Teresa DAmario

Jinxed by Inez Kelley

When opposites attract, they are screwed three ways from Sunday.

This weekend I had the opportunity to read this awesome book. I’m not a huge RomCom fan, mostly because I crossed to the “Dark side” of Romance, many years ago.  But something about Ms. Kelley’s writing keeps everything fresh, and not overdone.  This is one of the cutest, sexually intense stories I’ve read in a very long time.  Rivaling the best of the RomCom authors, including Lynsay Sands (who also writes paranormal), Inez Kelley is going to take the world by storm.   So even if paranormal is your thing, take a moment and enjoy the lighter side of life, with JINXED.

Frannie learned the hard way that a McHottie doesn’t always equal marriage material. Besides, she’s happy with her vanilla life. She has friends, a career and a double-D-powered vibrator. Then Fate shoves her, literally, into Prince Charming’s lap. His declaration of love at first sight is cute—and spikes her bullcrap meter into the red zone.

She’s more than willing to give in with her body. But she’s barricaded her heart behind castle walls—and permanently welded the gates shut.

Tragedy taught Jinx that time is too precious to waste, so when a series of uncanny coincidences thrusts Frannie into his life, he holds on tight. He knows she thinks he’s several fries short of a Happy Meal, but he’s determined to breach the fortress around her heart and give her a Happily Ever After.

Even if he has to carry her fanny-first into his kingdom.

WARNING: Includes jelly shoes, a narcoleptic cat, and meatloaf. The steamy sex scenes may lead to fogged windows and wet panties, so proceed at your own risk. Do not attempt to read without the following items: tissues, napkins for spewed beverages, and a booty call on speed dial.

Read an excerpt here. | Buy here. | inezkelley.com

Thank you to all the military fighting for our freedoms and for our country.  No matter what your beliefs, you have to honor the sacrifice of all these men and women.  But no matter how much we appreciate our active duty and veteran military, today isn’t about the living.

Today is Memorial Day.  A day designed to remember those who have fallen in battle to protect our freedom.  Once called decoration day, it is a day to honor those who have protected each and every one of us.

Memorial day isn’t about the ones who returned home safely.

It’s about those who did not.

It’s about those who offered their life so we may have freedom.  And their offering was accepted.  It’s about people who are no longer on this earth so we may have our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote, and our freedom to love.  Having traveled extensively, I realize just how much of those freedoms we take for granted.

Memorial doesn’t celebrate the living.

It honors those who are dead.

It’s about that Soldier, or Airmen, Sailor or Marine who stepped up to the plate when asked, and without hesitation, gave their last breath.  For us.

Memorial day isn’t about the veteran down the road. He or she deserves a big thank you. And maybe a hug.  But not today.  Today they instead offer their thanks, most with tears in their eyes for their fallen comrades.

glitter-graphics.org

Memorial day isn’t about the active duty soldier in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany or Saudi.  Or any other place, for that matter.  While our hats are off to them, and our breath is held for their safety, this day is not to celebrate their service.

It’s about the father, or the mother who threw themselves in front of their companion so they might live, shielding their comrades in arms with their very bodies.

Memorial day isn’t about the parades.  It isn’t about the sharp uniform, the fighter jets or the ships.  It’s not about the tanks, or the weapons.

It’s about the white crosses on graves.  It’s about the tombstones, scattered from the 1700’s to the present.    It’s about the son or daughter, husband or wife who is no longer there.  Who will not be coming home.  At least, not without a flag draped over their casket. About every single soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine who gave their last breath so we may have what we so adamantly demand.  Freedom.

Memorial day isn’t about the future battles, future wars or future soldiers.  It’s a solid reminder of what we lose when nothing else will stop what threatens our borders.  A reminder of the costs of freedom.

So on this special day of remembrance, just before you eat that burger cooked out on the grill, or hit that movie you’ve been dying to see, take a moment.  Say a prayer of thanks for all those who gave what we all cherish the absolute most.  Their lives.

It’s for every white grave in Arlington, every ancient tombstone in your local graveyard.  It’s for every missing man or woman, presumed dead.  It’s for every single name listed on that black marble wall.

It is not for the living.  For the living are here, protecting you, each and every day.

Is is for the dead.

The dead who have given their last breath, their last drop of blood.  Their last ounce of courage.   It is for these men and women I offer a prayer of thanks.  Yes.  I will remember you.  I will honor you.   And Yes.  I Thank You.

I found several wonderful videos on Youtube for memorial day, but this one I found best explains what I’m trying to say.

Cheers for the Living.  Tears for the dead. ~ Robert G. Ingersoll

US Air  Force, Retired

I’m normally rather quiet on non writing stuff on my blog (which is probably why the blog gets quiet from time to time), but this time I couldn’t keep my mouth/keyboard shut.

Ok, I’m actually merging three rants into one.  Why?  Because they happened on the same night.

First, let me admit - I’m an Adam fan.  The boy could pick up a book and sing the words to any tune and I think I’d like it.  (Adam, wanna sing one of my books to me?)  He has a voice and talent like nobody’s business, and in my albeit useless opinion, he’s the best AI has ever had in it’s 8 year history!

Rant #1.  Last night on AI, he sang Cryin’.  A great song.  A great performance.  Only we couldn’t HEAR the first verse.  Why?  Because the guy on the mixing board didn’t know how to set mic level.  The backup singers were louder than he was.  It made the song sound horrendous and even I cringed!  Thank heaven by the 2nd verse the problem was fixed, but what the heck took so long?  Made me wonder if Mr. Mixing Board wanted to ensure HIS competitor won instead of Adam.  Really bad.  Dude should be fired if Adam gets voted off tonite.

Rant #2.  Judges needed to back off last night. They looked like a bunch of squabbling children. I know Kara was trying to “Fit in”, but all she managed to do was look stupid.  And Simon made things worse by giving his blatant support to a singer.  Doesn’t he know that when he does that it always backfires?  Then he realized what he did, and tried to fix it - making things even worse!

Rant #3.  A friend (bless her ever loving heart, this is not her fault) posted on a board that while she thinks Adam is the best singer, she thinks Danny should win.  Huh? Her reason? Adam was going to get a contract anyway, so why not give someone else a chance.

Let’s take this in a different comparison.  We all know what the Kentucky derby is, even if we don’t watch it, right? I had the pleasure of seeing it this year - something I’ve done only once or twice before.  This year, the horse that started in the last place ended in first by several lengths.  Now, as I indicated, I’m no expert so can’t remember the number of lengths.  But Mine That Bird took off like something I’ve never seen, weaving in and out until he was in the lead, then belted for home plate. This was the jockey’s second win at the Derby in three years.

So once Mine that Bird was the definite winner, should he have backed off so another horse could prove himself?  After all, the Jockey had already proven his skill, and the horse now had his part in history for such an awesome comeback. Let’s do it!  Let’s just pull up before he reaches the finish line.  We already know he performed superbly and would receive all the recognition for such fame.   Why not give the win to someone else?  Blasphemy you say?

Let’s take it from a different perspective.  The Golden Heart is a wonderful award.  It’s like the Oscars of unpublished romance authors. Let’s say the list of Golden Heart finalists is shown and we find that one of them has recently received a 5 book sale based off her entry.  (I’m not saying this happened, just creating a fictitious example) She now has her agent, a publisher, and is set for an awesome career.  Why don’t we just pull her entry from the GH so someone else can win?  Would that be fair?

No.

So why is it fair to want to take away something someone has earned to “Give someone else a chance”?  This world isn’t a fair place, and I understand that.  But if we have the opportunity to show fairness, why not?  Is it right to rip the rug out from under one person because they have proven themselves worthy of the honor of winning something just because they proved themselves?  My Dad always said no matter what, do the best at what you do.  I always got it in my head that best meant you received a reward - either the satisfaction of a job well done, or, as in the case of American Idol - coming in FIRST if your best is better than the other competitors.  What kind of society thinks it’s okay for number 2 to win a competition?

Admittedly, had Adam entered AI four times in a row and won all four years (Something that can’t happen) I might say “Hey, give someone else a chance!”  But if Adam deserves it, then dang it, he should win it!

Now for the Opinion part of our show:

I’m not a huge Danny fan.  I find both he and Kris a bit on the boring side.  Their songs have never really tugged at my heart, they’ve never shown a huge range of talent.  They are both good at what they do, but their voices don’t have the quality of Adam’s.  For me, they are both forgettable.  This time next year I won’t even remember their names.  Heck, I just learned Danny’s name a few weeks back.  Kept calling him “that other guy”.

I think Adam has earned his place in history as the winner of 2009 American Idol.  The only error ever heard on any of his performances is caused by the poor mixing of the mics.  He sings better than Michael Jackson on one of Jackson’s own songs, and manages to make such cult wonder songs as “Play that funky music” sound current.  Tell me who else can do that?

So, for this one time American Idol Rant, Adam, my hat’s off to you - and yes, I’m well over 30 for those who think only the youngsters like Adam.  Way to show the world that a rocker (even sometimes a punk rocker) can sing.  Rock On!

Well folks, there’s been some great suggestions on what to read with my kindle first, on Monday evening.

First, the ones I’ve already read, so won’t be using as a first read on the kindle:

Christine Feehan - read all of those - so while I may one day grab one or two for rereads on the kindle, I won’t really use them for the first read. An awesome collection, and is why I love paranormal romance.

Joe mentioned several science fiction books, with awesome authors, Isaac Asimov, Orson Scott Card and more. :)  While I haven’t read ALL of these books, I’ve read most.  But that doesn’t mean I am not going to include them on my Kindle for later reads!  Great books, every one of them!

As Terry Spear mentioned, I’d already read the first book she listed, Heart of the wolf. But she mentioned several others of her that make me go Hmmmm Maybe. LOL  but since she did say it’s out in ebook right now, I might make Deadly Liasons my first IMPORTED book I read. :)  Wont’ that be fun - learn a new skill AND read a great book?

Emmanuel recommended Watchers by Dean Koontz.  Now honestly I wouldn’t have even thought to look at that one, until the suggestion came through.  You’re right. I’ve seen multiple varieties of it on television.  I may just take a look at that too!

Jennifer St. Giles mentioned some awesome books over at the Shapeshifter blog. :)  OH yes, there’s several there!

Eternal Moon- Rebecca York - I love Rebecca’s books, so this is a possibility.

Lori Devoti’s Dark Crusade - Lori’s got an awesome style.  I  haven’t read this one yet, so it too is high on my list.

Larissa Ione’s Passion Unleashed (Read it - awesome book, folks!)

Jennifer St. Giles’ Kiss of Darkness (now that looks really good too)

And of course Michelle and Lori’s Midnight Cravings, who’s cover alone makes me wanna go get it!

LJ Sellers recommends her book The Sex Club.  A Mystery & Suspense!  I went to her site to read the blurb, and it looks really fascinating.

So now for the ultimate decision.  This is so difficult.  I can honestly tell you right now, I’m leaning between Rebecca York’s Eternal Moon and Jennifer St. Giles, Kiss of Darkness, simply because I’ve been waiting for both of those for a very long time. :)  But the idea of trying something new, like LJ Seller’s book is a draw as well.

Wow, folks, what an awesome list of books!  I think I’ll be grabbing each and everyone of them very soon. :)  I probably won’t know which of them I finally choose for that one and only, famous first read, until I click “Read” on the books. LOL. But they definitely give me food for thought.

Ok, the Kindle is on it’s way, and I’m kind of excited. It will be here Monday, folks! so now I have to decide what will be the FIRST book I shall read with my new Kindle.  So I thought I’d turn to the fans and authors and ask their opinion.  I’ll gather up all the suggestions, whittle them down and have a poll on monday’s blog.  You’ll have until 4:15 EST to vote on the final choices!  So leave your suggestions here.  But, before you do, I have a few requirements.  Things I won’t read, etc.

My first requirement, since this is to be the first book read on a kindle is that it be in kindle format.  Yes, I know, there are awesome ebooks I can import.  Heck, I have one out there I think everyone should import into their kindles.  But for this first one, I want it to be a regular print book in kindle format.  Also, no exorbitant prices. If I look and the book is $23, I ain’t gettin’ it folks!

Do not suggest:

1.  Historicals of any kind.  Sorry folks.  I know they take tons of work to write, but I read them in small doses. One every few years. I used to read alot of them, and I think I burned myself out.

2.  Horror - wow, see, I’m not so much into nightmares, and as I’ll start this book Monday night, no horror please.

3.  Westerns - I like westerns, but in small doses.  I’m very picky about the authors I read in this genre, so no Westerns please.

4.  Witches - This is a quirk of mine.  I’m not sure why, but every time I read a book with witchcraft in it, I have nightmares. I can handle vampires and werewolves, and aliens from outerspace.  Wizards and dragons.  But can’t handle one measley witch.  Why is that?

My favs

Okay, if you are here, the chances are you already know my favorite all time genres, but I’ll list them anyway.

1.  Paranormal Romance.  DOH, I write it, obviously I love it!  (Everything but witches that is).  List away your favorite paranormals, but dont’ be shocked if I’ve already read your choice!

2.  Romantic Suspense.  These are kewl.  NOt quite as hot as paranormal, but kewl.  I Can deal with alot of RS books.

3.  Mysteries (preferably with romance but not a requirement).  The more danger the better!

4.  Thrillers.  Just don’t push into the horror category and I’m fine!

5.  Science Fiction.I Like TV/movies in science fiction more than books, but I can deal with Sci Fi, and even romantic sci fi.

Did I leave anything out? I’m sure there are tons more I haven’t mentioned.  So, readers, authors, leave your favorite books pics here. Then come back Monday morning to vote and help me narrow down the field!  ANd remember, just because your choice isn’t my FIRST choice, doesn’t mean I won’t read it later!  So list away!

P.S. Don’t be surprised if your post doesn’t show up right away.  I have to approve new posters due to spammers.

SheWolf

I’ve been hanging out on twitter at all times of the day and night. Mostly because I’m on the computer all times of the day and night. So when a twitter member posted she was looking for a werewolf story, LITERALLY In the middle of the night, I thought “why not mine?” So I sent her on her way to Freyas Bower, where she downloaded and read SheWolf, my first book, and Prism finalist.

Today I had the awesome pleasure of her response, via her website about what she thought about SheWolf, and I thought I’d share it with my visitors.

Thank you so much Ciara!I agree.  Werewolves are yummy, wonderful alpha heros!  Keep watch, for there are more to come!

And good luck with your novels as well!!! I can’t wait to read them.

Hey all, here’s pics from 5 February’s book signing in Fayetteville, NC!

I’m sure those of you who follow my blog know I’m donating 40% of my October proceeds (once I get them) to Big Cat Rescue from the book sales of Tigress by the Tail. You guys were awesome, buying books to help save the big cats which would be dead if not for the wonderful organizations out there saving them. We all love to read about the animals and it’s so great to see them in person, but often, that isn’t what’s best for the animals.

Here are some of the news reports from Big Cat Rescue:

Save Tony the Tiger

Big Cat Bailout - a Liger and a two tigers are saved!

Sophia the Cougar - rescued at last.  Sophia now purrs when someone comes to visit her, happy to have a comfortable home at last! 

These are just a few of the animals that need rescue out there.  And it’s not only cats.  We Americans take for granted that our wild animals and pets are all safe, closing our eyes to the dangers these creatures face.  Dogs are bred to the point of total destruction, with millions in shelters, thousands dying every day to make room for the next batch.  Cats are the same.  Spaying and neutering is the first step to this massive animal overpopulation.

Wild animals are just that.  They are not pets.  They are not put here on this earth for us to torture with our own sense of entertainment.  Our job is to protect them.  We should spay and neuter our pets and give the wild animals their due reward - to live free, and unencumbered with the heavy weight of human amusement.

My hat is off to Big Cat Rescue, and others who help make life possible for the ones who can’t fit in our homes, who can’t hang out in our back yards, and who love to feel the earth beneath their feet.

Ok, as an animal lover and an author who writes about animals in her books, I try to stay up on the different events in the animal world.  From everything to arguments over the size of an elephants current “quarters” to the birth of pandas in china.  But today something grabbed my attention that was a little different.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the stories of dogs biting people.  Usually after a 10 day quarantine, the dogs are put down.  Why?  Obviously they are a danger to society.  Doesn’t matter if the dog was trying to save their owner, their posessions, or as in one case I read, her puppies (Someone as trying to steal them).  This kind of activity bugs the daylights out of me.  It teaches that animals are not allowed to act upon their instincts, no matter the cause.  Protection of their own life is not allowed.  Protection of their home life is not allowed.  Protection of their loved ones - their own pups, is not allowed.  So why do we have these pets?

Last January we all remember the story of the tigress who killed two teenagers who spent all morning taunting her.  Wait.  That’s right!  I’m going to spend hours throwing things at a 500 lb beast born to kill wild animals to eat, and wonder why it leaps out of it’s enclosure and comes after me.  Then what happens?  The Tigress is killed for acting on instinct.  OH right.  There’s sense in that.  NOT.  So what if the beast has attacked before.  It’s a wild animal for pete’s sake!  Why not just put the animal in an enclosure she can’t get out of?  Wouldn’t that make more sense.

So my hat is off to the Catoctin Zoo in Maryland.  While they have suffered a horrid set back with this, and there is a woman obviously in alot of pain, they didn’t forget about the animal in question. They remember that he is a wild animal, and aren’t automatically going to put him down. Our thoughts and prayers are with the worker who was hurt. We by no means belittle what has happened to her. I can’t imagine the terror of looking a 300lb cat in the eye and wondering where the fangs will slice next.

But at the same time, my hat is off to you Catoctin Zoo!  Thank you for remembering who and what you are working with.

There’s a website designed to help new and existing authors find quality publishers and agents so they can get their work to you, the reader.  the site is called Preditors & Editor’s.  Here, authors spend hour after hour checking on the history of different agents and editors.  Authors find information on contests, ebook sites, review sites, and everything else.  What a wonderful site.  There are submission checklists, magazines of interest, you name it, it’s the ultimate tool box for the author.

the first two weeks of January, Preditor’s & Editor’s has their annual reader’s poll where you get to say what books YOU enjoyed for the year of 2008.  The really awesome part of this is TIGRESS BY THE TAIL is included i this year’s poll!  You can go and vote should you feel Tigress is the romance book of your choice for 2008.   While you’re there make sure you vote for the rest of the categories as well, because there are more books listed than you can imagine.  Voting closes on at midnight the 14th (I think that means 11:59 PM on the 14th), so get your votes in now!

So vote for your favorite book today at Preditor’s & Editor’s!

The more votes they receive, the more the folks of Preditor’s & Editor’s know they are read, and used.  Let them know how awesome they are by voting in each category!

Also a shoutout to our new blog visitors for the day!  I understand you have a question to answer!!!  Good luck, and whoever wins - there’s a copy of Tigress by the Tail in that basket of books!