My Daddy – Things I remember

It’s been just over five years since my dad left us, and as Father’s Day approaches (and I am feeling the hole in my heart grow just a little) I have been thinking about the past. Those days filled with laughter and adventure, and I remember how lucky I was that for over forty years, I got to have him with me. That I got to have Michael A. Dearing as my father.

I remember him teaching us to play football, how to box. I remember 4th of July sitting on the roof and watching fireworks. I remember being tossed into the deep end of the pool, then swimming back to his arms and begging to be thrown again. And he did it again and again. Backyard Bear hunts and Big Foot Adventures in the park. Running from the Goose on the Westlake Gold Course. I hated that goose!

I remember being tickled and dog piled on. I remember watching TV, eating popcorn, stealing Cheetos from his plate, which was met with total disdain. I remember seeing him couched on the floor hugging and kissing my dog when he thought no one was watching. The Dearing Roll, weeding, BBQs in the backyard. RV shows and Greek Festivals.

I remember eating at new restaurants, driving around Ensenada, watching USC football. making new friends, taking my friends to visit every summer. I remember him walking through a room and everyone watching him. He could hold everyone’s attention and mesmerize people. I know I got my ability to tell stories from him. he was a Great storyteller.

I remember all the times he took care of me, and that one time I got to return the favor and take of him. Even when the power went out for 4 days after that huge storm in Cantu. I read to him from the Chronicles of Crime by candlelight, and we laughed (don’t judge until you’ve read it yourself – Magic!) and we would watch a few episodes of Harper’s Island on the laptop.  And he got better for a little while. But you can only hold off the inevitable for so long.

And that beautiful soul left us a year later. Your exit was peaceful and everything we hope for it to be. But you’re gone and we are left with a piece of us missing. That’s was true love does. It takes a piece of you with it when it leaves.

Life is short. Don’t waste it. Tell the people you love, how much you love them. Don’t hesitate to share stories, and see your family and friends. Tomorrow is never promised. And for those of you who still have your daddies, please hug them, and tell them you love them, and laugh and make memories, so that you can remember all the glorious days you’ve spent together.

Father’s Day… Five Years Later

It’s been five years since my dad left us… and when I say left us, he died. Some of you have read my post, “My Father, My Hero, ” which was written a few days after he left. Raw emotions left on the page from fresh wounds, and now five years later, they are scars.

They prickle and hurt from time to time, reminding me about how much I miss him. The sound of his voice, his laughter, his wisdom. I learned so much from him. Some things obvious, other things not so much.

He taught me how to laugh. Introducing me to comedy in all forms, and allowing me to make my own decisions. Enjoying food… now, maybe I enjoy food too much, but because of he and my mother making me try new foods, I have a diverse and demanding palate. I think more parents need to do this (just my humble opinion). He taught me to work hard in sports and academics. He taught me how to be creative when disciplining a child.

He gave me an older sister, different mom ;). We didn’t get to meet until we were adults, but she reminds me of him every day. We look like him. She plays drums like him. She has his wild streak. She in turn has given me a niece and nephew.

He was one half of my parents. He gave me the other half. He gave me my mother. He fell in love with my mom. She is exceptional. Talented, logical, and loving. My mother and I have had a bumpy ride, but we came out the other side. Today our relationship is stronger than ever.

Together they gave me my younger brother and sister. My Rocks. We share the same memories. We share moments that he was a part of. We have shared a life that he was an integral part of. My sister gave us a neice.

Earlier this year, my father-in-law left us. Such a  lovely man. So full of life, and joy. It was difficult to be around him and not smile or laugh. He loved to mock my American accent, introduce me to English foods. He would make jokes with his son, that only the two of them would get. He loved his wife and his children, and did for all of them.

Now, I get to help my husband through this diffcult time. Hold his hand, dry his tears and help him to move through the pain of missing his dad. Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a parent. My sister explained it best. We were a unit. Even though my parents were divorced, we were a unit, and now a piece of the unit is gone and it can’t be replaced. That is the best description.

I miss him every day. But I don’t cry every day now. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my “daddy days”, but they are fewer. Every once in a while, it hits me like a mack truck, and for a little while it’s the same as it was when we first left. But them I cry it out, and it’s okay for a while.

The mourning process never ends. That piece of you is missing. It will never be filled. Despite that, I carry him with me. I see him when I look in the mirror, or around my home. He is always in my heart. Thus, he is always with me.

I am so blessed to have had him for a father, and a best friend.

Aeonian Kiss by Nicki Scalise – Release Day – July 26th, 2014 – Giveaway

AEONIAN KISS by Nicki Scalise

Revenants in Purgatory Book 2

What happens to the dead when they die? Do they go to Heaven? To Hell? On a luxury cruise?

It wasn’t a question Olivia Brennan ever thought to ask. After all, once you’ve been to Hell and back, how much worse can things get? Her harrowing descent has already cost her everything – her home, her career, the man she loves. But when an enemy resurfaces looking to settle a score, she learns there’s more to lose than she ever imagined.

Purgatory harbors more secrets than the depths of Hell, and Olivia has landed smack dab in the middle of their tangled web. Faced with an impossible choice, she must reach into the darkest parts of her soul for the strength she needs to save everyone she loves. But even if she succeeds, will she ever be the same again?

Maybe some questions are better left unanswered. If there’s one thing experience has taught her, it’s that the universe loves to kick her ass.

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Teaser #1 

Zane hit the floor hard, landing on his shoulder, and that’s about the time I freaked out. I dropped to my knees next to him. I shook him, patted his cheeks, and screamed his name, but received no response. I didn’t know anything about his “gift,” as he called it. Had he just overloaded? Had I put him in some sort of weird, undead coma? Had he simply fallen asleep because the “show” bored him?I grabbed a glass of water from my nightstand and splashed it in his face, but still got nothing. Tossing the glass aside, I looked around the room for other options, but saw none. Deciding to go get help, I jumped to my feet. Devon was right next door, after all.

I stopped halfway down the stairs, realizing if I woke Devon then I’d have to tell him what had happened. What Zane had seen. Nope, that wasn’t an option. I juked back and forth on the step, having trouble deciding if I should run back up or down. I finally decided on down. My phone was downstairs. I could call someone. I ran into the kitchen and swiped it off the counter where I’d left it when I’d come in to make tea.

I tore back through the house and ran back upstairs. Who could I call? Portia and Tore were out of the question for the same reasons as Devon. Not to mention they weren’t in the know about Zane’s gift. My heart pounded harder as it dawned on me. There was one other option, but the question was, should I call him?

I made it back into my room to find Zane still heaped on the floor. The situation constituted an emergency. Drake would know what to do. They had been friends long enough that he’d have to know how to fix this. Even if he didn’t want to speak to me, surely he’d want to help Zane. At the very least he’d probably want to know that I’d “broken” his best friend.

Teaser #2

As we lay together listening to the clock tick and the deliverymen going in and out of my new place, something inside me started to hurt, too. I tried to wipe away an unexpected tear as it danced down my cheek. I’d always known I needed Devon, but until that very moment, I’d never fully understood how much he needed me in return. My heart ached thinking about the pain he must have suffered in my absence. Just imagining losing him made me want to hold on and never let go again.

Even though I was still very much in love with Drake, as I lay there with Devon, I realized there would always be a part of my heart that was his and his alone. No man would ever be able to touch it or steal it away. That part of my heart wished we were more than friends. The little part knew we were perfect for each other and hated any woman he was with because she wasn’t me. That part of me knew — with one hundred percent certainty — that in another life, there would be more to us than just a platonic love.

I believe sometimes it’s possible to have a relationship with someone that transcends being friends or lovers. It’s something more tangible, and only the two people in that relationship understand it, yet neither could ever explain it to an outsider. It’s the very definition of beauty and peace.

It was him.
It was me.
It was us.
He was my Devon and I was his Olivia. He was my butt munch. I was his dork face. He was the love of my other life, and I, the love of his.Teaser #3

With Mourning Inamorata in my hands, I sat on the edge of my bed. My fingers traced over the bumpy, raised surface of the paint. I imagined Drake in his studio working on it and his hand resting where mine was. Another piece of my heart broke. It was the closest contact I’d probably ever have with him again, and we were separated by unmerciful time. Drake longing in the past, me longing in the present. The connection felt just as strong and somehow just as distant as it always had.

I wiped away my tears and set the painting down on the bed. I’d only had a couple hours of shuteye, but I couldn’t go back to sleep now. Everything was too painful. I didn’t need a reminder that all I had left of Drake was a painting and a haunting version of what once had been.

Teaser #4

A pale moon hung in the crimson-stained sky, surrounded by ominous storm clouds. I stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Below me was nothing but slate and darkness. A fierce, warm wind blew, yet the black water barely rippled. A gust blew the skirt of my long black gown. The material blew in waves behind me. The long bell-sleeves caught in the breeze as I raised my hand. The air felt thick, like wet sand slipping through my fingers. I closed my eyes to allow the wind invitation to my touch, but something about it felt wrong… very wrong.

Prayer for the Dead

Revenants in Purgatory Book 1

 

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Immortal Blood by Magen McMinimy – Book Review

Synopsis:

A perfect night on the town turns out to be her worst nightmare. A date with a handsome man is the catalyst for events that she thought only happened in fairy tales. Thrust into a world of danger, Isabelle has no idea what is in store for her as the Light and Dark Fae fight over her future.

Isabelle Moreno is a young woman working her way through life, finding little time for love and adventure. Until she agrees to a date with a mysterious stranger, only to find out the secrets this man holds are something she could have lived her entire life without knowing. The Dark Fae Luck Eater has found something enticing in Isabella’s humanity.

Bain is an arrogant playboy and an Immortal Light Fae Warrior. He and his four brothers fight for the safety of the human race while remaining something of myth. After weeks of tracking the Dark Fae Luck Eater, Bain comes across yet another victim, in Isabelle.

Bain has finally found his match in this feisty human as she fights against him and her ever growing attraction to the Immortal who is bound to protect her.

Review:

I just finished reading Immortal Blood, the first book by Magen McMinimy in the Immortal Heart series and I can say I will be getting all of them.

McMinimy has created and original take on the Fae and the world they live in. They are amazing and different and spectacular. Talk about getting hot and bothered about paranormals… you definitely will. The passion between Izzy and Bain is undeniable. It is deep and hot. I was completely invested in this book and everything about this world.

McMinimy evokes depth and passion in her writing and her originality is exceptional. If you love Kresley Cole, you will Love Magen McMinimy!! Come and experience a new world of originality in the paranormal world and find the Fae that’s perfect for you!

A Menu of Death by Lucy Pireel – Book Blast and Giveaway

A Menu of Death

A collection of stories centered around vengeance, obsession, cravings, and life.

Pick one item of the Menu or devour the entire buffet
Make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew
Read, but not with greed for
Death awaits, ready to come and collect its due

These eight short stories revolve around obsession, revenge, craving, love, and Death. Whether it be a woman in need of rescue, a man who hungers for his wife, a demon lost, or wishes come true, all characters want something. Badly.
But … You can’t always get what you want, but you might just get what you need.

Available at:
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About the author

Lucy Pireel is a writer who doesn’t let herself be restricted to any one genre. She loves to write in whatever direction her current story leads her.  When she’s not writing, or reading, she is practicing or teaching yoga, her other passion. Or she could be on a long hike somewhere in the beautiful British nature.

Being an author it is almost a given she has a great love for chocolate and coffee to live on while writing, but she doesn’t shy away from trying to prepare intricate dishes, for cooking is another thing she enjoys.

Should you want to follow her she can be found at:
http://www.lucypireel.com
http://www.lucypireel.wordpress.com
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105731497321102858244/posts

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Flash by Barbara Morgenroth – REVIEW and GIVEAWAY- Around the Universe Book Tour

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

She’s been pretending to be 18 for so long, it feels like the truth.

When the only way for 15 year old photographer, Kip Chanin, to earn a living is as paparazzi, she can’t say no. Kip’s first photo is of Alex Milne, the handsome and volatile young actor. That one photo changes both their lives. Kip finds herself challenged to be a better photographer, a better daughter and to be a better friend. For someone used to getting by on her own, this could be Kip’s biggest lesson. The second biggest–You do what you have to in Hollywood to survive

Book Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Mature-YA-Novel-ebook/dp/B005R2LUFA/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362423299&sr=1-2&keywords=Flash+by+Barbara+Morgenroth

REVIEW:

I have to admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I received it, but then again, this is why I love doing reviews.  There are a lot of books I would never think of reading, but then they are handed to me and I have to read them to do a review.  This is one of those books that makes be grateful to be able to do this.  The characters are multi-dimensional, smart, funny, sharp, damaged, flawed and believable.  The book takes place in my home town, Los Angeles, and Barbara Morgenroth knows her geography.  She also knows her industry.

I was so engaged by the relationships in this story, I read it in one sitting, then immediately bought the second book… which I read last night.  And I hope there’s a third book coming out, because Barbara does like cliff hangers.  Having said that, I don’t mind cliff hangers and I LOVED this book!!  Kip is an independent, smart, talented girl and although at times she seems much older than she is, we understand why, but then the author shows us this glimpse of a  young girl and we are reminded, she’s not a gown up yet.  The agents are all totally accurate, the actors as well.  The book is like an onion that has layers and layers of story.  I guess i could go on, but this story is truly phenomenal and it is an unbelievable ride.  Hurry with Book 3 please!!

AUTHOR BIO:

Barbara was born in New York City and but now lives somewhere else.  Starting her career by writing tweens and YA books, she wound up in television writing soap operas for some years.  Barbara then wrote a couple cookbooks and a nonfiction book on knitting.  She returned to fiction and wrote romantic comedies.

When digital publishing became a possibility, Barbara leaped at the opportunity and has never looked back.  In addition to the 15 traditionally published books she wrote, in digital format Barbara has something to appeal to almost every reader from Mature YAs like the Bad Apple series and the Flash series, to contemporary romances like Love in the Air published by Amazon/Montlake, and Unspeakably Desirable, Nothing Serious and Almost Breathing.

http://barbaramorgenroth.blogspot.com/

Flash will be available for $.99 for Kindle during the duration of the tour.  Go grab a copy you won’t be disappointed!!!

There is also a GIVEAWAY.  Enter for the chance to win an

eBook of Flash or a camera charm (shown below).  

To enter the GIVEAWAY, please click on the link below:

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Please follow the links below to follow the entire tour:

Coming April 18th

15 Reviews of Flash by Barbara Morgenroth

April 18

Rambling Voices in My Head

April 19

Out of Control Characters

April 20

Jess’s Book Blog

April 21

Recent Reads

April 22

Raven Reviews

April 23

Freaky Fiction Author

April 24

Ever and Ever Sight

April 25

The Library at the END of the Universe

April 26

Candy Coated Book Blog

April 27

Cu’s e-Book Giveaways 

April 28

Kay LaLone I Love Books

April 29

Paperrdolls

April 30

2 Bibliophiles Guide to Seriously Awesome Books

And Everything In Between

May 1

Our New Generation for Reading

Tracy Riva

The Devil Knows by K.C. Cavanaugh – Review, Giveaway and Spotlight – Around the Universe Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

“The Devil Knows” is a paranormal romance-drama. It starts off with Megan learning that her best friend since birth has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Megan’s life is then consumed by the drive to find a way to save Anya. She scours the internet looking for medical answers, as well as those that seem far-fetched and impossible.

Soon, her computer leads her to the possibility of making a deal with the devil. Megan wonders if it’s even possible for her to give up her soul to save Anya. Not knowing where to begin, she soon discovers clues and signs that seem to be left for her, which leads her to an occult shop where she tries to find some answers.

But it doesn’t take long for Anya to get worse, as it seems each day her condition deteriorates. Even the doctors are baffled by the progression of the cancer, as it’s much more aggressive than anticipated. During a trip to the emergency room with Anya, Megan meets Dr. Carson who is Anya’s attending physician.

Quickly a spark between Megan and the doctor ignites, even though there appears to be something that just isn’t right about the emergency room doctor. Besides he treated Anya, so that makes Megan feels weird. Plus there is the fact that she’s been thinking about selling her soul, so a relationship is the last thing on Megan’s mind! But after a few encounters, Megan realizes that Jeremiah Carson may not be exactly who he has portrayed himself to be.

Who holds the answers to curing Anya? Could Megan really sell her soul when it comes down to it? Only the devil knows…

Review:

I absolutely loved this book!!  It was a quick read and the story was intriguing and the characters charming.  I enjoyed the ending very much, it was very fulfilling, as well as the depth of characters in the story and the revelation of layers we are exposed to when the finale comes.  There are some formatting issues (due to errors from publisher) and this should not deter you from enjoying this book (it is also my understanding they are currently correcting these issues). Definitely worth the read and just a wonderful story.

Giveaway:

Clink on the link below to enter to win a eBook copy of The Devil Knows – Less Than 2 days left!!!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Links: 

Kindle http://www.amazon.com/The-Devil-Knows-ebook/dp/B00C7FBHI0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1365266368&sr=1-1&keywords=the+devil+knows

Paperback http://www.amazon.com/The-Devil-Knows-K-Cavanaugh/dp/148263838X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1365266368&sr=1-1

 ABOUT the AUTHOR:

K.C. grew up in a small town in Northeastern PA, she still lives close to her hometown, remaining close with her friends and family. She has been writing since a young age, and always wanted to be a writer. Before now, she focused on poetry and short stories. The Devil Knows is her debut novel, and was written after K.C. found out that a family friend was diagnosed with cancer.

With lots of projects in the works, she is hoping to release her second novel this summer. You can look for her YA apocalyptic trilogy, Eternal Trilogy (with a few additional shorts), and a YA paranormal mystery.

LINKS To Find K.C. Cavanaugh: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cavanaugh.kc

Blog: www.cavanaughkc.blogspot.com

Website: www.cavanaughkc.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cavanaugh_kc

Excerpt: 

“So, that doctor was pretty cute, huh?” Anya asked, teasing.

Snorting, Megan retorted, “Oh yeah, a real hottie.” But in the back of her mind, she was drooling over the good doctor. He wasn’t bad to look at, Megan had to admit. Though he didn’t do anything to warrant the opinion, she got the impression he could be intense.

“He seemed to think the same about you,” Anya replied.

“Anya! He was there as your doctor, not to pick up girls.”  Megan couldn’t believe Anya’s playful mood. She never teased Megan about guys—well, hardly ever.  “Look, I have too much on my plate right now with school. I’m not looking for anything,” she said, trying to figure out if she was trying to convince Anya, or herself.

“Who said you have to be looking for something, Megs? He’s hot, you’re hot, and the two of you could be hot.”

The look Anya was giving her made Megan burst out in laughter. This was good. She liked having this happy, clever Anya around. It was how Megan wanted to remember her.

Please continue to follow this tour at the links below.  Thank you 🙂

April 21

The Cavanaugh Connection ~ The Author Herself

April 22

Out of Control Characters

Candy Coated Book Blog

As You Wish Reviews

Readers Candy

April 23

Rambling Voices in My Head

Book Reviews by Lynn

Jess’s Book Blog

Cynthia Shepp Book Reviews and  Editing

April 24

Mythical Books

April 25

The Loupster

Brianna Lee Reviews

Raven Reviews

And Everything in Between

April 26

A Little Bit of R&R

Confessions of the Paranormal

JeanzBookReadNReview

Tracy Riva Books & Reviews

April 27

The Library at the END of the Universe

TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – I Am Serna by Magen McMinimy

Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST.  I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story ;), so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity.  Thus, people can choose to believe me or not.  I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.

Synopsis:  When a paranormal hit man is hired to protect a beautiful young witch from a dangerous witch of the black arts, he is torn between protecting her or falling for her…

Review: As I started reading this story, I was completely engaged.  Author, Magen McMinimy, has a wonderful flow to her style and the characters were intriguing.   Unfortunately, it was as though this story ended abruptly.  I actually turned the page, looking for more.  I felt as though it was unfinished.  I also figured out the TWIST.  It is my humble opinion that this story could have been exceptional if it had gone on for another few pages and given us a second TWIST, which it was open to do.  Again, Magen McMinimy has an amazing style and fantastic character development, I just felt it fell short in this particular story.

Magen dreams is the world of the supernatural and looks forward to continuing her Immortal Heart Series and creating worlds for her readers to get lost in and characters to fall in love with. She loves to read and spends as much of her free time with family and friends as possible. Believing life is what you make of it she follows her dreams through anything that would threaten to hinder her.

Magen McMinimy has written several pieces which are available at online retailers.

 

TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Bloodlines by S.L. Dearing

Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST.  I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story ;), so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity.  Thus, people can choose to believe me or not.  I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.

Synopsis: When two children witness the abduction of their mother by the Gestapo, they are whisked away to France, where in the safety of the forest, they discover who they really are…

Review: Nope!! This is my story, the one I won’t review… well, because it’s mine and I already know how I feel about it.  I love it, but I’m biased.  So instead, I have put an Excerpt below.  Hope you enjoy… and maybe want to know how it ends 😉

Bloodlines

“I didn’t ask you to find just any children, Lieutenant Henke! I want those children! Idiot!”

The SS officer bowed his head, clicking the heels of his black boots together.

“My apologies, General. I was led to believe these children would be taken to Birkenau at Doctor Mengele’s request… for the Twins project.”

The SS General looked at the young lieutenant with disdain. The fair-haired Aryan youth was rising in the ranks of the SS due only to his fanatical obsession with the Fuhrer and the influence of his father. The lines around General Heinrich Muller’s mouth deepened. Idiots…everywhere.

“It is not your concern why I want these children… just find them! These specific children! And when you do, you will come and tell me and I will retrieve them! Do you remember the names I gave you?”

“Yes, General! Sascha and Eduard Engel!”

“Good… then locate them immediately and return to me and me only. Now Go!”

The lieutenant nodded and raised his arm.

“Sieg Heil!”

Muller raised his arm and clicked his heels together.

“Sieg Heil!”

Lt. Fritz Henke lowered his arm and turned, promptly walking towards the giant, black oak doors. He opened them and exited, then spun around and closed them behind him.

Muller pushed his chair away from his desk and stood up. He walked over to the window and looked out at the dark streets of Berlin, watching the rain fall hard and fast on the unhappy passersby. The Master’s plan was almost complete. The Chosen were being eradicated from the planet and the sheep were following the puppet. The only thing left to do was to find the children. His face twisted into a grimace, his blood pumping furiously to his brain as he clenched his hand into a fist. He had been so close before, but that bitch wouldn’t tell him anything. They had somehow gotten the children to a new location. He began to sneer. He would find them… and when he did, no one would be able to save them.

The bright light of the moon shone through the little window above the bed of Sascha and Eduard Engel, illuminating the tiny room where they slept. Eduard breathed deeply, lost in the world of sleep as his sister lay quietly next to him. She stared at the sky through the glass, the tiny flakes of snow gently falling from heaven. She twirled an oval, bronze pendant in her fingers and smiled. She remembered her mother. Her mama had always told her that snow was God’s way of sending little pieces of heaven to his people on earth so they would remember Him. Sascha missed her. ~~~

Well, there you have a snippet of my story… unfortunately, if you want more (which I hope you do – Please…) you have to get the book. 🙂  If you’re interested in any of my other writings, they are below.  Nothing like a little shameless plug, right?  Thanks… one more TWIST review to go!!!

S. L. Dearing was raised in California and grew up in Arizona. Shannon attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, studying biology, then moved to Los Angeles where she spent several years studying at Los Angeles City College’s renowned Television/ Film program. She has worked on several film projects in many capacities, like First A.D. and Producer. She is a book reviewer for the Big Blend Magazine and has her own blog where she posts about life and books. Shannon has been writing since grade school, but over the years she has written several screenplays, poems and short stories. The Gathering is her first novel. Shannon currently lives in the No Ho Arts District of the San Fernando Valley of Southern California.

Follow Shannon Website: http://www.sldearing.com

Amazon Autor Page: http://www.amazon.com/S.-L.-Dearing/e/B00AWIC4JK

TWIST Reviews – One Story at a Time – Little Tchotchkes by Nicki Scalise

Disclaimer: These reviews pertain to stories in the anthology – Paranormal Anthology with a TWIST.  I have a story in this book (Bloodlines – I won’t be reviewing my story ;), so many feel that I cannot objectively review other stories in the same book I am also featured in… that being said, to each their own, I know my own level of integrity.  Thus, people can choose to believe me or not.  I want to review them and give my opinion… so I am.

Synopsis: What is a vampire to do when he has to feed?  He hunts, but the game of cat and mouse this vampire plays may be his undoing.

Review: This story was GREAT!!  Talk about a beautifully written exercise in terror.  Nicki Scalise has written a fantastic tale.  I can’t give anything away, but this was wonderful!  Seriously, well written, well thought out and what a TWIST!!  Definitely a 5 star read!!

Nicki Scalise has also contributed to Apocalypse: An Anthology by Readers & Authors.

Nicki Scalise is co-founder of A Thousand Lives Book Blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and menagerie of pets. When not sitting at her desk staring blankly into space she is hard at work on her first novel.

You can read her book reviews and general ramblings at:

Blog: http://www.thousandlivesbookblog.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ Pageturnersbookaddicts