Phases of Love and Bliss

This past Friday I was in my very close friend’s wedding.  As a brides maid it was wonderful to be a part of her day from start to almost finish.  It was an incredible day full of love, worries and most of all hope for the future.  Their journey was a long one but they finally made it to this very special stage in their lives and it couldn’t be a truer blessing.  

A few years ago they were tested in so many different ways.  One had let lust and temptation steer them wrong and the other forgave.  They broke up briefly and found their way back and then they taught those around them that true love really conquers all.  It gives you a truly warm feeling to know that you were there to see it all and watch them overcome the obstacles that tried to separate them in the first place.

 

True love does exist, and many are truly lucky to ever see and feel it.  It takes a lot but it is not impossible if the love one shares is deemed special enough to fight for it.  Growing up I only read about such a love in the romance books and movies I was fortunate enough to read and see.  Later in life my own experiences with love and commitment has strengthened my belief in it.  I have loved and lost but never ever gave up on the trueness of it all. 

I am now at a new phase in my life where I can only learn from those around me who have achieved it.  Presently I am very happy but it also took me a while to get here.  I can safely say that it is totally different, joyful and very, very exciting.  The love and commitment I share with this special person has taught me that it is a never ending fight to sustain and keep it but with it comes many rewards.  Maybe someday we can find ourselves happily married but I am in no way rushing it.  

Right now all I can say is how very happy I am for the bride and groom who found their way and never gave up on each other.  They are the true reason why I decided to write this and the ones who deserve the spotlight.  May they forever be blessed with a unity that that can only get stronger and a happiness that will never waiver. 

Copyright © ~ Susan B. Anna

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)

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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)

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Coming Soon…

Saving Margaret | Vegas Mates Book 2 (August)

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