Monthly Archives: April 2020

Friday Rambles And Reflections

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I thought of doing a writing prompt today, using one of  my books to see what’s under today’s date. Then I thought nope, just write! And say hi to all of the existing and new people who have decided to follow my blog here. Welcome and thank you!  Of late I’ve been mainly interacting with a lot of shared work, releases and promos from other authors and book reviews, so why not do a personal blog today. I went a little quite on the personal blogs as I was working hard with my co-author Didi, to get The Suspenseful Collection #2 done and dusted, our release date was just this week! I’m really proud of us.

So it’s Friday?

It sure is but I had to double check lol, when I woke up (again), I was not sure what day it is and had to check my phone. I’ve been on ‘lock down’ since mid-march, and not left the house for anything other than food. It’s been tough kinda, as my son wants to see his friends as do I, I’d love to go out freely when there’s nice weather , but in all honestly from following the news I’d rather be at home.

It’s late afternoon now and the sun’s out. I’m  in the garden following a BBQ lunch randomly, due to the nice weather. My son’s in his paddling pool and well, just felt like a ‘free day’ today, no homeschooling,  no real routine just chilling in the small outside space with some wine. I feel a bit drained today but not in a negative way at all, just a bit reflective on the world really, and how we’ll all return to some kind of normality, like before the pandemic?  If that’s even possible some time soon?? What do you think? How are things where you are in the world? Do tell me.  Since mid- March I’ve been following the news in every corner of the world, from my living room and  it’s been heartbreaking at times. I do hope you and your family have not been touched by this virus.

Has ‘Lock down’ been  positive in anyways?

A few weeks back I wrote about the positive things to  take from lock down and the coronavirus here.  as at the time I felt ‘it’s hard but surely there’s a positive.’ I still do feel that way. Personally it’s helped push me with my writing a lot!  This week Didi and I  had a joint phone interview yesterday, which we’ll share. But in other news, I’ve added a good chuck of words to my romantic crime thriller, and sent the proposal to my publisher to see if they are interested! And revamped a story idea I had, which will now be the third book in my Romance In The City series!  I will hold on to this one though and self-publish that.

 

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Works In Progress…?

  • I’m very excited! As in a few weeks I will share the cover reveal for this romantic suspense, that I will self publish in my Romance In The City series with you!!  I  don’t plan to release this until  later this year, but will put it on pre-sale.

 

  • Sacrifices  my historical romantic suspense, I’m waiting for the cover design from my publisher, that is in their release schedule for August!! I will share it as soon as I have it.

 

  • Right now, I am writing my romantic crime thriller and aim to have that completed in  the next three months, and  if my publisher likes it, hopefully that can be squeezed into their schedule for 2020 some time.

So over all, ‘lock down’ has been helpful for me with regards to writing. I’ve not really be able to work from home during the day much, mainly evening and write at night. The outcome is that I have one WIP with added word count, and one addition to my series! Brilliant, so stay tuned.

Generally though with  this madness that’s going on in the world, I’ve been okay. At times lost my mind lol but I all honesty, I feel like while this virus is taking lives left right and centre I’m better off inside. There’s talk of schools opening in May…. I don’t honestly think I will be sending my son back. I will home school him for the rest of the academic year if need be, my son’s  school have been amazing with organising this for parents and sending us resources. Plus I was a teacher myself for ten years, so it’s no problem for me to continue his education with their resources, and the wonderful online resources I have found for his age group. Call me paranoid, but I just don’t think I can bring myself to allow him back so soon.  Has your part of the world re-opened? What about your children will they return to school this academic year?

The Bookworm in me…

I’ve also done a lot of reading, sometimes a book in one day! I can’t remember the last time I actually did this, or even had time to. I’ve raided Netgallery for some good books to read and review. I’ve really been drawn to non-fictional stuff. I think part of this is because of the lack of outside contact, I feel like my brain is shrinking and vocabulary limited to anything ‘virus’ related lol.

So from me to you, hello friends!  Happy Friday, I hope you’re well and your family is too. Have a wonderful end to your week! And do let me know how you’re getting on generally with the change in life since the pandemic in the comments. It be great to hear from you.

 

 

Release Day!! + $20.00 Giveaway + Book #1 Free Until 26th April #amreading

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Blurred Lines
The Suspenseful Collection 2
by Kim Knight and Didi Oviatt
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Crime Fiction

For Mature Readers Only:

As the second installment of suspenseful short stories by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds, Blurred Lines offers a thrill ride with nine stories in genres across the board. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With the use of writing prompts Kim and Didi have created tales that will tug at your heart strings, drop your jaws, and leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. The continuation of this suspenseful anthology is just as fast paced and engaging as the first set of tales that covers multiple genres. From gory horror, romance, crime fiction, family drama, and fantasy, there is a story for everyone!

Crime Fiction, Psychological: “I’m Back Bitches, Now Panic!”

Lynn McCarmick has spent six years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, although she’s a far cry from an innocent woman. Her once loyal team of con artists set her up for a robbery that landed her a long term home in a Scottish prison. With the help of conjugal visits from Hamish, who keeps tabs on the group who framed her, she’s able to track them and keep a constant eye on their whereabouts. After an early release for good behavior, Lynn is finally able to let the bad bitch inside of her roam free. She goes after the team with the intentions on a much anticipated revenge for her incarceration.

Contemporary Romance: Heart of Gold

In this star crossed, light hearted tale, two people with the purest of hearts, each long to find a mate who is giving, honest and real. Sandy has been putting herself out there for what she feels is too long, yet she’s only found shallow disconnected interactions. That is until she witnesses an act of kindness from a complete stranger, one that she’s yet to discover has already intertwined his way into her near future.

Psychological Thriller, Slasher Romance, Erotica: Chainsaw Ridge

Alice is one of a kind, and was raised by a nasty man with killer habits. Growing up, Alice was forced to care for her daddy’s pigs, on a farm that he used the animals for the most disgusting things, including the devouring of his victims’ bodies. After an accident rendered the awful man disabled, and Alice had to dispose of his latest victim for him, everything changed. Eventually Alice rid herself of her Daddy and found a man to spend her life with. However, Alice’s tale doesn’t end there! Due to popular demand this story was extended! Alice fell into a depression after learning that her husband was having an affair. She decided to raise pigs of her own, following suit of her father and with the ultimate twist, this gory tale takes Alice and her husband on one hell of a bloody adventure.

Investigative Crime Fiction: Crime Scene Investigation

Detectives Flynn and McBride are on the case of a murder. Owner of the Chinese restaurant where the body was found, Mr. Wang, is devastated. He’s concerned that this murder could have detrimental effects on his busiess. The pressure is on to find the killer and to clear Mr. Wang’s establishment as a safe place for his patrons. But, not everything is as it seems, and as the killing’s details unravel, the detective piece together outside connections that are weaved into the Wang ties in a very delicate way. Is this merely a case of someone being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is there more to the murder than meets the eye?

Historical Fiction: A Miracle Baby Story

In a tragic tale of tough love and loss, brought about in a western setting, two young lovers are frowned upon by nearly everyone around. Adsila is a teen of Cherokee descent, who falls for a young cowboy. The conception of their child is hidden, yet Adsila’s mother isn’t blind to the fact that her own baby is with child. She aids the young lovers, trying to save the life of their unborn child in a community filled with hate and judgement toward their union.

Paranormal Suspense: A life Gone?

Franklyn Poppy, is a husband and father who’s found himself in a place between life and death, becomes the loathly witness to the woman he loves having an affair with his twin brother. He’s introduced to the infamous dark Goddess, Maman Bridgette who shares his disdain for the happenings of his wife. The outcome of Mrs. Poppy and her fateful intertwining with this powerful Goddess is powerful and resonating.

Metaphysics, Clarvoiant, Thriller: Murder by Mistake

The Wilkinson family consists of an Air Force father, a loving mother, and two daughters Anna and Julie. They are polar opposites, and Julie, the younger of the two has a special gift. Along with her constant paranoia of practically everything on this earth, she’s able to see things before they happen, as well as the happenings of people around her. When she’s mentally the witness to a murder that’s yet to be solved, she’s forced into action in an altercation with the killer.

Fantasy: Witchful Thinking

Gretchen isn’t your average witch, as she was born into a clan descending from the blood of Fate herself. Growing up in foster care was an intentional way for her to find her own path in using her magic as she’s intended to be a tool for Fate’s use. Once grown, she’s introduced to the intensity of her gifts, and is thrown into a personal journey involving much higher powers than merely Fate. Gretchen and her mother have a certain potential that dive deeper than either of them ever dreamed.

Family Drama: Real Mom

After the abandonment of their mother, twins Josephine and Jerilynn are taken in by their new stepmom, and become the big sisters to quite the large and quirky family. During a family vacation the two team up, and try to uncover the mystery of their estranged biological mom.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS:

We will be offering the first set of stories in the Suspenseful Collection for FREE for 5 days only. Our gift to you, as an invitation to celebrate with us in releasing Blurred Lines. Download your free Kindle Copy of The Suspenseful Collection on Amazon HERE: http://bit.ly/30Le9WE

About Didi Oviatt

Didi Oviatt is an intuitive soul. She’s a wife and mother first, with one son and one daughter. Her thirst to write was developed at an early age, and she never looked back. After digging down deep and getting in touch with her literary self, she’s writing mystery/thrillers like Search For Maylee, Justice for Belle, Aggravated Momentum, Sketch, and more, along with multiple short story collections. She’s collaborated with Kim Knight in an ongoing interactive short story anthology, The Suspenseful Collection. When Didi doesn’t have her nose buried in a book, she can be found enjoying a laid-back outdoorsy lifestyle. Time spent sleeping under the stars, hiking, fishing, and ATVing the back roads of beautiful mountain trails, and sun-bathing in the desert heat play an important part of her day to day lifestyle.

About Kim Knight

Kim Knight was born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France). Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

Book Review: ‘The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies’ (Literary Fiction/Anthology). 5 ‘Wow’ Stars #TheSecretLivesofChurchLadies #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy, in exchange for a honest review. I didn’t know what to expect, as the blurb doesn’t give away much. But wow! I really loved each and every story in this anthology. I read it in one day! I haven’t actually read ‘literary fiction’ for some time, but this really  struck a cord and memorable. The author has a very unique and frank way about her. Let’s get into the review.

Church ladies

Short stories about race and sexuality by a Pittsburgh author whose work on African American topics has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and McSweeney’s.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies explores the raw and tender places where Black women and girls dare to follow their desires and pursue a momentary reprieve from being good. The nine stories in this collection feature four generations of characters grappling with who they want to be in the world, caught as they are between the church’s double standards and their own needs and passions.

There is fourteen-year-old Jael, who has a crush on the preacher’s wife. At forty-two, Lyra realizes that her discomfort with her own body stands between her and a new love. As Y2K looms, Caroletta’s “same time next year” arrangement with her childhood best friend is tenuous. A serial mistress lays down the ground rules for her married lovers. In the dark shadows of a hospice parking lot, grieving strangers find comfort in each other.

With their secret longings, new love, and forbidden affairs, these church ladies are as seductive as they want to be, as vulnerable as they need to be, as unfaithful and unrepentant as they care to be, and as free as they deserve to be.

 

Kim’s review 5 ‘wow’ stars!

The reviews on Netgallery when I stumbled across this title, under the multicultural interest section made me wonder what I’d find inside the book. I don’t normally read reviews at all. If I want to read, I will regardless of who said what, but I do sometimes just look at star ratings from reviews, many seemed low when I picked up this title. I can’t understand it, as this is a gem of a book! I honestly think no matter your race  or gender anyone can really get into this literary fiction, even if the focus is on women of colour and their experiences.

In all honesty, the blurb does not give away the true beauty of this author’s work, I was pulled in by the blurb, cover etc, but after reading it I feel that this for me was one of those books that took me by surprise, in how good, raw, honest and frank, and engaging these stories are. There is no heavy ‘religious focus’ either, it’s used in context of experiences of women who really wanna break free of all that, or have been chained to it for whatever reason.  And it makes very insightful and thought  provoking reading.

I would say, if you are overly sensitive then pass this up, and save  your one star review for ‘bad language’. If you put the characters into context, time frame etc, you can totally understand the language the characters (not author) use, it makes sense.  In fact if you’re a very sensitive reader full stop, it may not be for you.

There are  more than a handful of stories here, I lost count I was just turning pages really quickly. I don’t have a favourite as I loved them all, but some really hit me and struck me as ‘wow’. There’s one about a young girl, and her mother is dating or ‘seeing’ a married pastor for a decade and what she went through. The ending and ‘moral’ of the story touched me when I reflected. The second one that was highly memorable for me, was the story about a young  girl who had a ‘thing’ for a lady at church, the ending was crazy! Lastly ‘How to  Make Love to a  Physicist’ was touch a beautiful, heart-warming story, showing a woman’s growth and her ability to love herself, and fall in love, and run away and fall in love again!  I loved it. All about two people connecting at a distance, then falling together as maybe ‘fate’ and growing. I could go on,  I loved them all.

Overall, this is a great literary fiction piece of art here, I enjoyed every page and would even read it a second time, later down the line. I felt each story had some kind of moral to it. The characters were just fantastic! Lively, bold, and  at times had me in chuckling. I would read more from this author, and I would love a copy for my book case not just e-book. I wish her so much luck when this drops for publication in September 2020.  5 ‘wow good read’ stars from me!

Book Review: Midnight Mom Devotional ( Non-Fiction) 5+ Outstanding Stars #MidnightMomDevotional #NetGalley

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Thank you to Netgallery for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. I read the introduction, the first three pages and ordered myself a copy!! I have received three devotionals, two I’ve bought and one I didn’t. Out of the three, this one is by far the best. I really enjoyed it, and will make  use of it weekly no doubt.

MNMD

A yearlong book of prayers to bring nightly hope and a sense of connection to mothers who feel alone, from the mother-daughter team behind the Midnight Mom Devotional Facebook page

There is something about a quiet house in the midnight hours that causes stress and anxious thoughts that have been ignored throughout the day to rise to the surface of a mother’s heart. When the world goes still around you, it’s good to know you’re not alone; there are so many other mommas just like you and a God who wants to meet you in the quiet.

What began as a small online prayer ministry to encourage moms in the middle of the night quickly grew into a worldwide prayer movement known as the Midnight Mom Devotional. Now this encouraging book of prayers connects you with a community of moms to strengthen your heart and give you support when you need it most.

Each night offers a different prayer for mommas in all circumstances of life, including

• being fearful and anxious
• needing a miracle
• caring for a sick child
• feeling as if there is nothing left to give
• welcoming a new baby
• experiencing sorrow
• getting ready for a new beginning

In the stillness and the night, take heart in knowing that women across the world are joining you in prayer and that God is listening and loving you right where you are.

Kim’s Review 5+ Outstanding Stars! A Must For All Mom’s Especially The ‘Non-Religious’

So while browsing the religion and spirituality section on Netgallery I came across this gem! The problem I’ve had with devotionals in the past, and from the three that I have received, is that they’re ALL too far leaned towards ‘religion and God’ in my personal taste. I am HIGHLY spiritual, at lot of you will know that from the ‘woo woo’ books I love to read. But I’m  in no way shape or form religious in the traditional sense. There is a  BIG difference to me, without offending anyone personally, I can’t conform to some of the ‘man made’ aspects of the Bible, and also I know the role that the Christian and Catholic religion played in the mistreatment of my own ancestors, and the transatlantic slave trade. So I won’t buy into it at all, for that alone, period. BUT I do believe in ‘higher powers’ and not one God. I found with this devotional to be just right in it’s approach with prayers, religion and God. In fact to me, there is not a heavy  emphasis  as I flicked through on ‘read this scripture in the Bible’ follow this up etc. It’s simple, plain, in non-religious language. Just one simple ‘prayer’ of well wishes and support for EVERY situation a mother and woman could face, no matter her life circumstances. There’s one for everyday of the year from January-December.

Like I said, I read the first week of prayers and well wishes for January and bought a copy, then I turned to my birthday and it was a lovely prayer for 14th February, and today’s date that I am reviewing this, also an equally beautiful prayer. I loved all these things about this devotional:

The prayers and well wishes- they are simply stunning, helpful, realistic and very uplifting and inspirational. They are short, sweet and even those like me who are non-religious would not be put off at all. I actually found a few very relevant to myself! Which was fantastic.

The community feel– this started off with one mother posting on her Facebook page  at  midnight simply ‘who is up and what are you worried about/going through?’ A flood of mothers responded and from then on, the devotional was written and every night women around the world follow along each night on the date relevant, with a ‘midnight prayer and well wishes’ for whatever subject or situation a mother could face in life, and interact on social media. I LOVE THIS It’s just beautiful and the thought of having an army mothers around the world supporting others with the ‘topic of the day’ makes me wanna cry! Lolz it’s so beautiful.

Overall, I think the idea behind this devotional is a fantastic one,  one that many women  could benefit from, it has been executed well into an actual book, worth the money and I love everything about it. I would recommend it for all mothers.  5+ outstanding stars for me, I can’t wait for my hard copy to arrive! Grab yours now on Amazon.

Guest Post + Giveaway By Author Luca Favaro!

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I’m a lucky man, because I have a wonderful family and I have so many friends. I’m from Italy, where I lived most of my life. I’ve worked as a nurse for so many years, and I became an author almost for a joke. Once I collected some stories I wrote in my personal diary about people I’ve assisted when I was working as a Nurse. One day I decided to let my friend to read them, and He said: “You should publish them!” I sent the stories to a publisher, and after a couple of months I received a publishing contract. And so started my writing adventure.

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

One day, after I’ve been in California on vacation, I attended the Green Card Lottery, and I’ve been selected, and now I live here. It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? I have a friend, in Italy he was my neighboor, he tried the Green Card Lottery for twenty years, but he never won. So for me was very difficult to tell him “I attended the Lottery for the first time… and I won” Now I’m here in the States, while he’s still in Italy.

 

What are some of your pet peeves?

I had a wonderful dog, an English Bulldog, he was handsome! He lived 11 years and when he passed away, it was really painful. Now we just moved to California, and we need to settle in a bit better, before having a new one.

 

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was born in Treviso, a small town near Venice in north Italy, and I grew there. I spent there most of my life. I miss my friends, but I have to say that I’ve never felt myself “Italian”, just like now I don’t feel myself “American”. I think I’m a citizen of the world, and every place could be my home.

 

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

I would spend it with my wife, my children and my best friends.

 

Who is your hero and why?

I have two heroes: my son Michele and my daughter Giulia. They are my heroes. Because they are fantastic!

 

What kind of world ruler would you be?

Probably an absolute anarchic. So it’s better if I’m not a world ruler.

 

What are you passionate about these days?

I’m passionate about music. I have Spotify now in my phone, and I’m listening whole discographies of my favorite musicians. I love reading English books, because I think is a good way to improve my English.

 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I love walking. I’m lucky because there are many beautiful places to walk here in Thousand Oaks, and the landscape is amazing. I love walking in the nature, in solitude, meeting animals. I love singing, I love listening music, I love painting, I love spending time with my family. These are things that help me to relax.

How to find time to write as a parent? I don’t know! Really. I have so many things to do, that I think I find the time to write because of a miracle! I love writing, and I think that, in a way or another, you always find the time to dedicate yourself doing things you love.

 

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Reliable, hard worker, kind, generous, but very stubborn!

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Probably, I don’t consider myself a writer even now!

 

Do you have a favorite singer?

I love all kind of music. My absolute favorite musicians are Johnny Cash, the Beatles, Peter Gabriel and the Italian singer Lucio Battisti. They are the best for me. But I love also David Bowie, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Iron Maiden, Gen Verde, Franco Battiato, Lucio Dalla, Soundgarden, Bjork, Elisa, Pearl Jam, Alanis Morrisette, and many, many others…

 

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

My italian novel “Il tempo senza ore” for sure. It’s a story about a famous piano teacher, and choir director who fell sick with Alzheimer. It’s easy for me to image it as a movie, because in Italy they made a theater show from that novel, and they’re performing it around the country.

Bright Yellow Souls
by Luca Favaro
Genre: Fiction Short Stories
Kevin was only a teenager when he decided to escape from his past, studying as a nurse. He didn’t expect to discover that he would become a person able to give and receive so much love. These are stories of pain, sufferance, but also hope, optimism, joy for life and above all love. And between the lines, the silent presence of God, who through Kevin, takes care of the sick bodies of those wonderful people; and through them, He takes care of Kevin’s suffering soul.
Luca Favaro lives in Thousand Oaks, California. He’s an Italian writer and a Registered Nurse. In Italy he published four books; three short story anthologies, and the novel “Il tempo senza ore”. He won several literary prizes, and from his novel was made a theater show: “Il tempo senza ore show”. He moved from Venice to Thousand Oaks on 2019.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

Book Review + Giveaway! ‘Bright Souls’ By Luca Favaro (Short Story Fiction) 4 Wonderful Stars!

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Bright Yellow Souls
by Luca Favaro
Genre: Fiction Short Stories
Kevin was only a teenager when he decided to escape from his past, studying as a nurse. He didn’t expect to discover that he would become a person able to give and receive so much love. These are stories of pain, sufferance, but also hope, optimism, joy for life and above all love. And between the lines, the silent presence of God, who through Kevin, takes care of the sick bodies of those wonderful people; and through them, He takes care of Kevin’s suffering soul.
Luca Favaro lives in Thousand Oaks, California. He’s an Italian writer and a Registered Nurse. In Italy he published four books; three short story anthologies, and the novel “Il tempo senza ore”. He won several literary prizes, and from his novel was made a theater show: “Il tempo senza ore show”. He moved from Venice to Thousand Oaks on 2019.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Kim’s Review! 4 Wonderful and Unique Stars!

Thank you to Silver Dagger Tours for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. I was not really sure what to expect from this anthology, but it was a nice surprise. I must say the short stories even if they are fiction seemed very real. We follow young Kevin  an unruly teenager  who matures into a young man, then  qualifies as a nurse in Italy. The stories are about those he encounters in the care profession once he qualifies, and his experiences dealing with them as patients and life and death. Overall I found this anthology of short stories to be extremely touching, interesting and at times really left me pondering the meaning of life! And how it must be enjoyed. A lot of the stories feature a very sick or elderly person, some who ‘could not wait’ almost, to see their final days and reach the end of their lives. Overall, this was a very unique and touching read that I read quickly, and really enjoyed. If you’re after something different, deep, and touching give this a try! At the time of this review it is free to read on Kindle Unlimited.

 

Book Review: ‘What About Love’ by Bai Jaye 4 Lovely Stars! ( AA Romance) #amreading

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Bai JayneWow what a lovely little bite sized love story with a cute happy ever after! I really enjoyed reading this novella from just the first view pages. I would have liked more to this.   This author is new to me, I stumbled across the book on Facebook, and read it on one sitting! Let’s get into the review.

Blurb

Running out of the back of the bridal shop as her fiancé comes in looking for her Gabrielle Nowell literally runs into the man of her dreams on the street. When their bodies collide the magic of love fills the air. Both of them are instantly smitten, but Gabrielle knows it could never amount to anything with her wedding set for Valentines Day a little less than two months away.
DeSai Hardy is the latest hot R&B singer in the game. Signed to Golden Nowell records, he is engaged to Gabrielle Nowell, the princess of the company. However, true to his bad boy R&B image, DeSai continues to juggle multiple women at a time. DeSai has Gabby as his future wife, Sasha as his main chick and now has added another to his rotation.
Ace Prince wasn’t looking for love, but somehow cupid caught up with him anyway. Always focused on his daughter and his businesses he didn’t have much time for anything else. When he bumped into Gabrielle on the street, he couldn’t fight his attraction. Never has he set his sights on a woman that was spoken, but this time he’s losing the battle and fast. Will love win in the end or will hearts be fumbled?

Kim’s Review 4 Lovely Stars! More Please

I genuinely love it when I stumble across a book that’s short, but engaging and enjoyable a good example of an author that does not need to babble on to craft a good tale. What drew me into this story was the blurb, I remember thinking to myself, ‘wow these are two very contrasting men here, I wonder how this will turn out?’ Most importantly I hoped that the author would be able to build the contrast between DeSai and Ace…. boy did she! Here’s what I loved.

Characters-  The separation between the two main men’s mentality was clearly there. In fact I really disliked DeSai and I was meant to! He was not a nice guy  which made me lean towards Gabby and root for her. Gabby herself was a like-able character too. Ace, to me was  a great  ‘book boyfriend’. He was sweet, romantic and he fought for Gabby, literally (no spoilers) and emotionally.  In the end I felt like he was very deserving of her love, and that he was just the kind of man she needed after DeSai. The other female characters also were cool to read, even if  they were up to no good. Generally the characters were interesting to read.

Story line- This is a novella, and it moves quickly and it was engaging to read right from the start. I also liked the push and pull between DeSai and Gabby.  I really liked how Ace and Gabby’s  love developed. To me as a reader it was a classic example of ‘just knowing’ when you meet someone. Or some may call it ‘insta-love’ in romance, but it was realistic to me. Sometimes you do meet people and know that you could build something with them. I liked the fact that Ace was not even looking for love, but Gabby seemed to be the right woman to change his mind.

I found the set up of the story rather unique, this is an arranged marriage kind of between DeSai and Gabby. The circumstances being around DeSai’s fame and Gabby’s father’s values as a man struck me as unique to read.

Reality- I liked that part of this story shows Ace as a father, he has a little girl who he is responsible for. I liked that he was a good father, and that his relationship with the mother of his child was not typical ‘baby mama and baby daddy’ drama. I’m not really a fan of stories that play into these stereotypes within African American or urban romance. I loved that this author did not feel the need to hype up a dramatic woman, who would not allow the father of her child to move on. Or Gabby have ‘issues’ with the other woman.  I also liked that as I read I could feel the change of heart in Ace, and his view point over whether he wanted to settle in a relationship.

Overall, What About Love is a lovely romance story with good characters, an enjoyable story line, and a beautiful happy ending. The only thing I would have loved is to have more on the development with Ace and Gabby, once they finally got over their challenges I felt like I could have read more once it ended. That’s a good thing!   I recommend  this novella to all those who enjoy romance generally, that can be read in under two hours, those who like multicultural or African American romance and are looking for a genuine love story. I would read more from the author. It’s free to read on Kindle Unlimited too at the time of this review, with great reviews.

Writing Prompt: Million-dollar Question? #amwriting

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 Writing Prompt> “Why do you blog?!

Lol, what a writing prompt for today? In all honesty I have no real idea, it just feels like something I gotta do! Like put on my eyelashes every morning LOLZ. I started this blog four years ago now. And it started as it was what I ‘heard’ authors are ‘supposed to do’. So I just thought, okay cool let’s give it ago. Over the years I’ve met some wonderful people.

imagesAnd come across some beautiful blogs. I met my co-author via blogging too, and if I had not started here on WordPress, I would not have two anthologies, I’m very proud of, under my belt with her. I don’t get to blog as much as I’ve love to. But the focus of the blog  has changed over the years.

What’s The Point Of My Blog?

These days, it’s not only a way for me to connect with readers,share my work,or readers to follow and find me, or an ‘author platform’ as they call it, nope! It’s about sharing ‘what’s good’ in the world of books generally. I like to interview other creatives on the 25th of each month, and connect people with other great authors, and a chance to market them. Generally I love pimping  out authors and great reads, so I also do lots of book promo and work with tour companies, read and review books,  and share them with you and help other authors, I like to also drop any writing tips I can that may help.

So my reason for blogging has become much more wider, and this site is not just about me! I also like to just generally chit chat too one in a while, do writing prompts ( like this), weekly that I find in my book.

What Does Blogging Do For Me Personally?

Feeds my need to write! About any and everything, a chance to also be social and connect. I just like writing really y’all so that’s all it does is itches that scratch. I would like to maybe do other blogs as well, like on other specialised subjects that I love, outside of writing. Maybe one day! Generally I blog to connect with you, so you can connect with me, and I always be myself. So yes, I will swear, yes I will be blunt and no I won’t always try to come across as perfect, cos I’m not. So far I’ve not offended anyone, so I will keep on blogging as me, as person in my own voice and personality.

Why did you start your blog? And why do you blog?

 

 

Book Review + Giveaway! ‘Chergui’s Child’ 3 stars ( Psychological Fiction)

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Chergui’s Child
by Jane Riddell
Genre: Women’s Psychological Fiction
Olivia has much to cope with. An embittered mother who puts her ambitions for her children before their own needs. A predatory professor who ends their affair when she becomes pregnant. Giving birth to twins in a Tangier hospital and believing neither has survived. Grief and loss overwhelm her and she abandons her studies. Then from her beloved aunt Dorothy, artistic, eccentric and mysteriously wealthy, she learns that one of the babies did survive and has been adopted. When her aunt dies she leaves Olivia a handsome legacy with the condition that it must be used to find and bring up the lost child. Olivia’s journey takes her from London to the south of France, with startling and painful revelations along the way.
Jane Riddell is the author of novels: Daughters of the
Lake, Chergui’s Child and Things We Choose to
Hide.  She has also written a novella in the form of a
diary, penned by a Russian cat who comes to Edinburgh to learn about
creative writing: The Bakhtin Chronicles: Academia.  Inspired
by her own editing process, she has published a short guide
entitled Words’Worth: a fiction writer’s guide to serious
editing.Formerly Jane worked as a dietitian and health promoter for the
NHS in the UK.  But after three years living in the
beautiful Rhône Alps area of France, she decided to devote her
mental energy to writing.Jane lives in Edinburgh and apart from an abiding love of
chocolate (her only vice), her passions include travelling and
photography.  She regularly looks after animals – mainly
cats – all over Europe, which inspires her writing and indulges her
photography.

$10 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
 

 

 

cherguischild - my review

 

3 Stars !

Thank you to Silver Dagger Tours for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review.  The blurb really called me I loved the location of this novel. I was thrilled that’s set in London and the main character Olivia is British. I recognised all the spots in London and enjoyed it. I also love, love, love, the south of France too and really enjoyed the story here. Morocco is a place I have always wanted to go and experience too. All this I loved. I even loved the actual story plot, but what held back my reading experience were three  small things.

1. Some parts it felt rushed, and if they were not maybe there could have been  more ‘thrill’ and the ‘psychological ‘ experience, for me as a reader. The story is told in the past and present I loved this! And suits the genre. But while the present tense story as we follow Olivia on her search for her child is in first person, the past story on what happened and why she lost contact with them is in third person, which was fine to read. But the back story  in the past felt very rushed as I read.  At times I could not work out if I was in the past story or present.

2. The rushed feeling also did not allow me to connect with Olivia, or  who did what and why. In the present tense, the first person of Olivia’s POV as a reader for me, it was mainly ‘told’  as a story, rather than shown to me.  Her emotions, thoughts, feelings, where her head was at  etc, I could not see or understand. Or Olivia’s grief over her missing child. I felt disconnected or distant in both past and present generally from her and her story as a reader.

2. Olivia basically, without giving too many spoilers left the hospital  after being forced into labour my mother nature, and left her twins there in Morocco. Right after she had given birth like within an hour or so!  As  a woman who has given birth myself, I found this not possible. She had a hard labour with twins ( harder than mine). As I read I knew even with my easier birth, I would not have had the strength to  get up and leave. With the labour she had I doubted she could do that. So this part of ‘reality’ within the plot left me wondering a bit.  Emotionally I also could not understand why this character left, she wanted to be a mother? But if I had connected with her closer  from the start with ‘show me’ rather than ‘tell me a story’, and parts not rushed in the story maybe I could have.

Overall, for me this was an okay read, I did not hate it at all but it never overwhelmed me with ‘wow’ ‘OMG’.  I would read another by the author. With this one I have read,  if there was more development of the character’s emotions,  and less rushed story telling. Or  if maybe the reality around labour for women (generally) and abandoning her children was more realistic, not just get up and go then start to look for work and make a new friends after, this would have really been the icing on the cake for me and possibly a four or five start read! But I’m just one reader and even if I did not feel the character connection, or ‘psychological fiction’ vibe as a reader I hoped for, there will be readers who will find this a perfect five star read! Three stars from me, I wish this author so much luck and the right readership. So give it a try, if you feel the book’s blurb calls you.

New Release! ‘Irresistible Driver’ By Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku ( Romance)

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WELCOME TO MY NEW RELEASE!!!

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance (eBook)

 

Stella

Hello Romance Lovers, 

It’s Release Day! 


My 31st Romance Book is published!!!
To God be the glory, for He has done a mighty work in my life.

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance

Release Date: 30th March 2020

Pages: 181 (eBook) 232 (Paperback)

Word count: 55,000


If you pre-ordered Irresistible Driver, thank you so much! Your book should be on your reading device now.

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance, my second romance novel for the year 2020 is now available on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Okada Books, Smashwords, Tolino, Baker & Taylor etc.

You can add Irresistible Driver on Goodreads.

Read the blurb:

A Flirty & Feisty Romance Novel ~
It begins with one luxury car ride.
But it does not end there. Not by a long shot.
Things get crazy hot between Lola and Maxwell.
They exchange harsh words with passion.
They then part on a sour note vowing never to see each other again.

Irresistible Driver: Paperback on Amazon.uk

Soon after, luxury car driver by day and taxi driver at other times, Lola Lawson catches herself thinking about the ever-so-sexy, tattooed passenger, rude to a fault but also generous. Maybe if she sees him one more time, she will get over him-forever.
Restless in his heart sooner rather than later, cocky doctor and seasoned bachelor, Maxwell Legend wants to see his fiercely honest, warm-hearted and ‘not-so-beautiful’ driver one more time, just to get her bossy attitude out of his system–for good.

Only this time neither of them expects what happens as nothing prepares them for the shocking surprise!

Will Maxwell find his driver irresistible, or will their affair end before it starts?

~ From the Author of Get Undressed ~

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance (Paperback)

Writing Lola and Maxwell’s love story was a whole new experience for me. These two did not hit it off from the start. Maxwell legend found Lola Lawson annoying. But his feelings quickly changes the moment she turns her back on him.

You will cry, laugh and wonder as you flip the pages in this love story that is full of twists and turns.

 

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance (Paperback)

 

Grab Irresistible Driver now and fly to Badagry Town, in Lagos, Nigeria and follow Lola and Maxwell’s amazing story!

Irresistible Driver

Amazon US|Amazon UK

iBooks/Nook/Kobo/Scribd/Overdrive/Playster

|Kobo 

Nook|Scribd

 Amazon CA |Amazon AUS

Okada Books| Read a Paperback

Scroll down to read an excerpt. 

The scene was Lola and Maxwell’s first encounter when she picked him up from the airport in Nigeria because she had been assigned as his driver-about-town.

When he opened his eyes, he then realized the car was already parked.

With sunglasses perched across her head, Lola held his car door open without a smile on her face.

“Welcome to Whispering Palms Hotel & Resort,” she recited. “Have a wonderful time, sir. Don’t shut yourself in your room. Explore all the resort has to offer. Go out to see our beautiful historic town.”

“Stop talking.” His tone was gruff because he resented the fact, she insisted on calling him, ‘sir’. He stood in front of her after climbing down from the 4-Wheel Drive. “I can get my own door. Don’t you listen to anything I say?”

In that brief moment, he noted the blusher on top of her cheeks and the cuteness of her chin softened the features of her oblong face. Winging out her dark eyeliner helped her slanted eyes appear bigger and wider.

Lola shook her head before she swanked toward the trunk.

“What a shame! I listen to what makes sense.”

He followed behind. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m shocked you don’t know when to say, thank you. Why do you have to be impolite all the time?”

“I’m not in the mood to argue with you. I’ll get my things and be out of your way.”

Meet Lola Lawson and Maxwell Legend

from

Irresistible Driver ~ A BWWM Sexy Romance

Folding her arms across her busty cleavage, she glowered at him.

Ignoring her combative stance, he retrieved his luggage and smirked.

“Go ruin another client’s mood.”

“What a nightmare trip,” she sneered, not hiding her resentment any longer. “I’m happy it’s over, sir. Don’t call me again. Find another driver to torture.”

“I feel the same way.” He shrugged, fully intending to delete her from his memory.

Without the exchange of goodbyes, he opened his wallet, took out several dollar bills and handed it over. Despite his irritation with the woman, giving tips was part of the American culture.

“Thank you. Keep your money, Mr. Maxwell.”

Marching forward, he tugged the front passenger door open and placed the bills on the seat.

“I can’t in good conscience deprive you of your tip.”

“Even though you hated riding with me? I’m surprised you’ve got a conscience. I thought you were dead inside. Dead!” she spat out the last word with a vicious tone.

“Maybe I am.”

He withdrew and headed for the hotel entry point, towing his luggage along. Her harsh words cut through his core and shook his inside.

To be honest, he felt dead inside. Cold.

A BIT ABOUT STELLA

I’m Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, author of 31 Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels. I started writing & publishing my books in 2010.

I’ve been married to my sexy hubby for over 20 years and our home is in London, UK. Just so you know, I love to swim like a star fish. We’ve got two grown-up children.

My sexy adventurous romance stories will make your heart throb. You will also laugh, cry & drool with excitement as my characters tease your senses when they journey through exotic places across America, Canada, Europe and Africa.

If an emotionally intense happy-ever-after is what you want, start reading now.  I dare you to read every one of my sizzling stories.

Books by Stella

Click to Buy & Download Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels

Flirty& Feisty Contemporary and Interracial Romance Novels include:

Irresistible Driver

Christmas Desire

Tempted by the Princes – Book 1

Tempted by the Princess – Book 2

Hooked by one Curvy Girl – Book 1

Hooked by one Curvy Girl – Book 2

Naughty Promise

Christmas Seduction

Irresistible Passion

“Shocking Affair”

Guilty of Love

Your Christmas Gift

All of Me

“You’re Mine”

Enticed Forever

Naked Attraction

Indecent

His Ring

Forbidden Dance

Red Velvet Rose

Tempting Desire

Seduced Hearts

Lust

Stolen Kisses (Books 1 & 2)

Wild Whispers

Love at Christmas

Husband to Rent

Stolen Valentine Kiss (Holiday Series #1)

Kiss My Lips (Holiday Series #2)

The Historical & Paranormal Romance novels include:

Royal Cowries (Cowries Series #1)

His Choice (Cowries Series #2)

Did you miss my first book for 2020, titled Get Undressed ~ A Steamy Romance? 

GET UNDRESSED ~ A STEAMY ROMANCE

You can get it on Amazon, iBooks, Nook, Kobo, Okada Books, Smashwords, Tolino, Baker & Taylor etc.

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You will laugh, cry, get an emotional thrill and drool with suspense.

 

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Before you go, please take a quick look at some of my books. 

Amazon US Author Page|

Amazon UK Author Page| Okada Books|

Smashwords |iBooks| Kobo|Barnes & Nobles

 

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If you have read any of my 31 hot romance books, please leave a review. because I love reading your comments.

Add Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels on Goodreads

 

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Flirty & Feisty Romance 

Our promise…is to deliver an intensely emotional experience you’ll never forget.