Showing posts with label #goodbye2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #goodbye2016. Show all posts

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year....18

What make me happy today..... Chili!

I've been smitten with a hella sinus cold in the last couple days. Par for the course when my day job involves working retail with the general public. Virus get passed around like smarties at Hallowe'en.

But, making a boiling pot of herbal tea helps and so does a big pot of bubbling spicy chili. I can already breath better just from standing over it. Of course all I can smell right now is chili powder but that's okay too. :)

I completely acknowledge that I'm playing fast and loose with the term "Chili" as I put beans in mine and according to Sheldon on BBT....that's not chili. :)

Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...19

What makes me happy today....RELEASE DAY!!!

Yes, today is the day that SNOWY KNIGHTS is released. My short story KISS OF ICE is in there with 9 other amazing authors. I love anthologies and was so excited when I was invited to take part in this one.


Snowy Knights: 10 Suspenseful Contemporary and Paranormal Romantic Rescue Stories

When the cold hits, only he can warm her…
This December, snuggle up with 10 BRAND NEW romantic rescue stories! From literal heroes in the snow, to the bad boy whose soul is saved by love. These sexy stories will burn up your e-reader while melting your heart.
 Featuring:
WINTER DECEPTION by Amy J Hawthorn
ALASKA’S SNOWY MATE by April Zyon
WINTER’S STORM by Gracie Meadows
KISS OF ICE by Kayleigh Malcolm
SNOW-KISSED by Lizabeth Scott
FROST-BITTEN by Lori King
BY THE LIGHT OF A BLIZZARD by Michel Prince
STORM OF SEDUCTION by Nicole Morgan
SNOW ANGEL by Rose Nickol
SNOW BOUND by TL Reeve

Available NOW:

WINTER DECEPTION

Amy J Hawthorn
Kelly’s been framed for diamond theft and nothing is more important than clearing her name and keeping her job. There’s only one problem, the deadly snowstorm tearing through Kentucky.
Detective Jake Bowie comes home exhausted and prepared to sleep his vacation away. His dog, Jasper, has more important things in mind. Say like rescuing a half-frozen, damsel in distress.
No stranger to puzzles, Jake senses there’s far more to Kelly’s story than she’s admitting. Can he see through the heat of their passion to figure out this sexy little mystery?
———————–

 ALASKA’S SNOWY FATE

April Zyon
Christmas is looking rather bleak for recent divorcee, Alaska. Spending her vacation with her family will truly test the limits of her sanity, but she’s determined to push through and get some killer slope time in the snowy mountains.
Drake is looking forward to spending the holiday season hunkered down with his polar bear clan, rest and recouping from his constant training for the Olympics. When he and his clan-mates are called out on a dangerous search and rescue mission he never dreamed he’d come face to face with his fated mate.
Saving Alaska from her car was only the beginning, and the pair find themselves in a dangerous cat and mouse game with someone determined to kill her. Is it Alaska’s Snowy Fate to find Drake and fall in love, only to die in the process?
———————–

WINTER’S STORM

Gracie Meadows
Born to a life of privilege, Winter Stevens is ripped from her entire world by a secret she’s not willing to give up. In a small run down cabin in the middle of nowhere, the past blasts back into her life in the form of the deliciously enticing, Jules Brennon, and threatens to reveal the secrets she’s protecting.
Jules spends his life in a solitary cabin in the woods, content with only his ax for company. When the long-vacant cabin nearby is rented out, he’s forced to endure a neighbor. Never in a million years did he expect it to be Winter.
A blustery cold night forces these two together causing secrets to be spilled, and Jules to get tangled up in Winter’s Storm.
———————–

KISS OF ICE

Kayleigh Malcolm
Alice loves life as a geothermal engineer, searching the globe for her next adrenaline thrill. Falling down a crevice into a glacier and finding a frozen Viking of a man was an adventure she never saw coming.
Erik pissed off the wrong witch and she cursed him. Every living thing he touches…freezes. His only escape was to hide away and hope the curse died with the witch. The gorgeous woman who finds him is everything he’s ever craved, but he can never have.
Can Alice and Erik learn how to break the curse before it’s too late or will the ice freeze their chance for love?
———————–

SNOW-KISSED

Lizabeth Scott
Reed Hamilton, a home restoration expert, is more comfortable in her steel-toed boots than teetering on heels at a shopping mall. Relationships she usually kills from neglect so she’s taken herself off the market. An unexpected assignment to evaluate a potential project in upstate New York has Reed leaving the Victorian she’s working on to meet with the client. A client she discovers spooning her from behind when she wakes up in his bed! Reed finds Mason charming, tempting and hot!
An early snowstorm dumps an irresistible woman at Mason Tate’s door. As beautiful and enticing as he finds her, career focused Mason doesn’t do entanglements of any type. So he proposed that while snow falls outside, they make their own heat inside and then go their separate ways with only pleasant memories of their time together. No emotions, just a good time.
At least that was the plan. Until that kiss.
———————–

FROST-BITTEN

Lori King
Dr. Quinn Jameson has secured his future by submerging himself in his career, but no amount of money in the world can ease his loneliness. Despite the fact that his inner polar bear is supposed to not need a pack, he finds himself craving more out of life, more contact, more intimacy, maybe even a mate.
Aubrey Celine is pregnant and on the run. This feisty tiger shifter thinks she is out of options when she wakes up in the hospital under the care of the delicious shifter. But after the horror she has gone through, can she trust another man? Even someone who seems so strong and caring?
In the midst of an epic blizzard, these two strangers must rely on each other to stay alive. The sizzling heat between them could melt the ice caps, but will it be enough to melt her frozen heart and give him the warm home he desires most?
———————–

BY THE LIGHT OF A BLIZZARD

Michel Prince
Kelsi Stamp is known all over the world as one of the best-selling Sci-fi authors. Living in a small town she’s able to stay hidden tucked away in her cabin in the woods. Outside of her internet searches she stays away from the world. Readers are fickle and love has turned to an unhealthy obsession in the past.
As a blizzard bears down on Northern Minnesota Kelsi’s lights flicker then go out right after a large crash echoes through the wilderness. A truck holds an unconscious stranger she is being pulled to, but who is Jace Runyon and why was he driving so fast on a road no GPS even knows exists?
———————–

STORM OF SEDUCTION

Nicole Morgan
Lori Hammond wanted for nothing. As the only heir to her family fortune she’d learned at a young age she only need ask for whatever she desired. All the money in the world hadn’t gotten her the one thing in life that she’d wanted most, Kevin Preston.
As the head of The Gilpin Search and Rescue Team, Kevin knows the dangers that a Colorado blizzard can bring. And with one looming closer to their patch of the Rocky Mountains he and his team prepare for the worst winter storm to hit their county in decades.
Hearing of the blizzard, Lori concocts a scheme to get exactly what she wants. But, will her plan be the thing that brings them together? Or will the rewards not be worth the risk as their very survival hangs in the balance?
———————–

SNOW ANGEL

Rose Nickol
Kasey Danvers is on the run. Her step-father has finally pushed her to the edge, and now her only plan is to drive until the car runs out of gas. It’s just her luck that it happens in the middle of a freak snowstorm.
Fate intervenes, when Bryce Cromby comes to her rescue, warming her body and soul as he protects her from the storm. But can he protect her when her step-father comes for her again?
———————–

SNOW BOUND

TL Reeve
Amity Jones is in trouble. Her ex-boyfriend is stalking her and won’t let her go, no matter how many times she runs away. After his latest attempt at kidnapping her, she has to disappear, or else.
Lance Wingham, Alpha of the Rosewood pack isn’t expecting to find his mate in a ditch on the side of the road. Caring for her is easy. And, when Amity’s ex-boyfriend shows up looking for her, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.
Will Amity be able to accept the wolf lurking under Lance’s skin, or will she once again be running scared?

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK:

banner-sknights

Monday, 12 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...20

Things that make me happy... 6 Sentence Sunday Monday!!

Okay I had a brain slip yesterday and forgot to post my 6 sentences. I blame the fabulous lunch I had with a bunch of author friends. It sent my brain spinning in glee. But, 6 sentences I have and I'm happy to share :)

Tomorrow is release day for Snowy Knights!! This has been an amazingly fun journey and the best part is the fun doesn't stop tomorrow. Snowy Knights are counting down the 12 days of Christmast with lots of fun and prizes. So be sure to pop back every day and learn more about the stories in this anthology.

Since we got a good dumping of snow around here last night, I've opted to go with a bit "warmer" part of KISS OF ICE. :) Hope you enjoy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alice’s body hummed under the intensity of his gaze. She’d never been a prude and he wasn’t the first man she’d ever been with but there was something more naked, more intimate here. It scared the hell out of her and made her want him more at the same time.  Lifting herself up she tucked her feet under her and balanced her butt on her heels. Letting her knees fall apart gave him access to every inch of her as she leaned back against the ridge behind her. Reaching out, she grabbed a handful of his hair and tugged his face closer. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snowy Knights: 10 Suspenseful Contemporary and Paranormal Romantic Rescue Stories for only 99 CENTS **10 Full short stories, not snippits or teasers!**

Nook 


This December, snuggle up with 10 BRAND NEW romantic rescue stories! From literal heroes in the snow, to the bad boy whose soul is saved by love. These sexy stories will burn up your e-reader while melting your heart.
Featuring:

WINTER DECEPTION by Amy J. Hawthorn
ALASKA’S SNOWY MATE by April Zyon Author
WINTER’S STORM by Gracie Meadows
KISS OF ICE by Kayleigh Malcolm SNOW-KISSED by Lizabeth Scott Author
FROST-BITTEN by Lori King
BY THE LIGHT OF A BLIZZARD by Michel Prince
STORM OF SEDUCTION by Nicole Morgan
SNOW ANGEL by Rose Nickol
SNOW BOUND by TL Reeve

 Romance Rebels Publishing brings you Snowy Knights
------------------------------------------------------------
PREORDER NOW: (Release Date December 13th

Sunday, 11 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...21

What made me happy today.... having lunch with 10 of my fellow authors!!

Writing can be and is a very solitary adventure. It's so easy to feel like your all alone in the world, trying to figure things out and getting frustrated with things out of your control. Also there is the illusion that everyone else is doing so well and seems to have their shit together, while I can't slogging along making mistake after mistake.

But, getting together with a bunch of authors even for a couple hours is the most empowering and inspiring feeling. We're all in the same boat. Have the same frustrations, struggle with many of the same insecurities, and all often feel we're the only one. Being reminded that there are friends out there, even if we've only ever spoken online and this is our first chance to meet face to face. Is an amazing feeling.

The best part is we all committed to doing this on a fairly regular basis. It's a support group for a bunch of crazy people who live their lives listening to the voices in their heads....and it's normal.




Allison Cosgrove
AW Clarke
Erin Christofoli
Freya Barker
Gillian Jones
Kate Reedwood
Kerri Ann
Miranne Maguire
Shana Gray
Tricia Daniels


Saturday, 10 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...22

There were things that made me happy today (yesterday)....but I forgot to post them.

So instead, I'm going to forgive myself and move onto tomorrow. Because not beating myself up over little mistakes makes me happy.

Friday, 9 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...23

What made me happy today.....

Okay it was one of those days....you know when everything just doesn't want to go smoothly. Really, I was starting to panic because other than my first cup of coffee there wasn't really anything that made me happy today. (I completely acknowledge that might have had more to do with me than the universe.)

But then it happened....I got home and my wonderful husband said he grocery shopped.

The man is a god in my eyes right now. He went to the grocery store, bought food so we don't starve...HE GOT ME ICECREAM!...and I didn't have to go.

Yup, I'm a happy lady right now. :)

Thursday, 8 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...24

What made me happy today.... Shopping online



I detest crowds...I really, really, do. The thought of going to a mall or a department store this time of year makes me want to break out into hives, curl up into the fetal position in the corner, clutching a sippy cup filled with wine.

Last night, I sat at the computer and did a good part of my shopping online. I was able to find EXACTLY what I wanted, at the lowest price, without running around to different stores and interacting with other humans.

It's not that I'm completely antisocial....but in my day job I work retail and I talk/guide/help people all day. Once I'm done work, all I want to do is hide behind my computer and write. Heck, I get grumpy some days if my family asks me too many questions..... and I LOVE them. lol

I know I'll have to break down and go shopping at some point, but for now I'm going to rock this online gig as much as I can.

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...25

What makes me happy today...visiting the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) with my husband and daughter

My daughter is an artist. Right now, she's focused on her classes to build her portfolio because she wants to get into animation next year. One of her projects she had to do was visit the Mystical Landscapes: Masterpieces from Monet, Van Gogh and more exhibit and write a report on it.

It was fascinating to watch the reaction on my adult daughter as we entered the room She literally was clutching my arm and vibrating with excitement. When she set eyes on of her favorite artist's work, she started to cry.
This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where
 the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or less.

I know she first discovered Vincent Van Gogh because of an episode of Dr Who and I thought that was the only reason she still spoke about him. But, today I learned how wrong I was. Seeing her sit there in awe whispering...

 "I can't believe that's really here. It's really here. It's right here in front of me."

She had a similar reaction to Monet's work and spent 5 minutes telling me all about his brush strokes and minute details of his work. As a mum, it was amazing to see the passion she has for art and hear her talk about pictures that have touched her soul. As much as she loved the Monet's, it is Van Gogh who has my daughter's heart on his palette. 

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...26

What makes me happy.....The picture hanging in the lobby of the Riu Reggae, Jamaica


This was hanging on a wall in the lobby of our resort and every time I walked past it I laughed to myself.....can you see why?  It drove my friend bananas and I swear she growled every time we passed it.

It's upside down.... or is it?

My husband pointed it out to one of the employees and they nodded gave him the "Be nice to the crazy tourist" smile.




By the end of the week I wouldn't have flipped it around even if they'd let me. It's gravity defying greatness had grown on me.


What do you think? 


Top or Bottom, which way would you hang it?


Monday, 5 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...27

What makes me happy today.... Starbucks Chile Mocha

I only recently discovered this wonderful hot concoction. It fits me perfectly. Chocolate, caffeine and a touch of spicy heat.  I get an extra shot of espresso in mine because 1. you can never have too much caffine and 2. the chocolate is really rich and I need more a coffee flavour to balance it.

My teenagers have also figured out this is the best way to bribe me into doing almost anything for them....not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet. LoL


Sunday, 4 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...28


What makes me happy.... SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY!

If you're not familiar with it. The goal is to post 6 sentences from your newest book. Easy right :) 

There is always a couple lines in my books that make me grin, sometimes it's because I can hear the sarcasm in my head or it's a private joke that I snuck in there. 

For KISS OF ICE, it's a little quip my heroine, Alice shot at the hero, Erik. It was a moment when I was writing that the words were bypassing my brain and the characters were writing it themselves. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    "Never had any complaints, until that last one. I shouldn’t have chosen one sister over the other.” He kept his tone light, trying to tease her anger to the surface. Perhaps some righteous fury would heat her up. 
    Alice shook her head and smacked her mittened hand against his chest. “You’re a Neanderthal.”
    “I wasn’t frozen that long.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Snowy Knights: 10 Suspenseful Contemporary and Paranormal Romantic Rescue Stories for only 99 CENTS **10 Full short stories, not snippits or teasers!**

Nook 


This December, snuggle up with 10 BRAND NEW romantic rescue stories! From literal heroes in the snow, to the bad boy whose soul is saved by love. These sexy stories will burn up your e-reader while melting your heart.
Featuring:

WINTER DECEPTION by Amy J. Hawthorn
ALASKA’S SNOWY MATE by April Zyon Author
WINTER’S STORM by Gracie Meadows
KISS OF ICE by Kayleigh Malcolm SNOW-KISSED by Lizabeth Scott Author
FROST-BITTEN by Lori King
BY THE LIGHT OF A BLIZZARD by Michel Prince
STORM OF SEDUCTION by Nicole Morgan
SNOW ANGEL by Rose Nickol
SNOW BOUND by TL Reeve

 Romance Rebels Publishing brings you Snowy Knights
------------------------------------------------------------
PREORDER NOW: (Release Date December 13th


Saturday, 3 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...29


What makes me happy today...my Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer village

After seeing 'Nathan Burgoine's LEGO village I was inspired to dig out my village out of storage and set it up. I forgot how cute it was


Yes, I am one of those people who got hooked into a subscription to the Bradford Exchange not really understanding what I was getting myself into. I thought it was just going to be a couple houses but when I got up to seven deliveries, I thought I'd better stop. My girls were really young then...diapers and formula were much more important than grown up toys.


Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer was one of my favourite Christmas specials when I was a kid. Bumble putting the star on the Christmas tree is my favourite.

Now that it's all set up in the front window...I think I need to remember to put this up every year. It's really adorable at night when all the building are lit up. (too hard to get a picture of that) I wonder if I can buy some more buildings on line. LoL My village is looking a little sparse.


Friday, 2 December 2016

Counting down to a New Year...30

What makes me happy today... Ghostbusters

And I'm not talking about the disaster of a remake they made. I'm talking the original 1984 classic. I don't remember how many times I went to the theater to see this movie. I know I babysat every hellspawned child on my street that I could to earn the money to keep going.

Once it was out on video, I couldn't begin to guess how many times I've watched it now.....But I can say all the dialogue for the entire movie. (Much to my husbands annoyance.) I still laugh every. single. time.

So when I was surfing through Netflix earlier and found that they have it....my days got so much happier!
Who Ya Gonna Call? 
Not me, I'm watching the movie ;)


Thursday, 1 December 2016

Counting down to the end of 2016! What makes me happy :)

I don't know anyone who would argue that 2016 has been a swirling vortex of crap and negativity...oh man, has there been some negativity. And, there is no magical switch on December 31st which will change the world as the calendar flips to 2017. We're the only ones who control our attitudes and outlooks on life.

But,

Now, that we're down to the last month I want to try to end it on an upswing. I got this idea today when speaking to another author, I'm going to take time each day to think of something positive...big, small or utterly ridiculous. My plan is to count down to the end of the year with things that make me happy.

And I invite you to join me! Come on by each day or when ever the mood strikes,  and pop something into the comments. Let's end this year happier that it started and celebrate the good in the world.

Day 31 of what makes me happy...

Lots of Colourful lights!

This time of year the trees are bare, grass is covered in snow and all the colour has been leached out of the world around me. But all the pretty, pretty lights that are strung up make me feel better. In fact, why do we take them all down January 1st? That's when we really need them to combat the winter blahs. I think this year I'm going to keep mine up till the snow melts.