An Alisa Review: Edward Unconditionally (Common Powers 3) by Lynn Lorenz

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

 

Edward is on a mission to save his grandmother by using his power. Jack is on a mission to never come out of the closet. It’ll take a dog named Winston to bring them together.

 

When Jack meets Edward at a traffic stop, his world is rocked—and not for the better. Edward is the gayest man he’s ever seen and Spring Lake is a small town just getting comfortable with its own new gay couple, Brian Russell and Rush Weston. Unlike Edward, Rush and Brian are big, strapping, manly men. But manly isn’t what turns Jack on. It’s Edward—everything about the younger man drives Jack wild with desire and the need to control Edward’s wild, impetuous spirit.

 

For Edward, his attraction to ‘bad boys’ has been his romantic downfall. His heart’s been broken so many times he’s lost count. When he meets Jack, Edward falls for the all-American by-the-book lawman, but finds his attempts rebuffed and his pride severely wounded. Jack’s straight, or at least says he is, but Edward knows that look in Jack’s eyes—he’s seen it before in other men. How can a man so right be so wrong?

 

Edward tempts Jack beyond anyone he’s ever met and his desire for Edward builds each time he encounters the younger man, until he can no longer deny it or himself. But Edward doesn’t want sex on the side, he wants forever. He wants the fairy tale.

 

Can Jack give Edward what he wants or will Jack’s fear of being ridiculed for his choice of a partner keep them from their happily ever after?

 

From their first meeting Jack and Edward’s relationship seems to be a comedy of errors.  Jack is embarrassed and then on top of that has to take Edward’s dog home.  They both push each other’s buttons, both the good and the bad, but have to learn a little about adapting too.

 

I didn’t quite connect with these characters as much as I did in the other books and felt that there was more to Jack’s backstory than what was told.  He continues to push Edward away and suddenly gives into his feelings to stand beside him and it just came out of the blue to me.

 

I did feel for Edward, he had been pushed away by his father and manipulated by his mother for most of his life and just as he is getting to know that one person who loves him no matter what he loses her.  But Olivia left a good base for Jack to finally latch on to.  I loved the support these two got from those around them and getting to see everyone from the previous books some more.

 

The cover art by Posh Gosh is great, I love the visual of Winston and continues the pattern for the series.

 

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon | B&N

 

Book Details:

ebook, 223 pages

Publication: 2nd edition, August 22, 2017 by Pride Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78651-597-1

Edition Language: English

Series: Common Powers #3

An Alisa Review: Rush in the Dark (Common Powers 2) by Lynn Lorenz

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

Rush is so deep in the closet he can’t find the door, but meeting Brian might give him the courage to step out of it.

 

When Brian and Rush meet in a dark alley, sparks fly. The attraction is fast and hard, but Rush is a rancher with a reputation to uphold and Brian is out and open.

 

Both men have secrets, including the small powers they each have, and a relationship means they might have to share. It would require Rush coming out of his closet and putting his ranch and his friendships with the people around him at risk.

 

For Brian, it means putting his heart on the line for a man who’s afraid of being himself. He’s been down that road before and Brian won’t go back in the closet, not even for Rush.

 

Each time they’re together, Rush and Brian set the air around them on fire. As they move closer, both are still holding back, still unsure of each other. One of them will have to take the first step or this thing between them will flounder.

 

For Rush, it’ll take a huge step and a lot of trust to risk his entire life in the small Texas town of Spring Lake. And once he’s out, there’s no going back.

 

For Brian, his heart isn’t the only thing at risk. If he keeps seeing Rush, he knows he might just lose his life.

 

I enjoyed this story just as much as I did the first one in the series however this one really gave more time for the characters to work on building their relationship.  Brian has pretty much lived his life alone for years and meeting Rush makes him want to break his own rules.  Rush has never had anything other than one night stands but no matter what he does he can’t get Brian out of his head.

 

I loved how Brien was willing to hurt himself because he didn’t want to be hurt more later by Rush’s insecurities.  He continues to do his work and help Sammi find out some information about his past so that his friends can have the best chance to continue building their life.

 

Rush is constantly doing the wrong thing in regards to Brian and their relationship.  It takes a lot of soul searching for him to finally let his guard down enough to really let Brian into his life.  I could feel his father’s words and actions still hurting him even years after his death.

 

The cover art by Posh Gosh is nice and continues the pattern for the series.

 

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon | B&N

 

Book Details:

ebook, 189 pages

Publication: 2nd edition, July 11, 2017 by Pride Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78651-584-1

Edition Language: English

Series: Common Powers #2

An Alisa Review: Soul Bonds (Common Powers 1) by Lynn Lorenz

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

It’s not how big the power, it’s how you use it.

 

Mitchell’s tired of one night stands and casual encounters.

 

Sammi is a runaway sex slave who’ll do anything to stay free.

 

When they meet in a bar, Mitchell can’t believe his luck. Sammi is sex on two legs and seems to know just what Mitchell wants from a lover. But Sammi’s owner Donovan isn’t going to let him go so easily. He’s prepared to destroy anyone who stands in his way to get back his prized slave.

 

Is the bond between Mitchell and Sammi strong enough to stand up against the damage Donovan inflicts on their lives, or will it shatter?

 

This was such a sweet story.  Sammi and Mitchell’s connection is instant and it kind of scares Mitchell a bit but even with that he refuses to think of not having Sammi in his life.  Sammi has been abused and used his whole life and can’t wait to live his life for himself but he has to face his past first.

 

I loved Mitchell’s determination to keep Sammi even when Donovan does his best to ruin his life.  I loved the relationship he has with his best friend Brian and how he is fully supportive and willing to help both of them.

 

Even with the support of Brian and Mitchell it’s heartbreaking to see Sammi determine that he just needs to leave in order to keep Mitchell safe.  I loved Sammi’s openness and how willing he is to put others first and help someone.  I am looking forward to seeing Brian’s story in the next book.

 

The cover art by Posh Gosh is nice and give good visuals of the characters.

 

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon | B&N

 

Book Details:

ebook, 176 pages

Publication: 2nd edition, December 20, 2016 by Pride Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78651-512-4

Edition Language: English

Series: Common Powers #1

Goodbye September, Hello October! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

Goodbye September, Hello October!

October is here, one of my favorite months!  Time for pumpkins, and hauntings, a thinning of veils, and perhaps of things that go bump in the night!  It’s a time for owls to be hooting as they sound out territories and mates, leaves to begin their spectacular autumnal show, and the plaintive notes of geese high above calling as they migrate south to warmer climes and more welcoming waters.  I’m not alone.  There are so many quotes out there from writers sharing their love of fall and this particular month, including L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) who wrote:

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”.

I’m totally in agreement.

It’s also a time where authors and publishers start to release books and anthologies with a bent towards the paranormal and horror, noting that Halloween and All Hallow’s Eve occurs this month.  So you all know what I’m leading up to….

Yes, several things actually only one of which I’ll bring up this week.

Let’s start with a Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Horror Rec List.  This might be a short one because, tbh,  I don’t read a lot of horror books myself.  Do any of you?  I read one this week and I’m reviewing it.  It’s by one of the few author’s whose stories continually have a horror/paranormal bent to them.  That would be Xavier Axelson.  See what I found on Monday.  So go through your book lists, your Kindles and shelves. See what horror stories you can recommend.  I can’t wait to read what you all come up with!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Horror Story Recs Giveaway

We will run this all month long in order to take advantage of all the new scary books coming out this month as well.  So leave a comment/rec, along with your email address where you can be reached if chosen.  We will have more than one winner for our gift certificates.  Must be 18 years of age or older.  Also acceptable are spooky paranormal stories!  Ghostly hauntings!  Witchy doings!  You get the idea!  Even throw in a zombie or two!  Contest ends October 28 at midnight.

✒︎Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is looking for reviewers.  If you would like to review for us, please contact us at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com.  Let’s talk!

 

✒︎And finally, in case you didn’t see our post.  Author B.A. Tortuga needs our help.  She’s very ill and needs our assistance.   There’s a Go Fund Me page started to help with her mounting medical costs.  For the full details, visit the link here.

 

Now for our first week in October, this is what we have for you.  Happy Reading!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 1 🎃 🌰

  • Goodbye September, Hello October!
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
  • Release Blitz for Elle Keaton’s As Sure As The Sun (Accidental Roots #4)
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: ​The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters

Monday, October 2:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Tara Lain
  • Harmony Ink Promo Julie Aitcheson
  • BLITZ Tender with a Twist by Annabeth Albert
  • A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Keeper by Kiernan Kelly
  • A MelanieM Review: Earthly Concerns by Xavier Axelson
  • An Alisa Review: Soul Bonds (Common Powers 1) by Lynn Lorenz
  • An Ali Release Day Review: Model Exposure (Haven Investigations #4) by Lissa Kasey

Tuesday, October 3:

  • BOOK BLAST Sweet Thing by Isobel Starling
  • Review Tour for Tour: PROPHESY by A.E. Via
  • A Lila Review: Prophecy: The King and Alpha Series #1 by AE Via
  • A MelanieM Review: Read My Mind (Under the Empire #1) by Kelly Haworth
  • An Alisa Review: Finding Home by Garrett Leigh

Wednesday, October 4:

  • Dreamspinner Promo : Living in Fast Forward (Radio and the Road) by B.A. Tortuga
  • Tour for Archer Kay Leah’s Blood Borne (The Republic #3)
  • Cover Reveal for Lawless Anthology
  • A MelanieM Review: Deceived by Megan Derr
  • A Jeri Release Day Review: Gummy Bears & Grenades (THIRDS #10) by Charlie Cochet
  • A Jeri Release Day Review: High Calls by Tara Lain

Thursday, October 5:

  • Blog Tour – Patrick’s Savior by Nic Starr
  • BLITZ Leaning into Touch by Lane Hayes
  • Cover Reveal: Anna Butler’s The Jackal’s House
  • RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: Read My Mind (Under the Empire #1) by Kelly Haworth
  • A Jeri Review: Rank and File by LA Witt
  • A MelanieM Review: Crave (Brawlers, #1) by J.M. Dabney
  • An Alisa Review: Rush in the Dark (Common Powers 2) by Lynn Lorenz

Friday, October 6:

  • Release Blitz – Amy Aislin’s Picture Winter
  • Release Blitz – Changing On The Fly Anthology- Various Authors
  • RIPTIDE Tour and Giveaway: Five Dares by Eli Easton
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review:Living in Fast Forward (Radio and the Road) by B.A. Tortuga
  • A Stella Recent Review: Five Dares by Eli Easton
  • An Alisa Review: Edward Unconditionally (Common Powers 3) by Lynn Lorenz

Saturday, October 7:

  • A MelanieM Review: Calloway by Thad J.

 

 

 

 

 

Falling Into Autumn and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Falling Into Autumn

 

We’ve passed the autumnal equinox and it’s officially fall.  Yes, my favorite time of the year has arrived.  Already the signs are out.  The Sugar Maples are showing their splendid fall colors, my beech trees are busy making a nuisance of themselves by pouring nut bits all over the back stone patio. Their beech nuts a boon for wildlife who are busy taking advantage and a pain for the paws of my dogs who keep stepping on them no matter how quickly I try to sweep them up every morning.  It’s a Sisyphean task to be sure.

Last night I started another fall task.  I started to clean out my Kindle.  Yes, I have to do that.  As a reviewer, or even just a prolific reader, it’s full of books I will never read again.  So the daunting chore begins to weed out the books overflowing my Kindle, choosing which will remain and which, much like my gardens, will be pruned away so I can quickly look over my library. Hah! You say.  Yah, yah…I know…it seems overwhelming and unlikely to me too.

My mental mutterings often go something like this “no, I’m not finished the series yet,  you get to stay”,  “hmm, uh no, I thought I had removed you some time ago”,  “Oh, I loved you so, I know I’ll read you again (no I won’t but I want too)” so I keep that one….and so on.  As you can imagine far more stay then actually get booted.  In the end I put the Kindle down, caught up in a book I need to read and review for the upcoming weeks because that’s as great an excuse as any, right?

Thank goodness they aren’t printed books because I’ve never thrown one of those away in my life.  Shifted boxes  into my  parents attic (yes, I know shameful at any age but there you go).  I think I’m going to go get them this fall, promise.

I won’t even go into my fall gardening chores…it’s still sunny and 80 outside.  Too many seeds are falling from the plants and things are still blooming.  That gets to slide too while I go look at mums in all their glory. I know just the place to plant them while I read and have a sip of wine.

That’s how I’m starting my fall into autumn.  Do you have any special plans for your fall days?  I’d love to hear them!  New giveaway coming soon!  Meanwhile enjoy our easing into Fall and this week’s books and tours.  Don’t miss out on Joker by JM Dabney.  I’ll be doing an author discovery on JM Dabney in the next coming months and reviewing all this author’s series…yes, I’m that much in love!

 

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

Sunday, September 24:

  • Falling Into Autumn and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
  • A MelanieM Review: Drama Luau (Nicky and Noah Mystery #4) by Joe Cosentino

Monday, September 25:

  • RIPTIDE TOUR Avon Gale on The Love Song of Sawyer Bell (A Tour Dates novel)
  • RELEASE BLITZ Figure Study by Suzanne Clay
  • Anniversary Blog Tour for Caught Inside by Jamie Deacon
  • Fortitude Smashed. Interlude Press Tour
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Trans Liberty Riot Brigade by L.M. Pierce
  • An Alisa Review: Saved by AM Arthur
  • A Caryn Release Day Review: Creative Process by Jodi Payne

Tuesday, September 26:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Cari Z. on Off The Beaten Path
  • Release Blitz – The Half Wolf by Jay Northcote
  • Renewal Review and Promo Tour (Queer SyFy Scott)
  • Riptide Publishing Tour and Giveaway: Rank and File by LA Witt
  • An Alisa Review; Loose Ends by Jeff Erno
  • A MelanieM Review :Renewal : 3rd Annual Queer SyFy Flash Fiction Anthology
  • An Ali Review: A World Apart by Mel Gough

Wednesday, September  27, 2017

  • TOUR Golden by RL Mosswood
  • TOUR On the Way to San Jose by Jere’ M. Fishback
  • Release Blitz First Season (Harrisburg Railers #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • Review Tour – Amy Tasukada – Would It Be Ok To Love You
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Antisocial  by Heidi Cullinan and Iggy Toma (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Audiobook Review: Can’t Hide From Me by Cordelia Kingsbridge and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

Thursday, September 28, 2017:

  • BLOG TOUR  Waking the Behr (Foothills Pride #7) by Pat Henshaw
  • Dreamspinner Dreamspun Desires Promo Louisa Masters
  • Dreamspinner Promo Skylar M. Cates
  • A Stella Review: The Half Wolf by Jay Northcote
  • An Ali Review A World Apart by Mel Gough
  • An Alisa Review: Revived (Foreverers #1) by Nina del Arce

Friday, September 29:

  • Dreamspinner Dreamspun Desires Promo MA Church
  • Review Tour for First Season (Harrisburg Railers #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • Review Tour – Joker (Executioners #2) – JM Dabney
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Joker (Executioners #2) by  JM Dabney
  • A MelanieM Review :First Season (Harrisburg Railers #2) by RJ Scott & VL Locey
  • An Ali Release Day Review: Rim Shot by Skylar M Cates

Saturday, September 30:

  • Blog and Review Tour – City Boy – Country Boy by A.E. Wasp
  • One Call Away by Felice Stevens Audio Tour and Review
  • An Ali Review: Country Boy (Hot Off the Ice #2) by AE Wasp
  • An Ali Review: City Boy (Hot Off the Ice #1) by AE Wasp

Words from International Literacy Day and Updated Recovery Links. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Words from International Literacy Day and Updated Recovery Links.

 

Last week we were focused on Hurricane Irma as she left a swath of devastation across the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, the Keys and Florida.  Recovery is going to take months, if not years.  The pictures that come from the path of the hurricane are heartbreaking as are the stories of the people just getting back into to their neighborhoods to see what’s left of their homes.  I’ve included an updated list of organizations where you can donate if you so wish below:

Charity Navigator – Your Guide To Intelligent Giving | Home

Charity Navigator’s Approved Lists for:

Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on Friday evening, August 25th, as …

Hurricane Irma

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Barbuda on Wednesday …

Charities with Perfect Scores

Army Emergency Relief – Religion – Last Chance for Animals – Health

Also, I’ve not forgotten our International Literacy Day! Because of the Hurricane Irma our results from International Literacy Day slid to this Sunday. we had some wonderful comments that I wanted to include below from our readers:

 

📚 From H.B.I think it’s important to get children active in reading early in life. Here in the states it’s easier to do but I feel promotion should be upped so communities know when a event or program is occurring. As for abroad I suppose the same can be done. Also if we had more volunteer programs not just missionary organizations go abroad and/or raising money for equipment and videos may even help some communities.

As for me I’ve always read. My sister use to force me to do it, I wasn’t allowed to watch tv when I wanted to. Instead I would be forced to sit down and read or write. It was my main source of entertainment. It fed my imagination, served as an escape and stress reliever.
humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com

From Jen:I think the biggest thing we can do to promote literacy is to read to kids. We read to our kids starting when they were infants and they are both avid readers now. Supporting library programs, school programs etc. where books are read aloud. We also have the opportunity to donate books to our school and to a program for underfunded schools via Scholastic Books.

I’ve read a lot ever since I was young. Books open up new worlds to me and also teach me about people and cultures I might never know otherwise.

From Purple Reader:

Thanks so much for your attention to literacy. It is a necessary part of education, which I believe so strongly in. Being able to read really does free a person. That was true for me, and I’ve seen it in others. A whole new world opens up. Then comes the critical thinking skills to make sense of it all, the decision making skills to do the right things with it, and all in the context of a well grounded value system.

Reading is the first step, it opens the door that would otherwise be closed. But most times people cannot do it alone. I try to do my part by volunteer tutoring GED students at the LGBTQ center here. The people’s growth is amazing and I’m so proud of how they become solid citizens of the world.TheWrote [at] aol [dot] com

and from

Ami:

Well, I live in Indonesia, where the level of people reading is pretty low. It’s a sad situation really. We don’t have a very established libraries — I always feel jealous when I see one abroad. I guess my way of promoting literacy or books usually by speaking about it on social media. Or donate books when I can — cannot exactly donate my MM romance collection, different culture and all. Because books definitely change my life. I actually discovered about my asexuality by reading books!

Announcements: Our winners of the International Literacy gift certificates are Ami and Jen.  Congratulations!.

Next week we start to move forward into things autumnal, things scary and always bookish.  Until then happy reading.  Here’s a peak at this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue

Sunday, September 17:

  • Words from International Literacy Day and Updated Recovery Links
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 18:

  • Review Tour – Clare London’s Between A Rock & A Hard Place
  • Dreamspinner Promo Jacques N. Hoff on Tufted and Tatted
  • BLITZ Fate Heats Things Up by Sarah Hadley Brook
  • An Ali Release Day Review: Off the Beaten Path by Cari Z
  • A MelanieM Review: Murder and Mayhem (Murder and Mayhem #1) by Rhys Ford
  • A Karen Review: Between a Rock and a Hard Place (London Lads #5) by Clare London
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Tramps and Thieves (Murder and Mayhem#2) by Rhys Ford

Tuesday, September 19:

  • Dreamspinner Promo BA Tortuga on Finding Mr. Wright
  • TOUR A World Apart by Mel Gough + giveaway
  • RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: Covet by Yolande Kleinn
  • A Caryn Review: The Druid Next Door (Fae Out of Water #2) by EJ Russell
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: Manny Get Your Guy (The Mannies #2) by Amy Lane and John Solo (Narrator)
  • A MelanieM Review: Pop Tart (Asian Idols #2) by Shawn Bailey
  • An Alisa Review: Cursed (Alpha’s Warlock #1) by Kris Sawyer

Wednesday, September 20:

  • RIPTIDE TOUR & Giveaway: Bad Boy’s Bard by EJ Russell
  • Review Tour for Amy Tasukada’s Year One
  • TOUR Torin by Lance Withton
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: I Heart Boston Terriers by Rick R. Reed
  • A Lila Review: By Fairy Means or Foul: A Starfig Investigations Novel by Meghan Maslow
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review:  Waking the Behr (Foothills Pride #7) by Pat Henshaw
  • A MelanieM Review: Year One (Would It Be Okay to Love You? #2) by Amy Tasukada

Thursday, September 21:

  • BLOG and Review TOUR Someone To Call My Own by Aimee Nicole Walker
  • BLITZ Figure Study by Suzanne Clay
  • A Free Dreamer Review Fortitude Smashed by Taylor Brooke
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into Love (Leaning Into Stories #1) by Lane Hayes
  • A VVivacious Review: Caught In Between (Daniel and Ryan #8) by Tamryn Eradani
  • An Alisa Review: Someone to Call My Own (Road to Blissville #2) by Aimee Nicole Walker

Friday, September 22:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Jodi Payne on Creative Process
  • RELEASE BLITZ Waking the Behr by Pat Henshaw
  • Review Tour for KA Merikan – Manic Pixie Dream Boy
  • Review Tour for Marshall Thornton’s Night Drop
  • An Alisa Release Day Review: Why I Love Bodyguards (Why I Love… #3) by T.A. Chase
  • A MelanieM Review: Night Drop (A Pinx Video Mystery #1) by Marshall Thornton
  • An Ali Review:  Manic Pixie Dream Boy by  KA Merikan

Saturday, September 23:

  • A MelanieM Audiobook Review: Mahu by Neil S. Plakcy and Joel Leslie Narrator
  • Release Blitz Tour – Amy Tasukada’s Would It Be Ok To Love You
  • Release Blitz for Tour: PROPHESY by A.E. Via

 

Release Blitz and Giveaway: Hard Time (Responsible Adult #2) by C.F. White

 

 
Buy Links: Pride | Amazon US | Amazon UK 
 
Length: 77,855 words
 
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Responsible Adult Series
 
Misdemeanor (Book #1): Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Blurb

 

Love isn’t always responsible.


After Micky O’Neill is remanded in custody for breaching his court order, his already tempestuous relationship with Dan Peters is tested to the limits.


Having to battle their way through a court case that could end with Micky in jail, social workers breaking up the family home, and the return of Micky’s deadbeat father, it seems everything is set to destroy their relationship before it even had the chance to start.


With such high stakes involved, not just for Micky but for once-burned, twice-shy Dan, they both have to learn that falling in love isn’t always responsible.

Author Bio


Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.


Studying at a West London university, she realised there was a whole city out there waiting to be discovered, so, much like Dick Whittington before her, she never made it back home and still endlessly searches for the streets paved with gold, slowly coming to the realisation they’re mostly paved with chewing gum. And the odd bit of graffiti. And those little circles of yellow spray paint where the council point out the pot holes to someone who is supposedly meant to fix them instead of staring at them vacantly whilst holding a polystyrene cup of watered-down coffee.


She eventually moved West to East along that vast District Line and settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.


Having worked in Higher Education for most of her career, a life-altering experience brought pen back to paper after she’d written stories as a child but never had the confidence to show them to the world. Having embarked on this writing malarkey, C F White cannot stop. So strap in, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride…

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A Kai Review: Hard Time (Responsible Adult #2) by C.F. White

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

After Micky O’Neill is remanded in custody for breaching his court order, his already tempestuous relationship with Dan Peters is tested to the limits.

Having to battle their way through a court case that could end with Micky in jail, social workers breaking up the family home, and the return of Micky’s deadbeat father, it seems everything is set to destroy their relationship before it even had the chance to start. With such high stakes involved, not just for Micky but for once-burned, twice-shy Dan, they both have to learn that falling in love isn’t always responsible.

WOW. This story was so so good.

The book is not a standalone. You need to read Misdemeanor –book one in the series – before reading this one. Be warned!

 

The first book ended on a cliffhanger and I was so willing and excited to read the sequel. Thankfully, It didn’t disappoint me. Actually, it was so much more than I thought it would be.

The book starts exactly where the first one ended [spoiler]  and the story gradually evolved from that.

Micky was more powerful and stronger in this book; fighting not just for Flynn but also for his relationship with Dan. He was more open about his story and who he was. I felt so much more connected with him in this book than the first one. The character was developed and I loved it.

Dan was amazing as always. Loving, supporting and helping Micky. They faced challenges and conflicts along the whole novel, but they were there for each other and for Flynn. I absolutely loved that.

Flynn was just really touching and amazing. He bought innocente-beauty to the story and I become even more his fan.

The plot was great, even if a little roller coaster. Which just made the story even more interesting.

It was well written, fluid and I literally read it in a sitting.

Even though it wasn’t slow paced, it didn’t feel rushed, either.

The novel brought hard questions, such as fighting, abusive parents, obesity, suicide, among others. But even with all of those subjects, the book didn’t feel dark. I was glad about that.

I loved the supporting characters. Dougie was my favorite. He was awkward and oblivious but was a great and kind guy. I also liked to know Dan’s parents and see how they supported their children and then extended that support to Micky and Flynn. I was glad seeing Jason trying to make a life of his own and supporting Micky as his best friend. Like it always was.

I really loved this story and I highly recommend it.

Although it didn’t end in a cliffhanger, the final was open. I mean, it was kind of a promise of more to see. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.

The cover art by Posh Gosh is great and goes perfectly with the book.

​​Sales Links

Amazon

Pride Publishing

Book Details:

Ebook: 215 pages

Expected publication: September 5th, 2017 by Pride Publishing

Series: Responsible Adult – Book #2

Review Tour – Hard Time (Responsible Adult #2) by C.F. White (giveaway)

 

 
Buy Links: Pride (Available Now) | Amazon US | Amazon UK (Available September 5)
 
Length: 77,855 words
 
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Responsible Adult Series
 
Misdemeanor (Book #1): Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Blurb



Love isn’t always responsible.


After Micky O’Neill is remanded in custody for breaching his court order, his already tempestuous relationship with Dan Peters is tested to the limits.


Having to battle their way through a court case that could end with Micky in jail, social workers breaking up the family home, and the return of Micky’s deadbeat father, it seems everything is set to destroy their relationship before it even had the chance to start.


With such high stakes involved, not just for Micky but for once-burned, twice-shy Dan, they both have to learn that falling in love isn’t always responsible.

 

August 14 – BooksLaidBareBoys
August 17 – Making It Happen
August 29 – Diverse Reader
August 31 – MM Good Book Reviews
September 7 – Alpha Book Club
 

Author Bio


Brought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail-leave.


Studying at a West London university, she realised there was a whole city out there waiting to be discovered, so, much like Dick Whittington before her, she never made it back home and still endlessly searches for the streets paved with gold, slowly coming to the realisation theyíre mostly paved with chewing gum. And the odd bit of graffiti. And those little circles of yellow spray paint where the council point out the pot holes to someone who is supposedly meant to fix them instead of staring at them vacantly whilst holding a polystyrene cup of watered-down coffee.


She eventually moved West to East along that vast District Line and settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.


Having worked in Higher Education for most of her career, a life-altering experience brought pen back to paper after sheíd written stories as a child but never had the confidence to show them to the world. Having embarked on this writing malarkey, C F White cannot stop. So strap in, itís gonna be a bumpy ride…


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Giveaway

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Be Sure to Check Out Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review here.  This is one of our highly recommended stories!

International Literacy Day and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day in on Friday, September 8th.  What is International Literacy Day you might ask?  Consider these quotes:

Books were my pass to personal freedom. – Oprah Winfrey

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. – Edward P. Morgan

A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. – Neil Gaiman

A book is a device to ignite the imagination. – Alan Bennett

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance. – Confucius

Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. – Joseph Addison

Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere. – Hazel Rochman

For each of those and for us, books unite us, make us bigger, pull us forward, out of ourselves and into something larger.  Maybe into something we can’t even define for ourselves yet. And now we are doing so in multiple ways on various devices.

But first we must learn to read.

That’s where the International Literacy Day comes in.

From the International Literacy Day Website:

International Literacy Day History

International Literacy Day serves to recognize the importance of literacy and acknowledge the need to create a globally literate community. Literacy refers to a person’s ability to read or write, an ability that connects and empowers people, allowing them to communicate and interact with the world, and one that the United Nations considers to be a basic human right. Today, approximately 16% of the world’s population, two-thirds of which is female, is unable to read or write at a basic level in their native languages. Illiteracy in nearly all parts of the world has been linked to socio-economic issues like poverty and demographic factors such as gender.

In an effort to combat illiteracy, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created International Literacy Day in 2000.  During the 2015 campaign, themed Literacy and Sustainable Societies, UNESCO stressed the importance of literacy as the most powerful accelerator of sustainable development and pledged that by 2030, the organization will ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy. This international holiday is observed annually on September 8th.

This year the theme is Literacy in a Digital World exploring what skills people need to live in an increasingly digital oriented world.  Here at STRW we have talked about the increase in eBooks.  That’s also true at the educational level where computers and computer programs are rapidly replacing traditional methods normally associated with schooling, right down to eTextbooks.

Here is another paragraph that struck me from the International Literacy Day website:

Just as knowledge, skills and competencies evolve in the digital world, so does what it means to be literate. In order to close the literacy skills gap and reduce inequalities, this year’s International Literacy Day will highlight the challenges and opportunities in promoting literacy in the digital world, a world where, despite progress, at least 750 million adults and 264 million out-of-school children still lack basic literacy skills.

The more that you read, the more things that you will know, the more that you learn, the more places that you’ll go – Dr. Seuss

International Literacy Day – References and Related Sites

So what can we do to help?  There are many shelters, especially LGBTQIA Youth shelters, that maybe in need of books, even Kindles with suitable YA stories already loaded into them, that you can donate.  Donate books to local shelters for domestic violence.  They often take in families with younger children that might need books to read.  Check first with the shelters before donating.  Need addresses of LGBTQ Shelters to contact?

Start with

Ali Forney Center – NYC NY

Lost-n-Found Youth: Home  (Atlanta GA USA)

LostnFound Youth is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization whose … More than 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ and this disparity in the homeless youth population continues to grow. …. 2585 Chantilly Drive, AtlantaGA 30324

Note:  They have a Wish List which includes underwear, food, bedding.  Contact them first before donating other than these staples.

Albert Kennedy Trust – Helping young LGBT people – Manchester UK

The Albert Kennedy Trust support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans homeless young people in crisis. Every day … We have offices in both London and Manchester.

What else?  Check with your local libraries.  Volunteer with people who need assistance learning to read.  Send us suggestions on things we haven’t come up with.  What should we be doing for International Literacy Day?  It’s actually being celebrated on the 7th and 8th.  All comments and suggestions are welcome!  The more the merrier!  Our reviewers stretch around the globe, so do our authors and readers.  Let’s make this a global effort too.

International Literacy Day Giveaway

How do you think we can make a difference these days in promoting literacy?  Here  at home and abroad?  Also, tell us what how reading and books has changed your life? What does it mean to you that you can pick up a book, sink down into other lives and worlds? Two winners will win a $10 gift card.  Leave your comment along with your email address.  Contest ends on Sunday, September 9th.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

 

 

Sunday, September 3:

  • An Alisa Series Review: Only You Series by JS Finley
  • International Literacy Day
  • This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 4:

  • BLITZ A Matter of Courage by J.C. Long
  • Review Tour – Ann Gallagher’s Having Her Back
  • RIPTIDE TOUR Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack #5) by Alex Beecroft
  • A MelanieM Review: Foxglove Copse (Porthkennack #5) by Alex Beecroft
  • A Stella Release Day Review: The Hike by John Inman
  • An Alisa Review: Eye Candy (Candy Men #2) by Amanda Young
  • A Stella Review : Having Her Back by Ann Gallagher

Tuesday, September 5:

  • Dreamspinner Promo j. leigh bailey on Stalking Buffalo Bill + Giveaway
  • RELEASE BLITZ Leaning Into Always by Lane Hayes
  • Review Tour – Hard Time (Responsible Adult #2) by C.F. White
  • A Kai Review: Hard Time (Responsible Adult #2) by C.F. White
  • A VVivacious Review:  The Highlander (Order Series #2) by Kasia Bacon
  • An Ali Review: A Matter of Courage by JC Long
  • An Alisa Review: Talk Bunny To Me (Hoppity Shifter #2) by A.R. Barley

Wednesday, September 6:

  • 3 day release Blitz for  Sunder by Lexi Ander
  • Blog Tour For Elin Gregory’s  The Bones of Our Fathers
  • A Melanie Release Day Review: Earning His Trust by Alicia Nordwell
  • A Lila Review: The Curse (Witches of Salem #1) by T.S. McKinney
  • An Alisa Review: Broken Pieces by Ruby MacIntyre

Thursday, September 7:

  • Release Blitz & Review Tour for Garrett Leigh’s Circle (Roads #3)
  • Release Blitz: Hard Time by CF White
  • Victoria Sue on her new release The Alpha Heir + Giveaway
  • A Kai Review: Facing West (Forever Wilde #1) by Lucy Lennox
  • An Ali Review: Making It (Ringside Romance #3) by Christine d’Abo
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: Tart and Sweet (Candy Man #4) by Amy Lane and Narrator: Philip Alces
  • An Ali Review:  Circle (Roads #3) by Garrett Leigh

Friday, September 8 (International Literacy Day):

  • TOUR The Dragon’s Devotion by Antonia Aquilante
  • Release Blitz : Con Riley’s Be My Best Man
  • RIPTIDE TOUR & Giveaway: Her Hometown Girl by Lorelie Brown
  • The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic by F.T. Lukens YA Tour
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review:  Friendly Fire by Cari Z and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)
  • A Lila Review: The Dragon’s Devotion (Chronicles of Tournai Book 5) by Antonia Aquilante
  • A MelanieM Review: Broken Records (Spotlight #1) by Lilah Suzanne

Saturday, September 9:

  • Living Out Loud by Nyrae Dawn & Christina Lee Release Day Blitz and Review
  • Cover reveal *September 8th* His Dark Reflection by Heloise West
  • A MelanieM Review: Sūnder (Darksoul #1) by Lexi Ander