The Other Side of Fifty: A Sequel to The Fifty List

by Darlene Hesley

Pam Williams has been having her baklava and eating it too. She has Martin Campbell, an attentive, attractive man who loves her with intensity beyond anything she's ever imagined. She has Dave, a caring, softhearted husband who is willing to fly her away to paradise rather than risk losing her. Pam has been fulfilled, delighted and brought to a level of sexual ecstasy beyond her wildest dreams. But - she has also been living a lie - covering her tracks and scheming to ensure her wildest fantasies continue to be a reality. As she navigates between the two men she loves, she must deal with a teenage son facing mental health challenges and a daughter whose own sexuality is burgeoning. Pam and Martin also encounter a young woman, Ruby, who will change both of their lives forever. While The Fifty List was a romp through the carefree, uncomplicated days of Pam's 50th year, The Other Side of Fifty is a story of how one woman faces life's many realities - its intense joys, its undeniable sorrows and its hidden treasures.

424 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2013

About the author

I have always loved reading. It became my passion as I grew up. As a teen, I tried my hand at fiction a few times, but didn't pursue it. Instead, I pursued a career in journalism -- where I knew I could make money (well, a little bit, anyway).

I've been writing fanfiction for a few years and love the feedback from readers. I only seriously began thinking of writing a book in the spring of 2012. After reading 50 Shades of Grey and hearing people talk about it in the summer, I became inspired to write my own erotic romance. This was mainly because I found 50 Shades to be complete drivel and poorly written.

I made a dare to myself to write a book...and I did...in about three months. The result is something I can hold in my hands and say I did...a challenge met! The Fifty List was great fun to write, as was its sequel, The Other Side of Fifty, which I released in the fall of 2013. Fifty More is the third installment in the trilogy, released in December 2014.

I love hearing people debate the characters, the morality and what should happen. It blows me away to hear people I know talking about characters that just came out of nowhere...they formed in my brain, spilled out through my fingers and basically did what they wanted on the computer screen....Pam, Martin, Dave and Ruby really called all the shots...I had very little to do with it. :)

I released another romance in April 2014, but it is much different from my first foray into writing. The Innocent Flame of Seduction is set in 12th Century Ireland and revolves around a group of Gaels who are less than appreciative of the Normans' attempt to extinguish their ancient ancestral culture.

I realize buying a paper book is expensive. A more economical way to buy is to download an ebook from Amazon, Kobo, Apple, Sony or Smashwords. I'm definitely not in this to make money. I want people to enjoy the book and share their thoughts. Reviews are most welcome.

Embrace life,
Embrace love,
Darlene Hesley

Reviews

[Mary Sandusky]

What a hot follow-up to The Fifty List! Much more angsty...so sad in parts it made me cry...but so much fabulous plotline compared to all those other erotic novels out there that are sex and only sex. This book has plenty-o-sex, but it's also a great story...funny, sad, sexy...a real "makes ya think" kinda novel. I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes romance with spice and substance. A delicious read!