Lynelle Clark's Blog, page 123

Review, and Excerpt for Sagebrush Bride by Tanya Ann Crosby

Sagebrush Brideby Tanya Anne CrosbyHistorical Western RomancePublisher: Oliver Heber BooksRelease Date: March 13, 2013Heat Level: SteamyLength: 372 pages
Available at:Amazon | B&N| Kobo| iTunes
Description:Fiercely independent, Elizabeth Bowcock – “Doc Liz” as she’s known by all -- vows to raise her orphaned niece as her own. Unfortunately, the child’s grandfather has declared the unwed doctor to be an unfit guardian and refuses to deliver her to Liz's care until she finds herself a man...
Enter dark-haired, devil-eyed Cutter McKenzie. Outcast for his Cheyenne blood, the handsome halfbreed volunteers to pose as Elizabeth’s husband. But though his wicked sex appeal threatens to undermine Liz's independence, the road to St. Louispromises even greater perils…
Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.


Excerpt:“Mmmm, mmm,” Cutter murmured, embracing her as though she were his long-lost kissin’ cuz. “You’re looking better than ever, gal.”
Elizabeth’s heart jolted violently at the deep, unfamiliar voice. Warm lips kissed her cheek in a familiar way, taking just a fraction too long to leave her flushed skin, lingering at her lobe.
She swallowed convulsively.
He whispered in her ear. “Gotta loosen up, Doc, if you want this to look good... Come on now,” he coaxed, forcing her weight against him.
His husky voice set Elizabeth’s pulse to pounding, and her body into sudden paralysis. Powerless to fight him, she let him adjust her at will. Her legs felt wobbly, her body no more than mush in his hands.
“That’s it, bright eyes; now turn real slow,” he whispered, his lips scalding against her face, “act like you’re damned glad to see me.”
Elizabeth suppressed a helpless shudder as she worked up the courage to turn, fully intending to slap the britches off the fool who’d dared to be so intimate with her. But the man who faced her left her momentarily dazed, her throat too thick to speak.
Good night, but he was tall!
Her eyes refused to lower, but neither would they move up to his face. She forced them, and found dark hair flowing from beneath a dun-colored hat.
He cocked a brow at her, amusement flickering in his black eyes. He winked and she felt her knees go instantly weak... yet she couldn’t tear her gaze away even as they buckled.
He reached out to steady her, but Elizabeth continued to gape, helpless to do anything else. The longer she looked, the more she swore he didn’t have pupils, his eyes were so blessed dark... his face too tawny... his cheekbones too high. But it was those lips of his that unnerved her so: insolent, smug, kicked up only slightly at the corners, as though he couldn’t quite stifle his humor at her expense. His gaze roved, lazily assessing her, sliding down over her body slowly, seductively, then returning to her face to bore into her with silent expectation.
He anticipated some reaction from her, Elizabeth thought dimly, but couldn’t think what—couldn’t think, period. Staring as though transfixed, she tried to decipher his stony features but found her brain as useless as her limbs. But it occurred to her in that muddled moment that maybe he had appraised her with more than a mild interest, and her pulse quickened at that prospect. No one had ever looked at her in quite that way.
Not anyone.
Those dark eyes still piercing her, he raised two fingers to his brim, tipping his hat in greeting as the remnants of a smile turned the corners of his mouth. “Howdy, Liz,” he said huskily. “It’s been a mighty long time, gal.”
Long time?
Elizabeth shook her head, denying it, for if she’d ever set eyes on the man before now, she would have remembered. He wasn’t the type to be forgotten. Unconsciously she lifted a finger to her cheek, to the spot where he’d kissed her. Her throat constricted, seeming suddenly parched, and she licked her lips desperately as they parted to speak.
To her mortification, no words came.
For the first time in her life, Elizabeth Bowcock found herself dumbstruck. In spite of the man’s amused expression, he wore an air of menace about him like a second skin, and a tremor shook her as she averted her gaze to his boots. Dangerous, she thought.
The man was dangerous.
She hadn’t missed the fact that he had the most vicious-looking revolver she’d ever spied jammed into his gun belt, but she’d only just spotted the ink black knife hilt peeking over his faded leather boots. And those boots of his told a tale in themselves, for they were unmistakably U.S. Cavalry, and ominously inconsistent with his buckskin dress. There was little comfort in that he didn’t wear his weapons as Dick Brady did, like cheap jewelry. The fact that he kept his blade concealed and wore his gun casually, as though it were not there at all, told her all she needed to know. He was no gun-strutting cowpuncher. He was the real thing. As for the boots, she could think of a dozen reasons he should be outfitted so, not one of them reassuring.
A quick, wide-eyed glance to Jo told her that she was in no immediate danger, however. Jo’s lips lifted at the corners, and she, too, was on the verge of a smile, her kindly cinnamon eyes warm with humor.
Not really understanding why she felt compelled to, Elizabeth decided to play along. “Uh... um...”
Mercy’s sake, she didn’t even know his name! How was she going to pretend to know him if she didn’t know his blessed name? In panic, her gaze skidded to Jo.
“Cutter,” Jo supplied with a laugh, seeming to read Elizabeth’s thoughts. Her eyes gleamed with mischief. “I believe you have her tongue-tied, brother dear. Reckon she thought she’d never see you again.” Seeing Elizabeth’s confused expression, she laughed softly. “Isn’t that right, Liz?”
“Right?” Elizabethnodded woodenly. Jo’s brother? “Oh—yes! I did think I’d never see you again!” She nodded dutifully for the benefit of their audience.
All eyes reverted suspiciously to Cutter, leaving her somewhat doubtful of her performance. Her brow furrowed.
Warmth invaded his eyes as he gently chucked her under the chin, much as a brother would a cherished younger sister.
Elizabeth felt suddenly too warm, almost as though she were being roasted over a slow fire. And the heat of his fingers... lingered upon her chin long after he’d withdrawn his hand. Mortified that he could affect her so, she averted her gaze to Brady. He was watching her with unflinching eyes.
His eyes narrowing to shadowy slits, Cutter turned to Brady and his men, sending them each an unspoken challenge. Brady fidgeted, flinging Elizabetha doubtful look before turning away. The rest of his outfit followed immediately, slapping one another consolingly on the shoulder.
Elizabeth’s brows rose as she watched the exchange, astounded at the ease with which Cutter had handled Brady and his men. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words stuck in her throat like a spoonful of dry sugar. The man was just too smug for his own good. He’d had no right to be so familiar with her, but she did owe him her gratitude, no matter how reluctant it came. “I suppose I should thank you,” she said.
Cutter grinned. “Anytime, Doc.”
About the Author:
Tanya has written seventeen novels, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including the New York Times and USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor, and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two dogs and two cats in northern Michigan.
Connect with Tanya Anne CrosbyEmail | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest


LINK TO SCHEDULE:


My 5 Star review

A well written story with an interesting plot and believable characters made this historical fiction an entertaining book. As in all romances it is always the same, boy meets girl and then the sparks fly before they will admit that they belong together. Every one can see it accept them. This story is no exception. But what makes this story to stand out for me as a reader was the main characters personalities. Or rather their flaws, at times I became agitated with Elizabeth's ability to clamp up and almost wanted to shout at her to speak up during the times most needed. But then your heart soften because of her poor eye sight and the situations she faces where she simply could not see, getting over every hurdle with some luck and ingenuity.
Cutter a half-breed was ruthless in his protection and determined to get the little mouse in his bed but yet so very proud accepting help that he knocked at deaths door. From the start you could feel the tension between the two as lust simmered, drawing them together and love grows in the midst of all the drama they face.
Then there was Katie, a little girl that loves her uncle and aunt fiercely but her ability to interrupt at the most peculiar times made her character interesting causing a few tense moments but yet with a undeniable cuteness for a typical four year old. 
The villain who hate anyone that was different than him. He causes much turmoil in the story building the plot during the times of great turmoil in the American history. His uncaring character keeps you wondering where he will pop up next. Using every thing available to him to make life difficult. 
Every supporting character enhancing the story so that you can get lost in the pages. 
A great read that I can recommend to all lovers of a good historical romance book mixed with American history and the conflict with the Indians during that time period.

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Book Release: Home Wrecker 1 by Brenda Perlin. I just bought my copy what about you?

AmazonThroughout Brooklyn’s life, she felt like she was on an endless journey toward redemption and she would have to be stronger than she ever imagined, do things she never felt herself capable of doing. When she finally found her soul mate, he came with one big snag: a wife. Brooklyn found herself fighting off her soon to be ex husband and her lover’s wife. She knew what she was doing was wrong and yet… she couldn’t turn back. No matter how much pain she may cause, it was too late. Brooklyn and Bo, each unhappily married to others, must decide whether to stay with their spouses or give up everything for their love. Brooklyn’s husband and Bo’s wife would try everything to break them apart and it was then Brooklyn finally confronted her own demons and came clean with everything and everyone in her life… even herself. 

“After a while, I started to feel very guilty about what I was allowing to happen. I went home and my thoughts were of him.”

“I had no intention of forsaking my wedding vows. I had strong morals and never could have imagined going against them.”

“I had lost all credibility because it seemed like so many things I had said I would never do, I somehow had done, or was considering doing.”

“My good name was now tarnished and no matter how much I tried to explain myself. I knew I was frowned upon.”

“He wanted revenge and I knew he would not stop until he got it. I had to hope he would run out of fuel.”

Author bioI live in Orange County, California. I have spent most of my working life in the physical fitness arena. I love the gratification that comes with helping people achieve their fitness goals and I love the fulfillment that comes with having a healthy body.I moved from the Los Angeles area where I was raised to Orange County in the Spring of 2005. During that time I was a housewife with a couple of dogs. Now I am not. Instead I am writing my adventures for all to read.Amazon author page / GoodreadsFind me on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/brenda.perlinhttps://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckertheBookhttps://www.facebook.com/HomeWreckerTheBrooklynandBoChroniclesWebsitehomewreckerthebook.comBloghomewreckertheblog.co
Amazon

Meet Ann Swann and her new release All for Love, A Contemporary Woman's Fiction Book

All For Love
Contemporary FictionBy Ann Swann


Liz falls in love with Quinn the moment they meet in college.  He professes to love her, too.  She begins to think about the future, but his past rips them apart.  What Liz does next impacts the rest of their lives, but she feels it is the only way… she does it all for love.
Released August 23, 2012 5 Prince Publishing www.5Princebooks.com
Available at: Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/cf6m3vg Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/cfakkueSmashwords: http://tinyurl.com/8besl3w
Public contact information of AuthorAmazon Central: http://tinyurl.com/6wl3oe2Blog: www.annswann.blogspot.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/annswann.authorfanpageTwitter: @ann_swannEmail: swannann76@yahoo.comGoodreads: http://tinyurl.com/6vuw7vl

AUTHOR BIO:
Ann lives in West Texas with her handsome hubby, Dude, and three rescue pets.  All For Love is Ann’s first women’s novel.  Her Romantic Thriller, Stutter Creek, will be released in June. She is also the author of the Middle Grade/Young Adult books: The Phantom Pilot, The Phantom Student andThe Phantom of Crybaby Bridge.  Though published by a small press, The Phantom Series is currently available only through the author. 
All For Love Reviews:
 “I started and finished this book in less than a day. It was impossible to put down. This book isn't a fairytale romance, with a prince or even a "happily-ever-after"(although, the ending was great); this book is about real-life romance, one in which people get hurt, deeply hurt, and need to decide whether that person is still the one for them.” Carolyn Arnold ★★★★★

“Ann Swann has done it again! I found myself on the edge of my seat hurrying along to see what was going to happen next once again. Ann has such a wonderful writing style it made me feel I was right there alongside Liz in that little West Texas town. Anxiously awaiting more works from Ann!”Tara Anderson ★★★★★

“At first glance, this book is a romance. And a romance it is ... a romance of the most true-to-life kind. Instead of getting Prince Charming who can do no wrong, in ALL FOR LOVE, you have Quinn, the flawed, loveable hero who -- through being himself -- not only steals Liz's heart, but changes her life …”Serena Rodriguez ★★★★★

My 5 Star Review
Self-examination, heart-ache, addiction, infidelity, affairs, abortion, and the death of a spouse was the center of the well written plot. The moment we met Lizzie we became part of her life trying to make sense of her husband's untimely death. Left with all the doubts and the bad decisions she and her husband made to bring her at a place where she did not trust him, examine her own choices and wondering the what if's of her life. Wandering the town in a desperate attempt to connect with him. Her heart scattered as she tries to pick up the pieces. Yes she loved him with all of her heart, willing to fake it just to keep him close and at the end when she stared down the barrel of a gun life begins again.A gripping tale that leaves you with a smile as we walked through her marriage of thirty two years and  relive the choices and mistakes they both made. But we also learn about the unfailing love that kept them together as she drowns herself in drinks of Bloody Mary's to keep from missing him to much.Heartfelt and compassionate we got to know her family and friends, even the men that graced her doorstep. Compelled to read and discover the characters as each made their own choices. With all this said this is also a book of new beginnings, redefining yourself and at the end the cost was worth it. A love story that I enjoyed and can recommend.
Thanks Ann for allowing me to review the book. I wish you all the best. 

Character Interview with Avery from The Chupacabra and its new release Trail Of the Chupacabra.

AVERY INERVIEW #2
Interviewer:  So today, unfortunately, and with great regret on my part…we’re here with Avery Bartholomew Pendleton, the star of both The Chupacabra and the recently released sequel, Trail of the Chupacabra,by Stephen Randel
Avery:  It’s Sir Pendleton to you, little man.


Interviewer:  Pardon me?


Avery:  None taken.
Interviewer:  What?
Avery:  Exactly.
Interviewer:  Okay, I’ve been told it would be like this.  Anyway, it’s been said you’re both obnoxious and rude…
Avery:  It’s a lie.
Interviewer:  I agree.
Avery:  You do?


Interviewer:  Yes, after observing you for the last few seconds, I can say you’re the complete opposite of obnoxious and rude…you’re rude and obnoxious.  Moving on, what’s the point of this new story?
Avery:  It’s about me, obviously.  The book is centered on my daring adventures and heroic deeds.  Crazy Mexican drug cartels and chupacabras aside…
Interviewer:  Mr. Pendleton, please.  There is no such thing as a chupacabra.
Avery:  You should be very careful with absolute statements.  Global warming is driving them north.  It’s a fact...
Interviewer:  Then why haven’t you found one?  It’s been two books?
Avery:  Bad luck.  Poor support.  Those militia guys really suck.
Interviewer:  Militia guys?
Avery:  Yes, the author refuses to hire ninjas and relies on civilian militia instead.  I think he’s just trying to save money.  He’s an idiot.  It kills the story.

Interviewer:  What would ninjas do against the Mexican drug cartels?
Avery:  Sling throwing stars and stuff.
Interviewer:  Throwing stars?  You’re not making any sense.


Avery:  Look…the book could possibly be about the horrific struggles of the Mexican people with the violence in their country.  The unique part is it’s a laugh-out-loud dark comedy full of eccentric characters as well.
Interviewer:  Why didn’t you say so before?  I’ve been told the Trail of the Chupacabra has so much more character development, so much more history about the country, and,of course, more of your insane letters.
Avery:  Time’s up.  I want my money.
Interviewer:  Money?


Avery:  Remuneration for this interview.  Paid in full, or I’ll kill the iguana.
Interviewer:  What iguana?
Avery:  Nancy.  Pay me, or I’ll off Nancy!
Interviewer:  Nancy?  I don’t know who Nancy is.
Avery:  Read the book, jackass.  Hell, read the first one,too.  Then, if you figure it out, tell me what you think the book means.  I like a good laugh…

 www.stephenrandel.com
Trail of the ChupacabraBy Stephen RandelPublisher: Knuckleball PressPublication Date: May 2nd, 2013Genre: Humor/Dark Comedy/Thriller
Book Synopsis
Avery Bartholomew Pendleton is back, and he’s just as crazy as ever. Avery is a paranoid loner obsessed with global conspiracy theories who spends most of his time crafting absurd and threatening letters to anyone who offends him. That means pretty much everyone.
Still convinced of the existence of the mythical Mexican chupacabra*, Avery enlists the assistance of the Southwest Texas Revolutionary Armed Confederate Border Operations Militia (STRAC-BOM) and their manic leader, General X-Ray, to help him invade Mexico. Accompanied by Ziggy, a burned-out hippy, and an uncommonly large iguana named Nancy, the group follows the advice of a New Orleans voodoo priestess and heads straight into the Mexican desert.
Unfortunately for the motley gang of explorers, Mexico can be a dangerous place if you cross the wrong people -- specifically, the Padre, a vicious drug cartel boss, and El Barquero, a murderous gunrunner who has crossed Avery’s path before.
What unfolds is a laugh-out-loud dark comedy of insane humor, unforgettable characters, and chilling thrills.
*No chupacabras were injured in the writing of this book.



Author Bio
Stephen Randel, CFA, was born in Houston, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Christian University. Steve now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with his wife and their two rescue dogs.
Links to Sharewww.stephenrandel.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Stephen%20Randel&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15991924-the-chupacabra

Running with the enemy, Award winning Suspense Thriller Review

This turned out to be a great day for Lloyd!  Two awards in one day! He found out he out that "Running with the Enemy" was awarded Runner Up in General Fiction at the 2013 Beach Book Festival. Second place finish!
Congratulations Lloyd!

Description of Running With the Enemy: 

Publisher: Three Clover Press (February 1, 2013)Category: Vietnam War, Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller
Available in: Print and ebook 384 Pages
In this suspense thriller set during the Vietnam War, Victor Ortega is a rogue CIA agent, and he needs someone to blame for his crimes. Recon Marine Ethan Card is the perfect patsy. As a teen, Ethan ran with a Chicago street gang, and he has a criminal record. He also has a secret lover, Tuyen, who is half Vietnamese and half French.
Tuyen is a stunning, beautiful Viet Cong resistance fighter.
Since she was a young child, Tuyen has lived under the control of her brutal, older, sexually abusive half-brother, Giap, a ruthless and powerful Viet Cong leader, who has forced her to kill Americans in battle or die if she refuses.
When Ethan discovers he is going to be court marshaled for weapons he did not sell to the Viet Cong and Tuyen will be arrested and end up in an infamous South Vietnamese prison, where she will be tortured and raped, he hijacks a U.S. Army helicopter and flees with Tuyen across Southeast Asia while struggling to prove his innocence.
 Victor Ortega and Giap-working together with the support of an unwitting American general-will stop at nothing to catch the two, and the hunt is on.
The star-crossed lovers travel across Laos to Cambodia's Angkor Wat; to Bangkok, Thailand, and then to Burma's Golden Triangle where Ethan and Tuyen face a ruthless drug lord and his gang.
 In the rainforests of Burma, Ethan also discovers Ortega and Giap have set in motion a massive assault on his Marine unit's remote base in South Vietnam with the goal of killing the man he admires most, Colonel Edward Price, who is the only one who believes Ethan is innocent.
Ethan must risk everything to save Price and his fellow Marines. Will he succeed?


Read Chapter One.Praise for The Concubine Saga Lloyd Lofthouse's previous book):
"One of the best-researched books I have ever read--at least, in regard to historical fiction. I can guarantee you that the time you invest in reading this unbelievable book is worthwhile.  There was honestly never a dull moment in this book.
The detail in this book is fascinating. I appreciated the non-judgmental attitude with which the author wrote. I would have struggled to remain objective, but it is clear that the author wrote with objectivity and with heart--a rare combination.
This is a book I would recommend to lovers of historical fiction"- Ruth Hill, My Devotional Thoughts
"Told in descriptive detail and such beauty of the Chinese culture that I did not want it the story to end. A very well written and impeccably researched story that I highly recommend to the historical fiction fan. A lot of history but not written like a history book. This book does have a lot of sexual content in it but told in a very tasteful way. I really enjoyed this book."- Kathleen Kelly, Celtic Lady
"I really enjoyed reading about the internal struggles Robert had with his new found life in China versus his upbringing in Ireland. The conflict of religion, customs and attitudes was so real and heartfelt that I completely understood his position and thinking throughout the book.
Robert's concubine Ayaou is extremely well written. This book is a great read for anyone traveling to China, anyone studying Chinese and/or Chinese History or just loves Historical Novels".- Alysia, My Little Pocketbook
"This book is not just history. Intrigue, violence, and romance fill the pages of The Concubine Saga. It is difficult for a reader to be bored, even if there is not constant physical action, the book itself is fast-paced.
This book could be enjoyed by most people. Although historical, Lofthouse wrote The Concubine Saga for all readers. Anyone interested in history would love this book.  This book is more entertaining and informative than most any history lesson. Historically accurate and interesting, this book earns five out of five stars."-Krystal, Live To Read 
"The Concubine Saga by Lloyd Lofthouse is the perfect blend of when fact meets fiction. When this novel first came to my attention, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. I am glad that I did decide to give it a try or I would have missed out on a very entertaining book.
This book really has two story lines. The first is Robert's political career and the second is the love story between Ayaou and Robert. Both story lines mesh together to create a captivating story.
The character development of both Robert and Ayaou is very strong. The Concubine is an epic saga about the trials and tribulations that took place during the Opium Wars. The characters are strong and inspirational and will move you. There is action, adventure, romance, heartache, and loss. This is definitely considered a To Read."-Marcie Turner, To Read or Not To Read
"Mr. Lofthouse is a brilliant author who makes China come alive to the reader. I was simply swept away through the eyes of Robert Hart as he experienced all the nuances of China and its people and customs for the first time.
The romance of Robert and Ayaou is gorgeously written in all aspects. Just a beautiful rendering of an epic love story.
I found myself wanting to carry this book around with me to sneak another page of reading in wherever I could...it's that engaging.
Lofthouse has a firm grasp on characterization. His studies of people, relationships and their actions and reactions are so in perfect pitch that there can be no question they existed. They feel alive. I fell in love with several of them. It was difficult when the novel ended.
This is a book for those who love reading about the Orient, but it's also for those who simply love a good historical fiction novel. It's lush in details of Chinese culture. It's a wonderful read. Like the beautifully stitched quilt on the book's cover, this novel is delicately woven and created using choice selections of all sorts. It will keep you wanting more from the author...not wanting the book to end."-Deborah, The Bookish Dame
About Lloyd Lofthouse:
Lloyd Lofthouse, a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran, served in Vietnam as a field radio operator in 1966. Back home, Lloyd was a heavy drinker until 1981, never talked about the war and suffered from PTSD. In the early 1980s, he confronted his demons by writing about his war experiences in an MFA program.
Running with the Enemy started as a memoir and then evolved into fiction.
His short story, A Night at the "Well of Purity", named a finalist of the 2007 Chicago Literary Awards, was based on an event Lloyd experienced in Vietnam.
His novel My Splendid Concubine has earned ten honorable mentions in general fiction-a few examples: the 2008 London Book Festival; 2009 San Francisco Book Festival; 2009 Los Angeles Book Festival, and the 2012 New York Book Festival, etc.
In 1999, his wife, Anchee Min, the author of the memoir Red Azalea, a book that was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year in 1994, introduced Lloyd to Robert Hart, the real-life character of My Splendid Concubine.
After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marines in 1968, Lloyd went to college on the GI Bill to earn a BA in journalism, and then worked days as a public school teacher for thirty years (1975 - 2005) in addition to nights and weekends as a maître d' in a Southern California nightclub called the Red Onion (1980-1982).
Loyd's Website: http://lloydlofthouse.org/Lloyd on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lflwriterLloyd of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.lofthouse

My Review

This book was read and reviewed by my husband for the author. Here are his thoughts.


My 4.5 Star rating

The story begin with some action as the main characters are introduced, we met Ethan Card and his lover Tuyen a lady with a mix background at their hide out in an abandoned house of a rubber plantation in Vietnam. They are been watched by a devious person named Victor Ortega a CIA agent but also a weapon smuggler.
The role of Ortega as the corrupt agent and villain was well defined as he plots Ethan’s demise. Accusing him of certain acts that caused him to be court marshaled.
The violence is very graphic and believable as it evolved in the story line. At times the detail repulsed me but seeing this is a story about the Vietnamese War it is understandable.
In the beginning the story was fast paced but slowed down in the middle because of the recovery of Ethan. From there it picked up once again to the ultimate climax, keeping you on the edge. The author’s writing made all the scenes believable with a clear understanding about combat situations. Few questions remained and I can only hope that there will be a sequel to the story.
All the other characters were well defined and fitting. Each person’s role was part of the building blocks to create an exciting and suspense filled story line. 
This was quit a riveting but cruel story, not for the faint of heart. Well written with very graphic language and violent scenes but all over a very good suspense book. 


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Interview with Norwood Holland, and Excerpt Minus One: The Drew Smith Series

1.       Where did the idea come from for the book?Minus One’s inception and inspiration was biographical.  Right out of law school I worked as a Concierge at the Washington Marriott.  I befriended two Bellman, a Latino and an Egyptian.  That summer we hung out.  DC is an international is both a small southern town and international.  Most think of it as just a political seat of government, but it’s so much more.  It’s also the city of my birth and I love the diversity.  I thought the setting and eclectic friendships would make great elements in a story.  I wrote the first draft in the 90s and it has gone through many changes.  While the story has a biographical inspiration it is entirely fictional.  2.       What genre does your book fall under?It’s a mystery, a who dunit.  I use the classic murder mystery format opening with a body.  I tried to make it a thriller as well and in the process discovered why they are two completely different genres.  One involves discovering the villain while the other involves chasing a villain and in a thriller it’s difficult to write about pursing an unknown villain.       3.  Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?As it turns out the cover model is an actor.  His name is Donnell Turner and I discovered him on line in independent film on Kickstarter.com.  I contacted him and he agreed to pose.  It turns out he had posed for a few other book covers.  For the character I originally saw him as a Lou Diamond Phillips image but he’s too old now. I would cast a new young Mexican American Jeremy Ray Valdez.  I would also cast the Egyptian actor Ahmad Izz to play Medhat.        4.       What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Minus One is a modern day tale of the three Musketeers--all for one and one for all--without the happy ending.5.       Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My books are independently published.  I started my own publishing imprint, Windmill Books.  I steer away from the term self-published because a lot of urban writers continue to give the self published books a bad name with poorly edited products.After years of rejection by publishers and agency I decided to publish myself.  On my second book with the 3rd one in production I haven’t looked back.  I have come to believe that gatekeepers don’t really know what the reading public likes and they are more often guided by their own subjective taste. Very few agents and editors are interested in characters of color believing they are not marketable based on certain ignorance. It being shown they are making a huge mistake ignoring this market.6.       How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?One year.  I set a daily goal of one page a day.  So theoretically I would have a book in 365 days.  That method generally works.  Some days I would only write a paragraph and other days I would write 20 to 30 pages—I call those gifts.7.       What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?I generally followed the Mystery formula where the book opens with a body.  I also used a flashback narrative retrospective to open.  It’s the method by which I tell the story that distinguishes it.  I got the idea from the movie Mildred Pierce to make a first person narrative that starts the story in media res, that is, in the midst of things.  It’s a pretty effective method and so sublime very few realize there on a journey back to the beginning.  8.       Who or What inspired you to write this book?What inspired the story was a fierce argument I witnessed between the real life Medhat and Julio.  Even back then I knew their relationship had the makings of good story.  Julio and Medhat were inspired by actual real life buddies Medhat and Julio.  But that’s as far as the comparison goes.  I can’t emphasize enough that this is a work of fiction.  The novel has some unrestrained and indulgent sexual scenes all of which are a figment of my imagination.  I don’t want readers to get the wrong idea.9.       What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? All the relationships are mixed, racially and culturally, but the only one, Drew and Nina, is affected by racism.  Drew is in love with a Latina whose father objects to her dating a black man.  Multiculturalism is a given throughout the book yet at the dawn of 21th Century race remains a major obstacle for the Black man.  In addition to the suspense of solving the murder I think the reader will find interest in how Drew reacts and copes with the situation.

About the BookMinus One:  The Drew Smith Series



Minus One the Drew Smith Series prequel takes us back when the attorney launches his legal career.  Before the ink is dry on his license to practice law Drew Smith finds himself at the center of a murder mystery.  The recent law school graduate works as a hotel concierge and befriends two bellmen an Arab and a Latino, Medhat and Julio.  Like the three musketeers they bond in a fraternal friendship put to the test when Medhat is kidnapped after running up a drug tab he can't pay.  Rescued by Drew and Julio, Medhat then becomes the prime suspect in a string of murders.  Driven by their romantic entanglements the attorney is captivated with a pretty Latina whose father objects to her dating a Black man. Julio and his Filipina love find themselves expecting, and Medhat’s passion for blondes gets him snared in a femme fatale's net. Minus One captures Drew Smith's evolution from youthful indiscretion to a professional burdened with seriousness of purpose.
About The Author


Norwood Holland is a freelance writer, lawyer, and author of the Drew Smith legal thriller series based on the capers of an urban trial attorney.  He is a graduate of Howard University School of Law with a bachelor’s degree in English from Fisk University where he studied under the renowned Harlem Renaissance author Arna Bontemps.  Holland favors D.C.'s local color in his fiction and currently writes the blog editorialindependence.com devoted to promoting independent authors among other things. 

He has served in several government agencies including the National Labor Relations Board and a number of Washington’s top national law firms.  In the mid 90's Holland began freelancing for the local media.  Some of his credits include The Writer Magazine, the Examiner, and Black Literature Magazine.  Minus One follows up on the success of Sleepless Nights, the first in the Drew Smith Series.

Book Excerpt
Chapter 1Caught Red-Handed
HE OFFICERS WERE dispatched on a possible domestic dispute. They didn’t know what to expect when Mrs. Oliphant met the two at the elevator, one Latino the other African- American, both towering over the blue haired dowager. Nervous and animated, she spoke as rapidly as she stepped, guiding them to the apartment door.“Are you related?” asked the stocky dark haired Latino. “No. I'm Carol's next door neighbor. There was a fight and I heard the disturbance,” Mrs. Oliphant sighed and shook her head as though shaking off a secret annoyance. “Mind you, I don't eavesdrop but I couldn't help hearing—you know thin walls and vents carry conversations. This is her apartment.”They stopped in front of the corner apartment at the end of the hall. “I have the key,” she said. Mrs. Oliphant's tiny trembling liver spotted hand offered it up between the thumb and forefinger. With a nod the Latino urged her to open the door. “Hard to make sense of it all,” she continued her prattle fumbling to get the key in the keyhole, “Icould only piece things together. She's so distraught almost hysterical—it had to be something traumatic. I gave her a sedative.” She relaxed with the key finally in.“Did you go in?” the Latino asked. He reached over her shoulder, turned the knob and pushed the door open. “No, she told me to call the police.” Mrs. Oliphant followedthe two in.
Connect with the Author
Email = norwoodholland@aim.comWebsite:  http://www.norwoodholland.com/Twitter https://twitter.com/Norwood22Facebook https://www.facebook.com/norwood.holland
To purchase book: Amazon

Breaking the Silence, Post and Review

Bio:Name: A.L. DanielsOccupation: Writer, speaker, activist, debut novelistDislikes: Scary movies, mean people, and ketchup.Favorite television show: The Big Bang Theory. I can relate well to quirky people.Most unique quality: Ambidexterity. I can often being seen switching utensils between my hands several times during a meal. Though I write faster with my right hand because I have been trained to use it, my penmanship is equally as neat with my left.Secret Obsession: It's no secret that I have a real bad hand bag fetish. I've had to get several organizers just to store them neatly in my closet. But I do rotate through them often, so none are ever sitting still for long!Books you have read entire series of: Tory Haden's books have always intrigued me. She writes with such heart about her students with disabilities and clearly loves them all. The stories are heart-wrenching, yet I can't put them down.
Buy Link: Amazon
Book Blurb:In a single moment Kate's life was changed forever. After learning that her autistic daughter had been abused at the hands of her only brother, Kate Rose spent years trying to cope with her family's tragedy. She nearly gave up hope when the justice system refused protect her daughter and was exhausted at the long, drawn-out trial that seemed to go nowhere.Years later she is finally able to put the past behind her and becomes an advocate for those still living in silence. Taking the stage at the End Violence Against Women Conference, Kate tells the audience how she lived through the worst years of her life, and offers hope to victims still living with their secret.
Meet the characters:Protagonist:Kate- The caring mother who struggles to find a way to fight for both her children after a family tragedyMegan- Kate's nine-year-old autistic daughter who is abused at the hands of her only brotherJoe- Kate's current husband who unconditionally supports his wife and step-daughter during their difficult timesAntagonist:Andrew- Kate's twelve-year-old son who has a long history of behavior problems and confesses to abusing his sisterEd- Kate's tyrant ex-husband who will stop at nothing to protect his sonWhy did you choose to write about such a sensitive topic?The answer to that one is simple: Too many people are still living in silence. The character Megan spent the first six years of her life as a non-verbal individual, like many autistic children are. Once she learned to speak her mother didn't want her to be silenced anymore. There are a large number of sexual abuse victims who refuse to talk about their pain in fear of being judged. Kate tells her story to give a voice to all victims, and especially for those who have a disability and cannot speak for themselves.You spent six years writing this book. Why was now the time to publish?There was no better time to release my book. March is Disability Awareness Month, and April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. My story captures the heart of these issues. By releasing my book now I can help support both the causes.Stay connected:Email: WindingRoadBook@aol.comWebsite: WindingRoadBook.Weebly.ComFacebook.com/WindingRoadBook

My 4.5 Star Review
This book touches serious issues that are relevant in our society. Autism in it self is already a serious matter but when you mix it with abuse, rage, and ignorance it becomes a phenomenon that can not be ignored. Breaking the silence is the author's attend to raise public awareness to both and our ability to speak for them that has no voice. Kate found herself in a situation that no parent must endure, pulled in two when her nine year old daughter was molested by her twelve year old son and as the story progressed we learned by a bastard father. Using her disability to cover their own sick and twisted actions. The court's reluctance to see the actions for what it was and place Megan in harms way every time. With court officials that turns their heads and some who was helpless because of the slow working system. All while Kate seems to fight a loosing battle.I admired this character the most, torn between her children she stood and fight even if the odds was against her, protecting her girl against those who tried to harm her.She had to deal with shame and guilt, putting her son away, deal with a abusive ex-husband while creating a safe-haven for Megan and Joe. This man although not a main character was always the support and backbone for Kate's character, urging her on even if it cost him. his love like a warm blanket over Meagan and Kate.Karen her long time friend was always ready to listen and give solid advice in times of great turmoil.   The story line flowed from one scene to the other in a fast paced manner that kept your attention on the seriousness of the plot. Written with compassion I could sense that the author really cared about this topic bringing it under our attention.I truly believe that her book will help those in similar situations to break the silence, an appropriate name for the book and take action. Giving them the courage to stand and fight no matter the odds. Some one will listen and help.

Spotlight on Donor, Excerpt and Give away

Donor (Dresdan Coven #1)by Ambrielle KirkErotic Paranormal/Fantasy RomanceCategories: Interracial/MulticulturalPublisher: Self/IndieRelease Date: April 30, 2013Heat Level: SizzlingWord Count: 33,000
Available at:Amazon| ARe| B&N
Description:Elaina was once a tracker of Dresdan, an ancient species of vampire. For years, she served District 5, whose prime agenda is to create a new race of humans. As a result of misguided politics and greed, the District becomes corrupted from the inside out. Before Elaina can expose the truth, District 5 discovers that her blood type contains the elements to create a successful hybrid. She becomes the hunted, but protection is found while in the presence of one vampire…
Vicq won’t rest until he destroys District 5 and their immoral experiments are halted. Too many Dresdan have been captured and exterminated, threatening their existence and painting them all as animals. As he plans his attack against District 5, master vampire Russo orders his death for violating a prime law of Dresdan. But Vicq is not ready to cease existing…especially since he’s found salvation with Elaina.
With very few on their side, Elaina and Vicq must cultivate a plan to ward off their enemies. In the process, they find lust, love, and new meaning to their special bond.
Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.



Excerpt:When Elaina spun around, the next events happened like flash animation in rapid succession right before her eyes.
The Dresdan caught the humans by surprise, rushing up behind them and grabbing them both by the throat. They were stunned and—like her—unprepared for this ravenous predator.
Just as she was about to make a break for it, a gun fell from one of the victims' hands and skidded across the pavement. The other man gripped a rope. Had these two actually been pursuing her?
She scurried backwards nearly tripping over her own feet, yet her eyes would not leave the scene.
The vampire must have held them in a death vice. All she saw were the whites of their eyes, and a large dark shadow behind them. The creature honed in and struck the first victim in the jugular, sucking the life right out of him. The second victim's arms and legs began to shake and then he was completely still.
Damn.The Dresdan had drained one while choking the other.
It tossed their limp carcasses in the grass along the sidewalk. From deep behind the shadows, he eyed her—the main course. Deep crimson eyes burned bright like fire. The ends of the trench coat it wore fanned outward with the breeze. It was moving toward her.
Her legs finally obeyed and she fled, the wind whipping across her ankles as if urging her to hurry. She shrugged off her long pea coat in an attempt to run faster. Her heels knocked the pavement, echoing against the stone walls.
Every day she parked on the same level, but tonight it seemed like she had to cross mountains to get to her SUV. Taking the elevator was not an option, of course. Standing still for even one second would be disastrous.
Elaina heard the familiar swooshing sound the Dresdan made just before they shifted from one place to the next. The sound was closer than before. He was gaining in on her.
Her heart pumped frantically and her lungs burned from exertion. She picked up pace, pushing herself to reach her destination. Her Tahoe sat in the corner. The last one on the right within what was now a desolate parking garage. If she died tonight by the hands of a vampire, it was likely that no one would find her body until morning when it was cold and rigid with death.
The moment she thought she'd reached her SUV successfully, the Dresdan unfolded in front of her, blocking her path. He was huge, and her eyes leveled with the lower portion of his chest.
Before she could raise her gaze higher to confirm, he reached for her. He grasped her by the waist and lifted her off her feet. She opened her mouth to scream, but a gloved hand clasped over her lips.
Elaina kicked her feet, connecting sharp-heeled pumps to her captor's shins. She might as well have been fighting with a sumo wrestler. His grip was firm. Her cries were muffled by his grainy leather glove and she focused on wriggling out of his grasp. No mistaking what he was now. The spicy ancient aroma gave him away.
Dresdan, for sure.
Her captor lowered her heels to the pavement and his massive frame pushed her back into the metal pole behind her. The hard beam felt alien digging against her spine. Her eyes turned left and right looking for a savior. Someone. Anyone. Still, he pressed his palm to her mouth, preventing her speech. The SUV was only a few feet away, but she'd failed to reach it.
Elaina strained to peer up at him, but the height of her captor prevented this. Only the black shirt stretched over his taut chest muscles could be seen from her line of sight. He bent down further so close that his chin touched her forehead, and then he inhaled deeply.
Oh, my God. She would die. Tonight.
"When I let my hand up, you keep your trap shut," her captor hissed into the side of her face.
She sucked in another breath and clasped her fingers onto the chilly metal behind her. Her heart drummed like the consistent cadence of a marching band. Dammit, she was stronger than this! Had she turned into a wimp after all this time?
"You got that?" it demanded when she didn't answer.
She squeezed her eyes shut and nodded her head.
"You scream...we'll both be executed."
His harsh warning tone frightened her, but she bounced her head in agreement once again.
Executed? Those were the only words that registered.
He straightened his posture and slowly lifted his hand from her mouth. She parted her lips, taking a gulp of fresh air. It burned her lungs as she recovered from lack of oxygen.
Gradually, she lifted her chin, then her eyes to identify the brute. Red glowing orbs glared down at her. The rest of him—a black shadow in the night.
On her next exhale, she released a belated scream.
About the Author:Multi-published author Ambrielle Kirk writes erotic, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. Ambrielle lives in Atlanta, GAwhere she works in the accounting and finance industry. She holds a Master's Degree in Accounting. Since graduation she's worked in the public and private accounting sectors. She is the wife of a loving husband, and the mother of a beautiful girl. She works and writes full-time. A bestselling author in several sub-genres at ARe and Amazon, she has also earned a 2012 Swirl Award in the paranormal category. She's a PAN member of RWA, FF&P special interest chapter of RWA, and co-founder and treasurer of Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural special interest chapter of RWA. Ambrielle Kirk is also an admin at the blog, IRMC Books.
Connect with Ambrielle KirkWebpage | Blog | Facebook Personal Page|Facebook Fan Page | Twitter

GIVEAWAY INFO: Prizes are$15 Gift Card for winner's choice of Amazon or B&N PLUS an eBook copy of “Donor (Dresdan Coven #1)”; OR 1 of 3 eBook copies of “Donor (Dresdan Coven #1)”. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. 
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Interview with Laura Lee author of Angel and Review

If I remember correctly I met Laura Lee on Book blogs, requesting a review for her book Angel. When I read the synopsis something about it intrigued me and I mailed her. I could not say what exactly, since it has been awhile back but I knew I was curious about the nature of the book. 
Now that I have read it I felt challenged to open my eyes and see, really see. I have struggled with certain questions before concerning homosexuality in church and how God really feels about that, this book caused me to not only reflect on it but experience love in its fullest. I first want to point out that I understand that many that has chosen this lifestyle was abused and because of the violence they experienced turned their back on the opposite sex, I get that. But with this book none of those things was a factor. This was a normal person that fell in love with the same sex person in a normal every day setting. That is what I had questions about.
It is easy to disregard people because of the choices they make if it goes against the natural grain of things. When we have to come out from our comfort zone and look at something with clarity and no preconceived ideas. 
I was challenged with this when people close to me chose this life style and I tried to understand, they were not molested or abused. Falling in love was a normal occurrence and I gave them support without condemning.  I mean there is enough of that going around, Ian the angel in the book was accused of being a sinner, judge and condemned and chased away from the one place that was suppose to shelter him and I have a problem with that. The church is too quick to chase away a person when that person goes against the grain of its teachings. This does not only happen with homosexuals but with straight people as well. Sorry if I compartmentalize but I want to make my point with clarity so that all will understand. 
When the church has no answer to live's hard questions and the experiences they have they are chased away, judge and condemn  If I say I am a believer I need to be the grace that Jesus was when he walked the earth. He promised He will never leave you but yet you find many people on the outskirts of church finding that promise is only meant for the chosen few. 
When I asked the persons I know it was seen as being judgmental, and I received a cold shoulder. I can understand it because of all the grieve they already experienced and they lashed out. That frustrated me.
In my desperate attempt to find answers I searched the Internet looking for answers to questions I was not sure how to formulate. Trying to understand. 
Laura Lee came and answered many of the questions that I had in her book. A conflict starter that will cause many people to pause think and react.

Here is my review of the book Angel but first lets hear what she has to say about the topic.


Interview Questions:

1.      Where did the idea come from for the book?
Angel was inspired by a trip I took to Mount Rainier in 2000. My tour
guide revealed towards the end of a day-long tour that he had been a
minister before he “burned out.” The question of why a minister would
retire to become a mountain guide seemed like the good basis for a
story. I wanted to explore the mystic nature of places and what would
draw a person to the church and to a beautiful natural setting. I
wanted it to be a certain kind of conflict, a crisis of faith or a
difference of opinion with his congregation. I had a “feel” for the
story long before I had the specifics. The idea that the minister fell
in love with a man came to me much later, but it seemed to be just the
right kind of conflict. It would hit on all the right notes.

2.      What genre does your book fall under?
I would call it literary or contemporary fiction.

3.      Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a
movie rendition?
I don’t think the author gets to decide that.  Ian has to be

beautiful, an actor/model, but someone who can also act, like Ben
Barnes in the film Dorian Gray.  Paul would need to be able to convey
interior emotions.  For some reason Michael Sheen comes to mind.  He
is absolutely nothing like I pictured the character or Paul or
described him in the book.  What brings him to mind though is that I
admire his talent for showing that his character is trying not to show
his emotions.  Maybe it’s a British thing.  (Watch him in Frost/Nixon
if you haven’t.)  Anyway, good actors.  That is who I would like to
play the characters in the movie if such a thing were ever to happen.




4.      What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Christian minister meets young man and is shocked that he is strongly
attracted; conflict and growth follow.

5.      Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It was published by Itinieris Press, an imprint of Dreamspinner.

6.      How long did it take you to write the first draft of your
manuscript?
I wrote Angel over the course of ten years.

7.      What other books would you compare this story to within your
genre?

Recently I’ve been reading a lot about the Decadents of the late 19th
Century; Oscar Wilde and his circle.  I’m not going to say anything as
absurd like “If you like The Portrait of Dorian Gray you will love
Angel.” But I’ve noticed that a lot of the themes that those writers
were exploring are the same ones I was exploring with Angel, the role
of beauty, public and private selves, the experience of the spiritual
through the physical.  I hadn’t delved into the writing of this period
in any great depth prior to writing Angel, so it isn’t a direct
influence, but I think I tapped into a lot of the same obsessions and
drew from the same well.  I’m discovering my literary heritage after
the fact!

Of course, if you go on Amazon, it will tell you that people who
bought my book also bought a whole series of male/male romance novels.
Fans of stories with gay male protagonists should like the book for
that reason.  Sometimes romance fans love it, and sometimes they are
disappointed in it because it doesn’t exactly fit into that category.
I like to read literary fiction, and so that is what I enjoy writing.
Some people find that Angel is a little more literary than they were
in the mood for.  For others that’s the draw.

8.      Who or What inspired you to write this book?
See question 1.

9.      What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The themes of the book being what they are, there will be people who
will assume the book is meant to be shocking or that it is polemical.
What I wanted to do was explore characters and see them wrestle with
some of the important challenges of being human.  I wanted to tell a
good story.



 Blurb

      Since the loss of his lively, charming wife to cancer six years ago,
minister Paul Tobit has been operating on autopilot, performing his
religious duties by rote. Everything changes the day he enters the
church lobby and encounters a radiant, luminous being lit from behind,
breathtakingly beautiful and glowing with life. An angel. For a moment
Paul is so moved by his vision that he is tempted to fall on his knees
and pray.

Even after he regains his focus and realizes he simply met a
flesh-and-blood young man, Paul cannot shake his sense of awe and
wonder. He feels an instant and overwhelming attraction for the young
man, which puzzles him even as it fills his thoughts and fires his
feelings. Paul has no doubt that God has spoken to him through this
vision, and Paul must determine what God is calling him to do.

Thus begins a journey that will inspire Paul’s ministry but put him
at odds with his church as he is forced to examine his deeply held
beliefs and assumptions about himself, his community, and the nature
of love.



Contact details

Twitter: @LauraLeeAuthor
Word Press: http://lauraleeauthor.wordpress.com/
angelthenovel.com

Bio 

I'm the author of the novel Angel and more than a dozen other books on topics ranging from Elvis Impersonation to the science behind annoying
things.  My  most  recent  non-fiction  title  was  "Don't  Screw  Up"
published by Reader's Digest.

The San Francisco Chronicle said, "Lee's dry, humorous tone makes her
a charming companion… She has a penchant for wordplay that is
irresistible."








My 5 Star review

As I already said Laura Lee came and answered many of the questions that I had in her book. A conflict starter that will cause many people to pause, think and react. Some will be negative and will not look twice at this book, others will maybe give it a second  thought, even read the book and turn away and others will be confronted with their believes, forced to see. 
I loved the fact that she used Mountain Rainier as a focal point and comparison to the two main characters in the book. I wanted to know if this mountain which she referred to often really exist and found beautiful pictures of it, the reason you see the mountain and not my normal rose logo.
We have Paul Tobit, minister and lost soul that went through the motion of life without really experiencing it. When his angel appears one day in front of him while in church he thought he had a vision. A vision so clear that he knew it was from God. No questions asked. He just believed. The fact that the angel was a real live person in the form of Ian Finnerty, an alcohol addict and gay did not threw him for a loop.
He accepted this young man in his life and loved him with out question or doubt. He experienced life once again, he had a reason to stand up and do the work he loved. Serving God and his community. He reached out and helped the young man back on his feet, the interaction between the two was a natural process, not forced or coerced by the author.
The story line was flawlessly written, keeping a steady pace as the relationship unfolds into a passionate romance. The two characters personas cleverly orchestrated so that you could see them in your minds eye, caring for them and at times wishing you could help them. But as the story progressed you knew that the end result will be painful. Hearts will be broken and believes will be shattered.
But just as the mountain, that is rock solid Paul's faith in God will be unwavered without bitterness or heart ache and he will embrace a new life. Even if they knew they sat on a live volcano it did not stop Paul to follow his heart because he knew God was still in control.
The book was written with great compassion, the author's dry wit seeping through the pages and held your attention till the last page. A book I can recommend to people that do not mind to be challenged seeing the beauty of the mountain rather wondering when the volcano will erupt.

Thanks for the wonderful read Laura Lee.

Was my review helpful?Please like it on Amazon

Give away and Guest Post for Blackout by Joey Jameson

Blackout Guest Post
Writing Blackout was a lot of fun. It originally started off as a short story that was actually my first thing ever published. I had the idea of writing a story about a stripper named Dice and what a night in his shoes would be like. I’ve always been slightly obsessed and intrigued by strippers and wanted to write an explosive piece that would put the reader right there in the front row, experiencing it all first hand. The story literally wrote itself. After it was finished, although I was content with the way it cameto a close, I liked the main character too much to just let him off that easy. The novel was born. I wanted Blackout to be dark, gritty, glamourous and seductive all at the same time. The main protagonist, Dice Valentine, is sex on two legs. I created him out of my own personal fantasies and wanted people to see at least something in him that turned them on. Whether it be his looks, his confidence or his sex appeal. There’s something in Dice for everyone. In the beginning, it seems like he has it all; the job, the body. His life is ruled by hedonism and satisfaction and is almost too simplistic to last. But then I wanted to turn all that on its back and deal him a few bad cards, so to speak. Blackout’s main strength lies in the descriptions. The stripclub scenes are my favourite. They rely less on dialogue and more on sensation. They’re dark, loud and sexy. Dice is a killer dancer and when he gets on that stage he commands it; all eyes are on him and there’s not a dry seat in the house. I wanted the reader to feel every move he makes and almost be able to hear the bass thumping in their heads. That, and hopefully get turned on. The main theme in Blackout is mystery, but amidst all the intrigue there’s a story of a man who feels lonely and who yearns for a way out. The sex in the book, although graphic and hard, was not meant to be gratuituous, rather a cry for help and attention from the last person you’d ever expect to feel alone and looking for love. 


Blackoutby Joey JamesonGay Erotic ThrillerPublisher: Chances Press, LLCRelease Date: April 1, 2013Heat Level: SizzlingWord Count: 73,000
Available at:Amazon | ARe | B&N
Description:He’s the one you dream about.
He’s the one you obsess over.
He’s the one you’d kill for.
Dice Valentine was born to strip. With the body of a god that drips with sex appeal, his dance moves leave his male clients breathless and begging for more. But lost in a dark world of hedonism and indulgence, Dice is beginning to want out. That is until a night of mind-blowing sex with a mysterious lover takes a grim, shocking turn, and he finds himself in a desperate attempt to clear his name…as the hunter becomes the hunted.
Blackoutis a haunting dark tale of sex and betrayal that raises doubts about what exactly is the truth.
Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.
Excerpt:As I pulled open the back entrance to the club, I was still buttoning up my shirt. I kept it untucked from my ripped jeans; cool, casual. Flip-flops on my feet, and hair ruffled, I felt the epitome of understated sexiness. My heart was pounding in my chest, reverberating in my ears. Fuck, I was so horny. Sheer excitement mixed with anxiousness coursed through my veins.
As I stepped outside, I stopped for a second to let my eyes adjust to the surrounding darkness of the alleyway. I was breathing heavily as I squinted to make out any shapes. It was a cool evening for August, the light breeze making my nipples hard, pressing up against my tight white shirt.
It was then that I saw him. He was leaning up against the far wall of the alley, one leg bent at the knee, heel resting on the wall behind him, hands tucked in his jean pockets. He wore a dark shirt, the top of his tanned and sculpted chest visible above the deep V-neck plunge. The image of the moonlight illuminating his skin in the darkness made my mouth begin to water. He didn’t move at first, and neither did I. We just stood there, taking in the appearance of the other, mentally undressing each other with our eyes. I opened my mouth to say something, then stopped myself, suddenly unsure of what words were about to come out of my mouth.
I wasn’t sure how long we stood there. The expression on his face was hidden in the shadows. The anticipation was killing me, but I was rooted to the spot, almost as if his gaze was keeping me still. I couldn’t move until I saw his eyes and they told me I could.
At last he did. Pulling his hands free from his jeans, he shifted his weight back on to both feet and took a few slow steps towards me. I stayed exactly where I was. As he moved, the shadows disappeared and the dim light of the sky finally hit his face. He was even more beautiful than I had remembered. Totally the opposite to me; dark hair, cropped short around the back and ears, almost black in this light. His face was stubbly, adorned with short neatly trimmed hairs the same colour as the ones on his head. As he moved, his muscles reacted simultaneously, flexing through the confines of his shirt to the point where the material screamed out as if it was about to split. I could see the contour of his perfect pecs. He was more muscular than I was, and the cool night air was obviously having the same effect on his round, hard nipples. My eyes trailed down to his snug-fitting jeans. They were slung so low I could just about see the top of his neatly-trimmed pubes poking out.
He’s hard, too.
I licked my lips without even knowing it as my eyes focused in on the bulge that appeared before them in his trousers. I was sure that if it could speak it would cry out to be released and tended to. I wanted nothing more than to sink to my knees then and there and service that cock like I had before in this very same place. No shame, no words, just complete and utter pleasure. But I couldn’t move. I was totally powerless as his dark eyes held me there, staring back at him, a battle of the wills almost as we saw who would be the one to break first. The tension between us and the anticipation of the sweet release that was inevitably about to occur was almost too much for me to bear. I was afraid that I was going to cum in my pants right then and there, just from looking at him in front of me.
But he broke first.
Before I could react his hands were on me, so sudden and intense that my breath got caught in my throat. Both of his hands were instantly on my wrists, lifting them above my head and holding them together as the weight of his pelvis against me sent me reeling back against the brick wall behind us. For a moment he just held me there. I didn’t struggle against his grip; instead I gave into it, my body relaxing at his mercy. His face was inches from mine. I let my lips part without closing my eyes, begging for him to kiss me. Those lips…full, bee-stung and sensuously shaped. I immediately remembered what it was like to run my tongue over them, and what it felt like to have them all over my body. His breath was warm against my face, sweet and slightly cinnamon scented. As if of its own accord, my face moved towards his, only to be rejected teasingly by his own. A grin played with the corners of his mouth; he was enjoying torturing me. He began to move his hips slightly, pressing his crotch up against my own as if greeting it. We stayed like that for what felt like hours, staring each other down and dry-humping each other through our jeans. Each thrust of my cock against material made me harder. Our erections were the only language necessary. We never spoke more than a few words to each other when we met. This meeting was like my dance personified; I lived for the tease, I performed it on stage almost every night. And now, this; this silent seduction must be what it feels like to just watch someone else on stage. A feast for the eyes, but without physical release.
I couldn’t take any more. The effect of his body against mine was too much, and suddenly our clothes were a barrier between us that we couldn’t get rid of quickly enough. Without letting go of my eyes, he freed my hands and backed away from me just enough to reach above his head, grab the back of his shirt and tug it off. The dark smooth material fought against his muscular physique. My eyes drank in his appearance as he let the shirt fall to the ground at our feet. In the moonlight, his smooth hard chest appeared almost like granite. He had the most perfect pecs I had ever seen; full, pert, and with perfectly formed nipples that were fully erect now in the cool night air. His narrow waist encased a deep sculpted six-pack of abs whose grooves were even more defined in the shadows of the alley. His only chest-hair was a light treasure trail of dark thin hairs that disappeared down into his tight fitting jeans. He let his arms rest at his sides, almost mimicking my stance from when I was on stage a few minutes earlier. He rested his weight on one foot; the classic underwear model pose.
Cheeky git.
He was mocking me. I tore my eyes away from his chest to see his eyes grinning back at me. Before I could protest, he reached at my shirt, helping it over my head, and wrapped his strong arms around me in a tight embrace. It was then that our lips finally touched. The pillowy feel of his soft lips against mine made my cock even wetter. His hot wet tongue was in my mouth, lapping and battling against my own. I closed my eyes and let my mouth do the talking. The passion I had bottled up for him suddenly exploded, and I literally lost myself in the moment. I didn’t think, all I wanted was to touch and caress and lick every inch of his body.
I pulled away from his mouth and my tongue found his neck. I traced a line with it down from his ear lobe, before resting it in the crook of his collar bone. He tilted his head back, obviously enjoying the sensation. My hands found his perfect pecs, and caressed his smooth flesh as my tongue followed their lead. I gripped each nipple gently with my thumb and index finger, giving them a pinch, before opening my mouth and devouring first the left and then the right. His skin was freshly washed and smelled like soap and musky after-shave. My tongue couldn’t get enough of his hard nipples, licking and sucking gently, each in turn as my opposite hand tweaked the other. I looked up to see his expression; a look of pure lust plastered across his face. His lips parted in an o-shape, his hands rested lightly on my broad naked shoulders. Returning my gaze to his chest I slowly slid down, tracing the contours of his tight stomach with my tongue. I took my time on his abs; licking them up and down. They were so tight and profound that I swear I was afraid I might cut myself on them. My hands stroked the skin on his sides as I continued to slide further down his body until I was safely on my knees. I looked up at him and again met his eyes that were now slightly closed, anticipation showing on his face. This was such a vulnerable moment. Right before the revealing of the cock. Each at the utter mercy of the other. With expert ease, I unbuckled his belt and then unfastened his button, all the while keeping his eyes on mine. He let his hands fall loosely to his sides, as I carefully slid his jeans and pants down inch by inch, until finally the prize was fully revealed.
About the Author:Joey Jameson is Canadian born and bred, but currently living in Brighton, UK. He can usually be found either on the beach walking his two gorgeous dogs, or sipping swanky cocktails in his local haunt. He is also the author ofCandy From Strangers. Ever the fan of all things decadent, for an insight into his daily life, you can follow him onTwitter. You can also visit his Facebook page for a sneak-peak of new work to come.





GIVEAWAY INFO: Prize is 10 eBook copies (1 each to 10 winners) of "Blackout" from Joey Jameson. Contest is tour-wide and ends June 15. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. 
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