Book Review: Mowed Over

 

Mowed Over

By Mae Harden

 

I, for one, was never a jerk and mowed my yard first thing in the morning. Nor have I ever thought about Hitler in a thong in an attempt to stifle my excitement.

Also, never underestimate the power of an exemplary computer nerd. OK, so she was a hunky computer nerd, but he was still rather valuable.

On one had we have Lilah, the pickle dropping bartender turned coffee roaster. She has issues, but never fear; Ben can work his way past those. Ben is the computer nerd I mention before. His “secondary” job would make him a great person to have around, no matter who you are.

Mae does a great job adding some serious sizzle to her books. She also adds in a fair amount of humor, and some of it caught me off guard. Then while that is going on, there is a mystery subplot that fits in rather nicely.  

I really like the easy-to-follow writing style, and before you know it, poof, you’re finished. This is the second book in the Sonoma series. If you hadn’t read book one, don’t worry. Heck, get em both; you will thank me.

I do recommend this book. Oh, and there is a nice teaser at the end.  

USS Scott: Moon Engineering

 

 

Moon Engineering 

USS Scott DDG-995

Feb 1991-Jan 1992

 

I mentioned before when I reported on board Scott that she was located at Moon Engineering in Portsmouth. General Dynamics NASSCO is located there now. The old lady was a hive of activity with the yard workers all over her doing repairs and improvements.

To me, it was a good time to report onboard. It gave me time to learn the ship and get settled without the underway time. So, from Feb 21, 1991, we were tied up and unable to go anywhere until early April. There was no fuel oil, no lube oil, no boilers, no missiles, and no 5” rounds.

Ships need those periods to be taken care of. After all, they are very complex machines. Initially, I was assigned to MER 1. But, that changed a couple of months later to the oil lab. Lucky for me, I had a couple guys from A-school also on board, so I knew a couple people. GSM3 Escobedo was in MER 2 and GSMFN Wallace was in MER 1 with me. Wallace and I got to do some of the housekeeping jobs.

One day Wallace and I had to remove the old fuel control valves from MER 1 and AUX 1. Those freaking things were as heavy as hell. We also were assigned to paint and clean. One day I went through the entire engine room and replaced light bulbs. There were like 50 underneath the engines alone.

Things were crazy with the yard guys onboard, but the old lady did need the sprucing up. When the welders were in the engine rooms, we had to stand fire watch for them. And it never failed anytime you would walk by; they would strike an arc every time you glanced over at what they were doing. I spent more than one day as a fire watch, and my eyes certainly did not enjoy those at all.

When the boilers were pulled, there was three coffer damns near the openings. One early morning while I was on sounding and security, there was more water in the bilge of MER2 than usual. It seemed when the mooring lines were tightened up, Scott had rolled slightly as the tide came in. The hole for the boiler cut out was below the waterline as we were taking water. We fired off the eductor and pumped out the water, so all was good.

Slowly we began to get the old lady ready to head back to sea. Barges with fuel oil were brought alongside, and I got the help to sit and watch the discharges. That was the beginning of my journey to the oil lab. When we finally fired off the engines for the first time, I did the fast cruise before heading out to sea. That was pretty exciting for a new engineer.

Some of those final days before our first time out were rather long. Prepping for the sea was a totally new experience for me. We thought we had MER 1 ready, so the Chief came down to check; he trashed the place. I forget his name, but he had full sleeve tattoos. I think he was a redhead too. Knew his shit, but was a let you know when you messed up.

Now, I will admit, I was worried about that first time out. I didn’t want to get sick and be a total FNG. But it didn’t happen. I felt a little uneasy, but the guys in MER1 kept me busy, and that went away. I had the thrill of cleaning a set of oil filters regularly.

We stopped and dumped trash for a while and then went along with the sea trails. I heard many of the other new guys were puking like crazy, so I felt better that I didn’t. I think we pulled back into Moon after that little run for some minor stuff. Soon, we made our way back to the destroyer piers and the fun of getting the old girl loaded out with weapons and the rest of the things we needed.

New Release: Mating Season

 

Mating Season by Emily Sharpe

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3TDHG1/

 

Mating Season by Emily Sharpe

Dear Editor Book 3

FREE in #KindleUnlimited

Blurb:

Kristina Edwards has the rare opportunity to remake herself after a traumatic event. She has a new job in a new state. Why not a new name as well? "Tina" settles into a rural North Carolina community, helped by her neighbor Chip and the elderly but beautiful new neighbor Eleanor, who has reasons of her own for moving to Poplar Gap.

Unbeknownst to Tina, Chip is also observing her, reporting back to his boss, an odd, reclusive man who lives on the mountain. Bill Cameron thinks he is dying and is obsessed with the idea of finding a suitable match for his beloved grandson Ian, half-white, half-Cherokee, if he can just bring the right woman to the mountain.

When Tina finds herself stranded on the mountain alone with Ian in the middle of the storm of the century, will she overcome her past and let love back in? Will Eleanor reunite with her true love from so many years ago? And what is Chip's true identity?

Publisher's Note: This sweet romance contains mystery, second chances, and a theme of light power exchange.

 

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3TDHG1/

 

Also in the series:

Dear Editor: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Editor-Emily-Sharpe-ebook/dp/B08C7MJSX8

The Stonemason and the Lady: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08M4G1H58

 

Writing Wednesday: Files

 

Writing Wednesday

Files   

 

You sat down a poured your heart into a fantastic hour of writing, and the power goes out. Then it hits you, “I forgot to save that!?”

Been there done that so many times over the years it is not funny. I have spent hours on a design project for work, and the power goes out, or the computer glitches or my program crashes. It hurts that you forgot that simple little click or ‘ctrl-s.’

It would surprise you how many people do things like that all the time. I’m going to show my age, but I’ve been using computers since 1982 for school or professionally. It has become a habit to hit save regularly. I used a program many years ago to do engineering drawings. Individual files would take up to 20 minutes to actually save the file. So, that made an excellent excuse for a break.

But, not only is it essential to save your work, but to save it in a location where you know where it is. I am a person who hates extra long file trees to get to a specific place. I use a jump drive for my writing. My books are in individual folders for each book. I have a bolder for blog posts, and within that folder, I have different folders for the extra days of the week I post blogs. My folder structure evolves over time as I add more files of a specific type or topic.

Another important part of file saving is file naming. My book writing style is strange. I don’t start on page one and run through to the end. I have actually started a book with the end and went back and filled in the rest of it. Along the way, I write a section of it, and at a later date, I assemble it into a “finished” book. This can be a massive pain if I don’t name my files in some sort of order. My first book was a total mess, but part of the learning process was making things logical.

Another habit I have it even after I have an assembled book, I don’t delete sections to make the story flow better. I will cut out an area, but I’ll save it in a different file. Each book has a file named bits. This way, I have parts if I might need it for another book. I find my ability to remember a scene I’ve written to be rather remarkable. (Wish I could remember some stuff from work like that.)

Even with all of the time I have had on computers, I still mess up and forget to save or assume I saved and tell the program not to save when I close.

Backups are essential as well. I copy my entire Story folder to Google drive once a month. Sure there are a good many files I don’t change, but I have them all safe. I create a different folder for each backup and copy it. There are automatic systems to back up entire hard drive on a scheduled basis as well. The essential thing is to keep a backup because you never know when a problem will develop. There are claims that a jump drive can’t fail. Yes, they can, just like an external hard drive, can fail. So, redundant copies are never a bad idea.

We all have systems that work, so make sure to develop your system and stick to it. You will be grateful for those times you forget to save, or the power does go out. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.

New Release: Mastering Vidal

 

Mastering Vidal by Julia Payton

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/me79MZ

 

Blurb:

One woman. Three brothers. Which one will win her heart?

Adric is the oldest brother of three. They are each determined, dangerous, loyal and looking to stay safe in their damaged world. Adric wants Vidal as retribution, a prize. He stole her and claimed her as his own. Sharing her was their original plan for vengeance. But once Adric got Vidal in his grips, he’d fight his brothers, her family and the woman herself, to win her over. It’s not her love he wants, though. It’s her body. At least, that’s what he tries to tell himself as things unravel all around them.

Vidal has led a sheltered life. But when she is taken by Adric, she discovers the life she thought she had lived with her father was an illusion. Her fiancé, Douglas was not as he seemed either. Life with Adric causes her nothing but confusion. One minute she thinks he likes her, the next he proves he doesn’t. Vidal is unsure of her place in his life but doesn’t think going home is an option any longer or if she really wants to leave.

This is book one in the Cruel Masters series and can be enjoyed independently.

Publisher’s Note: This dark dystopian romance contains elements of action, adventure, mystery, suspense, elements of ménage, adult themes and power exchange. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3P1JDP

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/me79MZ

 

#newrelease #JuliaPayton #blushingbooks #darkromance #dystopian #romancebooks #bookstagram #series 

 

New Release: November Weddings

November Weddings by Jenny Plumb

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/b5ko06

 

Blurb:

Natalia’s routine life turns upside-down when her younger sister, Camila, moves in with her to attend college. It’s difficult for Natalia to see her sister as a young adult and reacts badly when she finds Camila in a compromising situation with her boyfriend, Alejandro. Natalia, remembering her own mistake at eighteen, tries to put rules in place to curtail Camila’s budding romance, but Camila balks at her mothering.

 

Professor Oscar Jackson has almost given up hope on finding a wife who not only wants him to be in charge, but thrives under his direction. When his student, Camila, passes out in class, he calls her emergency contact and takes her to the campus clinic to make sure she’s okay. At the clinic, he runs into Camila’s beautiful older sister, and he’s instantly smitten.

 

Will Oscar be able to convince her to date again? And if so, is she the type of woman he’s been searching for, or will she be another in a string of failed relationships? And what about Camila and Alejandro?

 

Publisher's Note: This steamy contemporary romance contains a theme of power exchange, an exciting chase around Vegas, and an HEA.

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/b5ko06

 

#romancebooks #bookstagram #JennyPlumb #newadult #campuslife #blushingbooks #newrelease

 

 

New Release: Endless Love

Endless Love by Jessie Jones

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Love-Dark-Mafia-Romance-ebook/dp/B08NWJRPR2

Blurb:

Gillian Morgan has finally found her forever with John and Patrick. However, someone is trying to take that away from her, Will they succeed?

John Kenric is the happiest he has ever been, with his wife and best mate. If he can just kill the enemy before they get to his family, maybe he can finally find everlasting peace.

Patrick O'Malley has the woman he loves, and he and John are the closest they have ever been. He refuses to let his enemy take that away from him, even if he loses his own life in the process.

Publisher's Note: This steamy, reverse harem, Mafia romance contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Endless-Love-Dark-Mafia-Romance-ebook/dp/B08NWJRPR2

 

#JessieJones #reverseharem #mafiaromance #darkromance #kindleunlimited #newrelease #kindleunlimitedbooks #blushingbooks

 

 

USS Scott: Mess Cranking

USS Scott DDG-995

Feb 1991-Jan 1992

 

Mess Cranking       

 

Of the various jobs I had on Scott mess, cranking was hands down the worst. I reported on board as a GSM3 (E-4) and was hoping that would keep me off the mess cranking list. When I started in the oil lab and helo refueling team, there was another chance to keep me off the list.

But, to no avail, I had to go, as did my A-School friend, GSM3 Escobedo. I will admit part of me being on the list was my own fault. Had I pushed and became oil king qualified during LeoOps, I would have missed that fun. But, uncharacteristically, I slacked off slightly.

Escobedo went to the chief's mess, and I went into the galley. I swear I was being punished for not getting Oil King. Most of the cooks were decent guys. A couple of them were jerks, or they just treated the cranks poorly. I remember one guy who baked the bread. He was an MS2 when I reported on board but slowly was down to MSSN. Just wanted out of the Navy and took any route to do it.

For some odd reason, I remember an MS3 Cheney. He was just unique in my memory. Even stranger is how he hated doing anything with jalapenos or onions. He never liked cutting them and asked me to do it for him from time to time. We were not supposed to do any food prep, but we did from time to time.

Most of our duties were cleaning and serving. We were busy pretty much all day from before breakfast until late at night. It was not a decent job. I had the pleasure of doing this while on the North Atlantic cruise. It was rather rough at times, and things in the galley could get messy then. Pots full of whatever would fall on the deck, and of course, who had to clean it up?

The job I just disliked the most and got stuck with the most was washing the pots and pans used in food prep. There is no easy way to say this, but it just sucked. You were busy the whole time during the meal and them after the meal. Nobody helped, and the sink got plugged up all the time. It was wet hot nasty work and being tall, I had to half bend over the whole time.

Serving food was the most straightforward job in the galley part of the job. I spent very little time on the mess decks cleaning there. The serving was straight up, give out a proper portion of what people wanted. Easy, right? Except remember leaving Bergen in the storm? That was hard to serve that night. Another service I remember was in Germany a couple days later. We had turkey, and Cheny had plenty carved up. But, being our only night in Germany, he wanted to get cleaned up fast. So, he was cleaning while I was serving. We ran out of cut turkey. So, I was told, cut it. I butchered that bird all to hell. 

At one time, I was assigned to the "Jack of the Dust." The guy who picked the next day's food from the storeroom. That was actually a decent week or two. We had a list of what food to get, and we did. The storeroom was jammed with food, and we had to belly crawl on top of the boxes to find the proper location. Then we had to dig out the right box. After a week of removing boxes, there was more room to move around. The freezers were the hardest to move things around in. They were packed top to bottom, front to back. Plus, they were pretty cold. Sometimes we had to unpack most of the boxes to find the right one.

Typically, you spent 90 days doing this, but my time was split. I was able to stop in the middle so I could attend some training at Little Creek for boiler water feed water school, Navy Fuels School, and JP5 School. This pushed me back to the beginning of the Med Cruise. There was a glimmer of hope near the end of my time for a slight reprieve. The advancement results were announced, and the Chief over the galley said anyone who makes it can be done cranking today. The results were announced, and I made E5. The Chief then renigged on his comment and did not let me out. I really do think I was being punished for not getting oil king sooner.

But, I finished my time, 97 days in all, and survived. During my time, I also kept refueling the helo and my duties as oil king while UNREP. I know that caused a rub with the galley staff. That helo came in at the strangest times, and I was there to fill her up. Sometimes we sat and had to wait, so I would be gone for a while during mealtime. UNREPs were a little different. Those typically did not happen during the middle of a meal, but they would drag on into mealtime. I did enjoy UNREPs; more on those later.

For you non-Navy readers who made it this far, let me help you a little. Mess cranking is a collateral duty that people do when they first report to their ships. It is ships service work, and just about everyone does it. On some larger ships, people also work in the laundry. On our destroyer for mess cranking, you could work in the main galley, the Chief's Mess, or the wardroom. The wardroom was where the officers ate. Those assigned there also did other services fr the officers, such as getting their laundry.

Also, a UNREP is refueling at sea. I will talk about those later. JP5 is fuel for our helo, and only certain people can refuel the helo. I will also cover that later on. 

 

New Release: Jessica's Cowboy Daddy

 

Jessica's Cowboy Daddy by Melinda Barron

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/mdn72W

Blurb:

Jessica Barker has found the home, and job, of her dreams in Bookman Springs. When she meets lawman Hawk Coleman things are complete. Jessica doesn’t believe in happily forever after, and with her Hawk is happy to just play, either in the Little world, or the BDSM one. Life is perfect.

One day her ex-fiancé’s mother appears, out of the blue, demanding Jessica return a family heirloom. The only problem is Jessica returned the ring to her ex when she broke up with him. Days later the woman turns up dead, and Jessica is the prime suspect. Hawk is determined to protect his woman, and he’s also determined to let her know he believes in happily ever after. He’s ready to buy a house and settle down. But first they have to find a killer, and help Jessica uncover her true feelings.

This is book two in the Rescue Ranch series and can be enjoyed independently.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary western romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, mild age play, sensual scenes, adult themes and a happily ever after. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Ranch Rescue
Book One: Aurora's Cowboy Daddy
Book Two: Jessica's Cowboy Daddy

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/mdn72W

 

#MelindaBarron #newrelease #blushingbooks #RescueRanch #DaddyDom #cowboyromance #bookstagram

New Release: The Healer Collection

The Healer Collection by Char Cauley

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NW2J6NP

Blurb:

Four steamy historical romances filled with stern punishments in this collection sure to warm your heart.

Amanda’s Wolf
Wolf has his hands full with his little determined wife, Amanda. She constantly disobeys his order not to go out without her guards, putting herself in danger to save others. He will not tolerate her disobedience.

Colleens Laird
When Colleen, one of the healers in Wolf's keep, is threatened, she tries to convey her fears to the lairds. Assuming that the threat is coming from someone in his clan, Rolland sends his trusted elite guard, Michael, to protect her.

Unbeknownst to him, Rolland hands her over to the enemy. Will he be able to save her in time? Can he protect her from Michael?

Little Hopes Doctor
The doctor who hurt Hope one year earlier has returned to fight for her hand. First, he must prove himself worthy to her uncle and guardian, as well to the little healer herself.

At times Hope needs to be little and cared for, and Acelin jumps at the chance to let her know he is the man who can provide her with what she needs the most.

Seitka’s Shifter
Seitka is a young shapeshifter who has a hard time following orders. When she disobeys her brother by going into the forest to search for herbs, she discovers that she should have listened to him when he told her it wasn't safe. Now, she must pay the consequences for her actions, and she may lose her fiancé in the process.

Publisher's Note: This steamy historical romance collection contains elements of power exchange and is intended for mature audiences.

 

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

 

Purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NW2J6NP

 

#anthology #charcauley #blushingbooks #kindleunlimited #bookstagram #historicalromance #romancereaders

 

 

New Release: Ranch Pass

 

Ranch Pass by Gray Gardner

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/4NXwZN

Blurb:

With an oil company breathing down her neck about land rights for a new pipeline and a nosey neighbor breathing down her neck for entirely different reasons, Harriet Frederickson isn't so sure she'll survive through winter. She knows one thing for certain, though. She has to win, because in Texas, oil might be king, but she is the undisputed ruler of her own life. Well, just so long as she follows her new neighbor's rules, too.
Nelson Childress has just moved to Texas after inheriting one of his late uncle's ranches. When he comes face to face with the cute little neighbor who is pointing a gun at him, he knows she is the one for him. He just has to convince her.

Publisher's Note: This steamy western romance contains a theme of power exchange.

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/4NXwZN

 

#GrayGardner #newrelease #westernromance #contemporaryromance #bookstagram #blushingbooks

New Release: The Brothers Rule

 

The Brothers Rule by Carolyn Faulkner

Available at: https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Rule-Carolyn-Faulkner-ebook/dp/B08NM7HVP6

Blurb:

When Jace Rule first told his brothers, Adam and Ryan, about the girl he was dating, they couldn't believe their ears. Laurie had been dating the three oldest brothers at the same time and hadn't even realized it.

When Jace tells Laurie, she is flabbergasted, but together, they soon decide that she'll continue to see all three of them until she can decide between them.

When that turns out to be an impossible decision, their younger brother, Nick, who is a lawyer, suggests that a contract between Laurie and the three oldest Rule brothers might be the solution.

But can that really work, being in an arrangement with three virile, dominant brothers? They'll soon find out.

Publisher's Note: This reverse harem contains steamy scenes as well as a theme of power exchange.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

https://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Rule-Carolyn-Faulkner-ebook/dp/B08NM7HVP6

 

#CarolynFaulkner #newrelease #reverseharem #westernromance #bookstagram #blushingbooks #romancebooks

Writing Wednesday: Fun

 

Writing Wednesday

Having Fun    

I will openly admit; I have stopped having fun in my writing a while ago. I guess because it is coming down to crunch time for me, and I am panicking. Really, I am. But that is a topic for another post.

When I began to write, I enjoyed it. I created a story and people's lives with every new word I was putting on paper. I put them in danger and then placed them in an intimate setting where they found passion and sexual fulfillment. It was fun. At times I had an idea; I planned to start at A and go directly to Z, but that got totally sidetracked. The characters ended up taking a left turn at Albuquerque. (Sorry old Bugs Bunny joke.)

Even with the detour, I still managed to save the day, and my main characters were safe, and so the world with them. A few times along the way, I would actually get tears as I would write because it was emotional. Other times I would even laugh at what I had written because it was funny.

But, I lost it, I lost that fun aspect of it. It is all my fault because when I get a little freaked out, the fun goes away. Editing has me freaked out, as does my cover and paying for it all. It is essential to retain this aspect of our writing. It is easy to tell when an author is having fun because it comes through in their writing. Word phrases or an oddball term can crop up and make the reader laugh.

To get back into the fun of writing, I do a couple things. One is a bad habit I need to break, but I ignore what causes me a headache. That is bad because I missed my deadline, and now my whole project is delayed. So, don't do that. Another tactic I use is to distract myself with something I enjoy, such as my blog posts or reading. It really does help the most when I distract myself from the bad issue, and it gets me wanting to finish up the bad stuff so I can get back to having fun again.

Cover Reveal: Unbreakable

 

Unbreakable

Join me for an exciting day for my friend and fellow romance writer, C.R. Riley as she reveals the cover of her newest book Unbreakable. Be sure to give her some loving and put this on pre-order, you will thank me later. 

Preorder Dec 1

Release Date Dec 10

I love this cover so much. Hot and sexy, but also one displays the relationship Olivia and Nathan have.

Unbreakable is a story about healing. It’s not for everyone, those with triggers need to take that warning seriously. Olivia’s life with her ex was a living hell. She suffers from a handful of flashbacks. Those get real and have some details that are hard to read. I did my best to be respectful, but I also wanted to let you see how far she comes once she is free and moving forward.

Nathan is a true saint, a man that possesses a wealth of patience and love. Not just to her, but the two children that gave her the strength to finally find her way out. This is a story of healing. A true HEA that will walk you through the aftermaths of domestic violence and its effects on all those who live through it.

Blurb

Olivia Valentine is no longer satisfied with the life she is trapped in. For ten years, she has walked on eggshells. Her husband has no respect for her or his children. And now that her son is picking up a few of his father’s aggressive behaviors, it’s time for her to take a stand.

The day she does is also the day Nathan Kohl enters her life. The First Lady asks her head of security to protect them from Olivia’s soon-to-be ex. Since her husband is a US Senator, they will need protective detail to keep them safe.

The moment the three of them walk into Nathan’s life, the simple one he was living suddenly gets a lot more complicated. All his prior ideas on how he’d get his own family changes, as does his heart, and he finds he wants them. A family he has no business wanting, not yet at least.

Olivia and Nathan learn that a family is what one makes. It has nothing to do with the DNA that runs through each of their veins. The bond one forms while building a friendship can be strong.

But what they are building be strong enough when it all comes crashing down around them? Will they be able to come together? Prove to those determined to steal it all away that nothing can get between them? It will be one wild journey that neither expected. All while showing them what happens when you meet the one person you were always meant to find.

**Unbreakable is a novel about domestic violence. It also mentions the acts of physical and sexual assault, which I understand may be triggers for some. Reader Discretion is advised.

 

Book Review: Caught Up In You

 

Caught Up In You

(Indigo Royal Resort #2)

by Claire Hastings

 

You will notice quickly; somebody has a thing for classic rock and roll songs.

We are back to the infamous Indigo Royal Resort, where the staff is willing to make everyone feel like a VIP. Leona is gearing up for an annual tradition she would rather avoid, but her position won’t allow her to do that. World-famous footballer Cullen Cruz is on his way for his yearly stay in the resorts VIP bungalow. But, this year, he is coming for a new reason and alone, this time. There is a history there and well, it all plays out for you in a satisfying manner. 

When an author enjoys writing, you know you will enjoy the read. It is evident from the author's colorful verbiage she had a great time writing this book. After all, she had to really be enjoying writing to include the phrase  "out of the rub tub and into the hot tub!" That still cracks me up. And, you can tell a particular couple is up for some exciting times.

The writing style is easy to follow, and before long, you find yourself immersed in the setting. You will not be sorry to add this one to your TBR list. Even if you didn’t read book one in the series, you wouldn’t be lost. Heck, read book one first, then read this one. Yes, I do recommend this one.

USS Scott: First Duty Day

 

USS Scott DDG-995

Feb 1991-Jan 1992

 

First Duty Day

 

I will probably jump around a little with my stories, so forgive me. When I can, I will add dates to keep things in some order, if possible.

Scott had a crew of about 363 enlisted and officers. When in port, we were in a five-section duty rotation. Meaning every five days, you have to stay onboard the ship for watch standing. This meant at any one time, roughly 72 people were on board at any one time. During a typical weekday, the whole crew was onboard until knock-off ships' work was called about 4:00 pm. Then the duty section took over all of the care for the ship.

Being in engineering and a new guy, I was assigned to the very basics of watches, sounding, and security. Basically, we roamed the ship and ensured certain doors were locked, and there was no flooding happening. There was a checklist to fill out for some locations, and we just checked the doors. Some places we checked visually for water, others we used a sounding tape. A sounding tape is a long metal measuring tape with a brass weight attached to it. If we had the 4-8 am watch, we had to go onto the per and check the ship's draft.

It was pretty dull, but it was something that had to be done. If I wanted to increase my knowledge base of the ship, I had to get that qualification out of the way.

Watches were 4 hours at a time, and we rotated when we had them. They started at midnight and went around the clock. The midnight watch was called the midwatch, or balls to 4. Balls because of military time midnight was 0000, balls. The oncoming section made sure to arrive early so the off going could tell you what was happening around the ship.

Other things that would happen on a duty day were in port fire drills. These were far different from our big drills while at sea. They were mostly held for small fires in the paint locker or a broom closet. I will be candid. I was clueless when we had the first few drills and screwed up badly. But, that is the purpose, learn, and improve when it practice. Over time, my skills improved, as did my reactions.

On my first duty, I was under instruction with HT1 Boudin (sp). He was one hell of a nice guy. He taught me a good deal about Scott and also fire drills. The only issue I had on duty days was, I did not have a permanent rack or locker. So, I just had to make due with what there was. It could have been worse.

After a few duty days and being under instruction on the watch, I took the test to become the Sounding and Security watch on my own officially. It sure does not seem too impressive now, but then, it was a big thing. The first watch checked off, so many more to go.

I have plenty more to write down about my time on board, Scott. Forgive my picture; it is hard to find a decent one to depict life 30 years ago on a tin can.

New Release: Karia and the Master by Isabella Kole

 

Karia and the Master by Isabella Kole

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/mgzlNK

Blurb:

Has she finally found her destiny? After a frightening experience with the paparazzi, Karia returns to the academy. Fighting her way back from her fear with the help of her friends and, surprisingly, Master Armstrong, she is finally realizing what she wants her future to look like. But a mysterious stalker on the grounds of the academy seems determined to ruin her newfound happiness. Will Oliver and Karia expose the man before he does irreparable damage? What does the future hold for the young journalism student and her handsome Master?

This is book three in the series but can be enjoyed independently.

Publisher’s Note: This adult contemporary romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, sensual scenes and power exchange. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/mgzlNK

 

Also Available:

The Academy: https://books2read.com/u/4NXLeN

Karia and the Prince: https://books2read.com/u/me7eqR

 

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New Release: The Laird's Chamber

 

The Laird's Chamber by Finley Brown

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/bw7dqP

Blurb:

When the innocent and vulnerable Ailsa McKenzie first met dark and brooding Dr. Ian McLennan, she had no idea her life would be changed forever. Their affair was intense, sparking a romance that would unleash a series of events that were not only demanding, but dangerous, and exposing secrets from both their pasts. Through it all, Ailsa found a surprising solace in the comfort of Ian’s commands and strict punishments.

Now, with their honeymoon over, The Duke and Duchess of Torridon must return to their everyday lives, only this time there would be no marriage contract to protect them. Ailsa must learn to navigate her new position and the challenges it imposes as she explores her own dark desires in her husband’s new chamber. And Ian must come to terms with his constant need to control. But not everything is idyllic, as old enemies and new passions collide, putting all involved at risk. Ailsa is forced to face her deepest fears, and it comes with a decision that will change everyone’s lives forever.

This is book three of the Glen Torridon series but can be read as a standalone.

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/bw7dqP

 

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New Release: Her Cowboy Daddy

 

Her Cowboy Daddy by Allison West

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/mlWnpP

Blurb:

He’s an overprotective cowboy. She’s running from her past, right into disaster. Can he save her?

Desperate to get away, Lexa is running from her past and refuses to look back. She needs a job, and after answering a help wanted ad for an au pair, Lexa heads to Ravenwood. What she didn’t expect to find was a storm that sweeps her off the road.

Handsome cowboy Asher Hayes comes to her rescue. He’s gorgeous, the perfect gentleman, and a little overprotective. Asher warns her that Sheriff Jennings is a man not to be messed with, that he likely killed his own wife, and the police helped cover it up. It’s probably just a rumor, right? What other choice does she have? Mr. Jennings appears charming and kind. Asher has to be wrong, but what if he’s not?

Publisher's Note: This steamy, action packed romance contains a theme of power exchange. Although it is book two in the Western Daddy Dom series, it can be read as a standalone.

 

Purchase: http://books2read.com/u/mlWnpP

 

Preorder Her Outlaw Daddy (Western Daddy Doms Book 3)

Available Now: Her Billionaire Daddy (Western Daddy Doms Book 1)

 

Teaser:

"Why am I being punished?" Her mind was foggy with trying to remember what she'd done to end up in the detention room. She wanted him to please her, not spank her.

"You lied to me," Asher said, his hand coming to smack her sex.

Lexa gasped; the pleasure mixed with pain was phenomenal. "You intentionally withheld information about who you are and where you came from. I could have protected you, but instead, you kept secrets from me."

Her sex throbbed for more contact, and Asher took a step back. She glanced over her shoulder as he headed toward the back wall, retrieving a black leather paddle. Lexa swallowed nervously, unsure how the leather might feel against her supple skin.

 

Enter to WIN a $25 Amazon Gift Card and Signed Paperback!

 

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