Exit St. Nick, Auld Lang Syne You're Up!

So 2015 is being hustled out the door to make room for a new year. This is a time when many of us reflect on the past 365 days, get hammered with liquor and party like we've lost our minds( good stuff). And make resolutions.

Do you make new year's resolutions? I stopped making a list from a few years ago because it was becoming too stressful. I would have this sheet of paper with things I wanted to change, improve and accomplish but that wasn't working out too well. So I decided to trim the list down to key things, e.g cut out swear words and eating junk food (this quickly became a joke of epic proportions) and I fell off the wagon hard and quickly! Wait, correction, I took a leap off the wagon before it had moved but a couple inches! So then I decided, instead of aiming for the goal of keeping the swear jar empty (it's a dollar for every bad word) and my finger tips totally free of that delicious orange coating, I would keep the number of bills in the jar and the snacking to a minimum. 

Hmmm....it worked out good-ish. The bills in the swear jar were remarkably less but sometimes the problem was that they were in denominations of fifties and hundreds (aargh). As for snacking, well, several days would pass without consuming a single MSG or cheese loaded goodie...then I would end up doing a binge! What is a girl to do? Anyway I have not given up and I've had the same resolution for the past couple years. Just try! Yep, try hard to be better in what ever I do and if I'm already great at something, help someone get there.

I received an invitation to a cook out party, by some new acquaintances from South America, to ring in the new year; I was told that according to their tradition, each guest must dance before they leave. I-will-rock-it! And I want you to do the same! Have a kickass old year's celebration and hail the first sun of 2016.

Happy New Year my friends!


Olivia

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Christmas at Olivia's Giveaways Draw

First, a big thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog and participated in the giveaways during Christmas at Olivia's and the Jingle Book Blog Hop, and also a thank you to Fire and Ice Promotions! I had lots of fun reading your funny comments and appreciated the lovely compliments. Soooo...

The Tourist (Paperback Giveaway)

          














WINNER: Donna Blalock


The 'Pick Your Book' Christmas Novel Giveaway

  






WINNER: Crystal Young


Hot Fur Stripes Ebook Giveaway

WINNER: Kanoko


Olivia's Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

WINNER: Jan D


Congratulations to the winners!

So enjoy the rest of your day and don't be a stranger, stop by my blog again sometime and you can keep up with what's happening in my world by following me on social media or my blog.

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Amazon Author Page


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And before you go, take a minute to check out my upcoming works for 2016, click HERE.

Have a good one!


Olivia

Raindrops on Roses and Sugar on Smoked Ham

CHRISTMAS AT OLIVIA'S (DEC 14-26TH)

Welcome and thank you for stopping by!
 There is plenty going on at Olivia's for the next nine days!

*Olivia's Favourite Things*

*The Tourist Paperback Giveaway*
*Yuletide Haiku*
*Christmas Poetry Reading*

****MINI TREASURE HUNT- ''Pick Your Book' Paperback Christmas Novel Giveaway**
*Amazon Gift Card Giveaway*
~~**Rafflecopter Grand Prize- Two $25 Amazon Gift Cards**~~

nky list

Paperback giveway closes Dec 23rd.

Olivia's Favourite Things

Raindrops on roses and sugar on smoked ham....these are a few of my favourite things! Oh how I love Christmas and the things that make it such a special time of the year. The smell of ham baking, the sweet scent of rum cake, twinkling lights on the tree and the festive decorations. The heart-warming movies and the beautiful, soulful songs. And most important, spending the special occasion with those you love. No amount of great food, liquor (well maybe if you drink enough until you are in danger of passing out) and pretty trimmings can make you enjoy Christmas, if you are in the company of people you have to pretend to like or barely tolerate. Christmas is about love, and the people we love-they are the icing on the cake of the magical transformation our world takes on during the holidays. Reminiscing, making new memories, laughter, reunion. Love!

Here are some of my favourite things:

Movies

Muppets Christmas Carol

This Christmas

Christmas Mail

Miracle on 34th Street

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Songs

A Kiss for Christmas- Luther Vandross

Hard Candy Christmas- Dolly Parton

This Christmas-Chris Brown

Merry Christmas Baby- Bruce Springsteen

Drink a Rum- Smokey Burke

Food

Ham with Pineapple, Brown Sugar Glaze and Clove

Rum Cake

Jug Jug

Rum Punch

          

The Tourist Paperback Giveaway

"Thrills...heat...grit." 

While vacationing in Barbados, Jake Evans invited an irresistible island beauty to indulge in a night of passion. But the invitation inadvertently puts her life in danger. Jake is in possession of a highly coveted painting, a vengeful relative will stop at nothing to obtain. A smoking feud catches fire and both men are determined that when the smoke clears; only one of them will be left standing. 

*This book is a standalone novella with no cliffhangers and is for 18+ readers*

Entering is as easy as 1, 2, 3, SEND!

Using the 'CONTACT FORM' in the right sidebar of this blog:

1. Enter your name

2. Enter your email address

3. Type 'WIN' in the message field

Then hit 'SEND". 

Best of luck to you!  

Olivia's Yuletide Haiku

Christmas Poetry Reading 

(Read by Ben Starling)

"The Christmas Dog" by Shel Silverstein

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND LISTEN

MINI TREASURE HUNT

 'Pick Your Book' Paperback Christmas Novel Giveaway

Have a bit of fun with this one! On the header image of this blog is a hidden item! If you find it, use the 'CONTACT' form in the right side bar of the blog to submit your answer. The winner gets to pick the book they wish from the three listed below! Good luck treasure hunter!

*ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES: U.S, CANADA, U.K

                   

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Hot Fur Stripes Ebook Giveaway

Win a copy of this hot, shifter short story when it's released next month! Just leave a comment with the word 'FUR' in it, to be entered! 

Jasmine Moore was selected to conduct an exclusive interview with Durham’s hottest, youngest but most elusive billionaire, Terrence Devereaux. She’s reluctant to get up close and personal with the sexy tiger shifter but sparks fly from the first meeting and Ms. Moore’s chilly armor quickly melts away, as she finds herself unexpectedly ‘Hot fur his Stripes’. 


*This is a complete story with no cliffhangers and is for 18+ readers* 

The Nutcracker

Olivia's Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

To enter, just leave a comment on this post and include your Twitter handle, Facebook link or other means of making contact with you. That's it! And good luck!

Rafflecopter Grand Prize- December 16th-23rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome New Author, D. B Shayne

Hi guys, this post today, is to welcome new author D.B. Shayne to the paranormal romance arena, in the crazy world of publishing. 'Hot Fur Stripes' is her debut story; it is available for pre-order and coming out in about four weeks, on January 18th.

AMAZON KINDLE SHORT READS

The assignment was easy but keeping her panties on was going to be a challenge…

Jasmine Moore was selected to conduct an exclusive interview with Durham’s hottest, youngest but most elusive billionaire, Terrence Devereaux. She’s reluctant to interview the sexy, tiger shifter but sparks fly from the first meeting, and Ms. Moore’s chilly armor quickly melts away, as she finds herself unexpectedly ‘Hot fur his Stripes’.

About D. B. Shayne

Ms. Shayne believes that the only thing sweeter than a hot story, is a hot story with shifters or vampires. And those are the kind of tales she plans to keep writing.

So if you're into stories with hot furry men, check out Hot Fur Stripes today. I hope to see you on Monday at 'Christmas at Olivia's', right here on my blog.

Be good until....

Olivia

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Goings On and Christmas in the Air

Hi!

My favourite time of the year is fast approaching-I simply love Christmas! I have been binging on Christmas movies on Uplifting Entertainment over the weekend! I am extra excited this year because next month I have a special event planned for my blog "Christmas at Olivia's". There will be book giveaways, a special Christmas post, a Merry Edition of Book Talk and Stuff and you will get to discover a few of Olivia's favourite things and much more! I will keep you posted on this special event. 

So, mark the date or RSVP on Goodreads HERE! And share this post with a friend and invite them to tag along with you!

Take care and you'll be hearing from me soon!

Olivia

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Yuletide Celatum- Festival of Drabbles Feature

Thank you for stopping by! First a thank you to Michael Brookes, who is clearly very passionate about the art of drabbles! I have an affinity for short fiction so I was quite happy to sign up my blog as a stop in the Festival of Drabbles.

A drabble is a story that is told in one hundred words- it can be a hair-pulling but rewarding experience. I wrote my first drabble about six years ago; it was about a man who went for a swim in  a forbidden mystical lake, and was missing a leg when he came out of the water. The piece I wrote for the festival is called "Yuletide Celatum" (celatum is latin for secret) and I hope you enjoy it.

Yuletide Celatum

Another Christmas Eve night. I smile, watching the neighbours from my living room window, as they perform another candle light vigil for Santa Claus-who has not graced the skies for half a decade. Empty stockings, unfulfilled lists and despondent little faces are now the season’s norm. Five years ago I wrote to Santa, asking him to save my marriage; he slid down my chimney, bellowing ho, ho, ho, bearing a marital bliss guide. The title of wife, has been absent ever since. Many a wick will burn for St. Nick; he and his reindeer are buried under my mango tree.

###

Have a great tour of the festival!

Olivia

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Book Talk and Stuff Part 4

I hope this post finds you in good health and spirits (not spirits as in rum or whiskey, though if that is where you are, break a leg- or glass).

So, as I mentioned in an earlier post, short stories have become a staple in my reading diet-turning into a bit of an addiction, I must confess (no objections to that). One of the latest ones I devoured is Hellbender by Laurie R. King. Hellbender is the first story I have read by this author and I didn't know what to expect going in but I came away a happy camper. It was a nice mystery tale with supernatural beings that held me to the end. I am certain, private investigator Heller, never imagined, that when Ms. Savoy walked into his office, his life would be changed so drastically. Altering human DNA can have some very...interesting results.

This next short read, Something in the Air, was wonderful. Here is my review from Goodreads:

A beautiful and sad story. Mr. Starling’s writing is like experiencing the taste of fine wine.  Some people think stories have to be at least a few hundred pages to be satisfying but Something in the Air is a great representation of the power of short stories; it was touching, engaging and satisfying.  There were funny, sweet and romantic moments between Daniel and Willow that made them appear so real, you could almost hear them breathing.  And I laughed out loud at the scene where Willow told Daniel that the vehicle still had that “special patch” from ages ago. This story proves you can go home again and find love too…

I recommend the following novel that I absolutely loved! Texas Chase has a nice blend of sweet heat and humour, Sandra Brown style! Marcie John makes a bold proposition to save Chase Tyler's business and he accepts but doesn't know the half of what he's really signing up for. The friction and chemistry between these two is amazing and there are some really hilarious scenes as Chase tries to fight the overwhelming passion that he is feeling for Marcie. This is the second book in the Texas! trilogy which I didn't realize at the time I read it- a friend had loaned me the book and I ate it up in one day. I have to read books one and three for sure!

I am currently reading this one:



The Martian by Andy Weir and Pines by Blake Crouch are sitting in my Amazon cart. What are you reading now or plan to?

Now I have some spare time I am attempting to catch up on some tv series. I'm digging my heels into Scandal (not liking the first few episodes too much but we'll see). Gotham is crazy evil! I love it! I was into Arrow when it first started but that series in my opinion has lost its way-I won't be hurrying to watch that on Wednesdays anymore. Castle never disappoints and I am eager to see how Grey's Anatomy swings minus McDreamy.

Well, here is where I exit and I hope we meet back here soon. Take care and thanks for stopping by.


Olivia

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Take on an #FRFR! Free Read for Review!

Hi!

As you know, I have recently released my sexy, suspenseful novella, The Tourist. I am seeking to build some reviews on Amazon and I’m offering free copies to help achieve this. Files are available in Epub and MOBI.

Just submit your name, email and desired format using the contact form which can be found to the right of this post and I’ll send you your copy. If sexy, suspense is not your cup of tea, you can share this post with a friend who may be interested.

Here’s the blurb:

"Thrills...heat...grit." 

While vacationing in Barbados, entrepreneur Jake Evans, invited the beautiful Sabina James to indulge in a night of passion. But the invitation inadvertently puts her life in danger. Jake has a coveted treasure, a vengeful relative will stop at nothing to obtain. A smoking feud catches fire and both men are determined that when the smoke clears; only one of them will be left standing. 

*This book is a standalone novella with no cliff hangers and is for 18+ readers*

Thanks so much for your help guys! I deeply appreciate it! 

All the best,

Olivia

The Tourist is Live

First, a very heartfelt thank you to my wonderful readers and friends for their support, I can't say enough times how much it means to me. 

I was so relieved when I added the final touches to the book-I was so looking forward to a break. Well...I am taking one, kinda...my corkboard is filling up with chapters for books two and three in the series-lol! I will keep you posted on my progress for those stories. 

To find out more about my suspense novella, The Tourist, and where to purchase, please visit my website HERE.

So...I am off to continue my reading binge! Thank you for stopping by and looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Cheers!

Olivia

Book Talk and Stuff Part 3

Hi guys,

Lately, I have been tucking into short stories. I've always had a great love affair with them and with my busy life they have become very convenient. I hate when I start a book and end up having to read it in bits and pieces and sometimes such a long break passes between reads, I have to go back to refresh my memory on the who and what-not pretty.

So, first up is Under the Hill by Sheila Connolly. Ellen Leonard takes a trip to the Irish countryside after a break up. While there she encounters an odd-behaving stranger and her little getaway takes an unexpected turn. I would have liked just a teeny bit more background for the foundation of the twist but otherwise it was good read.

Next was a trip to Lyme Regis in David Ruffle's Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Legacy. I enjoyed this story where Dr. Watson visits his lady friend, Beatrice Heidler and ends up helping to solve a murder case along with the eccentric and lovable Holmes. A deadly spider, an adder, a well-deserved plum pudding and exceptional elementary skills made this a satisfying tale.

I saved this one for last- not a case of saving the best-but the hot stuff. Vados, The Ujal Book 1 was a detour from my usual genres. It is alien, sci-fi romance. It was refreshing to read about other creatures besides werewolves, vampires and the like. Dr. Maris Xayer found herself caught in a hurricane with a sexy alien named Vados, and they got a little naughty-not all the way naughty but enough to make it very difficult to forget one another and the heat they created in the SUV that day. When Maris becomes targeted by humans for becoming intimate with a Ujal, Vados and Maris' paths cross again...and catch fire. Nice, hot short, and kudos to Celia Kyle (Erin Tate) for making an alien look so sexy! I ended up buying another first in a series from Celia Kyle.

By the way, have you watched Trainwreck with Amy Schumer and Bill Hader? I watched it recently and when my mouth wasn't hanging open at WTF moments, I was laughing out loud in a very unladylike fashion! If raunchy humour is your thing, you might like it. 

I whipped up this dish the other day for a guest, it turned out really good, and yes, if I do say so myself! Lol!

Chicken Fettuccini

Well, I'm off to read some more shorts and start a Sandra Brown from the pile. Take care until...

Olivia

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Compos Mentis…Somewhat

I say somewhat because usually, there are about two other people living in my head but when writing, it can get pretty crowded up there. Right now, in this moment, it’s just the usual residents, so things are normal….normal for Olivia that is. Writing can drive one mad. Sometimes you’re so eager to wrap up a book to ease the mental strain and before you know it, more stories are spilling out of your brain and your fingers get itchy for a pen or keyboard…sigh.

So, post-schizophrenic phase is awesome! I feel unburdened-like a new human being and it feels so, so good to have a break. I bought about 18 paperbacks the other day to dig into; don’t know how many of them I will get to inhale before the writing bug sinks its teeth into me but hey, just having them makes me delirious! I got to spend a couple days being busy doing absolutely nothing, ahhhhhh…it felt like heaven. And even had a chance to do some baking, something I have not done in a long time.

Currently I’m trying to finish Sherlock Holmes and the Lyme Regis Legacy and it’s become a challenge trying to put a dent in Stephen King’s doorstopper, Under the Dome; when a book includes a list of characters, you have a pretty good idea what you’re in for. But the story is too good to let go.

In October I’ll be running a Goodreads giveaway for The Tourist, I will announce the date in a later post.

“A sexy island suspense novella"

While vacationing in Barbados, entrepreneur Jake Evans, invited the beautiful Sabina James to indulge in a night of passion. But the invitation inadvertently puts her life in danger. Jake has a coveted treasure, a vengeful relative will stop at nothing to obtain. A smoking feud catches fire and both men are determined that when the smoke clears; only one of them will be left standing.

**This novella is a standalone work with no cliff hangers and is for 18+ readers.

The Tourist can be pre-ordered at the following ebook retailers and paperbacks will also be available. The official release date is October 11th 2015.

Amazon

Apple

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

And before I go, a photo from my episode of baking-  Eggless Red Velvet Cupcake.

That's all for now! Until....

Olivia

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