A Review of "Rescued by a Duke" by Ruth J Hartman

Rescued by a Duke by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ruth Hartmans's recent foray into Regency romance has proven successful. I'm so glad I got the chance to read Rescued by a Duke. Though it started out quite dirty...literally.

Sasha Douglas fell into an abandoned well while trying to avoid going to debtor's prison as punishment for her dead brother's debts. Cold, dirty, and injured, she fears no one will hear her screaming for help. But, her prayers are answered as the property owner happens by on his horse, none other than Garrett Rothchild Canterbury, the Duke of Ravensworth.

Garrett feels so guilty about Sasha falling into his well that he takes her back to his home and ensures she is nursed back to health. His parents are dead and his brother is a prodigal son, so Garrett's been running the estate alone. He never had the time or heart to think of marriage. But, fate brought Sasha into his life. Their growing romance is funny, sweet, and touching, but having been lied to so often by her brother, Sasha demands nothing but honesty now. And Garrett's secrets may tear them apart for good.

This story proved to be a quick and lovely read. If I fell into a well, I'd want none other than Garrett to come to my rescue. He's so kind-hearted, you can't help but fall in love with him along with Sasha. And of course, there's Douglas the cat, who provides at least one side-splitting moment. I can always count on Ruth to add a quirky feline to her stories!

The only gripe I had was with the climax. It didn't come as much of a surprise, though the emotions and impact were still there. In fact, I admired how Ruth explored some really heavy issues, while keeping the basic atmosphere of the story lighthearted.

For a sweet romance full of emotion, laughs, and an ending that brings out the "Awww" in you, I highly recommend this book! Go grab a copy today!

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A Review of In Gods' Hands by Jessa Callaver

In Gods' Hands by Jessa Callaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've never been a huge fan of erotic fiction, and not because I dislike the graphic love scenes. Quite the contrary. In many cases, I simply find the theme and plot to be lacking and the intimate scenes to be nauseatingly detailed.

But, Jessa Callaver's short erotic fiction has grown on me. In this particular story, I immediately empathized with the heroine, Cassie, a college-dropout who moved to Italy in hopes of finding a good time. What she got, on the other hand, was caught up in an abusive relationship with no hopes of ever bettering herself. Jessa portrays this theme of emptiness and self-loathing so well that it's palpable. Instead of being inclined to roll our eyes at Cassie's mental state, we're wishing that she could turn her life around.

And then, during a particularly bawdy street festival, Jessa runs into (literally) a big hunk of an American tourist named Troy as she's driving drunk on a motor scooter. Troy seems by all appearances to be rather the knight in shining armor type, but when he and Cassie end up in his hotel room, the story takes on a life of its own. You have to read it to believe it!

I loved the twists and the tie-ins to Greco-Roman deity mythology. Up until the surprising turn of events, however, I stumbled over some confusing descriptions and language, particularly those revolving around Cassie's Italian boyfriend and his lover. The last third of the story, however, unfolded vividly and smoothly and led to a satisfying (and just) ending.

As far as the intimate scenes, Jessa writes these with ease. They're neither clunky, nor overly graphic. I think Jessa's got a lot more surprises in store for the romantica movement. I'll definitely be on the watch for her next move.

For a quick, erotic read with mythologic flair, grab a copy of In Gods' Hands today!

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A Review of "Cats & Cowboys" by Ruth J Hartman

Cats and Cowboys by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cats and Cowboys is perfect for a quick read at bedtime or on your lunch break. Lanna is a single city girl who's just moved to a sleepy Texas town with her fat cat Gordon in tow. She manages the local post office and experiences quite a few quirky characters during her first few weeks. They're tolerable enough, but when grumpy cowboy Jackson arrives, sparks (and fur) flies. Sure, Jackson's hotter than the Texas summer, but he's about as lovable as a Brillo pad. Worse yet, he equates cats to nameless rodent-killers. A relationship with Lanna doesn't seem possible where Gordon is concerned.

Thanks to an encounter with a cow and...nope, I won't give anything else away. You have to read it for yourself to see if love can reconcile the differences between cat and cowboy!

If you enjoy sweet romance, you'll love this and anything Ruth J. Hartman writes. If you're also a cat lover, you'll be addicted to her work. Go grab your copy today!

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A Review of "You Can't Go Home Again" by Aubrianna Hunter

You Can't Go Home Again by Aubrianna Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you need need to spice up your reading time, you'll want to pick up Aubrianna Hunter's 'You Can't Go Home Again'. This contemporary erotic romance will have you fanning yourself in no time.

It all begins with Danielle Foster, who has quite the dilemma. Life's been great for her in L.A., working in the film industry and making a name for herself. So different from her previous life in a small Texas town. Though her parents are long dead, most of Danielle's childhood and college friends are still back in Texas. And one of them, Jenn, her BEST friend, is getting married. She wants Danielle to be her maid of honor. Danielle can't turn her down, but the thought of facing Jason Bradford after five years is almost more than she can take.

Danielle (or Dani as her friends call her) and Jason (Jace)were once part of a close-knit circle of friends, until something happened between the two that sent Danielle running to L.A. None of the others know what happened, but as soon as Dani arrives back in town to help prepare for the wedding, it soon becomes clear to everyone that she and Jason have some unresolved issues.

Aubrianna Hunter takes us with Dani and Jace on their tumultuous journey. Be prepared to dive straight into some steamy waters. From the prologue, until the end, the sizzling passion and conflict between these two will keep your heart racing and the pages turning.

I have to admit being aggravated with Dani and Jace for their ongoing stubbornness and refusal to come clean earlier in the story. However, when things finally came to light and the climax emerged, their complexity and vulnerability became clearer and helped me to sympathize better with them until the satisfying conclusion.

I'd recommend this book for adults who enjoy a sizzling erotic read that's not overly graphic, but certainly doesn't take place behind closed doors! Grab your copy today!

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A Review of "All in the Mind" by Jenny Twist

All in the Mind by Jenny Twist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whenever I pick up something written by Jenny Twist, I know I'm not going to want to put it down. "All in the Mind" was no exception!

The story begins with an elderly lady named Tilly, who wakes up in an unfamiliar room decorated in shoddy 1940's furnishings. She soon discovers she's in an nursing home, and her husband Johnny is there as well, partially paralyzed from a stroke. Tilly and several other patients are part of a new and unconventional Alzheimer's treatment that involves immersing them in the surroundings from their younger days.

Soon, she and Johnny are moved back into the home where their life together began, and that's where something truly amazing begins. There in that cozy cottage in the English countryside, not only are Tilly's and Johnny's memories resurrected, but so is their youth!

Before you assume this is just another "adults become kids again" story, think again. Tilly and Johnny aren't the only ones changing. It seems the lives of their current friends are mimicking those of their loved ones from the past. You're left to wonder if its just this elderly couple changing, if the time/space continuum is shifting, or if everything is just a coincidence.

Well, you'll have to read it to find out. Rest assured that Jenny Twist delivers a timeless love story that's truly unique and compelling. The characters' lives and beautiful romance is described in such heartwarming, vivid detail that you fall instantly in love with them.

There are several scenes from the middle to the end that involve the secondary characters, and at first, I wondered what these really had to do with the main story. Luckily, Jenny wrapped it all up in a lovely, neat package that is sure to please every lover of sweet romance. Grab a copy today!

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Back to School Means New Goals!

All of my kiddos are now in school full time. This means no little ones left at home for me to take care of for several hours during the week. It also means I have to set goals for what I'm going to do with myself in this new phase of life. And that leaves me a little excited, and unfortunately a little depressed.

Well, screw depression. I've suffered from it for too long, and I HATE depression. There. I said it. Depression sucks the holy living life right out of me. It's such a freaking selfish disease. It imprisons me in this "woe is me" mode that doesn't allow me to see the big picture and all the good people and things in my life. It keeps me from any potential success by telling me I'll fail if I try.

Here's a visual of what depression feels like, if you've never experienced it:

Once it arrives, it grabs hold and digs in like barbed wire, unwilling to let me out of its dire outlook. The bouts are fewer and less severe than before I began treatment, but it still pops up from time to time.

And you know what?

Darn right, depression. I have kids, house, and husband to take care of and so many things to write that I don't have time to mope around and be bummed out by your little impromptu visits. So, I'm setting goals to take better care of myself, and I'm writing them here so that I can feel more accountable. From henceforth, I shall try to...

1. Exercise more.

2. Eat better.

3. Sleep better.

4. Stay focused on fewer tasks at a time.

5. Narrow down commitments to what really needs attention or what I really want to achieve. This includes slowly acquiring part-time PAYING work in the hopes that I'll get back into the working world now that my kids are all in school. 

6. Say "no" more often.

7. Less useless browsing online. If I don't have an immediate reason to be surfing, then I need to get my butt up and do something productive.

8. Keep things clean around here, so it's not piled up and overwhelming me. This includes delegating more tasks more consistently to husband and kids.

9. Declutter. If I don't love or need it, then out it goes. This includes my email inbox, which I've managed to whittle down from >15,000 messages to < 5,000 in the last two days. 

10. Better time management. This means keeping better track of events/due dates by utilizing notes, my smart phone calendar/alarm, and asking others to remind me of things.

Whether I accomplish said goals is yet to be seen, but having a written plan is a good way to start any endeavor. All of you reading this are allowed to slap me back onto track when you see me breaking any of these goals. 

Until next time, here's to a healthier me and new successes just around the corner. ~Mysti

NEW CONTEST for September: What's Your Food Story?

***DEADLINE EXTENDED***
TO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013

From farm to plate, every food tells a story. So, what's your food story?

I bet most of us don't have to think too hard to recall a fond memory that involved food. Maybe it was your aunt's oh-so-spicy chili that made everyone race to the bathroom at the family reunion.

Or perhaps it was your mama's biscuit recipe that you made as a newlywed and thoroughly impressed your new husband. (Or you might have burned them and cried like I did.)

When I was a kid, I remember Sunday dinners at my granny's house and her famous "porcupine meatballs". The kids were usually banished to the living room and left to fight over the most coveted seats, like the sofa. I don't think I ever graduated from sitting on the floor. At least I had those meatballs for solace.

YOUR assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to tell me a story involving one of your favorite foods or recipes. AND, I want you to share the recipe / where we can purchase it, etc. The story can be fictitious or completely truthful or somewhere in between. Twain it up all you wish!

You've got a few options on how to present your food story & recipe. It can be in these formats:

1. Written
2. Video
3. Combination of both

The FIRST PLACE winner will have their recipe prepared by me and/or my hubby on video (or we'll do a product review if it's a prepared food we can purchase), and there will be lots of other food-related prizes for 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd place.

"Man, have I got
a story for you!"

Let's get specific and throw in some rules:

1. This contest is open to ALL writers, no matter the experience level, published or not.
2. Stories (not including recipes) should be NO MORE than 1,000 words. 
3. Videos should be NO MORE than 30 minutes in length (think Rachael Ray).
4. NO graphic sex, language, or violence. Mild profanity, hanky-panky, and violence are ok. If you're in doubt, ask me.
5. Deadline for entries is September 30, 2013 at midnight. ***DEADLINE EXTENDED***
   TO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013 Any stories submitted after that will NOT be considered.
6. Beginning September 1, stories/recipes will be posted on my blog in the order they are received. If you wish to submit your story to another publication after this contest, you may request me to NOT publish it unless you win. Some publications do not accept "published" stories (this includes those posted on blogs).
7. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners WILL be posted. 
8. Prizes - TBA
9. Along with your story/recipe, you may submit an author bio (45-100 words), profile pic, and contact links (Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc).
10. Please submit ALL entries to me at: mystiparker@yahoo.com with My Food Story in the subject line. 

I'm excited to see what you all come up with. Enjoy!! ~Mysti