First I would like to thank you for your support, the kind words, the shares for this past year and I hope you will join in next year too. I hope my posts make you smile and laugh, and that you collected a few BBF and BGF too along the way.
Again my Father’s words come to mind. They are simple but so meaningful … I WISH FOR YOU WHAT YOU WISH FOR ME!
My wish for you is that the new year is filled with lots of books… and love… and joy… and health!
Happy New Year
Boldog Új Évet
Bonne année
Hauʻoli makahiki hou
Frohes neues Jahr
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Felice anno nuovo
¡Feliz año nuevo!
Gott nytt år
Gelukkig nieuwjaar
Maligayang bagong Taon
See you next year! Until then, happy reading / listening! XOXO
When I saw this pic years ago, it spoke to me and my Dad came to mind. He was a lover of nature, animals loved him, even wild ones, plants grew under his care like you’ve never seen. I came across it again recently and I thought I will share with you too.
It has been a hard year for many, including me. Christmas is a time when we feel the loss more acutely of those we lost recently or many years ago, be that to death or to parting ways.
I am hopeful that next year will be better, I am a survivor and a fighter.
Here is my Christmas Wish to you… even if you don’t celebrate it.
Hungarian is my mother tongue, so I’ll start with that 😉
Boldog Karácsonyi Ünnepeket!
which means in…
English – “Merry Christmas!”
German – “Fröhliche Weihnachten”
French – “Joyeux Noël”
Spanish – “¡Feliz Navidad!”
Hawaiian – “Mele Kalikimaka”
Irish – “Nollaig Shona Dhuit”
Welsh – “Nadolig Llawen !”
Italian – “Buone Feste Natalizie”
Swedish – “God Jul”
Danish – “Glædelig Jul”
Dutch – “Vrolijk Kerstfeest”
Croatian – “Sretan Bozic”
Greek – “Kala Christouyenna”
Portuguese – “Feliz Natal”
Russian – “Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva s Novim Godom”
Chinese – (Mandarin) “Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan”
Thai – “Suk sarn warn Christmas”
Vietnamese – “Chuć Mưǹg Giańg Sinh”
and for us nerds 😛
Quenya (Lord of the Rings) – Alassë a Hristomerendë
Sindarin (Lord of the Rings) – Mereth Veren e-Doled Eruion
Klingon (Star Trek) – toDwI’ma’ qoS yItIvqu’
Este mikor kigyúlnak a karácsonyi fények, a gyermekkori álmok egy percre visszatérnek. Ekkor a szemekben a szeretet fénye lángol, s a gyertyafényénél még a csillag is táncol.
my translation…
When the Christmas lights come on in the evening, childhood dreams return for a moment. This is when love is shining in all eyes, and even the star dances in the candlelight.
After seeing again the picture above, I went in search of alternate Christmas decor ideas.
My friends say that is never dull around me 😀 read on and see who is… or rather are… my newest unexpected visitors.
As I walk into my chat room I see several Elven children spread over the furniture and none of them look happy. What is this about? I can barely wait to find out what has happened?
Why so glum?I asked.
They left us behind,Valendil complained, and the other little Elves nodded then sighed.
Why?I wasn’t following the conversation and needed more input.
They think we are babies,Quillian sniffed.
I stifle a smile when she says that, they are babies, or close enough. I can’t let them think I agree with their statement though.That is horrible!I exclaim. I know, bad.
On the other hand, they were doing boring things where they were going, so I guess we shouldn’t complain too much,Andris stated.
They were doing Tratchar things, that is not boring,Marla sniffed, as she smacked Andris on the back of the head with her open hand.
Do that once more and you will be sorry,Andris warned.
Marla stuck her tongue out at Andris and dared him to follow through with his threat,You can try to tackle me, but it wouldn’t be a good idea.
I am not so sure I should let this get out of hand, after all, I don’t want there to be problems with my landlord, or their parents.Calm down, I am sure things are not as bad as you think.
You weren’t left twiddling your thumbs in the background while your elders got to go partying,Piliam sighed.
True, but I am not whimpering like tiny tots now.I engage my mouth before putting my mind into gear… oops.
A dozen sets of Elven eyes focus in on me and I can feel my eyes grow large. I am in deep trouble now.That wasn’t meant the way it sounded. I try to backpedal.
What do you think?Valendil asked the rest of the family members.
She is a dead honorary Elf,Uriel answered.
Sadly the others nod in agreement. Even worse, I think they can outrun me. How am I going to get out of this mess? I look to the side and there is a bag of candy left over from Halloween, will it work? Anything is worth a try,Anyone interested in some suckers?
I can see them wavering, even as they exchange glances. I just might stand a chance. I pick up the bag and hold it out for them to make their choices.
Lemon, cherry and orange,Quillian notes, I like those flavors.
Any blueberry or watermelon?Andris asks.
Not that I can see,Valendil answers.
Uriel sniffs as he comments,She probably already ate them, you know how the grown ups swipe all the candy around this time of the year. They think because we are children we won’t know the difference.
Hey, I speak in defense of myself,So not true. I never touched any of them, blame it on someone else.
With a sucker in their mouths and more in each hand, they all refocus their attentions onto me again… this can’t be good.
Who are you trying to shift the blame onto? Valendil asks.
Well… you know… Mary Ann was here on the weekend before Halloween,I point out.
Twelve sets of Elven eyes narrow in thought as they eat the candy. Did they buy my suggestion? Am I going to get away with this? I have to admit, they are touchier than their parents ever were. They take a couple of slow steps forward and smile, my mind bursts into action and it is thinking only one thing… run.
When I get my hands on you MA… you are going to be so dead!!!
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I hope you enjoyed the visit of the children from the Elven Empire. They are little devils I tell you, but oh so cute.
You can visit with them in Hidden Kingdoms, book 1 in the One Empire Series, released November 6, 2018 from M. A. Abraham.
Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads! Sign up to Ms. Abraham’s blog and follow her on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date.
Here is an excerpt … enjoy!
Everyone turned to see that all twelve of the toddlers had armed themselves with every weapon they could find, as well as had dressed the part.
“You are not coming,” Eden stated bluntly. “You are staying here with your Aunt Serenity and Tamarak. They will need you to guard our homes in our absence.”
Twelve sets of silver blue eyes filled with tears as they locked on Eden, even as their chins rose and their lips tightened in determination. They were not about to be left behind. This was a family matter, and they didn’t care if they were only five and six years old. They knew how to hold a sword as well as anyone.
“Tell me I am not seeing tears or receiving signals of an upcoming mutiny,” Gabriel stated, as he met the stares of his children and Grandchildren. “An Elven Warrior does not second guess an order. Need I say more?”
“No sir,” the twelve members of the various Eagle Claw families chorused. They might question their mother’s right to take command, but never Gabriel’s. He was the High Lord General and everyone looked up to him, even the Emperor Lothrariel.
To soften the blow of what was happening for the children, Serenity announced that they would be making chocolate fudge. She then stated that there were no battles happening where they parents were going. They were just headed to see to the health of an ailing tree.
This made a big difference to the younger Eagle Claw family members. It was one thing to ride into battle to guard the back of the High Lord General. It was another to tend to the well being of a tree, to them that was boring.
Now you understand why they were so frustrated LOL
Here is my review: 5-star An exciting new adventure in the spin-off series, One Empire, that leads us Elfanatics further into the Elven Empire, following the select group chosen by the Fates from the younger generation, going beyond the borders and finding the Hidden Kingdoms. The usual twists and humorous bantering between the friends will delight you and keep you reading page after page.
Join 12 of your favorite MC authors as they bring you 11 inside look stories at how Christmas is done at their Clubhouse. ALL proceeds from this release will benefit Toys for Tots.
Badger’s Christmas Chance by Aden Lowe
Badger considers life outside the Hell Raiders MC, but to get the woman he’s always wanted, plus pecan pie, can he stay put?
Silver Belles by Avelyn Paige
The big day has finally arrived for Raze and Darcy. Everything is finally falling into place, but just before the wedding bells can ring, disaster strikes. Now, Darcy is between a rock and a hard place. She must choose between pure wedding bliss or no wedding at all.
A Sinner’s Christmas by Colbie Kay
Bam Bam thought this Christmas would be like every other year at the clubhouse until the door opens and the woman he could never have is pushed into his arms.
Santa…Nope The Grimm Wolves by D.M. Earl
When one of their own needs help will the club be able to pull together in time or will their efforts be too late?
A Bastard for Christmas by Emily Minton and Shelley Springfield
Mistletoe, presents, and decorations, it’s Christmas time again. Let’s gather around the tree and sing some carols. Screw that. We’re doing this biker style. Whiskey, women, and weed. It’s time to celebrate like a Bastard.
A Korrupted Christmas by Geri Glenn
Tease hates the holidays, but most of all Christmas. And now, with his club dealing with yet another catastrophe, he could do without it entirely. But that isn’t going to fly with Laynie. She’s determined to give her man a festive dose of Christmas spirit, whether he likes it or not.
A Forsaken Mistlehoe by JC Emery
Tomorrow is Christmas, but I’m unwrapping my present tonight. Zander Strand is MC royalty and the love of my life. So what if he doesn’t know I exist? He doesn’t need my name to make this angel’s bells ring. I just hope he can get it in and I can get out before anybody realizes who I really am.
Savage Christmas by Kathleen Kelly
Can Dane find Kat the ‘perfect’ Christmas present? Or will all his efforts be in vain as his club, his kids and those closest to him foil all his hard work?
Steeling Christmas By K E Osborn
When a club girl vanishes, Steel and his brothers will do all they can to get her back, even delving into the life he thought he’d left behind. Can Steel keep his life in order or will he lose it all… just in time for Christmas?
Merry F’n Christmas by Kerri Ann
Christmas hasn’t been a pleasant event in my life or the club. Oubliette–the tinsel terrorist–is trying to make Christmas great here in the Broken Bows. Will it kill me?
Most Rikki-Tik by MariaLisa DeMora
Kirby Westbrook came home from overseas with a mission, to resurrect his grandfather’s MC.
4.5 stars overall When I saw that two of my fave authors, Geri Glen (5-star) and Kerri Ann (5-star) stories were part of this anthology, I knew I was in for a treat. Love anthologies because I get to discover new-to-me authors too. If you like reading MC stories, you will want to get these, there is quite a variety with a common theme… the members pull together when somebody is in need, especially at Christmas. Short stories, there is suspense, there is laughter, there are hot, sexy scenes *fanning face* and a few heartwarming moments where I had tears in my eyes. A great cause, Toys for Tots, is benefiting from the sales, so take a chance and I promise you will enjoy them just as I have. I will check out the other books from all the authors, especially Aden Lowe, whose style picked my interest and his story is a 5-star for me.
Hosted by:
Until next time… read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
My guest today is quite a character. I have been watching him for a while and so glad to have him here to chat for a bit.
Please welcome Zander!
What is your full name? I have been known by a couple of names. In the heavens, I am Ruadan, the God of mystery. On Earth, I am just simply Zander Paine.
Do you have a nickname? A nickname is an endearing name we give to someone who is close to us. It is usually a name associated with a trait, either for their personalities or physical appearance, that reminds us of them. I have stayed away from people most of my life so I’ve never been given one of those endearing names. It is true, as a biker, I have a road name, Zee. This I gave to myself, and it is used to hide who I am. That is the nature of the criminal world. However, recently, I have let myself become a part of a community. I am with my own kind and a part of the Queen’s personal protection team. I have found lost family and discovered my soulmate, and in opening myself and my heart, I have been given many new names. Some are for who I am, brother, lover, even beast. Some are in the another language, while others are given to get under my skin. And, in all honesty, I love each and every one of them. Especially, the ones mo àilleacht likes to call me, like ollphèist olc meaning bad monster and cowboy. Those Celtic words sound so delicious on his lips … sigh
What is one word that best describes you? Mysterious You can say that again, your story held quite a few surprises.
Describe what you are wearing now to our readers. Unless I’m in my corporate office in Toronto, which is rare, I always wear a version of these jeans, t-shirt, boots and leather jacket, like I have on now. Oh I do like what I see… a lot
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? At first, I was surprised she even wanted to write about me at all, but Ms. Maguire did something no one else has ever tried to do. She got me to come out of the shadows and reconnect with my kind. In doing so, I have discovered so much and I am truly thankful to her for that. So, yes, I believe she represented me well. I am glad she convinced you, I’ve been waiting for your story for a while now.
What makes you laugh out loud? Any of the sarcastic comments that come out of Paige’s mouth. She has one hell of a sharp tongue, but some of the things she says are seriously belly busting.
What is your favourite dessert? Silly question, my sweet Pea.
What is your favourite drink? Beer and bourbon, of course.
What is your greatest fear? Funny, I never had fears until recently. I mean, I have already died once and been to the burning pits in the Underworld so what is there to fear after that. But now…Now I fear for the safety of our Queen, she is always been challenged. I worry for my sister, my mother, my brothers, but I especially fear that something will happen to my mate, and the first female Alpha, Paige. It keeps me up at night, in fact.
What is your favourite colour? Does it have to be one? I actually like a mixture of orange, gold, and red…The color of fire.
What do you wear when you go to sleep? People wear clothing when they sleep? How uncomfortable!
What is the perfect romantic date? A burger and beer in Paige’s kitchen, just us sharing our time together.
How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish? I’m not ticklish in human form. However, if you swear not to tell Paige, I’ll let you in on a secret. he leans in and whispers… In my true form, that of my beast, if someone was to, say, pet my neck backwards, raising my scales, I’m super ticklish.
What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of? I love the smell of nature with a slight hint of horse. It’s the natural essence of my beauty and it drives me wild. Horse? It took me a moment to understand what he meant, then I remembered Paige has horses DUH
When you look at a woman what catches your interest? Mmm, her confidence. There is nothing sexier.
Do you have somebody in your life now? Absolutely!
What is one word best describes her? Bad-ass! That she is! 😀
Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series? Yes, my book is the fourth in the series. What does the future hold? Well, no one knows what Ms. Maguire is thinking and I doubt any of us could even try to figure her out. However, I can tell you she holds all of our secrets and our kind are the biggest myth of all… It’s bound to get darker, wilder, and crazier from here!
I know what you mean, Ms. Maguire likes to tease and she does it mercilessly 😀 Thank you for the visit to my little corner of the blogging world and looking forward to seeing more of you in the future.
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Thank you for joining us today and I hope you enjoyed our chat.
Zander hails from Blessed, book 4 of The Legacy Series by Marianne Maguire.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are in everyone’s past. They write our histories and define our world. Zander Paine knows this more than most thanks to a second chance September Rae’s Mother blessed him with centuries ago. Zander considers this blessing a curse that left him not quite a supernatural, and not at all who he once was. Alone, he wandered in the shadows spreading the false history of the supernatural- until Queen September is finally born.
After a chance meeting with the Queen, Zander is sent on a mission to Nevada with the High Priestesses to kill a warlock who has been siphoning magical powers. He’s there to prove himself worthy, but a lost family connect has him reliving his past as he tries to help the beautiful she-wolf, Paige Sky, escape her step-father’s claim. When the Queen’s court comes to his aid to help him rescue Paige, the rest of the supernatural community decides to challenge the Queen and her court for their Kingdom.
Zander is determined to show his loyalty, to right the wrongs of his shattered past, and finally atone for his sins, but the odds are not in his favor. When the truth about his mysterious past is finally revealed and the battle begins, will the Queen, her court, and the only woman he’s ever loved, turn their back on him or will he win it all and be truly blessed?
Check out this awesome trailer
my review: 5 stars
It took a while to get thru the book and not because it wasn’t good. It is really good, I mean REALLY good. I was savoring it slowly like a good chocolate that melts when it hits the tongue. I knew when I met Zander in the previous stories that he was special and after reading his story I know the author did him justice. He also got a special mate in Paige, she is a kickass heroine. Their encounters are explosive, in and out of bed. Make sure you have a fan handy 🙂 The saga continues and from the beginning there is the usual grip that brings the reader in and holds prisoner to the last page. When is the next book coming, Ms. Maguire? Need more.
The series is a unique take on the paranormal erotica genre mixing vampire, wolf shifter, demon, angel, human and adding suspense, laughter and lots of hot, sexy scenes.
If you missed my chats with characters from previous books, makes sure you check them out to get an insight into their world. First up was Sabre and then September’s hunks, followed by Lilith, my fave BGF from the series.
If you are new to the series, although the books can be read as stand-alones, I recommend you start at the beginning to understand better how the world evolves and how characters get involved.
To keep in touch with Ms. Maguire, give her pages a like. You should like her page on Facebook, she posts sexy shoes and oh-so-yummy-drool-worthy Wet Wednesdays sigh among other sexy posts. Ms. Maguire’s Pinterest is a place worth checking out, make sure you have your drool rag handy though! See Zander’s pic there too. Her website is a wealth of information on the books and the characters, check out the Genealogical Map, so cool! We chatted back in 2015 and I had the chance to meet her in person, she is such an amazing lady.
One lucky reader will get an ebook copy of “BLESSED”, courtesy of Ms. Maguire. The winner will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from the comments after 3pm EST on Monday, December 10, 2018. Good luck!
Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
USA Today Bestselling author Deborah Cooke writes paranormal romance and contemporary romance; she also writes medieval romance as New York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix.
SEELKs fire & ice 
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