Monday, January 30, 2012

Cat Treat Monday: Lisa Mondello and Nike


Today we have a fabulous Cat Treat: Lisa Mondello and her adorable beagle, Nike. I can't wait for you to hear about their big, loving  family. Here's Lisa:

"I've had dogs and cats as pets my entire life, so being without one seemed a bit odd to me after my husband and I got married. But since we started out in an apartment (nearly 21 years ago), we had cats because that was all that was allowed.  It wasn't until my two daughters were very little and my husband and I became guardians to my niece and nephew (all 4 kids just a little over 3 years apart oldest to youngest) that we decided life just wasn't complete without a dog to add to the chaos.  Yes, with 4 kids then ages 7-10, a puppy was going to make life oh, so-much-more special.  And crazy.  And Nike did. Especially with my mix of cats running around, looking at me as if I was a traitor for bringing this loud-mouthed hound into the house.
I could talk all day about my cats, because over the years I've had (and still have) a few of them.  They have magnificent personalities.  But Nike is king.  At least he thinks so.  Although he's now 10 years old, he's hasn't quite figured out that the cats can kick his butt.  I think they let him think he holds rank and yet I know he wouldn't dare go near the water bowl if my eldest cat, Keturah (18 years old) was sitting there presiding over it. 
We decided to get Nike at 9 months old when the kids were small because he needed a home, just like my niece and nephew did.  They had that in common.  And Nike is a snuggler.  Why snuggle up in bed with a stuffed animal when you can have a warm beagle?  When the kids were young, Nike used to make the rounds at night.  I'd hear his paws on the floor as he went from one room to the next, just to check on his kids. A half hour later he would move on to the next child until he eventually ended up at the foot of my bed.  To this day Nike makes his nightly rounds."

Awwwwww. So sweet. I love the idea of Nike checking on his human family at night. What a little darling! Lisa has written a wonderful book with a gorgeous cover. 

THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE'S BABY



Sometimes fate needs a little help…

Jonah Wallace knows what it’s like to grow up without love. Despite having more money than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew up in boarding schools. He’s dedicated his life to helping homeless and displaced children find the love and support they need by creating the Haven House Foundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.

Now that he’s living in America, his work is going along just fine…until his grandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he can inherit.

Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby’s dad has gone AWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when Jonah Wallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up on his offer, even if it’s only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby a name and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfect arraignment strictly business…or will fate’s helping hand bring them love at last?

Monday, January 23, 2012

Cat Treat Monday: Norah Wilson, Bandy and Chloe

What a fantastic cat treat I have for you today: Author Norah Wilson and her dogs Bandy and Chloe. I bet you'll be inspired by the story of these sweet dogs and their very special owner. Now, without further ado, here's Norah.

Big paw prints to fill
"I got Bandy immediately after my yellow lab Zack died. My kids’ young hearts were broken. Knowing the only remedy was to bring a new dog into our lives, we headed to the local SPCA. Going into this adoption, I already felt sorry for the new dog. How could it ever measure up to Zack, the most good-tempered, gentle, friendly dog in the world?

Well, we got to the SPCA and there were cute little dogs. There were handsome big dogs. And there was one very odd-looking mid-sized model. It had the height and some characteristics of a Sheltie, but it was quite … um, rotund. Short-legged, it had a glorious, multi-colored hair coat that brushed the floor. He was missing several front teeth, probably from having been kicked (he’d been seized from his former owner) and staff estimated his age at 5 years. It was love at first sight for my daughter, if not for me. We leashed him and took him outside. The first thing he did was cock his leg and piddle on something, which my kids found delightful. (Zack, despite being a male, always squatted politely; clearly, he’d had no male role models in his puppyhood!) Then this funny little dog bounded up onto a picnic table. That sealed it, since that was something Zack loved to do.

So, home we went with this dog, which the kids named Bandicoot (or Bandy for short). As the dog’s foibles became known to us, all I could do was shake my head and say, “He’s no Zack.” If I tried to jog, he bit my ankles. If the kids went sliding, he barrelled down the hill and bowled them off the toboggan. If the kids engaged in any kind of horseplay, he leapt in to break it up (usually biting the one that was shrieking the loudest, i.e., the victim). If my husband touched me, Bandy would go for his ankles. And he really didn’t like people with canes. I suspect he’d probably been beaten with something similar.  (Whatever the source of his hostility, I’m here to tell you it’s embarrassing when your dog menaces octogenarians.)

But slowly, Bandy grew on us. While he was very close to my kids and fretted over their safety, he bonded primarily with me, the one who saw to his needs. Soon he became my shadow. I couldn’t move from one room to another without him padding after me.  I wrote most of my books with him lying at my feet. And he was so incredibly loyal and protective. Even at the end, at the age of 16 – virtually toothless, nearly deaf and almost totally blind, his glorious hair coat reduced to mere wisps – he would have defended me to the death against any threat. When I finally had to euthanize him, it wrecked me. That was over four years ago, but I’m crying as I write this. Much as I’d loved Zack, Bandy was my heart.

Of course, in the midst of our grief, we went to the SPCA again. This time, we came away with a hulking adult female Rotti-Lab cross named Chloe. Of course, I was soon muttering, “She’s no Bandy.“  Unlike my fearless Bandy, Chloe is terrified of her shadow. At the first sign of a threat, she slips her collar and runs home! Of course, I realize that she, as another rescued animal, has had her own troubled history that made her so fearful. She’s also funny, goofy and no matter how old she gets, she’ll always be a puppy at heart. I expect when I get my next dog, I’ll be saying, “She’s no Chloe.”

Bandy may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. I ensured that by inserting him into my Golden Heart finalling GUARDING SUZANNAH. All his idiosyncrasies are on display and are not embellished in the least. That’s one of the reasons that book will always be a favorite of mine.

Norah Wilson lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two adult children, Chloe, and numerous rats (the pet kind). She has been writing romance a long while, and has finalled multiple times in the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart contest. She also won Dorchester Publishing's New Voice in Romance contest in 2003. Norah also writes paranormal YA stories with writing partner Heather Doherty, under the name Wilson Doherty. She and Heather also write the hilarious Dix Dodd mysteries under the name N.L. Wilson.


I knew Norah was an awesome multi-published author but now I know she's a wonderful and compassionate human to open her home to these sweet animals. Bravo. 

Guarding Suzannah is available at all the usual outlets including Amazon.com Permalink: http://amzn.com/B003ZK5KS4


Criminal defense attorney Suzannah Phelps is the bane of the Fredericton police department (they call her She-Rex for her habit of shredding cops in the witness box). She is currently being stalked, but is reluctant to report it to the police, whom she half suspects of being the perpetrators. But when Detective John (Quigg) Quigley learns of it, he's determined to protect her, at considerable risk to his career. They've struck sparks off each other in the courtroom, and he's burning to do the same in the bedroom. When the danger escalates, he has the perfect excuse to pose as her boyfriend, but the closer they get, the more the lines between pretense and reality blur.
I hope you'll look for Guarding Suzannah and Norah's other titles. You can connect with Norah on Twitter (@Norah_Wilson) and on Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1361508.Norah_Wilson

Monday, January 16, 2012

Cat Treat: Christy Hayes, Snickers and Hershey











I'm so happy to have another cat treat for you today: Christy Hayes and her sweet dogs Hershey and Snickers. Aren't they gorgeous! Here is Christy:


"Hershey and Snickers Hayes are three-year-old mutt sisters adopted by Christy Hayes andfamily. When our elderly dog passed away, we went to a dog adoption just to “look” at the dogs. We came home with dark brown Hershey. Less than an hour later, we were back at the pet store for a crate and some supplies when we realized her sister was still available (she had been cuddling with prospective adoptive parents the entire time we were in the store). Hershey and Snickers were so happy to see each other again, we just had to adopt Snickers, too. And thank goodness we did!

Hershey and Snickers absolutely love one another. They sleep together, play together, beg for food together—they do everything together. Hershey is more of a loner than Snickers. Snickers always wants to be where her people are. Hershey likes to hang out under the dining room table and in front of the window so she can protect the homestead. Snickers loves to play and often attacks Hershey whenever she can. She loves tennis balls, chew bones, and an occasional stuffed animal or two.

Hershey and Snickers love to lay outside in the sunshine. When not playing with each other or napping, they adore their twice-daily walks through the neighborhood. Hershey and Snickers love to swim, chase squirrels, and go to the dog park. The Hayes family wouldn’t be complete without these two adorable mutts!

My twitter handle is @SeaHayes. My website is www.christyhayes.com and my blog iswww.womenunplugged.wordpress.com."


Christy has written a new romance:

Heart of Glass: When magazine writer Kate Donovan is assigned to profile the building and architectural firm of her first and only love, she heads back to the South Carolina Low Country to face the demons she left behind. Nothing about Danny Flannery’s life is what Kate thought it would be, and as the truth is revealed she longs for a big fat do-over. 

Danny’s made a success of his building firm but is hesitant to participate in a flashy magazine spread. He’s dead-set against it when he realizes the journalist sent to interview him is the only woman he’s ever loved and lost. Under pressure from his business partner, Danny agrees to sit down for an interview with the girl he once knew as Kat Fordham and realizes her name isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Everything he thought was true about the past is a lie. 

When Danny discovers Kate still wears the heart shaped sea glass necklace he made for her years ago, they clear the air and their passion reignites. But Kate’s still keeping secrets to protect their fragile new relationship. With her family estranged and her career on the line, will she come clean before Danny finds out the truth, and can Danny risk his heart again for the only woman he’s ever loved?

(*Gorgeous cover! I'm definitely going to check it out and I hope you will to) 


You can buy Heart of Glass at your favorite outlets. Available at Amazon: 
http://amzn.com/B0054576HG
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63962

Monday, January 9, 2012

Cat Treat Monday: Jennifer Lynne & Cleo

Today's cat treat comes to us all the way from Australia:

Romance author, Jennifer Lynne, and her feline friend, Cleo


I hope you'll enjoy meeting these two interesting friends. 

"Thanks so much for having us here today at Confucius Cat.

Writing wouldn't be the same without Cleo by my side. As I write this post, she sits in her usual spot on the desk beside my laptop, purring and staring at me. It's really disconcerting, at times, but I wouldn't be without her. Every so often she tries to climb onto the keyboard, just to get some attention, I think, and at other times, especially if I'm on the computer first thing in the morning before breakfast, she just keeps tapping me on the shoulder with one of her paws – over and over – until I get up and feed her.

Cleo is a seven year old ginger cat, and as a female I believe she is quite rare. Apparently only one in 100 gingers are girls, or so I've been told by our vet. So she was special from the moment she was born, and of course, she knows it!

Cleo doesn't like to be held, but she loves company and no matter where we are in the house or garden, she'll be there, too. She loves sitting on our laps, but it has to be her choice to get up there and down rather than being lifted there by any of us. Independent little miss. This may have to do with her having had a double knee reconstruction when she was three and being a bit tetchy about being squished in someone's loving arms.

Yep, I did say a double reconstruction! Recuperation was not fun, to put it mildly, as she was not allowed to jump in any way for at least three months. The only room in the house without a surface to jump on was my walk-in wardrobe. So she lived in there for several weeks. Awful, but we didn't have a choice. Her knees kept dislocating all the time and it got to the point where it was do the reconstruction or…yep. We won't voice the other choice aloud. That decision was a no brainer! Unfortunately that operation damaged her kidneys, so she is now on a special kidney diet (dry food only), and in our house, if you have a glass of water and put it down for more than a few seconds, better watch out. She'll be there to drink it.

We know she may not be with us for the full range of years that she might have been without the kidney disease, but for now she is well, very happy and extremely spoilt! We love her to bits."

Jennifer Lynne is multi-published in the erotic romance genre, including her latest release, Platinum Passion (Gods of Love #1), focusing on a long term relationship that has gone off track and needs a helping hand from Pothos, one of the ancient Greek gods of desire.

Here's the book summary for Platinum Passion (M/M/F erotic paranormal romance):

Three people. One erotic fantasy. And a twentieth wedding anniversary like no other.

Jeannie yearns for the return of passion in her marriage. Jake wants new excitement in the form of another man, in a way that won't upset the balance of his relationship with his wife. Pothos is one of the erotes and an aspect of Eros, the Olympian god of desire. This couple's distinctive yearning has called to him, and by the power of the erotes he intends to rekindle the flame of Jeannie and Jake's passion in a night of desire that could be the ultimate platinum anniversary gift.

And when the gods of love decide your marriage needs a boost, they never do it by halves.


Mummy's Review: Hot with Heart. This story is hot....did I mention hot? It's hot. But though this story involves some very spicy threesome action, the author does an artful job of establishing a believable and heartfelt romance between Jeannie and Jack. And throw in the intriguing paranormal premise that sets the story in motion and I was hooked. A thoroughly enjoyable erotic romance. If you like your romance hot, you gotta check this one out.

Find out more at Jennifer's website/blog http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au/blog or friend her (she needs more friends!) at Twitter: http://twitter.com/JenniLynnAuthor or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Lynne-Romance-Author/297504180262670

Buy Links for Platinum Passion:

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Purrs 4 Peace - January 2012 - Thank You

Today, the first Purrs 4 Peace of 2012, I wanted to say a very special thank you to some wonderful friends. Aimee Vinciguerra and her five furbabies have been devoted purr warriors and supporters of Purrs 4 Peace as well as being sweet and supporting friends to me and mummy.  So we wanted to give YOU a chance to get to know this great group. Take it away Aimee. 
"This is Karma. He will be 21 in March. He has lived with me since he was 3 months old. A friend of mine was convinced he belonged with me and every day came to my work to say that he needed me. She was right, he did. I needed him right back! He's been there for many moves and raised a number of kittens and cats for me. I've lost five other cats after he joined my house and added 4 more in the last three years and he still keeps on going and loving everyone.


 *Confucius Cat says: this must be one of the sweetest cat in the world. Smooooches to Karma.



This is Kismet. She joined us in August 2009 after I lost my little girl Psyche just shy of 6 years old (she had cancer). I went into our local shelter and she was watching me through the window from the cat condo. She looked so much like my Psyche that at first I said I couldn't bring her home. After going through all the cat rooms, I went back to her room and as I opened the door she reached over and licked my hand.  She hopped off the cat condo, twined around my feet, grabbed a bite of food, and came back to me, three times. She won. Her name had been Chubbs, I promptly renamed her Kismet as she was “fated” to be with us. 


**CC says: Awwww. What a lucky and adorable tuxedo cat.


This is Sadari. She joined us last June 2010. I thought we were about to lose Karma and I didn't want Kismet to be as lost as Karma had been when he became the only cat so I went to the shelter I had gotten Kismet from and looked around. None of the cats I saw had that “spark” the one that says.. “yup.. we belong together.” I was about to give up when one of the volunteers called me over to meet this little lady. She twined around my ankles purring up a storm. I was petting her, talking to the volunteers and she nipped me. The poor volunteers were beside themselves. I started laughing. I had one JUST like her named Pixie that I had lost when she was 15 years old. Sadari saw that they were putting a cat carrier together and she hopped right in, looked at me, looked at the volunteer and said as plain as day. “let's go home” So we did! She's my little sheriff, keeping everyone in line! (Sadari loosely translates as a blessing of positive energy)

***CC says: What a gorgeous name....for a gorgeous cat. And you KNOW  I love the black cats!



On the left is Independence (Indy) on the right is Liberty (Libby). September 2010 my neighbors moved out. I didn't know them by name but knew they had cats. They moved out. The cats stayed. Libby was pregnant and gave birth two weeks after they moved out. I brought her in, found homes for the two kittens that survived, and after the kittens went to their new homes brought Indy in. They were both neutered and spayed just before Christmas last year. The plan was to find them a home but they had their own plans.. they WERE home. So I am a Foster Fail and here they stay. Both are incredibly sweet and I'm very glad they joined my family.

*****CC says: Two little darlings. They are obviously intelligent... taking over the bed.

I've had cats as part of my life for as long as I can remember. My first was Velvet Ann. I was six when I got her. Cats bring me so much love, and joy. Coming home to their sweet faces as they run from all parts of the house when I come home makes my day. Curling up in bed with the two that will, Kismet and Libby, makes my night. My life wouldn't be complete without my purrchildren."

What a wonderfully compassionate and loving human to open her home to 5 furbabies. Aimee is an example of what every human should strive to be.

Thank you Aimee, Karma, Kismet, Sadari, Indy and Libby. You are much appreciated and loved. Big Confucius Cat kitty kisses and four paws hugging.

Bravo and thank you to all the purrticipants in this month's Purrs 4 Peace. I appreciate and love you all. You are mighty purr warriors. I know the positive energy you all put into the universe has to be yielding results. And in a world where the need for the positive is so great, you are a vital force for good. 

Monday, January 2, 2012

Cat Treat Monday: Marie Higgins and Jack

Happy New Year! The first Cat Treat of the year is a wonderful author, Marie Higgins and and her adorable fur baby called Jack. Here's Marie:

"There wasn't a time in my life that I can't remember having a pet. When I was young, my parents got a cat. Within a few months we realized I'm allergic to their hair. Not long after that, we adopted a dog. They are so much fun for kids, in my opinion. When I grew up, married, and had my own family, we always had a pet. The dogs we had that lasted longer than the others were: Cocker Spaniel (my favorite), and Teacup Poodle. Cindy - our Cocker, must have had some kind of brain tumor and she died in our house. That was so sad. And Buddy - our Poodle - had seizures since he was small, but he still lasted for many years until he went blind and could hardly walk. We had him put down, and that was very hard on the family, too.
By this time, my kids were growing up and moving out. My husband and I worked full time and we didn't have time to raise another pup - so we thought. We went two years before my husband said he just HAD to get another dog. I let him pick one out, so he did. A Miniature Schnauzer he called Jack. (don't know why he named him that...)
Jack was such a cute puppy, it was hard not to love him. My grandchildren fell madly in love with him and cuddled him every time they came over. Now Jack is very protective of them, and doesn't like them to have friends over because Jack is worried they will get hurt. Jack is also very protective of my husband - and yes, even me. When I play and act like I'm growling at my husband, Jack gets upset and barks at me. lol

Jack was such an easy dog to train, too. He doesn't dig in the yard, he goes to the bathroom outside, and he rarely every chews on my shoes. :)  I taught him how to sit up and roll over. I wanted to teach him how to bark for a treat, but he does enough barking as it is when company comes over so I didn't want him barking anymore.

Although he's a great dog, we still have to stick him in the bedroom when company comes to visit. I'm afraid he'll bite them. If anyone could tell me what I can do to train him not to attack visitors, I'd greatly appreciate it!
In my newest release, "Secrets After Dark" I've written about a dog. Well...a werewolf, actually, but I made him different than other werewolves I've read about. Here is a little excerpt of the story -"

Hannah clasped her hands to the material around her neck, bringing the garment closer together to ward off the coldness seeping in through her skin. With every step, she searched through the fog and strained to hear what was going on around her. Close by, bushes rustled and twigs snapped.
She glanced at the trees, wondering if she should climb one to get out of the path of the wild animal. Hannah gulped. Another twig snapped, and the growl of an animal rumbled through the air. She froze in fear, afraid to even breathe.
Through the fog, yellow eyes floated toward her, and within seconds the outline of the wolf appeared. He bared his teeth as he stared at her, stalking closer.
Hannah whimpered. “Please, don’t.”
The animal stopped and tilted his head, no longer threatening her with his nasty snarl. His eyes blinked. Against her ribs her heartbeat thundered, shaking her body even worse. Would he pounce on her and kill her immediately?
This was definitely the calm before the storm.
Even through her fear, she realized she’d never seen a more beautiful animal. Pure white fur covered the animal, and perfect ears stood straight on top his head. The long, bushy tail did not move at the animal stared at her.
Several minutes passed. She dared not move for fear of provoking the animal further. If the rapid speed of her heart didn’t kill her, the wolf certainly would. Silently, she prayed Morgan would save her as he did the last time. But as each minute passed, her hopes sank lower.
Finally the white wolf moved, taking a step closer to her. Clutching her shaking hands against her chest, Hannah squeezed her eyes closed and whimpered. The heat of his breath fanned her cold hands. She waited for his sharp teeth to sink into her skin, but instead she felt soft fur rubbing gently against her hand.
She peeked at the wolf, keeping as still as she could. He looked up at her, his large, yellow eyes staring wondrously into her eyes for a moment. Then he whined and nudged her with his nose before rubbing his head on her hand again.
The beast seemed friendly, but how could that be? Hadn’t he already killed women, including Sarah, the Thorntons’ servant?
The wolf sat in front of her and lifted his paw. Letting out a whine, he rested his paw on Hannah’s leg. Her heart leapt in terror. She had heard once that some animals play with their victims before they kill them, and perhaps this was the case now.
Keeping his eyes on her, the wolf touched her again. He let out a soft whine and tilted his head at her.
Hannah licked her lips. “Wh–what do you want?” she whispered.
The wolf rose to all fours and stepped in front of her as if he was leaving. He took a couple of steps then turned and looked back at her. He whined once more before turning and taking a few more steps, then stopping again to peer back at her, his eyes glowing.
Perhaps all the rumors of the white wolf had been false. Obviously, the animal wasn’t trying to hurt her, but help her. Hannah clasped her cold, shaky hands and walked toward him on quaky limbs. She kept a few steps behind him as he led her through the trees. Every so often, he turned and looked at her as if to make certain she followed.
Soon, the lights from the manor shone through the night like a beacon in the fog. Tears gathered in her eyes. At last she was safe!
Check out book trailers for "Secrets After Dark" -
http://youtu.be/rel71riDBnE


You can find the links to buy the book at:  http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com
Marie Higgins is a multi-published author of romance; from refined bad-boy heroes who makes your heart melt to the feisty heroines who somehow manage to love them regardless of their faults. Visit her website / blog to discover more about her – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com


You can also find out more about her at her Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Higgins/e/B004O3WYQ2/ref=sr_tc_ep?qid=1325505921