thoughts :). Haha Love that the channel is keeping you intrigued. At this stage we are releasing one new episode of tasty awesomeness a week. But, coming soon we have a heap of content, particularly from the US to be getting through. Soooo, you may be seeing my head pop up on your lap top a little more often⊠quite frankly I feel sorry for my editor :).
As a book reviewer and blogger It’s great to read about sexy alpha males. But having a sexy guy have the “tools” to cook in the kitchen, is even better! I’m sure this book will be a welcome addition in many homes soon! I love how pure and simple your recipes are to prepare and make, they are fabulous! I LOVE the idea of creating a resourceful book to help those “dudes” out there figure out their way around in the kitchen.
What inspires you to create these fabulous recipes? Haha thanks mate that’s just it⊠I wanted to create a book that was not intimidating and more so inspiring and realistic for any person to pick it up and be like âthat looks kick arse!! And I reckon I could do it!â I get so much happiness seeing the response of peopleâs tweets and Instagram posts stating how happy they or their stomachs are⊠and at the end of the day that is a big motivator for me to keep me doing what I am doing. I am trying to make people realize the simplicity of cooking, and the benefits of making a meal for your loved ones. I am not here to be known as a profile or be famous⊠I just want to make people happy and food is my tool to achieving that.
Is there an ingredient that’s a must? Asking me what a must ingredient is, is like asking me to pick my favorite family member. They are all so awesome and have so much color and epic presence and all have their own purpose in life. Yeah I went there. What I will say is right now I am cooking with plenty of sweet potato and that I always season with lemon juice. In fact for the sake of it lets go with a lemon⊠these days everyone gets caught up in salt, which is very appropriate, however they neglect the presence of acidity and there is nothing than the super sexy lemon :).
Is there something you’ve yet to include in a recipe that you’re too afraid to use? I donât think I ever avoid ingredients. I am more so intrigued by ones I am unaware of or are unfamiliar with using. If I walk past a stall at a market with something I have never seen before, I do research on it to find out where itâs from, moisture content etc.
Congrats on your upcoming release of DUDE FOOD: A Guy’s Guide to Cooking Kick-Ass Food in the US this past Tuesday, April 21st!
Thanks again for hanging out! My absolute pleasure mate⊠thanks for all the love, and looking forward to cooking my way through the homes of America :).
Dan is touring across America – check him out if you’re in the following cities:
New Brunswick / Rutgers 4/23
Boston / Northeastern 4/27
Chicago / De Paul 4/29
Cleveland / Case Western 4/30
8 Tantalizing Tidbits:
1. What is a must read book and why? Should I be saying Dudefood, because it will bring forth an excitement and wicked tastiness like nothing you have ever experienced??? Hahah Na, I would have to say âThe Art of Stillnessâ by Pico Lyer. It helps people look at the big picture⊠Its actually part of the TED talk book range by Simon & Schuster. I was able to read it on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and it provided an amazing outlook on life.
2. What is one place that I should see if I visit your hometown? I canât go passed saying Narrabeen Beach⊠particularly in the morning. Watching those waves come in as the sun rises is one of the most amazing things I will ever see. I recently did a YouTube video making a pretty bad ass Chai porridge (stay tuned) and it was one of the most amazing things I have seen⊠cooking there was epic.. plus you can grab a coffee a great place around the corner and it is the aspect of Australia everyone knows and loves without the aspect of a known tourist attraction :).
3. Castles or Beaches? That’s an easy one, Beaches.
4. One thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I have done a 20 minute plank/prone hold.
5. If you had an all expenses paid trip anywhere in the world for research, where would you go? All expenses paid trip⊠Italy⊠anywhere. I love the culture, food, architecture and way of life⊠plus the language is sooo awesome!!
6. What’s your favorite TV show? A toss up between Entourage and anything with Jamie Oliver in it – hahah.
7. What’s one thing you can’t live without? One thing I canât live without⊠well I know its a necessity to survive, but I canât go passed food. I seriously plan my life around it.. to the point that I can get very #Hangry if I miss out⊠I actually get up excited to eat and as soon as finish my meal I am already planning my next hahah.
8. If you could invite 5 people to dinner (not friends and family – that’s too easy) who would you invite? It could be anyone past or present. Well you said no family and friends so obviously I canât go passed saying mum, but I get off the hook on that one⊠I am going to say Jamie Oliver, Tom Brady (who will obviously bring his lovely wife), Barney Stinson (the character for sure), Taylor Swift (She just seems like some serious wicked fun and Ryan Reynolds⊠I think he is a legend.
Cheers legend.. thanks heaps for sorting this out :).
 Author Info:
Dan Churchill is a cook, physical trainer, speaker, and the author of the DudeFood cookbook. In 2013, he appeared on MasterChef Australia, which aired in more than ninety countries. His recipes have been featured in publications worldwide, and he has appeared on several television shows.
To find out more visit:
website: https://www.danielchurchill.com.au/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/churchill_dan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danthehealthycook
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dan_churchill/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaSF0d06nxqCfeuxge5TWxw
Apr 22, 2015 | Anna Campbell, April 2015, Blog
A Scoundrel by Moonlight (Sons of Sin Book 4), by Anna Campbell once again brings us a story of a scoundrel who not only challenges himself but those around him. With all Sons of Sins books, this story can be read on it’s own or be enjoyed as a continuation of this fabulous series.
Eleanor “Nell” Trim’s sister has been violated and that affront has tarnished her family name. Devastated upon hearing the truth surrounding the situation Nell is in utter shock and seeks revenge. Desperate to see justice prevail, she sets out to hold the accused man accountable and sets out to track down the notorious Marquess of Leath.
The Marquess of Leath, James Fairbrother has discovered a shocking secret, and when he discovers who is involved it just might destroy him. Can he pick up the pieces and fix this awful situation? This big, brooding man is about to meet his match. There’s just one tiny problem – she mustn’t reveal her true identity because she wants to bring him to his knees.
So, when Nell finally stands face to face with this supposed scoundrel, rage isn’t the emotion that overcomes her. Instead she finds herself in a game of superb banter and absolute verbal foreplay. Will Nell be able to find justice to her sister and her family or will she find herself caught in a deep web?
Could this Marquess of Leath truly be the same man who destroyed her family? Leath adores games and makes a proposition that will force Nell to show her hand or fold. Will she have any regrets?
A pure delight of a story that has it all –Â secrets, expectations, uncontrollable lust, blackmail and misunderstandings. Once again Anna brings us a story with superb writing and loveable characters.
Have no fear, the wait is almost over. Pre-order your copy now and you will have this must read on April 28th. I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I can’t wait for the next book – well done Anna!
****Givewaway*****
Anna Campbell has donated a paperback copy of A Scoundrel in the Moonlight to one lucky reader who tells us.. What would you do in the moonlight with a scoundrel?
Leave your comment below for a chance to win!
Note- Giveaway open to US/Canada residents only.
Giveaway will end on 4/28/15 11:59 PM
Author Info:
ANNA CAMPBELL has written ten multi award-winning historical romances for Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins and her work is published in sixteen languages. Anna is currently engaged in writing the “Sons of Sin” series, which started in 2012 with SEVEN NIGHTS IN A ROGUEâS BED. Look out for book 4, A SCOUNDREL BY MOONLIGHT, in April 2015. Anna lives on the beautiful east coast of Australia where she writes full-time.
Apr 21, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Lorraine Heath
The Duke and The Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath is absolutely sinful, seductive and captivating. As the Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place series comes to an end, this Rogue is absolutely wicked and surprising. Although this book ends the series, it reads brilliantly on its own – you don’t need to have read the series to delight in it.
Rosalind Sharpe needs a man and sets her sights upon The Duke of Avendale but has no idea what he’s capable of. A man who always has his pick when it comes to women and until now has never cared what they really wanted.
What is it about Rose that drives Avendale to her? Pleasure? Desire? Control? This is not a man who likes to be denied. What will he do when he discovers she’s not completely honest with him? The sexual tension is absolutely H-O-T, and when paired with a game of chance, it sizzles!
This book is part of an amazing series and I’m sad to see it end. Rose and Avendale are the perfect way to end this and it’s nice to see familiar faces once again as the story progresses. There is nothing better than a plot rich in suspense and secrets. When Rose must decide what to reveal to Avendale she fears everything will fall apart. Too much is on the line. What will happen if she tells him the truth? What exactly is she hiding?
Family is everything to both of them so when she must make a choice in order to protect her family the options Avendale presents will challenge her at her own game. How many risks would you take? Would you insist on conditions?
I received this ARC from the publisher via The Tasty Book Tours and am thrilled to be a part of this blog tour. Lorraine Heath’s book is a must read and at a pre-order price of $4.99 it’s a no brainer! Thank you Lorraine for The Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James Place. I can’t wait to discover what’s next!
*****GIVEAWAY ******
$25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller)
Rafflecopter Giveaway ($25.00 eGift Card to Choice Book Seller)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link to Follow Tour: https://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/03/the-duke-and-lady-in-red-scandalous.html
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22864442-the-duke-and-the-lady-in-red?from_search=true
Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/110654-scandalous-gentlemen-of-st-james
Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Publisher
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Duke-Scandalous-Gentlemen-James-Place/dp/0062276263/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425512130&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Duke+and+the+Lady+in+Red
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-duke-and-the-lady-in-red-lorraine-heath/1120056913?ean=9780062276261
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-duke-and-the-lady-in-red/id906043541?mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-duke-and-the-lady-in-red
Author Info:
LORRAINE HEATH always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals and computer code, but something was always missing. After reading a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. Sheâs been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWAâs RITAÂź and a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times best-seller lists.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Website: https://www.lorraineheath.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorraineHeathBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lorraine_Heath
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/104926.Lorraine_Heath
Apr 20, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Blog Blitz
A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley – book description from Sourcebooks Casablanca.
For nearly three hundred years, the cryptic journal of Mary Dundas has lain unread. Now, amateur code breaker Sara Thomas has been sent to Paris to crack the cipher.
Jacobite exile Mary Dundas is filled with longingâfor freedom, for adventure, for the family she lost. When fate opens the door, Mary dares to set her foot on a path far more surprising and dangerous than she ever could have dreamed.
As Maryâs gripping tale is revealed, Sara is faced with challenges that will require letting go of everything she thought she knewâabout herself, about loyalty, and especially about love. Though divided by centuries, these two women will be united in a quest to discover the limits of trust and the coincidences of fate.
***** Giveaway for FIVE Susanna Kearsley backlist Bundles published by Sourcebooks ***
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner will be selected from the publisher and notified after the tour is over
Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is known for her meticulous research and exotic settings from Russia to Italy to Cornwall, which not only entertain her readers but give her a great reason to travel. Her lush writing has been compared to Mary Stewart, Daphne du Maurier, and Diana Gabaldon. She hit the bestseller lists in the U.S. with The Firebird (a RITA winner) as well as, The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden (both RITA finalists and winners of RT Reviewersâ Choice Awards). Other honors include National Readers’ Choice Awards, the prestigious Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, and finaling for the UK’s Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Her popular and critically acclaimed books are available in translation in more than 20 countries and as audiobooks. She lives in Canada, near the shores of Lake Ontario.
Apr 19, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Grace Burrowes, Uncategorized
The Duke’s Disaster by Grace Burrowes is another powerful story of blind faith that will enchant and romance you. When Noah Winters realizes that he must marry, it becomes a challenge. His situation is rather dire. As he proposes to Lady Araminthea Collins she gives him one request, and he is intrigued.
Most women dream of a handsome suitor, one that they are in love with. Thea doesn’t have that luxury and her faith is broken. Will she ever escape her horrible past? If their relationship is based on necessity, will she ever find love? Noah has patience, but every man has a breaking point. What will he do? Will Thea allow herself to just let go?
A Duke’s world is never easy, as it’s full of expectations and demands. Will Noah be strong enough to handle his responsibilities? This story is full of secrets, misunderstandings and rich with innocence that will pull you in and have you reading this fabulous story in one sitting. Just be sure you sit down in a comfy and cozy chair, you might not be getting up for a while đ
I always enjoy reading Grace’s books as they are each a treasure, and this is no exception! The perfect amount of sizzle and intrigue in this regency treat!
I received this ARC from the publisher for a fair and honest review. Check out the excerpt below and see for yourself đ
Excerpt
The Duke and Duchess are having a rocky start to their marriage, also to their dayâŠ
âYour tea, Duchess.â
Noah had woken up beside his wifeâagain, despite all plans to the contraryâcreating another first for him. Thea had risen several times during the night to tend to herself. He hadnât realized that monthly courses caused a womanâs rest to be interrupted.
Crashingly bad planning, for a ladyâs sleep to be disturbed when she most needed rest.
âYouâre not about to steal my tea?â Thea held out the cup, her gaze shy as she sat propped against the headboard.
âWhereâs the fun in stealing whatâs freely offered?â Noah settled in beside her and filched a bite of her cinnamon toast. âWould you rather have chocolate this morning?â
âBecause?â
âYouâreââ Noah waved a hand in the direction of her middleââindisposed.â
âI am not indisposed.â Thea set her teacup down with a little clink. âThe discomfort has passed, as it always does. You neednât be concerned.â
âI am not concerned, Thea.â Not greatly concerned, now that sheâd stopped ordering him to go away and was ready for a proper spat. âI am attempting in my bumbling way to dote. You will allow it.â
Drat. Heâd given another order.
âYou couldnât bumble if one gave you written instructions, Anselm,â Thea said, looking a little less peaked for having run up her flags. âThat was my toast you appropriated.â
âAppropriation is what happens when oneâs wife canât appreciate a little doting. Youâre being stingy with the tea, just as you were stingy with the covers. How long does this indisposition last?â
Her chin came up. âI am the Duchess of Anselm. I am not stingy with anything, but you are a very presuming husband.â
âDoting.â Noah took Theaâs free hand to kiss her knucklesâ lest she mistake his point. âAlso in need of my duchessâs guidance on this one marital matter.â
âThis is so personal.â Theaâs gaze was on their joined handsâ for Noah would not have her haring off in a fit of mortification. âI didnât think youâd be a personal sort of husband. You were supposed to appear in my dressing-room doorway a few nights a month, silently take a few marital liberties, and then leave me in peace. Weâd trade sections of the Times over breakfast the next morning.â
âProsaic.â Boring and exactly what Noah himself had envisioned. âHard to see any doting going on, though.â
âHusband?â Theaâs tone was hesitant. âThank you, for keeping me company last night. I would not have known how to ask.â
âI suppose thatâs the definition of doting.â Noah lingered at the cart to assemble a plate. âItâs the little things you canât bring yourself to ask for, that an attentive spouse will enjoy providing to you. Bacon or ham?â
âA little of both, please.â
âFeeling carnivorous?â
âIâm a trifle indisposed. I need the sustenance.â
Noah piled both ham and bacon on Theaâs plate, and stole better than half of it, because he needed the sustenance too.
*****GIVEAWAY – Grace Burrowes Book Bundle and Literary Embosser*****
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21996394-the-duke-s-disaster
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/1FMKux4
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/1xmRtvf
iTunes: https://apple.co/1MVrkoL
Author Biography:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a PW Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight was a Library Journal Best Book of 2012, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid was a PW Best Book of 2012. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.
Social Networking Links
Website: https://www.graceburrowes.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4152482.Grace_Burrowes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grace-Burrowes/115039058572197
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/GraceBurrowes
Apr 18, 2015 | April 2015, Blog, Blog Blitz, Uncategorized
The Lady Meets Her Match (Midnight Meetings) by Gina Conkle is a mysterious, intense and charming story of wit and determination. All Claire Mayhew wants is to own her own business, and is willing to do just about anything to get it. Despite society’s rules and restrictions, Claire is desperate to make her own way. Can she do that despite not being married?
In order to get what she wants she had a simple task – get in and out of the masked ball, without being discovered. However, when she comes face to face with Cyrus Ryland, the chase is on. Who’s playing who? Sparks ignite with all the mystery and the banter that’s exchanged between them is fantastic. It’s an absolutely fabulous story with chemistry that will melt your heart and a fantastic plot with rich details.
What happens when Cyrus decides he needs to know more? Will it cost him everything? Both have pasts that if discovered, could jeopardize their future. This Cinderella was a belle at the ball until the clock struck midnight, will Claire survive if she’s discovered? What will happen when she discovers what really keeps Cyrus up at night.
A beautiful story of hope, determination and lust. The attraction between the two is super hot and super intense. Secret desires. Secret hobbies. This cat and mouse game of seduction is smart and well played. I wish all men would do the laundry the way Cyrus did đ
I received this ARC for a fair and honest review from the publisher and absolutely loved it! I look forward to reading more books by Gina, what a great series! I’m looking forward to your next release.
*****
Today weâre sitting down with historical romance author Gina Conkle! Ginaâs latest book, The Lady Meets Her Match, comes out this April. A quick question from Gina Conkle:
Q: What inspired you to become a writer?
A: I read Gone with the Wind in fifth grade and knew I wanted to be a writer, but apparently the writer bug goes further back. At Christmas, my mom dug up my grandmotherâs old newsletters (my grandma had been involved in international stamp collecting and the California Historical Society). Grandma wrote that Iâd been published in a local San Diego cookbook (a project Iâd forgotten). She called me a âbudding writer.â I was in kindergarten!
An Excerpt
Cyrus removed his fine blue coat, the slide of cloth on cloth an inviting sound to her benumbed senses.
âYouâre not warming up sufficiently.â He leaned in and wrapped his coat over her shoulders, his deep voice like an intimate connection. âSomeone needs to take care of you.â
She shuddered when his breath tickled her ear. His warmth and nearness was just as heavenly as what he draped around her. She could tell he found her refusal more amusing than deterring. Cyrus closed the coat in front of her, his body heat palpable inside. The collarâs woven broadcloth brushed her rain-misted cheeks, his pleasant scent on the cloth. The coat was part of an expensive, well-tailored ditto suit: identical blue fabric with spare gold trim on the coat, waistcoat, and breeches.
âIâll ruin part of a perfectly good suit.â But she pulled the coat tighter, greedy for the snug feel.
He added more coal to the blaze. The infernoâs orange light danced across white cotton stretched over his shoulders. Muscles moved under the fabric, mesmerizing her while he built a hotter fire. And then there was his offer to waive her rent and give her a loan, an offer apparently free of unique requirements. His act of generosity pinched her conscience.
How dare he be soâŠnice.
âAbout the rent, the loan, I cannot accept your kind offer.â She cleared her throat, trying to sound competent. âIâll find a way.â
Ryland glanced at her but said nothing to counter her refusal. Instead, he dropped to the floor, kneeling before her. Without asking her leave, he removed one shoe and then the other, and set the soaked footwear against the hearthâs ash pan.
âWhat are you doing?â Her words, like her body, went slack, all of her too worn down.
His head bent close to her knee. One hand, large and warm, curled around her ankle, rubbing life back into her foot. A big, masculine palm moved under the arch, creating delightful friction. She pressed her lips together, holding back a moan of pleasure.
âI would think a land stewardâs daughter would know wet clothes are hazardous for oneâs health.â He flashed a devilish grin. âYou ought to remove your wet clothes, cover yourself with something warm and dry.â
Such as covering myself with you.
****GIVEAWAY*****
Rafflecoptor Link: a Rafflecopter giveaway
5 copies of Meet the Earl, Gina’s first book in Gina Conkle’s Midnight Series. The winners will be selected by the publisher after the tour on or around 4/20. Winner be contacted directly by publisher.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/1FrN62T
Apple: https://apple.co/1bczPjI
BAM: https://bit.ly/1APsoUB
B&N: https://bit.ly/1GNfRWg
Indiebound: https://bit.ly/1bczVHZ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/18TXsf4
Author Info:
Gina Conkle, a history nerd to the core, loves castles and museums. Her motto is âthe older and moldier, the better.â When not enjoying relics, she lives in the present, dabbling in organic gardening at her home in San Diego, California. She lives with Brian, her husband and favorite alpha male, and their two boys. Visit her at www.ginaconkle.com.
