Western Australian Rock Lobster

What does a writer do when not writing? Cook, of course!

Well, this is how I love to show my family I love them. And on a hot summer night, champagne cocktails are a great starter.

And in Western Australia, we have beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather and scrumptious produce.

I had a go at cooking up two Western Australian rock lobsters (AKA crayfish) and they were delicious.

Here’s some quick and easy steps, if you’d like to give it a go;

When you buy them, or are gifted them from someone who likes fishing, they’ll usually be already boiled and be a glorious orange colour.

First, once thawed, you’ll need to get yourself a large, sharp knife. Cut longways down the centre; make the first slice from the grove which looks like the head, toward the eyes. Then slice from the same same point directly down the tail.

See the long stringy thing on the tail? That’s the intestine, so you’ll need to gently pull that up and out – it should come away easy.

Then using a smaller, sharp knife, gently remove that brown/green gunk – you can rinse this part under some cold tap water, but try not to wet the meat too much or it takes a lot of the flavour!

To add over my Lobster, for a quick bake in the oven, I made up a spicy garlic butter. But you can do any creation.

I spooned some on each Lobster half and drizzled with olive oil – you can drizzle with melted butter – and a squeeze of lemon.

These beauties went into the oven for 10 minutes (make sure it’s pre-heated!) at 180 degrees.

To accompany our WA Rock Lobster, I whipped up a quick broccoli and spinach linguine – some green to go with that vibrant orange.

I was very happy with result!

Magic and Adventure Portals

Sometimes an adventure starts with a wardrobe, a board game, or a magical castle – Wolfbaene starts with two boys and two dragons 🐉

William Knight doesn’t belong in Trinity Boys College. He is bullied constantly and is always wondering why he doesn’t fit in. When he is suddenly whisked away from the human world to the medieval village of Chermside by a talking dragon, he is given a deadly task only a true knight can achieve. The task? Rescue the queen from a dungeon, win his knighthood, kill the king who murdered his father and return the town to its former glory before the dark magic of the king ruins the beautiful town forever. To make matters worse, he is expected to undertake this deadly quest with a conceited boy named Thomas Knight; his brother. Could things get any worse?

Amazon link;

Wolfbaene – The Next Quest will be out this year and the magic continues.

Follow me on Twitter @wolfbaene

Infinite Completion – a little heated snippet

A whirlwind romance neither one was prepared for 📚

As the music changes to a slower beat, the guy moves closer to me. Before I can even move back from him, Phil has moved in between us and I feel Valentine’s hand in mine. I’m pulled away from the group so fast that my head spins, and it takes a moment to focus.

Valentine’s face is ashen. I haven’t seen this look before. ‘Come on, we’re leaving,’ he shouts over the music, pulling me behind him without looking back at me.

‘What? Why?’ I shout at him. He doesn’t answer me.

‘Sam, I’ll call you tomorrow and you can bring me to get the bike?’

‘Yeah, man –for sure! Be good, sis,’ he shouts out over the music with a grin.

I can feel my temper rising. The cold early-morning air makes my head spin, as we step out onto the street.

Valentine leads me to a taxi, opens the door and guides me in. ‘Watch your head,’ he says as he slides in next to me and leans over to put on my seat belt.

‘I can manage my own seatbelt,’ I say, starting to feel really annoyed. He’s dragged me from my friends –and my brother –for what?

‘I want to make sure it’s on properly,’ he says flatly. He’s really annoyed too, but why? He doesn’t sound like Valentine.

‘Where are you going?’ says the taxi driver, looking at Valentine through his rear vision mirror.

‘22 Copper Ave, Lathlain,’ he answers, not taking his eyes from me, doing up my seat belt.

‘What’s wrong with you?’ I say, trying my best to sound compliant. I really don’t like to see him upset. And I hate conflict.

‘That guy was hitting on you,’ he says calmly, as the taxi pulls out onto the road.

The driver flicks on the heater and turns the radio up a little –probably so he doesn’t appear to be listening to our argument.

‘So we leave, because a drunk guy was dancing nearby?’ I keep my own voice low. It’s an honest question.

‘He was dancing very close to you and his eyes were all over you,’ Valentine explains, as though he is explaining why we use an umbrella when it rains.

‘Phil came close to me so the guy would back off. I didn’t need you to pull me away like I’d done something wrong.’

‘You did nothing wrong, Abbie,’ he says.

Now I know I’m in trouble –Abbie –what happened to Princess? He takes a long breath and takes hold of my hand. ‘I’m sorry –I just don’t like it,’ he adds, as though this clarifies everything. ‘It was all under control.’

‘No it wasn’t –what if he’d hurt you?’ ‘He wasn’t even very close –and Phil was there!’ ‘Where I come from, we settle things differently,’ he snaps.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

He sighs and speaks lower. ‘In my neighbourhood, if a man mistreated a girl, he’d be dealt with before the police even had a chance to arrest him. I’ve been boxing since I was ten and I’ve been fighting for survival since I could walk. I’m sorry, but instinct sometimes gets the better of me and I try to avoid situations where I may be forced to kill a man—’

‘You’d kill a man, because he dances near me?’ ‘I’d kill a bull for you,’ he says flatly.

I can’t believe he’s being so serious. ‘He was just dancing near me! You can’t go around beating people up for dancing too close to your girlfriend!’ I’m so angry that my voice is getting louder.

‘I’m sorry, Princess,’ he whispers and squeezes my hand. ‘I will not share you, even with another man’s eyes or thoughts.’

Whoa! Now here’s a revelation. Does he want to hide me in a tower somewhere? This doesn’t sound like my Valentine at all. ‘You can’t wrap me up in cotton wool,’ I shout at him, a little too loudly. He flicks his eyes to the front of the car briefly to see if the taxi driver heard but then looks back down at my fingers entwined through his. ‘And I left my rose behind,’ I add, realising I left my rose on the bar with my drink.

‘I can get you another rose—’

‘I don’t want another damn rose, I want you to not behave like a teenager,’ I snap.

‘I want to be the beginning and end of your world –with no exceptions. And I don’t want other men looking at you—’

‘I can’t stop people from looking at me… even though they aren’t anyway –you’re not flattering me with this behaviour,’ I say.

There’s silence for a few minutes; except for the song playing on the radio. Radiohead’s Creep. I love this song. Valentine is my creep, and I love him.

‘I know I can’t stop them from looking –I was being silly. I just don’t know how I’m going to cope with you being so damn beautiful and me feeling this way. This is all very new to me –forgive me, Princess?’ he smiles.

I manage to smile at him, but I’m still mad.

‘Good, now let’s go home and make up,’ he grins at me wolfishly. How can I stay mad?

❤ Infinite Completion ~ Amazon link:

http://ow.ly/1FQM309BW3W

My Top 5 Reads for 2017

I’ve read around 25 books this year, but these are my favourite (mostly because they’re some of my favourite authors). 

Anyone who knows me would tell you I have a small obsession with dragons, and whilst none of these feature dragons, they do transport the reader into adventure and beautiful places; and I do love to travel.

Without further ado, here are my picks for 2017.

1. Origin – Dan Brown 

 

Dan Brown is one of my favourite authors, so it’s only fitting his latest release would top my reading list for 2017. Dan Brown brings us Robert Langdon again in this science fiction mystery thriller and I couldn’t put it down.

When Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of symbology and religious iconology, arrives at the Guggenheim, Museum Bilbao, to attend the unveiling of a discovery that “will change the face of science forever”, his life is spun out of control in a desperate bid to save his life and the lives of others. With his life under threat, Langdon is forced to flee to Barcelona on a perilous quest to locate a cryptic password that will unlock Kirsch’s secret, along with the museum’s director, Ambra Vidal.

The heart racing quest with Robert Langdon (I always picture Tom Hanks) through Barcelona was nothing short of fantastic and if you feel like a holiday to Greece, I’d definitely read this one!

Here’s the Kindle link;

 

2. The Break – Marian Keyes

This is the latest release for one of my favourite authors and I wasn’t disappointed. Marian Keyes is a wise, witty, Irish writer who seems to be able to mingle humour and heartbreak like they belong together in a delicious chocolate cake. Really! Take my word, she does it so effortlessly.

In The Break, Amy’s husband Hugh says he isn’t leaving her. He says he still loves her, but he needs a break – from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together. I couldn’t believe what I was reading! It caught my attention so dramatically; I couldn’t put this book down. Hugh wanted six months to lose himself in South East Asia (which did sound great), and there was nothing Amy could say or do about it.

Gosh, now that’s some mid-life crisis! 

Hugh’s mid-life crisis is enough to send Amy and her extended family of gossips and eccentric friends into damage control – bringing tears of laughter and heartbreak (so have plenty of tissues!).

Here’s the Kindle link;

 

3. The Stationmaster’s Cottage – Phillipa Nefri Clarke

I love a good romance novel; one with mystery, beautiful settings and hunky love interests – oh and a dog is always a winner! When this book was released, I couldn’t wait to buy my Kindle copy, settling on the couch with a wine and some tissues.

The book opens with Christie Ryan’s carefully constructed life being turned upside-down with the inheritance of an abandoned cottage in an Australian seaside village. A damaged painting, a hunky guy (with dog) and the discovery of old love letters draws her into the heart wrenching world of Thomas and Martha and their fifty year old mystery. Christie is a gorgeous character who I immediately connected with and found myself cheering her on as she unravelled the mystery she’d been plunged into.

If you love a good romance; one with mystery, beautiful settings and a hunky love interest (with a dog), then get your copy here;

 

4. The Art of Keeping Secrets – Rachael Johns

I recently attended a Rachael Johns book tour for The Greatest Gift at the gorgeous Katherine Susannah Prichard library in Perth, Western Australia. I won’t lie, I was a tad excited to be meeting Rachael, after speaking with her over social media and us becoming Facebook friends. So, as I had my books signed and I settled down in my chair to listen to her speak about her latest release – with the burnt orange sun setting behind the surrounding gumtrees (we have the best sunsets!) – I was already planning how and when I’d read my first Rachael Johns book, The Art of Keeping Secrets.  

I was holding a signed copy of The Greatest Gift and The Art of Keeping Secrets, feeling like I’d won the lotto. The blurb on The Art of Keeping Secrets had really caught my eye!

 They started out as the “misfit moms”–the trio of less-than-conventional parents at their sons’ tiny private school. They’ve shared everything. Or so they thought. Now, on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City, they’ll sightsee, they’ll shop, they’ll catch a few Broadway shows. They’ll tell all…

After seventeen years as a single parent, Neve will reveal a past sin that could destroy her relationship with her son. Emma will uncover the roots of her exhaustion and divulge the inappropriate feelings she has for her boss. And Flick–who knows a little about crafting a flawless exterior–will share the shocking truth that lies beneath the veneer of her perfect marriage…
So, of course when I arrived home, after saying hello to the hubby and the poodle, Moet, I poured myself a glass of wine and settled onto the couch with The Art of Keeping Secrets – I’m so glad it was a Friday! 

Here’s the Kindle link;

5. Stars of Fortune (Book I of the Guardian Trilogy) – Nora Roberts

I’ve read almost all of Nora’s books – yes, I’m slightly addicted. And when my daughters bought this gorgeous book for me at Christmas, it wasn’t long before I’d sunk my teeth in (well not literally, but, you get the gist?).
This story has everything (except dragons). In true Nora style, it has steamy romance, mystery and adventure, but it also has a fantasy element and supernatural theme. 

I was immediately drawn to the main character, Sasha Riggs, a reclusive artist, haunted by vivid dreams that she turns into extraordinary paintings. As she becomes more and more desperate to understand her visions, she finds herself drawn to the Greek island of Corfu, and I was there with her. Isn’t is fantastic when you can read a book and travel to beautiful places?  

Sasha arrives in Corfu (and this is on my “to visit” list) and encounters Bran Killian, an Irish magician with a warm charisma and secrets dancing in his eyes. She’s never met Bran before, but she knows him only too well – because this is the man from her dreams. Bran is the man she seems fated to be with… if she can find the courage to accept who she really is.
Together they meet up with others who have come to Corfu to find answers and a dangerous, yet, wonderful adventure begins.

Here’s the Kindle link;

 

 

Writing Grief – Michelle Dennis

I’ve heard it said, quite often, it takes a tragedy or a dark period in life to truly get to know your Self. I guess this makes perfect sense that a writer would write far deeper when submerged in grief or emotional turmoil, because they’re thinkers. I’ve also heard of writers not knowing they’re writers until tragedy or illness strikes.

For me, this is true. I wrote a medieval adventure for middle-grade kids (and adults who love a good fairytale) – when I injured myself and had nothing better to do while the kids were at school. I was house-bound for months and when reading, housework and midday television wasn’t enough, I started to write down story plots and characters – jotting down things that crept into my imagination. I found it quite liberating; like writing in diary of sorts. I finished two manuscripts by the time my injury had repaired, I discovered there was more to come. I had started writing a romance novel – just for my own eyes and used it to re-discover my young Self. Between school drop-off, studying to be a Library Technician, school pick-up, mum duties and wifey stuff, I wrote a story of love, depression, cancer, bereavement and family. I wasn’t experiencing any tragic periods in my life, but I drew on some of my past and delved into the character of a twenty year old girl on the brink of finding the love and lesson of her life. Infinite Completion was born.

 

Almost two years later my world tipped upside down, with the death of my brother. And whilst I had just started the sequel to my romance novel, it brought out some very dark writing moments, for sure. My heart was shattered, and with this came grief, anger, and a lot of questions.

I wrote a lot. I wrote to complete my sequel, but I also wrote my feelings and muses during the weeks of my brothers passing – like I had to get to out of my head and onto paper – literally written on paper, in scrap books and note books, and any piece of paper I could find. Writing made sense. It helped me see in the dark. I started to take notice of the flaws in people, in our society and of course, my characters. Valentine, my brooding, handsome, singer of a local pub band opened up and boy was it messy. His story was Absolution – something neither of us were ready for.

I’d stumbled into writing kids adventures, with friendly dragons and grumpy knights – and as my newly awakened passion emerged, I found more of my Self as I worte about romance and real life stuff. Then, in my darkest hour, I uncovered a strength to pull apart my thoughts. To take each piece and develop Valentine’s character even further. I wanted to adress social issues and make the reader think. Really think. To say this was hard is an understatement. Writing Absolution drew out my pain and displayed it in someone else’s voice. It was pushing my boundaries and making me work harder. Then, as I had the finish line in sight, my husband had a severe stroke, miles away from home. My world, my children’s world and his world spun on its axis. With months of therapy; for us all, I really felt I’d never write again. I could feel it calling me, but I just didn’t have time. My every waking hour was about my husband, our kids and my Self.

Nonetheless, as time went on, I found time to sit. And think. And write. I was drawn back to Valentine and his world – where I submerged in his grief. I could have drowned myself in alcohol or drugs – at times I felt like it. But, I was a mum and wife. I wasn’t going to give in. I could, however, write without causing any harm to myself or anyone else.

I eventually finished Absolution and on October 10 2016 it went live on Amazon.com.

I am working on another couple of manuscripts, and wouldn’t wish dark times on anyone, but I know writing is my answer to grief and its many layers.

Is this something you do as an artist? I’d love to have some feedback from other writers or artists about what drives their best work.

HELP OUR KIDS WITH BOOKS

🦋IT’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK🦋
I conducted my first public fundraiser recently, to raise money and awareness for mental health, cancer and children’s charities. I was saddened and shocked to be told that kids as young as FOUR suffer with anxiety and almost every teenager will go through some level of depression – as parents, teachers, guardians, we can only support and provide them with tools to make life easier.

I find writing children’s fantasy/magical adventures helps my anxiety and I share my crazy imagination in the hope of making kids happy.

If your kids are into reading on their kindle, Wolfbaene is only $4!

It’s a story of bravery, friendship and achievement💕

ALL PROCEEDS FOR OCTOBER GO TO PERTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION 

What’s Your Favourite Part?

I’m always up for a challenge, and when Fate plays her hand, I graciously accept. 

Taking on the challenge of writing my first book was probably the craziest thing I’ve done, and to delve into the world of magic and children’s literature, has been a life-changing journey. I grew up in a time of Pete’s Dragon and Peter Pan, with a wild imagination and a passion for books. I was fortunate to have a mother who encouraged me to read and learn. But, reading your favourite Golden Books classic and writing a children’s noteworthy adventure are as different as Paddington Bear and Cinderella. 

However, as a woman heading into her 40’s, I took up my pen and paper, opened my dusty imagination and met some wonderful characters. 

I met Miles Tissle, the elf who’d be unwillingly challenged to save his village, with the help of a stubborn and courageous faery, Audrey Appleby. I uncovered adventure after adventure, writing it all down. Until I finally stumbled across William and Thomas, who showed me a world of medieval fantasy, dragons, werewolves and castles; and here my heart exploded. 

Wolfbaene became my first published book.  Two boys, two dragons, a werewolf and a magic book – promising an epic adventure. It brought me out of my comfort zone and gave me new experiences as I visited primary schools and attended festivals, reading and sharing my children’s book with others. 

Now, I’ve been invited to read part of Wolfbaene at an upcoming medieval festival in November, and I need your help. 

I’m running a COMPETITION for one of my readers to win a $50 Dymocks voucher (Australian residents only). And this is perfect for the kids!

To enter 

1. Share this competition on your Facebook, & twitter (tag me @wolfbaene)

2. Send your favourite part of Wolfbaene to wolfbaene12@gmail.com

Entries close on November 10, so if you haven’t read Wolfbaene yet, here’s the kindle link;

Happy reading!

Snowbound – Monique McDonell

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Book Information
Title: Snowbound – A Chick Lit Christmas Novella

Author: Monique McDonell

Release Date: November 22, 2016

Genre: Chick lit

Publisher: Redfish Publishing

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Summary

When Zara’s boyfriend can’t come home to Sydney from New York for Christmas she decides to surprise (go to) him instead. Sure, the ticket costs a bomb and her overbearing family thinks it is a bad idea but that’s what you do for love right? Or so she tells the tall and hunky ex-basketball star, Kyle who is squeezed into the plane seat beside her.

But when a blizzard hits and she finds herself snowed-in/stranded in Denver a few things become clear – her boyfriend isn’t that heartbroken about her absence, the airport doesn’t seem like a very festive place to spend the holiday/be snowed-in and there aren’t enough pumpkin spiced lattes to fix the situation.

So when Kyle offers to take her to stay at his buddy’s empty house she decides to take a chance and make the best of her first white Christmas. What she hadn’t banked on was Kyle’s ex and a reality television crew crashing the Christmas party.

If you like fun and flirty heroes, ugly sweaters, snow covered mountains and sugar cookies, you’ll enjoy reading Snowbound these holidays.

 

Book Links

Goodreads: LINK COMING

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA89EDQ/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NA89EDQ/

Amazon AUS: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01NA89EDQ/

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Author Biography

I am an Australian author who writes contemporary women’s fiction, including chick lit and romance. When I began to write again, I noticed a trend – writing dark unhappy stories made me unhappy. So I made a decision to write a novel with a happy ending and I have been writing happy stories ever since.

I am the author of five standalone novels, including Mr. Right and Other Mongrels and Hearts Afire and the Upper Crust Series. Many of my novels focus on Australian characters meeting and visiting US characters.

I have been a member of the writing group The Writer’s Dozen for ten years. Our anthology Better Than Chocolate raised over $10,000 for the charity Room to Read and helped build a library in South East Asia. I am also a member of the Romance Writers of Australia. In 2015, I had a piece on writing chick lit featured in the successful Australian non-fiction book Copyfight.

To learn more about my books, my writing, my caffeine obsession and my upcoming books please visit http://www.moniquemcdonell.com.au.

Social Networking Links

Website: http://www.moniquemcdonellauthor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6154665.Monique_McDonell

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoniqueMcDonell

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/Monique-McDonell/e/B0086R9S2U/

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Valentine’s Reads ~ My Top 5

Not everyone can be romanced on a gondola in Venice for Valentine’s Day, but everyone can have a book boyfriend!
I’ve put together my top 5 romantic reads for you. So, snuggle up on the couch or in your favourite reading corner, with a nice glass of wine, tissues and some chocolate ~ and enjoy Valentine’s Day your way.

1. Maid for the Rock Star (Romance Island Resort series) Demelza Carlton
The first in a three book series and it’s is free!

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/B00Y9MUCEO
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/maid-for-the-rock-star/id1011715116?mt=11
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maid-for-the-rock-star-demelza-carlton/1122195054?ean=2940151990455
Nook: http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/maid-for-the-rock-star-by-demelza-carlton/2940151990455

Synopsis

A maid at the exclusive Romance Island Resort, Audra knows how to handle rock stars, billionaires and celebrities. She keeps their secrets, cleans up their mess and makes sure their holiday is a memorable one. There’s just one rule: no relationships with guests. And Audra never breaks the rules.
Jay Felix is rock royalty and he knows it. When one of his bandmates threatens to break up the band, he goes into hiding at the Romance Island Resort. Looking for a distraction, he sets his sights on the unattainable Audra. But what’s a rock star to do when the girl he wants is the one woman he can’t have?
Welcome to paradise, where the romance is as hot as the weather and the tides aren’t all that’s surging beneath the surface.

2. Contrasting Lives ~ Leah Dempster

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UCD7454/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1455145771&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=contrasting+lives

Synopsis

Detective Matt Pendleton is still reeling after the death of his wife. Now a single father to his four children, time evaporates between working and caring for them. Desperate to make a connection, he takes his friend’s advice and hires an escort. 

Emily Coulter is beautiful, charismatic and the daughter to an influential family. While she has a submissive side, she’s also fiercely independent and determined to make her own way in the world, after escaping from an abusive relationship with a vicious Dom. 

When she and Matt rendezvous for sex, both are blindsided by their attraction to one another. While their initial meeting is a disaster, Matt finds himself incapable of forgetting the beautiful young woman. Can two people with such contrasting lives discover a way to overcome their differences and find love? 

3. The Little Bookshop on the Seine ~ Rebecca Raisin (The Paris Collection)

Synopsis

Bookshop owner Sarah Smith has been offered the opportunity to exchange bookshops with her new Parisian friend for 6 months! And saying yes is a no-brainer – after all, what kind of a romantic would turn down a trip to Paris…for Christmas?

Even if it does mean leaving the irresistible Ridge Warner behind, Sarah’s sure she’s in for the holiday of a lifetime – complete with all the books she can read!

Imagining days surrounded by books, munching on croissants, sipping café au laits and watching the snow fall on the Champs-Élysées Sarah boards the plane.

But will her dream of a Parisian Happily-Ever-After come true? Or will Sarah realise that the dream of a Christmas fairytale in the city of love isn’t quite as rosy in reality…

A deliciously feel-good Christmas romance perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Julia Williams

4. Totally Starcross’d ~ S.D. Wasley

Blurb

“Why does she have to be Romilly Montague? Any other name on the planet. She’d be just as pretty and cute and clever—just as perfect—but she wouldn’t be Romilly Montague. Then I’d have a chance with her.”

Romilly longs for the freedom to live her own life … but her dad is Alan Montague, hot contender for the job of Governor. And the bigger he gets, the more protective of Romilly her parents become.

Could Julian Capulet’s luck be worse? As if being born into the most conservative family in Verona wasn’t bad enough, the girl of his dreams is the daughter of his father’s biggest adversary in the upcoming election. His embarrassing family—especially his troublemaking younger brother—seem set to totally ruin his chances with Romilly.

For Romilly and Julian it’s never been truer that you can choose your friends but not your family. Will this story end in woe—or can there be a happily ever after for this modern-day Juliet and Romeo?

Buy links
99c on Amazon or free read on Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon US and worldwide: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BM44LAC
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BM44LAC
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

5. Snowkissed ~ Lisa Swallow

Sadie’s holiday season is officially off to the worst start ever. After losing her job a week before Christmas and starting a fight in a toy store, she decides to throw in the tinsel and heads to the English Cotswolds early for a quiet Christmas with her family.

She wasn’t counting on the complications caused by her sister’s Christmas wedding. Or the groom’s brother and best man, Jamie. 

The wealthy, charming Jamie is everything Sadie tries to avoid. But the best man has a secret that will change everybody’s Christmas.

In the snow-kissed Cotswolds, will Sadie have a happy holiday after all?

So, these are my Valentine’s Day reads. Happy reading!

Xx Mich

ABSOLUTION ~ BOOK II ~ THE INFINITY SERIES

With book 2 under construction and the cover almost ready to reveal, I thought I’d share a bit with you all. It’s proving to be a highly emotional WIP and really testing my writer’s safe zone.

Set in Perth, Australia, The Infinity Series is as much about self-discovery as it is about romance. A sensible young lady meets bad boy Valentine and is swept up in a romance she definitely wasn’t looking for. Sure, Abbie finds ‘herself’ in Infinite Completion and discovers she’s stronger than she ever thought she could be, but Absolution is Valentine’s story and it’s filled with heartache, grief, self-doubt and euphoria. I’m delving into homosexuality, drug use, death, birth and marriage ~ life milestones and trials.

Infinite Completion readers are waiting with baited breath to see if Zane is okay. He’s shared a life-changing secret with Abbie (*no spoilers) and become a very important part of her life. There’s so much waiting around the corner for our dear Abbie and I can promise it’s going to be AMAZING and Terrifying all at once.

Absolution, told from Valentine’s POV, is how you’ll follow Abbie’s life from here on in – release date FEBRUARY 14 2016.

Here’s a teaser for you

And here’s the book 1 link

Share with your friends so they can join in too xx

Mich