Do you overuse this word in your #writing?

One of the best pieces of advice I ever read came from a literary agent question and answer page about how to submit a query. I have no recollection of who the agent was, but her advice stuck with me. She said that before sending in any work, look it over and  check for the word ‘that.’ It is an overused word which most times can be removed and have no affect on the sentence.

Taken from http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=that&FORM=HDRSC2#a

She told the writers to read the sentence out loud without the word ‘that’ in it. If the sentence needed the word then it could be replaced with which or something else. But sometimes ‘that’ is the best word.

I went through my WIP and saw that I had gravely overused the word.  A major thatectomy was undertaken. I was surprised such a small change could make a huge difference in the word count.

Is there a word you overuse?  ‘Just’ perhaps? I’m guilty there too.

I’ll Take Care of You

I was listening to the lyrics of I’ll Take Care of You by Drake featuring Rhianna. I could listen to listen to this song all day.  One of the lines caught my attention and screamed BLOG POST!

      

Dealing with a heart I didn’t break

I remember my first serious relationship. He was my heart. I really really really loved this man. I was open and free with him and I thought we were going to get married and live together forever and ever. And then he dumped me and helped me to create my baggage. Baggage that some poor schmuck would have to deal with later when they tried to love me.

 

Drake’s line  summarizes the majority of romance novels that I have ever read. Either the hero or heroine, sometimes both have to break through barriers of the person they love, that they never helped to create. They have to bear the consequences of someone else’s actions in order to love the person their heart has chosen. It doesn’t seem fair. But then again love tends to overcome insurmountable circumstances.

Have you ever had to deal with a heart you didn’t break?

Confession of a new author, but old reader

Every old author was a new one at one point in time. Can I imagine Julie Garwood with her plethora of books trying to get a book deal all those years ago? Or Janet Evanovich trying to pitch her Stephanie Plum series? 

These days it is easier to get published because there are so many publishers around who don’t deal with agents. If a new author can’t get or doesn't want a publisher then self publishing is always an option.

Here is my confession. I am more critical when I read a new author’s book than I am with older authors who have proven themselves already. There, I said it. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love reading new authors. I love supporting their work and writing honest reviews for them. New writers are more accessible than the well established ones. I believe I would fall down in shock if Debbie Christiana- wait wrong list- I meant Terry McMillan sent me a personal e-mail. But I’m in contact with new authors (now insert Debbie) all the time, and I love it because it makes being an author a more attainable goal.

Be warned, new authors, that until you become more established, I’ll be reading your work with a fine toothed comb in hand (does that make any sense? Just be aware.) 

I was so happy when I first heard from her. 
Grinning from ear to ear
 (I love this book, it's actually
her second, I loved the first one too)

I may go fan crazy if she
contacted me. Just a little bit of screaming
 would be involved.

Do you prefer to read new authors or old?

By the way, being a new author and all, My blog tour giveaway is still going on. Enter to win one of three $10 Amazon Gift Cards.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Burn on the Western Slope by Angela Smith- Book Blast and #Giveaway

Angela will be awarding one of three prizes: a car mirror hanger or key chain (a seashell as a tie-in to her book), an mp3 album by Pretty Little Blisters, a $10 Amazon gift card, to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and an mp3 album by Pretty Little Blisters to a randomly drawn host.  

BLURB:

On the ski slopes of Montana, deception turns deadly and seduction becomes more hypnotic than jewels.

Reagan McKinney is on a mission to discover more about a deceased uncle who mysteriously left her a sizable inheritance, a condo in the mountains, and a stash of stolen jewels.  With both her graphic design career and her love life in shambles, the opportunity to begin a new life couldn’t have come at a better time.  When she becomes involved with the sexy FBI agent next door, she finds her struggle is not only to keep her heart intact, but her life.

         

Grief stricken after an undercover investigation ends in the tragic death of his partner, FBI Agent Garret Chambers goes home to find solace in the arms of his mountain home.  That is, until his boss assigns him to investigate the spirited brunette staying in the condo next door.  He is assigned to investigate Reagan’s involvement with a large jewel fencing organization, but his investigation becomes comprised when his attraction to her heats up.  Will his discovery destroy everything he has come to love, including Reagan?

  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt :

“I’m not sure I’m ready for that,” Reagan said, running her tongue over her lips as she rested her glass on the counter. “Skiing, that is,” she quickly added. He would never know she’d been thinking of kissing him, but she had to force herself to look away from his mouth. Nudging Naomi, she stood. “It’s time for me to go. I need to settle in. I haven’t even unpacked yet.” And she had no intention of doing so now, but it was a good excuse to leave. She wiped her hands on her jeans before extending her hand to his, praying hers weren’t clammy. “It was great to meet you.”

Garret grasped her proffered hand and nested his other on top, engulfing her hand. She burned. Everywhere. “Meet me on the slopes tomorrow?”

Reagan bit her lip and glanced at the floor. “Tomorrow? I don’t know. I might need a little more time to get used to this place.”

“We’ll start with sledding. You can’t not like sledding.”

She didn’t know, seeing as how she’d never done it, but cozying up to him at a hundred miles an hour would probably be amazing.

“I’m safe,” Garret said as he dropped his hand.

“You’re what?” she asked, meeting his eyes. Maybe he was a good guy in most people’s standards, but he made her heart beat too fast to be anything but dangerous.

“I’m harmless. Several people in town will vouch for me.”

“But I don’t know them either.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

During my senior year in high school, I was dubbed most likely to write a novel because I always had my nose stuck in a book.   I would hide my romance novels under my history book until my teacher called me out on it.  Writing has been my dream ever since my mother read Brer Rabbit to my sister and me so often that we were able to recite it back to each other before actually learning to read.  I love reading about the adventure of love, and getting involved in the legal field developed my love of suspense. I believe love is a mystery that most people have trouble resolving.  While I don’t expect we’ll ever solve that mystery, I love to read and write about characters who work to solve their love’s mystery.  See more about me at my website www.loveisamystery.com or tweet me @angelaswriter

Publisher Website: www.crimsonromance.com

Leave comments on her other tour stops by clicking on the link below to increase your chances of winning the great prizes.

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-super-book-blast-burn-on.html

Is going back to read the replies necessary?

One of my favorite aspects about blogging  is reading people’s comments after a post. I like to reply back to those comments because they took the time to read my blog post and write a comment.

My question is: Do people go back to the blog to read the reply the author of the post writes about their comment?

If I were to venture a guess at most people’s answer to this question I would say that the answer is a blow me away ‘no.’ That’s because I usually don’t go back to see if the writer thought my comment was witty or made no sense at all. I just don’t have the time. 

There is so much writing, blog reading, social media hopping, and living to do that it’s too much to go back to every blog.  There are some ‘special’ blogs that I will always go back to after I’ve written a comment. I will also sometimes check if my comment has been replied when I’m back on that blog for another post, but even this is rare.

Do you go back to check?

Embarrassing Empi Baryeh (in a good way)

This post is a long time in the coming. She may or may not know it, but Empi Baryeh, published author of Chancing Faith and Most Eligible Bachelor, is my hero, I mean mentor. 

I first encountered Empi when she was a judge on a writing contest that I participated in (I won third place by the way and the book has been picked up by Decadent Publishing- but this post is not about me). I thought her comments on my entries were insightful and the changes I made to my work based on her recommendations made the work so much better.  To be honest, I thought editing was her job.

During the competition Empi’s book Most Eligible Bachelor was released and I won a copy of it. If I didn’t respect the woman before, I would have started to lay prostrate at her feet after reading her work. She writes a fantastic story. I highly recommend that you read her books.

When it was time for me to start my blog I did what Empi did (except for using Wordpress, Blogger was a first come first serve thing for me). If I had a question I would go to Empi’s blog and then duplicate what she did.

It turns out that Empi knows a whole lot about blogging. When I read Kristen Lamb’s book Are You There Blog? It’s Me Writer, I saw that I was already doing most of the things Ms. Lamb recommended. All thanks to Empi.

Empi wrote a blog post about how she obtained the publishing contract for Chancing Faith with Black Opal Books. I did the exact same thing and got a contract.  I am so happy I got to know her. I owe the publication of Love Though Time (being released on August 3rd) to Ms. Empi Baryeh, who is not only my mentor, but has become my friend as well.

She was my very first non-me follower on my blog. A person can't get any more supportive than to be the first to sign up for something, can they?

Thank you Empi for being so great at what you do and being my mentor and friend.

Who is your writing mentor?

Most Eligible Bachelor

Magazine columnist Chantelle Sah doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day—not since her fiancé’s betrayal three years ago. After botching her first assignment as a feature writer, she’s more than willing to put in a hard day’s work this Valentine’s Day; even if it means going on a date with gorgeous construction Tycoon, Lord McKenzie, and opening herself to an onslaught of all things love.

When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, it isn’t just work he has on his mind. But even he couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction between them when they meet, nor the evening ending with more than an interview. Now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake. Can he win her love without revealing a secret from their night of passion, which could prove fatal for both their hearts?

BUY: Evernight Publishing | Amazon | Amazon UK | All Romance eBooks | Bookstrand

Chancing Faith

HE DIDN’T DO SHORT TERM RELATIONSHIPS…

American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?

UNTIL HE MET HER!

Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and to others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?

Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?

BUY: Black Opal Books |Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks |

Flirtation through eyelashes

There is a maneuver that I absolutely love in romance novels. “She looked up at him through her eyelashes.” It tends to portray a coyness, flirtation, or a covert observation. It’s a lovely thing to read in novels, but it’s a hell of a feat to accomplish in reality. At least for me.

First of all I can’t see my eyelashes because they are so short and curl upwards. When I do try to look through them I look like I’m scowling and trying to look up into my brain. Not a pretty sight.

So be warned before you try to look through your eyelashes at someone. Unless you are wearing eye lash extensions, loads of lengthening mascara, or have naturally long eyelashes, I would not recommend this coy move. If you want laughter to ensue, then please be my guest.

Have you ever tried to look at someone through your eyelashes?

Prah and Constantine Review: A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

The tag team of Prah and Constantine are back for another book review. This month Constantine chose A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. Head over to Catherine's blog after reading mine. I can’t wait to see what she thought.

I’m confused about what to write about this book. In many respects I thought it was a good book, but I can’t say I loved it. It was one of those in between books where sometimes It was imperative that I continue reading because I was so enthralled, while at other times I had to make myself read. The majority of time the book was engaging.

Mr. Goolrick sure does know how to weave a  story. Even after reading the blurb I thought, ‘Oh my.’ And I kept saying those words throughout the book. The setting and characters seemed so real. I kept wondering why Catherine was doing the things she did, even though her back-story was traumatic and clearly told, I could not relate to her. At one point I called her stupid, because I couldn’t understand why she continued with her actions. I learned to respect the changes that came about in her, but I honestly can’t say that I liked her, well maybe a little bit at the end.

Ralph baffled me too. For me it was like one of those poor little rich boy situations. I thought his story was interesting and the life he had lived was enviable, at least up until twenty years ago. At one point in the story I didn’t understand why he was so weak when it came to Catherine. I’m still shaking my head about that.

Mr. Goolrick has a descriptive writing style, but at the same time it’s choppy. Almost curt. It kind of reminds me of poetry, only in story form. He likes to elaborate and gives just a little more information than I thought was necessary. To me the story was not romantic, but instead sexual, without being overly graphic. I thought the way he wrote his sex scenes was brilliant.

I would recommend A Reliable Wife, especially if you are looking for something ‘different’ with great writing.

                                           The Blurb

Rural Wisconsin, 1909. In the bitter cold, Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper advertisement for "a reliable wife." But when Catherine Land steps off the train from Chicago, she's not the "simple, honest woman" that Ralph is expecting. She is both complex and devious, haunted by a terrible past and motivated by greed. Her plan is simple: she will win this man's devotion, and then, ever so slowly, she will poison him and leave Wisconsin a wealthy widow. What she has not counted on, though, is that Truitt a passionate man with his own dark secrets has plans of his own for his new wife. Isolated on a remote estate and imprisoned by relentless snow, the story of Ralph and Catherine unfolds in unimaginable ways. 

Celebrate the small things

It's time for another week of celebration. A huge thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for starting this celebration where every Friday we post what we are celebrating for the week.

The cold that has been travelling around has come to visit me. It always amazes me that I can be sick with a cold, but I don't really feel sick, because I'm functional.  I celebrate the cold not being too bad.

I also celebrate dancing. This is one of my favorite forms of exercise. You can do it anywhere and its fun. Even with a cold I've been able to dance for thirty minutes a day as my exercise. No jogging for me this week (or for the past month for that matter- he he he). I leave you with a hot song from Ghana to get a four minute workout with.

What's on your celebration list?

This is a blog hop so check out the other bloggers to see what other people are celebrating this week.

Yucky kissing- top 5 bad kisses.

Bad kissing is not usually incorporated in a good romance novel. Usually the kisses are curl your toes, make a person swoon fantastic. Life on the other hand is filled with horrible kisses. I have listed bad experiences friends and I have had with kissing (I’m not telling you which ones are mine).

 epicnonsens.com

1. It’s just nasty- kisser shares more saliva than you would ever find in your own mouth. 

2. Kissing someone who keeps their eyes wide open is freaky. What do they need to see at such a close range?

3. Getting tongue before you encounter the lips on a first kiss.

4. Tongue sparring. It’s more of a challenge or war than a pleasure.

5. Getting your lips sucked so hard that you want to punch him in the stomach to make him stop

I had a friend back in college who said that kissing a girl he went on a date with was really bad. He told me that if he had to kissed her again he would have them put sugar in their mouths before they kissed. I laughed so hard that I didn’t get a chance to ask him what exactly made the kiss so bad. That was the first and last kiss they ever shared.

Have you ever had a bad kiss? What made it so?

Book Review: If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern

The Blurb
Elizabeth Egan's life runs on order: Both her home and her emotions are arranged just so, with little room for spontaneity. It's how she counteracts the chaos of her family -- an alcoholic mother who left when she was young, an emotionally distant father, and a free-spirited sister, who seems to be following in their mother's footsteps, leaving her own six-year old son, Luke, in Elizabeth's care. When Ivan, Luke's mysterious new grown-up friend, enters the picture, Elizabeth doesnt know quite what to make of him. With his penchant for adventure and colorful take on things large and small, Ivan opens Elizabeth's eyes to a whole new way of living. But is it for real? Is Ivan for real?

If You Could See Me Now is a love story with heart -- and just a touch of magic.

My Review
If You Could See Me Now is the second book I’ve read by Cecelia Ahern. The first was Love, Rosie. I absolutely loved that book, so when I got the opportunity to read If You Could See Me Now, I jumped on it.

There is no doubt that Ms. Ahern has a gift with words. The issue that I had was that it was a book of fantasy. I had trouble suspending reality because it was a fantasy set in a realistic environment, not in a true fantasy setting. I kept waiting for it to become real, but it never did and this left me disappointed.

I was impressed with the depth of emotion Ms. Ahern was able to illicit throughout the story. From joyful silliness to deep despair. I smiled a lot and shed a tear or two.

After reading the book something stuck with me. Ivan, the hero of sorts, kept saying throughout the novel, “This is my absolute favorite.” And he changed it up for everything. I thought it was wonderful.  Basically, there are no limits to the favorite things you can have in life. 

I think Ms. Ahern was brave for writing the novel of her heart and putting herself out there. I look forward to reading PS, I Love You and any other work she comes out with.

I purchased this book at a bookstore.

Time to celebrate

Celebrate the small things

It's time for another week of celebration. A huge thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for starting this celebration.

This week I am celebrating:

1. The accessibility of chocolate (I ate way more than I should have this week. What am I saying? You can never have too much chocolate!)

2. Being in school (I would appreciate sponsorship so I could be a perpetual student)

3. Supportive author friends who re-post everything on their own FB and Twitter pages (ahem, Debbie and Zrinka - I suggest that you follow them on Twitter- they follow back)

4. The snooze button (but that is a 365 day celebration)

5. The most important: being alive, healthy and blessed.

What's on your celebration list?

This is a blog hop so check out the other bloggers to see what other people are celebrating this week.

Writing and trust. They go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong

Every time I send out a manuscript, either to a publisher, agent or a beta reader,  a sense of fear grips my heart. Not necessarily because they won’t like  the work  (I can handle that with a chocolate binge), but because I never know if they will like it too much and steal my idea or even the story altogether.

As writers we need to trust others not to pilfer what we have created. A few writers may go the curse or voodoo way and put a little something on their work before sending it out, I’m just kidding. But who knows? The majority of us have to close our eyes and step out in faith that the individual we are sending our work to will deal with us honestly.

What is the guarantee that honesty will prevail? None. When people send me their work I feel proud and honored. I think to myself that either this person trusts me or they will be able to track me down and kick my ass if the need arises.  I think for the majority of writers this trust goes two ways. We wouldn’t want to break someone’s trust nor would we want someone to disappoint us by betraying our trust.

By the way did you recognize the adapted Grease song in the title or did you think I was making stuff up?

How do you handle the situation of sharing your work with others?

Review: Worth the Wait by Synithia Willaims

The Blurb

When a virgin frustrated by her nonexistent dating life asks a playboy for a one-night stand, can they really ignore their attraction after the affair? 

After Tasha Smith is dumped yet again because of her virginity, she decides it’s time to stop saving herself for marriage and start dating like women in the twenty-first century. She sets out to find a man rumored to be good enough in bed to relieve her of the nuisance, but discreet enough to keep her request a secret. 

Jared Patterson seems like the perfect candidate. Yet after one searing kiss, she wonders if she’ll escape a night with him unscathed. Jared’s job as a successful fitness instructor and entrepreneur has helped him keep a string of meaningless relationships from the east to the west coast. After learning the hard way that women can’t be trusted, he has no qualms going from one sex-only relationship to the next. Although Tasha is one of the few types of women he avoids—a good girl—the man in him can’t turn down her tempting offer. 

What starts out as a onetime thing quickly turns into an affair neither want to stop. But when an unexpected situation drastically alters their relationship, it leaves them both asking if it was Worth the Wait.

My Review

The first time I read the blurb for Worth the Wait by Synithia Williams, I decided to buy the book on the spot and I am so glad I did. The concept of Tasha losing her virginity to a player like Jared (who was too hot for my own good) sounded like a disaster from beginning to end, and it was. The drama of the situation made for a great romance.

Tasha’s naïveté into going into a purely sexual relationship with Jared was understandable, if not weird considering that she had saved her virginity for so many years. Her plan would have worked if Jared hadn’t behaved in such a manner that was opposite his player status. Oh yeah, I must not forget the little twist that Ms. Williams planted to also destroy her chances of staying uninvolved with Jared. I don’t do spoilers so my lips are sealed.

The one thing I didn’t appreciate about the book was the emphasis on Tasha’s virginity, especially by her father. He made it seem as if his daughter's greatest accomplishment in life was saving her virginity. This annoyed me because Tasha had done a lot of great things with her life.  

If you are looking for a novel you will want to read in one sitting because the story is good, the writing is smooth, and you need to find out how it ends, then this book is for you. I give Worth the Wait four out of five chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com.

Review: A Valentine Challenge by Kiru Taye

Book 1 of the contemporary romance Challenge series, set in Nigeria. Three friends. Three challenges. Are they willing to risk everything for love?

Ex-soldier Michael Ede’s spent his time building his life exactly the way he wants it. Life is good. Or so he thinks. So when his friends set him a challenge to exorcise the memory of a woman from his past, he expects it to be a walk in the park.

Socialite Kasie Bosa is spitting fire at men. Her long-term boyfriend has asked for a break via text message of all things. How dare he? She’s told him to go take a dive into the River Niger. And not so politely too. So the next man who dares to cross her path is at risk of getting shredded with her spa manicured nails. 

Bad news for Michael who has chosen her as the object of his challenge. But neither of them can deny the sizzling chemistry between them nor control their responses, it seems. It’s the season of love. Can either of them escape unscathed?

My Review

I read Kiru Taye’s A Valentine Challenge before I started writing reviews and got stable with my blogging. I have since read two of her books since then, one of them being An Engagement Challenge, which l loved (see the review here).

I love when a person turns out to be more than who you thought they were. Michael ended up being more than Kasie had expected. Of course subterfuge and the challenge Michael had undertaken was annoying to me initially because, well, it was wrong. But as I got to know Michael, his background, and  his caring nature, I was able to forgive him.

Of course I must mention that Kasie’s initial snotty attitude towards Michael did not  endear her to me, but once again she grew on me.  Michael was able to handle her with his alpha male attitude, he was nobody’s stepping stone.  Kasie was spunky and smart.  I always enjoy this in a female heroine.

The book was hotter than I thought it would be. I didn’t know Ms. Taye's work then, so I didn’t expect it. I don’t think sweet is in her vocabulary. Spicy is her way and it works because she excels at writing those sensual scenes.

I give A Valentine Challenge four out of five chocolate bars. It was a wonderful novel and I highly recommend it. It will start your addiction to Kiru Taye’s books.

Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

How to Get More 'Likes' on Your Facebook Page

Celebrate the small things

Friday has come around quickly this week. I must have been having fun. A huge thanks to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author for starting this celebration.

We as authors are obsessed with gettting more 'likes' on our author page. We want to increase our exposure and our SEO status (a term I know about, but at this time can't explain). Short of begging all of our friends and family to 'like' us, which they end up not doing for the most part, where do we get 'likes'?

One way I learned about from my friend Zrinka Jelic.  When I posted on my FB page that I needed more likes she recommended the World Literary Cafe. Ingenious.

You go to the World Literary Cafe and sign up. No you don't magically get 'likes' after you sign up, contrary to my naive thinking. You have to do work to get those likes. You click on other people's FB pages, like them, and then send a message that you liked them through the WLC and they should share the love (remembering to add your FB author page). It's easy, but tedious. 

The bad part is whether they will like you back or not. It is not by force that they do. It would be nice if they reciprocated with the event though. I started out with about 43 likes on my FB page. As of yesterday I had 605. I liked at least 1200 pages (My number on the WLC list is 1285). I joined another 'like' game in the process so I'd even take away 20 of those likes. Either way the amount of likes I gave did not equal the number of likes received. 

At the end of the day I have a whole lot more likes than what I started out with. And I found some great authors. I even bought two books from FB author sites and I found about three blogs that I now follow consistently.

Today  I am celebrating finishing the WLC list. I started from the bottom and went up. Everyday I liked at least 21- 28 pages (there were a few I chose not to like, but they weren't many). It took a few months, but I'm finally done- with the names above me, now I have to do the ones who joined up after me.

Check out what others on the blog hop are celebrating.

Review: Sexy in Stilettos by Nana Malone

I’ll admit that her name first attracted me. I got over that, but I am so glad we share the same name. Sexy in Stilettos by Nana Malone was brilliant. An absolutely wonderful read.

Throughout the story  Jaya Trudeaux and Alec Danthers evolved, each helping to balance the other out.  I could totally relate to Jaya and her anal retentive ways. But I could also relate to Alec’s adventurous ways too. What Jaya had to endure during the beginning of the book had me gasping and then it just went uphill from there.

This was a multicultural book, but there was not a major emphasis on race, and I thought that was cool. We were always aware of the differences in their races, but it wasn’t an issue. Their relationship  and growth were the main focus.

Jaya  and Alec  should have been incinerated during this book. Their passion was incredible. I read some of it while sitting in a public area and more than once, I had to look around to see that no one was reading the hot sex scenes along with me. That would have been uncomfortable.

I loved the hero and heroine, but when the supporting characters were added, a world of love, support and laughter was created. Lots and lots of laughter.

If you want a wonderfully written, fast paced, make you say ‘Oh my’ and fan yourself book, then Sexy in Stillettos by Nana Malone is for you. I give this book 5 out of 5 of my precious chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com.  I bought a three in one pack so I don’t have to wait for the second book in the series Sultry in Stilettos. I am one happy woman.

The Blurb

What’s worse than having to watch your sister marry your ex fiancé? How about when that fiancé fires you from the family business?

Hyper-organized, event planner, Jaya Trudeaux is used to doing things by the book and never making waves. It’s a strategy that’s served her well until she finds herself in failure alley with no fiancé, no job and her thirtieth birthday looming. Maybe it’s time to change her methods. Starting with an unlikely date to the wedding from hell.

The only thing that can tie carefree, playboy, Alec Danthers down is his formidable step mother. When she calls him home to help find his wayward brother, he never imagines an uptight, list making, sass-talking woman would make him think about putting down roots.

Can Jaya put the lists down long enough to enjoy the ride that is Alec? Will Alec stop running long enough to recognize true love?

Warning: Sexy, sass talking women will make you laugh, cry and want a pair of killer footwear.

The last word

This topic is making me laugh before I even start writing. I have noticed that on social media, just like in life there are people that have to get in the last word. I have learned to let them have it, otherwise the conversation goes on forever. I may be exaggerating just a tad with this example, but then again it could be the truth. Let’s take a look at a Facebook communication. I’ll call the individual, Indie, and I am me.

Indie: Thank you for sharing my post.

Me: My pleasure. It was a good post.

Indie: I really appreciate it.

Me: You are welcome.

Indie: Okay, bye.

Me: Bye.

Indie: I’ll be in contact.

Me: That’s great.

Indie: Bye then.

Me: (I should have taken the hint from the ‘then’)  Bye.

Indie: Later.

Me: Okay.

Indie: Thanks again. Bye. (And the next thing I know Indie is logged off)

If only I had realized Indie was a last worder, I would have stopped when she said Okay, bye. Human beings are too funny.

Downloaded from Google images

Do you absolutely have to get the last word?

Love Through Time Book Cover Re-Reveal

My debut novel Love Through Time is being released on August 3rd by Black Opal Books. Here is my beloved cover created by awesome Jennifer Gibson (Ironically the last name of the heroine- it was a sheer coincidence).

Hope you enjoy it. My favorite part is the two stars traversing the sky, traversing time, together.

Blurb

Defending her family – no problem. Recalling past lives – maybe just a small problem. Taking a chance on love again – well…

Jasmine Gibson has her world turned upside down when she meets gorgeous Sean Taylor. He’s the first man she’s been attracted to since her fiancé dumped her two years ago. But when the disturbing daydreams start, Jasmine begins to fear that her actions in a past life may have finally caught up with her.

Sean finds it impossible to stay away from Jasmine even though he can’t shake the inexplicable feeling of betrayal, simmering deep inside him every time he sees her.

To complicate things, someone is out to hurt Jasmine and every time she and Sean are together, the police have to be called. Even if Jasmine can make Sean trust her, the two of them may not stay alive long enough to enjoy their love this time around.

Celebrate the Small Things.

Back for another week of celebration. That in and of itself is a cause to celebrate. A big shout out to Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author who got us all celebrating in the first place. Thanks Vik.

This week I registered for school (the process was frustrating as hell though). I am now a student at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana studying for an MA in Health Education. Yay me! I am so happy. There is very little in life I enjoy doing more than learning. For the next two months I'll be busy, but I anticipate that I'll be overflowing with joy.

I mustn't forget to mention the news that had me dancing. My debut book Love Through Time will be out on August 3rd. This has been a good week.

What are you celebrating this week? Check out the other blogs.