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The Conservative Atheist ( Memoir)

6/24/2013

1 Comment

 
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My story is much like many others. I spent 45 years in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormon church) simply because my parents were converted when I was very young. I never knew anything else and assumed I would be involved in the LDS church my entire life.

One day, though, I realized I had to dive into the religion that so controlled and dominated my life. What I found turned everything I thought I knew upside down. It was a journey I needed to take, and I waited far too long to take it, but now I'm in an entirely different chapter of life, which is joyful.

If you are curious about the LDS church or are thinking of leaving the church I hope this is a good resource for you. I am hard on the church, and unapologetically so - it is critically important for people to realize what is actually going on within the church and how it will impact their lives. Too many Mormons cede control of their lives to an organization that cares nothing about its members and everything about the profits it can bring in. This is unconscionable. Many other religions do the same thing.

Life is far more beautiful and uplifting without the straitjacket of religion crushing the life out of individuals for a lifetime. I hope I provide helpful information and strong motivation for you, the reader, to closely examine everything in your life that you, perhaps, take for granted. It might truly surprise you what you find out about other entities...and yourself.


REVIEW (Two thumbs up for a major display of courage.)

The author had to hide her name because of harassment from the Mormon Church and a wing of the church that trolls the Internet looking for people who made comments against the church. Well, you found it in the one-star review who declared the book not to be about the Mormon Church.

That is all it is about, the Mormon Church today, its practices and ACTUAL church history. I found it very interesting that Joseph Smith was well known before he started the church as a con man who separated people from their money before he started the church. He was assisted out of town several times and not for religious persecution as he claims, but for taking other men's money and sleeping with their wives. Obviously, with the church, he continued those practices insisting on a full tithe for eternal salvation and marrying women who were often married to other men. The husbands went on mission trips.

I also already knew that the Mormon heaven plan includes a planet for the guys with as many women as they can impregnate while the submissive wives continue to wait on the man. This is one reason so many Mormon women are on anti-depressant drugs. The wives have to behave themselves or they will not be called into lame Mormon heaven, but will burn in hell instead. I'd be depressed too. I never understood why women accepted this, but after reading about their constant indoctrination, it makes more sense.

None of this is new stuff. I was exposed to some of it in college during my Western Religions class. The new take on it was the consistent pressure and monitoring of the families. Think Mormon families look shining and clean, they are supposed to look like that. I know what that is as I used to be married to an abusive spouse, but always put on the perfect marriage image in public. It is another reason the Mormon Church is running commercials about how ordinary and happy they are. Newsflash: those are actors carefully picked to reach different portions of the population.

Is it ordinary to have your home inspected weekly by church elders? Have your wardrobe and marital relations critiqued by the same people? There is no concept of privacy because everything is under the Mormon Church's watchful eye.

The Mormon Church is a major industry that brings in millions of dollars from its members and makes no accounting of what it does with the funds. Most churches say they have missions, but the Mormon faith expects you to fund your own mission trips and give 10% of your salary plus various other offerings. It doesn't matter if you can't pay your rent, feed your children or keep the lights on. Failure to do so will result in a visit to your home about your missing tithe.

Ever wonder why you never see young girls out pedaling for Joseph Smith? Women cannot be trusted in the spiritual realm. They are more likely to be led astray. What it boils down to is left on their own they might start rethinking the lame heaven idea. The guys liked the idea and want to go there.

The author dealt with her personal struggles with the contradictions in her faith. She also realized that many people just don't want to think about their religion, but rather be told what to do. Near the end, she discusses her break with the church and how secretive she had to be. Her entire family and social structure revolved around the church to leave would make her friendless because Mormons do not associate with ex-Mormons, even their relatives.

The book written in anecdotal fashion, which made it easier to read. In the beginning, I thought there was formatting issues, but I decided it was formatted differently than I was used to and stayed consistent through the entire book.

Thinking of becoming a Mormon, might want to look at this book first.

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Beltamar's War Review

6/19/2013

1 Comment

 
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Envision a world ruled by six Divine Laws, immutable and absolute.

Liaju is about to receive her twelfth marks – arcane symbols etched within her flesh, by Divine Decree. These mystic marks grant access to her first matching Convocation. Liaju is plagued by troubling dreams, visions revealing the precipice her people, the Seizen, unknowingly approach – along with a possible path of escape. An obscure path, hidden and locked. Only Liaju holds escape's elusive key, a key as incomprehensible as it is frightening. Self-sacrifice. Must Liaju relinquish all to secure the Seizen’s survival?

Eden, a mischievous child, succumbs to temptation and leads her cousin astray. Their path leads through terror and death, to ultimate understanding. Trickery reveals treachery – for Eden’s misdeed unveils a monstrous murder.

Thrown into a perpetual, remorseless conflict you soon discover Malmaxa is more about the Seizen than place. Sorely troubled, barbaric, complex, and intriguing as Malmaxa is, it remains merely the setting for the true tale – the characters, their motivations, and the choices which shape and define them.

Envision Malmaxa, then step inside and experience a world at once astonishingly different, and disturbingly familiar. Experience Malmaxa… experience, enlightenment?


REVIEW 3.5/5
Beltamar’s War is the first in fantasy series by C. G. Ayling. Ayling creates a world that has a dark ages feel to it filled with cryptic messages, constant war and absolute laws. The people, although they are never identified as humanoids, receive a tattoo to symbolize they are full-grown and ready to pick a mate. The opening scene of mate picking alludes that the women usually pick the younger, more muscular and handsome of the opponents. Beltamar’s War centers on Liaju as opposed to Beltamar.

Liaju is still young when the book opens. She enjoys a close relationship with her twin brother and father. She recounts her confusing dreams that indicate the possible end of their people, the Seizen. It is difficult to make sense of the visions and harder to endure them night after night. It no wonder she turns to her high spirited cousin Eden.

While her cousin Eden provides a distraction, she also nudges her from her ordained path, which is very important to the survival of the Seizen. Liaju is the answer to the mystery, which will save her kind. Unfortunately, to step in as savior will demand sacrifice on her part.

Beltamar’s War is a complex world with rules, words, animals, and clothing just about everything different from our contemporary world as possible. On one hand, this is how fantasy worlds work. On the other hand, the lack of description for words, expressions, even clothing make it hard to comprehend what is going on in the story. A few lines of description would be lovely. While my English teacher thoroughly believed you could understand a word in context, I am here to admit I can’t especially when it is a made-up word. This makes the reading more of a challenge. I have to stop and think is the father referring to his daughter’s hair, her clothing, something else.

My first thought was that I started in the middle of a series and missed vital bits. I didn’t. It might even be nice to have a short dictionary in the back of the book to explain what the words mean if it is not explained in the book. Easy enough to insert this at the end for a comfortable read.

Beltamar’s War is a complex fantasy tale that should please many who enjoy legend-fueled quests. It resembles both the Hunger Games, in the fact that one section of the population depends on a strong female character. It also resembles Lord of the Rings in the aspect Liaju is on a quest to save her world. This book is for adults because of the societal complexities, but teens could read it since there is nothing to offend.


Available on amazon
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Fallen Star by Jim Cangany

6/17/2013

8 Comments

 
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When ordinary guy, E.J. McCarty, crosses paths with not-so-ordinary Annie Wilson, extraordinary things happen. For E.J., it’s the start of a great adventure. For Annie, it’s an escape from colossal failure. But thanks to fate--and Amtrak--they’re thrust together on the cross-country ride of their lives.

E.J. and Annie like each other, so what’s the problem? Rock star/actress Cassandra Lawrence is the problem. Despite their obvious attraction to each other, Cassandra’s history in show biz and distrustful nature conspire to keep them apart.

Can E.J. break down the walls Cassandra has built around Annie? Can Annie learn to trust E.J. enough to let him even try? And what’s with E.J.’s bizarre dreams about the North Star? From Chicago, through the heartland and all the way to the Malibu Pier, they struggle to accept that while faith, hope and love are important, trust is the key to the future.

Welcome Jim with his brand new debut novel, Fallen Star

Do guys have any business writing romance?

Yes, absolutely! To me, romances are stories about the heart--am I worthy of love? Will ever find love? Those are themes that apply to men every bit as much as women, even if the majority of guys would probably rather die than admit that. When given the care and respect the story deserves, I believe yes, a guy can write romance. 

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a lifelong resident of the State of Indiana who’s been lucky enough to be married to my best friend for over 22 years.  My wife Nancy and I have two sons, Ryan who's 16, and Aidan, who's 12.  The Cangany household is an artsy one. Nancy is an accomplished quilter, Ryan plays the bass guitar and Aidan plays the trombone.

What was your first book?

While Fallen Star is my first published novel, the first book I ever wrote was called The Magic Coin. It was a fantasy I wrote for a school assignment in the eighth grade. Hopefully, my writing’s improved a little since then.

Describe your first break.

My first break was joining the Indiana Romance Writers of America. It's an incredibly talented and kind group from whom I learn something every day. There's no way I'd be a published author today if not for the wonderful women of IRWA.

Many aspiring writers find agents more elusive than editors. What qualities would you suggest a writer look for in an agent?

I don’t have an agent myself…yet. That’s one of my career goals, by the way. But based on what I’ve read and observed, as a writer you need an agent who is as passionate about your work as you are. The other thing I would want in an agent is someone who sees his or her working relationship with me as a matter of teamwork. I want an agent who will work with me to achieve common goals.

What is your favorite genre?

I read in a lot of different genres, including romance. I love the variety of going from an Agatha Christie mystery to a Sandy James romance, but for pure pleasure my favorite hasn’t changed from when I was growing up. I love sci-fi.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Having an idea pop into my head and thinking, hey that might make a good story. I’ve had stories come to me from when I’ve been shoveling snow to visiting with co-workers in the office.

What is the worst thing?

For me, it’s the grammar! I didn’t study English or writing in college, so it’s a constant challenge to stay on top of proper sentence structure, punctuation and things like that.

With the advent of digital publishing, everyone seems to be publishing his or her own eBook, often without an editor. What impact does this have on the publishing world? The reading public?

As someone at the start of my writing career, I freely admit I need a publisher and the professional editing that comes with that relationship. For an established author, I think self-publishing's a great thing and more power to him or her. For the public, I think it means more choices, which can be both good and bad. You may find a self-published book that's wonderful, but you may just as easily find one that simply wasn't ready for publication.

How important is POV in your stories?

My first three novels are written in first person from the point of view of the hero, so for me, POV couldn’t be more important! One of the things I enjoy about writing romance is that what's going on inside the head of a character is just as important, if not more, than what's going on outside. For that reason, paying attention to POV is challenging, but rewarding when done well.

Pantser or plotter?

75% pantser, 25% plotter. I start my stories with a group of notes or an outline to give me the general structure of the story I need in order to stay on track. From there, I take off. Within the confines of my outline, I'm never exactly certain what's going to happen next. For me, that's part of the fun of writing.

What do you see the direction of your future writing taking? What can we expect next? Give us a little taste.

Fallen Star is the first of a three book series. The second book, Lucky Star, is scheduled to be published early next year. I'm currently finishing up the final installment of the series, Wish Upon a Star. My next project will have women's college basketball for the setting, and I can't wait to get working on it. Overall, I've found that sweet, contemporary romance is a good fit for me, so look for more stories from me based in the here and now, with a little sports thrown in for good measure.


Excerpt

"And here we are," Annie said as she dropped her purse in a window seat. Our seats were in business class, about two-thirds of the way down the train car on the right. She pointed above us to the baggage storage area. "Would you mind?"

"Not at all, least I can do." I lifted her luggage over my head and placed it in the storage compartment. I gave the train car a once over, taking it all in, and okay I admit it, stalling. For some reason, it seemed that sitting down next to Annie was going to create some kind of commitment or bond or I don't know what, between us. Or maybe I was just chicken. Here I was, a grown man and I was scared to sit down next to a pretty girl. How weak was that?

Fortunately, Annie came to my rescue.

"Here, come join me." She patted the empty seat cushion next to her.

I may be chicken, but I'm not stupid. When a pretty girl asks you to sit next to her, you do it. I sat down and dropped my backpack between my legs. Looking around, I continued to study our train car and the other passengers that were finding their seats. The car seemed like a cross between a charter bus that you might take on a big group trip and an airplane, with an aisle down the middle and two roomy seats on one side, a single seat on the other. The windows were large to provide for great views once we got out of the station.

"Not bad. This business class is nice. I've never taken a train before, so this is all new to me."

"Really." Sarcasm dripped off each letter of the word. "The way your head won't stop turning this way and that, it's a wonder you haven't gotten motion sick or something."

"And I take it you're an experienced train traveler?"

She nodded. "I've done train travel from time to time. It can be a nice alternative to flying or driving."

The train lurched forward and we began our trip to St. Louis. "Wow, good to know I'm in such experienced hands. So where are you headed?"

Annie looked out the window. "Home."

The way she said that single word, so wistfully, almost sorrowfully, told me I shouldn't intrude, but I couldn't help myself. She’d told me that she lived on the West Coast, but that was an awfully big area. "And where might that be?"

She started playing with a lock of hair by her ear. "Southern California, L.A. area."

"Nice. So what do you do there?"

"Oh, I run my own business. It's similar to a consulting thing."

She sounded tired, as if whatever she did, she didn't truly enjoy it. I was going to ask her more, but she leaned her seat back and closed her eyes.

"Please don't take offense, E.J., but I'm kind of tired. I think I'm going to try to catch a little nap. Do me a favor. If I'm still asleep, wake me before we get to Bloomington please. I'd like to… Oh, you'll do that for me, yes?"

"No problem." I reached down, unzipped by backpack, and pulled out a red sweatshirt emblazoned with the yellow and blue logo of Cycles Forever, the bike shop back in Indy where I'd gotten my start. "Here, use this for a pillow."

She stuck out her hand, took it without opening her eyes and placed her under her head. "Thanks." She turned toward the window. "You're a nice guy. Wish more people were like you."


Want to read more ? Buy  it on Amazon.

BuY Fallen Star
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Bio

A lifelong resident of the State of Indiana, Jim Cangany is proud to call himself a Hoosier. The youngest of eight children, he grew up in a household full of books and people. Thanks to the influence of his older siblings, Jim gravitated toward fantasy and sci-fi when looking for something to read. He wrote his first story at age fourteen. A school project, The Magic Coin was a fantasy that involved a king, some bad guys, and, not surprisingly, a magical token.

These days, Jim writes romance on the sweet end. If you ask him what is a guy like him is doing writing romance, he'll reply, "Those are the stories in my head." A believer that the world has enough doom and gloom, he likes stories with a happy ending, regardless of genre.

Fallen Star is Jim's first published novel. He lives in Indianapolis with his wonderful wife Nancy and his two sons, Ryan and Aidan. 

Links

Website               www.JimCangany.com

Twitter                                @jimcangany

Facebook            Jim Cangany Author


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LOST HONOR by Loreen Augeri

6/11/2013

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Blurb:
Captain Morgan Danvers sets sail to rescue his brother, kidnapped by pirates. Fearing he will become like his father who abandoned him, he has cut himself off from his emotions. Then a willful stowaway crashes into his life, awakening dormant feelings and firing his lust. Soon he finds his all-important honor threatened, for even though he is betrothed to another, he is drawn to her against his will.

Arianna Pemberton hides in a barrel she thinks will be loaded on her brother's ship but lands on Morgan's brig. Her father has forbidden her to sail, and this is her only course of action. Unwilling to allow a man to control her, she is determined to make her way as a seaman, a profession she knows and loves. But when Captain Danvers discovers her deception, he refuses to permit her to prove herself. As she struggles to convince him, unwanted passion emerges, jeopardizing her plans for independence.

Excerpt:
  Shoved by powerful hands, she fell to her knees before booted feet.
  "Found her in the hold, Cap'n. Thought she was a boy at first, her wearin' pants and a cap, but she has tits."  
   "I can see that, Jurgens."  
    Arianna followed the shiny boots up to tight-fitting, brown breeches hugging muscular thighs, and slim hips. A loose, white shirt covering broad shoulders next met her gaze, then a corded neck, square jaw, stern lips, crooked nose, and cold, dark eyes that stared down at her. "Where's my brother? Who are you?"
  "I will be asking the questions. Who are you, and why are you on my ship?"
     The deep voice thundered through the cabin.   Her stomach flip-flopped. Dizziness swamped her. Swallowing convulsively, she battled to contain the contents of her queasy stomach. Hiding in that empty molasses barrel hadn't been the brightest idea of her twenty-one years.
     "I am not talking to anyone but my brother."
       Jurgens's forceful hands yanked her to a standing position. "You answer the cap'n."
  The abrupt movement snapped the fragile control she clung to. Spasms seized her throat. Arianna struggled to turn away, but the fingers digging into her arms held her in place. The contents of her stomach erupted.   All over Captain Danvers's boots.   Her captor released her and jumped back in horror.


Loreen's Top 10 Authors
1. Monica McCarty
2. Pamela Clare
3. Karen Hawkins
4. Sarah MacLean
5. Teresa Medeiros
6. Joanna Bourne
7. Gaelen Foley
8. Jessica Trapp
9. Johanna Lindsey
10. Sabrina Jeffries.

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Bio: I started reading historical romances when my children were babies. When my youngest daughter started school, I decided I wanted to write a novel. At first, to see if I could, later as a hobby, and then seeking publication. Becoming a member of  Romance Writers of America, Hearts Through History, and my local chapter, New England Chapter helped in the process. I live in Massachusetts with my husband of thirty-one years and my two adult daughters. When I am not reading or writing, I enjoy walking, dancing, and spending time at the beach.



Social media sites:
Facebook  facebook.com/loreenaugeri
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4094757.Loreen_Augeri.
My website www.loreenaugeri.com      
Loreen Augeri www.loreenaugeri.com Tormented Hearts - The Wild Rose Press


Where to Get Your Own Copy

Lost Honor is available in e-book and paperback from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble online. Buy links can be found on my website www.loreenaugeri.com 
   
Amazon e-book http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Honor-ebook/dp/B00AD99TSM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362433938&sr=1-1&keywords=lost+honor  

Amazon paperback http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Honor-Loreen-Augeri/dp/1612177298/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362434027&sr=1-1&keywords=lost+honor    

The Wild Rose Press e-book  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5133  

The Wild Rose Press paperback  http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191&products_id=5144


Barnes and Noble e-book http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-honor-loreen-augeri/1114793304?ean=2940016266534  

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ROPING LOVE

6/9/2013

2 Comments

 
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Blurb:

Ten Years ago love slipped through Chance’s lasso. This time “He was going after her and she didn’t stand a chance, just like a calf in a chute, he was going to rope her with his love and ride back into her life.”

Carrie Stewart is a dedicated horsewoman. She runs a successful breeding and training program. She is a good friend, a good sister and a favorite aunt, but she has been burned by love. Carrie has never gotten over her first love, Chance Ryan. After ten years of absence Chance shows back up in her life. Should she risk her heart again, with the man who left it broken at her feet in the past? Chance has some serious work ahead of him to win back the one woman he could never forget.


Excerpt

It had been ten years since Carrie was last at Congress. She was a competitor then. She’d almost forgotten how exciting it all was, so many people, so many beautiful animals, adrenaline running high, and everyone hoping for the performance of a lifetime. On the AQHA circuit, the All American Quarter Horse Congress was the star. Winning here meant fame, acclaim and in many cases money, if not from the win itself, then from the increase in your horse’s worth, especially for stallions and mares, where their show history dictated their stud fees and foal prices.

They watched the calf roping from a good spot in the center of the stands through the first two eliminations, Tyler talking non-stop through it all. It was amazing how much her nephew knew about the sport for only being ten years old. He was enthralled and obviously having a ball. Around lunch time they headed to the exhibition building. The trade show didn’t start for a few more days, but, there were already plenty of vendors set up to sell their wares. You could buy anything you wanted for a horse or rider at these big shows. Saddles, bridles, blankets, hats, boots, jeans, belts, and the jewelry. It always amazed Carrie how much jewelry was available at these things, everything from one of a kind, hand-crafted pieces, to mass produced costume jewelry. If racing was “the sport of kings” then the AQHA was “the sport of queens”.

The people here had money and loved to spend it.

They found a hot dog stand and grabbed a couple footlongs and strolled through the displays.

“Before we head over to the Coliseum for the roping, I need to check out the auction barn” Carrie told Tyler.

“There are a couple mares I want to check out. Okay?”

“Yeah, that’s cool.”

Damn, she really hoped the mares she’d spotted in the catalogue looked as good as they sounded. After checking the map and locating the barn they needed, they made the long trek across the grounds to Barn H. Horses up for sale in auction were housed in this area with their information sheets tacked to the stall doors.

Some of the owners were milling about to answer questions or groom their horses. Carrie walked down the center aisle scrutinized the information sheets in search of the horses she wanted to see.About half-way down the aisle she spotted the Palomino mare. As she stepped up to the stall door the two men inside turned at her approach. Her heart stopped in her chest. It couldn’t be-God couldn’t be that cruel to her. She blinked, certain her eyes were playing tricks on her, but no they weren’t, staring back at her was Chance Ryan.

The man who had broken her heart ten years ago.

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Bio:

Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 5 dogs and 1 cat. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire.  Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.

Contact Links:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTamaraHoffa

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TamaraHoffa

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6537898.Tamara_Hoffa

Blog: http://sslyblog.wordpress.com/


Buy at All Romance eBooks
BuY At Bookstrand
BuY at secret Cravings publishing
Buy At Amazon
2 Comments

MEANT TO BE TOUR STOP

6/7/2013

0 Comments

 
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Who Wants a FREE Book?

FREEBIE Over HERE…

Have I got your attention yet? J

It’s my birthday week, and I’ve decided to give you all a present to help celebrate my 33rd this past Tuesday June, 4th. What better way than to have my very first release up for FREE on Amazon for the entire weekend! (June 7th, 8th, and 9th)

I’d like to thank everyone for joining me here, and I hope you enjoy it! *coughs* Don’t forget, I’m always up for some new reviews too. If you have the time that is, in the meantime please check out the blurb and excerpt below and get your very own copy today before time runs out! J Spread the word…

 

Book blurb:

Jenna Baker is shaken up after her recovery with a near death experience. As if, being haunted with visions and losing her husband in a car accident weren’t hard enough. Could she be losing her mind? She finally moves on, only to have the husband she thought was dead suddenly reappear.

 After the shocking task of convincing Jenna that she’s not seeing his ghost, Tyler becomes overwhelmed with guilt for saving himself and leaving her to almost die. Jenna’s recovery takes its toll while Tyler’s vulnerability gets the best of him. He’s harboring secrets that will devastate her and as Jenna unravels the truth her life takes an unexpected journey.

Excerpt:

He smiled again, taking the last plate from her to dry and shook off the extra suds. Drips of water and soap suds flew through the air getting her wet in the process, and he laughed at her shocked expression.

    “Oh, really,” she said in the mood to play. Taking the sprayer hose from the faucet, she turned it on and gave him a squirt. She laughed, and it was his turn to pause in shock.

    She could tell by his expression that this meant war and made a run for it, laughing the whole way. She made it into the living room before he extended his arm to catch her, swooping her up as if she was feather light.

“Got ye.”

    They both laughed, but when she turned to face him, he became serious suddenly. She knew then that the games were over. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and pulled her towards him. Slowly moving his face closer, his eyes sparkled and completely absorbed hers.

    The kiss started out slow, and she wanted him to take his time with it. She held back a groan when his mouth pulled away and pulled him tighter against her. Her adrenaline pumped faster, and she could feel the warmth coursing throughout her body. There was no thinking twice about it; her desire consumed her.

     Pushing him against the wall, she kissed him hard, wanting him in that moment more than she’d ever wanted anything. She liked where this was going, liked being in control, needed it in that moment.

Placing her hands on his chest, she slowly moved them down his beautifully sculptured abs. “Stay,” she whispered, taking a step back so that he could watch as she unzipped her dress. It slowly slid to the floor exposing her bare breasts and the sexy black thong she wore. She kicked it out of the way, pulled his shirt off, and pressed herself against him again, flesh against flesh.

AMAZON LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/Meant-To-Be-ebook/dp/B004OYTSHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AZC9TZ4UC9CFC&s=digital-text&qid=1298595348&sr=1-1

 
Author bio:
Jennifer Labelle resides in Ottawa, Ontario Canada with her husband and three beautiful children. After her third child she became a stay at home mom. In her busy household Jennifer likes to spend her down time engrossed in the stories that she creates. She is an active reader of romance (especially historical), mystery and anything paranormal. With an education in Addictions work she's decided to take a less stressful approach in life and hopes that you enjoy, as she shares some of her imagination with all of you.

Author contact links:

Website: http://www.jenniferlabelle.com

Blog: http://labellebooks.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/1JenniferLabell

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292#!/pages/Author-Jennifer-Labelle/168414043184292

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4649930.Jennifer_Labelle

Best wishes,

Jennifer Labelle


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SPEEDING TICKETS/ Book 1 of Rocky Road Series

6/4/2013

4 Comments

 
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Speeding Tickets is a contemporary romantic suspense novel centered around recently widowed Christine Cassler, whose journey through trauma and tragedy is intermixed with the hope of finding love once more. She is hardly prepared for a tumultuous romance with a mysterious handsome biker, though, and when she uncovers a scheme of deceit and embezzlement at work, it threatens not only her second chance at happiness, but also her very life.

   TALKING WITH VALLEY BROWN    

   Sometimes things just hit you over the head.
   
Like many people, the writing portion of my life went comatose after college.  I was immersed in building a career in art and raising a child.  Evidently, my brain was covertly working overtime, because the urge to write erupted in 2005 and hasn’t stopped.  I found myself writing romantic suspense, between compulsive bouts of poetry.

     Speeding Tickets came out of nowhere.  The characters already knew who they were and where they wanted to go.  They borrowed heavily from my mental data stash, but really weren’t metaphors for me or anyone I knew.  Pages gushed out of me.  My story seemed finished, until I attended my first writers’ conference.

    Like any starry-eyed newbie who has sunk heart and soul into their first novel, I offered up my virginal manuscript to a seasoned professional, breathless, anticipating validation of my toil.

    “Your story really doesn’t start until Chapter 4.”  Author Shirley Jump stated my plot needed refinement and pizzazz.  It was suffocating from superfluous verbiage and passive writing.  She calmly shredded the first five chapters (no, not physically). 

    Amazingly, I didn’t cry, gnash my teeth, or contemplate torching all 120,000 words on a ceremonial bier.  Everything made sense.  It energized me.  My brain was on the right track but had work to do.  It was the best possible form of rejection.

    Not long afterward, I met a retired professional editor, completely by accident.  She offered to look at my writing and reached the same conclusion as Ms. Jump.  On condition of anonymity, she offered to help.  Her specialty was developmental editing.  Figuring this was a billboard-sized sign from heaven, I ran with it.

    I re-organized, re-worked and re-wrote.  She pointed out weaknesses and anomalies, advised and suggested improvements.  I could accept or reject everything, but I at least had to be open and consider things.  More often than not it was as if she could read the back of my mind, putting into words what my subconscious had already figured out but couldn’t seem to get across.  The story lost 40,000 words, becoming a clean, tight, engaging account of two people getting a second chance at love.

My Take (Two Thumbs Up)

Most of my reviews are usually lengthy. I apologize to Ms. Brown for the brevity of my review due to illness. At first, I didn't know what Speeding Tickets would be about, but I soon found myself riding along with Christine on her voyage of self-discovery and new beginnings.


Ms. Brown has done something few authors have had the courage to do...make a fifty-year-old woman the heroine. Many women find themselves restarting their lives in their middle years and should be able to identify with Christine as a grieving widow.


Christine demonstrates both vulnerability and strength, making her a well-rounded heroine. The arrival of Doug, the handsome biker into her life and has her taking turn on an unfamiliar path.

This is a fun read for all, but I am willing to bet women who have struggled with loss in their lives will enjoy Christine's adventure more.


LINKS:

Shortcut for Speeding Tickets on Amazon.com:


http://www.amazon.com/Speeding-Tickets-Valley-Brown/dp/1934603090/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Valley Brown website link:    
http://valleybrown.com


Broken Glass Publishing website link:
http://brokenglasspublishing.com

Valley Brown Blog link:
http://valleybrown.wordpress.com

Valley Brown Page on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/pages/Valley-Brown/243539242332064?ref=hl

4 Comments

    Morgan K Wyatt

    I write contemporary and historical romances for Secret Cravings. Escaping West is my newest book find more titles at: www.morgankwyatt.com

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