Aven Ellis's Blog, page 5

Connectivity Bonus Scene-The Full House Quiz

I finish my phone call with the wedding planner and step into the living room. I gaze at William, who is typing on his iPad with his brow furrowed in concentration. An errant curl of his dark hair sweeps across his forehead. His crisp white dress shirt is unbuttoned at the neck.

I’m marrying this man in two months, I think.

That still amazes me. That this badass mogul, this gorgeous, sexy, brilliant man, is going to marry me.

IN JUNE.

I lean against the door frame, content to just drink him in while he’s not noticing. Suddenly he pauses for a moment as if he’s thinking. Then William chuckles and goes back to typing on his iPad.

Curiosity gets the better of me.

“What’s so funny, love?” I ask, moving into the living room. I sink down next to him on the sofa, tucking my feet up underneath me.

“Oh, I’m taking a quiz.”

“What?” I say, surprised. “You don’t take quizzes!”

William shifts his eyes over to me, arching an eyebrow. “I’m taking one on your behalf.”

“It better not be a ‘Is your fiancee a Bridezilla’ quiz William Cumberland!”

William laughs. “No. It’s one of those pop culture quizzes that people are so strangely fond of on Connectivity.”

“Okay, have I been picked up and dropped on an alternative universe? You are talking a pop culture quiz on my behalf?”

“Yes. What Full House character are you,” William says easily as he clicks on another answer. “I find it most appropriate, considering you are named after an Olsen Twin.”

“Oh my God, William, seriously? You are an international mogul with a zillion things that need your attention, yet you are taking a Full House quiz to see what character I am?”

“You always come first, darling,” William says easily.

My heart flutters inside my chest. And this is the kind of man he is. Something as stupid as this, something that makes him pause and think of me, immediately has his full attention.

“Besides, I’m trying to rig it so the answer comes up as Kimmie,” William quips, grinning at me.

“William! I’m NOT Kimmie!” I cry, referring to the annoying character on the show.

“Kidding. But you are DJ.”

William then slides the iPad over to me so I can see it.

I furrow my brow as I read the results.

“See? It is you. You are responsible and date hot guys,” William says, referring to the Buzzfeed results description.

“Well, I completely agree with that,” I say, reaching over and sweeping his curl back off his forehead. “So what character are you, William?”

“None,” William declares, laughing.

“You’d be Danny,” I say easily.

“Bloody hell I hope not. He’s boring.”

I burst out laughing. “Well you sure as hell aren’t Uncle Jesse.”

“Why? Isn’t the the hot one?”

“Oh my God, William, I would totally die if I saw you in a mullet!”

We both crack up laughing.

“I don’t know. Could be a bold new look for a badass mogul,” William teases.

“No!”

“I could get a leather vest and T-shirt and start wearing it around the office,” William continues.

“Stop,” I cry. I’m laughing so hard I snort, and then William roars with laughter.

“Peppa, I do love you so.”

“I love you, too.”

Then I lean in and kiss him, and William responds, his warm lips slowly moving against mine.

“Mmm,” I say, breaking the kiss. Then I smile at him. “We’re going to have a fun life together, William. I can’t wait to marry you and make it official.”

William reaches up for the head band in my hair and takes it out. “I feel the same way.” He flips the head band on to the coffee table, and then pushes his iPad aside. “I think I’ve had enough quizzes for one evening.”

“Oh, do you have something else in mind?” I ask, as I see that intense look enter his eyes.

“I’m formulating some plans. Very detailed ones that involve our bedroom.” William stands up and pulls me with him. “Do you care to join me there so you can be briefed on these details, Mary-Kate?”

I love this man.

“I do,” I say sexily, winding my hands around the back of his neck. “But first, I demand you take this shirt off,” I say, dropping my fingertips down to his chest and beginning to work the buttons.

William laughs softly. “Bossy American.”

I look up at him. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way, would you?”

“No. I would not.”

As William’s mouth closes over mine, and we work our way back to our bedroom, I know he’s speaking the truth. He loves me just the way I am, just as I do him.

And when he’s fallen asleep tonight I’m so taking that character quiz for him and slipping the results into his overnight file.

Because William would expect nothing less from me, of course.

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Published on April 06, 2014 16:05

Guest Post–Leading Men from JR Richardson

Today I have a treat for you all. My dear friend Jo Richardson has a new paranormal mystery romance out, Cursed Be The Wicked, and she’s here to discuss her TOP TEN MALE LEADS. Now you know I love Top Ten lists, and MEN, so isn’t this a win/win for all all? I’m already digging her hero, Cooper Shaw, in her book and wonder who I would cast to play him. Hmmmm…but that is a topic for another day. So without further delay, I bring you Jo’s list!

Jo’s Top Ten Male Leads

I couldn’t possibly put these in any kind of order, so this is random. Totally random.

1. Ewan McGregor – Moulin Rouge

“BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T LOVE YOU!”

I mean that face, COME ON.

2. Gerard Butler – Olympus has Fallen

“Why don’t you and I play a game of fuck off. You go first.” (a whole lot of people will know why I love this quote so much)

3. Flynn Rider – Tangled

“Here comes the smolder”

4. Jensen Ackles – Supernatural

“Sonofabitch!”

5. Karl Urban – Almost Human, Star Trek re-vamped

“You look . . . fine.”

6. James McAvoy – Wanted

“This is not me. This is just a motherfucking decoy.”

7. Zachary Quinto – Star Trek, Heroes

“Eat your brain? Claire… that’s disgusting.”

8. Josh Holloway – LOST

“Sup, Freckles.”

9. Robert Pattinson – Remember Me

“If you could hear me, I would say that our finger prints don’t fade from the lives we’ve touched.”

10. RDJ – Iron Man, Sherlock

“Mr. Stark displays textbook… narcissism.” *pauses* “Agreed.”

Now, here’s another leanding man you need to check out–Cooper Shaw in Jo’s new novel, Cursed Be The Wicked. Here’s the synopsis:

Cooper Shaw lives his life under a pen name and enjoys the anonymity it provides during his journeys across the globe as a seasoned writer for a travel magazine. When his job lands him in his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts to cover the famous Festival of the Dead, he soon realizes that he can’t stay invisible forever as he faces ghosts from a past he’s been trying to forget ever since he left.

The city holds nothing but bad memories for Coop until he meets a quirky young woman with an old soul and curious insights by the name of Finnley Pierce. While she acts as his tour guide through a town he thought he knew, Finn helps him unearth the truth of his childhood and might even begin to open up his heart.

By unraveling the mystery of his father’s murder, Coop may finally accept who he is, where he came from, and perhaps even realize what he wants for his future.

Here’s some links for more on Cursed Be the Wicked:

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ISBVAJI

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20526985-cursed-be-the-wicked

Where you can find Jo:

Website: http://jrrichardsonfics.wordpress.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoFictionFreak

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JRRichardson

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Published on March 19, 2014 11:17

OSCARS 2014 WORST DRESSED

Come on now, did you think I wouldn’t post my No, Just No, dresses? Surely you jest. Of course I am!

I sifted through not only Oscar attendees pictures, but Vanity Fair after party pictures as well to bring you a comprehensive collection of dresses that never should have left the rack. And Anna Kendrick has the dubious honor of having not one, but TWO No, Just No, dresses in the same evening….So let’s begin, shall we?

1. Zooey. This is just a mess all the way around.

2. Julie. And this kills me because I FREAKING LOVE HER but this dress doesn’t work with her body or skin tone.

3. Anna #1 The middle of this dress reminds me of IKEA holiday ornaments…

4. Anna #2 Sigh, I don’t like the after party option either.

5. Amanda. AMANDA WHAT HAPPENED? The dress, the hair? No, Just No.

5. Cristin. I want to redo her lipstick….

6. Glenn. This just doesn’t work for me.

7. Elizabeth. No, Just No.

8. Elizabeth. I’m not a fan of the crop top, but totally hate the *formal* wear crop top.

9. Mamie. Oy.

10. Sally. I didn’t like the design or color for her.

I actually have more photos, but I’ll leave this as my Top Ten. What do you all think?

Aven

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Published on March 14, 2014 08:16

OSCARS 2014-MAN CANDY EDITION

Hello Lovelies,

I’m back with what you have been waiting for–the best Man Candy of the 2014 Oscars! And I even found Orlando Bloom at the Vanity Fair Party just for you, HOLLY MARTIN.

And while this is a list of Best Dressed Men, I’m starting the list with BEST PHOTO OF THE NIGHT:

1. Scott Eastwood and Bradley Cooper. Yes, lots of picture clicking made worthwhile by finding this gem of hotness.

2. Leo-My Best Dressed Man O the Night.

3. Chiwetel. A modern twist on the classic tux.

4. Benedict. Wish the pants had a better fit at the bottom (like Leo’s) but come on, you knew unless he showed up in a tank top and a beret he was making this list.

5. Matthew. Just perfect.

6. Orlando. Very sexy. Approved.

Next up: WORST DRESSED. (Which we all know is our next favorite topic next to Man Candy, right?)

xo Aven

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Published on March 04, 2014 19:29

The Oscars 2014–BEST DRESSED WOMEN

I LIVE FOR THE OSCARS.

Not for the awards themselves–very interesting and all that, but come on, we all know I’m here for the FASHION. This is my personal Super Bowl. I run Fashion Command Central out of my house: Red Carpet programming on TV? CHECK. Computer locked and loaded on fashion websites? CHECK. Twitter to find quick hits of arrivals? CHECK. Dark chocolate to snack on? (Come on, I must stay properly fueled to do this job. It’s a serious undertaking, you know.)

Only when all of that is in place is it GO TIME. I mentally note what I like, what I don’t like, and after the show immediately go on line to research outfits I might have missed. And, people, just so you know I’m serious about my Super Bowl, I even scour the AFTER PARTY pics to make sure there’s nothing fabulous that was missed by those not attending the awards ceremony.

But this year the list is HUGE. So let’s start with the BEST DRESSED WOMEN, yes yes?

1. Lupita

THIS WAS MY NUMBER ONE. Stunning. She looked like a dream, loved the color, the softness, the sexy V-neckline, the headband. UTTER PERFECTION.

2. Kristen

Beautiful. The dress is gorgeous (the detail on the back, LOVE!), the hair, make-up and accessories-all spot on.

3. Charlize

One of the sexiest dresses of the night. Make-up and hair are stunning and work with the dress. Wow.

4. Jenna-Dewan

She is quickly becoming one of my favorites to look for on the carpet. This is beautiful and the detail is amazing.

5. Cate

This dress is utterly amazing. Again, the detail. Gorgeous.

6. Emma

I read mixed reviews on this dress. I however, loved it on her. Sleek and modern.

7. Camila.

This dress is FANTASTIC. Elegant, sophisticated, soft. The color looks AH-MA-ZING on her.

8. Lady Gaga

This dress is so her. It’s modern, sharp, and makes a dramatic statement.

9. Miranda

Wow. Just wow.

10. Jennifer.

Another person who never disappoints me. Beautiful.

And there is my Best Dressed Women list. Up next: MAN CANDY! (And I’ll include Benedict, pants issue aside.)

Xo Aven

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Published on March 03, 2014 16:00

Guest Blogger: Holly Martin, The Guestbook

Welcome to Willow Cottage – throw open the shutters, let in the sea breeze and make yourself completely at home. Oh, and please do leave a comment in the Guestbook.

As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider – whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.

This includes Annie herself – especially now celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.

Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!

Forget sending postcards saying ‘wish you were here’ – one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.

There is a review today on http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.co.uk/

It’s great to be on Aven’s blog today. I first met Aven when we were both preparing for the release of our debut books back in October, coincidentally released on the same day. We’ve stayed in touch ever since, counselling each other through the good times and the bad of writing. We share a love of jammie dodgers, Benedict Cumberbatch and the wonderful Sherlock. I love seeing Aven’s posts and tweets, especially because they normally involve lots of photos of Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill who she casts as William, her gorgeous male lead in Connectivity.

This gave me an idea. Who would I cast to play the leading characters in The Guestbook. This is what I came up with.

Oliver Butterworth/Black

This one is easy. David Tennant. I wanted someone dark, edgy but sexy as hell. And David has all this in abundance. I love that David can play serious parts, clinically insane parts and also be sweet and charming too. I completely fell in love with David Tennant in Doctor Who and he didn’t lose anything for me when he was a nutcase in Harry Potter. I love his versatility and regardless what part he plays he’s still got that raw sex appeal. Oliver is complex. He feels guilty over the death of his brother, to the outside world he is arrogant and confident but he loves Annie with all his heart. I love the banter they share at the very beginning of the book and towards the end and David would totally be able to play this guilt and love and humour perfectly.

Annie Butterworth.

This is hard, as my female lead I want someone who is perfect for the role of Annie. Blonde, pretty, cute, sweet and most importantly British. Why British I hear you say. Because Annie is British and almost all of the American actors that try to put on British accents for different roles fail and fail spectacularly. I don’t think any of us will ever forget Dick Van Dyke and that terrible cockney accent in Mary Poppins, so the actress absolutely has to be British. And this is where I fall down because I think the perfect person looks wise is Amanda Seyfried. She’s gorgeous and seemingly down to earth and seems very sweet. I loved her in Letters to Juliet and Mamma Mia, I think she’s a very talented actress but sadly she’s American.

Emma Bunton is cute and lovely but going on her acting ability in Spice World I doubt she can act particularly well.

Then there’s Helen George and Hannah Spearritt, who are blonde and cute, can act very well, either of them would be perfect right? Hmmmm I’m not sure. Because both Helen’s latest role in Call the Midwife and Hannah’s role in Primeval are quite feisty, fiery, sassy characters and though Annie sticks up for herself, she is definitely more sweet, homely and lovely than fiery or brassy. I know, I know. These girls are actresses, they can act lovely and sweet surely. I’m sure they can but when I think of Annie I want to associate someone with her who plays sweet parts too so… I’m afraid in my mind it will have to be Amanda Seyfriend. I just hope when the movie gets made she will work really hard on her British accent. Although I am open to suggestions. If you have a better idea, please do let me know.

Sophia Lorenzo

Sophia is Oliver and Nick’s Aunt. She practically raised them when their Mum died as their Dad was a bit rubbish when it came to bringing up children. She has also been a complete rock for Annie since Nick died. I love her no nonsense attitude, how much she loves Annie and her slightly bitchy competitive streak. She’s funny, caring, generous but takes no rubbish off no one.

I would love Maggie Smith or Judi Dench to play this part as they are amazing actresses and strike me as having the no nonsense attitude that Sophia herself has. But as much as I adore these wonderful, talented actresses, they are a tiny bit too old to play Sophia. Sophia is also sexy, chic, beautiful so I’m going to have to choose Helen Mirren. She is an incredible actress and has been in many films, plays and TV programs. Recently she played a cold hearted, gun toting assassin and I love her even more for that. She is sassy, strong, beautiful and absolutely perfect to play Sophia.

Barney Quinn

Annie’s potential love interest in the story. I imagine Barney to be big but beautiful. He also knows he’s good looking too so a certain amount of arrogance. For me it has to be Chris Hemsworth because… Oh why the hell not, its Chris Hemsworth people, do I need a reason?

Hope you enjoyed my dream cast for The Guestbook. If you have your own suggestion, I’d love to hear them.

The blog tour continues tomorrow with http://shazsbookboudoir.blogspot.co.uk/ and they’ll be a review on http://leeleeloves.co.uk/

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Published on February 19, 2014 04:43

Connectivity Valentine’s Day Bonus Scene

William has rendered me utterly speechless.

I sink down into the chair in Tour d’Argent, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world. I’m six stories above the Seine, with a majestic view of Norte Dame Cathedral in front of me. Paris is dotted with lights in the night sky, and the sight is nothing short of magical.

I gaze at William as he takes the seat across from me. He’s exceptionally dashing this evening in a crisp white dress shirt and dark grey Burberry suit.

“Does this meet with your approval, darling, for our anniversary dinner?”

“William,” I say, smiling at him, “when you told me to take Friday afternoon off for Valentine’s Day, I never dreamed you would be taking me to Paris.”

“It’s a perk of dating a badass mogul with a private plane,” William quips.

I laugh, and so does William.

“This is, without a doubt, the the Best.Valentine’s.Day.Ever,” I declare.

“No,” William says firmly. “The Best Valentine’s Day Ever will always be our first one in Chicago. Because that is the night you agreed to have a drink with me.”

God, I love this man so much, I think as I gaze across the candlelit table at him.

I sigh happily. “It’s hard to believe this all started one year ago tonight. When I called you ‘William’ for the first time.”

“Then I asked you to have a drink at the Peninsula,” William adds.

“And you didn’t kiss me,” I tease him.

William laughs. “I didn’t find it appropriate to kiss you then, even though I wanted to.” Then he lifts an eyebrow at me. “However, I find it most appropriate that I kiss you later tonight, do you agree, Mary-Kate?”

Before I can answer, a waiter appears. William orders a bottle of champagne to start the evening, and as soon as the waiter is gone, I reach for William’s hand across the table.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my love. This is absolutely perfect. It’s like a dream,” I say softly. “To have dinner in one of the most romantic restaurants in the world, in this glorious city, with my fiancée. I’m so blessed.”

“I feel the same way. But this is just the beginning,” William declares. “I have many other things in store for you this evening, Mary-Kate.”

“Like what? What could top this?” I ask, honestly wanting to know. “There can’t possibly be more than this, William.”

“Oh, contraire, there is,” William teases. “But that shall be revealed in good time.”

“William! You know I loathe waiting,” I cry, using one of his favorite words.

William grins wickedly at me. “I love that extremely impatient spark of yours. But good things come to those who wait.” Then he pauses and raises an eyebrow sexily at me. “Really good things.”

Okay. A night making love with William in Paris? That sounds like a really good thing indeed.

I try to pry hints out of William but to no avail. So I give up and surrender myself to a luxurious meal while gazing at Notre Dame in the dark Paris night.

And luxurious doesn’t even begin to describe the experience. We start with champagne and caviar. I dine on the best roasted scallops I’ve ever tasted. William has the lamb, and I can say from having a bite of his selection it was equally fabulous. Then we end the meal with a cheese course, and, I can’t leave without crepes, so we have those, too.

Finally we leave Tour d’Argent, with my arm tucked around William’s as we head into the chilly Paris evening. William’s driver is waiting for us, and we head back to the apartment he has rented in the 7th arrondissement. It’s a gorgeous Parisian apartment, utterly charming and complete with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower from the balcony.

“Excuse me,” William says, reaching into his suit jacket pocket and retrieving his cell. “I need to make sure everything is ready for your surprise.”

“Ah, you are killing me,” I declare.

William laughs. “Not much longer now,” he says as he texts a message into his phone.

“Any hint? One little teeny tiny hint?” I ask.

William glances at me sideways. “No.”

“Arrrrgh!”

Before we know it, we are back at the apartment. William opens the door, and as I step inside, I see the table for two on the balcony is all set up with candles and champagne chilling in an ice bucket.

“William,” I gasp. “What is this?”

“Well,” William says slowly, “I’d call it a nightcap, darling.”’

“You did this for me? You had someone set this up for us tonight?”

“Another perk of being engaged to a badass mogul. I have people.”

I burst out laughing, and so does William.

“Come on, darling. Let’s have a drink,” William says, taking my hand in his.

I eagerly head out to the patio, with the Eiffel Tower lit up in front of me as a breathtaking view. I go straight to the railing, enthralled with the magic of the evening.

“This is fantastic,” I say in delight.

William wraps his arms around me from behind and we gaze out over Paris. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I love it,” I say. “And I love you.”

William kisses the top of my head. “I love you, too.”

Then William turns me around and kisses me, a slow, sensual, romantic kiss that makes me melt right into him.

“I have something else for you,” William murmurs against my lips.

I step back from him and put my hands on his face. “I have everything I want right here.”

William nuzzles his nose to mine, and I run my fingers through his hair.

“I love how I know you mean that.”

“I do,” I whisper, “with all my heart.”

“Which makes me want to give you your gift even more.”

William kisses me again, and I’m really tempted to skip champagne and head right to the bedroom. But then William breaks the kiss and turns to the table, pulling out a chair for me.

“Wait,” I say. “Before I sit down, I want to give you your present first.”

“Mary-Kate, you didn’t have to give me a present,” William says.

“Of course I did,” I say, smiling. “And I wanted to. Hold on while I go get it.”

I go back into the apartment and into the bedroom. I unzip my suitcase and retrieve the package, then hurry back to the balcony.

“Okay, now I’ll sit down,” I say, smiling at William.

I slip into the chair, and William reaches for the bottle of champagne.

“Champagne?”

I lift an eyebrow at William. “Are you trying to get me drunk this evening? Because you don’t need to, you know. I have plans for you later this evening. Very detailed ones.”

William uncorks the champagne and stares at me. And I see the familiar flicker of desire in his eyes.

“That sounds,” William says slowly, “most appropriate, Mary-Kate.”

“Indeed,” I say sexily.

William pours me a glass of champagne, and then one for himself. Then he takes the seat across from me at this cozy table for two and lifts his glass to me.

“Happy anniversary,” he says.

“Happy anniversary,” I say, tapping my glass against his. “Cheers.”

We take a sip of the bubbly and put our glasses down. Then I pick up my present and hand it to William.

“For you. Happy Valentine’s Day,” I say.

William takes the gift and carefully begins to unwrap the red paper on it. “Very nice creases,” he says, teasing me.

“I’m glad you paid attention to the gift wrapping lesson back at Christmas,” I say, laughing.

I watch as he removes the paper and then lifts out the present. His eyes widen as he sees the professionally printed photobook I have made for him.

“This is our year in pictures,” I say softly, watching as William opens it up. “The things we have done, places we have gone, holidays celebrated together. We’ll have a lifetime of these books, William. And there’s no one I want to write the story of my life with but you.”

I watch as William turns the pages, his eyes moving carefully over each picture and the notes I wrote underneath them. Then he looks up at me, his eyes soft with emotion.

“This,” William says, his voice thick, “is the best present I have ever received.”

I swallow down the lump in my throat. William leans in across the table and presses his lips against mine. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” I whisper back.

“Now my gift for you,” William says. “I’ll be right back.”

I nod and watch as William disappears inside the apartment. I take a sip of my champagne and drink in the view in front of me, and count my blessings for thousandth time this evening.

“For you,” William says.

He hands me a Tiffany &Co. box.

My heart happily skips a beat at the sight of it. “A Paris charm bracelet?” I ask, thinking of the London one he gave me last spring.

“Please, would I be that predictable?”

We both laugh, and I untie the white bow that is perfectly tied on the box. Then I lift up the lid and gasp out loud.

“William,” I whisper, stunned. “Oh my god.”

I lift up the necklace–a diamond and platinum chain with a diamond and platinum key pendant on it. The diamonds shine in the candlelight, and my hand is shaking as I hold it up.

“This….William….” I can’t even get the words out of my mouth, as I know I’m holding a very, very expensive piece of jewelry in my hands. Easily worth $20,000. Easily.

“Let me help you put it on,” William says, getting up and moving around me. He takes the necklace, and puts it on me, and heat sears through me from the brush of his fingertips against the back of my neck.

I look down at the diamond pendant, touching it, hardly believing I own something like this.

“I absolutely love it,” I say. “Thank you, William. It’s a gorgeous necklace. Just breathtaking.”

“The key has meaning,” William says softly.

“In what way?” I ask.

William clears his throat. “I didn’t exactly tell you the truth about this apartment.”

I furrow my brow. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t rent it.”

“You didn’t?”

“I bought it. For you.” Then William places the keys to the apartment in between us. “The key on your necklace isn’t the only key I’m giving you tonight.”

Now I’m really shaking. “You mean…this…this apartment is ours?”

William reaches for my hand and holds it across the table. “One of your New Year resolutions was to learn French cooking,” he says slowly. “And there is no better way to learn than to experience it first-hand. I want you to be able to fly here during the day and take classes, to shop these markets, for us to experience the food of Paris on weekends. If you want to be in Paris during the week, I can commute from London. I want to make this dream come true for you.”

I’m so stunned I begin to cry. Tears are falling freely down my face as I think of the lengths William went to for this evening. To make everything perfect, to make my dreams come true, to give me Paris and pursue my new-found passion of French cuisine.

“You’re the most generous man I know,” I say, getting choked up. “And every day I wake up grateful that you love me, and go to sleep every night feeling the same way.”

“You’re my life, Mary-Kate. I’m going to give you the world.”

“You already have,” I whisper.

He leans across the table and we share a romantic kiss with the city of Paris surrounding us.

Then I break the kiss and smile at William.

“And I don’t care what you say, William Cumberland. This is the Best.Valentine’s.Day.Ever.”

William roars with laughter, and I join him.

“Oh, darling, do we have to argue tonight?” William teases.

“No, we don’t. Because I’m right,” I declare, grinning at him.

“Wrong.”

“Well, we’ll have to agree to disagree.” I rise from the table and walk over to William. “However, there’s one thing I think we can both agree on.”

William’s eyes flicker. He stands up and slides his arms round me, pulling me into his chest.

“And what would that be?”

“I think it’s time we retire for the evening. And for some reason, I can’t quite reach this head band, do you care to remove it–and other things for me–in the bedroom?”

And as William’s mouth closes over mine, I know I’m right.

I have Paris.

I have love.

And I have William.

Without a doubt, I’m having the Best. Valentine’s.Day.Ever.

And by the end of the evening, I’m quite certain William will agree with me on that.

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Published on February 14, 2014 01:00

The Guestbook–Cover Reveal!

I am SO excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for a book I just had the pleasure of reading–The Guestbook by my dear friend (and release date Twinnie), Holly Martin. Isn’t this cover GORGEOUS? Best of all, it is just as gorgeous and inviting as the novel itself. I’m so lucky to have had an advance copy to read–it is a fun, beautiful, ever changing and engaging story you must add to your Amazon wish list! Here’s the blurb:

Welcome to Willow Cottage – throw open the shutters, let in the sea breeze and make yourself completely at home. Oh, and please do leave a comment in the Guestbook!

As landlady of Willow Cottage, the young widow Annie Butterworth is always on hand with tea, sympathy or strong Norfolk cider – whatever her colourful array of guests require. A flick through the messages in the leather-bound cottage guestbook gives a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of everyone who passes through her doors.

This includes Annie herself – especially now celebrity crime writer Oliver Black, is back in town. He might grace the covers of gossip magazines with a different glamorous supermodel draped on his arm every week, but to Annie, he’s always just been Olly, the man who Annie shared her first kiss with.

Through the pages of the Guestbook Annie and Olly, along with all the guests that arrive at the seaside retreat, struggle with love, loss, mystery, joy, happiness, guilt…and the odd spot of naked rambling!

Forget sending postcards saying wish you were here - one visit to Willow Cottage and you’ll wish you could stay forever.

You will want to read this book. I loved it, it will be in my Top Ten for 2014. And it will be available on February 14, so be sure to treat yourself to a copy!

xo Aven

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Published on January 27, 2014 07:01

2014 SAG Awards–Best Dressed, Worst Dressed, Stylish Couples and On The Fence Dresses

Let’s continue our SAG reivew, shall we? In this post I’ll cover Best Dressed, Worst Dressed, two very Stylish Couples and On The Fence Dresses.

Best Dressed:

1. Lupita. This dress was a work of art! I would love to see that detail up close. Stunning!

2. Claire. I will post another picture of this dress in a moment (Stylish Couples) but I love the flow, the softness contrast to the blue body of the dress. Gorgeous.

3. Jennifer. Exquisite fit. Love.

4. Jennifer. Everything about her look is glam. Her hair, the fit of the dress, the belt, the bracelet. She is always one of my favorites on the red carpet.