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Holiday Kisses by Anna J Stewart

June 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Holiday Kisses by Anna J Stewart
Butterfly Harbor Stories, Book 5
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (384 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

His family’s honor is at stake…
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And she holds the key

Calliope Jones, Butterfly Harbor’s free-spirited organic farmer, is the most vocal objector to Xander Costas and his design for the butterfly sanctuary that he hopes will save his family’s architectural firm. Strangely, it’s Calliope who shows him what the town, and he, really need. Calliope makes Xander listen with his heart. And soon his heart may be telling him to stay with this extraordinary woman!

Not that long ago I read a blog somewhere about how nice it would be to cast an unlikely heroine. You know, a non-stereotypical leading lady. One that wasn’t the usual trope of being pudgy. I wasn’t sure what the blog was looking for but I think I found it.

Calliope, the heroine, was extraordinary and I’m not one bit surprised that Anna J. Stewart was the one to pull it off. I’ve read stories by her in the past and loved each and every one. I am late to the boat in discovering the Butterfly Harbor Series as Holiday Kisses is book five. I haven’t read the first four books but I wish I had. Apparently Calliope’s story was long awaited for by readers who are following this series. I can say that Holiday Kisses can be read as a standalone but it’s clear that my enjoyment would have been even better if I had read the previous books.

Xander, the hero, was wonderfully matched with Calliope’s character. Together they made a heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading the process of how they came to a mutual compromise regarding their difference of opinions over important matters. Together, they are unstoppable.

I recommend this book if you are looking for a unique heroine such as Calliope. She was refreshing and intriguing. Xander couldn’t resist her charm and neither could I. Also, If you love butterflies then this is a must read.

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My Top Five Writing Books by M.D. Grimm – Guest Blog

May 30, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes M.D. Grimm who is celebrating recent release of Wisdom’s Allegiance, Book Thirteen in The Shifter Chronicles.

Hello everyone! Thank you for joining me. And thanks to Long and Short Reviews for hosting me. M.D. Grimm here and very excited to talk about my new release Wisdom’s Allegiance. This book can be read as a stand-alone, however, so if you’re intrigued and don’t want to start at the beginning, just check this one out.

Today I wanted to share my top 5 writing books—ones that have helped me plot better, describe settings, develop characters, and with all other aspects on the craft of writing.

Let’s start with # 5, shall we?

5) The Chicago Manual of Style is a life-saver, especially since many publishers use those standards. It saves on a lot of time and aggravation if you edit your book to those standards before submission.

4) 13 Steps to Evil by Sacha Black is hilarious and informative. Want to write a great villain? Check this book out. Definitely a good time and the book isn’t too long. Probably the shortest book on this list so it gets right to the point and you don’t have to swim through heavy text to find what you need.

3) The Fantasy Fiction Formula by Deborah Chester is great for any aspiring or experienced writer! The same person who instructed Jim Butcher on how to write (and he got his first book of The Dresden Files, Storm Front –awesome series), now shares her techniques to a wider audience. Basically, keep torturing your characters, especially your protagonist, until the very end. Lots of good stuff with suggestions on how to practice.

2) Manuscript Makeover: Revision Techniques No Fiction Writer Can Afford to Ignore by Elizabeth Lyon is essential. It’s bulky and touches on everything. It helps writers look at their manuscript objectively and teach them what to look for. So before you send your story to an editor and especially before publishing it, I would highly recommend giving this book a once-through and applying some of their tips.

1) Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress. This is my bible, no joke. Well-written and helpful with no matter what I need. It does lean toward sci-fi, especially with the examples, but Kress is a sci-fi writer so that makes sense. I’ve read it cover-to-cover several times and probably should again sometime soon. It is a great starting point for writers who are just beginning since it touches on all the parts of a book (plot, character, setting, dialogue, etc.), and a great refresher for experienced writers. I can’t recommend it enough.

Honorable mentions: if you want a quick, accurate way to look at any point in history, I can’t recommend the For Dummies books enough. Seriously, I have about five For Dummies books for info on wars and cultures both modern and ancient. They are a great starting point with recommended further readings in the back so you can laser focus your search once you get a peer-reviewed overview of the time period or event itself. Kind of like a risk-free version of Wikipedia.

Get a thesaurus. Any Thesaurus. Seriously, they will help you stop repeating yourself with that one word you gravitate toward. While I know most words programs have built-in synonym lists, and I use those plenty as well, they are sometimes limited. Nothing beats an actual book.
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There are so many other books I can recommend but I only have so much time and space. LOL. There are so many great books out there that will help you grow on your writer’s journey. I wish you goddess speed!

I am currently working on several projects—an m/m fantasy trilogy, book 7 of my The Stones of Power series, and book 2 of my Saga of the Bold People.

Thanks for joining me and may dragons guard your dreams,
M.D. Grimm

Can a loyal and sensual owl shifter couple woo a human mate who’s convinced he’s an ugly duckling?

When socially awkward Dexter Fortis rescues an elf owl blown off course by a storm, he has no idea the bird is a shifter named Orion. Or that his life is about to change.

Orion falls in love with the kind custodian, but he must convince his long-term partner, Talon, that Dexter is just who they’ve been searching for to establish a permanent ménage. Even if they can gently break down Dexter’s walls, they’ll have to contend with a dangerous cult rising in the shifter community and a hidden enemy determined to keep Dexter from them.

About the Author: M.D. Grimm decided to become an author in the second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things, actually, but not that!). Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?), she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier. Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain (or else what’s the point?), finding their soul mate in the process.

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Buy the book at Dreamspinner Press.

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Sweet Wild of Mine by Laurel Kerr – Spotlight and Giveaway

May 29, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Laurel Kerr who is celebrating yesterday’s release of Sweet Wild of Mine, the second book in her Where the Wild Hearts Are series. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of the first book in the series Wild on my Mind.

Love runs wild at the Sagebrush Flats Zoo…

In a bid to revitalize his career, bestselling author Magnus Gray has come to Sagebrush Flats to write about the local zoo’s latest rescue—an orphaned baby polar bear. But Magnus dreads the drama of small towns and is bullishly determined to keep to himself.

June Winters is a people person, and delights in welcoming Magnus to Sagebrush Flats, though it seems unlikely she can get the handsome stranger to crack a smile. Then a mishap with an open gate forces Magnus and June to deal with a stampeding flock of fainting goats, an adorable but clingy polar bear cub, a cranky pregnant camel, and two star-crossed honey badgers. Never mind small town drama—the lively animals may just convince these two that opposites really do attract…

Enjoy an Excerpt

There was nothing like witnessing new life, Magnus thought as he watched the wee calf make another attempt to stand. Her mother hovered anxiously nearby, using her head to nudge and guide the peedie camel. The bairn managed to get her front legs up, but as soon as she tried to raise her hind ones, her forelegs folded at the knees. Her rear stuck in the air, her hooves splayed out to keep her back half upright.

“I think we should call her Knobby,” Abby proclaimed, her voice bright with the unabashed joy that only a child could display so freely.

Lulubelle chose that moment to snort. Loudly. Abby giggled. “I don’t think Mama likes that one. I guess it isn’t dignified enough. You haven’t named an animal yet, Miss Winters. Would you like to?”

“Do you want a good southern belle name?” June asked.

“Why not?” Bowie said with a shrug. Like Magnus, he’d sneaked off briefly to take a shower, and his wet hair stuck to his head. He must have been just as tired as Magnus, but his face shone with the same energy as his daughter’s. It wasn’t difficult to see the source of the lassie’s love for animals.

“Savannah,” June suggested. No sooner had the word crossed June’s lips than the wee bairn finally stood. She held her position for several seconds before her wobbly legs collapsed. The whole group chuckled softly, not wanting to frighten the calf.

“I think she likes it,” Abby said.

“Savannah it is,” Lou pronounced, and the wee camel struggled to her feet for a second time.

They stood in silence for a little longer before the group started to drift away. Bowie left first to check on Sorcha. Katie then nudged Abby, reminding her that she hadn’t started her homework. Abby made a couple protests, but Katie held firm. The preteen relented and followed her stepmother from the barn. After they left, Lou creakily walked back into the birthing stall. Magnus debated about helping the older man crouch down to check on the camels, but he didn’t want to embarrass him. June made a move to assist, but she must have thought better of it too. Lou managed well enough on his own. When he was satisfied that mother and calf were doing well, he said his goodbyes and headed back to the house.

June lingered, obviously as enthralled with the peedie calf as Magnus. As she stood beside him, he noticed her sway slightly and then yawn. Magnus narrowed his eyes. It was not terribly late in the evening, but the lass must get up early in the morn to start the baking for her café, and she’d been standing on her feet for over two hours watching Savannah’s birth.

“You all right, hen?” Magnus asked.

June nodded as she smothered another yawn. “Four o’clock in the morning is showing on me, that’s all. I’d better go soon and pick up Nan, but I want to stay just five more minutes.”

She looked so tired standing there that Magnus acted without thinking. He stepped next to her and pulled her close, so she could lean her weight against him. She nestled into his body like it was the most natural thing. Pressing the back of her head against his chest, she gazed up at him. “Thanks.”

“’Tis nothing, lass. You’re a slight thing.”

Her mouth curved into a soft smile tinged with affection. Magnus almost dipped his head and captured her bonny pink lips with his own, but June returned her gaze to the camels. She sighed and wiggled closer. Tenderness whispered through Magnus like gentle snowflakes after a blizzard’s end. He only felt this content when sitting by a fire sipping whiskey and reading a good book. And he’d never experienced peace like this while in the company of another person. It was the kind of quiet that seeped into a man’s soul and slowly washed away the day’s worries.

Neither of them spoke as they watched Lulubelle fuss over her baby. Savannah managed to nurse on unsteady legs. Despite her wobbliness, she greedily drank the colostrum, the nutrient-rich milk that would help ensure her health and survival.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” June said, her voice full of wonder.

“Aye. A m-m-man can never grow weary of a sight like this.”

“You must have witnessed a lot of births growing up on a farm.”

“Aye, but it never stops being m-miraculous,” Magnus said.

June shifted. Although she still kept her body pressed close to his, she tilted her head to gaze at him. A smile drifted across her lips. Slow. Sweet. Tempting.

A huge sigh from Lulubelle broke the spell the lass was weaving. Magnus turned with June to watch the camel settle down with her calf. Within minutes, the pair drifted off to sleep. June yawned and pushed herself upright. “I’d better head out now. Nan will be wondering where I am. She’s having a good day, but I don’t want her getting scared.”

Magnus nodded. “All right, lass.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Aye, see you in the m-m-morn.”

Magnus followed June with his eyes until she disappeared from sight. Although it wasn’t too baltic tonight, his body instantly missed her warmth. Aw, baws. Truth be told, he craved her presence. And Magnus didn’t like that. He didn’t want to feel this incessant need for another.

And it wasn’t just sexual. It went deeper than that.

He’d lived his whole life independently. He dreaded ending up like his da, a permanently beelin’ arse because a hen left him. But June? June made him want. Made him long. Made him feel things he didn’t wish to.

Magnus knew he should stay away from the lass. But he couldn’t. It wasn’t just that she kept popping up everywhere like a mole in a vegetable patch. He didn’t want to avoid June anymore. Which wasn’t like him. At all.

Excerpted from Sweet Wild of Mine by Laurel Kerr. © 2019 by Erin Laurel O’Brien. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Laurel Kerr is a full-time romance writer and mom, who occasionally still dabbles in the practice of law. Her debut novel, Wild on My Mind, reached the Golden Heart® finals under the title of Volunteering Her Heart in 2016. Laurel Kerr was also a 2017 Golden Heart® Finalist for a historical manuscript. She lives in Pennsylvania with her daughter, husband, and loyal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

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Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Indiebound, or BAM.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Books Released In the Last Ten Years

May 28, 2019 By 28 Comments

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Compiling this list was so much fun. There were years when I wanted to list thirty books and other years where it took a bit of research to find something that really stood out to me. I enjoyed the challenge of making sure every year had representation, though!

This list starts in 2019 and ends in 2010

 Internment by Samira Ahmed

Internment camps are not a new idea. Many different countries have used them to imprison groups their cultures vilified. This take on this idea felt fresh and realistic to me. I hope it never happens again, but I loved the way the author explored how prejudice against Muslims might be used in some truly awful ways against them.

Educated by Tara Westover

This is the true story of how homeschooling was used to cover up child abuse and neglect in one family. More importantly, it’s the story of how the author was able to overcome her past, get a great education, and make a happy life for herself as an adult. I always enjoy reading about people who persevere like this, and it was the best thing I read last year.

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

The thought of a child being accused of a terrible crime against an infant was what first lead me to read this tale.

As soon as I got to know the main character, I couldn’t wait to find out what really happened that night. She was a likeable person who had lived a rough life in her first decade.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Seriously, how is this book three years old already? It feels like it was just published. I love Ketterdam now even more than I did when I first met it.

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This is one of those young adult novels that honestly speak just as much to adults as it does to the age group it was written for. I’ve been recommending it to people who don’t generally read the YA genre for several years now and having luck in convincing them to try other books in this genre, too.

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey 

There are a lot of amazing zombie novels out there, but I think this one has done the best job so far of showing what would really happen if such an epidemic actually took place. It would be pure chaos, but humans would adapt.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I loved seeing America through the eyes of an immigrant. It was so interesting to see how someone who did not grow up there viewed things that I never would have given a second thought. The love story was well worth reading, too.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I’ve never been able to read this book without crying. Talk about a memorable tearjerker!

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey will never stop making me laugh. Her sense of humor shone through beautifully in this memoir.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The thought of hospitals profiting from tissues and body parts they removed from poor people makes me angry. While I’m grateful that the cancer cells that were taken from Henrietta Lacks’ cervix ended up being so useful for researchers, I still wish her family could have profited from all of the money made from her body. The fact that this is something I still  think about almost a decade after reading about it makes this a must-read in my opinion.

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Five Odd Realities that Appear in Barricades by Dem Had – Guest Blog and Giveaway

May 24, 2019 By 1 Comment


Long and Short Reviews welcomes Dem Had who is celebrating today’s release of Barricades. Leave a comment or ask the author a question for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Five odd realities that appear in Barricades

Writing a story set in my country has been a challenge, mostly because I had to touch political and taboo issues. Objectivity isn’t easy when one’s subconscious is filled with subjectivity due to years of brainwash by society and the media. What I could do, was address issues that directly affect my characters, in the way they experience them. As expected, many questions raised from people who’ve read Barricades and I couldn’t be happier to confirm and elaborate. Cyprus is just a dot on the map and I’m not surprised some people have never heard of it before.

My aim was to make the story as realistic as possible, regardless of how unrealistic it might appear to the rest of the world. So here are five odd realities about Cyprus.

1. One island – two sides. That’s not so much of a secret since it’s just a google search away from confirmation. Cyprus is divided into Greek and Turkish sides. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, it’s almost surreal what this tiny piece of land has suffered through the centuries.

2. Emergency calls are not really urgent. The European emergency number is 1-1-2 (equivalent to 9-1-1). The first thing you hear when you dial this number, is an automated message informing that “your call is being recorded”, as if it matters when I’m dying or my house is on fire. Then, the call goes to the police – instead of a call center – and there is the possibility of nobody answering. Admittedly, it happened to me more than once.

3. No need for an ID to enter a club. Back when I was a teenager, I could get in any club, just by being convincing that I’m eighteen. Today, only some clubs require an ID. They might refuse to serve alcohol if someone looks too young, but the law on this matter is far from strict. A fifteen-year-old can buy alcohol (and cigarettes) easily. This explains why my character (19) didn’t carry his ID card; he didn’t really need it.

4. The sea is amazing, even in winter. Not everyone goes swimming during winter and being at the beach at night can make you feel like your bones turned into ice but I love walking barefoot on the sand, no matter the season, no matter the temperature. It seems my protagonist likes the same thing.

5. Racism between sides. Okay, racism exists everywhere but most times, it is recognized. In Cyprus’s case it is justified so hard because of historical and political events to the point of being called a “traitor” if you’re friendly with someone from “the other side”. The good thing is that the younger generations, slowly and steadily distant themselves from that vendetta, but there are always fanatics. I don’t wish to spoil the events of the book, so I won’t elaborate further. I just want the readers to be aware that this part, is absolutely realistic and possible.

Born to be enemies. Raised to hate each other.

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About the Author: Dem has never been diagnosed with ADD, but it’s common to start talking about cats and end up mentioning the stars while using metaphors about food, just after she’s told you about a childhood memory.

As a cynical romantic and a lover of dark romance, she loves pushing her characters to their limits and refuses to give them their happy ending if they don’t work hard to earn it.

She has a soft spot for manga, anime and anything regarding the Japanese culture. She loves spending time with her son, playing music with her husband and posting on social media about writing and her life as a cat-mother. You can also find her in the roads of Limassol driving and singing with the windows wide open.

Dem’s writing journey has just begun.

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Buy the book at Dreamspinner Press, Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Amazon AU.

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Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist by Natalia Albrite – Guest Blog and Giveaway

May 13, 2019 By 19 Comments


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Natalia Albrite will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist

Where my perfectionist sisters at? Y’all out there? Shout out to all of us who struggle with perfectionism! Dang, it can be a killer. I both love and hate revision work. On the one hand, it’s my chance to fix what’s wrong (get my work closer to perfect–cue eye rolls) but it’s also confirmation that my work isn’t already perfect (ahh, why am I not perfect–cue eye rolls again).

When I sent my first draft of That Guy and That Girl to the developmental editor I hired, I honestly thought there was a chance she would say I didn’t need to do a thing–it was “perfect” just the way it was. Boy, was I wrong. She was absolutely constructive and absolutely right but my heart shrunk when I read that first editorial letter. I took it very personally. Keep in mind that I’ve been writing for years and getting feedback for years and I KNOW the danger in taking things personally. Yes, I knew it and still I fell victim.

I had to have a very serious talk with myself that went something like this:

Perfectionist me: Why didn’t she love it?
Realistic me: It really isn’t about loving or hating, it’s about making the work better.
Perfectionist me: But how is it not perfect already?
Realistic me: Because you’re not perfect. Think about it, life would be so boring if perfect actually existed.
Perfectionist me: Maybe but I wouldn’t mind trying it out. I could report back.

And around I went until I got down to the bottom line: was I willing to put in the work to make it better or did I want to cling to my defensiveness and false ideas about perfection? When I put it like that, the decision became clear. I was more than willing to work. I could never live with myself if I sacrificed this dream of mine because my ego couldn’t handle being imperfect. So, I got back to work.

And guess what? It took four rounds of serious revision work to finally get my editor’s green light to move on to proofreading. Yes, it was hard. Yes, I often wanted to pull my hair out. Yes, I shed some tears and all of that means the world to me. I proved something really critical to myself: I really am committed to being the best I can be and I will work hard to get there! Perfectionism, not today!

Olivia Meadows is excited to finish her senior year of college as a volleyball national champion beside her teammates and best friends. A complication arrives in the form of John Hunter, that guy, her brother’s best friend whom she has had a secret crush on since she was eleven years old. Effortlessly charming and handsome, with a body honed by years of playing football, John initiates his charm offensive and Olivia finds herself unable to resist him.

John Hunter is pumped to finish his senior year of college as a football national champion beside his teammate and best friend. The only thing missing is that girl, Olivia Meadows, his best friend’s little sister. He needed to sow some wild oats before settling down with Olivia but now he is ready for something serious with the girl he has always admired.

Be careful what you wish for. John and Olivia find themselves dealing with adult consequences very quickly and wondering if their young love can endure the pressures of adulthood. Will they find deeper love or implode from the pressures of their own making?

Enjoy an Excerpt

I spot Marcus in my dad’s hand-me-down Maxima with John in the front seat next to him. Oh jeez. John Hunter. He’s that guy. He’s the stuff of young girls’ dreams and I gave him up long ago by trying to turn my eyes to other guys. The way I see it, it’s like this: 1) he’s Marcus’s best friend and I have no interest in messing up their friendship; 2) he’s not an intentional player but he’s a player just the same; and 3) thank you, but I’ll skip the broken heart, please. I’ve grown up in proximity to this handsome devil for most of my life and he still manages to make my stomach drop when I see him.

It’s such a cliché to say that he’s tall, dark and handsome but clichés work for a reason—they’re inescapable kernels of truth. John is tall at a striking six feet and four inches. He’s dark with his almost-black hair and deep brown eyes. I can’t forget the handsome with his perfectly structured jaw line. Ridiculous. Just by looking at him, I can feel my adrenaline kicking in and the sweat gathering. Great.

I plaster an annoyed look on my face because that’s how we interact with each other. That’s part of our unwritten script. He plays the charming rogue and I play the cynical wallflower who is suspicious of all his kind gestures. He jumps out and does a half-bow. “Madame, your chariot,” he says as he gestures to the front seat.

About the Author: Natalia is a lifelong reader and lover of romance novels. Before finally tapping away at her keyboard to create her own stories, she tried all sorts of professions: elementary school teacher, barista, seller of make-up, baker, and the list goes on. When she isn’t pursuing the arts, she’s hanging out with her husband, two wacky children, and full-figured Corgi.

Website | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Buy the book at Amazon.

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Christmastime in New York City by Chelle de Notte

May 10, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Christmastime in New York City by Chelle de Notte
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (pages 193)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

The best gifts can’t be purchased…

After years of working the family farm in the wake of a tragedy, Ryan Blanchard leaves to make a pre-Christmas delivery to an Upper East Side restaurant. New York City is a wonder to behold around the holidays, yet the most magical part is the beautiful restaurateur who shows it to him.

Pinching of nerves may reduce function or if severe – complete dysfunction, leading to a multitude of health problems. viagra discount india Smart Bombs Chemotherapy associated with the treatment of cheap viagra usa a number of things, which includes anemia. The first is viagra buying using the humble registration form during sign-ups. These products offer a broad array of nutrients and phytonutrients, which order levitra http://secretworldchronicle.com/tag/untermensch/page/2/ offer dietary supplements for better sexual health. Lena Worth is the founder of one of Manhattan’s hottest restaurants, but running the place keeps her too busy to enjoy it. However, a visit from a strapping upstate farmer brings a reminder of what gives her pleasure.

When a blizzard strands the two of them in New York, the nights they spend together are hot enough to melt the snow. As they make their way back to real life, will things ever be the same?

I honestly enjoyed this story. I must caution against reading it while hungry. The heroine, Lena, is a chef. The writer, Chelle de Notte, does an incredible job of describing Lena’s food creations. While I am mentioning the authors writing style I need to share how much I appreciated her attention to detail when describing New York City at Christmas time. I’ve never been and someday hope to see the famous Christmas decorations myself.

Christmastime in New York City was a heartwarming romance that was over before I wanted it to be. I adored the hero, Ryan for his dedication to running his dad’s farm and his loyalty to family and friends. Which points to the fact that the side characters were well developed and relatable. We never met Lena’s family other than her ex-husband who had a small appearance. Mostly the side characters for Lena were her co-workers. One in particular, the bartender, was very contemporary. Over all the cast of characters were a nice blend.

The chemistry between Lena and Ryan was a classic romance. I like how they respected each other and didn’t rush into anything right away. It was nice to watch their love for one another grow and develop. They were mature, responsible and clearly attracted to each other. I was wishing the snow storm would never stop so that Ryan could stay snowbound in New York forever.

The only plot thread that bothered me was Ryan’s dad. I felt bad for him in the end but it was obviously his dad’s issue to work through. Unfortunately, this scenario is all to realistic.

The ending was pretty good. It left me with a satisfying read. I’d recommend this book. It’s was a great way to relax during my camping trip.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Remy Beaumont’s (Not So) Serious Werewolf Watch Recs by Morgan James – Guest Blog

May 10, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Long and Short Reviews welcomes Morgan James who is celebrating the recent release of Love Connections by Morgan James.

Remy Beaumont’s (Not So) Serious Werewolf Watch Recs

When Janet first asked told me to write this list, I hesitated. I mean, who cares what I think? Also, I’m not allowed to rec my own stuff because I guess “WATCH MYTHFITS!” is kind of the implied message of this whole thing. (Go watch the show right now!)

But Ash convinced me I should do this and that people would care, so here it is. My top picks for werewolf-themed watchables.

1. Restraint

Right, let’s get this one out of the way first. Of course I’m going to tell you to go watch Restraint. I’m, like, contractually obligated. Ash is the werewolf in it. But it’s also a pretty awesome show. It’s got a kickass female lead, lots of characters of color, and pretty decent queer representation. Not to mention that it does a great job at one of my fave fantasy things—using the “supernatural” to talk about the “natural.” Also, it’s got some great CGI, fantastic acting, and A+ storylines.

And if all that isn’t enough to convince you, might I remind you that from season 2 on, this show features the phenomenal, talented, and gorgeous Ashland Wells? (His ears are burning so bad right now, as I write this in secret, that he might combust across the room.) Even if the makeup people dyed his hair black (woe, for the luscious red locks) and the writers and directors rarely let him smile, Ash is gorgeous in this in all ways. Also, he spends a lot of time without his shirt off, so….

2. Teen Wolf

The 1985 movie, not the 2011 reboot. (Not that you couldn’t watch the TV show if you wanted… though, if you insist, I’d suggest stopping somewhere between season 1 and 2.)

Rod Daniel’s 1980s monster film is a cult classic and somewhat of a must see with regards to werewolves. And 80s teen movies. And the Michael J. Fox catalogue. If you haven’t seen this movie yet and want to explore the werewolf oeuvre, then stop what you’re doing right now and go watch it. This movie transforms teen angst about being a freak into something all too literal, thus embracing one of my fave aspects of werewolf stories in the most cheesy and 80s way possible. And sure, it’s got plot holes and problems—but let’s be real here, I’m willing to forgive a lot for a basketball playing werewolf. Also, 1985 Fox (all of twenty-four, so young!) is pretty dreamy and very charming.

3. Underworld

Like almost every other item on this list, Underworld is a lot of guilty pleasure and ID scratching. If you’ve never seen it, let me run it down for you: centuries-old interspecies battle between werewolves and vampires; Kate Beckinsale kicking butt and looking great in a leather duster while doing it; city-based fight scenes with futuristic monster killing tech (sun gun, anyone?); the super yummy Scott Speedman; Romeo & Juliet-esque romances; Michael Sheen looking creepy; and Bill Nighy rocking the centuries-old vamp look. Honestly, I’m not sure how this film managed to sign the likes of Sheen and Nighy—one can only assume it involved bribery of some sort—but folks, am I glad they did. This, like a lot of my fave werewolf things, has some introspection on the idea of what it would mean to be half-man, half-beast, and creates some parallels with real-world human struggles. But mostly I’m into this one for Beckinsale in leather and wielding a gun to save the boy.

4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Okay, so I can hear the objections already about how this isn’t really a werewolf movie and is there even enough werewolf in it to justify it being on this list?! Well, you can send those objections to don’tatme@gmail, because it’s my list and I want it here. Why stan for this mostly-not-a-werewolf movie on my werewolf watch list? One word: DanRad. Look, I don’t know where you stand on the whole Harry Potter thing, whether or not you grew up with it or hated it, but I think almost all of us can agree that Daniel Radcliffe is a goddamn delight. (Have you seen this man rap?!) And even though he was just a wee baby when he filmed this (only fourteen!), his charm is clear and delightful. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this was the first Potter film where the kids felt real and the new style suited Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.

And let’s not forget the arrival of David Thewlis and Gary Oldman to the franchise. The Lupin version of the werewolf mythos is another favorite of mine—surprise, surprise—as it focuses so much on themes of the other and outcast. (Thewlis gets this film’s yummy vote, despite—or because of?—the bumbling professor look.)

Just be warned, you might need to crack open a pint of ice cream to deal with your Alan Rickman feelings while he swans about screen on this one.
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5. Being Human (UK)

Considering my obsession with using fantasy to examine the human condition, this rec list couldn’t possibly be complete without Being Human—it’s right there in the title! Either version, UK or US, are worth watching, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the OG, the BBC version. In part because Russell Tovey is yummy and I want to eat him up.

Being Human is a thought experiment, asking “What if The Odd Couple was also a monster film?” It also asks the essential question, “What would happen if a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost were roommates?” The show plays around with the idea of monsters in the modern world having to pay rent and find jobs like the rest of us. (Well, not the ghost, obviously…)

Tovey, who plays the werewolf, is the sweet and bumbling nerdy type, the total antitheses to the wild slathering monster that lives within him, waiting for the full moon. And the dichotomy between the two—the Jekyll and the Hyde of it, if you will—is what makes his character so interesting and fun to watch, and why he gets a mention on my list. Another great metaphor for the inner monster and of the other, and how humans try to create balance in chaos.

Bonus:

6. Twilight series

I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out. The werewolf lore in this one is Problematic with a capital P—please be aware when consuming this representation of Native American peoples—but that just makes the film all the better for an evening of snacks, drinks, and throwing popcorn at the TV. Yup, you read that right. I love a good game of “How bad is it?” and these films deliver. Also there’s some pretty great (if monochrome) eye-candy—Lautner and Pattinson, Stewart and Kendrick. So pull out the vodka, pop some corn, and get ready to yell at the screen, because this one is great for a night in with friends.

Remy Beaumont is a writer and monster specialist for the TV show Mythfits, which returns for season two January 25th.

Ashland Wells is an actor of sci-fi cult fame but with little direction for the future, when handsome grad student Remy Beaumont lands in his lap at a fan convention. Remy is everything Ash ever wanted and wished he could be—including out and proud. For twelve hours they’re the best of friends. But the convention ends, and saying goodbye to Remy might be the biggest mistake Ash has ever made.

A few months later, they’re reunited on a new production—Ash as an actor, Remy a writer—and though Ash doesn’t plan to let him go twice, being with Remy means going public about being gay. He’s not sure that’s a risk he—or his career—can handle, no matter how great the temptation.

If only they could write themselves the romantic happily ever after they both need…

About the Author: Morgan James is a clueless (older) millennial, who’s still trying to figure out what she’ll be when she grows up but is enjoying the journey to get there. Now, with a couple of degrees, a few stints in Europe, and more than one false start to a career, she eagerly waits to see what’s next. Morgan started writing fiction before she could spell and wrote her first (unpublished) novel in middle school. She hasn’t stopped writing since. Geek, artist, and fangirl, Morgan tends to pass free hours with imaginary worlds and people on pages and screens—it’s an addiction. As is her love of coffee and tea. She lives in Canada with her massive collection of unread books and acts the personal servant of too many four-legged creatures.

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Buy the book at Dreamspinner Press or Amazon.

Filed Under: Guest Blogs, Romance Tagged With: ,

That Second Chance by Meghan Quinn – Q&A and Giveaway

May 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Long and Short Reviews welcomes Meghan Quinn who is celebrating the recent release of That Second Chance. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of the book plus a $25 Amazon gift card.

In the past few years you have written dozens of novels! First off, how do you find the time? And second, how has becoming a bestselling author changed your life?

I have the best partner in life ever that helps out with everything around the house, including the kids. I also have a very overactive imagination so when I get into a scene, my fingers fly, giving me high word counts in a short amount of time. Even though it looks like I’m working all the time, I make sure to make time for my family, ending every day at five at night. And hitting the USA Today bestselling list was a huge goal of mine I had ever since I started writing. It meant everything to me.

What can you tell us about the first time you sat down to write with the goal of completing a novel?

I was a maniac. I wrote the book in a week. Yes, a week. It was insane. I had so much to say because I was thinking about it consistently while commuting an hour and twenty minutes one way to work. When my fingers hit the keyboard, it al flew out of me.

What is the best part about being a romance author? What is the most difficult part?

The best part is constantly being able to create, break it up, and then find it again. It’s such an old, classic formula, but it’s my favorite of all time. The most difficult is trying not to gross people out with terminology during sex scenes. There are only so many words that are on the OKAY list. Sometimes it can be restricting.

What draws you to writing romance novels? Specifically why is it important that your characters have happily-ever-afters?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved love. Instead of going out in high school, I would stay at home and watch romantic comedies. I was fascinated with falling in love and the heartbreak, and then the make up. I love everything about it. I think we all deserve a HEA, why not give it to our characters too?

Even though you include realism and heartbreak in your books, the thing readers really takeaway is sense of fun you pack into the novels. How is it you (and your characters) are able to find humor in everyday things?

I’ve always found myself to live in the clouds, in a land of cupcakes and fun, it’s just my personality so whenever I’m in a situation, I usually can find the fun in it and of course, I’m really good at embellishing.

Give us a quick snapshot of your newest novel That Second Chance.

Four brothers, small town romance, all single, all cursed. Will they be able to find love, even though they’re the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine?

What makes Ren and Griff’s story special to you?

Their meet cute is probably one of my most favorite of all time. Wayward moose, volunteer firefighter, a crazed woman new to town, looking for help. It’s all charming, funny, and perfect.

What’s next for this series?

Rogan!!! AND OH MY GOD!!! His story is . . . gah! I can’t even tell you how in love with it I am. There is mystery, intrigue, questions that need to be answered and so much swoon you might just fall off your chair while reading.

It was supposed to be an innocent night, celebrating my brother’s birthday. Nothing was supposed to go wrong. We’d vowed to be on our best behavior after all . . .

But it only took one rowdy night with my brothers to flip my world upside down. One unlucky encounter saddled us with a family curse and the promise of doomed relationships. I laughed it off immediately. “Yeah, right,” I thought. “A love curse. Ha!”

Boy, was I wrong.

Word spreads quickly in a town like mine; rumors about that night soon made us the most eligible yet untouchable bachelors in Port Snow, Maine. As a subject of endless gossip and speculation, I could kiss my dating life goodbye.

It would have stayed that way if Ren Winters, the new girl in town, hadn’t crashed into my life. Brave, beautiful, and smart—her vivacious thirst for a fresh start has given me hope that maybe, just maybe, I can have one too.

Everyone wishes for that second chance . . . but could this really be mine?

Enjoy an Excerpt

I’m counting out our register drawer, trying to stay focused on the numbers whipping through my head, but it’s difficult with Reid’s constant small talk. I jot down another tally mark on the paper in front of me and set aside a stack of bills.

“Hello, are you listening?” Reid asks, sounding annoyed.

“No. I’m counting.”

“Well, I’m talking about you, so you might want to lend me your ear for a second.”

Huffing, I set the cash on the counter, knowing my very persistent brother won’t be quiet until I give him my full attention. “What’s up, Reid?”

Satisfied, he smiles. “You should ask her out.”

“Ask who out?”

“Ren.”

Yeah, that’s not going to happen. “No.”

I go back to counting, but Reid starts snapping his fingers at me. “Hey, I wasn’t finished.” I look back up at him, not even slightly interested in this conversation. “I saw the way she was looking at you today. I think she likes you.”

“You’re confused. She was probably just being nice, since I’m the guy who pulled her out of the window of her car after her accident. And even if she does like me, which I highly doubt, there’s no interest on my end. So that’s the end of that.”

“Bull,” Reid and Jen both say at the same time.

Christ. My two most nagging siblings are ganging up on me. Just what I need when I’m trying to get home and relax.

“Can we not make this into a dissection of my personal life, please? I’m not in the mood, and I want to get this done so I can go home.”

“Griff, she’s pretty, she’s sweet, and she’s smart. She’s new to town and, I’m sure, could use a friend,” Jen says just as the door opens, its bell chiming through the space. Brig pops in, grease all over his shirt and a smirk on his face.

Uh-oh. There’s only one reason why he’d be smirking at me that way.

“What are we talking about?” He rubs his hands together and takes a seat on a barstool near the window. “If it’s about the hot new teacher in town, I want in on this conversation.”

“We’re trying to convince Griff to ask her out.”

Brig slow claps his appreciation. “Novel idea. I think they’re a perfect match.”

“I’m not asking her out,” I huff, giving up on the register and leaning against the wall behind me, arms crossed. There’s no way I’ll be able to concentrate on counting while these three are yapping in my ear.

“Why the hell not? She’s perfect for you,” Brig says, a little insulted at my rejection. “Before you even say no, you should at least get to know her a little. I told her today she could borrow your truck while her car is in the shop.”

I count to five before answering, tamping down my temper. “Why the hell would you do that?” Okay, maybe I didn’t tamp it down enough.

“Uh, because she lives three houses down from you?” Brig rolls his eyes as if I’m the stupid one in this conversation. “She needs some help, so be a knight in shining armor, dude. Help out the damsel in distress and then make out with her on the beach. Maybe cop a feel; get some for once.”

“I’m not doing that,” I answer, going back to the money, letting them know this conversation is over.

“And why not?” Jen asks.

“Because I’m not interested in starting or being in a relationship. I’m happy with how my life is right now, and I don’t need anything complicating it.”

“But she has heart eyes for you,” Brig says like a jackass.

“Don’t worry; there are plenty of Knightly brothers to choose from,” I reply.

“Come on, Griff, how fun can going home to an empty, lonely house really be?” Jen chimes in, concern evident in her voice.

I shift on my feet, my voice terse. “I like my house. It’s fine. I’m fine.”

Silence falls between us, an awkward air moving in like a fast-moving cold front.

“Is this because of New Orleans?” Reid finally asks, taking a seat next to Brig. Both of my brothers fix their gazes on me, waiting for an answer.

Why is this a thing whenever we talk about my love life? Can’t they just let it go? What happened was … hell, I don’t even know how to describe it. All I know is I don’t foresee love in my future.

Claire was the love of my life, and I lost her; in a blink of an eye she was gone. I’m not going through that again. Not ever.

Shaking my head, I turn away from my family. This conversation is over.

And with that, I take the cash to the back office, where I can get some peace and quiet.

Ask Ren Winters out on a date? Not going to happen.

And she’s not going to drive my truck either. I think that’s evident in the fact that she drove her car in between two trees.

Can’t blame a guy there.

About the Author: USA Today bestselling author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. An author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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What Would I Tell a New Author? by Jerome Mark Antil – Guest Blog and Giveaway

May 3, 2019 By 5 Comments


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jerome Mark Antil will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What would I tell a new author?

There are a few things I would tell a new author. The first I learned hearing what a famous artist said to his pupils on their first day of class. He would ask them who had to be inspired to paint. Every hand went up. The artist then walked to the center of his studio – he reached up and pulled on the ceiling lamp cord. The light goes out. “The electric company won’t wait for you to be inspired to get paid.”

Writing is a discipline – think of the newspaper reporter who has to turn in 8 inches of ‘story’ every day by 3PM.

To me, writing is a job. I get up at 6AM, I am in my studio after I’ve made a thermos of coffee. I write until noon or one o’clock. I count every word and every page. I typically write 1,700 to 2,000 words a day. My afternoons are for relaxation or marketing. I’m very flexible with my afternoons – but my mornings are set in stone.

Typically, towards the end of the week, I edit and patch together what I’ve written.

I never start a work without first completing six months of research on the topic, places, times or ‘voices’ I will use for my story or characters.

A bond that can only happen on a dance floor happened in a cafe off Frenchman Street among four unlikely characters: a man who was about to die; his friend, an illiterate Cajun French yardman; and two of the most successful women in New Orleans.

Aging Captain Gabriel Jordan, retired, was given two months to live, three months before he met “Peck”–Boudreau Clemont Finch–a groundskeeper on the back lawn of his hospice on Bayou Carencro, Louisiana. It was at the hospice that Gabe told Peck his dream of seeing the Newport Jazz Festival before he died. They became friends, and Peck offered to help grant his wish by taking him there.

And they began their journey.

It quickly became a journey with complications and setbacks. They saved each other many times, but they were in turn saved by two extraordinary women: Sasha (Michelle Lissette), a real estate agent in New Orleans’s posh Garden District, and her best friend, Lily Cup (Lily Cup Lorelei Tarleton), a criminal attorney.

Less than a year before the events in Mamma’s Moon, Gabe and Peck wandered into Charlie’s Blue Note, a small jazz bar in a side alley just off Frenchman Street, where the music was live and mellow and the dancing warm and sensual.

Here they encountered Sasha and Lily Cup, and amid the music, the dancing, the food, the flirting, and the cigar smoke, the four formed an unusual and lasting friendship that would see them each through a series of crises, disappointments, life-threatening situations, and moments of great joy and satisfaction.

Enjoy an Excerpt

“Did you murder the kid, Gabe?” Lily Cup asked. The aging army captain, veteran of Korea and Vietnam, lowered his newspaper just enough to see over the entertainment page.

“Close the door, honey, AC’s on,” Gabe said.

In a tight, black skirt with a tailored matching waistcoat and white Nike walking shoes, she leaned and propped a black leather briefcase against the wall by the door. She stood like an exasperated tomboy, adjusting and refastening the diamond brooch on her lapel.

“I heard you’ve been walking with a cane, dancing man. What’s that all about? You’ve never carried a cane. You jazz dance for hours a couple of nights a week and Sasha tells me you started carrying one everywhere you go when you don’t need one. It’s smelling pretty premeditated to me, Gabe. What’s up with the cane thing?”

“Does Sasha know about this morning?”

“I haven’t told her anything. She’d have a canary.”

Gabe lifted the paper again to read.

“I need to know if it was murder,” Lily Cup said.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” Gabe said.

He closed the paper, folded it in half, and in half again. Dropping it on the arm of the chair, he stood and left the room.

“Define murder,” he said from the kitchen.

She tossed a handbag and white driving gloves onto the other chair, lifted Chanel sunglasses to the top of her head.

“Gee, I’ll have to think on this one. Hmmm…Oh, I know. How about the police have a cane with blood on it and there’s a dead man.”

“It’s a walking stick. My cane is over by the door.”

“Well now it’s a goddamned murder weapon. They checked for prints, and yours are the only prints on it, and their guess is the lab will say the blood has his DNA.”

Gabe came out with a coffee urn in one hand and his finger and thumb through two empty cup handles. He held the cups out for her to take one.

“No more,” Gabe said.

“You’re rather nonchalant for the spot you’re in. Why’d you clam up on me like that at the precinct? It didn’t set well with any of them. The DA entered a charge of second-degree murder. The police chief put out a warrant for you from lunch at Brennan’s.”

He held the empty cups closer to her.

“Just made it. Chicory and cinnamon.”

“If you had television you’d have seen it—‘Daylight killing on St. Charles Avenue.’ It’s all over the news, freaking out the DA and the Visitors Bureau. No telling how many videos from streetcars going by will wind up on You Tube.”

“That’s enough,” Gabe said.

“People can live with violence after dark. That’s expected in any city, but when it’s in broad daylight, forget it. The DA pushed for an early docket with a magistrate and it’s Tulane and Broad for you at nine a.m. tomorrow.”

“What’s Tulane and Broad?”

“Magistrate Court. Congratulations, Gabe, you made the big time. You have to appear before a magistrate to hear the second-degree murder charge against you.”

She took an empty cup in one hand, pinched his arm with the other.

“Look me in the eye and swear it wasn’t murder,” Lily Cup said.

“This some kind of technique they teach at Harvard Law, Miss Tarleton?”

About the Author: JEROME MARK ANTIL writes in several genres. He has been called a “greatest generation’s Mark Twain,” a “write what you know Ernest Hemingway,” and “a sensitive Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.” It’s been said his work reads like a Norman Rockwell painting. Among his writing accomplishments, several titles in his The Pompey Hollow Book Club historical fiction series about growing up in the shadows of WWII have been honored. An ‘Authors and Writers’ Book of the Year Award and ‘Writer of the Year’ at Syracuse University for The Pompey Hollow Book Club novel; Hemingway, Three Angels, and Me, won SILVER in the UK as second-best novel.

Foreword’s Book of the Year Finalist for The Book of Charlie – historical fiction and The Long Stem is in the Lobby – nonfiction humor. Library Journal selected Hemingway, Three Angels and Me for best reads during Black History Month.

Before picking up the pen, Antil spent his professional career writing and marketing for the business world. In this role, he lectured at universities – Cornell, St. Edward’s, and Southern Methodist. His inspirations have been John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway.

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