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Kayla Blaze: A Tale of the New Southwest-or, The Will to Resist

The novel is based on an actual case of the kind of persecution American colleges and universities have become known for in the last thirty years or so. The instructor who was suspended without pay, and nearly fired, only retained his position after his case received national exposure. The faculty association charged with protecting his rights hung him out to dry, apparently as anxious to get rid of him as were his accusers. So much for academic freedom.

266 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2015

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Michele Gooding

1 book25 followers

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5 stars
7 (29%)
4 stars
17 (70%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Sawyer.
35 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2023
Kayla Blaze. I got so excited many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations and be nothing at all like I expected.

The novel begins with a deep narration introducing the setting through the mind of the main character named, Marty. He sees the world differently and believes people should do something about the canceled culture, especially the right to free speech. While he has this deep thinking in his head, he meets a young working assistant lady named Kyla Blaze at the school where he works as an English professor. Their love story ignited, but he must be careful with his actions because of the institution's strict rules and policies. They probably need to keep their relationship secret but until when?

Many books have piqued my curiosity and made me invested in the stories that they entail, but this book, by far, has been the best when it comes to upholding what the story wants to keep. Kayla Blaze opened a fresh perspective in my mind, and I can’t help but be euphoric about reading this incredible book by Mark Gooding.
Profile Image for Amelia	Moore.
29 reviews
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February 25, 2023
Mark Gooding takes us on a journey of man vs. society. While the story’s narrative arc is captivating, the steamy romance scenes may be a trigger warning for young readers. Despite that, Mark Gooding delivered a thought-provoking novel through the resilient eyes of Marty.

Marty worked as a professor at a school that held a traditional party. While at the party, he met a young female stud who was less than half his age. As they got to know each other, their relationship bloomed. Still, with the current by-laws and traditions, their relationship was seen as inappropriate, which he disagreed with. Other than that, many concerning issues were brought out through Marty’s point of view, which readers can agree or disagree with.

I’m sure readers will be intrigued by how Mark Gooding presented his beliefs and ideologies through Marty. Moreover, it is a well-paced book with well-developed characters. With a plotline and feelings like these, Kyla Blaze is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers challenged and intrigued.
Profile Image for Brenda Lopez.
24 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2023
The first quarter of the way through Mark Gooding’s Kayla Blaze A Tale of the New Southwest - Or, the Will to Resist, a new feeling was introduced to me. It is an electrifying, formidable book unique from its counterpart.

Marty isn’t a happy professor. With issues going around the campus, he felt helpless to war against the top predators of their school’s administration. In addition, meeting Kyla Blaze became both his blessing and curse. His logical reasoning and beliefs were greatly challenged, yet, he remained humble when confronted.

Although I understand how the author tried to make this book as engaging and captivating as possible, I have to agree that there were sections of the plot that were too sexual and may not be suitable for young readers. However, there were times when the story moved swiftly, and when it did, I was utterly engrossed and enthralled by everything I was reading.
Profile Image for Julian Watson.
6 reviews
March 3, 2023
After meeting this beautiful young woman who works and studies simultaneously, Marty’s belief has been significantly challenged. Though I admire his good intentions and advocacy, as the story progresses, he has slowly become a hypocrite, and that’s because of his affair with Kyla. I believe he wanted to bring about change at school but was limited due to his relationship with Kyla and their dirty little secrets.

Blaze can wriggle its way into the reader’s hearts and take root there, growing deeper and deeper with each struggle by allowing them to experience various emotions and pleasure with the main character and acquiring numerous spiritually and spiritually morally edifying realizations along the way. Mark Gooding made the most of this element in his story by framing the characters carefully to elicit the intended reactions. He can create a strong bond between the readers and the protagonist, especially in the part where Marty confronts Kyla about their future.

Profile Image for Anna	Hernandez.
27 reviews
March 6, 2023
Sensual and thought-provoking both on the page and to imagine in a real-life scenario!

In Kayla Blaze, Marty tried to confront the fallacies at his school, where he worked as an English professor. There is a big blunder in American higher education, and Marty needs to do something about it. Will he let them push him away or fight for his rights?

Sensual and thought-provoking, the narrative was written in a mix of factual and artistic. It is a tense, tautly written, descriptive, electrifying, and formidable novel that makes you think and, most of all, makes you feel everything happening as it occurs. I read this work like someone thirsting for water after days in the desert sun—voraciously ingesting the pages as quickly as possible to reach the stunning climax and great ending. I cannot recommend Mark Gooding’s expertly written-novel highly enough. It’s a compelling, page-turning, exceptional book that will leave you breathless—both in the written word and emotionally.
Profile Image for Lauren	Wright.
19 reviews
March 6, 2023
One thing that I truly loved about this book is that the building of the plot is quite impressive. The most exciting part is that the twists and turns of the story look very real and believable. The book is backdropped with real-life scenarios where everyone’s essential freedom is deprived.

Every word carved in this book affirms the atrocity and plunder many of us are blind to. Marty’s decision to quit his job becomes the most satisfying ending I have ever read in a book. This book captivated my interest, and I’ve never been happier with my reading experience. Kayla Blaze has given me a rough concept of the culture and tradition we embraced and loved. Yet, when our rights are threatened for an ounce of safety, we become hypocrites and start to follow the majority to trample the rights of others to breathe a little easier. How to resist the urge? The answer to this question is beautifully portrayed by the author in the life of Marty.


Profile Image for Alexus Smith.
21 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2023
Marty Frey is a community college professor who hated the school where he was working. He becomes insecure and threatened by his school’s dominance of female workers. He remained a bachelor due to his absurd outlook on life. But when a young English department secretary noticed him, he grabbed the opportunity and took advantage to satisfy his lust. Because of their vast age gap, future, and nationalities, Marty realizes that Kayla isn’t one for a long-term relationship. However, the damage has been done, and the only thing he must face is the consequence.

With a tremendously excellent twist and well-developed characters, Kayla Blaze is hard to put down. Mark is a genius writer who knows the culture of his topic. The author had much fun inputting various snippets in his narrative that give the readers a short emotional breakdown every time. I enjoyed every moment of this book. Great job!
Profile Image for Samantha	Evans.
4 reviews
February 25, 2023
An astonishing book filled with thought-provoking content and steamy romance scenes that would have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Marty is a bachelor who works as an English Professor at a particular school. Despite his tenure and commitment, his ideals were challenged, especially after meeting Kyla Blaze - a sexy, young student assistant who was less than half his age.

I had no idea how much I’d enjoy this book until I started reading it. Mark Gooding deserves much credit for bringing a thought-provoking narrative of Marty. This is undoubtedly a book everybody would love. The author writes in a unique way that informatively and effectively introduces the characters’ personalities. I get increasingly engrossed in every chapter as he further emphasizes the main character’s fate.
Profile Image for Alora	Woods.
13 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2023
I have always believed that a book is an outer manifestation of its writer's innermost being, and Kayla Blaze perfectly lives up to this saying.

Mark Gooding, the author, pours out his whole heart into writing this masterpiece, which shows how his words and his journey had so much impact. Mark’s love and passion for writing are incredibly tangible, and one cannot help but appreciate such devotion.

This book is heavily backdropped with politics, erotic scenes, and freedom of speech. Marty’s life has been turned upside down after refusing to be somebody’s pawn. Though he feared what might happen with his career, especially after Kefauver’s dismissal, he remained stoic. A great plot twist would have you exclaiming at the end; that’s how good this book is. Kayla Blaze is something you would want to take your time reading to savor all the thrilling and suspenseful reading experiences.
Profile Image for Zachary Doyle.
7 reviews
March 2, 2023
What I loved about Kayla Blaze is that there are a lot of twists and turns in every step of the way. And when you think you’ve got the end in your mind, Mark, the author, throws in unexpected twists and turns like crazy, and you’ll find yourself engrossed again with the multiple climaxes he arranged in the plot. The novel is peppered with a thought-provoking and profound conversation about “freedom” and its meaning. Trigger Warning, this book contains highly explicit sensuality and descriptions with a strong focus on sexual thoughts, desires, and needs peppered with profanity. Despite that, this book delivered a heavy message about humanity out into the world, touching and opening every heart and mind.

The author is talented in writing heart-wrenching scenes, as well as sensual ones.

I will believe in freedom of speech and recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nova	Williams.
24 reviews
March 6, 2023
Nothing short of a masterpiece, Mark Gooding combines exhilarating prose, steamy romance, and thought-provoking issues in society to captivate readers. There is a plethora of sexual exploitation that may not be suitable for young readers. But given the book’s exciting plot, this one is hard to put down.

A middle-aged professor, Marty, flipped his life upside down after meeting Kyla, an 18-year-old working student at the school where he worked. To make matters worse, the administration has withheld their freedom of expression. And it’s up to him whether to fight or flight. He needs to trust his intuitions and beliefs and keep their relationship secret while being persecuted. I won’t spoil anything for the readers of what has become of them and the poignant ending, but rest assured, this book is more than just a story.
Profile Image for Isla Allen.
36 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2023
Mark Gooding takes us on a whirlwind of emotion, waiting, anticipating, and depending. A middle-aged bachelor community professor was enchanted by the beauty of a seventeen-year-old English assistant student. Their interactions became the book’s highlights as they fought for their freedom to choose with whom they would want to be in a relationship. While Marty was afraid to be caught and be punished, just like Warren Kefauver, who got dismissed after an inappropriate comment, he knew that his secret affair with Kayla was a mistake, but it was too late to back down.

This book captivated my interest, and I’ve never been happier with my reading experience. Kayla Blaze saturated my mind with a fresh perspective and inspiration to stand up for what is right. There’s no question how it changed me as no other books had.
Profile Image for Aria Hart.
9 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2023
A story that steals tears, snatches, laughs, befuddles the heart, and answers the soul. And so, it heartens you.

So begins the story of Marty, an English Professor whose beliefs and ideals have been greatly challenged by the people around him. Kayla Blaze can make the readers feel a deep sense of realization as to how important our freedom is and why we should fight for it. And this is indeed manifested in the life of Marty.

With heavy themes, one would expect angst and dramatic recounting of a complicated and woeful plot that evokes angst and hatred. However, Mark Gooding’s publication Kyla Blaze is unique and filled me with excitement, thrill, and overall paranoia of fearing for Marty’s life. A great read
Profile Image for Aubrey Gallagher.
12 reviews
March 2, 2023
I am heart-struck after this! A provocative novel, yet romantic and inspiring, that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Mark’s publication combines exhilarating prose, steamy romance, and thought-provoking societal issues to captivate the reader and stay on their minds for a long time, even after finishing the book.

After Marty and Kyla’s affair had been exposed, they both knew that they must need to put an end. However, one isn’t ready, and life doesn’t always meet one’s expectations. This deep sense of realization with the main character enamored me in the book as I felt like I was also going through what he was going through.

There’s nothing that I have for the author other than high admiration and praise.
Profile Image for Nora Park.
9 reviews
March 2, 2023
The beauty of Kayla Blaze lies in its perfect blend of positivity and negativity. I sincerely enjoyed the author’s perspective about his view on how we should live as a whole.

Marty is a school teacher who got into a relationship with a woman younger than him. And while they enjoy each other’s company, it seems it is temporary. While Marty looked for a sense of continuity considering his age, Kyla was more into casual affairs and not really into a deep relationship. However, a massive twist of events happened, and a remarkable transformation of the characters happened.

Overall, I am glad I picked this book up. It gave me ample entertainment and taught me about love, career, and relationships. Fantastic read!
Profile Image for Hudson Morris.
4 reviews
March 3, 2023
Kayla Blaze is a novel full of introspective brooding hidden under a veil of a well-paced, steamy romance, and dramatic account of this middle-aged professor who got infatuated with this young and sexy woman named Kyla Blaze, who is less than half his age.

Mark Gooding creatively conveys his message to his readers without forcing his ideas on them. The life of Marty and his intriguing point of view about the people around him and society as a whole will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

In a nutshell, Kayla Blaze is not at all what it seems in the title, and the author has woven an incredibly intricate web to trap his readers into an exhilarating and valuable reading experience! I rated this book with a perfect five-star rating for this reason and more.
Profile Image for Avery	White.
29 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2023
Kayla Blaze by Mark Gooding becomes a page-turner book that looks into issues of humanity when a man is pushed through to his limits—a thought-provoking, erotic, and heart-gripping novel to read.

Marty is an English professor who works at a school run by Mr. and Mrs. Roland McDowell. A massive twist at the story’s beginning became the turning point of Marty’s life. Meeting Kyla, an 18-year-old student assistant at their school, becomes the story’s highlight. Aside from that, many issues are portrayed in the novel about free speech and expression.

The thrill, the well-thought-out plan, and the exciting characters were nothing short of extraordinary. Nothing like it that I’ve read for a long time.
Profile Image for Evelyn Daniels.
13 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2023
When the talents of a poet and the vital principles of an outspoken intellectual collide with a single person, it is inevitable for a masterpiece to be created. Mark Gooding writes every line with a portion of his heart and soul imbued to produce a thought-provoking narrative. With dramatic and passionate themes, one would expect many ebbs and flows throughout the novel.

The book begins with a deep intrapersonal conversation by the main character that brings in the story's setting, delivered richly with words that can create a clear mental image in the readers’ minds. The hands of a passionate and skillful writer can only form this masterpiece. Kudos Mark.
Profile Image for William Bryant.
5 reviews
March 3, 2023
Kayla Blaze, I was so engrossed in every chapter of the book that time passed without my knowledge, and I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The emotions and the pleasure were tangible in this that can only be at the hands of one with the perfect mix of passion, expertise, and talent. One particular scene that dragged my emotions was Marty and Kayla’s first love scene. It was nerve-wracking and erotic at the same time. My feelings and senses were stirred up quite chaotically throughout the duration of the whole story. As someone who has read books for over half my life, I can confidently say this is a feat not many authors could achieve.

Profile Image for Daniel Barnes.
5 reviews
March 3, 2023
The most appealing aspect of Kayla Blaze by Mark Gooding is the dynamic representation of a wide range of emotions. It contains this kind of creatively constructed contrast and comparison between right and wrong, truth and fallacy, that blinded the eyes of society.

Observing such an English professor get tangled up between his courgette and career was fun and fulfilling. I’m sure this solid connection with with-it made this book an impactful and entertaining read. Ultimately, I wasn’t prepared for Marty and Kayla’s confrontation. Remember that this book is peppered with highly erotic scenes. Read with an open mind. I highly recommend it!

Profile Image for Aiden Foster.
7 reviews
March 3, 2023
This was my first time reading a novel of this kind, and I was not disappointed. I love how the characters were written with perverted yet sweet and engaging personalities, making the story more dynamic. Like people we know in real life, the light and dark sides of the main character’s personality were very well highlighted by the author, giving them more depth and dynamics. I think this kind of novel allowed more time for the characters to develop more complexly than the usual short novels I read.

Overall, I am glad I picked this book up. It gave me ample entertainment and taught me freedom and dignity.

Profile Image for Braxton Jones.
22 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2023
Mark Gooding transports you to a world of his invention, where truth is mixed with fallacies, and the rights of every American are trampled. His writing ability, especially to convey a good tale, is evident. Despite the profanity and sensual scenes, he transformed Kayla Blaze into a breathtakingly appealing universe of speculative fiction.

Every day, we see how the rights of people are ignored and deprived by people in higher ranks, and we hear awful stories of politics. This book vividly depicts these events deriving a hooking tale from them and upholding relevant lessons about them. This book is outright excellent and is inarguably perfect for everyone.
Profile Image for Mia Davis.
35 reviews3 followers
March 7, 2023
I was blown away by this story. It’s a fantastic piece that had me guessing and intrigued me. It’s the kind of story you’ll be engrossed in for a long time. With a riveting tale with multiple climaxes, you’ll be sad to see it end. The writing was clear, clean, and passionate. I had little awareness of how dirty politics is and how influential people can quickly destroy the weak in the face of conflicts. This book is a true eye-opener for me, and I was so engrossed in the new knowledge presented in a fun, sensual, and compelling manner.

The intriguing plot succeeds beautifully and becomes an unforgettable page-turner despite its length. It’s a must-read!


Profile Image for Melissa Heart.
34 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2023
The challenging story of Marty Frey and his extraordinary willpower to fight for his belief is incredible. The struggle of grit and the ultimate act of humanity is told in Kayla Blaze. His peculiar view about women, feminism, gender equality, and freedom would have you on the edge of your seat. Because I genuinely wanted to know what would happen next, I read far longer than planned. His dedication moved me, and while having much fun following Marty and Kayla’s relationship and steamy romance scenes.

The author’s natural ability to tell a story that grabs your attention and keeps you engaged from beginning to end. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Nancy	Brady.
40 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2023
To read such a dramatic account of a professor’s struggle to get along with women and how a young woman in her early adulthood becomes Marty’s life’s turning point. It wasn’t long until Marty realized their relationship led nowhere due to their vast age gap and different plans for the future, but it was too late. Aside from their lust, love has been rooted in their hearts, and though Marty denied it in the end, one could tell that he was hurt to see their relationship end.

A compelling story told with tremendous authority, sensuality, and power is found in this book. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of this.

Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews