Why I've Lost Any Shred of Faith in Humanity

***WARNING!!***

This post is going to be filled with very strong language and questionable topics that may leave the reader thinking I'm a horrible person. Just know I'm ranting, and I'm upset, and if you don't want to read it, then please don't, but if you do and you don't like what I have to say, it's your own damn fault, don't come crying to me or whining to other people. This is NOT book or author related. This is me telling you about something that has me fired up, and seriously, you might not like it. But you've been warned...

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Everyone has lost someone - and sometimes multiple people - in their lives, and it never really gets any easier. But I know a family in mourning right now over a tragic incident that stole away the life of an innocent man, and the cause is something that up until now had never really touched my life. 

Murder. Cold-blooded and likely premeditated murder.

You hear about it on the news and you feel sorry for the victims and their families and friends, but I'd been lucky as hell to have gone just shy of 31 years without having to say I know someone who's been murdered. Unfortunately, that streak ended Saturday night when a random post about a murder in Oldham County (where I grew up and where much of my family still resides) on Facebook. Knowing that in a relatively small and closely knit community a murder was kind of a big deal and likely involved someone I knew, I quickly opened the link and my heart shattered. A guy I'd went to school with and who had become my regular Wednesday night ride home from work was a cab driver for the company he ran with his father, and he'd gone missing Thursday. Being a cab driver isn't exactly the safest job out there, in case you didn't know. 

My newfound friend's name was Adam Gregg, and he was found in Oldham County with his throat slit after a shady ride from downtown Louisville into OC. 

Now, I won't claim to be his best friend. Hell, I didn't even know him until the first day he picked me up back in February, when we realized we went to school together. But after the last 5 months or so, I'd gotten to know him and his lovely wife, and I actually looked forward to Wednesdays when I got to chat it up with them. This guy was such an amazing person that even in those 5 short months I got to know him, I feel horrified by this tragedy. Not just because of the way it happened, but as I sit here typing it, I keep thinking to myself this is some sort of mistake, nobody would ever want to hurt Adam. He was too kind, too generous, and too full of life.

His family is now crushed, torn apart, and grieving for the sudden, unexpected, untimely, and irreparable loss of their loved one. His parents are shattered. His wife - who is from Ukraine and may not have anyone else in the US to help her through this apart from his family - is undoubtedly inconsolable. 

**Now, I have to warn you, my language is going to get a bit rough, because I'm fucking pissed.**

The "suspect" was arrested after a routine traffic stop in upstate New York driving the stolen vehicle. His name is not important, because he doesn't fucking deserve the publicity. First off, clearly this moron is a complete fucking idiot to be driving a stolen vehicle with the plates still on it. Second, this guy wasn't from Louisville, or from Oldham County. No, this fucktard is from Corydon, IN, and a fucking redneck. Not to mention a pussy ass bitch for trying to run to Canada. Neither Adam nor his family deserved any of this. NOBODY deserves this. Who the fuck gave this douchebag the right to take away someone else's life? When the hell did he get delegated the task of controlling population by killing people for no god damned reason? Tell me. Who the fuck does that shit?? And what did he get out of it? A tank of gas, a car for 2 days, about $70 bucks, and a drive to New York before getting put away with no bail. 

Boy, I bet he's fucking proud of himself. 

I've never said this about any human before, but I hope they give him the chair with an expedited speedpass to the front of the line to be executed next. Even that is too good for him, to be honest. You can argue with me until your fucking ears bleed about how wrong capital punishment might be or murder doesn't justify murder, but I'm not changing my mind. Eye for an eye, he deserves to have his throat slit after an hour of fear and left to rot. It's how he treated Adam, it's only poetic justice. No, it won't bring Adam back, it won't make anything this fuckhead did okay, nor will it justify or even satisfy the wrongful and intentional death he caused, but he doesn't deserve to be a drain on society by wasting taxpayers' money to keep him alive. If it were me, I'd strap him to a rocket and shoot him off into space to die alone and pathetic. 

This fucker is why I've lost all faith in humanity. Adam did nothing wrong, he was only doing his job as a cab driver, and a monster took his life. NO reason. NO excuse. Just fucking MURDERED someone for the hell of it. MURDERED. Let that sink in. He MURDERED someone I'd consider a friend. For no reason AT ALL. 

I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

So to you, Biggest Douchebag Fucktard Moron EVER, of Corydon, IN, you sir can go get fucked by a big ol' boy named Bubba, be his bitch, and service him daily until the time comes that you get what's coming to you. It won't be soon enough, it won't be punishment enough, and it won't heal the hurt, but you just don't fucking DESERVE three meals a day for the next however-many-years-till-you-fucking-die. Hope you're happy with the choices you've made, because you just fucked yourself buddy. Enjoy.

Hell in a Handbasket

Oh...My...Smurf...

Suffice it to say I've got issues. Mostly the technology kind. My laptop went down for the count and I've been stuck using my cell phone for all my internet needs. Which was fine for, like, five minutes, but managing my blog(s) and marketing my books and checking my innumerable emails and managing social media and staying connected in a digital world using only a cell phone can be excruciating. In fact, it was damn near impossible. There were times I wanted to rip my hair out because there are just some things that are easier to do on a computer. Like...type. Do you have any idea how many autocorrect fails I've had? I should win a friggin trophy for most inappropriate autocorrect fails in history. Sure, they were often funny, but the sheer gibberish that my phone created at times had me at my wit's end.

Thankfully, we got a desktop. Only problem? No wireless network adapter. DAMN!! So as a temporary fix, my phone is tethered to my computer and I'm using my data from my phone to power my desktop until I can remember to go get a wireless USB adapter to make everything all better.

Yeah, I'm fairly certain technology runs away from me screaming...and when it doesn't, I wanna do this.  -->>

Anyway, I'm finally back, for good this time. (I hope!) And if you've contacted me through the contact form on this site, rest assured, I got your message and will be getting back to you shortly after the holiday weekend. I can't promise anything over a holiday weekend.

A personal update...I am working again full-time for a mail order pharmacy that helps people get their medicines free, like chemotherapy and other pretty important stuff. I'm really enjoying it, because I get to help people and it's a really rewarding job. I no longer feel like I should be ashamed of myself for not becoming a doctor or lawyer or something that would've made my parents super proud, because I really feel like I'm making a difference for people with little to no options who need their medicine to survive. Who wouldn't love their job when they actually get to make an impact on people's lives??

I haven't written much lately without a computer, but I'm hopping back on the bandwagon slowly but surely now that I have a functional computer. By the way, did anyone ever notice that as a writer, if you have a messy office that is cluttered, it blocks off your creativity, and you feel like a useless sack of potatoes? My dog decided to use my office as his hoarding space, and I had exactly zero desire to come in here. 

Okay, so that's enough about me. It seems this site is still getting pretty nice traffic, so stop in and say hi in the comments. C'mon, don't be shy!!! 

Happy Easter, my lovely friends and followers!! Hope the Easter bunny came to see everyone and left lots of eggs and candy! If not, wait till tomorrow when it all goes on sale and get your own. Hehe!!

In the meantime, rush out to snag your copy of Wings of Vengeance, by my dear friend Kylie Price!! It's free today and tomorrow, so grab your copy today. Enjoy these awesome teasers to get you through till you can get your copy!

Pretty awesome, right?! Look for wings of Vengeance on Amazon! Get it for free in the next 24 hours!!

Blog Tour Stop - Abby's Heart by Kristine Raymond

Title:  Abby’s Heart (Hidden Springs Series #3)

Author:  Kristine Raymond

Genre:   Historical Western Romance

Release Date:  February 15, 2014

Synopsis

Abby Prescott is a proper young lady who has never ventured far from home.  She travels West to attend her aunt’s wedding and suddenly finds herself captivated by the beautiful, rugged landscape as well as the attention from not one, but two men.   Malcolm ‘Boots’ Dunn is a young man who is on top of the world.  He has re-opened Cooper’s Mine – a gold mine that has been closed up for more than twenty years.  Fun-loving and easy-going, pretty Abby Prescott catches his eye and he knows that she is the one for him.   Simon Archer is a solemn, hard-working man who spends his days apprenticing as a blacksmith and his nights dreaming for a woman to share his life with.  When he meets Abby, he knows that she is the woman of his dreams and he will stop at nothing to have her.   As both men vie for Abby’s affections, she innocently encourages their advances with disastrous consequences.  When the dust settles, which one will win Abby’s heart?

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

Excerpt

He lifted her up and swung her around in a circle.  She held onto his shoulders, feeling dizzy as he spun her around.  After several rotations, he set her back down on the ground but didn’t remove his hands from her waist.  Taking a moment to catch her breath, she kept her hands on his shoulders and as her head cleared, she suddenly realized that he was looking at her intently.  Her eyes widened in surprise as he leaned his head towards her, then closed when she felt the brush of his lips on hers.  The tingling sensation that she had felt in the tunnel was now magnified and as he brushed his lips softly against her mouth, a feeling of warmth spread through her body.  She had never been kissed before but she had imagined many times what it would be like.  This kiss was so much better than her imaginings.  All too soon Boots pulled away, his hands still on her waist.  “Is it okay that I kissed you?  I know that I should have asked for your permission but you are so beautiful, I just couldn’t help myself.”   Ducking her head so that he wouldn’t see her blush, she responded, “Yes, it’s okay.  It was very nice. And just so you know, if you had asked, I would’ve said ‘yes’.”

About the Author

Kristine Raymond loves to read and that naturally transformed into a love of writing.  She has always been a fan of the Old West and lived in Arizona for several years, where she was able to appreciate the beauty and history of the region.   She has released two books in the Hidden Springs series and is currently working on her third.  When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family, and occasionally watches a TV western or two.

Facebook ~ Facebook for Book Series ~ Twitter

Website ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads

Purchase Her Other Books Today

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

Giveaway

Signed paperback of Abby's Heart (US Only) & Winner's choice of an ebook by Kristine Raymond direct to Kindle

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Blog Tour Stop - Forever Doomed, by Mary Ann Kempher

Hey hey, lovely readers, followers, and friends!! Join me in this exciting tour stop with author Mary Ann Kempher  for her book, Forever Doomed! Sit back, relax, and get ready to be entertained!!

It's not wise to wander the cruise ship Forever alone at night. You might not live to see daylight.

Detective Jack Harney agrees to do an old Army buddy a favor. Curt Noble had some personal business to attend to, he didn’t say what. What he did say was he needed someone to temporarily take over his duties as head of security on the struggling cruise ship Forever. Jack hesitates, but he owes Curt his life so agrees. He’s told the worst mischief he can expect to encounter will be the occasional shoplifter, or drunk. Instead, one week into the cruise, a beautiful red head and a member of the crew are ruthlessly murdered. Are the two murders connected? It’s up to Jack to find out. He must find the killer before the ship returns to Tampa’s port, or worse, before another dead body is found. This won't be easy. The ship is old, it's security systems outdated, and clues are few, or so it seems at first

 It’s not just a sense of obligation that motivates Jack to agree to Curt's request;

Jack moved thousands of miles, started over, and still can't get Amy O'Brian out of his heart or mind. When she shows up on the ship, as part of a large wedding party, Jack must fight to stay focused. To make matters worse, Amy isn't his only distraction; a sexy and mysterious woman has made it her mission to seduce Jack.

As the body count rises, and time slips away, Jack has to ask himself, “Did someone commit the perfect crime?”

 

 

 

forever doomed

maryann kempher 

 

goodreads

 

purchase links

amazon us | amazon uk | barnes & Noble | kobo

 

excerpt

Jack watched Marni leave, torn. Did he think she’d killed Pam? No, but she was keeping something from him, something to do with Pam’s murder. He looked down at his arm, seeing her small hand. His heart was still beating hard. It had taken real effort to hide his feelings when she’d touched him. After a few minutes, he started walking, and was soon standing outside Marni’s cabin door. He hesitated. He told himself he was just going there to talk to her, to try to make her tell him what he sensed she was holding back. But that was a lie. He reached up and knocked. She opened the door wearing a towel.

“I was about to take a shower,” she said.

Jack didn’t respond. He walked into her room, shoving the door shut behind him. He took hold of her towel and pulled her tightly against his body, his mouth covering hers, his tongue searching for hers, his hands yanking the towel off and tossing it to the floor. He easily picked up Marni and carried her to the bed. She pulled his shirt up over his head, her hands running themselves through his thick chest hair. She reached for his belt buckle, undoing it slowly, her eyes watching his. Then she pulled his pants down and gasped.

Oh my.

dreamcast

 

review

(paste your review here)

 

ten fun facts about maryann

I spent my honeymoon in Saudi Arabia. Someone approached our guide and offered to buy me.

I spent a year in Korea, about 90 miles from Seoul.

I’ve written two books. My first is a romance with a murder mystery, my second is a mystery with a dash of romance.

I grew up in Milwaukee Wisconsin, but moved to Reno NV when I was 15 years old.

My first job was at the Circus Circus casino in Reno. On their second floor, they have arcade games similar to a carnival, and a stage where acts are performed. I worked all the different games.

I’ve been married for 21 years.

My favorite food is spicy squid. My least favorite is cabbage.

I love to travel, but don’t get to do it as much as I’d like. My last big trip was to New York City. My last mini-trip was to St. Augustine Florida.

My first book is entered into a contest hosted by Romance Writers of America. Fingers crossed.

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.

 

excerpt #2

She quickly opened the pantry door and stepped inside. Oh good, my cake. By the sound of the wind, rain, and even the occasional thunder, she could tell the back door had finally been opened. She cracked the pantry door an inch and peeked out. A tall, muscular man was there, he was making a sandwich. She’d wait him out. The lights in the kitchen flickered on and off, then on again. Suddenly, another man entered the kitchen. Jeez, I’m never gonna get out of here.

“What are you doing in here?” she heard him ask. His tone concerned her. He seemed annoyed, maybe even angry. At least I’m not the only person in the kitchen that’s not supposed to be here.

The other man didn’t answer. He picked up a rolling pin and hit the guy on the side of the head, hard. The man fell to the floor with a thud. His head lay outside where she was hiding. Through the crack in the door, she could see blood on the side of his head, his eyes wide open and vacant. She swallowed hard and willed herself not to freak out. She’d need all her composure so she didn’t give herself away. She watched, shocked, as the man rushed to the kitchen’s swinging doors, looked out, then quickly returned. He picked up the dead guy and walked outside.

She wasn’t thinking straight. Should she wait, see if he was coming back? Should she run like hell and hope he didn’t see? She did what any good stripper would do. She went to the other side of her cake, bent down, and with all her strength pushed that cake out of the pantry, through the kitchen, and out of the cafeteria. She pulled up the hood up on her overcoat and kept it there until she arrived at her destination.

about the author

MaryAnn Kempher loves to write mystery with a dash of romance. She spent her teen years spent living in Reno NV where her first book, Mocha, Moonlight, and Murder is set. The setting for her second book, Forever Doomed, was inspired by her love of the ocean. Her writing influences include favorite authors Agatha Christie, Jane Austen and Janet Evanovich. Her guilty pleasures include any and all sweets, including a good cup of Mocha. She is married with two children.

contact maryann

facebook | website | twitter | goodreads

 

previous books

 

goodreads

Instead of feeding her late-night appetite, a midnight food run nearly gets 28-year-old Katherine O’Brian killed. She’s the only person to see the man who brutally murdered a local woman, and the killer is hell-bent on making sure she doesn’t talk.

Scott Mitchell left a broken engagement behind when he moved to Reno, and the last thing he needs is more melodrama. But when he and Katherine are paired for a college project, that’s what he gets. It can be very distracting when someone is out to kill your lab partner. Together, they try to figure out what the police haven’t been able to—the identity of the murderer. Passion flares, but with Katherine’s life in danger, romance seems like more than a bad idea.

Scott and Katherine will face jealousy, misunderstandings, lust, and rivals, not to mention attempted murder—and all before their first real date

 

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Pretty awesome, right? Well, I have another treat for you lucky boys and girls: an interview with the author!! Right now, I'm waiting to get the questionnaire back from Mary Ann, and as soon as I do, I'll update it here for your viewing pleasure. So make sure you check back, this is one you do NOT want to miss!