Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 185
April 19, 2016
Peaks and Valleys
Can you remember the last time you weren’t busy? I can’t. This past Monday, tax season “officially” ends and yet I can’t really feel a difference between our busy season and the rest of the year. For my day job, I work in the financial industry and anyone who has been awake these past few years, knows that there is tons of ongoing regulation changes, scrutiny, etc. in this industry. Not to mention we all need money to some degree and most of us have no idea how to properly save or spend it. This keeps me very busy.
And yet, when I was thinking about life and being busy, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that I’m busy across the board. I’m busy being a wife, a mother, an employee, a boss, a student, a friend, I can go on and on. And I know I’m not alone as I look around me and everyone else looks just as frenzied, just as busy.
So when does it stop? When do we hit those “valleys?” Yes I know the obvious answer is at death but I’d rather avoid that just a bit longer. The answer I came up with is that it stops when we actively make an effort to have it stop. This can come in the form of a vacation, but let’s be honest, we don’t take these often enough even if we did get in one a year. My personal proposal is the occasional disconnect. Not necessarily a full out vacation but a simple break. Don’t answer your emails or phone or come through articles on your iPad. Even better, get everyone in your household to do the same and spend some time together. Once you get past the awkwardness of not knowing what to do, it can be a lot of fun.
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
April 18, 2016
Vegas Was A Blast :) by Mandy Rosko
So I needed to ship out a little over 40 pounds worth of books. Lol. They wouldn’t all fit into my suitcase. My mother thinks I’m insane because I already have almost no room for the books I still have back home, but what does she know, right? Right!
So even though I got almost no writing done while I was here, I was still insanely happy to have been able to come. I even got to walk along the strip for a bit and see the water show
April 17, 2016
Subtropical Paranormal-Scope
Writing from Florida is definitely different. The heat is growing.
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:
Crocodiles smile and you will too and express your sense of humor. It will carry you through difficult times and win you unexpected friends.
Taurus:
Storks depend on the flock. Someone is depending on you for everything. You may want to have a chat with that person.
Gemini:
Like the werefox keep personal matters to yourself, especially those pertaining to finances. If the fox can be silent, you can too.
Cancer:
Owls keep secrets. You’re going to find out a whopper. It is your choice whether you share or not, but consider the ramifications.
Leo:
Werepanthers yowl in celebration! Time to celebrate your accomplishments! Revel in your time.
Virgo:
Werewolves are into sharing. Spend more time with your team. You will find that you’re more proficient at tasks and have become a great team player.
Libra:
The skunk ape of Florida is one to rise to the occasion when challenged. It’s your time to shine.
Scorpio:
The Muck Monster of Florida surrounds you. Time to rid yourself of the muck in your life.
Sagittarius:
Even a Crocodile Demon will pause to hear your opinions. Your viewpoint is a worthy one.
Capricorn:
When the Kraken knows something, it acts, Get your facts and make a decision.
Aquarius:
Mothman doesn’t communicate with others well. Don’t let that be you. Join the conversation.
Pisces:
Ravens love collecting things, especially if it’s edible. Buy some new foods and experiment with new recipes. If they turn out well, invite friends over.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook and Print, and Kobo.
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 , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
Pleasure for Sale: The House of Pleasure Series On Sale by Jenna Jaxon
I’m very happy to announce that both books in my House of Pleasure series now on sale!
Only Scandal Will Do and Only Marriage Will Do, both set in Georgian England, are currently on sale at Amazon for $1.99 each!
The first book of the series is Only Scandal Will Do:
He has the woman of his dreams, but what price will he have to pay to win her heart?
Kidnapped and sold at auction in a London brothel, Lady Katarina Fitzwilliam squelches an undeniable attraction to the masked stranger who purchased her, pits her wits against him, and escapes him and the scandal that would ruin her life.
Unable to resist temptation in a London brothel, Duncan Ferrers, Marquess of Dalbury, purchases a fiery beauty. She claims she’s a lady, but how can she be? No lady of his acquaintance in polite society is anything like her. Then he discovers she is who she says, and that this latest romp has compromised her reputation. He knows how that is. One more scandal and he’ll be cast out of London society, but he needs a wife who’ll provide an heir to carry on his illustrious family’s name. He seeks out Katarina, intending only to scotch the scandal, but instead finds his heart ensnared. He’s betting their future he’ll capture her heart, but does he have what it takes to win the wager?
WARNING: A blade-wielding heroine who crosses swords with a master of sensuality.
Only Scandal Will Do is available for $1.99 on Amazon.
Book Two, Only Marriage Will Do, continues with the story of Duncan’s sister, Juliet:
Not every happy-ever-after begins at “I do.”
When the man of her dreams rescues Lady Juliet Ferrers from the villain claiming to be her husband, she is sure she has found her one true love. But is she free to marry him? Not to be deterred, Juliet arranges for her hero to escort her to her family estate in far off Northern England—hoping that along the way she can win his love—and his hand… Captivated by Juliet’s sweetness and beauty, Captain Amiable Dawson can’t help but be spellbound by the promise of a life with her. But the spell breaks when questions arise about her marital status. Soon the upstanding Amiable is unsure if he is indeed married to Juliet. And when his rival absconds with her, Amiable must choose between the law of the land and his heart’s desire to rescue Juliet once more…
Only Marriage Will Do is available for $1.99 on Amazon.
And Book Three, Only A Mistress Will Do, the story of Duncan’s friend, Tristan, Viscount Trevor, will be coming as soon as edits are done!
My inspiration for the cover of Only A Mistress Will Do
Some secrets simply cannot be kept!
Enjoy the Romance!
Filed under: Historical romance, Jenna Jaxon, Only A Mistress Will Do, Only Marriage Will Do, Only Scandal Will Do, Promotion
April 15, 2016
Take a Bite Out of Life Florida Style!
Life takes us to unexpected places, so I’m writing to you from Florida. This is the first time in 16 years that my husband and I have been alone on a vacation. Being the endless romantic I asked him what he wanted to see. He said an alligator farm. Giggles. That is my husband with Gomek, a preserved alligator who was 18 feet long and 2,000 pounds.
The rest of the alligators are very much alive. The Alligator Swamp and Wading Bird Rookery was amazing. You see it is baby time in Florida. With alligators below in the swamp, gorgeous birds such as the Roseate Spoonbill, egrets, herons, and storks are nesting. Some of the nests have eggs in them while others have little birds. Imagine trees all around you in a huge place with 10 to 12 nests in every tree. The air filled with chirping baby birds. One egret couple was frantically working to build a nest. I was particularly fascinated by the Albino Alligators and the Komodo Dragons.
The photos are a very small sample of what is there. The sheer numbers are surprising and makes one feel small in a world of the wild. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park is incredible. For those that want to know more, visit: http://www.alligatorfarm.com/
I’ll write again soon about the adventures of my sweetie and me. Where has life taken you?
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook and Print, and Kobo.
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 , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas,
April 14, 2016
A Writer’s Spring Break by Stacy Hoff
Back when I was in college spring break was all about going to Ft. Lauderdale in Florida. Now that I’m middle-aged, married, and have kids and a job, spring break is about hoping I get more than five minutes alone in my garden.
Writing is important to me. But I wonder if the concept of spring break means that I should give my writing at least a little bit of time off. Just a day or two so I can clear out my mental cobwebs. When my “writing brain” wakes up from its rest, it will hopefully spring forth with new ideas.
A brain break for spring break. Sounds good to me. I’m going outside to play with my kids. Then I’m headed off to my garden. Just me, a bag of plant food and a whole bunch of flower seeds.
I’m going to relish our time outdoors.
What are you doing to relax your mind this spring?
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set with Stacy Hoff):
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: A writer's life, Stacy Hoff, Writing
April 13, 2016
Celebrating the End of Your Book! by Heather Novak
Are there any two better words to write than “The End”? No, I’m not sure there are. This week, I finished my full length novel and sent it off for the first (of many) edits. I need to give my brain a chance to cool down and catch up before jumping into something else, but how do you avoid the massive book hangover?
Here was my recipe:
2 parts ebooks, 2 parts audiobooks, 10 parts Netflix. On the rocks, of course.
For driving, I love a good audiobook. I pulled out my two favorites, Kristen Ashley’s Rock Chick and a YA Maggie Stiefvater novel.
When I had the chance to read, I picked up Eloisa James’ My American Duchess. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! It was a fun historical with a storyline that kept me turning the page and just enough dirty stuff to make me smile. I adored this book and will probably read it again.
Then, Tuesday was the best day of the week because Penny Reid and L.H. Cosway’s The Player and the Pixie came out! This is the sequel to The Hooker and the Hermit. WHY IS RUGBY NOT A BIGGER SPORT IN THE US?! I would watch ALL the rugby. All of it.
All of it.
Instead, I read the amazing book until midnight, despite the fact that I needed to be awake by 6:00am and then was book hungover the entire day Wednesday. Worth. It.
Wednesday night, I switched to Netflix. Here are my top ten shows I plan to watch the rest of the week.
1) Psych. Because, duh. The fiancé and I make it a point to watch at least one episode together a week and always try to find the hidden pineapple.
2) John Mulaney and The Comeback Kid. It’s “research” on how to make better one liners in your book, I swear! Also, he has me on the floor, laughing.
3) Debra DiGiovanni’s stand up Single Awkward Female is absolutely hysterical. I laugh so hard, I need to pause it so I don’t miss the next line
4) Jessica Jones. Must watch this series immediately.
5) Flypaper. In line with movies like Snatch, this movie will keep you guessing, and laughing, until the end.
6) Sense 8. Super creepy, paranormal stuff
7) The Returned. The first episode of this series stuck with me for a long time. I’m excited to pick it back up.
8) Fixer Upper. because I am my father’s daughter and love home improvement shows.
9) Heartland. But you all knew this because it’s like crack to me.
10) Pentatonix: On My Way Home. Because I love a good behind the music story
On this day in 1981 – America’s first space shuttle, Columbia, returned to Earth after a three-day test flight. The shuttle orbited the Earth 36 times during the mission.
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Instagram: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016
Threat of Raine: Spring 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016
Filed under: romance
April 12, 2016
Sometimes Nothing is Something
Gosh, I could have gone so many directions with this title–deciphering the true meaning behind women’s words, understanding that children most likely did something mischievous when they tell you they’ve done nothing, determining what really counts as a big deal. Instead, I wrote this blog over the weekend while it poured rain outside. Not a big deal in most places, but I live in the desert. Rolling gray-blue clouds and the rat-tat-tin of falling rain are rarities out here.
This past weekend, I really was doing “nothing” in a way. I baked and cleaned a bit but nothing strenuous and it felt wonderful. No baby showers or birthday parties. No trips out to eat or to the mall. I can’t tell you how many weekends I come back from where I’m absolutely exhausted. It seems more often than not that this is the type of weekend I’m most likely to have each weekend. So to have a break from this is marvelous and it made me realize that all this nothing really wasn’t nothing but instead it is a therapeutic something. It heals me.
I’m in the midst of studies now so my writing continues to take a back seat on the priority bus–at least for a few more months. But even more than the writing itself, I realize I miss the quietness of thought. I know that sounds strange in that as writers our thoughts are constantly moving, but thereis a quietness created as one tunes out the rest of the world. A deeply focused concentration. a nothing that is something.
Happy writing this week!
Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly
I’m in Vegas! by Mandy Rosko
I arrived in Vegas after what felt like hours of flying and waiting around in airports yesterday night. I’m three hours behind my regular schedule, which was weird since I got to go to sleep in my time at about 4 am and wake up on time for Cherry Adair’s all day plot workshop at 10 am Vegas time
April 10, 2016
A Wizard’s Paranormal-Scope
Daffodils are nodding their heads in the warm breeze. There is magic in the air. I can feel it. Be prepared for the unexpected.
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:
A wave of a wand and problems either disappear or multiply. A smile will lessen stress and make new challenges manageable. Don’t depend on a wand.
Taurus:
Hats are important to a wizard. Have you thought about expanding your wardrobe. Get a new hat.
Gemini:
A magic mirror isn’t the answer. Make your appearance the best it can be, but enhance your people skills. Be a great listener and people will appreciate you.
Cancer:
Would you let a talking hat make your decisions or are you an independent thinker? Create your own way.
Leo:
Werewolves can make reliable friends. You will meet someone new.
Virgo:
Centaurs are a font of knowledge. Go to a reliable and trust friend or colleague before making life changing decisions. Get a different take on things.
Libra:
There are many different kinds of dragons. Don’t judge a book by its cover. The one with the strongest roar could make a very good ally.
Scorpio:
The future is not carved in stone. Your destiny is still yours.
Sagittarius:
To make the best potions you need fresh ingredients. You deserve to be healthy. Shop with that in mind.
Capricorn:
A mermaid sings to you and important information is revealed.
Aquarius:
Maps are vital to getting where you’re going. Be clear in your destination in life. If you are not, explore more.
Pisces:
A look into the past will reveal a forgotten treasure.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York, Arnhem Knights of New York, Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook and Print, and Kobo.
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 , Vampires in Manhattan Book 1 available in Kindle and Print, Nook, Kobo and Smashwords.
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
From Nights of Passion Blog
- Susan Hanniford Crowley's profile
- 86 followers
