Lynelle Clark's Blog, page 97
May 6, 2014
Vera Jane Cook, Author of Dancing Backward in Paradise: Book Review Tour
Winner: Eric Hoffer Award for publishing excellence and the Indie Excellence Award for notable new fiction! 5 Star Clarion ForeWord Review! 
Publisher: Musa (November 16, 2012)
Category: Contemporary Fiction/ Women’s Fiction/ Southern Fiction
Tour Date: April/May, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 347 PagesLife for Grace Place is all about sucking on “meat jerkys” and Lenny Bean, her handsome lover. Grace’s mother has loftier plans for her daughter. She insists that Grace save her money and move to New York City so she can find fame and fortune as an actress.Grace works as a cleaning lady for wealthy Betty Ann Houseman so she can pool her pennies for the trip north. Betty Ann has a passion for men more pronounced than her overbite, and it isn’t long before she’s parting the sheets for Lenny Bean. But just before Grace leaves Hixson for New York City, she uncovers an insidious plot: the Bean family is trying to steal Betty Ann’s estate.Grace flees to New York, where she faces her darkest hours. In a world of surprises, Grace truly discovers paradise.Praise for Dancing Backward in Paradise:“Dancing Backward in Paradise by Vera Jane Cook is a charming rags-to-riches story with a heartwarming ending, memorable characters, and a riveting plot that will make the reader forget the outside world. The characters in this story are rich and deep. At first, the reader might roll her eyes at Grace’s naïveté and childish reactions as she falls for Lenny, a sexy but lazy “cowboy with sideburns.” Yet as Grace experiences the outside world in sophisticated New York, a place “so miraculous and exciting, so painfully alienating that you just might find yourself amongst the confusion,” the reader will appreciate Grace’s ability to stretch and change. Minor characters have layers, too.
The author’s craftsmanship is stunning and poetic. Cook draws on her own southern heritage to create masterful metaphors like “The car smelled like a Budweiser plant had exploded under the hood and those fools were the happy fish floating in the foam,” or “I was melting faster than ice cubes in Mama’s bourbon.” In the hands of an amateur, such comparisons would only equate one thing to another; Cook layers her metaphors to establish setting and deepen character development.
Anyone who enjoys Southern stories, coming-of-age adventures, murder thrillers, or a satisfying romantic tale should read Dancing Backward in Paradise.”-Emily Asad, Foreword Reviews“Dancing Backward in Paradise is the debut novel of award-winning theater actress Vera Jane Cook, about one young women’s quest to find herself in “Paradise” – New York City in the 1960s, a place beset by hippies, ambition, and the turbulence of the civil rights era. At first, nineteen-year-old trailer park resident Grace Place enjoys amorous trysts with her lover, Lenny Bean, more than anything else; but urged by her mother to seek fame and fortune in New York City, she works as a cleaning lady for the wealthy Betty Ann Houseman. When her lover betrays her and seeks to steal Betty Ann’s estate, Grace is shocked, yet remains intent upon fulfilling her mother’s wish and seeing New York City with her best friend, Ginny Jo. Together they will discover unforgettable surprises in this Eric Hoffer Award-winning novel. Highly recommended.”-Midwest Book Review“The author introduces a parade of personalities that you will recognize–people that you will want to know and that you will miss. The life and richness she gives to the people of Paradise will take you in like a welcomed stranger. You will love knowing Grace, her family and her friends, both in Hixson and in New York.
Life has its tragedies, humor and mysteries, and this story has all of that. Some really good novels slip through the cracks, don’t let this be one of them. Armchair Interviews says: Dancing Backward in Paradise is a story you do not want to miss.”-Armchair Interviews“From the minute I purchased this book I was dying to read it. All I have to say now is MORE please from Ms. Cook. I don’t even no where to start except that this cast of characters, the places, the nostalgia, Ms. Cook’s writing style and humor is like the perfect book for me. All I need now is a wrap around porch, some iced tea and a warm breezy day! This is the book you don’t want to put down or ever end. I am looking forward to her next series of books! Please hurry!”- Carla Bamonte, Amazon Reviewer“I absolutely cannot recall when I read a book that I enjoyed (loved) as much as I did “Dancing Backward in Paradise,” written by Vera Jane Cook. Starting with that wonderfully apt title, I became so totally involved in this story that takes place in a tailor park called “Paradise,” l was so totally fascinated with the characters who lived in the town of “Holy Horrible Hixon,” that I couldn’t tear myself away from that crazy, mysterious, wonderful trailer park world.
My favorite characters were Miss Grace Place ( Every single time I read that name, I just giggled, wondering how the author ever came up with it.), Mama Place, and Betty Ann Houseman. Poor dear! There was such warmth and love (and a bit of lust) in all three of those characters, and Vera Jane Cook portrayed them perfectly. Then there was also Mrs. Bean talking in verse all the time. What a stroke of genius Cook’s part. Oh, and I also loved Miss Dorothea.
One of the very best things about Vera Jane Cook’s writing is how she magically turn words into touch — into feelings. For example, talking about a little boy, Chelsie, “I felt him wrap himself around me like gift paper on a birthday box.” And about one of the several villains in the book, “He got meaner than a bumble bee shooed off a flower.” And, “She curled up there every day just as happy as a fly on buttered toast.” “I felt as high and as spry as a bumblebee let loose on a sunflower…..as effervescent as champagne on New Years.” And so many, many other wonderful similes.
This book is filled with delightful characters, charm, warmth, love and last, but certainly not least, wonderful humor.
In closing, I will just say that I ADORED the book, and look forward to reading many books from a superb writer.”- Arlene Uslander, Author“Grace Place tells us her tale with a beguiling and often insightful sincerity. The characters are just a little south of normal, and this facilitates a wonderfully original story and storytelling. The pace is sedate, the plot winds and weaves in all the right places. This is a book that draws you in; it’s bold and blunt and makes no apologies for being so. It’s a southern fried fairy tale. Loved it.”-Ralph Hartman, AuthorAbout Vera Jane Cook:
Vera Jane Cook, writer of Award Winning Women’s Fiction, is the author of The Story of Sassy Sweetwater, Lies a River Deep, Where the Wildflowers Grow, Dancing Backward in Paradise and Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem.Jane, as she is known to family and friends, was born in New York City and grew up amid the eccentricity of her southern and glamorous mother on the Upper West and Upper East Side of Manhattan.An only child, Jane turned to reading novels at an early age and was deeply influenced by an eclectic group of authors. Some of her favorite authors today are Nelson DeMille, Calib Carr, Wally Lamb, Anne Rice, Sue Monk Kidd, Anita Shreve, Jodi Picoult, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison. Her favorite novels are too long to list but include The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Cheri and The Last of Cheri, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, Look at Me, Dogs of Babel, The Bluest Eye, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Body Surfing, Lolita, The Brothers Karamazov, She’s Come Undone, Tale of Two Cities, etc., etc., etc.,Vera Jane Cook’s Website: http://www.verajanecook.com/Vera Jane Cook on Twitter: https://twitter.com/verajanecookVera Jane Cook on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vera.j.cook
My 5 Star Review
I received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
I must admit that I'm a huge fan of Vera Cook's writing. Her ability to capture imagination and into her fictional world of words stuns me every time. She creates realistic characters you can identify with at all times; from the simplest to the loftiness of humans; you can always relate to them; feeling part of your every day life, as if you know them.
Her story telling keeps you glued to the book and the words flows like a gentle river that builds continuously on the paper, giving you better insight to humans, their behaviors, decisions and passions. That which drives us to rise from the slumps, living a life we could only dream about; not thinking that happiness is possible to all.
Provoking, original, touching, heart felt are only some of the words I can use to describe her books and you are always left with a sigh. You know the sigh; when you drink the last sip of the best coffee you have ever taken; that sigh that says more than words can express. An encompassing and satisfactory sigh that leaves you wanting for more.
That's how I feel about Vera Cook's books; always wanting more.
Dancing backwards in Paradise did it again. A fitting name filled with symbolic meaning as the story evolves from the first page and you get to know Grace Henrietta Place.
Her name already hinting that you are in for some interesting reading. Written from her point of view you get to know her town, Hixon, Tennessee and it's people, her family, and her friends. Their everyday life on display as the author introduce you to the plot and the many twists and turns, not shying away from difficult subjects. Not mincing with words, but never judgmental or condescending. Just telling it as it is. The author's honest shining through every scene to create this great book.
Grace Place was born and raised in the South with all its simplicities and narrow mindedness, trying to find her way in life. although hesitant. All her life she grew up with the knowledge of going to the North, making it big in New York; her mother telling her stories of her time in the big city with its bright lights that never sleeps. With her mother's help she got the opportunity, but with that opportunity comes many difficult decisions she had to make; meeting and working with weird and interesting characters. They all played their part in shaping Grace to be the woman her mother believe her to be. At times you thought she would let the dream go because of her innocence, naivety, and love for Lenny Bean.
A manipulator, con-man, liar, womanizer, and thief, Lenny Bean made a very good character. Greed was his motivator that allowed him the luxury of living a double life, a double life he had hidden from Grace; deceiving her around every corner. Thankfully her eyes opened, maybe almost to late, but nevertheless it had opened.
Her time in New York was a learning curve for the young Grace, but yet you see how she had evolved from naivety to rise in the lights without loosing her innocence. Finding true love in the arms of an entertainment lawyer, Brandon and his son, Chelsie. Even here the characters she met were interesting and I loved the way the author kept the connection between her life in New York and Hixon. Keeping her grounded at all times as she started to shine in her own corner of this huge city; each step she took, each decision she made, each person she met played a leading role in her life.
A story filled with compassion and heartache as human emotions comes into play as she find her way through the many pitfalls life can throw your way, creating a book you get lost into.
Really a great read I can recommend.
Buy Dancing Backward in Paradise:Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Follow the Tour:Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes Mar 29 Interview- Listen to the Recording
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 14 Review & Giveaway
Open Book Society Apr 15 Review
Wall to Wall Books Apr 16 Review
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews Apr 17 Excerpt
Manic Mama of 2 Apr 18 Review
Rantin’ Ravin’ and Reading April 21 Review
Rantin’ Ravin’ and Reading April 22 Interview & Giveaway
Vicky Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 23 Spotlight & Giveaway
Being Tillys Mummy Apr 25 Excerpt
Being Tillys Mummy Review & Giveaway
Rebecca’s Writing Svcs Apr 28 Guest Post
Networking Witches May 1 Review
From Isi May 5 Review & Giveaway
Inspire To Read May 6 Review
Room With Books May 8 Review & Giveaway
Margay Leah Justice May 9 Guest Post & Giveaway
Carole’s Book Corner May 14 Guest Post
Bound 4 Escape May 26 Review
Publisher: Musa (November 16, 2012)Category: Contemporary Fiction/ Women’s Fiction/ Southern Fiction
Tour Date: April/May, 2014
Available in: Print & ebook, 347 PagesLife for Grace Place is all about sucking on “meat jerkys” and Lenny Bean, her handsome lover. Grace’s mother has loftier plans for her daughter. She insists that Grace save her money and move to New York City so she can find fame and fortune as an actress.Grace works as a cleaning lady for wealthy Betty Ann Houseman so she can pool her pennies for the trip north. Betty Ann has a passion for men more pronounced than her overbite, and it isn’t long before she’s parting the sheets for Lenny Bean. But just before Grace leaves Hixson for New York City, she uncovers an insidious plot: the Bean family is trying to steal Betty Ann’s estate.Grace flees to New York, where she faces her darkest hours. In a world of surprises, Grace truly discovers paradise.Praise for Dancing Backward in Paradise:“Dancing Backward in Paradise by Vera Jane Cook is a charming rags-to-riches story with a heartwarming ending, memorable characters, and a riveting plot that will make the reader forget the outside world. The characters in this story are rich and deep. At first, the reader might roll her eyes at Grace’s naïveté and childish reactions as she falls for Lenny, a sexy but lazy “cowboy with sideburns.” Yet as Grace experiences the outside world in sophisticated New York, a place “so miraculous and exciting, so painfully alienating that you just might find yourself amongst the confusion,” the reader will appreciate Grace’s ability to stretch and change. Minor characters have layers, too.
The author’s craftsmanship is stunning and poetic. Cook draws on her own southern heritage to create masterful metaphors like “The car smelled like a Budweiser plant had exploded under the hood and those fools were the happy fish floating in the foam,” or “I was melting faster than ice cubes in Mama’s bourbon.” In the hands of an amateur, such comparisons would only equate one thing to another; Cook layers her metaphors to establish setting and deepen character development.
Anyone who enjoys Southern stories, coming-of-age adventures, murder thrillers, or a satisfying romantic tale should read Dancing Backward in Paradise.”-Emily Asad, Foreword Reviews“Dancing Backward in Paradise is the debut novel of award-winning theater actress Vera Jane Cook, about one young women’s quest to find herself in “Paradise” – New York City in the 1960s, a place beset by hippies, ambition, and the turbulence of the civil rights era. At first, nineteen-year-old trailer park resident Grace Place enjoys amorous trysts with her lover, Lenny Bean, more than anything else; but urged by her mother to seek fame and fortune in New York City, she works as a cleaning lady for the wealthy Betty Ann Houseman. When her lover betrays her and seeks to steal Betty Ann’s estate, Grace is shocked, yet remains intent upon fulfilling her mother’s wish and seeing New York City with her best friend, Ginny Jo. Together they will discover unforgettable surprises in this Eric Hoffer Award-winning novel. Highly recommended.”-Midwest Book Review“The author introduces a parade of personalities that you will recognize–people that you will want to know and that you will miss. The life and richness she gives to the people of Paradise will take you in like a welcomed stranger. You will love knowing Grace, her family and her friends, both in Hixson and in New York.
Life has its tragedies, humor and mysteries, and this story has all of that. Some really good novels slip through the cracks, don’t let this be one of them. Armchair Interviews says: Dancing Backward in Paradise is a story you do not want to miss.”-Armchair Interviews“From the minute I purchased this book I was dying to read it. All I have to say now is MORE please from Ms. Cook. I don’t even no where to start except that this cast of characters, the places, the nostalgia, Ms. Cook’s writing style and humor is like the perfect book for me. All I need now is a wrap around porch, some iced tea and a warm breezy day! This is the book you don’t want to put down or ever end. I am looking forward to her next series of books! Please hurry!”- Carla Bamonte, Amazon Reviewer“I absolutely cannot recall when I read a book that I enjoyed (loved) as much as I did “Dancing Backward in Paradise,” written by Vera Jane Cook. Starting with that wonderfully apt title, I became so totally involved in this story that takes place in a tailor park called “Paradise,” l was so totally fascinated with the characters who lived in the town of “Holy Horrible Hixon,” that I couldn’t tear myself away from that crazy, mysterious, wonderful trailer park world.
My favorite characters were Miss Grace Place ( Every single time I read that name, I just giggled, wondering how the author ever came up with it.), Mama Place, and Betty Ann Houseman. Poor dear! There was such warmth and love (and a bit of lust) in all three of those characters, and Vera Jane Cook portrayed them perfectly. Then there was also Mrs. Bean talking in verse all the time. What a stroke of genius Cook’s part. Oh, and I also loved Miss Dorothea.
One of the very best things about Vera Jane Cook’s writing is how she magically turn words into touch — into feelings. For example, talking about a little boy, Chelsie, “I felt him wrap himself around me like gift paper on a birthday box.” And about one of the several villains in the book, “He got meaner than a bumble bee shooed off a flower.” And, “She curled up there every day just as happy as a fly on buttered toast.” “I felt as high and as spry as a bumblebee let loose on a sunflower…..as effervescent as champagne on New Years.” And so many, many other wonderful similes.
This book is filled with delightful characters, charm, warmth, love and last, but certainly not least, wonderful humor.
In closing, I will just say that I ADORED the book, and look forward to reading many books from a superb writer.”- Arlene Uslander, Author“Grace Place tells us her tale with a beguiling and often insightful sincerity. The characters are just a little south of normal, and this facilitates a wonderfully original story and storytelling. The pace is sedate, the plot winds and weaves in all the right places. This is a book that draws you in; it’s bold and blunt and makes no apologies for being so. It’s a southern fried fairy tale. Loved it.”-Ralph Hartman, AuthorAbout Vera Jane Cook:
Vera Jane Cook, writer of Award Winning Women’s Fiction, is the author of The Story of Sassy Sweetwater, Lies a River Deep, Where the Wildflowers Grow, Dancing Backward in Paradise and Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem.Jane, as she is known to family and friends, was born in New York City and grew up amid the eccentricity of her southern and glamorous mother on the Upper West and Upper East Side of Manhattan.An only child, Jane turned to reading novels at an early age and was deeply influenced by an eclectic group of authors. Some of her favorite authors today are Nelson DeMille, Calib Carr, Wally Lamb, Anne Rice, Sue Monk Kidd, Anita Shreve, Jodi Picoult, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison. Her favorite novels are too long to list but include The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Cheri and The Last of Cheri, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, Look at Me, Dogs of Babel, The Bluest Eye, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Body Surfing, Lolita, The Brothers Karamazov, She’s Come Undone, Tale of Two Cities, etc., etc., etc.,Vera Jane Cook’s Website: http://www.verajanecook.com/Vera Jane Cook on Twitter: https://twitter.com/verajanecookVera Jane Cook on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vera.j.cook
My 5 Star ReviewI received the book from the touring host for an honest review.
I must admit that I'm a huge fan of Vera Cook's writing. Her ability to capture imagination and into her fictional world of words stuns me every time. She creates realistic characters you can identify with at all times; from the simplest to the loftiness of humans; you can always relate to them; feeling part of your every day life, as if you know them.
Her story telling keeps you glued to the book and the words flows like a gentle river that builds continuously on the paper, giving you better insight to humans, their behaviors, decisions and passions. That which drives us to rise from the slumps, living a life we could only dream about; not thinking that happiness is possible to all.
Provoking, original, touching, heart felt are only some of the words I can use to describe her books and you are always left with a sigh. You know the sigh; when you drink the last sip of the best coffee you have ever taken; that sigh that says more than words can express. An encompassing and satisfactory sigh that leaves you wanting for more.
That's how I feel about Vera Cook's books; always wanting more.
Dancing backwards in Paradise did it again. A fitting name filled with symbolic meaning as the story evolves from the first page and you get to know Grace Henrietta Place.
Her name already hinting that you are in for some interesting reading. Written from her point of view you get to know her town, Hixon, Tennessee and it's people, her family, and her friends. Their everyday life on display as the author introduce you to the plot and the many twists and turns, not shying away from difficult subjects. Not mincing with words, but never judgmental or condescending. Just telling it as it is. The author's honest shining through every scene to create this great book.
Grace Place was born and raised in the South with all its simplicities and narrow mindedness, trying to find her way in life. although hesitant. All her life she grew up with the knowledge of going to the North, making it big in New York; her mother telling her stories of her time in the big city with its bright lights that never sleeps. With her mother's help she got the opportunity, but with that opportunity comes many difficult decisions she had to make; meeting and working with weird and interesting characters. They all played their part in shaping Grace to be the woman her mother believe her to be. At times you thought she would let the dream go because of her innocence, naivety, and love for Lenny Bean.
A manipulator, con-man, liar, womanizer, and thief, Lenny Bean made a very good character. Greed was his motivator that allowed him the luxury of living a double life, a double life he had hidden from Grace; deceiving her around every corner. Thankfully her eyes opened, maybe almost to late, but nevertheless it had opened.
Her time in New York was a learning curve for the young Grace, but yet you see how she had evolved from naivety to rise in the lights without loosing her innocence. Finding true love in the arms of an entertainment lawyer, Brandon and his son, Chelsie. Even here the characters she met were interesting and I loved the way the author kept the connection between her life in New York and Hixon. Keeping her grounded at all times as she started to shine in her own corner of this huge city; each step she took, each decision she made, each person she met played a leading role in her life.
A story filled with compassion and heartache as human emotions comes into play as she find her way through the many pitfalls life can throw your way, creating a book you get lost into.
Really a great read I can recommend.
Buy Dancing Backward in Paradise:Amazon / Barnes and Noble
Follow the Tour:Indie Reviews Behind the Scenes Mar 29 Interview- Listen to the Recording
Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 14 Review & Giveaway
Open Book Society Apr 15 Review
Wall to Wall Books Apr 16 Review
Sapphyria’s Book Reviews Apr 17 Excerpt
Manic Mama of 2 Apr 18 Review
Rantin’ Ravin’ and Reading April 21 Review
Rantin’ Ravin’ and Reading April 22 Interview & Giveaway
Vicky Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 23 Spotlight & Giveaway
Being Tillys Mummy Apr 25 Excerpt
Being Tillys Mummy Review & Giveaway
Rebecca’s Writing Svcs Apr 28 Guest Post
Networking Witches May 1 Review
From Isi May 5 Review & Giveaway
Inspire To Read May 6 Review
Room With Books May 8 Review & Giveaway
Margay Leah Justice May 9 Guest Post & Giveaway
Carole’s Book Corner May 14 Guest Post
Bound 4 Escape May 26 Review
May 2, 2014
Kissing Trouble Cover Revamp by Airicka Phoenix
Kissing Trouble Cover Revamp
Title: Kissing TroubleAuthor: Morgana PhoenixRelease Date: Coming 2014Publisher: Fire & Ash PublishingGenre: New Adult Thriller RomanceWarning: Strong sexual content and language (Mature 18+)
Synopsis:Babysitting three kids in a cabin, deep in the woods for a whole month? Piece of cake. Julie Brewer was an expert at calming even the most rambunctious spirit. In walks Mason Brody and suddenly there isn’t enough patience in the world to keep her from killing him in his sleep, or kissing that beautiful, snarky mouth—when it’s not busy trying to sweet talk her between the sheets. But his smooth charms are wasted on her. Julie has bigger dreams than becoming a notch in this playboy’s bedpost, even if her heart and body disagree.
Mason has every confidence that he can win the feisty beauty over to the dark side. There hasn’t been a girl yet that could resist him. But Julie Brewer isn’t like other girls and the longer they live under the same roof, the harder it becomes not to fall himself.
But when the malevolent shadow hot on Mason’s heels turns its bloodthirsty gaze on Julie, it’s up to him to keep her safe. But how do you stop something that knows your every move before you do? And what do they want?
Time is running out and there is nowhere to hide.
Author Bio:International Best-Selling author Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with.
Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, the Touch Saga, the Sons of Judgment Saga, The Lost Girl Duology, Games of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes adult paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix.
For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist—and tons of chocolate—visit her at: www.AirickaPhoenix.com
~ Website: www.AirickaPhoenix.com~ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airick... ~ Touch Saga Page: https://www.facebook.com/TouchSeriesB...~ Design Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airick...~ Morgana Phoenix Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan...~ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix ~ Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix~ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/airickaphoenix/~ WattPad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AirickaPh...~ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/airicka-p...~ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Airicka-Phoenix...~ Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/Sear...~ Barne
Title: Kissing TroubleAuthor: Morgana PhoenixRelease Date: Coming 2014Publisher: Fire & Ash PublishingGenre: New Adult Thriller RomanceWarning: Strong sexual content and language (Mature 18+)
Synopsis:Babysitting three kids in a cabin, deep in the woods for a whole month? Piece of cake. Julie Brewer was an expert at calming even the most rambunctious spirit. In walks Mason Brody and suddenly there isn’t enough patience in the world to keep her from killing him in his sleep, or kissing that beautiful, snarky mouth—when it’s not busy trying to sweet talk her between the sheets. But his smooth charms are wasted on her. Julie has bigger dreams than becoming a notch in this playboy’s bedpost, even if her heart and body disagree.
Mason has every confidence that he can win the feisty beauty over to the dark side. There hasn’t been a girl yet that could resist him. But Julie Brewer isn’t like other girls and the longer they live under the same roof, the harder it becomes not to fall himself.
But when the malevolent shadow hot on Mason’s heels turns its bloodthirsty gaze on Julie, it’s up to him to keep her safe. But how do you stop something that knows your every move before you do? And what do they want?
Time is running out and there is nowhere to hide.
Author Bio:International Best-Selling author Airicka Phoenix lives in a world where unicorns, fairies and mermaids run amok through her home on a daily basis. When she’s not chasing after pixies and rounding up imps, also known as her four children, she can be found conjuring up evil villains, bad-ass heroines and swoon-worthy heroes to play with.
Airicka is singlehandedly responsible for her greatly anticipated collections, the Touch Saga, the Sons of Judgment Saga, The Lost Girl Duology, Games of Fire & Betraying Innocence. She also writes adult paranormal & contemporary romance under the dark guise of Morgana Phoenix.
For more about Airicka and the realm she rules with an iron fist—and tons of chocolate—visit her at: www.AirickaPhoenix.com
~ Website: www.AirickaPhoenix.com~ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airick... ~ Touch Saga Page: https://www.facebook.com/TouchSeriesB...~ Design Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Airick...~ Morgana Phoenix Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan...~ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AirickaPhoenix ~ Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/AirickaPhoenix~ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/airickaphoenix/~ WattPad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/AirickaPh...~ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/airicka-p...~ Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Airicka-Phoenix...~ Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/Sear...~ Barne
Cover Reveal for 'Read to Me' by Nora Raines. Plus a chance to win a gift voucher from Amazon.
Title: Read to Me Author: Nona RainesPublished: The Wild Rose Press (a Scarlet rosette)65 pages Genre: Erotic m/f novella
Blurb:
At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.
Excerpt 1:His gaze roamed the stacks. "Interesting place. I enjoy book shops, but I've never been here before.""It's one of my favorite spots. I love to come and browse, just sit and read.""I read so much for my job, I've gotten out of the habit of reading for enjoyment. I miss it." He pulled a book from the shelf and showed her the spine. Lady Chatterley's Lover. "This is one of my favorites."Suddenly, it became difficult to breathe. "Yes." She forced the word through her constricted throat. "That's an amazing novel."Constance Chatterley could only find sexual fulfillment with gamekeeper Oliver Mellors. This man, whoever he was, would make a perfect Mellors.And she would be Lady Chatterley?As he stood holding the D.H. Lawrence volume, Blaise imagined his large hands stroking her, caressing her body. She quivered, her panties moistening.Look away, look away!Quickly, she redirected her gaze to his face. His lips quirked in a little smile. Oh, God, had he guessed where her thoughts had wandered? "Umm, I take the bus all the time, but I don't think I've ever seen you before."He nodded. "I usually drive to work and back, but my car's in the shop and I couldn't catch a ride with anyone, so…" He extended his hand. "I'm Guy, by the way.""Hi, I'm Blaise." When they shook hands, she again flashed to the image of him touching her in more intimate ways.He replaced Lady Chatterleyon the shelf. "I didn't mean to interrupt your reading." He nodded at her book. "Cupid's Delight. I'm not familiar with that one. Any good?"Blood rushed to her cheeks. Oh Blaise, don't be a baby. She cleared her throat, flustered by the feelings this man brought out in her. "Too early to tell. I haven't started it.""It sounds intriguing, doesn't it?" His gaze held hers and excitement fizzed through her.She swallowed hard and nodded. "I think so, too." With a tilt of his head, Guy indicated the red velvet loveseat wedged into the corner. "Maybe we could sit, read it together."Her breath hitched, and her heart thumped so hard she'd have been surprised if he couldn't see her blouse flutter. Had this man actually asked to read erotica with her? Yes.And was she going to agree? Yes!
Author Bio -
Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New Yorkwith her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series(One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs.
Link to website: www.nonaraines.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.authorTwitter: https://twitter.com/nonarainesBlog: http://divasofdesire.blogspot.com/Amazon page: amazon.com/author/nonaraines
Giveaway Information Author is giving away a $25 Amazon/B&N Gift Card
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Cover Reveal for 'read to me' by Nora Raines. Plus a chance to win a gift voucher from Amazon.
Title: Read to Me Author: Nona RainesPublished: The Wild Rose Press (a Scarlet rosette)65 pages Genre: Erotic m/f novella
Blurb:
At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.
Excerpt 1:His gaze roamed the stacks. "Interesting place. I enjoy book shops, but I've never been here before.""It's one of my favorite spots. I love to come and browse, just sit and read.""I read so much for my job, I've gotten out of the habit of reading for enjoyment. I miss it." He pulled a book from the shelf and showed her the spine. Lady Chatterley's Lover. "This is one of my favorites."Suddenly, it became difficult to breathe. "Yes." She forced the word through her constricted throat. "That's an amazing novel."Constance Chatterley could only find sexual fulfillment with gamekeeper Oliver Mellors. This man, whoever he was, would make a perfect Mellors.And she would be Lady Chatterley?As he stood holding the D.H. Lawrence volume, Blaise imagined his large hands stroking her, caressing her body. She quivered, her panties moistening.Look away, look away!Quickly, she redirected her gaze to his face. His lips quirked in a little smile. Oh, God, had he guessed where her thoughts had wandered? "Umm, I take the bus all the time, but I don't think I've ever seen you before."He nodded. "I usually drive to work and back, but my car's in the shop and I couldn't catch a ride with anyone, so…" He extended his hand. "I'm Guy, by the way.""Hi, I'm Blaise." When they shook hands, she again flashed to the image of him touching her in more intimate ways.He replaced Lady Chatterleyon the shelf. "I didn't mean to interrupt your reading." He nodded at her book. "Cupid's Delight. I'm not familiar with that one. Any good?"Blood rushed to her cheeks. Oh Blaise, don't be a baby. She cleared her throat, flustered by the feelings this man brought out in her. "Too early to tell. I haven't started it.""It sounds intriguing, doesn't it?" His gaze held hers and excitement fizzed through her.She swallowed hard and nodded. "I think so, too." With a tilt of his head, Guy indicated the red velvet loveseat wedged into the corner. "Maybe we could sit, read it together."Her breath hitched, and her heart thumped so hard she'd have been surprised if he couldn't see her blouse flutter. Had this man actually asked to read erotica with her? Yes.And was she going to agree? Yes!
Author Bio -
Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.
Nona lives in upstate New Yorkwith her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series(One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs.
Link to website: www.nonaraines.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.authorTwitter: https://twitter.com/nonarainesBlog: http://divasofdesire.blogspot.com/Amazon page: amazon.com/author/nonaraines
Giveaway Information Author is giving away a $25 Amazon/B&N Gift Card
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May 1, 2014
A review for The last Virgin Alive by Stephanie Crosby.
Amazon
About the bookIt's 's a Romantic Suspense novel about a girl's first year of college. she is going through family drama that she went to college away from her home state; she feels rejected because she is still a virgin.
3 Star Review
I really struggled with the way this book was written. Filled with to much repetitions and dragged out conversations.
Written in the first person, we get to know Symphony; at 17 she was uncertain of herself, craved love and acceptance while feeling she didn't belong any where. Her irrational thoughts due to lies that she was fed by her immediate family caused her to act in doubt all of the time; projecting this on her relationship with her boyfriend, Adam.
She's quick to rush to conclusion, seeing herself as the bad guy, while trying to avoid her sister's attention.
Still a virgin at her age was one of her biggest problems, and acted as if it were a curse, at first. When she met Adam, her mindset changed due to his loving care and his treatment of her. Protecting her from bullies and at the end from her sister; whose behavior was psychotic and caused her much stress.
When she tried to tell her father, he told her to stop. In total denial about his daughter's behavior while all this was going on, being abrupt and careless, which cost him at the end.
Adam, a young man with a strong character was a perfect gentleman with his own problems; he would encouraged her and convinced her that she was not the monster she believed she was.
The death of her mother had a huge impact on her that she never resolved; having lunch at her grave on a weekly basis. The only place she felt accepted and where she could speak her mind. I thought it sweet that Adam would go and sit with her there, eating as if it were the most regular thing to do.
She had a few friends that was supportive, and a few that she could have do without; causing a few problems for her.
At the end she was a typical teenager that was thrust within this world with to much burdens to bare, but I think she pulled through just fine.
April 30, 2014
Release Blitz for Random acts of Fantasy by Julia Kent.
Random Acts of Fantasy by Julia KentRelease date: 4/15/14
Description:
From New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent comes the third in her Random series:
You ever really think that you'll win the lottery? Meet Mr. Right? How about two Mr. Rights?
Somehow the universe is handing me everything I want (except for that lottery part...), and I don't like it. Not one little bit. Because just when you get all your dreams handed to you on a silver platter, that's when an airplane dumps its sewage on your house. Or your mama's diabetes takes a bad turn. Or your mobile phone gets stuck in your hoohaw.
(What? It happens…)
Boring old average me got everything I wanted already, moving from small-town Ohio to big-city Boston to follow my heart. So when the fancy invitation offering me a pile of money to come with the band, Random Acts of Crazy, to perform on an island resort and be their manager arrived, I thought it was a cosmic joke. Enough money to help my mama get what she needed, five days in sunny paradise, and a shot at greatness for the band? Unreal. One big shoe was waiting to drop. On my head.
Just like no one really ever finds a naked man wearing only a guitar standing by the side of the road hitchhiking and ends up falling in love with him and his friend and moving halfway across the country for true love, no one gets an invitation to come to what turns out to be a resort where people make what me and Joe and Trevor do together look like a chaste peck on the cheek. But...
Well.
I guess these things do happen.
To me.
–-Pre-order links:
Amazon: / iBooks:
Description:
From New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent comes the third in her Random series:
You ever really think that you'll win the lottery? Meet Mr. Right? How about two Mr. Rights?
Somehow the universe is handing me everything I want (except for that lottery part...), and I don't like it. Not one little bit. Because just when you get all your dreams handed to you on a silver platter, that's when an airplane dumps its sewage on your house. Or your mama's diabetes takes a bad turn. Or your mobile phone gets stuck in your hoohaw.
(What? It happens…)
Boring old average me got everything I wanted already, moving from small-town Ohio to big-city Boston to follow my heart. So when the fancy invitation offering me a pile of money to come with the band, Random Acts of Crazy, to perform on an island resort and be their manager arrived, I thought it was a cosmic joke. Enough money to help my mama get what she needed, five days in sunny paradise, and a shot at greatness for the band? Unreal. One big shoe was waiting to drop. On my head.
Just like no one really ever finds a naked man wearing only a guitar standing by the side of the road hitchhiking and ends up falling in love with him and his friend and moving halfway across the country for true love, no one gets an invitation to come to what turns out to be a resort where people make what me and Joe and Trevor do together look like a chaste peck on the cheek. But...
Well.
I guess these things do happen.
To me.
–-Pre-order links:
Amazon: / iBooks:
Announcing a New Release Blitz by Scarlett Wolfe; Hearts Attached. Plus a chance to win.
Only one house has separated McKenzie Baker and twins, Luke and Olivia Harris, since birth. After seventeen years of wearing a path across the neighbor’s yard, Luke and McKenzie realize their friendship evolved and deepened even before they had fully learned what romantic feelings meant.
Both have flashbacks often, revisiting the tender, emotional moments that strengthened their bond since the age of five. However, Luke’s twin, Olivia, doesn’t share in their happiness, worrying the new relationship will change the ones she has with her best friend and brother. This disapproval quickly tests Luke and McKenzie’s intense love for one another.
Luke’s life has been mapped out for him since birth, with a sports scholarship hanging in the balance. He and McKenzie think their future together is finally on track, when they are struck with a much more serious dilemma.
During difficult times and a devastating accident, a bond between a brother and sister shines through, and Luke and McKenzie’s profound connection is undeniable. This story takes you on a journey of heartache and joy, leaving the belief that extraordinary love exists, and some hearts are destined to attach.
McKenzie“Back to earth, Kenzie,” Luke says.I glance up, and he’s smiling at me. “Huh?” Why does he have to appear hotter daily?“I often wonder where your mind wanders off to. Can you take mine with you? I’d prefer it over thinking about all the bullshit that goes on around here.”“Please, what bullshit do you have to deal with?” Liv asks.“Oh, I don’t know, Liv. How about all the people who are on my ass daily to make sure I keep my shit together? I’m not the only kid in this house. Someone else I know needs to have the heat put on them for a while.” He glances up long enough to glare at her.“Poor, Luke. You’re the most popular guy at school because of how good you are at sports. I have a hard time feeling sorry for you.”“I didn’t ask for your sympathy. What’s your deal, anyway?”Liv pushes forward, signaling she wants up, so I raise to a sitting position and cross my legs. I’m now at Luke’s feet.“I have to listen to girls talk about you daily. They’re always using me to get to you, and I’m sorry if that becomes tiresome for me. “You need to date one of them already. I’m going to see if Mom needs help with dinner.” Liv is off the bed in seconds, flipping her long, dark hair before she goes out the door.Luke shuts his magazine and launches it across the room. “How have we managed to put up with her all these years?”“Give her a break. She lives in your shadow, and it wasn’t like that before high school.”“You’re too nice, Kenzie.”It’s always awkward when he gives me compliments. I flip my hair, like Liv often does, and look up to the ceiling. She’s as prissy as it gets.“It’s a gift. I can’t help it.”He chuckles before his gaze averts to the other side of the room. “Um, I heard Stewart asked you out.”“Yeah, he did.” My long hair is everywhere now, so I attempt to pull sections to their proper places.“Well, did you say yes?”“I told him I wanted to think about it.”Luke nods his head thoughtfully but still doesn’t look at me. “So you like him?”“I don’t know. He’s cute and has always been nice to me. I thought I’d see how he is at school, when we start next week. Do you think he’s only looking for one thing?”Finally, Luke’s eyes meet mine. “If you go by Stew’s history, then I’d say yes, but I’ll deny I told you that.”“Maybe it’s time I did it.”Luke pulls away from his wall and sits straight up.“You’re considering having sex with him?” he asks, sounding surprised.“Not him, necessarily. I meant that maybe it’s time period.”Luke covers his ears. “This conversation is done. If you start doing it, then that means Liv is or will be shortly thereafter, and then I’ll have to kill someone.”Grinning, I stare at his handsome face. “It’s adorable when you get protective of your sister.”“You’re calling me adorable? How girly is that? I think it’s tickle time.” LukeMcKenzie is only in a tank top and shorts since it’s August, so it takes only a second to get to her armpits. I tickle her there before moving to her waist. She falls back on my bed and attempts to pull her knees up. It’s her signature move, but I’m on to her tactics, so I put my left arm across her thighs as she begins to bring up her legs. She works to remove my right hand from her waist, giving me no choice but to bring her wrists together and wrap my hand around them. Moving them above her head, I hold them there snugly, but this causes me to fall over on top of her. I’m struggling to keep her legs down when it hits me that my left arm is stuck between us, somewhat across her … you know and her smooth thighs. Ah shit. Now that we’re older, it’s different when I tickle her. I mean, her body keeps changing. Kenzie is still laughing and breathing heavily. I stop moving, so she slowly does, too. Trying to get her breath, she turns her head to cough before swinging it back and looking at me.Her light brown hair that’s woven with golden strands is pretty, and blue eyes that I swear couldn’t get any lighter gaze up at me. Will the day come when she stops getting prettier? “You’ve figured me out. I need new moves,” she says, appearing nervous.I can’t stop staring into her eyes. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this close to them. I feel her breath on my face, her body pinned beneath me, and I want to cover her mouth with mine. Why the hell is this happening again? I buried that feeling a year and a half ago. Well, I tried to, anyway.
Luke’s POVI’m pulling a t-shirt over my head when I hear the doorbell. A smile spreads across my face as I jump four steps trying to get downstairs. I fling the door open and receive a bashful smile from Kenzie.“Good morning. I hope you don’t mind that I came over early.”“Of course not,” I say as I move out of the way for her to enter. Damn, she looks hot today. Kenzie always looks pretty, but it seems she made an extra effort to drive me insane today. Her golden hair is down and curled.“What?” she asks before she looks down at her clothes.“Huh?” I think I was busted checking her out.“You looked me over for a long time. Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing?” She glances down again at her denim shorts and thin, lavender shirt, which buttons up.I think I’m turning red. “No, Kenzie, nothing’s wrong. You always look great, but today you’re extra hot.”She chews on her lip. “So you still feel the same this morning?”Panic washes over me. Is she having second thoughts? “Yeah, do you?”She shakes her head yes several times and grins, her happiness spreading to those crystal blue eyes. “I missed you already,” she says in a sexy, soft tone. “I won’t be able not to touch you if you talk to me that way, Kenzie.”“Did your dad leave for work?”“Yeah.”“Then touch me already, you confusing boy.” She’s looking at me as if she’d let me do anything, and I desire to do everything, having waited to share each sexual experience with Kenzie. Cupping her face, I kiss her mouth, and she lets my tongue slip right into her warmth. Arms circle tightly around my waist, her body pushing against mine, and I might have to kiss her all day and forever. I reluctantly release her lips and hug her.“Kenz, you’re not making it easy for me to behave,” I whisper in her ear before I breathe in the sweet scent from her hair.“I’m sorry, Luke. I’ve never felt anything like this before. I guess it’s the accumulation of all the years I’ve been near you but couldn’t admit how I felt … all the years I couldn’t touch you this way.”Her face is against my chest, but her hand slides up my neck and into my hair. Shit. I pull her arm down and hold her out away from me.“We have to go before I lock us in my room all day.”She begins to giggle and holds her stomach from laughing hard. “You’re adorable when you get nervous.”
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April 29, 2014
5 Star review for Comfort of Fences by Stacy Overman Morrison. Guest Post: How is your interaction with women, especially those closest to you?
Guest Post with Stacy Overman Morrison.
How is your interaction with women, especially those closest to you?
I am writing this right before I head out the door to lunch with a dear friend of mine. I had lunch Monday with another dear friend and then lunch yesterday with my 19 year old daughter. I do a lot of eating so as long as my female friends like to eat, we get along great!
In all honesty, I have many dear female friends. I have been very selective in maintaining these friendships and cultivate those that bring mutual joy and growth. In my book, Comfort of Fences, two of the characters enjoy a life-long friendship. The relationship between Ruth and Georgia is one of which I am a bit envious. I always wanted a friend like Georgia so I made her up! I do not have one best friend but I do have a core group of women friends and we all work to support and cheer one another on. I have one friend that I sit and discuss our spiritual paths and how our journeys into our better selves are going. We have our own table at the local Mexican food restaurant because once we get to talking, we are usually there for a couple of hours. I have another friend that is so very thoughtful. She checks in and makes sure my travels go safely and inquires about my health and wellbeing. She also has bought a case of my books and has canvassed West Texas with Comfort of Fences. My 19 year old daughter is probably my best friend of all. We are moving more into the realm of friends rather than parent/child these days. Luckily, she is a great person so I don’t have to do much lecturing and rule setting. She “gets” things, so I get to enjoy her! There are times I get bitchy, or feisty as my husband calls it, but largely those times are the result of life frustrations and as quickly as I flare, I settle down again. I love the time I spend with my friends so much, and truthfully don’t get to do it enough, that I don’t have negative encounters with them. My female friends bring me joy. They bring me peace. They bring me acceptance. I accept this all, work to magnify it, and then give it back to my soul friends in as great or greater measures than they gave to me.
Yes, I am a blessed woman and many of my greatest blessings are my friendships with my soul sister friends!
About the book
Ruth is dying and her 52 year old daughter Denise has never paid a bill, lived on her own, or had a romantic relationship. Ruth knows she has been overprotective, but hoped that she would outlive her special-needs daughter. Metastasized cancer crushes that hope and forces Ruth to find a way to provide for Denise once she is dead. First Ruth turns to Social Security for Disability benefits. After tests, pokes and prods, doctors, nosy psychologists, and ill-furnished waiting rooms, the government declares Denise not eligible for benefits. Mad at the world and daring the government to arrest her so they will have to take care of her since they wouldn’t her daughter, Ruth takes up smoking pot in the backyard. A few joints in, Ruth begins to realize her anger is self-directed. She doubts every decision she has ever made in raising her daughter that doctors, in the 1950s, labeled “retarded.” Partially to coax her mother from the backyard and partially because Ruth will not speak of the past, Denise asks her mother to write down their history of which Denise has no memory. Trying to atone and explain how she could be so obtuse, Ruth agrees. Telling her story becomes an obsession for Ruth who sees the history as her only chance to leave a place for herself in the world since cancer is steadily eating away her physicality. While Ruth writes, Denise begins to pursue her own independence, despite the minor setbacks of a chopped off fingertip and chemo poisoning. She begins to make choices for herself and finally tells her mother pieces of her own truth: Denise stayed with her mother because she chose to, because she loved her mother more than any life she could make for herself. In claiming her own truth, Denise also chooses silence about the biggest secrets of all. Comfort of Fences explores the messy business of mothering. It is a story about the love between a devoted mother and her special daughter that exposes the irony that the people we love the most can also be the ones we underestimate the greatest.
About this author
Every life is a story and every perspective is a revelation. I've been telling stories and gleaning insights from everyday encounters all my life. I talk with the people in line with me at the grocery store and they reveal their hopes and fears. I visit with the insurance claim adjuster who just moved to Oregon and was flooded in her new house a week after moving. I read posts on Facebook and create sub-plots on how we each get to where we are in life. I believe we are all connected and my calling as a storyteller to to pick at the threads and re-weave them until that connectivity is obvious and worthy of a reader's emotional investment.
I live in Texas with my husband, two daughters, two dogs and two horses. I have a Clydesdale-sized hole in my heart as my sweet Connie crossed the Rainbow Bridge 3-3-13. I love people, sunsets, words, and philanthropy. I love hearing from my readers and welcome correspondence.
Blessings,
Stacy Overman Morrison
stacyovermanmorrison@gmail.com
stacyomorrison.com
5 Star ReviewI received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
A remarkable story of mother and daughter relationship that stretched over fifty-two years; written with sympathy and thoughtfulness as the author delved into the heart of the story and its characters; giving us a beautiful book to enjoy. But it’s also a story about friends that stayed with each other through thick and thin; a friendship that gave them the comfort of not being alone; giving direction in the most difficult of situations.
I really love the name of the book, it highlights the everyday minute things, making it real and how we find comfort within those fences we choose to live in.
Although written from two protagonists view points, we cannot leave the importance of Georgia and her relationship with both Ruth and Denise out. That would leave a huge gap in the story; her part was the anchor that kept them both afloat, and in her uncanny way with a few margaritas tossed in; she played a vital roll within this trio.
All three women were strong in their own right; with their own believes, had flaws as well (we women never said we are perfect J); but yet you see how they accommodate each other in their own special way; each person’s part important to the unique relationship; making room for each other so that each individual could shine in their own situation as they tried to help Ruth during the last leg of her life.Denise the caregiver; no task was to hard for her and her devotion to her mother could be seen throughout the book.
We are taken back and forth to the present and the past as Ruth told her story to her daughter, Denise in a novel form. Denise had questions and because of her slowness never asked the questions just hovering in her mind and Ruth felt compelled that part of her daughter’s independence was to enlighten her about her past. Denise grew up with challenges all of her own, or in Ruth’s words Denise was ‘retarded’ and because of this Ruth protected her fiercely which left Denise innocent and ignorant in many ways; although at the end this was not the case.
Ruth was dying of cancer and felt the need to tell her fifty-two year old daughter her story and how she came to life, the circumstances surrounding her birth that caused her to be ‘slow’. She also had to prepare her for her death and the ‘forced’ independence that would follow. For all her years Ruth protected Denise from the harsh realities of the world and the task to prepare her came almost too late.
When Ruth was faced with her own mortality she had to face her life, the mistakes she had made and equipping her daughter to be self sufficient in a very short amount of time.
Georgia played a huge roll within this and her character brought the balance so that mother and daughter could find peace in the final stages of their life together. Georgia’s witty character and straight forwardness gives us a good idea of the relationships and the affects it had on them.
It is a heart warming story filled with human emotions and conflicts, written with compassion as these characters came to life on the pages and the influence each had on the other. The choices they faced and the secrets they kept from each other. We learn more about Ruth and the steps that she had taken as she wrote the story and you had a better understanding of the time she lived in, her circumstances and the decisions she had made and you couldn’t help but find empathy for her and the situation she was in. Taken from her home at the age of eighteen, Ruth found herself all alone in a big man’s world with a sudden thrust of grown up choices she was not prepared for and in these choices she had to live with the results, knowing that she did the best.
We learned how mother and daughter’s relationship stayed strong and how they each made their own choices at the end, compromising and yielding to the love they shared. A wonderful story that will stir the heartstrings, knowing that we are here on this earth to do the best we can, to live with the consequences without judgment from anyone else.
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Promo Tour for Drake Restrained by S.E.Lund. Giveaway and Excerpt is now available for this Contemporary Erotic Book.
Book 0.5Drake Restrained
Drake Morgan, MD, Neurosurgeon, bass player, philanthropist – Dominant.
He doesn’t do girlfriends, he doesn’t do sleepovers, and he certainly doesn’t do breakfast in bed the morning after. He has his surgical slate at New York Presbyterian, he has a charitable foundation providing surgical tools to hospitals in Africa, he has his Brit Invasion cover band, Mersey, and he has his secret life as a Dominant in Manhattan’s BDSM community.
Into bondage, D/s and the occasional dungeon scene, Drake keeps every part of his life separate, the divisions between them neat and tidy. His weeks are filled with surgeries, music and D/s sex, and none of the well-planned and scheduled parts of his life intersect.
That is until Kate McDermott crosses his path and screws everything up.
Now, nothing is neat and tidy anymore, for Drake is smitten and things are going to get messy…
Drake Restrained is a novella in the Unrestrained Series, which explores the early days of the relationship between Drake and Kate from Drake’s point of view.
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I headed to the washroom before leaving, making a quick pit stop, and on the way out, bumped into the pretty brunette. She pushed the door open to the woman’s washroom and knocked into me. I had to grab her to keep her from falling, for she was wearing ridiculously high leather heels and hadn’t seemed to have mastered them.
“Whoa,” I said, and caught her by the arms, pulling her against my body.
“Steady…”
“Oh, so sorry,” she said and grabbed onto my shoulders. She glanced up shyly, her cheeks reddening. “I’m not really used to these.”
In that moment, I was struck by the warmth of her body, the scent from her hair, and the soft curve of her breasts pressed against my chest.
She was delicious.
I was probably half a foot taller than her even in her heels, and from my vantage point, I was able to peek down her dress and see the swell of her breasts pushed together by the tight bodice.
Now, I had admittedly had sex with a lot of women in my time. Before I was married, I played around a lot, trying to figure out what sex was all about and what I liked and needed. I was married for five years and had a lot of sex, especially in the first few years we were together. Since I divorced, I had quite a few submissives, both as regular play partners and one-offs I topped at dungeon parties.
I wasn’t an inexperienced teenager, but the way my body responded to her, you would have thought I hadn’t had sex for months instead of a week and a half.In that second or two I had her in my arms, I imagined her naked, her body pressed against mine, her lips on my skin.
God… She was lovely.
She smelled like shampoo and citrus. I wanted to bury my face in her groin and inhale deeply.
I finally pulled myself together enough to respond. “Trying to defy the laws of physics?” I said and smiled as I helped steady her. I glanced down at her shoes once more. “Nice shoes though. Love the leather straps…”
I would love to see her naked, my leather straps binding her body, looping around her tiny waist and over her hips, down between her thighs, splitting her labia…
“Thank you,” she said, straightening up with my help.
At that moment, I wished she were a submissive. She had creamy white skin, and looked to be of Celtic background with green eyes and long golden brown hair. Her shyness suggested she might incline towards submission, especially with someone older, but there was no way of knowing from such a momentary meeting. It was wishful thinking on my part.
She smiled briefly and then turned back to the bar as if she couldn’t wait to get away from me.
Despite my strong response to her, I knew she was right to do so for in that moment, I wanted her the way a wolf wants a doe, the need to possess her completely welling up inside of me more powerfully than it had in a long time.
Run away, little girl. You don’t belong with someone like me.
Book 0.5
Drake Restrained
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Book 1
The Agreement
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B & N
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Book 2The Commitment
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Book 3Unrestrained
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S. E. Lund lives with her family of humans and animals in a small city in Western Canada in an old house on a quiet tree-lined street. Besides writing erotic and contemporary romance, she writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense. In her other persona, she writes science fiction and fantasy, science fact, worked in policy analysis, advocates for climate action, plays piano and dreams of living in a warm climate by the ocean. When she was ten, she read Dracula and was warped forever.
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April 25, 2014
5 Star review for Where We Left Off, Virtual Book Tour with J. Alex Blane
Paperback: 290 pagesPublisher: J. Alex Blane; 1 edition (February 9, 2013)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1481160885ISBN-13: 978-1481160889
Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance/Suspense
About The Author
J. Alex Blane is an author whose debut Novel “Where We Left Off” was his first break in the literary world of fiction romantic suspense, but definitely not his last as he is currently working on both his second & third novels within the series. A Multi-Media developer by trade; “J. Alex Blane is a talented man whose creativity is exceptional!” – Katrina Coleman (Amazon).Since Alex could remember, it has always been his dream to write a novel. After nearly eight years of deciding to put a single ballpoint pen to a piece of paper he finally finished placing the last period at the end of the last sentence and introduced readers to Where We Left Off, a story that has evolved into something to this day he will say he never expected and in some cases transcending the definition of its genre.Alex currently resides in Bear, Delaware with his wife and his two children where they share a small home just right for him to sneak off into a little corner and write more of what he loves and where he is currently at work on his next novel. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Upsilon Chapter in Wilmington, Delaware, a father and a husband. Alex loves to tell a good story, but more than that he loves to make you feel as if you are right there as it’s happening.
About The Book Some memories you do your best to forget. Others you wish you simply had the opportunity to remember. Mason Everett found himself in the center of both, as he felt the warmth of an autumn sun graze his face through the tinted windows. A successful Real-estate developer, Mason had his picture perfect life. He was young, handsome, wealthy and single. No stranger to keeping relationships at-arms-length he tries to avoided them at all costs living tirelessly by one rule: Never again let anyone close enough to hurt you–Until he found himself falling for Sydney McCail, a young woman he met at his brother’s wedding. In the midst of a developing relationship Mason’s past begins to surface causing him to push Sydney away in fear of her finding out a secret he’d kept hidden for most of his life. In the wake of a tragic accident she finds what she thought she knew was only the beginning, and what happens from there leaves them both searching for answers to a single question in what turns out to be a startling outcome. Where We Left Off. Social Links: Email: jalexblane@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.jalexblane.comTwitter @JAlexBlaneFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorj.alexblane
Buy Links: Amazon ebook: / Amazon paperback: /
My 5 Star ReviewI was given this book for an honest review.In the beginning we are introduced to Mason and James and as you read along you find something amiss in the story with no idea where they fit into the story. Then all of a sudden, we are at a bachelor’s party where we meet Jackson, Mason’s eldest brother; it’s a very intense party where everything was allowed and to celebrate the groom’s last night of singleness.Mason was not very interested in the party as such, but was waiting for a phone call to slip away to a secret rendezvous with Erika. This is a very strange arrangement, but we will leave it there.On the wedding day Jackson asked Mason to give something to Reign just before the wedding started and while doing it Mason saw this amazing woman and made a point to see her later. He got to know her name and he learned that she wasn’t so easy to flatter and not willing to fall for his charm; he had to work at it, which was a first for him.Sydney was no one-night stand lady and this lady’s man found himself intrigued with her. Both of them had some issues and hurt to work through at the time. As they become closer to each other a lot of things happened and at some point Mason was blinded with unforgiveness; he jumped on his motorbike and ended up in an accident, which left him in a coma. What happened next will give this book a very good twist which makes this a beautiful love story at the end. You will have to read the book to find out more.This is really a good story with strong and believable characters; many times you could feel and share their heart ache as you get lost within the plot.At the end all the pieces fell together and you could understand the story.
Well done J Alex Blane
Tour Hosted by: WNL Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com
Author Tour Schedule: http://wnlbooktours.com/j-alex-blane/
