Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 104

Love You

First off, I want to start off by sending well wishes to all those affected by Hurricane Florence this past weekend. I realize this was “only” a category 1 hurricane as it made landfall, but as someone who now lives in the Carolinas and who has family staying with them due to the flooding, I just can’t imagine what this storm would have done as a category 4.

This leads me into my topic for this week as I found myself talking with family as we watched America’s Got Talent and they made reference to these type of shows and the embarrassing auditions they always show early on. I realize why the show these auditions—they are ridiculously entertaining and we often find ourselves sitting around laughing at them. I know I’ve been guilty of this at some point or another. And yet thinking about it this time, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps those laughing were the ones missing out?

Why would I think this? Well, I certainly don’t have the guts to get on stage and perform, even if I could come up with some halfway decent talent. And as I thought further, I was reminded of a conversation I had with my six year old earlier this week. He was complaining about something about himself, which unfortunately isn’t unusual at this age or any age for that matter. I empathized of course but then told him I was going to tell him one of the greatest secrets ever… I told him the sooner he accepted and loved himself, the better his life would be. And I absolutely meant it. So much time is wasted on worrying about everything we lack. Why?

I know it is so very basic but I cannot stress enough how important it is to love you for you. It guides you as to how you approach the world and how the world approaches you. Happy writing this week and thanks for joining me!

If You Write, Plan Your Sick Days by Mandy Rosko

Everyone knows there are some basics that come with running your own business. Even if it’s just a side hustle that brings in some extra cash every month, these rules are key, and should be obeyed at all times.

 

I might leave a couple of things out, and these aren’t in any particular order, but if you want to know the main one we’ll be focusing on, you need only to check the title

As The Sun Sets Paranormal-Scope

When I am not well, it looks like the world is upside-down. The torrential rain is headed my way. I must remember to find my umbrella. I’m late today and the sun is setting soon. You know what that means! The vampires have taken over.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Vampires are endlessly creative with making things, the arts, music, writing, and more. Indulge your creativity this week.

Taurus:

When old vampires gather past arguments are forgotten. Gather with friends and have some fun. Be prepared to meet a new friend.

Gemini :

Vampires look at the peak of health. The rest of us have to work for it. Start with a new cookbook of tasty recipes and explore some health based activities. Check with your physician before starting a new exercise program.

Cancer:

Sometimes vampires are young at heart. Someone special may re-enter your life. Socialize.

Leo:

Vampires love surprises. Unexpected guests are coming your way.

Virgo:

Vampires enjoy the night life and daywalkers love fairs. Go and explore things you haven’t before.

Libra:

Vampires and their money are often parted. They forget which banks they have accounts in. A loan with a friend may be repaid or you may come into some money.

Scorpio:

When vampires are employed they work late into the night. Focus on your projects at work. You will be inspired.

Sagittarius:

When a vampire moves up at work, they often ask for a non-window office. Opportunities are opening up. Keep your eyes open and nose to the grindstone.

Capricorn:

Communication has never been a strong point for vampires. But for you, communication with colleagues is key to success. Pay attention to those emails.

Aquarius:

Vampires never count their chickens before they hatch. Don’t be eager to predict results. Fine tune your collaborative skills.

Pisces:

When a vampire travels a distance to see a friend, it means something. It’s the same for us. You may hear from an old friend.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 temporarily offline for a re-edit and new cover.

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Playlists and Sundry Moods…By Ripley Proserpina

I love a good playlist. Back in the day, Stephenie Meyer posted a playlist to Twilight (this was well before the movie). I would huddle in my room, hit the playlist, and float through the book, Linkin Park in the background.

One of the things I’ve really enjoyed while writing my own books is finding the perfect song to capture the mood of the book. So for those of you who may read my books, here are a few of the playlists for books I’ve written (and those I haven’t yet). Click on the title to be led to the playlist. (And click on the book cover for buy links, if you’re so inclined).

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Finding Honor

Overall mood- Warrior woman 

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Briar

Overall mood- Boston in the fall 

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Matched with A Demon

Overall mood- Pissed off and hungry, probably for spaghetti.

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Finding Truth

Overall mood- French

An Excerpt from The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais by Susan Hanniford Crowley

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When Vampire David Hilliard falls in love he really falls. This scene is after Laura has become a vampire.

*

When night fell, she woke eager to learn being so new.  She was so vulnerable it scared him.

David took her to the club to meet everyone, and what a mistake that was.  All the vampires wanted to dance with her, inhale her sweet, palatable fragrance.  She was on the dance floor and he could sense the onslaught of potential lovers overwhelming her.  David felt her fear escalate, and then came the unexpected.  She used mind talk without knowing how.

David, I wish you would dance with me.

He heard her and cut in.  She immediately rested her head against him as they danced, and he felt something he had never known.

When Laura raised her face to look at him, their lips came together.  Their fangs knocked against each other.  She laughed nervously.

“With practice, we’ll get that right.”

She nodded.

He tilted her head slightly and moved in for a long kiss.  Something inside of him cried out, this was the woman he could love for eternity, this was his one.

After dancing the hours away, lost in each other’s embrace, they left for home.  When David arrived at his apartment, he handed her the keys.  “I’m giving you my apartment.  Tomorrow I’ll make sure, you’re set up financially.”

Laura shook her head.  “You don’t have to give me your apartment.  Where will you stay?”

“Oh, it doesn’t matter.  With friends.  Out at the cemetery.”  Then he left.  David laughed as he walked down the street, realizing how ridiculous he was to give away his place, not a small gift in Manhattan.

Then she mind talked again.  David, come back.

He returned and knocked on the door.

She opened it immediately.

“You don’t do that in New York City.  Did you even look through the peephole?”

“No.  I knew it was you.”  Then she took his hand.  “I’m afraid to be here by myself.  Can’t you just stay?”

“Okay.  You take the bedroom and I’ll sleep on the couch.”

Laura went into the bedroom to get him a pillow and blankets.  Then she came out with a sad expression on her face.  “Um, David, there’s only a coffin in there.”

“Yes.”

“I can’t sleep in a box.”

“Okay.  I’ll take the coffin, and you take the sofa.”

She sat down next to him on the sofa looking all adorable wearing only his white pin-stripe shirt with her pink panties.  “Maybe we could both sleep on the sofa?”

“I guess.  You stretch out here, and I’ll be your blanket.”  As soon as he was in position, he knew that this would lead to something.

*

I wonder what happens next. Giggles. This is from my first series, before the time of King Max. This is the insider’s view of his son David. For those that would like to explore further, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 is available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

Have a good weekend. For those in harm’s way from the dangerous storm in the United States or harm in other places, be safe and keep those you love near.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1  Temporarily Offline for an edit and new cover

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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MADly in love with Madrid by Stacy Hoff

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On October 10, 2018, the finale of my Building Love series, MAD FOR YOU IN MADRID (Building Love #3) will finally be released! When I started plotting out the story I had only decided on the characters and the general story line. What I didn’t know yet was the location. I knew I wanted a location as fabulous as the ones I had chosen for the first two books in the series, BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (Building Love #1), which obviously takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN (Building Love #2), which takes place in Condado Beach, Puerto Rico.

In December of 2016, my family and I took a trip to Madrid. I had just started writing MAD FOR YOU. By the time we arrived back home I knew Madrid would be the story’s location. Everything about Madrid was fascinating. Some highlights of the trip, which even my teenagers loved:

Tapas, taps, tapas!
The Royal Palace (This baroque-style structure is truly breathtaking. Plus, you get to see an original, first-edition Don Quixote) [image error][image error]
The Prado Museum (From Goya to Velazquez, even my kids were enthralled by this world-class collection)
Jamon iberico. (No, we didn’t eat any, but man, just look at the pic’s!) [image error]
Plaza Del Sol (a historic, and completely charming, plaza) [image error]
Gran Via (often called the “Spanish Broadway.” I loved this lively, elegant boulevard so much I set much of the story here.) For a picture of this, look at my book cover because Gran Via is there!

Madrid is a fascinating place. It definitely got me hooked on Spain. In fact, a few weeks ago my family traveled back to Spain, this time going to Barcelona and the island of Mallorca. Both places were fabulous. Perhaps I should start another contemporary romance series, this time all in Spain. Viva Espana!

Have you ever been to Spain? Is it on your bucket list?

Hook line for MAD For YOU IN MADRID

A surprise business trip to Spain leads to something even more unexpected—a forbidden romance with the client.

Book blurb for MAD FOR YOU IN MADRID

Lori Cayne is in a tricky situation. Her public relations job has sent her to Spain for a project that is way over her head. Her task is to convince American tourists to stay at a Madrid hotel. Unfortunately, Lori knows little about public relations and even less about the hotel industry. Dealing with the client, however, will be the real challenge. Hotel magnate Daniel Vega is rich, uber-sexy, and the one night stand that wasn’t. That’s because Lori had inadvertently stood him up before things got a chance to really heat up. Now Daniel wants nothing to do with her, personally or professionally.

Daniel Vega is none-to-pleased to learn that Lori will be handling his new hotel’s publicity campaign. Her flaky ways will be hell on his business, and on him. Yet shutting her out is hard to do when the woman is full of surprises and an even fuller heart. Her good nature makes her willing to do anything for anybody. When Daniel’s brother, Elias, asks Lori to be his fake-fiancé at an important event, Daniel is not surprised when Lori agrees. What he is surprised by is the pang of jealousy. Maybe Lori isn’t the only one with personal issues to work out. After all, if Daniel is truly the success he thinks he is, how can off-beat, business greenhorn Lori Cayne emotionally bring him to his knees?

When news of the fake engagement creates a scandal, both Lori’s company and Daniel’s world-wide enterprise may be damaged beyond repair. The damage done to their hearts, however, may be a whole lot worse.

Each book in the Building Love series is a stand-alone novel, complete with: a happily ever after (“HEA”), steamy romance, world-class location, and drama between family members! I’ve included the book blurbs for the other two stories here.

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Hook line for HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN

In the Caribbean, the secrets, sex, and scandals are hotter.

Book blurb for HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN

Luis Serrano, the unwanted love child of a hotel construction magnate, is determined to reach his father’s level of success. When Luis finds himself pitted against his half-brother for control over their ailing father’s company, sibling rivalry comes to a head. The stakes are high—the brother that best completes their portion of the Caribbean construction project will gain control over the entire company. To win, Luis hires an interior design firm. But the firm will have to perform difficult work under serious time constraints.

Melanie Merritt is used to sibling rivalry. She’s always been second best to her older sister, the “golden child” of their parent’s interior design firm. Melanie’s desire is to be an artist. She works for her family to appease them. Her newest task is to implement a complex project for Luis Serrano under an impossibly short deadline. If she fails, her family’s company may go bankrupt. But Melanie can’t keep her too-creative ideas away from her family, and the client.

Completing work on time won’t be easy. Especially when dual sibling rivalries threaten to destroy the project—and a passion hotter than the Caribbean.

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Hook line for BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS

In Las Vegas, there’s no bigger gamble than love.

Book blurb for BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS

Catherine “Cat” Warner has problems. The profits from her inns are down. The pressure from her parents is up. Her love life is non-existent. But Cat did manage to get the attention of tough, powerful, gorgeous hotel magnate Ty Orland. Unfortunately, his interest in her is for all the wrong reasons. Instead of wanting Cat, this debonair CEO only wants her land—a parcel he desperately needs for his next big development deal. Too bad, it’s notfor sale. A people pleaser by nature, Cat knows to stand strong. If she caves in to the demands of this sexy, alluring man, it will be her own neck on the line.

Ty Orland has a lot of things going for him. Success. Power. Respect. Unfortunately, he’s also got an old chip on his shoulder and a new financial nightmare. His development deal is going down in flames—and fast. His only way out is if Cat sells him her strategically located parcel. But romancing the land from her is not easy when love gets in the way. The woman is as beautiful as she is beguiling. And Ty no longer knows which prize is more valuable.  

Let me know what you think! In the meantime, I’ll be planning promo. Look for my posts on FB and Twitter! My handles are below.

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SIGN UP FOR STACY’S NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/bG0HZD

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

OTHER BOOKS BY STACY HOFF

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BUY LINKS:

BETTING ON LOVE IN VEGAS (BUILDING LOVE #1) http://amzn.to/2kAgBvK

HOTTER THAN THE CARIBBEAN (BUILDING LOVE #2)    http://amzn.to/2xW3WtJ

JOCKEYING FOR YOU  http://amzn.to/2c8Hi5t

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC http://amzn.to/1KjfP9V

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES http://amzn.to/1YEseie

LAWFULLY YOURS http://amzn.to/1Ky5CZm

Can Nature Nuture?

Can green really mean calm, better, nourishing? I heard the most fascinating podcast this week on Hidden Brain. The episode is called Our Better Nature and it asks the question about humans flourishing in our natural habitat, meaning because we evolved in nature over the course of history, would it make sense that having us be around nature would be good for us. The thought is not so foreign when applied to animals (an animal tends to flourish when placed in their natural habitat compared to a cage), but the thought when applied to humans can really make one take pause.

Then again, I have to admit that the whole idea really seemed to click with me as I recently moved to the Carolinas and each morning when I wake up and each evening before I go to bed I’m either standing at the window to look outside or sitting on my back patio, breathing in the fresh air. The green trees, grass, bushes that surround my property are so calming. If I have a tough day at work, my backyard is the first place I seek. I find this interesting as I grew up in a very urban area and have lived in urban areas my entire life until now where I’ve purposely chosen to be somewhere a bit more rural. I appreciate the access to restaurants, shops and theaters that I can find in a city but when I’m looking for peace I search out nature.

Admittedly, I just heard the podcast and this is a research I’d like to look into more, but I can’t say it surprises me and assuming the research holds quite a bit of truth, I can’t help but think that nature just might be a bit of food for our mind, body and soul. Could you imagine the possibilities?

Happy writing this week and for any fellow south/mid-east coasters, please be safe with the storm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparing for Next Year’s Book Signing by Mandy Rosko

I think one of the ladies in charge of keeping this sort of thing organized is on the verge of murdering me. I tend to get everything handed in at the very last second.

I managed to get my name onto the list to be considered for next year’s RTC. I was pretty sure I already filled it out, as well as the form for possibly sharing an ORWA table, but then I filled out the form again and got a bit of a spanking from the lady in charge who was very much no exceptions

Raining Paranormal-Scope

A hurricane may be headed our way. Rain certainly is. Rain can wash past pain away in addition to helping flowers grows.

While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.

The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.

The week for:

Aries:

Elves are too reserved to get the giggles, but when they do, they can’t stop. Get together with family and friends and see a funny movie. Let the laughter flow.

Taurus:

Shapeshifters are flexible with change. Look at change as an opportunity. Doors are opening for you.

Gemini:

Werewolves stick their nose to that scent and will not be deterred. Work is very important right now. Focus.

Cancer:

Vampires enjoy art. Take in a museum or art show. Maybe a class is up your alley or some art supplies.

Leo:

Sprites are running from zombies. Try to ignore them. Weird stuff happens all the time.

Virgo:

Faeries are fashion hounds. Fall colors means changes in style and more. Buy something that makes you feel great.

Libra:

Were Tigers are kittens at heart unless you’re eating steak. Expect unexpected company.

Scorpio:

Dragons are mathematical. Time to review your finances and check the budget. It’s not the time to overspend.

Sagittarius:

Pixies are delightful creatures unless they’re in a bad mood. Avoid grumpy people at work and put on your smile.

Capricorn:

Were Cats love to pounce and bounce and curl up and yawn having lived another fun day. Build fun activities into your day. Life is not all work.

Aquarius:

Harpies take a bird’s eye view on life. When hunting they look for the running one to rip apart. Time to slow down and relax. Build in some napping time.

Pisces:

Never run from zombies. Stand perfectly still. No, sorry. That only works on T-Rex. Take up dancing or some fun exercise. Make some new friends.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

NEW: Vampire Princess of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 2 available in Kindle! In Amazon Print! In Barnes and Noble Print!

Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1  Temporarily Offline for an edit and new cover

Vampire in the Basement, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 4 available in Kindle.

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance) available in Kindle.

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance) available in Kindle.

A Vampire for Christmas,Vampires in Manhattan, Book 3 available in Kindle.

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Vampires in Manhattan, Book 2 available in Kindle and Print and Barnes and Noble Print

When Love Survives, Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.

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Action! By Ripley Proserpina

Last week, I wrote about movies about writers and writing. It’s hard, I think, to turn a book into a movie. Everyone has a picture of the characters in their head, and it can be a huge disappointment if the actor on stage doesn’t live up to their page equivalent.

Sometimes, though, sometimes? The movies get it right.

Here we go. (I’ve included little youtube snippets for those of you who are interested, and also the links on amazon, to make it easy. Wink.)

Jane Eyre. Most Jane-Eyres-to-screen have mousey, quiet little Janes. But anyone who has read the book knows, Jane Eyre is pretty spicy. She holds her own against Mr. Rochester and when he pushes, she pushes back. There have been multiple Jane Eyre movies, but only one has gotten her right (I almost wrote “write.” HA!). The 2006 BBC version starring Ruth Wilson and Toby Stephens stays true to the book. I’ll admit, I prefer Michael Fassbender’s Mr. Rochester (I know, shallow), but Toby Stephens plays him perfectly.

Anne of Green Gables. Anne with an E? Not so much. But the classic Kevin Sullivan film, made on Prince Edward Island, back in the 80s is the best. Hands down. Megan Follows, I don’t care how old she gets, or how many Law and Order episodes she stars in, will always be Anne.

A Room with A View. In the 90s there was this period of time when Helena Bonham Carter was in anything that required an English accent and period dress. E.M. Forster’s book about a young English girl who travels to Italy with her nervous cousin is one of those movies I’ll go back to a thousand times. Or whenever it shows up on Netflix. I adore everything about this. From the Italian countryside, to Daniel Day Lewis, to Bonham Carter’s crazy hair.

There are more… but this is a good start if you’re looking to heat some cider and curl up in a blanket.

And in case there are any filmmakers out there taking requests, here a few books I wouldn’t mind seeing made into films.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (Take Two- the one out there right now sucks).

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspeare.

I’ll promise to buy a ticket, so that’s a guaranteed $12.50.