Carly Fall's Blog, page 8

Certificate of Award for The Light Within Me

 I’m very proud to announce that The Light Within Me, the first book of the Six Saviors Series, has won the Bronze Medal in the Readers’ Favorite 2013 International Book Awards in its category.

69 Mustang by Kacey Hammell – Spotlight and Review

A couple of weeks ago I featured the cover reveal for Kacey Hammell’s new book, 69 Mustang. When the opportunity came to review it, I jumped on it as I have read some of Kacey’s other work, and really enjoyed it. So if you missed the cover reveal, read a little bit about the book, and my review will follow.

I am also gifting three copies of this book to three who leave comments. Winners will be picked and notified on Friday, September 6th.

To win, simply answer this:  Do you think certain cars are sexy, or just a way to get from point A  to point B?

Revved and Ready for passion, heat sizzles between two friends…

For Hayley Fitzgibbon, the heat wave blanketing her small town is nothing compared to the inferno inside her whenever she looks at her best friend, Rory. On the night of his parents’ anniversary party, she no longer resists her burning desire and makes it known how much she wants him. Secluded under a willow tree, down a lover’s lane, she’s revved and ready to claim her man on the top of his ’69 Mustang.

 

Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013:

“The party was fantastic, Rory. Your parents looked so happy.” Hayley Fitzgibbon shifted in the front seat of the black ’69 Ford Mustang her long-time best friend owned since he turned twenty-one. She’d come to love it as much as he did, how it handled. It still hummed like it had when brand new. No car was sexier to her. Mustangs, especially the classic ’69 had lines that were slick, masculine and just screamed fast and hardcore. The vibration from the engine tingled through the back of her thighs and buttocks causing a delicious thrill through her body. “Thanks for driving me home. It was a great celebration. I can’t believe your parents have been married fifty years.”

“Yeah. It’s practically unheard of these days.” Rory clicked on his blinker then turned right. “They really seemed to like the gift Max and I got them. You think so?”

She nodded and brushed the white shrug off her shoulders. The heat wave spreading through Belleville, Ontario had reached staggering levels in the last couple of days. The air conditioning in the car barely cooled her skin. Plus being such an enclosed space alone with him after hours of dancing, soft touches as they mingled and were less than five feet away from one another all night had her on edge. “Of course they did. Who wouldn’t want to take a three-week cruise around the Caribbean? I’ll be sure to remind you and your brother of your generosity for my next birthday.”

He laughed and winked. “You’d have to be a very, very good girl.”

I’ll show you just how good I can be. Hayley pushed the thought away. For weeks she’d been having the same dream over and over. The erotic fantasies starring herself and Rory had left her breathless every time she woke, sweating and panting. It was all she thought about anymore. Images of the two of them having hot, sweaty sex—anywhere and everywhere—consumed her day and night. She trembled, flashes of heat zinging along her spine. Heart racing, she drew in a deep breath.

He captivated her in so many new ways these days. His kindness had always been there, but lately, she’d smile if mentioned helping an elderly lady get her groceries to the car. And the way he talked about himself, she got upset and angry. He complained about being a ginger, especially in the summer when he burned easily, but she loved his unique looks. Kind of geeky and studious mixed with sexiness and cute buoyancy he didn’t realize he possessed. She disliked hearing him put himself down.

How were any of her new reactions possible? They’d been best friends forever, and had shared all their secrets with one another.

Maybe the intense and potent way he looked at her now. At times when she’d glance at him, she’d catch darkness and smoldering heat in his eyes that made it difficult to breathe. Was it because she’d slimmed down over the last eight or nine months. She didn’t want to think about him like that, knew deep down that he wasn’t that shallow. But he had been giving her the eye lately, passion-filled stolen glances. Since then, the air around them had shifted.

He hadn’t hidden his reaction to her tonight when he’d picked her up for his parents’ anniversary party either.  Rory’s normally soft hazel eyes had turned a golden rich hue, and when she walked out of her bedroom, he’d let his gaze roam over her body. She knew she looked great in the bright blue satin, off-one-shoulder, mid-thigh gown that really made the azure in her eyes pop. Perhaps he agreed. His breath had hitched, his hands shook as he’d helped her with her shrug. His touch had lingered on her shoulders longer than needed. The warmth from his palms scalded against her already hot skin. He’d stood inches behind her, smoothing his hands down her back, and electricity tingled through her body, filling her with sudden fervor and desperation to feel his embrace. And make some of those naughty dreams she’d been having come true.

“You’ll be what, thirty-seven in a couple months, Hales? Maybe we should plan a cruise or something awesome for your fortieth? You’d look amazing in a skimpy bikini you know. Maybe a nude beach?”

The sound of Rory’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. She gulped and cleared her dry throat. “Um, yeah. Sure.” The air in the vehicle was nearly smothering.

“Hey.” He laid a hand on her thigh. Hayley gasped. Heat shot along the skin, hitting her straight to her pussy. Her pulse raced. “It’s like you’re in another world. You okay?”

“Of course,” Trying to mask her nerves, she laughed away his concern. “Fine. Just warm in here.” And I want you. So bad.

MY REVIEW – 4.5 STARS

If you are looking for a quick, very hot read, then this is your book.

Hayley and Rory have been friends for most of their lives, but Hayley is now ready for more. On the night of Rory’s parents anniversary party, she decides it’s time to take their friendship to the next level, knowing that they will never be able to go back to being “just friends” again.

This was a great short read, perfect for a little break from reality. It is done it true Kacey Hammell style: written well, hot sex and fun characters.

 

 

BUY LINKS:

 

Amazon — US / Canada / UK

Smashwords

aRe

 Reviews:

5 Stars from Susan W. @ Amazon.com ~ “If you have only a short amount of time and want to read something hot then this is the book to read. Loved this story and can’t wait to read more in this series!”

5 Stars from Lindsay @ Amazon.com ~ “This short read is a hot one. Guaranteed to make your body temperature rise, and will have you thinking of other uses for your car in no time. I’m looking forward to checking out the next installments in this series.”

5 Stars from Amy Miller @ Amazon.com ~ “Great story about two friends who both are in love with one another. On one hot night they finally go for it and put their friendship on the line and it involves a super hot car and hot sex. What more can you ask for. For a short read this is a good one. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Great Job Kacey Hammell!!”

 

Avid Reader. Romance Author. Redhead…

Canadian-born author, Kacey Hammell is definitely a book-a-holic, who began reading romances at a young age and became easily addicted.  These days, as a multi-published erotic romance author, she enjoys adding a lot of heat, sass and emotion to the Contemporary Romances she writes.

 

A mom of three, Kacey has made certain each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right. She lives her own happily ever after with her perfect hero in Ontario, Canada, and is a true romantic at heart.

 

Connect with Kacey…

Website / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Pinterest / Instagram

 

 

Bottom Drawer Publications Giveaway!

One of my publishers, Bottom Drawer Publications, is celebrating their one year anniversary, and they are giving away some great stuff!!

These are the amazing ladies who published Time or Money and Against the Ropes. They have a library of wonderful books (besides mine!) that you have a chance to win!

1st Prize:  All of their E-books for a YEAR. Yes, you read that right. Free E-books for a year.

2nd Prize: $20 Amazon Gift Certificate

3rd Prize: $10 Bottom Drawer Publications Gift Certificate

To win, enter below. Yes, it’s really that simple.

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Kindle Fire / Nook HD Giveaway

Labor Day is fast approaching; a day that we take the time to recognize the economic and social contributions of hard working Americans! Many of us take the long weekend to barbeque, rest and relax and maybe even catch up on our sleep. But if you’re a true bibliophile, you are probably bypassing all of that in hopes of getting in some valuable reading time! This week, discovering new authors and taking advantage of their marked down titles can earn you entries toward a Kindle Fire or Nook HD, winner’s choice! With a diverse selection of books including Young Adult, New Adult, Romance, and Erotic Romance, you’re sure to find some awesome reads for the upcoming holiday weekend!
 This giveaway sponsored by:
Carly Fall
R.K. Ryals
Alicia Michaels
Elise Marion
Casse NaRome
Vivi Dumas
C.J. Baty
Peggy Martinez
Natalie G Owens
Kacey Hammell



Check out our selection of ebooks marked down to only $0.99 each for the duration of the giveaway. Once you’ve downloaded the ebook(s) of your choice, you will be emailed an invoice from wherever you purchased your ebook. Simply find which book you purchased on the Rafflecopter widget below and enter your invoice’s order number (which does not contain any of your personal information). Each order number entered will earn you TEN entries toward the Kindle Fire or Nook HD. For every author whose page you follow on Facebook, you will receive one entry each. You can also receive an entry for tweeting about the giveaway on Twitter. So, get to browsing, get to know our sponsoring authors, and find your next favorite book! The winner will be drawn and notified September 3rd.

 

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Cover Reveal – 69 Mustang by Kacey Hammell

Today I’m happy to have Kacey Hammell here with the cover reveal for her new book, 69 Mustang. If you like erotica with good solid characters and emotion, this is your girl!

She is also giving away an advanced reading copy of this book, and you can enter below to win

’69 MUSTANG

By Kacey Hammell

Book 1: Revved and Ready Series

Contemporary Erotic Romance

ISBN: 9780987799319

Word Count: 4,415 Short Story

Revved and Ready for passion, heat sizzles between two friends…

For Hayley Fitzgibbon, the heat wave blanketing her small town is nothing compared to the inferno inside her whenever she looks at her best friend, Rory. On the night of his parents’ anniversary party, she no longer resists her burning desire and makes it known how much she wants him. Secluded under a willow tree, down a lover’s lane, she’s revved and ready to claim her man on the top of his ’69 Mustang.

 Excerpt © Kacey Hammell, 2013:

“The party was fantastic, Rory. Your parents looked so happy.” Hayley Fitzgibbon shifted in the front seat of the black ’69 Ford Mustang her long-time best friend owned since he turned twenty-one. She’d come to love it as much as he did, how it handled. It still hummed like it had when brand new. No car was sexier to her. Mustangs, especially the classic ’69 had lines that were slick, masculine and just screamed fast and hardcore. The vibration from the engine tingled through the back of her thighs and buttocks causing a delicious thrill through her body. “Thanks for driving me home. It was a great celebration. I can’t believe your parents have been married fifty years.”

“Yeah. It’s practically unheard of these days.” Rory clicked on his blinker then turned right. “They really seemed to like the gift Max and I got them. You think so?”

She nodded and brushed the white shrug off her shoulders. The heat wave spreading through Belleville, Ontario had reached staggering levels in the last couple of days. The air conditioning in the car barely cooled her skin. Plus being such an enclosed space alone with him after hours of dancing, soft touches as they mingled and were less than five feet away from one another all night had her on edge. “Of course they did. Who wouldn’t want to take a three-week cruise around the Caribbean? I’ll be sure to remind you and your brother of your generosity for my next birthday.”

He laughed and winked. “You’d have to be a very, very good girl.”

I’ll show you just how good I can be. Hayley pushed the thought away. For weeks she’d been having the same dream over and over. The erotic fantasies starring herself and Rory had left her breathless every time she woke, sweating and panting. It was all she thought about anymore. Images of the two of them having hot, sweaty sex—anywhere and everywhere—consumed her day and night. She trembled, flashes of heat zinging along her spine. Heart racing, she drew in a deep breath.

He captivated her in so many new ways these days. His kindness had always been there, but lately, she’d smile if mentioned helping an elderly lady get her groceries to the car. And the way he talked about himself, she got upset and angry. He complained about being a ginger, especially in the summer when he burned easily, but she loved his unique looks. Kind of geeky and studious mixed with sexiness and cute buoyancy he didn’t realize he possessed. She disliked hearing him put himself down.

How were any of her new reactions possible? They’d been best friends forever, and had shared all their secrets with one another.

Maybe the intense and potent way he looked at her now. At times when she’d glance at him, she’d catch darkness and smoldering heat in his eyes that made it difficult to breathe. Was it because she’d slimmed down over the last eight or nine months. She didn’t want to think about him like that, knew deep down that he wasn’t that shallow. But he had been giving her the eye lately, passion-filled stolen glances. Since then, the air around them had shifted.

He hadn’t hidden his reaction to her tonight when he’d picked her up for his parents’ anniversary party either.  Rory’s normally soft hazel eyes had turned a golden rich hue, and when she walked out of her bedroom, he’d let his gaze roam over her body. She knew she looked great in the bright blue satin, off-one-shoulder, mid-thigh gown that really made the azure in her eyes pop. Perhaps he agreed. His breath had hitched, his hands shook as he’d helped her with her shrug. His touch had lingered on her shoulders longer than needed. The warmth from his palms scalded against her already hot skin. He’d stood inches behind her, smoothing his hands down her back, and electricity tingled through her body, filling her with sudden fervor and desperation to feel his embrace. And make some of those naughty dreams she’d been having come true.

“You’ll be what, thirty-seven in a couple months, Hales? Maybe we should plan a cruise or something awesome for your fortieth? You’d look amazing in a skimpy bikini you know. Maybe a nude beach?”

The sound of Rory’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. She gulped and cleared her dry throat. “Um, yeah. Sure.” The air in the vehicle was nearly smothering.

“Hey.” He laid a hand on her thigh. Hayley gasped. Heat shot along the skin, hitting her straight to her pussy. Her pulse raced. “It’s like you’re in another world. You okay?”

“Of course,” Trying to mask her nerves, she laughed away his concern. “Fine. Just warm in here.” And I want you. So bad.

  Avid Reader. Romance Author. Redhead…

Canadian-born author, Kacey Hammell is definitely a book-a-holic, who began reading romances at a young age and became easily addicted.  These days, as a multi-published erotic romance author, she enjoys adding a lot of heat, sass and emotion to the Contemporary Romances she writes.

 

A mom of three, Kacey has made certain each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right. She lives her own happily ever after with her perfect hero in Ontario, Canada, and is a true romantic at heart.

 

Connect with Kacey…

Website / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Pinterest / Instagram

 

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Cover Reveal – Stolen Innocence by Vivi Dumas

I’m very happy to have Vivi Dumas here today with  book, Stolen Innocence, the third installment of the Dueling with the Devil Series. It will be released October 4, 2013. And don’t you just love this cover?

She’s giving away copies of this book, but they won’t be available until mid-September. Check out the rafflecopter below to get your hot little hands on this book before anyone else!

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: VPG Publishing and Promotions, LLC

Publication Date: 10/4/13

Website: http://vividumas.com/stolen-innocence/

GoodReads

Blurb:

They say ignorance is bliss, but when it comes to love and mating, Charity Lovell wished someone had schooled her on the ins and outs. She fell hard when she saw the beautiful face of the fair-haired demon as he lay broken in Lucifer’s dungeon. Her body ached for him. Her heart cried for him. This had to be her mate, right? Who else could make her trade her soul to the Devil to save someone she didn’t know? Someone should’ve told her love wasn’t quite as straight forward as that.

 Damon lived an uncomplicated life, even as the alpha of the Lake Charles pack and the son of Lucifer. He should’ve taken a mate years ago, but held on to the hope of love. Only one female came close to making him believe he still had a chance for happiness. Yet, her heart belonged to someone else. Once again, the feeling is back, stronger than ever. And again, his female has pledged herself to another. Damn demons were ruining his love life. This time Damon plans to fight for what was his and win his rightful mate.

Excerpt

Damballa eyed Lucifer suspiciously as the angel dusted off a boulder and gracefully lowered himself on the hard, burnt-orange surface. “What bring you to the slums of Purgatory?”

“Not many people still think of me as an angel. You’re showing your age, Damballa.” Lucifer’s smile gleamed in bright contrast to his ebony skin.

“You shouldn’t pry in other’s minds without their permission. Does age matter when you’re no longer amongst the living?”

“Valid point.”

“Again, why are you here?” Damballa demanded.

Lucifer inhaled a deep breath and sighed as he released it. His face displayed an Oscar winning expression of disappointment. “Everyone’s so impatient these days. All that television and those video games. Do you get those down here?”

Crossing his arms across his chest, Damballa stared at Lucifer without a response.

“I guess you want to know why I’m here.” Lucifer laughed at Damballa’s grunt of frustration. “I need your help.”

Damballa narrowed his eyes, tightening his arms in their locked position, closing himself off even more. “How can a lowly human priest banished to Purgatory help the Prince of Hell?”

“When you put it like that, it make me second guess my visit. But then again we both know the greatest Vodou priest who’s ever walked the Earth isn’t exactly a lowly human. Didn’t your followers even deem you a god?”

“You know I was stripped of my title and those followers turned on me with vengeance.”

“Some don’t appreciate those who think outside of the box. I, on the other hand, appreciate innovation, especially when it goes as far to the dark side as you delved.”

Damballa strolled over to the hollowed out cavern wall filled with books, pretending to study its contents. His hand trembled as he removed a book of spells from a shelf. Sorrow lingered in his heart when he thought of his demise. The darkness took everything he loved away from him and landed him in this fiery stone prison. Love was an unstable drug. No one could predict its side effects. For him, they were lethal.

“Regret and self-pity only lead one down the road to condemnation. They’re useless in seeking redemption. I know what you want. And I can get it for you.” Temptation slithered amongst Lucifer’s words.

A chuckle tickled Damballa’s throat. “There is nothing on Earth for me. I’ve glanced at the world a few times and they’ve turned it into a shithole. I’m not looking to go back to a place I no longer recognize.”

Pushing himself off his seat, Lucifer appeared beside Damballa. “You underestimate me. I mean I know what you really long for.”

Damballa faced the Prince. He raised a brow in question. “What is it you think that I want?”

“I can give her back to you. And I’ll throw in a bonus.”

“No. She has ascended,” Damballa spat.

Lucifer barked a laugh. “There’s no ascension for those who trade their soul to the Devil.”

“What do you mean? She made a deal with you?”

“Yep. I helped her people. She was really pissed at what you did. In exchange, I have her soul until I decide what I want to do with it.”

Grabbing Lucifer by the shoulders, Damballa shook the Devil. “You’re lying. She would never…she wouldn’t give herself to you.”

Lucifer shoved Damballa’s hands off his shoulders. “Your little lady was willing to offer herself to the highest bidder. Isn’t that why you killed her in the first place?”

Damballa struggled to keep from striking Lucifer.

“You’re not crazy. You know I could incinerate you right here. She wanted a life for her family. One not involving running around as wolves for the rest of their lives. A little blood signature on some parchment and we had a deal. I must admit the new E-sign makes brokering deals much easier.” Lucifer cracked a slow grin and chuckled to himself. “Anyway, I have her soul and the world got werewolves. Maybe not a full recovery, but a good compromise. Seemed like a fair trade at the time. Now, I’m offering to return her back to you. Slightly used needless to say, but who cares when it’s the love of your life.” The jagged edges of Lucifer’s teeth showed when he smiled fully.

Damballa’s heart and head raced with anticipation. “And what do I have to do to get her back?”

“Just a little magic.”

“What kind?”

“I need to manifest on Earth,” Lucifer answered casually as he picked imaginary dirt from under his finger nails.

Damballa choked at Lucifer’s words. “Do you know how much dark magic that requires? I don’t even know if I can harness enough energy to jump start the process. That requires a blood sacrifice.”

“Okay. Let me know what you need and I’ll order it.” With those last words, Lucifer disappeared.

A shiver whispered down Damballa’s spine. No matter what dark magic he practiced in the past or how badly he wanted Ariella back, unleashing Lucifer on Earth was a terrifying thought.

******

Don’t forget to check out the other books in the series as well. I’ve personally read the first one, and really enjoyed it!

Book 1 – Soul Catcher

Book 2 – Sweet Revenge

About the Author:

Although Vivi Dumas grew up an Army brat, she calls Louisiana home, but have endured the hot summers and cold winters of Maryland for the last 16 years. She is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University with an MBA in Finance and Marketing. Her analytical side has honed a career in the financial industry for almost twenty years. To balance her logical, numerical day job, she unleashes her creativity in her writing.

Vivi pens multicultural paranormal romance, mixing the two genres she loves. Her steamy paranormal romances indulge in worlds inhabited by demons, werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She has published works with Decadent Publishing, Ravenous Romance, and Breathless Press.

Website: www.vividumas.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/vivi_dumas

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vividumasfanhub

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vividumas/

Amazon: http://amzn.com/e/B0047LXKHI

TO WIN A COPY OF STOLEN INNOCENCE OR THE WHOLE SERIES, ENTER HERE

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A peek at my new series

I’ve been working on the first book in this series for almost six months now. I want to give you a little peek into it, and show you some pictures that have inspired me.

 

Say hello to Liam, a fast and loose Australian firefighter who died five years ago while doing his job

This is Adela. She was put to death in the 1600′s after being accused of witchcraft

Now what could these two possibly have in common?

After dying, they both had to become Angels of Death to atone for their sins on Earth while alive. And they don’t really get along . . .

“So did you hang around because you think you can learn something from me? Or perhaps you were thinking of seducing me?” Liam asked.

Adela shook her head and rolled her eyes. “Considering I’ve been doing this over three hundred years, I don’t think you can teach me a damn thing. And as for the seduction, even if it could happen, it wouldn’t.”

Liam laughed. “Ah, but I can be very persuasive, love.”

“Don’t call me love.”

“Okay, honey.”

Liam watched with a twinge of satisfaction as anger crossed her face. Why he liked to get this angel riled up, he didn’t know. Maybe it was because she looked so damn hot when she was mad.

“Piss off,” she said, checking the device at her wrist.

“Oh, come on now, Adela. Such awful language from such a pretty mouth! You know that’s a total turn-on for me, right?”

She glared at him, then looked at her wrist.

 “That’s strange,” he said, “I’m being called back to Heaven.”

“As am I,” Adela said.

“Would you care to travel together?”

Adela shrugged. “Not really.”

“Ah, come on, woman. Even an old, cold witch like you can’t resist my charming ways.”

Adela gave him a small smile. Not the one he was looking for, but he’d take it.

“Actually, if you call that charm, you have a lot to learn. And you’re extremely easy to resist, Liam.”

Liam threw his head back and laughed. It was the first time she had ever used his name. “I can tell I’m breaking you down, Adela,” he said, unfurling his wings as she did the same.

As they lifted up in the air, they flew together through the night in sync.“I knew you’d go home with me,” Liam said.

When a series of events happens on Earth, these two are forced to become Angels of Affection, those angels who help people fall in love.

And, they get to be human again.

Will they succeed in their mission of helping Jeff, a cop whose wife left him for another man, fall in love?Find out at the end of 2013!

The Dream Walker – Six Saviors

Coming September 2013

Meet Nico, the Dream Walker. In the next installment of the Six Saviors Series, we will follow his journey.

I’m Hanging with a Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer

Sometimes, life hands you a really cool experience. It may be seeing something you never thought you would see, or a crazy something going on. I had the opportunity to meet someone the other night, who just blew my socks off.

My husband owns his own business. We had a client appreciation party at the house the other night, and I put my husband in charge of the whole thing as I was going to be out of town for the two weeks prior to the event.

For entertainment, he went and hired Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legend, Ian McLagan.

For those of you who don’t know who he is, he is one of the founding members of The Small Faces and The Faces. Yes, that’s The Faces with Rod Stewart. He’s played with the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Joe Cocker, Melissa Etheridge, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few. AND he turned down the opportunity to play with the Grateful Dead.

Not only was it a great show, the man was pure rock n’ roll. I won’t go into the particulars of that statement. He was also one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.

Ian McLagan and John, a member of the Bump Band – in my living room!!

 

After the show, they stayed for a while and had cocktails. Ian told us stories about “this person” and “that person,” and it was so damn cool to hear the stories from an “insider.”

Ian McLagan and me goofing around after the show

By far, my favorite song for the night was Never Say Never. It is a beautiful song about his late wife, and one of the most gorgeous love stories I’ve ever heard.

Here he is singing it on David Letterman. Listen to the words, and look at the emotion on his face.

Listen and enjoy.

REVIEW: Sierra by Taylor Dean

I’m very happy to have Taylor Dean here today. It’s rare that I feature authors anymore, but I fell in love with Taylor’s books when I read Lancaster House on a blog  tour.

I picked up Sierra a couple of weeks ago, and really liked it. I asked Taylor for an excerpt, and she went above and beyond, providing not only her favorite scene, but an explanation from her about it.

I will  be gifting a copy of Sierra. Please leave a comment and I will pick the winner June 30th.

So onward. Let me introduce you to Sierra…

What it’s about: Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.

Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.

Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.

Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.

From Taylor:

The following excerpt from my novel, Sierra, is one of my favorite scenes. Sierra is my personal favorite of all of my books, hence I love many aspects of the story. However, there is one particular scene that I adore. It is the scene when Alyssa first arrives at Alex’s cabin, broken and beaten, and having endured cruelty unlike anything she’s ever experienced before. Suddenly she’s faced with Alex, a man who bestows kindness and compassion upon her. I love the way he cleans her up, tends to her wounds, and helps to erase her pain. I love the stark difference between Alyssa’s experiences with her kidnappers, Adam and Pa, and then with Alex, her savior. It touches my heart. The song that ran through my mind as I wrote this scene is from the musical, Jekyll and Hyde, entitled, “Sympathy, Tenderness.” Listen to the song and read the scene, and you’ll see what I mean!

 

Listen to “Sympathy, Tenderness” on Youtube, here.

 

Excerpt from Sierra:

The CD player, on repeat, continued to bring beauty into an ugly evening. It was one of his favorites, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings. Alex wanted to turn it off.  He didn’t want this memory to go with this music. But he couldn’t take the time. If he dallied, they might change their minds. The doctor in him took over. He mentally gave her the once over. So far, all of her injuries were relatively minor from an emergency stand point. He was sure, if asked, she would disagree and if he’d suffered what she had he would’ve also. But he knew he could clean her up, dress her wounds, and she would eventually be fine. Her mental condition was another story altogether. There are some things a doctor cannot heal. The psychological wounds they had inflicted upon her were beyond horrific. He shook his head. One thing at a time.

“Please sit,” he whispered. Her eyes were drawing him in. She didn’t seem to be scared of him, she seemed to know he wanted to help her. First, he filled a glass with water and held it to her lips. She drank thirstily, but then shook her head negatively when he wanted her to finish all of it. At the sink, he filled a small plastic tub with warm water, grabbed shampoo, and went back to Alyssa. The kitchen sink doubled as his bathroom sink. He had all he needed to clean her up, to include a small first aid kit. He knelt in front of her. Once again, he gently touched her chin and lifted her face to his. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She had the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen.

“Just relax and let me take care of you, Alyssa,” he whispered softly.

She responded with a slight nod. Sitting in the kitchen chair, he had her slowly lean her head back till it was resting just above the tub. He gently began to wash her hair, first getting it wet and then massaging the shampoo into her scalp. She winced when he touched the spot where dried blood matted her hair, so he was extra gentle there. Her long hair was tangled and filled with dirt and bits of dried leaves. It took some time to get it clean and several refills of warm water in the tub as he rinsed. Alyssa closed her eyes and relaxed for probably the first time in days. He worked conditioner into the long locks and then had her sit up as he gently combed through it, removing all of the snarls. He then parted the hair where the wound on the scalp was located and took a look at the gash. It was angry and red, and it needed stitches, but would have to wait till he could retrieve his medical supplies from the supply room. He disinfected it with alcohol and moved on.

He again knelt in front of Alyssa. Her eyes opened and stared deeply into his, desperately trying to communicate without words. A lone tear fell, drizzling down her cheek. He brushed it away with his fingertips. This was harder than he thought. He knew this was the first gentle touch she’d felt in days. The abuse she had suffered was obvious to him as he noticed her many bruises. He grabbed his kitchen stool and sat before her. Using a washcloth, he began to wipe her face clean. As he worked, their eyes met and held. Ever so gently he wiped the dirt and grime away from days spent outdoors. And with it he wiped away tears and pain.

“Please help me,” Alyssa whispered.

Alex stole a glance at Pa and Adam. Pa’s eyes were closed and a soft snore emanated from him. Adam was wide awake, his shotgun pointed at Alex, but he stared into the fire sullenly. Alex leaned forward to grab the tube of anti-biotic ointment on the table. With his lips to her ear as he brushed past, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be all right, Alyssa. I won’t let them take you, I promise.”

Alex then applied the salve to the small cuts on her face and lips. Each and every one of his ministrations clearly brought relief to her. Every time Alex looked her in the eyes, she met him with eyes that spoke volumes. He refilled the tub and washed her arms and hands and then took his time cleaning her fingernails, occasionally massaging her hand as he looked into her eyes. He also applied cortisone cream to her numerous mosquito bites. Next, he decided to tend to her neck and wrists. He cringed inside at the raw, bloody skin underneath the ropes. The first thing he’d wanted to do was cut the ropes, but he didn’t want to push his luck. However, now it was time. He went to the kitchen counter and unsheathed a kitchen knife. The sound of the knife being unsheathed brought Adam to his feet immediately.

Shotgun aimed at Alex, he yelled, “Put it down, Doc.”

Alex faced him without flinching. “I’m cutting the ropes. They’ve rubbed her skin raw and it’s going to get infected,” he said with steel in his voice. “You can have the knife when I’m done.”

Pa awoke from his snooze in the commotion.  “Sit down, Adam. Doc’s right. Let ‘em fix her up,” he growled.

Adam continued to stand, anxiously waiting while Alex cut the rope on her neck and freed Alyssa from her leash.  He then cut the other ropes and freed her wrists. She closed her eyes and Alex could see the relief on her face. He wondered just how long she had been bound. He handed the knife to Adam roughly and stared him in the face. “Satisfied?”

“Won’t do any good, I’ll just be puttin’ the ropes back on ya know,” Adam taunted.

Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Alex.

Alex turned his attention back to Alyssa. She looked ready to flee. Her eyes darted to the door. With Alex and Adam’s attention diverted for those few moments, she’d considered running. He again sat on the stool in front of her. He rested his hand on her knee and slowly shook his head in the negative as Adam settled himself back on the couch. She closed her eyes in response and took a deep breath. He took her hand in his and felt her tremble.

“Not yet,” he whispered.

He knew she was almost dead on her feet tired. After refilling the tub with clean water, he began to cleanse and disinfect her neck and wrists.

“I’m sorry, I know this stings,” he whispered.

He knew it was painful by the look on her face. She endured it well. When he applied the salve to the raw skin he knew it eased her pain considerably. He bandaged her neck and wrists and then moved down to take a look at her feet. He slowly and carefully removed her shoes. Her feet were probably in the worst condition of all. The socks were dirty and bloody. He removed them ever so carefully. Still, she gasped as he did so. Her feet had several blood blisters on them. Many had burst and looked infected. The skin was raw and cracked.  He wondered how she’d continued walking. He refilled the tub and soaked her feet in warm water. Alyssa rested her head on the back of the chair and closed her eyes. After carefully drying her feet, he lanced the blisters that had not yet burst and then applied antibiotic ointment to all of the blisters and cracks and wrapped her feet in bandages.

Alex looked up to find she was now watching his every move as he worked. There was no way he was letting these monsters walk out of this cabin with her. He’d die first. Taking her hands in his, he squeezed them gently, trying to reassure her without words. If Adam heard them talking, who knows what he would do. He was a loose cannon.

She gazed upon him like a drowning woman grasping onto the only person who could save her and give her breath. “Thank you,” she said simply, but her expression said it all.

MY REVIEW: 4 out of 5 stars

This is a highly emotional book about two very broken people who are brought together under horrific circumstance.

Alyssa is kidnapped by two psychopaths. I won’t go into much detail, but we’ll just say they weren’t very nice to her. Alex is a man who lives in the woods in complete seclusion because of losses and circumstances beyond his control from his past. When Alyssa and her kidnappers break in to his cabin, Alex knows he must save her.

Their relationship evolves, and is perfect until Alyssa’s past comes blazing in. They are forced to give up their seclusion and happiness, and deal with the pasts that brought them together.

Although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle, it was still a great book from Taylor Dean. Taylor has a gift for writing emotions, and I found myself in tears, as well as smiling as I read the book, and in my mind, that is a sign of a good read.