Book Review: Cross My Heart

 

Cross My Heart

(Broken Hearts #1)

by

Avery Maxwell

I have mentioned it before, but writing reviews is such a pain, and not letting out spoilers. But, the opening of the book offers up a major WTF moment. Dex Cross, the poor guy, gets a significant downer, well, a couple, but he moves on considerably. He is a heck of a guy but still running into trouble along the way, but that helps in the long run.

Lanie Heart has also had a rough go of things. She, with prodding, makes a move to renew herself. She takes a job as a nanny in Waverly Clay, NC, away from her lifelong home.

One character feels she is not worth loving, and the other has lost faith in love. Yes, there are ups and downs. If you are not careful, there will be s a good deal of emotions for you too. I admit it. They got me also.

Make sure to add this one to your reading list. You will be delighted. Trust me!

Writing Wednesday: The Year

 

Writing Wednesday

Year in Review

 

This year is in the bag, well, almost. Looking back at my writing journey this year, I am a little in awe of my progress. My original plan was to just have my book being sent to an editor. Instead, I am gearing up for its release.

Along the way this year, I did learn a good deal. The draft I sent to my editor was full of rookie mistakes. The input I received from my editors has had an impact on my writing, for good.

One day, I knew eventually I would have to decide whether I really want to publish or just let this be a hobby. I think many writers start out as a fun way to spend some time and release some stress. I know when I was spending time each day writing, I sure did feel less pressure. That writing did include working on my book and just writing down stories from my past. It was therapeutic.

Way back almost a year ago, I struggled with splitting the big massive book I had written into two separate works. Along the way, I had idea after idea hitting me, so I was also working on those as well. Eventually, I started to focus more and more on the first book.

I do have to admit I had no clear idea of what I was doing. And I had even less of a picture on the process of getting a book edited for publication. I do work with a man who had a book published who started to give me advice. I am not trying to be mean, but he was so far off base, and I so glad I did not follow what he said. His advice did lead me to investigate, but I quickly found out he really didn’t have a clue.

The most significant help was finding a couple of new author groups on Facebook. Slowing the ideas, I had evaporated, and the better information began to condense. One big help was reading, both romance and non-romance books. I have gone through spurts of reading and not reading over the last few years. Sometimes I would plow through book after book; other times, I would trudge through them.

I will leave names out because if I don’t mention somebody, I don’t want to offend anyone. Another wonderful thing that happened is I ran across a group on Facebook dedicated to just Romance Writers, Romance Writers Support League (RWSL).

As I am sure, we all know from different groups we have joined on Facebook, some real jerks in those groups when a new person asks a question. And some groups are not at all welcoming to newer members. But, to brag on RWSL, I have not seen that happen. The ladies in the group have been helpful, supportive, and welcoming. And as a guy writing romance, I have to admit, I do feel slightly out of place at times. OK, I feel out of place a majority of the time.

The amount of help received in this group has been unimaginable. Not to mention making me feel welcome is excellent as well. I had been in three different romance writers groups. I am in just one now. Having access to useful, reliable information and being part of a supportive group helped me immensely this year.

Sorry, didn’t mean to turn it into a commercial. Seems like my mind wandered a little bit. Recap, I moved much farther ahead than I had planned. I had a shot at actually being published this year, but my own delay stopped that. Next year promises to be rather interesting.

Book Review: Unbreakable (Kohl Family, #2)

 

Unbreakable (Kohl Family, #2)

by C.R. Riley

 

Warning before you read this one, get ready for an emotional ride, in a good way. Danger, drama, and chemistry of the characters pull you in and keeps you moving along all through the book.

 

Olivia is moving on from an abusive relationship with a US Senator. She starts to rebuild her life and herself along the way. Her life gets turned upside down when she sees her own son taking on aspects of his father and knows it is time to leave.

Nathan is a heck of a guy to have around as head of security for the First Lady. He is so different than what Olivia is used to, but he is perfect for her.

Overall the book is wonderfully written, and the world created is very believable. I found the writing smooth and easy to read. You will not go wrong, adding this book to your TBR list.

Cover Reveal: What I Like About You

🔥🔥COVER REVEAL🔥🔥

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU by Claire Hastings is coming January 25!

#Pre-OrderHere:

⭐️ US: https://amzn.to/3o7WCCP 

⭐️ UK: https://amzn.to/3mjqsnn 

⭐️ CA: https://amzn.to/2Vff2F9 

⭐️ AU: https://amzn.to/3mjCkWd 

 

Dalton “Tripp” Sutherland fully realizes just how badly he screwed up ten years ago, resulting in the loss of the best friend he ever had – the incomparable Zara Wellington. From the outside looking in, it may appear that he’s living his best life, spending his days sailing and being the resort playboy, but deep down he’s still haunted by the unforgivable words he uttered that night in high school. If only he had a chance to prove to her that he didn’t mean what he’d said. 

Life for Zara Wellington is pretty amazing. As creator and lady-boss behind the top beauty blog on the internet, she gets to travel the world trying out new spas and is even on the verge of having her journalistic dreams come true. Even though she still carries around her life-long insecurities about her weight, it’s rare that she ever thinks about that night she overheard the unimaginable come from the only person she thought ever really cared for her – her best friend Tripp. 

But when Zara shows up at the Indigo Royal Resort to review the brand new Cherish Spa, the two come face to face for the first time in ten years. Can they manage to get past everything from that night all those years ago and the painful feelings that still linger, or is the damage done forever?

 

Add to your Goodreads TBR list: http://bit.ly/3nWGW5

 

To buy the other books in the Indigo Royal Resort Series, grab them here: https://www.clairehastingsauthor.com/books

 

#comingsoon #coverreveal #needtoreaditnow #readmoreromance #booknerdigan #bookaholic #wildfiremarketingsolutions

 

 

December Joy by Jenny Plumb

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/31Y1GM

 

Blurb:

Dawn can’t stand the thought of going home for Christmas, so when she sees an ad offering room and board to a college student in exchange for dog-sitting, she jumps at the chance. When she meets the handsome dog owner, Mark, her inner submissive swoons, and she’s excited to spend winter break with him and his dog, Billy. But try as she might, she can’t hide from her family forever, and when they get in touch, she goes out drinking.

Mark, the newest doctor on staff at the campus clinic, has to work long hours which doesn’t leave room for a relationship. He doesn’t even have time to take care of his own dog. Once a month, he goes to a local BDSM club and plays with a submissive in a setting where emotional attachments aren’t needed. Even though he’s attracted to his new roommate, he tells himself that she’s off limits, because he never really got over his first submissive, Noah.

Noah is having a night out at a gay bar with his friend, when he stumbles across a young woman named Dawn throwing up in the bathroom. He soon finds out that Dawn is there alone, and decides to help her get home. But when he learns that Dawn is living with his old dominant, Noah decides to drive her home himself, hoping to heal some old wounds. Will the confrontation that follows send them all on a path of further destruction? Or can the three of them find a path toward a Christmas together filled with love, acceptance, and joy?

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R7SJL5Y

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/31Y1GM

 

#JennyPlumb #CampusLife #series #bookstagram #newadult #christmasromance #romancebooks #christmas #newrelease #blushingbooks

Writing Wednesday: Movies

 

Writing Wednesday

Movies

 

One of my favorite things to do is watch movies. I probably do that more than I should, but, hey, it keeps me off the streets. I am a fan of older classic movies, and there are times when I have TCM on for a day or two at a time.

Don’t get me wrong, I do like new movies, but the classics have some excellent qualities missing in many of today’s movies. As a book, the most essential part of a movie is to have a compelling story. Without that, there is nothing there. Next, you need to have interesting characters. Again, without those, there is nothing.

I will pick on a specific set of films that really are not all that good, the Transformer movies. They are big on CGI for visual impact, and they even have a good looking woman wearing short shorts, but that is about all. There are other examples, but I think you understand what I mean. Explosions, action, and hot women are not a movie that makes me want to watch it. Sure, that series made a mint at the box office, but it was horrible.

There are great and bad moves in all eras, but the classic ones tend to have better stories and better characters than newer movies. Heck, how many classics have been redone?

There are numerous movies I can talk about, but I’ll pick one that has a great story and characters. Not to mention some killer dialogue. The film is “His Girl Friday.”

The story is simple, the ex-husband is still in love with his ex-wife, wants her back. How they go from that to the end is the fun part. This movie is also a romantic comedy. There are maybe 6 different locations that are in reality during the film, boring: offices, and restaurants, an alley, a police precinct. But, the character top-notch, and the dialogue is spot on. Sure, you have Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, which helps immensely, but the story is excellent.

There is a scene in the movie where both Grant and Russell are talking on multiple phones in the same room simultaneously, trying to get a story to the newspaper. While doing that, they are correcting what each other is saying. It is gold. I tell you, gold!

I know it is all sort of hard to explain on paper. But, as an aspiring storyteller myself, I would rather be able to concentrate on the story and dialogue between two people that some monster chasing a person through a major US city with explosions happening all around.

But, anyway, I like to watch them help my creativity. Time will tell if they do impact me or not. For now, I can only hope.

Do yourself a favor. Tune in to TCM and catch a few classics. Then you will see what I mean.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: An Alien Christmas

An Alien Christmas

(Warriors of the Augur Nebula #6.5)

by

Juniper Kerry

 

A Christmas, Science Fiction Romance. I have to admit that this was the first of this sub-sub-genre for me to read. I am a fan of sci-fi, so, hey, why not.

Ashley and Tal have the hots for one another, but neither wants to admit it.

Tal is a quite moody alien who suffers from PTSD. This causes him to distance himself from the humans, but he is still drawn to Ashley. He tries to fight his feelings. But!

Ashley has a broken past and is doing what she loves cooking and learning about the surrounding area’s unique dishes. While harboring intense feelings for Tal, who goes on a trip with her, for protection.

The story develops nicely and is a straightforward read. This book is part of a more extensive series, but don’t let that stop you from jumping in the middle here. It might lead to you picking up the others in this series.

I do recommend this one, I’m sure you will enjoy it as I have. 

 

Mew Release: His Feisty Princess

His Feisty Princess by Lynn Coppersmith

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

 

Blurb

When she set out to save her sister, she didn't know her entire world was about to change.

After his brother and sister-in-law decided they no longer wanted to be in a threesome with him, Daniel McKenzie is determined to find a woman of his own. He's not looking for love or romance. He just wants a woman who is willing to be dominated and tortured by a sexual sadist. He doesn't think that's asking too much. After all, he plans to lavish the lucky woman with pleasure, and he's determined not to return to his ranch until he's found the perfect wife.

Hope MacGregor is on a mission to rescue her sister, even if that means travelling all the way from San Francisco to Oregon on her own. It's not an easy task for a lady who is intent on protecting her virtue. But when she meets Daniel, he tempts her to discover a whole new realm of passion and pleasure. If she's willing to take a chance, he will do more than escort her safely to Oregon. He will fulfill her darkest desires while leaving her virginity intact.

Daniel teaches her all about dominance and submission, pain and pleasure. As they travel six hundred miles together, he turns her from a prim and proper virgin into a temptress who is willing to satisfy all his appetites. But when secrets from his past emerge, they threaten to destroy their happy future. Can Daniel win Hope's heart and regain her trust, or will he lose her forever?

Although this is book four in the Return to The McKenzies series, it can be read as a standalone.

Publisher's Note: This steamy historical romance contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange. If this is offensive to you, please do not read the book.

Amazon: https://amzn.com/B08QXS9NPN

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/4jLYOY

 

Also in the series:

His Sweet Kitten: https://amzn.com/B08B2FKT23

His Little Minx: https://amzn.com/B08B2JNMWK

Their Soiled Dove: https://amzn.com/B089QXR1T2

 

#LynnCoppersmith #historicalromance #cowboyromance #newrelease #bookstagram #blushingbooks 

 

Norway

USS Scott DDG-995

Feb 1991-Jan 1992

North Atlantic - Norway

 

Who remembers Norway? September 21-23, 1991. We had been out for almost a month when we pulled into Bergen. Earlier, we did operate within sight of land way up in the Vestfjorden region of the country. I was excited to make it to Bergen. Being a history nut, I knew there was an old U-boat pen in Bergen. Before she left on her mission, DKM Bismarck and DKM Prinz Eugen were anchored in the fjords around Bergen.

Bergen had its plusses for sure. The beer was excellent and cold. And the local ladies seemed to like the sailors. The drawback was the exchange rate and the cost of everything. We did leave with a wad of the local currency but quickly learned that prices were high. I bought a roll of film for 50 Krone, about $8.

I was mess cranking at the time, and I had the first day in port off work. Several of us made our way around town to enjoy some beer and local food. I recall the local beer Hansa was rather tasty, and after 3 or 4, they had a noticeable impact. I had a cheeseburger at a small place downtown. The big thing I remember is they put red cabbage on it instead of lettuce. It was pretty good, if I recall.

I spent my time with my A-school friend GMS3 Escobedo. We were walking all over, not really knowing where we were or what was around.

I told him. “We needed to find some local to show us around.”

 He agreed but asked, “How would we do that?”

Not more than two minutes later, we happen upon two young ladies. They approach us and ask us, “Where are you two from?”

I will say this now, I was married and, let’s just say, really stupid at the time. So, nothing happened. These two did show us around and took us to the pizza place they worked. We had as much as we could eat and drink on the house.

Later on, at a bar, we ran into another guy from Scott. He latched onto one of the ladies, and the other gravitated to me. I told her I was married, but she did not seem to care. Yeah, I know; I heard the stories about the ladies there.

The next couple of days, we explored the city some more, and we even met the ladies again. Pizza and beer did follow, also. They helped show us around.

We were delayed in leaving because of some legal trouble a Scott sailor got into. I recall he was a DC1, but I do not remember his name. Anyone have any details about him? So, we left late, and I recall Commander McCullough was not in a good mood. I was serving pizza in the gally when we started to hit the heavy weather. That was some rough stuff. I remember one particular wave we went over. The bow went up, went up, went up, and kept going up. I about fell but grabbed the overhead pipes. Then boom down, and we shook as the sonar dome was pushed down. Then the engines throttled way back.

We took some bad damage but kept heading down to Wilhelmshaven. I heard that wave made a major mess in the wardroom. The old girl took a hell of a beating, but they put her back together. The forward railing had to be welded back on in Germany while we refueled, which took special permission.

Norway was a good time. It is actually one of the places I would like to visit again. The one bar many of us went to was jammed with locals. I think it was three stories tall. On the top floor was the youngest crowd. They could drink beer. The bottom floor was the older people. Anything was allowed at the bar. I recall one place at the bar, and the crowd was serious, nutt to butt. People trying to pass and get to the bathrooms or something. I mean, literally, you had to squeeze through. This one group of you ladies passed by, and I felt one grab a hand full of my junk. She just smiled and went on. Crazy, I mean, try that in an American bar.

We also had a ship visit while we were there, and Scott was loaded with many locals during the day. This seems odd I keep mentioning young ladies, and yet, I was stupid. Anyway, one young lady and her friend got lost and made their way to the mess decks. I was cleaning or something. They wanted a hat, but we had sold out. So, I gave her mine. It was pretty worn out anyway. I had more in my locker. I took them to the quarterdeck, and they left. I was supposed to meet them at the bar that night but never saw them again.

Yeah, Norway was friendly, really friendly. And, I well, looking back with perfect hindsight, was still the gentleman I should have been, damn it.

Storm Damage we had after leaving port. 

Me inside a fort overlooking the harbor. 

 

 

New Release: Makia's Bodyguard

 

Makia's Bodyguard by Joy Bussu

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/47lvV8

 

Blurb

A woman in an unsafe marriage. A man who can’t look the other way. What does the future hold for them?

Makia Sallow-Hansen has been forced into marrying a man almost twice her age by her money hungry parents. Her new husband Michael is controlling, demanding and abusive and believes he has the money and connections to keep her under his thumb. Makia’s undying and unconditional love for her big sister Sage and their grandmother Lola is constantly being held over her head as a way to keep her toeing the line when she tries to rebel.

Hayes is a successful entrepreneur and has several different business ventures, including one with Michael Hansen. His world takes a spin when he meets Michael’s wife and he feels something he never thought he would. Of course, he could never act on it, she’s married. When he accidentally discovers Michael’s cruel side, all bets are off. When he discovers the manipulation Makia has been put through, the gloves come off as well.

After a particularly bad fight with Michael, Makia realizes she has to find a way out sooner rather than later and begins to work with the most unlikely of allies, Michael’s young and handsome business partner Hayes Purcell. Makia soon finds herself not only fighting for her freedom but her attraction to Hayes as well.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary romance is intended for adults only. It contains elements of danger, adult themes, mystery, suspense, trigger-possible events for some readers, unexpected love, sensual scenes, mild power exchange and a happily ever after. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

 

Amazon: https://amzn.com/B08QVFJTVW

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/47lvV8

 

#bookstagram #newrelease #bodyguard #JoyBussu #contemporaryromance #blushingbooks #romancebooks

 

New Release: Defying His Dominance

Defying His Dominance Collection by Bethany Leigh

Available at: https://amzn.com/B08QQSNSXF

 

Blurb:

In the land of Albion, women have no rights. They are the property of their menfolk and subject to their husband's, father's or master's discipline.

Lady Margia and her Freedom for Women League aim to change all that. They want to vote, own property, be independent, and be free from men's punishment.

But how do Lady Margia and her supporters reconcile their beliefs with the attraction they feel towards the dominant men who want to love them?

Publishers Note: This collection contains two previously published books: Betrothed and Freedom that have been updated for your enjoyment. These books contain elements of power exchange.

 

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

https://amzn.com/B08QQSNSXF

 

#BethanyLeigh #blushingbooks #romancebooks #bookstagram #kindleunlimited 

 

 

New Release: Running Hot

 

Running Hot by Emily Sharpe

Available at: http://amzn.com/B08QR7YYN7

 

Blurb:

Does love at first sight really exist?

When Andrea (Andy) Cummings, the town's bald, foulmouthed, and talented mechanic, becomes the subject of a national magazine article, more will run hot than the reporter's car engine.

Reese Maverick is already engaged to Cammie, a spoiled rich girl, but Andy and her friends touch a chord with him, evoking feelings of family and friendship he's been missing.

Andy needs a man's advice, turning to Ian Cameron while his fiancée, Kristina, is out of town.

Sparks fly when Cammie and Kristina show up, but is Andy destined to be the town oddball? Will a man ever make her feel as special as the older man in her past who still haunts her memories?

Publisher's Note: This love at first sight contemporary romance contains a theme of power exchange.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited

http://amzn.com/B08QR7YYN7

 

#EmilySharpe #blushingbooks #kindleunlimited #romancebooks #bookstagram 

Writing Wednesday: Me

Writing Wednesday

Me

Most of the time, we really do not know much about the person who wrote the books and stories we read. Most indie authors will never get that massive attention to get their life stories known. I imagine some of us do not want our stories known.

I am friends with several indie authors on Facebook, but even then, do we really get to know them? Most of the time, we will get little bits and pieces of their lives, but do we know that they played basketball in grade school? Or that they spent their summers walking seed cornfields for the seed corn company Dekalb Ag? (For you Georgia people, the L is pronounced.)

Well, I did both of those. I actually played organized basketball all through high school. I also played intermural in college and then again in the Navy. I was also involved with track and cross country. My best mile time was around 5:12, as best I can remember. My best 3-mile (5K) cross country time was in the 18-minute range. Best basketball game I played; I scored 22 points and had 14 rebounds.

I was an above-average student in high school and college. Oddly I had little interest in writing or math, so I became an  Engineer and now an author. During my studies, I had to take writing classes and did pretty well in them. I never really had the drive to be better like some students did in them, but I would surprise my teachers with some interesting papers. I hope that I continue to do that with my books.

College, for me, was a technical college that was focused on Mechanical design. Computer-Aided Drafting/Design was just becoming a significant technology, which was the focus of my studies. All the while I was in school, I felt I lacked something. Even after I graduated and went to work, I was not happy or satisfied with my jobs. As fortune would happen, I was one of the first casualties in an unknown divorce war where I was working. The owner was bankrupting the company to give his wife nothing. I was laid off in early January of 1990.

The next Monday, I went to the Navy recruiter and enlisted. I began my Navy time on February 21, 1990. I found what I was missing. Yes, I loved my time serving and was devastated when I was injured. There are blog posts about that, so make sure to read them. I was also married, and my wife never did like the Navy. When the decision to either stay in or leave with eh medical discharge came, I took her advice. It was one of the dumbest decisions I had ever made in my life.

Although that decision was a very poor one, I would not be where I am today without making it. Even knowing all of the emotional pain that followed, I would still do it again. I am remarried and thrilled where my life has taken me. Plus, I might have never begun writing.

Valerie has told me for years to write a book. She knew I could do it but just never had the drive to do it. Over the years, I tried to write a book, but nothing ever stuck. When I changed jobs about 3 years ago, I had issues with sleeping. I had read an article on improving your sleep, and part of the article said to overload your brain when trying to go to sleep. So, I created a story I would run overnight after night. I really did the trick. Each night I took it further. Then one day, on my commute, I began talking to myself about the story. I added a love interest, and my imagination took off. I did this for about 6 months before I began to write it down.

And some other information about me. I love classic rock and old movies. I am also a big history nerd. I live in the Northeast Georgia mountains smack in the middle of a national forest. During my downtime from everything else I do, I am a US Swim stroke and Turn official. My granddaughter is a competitive swimmer. She is a Georgia State record holder in the 100 Mix IM Realy for 9 and under. I also am a photographer, although I have recently stopped doing that regularly. My wife and I also run a small business from our home. The list of what we do is rather long.

And to back up a little bit. I grew up and spent a good portion of my life in a small town in northern Illinois, Lindenwood. I also spent time in Fulton and Peoria, Illinois. During my Navy time, I was in Norfolk and too Great Lakes Naval Base. In the last couple of decades, I have lived in Georgia.

During my travels, I’ve been to 5 continents, crossed the arctic circle, traveled through the Suez canal, and seen a good many interesting places. Yeah, there is more to me than even this, but it is a good start and far more than you get in those “About Me” sections. Besides, I couldn’t think of what else to write for today.

New Release: Self Sacrifice

 

Self Sacrifice by Anya Summers

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/49l6yM

 

Blurb:

 

The opportunity of a lifetime…

Genevieve Holt headed to New Orleans to interview with one of the top advertising agencies in the country. It’s one of her most cherished dreams – to become an advertising executive before she hits thirty-five. She figured she would tackle the interview and celebrate by spending a few days enjoying the fabulous French Quarter.

She never expected to wind up stuck in her pajamas on the eleventh floor of her hotel while it was on fire. Or that she would be rescued by the hottest firefighter she had ever met and experience the most erotic night of her life in his arms.

But all actions have consequences…

Firefighter Killian Raveau loves his job. It doesn’t hurt that in his profession, women throw themselves at him. He never lacks for female company if he wants it. And yet, there was a one-night stand that he wishes had developed into more. Then again, it could just be that he is at a crossroads professionally and unsure of the direction he should proceed.

When that same woman appears on his doorstep three months later and drops a bombshell, totally upending his life, it leaves him rethinking all of his priorities.

Can Killian convince Gen to turn their one night into forever? Or will Gen’s strict dating policies get in the way?

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/49l6yM

 

#AnyaSummers #CrescentCityKings #blushingbooks #bookstagram #romancebooks #blushingbloggers 

New Release: Mastering the Empress

Mastering the Empress by Serena Douglas

Available at: https://books2read.com/u/bxj6pD

 

Blurb:

Emmeline is startled when handsome dominant Victorian Prince Rasmussen travels through space from another dimension to lay claim to her as his mate and his world’s Empress. Her memory of her true identity was lost along with her whereabouts when she was sent to earth by her Empress mother to protect her from warring factions. Now the Prince has found her, he will return her to their Victorian Dimension where she will become Empress and prevent a war between the planets she is to preside over. But first, the Prince is intent on taming her to his will and ensuring her full submission to him as her future husband. For although the Empress rules her subjects, she must be in turn governed and protected by a strong masterful mate. And when Emmeline insists she is determined to resist the Prince’s strict authority, she soon finds herself controlled by a special leather harness he places over her naked body and over his knee for many bare bottomed spankings until she learns her lesson.

 

Purchase: https://books2read.com/u/bxj6pD

 

#bookstagram #steampunk #scifiromance #SerenaDouglas #ArabellaKingsley #newrelease 

 

 

New Release Day: Saving His Heart

 

Saving His Heart 

by Avery Maxwell

Get it here: https://amzn.to/3meNA5t

Blurb:

Never have I ever...

The number one rule in medicine is don’t fall in love with your patients, but Preston Westbrook makes his own rules. Hand him a life-altering diagnosis, and all bets are off.

I’m a doctor without a license. He’s a billionaire without a chance.

He hired me to care for his failing heart, but when meddling family forces his hand, he introduces me as his girlfriend. His live-in girlfriend! What can go wrong, right? Agreeing to Preston’s scheme will ensure I never practice again, but he’s willing to pay handsomely for my services. Do I even have a choice? My family needs me to make ends meet, and I’ll never let my sisters down again. Giving up my dreams to help a fake boyfriend seems like my only answer.

The lines between make-believe and reality blur the first time Preston touches me. One kiss, and I’m a goner. Sweet words whispered in heated moments, and I know I’ll never be the same. From girls’ nights and drinking games to over the top romantic gestures, it’s easy to forget why I’m here.

Preston has a broken heart, but mine was never supposed to be on the line. He wants me to believe in happily ever after, but I’m finding it impossible when I know Prince Charming could leave me in the end.

There’s a crazy old lady telling everyone I’ll fix him, but when I fail, who’s going to fix me?

Happy Release Day 

Avery Maxwell

North Atlantic - Blue Nose

 

USS Scott DDG-995

Feb 1991-Jan 1992

North Atlantic - Blue Nose

 

I will apologize if my dates are messed up. I have no idea when we did most of this and am going by a Navy History page. If the dates they have are correct, then I am correct, if not, let me know, and I will fix those. One date, I would like to know was the date we did our Blue Nose initiation. (I want to replace my lost certificate.)

In late August of 1991, we left Norfolk for the waters of the North Atlantic. We were looking forward to a visit to Norway and one to Germany. I know I was excited to be hitting Europe for the first time. Along the way, we were going to cross into the Realm of the North.

I recall it was foggy as hell when we made it up around Canada, and it stayed that way for a good while. The beginning of the deployment was pretty smooth, and the engines god a good work out. We had just replaced one of the LP turbines, so we were back up to full power. We did a high-speed run for well over 24 hours, making sure things were all good. It was.

The initial part of this deployment was pretty basic. First, sit off the coast while America brought her aircraft onboard, and they were able to get in their requirements. I spent this deployment doing time mess cranking and refueling the helo. And I also was on the fuel team fr UNREP.

Also, during this deployment is advancement test time. I had not planned to take the test during that cycle, but my chief pushed me to do it. And he came to me about 2 weeks before the test, telling me to take the BMR test and get my PARs signed off. The BMR was pretty easy, and the weather was cooperating with us that day. Jump to the advancement test day, and it was rough as hell. I was in the crew’s rec room, sliding all over the place.

We operated with NATO and had some Soviet bombers come out and say hello. That was pretty neat.

The day we were going to cross the Arctic Circle, we were also going to UNREP with a Brtish tanker. Since I was oil king on the forward station, we had to get all prepped to receive the flange set up the British use. So, disconnect the standard set up and get things ready. I have to make a gasket and have two wrenches to tighten down the many bolts.

Of course, the UNREP did not happen on time; it happened far later at night. We cross the circle, and they call UNREP stations. It was pretty rough out that night and not to mention cold. We get all set up, and I connect the flange with Scott. We start taking fuel, and then after maybe 20 minutes, we secure forward. I disconnect the setup. We take the standard probe set up aft. I would not mind all of this on a typical day, but damn, it was icy, and I had to do all of that barehand. My fingers were pretty crisp by the time I finished.

The cooks were busy making cookies to send over to the Brits. We even got to have some while standing out in the cold, hot chocolate too. It is bad enough I had to try t see the overflow at night, but in rough weather, it made it even worse. When I heard a big slap sound, I noticed a massive wall of water that followed by the forward station.

As I was going to look one time, I heard that slap and just jumped back in time for that wall of water to miss me. But, the guys on the after station were not so lucky. I heard the oil king down there over his sound powered phone cuss as he was drenched. It was hard not to laugh because I knew what happened. Of course, the guy in central had to tell us to knock it off.

The next morning we did the Blue Nose ceremony. Hot water was turned off, except in the Officer’s country, only the Blue Nose was allowed a hot shower. Us Arctic Scum had cold showers if we wanted one. Breakfast was served cold as well. We tried to make everything blue, but blue coloring in the eggs turned them green.

There were complaints from the crew about the cold breakfast, but we were under orders from the Blue Nose to do this. Later that morning, the crew gathered with clothes on inside out and backward. Then we were punished for entering the Realm of the North. I recall the air temp was in the ’40s, and so was the water temp. Combined, it made for a cold time lapping Scott.

Up to the helo deck for one last talking to by the Blue Nose and then final steps in us becoming one. We had to dunk in some water that I assume was hovering right at 32 degrees; it was cold. One last stop was the pan full of blue-colored lard to dip our nose. I was helped by an Engineer, I remember his nickname, Moose. My face was covered in blue lard. But that was part of the fun. Down in berthing, we had an assembly line to hot the hot showers. It was a fun time, cold but fun.

I’ll wrap up our trip to Norway and the Storm maybe next week.

One of our Soviet visitors.