Month: November 2015
A Different Christmas by CM Doporto – Release Blitz
Not only is CM one of my favorite sports romance authors and the cutest little pregnant lady who is about to pop, but she from my hometown, too. Have to support the locals. I’m excited to read more about Raven & Lexi’s love story. – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
Release Date: November 30, 2015
Blurb:
The final chapters in Raven and Lexi’s epic love story that began with Opposing Sides.
Having been through hell and back, Raven and Lexi beat the odds stacked against them and came out on the winning side together. For the past several months, Raven’s been working hard to show Lexi he can be the husband she deserves and the father their soon-to-be born twins need. Playing pro-football is proving to be more challenging than they thought.
As the weeks pass and her due date nears, old demons resurface, threatening to destroy what they’ve worked hard to rebuild. The birth of their twins reminds them despite long practice sessions, football games, and the holidays, what’s most important is the greatest gift of all: love.
**This novella takes place before the epilogue in The Winning Side and A Different Side. This is a standalone story, but it is recommended you read the series.**
Tags/Tweets: #NewAdult #Romance #College #TheRavensTrap #UniversityParkSeries
Excerpt:
I pulled into the park and stopped a few feet shy of the valet stop. Night had set in and the weather was a nice sixty degrees. Perfect for a train ride and a stroll through the park.
“We’re here.” I leaned over and helped Lexi remove the mask.
“Oh wow.” She blinked a few times and looked around. “This is beautiful, Raven.” She peered out the window like kid anxious to run through an amusement park. “Do they always decorate the park with Christmas lights?”
“Yes, Celebration in the Oaks has been a New Orleans’s traditions since I can remember.”
“How fun.”
“I bought us tickets for a train ride, which takes us around the park to see the Christmas lights.”
“Oh that’s perfect.” She smiled and gave me a kiss on the cheek.
“If you’re up to it, we can walk around afterwards. If not, I understand.” I wasn’t sure if she could handle strolling through the park with her big belly. I felt bad for all the weight she was carrying around.
“Exercise is good for me, so I don’t mind.”
“We’ll see how you feel after the train ride.” I pulled forward to the valet porter.
“Okay.”
We got out of the vehicle and walked toward the train station. Festive holiday music played and thousands of lights twinkled in a variety of colors. Some outlined the huge oak trees and others draped the moss-covered cypress trees. Various lighted displays were spread throughout the park creating a magical winter spectacular. Decorated Christmas trees lined the walkway giving it a cozy, intimate feel.
“This reminds me of last year when you took me to downtown Fort Worth and we went ice skating.”
“I know.” I laced my fingers through hers. “This was the weekend we hooked up and you stayed with me.”
Lexi stopped and turned to me. “Oh no…”
“Happy Anniversary, baby.”
She covered her face with her hand. “How could I forget?”
“It’s okay.” I chuckled. “You got a lot going on.”
“Not more than you.” Disappointment laced her beautiful features. “No wonder you gave me the diamond earrings during dinner.” She shook her head. “I thought you were giving me an early Christmas gift. I’m such a loser.”
“No you’re not.” I drew Lexi close to me. “You’re about to give birth to twins. I don’t think that puts you anywhere in the loser category.”
“But I didn’t buy you anything.” Her hands rested on my chest.
My eyes wandered behind her as the deep voices tried to enter my head. Telling me Lexi would never marry me. That she’d never be my wife. That all of this was just temporary. I shook my head and aligned my eyes with her. “There’s only one thing I want from you, Lexi.”
Her gaze tore from mine. “I know. Please be patient with me. Okay?”
I lifted her chin, bringing our gazes together again. “I already told you, I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good. Because I’m not going to let you.” She smiled and then backed away, latching on to my hand. “Come on, let’s go have some fun. I might not be able to ice skate, but we can at least enjoy the lights.”
“You got it, baby.”
We boarded the train for the two-mile ride around the park. We laughed and talked the entire time as we passed the blinking Christmas displays, which included the animated Cajun Night Before Christmas display and the iconic snowman, Mr. Bingle, a New Orleans’ favorite. It was fun and festive and by the smile on Lexi’s face, I knew she was having a good time.
“The lights were beautiful,” Lexi said, as I helped her step off the train. “I’m so glad you thought of this.”
“I wasn’t sure it would be a good idea, since you were so far along.”
She waved off my comment. “I’m pregnant, not handicap.”
“I know, but it can’t be easy lugging around two babies.”
“It’s not.” She huffed. “But it’s only temporary.”
“Thank, God.” I wrapped my arm around her. “Because I miss you lying naked on top of me.”
A soft moan escaped her lips. “I miss that, too.”
“How long do we have to wait?” I cautiously asked.
Her eyes darted to the sky. “I think six weeks, but it might be longer for C-section. I don’t know, but don’t let me forget to ask.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Apparently I wasn’t the only one missing the great sex.
“So, have you decided on the names?” I held up my arm, pointing at my watch. “Times ticking.”
“I know.” Lexi nodded repeatedly. “But this isn’t my decision alone. You have to agree, too.”
“Okay. Then let’s decide tonight.” I spotted a vendor selling coffee and pastries.
“You want something?”
“Do you have to ask?” She winked. “You know my weakness.”
Rafflecopter Giveaway
About the Author:
CM Doporto – Born and raised in the United States of America in the great state of Texas, CM Doporto resides there with her husband and son, enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua, Mexican Red Head Parrot and several fish. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, where she is associated with the Young Adult Special Interest Chapter. To learn more about her upcoming books, visit www.cmdoporto.com and sign up to receive email notifications. You can also like CM Doporto’s fan page on Facebook and follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
The Unforgettables: What You Need to Pack for a Trip to Arizona
For a world traveler, I am a notoriously bad packer. I over pack and curse my sore muscles and inconvenient baggage fees even before my trip starts. One of the things that helps is to make a list of the activities I plan to take part in and pack accordingly.
Arizona is another bucket list region I have spent time in, but I need to do a revisit because it has so much to offer. From the beautiful scenery to the physical activities and cool Wild West history, it makes for a packing challenge that, with some planning, I think I can conquer.
Phoenix, Arizona
A start in Phoenix, Arizona, is a must, not just because it’s the biggest city. It is a diverse city with access to amazing activities without getting too outside the comforts of modern life. It has so much including shopping, if you forget something, but I would make sure I pack my best golf clothes for this leg of the trip. Phoenix and its suburbs have some of the most beautiful golf courses in the United States. To play your best, you have to look your best, so pack the collared polos and coordinated shoes to spend the day at the links in Phoenix.
Photo provided by Mark Nuttelman via Trover.com
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is the spot where you can enjoy the outdoors. The beautiful terrain offers hiking trails for people of all skill levels. Most of the trails are easy to follow and offer the most breathtaking views imaginable. If you plan a visit to Sedona, make sure you pack your hiking boots. They are called hiking boots for a reason, and you will enjoy the experience if you pack these staples for your outdoor adventure.
Photo provided by Mariah Dennis via Trover.com
Tucson, Arizona
You would be hard-pressed to find a place in Arizona that doesn’t have a beautiful sunset, but Tucson, Arizona, has the best. There’s something about the desert and the way it reflects off the sun in this city up in the mountains. It will be over all too quickly, so make sure you pack a camera to enjoy the beautiful sky with all its colors long after the sun has gone down.
Photo provided by Tatiana Tomich via Trover.com
Prescott, Arizona
You may be ready to shed the signs of the town and rough it for a while. Pack your camping gear and check out Watson Lake in Prescott, Arizona. Watson Lake offers campgrounds, hiking, horseback riding, and boat rental. It’s a well-known destination for Arizonans, who flock to Watson Lake during the summer months when it’s sweltering in the city. Visit during the fall and winter for pleasant temperatures in the off-season, too.
Photo provided by Heather via Trover.com
Yuma, Arizona
To add a little history to my Arizona adventure, I have to make a stop in Yuma, Arizona, to visit the Yuma Territorial Prison. This working prison was under continuous construction from 1875 to 1909. It housed several notorious criminals, including women. The original structure stands today, so pack your ball and chain and see how criminals lived in the late 1800s.
Photo provided by Paul Cloutier via Trover.com
Lie With Me by M. Never – Book Blitz
Finally!!! I’ve been waiting for this one. Can wait to check out Tara and CJ’s sexy story? – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle
M. Never
Lie With Me
Release Day: November 27, 2015
Synopsis
Giveaway
Signed Paperbacks of Owned, Claimed, Ruined & Lie With Me along w/ swag pack.
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0cba4250185/?
About M. Never
Connect with M.
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I stuffed myself on my favorite meal of the years and today I thought I would detox and share with you some of my favorite IR authors with the Color of Love Giveaway Blog Hop. Between November 27th & December 6th, visit all the authors and blogs for individual giveaways and make sure you join the Blog Hop giveaway at the Rafflecopter Link below.
Grand Prizes
1st Prize – $75.00 Gift Card & 6 ebooks
2nd Prize – $50.00 Gift Card & 5 ebooks
3rd Prize – $30.00 Gift Card & 5 ebooks
4th Prize – $15.00 Gift Card & 5 ebooks
5th Prize – $10.00 Gift Card & 5 ebooks
6th Prize – $5.00 Gift Card & 5 ebooks
To enter for the chance to win one of these grand prizes, please enter the Rafflecopter by clicking here.
Make sure the visit the other blogs in the hop by clicking here.
Sydney Aaliyah Blog Giveaway
There are some amazing books with some amazing Interracial Romances.I love this genre. Let me know some of your favorite IR couples either from movies, television, books or real life. Each comment will enter to win an ecopy of my IR Series, Hope Series Box Set (A Sports Romance).
Hope Series Box Set is available on
Amazon and Free on Kindle Unlimited Today!!!
Happy Hopping!!!