So, yeah…we’ve had a little snow here. A few flakes. That somehow managed to add up to 32″ !!! Also? This just in: if I never see another snow shovel, I will be a very happy girl. See photo below? I wasn’t even close to hitting bottom, and that railing behind me? Yeah, that’s usually about waist high. Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not take kindly to my little suggestion of rehab in last week’s blog and is going to continue showing me her complete lack of a sense of humor by bringing more snow tomorrow.

Yes, Snowpocaplypse 2010 is all my fault.

In the meantime, there was the Super Bowl and a very exciting Saints win!I love Peyton and was rooting for him, but it was certainly impossible not to be excited for the city of New Orleans and how thrilled they were with their first trip and first big SB win. Good game all around, with lots of good stories.

But, more importantly? The commercials, of course! Which were your favorites? I will always love e*Trade baby commercials and they didn’t disappoint. I thought Dorito’s had the best overall campaign. Loved!!! the Betty White spot. And I think most innovative and clever had to go to the Google spot. Easily in my Top Three. What about you? Which ones made you smile or laugh?

Don’t forget, the Valentine’s Day Free Stuff Friday contest is still going on this week. Three more winners announced this Friday! If you entered last week, your entry is still valid this week, so no need to enter again. (Last week’s winners are ineligible this week!) For those who haven’t entered yet, send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Mmmm, Books and Chocolate! Count me in!” in the subject line. Then check in with Friday’s blog to see if you’re a winner!

As for the prizes, at some point they will plow me out of here and I will get all the prizes mailed out, but you might have to be a little patient. They are also calling for yet more snow coming this weekend. On top of tomorrow’s storm. Seriously, never EVER write an open letter to Mother Nature. SO not a good idea.

And what is going to happen on The Bachelor tonight? Our Rose Counter Chris has tweeted that it is once again the most dramatic, touching week ever. And he hasn’t lied to us yet this season. But, seriously? NOW what?? Tune in tomorrow for all the Bachelor MAC. But right now? Super Bowl Commercial DISH!

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The first of the Free Stuff Friday: Valentine’s Day Edition winners will be announced today! Woo hoo!! (Don’t worry if your name doesn’t show up below…all of this week’s entries remain viable for next week’s contest, too!) Haven’t entered yet? Scroll back to this past Monday’s blog post to get all the details and enter for next Friday’s drawing.

But before we start handing out the chocolate and free books, some more fun news! I heard from BookPage magazine yesterday and they reviewed HERE COMES TROUBLE in their February Issue. Woo hoo!

Click Here to read the entire article, along with reviews of Connie Brockway’s and Laura Kinsale’s latest releases, both of which I highly recommend! But here’s a sneak of what columnist Christie Ridgeway had to say about Here Comes Trouble:

Jackpot!
Two lonely people meet up in a Vermont B&B in Donna Kauffman’s Here Comes Trouble. At 40, heroine Kirby Farrell has left a long-term relationship gone sour and struck out on her own by buying and renovating a Victorian in the Green Mountains ski area. But success is as elusive as the snow, and she’s desperate for business when a gorgeous younger man rides up on a motorcycle. He’s her first guest . . . and a temptation she thinks she can temporarily indulge in. Brett Hennessey has left the bright lights and the big jackpots of Las Vegas in order to figure out the next step in his life. A poker star, he has money and fame, but he no longer wants to pursue either. When he meets Kirby, he begins to think she might be the home he’s been seeking. Cautious Kirby wonders if he might be too good to be true, and Brett has baggage that shows up in Vermont to derail the budding relationship. Sexy, with an emotionally honest core, Kauffman’s latest is easy to snuggle with on a winter’s night.

Between the good reviews coming in and the bestseller list placements this week, I am really blown away with the big launch of the latest book. Thank you all for making it such a big success! Blob Babes Rock!

Okay, so now on to the Free Stuff! There are three winners this week. The prize is a some melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, and a signed book from my website bookshelf. Winners - email me at donna@donnakauffman.com with an address and a few title selections in case I’m out of your first choice. Winning blog babes are? Kirsten S, Jenn C, and Saman A!! Congratulations!! Three more names will be picked next Friday, so there is still time to enter. All previous entries for this week will roll over to next week, so no need to enter twice. Best of luck to you all ~ and happy reading Kirsten, Jenn, and Saman!!

Well, as you read in my open letter to Mother Nature yesterday, we’re expecting, oh, one or two flakes today. So I am off to walk dogs and generally prepare myself for more marathon shoveling. I believe there might be a wee bit of chocolate in my future as well. You know, for stamina purposes. It does too work!

I hope everyone has a safe and warm weekend. Curl up with a good book and stay inside! I plan to…at some point. What are you all reading? I’m reading Laura Kinsale’s Lessons in French. It’s a return to her more whimsical roots and is absolutely delightful. Next up is Connie Brockway’s latest, The Golden Season. Then it’s Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell to follow. So….what are you reading? DISH!

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Which is just a precursor really to Fresh Snow Friday….and Blizzard Conditions Saturday. All but killing my Big Plans for Super Bowl Sunday. Hence the need to write a letter to Big Mama.

Dear Mother Nature,

I know I complained about the warm winters here in Virginia the past two years which selfishly kept me from skiing. I know I crowed about how great it was to have such a mild summer that I rarely had to use the A/C and kept my windows open pretty much every single night. And the fall was one of the more spectacular here in the Blue Ridge Mountains the and Shenandoah Valley. So, who am I to complain, really, if you feel the need to get your freak on and just, you know, cut loose for a change. But I kinda sorta was thinking that’s what you did when you dumped 26″ of snow on me in late December. And another 8″ this past weekend. And 6″ more yesterday. So…and it’s just a suggestion on my part, really, coming from a place of sincere concern for your well being, but now they’re saying you’re going to toss two to four feet more over the next 48 hours in my general direction. And, you know, I like to sled, build the occasional snowman. I’m working on my own version of the Terra Cotta Warriors by now. But this? This is kind of like…a lot. Some (not me, of course) would say, overkill. So, we’ve been talking, and, well, we’re wondering if maybe an intervention might be in order. Just…something that might help you to reign it all back in, get yourself under control. Tiger’s figuring out his issues in Sex Addiction Rehab, so we were wondering if perhaps you might benefit from some Severe Weather Rehab. Just sayin’. Coming from a place of love and acceptance for all things frozen and requiring shoveling, but still… Give it some consideration.

Signed,
Just Say No To Snow

Okay, I’m pretty sure that wind howling outside my window just now sounded a lot like laughter…. Sigh.

Well, for those of you whose humor hasn’t been hampered by figuring out complex math equations designed to reduce the motion required for constant snow removal down to the minimum required and still be able to get a MINI Cooper on the roadways…don’t forget to enter this week’s Valentine’s Day edition of Free Stuff Friday. First prizes given out tomorrow! See Monday’s (much nicer) blog for all the details. Yes, there will be chocolate involved. If I don’t eat my way into a phenylephylamine stupor by consuming it all. I could hardly be blamed. And I’d replace it. Honest.

So, I’m going to go Scoop. But you all? Can DISH!!!

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Okay, so was it me, or last night on American Idol, did they show a whole lotta bad singers while simultaneously putting through more good ones from one city than they ever have before? 26 went through in two days? And we get an hour of crap. With ff’ing through the crud, it took about ten minutes to watch the whole thing. And did we really have to end with bikini boy? Really, show? Shudder.

However, of the good singers we did get a glimpse of, there were some good ones, and some interesting stories as well. Also, show of hands who thought Helium Italia was going to sound like Minnie Mouse when she sang, and ended up being Kylie Minogue? Wait… Plus Jack Black? And Motorcycle Guy looks like the younger brother of the model on the cover of Here Comes Trouble, does he not? And I’m still pleasantly surprised by how much I love Posh Spice. I know! One more city tonight, then next week we finally move on to Hollywood Week. And I, for one, and more than ready to see what we’ve got this season.

What I’ve got right here is about six more inches of a whole lot of lovely puffy white snow clinging to everything and making it look beautiful. Until, you know, you actually have to go drive in it. Which I have to do this morning in order to go teach an altered art class. Something so wrong about that when most days I make the bunny slipper commute down the hall to work. I have a memo into Mother Nature, but she keeps seeming to misplace it.

But while I’m playing intrepid traveler, you all can be entering my Valentine’s Day Free Stuff Friday two week giveaway. See Monday’s post for all the chocolatey goodness and details on how to enter. Good luck!

And now? DISH!!

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Before we get to The Bachelor MAC, I have some fun news!

I found out yesterday that my current release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, hit the Ingrams Trade Bestseller list this week at #23!! AND! It also hit the Barnes & Noble Trade Bestseller list at #16!! This is my highest placement in trade paperback on both lists and I couldn’t be more excited. Thanks to all you Blog Babes out there for helping to make the launch of this book such a huge success. I couldn’t do it without your support. You all have been so wonderful, both in rushing out to get a copy, and in telling every and anyone who’ll listen how much you enjoy the books. You guys are the true rock stars here and I raise a celebratory cupcake in your honor! Thanks so much for starting 2010 with such a huge bang!!

And speaking of sweet treats…if you haven’t read my blog from yesterday, I am having a special two-week Valentine’s Day Free Stuff Friday special contest. See Monday’s blog for the details on how to enter. I am also guest blogging over on RomCon today and hope you all drop by to check it out. I also guest blogged about Here Comes Trouble last week over at Novel Thoughts as well, but have updated the post with some new info ~ so go check it out and comment, and increase your chances yet again to win a free book!!

Okay, okay, so NOW we talk about our favorite, very short pilot bachelor, Jake. I don’t think it was a surprise to anyone that he sent Corrie home last night. I don’t think it had anything to do with her revealing she was saving herself for marriage, either. I think it had a lot more to do with zero chemistry. I did see sparks with Tenley and Gia, and I think he’s still feeling strongly for Vienna, while possibly a bit more conflicted about Ali. It’s funny, but Ali wants him to realize the situation with Vienna, but all it’s doing it making him more protective of V and more suspicious of his feelings for Ali. I think he’s got the best chance at a future with Tenley. She fits his personality the best and I think he’d really enjoy her natural enthusiasm for all things. He’s smitten and in lust with Gia, but I’m not sure what kind of long term relationship they’d have. I know he’s still feeling that protective connection with Vienna that started with their bonding bungee jump, but I don’t know that I see him dealing with her relative immaturity long-term, despite, I think, her heart being in the right place. And Ali…well, let’s just say I hope he runs for the hills from that one. Under those cute freckles I think is a very hard woman. I think she’d make life a lot more challenging for Our Jake than he would like to know about.

Next week he meets the parents and there is another Dramatic! Pivotal! Moment! I love this season and all it’s Dramatic Pivotal Moments! There has been speculation that someone comes back, a la Ed, and even Jake has alluded to this in interviews. But in the previews, we heard Chris announce there wasn’t going to be a rose ceremony…which leads me to think that one of the girls voluntarily goes, relieving him from the necessity of one. I’m hoping it’s Mean Girl Ali.

What do you think? Who should get the final rose? Who needs her rose yanked in a knot? And will the audition weeks for Idol EVER END? I’m ready to get on with the show, people. Also, I have to tell you all how much I’m enjoying Laura Kinsale’s return to the humor she does so well, in her sparkling new release, Lessons in French. As always, Laura, I am not worthy!! And now? Your turn….DISH!!

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It’s officially February, and 16 bitter degrees outside my window. So naturally, I think it’s time we throw a little chocolate into the mix on our Free Stuff Friday giveaways! Are you with me?

For the next two weeks, the winners of my Free Stuff Friday giveaways will get a little somethin’ somethin’ extra in the mail along with the signed book of their choice. It might not make the sun shine or the temperature climb, but it could make you care a little less about that. Mmm, books and chocolate.

How do you get yours? Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Mmm, books and chocolate! I want in!” in the subject line. This contest is open and remains open until Friday morning, the 12th, with all entries remaining viable for both giveaways (this Friday and next.) I will draw three winners this week, and three again next week! Yep, that’s 6 lucky Blog Babe Valentine’s! (I know, math on Monday’s. So wrong.) But that’s me, spreading the love, one book and chocolate truffle at a time. (Someone’s gotta do it!)

And right now? You know what time it is. Did you watch the Grammy’s last night? What did you think of the Gaga/Elton duet? Did the Earth Song move you? I’d just watched the MJ concert footage of it the night before and I think it’s a powerfully moving song, just the music alone. The voices brought to the stage last night to lend their own forces of nature to it made it even more so for me. On the complete other end of the spectrum, tonight our own favorite (very short) Bachelor pilot will be on wings of love again…and yes, I will be there, watching the drama. I should be more sorry about this, and yet…not so much. So, entertain me Pilot Boy! What’s entertaining you? I finished Season 1 of Leverage. ( Thank you On Demand Netflix!) What’s on your DVR Must See list? What are you reading? And honestly, shouldn’t Jake send Corrie home tonight? Just sayin’. Any guesses on who’s gonna be the next Bachelorette? DISH!

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So, I stayed up watching tennis (taped and live) and am very happy with the finalists on both sides of the draw in this year’s Australian Open. Federer/Murry and Serena/Henin (hard to believe those two never played each other in a final before) should make for some great finals. A shame they have to be on at 3:30 in the morning!

Which meant no Project Runway for me, but that leaves something to watch over the weekend. Did I mention we’re expecting snow? Yeah. I know it’s January and all, but I’m all done with meat locker coldness and wish for sun now. Please.

Before we get to Free Stuff Friday, I wanted to thank you all for making the launch week of HERE COMES TROUBLE such an exciting and successful one! I’m looking forward to its debut in Cosmo in a few short weeks, but you all have been so great with your feedback and, even better, posting your positive thoughts on bb’s and websites all over the dang place. Blog Babes Rock!!

So, it’s time to give back! The winner of this weeks’ free book is…Jackie B!! Just send an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with a few selections from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice) and an address and I’ll get your prize in the mail to ya.

Check in next week when we start the Special Valentine’s Day Edition of Free Stuff Fridays. For the next two weeks, there will be a little somethin’ somethin’ extra in addition to the book giveaway on Fridays. (And it’s possibly that it just might look, smell, and taste a lot like chocolate!) So check out the contest rules on Monday and good luck to you all!

In the meantime? DISH!

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American Idol, Audition Week 2:

While I am enjoying the good singers, and fast forwarding through the bad, happy enough that there seems to at least be some balance there….am I the only one kind of yawning by now and wanting auditions to be over and let’s get on with Hollywood Week and finding out who our talent is going to be this year? Show of hands?

But in MUCH more exciting news! Guess who’s leaving Dancing With the Stars? No, not Our Tom (whew!) but our not-so-talented backstage interviewer, Samantha Harris, announced today that she’s not coming back next season. See? Sometimes, our reality show prayers are answered! I have no idea who will replace her, but I’m thinking we can only go up from here. Tom says he’ll miss her and try to wheedle her back. Don’t do it, Tom! We beg of you.

Project Runway is tonight. (Did anyone see former PR contestant Daniel Franco audition for American Idol? That was…wrong.) So hopefully some good dish tomorrow.

Right this very second, it’s all about the Australian Open for me. I actually found a Grand Slam Fantasy Tennis League and am having the bestest time!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. Details in Monday’s post. Winner announced here tomorrow. Good luck!

And now? DISH! What are you reading? Who should win the Open? Who’s excited that it’s almost time for Our Phil and Amazing Race again? Is anyone excited about Survivor: Heroes v Villains? And will I ever catch up with the past seasons of Leverage so I can watch new stuff? Enquiring minds want to know!

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So, last night on The Bachelor, I’m pretty sure Jake just wanted to pack them all up in the RV’s and burn every last remaining rose. Or maybe that was just me. He sends both women home on a 2 to 1 date, which, I’m glad because you know he’s not ready to dive into a relationship with a ready made son, and you know there was zero there with Kathryn, despite both their best efforts to change that.

Corrie finally steps up, and there seemed to be a little something there at first, enough to get her through this week, but I don’t think it will surprise anyone if she goes next week. Yeah, yeah, I know, we all want Vienna to go by now. I don’t think she’s so heinous as all that, but definitely immature. And now that the fog has lifted after their intense first date, Jake is surely seeing it, too. And don’t you like how he’s the first guy on there to sort of give it right back to them? “Yes, the women are mean to you…but don’t you think you egg them on?” HA!

Of course, by mean women, he means Ali. Or maybe he doesn’t know she’s Queen of Mean Girl Mountain, but wow, she’s like obsessed with bashing the kid. I wonder if she’ll follow through on her threat (and it was most certainly that) to tell Jake off. I know I’d love that. Talk about kill your own chances. So Ashleigh and Jessie both go home at the rose ceremony when Jake asks Chris to reduce his pain by one rose so he can get two more women right the heck outta there. If he’s not feelin it? You’re toast. And honestly? That’s how I’d rather get booted. If I were the type to actually allow myself to compete on national television for the attentions of one guy. Which I’m not. Everything about this goes so against the grain of how to start a relationship, it’s just a trainwreck to see. Which is why I usually avoid it like the plague. Now a show with a bunch of Bachelors and a bunch of women, going on amazing dates and figuring things out might be interesting… At least more have a fighting chance.

Anyway, this is not that show. And at this point, the only women I see with a glimmer of a chance are Tenley and Gia. And though I can see the attraction with “used to be a nerd” Gia, I think Tenley is the super sweet, saved myself for marriage type that is more in sync with the spiritual Jake. However, there are rumors out there… Check out Reality Steve if the site is functioning (which it often isn’t) and check out his pre-season blog, where he lets loose with all the insider stuff he’s got. And he’s got it all. Prepare to have the finale spoiled for ya, though! Do I think he’s right? Hmm…. I think the more salient question now is, do I care? And I’m not sure that I do. Mostly I just enjoy watching a Bachelor who is really intent on forcing the process to work for him. I just don’t think that’s a possibility with this group of women, sad to say. A shame. Because it could have been the most special final rose….evah!

In other news, I am guest blogging over on Novel Thoughts today! And there is a book giveaway there, too. So check it out. Then check out my post here yesterday for my Free Stuff Friday giveaway.

But right now? DISH! Are you hooked despite your best intentions not to be? Is it looking like Jake ends up alone? Again? Is there anyone you can see him with for those very special 60 years he keeps talking about?

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It’s another rainy day here, just across the river from the nation’s capital. Good day for curling up with a good book….or, in my case, a laptop so I can write a (hopefully!) good book. I’m thinking hot chocolate would go nicely with this endeavor.

And speaking of books…I have some advance news for you all today! As you might have heard, I’m launching another series of Scottish hero contemporaries starting end of May. The first is SOME LIKE IT SCOT - see the blog roll to your right for the cover. Click to read the back cover copy. This will be followed by a few non-Scot releases; SIMON SAYS... a sexy fun caper will be part of the Wrong Bed series, coming from Blaze this July as part of their 10th anniversary celebration. Then THE NAUGHTY LIST hits in the fall, which is the next Christmas anthology and the wrap up of my three story arc, which has been spread over the past two Christmas anthologies… And then, THEN! the second in the Scots series will launch. I found out last week that come the end of December, just in time for Santa’s rounds, OFF KILTER will hit the stands. Isn’t that the best title ever? Love it, love the play on words. Many levels of meaning to that one, but captures the flavor of the book perfectly. I will be sure to share the cover art and back cover copy as soon as it lands on my desk.

In the meantime, yes, I will shamelessly admit that I am totally watching Bachelor tonight. According to Pilot Jake, the trouble, it has just begun. Oh the drama. Oh the burning roses. I will be tuning in. And then cleansing my palate with the ever charming Nathan Filion in Castle. I also saw where they have announced the teams for the next Amazing Race, scheduled to start in February. Raaaaaace! I can’t wait to have Our Phil back.

But while we are waiting Phil and his Amazing Bathmat of Philimination….let’s dish about what we’re reading right this very second. For me, it’s Julia Child’s My Life In France. How delightful is she? And then I’m diving headlong into Laura Kinsale’s latest, Lessons in French. Yes, everyone, Laura Kinsale is back and I, for one, am almost giddy with anticipation. Her book hits the stands tomorrow and I will be there, nose pressed agains the glass, as they unlock the doors. Also, my book, HERE COMES TROUBLE, will officially hit all the stands today that it didn’t sneak onto last week. If you’re picking up a copy, let me know what you think!

And don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I need to read!” in the subject line. One winner chosen from the pile and announced here on Friday. Free book from my website bookshelf is the prize. Good luck!

And now? DISH!

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