Where The False Gods Dwell

Where the False Gods Dwell takes the reader on a voyage of discovery (physical and personal) from Chicago to Jamaica, as experienced by three women. The story follows a young con artist who can’t seem to avoid trouble, a well-to-do wife and anthropologist, and the labor union activist they meet on the island. 

All three have a variety of issues and are brought together by Katherine Dunham, whose expedition is focused on studying the dance and customs of the people in the Cockpit Country. Accompong, specifically. 

Each woman faces unique issues. Othella can’t shake the seedy characters who follow her from Chicago. Vivian Jean has marital issues and believes all will be well if she can reach the sacred silk cotton tree and pour out her heart. Zinzi believes in the trade union movement and faces danger when she falls in love with the son of a devious plantation owner. 

As they work together, the women’s lives are intertwined, and they come to depend on each other. Their destinies intertwine during a hurricane as they lean on each other for survival. 

The characters in this story made me chuckle, fume, and yes, shed a few tears. I read one chapter several times in disbelief about that character’s outcome. 

In Where The False Gods Dwell, the writer brought 1935 society to life with great descriptions and colorful characters. I was particularly interested in the history, settings, and the culture of the Maroons, and was not disappointed. 

The story flowed well, and every time I thought my favorite character, Othella, was safe, something happened to keep me turning the pages. The end was poignant, and I wished for another ending for Othella, but understood how and why her story ended as it did. For the other characters, the novel came to a satisfying close.

If you enjoy historical fiction with complex characters, this book is for you. 

Sample The Vet's Christmas Pet

The fact that Jade thought she had to put on a brave face saddened me. No five-year-old child should have to pretend something didn't matter just to avoid upsetting her parent.

amzn.to/20xhcfv

I swallowed my sigh and walked through the doorway, carrying one glass of Otaheite apple juice and one glass of water. "The patient is okay?" I asked.

Matthias nodded. "He's fine. Totally recovered." He slipped Jade a sideways glance and tugged her plait. "He'll be in good health if he sticks to doggie food."

She leaned her head back and smiled. "I already promised not to give him any more cake."

Tipping his head at the fish tank, Matthias said, "I hope you haven't been giving Phyllis cake either."

Jade rolled her eyes. "Of course not."

The phone rang, distracting Jade. She jumped off the sofa and picked up the handset, which she always did since she loved answering the phone.

I handed Matthias the glass of water, leaving the other on the table for Jade and paid attention when she said, "Hi, Daddy."

Her gaze slid sideways and then she said. "Yeah, me and Doc."

A few beats went by before she smiled. "He fixed up Ridley."

A hand went to her side. "Ridley is my dog."

When her brows crumpled, I wanted to take the phone from her. She put one hand across her stomach, reminding me of the way I stood when answering the phone—especially when I was in defensive mode.

"Mommy said I could have him."

Jade's tone pulled my head out of the clouds and I moved to where she stood and took the handset. "Dane. What's up?"

"Who's Doc and when did Jade get a dog?"

"We found him, and Doc—"

"You allowed Jade to keep a stray dog? How d'you know—"

"Calm down. Ridley isn't a health risk."

"When did you find time to go to veterinary school?"

This was the way it had been between us in the last few years. I'd had enough of him so I sighed, turning away from Matthias, who was too still to not be listening to me.

"What d'you want?"

"I was calling to let you know I'll be out of town this weekend, so I can't have Jade over on Friday."

"So what's new?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"This is the third time in a row you've cancelled your weekend—no, the one day you're supposed to spend with her."

"You know the job—"

I lowered my voice and stepped away from Matthias and Jade. "Whatever. Your job isn't supposed to be more important than your child."

"You're just trying to guilt me and by the way, who is that man you have over there?"

"That's none of your business and by the way, that's not me making you guilty. It's what's left of your conscience. Don't worry. I'll tell Jade you can't see her on Friday. Just like the last two times."

While he sputtered, I hung up the phone.

To find out what happens next, visit amzn.to/20xhcfv

Valentine Specials

I've got a Valentine special going on for a limited time. 💕👩‍❤️‍👨💕💘💞 The excerpt below is from Cupid's Gift, which tells the story of a divorced father and a single mom who is content living her life the way it is, until Bryce and his dog crash into her life. 

The man standing in the doorway was perfect, except for the diamond stud in his ear. Then the wind chimes jangled, and a roar shuddered through my body. I spun in the chair, one hand pressed to my chest.

A wheat-colored monster tore into the clinic, past the man holding the door open. If that thing didn't cut its speed, it would either run straight into the desk or jump over it and topple me to the floor. I got ready to bolt out of the seat, if necessary, but the man stopped the giant torpedo with one command. "Maddox, sit."

The idiot dog stopped short of the desk and sat on his haunches, panting so loudly it was impossible not to hear him from where I sat. "Sorry about that."

The man walked into the reception area to stand beside the dog. "Maddox gets a little excited when he's away from home."

"That's what you call it?" I said, clutching the thong at my neck. "I thought he was going to lay me out flat on the floor."

The stranger smiled, forcing me to pull in a sharp breath. He was mega-gorgeous. Bitter-chocolate dark with a set of teeth so even, I thought they might be dentures. Tall and slender. Not drop-dead handsome, but delicious eye-candy. Perfect, I thought again, minus the earring.

He caught me looking at the diamond glinting in his earlobe and one of his eyebrows did a little lift, as if he were asking what part of my business it was. Ignoring what his expression conveyed, I put on my professional face and let go of the death grip I now had on the pendant I wore. "Can I help you?"

"It's okay, Melanie." Matthias, my boss, walked past me and gripped the man by the hand. "Bryce. Good thing you called because I was gonna leave ten minutes ago."

I wondered about that since the switchboard had been silent for the last hour, which meant Bryce had to be a close friend or associate. He'd probably called Matthias on his cellular.

They did a weird grip that started with a regular handshake and ended with clapping each other on the back. It was all I could do not to roll my eyes.

As I had many times before, I wondered if my boss had lost his mind, but Matthias had so many sides to him, it was impossible to keep track of whatever he was up to at any point in time. The two of them continued talking and I got busy with the appointment schedule onscreen, trying not to listen to their conversation.

It was clear they were at ease with each other, and I wondered about the identity of Matthias' visitor. He reminded me of someone, but I wasn't sure who. I searched my mind. Had we met before?

If we had, it was probably in passing, since I would have taken note of a man wearing an earring if I'd met him before. This one was interesting enough for me to remember him from a previous meeting. Still, I was almost sure this wasn't the first time I'd seen him.

"This boy needs some attention," Matthias said, bending to scratch the dog at the back of his neck. I hoped the disgust on my face wasn't obvious as I glanced at Matthias.

The dog's coat was matted in places, an indication that it was in need of a good brushing. That thought made me glance at Bryce. If he couldn't take care of his dog ...

He caught me looking at him, and the pleasant expression slid from his face, leaving one I couldn't read.

I wanted to squirm in my seat, but forced myself to stare at the screen before me. So I was guilty of judging, but given the condition of the dog, I could be forgiven for thinking this man looked good, but only knew how to take care of himself.

His polo shirt and jeans were crisp and clean and the hint of musk wafting toward me said he also smelled good. While I inhaled his scent, I reminded myself the condition of his dog was none of my business. The phone rang and I grabbed the handset, grateful for the distraction.

If you like the sound of this story, check it out here - lrd.to/cupids-gift
The Vet's Valentine Gift is available here - lrd.to/TVVG16

An Exciting Journey in 2018

So after not being with a publisher for around four or so years, I signed a contract recently with Garden Avenue Press.

The Thick of Things is a women's fiction novel with strong romantic elements. The main characters are mature, which is something different for me, and I enjoyed writing this first part of their story. 

I'm excited about working with Garden Avenue Press to make this novel the best it can be and so far, the journey has been an interesting one. At this point, The Thick of Things is better than it was originally, thanks to some wonderful editors and a great team at GAP. 

We don't have a cover yet, which is going to be another exciting step. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in the next few months..

Here's the announcement: http://www.gardenavenuepress.com/blog/meet-our-new-authors

About Blindsided ...

So, my newest baby has been out for a week. The reviews have been good so far and Sunday is as good a day as any to share a sample of this sweet romance.

The wait was over and tonight he'd have Caroline with him, where she belonged. All she had to say was I do, since he'd already pledged his love for her.

After the reception and an hour's drive to Negril, they'd enjoy each other for the next two weeks.

Caroline's hand twitched in his, bringing him back to the elaborate stage his mother had created for their wedding. 

Clouds of chiffon, and clusters of flowers he couldn't identify, jostled for space.  

The white and gold theme was dazzling and a bit much, but not according to Caroline and his mother. Only Caroline's brilliant bouquet was out of sync with their color scheme.

He was glad they agreed to have the wedding outdoors. All of this fanciness inside a building would have driven him crazy. The ceremony returned front and center when the pastor asked, "Do you take this man, Gordon Raimes, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

When he looked at Caroline, her mouth was half open, her nostrils vibrated, and her eyes were glossy with tears.

He squeezed her hand and cocked his head, acutely aware of the chill rolling up his spine.

Something was wrong. He'd felt it for at least a week, but had been too busy wrapping up several deals to ensure he'd be fully relaxed on their honeymoon. He should have been paying more attention to what was now obvious.

Caroline swallowed and the delicate hollow at the base of her neck moved with each breath she took. Then she said, "I'm sorry, Gordon. I can't marry you."

Blindsided is on Kindle Unlimited. You can purchase a copy at lrd.to/Blindsided.

The first book in the series, Sold! is currently on sale. Check it out at lrd.to/SoldX.

Sunday Sample ... The Long Game

The Long Game is coming this week ... 

I pushed away my plate and made room for the Shih Tzu I'd taken home a couple of days ago. She'd come to me through a customer who had a litter. For months, my client kept offering me one of the pups. I'd wanted the puppy, but kept procrastinating because I didn't have the ideal home situation.

Not that I was in any better position now, but I'd finally taken the little cutie pie after I'd seen a digital image of her last week and after I had a talk with Mama. Kiki was now five months old and very cute. She put her paws on the table and sniffed at my leftovers.

I moved the plate farther away. "Nope. That's not on the menu, girl."

Vance continued eating while he watched us.

"You're not leaving her locked up here during the days, are you?"

I shook my head while scratching Kiki under her chin. "Mama will keep her."

He closed the knife and fork, finished his orange juice and then asked, "So what's the point of getting the dog?"

"I've been thinking about it for a while now."

"You never mentioned it."

Playing with Kiki's silky ear, I said, "I don't talk about every single thing with you lot."

"Understood, but it's just weird you never mentioned Cookie before."

"Kiki."

He folded his arms and cocked his head. "Cookie fits her better."

I wouldn't admit I agreed with him, but her black, tan and white coloration did remind me of a slice of marble cake.
"Whatever. Since when are you interested in my household affairs anyway?"

His wide smile said it all. When he poked out his lips and then pursed them, I knew he had something to say that I probably wouldn't like. "Does this dog have anything to do with Brianna?"

I looked at him like he was crazy. "You're comparing a baby and a dog?"

"Well, Brianna is cute and the dog is too."

"I don't know what you're implying and I'm not even going wherever with you."

Now, he grinned. "Don't think I don't see the way you and Anna-Lise look at that little girl, as if the sun shines out of her. I think the two of you would pop one out if pregnancy wasn't so long and complicated."

I was speechless. After cutting my eyes at him, I shook my head. "You're so vulgar."

"It's not like you didn’t know. But anyway, you know I'm not lying."

When I didn't say anything for a bit, he added, "Like I said, being a mother would suit you."

"All in good time, I guess."

Kiki barked as if she agreed with that I'd just said.

"Isn't she going to complicate your life?" Vance said, pointing at Kiki. "Especially since you're now going to the gym."

"Man, you're all the way into my business."

"As your man, it's my business to know what's going on in your life."

His declaration sucked my breath away. He'd put into words what had been lingering on the edge of my mind. If I had a doubt about what we were doing, Vance had just blown my doubts away.

For reasons I hadn't clarified with myself, I'd started the gym at the beginning of the week. This thing with Vance had me shaking up my life, which wasn't a bad move since I'd fallen into a crater and hadn't climbed out except to go on that date with Lawrence. I could have told myself I didn't need to work out, but I knew better. I was fit enough, but there was room for improvement and if I was to keep up with Vance, yeah, I needed to step up my endurance.

Kiki squirmed in my lap, so I got up to give her a snack. She didn't eat much, but until I learned her habits, I didn't want to run the risk of starving her. In the kitchen, I doled out a bit of kibble and put fresh water in her other bowl. Kiki dipped her head in the neon-pink bowl and got busy with her snack.

When I stood straight, Vance was behind me carrying our breakfast plates. He went to the bin, emptied the leftovers and moved to the sink. Watching him washing up brought a smile to my face. He was trying, which pleased me. Although he lived alone and was used to tidying up after himself, when we got together, Ayisha, Kathy and I tended to clean up after the guys.

I paid attention when Vance stood before me. He looked at his watch, a big old thing that had smart features, including measuring the yardage on the golf course. It was the only thing he wore that was obviously expensive and he hardly ever took it off.

A sly grin twisted his mouth and he gripped my waist with both hands. "We have some time before we head out to the course."

Sliding my arms around his shoulders, I mumbled against his lips. "Don't you ever get enough?"

"Not with you," he said, easing his fingers under my tank top.

New Holiday Romance - Sold!

Today, I'm releasing Sold! as a single title. It's $0.99 for a limited time, so if you enjoy romance with kids and pets, grab your copy as a Christmas treat to yourself! http://lrd.to/SoldX

Blurb

Christmas looks dismal this year for Feechi Anoduro, until she meets Carsten Raimes at an auction. The wealthy businessman asks for her help with an event he's planning, but Feechi has reservations, because the last time a man asked for her help, she wound up disillusioned and pregnant. She has no time to waste on a man who's clearly out of her league, especially when she has immediate problems that need solving—a fifteen-year-old clunker that needs to go on a scrap heap and the dog her son has fallen in love with that they cannot afford to keep.

Carsten enjoys a challenge any day of the week, and when he's introduced to Feechi, he sees a potential addition to his business team. But Feechi has other ideas and is hard to convince. Seducing her with a job offer doesn't work, so Carsten gets personal, but Feechi isn't sold on anything he has to give. As he alternates between work and play to get her attention, Carsten's attitude changes and suddenly he can't bear to be without this special woman, who makes him want things he never considered important before she came into his world.

Be sure to snag your copy here => http://lrd.to/SoldX

The Short Game - Discounted This Weekend!

I'm running a price promotion on The Short Game this weekend, so if you haven't bought a copy as yet, this is a good time to get one. It's only $0.99. http://lrd.to/short-game

One kiss. Two Friends. Three relationships changed. Garth and Anna-Lise have been golfing buddies for fifteen years, but it isn't until he's in an accident that they realize their feelings run way deeper than they think. Can they go from friends to lovers despite opposition?

Be sure to pick up your copy this weekend -  http://lrd.to/short-game

Sunday Sample ... The Short Game

Enjoy a sample from The Short Game, my latest release.

Garth

I was testy and irritable and a little ashamed at the same time.

Nadine had hung around all morning before giving me a breather by leaving to run some errands. Then, by the time I'd started to unwind, she'd come back just before evening visiting hours. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate her concern, but I hadn't realized before now how overbearing she could be, even if it was in an unassuming way.

My attention wandered from the crime-thriller I'd been trying to read, and she leaned forward. "Is everything all right? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Just the same as the last time you asked me, five minutes ago.

Earlier in the day, I assured my parents they didn't need to come because I was going to be released tomorrow afternoon, but they refused to consider staying home. They'd come and gone and only half-hour was left of the hospital's visiting hours.

Ayisha stood at the end of the bed looking at her watch.

"You're in a hurry or something?" I asked.

"Nah, just checking on the time and wondering what happened with … "

She didn't continue, but I guessed what she was about to say.

Where was Anna-Lise?

      From the foot of the bed, Vance asked, "D'you need anything?"

I shook my head, regretting it immediately. The headache that had set in earlier hadn't left and it now reminded me that it had only been on break.

"I'm going home tomorrow evening, once they give the all-clear."

"We're both very lucky," he said, pointing to the neck brace he wore. "This could have been much worse. The way that van flipped, man … "

"How long d'you have to wear that thing?"

"About five more days." He touched the collar and cleared his throat. "Like I said, we're lucky."

"Yeah," I grumbled. "And you get to go home today, while I'm lying here like a vegetable."

He shifted his feet and stared at the floor.

If I had to guess, I'd say he was feeling guilty. He'd still been going at me about my parents and Nadine just before impact, but that was his nature and I shouldn't have been distracted, but still …

I opened my mouth to tell him I didn't blame him, but Ayisha sidetracked me.

"Sorry to interrupt your pity party, but d'you want us to come and get you tomorrow?"

I nodded, grateful for the offer because I didn't want that stress on my parents. "They may let me go in the early afternoon after the doctor examines me. I'll call you or Lise."

Nadine sat forward in her chair. "I was thinking—"

"No problem," Ayisha said, drowning Nadine's words.

I figured Ayisha's response was deliberate, but I much preferred her and Anna-Lise around me when I was less than a hundred percent, rather than having Nadine trying to pamper me to death.

Since nobody was broaching the subject that was of the biggest concern to me, I asked, "So where is Lise?"

Get your copy of The Short Game on Amazon.

Forward Planning – June-December

It occurs to me that it's coming close to the time when I need to take a look at my writing schedule for the rest of the year. There is a deadline I won't make that's bugging me, but there's not too much I can do about it. Romantic Suspense novels are complex undertakings that cannot be rushed. I find these books the most enjoyable to write as they engage my brain in a way regular romances and YA novels don't. I'm not even going to try and put a deadline on this one, but I'd love to have it squared away by August, so I can move on to the next book in that series.

The novella I'm writing for a Christmas box set is on the front burner and the plotting and writing for that are going well. I've never done a 40,000 word book, other than a middle grade effort, so this will be a new challenge. If I get the hang of it then of course, I can do at least two additional stories, since I have a couple of potential covers I like that can work well with 2016 holiday themes.

With two books released in my New Adult series, my brain is nagging at me to complete the third book in that series. A good time is now, since the characters are fresh in my mind, but again, time might be a scarce ingredient. Still, I have to get some work done on this book.

As some of you know, I got back the rights on a couple of books in 2013 and there's a Women's Fiction novel I'd like to put back on the market. That story is dear to my heart and I want to run ahead and get it back out ASAP, but with things this important, it's important to be patient and get the job done right.

Fixation was released on Friday and the reception was good. I chose a winner on the Rafflecopter, so congratulations to Sheryl Lister.

It's a lot of work to write and promote, as we all know. I took a decision on Saturday that I hope will free up more time to get more writing done.

Other than pencilling out what I hope to achieve in the next seven months, there's the publication project I've undertaken and the other miscellaneous editing and proofing jobs that help pay the bills. Plus, I still need to make the rounds on the A-Z Reflections Posts.

Have you worked out your plans for the latter half of the year? What things have you busy. Do you see a way to carve out more time to write?

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Perfection on Sample Sunday

Karim & Natasha

And then it was crunch time for Karim …

Mom wasn't exactly the touchy-feely type, so the fact that she sat next to me holding my hands had to mean something.

Uncle Brian, Kyle and she had returned from St. Ann's Bay forty-five minutes ago and she'd sent them off on an ice-cream run. Knowing Kyle, he'd drag his father half-way around the city while they were at it. The look in her eyes now told me it had been a deliberate move.

Before I returned to the island, I told her I didn't want to know the results of the test I'd asked her to do until I was home. She'd attempted to tell me on Friday, but I stopped her. I wanted that one evening with Tasha before I had to deal with anything potentially life-changing.

An envelope with the logo and address of a diagnostic facility lay on her lap. She lifted the flap and had a slip of paper halfway out before I stopped her. Since she already knew the results, she was only doing this for my benefit.

"Mom, just tell me."

She ran her fingers over the back of my hand, the way she used to do when I was much younger. Leaning forward, she kissed my cheek.

I swallowed, grunted and prepared myself for what I knew was coming.

"Reem, Zoey isn't your daughter."

Her words came at me from a distance and my head felt as if it was stuffed with cotton. I swallowed, and the sound of it echoed inside me.

The first thing that came to mind was how Tasha had examined Zoey yesterday and then turned her eyes on me. She hadn't said anything, but from her expression I could tell what she was thinking. Whether I wanted to face facts or not, Zoey didn't look anything like me, which most people would consider odd. Being a fool, I hadn't thought about it much until lately.

I scraped my teeth over my lip, pulling hard, wanting to ground myself in reality. I'd had so many clues that I'd ignored. I closed my eyes, hearing the echo of Mom and Dad's voices.

If you didn't have sex with her, your name wouldn't have come up.

You made your bed hard, now you have to lie down hard.

You have to man up to your responsibility.

We'll help you, but you're the one who made the choice to sleep with her.

She says you're the father, so you have to take care of that baby.

I wanted to lash out at Mom. Between Dad and her, they had ensured my involvement in Zoey’s life. I could have walked away because Sonya wasn't my girl and we’d had a one-off encounter. Plus, she wasn't a virgin when I slept with her.

When she said she was pregnant and I told them, they ganged up on me and insisted I do the right thing.

I covered my face with both hands, thinking about all the shit I had taken from Sonya in the last two years—her demands, dropping Zoey on me whenever she thought I was interested in any girl and her complaints about how I ruined her life, although she wasn't doing anything to further herself.

I ground my teeth together, wishing I could throw a fit, break something, but that would be childish, not to mention pointless. I relaxed my jaw and scrubbed at my eyes. My parents were right. I'd put myself in this predicament, but still …

Perfection is still available at $1.99 on Amazon. Get your copy today!

Healthy Writers & Writing as a Business

In terms of exercise this week, I got in three half hour sessions between Monday and Thursday. Weekends are tough for exercise, but I’m sure mopping and sweeping can add to my healthy minutes, right?  Check into the Healthy Writers’ Club to see how the others are doing. Join, and stay accountable, if you have a mind.

This week, I managed to turn 1,000 words of a story written ages ago, into a 5,000 –word saga of betrayal. I’m adding that to the word count for the second volume of Don’t Get Mad…Get Even, which I’ve kept free on Amazon. To my surprise, it has copped the number one spot in the free Kindle store several times since April of this year. Haven’t figured out yet how that happened, other than me tweeting randomly now and then. Good thing is, that book hasn’t left the top ten since April and so I’m keeping the same theme for the second cover with brand recognition in mind.

Anyway, the Kicked to the Kerb (Curb for Americans) shorts will be about people who get their walking papers from someone who’s had enough of being abused.

Have you checked lately to find out how many short stories you have lying around that you could be doing something with?  As of now, I have enough to do at least two collections. See how a writer’s job is never done?  

For those of you who are enterprising, old stories can make money for you (no matter how small) if you put them together in an anthology. Little projects like these help us remember that writing can be a is a business, depending on how we treat it and should be treated as such, unless of course we’re writing solely for the pleasure of it.

We’ve had a lot of rain recently and so I leave you with some shots of what’s blooming outside, here in sunny Jamaica. 

Allamanda

Angel's Trumpet

I have no idea what Vine this is, but I like it.

Rain Lillies about to bloom

Rain Lillies

White Rain Lillies

Have a great weekend!