We’ll start with the dancing!  It’s finale night on Dancing With the Stars and given the final four, it’s bound to be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.

Each of the four pairs will dance three times.  First is the Judge’s Pick, then the Cha Cha Relay (I have no idea, either) and finally, the always entertaining Freestyle Round! 

Round 1: 

Karina & Jacoby are first with a Jive.  As much as Len has grated this season with his less-than-constructively delivered, often mean spirited criticisms, I must admit that his time coaching Jacoby was both fun to watch and hilarious.  I think Jacoby was as inspired and surprised as I was!  And something worked, because I thought that was by far the best he’s done!  He’s always energetic and a great showman, but there was more refinement to his moves.  Thoroughly enjoyed this routine – great way to kick off the night and get the dance party started!  Judges:  I was surprised that all of them were critical of his timing as I guess I didn’t notice it a bit.  But they delivered in the scoring, so my annoyance is somewhat abated.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27

Aly & Mark w/Samba:  Again, it’s clear how much she’s grown and I’m happy to see her become a more confident young woman as the season as progressed.  But, overall, there’s a lack of honest connection with me, the viewer, as it still all comes off as a sort of dance version of a gymnastic routine.  I’m guessing after a literal lifetime spent doing the latter, it’s almost impossible not to be that way, so I get it, and I admire her…but I don’t connect with her.  And I don’t see chemistry with Mark the way I need to, to help me get over that hump.  They have a great bro-sis vibe, but whereas Zendaya and Val have found a way to have that same relationship strike sparks of honest chemistry all over the place, I don’t get that from these two.  Sorry, Aly!  Judges: of course, they gush and gush, as they have all season.  Scores: 9, 9, 10 = 28 (three guesses who was their mentor….)

Kellie & Derek/Quickstep:  I’m usually not a fan of Derek always getting the celeb with dance potential and I can’t say I’m happy about him scoring yet another mirror ball trophy, but it’s impossible for me not to adore Kellie.  And I do.  I love her spirit, her work ethic and her absolutely charming relationship with Derek.  And though I still think it would make for a wonderful storyline, to see what Derek could do with his incredible talent when faced with a more challenged partner, I am rooting for these two for the win.  Kellie has earned it.  Judges: also gushy gushy, and I’m glad to hear it!  Len was a fun mentor to this pair as well, and Kellie’s response to him was hilarious. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  And they earned every last point.

Zendaya & Val/Samba: Another impressive pair, both in skill set and chemistry.  Val has totally blossomed over just two seasons.  He’s been both lothario and big brother and I’ve really enjoyed seeing those dimensions brought out in his personality. He has a dedicated worker in Zendaya and I think her work ethic is impressive for someone her age.  I know she’s danced hip hop in her career, but I don’t care who you are, at 16, growing like a weed, with legs all long and awkward and a body you’re still figuring out, this young woman has absolutely poured herself into this whole ordeal and has come out shining.  I am rooting for her and Val as much as I do Kellie and Derek and would be happy with a win for either of them.  I think she’s had more wobbles and that might cost her the final number one spot, but given her age, she’s been nothing short of spectacular.  And this samba was them at the very, very top of their game.  Way to bring it when you have to!  It could make for a very exciting finish!  Judges: give well earned praise.  And score accordingly: 10, 10, 10 = 30.

After Round 1, Kellie & Zendaya are tied in the lead, with Aly two points behind and Jacoby 3 points behind.  Overall, I think I’d have place Jacoby higher than Aly.  Maybe she’s more technically proficient, but he’s a far, far better entertainer, and at some point, that has to count for more.  I think the finals is that point.

Round 2: Cha Cha Relay

So, here’s how it works.  I think.  Each pair comes out and dances about 40 seconds of Cha Cha, then the next couple takes over, and so forth, until all four pairs have danced. Then the judges rank them.  First place team gets a 5 point bump in their total, second place gets 4, down to fourth place which gets 2.  So a definite advantage for the winners, especially if they end up in the same pecking order as the end of Round 1 results.  I’m hoping Jacoby jumps a bit in this one, but I think it’s Zendaya’s and Kellie’s to lose at this point.

Here we go!  Kellie & Derek lead off and they’re sharp as always, though they seem to very much stay in the same spot, then Jacoby comes in as he does, all flash and fire.  Their routine seemed shorter and over before it began and suddenly it’s Aly and Mark who are a bit more earthy, and Aly really is way more relaxed now than when she began this journey, but Mark has to go all showboat in the final seconds and ruins it for me.  Then it’s Val &  Zendaya to close it out and just wow.  Where Kellie is all sharp precision, Zendaya moves and flows in a way that is just ridiculously natural.  To me, they owned this dance.  I’d rank them first, Kellie a close second, and then it’s a toss up for me.  I liked Jacoby more, but Aly’s routine had more content.  Judges give them all equal and well deserved praise.  They really are all wonderful. Scores: Whoa, what do you know?  I nailed it!!

After Round 2: Zendaya has 35, Kellie with 34, Aly with 31 and Jacoby with 29.  I’m glad my fave two pairs are sitting at the top, but the point spread is tight.

Freestyle Round:

Karina & Jacoby:  They go full tilt New Orleans and I really loved how they incorporated the street dancing and music that is so much a part of that culture. (Full disclosure: my grandmother was born in New Orleans, so I’m possibly a wee bit biased here.)  I loved the kids, the energy, all of it.  I will say that although Karina played to his size versus hers with a lot of tossing her around in the air, I wish he’d had more dance content.  He came out almost a little flat and listless, like he’d peaked just a little too soon.  He does work his way into it and hits his stride about 2/3 the way through, but my guess is this will be a fourth place finish for him.  Still, given the competition, that is nothing to sneeze at, and we’ve gotten to enjoy his brand of enthusiastic entertainment for a full season’s worth.  Win-win in my book!  Judges: a little too critical (since, other than the last second dance tomorrow night they aren’t dancing again, there’s no point really in pointing out where they could have improved, just say the nice things and score them however you feel they deserved, you know?  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27  And I do think that’s accurate.  Just wish they’d left the feel good vibe in the room to go with it!

Aly & Mark: They go futuristic and Mark goes yet again in a direction that doesn’t do much for me.  Your mileage may vary.  He plays to Aly’s strengths, and the routine, which is very athletic, does this times a hundred, but that doesn’t automatically make it entertaining or fun.  I liked the opening light effect, but then it stayed really dark, making it hard to see and appreciate the dance moves.  The moves themselves were kind of basic and Aly wobbled a bit in the beginning.  Then we’re up on stage doing some ridiculously high pole dance routine and…I’m sorry, but the techno-pop music didn’t engage me at all, so the pole “dance” routine didn’t either.  I use dance loosely because it was all very gymnastic with a spin in between poles, but not really dancey.  You know?  I mean, if the music had been a bit grindier or something really grooving, thumping, it might have grabbed me more. (So You Think You Can Dance has had a few amazing, riveting pole routines.)  But this was just…odd.  Really hard, for sure, but…so what?  I don’t think all the impressive physical effort in mastering all that pole climbing paid off in a routine that was exciting to watch.  And the deep space blue funk lighting left me feeling a bit cold and on the outside.  I think this keeps her in third place, or possibly even gives Jacoby a bit of a lift.  His was, by leaps and bounds (heh, I’m punny) more entertaining and crowd pumping than this was.  Judges: Aaaand, of course, the judges have nothing but gushy praise for her.  Sigh.  Sorry, Jacoby.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30   Deeper sigh.

Kellie’s husband is as much of a cutie as she is!

Derek & Kellie: now I’m really hoping these last two routines are killer and Derek brings every last bit of his creativity to the front here. He decides to strip it down and let the dance speak for itself and I’m all for that.  And?  It’s absolutely gorgeous.  Beautiful lines, exquisite control, stunning emotional content. Nothing flashy, no big stage production, it’s essentially the acoustic version of a freestyle.  And I loved it.  That is celebrating dancing.  Wow. (And I love, love, love her husband fighting tears watching his wife dance so beautifully.  How adorable is he??  Very, I say.)  Judges: Carrie Ann  is a hot mess of tears, which says it all.  Len completely got it.  ”Good dancing engages the brain.  Great dancing engages the heart.”  Followed by a standing O.  Earned.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  Only because there weren’t any 11 or 12 paddles.

Zendaya & Val close the show and after that eloquent dance, I’m hoping for something fun and playful to close the night out.  And they don’t disappoint! I like that they bring in ballroom to go with her core madd hip hop skillz.  It showcases both where she’s gone this season and where Val has, as well. It’s happy, upbeat and you can’t help but tap your toes along with them.  I love that it’s meant to inspire kids and that, at the end, after they’ve showcased their own skills, they bring the kids in to dance with them. It’s heartwarming and a great way to end the night with big smiles.  They definitely got them from me!   I wanted the kids to keep dancing, they were so cute!  Judges: They all have wonderful things to say, as they should (and they did for all three couples except Jacoby, which makes me that much more annoyed about that) but I’m glad they gave this pair their due.  Well earned!  I didn’t realize it was her parents voices at the beginning of her dance – cool!  And I love that no matter how mature she is on the dance floor, so far beyond her years, backstage she’s all adorkable teenager.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30

Final Scores: 65: Zendaya, 64: Kellie, 61: Aly, 56: Jacoby

And there you have it dance fans!   Who wins?   I think Kellie takes it, but Zendaya came on strong tonight and tops the leader board, so it could go either way for me.  I wish Jacoby had been rewarded a bit more and Aly gushed about a bit less, but I don’t think either of them can rock the top two.

Okay, before we dish all the dance, it’s time to announce the winners of last week’s Giveaway!  Thanks to all who entered.  Winners get any book from my website bookshelf.  And?  Congratulations to Kathy Gianone, who picked BAD BOYS IN KILTS for her winning book!

And a high five to Erika Lang who will find THE GREAT KISSER in her mailbox!  (And shouldn’t we all want that?? I hope you both enjoy the books!

Join me next week when I partner again with USA Today and head back to the bachelor pad…well, the bachelorette pad this time around!  Yep, after blogging 25 women for them during The Bachelor’s last season, I think it’s only fair they give me a crack at dishing on 25 guys this go around!  So grab those fruity umbrella drinks and join me, won’t you, in the shallow end of the pool?  We’re going to have ourselves a good time as The Bachelorette premieres Monday, May 27th and my dish on the night’s festivities goes live Tuesday morning.  Also?  Of course we’re giving away free stuff, so don’t miss out on all the fun!

But right this very second, let’s dish about the dancing!!  Who is going to win this thing?  Who is your favorite?  Which freestyle did you like best last night?  DISH!! 

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

It’s the Semi Finals on Dancing With the Stars!!  We’re down to five remaining couples, all of whom can dance and are pretty darn likable, so it’s getting a little tense in the Glitterdome!

We’ve got two dances per couple this week, with Round 2 being Crazy Dance Style Round….which they picked the dance styles and let the viewers determine which team danced what.  We’re talking African Jazz and Lindy Hop.  Yeah, it’s like that.  Really, show?  I will admit, with our five finalists, it might turn out to be kinda awesome, so my hopes, they are high.  (You know, like the producers must have been when they dreamed this thing up!)

First up is Derek & Kellie:  they get Argentine Tango (yay!) then for Crazy Dance Round, they have Flamenco.  Kellie can’t say it and Derek has never danced it, so this should be entertaining.  But first, we tango!  I may have mentioned one or a hundred times that this is my favorite dance and these two should knock it out the park.  The opening with them as black silhouettes on a red screen is striking and sensual and oh so very Argentinian.  I loved it.  When they came down to the dance floor, the routine was crisp, beautiful and their lines as stunning as you would expect.  A 30 from me on the dance.  A far lower score from me, however, on the uber red glow of the lights for the dance floor portion.  The glow was so deep and pervasive, especially with Kellie’s red dress and bare legs, which were all fused together in one glowing haze, it muted the gorgeous precision of their lines, and that’s a shame.  Doesn’t alter my score, but I wish I could have had  better of view of it all.  Judges?  Len doesn’t apologize for the travesty that was his meltdown last week, but he  at least acknowledges that this?  Was perfection. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  Long overdue.

Kym & Ingo: Samba first, then a Crazy Round Charleston. It’s funny with Ingo, but he often looks pretty smooth in the rehearsal clips, then comes off somehow flat in the actual performance.  Not for lack of energy, he gives it his all, but it’s like he’s (understandably) distracted by the tension of having to remember everything while performing live, so some of that charisma ebbs away.  But tonight?  He was really ON!  I mean, he doesn’t have the smooth, natural madd skillz of Zemdaya or Kellie, and the “leap up on the stage/off the stage” part in the middle was awkward in the staging of it.  However, to me, he rivaled Ally & Jacoby in his performance tonight and connected better with the audience. For me this was his sexiest, most “in command” dance yet.  About time!  Sure, for him it’s a race for third place, at best, but still…  Judges: The judges more or less say the same along with the critique.  Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24.   Fair indeed.

Mark & Aly:  Rumba and Afro Jazz.  I’ll be really frank here and say that I’m not all that pumped about watching this particular pair do either of those dances.  However, perhaps Mark can channel Aly’s fierce competitive gymnastic nature into a tribal Afro routine and make it something powerful.  Let’s hope.  But the two of them, at best, have bro/sis chemistry, so the rumba?  Yeah…no.   Aly seems a lot looser and freer as the week’s progress.  Perhaps they are far enough along that there’s a sense of fearlessness now.  On the other hand, this is a girl who has spent a life geared toward winning, so we’ll see if that tension creeps back in.  She’s costumed really well again, so bonus there, and she nails the grace and sensuality.  Certainly a much smoother and more cleanly delivered routine than Ingo. (Sorry, mate.)  But, yet again, I feel a complete lack of emotional connection to her.  This time I’m not as sure why, as she really did seem to deliver the necessary performance with Mark, although there’s still that ‘stick the landing’ element to her moves.  Maybe it’s that I don’t connect with Mark at all, so I don’t see it with this partner, either.   Whatever the case, I think she’s in a dead heat with Jacoby for the final 3.  But I still think it’s Kellie or Zendaya for the win. Judges?  And once again the judges lose their collective minds with her, and while I get it on some level, she definitely has grown, no doubt, they have this crazy over the top love affair with her that I really don’t understand.  Sorry.  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.  It was very well performed….but in terms of how it affected me?  More 9ish.

Karina & Jacoby: Tango and the Lindy Hop.  Jacoby gets the evil rehearsal edit this week, which sucks for him and helps Aly a lot.  (Although with the judges crazed love for her, she has an even greater edge.)  I get that he’s not as technically proficient as Aly, but where she comes off robotic and emotionally disconnected (for me), he gushes charisma all over the dang floor.  End of the day, I’d rather watch him dance every single time over Aly (or Ingo.)  He’s my clear cut third place choice, though I’d be surprised at this point if he makes it. The dance is gorgeous, despite the fact that it’s black staging with black costuming and dark lighting.  (What, did they hire Stoner Set Design Dude this week?)  Still, his best routine yet. (And I’m glad Karina wasn’t seriously injured in rehearsal – yikes!)  Judges: FINALLY lose their collective minds and it was well earned gushing.  Scores:10, 10, 10 = 30.   This makes me (and Jacoby’s mom) very happy.

Val & Zendaya: Quick Step, then Hip Hop.  Zendaya is all about Round 2 and it shows a bit in their super high speed so-fast-it-feels-rushed quick step.  A shame because there is a lot of content and the very fact that she pulled off anything resembling a dance at that breakneck speed is impressive.  For 16, she’s really been superbly commendable this season, not only in rounding out Val and giving him depth beyond his sexy leading man role and adding funny big brother to the mix, but for handling herself really well on and off stage.  But, being 16 and with those long legs of hers she’s still growing into, she’s had a few wobbles the past weeks.  For me, she’s still Top 2 overall, but with the way the judges pimp Aly, it worries me…  Judges: more or less say the same thing about the dance being rushed, tho they were a bit more disappointed than I was. Scores: 8,8, 9 = 25.  Now, if you gave Ingo 8′s, then for content alone this was 9′s across the board, so that’s annoying.  It was more than 1 total point better, is all I’m sayin’.

But let’s get on to Round 2.  Oh.  Okay.  We’re going to do this round mashed up with American Idol’s “tragic life back story” segment.  And though hearing more details about the celebs life might be of some interest, it’s not the “dance something meaningful from your past week” because we did that already this season.  So it’s just…filler.  I’m going to skip ahead and just recap the crazy dance part.  I know, I’m such a renegade like that.  Being as it’s a show about, you know….dancing.  Yes, yes, it’s supposed to be ballroom dancing, but there’s only so much we can skip over.  At least they’re giving them music that goes with their respective dances and not making them do them to some horribly performed contemporary pop hit.  So…there’s that.  Yeah.  Let’s cling to that.

Derek & Kellie: Flamenco: So, Derek had to research how to do this dance as he knew nothing about it.  And apparently rule number one for the male partner is it’s danced shirtless.  And given Derek has spent some time in the gym this past year, I’m perfectly okay with his interpretation.  However, the whole “bathe the stage in deep red lights” thing is back again and it’s a shame as it definitely diminishes the exquisite artistry of this dance.  That aside, though, they do a fabulous job with their non-ballroom dance. Derek takes on most of the heavy lifting in terms of the tap steps, but given how technically hard this dance is, I think they pulled off a pretty darn good interpretation of it with a week’s time to do it. Judges:  Len gushes and now it’s Bruno’s and CA’s turn to get all technical.  I admit that there were sections where Kellie’s hands weren’t as sharp as Derek’s but geez.  If you’re going to gush all over Aly every week regardless then you need to be equally more consistently kind to Kellie.  Not only that, Aly is used to mean Russian judges and Olympic stages.  Picking on Kellie is like kicking a puppy who just wants to love you unconditionally.  Hopefully that only amps up the at-home voting for them because ultimately, I say she wins this thing. Hands down. And should.  Scores: 9, 10, 9 = 28

Ingo & Kym: Charleston: It’s a cute dance but bumbly enough that I think he just cemented fifth place.  I enjoy Ingo in that he’s always fun to watch.  He may not be the most compelling or technically correct dancer, but to be honest, end of the day, I’d rather watch him and Kym than Aly & Mark.  Now, Aly is hands down a much better dancer, so she deserves it more than him, but speaking just of entertainment value…I’d go with him over her.  Of course, there’s only three spots in the finale and I wouldn’t give a slot to him or Aly for that, so it’s kind of all moot, ya know?  Judges: go a lot crazier for this than I expected, but hey, it’s probably his last dance, so let’s be generous and kind and I’m very glad they were.  Scores:9, 9, 9 = 27  They’re even more generous and kind with their scores.  Wow.  But I’m glad he finally got his 9′s.

Aly & Mark: Afro Jazz: So…the costuming is, you know…different.  I’m not sure it’s so much Afro styling as Maori Warrior Meets Lion King, but…why quibble.  This is so crazy that I’ll just stop here and go with it until it’s over.  Blessedly, blessedly over.  And….yeah. That was…um…interesting.  I’ll give it to them for just going with the spirit of it.  I’m not so sure how tribal it really was.  It was more like some kind of Broadway imagined tribal free style mish mash thing, but hey, you get handed this dance style and whaddya gonna do?  Okay, well, honestly?  I’d have liked to see them handle it more like they have on So You Think You Can Dance, more traditionally African, but again…why quibble.  NEXT!  Judges: Of COURSE they gush. Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 For me, not so much, but I’m done being surprised about the judge pimpmobile where she’s concerned.  (Really, a point higher than Kellie total?  Really?  No.)

Karina & Jacoby: Lindy Hop See what I mean about the energy?  Mark and Aly flung themselves into their dance but I was more engaged with this one when these two were up there with the band dudes.  It’s just like that with their charisma.  I think Jacoby’s little clip package really got him and the audience amped, because everyone was bopping to this one.  Sure, Jacoby bopped himself right out of sync more than once, and I’d still watch this every single time.  The energy was insane and do you know how hard it is to do what he did at 6’4″ with a 5′ nothing partner?  That alone deserves a standing O.  I hope the judges at least give them the same pass on technical boo boo’s that they gave everyone else…you know, except Kellie.  Judges? Thankfully, they went as over the top for it as I did.  Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 Well earned, my friend.

Val & Zendaya: Hip Hop Okay, so just seeing Val in pink sneaks, so out of his element, is worth the win for me. And I just have to say, I love, love, love her parents. What I also love?  is this dance.  Love the music, the vibe, the flow.  The choreo was awesome and she was oh so clearly in her element, but Val, ever the performer, was right in there with her.  I love how the two of them are together.  Totally fun, cool, appropriate to her age, everything last dang thing.  My favorite of the night, which surprises me, but it left me feeling all good inside.  You go, girl.  All 16 years of you.  You just go.  Judges: FINALLY, ditto, ditto, ditto.  I’m so relieved.  Scores:  10, 10, 10 = 30.  Yeah, yeah!

Final Score Board: 

59: Aly, Jacoby

58: Kellie

55: Zendaya

51: Ingo 

I’m so not on board with that scoreboard.  No way is Kellie in third and Zenday in fourth?  Up is down, down is up, dogs and cats living together…  I love that Jacoby got the love, but…yeah.  It’s a big no from me on this line up.  The way it stacks up for me is Kellie & Zendaya at the top, Aly and Jacoby fighting for third.  I do agree that, in this particular field, Ingo goes home.  But I’d still rather watch him than Aly.  End of the day, the show is setting us up for an all girl final, and…I’ll miss Jacoby if that’s the case.  What say you?  Who’s your top pick?  Who goes home?  Who would you rather see in the finale from a pure entertainment value?   Well, so if that was the only criteria…bring back ANDY!  I really, really miss him every since he’s been gone.  Don’t you?  I loved watching him work so had and dance his ass off.  I miss that spirit of his.

Before we DISH on the dance, it’s time to announce this week’s Giveaway! What can you win?  Let’s do the same thing we did last week.  Check out my website bookshelf and pick ANY book you’d like to try out, then send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com.  Put “It’s my turn, pick me!” in the subject line, then the name of the book you’d like in the body of the email.  If you want it in print, include an address, if you want digital, let me know which format (Kindle, Nook, etc.)  I’ll draw one name next Monday and announce it along with the DWTS finale blog!   Wait.  Did I say finale blog??  Well, that deserves something a bit more special now, doesn’t it?  So…let’s have TWO winners this week!   So go shop, pick, and email…then pop back on over here and DISH!! 

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

HONEY PIE has been out for a whole week now, and the reviews coming in have been so wonderful, it just blows me away.  I was really worried about writing this heroine, and whether or not my readers would “get” her and fall in love with her as I did.  It’s beyond gratifying to hear from you all with such lovely, supportive, happy notes.  I’m thrilled more than you know that you all are enjoying the book so much, thank you!!

This review from Affaire de Coeur came in just yesterday…

Donna Kauffman
Kensington Brava
Trade Paperback
978-0758266368
****1/2

Beavis Chantrell was beloved resident of Sugarberry Island, so her death affected everyone who knew her. Her niece, Honey D’Amourvell, has arrived to claim her inheritance, hoping to turn Bea’s tailoring shop into a place she can work on her art and run her mail order business. Honey is surprised and disappointed to learn the building she now owns has been leased to the famous bakery, Babycakes, including the upstairs apartment that Honey had planned to call home. With nowhere to work, nowhere to  live and a car on its last leg, Honey’s hope of a new life and a fresh start doesn’t look promising.
Dylan Ross is the kind of man who keeps to himself. He’s the “son” in Ross and Sons Auto Repair and doesn’t have to worry about dealing with anyone except people whose cars need fixing. After living through an unhappy childhood, his life is now quiet and uncomplicated, and that’s just the way he likes it.  Until, that is, he meets the lovely newcomer, Honey D’Armourvell. From their first touch Dylan knows he should run the other way, but it’s that very same touch–and what happens next–that won’t
let him.
With Honey Pie, the fourth book in her delightful “Cupcake Club” series, Donna Kauffman takes us back to Sugarberry Island, a place where small town living is embraced, where neighbors and friends are like family. This is a fun, romantic, passionate tale, sure to be a favorite of contemporary romance lovers.
Mallory Lane

Everyone at AdC has been wonderfully supportive of the entire Cupcake Club series.  To see the reviews for the entire group (all conveniently one page) click HERE.  

HONEY PIE is available everywhere and can be found on these links at Amazon and Barnes & Noble! 

And now the news you’ve all been waiting for!  Yes, it’s Free Stuff Friday and somebody is a big winner!

Thanks to everyone for entering this week’s giveaway!!  Entries were logged in from more than a dozen different countries. Blog Babes have gone global!!

But this week’s winner hails from my very own state of Virginia.  Congratulations, Kimberly V from Oakton!!  You picked a copy of Bad Boys in Kilts, which will be heading to your mailbox shortly.

Check back next week for all the BIG Dance DISH!!  Not only do we have the semi-finals for this season of Dancing With the Stars, but my very favorite dance show, So You Think You Can Dance premieres Tuesday night on FOX.  Wheeee!!!  And yes, yes, Free Stuff Friday will be baaaack again for another fun giveaway.

In the meantime, pop on over to my Facebook Fan Page and check out the day to day crazy that is my life.  We have a good time chatting about things like….do you think facial and chest hair on a hero is hot?  Or not?  Like, you know, this guy for instance:

Yeah…it’s like that.  Drop by and cast your vote!

Tags: Writing // 1 Comment »

I just returned home from a week of crazy at the RT Booklover’s Convention, so beware this Dancing With the Stars blog is being written on jetlag and no sleep.  Which is pretty much how it reads most weeks.  But at least this time I have an excuse!

So, last night in the ballroom, we were down to six couples, so it’s only fair they be tortured by being forced to perform two full dances.  One  pairs routine and one trio dance (where an additional pro is added to the mix for a ballroom menage a trois.)

Let’s not waste any time getting right to it, shall we?

Round One:

Zendaya & Val/Fox Trot: Delightful dance to Don’t Worry, Be Happy. I think it was their most charming performance yet.  Judges were kind but not overly gushy.  Scores: 9, 10, 9 = 28

Sean & Peta/Tango: The runaway bride theme was cute.  The dance? Yeah, not so much.  And thank god, for once, the judges agreed. It’s like they finally woke up and noticed that Sean really can’t dance all that well.  I’ve been saying that since the first week.  It’s about time the judges did, too.  Scores: 7, 7, 7 = 21  (Which is where it should be.)

Jacoby & Karina/Viennese Waltz: I thought it was truly lovely and the chemistry was really palpable.  I loved that last lift from the floor.  His mama needs to dial it down, but otherwise, I’m really enjoying these two. Judges were kind for a change.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 – 27

Ingo & Kym/Fox Trot: The rehearsal clips helped him zero, which was annoying, because by week 8 I’m sure they’re all feeling more than a little burned out and their body’s are worn down.  They haven’t been my favorites, but that was unfair, I felt (comparatively speaking.) Their dance was light, effortless, and charming, with only a few bobbles and still easily their best, but coming on the heels of that  less than flattering edit, you couldn’t help but feel the taint.  I hope folks voted for them because they earned it with that performance.  Judges were kind as well with only minimal critique.  Whew!  Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24   Well earned.

Kellie & Derek/Viennese Waltz: I liked their clip package and I’m glad that despite the fact that she’s been all but flawless, that they’re still trying to find those nuances where she can improve and I think Derek was right on track this week with the direction he took. The dance was lovely, though the fog machine guy had it set more to Thriller than waltz.  And though I loved the premise, and they danced beautifully as always, I actually felt this somewhat less than I usually do with them.  Fortunately the judges focused on the positive, which was well earned.  Scores: 9, 9, 10 = 28

Aly & Mark/Argentine Tango: I know Aly has worked hard to come out of her shell and switch gears from gymnast automaton to emotional, fluid, sexy dancer.  And she has made great strides, no doubt.  But while she is very technically proficient, I think the judges have wildly overscored and overpraised her.  Yes, she’s leaps and bounds and back handsprings better than Sean, but she’s nowhere near the caliber of the natural talent of Zendaya and Kellie.  I love Argentine tango and I think Aly will nail the ferocity of it as it taps into her competitive spirit.  The sexy?  Yeah, that I’m not so sure of.  So..they begin and my first thought is FINALLY they dressed in something uber flattering.  She looks fantastic.  And, true to my predictions, she attacks the dance like the gold medalist she is. I think for her it was very, very well done as it focused on all her athletic strengths.  But she still lacks that natural grace. When she’s in the lifts and comes down, it’s still more like she’s sticking the landing, if you know what I mean.  So 9′s for sure, this go.  But 10′s?  Not from me.  Judges…sigh. Gush, gush, gush.  Scores:  9, 10, 10 = 29.  Highest score?  Hmm.  Tied with the top two, as that was her best, maybe.  But top?  Again?  Yeah.  No.

Round Two: Now we’re on to the menage of trio dance.

Zendaya & Val & Gleb/Salsa: Wow, a hot Russian Salsa sandwich.  A shame she’s only 16 so we, the audience, don’t get to see the full deliciousness of what this could have been. That said, I truly love that the premise is she’s a young princess and they’re her security.  Way to make the sexy dance work with the youngster!   Okay, so that was fun, funky, way age appropriate and chocked full of salsa moves and showcasing Zendaya, who kept up like a pro in all that crazy movement.  A few times she bobbled due to her height, coming out of moves with the pros, but given her gazelle length legs and that she’s only 16 and still growing into them, I thought that was both adorable and downright stunning.  The audience clearly agrees. The judges do, too!   Yay!  Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30 First perfect score and SO well deserved!!  Woot!

Sean & Peta & Sharna/Jazz:  And…gag.  After the adorable cute/hotness of the previous trio, we get Sean trying to be all alpha with two women and I’m sorry, but I just want to gag.  Andy would have made this funny and adorkable.  On purpose.  Sean is trying to be all manly man, but just…no.  Stop.  I partially blame the judges for blowing smoke his way for the previous seven weeks and making him think he really does have some kind of amazing dance talent.  But, all his painful attempts at self deprecation aside, a little self awareness right now would go a long, oh so very long, way.  And yeah…the dance is a bit clumsy and, well, it’s not the dance we just saw before this one, let’s just say that, okay?  And pray the judges say the rest for me.  Also?  The girls are in these sexy/slutty red thigh highs and corsets while Sean is in a tux and…sneakers?  Black & glaring white Chucks, to be exact. What?  I didn’t get that part. It just added to the dorkiness and I didn’t think the magician act theme really called for  that.  Why not play up the suave/smooth?  Whatever.  If Ingo & Kym can do an even remotely awesome trio, then perhaps, mercifully, Sean will go home this week. Judges? For the love of dance, please help me out here.  And?  THANK YOU.  They finally do. Scores: 7, 7, 7 = 21 Which is where it should be.  At least Sean had a decent attitude about it and seemed to get that he really didn’t dance well.  (As opposed to in the past when he blamed the judges.)

Jacoby & Karina & Cheryl/Paso: I like this trio.  Definitely the right combo for Jacoby, to keep him in line. I really like his attitude, too. He completely gets where he falls in the talent pool this season and it motivates him to work harder, try harder.  Not sure I’m loving the school bus yellow and black braid matador outfits, but if anyone has the demeanor and strength to pull off a paso with two partners, it’s this guy.  And?  He does a pretty equitable job of it.  It’s a lot and maybe it’s not quite as perfectly polished as a Zendaya or Kellie routine, but he gets points for passion and intensity, which he demonstrated in spades.  And I loved the double overhead jump fake out at the end.  Ha!  Judges? Len actually cracked me up with his passionate wrap up.  All three were both funny and accurate in their critique as well.  Scores:8, 9, 8 = 25 And I think that was pretty accurate as well.  

Ingo & Kym & Lindsay/Jive: Ingo seems to blossom under the attention and direction of two women and I’m glad he got a better rehearsal edit this go.  Also?  I like Lindsay.  So this should be fun. (And did you notice that when he sits in the audience for the opener, he’s next to Florence Henderson?  Ha!  More cuteness.  Also?  Loved the 3-D glassed the audience put on.)  I like the pink/black outfits and while it’s very adorkable and cheesy cute, this time all that was on purpose.  Loads and leaps better than Sean’s outing.  I hope the judges agree.   And they do!  Judges: say the feet could have been sharper – true, but they all agree the effervescence was just as important and he more than delivered. Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24   And that was the right score, I think.

Kellie & Derek & Tristan/Paso:  So, I am ALL about this trio.  I adore Tristan, and I think he fits right in with the blond adorableness of the other two, though it will be interesting to see how they channel all of that into the fierce dance.   Their rehearsals are  beyond hilarious and fun and Tristan is right.  Kellie as a demon is pretty much hard to imagine.  I’m guessing Derek will do something interesting with the choreo to help her along.  Ya think? And…oh my.  Does. He. Ever. I love how they go from the end of their first dance into this one and wow, wow, wow, the intensity is awesome.  Even the audience is all oohing and ahhing, five seconds in.  Seriously – W-O-W.  I thought that was the most impressive paso ever and by far, far the best of the night. The music, the lines, the contrast between Derek’s blondness and Tristan’s dark.  That was like a stage production.  Gorgeous.  (And I couldn’t find a single photo of it today!  What’s up with that?)  Judges:  Um…wow.  I thought they’d all be falling down gushing over that.  And CA and Bruno absolutely do, and then some.  But Len….just falls completely apart.  And not in a good way.  What the hell happened to Uncle Lenny?  He’s actually been pretty decent tonight.  He has a full on complete and utter meltdown.  It’s so over the top I thought at first he was joking, because that dance was made of utter awesome.  But…um…no.  He’s had a stroke.  Or something.  Or he’s going to.  Just…no words for that display.  To his credit, Derek is laughing, because honestly, it was so insane, you kind of had to.  But Kellie is just standing there looking shell shocked and you can’t help but feel sorry for her, then she’s holding Tristan back from wanting to protect and defend her (which, my love for him grows ever greater.)  The thing is, it wasn’t like Derek really went off the reservation, like he’s done so often in the past.  In fact, compared to the other trios, the staging was truly minimal in their dance.  That was actually a full on paso.  Or it sure as hell looked like one to me.  I…don’t even know what to say to that. CA and Bruno try to shout him down, Tom tries to referee.  I just want to get on with the scoring and get past being miffed that he ruined what was, hands down, the best dance of the night and possibly the whole season for me.  Thanks, LEN.  Scores: 10, 7, 10 = 27 I can’t even say enough about how ridiculous Len’s score was.  I’ll just focus on the hotness that is Tristan’s guyliner…

Aly & Mark & Henry /Jazz:  I’m still trying to get over what just happened, and honestly, these guys aren’t making me care.  Mark annoys me on the best of days, but for some reason (well, for a lot of reasons) this rehearsal package just amps up my Mark Annoyance Levels to, like, a gazillion and I can’t do it.  So, ff we go to the dance itself and it’s like…well, it’s like all their dances.  Technically proficient enough, not bad, but not wow and just…there.  Sitting somewhere in third place, well behind Kellie and Zendaya. Your mileage may vary.  So might the judges.  Only I’m kind of afraid of them now.   Judges:  Len actually loves this.  Yeah. Of course he does. I give up.  I’m done.  Let’s get on with the scores.  Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27

Our Score Board: 

58: Zendaya 

56: Aly

55: Kellie (SO bogus)

52: Jacoby

48: Ingo

42: Sean

Other than the ridiculousness of Kellie being in third thanks to Len’s aneurysm, I think the standings are right in their overall order.  I do hope/think/pray that it’s Sean’s turn to go.  What say you, Blog Babes??

But before you unleash the Dance DISH on me, don’t forget to enter this week’s fabulous Free Stuff Friday contest!  How do you do that, you ask?  Well…like this:

Jump on over to my online Bookshelf and do a little window shopping.  Find a title you think would look simply fabulous on your own bookshelf, dahlings (oh no, I’m channeling Bruno!) then send me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with “Celebrate by sending ME a book!” in the subject line.  In the body of the email, let me know which title you’d like if you win, and if you want the book format, include your address. If you’d rather have a digital version, just let me know which e-reader you use.  I’ll draw one name from the pile and announce it here in Friday’s blog post!

Yep, it’s that easy.  So…what are you waiting for?  Go shopping!

And then get back on over here and DISH!!  Who goes home?  Did ANYone agree or understand Len’s meltdown?  Who wins this thing? Kellie?  Zendaya?  Aly???  Put in your two cents…or ten!

Tags: Writing // 2 Comments »

I am still finding my way back home to Virginia after the craziness that was the RT Booklover’s Convention in Kansas City this past week. (Did you miss it?  Check out the great round up recap in USA Today’s recap column.  It’s possible that maybe I made an appearance in it, too!)  But just because I’m still on the road won’t keep us from having ourselves a fun little giveaway this week, now will it?  No indeedy, it will not!

I’m celebrating the release of my latest Cupcake Club book, HONEY PIE, and if I’m celebrating, we should ALL celebrate!

So, here’s the deal:  pop on over to my online Bookshelf and do a little perusing.  Find a title you think would look simply fabulous on your own bookshelf, then  send me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with “Celebrate by sending ME a book!” in the subject line.  In the body of the email, let me know which title you’d like if you win, and if you want the book format, include your address. If you’d rather have a digital version, just let me know which e-reader you use.  I’ll draw one name from the pile and announce it here in Friday’s blog post!

Yep, it’s that easy.  So…what are you waiting for?  Go shopping!

Then check back in tomorrow for all the Dancing With the Stars DISH you can handle!  (But, let’s say check in around, oh….lunchtime, so I have enough time to watch and dish after climbing off a plane in the wee hours…)

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Hello intrepid Blog Babes!

I am in Kansas City this week at the annual RT Booklover’s Readers Convention. It’s pretty much like Comic Con for romance readers…or RomComicCon, as I like to call it.

We’ve schmoozed with cover models….

Signed books for happy readers….

Disco Danced the night away….. (never let it be said that I don’t show my assistants (aka my baby sister) a good time!)

And today we’re doing a Mega Mega Signing (and by mega I mean over 400 authors — yes, FOUR HUNDRED) here at the Sheraton Hotel from 11 to 2.   The line is already crazy, so I need to get in there and figure out where I’m sitting…but first!

I wanted to announce the winner of the Very Special Free Stuff Friday Contest!  We had entries from all over the globe.  You guys ROCK!  And the winner of a copy of my brand new release HONEY PIE and a copy of Taste of Home’s 2013 Cupcake Cookbook is…. Melodie Switten from Belgium!!  Woo hoo, Melodie!!  I will be shipping your goodies to you as soon as I arrive back home in Virginia.

Thank you all so much for all your enthusiasm and support, all the kind notes and well wishes.  And for all the Not-Melodie’s, drop by on Monday morning for another fabulous Free Stuff Friday Contest, all the fun news from the mega signing, and what’s coming next! (Dun dun dun!)

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I know it’s been a long time, cupcake bakers! But never fear, I am back in the kitchen. And, as a gift of apology, I bring bacon. (Flowers are SO overrated.  And yes, I agree, bacon should always be typed in italics.)

Tuesday, April 30 marks the release of book 4 in my Cupcake Club series as HONEY PIE hits the stands. And what better way to celebrate than with a new cupcake recipe?

Lately it seems like it’s all the rage to mix bacon in with seemingly incongruous other ingredients, but I kept hearing raves about that salty maple bacon flavor mixed with the decadent sweetness of chocolate…and I knew I had to check it out. I did a little digging around, because research is what I do, and decided to start my epic bacon cupcake journey with this recipe from Snixy Kitchen.  (And click on that link to read her story on how she came across this recipe.  That sold me on trying it as much as anything.)

Well, my search began and ended with this one, because Y-U-M!  She made these in mini muffin tins and at first I thought “Wimp!”  But, I have to say, these are bite sized bits o’ heaven and just the right amount of Oh My God goodness.  Trust.

Double chocolate bacon cupcakes
Makes about 3 dozen mini cupcakes

Candied bacon

• 5 strips of applewood smoked bacon
• About a cup of packed brown sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack across the top.
3. Spread the brown sugar out on a plate and press each strip of bacon into the sugar to thoroughly coat each side.
4. Place each sugared strip of bacon on the wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching one another.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the bacon is crispy, but not burned (My oven is wonky, so it took a few minutes longer for me).
6. Remove from oven and let cool. Chop into tiny pieces.

Chocolate cupcakes

• Scant 3/8 cup milk
• Scant ½ tablespoon white distilled vinegar
• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cups sugar
• ¾ teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon plus 1 dash baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon plus 1 dash teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 6 tablespoons warm water
• 1½ tablespoons canola oil
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate ganache

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips*

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, bring the cream to boil.
2. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir until thoroughly combined (at first, it’ll look too milky like it won’t combine, but it’ll eventually turn into velvety ganache).

*I made a batch with semisweet chocolate chips and with bittersweet chocolate chips and found the latter too overpowering for my taste.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And there you have it!  Aren’t you just dying to try it out?  Well…what are you waiting for?  WAIT!  There is one more thing!

To celebrate the new book release, I’m having a little Giveaway this week, a bit of blog candy (candied bacon blog candy, if you will.)  The prize?  A signed copy of HONEY PIE and a copy of Taste of Home’s new 2013 Cupcake cookbook.  Which, just happens to have, yes, a recipe for Dark Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes!  I know, right?  What were the chances?  So now you can conduct your own research.

How to enter?  Simple.  Drop me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Bacon cupcakes and a new book?  Together?  PICK ME!” in the subject line.  Pop a mailing address into the body of the email, and hit send.  See?  As easy as popping one of those mini bacon masterpieces of decadence into your mouth.  I will draw a name from the stack and announce the winner right here on Friday. 

OH!  One more thing!  Friday?  Yeah, I’ll be in Kansas City at the most fabulous reader convention evah!  Yes, I’m talking about the RT Booklover’s 30th Annual Reader Convention.  On Saturday, May 4  from 11-2 we’re holding a mega massive (and I mean hundreds of your favorite authors massive) book signing at the Sheraton hotel.  So if you’re anywhere in the area, come by!  (And if you’re attending the event and happen to see moi — run on up and say hello already!  We cupcake lovers have to stick together.  With bacon.)

Happy bacon baking everyone!

Tags: Writing // 3 Comments »

Thanks to all who dropped by to dish the dance last week as we tripped the light fantastic with Stevie Wonder on Dancing With the Stars!  And double thanks to all who entered the Free Stuff Friday Contest!   

Who won their very own copy of Book 4 in the Cupcake Club series, HONEY PIE?   Why, Leesa Plombon did!!  Congratulations, Leesa!  Please email me and let me know where to send your copy and it will be on its way to you!

I will be attending the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention next week in Kansas City!  I hope to see many familiar faces there and at the huge mega fantastic booksigning they will be holding Saturday, May 4th!  More news to come in Monday’s blog!

The advance reviews are coming in for HONEY PIE and I have been so excited to hear that folks are really enjoying this latest installment.  Here’s what Romance Reviews Today had to say:

HONEY PIE – Donna Kauffman, Cupcake Club, Book 4

Brava
ISBN: 978-0-7582-8053-4
May 2013
Contemporary Romance

Sugarberry Island, Georgia – Present Day

Honey D’Amourvell has extrasensory powers that happen when someone touches her, so she has spent most of her life isolated, living in a remote farm house in Oregon. Upon learning her beloved grandmother died and left her a building, Honey decides to travel across the country to Sugarberry Island to begin a new life by opening a shop for her handmade goods. However, upon her arrival, she learns the building is occupied, already leased prior to her grandmother’s death. Honey could turn around and return to Oregon, but her VW Beetle broke down and the sexy mechanic, Dylan Ross, informs her it will take several days to repair it. Can Honey, who has spent most of her life tucked away from human contact, bear to be around people she doesn’t know and who are friendly to her, a stranger? What about Dylan? He seems to be able to see past her quiet demeanor and get to the real Honey.

Dylan is intrigued by Honey. She doesn’t talk much about herself, yet he knows that she isn’t used to being around people. Her aunt Bea was infamous for being able to tell a lot about someone just by touching them, and it appears that Honey has an even greater ability to do so. Dylan realizes that she took a big step by showing up in Sugarberry where she’s welcomed with open arms, even as she tries to keep herself from touching people or getting too close. Heck, Dylan knows how she feels as he keeps his own deep dark secrets locked inside. Honey won’t let Dylan touch her, yet he can’t resist, especially when he wants to kiss her. Her quiet beauty attracts him like no other woman has before. Can two lonely people scarred by their past and afraid of the future find any happiness together?

It’s a deliciously fun return to Sugarberry Island and the Cupcake Club series in Donna Kauffman’s HONEY PIE. After isolating herself most of her life, Honey made the bold decision to move to Sugarberry Island but is stunned to learn when she arrives that the building she thought she could use for her carving business is already occupied by the expanding cupcake business. Honey wanted to turn and run away, but her VW Beetle had other ideas. Dylan Ross is the nearest (and only) mechanic on the island and she has to wait. Lucky for her that Dylan proves to be helpful—he not only repairs her car but helps her find a place to stay—so it means they’re in constant contact. Being around him stirs feelings for the man, yet Honey is scared of getting close to Dylan—literally and figuratively. In the past, whenever she has touched someone, her visions are dark and full of doom. She’s afraid the same will happen with Dylan, and for that matter, anyone else on the island.

Dylan has his own sad past which has kept him from pursuing relationships, and now he’s alone except for his devoted dog, Lolly, and he prefers things as they are—until Honey enters his life. When she has a vision, Dylan is there to witness it and helps her get through the zombie like state she gets into. It’s Dylan who wants to help her control her “powers” and learn how it feels to be touched in a happy way. Honey and Dylan’s connection help each other find a way to move on from the past and spread their wings for a future. With this connection, they truly belong together and readers will be rooting for them to find a happily-ever-after in HONEY PIE.

Readers of the Cupcake Club series will be glad to know that HONEY PIE provides glimpses of the characters from the prior books. While HONEY PIE can be read alone, it’s highly recommended that you read the previous books; you can find the complete list at www.donnakauffman.com <http://www.donnakauffman.com/> .

A sprinkle of humor, a dash of magic, and a whole lot of pure enjoyable reading is in store for readers in HONEY PIE. Be sure and make HONEY PIE a part of your next reading adventure.

Patti Fischer

 

 

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When you open this week’s edition of Dancing With the Stars with Stevie behind the keyboard, spreading all that joy and sunshine, I mean, you don’t even need the sequins and spray tans to know this is going to be the bestest ballroom night evah.  Lovely, wonderful, happy.  There’s no  way to be in a bad mood listening to his music.  And dang, y’all, doesn’t he still sound fantabulous?

Oh, then then for some reason I honestly don’t know why, but maybe somebody owed somebody a favor?  Anyway, we also have country music’s answer to Justin Bieber, the ridiculously adorable cutie patootie Hunter Hayes, joining in on the medley.  However, cute as he is, and he’s cuteness squared times a billion….Just Let Stevie Sing It.  K?

The pros zip, fly and swivel across the floor while the jam master jams and given the preponderance of blonde curly wigs and a whole lotta lotta hair flipping going on, I’m going out on a limb and guessing participating pro, Witney, is the choreographer here.  And, in fact, when the competing pros and celebs enter the ballroom, the blonde extensions are abundant enough that I’m guessing Witney is doing double duty in the hair/makeup trailer.

We get some fun banter with the always pumped up and happy Stevie, and our equally fab host Tom informs us that in addition to their regular dance performance, we’re getting Team Dances tonight (which I happen to love!) and we’re ready to Get Down To It!

Zendaya & Val: Cha Cha Cha to “Do, I Do” ~  these two are the one couple sure to easily make it past the first dance of doom, which usually plagues those who dance first with lower judges scores and viewers who have forgotten to vote for them two hours from now.  Val pushes Zendaya and we get the benefit, because THAT, my dancing friends, is how you open an already joyous show with even more happy happy.   Way fun, way sharp, I love that song, and also love that Zendaya proves that Stevie defies age by appealing to all age groups.  She’s seriously star struck and I like that about her.  Judges:  They gush, as well they should, because that was a damn fine opener.  Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29

Andy & Sharna: Samba to “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” ~ Yet another of my favorite tunes (although it would be hard to pick a Stevie clunker, really.) So impressed with how hard this guy is working, and keeping his always hilarious sense of humor with him the whole time.  I get shivers when the opening notes cascade into the ballroom, followed by the smiles Andy always elicits just with his immutable determination to get the job done and entertain us, too. And while he’s not breaking out any new madd skillz, I can’t help but admire the guy and root for him.  I don’t care if the skill set isn’t perfect, or even on the horizon of perfection, he’s a lot of fun to watch and he’s trying his very hardest…and isn’t that what this is all about?  The crowd loved it, and the ending was cute! Judges: the judges give him the usual run down of “it had a passing resemblance, but you’re hilarious” speech and honestly,the crowd is going major gaga over the routine, so there’s not much else they can say without risking being lynched.  And I’m all for crowd control judging if it means keeping them nice. Plus, whatever they put in Len’s drink?  Yeah, keep those coming!  I love that Andy takes the comments in good fun.  He knows where he stands and is just grateful to still be in it.  And seriously, when Andy delivers Brooke a rose?  How can you not love him? Scores: 6, 6, 6 = 18  Will he overcome the low scores again this week?  I think he will.   There are a few others who can go first in terms of entertainment value.  (Sadly, Ingo and Victor, I’m looking at you.)  

Sean & Peta: Samba to “I Wish” ~ So….I don’t know what to make of this week.  I’m not finding Sean to be that entertaining on the ballroom floor for me.  He works hard and is improving, but there’s always something just this side of stiff and dorky about it, and not in a fun Andy Dick kinda way.  There have been lots of trashy tabloid talk about him, and, of course, his romance with Catherine, which, no lie, taking on this gig right after the end of The Bachelor is pretty much a prescription for Epic Relationship Fail, which that show seems to be pretty damn good at, all by itself.  So, Sean, dude?  Put her first.  Which, I’m thinking he did this week, because there is all this talk about how he has to leave for a day, but no reason why is given.  Oh, but wait.  What am I thinking?  Of course he’s not putting her first.  (Enjoy that picture up there while you can!) And the proof? He’s more  pouty about having to take the day off than Peta is.  The whole thing is just weird and my mind, it is not changed my mind about him.   Also, show?  If you have two Samba’s, and one’s our Very Adorable Andy….why are you putting them back to back??   So, they get the guy shirtless as soon as possible to make up for the fact that this is, by far, not his best dance.  Yeah.  There are glimmers, but mostly it’s…really awkward.  And for me, shirtless isn’t helping.  Neither are the weirdly tight pants and pointy pointy shoes.  It’s all a lot more Bruno than Bachelor, if you know what I mean.  Also?  Not a single shot of Catherine rooting her man along….oh, there she is!  At the very end.  Fishy, that’s all I’m sayin.  Judges:  they’ve liked this guy from the very start.  I’m thinking it must have been written into his contract or something, because it’s always out of line with whatever it was we just watched, and this week is no exception.  Because that?  Was really not good.  Even when Len dares to be honest, they quickly reassure him that he’s really really good.  Save me.  Scores:  7, 7, 7 = 21  (Actually more accurate…finally.)

Aly & Mark: Fox Trot to “Isn’t She Lovely” ~  I’m not a big fan of Mark the Perpetual Ham, but he reins it in about as much as he’s able here, and Aly’s joy in the dance does shine through.  There’s a solid friendship there, but not a whole lot in the way of that kind of chemistry that rivets you to the action.  (And no, I’m not talking about sexual chemistry, but just that spark of something special.)  They did a good job, though and I’d rank them upper middle.  But not top.  Judges: Len is still high, and I it’s a very good look on him, Bruno & Carrie Ann keep it helpful in the critique department and all is well in Ballroom Land. I say it’s the Power of Stevie. That’s what I say. Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27.  I’d have put an 8 or two in there, but that’s just me.

Yay!  It’s time for a Stevie Break. To Sir Duke!  Now, we all know this guy has the best sense of humor ever, so I love love love that he’s stationed right in the middle of the ballroom….surrounded by hot female pro dancers.  Work it, Stevie!!  A little squeaky at the start and I had to wonder if he could hear the bassline, but he works right into it, and the ladies work it around him, and all is good!

Back to the ballroom!

Ingo & Kym: Tango to “Uptight, Outta Sight” ~  I love how the other three of the bottom four guys are all targeting Andy as the one to beat.  You got that right, suckers!   So, this is a pretty high energy, fast paced song for a tango, and the odd pacing of Stevie’s music, like he does, throws them off about every sixteen counts.  I don’t know whether to blame the song selection or the dance selection as, off the top of my head, I can’t think of a single Stevie song that screams tango.  Or even whispers it.   So, props to them for even making an effort, but that combination would have doomed a much better dancer than Ingo, so he had no prayer here.  Their hoped for “break out of the bottom 4″ routine is going to, instead, insure them a trip straight to In Jeopardy Land. You know, Ingo, if you’d let your Aussie accent fly, it would at least up the sexy quotient, but it’s like you lost that when you shaved your head.  Double trouble, there, mate.  Judges: The judges were clearly watching a completely different dance than I was.  I mean….seriously???  They’re raving and I’m boggling.  I even went back and watched it again.  It wasn’t just rough here and there, it was off all over the place and off the music for most of it.  Maybe it’s his birthday present??  Look out, Victor!  Scores: 8, 8, 8 – 24  And that was a 21 at best for me.

Kellie & Derek: Quickstep to “Part-time Lover” ~ Now, I keep ranting about Derek getting all the good dancers and never ever being assigned the more challenging ones, but I have to say, it’s pretty much completely impossible not to love these two together.  Kellie Pickler is made of love and sunshine.  I mean, it just oozes out of her every last pore, doesn’t it?  And for all she’s very much respectful of Derek’s madd skillz, she has no problems dishing it to him complete with exuberant crowing when he screws up.  And my love for her grows.  Honestly, put those two in a room and bring in Hunter Hayes and we’ll die instantly from sugar shock….and not even care!  That’s how freaking cute they are.  You know the dance is going to be insanely good and fun…and of course it is!!  They’re fun to watch and it’s impossible not to smile the whole time.  So don’t even try.  There’s no harshing their buzz. Really great mid-point lift to the show.  Judges: Carrie Ann loses her mind on finding some infinitesimal thing to pick on and both guys jump right down her throat over and I’m all about that because REALLY CARRIE ANN?  You gush over freaking Sean and pick on Kellie?  Really?? Anyway – whoever they hired to keep Len’s drink spiked, double her salary, m’kay?  He’s tons more fun this way.  Scores: 9, 10, 10 = 29  And I’m sorry, but if that wasn’t a perfect 30, then there shouldn’t be one given ever.  Wow, CA.  Just…no words.  Okay, maybe one.  Inside my head.

Victor & Lindsay: Rumba to “I Just Called to Say I Love You” ~  I’m a little worried about them doing the sexy sexy dance this week, partly because Victor isn’t comfortable in those kinds of situations, and secondly, he just got used and abused by his gf in the past week…and you give him the rumba?  That’s just cruel.  Add to all that the irrational Ingo & Sean judge gushing…I’m thinking he’s about to get KO’d.  He’s proven us all wrong before, and I would love nothing more than if he knocked out Ingo or Sean this week.  I just wish he had a better dance to attempt that with.  And Lindsay does her best to make him look good, and he does try, but it’s pretty wooden and upright, not a lot of rumble in that rumba.  So…yeah….he’s hanging in the Bottom 3 this week.  About the only good news there is it helps Andy stay out of it for one more week of zany fun. Judges:  Thanks Len, for giving him props for fighting. (I know, I can’t believe I typed that, either.  Seriously, there’s something in his water.)  Bruno crashes any goodwill there, which sucks, and Carrie Ann…I’m still peeved at her, so I fast forward.  Punitive, I know.  How’s it feel, CA?  Scores:  6, 6, 6 = 18

Jacoby & Karina: Quickstep to “For Once In My Life” ~  I think they’ll have a blast with this, but given he’s pigeon toed hard, I’m sure he’s in for a repeat of that criticism.  Me?  I don’t care.  They’re fun to watch and so much energy you can almost see the tv vibrate.  I’m glad they’re getting the closing number tonight. (Nice pacing with the top 3 couples tonight, show!)  And they don’t disappoint.  Fun song, fun dance, super smiley.  Judges:Bruno is nice, and Carrie Ann decides to just give a pass to the feet, which I’m glad for Jacoby, but again, it has to be said, WOW, really? Well, it was bound to happen. Len’s drink buzz has finally worn off.  But mine hasn’t so I am tempted to skip past this part…until Mama Jacoby pipes up from the peanut gallery. HA!  Mom Power!  Never underestimate it.  Scores: 8, 7, 8 = 23   Seriously?  Lower than Ingo?  That’s kind of a joke.

But yay!!  I cast my cares away with another Stevie Break!  Singing my all time fave...”Ma Cherie Amour”  Which is made even more lovely by a dance accompaniment with Tony & Anna. 

Leader Board after 1st Dance:

29: Zendaya, Kellie

27: Aly

24: Ingo

23: Jacoby

21: Sean

18: Andy, Victor

Ands it’s time for Team Dances:

We’ve got Kellie’s Team Samba: with Kellie, Andy, Aly, Sean

And Zendaya’s Team Paso: with Zendaya, Ingo, Victor, and Jacoby

Now, Paso always has the edge because it’s a crowd favorite, and I’m part of that crowd. Plus they get to go second, which traditionally helps out.  Aaaand, they’re having way more fun.  Then Derek, who is Team Samba, lets it slip that he’s never lost a Team Dance he’s been part of and, now, as much as I’m loving him and the Pickler, yeah…I wouldn’t be crushed if he got to experience the agony of defeat, just this once.  From the rehearsal clips?  Yeah, it could go either way.

And hey!  We start with Team Paso, dancing to Highest Ground.  They wisely open with Zendaya, then her and Val, then shift to Victor, then Ingo.  Jacoby follows and we end again with Zendaya, then a pretty good finish with some cape work.  Fortunately for them all the guys look great shirtless, so it’s a bit easier to ignore that it is kinda sloppy.  However, it is a great song for this dance, and that power keeps the energy up.  Judges: Len calls it a spirited effort and that essentially sums it right up.  (And thanks, Drink Spiker Girl, for getting back on the job.) Scores: 7, 8, 7 = 22  Team Samba has a definite opening here.

Team Samba is dancing to Superstition, decked out in their best 70′s attire.  It’s so adorakably adorkable, I  already love it.  However, the samba isn’t a huge move dance like paso, and the pacing of the song isn’t really helping.  Neither are the over the top costumes, which, while funny and fun, disguise too much of the finesse of the samba hip action.  I mean, when Derek & Kellie look awkward, and Mark’s way over the top hamming actually helps, yeah, that’s not good.  Kellie & Derek do better on their encore at the end, and…when the other scores were 7′s and 8′s…well, it’s going to at least be close.  Judges:  Giving the gushes, they win, slam dunk.  Going last pays off again! Scores: 8, 9, 8 = 25

Leader Board after both dances:

54: Kellie 

52: Aly

51: Zendaya

46: Ingo

45: Jacoby

43: Sean, Andy

40: Victor

Kellie’s score is more in keeping with how she danced, but Zendaya is a clear closer number two, so it messed that up.  And no way is Ingo over Jacoby, but whatevs.  The Bottom 3 are not a surprise, and I think Victor is finally on his way out.

And there you have it, happening Blog Babes!  Fun night….but who goes home tomorrow?  Scores be damned, I don’t think it’s Andy.  So…will it be Victor?  Sean?   For me, I’d pick Ingo, as he’s the one I’d be the quickest to fast forward through, but I think his scores will save him this week.  And  Sean & Peta are more sparkly.   But…something about Victor’s broken-hearted underdog at least tugs the heartstrings… So…I dunno!  What say you??  Who should go?  Who will go?

And while you’re mulling that over…send in your entry for this week’s Free Stuff Friday Giveaway!  Next Tuesday, April 30th, marks the release of HONEY PIE, so take a shot at winning your very own copy this week!  Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I don’t need no sequins and spray tan to win this thing!” in the subject line.  I’ll draw a name from the stack and announce it in this Friday’s blog post!   Good luck!

Now?  It’s time to DISH about the dance!!

Tags: Writing // 3 Comments »

Last week we cringed our way through this Dr Phil-The Bachelor-Let’s Make a Deal mash up masquerading as a dating show.  They promised this would be a new twist on dating.  And all I kept wondering was…is that twist that there isn’t any actual, you know…dating?

Last week we met Tim, lead singer for the Grammy winning Plain White T’s, in his initial search for the perfect mate.  He was introduced to 12 women selected by three of the world’s top matchmakers.  Two hours later, we’re down to 8 women, and he’s had a sum total of five minute conversations with 3 of them.  And I’m being generous there with the time frame.

So, my hope for this show?  Not high.  Or really measureable at all. Apparently I wasn’t alone.  Last week The Voice brought a lead in of over 22 million viewers.  How many stuck around?  A measly 3.9.

If only they’d made it more about these successful matchmakers and how they actually do what they do.  I mean, if what they’re doing is actually working out there in the real world (and not on this trumped up game show gig) then that would be interesting to follow and see how it all unfolds.  I’d be up for that dating documentary.  But this?  Is not at all about that.  In fact, I’m not really sure anyone involved with this show could adequately describe to you exactly what this show is.

Tonight we meet the other two men who signed on for this…whatever it is.  Ernesto is a man with a lot of money and a social conscience, who believes in giving back, but has never given his heart to someone.  And there’s Ben, who is a CEO of a hospital, and needs to remain shirtless at all times. (What?  What else did you really come away with?  Be honest.)  I look at these two guys and think, really?  You needed a dating show to find women?  I find that impossible to believe…but here we all are.  And they seem ever so sincere.

I find myself thinking as long as there’s a promise that they will spend at least part of the next two hours half naked, then at least I get some eye candy out of this gig.  But unless things take a dramatic turn and this show morphs into something that actually resembles a dating show where people actually date…or, you know, something remotely entertaining to watch, then I’ll be bowing out after this week and leaving NBC to figure out where things went so horribly wrong.  (Pssst, NBC??  You already had a hit dating show.  Five couples still in relationships to this day, and that after only two seasons.  I’m pretty sure that’s more than all other dating shows combined through a decade or more of seasons.  So…here’s an idea: renew THAT one. Bring back Love in the Wild.  Because that?  Was fun!  And what we like to watch?  Fun stuff!)

This?  Well, you tell me?  Did you make it all the way through, or were you just really thankful I did so you wouldn’t have to?

We meet Ernesto first.  He has a close family, folks married for almost forty years, and every last one of them pretty ridiculously genetically blessed. This guy has made a life out of helping the deeply disadvantaged.  Again, I’m thinking there had to be a better way for him to meet the woman of his dreams.  Actually, I’m trying to figure out how it’s possible he hasn’t already done just that.

We zip through meeting the 12 women selected for him so fast we get whiplash, and bing bang boom, we’re down to 9.  The first group seemed to be the best matched with him but that’s possibly because we spent a whole sixty seconds more with them. Who knows. I would write more about this game show segment, but seriously, that’s….all that happened.

And then bleep, bloop, the women are living together and we see them get to know each other and get coached by matchmakers….but no time with them getting to know Ernesto.  Or even lay eyes on him.  Then, blam, pow, we’re on our first date.  All nine of them.  Together. In Compton. Building houses.  Lots of catty time with the women, women ogling Ernesto, and, unlike last week, he actually spent at least a minute or two with each one. Shocking!  (Does NBC know this briefly looked like a dating show?  And they didn’t edit that out?)  Aaaand, more catty women camera time.  Whew!  That’s more like it, NBC.  Don’t confuse us by making a dating show about, you know, dating.

The matchmakers then direct him as to who he should spend more time with and it’s on to the Five Minute One-on-One Interview segment of this three ring circus.  Whoops!  No, it’s not. Unlike last week, we get a whole evening with Ernesto and the Chosen Three.  Only…he’s with all three of them, at the same time.

Yeah.  It’s like that.

Aaaand, wheeee!, we’re back on the game show stage again and the matchmakers take a go at the women, praise some for following the prescribed program, and chastise others for not following their carefully scripted coaching (which, I get that we can all use a little friendly advice from time to time, but if you’re being anyone other than yourself, what’s the point?)  Then, kaboom, kabang, each matchmaker picks one of their gals for the Bottom 3.  One of the Lucky 3 who got to actually spend five minutes in only a 3-1 ratio instead of a 9-1 ratio, and still managed to blow it, is no surprise.  But the other two didn’t even spend time with the guy.  Which makes this Anvil of Certain Doom thing seem both weirdly uninformed and pointless.  So…that’s fun.  And fair.  Aaaand then it’s down to the Garden of Good-byes and Ernesto sends the one from the not-so-Lucky-after-all-Three home.

Just like that, we’re down to 7 women left and we know pretty much nothing more now than when we started, oh, what feels like so many hours ago.  (And, for all that, we still know more about them than Ernesto does, so that’s kind of scary.)

Then it’s essentially lather, rinse, repeat with Ben. New guy, same gig.  Insert new names, and, like Tim, another “blast from the past” girl (which, again, never a good idea), a new “non-date” and old drama and you have the second hour of this show. Okay, so Ben doesn’t waste any time putting the moves on.  Or taking his shirt off.  Maybe they should have just made this The Ben Show. I might have been on board with that.  He seems a lot more interested in actually getting to, you know, know women he’s dating.  Maybe if the Powers That Be had picked one guy and, more importantly, one theme to focus on…then we could have become a bit more invested.  Or at all invested.

The shame of it is, all three guys aren’t bad guys.  In fact, they’re nice, good guys, or seem to be.  All three of them deserve better than this weird dating/counseling/game show amalgamation…and so do we.

Which is why…I’m mercifully giving us all permission to leave Tim, Ernesto, and Ben to whatever awaits them (I’m pretty sure it’s cancellation…) and free us up to go watch a show with a single guy we can really root for. Like, for example…Leroy Jethro Gibbs over on NCIS. At least I know I’m going to have a more enjoyable hour.

And if you’re with me on that bandwagon, then come join the fun over at my Facebook Page where we have our weekly Mark Harmon Moment.  Because, unlike NBC, we know what we want…and how to get it!  Then hang out here with me for weekly book giveaways, all the latest book news, and recaps of fun shows folks actually watch!

But before we race off…I need to announce the winner of last week’s contest!  A big rousing cheer for Happening Blog Babe Jennifer A. from North Carolina!!!  Woot!!  Your advance copy of my April 30^th release, Honey Pie, will be winging its way to you shortly.

Now, grab that fruity umbrella drink and come join me in the shallow end of the pool where we can ogle Mark Harmon, talk books, and chat about things like this season of Dancing with the Stars and Amazing Race!  (Did you love the return to the cheese hill?  And what about that pro-am dance off this week?  Who should win?  Who needs a fast exit?)

Come on, let’s DISH!

Tags: Writing // 1 Comment »