Book Review See How She Awakens

Synopsis:

The Seer has fallen, yet the prophecy remains. 
The World will burn, unless the Seer is Awakened. 

Izzy is lost to the void, doing everything within her power to forget the past two years of her life, when a voice calls out to her from the fog. Aberto begs for her to return while Kennan's voice implores her to remember. Everything within her is telling her to stay in the void, but then Aberto tells her the one thing powerful enough to pull her from oblivion, Molly is dying. 

What awaits Izzy on the mortal plane is more terrifying than she could've imagined. The darkness is on the rise and no one seems to see it, or they don't want to admit to the truth. With the darkness more powerful than ever, Izzy must find a way to push the past behind her and protect her loved ones, even if it means losing herself forever. 

Will Izzy fall to the darkness or will she finally discover who she was always destined to be? Find out what happens when the Seer finally Awakens.

Buy Link: Amazon; Barnes & Noble

Wow! Wow! Wow!

If you thought that the previous 3 books were great then you are in for a fantastic ride! Michelle delivered, once again, in bringing us an enduring story about love. Love for our partner. Love for our family. Love for our friends. Love for humankind.

In See How She Awakens, Michelle gracefully brings this story to an end. Our heroine has literally been through hell. She has been dragged and pulled in so many directions, emotionally, that it's a wonder she ever makes it out of her unending despair, whole. We see Izzy rise and save the world yet in the process saving herself from being lost in an abyss of sadness.

While all that sounds sad, See How She Awakens truly is an uplifting story because it gives you hope. Hope that in the end everything will be just right with your world. Hope that life always continues, even when our hearts does not want to.

Michelle gave us hope in See How She Awakens. Hope that even when we have lost what is most important and treasured in our life, we can always find a way to heal, no matter how long it takes.

Do I recommend See How She Awakens? Oh you bet I do. I recommend you read the entire collection for you will fall in love with Izzy and her friends.

Book Review of Lucky's Girl

Synopsis:

Something has awakened on Grove Island. Something that, even in sleep, has held Elton Township in its black embrace. Something old, wise and patient. Something that walked the ancient forests and howled beneath black skies. 

Kenny McCord had a good life - his own slice of the American Dream. But all of that is over, so he is heading home to the small town he left behind so many years ago. However Kenny is not the only son that has returned to Elton Township. His childhood friend, and worst enemy, has come back to settle old scores and, quite literally, raise a little hell.

Buy Link: Amazon; Barnes & Noble
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22911381-lucky-s-girl?ac=1

I had the interesting opportunity to read Lucky's Girl for review. When I started reading it, I had no idea what I was in for. While it is classified as horror, I didn't find Lucky's Girl to be as scary as I thought. I found it to be more gory and jaw dropping than scary. It was intriguing and pulled me in because I just had to know how Lucky was the way he was. I needed answers. It had supernatural elements though not in the sense of ghosts, spirits, and other paranormal being. Cosmic horror is what it is classified as and I have to say that I like this sub genre.

I have to say that this book had lots of gore and, for lack of a better word, disgusting scenes. Scenes that pushed the boundaries, more so towards the latter of the book.

I had to read Lucky's Girl in doses. I couldn't read it in one sitting because there were things that I needed to digest. Things in the book that I needed to think about and realize why they were put in the book. All these things made Lucky who he is.

This is my first William Halloway book that I've read and I had mixed feelings about it. I wanted to love the book in its entirety but couldn't. I can't quite decide why though I have a theory. I'd like to say that it was because of the boundary pushing subject matter within the story but once you begin to comprehend why those things happen, it makes sense for it to be in the story. My theory is that I felt the ending was rushed. One minute I'm reading about what Lucky will do, and the next he is gone, or so it felt. After all that had happened, Lucky needed to get more than what he did.

Lucky's Girl is certainly not for someone who is easily offended or have strong religious beliefs. It will push your limits. It will test you. It will make you question your sanity for having made it through to the very end of the book. All in all, the story was a good and entertaining one. I enjoyed it, especially the intrigue as that is what pulled me in.

King Tomb Book Review

Synopsis:

From Scarlett Dawn comes the stunning, sexy, sensual, surprising, spellbinding conclusion to the bestselling, first Forever Evermore trilogy.  

Queen Shifter, Lily Ruckler, has found solace in brutal warfare. Her bloodied fists and bared fangs fill the holes left in her memory, the blank spaces that leave her soul aching and empty. Her only pleasure is in blood; her only salvation is the relationship she has with her infant child, the baby of unknown origins who brings her solace and stability. 

When Elder Harcourt summons Lily and her protector Antonio back to the United States, Lily thinks nothing unusual about the change of location. But a standard reconnaissance mission leaves her trapped inside King Zeller's private quarters, and at his mercy. Surprise attraction rapidly turns to a battle of wills and an intense power struggle that leaves no clear victor but plenty of resentment. 

They are not allowed to nurse their wounds. In order to win the war against the Commoners, the King Vampire and Queen Shifter must work together. It should be easy. The war is turning, the battle is deadly, and both Lily and Ezra love the cold cleanliness of combat. 

But their chance meeting has led to more than an unlikely alliance. Secrets have a way of surfacing, especially on a torn-up battlefield, and Lily and Ezra are about to re-learn all they cannot remember. If they can't control their emotions and responses, it will be to their own ruin and the destruction of everything around them.

King Tomb is the final saga in Queen Lily's story though not the final book in the Forever Evermore Series.

King Tomb was explosive, jaw dropping and exciting. Ms. Dawn spun a tale that left you wondering which direction the story was going to go. This is the culmination of Lily's and Ezra's story, and the war between the magicals and non-magicals. Lily doesn't fail in being the kick-ass queen that we've come to know and love.  Ezra is still that drop dead gorgeous, to die for, and I-will-do-anything-for-you vampire that just makes you ooze with desire.

I have conflicting feelings towards this story. I loved it yet I wanted to throw it against the wall when I finished it. It's one of those stories that you love yet you just want to scream. Ms. Dawn really knows how to draw her readers in and take them for a wild ride. There are so many emotions going through out this story that you have to just finish reading it because you need to know what happens. There are also several things that you JUST DIDN'T SEE COMING!

Will you get your happy ever after? You gotta read it to find out.

~~~~

Book Review: Under A Colder Sun

It's no secret that one of my favorite indie authors is Greg James. His writing style is one that is incomparable to any other, to me. Every time I read his words written on a page, I get drawn into the story and can't help but fall in love with the world he is creating and the tale he is telling, no matter then genre! His lyrical and poetic style of writing never gets old. Greg tells his tale in an eloquent manner which keeps you invested in the characters he is conveying. He gives you just enough of these characters to answer your questions but at the same time, leaves you wanting more. 

Under A Colder Sun: Khale the Wanderer Book 1 releases today for only $0.99 on Amazon. 

Greg James is also having a book release event today on Facebook. You can join in on the fun and get to learn a little bit more about Greg, and this story. Prepare for High Adventure. ;-)

Facebook link to the release party for Under A Colder Sun: https://www.facebook.com/events/658785644199600/

Synopsis:

A Grimdark Fantasy Adventure set in a world of Darkness and Chaos! 

Khale the Wanderer: dark warrior of legend, a reaver with a demon’s soul. 
King Alosse: ruler of Colm, willing to risk everything to save his city and its people. 
Princess Milanda: an innocent, kept pure since birth, unknowing of her fate. 
Neprokhodymh: the cursed city of sorcerers where Khale must make a choice that will scar him for life, or fall into darkness forever. 

What other readers said:

"Greg James has a wonderfully vivid and creative imagination which sets him apart from other writers in the Fantasy genre." Cherl Bradshaw, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Sloane Monroe Series 

"Greg James brings both his locations and characters to life with wonderful, descriptive prose perfectly balanced with a pulsating, relentless plot." Graeme Reynolds, Author of High Moor 

"I am hopeful that Greg James will shoot to the top of his class for the music in his words and the ideas that he so lavishly creates." - Janet Fix, Editor, The Word Verve Inc.

DISCLAIMER: I was given an ARC (advance review copy) of Under A Colder Sun in exchange for a review.

Under A Colder Sun is unlike any other book I've read where the villain is actually the hero. This tale is about Khale the Wanderer, who by all accounts, is evil and one should cower in his presence. Yet, at the same time, he ends up being the hero. But not the hero of fairy tales who saves the damsel in distress by slaying the dragon, no. He is a hero who has to do wrong in order to begin making things right. Khale is evil, yes, but in the end you will either grow to understand him and accept him as he is, or grow to wish him death. 

Greg James weaves an intricate tale of different characters trying to figure out their purpose in a world of chaos; a world that is dying all around them. This story is set in a time where you either fight to live or you just give up your soul and die.  

While the story is about Khale the Wanderer, it's hard to forget about one of the supporting characters that also give life to this story. Each of these characters have a tale to tell that explains why they are fighting for a better world. There is one character whom I fought with, in my head of course, the whole way through. She is integral to the story, yes, but she definitely irked me. While her view of the world was bleak, she was naive in her thinking of how easily she could fix things that were wrong. She had a black and white version of who Khale is and couldn't see past that. She was self centered and egotistical. Needless to say, she wasn't my favorite character. 

And that there is the beauty of Greg's writing. He creates these characters and gives them life, gives them meaning, a reason to exist. You will either love his characters or hate them. Either way, you are in for a great story. 

Under A Colder Sun is definitely a fantasy story meant for adults. Greg James does not sugar coat his words. He tells this story as the characters dictate and are meant to live. There will be more stories about Khale the Wanderer, as his story is not told in its entirety in Under A Colder Sun. 

Hello Summer!

Well, today is the last day of school for my boys.

What a fantastic year it was, too.

My oldest joined the school orchestra and started off by playing the cello but then switched to the violin. He did well with his instrument even though he didn't like it. He found himself wanting to quit and begged me to do so. We talked about it and hopefully a lesson was learned in when he starts something he needs to see it through completion. I won't force him to continue on next year.

He did amazingly well with his grades and received honors all year round. He was also in top class for his grade this year and was challenged academically, which I love.

My middle son did brilliantly well achieving Climbers Club honors and finished off the school year with regular honors. He's so mature that I would think that he was in the 3rd grade instead of 2nd. Yes, I do know what grade my child was in but he's so mature and socially intelligent that you'd think he was in a higher grade.

My youngest successfully completed the beginning of his school career, pre-k. He learned a lot in school this year. His speech got better through speech therapy. While he was still a little turtle peaking his head out of his shell through out most the school year, by the time the ending of the school year came about, he was as social as can be. He would even get into trouble for being silly in school. He matured and learned about friendship. He learned to follow directions and rules. He's well on his way to being successful in school.

The year did have its ups and downs but mostly its ups.  My boys all learned some new things, as well as I did.

As I reflect back on how this year was, it was successful, in part, because I was supportive of them.

In order for my boys to continue this way and not get "burned out" I need to be there for them. I need to be supportive. I need to keep the calm. I need to keep the balance between home and school fair.

My oldest said something that was very profound to me last night. He said "he feels more calm in school than when he is at home because when he comes home he goes crazy with not knowing what to do". He's only 10. I explained to him the reason he feels this way is because when he's home, he's not necessarily bound by a schedule that he was to keep. He has all this free time to do as he pleases and there's so much he wants to do that he can't decide and time goes by.

This conversation only reaffirmed for me my role as a parent. I am learning, and yes I do know this but practice is key, that routine and continuity is SO important for them.

So as much as my boys learned, academically, emotionally and socially this year in school, I also learned how important it is for me to be my boys' rock. I will continue to learn and grow with them because after all my goal for them is to be successful (in life) and well balanced human beings in this world.

Abby's Survival Blog Tour

The sequel to Liv's Existence

Love and Loss.

Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you?

Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it.

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK B&N

After reading Liv's Existence I knew that I needed to read Abby's Survival. There was no question about it. 

Abby's Survival picks up right where Liv's Existence left off. I was happy to know that there wasn't going to be any back story as I just wanted to dive right in with the story. 

Ms. Mooney does a fantastic job and telling both Olivia's and Abby's story from their respective point of views. Both Olivia and Abby had their unique voices and you could clearly tell whose story you were reading.

One of the things I truly loved about Abby's Survival is the strong and true bond of friendship. Both these women came together in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy that befell Olivia. However, Abby herself was living a concealed nightmare. Through the midst of Abby helping Olivia overcome some things, Abby herself gets help she deserves and needs. 

While Abby's Survival is a drama, it also has its moments of humor, happiness and suspense. There were moments when I was laughing out loud at some of the situations the characters found themselves in.

When they laughed, I laughed. When they were hurting, I was hurting. Whey they cried, I cried. As far as the suspense goes, I was beside myself because I couldn't believe what I was reading. 

Ms. Mooney did a beautiful job in bringing in all emotions and resolving the story to a beautiful and fulfilling ending. 

I truly enjoyed reading Abby's Survival and I definitely recommend it to others. Be sure to read Liv's Existence before reading Abby's Survival though. You won't be disappointed. 

   

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Liv's Existence + Abby's Survival Bundle $3.99 through May ONLY

AMAZON / ITUNES / BARNES & NOBLE

 

John stepped in and closed the door. “That isn’t the reception I was hoping for.” He locked the door.

“And what reception was that? I couldn’t get the parade together for you since you never called to tell me you were ever coming back.” I never looked up while I talked, but I had heard him lock the door and my excitement grew. If I looked up, he would’ve known I wanted him—despite how indifferent I was trying to be.

I should’ve kept my eyes on him. He was next to me before I knew it, and he startled me as he twirled my chair around and knelt down in front of me. “I like you in skirts, Abs.” He slid his hand up my thigh.

“Jo–John.” I stopped his hand. “You don’t get to ignore me for ten days and then come waltzing into my office expecting me to drop my panties for you.” I turned back to my desk, proud that I had stood my ground. I hadn’t done that before.

John sighed and got up to go back to the chair in front of my desk. “I’m sorry, Abby. I’m a fool that had to figure out a few things, but I figured them out, and I’m here now.” He watched me work in silence for a few minutes. “When can you get out of here, so we can have a proper celebration?”

“And just what are we celebrating?”

“Us.”

I didn’t know if I had heard him right. I wanted to jump over the desk and onto his lap, but I was scared that I had misunderstood what he was saying. I swallowed. “Us? What do we have to celebrate?”

“Why don’t we talk about that over dinner? So, when can you go?”

“Why do you automatically assume I’m free for dinner—or anything else, for that matter?” I was still pissed he hadn’t called for ten days and came in as if nothing had happened. 

“You’re pissed. I get it, and I deserve it. I’m in town for a few days, and if you change your mind, give me a call.” He was up and had the door open before he finished. 

“Are you going to call me back this time?” I was still hurt, but didn’t want him to leave.

“No, I’m going to answer and not let it go to voicemail. I really am sorry, Abs. When you want me, call me, and we’ll talk over dinner.” He turned and walked out. 

I stared at my phone. I wanted to call him back to the office desperately, but I didn’t want to seem too desperate. Who was I kidding? I picked up the phone.

He didn’t answer the phone, but stepped back into the doorway with a huge smile. “I thought you’d never call.” He locked the door again and was back by my side with just a few large steps. He lifted me out of my chair and put my arms around his neck. “This is the greeting you will greet me with from now on.” He slapped my ass and kissed me hard. “Understood?”

I grabbed the bulge in his jeans. “Keep ordering me around and slapping my ass like that, and I’ll never touch your little friend here again.” I squeezed. “Understood?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Completely.”

I tried to not smile, but failed. “You just took that as a challenge.” I turned back to my desk.

John grabbed me and pulled me to him. I placed my hands on his chest to brace myself for impact before I slammed into him. “I’m not finished with you yet.” He cupped my face and brought it to his. He kissed me so softly and sweetly that I had trouble catching my breath. I was glad to finally have something good steal breath from me. I gripped his shirt, trying to pull him closer. 

He stopped kissing me, but still held my face and looked in my eyes. He whispered, “I love you, Abigail Hughes.”

My eyes shot open wide as I tried to push on his chest. I needed to be out of his grip, but he wouldn’t let me go. “You can’t love me. I’m no good for you.”

He pulled me to him and wrapped his big arms around me. “It’s scary, isn’t it? To let yourself be this vulnerable with someone again takes a lot of trust—and I’m very happy and honored you decided to trust me.”

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B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

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You can buy both books as a bundle if you'd like: 

Amazon Liv's Existence http://myBook.to/LivsExistence Abby's Survival http://myBook.to/AbbysSurvival The Complete Liv Series http://myBook.to/TheCompleteLivSeries

B&N Liv's Existence http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/livs-existence-bl-mooney/1118609572?ean=2940148250074&itm=1&usri=2940148250074 Abby's Survival Not live yet The Complete Liv Series http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-liv-series-bl-mooney/1119469875?ean=2940149552863&itm=1&usri=2940149552863

iTunes Liv's Existence https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/livs-existence-liv-series-1/id816053444?mt=11 Abby's Survival https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/abbys-survival/id874735797?mt=11 The Complete Liv Series https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/complete-liv-series-livs-existence/id874735812?mt=11

Nurturing that Imagination

My youngest is going to be 5 years old in July. He is the baby of the house and will remain the baby since I closed down my baby making shop a few years ago.  Also, he knows he's the baby.

Lately, however, I've noticed a shift in him. He's maturing. It's a very gradual and slow change but I can see it. I'm sure it has a lot to do with him starting pre-k last fall. Even his teacher has noticed a change in him.

He's more open and vocal. His speech has improved exponentially. We can now understand what he says better as opposed to when he first started.

My most favorite change in him is his imagination. He's always had it but it seems more elaborate now. Like he's being more thoughtful with it. He's letting his imagination go and just having fun. Often times, I'll sit quietly, while I crochet and I'll just listen to him play and talk to himself or his toys.

He'll find something, anything and create a game out of it and I love it! And guess what? I give in to his imagination. I don't stifle it, unless it's something I consider dangerous. He tells me what he wants and we figure it out together or I give him the necessary tools, freedom to get it done. I want to nurture that imagination as much as possible, even if it means getting messy.

Here, he decided to make boats out of a receipt he found and a piece of cardboard. He was entertained for a while. The narrative that accompanied his playing was interesting to listen to.



I've also seen in him his nurturing, caring and compassionate side. He's always had it but it's coming out more. He has his bunny rabbit who's so aptly named Bunny Rabbit and that stuffed animal is probably his most favorite thing in the world (besides Mommy of course) yet he won't admit it is.

Bunny Rabbit has been dressed in my youngest's old baby clothes that I still had in his room.

Bunny Rabbit also a drawer (a box) where his clothes are kept.

Bunny Rabbit has an old bottle that he "drinks" out of. Bunny Rabbit even has a bed.

Bunny Rabbit is invited to a lot of places and often times tags along with us but he needs to be strapped in with a seat belt. Safety first and always.

My youngest does all this with Bunny Rabbit yet still knows that Bunny Rabbit is not real. I'll ask him questions about Bunny Rabbit and my youngest would say "he's not real". So, I think to myself: is my youngest still trying to hang on to being a baby through play with his bunny rabbit? and; I'm so glad to know that my youngest knows the difference between real and make believe but still doesn't let that knowledge hinder his imagination.

Bunny Rabbit is a very lucky bunny rabbit to have such a loving and caring friend in my son. I'm such a lucky mommy to have such a wonderful and caring little boy.

I'll Always Have Your Back

Recently, my youngest graduated from his tricycle to a bicycle with training wheels. Granted, he could have been on a bicycle long time ago since he's about to be 5 but hey we just recently acquired a very good one for him.

The first time he got on the bike it was like he's been doing this his whole life. He was so eager to get on that bike and start peddling. And he did it! Yes, he did have training wheels but he was going at it.

As the over protective mom that I am, I was there, nearby, with my hand at the small of his back. Just as a safety measure for him. Did he need me? No. All he was asking for was more pushes to get him going.

Once he got a better hang of it, he was coasting and cruising, as fast as his little legs allowed him, down the street. Yes, it was a very small area of the street in front our house.

He took several tumbles and I was there to catch the fall. He would say "I'm okay" or "That was close" in regards to his tumbles. He loves riding his bike. I see the joy it brings to his little face. I chase him in circles, making sure I am there. Hey, at least I'm getting some exercise in. Eventually, I will let go and not chase anymore. I suspect that he may be more ready than I am in doing this but for now, I'm not ready. I do maintain a distance where he is not stifled and can't ride his bike but still within arms reach.

All this while, I kept thinking to myself here is my baby growing up and knowing when he is okay and when he can continue going on. All I could think of is no matter what, I will always have your back. I will always be there for you. In one way or another, I will support you.

That support can be done in so many different ways. Right now, it starts with being physically present and emotionally present for my children.

I don't know what the future has in store for my boys BUT I do know that I will always be there.

I have to say that while this post is about my youngest. I want to dedicate it to all the children in my life, my own and those very close to me. I will always have their backs and be there for them.

Mommy, Just One Question

Every now and then, the inquisitive mind of my 10 year old gets in gear and starts thinking of all kinds of questions to ask.

Now, I love when he does this. It tells me that he's interested in learning about something. The questions do come at random times, mainly when they pop in his head. 

The only time that I dread these questions is morning time. Quite frankly, my brain is just on autopilot. It's just waking up. And to have to answer questions that require me to think of an appropriate answer, especially when it's not a straightforward answer, like 2+2=4, is work. 

I'll be honest, there are times that I tell him I can't answer that right now cause I'm not fully awake and not thinking right this morning. Sometimes we revisit the question, other times we don't. 

Now, there are times where he asks a question and gets more than he bargained for. I give him a nice, long and explained answer to whatever he asked. When I answer him like that, he gets this exasperated look on his face and says "oh not again". I love it. All he wants is a simple answer, I sometimes can't do simple. He knows this.

Now all this being said, I've yet to get the big question (well big question for me), "what is sex?". 

I'm slowly preparing myself for that conversation. It has to happen and soon. 

What big questions are you asked early in the morning that requires more brain power than you have at that moment to answer? 

My thinker... He loves to read. 

Abby's Survival Cover Reveal

The sequel to Liv's Existence Love and Loss. Two tiny words, each with their own powerful impact. They can both happen at any given moment and both can forever change your soul. It’s how you allow it to change you that matters. The hard part is finding a balance when the loss gets overwhelming. How do you do that when everyone you thought you couldn’t live without leaves you? Loss is inevitable. I’ve had enough in my life to know that much. Now I’ve just got to figure out how to survive it. Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.

I was so excited for Olivia and Kyle. I couldn’t wait to hear how her first weekend filled with sex was. It took time, but I knew it was worth the wait for both of them. She probably wouldn’t be as available since she finally let go with Kyle. Couldn’t say I blamed her, though. I wanted to be with John every chance I got. Just thinking about what he could do had me squeezing my legs together.

Pulling into Olivia’s apartment complex, I tried to get my thoughts back on her and Kyle. There was no way I could talk about John and me. This needed to be Olivia’s day and the attention needed to be on them. I just hoped Kyle didn’t insist on staying. It was really sweet of John to offer to come over and take Kyle out for a beer while Olivia and I talked. We just had to get Kyle to go.

Just as I started to enter Olivia’s building, emergency vehicles entered the parking lot. An ambulance, a fire truck, and several police vehicles—with full lights and sirens—screeched to a stop just feet from the door. I looked to my left as the building manager opened the door and shooed me out of the way. “I haven’t been up there yet, but I just saw her boyfriend. I tried to stop him, but he shoved me out of his way.” He stopped, and I could see on his face that it registered with him who I was. “You don’t want to go up there.”

“That’s fine, sir. We’ll handle it now.” Police and EMTs ran through the door and started up the stairs. One officer stayed down to talk to the manager, and I slipped through the door when he pointed out Olivia and Kyle’s cars.

My heart was beating fast. It had to be a mistake. There was no way they were talking about Olivia’s apartment. I reached Olivia’s floor and had just seen the last officer enter her apartment. I ran faster as I heard Kyle’s tortured voice at the end of the hall.

“Live, please, please live. I need you to live for me, for us. We can work through this. You just need to live, and I’ll do the rest.” Kyle was on the floor with her across his lap. He started sobbing as the medics tried to pry Olivia out of his arms.

I gripped the doorway. “No! No! No!” The medics pumped oxygen into Olivia’s lungs with a bag over her mouth, as they were yelling vitals to each other. They ran out of the room, leaving Kyle and me alone with the blood on the floor and police looking around. Trying to get Kyle off the floor, I yelled at him, “Come on, Kyle. We need to go. She needs us.”

He just cried and painfully clutched my legs. “She’s gone. How can she leave me? She can’t leave me!”

I tried again to get him up. “You need to go tell her that! We both need to tell her. Let’s go, now!”

Kyle struggled to get up, but he did. We ran into John coming down the hall. “What happened?”

Seeing John broke down what little strength I had and the room started spinning. I only hoped I no longer had to be the strong one. I started sobbing. “I don’t know. Her face was so swollen and there’s so much blood.” I pointed to Olivia’s apartment. He looked in at the scene and gasped as he took a step back.

“We have questions we need answered.” One of the officers came out of Olivia’s apartment.

“They’re going to have to wait until later,” John said, turning back to Kyle and me to escort us out. “We need to be at the hospital. You can ask us there or wait until we’re ready to come in, but now we are going to the hospital,” he yelled over his shoulder.

“One of us will need to follow you there.”

John never turned around as we headed toward the stairs. “Do what you must, but we’re leaving.”

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / AMAZON

B.L. Mooney started writing when the voices and storylines in her head ran out of room. They were getting too cramped and neither B.L. nor the characters could take it anymore, so she did the only thing she could do--she made room. She always knew she wanted to write, but vowed to make time for it later. Now that she's made time for writing, most everything else falls to the wayside. That seems to suit the characters that keep popping up just fine.

B.L. lives in the Midwest and her other talents include in-demand cookies, a very dry sense of humor, and stealth eavesdropping. Some mannerisms, attitudes, or twists come from random sentences picked up while passing by strangers. So speak up the next time you have something to gossip about. You never know, it may just end up on the pages of the next book you read.

AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / BARNES & NOBLE

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Ten Random Stuff About Me....

Well, I saw two blog posts from bloggers (crocheters) I follow who shared ten things about themselves and I decided to go for it and do one myself.

Thank you to Sedie, Yarn Obsession, and to Lorene, Cre8tion Crochet.

So for Day 13 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge, here goes...

1.  I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

2. Though I was born in New York, I grew up in St. Croix, USVI and will always consider myself an island girl at heart. 

3. I graduated with an Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts degree but I prefer working with preschool children. 

4. Even though I LOVE reading, I also love watching TV. 

5. Considering that I am scared of doing things that can potentially hurt me, like getting a scrape on my knee or breaking a bone (never done that), I desperately want to go skydiving.

6. I have a very real fear of centipedes. I got bit/stung by one and it was the worst pain I've ever experiences. Yes, worse than childbirth. 

7. I have a very real and irrational fear of zombies. Yet, I still watch The Walking Dead and I love the show.

8. I love meeting people even though I still consider myself shy. 

9. I had a miscarriage in between my second and youngest son. Even though we knew nothing could be done and we would miscarry, the baby stop developing, it was still painful.

10. When I love, I love hard and deep, just ask my husband. 

There you have it. Not that you asked for any of this but I just wanted to share. Enjoy.

Love Spring!

I love that Spring is finally here!

This has been a really long Winter. I've been stateside for 12 years now and still can't get used to the extremely cold weather. I don't always complain because I made the choice to live where I live. However, this Winter has been brutal! For me, at least. I'm an island girl. I grew up in the hot sunshine and cool tradewinds blowing everyday. So, to have experienced as cold a Winter as we had this year was a first for me. Hey, at least I did it, right?

Now that Spring is finally here, I am more than happy. I'm elated! The mornings are still cool but the sun shines on you and warms you up. Everything has new life. New beginnings. A promise of a new day (as cliche as that sounds).

One of my favorite things of Spring and Summer, is that I can now save a bundle on electricity. I installed a clothesline on my deck. Best. Thing. Ever!

Laundry days are the bane of my existence. Well, I exaggerate, cleaning the kitchen is. However, laundry day ranks right up there. BUT crazy as it sounds, I love hanging clothes to dry on the line. So, laundry days are made more bearable when I can use the clothesline. It's therapeutic to me when I hang clothes to dry.

So, here's to good Spring days ahead that allow me to use the clothesline for awesome laundry days!

Day 12 of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge.

Trekking for Veterans - 1VoiceTrekking

Every year, there's a group of adventurous men and women who hike upwards 40, 50 or 60 miles along Appalachian and Catoctin Trails, with an incredible organization, 1VoiceTrekking.

What is +1 Voice Trekking, you ask?

"1VT is an organization that seeks to link people and causes, through extreme hiking and outdoor adventure.  Our main focus is to bring about awareness and connect people in unique social interactions while experiencing nature." - A. Chris Morales, Director of Adventure, 1 Voice Trekking

I've been able to support this organization in the past by donating to their coat and blanket drive that benefitted Voices for Children. 

This year, I'm supporting their latest effort, Racing4Veterans, through a monetary donation. 

The fun thing about this organization is that while the participants are supporting and raising awareness to the different charities they donate to, they are also challenging and pushing themselves past the limit through these grueling and intense hikes. They get to support great causes by being part of an invaluable experience.

If you'd like to donate to 1VoiceTrekking and benefit Racing4Veterans you can do so by going their Crowdrise page and donating: http://www.crowdrise.com/1VTforR4V/fundraiser/chrismorales

Also, if you live in the area and would like to participate in the hike, go the 1VoiceTrekking's website to find out more.

Thank you for considering in being part of a support team.

What If I Told You.....

What if I told you you these little precious moments in life with our children are fleeting and will last for just a few years....

What if I told you you can capture these little moments and remember them for a while....

What if I told you just one minute of your day while help you achieve that.

I was at a loss of what to write about for Day 10 of the Ultimate Blogging Challenge when I came across a post on Google+.

I decided to share it, if only to serve as a reminder for me that my boys are continuously growing and every moment spent with them is precious.

Not my image. 

Liquid Gold, What My Life's All About

Bleary eyed, I shuffle out the bed.

My feet are heavy laden with sand and stone as they drag across the floor.

My body is not awake yet, my mind is controlled by that little voice of morning survival.

Repeating a mantra of desperation: Coffee, coffee, coffee, coffee.

I don't know how I made it to the kitchen.

As if on cue, my brain begins to fire up some neurons like an engine begging for gas.

My arms take control.

Take out the coffee, open the percolator, pour water in reservoir, put coffee in filter, turn on stove, put percolator on stove, walk away.

Blinking rapidly, my eyes open, that aroma filling the air is dark, strong and inviting.

My brain is halfway there, the fumes are giving it life, not yet though.

My ears perk up at the sound of the bubbling liquid gold spewing into the percolator.

Magically, a mug appears in my hand and is filled to the brim.

My tongue can hardly stand it, it is begging to have that hot, steaming, strong liquid take over my mouth.

Not yet, my brain is warring with my tongue, my tongue wants to taste it now, my brain wants to savor that first sip. Remember that first time.

Like an addict, I tremble to bring that mug to my lips.

I want to tip the mug back at the risk of getting burned, not too fast though, no, not yet.

As I lift that mug to my mouth, I inhale and fill my nose with that smell that only coffee addicts have come to know and love. It can't be explained.

That liquid gold touches my lips, like a broken dam the coffee rushes through my lips and covers my tongue.

What's this euphoric feeling? Ecstasy? Heaven? My body quickens and then stills.

Finally, I know now what life's all about.... Coffee.

D.


My attempt at poetry. Not the best but it's mines. :-) This is what coffee does to me. This post is day the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

A Quick Lesson On Gender Equality

"You're turning us into girls." My oldest said when I was telling them what they needed to do after their homework. "Excuse me?" I asked. (Though inside I was screaming WHAT?!) "You're not letting us be wild and have fun and instead want us to clean." he answered.

I suspect the problem was not turning them into girls but the NOT letting them be wild and have fun part. Nevertheless, after this brief exchange did the lecture on gender equality began. I explained how boys and girls can both do the same things, it doesn't matter if they're a boy or a girl.

It's amazing how children learn from their home life. I'm a stay at home mom, so I do most of the cleaning around here and my husband works. There are things that he does but my boys are usually in school when this happens, so they don't witness it.

I had to calmly explain, albeit I was getting heated, how just because they don't see their dad doing any cleaning around here doesn't mean he doesn't. Also, it's perfectly fine and expected for boys to do cleaning and things he "thinks" only girls do and vice versa. I said girls can be fun and wild too. He said that the girls in his class are not like that. I explained that it's okay because that their choice but, once again, just because he doesn't see it doesn't mean it can't or doesn't happen.

I explained to him what sexism and discrimination is. Yes, that may have been over the top but he's old enough to start understanding what those things are. It was a perfect opportunity to have this conversation and a teachable moment.

All I want for my boys are to be fair, just, honest, trustworthy, loving, kind, respectful and well rounded individuals. I have no doubt that they are well on their way to becoming those individuals. But when I hear those types of comments, I need to make sure that they understand what's okay and what's not. If I allow them to believe that girls and boys can't do the same things, then I am contributing to what's wrong with gender equality in this world today. I don't want them to fall into the mentality that just because they are men and are working, they don't have to contribute to the keeping of the house.

If I had a girl, I would tell her that she can do anything a boy can do. So, why can't I explain to my boys that boys can do anything a girl can do.

I don't consider myself to be a feminist but I do believe that gender equality is important but above that, human equality is most important of all.

I am also linking up on Things I Can't Say Blog on her Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays. I've done this once before and loved it.

Day 8 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

On My Reading List

I'm you're like me, you have a never ending reading list. I'm a book hoarder and I'm proud to say it. I love my books. I love my reading. There's not a day that goes by without me reading, even if it's just one page of a book.

The e-reader and reading apps have been the best inventions ever, for me at least. I have books on my Nook app, my Kindle app, my Google Play Books app, my Aldiko app and other several e-reading apps. It's to the point where I sometimes don't know what to choose to read. Luckily, because I review books, the choice is taken away from me.

Currently, I'm reading Spark by K.C. Stewart.

Copywriter by day, nerd by night, Hailey Holloway is living the post college dream. Her life may not be flashy and exciting but it’s enough for her. After a late night at work, Hailey stumbles upon two Dragons brawling in the middle of Philadelphia. In an act of kindness and lapse of sanity, she comforts the Dragon who was left behind to die. In doing so she inadvertently invited the soul of Dacea into herself for safe keeping. Hailey just wants to live her life as simply and quietly as possible but with the voice of a disembodied Dragon in her head, she has little hope of achieving her goal.

Dacea will do anything to be free of Hailey, a human who is moments from checking herself into a psychiatric ward. He is grateful to be alive, but at what cost to his sanity? The Dragon world is in upheaval. Green is at war with Red, and he is of no use to anyone while stuck with Hailey.

The solution to their problem is not without its risks. But just how far will Hailey go to be free of the Dragon?




Next, I have to Patience by Sydney Lane.

Jenna Ryan is the kind of girl everyone wants for a friend. Her spunky and carefree outlook on life often leads to trouble of the best kind. She's not afraid to speak her mind, and when it comes to her friends, she's fiercely loyal and protective. When she met Eric, she knew immediately he was her forever, but why was he holding back?

Eric James is the epitome of a Greek God. He parties hard while trying to meet the expectations of his overachiever parents. When he met Jenna, sparks flew, and he knew he'd met his match. 

But Eric is hiding a small secret. When Jenna finds out, these two will embark on a wild and hilarious journey to torture each other into submission.

Who will win? And who will learn the true meaning of... Patience?

***Patience is a Jenna and Eric novella with approximately 30k words. It can be read as a stand alone but is much better after reading Choices or Fate.



Spark is a good book so far. I'm really enjoying it. I'll have my review up once I'm done with it.

Patience should be a good book. I've read both Choices (you can read my review of Choices here) and Fate. Both were good stories. So, I'm looking forward to reading Patience.

This blog post is day 7 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge that I'm doing.