Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 194

Dear Reader: I (will) Marry Him by Heather Novak

(Title is a reference to Jane Eyre’s famous line, “Dear Reader, I married him.”)

As a romance writer, I spend nearly every day of my life working out happy endings (or as I like to call them, happy beginnings) for my characters. Now, it’s my turn in real life! On Sunday, January 10, 2016 my very own Prince Charming proposed!!

I wanted to share my story with you. 

Like most writers, I had the scene all mapped out in my head with 60 different twists and turns. He’d do it at this place, on this vacation, on this date, and oy! did he fool me. Now, five years in, I knew it was coming soon. We had talked wedding budgets, gone vintage ring hunting, and made an appointment to meet with a wedding planner (because there’s no way I’m launching a book series and planning a wedding in the same year, forget that!). 

Then, after a night out seeing a live band, I got home, washed off my make up, brushed out my curls, and put on comfy pajamas. Even better? I was in bed with an ice pack on my back since I hurt myself (pretty typical). At about 10:30pm, I got up to finish getting ready for bed when I noticed a trail of handmade, felt tacos in the hallway. (What’s more amusing is I have zero idea how long they were there…)

 

Now, I can feel some of you pulling away. Allow me to explain — tacos are my most favorite food in the entire world, next to cupcakes. I love tacos more than I love most people. Seriously.

I digress.

I just call out, “Why are there tacos in the hallway?”

Charming replied, “Tacos.”

 

So, like any taco lover, I follow them down the hallway to find him on one knee (EEE!) holding a gluten free/dairy free (aka Heather-Safe) cupcake with my late 1920s ring on top. (Does he know me or what?) 

As for his proposal speech? Our favorite show is Psych, which we still watch via Netflix all the time. There’s a proposal scene in the series finale that is utterly ridiculous, so clearly Charming quoted it for me :)

“(Juliet O’Hara) I don’t believe in love at first sight because I didn’t need to see you to know I wanted to spend forever with you!”

(Watch the Psych version here.)

I replied with Juliet’s line, “Yes…I’ll marry the crap out of you!”

(Watch the Psych version here.)

I’m pretty excited. He’s my bestest friend in the entire world and I can’t for our happily ever beginning. Here is the meme we made for the announcement!  #NoShame

 

 
Did you know?

On this day in 1903, “Wizard of Oz” Premiered in NYC

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,

Heather Novak

Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking. 

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Website: Heathernovak.net

Author of The Lynch Brothers Series

Be careful what you wish for…

Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016

Threat of Raine: Spring 2016

Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016

 

Filed under: romance

Gratitude, A New Attitude

I started a gratitude journal over the past week. It was a suggestion of my health coach and admittedly, when she mentioned it (as she mentioned it before), I thought it a ridiculous idea. The thoughts went something like this, “I’m grateful! Of course I’m grateful for all I have and I KNOW what I have to be grateful for so why do I need to document it each day.”

The truth of the matter is that me a few months ago would probably have rather wallowed in my sorrows (as silly as that sounds) instead of focusing on what I do have. It’s a cycle. Focus on lack, get depressed and therefore continue to focus on lack. Even describing it now, I feel ashamed that I let myself get so caught up. Bringing it back to the present, which hasn’t been a simple path to reach, I’m in a good place and this gratitude journal is actually pretty awesome—even for a skeptic. Sure I did realize what I had to some degree but now that I am focusing on details, I notice even more and just as the negativity caught on, the positivity is pretty catching as well. Most importantly, it makes me feel better and what I’ve noticed is that I handle others’ negativity in a completely different way.

On a side note as far as the negativity around us, make sure you all draw your “lines.” What I mean by that is that let peers and family know when enough is enough. It is very easy to get caught in the cycle of just taking what others dish out but this isn’t going to help you or them in the long run. You need to set expectations.

All right, that’s all for this week. Go change the way you view the world and happy writing this week!

 

 

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly

Finally Got my Romantic Times Convention Ticket! by Mandy Rosko

Woot! I finally got my ticket!

Not the plane ticket, but the ticket to attend, and the hotel reservation, and lucky me! This year I got a room in the hotel where the conference is being held. Woot!

I’m so excited! Can’t wait to go! Not exactly looking forward to getting on a plane again, but whatever, should be fine :D

So now my plans are to go through the schedule and figure out everything I want to do, all the stuff I want to see, because the last two times I went, there was always soooooo much to get done! The first world problems of the convention involve there being more than two or three things going on at the same time that you so badly want to go to. Decisions need to be made! :D

So yeah, I’m hyped up on sugar right now. I definitely want to see the Grand Canyon, so I’m hoping I can fit that in sometime during the trip. I also need to whip out all my American pennies for the penny slots, just so I can at least say I went to Vegas and did some gambling :)

Before I go, a quick reminder to readers that I’m handing out my Starter Library for free. Just head on over to this link and tell me where to send it: http://mandyrosko.com/contact.php

Happy Reading!

~Mandy

Filed under: romance

A Snowy Paranormal-Scope

Cold winds are blowing snow my way and perhaps your way too. Change is in the air. Look sharp for storms and be prepared for emergencies.

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:

Werewolves know when to bundle up, bring in more supplies, and cuddle with those they love.

Taurus:

Elves dance in the frozen circle in the woods. Don’t be distracted by their dancing lights this week. It’s going to be hard to focus on work, but it will pay off.

Gemini:

Pixies lose their fairy dust in the snow. Be careful of keys and wallets this week.

Cancer:

A vampire from your past will make an appearance. It’s your choice whether to renew that friendship.

Leo:

Goblins are great with money. Watch yours. Review your expenses.

Virgo:

Faeries love heated springs to refresh themselves. Go to a spa or buy some bath salts or bubble bath and relax.

Libra:

Dragon fly above the snowstorm. Soar above your worries. Spend more time with friends and/or loved one.

Scorpio:

Leprechauns are up to their tricks. Be cautious of strangers.

Sagittarius:

Mermaids swim up to touch the snow. They love how it melts in their hands. A special person will come into your life and melt your heart.

Capricorn:

Griffons roar and take wing against the storm. They persevere against obstacles. So will you.

Aquarius:

Faeries leave a gift for you. Finding it is the charm. Don’t overlook an unexpected kindness.

Pisces:

Hobbits love a tidy home. It’s time to discard old and unneeded things.

-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 available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo

A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle

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

Obsession by Jenna Jaxon

Yesterday morning I went to the flea market with my daughters and a friend. Not our usual Saturday activity, but my one daughter was leaving for school, and she asked me to go so I did.

We walked around the place, popping into and out of a lot of shops. In one I found a copy of Fanny Hill, the most popular piece of erotica in the 18th century (a great find since I’m currently writing a book set in, amongst other places, a brothel in the 18th century.) I also found a peacock necklace. (I love peacocks.) So it was a good start to the day.

One shop we went into had lots of really nice wooden furniture, many very pretty decorative things to hang on the walls, and wonderful conversation pieces. I started looking at these object and thought, “I should start to re-decorate my house. Take some time once I get out of school this summer to fix-up the dining room and living room with things like these. Maybe start collecting things again. Or I could begin to knit or crochet once more.” I really used to like to do needlework.

Immediately the voice in my head replied, “But you’d have to take time off from writing. Wouldn’t you rather be writing?”

All desire to decorate or do crafts or needlework died a swift death. Because of course I’d rather be writing than doing any of these other things.

At that moment I knew (as if I didn’t already know) that I was obsessed with writing.

I cannot remember what I did with all my time before I started writing. I think I read a lot more than I do now. And watched a lot more television. I did some crafty things, like quilting. But I can’t remember doing a lot of housekeeping sorts of things. I feel like I was waiting for my inner writer to be born.

I also wonder these days what people who aren’t writers do with their time because I can’t imagine what I’d do with mine if I didn’t write. I’m either writing, thinking about writing, or promoting my writing. I do have a day job that takes me away from writing on a daily basis, but any time I’m not at work, I’m writing. I’ve forced myself to live on 4-5 hours of sleep so I can write more. I’ve given up television (with the exceptions of Outlander, Downton Abbey, and The Big Bang Theory) and even a lot of time with my understanding spouse, in order to write.

I simply can’t imagine a life in which I do not write.

Obsession can be good, don’t you think? What are you obsessed with?

Filed under: Craft, Jenna Jaxon, romance

What Do You Do When You’re Sad?

Last year was a hard year for me losing friends and my dog Pete. This year in one week, the world has lost David Bowie and Alan Rickman.

I loved David Bowie in “The Labyrinth”. He was the ultimate Goblin King. I also loved a rather obscure movie of his called “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” which was about an alien who comes to Earth in search of water. He develops a way to get water to his planet where people are dying. Of course, things get in his way. I don’t want to say too much more in case you want to find this movie. It’s worth it.

I haven’t seen it but I understand that his stage musical “Lazarus” is based on the alien character. It’s playing now at the New York Theater Workshop to sold out performances and was co-written by David Bowie and Enda Walsh.

I adored Alan Rickman when he played Colonel Brandon in “Sense and Sensibility.” It was a matter of watching Marianne (played by Kate Winslet) being broken hearted by a stupid idiot and not really paying attention to the man who really loved her. Now I love the “Harry Potter” movies especially with Alan Rickman at Professor Snape. I thought he was hilarious as the voice of the depressed robot in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” He was so funny as the unhappy actor playing an alien in “Galaxy Quest.” I still have that movie poster. I’ve seen him in so many movies, sometimes as a villian.  But where did I adore him? Playing Colonel Brandon.

I’ve been watching Twitter and Facebook, so I know these two individuals will be greatly missed. Their gift of joy and reflection on life will remain with us all of our lives.

I watch movies and write when I’m sad. What do you do?

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

Vampire King of New York, Book 1 of the Arnhem Knights of New York series

Vampire in the Basement, Book 4 of the Vampires in Manhattan series

A Vampire for Christmas, Book 3 of the Vampires in Manhattan series

The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Book 2 of the Vampire in Manhattan series

When Love Survives, Book 1 of the Vampire in Manhattan series

Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room (steampunk romance)

Poseidon’s Catch (mythology romance)

 

Filed under: A Lesson in Love, A Vampire for Christmas, Alan Rickman, David Bowie, knights, Max Vander Meer, Mrs. Bright's Tea Room, mythology romance, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, Remembrance, romance, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, When Love Survives, Yule

Cover Reveal by Stacy Hoff

Hello Passionate Readers! Please strike up the theme song to the movie “Space Odyssey 2001” because here is the cover for my newest release—DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC.

Cue music: Da-Daaa-DA-DUUUUUUM! 

Of course I love this cover, but what do you think?

For me, this cover was really special. It’s the first time I’ve ever had a cover for a sequel, namely because I’ve never done a sequel before. Heck, when I wrote the first book, DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES, I didn’t know I was writing a series. Then again, I didn’t know I’d get published.

When I first started submitting EVERGLADES to publishers, I was consistently told one thing: my action/adventure/contemporary romance novel was a fast, fun, sexy read, but unfortunately too different from the rest of the books on the market. When I was finally offered a publishing deal (Soul Mate Publishing, Inc.) I was so shocked I stared at the letter in wide-eyed disbelief.

To stay true-to-form, I decided to write a sequel equally “out there” as my first, so different from the “rest of the books on the market,” that this new one would take the proverbial cake—with frosting so white it could come from the Arctic itself, just like my characters.

Check out the book blurb to see for yourself.

Book Blurb for DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC

Ana Davis has been given the promotion of the century—from secretary to television producer. But the new job is not without its problems. The network will do anything for ratings. The executives reveal Ana’s newest show, one she’s forced to star in herself. She’ll have to survive in the Arctic Circle for twelve days. If she wins, she’ll get the prize money she desperately needs. But the stakes are high, she could lose her very life. Good thing she’s been paired up with expert survivalist William “Redd” Redding—a mysterious, solitary and very sexy man. Too bad she thinks he doesn’t even want to talk to her.

William “Redd” Redding is a former Special Ops Marine in need of cash to help a cause near and dear to his heart. What he’s not in need of, however, is Ana Davis—his clueless but captivating partner. It’s up to Redd to have the two of them survive in the most dangerous, hostile environment of all. But worse than snowstorms, predators, and a scarcity of food is a real danger—Ana. Resisting her, when he wants her more than anything, is his hardest challenge yet. How does he go about protecting her when his biggest goal is to protect his heart?

DESIRE IN THE ARCTIC will be released February 3, 2016

And if your curious as to the book 1:

 Book Blurb for DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES

Stephanie Lang’s successful career as a television producer can’t give her everything she wants out of life. Her personal goals of writing a romance novel and finding true love languish. Emotionally scarred by her fiancé’s affair with her cousin, she doesn’t have the confidence to go after either goal again. At least she has professional confidence to fall back on—she is ready to produce the company’s next hit show. But when her boss reveals what the show is about, a survival documentary starring a sexy, modern version of Crocodile Dundee, Stephanie’s life is turned upside down.

Colin Brandt, billed as “The Evergladiator,” will tackle Florida’s Everglades with nothing more than his bare hands and a knife. Stephanie, instantly attracted to handsome, rugged, enigmatic Colin, worries he will not survive his twelve-day odyssey. If he does, he’ll win a million dollars. If he fails, his beloved family’s farm will go into foreclosure. Can Colin conquer the Everglades? And can he conquer her heart?

Look below for yet another cover reveal, a brand new look for SEASON OF LOVE, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFSMCYG?creativeASIN=B00NFSMCYG&linkCode=w00&linkId=6PCZIZBWKBWUSNHI&ref_=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X3ZAR3E?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00X3ZAR3E&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U7U2WCC?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00U7U2WCC&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set with Stacy Hoff):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014RQX8GU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B014RQX8GU&linkCode=xm2&tag=stacyhoffcom-20

WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:

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

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

Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

 

Filed under: action / adventure, Cover Art, Cover Reveal, romance, Stacy Hoff

I Miss Hallmark Christmas Movies Already by Heather Novak

Readers, 

I’m not going to lie to you. I love Hallmark Christmas movies. Really, I love all the cheesy Christmas movies, from  Hallmark to ABC Family to SyFy. Now that we’re knee deep in the new year, I’ve accepted that it’s time to let them go.

Fun fact: Hallmark and SyFy are owned by the same company (GE), so if you watch Christmas Icetastrophe, which is almost as good as Sharknado, keep your eyes out for the same town b-roll footage in Coming Home for Christmas! 

Christmastime is full of sap and family togetherness and way too much sugar. So instead of making myself diabetic by eating too many cookies and drunk by drinking too much wine, I turn on every bad Christmas movie I can find. On Christmas Eve, I watched 12 hours of movies while wrapping presents. It doesn’t take me 12 hours to wrap presents…but I made it last.

So, like so many other women (and men?) who are now back to reality, I miss my too-sweet binge watching happily-ever-afters that would just be creepy in real life. But like all good things, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Until next year Christmas Kiss, Christmas Crush, Coming Home for Christmas, Holidaze, An Evergreen Christmas, Christmas Icetastrophe, 12 Gifts of Christmas, 12 Dates of Christmas, and of course, Fireplace For Your Home!

Happy Dress Up Your Pet day!

The cutest day ever awaits…

Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,

Heather Novak

Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking. 

Find me at:

Twitter: authorheathern

Instagram: authorheathern

Facebook: authorheathernovak

Website: Heathernovak.net

Author of The Lynch Brothers Series

Be careful what you wish for…

Hunting Witch Hazel: Spring 2016

Threat of Raine: Spring 2016

Rosemary for Remembrance: Spring 2016

 

Filed under: romance

One Day at a Time

We are 2 weeks into 2016 and I have to say that thus far, this year is going pretty good. Statistically, they say that most resolutions end around that 3-4 week mark which isn’t too far away. How are you all doing?

I’ll be honest in that I didn’t really have any resolutions this year. My plan was to reflect and take action when I want to take action—and of course, I find myself doing more than I would usually. I’m trying to avoid the pitfalls of years past when time flies by and next thing, I’m at end of year, having accomplished none of what I wanted to accomplish and I’m a disorganized mess.

So why a year without resolutions? I think I’ve been overextended lately. Everything becomes another ball for me to juggle so I figured by letting them all drop that I can pick up what I want without any pressure. It’s early on still but I have to say that there is a great sense of freedom since I’ve made this decision. A lot of the motivation and appreciation I’d lost seems to be coming back. I’m working out not because I have to work out but because I want to work out. I’m figuring out my work life for the longer term and trying to keep myself organized. I’m also trying to remember what it is I contribute each and every day (this is something I believe a lot of us would benefit from but that we don’t take advantage of—perhaps another blog topic). Lastly, I’m trying to be grateful for all that I already do have. I realize that gratitude tends to fall by the wayside with each day’s chaos and this is something I need to slow down and grasp.

It’s still early on but I’m inspired by my positive momentum. Hopefully this blog has given you all a lift if you are hitting a block early on. Hang in there and remember why you’re making these changes!

Happy writing this week!

 

 

Filed under: A writer's life, romance, Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

Giving Away A Starter Library by Mandy Rosko

Every once in a while I show off my book covers and talk about when I lose my mind doing crazy writing days, and since I’ve put together a starter library, I wanted to give everyone a chance to see what I’m all about as a paranormal author.

All you have to do is follow this link and tell me where to send your books!

http://mandyrosko.com/contact.php

The books included are Burns Like Fire, The Vampire’s Curse, and Sold to the Enemy, which is more of a sci-fi novella, but I still like that one, it’s a favorite :)

Also! Fun news! I finally bought my ticket to RT in Vegas! Woot! And even happier news, there was a room available in the hotel where it’s being hosted. Last year in Dallas, and the year before in New Orleans, I had to get a hotel outside the main one because they were all full up. Even Dallas when I signed up in November. Since it’s January, I’ll consider myself crazy lucky that I got that room :D

I’m going as a reader, aspiring author for the workshops since I’m mostly self published, and I love being a reader every once in a while and fangirling over my favorite authors, or new authors I’ve discovered, instead of marketing myself in a place where Heather Graham and E.L James are probably going to be. Lol, there’s almost no point in a small fry like me standing next to them.

Cheers! Anyone else going to Vegas in April? Let me know in the comments!

~Mandy

Filed under: romance