Blog Hop - 5th Annual Authors in Bloom *Giveaways* April 7-16, 2016

Welcome to the 5th Annual Authors in Bloom giveaway. I hope you enjoy my site and the yummy deviled eggs recipe below. 
I'm the author of Lightning over Bennett Ranch, a sweet cowboy romance about second chances and redemption. 
Read on and learn how to win three copies of Bennett Ranch. That's right! Three -- ebook, audio (Audible) and signed paperback. 
Thanks so much! 

Zesty Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

12 eggs

1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste

1 pinch salt and black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground paprika, for dusting (divided)

1 (6 ounce) can black olives, drained and cut in half horizontally

Preparation

Place eggs in a saucepan with a lid, pour in water to cover, bring to a boil, and remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove eggs from hot water and let cool. Peel the eggs.

Cut each egg in half lengthwise, remove the yolks, and place the yolks in a bowl with the mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and salt and pepper. Mash the yolks, and stir the mixture until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Fill each egg half with the deviled yolk mixture, using a spoon, piping bag, or a sturdy plastic bag with a corner cut off. Dust each egg with a pinch of paprika, and place an olive half, round side up, in the center of each. Refrigerate until chilled, 20 to 30 minutes, and serve cold.

Synopsis:

Melody Bennett’s parents trampled on her teenage romance with a drifter ten years ago. He disappeared without a word of goodbyes on the night they had planned to run away together. Since then, she cast aside her foolish notions of happily ever after and worked hard alongside the hired help to care for the majestic horses on her family’s beloved ranch. She refused to give love another chance and resigned to live her life alone.

Max Fortaine returned with a heart guarded by secrets and a sizable bank account that took blood, prayers and tears to fund. The cowboy disrupted Melody’s peaceful existence with stolen kisses and a promise for more. After a lifetime of running, mistakes and regrets, he vowed to reclaim the only woman he ever loved… if only her overprotective father didn’t stand in his way.

Excerpt:

“Did you ever love me? At least tell me the truth on that.”

Surprise overshadowed the anger that burned in his eyes. “Yes, I did. I’m sorry I made you doubt that.”

Her tight control slipped and a tear slid down her face. Melody dug her nails into her palms to regain control. “You owe me the truth.”

Max tunneled his fingers through his spiky, dark blond hair. “I do, but I don’t want you to hate me more than you already do.”

“I don’t hate you. I did a long time ago but I forgave you.” She stepped back to give both of them breathing room. As it was, all she could breathe in was his scent. She felt suffocated and strangely at peace by it. “I’m happy, Max. My life is good. I missed you for a while but I moved on. To answer your earlier question, no, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’ve dated men after you, of course, but I’m single now. That’s my choice.” She refused to tell him about her list of must-haves, her criterion for potential love interests. Melody didn’t want him to know how much his betrayal had affected her view on men and love. “Besides, I’m sure you moved on to other women. I doubt a handsome man like you would have trouble finding a new bedmate.”

He glanced away and shifted his feet which confirmed her suspicion. She wrapped her arms around her queasy stomach and walked toward a window. She peered through the slats of the blinds but she didn’t see much of anything. “Do you have any idea what it’s like to feel not good enough? Tell me why you left Willow Creek without me. I don’t care what the answer is. I just want to know. I won’t hate you for it.”

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22460410-lightning-over-bennett-ranch

Giveaway (International)

It's Cowboy Time!! 

One lucky winner will receive my swag pack along with an ebook, audio (Audible) and signed print copy of Lightning over Bennett Ranch. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 
Winner will be announced by April 18 

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY (International)

Kindle Fire or Nook (winner’s choice) 

2nd prize of $25 gift card 

(You must comment on this post - as stated in my personal giveaway - and leave your email address to be entered in the e-reader Grand Prize and the 2nd Grand Prize Giveaways!!!)

(Only those visitors who visit EACH and EVERY stop on the Hop are eligible for the grand prize e-reader and gift card.)