The Monthly Herd: April Recap!

Holy. Cow. I cannot believe April is already over. What a busy month! The A to Z challenge among all the other stuff sure made for an interesting couple weeks. lol I hope yall enjoyed the challenge and had a good time too! Congrats to all the other A to Z-ers that survived!

May is going to be super busy for me. On top of blog stuff and the Military event we're hosting later this month I've got a crazy personal life. A friend's wedding, construction at the house and moving a business after 5 years in one spot. I'm going to keep up with bloggery stuff as much as possible but return visits and replies might be delayed some days. I'll still be around just way crazy busy. Hope yall will stick around and bear with me for a few weeks. June will bring things back to normal and I'll be around all the time again :)

Alright. And...on to the April recap!

A to Z--Zany Things I seriously effing WANT!

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

Z: Zany Things I seriously effing WANT (gigglesnort)

2012 (Zachary) | 2013 (XYZ Cocktail) | 2014 Posts

So. I decided to raid my Pinterest files for all those...zany things I'd really fucking LOVE to own.

Some are silly. Some inappropriate. All...fun. Heh.

Interview w/ Nina Mason + giveaway

When Graham Logan, a Scottish nobleman turned immortal blood-drinker, draws the Queen of Swords, he knows he’s about to meet the love of his life—for the third time. But surrendering his heart will mean risking her life or making her what he is, two things his beliefs won’t allow him to do. Graham, who walks a tightrope of regret and sacrifice, rages at God: Why give her back only to take her again?

Cat Fingal, the latest incarnation of Graham’s soul mate, won’t let him slip away so easily. A white witch, she casts a spell to summon him—for answers and to deflower her—making refusal impossible.

Graham is convinced she comes back every hundred years to punish him for abandoning her and his unborn heir on the eve of their wedding back in 1815. Cat believes she returns to free his soul by forcing him to reevaluate the beliefs that keep him stuck and miserable. Before he can defeat his demons, both internal and external, Graham must put his faith in the power of love.

Amazon | Goodreads

Good morning Nina! Welcome to herding cats! We're finally having some gorgeous weather here so thought we'd chat back on the deck so come on out.

Alright, so if you had 10 seconds to completely hook someone what would you tell them about Queen of Hearts that would have them racing for their e-reader?

A to Z--Yes, please! (totally NSFW or if kids are around or your mom. Seriously)

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

Y: Yes, Please! (Gasp)

2012 () | 2013 () | 2014 Posts

Yeah. Not even gonna lie. This one is NSFW or for if you've got kiddies around or blush easily. LOL

There may be some nekkid cheeks showing. And a little, erm, manroot now and again.

And some briefs valiantly trying to contain their...charges.  

For those of you continuing to scroll. Enjoy!

And good luck with getting anything accomplished in the near future :) 

A giveaway! Just for the hell of it & b/c one of my favorites got a sexy new makeover! Woot!

"A  feel good, heat you up, make you believe in true love romance." ~ herding cats & burning soup

When a fellow RN jokingly predicts that Beth Roberts will meet a tall, ripped and totally lick-o-licious stranger who will fulfill her deepest desires, it’s supposed to be from across a crowded room, not giving CPR to a wedding guest. Given her tragic love life, Beth has no desire to become involved again, but who could have predicted the ponytailed doctor with the mischievous smile would break through her defenses?

Dr. Gabriel North blamed himself for his wife’s death. Now, after two years of battling guilt and meaningless hookups, he’s ready to move on. When he sees the sexy brunette at his friend’s wedding, his attraction is swift and strong, and he wastes no time in pressing his advantage. One night with the woman who makes him feel alive again isn’t enough, but gaining her trust as a man was going to take more than medical school had prepared him for.

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Soooo. One of my favoritest reads got a makeover! Playing Doctor is a novella and one of the very few books that can claim "Pick of the Litter" status here on herding cats. Yup. Gabe and Beth totally snagged a 5 star from me. I couldn't stop smiling over this one.

Anyways. Jan's an awesome one and her book just got moved over to the Brazen line at Entangled which means... a new sexy as hell cover! Gah I love the Brazen line. They're always just gorgeous.

So today...I'm gonna give away 2 kindle e-copies of Playing Doctor. Woot! Check out the rest of the post and if you're wanting to check out the review go here.

Quote-tastic (52)--Meme Jack by Gena Showalter + giveaway!

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier!

Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

Don't have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

Woot! So we've got a meme-jack this week! Gena Showalter is stopping by today with some of her favorite quotes from her upcoming release Burning Dawn and a little bit on why they're her favorites. It's out on May 2nd. I'm totally smitten with the series :) Check out 3 of her favorite quotes and leave her some nice comment love! We've got a giveaway today too so check that out if you're interested. Aaaaannnnd with that....take it away Gena!

A to Z: X-rated...Veggies?

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

X: X-rated Veggies (Gigglesnort)

2012 (X....uh....um....yes,okay....x) | 2013 (XYZ Cocktail) | 2014 Posts

Because...mother nature is a perv too. 

Secrets of Seduction (Legnedary Lovers #3) by Nicole Jordan

"A fairy tale come to life and a delightful read for those who enjoy retellings of the classics." ~herding cats & burning soup 

The most charming Wilde cousin, Lady Skye has secretly loved the enigmatic Earl of Hawkhurst since girlhood, long before the tragedy that left him scarred both physically and emotionally. When Skye learns that the celebrated hero has returned to England from his self-imposed exile to make a cold marriage of convenience, she brazenly plants herself on his castle doorstep, determined to convince Hawk that she alone is his true mate and destiny.

An elite member of the Guardians of the Sword, Hawk has vowed never again to risk the pain of loving—but that’s before he deals with the most enchanting, annoyingly persistent seductress he’s ever encountered. One night of blazing passion leaves him impossibly torn. Will Hawk choose duty over love, or will he open his heart and let Skye’s healing light penetrate his darkness?

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Secrets of Seduction was a fairy tale come to life and a delightful read for those who enjoy retellings of the classics. In this case...Beauty and the Beast...with an oh so cheerful and vibrant heroine in need of help from the grumbly and scared man she's been smitten with for most of her life. Ahh how I loved it!

A to Z--Where Would I Go? Well....

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

W: Where Would I Go? (sigh)

2012 (What in Thunder?) | 2013 (What the Duke Desires) | 2014 Posts

 I thought today I'd share some of the places I'd love to visit. Either for the first time or again some day. 

I love Paris. I spent a summer in High School there attending classes and totally fell in love with so many aspects of it. Seeing the big sites but also the tucked away every day cafes and such.

It's also where I got my tongue pierced much to my mother's dismay. Yep. I got full name treatment from across the sea over that one. I, of course, happened to be only 17 at the time. Yeah. The moms was not pleased. lol I'd love to go back some day.

A to Z (and Tasty Delights)--Vegetable Cacciatore

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

V: Vegetable Cacciatore (Yum)

2012 (Vacation) | 2013 (Vampire Kitteh) | 2014 Posts

I saw a recipe back in March for a chicken cacciatore and gah it looked so good! But *flails* being a vegetarian that was a total no-go. But I found a veggie version and decided I had to try it. Even if I ended up totally butchering the recipe I found and making my own. lol 

A to Z (& Cat Thursday)--Unlikely Friends

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

U: Unlikely Friends...

2012 (Used Bookstores) | 2013 (Unfortunate Concoctions or Sheer Unadulterated Brilliance?) | 2014 Posts

Go on and awww. It's gonna be a whole post of it :) 

All those unlikely friendships that pop up...

Locked (Alpha Group #1) by Maya Cross

Who is Sebastian Lock?

The bar Sophia Pearce is in doesn’t look like much. The wine is bad and the decor worse. But when a sudden attack of curiosity leads her to sneak past security and into the back room, she discovers something unimaginable. The most lavish party she’s ever laid eyes on, in the most unlikely of places.

But that’s nothing compared to what comes next, to the man she meets back there. Sebastian Lock. Gorgeous, commanding, and radiating charm, he is exactly the sort of silver-tongued rake Sophia has sworn to avoid. Unfortunately, he doesn’t care much for her promises.

Every instinct tells her to run, but the chemistry between them is as inescapable as gravity. Soon, he’s opening her eyes to a whole new world of pleasures, pleasures she never thought she’d enjoy.

There’s just one problem. Sebastian is more than he seems. Between the famous company he keeps and the almost paranoid secrecy of his employers, he’s a puzzle Sophia can’t quite solve, and his insistence on keeping things casual forces her to confront the demons of her past.

Can she learn to trust again? Or will Sebastian’s privacy tear them apart?

Type: Supposed to be Erotica/BDSM
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 2 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Goodreads

Yeah. So, this was one of those reads where I'm left going what the hell? Did I read a *completely* different book than everyone else? No, really. Did I? Because I am totally missing it on this one. Locked was supposed to bring a mysterious hero...a smart heroine...kink and some nice heat and drama as the hero and heroine have an instant attraction and start smexing each other up. And...I didn't really get any of that. At all.

Interview w/ Catherine Mann--she has the *cutest* herd babes! + giveaway

To inherit his family's empire, Texas cowboy-turned-CEO Stone McNair must prove he has a heart beneath his ruthlessly suave exterior. His trial? Finding homes for his grandmother's rescue dogs. His judge? Johanna Fletcher, the woman whose heart he broke.

Sure, Johanna can handle a week traveling the country with her ex-fiance to fulfill his dying grandmother's request. She and Stone want different things plain and simple. But there's nothing plain about Stone, or simple about the heat that still flares between them. One week may not be long enough.


Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

Good morning Catherine! It's so nice to see you today. I can't wait to hear about One Good Cowboy. It sounds like it's just my type of book. Sexy hero, second chance at love and....a herd!

So, if you had 15 seconds to totally snag someone on One Good Cowboy what would you tell them?

Cowboy, reunion romance, animal rescue – and did I mention he’s a billionaire who owns a rustic jewelry design empire?

A to Z--Tag the Cat Herder (edition 2)

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

T: Tag the Cat Herder (edition 2)

2012 (Things I wish had NEVER been in my mouth) | 2013 (A Tiger's Claim) | 2014 Posts

I get tagged, tweeted, private messaged all the time with variations of... "omg this so reminded me of you!" or that book you're reading! which...okay...at this point...kinda makes me nervous. lol Or foods and cute critters people think I'll enjoy (and I so do!)

And I thought it might be fun to start putting those random and wonderfully weird things people think just scream...me. This one won't always be, erm, family friendly. Heh. 

So...this was what yall tagged me in in April so far :) 

Creepy herd babes, make a girl go all girly and sigh with the cuteness, metal gods and their pussies. Creeptastic ginormous pussies. April fools add and tasty treats and a couple gigglesnort worthy ones too...

The Countess Confessions (Boscastle Affairs #14) by Jillian Hunter

"A delightful historical romance that had me smiling and completely charmed!"~herding cats & burning soup

All Emily Selwick wanted was to convince the man she had adored for years that she was the woman he ought to marry. She never expected that her ill-fated deception at a party would uncover a scheme against the Crown and ensnare her in the sensual trap of an enigmatic stranger.

Damien Boscastle, the Earl of Shalcross, knows he must marry Emily to defend her honor and keep his mission secret. But, by saving her reputation, he will draw her into his arms as well as a dangerous intrigue.

After a whirlwind courtship that leaves her breathless, Emily finds herself wed to a husband who vows not only to protect her from his menacing world—but to train his wife in the pleasures of passion.

Type: Historical Romance
Heat: 2.5 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

*rubs hands together* Oh yes. I have found a new historical author to go all girly over! The Countess Confessions was a delightfully entertaining romp that was light, fun and utterly romantic with a kick of suspense thrown in too! It was just what I needed today. An easy romance that wasn't too dark or heavy but that kept me intrigued and excited to spend just a little more time with two charming characters as their lives change forever and they set out to protect their country.

Cover Reveal! Edge of the Enforcer by Cherise Sinclair & One Night with a Cowboy by Elizabeth Otto!

Morning kittens! We've got TWO cover reveals today for two awesome ladies. Cherise Sinclair  (erotica/BDSM) and Elizabeth Otto (contemporary cowboy). Check out their covers and blurbs and let me know what you think!  ~Anna

A to Z (& Tues Jams)--Skillet

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

S: Skillet (Sigh b/c love!)

2012 (Spooky Foods) | 2013 (Sasha's Calling) | 2014 Posts

Sooo. My friend Sharonda over at Salacious Reads does this Meme-- Tuesday Jams-- where you share a song or band or what-have-you that's been on your LOVE list lately. 

If you want to join in check out her blog!

I'm a bit eclectic with my listens. Just like I am with pretty much everything else.

So this week's pick and the S for my A to Z is...Skillet!

Now. I've got no idea how they landed on my YouTube playlist but...there they were. 

Maybe one of yall Tuesday Jam-ers featured them? Hmm

Being a former drummer girl (whose kit is *flails* tucked in a closet these days) 

I LOVE that their drummer is a chick. She's all kinds of awesome.

Quote-tastic (51)-- Slowly, baby. Slowly.

Join us every Monday and share a favorite quote that's grabbed ya for one reason or another. 

Everyone's welcome to join in. Authors, bloggers, readers. The more the merrier!

Just grab the button and toss up your post :) 

Don't have a blog? No worries, just leave your favorites in the comment section.

This week's pick is a newbie author to me...Kelsie Leverich! I've kinda been binge reading her this weekend. Fun, sexy reads that totally break your heart at moments too. Just finished this one and whew boy yeah she had me all tearing up in parts too but damn she could make you squirm as well....

A to Z (and Tasty Delights): Roasted Red Peppers & Black Bean Pasta

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

R: Roasted Red Pepper & Black Bean Pasta (Yum)

2012 (Running Late) | 2013 (Rev It Up) | 2014 Posts

This recipe has been in my head for a few weeks now. After a book signing I went out to dinner with Sharon from over at I Smell Sheep and had this dish. It was SO good and after I was totally craving it and decided to make up a recipe for it and see how it went. And...not bad. Not bad at all. And I learned a new culinary skill! It was my first time roasting peppers. Woot!

A to Z--Q...

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

Q: You tell me! (Gigglesnort)

2012 (Quirks) | 2013 (Quote-tastic: The very first one!) | 2014 Posts

So...what's your guess for today's A to Z topic??

Feel the Rush (Hard Feelings #2) by Kelsie Leverich

'A fun romantic romp with great characters and a fun storyline I just couldn't resist." ~herding cats & burning soup

Picking the wrong men is a talent Meagan Mitchell has perfected. She’s sweet, confident, beautiful—and single. With her thirtieth birthday sneaking up on her, she needs a new plan. No more Mr. Wrongs or Mr. Bads, it’s time to find Mr. Safe…

Army Captain, Reed Porter, lives for the thrill—he’s an Airborne Jumpmaster with a rush addiction. He’s sexy and playful, and he quickly tempts Meagan with his rich Southern drawl and sinful looks. But slowing down and settling down are not in his agenda, making him exactly the type of man Meagan wants to avoid…

As their undeniable attraction heats up, Meagan has to decide if she’s willing to risk everything on a chance at love with a reckless charmer. Is she brave enough to bet her future—and her heart—on Mr. Thrill? Or will Reed finally learn that the feeling of a safe landing is just as addicting as the rush of the fall?

Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

Amazon | All Romance | Book Depository | BAM | Goodreads

I absolutely love getting lost in a book. Sitting down to read for just a few minutes and looking up and it's an hour later and I've been completely consumed. And Leverich did just that with Feel the Rush. It was a fun romantic romp with great characters and a fun storyline I just couldn't resist as Reed and Meagan dealt with an, erm, past encounter he kinda forgot about and the fact they were now neighbors, wildly attracted to each other and completely and utterly wrong for each other...according to them. Fate on the other hand...totally different opinion on that front.

Must Reads! Paranromal Romance (A to Z)

A bit back I was asked about doing some "favorites" lists. 

Books or authors I think should be on everyone's tbr pile.

So... Herding Cats & Burning Soup Must Reads! 

Some are single books. Some entire series.

The lists are fluid. I'll update and change them as I read new books. 

So check back now and again.

(Lists will be docked in the drop down menu right up....there ^ )

Today's List...Paranormals.

(a lot of these were ones I read pre-herding cats so there aren't links to reviews for most)
And some landed heavier on the UF side of things than the romance side so will be in that list instead of this one (ie--Laurell K Hamilton, Rachel Caine, Keri Arthur)

Guest Post--Who's Been Skrewd + giveaway

Morning ladies! We're featuring a fun little collection today. A bunch of authors writing their own versions of the same character...Ben Skrewd. lol Check out a little more about their collection below and enter to win an ipad mini too!  ~Anna

To purchase visit Red Door Reads and click on the different book covers! 

Red Door Reads is a fun and active group of multi-published authors, writing across the spectrum of Romance.  A group of us were gathered together last year, excited about the idea of doing a project together.  Novellas seemed a logical choice, but we were looking for something not related to a holiday, something that hadn’t been done before.  Something to do with a Red Door was an idea, but we also wanted something more universally relatable.  We were throwing around ideas when the always witty Susan Sey came up with the idea of a character named Ben Skrewd and the question: “Who’s Ben Skrewd?”

Well, we laughed.  And then we ran with it!  And we are now thrilled to present to you eleven novellas that cross the genres of Romance, each featuring a Red Door and a mysterious fellow named Ben Skrewd.

A to Z (& Cat Thursday)--Oh yeah. Cat's are assholes. *nods*

Herding Cats vs The A to Z Challenge!
This is my third year joining in on blogging the Alphabet in April!

2014 Theme: "Gasp, Sigh, Gigglesnort w/ a side of Yum"

O: Oh yeah. Cat's are assholes. *nods*

2012 (Oatmeal Cookies) | 2013 (Orange Art) | 2014 Posts

I love the herd babes. Really. Yall know I do. But some days...cats...are just assholes. *nods*