Tag: romance novels

There’s Nothing Quite Like a Winter Romance

On By authorarielstormIn BooksLeave a comment

Not to rip off a holiday song, but we’re smack dab in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year. Although my area hasn’t seen any snow or too cold of temperatures (yet), I’m slowing down, spending time indoors and indulging in some of my favorite inside activities. We’re approaching the final days of fall, days are getting much shorter, and it’s necessary to bundle up any time I head outside. I love holiday time, even though it’s really just a blip during the winter season.

While I’m no Hallmark movie junkie by any stretch of the imagination, this time of year, I love to cozy up with a lighthearted holiday or winter-themed rom-com or other feel good story, either in a book or movie form.

Some of my favorite holiday movies include Last Holiday, Four Christmases, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, Scrooged, and The Family Man. Although it’s not holiday themed, I love watching Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version) during winter. Likewise it’s not holiday themed, but it does take place in winter (sadly, there’s no snow!), I adore the movie Leap Year, which takes place in the Ireland countryside and has an Irish hero (the accent, swoon).

And, while we’re on the subject of accents and swoony heroes, a few other series I like to watch over winter include Game of Thrones, hello, Jon Snow, The Tudors (starring a young Henry Cavil), Outlander, Jamie can call me Sassenach anytime, the Wuthering Heights mini-series featuring Tom Hardy, and Downton Abbey.

A few of my favorite winter reads include A Reliable Wife, (an atmospheric book with erotic undertones), The Fairwick trilogy by Juliet Dark, (moody, erotic, and filled with literary elements), and the Black Dagger Brotherhood (a group of warrior vampires, swooooon) series by J.R. Ward.

I’m always looking for my next read or binge-worthy series, so if there are any other books, movies, or series I should look into, leave a comment and let me know!

Being an Author While in My Social Media Hiatus Era

On By authorarielstormIn BooksLeave a comment

Hello fam!

It’s truly been a minute, but what can I say? By this blog’s title (and if you follow me on social) then you probably already know I have been a bit reclusive lately. Once a die-hard extrovert, I’ve really settled into my slow down, inner peace, solitude era. And that era thrives being off of social media.

The reality (and downside) to valuing my peace rather than letting my life be ruled by the constant pings and buzzes of my phone when someone likes, shares, comments on my social media accounts or even posts content themselves, is that like may things in life, you take the good with the bad. And while this has mostly been good, there’s a little voice that asks, what if this is bad for my career?

Let me back up so I can give you the full picture.

In mid-June I removed all social media apps (except YouTube) from my phone with the intention of keeping them off until just after Independence Day. Except, shortly after July 4th, I didn’t want to return the apps to my phone. Nor did I wish to do so in late July or early August. Here we are at the end of August and nearing summer’s end and I have no intention at this time to return those apps to my mobile device.

The peace, the return of my creativity and just utter silence I’m able to enjoy throughout my day isn’t something I want to give up.

I’ve struggled with what this will mean for me long term if I choose to stay off social media. It’s difficult to reach new readers without social media. Difficult, but not impossible.

I’m not sure what my social media future holds, but for now I intend to post updates here on my blog and keep focusing on my writing.

Writing is Rewriting – An Update on My Work in Progress

On By authorarielstormIn Talk Nerdy to Me series, WritingLeave a comment

I think Elizabeth Gilbert put it best in her book Big Magic, when she described ideas as having a sort of consciousness. According to her theory, ideas float along tapping people on the shoulder trying to get them excited about an idea enough to incite them into action in order to bring the idea to life.

Obviously this line of thinking means that, as a creator, an idea isn’t so much yours, but something you’re being asked to do by some unseen force.

I’m currently working on book four in the Talk Nerdy to Me series, and I’ve hit a big wall, mainly because as I’ve tried to push forward with what I thought the plot should be, I’ve felt this huge resistance from my characters. They’re gently telling me that the ideas I have about who they are and the way they should act in this story aren’t aligning with who they are.

I know. It sounds bizarre to speak about fictional characters in this way, but if you’ve ever tried to force an idea, a project, or any creative endeavor, then you’ve probably experienced this from time to time. I’m not abandoning the idea, but I am reworking the outline, and tuning into my characters this time. And, that reworking takes time, so right now, I’m not projecting a publishing date, but I’ll be sure and share more when the time is right 🙂

Back in the Talk Nerdy to Me World – Writing Update

On By authorarielstormIn Talk Nerdy to Me series, WritingLeave a comment

I took most of the fall and winter off from writing, but just as the flowers and trees are starting to bloom, my writing is also blossoming. Last week I completed my outline for book four in the Talk Nerdy to Me series, called Nerdy Minds. I’ve gotten into the manuscript and even though it’s just the beginning I am loving creating this story!

It feels good not just to be writing again, but to be submerged in the Nerdvana world again.

If you’re new here, first, welcome! Second, I write contemporary romance and since 2020, I’ve been working hard on writing and releasing books in a series called Talk Nerdy to Me, a six book romance series set in a Pacific Northwest geek-themed bar.

Nerdy Minds is the story of bartender Sara and customer Derek. Sara is a fangirl who loves to ship her favorite characters and Derek works at video game company 1UP and is the host of his own podcast dedicated to geeky pop culture. You just know these two are an epic match, if they can overcome their obstacles and let love takeover.

Stay tuned for more writing updates, and in the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about the Nerdvana world, read the series blurb below!

Talk Nerdy to Me series blurb

Imagine a bar where the wait staff dress up like their favorite comic book characters, where drinks are served in chemical beakers, where patrons can play a round of Dungeons and Dragons or other table-top role-playing games. Picture how fun it would be to hang with friends in big booths and play video games while sipping on an awesome craft beer. Imagine watching people in a glass enclosed room acting out dramas from their favorite live action role playing story lines. Imagine there’s a space for the folks who want to enjoy a drink while perusing their favorite comic books. 

All of that and more await the patrons of the city of Cascade Falls, Washington’s newest watering hole, the ultra-hip, geek-themed bar called Nerdvana. Talk Nerdy to Me is a series set around the romances that blossom between sexy, geeky heroes and sassy, smart heroines who meet in the geek-themed bar.

Book one Nerdy Words , book two Nerdy Thoughts, and book three Nerdy Deeds, out now! Book four, Nerdy Minds, out late summer 2023!

Do You Want to Be Creative, Or Do You Want Attention?

On By authorarielstormIn WritingLeave a comment

Recently I was scrolling on YouTube, as one does, and a suggested video popped up in my feed. The video was a TED talk by actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I’m not one to sit and watch TED talks, but the title of this video intrigued me, plus it was a short talk, so I thought why not?

In the talk, Joseph chats about how craving attention, which is a natural human desire, actually makes you less creative. The reasoning behind the argument is that when you’re making something with the intent of gaining attention, you tend to be more outcome focused, rather than remaining in the open, receptive state you need to be in to create.

Joseph speaks from personal experience both from an example from childhood and how as an adult his attention seeking can interfere with how he shows up online. This talk really hit home with me because for the past year or so, I’ve been reluctant to post consistently on social media.

And it stems from not wanting to put my focus, which I believe is best served fostering my creativity, on trying to gain followers. I realize that a writer needs readers, at least in theory, but I’m not writing to gain readers. I write for me, because I’m a writer, and that’s what I do.

If you create, no matter what you create, I hope you do it just for you, because it brings you joy, peace, and a sense of fulfillment. Don’t do it to get eyes on it, because that will always lead you to a place of emptiness, turmoil, and a feeling of not being enough.

Sending loads of love and creativity your way!

Valentine’s, Galentine’s, and Self-Love Books and Movies to Celebrate the Day of Love

On By authorarielstormIn BooksLeave a comment

February 14 is almost here, and whether you plan on celebrating with your boo thing, your gal pals, or you just want to cultivate more self-love this year, I’m here to give you a list of what to watch and read.

Some of my fave movies and reads to amp up that Valentine’s Day energy are the movies Leap Year, the 50 Shades trilogy, Pride & Prejudice, and books include Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks, the More Than Words series by Shayla Black, and the Crossfire series by Sylvia Day.

If you’re planning a get together with your girls, grab your favorite bottle of wine, whip up some chocolate fondue, and make an Instagram-worthy charcuterie board and have a movie-thon with flicks like Waiting to Exhale, Pitch Perfect, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Sex & the City (the series or movies), and the Magic Mike films, hellooooo, boys!

There’s no greater love than self-love and there are a few books and movies to read and watch to help cultivate a greater appreciation for the one and only you! A few of my fave books are Eat, Pray, Love (I prefer the book), Wild by Cheryl Strayed (again, I prefer the book), Finding Your Own North Star, and You Are a Badass. Some movies and series that focus on finding yourself include Legally Blonde, The Last Holiday, and Sex/Life on Netflix.

What are some of your favorite books, TV series, or films that focus on love – for yourself, your friends, or your significant other? I’m always on the lookout for new reads and movies, so leave a comment with your recommendations!

Fangirling Over Yellowstone’s Angela Blue Thunder

On By authorarielstormIn Talk Nerdy to Me seriesLeave a comment

Where are my Yellowstone fans at? I know the show is on hiatus right now, but I’m a major fan, and I’m not looking forward to the long wait to get new episodes. I’ve watched the show since episode one dropped way back in the summer of 2018. At that time I’d already written books 1-3 of the Talk Nerdy to Me Series, but I hadn’t published anything yet, and I was purposefully consuming episodic shows to study story and world-building. As a fan of storytelling, and the iconic landscape found in the American west, I was instantly hooked on the show.

I also love the way Taylor Sheridan has included strong female characters in the show (I love ALL the ladies, except those Buckle Bunnies Mia and Laramie, they seem to bring trouble wherever they go). What has also hooked me on this show is the cinematic way certain things are filmed, like the landscape scenes, and how relevant cultural elements are incorporated into the storylines. Yellowstone isn’t just about ranchers and cowboys, but also follows the story of some members of a fictional tribe of indigenous people in Montana (called Broken Rock). And one particularly interesting tribe member is a lawyer named Angela…and she’s a vibe.

Can we just talk about how much I love Angela Blue Thunder? I love her soft, slow, subtle don’t F with me delivery, her nuanced pin-up style, and her sharp mind. When I first saw Angela on my screen, I had instant heart palpitations because it was like I was looking at a near mirror image of Quinn from Nerdy Deeds, book three of the Talk Nerdy to Me Series. While Angela tends to dress in a modern style, with more neutral and earth tones, her look is very similar to Quinn. And hello, her hair and makeup is always on point! If you have read my character interview with Quinn, or read Nerdy Deeds, then you know that Quinn’s pompadour and glam, pin-up makeup are part of her “armor” and something she draws power from. If you’re an Angela fan like me, and you haven’t yet met Quinn, then you need to read this interview, and if it intrigues you, read the blurb below for Nerdy Deeds.

Nerdy Deeds Blurb

Quinn Whiteeagle, Nerdvana co-owner and burlesque performer, is falling for Jonah Stavropoulos, and that’s a huge problem. Not just because Jonah’s a customer and is developing the bar’s app. There’s something else about Jonah that makes a future with him a non-negotiable. It’s his dominant nature.

When it comes to Quinn, Jonah can’t help himself. He’ll forgo his safety, put himself in harm’s way, and make any sacrifice in order to have her in his life. Quinn resists his pursuit and that just makes him more determined to win her over.

After several dangerous encounters with a stalker, Quinn puts her pride and reservations aside and runs to Jonah’s waiting arms. He offers Quinn a safe place to stay, but makes no qualms about wanting to give her more than just temporary safety and shelter. Every protective instinct he has is activated and Jonah will fight like hell to keep Quinn in his life and in his care forever.Nerdy Deeds is book three in Talk Nerdy to Me, a series centering around the romances that blossom between bar staff and customers at Nerdvana.

Get Nerdy Deeds at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon AU, Amazon CA, Apple, B&N, Kobo.

Midweek Morsel – Marital Bonds – Steamy Burlesque Scene

On By authorarielstormIn Books, Midweek MorselLeave a comment

It’s Wednesday, Hump Day, that midweek slump. Today I’m adding some heat to your week by sharing an excerpt from my short story Marital Bonds.

A hot, emotional read about a husband and wife who find their way back to one another.

Blurb

After three years of struggling, I’m tired. I miss my husband. I miss our intimacy.

Three years ago tragedy struck and destroyed our sex life. It nearly ruined our marriage.

Thanks to help from a sensuality coach, I’ve got three assignments to act out with my husband, each designed to help us find our way back to each other and reignite the flame on our once searing sex life.

Excerpt

I walk onto the brightly lit stage and peer into the blackness where an audience should be. My heightened nerves are frazzled, but the first strain of the sultry song comes across the sound system. As if it’s automatic, my body sways in response. 

My high-heeled shoes glide across the lacquered floor. I toss a sultry look at the audience, knowing my husband is out there, watching me. Adrenaline rushes through me as I realize he could be one of many watching—or he could be the only other person in this room—not knowing is part of the challenge. It’s part of the thrill. 

I shimmy my shoulders and let the sequins on the low-cut bodice of my dress sparkle in the light. Swaying my hips, I strut to one side of the stage and then to the other. I treat the faceless, hypothetical audience on each side of the stage to jovial gyrations. 

Taking center stage again, I slowly reach behind me and unhook the straps of my halter dress. I let the straps fall forward, but clutch the garment at my chest. I don’t want to show too much just yet. This dance is about the tease, it’s about suspense. 

I swivel my hips in an exaggerated move to turn around. With my back to the audience, I let my dress fall to my waist. My bare back is exposed and I steal a glance over my shoulder, giving whoever may be watching me an impish grin as I push the dress down the curve of my hips until it slides past my legs and pools at my feet. I’m clad only in a bejeweled G-string, and I give a little wiggle of my ass to the audience.

Moving to the beat, I slowly turn. The champagne colored sequined pasties covering my nipples gleam in the light. Although no tassels are attached to the pasties, I shimmy, causing my breasts to move in a circular motion. Getting into the music and the atmosphere, I roll my body and drop to my knees.

The song is nearing its crescendo and I really want to let go, to get into this. And not just for the benefit of whoever may be watching me. The truth is there could be one hundred people out in the audience, and there could be just one person, my husband Eric. Or, there could be no one. The idea that I might be dancing alone in a darkened room doesn’t bother me. 

I could and should do this for myself. For no one else. I needed to let go. So I did.

Under the bright white spotlight, on my knees on the stage, I rock my hips and run my hands up the length of my body. Leaning back until my shoulders touch the floor, I gyrate my core, making my tits bounce in a circular motion. I let the shimmy infuse my whole body with erotic energy. 

My arms rise above my head and as the song comes to an end, I stop. I hold the position, on my knees with my arms extended above my head, my body perfectly still, save for the rapid rise and fall of my chest as I try to regain my breath.

The spotlight turns off and the room is plunged into total darkness. I raise my torso, but remain kneeling on the stage. Is he here? Does Eric want me to stay on my knees? Will he come to me or am I supposed to leave the stage and find him somewhere in this dark, unfamiliar room?

Suddenly another spotlight comes on. It’s smaller than the one that had illuminated the stage, the lighting softer. It shines on a single man, sitting at a table. A tumbler of scotch sits in front of him. 

The handsome dark-haired man dressed in all black makes my heartbeat accelerate. 

Eric. 

I rise to my feet and slowly, seductively make my way toward my husband. 

Find Marital Bonds for .99 at Amazon, Amazon CA, Amazon UK, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook.

Read My Books for Free or at a Discount – Smashwords End of Year Ebook Sale!

On By authorarielstormIn BooksLeave a comment

If you’re looking to load your e-reader up with books to get you through the winter, you will want to check out Smashwords End of Year Ebook Sale. All my titles are included in the sale, with my .99 book listed for FREE and all others discounted by 25%.

Hurry over to Smashwords and take advantage of this sale before it ends on January 1!

Fangirling Hard Mocktail Recipe from Nerdy Words

On By authorarielstormIn Talk Nerdy to Me seriesLeave a comment

When I set out to write the Talk Nerdy to Me series, I knew I wanted to include drink recipes in each book. But, as I thought about it further, I realized I didn’t know how to develop a cocktail recipe, since I don’t really consume liquor.

Then, I had a great idea that allowed me to create drink recipes, but that also made sense for the series. In the books, bartender extraordinaire, Jamie, talks about how she doesn’t drink because alcohol famously lowers inhibitions and her wild self needs no help in lowering inhibitions (I love her!). As a result, she creates a mocktail menu for Nerdvana that are not only alcohol free, but each drink has a moniker that’s fitting with the geek-theme of Nerdvana. Every one of Jamie’s mocktails are revealed in each book, and the recipes are dished here and on my social media.

Today, I’m excited to share another alcohol free drink recipe with you!

With the holiday season in full swing, I wanted to share the first mocktail recipe I created. It’s a great drink that’s familiar and perfect for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s Eve. I say it’s familiar, because really, it’s my take on a Shirley Temple. I chose to share this recipe at this time because cherries in a lemon-lime soda always remind me of Christmas and New Year’s. When I was a little girl, we tended to spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s at my grandparents’ house. And while all the adults were celebrating with grown up drinks, my grandma always made me feel special by mixing 7Up with cherries for me to drink.

It was with that fond memory that I made this drink recipe that is simple, but oh-so-tasty.

Fangirling Hard (Cherry Lemon-Lime)  Book 1, Nerdy Words

INGREDIENTS

lemon-lime soda 

jarred maraschino cherries, plus the juice

DIRECTIONS

Drop 1-2 cherries in a glass (preferably a pretty one, like a champagne flute), then fill with desired amount of soda. Top off with a few drops of the juice from the jarred cherries.  Enjoy!