Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge 

Hi all,

I surpassed my 2019 reading challenge and will make a note to up it from 50 books in a year to 60 for 2020. That being said, I'm still working through my to read list and I'm so exited for this next book.

Sarah MacLean is on the top of my favorite historical romance author list and I've been waiting for the second installment within the Bareknuckle Bastards series for awhile and plan on finishing it this weekend. 

I want to wish you all happy reading!

Brazen and the Beast (The Bareknuckle Bastards #2)

by Sarah MacLean

Goodreads 

The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly... until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure... on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires... for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power... and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything... including their hearts. 

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back.  

The Book 
 This week I have 2 books I've been reading: 

Amazon

The Bride (Lairds's Fiancees #1)

By the king's edict, Alec Kincaid, mightiest of the Scottish lairds, must take an English bride. And Jaime the youngest daughter of Baron Jamison, is his choice. From his first glimpse of the proud and beautiful English lady, Alec felt a burning hunger stir within him. This was a woman worthy of his fearless warrior's spirit. And he aches to touch her, tame her, possess her...forever.
But with the wedding vows, Jamie pledges her own secret oath: She will never surrender her love to this Highland barbarian. He was everything her heart warned her against -- an arrogant, brooding scoundrel whose rough good looks and seductive embrace fire her blood. But when strange accidents begin to threaten Jamie's life and an old rumor that Alec killed his first wife spreads anew, something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her senses.  

Amazon

When a Scot Tries the Knot (Castles Ever After #3)
 On the cusp of her first London season, Miss Madeline Gracechurch was shyly pretty and talented with a drawing pencil, but hopelessly awkward with gentlemen. She was certain to be a dismal failure on the London marriage mart. So Maddie did what generations of shy, awkward young ladies have done: she invented a sweetheart.
A Scottish sweetheart. One who was handsome and honorable and devoted to her, but conveniently never around. Maddie poured her heart into writing the imaginary Captain MacKenzie letter after letter … and by pretending to be devastated when he was (not really) killed in battle, she managed to avoid the pressures of London society entirely.
Until years later, when this kilted Highland lover of her imaginings shows up in the flesh. The real Captain Logan MacKenzie arrives on her doorstep—handsome as anything, but not entirely honorable. He’s wounded, jaded, in possession of her letters… and ready to make good on every promise Maddie never expected to keep.
 
The Drink

  

Found: http://thewhiskeyjug.com/cocktails/scotch-cocktails/prohibition-era-scotch-cocktail-highland-fling/ 

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back. 

The Book

The MacLean Groom (Highland Lairds Trilogy #1)
by Kathleen Harrington
4 of 5 Stars

Amazon

Description:
Married by Decree
He is her family's ancient foe, but never has Lady Joanna Macdonald seen a man she wants more. Still, she hides from Rory MacLean--the dashing laird whom King James has ordered her to marry--hoping to save her family's honor. For the pretty young lass knows that once she is wed, her trembling passion will be a difficult secret to keep hidden from her determined bridegroom.
Bound by Desire
For Rory MacLean, this marriage was merely a means to secure his fortune. But when he finally sets eyes upon his heiress bride, Rory is enraptured, and determined to have her, body and soul. But first the rugged Highlands warrior has to make the spirited, innocent beauty desire the man she has been taught all her life to hate. And by slow and sinful seduction, Rory MacLean will show sweet Janna that he is truly the husband her heart is destined for.

The Drink 

Whiskey Daisy - from the Spruce

• 2 ounces whiskey
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• Sparkling water or club soda to top 

 Instructions

1. Pour the liquors, juice, and syrup into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add crushed ice.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Top with a splash of soda

 

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back.  

With all the recent rain, I'm looking forward to staying home: reading and writing is my goal! 

Have a great weekend.  

The Book
Highland Scoundrel
Framed for a crime he did not commit, Duncan Campbell, the illegitimate son of a chieftain, has returned to the Highlands determined to clear his name after ten years in exile. He is drawn to the unforgettable sensual beauty of Jeannie Gordon, the headstrong girl who once pledged him her love, gave him her innocence, and then betrayed him. Now, in the glow of the moonlight, she defiantly shows Duncan the bad end of a pistol.
Jeannie is stunned to discover that the broad-chested brigand she just shot is the rogue who broke her heart years ago. No longer a starry-eyed girl but a woman with dangerous secrets, Jeannie cannot forgive Duncan's shattering mistrust of her—nor can she sign his death warrant by turning him in. Soon passion flares hotter and bolder than before, sealing a fate the onetime lovers can no longer deny. Caught up in a deadly game of murder and intrigue, Jeannie is willing to risk everything for a man and a love she vows never to lose again.

The Drink
Ingredients

• 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch salt
• 3/4 cup spiced rum
• 2 cups boiling water
• 4 sticks cinnamon, for garnish

Directions

Watch how to make this recipe.
Using an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup. Add the rum and then 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Divide the buttered rum among 4 mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and serve.

This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional. It has not been tested for home use. From the Foodnetwork

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back.  

With all the recent rain, I'm looking forward to staying home: reading and writing is my goal! 

Have a great weekend.  

The Book 

Taming the Highlander (MacLerie Clan #1)

by Terri Brisbin

Bought Bride Lady Jocelyn MacCallum had always believed she would marry for love. But the price of her brother's freedom was to become fearsome Connor MacLerie's new bride--a bargain that could cost Jocelyn her life.
From the moment she looked into Connor's sternly handsome face, Jocelyn began to hope that the rumors surrounding his first wife's death were false. His reputation was as wild and untamed as the Scottish moors. Would she find a way to reach the man beneath that forbidding exterior?

Amazon 

B&N

The Drink

Baby Guinness Shot

Ingredients

• 1 ounce coffee liqueur
• ½ ounce Irish creme

Instructions

1. In a shot glass, pour the coffee liqueur. Invert a spoon and place it over the opening of the shot glass. Slowly pour the Irish creme over the spoon, taking care not to mix the two liquors. If you pour it slowly and carefully enough, the Irish creme will float on top of the coffee liqueur, creating the look of a tiny beer. (Found: thewateringmouth.com)

Kick Back Saturday

Hi everyone!
 

Welcome to Kick Back Saturday! In my opinion, one of the best ways to spend a Saturday is to curl up with a book, a delicious cup of coffee or cocktail, and hang out with my writing partner, my sweet pup, Kelly!

Join me every Saturday for a book blurb and a new, tasty drink recipe - coffee or cocktail...?

Take up a book, mix a drink, and kick back. 

The Book

Kiss of a Demon King (Immortals After Dark #7)
by Kresley Cole

IS OBSESSION...
Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions: the evil beauty who surrenders her body, but not her heart. 
HER DOWNFALL...
Rydstrom Woede: the ruthless warrior who vows to keep her at all costs.
THEY WERE NEVER SUPPOSED TO WANT EACH OTHER THIS MUCH...
With each smoldering encounter, their shared hunger only increases. If they can defeat the sinister enemy that stands between them, will Sabine make the ultimate sacrifice for her demon? Or will the proud king lay down his crown and arms to save his sorceress? 
(Goodreads) 

The Drink

El Diablo

Ingredients

1.      1½ ounces tequila

2.    ½ ounce crème de cassis

3.    ½ ounce lime juice

4.    ginger beer

5.     2 lime wedges, for garnish

Directions

1.      Add tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and a lime wedge.

By Sarah Karnasiewicz from Real Simple website.