Posted in audio books, Book Review

How to Fail at Flirting

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams Narrated by January LaVoy

By the title I expected “How to Fail at Flirting” to be a lovely rom-com, and while Ms. Williams entertained with a few palm-to-the-forehead moments, it soon became apparent that this was a serious story of one woman’s journey of trust. Dr. Naya Turner should have it all. She is a strong, beautiful professor of education, not only intelligent, she is also kind and funny, but she has a dark secret. Author Denise Williams shows readers how anyone can become a victim of relationship abuse. It doesn’t matter what race, economic status or education, our desire to be part of a couple, to please another person, can be used against us.

When Naya decides to take a chance and learn to live her life again, she meets Jake. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, but his kindness and goofy humor are addictive and soon they become entangled in a relationship that could set her back professionally. Even as Jake reveals his own weaknesses and fears, Naya cannot admit to her own until it’s too late.

I admire Ms. Williams for telling this story, for empowering women to take back control. Every woman has the right to be the heroine in her own story. It’s not easy to fight back whether it’s seeking legal advice, sharing our stories with a counselor or confronting our abuser, but with the help of those who love and care about us, we can find the strength and courage to end the cycle. While this was a difficult subject Ms. Williams told the story with the right blend of levity, grace and reality allowing the reader to see several insights into the effects of abusive relationships.  

Posted in audio books, Book Review, Uncategorized

Sweet and Awkward Romantic Comedy

Needing romantic comedy more and more in my life right now with everything going on in the world, I turned to Avery Flynn’s Awk-weird. This delightful story of misfits who find their place and create a family is more than a romance, it’s about friendship and teammates, and yes, it’s about finding that one person who completes you. When Tess Gardner ends up a wallflower at her best friend’s wedding rehearsal, she inadvertently draws the attention of one the groom’s Ice Knight teammates. She’s not his usual type, cute, not sexy gorgeous but when they team up against some of the other players in a trivia game, they wipe the floor with the guys until Tess gets concerned about taking the rookies’ money.

After a night of riotous sex, Tess is nearly late for the wedding. She gives Cole an out by telling him they’d been wedding-ed and what happened wasn’t their fault. But when they realize the expiration date on the condoms they’d used turned their one-night stand into something more, they’re forced to take a second look at each other. Could they find their forever person with one another? Busted pipes and a leaking ceiling has Tess in Cole’s guestroom messing up his well-ordered life. Cole likes things to always be one way but with Tess around things never go the way he expects and maybe, just maybe, that’s a good thing.

I loved this story, laughing and crying and swooning right alongside the pair as they navigate romance in reverse.

Posted in event, inspiration, Thoughts, writing inspiration, Writing tips

Combating Writer’s Block

Writer’s Block

I hosted a Writer’s Block Meet Up on RWA’s virtual conference. It was a great, small meet up group that allowed us to discuss different subjects. Although the main focus was writer’s block, the discussion made me realize that there are a lot of things that can cause writer’s block.

How has Covid effected your writing? Are you in quarantine writing more or are you like me, working and feeling exhausted? My writing has suffered during the virus. I’m considered an essential worker. I manage a liquor store. People are working from home or are staying at home. But it wasn’t just the increase in sales but the worry and concern over what this virus could do to me or to my family. Working with the public, having extra responsibilities to keep us safe, fear of bringing it home, all of this made it difficult for me to write. I finished Janie’s Secrets during Covid, it was nearly a month later than I’d planned but I did finish it. Unfortunately, that put me behind on other things I wanted to write like the novella for the Heart of Carolina and The New Romance Café. Covid has just zapped me.   

What do you think is the biggest cause of writer’s block? I rarely have trouble thinking of things to write. I have trouble finding time to write. This year has been difficult with the extra stress, work and grief. I have a large family, a home, a mother who depends on me, a husband who’d like a little attention occasionally, and then there is the marketing and promoting that also takes time.

The worst time I had with writer’s block was after we lost our home to fire followed by losing my dad the next year, then Hurricane Irene destroying my mother’s home, and she falling and breaking her hip. I had a difficult time getting back into the swing of writing. Chrome Pink took several years to get written, but writing it was what helped me out of my writer’s block. One of the first things I did to help with my own writer’s block was take online classes. I also attended a local writer’s conference. I began my own writer’s group. I pushed through the block and just started writing. I wrote less than 500 words a day at that time and not every day then. Making it a habit, as often as I can a daily habit, pushing myself to write more, competing in Book in a Week and NaNoWriMo has also helped fight through the writer’s block.

Do you have any hacks to help you combat writer’s block? Normal writer’s block, i.e. fatigue, stress, lack of time, I fight in a variety of ways.

Exercise:

I love to dance. Sometimes a little music and movement can shake something loose in the muse.

A walk. My town is the inspiration for my series, a walk around town puts me in touch with my muse. I often take photos which I use on social media, so my walk is a two-for, or three-for as it’s also good for me.

Playing with my grandchildren, two of my grands live next door and whenever they call for grandma, I can’t say no. I mean, who could say no to two adorable little boys?

Write:

Write something different.

Try poetry. Write a poem or song, try writing it from your character’s POV.

Write an interview with your characters. Ask them the hard questions.

Write an article, blog post, advertisement, or synopsis.

Write until you have a breakthrough.

Read:

Maybe you need to read over what you’ve written and see where you’ve gone off the rails.

Rethink, replot, or rewrite until you see your way out of your schlump.

Read a craft book to help you write better.

Read and relax.

Listen: this was suggested in our discussion this morning and I cannot believe I didn’t think of it because I do this.

Audio-dramas or books: listen to your favorite performances or authors and pay attention to how they write or put words together; or listening to craft books on writing.

YouTube videos or podcasts: there are several tutorials on the craft and business of writing. They can inspire you to write better or give you new ideas.

I’d love to hear how you combat writer’s block. Share your tricks and hacks.

Posted in audio books, Book Review

Witches of Bourbon Street

Jade Calhoun series, Book 2

by Deanna Chase, Narrated by Gabra Zackman

Jade Calhoun has shunned magic for years. When her mentor, Bea, becomes gravely ill she convinces Jade that she is the only one who can help. She must embrace her witchy side and learn to use the magic.

Jade’s prejudices block her powers. She is angry at magic for stealing her mother and she has suppressed her gifts for so long, it may be too late to access them now.

When an angel goes rogue and Jade’s boyfriend, Kane is in danger, the past and present collide, and it is up to Jade and her powers as a white witch to save them all. Will she be able to control her gifts or will history repeat itself and she be cursed once more to be alone?

Fighting the powers of evil requires more magic. Many white witches have turned to the dark side to gain enough power to thwart their enemies and are lost because of it. How can an untrained witch hope to do what others haven’t been able to do?

Deanna Chase brings all the power and emotion of love, friendship and combines them with the ambiance of New Orleans and all that is mystical and mysterious about the world. This sometimes funny, sometimes intense emotional roller coaster was a great read no matter which way you experience it, you’ll love it.

Narrator Gabra Zackman did a fantastic job of emoting the story and adding another layer of delight to the reader. I want more from this narrator as well as this author.   

Posted in audio books, Book Review

A Sewer Pirate

In Bed with the Earl by Christi Caldwell Narrated by Tim Campbell

As I have said many times before, I love audiobooks. One of my favorite genres is historical romance.

Christi Caldwell has become one of my favorite historical romance authors. I love that she keeps challenging the genre. Her characters aren’t the normal society sweethearts. They’re not the perfect and pristine.

In her latest book, In Bed with the Earl, news reporter Verity Lovelace has to prove that women are capable of uncovering the story as well as a man, often better. For Verity the story will make the difference between keeping her job or being out on the street with nothing.

The story she has to uncover is that of The Lost Earl. The earl, Malcolm North, the heir of the Earl of Maxwell was taken from his home as a child. He doesn’t remember his past and he has no desire to be found. He definitely does not want to share his story.

Desperate, Verity follows a clue into the sewers searching for the earl. After losing her shoes and nearly being eaten by rats, she is attacked by a man all of whom a handsome stranger saves her from. When she realizes her handsome rescuer is the lost earl, she tries to get her story from him, but he refuses. With no other choice she writes the only story she has, the story of her rescuer.

While people speculate why the earl would want to continue to live and work in the sewers of London the fine families of London are willing to wed him to their daughters for a piece of his fortune. Angry with Verity for setting this chaos in motion, the two make a bargain. They may get more than they bargained for as they uncover the past, the truth about family and honor, and learn what it is to love.

If you like your romance with a bit of history and a little twist, then you need to check out this fantastic novel by Christi Caldwell.

I have to say, this is one of my favorite books of 2020 and there have been some truly amazing books so far!  

Posted in audio books, Book Review

The Latest Veronica Speedwell Story

A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn Narrated by Angele Masters

It is no secret that I am addicted to audiobooks and one of my favorites has been the Veronica Speedwell series. Narrator Angele Masters brings this character brilliantly to life.

While I was late in discovering the author, Deanna Raybourn, coming up her only after she started the Veronica Speedwell series, I have become a die-hard fan. If you haven’t read or listened to this series you need to start at the beginning, believe me, these books are worth your time. The Veronica Speedwell series begins with A Curious Beginning. Veronica is a modern woman in Victorian England. She has had to rely on her own wits to survive. She is a butterfly hunter, scientist and scholar. She writes papers using only her initials because the era is not welcoming to women with thoughts in their heads, even with a woman monarch.

From the first book in this series to this fifth book, A Murderous Relation, Deanna Raybourn has given us a little more insight into the main characters Veronica and her colleague Stoker, and those closest to them. While each story stands alone the relationship and the growth of the characters from book one to five is an important progression.

Veronica is a woman of honor, strength and conviction. While she may not be conventional, she is of her era, but she is also the embodiment of the women who changed the world. Like women from all eras in history, Veronica pushes against the constraints polite society has put up her, she strives to be greater than her stature and she is determined to do whatever has to be done to see the job completed.

In A Murderous Relation, Veronica is once more to be used as a pawn against the monarchy. She and Stoker find themselves protecting the prince against those who would start a royal scandal. Is it just about an expensive gift to a courtesan or will they try to accuse him of being the notorious Jack the Ripper? Will Veronica and Stoker live to explore the romantic relationship that’s been simmering for way too long or will their relationship be used to destroy England?  

Posted in audio books, Book Review

Neanderthal Seeks Human, Audiobook Review

Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid, Narrated by Jennifer Grace

This delightful romantic comedy is just what the doctor ordered for a dreary winter day. An audible delight that is worth a second or even a third or fourth listen.

The worst day ever for Janie Morris might be the catalyst for a new beginning. After losing her boyfriend, her apartment and her job all in the same day…not to mention the bathroom is out of toilet paper. Oh, and it gets worse.

Janie, who has a bad habit of spouting inconsequential trivia whenever nervous has just found herself being escorted from the building by her lust-filled fantasy security guard and she cannot shut up. But Quinn Sullivan is more than the Sir McHotpants of her dreams. He seems destined to be rescuer.

When he arranges for her to get an interview for an amazing job, she is ill-prepared for the chain of events that will follow. The work she can handle it is all the social things she messes up.

I love the awkward and uncomfortable moments that seem to be perfectly romantic for this crazy pair.

Janie’s family takes all the fun out of dysfunctional but they add a little twist to this sweet romantic comedy.

This was great insight into the earlier works of Penny Reid, you will remember, her Winston Brother series. She is truly awesome!

Posted in audio books, Book Review

The Vanishing, An Audiobook Review

The Vanishing #1 in the Fogg Lake Series, by Jayne Ann Krentz

Audible Narrated by Sandra Michelle

I’ve made no secret of the fact that Jayne Ann Krentz is one of my favorite authors. One of my bucket list goals is to meet Ms. Krentz, of course I probably won’t be able to talk to her and will end up embarrassing myself, but I’ve already told my niece I’m coming to visit just so I can stalk JAK. You’re safe for now I’m too broke to travel but one day…

The Fogg Lake series is starting out to be another hit, I can hardly wait to read the next book. As a reader I find myself falling into the world Jayne creates and feeling like I am a part of it. Her characters are familiar friends who come to call and when they leave, I miss them. It is one of the great things about listening on audio, I can play it again, Sam. Sandra Michelle has the perfect voice her narration of this book added a feeling of Cinema to the already wonderful story.

As a writer, I’m in awe and a bit jealous of the ease in which Jayne Ann brings her stories to life. Whether it’s her historical Amanda Quick books, her modern JAK’s or her science fiction futuristic Jayne Castle stories, she gives us strong characters. I especially like her strong female characters who often save themselves and even their hero.

In The Vanishing, the two young women, Catalina Lark and Olivia LeClair, define strong modern women. They set their goals and priorities and refuse to let men or circumstances derail them. When Olivia goes missing, Catalina starts searching for her. While admittedly, she might need help, Catalina is no damsel in distress.

When Slater Arganbright shows up at their office the day after Olivia is taken, the two team up to uncover a more serious plot. Equals, each respecting the other’s strengths and willing to offer theirs where the other is weak, Slater and Catalina soon find themselves discovering more than an evil plot to control a missing lab.

Olivia and Catalina along with Slater and the Foundation will have their hands full in this series as one family tries to regain control of the lab for psychic experiments and all of its assets.

This is a fun blend of mystery, intrigue, paranormal and romance. I can’t wait for the next book.

Posted in audio books, Book Review, Uncategorized

The Forbidden Duke, a review

The Forbidden Duke by Darcy Burke Narrated by Marian Hussey

Second chances at a happy ever after don’t come around every day. For spinster Miss Eleanor Lockhart, suddenly homeless and in need of a situation, it is like a fairy tale come true when her new employer decides to re-launch her into society. Eleanor lost her chance for happiness as a young girl when a rogue ruined her and left her to take the brunt of society’s punishment. Ten years later, the leader of the gang of rakes and rogues, now reformed, has been commissioned by his stepmother to assist Eleanor in becoming the angel of the ton.

Titus St. John, Duke of Kendal, is the Forbidden Duke. After years of debauchery, he changed to become the man his father would be proud of, unfortunately, it was too late for Miss Eleanor’s reputation. What started out as a favor for his beloved stepmother quickly turns to something more. Who is saving whom in this lovely Cinderella story of second chances?

Darcy Burke does an excellent job of showing weakness without making her characters weak. We all have our flaws, but we do not have to be defined by them. This was definitely a story I would listen to over and over again, and a series I want to read in its entirety.