Welcome to the Authors in Bloom Blog Hop!

Gardening is one of my favorite things. Bright cheery flowers simply make me happy. From every window in my house, there’s a lovely view of one of my many gardens. I could talk about this topic all day. 😀

Keep reading for my gardening tips, coming soon news, my giveaway, AND how to enter for your chance to win the fab GRAND PRIZE!

Here are six of my general gardening tips:

1. Plant for all the seasons. I’m in Michigan and many of my favorite flowers bloom only certain times of the year, but I keep this in mind when planning my gardens. This way, there’s always something blooming. Some of my favorites in the spring include Creeping Phlox, Pansies, and Tulips.
2. Feed the veggies and the flowers. We function best when we have all our vitamins and so do our friends in the garden. It makes such a difference. Follow the directions on the product of your choice and keep feeding throughout the season as directed. You’ll definitely lengthen your time with those pretties.
3. Prune. Don’t forget to cut back spent blooms. Not only does it keep your flowers looking fresh, but it gives space to the youngins to get the sun, water, and food they need.
4. Plant a variety of flowers. Different size, shape, and color can add variety to your beds.
5. Add pops of color to your deck and or porch with annual flowers. I’ve got my pots down to a method: something tall, something mid-height, and something to hang low. 🙂 If you can find different flowers of the same color, it can really look pretty in the pots.
6. If you have a vegetable garden, I highly recommend a little fence to keep the critters out. I also recommend using a garden fabric. The soil around your vegetables will be highly fertile for pesky weeds. The weed barrier may be time consuming to lay down, BUT it will save you countless hours of weeding throughout the summer.

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My next release is book 1.5 in my Assassins and Sweethearts Series, Desire Protected AND it’s going to be a FREE read. 😀 I’m quite excited about this one. I’m in LOVE with my Assassins. Their stories are full of suspense and passion. I dare you to come fall in love with them too. ❤

Book 1 Description: 

Life is passing Nadia Duskin by from her position in the mailroom. It only fulfills two necessities, keeping the repo man away and keeping her up to date on her sexy CEO.

 

Ethan Wright is prepared to frighten and fire the nosey girl who sorts his company’s mail. After engaging with her at one of his favorite places in the world, he digs deeper.

 

Together, they find the kind of pleasure that could keep them satisfied for a lifetime. Her love may be the key to putting both of their lives back on track, but to what end? When a man he’s been contracted to kill threatens Nadia’s life, he forces her to face reality. Either they’ll delve deeper into the desires neither expected or they may die trying.

 

Be Warned: spanking, light BDSM, public exhibition

Excerpt from book 1, Desire Unexpected:

“It reminded me of you.” He shook his head. “It’s just from the museum gift shop. I wanted to give you something for putting up with me. I hope you like it.”

“Thank you.” She took the little box and sat on her battered sofa. “Please, take a seat.”

He sat next to her, but kept to the edge, confirming there was nothing relaxed about this visit.

After slipping the green ribbon from the box, she pulled off the lid and pushed back the tissue paper, revealing the item she’d so long desired. Her heart raced and she scooted closer to him. He had no idea what he’d done. Her secret crush giving her the piece of jewelry she’d long desired was incredibly perfect. Neither were really her style and she wanted them all the same. She looked at him with heavy tears stinging her eyes. Brushing the box from her lap, she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed our time together.” He brushed away the tear that had rolled down her cheek and cupped her chin.

“Don’t say that like it’s over.” She took a hold of his wrist and pulled it into her lap. “It’s not, right?” Panic raced over her. If he wanted to leave, she wouldn’t stop him, but her whole body hurt with wanting him to stay.

“I’m no good for you, Nadia.” He took hold of her hands. “You deserve a nice man with an uncomplicated life. I can’t give you what you need.”

“That’s not true.” She put her fingers to his lips. “Don’t.”

He took a hold of her shirt, not pulling her closer, just squeezing the fabric in his fist.

“I don’t know what’s going on with you.” She brought her touch back to his hands, trying to ease the pressure. “I just know the only time I feel alive is when I’m with you. You’re on my mind constantly.” She lowered her gaze, losing her courage by the second. “There’s something between us and I want to explore it. I want to know what drives you insane with need. Don’t you want me too?”

“Shit, Nadia, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first day at the windows.” He let her go and pulled out of her reach to slip around to the other side of the couch with his back to her. “I want things from you that I’m certain would frighten you.”

“I doubt that.” Knowing she had to make her move now or risk losing him forever, she pulled her shirt over her head and tugged off her sweatpants, tossing them both on the chair. “Do you remember the questions I asked about you before we met?”

“You’re playing with fire.”

“No, I’m not into fire play, but I have a feeling you know what I need.”

“What …” He turned, his gaze swept over her body and he brushed his hand over his mouth. “You take my breath away.” He stepped toward her, adjusting the bulge in his pants. “You think you want to play?”

“I do.” She sucked on her lip, wishing she’d worn her one set of matching bra and panties.

“Fuck, I want this” He brushed her skin ever so slightly up her arms, across her chest, and down between her breasts. “I’ve had dreams about this moment.” He raised her chin, forcing her to look at him. He dragged his fingers through her hair and tugged the length of it back. “I want you at my mercy. Do you have any idea what it’s like to give someone like me control?”

“Yes, sir.” She arched her back, revealing her neck. He kept pulling and tingles of pain danced along her scalp. “Please.”

“Are you already asking for mercy?” He tugged her hair again “I don’t think you know what you’re starting.”

“I don’t want you to stop. I want more, sir.” Her breasts pushed against his chest and her grip on his arms tightened. “I want to know.”

Where you can find DESIRE UNEXPECTED:

Evernight Publishing | Amazon US CA UK

Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | BookStrand | Smashwords

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S.J. Maylee’s Giveaway:  I’m giving away one of my ebooks and one of my swag packs full of postcards, book charms, Assassins and Sweethearts pin, and a zipper pull.  To enter, leave a comment below about something you love about Spring Time and then click into my >> Rafflecopter << for more chances to win.

Be sure to sign up for my >> New Release Newsletter <<. You don’t want to miss the release of Assassins and Sweethearts 1.5, the FREE read. Also, one subscriber wins a $5 gift card in every issue.

GRAND PRIZE: We are giving away a Kindle Fire or Nook (winner’s choice) along with a 2nd prize of $25 gift card. Only those visitors who visit EACH and EVERY stop are eligible for the grand prize ereader and gift card. So, keep hopping. 😀

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Click here to view this Linky list and visit other stops in the hop.

Winners will be posted on both Dianne Venetta’s blog and the BloominThyme websites.

Tour ends April 16th at 11:59pm EST.

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