Archive for June 2009

Book Review of “THE CLUB’ by Sharon Page

I wasn’t sure I’d like this book when I ordered it. I wanted to read about heroes since that is what this blog reports on. The front cover of ‘The Club’, published by Dell and written by Sharon Page, says “Behind closed doors, nothing is forbidden.” Hmmm.

I love historical reads, but I was open for something different. I was pleased with my purchase! Intrigue and kinky sex can be found inside the club, yet Jane St. Giles, Lady Sherringham, must get inside in order to search for friend Del, who has gone missing. She is joined by Del’s brother, and London’s wickedest rake, Christian Sutcliffe.  

I wasn’t prepared to like this Lord Wickham, our hero. But I did. I loved his wit, sensitivity to the more innocent Jane, and his concern for his missing sibling. Okay, okay, he sounded HOT, too!

Sharon described the inner workings on an exclusive gentleman’s club and brought its visitors to life in all their naked glory. ‘Highly arousing’ is one way to describe how the relationship between the meek, unassuming Jane flourishes under Christian’s touch. This was a great can’t-put-it-down page turner especially for any lover of the Regency historical.

Nancy Badger

A REMINDER: WHAT IS THIS BLOG ALL ABOUT?

The thinking behind ‘Rescuing Romance’ is to give credit where credit is due to the heroes of the romance industry. Whether fictional or real, we all need heroes.

My real life heroes consist of my husband and two sons. We have been through a lot together and I believe Rich and I raised them to the best of our ability. There were tough times but we worked through them…together.

With the boys grown and out on their own, I am dedicating this blog to all the heroes. Watch this space for information, book reviews, author interviews, firehouse recipes, and much more.

Nancy Lee

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There is no greater calling than service to others. And there is no better way to have your blessings multiply.  –Oprah Winfrey

HUNKY CHOCOLATE PEANUT CLUSTERS

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate squares

OR

8 ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ pound of roasted Spanish peanuts

Waxed paper 

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Put 2” of water in the bottom of a double boiler. Heat. Break up chocolate squares OR place chips in top of double boiler and melt. Remove from heat and add peanuts. Mix well. Drop by large spoonfulls on waxed paper, not touching. Put in a cool place to harden. (Freezer works well)  *microwave use: carefully melt chocolate at low heat in a microwave safe bowl. Remove from oven before adding peanuts.Makes a great low sugar, high protein snack for any group of heroes on the run! 

Book Review of ‘DARK VICTORY’ by Brenda Joyce

I admit it…I bought the book because of the cover! Since this blog is devoted to heroes, the cover’s muscular, glossy, tanned body drew me in. ‘Dark Victory’, published by HQN Books, was written by NY Times Bestselling Author Brenda Joyce. It brings together Tabitha ‘Tabby’ Rose and our hunky hero, Guy Macleod. 

An unassuming schoolteacher by day, Tabby’s witchery heritage mingles with her power to ‘see’ events. MacLeod has lived a century and is intent on revenge on the clan who murdered his family, even though the grandchildren of his enemy had nothing to do with the slaughter. MacLeod is destined to be a Master of Time but has refused to take his vows with the Gods. He can’t leap through time on his own…yet. 

Tabby sees a display in a museum and ‘sees’ a man, bloody and burned. She says a spell to help him. He arrives unhurt, from an earlier time, to her city. He saves her and her students from a demon then kidnaps her to Scotland in the 13th Century. Tabby is NOT pleased.

A ghost of a demon chases them through time. Macleod’s friends, a young prisoner, and several other interesting characters kept the action flowing. Both Tabby and Guy end up being heroes in their own right and work together to bring a peaceful end to the revenge which has consumed Guy.

This is the second of a series called ‘The Rose Trilogy’. I have not read the first-YET- but got enough backstory in this book to understand what happened earlier. Some of the characters from the previous book play an instrumental supporting role which makes me want to go read it.

Tabby really blossomed in this story and I credit her with being as much a hero as Guy. Together, they learn about love. And the hot sex scenes didn’t hurt, either!  Nancy Badger

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privelege and our adventure to discover our own special light.

–Mary Dunbar, artist

HE-MAN SWISS & BACON QUICHE

Whoever said “Real Men don’t eat quiche” never met hungry fire fighters after a particularly grueling training session. We never knew when the next fire tone might sound and whose home might be burning. Chimney fires and problematic woodstoves were common, especially during the winter. This meal provided a warm and hearty tasteful of goodness. Try it!

Pastry for 10” quiche (or pie) plate

¾ cups half & half

2 eggs, beaten

¼ teaspoon, each, of salt and pepper

4 to 8 ounces Swiss cheese slices, chopped

1 tablespoon flour

4 to 8 pieces of crisp bacon, crumbled

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Combine half & half, eggs, and seasonings in a large bowl and mix well with a fork. Toss cheese with flour in a small bowl. Add the cheese to the egg mixture. Pour the cheese mixture into the pastry shell. Sprinkle with bacon pieces. Bake 40 to 45 minutes in the center of the oven or until lightly browned. Remove plate from oven and cool on a rack. Mixture will solidify after about 10 minutes. Serve. This keeps well for a couple of days and individual servings can be heated in the microwave. Serves 4 to 6 people. The recipe can be easily doubled or quadrupled to feed a fire company!

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 “Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts.” –Rita Mae Brown, writer & educator

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