Monthly Archives: February 2014
Rare Disease Day
Today, February 28th, is Rare Disease Day.
This is the definition of a rare disease by RareDiseaseDay.org: A disease or disorder is defined as rare in Europe when it affects fewer than 1 in 2000. A disease or disorder is defined as rare in the USA when it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time.
The most difficult part of a rare disease is that many sufferers look and act completely normal. They suffer alone in silence often with those who don’t understand what they are suffering from.
As many of my readers know, I wrote Breaking the Cycle to bring awareness to Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. My daughter, Ali, has CVS (learn about CVS here). Her symptoms started at one-year-old. She was diagnosed at two. She didn’t get the meds to treat it until she was two and a half. She is eleven now and still suffers from it. Yet she is a smart, sassy, beautiful girl who plays basketball and volleyball, likes to program robots for First Lego League, likes to read Bad Kitty books and is the right mixture of girly girl and tomboy. And she is the strongest person I know.
And today she is on CNN for her CVS.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/health/rare-disease-day-irpt/index.html
Now, what I don’t tell anyone is this…
I was diagnosed with Intracranial Hypertension in 2000 thanks to a flushed contact lens (learn about IH here). At the time I had horrific migraines. I didn’t know they meant I had IH. I’ve struggled with the disease for going on fourteen years. I’ve never had a surgery to get it under control. I’ve done everything I can to keep it under control myself.
If I’ve tried to teach my daughter anything it’s that she is stronger than her disease. Her disease doesn’t define her. She can live her life despite it. And I am proud to say she does very well to live her life to the fullest.
So Happy Rare Disease Day. To celebrate, give someone an extra hug today. I will be doing the same thing.
A Saint’s Salvation by Beverly Ovalle
A SAINT’S SALVATION
By Beverly Ovalle
Published by Secret Cravings Publishing
Released February 24, 2014
Tag Line:
Angel’s life changed the minute Saint saved her from a grenade. Now Saint has a second chance to prove he’s the man for her.
Blurb:
Corporal Nicholas ‘Saint’ Santiago needs to go home to reclaim the man he used to be. To be the man he was before Operation Enduring Freedom slowly hardened his heart. He needs to reconnect to the values and the reasons he is doing what he does. Saint also needs to try to forget the courageous woman he knows was meant to be his.
Petty Officer Angelina Jones’ life changed the moment Saint saved her life. She survived the blast but now has to deal with the fact that she will never be whole. Knowing Saint received a ‘Dear John’ letter, Angelina has no intention of being his rebound romance. She needs to be loved for herself. She needs to forget about the one man she knows was meant to be hers.
They each try to find someone to help them forget.
But what does fate have planned for them?
Excerpt:
“Yeah it’s been a while since they shot at us, at least a couple of days.” Nick’s sarcasm caused Hamilton to laugh.
“Probably someone is coming to pick up something from the poppy fields and they want to keep us from seeing who.” Hamilton glanced at him. “You doing okay?”
“Gettin’ there. It was just a shock, ya know?”
“Yeah, damn women. The least they could do is be faithful while we’re out here fighting.”
“Yeah, it sucks. I just can’t help thinking it’s my fault.”
“Fuck. How the hell could it be? You weren’t even there. The bitch knew you were gone, were going to be gone.” They fired shots, aiming at the muzzle flash in the distance. More Marines headed their way, sprinting from cover to cover. Perez came running, bringing out ammo and providing more fire power.
Another crack and Perez went down with a cry.
“Fuck! Medic! Man down!” The cry went out, passed through until the call went to the corpsman, while Nick tried to stem the blood flow. Hands pushed his away. Nick looked up. Petty Officer Jones, better known as Doc, had bandages ready.
“Help me roll this on until we can get him out of here.” Her voice sent a ripple through him. Nick had always ignored the attraction he had felt for her. He’d had his girl back home, and fraternization out here could get him thrown in the brig. Not to mention the brig out here was a hell hole.
Nick was leery about approaching Doc now. The Dear John letter had been a shock. He had known Leila for years. Hell, they had been friends since they were little. Her betrayal was unexpected. Nick didn’t even really know Doc. He could trust her with his life, but he wasn’t ready for another go around with his heart, no matter the attraction he felt.
Nick looked toward the fence line, rifle at the ready. Shots were firing sporadically around him. That’s when Nick saw it, the trail from a grenade launcher, unmistakable. Shit!
Watch the Trailer
Now Available at:
http://www.amazon.com/A-Saints-Salvation-Beverly-Ovalle-ebook/dp/B00II8OTU8/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-saints-salvation-beverly-ovalle/1118637570?ean=2940148157076
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-asaint039ssalvation-1425306-149.html
http://www.bookstrand.com/a-saints-salvation
Author Bio:
Beverly Ovalle lives in Wisconsin with her husband Edmond of 23 years and two Chinese Water Dragons. Having her own Dragons is expected as she is dragon crazy and anyone that walks in her house can tell. Her son Nicholas visits when he is on leave from the Marines. Her daughter Susannah visits to grocery shop in the pantry and to see what might be cooking for dinner.
Beverly has traveled around the world thanks to five years in the US Navy and has worked for the government in one capacity or another for the past 30 years. Beverly and her brothers have travelled most of the continental United States as children due to the station wagon from Hell. Still active with veterans, she is adjutant for her local AMVETS.
Beverly has been reading romances since her Aunt introduced her to the gothic romance in the fourth grade and is still reading every chance she gets.
Contact Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeverlyOvalleAuthor
Tumblr: http://ovalleba.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ovalleba
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ovalleba/
Website: http://ovalleba.wix.com/beverly-ovalle
Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6982787.Beverly_Ovalle
AUTHORSdB at http://www.authorsdb.com/author-directory/preview?id=3752:beverly-ovalle
LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=236055547&trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSLYblog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SslySmileSomebodyLovesYou
Website: http://SSLYblog.wordpress.com
Tuesday Tales – Library Picture Prompt
Happy Tuesday! It’s once again time for Tuesday Tales! Today is a picture prompt and we are back to our untitled Steampunk romance. When we left last week, Gideon was struggling with his memories of Sophia and his feelings for Emma. Where will the struggle leave him?
And don’t forget to check out the incredible excerpts from other very talented Tuesday Tales authors!
With Emma in his home to assist, it was a small miracle Gideon accomplished as much as he did on the humidor. He watched her play with his mechanical, steam driven critters, the creatures scurrying over and around her finger. She is gentle he thought to himself with a smile.
After they cleared away the lunch dishes together, Gideon smiled to her. “I need to go to the library for a bit of research. Do you wish to accompany me?”
“Of course,” she crooned.
The stroll to the library was quick in the late autumn chill. Emma gasped and the majesty of the building. Dark wood shelves were covered with volumes of books. Expansive glass windows let the bright sunshine flood the room. Gideon chuckled as he took her hand and led her to the section he needed to search.
Once she had recovered from her awe, she cocked her head to him. “Gideon, your little creations are marvelous. Why did you make them?”
“To keep me company.” Gideon glanced inside a book, looking for the information he needed.
“But why not get a real pet?”
He looked at her for a long, silent moment. “My creatures can not die.” He set the book on the shelf and walked away as he noticed the mist fill her eyes. When he retreated a few aisles away, he slumped against the shelf and closed his eyes. He never meant to make his pain hers.
He was startled by soft, sensual lips pressed against his. He wrapped his arm around Emma and held her tight to him as he touched her cheek with his other hand. He wiped her tears away.
As the kiss broke he heard her whisper, “Oh, my poor, sweet Captain.” Gideon felt a fire ignite in him as he parted her lips with a devouring kiss of his own. For now, his research would have to wait.
Don’t forget to check out the other talented authors of Tuesday Tales!
Oh The Insanity!!
One thing about me that is not author related…I avidly follow the First Organization. My 16-year-old is on a First Tech Challenge team and the baby sis is on a First Lego League team.
Today and tomorrow is the State Meet for FTC. Twenty-four teenagers + three robots = insanity! But we love every second of the craziness!
Something I forgot to share…
Since I haven’t been blogging as much as I should (bad me!!) I haven’t share something unbelievable that has happened. A couple of weeks ago Breaking the Cycle made the Amazon Top 100 for Sports books!
Was I blown away? Oh yes!! Was I so elated I didn’t stop happy dancing for a week? Of course!!
I am so happy to be where I am, to be published doing exactly what I love to do – write. Being on such a prestigious list is just icing on the cake. (I like cake, especially the icing…)
But what is even better is that it was Breaking the Cycle that made it. Thus is my baby, the novel that brings awareness to Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome which my daughter has. I am so thrilled people are reading it!
So that is my show and tell. Anyone else have something to share?
Tuesday Tales – Meat
Happy Tuesday! It’s once again time for Tuesday Tales! Today our word prompt is “meat” and we are back to our untitled Steampunk romance. When we left last week, Emma and Gideon had shared a passionate kiss. What will happen between them now?
And don’t forget to check out the incredible excerpts from other very talented Tuesday Tales authors!
Gideon startled awake as the soft morning sunlight flooded the room. He rubbed his eyes then slowly rose. The skeletal frame of the humidor greeted him begging to be completed. He sighed heavily then stood and tugged the trousers heaped on the floor onto his long powerful legs.
He rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand. Emma’s kiss still burned on his lips. His eyes studied the humidor. His heart was torn in two. Part of him believed he betrayed his beloved Sophia. He was about to get revenge on the bastard that took her from him. There wasn’t a day that she didn’t fill his thoughts. He still missed her as much as he did when he found her lifeless body on the floor of their cottage.
The other part of him wanted Emma. He ached to feel her curves melt against his body. He wanted to taste, to feel her surrender to him. She commanded his thoughts. She possessed his dreams. He did not want to only make love to her. She made him laugh for the first time since Sophia’s death. She was the first person in a long time he could trust. He felt empty without her. He waited anxiously every day for her to arrive.
Gideon’s head snapped around at the knock on the weathered wood door. He chuckled as he crossed the room and opened it. As if she could read his thoughts, sense his need, Emma was waiting with a basket in her hands. “I brought you things for your pantry.”
He shepherded her inside then took the basket from her. He pulled back the cloth to find a couple loaves of bread, a handful of potatoes, at least a dozen eggs, a bowl of salted meat and several pastries.
His lifted his head to say thanks. His parted lips met hers as she kissed him deeply. As the kiss broke she took the basket from him. “I will put this away and make us breakfast.”
Gideon watched her sashay into the kitchen as she whistled a merry tune. He groaned. It would be a long day keeping his attention to his work while resisting luring her to his bed.
Don’t forget to check out the blogs of the other talented Tuesday Tales authors!
Chaste (McCullough Mountain 3) by Lydia Michaels
Title: CHASTE {McCullough Mountain 3
Author: Lydia Michaels
Chaste is currently the #1 Bestseller
on the publisher’s site,
www.secretcravingspublishing.com
Genre: Erotic Romance
Heat Level: Romance (graphic)
Book Length: 384 pages
Date of Publication: February 3, 2014 (Available on Amazon, B&N, and other retailer sites by 2/12/14)
Blurb:
Kelly McCullough has always gotten every woman he’s wanted. Of all the McCullough men, his charm and magnetism is unmatched. However, there is one woman he cannot have.
Ashlynn Fisher is everything Kelly McCullough is not. She is quiet, shy, and—above all—virginal. After losing her heart to Kelly in grade school, no other man compares. Paths cross and temperance is put to the test when Ashlynn decides it’s time for her to find love. Kelly offers Center County’s sweetest brown-eyed girl all the guidance he can, but finds himself in a situation he never expected to face. Through chaste kisses and stolen secrets, his virility is tested and he must learn what love truly means as his selfish ways are transformed in the face of a selfless need to give her everything she wants.
Buy Links:
- Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lydia-Michaels/e/B0071ZV41G
- B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/lydia-michaels
- iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lydia-michaels/id577453828?mt=11
- Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Lydia%20Michaels&fcsearchfield=Author
- ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Lydia+Michaels
Excerpt:
His body nudged closer. She sucked in a breath and tried to focus on speaking, but the press of him was incredibly distracting.
“That’s the…um…” She caught her breath. “Um…” Her eyes shut. What was the question? “I can’t concentrate when you touch me,” she blurted.
He didn’t move. His breath tickled the back of her neck, as the soft press of his tongue traced over the curve leading to her shoulder. Her spine stretched as her skin drew tight. His lips made a smooching sound. “Mmm, you taste like hard work and sunshine.”
“Kelly…” she rasped, silently panting. Her insides vibrated so rapidly she worried she’d shatter into a thousand pieces of flesh and bones. Never had anyone aroused her the way he did.
He
nuzzled her ear with his nose. “Have I ever told you how sexy you are? The glasses make me crazy. And I love the way your hair looks different every day. You remind me of a little garden nymph.” The weight of his palms closed over her baggy overalls, low on her hips, and she grew aware of every part of her body.
His lips sealed over her ear and she quivered, her body tightening and trembling. Her hands gripped the edge of the worktable with her leather-clad fingers, her knees turning unstable, as he proceeded to do wonderful things to her earlobe.
It amazed her that he found her hair nice. She’d cut it off after she graduated, finding the long locks dreadfully annoying. When her hair had been long it was always in her face. And she wore glasses because contacts were too much trouble with the dust from the gardens.
Oh my goodness! Is that his tongue in my ear?
Her knees buckled as he kissed over her racing pulse. Strong fingers dug into her hips, massaging beneath her overalls deep into her flesh. His hands had slipped into the gaping sides of her clothes where her tank top met the waist of her panties. No one had ever touched her so intimately.
“Let’s go inside,” he whispered.
Somehow she managed to shake her head. “I…I need to finish this.”
“Ashlynn…”
His mouth. He had a wicked mouth. She formed some sort of response in her throat as the tip of his finger toyed with the hem of her tank top next to her navel.
“Please…let me in,” he whispered as his tongue traveled over the slope of her shoulder, each word an erotic tattoo on her flesh.
Her feet shifted and his grip tightened. She whimpered. “Kelly, please…”
His whisper had faded to a breath of words. “I want you.”
Her hands closed over his, tightening, stilling his progress. Those last uttered words returned some of her common sense. “If we go inside my work will never get done.”
His fingers squeezed. “Do you know how many fantasies I’ve had about you? The things I could do to you without breaking your vow…” His touch never traveled, but the teasing chills escaping his whirling fingers seemed to go right to her breasts.
Baiting temptation, she breathed out a question she had no business asking. “Like what?”
“Mmm. I could spend days stripping you, unveiling every bit of flesh, anointing each square inch of skin with soft kisses. Only kissing, Ashlynn, but I’d kiss you everywhere.”
Holy Hannah, she needed to put some space between them. They hadn’t discussed boundaries and the line of her virtue was becoming more blurred by the second. Her breath stuttered out of her lungs as his mouth teased over her pulse. She wanted to know what such kisses would feel like, but feared her control would break.
“No naked.” Incapable of forming complete sentences, it was the best she could do.
“Touching?” he whispered.
Oh, God. She wanted to feel his touch, know what it was to be caressed by those strong fingers holding her now. She whimpered. Her promise had never been this difficult. There had never been such a temptation as Kelly and, now, with his hands playing over untried parts of her body, came a nagging desire for relief. “I should say no.”
“But?”
“Maybe.”
His front pressed into her bottom and her neck gave out, drooping her head to his broad shoulder. He growled and his mouth sealed to her throat, his hand sifting under the front of her overalls and holding her stomach, fingers splayed wide, pressing her into his hard form. “So fucking sexy, Ashlynn.”
“Kelly…”
“I want to go inside.”
He was already inside, inside of her head, in her blood, thrumming through her veins, inside every breath filling her lungs. She worried she could die from such over stimulation. She’d never survive sex, at least not with this man. But that was off the table.
Her muscles contracted and strange urges had her body fluttering in unfamiliar ways. It was too much. “No more,” she pleaded and he froze.
It took him a second to answer. “Okay.”
His hand slithered out from under her overalls and he stepped away. She caught her breath and wiped the back of her glove over her heated cheek. She was probably as red as a bell pepper.
She desperately searched for her bearings, but Kelly seemed fine. From the corner of her eye, she watched him slip his gloves back on and pick up the sanding block as she quietly panted. The longing inside of her had transformed into a painful ache. Her throat was thirsty, parched. Yet water did nothing to quench her yearning.
Kelly worked with precision and efficiency. Her concentration was crap. Every move she made was deliberate and clumsy, but Kelly proved to be a master carpenter. She suspected he wanted to be done with the chore and that scared her, because the moment they finished she’d have to come up with another distraction.
The echo of the nail hammering into the wood rattled through the air. “How far can we go, Ashlynn?”
Her hand stilled. Her gaze focused on the head of the nail she’d been about to hammer into the wood. Swallowing repetitively, she struggled to find the honest answer, but the truth seemed to abandon her in that moment. “I don’t know.”
Author Bio:
Award winning author, Lydia Michaels, writes all forms of hot romance. She presses the bounds of love and surprises readers just when they assume they have her stories figured out. From Amish vampyres, to wild Irishmen, to broken heroes, and heroines no man can match, Lydia takes readers on an emotional journey of the heart, mind, and soul with every story she pens. Her books are intellectual, erotic, haunting, always centered on love.
Lydia Michaels loves to hear from readers! She can be contacted by email at Lydia@LydiaMichaels.org
Webpage: www.LydiaMichaels.org
Other Titles by Lydia Michaels:
Falling In
Breaking Out
Coming Home
Sacred Waters
Skin
Chaste
Faking It
Forsaking Truth
As Tears Go By
Simple Man
Breaking Perfect
White Chocolate
All 4 You
To Catch a Wolfe
Chasing Feathers
Called to Order
Calling for a Miracle
Destiny Calls
Call Her Mine
Happy Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Despite the fact it’s snowing AGAIN, I am filled with all sorts of warm fuzzies.
I’ve spent two days working on my hubby’s Valentine’s present. A long time ago (I don’t even remember when) I found a recipe for Chocolate Truffles and thought I would give it a whirl. Of course I tweaked it a bit.
What I didn’t expect was that he fell in love with them. It’s all he asks for every year.
Tonight I will put the final touch on them just in time to give them to him.
So that’s one of the traditions in our house. What Valentine’s traditions do you celebrate?
Happy Valentine’s Day!!
Tuesday Tales – Heart
Happy Tuesday! It’s once again time for Tuesday Tales! Today our word prompt is “heart” and we are back to our untitled Steampunk romance. When we left last week, Emma and Gideon were getting to know each other over supper at the tavern. What will happen now? Let’s find out!
And don’t forget to check out the incredible excerpts from other very talented Tuesday Tales authors!
The supper at the tavern flew by quickly in Emma’s company. Even the fish and potatoes were delicious, or at least far better than the meager rations Gideon prepared for himself.
The moon glowed in a soft, pale light illuminating the frigid London street. Couples hurried to their destination to get out of the late autumn chill. Gideon took a moment to glance at his pocket watch. It would be a several block walk but he certainly wasn’t going to let Emma walk home alone, not at this late hour.
Their amiable conversation grew quiet as they hurried through the streets to the Hellwig mansion. Gideon was started from his thoughts as he felt Emma scuttle closer to him to steal from his warmth. He glanced down into her eyes, the light from the moon twinkling in the deep blue. His heart thundered in his chest as he felt his resolve slip away.
Gideon gently cupped her cheek in his hand as he drew her mouth to his. His lips parted hers, his tongue tracing her teeth before he deepened the kiss. He felt her wrap her small arms around his broad shoulders as she surrendered to him. He held her close as his mouth roamed hers. Her broke the kiss when he felt her shiver.
Gideon’s voice was rough. “We must get you home before you catch your death of cold.”
“Aye,” she sighed.
He firmly grasped her gloved in his then led her down the street. She clung to him, her grip tightening with every step they took. Their eyes never parted as she let him go and made her way to the mansion door. She stared at him for a long time before slipping inside.
Don’t forget to check out the blogs of the other talented Tuesday Tales authors!
Tuesday Tales – Field
Happy Tuesday! It’s once again time for Tuesday Tales! Today our word prompt is “field” and we are back to our untitled Steampunk romance. When we left last week, Emma lured Gideon out of the refuge of his house for dinner. How will dinner go? Let’s find out!
And don’t forget to check out the incredible excerpts from other very talented Tuesday Tales authors!
Gideon cast a wary glance through the dark tavern as he followed Emma to an empty table. His heart raced as he studied the men and women who ate and drank. He had spent so much time wondering who killed Sophia, if the bastard who took her precious life was enjoying an ale beside him. His eyes met Emma’s brilliant, blue ones. It took this beautiful angel to draw him out into the world.
A skinny, frazzled girl barely over the age of twenty hurried to their table to take their order. Gideon’s heart seized in his chest. He had not done this in years, ordering for himself and a lady. He wanted nothing more than to impress Emma. If he did not… He shuddered.
Emma reached across the table and gently caressed his hand. He let go a soft smile. With all the confidence he could muster he ordered them both a plate of fish and potatoes and a pint of ale. The girl scampered away to fulfill their order.
There was awkward silence as Gideon fought to acclimate to his surroundings. Emma squeezed his hand. “Tell me about being a dirigible pilot.”
“It would bore you,” he shrugged.
“I think it is fascinating. Please tell me.”
Gideon felt his face flush as he slowly began. He told her about his patrols along the coastline, watching the waves crest against the jutting rocks. He narrated about flying over the fields and meadows, seeing velvet emerald flow as far as the eye could see. He wove tales of his time on the ground with those he served with and the adventures they indulged in. Emma listened with rapt attention, her eyes radiating with every word. As he finished she sighed. “Captain Alexander, you are a fantastic man.”
All Gideon’s nervousness burned away. He bit back a growl as he caressed her hand in return.
Don’t forget to check out the other talented authors of Tuesday Tales!
Inside This Writer's Mind 