www.shanagray.com

I enjoyed reading Kelley Heckart’s article published on this blog on Saturday. Christmas is not always a happy time of the year. However, everyone seems intent on keeping up the myth of family closeness, warmth and cheer. Some years ago, I was a volunteer on a suicide telephone line, and the weeks around Christmas we were certainly needed. In my upcoming release, Words for Patty Jo, one of my main characters, David, expresses what his feelings are about Christmas cheer. 

 The repetitious jangling Yuletide ditties exasperate him; he is disheartened by the sight of wretched, unemployed older men who, disguised in long white beards and jaunty red costumes, dispense false joy to tots. Cheer isn’t what you see in their eyes, or in the faces of frantic buyers, or women confronted by a mountain of cleaning and cooking, or those negotiating sad marriages and unpleasant families. To help others cope with the dangerous holiday jollity, he mans the telephone line at the local suicide prevention group, listens to the abandoned, the widowed, the divorced, the desperate, the ill, the forgotten, the lonely elderly. Victims of this noisy commercial fakery, they have been duped into believing they are inferior, that they haven’t made the grade, climbed the right ladder, chosen the winning card.

 Words for Patty Jo

The villain of our own stories

Sometimes we’re the villains of our stories, not the office bully, or the queen bee from highschool, or the megalomaniac billionaire trying to sink half the city in the ocean so he can build his waterfront development.

Without any outside help, we tell ourselves we’re ugly when we look in the mirror; we’re unrelenting to ourselves when we struggle; we’re cruel to ourselves when we’re less than perfect. Sometimes we’re the ones holding the bloody knife, the smoking gun… and the broken heart.

When I wrote It Starts With A Kiss, I didn’t want to rehash a Mean Girls trope in a sci-fi office setting. I wanted to explore the villainy in my heroine as well as the heroism in my villain.

Despite their comically catastrophic differences, Celeste and Eleanor both embody similar qualities that they use to navigate the complex environment of a business run by small-minded people—finding satisfaction at last when they push through their inner struggle, and finally appreciate themselves (and each other) for who they really are.

We are all complex and curious creatures. If you’re in a place to handle it, try to do this one thing today: be kind to yourself ❤️

First published in Discover… by Brenda Whiteside.

It Starts with a Kiss by JL Peridot

Celeste is a talented engineer who doesn’t realize her job’s going nowhere fast. She’s a little naïve. She’ll cut code and solder cables forever as long as Owen’s around. Owen, on the other hand, knows exactly how badly things suck—he just doesn’t care. Sure, his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they’re still better than what Halcyon Aries deserves.

Then it happens. The company’s toxic management team finally cross the line. As both techies race to upgrade the station and to free the team from their oppressive contracts, they come to learn that life—and love—can only ever be what you make it.

Strap in for a steamy office romance in space, because sometimes It Starts With a Kiss!

💞 Available at a bunch of ebook retailers 💞

OR

😍 Get it directly from my shop 😍

---

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. Her latest book, Until We Met Again is a time travel love story filled with longing, existential quandary, and sci-fi unreality. Visit jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work or subscribe to Dot Club for a collection of her tiny stories.

Christmas—not always a joyful time of year

Christmas is about colored lights, decorated trees, and gift giving, but it’s also a time for deep reflection and sadness, for some.

While most people are celebrating Christmas with their families, others might be alone and feeling miserable. It’s especially hard if you just lost a loved one to be reminded of that loss.

I’m fortunate to still have my family, but our holiday get-togethers now have changed. We used to have huge Christmas Eve gatherings and exchange tons of presents. It was exciting and a little overwhelming. Now, we have quieter get-togethers with less presents. We’re all older now and pretty much have everything we need anyway, and it gets harder to decide what to buy people, even ones you know well. That was a stressor for me every year at Christmas.

The unfortunate part of our Christmas gatherings in recent years is that they aren’t always happy occasions. Yelling at each other is a new addition. Those sweet, innocent times are long gone now with the rise of lies and fake posts spreading on social media and cable news, the latter of which really isn’t news. Those so-called news channels are meant to anger people. And the trolls on social media are intentionally trying to cause rage. It’s sad, but a part of our lives now.

The good news is my husband and I have our own intimate Christmas celebration and traditions that help me through this time of the year. I think, no matter what, you need to find your happy place.

Hopefully, we as a nation can get past all of this anger, and I hope my family can too.

Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, and Happy Winter Solstice to everyone.

Enter a world of enchantment and passion.

www.kelleyheckart.com

TARGET - The Valesky Crime Family - Kill or Be Killed - Dark Erotic Romance - Mafia - on AUDIBLE - Tina Donahue Monthly Newsmagazine #TinaDonahueBooks #DarkEroticRomance #Mafia #Lies #ImpossibleChoices #Giveaways #EyeCandy

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NOW ON AUDIBLE

A Russian Kingpin Wants Her Dead...

The Only One Who Can Stop It

Is The Man Sent To Murder Her

Dark Erotic Romance

Mafia

Lies

Impossible Choices

Kill or be Killed

 

Toni Flores loved her dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.

For years, Dimitri Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson Michael to kill her.

Michael’s a lobbyist not a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute… or so he believes.

Rather than murder Toni, Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit. The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and Dimitri’s outrage.

Michael and Toni fight to stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.

This is book one in the Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.

PRAISE FOR TARGET

FIVE STARS

"I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read." Sue B

"Fantastic read" - Vic

"Real Page Turner" - Kazza

"Not your average Mafia adventure/romance" - Caprica

"Awesome read" - Westie Dog

"Politics and Mafia" - Kindle Customer

"Suspenseful and sizzling" - Sheryl M

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The ‘tween time—Thanksgiving to New Year

I love this time of year, where every street shines and every TV commercial sparkles and shimmers. Christmas tree lights twinkle and the eyes of children widen and gleam with anticipation.

And then, on January 2, it seems to all go away at once. Whoosh! No more lights, no more sparkle. Snow turns brown and there’re long, dark days ahead before the next bright, fun time—for some, Memorial Day in May. Sigh.

So lucky for me, this book takes place in that bright time of year…

The Goodman series, Book Two: One Woman Only

Blurb:
As one of a set of triplets, Jonah Goodman has always stood out as the least academic—and the last one to take the world, or commitment, seriously. Thing is, that’s not really who he is. But who can he convince of that? Not his family, who see him as they always have. And maybe not his one love, the sweetheart he left behind in high school but with whom he is now sharing an erotic holiday. Will he get his second chance to prove to Kelly that he is a loving man who wants more than a sensual few days, but a real relationship with the woman he lost once and doesn’t want to lose again? With that chance and Kelly's love, Jonah knows that a "good man" can become even better.

Buy link:
Amazon KU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYSV5L9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48705086

Excerpt:
Jonah pulled in the driveway behind Daniel's old Volvo. Man, that thing had seen better days, but Daniel seemed to love it. At least with Daniel living close, Jonah could help keep the thing in tune and running.

 "Speak of the devil," Jonah said, as Daniel exited the house with his son, Timmy.

 "Jonah!" Timmy screamed his name and came running for him. Jonah scooped the boy into his arms, laughing.

 "What has you so excited, huh?"

 The boy’s dark eyes sparkled and his mouth held a wide smile. "My dad got the job you told him about and the school is really cool and we're going up next week to look for a new house for all of us and I might even get a dog."

 "A dog? Wow! No wonder you're so excited."

 "I know. And right now, we're going to get ice cream for dessert because gramma is making supper and she said she wanted some ice cream. What kind do you like, Jonah?"

 "Vanilla for me."

 Timmy scrunched his face into a scowl. “Vanilla?"

 "Well, with lots of chocolate sauce on it."

 The boy smiled again. "That's okay, then." Then he twisted to throw a disparaging look at Ginger. "Except Dad says your heap is in the way. What's a heap? I thought you drove a car."

 Jonah looked to Daniel who stood laughing softly at Tim's rant. He raised his brows and said meaningfully, "I don't drive a car, Tim. I drive a classic, original 1965 GTO. It's very special. Her name is Ginger. Wanna go for ice cream in Ginger?"

 Tim twisted toward Daniel so fast, Jonah almost dropped him. "Can we Dad? Can we take Ginger?"

 With a wry smile, Daniel took Tim from Jonah. "Not this time. We have your car seat in our car. But later we can go out if your Uncle Jonah says it's okay."

 If possible, Tim's eyes grew even larger. "You're my uncle? I've never had an uncle before."

 "Now you have two of them. Me and Mark. Remember Mark from the wedding?"

 "Is that the man who kept talking about math and stuff?" Tim asked Daniel.

 "That’s him." Daniel held out his hand to shake and Jonah took it firmly. "What brings you home this weekend?"

 "Wanted to see Mom and Dad now that all the hoopla is over. Zeb said to tell you hi and that he'll be up with me for Christmas to meet everybody."

 "It'll be good to see him."

 "So I guess congratulations are due for the new job? When do you start? I thought you had to finish the year up in New Hampshire."

 Timmy squirmed to get down, so Daniel set him on his feet. "Don't go near the street."

 "Okay, Dad," Tim shouted as he took off across the front yard, arms spread wide like an airplane.

 "It seems that while we were here over Thanksgiving, the headmaster filled my spot. They don't acknowledge that Eve and I created a scandal, and they aren't accusing us of creating a scandal—"

 "But they want any possible scandal gone far, far away."

 "You got it." Daniel shrugged. "Once I spoke with the president of the school down here, I was ready to make the move. We went down to Asheville to meet her and look over the campus the day after we got back, and they offered me the job later that afternoon. We're ready to start our new lives. I have enough money to tide us over, and it’s only a few weeks before I start in Asheville, in the new year."

 "Asheville is a good place to live. I'm glad things are working out for you."

 "Eve and I will be going after the weekend to find a temporary place to live while we look for a house, and to get Tim enrolled in school. Then we'll be there, getting used to the town and getting a feel for the school."

 "You'll do great, Daniel. They're lucky to have you."

 "Thanks." Daniel stole a glance over Jonah's left shoulder. "Looks like you might be lucky, too."

 Jonah turned to see what Daniel was talking about, just in time to see Kelly's RAV4 turn the corner. His heart rate skipped with that little bit of contact. Damn it. She didn’t even see him. Didn't wave or honk the horn. And still his heart knew her. And wanted her.

 Just like other parts of his anatomy.

 Reviews:

“This story truly had me hooked from the first page, and I'm very much enjoying my time with the Goodman brothers!"

 "I loved this beautifully written second chance romance.”

 "A great read. Five stars!”

 A little about me:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

 After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity. Sign up for my newsletter and have access to free reads.

 Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

 

Out Now - Christmas to Remember by @meganslayer #christmas #lgbtqia #romance #holiday #christmasread

 

 

Christmas to Remember by Megan Slayer

from Evernight Publishing

Contemporary LGBTQIA Erotic Holiday Romance

Christmas is the time to come together. What if it’s also the time to come clean and find lasting love?

Perry Felder knows how to play music. He wows audiences with his renditions of standards and knows how to work a room. He’s not only the son of wealth, but he’s created his own way in the music business. He’s at the top of his game in his career, but there’s something wrong and this Christmas, he’s determined to make his life right. But that involves more than snowflakes, stockings and Santa.

He’ll have to come clean about his sexuality. He’ll also have to let his overbearing socialite of a mother know he’s breaking out on his own.

He’s kept his true self under wraps, except to his assistant and best friend, Michael Hartsgrove. Michael knows the truth and if it takes everything he’s got, he’ll make the holiday season one to remember. He’ll show Perry that being his own man in every way will set him free. It’ll make his Christmas the best.

Can these two men, who seem to have little in common, make love last beyond the holidays? Only time will tell.

Grab a copy here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4BK1Y4F/

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/christmas-to-remember-by-megan-slayer/