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Monday, April 3, 2017

My Favorite Things Event with Roni Loren


Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing about boys was way easier than actually talking to them. Since then, her flirting skills haven’t improved, but she likes to think her storytelling ability has. If she’s not working on her latest sexy story, you can find her cooking, watching reality television, or picking up another hobby she doesn't need--in other words, procrastinating like a boss. She is a RITA Award winner and a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author.


Favorite Things

When Danielle asked me to participate in the favorite things event, I had too many ideas come at me at once because there are so many favorite things. Favorite movies. Favorite foods. Favorite books. So I decided to narrow down the topic to my favorite things that get me through the day. I’d love to hear some of yours too!

My Top 5 Favorite Things That Keep Me (mostly) Sane Each Day

1. Paper Planner
If any of you follow me online, you probably already know about my obsession with paper planners, but my planner has become a vital part of keeping me on track and also a relaxing hobby. None of the electronic calendars ever worked for me. Once I closed a reminder, it was dead to me forever. But with a paper planner, it’s open on my desk all day and my To Do list is in my face. It will stare at me until I do the thing and check the box. It’s been a lifesaver. But it’s also fun because it gives me a reason to play with stickers and pretty pens in the name of productivity. This is the Inkwell Press planner I have and I highly recommend it.

2. Books
Yes, I know this one is an obvious one. But I can’t not include books in my favorite things of the day list. No matter how stressful or hectic a day has been, it’s always a comfort to know that at the end of the day, I’ll have my couch and a book and a little quiet time to escape into a story.

3. Podcasts
The world of podcasts is a relatively new one for me, but with the barrage of news and social media and noise we’re all exposed to lately, I’ve found myself moving away from general media and seeking out podcasts that are focused on a particular topic. It’s calming to listen to a deep dive into whatever I’m in the mood for that day. My favorite podcasts are about book recommendations. There is something super soothing about hearing people discuss books. But I listen a variety. I blogged about some of my favorite podcasts here and then specifically my favorite book podcasts here. (And if you’ve never listened to a podcast, don’t be intimidated. The built-in app on your phone is very user friendly.)

4. Cold-Brew Coffee
I was solidly in the “coffee is gross” camp until my 30s, but then I went to San Francisco and tried a delicious cup of pour-over on a cold day and now I can’t start my morning without it. But of course, I couldn’t just stick with the standard coffee. I had to go and fall in love with cold brew coffee. It’s smoother, makes the best iced coffee, and the caffeine is more potent. Whee! Turns out it’s actually pretty easy to make. I use this brewer and one batch keeps me well-caffeinated for a week. *twitches*

5. Menu-planning with theme nights
I’ve always enjoyed cooking at home both for the hobby of it and the fact that we can eat healthier that way. I’m also one of those people who likes to try new recipes and not eat the same things all the time. But on busy weekends, it was sometimes overwhelming me to come up with the grocery list and plan for the upcoming week. So recently, I decided to try theme nights. This has been such a helpful hack. It gives me a structure to work off of but also allows wiggle room to try new recipes or different versions of a theme. I went into details in this blog post if anyone is interested.

So those are my weekly favorites. What are some of the things keeping you sane right now?



From the New York Times bestselling author of Off the Clock comes a story of love, hate, and the fire that ignites when the two collide...

Dr. Elle McCray has a plan. Work hard. Be the best. And do it alone. After her ex-husband’s betrayal, she’s learned being feared is a hell of a lot easier than being humiliated. So when trouble personified, Lane Cannon, dares to flirt with her, she shuts him down cold. Too gorgeous. Too cocky. And his job as The Grove’s sexual surrogate is to sleep with patients. No, thank you.

Former escort Lane Cannon has spent enough years with people looking down on him. Stupid. Trailer trash. Rent boy. He’s heard it all. He’s worked too hard to shed his past to let some haughty doctor cut him down. But something about Elle’s ice queen act has his dominant instincts perking up and his body taking notice. He can’t walk away.

After an evening of verbal sparring turns into a night of steamy hate sex, Lane’s ready for round two. But Elle proposes a business deal. How better to keep things strictly physical than to pay him for his services?

Lane wants her, not her money. But he’ll play along in exchange for one thing—all the control. It’s only supposed to be a dirty little fling between colleagues, but these two are about to learn a lesson in love…by the hour.

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo |


Up for Grabs:
  • 1 eBook copy of Wanderlust

To Enter:
  • What are some of the things keeping you sane right now?
  • Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.

**Don't forget to enter our grand prize giveaway!**


Good Luck!

Special thanks to Roni Loren for sponsoring this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

23 comments :

  1. I always have to my cup of coffee in the morning, but I like it plain flavored with a little milk...no sugar...no flavorings and especially NOT cold! If it gets lukewarm I dump it. I also have to have my computer. I love to see what's going on in the world so I eat my breakfast in front of the computer every day.

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    1. Lol on the cold coffee. I think because it's hot most of the time here in Texas, cold works well for me. :)

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  2. My Kindle, coffee and books, books and Pepsi. These are definitely things that are part of my daily use.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  3. being able to relax and read once the kids go to sleep

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  4. Music and books are what keep me sane most days. When my kids make me laugh, also helps keep me sane.

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  5. When life is tough reading helps keep me sane.

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  6. Thanks for the giveaway. Reading, of course.

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  7. incredibly supportive friends!

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  8. my family and my adorable furbaby! Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. Aww, I miss fur babies. My kidlet is allergic to dogs and I'm allergic to cats, so we are sadly a fur baby-less house.

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  9. Reading and looking at the stars.

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