Deliah Lawrence's Blog

A Review of Cruise to Destiny by Jerrica Knight-Catania

This was myfirst time reading a contemporary romance novella by Jerrica Knight-Catania,and I found her writing style heartfelt and engaging as she explored the themeof love. The story follows Melanie Smith, an aspiring actress chasing herBroadway dreams while waiting tables at a diner between auditions. Her bestfriend Lisa decides she needs a break from the city, and together with theirfriend Shauna, they set sail on a six-day Bermuda cruise. 

Melanie,however, worries her job may be at risk if Cliff, her boss, discovers shedoesn’t actually have a sick uncle—something Lisa concocted to secure her timeoff. On the first day aboard, the trio meets Devon Matthews, a restlessmillionaire who has taken a job as a masseuse on the ship. Intrigued byMelanie’s unhappiness, he offers the women free massage vouchers, secretlyhoping to see her again. 

Devon isnervous during Melanie’s massage session, but it becomes his chance to be closeto her. When he finally asks her out, she accepts, and their date is full oflaughter, drinking pints of Guinness, dinner, a walk on the deck, dancing, anda tender kiss. But their budding romance is abruptly cut short when Devon iscaught fraternizing with a passenger, a violation of ship policy, and is firedon the spot. Sent back to New York with no way to contact Melanie, he’s leftheartbroken—especially after she later learns he is, in fact, a millionaire. 

JerricaKnight-Catania delivers a clean and sweet romance about love arriving when youleast expect it. For a novella, it strikes all the right chords—instantattraction, heartbreaking separation, and the promise of love found again. Thecharacters feel authentic, the dialogue rings true, and both Melanie and Devonare changed by their connection. I’ll definitely be reaching for more of herwork. Two thumbs up! 

Rating: 4stars 

Some of myfavorite lines: 

Devoncouldn’t stop smiling the next day. His evening with Melanie had been one ofthe greatest of his entire adult life. The dinner, the walk on the deck, thedancing…man, could that girl move. Clearly, she was born to dance. 

And thegoodnight kiss was just as good as their first kiss. It was like they were madefor each other. Their lips fit perfectly together; her body molded to his justright. For the first time in his life, Devon couldn’t imagine kissing anotherwoman. He only wanted to kiss her. Melanie. 

A Review of Pure Vengeance (The On the Line Series, Book 1) by Lori Ryan

Lori Ryan, and I was immediately struck by hercharacter-driven style. The story follows Detective Cal Rylan of the New HavenPD, who is paired with FBI Agent Eve Sands after one of the Bureau’s witnessesis killed by a sniper while being transported from the police station to theFBI office. The attack leaves Rylan’s partner, Jarrod, critically injured—adevastating blow that stirs up guilt from losing a former partner in the past.

With Eve now athis side, Rylan struggles to balance his instinct to protect with his respectfor her skills. He admires her sharp mind, steady composure with the press, andundeniable strength. Though he feels an instant pull toward her, he knows theirfocus has to stay on catching the sniper before more blood is shed. 

As theinvestigation unfolds, the sniper strikes again—taking out men in the middle ofviolent crimes, from an attempted rape in a park to a gas station holdup. Whatbegins as a suspected mob hitman evolves into the chilling possibility of alone vigilante doling out justice on their own terms. 

This fast-pacedread is packed with action, secrets, and tension, both professional andromantic. I found the characters well developed, the dialogue authentic, andthe push-and-pull between Cal and Eve full of sparks. The cat-and-mouse chasewith the sniper, always one step ahead, kept me hooked until the truth wasrevealed—and when it came, the motive made sense. While a few moments wereslightly confusing, the story’s momentum and the simmering attraction betweenthe leads more than made up for it. 

Overall, LoriRyan delivers an engaging romantic suspense with plenty of twists and just the rightamount of heat. I’ll definitely be picking up more of her work. Two thumbs up! 

Rating: 4stars 

Some of myfavorite lines: 

He didn’tintroduce himself. He had more than one reason for going on the offensive withher. The fact his witness and partner had both been shot was only the start ofit. The kick of attraction he felt for her was another. He didn’t know wherethe hell it came from, but he didn’t want it getting in the way. “Why the hellweren’t we told this guy was high value? What the hell kind of clusterfuck isthe FBI running?”

He wouldhave known she was FBI without the badge. She had it written all over herbuttoned-up suit and the way she’d twisted her hair tight to the nape of herneck.

And wherethe hell had thoughts of the nape of her neck come from? Why did he even knowthose words? Cal shook his head to clear it and focused on the anger. He hadevery damned right to be angry here. The FBI’s screw-up had just put hispartner in the hospital.

A Review of Forbidden Kiss: Billionaire Romance by Janica Cade

novella by Janica Cade, and her writing style struck me as sexy, sharp, and emotionallylayered. The story follows billionaire Ethan Wolfe, who reluctantly agrees totake over Lane Entertainment Group at the request of its owner, ChristopherLane. The catch? He has to keep Lane’s daughter, Ava—the creative force behindthe company—on board.

Ava,unaware of her father’s decision to sell, is blindsided and furious, especiallyafter learning her father is gravely ill. When he passes away the day after thedeal is finalized, her anger toward Ethan only intensifies. Despite thetension, Ethan rushes to comfort her, and the two give in to their mutualattraction in a moment charged with grief and desire. 

Theplot thickens when Ava reveals documents stating that her cousin, Jonathan, wasmeant to take over the company in the event of her father and uncle’s death.The revelation shocks Ethan, prompting him to step back and temporarily handcontrol over to Ava while the legalities are sorted out. Still, his longing forher doesn’t fade. 

Overall,this was a fast-paced and steamy contemporary romance packed with tension,emotional twists, and compelling characters. The chemistry between Ethan andAva felt genuine, and while one section was a little confusing, the dialogueand scene-building were vivid and well-crafted. I’ll definitely be checking outmore from Janica Cade. 

Rating:3.5 Stars 

Someof my favorite lines: 

Fiona’sface contorts with a grimace. “I can’t believe you ignored my warnings and wentthrough with buying that company. Have you reached out to this Jonathan guy?”

Irub the back of my neck. “No, and I don’t plan on it, either.”

“Whynot?” I look at her dead in the eye.

“BecauseI don’t care about the money or her father’s games. We’re billionaires. We canhandle any financial hit. All I want is Ava.” 

A Review of Loving The Wrong Man by Mia Black

Black, and Ifound her writing style to be bold, relationship-driven, and full of heat anddeception. The story centers around Jazmine (“Jazzy”), a freelance consultantfor multimedia companies who recently ended things with her cheating boyfriend,Aaron, in Charlotte. Ready for a fresh start, she heads to New York to staywith her best friend Tami while she gets back on her feet.

On the flight, Jazzy meets Quinton (“Que”),a handsome and charming stranger who keeps her calm during turbulence. Theyexchange numbers, and a week later, he invites her to explore New YorkCity—he’s Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised, after all. Their chemistry isinstant, leading to a steamy night at the luxurious Carlyle Hotel, with windowsoverlooking Central Park. 

Though Jazzy is drawn to Que, she’s hesitantto jump into a new relationship. She enjoys his company but can’t shake hercuriosity about his vague career in “sales.” Her doubts intensify when she seesa news report about a $50 million theft ring targeting Miami’s elite—completewith a photo of the suspected ringleader hiding out in New York who looksalarmingly like Que. Her suspicion leads her to snoop, only to be caught by Quehimself. 

This fast-paced contemporary romance ispacked with tension, secrets, and sizzle. While it follows the familiar tropeof a good girl falling for a mysterious bad boy, the chemistry between Jazzyand Que feels fresh and exciting. The dialogue is natural, and the vividdescriptions bring New York City to life. I’m looking forward to the nextinstallment to find out if Jazzy walks away—or stands by him. Two thumbs up! 

Rating:4 stars 

Someof my favorite lines: 

“Icould stare at you all day too, but I think the other passengers might revoltif we keep holding up takeoff,” he said, laughing. I smiled awkwardly and movedinto the aisle. He sat down in the chair next to me and buckled himself. I satback down and did the same. I completely had to maintain my composure. 

BeforeI was able to close my eyes and turn on my music, he turned to me and held outhis hand. “Since we are going to be seatmates for the next three hours, Ishould introduce myself. My name is Quinton, but I go by Que for short.”

 

I reached out and shook his hand. “My nameis Jazmine.”

 

“Beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

 

I felt myself blush. “Thank you for thecompliment.” 

           “Anything to put a smile on your face.So, are you going to New York, or is that another layover?”

 

A Review of The Right Wrong Number by Barbara Delinsky

BarbaraDelinsky, and I found her writing to be emphatic and easy to follow. The story centersaround Carly Kelly, the owner of Plant People, a nursery and flower shop. She'soffered a potentially life-changing opportunity to partner with Mayer’s, amajor home store chain.

Withonly four days to decide, Carly calls her friends Bibi and Hank to share thenews—but she accidentally dials the wrong number. On the other end is astranger named Charlie, whose sexy, intriguing voice catches her off guard.Instead of hanging up, Carly keeps talking. Charlie is kind, curious about hershop, and genuinely supportive. Their conversation flows effortlessly, and shefinds herself opening up to him. Just as their connection deepens, disasterstrikes—her phone drops into a bucket of water, cutting the call short. 

Withno way to recover the number, Carly tries various combinations on her new phonebut can't reach Charlie again. Still, his advice sticks with her. She consultsa lawyer (also a customer) to review the Mayer’s deal, and together they makeadjustments that protect her business interests. Yet, Charlie lingers in herthoughts, and she keeps searching for him online. 

Then,in a serendipitous twist, on the final night of celebrating her independence asa businesswoman, the store phone rings. The voice on the other end stops her inher tracks—it’s Charlie. He’s been trying to find her too and finally trackedher down. He asks her out to dinner... and that’s where the story ends. 

Overall,this was a quick and delightful read. Though the ending felt a bit abrupt (Iwould’ve loved a glimpse of their dinner!), I enjoyed the story’s charm andsimplicity. I especially appreciated the mutual drive between Carly and Charlieto reconnect. I’d definitely read more from Barbara Delinsky. 

Rating:4 Stars 

Someof my favorite lines: 

Thevoice on the other end held an audible smile. “I think I would love that. Whois this?”

Thatquickly, Carly went from relief that she’d said it all to mortification—becausenow that he’d spoken more than just a hello, she could hear that the man on theother end wasn’t Hank. This man’s voice was deeper. It was slower and morerelaxed. Definitely more sexy.

“Ohdear,” she said, totally mortified. “And my speech was so good.”

Helaughed. “It was great. That’s a really neat opportunity you have.”

 

  

A Review of The Billionaire’s Secret Heart (The Winters Saga Book 1) by Ivy Layne

Ivy Layne and Ifound her writing style to be both engaging and easy to get into. The storycenters around Josephine Miller, a computer science grad student at GeorgiaTech and self-proclaimed geek and Holden Winters, a charismatic alpha malebillionaire with a tragic family history.  

Thestory opens with Josephine enduring a dull blind date with Stuart, heradvisor’s nephew. She’s eager to end the evening until Stuart mentions he has aVIP invitation to Mana, the exclusive club she’s been dying to visit. Sinceit’s nearly impossible to get into this club Josephine decides to continue thedate long enough to get in. 

WhileStuart rambles on about his dissertation on campaign finance, Josephine’sattention wanders and lands on a handsome stranger sitting on the couch nearby– Holden.  With a confident smirk, heinvites her to join him. Intrigued by his boldness, Josephine doesn’t hesitatewhen he asks her to leave with him. What follows is a sizzling one-nightstand—completely out of character for her. 

Holden,unexpectedly captivated, tracks her down on campus and invites her to dinner athis place. As their chemistry intensifies, a case of miscommunication threatensto derail their budding relationship. Both are left hurt and confused,believing the other walked away. Eventually, the truth surfaces when Josephine,her roommate Emily, and Holden’s cousin Tate uncover the person responsible forstirring the drama. With everything cleared up, the story wraps with asatisfying happily-ever-after. 

Overall,this was a fast-paced, steamy read with all the right ingredients for a solidromance. The characters felt believable in their roles—Holden as the commandingalpha and Josephine as the intelligent, relatable nerd. I enjoyed the wittydialogue, dramatic twists, and vivid scene-setting. A strong introduction towhat looks like an exciting series. Two thumbs up! 

Rating:4 Stars 

Some of myfavorite lines: 

"Ilike Josephine. You look like a Josephine." He must be a mind reader.Answering the question on my lips, he said, "I'm Holden."

"Doyou usually steal women away from their dates?" I asked tartly, thenflushed at my tone. He laughed, looking down at me. I was five feet, fiveinches tall—not short, but he towered above me. He must have been at least afew inches over six feet. He grinned at me and shook his head, saying,"Never. I can honestly say that I've never stolen a girl from her date inthe VIP Room at Mana before."

"Soyou have stolen a woman from her date before? Just not there?" I asked inthe same tart tone. I didn't know what was wrong with me, but his completeself-assurance made me want to poke at him, just a little.

 

 

 

  

It’s A Screenwriting Thing Presents: An Interview with Marshall Ferrin, screenwriter, film and TV

Bio: Mr.Ferrin is a highly qualified international business professional by virtue ofexperience working with Small and Medium Enterprises, US and foreignGovernments and trade associations in international management, marketing andsales in Europe, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. Mr. Ferrindesigned and implemented the global market entry of the long-distancetelecommunications services and VOIP computer telephony software of twostart-up U.S. technology companies. 

Mr. Ferrinprovided management and business development leadership for the MasonEnterprise Center’s international Business Accelerator, one of twomultinational incubators in the USA designed to assist both foreign companiesand USA firms forge successful business partnerships in the Americanmarketplace. Mr. Ferrin served in Afghanistan as the Senior InvestmentAdvisor/USAID, seconded to the Afghan Investment Support Agency,www.aisa.org.af Mr. Ferrin completed an assignment as Aid Coordinator, Officeof the Governor, State of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. 

He is nowworking with the Branson Entrepreneurship Centre, advising entrepreneurs inJamaica successfully starting and growing their businesses. https://bransoncentre.co/ Marshall is currently focused on writing scripts forthe film and TV markets and working with potential investors. Please go to www.marshallferrin.comfor info on his many award-winning screenplays. 

Deliah Lawrence: What isthe core premise of your most recent script, and what inspired it?

MarshallFerrin: Current script, the six-episode series LAFAYETTE, is about oneman, two revolutions. What began as a battle for liberty became a vindictivequest for power. 

DL: Whatgenre does your script fall into, and how does it stand out from similar filmsor TV shows?

MF: LAFAYETTEis a historical drama that is directly related to the current struggles forLiberty, Freedom and Human Rights. The story explores how the best intentions of and effort to effect positive political change can go terribly wrong.

DL: Canyou summarize the main character(s) and their journey?

MF: The maincharacter, Lafayette, achieves great success in the American Revolution butfaces unexpected challenges when he tries to transplant it to his home country,France. 

DL: Arethere any screenwriters that have influenced your style?

MF: Thewriter of “The Patriot” and the AMC TV series “TURN Washington’s Spies.” 

DL: Haveyou done any market research to see how your script aligns with currentindustry trends?

MF: Yes. Iresearched many historical drama series, e.g. “The Vikings,” “TURN Washington’sSpies,” “The Tudors,” “John Adams,” and “Franklin” that are available on AmazonPrime, HBO Max, and Netflix and found that, with the exception of “Franklin”there has been over five years since we have seen a new one. We are overdue. Also,a series that espouses a heroic story, albeit with tragic results is a good fitfor the shift in political culture that we are currently experiencing in theUSA. 

DL: Whatsimilar successful films or shows would you compare your script to?

MF: Again,“TURN – Washington’s Spies” and “The Patriot” come to mind as well as the film“Braveheart.” 

DL: Haveyou considered independent film festivals or streaming platforms as potentialdistribution channels?

MF: Yes.Lafayette – the Series has won Best Script in 8 screenwriting competitions andnominations in 7 other competitions. 

DL: Whatadvice would you give to aspiring screenwriters?

MF: Write astory that is both familiar to the audience but also contains something verynew and interesting. 

DL: If youwere hosting a dinner party which three screenwriters, past or present, wouldbe your dream guests and why?

MF: DavidMamet, James Cameron, DavidFranzoni and John Logan. All have had great success in getting theirhistorical/period dramas scripts made into films. 

DL: Whatare three fun facts about yourself?

MF: I had abit part as a “Hanging Judge” in my Proof-of-Concept film, for my screenplay“The Royal Executioner.” I played the comic lead in Gilbert & Sullivan’splay “HMS Pinafore.” I invented a new cocktail, The Mulberry Juice Rum Punch whileserving at the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

DL: It’s beena pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy gettingto know you and your work.

MF: Thankyou. Also, please note that readers that are interested in possibly investingin Lafayette, the Series and/or The Royal Executioner can obtain moreinformation by going to:  https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/lafayette/ and https://www.gallopingentertainment.com/product/royal/ 

Lafayette Trailer:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tOXzhm2xeUReNZ9MaZkbMF03jn2jAeu3/view?usp=drive_web

The Royal Executioner: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iElThAI65DNwtpb6GW50_t7wc57KF7rv/view?usp=drive_web

Women’s History Month’s Feature: Grace “Pacy” Lin, Author, Illustrator, and Podcaster

Hello, booklovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to introduce youto Grace “Pacy” Lin, an acclaimed author and illustrator. She published herfirst book, The Ugly Vegetables, in 1999, and since then, she haswritten and illustrated more than 25 books. Her work explores themes ofcultural and racial identity, as well as friendship, family, and peace.

In 2016, Lindelivered a TEDx talk titled “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’sBookshelf,” advocating for greater diversity in children’s literature. Shealso hosts two podcasts—Book Friends Forever (2019) and Kids AskAuthors (2020)—and serves on the advisory committee of We Need DiverseBooks, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusivity in children’sstories.

Her literaryachievements include a Newbery Honor for Where the Mountain Meets the Moon(2010), a Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for Ling and Ting: Not Exactly theSame! (2011), and a National Book Award finalist recognition for Whenthe Sea Turned Silver (2016). As the illustrator of I Am an American:The Wong Kim Ark Story, she won the Carter G. Woodson Book Award(Elementary Level) in 2022. Most recently, in 2024, she received the PictureBook/Early Reader Award at the 24th annual Massachusetts Book Awards. 

Grace Lin's contributions to children's literature continue to inspire readers of all ages. Have you read any of her books? Let's celebrate her impact together! #womenshistorymonth #author #illustrator #podcaster #GracePacyLin #VocalExpressions

Women’s History Month’s Feature: Joy Harjo, Author, Poet, Performer, Activist, and Educator

Hello, booklovers! In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m excited to introduce you to JoyHarjo—an acclaimed author, poet, performer, activist, and educator. In 1975,she published her first poetry collection, The Last Song, featuring nine of herpoems.  From 2019 – 2022, she served asthe 23rd United States Poet Laureate, becoming the first Native American tohold this prestigious title. She is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation (EsteMvskokvlke) and belongs to Oce Vpofv (Hickory Ground). 

Harjo’s workspans poetry, books, plays, and music, earning her numerous awards, accolades,and honors. As Poet Laureate, her signature project, Living Nations, LivingWords: A Map of First Peoples Poetry focused on “mapping the U.S. with NativeNations poets and poems.” Her work often draws on Native American oral history,exploring themes of defining self, the arts, and social justice. 

Her poetry isincluded on a plaque on LUCY, a NASA spacecraft launched in Fall 2021, and thefirst reconnaissance of the Jupiter Trojans. She is also a chancellor of theAcademy of American Poets and the first Artist-in-Residence for Tulsa’s BobDylan Center. In 2023, shewas awarded Yale’s Bollingen Prize for American Poetry. Check out her quoteabout when she started writing. #womenshistorymonth #author #poet #PoetLaureate#performer #activist #educator #JoyHarjo #vocalexpressions

A Review of Under My Skin by A. M. Kusi

the husband-and-wife duo A. M. Kusi, and I found their writing style captivating. The story follows Tessa Matthews, a newly divorced woman, and her undeniable attraction to her Irish tattoo business partner, Roy.  

Tessa accompaniesRoy as his plus-one to his cousin’s wedding, set against the scenic backdrop ofShattered Cove’s seacoast and the lush Emerson farmland. Their friend andreceptionist, Bella, also attends as the unofficial third wheel, still grievingthe loss of her husband. Encouraged by the idea of moving forward, Bellastrikes a deal with Tessa: she’ll muster up the courage to talk to a handsomestranger if Tessa promises to finally let Roy give her the tattoo she’s alwayswanted. They both agree. 

At the wedding,Bella meets her mystery man at the bar—describing him as “hotter thanHades”—while Tessa shares a dance with Roy. The chemistry between them isundeniable, and after a deep, passionate kiss, she decides to embrace themoment and spend one unforgettable night with him. Though self-conscious abouther body, Tessa finds comfort in Roy’s attentiveness, leading to an intenselyintimate and passionate encounter. 

However, realitysets in once they return to Colorado. Tessa begins to withdraw, leaving Royconfused and determined to prove that their connection is more than just aone-night fling. He’s persistent in his pursuit, wanting nothing more than tomake her his. 

Overall, this was aquick, steamy read with just the right blend of spice and heartfeltstorytelling. Told from both Tessa’s and Roy’s perspectives, the charactersfelt authentic, and their emotions rang true. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing,dialogue, and vivid descriptions. A great introduction to the rest of theseries—two thumbs up! 

Rating: 4 stars 

Some of my favoritelines:

His low chucklerumbled in his chest as he pulled her tighter against him sending heat sinkinglower to her belly. One hand slid up her spine,cupped her neck and pulled her head against his shoulder. Her body relaxed intohim. Tessa was putty in his hands.

He leaned in andinhaled the juncture of her neck. “You smell good, like usual. Like wildroses—my favorite.”

            Tessa swallowed.Having him flirt with her was one thing. But having him do it while her bodywas plastered to his and they moved around the dance floor was another. Lustheated her blood as a shiver of hot and cold flashed through her.