Charmed Cocktail Cozies by Maureen Bonatch
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Maureen Bonatch, author of Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Maureen and her Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Who loves Halloween more than witches? While writing my Charmed Cocktail Cozy books I thought about how Willow Hill’s retirement community of witches might embrace this time of the year by going all out for Halloween. But there is one problem with wearing costumes and disguises — it’s the perfect cover for a crime. What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one.
I can’t wait to hear about Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one. Hi, I’m Marissa Hale. I should’ve known that mixing cocktails, costumes, and meddling would end with a corpse.
One of the best things about living at the Willow Hill retirement condos with Gran is that Halloween is a month-long celebration. One of the worst things is that the elderly witches gorge on more gossip than treats. These magic mavens love to get the scoop, as long as they aren’t the headline.
When the informant for the condo newsletter ends up dead at the Halloween party, there are more suspects than skeletons in these closets. While I’m trying to figure out whodunit to the hostess most likely to be stabbed, the thirsty rambunctious residents raid my charmed cocktail station.
My furry sleuthing side-kicks and I might need a few tricks to ensure that things don’t get even more deadly…
“I didn’t realize they were going to clear the shelves of the cheap, provocative costumes from the discount store.” I turned and got my first look at Gran crammed into my cocktail waitress uniform. Her abundant bust was straining the seams. “You could have at least taken off my name tag.”
She put her hands on her hips and shimmied to and fro. “You don’t think people will think I’m Marissa?” She winked and then gave me a once-over. “What are you supposed to be?”
I pulled the hard white hockey mask over my face. My pink hair made it hard to fool anyone since, well that, and being the youngest resident by multiple decades since I’d temporarily moved in with Gran. “I’m a Halloween horror character.”
Gran shook her head. “Why didn’t you wear a sexier costume than those coveralls and boots?”
“Wait, my costume isn’t complete.” I scanned the table where I’d gathered a variety of glasses, alcohol, mixers, and spelling ingredients. “Where’s my machete?”
Gran waved me off. “Let’s hit the dance floor.”
“I’ll stick with mixing drinks.” Not much could keep me from shaking my groove thing, but I was in my element mixing my charmed cocktails. Sometimes the unexpected side effects could be good, like the magical mishap that enabled me to communicate with my cat, Jasper. Other times, well, I was still learning.
“I’m ready for more shots.” Fran Stokes filled her tray as if she were actually delivering medicine with her nurse costume. She didn’t fool me. That prescription pad was nothing more than a place to compile gossip for her next edition of the Willow Words newsletter.
Gran rushed back from the makeshift dance floor and gripped the edge of the table. “Marissa, did you bring a real machete?”
I set the tequila bottle down. “Yes. I wanted my costume to be authentic, plus I needed something to cut the lemons and limes. Why?”
Gran peered over her shoulder and then worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I think I found it.”
I followed Gran’s gaze and gasped. Martha was face down in what looked to be a plate of rum cake. This was an early-to-bed, early-to-rise group, although Martha hadn’t even made it to bed. “Maybe she’s sleeping it off?”
I abandoned my post to follow Gran. When she bent to shake Martha I thanked the goddess she wasn’t wearing a thong today or we’d all be subjected to a full moon.
Martha slumped over, spilling her drink. The ruler she’d been clutching to accent her teacher costume fell from her grip.
It appeared Martha had her last Murderous Marissa Martini. I now regretted using my name for the cocktail, even though it didn’t appear to be the cause of death—not with my machete protruding from her back.
“Maybe this is someone’s idea of a joke,” I said with a tremble in my voice. I’d been fooled by spells before when one of the witches started with the shenanigans. Halloween was one of the biggest holidays for pranks and especially for paranormals. “Are you sure that Martha isn’t trying to combine the sexy and scary look as a bloody teacher?”
“Nope. That’s real blood.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbonatch.author/
Newsletter: https://www.maureenbonatch.com/free-book/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charmed Cocktail Cozies, Halloween, Maureen Bonatch, Mystery, Paranormal, Shih Tzu dog, Willow Hill retirement condos, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
A Bloody Good Cruise by Diana Rubino
Give a spooktacular welcome to Diana Rubino, author of A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE. The book is also available on audiobook.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Diana Rubino and her A Bloody Good Cruise.
I gotta ask, how in the world did you come up with a vampire and a cruise?
I always wanted to write a vamp romance, and I love cruising, so I thought combining the two, especially on an Italian cruise ship, would be unique and intriguing.
A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE Fun Facts
I wanted to combine Italian vampires, comedy and cruising in one package, so I hopped on my imaginary ship The Romanza to get my characters in all kinds of trouble. I envisioned the hero, Fausto, as actor Vincent Irizarry (Dr. Hayward on the sadly now-cancelled soap opera All My Children). That made my job so much easier. He is THE perfect vampire. Italian vampires and hunters (the Vampire Ball Busters) leave the field wide open for comic relief, and I had plenty of chances in this story. Since I’m hooked on cruising and I’m Italian, I didn’t need to do that much research.
I met an Italian woman named Fausta in 1983 and always loved that name–I always planned to use that name in one of my books someday. I finally got the chance with the hero Fausto, close enough!
My very first cruise was on the Eastern Mediterranean, beginning in Rome and ending in Istanbul. The ports of call included Rhodes, Cyprus, Santorini, and Egypt. Because I love Italy and cruising, I wanted to combine those passions with a humorous story about vampires and how they face prejudice in the human world.
Tell Us A little About A Bloody Good Cruise?
Romance writer Mona Rossi’s book sales are slipping. She needs new ideas and fast! Her vampire love, Fausto Silvius is a doctor aboard the Romanza, a luxury cruise ship. Holding a “Motion on the Ocean” writer’s cruise sounds like a great idea. What better way to combine a career boost with romance?
But they soon discover hunters on board who give chase to Fausto and his fellow vampires. While he longs to bring Mona into his world, how can he convince her to join him with fringe lunatics on the hunt? In the prime of her life she’s not sticking her neck out for a shot at eternity.
A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE is a fun-filled blend of the vampire world and luxury cruises, starring romance author Mona Rossi and Fausto Silvius, a full-blooded vampire. The popularity of cruises and vampires make it a unique blend, but a very fun setting.
A Sneak Peek Between the Pages of A Bloody Good Cruise.
Mona forced a dose of cheer through her jangly nerves. Vampire hunters wouldn’t have the balls to attack Fausto and his friends on this ship. Security was tight. “Well, you’re here, so does that mean you’ve been going out, and aren’t confined to your house any more?”
Fausto shrugged. “Almost. I couldn’t wallow in self-pity forever. And I knew seeing you would make it worthwhile.”
She smiled and gave him a genuine Italian cheek pinch. “I’ll cheer you up, faccia bella, you can count on that. You must feel safe.” She gestured at the tacky duds. “I mean, relatively speaking.”
“Don’t let this scare you, but –” He glanced around over the rims of his shades. Uh-oh. Whenever he said “don’t let this scare you,” it scared her. “I got an ominous message at the doctor’s office earlier.”
“What—” She swallowed a lump. “What kind of ominous message?”
He looked away, shaking his head. “Nothing to get alarmed about. The hunters just want me to know they’re here. After the initial jolt wore off, I said, ‘okay, I’m being stalked again.’ But I’m used to it. It doesn’t make me constantly look over my shoulder like in the old days. My family’s murder gave me a reality check. If they want me, they’ll get me. I can’t let it interfere with my work, or what little leisure time I have here. And you shouldn’t either.” He gazed at her adoringly and cupped her cheek. His hand was surprisingly warm. “But you’re still scared. All the blood’s drained out of your face, and not in a good way.”
Purchase A BLOODY GOOD CRUISE
getBook.at/BloodyGoodItalianVamps
About the Author:
My passion for history and travel has taken me to every locale of my stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, and New York. My urban fantasy romance, FAKIN IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. I live on Cape Cod with my husband Chris. In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano and devour books of any genre.
My stories are romances set against a backdrop of political upheaval, court intrigue, poverty general drama of the surroundings, and at times a splash of the paranormal. What I’m trying to get across in my stories is that love can prevail no matter what the conflicts and obstacles, earthly or not.
Visit Diana Rubino at www.dianarubino.com, www.DianaRubinoAuthor.blogspot.com, https://www.facebook.com/DianaRubinoAuthor, and on Twitter @DianaLRubino.
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with A Bloody Good Cruise.
Views: 1
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Bloody Good Cruise, Diana Rubino, Halloween, Paranormal Romance, Vampire by Tena Stetler with 5 comments.
Skeleton Squad Returns Home
Welcome back to another installment of the Skeleton Squad Search for the Halloween Spirit.
After returning home from the spooky trip to Roswell, NM, yes, indeed, the Skeleton Squad believes in extraterrestrials. Toil and Trouble and the rest of the Skeleton Squad were off searching for the 
Halloween Spirit under the flower pot, Octavia, was caught smelling the flowers and enjoying the cool fall weather. She’d discovered that the month of October and Halloween 2023 will be the spookiest on record. Because there is a Friday the 13th, a Solar Eclipse on October 14th, and a full blood moon Lunar Eclipse on Halloween weekend. To her thinking, they’re sure to find the Halloween Spirit without a problem.
Maybe even some of her werewolf friends will show up to help or more likely celebrate.
After calling in sick to the search a couple of weeks
ago, Dave from Ohio, came riding by on his spider to help locate the Halloween Spirit. While the Skeleton Squad was thankful for his help, no Halloween spirit was found. Darnit!
Searching for a fun, spooky Halloween read? Look no further than the award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic. You won’t believe what happened at the Halloween Party hosted in the centuries old house Brock bought and Gwen decorated. Members of the Historical Society and The Witch’s Museum gathered around the front door eager to leave when strange things began to happen.
Discover the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic! Want to know more about Hidden Gypsy Magic?
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A sneak peek bewteen the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic.
“It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room.” His brother’s face turned ashen white as Beth’s ghostly form took shape in the center of the room.
Brock moved to the little group gathered and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the hallway. Fifteen minutes until midnight. The witching hour on All Hallows Eve. A nervous chuckle rose up in his throat. How cliche. His brother would be a believer after this night.
He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Gwen’s waist. “Can we help you, Beth?” Misfit’s howling could be heard clearly from the upstairs bedroom.
“No, but I hope we can help you.” Ghost Beth glanced back at the painting and sadly shook her head. “The ghost of Judge John Hathorne stands outside ready to curse or worse all those involved in sullying his reputation. The house stands between all of you…protecting—” The ghost’s hand and arm made a sweeping motion toward their group, “— against his magic ability.”
A soft almost hysterical giggle burst from Gwen. “Doesn’t he know that by his actions this night, he has not only outed himself but proved the rumors and article are true?”
“I don’t believe he’s considered that point.” Beth’s ghostly grim face twitched into a half-smile. “He’s bent on revenge, but apparently had trouble passing through the veil this evening.” She pointed to the clock and then laid a finger on her lips.
Hope you’ve enjoyed the snippet of Hidden Gypsy Magic, and the Skelton Squad Adventures this week. Hope you’ll return to see what michief they get into next week. Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Halloween, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Skeleton Squad, Spider, Spirit, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Sweet Slow Sizzle: Bangers Tavern Romance 4
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Sadira Stone, author of Sweet Slow Sizzle: Bangers Tavern Romance book 4.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Sadira Stone and her Sweet Slow Sizzle: Bangers Tavern Romance, Book 4.
Loving him means risking the only family she has left.
Bangers Tavern’s hunky bouncer Jojo Williams has been flirting with server Lana Lopez for three years, but she dismisses him as a trifling joker. Determined to penetrate her prickly defenses, he plunges into the hot mess that keeps her from dating. If he screws this up, his heart and hers won’t be the only ones broken.
Orphaned by a car wreck at twenty-two, Lana must keep her teen brothers on track and together in the home they grew up in. One more slip-up, and her interfering tías will separate the boys. The last thing Lana needs is a big goof like Jojo meddling with her fragile family.
But when the teens’ shenanigans land them in trouble, Jojo may be the only person who can save them from the wrath of the tías. Lana’s growing attraction to the gentle giant makes it harder and harder to shut him out, but loving him is a gamble that could cost her everything.
Come back to Bangers Tavern for a slow burn, sizzling hot, friends to lovers workplace romance full of laughs, steam, and the glorious chaos of 21st century family—the ones we’re born into, and the ones we gather to our hearts.
Universal Book Link: Amazon, Amazon paperback Barnes & Noble Kobo
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A Sneak Peak Between the Pages of Sweet Slow Sizzle!
While Rosie waited for a frozen blue daiquiri, she tilted her chin toward the bouncers’ station at the door. “What did you say to Jojo?”
“Nothing. Why?”
“He looked like a kid who dropped his ice cream.”
Lana huffed. “I just declined his offer to talk some sense into Pedro.”
Rosie folded her inked-up arms. “Don’t you want more healthy male role models for your brothers?”
“It’s hard enough to keep those two focused on school. What’s gonna happen if I bring over a musclehead who spews jokes all day? Leo’s already in trouble for cutting up in class. Kenny’s the kind of role model he needs, not Jojo.”
“Hey, Jojo’s a sweetheart. He’s”—Rosie ticked off on her fingers—“educated, employed, good to his mama, and he’s totally sweet on you.”
Lana stabbed cherries and orange slices onto a cocktail pick. “Come on, he’s sweet on anyone with boobs.” She dropped the garnish into a tall rum punch. “Wait…you met his mom?”
“Last week when I dropped Eddie off for Jojo’s bootcamp-slash-torture dungeon. She came by to ask for his help with something, and he was a total puppy. Adorable.”
A high-pitched yelp from a nearby table jerked Lana’s head around. Some baby-face guy in a college hoodie was trying to snatch tater tots from a woman’s platter while his knucklehead buddies laughed.
“Oh, goodie,” Lana whispered to Rosie. “I love this part.”
Smooth as a shadow, Jojo slid through the crowd to confront the tot raider. She couldn’t hear whatever he growled at the thief, but the way he puffed out his massive chest and clenched his fists gave her shivers. Those corded forearms, those powerful shoulders! Ungh! She bit her lip.
Jojo jerked his chin toward the door.
Hands raised in surrender, the frat boy withdrew.
Rosie gave a low whistle. “Impressive, isn’t he? If I weren’t already spoken for…”
As if he could sense Lana’s lustful stare, Jojo glanced their way, and his rock-hard expression melted into a goofy smile. Rosie had nailed it—he really did look like a puppy, an oversize, muscle-bound pit bull eager for a belly rub. She blew out a shaky breath and forced her attention back to her friend.
“Handling two male egos keeps me busy to the max. What would I do with a third?”
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Sweet Slow Sizzle: Bangers Tavern Romance Book 4.
Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Bangers Tavern Romance book 4, Halloween, Sadira Stone, Sweet Slow Sizzle by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
