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.”
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Newsletter: https://www.maureenbonatch.com/free-book/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
Happy Halloween!
Views: 371
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 Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance –
Welcome to your Spooktacular Sunday Snippet – The award-winning A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
Let me explain how A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance came to fruition. You know my family loves to camp. Right? During a camping trip we stayed right smack dab in the middle of Glacier National Park. At night around the campfire under a full moon you could hear the wolves howl and the coyotes call. I imagined a vampire running through the bush over the trails, but it couldn’t be an ordinary vampire. And who would he meet on the trails?
Stefan, a Native American vampire, was a character from my first book in A Demon’s Witch Series, A Demon’s Witch. It became a best seller five months after its release. For A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, I wanted to write a different vampire tale, so rather than leave him as the Vampire Council’s assassin, I released him from service and he moved to Montana, took a job as the midnight DJ for a small radio station on the outskirts of Glacier National Park. Different huh? Research for this book was a trip to Glacier National Park and I drew upon my time as a DJ at a local classic rock station KKFM in Colorado Springs. Not to mention several virtual trips to the enchanting land down under, Australia.
Won’t you join Stefan and Brandy on an exciting romantic fantasy where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries walk among us. Some creatures are willing to put aside their differences to work together for the good of man and magic kind, other’s will stand in the way. Makes a GREAT Halloween Treat!
A little about A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A peek between the pages of A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE:
“Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
Pretending to pant, he shrugged, holding his palms up in surrender. “Just trying to get my run in before work. Stefan Talltree, at your service.” He stepped closer, leaned over in an exaggerated bow, and caught her hand, brushing his lips over the palm and wrist, inhaling her sweet scent. AB negative with a pulse of adrenaline. Perfect. Her pulse beat a tattoo against his lips. He backed away.
Her heart thundered as she drew her hand from his grasp. “The name’s Brandy. Pleased to meet you, Stefan.” Her smile reached up into her bright eyes as they swept over him with an appreciative glance, an experience he enjoyed.
Her voice had a hint of Irish lilt to it. He liked that too.
“Where do you work that requires you to report in at—” She glanced at her watch. “—midnight?”
Nostrils flaring, he paused. Blood? Not hers. The sound of Brandy’s voice brought his attention back to her and the situation at hand. “Oh, shit, I’ve gotta go!” He sprinted off, leaving her standing alone.
As he started down the trail, the tree branches swayed in the silvery moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the trail’s edge. The breeze brought with it the coppery scent of fresh blood mixed with sulfur. He turned for one last look at her as she wrinkled her nose before silently creeping into the wind, tracking the source of the stench.
Available at Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, and Barnes & Noble.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an international best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
See you next week for another Sunday Snippet! Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, fantasy, ghosts, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
A Warlock’s Secrets by Tena Stetler #MFRWHooks
Welcome to Summer with A Warlock’s Secrets! Years ago a sacred ceremony at the Dragon’s Moon Coven turned deadly. Was he to blame? #MFRWBookHooks presents a feel-good tale with twists and surprises to keep you turning pages, A Warlock’s Secrets.
In his darkest hours she is dragged into his magical world. If they survive, is she strong enough to heal his heart and tame the warlock? Or will their secrets destroy them?
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler. Take your choice of a Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookies from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A Warlock’s Secrets, part of the award winning A Demon’s Witch Series. All books can be read as stand alone. Go ahead you know you want to grab a copy and join the #magical #fantasy, #adventure today! You’ll be so glad you did.
What is A Warlock’s Secrets all about?
Years ago, a sacred ceremony at the Dragon’s Moon Coven turned deadly. Son of the high priestess, Tristian Shandie’s life changed forever. With a price on his head and revenge in his heart, he has no choice but to follow in his father’s footsteps to a profession shrouded in secrets. Now his skills as an enforcer for the Demon Overlord are second to none. But dangerous secrets he harbors are a liability he can no longer afford.
A chance meeting with a woman he finds irresistible flips Tristian’s world upside down. Hannah is a cyber security specialist with secrets of her own. Bad boys never appealed to her until Tristian, who changes everything. In his darkest hours, she is dragged into his magical world.
If they survive, is she strong enough to heal his heart and tame the warlock? Or will their secrets destroy them?
.Sneak peek between the pages of A Warlock’s Secrets:
Inside the house, a shadow passed by the huge bay window. She held her breath. Am I really going to go through with this?
Walking up the steps to the house, she paused. Why would he leave such an expensive car sitting out when he had a four-car garage? She was stalling. Straightening her shoulder’s she used the brass doorknocker. There was no answer. She knocked again.
The heavy oak door creaked open. Tristian stood shirtless, his abs rippled as he raised one muscular arm to lean on the doorframe. The skintight blue jeans hung low on his hips and his hair tousled as if he’d not been awake long.
When he stared at her, with those huge blue-gray eyes, tingles careened up her spine. She covered her mouth in case drool pooled in the corners her mouth. He was one sexy male. She sucked in a breath and opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. A brow arched, he peered questioningly at her then twisted to glance backward into the house. The sunlight streaming through the doorway accentuated several scars across his chest, rib area and a healed slash across his back. Who gets those kinds of battle scars and lives to tell the tale? Not going to ask. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
The corner of his mouth curved up in an inviting sexy-as-hell grin. “Good morning, Hannah. What a surprise.”
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Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the #MFRW Book Hooks from #MFRW Book Hooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
Views: 257
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Warlock's Secrets, fantasy, ghosts, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Vampire by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets
Good Morning All! With all the swelting temperatures across the United States and around the world, I wanted to bring attention to your furred companions. Here are a few Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets: Don’t leave your dog or cat in a hot car for even a few minutes. Temperatures can climb to well over 100 degrees in that time. Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t sweat to relieve their bodies of heat. Instead, they pant. When trapped inside a car, the recycled air inside the vehicle makes little to no difference as they attempt to cool themselves off causing them to face heat exhaustion at a much faster rate than humans.
Pets that are exposed to high temperatures can suffer fever, organ failure, brain damage, or even death.
Signs that your pet is experiencing overheating can be rapid breathing, weakness, the appearance of a bright red tongue or vomiting. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them out of the sun and heat. Use cool, not cold water to assist in bringing the animal’s temperature down. Then contact your veterinarian immediately!
Additionally, don’t take your animals out for a walk if the air temperature is 77 degrees or higher. The asphalt can be up to 129 degrees. If you must take your animal out to relieve themselves, stick to grassy areas, dirt trails or shaded sidewalks. If you can’t hold your hand on the asphalt for at least 7 seconds, it too hot for the pads on your dog’s feet.
Keep these Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets in mind for a safe summer for you and your pets.
Speaking of pets, lets take a look at my new release, Raven’s Hollow Spring Magic, which features an adorable rescue dog named Cocoa.
Spring is in full bloom in Raven’s Hollow, a small town in the Colorado Rockies with a population of unique townspeople. Blaze, a dragon shifter, and Wynter, a witch, are neck-deep in wedding preparations, when Wynter’s mother, Jade, goes missing after opening her new antique store, and attending the Simon estate sale where she procured an ancient jelly bean machine. Frantic with worry, Blaze and Wynter track her last movements via the store’s ancient, grainy, security footage. What it reveals is nothing short of shocking. As deputy sheriff, it’s Blaze’s responsibility to find his soon-to-be mother-in-law. But at what cost?
A sneak peek between the pages of RAVEN’S HOLLOW SPRING MAGIC:
LoraLee waved from the front porch of her rescue. “Mandy said you’d be stopping in. What can I do for you?”
“Not sure. My house is too quiet. No one to greet me at the door last night. Uh—”
“Where’s Blaze? That man is always working.” LoraLee shook her head.
“It’s not that, he’s away on business, but—”
“I understand. Come on in, look around, see if one of my residents calls to you.” The woman motioned around back. “It’s so nice everyone is out in their runs today.” LoraLee let Wynter wander down the path between dog runs. “Rabbits, birds, reptiles are housed on the left at the end of the runs. Cat’s are in the enclosure with covered exercise areas on the right beyond the lilac bushes.”
“Thanks.” Wynter inhaled the sweet scent of Lilac as she ambled between the runs. Several dogs rushed to the gate, barking, and wagging their tails. Wynter talked to each one, hoping for a connection, then moved on. Almost at the end, she saw a chocolate colored, furry dog, with the saddest brown eyes she’d ever seen. The canine stretched out in a patch of sunlight a few feet from the animal’s gate. Peering at the sign on the gate, she knelt down. “What’s your story Cocoa? Why so sad? It’s a beautiful day.”
The dog raised its head, swiveled its ears forward and back, then stared into her eyes, and wagged its tail once almost hopefully, then got up stretched and wandered over to the gate.
Wynter turned to LoraLee as the woman came up to stand by her. “May I pet Cocoa?”
“Oh sure. I wondered if you two might connect. Cocoa lost her owner to a heart attack a few weeks ago. Hasn’t had much of an appetite or interest in life since. She’s five years old, and spent all of those years the center of the old woman’s life. So sad.” LoraLee brightened. “This is the most interest she’s shown in anything since she’s been here.”
Reaching her hand through the fence, Wynter rubbed under the dog’s muzzle, side of the head, and ear. Cocoa closed her eyes then licked Wynter’s hand with a dark purple tongue. The dog’s tail curled over her back for a beat, then drooped down again.. “Can I take her for a walk around the compound?”
“Of course. I’ll get her leash and harness.” LoraLee rushed to the administration building and returned quickly.
“How about going for a walk, girl?” She stood, opened the gate hesitatingly, and knelt in front of the dog blocking the exit.
Smiling, LoraLee opened the gate wider, sidestepped Wynter, and slid the harness over Cocoa’s head and snapped the leash on the harness. “Off you two go.”
The dog’s tail curled over her back again and the Cocoa trotted beside Wynter. Cocoa turned her head occasionally to gaze at her possible rescuer. At least Wynter got that vibe.
Leading the canine over to a big shade tree, Wynter stopped, eased down on the grass and rubbed the dog under the chin. “Well, what do you think, girl? Would you like to come home with me?” She rubbed Cocoa’s ears. “I have a dragon shifter for a fiancé, but you’ll get along fine, I’m sure. He’s a good guy. A little opinionated and pushy, but…” She shrugged feeling the dog’s sadness, now overshadowed with hope, Wynter made her decision.
****
Looking for a great weekend, beach, or camping read? Look no farther, Raven’s Hollow Spring Magic is the key to a relaxing time.
Views: 253
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog and tagged fantasy, hot weater safety for pets, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Raven's Hollow Spring Magic, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
