Robyn Jones's Blog, page 11

Rock Chick Time! Duel Review of Rock Chick Redemption with Brandee Bookworm!

5 STARS!! My love for all things Rock Chick began with a simple Superbowl wager bookgirl-style. The Seahawks won and I won a book that takes place in Colorado. Yay! I fell in love with Indy's story in the first Rock Chick. Jet was all kinds of nutty and sweet in Rock Chick Rescue, but I've been waiting for the girl I can relate to and the guy I can't stop thinking about and that book is Rock Chick Redemption! I'm nutty for Roxie. She's a fiery hot mess. She dresses to the nines (I do not relate to that particular trait). In the face of fear she raises her chin. And she makes the worst plans ever. But Hank, oh my goodness, Hank stole my heart! He's dreamy and bossy in the best way. He's smart and loyal and hot. And from the moment he sees Roxie he has to have her. Good stuff! Brandee Bookworm and I are continuing our tradition of fangirling over the book as we read it. Here are our chats!

(rob) First off, are we setting daily reading limits? It's way past my bedtime and I've been mostly good with going to sleep early-ish. But all I want to do is stay up and read the whole damn book! I love it.
The vibe is different, maybe because I do actually get Roxie more than Jet or Indie, except for the high maintenance girly stuff. I just love her, and Hank is my kind of Alpha. Oh man, my favorite so far. I love Tex! I'm curious about Eddie's instant reaction to Roxie. Was it just because of her appearance, or did she give off some girlfriend of a criminal vibe? And Vance, if this story didn't rock so much I'd be demanding his story right now! But I can wait.
I bet you love that Daisy made an appearance early on. How about that speed walking (or running?) to the burger joint? Ha! That's my kind of hangover remedy. Have you been to any of the places they mentioned? I've been on the light rail...hehe. Yes I have.
Look at how late it is, but I'm stopping. I have to. I didn't even do any work. None! Kristen Ashley, look at what you have done! (that's a Will quote)
(Brandee) Oh shit! If we're doing daily limits, I'm screwed. I can't put this book down! I've been diligently trying to take notes so I'd know what I wanted to talk about though. :) Does that count?!? How far are you? I'm at 56% and I was about to go outside to read more. ;)
Yes, the vibe is totally different. And I KNEW there was some of you in Roxie. I love her too, I gotta say. Of course, i don't get the girly stuff either, but I still love her. I think she's more sure of herself and wants to do right by everyone. And Hank...yeah, he's my favorite so far too. (go ahead, call me a slut! ;) I think I like Hank's brand of Alpha because he's such a gentleman...he says 'please' when he's commanding something. *ha*
I'm enjoying all the Springsteen references too. I like that this book has more music in it - I liked that about #1 as well. What did you think about "She's the One"?
Daisy - I adore this chick!! That she's ingratiated herself into 'the clan' is just fantastic! Yes, I loved the power-walk to the burger joint. That was hysterical even if it did defeat the purpose of a power-walk. And the outfit she wore for the Haunted House/maze??? Omigosh!
Tex being such a prominent figure in this books adds so much! He's such a hoot! And a total softie inside that Paul Bunyan body of his. ;)
OH, I had written a note about Eddie's initial reaction to Roxie too. I don't know what was up with that. Maybe it'll be explained...but maybe it was just a 'shit, she's trouble' vibe he felt.
I'd also made note of Vance's interactions with Roxie and what you thought of them...personally, I think he was kinda screwing with Hank but yeah, I hope he gets a book! AND we finally meet Luke! Andrea (The Bookish Babe) says he's her fav. 
What did you think of the conversation between Malcolm and Roxie at the police station?? I think I love Hank's dad!! 
AND I love Shamus!! I love that Hank has a dog and the he obviously adores Roxie just as much as Hank does. I think this may be another reason Hank is my fav - there's just something about a man who owns an animal and takes such good care of it.
I want your opinion of that lightning strike when Hank and Roxie first see each other, Ms. Love-at-First-Sight. It kinda rocked! ;)
The visit to the Haunted House/Corn Maze (yeah, I lived in Thornton for the first 13 years here) was hysterical...well, except for the whole Billy situation...that stun guns and body guards are standard issue on a night out with these girls is too funny!!
SO, I know I still don't know all the guys really well, but Hank is my fav so far. See, I made a choice. Although I reserve the right to change my mind. We sluts are allowed that right! *ha*
(rob) You know my opinion of the lightning strike between Hank and Roxie. I so believe in it. There is this sweeping rush through your whole body. that goes way beyond plain attraction because that's what fun crushes are for. Love at first sight is all about sudden courage, insanity, and freaking hormones! I love that Hank likes all of Roxie, her stubborn uppity side, her high maintenance side, her warm sweet side. He's just so in to her and she's crazy about him. Okay, I'm totally nutty for Hank. I love him like I love Adam from Mercy Thompson's world. He'd be a great werewolf. I can see these guys all furry and fangy, Can't you? 

I love Roxie's reaction to the secretary! I was waiting for it and I wasn't disappointed. I want to meet her just so I can mutter bitch under my breath like the rest of the Rock Chicks. 
You're so right about the music! I love the music references. I missed that in Jet's book. The sports talk is pretty cool too. And it really got me that they both see the other in a song.
What do you think about Roxie's mental battle with herself? Jet was all about thinking she was too dull to hold Eddie's interest, which was hard for me to understand. He liked her, so she wasn't boring for him. But Roxie's has this undeserving dirty girl bit going on and I just want to hug her. That's the downside to love at first sight. You make big calls for your life based on pure romanticism. Sometimes the guy is total shit like Billy.
Oh, oh, I love Hank's dad too! Jet's book was heavy on the moms, but this book is heavy on the guys from the hotties to Tex. What did you think of the Diablo playing? Did you remember that Anna and Cody from my books played Diablo II? I think Kristen Ashley is a gamer.
I'm addicted too! I put the book down at midnight and somehow I had my Kindle in my hand at 2am wide awake and wanting more!
(Brandee) *sigh* Yeah, I so believe in that lightning strike too. And that one between Hank & Roxie was a doozy! ;) It's fabulous that he loves every single thing that makes her Roxie. And he so totally does. Especially the stubborn part since that leads to the convincing. ;)
Yep, I'm a total Hank fangirl! I still reserve the right to change my mind but he's my favorite from the Hot Boy Brigade. :) And yes, he would make a great werewolf ALPHA! Each of them would be great having fur or fangs. Truly!
Roxie's reaction to Dawn was hysterical. I was laughing out loud. That girl is one class A bitch! To give Roxie a once over and then smirk! Whatever!
Roxie's mental battle had me shedding a tear or two - definitely wanted to hug her. I think the saying "you can't help who you fall in love with" applies here. And she couldn't help that she opened her heart to the wrong guy. BUT she 'started living' the day she met Hank. ;)
This book really does have a different feel to it - I still can't quite put my finger on it. But it's really my favorite so far. Maybe it's because of the focus on the guys - all the dads getting their two-cents in. Even Marcus showing his 'good' side. Do you think that's it?
Oh Diablo...that cracked me up. "better known as losing 5 hours of my life" or something like that. I knew the game sounded familiar but of course, I couldn't remember where I'd heard of it until you asked. YES! I totally remember Anna and Cody playing it. :) Oh, and Brody really makes me giggle...he soooo doesn't belong with the Hot Boys. *ha*
(rob) I just read the chapter heading, Denver Men are Men. hahaha That's what I think too! Not that I've sampled Denver men. I've spectated. I laughed so hard at the huanted house corn field place. Oh my goodness, to pair Indy and Roxie together. It was so funny. I want to read it again.
(Brandee) Yep, Denver Men are Men! I laughed over that one. I really dig the chapter headings in these books...I don't always pay attention to chapter headings in books, but these ROCK...naturally! The corn maze was awesome. I could just see Indy and Roxie running and bumping into things and screaming their heads off. It was the modified brawl. *haha*
(rob) I finished it! 

I think this is my favorite one even though the first book is also my favorite. I love Roxie's mix of attitude and kindness. I'm not sure about all this gray they talk about in the book, good people doing bad things. What do you think about this? I love Daisy and appreciate Marcus and the rest of the lovable bad guys, but drug runners and possible murderers are mixing with cops and cop girlfriends. Do you think that story line is going to get serious?
What about Luke? So far he's my favorite unexplored side character. I want him bad. hehe. I'm happy to jump into the land of Vance though. Who was the standout side character for you? Kristen Ashley really knows how to create characters. And she knows how to make me laugh. My favorite funny scene had to be the haunted house/cornfield.  
I really rooted for Hank and Roxie, even more than Lee and Indy and Jet and Eddie. What did you love most?
(Brandee) I was hoping you'd finish today! I finished too! How could I not... I couldn't put it down! Seriously, I didn't want to take the kids to school. *ha* This is totally my favorite even though they're all my favorites. *ha*  Roxie is one awesome chick! Hank was right on when he told Roxie she knew Indy because they're so much alike. And they are - but then different. I like the gray story line because I believe there are people who see the world in black and white - right and wrong. And there are sooo totally shades of gray. Good people do sometimes make bad decisions...doesn't make them bad people. Just human. Roxie, I'm not so sure she's gray. I don't think Daisy is either. Now Marcus...he's gray, right? He's a good, kind and caring person when it comes to Daisy. He was even kind towards Roxie. Yes he does do bad things...but does that make him ALL bad? I don't know. See? Gray. *haha* I'm intrigued to see where all this goes.
Yeah, Luke is definitely swoon-worthy. I can't wait for his story. What kind of girl is going to tame this man of so few words? I love that Roxie hugged him. Honestly, I'd say I'd be hugging them all but then again, I'd probably just stand, stare and blush like mad! I don't know who the ONE standout is for me...I loved Luke. I enjoyed Vance screwing with Hank. I adore Daisy. Annette was pretty dang funny too. Tex was magnificent. Malcolm stole his one major scene. And Roxie's parents sent me into fits of laughter. 
I think my favorite scene is the one in the castle...you know the one. It was tense but had moments of humor and swoon - if I can say that Roxie's words were swoon-worthy?? I really, really rooted for Roxie and Hank too. Maybe it was that lightning strike. ;) 
So I think I figured out why I like Hank's brand of Alpha so much - he's a sweet-talking Alpha. He's telling Roxie what to do in such a way it doesn't seem like he's being bossy - well, sometimes.
(rob) Sweet-talking, yeah. Here's why I like Hank's brand of Alpha, he's a giver. hahahehehoho.

If this book were a movie, I wouldn't be able to stay in my seat in the castle scene.

I don't know if Marcus is gray. Eddie doesn't think so, right? Hank sees his world differently after falling for Roxie. Darius would say there wasn't a gray thing about his life since he took over for his criminal father. It's all a mess! 
Roxie's parents! Crazy town for sure. They are just like Tex. Annette is hilarious. I love that she wants to be a stripper and will let Daisy do her hair. 
(Brandee) Yeah, he's a giver alright...hehe He does a lot of giving in his convincing. ;)
So you think Roxie changed Hank's world view? Hmm...maybe. I think Darius muddies the waters. Oh, and Lee too. Both Eddie and Hank know Lee doesn't always play by the rules and they use his 'skills' when they need them...
You know you said that I probably had lots of Eddie quotes when we were reading RCR...Hank blew him away! Completely...the things that come out of Hank's mouth make me melt and my toes curl. Seriously! *sigh*

Think Out Loud [50] It's not all cutesy voices and mom smiles

Years ago Will got the stomach flu. It should have been a miserable few days and then all done. The next week he caught another stomach virus. Then his brain hijacked the rest of him and panic took the form of getting sick. I remember hugging him and triggering two days of throwing up. He lost twenty pounds in a couple months. Finally, I was out of ideas and so upset I stood in front of him and his autism and commanded he stop it. "Take a breath. Stop now!" It was harsh when all I wanted to do was hug him. And it stopped him. The only thing that broke through what became rote behavior was my command and I hated it. That's what motherhood is sometimes, making the hard calls, going against our need for comfort, and sometimes being an asshole. I'm going through something similar with John right now. I want to be one of those unicorn moms (you know totally make believe) and speak in a Kindergarten teacher voice, maybe even rhyme. But then I go through the hard mom routine to keep John from having further complications and he looks up at me and says, "You're the best mom." Shit.So Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, aunties, sisters, grandmas, mothering types, awesome girlfriends who let your friends with kids have an escape from mom-insanity. We're in it together.

When Life's Kicking Your Butt How About a Theme Song [5] Movie Soundtracks!!

Theme song time! I've been leaning on music a lot since I started the theme song posts. A song will come up on the radio that one of you awesome people chose and I'll grin, attempt to sing along, and grin some more. That's good stuff! Since I'm a total movie girl, you have to know, I'm a nut for soundtracks! If you can't pick just one song, I'm with you. I feel your pain...

Oh my gosh, I seriously can't choose. So I'll go back in time and pick one of my all time favorites. It's swoon-worthy. It makes me smile and sing along in pure dramatic fashion. Yeah, I'm going with You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling by the Righteous Brothers from Top Gun. That's right. I'm a Top Gun girl. I freaking love that movie. Goose, man. Still breaks my heart! So swoon, sing, shout. Let's play this month of May.My mom chose Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen from Philadelphia. Oh that movie. It's heavy and wonderful and epic. This song reaches inside and always makes me feel big. That's a good thing.
I'm waiting on my sister's pick, but when inspiration strikes, I'll add it.
Oh, here is April's silliness Youtube playlist LINK.And May's soundtrack Youtube playlist LINK.

Sidekick Showcase [50] Oh Mother

Sidekick Showcase, previously known as Sidekick Saturday, is a weekly bookish meme, hosted here by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! I will post my Sidekicks on Saturday, then whichever day during the week that you would like to post yours, you can put your link in on my page. Just do the following:
• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fit's in the week's topic• Share a picture (if you can) and information about the character• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
The month of May is all about mother figures...naturally. I have several in mind, but one stood out right away, Mercy Thompson's mom, Margie. One day when Mercy was a tiny little thing she turned into a coyote. And just like that turned back into her human body. What's a young single mom to do? Well, Margie hunted down the Alpha of all Alphas, Bran to teach and care for Mercy. I imagine there are few things harder than to accept you are not what is best for your child. Despite the strained mother/daughter bond, Margie remained a part of Mercy's life. It is almost always comical when the two interact, mostly because Margie is a girly-girl. Mercy is so very not. If I were casting Margie I'd go with Patricia Arquette, 5 foot nothing, usually blond, can switch from ditsy vixen to mama bear in a heartbeat. Plus, she was only 17 when she had our favorite coyote slash VW mechanic.
[image error] "I heard the distinctive clack of a bullet chambering, and a quick glance showed me my mother with a wicked-looking Glock out and pointed at Stephan. It was pink and black-trust my mom to have a Barbie gun-cute but deadly." Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs















I'll have my Theme Song post up soon. This month will be all about soundtrack songs! Go crazy people. Also coming this week is a sign up for the Soul Twister, Anna 3 blog tour coming in July. I'll be sending out ARCs at the end of May. Anyone interested in starting the series is so very welcome. I will be happy to send the first two over! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

(By The Heart Truth [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

Duel Review with Bookworm Brandee! We can't get enough Rock Chick Rescue!

4 STARS!! I'm having the best time reading Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick series! Sure it's hilarious and full of girls making dangerous calls about bad guys, hot guys, and motorcycle guys, but also I'm buddy reading the books with Bookworm Brandee. You all know her, love her, one-click after reading her reviews. I'm sharing our chat about Jet and Eddie's story in Rock Chick Rescue. Jet is always there to help, especially when it comes to her mom, but she's worn herself out with her one-woman Miss Fix It way of life. Eddie is a cop who has his own rule book. He has shady friends, a domineering personality, and smoking hot everything else. Jet likes Eddie. Eddie is still hung up on the girl of his dreams who fell in love with someone else. But then he notices Jet. What does she do when the guy she trips over starts flirting with her? Oh, I'm not going to spoil it other than to so say I've never wanted to hop into a story and clear up a misunderstanding more. Since this is Kristen Ashley, you can believe there's action, hot guys, a bar fight, and maybe some girl brawling. It's so good. Here's my chat with Brandee!

(Brandee)I have to say I identify more with Jet (than Indy) because of her insecurities and her responsibilities - taking care of all the people in her life. Not saying I'd jump a knife-wielding baddie though! ;)Omigosh, I almost died when Jet said what she said to Eddie and he got the wrong idea...I was laughing hysterically! I'm liking watching him wear her down. 
And what is with these girls running from HOT guys?!?I really do miss Indy's antics, although Jet can't seem to buy a break...unless you count Eddie. *swoon* Jet's level of crazy just doesn't match Indy's...and Indy's bar brawls are more fun! *ha*I love the silent teasing going on between Lee and Eddie...paybacks are hell, right??I was really missing Indy and Tex so I was so glad when they got more involved in Jet's affairs. Especially Tex - god I love the guy! He's taken a shine to "Loopy Loo" but is it just because things had gotten boring?!?I have to say I'm enjoying the meddling moms...my mom is NOT like this and I don't know that I'd enjoy it, but I like that Jet's and Eddie's moms are in the mix.

(Robyn)I loved Lee's teasing because things felt tense between them with Eddie's unrequited love for Indy. One of my favorite parts of the story is Eddie getting the chance to feel what he feels and not keep it secret. I made some kind of mortified squeal when Jet said what she said to Eddie. And then I wanted her to fix it fast, but I liked how it was resolved because Mr. Smart Cop read her all wrong and jumped to conclusions and did he apologize for thinking the worst? No! He probably thought the gift of his attention was consolation enough. The man is not short on ego, which makes his vulnerability where Jet is concerned so awesome. What do you think of Kristen Ashley's brand of Alpha male? There's a lot of "you're mine to protect." Even more bossing around. Jet seems to like Eddie's way of communicating, you know shoving her against the SUV, against the wall, against whatever. I think I would be slapping his hands away and showing him my death glare. It's scary.
Oh, and what is up with these girls running away from hot guys?! I've only run away from one hot guy. He's a character in a story I'm working on because wow.

Ooh, me too! And I loved what Eddie said to Jet about his feelings for Indy and how they changed...*swoon* I also find it hilarious that he's having to spell out their relationship not only to everyone on the 'street' but also to her!! And his vulnerability where Jet's concerned makes him even more swoonworthy. That scene where she's on the motorcycle with Vance? And Eddie sees? I believe that was an 'oh shit' moment for me...right before I started laughing!It's funny you asked about my feelings on Ashley's alphas...I was just thinking about it yesterday...probably while reading about Eddie pushing Jet up against his truck or a wall or... I LOVE it! I'm not sure I'd take too kindly to having it done to me but then again, maybe I would. At any rate, I think I like it for Jet because she's always taking care of everyone else. And I get that she's stubborn and independent and all, but deep down, I think Eddie's wanting to take care of HER (in every way) is the clincher for her. She won't admit it - may not even realize it yet, but yeah...
The only really, really hot guy I've encountered (outside my head) was while working at B&N. Oh, I'll have to share that story...I'll tell you this much, I blushed and blushed and blushed some more. *ha* I'm blushing just thinking about it. Sooo silly!!YAY for bar brawl!! I just KNEW Indy would have to get a bar brawl in! *ha* I laughed over all the tussling going on and Jet calmly takes her stun gun out of her purse.... I was having trouble containing my laughter last night so as not to wake up James!And THEN we get the sister brawl! With Lee's boys watching no less...can't you just imagine it?!? They were probably wishing for mud...or jello or something.What do you think of Daisy?? And what do you think of Jet's Mom and Tex????? Want some Hooch? *ha*And how scary is Vince Fratelli? He kinda makes my skin crawl. I'm going to enjoy him getting his!


Oh my gosh, Brandee, I've smiled so much over the beautiful man who made you blush blush blush!Oh man, the scene with Vance on the bike! I think that was one of my favorites. Jet is an amazing character. I'm not sure we've hit the Rock Chick I most relate to yet. Jet is so sweet and kind. Indy is way out of control. I love the bar fights, every single one of them!! And the sister brawl on the floor rocked. They behaved so terribly. Nice, sweet Jet got in a hands-on fight with her baby sister in front of hot, drooling men. I loved it! Oh, the whole smitten Tex bit, AWESOME! 
You're so spot on about the alphas and Eddie being just the right kind for Jet. One of the best things about the Rock Chick series for me has to be the girl power/integrity. It's so pro-female from the moms to the strippers. Since the books take place in your backyard practically, does that bring the story to life in a more real way, like you expect to see crazy Indy and her odd assortment of weirdos and Alphas traipsing around Denver?I will say Vince Fratelli freaked me out. Wait, which one was Daisy? Jet's sister or the former stripper? I'm sorry I can't remember. I absolutely loved the former stripper. I'd be her friend for sure.


So far, Jet is definitely the Rock Chick I identify with the most. I would love to live life with the gusto Indy does, but I'm just not that. I CANNOT choose a favorite Rock Chick Alpha though...don't ask me to. Please! :) YES - I love the girl power in Rock Chick! They do sometimes get themselves into situations that their men help get them out of, but I have no doubt they could do it themselves...eventually. ;) I love, love the fact that the books are set here. It does make for a more visceral experience, knowing the places being described. And I'm pretty sure I've seen Duke and Dixie down at the Little Bear! ;) Maybe I'll have to cruise Indy's neighborhood and see who I can see. *ha*
Vince Fratelli definitely gave me the creeps. I was not sad at all with the punishment he got. Daisy is the former stripper! And she's awesome!! I love her momma-bear tendencies and that she wants to take care of her 'girls'. And how she cuts off Marcus' 'water' to get what she wants. *ha*And can you believe Mace?? Can't wait for his story. And Hank! What was up with that?!? Yep, I'm definitely anxious to read Rock Chick Redemption!Final thoughts: again, although I'd like to be Indy, I definitely see more of myself in Jet - with the exception of having attention from hot guys, of course! ;) I enjoyed so much watching Jet blossom into the girl she's meant to be...with a little help from everyone. And Eddie...it was kinda funny that he got to be open with his feelings about Jet and things just didn't go according to plan. But he's stubborn enough to stick it out. Honestly, I know we've gotten better acquainted with Lee and Eddie, but I really can't choose between ANY of these guys! So although I get Jet best, so far, I haven't met a Rock Alpha I'd turn down! *ha*

So you're a Jet girl who can't pick her favorite Alpha. Funny! (I'm whispering "book slut" right now) I'm holding out like always. I like Eddie (too pushy for me) and Lee is so dreamy, but hello, there's an entire agency and cop force waiting for us! I'm already in love with Mace. I don't even care if he thinks he's in love with Jet. Eddie has already had a "talk" with him. I want to ride on his motorcycle. I noticed that when I went to Colorado, there's this whole motorcycle vibe going on. We have bikes here, but mostly they're the sporty zoom zoom pretty kinds and we have a helmet law here. Colorado has this free country riding feel to it. So you guys get all the damn alphas. We get the coffee guys with shoulder bags. Hmm. Next time I'm in town we have to check out some of the places in the book. I've never done that, not even here where so many stories take place!

I'm so happy we're good enough friends that you can call me a book slut! *ha* However, I simply meant that I don't know if I've found the ONE for me yet. I need to finish sampling all those HOT ALPHAS! And really, Eddie is too pushy for you?? Do you not remember Lee and the handcuffs?? Oh, you're into that sort of thing...is that it?!? Mace...he makes me tingle. *ha* I want to ride his, um, motocycle too. ;) Yes, Colorado definitely has a motorcycle vibe...lots and lots of them here. We will totally have to go to some of these places when you're here next year. We should sooo check out The Little Bear...you just might find your alpha there. ;)


You cracked me up first thing in the morning. That's so good. You haven't sampled all of them yet to know which one is the ONE? Hahaha. Okay. You are not a book slut. I stand corrected. hehe. I forgot about the cuffs. You know, I will just have to see if I'm into that sort of thing before I judge Lee. Oh ho ho. Then I'll start writing the good stuff. 

Think Out Loud [49] I'm a library girl!

How much do you all use your public library? It's no secret that I'm a library girl. I buy one or two physical books a year. I'm getting better at treating myself more, or at least that's my goal. It's April and I've already pre-ordered 2 books! Anyways, I saw the title history icon on my library account and clicked on it. Holy cow! In the last year and a half, I've checked out 960 books, DVDs, and CDs. My boys' children's books account for the majority of the titles. Sometimes we check out all the books by an author we really like. One time, I mentioned to the librarian that John loves the Five Little Monkeys books. She wouldn't stop pulling books. We went home with 8 monkey books. I love my library like a friend, a friend who never gives me shit for all the stuff I want to check out and sometimes not read at all.

#LGBTMonth Movies, a book, and maybe a little story!

LGBT Month is hosted by Laura @ Laura Plus Books and Cayce @ Fighting Dreamer.  It runs throughout the month of April and it's here to celebrate LGBT+ readers, LGBT+ authors and of course LGBT+ books.I've been writing tons of LGBT posts this month, but sadly they never made it past my thoughts. So here I am with a long-winded chat about movies, a book, and maybe a story.

One of my all time favorite movies, LGBT or straight as a vanilla board, is Shelter. If this was a book, it would fall into the New Adult contemporary romance category. Zach's had a hard life, but he doesn't feel sorry for himself. He's an artist. He loves his little brother. He has no idea what to do with the stuff he feels. I love the romance, music, and art in this movie! 




Some of you know I'm a total sports movie girl, so it makes sense that I have a favorite LGBT sports movie. I'm like that. Guys and Balls is hilarious, also more in the NA category, plus there are subtitles, unless you understand German. I do not, but I do get a hankering for subtitles. I'm weird. So is Ekkie, the main character who totally crosses the line with his teammate, gets kicked off his team, and decides he'll show those small-minded jerks by starting up a gay soccer team!




If you're looking for something a little different, two movies come to mind.
Transamerica rocks the planet. You have a transsexual woman who discovers she has a 17 year old son. He's not sweet and chipper or very understanding and the two end up taking a road trip together. I love road trip movies! This one will capture your heart!



Flawless is the perfect movie for anyone looking for second chance stories. A homophobic cop suffers a stroke and the only person available to help him is a gay drag queen. Come on, that's good stuff, did I mention the cop is Robert De Niro and the gay drag queen is Philip Seymour Hoffman?






I have so many more LGBT movies I love. I'll try to fit another movie post next week. For now, I'll move on to books. I just read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz and I can't stop thinking about it. This is one of those stories you wish you could go back in time and read for the first time again!!

It got got me to thinking about my inner-world when I was in high school. There was drama for sure but I did my best to shove it all down so I could have fun. I didn't want to think, so I played. I played ball. I played boys. I played innocently, and a couple times crazy stupid. Mostly, I led my team of guardian angels to drink. I'm a love at first sight kind of girl with everything from best friends to future boyfriends. And I had this moment I'll never forget. My girls (my basketball team) just ran a ridiculous number of laps. I'm not sure how I got out of it that time, but I usually found a way out of running. We were sitting outside the gym, which happened to be at the all boys high school. I was mad in love with this one boy. Oh, man. It almost broke my heart to crush so bad, but feeling so big for someone is too good to be sad. So I went on and on and then turned to my teammate. "So, how about you? Who do you like? Come on. Tell me." She had a secret in those dark eyes of hers, but then it was gone, shoved away like my dark thoughts I refused to entertain. I bumped my shoulder into hers and teased that she had a crush on a Father Duenas boy (which in my eyes wasn't a complement). She shook her head and smiled at me. I loved my girls. We were one of the worst teams ever, but we had so much fun. A few years later on a break from college I found out the girl I grilled about boys liked girls. I wished she could have told me. I would have talked hot girls with her. 

Sidekick Showcase [48] Comic Relief!

Sidekick Showcase, previously known as Sidekick Saturday, is a weekly bookish meme, hosted here by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! I will post my Sidekicks on Saturday, then whichever day during the week that you would like to post yours, you can put your link in on my page. Just do the following:• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fit's in the week's topic• Share a picture (if you can) and information about the character• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
The month of April is all about silliness, comic relief, pranksters, you get the idea. I'm going with comic relief and I don't usually tap into my own books for the Sidekick posts, but Branden Mills from Shadow Town has been on my mind since it's LGBT Month. He's Maggie Lane's best friend and not someone who tells you your poop smells like sunshine. He has this pitchy laugh that gets me every time even though, you know, I'm writing the scenes. He's a bit of a slut. He's secretive, loyal, and hot. And there is no universe in which Maggie and Branden will ever get together. 
“He slipped right by my noticing, Maggie. Okay, I tried waving at him once and I sensed by way of his middle finger high in the air that he wasn’t the friendly sort, but I didn’t think he was a bad person.” “Right, me too, except for me waving at him. What the hell, Branden?” He shrugs, but the image of him being flipped off after enthusiastically waving hello has me folding over laughing.
Robyn Jones. Shadow Town: Maggie Lane Chronicles #1 (Kindle Locations 570-574). 
[Damon] stuffs his hands in his pockets. My eyes go straight to that part of his body. Then I notice his jeans for the first time. My eyes dart to his familiar purple rhinestone bedazzled shirt. How could I have been so blind? “You’re with Branden. That’s why you’ve been teasing me so much. Man, okay.” I wave at his clothes, shaking my head. I hate my housemate right now. I turn to leave. The relief slash crushing disappointment that Branden snagged this guy for himself is too much to sift through with a witness around. “Wait, what?” He dramatically blinks, pulls out his phone, and starts texting. Before I can cuss him out and I’m sure the words would flow without any trouble, the window above the kitchen sink slides open. Branden’s laugh sings through the warm evening air. “I let him borrow some of my clothes. That’s all. I did not have my way with him, Maggie.” If I could only shoot lasers out of my eyes. “By the way, he needs your help with his package.”
Robyn Jones. Shadow Town: Maggie Lane Chronicles #1 (Kindle Locations 817-826). 

Think Out Loud [48] Spring Break Good Times!

I'm still catching up after my trip to Colorado for spring break, but here a few stories from my trip...
We're on the plane getting settled for the flight. I chose my sister and Will to sit in front of me so I could referee...I mean help my sister if she needs it. John sat next to me bouncing around and putting the tray table down every time I looked away. Then I heard Shan tell Will to be quiet. "Sh! I'm trying to pay attention!" I leaned forward. "Stop, Will. I'm following along. Quit. I have to watch!" I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Shannon was freaking out about following along with the pre-flight safety instructions. We've been flying since we were little kids. Heck, every summer the two of us flew alone from Guam to Iowa. Then I looked up to see a hipster type flight attendant doing the typical hand gestures until the woman on the PA system said, "In case of an emergency landing..." and he did a plane going down gesture with his hand. He even whistled as it went down. Shan was frantically flipping through the laminated instructions, batting away Will's pestering hand, and trying to figure out where they were. I covered my mouth but I still snorted. It was a total flight attendants behaving badly moment. He did the gesture 2 or 3 more times. I figured he was looking to collect unemployment for his spring break vacation. We had one concrete family outing planned, to go tubing on Copper Mountain. None of us had ever been. So we went. Okay, tubing is all of the things you hear about, Fun! Exciting! Whatever else! For me it was dang scary! It's so fast, I grabbed onto the handles for dear life and tried to remember that I love the rush of ... not sure. I couldn't remember what exactly I loved about going fast down a snow packed pipe because I'd never done it before. I did love going up the sides, now I squealed and not screamed at those parts. So after the first time down, I was determined to find the rush, the good, "I love this shit!" kind of thing. The staffer at the top who holds the strap to your tube until you're clear to go down always asks, "Straight or spin." I always said straight. Of course. Then one time he expressed his opinion on that, "Straight? Come on." That's all he said. That's how little baiting I required. Sad. "On my last run, you can spin me." I was shaking my head as I said it because I was totally lying and that's how I lie. He wasn't paying attention to my nonverbal communication at all! So on the last run, "Straight or spin." "Straight?" "What? But you said..." "Well-" He just looked at me. Come on, I'm a grown up. I don't fall for that kind of peer pressure, plus he's not really a peer! "Well, okay, a little spin." "Okay, I'll just spin you a little." Well you can guess I could read into that right quick. My first reaction was "Oh-" Then the cute butthead staffer spun me for all he was worth and Oh...turned into shiiiiiiiiiiit all the way down until I stopped and rolled out of the tube. The whole dang mountain heard me.  Last story, my awesome friend Bookworm Brandee happens to live 30 minutes away from my dad, so we made a couple plans, breakfast one morning where she'd be the one to pick me up and then the next day I'd drive the boys to her place. One little thing, I didn't have a car. My dad is a very frugal man and boy would he not be happy if I rented a car. The other little thing is I've never asked my dad to drive me anywhere, not when I was a kid, not as an adult. Oh, last thing, I've NEVER driven my dad's car. I was so nervous about this little glitch in the plan, the driving there part, that I talked it over with Brandee. We went back and forth with our options, then I just said, "I'll ask him. I'm a grown up. I'll ask to borrow his car. And I'll call you." I waited until we went to visit my dad's little brother. My Uncle Matt is such a cool guy and my dad just adores him, he couldn't have been in a better mood! And it worked. He hesitated only a second, but the guys were talking skiing and the smiles were all so big. So yay! I snuck away and called Brandee. "It worked. I'm driving my dad's car." "I feel like we're in high school." "I know. Me too. Oh, gotta go!"
You all know about Think Out Loud, how it's an awesome "post anything you want" meme. We'd love for you to join us. It's addictive!

I hope to have another LGBT Month post up next week and at some point I just have to share my thoughts on the Dean Koontz novel Odd Thomas. What a story! So do stop back by, comment, hang out.

It's a magical world! The Writing Process Blog Hop!

My friend Cat McMahon invited me to share my writing process and I jumped at the chance. How could I not? I met Cat online from her many wonderful posts about the Pacific Northwest and gluten-free menu ideas. Last year, one particularly compelling video on the Portland Zoo changed my weekend plans. I just had to pack up the family and head south to Oregon for the day. This summer I vow to go on a hike in her neck of the woods. Luckily she's written a couple wonderful road trip books. You can check out her Amazon author page HERE. And be sure to stop by her website, Cat's Stories.

So let's get started...

What am I working on?
I'm working on a few things, but really just one right now. I've been toiling over Soul Twister (Anna 3). My favorite part of this story is that it takes place in the middle of winter. Everything comes to a bloody violent head and I just love it! I'm planning the release date for late May.

I've also been tinkering with a short novella for my Maggie Lane series. I hope to release it this summer with Maggie 2 slated for the fall. Lofty goals, I tell you.

How does my work differ from others in the genre(s)?
As an artist, I'm naturally a visual person, and then add that I'm an avid TV and movie girl. Scenes whiz by in my mind like some show I just watched, but the artist in me notes the details. My stories reflect this odd combination of wanting to tell a story in an instant gratification way and yet slowed down so I can figure a way to paint the scene.

Why do I write paranormal romance?
Because it rocks the planet? The first book I ever wrote (that I greedily keep hidden in my computer) was a contemporary romance. I loved writing it and I love the characters, but the moment I dreamed up vampires, I couldn't stop playing in the land of make believe and coming up with my own type of vamps, shifters, witches, and angels. When my oldest son was in the grips of his autism even before he was diagnosed, I would sit and work through whatever terrible struggle he was having. I spent hours just thinking through a problem until I found my way to a theory/hypothesis. When I started doing this for magical creatures, I swear I was giddy. I wasn't trying to reduce screaming tantrums from two hours to something livable. I was deciding how many types of angels I would have. A lot just so you know.

How does my writing process work?
Usually I have a character hounding me for months before I know her story. It almost feels like the characters tell me their story after a while. But I guess before all that, I'm scouring my daily life for something magical. I don't carry a notebook with me yet (out of laziness), but I catalog life that goes on around me, little things that reach inside and make me smile to my toes...like this woman at Lenscrafters a couple years ago. I still think about her even though we never said a word to each other. She worked in the eyeglasses lab (whatever it's called) and had the most severe natural expression. To most people she looked like an unpleasant person, but I had a feeling about her, and then she caught me watching her and smiled. Oh my goodness, it was the warmest, sweetest smile. I instantly imagined her with her grandkids teasing them in a gentle cooing voice. She'll be a character one day for sure. That's my writing process...oh and reading as much as I can because the only thing better than writing a story is losing myself in someone else's story.

There you have it folks. My writing process. I'm very pleased to introduce you to a couple writers coming up next week on The Writing Process Hop, Athina and E.J. Wesley.

Athina and I met in the crazy world that is the blogosphere. I remember one of the first things I learned about her was from a Feature and Follow post about guilty pleasures in stories. Athina mentioned loving it when characters die! That is not me at all and I was crazy about her on the spot. On her blog, Between My Lines, you'll find candid and beautiful pieces about the inner workings of a writer along with great book reviews that really take you into the story. I cannot wait for the release of her adventure-mystery novel Dazed and her YA dark fantasy trilogy, The Wandering Souls Series. She has a poetic style that spins my head, I tell you.
You can find Athina on her Blog, Goodreads, and Twitter.



E.J. Wesley, author of urban fantasy, connoisseur of  modestly priced wines, & general life enthusiast...

I found E.J. through a blog hop for his first serial, Blood Fugue (Moonsongs 1), which is free on Amazon...quick, one-click. I won the New Adult Urban Fantasy novelette and discovered a new favorite author. His colorful characters and descriptions of a tiny dusty Texas town blew me away and had me hooked. I'm still hooked. I'm not sure how E.J. manages it, but he also has a fantastic blog/website that is a must check out for any indie author, any fan of New Adult, any-one. He shares his crazy writer moments, shares other people's crazy writer moments, as well as supports the wild cast that is the new face of indie authors.
E.J.'s links: Facebook - Twitter - Blog - Website - G+