Featured at the Romance Author Hotspot :D :D

 http://romanceauthorhotspot.com/ba-tortuga-fighting-addiction/

Go! See! I told stories and goofed off wildly. :D

MJ/Sonny for Julia

http://batortugaflashfiction.blogspot.com/2012/10/mjsonny-at-halloween-for-julia.html

Happy Halloween! :D

So, today will be goofy Halloween snippet day. Supper is in the crockpot. Halloween candy has been procured.

Should you have requests, now's the time. 

Julia started with MJ and Sonny, so they'll be first!

:D

Happy Hallo-Week! :D

Okay, that was stupid, still, it made me laugh like a monkey.

Today's treat is a Coke/Dillon flash fic, celebrating the season. It's in the Flash Fiction tab above or, alternatively, here: http://batortugaflashfiction.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-halloween-cokedillon-short.html

Much love and, please, if you're in the way of Sandy, take care of your baby bodies? I'm praying for all y'all. 

BA

 

Six Sentence Sunday -- Hammer and Tongs

The Rangers were coming for him, driving him out of El Paso, his Strawberry running like the hounds of hell themselves were after them.

Virgil kept his head down, leaning as close to Strawberry's neck as he could, the zing of the bullets whizzing about them. Maybe his daddy had been right; maybe he was cursed.

It sure felt like it, the way trouble dogged his steps. The heat beat down on them, horse and man together, making him feel like they were ember bright on the horizon, and he burned down to his bones, the sound of Evan's cries chasing him.

The little yellow belly had ratted him out, left him running from the hangman's noose.

***

Hey, y'all! :)

This is from my current m/m western historical, Hammer and Tongs. I hope y'all enjoy.

Want to play along? It's fun and easy!

1. Pick a project -- a current WIP, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you're published.

2. Pick 6 sentences.

3. Post 'em on your blog or website on Sunday. :D

What I Worked on This Week

Man, I am glad to be home, I just wish all my laundry was done... ;-)

 

 

Active writing:

 

Tag Team: Fais Do Do -- m/m novel. This one is different than I expected. Landon's less experienced, Tag's grumpier. I love it when the boys surprise you.

 

The Terms of Release -- m/m novel. This is one of those surprise books that I only work on for an hour a day because it's not on the schedule. OMG, y'all. This boy is broke.

 

Hammer and Tongs -- m/m Western. Still toddling along. There promises to be naughtiness. :D

 

m/m/f novel (co-write with Julia) -- fun, sexy menage with were cats, they're STILL in the middle of their first sex scene.

 

 

In edits/rewrites:

 

The Four Horsemen: Ace and Kitty -- I didn't get a chance to look at these guys this week, again-again-again-again-again-again. O.o (Okay, I have shame...) However, I promised my beta she'd have it November 1, so it's happening.

What She Wants is back from editing, so I know what I'm doing today. 

 

 

Next up:

 

Same song, same tune. No changes here.

 

;-)

 

Much love, y'all.

 

BA

My Top Ten Bullriding Moments

Up in the Roughstock Series tab: http://roughstockseries.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-top-ten-favorite-bullriding-moments.html

GRL Wrapup and contest

Hrm.

Wrap ups are hard.

Let's see.

My con heroes: Cat Grant for helping on the shuttle. Damon Suede, for not making me feel like I was going to squash him if I fell on him. Amy Lane, for answering an emergency text and last minute water. Kiernan Kelly and her publicist for, shit, EVERYTHING. Kristi, for handling things like a pro and letting me retire from the publishing business. Teresa and Ethan for calm. Carol for being the best smoking buddy in history. The Hard Rock hotel for all the dear care. Andrew Grey for just being someone that makes me believe. 

It was so wonderful to sit and visit and I miss people already.

Please, let next year be not in a wheelchair. I'm *way* more fun mobile.

Oh! Oh! I have a little pack of goodies for someone that didn't get to attend -- a stress bull, a bag, little ends and odds. If you'd like, leave a comment and I'll pick a winner Monday. :D

Much love, y'all. :D

BA

Six Sentence Sunday -- Tag Team WIP

Adam’s body surprised him by tightening up a little, sexual tension riding him some.

There was something delicious about that tight little ass, the promise of that flat belly. He could tear himself up some bayou boy, yessir.

Maybe that was what he ought to do. Just tear the kid up, give them both what they obviously wanted. Then maybe he could get the little fuck out of his mind.

***

This snippet is from Adam's story, Tag Team, that I'm currently plugging away at.  (Yes, you heard me, New Roughstock Book in the works)

Want to play along? It’s fun and easy

1. pick a project – a current WIP, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2. pick six sentences

3. post ‘em on your blog or website on Sunday

What I Worked On This Week

Spent my week at GRL, so the writing's been dreadfully sparse.

Active writing:

Tag Team: Fais Do Do -- m/m novel. Wow, Adam's a lot more... fierce than I expected. I understand now why he and Coke are fast friends.

Hammer and Tongs -- m/m Western. This one's just started. I don't know enough about the boys to share with y'all yet.

m/m/f novel (co-write with Julia) -- fun, sexy menage with were cats, they're in the middle of their first sex scene.

In edits/rewrites:

The Four Horsemen: Ace and Kitty -- I didn't get a chance to look at these guys this week, again-again-again-again-again. O.o

Next up:

I'll be here at GRL/traveling/family-ing until Tuesday morning.  Then, banging out the words.

;-)

Much love, y'all.

BA

GRL -- Days 3 and 4

So, Friday, GRL Day 3, how you confounded me.

;-)

I woke up and fell in the bathroom (there was a terrible leak in the bathroom and water and crutches and...), then I crutch to the elevator and chat with Damon Suede, only to slip and fall again.

On Damon.

*sighs*

Being the total gentlemen he was, Damon helped me get to the lobby and sat down and I texted my sister, Kristi, to come help. (I was trying to let Julia sleep in.) We breakfasted downstairs (not with Andrew and Dom, which was sad, because they make me happy), then we headed to our trek downtown.

Torquere was hosting the lunch at the Wool Factory and everyone there was so dear, so kind. I swear, y'all EVERYONE showed up, even the folks that got dropped off at the wrong place for the lunch. Carol Lynne and Ethan Day had organized everything for Torquere, and they even had a plate of guacamole and sliced tomatoes, just for gluten free me.

I got to announce my resignation from Torquere, which made me a little teary. I have to tell y'all, though, I'm so proud that we've grown the business big enough and well enough that we have a general manager and I can step down and write full-time. Still... there were a lot of shocked faces and a few tears.

Kerry Freeman and Bella Leone were at our table and gave me hugs and held my hand. It was dear.

Kristi and Julia took me to CVS for more crutches and diet Sprite, then we came back to the hotel and got ready for our night.

*grins*

Booze, steak, potato skins, cheesecake, Tiffany Mason, Kristi, Julia, Leigh Collette and me.

We laughed and gossiped, snorted and teased -- goodness, it was fun, and then the Resplendence karaoke party! OMG! Kerry and her lovely husband let us sit with them. Carol Lynne sang. Kerry sang. Erica sang Bohemian Rhapsody. I did sing, but from my chair and very drunkenly, because the doctor called me in the good drugs and I was doped up! There were nummy snacks, Cokes, and tons of books.

Too wonderful.

I slept in today (good drugs), set up the book signing table. Hugged my dearest Bella and her entourage goodbye. I got to sit across from Kelly and the Ellora's Cave table during the book signing. I signed about 20 books, sold quite a few and, best of all, got hugs and visits and squeals. Thanks so much to all the readers that came to see me, since I couldn't maneuver around to see them. If I did anything weird, remember I was on the good drugs.

Then?

BOWLING PARTY!!!

OMG, the fun. We had an absolute blast! I mean it -- there were a good-sized group of us, bowling and applauding and signing books. Kiernan and I shared a team (She BOWLED-- with her broken foot and  everything! I am so impressed. That woman is hard core).

We came back to the hotel and just died. We're sitting on the sofa like giant blobs, staring at the TV and  drinking diet Sprite and leaning on each other. I hugged Kristi goodbye (I get to see her in a month). I have lunch with Ariel tomorrow and hugs with folks before flying home Monday.

:D

Final con report tomorrow.

Much love,

BA

GRL #2

Lord, y'all. What a day.

Sitting with my foot up, resting.

I got hugs from Bella, Leandra, Poppy, Damon, Amy, Amy, Kristi, ZA, Kiernan, TC, Amy (there are a lot of Amy's here), Andrew, Dom, Candy, Ariel, Adrianna, and so many more.

Folks came and took swag -- I brought stress bulls and pink bags, Julia brought chip clips and crayons. We helped Kristi with the Torquere spotlight where we sat and visited with AR Moler, Kiernan Kelly, Charlie Cochet, the lovely ladies from Resplendence, TC Blue, Bella Leone and a bunch of folks, answering questions and just chilling out.

Then I got to sign a bunch of scrapbook pages, get more hugs, visit with folks, and just chill out. We had a ball at the welcoming party, visited and then my poor foot started swelling.

Now I'm sitting and fighting vicious leg cramps while Julia and Kristi stuff swag bags for tomorrow's lunch.

:D

Much love, y'all.

BA

GRL Wednesday :D

So this morning before I went downstairs to socialize (and socialize I did --I got hugs and had lunch and coffee and gossiped and just had a BALL), I got my badge out, so folks knew who I was.

I ended up taking the Torquere Press badge off. 

I know.

Weird, huh?

Julia and I started Torquere Press 9 years ago and, about six months ago I started making the wonderful transition from author/publisher to full-time author. I step down from my duties at Torquere Press January 1, 2013, but I've been 1/2 time since September 1. 

I love Torquere's new general manager (I should, she's my sister and the one with the marketing and business degree. She's perfect for the job), but there was a little sadness, because, you know, Torquere is our baby. Still, it's amazing to look at things from a solely author pov and to just wallow in the retreat part of GRL.

And my badge is lighter.

;-)

Much love, y'all.

BA

At GRL -- woo

So, traveling with the broken foot/wheelchair/crutches/etc sucks.

Like whoa.

But, being here in Albuquerque? Not sucky.

And the hotel is stunning, the people super-crazy friendly and helpful, the food good, the company fabulous and getting better.

All our boxes arrived, tacos were munched, Sprite was found. The balcony was explored. The bed is soft.

All-in-all, I'm happy.

I intend for there to be pictures tomorrow.

Please, if you're here and see the crazy Texans with the pink hair and wheelchair, come say hi. :D

Much love.

BA

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Heading to GRL in the morning and the puppies are SO SAD.

Our niece, Danielle, is housesitting while we're gone, but they're not buying that this is a great idea. Turkeys.

I intend to post updates from the con, but if you want weird blow-by-blows with photos? Twitter. 

I'll be tweeting like a madwoman. 

Y'all be good while I'm gone and, if you're in the Albuquerque, look me up. :D

Much love.

BA

Six Sentence Sunday -- Fighting Addiction

Today's Six Sentence is from Fighting Addiction:

His touch would say it all for him, and he knew it. He held on, needing to lean just as much as Seb.

They stood together, for a long, long time before he backed off and left, headed back to his house without a word. There wasn't anything to say. Not a thing. This wasn't going to happen, not for either of them, and they just needed to stop torturing themselves. 

***
This one is available now at Amazon. :D Hope you enjoyed.

Want to play along? It’s fun and easy
1. pick a project – a current WIP, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published
2. pick six sentences
3. post 'em on your blog or website on Sunday

What I Did This Week

This week's been busy and sort of hectic. We have company, we're getting ready for GRL.

Active writing:

Tag Team: Fais Do Do -- m/m novel. Still learning about the inner workings of Adam's mind

Hammer and Tongs -- m/m historical western

m/m/f novel (co-write with Julia) -- fun, sexy menage with werecats. 

The Terms of Release -- m/m contemporary. This one is working itself into an angstfest, so I'm only playing with it about an hour a day.


In edits/rewrites:

The Four Horsemen: Ace and Kitty -- I didn't get a chance to look at these guys this week, again-again-again-again. O.o

Mating Call 2: Taking the Lone Wolf (working title) -- In rewrites. Due to editor on Monday.


Next up:

I have to with Mating Call 2 in, and then I'm out of town at GRL. Don't expect a ton of word count this next week.

Much love, y'all.

BA

New Flash Fiction Up Featuring Sebastian from Fighting Addiction

:D

Hope y'all enjoy!

http://batortugaflashfiction.blogspot.com/

Werewolves, Julia, Laughing and Having a Ball

Look!

Moon Shine is out today. :D

Julia and I had so much fun co-writing the Cereus stories that we got to brainstorming and, suddenly, we had a ridge runner turned werewolf that was in desperate need of another growly man to nibble on.

I had an absolute ball writing this one, but I'll admit straight up, I'm dying to write the sequel, Absinthe. I won't spoil anything, but once y'all read it, you'll know of what a speak. 

*grins*

Here's the official-type blurb: 

Jenson expects all sorts of trouble being a moonshine runner, but he never thinks it will come from a werewolf bite. He’s dealing with all that while getting his next shipment ready, and he thinks he’s doing all right until David shows up.

Confused, scared, and hot as hell, David is just the kind of trouble Jenson doesn’t need, and everything he wants. Can he help David figure out who bit them both, and keep his life on track at the same time?

And here's an excerpt for you:

***

He smelled trouble about a half second before something landed on his back -- someone heavy and solid and hot. "Where is he?"

Jenson didn't stop to think. He just whirled, his arm pushing up under his attacker and sending the guy flying. Then he headed for his shotgun, which sat at the edge of the clearing. He was always careful not to mix gunpowder and sour mash.

His legs were taken out from under him, a lean, hawk-faced man with skin like leather staring down at him. "I don't want to hurt you. Where is he?"

"I don't want you to hurt me either." He kicked out with his right leg, sweeping the man off his feet.

The man landed with a hard thud, the solid little guy taking it well and rolling right up. It was impressive, and it told Jenson a lot. Like that the guy was not just a human.

"Please. You smell like him. Where can I find him? He did something to me."

"What do you mean I smell like him? Him who?" Jenson ducked to one side when the guy rushed him again.

"The man. The man that bit me!"

Fuck a doodle. It couldn't be. Could it? "Blond? Lean? Pretty?"

The dude nodded, heavy braid swinging. "I just need to find out what the fuck he did to me."

Huffing out a breath, Jenson caught up with the whole situation. Then he went to sniff the guy a bit, moving as close as he could. Damn it all. "Bit you, did he?"

"Yes! Where is he? What did he give me?" Those near-black eyes were snapping, the fading sun reflected in them.

"It's called lycanthropy, man. You're a werewolf."

"Nonsense." The man snorted. "I'm not hungry all the time. The Wendigo are starving, constantly. Everyone knows that."

Well, okay then. He guessed that showed him. "Cool. You're not an ethnically specific breed. Go you."

"What?" He got the look -- the Jesus, you're an insane hillbilly aren't you look. Which, okay, there was a still. Woods. Shotgun.

But he didn't have on overalls and he had all his teeth, goddamn it. He wasn't in Arkansas, either. His last name wasn't Hatfield or McCoy. He knew what the hell he was talking about. "You know, werewolf. Full moon. Grr."

"No way. I can't be a hunting guide if I'm eating people. Where the fuck is he?"

"I. Don't. Know." That should be clear enough, right? Jenson turned on his heel. He was done with this shit.

"You smell like him! Why the fuck are you hiding him?"

Jenson ducked the next rush, whirling around and whacking the idiot in the chest.

"I'm not! He bit me more than a year ago. I can't possibly smell like him."

"His trail led right here. Direct from Unicoi."

Huh. All the way up by the Cherokee forest. Bizarre. There was no way that asshole was here, not without Jenson scenting him on the wind. Right?

"You don't know where he is." The thin lips twisted. "Sorry for bothering you. My mistake." Then the man headed out, right back toward the trees.

Jenson was going to let him go. Was determined not to get involved. He had no wounded animal protective response. Which left him wondering why he turned around and went after the guy. "Wait. Maybe we can help each other."

"Do you know where he is? I have to see him. Stop this."

"I don't know, no. But if his trail led here, he's been hunting my happy ass. I can help you find him." He had no idea if it was true. Jenson just wasn't letting this guy get away so easy.

"I have to. Something's wrong with me." No shit on that. The guy's wolf was crawling under the surface, just waiting for the moon.

"I can help you with that, too." He could. He'd done his moons, and he'd done more when he changed unexpectedly the first time someone tried to take his still down after he'd been bit.

Those dark eyes pierced him. "How? I keep dreaming shit."

"I know. I been there. I've been like this longer."

"I'm going to kill him. He bit me."

Jenson wasn't sure it worked that way. What if, when and if you could kill the wolf who made you, you wiped out his whole progeny or whatever you called it?

No way was Jenson ready to die.

He growled a little, surprised as hell when the man rumbled back. Oh, he didn't think so. Jenson swelled up like a big frog, knowing he could look damned huge when he let his wolf play a little. He advanced, hoping to hell the other guy backed down.

There was moment where he thought the guy would, then the dark eyes flashed gold and their chests slapped together.

Oh. Hello. Whatever he might smell like, the other guy's scent was all male, hot and musky and just his type. Down, boy.

***

 *grins*

Can't wait to see what y'all think of it!

Here's your buy link, and it's available on Amazon and ARe as well. :D

http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_85&products_id=3716

Much love, y'all!

BA

Passionate Cooks Inspired Me

Y'all have been so dear, writing and squealing about the Ranch Hands (which I will cook and take pictures of, I swear, I just need to make beans first...) that I decided to share some of the other recipes that we play with around here. What's the goal? Well, I admit it, I hope y'all share with me. Cooking is one of my favorite things in the history of things and, since I'm gluten free, I don't eat out a whole lot. We all get into ruts and I'm hoping, if I share, y'all will too. 

Fall showed up in central Texas Saturday (don't worry, it's supposed to be back in the upper 80s by tomorrow, we won't get used to it), and I promised Julia that I'd make her potato soup the first day it was cool enough to. 

*grins*

I love potato soup, love it. My mother makes it, my sister makes it. I make it. I know, intellectually, that we all make it differently -- after all, I've been playing with this recipe for 30 years -- but in my heart, it tastes like my mother's, like home and warmth. :D

BA's Potato Soup 

(serves 4 BIG bowls)

4 big potatoes, sliced

1 box (4 cups) of chicken stock

4 pieces of bacon, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, smooched

1 can evaporated milk

1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 c. shredded cheddar

salt, pepper, chives, celery salt, mustard powder, cayenne pepper

So, get a nice big heavy pot and put your potatoes and your chicken stock together and cover. This is the time consuming part and the part where you're most likely to screw up. Too hot and you'll burn the taters. Too cold and you won't be eating until midnight. ;-) I start out at medium and raise the heat as the potatoes cook. 

While the taters are cooking, put your bacon, onion and garlic in a little skillet and let them render. 

(If I'm making cornbread or cheese breads or popovers, I start them.)

Once the potatoes are softening (you poke them with your spoon and they'll crumble) and your bacon/onion/skillet of the good stuff is cooked. put your bacon/onion mixture in. You'll need to judge on the grease in the pan. Lots of times, there isn't grease to speak of, but if you've got a lot of grease, don't put that in your soup, strain it out. It'll make it nasty. 

Add in the milk and sour cream and cheddar, stir and let it heat up before you put your spices in.

Now, I don't say how much spice to use, because really, it's up to you and your mouth. We like it spicy, so there's lots of mustard and cayenne. Start with a little, stir and taste, then add more. 

I have found, if it doesn't taste right, add more celery salt, but that could just be me.

:D

That's it. It makes 4 huge bowls, it heats up nicely, it's pretty and tasty and homey and will warm your bones.

Here's the link for the free ebook that inspired me to share this recipe. I'd love to hear y'all's best fall soup recipe, honest. We're always looking to experiment.

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-passionatecooks-944744-174.html

My Favorite Addiction

So, I spent a lot of time researching addictions for Fighting Addiction, because, well, that's sort of what the book's about, yeah? ;-)

I researched all sorts of addictions.

Food addictions. 

Sex addiction.

Drug addiction.

Alcohol addiction.

Recovering from your addictions.

I kept on and on until Jess, my research assistant, pointed out that she was fairly sure the DEA was starting a file on her poor baby body, so I took what she found me and ran with it.

During the research, I really got inside the heads of my boys, of what they were hooked on and why they were hooked. About what fascinated me so much about their issues.

That's when I reallized I had to acknowledge my addictions. 

Well, addiction.

I  only have one thing that I cannot do without.

It's the first thing I get in the morning. I have a favorite mug. I have a ritual around making the morning mug. I love that first sip.

It's what I need in the afternoon. (Triple espresso with almond milk)

My quad espressi after supper assures no one dies in the evenings.

There may even be a Starbucks budget line in the iBank.

Hi, I'm BA and I'm a coffee addict.

*waves*

To celebrate my addiction and Markus and Seb's addictions, I've put together a little goodie bag based on my favorite addiction that includes a signed print copy of Fighting Addiction.

How do you enter? Tell me your addiction here in the comments. Confess, y'all, don't make me be the only one.

I'll let me niece pick a winner Friday night.

Now, it's time for a cuppa.

Much love.

BA

Ndulgent Blog Hop Winner

Congrats to Carin! The gift certificate is on the way.

Also, tomorrow I'm doing a contest featuring my favorite addiction! 

:D

BA

Six Sentence Sunday -- Adding to His Collection

I've been reading these for a while and I decided to play (unofficially this week, possibly officially next week). 

This six sentences is from my upcoming m/m western Christmas story, Adding to His Collection: A Roughstock story.

***

They wouldn’t be alone, but they could feel each other out. If he was real lucky, they could duck off somewhere and feel each other up, too. He grinned at the thought, and Derrick moved even closer.

“Having good thoughts?”

“I am, cowboy, havin' deep thoughts.”

“I like it deep.”

***

This one is coming in December from Torquere Press. :D Hope you enjoyed.

Want to play along? It’s fun and easy

1. pick a project – a current WIP, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2. pick six sentences

3. post ‘em on your blog or website on Sunday

What I Worked On This Week

Spent my week getting ready for GRL and promoing Fighting Addiction. Also, I did my first ever podcast -- that was new and shiny! I'll probably do another one tomorrow. ;-)

Active writing:

Adding to His Collection: A Roughstock story -- m/m novella -- this one's a Christmas story in the Roughstock world. It's damn near done. I imagine it'll be into my editor by Friday. :D

Tag Team: Fais Do Do -- m/m novel. Yes. Yes, Adam Taggart is getting his book. :D still on the first chapter, but it's there.

m/m/f novel (co-write with Julia) -- fun, sexy menage with werecats. Spent last week rewriting, now we're back into it. It's about 1/5 done..


In edits/rewrites:

The Four Horsemen: Ace and Kitty -- I didn't get a chance to look at these guys this week, again-again-again-again. O.o

What She Wants -- 1/2 through read through

Mating Call 2 (untitled) -- need to brush up plot holes like whoa.



Next up:

I'll be working on the active windows all week, then I'll have a week off at GRL, visiting, getting plot bunnies and just relaxing. :D

;-)

Much love, y'all.

BA

Excerpt from Fighting Addiction (not exactly safe for work)

"You still want that ballad?"

"Yep. Girls love those, and they sell."

"We might have to watch some chick flicks." Markus strummed a little ching-a-ling. "I haven't had much romance."

"That's a fucking shame." He blinked, ducked his chin. "Sorry, man. Uh... Love gone wrong? New love? Booty call?"

"Booty call is very in." He couldn't look at Candy at all, not with the way the man's voice had gone gravelly.

"Yeah. Yeah. Old lovers needing to get it on?" Seb knew his cheeks were burning. He could so get it on with that long, muscled hardbody.

"That works. I think people can relate."

When he did finally glance up, those dark eyes were pointed down toward the guitar and Candy's face was bright red.

"Yeah. Yeah." He chuckled softly. "We got something to build on, for the song, I mean."

"We do." Now he got a sideways glance. "I mean, we ought to know, as old as we are."

"Positively ancient, you and me." Asshole.

"Yep. You're a year older."

Oh, that deserved something. Ice water to the chest maybe. Sebastian took a drink of his water, then went for it, squirting the hairy bastard smack between the nipples.

"Fuck! You little shit." In a flash, Markus had gently tossed the guitar aside and was hunting his ass.

He backed up, brandishing the water bottle, this time getting Candy in the crotch.

"Jesus."

He could almost see things shrivel. Taking time to gloat was a mistake, though. He ended up in the pool, Candy pulling a wrestling move on him. Like TV wrestling.

He floated up to the surface, treading water, sputtering and laughing. "Caveman!"

Markus yodeled. "You know it."

He flattened his hand and sent a huge wave from the pool, right at the big gorilla. The big gorilla who was now soaked.

"Yeehaw." Markus did a cannonball, sending water right into his face.

He dove deep, pinching Markus' ass as he moved underneath, swimming hard. The man was a fine swimmer, pacing him pretty good considering the head start he had. They reached the side of the pool at the same time, bodies slamming together.

His abs rolled, his hips bucking in a dance move older than music. For a long moment Markus rocked back against him, and that hard cock made itself known. Then Candy pulled away, pushing up out of the pool.

Sebastian took a couple of laps, cursing himself for all sorts of a fool. They weren't starting this shit again. Not at all. They couldn't afford to. Oh, he could pay people off with even more money than before, but it had damned near killed him to lose Candy the first time. He wasn't as strong as he used to be. Sometimes he thought that it would only take one more earthquake for his internal framework to come crashing down. God was a shitty contractor, taking the lowest bidder.

That would make a decent lyric, really.

He pulled himself up out of the pool, drying his sunglasses off before putting them back on.

More info and buy links here

ARe's Passionate Cooks Cookbook Out Today

And I have a recipe for one of Julia's favorite breakfasts in there, Ranch Hands. 

 

Now the recipe in the cookbook is written for home cooks. You know, ones with pots and pans and measuring spoons. 

I wanted to give you the recipe as written in my recipe box, as a bonus.

Ranch Hands Recipe, as written in Texan:

Stuff in it:

• spoonful of lard
• leftover onion from yesterday’s supper
• ladle of beans from yesterday’s supper
• nice bit of pepper sauce
• handful of cuminos
• 4 eggs
• couple bits of already cooked ham (or leave it out, if your beans got good pig in ‘em still)
• salt and cayenne
• leftover sauce from yesterday’s supper
• couple three handfuls of shredded cheese – white or yellow
• 2 big or 4 little tortillas

Fix it up:

First get your skillet hot enough to melt the lard and then cook up your onions ‘til they don’t stink. Put in your beans and the pepper sauce. Heat ‘em up, but don’t burn ‘em. Take ‘em off the fire when they’re hot and toss them in a bowl. Now, wash your skillet real good. Then cook up your eggs like you like ‘em. If you like ‘em scrambled, toss in the meat. Make sure to salt and pepper. When your eggs are fixin’ to be done, toss some sauce on ‘em, along with whatever meat you’re using -- lest of course you scrambled, then your meat's in there (I like to add more), then cheese ‘em and stick a lid or a cookie sheet over your skillet so stuff melts. Warm the tortillas up real quick, toss them on a couple of plates and go beans, egg with cheese, then some of the sauce.

If you're feeling like town, toss some sour cream on top to be fancy.

Makes enough for one cowboy or a couple cowgirls or a half dozen kids.

Go download your free copy of the cookbook (Julia's promised me her peanut butter cookies this week and I'm dying to try something new! 

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-passionatecooks-944744-174.html