Tag Archive: Romancing Life


2017 Bids Adieu…..

As the clock winds down bringing another year to a close, 2017 for many has been a year of immense loss, and pain, yet in the midst of destruction and death, life seems to find a way of giving another chance and opening hearts filled with empathy and love. My heart goes out to the fallen and their families, and I sincerely hope that the new year starts with a clean slate to make new memories, create new stories, and give back a little to build love and trust.

The year has gone by in a flash but has been kind to us albeit a few hiccups, keeping us in check of what may be and what may not be. This year saw us going through the biggest change of all – our oldest daughter heading to college. With some major changes and a few minor variances, the fact remains we miss her presence in our daily life, giving us a chance to reminiscence on flashbacks. She’s thriving, she’s enjoying and she’s living the life of a freshman in college!

The youngest has matured into quite a young lady, that she surprises me to no end! Our conversations about her daily life, her friendships and gossip, the trials and tribulations of a high school teenager, are something I am so grateful for. Communication with a teenager is not something I take for granted and truly am grateful that she has made me a part of her daily dramatic teenage life.

And let’s not forget the “Man Of The House!” As always working hard, rolling with some major changes on the professional front, and transitioning into a DAD of teenagers, has not been an easy task, yet he’s done it like a champion. Patience, tenacity and perseverance have been his mantra this year along with being the wonderful husband and father he always has been and continue to be.

Yep…we had our share of disagreements and arguments like any normal couple and here we are heading into our 25th year of togetherness!

As a person who believes that things happen for a reason, I am enjoying my life with my family, being a book fanatic to the hilt and socializing with the handful of friends in my corner. Life’s been kind to me and to my family…I am forever grateful for them surrounding me with their idiosyncrasies, the unconditional love and support of my extended family in India and the UK, the benevolent and considerate wheels of my existence, and for the constant and steady professional front.

Life will always find a way to bend and mend, and life will do what it is supposed to do – throw curve balls, wreck well-made plans and create havoc in our daily life. We as players are responsible to endure and forgive these surprises with courage and confidence. As we grow and progress, be a friend to the one in need, the ears, eyes and shoulders to lend support and give actions and words more importance. No matter what travesty lines our lives, determination and resolution regenerates hope and faith.

At the threshold of a new year, I thank the year gone by for its valuable lessons, priceless memories and bountiful blessings. I am thankful for another chance at creating new stories, making new memories, fulfilling aspirations and goals with renewed energy and confidence, and to amazing relationships and breathtaking adventures.

From my family to yours, here’s wishing everyone a safe, healthy and a resounding New Year!!!

Live With Courage, Thrive With Energy and Enjoy With Abandonment!

 

 

“Searching for Billy Shakespeare” is on f the most fun, trendy and spunky romances I’ve read. Penned by Crista McHugh, Gabe Harrison (appeared in her Kelly series) gets his own happy story with Kate Mireau, the introverted grad student and the Shakespeare addict working on her dissertation.

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Teaching literature as she finishes her dissertation, circumstances take Kate Mireau to the residence of Ari to share an apartment. With makeovers and care, friendship brews and late night calls with Gabe Harrison, spurs the sparks of romance.

Gabe Harrison is auditioning for a role that requires Kate’s expertise in Shakespeare, and with late night calls, conversations and a family incident brings Gabe face to face with the stunning and elusive Kate and he’s willing to go “Measure To Measure” to make Kate his forever. Insecurities and fears are shared, gossip and conversations are discussed, and feelings and emotions are addressed, all with the power of love remaining the ultimate.

Looks like Crista McHugh came back with a stunning story after a brief hiatus and what a comeback. I was so entertained with her Kelly Series, and now with “Searching For Billy Shakespeare” shows her penmanship and her mastery of narration. It’s beautiful reading Gabe get his love story, the appearance of the Kelly brothers, and the attention she pays to Kate’s feelings in regards to discovering Gabe being a prominent Hollywood actor – all add so much depth and personality to the characters.

What can I say about Crista McHugh – she’s been and will be one of my all time favorite writers. She writes such genuine love stories that are so relatable to our daily lives and makes reading them such a pleasure. Simple, classy and charming creations are her fictions.

Received an ARC from Seasons Publishing via NetGalley and the Author for an honest review.

I always enjoy reading Lori Foster! There’s something so very charming and captivating about her heroes and heroines, interesting plots and the crossover/spin off series are always my favorite.

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As much as I love her books, her latest release “Close Contact”, somehow lacked her special trademark of chemistry and vibes. MMA fighter Miles Dartman’s path crosses that of Maxi Nevar and after one passionate night between the sheets go their own ways. Now fate brings them together, as Maxi’s life is in danger from an unknown threat and he’s tasked with the job of protecting her.

Staying under one roof at the ranch that Maxi had inherited, old feelings are renewed, sparks are fanned to passion and love becomes the very air that they breathe. It’s a good plot, but lacked conviction and interest and somehow I did not see that chemistry between Miles and Maxi. I was more interested in Sahara Silver and Brand Berry!

Then again this is Lori Foster, and I am a bit biased and one read is given for “Close Contact”.

Received an ARC from Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest review.

Lindsay McKenna is one of the best military romance writers that I’ve come across and some of her books are immensely memorable and have revisited numerous times. Along with badass soldiers, she also writes some great badass cowboy stories.

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Book 4 in the Wind River Valley series, gives us another glimpse into the life of army veterans, their service and courage, survival and betrayal, and the acclimating into the norm of everyday life. “Wrangler’s Challenge” is another such story of marine veteran Dair Wilson as she comes into the fold of Bar C Ranch, to start fresh.

Having lost her leg to an IED, Dair is so much more comfortable with the four-legged animals than the humans. There is still a black void in her mind as to the events that had taken away her team and her leg. And as the author say, “Healing like love, takes time”.

Noah Mabry is the animal whisperer of the Bar C Ranch and with Dair assisting him everyday, it’s inevitable for the attraction to reach the point of love. With the utmost patience and compassion, Noah guides Dair through her dark moments and when her life is threatened by a past that impaired her, he’ll lay his life down for Dair.

This was one emotional story of despair and trauma, support, compassion and empathy that gives these brave vets hope and faith that all is not lost in their fight to survive after war. This story is a testimony to the fact that there are people out there who care about others and who are willing to give unconditionally.

As always, Lindsay McKenna does another great job at a story filled with warmth, support, compassion, courage and love.

Received an ARC from Kensington Books/Zebra via Net Galley for an honest review.

The saga continues with Silver Springs and the men of New Horizons Boys Ranch, as love seems to spring in the air giving each of these good men a well-deserved partner and a future.

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With her entire life torn apart by her murderous husband, Savannah Gray returns to her hometown of Silver Springs to start fresh and keep her kids away from the shadows of an evil father, renovating her childhood house and making a home, right where she belongs.

Abandoned as a child and with New Horizons giving him a new lease of life, Gavin Turner knows very well the trauma of starting over and finding oneself, to give an identity to self and set some roots with family, and Savannah and her kids kindle in him feelings of desire, family and a future.

Another well crafted story of pain and betrayal, abandonment and loss, love and support, family and friends. Savannah’s character will bring tears to your eyes, and Gavin’s kindness and big heart gives hope that there’s enough good to out weigh the bad. “Right Where We Belong” is a skillful narration of a beautiful story of second chances, happiness, faith and hope.

Received an ARC from Harlequin via NetGalley for an honest review.

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I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've missed, I've trusted, I've hurt, I've made mistakes. But most of all, I've learned.

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I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've missed, I've trusted, I've hurt, I've made mistakes. But most of all, I've learned.

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I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've missed, I've trusted, I've hurt, I've made mistakes. But most of all, I've learned.

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Romancing Life

I've lived, I've loved, I've lost, I've missed, I've trusted, I've hurt, I've made mistakes. But most of all, I've learned.

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