I love the month of March. Here in New Zealand (and definitely in the area where I live,) it heralds the end of humid and uncomfortable summer nights and sweltering days (although our past summer didn’t hold as much of that as usual.) The sky is usually blue and clear, the days a comfortable temperature and the nights cool enough to snuggle under the bedcovers to sleep.
This month, is also a release month for me and I’m really excited about A FORBIDDEN AFFAIR. Not only is it book 2 in my The Master Vintners series, it’s also part of the fabulous line up of books in Harlequin Desire’s 30th Anniversary month! Because of this, it also features a novella length story, FOR LOVE OR MONEY, in the back, by the talented Elizabeth Bevarly.
In A FORBIDDEN AFFAIR: Nate Jackson finds it almost too easy to seduce his enemy’s daughter. And after their white-hot weekend, he issues an ultimatum—Nicole Wilson will work for him or her family will learn of their affair.
Nicole has little choice. Yet even as she bows to her lover’s demands, she sees the hope for redemption in Nate’s eyes. Can his reasons be justified? And does she dare trust a man planning to destroy all she holds dear?
March is a beautiful time of year in Melbourne, too Yvonne — usually warm sunny days and crisp, cool nights, a lovely change from the sweltering nights of summer.
Congrats on the new release — can’t wait to read it. Nice cover, too!
Comment by Anne Gracie — 8 March, 2012 @ 11:46 am |
I’d love to see Melbourne in Autumn, Anne. I can just imagine how stunning the city looks. Thanks for the congrats, the hero is a bit of a hottie, isn’t he?
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 12:35 pm |
That cover is gorgeous, Yvonne! Wow!
Comment by Megan Crane — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:14 pm |
Thanks, Megan! I’m rapt with it.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 3:59 pm |
A special reward for myself is to buy a new book – I love browsing through bookstores and finding new authors as well new releases from my favorite authors…my biggest challenge is limiting myself, there is nothing like getting lost in story
…unless it’s getting lost in a story on a warm, sunny, beach…here in the US we are just ending our winter so we are looking forward to sunny days and warm temps.
Comment by Jennifer — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:22 pm |
Jennifer, I totally agree. Sometimes half the fun is in the browsing, rapidly followed by the anticipation of opening the cover and reading that first page. And, yes, beach reads are absolute favs of mine too.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:00 pm |
special rewards or attaining stepping stone goals for myself usually are one of the following:- new book for my kindle, chinese meal, new item of clothing, these are achievable rewards as I am just a full time Law Student *laughs*.
good luck on the new book, looks awesome *grins*
Comment by Karen De Carteret — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:24 pm |
Karen, that’s awesome that you have a selection of treats to spoil yourself with. Things don’t need to be expensive to be a reward, they simply have to bring you pleasure, right?
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:01 pm |
As a special reward for myself, I take the time to just breathe without distractions and then settle in with a good book. It centers me and gets my brain away from life’s stresses. A piece of chocolate with the book is always a bonus reward.
Comment by Nicole Summers — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:28 pm |
Nicole, ah yes. Breathing without distraction. Even just regular, deep breathing is something I so often am not making a conscious effort to do. Getting centered is vital, isn’t it?
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:01 pm |
As a special reward for myself (and when its quiet at home!) I like to hop in bed with my book, have my big mug of tea next to me and a packet of custard cream biscuits. Ahhh bliss!
Comment by Gemma Wood — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:34 pm |
Oh, Gemma, I so identify with this. Last night our weather took a turn for the worse and all I wanted to do today was climb back into bed with a book, however deadlines summon!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:02 pm |
A special reward for myself would be a stack of new books along with some DR Pepper and something chocolaty.
That is my idea of heaven!
Comment by Dani C. — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:43 pm |
Dani, the beauty of a stack of books is deciding which one you’re going to read next, right?
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:03 pm |
I love to trest myself into a cup of coffee and pastry and checking out the bookstore
Comment by Doris — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:48 pm |
Oh, Doris, I can’t remember the last time I treated myself to a pastry! Note to self: next reward is to include pastry!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:03 pm |
As a special reward to myself, I lock the bedroom door, run a hot bath, download a good book and soak in the tub with a cold drink ignoring everyon who come aknocking!
Comment by Donna Mercer — 8 March, 2012 @ 2:54 pm |
Ahhh, I can feel my bones ease and relax just thinking about a long hot soak in a bath. Definitely a very good reward, especially with a book and a nice cold drink to savor.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:04 pm |
A special reward for myself is to go out and do some book shopping. I have 3 kids and my life revolves around them, but I like to find time for myself as well and nothing is more relaxing than getting lost in a book while the house is quiet and kids are tucked in for the night. My fav. thing to do is go out and do some book shopping. It’s the only thing I really splurge on myself and I love going out to a bookstore and buying a brand new copy just for me
Comment by Jolene A — 8 March, 2012 @ 3:04 pm |
Jolene, it’s easy to forget yourself when you have kids and your life is busily revolving around them and their activities, isn’t it? Good for you for taking time out to reward yourself with something you love.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:05 pm |
My special reward is to go to Half-Priced Bookstore or my favorite thrift store. Sometimes browsing is alot of fun. I find old classics that I haven’t read in years or a truly ugly blouse that I can’t imagine anybody paid money for. I show those blouses to my mom and we giggle like lunatics.
Comment by Penny Moore — 8 March, 2012 @ 3:36 pm |
Fashion can sometimes leave a great deal to be desired, Penny. Neat that you can share the fun with your mom and have a good laugh together.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:06 pm |
A special reward usually involved food. I’m told that’s wrong, but it’s supposed to be special right?
Comment by Adventures in Miscellany — 8 March, 2012 @ 3:40 pm |
A special reward for special occasions can’t be wrong, can it? LOL
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:07 pm |
A Forbidden Affair sounds great!!
Comment by Sandy Schairer — 8 March, 2012 @ 3:47 pm |
Thanks, Sandy. It was a great book to write, but exhausting with the intensity sometimes.
I love my job!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:07 pm |
The most rewarding this I do for myself is buying some books every month , I love to read books
they make my life easy !!!
Comment by Patty — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:53 pm |
Patty, it’s great that you can buy books each month. I’d be lost if I couldn’t read so I know what you mean when you say they make your life easy.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:36 pm |
I like to work in the yard, planting flowers. Once done, I grab a book and sit in the shade and read.
Comment by Mary J — 8 March, 2012 @ 4:54 pm |
There’s a huge amount of satisfaction in yard work, isn’t there, Mary? I’m not a great gardener myself, but on those rare occasions I get my hands in the soil I have to admit it feels wonderful. The reading afterward is just the icing on the cake
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:37 pm |
I write to reward myself–that can only be said from a writer. Thanks for this chance to win Nalini’s book. From a fellow New Zealander.
Comment by Joanne Wadsworth — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:29 pm |
Joanne, yes, writing can be a huge reward. Sometimes it’s not all hard work, which is a relief!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:38 pm |
a special reward for myself is finding time to read, sometimes with my oldest reading next to me. Although since she still reads aloud I listen to her read instead of reading myself which is great to do also.
Comment by sydney — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:30 pm |
Sydney, that sounds blissful, even if you’re not necessarily able to concentrate on your own book at the time. We have good friends we holiday with at least once a year and a couple of us are avid readers. There’s a lovely sense of companionship in sitting together, just reading.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:40 pm |
Congrats on the release, can’t wait to read it! Treat to oneself – every 2nd weekend (when my husband is working & we’re not running around after our greyhounds) I love to kick back on the lounge with my darling lil siamese Cat-Cat (her name is Belle but she only answers to Cat-Cat lol), indulge in a caramello koala & read or listen to music
Comment by Jess — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:37 pm |
Thanks, Jess! I LOVE caramello-koalas. It’s a good thing I can’t buy them here in New Zealand or I’d be eating them non-stop! I like your idea of a reward, it sounds great.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 8 March, 2012 @ 5:43 pm |
The best reward I can give myself right now (since I’m 6 months pregnant) would be a very good foot massage followed by a nice warm bubble bath. I’ve got this bath tray that I place over the tub to hold a glass of milk (too bad it can’t be wine), some fresh fruits and a good book for me to relax during the bath. Of course, I’ve gotta be very careful not to make the book wet since I refuse to buy a kindle. =)
Comment by Pauline Wong — 8 March, 2012 @ 6:59 pm |
Ah, the bliss of a foot massage. Sounds like a very good reward. At least if you drop your book in the bath you can dry it out. Not sure the Kindle would be so forgiving if you had one
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:04 pm |
What a lovely cover! I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for those Anniversary books.
It’s probably bad if I use books as a reward, right? I’m running out of floor space as it is! I also enjoy treating myself to certain shows or concerts, if one happens to come around.
Comment by Julie — 8 March, 2012 @ 7:51 pm |
How can a book reward be bad? The Anniversary books are out now, Julie. I hope you enjoy them!
Re: concerts/shows, I don’t think I can even remember the last time I went to one. Must make a note to rectify that.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:05 pm |
hi jess,,congrats for your release book, nice cover i like it ^^
A special reward for myself is shooping or eat ice cream or watching romance movie…^^
thanks for the giveaway and success for you ^^
Comment by Annisa Belikov Casillas — 8 March, 2012 @ 7:57 pm |
Thanks for the congrats, Annisa. Yum, ice cream and a romantic movie sounds like a great reward!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:06 pm |
As a special reward for myself, I go to the bookstore and indulge in the atmosphere of the books. Find several good reads and go into
the cafe to relax and unwind. Can stay for hours or almost the day. Found your site from a comment on the site for Laurell K.
Hamilton. Will look forward to more from you.
By the way I live in Spostylvania, Virginia, USA.
Comment by Sue Lemasters — 8 March, 2012 @ 8:36 pm |
Sounds like your local bookstore/cafe are a great place to retreat to, to reward yourself, Sue!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:07 pm |
When I want to treat myself I go shopping for something shinny and sparkly or I get a massage.
Comment by Gi Costa — 8 March, 2012 @ 9:27 pm |
Oooh, sparkles! Yes, a definite reward indeed!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:07 pm |
Well I mostly treat myself to a few books whenever I achieve something. I’m an aspiring writer struggling to find time writing whilst also studying at the same time. So whenever I finish five chapters, I reward myself with a book that I’ve been wanting to read for a very long time. And I’m not allowed to buy books otherwise, which kinda really motivates me. Oh, and some chocolate to keep me going also does the trick although the extra weight is certainly something I could do without.
Anyways, thanks for this giveaway!
Comment by iulialesleybooks — 8 March, 2012 @ 10:02 pm |
What a cool idea. A book reward when you’ve done your writing goal. So long as the reading of the book doesn’t interfere with your next five chapters I reckon that’s a very powerful motivator.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:09 pm |
Nope, it doesn’t really interfere with my next five chapters. I read books really fast and need about one or two days to finish one, so then I’m on for the next five chapters and it goes on and on. Soon I won’t have any space left for my books. I’ll need to find some storage space for them somewhere.
Comment by iulialesleybooks — 9 March, 2012 @ 9:48 pm
Congratulations, Yvonne! And thanks so much for the giveaway.
When I want to treat myself, I find childcare for my son and head into town completely on my own to take as long as I like browsing in the local bookstore or sitting at a café sipping a luxurious hazelnut mocha. Mmmm…
Comment by Stephanie Samphire — 8 March, 2012 @ 10:07 pm |
Taking time out for yourself is a fabulous reward. I tend to rush too much from one thing to the next and feel guilty if I stop to take time out for me. Must train myself out of that!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:10 pm |
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m currently doing coursework but if i get to my target word count by the end of today, then I’ll have longer to read tonight before bed
That’s my reward! Keeps me going even when I want to give up lol
Thanks for the giveaway
Comment by Tasnim S — 9 March, 2012 @ 4:34 am |
I find reading before bed quite addictive and can often read until the small hours of the night. Not so conducive to a good working day after that though, LOL!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:11 pm |
Special rewards for me include giant desserts featuring ice cream and reading a great book that isn’t required for my college classes.
Comment by Erika R — 9 March, 2012 @ 6:55 am |
A most excellent reward, Erika! And reading outside of required reading is definitely a treat. For me, as a romance author, I find it a huge delight to lose myself in another author’s work. If they can make me turn off my internal editor and lose me in their story they’re a keeper for life!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 9 March, 2012 @ 5:13 pm |
I reward myself by curling up with a good book instead of doing the housework I told myself I would do.
Archangel’s Blade is delicious, BTW.
Comment by Lori — 10 March, 2012 @ 2:32 pm |
It’s a fabulous story, isn’t it? I often wondered what type of heroine Nalini would come up with for Dmitri, even wondered if it was possible. I should have known better. She did a wonderful job, as always!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 11 March, 2012 @ 12:33 pm |
Well, if I had a really bad day (as was the case today^^) the first thing I usually do is to go to the Amazon web page and buy books =D….and while I wait for the new books to arrive I start re-reading my faves which always puts me into a better mood straight away =).
Comment by Jules — 11 March, 2012 @ 11:08 am |
Comfort shopping should never be underestimated, especially comfort shopping for books! LOL! I also reach for my old favorites on the bookcase from time to time. Revisiting those stories never gets old.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 11 March, 2012 @ 12:34 pm |
I treat myself with chocolate truffles combined with a good book or favorite tv show. I can focus on someone else’s much more interesting life, especially after a challenging day.
Comment by JB — 13 March, 2012 @ 9:39 pm |
JB – Isn’t it neat to be able to immerse yourself in a well-written story, either book or on TV? I love to just escape. It’s such a treat.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 17 March, 2012 @ 5:37 pm |
Hi Yvonne,
As a special reward, I usually buy myself a book!
Comment by Anneela — 14 March, 2012 @ 12:06 am |
Anneela, books are a very popular reward here!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 17 March, 2012 @ 5:36 pm |
I buy books or go looking for some clothes or I bake something with lots of chocolate!
Comment by Aly — 15 March, 2012 @ 5:26 am |
Aly, Baking is a double treat, isn’t it? You get to inhale the aromas while things are baking and then get to enjoy them all over again when you eat them!
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 17 March, 2012 @ 5:38 pm |
Hey everyone! It’s time for the draw!!
The winner of Nalini’s book is comment #17, drawn by my husband so I wouldn’t be influenced in any way, shape or form!
Congratulations Sydney! Could you please email me via yvonne at yvonnelindsay dot com with your postal details and I’ll mail your book out to you next week.
Thanks to everyone for commenting, it’s been great hearing your rewards.
Comment by yvonnelindsay — 17 March, 2012 @ 5:39 pm |