Category: Current news

Congratulations goes out to Emily D!  And a big thank you to ALL who entered and followed along with the Summer Splash Blog Hop not to mention a HUGE thanks to our host blog, “I’m a Reader, Not a Writer.”  Be sure to check with her site often as she offers a ton of giveaways and wonderful recommendations for your next read.

Hope you enjoyed the cover for my recent release and for those of you like gardening, be sure to check out my garden blog ~ BloominThyme.  And if you’re on the Summer Fun Web Hunt with Night Owl Reviews…

Continue reading…  All you need for winning BIG prizes (including $100 Amazon gift card from me!) can be found on my website. :)

Happy Summer!

Young and ambitious Sydney Flores is both athlete and event planner determined to make her mark and live in the limelight of international travel and cutting edge technology.  But brawn and brains will only get a girl so far when her heart refuses to play along. Harboring an insecurity few would believe, she’s received the assignment of a lifetime—only it’s not the one she’s expecting. 

Miami, Florida is the venue for the Special Olympics National Games and Clay Rutledge’s son is competing in the events. A sure bet to win the gold, father and son plan to ride their tropical victory to the World Games—until an unexpected turn of events jeopardizes their plans for fortune and fame.

Tasked with managing the events, Sydney quickly learns that Clay’s quiet, sexy confidence demands special attention, something she’s more than willing to oblige.  But a jealous ex-lover of a boss has other plans, as does her office nemesis.

Trapped between a desire to mix business with pleasure and a boy who reminds her of a life she swore to move beyond, Sydney is at a personal crossroads.  She can have career or love—but to attain both requires a consent she yearns to give but fears impossible…

This novel is the third in a series of books connected by characters, following LUST ON THE ROCKS.  Sydney Flores is Diego Rodriguez’s cousin.  She shares not only his love of volleyball, but his Latin heritage with her sultry dark looks and hot-blooded passion.  Similar to the previous novels, this one celebrates a man worthy of a woman’s love. 

What’s new?  A father and son that will pull your heart under.  You’ll grin, you’ll well up, you’ll want and you’ll need.  But above all, you’ll learn something special.  Any idea what that might be?

And if you’re here for the Summer Splash—WELCOME!  I’m giving away a copy of the first novel in this series, JENNIFER’S GARDEN. 

In a race against time, cardiologist Jennifer Hamilton is caught between her mother’s dying wish and taking the risk of a lifetime with Jackson Montgomery. He’s the man hired to complete the landscaping for her new home; the venue for her upcoming wedding. Jackson’s everything she never wanted in a man, but as the job progresses, his lure pulls strong. It’s an attraction she cannot deny.

And one that puts her career on the line.

“IndieReader.com declares it a pretty great read…a smoldering romance filled with tension, twists and blooms perfectly. ” ~ Happy Ever After, USA Today books 

“Frame by frame, Venetta’s easy prose tells of a storybook romance woven into the joys and heartbreak of everyday life.  From the glamour of the art world to the tension of the operating room to the glories of nature, this novel resonates on every level.” ~ 4.5 stars from RT Book Reviews

In addition, you’ll receive a container of Hand Relief by Aveda ~~ it’s my favorite dry skin remedy after an afternoon in the garden.  And speaking of gardens, have you been to my garden blog?  It’s called BloominThyme and today’s post is a humorous spin on kids and veggies.  Would love to know what you think! 

Now to the important stuff—how do you win? 

Easy.  Simply leave a comment here and you’ll be entered for the random drawing.  Want to increase your odds? Like my facebook page and follow me on twitter! Three easy ways to win. :)

Now get hopping–you’ve got a ton more sites to visit.

Same reason other folks don’t get fat:  they eat a bunch of vegetables, right?  They eat nuts and berries, a few twigs, some tomatoes and lettuce, maybe and a handful of vitamins for good measure–and protein.  Am I close?

Well…sort of.  Loosely based on the bestselling book, French Women Don’t Get Fat, I think the concept is the same.  If you enjoy the process (good exercise) and enjoy the produce (healthy food) than you’re halfway there.  But there’s more to eating than mere consumption.  Concentrating on the depth of flavor in your earthly beets, the crisp sweetness of your corn, the buttery texture of your potatoes and oh-so-sweet onions, you begin to immerse yourself in the pleasure principle.

It’s like I tell my children.  “Everything in moderation.”  Now granted this is merely my way of letting them know it’s okay if Mom dips into the candy bowl.  It’s okay if she drinks a glass of wine (or two).  It’s okay.  Everything in moderation.  I find it’s a fabulous rule to live by because as an experienced dieter I can tell you:  denying yourself something you adore is not smart.  In fact, it goes against human nature—or feeds into it.  You know as well as I do that the minute you tell yourself you can’t have something—you want it.  You crave it.  All of a sudden, it becomes the most important thing you need to eat right now! 

Very bad as we approach bathing suit season.  Piling M&M’s into your mouth is not helpful to your figure, or your heart, your stomach…  So stop right now.  (No, not eating M&M’s.)  Stop denying yourself and give in to decadence!  Luxuriate in a glass of Cabernet, a handful of dark chocolate, a three-layer cake of dense delight, the sugary sweet frosting from a cupcake.  Enjoy it—leisurely.  Don’t rush.  Don’t get crazy.  Simply enjoy…….

You’ll find that once you remove the “desire triggers,” you’ll be able to eat what you desire AND remain slim.  I don’t know about you, but all veggies and no sweets make for a very dull girl.  And I don’t want to be dull!  I want to be delightful and happy.  Cause remember—when momma ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.

It’s true in my household.  How about yours? :)

p.s.  Pssst….  Don’t tell anyone, but that chocolate mousse is actually GOOD for you.  Uh, huh.  It’s made from avocados though you’d never know it from tasting it!  Follow this link for this and other cool healthy recipes.