Keeping Warm in Canadian Winter...How Hot Do You Like It?

How Hot Do You Like It?

There are mixed opinions about winter in Canada. There are those who love it, and those who hate it. 

I'm somewhere in the middle. How can that be, you ask? There are many variables to take into consideration. So here's my list:

             Love:

• Extra reasons to cuddle
• The crackle of the warm fire on a cold winter's night
• The smell of wood burning in the fireplace
• Hot Cocoa or a great cup of tea
• More time indoors attached to my laptop
• Snow days where Mother Nature determines if I leave home
• Watching my minions building snow men
• Sledding
• Cozy Sweaters
• Leggings and long pants
• Scarves made with love
• Curl up with a glass of wine and snuggle under a blanket

 

             Hate:

• Salt-stained boots
• The crowded and cluttered mud room
• Schizphrenic weather
• Ice storms
• Muddy cars
• Dangerous commutes
• Not being able to BBQ as often
• Limited bond fires outside 
• Yellow snow
• Bitter cold (below -20 c)
• Unburying your car, your porch, your driveway...
• Any kind of shoveling in general!

Most of all, I love steamy Canadian Romances that chase the chills away. 

I love reading them, I love writing them. Without spending a fortune to travel to romantic getaways with balmy weather and smexy men in next-to-nothing, romance stories can sweep you off your feet.

There is nothing better than to be curled up with your favourite bevvy, a fantastic book and a cozy blanket with the crackling fire just feet away from you. 

This winter and early spring, I'm so excited to be bringinng not one, but two fiery releases with dragons to warm your hearts!

Coming in February, 2017:

Mythic Iron 

A Wiccan Haus-Dragon Menage 

(Official cover still to come)

Coming in March, 2017:

Stoking the Flames 

A 13 Story Anthology with 13 Fantastic authors!

My story in this anthology is another smokin' hot dragon menage called

Curse of the Dragon's Eye

So tell us, what is your favourite way to keep warm in the winter?

Happy reading, 

The Balancing Act (@KaliWillows) #Romance #Author #Writing

Hey there Romance Eh Peeps!

I've been quiet on here for the last few months, as I've taken on new challenges and now trying a concept I've become quite rusty at...Balancing!

Being a Canadian romance author is my first love, my passion, and something I wish I had more time to indulge in. Prior to the fall, I worked to balance being a married mother of two and all the responsibilities that come with it. I was doing pretty good most of the time.

Alongside writing, a bigger responsibility as an author is the need for promotion, of self, publishers, and fellow authors. I love spreading cheer about the written word, don't get me wrong, but when it comes to social media, book takeovers, blogs, posts, advertising, blurbs, teasers and everything in between, the time for writing vanishes in the blink of an eye.

Because I had SO MUCH extra time on my hands to write, I felt compelled to add another weight to balance: In September, I returned to school! Yup, you read that right. I'm working my way into a second career after leaving 25+ years in human services. Now, I'm pursuing the world of public relations.

Although part of my diabolical plan was to infuse my love of writing and social media blitzing into a tangible career, I forgot how much work I would be taking on. Assignments, projects, events. It's all wonderful, but I got even more ambitious and agreed to accept the prestigious invitation to contribute to two new anthologies *pulls hair out and screams hysterically*

You may be asking if I've lost my mind. My reply would be, most likely. I try to balance home, self-care, and school with the other pieces on my plate. I admit, I've taken off more than I can chew, but with the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm confident I'll get there!

So, now that I've typed out my explanation of my lack of presence, I must run and make dinner for my mini squad and continue with laundry, dishes, and housework before I dive back into homework and eventually, if there is any time left, into writing my next dragon story!

Happy reading,

Canadian Summer Adventures - Who wants to EXPLORE this summer?

What interesting adventures do you have 

planned for the summer? 

Week long trips? Day trips? Exploring? Picnics?

Having two young kids who will be out of school, the pressure to plan is on again. Outside of a few weeks of day camp, swimming lessions and eldest minion's 10 day trip for leadership camp, there are some local adventures I'd love to try with them this year.


My main driving inspiration to explore this summer, are CAVES! I've written about caves in 2 of my books so far, and still can't get enough. My obsession is the magnificent structures and hidden treasures that lay beneath the surface. I adore the mystery and intrigue, along with the geographic anomalies you can find deep inside these remarkable places. The mineral deposits, how time, water and wear have defined these remote spaces into spectacular places for adventure. Oh, the extra story inspirations I expect to find inside these gems!!!



Closest to home and top of the list are:

http://tyendinagacaves.blogspot.ca/

http://www.bonnecherecaves.com/

Considering I've never actually ventured inside a cave yet, myself, I'm grateful for the amazing photgraphic adventures I've indulged in thus far. My two stories that incorporate my love of caves are:

Dragon Temptation - a 1 Night Stand Story

&

A Cougar Among Wolves - A Black Hills Wolves story.

Dragon Temptation

Blurb:

Cindy Dunham has become sexually emaciated, after a long dry spell and no prospect of romance in her near future. With her best friend’s upcoming wedding, loneliness is taking the lead, and she is starving for erotic rhapsody. The prospect of a blind date for the nuptials is embarrassing, but a necessary evil. The match Madame Evangeline finds for her leaves her reeling with conflict and jealousy. Will she ever get her carnal hunger gratified?

Yong Li, is no longer satisfied being the third wheel in his brother’s love life. Desperate to branch out and have an experience all his own, he is fraught with his ancient affliction that runs interference with the prospect of any normal relationship. Having had a life altering 1 Night Stand before, he seeks the help of his old friend, Madame Eve to find a new mate just for him.

A Cougar Among Wolves

Blurb:

A sadistic attack leaves Klaya, a Puma Clan Cougar, critically injured and the last of her family ferociously slain. She stumbles into Black Hills Wolf territory and collapses. Now under the protection of the pack, she finds herself whisked away to hide out in a cave until her old friend the alpha returns. Potentially the last of her shifter kind, she has nothing left to lose, but her life and a chance to avenge her brother. 

After a dangerous rescue, on the edge of pack territory, Seth and Rogue take a woman on the brink of death back to the pack. Her identity and why she was brutalized is a mystery. The pieces soon fit together proving this assault was no coincidence. The Black Hills Wolves pack faces a bigger threat than they could even imagine. The trio soon find themselves on a tumultuous journey of life and death and relentless lust. 

*** 

So tell me, what adventures do you plan to embark on over the summer?

Happy reading, 

Canadian Winter...Pros and Cons of a Romance Author in Rural Canada

Hello, beautiful people!

Since we recovered from the fast pace and unusually mild weather of the holiday season, we are settling into a full blown, Canadian winter!

When most people think about snow, I'm sure the romantic notions of skiing and sleigh rides come into play, alongside hot cups of cocoa and more.

Being born and raised in the colder climate, I would hate to spoil any romantic notions of the joys that come with winter, but the reality is, it's not all fun and romance. So what are the pros and cons of winter? I know it's not just in Canada, but this Canadian gal has a list!


CONS:

• Can't hang the laundry on the line, sit at my Bistro set on the front deck with my morning coffee or swing under my maple tree in the afternoon sun
• A large portion of the budget goes to snow tires
• Spending hours shovelling my long, rural driveway, only to look back and find twice as much snow has fallen since we began!
• Snow-covered, black ice-laiden and slushy roadways, and drivers who don't plan or adapt to changing road conditions
• Massive quanities of salt and mud that coat your car, shoes and at times, the cuffs of your pants
• The sub-zero, bitter cold that makes your teeth chatter and your bones tremble
• The need to cancel plans because of weather
• Constantly mopping the floor from the influx of sopping snow suits, boots, hats and mittens
• An overloaded boot room with coats and more - feeling a little claustrophobic! 

Conclusion with cons, winter is cold, messy and highly inconvenient at times.

PROS; now here is some fun and potentially romantic pros!

• Hot tea to soothe your chilly bones
• More time dedicated to writing as you hibernate & more inclination to do your self-promo 
• Sledding with the kids out back, topped off with a cup of warm cocoa and marshmellows
• Comfort cooking, like a crock pot of stew, chilly or even a scrumptious lasagna
• Snuggling by the warm fire, with a glass of wine, wrapped in a cozy blanket
• Sweaters to snuggle in
• No mosquito bites!
• Cuddling under the blankets!
• The inspirational glitter like diamonds and the whimiscal sculptures of the new-fallen snow as the blowing wind shapes them so uniquely 

Conclusion with pros, winter is a magical season that brings a different type of natural, awe-inspiring beauty and gives us incentive to seek out comfort and embrace the need to hibernate!

Our kids love to go skating, tobogganing, and build snowmen, snowball fights are a right of passage. So, tell me, what kind of things do you love and dislike about winter?

Do you find the chilly season romantic in any way? Do tell!

Thanks for stopping by,

Happy Reading!

  

Just The Honeymoon Capital, or Is There More?

                                                             Canadian Romance, Eh?

Blog Post by: Kali Willows

Just the honeymoon capital or is there more?

It’s been a busy summer. I can’t believe it’s September already! I’m so far behind in blogs, promotions, edits and writing, but I’ve enjoyed time with my family, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

We have done lots of things, but the one I wanted to post about today, was our trip to Niagara Falls. I’d been there several times over the years to visit family, but in all honesty much to my dismay, short of stopping for a quick view of the water phenomena I had never taken in any of the sights.

Being highly noted as the honeymoon capital, we took a different route. I brought my beautiful children, and left the romance at home, to tend to the domestic responsibilities. (Although, I do have to admit, I got the better end of the bargain.

We did the Hornblower (The Canadian version of Maid of the Mist), the Aerocar over the whirlpool of breathtaking water, the Skyline Tower, one day for the tour, the next night for dinner in the revolving restaurant and so much more. Our feet hurt from three days of walking, but it was an incredible vacation I got to experience for the first time, with my children.

The only attraction I personally found a letdown, was the Canadian tour behind the falls. For a price, a short elevator ride and a walk down an old tunnel, it was a different vantage point of seeing the falls, but it’s not one I will repeat.

Clifton Hill, proved adventurous. Arcades, watching fudge get made, we visited the Hersey factory, the fun houses and the Skywheel gave even more spectacular views to indulge in. Of course, the main reason we went, was for the kids to go to Marineland. I was impressed the costs were not nearly as outrageous as I had expected and the fun was endless.  We played it smart, and went at the end of August, in the middle of the week, while to Toronto CNE was in it’s prime. We had less crowds to contend with and more enjoyment to be had by all.

Although we didn’t do the haunted houses or wax museums, (too much for the little ones at this stage), the very low budget hotel we booked provided a Bates Motel atmosphere with a single electrical socket for three of us to share, and fluctuating water temperatures, that both invigorated and scorched us interchangeably.

What does this post have to do with Canadian Romance you ask? Well, now that I’ve done the ground work, when my sweet husband and I return for an adult only vacation, I know exactly what I want to do…get your mind out of the gutter, I meant what attractions to visit!

Next time, when it’s just us two, I want to book a nice hotel suite on Falls Avenue, preferably one with a cozy hot tub right in the room and within walking distance to everything. Take in a romantic Falls Illumination Evening Cruise, complete with a bar, snacks, night show and fireworks. Then, a stroll along Clifton Hill, and venture into the haunted houses and wax museums, where, if I get a little spooked, my sweetheart can hold me close as we laugh and enjoy the festivities. Perhaps sample the fudge being made in the store front window, and a night time ride on the Skywheel, with maybe a few stolen kisses.

The romance potential is definitely all over Niagara Falls, but so is the family fun. You can’t go wrong no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for. This Canadian gal is quite satisfied with her trip and plans to return, soon!

Happy Reading!

Canadian living, at its best.

Road Trip #Canada Style: Nova Scotia: So Much to Sea by @KarynGerrard #Beach #Ocean

Being married to a teacher has its advantages. Though he works hard during the year, often into the evening way past school hours, one benefit is we have the summer off. We usually travel, taking different route each time. I have been to 40 out of 50 states (okay, some just driving through, but still) and 9 out of 10 Canadian provinces and 1 territory (I crossed into The Northwest Territories!).

Usually our end destination is Nova Scotia, our home province where the fam lives. But not this year. Unfortunately there has been a lot going on in my real life which has cut into a lot of my social media time. Due to my hubs's health, there is no summer adventure this year.

However, I thought I would go to Nova Scotia in my blog post. I have set some of my stories there. Timeless Heart, my vampire Blackthorne series with Evernight Publishing takes place on the South Shore of the province. And so did my shifter stories under another pen name.

For those not familiar where exactly Nova Scotia is, check it out on the map to the left. We are the greened-in area on the east coast jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. And regardless of Hollywood movies like World War Z which shows Nova Scotia as "wearing parkas in June" and a "seagull laden, rocky wasteland" it is far from the truth. :)

The Halifax municipality has a population of 390.000, and the province itself about 960,000.. Halifax always makes the list of "The best cities to live in Canada".

Founded in 1749, it is a major port and a global city, and still steeped in history with loads of landmarks,  museums, and historical buildings,including gorgeous Victorian homes in the south end.

A shot of down-town Halifax from the harbour. Major economic centre, as well as educational with many universities and the arts, including Neptune Theatre and Symphony Nova Scotia to name a few.

On the whole, Nova Scotia has a humid continental climate which means for the most part, winters are mild compared to the rest of Canada. One drawback, since we are jutting out into the Atlantic, there is a fair bit of rain and the chance of severe storms, summer and winter, though  if we get snow during the winter months, for the most part it melts quickly.

And talk about fresh seafood! There is an abundance. Nothing like hanging out at the waterfront, sitting outside a Halifax pub (like The Lower Deck) on a summer day, listening to Celtic rock and drinking ice cold Alexander Keith's pale ale while eating deep fried haddock and fries. *sigh*

Here is a shot of the Lunenburg area down the South Shore of the province. The Lighthouse Route is a gorgeous drive. Highly recommend!

In the eastern end of the province is the isle of Cape Breton, attached to Nova Scotia by a causeway. Nova Scotia means "New Scotland" in Latin, and a lot of Scots settled in Cape Breton because the rolling, mountainous area is very similar to the Highlands of Scotland. In fact, my hero in 'My Highlander Cover Model' had his descendants settle here. :)

It's where the hubs's family is from. He was born there, but moved to the Halifax area when he was five years of age.

You haven't seen anything until you've driven around the Cabot Trail, (named after explorer John Cabot) voted one of top islands to visit in the world. Check out the Cabot Trail HERE

And I didn't even mention all the great beaches! Hey, they're everywhere! We're surrounded by water!

If you're planning a trip to anywhere in Canada, I have to recommend Nova Scotia! You won't be disappointed!

Now I'm homesick. *wink* Pass the lobster rolls!

Karyn's Site/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Tsu/Amazon Page

Gearing Up For Summer Plans On Canadian Soil

Canadian Romance, Eh?

Blog Post by: Kali Willows

Gearing Up For Summer Plans On Canadian Soil

So here, in the land of weather you can get sunburn one day and frost bite the next, summer is finally almost upon us with occasional bouts of excessive heat, then bone chilling cold. Just weeks before the minions are free of school for another year and the last minute panic of “what do we plan to keep them occupied?”

I’m a traditional parent in many senses of the phrase, but summer planning is a double edge sword for me. We live in the rural countryside, complete with open space, lots of green land and mosquitoes big enough to carry small children away. Our family canoes, camps and hikes, so what traditional summer plans can we make that aren't readily accessible in our own back yard? We have BBQ’s and bond fires on a weekly basis. We bathe in sun screen and bug spray several times a day. We run the hose over the trampoline to make a hot day really fun, or watch movies to avoid scathing heat.

Last year, I bit the bullet and took the reins for a scheduled summer filled with swimming lessons, day camp, a week of overnight camp and the usual summer fun stuff. We invest in Badminton and soccer for the yard, water guns are a must and who doesn't love a good Smores by the fireside? Feeling like supermom last summer, I was quite pleased with myself to have them booked up and busy with the exception of the first and last week of summer to allow some breathing time for transition to and from school.  

To my horror, my children who bore easily in the lack of planning, were overwhelmed and didn’t want to do half the things we planned. When is a good thing too much? This year, I’ve settled down and will pursue more swimming lessons and maybe a little sporadic day camp, but short of travelling to the big city and blowing wads of cash on trips to Marine Land, Niagara Falls, museums and the Science Centre, what else is a parent to do?

I’d love to hear about your Canadian summer plans. Where will you go? What will you do? How do you manage to find a happy balance in entertaining your kids for two months out of school?

Reply for your chance to win an eBook copy of any of my books~! The winner will be announced her after June 20^th and I will arrange to send your selected prize to you!

Have a great summer and happy reading!

Canadian living, at its best.