Selena Robins's Blog, page 19
November 29, 2014
AUTHOR APPRECIATION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
AUTHOR APPRECIATION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Thank you all for visiting the blog, commenting and making this event a success!
We have drawn the names for the winners for the books listed below, however, since this is a reader appreciation event, I am happy to announce that in the spirit of the event, APPRECIATING READERS, we have decided to ensure that every single one of you who commented on this blog receives a book!
A few of us are gifting extra copies so that you can all walk away with a prize.
I would like to thank my colleagues and friends for participating, and for their generosity.
I will be sending your email address to the author and they will contact you directly to arrange for delivery of your book.
This list is in alphabetical order by winner’s first name:
Addicted to Books – Paperback copy of WHAT A GIRL WANTS by Selena Robins
Allyson Wilson – SCHOOLED 4.0 by Deena Bright
Amy Higgison – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
April Paschat Weaver – PLOTTING MR. PERFECT by S.E. Babin
BN – A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jennie Bryant Marts
Booksaver – VENUS RISING by Celia Kennedy
Bridget Taylor – DESTINATION WEDDING by Robyn Neeley
Catherine Scott – DESTINATION WEDDING by Robyn Neely
Christy Conque – SAPPHIRE FALLS BOXED SET by Erin Nicholas
Christie Pritchard – HORSE by Tilly Greene
Cindy Hazelwood – THE GIFT OF MY MATE by Caryn Moya Block
Cindy Werner – THE GIFT OF MY MATE by Caryn Moya Block
Cole – FRENCH TOAST by Glynis Astie
Cynthia Coronado – THE GIFT OF MY MATE by Caryn Moya Block
Danielle Street– AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Diane Justus – A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jennie Bryant Marts
Donna A – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Donnadurnell2013 – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
Dawn T – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Elisha – eBook copy WHAT A GIRL WANTS by Selena Robins
Ginnie Dee – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Guadalupe Gonzalez – DESTINATION WEDDING by Robyn Neely
Guin R – eBook copy WHAT A GIRL WANTS by Selena Robins
Hedgehogi – WITHIN HIS SIGHT by Denise Agnew
Jane Yendle-Davies – SEX AND SAMOSAS by Jasmine Aziz
Joanne – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Kali McQuillen – ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NO BODY by Jennie Bryant Marts
Karen J – Ebook copy WHAT A GIRL WANTS by Selena Robins
Kathleen Young – CAN’T BUY ME LOVE by Dan McNeil
Kathryn Parson – THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE HAIR by Nancy Lauzon
Kelly – SLOW RIDE HOME by Leah Braemel
Kim Palismo – DESTINATION WEDDING by Robyn Neely
Kec – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
Laura – A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jennie Bryant Marts
Laurie W – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Lisa Cauley – A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jennie Bryant Marts
Lisa Keibler – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Liz – A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS by Jennie Bryant Marts
Malex239 – A FEW DEAD MEN by Nancy Lauzon
Marianne W – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Mary Preston – UNMARKED by Alisa Mullen
McCumber – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
Nzer – SCHOOLED 4.0 by Deena Bright
Pat Egan Fordyce – TRILOGY by Michael John Sullivan
Sandy Haber – AN ANGEL COMES HOME by Michael John Sullivan
Sasharenay – THREE OF HEARTS by Kelly Jamieson
Shari – Caryn – THE GIFT OF MY MATE by Caryn Moya Block
Sharon Betts – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
Shey Houston – A HEAT OF THE MOMENT THING by Maggie Le Page
Stephanie Hannaford – PREDATOR’S FIRE by Rosanna Leo
Suzanne – Paperback copy of TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL by Selena Robins
Tami Schafer – THE KEEPER by Tilly Greene
Tammy Morse – HOW TO BAKE THE PERFECT PECAN PIE by Gina Henning
ENJOY IN GOOD HEALTH!
Thanks again
Selena & fellow authors, we LOVE our readers!
xoxo
They are some of the things that authors are thankful for.
I’m also thinking this blog title could be a movie.
What do you think?
Picture it: Judge Judy presides over a case where Channing Tatum is charged with drinking bourbon while wearing Jimmy Choo’s and tossing Cheetos at Ryan Ghosling. Yes? No?
Perhaps that could be a blog post for another day, but this week it’s all about YOU. Yes. YOU.
It goes without saying that I (as well as my fellow authors) are grateful for our families, friends and our creative gift.
We are also extremely thankful for all of YOU book lovers; readers, bloggers, librarians, book sellers.
We are happy to welcome you all to the READER APPRECIATION EVENT, gifting books in a variety of genres.
Meet the Authors and their contribution to the event.
Denise Agnew: “During Thanksgiving I always take stock of the good fortune I have. My life is truly blessed!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of WITHIN HIS SIGHT.
Glynis Astie: “I’m thankful for every day spent with my two beautiful sons. They bring more love and inspiration into my life than I could ever hope for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of FRENCH TWIST.
Jasmine Aziz: “I’m grateful for my sense of humour cause no matter what balls get tossed at me in life, I can juggle them and keep my perspective. Plus I found a way to put the word “balls” in my gratitude list.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of SEX AND SAMOSAS.
Sheryl Babin: “I’m thankful for individuality. Seeing people embrace their own uniqueness makes me ridiculously happy. Be weird and love it, people!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of PLOTTING MR. PERFECT.
Caryn Moya Block: “I am thankful for the continuing support of my readers and fellow authors in this journey known as being an author.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of THE GIFT OF MY MATE.
Leah Braemel: “As always, I’m so grateful that I have such supportive friends, both in person and online. Readers and authors who have contacted me and helped me get through some tough times lately.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of SLOW RIDE HOME.
Deena Bright: “I’m thankful for two straight hours of CHARMED every morning.” I’m gifting TWO e-Book copies of SCHOOLED.
Tilly Greene: “We’re very thankful for the traditional things of family, friends and health, they mean everything, but really we are forever grateful to our neighbors for letting their beautiful sweet older fuzzy face cat live with us … she makes us smile every day.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of HORSE.
Gina Henning: “I’m thankful for the ruby glow and the tasty drink that follows, because without wine things wouldn’t always be fine.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of HOW TO BAKE THE PERFECT PECAN PIE.
Kelly Jamieson: “I am thankful for coffee, wine and Jimmy Choo.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of my Christmas release THREE OF HEARTS.
Celia Kennedy: “I am thankful to all those who have come before me, and through their toil, I have choice.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of VENUS RISING.
Nancy Lauzon: “I’m thankful for Judge Judy. She metes out justice and says things most of us only think about and wish we could say!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of A FEW DEAD MEN.
Rosanna Leo: “I am thankful, each and every day, for my husband. My partner and best friend for over 20 years, he has supported me and taken care of me and shown me unconditional love. I am so fortunate to have found a partner who makes me smile, makes me laugh and who loves a good cuddle. I don’t know what I’d do without him.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of PREDATOR’S FIRE, Gemini Island Shifters Book 5
Maggie Le Page: “I’m thankful that my daughter is so moved by nature. When she points her discoveries out to me, it re-inspires my own sense of wonder in this amazing world we live in.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of A HEAT OF THE MOMENT THING
Jennie Bryant Marts: “I am thankful for Cheetos. My hips are not thankful for them, but I just love their crazy magical orange dust that covers my fingers! They are the perfect accompaniment to a day at the pool with a good book!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NO BODY.
Dan McNeil: “I’m thankful for bourbon and hickory smoked ribs. But seriously, I’m very thankful for music. Music has always been a big part of my life and it provides me with so much inspiration and an alternate outlet for my writing. Plus it goes really well with bourbon and ribs.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of CAN’T BUY ME LOVE.
Alisa Mullen: “I am thankful that I found what makes me the most content. Simplify. A piece of paper and a pen is what I am most thankful for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of UNMARKED.
Robyn Neeley: “I am grateful for the 1.5 hour commute I have to and from work. (Really I am!) I spend it reading so many fabulous books that I might otherwise not have the time for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of DESTINATION WEDDING.
Erin Nicholas: “I’m thankful that Channing Tatum takes his shirt off regularly. I’m thankful for Ryan Reynolds’ work out plan. I’m thankful that Ryan Gosling is…alive.” I’m gifting the SAPPHIRE FALLS BOXED SET (three books).
Selena Robins: I’m thankful for the things that put a huge smile on our faces and release endorphins (besides Ryan Ghosling, who is Canadian by the way); wine, chocolate, jelly beans and pizza (not eaten all at the same time…well, it may have happened once). I’m gifting an autographed paperback copy of WHAT A GIRL WANTS and an autographed paperback copy of TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL.
Michael John Sullivan:“I’m thankful for red wine and my fireplace — one to keep my insides warm and the other to keep my outsides warm.” I’m gifting my trilogy; NECESSARY HEARTBREAK, EVERYBODY’S DAUGHTER, THE GREATEST GIFT (all three books).
TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment on the blog and your name will be entered into the draw.
GIVEAWAY ends Wednesday, December 3rd, at the midnight hour (EST).
Thank you to my colleagues for their generosity and to all the wonderful people who stopped by to visit and comment. We appreciate all that you do to help us in our writing and publishing journey.
Filed under: Book Give-away, Uncategorized Tagged: Book Giveaway, contest, e-books
Judge Judy, Channing Tatum, Bourbon, Jimmy Choo, Cheetos & Ryan Ghosling…what do they have in common?
They are some of the things that authors are thankful for.
I’m also thinking this blog title could be a movie.
What do you think?
Picture it: Judge Judy presides over a case where Channing Tatum is charged with drinking bourbon while wearing Jimmy Choo’s and tossing Cheetos at Ryan Ghosling. Yes? No?
Perhaps that could be a blog post for another day, but this week it’s all about YOU. Yes. YOU.
It goes without saying that I (as well as my fellow authors) are grateful for our families, friends and our creative gift.
We are also extremely thankful for all of YOU book lovers; readers, bloggers, librarians, book sellers.
We are happy to welcome you all to the READER APPRECIATION EVENT, gifting books in a variety of genres.
Meet the Authors and their contribution to the event.
Denise Agnew: “During Thanksgiving I always take stock of the good fortune I have. My life is truly blessed!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of WITHIN HIS SIGHT.
Glynis Astie: “I’m thankful for every day spent with my two beautiful sons. They bring more love and inspiration into my life than I could ever hope for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of FRENCH TWIST.
Jasmine Aziz: “I’m grateful for my sense of humour cause no matter what balls get tossed at me in life, I can juggle them and keep my perspective. Plus I found a way to put the word “balls” in my gratitude list.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of SEX AND SAMOSAS.
Sheryl Babin: “I’m thankful for individuality. Seeing people embrace their own uniqueness makes me ridiculously happy. Be weird and love it, people!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of PLOTTING MR. PERFECT.
Caryn Moya Block: “I am thankful for the continuing support of my readers and fellow authors in this journey known as being an author.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of THE GIFT OF MY MATE.
Leah Braemel: “As always, I’m so grateful that I have such supportive friends, both in person and online. Readers and authors who have contacted me and helped me get through some tough times lately.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of SLOW RIDE HOME.
Deena Bright: “I’m thankful for two straight hours of CHARMED every morning.” I’m gifting TWO e-Book copies of SCHOOLED.
Tilly Greene: “We’re very thankful for the traditional things of family, friends and health, they mean everything, but really we are forever grateful to our neighbors for letting their beautiful sweet older fuzzy face cat live with us … she makes us smile every day.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of HORSE.
Gina Henning: “I’m thankful for the ruby glow and the tasty drink that follows, because without wine things wouldn’t always be fine.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of HOW TO BAKE THE PERFECT PECAN PIE.
Kelly Jamieson: “I am thankful for coffee, wine and Jimmy Choo.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of my Christmas release THREE OF HEARTS.
Celia Kennedy: “I am thankful to all those who have come before me, and through their toil, I have choice.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of VENUS RISING.
Nancy Lauzon: “I’m thankful for Judge Judy. She metes out justice and says things most of us only think about and wish we could say!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of A FEW DEAD MEN.
Rosanna Leo: “I am thankful, each and every day, for my husband. My partner and best friend for over 20 years, he has supported me and taken care of me and shown me unconditional love. I am so fortunate to have found a partner who makes me smile, makes me laugh and who loves a good cuddle. I don’t know what I’d do without him.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of PREDATOR’S FIRE, Gemini Island Shifters Book 5
Maggie Le Page: “I’m thankful that my daughter is so moved by nature. When she points her discoveries out to me, it re-inspires my own sense of wonder in this amazing world we live in.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of A HEAT OF THE MOMENT THING
Jennie Bryant Marts: “I am thankful for Cheetos. My hips are not thankful for them, but I just love their crazy magical orange dust that covers my fingers! They are the perfect accompaniment to a day at the pool with a good book!” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of ANOTHER SATURDAY NIGHT AND I AIN’T GOT NO BODY.
Dan McNeil: “I’m thankful for bourbon and hickory smoked ribs. But seriously, I’m very thankful for music. Music has always been a big part of my life and it provides me with so much inspiration and an alternate outlet for my writing. Plus it goes really well with bourbon and ribs.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of CAN’T BUY ME LOVE.
Alisa Mullen: “I am thankful that I found what makes me the most content. Simplify. A piece of paper and a pen is what I am most thankful for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of UNMARKED.
Robyn Neeley: “I am grateful for the 1.5 hour commute I have to and from work. (Really I am!) I spend it reading so many fabulous books that I might otherwise not have the time for.” I’m gifting an e-Book copy of DESTINATION WEDDING.
Erin Nicholas: “I’m thankful that Channing Tatum takes his shirt off regularly. I’m thankful for Ryan Reynolds’ work out plan. I’m thankful that Ryan Gosling is…alive.” I’m gifting the SAPPHIRE FALLS BOXED SET (three books).
Selena Robins: I’m thankful for the things that put a huge smile on our faces and release endorphins (besides Ryan Ghosling, who is Canadian by the way); wine, chocolate, jelly beans and pizza (not eaten all at the same time…well, it may have happened once). I’m gifting an autographed paperback copy of WHAT A GIRL WANTS and an autographed paperback copy of TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL.
Michael John Sullivan:“I’m thankful for red wine and my fireplace — one to keep my insides warm and the other to keep my outsides warm.” I’m gifting my trilogy; NECESSARY HEARTBREAK, EVERYBODY’S DAUGHTER, THE GREATEST GIFT (all three books).
TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment on the blog and your name will be entered into the draw.
GIVEAWAY ends Wednesday, December 3rd, at the midnight hour (EST).
Thank you to my colleagues for their generosity and to all the wonderful people who stopped by to visit and comment. We appreciate all that you do to help us in our writing and publishing journey.
Filed under: Book Give-away, Uncategorized Tagged: Book Giveaway, contest, e-books
November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends and neighbors. Gratitude is something I strive to feel every single day, but I don’t celebrate thanksgiving every single day, all that pumpkin pie, chocolate and sleep-inducing turkey, probably not a great health plan. Once per year, we in North America (Canada in October and USA in November) set aside a day to celebrate our blessings with our family and friends.
To all of YOU who follow my blog, comment on the blog and visit my blog, and so many times you share the blog on Twitter and Facebook, I want to give you a big THANK YOU….virtual HUG and virtual chocolate covered strawberries, made with real smooth Godiva and lots of love.
I am GRATEFUL for each and every one of you.
To show my appreciation (along with a few of my wonderful author friends) we will be having a reader appreciation event on this blog, where you will get a chance to win either an autographed paperback book or e-Book. Over 20 authors have signed up for this event.
I’ll be posting that blog in the next few days. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying family and friends with a lot of laughter, debating, (Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be a full course meal without a debate) good food and your favorite beverage. If you choose to spend it alone, that’s okay too, but in the wide world web, you are never alone, so reach out and have fun any way you choose.
Wishing you and your families many blessings and tons of happiness.
Selena
Filed under: Selena's Musings Tagged: Gratitude, Thanksgiving
November 19, 2014
What do Milk Duds, Dancing, Pillow Fights, Assisted Showers, Hawaii & $0.99 have in common?
I hope you enjoy the following teasers.
They dance. . .
They banter. . .
They have assisted showers (with unpredictable results) . . .
They’re sensual. . .
They’re playful.
They deal with lies and secrets exposed.
But will his love be enough to erase her pain?
For a limited time you pay only - $0.99.
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Amazon.uk
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Samhain Publishing
“Fantastic! I loved every minute of this novel! It is full of seduction, romance and lots of family dramas. I thought all the characters were well written, with great personalities.” The Romance Studio
“The writing is excellent, and the pace is perfect. Ms. Robins has done a wonderful job of creating a book that will engage you from start to finish, with a hero and heroine that you can’t help but cheer for.” Fern – Long and Short Reviews
“There are more twists and turns in What a Girl Wants to keep the reader on their toes. The emotions between Alex and Maddie are poetically conveyed while providing the extra spice to make it beautifully erotic.” Delane – Coffee Time Romances & More
“I had such a good time reading this. Let me just say that this is one I plan on reading many more times. Not only is it smokin’ hot, but so funny in spots, I thought I was going to wet myself.” Seriously Reviewed.
Filed under: Excerpts, REVIEWS, Samhain Publishing, Uncategorized Tagged: Hawaii, Romantic Comedy, Samhain Publishing, Teasers, Tropical Island Romances, What A Girl Wants
November 3, 2014
What’s on your bucket list?
Brittany Maynard shared her heartbreaking journey with us all through articles and social media, and this morning I heard the news that she chose to end her life this past weekend.
May Brittany fly on the wings of an Angel to everlasting peace. Condolences and prayers to her family and friends. I hope the wonderful memories they created together will help them all heal as they move forward.
From the articles I read, Brittany shared a list of things she wanted to do and places she wanted to visit with her husband and parents before she became too sick to travel. It was heartwarming to read that Brittany did in fact experience some of her adventures she had written on her bucket list with her family.
Which reminded me–like many of you–I have a bucket list, but tend to forget about it at times.
I think it’s important to remind ourselves of the things we want to do, see and experience.
What is on your bucket list?
I’m sharing some of the things on my bucket list.
Write my parents story, from the time they met to their journey from Italy to Canada.
Both my parents were orphaned at a young age. My mom was raised in a convent and was going to become a nun, until she met a young man on a motorcycle (an agnostic who loved leather jackets no less), and the rest as it is said is history. My mother the rebel nun. Of course she used to say that he hypnotized her and she lost her mind, because nice girls do not leave the convent and elope. (That was her story and she stuck to it) She used to feel that any time she overcooked lasagna noodles it was her penance for leaving the convent. A quiet (unlike her daughter) woman, my mother did not seem the type to want to run away and get married, which makes their story all that more intriguing (and comical at times).
I admired Audrey Hepburn and one of my all time favorite movies is Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
I have paid for a stranger’s coffee, soft drink while waiting in line, but paying for a whole meal would be such fun, and then walking away without them knowing who did it.
One Valentine’s Day, my in-laws who were renovating their house at the time and just having a busy week with things going wrong with the renovations, went out to dinner. When it came time to pay their bill, they were told it was all ready taken care of. They never found out who paid it (I think I know, but I’m not 100% sure), but it made their day. They paid it forward many times, so it’s something that I would love to do for another couple.
This would be spectacular!
This is right up my alley.
I grew up reading Anne of Green Gables. Anne Shirley actually was a huge inspiration for Maddie (heroine in What A Girl Wants). I always related to Anne’s quirks.
Another activity that is so me.
Visited Paris many years ago, but never added a lock. This is such a loving gesture.
Take another family trip to Italy.
Even though we have done this a few times, I added it to my list as our family grows and we make new memories in the mother-land.
Celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary with the man who keeps adding chapters to our love story.
Would love to hear what’s on your list.
Filed under: About Selena Tagged: Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Bucket List, Italy, Northern Lights, Traveling
October 20, 2014
What do Wishes, a Comedy of Errors, Recipes & Winning the Lottery have in common?
A BUNDLE with something for everyone.
Now available on Amazon.
What’s inside the bundle?
What about the lottery, you ask?
I’ll get to that further down. :)
First, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Pippy, Angel & Matt (excerpts) plus a sample recipe from the dishes section.
***
PIPPY’S WISH
A tween angel-in-training and her adventures in this fun, comedic, inspirational story, enjoyed by children of all ages, and for the kid in you. Pippy is quirky, lovable, precocious, enchanting, and gets into loads of mischief. Her sense of adventure and humor usually yanks her out of predicaments, except this time she may need more than her ingenuity to untangle the mess she’s gotten herself into.
Excerpt:
“I already picked out the colors for my high school wings,” she said, her breath coming in fast spurts. “One pink and one blue, so when they flap together they’ll look purple.”
“Here’s a tip,” Lucy said. “Angels don’t flap their wings.”
Pippy giggled and repeated her desire. “I wish I could fly, I wish I could fly.” She opened her eyes, panting as she felt her junior wings grow bigger. “I wish I could….flyyyyyyyyy,” she said, floating upward.
“Yippee.” The wings felt light on her back. Why oh why had she not been able to get past floating 101? This was as easy as smiling.
She twisted, she turned, and she wiggled her toes inside her shoes. Propelling herself on her back, she faced the ceiling and whistled. “Well, pluck my feathers and paint me purple. Thank you, thank you, ma’am,” she squealed with pure delight.
She heard Lucy’s subtle laughter.
Pippy turned her head to the left and exploded into a cheer, “Wooooo weeeee.” Through the reflection in the sky-blue ceiling she watched her wings turn violet. “Wow.”
“….to glide and balance,” Lucy said. “Pippy? I’m giving you instructions. Are you listening?”
“Huh?” Pippy asked, turning on her side. She drifted toward the stained glass mile-high filing cabinet.
Kicking her legs she bobbed her head up and down, which only made her soar faster.
“Pippy. I said, use your arms….”
She was now wedged between the cabinet and the yellow wall. Good thing, heavenly walls were made of velvet.
“… for balance and keep your head up,” Lucy finished with a small sigh.
“Um, Luce?” Pippy cleared her throat. “Do I get another wish?”
Lucy folded her arms and shook her head.
“Can I ask a question then?”
Lucy nodded.
“Help?”
Please note: Pippy’s Wish can also be purchased on Amazon on its own for $.99.
***
TEMPTED BY AN ANGEL
Angelica Montgomery and Matt Lockwood are victims of un-synchronized mishaps.
Matt hired entertainment for his five-year-old nephew’s birthday party.
Instead, Angel showed up, carrying a bouquet of balloons, wearing killer heels, and flaunting a body that Matt described as heavenly–except her attitude was anything but angelic.
Unfortunately for Angel, life doesn’t have auto-correct.
Excerpt:
“Nan, it’s all fun and games until I look like a hooker.” Angel Montgomery stared at her image from the bedroom mirror. She swung around and faced her grandmother. “It’s too much.” She grabbed a cotton ball and rubbed some of the eye-shadow off her lids.
“It’s not too much and you don’t look like Pretty Julia.” “You mean Pretty Woman?”
“Yes that one.” Nan Clara picked up the small brush and dipped it into the bright blue eye-shadow. “And you need more of this.” She smeared more shadow over Angel’s eyelids.
Angel closed her eyes so Nan wouldn’t gouge them.
“Ah, this glittery stuff will really help you pull this off.” Nan patted multi-colored sparkles over Angel’s cheekbones and forehead. “Stop fidgeting, love.” She ignored her granddaughter’s impatience and sprinkled silver stars in Angel’s hair.
“Oh, wait. Almost forgot.” Nan went to the adjoining bathroom and came back holding a bottle of perfume.
“Nan, you’re not coming near me with patchouli oil.”
“It’s not patchouli. Now, hold still.” Nan sprayed perfume on Angel’s neck and shoulders then sniffed the air. “Smells good, but you need more.”
“Whoa.” Angel took the bottle away from her and put it on the dresser. “I don’t need to marinate in the stuff.” The lavender scent assaulted Angel’s nostrils¾ she smelled like an explosion at an Avon factory. “Forget hooker. I’m a Madame.”
“Twenty-eight is too young to look like a Madame.” Nan laughed. “Now, if you were fifty-something like one of those tigress ladies, maybe.”
“You mean cougars?”
“Well, them too.” Nan handed Angel a tube of bright pink lipstick. “Aren’t you glad my papa sent me to beauty school? My skills came in handy today.”
Angel dotted her lips with the lipstick. “Sure.”
Seeing the enjoyment on her grandmother’s face, Angel bit her tongue, stopped fidgeting and shoved her apprehension aside.
Nan pinched Angel’s cheek. “Don’t forget to shake and wiggle like that actress Donna Moore in that movie Jilly and I watched the other day.”
“It’s Demi Moore.” Silver stars flew in front of Angel’s eyes as she shook her head. “And I’m not performing a striptease.”
Angel grabbed the contract off the dresser, held the paper up and read it over. “I’ve never taken this type of order before. You’re sure you wrote all the details down accurately?”
“I did.” Nan ran a short, purple tinted fingernail along the contract in Angel’s hand. “Like it says right there, it’s a bachelor party.” Her grandmother swiveled her seventy-five-year-old hips. “Just do some bumping and grinding like Demi. Can you rent that DVD for us again?”
“Focus, Nan. Did you explain that I’m not a stripper?” If food and shelter weren’t necessities, she’d have shredded the contract into confetti. But the client had forked over a hefty wad of cash for this stint. “I’m just delivering the party favors and singing one congratulatory song, right?”
“Yes, that’s all you have to do.” Nan continued gyrating and Angel couldn’t help but giggle. “While you’re there, pick yourself up a nice bachelor.”
***
DELICIOUS DISHES
OVER 100 easy and mouth-watering recipes for your family and guests.
I’m sharing one of the recipes found in the Dishes section of the Bundle–orange chicken wings.
Orange Chicken Wings
Tangy, Savory, Sweet & Spicy
This is one of my mother-in-law’s recipes we dug out of her recipe box. They are seriously delicious, easy to make and crowd pleasers.
Yields 24 – 30 wings.
Ingredients:
3 lbs. chicken wings
3 tsp. soya sauce
1 jar orange marmalade
2 tsp. paprika
2 tsp. chili powder
1 TBSP hot sauce (more if you want them really spicy)
1 tsp. Kosher salt
3 garlic cloves (minced)
Directions:
In a bowl, add all the ingredients, except for the chicken wings.
Mix all the ingredients well, and taste so that if you want it spicier, add more spice, if you want it sweeter, add some honey.
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and ensure all the chicken wings are covered.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, pre-heat oven to 350F.
Place wings on a baking sheet, pouring the remaining sauce all over the wings.
Bake for 1 hour.
***
Now, about the $$$ lottery portion of this bundle.
Well, it goes like this. I’ve been told that readers who purchased this bundle, and left a short review on Amazon have won the lottery!
I don’t know how much they won, they never shared that information. Personally, I’m not superstitious or believe in magical lottery winnings, however, isn’t it worth finding out if this is true?
At $1.99 this bundle is cheaper than some lottery tickets, and you get two fun stories for you and a child in your life, PLUS all these delicious recipes–win/win. :)
Filed under: Children's Story, Excerpts, Recipes, Selena's Musings, Selena's Recipes Tagged: Amazon, bundle, chicken wing recipe, comedy children's book, comedy of errors, Italian food, kidlit, recipe book, recipes
October 15, 2014
Come on over and get SCHOOLED 4.0 & enter for a giveaway!
Please welcome the effervescent and witty Deena Bright to the blog as she openly shares her journey toward writing one of her novella’s. Deena is also generously giving away 2 copies of SCHOOLED 4.0 (Details below).
Now, let me first say that when I received Deena’s blog post, I had no idea she was going to compliment me so much. I didn’t even have to bribe or pay her in chocolate, pizza, wine or steak (Deena loves steak), and I am honored and humbled by her words. I actually blushed reading them, and it’s not easy to make me blush.
Right back at you, Deena, you’re a wonderful writer with a writing style I love, a great sense of humor and a good friend I am pleased to have found through your other work.
Okay, enough gushing, here’s Deena.
Deena is also sharing an excerpt from SCHOOLED 4.0.
***
Hey all you smut-loving fans of fiction, I’m Deena Bright. I’m in love with Selena. Why? Why the Hell not??? She is about the most generous, thoughtful, and helpful fellow writer I have ever met. I have never heard her speak an ill word about anyone else in this world. LOVE THAT ABOUT HER. Me? Well, I’m the person you need to sit by if you want to trash-talk anyone—even the busboy with a rotten tooth and acne. (Yeah, had one of those last night—at a restaurant—not in my bed.)
First of all, I want to thank Selena for letting me usurp her blog today. Technologically, I cannot figure out how to create my own blog, so I thrive on commandeering other people’s technological possessions. Selena just rocks for always being there for me!
Now since SCHOOLED 4.0 is four books in one. I want to spend the remainder of this post discussing the fourth novella in the book, All Girls’ School. It is a love story depicting the “sexual awakening” of one woman as she realizes her desire for female love and companionship.
Let’s go back in time—cue the foggy, blurry screen and flashback music. My best friend was married to a man with a beautiful daughter and another on the way. Sadly, that second daughter died in her arms when she was only eight days old. It was devastatingly horrifying—as I’m sure anyone can imagine. Well, what we don’t realize is that it is hard to grieve with another person. We all grieve differently. The different mourning paths she and her husband took veered them in very dissimilar directions, destroying their marriage. It was sad to witness.
Eventually, my best friend found true love and complete understanding and acceptance in another woman. They are now both blissfully happy. She and her ex-husband are great friends, so it all worked out for the best, despite the tragic and unbearable road they journeyed to get there.
Anyway, I wanted to write a lesbian-awakening. I thought “short novella—piece of cake.” Oh Hell was I wrong! It’s really freaking hard, so damn hard, to write a book when you know virtually nothing about what your book is about. I had to basically interrogate my friend on their relationship—their intimate affairs—everything!
One night, my husband and I went to dinner with them, and I just grilled both of them about lesbian sex and relationships. They answered every single question—never letting me down or getting embarrassed by my inquisition. My husband, however, struggled as he was about busting out of his boxer briefs—if you get my drift. Actually, a little breeze or drift may have sent him over the edge at that point.
Then, later that night, I went on porn sites and watched some girl-on-girl action. At that point, my husband was like “Honey, is there something you want to tell me?” Hahaha! I love that man! He is such a trooper.
The point is, I didn’t want to let my friends down or write something that was so far from reality that people would roll their eyes and think “this chick doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” I wanted it to be real—sexually as well as intimately. I wanted to tell a story that needs to be told. My friend is happier now than she has ever been in her entire life, and I am thrilled for her. I love…LOVE. No matter what kind of love it is. If it brings her happiness, then I don’t give a rat’s hairy ball sac if she loves a man or a woman. Her heart is hers to give; she may give it to whomever she so desires.
Truthfully, I was terrified for my friend to read All Girls’ School. I didn’t want to screw up the story. I wanted to make them proud of me as well as themselves. My friend sent me a text this morning. This was her text, verbatim: “I just finished the book. It was wonderful. It turned me on and made me tear up all at once. You captured lesbian relationships perfectly. It was so well-written. Thank you for writing this book.” So yeah, Deena Bright—NAILED IT! ;-) Thanks for reading today. Hopefully, you delve into your smutty sides and give Schooled 4.0 a shot.
Four books for four bucks! You can’t go wrong!
EXCERPT:
BRIGGS
From the Original Schooled (Book 1 in the Schooled Series)
“Damn girl, what took you so long? Let’s dance.” As I exit the bathroom, Briggs grabs me around the waist and pulls me toward the dance floor. My attempts at protest are futile. I’m no match for his strength and power—Hell, his magnetism.
It’s the slowest rap beat I’ve ever heard. It’s no “Push It.” Where are Salt-n-Peppa when you need them? I cannot imagine how people dance to this music. It isn’t the fast-pumping rap or upbeat pop music I’m used to dancing to. It’s a slow, rhythmic pounding. I quickly learn that people don’t actually dance to it. They just slowly grind against one another. It’s hot, slow, and so erotic. It’s certainly a simulation of what else could happen if these movements were to continue all night. Oh, so hot. It’s been long, way too long.
Well this certainly isn’t helping my cause. Holy shit. Briggs places the front of his body tightly up against my back and bottom. I can feel his breath on the side and back of my neck. His arms wrap around my waist, holding me tightly against his pelvis. I can easily feel him rubbing, grinding, and moving into my backside, imitating a slow, easy, love-making motion. He uses his hands to move my hips in a way that he wants them to move. My body melts and melds into his. I lose control of my senses and actions, letting him control my movements, as well as my desires. This has got to be his ammo. These moves, this seduction, have to be his weapon of choice.
I can’t allow my will to cave, for a student to do this to me. But my God, it feels so good, so right. It’s been so long, so frustratingly long. I feel my will faltering, my decisions wavering. His penis begins to enlarge against me, finding its way to my ass. Only my linen skirt and thong and his loose-fitting athletic shorts stand between his hardening shaft and the crack of my butt. I can feel its size. Oh God.
“You’re so sexy Janelle.” His raspy whisper tingles my ear, making me shiver and long for more. He just called me Janelle. Oh shit. This is getting out of hand. I have to stop this. Please give me the strength to stop this man. No, to stop myself. But instead of stopping it, I hear myself whimper, a sound of acquiescence. A sound of my will failing. I feel Briggs’ tongue slowly travel from the base of my neck to the tip of my earlobe. He starts to turn my body to face him. I moan and succumb to him, facing him. His blue eyes are smoldering with the most passionate look of desire, a look I’ve never seen on a man’s face before. Never. I have to have him. I lean in to him; our lips meet. His tongue finds mine, and my knees weaken. I want to have him, devour him, feel him. I need him. I swallow his moan and return my own. His hands run down my back, pulling me closer into him, onto him. I need this man. I have to—
Available on Amazon click here to buy.
GIVEAWAY:
Simply leave a comment, and Deena will randomly draw two names on Friday, October 17th and each winner will receive a copy of SCHOOLED 4.0
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: Angelisa Stone, Author Interview, Deena Bright, Erotic Romance, Giveaway, Schooled
October 4, 2014
Oh, Cripes! (I mean, Oh, Crepes)
While enjoying our morning tea, my husband remarked that we hadn’t had crepes in a long time, and suggested we whip some up for brunch.
I said sure.
Hubby: “You could break in your new pans.”
Me: “What new pans?”
Hubby: “I guess I ruined the surprise. The pans I bought you as a…Thanksgiving gift.” (He then proceeds to take an interest in the orange juice squeezer as if it’s the first time he discovered we owned one.)
Me: Taking the orange squeezer out of his hand. “We never give Thanksgiving gifts to each other.”
Hubby: (Leaning back in his chair, looking sheepish) “How does a late birthday gift sound?”
Me: “Lame. Try again.” (We don’t give birthday gifts to each other, he prefers to buy me things when I least expect it. I know what’s happened, but I prefer to draw this out and see how far he’ll go before he fesses up).
Hubby: “Early Christmas gift?”
(We also do not exchange Christmas gifts with each other, see above explanation).
Me: “Again. Lame. Try again.”
Hubby: “Okay, okay. I got them last year, intending to give them to you as a surprise before Christmas, so you can use them for Christmas morning. I hid them, then forgot all about them.”
Hubby then gets up, leaves the kitchen and comes back with a big bag: “Here you go. They can be a down-payment make-up gift for those rare times I piss you off.”
This isn’t the first time he bought something, put it away and then forgot all about it. He once bought me a pair of ski goggles and then gifted them to me as a “just for no reason” gift. It was a loving gesture, and I did appreciate it, only problem was, when he found those goggles and gave them to me it was summer! LOL
My hero.
I love my new skillets! Lagostina are my favorite brand.
Introducing my new “just because gift,” or “sorry, I pissed you off gift.” But I like to think of them as another token and reminder that we live outside the box of traditional gift giving. It cements another moment in our lives when we laugh our asses off together (of course you know, I’ll be teasing the hell out of him for forgetting, and using innuendo’s whenever I can) at Casa del Robins.
Love is buying a gift for no reason, forgetting about it, then pulling it out when you have a craving for crepes. Oh, cripes, is right. :)
**Recipe for Crepes below**
Paper thin, Feather Light Crepes
Blueberry Crepes with Pure Maple Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 TBSP sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups milk (or you can also use almond milk)
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 1/2 TBSP butter, melted.
**Optional** If you like a little kick with your sweetness, add 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper. Your choice.
Directions:
In a bowl whisk together; flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon.
In another bowl, add eggs, vanilla, and 1/2 cup of milk and mix well together.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, whisking continuously.
Then gradually add the remaining milk, still whisking continuously.
Whisk in the melted butter.
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat.
Ensure your crepe batter is smooth.
Once skillet is ready, add the batter to the center of the skillet. Tilt pan to spread batter evenly until the entire bottom is covered. When edges peel off easily and begin to brown, use a spatula and flip the crepe over (carefully). Continue continue the other side for about 20 – 30 seconds, until lightly browned.
Remove from skillet and put on a plate and make your next one. Cover each crepe with some aluminum foil until you are all done.
Spread your filling all over the crepe, then roll tightly.
Filling:
This is where you could use your imagination, any combination of vegetables and cheese for a savory crepe, or for a sweeter crepe, jams, jellies, fruit, whipped cream, syrup. Anything goes.
The picture above is my husband’s crepe. He filled it with blueberry jam and topped it with pure maple syrup.
On mine, I filled with cubes of cooked ham and mozzarella cheese, and added some cayenne pepper to my batter.
FOR GLUTEN-FREE CREPES: Substitute the wheat flour for 1/2 Almond Flour and 1/2 Potato Flour (or you can use Gluten-free flour already mixed for you).
GLUTEN-FREE, ham & cheese with cayenne pepper crepes.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: crepe recipe, gluten-free crepes, Lagostina Pans 
September 9, 2014
Phone Fun
You can do this . . .
Or you can turn it around on them . . .
You know those chimney cleaning telemarketing calls you get once in awhile? Well, I’d been getting them almost daily, from the SAME company.
One week, I noticed nobody from that company had called and it was Wednesday, so I decided to call them and have a chat.
After pressing, 1, then 3 then 5 for an operator, a man answered.
Him: May I help you?
Me: No, just calling to see how your day is.
Him: Uhmm…you may have the wrong number.
Me: No. You’re on my call list. So I thought I’d call and have a chat. Do you read? What do you like to read? Do you read ebooks or paperbacks?
Him: Ma’am, I think you have the wrong number.
Me: I have the correct number. If you check your records, you’ll see that your company has my number and we communicate daily.
Him: Did you need your chimney cleaned?
Me: No. I’m calling you to ask questions about your reading habits.
Him: I’m sorry, Ma’am. I don’t have time for this.
Me: Really? You mean, you’re busy doing something and MY unsolicited phone call with a sales pitch is bothering you?
Him: I don’t want to be rude or unprofessional, but yes, you are taking up time that is better spent on other calls. I really need to end this call as I’m busy.
Me: No problem. I’ll try again while you’re having lunch. If that doesn’t work, I’ll call you at dinner time. Have a great day.
(It’s cheap entertainment).
Similar posts: Fun with Telemarketers
Filed under: Selena's Musings Tagged: Telemarketer humor
August 26, 2014
X-Rated Community Service. Caution when entering.
This is what my husband called my volunteer gig, after I told him about my adventure at an assisted living complex.
I was asked to read my short story to residents at this center, so I agreed, and armed with cookies (I mean everyone loves cookies) and my short stories, off I went.
Upon arrival the motley crew the young at heart residents were all assembled and ready to enjoy some treats and a story.
This is how it went down:
I hadn’t even read two paragraphs when I had to swat a hand (please note: it was a light tap—the first time. The second time, I added a bit more oomph in the smack) after Mr. Had-to-Be-Ninety-Nine pinched me.
I then stopped reading as my audience interrupted, firing comments one after the other:
Ms. Innocent Looking Granny: “So, when does the girl get spanked in the story?”
Mr. Ass Pincher: “Get a riding crop, we can act it out.”
Ms. Waving her Cane: “Come on! Get to the good part.”
ME: “If you’ll let me continue, I promise you’ll enjoy the story.”
Mr. Ass Pincher: “I have a hearing problem. Better if we act out the story.”
I ignored them, spoke louder and continued to read.
A woman, who I swear probably never dropped the F Bomb in her life, yells, “F***ing, hell, there’s no sex in this story!”
Mr. Ass Pincher: “We want our money back!”
I thought any minute now, they’re going to start throwing their cups of coffee at me.
And I HATE coffee.
ME: “Your money? I’m doing this for free.”
Ms. Innocent Looking Granny: “We were told a local romance author was coming to read to us.”
ME: “Yes, that would be me.”
Mrs. Curses Like A Trucker in a traffic jam: “Then talk about the spanking. The handcuffs. All the sex. We want sex.”
They all talked over each other, hand gestures, moaning and groaning–and let me tell you, those innocent looking elders, KNOW A SHITLOAD about multiple-O’s and other stuff. To this day, I so want to erase their comments and what they intended on doing when I left.
I blushed, and I don’t blush easily.
I’m all for embracing your sexuality at any age, and I think it’s wonderful that these people have an active sex life (from what I overheard, it’s quite active) and even if they don’t, I think it’s great that they use their imagination and feel free to talk about it. I love sensuality in fiction, obviously, I’m a romance writer.
However, having said all that, I do not want to experience it first hand in reality, and if they were young adults, or people in their thirties, forties—-no matter what age, I’d still be uncomfortable.
I left the out-of-control-sex-crazed-audience and went and to see my contact in her office.
After she stopped laughing, she said for me to just make stuff up, and forget my short story.
Make stuff up?
I was NOT going to talk dirty to a bunch of seniors.
Assisted living like hell, they need assistance to get their dirty old minds out of the gutter, and learn to keep their hands to themselves.
I’m sticking to reading to small kids for community service. At least they won’t turn on me.
Filed under: Selena's Musings Tagged: humor, Senior Citizens
