Jessica by Laura DeLuca

I can't let Halloween come and go without curling up with a scary short story and this is the one that came to my attention this year. The blurb promised me a mysterious lady in white come back to exact revenge on the male race...or just one man? Hm... I had to read and find out more.
Poor Wilbur. :(

Wilbur is dateless and in college, on his way to a dance. He's shocked when a beautiful girl pays attention to him, dances with him, then asks him to walk with her... As they look over the lake, arms around each other, she begins to tell him a story.

In the 1890s, the college finally accepted women...but the male students weren't pleased to be outshone by females. After all, a woman's place was in the home. Out of three women, two ran away. They couldn't take it, but one woman could. She faced them, did better than them, studied hard, avoided trouble. She was going to be a doctor!

A fantastic feminist. I'd like to say that at this point, usually a character telling another character a story would  bother me, but it was actually done in a showing, not telling way, because I could see that college girl in my mind's eye sitting there studying hard, gazing at the lake...

And what happens next turns into a century of revenge.

Will she take pity on poor Wilbur? After all, he's mistreated to...

A short story with vivid descriptions and a intriguing back story. There was a spot in the beginning that made me laugh out loud and a a couple spots that made my spine tingle. Great combination.

My only quibble: I wish Wilbur had been a jerk instead of a mistreated outcast himself. Would have seemed more fitting to me. Four stars. This was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Please Welcome Lisa Nowak and Alex from Dead Heat

Please welcome Lisa Nowak and her character, Alex from Dead Heat. He's got an intriguing ability. In a world just bursting at the seems with a million books a day, Lisa Nowak has come up with something entirely  unique: a machine whisperer...

Alex is the 17-year-old protagonist of Dead Heat, and he’s got a unique talent. I’m interviewing him today to find out a little more about that. So, Alex, I understand you’re a machine whisperer. Can you explain what that means?

Aw, that’s just what the mechanics at work call me. My friend Tommy started it after I told him the fuel pressure regulator on this car was messed up without even using a meter. I just get this feeling about what’s wrong with broken machines. It’s like I can hear what they’d say if they could talk. ’Specially if it’s something electrical. The guys figured out I got this knack for solving intermittent problems—the kind that come and go so they’re a bitch to track down—and that made me real popular.

How did you find out you’re a machine whisperer?

That happened when I was maybe seven. We had this CD player that didn’t work, and one day I started messing with it. Minute I got my hands on it, I felt this weird pull, like I had to take it apart. When the old man came home, there was pieces everywhere. I held one up—which I didn’t know back then was the motor—and told him, “it needs one a these.” He smacked me across the room for getting into his stuff. But the next day, he brought me a bunch of busted CD players. He’s a scrap guy, so he comes across that kinda thing when he’s doing his rounds. I took ’em apart and found another motor. Fixed his like new. The old man about shit. Ever since, he’s been bringing me stuff and selling it once I patch it up.

Seems like a handy skill. I wish I'd had this skill when I was an aircraft mechanic. Are there any drawbacks to it?

Ha! You mean other than people wanting me to fix stuff all the time? Not really.

With a talent like yours, you must be a real asset at work. I’ll bet you’ve got a full-time position all wrapped up as soon as you graduate from high school.

Nah, it ain’t like that. Matter of fact, the service writer hates me ’cause I don’t read so good and I gotta get Tommy to help me write up the work orders. Ivan—that’s my boss—says I gotta get ASE certified, or he ain’t gonna let me go full time. Sometimes I feel like I’m never gonna get through high school and pass them damn ASE test, but my friend Cole, the guy who got me this job, keeps telling me I can do it. He’s pretty cool that way. I mean, I think he’s a dreamer, but it’s nice when someone’s got your back, y’know?

That I do. Well, thank you for joining me today. If any of my readers would like to know more about Alex and his machine whisperer abilities, you can pick up a copy of his story at one of the retailers listed below.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A man who longs for a son, and a boy who can’t escape his father’s violence. Even death can’t break their bond.

Alex is a machine whisperer. He can tell what’s wrong with a broken-down car with a touch. But his gift can’t save him from the brutality of his meth-addict father. For two years, Alex experienced kindness through Cole, his mentor. Now Cole’s dead, and the violence in Alex’s life is escalating.

When Cole reappears as a ghost, Alex clings to the tenuous link. Then he learns Cole might’ve sacrificed his chance to cross over. Jade, the first girl to look beyond Alex’s past, assures him Cole can reach the Other Side—if Alex escapes from his dad. But a previous terrifying attempt has convinced Alex it’s impossible. Unless he can find the courage to try, his friend may be earthbound forever.

http://bit.ly/DH-Amazon

http://bit.ly/DH-BarnesandNoble

http://bit.ly/DH-Smashwords

About the Author:

In addition to being a YA author, Lisa is a retired amateur stock car racer, an accomplished cat whisperer, and a professional smartass. She writes coming-of-age books about kids in hard luck situations who learn to appreciate their own value after finding mentors who love them for who they are.

Website: http://www.lisanowak.net/

Blog: http://lisanowak.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LisaNowakAuthor

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lisa_Nowak

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LisaNowakNewsletter

Bare Necessities by Lacey Wolfe

This is a cute novella. The hero is cute with cocky attitude and surprise humor. The heroine is cute with her spunk, her talking back, and her refusal to take crap. The town is cute in their support of each other. What's not cute is the stalker and his nasty shenanigans.


Ava has come to Brookfield to get away from her past. It's not that anyone is following her; she's just tired of  the men she's ended up with. Seems someone is always trying to control her, and she's had enough. She makes this clear to the town sheriff, Seth, when he shows up trying to "run" her and her sex toy shop out of town. What's funny is, the sheriff declares he's protecting his town. After all, they have to walk down the street on the way to church! But, really, nobody but him has a problem. LOL

But then the vandalism starts and it's clear someone DOES want Ava gone, but why?

Their romance is rocky. First he's into her, then he finds out she's that nut job opening a lingerie store and he's cold, then he's telling her to leave, then he's into her again, then he's demanding she change her hours. How is Ava, just out of a controlling relationship, going to handle the sheriff's over-protectiveness?


That kept me in more suspense than the vandalism story. I was actually curious how Ava was going to take it.

The sex was great. Loved Ava taking over, loved that she won't let a man control her. I also loved the way she stuck up for herself and mouthed back in the end of the book. She's tough and determined.

The absolute best thing though is the surprise bits of humor. I wasn't expecting them and they were always little things here and there that just made me chuckle.

"Of all the things Seth had to be out of, toilet paper was something a person had to have. Sure, he was a man, but it was still a necessity, so he took a ride..."

See how something funny just appeared in the middle of nowhere? Made me chuckle, anyway. :)

This is the sequel to Finding Home, Book one of the Brookfield series.

Four stars. I was given this to review by Shades of Rose Marketing.

And now, please welcome Lacey Wolfe herself as she talks about the town of Brookfield.

Where is Brookfield? It’s a made up town that is set in Wyoming. It’s one of those older towns, where there is still a square downtown with places to park and walk. The shops all close early and everyone is home with their families well before nine o’clock at night—unless you’re Ava Miller, from Bare Necessities. She moves into town and changes things. She likes to work at night, which drives the town sheriff, Seth Hampton, crazy. He wants her home like the rest of the folks. And to top it off, someone has been vandalizing her store. Ava definitely turns Brookfield upside down.

The first story in the series, Finding Home, we got to know the towns people some as well as some of the shops. Julie Miller, who happens to be Ava’s cousin, returns home pregnant. She wants her mom’s comfort after her now ex-boyfriend wants her to abort the baby. Only, Julie doesn’t find her mom, she finds a man renting her mom’s house! Mark Thomas has moved to town to escape his past, but when he meets Julie and learns she’s pregnant, that past begins to haunt him.

I plan to write much more about the people of Brookfield. I think this is going to be a fun series, with a mixture of genres. The series will mainly be contemporary romance, but just so you know, Bare Necessities was also a romantic suspense. I’d like to think the stories you will find in this series to be whole-hearted romances. The intimate scenes certainly aren’t erotic, but they give you a bit of an idea what’s going on.

I’ve started on the third book, currently it’s titled, Catching Connor. In this one we have Alyssa from The Reading Corner (a book store), who is shy and quiet and the towns playboy. Sounds fun! I can’t wait to get to know these two a little better. And I hope that you enjoy your visits to Brookfield as well.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog today!

Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. From the time she was a child she would slip away to write short stories about people she knew and fantasies she wished would happen. It has always been her dream to be a published author and with her two children now of school age, she finally has the time to work on making her dream come true.

Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their six cats and one black lab who rules the house.

You can find Lacey at the following places:  Her Site     Twitter    Facebook

Random Reading

Welcome to Random Reading!!!

For those just joining us...


Some people do Library Loot. Some people do Mailbox Monday. Me, I don't use the library. I have nothing against it; just hate having to read a book in a certain amount of time, and as for Mailbox Monday, I can't say most of my titles come in my mail. I buy them usually or get them via paperback swap.

And I find them the most random ways, these titles. But they all usually have one thing in common: STRONG, SEXY heroines!




The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin. A Kindle freebie that came to my attention via a friend's FB feed. The words Brokeback Mountain for women caught my eye and attention. It's a historical novel about persecution of lesbians in 1895. Have times really changed? Doubt it. I'm intrigued and promptly downloaded this on my Kindle.






Klondike Winter by Jackie M. Smith. I've got her Forever Yours on my Kindle and when the author posted her YouTube videos in the Secret Cravings Reader group on FB, I watched them. The premise of this sounds so good, I couldn't resist and promptly bought this one too. A woman follows her brother to the Klondike on a quest for gold...  I love those.

The Spanish Pearl by Catherine Friend. Landed in my mailbox via Paperback Swap. Time travel, a woman fleeing harems and getting involved in the war between the Moors and Spanish. Promises some swashbuckling too. It just screams strong n sexy!







Lone Star Joy by Kathleen Ball. I was so impressed with the author's post and excerpt on Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week, I bought this one. I love the idea of a woman surviving jail, entering a male dominated work program, and showing her scars are sexy. It promises to be a good, emotional read.

Oleanna by Julie K. Rose. Twitter strikes again! Unusual Historicals tweeted a post by the author about women's suffrage in Norway. Naturally I zoomed on that like a radar. So I was on the author site and though it seems the gist of the book is about farming, women making it on their own, loss in 1905, there promises to be some suffrage as one of the heroines goes to Labor Party meetings. Got my interest piqued and this is on my wishlist.





The Movement of Stars by by Amy Brill. A lady astronomist, a whaler. Two people in a Quaker community with ambitions "above their stations." Hints at a forbidden love story and is based on Maria Mitchell. On my wishlist. I believe this releases April 2013.

STRONG IS SEXY Woman of the Past: Bessie Stringfield

I want to introduce you to a woman named Bessie Stringfield. She was an African American motorcycle dispatch rider during World War II, a licensed practical nurse, the founder of Iron Horse Motorcycle Club, and was labeled "Motorcycle Queen of Miami" and "Negro Motorcycle Queen." She was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002. She was the first African American woman to ride across the U.S. solo.

Photo found on AMA Motorycle Hall of Fame.
Please continue there for more information.
Link below.

Born in Jamaica, brought to the States, and orphaned at the age of five, she was raised by an Irish lady, name not divulged. I don't really understand that, but that's what miscellaneous articles say. She got her first motorbike at 16, an Indian Scout, and owned at least 27 motorbikes throughout her lifetime.

She was very religious, a very devout Catholic, and felt the "man upstairs" was with her as she rode fearlessly through the Jim Crow south. When she was  19, she began to throw a penny on a map and where it landed, that's where she went. She not only ran into racial tension, but was discriminated against because of her sex, often being denied prizes even though she beat the men riders in whatever competition it was.

Despite having married and divorced six times, she had no children. (She lost three.) She, like me, was a dog mom.

Why I admire her: That's darned brave. Not only did she conquer riding a motorbike (I kept falling over on mine!) but she faced racism AND gender discrimination. I don't think I could have continually entered contests, only to be disqualified for having a pair of breasts. At some point, that would have grown incredibly disheartening to me. Not to mention, losing three children. Many women can't overcome that, let alone become a trailblazer for both their race and gender.

She passed away at the age of 82, riding up till the day she passed.

The AMA created an award in honor of her, for "women who have been instrumental in showing other women they can be active participants in the world of motorcycling."

More references:
http://www.firenationfkmcworld.com/BESSIE-STRINGFIELD.html
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/detail.aspx?racerid=277
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/node/877

I hope you enjoyed this first installment of the Strong is Sexy Saturdays. This is a compilation of cool data I found about an extremely strong and sexy woman.

So, 'til next Saturday, strut your stuff, don't take no grief, and remember that STRONG IS SEXY.

NEW BOOK: Style Me Sexy

Today's not only my tenth wedding anniversary, but the release of Style Me Sexy. So I'm having a double celebration!


Eleven years ago (we dated one year to the day we had our first date) I met a man who made me and still makes me feel sexy. Here's to hoping Bridget does too.

Bridget isn't beautiful. At least she doesn't think so. Besides, her ex always told her she wasn't. And she believes him. So when an online romance leads to a blind date, she heads to the salon for a makeover stat.

She's dismayed to discover that her usual stylist isn't available, and she has no choice but to let a man do her hair. Nervousness turns into sexual awareness as the sexy Javier buries his fingers in her tresses.

Javier has been aware of the timid but kind woman for some time and vows to make her see that she's beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside. Will he succeed in keeping his own feelings at bay and style her sexy?

Excerpt:

Bridget was grateful to get out from the under the hairdryer. Not only were her eyes beginning to water and tear, but she was looking forward to having Javier wash her hair, to have his soapy fingers massaging her scalp and oh to be at eye level with… Oh, my gawd. He’s gay. He’s not going to want you looking at his… oh, what does it matter? Looking isn’t the same as touching.

She followed him to the sinks and sat in the chair he beckoned her to. He placed a rolled up towel behind her neck before she rested it on the hard edge of the sink. He’s considerate. Deborah never did that. I always had a crick in my neck after washing…

She closed her eyes as the warm water cascaded over her hair. His fingers soon followed, pulling the foil from around the strands, caressing her mane as it fell into the sink. His attentions caused goose bumps to rise all over her body. She felt her nipples harden into little peaks beneath her bra.

Finally, the foil was removed from her hair, and his hands delved deep into her newly highlighted tresses. Oh, yeah. That feels so good. Some sprinkles of water fell onto her face when he rinsed the shampoo from her hair, but she barely noticed. She was noticing wetness growing elsewhere and not for the first time, was glad to be wearing the cape.

Javier, however, did notice the water on her face, for he gently dabbed at the drops around her eyelids with a towel. She opened her eyes, and they sought and met his. It felt like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes. They simply gazed at each other, and Bridget silently prayed that he didn’t notice the increase in her breaths. She tried to take short, measured inhalations, but it was hard to breathe at all with his eyes on hers, with his hands buried in her hair, with the knowledge that should she turn her head just a bit to the left, she would be eye level with his plumbing, and oh, she so wanted to look. How utterly and deliciously naughty.

Available on Amazon

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary Party - Etsy Shop Sponsors Giveaway

Post by Pagan Writer, Laura DeLuca: Whether you're a writer, and actor, a musician or a jewelry designer, its all a form of art. One of the most wonderful experiences I've had as an author is the outpouring of support from all different types of artists. I have befriended tons of other writers but also actors who are ready to signed on for the lead roles, musicians who are writing the score, but most especially, artisans who have come up with beautiful, original designs inspired by my work. Two of my most loyal supporters have been The Sisters Elemental and The Whimsical Pixie. From bath salts to complete altar sets, these two companies have been backing me since the very beginning. They have even sponsored a few products with other authors at Pagan Writers Press. They are already working on products to go along with Hyde, and I'm not even not writing it yet! When the girls heard about the Pagan Writers Press Birthday Bash, they couldn't wait to sign to sponsor some giveaways. The Whimsical Pixie even introduced me to yet another Etsy shop called S. Marie Essentials, who is excited to join the rank of supporters. Here is a little  info on each company, and the fabulous prizes they are adding to the party. 

The Whimsical Pixie

The Whimsical Pixie offers an array of unique hand crafted items for the altar, home and garden for practicing pagans and the whimsical at heart. New for Spring, The Whimsical Pixie has Sabbat kits, ritual kits and more to enhance your celebrations. She is offering two wonderful prizes to help you get ready for Yule!

Triskele Tree Yule Cards

Send friends and family yuletide cheer with this panel card showcasing a holiday tree comprised of triskeles. The message on the back reads simply “Merry Yule” leaving plenty of room for a personalized message.

These panel cards were designed exclusively for The Whimsical Pixie. The artwork was created by award winning graphic designer, A. Carney; holiday greetings written by this Pixie. They are offset print on thick 14 point paper with a glossy front and an uncoated, writable back side. They measure 5x7” and are perfect for framing. Envelopes are included and the set comes packaged in a clear, re-sealable cello bag. 

 Yule Ornament

This unusual ornament makes a great hostess or housewarming gift. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Solstice celebration...Merry Yule.

Translated millefiori literally means a thousand flowers. Polymer clay is used to fabricate “canes” of different designs; the cane can be reduced in size yet the design of the cane remains the same throughout. Thin slices are then taken from the cane and laid individually on an object to create something truly unique and beautiful. All polymer clay canes are made by me.

The Sisters Elemental

The Sisters Elemental offer natural luxury bath salts, cold process soaps, hand and body lotions, and other spiritual & inspirational tools to help you connect to the Universe. They hope you enjoy them as much as they enjoy creating them! Much love and light to you and yours, ~*Earth*~, ~*Fire*~, and ~*Water*~ 

 Morrigan's Enchantment Bath Salts

 Commissioned by Laura DeLuca to make something that will pull you in to the world of Morrigan, the main character of her to-be-released book Morrigan, we think that this combination will bring you to her world. A mixture of Dragon's Blood, Cypress, and Sweet Orange essential oils with an accent of Hibiscus petals will leave you feeling blessed by the goddess and wrapped in magick. Created by ~*Fire*~

Faerie Oracle Reading, Three Card
Made by Brian Froud, these Faerie Oracle cards are have an energy all of their own and can be very informative. Sometimes playful, the faeries will give a round-about answer to questions. 


S. Marie Essentials

The silver and silver plate beads (kind of a Yin Yang look to the earrings).  The Snowflake Obsidian is black with light patches that resemble snowflakes.   Snowflake Obsidian can enable one to persevere, gaining insight and attune to spiritual guidance/communication.  It brings wisdom, peace of mind and balance for the body, mind and spirit.  Chakra:  Root and Third Eye

The earrings are 2"long from the connection at the sterling silver ear wire. Retail price $14.95. 
The bracelet will fit a wrist size 6-7".  Retail price $14.95

So there you have it! We have five different prizes available, and each one will go to a different winner! Winners will be chosen at random and awarded in the order listed. This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and will end on 10/31/12. To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY & Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Joy Courtland

Book: Lone Star Joy
Author: Kathleen Ball
Heroine: Joy Courtland

In my latest release, Lone Star Joy, my character Joy Courtland amazes me. When she was fourteen her father and brother talked her into taking the fall for the death of her step-mother. They convinced her to put her fingerprints on the knife and to put her footsteps in the blood, leaving a trail to her room. They made her believe that she was helping her brother. He’d get the death penalty while Joy would only go to juvie.

Joy loved her brother, and made the sacrifice for him. Unfortunately, she was tried, and convicted as an adult, and she was immediately sent to prison. She quickly learned the rules, keep your back to the wall, keep your mouth shut, and make sure you have eyes in the back of your head. She fought off numerous attacks.

After eight years, she finally got a break and was sent to a work release program working with horses. Unfortunately, the program only allowed nonviolent males.

Joy’s hard exterior hides a very insecure young woman that had to grow up too soon.  She had to harden her heart, and wall off all feelings. Her greatest strength is her willingness to love and be loved. To her it is the biggest risk she had ever taken. She finds that her scars are sexy and considered badges of survival.

Excerpt:

                "Shhh. Don't talk." Stamos captured her mouth with his in a bold, passion filled kiss.

Joy opened her mouth to him. His warm tongue darted in and out of her mouth, making her feel a sense of excitement. Matching her tongue to his, she heard him moan. Stamos trailed kisses down her neck, causing her to shiver. She gasped as one hand made its way under her tee shirt and she froze, capturing his hand with hers.

"Don't. You already know how ugly my chest is," she pleaded as her eyelashes became spiked with tears.

Stamos stayed perfectly still, looking at her. "Oh, Joy, there is not one single part of you that is ugly."

"But my scars."

"Battle scars. You survived each knife wound. It's a blessing, Joy."

Taking a shaky breath, Joy nodded and let go of his hand. It surprised her that he didn't pull off her top. Stamos started kissing her again, stoking her passion.

Before she knew it, her top and bra were off. Looking at his face as he gazed at her chest floored her. The look of appreciation on his face was unsettling. It also made her feel beautiful for the first time in years.

Blurb:
Sexy, Cowboy, Stamos Walker runs a work release program for nonviolent male prisoners. When Joy Courtland shows up on his doorstep, he assumes she's the nanny. He hands her his son and rushes out to work.

Joy, a convicted felon, bonds with little Dillon immediately. Stamos isn't happy when he returns and finds out Joy is not the nanny.

While trying to get Joy back to prison through the proper channels, Stamos realizes Joy is not a killer. He doesn't want her to go back to prison. Stamos is willing to try everything he can to keep Joy safe even if it means marriage.

Buy here

Mrs. Ball is giving away an ebook of Lone Star Joy so you can find out just how strong and sexy Joy is for yourself. Just leave a comment on this post.  Author will choose winner at the end of the day. Be sure to leave your email addy.

Are you an author with a strong heroine in your book? Want to see her featured? Find out how here.

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary - Phantom Prize Pack Giveaway

It's day three of the Pagan Writers Press Anniversary party and today's prize in sponsored by Laura DeLuca, author of Phantom.  The prize pack includes a signed copy of the book, incense, incense holder, geode, crystal points and sterling silver pentacle. This giveaway is open worldwide.  Giveaway will end on 10/31/12. To enter, just fill out the giveaway form below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdb287466/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Where to purchase the book:

• Amazon (paperback, Kindle)
• Barnes and Noble (paperback, NOOK book)
• Smashwords

 Synopsis:

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, and Morrigan.

Connect with Laura

Face Book
Twitter
Goodreads

Wish Me Luck: Discovering Old TV Shows

Let's talk strong is sexy...on TV. What are some TV shows that had strong and sexy heroines?

I recently discovered Netflix. I found a ton of movies and TV shows featuring strong women in all kinds of different situations.

One is a TV series called Wish Me Luck. England. The show ran from 1988 to 1990. It's about two different women from different situations, walks of life who end up together as spies in occupied France.

Come to find out, much of the first two episodes were based on the autobiography of real life agent, Nancy Wake.

Episode one shows us what led them to the agency in the first place, tells us their backgrounds, and shows us some of their training. The costumes and scenery (and motorcycles) are impeccable. The screen itself has that look that screams 80s, but I refer to the quality and color of the screen, not the show itself.

Meet Liz and Matty. Liz is married (hubby is gone) with a young daughter. Matty is half French/half English/half Jewish. Both have a background in France.

Really laughed at Liz when she said, "But I'm not a man."

Um, no, but you can do it anyway. :)

There are five more episodes in this season. Didn't care for Matty. Far too emotional and high strung and at times, dumb, actually wants an air raid just to liven things up a bit. Very selfish. To be honest, I began fast forwarding her parts. LOL She was always whining. It was because of her I didn't bother watching past episode two.

Lots of parent/daughter separation issues on Liz's part. Lots of cool stuff about what could get them arrested. Loose talk and all of that...

The training bits were fascinating. So despite my desire not to finish this series, I still wanted to bring it to your attention.

What are some shows such as this you may recommend?

Pagan Writers Press Anniversary Party: The Cliff Prize Pack Giveaway

It's day two of the Pagan Writers Anniversary Party! Today's giveaway is sponsored by Author Christie A.C. Gucker. She is offering a prize pack for her recent release, The Cliff. It includes a signed copy of the book, a signed bookmark, a jar of Nutella, a bag of Oreos and a box tissues. This giveaway is open to the US & Canada only.  Giveaway will end on 10/31/12. To enter, just fill out the giveaway form below.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bdb287464/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway



Continue reading below to learn more about the author and her novel.

Can a childhood pact affect the lives of three adults?

Love and betrayal surrounds the lives of lifelong friends Lanie Rhodes, Grant Bennett, and Dane Voight. Years ago, they made a pact to remain together as friends forever. The boys also made another secret pact that same day—to never vie for Lanie’s love.

Grant and Lanie have secretly been pining for one another since they were children.

Now grown up, they finally admit their feelings for each other and what ensues is a twisted tale of deception as Dane does everything he can to stop them.

The story weaves around this uneven love triangle. What will happen to the pact? Will friendships be destroyed? Will lovers emerge?

Bio: Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist, but also works in the fine arts, especially sculpting out of stone or snapping photographs. Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.

After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her on, she decided to take her shot, and began writing.

Christie is fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, and studies both avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family while surf fishing, flying kites or building sandcastles with her girls.


Where to Buy 

The Cliff is currently available  in both print and e-book formats onSmashwords, Manic Readers, and  Amazon. 

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How To Tame A Willful Wife by Christy English

Not a bad novel. I didn't love it, won't read it again, and I'll divulge my reasons, but for those seeking a fun historical romp with a ton of sex, this would be your cup of tea.


It's a "retelling" of sorts of the Taming of the Shrew. There's even a funny moment when the play itself is mentioned.

Caroline is "sold" to the most worthy bidder for her lovely hand. She marries Anthony and gives him heirs and he pays off her family's debts. But in the process, he wishes to tame her. If he has his way, the girl who rides astride wearing breeches and throws knives in the house will be no more.

At first I found her amusing and cute. She does stand up to him...but from the moment he first beds her, she becomes...eh, not that strong. In actuality, the worst rebellion she does is continue playing with knives behind her husband's back. Their whole marriage, the conflict they face, the plot, is really just a lack of communication.

The story began to grow repetitive for me after a while. He struts and says, "You are mine. Obey me!" She makes a remark back. They have sex. She gasps beneath him. He leaves. She plays with knives. He comes back. "You are mine. Obey me!" She makes a remark back. They have more sex. She gasps beneath  him. He leaves. She plays with knives...

They never really talk, just have lots of sex or have a brief power struggle. Until the end when finally, the misunderstanding/lack of communication is revealed.

I was expecting more humor in this, so I'm somewhat disappointed, but I believe people looking for a lot of sex and a mega alpha male will love it. Personally, I hate alpha males, especially ones that don't change enough in the end. And I thought him really stupid. Whereas I got he had to be a jerk to go with the theme here, forbidding your wife to play with knives AFTER she fends off an attacker with one is just....dumb. I never grew to like the guy.

Three bikes. I got this from netgalley.