Vicki Batman's Blog, page 73

.@VickiBatman - Launch Stella E-A's new book: Kiss My Lips #MFRWorg #newbook

Welcome to Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku


Let's get to know Stella: I was born and raised in a lovely bustling place in South West Nigeria called Benin City, but I live in London, United Kingdom. I’m second in a family of six. I have a B.Sc in Microbiology and an EMBA.
I love and enjoy writing romance novels that are a fine blend of intense sensual romance, intrigue    and conflict. My characters are larger-than-life, feisty and have heart and soul. The story lines are detailed with heart-stopping romantic twists that come alive.                                                                  In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel. My collection of contemporary romance novels includes, LOITERING SHADOWS, STORMY DEFENSE, BEYOND the LADY, the National Novel Writing Month 2010 winning novel, THE GARDENER’s ICE MAIDEN, SPARKLING DAWN, HUSBAND to RENT and the first novella and series - STOLEN VALENTINE KISS (Holiday Series #1). I’m currently working on my first Nigerian Historical Romance. It's a series of three books set in Ancient Benin City. The three titles are set in three eras, the 18th, 19th & 20th Century respectively.   I'm thrilled for the opportunity to research my ancestors of the ancient Benin Empire. I'm keen to throw in the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen Nogbaisi (1888 – 1914) who was exiled to Calabar in 1897 by the British. I'm determined to bring the bustling Benin Empire to my readers.                                     I take care of my handsome, life-size hero of a husband who keeps my romantic wheels oiled and my two vibrant & loving ‘near teenagers’. When I'm not neck deep in writing and loving my family, I love to read romance novels, swim and watch TV, including Nollywood.                                                             

Kiss My Lips  Will one kiss seal their love?(Holiday Series #2)
A little blurb from Kiss My Lips:  Accepting Logan’s marriage proposal was the most exciting event of Lorna’s life. But deciding in what country to marry her fiancé proved to be more than a tearful ordeal. When Lorna’s dad announced unexpected news, the wedding wheels spun in a different direction.With other family members stirring conflict, would there be a wedding? Or would their shared kiss deepen their desire?
And a nice excerpt from Kiss My Lips:
The dining table was already set with auntie’s orchard crockery.At first, her father nodded in understanding. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw him approach from the opposite end of the dining table. "I travelled across the Atlantic to speak with my daughter who is getting married to a man I haven't met, at a venue I don't know about," he all but shouted. Bile rose to her throat. “Oh, my wedding venue is suddenly a bother to you, dear dad?”He lifted his hands and swore under his breath. “Your aunt mentioned you had fancy ideas about getting married here in Jersey City. Let me tell you upfront, that’s impossible. As your father, I say you’ll get married in Nigeria, in Owerri where the entire Ibe clan holds sway. That’s the way it is done.”Her fingers strained against the table knife she picked up as her father ranted. “Give me one reason why you think you should have a say on where I get married.” Her father glared at her as if she was mad.“What kind of a stupid question is that? You’re my daughter and that’s why you do as you’re told. Or do you want the man and his family to think you fell from the sky? He should know where you hail from.”“Lorna, please put that knife down,” her aunt warned. Lorna looked at the weapon in her clenched fist. She hadn’t realized she was pointing it in her dad’s direction.“I have no intention whatsoever to oblige your wish. I’ll not travel to Nigeria to get married. That’s out of the question.” Fury turned her voice icy.Her aunt cleared her throat to stop her brother from replying. “Lorna, if you rule out Nigeria because you have no friends there, what about tying the knot in London?” Then she faced to her brother. “If travelling to Nigeria sounds a bit far-fetched, why don’t you have the wedding in London where Lorna grew up? If we decide on having it in London, we have a middle ground.”“I see both of you have conspired to deny me the joy of giving out my only child in front of my family and the elders in the village. No child of mine is getting married in London or America. I’ll not be a party to it.”
Find Stella at:WebsiteFacebookPreorder Kiss My Lips at: Amazon US     Amazon UKGiveaway!!! 
Leave a comment. Every reader who leaves a comment on the blog gets one free eBook of Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series # 1).

.@VickiBatman - Your bookshelf picture worthy? #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses

Is your bookshelf picture worthy?


I saw a post where people were asked to pose in front of their bookshelves and share a selfie. Yeah, I can't do a good selfie. But I can take a pix of my bookshelves. 



Oh my. From this view, I have a mess. 

On top are photos by #2 son. The books begin with Maeve Binchy through Kathleen Woodiwiss. 

There's an old CD player, four boxes of CDs, personalized notecards, files, every Dick Francis mystery, pictures, jewelry, a St. Anthony candle, maps, and a picture made from popsicle sticks. The book case on the right has 3 TBR shelves. $13.00 I paid myself for not eating chocolate (should have paid myself more!). 

The books look good--except for the TBRs. It's the trinkets. I have a hard time parting with gifts from family and friends. 

So no, my shelves aren't perfect. And one day, I'll do an overhaul. But for now, they are mine with my things and I love them.

If you want, you can put up a pix on my FB page and show off your shelves. Go here: Vicki Batman, sassy writer



Are your shelves picture perfect? Is there something there you can't do without? 



Vicki Batman is thrilled her baby Temporarily Employed is launched and has been celebrating with cake!

.@VickiBatman - when a friend shares a treasure with you #Handbag Monday #MFRWauthors #RLFblog

When a friend gifts a bag.... :)




~   Handbag Monday   ~


Several years ago, my friend knew of my love for all things handbags and said she had something to give me. 

An adorable box bag she had made. The body is a wooden box, covered in bandanna type of fabric in red and black. Black rickrack is glued around the edges. The whole thing is varnished and topped with a sassy plastic handle. 

I love it. And treasure this bag because it came from my friend who passed away from cancer. She was a true friend, exuberant, loved chocolate and Mexican food, used the F-word frequently, avid needlepoint stitcher, world traveler, and danced her own steps in Jazzercise.

One day in class, my friend and I experienced the migration of the monarchs. Right before that event, she had told me her cancer had returned. I went home and journaled what had happened and eventually, wrote the story, "Taking Flight." MuseItUp Publishing published the story in their cancer anthology, Lavender Dreams.




Profits from the sales of this go to support a hospital where a MIUP editor who had cancer had been taken care of: MIUP     Amazon

But I have my own scare with cancer. Eight years ago, Handsome was diagnosed with esophageal cancer which had spread to three places. He had surgery, chemo, and radiation. I talk about this journey at: Romance Lives Forever

My friend told me Handsome was at the top of her prayer list. Her top. Truly, she is dancing with angels.

This Party is rocking! Launch party for my romantic comedy #mystery Temporarily Employed #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses #KOD

Today is launch party day over at my Sassy Writer page: Vicki Batman, Facebook
I'm hostessing many authors who have giveaways and fun stuff, starting with me:

10 - Vicki Batman
10 - Sylvia McDaniel
11 - Paloma Beck, Lynda Coker
12 - Angi Morgan, Kimberlety Troutte
1 - Alisha Paige Wilson, Donnell Bell
2 - Elizabeth Essex, Karilyn Bentley
3 - Liz Lipperman, Kristina Knight
4 - D'Ann Linscott Dunham, Tina Gayle
5 - Magdalena Scott, Betty Bolte
6 - Melissa Keir, Kayelle Allen
7 - Alexa Bourne, Barbara Barrett
730 - Allie Harrison
8 - The big drawing for my giveaway, a Kate Spade bag loaded with goodies. 

Here's a teaser: 


Like what you see? Here's the link again:  VB FB launch party

Find Temporarily Employed at:


Amazon ebook Amazon paperback TWRP ebook
TWRP paperback

Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou to everyone who has supported me and my writing. Hugs!

Launch Party for my romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed

Temporarily EmployedTime to Party!
You are invited to the launch party
for Vicki Batman’s
romantic comedy mystery

Where: Vicki Batman FB - http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkv
When: October 17, 10 – 8 pm cst

With guests:
10 ~ Elizabeth Essex
11 ~ Paloma Beck & Lynda Coker
12 ~ Angi Morgan
1 ~ Alisha Paige Wilson & Donnell Bell
2 ~ Sylvia McDaniel, Karilyn Bentley
& Kimberley Troutte
3 ~ Liz Lipperman & Kristina Knight
4 ~ D’Ann Linscott Dunham & Tina Gayle
5 ~ Magdalena Scott & Betty Bolte
6 ~ Melissa Keir & Kayelle Allen
7 ~ Alexa Bourne & Barbara Barrett
8 ~ And the winners are??

Special giveaways, excerpts, laughs and virtual champagne for all!

.@VickiBatman - "a life lived in fear is a life half-lived" #MFRWauthors #MFRWorg #RLFblog #TWRP

What is your fear? 
My Journey began a few years back when I took the challenge to write something. I am a huge reader. However, deep in my being was a tiny bubble, a kernel and I didn't dare admit anything to anyone about my secret desire: I wanted to write a book. 
But I was scared. Because writing a book meant showing it to someone to read it--right? Because books are meant to be read. Which meant what if readers don't like it? 
The idea of not being liked stifled me; so I shelved and shuttered the idea until...I was challenged. 
One of my favorite movies is  Strictly Ballroom, a  Cinderella story set in the ballroom scenario. A not-so attractive girl who everyone takes advantage of desperately desires to blossom by becoming a ballroom dancer. A young man has the chance to be ballroom champion if he picks the right partner. These two come together and fulfill their dreams. 
Right before the big show, the young man admits his fear about dancing in a new way. The girl quotes an old family saying, "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived." Wow!
Knowing this, I decided to push myself where I'd "never gone before." I decided to have my manuscript published. 
It took a long time. And in between, I grew and bettered my writing and developed great writing friendships. Finally, The Wild Rose Press took a chance. 
I'm happy to announce the launch of:

Squee! 
A fun bit from TE: New Job. New Love. And Murder.Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite Insurance Company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee--the very one she replaced. 
Detective Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.

Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?

How did I do?  If you like TE, find it at: Amazon ebookAmazon paperback bookTWRP ebookTWRP paperback book

           Time to Party!
And if you like parties, I'm hostessing a great one tomorrow with giveaways (think Kate Spade handbag!), excerpts, virtual cake, champagne, and great authors at:VB's sassy writer FB & party 
Please invite your friends and join our fun with: 
with guests:10 cst – Vicki Batman, Elizabeth Essex11 – Paloma Beck, Lynda Coker12 – Angi Morgan1 – Alisha Paige Wilson, Donnell Bell2 – Sylvia McDaniel, Karilyn BentleyKimberley Troutte3 – Liz Lipperman, Kristina Knight4 – D’Ann Linscott Dunham, Tina Gayle5 – Magdalena Scott, Betty Bolte6 – Melissa Keir, Kayelle Allen7 – Alexa Bourne, Barbara Barrett8 – And the winners are?
Special giveaways, excerpts, laughs and virtual champagne for all! 

.@VickiBatman - guest author Helen Scott Taylor & I'm JEALOUS I don't have her #handbag #MFRWauthors #RLFblog

*  #Handbag Monday  *
welcomes author Helen Scott Taylor. Let's get to know Helen:
USA Today bestselling author, Helen Scott Taylor, writes contemporary romance and has published novels, novellas and short stories in both the US and the UK. Her latest release is Italian Christmas Proposal, the first in a series of three sweet romance novellas set in Naples and the Amalfi Coast.



I love Radley bags. I have a Westie and although the cute dog logo on Radley bags is actually a Scottie, it looks like a Westie to me! I love a gorgeous handbag - add a doggy charm and I'm in heaven.

This particular bag caught my eye as I was looking for a new grab bag with handles but also a long strap that allowed me to wear it across my body for those times when your hands are full of shopping bags. J

The color choices were lovely. I had a hard time choosing between the red and a gorgeous teal. I love my red bag but I still hanker after the teal color. I often open the bag's sale page on the Internet and stare at it longingly. I'd seriously consider buying both if they weren't so expensive.

The bag has a solid base and stands up well on its own. I normally buy softer bags, but I've found this feature really useful. It's a smooth, fine-grain leather and looks lovely.

In summary, adorable, beautiful and worth every penny of the exorbitant price tag! 



A bit about Italian Christmas Proposal:   Desperate to forget her controlling ex-fiancé and have a fresh start, Claire goes to Italy to write about how the Italians celebrate Christmas. Leo has his own troubled past to overcome, but when he rescues Claire from the rain and takes her home to meet his daughter, the magical Italian Christmas offers them both a second chance at happiness.

Find Italian Christmas Proposal at:US: http://amzn.com/B00NOBCPQEUK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00NOBCPQE
Find Helen Scott Taylor at:

http://www.helenscotttaylor.co.uk/

Helen, I must add that I am in love!!! with this Radley bag. First, because it is RED and second, because it is such a great size. I think I shall have an eye on these handbags. 

#Movie Mom - This is Where I Leave You - if you like a good family comedy/drama, this might be the one #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses

I mentioned Handsome and I went for a double feature and I was sooo ready for a comedy.

-- #Movie Mom --
This Is Where I Leave You is a comedy-drama film directed by Shawn Levy and based on the book  by Jonathan Tropper, who also wrote the film's screenplay. I had never heard of the book, but liked the movie immensely. 
The thing with comedies is they are funny, but underneath is a serious undertone. 



The blurb: For their father's last request, four siblings reunite at their childhood home for a week of sitting Shiva.

Yeah, that blurb didn't cover half of it! What I liked is the film focused on each character and their conflict and in the end, we see a glimmer of hope. Starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Corey Stoll, and Adam Driver. We find a recently divorced brother. A sister holding on to a love for a friend while in a difficult marriage. A brother running the family business and trying to get his wife pregnant. The youngest brother who is labeled "loser," yet is utterly charming. The matriarch--played by Jane Fonda--is totally outrageous. 

They argue, fight, hear the most hilarious scene ever over the baby monitor about sex. "This is Where I leave You" has great quips, but we see inside the characters' pain and want them to pull through.

FMI: This is Where I Leave You


Does your family scream, shout, laugh and cry? 



Vicki Batman's family is pretty low key and solve lots of problems over a great meal. Find her romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed, at: Amazon or at: The Wild Rose Press  You will laugh and cry over this one and probably fall for the hunky hero. 

.@Vicki Batman - Need a snappy side dish for #potluck? Try marinated tomatoes #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses #goodfood

Food = Good


Recently, I was invited to a library event. Since I had been out of town, I had to think of something good and quick and didn't want to purchase at the store. 

Marinated Tomatoes  


4 boxes of cherry tomatoes 
1 bottle of robust Italian salad dressing
1 package of Good Season Italian dressing

Pour off the oil from the bottled dressing. Mix in the dry, and shake well. Wash the tomatoes. Cut into halves or quarters, depending on size. Put the cut tomatoes in a bowl and pour the dressing on top. Mix thoroughly and store in the fridge. Occasionally, stir again. Chill overnight.

Notes: You can strain out the liquid. You can use large tomatoes instead of small ones. Use all red, all yellow, mix and match your tomatoes.


I am a huge everything tomato lover. This was a big hit at the party, perfectly seasoned. 


Vicki Batman is sitting at her computer with a diet Dr. Pepper and already making plans for Thanksgiving. Preorder her romantic comedy mystery, Temporary Employed at: Amazon or at:  The Wild Rose Press

#Handbag Monday ~ welcomes author Hanna Martine who claims she has the greatest, unique, and most impractical handbag #MFRWorg #PlottingPrincesses

Hi, Everybody. Author Hanna Martine is at #Handbag Monday to show off The Greatest, Most Unique, Most Impractical Handbag She Owns
~Handbag Monday~
Let's see what Hanna has to say:
This is, hands down, my most favorite and most highly prized handbag. Literally every time I bring it out, someone comments about how much they love it, how unusual it is.


It's big, it's black, it's slouchy. It's nearly impossible to find anything in because of the distance between the handles and the bottom of the one big pouch inside. It's got weird black leather loops that catch on things. (Haven't ripped one yet! Oh God now I need to go knock on wood.) It doesn't stand up when you put it down anywhere; instead it flops over into an unsightly heap. But I love this thing. LOVE IT.
There is no manufacturer's tag, no label declaring its brand. The zipper has an elongated A on it, but it doesn't look familiar. I got it at a resale shop for $69. Go me.
Wow, Hanna! That is a great value and despite all the interesting things you said about the handbag, you still love it. It has style and would love to see it in person. 
Hanna's next contemporary romance, THE GOOD CHASE, releases December 2 from Berkley Sensation.
Here's a blurb from The Good Chase: Gleann, New Hampshire's annual Highland Games always deliver the best of Scottish culture—rowdiness, rugby, whiskey, and unexpected romance... Byrne went from poor beginnings to international high roller by using his charisma and wit, and holding fast to his dreams. A strong, independent woman like Shea, the country's preeminent whiskey expert, is exactly what he's looking for, only he has no idea how to prove he's more than his three-piece suits—especially when he's spent years doing just the opposite. But as Shea and Byrne battle old demons, they discover together that the best remedy for past pain is a good, stiff shot of present pleasure...
Find The Good Chase at: The Good Chase
Find Hanna at: Hanna Martine website

Thank you, Hanna, for being with me on Handbag Monday. And congratulations on The Good Chase. 

Remember, Temporarily Employed launches October 17 at: Sassy Writer Parties