Author: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

My Why ... I love exploring the drama that ensues when two people with cultural, societal, religious, and economic difference find common ground in attraction, lust, kinks, and most of all love. Author Bio: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader, tattoo lover, and movie fanatic who hails from Texas. After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer. She identifies the sci-fi action flick "The Matrix" as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves. She can recite the entire script from the 80's teen comedy/drama "The Breakfast Club" and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movie, especially Tony Stark. When it come to books, Sydney reads different genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, Xyla Turner, J.A Huss, Kaia Bennett, & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books. Email Sydney at sydney@sydneyaaliyahmichelle.com.

It’s Release Day!

Published on October 12, 2018 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Available on Amazon & Free on Kindle Unlimited

Lady Guardians: Grace’s Redemption

MC Romance | IR Romance

Blurb:

Love tore them apart, revenge brought them redemption and a way back together, but at what cost?

Mase Scott wants revenge.

Determined to avenge his brother’s murder, Mase puts his dreams on hold and hurts the only girl he has every loved. He pushed her away to protect her, however, revenge bring them back together. After learning about Grace’s secret, his priority is to protect her at all cost event if it pits him against his own club.

Grace Smith wants redemption.

When the man she’s loved all her life pushes her away, Grace seeks refuge with the Lady Guardians. She learns the true meaning of the word family. The club teaches her to take care of herself, but her connection to Mase is stronger than they both realized. Her redemption tour has her choosing between her crew and the man she loves.

Grace’s Redemption is part one a sizzling MC Romance novella. If you like sexy alpha bikers, a strong biker beauty, and a steam love connect that spans over miles on the open road, you’ll love Sydney Aaliyah Michelle’s latest BWWM romance.

Excerpt:

I thought about not if, but when we found each other again.

I knew it like I knew how to breathe that Gracie was mine and we’d end up together. She had my heart in her hands and at the moment, she held it there with an open palm. At some point, she would squeeze it with all her might and holding it close to her perfect tits and when that day came, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Might be the reason why my life has been a rollercoaster of calm and chaos.

I deserve to be miserable for the rest of my life, but I want more than that crushing emptiness for her.

Tonight, I got to see how both of those merged into the beautiful woman she had become. Being inside of her again, stab wound or no stab wound, felt like home.

Every Steph : Brooklyn’s Most Glamorous Hotels

Published on April 27, 2016May 1, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was posted by Steph on Every Step-h on February 27, 2016.

Are you dying to visit the Big Apple, but you are scared it might be too expensive? Think again! New York doesn’t have to be crazy expensive if you don’t mind a short subway ride to Brooklyn.
Stay in one of these glamorous hotels in Brooklyn, the glitz of New York awaits you!

Image by Jim Nix via Trover.com

Lxure Brooklyn Suites

Just a 15-minutes drive from Brooklyn, Lxure Brooklyn Suites offers top-notch guest service and fancy rooms. Everything in the stylish suites screams luxury, from the heated marble floors to the crystal chandeliers and leather sofas in the living-room area.
The hotel offers plenty of amenities: guests only need to decide whether to hit the indoor pool, the spa tub, or the business center first. Rates include a lovely continental breakfast delivered each morning to your room.

The Box House Hotel

Located in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood, The Box House Hotel is a contemporary and designer hotel.

The modern lofts and suites feature works by local artists, 42-inch LCD TVs, and iPod docking stations. If you need more space, some of the suites are split-level and have modern kitchenettes and a living-room area with pullout beds that can sleep a few extra people.

Guests enjoy a state of the art fitness center which also includes steam showers and a sauna, a 24-hour business center and free shuttle rides to the city center in classic 1970s Checker cabs. Room rates average $160 a night.

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast is a small hotel that combines tradition with modern comforts. The ten vintage-themed rooms are exquisitely decorated with wooden furniture, are air-conditioned and provide complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby all day long or relax in the hotel library. Lefferts Manor is located in the historic district of Brooklyn, and it’s just a short walk from Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Prospect Park Zoo.

Brooklyn Motor Inn

Located in Red Hook neighborhood, the Brooklyn Motor Inn is a comfortable hotel which comes with an affordable price tag.
Rooms are basic but include everything you need, including climate control with air conditioning, cable TV, a refrigerator and a microwave. The strongest selling point for this hotel is its location: Brooklyn Motor Inn is very close to Brooklyn Bridge, which means that with a short drive, guests can relax in Battery Park, visit the 9-11 Tribute Center, or take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty.

Condor Hotel

Very well linked by public transportation, Condor Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring designer rooms with an urban vibe.

Rooms offer plush bedding, a deep soaking bathtub, rainfall showers, and a kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator.

Mornings start with a kick thanks to the complimentary continental breakfast which includes muffins, bagels, fresh fruit, and made to order Belgian waffles. Guests can take advantage of the business center and meet fellow guests in the living room. Condor Hotel is one of the most competitively priced hotels on the luxury side in Brooklyn; rates start at $160 a night and can go up to $380 for luxury suites with two sleeping areas.

The Best Non-Beach Spring Break Getaways

Published on March 31, 2016March 29, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on March 16, 2016.

The words “spring break” may conjure images of swimsuited coeds frolicking on the beach, but a truly enjoyable spring break is hardly one size fits all. Everybody has their own preferences, and some folks simply prefer urban, landlocked, or mountainous settings to sandy ones. If you fall into the former category, then don’t let your friends pressure you into yet another sticky spring break on the edge of the ocean. Instead, book a trip to any of these stellar non-beach spring break getaways.

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Austin, TX

Texas’ capitol has earned itself a reputation as the hipster capital of the country—and for good reason. The unparalleled music scene, thriving foodie culture, and laid-back vibes make this city a must-visit for any college student. The wildly popular SXSW festival is held every year in March, so expect hotel rates to rise during the month—but if you make it to the festival, your money will be well spent. The weather is nice and temperate in the spring, so don’t forget to take advantage of the many outdoor recreational opportunities both in and just outside of the city.

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Asheville, NC

If wild parties aren’t your thing, then head to laid-back Asheville for a spring break that won’t disappoint. Located between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers gorgeous 360-degree views and easy access to outdoor adventures. The city is also home to thriving arts and foodie scenes, interesting museums, and an abundance of live music—you’re unlikely to find more buskers per capita in any other city. Be sure not to miss the historical Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned house in the U.S. The grounds also feature a winery, garden tours, and the upscale Antler Hill Village, which offers shopping, dining, and live entertainment.

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Las Vegas, NV

For those who are comfortable with flashing lights and large crowds, Las Vegas is the place to be. From world-renowned casinos to one-of-a-kind performances, raucous pool parties, expansive buffets, and an anything-goes nightlife scene, Las Vegas brings the party at all hours of the day and night. Don’t miss the downtown Fremont Street Experience, which includes a pedestrian mall, concert venues, and various wild attractions such as the SlotZilla Zip Line, which lets adventurous spring breakers fly over the street at a height of more than 70 feet.

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Memphis, TN

If you’ve never been to the birthplace of Rock ‘N Roll, it’s high time you paid it a visit. Whether you’re interested in music or southern heritage, you’ll get a (fun) education anywhere you turn. Head to Sun Studio, where the first ever Rock ‘N Roll record was made, or visit the Center for Southern Folklore or the Pink Palace Museum to learn about southern art, culture, history, and music. And of course, be sure to visitGraceland Museum, home to none other than the one and only Elvis Presley. When you’ve had your fill of educational tours, head to Beale Street (the official “Home of the Blues”) to enjoy great food, live performances, or the jovial nightlife.

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New Orleans, LA

With Mardi Gras over and the summer humidity still months away, spring break is the perfect time to explore New Orleans at a leisurely pace. Thanks to the city’s fusion of Cajun, Creole, French, Native American, and Spanish cultures, awesome architecture, art galleries, food, museums, music, and live performances are a stone’s throw away in any direction. Head to Bourbon Street if you’re looking to party, visit the historic French Quarter to experience a taste of the past, or stroll Frenchman Street to hear some of the best blues, jazz, and rockabilly around.

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San Antonio, TX

What Austin’s cool cousin lacks in beachside access, it makes up for in great weather, artsy shops, award-winning food, interesting museums, gorgeous architecture, and awesome outdoor activities. By day, stroll along the pedestrian Riverwalk, hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, or tour the historic missions, which were recently designated aWorld Heritage Site. At night, take a ghost tour of the city before hitting up the area nightlife or retiring to one of the city’s many budget-friendly hotels.

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Press Play on These 4 Great Travel Podcasts

Published on March 29, 2016April 2, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on March 22, 2016.

The appeal of travel is that you get to, well, go somewhere. That’s why a travel podcast might sound a little counterintuitive at first. Most people would rather go to Peru (for example) than hear someone else talk about it. And if that’s not an immediate option, browsing photographs may seem superior to spoken word.

And yet podcasts have exploded in popularity precisely because the spoken word is so powerful, and because a lack of visual commitment makes them perfect for filling time stuck in traffic, walking the dog, or cleaning the kitchen. Plus, travel podcasts specifically can clue you in on new destinations, while also offering travel tips, language lessons, and much more.

If you’re in the market for some new podcasts to add to the queue, try one of these; it just might just inspire your next vacation.

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1. The Indie Travel Podcast:

For the last decade, New Zealanders Craig and Linda Martin have been “professionally homeless,” meaning they travel full-time. The couple chronicles their travels on the Indie Travel podcast. According to a recent anniversary episode, Craig and Linda describe “Indie Travel” as the desire to experience a destination as opposed to just seeing it — generally by engaging with the local environment, businesses and people.

In most episodes, the couple hones in on a specific destination and talks about their experience — whether that means navigating the United Kingdom, living in Mexico, or visiting Ukraine. The couple also sometimes shares more practical advice and interviews other travelers. With over 300 episodes already broadcast, new listeners have plenty of backlog to enjoy on top of the usual two to three new podcasts coming out each month.

2. Travel with Rick Steves:

A good number of top travel podcasts are created by a couple or group of friends who quit their full-time jobs to travel the world. They are (understandably) eager to share tips and best practices to that end — which is great! But many of us aren’t in a position to necessarily rearrange our lives around travel; we simply want to get away or spice up some standard trips. That’s why the “Travel with Rick Steves” podcast remains a staple.

Episodes don’t spend time on his life story or on motivational quotes about breaking away from your routine. Instead, the episodes showcase places and cultures, while also featuring renowned guests from activist and author Gloria Steinem to British actress Joanna Lumley. And while Steves’ voice may sound a bit monotone when you first tune in, it’s actually quite soothing as you get used to it, making for perfect background listening.

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3. Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue:

Another established, well-executed podcast that features a nice range of voices is the Conde Naste Traveller Travelogue. Conde Naste is one of the world’s leading media companies, while its Traveller Magazine boasts beautiful photography and seemingly endless travel suggestions. The podcast, as you might guess, is essentially the magazine a new form.

Launched last fall, the weekly episodes are conversational, yet keep things a bit more journalistic. So far, topics have included how to travel with kids, information on new TSA rules and how to survive holiday travel, in addition to destination-specific highlights from Australia to Miami. Oh, and each episode kicks off by sharing the “Cocktail of the Week.” Get a buzz on, then book a trip!

4. Survival Phrases:

Ever find yourself in a new country without the ability to even ask for basic directions? That’s where the “Survival Phrases” podcast comes in. It can help travelers prepare (or perhaps cram last minute) for travel to a country in which people speak a different language. There are podcasts series available for 27 total languages, from Spanish to Chinese to Dutch. In teaching important travel phrases, the podcast attempts to offer listeners “cultural insight you will not find in a textbook,” including frequently used modern phrases.

If you have travel coming up, pick a podcast, scroll through the archives and find an episodes that focuses on your destination. You’ll be sure to find some great suggestions and stories, while other episodes may also provide the perfect place to visit for vacations that follow.

The World’s Best Cities for Traveling Solo

Published on February 11, 2016February 9, 2016 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

This post was posted by thehipmunk on Hipmunk’s Tailwind Blog on December 15, 2015.

Screen-Shot-2015-12-15-at-9.04.40-PM There’s nothing like deciding to explore the world, striking out on your own, and doing just exactly what you want to do. But when you start to consider the options, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, rather than start with the whole world and try narrowing it down from there (good luck), why not start with a carefully curated list of globetrotter-approved locales guaranteed to be worth the trip? In answer to that question, here’s a roundup of four adventure-packed spots to inspire your further rumination on the topic.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cultural melting pot preoccupied with the finer things, Buenos Aires is paradise for the artist and the intellectual. The place is littered with literary and live music bars, and was home to influential writers like Victoria Ocampo and Jorge Luis Borges. Translation: Wandering aimlessly will inevitably end in the discovery of some hidden gem. With that in mind, make sure to pick a centrally located hotel. Nature lovers can visit the second-largest wetlands in the world at Ibera (a short flight from Buenos Aires). Anyone who considers drinking good wine a worthwhile pastime should make a stop at La Cafe Juvré or Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán.

Must-dos: Take in an opera at Teatro Colón, eat traditional empanadas, drink a true Argentine Malbec.

Dublin, Ireland

The sheer, lush expanse of the place makes it worth a trip. Film fans should take time to visit The Cliffs of Moher (you can get there by bus or rail from Dublin and make it back to your hotel before bedtime), a filming location for both Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. Literature buffs could make a whole itinerary of famous authors’ birthplaces: James Joyce and Clare Boylan hail from Dublin, to name a pair. Take the two-hour drive to Belfast to see the birthplace of C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Swift, and Seamus Heaney — plus a tour of Game of Thrones filming locations. Sporty types have no shortage of options, with golf tournaments, equestrian events, and boating races occurring regularly.

Must-dos: If you can, go during one of the food festivals, like Taste of Dublin. There are many, and you’ll experience more Irish cuisine that way than any other. If you do hit up Belfast, visit the MAC: the award-winning art center houses three art galleries, two theaters, and a bar/restaurant.

Bali, Indonesia

Not just because it’s where Elizabeth Gilbert found enlightenment — and eventually the “Love” part of Eat, Pray, Love — although maybe a little because of that, the island of Bali is an incredible destination for the unattached traveler. You can swim in the Sekumpul Waterfalls, follow bright-colored fish snorkeling on Menjangan Island, or have a zen moment in the Jatiluwih Green Land rice fields.Get the full experience by staying in a cottage. On top of the whole “exotic paradise” thing, Bali offers a surprising amount of sophisticated cultural experiences. Think traditional and modern dance, visual art, and music. The annual Indonesian International Film Festival, Balinale, takes place in Bali, too.

Must-dos: Take in a temple performance, eat nasi goreng (a tamarind + chili stir-fried rice) and spicy peanut satay with bubur sumsum (black rice pudding) for dessert.

Sydney, Australia

The first-time solo traveler will appreciate the familiar urbanity and English-speaking environment of Australia. But Sydney has seemingly endless opportunity to explore a different kind of adventure with incredible surfing at spots like Manly Beach and fitness-focused attractions like walking Sydney Harbor Bridge, or taking in all the major attractions on a bike tour.

For a taste of culture, visit The Royal Botanic Gardens or shop at the Centrepoint Mall. Regardless of the kind of trip you’re looking for, you can find it in Australia.

Must-dos: Take in a performance at the Sydney Opera House (it helps if your hotel is walking distance) and indulge in a tasting menu at Sydney-based seiōbo — momofuku’s first location outside New York City, which features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.