Blogging at Borders!

I am the guest author at Borders True Romance blog today, talking about Men in Kilts. And, well…men out of kilts…. Come play! Win stuff! Tell your neighbors!

You can also play here and win free stuff. See Monday’s post for the details. Winner announced in tomorrow’s blog. AND! You can check out my “other site” Cakes By The Cup Blog and read my wacky adventures into learning how to be a pastry chef. Leave a comment over there for any post this week and, yes, yet again another opportunity to be a Winner! (Seriously, it’s like a contest bonanza or something!)

And speaking of Men in Kilts…This week also was Launch Week for THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE, which includes short stories by moi, and a lot of other authors, including Connie Brockway, Susan Sizemore, Jacqui D’Alessandro, Terri Brisbin and a whole slew more. Check out the cover copy below…. (Oh, and did I mention my short story is my first foray back into writing paranormals in a handful of years? You all kept asking, so….here you go! Time traveler hero….just for you.)

Real Men Wear Kilts

Enough to make even the hardiest Highlander blush, here you will find the steamy romantic history of Scotland laid bare. With swords, through sorcery, and in the course of some of the hottest nights ever experienced on the Inner Hebrides, Scottish heroes stake their claims, both in the bedroom and out. Dreams come true and legends are born as ancient prophecies are fulfilled by time travelers from the future; in a Scotland where real Historical figures exist side by side with Pagan magic and werewolves. Dashing lairds and Scottish barbarians fight For love and honor in a wild, magical world.

Let Julianne MacLean, Patricia Grasso, Lois Greiman, Marta Acosta, Donna Grant and many more lead you into the fierce, sexy, irresistible heart of a Scotland that Is, was, and might still be.

MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE
January 2011
Running Press
ISBN 9780762440030

What is it about those Highlander Heroes that gets out…imagination flowing, anyway?

DISH!

Man Candy, Free Stuff….and? Cupcakes!!

Happy 2011, Blog Babes! Why is it that when I type 2011 it looks all futuristic and 2010? Not as much. Just me? Alrighty then.

We’re going to launch off this futuristic year with some yummy fun (and a couple opportunities to win free stuff this week!) But first, the yummy fun part. Man Candy and cupcakes. Honestly, what more does a happenin’ blog babe need? (Well, other than a stack of really yummy books to read? See: Cupcake News below!)

So, who is the first Man Candy Candidate of 2011! Hello, Daniel Sunjata! You may recognize him from Rescue Me and his soon-to-be-more prominent role on Grey’s Anatomy as Nurse Eli…and possibly Dr. Bailey’s own personal man candy. But the reason I feature him here? He has also snagged the most anticipated role in recent casting history. (Okay, okay….so this is according to me. But then, this is my blog.) Who is he going to play on the big screen you ask? Well, none other than that sexy, secretive, most highly trained badass man candy of them all…..yes, he’s going to be Ranger in the movie version of Janet Evanovich’s first fabulous Stephanie Plum mystery series, ONE FOR THE MONEY. I know? How mmmmmmm is that? Very mmmm, if you ask me. What say you, Blog Babes?

But the yumminess, it does not end there. Oh no. I have very exciting news to share with you all! This is going to be a fun year of book releases. Right now OFF KILTER is on the stands, which is the second in the Hot Scots series (SOME LIKE IT SCOT being the first)…and the finale of that series will wrap up this fall in the Brava Christmas anthology, UNWRAPPED. But that is just icing, as they say, on the cake. Tomorrow, (yes, as in almost today already!) I have another release coming out, this one from Running Press. I have a short story in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE, which also features stories from Connie Brockway, Susan Sizemore, Jacquie D’Allesandro and many more. Here’s the yummy cover! (Are you sensing a trend of yumminess?)

And where does it all lead, you ask? And what about the cupcakes? Well, that’s my Big Announcement! We can enjoy hot Scots all year long (and really, that’s an entree I can have again and again) and then, this fall, dessert! Yes, I have a new series coming your way. I’ve been researching and writing my patootie off (and will keep doing so) to get ready for the launch of the CAKES BY THE CUP series. Yes, a series set in and around a cupcake bakery, Cakes by the Cup….the first of which will debut the end of this year, titled SUGAR RUSH (featuring hunky Brit hero Baxter Dunne, aka Chef Hot Cakes!)

As I mentioned, I’ve been doing a lot of research for this book, not only learning all the ins and outs of running a bakery and all the fun stuff that entails, but also learning about the world of bakers, pastry chefs, and all things flour, sugar, and butter. I did mention the whole yummy thing, right? This research was the yummiest yet. And because I believe in really immersing myself in my research, it made perfect sense to me to turn my kitchen into my own little pasty chef school. I kept a journal as I did so (and continue to as the research is on-going) and I thought it might be fun to share that journey with you all.

So! I’ve launched a separate site, blogging my adventures into becoming a world-class (according to me) baker…one cupcake at a time. Please join me over at Cakes By The Cup Blog and share the ups, the downs, and the occasional kitchen disaster (okay, so I define “occasional” perhaps a bit more loosely than some might…) with me. I’ll be posting at least once a week (yes, there will be photos! And recipes! Well…of the ones that turned out, you know, edibly…) and will always cross post here so you don’t miss a single, delicious bite!

Whew! I think I got it all in! OH, wait!! No, I didn’t. I am guest blogging today over at Romancing the Book. If you swing by (there’s an excerpt of OFF KILTER!!) and leave a comment, you could be in the running to win a free book!

You can also be in the running to win a free book right here. First Free Stuff Friday Contest of Futuristic 2011! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Cupcakes? And Man Candy? Sign me up!!” in the subject header. I’ll draw a name from the pile and announce the winner here in Friday’s blog.

Okay, Blog Babes…that’s a heapin’ servin’ of yummy. What do you think? How was your holiday? Are you ready to tackle the future? Because, it’s here! It’s 2011! So, join me…and DISH!!

Free Stuff Thursday! Ho ho ho!

Thank you all for entering this week’s contest! We do have a winner!

Congratulations Seoyoung G! Just send me your mailing address and a few title ideas from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first one) and I will get your prize to you.

I hope everyone is having a good holiday season! I will be back on Monday. Ho ho ho!! :)

RIP my little Big Guy…

Saying good-bye isn’t easy, but I’m so glad you’re in a better place. You were a faithful companion for twelve years and a real little trooper. Rest in peace, Scamper…and have a good time up there!

Thank you, Paul & Rhonda, for your kindness, your generosity, your animal loving spirit, and your friendship. All of them mean more to me & Scamp than you could possibly know.

American Idol…Top Four

So, one more Idol hit the road, Jack. And it wasn’t Casey. (Woot woot!) It wasn’t Lee, either. Lady Gaga, also on Idol. Where hasn’t she been? Just askin. But it wasn’t boring! Harry was lovely, as always, and funny, forever more. And then it wasn’t Crystal, either. Which leaves Big Mike and Aaron in the Bottom Two. Am I surprised it’s Mike and not Casey? Of course. Am I happy I get to stare at Casey another week? Well, why don’t you join me in the shallow end of the pool and we can discuss. At length. All said and done…it’s Aaron going home. I think he did well on this show and it was appropriate for him to depart at this juncture. And, you know…pass the umbrella drinks! Next week? Jamie Foxx and Cinema Favorites. Definitely steppin’ it up in the mentor dept these past few weeks.

Tonight we’re back on the island and we find out who is getting voted off Survivor next. Your guesses? Hopes? Dreams?

And don’t forget - one last day to enter this week’s Uber Special Free Stuff Friday contest. You could be the first one on your block with a copy of SOME LIKE IT SCOT, my May 25 release. So, check out Monday’s blog for all the details, and good luck!

Right this very second? You can DISH! What did you think about the vote off last night on Idol? Who do you want to see go home next? And who needs to leave Survivor tonight? Besides Russell, I mean. Go!

Changing it up….the guys throw it down

So, last night on American Idol, due to Crystal Bowersox being ill, they changed it up and put the guys on first. What follows is my MAC (Morning After Commentary for those just joining us…) as the show unfolded…

First up, Michael Lynch and dayum, that was niiiice. Smooth, soulful, lovely. I could rewind and watch that again right now, that’s how smooth that was. Huge improve.

John Park brings us some John Mayer. I’m not a fan of Mayer (seriously, John? Shut up.) But Mr. Park also seemed to learn his lesson from last week’s debut. Sounded good with Gravity. Hard to follow Big Mike, especially doing something soulful, but he did a better job than last week. He’s not in the winner’s position yet, but he shouldn’t go home on that performance.

Mmm, Casey. Killer baby blues. And I honestly just like the guy. And btw, John? The first five seconds of this performance was what they meant by authentic. I don’t think this knocks Bo Bice out of the box as Bo has a much bigger bluesy voice, but the electric guitar was a nice touch. I wish his voice had more power. But there are those baby blues. Yeah. He’s not going anywhere.

Alex Lambert is the cuteness and I can identify with his competitive nerves. My youngest always had to do that before every football game and once he did, he was calm and good to go. I hope he’s comfortable up there this week. I can’t imagine performing for the third time in your life on that stage. Wow. And you know what? I like the guy this week. Serious cuteness and a pretty sweet sound, too. Hunh. Who knew? Wow, the guys are really stepping it up this week!

Toddrick Hall decides to take on Tina Turner, which would have had me rolling my eyes, but his humble interview with Ryan pre-sing had me hoping he keeps the improvement trend going tonight. (And what a dancer. Triple threat! I can see why Christina Applegate and Adam Lambert have been hyping this guy now.) And he’s not hard to look at, either. (Pass me the umbrella drink and just get it over with.) What is with the ballads tonight? Possibly not as deeply soulful as say Big Daddy Mike, but he’s trying. Not sure he has enough to be the winner…and agree, go with your strength. Dance. I also think it’s got to be confusing to know to what degree to implement the advice their getting. He honestly tried to do that, and to learn and grow, and for that he gets mad props from me.

Jermaine Sellers is up next. Not quite as humble, our Jermaine, but I wish him well. Singing Marvin Gaye…(why can’t these guys be current? And STOP changing it up so much.) I really think the ones who are struggling are applying too much of every nuance of what the judges say to their performances and losing themselves in the process. Toddrick I hope gets it figured out. Jermaine? Not so much. He’s not a bad singer, he just doesn’t do anything for me. I’d be okay if he goes home this week. Boot #1 of the night for me.

Onto our seventh performer is Andrew Garcia! Yay! Man, I hope he brings it, because I love him. I love his voice. I could listen to him for a long time. Well…not a step forward. He had a few flat notes and I hope he brings his guitar back next week. Pout. I hope he’s back next week, because he was my number one coming into this, but the judgery is right, he’s not really bringing it.

Aaron Kelly is up and he’s also the cuteness. Surprised he went the non-country route. The opening didn’t get me going, maybe he should have infused a little country into it…but he can truly sing. More confident, this week. And there’s the cuteness, so I’m thinking he’s safe.

Tim Urban is up next and…wow. What do you do when you bombed so spectacularly last week, but didn’t go home? Tough being this guy. But, on the other hand, what have you got to lose, really? It could only get better…or get you sent home for reals. He did a better job, but that’s not saying much. Was it enough to stay? Not thinking so. He’s got the same kind of vibe as Alex Lambert, but Lambert has a better grip on his sound and Tim isn’t going to be special enough to stay. So he’s Boot #2 for me tonight. But then, he was last week, too. We’ll see.

Lee Dewyze winds up the show for us, and I liked his backstory about his school years. Motivational and very true. This guy has such an authentic voice…the one I wish Casey had. Needs to work on the flat stuff, which was harsh tonight….but hope he stays around. He hits it right, it will be memorable.

So, tonight for me? Big Mike owned the night in terms of all around performance. Casey made me want to keep liking him. Same with Andrew and Lee. My surprise this week was Alex Lambert. Cutie patootie…and good chops. In the playback at the end of the night, still really got me. I hope Toddrick stays around, and Aaron already will. Beyond that, Tim, Jermaine, and, sadly, John, are the ones in danger for me.

Tonight it’s the ladies and I hope Crystal, as my frontrunner, is back up and running. I also hope the girls bring it like the guys did last night. Could be getting interesting in here!

What did you think? DISH!!

Cosmo Baby, Yeah!

Hello Blog Babes Everywhere! I have officially unburied myself from the second (third?) avalanche of snow and am slowly resuming normal life, with electricity and everything!

One fun announcement before we get to all the MAC. The new issue of Cosmopolitan hit the stands this week - March issue, red cover - and that is the very one that contains the excerpt from my current release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, as the Red Hot Read of the Month! Woot! For all you Cosmo Girls out there…enjoy!

Okay, on to the more important things, like did Jake actually even consider inviting Ali back on the show. And HA, no he did not. Even if I hadn’t already started liking the guy for his up front honesty and golly shucks earnestness, this would have earned him my undying love. For once, the mean girl gets hers. (And don’t you just know that when Jake was saying how he couldn’t let any of the women still on the show go to make room for her, she was killing to say he should ditch Vienna? You could just SEE it.) Speaking of Vienna, they did show more of their connection last night, which largely alluded back to their initial terrifying bungee jump together. There was a trust bond made that day that I’ve said all along the rest of the women will never be able to compete with.

After last night, I have to say, I think he was right in sending Gia home. It was clear he was way more caught up in the “I can’t believe the hot chick likes me” than he should have been by then. And while he respected a great deal more about her, I don’t think, even with her opening up to him, he could get past that intimidation factor, overall. And while I had thought that Tenley would make a good match for him spiritually, and in other ways as well, for all that he gushes over Gia and Vienna in terms of how attracted he is to them, he never says this about Tenley (despite the fact that she’s beautiful.) With the preview clip about the sexual incompatibility next week, I’m pretty sure I’m on the right track there. Now whether it’s that he can’t get past the Madonna Complex (no, not the singer) with her, or whether it’s something else, I’m putting all my eggs in the Vienna basket next week.

At least he admitted that Vienna is young and immature, but in so many other ways he feels like “the man” with her, and there’s no game playing there. She’s not capable of being devious, not with him. She’s far too vulnerable there for that. Now, have they privately weathered the absolute bashing she’s taken in the press while the series has aired? I’m guessing probably not. But I do get why he’d pick her from the bunch he had left.

In that regard, I know a lot of folks wanted him to bring Ali back, thinking she was more the full package for him. But I’m sorry, I don’t see that at all. She’d run him right into the ground in no time flat. And I think he knew that, because, only a week later? Yeah, he’d have moved heaven and earth if she’d really been the one. He knew she had the hate on for Vienna and I think his protective instincts where that was concerned, also colored his world.

And if you don’t think that performance by Ali last night wasn’t really her audition piece to be the next Bachelorette, then I have some swamp land I’d like to discuss… The very idea of her as Bachelorette is like nails to a chalkboard for me. That scratchy voice? Urgh. I know why the series brings forward folks we’ve gotten to know as their next Bach or Bach’ette, but I think it’s about time to jump off the recycling train. Especially is this is the best they can do. (And they can’t bring Tenley forward as the next B’ette. She’d never be able to handle that kind of testosterone!)

So…who is your pick to win? I don’t have a horse in this race, but it’s a shame I don’t see him with the chance of coming out of this with a life partner. If anyone was ready for that process to work, it was this guy.

So, on to Our Phil and the return of his Amazing Bathmat! Woo hoo! So, the new couples are interesting. No out and out hateful, bickering couple, so that was good. Although when Joe said, “The leader is Big Joe, right here” I said out loud, “Aaaaaand, I’m done with you.” But he hasn’t been overly obnoxious about it yet, so we’ll see.

I’m also concerned that this is the Bubblehead Season. Between the Miss Teen and the Big Bro winner, they’re even giving bubbleheaded blondes a bad name. Scary. I have to admit I like the Stereotypical Gay brother, who I will call Just Jordan! (Will & Grace) I’m not overly bothered by Team Lesbians’ need to shove their class-ay style of living on me yet. But they could easily go the other way. Funnier would help.

I felt bad for Dana and Adrian, the couple who went home. I’m sure he’ll be kicking himself over that for a long time, but it was nice to see how supportive they were to each other.

Love, love, love Triathalon Grannie and her Triathalon granddaughter. Her bio says she also used to do standup. Ha! And love how Just Jordan! did admit that maaaaaybe he’d underestimated them when granny kicked his yellow-sneakered behind. I think he will give me the funny this season, and I will let him.

I also liked Team Dad/Daughter. Seems solid, strong, really respectful of each other. Team Undercover Cop (how does that work, after you’ve been on television tho….just askin) is okay, though I could take or leave at this point. And Ty Murray’s run on Dancing With the Stars has predisposed me to lurve Team Cowboy. They are pretty stinkin’ cute. Jet and Cord. And you all think we make up hero names. Nuh uh. Not sure how far they’ll go, but here’s hoping they stick around awhile.

Also liked Team Lawyer Moms. Shawne’s “God is with me” all the way across that cable did make me smile. I’d have never been able to do that. I would have disappointed God. So, I was with her, too, the whole way.

All in all, looks like a good season! And Phil is smokin’ hot as ever. So all is good. Can’t wait until next week!

Right now, this week? It’s time to DISH! Any faves on the Race? Are you watching the Olympics? I’m loving them so far! Bring on the snowboarders! And tonight on Idol they’re going to spill at least a few of the Final 24 one night early. Too many things to watch!

Fun News, Free Stuff, and, oh yeah….RAAAAAACE!

First the Fun News!

My next single title, HERE COMES TROUBLE, will hit the stands the end of January. And I just found out that Santa is going to be very good to me this year as an excerpt from the book is going to be the Red Hot Read in the March issue of Cosmopolitan magazine. Yes, it’s true, I will officially be a Cosmo Girl. (Hey, I’ll take that any way I can get it. :) ) Woo hoo!

Here’s a sneak peek at the cover and the back copy!

here-comes-trouble

GET LUCKY

A child of Vegas, Brett Hennessey knows about luck–especially the bad kind. But when this poker superstar hops on his Harley to outrun Lady Misfortune and ends up at a pretty B&B run by an even prettier proprietor, he can’t help thinking he’s stumbled onto a winning streak…

Sure, Kirby Farrell’s new B&B ski lodge opened to the warmest winter in Vermont history, but fate brought her a bad boy on a hot bike and settled him into her best room. She’s still broke, but the view across the breakfast table has definitely improved…

Only now Brett’s past has finally caught up to him. He has two choices: run again–and lose the best hand fortune’s dealt him yet. Or stay and risk everything for something he never thought would come his way…

February 2010
Brava Trade Paperback
ISBN 0758231334

And for any of you Cosmo Girls out there, check out the Red Hot Read in the December issue (which just left the stands for the January issue - already!) My anthology, Kissing Santa Claus, was the Red Hot Read in that issue, with HelenKay Dimon’s novella excerpted. Pretty sweet!

Okay, on to Free Stuff! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with Is it my turn yet? in the subject line. I’ll draw one name from all the entries and announce it here in Friday’s blog. Winner gets a free book from my website bookshelf. Good luck!

Now, on with the Morning After Commentary (MAC) for the finale of The Amazing Race. We had Team Shut Up, Team Cheyne! Cheyne! and Team Calm Down Erika in the final three. I was okay with anyone winning but the Shut Up brothers. And it all worked out okay for me in that regard, though I wish Brian/Erika hadn’t melted down during the Cirque challenge as I’d have wanted it to be closer with them. But, to the surprise of absolutely no one, Team Shut Up had no idea who Wayne Newton was as they raced to the finish in Vegas, and though Team Cheyne! Cheyne! had no idea that Monte Carlo was the famous casino in Monaco, they did managed, as they’ve done so many times before, to cross the mat first. Not my favorite team ever, but certainly a deserving one. I saw a blurb in the Post about them today and didn’t realize they are only 23 years old. Given that, my tolerance for Megan does go up a little. Anyway - another season in the can. Lovely countries, some fun couples. Looking forward to next season!

This week we have more Dance, the finale of Top Chef (go Garden Gnome!) and we find out if it ever occurs to anyone on the old Foa Foa that maybe, just maybe, at some point, somebody ought to discuss voting out Russell. Just sayin.

I hope you all have a fabulous Monday! Now it’s time to DISH!

Happy Gobble Gobble!

Just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all the Blog Babes out there!

I did make my deadline! Yay! So there is another Hot Scot coming your way next spring. Look for the cover art and back cover copy to be posted here next week. Free Stuff Friday returns next week, as does the Morning After Commentary (aka the MAC!) Thanks for your patience while I was crushed under this last deadline. But I’m back!

dscn9088

As I write this, I am out here in the balmy 18 degree temps of Steamboat Springs, Colorado to visit my son and his very adorable girlfriend and get to enjoy the holiday with family. I hope you are all able to connect with and enjoy family and friends today, too!

I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your continued support over the years. It means a great deal to me. I love hearing from you all - those who have been with me since the beginning (eighteen years and close to fifty books ago!!) and those new to my books. You’ve all been so great with your notes and letters. I love hearing from you and getting your feedback. Keep spreading the word to the masses, you guys - you are the absolute bestest! (And if you’re feeling particularly happy from all that turkey & pumpkin pie drop in on Amazon or B&N and shout it from the rooftops - every good review helps keep the books out there! Don’t let the grinches win! Blog babes, unite! :) ) Thank you for all the love & support ~ you guys rock!

I truly hope you enjoy everything that’s coming in the new year. I am thankful for each and every one of you.

Dropping like flies…literally (Friday’s blog post!)

I just realized this never posted on Friday!!! Sorry - so you get two-for-one today. Scroll down to the last post for Monday (today’s!) blog entry…

Wow, poor Russell, huh? (And no, don’t get your hopes up, not that Russell…) Whether you liked him or not, I felt bad that he had to leave the game the way he did. He obviously hated going out like that, and I felt for him. I’m just glad he’s okay, because that second time he went down? Yeah, that was not fun to watch. Yikies. Otherwise, not a particularly dynamic episode. I’m tired of Survivor: Soggy Samoa. I want my show back.

Over on Project Runway, Christopher uses up what absolutely has to be his last life, right? Nicholas goes home instead, so not a great loss there, but how can Christopher be on that runway in the bottom two that often -and in a row! - and not be packing his pins and needles? Seriously? I want my show back there, too, Tim.

In other news…next week’s Free Stuff Friday is going to be a particular treat since I just got my hands on the advance review copies of my February release, Here Comes Trouble. One could be on its way to you! Check back Monday for details.

In the meantime, we have a winner for this week’s contest. And it’s Blog Babe Linda H! Woo hoo, Linda! Send me an email and let me know what title you’d like. Send a few choices in case I’m out of your first one.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Looking forward to Raaaaace on Sunday. But right now? I’m looking forward to a little DISH!! Who needs to exit Survivor? Possibly the easier question is who should stay? Or do you care if any of them stay? I have absolutely not a single favorite on that show this year. It’s all just a generic blur to me. On Project Runway - still liking Carol Hannah, and Logan (tho yikes this week, L!) Irina…sigh…she’s a good designer, but does she have any concept that what she says on a nationally televised program, week in and week out, could impact her future as a professional designer? Because, yikies there, too. Wouldn’t kill ya to just be decent, huh? And possibly drop the cocky down a few percentage points as well. I wish there was someone more dynamic on this season. I miss the Christian’s and the colorful characters. I know, but it’s borrrrring this year! Your take?

Also… enjoying the Richard Castle/Nikki Heat book. It’s fun! And not just because I can pretend it really was written by the hunky Nathan Fillion, who has quite the nice photo on the back cover…