Reading, writing, and balancing the two! Come hang out with us, meet The Penguin, and get behind the scenes info on the latest in new authors, new books, and pure insanity!
Wait! You damn fools, where are you going! You can't launch the shuttle without me, I'm the Penguin!
Damn. Well, since I have some extra time while NASA tries to recover the shuttle they launched without me, I'm gonna have another drink. While I'm doing that, how about I introduce you to some great books, hm? Today we have the Ruby Lake series, by author Sherrill Willis. Have a look, and I'll have a drink, then you can let me know what you think while I have another...
Sherrill Willis is the author of the much loved Ruby Lake series. Ruby Lake is the first book which was published originally in 2011, but was re-released after being professionally edited in 2013.
The second novel in the series, A Wedding in Ruby Lake, was released on 8/16/12, and the third, Stay A While in Ruby Lake, was released on 12/12/13. Sherrill lives in northern Wisconsin with her two sons, and - in addition to writing which is her passion - enjoys reading, meeting friends for coffee and loves talking to her readers!!
Sydney Myers has been through several failed relationships in the past year, in addition to several other trauma's, and is now giving up on finding her knight in dented armor. When her boss sends her to Ruby Lake, a small, rural town in northern Wisconsin, the last thing she was looking for was love at first sight, not to mention a place in the world where she finally fits. Add in her city-savvy best friend, a jealous ex-girlfriend, a famous father, and a coffee shop full of off-the wall characters, and it becomes more challenging for Sydney to manage than a spinning plate competition.
When disaster strikes close to home, Sydney is left with the unbearable choice of her family, or the life she has always dreamed of. Come with Sydney on her journey and laugh, cry and rediscover why some choices are not really choices at all, they are simply fate.
“Really? What were you doing about twenty minutes ago? And don’t tell me you were thinking, I know what your ‘thinking’ face is. Besides, we’re leaving Saturday, and we are staying at the hotel until then so it’s not like I am going to get a chance at him anyway. I was just commenting on how cute he is.” Illana folded her arms over her chest and stuck her chin out at Sydney. “At least I’m honest about it, unlike some people.”
“What do you want me to say?” Sydney threw her arms up in frustration. “Yes, I think Zeke is hot, like burn-me-at-the-stake kind of hot. The man brought me a perfect cup of coffee while I was sleeping. Who does that? I almost spilled my coffee this afternoon when Betty told me he called her to find out how I like my coffee. So, yeah, I want him. How could I not? I mean, the only thing that would make him sexier is a gold-hoop earring! My heart does jumping jacks whenever he walks into the room,” At Illana’s wide-eyed look, Sydney said, “and he’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?”
“Yeah, but don’t stop now, especially if you’re going to do jumping jacks,” Zeke said, leaning against the door jam and wearing a very satisfied grin.
A Wedding in Ruby Lake finds Sydney Myers and Zeke Greyson planning the perfect wedding, only to receive several unexpected, but not unwanted, houseguests. Illana Garet, Sydney’s city-savvy best friend, decides to come rather unexpectedly as does Zeke’s friend Tyler Shepard. They both arrive just in time to be embroiled into a new threat which proves to be far more dangerous than anyone at first had believed. The attraction between Alex, Zeke’s brother, and Illana deepens and Illana finds it hard to keep her well-maintained defenses in place. Annie “Attila the bun” Greyson is also back, but with a few surprises of her own.
From the meddling ladies at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, to the machinations of a psychopath, A Wedding in Ruby Lake is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and a few new characters to get to know. Join the Ruby Lake gang as they find out, mostly the hard way, that sometimes walls need to be torn down in order for a better foundation to be built.
Illana walked quickly into her room and grabbed her black clutch purse, opening it to drop her cell phone in it. She checked her hair, red tipped today, and makeup one last time in the mirror above the dresser and then walked out the door, pulling it shut quietly so as not to wake the other houseguest. Turning around, she ran smack into his chest.
“Ow, hi, I didn’t hear you get up. Did we wake you?” she asked, her face turning pink as she looked at Tyler.
“No, I’ve been up for hours actually,” Tyler said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. “Just so you know, my heart has already been spoken for. But if it wasn’t, you’d be very fun to chase…and catch.”
Illana felt a pang of disappointment, and a wave of relief. “Ha, like you’d catch me to begin with. I never date men who are prettier than me.”
After a shooting incident—which left Sydney Greyson and her new sister-in-law, Annie Greyson, injured—the residents of Ruby Lake now face more difficulties than ever before. Sydney is left trying to navigate a new marriage and the upcoming arrival of her twins, while dealing with the fear that shadows her every waking moment. Annie is coming to terms with a life drastically different than the one she had hoped for, and makes some painful decisions regarding who will be in her life and who she must let go. Illana Garet will have to make some tough choices, and will gain and lose much during the process. Meanwhile, the women at the local coffee shop, the Stay a While, will do everything in their power to keep everyone’s spirits up, amid much laughter and love.
None of the members of the close-knit group in Ruby Lake will be left unscathed in the upcoming events that will shape them all. Come with them to celebrate the joys and grieve the losses that touch us all. Join them to find out why so many choose to Stay a While in Ruby Lake.
“Stop yelling, I’m awake, for goodness sake,” Diana said, pulling her fancy new earbuds out of her ears.
Illana sat down, one hand on her chest. “You usually hear the door open, your face was so peaceful, I thought…”
Diana put a hand on Illana’s knee. “I know what you thought, and it is coming. I hope you don’t do that when I do go. When I go home, there won’t be any more pain. You must be brave, my girl, you must. There are so many things I want to say, do, see with you. I want to dance, I want to sing more songs, but we are running out of time. I want to say I love you a thousand more times, so much so it will soak into your skin and stain it. So you will have it forever.”
So...whaddya think? *hiccup* I might've had a couple or five drinks waitin' on you...hehe. This idiot NASA guy is bugging me to do...something...I don't know, I'm having another shot while you tell me what you think. Leave a comment, and I might just comment back at ya...using Ashley's profile of course, since the idiots in the internet won't let a penguin have a profile...
Welcome back, lovely readers whom I love so dearly!!
Today, we have a very special treat. A dear friend and fellow author just released her latest book, Protective Love, and she's going on tour. Guess who gets to be part of that tour? Yep! DSP!! We have a lot going on, so let's get started first with the preliminary post.
***A WORD OF CAUTION!!***
This book is graphic and contains adult content meant for readers 18+. There are parts in the teasers that may make readers uncomfortable and again are intended for mature adult audiences, so please use caution and don't say I didn't warn you!!
Protective Love
By P.J. Belden
Synopsis
**Due to sexual content, language and violence, this book is only suitable for ages 18 and up**
Everyone has secrets. How far would you go to keep them hidden? What would it take for you to rid yourself of the secret…. to move past it all?
Kayla Williams was stuck in a reoccurring nightmare. The problem was Kayla wasn't dreaming. This really was her life for the past sixteen years. No matter what, she knew she had to keep this secret, from everyone she knew and loved especially her ten brothers and sisters. It was a secret that would break the family apart. Kayla is the middle child of a large family. Kayla found it all too easy to blend into the background. When her twin sisters have a graduation party, Kayla decides to stop by only to tell them congratulations. She had tried to stay away from her family and her family home as much as she could. Kayla loved her family, but it was hard to face them, knowing the awful secret she was hiding. What Kayla didn't know was that going to this party would cause the first domino to fall and trigger the next.
Jason Gold, a dutiful son, was a loner all his life. To Jason, honesty and trust were only a figment of people’s imagination but something he believed in. Jason, a police detective is married to the job. When Jason’s sick mother asks him to attend a party on behalf of her, he meets the one girl that he could not ignore or forget.
Secrets are dangerous…. they can cause bonds to break and hearts to shatter…. Will Kayla survive her hidden secret or will it claim her forever? Will Jason come clean on his secrets or let them tear away the only woman he has cared enough about to pursue?
Kayla, your brothers are watching you while your dad and I attend this banquet dinner. Your sisters are at Aunt Lucy‟s for the weekend. Keep an eye on things, please. All the boys are together, you know how messy that can get. Jake and Carson should be calling to let us know when they will be home. Can you please write the message down and leave it on the fridge?” my mom said to me.
Jane Williams was a beautiful woman. Many say she could pass for a model even now. I could remember hearing several of my brothers‟ friends saying those words when they met our mom for the first time.
“Yes, ma‟am.” I said rolling my eyes. Nothing I hated more than being told how to do the obvious things. I knew how to answer the phone and take a message, as well as where to put it.
“You‟re sure you don‟t want to go to Aunt Lucy‟s? We could drop you off on our way.”
“Yes, mom. I would rather stay here. I have a project to work on anyway.”
I didn‟t like going to Aunt Lucy‟s. She was a little out there in an odd way, and I much preferred to stay at home when my sisters went over there. They did all the girlie things; I was happier just getting muddy and climbing trees.
“Okay, love you guys! Behave yourselves, boys, and keep an eye on your siste,r please,” Jane yelled as she headed out the door on my father‟s arm.
“Eli, do you have some time to help me with a school project?”
I loved all my siblings, but I had bonded most with Elijah and Jake. They were overprotective but I still loved them.
“Can we work on it tomorrow, Kay? We‟re going to have some friends over and play some pool.”
I forced a smile, trying hard to hide my disappointment at not being able to spend time with my brothers, who were home on break
“Sure,” I said. “I will stay in my room and out of the way.” He hugged me and I headed to my room.
My room was simple. I had a daybed up against one wall. Across from the bed was a built-in entertainment center with shelves for all my favorite books and movies. There was a built-in desk at the far end of my room, and a walk in closet that had more than enough room for all my clothes and shoes. I even had my own bathroom. It wasn‟t huge, but it was big enough for a bathtub/shower, a sink with vanity, and a toilet. I didn‟t have to share it with my brothers or sisters, and that was all I cared about. There was nothing about my room that screamed „girlie;‟ the walls were beige and the carpet was white. The linens were lilac, as were the curtains. I loved my room; it was peaceful, relaxing, and easy to stay focused on my studies. I sat down at my desk and started working on my homework assignment.
Music started playing loudly from downstairs. I slowly made my way to the top of the grand staircase. When I got to the banister, I saw a room full of people. My brothers were hamming it up big time for the girls there. I sighed heavily and shook my head at my brothers‟ actions. Judging by the amount of people and their laughter and music, I knew it was going to be loud for a while. So I made my way back to my room, turned on the radio, put my headphones on and went back to work on the project.
A few hours later, it was late and I was tired, so I decided to call it a night. The music was still going downstairs, so I knew the only way I was going to get any sleep was if I switched to my wireless headphones and wore them to bed. After changing for bed and brushing my teeth, I crawled in bed and fell asleep in no time.
Unsure of how long I was sleeping when my bedroom light came on. I sat up and tried to get my eyes to adjust to the light. Through the blur I thought I saw my brother in the doorway.
“Jeez, Nick! I was sleeping, you know?”
I rubbed my eyes, and when I looked back the door was being locked. It was not my brother after all. Instead it was a man about the height of my brother, with a buzzed head and average frame, though it was apparent that he worked out. He wore a tank top with a vest over it, revealing several tattoos lining his arms and neck. His jeans were baggy and sagged from his waist. He had three piercings - two silver hoops in his ears that that caught the light from my room when he walked, and the other in his lip. He moved closer to me, and I noticed that his eyes were dark - almost black. He walked with the confidence that he owned the world and had a smile on his face that sent chills down my spine.
“Umm, you need to leave my room,” I said, trying to keep the fear from my voice.
“My name is Alex. I am a friend of your brother, Carson. I take it he is not coming home tonight?” His voice was low and had a menacing tone as he spoke.....
Excerpt (Jason’s POV)
I was just walking up to the front of the house when I froze in my spot. Staring at the sight before me, I watched as a woman came running from the house. Her long, brown, curly hair was flying like silk in the wind behind her as she ran. It was like watching her in slow motion.
She was breathtaking. She had perfect opulent curves, not pencil thin like most women these days think they need to be. As she ran, her perfect size breasts were bouncing along. Just looking at her was making my cock stir in my pants. I watched as she made her way down the steps trying to get her shoes off. She was down on the walk, struggling with her other shoe when she started to fall. I ran in to catch her. Her hair fell into her face as I cradled her in my arms.
For the first time in a long time, as I held this woman in my arms, I had a feeling of peace come over me. Something about this woman called to me. She wasn‟t the normal type that I took to bed when I was frustrated. She was different. I can‟t put my finger on why, but I wanted to get to know her better; a lot better. She wiggled and her breasts rubbed against my chest and I had to bite back a groan. I knew it had been a while since I had been with a woman but this was ridiculous. No woman has ever affected me like this one. Instead of making me want to run away, I wanted to get closer.
Jeez, you fucking pervert!
About the Author
Hey Y'all! PJ here. You want to know a little about me. Well I live in Indiana with my husband of ten years, our three kids, and two dogs. I love writing and reading in any spare time that I have. I have been writing for as long back as I can remember, but I put it aside for a while. There are many reasons I did that but mostly it just wasn't time for me to really push it, I think. My oldest son is an inspiration. He is autistic and the view he has on life is astounding. He doesn't let the bullies or negative reaction to him slow him down. My daughter loves to read just like her mama and my youngest son is a complete copy of his father it's scary LOL. My family has gone from one extreme to another weather wise. We lived in Alaska to move to Georgia. Big weather difference. Each day I view as a blessing. Make your dreams come true today because none of us are promised tomorrow. Hugs to all and many blessings.
So...how about an interview with this superb author? Yeah? Okay, you got it!
DSP: For starters, tell us a bit about you, we like to get to know
our authors as a person! [You can include anything from your age and marital
status, to your favorite color and food. The only limit is that it’s about YOU,
not necessarily your book or writing. Just a little something to introduce you
to the world.]
PJ: Oh about me…hmmm Let’s
see… Well I’m 31 years old. I have 3 amazing kids. I’ve been married for almost
11 years now to a man that drives me crazy in both ways that that can be taken
LMAO!!! Good enough LMAO!!!
DSP: Nice to meet you! So tell us, where did you find the inspiration for your
most recent book?
PJ: Well I was sitting down
and thinking about things, chatting with the hubs…It just kind of hit me. It
was something I needed to do. I put pen to paper and took off. Yes I wrote this
book in a notebook (several actually) before ever typing it out.
DSP: So, do you have any kind of ritual for writing? Such as, you have to write
with music on, or you can only write when you’re completely alone, etc
PJ: There is no real method to
my madness most times, but for this specific book I needed to be in quiet so I
could get inside my own head thus into the story better. This was an emotional
book to write.
DSP: Who is your favorite character in your book, and why? How about the
character you had the most trouble with?
PJ: Wow this is a hard one. I
loved Kayla and Jason (the main characters) but honestly all the characters
have a place in my heart for one reason or another. Though the character I did
struggle with in the beginning was Kayla’s dad. It wasn’t that I didn’t know
what to make of him but more how to put it in words. In the end, I hope that
came through.
DSP: Now, when you sit down to write a book, a paragraph, or whatever you‘re
working on at the moment, do you just sit down in front of the computer, or do
you need an outline of some sort? Is there any other prep you need in
order to organize your thoughts either before you write or in the process of
writing?
PJ: Most of my books start a
blurb. Occasionally, it will start from a scene, but most times the characters
start with an overall story on what I want the book to be about. I have no real
process or outlines. I just write what they tell me too LOL. In some cases that
ends up changing the blurb in the end. LOL
DSP: Do you foresee any more books to continue this story? If so, do you think we
can get a taste of what’s to come?
PJ: Absolutely. The series is
Hidden Secrets. It is based off the Williams family. So all the siblings will
be getting their own books. The order
for the stories is as follows:
Book 2- Carson (currently
finished and in for edits) Teaser in
email for this one.
Book 3- Mary (almost
complete)
Book 4- Jackson (currently
working)
Book 5- Jacob (currently
working)
Book 6- Eli (currently
working)
Book 7- Kylee
Book 8- Colt (currently
working)
Book 9- Jeff
Book 10- Mylee
Book 11- Nick
DSP: Other than this most recent story, do you have any ideas for different books
that might be published in the future? Care to give us a teaser?
PJ: Aside from the Hidden
Secrets series books I listed above, I have 4 other books in the works. I am so
excited about these. They are stand alones. One is a play on student/teacher
(sort of. You’ll understand when you read it). It’s called Ruling Your Heart.
(teaser in the email for this one) Another is about how life can change
suddenly even when we try to keep our heads down and ignore everything all
around me. Third one is about how letting go and forgetting things can lead to
stupid decisions that can change your life. It’s called Delayed Happiness. The
fourth one is kind of a top secret project at the moment and once it’s closer
more will be said on it. Hehehe
DSP: Who is your greatest inspiration to write? What person makes you believe in
yourself, and how?
PJ: My greatest inspiration is
my kids. They push me when I want to just push it aside. They believe in me and
I want to give them a reason to keep believing in their dreams no matter how
out of reach they may seem.
I have an amazing support
system so I can hardly narrow that down to just one person. They all know who
they are and how much I love them for all their opinions and tongue thrashings
from time to time.
DSP: Do you have any aspirations to be similar or comparable to
another author? Why?
PJ: I don’t know. I just want
to write my stories and have others read and enjoy them. So I can’t say I’m
striving to be like anyone, but myself.
DSP: What has been the biggest high since becoming a published
author?
PJ: Well naturally I want to
say just getting the reviews in but it is also the people I’ve met along the
way.
DSP: Have you named the computer you use for writing?
PJ: Nope but my kids
have. It’s called the adult computer.
Hahahaha Which they conclude is full of boring stuff like how to take all the
fun out of their day when they don’t clean their rooms. Hahaha
DSP: Has becoming an author changed you, or the way you think
about certain things? If so, how?
PJ: Nope. Still the same ol’
me. I just get the voices in my head to stop screaming so loud LOL!!
DSP: What is your greatest fear about being an author?
PJ: Hmmm…I’m not sure. I’m
actually scared every time I publish a book. Hahaha
DSP: Which of the characters in your book do you feel is the most
like yourself, and in what way?
PJ: Kayla. Her will to push
past and move forward no matter what happens.
DSP: From the first word to the moment it became available for
purchase, how long did it take you to write and publish this most recent novel?
PJ: Oh crap! Ummm, well
ummm…Hey I never said I was a mathematician! LOL I have no clue on this one.
And now, for something completely different…some slightly
off-the-wall and possibly irrelevant questions. Just a few questions to help you get to know the author on a more personal letter!
DSP: Are you planning to bring sexy back?
PJ: LMAO!!! It’s already been
brought LOL
DSP: If you could be any cartoon character for 24 hours, who would
you pick and why?
PJ: Hahaha umm Jessica Rabbit.
First one to pop in my head LMAO!!
DSP: How many ridges are there around a quarter?
PJ: Ugh! More math…hahaha 62
DSP: Do you believe in fate or destiny?
PJ: Yup. Sure do.
DSP: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck
wood?
PJ: A whole hell of a lot.
DSP: What are your thoughts on string?
PJ: String is fine and can be
turned into a ball. Oh the joys of string! Endless fun!
DSP: Boxers or briefs?
PJ: Boxers!
DSP: Thong, g-string/v-string, or other? If other, please explain.
PJ: For me or a character
LMAO!!!
DSP: What is your favorite song?
PJ: It will Rain by Bruno Mars
or Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts or Through the Rain by Mariah Carey
DSP: Do you have any tattoos? If so, how many, what are they, and
where are they on your body? (PG-13)
PJ: Nope
DSP: What’s your favorite candy? Ice cream?
PJ: Anything carmel.
Cookies-n-Cream or Cookie Dough.
DSP: If you had to pick a CB handle, what would it be?
PJ: Ugh! Have no idea. LOL
DSP: Would the 8-year-old version of yourself kick your ass or praise
you for what you’ve done with your life?
PJ: Definitely praise me and
ask for advice too.
DSP: What is the last song you listened to?
PJ: Jesus Take the Wheel by
Carrie Underwood
DSP; Do you have any talents you haven’t shared with us?
PJ: I’m a very crafty person.
I enjoy making things.
DSP: If you could meet one person (real or fictional, alive or
deceased), who would it be, and what one question would you ask?
PJ: Fictional: And I can’t
name one LOL I have LOTS I need to question LOL
DSP: Imagine you’re the sole survivor of a plane crash at sea, and
you awake stranded on a deserted and uncharted island in the Bermuda Triangle.
Nobody knows you’re there, and you have nothing but the clothes on your back.
You’re all alone, and there’s terrifying sounds coming from deep within the
jungle. Late that night as you’re starving, a large suitcase washes up on the
shore. You open it up. What’s in the suitcase?
PJ: Well not food, but things
that I can use to kill food and make shelter…and maybe a change of
clothes…though then again if I was the only one there…hahahaha On second
thought let it be a man LMAO!
Information overload...brain melting...oh, wait, I'm not equipped for that, nevermind. Crisis averted! Heh heh...
So, one last thing before we go, and that's the dreaded review. (I only say that to scare the pants off PJ and make her think the worst before she reads it!!) Read on to find out my thoughts on Protective Love!
Review of Protective Love
First and foremost, I have to caution readers that this book will make you uncomfortable, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. But you should be warned before reading it that it or my review that it contains scenes you may not like because of how real and terrible they are.
Moving on, this story follows Kayla, a young woman who's fallen victim to a horrendous crime...over and over and over again. She is used and abused in every way to settle a debt, but the debt seems neverending as it spans over sixteen years. When she finally meets Jason - the only man she dares let close to her even a little bit, both their lives are suddenly in danger, and with both having a sordid past, the fight to stay together is a harrowing tale that makes you want to throw the book across the room, yet you can't put it down.
The prologue hooks the reader into this young girl's life during after one of her earlier attacks, and you can really feel what Kayla feels - horror, anguish, violated, like a piece of trash. She's silently screaming for help, and too terrified of the repercussions if she did ask for help. She's caught in a dangerous and deadly situation where the only one who can really help her is herself.
The author puts the reader inside the mind of someone who's faced down evil and lived to tell about it repeatedly. It elicits a slew of emotions from the reader - many unpleasant - and puts them into the action, where they really don't want to be. It almost shoves reality in the face of the public, screaming "HEY! This stuff really happens! Don't turn a blind eye; you could be next!" Which is very true.
The rape scenes are brutal and powerful. I won't detail it here - you NEED to read this for yourself. But I will tell you that after you've finished reading this rollercoaster of emotions, you'll be exhausted, and so incredibly thankful for the blessings in your life that you may just wanna hug someone.
There were some minor pacing issues, where the actions seemed to drag a bit and get a little repetitive, and the style of writing seems geared toward younger readers (of course, the content is absolutely NOT for younger readers). All in all, I'd give Protective Love 4 stars, losing a star only for the pacing and the writing style not quite matching the subject matter. I don't feel it takes away from the overall story, but it's worth mentioning so I have to include it here and in my score.
Well, that's all I got folks! Go pick up PJ's book and tell me what you think!
And to PJ - sorry for making you wait (and for the mild heart attack before sharing the review), and thanks for letting DSP be a part of your release tour. Please come back soon and let us know all the great things coming your way!!
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