How Do I Love Thee? By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.  ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Artist Spotlight Emeli Sandé

Adele Emeli Gouraguine, born 10 March 1987, better known as Emeli Sandé, is an English-born Scottish recording artist and songwriter. Born: March 10, 1987 (age 26), Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom Nationality: British Spouse: Adam Gouraguine (m. 2012) Albums: Our Version Of Events, Live at the Royal Albert Hall, iTunes Session Parents: Joel Sande, Diane Sande

Sandé's sister made a video of her playing the piano and singing to one of her favourite songs, "Nasty Little Lady". They sent the clip to Trevor Nelson's BBC Urban music competition. Sandé won the show and was offered a record deal, but the management that she met via the competition decided against the deal. Her parents sent BBC Radio 1Xtra a CD of her songs. Ras Kwame played on her "Homegrown Sessions", and four artists that year were asked to do a show in Soho. She met with Watford-born music producer/writer Shahid Khan aka Naughty Boy, who had previously worked with Ms Dynamite and Bashy,[13] and they began writing tracks for artists such as Alesha Dixon, Chipmunk, Professor Green, Devlin, Preeya Kalidas, Cheryl Cole, and Tinie Tempah. Sandé soon signed a record deal with Virgin Records and EMI Records.

In an interview, she said "I was doing a show in London for 1Xtra and I met this guy called Naughty Boy. We got in the studio and we clicked work wise. We just started writing, not necessarily for me, we just thought ‘let's write a pop tune’ and experiment. And we wrote the Chipmunk track and I thought nothing of it. Naughty Boy sent it off to Chipmunk who really liked it and wrote his stuff around it." She signed a record deal with Virgin Records in 2010. She later signed another deal with EMI Records in early 2011.

Sandé made her singing career debut in 2009 after appearing on the track she wrote for Chipmunk's first debut single, "Diamond Rings". The single charted at No. 6 on the UK Singles Charts, making it Chipmunk and Sandé's first ever Top 10 Hit. She later appeared on another single singing guest vocals, after collaborating with Wiley on his comeback single "Never Be Your Woman", the single charted at number-eight on the UK Singles Charts becoming Sandé's second consecutive Top 10 Single. Sandé decided against using the name Adele Sandé, due to Adele's growing success, so used her middle name instead. She revealed: "I changed it as soon as Adele came out. I just thought, 'You've kind of taken the [name] now', so I went with my middle name. She was just getting bigger and bigger, so I thought I just really need it."

"Sandé, has an amazing soprano voice and is a true favorite of mine. I can sit and listen to her voice for hours and never ever tire of her so I am totally glad her sister had the foresight to send in that cd. She will certainly be a favorite of mine for many years to come and I wish her nothing more than continued success as a musical artist." Susan B. Anna

Chasing Sam Book 1 by Krystal Shannan Review

Chasing Sam by Krystal Shannan


Krystal Shannan truly surprised me with this incredibly well written story. Chase and Sam were an incredible, hot and sultry pair. Her mom was easily despised as well as her suitors and her sister's were absolutely devoted, loving and supportive. I adored this paranormal shifter romance so much I couldn't possibly put it down before finishing it. Thank you Krystal for a wonderful read. Loved it, and anticipate reading Book two soon. My inner werewolf awaits.


Saving Margaret- Vegas Mates 2

Bio: Successful, but lonely, Margaret Taylor finds her mate in the body of a man she least expects it in. A bear! Her human half tries to reason her way out of the match, but her wolf is through with her excuses. Crossing the species line isn’t unheard of, but it’s not often done. Try as she might to avoid him, fate makes sure the big grizzly bear is nearby at all times. But, will his presence be enough to protect her from the evil stalking her? The power of the magick between them can’t be avoided. But, Scott O’Hearn thinks the beautiful Taylor wolf is doing a fine job of just that —avoiding him. He can’t help he’s a bear shifter and he’s determined to convince her it doesn’t matter. She is his mate and he’s waited over a century to find her. Will he convince Margaret she’s his true match before it’s too late? Novel – 40K word count – Paranormal / Witches/ Shifter Romance Vegas Mates in series order… CHASING SAM (novella) SAVING MARGARET(less)

View all my reviews

Krystal Shannan Author & New Cover Reveal Spotlight for Open House Pool of Souls

Cover Reveal

My Pool of Souls books are getting a snazzy new look!

OPEN HOUSE | Pool of Souls Book 1

Rebecca Carol and Robert Corvin missed their chance to fall in love when Ares, God of War, took control of Robert's career. Rebecca's and Robert's souls have naturally pulled them back together for a second chance, but... How far will Ares go to get his own way?

Intrinsically woven into the fabric of human existence, Aphrodite, Titan Goddess of Love and Passion, dedicates herself to matching soul mates.

Will divine influence create another perfect match or will it tear them apart forever?

Here’s a peek…

(18+ Content Warning)

“I need to kiss you.” His voice was low, and his words lit a fire in her belly. She smiled and leaned toward him, closing the rest of the gap between their lips. His mouth closed over hers, and his strong arms wrapped around her back. He pulled her tightly against his chest. She looped her arms around his neck and sank into the embrace. His tongue swept through her mouth. Then he nibbled on her lower lip before loosening his hold on her body. He draped her across his lap and started undoing the buttons to her blouse. She trembled as his fingertips caressed her breasts. “So beautiful,” he murmured, leaning down for a taste. Robert moved his lips along the top of one breast and then over to the other. She moaned as he moved his mouth up her collarbone and back to hers. He fumbled with the hook for a second before her bra snapped loose and he pulled her free from it and her blouse. She heard a satisfactory growl before she felt his mouth clamp down on a pink nipple. A thread of fire wound its way through her body from her breast to her core. The ache in her belly grew, and her entire body began to pulse. 

He held her close to his chest.  As he stood, she opened her eyes. “Where are we going?”

“The kitchen.” She slid her hand into his shirt and grazed one of his nipples with her fingernail. He shuddered and flashed her a grin. “I’m going to have you for dinner.”

“I thought you already were,” she answered.

“That hardwood wasn’t the best atmosphere.”

Rebecca laughed and then sucked in a gasp as her naked back and shoulders met the cold granite of the kitchen island countertop. He quickly unbuttoned her slacks and slid them down her legs, dropping them onto the floor.

Robert lifted her leg and trailed kisses from the ankle up to her stomach. His lips burned where they touched, and she worked hard to steady her breathing. She was struggling not to come just from the soft touch of his mouth. Her body flooded with desire. He moved his hands and lips down her opposite leg until he was standing at the end of the island between her thighs.

When he hooked his fingers in her panties, she raised herself, making it easier for him to slide them down ... and off. She met his molten gaze with a moan as she watched him drop them to the floor with her slacks.

Available @ Amazon | Smashwords | AllRomance(ARe)

Novella - 22K word count - Paranormal / Fantasy Romance

The Pool of Souls, in series order..

OPEN HOUSE (novella)

FINDING HOPE

Meet the Author:
 

Paranormal Romance author, Krystal Shannan, lives in Texas and is married to the love-of-her-life. They have a spunky young daughter who believes in fairies. Krystal professes to loving shoes, but avoids wearing them at all costs. She teaches in the public schools and writes as much as she can in her free time. If any more spare time can be squeezed from her day, she enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. If it has a 'Happily Ever After', she's on board!

Krystal Shannan Magick, Adventure, And Romance!

Author of

Chasing Sam | Vegas Mates Book 1 (Novella)

Open House | Pool of Souls Book 1 (Novella)

Finding Hope | Pool of Souls Book 2

A Very Russian Christmas (Novella)

Website | Blog | Newsletter | Twitter

FaceBook Fan | FaceBook Friend | Pinterest

Coming Soon…

Saving Margaret | Vegas Mates Book 2 (August)

Just Right (1NS) (Novella) (Fall 2013)

Domestic Violence Awareness

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior that keeps one partner in a position of power over the other through the use of fear, intimidation and control. It may manifest itself as physical, sexual, verbal, emotional spiritual and financial abuse. Gender violence, interpersonal violence, child abuse, teen relationship violence and elder abuse are all examples of domestic violence. Domestic violence is pervasive and occurs in all groups, regardless of race/ethnicity, income, age, education, religion, immigration status, or sexual orientation. It is rooted in sexism, racism and a culture of permissive violence.

Since this is an ongoing issue I faced as a child and continues today, only a bit more widespread, I was very happy to assist a friend with spreading the word as her organization, "Divas & Damas,"  launch their very first fundraiser with the focus of Domestic Violence in mind.

Violence within the home front by someone you love and trust is a constant occurrence and one that sadly many face on a daily basis. To make matters a bit worse for the victims the Police Department has come up with a new directive that will cause the police to do background checks on both the victim and the abuser and with it the possibility of bringing the victim in on charges if they happen to have a warrant or unpaid traffic tickets.  This will undoubtedly cause the victim to think twice about calling the police if being abused which only adds salt to the wounds they may be trying their best to heal.

I strongly believe that Domestic Violence must end.  Victims should not be victimized any longer and they deserve all the help and support one can provide.  

The attached flyer contains information on the 1st Annual Fundraiser sponsored by the "Divas & Damas," organization so if you find yourself in the area and can join them in their cause to prevent domestic violence by either attending the Bowling Event, or making a donation, please reach out to the email/number noted above.  All donations will go to assist in the cause and below you will find the link to Safe Horizon and "Domestic Violence, the Cure" just recently released and written by Benjamin Janey.  



Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Hotline

Please click on image to be directed to buy site for "Domestic Violence, The Cure... 

Copyright (c) 2013 ~Susan B. Anna

Quote of the Day

"I cleanse the window of my mind, that it may become a mirror reflecting inspiration from the most High. I do this, not with strenuous effort, but through quiet contemplation, through gently reaching and affirming an inward recognition. Today I walk in the pathway of inspiration. I know exactly what to do in every situation. There is an inspiration within me which governs every act, every thought, with certainty, with conviction and in peace."

~Ernest Holmes

Keeping the Spark in your Relationship

Everyone who has ever been in a relationship can understand the overwhelming need to want that relationship to last.  Upon the start everything about it is exciting.  The glances, the kissing, and most importantly the touch is wonderful, and you can't help but hope that it continues that way.  Unfortunately, things do die down and one can get a bit too comfortable so it is easy to forget how great things were in the beginning. 

Photo provided by: Inspirationaldaily.wordpress.com

The dating and closeness you had in the beginning slowly diminishes and it is considered normal but shouldn't be.  There is no reason whatsoever to stop doing what you once did to get to that relationship status.  Work, friends and every day stresses should not prevent one from making sure their partner is satisfied in every way.  Be it by noticing when they are upset and having them talk about it, listening and giving them your views on the matter or simply just cuddling for no reason whatsoever.  Nothing should prevent you from making your partner priority number one.

When you chose to see each other exclusively and took that next step to solidify the relationship you decided then that your partner was special and wonderful enough to do so.  Therefore, do not by any means lose sight of that.  Take the time to tell him or her that you love them.  Treat them to something special and not only on a special occasion and most importantly always, always make time for just the two of you.  The passion should never die down and the romance must always be there, so send your special lady flowers at work, sit and watch that romantic movie together and explore one another.  Keeping the fire lit and the heat index high between you is beneficial to you both, so if in doubt ask, you will be surprised what you may find out and even more so when those sparks ignite something between you that can make most adults not only blush but look forward to more.

No great love should ever be taken for granted but simply appreciated...  

Copyright (c) 2013~ Susan B.  Anna 

Sizzling Blog Hop is Officially Closed

Sizzling Blog Hop Winners!!!

The winners on this page for the $15 Visa or Starbucks Gift Card is:
Commenter # 14 ~ Jessie L.

JessieL62@comcast.net

& Commenter #31~ AJ Williams

ashlynnwiliams81@gmail.com Winners will have one week to respond and claim prize before I choose another winner or winners...

Congratulations ladies and thank you for participating!!! 

Our Summer Blog Hop is now officially over.  Total entrants on this blog was a whopping 54.  Thank you so very much for all the well wishes for this 4th of July, hope everyone had an amazing weekend.  It was a total pleasure participating in this hop and we shall have others along with the Romance Troupe group soon, so remember to continue visiting.

I am totally grateful to you all for being a part of this hop and hope to see you all again soon.  Have a wonderful start to the new week.

Sincerely,

~Susan B. Anna$

Let Your Day Sparkle and Let the Hopping Begin