Vicki Batman's Blog, page 16

How do you jam? #monsterjam #bedifferent #inarut #MFRWauthors

I was a little flabbergasted--in a funny way.

You see, a few weeks ago, Handsome asked for a birthday gift. Not his normal "buy me this book," or a cd. No, Handsome asked if we could go to the Monster Jam Truck Rally.


I had to think about that. Monster trucks--not really my thing. Vintage cars? Yea, love those. I grew up with them. My dad had a vintage Austin Healy and so does Handsome. 

Then, I read something different which made me look at--quite possibly--I was in a rut. I said yes.

Not long later, he asked me to go to a concert featuring a singer he listens to but I don't except on the rare occasion he plays her music and I hear it. I said yes to that, too.

The Monster Jam was a little like something I'd seen on TV. The first round robin featured two trucks facing off. The fastest on the track won and proceeded on.

The second round had the trucks doing two stunts. The winner was selected by the audience scoring. 


For the third round, each truck had so many minutes to do as many stunts as they desired. Some hopped on their front end, rolled on the sides of their wheels, did incredibly high jumps. Many tried to complete an air loop and land on all four wheels. 

Scores were compiled and a winner selected--Grave Digger. LOL

We had fun! And the chicken tenders and fries were tasty.


What else did I do out of the rut? I indie published Sommerville days. I love writing short stories, especially cute-meet ones. It's a leap of faith to publish something on your own and hope readers will be interested. 



5 stars. Vicki Batman has all the feels with these short tales. They make the heart smile!

5 stars. I have read everything Ms. Batman has written. She is an excellent writer with a quick wit that makes me laugh out loud. Her characters are very likeable, and the stories will leave you wanting more.

5 stars. Vicki Batman has a clever endearing way of making each of her characters seem like someone you might know and can relate to in each situation. The stories are witty and warm and keep you rooting for the happily ever after ending. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sommerville Days.

5 stars. Loved every one of the stories. The writing is engaging and fun. The characters are likable and relatable. Well done!

5 stars. Delightful quick read. Perfect addition to a lazy summer afternoon of reading.

4 stars. I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to get wrapped up in the stories and I wasn't ready for them to end when they did. If you like short stories, l highly recommend this book. l would definitely read more books by this author.

Find Sommerville days at: Amazon & KU

Handbag and Book: Brenda Whiteside - Is a Hobo bag a once upon a thing? #mfrwauthors #readromance #accessories #handbag

Hobo bags were a big thing once upon a time. I had a great patchwork, cloth bag I could sling across my body that held so many essentials. I won’t go into all of those essentials. After all, it was the late sixties and early seventies! It was the preferred bag of hippie chicks, and although I never quite made the leap to real hippiedom, my dress and mode of living came darn close.

Making your own hobo bag was the ultimate creation. I tried. Confession: I’m not a good seamstress. So, I settled for the store-bought kind. It had to be made of material and colorful. My original bags are long gone, but I found a similar one on the site Wanelo. My patchwork bag was my favorite. There were no inside pockets, only a small open one on the outside which made a good place to drop car keys. As for finding anything in the cavernous bag, a clueless hunt was required. Digging around with a flashlight was the easiest method. One thing in particular stands out in my memory—the smell. After a while, a gal’s cloth hobo bag took on the scents of all the items she carried. The bag became her brand.

When I wrote The Power of Love and Murder, I wanted my heroine to carry a hobo bag in the prologue. Why? No idea. It was just one of those details that comes into a writer’s head. Penny is a teen at the time of the prologue, but a wealthy one. I decided she would carry a leather hobo bag, more fitting of her financial world. What I had in mind is a photo from Art Fire.

In preparation for this post, I Googled hobo bag. Most of the ones pictured didn’t strike me as what we carried a few decades ago. They weren’t “slouchy” enough. If you buy one now, you might not even know you’re purchasing a hobo bag. Maybe the industry thinks they’ve improved upon the style. Nah… 
For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.
Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.


More about Brenda Whiteside: Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Northern Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense.

Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? White (bright and goes with anything)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? (winter…I live in central Arizona and summers are brutal. Spring and Fall are great, but just love cozying into sweaters)
Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? (pie, fruit pie especially—cherry and peach are the best)
Coffee, Tea, Champagne? (coffee…love my morning cup I make with a dab of coconut oil, a teaspoon of honey, a little half and half, and lots of cinnamon)
Country music or Michael Buble? I am so out of it. Had to Google Buble. I guess I’ll take country but the old stuff, not the phony pop stuff of late.
Pencil or Pen? Pencil mostly


Find The Power of Love and Murder, series book four at: Amazon


Find Brenda Whiteside at: website

Handbag and Book: Lorilei Confer - The Perfect Size #mfrwauthors #designerhandbag #accessories #readromance

This is one of my favorite bags. 
It’s a Patricia Nash Signature May Collection Satchel. It’s the right size to carry everything I need for a long day. It has one zipper pocket and a sectioned off outside pocket, perfect for sunglasses, keys, and cell phone. On the inside, it’s lined with a soft suede-like fabric. There are two small pockets and one large zip pocket and lots of room.
There are five metal feet on the bottom to keep the bag clean. A shoulder strap is included but the attached straps are long enough to carry over your shoulder. It has a zipper close across the top but I usually leave it unzipped for convenience.






Madelyn (Maddy) Morris returns home to arrange her mother’s funeral.  While struggling with her grief she encounters the one man she never wants to see again, the ex who broke her heart and, in more ways, than one. Garrett Fisher, her closest childhood friend and now an FBI agent assigned to the human trafficking task force, never stopped loving Maddie. When he sees her at her mother’s funeral, he decides to finally tell her his true feelings.   Does Garrett have a second chance or has her ex stolen her from him again? 

More about Lorelei Confer: Lorelei Confer lives on a peninsula on the gulf coast of Florida with her husband and AJ, a longhaired Chihuahua and constant companion. She is a multi-published author of two series: the Deadly series and the Saddle Creek series, with five new releases in 2020.


Answer these questions:
Red, White or Blue? Red
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall
Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Pudding
Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Champagne
Country music or Michael Buble? Country
Pencil or Pen? Pen


Find Deadly Homecoming at: Amazon



Find Lorelei Confer at: www.lorleiconfer.com

Happy Valentine's Day! Let's Party #mfrwauthors #valentinesday #readromance

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I hope you are celebrating with the one you love, whether is a spouse, child, friend, furry pet, Celebrate!

I love Valentine's Day--not because of the flowers and chocolate, but because I get to see what others get. And it breaks the winter doldrums, at least in my neck of the woods. Spring is around the corner. And I don't know about you, however, this winter...time to be over.


So, what better way to celebrate? How about a party?? N. N. Light is hosting a fabulous one and tomorrow is my day. How lucky is that?

RafflecopterParties mean gifts, in this case, drawings for these:

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
To participate, go to: Rafflecopter

Have a happy V-Day! Hugs, VB

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you are celebrating wi...

Happy Valentine's Day! 

I hope you are celebrating with the one you love, whether is a spouse, child, friend, furry pet, Celebrate!

I love Valentine's Day--not because of the flowers and chocolate, but because I get to see what others get. And it breaks the winter doldrums, at least in my neck of the woods. Spring is around the corner. And I don't know about you, however, this winter...time to be over.


So, what better way to celebrate? How about a party?? N. N. Light is hosting a fabulous one and tomorrow is my day. How lucky is that?

RafflecopterParties mean gifts, in this case, drawings for these:

Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card Enter to win a $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
To participate, go to: Rafflecopter

Have a happy V-Day! Hugs, VB

A #NewBook with #author Tina Donahue #MFRWauthors #readromance

Welcome to Tina Donahue!

Tina Donahue is an Amazon and international bestselling novelist who writes romance for every taste – ‘heat with heart’ – for traditional publishers and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic novels were Readers' Choice Award winners. Another three were named finalists in the EPIC competition. One of her erotic contemporary romances was chosen Book of the Year at the French review site Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for one of her erotic romances. Two of her titles received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Another two won second place in the NEC RWA contest (different years). Tina is featured in the Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, she worked at a major Hollywood production company in Story Direction.





Longing to be bad…

For too many months, Shelby’s craved bad boys Ben and Dominic, cousins and celebrated chefs at the opulent Caribbean resort where she works. Their heated gazes prove they hunger for her as much as she does for them, but they’ve yet to make a move on her.

That won’t do. Yearning for their potent masculinity, killer smiles, and effortless charm, she sets into motion a decadent plan to be with them … at least for a little while. Her ideas include nude photos, a locale where anything goes 24/7, plus BDSM and other kink.

Fun-loving Dominic’s fully onboard. He’s had his eye on Shelby from the start. Ben has too, but he’s reluctant to mix business with pleasure. Since a previous work relationship screwed him big time, he doesn’t want to repeat the experience and won’t … as long as he keeps this strictly about sex, no strings or expectations.

Yeah, right. In an erotic journey that will surprise this threesome, all bets are off, resistance impossible, surrender assured.


Find Thrill Me at:


Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0844FPFQW

Apple: https://books.apple.com/lu/book/thrill-me/id1495716821

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thrill-me-tina-donahue/1136155960

Evernight Publishing: https://www.evernightpublishing.com/thrill-me-by-tina-donahue

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1000975



(Bookstrand and Kobo coming soon!)

 

Find Tina at:


Website/Blog: http://tinadonahuebooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DonahueTina1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinadonahue

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tina-donahue

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Donahue/e/B001IZPJXO

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/146988.Tina_Donahue




Want to participate in the fun stuff: 

A Giveaway! $55 in GCs and ebooks from bestselling authors to one winner



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/thrill-me-book-tour-and-giveaway    


                                                                                        

HOSTED BY:

Silver Dagger Book Tours: https://www.silverdaggertours.com/

Today, author Pam Thibodeaux with a #handbag and a #book #MFRWauthors #readromance #accesories

I’m not big on handbags or purses. Never have been. My purses tend to be black and small enough to tuck under the seat of a vehicle when I need it with me, but don’t have to carry it the entire time I’m out. Like when I go dancing. I may need my purse to get where I’m going, but will not carry it into the club. However, like many folks, I tend to collect bags – well, tote bags anyway LOL! 
This particular tote has wonderful memories attached to it. No, it’s not pretty, just a plain, plastic tote (clear for security purposes) but look at the emblem…. ALL American Half-Time Show. 
What is that? You ask. 
This is the half-time show you see during the Citrus Bowl (football game) on New Years Day every year! Why is it important to me? 
#1: My son has been a choreographer/coach for this event nearly every year for the past 10+ years. #2: My granddaughter performed in the show Jan. 1, 2019 #3: A sweet friend (more like a niece) danced with my granddaughter last year. You see, Lexi was a high school Senior and (granddaughter) Bryanna a Freshman. Performers are middle/high school age making this the only time these two would ever perform together! 
Also, this was my first visit to Disney (ok that’s 4 reasons LOL!) but I had to share that little fact too. 
So, no, the bag I’m bragging on today is not a pretty handbag I discovered on an impromptu shopping trip, vacation or any other special time, but it is one I’ll always treasure. 
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story! 
Answer these questions: Red, White or Blue? Blue Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Definitely Summer Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? ….hmmm…as much as I like chocolate, I’m not a fan of chocolate pudding so a chocolate pie would be nixed too but you can give me chocolate cake any day! Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Coffee Country music or Michael Buble? Country Music Pencil or Pen?  Pencil tends to fade and become illegible, so give me a pretty colored pen. 
Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another?   
Find Tempered Dreams at: Amazon Find Pamela S Thibodeaux at: Facebook

Five Weeks and Counting #MFRWauthors #readromance #shortstories

Five weeks ago, I had surgery-alert! squeamish party-a girl part surgery. I had a hysterectomy long ago and a bladder lift. This time I got a vagina lift.

It seems birthing big boys might have been the problem. The ob-gyn said I had great collagen here-he drew a circle around his face, implying my face-but not down there. I think he hit it. People look at me and say I don't look my age. I flip this over to my mother who was beautiful. Perfect pinky peachy skin and few wrinkles.

My ob-gyn didn't do this surgery and referred me to a doctor. The new doc and I met and determined and scheduled. Like most of us, I wanted the procedure to happen asap, but I had a few things to do first, a couple of trips and Thanksgiving. So I scheduled the surgery for the day after I returned from my annual girlfriend trip and three weeks before Christmas.

I worked hard to get Christmas ready. And I did, except for wrapping. Yeah, me!

Handsome and I went to the hospital early (naturally) and I was prepped and off rather quickly. In recovery, I had horrid pain. Several hours later, I was moved to my room, but I don't remember getting there. 

With the pain meds, I rested. I was given "interesting" hospital food, but only ate crackers. My taste buds were off. The next day, I had to pee before going home and barely did. I had horrid pain attacks again. Once home, I took pills and felt better. 

This was the norm for five days. On Saturday, my thighs spasmed and my stomach pain returned full force plus. I have to admit-I screamed. But following that bad day, I did gradually improve. 

Every week brought something different. My goal was to be ready for Christmas. This was our family's first with our granddaughter. It would be special.

I took time each day to wrap gifts and watched way too many Hallmark movies. Used lots of gift bags, too.

I realized something - being out of commission during the holidays was kinda sucky. Mostly sucky.

I have a little over a week to go before I get the all-clear to resume my normal life. I work out every day; sometimes, I do two workouts a day. I have to ask Handsome way too many times to carry this and that. Lift this and that. (I've seen the eyerolls.)

For those of you who have undergone more than me and made it to the other side, you have my undying admiration. Sometimes, life is a bugger-bear.


What else did I do while recuperating? READ


Love blossoms in the small town of Sommerville in these heartwarming tales, filled with fun and forever possibilities.


Raving Beauty: What if the love of your life was in front of you all along?


Store Wars: The competition is heating up when Janie's old flame returns to town and is running his family's store. Could following dreams break her heart?


San Diego or Bust: When a young woman plans a romantic getaway with her boyfriend, disaster strikes. Is her Mr. Right the right Mr. Right?
Recoop from the winter blahs here: Amazon

A few Things - Thoughts and Questions #MFRWauthor #amreading #cookies

How were your holidays? I can't complain. We had our kiddoes and family over, but the most fun was playing with my five-month-old granddaughter. She got a kick out of her See n Say. A little different version from the one my boys played with-smaller and uses a battery. She stuffed gift wrap paper in her mouth. 

How's your health? I had surgery on the first of December and have laid low. I had some pain for a while, no energy for a while, but somehow managed to get a shower and fix my hair every day. Contacts and makeup were optional. LOL

How's your community? I am blessed to be with two groups of mahjong girls. We care about each other and love the game. It's good for our brain. I'm missing my Jazzercise pals fiercely but I am hoping for the thumbs-up in a few weeks so I can return to my normal life. 

How's your reading? Oh my, I got such a great gift for Christmas-a Paperwhite. Years ago, I bought a kindle and found a clip-on reading light. A week after the purchase, the Paperwhite debuted. I am a granddaughter of the depression and do not like wasting money; so I stuck with the Kindle and the light. My #1son saw what I'd cobbled together and bought me a new one. The best news evah? I've read tons of books. The light is so helpful. Meanwhile, I berate myself over why did I wait?

Have you discovered marshmallow Oreos? I found them and was hoping for more. :(

How's my writing? Two new projects are coming in 2020! And Sommerville holidays did very well in sales. Just in case you missed this bundle of fun:


Hopes and wishes and holiday kisses...Sommerville holidays.


Holiday Disaster: Days before Christmas, a librarian experiences plumbing issues and visits from Mr. Maintenance Man who isn’t nearly as jolly as Santa Claus.


The Littlest Angel: Two people. One ornament for the tree. Can a twosome find common ground and discover the true meaning of Christmas?


Holiday Handbag Extravaganza: Christmas Countdown is on! A hunk-a-licious customer pesters a boutique owner to locate a vintage handbag for his mother. Too bad the wedge between them is his sister, the meanest girl in town.
Find your reading fun at: Amazon

May Your Days be Merry and Bright! A #gift for you #MerryChristmas

Several years ago, my sister insisted I watch a small movie, Star in the Night. This wonderful little drama tells the story of holiday travelers who come together in an autocourt and help a family at Christmas time, a modern day telling of the Nativity story.. The film released in 1945, and in 1946, won an Oscar for best short drama.

Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. 

The film grabs my heart and brings a tear of joy to my eye. I want to share it with you. Click the link below the picture (might have to copy/paste, but totally worth it):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXjdB...


May Your Days be Merry and Bright! 
Many hugs, VB