Julie Elizabeth Powell

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Hello everyone. If you haven't guessed by now I have a passion for words and have eleven books published...all thanks to 'lulu', much hard work and sleepless nights. My eldest daughter has flown the nest and is married to a man who doesn't mind his mother-in-law though my son is still fluffing his feathers. My middle child is off on a mysterious adventure, the like of which I can only guess...and tried to do so in my first book, Gone. I love to read and am looking for ways to double time so to indulge in the mysterious and wonderful and delicious and strange...my favourite kind of story. Writing is my passion, though I enjoy creating handcrafted cards, jewellery making, scrapbooking and dabbling in encaustic art whenever I can. Oh yes, I used to teach or mark exam papers but now concentrate on writing and enjoying my new life, which materialised, as if by a miracle. Though still dislike all those necessary domestic chores that would, for me, be included in the Rings of Hell! That's it. Thank you to anyone who reads my books...enjoy the flight!


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Interview with Julie:
 1. What subject did you teach before you became a writer?
         I taught English, Information Technology mainly.
2. What is your least favorite domestic chore?
        Anything domestic!
3. In A Murderer's Heart, you have this almost uncanny ability to see into the human psyche, did you spend hours doing research? interviewing people?
        I've always been fascinated by how the mind works and over the years I've learned /experienced many things.    I don't spend hours researching, as most of it is in my brain /instinctive, but if I need to research a particular area, the Internet makes it easier.
4. Your fantasy books are so different from your suspense books,  do you do different things when you are writing different genres? listen to different music, write in a different room?
          My favourite genre for writing is fantasy, because I can use my imagination and don't have to stick to any rules.  I love making up anything about everything, it's fun and there are no limits.  I do like the challenge of trying other genres /mixing them too.  I write in silence, whatever the story, but the ideas flow from wherever I am, especially in dreams.
5. What is encaustic art?
              Encaustic Art is using an iron with wax to create pictures.  It's great fun and no picture is ever the     same.  There are many techniques that can be used with different parts of the iron and it's a fabulous medium for 3D and fantasy art.  I used one of my pictures for my recent book (psychological thriller /fantasy) Lost Shadows.
6. What author or authors have influenced your writing the most.
              My favourite authors are Dean Koontz and Stephen King because I like the mystery that surrounds them.  Whether or not they influence me I'm not sure, as everything influences /inspires me.

Books:

Andi has always been anxious about her weight and like many women, thinks that unless she is thin, she has no value. Follow her 'misadventures' and see if this is true or will she find there are more important things that makes a person who and what they are?
   

Twelve-year-old Jack knows they shouldn’t go but is unable to persuade his parents not to take the planned trip to the Lake District. Something was going to happen but what? The weird feelings he had were always so fuzzy and they didn’t always make sense. Maybe it was just because he’d have to spend time with his pampered cousin, Rosie? Anyway, it was nearly Christmas and what could go wrong with just staying in some cabin in the woods? He was being stupid…all he had to do was ignore the way his belly churned and his head pounded. He might be wrong after all
 

Nobody expects to lose a child but when it happens what can we do? In the sea of grief that seizes the soul how can we swim against the tide? But when that loss is compounded in each minute of every day, what do we do then? Slings and Arrows is a story about the consequences of a moment, a moment, which separates a mother and daughter in ways impossible to imagine. It charts their parallel lives, each suffering, one knowing, one not. It is brutally honest; an account filled with bewilderment, guilt, anger and pain yet it also holds the key to hope. That whatever happens, the bonds of love can never be broken
 

Anne Blake, psychiatrist, is good at her job and believes that even the most sick at heart can be cured...or at least saved enough that they can lead a better life. But maybe she's wrong? Maybe within a murderer's heart, evil lurks and nothing can be done except to save yourself?

A two year old girl's heart stops and she dies but is brought back too late, her memories wiped, character vanished. One question haunts her mother's anguished mind: Where had her daughter gone? This story is one answer to that question. Inspired by truth.
 

Not only had Adam lost his parents in a car crash, but he’d also forgotten who he was. Pamela is haunted by the patient who was murdered by her father. Barbara and Mike have mysterious secrets. Harry seeks solace at the bottom of a glass. And why is Mildred so afraid? While Helen’s mind gathers dust, Lizzie mourns the loss of her, and her husband. Both Penny and Jane are frantic to find their daughters, if in different ways. Rick wonders what to do about his family. And who is William? Most are strangers, all are haunted by darkness – does this unite them, or is it something they must do that will free them? Will they find what is lost?
 

Jorja always knew she was different. But it wasn’t until she discovered her telekinetic ability that she realised just how different she was. Living with her frail mother and an obsessive, cruel and hated aunt, Jorja grapples with the truth of her being. As her story is revealed, other powers are uncovered – not least that she can see other people’s souls in the colours that surround them – and we are led into a surprising and shocking world of fantasy, forcing doubt as to the sanity of the heroine. We follow Jorja’s life, delving into her loves, hates and fears though cannot help but delight in the woman she becomes, despite the question which hangs mysteriously in the air. It will be up to the reader to decide if Mageia and its diverse inhabitants are indeed real or only the illusionary world created by a disturbed mind, due, not only to grief but also to her persecution by her aunt and the defective qualities of a barbarous doctor. Although the story is resolved, questions will remain.
 

I couldn’t resist putting together all those little ideas that have popped into my mind then out onto paper as the years have flown. Most have fallen by the wayside into the bin of ‘of my’ but some stayed and here they are. These pieces have also tested my abilities and certainly stretched my brain towards a variety of genres, styles and ways of looking at the world and the people in it. From comedy to a touch of horror, romance, fantasy and fun to solemn, and maybe some things in between – I’ve had a go. Hope you like this collection – how could I help but indulge; like that first piece of dark chocolate and sip of rich, steaming coffee, while snuggling with my soul mate on a freezing winter’s night? Enjoy
 

What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things? Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, The Star Realm. Follow the exploits of the five and champion their long, arduous yet amazing journey. But a question remains…will Time be on their side? This story is for anyone with a head overflowing with dreams, a heart filled with a yearning for adventure and a soul buoyant in magic
 

The children are once again called by the Time Keeper of Avalon and find themselves within the Orb of Caprice, this time joined by Daisy, Billy’s unsuspecting grandmother, where, together, they must find the Key of Light, if all their worlds are to be saved before DarkStar gains control. The corrupted land of the Dark Reaches is full of mysterious and forbidding creatures, testing friendships and resolve as they battle through this fragmented world in an effort to complete their quest. Faced with these dangers, they have the added worry about what may have happened to Kimeranet, who has disappeared without a trace. As the puzzle unravels, not least about Kimeranet’s past, a further mystery develops, as the travellers discover part of the Legend of the Kraal, and meet Kaarvok ... but should they trust him? And can they remain united as they struggle through this newly found world? Follow this next adventure and see if they can again successfully fight to save their friend and home.
 

Secrets Of The Ice is the last of the epic journey for Davie, Ben, Chrissie, Billy, Anne and Daisy. It sees them battle against unrelenting odds within the Dominion of Ice, where they must find the thirteen pieces of the Mystical Pyramid before Lokian can use it to unleash DarkStar and so to bring Elsewhere under its thrall. There is something they do not realise, however, something that goes back further than the creation of Avalon, but will the secrets be unravelled in time and be enough to show them what they must do and what sacrifices must be made? Delve into the mystery and find out if they can do it. The Avalon Trilogy


 







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The Merman 18+

This review is for 18+ readers only

 

There are horrors in the sea, that we can't even imagine........
Ben and Lisa went out sailing to have a good time. When they fall asleep on the boat is when the horror begins.
At the dead of night, a Merman comes to find his sexual pleasure. With a combination of pain and lust he seeks his treasure and inflects his will.
The question is will Lisa and Ben survive the night?
This is a horror erotica tale. It contains horror, forced seduction, fantasy rape, and much more

Review

Warning this is horror erotica and is definitely not going to be for everyone.

For some reason the genre appeals to somewhere within me, I don’t like to analyse to deeply why. I just do, to me I can take read this for the fictional horror story that it is. So in saying that, lets get on with the review….

This is my favourite Nikita King book to date!! Scary as, and I mean scary, you will be disturbed and appalled. The forced sex scenes are brutal and bloody. It is very visually descriptive, so make sure you are tucked safely into bed and maybe have your light on, this book is not for the faint of heart.I loved how there was limited talking in this book and it was all internal monologue, the inner panic of Ben and Lisa seemed more real than just screams and the non caring thoughts of the Mermen, were perfect, just perfect.
Poor Ben and Lisa, this is not a happy ending, in fact it is a complete nightmare, but it is Horror people!! Do not read if you do not like rape, torture, and gang banging (vicious, but got help me I loved it) .
The scene with Ben underwater (poor Ben, but at least he got his rocks off first, eek) with Arius, oh my!
I do not want to let people know what happens but really research this before reading.
It won't be for everyone, but it definitely was for me :)  

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Wilde Ride-18+

Following review and giveaway is for 18+ readers.

 

   

An embarrassing run-in leaves her wanting more.

Ella Scott, ready for a change and the chance to escape family tragedy, heads to familiar Del Mar, California after her college graduation.

No one could prepare her for what she’d find.

After starting her new job as a high school teacher, a scary encounter with local thugs and a co-worker’s unwanted advances and attention, send Ella into the arms of local bar owner Ryder Wilde.

But Ryder comes with his own complications. As president of his motorcycle club, Mayhem, Ryder must choose between his biker family’s plans and whatever chance of a future he has with Ella.
****I was given a  copy of this book in exchange for my honest review****

Review

Ella has just graduated from college and is off to Del Mar to start her first teaching job, when she goes out for drinks with a co-worker and sees Ryder. She has been lusting after Ryder since she embarrassed herself in front of him and his MC club last summer. Ryder has been thinking about Ella since their run in as well and when she walks into his bar he knows he has to have her. Ella is fighting off unwanted advances from a co-worker and trying to deal with Ryder and what it means to be the old lady to the President of an MC club. Ryder has to figure out what is more important to him, his club, which is his family or having a life with Ella. I really liked this book, the heroine Ella is a bit annoying, and I wanted her to be stronger than she was, but she was cute and extremely funny at times. Ryder is a bad ass biker man; he cares for Ella and fights to keep her in his life. They are both trying to figure out how to make a real relationship work, figure out who is stalking Ella, navigate the world of a motorcycle club and trying to keep jealousy from ripping them apart. This book was a big surprise for me, when I read that it was created by three friends because of a joke, my first thought was this is either go to be cringe worthy bad or really freakn good. It was really freakn good; you can't tell that the book was written by three different people because everything fits together so well. The storyline is interesting and the characters are so funny, Payton, Ella’s best friend, had me cracking up from the second she arrived in Del Mar until she left. Jack, oh the hunky biker Jack, he is what your mom warned you about when she told you to stay away from bad boys. There was an epilogue, I won't say much about it because I don't want to spoil things for readers, but I have to applaud the authors, cliffhangers are the bane of my existence and this epilogue almost made me cry simply because I wasn't left with any questions about Ella and Ryder. I really liked this book and I can't wait to see what other adventures theses three ladies can come up with.

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A Song for Julia

     

    

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.  Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.   When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Review    

I didn’t know how to say no Oh Julia, where did you go?

Charles Miles-Sheehan can write. This is the second book of his I have read and I am sure it will not be the last. The story of Julia and Crank was set in the year 2002, just one year after 9/11. I loved how Sheehan tied the whole storyline into the events of this time; from the circumstances of Julia and Cranks first meeting, to the jobs their Fathers have, just the whole atmosphere of life at this time felt so palpable through Charles’ writing.

All of the characters in this book were written with such depth and intensity. I fell in love with Sean, Crank’s 17-year-old brother who has Asperger’s syndrome. Crank’s Dad, Jack and his estranged Mother, Margot and all of the Morbid Obesity band mates, were pivotal to Julia and Crank getting together and this union was not an easy road.

Julia and Crank are both very damaged and have built many walls of survival due to the circumstances of what happened in their lives.

Julia’s story is especially gut-wrenching and it was difficult to relive her pain, but through Crank’s friendship and love, Julia started to let the walls fall and start to live her life for her and not for her parents.

There really is nothing I can write that would do this book justice, you just need to experience the beauty of this love story for yourself.

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Recipe for Satisfaction 18 +

The following review is for 18+ readers.

Being the financial caretaker for her deadbeat parents isn’t the life professional organizer Sterling Andrews dreamed of. Tired of being the dependable—and boring—daughter, Sterling decides to have a little fun. And what could be more fun than seducing rich bad boy chef, Jack Vaughn? Except, after one scintillating night together, Sterling’s not only lusting for Jack, she’s working for him. And remaining professional becomes harder every day.
Already a major success thanks to his exclusive restaurants, Jack Vaughn is looking for something more. Ultra responsible Sterling is unlike anyone Jack has met…but she’s his employee. Unwilling to give her up, Jack makes Sterling an offer she can’t refuse—for four sexy weekends, he’ll indulge her most wicked fantasies with no professional strings attached. But will mixing business with pleasure spell disaster? Or will they find the recipe for satisfaction?

Review

This book was a surprise and a real little gem!
Gina Gordon, please tell me we will be seeing more from the Makewood brothers!!
I can just see a beautiful little series being made from this family of men.
Brothers by circumstance we have, Finn, Cole, Neil and Jack, all taken from foster care to live with, wealthy woman Vivien Makewood. She helps these boys grow into the men they are, she loved them and they loved her back. Unfortunately when you start this book, their mother has just passed away from a long battle with breast cancer. All the boys are feeling it..
Beautiful, caring, "doormat" Sterling, has been taken advantage of by her parents since she can remember. Her parents are gambling addicts and are in debt up to their eyeballs and dragging Sterling down with them.
The poor girl needs some fun and this is where Jack comes in. Bad boy Jack has a reputation as a ladies man and all around hedonist. Sterling is tired of being responsible all the time and it getting her no where, so they make a deal to "help" each other. This is where the book got fun, this is where the book got steamy.
The back and forth conversations between the couple were lively. Jack was the perfect gentlemen but also hot and dangerous, the perfect date for Sterling, broadening her horizons, getting her to let her hair down.
The steam factor was zinging; Jack is a master at looking after the ladies, if you know what I mean. Very caring, just what you want in a man.
So my amusement level was very high, I was well entertained and well satisfied.
Very pleasant read, I would recommend it to all those who love a nice contemporary romance.

 

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DeAnna Marie Kinney

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About the Author

I am a wife and mother of three, ages ranging from 4-17. I consider myself as fun-loving and a bit peculiar. Besides writing, I love reading, the color purple, Star Wars, decorating on a budget, and dancing while I cook(I can see my kids rolling their eyes as we speak). I believe whole-heartedly that chocolates and a good book go hand in hand. And, having experienced it myself, believe utterly in the power of true love. I am very hands-on with my fans and thrive on their interaction. My upcoming works include: Charity Series Book 3(Not yet titled) And maybe something about Zombies, Bullying, Vampires, and perhaps the end of the world, although not necessarily in that order.
Links to DeAnna: Goodreads  Facebook

Interview with DeAnna

1. Why YA? Well, for years I’ve had a strong connection with teens, and when my son came into his teens and started hanging with girls, I found the connection even stronger. However, I never intentionally meant to write YA. It just worked out that way, but I have found that I love it the most. For one, I can write about the love relationship without all the intimate details.
2. Why did I have Charity die and come back to life? It’s funny about the way I write, when I start a work I let the inspiration flow through me without knowing where the story is heading. Sometimes I’m just as surprised as anybody where it actually leads. That’s what happened with that scene. I never intended for her to die at all, the scene sort of wrote itself that way and I loved it. I know that sounds strange, but I AM a little peculiar after all.
3. I wrote Kitty and Reed’s story with the intent that this would be it for them. But so many people are really liking them, and I find myself re-evaluating that decision. So to answer, we’ll have to wait and see on that one.
4. Which Star Wars movie is my favorite? I totally love the original 3 movies. Probably The Empire Strikes Back is my ultimate favorite. I give homage to them in all of my books, lol.
5. How would I define true love? That’s a tough one. For me it’s not so much the ‘falling in love’, but the ‘living in love’. It’s easy to fall in love when someone is giving off their best impressions and behaviors. It’s living every day with that person even when their behavior is less than appealing. For me, it’s more about unconditional love and acceptance. Love is not a feeling, it’s a commitment. (Okay, don’t I feel really smart right now.)
6. Do I have a release date for Charity Series Book 3? Not yet, but I am working on it now. All I can tell you for sure is that there will be a story about Raven as well as one about Eli. I am hopeful that it will be ready before summer.
7. What books am I currently reading? I just finished the book, Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves Trilogy, #1.) It was pretty good. I’m trying to decide if it was good enough to pick up Book 2.
8. What is my favorite chocolate? That’s easy. If you’ve read Charity Moon you will recognize this….Godiva chocolate truffle. Hands down that’s the best!!

Books 

Charity Bell is eighteen, beautiful, and has an unyielding chip on her shoulder. The loss of her father and betrayal of her stepfather have left her angry and confident that no man will ever win her trust, or possess her heart. She wears that declaration proudly--on her countenance, as well as her sharp tongue. That's all tested when the enchanting Levi Drake transfers from her rival school across town. In a town divided by intense rivalry this should mean trouble, and yet the school is quickly won over by his alluring charm. When a strange encounter with the mysterious young man leaves Charity bewildered, she's convinced he's hiding something and sets out on a dangerous plot to discover his secret. What she uncovers, however, will leave her both grasping for reality and hanging onto the tattered shreds of what's left of her declaration. As she faces the demons of her past, and present, she must decide if she can live, or die, with his.

In this fast-paced, two-part sequel Charity is finally settling into her new role as alpha female to the Drake pack. With Prom and Graduation approaching, this should be the best time of her life, but something is wrong with Levi—dangerously wrong. With his odd behavior growing daily and her now blackening connection symbol, Charity is spurred into action. It’s a race against time, and any delay could result in the death of the only man she can ever love. Can she save him in time? If so, will their undying love and a stronger-than-ever heart connection be enough to withstand the damage created? This installment in the Charity Series is fully loaded with everything from unlikely alliances, battles and romance, to humor, mystery, and even betrayal, as well as a few other surprises along the way. You have officially been warned.

For almost four years, Kitty Langley has been part of a ‘mean girls’ group called the Bee Hives, the most hated and feared girls at West Windrake High. That is until she witnesses their relentless attack on her former childhood friend. Making a drastic decision, she takes a stand against the dreaded B’s and thus becomes their new enemy and number one target. Now an outcast, not only of the B’s but of the entire school, she will have to pull from her inner strength as she prepares for the persecution she will face in the name of revenge. Reed Reynolds is not looking for trouble. He just wants to get through his senior year and work on his music in peace. But when he mistakenly kisses Kitty Langley at their annual Masquerade Dance, he is both appalled and intrigued, never having experienced a kiss so powerful. Reed soon finds himself drawn in by this new Kitty and her tolerance for her so called ‘deserved punishment’. But will he endanger himself to defend her against the B’s and the entire school in the name of honor—or more importantly, in the name of love? A Charity Series Novella, or a stand-alone
                                                          

An Inspirational Romance Lily is 23 and on top of the world. Her wedding planning business is thriving, her beautiful Victorian home is organized, just like the rest of her life, and her rose garden is flourishing. She is in no way looking for a man to complicate her manicured life. Her faith is strong, and she couldn’t be happier. Lucas is 24 and miserable. Having just been thrust into stardom with the release of his first blockbuster film, he’s running from paparazzi and screaming girls all who want a piece of his flesh. In a desperate attempt to get a grip on his fast declining life, he runs away to a small town, hoping to go unnoticed. But Jasper, North Carolina has a few surprises of its own. On one fateful night, their two, opposite worlds will collide, and they will have to fight against all odds to protect the kind of love that changes a soul forever. This is a sweet romance filled with passion, near-death experiences, a tormenting stalker, a hostage crisis, and much more!




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Killing Time 18+

The following review is for 18+ readers

 

   

An exciting new series featuring Mike "Primetown" Brown, a character from her popular "Black Ops, Inc." series.

For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different--until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike's team--which included her husband--in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she's determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn't trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can't live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose

 ******I received this book as an Arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.******

Review

Where to start? This is my first novel from this author and what a way to start? Cindy Gerard, thank you! Thank you for writing a romantic suspense book the way it’s supposed to be! It has a great plotline with great characters. Plus you managed to add something else into the mix that was just perfect and that was the humor. I don't think I have had this much fun reading a romantic suspense book ever!! Usually I am on the edge of my seat, biting my nails with no relief until the end. Well I was still on the edge of my seat; however, Mike (amazing character) was there to balance things out for me.

"So", he said, wanting to move her out of that place,” want to talk about the elephant in the room?" He glanced at the bed, then at her, then wiggled his eyebrows.

Mike Primetime Brown equals damaged, caring, funny, smart mouthed, protective. He was just a little different I think from the usual alpha, carrying a gun and telling the girl what to do.
However that could be because of Eva, she was not your average heroine. She was great, smart, ballsy, definitely not a break down in the face of danger kind of gal. I loved her. The interactions between these two were addictive, they had real chemistry and that is something that stepped this book up from good to awesome and memorable.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here, he whispered against her hair “and guess that was good for you".
She weakly pounded once on his chest” Shut up. You know you destroyed me"
He cupped her head in his big hands and kissed her hair,” In a good way, right?"
She found the strength to push up on an elbow. "You can't help yourself. You have to gloat don't you?"

This book is so quotable, so many brilliant lines.

I know I am going on and on about the humor in this book, but that doesn't mean it wasn't serious and emotional. My heart broke for Mike at the beginning; he was a man who has lost everything. A career Navy man, patriotic and used as a scapegoat, made to shoulder the blame. Leader of the One Eyed Jacks, he carries the guilt of his fellow brothers deaths and also feels the anger and loathing of those who lived.
" The hell I did These four words whispered by our MC about broke my heart. So yes, emotional.

Eva and Mikes dangerous struggle to find the truth and justice is a good one. Having to rely on each other, begrudgingly to begin with, trust one another, it was lovely to watch their relationship bloom. Through doing that, Mike came out of his shell and healed.
You scare me to death Eva. You..... make me feel things and want things.... and realize that I need things I've never let myself need before.
It is wonderful to watch these two crazy kids fall in love.

I am really looking forward to seeing where this series will go. Taggart and Cooper, Mikes brothers in arms are interesting characters should make for great books.
Thank you again Cindy Gerard, I will be making my way throw your others books quite soon, I think :)

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Running on Empty

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I had the perfect life. Beautiful and loving husband. Three gorgeous little girls. Successful career. The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence. Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse. But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle. There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down. Absolutely no way. The question is… How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?

Links: Amazon   Barnes and Noble Goodreads 

Excerpt:

I turn my hand over and stroke his cheek. He puts his head down and I force him to look at me again.

“Shh, Blake. That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any of that right now. Derek’s death was tragic. It was heartbreaking. It was too much for me some days. But you listen to me. There is nothing you could have done if you were here that would have protected me from that pain. You need to know that. You need to believe that. I’m not going to waste time rehashing this crap, especially now that I finally have you back in my life. It happened. It’s over. I’m fine. End of story. I refuse to listen to you tear yourself up over something you had no control over.”

He says nothing more. He just grabs my wrist and pulls my body into his, being careful not to hurt my hand. He rests his cheek on top of mine and whispers solemnly into my ear, “Never again, Alex. Never. Again.”

He leaves his cheek against mine and I feel his breath in my ear. He wraps his big arms around me and we stay like that for some time. The warmth from the closeness of our bodies and the heat of his breath in my ear cause my heart rate to triple. Yet, with my heart beating a million miles a minute, I feel a strange calm. I want to let go of everything. I want to sink my body into his and let him be strong for me. I want to let him take my pain, my sadness, my exhaustion…everything that keeps me from being truly happy. I want his arms to stay around me… his warmth and protection. But as a familiar lump forms in my throat, I know this will never happen.

I can’t allow it.

I won’t allow it.

Blake is more right than he could possibly know.

Never. Again.

About the Author

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science. She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.

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