Penelope's Top 20 List for 2015

It's that time again!

*drum roll* *electric guitar* *harp music*

TIME FOR PENELOPE'S TOP 20 LIST! 

 1. Hottest Purple Alien On A Romance Cover: CHARLOTTE AND THE ALIEN AMBASSADOR

Purple biceps never looked so good!

2. Worst New Trend In Romance: It's a tie! Between STEPBROTHER books and MILF books.
An actual title...MY NEIGHBOR IS A HOT MILF. *sob*

3. Worst New Trend In Men's Hair: The MAN BUN.

Some buns are good... 

On a ballerina

Hot Cross Buns

These are good buns!

And some are bad. Just say no to man buns!

No. Leonardo, just...no.

4. Most Inspirational Moment of the Year: ATTENDING CHIHULY GARDEN AND GLASS IN SEATTLE

It's overwhelming. And stunning. And awe-inspiring. If you get a chance to visit this museum, do it!

5. Favorite New-To-Me Author: LYNN RAYE HARRIS

I read HOT AND BOTHERED this year, and I absolutely loved it. It had a protective and possessive hero (my favorite), a strong heroine, a suspenseful plot that moved along at a nice pace, and a super satisfying HEA. Fabulous!

6. Most Embarrassing Author Mistake by Penelope: ACCIDENTALLY JOINING A "SWEET" RATED G ROMANCE GROUP AND SLINKING AWAY WITH MY TAIL BETWEEN MY LEGS

Yeah. I joined a "sweet" group, not realizing it was REALLY sweet, and not just...yeah, this is sweet. Oops. Vanilla Penny was the BAD girl for a change.

And I liked it!

7. Most Melodramatic Harly Comic With Flowing Hair and Starbursts: UNTAMED ITALIAN BLACKMAILED INNOCENT

I'll bet you didn't know that Harlequin comics exist. Well now you do. I was intrigued, so I decided to give one a go. It showcased flowing hair, melodramatic moments, and plenty of starbursts. Was it as satisfying as reading a real HP? No. But it did make me giggle.

My hair might be pink, but it looks fabulous!

 Pointy broad shoulders = Mr. Meanie!

I'm so young and innocent. PLEASE DON'T HURT ME, MR. MEANIE! 

Oops. Too late.

8. Favorite First Scene in a Romance Novel/Most Lush and Romantic Setting in a Romance Novel/Sexiest French Hero: ONCE UPON A ROSE by Laura Florand.

You gotta love Laura Florand. Her heroes are French and sexy. Her settings are lush and descriptive. And the first scene of this book--which has the drunken hero carrying around a perfect stranger at his 30th birthday party, thinking she is his "gift"--is one of the most hilarious scenes ever! Gorgeous book. Je t'adore!

9. The "Where Have You Been All My Life?" Award goes to...TOM HIDDLESTON

I went to see Crimson Peak with Lexxi Callahan and Laura K. Curtis. Stuff happened in the movie...yeah yeah yeah. Stuff TOM TOM TOM and some more stuff TOM! And then...TOM!

I may have developed a wee bit of a TOM HIDDLESTON PROBLEM!*

*See my Pinterest board titled "Uh oh, I think I've developed a Tom Hiddleston problem."

10. Best Mystery With A Talking Dog: DOG ON IT by Spencer Quinn

You all know I have a weakness for books with talking animals. Like cats. And dogs. And sometimes werebears. Stuff like that. Well, this book is ADORABLE! It's quirky, clever, fun, and well-written. The dog narrator hits just the right spot. (That spot when you scratch behind your ear. You know the one).

11.  Favorite Novella: THE HEADMASTER by Tiffany Reisz

Since Tiffany typically writes subject matter that is off-limits for Vanilla Penny, I had never read any of her books until this one. Well...color me surprised. The writing was amazing, the suspense was excellent, and the unexpected twist at the end was perfection. Loved this novella--creepy and entertaining. Just the way I like it.


12.  Favorite New Shoes That Make Me Look Like I Work In A Nursing Home: NEW BALANCE MULE SNEAKERS

Yeah. I know. I look like a dork. BUT HOLY CARUMBA! These shoes make me feel like I'm walking on air. Plus...MULES!

13. Most Romantic and Gorgeous Plus Size Dress on Project Runway: Design by Ashely Nell Tipton

I love watching television that showcases creativity. Not only did this winner of Project Runway create stunning and romantic designs, but they are for PLUS-SIZE GALS! Oh yeah! *fist pump* Also, the flower head-pieces are to die for. *swoon*

Design by Ashley Nell Tipton. Photo by Thomas Concordia, Getty Images.

14. Best New Kitchen Gadget: THE SPIRALIZER

In an effort to reduce carb consumption, I've discovered the wonder that is known as "The Spiralizer"!!! Now I have zucchini, cucumbers, and more in funky spaghetti-like spirals. Delicious, simple, and brilliant. It's my new favorite culinary contraption.

15. Funniest Author Talk Of The Year: GRAEME SIMSION

It's not often that an author perfectly matches his book.  In this case, Simsion surpassed expectations. I thought The Rosie Project was a bloody brilliant bit of goods. And the author, who spoke this year at the Wellesley Booksmith, was absolutely hilarious. He was charming, funny, and his story from rags-to-riches (or more like engineer-to-fiction writer) was inspirational. What a great evening.

16. Favorite Boy Band With A Member Named Harry: ONE DIRECTION

It's not my fault. My 13-year-old daughter got me hooked on these catchy songs, and now I listen to them every day. My work-out mix includes Best Song Ever, Drag Me Down, and Kiss You. And yes, I realize that Harry may have made an unfortunate hair decision about the man bun, and I refuse to talk about that.

17. Most Romantic Film I Watched This Year: 50 FIRST DATES

I wasn't looking for anything special, but I found it anyway. While channel-surfing, I accidentally stumbled onto this Adam Sandler movie--yes, you heard me correctly, this charming film is an ADAM SANDLER MOVIE--and I fell in love. The first words that come to mind when describing a typical Adam Sandler film are not "touching" "adorable" "sweet" and/or "romantic." But this movie is absolutely lovely--with a perfect cast, quirky premise, and unbelievably romantic ending.

HEA 4-EVER!

18. Most Appealing Scottish Food That Won't Induce Long-Term Trauma: CULLEN SKINK

In an effort to research Scottish food for A TASTE OF HEAVEN, I forced my writing group to dine at The Haven (a Scottish establishment). We tasted haggis and neeps, hot mulled wine, deep fried Mars bars, and Scotch Deviled egg. But my favorite part of the meal was Cullen Skink...a rich, creamy chowder that was absolutely delicious.

And to be honest, the haggis wasn't that bad either. *wink* I earned this badge...

 

19.  Best Trio Of Books With Irresistible Sicilians And The Women They Love: IRRESISTIBLE SICILIAN SERIES by Michelle Smart.

Books include...
1.) What A Sicilian Husband Wants
2.) The Sicilian's Unexpected Duty
3.) Taming the Notorious Sicilian

I have a confession to make. I have fallen head-over-heels in love with Harlequin Presents. 2015 will forever be known as...

THE YEAR OF HARLEQUIN PRESENTS

I'm not kidding. I don't want to even think about how much money I spent on these suckers. Also, I re-read them EVERY week. They are comfort food for my soul...alpha males, sweet heroines, angst resolved with The Big Grovel, and of course lots of sexy times. These books are absolute gems.

Anyhoo, I have so many favorites it's hard to just pick a few. This trio was so much fun. Sexy, emotional, highly satisfying endings. I think TAMING THE NOTORIOUS SICILIAN is my favorite. Quirky heroine and SEX-AY hero. Schwing!

20. Best Romance Novels of 2015: A BOATLOAD OF HARLEQUIN PRESENTS

I have so many favorites this year, I'm just going to list all my 5-star reads. I highly recommend ALL of these...

THE PERFECT CAZORLA WIFE by Michelle Smart
THE ITALIAN'S DEAL FOR I DO by Jennifer Hayward
A REPUTATION FOR REVENGE by Jennie Lucas
ANTONIDES' FORBIDDEN WIFE by Anne McAllister
IN CHRISTOFIDES' KEEPING by Abby Green
BRIDE IN A GILDED CAGE by Abby Green
THE MAGNATE'S MANIFESTO by Jennifer Hayward
THE LEGEND OF DE MARCO by Abby Green
FONSECA'S FURY by Abby Green
FORGIVEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN by Abby Green

It looks like Abby Green is my new favorite author. And two of her books are in 2nd and 1st place for the year...

The runner up is---DRUM ROLL--- Forgiven But Not Forgotten!

AND THE DIAMOND TIARA GOES TO...

BRIDE IN A GILDED CAGE!

Gorgeous writing, super romantic, incredible sexual chemistry, fabulous heroine, very sexy love scenes. The scene where they dance the tango and the hero RIPS her dress so she can dance with him? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I LOVED THIS BOOK!


So, there you have it. Some of my favorite and not-so-favorite things for the year. If you got a shout-out in this post, please feel free to use the following badge...

HAPPY READING TO ALL!

Penny

One more thing...

Don't forget that next Friday is...

Penny Watson's Great Big Holiday Give-Away!

Over 20 authors offering books, gifts, gift cards, 

jewelry, freebies, and more!

JOIN US!

PROMO SPOT: Sojourn by Cecilia London

I love authors who are willing to take risks with their writing. Cecilia has created a unique saga that blends genres and pushes boundaries. Her new book SOJOURN is out today! 

What are people saying about her books?

"Sojourn is a deeply emotional story which is stark at times but is ultimately filled with hope. This book is just part of the journey, but one that will grab readers and keep them on the edge of their seats." -- ROMANCE NOVEL NEWS

"This series is off the chain. OFF. THE. CHAIN. Gutwrenching, heartwarming, frightening, loving, sexy as all living hell--it's life in a book. The depths, the nuances, the ways the normal happens even when everything is shattering--it's all captured against the background of Dystopian Fascist America." -- BEVERAGES AND BOOKS

"Breathtaking. Brilliant. Stunning...Reading these books is like eating a delicious and very expensive box of chocolates, each piece is unique, some sweet, some bitter but in the end you simply can't have enough...never before have I felt so inside or so connected to a story." -- Dee, WRAPPED UP IN READING

  

Order of series, The Bellator Saga:

1. DISSIDENT

2. CONSCIENCE

3. SOJOURN

  

Here is the blurb for the new book...

Sojourn full blurb:

Haunted by her experience at The Fed, Caroline tries to create a new identity. A new present, a new future. She can’t escape the memories that dog her when she least expects it, leaving her mired in a depression that she finds difficult to escape. Caroline needs to regain her physical and mental strength if she intends on surviving the journey to find the elusive rebellion. But that’s easier said than done with the ghosts of the past constantly whispering in her ear.

The road is long and dangerous, and there are no guarantees. She and her companions have no idea what they will find when they arrive at their destination. And what they finally discover may change everything.

Part Three of a Six Part Saga. Sojourn (approximately 89,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first two books in the series. Ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including explicit sex and violence.

The Bellator Saga is a six part series. Each full length novel (except for part six) ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This saga contains adult situations, including non-gratuitous violence, explicit (consensual) sex, psychological and physical trauma, and an oftentimes dark plot.

Buy links:

Sojourn ($2.99, releases December 7)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26497658-sojourn

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1IpFTPP

Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/eLco2s

Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/FKFQ4b

Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/c3Dpvd

iBooks: https://goo.gl/smxVZT

B&N: http://goo.gl/Ndd20w

Kobo: https://goo.gl/Hp2MYe

Smashwords: https://goo.gl/3PdeTT

Social media stuff:

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorcecilialondon

Personal page: https://www.facebook.com/cecilia.c.london

Facebook fan group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/842680489163394/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorclondon

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Cecilia-London/e/B00T6PJ7XG

Jack McIntyre fan page: https://www.facebook.com/Jack-McIntyre-782478748541931/…

Instagram page: https://instagram.com/authorcecilialondon/

Spotify playlists: https://play.spotify.com/user/authorcecilialondon

--
http://www.cecilialondon.com
Twitter: @authorclondon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcecilialondon

Sweet Cinderella Is Here!

It's that time again. 

Time to head to the North Pole and see what sort of trouble the Klaus brothers are stirring up.

SWEET CINDERELLA IS FINALLY HERE!
99 CENTS FOR GREGOR KLAUS!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Book Blurb:

Just one night.

Hannah De Luca Andersen has been battered by the worst year ever, but even that can’t squash her love of the holiday season. She has one night to forget life’s hardships and enjoy the magic of an elegant Christmas gala. If she’s really lucky, maybe a handsome prince will ask her to dance.

Gregor Klaus, Director of Finance for Klaus Enterprises, has completely lost his Christmas spirit. One look at Hannah thaws his icy demeanor and gives him a new sense of purpose. If he can only figure out the key to Hannah’s heart, he might have the best Christmas of his life.

But one night isn’t enough for Gregor Klaus. He won’t be satisfied with anything less than forever.

SWEET CINDERELLA is a 28,000-word holiday novella, part four of the Klaus Brothers Series. It takes place at the same time as Sweet Adventure.

If you need to catch up on the series, THE KLAUS BROTHERS BOXED SET (Books 1-3) is now only 99 cents!

 Amazon

B/N

Kobo

Ever wonder what the inspiration is for this series?

Check out The Klaus Brothers Pinterest board.

Take the fun quiz on my series page!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

All my best,

Penny

 

Super Quick November Updates and Excerpt for SWEET CINDERELLA

I'm in the midst of cranking out my Christmas novella. (See picture above...that's me at the moment).

Here are some super quickie updates...

1. I had an amazing visit with Lexxi Callahan and Laura K. Curtis...

Lexxi brought me gifts from the "Southern World"...hee hee!

Laura and I introduced Lexxi to lobster roll...

...A Maine lighthouse!

 New England Fall Foliage!

(I took these photos around my house...enjoy!)

...and a girl's night out with Jen Porter!

Selfie!

2. A TASTE OF HEAVEN is still available for 2.99!

Here's a great review at ALL ABOUT ROMANCE: 

"Sparks fly on and off camera in this delightful romance."

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

3. SWEET CINDERELLA (Klaus Brothers #4) is coming soon...here's an excerpt!

THE KLAUS BROTHERS boxed set: at Amazon (books 1-3)

EXCERPT (unedited):

--> -->

Ice. Cold.

            Gregor Alric Klaus, fourth son of Nicholas and Alena Klaus, Director of Finance for Klaus Enterprises, knew what his colleagues whispered behind his back.

            Cold, calculating, ruthless.

Unemotional, detached, relentless.

There was a reason he was a formidable opponent in the boardroom, and it wasn’t because he was a nice guy.

            Gregor Klaus never lost the game. He played to win, every time.

            Because of his financial expertise, Klaus Enterprises had established itself as a powerhouse in the industry. The company that produced hand-crafted toys was unparalleled in quality and distribution. The company that brought so many children happiness owed its success to the most cold-hearted brother in the Klaus family.

            Even as a child, Gregor displayed an uncanny talent with numbers. While his brothers baked gingerbread and carved toys, he poured over the books with their elfin accountant. Assessing each season, calculating ways to cut overhead, predicting trends. His father didn’t know quite what to do with him, so he set him up as Director of Finance and moved him to New York.

            It was a perfect fit.

            Gregor thrived in the urban environment. He loved the architecture, the cutting edge technology, the competition within the industry. He lived in a sparse apartment, adorned with a minimalist décor. He dressed in the height of fashion and enjoyed his gadgets. Even his dates—when he found time to squeeze in a social life—were elegant, tasteful. Cold. His brothers enjoyed an old-fashioned lifestyle in the North Pole, but Gregor had assimilated into the affluent world of Manhattan, a world away from Pfeffernusse cookies and elfin magik.

He lived for two things…his job and his family. Family loyalty was everything. He knew how much his parents and brothers depended on him. He was a rock in a sea of chaos. And how could Glasdorf—their town in the North Pole—be anything but chaotic? They lived within a magical ice wall, hidden from the rest of the Sudenwelt, with hundreds of elves. His brother Oskar did his best to control the unruly bunch, but it was a daily challenge. Between unpredictable magik spells and an unlimited supply of eggnog, the elves in Glasdorf were quite a handful to manage.

            All of their lives were mired in turmoil at the moment. Nicholas and Lucy had just welcomed their first baby into the family. Sven was secretly planning to open a furniture studio—and only Gregor knew the truth. Oskar and Kiana had adopted an elfin Bändiger and were building the North Pole’s first library. And his parents—Santa and Alena—had a full schedule packed with triathlons and philanthropic projects. Tonight was one such event, which his brother Wolfgang had been organizing for months. The New York Childrens Literacy gala promised to be a huge success, thanks to Gregor’s financial support and Wolf’s attention to detail.

            Gregor wove through the crowds on Fifth Avenue, dodging shoppers and Salvation Army buckets. Bitter winds tugged at his coat and reddened his cheeks. He stopped and glanced at a window display. A fat Santa smiled at him and waved, its robotic arm twitching with Christmas cheer.

            Mocking him.

            It stood to reason that the Klaus family had some natural holiday generosity in their DNA. His father was filled with compassion, his mother was sympathetic to children all over the world, his brothers poured their hearts and souls into the toys and sweet treats and acts of philanthropy and care-taking of the elves.

            Emotional, kind, and thoughtful. Those were traits appropriate for the Klaus family. Those were traits nestled firmly in the genetic code of his parents and siblings. In some ironic twist of fate, those characteristics had skipped right over him. Nothing about Gregor Klaus was warm or cuddly.

            He was the polar opposite of Santa Claus in every way.

            He’d promised to meet his family at the affair. He needed this walk first, striding along the icy Manhattan sidewalks. He did this every day. The bracing wind reminded him he was still alive, not a robot but a man. He kept hoping that immersing himself in a sea of humanity would help him to find his own humanity.

            He kept hoping.

            His family hadn’t noticed that anything was wrong. They were distracted by life’s adventures, and none of them knew what Gregor hid behind his impeccable clothes, well-trimmed goatee, and self-confident expression. That now, in addition to ice cold, he felt numb. He peered into the frosted holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, and felt absolutely…nothing.

            Yes, it certainly was ironic.

            Santa’s son was a cold, hard bastard, with nary an ounce of Christmas cheer anywhere to be found. 

                                                                               ❊❊❊❊❊

 Happy November!

Penny

Release Day for A TASTE OF HEAVEN!

IT'S RELEASE DAY!

TIME FOR SOME BUBBLY!

BALLOONS!

CAKE AND ICE CREAM!

And...

Haggis.

Haggis?

Ugh.

Why haggis?

You'll have to read the book to find out.

A TASTE OF HEAVEN

is now available at...

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

For book blurb and quotes/comments, see this post!

Here is the Goodreads link for more reviews.

More early feedback about A TASTE OF  HEAVEN...

Book Riot

Heroes and Heartbreakers

Fiction Vixen

Smexybooks

10 Must Read Romance Novels for September 2015

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell



Thank you so much to everyone for support, friendship, solidarity, and advice during this book-writing journey.

Enjoy!

Penny

Time To Pre-Order and Win Swag!

It's only a couple of weeks until the release of A TASTE OF HEAVEN! Woo hoo! Here are some announcements, chances to win swag and goodies, and early buzz about the book.

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has supported me...and that includes readers, bloggers, reviewers, authors, beta readers, critique partners, family, and friends.

I LUB YOU GUYS!

1. In response to many readers asking about a pre-order option for A TASTE OF HEAVEN, I finally put it up at Amazon.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $2.99!

 

The book will be released on SEPTEMBER 15 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

2. Do you like paperbacks? A TASTE OF HEAVEN is already available at Amazon in print...

GET PRINT BOOK NOW!

3. Do you like swag? Check out the adorable custom soaps and lip balm that Be Greatful made for A TASTE OF HEAVEN...

Soap is lemon and boysenberry, and the lip balm is whisky-flavored. Yum! For a chance to win some excellent swag, please sign up for my newsletter. It will be coming out in 2 weeks with purchase links, Scottish recipes, and more!

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER NOW!

 

4. Win more stuff! I'm also giving away this adorable print from Native Vermont at Etsy. You must be a newsletter subscriber to win.

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER NOW!

5. I am thrilled with early feedback and buzz about the book. Thanks to numerous bloggers and reviewers, reviews for A TASTE OF HEAVEN will be posted during release week. Here are some early quotes...

"A TASTE OF HEAVEN is a true taste of fiction heaven." 

Babbling About Books

"Older characters, a heartwarming romance, a fresh plot, and haggis make for a fantastic story that will delight readers."

Romance Novel News

"Food is a vivid metaphor for all that life still holds to savor in this sweet and sexy story of second chances, full of heart and humor."

Laura Florand, Bestselling author of The Chocolate Series

"A TASTE OF HEAVEN is an absolutely charming story about trust and family...Watson may even have convinced me to try haggis."

Book Riot

"Well written and thoroughly drenched in humor, romance, and a touch of bittersweet emotions."

Smexybooks

"Charming, delightful, and delicious!"

Theresa Weir, NYT-bestselling author

BOOK RIOT: THE BEST BOOKS WE READ IN AUGUST

10 MUST READ ROMANCE NOVELS FOR SEPTEMBER 2015

6. BLURB! Here's the blurb for A TASTE OF HEAVEN and a few more fun links about the book...

“Create one perfect bite.”

 

Good little widow Sophia Brown always follows the rules. When the producer of a cooking competition requests an amuse-bouche, the chefs stick with proteins. Sauces. A savory concoction. She has only one shot to impress the judges on A Taste of Heaven. But in a moment of defiance, she creates an extraordinary dessert, one that combines both the bitter and the sweet, just like her own life.

That one bite changes everything.

After a year grieving for her dead husband, forty-seven-year-old Sophia is finally ready to break out of her shell. Unfortunately, there is a large, angry obstacle standing in her way. Scottish chef Elliott Adamson has a chip on his shoulder the size of Loch Ness, and he’s blocking her path to victory.

Spurred by her daughters, she embarks on a poignant adventure that takes her from the wildflower fields of Vermont to the wind-swept vista of North Berwick, Scotland. Fear, courage, and inspiration from unlikely places will mark this journey, and Sophia is determined to persevere until the very end.

A TASTE OF HEAVEN is a 57,000 word short novel that includes a foodie romance, second chances, and a wee bit of haggis.

✯ ✯ ✯

Some more links...

Pinterest Board

Etsy Treasury

If It's Not Scottish It's Crap!
 
Goodreads Link

 

Please pre-order and spread the word...IF IT'S NOT SCOTTISH, IT'S CRAP!

Penny