Author: Reluctant Retiree

Living in FL and enjoying life.
Posted in From My Kitchen

Chili Nachos

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A recipe for chili nachos is excellent when the weather turns brisk and you need something fast and filling. A mashup of traditional chili con carne and the standard queso nacho dip, our excellent chili filled with ground beef, pinto beans, spices and creamy Velveeta easily feeds a crowd.

Serve this cheese chili nachos recipe over crunchy corn or tortilla chips, on grilled hot dogs or in a bowl with cornbread. Kick up or tone down the spice, or add vegetables to make it your own. Anything goes! Cheese chili nachos is an ideal game-day potluck recipe—just keep the chili warm in a slow cooker for weekend tailgating. Or, prep chili nachos for movie nights in the backyard, barbecues and other fun gatherings.

Ingredients for Chili Nachos

  • Ground beef: Use the type of ground beef you prefer. After browning the meat, drain it well so you don’t end up with a greasy chili base.
  • Tomato sauce: Three cans of tomato sauce give chili nachos a wonderfully saucy base with a hint of sweetness.
  • Pinto beans: Our cheese chili nachos recipe uses two cans of pinto beans. Pinto beans are a bit plumper and creamier in the center than other chili beans like kidney beans.
  • Canned diced tomatoes and green chiles: This made-in-Texas ingredient is a chili must-have. Rotel is the standard brand many cooks use, but you’ll likely see multiple brands of this popular canned item at the store.
  • Envelopes of chili mix: Not to be confused with the spice blend “chili powder,” chili seasoning mix combines spices made specifically for chili and similar dishes. It may contain a thickener like flour or cornstarch to help thicken your chili, and it has a concentrated amount of herbs and spices meant to flavor an entire batch of chili.
  • Velveeta: You could very well call this recipe cheese chili nachos due to the plentiful amount of Velveeta. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient that gives this chili its irresistible cheesy, creamy, luscious texture and consistency.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Along with Velveeta, heavy whipping cream adds a creamy richness and velvety feel to this chili.
  • Corn chips: Corn chips are the “nachos” in this chili nachos recipe. Salty and full of sweet corn flavor, corn chips make an awesome crunch against the smoothness of the creamy chili.
  • Optional toppings: While optional, sour cream, sliced jalapeno and lime wedges tie all the flavors of our chili together for the ultimate finish. Skip the jalapeno if you don’t need the extra heat.

Taste of Home

Find more recipes like this on my companion blog, “Good Food, Good Meat, Good God, Let’s Eat!”

Posted in #BookTours

Can’t Hurry Christmas

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Can’t Hurry Christmas
Melissa Baldwin
Publication date: November 13th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

The holiday spirit is the last thing on my mind, and he’s focused on his new beginning. But one mistletoe moment might change everything.

Callie
Spending the holidays alone for the first time in four years wasn’t exactly on my wish list. But with a major shake-up at work and more changes than I ever saw coming, embracing my new reality seems like the only option.

And then there’s Travis—charming, handsome, and a Texas drawl that could make any woman weak in the knees. But is it too soon to start something new? I’ve been out of the dating game for a while, and maybe this season is meant for family, friends, and finding joy in my new season.

One thing’s for sure—I’m in no hurry for Christmas to arrive.

Travis
Christmas in the Northeast? In the freezing cold? Yeah, not exactly my idea of home. But turning down this job offer wasn’t an option—it’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come around every day.

Still, spending the holidays away from everything and everyone I love is tougher than I expected. And then there’s Callie. I never planned to meet someone like her, let alone work so closely with her.

Now I’m left wondering… is taking this risk worth everything I’ve worked for?

Have you read the award-winning UnLucky Christmas? Don’t miss the chance to catch up with your favorite characters in Can’t Hurry Christmas from USA Today Bestselling Author Melissa Baldwin.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Callie, I know this isn’t a typical holiday season for you. I can’t imagine how you are feeling now that…things are different without …”

“You can say his name, Hannah.”

“Joey,” she says softly. “I’m sorry. I know this is a difficult time.”

I shake my head. “Don’t be sorry. I asked him to set a wedding date, and he said he wasn’t ready and didn’t know when he would be. That pretty much told me everything I needed to know. Our goals were not exactly as aligned as I thought they were.”

She places a hand on my shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Proud? For getting dumped?”

“No. For not settling,” she explains. “And for letting me drag you into crazy holiday chaos instead of spending the night alone, binge-watching TV shows you’ve seen a hundred times.”

I laugh under my breath. “You’re not wrong. This is good for me—I always do better when I’m busy.”

“You might even enjoy yourself at the festive family night,” she says, tying another bow in less than two seconds.

“Oh, I’m sure it’ll be a blast,” I say flatly. “Hundreds of children, awkward small talk, and tacky decor. I’m all in.”

She giggles. “By the way, Anna’s new friend is coming with us. Her name’s Mia. She’s such a sweetheart.”

“Cool,” I say, biting my lip as I attempt another bow.

“And her dad’s meeting us there.”

I glance up. “Okay?”

“He’s a very nice guy…”

I narrow my eyes at her. “That’s great. Is there a reason you’re telling me this?”

She conveniently avoids making eye contact with me.

“Hannah…”

“Yes?”

“What are you up to?”

“I’m not up to anything,” she says, innocently. “I just thought it might be nice for you to meet a new friend.”

I stare at her. I should’ve known she was up to something. She was very insistent that I go to the festive family night.

She shrugs. “Anyway, he’s single. And nice. He has a good job. And he’s very—”

“Stop right there,” I interrupt. “No setups. You promised.”

“I didn’t set you up,” she says. “I merely mentioned that a single, employed man who also happens to be a devoted father will be in the same vicinity as you.”

“Oh, well in that case,” I say, rolling my eyes again.

She smirks and reaches over to take the mangled ribbon from my hands. “Here, let me help. You’re not exactly grasping the bow tying process here.”

“I didn’t get Mom’s crafty gene like you,” I mutter.

She laughs. “No. But you certainly inherited the moody gene from her.”

“I’m not the only one,” I tell her.

She holds up a perfectly wrapped box, complete with an elaborate gold bow. “See? We make a good team.”

“Always,” I say. “You do the work, and I’m here for moral support.”


Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.

Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she’s not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

Visit authormelissabaldwin .com to sign up for her newsletter.

Fans of Melissa’s books, join her Reader Tribe on Facebook

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / TikTok


GIVEAWAY!

Can’t Hurry Christmas Blitz

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Posted in #BookTours

Weres and Witchery

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Magic happens and sparks fly when a sassy witch with curves for days crosses paths with an irresistible alpha shifter.


Weres and Witchery

by AK Nevermore

Genre: Spicy Small Town Paranormal Romance



Karma’s a witch.

When witch Jena Seymore returns home to Havers-by-the-Sea to care for her dying aunt, old town politics and prejudices are rekindled. Between the local Westside Pack’s vendetta against her family and the coven pressuring Jena to become guardian of the magical node outside of town, she has enough problems without adding Chase Montgomery to the mix. Especially after he broke her heart by starting the devastating rumor that sent Jena running from town in the first place.

But Chase has plenty of problems of his own, and how to make amends with Jena and win her heart is at the top of the list. Unbeknownst to his pack, Jena is his fated mate, and after her leaving town the first time almost killed him, he’s not letting her get away again—no matter what the backlash might be.

And meanwhile, the node is turning wild, jeopardizing Havers-by-the Sea’s existence as tensions threaten to tear it apart from within. Deep-seated small town secrets could hold the key to its future—but only if they’re discovered before Samhain, when the blue moon rises.

Magic happens and sparks fly when a sassy witch with curves for days crosses paths with an irresistible alpha shifter. WERES AND WITCHERY, a standalone spicy small town romance by AK Nevermore.

  

What readers are saying:

“I loved this story! It has everything I like in a good book, angst, anger, laughter, tears, fun, heat, love, loyal best friend, quirky side characters and an HEA. It doesn’t get any better than that. The storyline is solid, engaging, the world building is multi-dimensional and once you start you won’t want to put it down.” – @sunshinewhispers

 

“Wow, what a cracking book this is. Twists, turns and lots of magic so what’s not to like. I couldn’t put it down till I’d finished it, I was completely engrossed. I loved it.” – @sbanacek

 

“I started reading this book at 9pm and read straight through to 4am. … FOUR. A. M. Crazy, right?! Let me tell you, this book had me hooked from the start with its humor, drama, character chemistry, character personalities, drama, romance, banter, action, and spice. ‘Weres and Witchery’ is among one of the best escapes I’ve had in a while.” – @Morally_Gray_Nola

  

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads









AK Nevermore enjoys operating heavy machinery, freebases coffee, and gives up sarcasm for Lent every year. A Jane-of-all-trades, she’s a certified chef, restores antiques, and dabbles in beekeeping when she’s not reading voraciously or running down the dream in her beat-up camo Chucks.

Unable to ignore the voices in her head, and unwilling to become medicated, she writes Science Fiction and Fantasy full time.

She pays the bills editing, wielding a wicked hot pink pen and writing a column on SFF. She also belongs to the Authors Guild, is a chapter treasurer for the RWA, teaches creative writing, and on the rare occasion, sleeps.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 giveaway!


Enter the Weres and Witchery Giveaway


Posted in #BookTours

Jolene MacFadden’s 3-Book Marketing Toolkit for Authors

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

“Own your story, build your brand, and share it with the world—your author journey starts here.”


Authors- How To Brand You and Your Books

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Digital Marketing Assistance for the Business Challenged Writer

One of the most difficult tasks for any creative talent is to effectively brand ourselves and our stories.

This book will help you.

From websites to the most popular social media platforms, I have experienced it all, and will provide you with most of the tips and tricks I have learned through the years. This book will also help you gain some basic understanding behind the ‘why you should do these tasks yourself’. It has become a requirement in today’s publishing climate for both indie and traditionally published authors to have a social media presence. This book will show you the different places you should be spending your valuable time to, hopefully, be most effective at connecting with your readers and make more sales. I include some great ideas on what to post, how often, and when. (Of course, you do what is best for you and your schedule)

The main goal is to inform, encourage, and to show you that YOU CAN DO THIS or you, your readers, and your professional book writing business

 

Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

 






30 Day Social Media Challenge

Purple Leather Edition

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Welcome to the 30-Day Challenge Workbook. Within these pages are helpful forms that will help you get started on your digital marketing journey for your small business. This workbook along with my other beginner’s reference book called, “Top Ten Ways to Market Your Books for Free”, which works for authors and small businesses, will help you understand the how’s and whys of social media. Again, these are beginner guides only. At the end of 30 days, you will have actionable routines and data to help you formulate a plan of action that works for you and your business.

 

Comes in paperback or spiral!


Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * The Book Patch







Top Ten Ways To Market Your Book for Free:

And Other TidBits of Information for Writers

by Jolene MacFadden

Genre: Non-Fiction, Author Self-Help



Quick and easy information for writers who want to know how to market their book on a very tight budget. Tips and tricks gathered from years of working with writers, publishing my own books, and as a reader wanting to find more on the writers I want to read.

 

Amazon * Jolene’s Bookstore * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads






Jolene MacFadden is a multi-published nonfiction author, digital marketer, and lifelong storyteller dedicated to helping writers build their brands and thrive in today’s publishing world. With decades of hands-on experience as a financial counselor, freelance web designer, and marketing strategist, she blends practical know-how with creative insight to guide authors through the often-overwhelming world of book promotion. Her popular guides—”Authors: How to Brand You and Your Books”, “30-Day Social Media Challenge Workbook”, and “Top Ten Ways to Market Your Book for Free”—have become go-to resources for indie, hybrid, and traditionally published authors alike.

An eclectic learner and enthusiastic community builder, Jolene has grown a vibrant multi-platform presence, engaging readers and writers through Pinterest, Mastodon, TikTok, Substack, and YouTube. She hosts the lively Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast, where she interviews authors and industry pros across genres, and she regularly speaks at book festivals and writers’ conferences across Florida. Her passion for storytelling, education, and empowerment drives everything she creates—whether it’s a blog post, a marketing workshop, or her Solo Sojourn Project inspiring solo women travelers to explore public lands.

Jolene also writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance under the pen name L. J. Green (Lillian Jade Green), where she blends rich historical detail with intrigue and heart. A proud “Booming Xer,” she lives a life of exploration, blending authorship, digital entrepreneurship, and travel in her home state of Florida.

 

Website *Facebook * X * Instagram * Bluesky * YouTube * TikTok 

Tumblr *Substack * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $30 giveaway!


Enter the Jolene MacFadden’s 3-book Marketing Toolkit For Authors Giveaway



Posted in Cozy Mysteries

The Inn at Holiday Bay: Note in the Nutcracker

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

A heartwarming cozy mystery series about starting over, finding family, and embracing the magic of the holidays.

After a personal tragedy, Abby Sullivan leaves San Francisco behind and buys a sprawling seaside mansion in Holiday Bay, Maine—a place she’s never even seen. What she thought she needed was solitude to heal. What she found instead was an inn she never knew she wanted, a Maine Coon cat named Rufus who refuses to leave her side, a gentle giant of a dog with an inferiority complex, and a drifter named Georgia, whose own tragic past soon intertwines with hers.

In Book 7 of the series, new guests arrive at the inn, each with their own story to tell. Among them, Mylie discovers a long-forgotten letter to Santa tucked inside a life-sized nutcracker. The child’s Christmas wish isn’t for toys or games—it’s for time with her parents and simple holiday experiences like building a snowman or taking a sleigh ride. Determined to fulfill the list while waiting for her own Mr. Right, Mylie sets out to create holiday magic for someone else.

Meanwhile, Abby becomes intrigued by the mystery of the letter—who wrote it, and why has it been hidden all these years? Her search pulls her into an unsolved mystery that she is determined to solve before Christmas arrives. And as Georgia experiments in the kitchen, hunting for the perfect cookie to enter in a local contest, the inn is alive with warmth, laughter, and a little holiday magic.

The Inn at Holiday Bay Innis a story of healing, friendship, love, and the unexpected joys that come when we open our hearts to new beginnings.