Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 225

Four Weeks to Romancing The Capitol by Mandy Rosko

It’s almost here, and I’m getting insanely nervous now O.o nervous for signing books, that no one will want any of them, that I won’t order enough, and nervous that the stuff I ordered for Swag just will not come in on time.

That’s a super big one for stress, BUT! I think I have some good ideas for my giveaways, aside from the nail polish, I mean. I wish I had these things here so I could post pictures of them, but I’m also getting a bunch of cell phone straps so I can put charms on them for my books :) Which means I have to get real creative with Polymer Clay really soon. Never handled that stuff before, so this should be an interesting adventure :) I’ll either make little mini books, once I figure out how to do that, or something fire or lightning related, since that’s what’s part of my two most recent releases.

Going to wait until I get paid before picking up the clay, until then, it’s off to Youtube to watch as many how to videos as I can, and buying beads and other sparkly things to make the charms look even better ;) So far I’ve got some beads, some ribbons, and a few chains and loose ideas, just searching for more inspiration.

Lol, my mom used to buy me jewelry making kits when I was a little girl for Christmas, and now I’m really getting back into the idea of making stuff again :) Especially for this.

Anyway! Enough about that, if anyone’s interested in my lated read, you should check out Outfoxed By Love by Eve Langlais. She’s also going to be at RTC, and I read her book recently, and will soon be moving on to Polar Bared, since I’m interested in seeing a book from the viewpoint of the bad guy

Until next week!

Cheers,

Mandy Rosko

————————–

Burns Like Fire (Dangerous Creatures Book One) is��Available Now!

The Princess’ Dragon Lord is Now Available at��Amazon��and��B&N

Connect with me online:

Facebook

www.goodreads.com/Mandyrosko

Twitter: @rizzorosko

Mandyrosko.com

Want the latest on hot guys, erotic romance, and sizzling action? Add your super cool name to my Newsletter list and I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about new releases the day they come out:��http://rizzorosko.com/contact.html
Filed under: romance

A Leprechaun Weekly Paranormal-Scope

My apologizes for not being here earlier. My computer needed to be fixed. It’s all fixed now, but keep your fingers crossed. Interesting people and events are headed our way.�� What fun!

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 leprechaun takes a shine to you and sings your praises. Smile and show off at work. Be careful. You may attract an admirer.

Taurus:

Elves don’t always agree with leprechauns. Life cannot be made better by sitting around and smoking a pipe.�� An elf recommends you take a class or two to upgrade your skills.

Gemini:

Leprechauns are knocking on new doors for you and they’re opening. Now it’s your turn to use your luck and see how far you can get.

Cancer:

Vampires find leprechauns untrustworthy when it comes to directions. A vampire points out a new career direction for you. The leprechaun is pointing the other way. Enough said.

Leo:

Leprechauns admire your leadership skills and are following you. Look over your shoulder every once in a while and smile a lot. A elf has blown love dust on you.

Virgo:

Leprechauns and gnomes are natural collaborators. Joining this team could move your career forward.

Libra:

Leprechauns don’t easily give up their gold, but they are helpless in the light of a solar eclipse. An opportunity will present itself to make more money.

Scorpio:

Leprechauns love taking risks to gain a lot. It’s risk time for you. Do you feel lucky?

Sagittarius:

Leprechauns love the old country, but for you the past could hold you back. Look at the light of the coming day and into the future. Great things await you.

Capricorn:

Leprechauns avoid the light of the solar eclipse. They are afraid. You must not be. A life of greatness is yours. You have to want it and step bravely into the new day. Be strong and positive.

Aquarius:

Gold shines in the eyes of the leprechauns.�� Opportunities are headed your way to make more money. A friend will need your comforting.

Pisces:

The solar eclipse gives you power. The luck of the leprechauns is with you. Imagine the life you want and go in that direction.

-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, vampire books, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

I is for Indiana Jones

Last week for the letter ���H,��� I talked about Heroes. This week I���m actually talking about one more specific hero: Indiana Jones. And I���m doing this mostly because of Harrison Ford���s Indy-esque escape from death earlier this week in his small plane, partly because Indiana Jones has been a romantic hero to me for most of my adult life. Iconic���another ���I��� word.

I loved the very first movie���Raiders of the Lost Ark, where Indiana Jones was a true romantic hero in a wonderful action-adventure romance. The story arc is perfect, set up Indiana as leading a double life, mild mannered archeology professor and adventurer in search of treasure. Then he get re-involved with his long lost love and manages to save her time after time throughout the rest of the movie. I fell in love with the hard-hitting, passionate, extremely intelligent Indiana from the moment he stalks onto the screen. Played to perfection by Harrison Ford in a somewhat different type of role from his also romantic, also excellently portrayed space counterpart Han Solo.

And that���s why I was not completely surprised when Mr. Ford became a hero in real life by keeping his cool in a life and death emergency on March 5, landing his failing plane on a golf course, mere yards from houses that ring the course and ensuring that no one but himself got hurt. The distress call that I listened to showed him very calm and cool-headed as he told them he was going down. He sustained non-life threatening but severe injuries (rather Indiana Jones like as well) and is expected to make a full recovery. Thank God.

I am certainly very happy that in this case life imitated art and Indy came through with only minor wounds. Even though he may never play this iconic role again, I���m still relieved that ���Indiana Jones��� will still be out there somewhere, just a heartbeat away from another adventure. Carry on, Mr. Ford.

Filed under: Alphabet Posts

Wedding Anniversary, Being Irish, and Changes

So many things are happening, it’s hard to keep up. We’re finally melting which is a plus but we have a lot of snow. The ice jams on the roof are gone without any interior leaking. YAY!

My husband and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary. He was so sweet and surprised me by putting some of our wedding photos on my Facebook page. ��

 

 

 

 

It’s funny to be in love for such a long time. When I see couples that have been married longer, I am amazed. The world is a tough place, and it’s hard finding the person who loves you no matter what and sticks by you through thick and thin. A friend of mine who got divorced told me you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince. I know I’m really lucky.

My husband is mostly Irish American and has a wonderful and large family. I come from a small family and am part Irish among other parts. If you look closely at the wedding cake you’ll see some shamrocks. Sunday we will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early with corned beef and cabbage.

Personally I have found that practically everyone in the United States joins in the fun and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. My husband had a button that read, Kiss me. I’m Irish. I’m going to have to find where he put that.

Well, here are my changes.�� Are you going through changes too?�� What are you celebrating?

-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, St. Patrick's Day, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Writer's Life, Yule

Hoping for The Luck of the Irish by Stacy Hoff

It’s unfortunate I’m not Irish���I could really use the luck. Will my newest release sell well? Will it get good reviews? Or be read by anybody (besides my mother)?

How about my book signing event tomorrow? Will I wow people, or bore them to death? (Thankfully there will be free food and wine, so I have a solid shot of success!)

Who the heck knows! Having a new release���and book signing���all in the same week sure is scary. I definitely need some good luck juju.��I am definitely biting my nails!��In fact, I’m too nervous and restless to even write this blog. I think I’m going to look for four leaf clovers.��I hope I find them!

(Book Signing event information follows below. Book Blurb for Lawfully Yours follows below that.)

What good luck are you hoping for this St. Patrick’s day?

BTW – For those who want double the blog post from me today, you can check out my guest appearance on Jaunty Quills, a romance reader’s website. A big thanks to Kristan Higgins for having me on! Here’s the link:

http://jauntyquills.com

Here’s the information for my book signing event��for those of you who are in, or near, Connecticut.

There will be fabulous appetizers, wine, and me���reading the pages of DESIRE while tying not to blush. (This event is free to attend.) Here’s the information:

Saturday, March 14, 2015 6:30���8:00 at Chameleon Haircolor Cafe & Spa, 323 Washington Ave., North Haven CT (p)203-234-7900. �� �� �� �� �� �� ��http://www.chameleonhcc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/chameleonhaircolor

Book Blurb – LAWFULLY YOURS

The prestigious Connecticut law firm of Grovas & Cleval has always been rife with office drama and crazy clients. But an office affair between a young associate and a powerful partner���her boss���might be the biggest scandal of all.

Quirky, quiet Sue Linkovitch is Jordan Grant���s newest hire. Barely out of law school and hired on a fluke, she has no idea what she���s gotten herself into. Unfortunately, Jordan isn���t sympathetic to her professional ���growing pains.��� In fact, he���s downright frosty. The only time he thaws is when he���s around his five-year old daughter. So why is she so attracted to him?

Jordan Grant sees Sue as bright, bookish and a terrible temptation. Yet he knows not to get involved with a woman again���he learned this from his divorce. And if that hard knock lesson wasn���t enough, he���s been falsely accused of sexual harassment in the past. If their colleagues even think he���s interested, it will be the death of his career���and hers.

��AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS:��http://www.amazon.com/Lawfully-Yours-...

Find Stacy on Social Media: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff Twitter: twitter.com/authorStacyHoff Web: http://www.stacyhoff.com

DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES: available on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Desire-Everglades-Stacy-Hoff-ebook/dp/B00NFSMCYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410289138&sr=8-1&keywords=desire+in+the+everglades.

Photo and logo of the hair salon is the property of Chameleon Haircolor Cafe & Spa. All rights reserved. Reprinted here with permission.

Filed under: A writer's life, Emotions, Holiday, romance, Stacy Hoff

What I’ve Learned: Sharing Secret 10 – Love, Sex and Power or What Makes A Love Story Great, Part 2

Last week, we looked at young love in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This week, we’re looking at love and sex between a power couple. We’re talking about Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.

In the Public Domain and Courtesy of Creative Commons – File:Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema – The Meeting of Antony and Cleopatra.jpg

The story is about a powerful woman who is trying to hold onto her own, and she will do anything to achieve it.�� She was wealthy, educated and spoke several languages. She was devoted to her religion and her people. First married to her brother, she then becomes mistress to�� Julius Caesar and has a son with him.

Tragedy befalls Cleopatra when Caesar is killed. He was meant to insulate her power against Rome. She returns to Alexandria. Her brother dies, and she co-rules with her infant son.

Then someone comes into the picture that will change her for all time. Desperate to keep Egypt safe from Rome, she needed another man of power and prestige to protect her. When Marc Antony calls her to Tarsus, she arrives in all her seductive splendor on her royal barge. He was supposed to fight a battle there, but oh, well.�� What’s more fun? Fighting a battle or having sex with Cleopatra on her barge. There begins their tragic love story. Both are people of power who see more than love in the relationship.

Let’s look at the qualities of this romance.

1. They both need something from the other. Lust. Money. Power. Is love in the mix?

2. There is an excitement in loving someone who is forbidden, who should be an enemy.

3. They are tested whether they want love or power. Marc Antony is called back to Rome to marry Octavian’s sister Octavia. He does it for power and title. Cleopatra in Egypt gives birth to their twins, a boy and a girl.

4. Their love is blind. Even married, Antony goes ahead and marries Cleopatra knowing it will never be recognized in Rome.

5. Secrets, betrayals, war test the lovers. What happens if you cannot choose? Or you choose wrong and your friends become your enemies?

In my estimation, this is one of the toughest of plots. When you have two powerful lovers that both want something different, one of them or both are going to lose. I can’t see a happy ending when they can’t truly commit to each other.

What great love stories inspire you?�� How do lovers win at the end?

-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: Antony and Cleopatra, Characters, Emotions, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Sex and Power, Sharing Secret 10 - Love, vampire books, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Writing Topics, Yule

The Challenge in Risk

Anyone who has read my blog with some regularity knows that I���m a big proponent of pushing the envelope. I try to do this in my own writing, but admittedly, I also feel that I stay within a genre that is safe for me.

I write romance, mainly contemporary and paranormal, with the occasional dabble in urban fantasy. They are fun and gritty but for the former too, I love that they have a happy ending. We see so much in life that is painful that a happy ending is something that I believe many of us need every now and then. That all being said, I have several topics (more of a contemporary mirror of life) that I���d love to write and yet I���ve put it off, telling myself I���m not ready. I honestly am not sure if my readiness comes from a skillset or more of an emotional readiness to take on topics that are a bit darker and tragic in nature.

In life, it seems that many times we withdraw from doing something we really want to do or are passionate about because there is risk involved and unlike in the world of finance, this risk entails quite a bit more at stake. A sort of self-preservation takes hold and we revel in feeling ���safe��� but long for something more.

I���ve had this sort of conversation with many peers in the workplace and even with my family of late. I understand the sentiments but question why we let them stop us from many of our dreams. I���ve come to the early conclusion that is okay to take risks in all categories and that they should be encouraged as long as they are calculated and well thought out.

Moral of this week? Go for what you want. It doesn���t need to happen now but plan it out and work toward it. You���ll find you are happier in the anticipation of your next move and you���ll also find growth as you challenge yourself.

Happy writing this week!

Filed under: A writer's life, Toni Kelly, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Swimming in Debt for Swag (sort of) by Mandy Rosko

Okay, so I haven’t done much except for max out my credit card, and to be fair, it’s a small one and a lot of what I bought was food and some other junk not swag related, but for the upcoming Romancing The Capitol event, I’ve been going crazy searching for cool shit to hand out.

The first things I really need are the books. That one is non negotiable since I really do need those for the signing. I have about 48 so far out of the hundred that I need. I’ve also purchased some items for giving out cool necklaces with images of my upcoming Billionaire themed books inside :) That was also pretty expensive :( But I did get a deal on the charms I got from Etsy, which gives me an excuse to buy more :) On credit…

Ugh…

Anyway, at this point I need to wait until I get paid before I can order the last of the swag that I want, which looks to be some post cards, and possibly hot chocolate :3 Hot chocolate will be awesome.

I’m also just hoping (A whole lot) that all the stuff I want comes in, in time for the signing. Slightly stressful, but it’ll all be so worth it if I can get this stuff up and running :D

I think the next time I do this, I really need more of a plan and a budget. A budget would be great. On the plus side, I’ve decided not to get the sling bags I was looking at. Those suckers are way too damned expensive, especially with the extra costs for colors and set up and whatever the hell else those companies want (my blood and my soul being on the list -_-) Trust me, those bags are never actually as low as 99 cents, or whatever they list. I’m the giant fool who’s still upset and offended to see that going on. (I know, I know)

Right now, I’m still trying to figure out what the other 50 books will be that I want to order for the signing. I’ve got a new cover for Just One Touch, now titled Sold To The Enemy, which is being re-edited for a very short print book. That will make an awesome giveaway, or I can also give away the sequel to Burns Like Fire as well.

Decisions, decision…

Until then, check out my new cover!

I think it looks really good and sexy, but hopefully not so sexy that it gets me booted off of Kobo again :D

Okay, I need to get all the details ready for the rest of the stuff I’m going to order and when. Next post I’ll be revealing my decision on which other books I bring to the signing.

Cheers

Mandy Rosko

————————–

Burns Like Fire (Dangerous Creatures Book One) is��Available Now!

The Princess’ Dragon Lord is Now Available at��Amazon��and��B&N

Connect with me online:

Facebook

www.goodreads.com/Mandyrosko

Twitter: @rizzorosko

Mandyrosko.com

Want the latest on hot guys, erotic romance, and sizzling action? Add your super cool name to my Newsletter list and I’ll make sure you’re the first to hear about new releases the day they come out:��http://rizzorosko.com/contact.html
Filed under: romance

Melting Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Some of us in the Northeastern United States are melting. This is a funny week with more than snow melting.

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 showing their true colors this week. Love is in the details, and in your case it’s not in shades of grey.

Taurus:

Gnomes like unexpected getaways. Plan some spontaneous to a new place. Broaden your horizon.

Gemini:

One dragon is never enough, but clutter may be too much. De-clutter that home of yours. Make room for your future.

Cancer:

Mermaids are into fragrant bath salts to soothe the body and mind. Open your heart to new adventures.

Leo:

Hobbits are risk takers, but now is not your time to take a risk. Re-evaluate your assets. New opportunities are coming. Be patient.

Virgo:

Elves are into ocean voyages. When you get the opportunity, visit the ocean or a lake. Water restores and invigorates.

Libra:

Goblins are fierce accountants. Examine your accountants and get your taxes done early.

Scorpio:

The enduring fidelity of faeries is legend. You are well loved and it’s time to show appreciation to those loved ones.

Sagittarius:

Currently shapeshifters are focusing on health. It’s time to dedicate yourself to feeling better and stronger.

Capricorn:

Werewolves love to cuddle. Let your hair down and take a chance.

Aquarius:

Trolls are wild dancers. They are also into yoga. Get rid of that grouchy feeling. You deserve happiness. Go and grab it.

Pisces:

Dragons find you fascinating. They are roaring your accomplishments, and others are noticing.

-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: Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Seasonal changes, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule

H is for Hero

I���ve been thinking about the subject of this post for quite a while���ever since last August in fact–when the Starz Channel began to broadcast the excellent Outlander series. The day the series premiered, I passed the time until it aired watching two other films with amazingly strong heroes. These two movies, actually presented to me back to back and leading to Outlander, caused me to��wonder what exactly were the qualities each of these swoon-worthy heroes possessed that made them heroes.

The first movie was the 1992 version of Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis starring as Hawkeye. Swoon-worthy indeed. Following right on its heels was Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Again, a hero���s hero. And finally Outlander with Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser.

OMG! Talk about wallowing in testosterone for an entire afternoon!

But as I thought about these three very different characters, they all still felt the same to me, as though they were brothers under the skin, so to speak. So I began to analyze them, try to figure out what characteristics they had in common that would make me think of them as similar. Here are some of the similarities that I think they share:

1) They are all masters at fighting���I���d hate to have to face them with a sword or pistol in their hands.

2) They are all strong-willed���you���re not going to deter them once their minds are made up.

3) They are all very intelligent���they are supreme strategists in battle and all of them speak more than one language.

4) They are all willing to sacrifice themselves for the ones they love. (William Wallace doesn���t actually sacrifice himself for Maren, but he avenges her and then some. He also refuses to accept a pain-killer before his death, which counts as sacrifice in my book.)

5) They all show compassion toward others���Nothing is as sexy to me as a man showing compassion for another person or animal.

6) They all have personal codes of honor they follow���goes without saying in a hero, but I thought I���d mention it anyway.

And I didn���t want to point out that they���re all played by terribly��handsome, sexy men. You don���t have to be handsome to be a hero, but it never hurts. LOL

What other qualities or characteristics to you like to find in the heroes you read?

 

 

Filed under: Alphabet Posts, Historical romance, Jenna Jaxon