Book and Cook: Overflow by Brynne Asher with Heirloom – Tomato Crostini

This week I made Heirloom Tomato Crostini from Tea Time Magazine which were super easy and they were wonderful with fresh tomato and basil. It made me think of Italian family books. This week I chose Overflow by Brynne Asher, this story is a perfect compliment to this appetizer. This would be a good addition to a salad main dish or pasta.

Overflow by Brynne Asher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gabrielle Carpino should be reveling in the praise of her newly finished project she did for her best friends laundry room, instead she is frisked, cuffed, and mildly attracted to the man wearing the FBI vest.

Agent Jude Ortiz doesn’t quite know what to make about the sassy minx who has captured his interest. He knows she had no idea of the illegal activities surrounding her. When Jude finds out that Gabrielle could be the next target, he is by her side and he likes it. In fact he has decided to keep her as his, but Gabrielle has a way of communicating in a very round about way and Jude has to learn to navigate through the waters so she can clearly understand where they are headed.

Loved it. So far my favorite in the Carpino series. Garbrielle is a spitfire, she is full of energy and sass and Jude is more the observer and man of action. They perfectly compliment one another. Looking forward to more…

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Book and Cook: Riggs by Sandy Alvarez and Crystal Daniels with Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

This week I went with a book out of Louisiana. Riggs is the first book form Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez of the Kings of Retribution MC, Louisana Chapter. I have reread this one a few times and the book certainly hits on the feel of Louisiana. This easy to make Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil from Primavera Kitchen was delicious.

Riggs by Sandy Alvarez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abel “Riggs” LeBlanc has been called in as a favor to the Kings of Retribution MC main chapter to help protect Luna Novak. Luna is a woman in hiding from her ex who she witnessed killing a man. When Riggs sees Luna, he knows he will do everything in his power to keep her safe. Luna finds herself falling for Riggs but the guilt she has for putting them in danger makes her anxious. Riggs though wants her to trust him and she quickly becomes the most important thing in his life.

Excellent, terrific kick off for a new series. I think this one was a bit grittier then the Montana series. Riggs is wowza, compliments Luna perfectly. Highly entertaining.

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Book and Cook: Spitfire Series by Jordan Silver with Garam Masala Nuts

Chaat Masala Nuts

This week I went with Chaat Masala Nuts from Food 52, this is a flavorful dish that you can just savor a little bit at a time. I went with nuts because I was thinking of the main character in the Spitfire series, Arianna, she is certifiable nuts. She has a penchant for mob bosses and driving her love interest Shane up the wall. I read this series years ago but when I am looking for something fun with a little bit of spice I reread this series.

The Spitfire Series: Books 1-3 by Jordan Silver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mouth
Shane Flanagan has been questioning his sanity the minute he met Arianna “Mouth” Rossi. She has been a pain in his side with her continual references to the mafia and his resemblance to them and the antics she has put him through with her job, apartment, and overall anything associated with her. Through it all though Shane realizes she is meant to be his, now he has to find a way to tame the mouth.

Hilariously entertaining. Shane is mafia and there are things he doesn’t know about Arianna. Normally someone going head to head with him would be shaking in their boots, but not Arianna, she doesn’t even flinch. Some laugh out loud moments make for a delightful read

Lady Boss
Shane has gone about making Arianna “mouth” his, in every way possible. However he didn’t realize she was the daughter of a mob boss in Chicago. He can overlook that, but Arianna has a tendency to take things into her hands when she feels threatened. His little firecracker needs to learn who really is the boss.

Loved this one, it has an unexpected twist that I had not expected. Love how Shane tries to reign Mouth in.

Beautiful Assassin
As Shane continues to try and reign in Arianna, he is finding his wife to be has a listening problem. Not only that she has a flair for killing people, his beautiful woman is a full blooded assassin. Like a strategic chess game, Shane has to use his wits to get Arianna to let him take care of her and their now baby to be. However she was crazy before she was pregnant, now he is not sure what to do with her.

Love, love, love this series. Anxiously waiting the next.

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Book and Cook: Fire and Brimstone by RL Mathewson with Crispy Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad

Crisphy Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad

In Fire and Brimstone Lucifer is the owner of his own restaurant and has made every attempt to fire his employee, the bane of his existence Rebecca. Of course he is not successful but a merry time is had as the two begin to fall for one another. One thing about Lucifer though he is always tinkering with recipes trying to exceed expectations. This Crispy Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad from Chefdehome may not be a go to for his menu but I made it and it was so good had to share, it was unexpected kind of like this book.

Fire & Brimstone by R.L. Mathewson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucifer Bradford wants to fire his annoying waitress. He has hidden her mysterious clipboard that he thinks may have magical powers, he is ready to fire her. Rebecca though doesn’t seem to listen, he has had fired her multiple times and she is still there. When she finally says okay, he knows something is wrong. Lucifer doesn’t want to care about the menace, but he kind of does.

Rebecca has been dealing with an elusive illness her whole life and she can’t take it anymore. She is hurting but everyone thinks she is a hypochondriac, as if. When Lucifer helps her, she finds herself falling for the unshakable man who carries her around, tries to tell her what to do, which she doesn’t. Lucifer is falling as well, but now he has to get Rebecca to fall for him as well. She is his perfect match and scary in some ways, even worse than a Bradford.

Extremely delicious fun. Loved this couple, Lucifer is a hoot and Rebecca is devious. One of my favorite series of all time. Couldn’t put it down.

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Book and Cook: Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashley with White Bean Chili and Avocado Cream

White Bean Chili with Avocado

In Rock Chick Rescue Jet McAllister has been swept away by Eddie Chavez after a few blunders along the way. Eddie is trying to keep Jet safe and has her nestled in his home but after she is put in danger, again her family flocks to her side along with Eddies. Jet had planned on making chili and Eddie’s mother is constantly checking to see if she is doing it right. A great scene in the book inspired this weeks White Bean Chili with Avocado Cream from My Recipes. I did not do the cream though just cut up avocado as I was making and rolling out cornbread biscuit dough and it took up the rest of my time. Delicious though, not sure I have mentioned that my husband is vegetarian so I baked the chicken on the side and added in once done to my bowl. Kristen Ashley is one of my go to authors, her books are always fantastic and have humor, action and kickass characters. If you have not tried her books you should.

Rock Chick Rescue by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Always one to carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, Jet McAlister has yet another thing she is trying to work her way out of. She has a huge crush on Eddie Chavez, who frequents Fortnum’s the coffee place she is working at, problem is his good looks and sexy sway have a way of making her look like a blathering idiot and jumpy to boot.

When Jet’s long lost father makes a sudden appearance, Eddie has had enough of skirting around Jet. He plans to make his move, but a slight misunderstanding, a man with a knife, and an ill advised and not well thought out fight on Jet’s part has her a target for some of the seediest characters out there. All the sudden the jumpy Jet is blossoming into the fiesty sensual woman he knew was under there and he has no plans to share. He just has to convince Jet she is with him, stop the attempts on her life, and try to figure out the next hair brained ideas she has running rampant in her head before she gets herself killed.

The gangs all there, Tex is back one of my favorites from the first book as well as Lee, Indy, Ally and others. I give this one a 4.75, got a slight ding because Jet is so smart and yet clueless at times. Eddie is a bit different than I thought he would be from the first book but in a good way. A satisfying addition to the first book.


**Reread and had a slightly different perspective since I had read before. Still stand by my original rating, Jet is an interesting character but sometimes you wanted to shake her and say wake up.

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Book and Cook: My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale with Celery-Spiked Guacamole with Chiles

Celery Spiked Guacamole with Chiles

A common theme in several of Lani Lynn Vale books is El Torros, a Mexican restaurant that is a frequent hotspot for family get togethers. In My Bad Hoax is trying to get Pru to go out with him and ends up having dinner with her family. Lets just say the aftermath is one scene that had me laughing my butt off. I made this celery-spiked guacamole with chiles, saw it on Bon Appetit and it reminded me of this scene from My Bad. This is one of the best guacamole’s I have tried, creamy and flavorful. Who would have thought celery would be the secret ingredient. If you have not tried her books they are so good, each one is different from the next and always has a hint of humor.

My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hoax knows something is wrong with his lower region area and decides he needs to be checked out. At the hospital he sees Pru and decides maybe she is the solution to his problem. When he asks her out though she says no. Not one to mess with fate Hoax decides the second time he meets her that she is worth the effort and finds ways to insert himself into her life.

Pru doesn’t date anyone in the military. She has been burned too many times and doesn’t want another repeat. However, the more she spends time with Hoax, the more she wants him by her side. What will happen though when he gets called back to work? Will they be able to navigate a long distance relationship?

This book had one of the best beginnings I have read. Hilarious. Pru is quirky and I thought the way she avoids acknowledging certain things was hilarious. Loved Hoax he is a big teddy bear and you never doubt how dedicated he is to Pru. All the family makes an appearance in this one.

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Book and Cook: Charming The Prince by Teresa Medeiros with Honey Pie Fail

Honey Pie Fail

Sometimes when I cook I have fails, even before the Nailed it show on TV I toyed with blogging about my fails, because some I just don’t know where I went wrong. One of my biggest blunders was a banana cream pie I made for a family cookoff and forgot to bake the crust, but in fairness to me the recipe didn’t say to back it. That being said I rarely make the same recipe twice, I am always trying new recipes. I have made honey pie before and it was a success so sharing that recipe in lieu of the recipe I tried to make for this book because I did not have a picture of the successful honey pie I made before.

There is a memorable moment in Charming the Prince that gets me every tie I read this book. Willow marries Lord Banner by proxy, he sends his most loyal soldier to acquire an ugly wife to raise his horrible children with a motherly love. What he doesn’t expect is the beauty that arrives and he sets his horrible children on her to drive her away. In the battle of wife vs children there is a huge incident that involves honey. It was one that made me laugh as well as made me cry but it is a turning point in this delightful story. I thought Honey Pie would be a perfect compliment to this book. If you have never had Honey Pie before, try it hands down one of the best pies out there.

Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lord Bannor the Bold is feared throughout the lands, even a whisper of his name has others quivering in their boots, his virility is legendary, his talent with the sword is unmatched, but his children terrify the living daylights out of him. With their knack for conjuring up trouble, Bannor needs a wife with a gentle hand who will treat them as her own and teach them the manners they need desperately. His once condition, make sure she is homely, for Bannor never wants to be tempted to have children again.

Willow, once had a dream, when she found out she had a new mama on the way, she celebrated and couldn’t wait to embrace her in a hug. Her dream was abruptly halted when her stepmother treated her no differently than a maid and handed over the raising of her bratty children. When a steward arrives with the offering to take Willow as the bride for his Lord, he believes he has found the gentle, robust, and homely bride his Lord has asked for. That quickly changes when he gets a closer look and finds a raven haired beauty with a grace he has never seen before, his Lord is going to kill him.

Bannor is not happy, he wanted a wife who would not tempt him, he has one who tempts him in everyway imaginable. What to do…of course, have his evil spawn children have their way until she begs to leave the castle. The battle has been drawn, although Willow won’t back down and finds some unexpected allies along the way. Bannor can’t recall being this entertained ever, but the one thing he wants is Willow’s surrender.

Wonderful read, I loved the whole aspect of this story. Bannor the bold, ends up Bannor the flustered where Willow is concerned. Highly entertaining.

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Book and Cook: Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden with Coconut Bars

Coconut Bars

I saw this recipe for coconut bars that made me think of tropical books. I would love to take a vacation right now and travel to somewhere with a warm summer breeze, water and a fruity drink but it is not in the cards right now so instead I went for sweet and tasty dessert.

This week I chose Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden the story is about a famous actor who needs a break. He decides to vacation in Hawaii and meets one of the few people who has no clue who he is. This is a fun read and a perfect pairing with these coconut bars.

Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Landon Price is an actor who is ready for his next career move as well as a break. He knows he can’t have it if he stays in California, he wants to be himself without fans flocking for attention. He heads to a small island in Hawaii looking for peace and to work on a book he wants to write It doesn’t take long before his isolation is breached by a dog. Then he meets Zara Jobert.

Zara has no idea who Landon is but Landon feels something for Zara. He wants to date her, he wants to do more than that while hiding his identity. Zara though has parents who, even though she is an adult, are protective. Can Landon win the girl and will the girl accept him for who he is?

I was on pins and needles with this one waiting for Zara to figure out who Landon is. The chemistry is off the charts and I thought the story behind her parents was one I could understand. Great read, quickly paced and you pulled in from page one.

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Book and Cook: The Bourbon King by JR Ward with Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam

I tend to gravitate towards books that have food in them. I like reading what the characters are cooking and often get a little inspiration on something to make for my meal plan for the week. If you want to make your reading into a pairing, try to pair a book with a recipe. Here is my recommendation for this week. Post yours if you want to participate.

This week I chose The Bourbon King by JR Ward. This book is about Tulane Baldwin who walked away from his families legacy as one of the predominant Bourbon makers in the world. This story is sultry and the story between Lane and Lizzy is gripping. Although this recipe does not have a specific tie to a moment in the story, the recipe does have Bourbon and I could easily see these served at the event that is being held in the book. I made these my nieces graduation party and they were a hit. These cookies have a slight crunch because of the cornmeal but are tender and bursting with flavor. They are a savory take on cookies and the bourbon jam is fantastic. We had left over jam and used it on cream cheese and crackers. These Cheesy Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam are from a recipe I found on The Flavor Blender.

The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tulane “Lane” Baldwin left Charlemont, Kentucky without a second glance after he lost the only woman he loved Lizzie King. Lane is the first one to say he made mistakes in his past but the reason for his split with Lizzie was one he made before they got together. Hearing that the woman who basically raised him, Aurora has fallen ill he finds his way back. Lizzie is still working for his families estate and he decides to go after what he wants, Lizzie. However there is a lot of treachery going on from his powerful father and Lane finds himself unraveling each part of it and finding himself on the cusp of losing everything that matters to him.

There is so much to this story, you have the Lane and Lizzie angle. You have the family dynamic specifically Lane’s brother Edward who I was completely fascinated with. His sister Jen who is just a hot mess. All the characters are intriguing and this is a page turner. Excellent read.

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Book and Cook: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins with Ina Garten’s Spinach and Cheddar Souffle

I tend to gravitate towards books that have food in them. I like reading what the characters are cooking and often get a little inspiration on something to make for my meal plan for the week. If you want to make your reading into a pairing, try to pair a book with a recipe. Here is my recommendation for this week. Post yours if you want to participate.

I can remember reading Anna and the French Kiss and I was swept away while reading this story. It was descriptive and I felt like had I traveled to Paris, I probably (without the romance) would be embracing Paris in some of the same ways. I chose a Ina Garten’s Spinach and Cheddar Souffle from House Beautiful. This was the first souffle I have made and it was a success, it was soooo good.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna is not happy about having to go to school for her senior year in Paris, she is an Atlanta girl and had just finally gotten her crush interested in her. When she arrives in Paris she feels alone but quickly makes friends and one of them is Etienne St. Clair. St. Clair quickly becomes her best friend but he has a long term girlfriend and when feelings grow, both are left feeling confused.

This was a little angsty but I did enjoy the story. I would have liked to see Etienne’s view because you don’t know really where his head is until the end. Thought Anna grew up a lot in this story and really enjoyed the contrast in the way the students are in Paris and more self reliant. Will check out more in this series.

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