The cover of my memoir Entering the Blue Stone features a photo of my parents soon after they were married, back in the 1940’s during the war. My father, the future general, looks a bit skinny in his lieutenant’s uniform; my mother shows no trace of the strain that the challenges of a nomadic military life would place on her.
They met during the summer at a resort in the Pennsylvania Poconos. My mother, the daughter of an immigrant from Spain, had finished her freshman year as a non-resident scholarship student at Barnard and was working for a vacationing family as a baby-sitter. My father, the son of a Brooklyn physician, was between his sophomore and junior years at Princeton, and staying in his family’s summerhouse. Somehow they struck up a conversation in a candy shop. Unfortunately, I never asked who spoke first and what they said. I do know my mother was considered a “go-getter”—one of those “most likely to succeed” types—whereas my father was shy; so I suspect she was the more vivacious and aggressive. Without question, they both fell head over heels in love.
Their courtship lasted three years—until my mother graduated from college. When my father showed up at the fifth-floor, walk-up apartment in Yonkers where my mother’s family lived, my grandfather would screen himself with the newspaper and grunt monosyllabic responses to my father’s polite overtures.
My mother hinted to me that their premarital romance was passionate but chaste—that she would have been amenable to complete physical intimacy, but my father wanted to do things right. That difference perfectly captures them—my mother, emotional, impulsive, and given to episodes of iconoclasm; my father, rational, deliberate, faithful, and playing by the rules. As happened in many relationships of that generation, the longer they were together and the more they merged, the more polarized they became—my mother doing the emotional and interpersonal work on behalf of both of them, my father keeping the finances, earning the living, and working hard to achieve advancement. Even when his 24/7 military responsibilities absorbed too much of him, the word was that he was doing it all for my mother, and the four children that came along at planned intervals.
Despite their diametric differences, my parents forged a powerful bond in the process of unmaking then remaking their home every couple years. Neither had strong friendships with other adults, and moving all over the world, we hardly ever saw members of our extended family. As Entering the Blue Stone shows, the family created its own world. Meanwhile, there was the constant pressure on all of us to present a flawless front. For if an officer can’t control his own family, how is he effectively going to lead his troops? Thus life became a performance—we acted out the drama of the perfect family. When Parkinson’s disease then Alzheimer’s struck my parents, it’s an understatement to say that no one had any idea what to do.
Entering the Blue Stone ISBN: 9780984990818 Pages: 195 Release: May 2012 Price: $14.95 paperback, $9.99 ebook
What happens when one’s larger-than-life military parents–disciplined, distinguished, exacting–begin sliding out of control? The General struggles to maintain his invulnerable façade against Parkinson’s disease; his lovely wife manifests a bizarre dementia. Their three grown children, desperate to save the situation, convince themselves of the perfect solution: an upscale retirement community. But as soon as their parents have been resettled within its walls, the many imperfections of its system of care begin to appear.
Charting the line between comedy and pathos, Molly Best Tinsley’s memoir, Entering the Blue Stone dissects the chaos at the end of life and discovers what shines beneath: family bonds, the dignity of even an unsound mind, and the endurance of the heart.
Molly Best Tinsley’s Bio:
Air Force brat Molly Best Tinsley taught on the civilian faculty at the United States Naval Academy for twenty years and is the institution’s first professor emerita. Author of My Life with Darwin (Houghton Mifflin) and Throwing Knives (Ohio State University Press), she also co-authored Satan’s Chamber (Fuze Publishing) and the textbook, The Creative Process (St. Martin’s). Her fiction has earned two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sandstone Prize, and the Oregon Book Award. Her plays have been read and produced nationwide. She lives in Oregon, where she divides her time between Ashland and Portland.
In case you don’t know who I am, my name is Sandra Sookoo and I’m an author of romantic fiction spanning several genres and heat levels. I like to say my stories are an emotional journey with strong characters who don’t fit into pre-conceived molds, and all end with a kiss.
Today, I’m here to tell you, it’s a good rule of thumb in life to never say never. Back in the day, before I ever became an author, I exclusively read Regency romance. I couldn’t get enough of it and would stalk the used bookstores and grocery stores looking for books I hadn’t read before. There was just something about that simpler time, the pretty gowns, the manners, etc., that appealed to me.
Years went by and my favorite authors didn’t write as fast as I read so I moved on to other genres and other sub-genres of romance. Every once in a while I’d pick up a Regency but not with the frequency that I used to.
When I became an author, my strong suit was historical writing, but I never hoped to dabble in the Regency time period. There are plenty of authors out there who write plenty of wonderful stories in this world. I could never hope to compete, and frankly, I was a bit intimidated by the whole prospect.
I resisted. I fought off ideas, kicking and screaming. I swore I’d never write a Regency romance.
Apparently, my muse didn’t get that memo and disregarded that vow, because this year, I did write a Regency romance, and another and I’m currently penning my third. Maybe I wanted the challenge of it all, maybe I fell in love with the research or the possibilities. Whatever happened, I’m now playing in this neighborhood, and what’s more, I’m really excited about it.
Of course, I had to put my own little spin on the much-written world of the Regency period. Yes, my heroines are all strong in their own rights and don’t follow society dictates or rules overly much. Besides, in my Scandal in Surrey series, it really is all about the scandal… and the path to love.
I hope you’ll all check out Lady Parker’s Grand Affair. It’s book one in the above mentioned series. All the books are a little bit naughty, a little bit funny and a little bit heart-warming. You can find the book at Amazon, All Romance ebooks and Smashwords. Later it will be available on other digital outlets.
She wants an affair…Maggie, Lady Parker desires a man, but she’s not willing to leave freedom in Surrey to find scandal in London. Widowed for years, she wants to conduct a big enough scandal that a gentleman might come calling merely to see if the rumors about her are true.
He wants a shot at Parliament…Stephen Tarkington is a self-professed rogue but if he had his way, he’d be a philanthropist. The only thing prohibiting his dream is his lack of sponsorship for a spot in Parliament. Marrying Lady Parker’s niece could solve his problem.
Sometimes the heart wants more…Imagine his surprise when he meets the widow and she’s not an old bird he can charm. She’s vibrant, sharp-tongued and enchanting to boot. Passion flares between them, and Stephen gives up on his plan… in search of a more pleasurable gamble.
Maggie is immediately drawn to the charming, handsome gentleman, but will a simple affair fulfill her needs? A scrape with public scandal will toss them into a situation that may just satisfy both of their secret desires.
Excerpt:
“Amanda told me your husband died some time ago. Perhaps you’d be willing to put yourself on the market? I would imagine you’d catch more eyes than an untried girl just out of school.”
“Don’t be silly.” She laughed, thoroughly amused, and alternately on edge, by his antics. “I’m well past marriageable age, even if I wanted another husband.”
“Then you are not looking for another match?” Stephen moved behind the bench and paused with a hand resting near her shoulder.
“I didn’t say that.” She thought back over her union to Robert and stifled a giggle. Over the course of time, she’d learned to love him, even had a child with him, but had it been an all-consuming passion that made her forget everything else? No. It had been a staid, even-keeled romance that hadn’t challenged her.
“But you did not agree either.” His chuckle sent shivers over her skin, chilling her even though the sun bore down. “Women like you deserve a man’s regard or, at the very least, the thrill of being chased.”
Maggie tamped a shiver. “Perhaps, the next time, it won’t be me who is pursued. Perhaps I’ll do the chasing.”
“Are you offering?”
Was she? Though she’d talked flippantly with Alfie about having one grand affair that would set tongues wagging, her stomach trembled. Did Stephen Tarkington fit the bill? “I might, if you promise to leave Amanda alone.”
“Ah, a better deal, eh?” His rich chuckle loosed more tingles down her spine. “Is it adventure you crave, Maggie?” He drew a finger down one side of her neck, glided it along her skin where her shoulder met and rested his hand there, his fingers lightly trailing over her collarbone.
She closed her eyes. Goose flesh lingered everywhere he’d plied his fingers. Tingles danced down her spine. Warmth seeped between her thighs. It had been a long time since she’d had a man’s interest. “I wouldn’t mind a bit of spice.”
“Spice is fine, or is it the scandal you want?” Stephen rubbed a fingertip along her collarbone and then traced the lace edge of her bodice, his touch the veriest of whispers over the top of one breast.
Would he dare to go lower and caress her aching flesh? “Scandal has come to mind once or twice.” Her head lolled on the opposite shoulder from where he played. She kept her eyes closed in order to fully enjoy the situation, one moment more before she censured him. “I thought that if I found myself in a big enough tangle I’d attract the attention of a like-minded gentleman.” Why was she telling him this, when he was but a stranger?
“For what purpose? A fling, an affair, or are you searching for more?” His finger, hot against her skin, dipped beneath her bodice and her shift.
Maggie whimpered. The weak heat of the spring sun couldn’t compete with the flames Stephen had awakened inside her. Being here in the garden, with his hand on her, was highly inappropriate. They could both be in terrible trouble if caught. Her lips curved with a grin. But then, she did just admit she’d like the scandal. “I want a grand affair, something that will burn so bright the English gossips will talk about it for years.”
“Why, sweet Maggie? Are you lonely?”
“I’m not sure.” Her breath caught. It took all her willpower to remain still beneath his touch, but oh, how she wished he’d give her more relief.
“Too bad.” His finger slid lower and brushed her nipple. Back and forth he teased the puckered tip, pebbling it into a frenzy of need.
Happy Last Release Day Tuesday of June. I hope you find something Fabulous to read this week. Lots of great books out today. Happy Reading!!! *Images are not linked*
The minute twins and mystery novelists Jovan and Cheyenne Parham find their lives settlinginto a nice rhythm, all hell breaks loose – in their personal lives and in the latest crime they find themselves mixed up in. Jo is trying to build a relationship with Mark Brockman, but the deaths of her husband and Mark’s wife, and the sordid nature of their coming together keeps her from jumping into the relationship with both feet. Cheyenne is head over heels in love with former detective-now P.I. Ian Davenport, but unexpected news and Ian’s involvement in a new case causes Chey to second guess the deepness of their love. Trying to figure out their love lives becomes all the more complicated when Jo and Chey are thrust into a series of kidnappings and murders involving young girls who seem to make the wrong friends online. When a mayoral candidate’s daughter is kidnapped, Ian finds himself on the case, much to the chagrin of Chey considering he spends an awful lot of time holding and caring for the candidate’s wife. Bringing the girl home safely and finding the killer pushes the twins to the limits of their personal and professional lives. Going into a web of infidelity, lies, deception, and murder often leaves all involved in disarray. Will Jovan and Cheyenne find themselves, once again, trying to pick up the remaining fragments of their lives once this is all over?
About The Author
Shonell Bacon is an author, doctoral candidate, editor, educator–everywoman. Shehas published both creatively and academically–novels, short stories, essays, and textbooks. She has had an essay of hers developed as part of a live theatre documentary production. In addition to her love of writing and what the future holds in her literary life, she is also an editor who loves helping writers hone their literary craft. Since 2001, she has edited for hundreds of writers who have gone on to pursue self-publishing careers and have been published within the traditional publishing arena. Her love for helping writers also moved her to begin writing articles and commentaries regarding the writing life and craft, and she publishes these articles on various websites
She is an educator, having taught English and mass communication courses in addition to fiction writing and other courses related to creative writing. And while taking part in all of those things, Shonell also finds the time to pursue her Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric at Texas Tech University. Now a doctoral candidate, she is conducting research and writing her dissertation.
One October 21 Take down. Those words rang in Jovan Parham’s mind as she danced around the ring, staring into the eyes of Derryck, her kickboxing trainer. “Come on, Jo,” Derryck said while holding up his padded hands. “Pay attention. Jab left, cross right, jab right.” “I’m doing it,” she said, her voice nearing a whine. “You look lazy.” Derryck’s left hand made its way to Jovan’s headgear. She just managed to move, but heard the sound of his fist whizzing by her face. “I haven’t tagged your face in nearly four months.” Jovan smiled and took two jabs to the side of Derryck’s face; the second one connected. “And you didn’t get me this time either,” she replied. The two continued to spar, sharing words and punches and kicks, but Jovan’s mind was still stuck on two words: take down. She woke up in the middle of the night after a horrific nightmare, one she had almost every month since she moved into her new condo a year ago. The nightmare was always the same: she watching as a host of characters took part in killing her. She lay, shackled to a metal table, dressed in a white loose gown that had been ripped to shreds. Every few minutes, someone would come into the dimly lit room and cut her with a sharp, curved blade. No words were ever exchanged. She screamed with each flick of the blade, begged for her life, but it was all for naught. Cordell came in and took a chunk of her. As did his mother. As did his brother. Alisha took her share as well, as did Sarah, which broke Jovan’s heart more than Cordell wanting to kill her. She had thought Sarah was her best friend. Finding out she had slept with Cordell and carried his child tore at her heart. To know that even in her nightmares Sarah wanted to hurt her more nearly broke her.
The last person to come in was always Linda Hayes. And unlike the others, who were more like automatons, coming to do their robotic bidding, Linda had a sparkle in her eyes, a curl of her lip, an extra dig of her cut when she took her swipe of Jovan. She had hoped that her time at the altar during service that morning, where she begged God, begged him to remove the nightmares, might give her a night of respite, but it wasn’t to be. If she actually took time to think about it, she’d realize that her continuous thinking about the nightmares would only create more of them.
When she woke up last night from the nightmare, Jovan rushed to her office—a place that held warm, soft thoughts for her as it was the place where words took to life. She reached for the small blue bible she kept on the desk and rifled through the pages before landing her finger on Luke 10:19, I have given you authority …to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
The words brought her peace, but she had an even better way of using her authority to overcome her enemies. She took out a pad and pen, and spent a good hour creating a list of people she needed to take down.
Linda Hayes was at the top of that list. For going on two years, the Trés Chic head reporter-now executive producer had been relentless in her pursuit to find something bad to report about Jovan. Even after everyone else had put the murder of Jovan’s husband and the fallout of it behind them, Linda was determined to continue to bring up Jovan’s painful story: Cordell’s murder. Cordell’s affair with Alisha. Cordell’s affair with Sarah. The baby Sarah carried. The complex scheming and plotting that revealed Cordell’s drugged-out brother was supposed to kill Jovan but instead killed Cordell. Jovan’s reaching out to Mark, Sarah’s husband, in a time of need and the subsequent relationship that continued long after Cordell was buried. The justice (though not peace) that was brought to Jovan and her family.
In all parts of the world, Jovan’s soap opera of a life had come and gone as new, crazier stories unfolded. But in Baltimore, where she and her twin Cheyenne were deemed stars for their bestselling-authors status and their charities, Jovan’s story continued to live—mostly thanks to Linda Hayes. And somehow, she had managed to overcome her anger at Linda and this ferocious, tenacious need Linda had to break her down. But then yesterday arrived, and Jovan became undone. She had tried to go about her day. She went to a speaking engagement for her solo inspirational non-fiction, Picking up the Pieces, a book that detailed the story of her life with Cordell and the aftermath. She met with Cheyenne to work on the outline of their next mystery, Vanishing Keys. She even got ready to meet Mark for a dinner date down at the Inner Harbor. Not once did anyone in her inner circle mention the significance of the day: the second anniversary of Cordell’s death. They knew it wasn’t needed. They knew Jovan would have stayed up the entire night prior, still crying over the loss, still angry over the betrayal, still unsteady on what to do with her life. She was still fragile from the coming and going of Cordell’s birthday nearly three weeks ago. She had spent that day in quiet reflection, wondering why, yet again, she couldn’t find out about Cordell’s lies before anyone had to die. She still felt like an idiot over believing Sarah was her friend. She had spent hours talking to Sarah, telling her about the decline in her marriage—never realizing that her supposed friend was sleeping with her husband. Any normal person, knowing what she’d been through, would have given Jovan this day to grieve, to feel, to think in her own personal space. But not Linda Hayes. Jovan had expected to hear from her. After all, she saw commercials regarding Linda’s anniversary special. Linda had her assistant call her earlier in the month, trying to get her to talk about Cordell on the day of his birthday. Jovan had told her to “Go read Picking up the Pieces if you’re so damn interested in learning what I’m willing to say about Cordell. Other than that, leave me the hell alone, Miss Hayes.” It was only a matter of time that Linda would call her again, trying to get some comment to use for her latest special. Linda’s assistant called. Six, seven, eight times. Every time, Jovan would hang up. On the ninth time, as she slipped her feet into her black stilettos, Jovan finally relented. She picked up the phone and yelled, “Let me speak to Linda.” She quickly raced into the office and picked up her digital recorder, turning it on and setting her phone on speakerphone. Linda came on to the phone, her voice warm and soft as she said, “I’m so sorry for your loss, Jovan.” “If you’re so sorry, why are you harassing me? Obviously, I have nothing to say to you.”
Seduced by Blood SweetBlood #4 AUTHOR: Laurie London PUBLICATION DATE: 07/24/12 ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deep within the forests of the Pacific Northwest, the battle for supremacy rages on between two vampire coalitions: Guardian enforcers sworn to protect humanity, and Darkbloods, rogues who kill like their ancient ancestors… Hot-blooded and hard-edged, Tristan Santiago has an uncanny ability to see beneath the surface-a power that serves him well as the Guardians’ region commander. But when a deadly plot against his fellow vampires is uncovered, he must turn to the one woman he can’t read: the beautiful yet mysterious
Roxanne Reynolds, whose sensual presence soothes his tormented memories. Roxy had put love before duty once before, with devastating results. But to root out a dangerous traitor in their midst, she must put her faith in Santiago, the one man skilled enough to break through her defenses. Posing as lovers, Santiago and Roxy work side by side-and discover a powerful craving that threatens to consume them both.
REVIEW:
AAAhhh, it is good to be back in the world of the Sweetbloods.
Seduced by Blood is Laurie London’s fourth book in the Sweetbloods series. We finally get to look deeper into the fearless leader Tristan Santiago. *drool*
Santiago, as everyone calls him, is the tough as nails, no feeling, will rip your head off if you don’t do what he says leader of the Pacific Northwest Guardian team. But Santiago hides a very disturbing side of him, something that no one knows, something that if his team finds out they will lose all faith in him.
Roxanne Reynolds, is only in Seattle as a favor to her dear friend Lily. Why else would she be in this god awful cold and rainy place. But what Roxanne doesn’t know is just how very, very, very important she is about to become to the Pacific Northwest Guardians and the very cold, very temperamental, and all around pain in her ass leader of this group.
The Darkbloods are getting too brave, getting too comfortable, and Santiago doesn’t like it one bit. But they always seem to be one step ahead of them. When Santiago sends his team on a mission that almost gets them killed, he has to start to wonder if there is a mole in his group. But how do you find a mole when everyone is afraid of you? Well you go undercover with your new girlfriend right?
Oh how I love the Sweetblood world. I have really enjoyed every one of Laurie’s books. It is hard for me to pick who has been my favorite, all four heroes are yummy. But I really think I like Santiago the best. He is just so darn hard headed. It was great fun to watch him fall. And boy does he fall hard. Roxanne is just, well sweet is not the right word. Roxanne is just kick ass. She can kick your ass without thinking about it. But that is not always her way. She is very gentle and kind, which is exactly what Santiago needs. Oh and someone to push his buttons..
If you have not read any Sweetblood books you really need too. Laurie does a wonderful job of setting up this world. I have truly loved each book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and can’t wait to see where Laurie takes us next *cough* Mitch *cough*
The Claimed
Sin Hunters #2
AUTHOR: Caridad Piñeiro
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Victoria Johnson loves her life. She’s her own boss in a quaint beachside town, and has great friends who keep her grounded. If only they knew who she really is: an heiress to an ancient race who possesses astonishing superhuman powers. It’s Victoria’s duty to restore her clan of Light Hunters to their former glory by choosing the perfect mate. In Christopher Sombrosa, she just may have found him. Strong, smart, and successful, Christopher exudes a powerful energy. Their connection is sensual, irresistible-and forbidden.
A member of the Shadow Hunter clan, Christopher has defied his own father to lead his people away from affliction and violence. Yet he cannot ignore his duty to carry on his ancient bloodline. Stunningly beautiful and brimming with an erotic life force, Victoria is everything Christopher ever hoped for in a mate . . . but as a Light Hunter, she’s his mortal enemy. Together, they could unite their warring tribes. But murderous factions on both sides don’t want peace-and they’ll stop at nothing to keep light and darkness apart forever
REVIEW:
I have to start by saying I think this is a series you need to read in order. I made the mistake of picking up book 2 and reading it first. I will tell you I was a little, okay fine totally confused about the world that Caridad create. Not that the world itself is confusing. I just have a feeling so much happened in book one that I would highly recommend you read The Lost first. Okay with that being said now for my review.
I enjoyed this book. Didn’t love, didn’t hate, really I am on the fence about it. I wanted to badly to love Christopher and Victoria’s characters but for me I just never felt a connection with them. Now Ryan, Christophers slightly uptight second in command I like him and am hoping that his book is next.
Christopher and Victoria have a rough road ahead of them. Never before have Shadow and Light joined forces. But there seems to be so much and so many people standing in their way. But love and destiny will not be denied. Once joined nothing will stop them from trying to make the world of the Hunters better.
Just Say Yes
AUTHOR: Phillipa Ashley
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/01/12
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lucy Gibson is stunned when her famous reality TV-star boyfriend proposes to her on live television. Although flattered, she rejects his proposal and escapes to a secluded cottage owned by the handsome Josh Standring. Although he may not capture the hearts of millions of viewers, he captures the one heart that matters-and amidst the chaos of proposals, paparazzi, and passion, Josh and Lucy discover that when you know you have found The One, it is so easy to just say yes.
REVIEW:
This book was “ok” for me nothing more. It never seems to click with the characters Lucy/Nick or Lucy/Josh. The first eight chapters is a look back on what caused the break up from Lucy’s reality TV-star that caused all of England to turn against her. And honestly I think the reader can tell in the first chapter that Nick is just not an all around good guy. I even wondered if he was bi-polar at one point. Then the next few chapters are about Lucy pinning over her ex. Really there was nothing to pine over. Then she heads away to get away from the paparazzi and meets Josh but he is already in a relationship. Which I as the reader really do not enjoy. While I can appreciate that characters have a history of past romances I really do not enjoy one of the leads to be a homewrecker (even if they are just dating). And towards the end it seems that Josh just all of a sudden has a change of heart about Lucy, before that he had been less than enamored with her. And after the change of heart he is head over heels.
This book was previously released in 2008. This book is written by an English author so there are a lot of phrases and words that are not commonly used in America. Maybe it was the fact that the writing was off because of the different countries but it was a hard book for me to enjoy. That being said I can see how others may enjoy it so do not miss the chance to read it if you enjoy books set in modern day London.
Death Some people will do anything to avoid it. Even trade their immortal souls for endless existence. Wraiths Secretly, inexorably, they are infiltrating our world, sucking the essence out of unsuspecting victims with their hideous parody of a kiss. Segue Adam Thorne founded the Institute to study and destroy his monster of a brother, but the key to its success is held in the pale, slender hand of a woman on the run. There is something hauntingly different about Talia O’Brien, her unknowing sensuality, her uncanny way of slipping into Shadow. Twilight This is the place between life and what comes after – a dark forest of fantasy, filled with beauty, peril, mystery. And Talia is about to open the door.
Shadow Fall (Shadow #2)
Custo Santovari is a fallen hero, a man who sacrificed himself for his best friend, an angel who’s earned himself a well-deserved place in Heaven. But he risks it all to rescue a woman from soul-sucking wraiths. Sacrifice — Custo Santovari accepted pain, blood, even death, to save his best friend. But a man with all his sins just isn’t cut out to be an angel. — Mystery — One moment he’s fleeing Heaven; the next, he’s waking up stark naked in Manhattan. In the middle of a war. Called there by a woman who’s desperately afraid of the dark. Shadow It gathers around Annabella as she performs, filled with fantastic images of another world, bringing both a golden hero and a nightmare lover. Wolf He pursues her relentlessly, twisting her desires even as she gives herself to the man she loves. Because each of us has a wild side, and Annabella is about to unleash the beast
Shadow Touch (Shadow #2.5)
MAGIC It is bleeding into our world, bringing with it banshees, wraiths, fae from the twisting forests of Twilight. But Elllie’s problem is a very different kind of phenomenon… SHADOW It ought to be attached to her; instead it has a life of its own. And her dark mirror image is a wild thing, willfully seducing the very man Ellie hoped could help. SCIENCE Cam has devoted his career to exploring the boundaries between this world and the Hereafter. But nothing could prepare him for the mischief and mayhem of a soul split in two. SURRENDER Who will give in first: the man struggling to unite two halves of one fascinating female; the shadow fighting for freedom to experience the thrill of every emotion; or the woman who is about to discover her own deepest desires?
Shadowman (Shadow #3)
GHOSTS They haunt the halls of the Segue Institute, terrifying the living, refusing to cross over. But one soul is driven by a very different force. LOVE It survives even death. And Kathleen O’Brien swore she would return to those she was forced to leave too soon. SHADOWMAN He broke every rule to have her in life; now he will defy the angels to find her in death. THE GATE Forging it is his single hope of being reunited with his beloved, but through it an abomination enters the world. Leaving a trail of blood and violence, the devil hunts her too. Pursued through realms of bright fantasy and dark reality, Kathleen is about to be taken. . .
Shadow Play (Shadow #3.5)
Shadow The world is growing dark with it as mysteries from antiquity and legend creep into our time, bringing a new world of danger, beauty and… Magic Dr. Cam Kalamos has dedicated his life to studying its strange properties, but nothing is more intriguing than a woman whose soul is split in half, one part under her control, one part bent on… Seduction How can he resist the lure of a lover with no inhibitions and an insatiable desire to possess him? Both Ellie and her shadow want Cam, but there is an innocent child to be rescued from the forest and the strange fae creatures of… Twilight Love, loyalty, betrayal—which will rule? As Ellie sends her other self into the darkness, there is only one certainty: Trusting in shadows is a dangerous game
Book one in the Shadow Kissed Series
Fire Kissed
Fae Fire It is Kaye Brand’s power to wield. But outcast from her kind, she’s been selling herself to the highest bidder—money for her survival in exchange for a magic glimpse into the flames of the future. Angel Ice One of the angelic Order, Jack Bastian has no use for a female like Kaye, as provocative and unexpected as her blazing beauty. Yet he has no choice but to hire her to uncover the secrets of his sworn enemy and her former fiancé, Ferrol Grey. Magekind War is inevitable between the defenders of the Order and the mage Houses who threaten to engulf the world in Shadow. For Jack, mage-born Kaye is off limits, no matter how hot the impossible attraction between them. But in the coming darkness, beset by danger and desire, everything is about to change..
Damián: If you think I’m going to need reinforcements, how about a Dos Equis?
Kelly: Oh don’t look so nervous. I talked to Kally and know you don’t like to get too personal, especially when it comes to Savi. Besides, it’s me. I have been with you guys from the beginning. So just relax, I got ya *wink, wink*
Damián: Yes, Princesa Masters Brat Kelly, you truly have been there since before Masters at Arms was even published. And thanks for helping to organize Kally’s Street Brats, too. I know the team has been very helpful to her in getting the word out about her books.
Kelly: So tell me how are things going, since Savi and Marisol came back into your life?
Damián: Family has always been very important to me, but I never thought I’d have one of my own—not like this. Granted, we have a lot of things to work out yet, but having Marisol call me Daddy, and having Savi put her trust in me, are among two of the things I cherish most in this world.
Kelly: How surprised where you to find out Marisol is yours?
Damián: I think it was pretty obvious to everyone but me, but I took to it pretty quickly actually. Anyone would be proud to claim Marisol as his daughter.
Kelly: How do you think you are doing at being a dad?
Damián: (Laughs) Maybe you should ask Marisol that question, but we seem to have hit it off, once her mama trusted me to spend time with her. Heck, even before that. The first night, while we were waiting for Savi at the clinic, the kid showed me she can build a mean castle with Legos. Just wish she didn’t expect me to climb up the tower to rescue the princess. Anyway, when Marisol baked me a birthday cake and told me to make a wish…(clears throat)…well, it was pretty clear what I wished for. That was just about the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me.
Kelly: What is your biggest fear about being a dad?
Damián: Not being able to protect my little girl. Savi and I both have learned first-hand that there is evil in the world and trying to keep it away from the innocents like Marisol isn’t always easy. But we’re both committed to doing all we can to ensure Marisol doesn’t get hurt. Not that we can protect her from everything.
Kelly: How is Boots?
Damián: Into everything and, with my allergies, he’s helping to keep Benadryl in business. He’s also about the clumsiest kitten I’ve ever laid eyes on, always knocking things off shelves or whatever he’s climbing on. I hope he outgrows that soon. But he makes my two girls happy, so he’s definitely going to be a permanent fixture in the household.
Kelly: I know you don’t kiss & tell, but how is Savi doing? Getting better I hope?
Damián: Thanks for asking. I’ve never known a woman as strong as she is. She’s been to hell and back and, as I learn more and more about what’s happened in her past, I just thank God she returned to me and that I can help take some of the burden off her shoulders. Knowing that she trusted me enough to come to me when she needed help protecting Marisol means a lot to me.
Kelly: What do you think Savi’s greatest strength is?
Damián: Resilience. No matter how many times she gets knocked down, she gets back up again. She’s also got some mean moves of her own for when she needs to do the knocking down, which I discovered recently.
Savi, giving up just a little control
Kelly: Interesting. How are things going at Masters at Arms Club?
Damián: There will be some changings coming up in who lives at the club and we’re bringing in some new Doms to form a Board of Directors, to help share the responsibilities. Other than that, we continue to strive for a nice, safe place for us kinksters to come together with like-minded people in the BDSM community to share what we love to do, learn new techniques, and just unwind.
Kelly: Are you still happy that Adam talked you into being a part of the club?
Damián: If Dad hadn’t pulled me in when he did, I don’t think I’d be here today. To think that I would have missed out on the opportunity of finding Savannah…Savi…again, or never gotten to know my daughter. (Shakes head) PTSD fucks up your mind and I had convinced myself back then there wasn’t any way I’d ever get back to normal. But Dad, Marc, the folks at the Wounded Warrior Project, and others taught me that I’m wounded, not crippled or broken. Sorry if I got sidetracked, but for me, the Masters at Arms was the anchor I very much needed in my life at a dark time—and I’m not just talking about the building, but the people who make it up. It continues to be an important part of who I am. When I’m there, I can get involved in scenes that help keep me grounded and focused. I’m also the resident sadist. Even though I’m not a natural-born one, I’m often called on by Doms and Masters at the club to plan and execute sadomasochism scenes that will help their submissives achieve a goal or give them what they need, whether it’s screaming, crying, endorphin release, raging, or whatever they need to experience.
Kelly: Tell me what is the biggest misconception about BDSM clubs?
Damián: That they’re filled with abusers and sex addicts. . If you were walking down the street, you wouldn’t be able to pick out someone who belongs to a BDSM club. We’re just ordinary people—mechanics, nurses, businesspeople, firefighters, teachers, homemakers, you name it. And no one is more vigilant about exposing the abusers in the community than those of us who are active in a local club.
BDSM isn’t about abuse at all. A lot of subs, in particular, with abusive backgrounds have found solace and healing in clubs. It’s not always about sex either. My relationship with Savi started out mainly as my being her Top and helping her release pent-up emotions she’d kept a tight leash on for many years. While I’ve been attracted to her since the first day I saw her in the hotel where I worked before I joined the Marines, I knew she wasn’t ready for a sexual relationship when she returned to me. We needed to work on redirecting a lot of the negative messages still rattling around in her head from things her abusers had tried to make her believe about herself. So, for us, SM is the way we’re able to help each other and connect on a very emotional level. Someday I hope it leads to more, of course.
Kelly: What would you tell someone who was thinking about getting into this lifestyle, but scared all at the same time?
Damián: (Grins) Well, be careful who you admit your fear to, because a Dom likes nothing more than to know his sub is a little afraid of him. Seriously, though, you need to do your homework. First off, find out if there’s a club in your area where you can talk with others who are in the lifestyle. Most hold public events called munches that give people a chance to meet and greet. A good place to find out about your local scene is to check out fetlife.com, an online community for kinksters. You just might want to avoid looking at the photos at first, though, if you’re squeamish. But there are some good forums there to help you get to know more about the community and the lifestyle and people, for the most part, are eager to help newcomers understand and learn about the lifestyle. Just don’t go meeting strangers without taking the same safety precautions you would if going on a date with someone you met online. There are some real nutjobs out there. Most aren’t like the Doms and subs you meet in Romance novels.
Kelly: I know you have been around for the last three stories Kally has written. How do you feel about her telling your and Savi’s story?
Damián: I just wish she’d hurry up and finish it so I can see how it ends. (Laughs) Actually, you know Kally. “The end” never means the end. But from what I understand, I’m going to make out better at the end of this one than Marc is.
Kelly: Did she keep the story true? Or did she leave things out? Was there anything you wanted her to add that she would not?
Damián: If anyone tries to keep things out of these stories, it’s Marc, Adam, and me. Kally is all about baring our souls for the world to see. Well, you can imagine how well that goes over with a bunch of Marines who have built walls around themselves to keep themselves safe and their secrets hidden. She’s also tenacious. Picking on my buddy again, but she knew there was something going on with Marc that he hadn’t revealed to her when she was writing Nobody’s Angel. Well, she’s quite the reporter (she has degree in journalism, you know), and a few weeks ago she uncovered the beginnings of a story from Marc’s past that’s a shocker for him and has really caused some problems in his life. He’s still reeling from the news, as anyone might be, and has to figure out what it means for him, not to mention his relationship with Angelina. But I’m sure he’ll, as Kally’s readers like to say, “get his head out of his ass” eventually.
Kelly: It is always good to have you here. Anything else you want to share before I turn you loose?
Damián: I can’t think of anything. Just be watching for announcements on Facebook, Twitter, and in her newsletter for when Nobody’s Perfect is available to be downloaded and read. It’ll definitely be this month, but no earlier than June 26 it looks like. (Holds his hands up) Hey, don’t look at me. Marc’s the one who derailed this book. Kally says I’m the easiest of the three to work with. (Grins) Hmmm. But there’s still time. I wonder what havoc I might be able to wreak in the next few days.
Kelly: Master D, don’t you dare! We’ve been waiting since last summer for Savi’s and your happy ending.
Damián: Well, for you, princesa brat, I’ll try to behave.
I can’t wait to read Nobody’s Perfect. Here is a quick look at Damián & Savi’s book.
Nobody’s Perfect
Masters at Arms #4
Savannah Gentry, now Savi Baker, escaped the torture and degradation forced upon her by a sadistic father for eleven years and has made a safe life for herself and her daughter. When her father threatens her peace of mind—and her daughter’s safety—Savi runs to Damián Orlando for protection. Their one day together eight years earlier changed both their lives and resulted in a secret she can no longer hide. But being with Damián reawakens feelings she wants buried—and stirs up an onslaught of disturbing flashbacks that leave her shaken to the core with little hope of ever being a sexual being again.
Damián has his own dragons to fight, but has never forgotten the one perfect day he spent with Savannah in a cave at the beach. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect Savi and her daughter, but can never be the whole man she deserves after a firefight in Iraq. Besides, the trauma of war and resulting PTSD has led him to find his place as the Masters at Arms Club’s favorite sadist. Savi needs someone gentle and loving, not the broken man he has become. But he sees that the lifestyle he’s come to embrace also can help Savi regain control of her life and sexuality. How can he not help redirect her negative thoughts and actions if she needs him?
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Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome S.J. McMillian to the blog today to talk about her new book City of the Gods.
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
I live in southwest Missouri with my supportive husband and my three fun loving kids. Along with being a wife and mother, I have a full time job as an administrative assistant during the work week. I enjoy reading, exercising, eating junk food, watching movies & TV, singing loudly, and dancing terribly.
2. Have you always wanted to be an author?
I didn’t even consider becoming an author until I finished The Descendant a couple years ago. I remember when I was younger I wanted to be a teacher, but as I grew older I changed my mind several times. For a while I wanted to be an FBI agent, which changed into wanting to be a photo-journalist. The photo-journalist didn’t work out because even though I wanted to write, I didn’t want to write about news. Well that, and the fact that I suck at photography.
3. Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
My favorite writers include Katie McAlister, Michele Bardsley, Lynsay Sands, & Christine Feehan. Any and all of these amazing writers influenced my writing. All these women write strong characters that I always end up falling in love with. Not to mention, they all have an element of humor in them which is another thing I love about their books. I want to have those strong believable characters in my stories. I want the reader to love my characters and stories just as much as I love these ladies stories.
4. How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
As you can see from my list of favorite authors, I have an affinity for paranormal romance. I’m just not real comfortable writing the steamy love scenes you often get in those. Urban fantasy is a nice blend of paranormal, horror, and romance. I can put a bit of romance into the story without having to write that full on steamy love scene, but still put just enough gore in the story to make you cringe, but not puke.
Once I finish the City of the Gods trilogy, I do have a story in mind that rides the line between paranormal and urban fantasy. I also have plans for a ghost story and a humorous fiction series. One day I will venture out of my comfortable urban fantasy world, but it will be a few years from now.
5. What are some of your writing rituals?
I usually have to have some kind of music playing as background noise and I always have to have something to drink handy. Those are the only things that are a must for me while writing. Anything else would be a distraction.
6. Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
The title of my current release is City of the Gods: The Descendant. It’s about Katalina, a girl who is a descendant of an ancient civilization. Unknown to her, she has been appointed by the Gods to save humanity from annihilation by an evil priest. Three of the original citizens of the civilization are given the mission to train and protect Katalina until she is ready to defeat the evil.
Katalina’s life has been a constant struggle since the loss of her parents when she was younger. She doubts her ability to save the human race, when she can barely protect herself. It’s up to her friends, who have survived for many centuries, to convince her that she does indeed have what it takes to accept the mantle of Redeemer.
7. How did you come up with idea for this story?
This story has been in the making for over ten years. At the time I was reading lots of paranormal romances. I wanted to write a story of my own. The earliest version of this story had vampires, werewolves, and witches running amuck throughout it. Then came that little phenomenon Twilight, and then Vampire Dairies hot on its heels. I didn’t want to write something that was like everything else out there. I wanted to give the reader something different. One day while researching I came across the city of Teotihuacan in Mexico. I was intrigued by its limited history. I consumed all the information I could find on the city, short of traveling there myself. I took out the vampires and werewolves, and created something unique. It came out better than I could have possibly hoped for.
8. Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently working on the second book for the City of the Gods trilogy. I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of June. The only things I can tell you about the book without spoiling the story is that it takes off where The Descendant ends, and centers more on another character.
9. What would you be if you were not an author?
A poet or artist. I can’t draw worth a crap, but I would still have that need to express my creativity. As an author, I’m able to express that side of me.
10. What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m so far behind on my reading. On my nightstand right now is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Yep that’s right, the 2nd book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I was also told by a good friend of mine to read Shades of Grey. There are probably many others out there that I would read if I had the time.
11. Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank your readers for taking the time to stop by and read my babbling. I also love hearing from readers and fellow authors. You can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mcmillansj, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mcmillansj, or come by my website at www.mcmillansj.com.
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Let’s see…Southern girl by birth, Midwesterner by fate, world traveler and semi-professional ex-pat American by luck I own a microbrewery, handle guys who brew and sell beer daily including my own Tap Room staff. I love my day job. But I also love to write.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Not really, no. I wanted to be a veterinarian for a lot of years, then toyed with med school until I hit organic chemistry and my essential missing math gene made me pick up my minor in English as a major. I’ve worked my entire life in sales, public relations and some non-profit fundraising and wrote everything from press releases to ad copy. Spent 8 fairly lucrative years as a licensed real estate agent, and now, I own a brewery. But I never thought I’d do that either!
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
I can flesh out an entire plot in my head and actually have to do that before I sit and write at the keyboard.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
The 2 books that have released this month from Decadent book end the trilogy of stories I wrote for their popular 1NightStand series earlier this year. The Diplomat’s Daughter is the prequel and tells the “forbidden love” story of the Deniz parents—she the daughter of the American Consul General, he the son of servants.
Flower Passage: Tarkan’s Story is the final novella of the series and brings back a very popular but short lived character from the early trilogy.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I wrote Turkish Delights (the 1st of the trilogy for the 1NightStand series) and quickly concocted the other 2. Each one of about one of the siblings in the Deniz family (see: Diplomat’s Daughter for their parents’ fairly romantic story). When I decided to have one of the family members die in a terrorist attack I sort of knew all along that there would be “more” to that story but not until the family had more or less moved on or at least come to terms with the tragedy of his death.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
Sure! What writer doesn’t want to go on (and on…and on) about their projects? I have an entire series as a spin off to my popular Stewart Realty series coming soon and am in the middle of hard edits for a brewery-based romance coming from Ellora’s Cave later this year. I am also going off in a slightly different direction and coming up with a slightly more mainstream/less erotic second chances story about a woman who spent years as an ex-pat trailing spouse and the collapse and re-assembly of her marriage.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Margaret Atwood—she is my hero. Barring that John Irving, same reason.
Also, Orhan Pamuk, Pulitzer prize winning, Turkish author.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Don’t ever submit anything without a very hard round of critique. It wastes your time and the publishers and costs you credibility.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
I want to spend a month in Germany visiting all the famous breweries for like, 2 months. And write a book about starting my brewery business. I’ve saved all the pretty hilarious chains of emails I have shared with my 2 biz partners, our brewer, and now my Bar manager.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I cannot wait to start John Irving’s new book In One Person.
Want to learn more about Liz and her books? You can find her here
Julie Miller has returned to her home in Clearwater, Wyoming after discovering she is pregnant. All she wants is her mother to comfort her after her boyfriend told her to either have an abortion or leave. The only problem is, when she gets to her mother’s house, she doesn’t find her mom—she finds a half-naked man cooking breakfast. Mark Thomas has moved to Clearwater to escape his past. He needs a fresh start to try and forget the things that haunt him, and Clearwater seems like the perfect place. As if it isn’t bad enough that Julie doesn’t find her mother, a blizzard buries the town, and she is snowed in with Mark. Leaving them no choice, they begin a friendship while trying to resist the attraction they feel for one another. Once the snow melts, Julie is free to leave. Will she choose to start a life in Clearwater or run back to New York? Meanwhile, Mark struggles to let go of his past and, if he does, is Julie his future?
The sun shined brightly through the windows. Julie wished now she had noticed the blinds were open last night. Pulling the sheets over her face, she closed her eyes for a few more minutes as she tried to wake up.
Finally, after battling with herself, she climbed out of the bed. She put her jeans back on and then pulled her hair up in a ponytail. A sudden urge to use the restroom took over, and she rushed toward the bathroom. This was something new—no bladder control. She didn’t expect to already have to pee so much.
She quickly brushed her teeth then made sure everything was tidy as though she hadn’t been there. Grabbing her suitcase, she left the room. She expected to find Chloe up front, but she was nowhere to be seen. So she stopped by the front desk and scribbled a note, thanking Chloe for the stay and saying they would talk soon. After all, she was going to need someone during this process. As young girls, she and Chloe had always gotten along.
Outside, the sun was bright. There was a chill to the air, however. The few clouds in the sky were thick and fluffy. She bet there would be a light snow shower before the day was over. In fact, she was surprised to not see any snow on the ground yet. It would be anytime now.
The drive to her mother’s house was short. She lived on the older side of town, and it was unchanged except that the trees had gotten taller.
Julie was excited to see her mom. It had been almost a year since she’d seen her. Julie had flown her out last Christmas to visit her in New York City. She’d taken her mother everywhere, showing her every tourist spot there was to see. Her mother had loved it and said it had always been a dream of hers to travel. Julie hoped one day her mother would get to. Her father had died about ten years ago, and her mother had never remarried. She had a few close friends, though, and maybe one day they would all get together and travel.
But for now, Julie needed her mom. She couldn’t wait to have her mother embrace her and hold her tight, telling her it would all work out.
She pulled up to the house. It looked the same. A small ranch-style home painted a light blue color. It was time for a fresh coat of paint, that was sure. Perhaps she could get someone out here in the spring to spruce the place up. Her mother’s car wasn’t in its usual spot but instead pulled over near the picket fence. A pick-up truck sat where the car was usually parked. Maybe something was wrong with the vehicle, and she was borrowing the truck.
Climbing out of the car, Julie could smell bacon. A smiled crossed her face. Her mom was cooking breakfast. Shutting the car door quickly, she went up the front steps two at a time. As she turned the doorknob, she found it locked. Groaning, she dug through her purse until she found the key to the house and let herself in.
Loud music blared through the house. It was set to a local country station. This was so unlike her mother. In fact, as Julie looked around the living room and saw how untidy it was, she wondered if she was in the right house.
Following the smell of food, she stepped into the kitchen. Julie froze. A half-naked man stood at the stove, flipping pancakes. It was as if he sensed he was no longer alone. He turned, and Julie thought she was going to faint.
“Hi,” the man said.
“Who the hell are you, and where is my mother?” Julie demanded.
Entering the Blue Stone 
Lady Parker’s Grand Affair
Into The Web
Seduced by Blood
The Claimed
Just Say Yes
Shadow Bound (Shadow #1)
Shadow Touch (Shadow #2.5)
Shadow Play (Shadow #3.5)
Damián: It’s good to be back.
Nobody’s Perfect
1. Can you please share with us a little about yourself?
Can you please share with us a little about yourself
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
Finding Home