Vicki Batman's Blog, page 11

Handbag and Book welcomes author Kryssie Fortune - I Had to Have It and her #newbook Claimed as Theirs

I saw this on-line and had to have it. Even at three, my mother took me to the library and taught me to love stores. The covers of real books are printed on the fabric - some from pre the 1st world war.
A Ripping Girl (The Angela Brazil book bottom right) was first published in 1914. The Youngest Girl in the Fifthis still available on Amazon. The reviews refer to reading it 50 years ago.
The main reason these are special to me goes back to mum. She had one book she treasured until the day she died. The Magic Walking Stick and Arabian Nights by John Buchan. It was first released in 1932 and mum’s was a first edition. The cover had the same faded, much loved look as the ones on my bag. Mum won it for coming top of the class. Since she left school at eleven to earn money for her family, it meant a lot.

Every time I use my book shopper, I think about her.

Anyway, back to my bag. It’s unlined and has no pockets. The straps are the ideal length to hang on my shoulder. The body is fourteen inches wide and fifteen inches deep. The perfect size if I nip out to the shops.

The thing is, I love it too much to use it.

When an imposter seeks to usurp him as the rightful king, Bronte and his triad must go to war against their fellow vampires. But will a human woman prove pivotal in the coming conflict?

More about Kryssie Fortune: Kryssie’s a bibliophile. From an early age, she told people she’d write a book. It took thirty-five years and near-death experience to spur her into action. Thankfully, not only is my heart value fixed, but I’ve written a few books. They were all accepted by publishers. The books have been well-received. Most are naughty and explicit. One reviewer called them downright sensual.

Answer these questions:

Red, White or Blue? Blue. I buy red dresses then never wear them.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Spring – Daffodils, sunny days, and new life.

Cake or Pie? Both? Preferably homemade.

Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Coffee. I’m an addict.

Country music or Michael Buble? Michael every time. I’m a sucker for his voice.

Pencil or Pen? Pen or whatever comes to hand. Yesterday I made a note in eyebrow pencil.

 

Find Claimed as Theirs. at: Amazon

Find Kryssie Fortune at: Website

Handbag & Book-guest is author Darlene Fredette: One bag? or Four??!!! Her book-Welcome to Redford Falls #contemporaryromance #inlove #weekendreads

 

I love tote bags and have a few I’ve saved because each one has its own purpose or sentimentality.

Tote 1 - I received from Harlequin Australia when I published my first book with them. The tote was a gift to their authors when they celebrated their 40-year anniversary.

Totes 2 and 3 – I received these totes from author friends, Liz Fielding and Catherine Lanigan. They are too nice to use, so like the one I received from Harlequin, these totes are hanging in in my laundry room to see each time I go in there.

Tote 4 – My daughter bought me this tote bag. I saw it hanging in a store and just had to have it. I love the colours, which are so vibrant. This tote bag I use the most when we are planning a day or weekend trip. It holds everything from towels, sun lotion, flip flops, etc.

Tote 5 – This tote bag is my favourite! I am obsessed with the Titanic and when I saw it in a small gift shop on the waterfront in Halifax, I knew I had to have it. I didn’t buy it that day, because I didn’t have any money with me, but the next day, my mother-in-law gave me the money and told me to go get it. Thankfully, there was a few left when I went back. I put a pin of the Titanic on it that my daughter bought me. This is the tote bag that gets the most attention when I use it. 😊

 

His Candy Christmas ~ A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 1

Who knew returning home would contain a cool nip in the air, irresistible chocolate...and a Santa suit?

Kissed By Winter ~ A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 2: A woman who knows what she wants and a man who knows what he needs.

Under The Apple Blossoms ~ A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 3: A tragic accident tore them apart. She left him behind and broke his heart. Is he strong enough to risk it again?

A Recipe For Forever ~ A Redford Falls Story ~ Book 4: She has one last hope – a small, family-run bakery that might just be baking up second chances. 

More about Darlene Fredette: Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador.

Answer these questions:

Red, White or Blue? Blue

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer!

Cake or Pie? Apple Pie

Coffee, Tea, or Champagne? Hot Chocolate

Country music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble! I had tickets to see him in concert, but the concert was postponed due to the pandemic ☹

Pencil or Pen? Pencil…to erase mistakes, lol.

Find Redford Falls at: Amazon

Find Darlene Fredette at: Website

New Release: author Lisabet Sarai and her new book, Mastering Maya #eroticromance #amreading

 How much heat will it take to melt the Ice Queen?

“Maya! I’m glad you’re still here. I want to introduce you to my old friend Shark. He’s just arrived in Boston.”

Tom’s booming voice matched his burly form. He dwarfed the wiry young stranger.

Calm. Calm. She flashed back to the pinnacles of ice for an instant. Then she accepted the new Dom’s outstretched hand. “Master Shark?” Her eyebrows arched and she allowed a hint of laughter into her voice. “A pleasure. Welcome to Club Inferno.”

“Please, call me Stephen.” He kept hold of her hand several seconds longer than protocol demanded. She noted that he stood only a few inches taller than she, that he smelled of female musk and cured leather, and that he was somewhat older than she’d guessed from a distance—closer to thirty than twenty. “I’m only Shark to my subs.”

“I can see how you earned the name.” Maya gestured toward the schoolroom door, where clots of Doms and subs were now emerging. “You’re as voracious and implacable as your namesake.” Her hand still tingled from his grip. She ignored the sensation.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” The stranger chuckled. “You’re no fount of mercy yourself—if I may say so.” He raked her with his eyes, deliberately assessing her physical charms. Maya kept her face impassive, even as her pussy moistened. “Your caning—well, it was magnificent!”

Genuine admiration rang in his voice, though his bold stare suggested there were limits to his respect.

“Long years of training, Master Shark—as well as skilled teachers.” She skewered him with what she hoped was an intimidating look. “And who taught you, young man?” The emphasis on ‘young’ was subtle but unmistakable. “Where are you from?”

“San Francisco. I studied with Mistress Sylvia and Master Blade.”

“Ah, I know them well.” That partially explained his expertise. Sylvia and Blade both enjoyed stellar reputations in the kink community. “Though I haven’t played on the West Coast for many years.”

“I’m sure I would have noticed you if you had.” He looked as though he wanted to say more, but Maya cut him short.

“Nice to meet you, Stephen. But I’ve got to get home.”

“I’ll come with you.”

The suggestion was so unexpected that Maya, at first, barely noticed its rudeness.

“What? What do you mean?” Even she recognized the shock in her voice.

“I’d really like to get to know you better. You fascinate me.”

His frankness unnerved her. “Sorry, but I never take anyone home with me.” Maya tilted her head in Tom’s direction. “I’m surprised Master Thomas didn’t tell you.”

“Oh, I did!” Her long-time associate grinned at his companion. “He’s just the stubborn type. Won’t take no for an answer.”

“Not a desirable trait in a dominant,” Maya observed, covering her discomfort with disapproval. “When someone – even a bottom – says no, that means no.” She shook her head, edging away from the pair. “But, then, you’re still young and inexperienced.”

Shark’s arm shot out. He seized her wrist, preventing her from leaving. “I’m not that young.” The dark edge in his voice sent a scary thrill straight to her sex. “I just know what I want. And I’m used to getting it.”

Lisabet Sarai bio: Lisabet Sarai became addicted to words at an early age. She began reading when she was four. She wrote her first story at five years old and her first poem at seven. Since then, she has written plays, tutorials, scholarly articles, marketing brochures, software specifications, self-help books, press releases, a five-hundred page dissertation, and lots of erotica and erotic romance.

Find yours at:

Amazon US – Amazon US

Amazon UK – Amazon UK

Smashwords – Smashwords

Barnes and Noble – B&N

Kinky Literature – Kinky Lit

Kobo – Kobo

Find Lisabet at: Website

Handbag and Book: Let's Sing, Dance, and Shout from the Rooftops #announcement #newbook #cozymystery #romanticcomedy

 You know how you want something really, really bad? 

I wanted to write a book when I was younger. I even told Handsome I really wanted to write like Dick Francis. 

But I couldn't.

I lacked courage. I lacked knowledge. I lacked confidence. I lacked the ability to take criticism.

And I knew it. I probably needed more time to grow as a person. I was a new mom back then and had my hands full with making ends meet and caring for a toddler. I was also pretty happy with my creative outlets. 

So time passed. A lot of time passed. When a friend challenged me, this time I took the challenge and started with eight chapters. I also wrote and wrote.

 I found writing peeps and began learning more about the industry and the craft. I learned how to write short stories and MANY were published. Finally, I returned to my book and took the criticism. I finally in a contest. I subbed to agents and editors. And worked and worked. 

Then I did a random pitched to The Wild Rose Press and was asked to sub chapters. 

What happened? They liked me. They published Temporarily Employed, then Temporarily Insane, 

and on February 22, Temporarily out of Luck. 

This writing journey of mine has been difficult and glorious. I have tons of friends to thank,. family, BFFs, a very nice publisher-TWRP. an editor. 

So celebrate me in the upcoming months! as I spread the word about my fun book. I might even buy a handbag!! 

Handbag & Book hosts author Cynthia Terelst and her #newbook Get off Your High Horse #giveaway #amreading #contemporaryromance

~~&&~~ #BookTour & #Giveaway ~~&&~~

•¨) ★💕¸.•*´¨📚) ★.💕•* ★(¸.•🐴´📚 •*¨🐴) ★•*´¨) 💕★.📚•*´ ★(📚¸. 

GET OFF YOUR HIGH HORSE

by Cynthia Terelst #Contemporary #Royal #Romance #GetOffYourHighHorse @cynthiaterelstauthor

When two opposites collide, will their differences ignite a spark or send them into turmoil?

Frankie and Sebastian live totally different lives. Lives that are entwined through polo, the sport of kings.

Frankie’s a country girl, working hard toward her dream of turning the family farm around. She needs to endure one more polo season to make that happen. She has no interest in high society or the rich, arrogant riders she has to deal with, especially Sebastian. Her heart may be softening to his charm, openness and love of working with horses, but her brain won’t be convinced. She looks forward to her summer break on the farm, away from him, until her parents decide to invite Sebastian to stay.

Sebastian descends from royalty. Rich and arrogant come with his family title. But that status is something he’d rather avoid, just like he avoids returning home to a life he doesn’t want. Sebastian sees a freedom in Frankie he wishes he had. Her life is full of love, family and horses; something he can only dream of. And her, he can dream of her. But a dream is all it will be, seeing as Frankie does her best to avoid him.

If only he can convince her to look past his title, and see that his hopes and dreams aren’t so different from hers.

More at Goodreads: Goodreads

Find yours at:  Amazon

~~&~~~~&~~~~&~~~~&~~

About Cynthia Terelst: is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a   contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian
scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year. 

Author Links Website: http://cynthiaterelst.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaterel... 

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/57260... 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CynthiaTerelst 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiatere... 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cynth... 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Terels... 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

~~&~~~~&~~

Giveaway: $20 Amazon Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! 

Blog: author Vicki Batman - All I Wanted for Christmas Wasn't Two Front Teeth #gifts #books #amreading

 Fortunately, my teeth are fine. 

To carry on with the theme, All I Wanted for Christmas, was books! 

Every year, I have to cut off Handsome from buying things in September/October. Yep, we've had incidences where he got two of something because he sees it and buys it without thinking. Hence, the cut-off. So, he'll send me emails or write sticky notes with names of books he wants for Christmas. Yeah, for me. Easy shopping.

As for me...

This year, I asked for Santa to bring me a new coat (mine was nearly thirty years old!) and gave me a picture of one I'd found and the buy link. And I gave him a book he could purchase, too. He found a biography.

I got a biography on Cary Grant-he knows I like most of his movies. And a thriller, Three Hours in Paris. The biography was very well written down to many small details. Took me longer to read because the book was large. The other book? I inhaled in two days. This book had me turning pages as fast as the Davinci Code. And afterward? I can't stop thinking about it and have recommended it to many friends and family. 

Kind of a downer I don't have more Christmas books to read. Hehehe. Not a problem. I have a book case stuffed with more books.

Did Santa or a loved one give you the greatest gift--a new book?

Find your happy ever after (it's worth it!) at: Amazon

Blog: Vicki Batman - High Hopes #2020 #2021 #NewYear #letsparty #resolutions

 I remember December 2019 and the plans Handsome and I had made-our little one's first birthday, two cruises, family weddings...

2020 wasn't so kind. 

I'm trying again for 2021. And hoping all will be good for you too. Let's celebrate the good times, remember loved ones lost, and pray for all mankind. 

May all your days be glorious. Hugs, vb

Handbag & Book with author Vicki Batman - Academy award-winning Christmas Movie #Christmasmovie #nativitystory #mustwatch

 Several years ago, my sister asked me if I had seen a particular movie. It didn't ring any bells; however, like most of you, sometimes, I do forget things. She sent me a link. I watched and was entranced. 

"Star in the Night" is a 20 minute short feature set after WW2 in an autocout. The owner is grumpy and mostly, all of the guests are grumpy. I followed the story and...

I can't tell you all of the plot! You need to watch. Take twenty minutes and view this beauty of a film. It'll warm your heart. I think you will be entranced as much as I am and let me know what you think:

A Star In the Night 1945 - Bing video

Merry Christmas to you and yours! VB

Blog: Handbag and Books welcomes guest author Lisabet Sarai and her new book, Comfort & Joy #HotRomance #BoxedSet #Christmas

 *content is erotic

Welcome to Handbag and Book guest author Lisabet Sarai. Today, she is sharing about her new book, Comfort & Joy. But first, let's take a look at her handbag:

Lisabet Sarai became addicted to words at an early age. She began reading when she was four. She wrote her first story at five years old and her first poem at seven. Since then, she has written plays, tutorials, scholarly articles, marketing brochures, software specifications, self-help books, press releases, a five-hundred page dissertation, and lots of erotica and erotic romance – over one hundred titles, and counting, in nearly every sub-genre—paranormal, sci fi, and hot romance. Regardless of the genre, every one of her stories illustrates her motto: Imagination is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Connect with Lisabet at: Website

At her blog, Beyond Romance, she shares her philosophy and her news and hosts lots of other great authors: Blog

 

Mistletoe kisses, Yuletide passion and a sprinkling of kink

Kick off the festive season with this red-hot celebration of holiday love. An aging author of kinky romance surrenders to the charm of her rock star neighbor. A selfish, cynical stock broker finds himself rescued by a spunky homeless girl. On her Dom husband’s orders, a devoted submissive provides Christmas service to his best friend. A gay grad student moonlighting at a sex shop discovers it’s definitely worthwhile to stay open on Christmas Eve.

Buy Links:

Amazon  US –  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P2CM6KL

AmazonUK– https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P2CM6KL

Add onGoodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56030561-comfort-joy

Handbag and Book: author Seelie Kay talks about her new book, "The Last Christmas" #romance #holidays #amreading

 W elcome Seelie Kay who is with me today to talk about her new holiday book, "The Last Christmas:"

Q.  Why do you write romance? 

 

Q.  Do you prefer a certain type of romantic hero? I adore smart, dashing gentlemen who aren’t afraid to live on the edge. They can be a bad boy, a billionaire, a prince, or a secret agent. That hint of danger just hooks me! However, I they have to be paired with strong, independent women who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want, even love.

Q.  Why did you write “The Last Christmas?” My father is 94-years-old and as you might expect, has had a number of serious medical, age-related events. Each time, we were told to prepare for his death. Each time, he survived. The fact was, my Dad wasn’t ready to die. And his children and his grandchildren weren’t ready to let him go either. So I started thinking about terminal diagnoses and how they are really a best guess, not a guarantee. That, of course, led to thoughts how a terminal diagnosis often causes people to give up and prematurely mourn the death of the person who is ill. I wondered how that impacted the outcome. And because I was preparing to write a holiday book, I also started thinking about the power of family, and how, time after time, families are capable of creating miracles.

That led me to “The Last Christmas.” Christmas truly is a time for miracles, and thought it important that everyone be able to experience one through the tale of the Wright Family.

When the doctors say there’s no hope, Santa begs to differ. After all, he claims, miracles are love combined with action to get the desired result. And at Christmas time, everyone deserves a miracle!

David Wright is dying from cancer. He is not expected to see another Christmas. At least that’s what the medical professionals say. Fortunately, Santa begs to differ. After all, modern medicine is nothing more than a best guess. Santa believes anything is possible until you give up. When Santa tells David’s wife, Joan, that heaven is full and she has to keep her husband alive, she is beside herself. She has no medical skills. How can she save anyone’s life? Set your skepticism aside as Santa embraces a family already mourning their father’s terminal diagnosis and teaches them that a Christmas miracle doesn’t always require heavenly intervention. Sometimes, all it takes is a family with enough love to create their own. As Santa says, a true miracle is when love combines with action to get the desired results. And only humans are capable of that. 

Will Santa’s words fall on deaf ears? Or will Team Wright find a way to save their father’s life?

Excerpt:

“It’s not about you, it’s about him, Joan.,” a grumbly voice said. “You’re looking at this all wrong.”

Joan turned so fast she almost lost her balance. She glared at the old man who had spoken. He was around seventy, with ruddy cheeks and twinkling blue eyes. And thick white hair. Lots of white hair. Flowing over his shoulders, winding up in a very lush beard. On top of his head was perched a brightly colored red knit hat. She frowned. “Wait a minute. You’re Santa Claus. Without the red suit, but clearly, you’re him. I’d know you anywhere.”

The man bowed and with a smile, said, “At your service.” He gestured toward a park across the street. “Let’s take a walk.”

“Oh, no. I’m not going anywhere with you.” Joan shook her head. “I didn’t mean you actually were Santa Claus. Everyone knows he doesn’t exist. I just meant you looked like him. You’re just a man who looks like him. I don’t know you. Why would I…” She glared at him. “You’re not even wearing a red suit. And since when has Santa taken up armchair psychiatry?”  She ran a hand through her blonde hair. “I must be hallucinating.” Despite her objections, she followed him across the street.

Santa laughed. “My dear, I have been dispensing advice since I was old enough to talk and make people listen. God chose my role a long time ago and I have gotten very good at it.” He looked toward the heavens. “Sorry, old boy. Still working on that humility!” He chuckled. “Man never stops reminding me.” He smiled at Joan. “Do you sense any ill-intentions from me? Of course not. I’m Santa. All I want to do is talk.”

Joan reached out and touched his shoulder.

He laughed again. A laugh that came directly from his belly. “Yes, I’m real. Well, as real as a centuries-old spirit gets. I even eat all those cookies children leave me each year. And let me tell you, that’s a heavenly feat.” Again, he looked skyward. “Yes, sir, I am well aware that borders on gluttony. A sin. You know darn well it has nothing to do with gluttony and everything to do with the magic of Christmas, an affirmation that Santa is real. I do it for the children.” He smiled at Joan. “Sometimes, He gets a little overbearing with his angels.”

He smirked. “Even God has his faults. He is by no means perfect.” A strong wind swirled through the plaza, nearly catching his knitted cap. He clapped his hand on his head to hold it down. He whispered, “And he doesn’t take criticism too well, either.”

Joan stared at the man. Surely, she was losing it. Santa a spirit, an angel? He and God didn’t even travel in the same circles. She shook her head, trying to make the hallucination go away.

Santa sighed. “I know, I know. You’ve been taught that I’m not real. That I’m a myth. That’s a rumor started by Satan himself, the old devil. He can’t stand the fact that people embrace the goodness in the world. And that I spread good cheer. He would much rather unleash a plague and make people miserable. He hates Christmas. He hates that the birth of Christ is celebrated, and his birth, well, is not. He really can’t stand the fact that love binds people so tightly during the holidays.” Santa shook his fist toward the ground. “The fool pouts all through the holidays.” He then sat up straight and gazed at Joan. “Christmas is really about love, you know. All kinds of love. The type of love he’ll never have. Love of family, love of children, love of—”

“What the heck do you want?” Joan blurted. “People are starting to stare.”

“The Last Christmas” is scheduled for release in December 11, 2020and will be available from all major booksellers, including--  Preorder Link Available November 27, 2020

About Seelie Kay:Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen!  In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of 18 works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, the Feisty Lawyers series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The White House Wedding, and The President’s Daughter.

When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.

Ms. Kay is an MSwarrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS:  Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!

 

Author links:

www.seeliekay.com

Blog:  https://www.seeliekay.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SeelieKay

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seelie.kay.77

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/seeliekay51/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Seelie-Kay/e/B074RDRWNZ/