by Sarah | Feb 14, 2013 | All About Kennedy, Cystic Fibrosis, Failure to Thrive (FTT), PICC, Special Needs
She is our challenge.
Defiant and fiery – but so easily turns on the charm with her doe eyes and a smile that you find yourself fighting HARD to keep your smile. She’s cute as a button, and the little snot knows it too.
Her whole life she’s looked her challenges in the eye and laughed.
Torticollis? “Puh…watch me straighten my head out”
Hypotonia? “Pshaw…you say I won’t walk until later? Watch me and my crazy crooked gate at 12 months. (And just wait, I’ll run at 15 months).”
CF? “Ha! I got this…”
And she (mostly) has for six years now.
CF? “I told you…I got this…”
But she doesn’t.
Something is falling behind.
It could be a tough infection that’s skillfully hidden from the throat swab.
Or maybe her “poor” weight gain is exacerbating her CF.
Either way, she’s not maintaining weight. In fact, she lost this time.
Worse, her lung functions & saturation levels do not make her pulmonologist happy.
And now the challenger of rules and attitudes and restrictions is going to be challenged again.
Tests.
A Chest CT.
A bronchoscopy.
We’re going to get results quickly. By the end of the month we should know what we’re facing next.
Maybe IV antibiotics.
Maybe a g-tube.
Maybe both.
Doc says CF is more aggressive in girls.
So Doc is more aggressive toward it in girls.
Doc sat on this concern for almost a year.
Watching.
Waiting.
Believing it would improve – that K would knock it out of the park.
And she almost did – back in December we were sure trouble had passed.
But trouble came back.
Now is where life gets interesting.
Where we go on a strong offensive.
Time to once again laugh in the face of this challenge.
Whatever it ends up being.
First step.
Tests.
Answers.
Then we fight.
by Sarah | Feb 13, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very pleased to have Elizabeth Morgan here today to interview one of her characters from Creak. The story sounds both hot…and like a good, creepy mystery all at once. It’s definitely at the top of my list. So let’s meet Kacey Howard from Creak…I have a feeling once you read it, you’ll want to read this book as much as I do…just for this guy.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
I just strut in and gave her a smile. Like all females she fell for me. What can I say, I’m good looking.
Not much to tell. My parents and I moved to Wichita when I was eleven. I’m originally from California, another reason Elizabeth loves me so much. Sun-kissed skin. Great body. I like to walk around with my top off a lot. Hey, if you can’t it flaunt it, right?
I’ve been friends with Tyler and Nicole since I moved onto their street. So that’s like, shit, fifteen years. Man, that’s crazy. I like sports. I like food. I love sex, hey, who doesn’t?
I went straight into work from High School and
Good with my hand and I don’t mind doing dirty work. What do you think my occupation is? *grins* I’m a mechanic. Hey, what can I say, there is something about getting under the hood of a car and making that baby purr.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
My campervan. My uncle got an orange campervan when I was a kid and I swear it was the coolest vehicle I had ever seen. I get that all these men think women dig sports cars and all these sleek cars and shit, but what could be hotter than a van that you can throw a mattress in the back of and just basically kick back and have a little fun anywhere you please. Beach, fields, the side of the road if you’re feeling adventurous. . .
3. What’s your greatest fear?
Impotence. It’s not happen to me yet, but the idea that such a thing can happen is just f***king disgusting. It’s wrong, man. So wrong.
4. What’s your motto in life?
I’m afraid it’s old school, but “Life’s a bitch and then you die, so fuck the world and lets get high.”
Death is inevitable, and too much shit happens in this world. So have sex, party, and enjoy the hell out of yourself.
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
I think the following will sum that answer up. I like Nikki’s view the most. She’s so damn feisty.
Jayne: “Speak of the devil, and his sexy ass will most definitely appear.”
Nicole: It really didn’t help that Kacey looked one hell of a tempting package, the type of guy that you wanted to do nasty things to in exchange for finding out what that wicked glint in his eyes was all about.
“My drink’s gone and Kay’s being a dick.”
“You’re a dick, and I hope you genuinely know that . . . ”
“I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
Tyler: “Kacey’s a tool . . . .”
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
Neither. I don’t waste my time with such petty shit. Then again, I’m usually the subject of most gossip going around.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I’m irresistible. You will hate to love me, and want to think that I am a jackass, but even if you do, you will still want me like crazy.
8. What was your happiest moment?
Finally being able to buy my own campervan. I had saved like crazy for it since I was a kid – something which is damn hard to do when you’re a teenager and have a social life as crazy as mine – and I have to say it was orgasmic to finally get behind the wheel and take my baby for a spin.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Shyness. At first it can be fun when you come across a sweet and somewhat innocent girl; there is always something sexy about tainting a good girl, but honestly, it’s boring. There is so much fun to be had in the world people just need to kick back, embrace it, and f***ing enjoy themselves, you know?
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Red. I know it seems like a total chick color, because it represents confidence and passion. But the way I see it, red is used for sin and sinners, and that basically sums up one hell of a dirty night with me.
*~*~*~*
Creak
(An Erotic Thriller)
By Elizabeth Morgan
BLURB:
“What happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek.”
After spending the summer as a recluse due to a bad break-up, Nicole Saunders agrees to go to The Heat Wave Festival with her best friends, Kacey and Tyler.
Along with three other friends they plan to take a shortcut through the small town of Silver Creek; the last thing any of them expected was to become lost and end up pulling in to a motel for the night.
The Creek Motel is isolated and the last place Nicole wants to be, especially after meeting the glacial owner, but her discomfort is soon forgot as she finally gives in to her feelings and asks Kacey and Tyler to spend the night with her.
A decision she quickly regrets when she discovers that their friend has mysteriously disappeared from her locked room in the middle of the night. Worried, Nicole presumes the worst, but quickly discovers that Jayne’s disappearance is more disturbing than any of them could have guessed.
BUY LINK:
http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=514
~ * ~
EXCERPT:
He stared down at me. Uncertainty flickered across his features. “You’re drunk?”
“My head’s a little fuzzy, but I’m sober enough to know what I’m talking about.”
“Nikki, I don’t want you doing something you’re going to regret just because you’re upset over James.”
“This has nothing to do with him.” I leant up and kissed him. It was gentle, hardly exciting, but at least my stomach didn’t turn.
He didn’t kiss me back.
I pulled away and looked him dead in the eyes. “You’ve waited seven years. If it doesn’t feel right kissing me, then you know keeping quiet was the right thing, and I know that we just had a crazy moment earlier. One kiss and we can stop being curious and just move on.”
A small smile appeared as he arched an eyebrow at me. “You’ve been curious?”
Warmth blossomed in my cheeks. “Maybe.”
Kacey chuckled. “I so fucking knew it.”
I scowled at him. “Look, we’re adults, all right? I don’t want us all falling out over this.”
“What if it does feel right?”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.”
I took a deep breath as Tyler cupped my face. My eyes fluttered shut as his mouth caught mine without hesitation. His tongue slipped against the seam of my lips and a small pop of heat hit the walls of my stomach. I pressed my hands to his chest, my nails sliding against the material of his T-shirt as I opened up to him.
His tongue slid slowly against my own and the agonizing pace and tease of his gentleness caused my heart to skip. I slid my hands up to his shoulder and neck. I ran my fingers through his black hair as my body melted against him.
He trailed his fingers down my throat and each tip sent a different pulse of electricity straight to my stomach. His hands fell to my hips and as the pressure of his fingers began to increase with the pace of his demanding lips, my slowly sobering mind began to twist with familiar and forbidden fantasies.
And I wanted to give in to them all.
Why the hell had I ever thought that this would be weird?
We shared everything with one another, so why couldn’t we share ourselves? I would never dream of hurting him and I knew Tyler would never hurt me. I trusted him more than I trusted myself and the idea of being locked in his arms while he rocked languidly into me had my entire body thrumming with need.
“Right, I can’t watch this shit.” Kacey grunted as he got up. “It’s one thing getting a hard-on over you, baby girl. The fact that Tyler happens to be in the picture…I’m freaking slightly.”
I pulled away from Tyler, my breath somewhat shallow as I angled my head so I could glance at Kacey. “I don’t want you to go.”
Tyler didn’t shift his focus from me and I watched as realization slowly slipped across his features. “You weren’t just referring to me, were you?”
I shook my head and the smallest dose of guilt began to stab at me. “I think I could kinda love you both in my own way. I have—sometimes I have—God why is this so hard?” I took a deep breath. “There have been times when I’ve wondered what—across the years I’ve sometimes wondered—sometimes I have considered risking our friendship.” I looked over at Kacey. “Do you understand what I am saying to you?”
“You’re usually naked when I imagine you saying you want me, but yeah.”
My jaw tensed. “I hate you sometimes. I hate the way you treat women and that you can’t keep your dick in your pants or your damn mouth shut—”
“But you still want me, right?” He moved closer to me. “When are you going to get it in your head that you’re not just some girl, Nikki? You’re our girl.”
“I want you both.” I said quietly, not caring that my cheeks had grown warmer. “I have for a while.”
“If we try this—” Tyler took a deep breath. “And it doesn’t feel right—”
“We’ll stop.” Kacey promised as he slid his hand beneath my halter neck and began caressing my skin. “You say it baby, and we’ll stop and forget all about it.”
My stomach flipped at the feel of his fingers circling my navel. “And if I don’t want to stop?”
An unreadable look crossed Tyler’s face and my heart skipped as Kacey moved behind me. The warmth of his body seeped into my back, while his fingers painted trails of heat across my abdomen and along my ribs.
“Then what happens in Silver Creek, stays in Silver Creek. Unless you decide otherwise.” Kacey pressed his lips to my ear. A shiver ran down my neck and spine. “Does that sound fair?”
I closed my eyes and tilted my head to the side as his lips brushed against my jawbone and down the side of my throat. A groan escaped me as his hand closed over my bare breast and he squeezed eagerly. Tyler’s hands fell from my hips and I felt Kacey’s right hand splaying on my stomach as he pulled me closer and ground his growing erection in to my lower back.
“Yes or no, Nikki?” he asked raggedly. “Tyler ain’t the only one whose been fantasizing about this baby, and I hate to remind you, but I’m not exactly patient.”
I opened my eyes and looked at Tyler, watching as he pulled his T-shirt off and revealed the lean muscles of his abdomen and arms. I reached up and cupped his jaw, idly running my thumb along his bottom lip while I lifted my left arm and wound it around the back of Kacey’s head. I slid my fingers in to his mass of curls and pulled playfully. “Yes.”
~ * ~
BIO:
Elizabeth lives in a small country village in Cheshire, England, with two cats. You will always find her on the computer, blasting music and writing away. She started life wanting to be an actress because she loved performing. She enjoyed nothing more than being able to make people laugh, to distract them from reality for a few hours. She studied Musical Theatre in college, but during her second year, her mind started to overflow with ideas for scripts and she began writing plays. Slowly over the following three years, she was writing more and more, channeling her imagination into more detailed manuscripts…
Here she is, years later, hiding away like a hermit, writing like crazy and loving every minute of it.
Where to find Elizabeth Online:
Website: www.e-morgan.com
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.com
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.morgan.944
Blog: (Shared with Dianna Hardy): http://notjustastiffupperlip.blogspot.co.uk/
Cobblestone Publishing: http://www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/author/elizabethmorgan.htm
Noble Romance Publishing: https://www.nobleromance.com/Authors/184/Elizabeth-Morgan
Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/index.php?manufacturers_id=201&osCsid=6c1232251c1e45744bd0b3ee7262f414
Secret Cravings Publishing: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=191 Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/ElizabethMorgan/
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_al1?_encoding=UTF8&refinementId=368165031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0ZHQ1BAH0E7X2S7KTJ9M&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317828027&pf_rd_i=468294
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Morgan/e/B006WR1WLQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1351550906&sr=1-2-ent
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/elizabeth-morgan
by Sarah | Feb 12, 2013 | Books, Hump Day Hook, Morgana Chronicles, Writing
Another Hump Day Hook!
Since you’ve had weeks upon weeks of Changing Tracks to read…I thought I’d give you some variety by bringing back Rose Red the badass bounty hunter in Into a Mirror Darkly.
Red has just shown off her skill with her new bow. Wulfie, her secret lover, has been off on a mission for 8 months, and couldn’t even communicate with her for 2 months. So she’s been a little…pent up:
Wulfie picked up an arrow. It twirled in his fingers before he lifted it to look down the length. Once he’d finished, he inspected first the feathers and then the point. “Well done, Red.”
“Should be. I had months to work on them, plenty of frustrations to use to focus on making each arrow perfect. I believe I have close to two hundred in my closet right now.” She gathered the remaining arrows and carried them back into the house.
“That’s a lot of frustration.”
“It certainly is.
*~*~*
Hump Day Hook asks authors to post one paragraph of one of their stories, whether a WIP, one contracted, or already published. Please visit and comment on the participants – you might just stumble on the next great read for your library! To see more participants, click on the HDH banner below:
by Sarah | Feb 12, 2013 | I'm A Writer
In recent months my brain has returned & I’ve figured out how to separate my blogs. All of my writing posts can still be accessed by clicking Sarah’s StoryLines up in my top menu bar…or by clicking one of those links over on the right —>
I did this for several reasons, namely because I wanted to be able to host authors without overwhelming this blog – and because I felt the meshing of the blogs didn’t go very well (as I suspected it might not).
BUT, by doing this – I’ve also been lacking in telling the latest news to all of you, unless you happen to follow my Facebook Fan Page for my writing (another one for my series coming soon).
So – now you get my news.
My debut novel, [amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Changing Tracks[/amazon_link], the first in a series, just got published on Friday! It’s a Historical Western Romance set in the Colorado Territory in 1871.
Blurb:
Cole Mitchell runs the busiest saloon and brothel in Dominion Falls. He keeps his women at a distance, unwilling to relive a past he worked hard to forget.
Until the night Jane Doe falls into his saloon bleeding and near death. She wakes with no memory, only the firm belief someone tried to kill her. In the strange world of amnesia she manages to find solace in Cole’s arms and he finds home in hers.
While they work together to solve the mystery of her appearance, their pasts – her lack of, and his buried – build a barrier between them.
To make matters worse, Jane’s past isn’t willing to let her go. A stranger proves he’ll kill to keep his secrets safe. With those she loves in danger, Jane’s errant memory is all that stands between them and death. Cole can only do so much to protect her, will it be enough?
I’m very proud of this novel, as I’ve worked on it and the next two in the series for a few years now. I knew that these were the books I wanted published first. I love the characters, and hope that you will too!
Buy Links:
[amazon_link id=”B00BEMN5SC” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
Barnes & Noble
All Romance Ebooks
by Sarah | Feb 11, 2013 | Character Interview, Guest Authors, Writing
I’m very pleased to have Tamara Hoffa here today to interview one of her characters from Heart of a Soldier. The story and characters sound so wonderful I’ve set it up at the top of my TBR pile. I hope you enjoy learning about her heroine Charlotte (Charlie) MacKenzie as much as I did. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a copy of this heartwarming story!!
1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you come to your author’s attention? Occupation?
Wow, well you know an author’s mind is a complicated and crowded place, right? Tamara is (cough) a mature lady, and she wanted me to be closer to her age, so that was part one. She has two best friends, Bev and Alice. They have been friends since high school, both of these ladies have sons who entered the military. Tamara thought, hmm, how would that feel? Especially if you had already lost someone important in your life. Tamara lost her sister in a car wreck (my Phillips’s death is based on that accident). So she added all that up and came up with me. Charlie.
2. What or who is the greatest love of your life? Why? What drew you to them?
That’s a hard question. I have been lucky enough to have more than one true love in my life. I adore my son, Evan, of course. He is the light of my life, and I don’t think there is any relationship more special than the one between a mother and a son.
But, I have also been blessed with two wonderful men in my life. Phillip was my first love. We met in high school, and married soon after. We were soul mates. When he died I truly didn’t think I would ever find that kind of love again. But, I did.
Jameson came into my life at a very intense time. Evan wanted to join the Army, and I really wasn’t comfortable with that decision. Jamison was his recruiting officer. So, you can imagine it wasn’t the most auspicious meeting. But, Jamie was such a good man. Strong and brave and honorable, he just wormed his way into my heart.
I’m one lucky lady.
3. What’s your greatest fear?
I survived my greatest fear, losing my husband. But, that fear still haunts me, I worry about Evan and Jamie all the time. Life is a gift, that’s why they call it the “present” so I just try to live each day as if it could be my last.
4. What’s your motto in life?
Live, Laugh, Love
5. How do the other characters in your book view you?
Well, I don’t think we can ever truly know how others see us, but I hope when they look at me, they see; a survivor, a good mother, a good friend.
6. What do you prefer? To spread & hear gossip, or be the creator of gossip fodder?
I don’t like gossip of any kind. If I have something to say, I’ll say it to your face, not behind your back. So I hope I’m not involved in either spreading or creating gossip.
7. What is it about you that is going to draw us readers in?
I hope a lot of readers can relate to me. I am just like them. A mother, a friend, a wife, a lover. I think I have a good sense of humor. I love kids and animals. I love to cook. I work hard and live life.
8. What was your happiest moment?
I think every mother will agree, the birth of my son was the single “best” moment in my life.
9. What trait in others do you find most deplorable?
Deceit. I can forgive almost anything, but I can’t abide a liar.
10. The random question: If you were a color, what color would you be and why?
Ha Ha, I hate these mind bender questions. I’d like to say green, because I am serene etc. But that would be a lie. I guess maybe purple. Bright, loud, crazy, yeah that’s more me.
*~*~*
Blurb:
Soldier Jameson Hunter faces the battle of his life, winning the heart of Charlotte Mackenzie, widowed mother of a young recruit.
Buy links:
[amazon_link id=”B009FBK5WS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link]
Barnes & Noble
Boroughs Publishing Group
All Romance Ebooks
Kobo
*~*~*
Excerpt:
Charlie stared at his face, was he asking her on a date or was this business? Charlie really didn’t know what to think. While Jameson Hunter was an attractive man, Charlie hadn’t been on a date in…well, truthfully since she was dating Phillip in high school. Charlie surveyed Jameson’s face, trying to read his expression. He was smiling, causing the skin beside his eyes to crinkle, eyes that held a slightly wicked gleam. It had been a while, but Charlie was pretty sure she could still read the signals and the signals she was receiving from CWO Jameson Hunter were shouting, “Hey baby, I wanna see you naked,” or maybe that was her and she was reading her own desires in his eyes. Charlie hesitated. But, her concern for Evan was genuine and she really did want to discuss it, so she acquiesced.
“I would like that,” Charlie replied.
“What night are you free? I know a great little Italian place just downtown. Family owned, everything made from scratch, meatballs to die for.”
“Oh you really know how to hit a girl where she lives,” said Charlie. “I love Italian. That sounds marvelous. I have appointments most of the week, but I should finish up early on Thursday if that works for you?”
“Shall I pick you up at seven?” Jameson asked.
“I’ll probably come straight from work, so how about I meet you there?” Charlie may not have dated in a while, but one rule she knew from all her single friends, always have your own transportation, just in case.
Jameson scratched an address onto a slip of paper on his desk and handed it to her, along with his business card. “This has my office and cellphone numbers, in case you need to get in touch with me before Thursday.” Jamie pressed the card into her hand and a frisson of heat crept up her arm. Reaching into the outside pocket of her purse Charlie extracted a business card of her own. Clarksville Physical Therapy, Charlotte Mackenzie PT, Jameson raised his eyebrows.
“You’re a physical therapist?”
“Yes, why?”
Jameson laughed.
“What a coincidence. I’m stuck here, stateside, rehabbing a rotator cuff tear. I had surgery about six weeks ago. Just got out of my sling. I think physical therapy would be a lot more enjoyable with a beautiful lady like you for scenery rather than corporal Jennings at the base gym.” Jameson’s grimace made Charlie smile.
*~*~*
Tamara Hoffa lives in central Tennessee, with her husband of 30 years, her three grown children, two grandchildren, 3 dogs and 2 cats. Tamara started reading when she was four years old and has rarely been seen without a book at hand since. At home you will usually find her in “nana’s chair” with her kindle, her laptop or one of her precious, precocious grandson’s in her lap. Tamara is a reviewer, a professional reader and can now add author to her repertoire. Tamara is proof positive that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams.
*~*~*
Enter the Giveaway!
Leave a comment telling us your favorite thing you learned about Charlie. Winner will be drawn Friday, February 15th!
She is our challenge.
