Guest Author & Giveaway: Amanda Usen featuring Scrumptious

I love food.  I love romance.  Is it any wonder that I'm drawn to romances featuring men who can cook?  LOL.  A man who is delicious AND can create bliss with food....very sexy.  Could be me just not liking to cook, yet wanting to eat ;)

My guest today is debut author Amanda Usen who is not only lucky enough to be married to such a man, but she also gets to write heroes who are just as tempting.  Like the one in her new book Scrumptious.  Amanda is here to share not only her recipe for love, but also one of the recipes that her hero Joe makes in the book. Yum!  Read and enjoy!

How a Chef Becomes an Author: a Recipe for Love

In all honesty, I was a writer before I became a chef. I majored in creative writing at Vanderbilt University with a concentration in poetry. I dated bad boys who broke my heart with distressing regularity – actually, it would be more precise to say I dashed my heart to bits on them – and I wrote soul-torching poetry and short stories about my love life. I had every intention of pursuing an MFA in poetry but instead of writing, I cooked, so I went to culinary school. There I met a hot-chef-in-training who promised to make me happy for the rest of my life. Thus far, he has succeeded, but in one sense finding a good man was bad for me. My perfect husband made me too cheerful to write agonizing poetry!

But a writer doesn’t stop writing, and I became enchanted by the idea of a story about a chef and a pastry chef falling in love. After all, they do say write what you know…

Apparently, I know bad boys, bad girls and food. I used my hot chef husband as a jumping off point for Joe Rafferty (the ice-blue eyes, the shoulders to-die-for) but then he took on a life of his own. Trust me, if my Western New York born and bred husband ever called me sugar, I’d roll on the floor laughing. Now Joe…I’d let him call me anything he wants.

I’ll also admit Marlene Bennet is the pastry chef I’d like to be with bigger boobs and better hair. Why the heck not? I was writing the story! Her desserts are my standbys – and most of them were featured on the menu at Bayona in New Orleans when I was Susan Spicer’s pastry chef. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have the chocolate cheesecake in Chapter Two to thank for my warm welcome into my husband’s family. As for the rest of the food in Scrumptious, I used recipes my husband and I make all the time. (Yes, even the pig. We roast a whole pig for the block party every year.) It was easier that way – less research!

In Scrumptious, Joe makes red curry twice – once for Marlene and once for a food critic visiting the restaurant. Chef Corey Griffith of Nashville, TN, introduced me to Thai food just before I went to culinary school. I’ve loved dumplings and Thai curry ever since. Here’s my recipe for red curry. I wouldn’t exactly call it authentic. However, it is easy to throw together on a weeknight, and even my kids will eat it!

I used this recipe in Scrumptious because it holds so many happy memories for me. Do you have any foods that bring you joy when you eat them, or even think about them? What are they?

 

TALL, DARK & DELICIOUS

Joe Rafferty is just as mouthwatering as the food he cooks. But if he thinks he's going to waltz in and take over her kitchen, he's denser than a thick slice of chocolate ripple cheesecake. Marly has invested too much of her life in Chameleon to hand off the restaurant to someone else—especially a cocky–as–all–get–out superstar chef. But there's no denying the man knows how to light her fire. Question is: Can she have the sizzle without feeling the burn?

Read an excerpt

Congratulations Amanda and thanks for being my guest today!  Scrumptious was a lot of fun, and just reinforced my belief that my perfect man will a) no how to cook, & b) play the piano (has nothing to do with the book, just something that I love).  You are one lucky woman ;)  Amanda's next book Luscious featuring a character from Scrumptious will be out this summer.

If you'd like to learn more about Amanda Usen and the delicious books she writes you can find her at her website www.amandausen.com, her blog, Twitter, and Facebook.  I'm gonna be checking out all of the recipes listed on her blog...especially the XXX Chocolate Chip Cookies :)  I love a good chocolate chip cookie, but I might just be won over by her chocolate mousse.  Decisions, decisions.

To celebrate the release of Amanda Usen's debut, Scrumptious, her publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, would like to giveaway a print copy of the book to one Musings reader.  Here's how you can enter to win...

Ways to earn entries:

• Mandatory:  Answer the question Amanda asked readers in her post & don't forget to leave her some comment love or a question! (good for 1 entry)
• Mandatory: You MUST be a Google Friend Connect (GFC) follower in order to be eligible to win (unfortunately an email subscriber, or subscription in Google reader, and a follower are not the same thing so make sure you are signed up as a follower if you'd like to win this book)
• If you have a blog, or even if you don't, you can earn extra entries by telling your friends. If they successfully enter to win and mention that you sent them you can each earn extra entries. You can blog about it with a link to this post, post it on Facebook, Twitter, email...or even word of mouth (good for 5 entries for the referrer and the commenter for each friend) . Please note that to earn the points they must mention your GFC name so that I can match you.  
• You can also earn extra entries by sharing the flipbook excerpt on Facebook, Twitter, your website or blog or other social media sites. You can earn 5 entries for each place that you share it and leave a link in the comments.
• Purchase any item from the Seductive Musings Amazon store by using this link, or the Amazon widget contained within this post and email a copy of your purchase receipt to me no later than the deadline to enter (email available in sidebar). Sorry purchases made prior to this date do not apply, and link contained in this post must be used. No faxes or snail mail copies are allowed. No purchases are necessary to win. (good for 25 entries, or 50 entries if a purchase is made from the featured author's available titles)

How to enter:

• You can choose to enter as many different ways that you want, but please place all of your entries in ONE comment 

Rules and disclaimers:

• This contest is open to US & Canadian addresses only
• You must be at least 18 years or older, or of legal age in your country
• The contest will end on January 30th at 11:59 pm EST and winner will be posted after they have been selected
• Winner(s) will be selected using Random.org
• The winner(s) will have THREE days from the date they are posted to provide a mailing address. If you do not contact me within three days a replacement winner will be selected. NO EXCEPTIONS
• The book(s) will be mailed directly from the publisher or author and no substitutions are allowed
• Winners will be subject to one copy per household, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, that you will only receive one copy of the title in the mail
• Seductive Musings is not responsible for prizes that are not honored, distributed in a timely manner, lost, stolen, or damaged during transit 
• All giveaways are subject to change/cancellation without prior written notice

Good Luck!

*Seductive Musings is an Amazon affiliate and receives a very small referral fee for purchases made via the links on the blog and through the Seductive Musings Amazon Store. Read the full disclosure here.

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Guest Author: Vivian Arend....Cowboys have Great Hands

I know I said today I would have my 2011 favorites list and overall recap...but it's not done yet.  Instead, I have something infinitely better!  Sneak peeks to not one, but two new romances featuring cowboy heroes...both of which are good with their hands.  Definitely better than some boring recap, right?

Vivian Arend is here to save my hide, so to speak, and share a preview of her upcoming contemporary romance, Rocky Mountain Desire, as well as Emma Lang's new historical romance, Matthew.  See, told you it was better ;)  Read and enjoy!

My friend Beth Williamson (who also writes as Emma Lang) and I got to talking, and we realized both of our next releases feature a to-die-for hero by the name of Matthew. Both books are westerns, although hers is historic and mine is contemporary.

It was too good a chance to miss. So I’ve arranged a little “Ode to Matthew”—five lovely little tidbits proving these cowboys are very good at a lot of things! We hope you’ll enjoy taking a ride with our boys! (The full list of places to visit to read tidbits is listed at my blog.)

In this post we’re going for Cowboys Have Great Hands…

A man learns to hold what is his…

It is a vast spread in the eastern wilds of the newly independent Republic of Texas, the ranch their parents fought for … and died for. To the eight Graham siblings, no matter how much hard work or hard love it takes, life is unthinkable without family…

In the wake of his parents’ murder, Matthew Graham must take the reins at the Circle Eight. He also needs to find a wife in just thirty days, or risk losing it all. Plain but practical, Hannah Foley seems the perfect bride for him . . . until after the wedding night.

Their marriage may make all the sense in the world, but neither one anticipates the jealousies that will result, the treacherous danger they’re walking into, or the wildfire of attraction that will sweep over them, changing their lives forever.

Enjoy this special excerpt from Matthew...and his "magic" hands :)

“Roll over and pull up your nightdress, Hannah.”

It didn’t sound sexy, but it sure made her feel naughty as she managed to do what he asked. Her muscles were in sorry shape, but it was the idea his bare hands would be rubbing her that was foremost in her mind.

“My hands are a little rough.” He opened the tin and put some liniment on his hands.

“I don’t mind,” she confessed into the pillow. “I like your hands.”

He chuckled softly. “I’m glad to hear it. Now try to relax.”

Now that would be quite a challenge. She wanted to enjoy the experience, but her anxiety was warring with her need.

Matt touched her behind her knees, making circles as he worked his way up to her thighs. Although his fingers were strong, his touch wasn’t overly so. She closed her eyes and focused on how good it felt.

Her sore muscles slowly unknotted under his hands. Matt’s thumbs swiped her inner thighs, so close to her core that she clenched her muscles. A jolt of pain slammed up her body at the sudden movement.

He stopped, his hands still touching her. “Easy, Hannah. I’m not going to hurt you. I promise.”

“I know. I, um, I’m not used to people touching me there.” She sounded foolish to her own ears.

“I’m not people. I’m your husband.”

Hannah was glad he couldn’t see her blushing. “Please keep going.”

After a moment, he started again. She wanted to show him how much she trusted him, truly she did, so she spread her legs wider.

He made a funny noise and his hands momentarily stopped. “You, ah, surprise me.”

“I hope so,” she spoke into her pillow but she hoped he heard her.

His thumbs traveled upwards again, nearing her pulsing core, then slid past to her behind. He spread her cheeks with each circle, allowing cold air to land on her heated center. Cold. Hot. Cold. Hot.

When he kissed the nape of her neck, a moan popped out of her mouth. The massage had turned into something much more.

If you enjoyed that excerpt you should check out Emma's blog where she is gifting her readers with sneak peek previews every day until release day, as well as the chance to win a copy of the book

Nothing comes easy. You’ve gotta work for it.

Matt Coleman always figured at this point in his life, he’d be settled down with a family. Since his ex split for the big city, though, no way will he give anyone else the chance to drop-kick his heart. Physical pleasure? Hell, yeah, he’ll take—and give—with gusto, but nothing more.

Hope Meridan is working long hours to hold on to her new quilt shop, going it alone since her sister/business partner ran off. Sex? Right, like she’s got the time. Not that she doesn’t have the occasional dirty fantasy about Matt. Fat chance he’d dream of knocking boots with her—the younger sister of the woman who dumped him. Nope, she’ll just have to settle for the F-word.

Friends would be far easier if there wasn’t something combustible going on between them. And when casual interest starts to grow into something more, their tenuous bond strengthens in the heat of desire. But it may not survive the hurricane-force arrival of the last person either of them ever wanted to see again…

Warning: Small-town rivals, men in pursuit and family meddling—in good and bad ways. Look for a cowboy who knows how to rope, ride and rein in a hell of a lot more than eight seconds of sheer bliss.

How about a second helping of Matthew?  Enjoy this snippet from Rocky Mountain Desire...

“Okay, I’ll help you. Just…relax.”

She nodded, eyes closed. That made it easier—not having to watch those expressive orbs as he peeled off her outer layers and got her down to her T-shirt and slacks. Goose bumps rose on her arms, and he was a bastard for noticing her nipples were rigid under the thin layers of her top. When he led her into the bathroom, she went without a complaint.

He turned on the taps for the tub and she nodded. “Oh yeah, that’s what I need. Perfect.”

That’s when the lights went out.

A million scenarios flashed through Matt’s brain where this would be a good thing. If he’d rescued some random damsel in distress from the side of the road who he’d taken back to a hotel and the power had gone off, they’d have to share body heat to survive. One thing would lead to another, and the heat they generated would be most enjoyable.

Hope. This is Hope.

“Matt? I’ve got candles.”

She bumped into him. He’d half-expected it though and managed to keep his balance. Logic and self-control were going to be the only way out of this mess with his sanity intact. “You need a hand?”

“Yeah, but just wait.” She snuck past him, clinging to his waist for a second. Something clattered to the floor then a drawer opened. She groped her way down his arm just before icy cold fingers pressed the hard surface of a lighter into his palm. A rosy glow filled the room as he followed her directions and lit the couple dozen tea lights arranged around the room.

“Convenient.”

“Pretty,” she corrected. “It’s a part of my relaxation therapy. Never thought I’d need them for this.”

Steam rose from the tub. “Thank God for gas hot-water heaters. I didn’t make it too hot though—you’re too cold. We can add hotter water once you’ve warmed up.”

Hope nodded. “Matt? You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?”

He was thinking things that were going to send him to hell. He undid the button on her jeans as quickly as possible, opening the zipper. Ignored her soft gasp as his cold knuckles bumped the heated skin of her bare belly. “I’m not leaving until I know you’re okay. Take off your pants and get in the tub.”

She obeyed clumsily. “You too, right?”

Bloody hell. “Yes, me too.”

Want more?  Enjoy an extended (and yummy) excerpt here.

Thanks Vivian! I can't wait to read both of these books, 'cause you all know how much I have a soft spot for cowboys! They are second only to Highlanders (the kilt...it's the kilt, and the sword that tops the cowboys...though in spirit they are much the same). 

Emma Lang's Brava historical romance, which begins the new Circle of Eight series, Matthew, comes out next week on January 31st.  Thank heavens for small favors, because I don't know if I would be able to wait much longer :)

Vivian's third release in the Six Pack Ranch series, Rocky Mountain Desire, doesn't come out until March 13th...torture...the wait will be torture my friends.  She's been teasing readers with Matt's story since Rocky Mountain Heat.  Evil, she's evil :)

If you'd like to learn more about either author you can find Vivian at her website, blog, Twitter and Facebook, and you can find Emma at her website, blog, Twitter, Facebook & Goodreads.  Congrats ladies!  

Finally,  I thought I would give you one last parting gift....one of my favorite Matthews :)  Have a good one!

*Seductive Musings is an Amazon affiliate and receives a very small referral fee for purchases made via the links on the blog and through the Seductive Musings Amazon Store. Read the full disclosure here.

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Monday's Muse: It's All in the Thighs...

Usually the saying is it's all in the eyes, but last week Carol L commented on the cover model's thighs on the cover of Surrender by Pamela Clare, and I had to agree that they were completely noteworthy :)  Great thighs on a man are underrated in my opinion.  I like them to have some bulk to them...not like massively big, but I do like them to be bigger than mine, LOL...all muscle of course :) 

So in honor of noteworthy thighs that you can sigh over, I give you this week's Muse.  Carol, this one is for you my friend, I hope he lives up to your expectations!


This week at Seductive Musings:

• Tuesday & Wednesday:  I hope to post a few reviews. Lord knows I have just a few tons to choose from so I'm just gonna wing it and hope to make at least two happen.
• Thursday:  2011 Favorites.  I was going to post this last week, but it took a little bit longer to put together, and didn't have time to finish it last week, and I want to make sure I at least get it done in January...which means this week is it.
• Friday:  Contemporary Romance author Amanda Usen will be my guest to share her new novel Scrumptious with us.  Yum!  Cupcakes and a hot man on the cover, what more could you ask for :)
• Tempting Trailer: This week's tempting trailer is for Kresley Cole's new Immortals After Dark book, Lothaire.  I'm a bit behind on this series.  Have you read this latest one?  Should I put it on my TBR?  I also have to admit, once an author goes hardcover...it's usually the kiss of death for me.  Sheree, is this Paul Marron?  If anyone knows, it'd be you :)

Finally, I'd like to congratulate all of the authors with new releases this week, especially Musings authors Sabrina Jeffries, & Mari Carr!

*Seductive Musings is an Amazon affiliate and receives a very small referral fee for purchases made via the links on the blog and through the Seductive Musings Amazon Store. Read the full disclosure here.

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