Janice G. Ross's Blog, page 8
June 9, 2014
Review: The Fifth Hour by Angie West
![clip_image002[2]](https://jgrwriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/clip_image0022.jpg)
Broken Dreams…
After receiving the bad news about their foundation, the Scotts’ decide it makes more sense to tear down and rebuild. It is then that the activity starts. Things that would challenge everything they believe in and test the family’s resolve in ways they hadn’t counted on.
Broken Promises…
Enter Chris and Ginger Malhaven of Atlanta, Georgia. Chris, a paranormal-fanatic-turned-renowned-investigator, and Ginger, a spitfire who’s determined to forget about the man who broke her heart i...
June 6, 2014
My Review: Slope of Love by Melissa Foster
~ The Remingtons ~ Romance
THE REMINGTONS are a 5-book contemporary romance series featuring alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction.
SLOPE OF LOVE
Book Four, The Remingtons
i Tunes , Smashwords , B&N
Olympic gold medalist skiers Jayla Stone and Rush Remington have been best friends for years. They’ve seen each other at their best and worst...
June 5, 2014
A Steamy Novella
FREE to Download from Amazon on June 5th & 6th.
Meet Nate…
He’s smooth. He’s attractive. He’s enticing.
Meet Leah…
She’s vulnerable. She’s weak. She’s Loving Nate.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Loving Nate is Leah’s story of falling in love with Mr. Perfect. Leah falls fast and hard, losing all sense of reasoning. Love can do that to a gal, especially when the guy is as smooth as Nathan Moore. Loving Nate is about Leah’s journey of falling in love, when she should have been standing in love.
⭐️⭐️Author’s Note⭐️⭐️
I’ve decided to provide two very different endings to this novella. Have you ever made a decision and wondered whether or not it was the right choice? Or perhaps you made the right choice because you knew that the alternative would’ve been disastrous? This is my gift to readers. Regardless of Leah’s final choice, I wanted readers to be able to reflect on the possibilities.
EXCERPT
From what I gather, the prize is unfairly hidden beneath a sunlit blue shirt. My mouth drops open. I inhale a natural aphrodisiac, an aroma of freshly picked mint. Seriously, who can resist? If I wasn’t curious before, oh I am right about now.
My mother always advised that when I meet a man, I should look at three places—his head, his feet and his teeth. A knot forms in my neck, as I slant to the side, making note of polished brown leather loafers. Next, I trace his slender outline upwards. His stature goes on for days. At his sides hang long, and I mean loooong mahogany fingers. These are not meant to be deal breakers as I consider Mom’s warning; but—but they are clearly the hands of a robust owner.
Oh my! I cup my lips as a moan escapes.
“Excuse me? Are you okay?” The effigy comes alive, commandeering my full attention to not only his words, but also his very existence.
Briefcase in one hand, he targets my shoulder with the other.
I instantly sacrifice all strength born from the feminist movement. It’s the kind of reaction you only read about. Shamefully, my knees buckle. You would think that I’ve never stood still in five-inch heels, or strut like Naomi Campbell for that matter.
“Miss?”
I’m forced to put an end to my inner ramblings and coax my eyes to the face behind the words. I nearly faint. What the heck happened to my confidence, my self-assurance, even my pride?
What makes matters worse? He sees this all. His brows furrow with worry, though his full lips curl up as if he’s flattered all the same.
“I’m sorry. Please, please forgive me,” I extend, before rushing off towards the elevator. Problem is, I don’t know where it is. So I’m walking in circles amongst a slew of workers who are too caught up in their morning flow. After turning several times, I pause to see Mr. Perfect grinning in my face. My chin is lifted several inches to accommodate his above average height. I’m only about 5’2” – 5’7” in a proper pair of heels, which I happen to be wearing. But this man still towers over me.
“You know, you really should slow down.” He’s teasing now. His voice is too jovial, yet deep—not too deep—but it has the type of depth you’d adore first thing in the morning. It’s the sound that any woman would love to hear utter “good morning, beautiful”, morning breath and all.
I am so shameless.
*****
Curious? Download your copy today from Amazon! It’s FREE on June 5th & 6th.
February 18, 2014
Now Available: Loving Nate
When I set out to write Loving Nate, I wasn’t entirely sure of the ending. The only thing that I was sure of was the fact that I wanted to show the effects of being lost in love. I dug deep, pulling on every bit of desire and ever ounce of need that I’d ever felt. I even took the emotions further by contemplation the very core of selflessly loving another.
From the minute that Leah Daniels literally ran into Nathan Moore, she started on a downward spiral into love. I say downward spiral because she loses all strength and self worth. He is everything she could’ve ever wanted, even when he doesn’t shine. Moreover, Leah readily excuses Nate’s flaws, even when it comes to sacrificing her value.
Many years ago, someone told me that I shouldn’t fall in love. This person’s advice was that I should stand in love. I have since passed on this knowledge to Leah, because she needed to learn this lesson before she gave into the charms of Nathan Moore.
Loving Nate is now available for purchase through:
Amazon
(http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Nate-Jan...)
&
Barnes & Noble
(http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lovin...)
Blurb
Loving Nate is Leah’s story of falling in love with Mr. Perfect. Leah falls fast and hard, losing all sense of reasoning. Love can do that to a gal, especially when the guy is as smooth as Nathan Moore. Loving Nate is about Leah’s journey of falling in love, when she should have been standing in love.
⭐️⭐️Author’s Note⭐️⭐️
I’ve decided to provide two very different endings to this novella. Have you ever made a decision and wondered whether or not it was the right choice? Or perhaps you made the right choice because you knew that the alternative would’ve been disastrous? This is my gift to readers. Regardless of Leah’s final choice, I wanted readers to be able to reflect on the possibilities.
February 9, 2014
Free Download, Read & Review (Limited Time Offer)
"Jumping Ship" is currently available as a free download through Story Cartel, until the end of February. Once you read & review (within the given time period), you will be entered in a drawing for 1 of 3 Amazon Gift Cards. This is a perfect opportunity to begin the journey, before the release of the next book in the series - Island Hopping: Trinidad & Tobago.
Here's the link:
http://storycartel.com/books/815/jump...
The year was nineteen seventy-five. Barren couple, Pearl and Edward Riley stumbled upon a newborn baby girl. Her cries could only be heard by a true mother, which Pearl immediately became. Bundled up with their new child, they discovered a parcel of artifacts and a scribbled note that read: Sakkara. Pregnant seamstress, Petrina Dugal, became a runaway at the age of twenty-six. She ran away from a brutish husband, Roger, and a well-loved South American home in Georgetown, Guyana; at the heart of her rebellion – an enigmatic lover named Michael Chen. Pet and Mikey, as they became affectionately known, allowed love to blossom in front of her police officer husband and an intrusive community. Were they not aware of the dangers? Or did the pursuit of love trump obligations?
Sakkara Riley grew up with two loving parents – adoptive parents to be exact. She never knew the circumstances surrounding her discovery, until the age of sixteen. She embarks on a journey.
December 3, 2013
Read/Review & Gift Card Opportunity
The first book of the Damaged Girls Series is available for free downloads. Multiple formats are available. For a limited time, it is listed through Story Cartel. All reviewers need to do is download and review by December 28th, and they will be entered in a drawing for 1 or 3 Amazon Gift Cards.
How about it? If you're interested, just follow the link below...
http://storycartel.com/books/478/dama...
How about it? If you're interested, just follow the link below...
http://storycartel.com/books/478/dama...
November 18, 2013
Island Hopping: Plotting a series
When I set out to write about the Caribbean, I never dreamt that I would be embarking on such a major project. I initially wanted to showcase a single novel about traveling through various islands and, in the process, experiencing Carnival. My research work was fantastic! I even had the idea of presenting it in 1st-person point of view. This idea…this project has developed into something greater than I’ve ever imagined possible.
The Island Hopping Series will reflect on 7 different locations: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and Guyana. Since there was so much that I initially wanted to cover, I realized there was no possible way to do justice to each location by cramming them all into a single book. The Island Hopping Series tells the story of Sakkara Riley, an adopted child, as she goes on a journey through the Caribbean. When her adopted parents, Edward and Pearl Riley, find her abandoned parcel in an alleyway there is so much more than an infant child to bargain with. There are various clues and artifacts included to assist Sakkara, if she ever decided to locate her real family.
In an attempt to introduce the Island Hopping Series, I’ve constructed a pre-release novella – Jumping Ship. This introductory work presents the underlying storyline; giving only what is needed to begin the journey. I thought this was a fascinating idea to structure the series in such a manner. If the background story could potentially hinder the overall storyline or further complicate the direction of the series, certain choices needed to be made. And rather than provide an extensive prologue, I had to present pertinent information aside from the main books.
The series itself chronicles Sakkara’s endeavor to connect with her family, but I needed to show why – what specifically got her to this stage of the game. Jumping Ship is broken down into three different sections. After plotting out what I needed to occur in the series, I made a list of events that had to take place before the journey could commence. At the end of each of the three section, there is a new beginning for the characters. Here are some key points:
Edward & Pearl’s discovery of baby Sakkara – this section is truly a backstory. The older couple was facing a difficult time, in coming to terms with their lack of a child. Readers are offered a brief oversight on their pace and demeanor, when suddenly the gloom that once surrounded them change in an instant. Something that they’ve wanted all along is presented to them and life becomes worth living once more.
Petrina(Pet) & Michael(Mikey) – the backstory between Sakkara’s parents is the very basis for her existence. Pet’s desires, wants, need and vulnerabilities are provided is this portion. I had to be very selective in the information that I shared because this couple’s story is a mystery that will allow their daughter to piece together what really occurred.
A grown-up Sakkara embarking on this journey leads readers right into the Island Hopping series. She’s received sufficient details that will direct her towards her ultimate goal. This section set the stage for the choice of islands and provided a sample of what to expect as Sakkara travels in search of her heritage.
When plotting a series, there has to be a method to the madness. In the case of the Island Hopping series, the mystery of Petrina and Micheal’s disappearance is significant because although readers know a little bit more than Sakkara, no one knows what exactly happened between the time that the couple left Guyana and arrived in New York. Additional questions to consider: Where did the artifacts come from? What is the connection with each of the countries? What is Michael’s story? Plotting out a series can be a fascinating thing, especially when you are able to intertwine factual events and settings with fiction. I’ve been able to showcase an intriguing region into a storyline that promises mystery, romance and rich culture.
Originally posted on my blog: jgrwriter.wordpress.com
The Island Hopping Series will reflect on 7 different locations: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and Guyana. Since there was so much that I initially wanted to cover, I realized there was no possible way to do justice to each location by cramming them all into a single book. The Island Hopping Series tells the story of Sakkara Riley, an adopted child, as she goes on a journey through the Caribbean. When her adopted parents, Edward and Pearl Riley, find her abandoned parcel in an alleyway there is so much more than an infant child to bargain with. There are various clues and artifacts included to assist Sakkara, if she ever decided to locate her real family.
In an attempt to introduce the Island Hopping Series, I’ve constructed a pre-release novella – Jumping Ship. This introductory work presents the underlying storyline; giving only what is needed to begin the journey. I thought this was a fascinating idea to structure the series in such a manner. If the background story could potentially hinder the overall storyline or further complicate the direction of the series, certain choices needed to be made. And rather than provide an extensive prologue, I had to present pertinent information aside from the main books.
The series itself chronicles Sakkara’s endeavor to connect with her family, but I needed to show why – what specifically got her to this stage of the game. Jumping Ship is broken down into three different sections. After plotting out what I needed to occur in the series, I made a list of events that had to take place before the journey could commence. At the end of each of the three section, there is a new beginning for the characters. Here are some key points:
Edward & Pearl’s discovery of baby Sakkara – this section is truly a backstory. The older couple was facing a difficult time, in coming to terms with their lack of a child. Readers are offered a brief oversight on their pace and demeanor, when suddenly the gloom that once surrounded them change in an instant. Something that they’ve wanted all along is presented to them and life becomes worth living once more.
Petrina(Pet) & Michael(Mikey) – the backstory between Sakkara’s parents is the very basis for her existence. Pet’s desires, wants, need and vulnerabilities are provided is this portion. I had to be very selective in the information that I shared because this couple’s story is a mystery that will allow their daughter to piece together what really occurred.
A grown-up Sakkara embarking on this journey leads readers right into the Island Hopping series. She’s received sufficient details that will direct her towards her ultimate goal. This section set the stage for the choice of islands and provided a sample of what to expect as Sakkara travels in search of her heritage.
When plotting a series, there has to be a method to the madness. In the case of the Island Hopping series, the mystery of Petrina and Micheal’s disappearance is significant because although readers know a little bit more than Sakkara, no one knows what exactly happened between the time that the couple left Guyana and arrived in New York. Additional questions to consider: Where did the artifacts come from? What is the connection with each of the countries? What is Michael’s story? Plotting out a series can be a fascinating thing, especially when you are able to intertwine factual events and settings with fiction. I’ve been able to showcase an intriguing region into a storyline that promises mystery, romance and rich culture.
Originally posted on my blog: jgrwriter.wordpress.com
October 31, 2013
Jumping Ship
Jumping Ship is available for FREE this weekend - Nov 1st - 3rd!
US: http://amzn.to/1cpO7MU
UK: http://amzn.to/1gaK6wd
Canada: http://amzn.to/1aXL9bH
US: http://amzn.to/1cpO7MU
UK: http://amzn.to/1gaK6wd
Canada: http://amzn.to/1aXL9bH
October 25, 2013
Falling in love in the Caribbean
Everyone knows a thing or two about falling in love. Perhaps it’s the fluttering of one’s heart, sweating of the palms, and all sorts of unexpected feelings that cannot be put into words. So how is a writer suppose to express love in mere words? How are we to make a reader fall in love with a character or even a setting/location? In order to pass on the love we describe, there has to be some level of passion deep within a writer’s soul.
I began working on the Island Hopping Series quite some time ago. I thought about it and considered why I wanted to venture into the Caribbean. So, for several reasons, I am finally able to move ahead. As many might know, I was born in Guyana, South America. Although my country of birth is not physically located in the Caribbean, we are considered to be a Caribbean country. This region is so fascinating to me, and not simply because I was born there. It is quite difficult to not become drawn into all that is offered.
It was the most natural thing for me to decide to write a romance novel, based on my Guyana and several islands of the Caribbean. The Island Hopping series opens up with an introductory novella titled Jumping Ship. In this short and powerful intro, readers learn about a young girl, Sakkara Riley, that was seemingly abandoned as a infant. She was discovered by a childless coupled, Edward and Pearl Riley. Beyond those realizations, readers learn so much more about her parents – how they came to be and how they fell in love. Love is not what one is told, love is displayed and felt. It was important to me to make readers understand Sakkara’s real parents, Michael Chen and Petrina Dugal. I took great efforts at envisioning what my perfect idea of this complex emotion should entail, relying on the senses to make it clear that love was at the heart of their togetherness.
As I previously mentioned, Jumping Ship was just the beginning. Beyond the novella, there are seven more books to be added to the Island Hopping series: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and Guyana. In each release, readers will learn a little more about what might’ve happened to Sakkara’s parents. And through the pages of each book, the young woman will learn about her rich Caribbean heritage that includes a highly diversified background, tales of heartbreak, and generational issues. And since we are talking about this beautiful area, it only makes sense that twenty-something year old Sakkara experience a love of her own. Island Hopping: Trinidad & Tobago is set to be released on February 14, 2014.
If you haven’t yet experienced the Island Hopping series, then you can check out Jumping Ship through Amazon.
Jumping Ship
Current reviews include:
Goodreads
16 – 5 Star ratings
Amazon
12 – 5 Star ratings
1 – 4 Star rating
July 7, 2013
Upcoming Release: Jumping Ship
Jumping Ship – A pre-release novella
Synopsis
The year was nineteen seventy-five. Pregnant seamstress, Petrina Dugal, became a runaway at the age of twenty-six. She ran away from a brutish husband Roger and a well-loved South American home in Georgetown, Guyana; at the heart of her rebellion - an enigmatic lover named Michael Chen. Pet and Mikey, as they became affectionately known, allowed love to blossom in front of her police officer husband and an intrusive community. Were they not aware of the dangers? Or did the pursuit of love trump obligations?
Pet and Mikey’s journey to their new life took them through a multitude of the Caribbean’s treasure trove of islands – Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Lucia. More than a month later their voyage landed them at JFK airport, in New York USA. And they disappear, as though their existence was a myth. During this time, barren couple, Pearl and Edward Bailey stumbled upon a newborn baby girl. Her cries could only be heard by a true mother, which Pearl immediately became. Bundled up with their new child, they discovered a parcel of artifacts and a scribbled note that read: Sakkara.
Sakkara Riley grew up with two loving parents – adoptive parents to be exact. She never knew the circumstances surrounding her discovery, until the age of sixteen. The personal artifacts that were handed over had haunted her from that point on. After eight more years, including much research and probing, she was given the opportunity to begin her journey of self-discovery.
“Jumping Ship” provides the introduction to Sakkara’s attempts to commune with her true heritage.
*****
This is a pre-release novella to the Island Hopping series - due out in 2014.
Synopsis
The year was nineteen seventy-five. Pregnant seamstress, Petrina Dugal, became a runaway at the age of twenty-six. She ran away from a brutish husband Roger and a well-loved South American home in Georgetown, Guyana; at the heart of her rebellion - an enigmatic lover named Michael Chen. Pet and Mikey, as they became affectionately known, allowed love to blossom in front of her police officer husband and an intrusive community. Were they not aware of the dangers? Or did the pursuit of love trump obligations?
Pet and Mikey’s journey to their new life took them through a multitude of the Caribbean’s treasure trove of islands – Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Lucia. More than a month later their voyage landed them at JFK airport, in New York USA. And they disappear, as though their existence was a myth. During this time, barren couple, Pearl and Edward Bailey stumbled upon a newborn baby girl. Her cries could only be heard by a true mother, which Pearl immediately became. Bundled up with their new child, they discovered a parcel of artifacts and a scribbled note that read: Sakkara.
Sakkara Riley grew up with two loving parents – adoptive parents to be exact. She never knew the circumstances surrounding her discovery, until the age of sixteen. The personal artifacts that were handed over had haunted her from that point on. After eight more years, including much research and probing, she was given the opportunity to begin her journey of self-discovery.
“Jumping Ship” provides the introduction to Sakkara’s attempts to commune with her true heritage.
*****
This is a pre-release novella to the Island Hopping series - due out in 2014.
