Saturday Night Serenade–A Song and a Shameless Book Plug

Where has January gone?  Before next weekend, it will be February, and that puts me in the mood for Valentine’s Day.  Which means I have all sorts of romantic songs on my mind.

Tonight’s serenade is a beautiful song by Ed Sheeran, Thinking Out Loud.  I’m a huge fan of his anyway, and this song is so ingrained in my brain, it pops up several times in my new book.  (Shameless book plug ahead…)

CHASING ORDINARY is the contemporary adult fairy tale I’ve always wanted to write.  Here’s the official description:

Red-haired Petey Cavanaugh is a sculptor who welds steel and glass creations.  A young widow, she lives on her in-laws’ sheep ranch in Montana where she helps out during the day, working on her art at night.

Looking to raise money to expand the ranch’s business, she gratefully accepts her art school roommate’s offer of a gallery show in Manhattan.  It’s been years since she was in the city, and she’s happy to visit her old friend.

Nik is in New York on business.  He’s been traveling for nearly a month, enduring endless meetings, attending obligatory dinners, and battling jet-lag.  On his way to yet another business dinner, his world collides with Petey’s one rainy Manhattan night.

Their mutual attraction is immediate, but Nik’s skeptical.  Could it possibly be that this gorgeous, enchanting artist has no idea that he’s Europe’s most eligible prince?

Spending time with Petey is Nik’s first-ever taste of ordinary.  What will happen when she finds out the truth?

CHASING ORDINARY comes out February 13, just in time for Valentine’s Day, but I’m offering it for pre-order for just 99¢ until release day.  This weekend, I’m revealing the gorgeous cover designed by the ever-sexy and uber-talented Linzi Basset.

I hope you’re enjoying this last weekend of January, and that most of the dangerous winter weather has passed you by.  Share a love song with your special one, and hug those you love.  Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–January…Is COLD!

Winter’s all fun and games until you wake up to 37 degrees in Palm Beach County.  That, my friends, is when shit gets real.

We’re not equipped for that kind of thing.  I had to dig into the back of my closet to find my fleece.  And how am I supposed to wear open-toed shoes when it’s 37?  Nah, that kind of thing just isn’t right.

We need a little caliente up in here.  Which brings us to tonight’s serenade, Despacito.  It’s shot in Puerto Rico, pre-Maria.  There’s sunshine, sand, warm surf, and plenty of sexy!

So as I shiver in three layers of clothing, all bundled up in a blanket in front of the fire, I’m imagining I’m relaxing in the warm sunshine with a nice margarita in my hand.  Come join me!  And bring the ones you love.  I know I will.

Happy Saturday night!

Saturday Night Serenade–The Cars or Tonight Could Be a Very Good Night

I love 80s music, I cannot tell a lie.  And classic 80s band The Cars will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in just a few months.  They join Bon Jovi, Nina Simone, Dire Straights, The Moody Blues, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

There were so many Cars songs from which to choose, but this Tonight She Comes struck my fancy tonight.  Wonder why…  Perhaps it’s the innuendo.  Could be.

I love this album cover, too, although the song doesn’t come (ahem) from there.  I couldn’t resist the sexy ginger.

I hope 2018 is treating you well so far.  Stay warm and hug those you love.

Happy Saturday night!

Oh, Snap!

I don’t believe I’ve introduced you to the newest member of the R family.  Alexa joined us on Christmas Day, courtesy of my mom and Cyber Monday.  We’re slowly beginning to find her useful for a variety of purposes.

This morning, Mr. R tried to stump her.

“Alexa, make me a sandwich.”  He chuckled smugly.

“Okay, you’re a sandwich,” she replied.

Score one point for my electronic sister-friend.  😉

Saturday Night Serenade–Winter Is Here

So it turns out, the Starks were right.  Winter has, in fact, come (dorky Game of Thrones reference, my apologies).  We’re even cold down here in south Florida.  It’s all fun and games until you wake up to 34 degrees.

It put me in the mood for a winter song.  Now that Christmas and New Years are gone, it’s a little hard to find a cold-weather song that doesn’t include a jingle bell or two.  But I went back to my 80s roots, for the Bangles cover of Hazy Shade of Winter.  The song was written by Paul Simon, and was originally released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1966.

This version is from a 2011 performance at SXSW.  It’s less polished than the original, but I love the live-performance authenticity.  You can never have enough girl power.  I’m also including Simon & Garfunkel, because it’s pretty awesome.

I hope you’re staying warm tonight.  Snuggle up with the ones you love.  Happy Saturday night!