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
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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.

********

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.

Lunar Eclipse Magic ~ It’s here... COYOTE MOON by Pat Cunningham

July 7, 2009, night of the full moon and a lunar eclipse. Yep, definitely a lucky omen for Pat Cunningham’s COYOTE MOON. Her first romance shapeshifter romance releases today!

Blurb ~

It's that time of the month -- the full moon -- when Willy Alvarez's moods go wonky and her dreams fill up with wolves. A time for hungers she doesn't dare fulfill because they lead to violence. She's resigned herself to a manless life, then Cody Gray arrives.

Cody is cute, funny, charming, and a werecoyote. His nose knows what Willy doesn't: she's half werewolf. He's convinced this repressed half-human she-wolf is his perfect mate. Now he just has to convince her. And quick, because her long-lost pack has learned about her existence, and they've come to town to claim her...

Coyote Moon – Story Excerpt

Cody sighed carefully, in and out. She wasn’t really in a state to hear this, but… “Willy, listen up. We’re out of time, so I gotta be blunt. You’re a werewolf.”
She stiffened in his arms. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Definite wolf. Not all the way, though, just half. From what I’m seeing and smelling, I’d say the wolf’s stronger than the human.”
She lifted her head and stared at him. His eyes were inches from hers, and utterly sincere. “You’re serious.”
“‘Fraid so. You almost shifted tonight, that’s what happened to you. The wolf and the ape are all mixed up and your body can’t make up its mind. I’m betting once you switch all the way, everything’ll sort itself out.”
“Switch? You mean, into a wolf?” Good God, this must be loonie night, and here she was stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a naked one. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Wish I could say yes, but you’re showing all the signs. You’re a wolf, and the sooner you own up to that—Hey, where you going?”
“Home.” Willy marched past him, eyes carefully averted, in the direction she figured Coopersburg must lie. The panic had run its course; her brain operated coolly again, all unwanted thoughts and emotions carefully suppressed. Okay, not all, but distance from Cody would take care of that. And maybe by the time she got there, she’d have figured out a way to deal with Beth that didn’t involve homicide. “Werewolf, my ass.”
In the blink of an eye Cody shot ahead of her and planted himself in her path. “I can see you’ve gotten good at this, but you can’t keep running forever. Face facts, darlin’. You’re a wolf, pure and simple, and you better accept it, or what happened tonight’ll happen again. Next time you might kill somebody.”
Like she hadn’t thought of that. Quick, distract herself. She waved her arm at the sky. “Explain why I’m human while a full moon’s out.”
“It only works like that in the movies. We can change whenever we want.”
“‘We’? So you’re a werewolf, too? Well, I guess that explains the lack of clothing.”
“Not wolf. Coyote.”
“Oh? Well, that’s a big difference.” She started walking again.
He got in her way again. She glared at him, seething over the effort it took to keep her gaze locked on his and not let it dip. Her mood swings threatened to swing her in that totally inappropriate direction again. Think of something else. “Okay, I’ll play along. How am I supposed to…switch?”
“First you take your clothes off.”
“That’s what I thought.” She stalked down the hillside. “That’s the sickest pickup line I’ve ever heard.”
She picked the stretch with the fewest rocks and stomped along it. She kept her glare riveted straight ahead, so she wouldn’t have to look at Cody. She could hear him trotting at her side, just out of reach. “Not a line,” he said, “just common sense. You’ll rip your clothes if you try to change in ‘em. Just thinking ahead, is all.”
“Of course,” she said frostily. “And I suppose in order to achieve this `switch’ I have to sleep with you?”
“Well, no. Never heard of it done that way.” His voice lit up. “Might be fun, though.”
“I’m calling the cops when I get home. I’m having you put away.” And maybe herself, right after.
“If that’s what makes you happy. I’m betting it won’t.” He reached for her arm. “For your own good—”
She snapped at him, a move so quick, so instinctive, she had no time to think. Her teeth clicked together just short of his fingers. She followed it up with a snarl that would have backed up a whole pack of wolves. Cody stood his ground and waited her out. The snarl died away when she realized what she’d done. Her color drained off until she was pale as the moon.
“That’s her,” Cody said softly. “The wolf. You don’t let her out, she’ll kill you. Chew you up from the inside.”
“No. I’m not. You’re not. Those things don’t exist.” She would have bolted, but Cody caught hold of her and wouldn’t let go, no matter how much she thrashed and snapped.
“Atta girl,” he encouraged. “Set her loose. I’d rather we didn’t do it like this, but like my daddy always says, any den in a twister.”
Willy ground out a curse and kicked. Her knee fell short of its target. Their legs tangled and they tumbled to the ground. She tried to scramble up, but couldn’t find her footing. Her hands and feet kept sliding all over the carpet of pine needles, and Cody. Like having four legs that refused to cooperate with a brain programmed to deal with only two.
“That’s the spirit, darlin’. Hey, is that hair on your neck?”
She aimed a punch at him, and missed. How dare he make jokes while she—oh crap. While she rolled around on the ground on top of a naked psycho. She shoved away from him and scrabbled back. “Don’t touch me. Don’t come near me.”
“You sure?” His grin infuriated her. “For our breed, this counts as foreplay.”
“You disgusting son of a—”
Coyote. Cody was gone. She blinked and he blurred. The coyote crouched in front of her, forelegs splayed and hindquarters hiked in the air. He waved his tail and yapped at her, an invitation to play.
Willy gulped, hard. I did not just see that.
The coyote lolled his tongue. Cody’s grin on canine jaws. His yellow eyes held Cody’s twinkle. He rocked back on his hindquarters and became Cody again, kneeling before her. “See that? Nothing to it. Now you try.”
I’m not going to scream. Screaming is for sissies.
She fainted instead.
~~~

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Availble in Print

THE KATZMAN'S MATE

Thirty years after his father, the High Ruler of Katzman, was murdered, Commander Chellak Rai has finally returned to reclaim his birthright. What he finds is more than he expected or could ever have hoped for.

Demyan is a bruter, one of the rare and exotic people of the planet Elquone. He is also a slave. And according to his contract, if he does not have a master, he must be returned to the cruel hands of Vortigern Vedek, the man that killed Chellak's father and stole his throne.

For Chellak, it is a double-edged sword. He knows the moment he meets Demyan that the sexy little man is his destined mate, but the laws of his planet state that he can not own a slave. To keep Demyan, he must defy his own laws and beliefs. But keeping Demyan is not as easy as winning his heart.

See a video of The Katzman's Mate

"The Katzman's Mate is another strong story by Stormy Glenn and one I highly recommend. 5 Stars" --Rainbow Reviews.
"Ms. Glen has written a magical tale that will have you smiling through your tears while you want to teach the big macho alpha a lesson in listening. 5 Cups" --Coffee Time Romance.
"Not only has she given us a book with two worthy protagonists, but a solid plot that lends itself to future book. 4.5 Blue Ribbons" --Romance Junkies.
"Ms. Glenn has created an intricate and fascinating story in a futuristic world with unique and compelling characters. 5 Angels" --Fallen Angel Reviews.

STORY EXCERPT
Vedek stomped up to the table and slapped an ownership disk down on the table. "Here! Is this what you wanted?"
Chellak picked up the disk and carefully went over the data. He handed it to Sorina for her consideration. "Is this everything I need for ownership of the brüter?"
Sorina read over the data as carefully as Chellak did before shaking her head as she handed the disk back to him. "No, while this is the correct data file, there is still the official certificate of ownership and the ring."
Vedek huffed and puffed. "How dare you, you insolent slave. You will be severely punished for this, Sorina."
Sorina stood up tall and proud as she could and she looked Vedek right in the face, defying his dictate of thirty years that said she couldn't and smiled. "You can't punish me, Vedek. I don't belong to you anymore."
"Oh, and you think your new master won't punish you? He will, mark my words, he will punish you," Vedek sneered.
"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, Vedek. Chellak's not my new master. He just freed me. I won't be punished by anyone, certainly not you." The astonished and outraged look on Vedek's face was almost worth the last thirty years…almost. Taking the brüter from him would be the icing on the cake.
"Now, Vedek, I believe that Matriz Sorina said something about an official certificate and a ring of ownership? Please hand it over to her."
"To her? Why would I give it to her?"
"Because I am putting Matriz Sorina in charge of the brüter."
Vedek shot glares of hatred at Chellak and Sorina. He dug out the official certificate of ownership out of his robes, tossing it on the table. Pulling the ring off of his finger, he tossed it down as well.
As guards escorted Vedek from the room, Sorina smiled bigger than she had in years. She turned to Chellak to thank him only to be surprised when he handed her the data disk, ownership papers, and ring.
"When you believe I am ready, Matriz Sorina, when you feel you can trust me, please return these to me. Until then, I leave the brüter safely in your hands. If anyone gives you any problems about it, come to me and I will take care of it."
"I believe you're ready now, Chellan Rai," she stated as she handed everything back to him. She nodded to the small group of people on the other side of the room.
Chellak turned to the small group, surprised when their ranks divided to reveal a small figure in a white hooded cape. The small figure came forward several steps before stopping in front of Sorina.
"Chellak Rai, I give you the brüter, Demyan. Demyan, you're new master."
The small figure dropped to his knees before him and small delicate hands reached up to lower the hood, revealing the exquisite man beneath.
Chellak felt the world drop out from beneath his feet at the sight of the beauty before him. As one of the kaztmen race, he immediately knew he looked at his future, his mate.
The brüter was small and delicate looking, his features fine boned, and nearly pearly white. He couldn't have been more than 5'4" and maybe 125 pounds. A soft white leather shirt stretched over his chest, white leather pant covered his legs. A long, white blond braid fell nearly to his knees.
Chellak felt the blood in his body begin to boil at the site of the young man. He had never seen anyone so perfect in his life. The smell of delicate moonflowers and summer rain filled his nostrils to overflowing. His cock thickened in his tight leather pants.
But the scent of fear overshadowed his pleasure and brought Chellak back to reality. The small man kneeling before him, head bowed, was terrified. His submissive behavior provoked Chellak's possessive instincts, while his vulnerability called forth his protectiveness.
He had an overwhelming need to take the fear from the small man, protect him from the world, and to possess him for himself. Chellak had never felt anything like it, ever. It was all he could do to not pull the delicate man into his arms and spirit him away.
The little man still would not raise his head to look at him. Chellak looked over at Sorian, confused by the man's presence. She had said that this beautiful man was the brüter. But how could that be?
"Sorina? I don't understand. He is the brüter? I thought it was a jewel or something. Not a man."
"In his own way, he is the most precious of jewels. And now you are his master. He belongs to you," she smiled indulgently as if she knew something he did not.
"Belongs to me? Sorina, I can't be his master," he said disgusted at the thought of owning another person, but unable to deny that joy filled him at the thought of having this beautiful creature to himself. "I'm trying to outlaw slavery, not encourage it. How can I possibly do this to him? Wouldn't it be easier if I just set him free?"
"You can't. He can never be set free. It is a condition set down by his original owner. He has to have a master. If you don't take him, Vedek can reclaim him. Why do you think he gave in so easily? He knows you agreed with the Federation to outlaw slavery. He's counting on that."
"What in the hell am I supposed to do with him?"

PRINT:
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For more on this book, to read reviews or excerpts, visit my website at http://www.stormyglwnn.com/

Available in Print

Tri Omega Mates is an Erotic Paranormal Werewolf M/M/M Menage a Trois Romance series that focuses on a group of werewolves that find they are mated to Tri Omegas. Every Tri Omega must have two mates to keep them grounded and safe. Without two mates, they die!

SECRET DESIRES: Tri Omega Mates 1
Everyone has secret desires, especially werewolf, Leyland Summers. He dreams of two sexy mates to bring all of his fantasies to life. When he encounters a sexy cowboy who wants to take him for a wild ride, what does he say? Hell yes!

Coming to ranch country for a picture shoot, Leyland was shocked to find not one, but two mates.Being a tri-omega, he had always known that he would have two mates. He just never expected to find them in the same place. Or to find out that they had been lovers for years.

Having two mates is no big deal for Leyland. He grew up with two fathers. But having two mates that were already in love is something all together different. How is he supposed to share Lucas with Jake...or Jake with Lucas? And where does that leave him?

See a video of Secret Desires

"I absolutely enjoyed Secret Desires and am so looking forward to the rest of Jake's little pack having their own story - soon. 5 Blue Ribbons " --Romance Junkies.
"Stormy Glenn's Secret Desires is an excellent story and the beginning of a new series. I would recommend this story to anyone interested in m/m. 4 Stars" --Rainbow Reviews.
"I truly enjoyed every minute of this story and I believe that the characters are what made it a great read for me. 4.5 Cherries" --Whipped Cream Romance Reviews.
" Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down until the end. The very visual descriptions of each character and their surroundings brought the book to life. 4 Angels" --Fallen Angel Reviews.

FORBIDDEN DESIRES: Tri Omega Mates 2
Ryland has loved Gregory for six years, ever since Gregory rescued him from the brink of death. He has also known since then that Gregory is his mate. He's been old enough for a couple of years now, he just can't understand why Gregory won't claim him.

Gregory knew the moment he saw Ryland six years ago that they were mates. Ryland just wasn't old enough to be claimed. So Gregory bided his time, waiting for Ryland to grow up. But as his desire for Ryland builds, he wonders how much longer he can wait.

Gregory finally claims Ryland, only to learn that by doing so, he has endangered Ryland. Ryland is a tri-omega and needs two mates to keep him grounded and safe. But he hasn't met his other mate yet, which could be a problem. It could mean Ryland's life if they don't find him.

Watch a video of Forbidden Desires


"Sex scenes are definitely not vanilla - they are hot, aggressive and in some cases very much unexpected. I absolutely love this book. 5 Blue Ribbons" --Romance Junkies.
"Full of heart and fascinating characters, Forbidden Desires is a wonderful second entry in the Tri-Omega Mates series. 5 Cherries" --Whipped Cream Romance Reviews.
"Stormy Glenn's Forbidden Desires is an excellent book...I am anxiously waiting for book three. 4.5 Stars" --Rainbow Reviews .
"Heat and passion, love and emotion are the hallmarks of Stormy Glenn's Forbidden Desires. 4.5 Stars" --Ecataromance.


BUY YOUR COPY TODAY:
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For more on this book and others in the Tri Omega Mates series, visit my website at http://www.stormyglenn.com/

All the Right Reasons ~ A Blue Ribbon Favorite!

I'm very pleased to let you know that All the Right Reasons was named as a Blue Ribbon Favorite by Romance Junkies! My thanks to Pamela Denise for choosing my story and for writing such a wonderful review!

Thanks for letting me share my news!

*hugs*
Sandy

Empowering, Old-Fashioned Romance

All the Right Reasons Damaged Heroes Book 3
By: Sandy James

Other books by Sandy James

Categories: Contemporary Mainstream ROMANCE Women's Fiction

Word Count: 113,271

Heat Level: STEAMY

Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc.

Can love heal all wounds? Lucas Mitchell returned from Iraq a bitter, changed man, wracked with guilt over his friend's death. He buys an old mansion and deals with his injuries and grief by restoring his new home and rehabilitating retired racehorses.

Joy Kovacs falls in love with Lucas at first sight. Descended from gypsies who are still influenced by the lingering effects of the Holocaust, her family follows the traditional ways. A husband has already been selected for her, and her father insists she work at their ethnic restaurant. But Joy wants to use her talent and be an artist, and she wants no one but Lucas.

How can Joy find a way to help Lucas break out of his prison of grief? Although they've committed their hearts to each other, can the growing love and passion between Lucas and Joy survive her family's insistence that she marry within her culture?

"As a high school teacher, I've had to watch many young people, students whom I love, put on uniforms and head to Iraq. While I'm thankful they're all doing well, I felt there was a story to tell about them. Lucas Mitchell represents those students I've had the pleasure of knowing who make the noble choice to serve their country." ~Sandy~

Angelic Forecast ~ #44

Last week ~

... I sigh with impatience, then repeat, “All untruth reveals truth. I can see that.”
“More and more people will see it also. Lies always bring about their own downfall.”
I nod in agreement. “Hey, are those glaciers in the far distance?”

TO BE CONTINUED...

“Yes, glaciers,” the Heavenly One answers, his tone joyful excitement.
Still, our cloud travels at a cruising speed, the jagged majestic peaks gradually coming into view. They appear made out of dark blue light and porcelain-white slabs of light.
“A mythical fortress,” I murmur, feeling inspired by the gargantuan regal display.
“Yes, it is.” The Cherub touches a finger to the cloud and we sail faster, then higher.
“You mean a real fortress?”
“So, it was designed by the breath of Divine Ones. In the beginning.”
“In the beginning?” Somehow, I always turn into a parrot around the Heavenly One.
“Once the mist clouds of a previous age were dispelled and the floods raged, those who are now called the Divine Ones materialized in this dimension and used their very breath to form what are called the ice caps at the North and South Pole.”
“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...

For the following week, you may be running around, feeling like the ole’ chicken without a head. Go with it. Simply keep your wits and ability to use logic as you negotiate this tricky speedy week.
On July 7th is a lunar eclipse, the first of three eclipses in a short period of time. Acceleration will be the watchword, as if your foot is tamped down on the car accelerator and there are no stop signs ahead. Use this time to get a lot done, especially for the future. Look ahead and get those things accomplished which means a better and more secure future for you.
On the world stage all heck will break loose. The demand for freedom will ring around the globe several times while natural catastrophes erupt non-stop.

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
~~~~~~

Sneak Preview ~ COYOTE MOON by Pat Cunningham

Cody Gray hiked into Coopersburg just shy of sunset, and right off the bat he smelled she-wolf.
Cody’s mouth stretched in a great big fox-in-the-henhouse grin. If he’d had his tail right then, he’d’ve wagged it. All the way up from Texas he’d been on the lookout for some nice wild country to set up a pack in, and a mate to help him get started. Just when he figured northern California might fill the bill for one, Fate dropped the other in his lap. Chaos, patron of the coyote-folk, must be smiling on him.
He set his nose to the wind. He’d already spotted a bar up ahead, and a couple of houses and a gas station, before the two-laner he’d hitchhiked in on widened out and entered Coopersburg proper. The she-wolf was at the gas station, and plenty riled by the scent of her. He drank in a noseful of her and sighed. Nice and pungent. Alpha, maybe? He liked his girls feisty. Cody quickened his pace.
Closer to the gas station, he spotted a nasty tableau: three big apes closing in on a pair of ladies. The lady in back, getting herded into the dubious safety of the garage bay, was slender, blonde and cursing like a dock hand. The herder had auburn hair and three-four inches on the blonde. She looked fit to chew brass and spit tacks. Cody’s pulse ramped up to a gallop. There was his wolf, and she was about to get herself trounced. Her bared teeth kept the apes at bay, but they wouldn’t hold much longer.
He slowed and came up on them careful and unnoticed, close enough to smell the alcohol on the apes and hear the menace coloring their taunts. The wolf-gal said something. The snarl in her tone announced the apes were in for a whuppin’, but she made no move to attack. Cody crouched behind a parked car. Chaos, only three of them. Why didn’t she just shift and end it?
Then, in a heartbeat, the situation changed. The blonde screamed. Cody’s hackles lifted. The apes had a buddy, and he’d snuck in through the office into the bay and caught the blonde gal from behind. She writhed in his grip while the other apes hooted. The wolf-gal darted in to help the blonde, but the ape in the lead grabbed her arm. Cody didn’t catch his words, but the leer on his face said it all.
So she let him have it. No girly slaps for this she-wolf. She socked him a solid one, right in the nose. The smell of blood joined the odors of liquor and adrenaline that already charged the air. The words she barked at the lead ape weren’t the kind ladies should know, much less repeat in public, but given the situation Cody allowed she was entitled.
The big ape’s face got uglier, no mean feat. If the wolf-gal hadn’t switched by now, Cody realized, she either wasn’t going to, or couldn’t.
That clinched it. This was his future mate getting threatened by those drunk knuckle-draggers. He bared his teeth, revealing canines just a tad longer and heavier than a human’s. Time to get involved. In true coyote fashion, of course.
This being a garage, naturally it had a peck of cars sitting around, and naturally some trusting soul had left their keys in the ignition. Cody slid in behind the wheel of a sporty little Mustang that started up real nice. He took aim and floored it.
The rev of the Mustang’s engine must’ve cut through the boozy haze on their brains because they looked around and finally noticed the car rocketing right at them. They abandoned the wolf-gal and scattered. Cody plowed through the midst of them, then swung a tight U-ey and shot after their leader, the biggest, ugliest ape in this bunch of bananas. The man scrabbled desperately over the tarmac. Cody brought the Mustang right up on his heels before he slewed it aside. He reached out and slapped the ape’s John Deere cap clean off his head. The ape stumbled away, and the car shot on by.
Cody let loose a Texas howl and wheeled around for another go. Chaos, this car handled sweet. “Gotta get me one of these,” he murmured.
And one of those, he added mentally, as his squealing turn faced him toward the garage again. The goon in the bay had let go of the blonde, and now the wolf-gal was all over him like, well, like ugly on an ape. Poor guy couldn’t even land a slap. Too quick and strong for him. Cody’s butt hitched on the seat, wagging a phantom tail.
Since the wolf-gal didn’t need his help, he went back after the apes. They’d made fast tracks across the street and piled into a pickup parked by the bar. They took off down the road without so much as a cussword flung at him. Cody offered up a mental shrug. Didn’t want to dent their truck, most like. Apes had oddball priorities.
He trundled the Mustang up to the garage. The wolf-gal had the fourth ape flat on the greasy floor. The ape contracted into a ball. “C’mon, Willy. I said I was sorry.”
“You’re sorry, all right,” she growled down at him. “I expect cheap thuggery from Les, but you—”
She cut herself off and sniffed the air. She turned just as Cody hopped out of the Mustang. He watched her eyes get big and her body tighten up to full attention.
She knew what he was, all right, but only on some basic, primitive level, not in her head or her nose. She didn’t recognize him. Any she-wolf worth her pack standing would be showing her fangs by now, with a growl at him to git, rescue or no rescue. That’s how your average wolf saw coyotes, pests to be run off. Because your average wolf had no sense of humor.
He stared hard into her eyes. A fine honey-brown shade. Wolf eyes ran to yellow, like his own. This one had a whiff of ape on her. Half-breed? That might explain why she hadn’t switched.
Her stance had shifted into a pose of wary friendliness. She let him get pretty close up before she stopped him with a little twitch of her mouth, not quite the flash of a fang. “Thanks,” she said.
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
“I could have handled it. Those jerks are losers even when they’re sober. But I do appreciate the help.” She smiled just enough to get Cody’s invisible tail wagging again. “Nice moves with my car, by the way.”
Her car? Chaos love it, this just got better and better. Cody flashed a smile wide enough to eat the moon. She didn’t even have her hand halfway out before he seized it. “Glad I could help. I’m Cody Gray, up from Texas. You’re going to marry me.”
~~~~~~

COMING REAL SOON from Siren-BookStrand!!! Git those pinkies ready to click the buy button!

Happy 4th!

7/6 - 1st full week July - SUNDAY MOOD LASTS THRU MONDAY, TURNING DOWNHILL ON TUESDAY, SMARTER ON WEDNESDAY, CRANKY ON FRIDAY, BUT HEY! SATURDAY SHOULD BRING GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HOT HEADS AROUND YOU.

Mudflat Toy Boy available now in paperback at Amazon or B&N.
Phoebe Matthews, 2009 Eppie winner
Visit my website for more fortunes and Sara City comics

Magnificent Abandon is now available

Magnificent Abandon was released today, July 2, 2009

through Siren Publishing.

It's 1958, Long Island, NY

Finding your first one night stand at your sisters wedding would unnerve anyone. Trisha stood before the man she'd once given herself to freely years before. She felt her face heat at the thought of how she allowed him to love her so unconventionally, accepting his hand to redden her butt and asking for more.

This story is for adult readers and contains fully developed love scenes with adult language and situations. It will take the reader inside the steamy side of erotica with spanking scenes.

To read an excerpt and order this novel go to www.sirenpublishing.com.

For more information about this novel go to www.lillithpayne714.com.

Please remember my site is for those l8 and over only.

Wednesday's Words for July 1, 2009

The beginning of July brings celebration and commemorations for Americans and Canadians alike. For me personally, July has always been the first real month of summer, and the busiest month for family birthdays. We used to call it Christmas in July.

My brother celebrates his 65th today—July 1st—my mother’s birthday was July 5. We lost her in 1976 but the next year, on her birthday, my Anthony was born. His sister followed one year later, on the 13th; and our wedding anniversary is the 14th. My birthday, by the way, is the 21st – the same as Hemingway’s.

Anthony passed away on July 30th. This year will mark the third anniversary of that horrible day, so July really does run the gamut of emotions for us.

The nation’s birthday, Canada Day, is also today, July 1st. As I think I mentioned at least once before, when I was a child and extremely gullible, my brother had me convinced the parade in Hamilton was in honor of his birthday. We used to attend the parades, when I was smaller. For a child, nothing is quite so satisfying of the need to explore one’s imagination than a parade.

I haven’t attended one in person in years. These days I prefer the comfort of my living room and the television set, but even that I haven’t done in a while.

I expect that we Canadians do much the same things to celebrate our nation’s birthday as you Americans do. We do have parades and picnics in the park. We have dances in some places, and craft fairs. Many community celebrations include bands performing throughout the day, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, soda, ice cream, cotton candy and, of course, fireworks.

The main street of our small town is dotted with red and white, as a Canadian flag adorns every lamp post. Many individuals also have a flag adorning their home to mark today.

The Ashburys have one year-round.

Despite what some may think, Canadians aren’t less patriotic than Americans, but we do tend to be a bit shy to show our patriotism. I suppose that is a legitimate Canadian trait. After all, our country was birthed, not by revolution, not by the shining ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but by an act of British Parliament. All in favor, say ‘aye’.

Last year at this time my beloved and I were in Pennsylvania, and on July 4th attended the ceremony in Philadelphia at Independence Hall. I have a post card, showing that wonderful building, tacked to my bulletin board here in my office. I look at it nearly every day. It was an experience neither of us shall ever forget.

I suppose that I, like many people, take for granted how fortunate I am to live in a country that is governed by the rule of law, where I have reasonable expectations of safety and security. Where there can be a parade down Main Street and the last thing you would ever think would happen is violence of any kind.

Sometimes, I think we need to remember that not all the world is as blessed as we, in our two countries, are.

So let’s all take a few moments on our respective National holidays to give thanks that we live where we live; to remember that, for both our nations, soldiers fought in two world wars, and continue to fight and be vigilant today so that we might enjoy the fruits of peace and liberty.

And let’s be thankful we have each other. We’re good neighbors and trading partners. We’ve been fast friends for many years, with many more years to come.

Love,
Morgan
In just 5 days the doors will open. Will you be ready?
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-recklessabandon-14494-200.html

Magnificent Abandon Releases Thursday, July 2, 2009

Great news to share, Magnificent Abandon will be released this Thursday, July 2, 2009 through Siren Publishing.

It's 1958, Long Island, NY
Finding your first one night stand at your sisters wedding would unnerve anyone. Trisha stood before the man she'd once given herself to freely years before. She felt her face heat at the thought of how she allowed him to love her so unconventionally, accepting his hand to redden her butt and asking for more.

This story is for adult readers and contains fully developed love scenes with adult language and situations. It takes the reader inside the steamy side of erotica with scenes of spanking.

To read an excerpt and order this novel go to www.sirenpublishing.com.
For more information on this and all of Lillith's novels, go to www.lillithpayne714.com.
Please remember my site is for adults, 18 and over only please.

5 Cup Review ~ All the Right Reasons

All the Right Reasons received a beautiful 5 cup review from Coffee Time Romance!

My thanks to Matilda!

*hugs*

Sandy

*****

ALL THE RIGHT REASONS, DAMAGED HEROES BOOK 3

SANDY JAMES

ISBN#: 1606013084

April 2009

Siren-BookStrand

http://www.bookstrand.com/

Contemporary Romance

Rating: 5 Cups

Lucas Mitchell has returned from Iraq a different man than when he first got there. He is now riddled with guilt over a friend’s death. He was wounded and left scarred. He is a bitter man, not sure how to overcome his pain and be the man he used to be; until he meets a woman who captures his heart and soul.

Joy Kovacs comes from a Hungarian gypsy family that believes in the old ways. They have already chosen who she should marry, a man she does not love. Although she is torn over her loyalty to her family and wants the freedom she knows her family will object to, she follows her heart on a path that will change her life.

The attraction to each other is instantaneous for Lucas and Joy. Although each has wounds to heal, they cannot deny their love for each other. Yet her family objects. Joy does not want to hurt her family or loose Lucas, leaving her with a hard decision to make. Lucas must face his past in order to overcome his pain. Is their love strong enough to survive?

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.

Angelic Forecast ~ #43

I sigh at the heat and humidity... ick!
“It won’t last,” the Heavenly One’s voice descends upon me.
I look upward. Snowflakes drift toward me from his cloud, then delicately splash against my face. Ahhh... blessed relief.
“Thank you,” I say and smile.
The Cherub swirls more snow around me and I feel like I’m in my own personal snow globe. “Hop on,” he invites, patting his cloud.
I plop my bottom down on Charmin-like softness, then dangle my legs as we float higher. “It’s so beautiful being with you. A heavenly break from the current state of the world.” I pause and it hits me. “What is the state of the world?”
“All untruth reveals truth,” the Heavenly One replies.
“I say ~ liar, liar, pants on fire. Wouldn’t that be a hoot if that happened to everyone on the world stage who lied?”
“We think so. Why do you think Hell realms were invented?”
“Okay. But why not let those of us on Earth have the same satisfaction?”
“It will happen. However, not until the time is right for humanity.”
I sigh with impatience, then repeat, “All untruth reveals truth. I can see that.”
“More and more people will see it also. Lies always bring about their own downfall.”
I nod in agreement. “Hey, are those glaciers in the far distance?”

TO BE CONTINUED...

For the following week take your ease, or make your life as easy as possible. Think about this seriously. What would make your life flow with more ease? Once a solution appears, act on it as you can. One step toward ease brings about another step, then another step. This is important for the future.
With Independence Day coming up this Saturday, this is also the ideal time to consider freedom and that means to you personally, and what it means to the world as a whole community. For, freedom, is the watch word of the Aquarian Age.

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 ~

Summer 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
~~~~~~

"You Gotta Read!" ~ All the Right Reasons

All the Right Reasons received a beautiful review from You Gotta Read! Reviews this morning! My thanks to Val!

Title: All the Right Reasons

Author: Sandy James

Publisher: Book Strand

Buy All the Right Reasons Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed by: Val

Can love heal all wounds? Lucas Mitchell returned from Iraq a bitter, changed man, wracked with guilt over his friend's death. He buys and ancient mansion and deals with his injuries and grief by restoring his new home and rehabilitating retired racehorses. Joy Kovacs falls in love with Lucas at first sight. Descended from gypsies who are still influenced by the lingering effects of the Holocaust, her family follows the traditional ways. A husband has already been selected for her, and her father insists she work at their ethnic restaurant. But Joy wants to use her talent and be an artist, and she wants no one but Lucas. How can Joy find a way to help Lucas break out of his prison of grief? Although they've committed their hearts to each other, can the growing love and passion between Lucas and Joy survive her family's insistence that she marry within her culture?

Lucas Mitchell was a complex character who had emotionally given up after losing his buddy on his tour in Iraq. Joy was the woman that could save him when no one else could. The relationship between Lucas and Joy was one unlike any I have read so far. Being a Gypsy, Joy could sense what Lucas needed. In subtle ways, Lucas would be able to sense what Joy wanted and needed. To add to this intriguing plot line, the Romungro culture is steeped in tradition and Joy's family would not let Lucas join their tight circle as he was not of full Romungro ancestry. Joy had to choose and one way or another, would let someone down. Would it be her closely knit family or the love of her life? The addition of the villain, Tamas, was priceless.

I anxiously delved into this book anticipating the third book of the Damaged Hero's series. The other two books in the series were amazing and All the Right Reasons did not disappoint. I was in for a shock when I cracked open the book. It was extremely hard to put down. All the Right Reasons evoked unexpected emotions in me. I felt a part of Joy and Lucas' lives and the pain in my heart ached for Lucas and the issues he was dealing with. The guilt he was carrying around was almost suffocating at times. It was truly phenomenal how Ms. James was able to so accurately depict how a soldier would feel in such a situation. All the Right Reasons was a multilayered, emotionally gripping story of the guilt of a soldier, the love of family, and just trying find closure. All the Right Reasons is laced with humor and oh my gosh, you have got to read the bachelor party scene, I laughed so hard. Joy and Lucas are my favorite couple in this series so far. I know I say this after each and every book but the characters truly get better with each book.

Ms. James has once again gone above and beyond and delivered an exceptional well written, well rounded, touching love story with deep meaning. I can't recommend this book enough. I can promise that anyone who is not a fan of Ms. James yet, will most certainly be by the end of this book. I am anxious to read the fourth book in the Damaged Hero's series, Faith of the Heart. I am listing all the books so far in this series because, trust me, you will want to read them all. Although they can all be read as a stand alone book, you WILL want to read the entire series.

Murphys Law (Book 1)

Free Falling (Book 2)

All the Right Reasons (Book 3)

Faith of the Heart (Book 4)