Shyla Colt's Blog, page 4
July 23, 2015
Synchronicity: VLOG
Synchronicity:
the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.
It’s crazy when the stars align and the universe seems to be your friend. This has been my experience for the past couple of weeks, so I made it my topic. I’ve felt, guided to talk about encouragement. I even had a wonderful reader ask me about how I got started, my thoughts on self-publishing, and tips. If that doesn’t also fall under the “Encouragement” topic, I don’t know what does. To top it all off, I open MY loved and Blessed box, and what does my card say? Encouragement. *laughs.
Please sit back and join me for as I share my thoughts on Self-publishing, how I got started, and share an exclusive reading for my upcoming release, A Lighter Shade of Blue. ( Kings of Chaos book 2)
July 16, 2015
Work Hard ….. Play Hard…
Work Hard ….. Play Hard…
I get asked what I do when I’m not writing. Well cooking, is another one of my passions. I’m always trying to balance out work with “play”, and this Vlog pushes me to do that even more. ( So thanks, Colts) I love sharing a bit of my daily life with you and possibly introducing you to new things, as well as exploring them myself. Today I’ll be hosting a cooking with Shyla via Blue Apron. My fabulous friend recommended Blue Apron to me. It’s an amazing subscription that offers healthy meals ready to go with just a little prep and cook time. You fill out your likes and dislikes, and they guide you to meal options accordingly.
Every week is something new, and you select the weeks that offer meals you’re interested. I love the convenience, but I also like the cooking skills I’m gaining. I’ve learned how to make new meals, use different spices, and spend time as a family. In my house, everyone got involved in this.
How do you relax? What do you splurge on to treat yourself?
July 9, 2015
Balance
Life is a tightrope walk of balance. I’ve spent the past few months trying to get my scales to match. It’s hard to not only carve out time for yourself but it’s even harder to keep your inner balance. I set out on a mission to feed myself spiritually and creatively. That took thinking out of the box, forcing myself to put me first, and reconnecting.
It’s easy to get caught in a rut. There are so many things to take care of, work, choirs, responsibilities, friendships. The list is endless. But I think we owe to ourselves to make sure life consists of more. One of the things I’ve been loving is my Sapphire Soul Box. There’s always something uplifting, exciting, and thought provoking. It’s helped me relearn who I am and discover new things. Two things I’m always looking to do any chance I get.
The truth is hard. Admitting thigns that work and don’t can be painful and uncomfortable. So we tend to shy away from it. I challenge you to examine things and have an honest conversation with yourself. Then act on it.
July 2, 2015
Author Speaks: A one on one with me, Shyla Colt
Today I decided to do a little something different. So I’m inviting you into my home for a one on one. I’ll be answering some of my most common questions, talking about my inspirations, and reading an excerpt from Spun
July 1, 2015
Protected Heart Blog Tour with LaQuette
Protected Heart Blog Tour HTML Code
Directions: If you’re looking for a shortcut, I’ve created an html code post. All you have to do is copy and paste it into a new post on your blog and it should create the post for you. My blog set up gives me the option of looking at both the visual and the text code when I’m preparing a post. If yours does the same, just click over to the text button then highlight, copy and paste all of the code below.
Thanks,
LaQuette
Protected Heart: Queens of Kings: Book 3
by LaQuette
Publisher: Hot Ink Press
Release Date: June 25, 2015
Buy Link: http://smarturl.it/ProtectedHeart
Blurb:
When trust becomes a matter of life or death…
Heart Searlington, captain of the seventy-fourth precinct in Brooklyn, New York, has everything she could ever want. The sexy as sin husband, the perfect house, and the perfect addition to their family, four-month-old Amare.
But when a senseless act of violence threatens the lives of two people she loves, Heart does what comes natural to her…she protects what’s hers.
Kenneth Searlington, billionaire real estate tycoon, is living the ultimate dream—family, friends, and wealth. Life couldn’t be more perfect, until trusting the wrong friend puts his life on the line.
When he can’t trust friends or family, Kenneth takes matters into his own hands. Who should Kenneth trust? The wife who lied, or the friend and family who betrayed him? Maybe the only person he can trust is himself?
When protecting the heart she loves forces Heart to omit certain truths about herself and those she loves, can Kenneth see past her betrayal long enough for her to keep him alive?
Excerpt:
The subtle touch of fingers so familiar to his skin he could confuse it for his own grazed the slick skin of his shoulder until it slid down his back as smoothly as the droplets of water raining down on him.
“You okay?” she asked softly into his ear. “I was afraid today was too much for you. You’ve only been back home a handful of days.”
He nodded his head, eyes still closed to the streaming water saturating the thick strands of his hair.
He felt her hand crawl back up the length of his back, the movement making the muscles that rested just beneath her digits twitch in anticipation. Heart was right, he had returned from the hospital several days before, but in that time the two of them had barely spent any alone time together.
They’d both been physically present, and usually that was all it took to stoke the embers that always seemed to be on a low simmer just waiting for an excuse to fan the flames to full blaze. But since his release there had been something there, something that was keeping them from being them.
Kenneth turned his head slightly toward the sound of her voice. He opened his eyes just enough to see the water-sprinkled vision of her standing to the side of him. He pulled her into his embrace and pinned her back against the wall between his outstretched arms.
There was nothing like the sight of his wife naked and waiting for him. No matter how difficult things were between them they’d always had this. It baffled him that he’d allowed whatever this was between them to fester to the point where he hadn’t touched his wife in days.
The knowledge that she’d kept something so important from him fucked with his head in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Truth was he really hadn’t even given serious thought as to why her omission of the facts about Bryan and Justice impacted him so much.
But to deny himself this, this connection, this reassurance that his world was grounded, that they were whole, what the fuck was he thinking?
He positioned her directly under the spray of water and watched the fullness of her hair flatten against her scalp and back. She would bitch at him later about having to go to the hairdresser, but the thought of that conversation alone was pulling up the corners of his mouth into a wicked smile.
He allowed his fingers to rest at the base of her head, fingers caressing her nape in just the right way to make her fall into his touch. His heart tightened slightly. They’d been stressed and their connection strained, but underneath all the bullshit, it was still there and he was grateful for it.
Their connection is what kept his soul intact, what kept him sane enough to deal with the rest of his life when dealing with the craziness that wealth brought.
“We have a lot to discuss, Heart.”
“Kenneth I—”
He leaned down and pressed a hard kiss to stop whatever it was she was about to say. Words weren’t what they needed now. He giggled to himself. If their shrink could hear his thoughts she’d be jumping up and down screaming her opposition to his line of thinking.
Kenneth wasn’t against therapy. It had definitely worked to get the two of them back on track, and he definitely wanted them to sign up for a session or two after this latest fiasco, but this wasn’t something that needed fixing. This was the one way that their communication was perfect and they were absolutely in sync.
He plunged his tongue inside the warmth of her mouth and savored the sweet hint of apple juice that danced on his taste buds.
He pulled back just a moment to give them each a chance to breathe.
“I’m not avoiding the conversation we need to have, and as soon as we’re finished in here we’re going to throw on some clothes and go downstairs in the kitchen and hash this shit out over a cup of coffee. But right now, I just need to feel my wife.”
Author Bio
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/LaQuetteonAmazon
Facebook: Http://www.Facebook.com/LaQuetteTheAuthor
Twitter: @LaQuetteLikes
Website: http://www.LaQuetteLikes.com
2015 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award Finalist in Erotic Romance, LaQuette, a native of Brooklyn, New York, spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator.
Writing–her escape from everyday madness–has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she’d forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.
She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette’s Lounge.
Other Titles by LaQuette
Divided Heart: Queens of Kings: Book 2
Blurb:
The last two years of Heart MacKenzie Searlington’s life have been a constant forward motion of change. She’s been promoted to NYPD captain of the seventy-fourth precinct in Brooklyn, a job she never wanted, but is slowly finding her way through with the help of a dedicated second in command and a house full of exemplary officers.
Married to the sexy and powerful mogul, Kenneth Searlington, Heart is living all of the dreams she never knew to ask for before she fell in love with the man that stole her heart. Although Kenneth bathes her in his love and devotion, insecurities from the past still haunt her and cast a dark veil over their union.
Kenneth Searlington knows only one thing, he worships his wife. He has a singular purpose: to love her as hard as he can for the rest of their lives and to neutralize any threat that dares to come up against them. But how does he protect them when that threat comes from the woman he loves?
Thrown by a devastating loss, Heart allows pain and despair to drive a wedge so large between them they may never be able to recover. Pushed beyond his limits, excluded and taken for granted, Kenneth has to decide whether to allow darker urges to control him, or to use his rage to fight for the one thing he adores, Heart.
Can they mend the rift, or will a divided heart end their legendary love?
Available on Amazon
Heart of the Matter: Queens of Kings: Book 1
Blurb:
Heart “Mac” MacKenzie is a tough police lieutenant in the NYPD servicing the rough streets of Brooklyn, New York. She’s a strong leader who doesn’t mind getting in the trenches with the men and women she leads at the seventy-fourth precinct. Her house, her people, and her family—both blue and blood—are the only things that matter. She would live and die for the blue wall that shields her from a traumatic past.
When her captain assigns her a high-profile kidnapping case that she doesn’t want, and insists she allows the missing girl’s irritatingly sexy uncle to tag along during the investigation, her blood boils. Mac has no choice but to do what she always does when things get out of control, lay down the law—her law.
Kenneth Searlington is a rich playboy from the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With stunning looks and an unlimited source of wealth, he’s used to being the center of everyone’s attention, especially the women that he comes in contact with in high society. His life is fun and carefree until his niece, Merridith is kidnapped, and he’s forced to seek out the help of his godfather an NYPD police captain, David Porter.
Afraid and frustrated, Kenneth defers to his uncle’s expertise and his promise that he’s putting his best cop on the case, Lieutenant MacKenzie. When Kenneth discovers “Mac” is actually a sexy as sin lady cop with a fiery temper to match, he decides mixing a little business with pleasure might be just the thing he needs to distract him from long-standing family issues that are trying to crawl their way back into the forefront of his life.
Each used to having their own way, can these two work together long enough to bring an innocent child home? Or will they settle their differences and unyielding attraction in a more carnal way and get right down to the heart of the matter?
Available on Amazon
My Beginning
Blurb:
Genesis Lawrence left her home and family in Brooklyn, New York ten years ago and never looked back. When you’ve spent your entire life protecting yourself from the ones that are supposed to love you, running to the other side of the country seems like the best idea ever. Emotionally bankrupt, she begins rebuilding her life after failed familial connections and a broken marriage leave her too raw to ever believe happiness exists for her. Work as a Physical Therapist in her rehab clinic is all she knows and all she wants.
Drew Marrack has spent the last year of his life trying to end the soul-searing pain of losing his mother by any means necessary, even if that means ending him—literally. After a tragic accident and a r resulting disability that devastates the tattered remnants of his world, only one name can give him a brand-new start: Genesis.
Pain, heartache, secrets, and tragedy from the past bring them together, and then fight to tear them apart. Is new love strong enough to give them the fresh beginning they both need, or is this simply the beginning of their end?
Available on Amazon
June 25, 2015
Lovely red woman lips isolated on white
Today I wanted to...
Lovely red woman lips isolated on white
Today I wanted to talk about something I think we can all relate to, Romance in real life? It’s a lot harder than romance on the page, or the screens. There’s no long days, hectic schedules, or every day tasks to get in the way of true love in the books. Those things are generally glossed over.
In real life, by the end of the day , we’re just plain tuckered out. We get into out routine, and a rut and the heat and intimacy can go by the wayside. As a romance writer, I’m constantly looking for new ways to express love, caring. Looking up dates of all shapes, sizes, and costs is a must. That being said, romance in real life is harder, and trust me, I put the work into that.
I wanted to share with you guys a few simple, low-cost dates and tips to keep you and your significant other connected, and feeling the warm and fuzzies.
Pink rose and hearts on old handwriting
1. Movie Night. This one is all about the atmosphere. Don’t just pick a flick and sit on the couch, set the mood. Grab your favorite theater candies from the dollar store along with some popcorn, and snuggle up. If you have kids, wait till their down for the count. It’s amazing what wonders this can work.
2. Soup Sampling/picnicstyle…
Pick a few different flavors of soup, crackers, and drinks. Add a tent and a blanket if you’d like. This works in doors our outdoors. Share the soups, snuggle up, and enjoy some quiet downtime, catching up.
3. Game Night Games aren’t just for kids. Get creative. Choose the games you both loved as kids, or be adventurous and find some new ones you’ve never heard of. It’s a low cost way to have a great time over and over.
In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose track of what’s important. Remember to hold onto those simple things, and sprinkle bits of joy and fun into your schedule regularly. I hope you guys enjoyed Romance in Real life, it’s something I’d like to continue doing for the Vlog.
June 23, 2015
Shyla’s Top Reads
My Top three Reads of the month. I’ve been making sure to carve out time for reading, and these were my favorites!
1. Nine Minutes by Beth Flynn
This book blew me out of the water, just wow. Ms. Lynn came in fearless and wrote a raw, gritty, and layered story about a young girl coming of age among the outlaw motorcycle gang that kidnapped her. By the time you get to the end of the story, you’ll feel like you have Stockholm Syndrome. Grizz isn’t a good man, but he loves Kit, and has his redeeming moments. Do they outweigh the many sins he’s committed? I’ll allow you to answer that for yourself. Born to a hippie mother who likes to drink too much, Kit has pretty much taken care of herself. At fifteen she’s an intelligent, independent young woman with a bright future ahead of her. Then she makes a bad decision that completely changes her life.
Their story is on of violence, growth, and uncomfortable moments, but above everything else love.
2. Harmony ( The Club Girl Diaries #1)
This book took me by surprise. Club girls blend into the MC scenery, and aren’t’ usually looked at in depth. Ms. Jane did an amazing job of showing us how they live, how some of them think, and why just maybe, they get a bum wrap. Harmony is smart, sassy, intelligent, and living life on her own terms. Proud to be a Club Girl, she abides by the rule and in exchange has her college tuition paid for along with a roof over her head, spending money, and all the fun she can handle. Her approach to what she does was eye opening. A vast majority of college girls sew their wild oats, why should she be different because her sewing is limited to a group of men. ( Makes you think doesn’t it?)
When our hero comes on the scene with his brilliant blue eyes and commanding presence things change swiftly. Kit takes one look at the beautiful blonde, and knows she’s something special. The outlaw isn’t afraid to show her how he felt, which was what endeared him to me. He took his time,showing her with actions he was there to stay.
Full of twists, turns, and interesting characters, this is a must read.
3. Vicious Cycle by Katie Ashley
I devoured this amazing read. I was hooked from the very first page. Full of wounded characters, complex plotlines, and a spattering of humor. This hits all the romance sweet spots. Did I mention the smexy scenes are heat wave inducing.
When school teacher, Alexandra Evans falls in love with her introverted student Willow, she finds herself going the extra distance to make sure her student is okay. That concern, leads her to the rough, rugged, and unruly, Deacon, Willow’s father. The dance that comes next as two very different worlds brush and eventually collide is a dazzling combination of stops, starts, compromise, and sacrifice.
Deacon had so much growth in this book. I loved that about him. He started off as someone who needed a serious wake-up call. I wanted to throttle him more than not. But that changed as he stepped up and became the man he needed to be for his family, and i think for himself.
I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, because the journey is always best when there are surprises.
June 18, 2015
Hope ( Loved and Blessed Box)
Today I want to talk about Hope. It was the theme of my Loved & Blessed Box, and man did it arrive right on time! Hope it the belief that it’s going to get better, and your dream are attainable. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world, and it’s beaten out of us daily. By monotony, negativity, and the doubts in our head. I think there’s truth to the saying, we’re our own worst enemy. We see all the flaws, and failures because anyone on the top has certainly been at the very bottom at some point. Success, dream fulfillment, and happiness are all journeys, not destinations. But just like a car, we need fuel to keep on trucking.
We have to remember to look back and see how far we’ve come. I love to keep a gratitude journal for that. Writing down the things I’m grateful for and reviewing them daily, along with goal lists drive home what I’ve been doing. Reminiscing is fantastic, as long as we don’t’ get caught in a time loop. Then we become in danger of falling into the “grass is always greener.”
Inspirational musing like the ones I received in this box, along with the 31 day challenge book ( which I am starting today and will talk about) help bolster me and keep me on track. It’s one of the reasons I love this subscription so much. In our fast paced world, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what’s truly important. Sprinkling little reminders throughout the month is important.
June 11, 2015
Me Time & Soul Searching
Today I’m excited to bring another Sapphire Soul unboxing. The reason I love this box so much is because it touches on physical health and spiritual health, and I think we need both in balance to be happy and healthy. I received a lot of goodies from an aromatherapy kit, to a facial mask, but it’s the me-time this provides. I appreciate most.
I made a pact with myself to carve out me time in 2015, and I’m shocked to say, it’s more of a challenge than it should be. Do you find yourself experiencing the same thing at times? I challenge you to schedule it in along with all the other things you take care of: appointments, games, and teacher conferences. Mark it on your calendar, set an alarm on your phone, and take that time, guilt free.
This year I’m on a journey towards balance and peace, and its lead me to some very interesting places. Currently, I’m doing a Desire Map, which is a unique way to look at our wants, needs, and the things that we’d like to improve in our life. Once I’m done, I’ll do a review, and tell you how it’s affected me. Have you done any worksheets, studies, or classes you’d like to speak about?
June 4, 2015
Skosh Box Unboxing : Japanese Snack Sampling
The Floating Otorii gate at Miyajima, Japan.
I’ve always been interested in the Japanese culture. I think it originated from my love of manga in my teens and my father’s very vivid description of his time spent serving in Okinawa. Once I was introduced to Sailor Moon, however, my interest skyrocketed.
KAWASAKI,JAPAN – OCTOBER 27: The spectacular Sailor Moon costumed attendees in the most annual amazing Halloween parade in Japan with 3000 attendees on October 27,2013 in Kawasaki city.
I’ve read many since, but that was the one that started it all. My interest has never faded, so when I heard there was a subscription that would send me Japanese snacks monthly, I jumped on it! I hope you’ll join me for a quick glimpse into the world of Japanese snacks
