Two Lips gives Free Falling 5 lips!!

My thanks to Tina at Two Lips for her beautiful review of the second in the Damaged Heroes series, Free Falling! A five lip rating!

****

Laurie Miller was feeling burnt out. Her psychic gift of empathy has left her. Being a psychologist, she could live without it, but it made life that much harder. She decides to go away from people for a while and recharge herself. She needs to figure out what is wrong so she can come back fresh so she goes to Montana for while. Ross Kennedy has just lost the love of his life to someone else. Though he is happy for Katie he still misses her. He, too, needs to recharge and regroup. He takes a vacation to Montana to do just that. When Ross gets lost and Laurie ends up saving him from hypothermia they get to know each other very well, trapped in a cabin together for days snowed in. The more they get to know each other the more in love they become. But they both have to eventually go back to their lives in Chicago. Once there they have a mystery on their hands with a diary they found, and Laurie has a stalker, to boot, with an old boyfriend that just will not let go. Can Ross save Laurie and solve this mystery before it is too late?

Sandy James has the second installment to her Damaged Heroes Series with Free Falling. Ross is over worked and missing Katie. He really is happy she is married and off on her own but he misses having someone special in his life. Laurie is over worked and just plain burnt out. She really needs a vacation from everyone and everything. Together Ross and Laurie are what the other needs. She needs to have a stable man who is willing to let her be herself in her life. Ross needs stability of a relationship and a purpose to his life that Laurie brings.Since this is the second to the Damaged Heroes Series I feel you'd have a better understanding of Ross if you read Murphy’s Law first. Though this book can stand alone and be enjoyed too. When you want your romance sweet, emotionally charged, and one to remember you want Free Falling.

Wednesday's Words for July 29, 2009

The Ashburys are getting ready to go on vacation.

Mr. Ashbury is especially eager to get away, as he had gotten used, over the course of each of the last few years, to having several weeks of leisure time away from home. This year, of course, turned out a bit differently. He needs the break, the first one since last November. I’m actually looking forward to it this time, too.

We’re heading south, not to the tropics, but to visit our good friends in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. After several days spent catching up, viewing sights as yet unseen (I’m hoping for a visit to Centralia – or as close to it as we can get) we’ll head to Virginia Beach. We’ve never been there. Mr. Ashbury and I each enjoy being close to the ocean. He loves to swim in it. Me, since I’ve had difficulty walking, not so much so. But I love to sit by it. I love to listen to the constant wash of waves on shore. I can close my eyes and know that sound is the same as it was one hundred, even two hundred years ago. If I get my fondest wish for this trip, it will be several nights spent in rooms in which I can be lulled to sleep by the sound of the surf.

After a couple of days of lounging on the beach, we’ll head up the eastern seaboard. When we get to Bar Harbor, Maine, we’ll stay a day or two and then head east, returning to Canada near Montreal.

We both love a driving vacation, especially one that has a fairly open itinerary. We didn’t bother to make any motel reservations ahead of time. We’re hoping that won’t be a problem. We didn’t want to be tied to a schedule of any kind. Like most people, our day-to-day lives are regimented most of the year. Vacation should be different. This vacation, as we’re traveling, if we see something we want to explore we can stop and do so. We have two full weeks to indulge ourselves.

My beloved is a history buff, specifically American history through the Civil War era. We have the auto club guide books, and he’s been pouring through them, trying to decide which sites we will visit.

I’m happy to leave these choices up to him. My pleasure comes from seeing some of the places I’ve heard others talk about, or have read about in books. I enjoy meeting people, and seeing how others live (I’ve been known to tour grocery stores because, believe it or not, they can be very different, from one area of the country to another). I love looking at Mother Nature’s canvas, at all the colours and textures she can paint. Sunrise or sunsets, blue water rippling in the breeze, loons or cranes or sea gulls as they lift into the heavens. Different trees are seen and photographed. We don’t have Spanish Moss in Canada.

I find treasures everywhere I look. That’s part of what I enjoy about a driving vacation. That and the spirit of relaxation that seems to descend on us whenever we’re off exploring together. There’s no pressure to do things for other people. No cooking or cleaning for me, although I enjoy the former.

There are just new places to go, new sights to see, and new people to meet.

Um…did I mention new foods to try?

One of the things I look forward to when traveling is sampling different foods. I’m especially on the lookout for soups I’ve never tasted.

Soup is the ultimate comfort food, in my opinion. Soup can bring us right back to our childhood. I can recall my mother, on winter weekends, cooking up a big pot of homemade soup. Nothing was better, especially after being outside in the cold, skating or playing. She didn’t limit her soup making to the winter time, either, and would often try out new recipes. This trip, when it comes to food, I have two additional words for you: Maine lobster.

This vacation may turn out to be totally different in one other respect as well. I may not be able to post Wednesday’s Words next week. It’s a question of Internet availability. You know that if I can, I will.

Regardless, I’m going to be taking notes, because half the fun of travel, for me, is being able to share.

Love,
Morgan
Recipient of three 5 star reviews!
Reckless Abandon
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-recklessabandon-14494-200.html

"5 Books" Review for Murphy's Law!

I was so pleased to receive a "5 Books" review for Murphy's Law, Damaged Heroes Book 1, from Long and Short Reviews! This book is available in ebook and trade paperback.

My thanks to SnapDragon for the beautiful write up! Here's what she had to say:



*****


Murphy’s Law brings us to the world of high stakes harness racing, and even higher stakes love.




Seth Remington, chaser of thrills, is a lot like his Porsche; all about speed. His father – life – expectations, even the woman he proposed to, all are just tethers, keeping him attached to a world and the threat of a corporate life he simply does not want. He might pretend that sort of thing holds appeal, but he puts off dealing with reality. He thinks he can wend his way around those expectations and live the life of a playboy, but events – one in particular – seal his fate. Reality hits in so many ways.

Katie Murphy – accomplished horse trainer – can hardly expect her part in Seth’s life either, but it’s a case of like it or not, no turning back.

Murphy’s Law starts off just plain intriguing. While Seth might seem, at outset, the stereotypical playboy, it’s easy to identify with his motivations, and understand his pursuit of freedom. He is unlikable for some things. He has a wildness we all might wish for… and Katie knows about that kind of yearning. She knows how to channel the drive. Eminently practical, she just might prove to have a wild side.

James does an exceptional job presenting her characters, and developing them throughout the work. The setting, largely in a busy Standardbred Racing Stable, contributes to an overall sense of achievements. The track environs, the horses, patrons, trainers, groom and drivers all become the community that Seth gets to know, feel part of, and quite unexpectedly, is contributing to. Yet, even as things improve in some ways, Seth’s options are still limited by a hand from the past.

Beautifully written, engaging, and hard to predict, Murphy’s Law was a pleasure from start to finish.

Angelic Forecast ~ #47

Zerr Dann Volcano ~ Before His Mission on Earth

“Want to earn your big angel wings?” Raich Naell thundered a jovial laugh. Spinning himself into a magnificent whirlwind for his own pleasure, he halted on the point of a star beam, his fearsome gaze directed at his only nephew.
“Bigger and blacker than they already are?” Zerr Dann drily grinned, rising from the tall, stainless steel stool. Around him, the few late night customers inside the Route 66 diner were suspended in mid-action.
“Earn those black-as-sin wings of yours, several sizes bigger, and you’ll be considered for an Earth mission of supreme importance.” Floating near the ceiling, Raich Naell spread his silver-gilded wings majestically, framing his handsome physique.
“Mission 2012 Ominous?” Zerr Dann arched his brows. He unfurled his ebony wings in preparation for traveling through the dimensional layers. The opportunity his uncle offered would be instantaneous.
Raich Naell glowered, a mere speck of time on Earth in this year labeled 2009. “Your father speaks too freely.”
“Earth is a favored planet culture of his. A bastion of freedom compared to many.” Zerr Dann never backed down before those more elevated in the Angelic Realm. It wasn’t his nature. In that way he was a fierce chip off the ole block.
Winging higher, he regarded the thunderous, yet sublime features of his uncle. He served Archangel Michael as one of The Carnal High. A watcher over many material worlds, his faithfulness was cherished and relied upon. Although, he rarely got a wing tip dirty by interacting with the sentient humanoids, always summoning Carnal Cherubs like Zerr Dann.
“Freedom,” Raich Naell boomed. The sound circled Earth several times. “Free those of the Light Souls from their prison. Defeat the Triad Demons before the planet, Taijos, enters the next galactic time phase and I will place your name before the Divine Council.”
“Done. As seen by All Eyes.”
Zerr Dann agreed before he considered his destiny. For one reason, he knew dark days descended on Earth like the locust plagues of old.

For the rest of the scene join us at LINDSAY’S ROMANTICS blog for HERO DAYS!
~~~~~~

For this upcoming week look for those ways to be heroic, especially with those you may see everyday or on a regular basis. This may be as simple as spending some quality time together and talking. Or offering them a meal.
Uplifting someone is the theme for this week and/or letting them uplift you. We all need to be there for each other this week and in the following several weeks. This will become obvious as certain ‘truths’ are revealed. This is a time of truth-telling in a large way for our world as a whole. However, you will need to look beneath the layers of SPIN to discover what the truth is and be willing to know the truth at your deepest level, or the various layers will keep you captive.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more

~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD and BRONZE LIGHTNING ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~

Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ coming in 2009
~~~~~~

Faith of the Heart ~ 5 "Lips" Review!

Tina at Two Lips posted a wonderful "5 Lip" review of my latest release, Faith of the Heart. I'm pleased to share that review with Siren-BookStrand readers. My thanks to Tina for her beautiful write-up!



Here's what she had to say about Faith of the Heart, Damaged heroes Book 4:

****


Joshua Miller has come to the circle M to clear his head. It's been a year since his wife died, and he and his thirteen year old daughter are still adrift, unable to get past that trauma. When Ross calls him one day to tell him his sister Cheryl has been taken advantage by a faith healer Josh is intrigued. This is always the kind of story that got the reporter in him all riled up. This might be the reason to get back into reporting to catch a scam artist.

When Josh meets Sarah Reid she is not what he was expecting. She doesn’t want to talk to him at all. She looks frail and about to drop. He feels an instant connection to this woman. And the more he gets to know her the more he thinks she might not be a fraud after all. But are the feelings he is having betraying his dead wife? How can he love again when his wife is gone? Sarah, as it turns out, needs Josh a lot. Her family is taking advantage of her gift. Can Josh save her from herself before it is too late?

Sandy James brings a touching tale in Faith of the Heart. This is the fourth installment to the Damaged Heroes Series and this one really is sweet. Sarah feels her gift makes up for a death that happened a long time ago. She saves each person without personal gain in hopes she can make up for what she thinks of the life she took. Giving life takes a lot out of her. And it is slowly killing her to do it.

Joshua is a reporter and jaded. He watched his wife die of cancer slowly and painfully. He and his daughter are all he feels he has left. He's given up on love and living life. Sarah brings him back to the living again. Now can he save her from herself? Faith of the Heart is a sweet touching read that I want to experience again and again. I hope Sandy James continues her Damaged Heroes Series I for one would love to read more in the future.

From Claire, the Mudflat astrologer -

7/27 - 8/2 MONDAY IS A BALANCING ACT AND TUESDAY IS BACK TO FIREWORKS. FRIENDS HELP THURSDAY. SATURDAY LUCK TURNS POSITIVE FOR FOLKS WHO KEEP A CLEAR HEAD AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT’S GOING ON.

Phoebe Matthews, urban fantasy
Award-winning Mudflat series

FIVE DELIGHTFUL DIVAS AND RECOMMENDED READ FOR LOVE AND SEDUCTION IN LAS VEGAS

Love and Seduction in Las Vegas by Dee Dawning

Love and Seduction in Las Vegas by Dee Dawning
Publisher: Book Strand
Genre: Contemporary erotica




Summary: Thrust into her life one night by peculiar circumstances, Loretta Bishop, seventeen years Bobby's senior, has been tasked with taking the shy, modest pretty boy under her wing and turning him into a lady's man. Free spirited and sexually adventurous, Loretta is eminently qualified to teach him the elements of pursuit, seduction, and how to please women. At first, being with Bobby seems like a dream, but clouds begin to gather from Loretta's spotty and sometime sordid past. Feeling guilt after Bobby asks to marry her, Loretta is no longer able to continue and runs away. Now, it's up to Bobby to put the methods Loretta has taught him to practical use. Will he succeed and parlay his new talents into love, wealth, and power?

[Erotic Contemporary Multiple Partner Romance: Contains graphic sexual content and adult language.]

My Review: You are sooo going to need a box of Kleenex and a good bottle of wine before this tale is done.

The story starts out a little different then I am used to, both points of view are used and I have to say it was really refreshing. We meet Loretta, or as she likes to be called Ella, in the bathroom of a casino in Tahoe, CA. She is working her shift and is bone tired. She meets a lovely young girl with her beautiful daughter and is captivated by her blue eyes. She begins to recall the only other person who had eyes like she did.

From there it is a whirlwind of her past life and times. We meet Loretta at a young age hurting and desperate to make something of herself. We see her progress and change and become a very sexual woman, self confident and unthawed by what people might think of her.

As the story unfolds we meet Bobby, a very shy insecure boy who needs help with his love making skills. He has been shunned by his wife and left behind by her and a casino pit manager. Loretta agrees to help him on the condition that they don’t fall for each other, the big reason being their age difference, she was 17 years his senior.

In the week they spend together, they become very close and Ella, just can’t get over the fact that Bobby looks like someone from her past. But as we all know we can’t always have a great book with no conflict or hurt and yeah now is when you need the Kleenex. Bobby says some things that hurt Ella and she leaves him. She can’t believe he would use what she had done in her past against her and she can’t believe she has feelings for him.

Months pass and we get to see everything from Bobby’s eyes and for the first time I was thoroughly upset with the whole story. The way he treats his wife is appalling and yes I can understand he was hurt but what he does to her is demeaning and just not right. But I was determined to see this story through, I thought surely there has to be a redeeming quality here, maybe it was the hurt talking and acting in this and I needed to give it a chance.

I was glad I did, as everything comes to a head we find out about his wife’s childhood and we see real remorse for what Bobby has done to make her problem worse.

In the end, more than ten years from where we started everyone’s lives have been woven together to form a truly romantic and heart felt feel good book. If I have anything negative to say it is watch your dates, Ms. Dawning refers to a particular date more then once, but when you see it repeated through the latter half of the book it has changed from June of 1976 to June of 1985. Easy mistake and truthfully it didn’t distract from the story.

All and I was left with a big ‘ol sappy feeling in the pit of my heart, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something sweet but a little naughty.

Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read Amanda!

Posted by Melissa at 6:58 PM 0 comments

Two Lips Recommended Read!

I was thrilled to find out that Tina at Two Lips Reviews gave All the Right Reasons a "Recommended Read" Award! I've been so blessed with reviews for this book! A Romance Junkies Blue Ribbon Favorite Award! A Night Owl Reviewer's Top Pick! A CoffeeTime Romance CTRR Award! I'm so pleased people enjoy this story so much!

Thanks, Tina!! Here's what she had to say:

****

Lucas Mitchell sees Joy Kovacs in a craft bizarre. When he sees a painting of his home there he discovers she is not only a talented artist but a snoop too! He doesn’t tell her he recognizes his home though, he is too intrigued by the lady herself to do that. He commissions her to draw his niece, mostly to get to know her better. His past demons tell him to run from her but his heart is telling him she might just be the one to save him.
Joy is a Gypsy. She has many family obligations that keep her trapped in a world she doesn’t want. She wants to go to art school but she stays with her family and does what they want her to do first. When Lucas challenges everything in her life will she choose love or family? Will Lucas let his past rule him? Or let go enough to fight for the woman he loves? Can true love conquer all?

That's the question that comes to mind when I read All the Right Reasons by Sandy James. Is love really enough when the things holding you back seem insurmountable? Joy is an artist. She is forgetful of time, space, and her shoes. But she knows what matters love and family. And your soul mate above all. Lucas has seen the ravages of war. He has watched his best friend die, while he lives on. The nightmares plague him. He thinks he is not fit to be with anyone. Then he meets Joy, the one person to bring the light back into his life. Can he bring his baggage into her life? Should he?

This is book three in the Damaged Heroes series and by far one of the best. You don't have to read them in order to get the scope of the story. I really loved how this is a stand alone story. When you want to believe in true love you really want to pick up All the Right Reasons it is truly a beautiful sweet read to remember.

Her Dark Dragon is available today

Her Dark Dragon is being released today through Siren Publshing.

Her Cirillo heritage as she knew it was gone, the land and the label were sold. Danni's unorthodox approach for getting the statues back and having Nico in her bed would end their friendship. The memories they'd make together would stay with her forever.

Verbalizing her arrangement for exchanging her birthright statues with nights in his bed will have them both wondering if she'd lost her mind. Knowing she'd take away more than the small ivory carvings; she'd take with her an education only Nico could introduce her to. Now all he had to do was accept her deal.

To read a full excerpt and order this title, go to www.sirenpublishing.com.

For more information about Lillith Payne go to www.lillithpayne714.com.

Please remember my site is for adults l8 and over only please.

5 Cup Review for Full Moon Mating

Full Moon Mating: Wolf Creek Pack 1 has recieved a 5 Cup review from Coffee Time Romance and More.

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

Nate is a sempath, a sensitive emotion empath and has been on the run for two years trying to stay ahead of the man who raised him and wants to use his powers for less than ethical reasons.

Joe Nash is the sheriff of Wolf Creek and a werewolf. He has been hoping to find his mate for years.

When Joe comes upon Nate next to a fallen storeowner, he does not know if Nate is the man who shot him, or if he is just trying to help. Since Nate will not talk, he has no choice but to arrest him and take him in for further questioning. However, Nate will do anything to keep out of the hands of the authorities and when he makes a run for it, Nate and his deputies tackle him not realizing that when they touch him it causes him pain. Nate goes into a seizure and Joe ends up taking him to the hospital. He already feels incredibly drawn to the young man and is fairly certain he is his mate. Eventually, Nate feels comfortable enough to talk to Joe, and fortunately for him Joe’s touch does not hurt him as the touch of others does. They begin to care for each other and Nate starts to consider putting down roots. However, just as they are cementing their relationship, a member of Joe’s pack does something and it puts both Joe and Nate at odds with Joe’s pack. Will they be able to overcome this setback and stay together? What will they do when Nate’s nemesis finally tracks him down?

Ms. Glenn has written another winner as far as I am concerned! Just when I think I’ve gotten used to her writing style and can figure out what is happening, she throws me for a loop. She certainly did that with Full Moon Mating, a story that took a decidedly different turn. One of the things I really love about Ms. Glenn’s books is that while she may be writing about werewolves, she is always changing the parameters of her world building. As a reader this keeps me interested and wanting to know more. I have yet to read one of her books where this has not been the case. As with all the other books I have read by this author, the lovemaking is hotter than hot, and full of emotion. The world building is par excellence, and the men to die for. This is the lovely beginning to a new series, and I for one cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Regina, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/product-fullmoonmating-13931-192.html

To read reviews, excerpts, or to find out more about the Wolf Creek pack, visit my website at http://www.stormyglenn.com/

JUST A TASTE OF ME

By Stormy Glenn

AVAILABLE TODAY

Just A Taste of Me

Wolf Creek Pack 2

Reece knows Keeley is his mate the moment he meets him. But Keeley is not only human, he's a man. Alpha of his own pack for just three months, having a man for a mate is a headache Reece doesn't need. But not claiming his mate is not an option.

However, Keeley is unlike any man he has ever met…from the top of his gorgeous honey blond hair to the bottom of his fire engine red painted toenails, Keeley is hot! Reece becomes even more enchanted with his new mate when Keeley loses his temper with Reece and hits him with a cookie sheet.

Just when Reece accepts being mated to a man and starts to care for him, Keeley is attacked and nearly dies. Reece discovers a plot that involves more than just the death of his mate, but his entire pack. Can Reece save Keeley and his pack or will he have to choose between them?

EXCERPT
Reece stared in disdain over the crowd gathered in the dimly lit bar as he fingered the beer bottle in his hand. He really didn't want to be here, but he couldn't figure out any other place that he really wanted to be either.
The bar itself wasn't so bad as far as bars went. The music was loud, the beer cold, and the individual wooden booths offered some semblance of privacy. Reece could just see a couple of pool tables past the back of the wooden bench seat across from him.
Still, there was something in the air tonight, something that was making him feel very edgy, but damned if he could figure out what it was. It was making him feel restless and irritable, not a good thing for one of his kind to be.
Reece signaled the waitress, holding up his beer. Maybe he just needed to get drunk and find a nice piece of ass to fuck for the night. Lifting his head, he gazed out at the crowd, perusing all of the women there for their fitfulness.
He liked sex, the rougher, the better. It kind of cut down on who he could have sex with. His partner needed to be strong enough to sustain his forceful appetites, the dominant aggression he couldn't keep at bay when he had his dick deep in some woman's pussy.
His eyes briefly settled on a slender woman standing next to the bar before dismissing her and moving on. She had been interesting at first, attractive even, but for some reason she just didn't hold Reece's attention for more than a moment.
No, he was looking for something else, something—fuck! He wasn't looking for that! A small man had just walked through the door. Reece was confused as to why he even noticed, but damned if the man didn't make Reece's cock stand up and shout its interest.
The man was unlike anything that Reece would ever have looked at, so small Reece almost missed him. He had to be at least a foot shorter than Reece and nearly a hundred pounds lighter. Much too small and fragile for the kind of sex Reece enjoyed.
And he was male. Reece had never been interested in men before so why was this one captivating him so much? Oh sure, Reece could look at a man and appreciate his looks, but he had never been with a man sexually.
So, why couldn't he pull his eyes away from this man? What was it about the little man that held Reece so captivated? Was it his collar-length, curly, honey-blond hair? His pale green eyes? It certainly couldn't be the small delicate body hidden under the baggy jeans and dark green sweatshirt he was wearing. Could it?
Reece moved his eyes away, forcing himself to keep looking for his night's prey but his eyes kept coming back to the little man, time and time again, almost against his will. There was just something about him that fascinated Reece.
As Reece watched, the man leaned over the bar and talked to the bartender, turning his head to look where the bartender pointed before nodding and walking in the same direction. Reece felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up when the bartender smiled at the dark haired man dressed in black slacks and a white dress shirt who was standing at the bar, then gestured after the little man with his head.
The man in the slacks snickered and then followed after the little man. Reece knew instantly that the man who had captivated his attention was in trouble. Something serious was about to go down, and the intriguing man was going to be right in the middle of it.
Just the thought made the wolf in Reece rebel. He could feel his hands starting to clench, his claws coming out as he growled low in his throat. Reece got up from his seat and began making his way towards the bathroom, the direction both men had gone.
The closer Reece got to the bathroom, the stronger the faint scent became that he had first picked up where the man had walked. It was heady, making him almost dizzy. It was sweet, but tangy at the same time and totally intoxicating.
As Reece pushed open the door of the men's restroom, he could hear a frightened squeak, a lot of heavy breathing, and the sounds of a struggle. His eyes immediately went to the far stall. He knew he should just turn and walk away. This wasn't any of his business.
The last time he had stuck his nose in a situation like this, he had paid for it. He was still paying for it. What did he care if someone was assaulting the little human? And he could now tell that the man was a human. He could smell it. It was wrapped up in that intoxicating scent that seemed to shoot straight down to his hard cock. Damn!

BUY LINK: http://www.bookstrand.com/product-justatasteofme-14444-252.html

For more on this book and the rest of the Wolf Creek Pack series, visit my website at http://www.stormyglenn.com/

Wednesday's Words for July 22, 2009

Many years ago, when I was still just a wee child, we got a reel-to-reel tape recorder. If I close my eyes I can picture it. The thing was massive, probably two foot square, and it was heavy, too. This machine was state-of-the-art when my father purchased it in 1961, his one luxury from the estate his mother had left him. He had divided that tiny inheritance equally with my mother, and she had bought a sewing machine (which she used with alacrity before my father died and rarely thereafter).

This tape recorder rendered many hours of entertainment and dream-fulfillment. With it, my father ventured into a part time money-making business he called “Wedding Bells”. For a small but adequate fee, he would record your wedding for you. Keep in mind my father passed in 1963. He had definitely been a man ahead of his time.

After my father’s death, my brother used the tape recorder, with his friends, to produce what I would have to dub radio-plays. I got to provide some sound effects in these endeavours. I particularly recall that the sound of breaking glass was produced by having all of our cutlery in a metal roast pan which I then upended onto the tile floor on cue.

For myself, when I was a little older (probably around ten or so), I would use this marvellous machine to listen to whatever tapes happened to be on hand. My brother and sister had recorded songs off the radio, there had been a few tapes purchased—I think my daddy loved drum and bugle corps and classical music, as well as Benny Goodman. But one tape in particular that I recall was of an address given by a psychologist named Doctor Murray Banks.

Flash forward to 2009 and imagine my delight, when a search via Google just as I was writing this essay hit pay dirt. I found a number of uploads of this very same wise and entertaining man on youtube—I recognized his voice the instant I heard it—and the very speech I had absorbed so many years ago.

If you have time, look him up there, and have a listen. The name of the presentation is “How to live with yourself…or what to do until the psychiatrist comes.” There are seven parts in all. You can tell that this was a speech given in the 1960s. Some of his references are more than a little dated. But the information at the base of this talk is pure gold.

Yes, I was a strange child, listening to an adult lecture of what is important and what people want in life. There are many things I can recall from this presentation, but the one nugget that has always stayed with me, more than any other is this: the human body is incapable of producing laughter and ulcers at the same time. Not just unlikely to, but incapable of. This, Dr. Banks asserts, is the most important chemical law in the universe. He also calls laughter the “sunshine of the soul”.

The ability to laugh is one of the greatest abilities in the world. I shudder to think where I would be today if not for the abundance of laughter in my life, if not for my sense of humor. I laugh exuberantly and often. I laugh at myself—I really do, and it’s a fortunate thing indeed that I keep myself supplied with plenty of raw material so that I may continue to do so.

Sometimes I’ll think of something funny as I’m driving, and get laughing so hard I’m nearly in tears. People look at me funny, of course, but that just usually makes me laugh harder.

My beloved and I laugh together, nearly every single day. Oh, not for hours or even minutes on end. But I tell you without a word of a lie that something, every day, gives us a good chuckle.

The more you laugh, the easier it is to laugh. Laughing is one of the few things in life that is worth a lot more than it costs, and gives much more than it takes.
One of the problems today, I believe, with all the heightened security measures, gloomy economic forecasts and plenitude of bad news in the news is the feeling I have that people aren’t laughing any more.

I understand. But that doesn’t mean I have to accept as unchangeable that sad fact. Yes, it’s hard to laugh when you’re hurting. But I promise you, laughter will ease your pain.

Love,
Morgan
Reckless Abandon Now Available
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-recklessabandon-14494-200.html

Book of the Week Honors for Faith of the Heart!

My thanks to everyone who took time out from their busy lives to vote for Faith of the Heart as Long and Short Reviews "Book of the Week"! And my thanks again to Fennel for such a beautiful review!

Here's what Fennel had to say:

If you enjoy a book at bedtime, make sure when you take this one upstairs with you, you don't have to go to work the following day, because, with few exceptions, Ms. James' smooth writing style will grab hold of you and not let you go until you've read the final page.

Joshua Miller's wife died off cancer after trying many variations of healing, including a faith healer, who, in Joshua's opinion, falsely raised his late wife's hopes of recovery. So when attorney Ross Kennedy contacts him with a request to investigate faith healer Sarah Reid, he grabs the chance to expose her for fraudulent practice and demanding money from her clients under false pretenses.

Sarah Reid is driven by the need to atone for her past misdeeds and the death of her dearest friend, so when under extraordinary circumstances she discovers the ability to heal the sick she ignores the devastating physical impact the healings are having on her own health. On the contrary, she accepts that the after-effects will eventually take her life.

When the healer and the still-grieving cynical journalist meet nothing is as it seems.

Her characters will lure you into their world of conflict, grief, pain, laughter strength and humour, but most of all the strength of love. The love of one family, friends and new acquaintances, that is strong enough to overcome another family's betrayal.

Misunderstandings, good intentions that backfire and kidnapping are a few of the ingredients that make this book such a good read. And, of course, the knowledge that Sarah and Joshua will finally achieve their own 'happy ever after'.

Ms. James takes her readers on an emotional journey that will capture their hearts. Her smooth switches of point of view often lead you right into the heart of her characters, and there are plenty of supporting characters who all manage to inveigle their way into your heart without overpowering the heroine and hero.

Angelic Forecast ~ #46

Last week ~

To my surprise, he rolls over displaying the creamy fur of his belly and seems to smile. His fangs cause my heart to trip in fear, just for a few instants. “Saber-toothed tiger?” I ask.
“A genetic cousin. He’s friendly. Would you like to pat his head?”
Whom am I to deny this opportunity? “Absolutely!”

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Heavenly One propels our magic carpet cloud toward the feline beast. Rising up, he magnificently sits, his faceted gaze intent on our arrival.
“What is his species called?” I ask.
“Why not merely call him by his name, Merziza?”
We float closer and closer. “Merziza,” I croon, trembling inside some, but my eagerness far outweighs any fear. “What a handsome name for a handsome,” I pause, “very big cat.”
His amber eyes seem to hold tiny suns in each facet as he assesses me. Actually, he devours by entire body with his gaze. Yet, soon enough, his eyes squinch as he offers a giant-fanged grin. Reaching out, feeling enchanted, I alight my hand on top of his taffy-furred head.
“Oh, you feel good.” I stroke the utter rich silkiness of his fur, definitely in heaven. Continuing to pet him, I wonder how much is too much? Especially as he begins a low huffing rumble. “Are you purring?” I ask and hope.
With a slight turn of his massive head, he leans close.
“He wants a hug,” the Cherub explains.
Gleefully, I wrap my arms, as far as they go, around his thickly furred neck and squeeze. Doubting I’ll in any way hurt him, I hug him hard. He rumbles a different sound. I think it sounds like happiness.
“He was once a pet,” the Heavenly One offers. “Here, he is expected to live as a wild beast.”
“Too bad I can’t take you home.” I hug him again, not able to get enough of how wonderful he feels.
“Time to go,” the Cherub announces.
Reluctantly I release Merziza just as a diamond-glinting haze drifts around the great cat. When I look back, I see it emanating from the Heavenly One’s fingertips. “Side trip,” he says.
“Where?” I wave goodbye to Merziza.
“There’s a 2012 Crop Circle I want you to see.”

TO BE CONTINUED...

For the following week be not deceived. Like a planet-wide game with The Trickster in charge, deception rules on the world stage and off the world stage. If there are decisions you can put off, do it. If there are decisions which must be made follow your gut instinct or your gut hunch, and ask the Divine for assistance.
Be especially wary of those you do not know personally, yet seem almost too friendly. Also, be careful of those extra good deals, which may not turn out so incredibly wonderful.
This is a week to enjoy the home front, if you can. It is also a week to send your blessings to any and all in need. For, with the solar eclipse on the 22nd of July, there may be some natural catastrophes and/or other huge sad events.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more

~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD and BRONZE LIGHTNING ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~

Firecracker Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ coming in 2009
~~~~~~

Praise for Forbidden Heart

Hi all!

This caught me completely by surprise. I have a tendency to Google my name every now and again, probably when I should be writing, lol. I'm happy I did because I came across the Romance Junkies "Debut Titles that Rock" and what a surprise it was to see my paranormal romance Forbidden Heart listed. Needless to say, I'm extremely humbled and very excited about it.

You can check it out at http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

Hugs!

Kara

Here's the blurb from Forbidden Heart.

Blurb:

His curse brings love and heartache. . .

The moment Shaye sees Moira, he is sure she will break his two hundred-year- old curse. It doesn't take long for Shaye to fall in love with this magnificent human woman, but proving his love is more difficult.

Moira is piecing her broken heart and broken life together when Shaye storms in and whisks her away on a fairytale adventure. Accepting his mythological nature--half human, half faerie--is disturbingly easy. Accepting his promise of forever seems ludicrous, as much as her heart beats to believe in him.

Daeanna is the daughter of Dagda, king of the Tuatha de Danann, and she is hell-bent on keeping what is rightfully hers: Shaye. Rejecting any possibility that Moira might be his true soul mate, Daeanna is determined to keep them apart...whatever the cost.

Love has never been so powerful, greed never so hideous. In worlds infused with beauty, magic and peace, can nightmares be banished and deceit be justified? Can love truly conquer all?

5 Cups for Turning Thirty-Twelve!

BookStrand's number 2 mainstream romance, Turning Thirty-Twelve, just received a beautiful review from Maura at CoffeeTime Romance. She gave it a 5 cup rating!

My thanks to Maura!

*hugs*
Sandy

****

TURNING THIRTY TWELVE

SANDY JAMES

ISBN# 1606012142

December 2008

Book Strand

http://www.bookstrand.com/

E-book$5.50

200 Pages

Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5 Cups

Jackie Delgado just turned forty two, or thirty twelve. She is a divorced mother of two college aged boys and a high school science teacher. Her husband left her for his cliché, a pregnant secretary, a few years back and she is very low on self esteem.
Mark Brennan is a widowed father of two girls and a detective in the local police department. He loves Jackie’s personality at their first meeting in Office Max and has the strength to overcome her issues.

Jackie is detemined not to succumb to middle age yet, despite her recent birthday and dropping her youngest off at college. The last thing she needs is another blind date, but her friends are determined to make her happy and the date is a pleasant surprise; Mr. Yummy from Office Max and he seems as interested in her as she is in him. Her insecurities, children, and ex husband all seem determined to keep them apart, but she has never felt this way before.

This story is full of the emotions, courage, insecurity and humor of a real woman. Jackie is not a perky young ingenue and is definitely more likeable and sympathetic because of it. Her marriage and divorce have really killed her self esteem and I loved how Mark makes her see herself differently. He is a wonderful and sexy man with the patience to see just how great Jackie is. Their romance is by no means an easy one and both of them have issues that are addressed and very well. This story is a real gem. The characters are wonderfully drawn and real, the plot is riveting, and the love scenes are very hot, showing the reader that love lives do not end at thirty.

Maura

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

****

Blurb:

Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined.

When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be "blind." He's the father of one of her students. Widower Mark Brennan isn't looking for love. After only a few dates with Jackie, he realizes he's quickly forming deep feelings for her. Wracked with guilt that he's "abandoning" his late wife, Mark resists the pull toward dynamic Jackie. When Mark's daughter begins to date Jackie's son, things become more complicated. Can Jackie and Mark find the courage to leave the past behind and embrace a new love? And how will Mark's daughter's pregnancy affect all their lives?

"Forty should never be considered 'over-the-hill.' When I passed that milestone, I decided to write a strong, sexy forty-something heroine who broke the stereotypical romance mold. Jackie Delgado lives life out loud, refusing to surrender her vitality and passion simply because of a number. And for a dynamic character like Jackie, I just had to create equally passionate hero, Mark Brennan." ~Sandy~

Wednesday's Words for July 15, 2009

Yesterday, my beloved and I marked our 37th wedding anniversary. In honor of this auspicious occasion, we went out to dinner last Saturday night.

We don’t often talk about the state of our marriage. Not that we don’t talk, for we do that all the time and about many numbered and varied subjects. We generally just live our marriage, though, every day. But Saturday night, we were discussing the fact that we were still together after marrying far too young, and in the face of the prediction—by just about everyone who knew us—that our marriage wouldn’t last.

Most of the single friends we had when we got married moved off to live their own lives, and we haven’t heard from any of them in years. My beloved and I still see, on a regular basis, one of the guys he was friends with as a teen, and we’re very fond of both him and his wife. I, myself, have recently re-connected with a couple of my girlhood friends—one who has never married (and was actually my first friend), and one who has been widowed.

Of course, this really is a small world, and we have had some news, from time to time, of some of our other friends we haven’t seen in a lot of years. Of the couples that married not long after we did, none are together today—with each working on at least their second “significant relationship”. Yes, that gives us a slight sense of justification. I was a week shy of my 18th birthday and my beloved had recently turned 19 on our wedding day. And here we are, all these years later, still together.

Mostly, though, we just feel sad, and maybe a little confused by these failures. So we began the other night trying to figure out if there was a secret to staying together that we had somehow stumbled upon.

The first item we agreed on as being conducive to a long and successful marriage is mutual respect. Not just respecting each other as human beings, but respecting each other’s right to have an individual identity. We have never lived in each other’s pockets, and have always allowed each other the space needed simply to be. We have varying interests—things we’re each involved in that the other really doesn’t have any desire to get into. We each listen patiently as the other expounds on this interest, despite the fact that really, we’d just as soon roll our eyes. Respect. Don’t do without it.

Along with respect, patience is a very necessary commodity. You have to be patient with each other. You have to allow each other to make mistakes, be imperfect, be human. That sounds simple, but it’s not. I, for one, fall down in this one more than I should.

Patience also means you don’t throw in the towel the first time you hit a rough patch or face a crisis. You persevere and work through it.

You have to understand that, being married, while you have a right to remain an individual, you don’t have the right to be selfish. You won’t get your way all the time. Maybe you won’t get your way even half of the time. There are no score cards, here. If you want to have a long, successful marriage, you can’t be putting yourself first all the time. There’s an old saying that if you want your husband to treat you like a queen, then treat him like a king. And that is very, very true.

“Do you know what else I think has helped us remain close?” my beloved asked Saturday night. “I think the fact that, right from the beginning, we were both readers.” I bet that was one that didn’t make many people’s lists. My beloved doesn’t understand anyone who doesn’t read. He once asked me, “What do these people do in the quiet times?” I had no answer for him.

Often, the only entertainment we’ve been able to afford were paperbacks. Each payday day we’d go to our local book store and load up on them. Twenty-five dollars bought us enough reading material for a good couple of weeks. And since mostly we like the same books, it worked well.

We had a pleasant time out together Saturday night. We talked about life and marriage, people we had known, different places we had been, and would be going soon. We ate a wonderful dinner, and even took a quiet ride through some of the areas of town we like, looking at homes and yards and gardens. And then we went home, got into our comfortable clothes, and headed in our opposite directions: he for the television, me for my office.

Ah, the joys of true love. May yours bloom as long and as comfortably!
Love,
Morgan
The doors are open and the mask is off. Are you ready?
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-recklessabandon-14494-200.html

"5 Books" Review for Faith of the Heart!

Faith of the Heart received a beautiful 5 Book rating and review from Long and Short Reviews!


My thanks to Fennel!


*****


If you enjoy a book at bedtime, make sure when you take this one upstairs with you, you don't have to go to work the following day, because, with few exceptions, Ms. James' smooth writing style will grab hold of you and not let you go until you've read the final page.



Joshua Miller's wife died of cancer after trying many variations of healing, including a faith healer, who, in Joshua's opinion, falsely raised his late wife's hopes of recovery. So when attorney Ross Kennedy contacts him with a request to investigate faith healer Sarah Reid, he grabs the chance to expose her for fraudulent practice and demanding money from her clients under false pretenses.



Sarah Reid is driven by the need to atone for her past misdeeds and the death of her dearest friend, so when under extraordinary circumstances she discovers the ability to heal the sick she ignores the devastating physical impact the healings are having on her own health. On the contrary, she accepts that the after-effects will eventually take her life.

When the healer and the still-grieving cynical journalist meet, nothing is as it seems. Her characters will lure you into their world of conflict, grief, pain, laughter strength and humor, but most of all, the strength of love. The love of one family, friends and new acquaintances, that is strong enough to overcome another family's betrayal.



Misunderstandings, good intentions that backfire and kidnapping are a few of the ingredients that make this book such a good read. And, of course, the knowledge that Sarah and Joshua will finally achieve their own 'happy ever after'.



Ms. James takes her readers on an emotional journey that will capture their hearts. Her smooth switches of point of view often lead you right into the heart of her characters, and there are plenty of supporting characters who all manage to inveigle their way into your heart without overpowering the heroine and hero.

*hugs*
Sandy

Angelic Forecast ~ #45

Last week ~

“Where are we? North Pole or South Pole?”
We continue soaring toward the first giant peak and the immense striations of light and glistening blue shadows mesmerize me.
“Not the South Pole.” His voice teases. “The discs who pretend to be UFOs would buzz us.”
“Then there is, are bases there.”
“Many. Terrestrial and extraterrestrial and inner-terrestrial.”
“Do they all get along?” My imagination has gone wild with possible scenarios.
“No. The wars are constant, but rarely devastating.”
“Hey! I see a blue lake!”

TO BE CONTINUED...

Suddenly we glide at super-speed above the spectacular ice-built towers, that look like monuments to time on Earth.
“Watch out!” I yell instinctively. It appears as if we are about to collide with a glacier. Instead, a warm mist envelops us and we are cruising over the blue lake.
“Where the heck are we?” I call out, my gaze trained on the endless gorgeous blue of the water.
“Entering the land of Santa Claus,” the Heavenly One hollers, his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.
For a moment my mouth hangs open. “Is that a mastodon?”
“There are great herds of them here.” The Cherub lessens our rate of speed while pointing beyond the mastodon.
An enormous taffy-colored cat perches on the large ledge near the top of a tall semi-circular cliff. I stare while we sail ever closer. Twitching his tail in a lazy rhythm, the monstrously muscled cat watches us, his great amber eyes faceted in an amazing way I’ve never seen before.
To my surprise, he rolls over displaying the creamy fur of his belly and seems to smile. His fangs cause my heart to trip in fear, just for a few instants. “Saber-toothed tiger?” I ask.
“A genetic cousin. He’s friendly. Would you like to pat his head?”
Whom am I to deny this opportunity? “Absolutely!”

TO BE CONTINUED...

The following week should be labeled TURMOIL. Whatever turmoil that can come about is very likely to occur on the world stage, especially. It’s best to merely take note of what occurs, using that to plan your future and to understand the dynamics that surround us all now.
On a personal level turmoil can work to your advantage. Stirred up waters often bring the truth forth in way that everyone can see it. This also allows you to plan a future based on reality rather than what is often presented as reality. Truth will serve you in far better ways than what has passed for truth.
Remember, even though they are hidden, blessings always surround you. Look for those divine gifts and take full advantage.

Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS

Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?

Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more

~~~ NOW IN PRINT ~~~ a former #1 on Siren-BookStrand’s bestseller list ~

Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET, A SECRET TREASURE, BLUE GOLD and BRONZE LIGHTNING ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html

WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~

HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER

~ MAY ALL YOUR READING DREAMS COME TRUE ~

Firecracker Kisses from Savanna Kougar...

~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~

Siren-BookStrand Author of ~

All Shades of Blue Paradise
[World of the Blue Pearl Moon, Book 1]

When a Good Angel Falls
[Winter Solstice 2012, Book 1]

Murder by Hair Spray in Gardenia, New Atlantis
[New Atlantis Trilogy, Book 1]

Her Insatiable Dark Heroes
[Chrontropolis, Book 1]

Stallion of Ash and Flame ~ coming in November 2009
~~~~~~

All the Right Reasons ~ A CTRR Award Winner!

I just received a notice that All the Right Reas ons has been given the distinction of being named a CoffeeTime Romance Reviewer Recommended Read Award! I was thrilled and wanted to share!! My thanks to Matilda from CoffeeTime Romance!

*hugs*

Sandy

Empowering, Old-Fashioned Romance

All The Right Reasons, Damaged Heroes Book 3 by Sandy James
CTRR Award

Sandy James wears many hats, besides being an author she is also a teacher and an owner of a small racing stable. She loves her life with her husband and her two grown children. Horse racing and writing have become her passions in life. She feels her life is truly blessed and even though she has been diagnosed with Lupus she is a strong believer that even with a chronic illness you can go out and enjoy your life to the fullest.

What an emotional story, filled with anger and bitterness, love and joy, heartache and pain, acceptance and trust. Lucas and Joy's story is all that. Ms. James takes you into the most intimate parts of her characters and shows you the real essence that makes them come to life. In turn capturing the reader's attention and holding on till the last word. This is a book that you will want to add to your bookshelf. This reader is ready to explore the other stories in the Damaged Hero Series.

Read the Review

5 Book Review for Free Falling!

My thanks to Violet for a "5 Book" review of Free Falling!

******

Free Falling: Damaged Heroes Book 2

by Sandy James

Publisher: BookStrand

Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense/Mystery

Length: Full

Heat: Spicy

Rating: 5 Books

Reviewed by Violet


Workaholic Ross Kennedy never learned to enjoy life until he meets the woman of his dreams. If only Laurie Miller can convince him that's exactly who she is.

A psychologist with empathic abilities, Laurie rescues Ross, who has been stranded in the middle of a Montana blizzard. The two strangers are completely snowed in and out of contact. In just a few days, their attraction to each other is overwhelming, but Laurie is troubled. Her empathic gift seems to have vanished. Fascinated by his pretty rescuer, Ross struggles to open up his heart enough to let this woman in.

When the two return home to Chicago, they try to solve a mystery revolving around a Prohibition Era journal they discovered in Montana. Will they find the missing treasure the journal points to? And as a former boyfriend begins to stalk Laurie, how will Ross be able to protect her?

Ross Kennedy had always been so wrapped up in his work that he didn't have time for a real social life. When he finds himself trapped in a Montana Blizzard and having just been rescued by a complete and very sexy stranger, he is forced to take a few days off from life. No phones, no TV, no outside interference. Laurie Miller, who just happens to be a psychologist and an empath, is taking a break from her very emotionally taxing occupation. As the relationship between Ross and Laurie intensifies, so does the mystery that is whirling around them both. Will secrets, an ex boyfriend and not to mention being complete opposites hinder a relationship between the Ross and Laurie?

Free Falling is the second book in the Damaged Heroes Series and is centered around Ross, the Type A, controlling attorney who never has time for fun or anything outside of work. Ross is a complicated man who is figuring out that he has missed out on so much of life and love when he meets Laurie, the psychologist. From the beginning Ross and Laurie are attracted to each other. With her smart mouth and his need to control, the dialogue between the two is hilarious at times. Being an empath, Laurie is able to sense emotions of those that she is near, however, the one person she can't read is Ross. This leads to some very interesting scenes in the book.

The gripping plot of Free Falling fully captured my attention from the beginning and certainly made this book a page turner. I enjoyed the mysterious scenes which included Laurie having feelings around certain people and not really knowing what to do about them. The one element that set this book apart from a lot of others I have read lately is this book contained a dual romantic story line. Clues are left throughout the book which gave this book a very climactic ending.

Although Free Falling is the second book in the series, it can certainly stand on it's own. You don't have to read Murphy's Law first but it does give some hints as to Ross' character. If you would like to read all the books in this series, they are as follows: Murphy's Law (book 1), Free Falling (book 2) and All the Right Reasons (book 3). This has become a series that I will continue to read several times over. This is the third book that I have read by Sandy James and I must say that she is a favorite author of mine. Her writing and research is always well thought out and reaches out to the reader. She is certainly an author who has the reader and their interests in mind and I expect to see more exceptional work from Ms. James in the future.

Wednesday's Words for July 8, 2009

The first complete story I ever wrote was an episode for my favourite television show—when I was ten years old. This was long before the word “fanfic” made it into anybody’s lexicon. I don’t recall the details of that first literary effort, but the show was “Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea”. The other thing I remember about that incident more than four decades ago was that I showed my creation to my sister. She was a worldly sixteen at the time, educated enough to point out—with great gales of laughter—that I had spelled the word, ‘camouflage’, incorrectly.

She asked me recently whether or not I’d finally gotten over that incident. I lied and told her I had.

We writers are strange and curious creatures. I think, seriously, that we have to be in order to do what we do. We have to have a different view of the world than does the electrician or the doctor or the teacher.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot just lately as I attended a pig roast a week or so ago and met some people who were amazed that I was an author. Now I don’t think their amazement was based on me, personally—as in, “wow, you can write?” It was more that they’d never encountered a writing creature before and they were in awe. “I can’t string two words together,” one woman confided.

The most common question I get asked, usually after people find out I’ve had 12 titles released since March of 2007, is “where do you get your ideas?”, and this question was asked of me at the party.

This is where the part about writers being strange creatures comes in. I get my ideas from everywhere, and anywhere. I really do believe that we who write look at the same things as non-writers but how our minds processe the data is completely different.

A non-writer might look at an outdoor gathering of friends for an afternoon of fellowship and food and see a group of people chatting, having fun. They might notice the clothes some people are wearing, or how many smokers there are, or whether people are holding bottles of beer, or cans. They might notice if someone’s voice carries somewhat more significantly than everyone else’s.

A writer may look at the exact same gathering and think: “She remembered the party, the day. Nothing extraordinary happened. Yet if what police Detective Summers was telling her proved true, already three people who attended that celebration had been murdered. She scoured her memory of the event. Had something happened? Something unsavoury in the shadows? Or was the connection between these murders something entirely different...”

Oh, and it doesn’t have to be a function as elaborate as a pig roast where this kind of mental side-trip takes place, either. It can happen while at a stop light, as the eyes wander to the sidewalk, to the unique and individual people who may be meeting, conversing, or maybe doing something more...

Writers’ minds are wired differently. That’s all there is to it. In fact, likely the fact that we are writers saves us from undue scrutiny by family and friends, from secretly arranged interviews with doctors and psychiatrists, from well meaning plots to have us “settled” someplace where society will be safe from us, and we from it.

Come to think of it, that last describes my office to a T.

Love,
Morgan
RECKLESS ABANDON
OWN IT
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-recklessabandon-14494-200.html

Fantastic Review for Faith of the Heart!

I was pleased to see BookWenches posted my first review for my latest release. Faith of the Heart was reviewed by Bobby, and I send her my thanks!

Title: Faith of the Heart

Author: Sandy James

Author’s website: http://www.sandy-james.com/

Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.

Release Date: June 2009

ISBN: 1-60601-404-8

Length: Novel

Format: Electronic

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal

Sensuality Level: 3

Rating: 4.5
Reviewed by: BD Whitney

Sarah Reid grew up a wild child, partying, drinking to excess, and living her life the way she wanted. That all ended abruptly when her best friend died because Sarah was too drunk to save him from his impulsive behavior, and she has lived since then steeped in guilt. When she survives a lightning strike just to develop the power to heal, Sarah figures that this is God’s way of giving her chance to redeem her sins. Even though each healing leaves her on the verge of coma and makes her progressively weaker, Sarah turns nobody away.

Reporter Joshua Miller lost his wife to cancer a year ago in spite of the efforts of a charlatan faith healer. He is bitter and deeply suspicious of those who claim to heal by touch, so when he hears about Sarah and her claims, he sets out to prove her to be a fraud and a con artist. Fully armed for an encounter with a snake oil salesman, Josh certainly doesn’t expect to find Sarah to be a sensitive, fragile woman who is as genuine as others declare her to be. And who without a doubt has the power to heal. Instead of crucifying her, Josh wants to protect her, and that means getting her away from her mortally ill clients as well as her manipulative sister and greedy brother-in-law.

The last thing that Sarah wants is another exposé on her abilities. Not when it brings the religious fanatics and the haters to her door along with the people who genuinely need her help. But Josh seems to truly care for her, and it doesn’t take long for him and his teen-aged daughter to win a permanent position in Sarah’s heart. Can Josh convince Sarah that she is worth being loved? Her abilities are incredible, but the one thing that Sarah is not capable of healing is her own heart.

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Faith of the Heart is Book Four of Sandy James’s Damaged Heroes series. In this story, we revisit a few old friends as well as make some new ones. It is not necessary to have read the previous novels in this series to enjoy this story, but it may enhance the reading experience somewhat. I found this to be well-written and involving, a mixture of both sweet and sensual romance. Along with the interesting paranormal aspect of this novel, Faith of the Heart is a novel about a woman who must learn to love herself before she can move on with her life and accept the love of others.

In this story, Ms. James addresses the painful issue of life in the aftermath of losing a loved one. Both Sarah and Josh have suffered losses that have left them emotionally scarred – Sarah with a soul-deep sense of guilt and Josh with anger and resentment. Each clings to the past and needs the intervention of something earth-shattering in order to move on. Sarah has punished her body almost beyond its limits by healing people; Josh holds on to both a stone from his wife’s graveside as well as his anger at the faith healer who fleeced her. It is only through these two coming together that they realize that they still have a future in spite of the tragedy they have suffered.

As I have noted in the past, one of Ms. James’s great strengths lies in her character development. This story is filled to the brim with vivid and believable characters, from our two main characters all the way down to the small supporting roles. Josh is overall a sympathetic character. He’s a loving father, a thorough journalist, and is obviously bowled over by Sarah. Sure, he makes a few missteps and is sometimes clueless in a way that only a man can be, but there is no malice in his heart. Sarah believes whole-heartedly that she has been given her gift in order to make up for her past. Even though she pushes herself to the point of disaster, she doesn’t give the impression of being a martyr. She’s just someone who refuses to forgive herself. Yet even through her grey haze of sadness, she shows the occasional spark, and this keeps her from being a maudlin figure.

Sarah’s sister Hannah and her brother-in-law Doug fill the role of villain in this story, although calling them such may be a bit of a stretch. They are more annoyances than “bad guys.” They are quintessential ne’er-do-wells and freeloaders, and the character Doug is almost comically so. Ms. James does an excellent job of making them individuals that readers can revile and boo and hiss at.

This story is for the most part sweet and emotional. I certainly found myself sniffing a time or two, and then looking around to see if anyone on the bus noticed. The lovemaking scenes are sensual without being overtly graphic, and they fit comfortably into the rest of the narrative. While I had to suspend my disbelief a tiny bit in order to accept the fact that a thirty-year-old woman could be a virgin, the reasoning behind this is actually quite plausible, and while the contortions that Josh goes through in order to reconcile with Sarah may have felt like a little bit of a stretch, they were still entertaining. Any man who is willing to admit his errors in public like he does is definitely worth hanging on to.

In all, I found Faith of the Heart to be involving and agreeable. I truly enjoyed the characters and their story, and I thought that the faith healing aspect was both unique and well done. Ms. James has definitely given us a treat with this story. Those who enjoy romance are bound to be pleased by this book.