Hockey, Romance, and Werewolves by Laura Hunsaker

 A few years ago, a friend of mine had a fun book idea, but it wasn't her normal genre, it was more in my wheelhouse. She proposed that we write it together. I had just had a baby and my writing mojo was gone. There was zero room in my brain for anything other than babies and keeping the other children alive. I mean, my brain was in mommy mode, not writer mode. And yet...the ideas started percolating.

Middle of the night feedings...story ideas. Kids were at school and baby was napping...plot bunnies bounced around in my mind. So I called her back, and we plotted. Neither of us really thought it would go anywhere, but we wanted it on paper anyway. It's a Scottish Time Travel and we named ourselves Kenzie MacLir. We got about halfway through a novel when another project fell into our laps. And it was nothing like what we were writing with the exception of the fact that it had paranormal elements.

But this was hockey, how paranormal could we get? Oh reader, this series is amazing. The New York Empires hockey team has some pretty interesting players on it. There are werewolves, psychics, ice gods, and so many other fun magical hockey players. But it's very "paranormal lite" as in the world is our world, the magic and "para" part of the paranormal aren't overpowering. I really feel like if you love Paranormal Romance, you'll love this, and if you don't love Paranormal Romance, that this series is not super intense with the PNR world-building so you can still enjoy it, even if PNR isn't your jam.

With all of that being said, the Stanley Cup has been won, not by my team (Go Knights!), and sadly not by the New York Empires...yet. So if you're already having hockey withdrawal after a couple of days without hockey, might I suggest a Hockey Romance? And if you've never read a Hockey Romance, I'd highly recommend the New York Empires series. Each book is an anthology. It has 3 stories, and each can be read alone, or binged as a fun novella series. Trust me, even if you aren't a hockey fan, this series is just really fun. My Laura Hunsaker books tend to be a bit more serious and even a bit darker. The New York Empires is where I get to have fun.

We are all hard at work writing something new and exciting, and based off of something that one of our hockey teams did this year. It's gonna be great! In the meantime, here are the current New York Empires books:

Amazon

This Week Is For Me by Laura Hunsaker

 With the Christmas Season still in full swing, I have noticed that I feel guilty when I take time for myself. I work full time, and the second school was out last Friday, I have spent this week making it as enjoyable and magical for my children as possible. I did read a book at night when everyone was in bed, but for the most part, I spent last week running around and adding finishing touches to everything.

I don't regret any of it. The kids were happy, the family had a great time, and as of now, everyone seems to have had a lovely Christmas Day. 

But I finally finished the book I was reading! I'm assuming if you are reading this blog, you are a reader. You enjoy the stories, you eat up the tropes, you devour the books...you are definitely my kind of people! And when I added the book I just finished to Goodreads, I realized that while I did hit my goal of 100 books this year, I didn't go over. Usually I do. It's not the end of the world or anything, but it does make me look back at how I spent my time this year, and of course with the New Year right around the corner, it makes me think of how I want to spend my time going forward.

I may not have the time to spare to be selfish with my time, however, I do have this week off. And you'd better believe this week is for me. I plan to read, to watch shows, to hang out and play with my kiddos, and if possible to finish writing a short story I can't wait for you all to enjoy!

So for me, this week may be full of re-reads/comfort reads, or it may be full of playing video games with my kids, but whatever the cards hold, I plan to enjoy every single moment. 

So how about you? If you have the week off, what are your plans? If not, what would you do if you did have the week free from obligations?

I'm going to for sure re-read the Ilona Andrews Innkeeper series since the newest one just came out.

If you're in the mood for something fun, has both Hanukkah and Christmas in it, you should check out my book Roughing It. I write as one half of Kenzie MacLir, and while our book features Christmas, one of the other stories in the anthology showcases Hanukkah. 

Amazon   | Barnes & Noble   | Kobo   | iBooks  | Smashwords   | Google Play 

Caught in the Crossfire by Stacey Agdern

Bryce Emerson only agreed to draw an account of the Empires Goalie Tryouts to humor his brother. But when a vision convinces him the woman who saved his prized pen from a snowy grave is in danger of being injured by a faulty mask, he takes it upon himself to make her a new one.

Goaltender Carly Fein is trying out for the New York Empires, and the last thing she needs is the complication of an artist. But when she agrees to let him make her a new mask, Bryce Emerson finds his way under her skin.

Can Bryce and Carly figure out what happens when they’re caught in the crossfire of love and hockey? Or will the stress of new love and competition drive them apart.

Crashing the Net by Isabo Kelly

Billionaire Connor Evans needs a challenge. Trying out for the New York Empires’ hockey team fits the bill, even if it is just a publicity stunt and a way to shut his twin brother up. Running into the woman who left him six years earlier, a woman he’s never gotten over, is not part of the plan. Once he sees Matty, though, Connor knows he can’t let her go again. But he’s got secrets he can’t risk sharing. And Matty is the one person who could uncover those secrets if he lets her get too close.

After traveling the world, Matilda Thomson is ready for a real job and a more stable life. Her internship with the New York Empires will give her the experience she needs to move into that future. But first, she has to face Connor again, and one of the most painful losses she’s ever experienced. The only way she can move forward is to confront her feelings and risk her heart one more time.

Heat and passion spark as hot as ever between them. But trust doesn’t come easy. And if Connor can’t open up and let Matty in this time, he’ll lose her forever.

Against the Boards by Kenzie MacLir

Kyle Sandberg is living his best life. He’s one of the top hockey players in the world. Has two amazing best friends and all the sarcastic hockey t-shirts he could wear. After his own family turns their backs on him, he’s happy playing for the Empires and hanging out with his own found family. What he doesn’t want is his pain in the ass twin brother back in his life or a mate.

When paramedic Faith Church left Puerto Rico for New York, she had zero intentions of getting involved in the local pack. Having had her fill of pack politics, she was ready to go lone wolf. But being left alone was too much to ask when her cousin was the Alpha’s mate.

What neither was counting on was Fate, having her own plans for them. A chance encounter at a traffic accident changes everything. Kyle and his wolf are willing to go with Fate’s plans. But Faith, having finally broken away from her pack’s expectations wants nothing to do with Fate, or Kyle. Too bad her wolf disagrees…

Bad Jokes by Laura Hunsaker

 I love bad jokes. Like the kind you groan after hearing. You know, stuff like "Do you think the ocean is salty because the beach never waves back?" Those sort of dad jokes, if you will. I also think I'm the only person in my whole family who likes those groaners. Well, obviously I'm like the best mom ever, and since we've already established that I'm super funny, I of course continue to force my humor upon share my sense of whimsy with my children.

So I played a funny joke on my kids.

One day, the milk went bad. I made sure to let the kids know. See? I'm so helpful!

I thought it was funny, anyway. I grabbed a fresh gallon after work and I was kind enough to let the kids know that the milk was good. Again, me being helpful.

Apparently my kiddos didn't appreciate my jokes, but that's all right. It brings me joy to be this goofy and I don't mind that they don't think I'm funny. Hopefully one day they'll look back fondly, and maybe even use my corny jokes amazing material with their own children.

I don't write Rom Coms, but I do try to have my sense of humor show through in my books, even the Romantic Suspense books. Hopefully the jokes are better than the ones I use in my household.

However, I do write under the pen name Kenzie MacLir for paranormal hockey romance...and I'd like to think those are successfully fun and funny. There may even be a fart joke in there (I regret nothing! It's a hockey locker room, people!). So while my Romantic Suspense may have some fun moments, it's the Hockey Romance that really allows my frivolity to shine! Donut eating contests, Nerf gun battles, swear jars, I think you'll really enjoy it! 

And if you're up to the challenge, drop your best (or worst!) dad joke in the comments!

Amazon

Caught in the Crossfire by Stacey Agdern

Bryce Emerson only agreed to draw an account of the Empires Goalie Tryouts to humor his brother. But when a vision convinces him the woman who saved his prized pen from a snowy grave is in danger of being injured by a faulty mask, he takes it upon himself to make her a new one.

Goaltender Carly Fein is trying out for the New York Empires, and the last thing she needs is the complication of an artist. But when she agrees to let him make her a new mask, Bryce Emerson finds his way under her skin.

Can Bryce and Carly figure out what happens when they’re caught in the crossfire of love and hockey? Or will the stress of new love and competition drive them apart.

Crashing the Net by Isabo Kelly

Billionaire Connor Evans needs a challenge. Trying out for the New York Empires’ hockey team fits the bill, even if it is just a publicity stunt and a way to shut his twin brother up. Running into the woman who left him six years earlier, a woman he’s never gotten over, is not part of the plan. Once he sees Matty, though, Connor knows he can’t let her go again. But he’s got secrets he can’t risk sharing. And Matty is the one person who could uncover those secrets if he lets her get too close.

After traveling the world, Matilda Thomson is ready for a real job and a more stable life. Her internship with the New York Empires will give her the experience she needs to move into that future. But first, she has to face Connor again, and one of the most painful losses she’s ever experienced. The only way she can move forward is to confront her feelings and risk her heart one more time.

Heat and passion spark as hot as ever between them. But trust doesn’t come easy. And if Connor can’t open up and let Matty in this time, he’ll lose her forever.

Against the Boards by Kenzie MacLir

Kyle Sandberg is living his best life. He’s one of the top hockey players in the world. Has two amazing best friends and all the sarcastic hockey t-shirts he could wear. After his own family turns their backs on him, he’s happy playing for the Empires and hanging out with his own found family. What he doesn’t want is his pain in the ass twin brother back in his life or a mate.

When paramedic Faith Church left Puerto Rico for New York, she had zero intentions of getting involved in the local pack. Having had her fill of pack politics, she was ready to go lone wolf. But being left alone was too much to ask when her cousin was the Alpha’s mate.

What neither was counting on was Fate, having her own plans for them. A chance encounter at a traffic accident changes everything. Kyle and his wolf are willing to go with Fate’s plans. But Faith, having finally broken away from her pack’s expectations wants nothing to do with Fate, or Kyle. Too bad her wolf disagrees…

COFFEE ANYONE? by Judy Ann Davis

Coffee anyone?

I enjoy coffee. I drink coffee when I write. In fact, my morning is not complete without a cup, and my night ends with a decaffeinated cup. Although I don’t enjoy many flavored coffees, I do like to add a splash of a flavored liquid creamer to give my coffee a slightly different taste. Right now, our grocery store has come out with a new flavor, Marshmallow, with colorful bunnies on the container. I’m assuming it’s been released in preparation for Easter.

I personally salute goat herder Kaldi who, centuries ago in Ethiopia, discovered the wonderful coffee berries when his goats ate them, became energetic, and wouldn’t sleep at night. He shared his findings with the local monastery, and in turn, the local abbot helped spread the word east to the Arabian Peninsula.

By the 15^th century, coffee was being grown in Arabia, and by the 16^th century it was known in Persia, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey where it was enjoyed in homes, but also public coffee houses.

In the mid-1600s, it was brought to New Amsterdam, later called New York, and replaced tea in the New World when the colonists revolted against the heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III.

Most interesting to me is a quote from Thomas Jefferson: “Coffee…the favorite drink of the civilized world.” After learning Jefferson wrote that quote—and knowing he wrote The Declaration of Independence, I wonder how many cups of coffee was consumed by him as he created such an important document that changed our lives forever?

By the 17^th century, European travelers brought the beans to Europe, and coffee became a breakfast drink, replacing beer and wine. It was said the people who drank coffee, instead of alcohol, began the day energized and the quality of their work improved. <Who knew??? Just kidding! :) >

 

Missionaries, travelers, traders, and colonists continued to carry coffee seeds to new lands, and coffee trees were planted worldwide. By the end of the 18^th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most profitable export crops. After crude oil, it is the most sought commodity in the world.

What is your favorite drink in the morning or when writing or when relaxing? 

 WILLIE, MY LOVE

RAFFLECOPTER LINK 

 

Meet the Cast of Tasting New York by Kimmie Easley

It's confession time. I am a reader at heart. Yes, I am an author. I plot even when I'm sleeping! However, my first love is reading. That being said, something I like to see as a reader is a good round of 'Meet the Cast'. It always intrigues me to have some insight into an author's thought process when it comes to his/her characters. 

So let's get started! 

Meet the cast of Tasting New York, the second installment of the Tasting series. 

My main character, Hope Fairbanks, is a young, inexperienced beauty from an affluent, controlling family. 

Of course, the cover says it all where Hope is concerned. 

 

Next, we get to meet Jonah Dempsey. Jonah was easy for me. Many romance novels look to big, brawny muscle men as their hero (nothing wrong with that, yum). I tend to fall on the side of the sultry, sexy side. Jonah is a NYC artist, and everything that entails. He resides in a loft, works all night, and could care less what other people think. He also carries a heavy burden, a secret. 

There always has to be trouble maker. Tasting New York has a couple. Here, we meet Kym Yoshida. She's a jealous, Kym. Gorgeous, but green with envy. 

Moving on to the next trouble maker, Perry. He was a fun character to play with. I don't know why I enjoy writing the characters that everyone loves to hate, but alas, I do. Perry needs to pack up his Bentley and move on with Brittney, or Becky, or Bethany... whatever her name is. ;-) 

When reading Tasting New York, you'll find that Hope has difficulty cutting the daddy strings. Meet Mr. Fairbanks, the tyrant of Fairbanks International. 

Finally, who couldn't use a good dose of a controlling, belittling mother? The answer is Hope...  I introduce you to the nagging Claudia Fairbanks. 

The cast of Tasting New York is an emotional, heart felt, and sexy ensemble. It is live right now in The Hot Summer Nights anthology, along with nine other stories for a mere .99 cents! 

Tasting New York / Hot Summer Nights on: AMAZON

  

You can also read Tasting Texas (the Tasting series book one) and get to know Beth Garrett, Eric Alexander (who also makes in appearance in Tasting New York), and the redneck romeo Wren! You won't be disappointed! 

Tasting Texas on: AMAZON

Feel free to touch base with me on my website and check in for future projects and musings: http://www.kimmieeasley.com/