It’s Release Day – Valentines Romances

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment
Cupid has been hard at work to bring you the Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 boxed set, which is available on all platforms today! Be sure to get your copy as it’s only $0.99.


All the characters in Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 have requests for Cupid, so take a moment to scroll below and check out all that Cupid is expected to deliver to our loving guys and gals. 


 

 

  
Don’t delay download your copy of Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 today! 

 

Valentines Pet and Kisses 2 – Victoria Pindar

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment
Cupid worked overtime to deliver this Valentine’s Day treat. Cuddle up with a heartwarming collection of dog tales, kitty and horse stories, and true love with these all-new sweet romances penned by USA Today and international bestselling authors. 


On January 31, the Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 boxed set will be released. In the meantime, feel free to pre-order since it’s only $0.99.

 
Today, I’ll be sharing a sample from Keeping the Spy, as well as a Dear Cupid letter. Make sure you visit for the next eight days to see what our heroes and heroines will be asking Cupid to deliver come Valentine’s Day.
 
Excerpt:
 
Liam’s fists clenched under the table. 
 
“There was also an art heist that same night. My sister-in-law took some heat as a false suspect.” 
 
Victor would have no qualms about framing his sister-in-law, Kate. He’d also have no hesitation if Sherry ended up in front of the bullet intended for him. He continued reading and then saw an image of the diamond ring. Numbness grew inside him. 
 
“When did they get engaged?”
 
“Over a month ago.” 
 
Nebraska pulled up a picture on his computer of New Year’s Eve. Liam stared at the star-studded picture of Sherry right next to celebrities and the ball in Times Square. Victor was down on one knee. 
 
“At midnight. The same night the Federal Reserve lost four hundred million dollars out of various accounts.”
 
“Crimes and romance don’t normally mix.” Liam closed his eyes. Sherry couldn’t be involved. “She would have no knowledge of any thefts.”
 
Nebraska’s chair squeaked as he turned toward his file cabinet. Picking up his water glass, he stared at it like he just found an old friend.
“We have every reason to suspect both of them.”
 
Liam’s collar was tight. Sherry was a good girl and would never be involved with crime or Victor. She worked in a library and last visit he’d spotted her in the donut shop selling donuts behind the counter, covering for her friend Angela. 
 
He stammered a bit. “B-but, four hundred million is not a lot of money to steal from the Fed. 
If you have access, they have so much more.”
 
“We all don’t have your trust fund, Collins.” Nebraska sipped his water. “I’ll send the case file to your tablet. Read it on the plane.”
 
Liam’s heart beat a mile a minute. “I’ll prove her innocent.”

 

 

USA Today Bestselling Author, Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hated the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.

During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.


She’s always been determined. She is amazing, adventurous and assured on a regular basis. Her website is  www.victoriapinder.com.


Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.


Visit her at: http://www.victoriapinder.com
Blog: http://www.victoriapinder.com
Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Victoria-Pinder/e/B00AULD58I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victoriapinder1Twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaPinder

Pre-order your copy of Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 today and get eight sweet romances delivered to your reading device on January 31, 2017.


Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment
Cupid worked overtime to deliver this Valentine’s Day treat. Cuddle up with a heartwarming collection of dog tales, kitty and horse stories, and true love with these all-new sweet romances penned by USA Today and international bestselling authors. On January 31, the Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 boxed set will be released. In the meantime, feel free to pre-order since it’s only $0.99.


Today, I’ll be sharing a sample from Your Loyal Fan, as well as a Dear Cupid letter. Enjoy!

 
Excerpt: 
As a wide receiver, my hands hurt all season long. I got regular massages, but nothing like this little lady with her strong little hands. 
 
“Oh.” I moaned. 
 
“I know right,” Preston said. “So man, how you doing?” 
 
“I’m good.” I felt a little bit of tension easing back in. I hated these types of conversations. 
The little Chinese lady grunted as she worked hard to push it back down. 
 
“Why?” I looked over at Preston. 
 
“Nothing. I’m just checking in. You seemed a little wound up.” He looked over and leaned back. “Maybe it’s LA. It puts people on edge. Except for your little Callie. That girl is sunshine man.” 
 
I grinned at the way he said her name and the description he used. She was the brightest part of my life. 
“I’m lucky.” 
 
“No man. It’s not luck. There’s nothing lucky about love man.” Preston leaned over. “It’s work. Don’t leave the fate of the two of you to dumb luck, it will let you down.” 
 
“Why are you waxing so poetic with me? I know you.” 
 
“You’re right. You know me.” Preston leaned back. “You know what I’ve done and why being where I am right now is nothing short of a miracle. I’ll give the credit to God, Nietzsche, Confucius, and whatever high power I know. Not for bringing Kate into my life, for giving me the knowledge and the lessons of my past to hold on to her and make her my future.” 
 
“Yeah, Yeah.” I said and closed my eyes as the little Chinese lady went to work on my feet. 
 
“All I’m saying is she loves you and you love her. Don’t screw it up.” 
 
“Some things are out of my control.” 
 
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary
Romance writer, a voracious reader, tattoo lover, and movie fanatic who hails
from Texas. Sydney’s novels tackle the dramatic world that is college and
professional football She writes about heroines who love their men and the
sports world they play in. Sign up for Sydney’s Newsletter.
 
Connect with Sydney:
Website – http://sydneyamichelle.com
Amazon Author Central – https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KKYD5US
Blog – http://sydneyaaliyah.com
Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sydney-aaliyah-michelle
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/SydneyAaliyahMichelle/
Goodreads Page – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8048897.Sydney_Aaliyah_Michelle
Instagram – https://instagram.com/sydneyamichelle/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/sydliyah/
 

Pre-order your copy of Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 today and get eight sweet romances delivered to your reading device on January 31, 2017.

5 Must-See Attractions on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

My first beach experience occurred in Virginia Beach. We booked a long weekend in a beautiful hotel with a view of the beach. As a fearless 4-year-old coming off my first season of swim lessons, I wiggled out of my father’s lap and sprinted toward the surf. I got chest-deep before learning a valuable lesson. Jellyfish are not a toddler’s friend. The only thing that made me feel better was the boardwalk. Safe from the sand and surf, the boardwalk became the best part of my beach vacation.

Concerts

During the summer months, the boardwalk is a mecca for entertainment, with four separate oceanfront stages along the three-mile boardwalk. One night a magician dazzles you with his hand tricks. The next evening, you can catch an Ella Fitzgerald tribute performance. The boardwalk features jazz singers, rock bands, and soulful crooners from the United States and Canada.

If you’re looking for your big break, book a set on a Virginia Beach Boardwalk stage. You’ll find new and up-and-coming local artists, too.

Fishing Pier

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Image via Trover.com by Rodney K

My father is an avid leisure fisherman, so one of my earliest memories of the boardwalk is of fishing off the pier. I hooked a whopper on my first visit but almost got pulled off the side. I was a legend on that 1,000-foot pier that day. It’s a popular spot, and if you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it from the tackle shop.

Outdoor Dining

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Image via Trover.com by Vicki Samborski

Restaurants pepper the boardwalk, from quick eats to fine dining. As you might guess, the most popular options slant toward seafood, but the cuisines are as diverse as the patrons. You can find Italian, Greek, and Irish food and even a traditional steakhouse here. All offer outdoor dining with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Boardwalk dining offers fantastic people-watching opportunities, too.

Festivals

There’s nothing like a festival to highlight the best of a place. Because the Virginia Beach Boardwalk has a lot of highlights, you can find festivals and celebrations scheduled all year long. Virginia Beach Restaurant Week allows you to sample the area’s many culinary offerings. On the Fourth of July, you’ll see one of the best fireworks shows in the United States. In winter, the Holiday Lights event offers breathtaking Christmas displays that you’ll have to see to believe.

King Neptune 

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Image via Trover.com by Pravin Mistry

The 24-foot, 12-ton bronze statue of Neptune towers over the entrance to the Neptune Festival Park. The city commissioned artist Paul DiPasquale to create this unique and powerful structure of the Roman god of the sea with a triton in his hand. It’s a popular photo op on the boardwalk, so be prepared for a big crowd.

In 2010, Travel & Leisure named the Virginia Beach Boardwalk one of America’s best boardwalks. In 2016, USA Today bestowed honors on the oceanfront in its best-of list. If it weren’t for the boardwalk, I might have never returned to the beach. Can you blame me?

If you want a beach vacation but aren’t a fan of the beach itself, check out the interesting sights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. You won’t even miss the water!

Eating in Hyogo: More Than Beef

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

I’m not above booking a vacation focused on food, since that would take care of two items on my bucket list in one blow. There’s nothing like going somewhere new and tasting the local specialties. That’s why you have to partake in the local claim to fame, Kobe beef, when you visit Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture. Kobe isn’t just about the beef, though.

Hotel Restaurants in Kobe

fixedw_large_4x2Image by Taiichi Sugimoto via Trover.com

I’ve discovered that hotels have some of the best dining options in a new city, at least in Europe and Asia. In Kobe, staying at a noted hotel like the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe is ideal for overwhelmed culinary travelers. Located across the footbridge from Shin-Kobe Rail Station, the hotel sits amidst colorful foliage and the hiking trails of the Rokko Mountains. The hotel houses seven restaurants, giving you the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines all in one place.

American Cuisine in Kobe

Most modern cities who welcome foreigners have at least one American dining option. For new travelers, it might seem crazy to eat food you can get at home and waste an opportunity to partake in the local culture. Seasoned travelers understand that a little slice of home can go a long way, though. At Nailey’s Grill in Kobe, crowds line up for the exceptional burgers and nachos. This spot is also known for its salads.

Chinese Cuisine in Kobe

fixedw_large_4x1Image by Restu Lestari via Trover.com

Unsurprisingly, you’ll find a lot of Chinese influence in Japan. Located in the center of the city, Kobe’s Chinatown is one of three named Chinatown districts in Japan. Centuries ago, Chinese merchants settled near the busy port of Kobe, and Nankinmachi was born. Over the years, Kobe’s Chinese cuisine has evolved, but you can find steamed buns, dim sum, dumplings, and specialties from most regions of China here.

French Cuisine in Kobe

French culture is popular throughout Japan, and top French chefs like Joel Robuchon and Pierre Gagnaire have restaurants in Japan. As a result, some Japanese chefs have taken classic French cuisine and given it their own unique twist. In Kobe, Tatsuya Kishimoto opened Au Bec Fan. Here you can find beef bourguignon, crème brûlée, and other classic French dishes, but with a Japanese spin.

Kobe Beef in Kobe

fixedw_large_4xImage by Yuh via Trover.com

I’ve had Kobe beef in China, and it’s unbelievable. I imagine that trying this famous dish in the spot where it was first created will be quite a different experience, though. The manufacturing standards for this type of beef are strictly enforced, and not every type of beef can be Kobe beef. Most local establishments have a Kobe beef option on the menu, but some restaurants serve nothing but this delicate meat. Ask your hotel to recommend the best place to enjoy Kobe beef on your budget.

Kobe is a beautiful city with great food. Take the three-hour bullet train from Tokyo or the 15-minute train ride from Osaka, and experience the city’s cuisine in all it forms. Try it all, including the beef.