Playing Catch Up

Hello blogosphere! I know. I KNOW! Kitt, where’ve you been? Your posting has been sporadic at best lately…

You’re right. I’m sorry. Like everyone else, 2020 has been a rollercoaster. But I’m kinda over talking about the bad and the sad, okay? So let’s talk about what I’ve been up to, shall we?

First, I’m practically waist deep into my next book from my Lovers and Lyrics series…and yes, I’ve got a name for it. How does Go Ahead and Break My Heart sound? Personally, I love it. And I’ve started sharing teasers and info on my Facebook Author Page and also on Goodreads, so I’d love for you to either friend or follow me for updates. I’ve also recently fallen in love with Bookbub and would love to be found there.

I also had a chance to catch up with one of my favorite fellow bloggers and dear friends, Girlboner’s own August McLaughlin, for her smexilicious podcast. Those of you who’ve been regulars on here know just how much I love talking down-to-earth, real sex discussions…tips included (and not just on the peen…hehehe).

If you wanna take a listen, here are a few different ways you can make that happen: Girboner Radio’s Homepage, Apple podcasts, or iHeart Radio. If you’d like to get an idea of what we talked about first, drop by August’s blog to get the Cliff’s Notes version. 🙂 And no, I’m not gonna tell you what I talked about…mostly because I’m hoping you’ll get curious and check it out, then give some feedback.

But it’s not always all about me. Well, ok. It kind of is…in that this is my blog and I share all my stuff. Next up is my latest author friend/book discovery. E.J. Frost is a UK author I’ve gotten quite friendly with online.

The truth is, I get nervous about reading and reviewing a book once I know and love the author because…what if I hate it? What if they’re not as good as I built them up to be in my mind? Will it change how I look at them? Well, the good news is… SHE WAS FABULOUS! (And I left her a 5 Star Review.) If you haven’t checked her out yet, you should… Although Daddy/littles aren’t my kink, I do enjoy reading them, and the way she went about it? Super intriguing. Can’t wait for the sequel!

Last, but certainly not least…. I’ve been craving more S.H. Timmins, and since I’ve already read all her dark books and her YA/NA and loved them, I decided to go back to the beginning of her writing career. Yes, I hit the backlist and found her first book which was a romantic comedy. While, yes, you could tell it was her first book due to a few editing issues, the magic of her writing is more than enough to overcome it.

The above quote is from her book, Bent, that I’m in the middle of reading (and you’re welcome to either read along or follow my journey on Goodreads), and I’ve laughed out loud more than once. No, penile fractures are nothing to laugh about….but they kind of are, too.

You know what else was cool? It was kinda like I was psychic because… Look what she just announced on FB today!

Yup! She said it’s coming soon and I, for one, can’t wait!

So those are the good things besides my sister and her family moving out of Chicago and closer to yours truly… Now that they’re less than 30 minutes away, I can see everyone, including my sweet nephew, pretty much whenever I’d like.

What silver linings has this pandemic brought you? Do you need a hug? I’m happy to supply those, too.

When Broken Is Beautiful – #SharpEdgeofBliss by @SorchaBlack

How can a sex worker be an innocent?

This is the question I asked myself as I read The Sharp Edge of Bliss. How can someone, bought and paid for, retain a generosity of spirit, a tender heart, a sense of optimism, and a willingness to love unconditionally…even all the ugly, messed up parts people hope no one sees?

It boggled my mind.

And she wasn’t naive… She knew she was a commodity. In fact, this quote hit me so hard I had to save and share!

She knows exactly who she is. She understands her role. And yet she brings out the best in both anti-heroes.

Sorcha Black’s new release came out last month, and I’ll be honest… I was hesitant to read it. Not because I was afraid I wouldn’t like it. Because the truth is, her stories? They are steaming hot with an edge. But this time? Her description mentioned a sex worker and a possible hit man. It sounded a little dark. And given the climate of the world right now, I hit the pause button.

But…

I couldn’t stay away that long. I can’t even tell you how glad I am that I didn’t because these characters needed to be in the world. Despite all the darkness and roadblocks all these characters were compelling and tugged at you.

If you’re looking for beauty in the midst of all the ugly? Light shining in the darkness like a beacon? Believe it or not, you couldn’t choose a better book than this one, so I strongly urge you to click HERE and get your copy!

And Sorcha! You were my last read in the month of March and YOU were worth the wait.

Thankful for Friendships and Feedback

This last year has been a challenge for me. I’ve had a sexy scene written for years, but knew it was incomplete. There was a story marinating around in my brain, but I didn’t feel up to writing it yet.

One thing I’ve learned in my writing journey as that pieces come together when you’re ready. Sometimes this is a mental thing. Sometimes it’s skill development. Either way, I’ve learned to trust my instincts.

With the love and support of my family and critique partners, I finally finished, got my edits completed, and have the book to my awesome Betas….which means….

Release day is COMING SOON! (Like December, soon.)

Several of my author and blogger friends have known what I’ve been up to and have rallied to show their support by offering to share and/or review my book, and I’m so grateful! I could use all the help I can get. So if you’re interested in helping me out, please let me know! I’d be in your debt and thrilled to do what I must in whatever capacity you’d like to help.

Can you tell I’m EXCITED? IT’S MY FIRST FULL SIZED NOVEL!

What are YOU grateful for this year?

Talking Vengeance With Lexie Pearce

Those of you who’ve followed this blog for a long time know that this is where I enjoy sharing my passions and the random thought that comes to mind.

L. J. Kentowski

One of my biggest passions is reading and writing, so when an opportunity arrives to share an amazing piece of work (I’m talking the woman, not the book) along with her exciting new release, I jump at the chance! This woman, L. J. Kentowski, has not only been an incredible supporter over the years, but she’s also a ridiculously talented author.

So, of course, when I heard she was coming out with a new book, I was thrilled! I mean, I’ve been a fan since I read and reviewed her first book right here on THIS BLOG!

And then I read the SNEAK PEEK she posted on her website and I was sold!

When I saw the gorgeous cover and read the FABULOUS BOOK, I begged for an interview…. With Lexie Pierce! I mean, she’s looks like Cassadee Pope AND she’s rocking black angels wings. It practically screamed BADASS! And L. J., generous woman that she is, set it up.

I looked down at the paper where I’d written the address, then looked up at the monstrosity of a mansion. Yup! I was in the right place. So I rang the doorbell.

The door swung open, and there stood the fallen angel, herself… Lexie Pierce, in the flesh. I’m not gonna lie. My jaw dropped. She was as stunning in person as she’d been in my imagination. Hovering behind her, stood the heart-stoppingest mountain of a man I’d ever seen. Everything about him oozed danger and sex appeal.

Me: Hi! Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me, Lexie! I’ve been dying for my readers to learn more about you. (I shrug sheepishly) And for me to ask all the extra questions I’ve been dying to know.

Lexie: Anything for my girl, L.J. Ries, stop hovering and go somewhere!

Ries rumbled something under his breath as he walks away.

Lexie: Now, Why don’t we get started…

Me: So tell me a little bit about yourself. How exactly does one become a fallen angel?

Lexie: Well, I guess I’d say it comes down to intent, both in life and death. Those sins you committed throughout your life—you’re accountable for them. You either repent or you don’t. And don’t expect to fool the guards at the pearly gates because they see right through you. Literally. My only intention at the gates was to ask those guards for directions to the fastest elevator to hell to pick up my black wings.

Me: So how painful was it to make that choice? I mean, there were physical and emotional ramifications, right?

Lexie: Honestly, I felt nothing. I had already become numbed to the pain after my parents were murdered and my sister taken by that piece of shit fanger. The only emotion I felt was vengeance, and I was willing to do anything to get it.

Me: Was heaven really that unappealing? Was there nothing that made you want to stay?

Lexie: Of course, heaven was appealing. My parents were there. But I really didn’t have a choice. Revenge drove me to my decisions. My sister was still out there somewhere, and I had to find her. But most of all, the fanger needed to pay.

Me: So tell me about Jaz. She seems pretty cool… How would you describe your friendship? Is she kind of a surrogate sister to replace the one taken from you?

Lexie: I guess I never really thought of it that way, but now that you mention it, I guess she did become kind of a surrogate sister after a while. Initially, I didn’t intend to have anyone by my side in my mission of revenge, especially a werewolf, but after I saved her from the dirty vamps who were trying to feed on her, I felt an obligation to keep her safe, so I started training her. Eventually, she just became a permanent fixture in my death. It certainly didn’t hurt to have her badass, nerd skills to help track down my enemy.

Me: Do you think you’ll ever be able to get your sister back?

Lexie: In this crazy ass world? I’ve learned anything is possible. Especially after going through everything I have. NOTHING is as it seems.

Me: True enough. So let’s get to the dirt… like Reis–what was your REAL first impression?

Lexie: He took my breath away. I had to remind myself those fangs of his made him my enemy, and he was made that way to lure me in. For the first time I thought about getting a little taste of a vamp before killing him.

Me: So, inquiring minds wanna know! What does he do that absolutely melts your panties?

Lexie: Aside from looking like an Adonis that makes your breath catch at a mere glance? The dirty thoughts he plants in my head. Holy hell, that man has built up an imagination in all his years. And, okay, don’t tell him I said this, but his overprotective nature is kinda hot.

A deep baritone voice rumbles out, “Kinda, my ass. You love it.” I look around for the source of the voice…

Lexie: (An irritated look comes over her face as she bellows out.) Out of my head, Draeger!

Me: So that was him? (I grin as Lexie nods sheepishly.) Then maybe this next question is a bit self explanatory. What things make you want to kiss him and knock him on his ass simultaneously?

Lexie: Did I mention his overprotective nature? Yeah, that. Drives me nuts when he knows I’m fully capable of handling myself. Hell, I’ve even handled him a time or two. Granted, I think that only made him horny, but still.

Me: So, if you had to pick your favorite body part on Reis?

Ries sounds delighted as he interrupts, this time from around the corner where it’s now obvious he’s been shamelessly eavesdropping. “Can’t wait to hear this one, Love.”

Lexie: (Looking thoroughly exasperated and amused.) Reis, OUT! (She waits until she hears footsteps) I can’t pick. There’s too many! Okay, well, there’s one that stands out, of course (a wicked grin spreads across her face). And I will go to my eternal death denying I ever said this, but those fangs are capable of amazing things at the right times and in the right places.

Me: Okay, thanks for being so patient. Last question… What do you love best about yourself?

Lexie: (Looking at me like I’ve been dropped on my head, then breaking out into a huge grin.) Oh, that one’s easy. My weapons! What girl doesn’t love her toys? 😉

And with a final flourish, Lexie spreads her wings for me to appreciate, thanks me for coming, and shows me to the door.

To pick up your copy of Descended in Vengeance, click HERE!

Introducing Mae Clair and the Mysterious #EclipseLake

One of the biggest pleasures I’ve enjoyed while chasing my passions as a writer have been the wonderfully creative and like minded people I’ve met on my journey. As a few of you know, a couple of years ago I had an epiphany. I realized life was too short to work an ungodly amount of hours with little to no appreciation, no work/life balance, and no time to pursue my passions. So I changed my path and set sail on one of the most exciting adventures I’ve had in a long time…

I rediscovered myself and reconnected with my inner writer. As I headed down this path I realized it was important to hone my craft through constant writing; to warm up my brain and my fingers by blogging. One of my first friends when I began this blog was a kind, generous woman named Mae Clair. She was in the midst of preparing her first book for publication, a fun fantasy/historical romance called Weathering Rock (click the link to read my unsolicited review). I loved her blog, especially her Mythical Monday posts.

Although we don’t necessarily write at the same heat level, she’s got a huge fan in me. So, of course, when I found she had a new release, I volunteered to share my blog with her so we could pimp her book. In fact, if you haven’t checked out her blog or read any of her books, I challenge you, click one of the links and check her out. I promise, you won’t regret it. And now, without further ado, without any further ado, here’s a bit about Mae’s newest release, Eclipse Lake.

BLURB

Small towns hold the darkest secrets.

Fifteen years after leaving his criminal past and estranged brother behind, widower Dane Carlisle returns to his hometown on the banks of sleepy Eclipse Lake. Now, a successful businessman, he has kept his troubled past a secret from most everyone, including his seventeen-year-old son.

But memories in small towns are bitter and long.

Ellie Sullivan, a nature photographer for a national magazine, has a habit of ping-ponging across the map. Her latest assignment leads her to Eclipse Lake where she becomes caught up in the enmity between Dane, his brother Jonah, and a vengeful town sheriff. When freshly-discovered skeletal remains are linked to an unsolved murder and Dane’s past, Ellie is left questioning her growing attraction for a man who harbors long-buried secrets.

EXCERPT Ellie stopped walking and turned to face him. “Why are you here?”

Dane picked up a flat stone. With a flick of his wrist he sent it skimming across the lake. It danced effortlessly across the surface as if he’d done the same thing a thousand times before. “You know that skeleton they found?”

She nodded.

“I’ve got more skeletons than a graveyard. I can’t pick up and go to another place…to the next photo shoot.” He turned to face her. “Half of my life is here and half’s on the west coast. I have to make them fit together.”

The revelation reminded her of the family she’d left behind in Idaho, reawakening a familiar tug of homesickness. In an effort to find more comfortable ground, she changed topics. “You told me you’re from San Diego. I did a photo op there four years ago. What do you do for a living?”

“I get by.” He took her hand and started walking again.

She sent a speculative glance in his direction, recognizing evasiveness when she heard it. He was wearing a Rolex, and though dressed casually, clearly had expensive taste. Yet he’d booked an ordinary cabin rather than one of the exclusive chalets higher up the mountain.

She liked the feel of his fingers around hers, warm and firm. The contact sent a pleasant tingle up her arm. What the hell was wrong with her, getting caught up in his touch as if it were magic? As if she’d waited her whole life for that sensation. He had skeletons in his past, a brother who couldn’t stand the sight of him and a sheriff who wanted to run him out of town. Eccentric, or just plain trouble?

ABOUT MAE CLAIR

Mae Clair opened a Pandora’s Box of characters when she was a child and never looked back.  Her father, anartist who tinkered with writing, encouraged her to create make-believe worlds by spinning tales of far-off places on summer nights beneath the stars.

Mae loves creating character-driven fiction in settings that vary from contemporary to mythical. Wherever her pen takes her, she flavors her stories with mystery and romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail and cats.

Discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.net

CONTACT LINKS Website and Blog

Twitter (@MaeClair1) Google+

Facebook Author Page

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Purchase ECLIPSE LAKE from: Amazon

Add ECLIPSE LAKE to your Goodreads List

Just Call Me A Pimpstress….Come Join The Party!

I almost had heart failure and died today.

My sister and brother-in-law are in town for the holidays. After my hubby got back in town from work, we piled into my brother-in-law’s rental. While he was adjusting his seat, hubby and I got into the back. No sooner had I closed the door when hubby screamed, “What the hell was that?”

I glanced over to see what had freaked him out, just in time to see a hideous frog jumping his way along the floor in my direction. As many of you may recall from a prior post or two, I’m petrified of frogs with good reason. Yes, I admit it. The instant I knew what fell on hubby I screamed, “It’s a frog” and threw myself at the door to escape. Well, that was the plan, anyway. Instead, I bounced back, mostly because I forgot to pull on the door handle. Finally, on the second try, I was out and running down the driveway screaming and kind of laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. This time, I was grateful not to be alone. My sister and hubby also jumped out of the car laughing like loons and hoping for escape.

My brother-in-law was the hero who captured the frog, saved me from certain death, and released the beastie back into the wild where it belonged…far, far away from me.

Fortunately, if I had died, I would’ve passed on happy in the knowledge that I made a dream come true. Yep! For those of you who missed the news, my first novelette was officially published on Christmas evening. Click Here to read an excerpt and to buy. I’d also appreciate ‘Likes’ to my Kindle Author Page if you’re of a mind to stop by. Yes, the book is as racy as I tend to be… 😉 Look for the follow up to arrive in February!

As we head into the new year, I wanted to take a moment to share a few links to a few blogs that have made me laugh, made me think, made me healthier…and just made my day over the last year.

Blogs to Make you Laugh (satire/humor):
Katie at Sass & Balderdash– Sure, sometimes her humor is snarkriffic. It’s also very sharp and witty. She rarely pulls punches. LOVE her even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Don Of All Trades-Not all of his stuff is goofy, irreverent, and politically incorrect…but a lot of it is.
Austin from Modern Philosopher– It’s true, he actually started a huge uproar with Survivor when folks believed the satire (Yeah, cause there are zombies all over Maine, right? LOL!)
Jenny from More Cowbell– She is versatile and eclectic, but I think my ultimate faves are probably her Undie Chronicles. I mean, who else could write a blog that matches undies to political affiliations?

Blogs on Food, Recipes, Restaurant Recommendations:
Dishing With Clarissa– She’s got info on healthy food, GMOs, and great recipes. She also talks about her goal and journey toward Masterchef.
Phil from Regular Guy NYC– Between his restaurant/bar/speakeasy recommendations, his contests or his tongue in cheek tales of people watching, you’ve gotta love him.

Blogs on Self Esteem, Sexuality and Mind Healthy Habits:
August of #GirBoner fame– She battles for positive self image, embracing your sexuality and just pure fun.
Ande of Bring Back Desire– She gives tips on how to keep the fires burning in the bedroom…
Marcia Richards– She’s a beautiful, powerful woman who reminds us that perception and reality are often very different.

Blogs That Get You Thinking or Inspire:
Maria from Swimming To My 50’s– She reminds us that birthdays aren’t what make us who we are. We can still constantly learn, grow, and inspire.
Tammy from Witty Woman Ranting– She writes about living life to the fullest, owning our sexual power, family, overcoming fear…and everything in between.
Professor Taboo– He writes the existential, the sexual (usually kink), the academic….but most of all, he makes you think even as he shares his struggles with candor and a bone deep honesty you’ve got to admire.
Susie Lindau’s Wild Ride– She’s been through heck and back, yet her blog promotion parties are still the coolest around and she takes time to know her followers.

Blogs on Art & Poetry:
Ben from Expressions Of My Life– Even with his early onset Parkinsons he finds a way to smile and paint and write poetry. You’ve got to respect that kind of joie de vivre!
Jen from Ramblings From a Mum– A clever poet who shares both her words and her love of life.

I know I left out a few people…because truly, there are so many of you that inspire me and make my life a better place. What I’d like from you is for you to share someone whose blog truly helped, inspired or encouraged you sometime in the last year…then check out the ones your fellow peeps left behind. Let’s help some folks kick their New Year off right by giving them the attention they deserve! Heck, this may not be a Jenny Hansen Pimp and Promote or Susie’s Use Me, Abuse Me…. But it IS a great opportunity to show some love!

And while you’re at it… Why don’t you go ahead and answer the question the following song is asking…

New Cover Reveal- Taking Chances by Loni Flowers

My wonderful friend, Loni Flowers has a sweetly romantic new cover for her wonderful book, Taking Chances! She has given me the opportunity to share her cover and a bit about her book with you guys. Currently on sale for the Kindle at $.99, I hope you check it out and get to know Loni. She’s a wonderful lady and a great friend.

Taking Chances      

By Loni Flowers                       

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Blurb/Book Description:

 

Turning her back on a life she can no longer deal with, Clair Davidson has been on the streets for six months wandering aimlessly from town to town. But when a hitchhiked car ride lands her back in a familiar town, and a terrifying encounter puts her in the arms of someone too good to be true, Clair almost starts to feel like she could belong somewhere again. Almost.

Alexander Frazier knew what it felt like to live on the streets, up until he received a helping hand from a stranger. After saving Clair from a vicious attack, it’s not long before he realizes she’s a lot like he used to be—lost. Alex soon learns he will risk everything to keep her safe and get her life back on track… even if it means his heart.

But fresh starts are new to Clair and not something she’s certain she’s ready for. Clair’s had her share of people walking out of her life and she doesn’t trust her heart in Alex’s hands. Can his love give her the second chance she never saw coming?

 

Excerpt

 

Alex walked around and opened Clair’s door, helping her out as she jumped down. He followed her as she walked to the far end of the yard and sat in the grass. Lying back, she looked up toward the black sky. Alex laughed as he looked down at her.  “You know, if you’re that tired, I can get my blanket out of the car for you.”

Clair gave a small smile, tapping the grass beside her with her hand. “I miss it, ya know?”

“Miss what?” he asked, sitting beside her.

“I don’t know, the quietness, the stars. It’s just different. I know, it sounds stupid… it’s just, I’ve been on my own for so long without anyone caring. It’s a little overwhelming having someone care about me now; especially when they hardly know me. Everything Roz has done, I mean, who even does that?”

Alex watched her. She was so animated when she talked. Her face lit up with expressions, her hands waved through the air as if she needed them to help her communicate.  Everything was light and easy going until dinner was over. Since the drive home, Clair seemed sad, but Alex let her ramble, venting whatever was bottled up inside her.

“And you,” she said, looking over at Alex, “if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here.” Clair sat up, crossing her legs up under her. “And this date—I mean, this hanging out we did tonight. It was the best night I’ve had since I left home. Thank you for that.” She picked blades of grass with her fingers, tearing them into tiny pieces. “You didn’t have to take me out, but you did it anyway.”

His eyes traveled up her arms to her neck. Her skin looked so fair and soft under the moonlight, it made him want to run his hands over it.  “You don’t have to thank me. I wanted to take you out tonight. I’m happy you said yes. It’s been quite some time since I’ve been out on date.” Yes, a date. He didn’t want to just “hang out”; no, he wanted to know everything about her. To hold her hand, touch her skin, and taste her lips. But would she want the same things as he? He still didn’t know.

“Oh, and this,” she said, holding the charm out from around her neck, “you shouldn’t have bought me this. But I do love it. Thank you.”

Alex leaned forward, taking the charm between his fingers. “I’m glad I saw you looking at it. It looks perfect on you.” He laid the charm down against her chest. Lightly, he traced his fingers up the side of her neck, her hair cupped around her face. Alex stared straight into her eyes, dark under the night’s sky. Her lips parted slightly and Alex could feel her breath quicken on his skin. He wanted nothing more than to feel her lips on his. He slipped his hand further up Clair’s neck and heard her breath catch as if she’d stopped breathing. With his face only inches away from her mouth, he whispered, “If you don’t want me to kiss you right now, you’d better tell me.”

 

Author Bio:

Loni Flowers – Author

Loni Flowers lives in Eastern North Carolina with her husband; two wild toddlers, who never slow down for a second; and three couch-potato dogs, who only raise an eye when foods around. She spends her days working full-time for a well-known bank and when Loni isn’t there, you can find her playing on the internet. Chatting on Twitter and Facebook is her weakness!
She loves to read and write, though can’t see to find time to do them both at the same time! Balance… she has none!
An easy reader, Loni loves most genre, but she’s a definite sucker for a good romance story!
Contemporary romance is her writing genre of choice but she’s not opposed to writing something different should an excellent idea strike.

Some of Loni’s favorite authors include: L.J. Kentowski, Stefne Miller, Cassandra Clare, J.K. Rowling, and Karen Marie Moning, Nicholas Sparks, and Jodi Picoult… just to name a few.

 

Blog:  http://www.loniflowersauthor.com/

 

Web: http://www.loniflowers.com/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/LoniFlowers

 

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

 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5405526.Loni_Flowers