Chocolate day -- recipe

Natasha Oakley has decided to tempt people with chocolate on the Pink Heart Society. Some might say that chocolate is not a temptation, but a necessity, one of the basic food groups.

She wants recipes. Did I mention that Natasha also has a book out this month -- Wanted: White Wedding

S'mores

(as made over a thousand campfires)

To make one s'more --

2 graham crackers (in the UK use 2 digestive biscuits)

half a bar of chocolate (your choice, Green & Blacks is great, but Hershey's is standard)

1 toasted marshmallow.

First toast your marshmallow. Try not to burn to a cinder. There are generally great debates how to do the perfect toasted marshmallow. Place marshmallow on chocolate, sandwich between cracker/digestive biscuit. Eat. Have another one. Try toasting the marshamllow a different way. Eventually feel slightly sick.

One of the best parts of camping.

I had a lovely post from Krista at Coffeetime Romance. Taken by the Viking has been awarded five cups. My favourite bit of the lovely review was: Very seldom do I come across a book that affects me as much as this one did. Ms. Styles delves into emotions of both main characters so that I felt like I knew them inside and out. The fact that I have Scandinavian heritage only made this book more appealing. I was also very impressed with how realistic everything came across, which is not an easy task. I applaud Ms. Styles for telling a story that enchants and tugs at your heart. This is an author who truly knows how to write. The book only got better and at no point did I feel disappointed or let down. History and passion mixed together is a combination that makes this particular story one that will not leave me for a while.

As I too have a Scandanavian heritage, I think it is great that she enjoyed the setting. Many thanks to Krista for making my day.

You can read the rest of the review here.

I learnt that Kimberley Lang of Writer's Playground has sold her first Modern Heat. Hooray for Kim. She is quite naturally having a blog party and you can join in the fun here.

Coffee Time Romance prize

The blog about a day in my life is up at Coffee Time Romance. There is a chance to win a copy of The Roman's Virgin Mistress. I am currently hoping that someone will enter...

The Shelfari thing is slightly addictive at the moment. What books to put on my shelf. That sort of thing. Anyway, I find it interesting.

My daughter has finished HP for the second time. She read it once and then had to reread it. She thinks it is better than books 5 and 6. Perhaps equal to book 4. She also keeps teasing me with hints. Everyone is not as they seem. Umm, I figured that would happen. She was also very satisfied with the ending.

My editors' thoughts are supposed to arrive on Tuesday. They do like TD but have ideas on how it could be strengthened. This is what I like to hear. I want my books to be the strongest possible read.

I am feeling more positive about my current wip. The crows of doubt often attack at this stage. I don't think I am ever truly happy with a book until I have my editors' input.

Coffetime Romance's Review of TRVM

Coffeetime Romance has reviewed The Roman's Virgin Mistress. The reviewer gave it 5 cups. According to their rating system, it means: Ultra Rare Extraordinary Read
Not many books will be rated a 5. This is a book you would like to tell everybody about because you just can’t say enough about it.

My favourite bit of the review was: An amazing read and one filled with interesting historical facts. Ms. Styles has done the research for this book extremely well and makes it an entertaining read. I loved the strong willed and equally strong tempered character of Silvana. Fortis is equally arrogant and strong willed, but short to temper. That makes him a wonderful alpha male in my book. The suspense of the story will have you holding your breath, while the love scenes will make you melt. This book is a must read for anyone who loves historical romances with just a dash of suspense. Ms. Styles is on my author watch list after reading this marvelous book.

You can read the whole review here.

I have just had a phone call from the Tyne Tees news producer. Apparently they are going to use the piece about me TONIGHT! The video is poised and ready. Cue massive nerves.