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.

Red Hot Heroes – Now available – 3 of the books to aid Wounded Warrior Project

Red Hot Heroes Release Day Blitz!

All gave
some… Some gave all.

So, several of my friends are releasing new books today.

The Red Hot Heroes collection from the Red Hot Authors.

Three of the authors, Magen McMinimy, Rene Folsom and Jodi Redford, will be donating all the proceeds from the sales of their books received until November 15, 2015 to the Wounded Warrior Project. buy a few books and donate to a worthy cause.

This is a cause that is close to my heart, as my Papa and my Dad were both in the Navy. The care and support of our nation’s military is essential, and with the lack of support coming from our government in recent years, the groups like Wounded Warrior Project are so important. So please, take a chance and buy a book for .99¢ and help a worthy program.

You can find all the information below.

Thanks for looking, and to those who buy, thanks for helping.

Find Home in the Heart of our Heroes this Veteran’s Day as
The Red Hots Release Red Hot Heroes!

BROKEN
SURRENDER by LORI KING

 

One bullet made it physically impossible for
Sarah Bryant to fulfill her dreams of a military career. With her family’s
sympathy suffocating her, she escapes to Stone River, Texas, determined to
rebuild a life and maybe find a new dream. 
Silas and Jeremy are two brothers who are as
different as Texas is big. One is an adrenaline fueled former Army medic, the
other is a laid back tow truck business owner. The two things they have in
common? They know they want to live life in a ménage relationship, and Sarah is
the woman for them. 
Sarah has too many doubts about herself to
believe she can be enough for one man let alone two. Can these souls find what
they need to grow together, or will they leave more emotional scars to match
their physical ones?

Amazon: 

http://tinyurl.com/njdon5u  
ITunes: http://tinyurl.com/q2c2cc7 
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/q4t6422 

www.LoriKingBooks.com ****

STARTING OVER by MAGEN MCMINIMY

 

“There was need laced
in every twist and sweep of his talented tongue. A need for something tangible,
something to connect him to the safety of the real world, to the living
breathing life he still held on to. A distraction from the death and sorrow
that carried over from months at war. “

 

All sales of this title through November 15^th, 2015
to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

After running from the one
man who could have mended her heart, Callie Sullivan has been finding comfort
in her best friend, D. When heartbreaking news about D’s deployed husband,
Adam, makes its way to the states, Callie focuses on helping her friend learn
to survive after tragedy strikes. 
Recently returned from Iraq, Luke Merrick learns
about the attack on his former sergeant and best friend, Adam. Knowing D will
need all the support she can get, Merrick finds himself back where he lost the
one woman he thought could be his future.
With D’s heartache fresh and raw, now is hardly
the time for Callie’s past to resurface, bringing new danger to those whom she
wishes to protect and help heal. But life rarely gives Callie what she needs.
This Veteran’s Day, find home in the heart of
our heroes with Starting Over part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series
and stands alone for reading enjoyment.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FO97fq

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0165347FY

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starting-over-magen-mcminimy/1122749345

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1046446194

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/starting-over-83

www.MagenMcMinimy.com 

**** PROMISE YOU by RENE FOLSOM

All sales of this title through November
15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Danielle never realized just how much her brother meant to
her until reality slapped her in the face, forcing her to wake up and pay
attention. After a shattering tour overseas, Dylan returned home to live with
Danielle. Knowing he needed more care than his sister could provide, Dylan
invites his battle buddy, Travis, to come live with them.
After a rather unorthodox meeting, sparks begin
to fly between Danielle and Travis. However, both of them know just how
difficult it will be for their relationship to blossom without Dylan’s
blessing, leaving them conflicted about how far they want to take it. Travis
wants nothing more than to earn Dylan’s approval—to promise that he will
cherish her—always.
Once Travis realizes he can no longer keep his
affection for Danielle a secret, things become complicated and the boundaries
between friendship and love cloud his future.
This Veteran’s Day, find home in the heart of
our heroes with Promise You, part of the Red Hot Heroes multi-author series and
stands alone for reading enjoyment.Amazon:http://amzn.to/1Wd9wds

www.ReneFolsom.com****

REPORT FOR BOOTY by JODI REDFORD

All sales of this title through November
15^th, 2015 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Mason Gamble and Nash Vincent are pros at making people
sweat. As former Army Rangers who run the toughest, ball-busting fitness boot
camp in Michigan, they take great pride in that fact. But thanks to the
knockout brunette housesitting next door, suddenly they’re the ones
experiencing excess perspiration. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity to be
neighborly presents itself courtesy of a package delivery snafu.Regan Wallace has trust issues. Specifically,
trusting that her best friend won’t make good on her threat to send a
Strip-O-Gram for Regan’s birthday. Is it any wonder she’d jump to the wrong
conclusion when two gorgeous, camo-garbed hunks land on her front doorstep?
Woops. The crazy part? They don’t seem the least bit scandalized or offended by
her boneheaded blunder. Judging by the sinful heat in their eyes, they’re all
too happy to provide her with a little two-on-one dirty dancing. For a woman
recovering from a bad breakup, fielding the interest of two sex-on-a-stick men
is both surreal and exhilarating. Indulging a three-way fling? Completely out
of her comfort zone. But with her stay limited to a week, some
no-strings-attached sex might be precisely what she needs to get her confidence
back in stride.None of them are prepared for the consequences
of a sexy fling feeling like so much more. As Regan’s stay draws closer to an
end, Mason and Nash realize there’s no way in hell they’re letting the perfect
woman slip through their fingers. And when it comes to fighting for her love,
there are no fitter warriors for the ultimate battle to her heart.

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1H3QIq8

http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html****SNAKE’S SALVATION by Aliyah Burke

Two people with painful pasts can create something
spectacular with each other.
Jason “Snake” LaRue was a Navy SEAL. Now he’s
not and he has trust issues and memories he can’t forget no matter how hard he
tries. His one solace is a woman who works at the local diner who chases away
the darkness in him. But would she ever consider a man with his past?
Loretta Swann has given up art and now works at
an all-night diner. Running from her past, she up and goes when the mood
strikes. Her one shining moment a day is when the ex-SEAL graces the
establishment. An impulsive kiss makes her wonder about something more with
him. But when she learns what he wants, will she run again, or stick around to
be Snake’s Salvation?

Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1H3QVcF

www.aliyah-burke.com ****HER HERO by Miranda Marks

Nate Morrissey has seen all kinds of action in
his years with Marine Special Operations, yet nothing compares to the adventure
he has at home with his new wife—what little time he’s been home in their brief
one year marriage. When he gets called out on a new mission at the beginning of
a long awaited leave, his bride lays down an ultimatum. Unfortunately for them
both, duty wins.
Becca soon realizes she wasn’t meant to be a
military wife. She thought she was strong, but the long months praying and
waiting for his safe return have left her broken. When he leaves her yet again,
she knows it’s time to call it quits, no matter how much her heart tells her to
stay.
Nate isn’t ready to let go of his wife just yet.
The fire they share is too hot to ignore. Nate comes home to an empty bed, but
refuses to let it stay that way long. Till death do us part means something to
Nate and he’s not dead yet…

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LMZyNf
www.authormirandamarks.comMake Sure to Join our Event On Veteran’s Day!

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.

Immortal Rising by Magen McMinimy – I say farewell to an amazing book series

So it is with a heavy heart that I bid adieu to one of my favorite book series.
I fell in love with the Fae warriors and have been privileged to be a part of their journey.
I’m not a book blogger or professional reviewer, just an author
and in this case, reader, who is sharing the final installment in a wonderful journey.
The beauty of having a series you love is you can read it over and over again.
And I will, for as bittersweet as this is, this book is amazing!

It’s Live!
Title: Immortal Rising
Series: Immortal Heart
Author: Magen McMinimy

When the Fates meddle, everything changes… All the things the warriors had come to accept, what they thought they knew, will be tested.

Death and loss have formed the man that Cree has become. One wrong move—one misstep in battle—and the love that once heated his soul was taken from him. While trying to find solace in his remaining family, he is haunted by dreams of a future he can’t reconcile. Awoken from one of those dreams, Cree finds himself wandering the Light Fae castle, when a familiar form appears in the silent halls of his home—nothing will ever be the same.

Confused, with no memory of herself or her life before the time she spent in the Immortal Three’s domain, Rowan is back among her people and struggling to unlock the memories that are just beyond her reach.

Pain and joy battle within the walls of the warriors home as they try to jog Rowan’s memory, while keeping her return a secret from everyone outside their inner circle. Meanwhile, Esperanza, now queen of the Dark Fae, schemes to take down the Fae she once called family with a secret weapon of her own.

Come get lost in love, longing, betrayal and passion in the final installment of the Immortal Heart series.

My Review
Here it is… the final installment of the Immortal Heart Series – Immortal Rising. I have been a huge fan of the Immortal Heart series for quite some time, and although I hate to see it end, I’m thrilled with how it does. With most series that have incredible characters and amazing story arcs, I hoped that the final book would surpass all the others. I was not disappointed.

McMinimy has given us the best book in the IH series with Immortal Rising. There are true moments of heartache, true love, loss, forgiveness, and revenge… all wrapped up in a beautiful package. The series has had it all. A paranormal romance, with adventure and intrigue. Rising brings us back to the beginning before ending in the most bittersweet farewell. I cried, I laughed… there were moments that made my stomach drop and my heart leap.

I once compared Magen McMinimy to Kresley Cole, but I have to amend that… I think she’s better than Kresley Cole. Her Immortal Heart Series is a fresh and innovative world in paranormal romance. She has created characters that you wish you knew and could just be a part of. For those of us who love this series, we are shattered that it’s ending, but I applaud an author who knows when it should end. Sometimes they go on too long, but with Immortal Rising it is the perfect ending.

Do yourself a favor and read this book… and if you have not yet read the series, start today… you won’t regret it. It is Amazing.

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Tsu | Goodreads

Cover Reveal of Immortal Rising by My Friend, Magen McMinimy

May I proudly announce the new cover for the last book in
the Immortal Heart Series by Magen McMinimy.

Title: Immortal Rising

Series: Immortal Heart

Author: Magen McMinimy

Cover Design by Magen McMinimy

  

Synopsis

When the Fates meddle, everything changes… All the things the warriors had come to accept, what they thought they knew, will be tested.

Death and loss have formed the man that Cree has become. One wrong move—one misstep in battle—and the love that once heated his soul was taken from him. While trying to find solace in his remaining family, he is haunted by dreams of a future he can’t reconcile. Awoken from one of those dreams, Cree finds himself wandering the Light Fae castle, when a familiar form appears in the silent halls of his home—and nothing will ever be the same.

Confused, with no memory of herself or her life before the time she spent in the Immortal Three’s domain, Rowan is back among her people and struggling to unlock the memories that are just beyond her reach.

Pain and joy battle within the walls of the warriors’ home as they try to jog Rowan’s memory, while keeping her return a secret from everyone outside their inner circle. Meanwhile, Esperanza, now queen of the Dark Fae, schemes to take down the Fae she once called family, with a secret weapon of her own.

Come get lost in love, longing, betrayal, and passion in the final installment of the Immortal Heart series.

 

Pre-Order Immortal Rising at these Retailers

 

 

That’s not all!

Check out the new covers for the rest of the series

Immortal Blood |  Immortal Craving | Immortal Promise | Immortal Rapture | Immortal Awakening

Stalk Magen!  

She encourages it!

Cover Reveal – Winter Kiss: A Holiday Romance Collection

Title: Winter Kiss

A Holiday Romance Collection

Authors:

S.L. Dearing | Magen McMinimy | Rene Folsom

Release Date: December 15^th, 2014

Cover Design by Phycel Design

Synopsis

When the chill of winter drives you under the covers, snuggle up with this romantic collection of three steamy holiday inspired stories about hope, love and passion.

One Wish: A North American Pack & Half-Blood Princess Christmas by Magen McMinimy

In a forgotten mining town, deep in the Bitterroot Valley, the Montana faction of the North American Pack of werewolves prepares for the holidays. When an innocent wish and a powerful spell is cast, vampires, witches, and weres are forced together for one unforgettable night, causing everyone involved to reevaluate what is truly important and what is needed to make them whole.

The Wager: A Game Changer Prequel by Rene Folsom

You’d think the masks would come off once the ball drops at the New Year’s masquerade, but tossing caution to the wind, Liam and Maci decide to have a bit of fun by continuing to keep their faces hidden from each other during a night full of games and passion.

Get to know these two game-playing lovers before they even know each other in The Wager, a prequel to the new novel in the Playing Games series, Game Changer.

The Gift by S.L. Dearing

It’s been eight months since Kate and Matt met, fell head over heels, and moved in together. Now that the holidays are upon them, can they combine their two celebrations and families into one, or will an unexpected problem tear them apart?

From the imaginations of the authors behind Rising Indies United come stories of romance that are bound to fill you with holiday spirit.

**This collection is intended for readers 18 and older.**

Stalk the Authors of Winter Kiss

S.L. Dearing | Magen McMinimy | Rene Folsom

Add Winter Kiss to your TBR on Goodreads!

Meet My Character Blog Tour!!

Here are the rules as they were sent to me for the Meet My Character Blog Tour…

“This tour highlights a main character from your WIP (work in progress), recently published work, or soon to be published work. The person who invites you will have a set day to post. You will post one (or two) week(s) after that, the authors you tag will post one/two week(s) after you, and so on. Here are the questions to answer about your main character:

1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

2) When and where is the story set?

3) What should we know about him/her?

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

5) What is the personal goal of the character?

6) Is there a working title for this novel if it is a WIP, and can we read more about it? OR what is the title of this novel and where can it be found?

If a WIP: 7) When can we expect the book to be published?”

Let’s start with a little info about the author who tagged me, Michael Loring!

Michael Loring was born in Bristol, Connecticut, but has lived in a variety of places such as Florida and Tennessee. He likes to think of himself as an amateur Lycanthropologist, studying werewolves ever since he was eight years old when he first saw An American Werewolf In London. He spent most of his life switching between home school and public school, always focusing on his passion for writing no matter what. His interest in writing was sparked in the second grade when his teacher encouraged him to write short stories for the class, earning him more than one award at school assemblies for Creative Writing. He currently resides in Punta Gorda, FL with his father who, for some unexplainable reason, avoids him during the night of the full moon.

Now, let’s meet, Alia Stark!!

1) What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person? Well, her name is Alia Stark. She’s the queen of a fictional village called Lia Fail.

2) When and where is the story set? The story is set in the fictitious village of Lia Fail, which sits in the Santa Monica Mountains of Southern California, sometime in the future. There is no determined time frame.

3) What should we know about him/her? Alia is the queen of Lia Fail. She’s mother (many times over), a widow, a fighter. She has survived the destruction of the world as we know it and still manages to see the best in people. She is intelligent, loving and loyal. She is a pagan/witch, as is the village of Lia Fail, a pagan village (although all faiths, or those with no faith, are welcome).

4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life? In this next installment, there is once again someone desperate to destroy what Alia has built. They will use whatever means are at their disposal to take everything she holds dear. And once again, she has to discover who it is and stop them in their tracks.

5) What is the personal goal of the character? Alia’s goal is to live out the rest of her life as peacefully and joyfully as possible, but as the Shape and other villains continually come after her, and the magic of the inter-dimensional world has now bridged to our own, she is constantly having to fight to protect what she loves.

6) Is there a working title for this novel if it is a WIP, and can we read more about it? OR what is the title of this novel and where can it be found? The WIP is a novel that is entitled The Bridging: Book Two of the Lia Fail Chronicles. The two books before it are The Gathering: Book One of the Lia Fail Chronicles and From The Gathering to The Bridging: A Lia Fail Short Story Collection. The shorts are my way of keeping fans in the know as well as expanding on back story that will be essential to the next full length novel. So, between each full length novel will be a series of shorts to cover the time frame between books. For instance, there is a year and half time span between the end of The Gathering and the beginning of The Bridging.

7) When can we expect the book to be published?” I’m looking to publish in November if 2014, fingers crossed.

My Two Tagged Authors are:

V. Cantrell

I graduated from Eastfield College and live in a small town in Texas with my husband, two children, and my cute little dogs Reeces and Pancake. I work full-time, on top of editing for Hot Tree Editing and writing for myself has been an on going process for a few years now. My busy life means when I can I seek out relaxation by escaping into a good book. Inspired by the many amazing indie authors I’ve met along my editing journey, I found the courage to follow my dream of publishing my first novel.

I fully embrace my one-click addiction, always love the idea of a happily ever after, but there is no denying I have a massive soft spot for the bad boys.

Kick back and share the journey with me it will be quite a ride! Visit her blog V. Cantrell

Bart Hopkins

I was born in Galveston, Texas, in the middle of the 1970s. Swimming and surfing were the center of my little universe for a while. I can’t recall exactly when it happened, but during one of the hot summers of my childhood, maybe 1982 or 1983, I sat down with the first book that I would read for pleasure. It was a foreign concept to me, but my dad had given me the book, so I figured I’d give it a try.
My life changed rapidly. I frequently remained indoors that summer, reading book after book that I had borrowed from the public library. The thirst was unquenchable. It would be a year or so before my life found balance, morphing into equal parts rolling in the dirt, playing in the water, and reading. Along with the reading came some writing. Many notepads would be filled with random scribblings. Many ideas would hit paper and sit idly … for a while, anyway.
After high school, and a year at Texas A&M (Galveston), I enlisted in the US Air Force in 1994 and left Texas for the first time. Since then, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Korea, and Germany are places I’ve called home. I’ve been lucky enough to live overseas and travel around Europe. Made forays into Bosnia and Kuwait for Uncle Sam. Lots of little side trips–always an interesting time.
In Mississippi I met my beautiful wife, Perla, and we added three children to the clan. Life was busy. Somewhere amid the madness I went back to school, and tied up those loose ends. Life remained busy. Life seemed to be complete. Almost was complete…
Then the writing resurfaced. Wow, it’s been an amazing ride so far. It’s a strange thing when you find something you’re truly passionate about. That’s writing for me.
Visit his website Bart Hopkins

 

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.

BUY NOW

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

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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World War III

This Article was written by me and originally published in 2012 ~ I recently “cleaned” up my site and moved items here, this was one of them

I think that many people don’t believe that a Third World War is in the cards, I’m not so sure.  I can tell you that Utopia will never happen.  Why?  Simple, there will always be that one person with brilliance, charisma and agenda, and their agenda is to rule the world.  A super villain.  They don’t just exist in comic books and novels, they are real.  That’s why we writers create them and use them.

I’m watching the news and there are so many people with different ideas about what is right and what is wrong and so many are based on their religious ideologies.   One reason I split most of my colonies into religious based groups is because it seems that’s how most people would choose to follow, their faith.   Not everyone, but most would.  Their church is their community and their home away from home.  I watch Christians who are under attack by non-religious groups, but then I see Christians attacking equal rights for the homosexuals living in the USA.  I see anti-Semitic rhetoric and I see the attacks on peaceful Muslims.

Across the board, a zealot is a zealot and a distortion of your deity’s teachings can create a cataclysm.  Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, stated in that he would not rest until the West was under one God… he meant his god.  The absolute fascism of dictatorship, deciding for the people what is best for them.  Forcing ones ideologies on others.  We’ve seen this before, twice it led to a World War and in other instances the death of millions, destruction of countries and freedoms that have yet to be re-established.

These people exist right now.  They are in our back yard, in our neighborhoods and in our churches.  They are Muslim, and Christian and Jew and Atheist.  They are everyone who cannot be tolerant of another person’s opinions and beliefs.  We are all different and yet all the same.

Is World War III ready to come?  All the time.  Look around and take notice.  I can’t tell you how it will happen or if it will happen in out lifetime, but the seeds are being sown everyday.  Will it be fought with Sound weapons and Bio warfare?  Maybe… or maybe it will be fought with nuclear weapons, destroying everything.  Maybe it will be fought with guns.  Who knows?  The point is, as long as we are vigilant and strive to be caring and thoughtful and tolerant, we might be able to stop it and until then, we’ll write books where we can teach the people there how to be more tolerant.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with WWI and WWII, please do research and absorb all the information you can.  There is much to be learned, about how it started and the atrocities that occurred.   To quote the SHOAH foundation, Never Forget.  Click here to learn about the SHOAH Foundation

 

 

Baby Steps by K. L. McLoughlin

I love a good romance and Baby Steps delivers.  K. L. McLoughlin has written a charming and intelligent story about finding love for second time.

     McLoughlin has written a tale not only about love and romance, but has managed to create subplots about controversial subjects, like abortion and teen sex, and does it beautifully.   I never felt as if I was being preached to, just allowed to listen in on the thoughts and feelings of other people.  McLoughlin also gives us a real woman dealing with real issues in the main character Lynda Blake.  Lynda deals with the balance of love and faith between her new romance and her son, as well as the danger they all experience due to her new boyfriend’s career.  Lynda is definitely a multi-dimensional character, and I enjoyed her thoroughly.

K. L. McLoughlin has crafted a beautiful book about life, love and the decisions we make and don’t make.  Baby Steps is a definite must have for anyone’s reading list.

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