BODACIOUS BELLADONNA

Well, how do you like my moniker? Belladonna Nightshade here. Since this is my first appearance, I thought I'd tell you a little about myself. Born in a small rural town, I grew up with one parent, mom. She was a gruff woman but gave me all the love she could. Taught me to have grit and never to take shit from anyone. Blessed with good looks, I learned early what men wanted. I fell for a handsome rascal, ignoring mom's warning, and when he tossed me aside after a hot romance lasting only a month, I realized what she had been trying to tell me. That encounter set my course in life, and shortly after high school, I decided to leave the spot in the road and head for bigger ponds and better fish.

A cousin suggested the nation's capital, so I settled close by in an modest apartment, took a job waiting tables, and waited for a knight to rescue me. Enter the scene, one hot Italian, one of my lunchtime customers. I played it cool, a look of disinterest on my face, but I did notice his expensive suit. My intended either looked the part or was as he appeared, and I gave him my best service. Wait, that came later. *smirk*

He was at lunch for the next three days, sitting at one of the tables in my section. His smile was one of anticipation and the next day, he asked me out to dinner. I said 'yes', trying not to dance on the spot. 

Dinner was, as I expected, at his house, and what a house it was. Spacious with expensive art, five bedrooms, each with its own bath...and a pool. He gave me the tour, then we walked to the dining room. The table was set for two, simple but elegant. The food was delicious and the conversation exciting. I found myself liking him, something I had not anticipated and what followed was even more of a surprise.

TO BE CONTINUED

JOIN ME NEXT WEDNESDAY FOR ANOTHER CHAPTER FROM BODACIOUS BELLADONNA.

***NEW YEAR'S GREETINGS***

Hello, my friends. It's been quite a while since you've heard from me. Occasionally, one must take a break and regroup, and in that spirit, I have decided to invite someone to share this page. Our friendship began many years ago and her actions and opinions have been a source of fascination and sometimes, amusement. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do. I will be posting Monday and Friday, giving Wednesday to my raconteur, Belladonna Nightshade. The floor is yours. :)

Thanks, Barb. I remember the day we met. Your sister was visiting and we made our acquaintance at the pool. When she introduced us, I knew we would be friends. I appreciate you giving me this forum to record my thoughts and actions. I'm looking forward to sharing stories from my 'checkered' past and hope I don't make you blush too much. 👅

Belladonna, you never made me blush...lol...shake my head, maybe, but always with a smile. Here is my favorite photo of you. Looking forward to your post on Wednesday. ❤

Peace,

Barb

 Reflection on 2016 brings gratitude, laughter, and tears. 

Gratitude for family,friends, and loving pets

Laughter shared with others

Tears for the losses of those we loved and admired

Our days consist of routine, and often we lose our sense of self, of what is most important. Among the life lessons learned from my parents is this most treasured one....wake each day not with a frown, dreading the day to come, but with a smile, facing your day with a positive attitude, despite what life hands you. 

We've all dealt with illness and loss of loved ones.  They leave an emptiness that can only be filled with the memories we have. Those we carry in our hearts, thankful for the light they brought to our lives.  A kind word or a smile passes the light on to others, perhaps when they need it most. Be confident in your abilities. You are infinitely braver and smarter than you could ever imagine. Lastly, care for those who cannot care for themselves, always with respect and love.

Wishing each of you success and happiness in 2017. 

Love,

Barbara

Merry Christmas 

and 

Happy Holidays.

Please excuse my long absence. I will return January 1st. Cherish your time with your family and friends. 💝

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRjmR2BrYW8

MONDAY MAYHEM

How about a little Halloween fright. My two horror collections will have you shivering.

How about a little bait and switch? Three horror tales, each with a twist, three shifters with their own brand of terror. SILK, THIRSTY, and PREY will definitely keep you guessing. Intended for 18+.


https://www.amazon.com/Trickery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B017JK0LA2

Chicanery is a collection of eight horror tales, each with a little bit of deceit and enough of the macabre to have you looking over your shoulder.

Who knows what awaits us as we go about our daily lives, unaware of what exists alongside us. In these tales, you will find a bit of betrayal, a snippet or two of terror, and a lot of comeuppance. Oh, and a good dose of helpful spirits.

https://www.amazon.com/Chicanery-Barbara-Chioffi-ebook/dp/B01LW31IFE

ENJOY....bahahaha.

FRIDAY FEATURE

I have someone new to introduce......DRUM ROLL.......

TL Katt. :)

Her first book is The Calling and I can't wait to read it.

You can find her on Facebook...

https://www.facebook.com/TLKatt/?__mref=message_bubble

...and here for her newsletter.

http://kattskorner.weebly.com/sign-up-for-tl-katts-mailing-list.html

Give TL Katt a look today. :)

FRIDAY FEATURE

Congratulations, Elle Klass, on the release of

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

TOMMY'S DECEPTION 

The Mind boggling conclusion to the Ruthless Storm Trilogy. Release date October 14, 2016.

My characters are fictional but crime, murders and serial killers are real. No matter how horrific the crime, non are harmless. Buy In the Midst of the Storm during October and every cent Elle receives will be donated to victimsofcrime.org to help real victims.

Amazon
Nook
Apple
Google Play
Smashwords
Kobo

The thrilling conclusion is filled with suspense!

The cold air chilling her to the bone, she walked swiftly towards her apartment, her mind cloudy from too many beers. A trail

through the woods surrounding her apartment complex opened up to her left. If she stayed the course of the street-lit sidewalk, it’d take her longer to get home than if she took the path through the woods that led almost directly to her door. Her body shivering, she decided to take the chance and cut through the woods. Really, it was just a small chunk of trees with a well-worn path that most people used for walking their dogs.

Halfway through the shortcut, she heard voices talking. She slowed her pace and listened but assumed it was a couple walking their dog.

“What the hell are you doing?!” yelled a male voice.

She jumped and on instinct plastered herself against a large tree and scanned the area, hoping she was fully camouflaged by the thick trunk. She peeked her head around it and spotted two young men. One had jeans sagging past his buttocks and a red jacket. The other wore all black and he held a glinting silver object. Her mind flashed back to the shining object and black eyes that chased her within her nightmares. She breathed deeply, trying to stay calm, and considered her options. The last time she’d run through woods didn’t fare well for her and she ended up in a coma for a week.
Running was out of the question. Going forward was out of the question. She felt the cool metal of the pendant against her chest and remembered its soothing qualities. Taking a deep breath, she

crouched, using the trees for cover and squat-walked towards the next tree. She couldn’t avoid the piles of leaves littering the ground, but hoped her steps were gentle enough the guys would consider them an animal.

The voices moved closer to her and she went into near panic mode. Breathe, breathe. They’re probably just smoking pot and mean no harm, she soothed herself, but the feeling in her gut sent shivers of horror flying through her body. Bad memories resurfaced and she saw his face, the monster, Evan’s face. She closed her eyes, attempting to gather her courage.
Leaves rustled beneath their pounding footsteps, growing closer with each one. No longer able to control her fear, she took her chances and ran.

“Who’s there?” called one of the men, as Eilida sprinted through the woods. Not watching where she was going, she ran smack into broad shoulders and a rock hard abdomen. Waves of horror shuddered throughout her body.

Listen to the In the Midst of the Storm Soundtrack!

It's sexy!

He wanted to make all the bad in her life disappear and he wanted her. The vibes bouncing off Eilida suggested she desired him just as much. Setting his plate on the table, he turned to face her and cupped her face in his hand. Then he brought his lips to hers. His

sexual hunger matched by hers.



When they released the kiss, she set her plate beside his and brought her body closer to his, melting in his arms. Their mouths met again as their hands explored the other’s assets. His hand lingering on her perky breasts as he lifted her shirt and drew his tongue closer to them for a taste.

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