When You Read A Book As A Child

"When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in you life does."

- Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail

Earlier this evening my oldest son was out walking around and came upon a tiny little bat sitting on a patch of snow out in the cold near. And when I say cold I mean really cold, about 10º F without the windchill. He came home and following instructions he had gotten from a friend, he took a small box and towel back out to make a little nest that would help keep the bat warm. He went back out and put the box with the towel in it right next to the bat who scurried right in and got cozy. My son then moved the box with its little occupant to a more sheltered area. 

Discussion of the bat and my son's good deed led us to talk about one of our favorite ever book series, The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins who also wrote the Hunger Games series. I read Gregor the Overlander (the first book in the series) to my two oldest kids about 8 or 9 years ago. We were all completely head over heels in love with these books. I remember that I couldn't help myself and I read ahead of the kids in one of the books. They found out and were so angry with me ... for YEARS!  I had to solemnly swear to never read ahead again.

The Underland books (we simply call them all the Gregor Books) are a fantasy series involving a boy, Gregor, and his sisters who end up in the Underland that is populated by people who escaped down underground a few centuries earlier and animals of very different proportions than in our world. Bats, rats, and roaches are three of the main animal species that people interact with in the Underworld. I'm planning to re-read the series with my 10 year old soon and I'll write more about it then.

The point of all of this at the moment is that even 9 years later, whenever we stumble on the topic of these books, my kids get so excited and emotional over this series. The journey that these books took us on, the connection we all made with the characters and each other has not only stayed with us, but has given us this common emotional experience that I truly treasure, and I honestly think my kids do, too. Here they are, 18 and 15 year old boys, who get giddy with excitement and then filled with sadness remembering the characters and events in these books we shared. I remember picking the first book up in the Scholastic Bookstore in SoHo because I liked the cover and then reading the back and thinking my oldest liked fantasy books with animals as main characters. I thought it would be fun. It really turned into so much more reading them together. My 15 year old has even said that those books helped shape him. Every time I hear Meg Ryan say the line "When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in you life does." I really couldn't agree more. And when we read to our kids, we see it happen and it is one of the best things in the world.

Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway Cover Reveal

IT'S HERE!!! L.H. Cosway's next book cover is here and the only thing I will be more excited about is the BOOK!!!

Synopsis

The Circus Spektakulär is proud to present Jack McCabe: Fire-breather, knife-thrower, risk-taker.

My uncle lied. I never died.

I breathe fire, eat the poison that almost killed me.

Crowds come to see me night after night. Men for the spectacle, women for the thrill. I’m an oddity to be stared at and desired. With each flame I spit, I risk my life.

I wear scars on my body that will never go away, but the scars inside my head are far more difficult to overlook.

My brother doesn’t know the truth, and if I have it my way, he never will.

Life was going exactly the way I’d planned until Lille came along. She wanted to run away with the circus, have an adventure, but this world was never meant for her.

I try to keep her safe, because she doesn’t know the dangers that are out here on the road. She doesn’t know the monsters that lurk behind the bright lights of the ring. In truth, I could be considered one of them.

We were fashioned from different cloths, never intended to mix. So I watch her. I try not to touch, even when her eyes invite me.

Join us in the Spiegeltent and let us give you a show. Allow my Lille to draw a picture for you in paint and sweat and skin.

The truest love is always the hardest to let in.

*This is a standalone romance that tells the story of Jack McCabe, Jay Fields’ long lost, presumed dead brother. It is not necessary to have read Six of Hearts in order to enjoy Hearts of Fire.*

Goodreads Link

Excerpt

Before I knew it I was standing and a spotlight had landed on me, alongside Jack’s dark, indecipherable gaze. I stood frozen for a moment, uncertain of what to do. Then Marina was calling me to the stage and my feet were moving, one after the other, the traitorous bastards.

Jack held his hand out to me when I reached him and I placed my palm in his. Without realising it, I’d given him my right hand, my dominant hand, and also the hand that had been burned. When he gripped it, I hissed in a tiny breath at the sting.

“Sorry,” he murmured, but he didn’t sound sorry.

“It’s okay,” I replied as he led me to an upright wooden panel. Taking my shoulders in his big, warm hands, he gently situated me against it, my back flush with the wood.

“I hope you’re good at holding still,” he said and his breath hit the side of my neck.

“Why?” I practically whispered. He was incredibly handsome, even more so now that I was seeing him up close, and I felt a little drunk on it.

The edge of his mouth twitched, like he was holding back a smile. With one hand braced above my shoulder, he leaned in as he replied, “Because, blondie, I’m gonna be throwing knives at you, and I’d really hate to make you bleed.”

Again, he didn’t sound like he meant what he said at all. And I didn’t think there was a single pore on my body that wasn’t tingling. I remembered items number three and four on my list:  Have sex with a stranger and do something dangerous. Perhaps if I could get Jack McCabe to do me, then I could kill two birds with one stone.

I hadn’t noticed before, because I was too busy staring at him, but there was a belt attached to the wood. I stood there as Jack took it and buckled it extra tight around my waist. He gave it a firm tug once he was done and smirked. I’m not sure why, but the action caused me to tremble. I think he noticed, too, because his eyes grew darker, if that was even possible.

Surprising me, he placed his flattened out palm to my belly. I had to try my hardest to concentrate on his words rather than the fact that my libido (the little slut) was willing his hand to move lower.

“This is your core. Visualise it. Focus on it. Keep your body in this exact position and everything will be fine.” There was the tiniest edge of a smile tugging at his lips and it made me wonder if he was enjoying this, if maybe he was trying to make me nervous.

Sucking in a breath, he continued randomly, “You smell like turpentine.” Then he drew up to his full and impressive height and walked to the other side of the stage. I knew I smelled like turpentine, because I often used it to clean my paintbrushes and sometimes the smell got into my clothes. That wasn’t the part that preoccupied me, that part would be the fact that he’d taken the time to smell me, and I didn’t know if I should be weirded out or turned on.

Okay, so I knew which option my libido was going for.

About the Author

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

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Giveaway

NaNoWriMo Observations - Day 7

Here we are at the end of Week 1 of NaNoWriMo 2014. I'm having a lot of fun and thought I'd write down some of my observations. These will be in no particular order, and for no particular reason. I am running on too little sleep, too much caffeine and all necessary brain power is being given over to my story and my school work. Nothing like trying to write 50,000 words of a story when you've also left your two big assignments for the semester to be done at the same exact time.

Observations
1. I tend to write a lot while waiting for my laundry to do its thing at the laundromat.
2. If I'm folding I'm not writing so I'm trying to convince my kids that the wrinkled look is in.
3. I am, for this month, willing to pay the exorbitant delivery fee to Trader Joe's so I don't have to go shopping as many times each week. I'm also getting to know all the guys who deliver in my neighborhood for Fresh Direct.
4. The groceries that get put away by me are the ones that go into the fridge. Everything else, the kids can hunt for in the grocery bags and boxes that are left wherever the delivery guys could find to put them.

Time to get back to it.

Mine to Lose and Mine to Steal by T.K. Rapp ~~ Cover Re-Reveal

 

Mine to Lose tells the story of Emogen and her fiancé, Ryan:

Mine to Lose Synopsis:

What happens when the fairy tale ends before it even begins?

Three years, two graduations, an engagement and a move to another, Emogen and Ryan are more in love than ever. He’s the one man she never expected to have and the only man she’s determined to keep. He’s her forever, and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for him. Almost, that is. Ryan announces that he’s accepted a job offer that requires yet another move. Angry he didn’t discuss his decision with her first, Emogen refuses to pack up and follow. She has a career, too, and she’s not ready to give it up. Although determined to make the long distance thing work, their lives and careers begin to take a toll on the relationship, leaving them to wonder if they’re doing the right thing. Sometimes love isn’t enough.

 

Mine to Lose ~ Teaser 1

 

Mine to Lose ~ Teaser 2

Available in Paperback and Ebook:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Mine to Steal follows Trey Miller as he vies for a big account and possibly love:

Mine to Steal Synopsis:

In life and business, Trey Miller has always been the good guy. Nothing wrong with that, since it’s gotten him everywhere he has needed to be. His startup company is a success and growing so much that he is gaining the attention of larger corporations.

By all accounts, Trey has it all, but the one place he fails is love. He thought he might have had something with Emogen Kane, but she was taken before he even had a chance. Now, he hides behind work, unwilling to take any risks in the love department. When Trey finds himself vying for a huge account against Faith Young, he knows he’s going to have to play it tough to win. Faith is smart, attractive and rumor has it, she lands every account she goes after. When Faith is thrown into his path at every turn, Trey starts to feel that it is more than a coincidence. Seeing Faith with her boyfriend douses the flame that he was starting to feel, until he realizes that the guy might not at all be what he seems. Trey let go once, but he’s determined to win it all this time. Does he have it in him to roll up his sleeves and get dirty? And if he does, will he finally end up with the girl?  

Mine to Steal ~ Teaser 1

 

Mine to Steal ~ Teaser 2

Available in Paperback and Ebook:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

Author Links

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Ello

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Author Bio

T.K. Rapp was born and raised in Texas. She would have stuck around there forever, but her husband was in the U.S. Navy, so they moved every 18 months. However, she didn't mind, because she had the opportunity to live on both coasts and met amazing people along the way.

Now, finally settled back in Texas...for good, she is able to pursue her writing. When she's not at her desk, she enjoys being with her family, visiting with friends or just watching movies. But mostly just being with the family.

Follow TK on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or visit her website at http://www.tkrapp.com

Killer Queen by L.H. Cosway

Killer Queen

by

LH Cosway

Cover Designed by: Letitia from Romantic Book Affairs

Synopsis

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

Excerpt

I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”

Review

I loved Painted Faces. I loved the story and the characters. I found myself really wanting to understand Nicholas more. He would be so infuriating, lovable, tortured, unsure, full of bravado and I just wished I could know what was going on in his head. The Reader Fairy and the Writer Fairy must have had a lovely time together at some point when the Reader Fairy told the Writer Fairy to go whisper in L.H. Cosway's ear while she was sleeping because I got my wish - Killer Queen.

Killer Queen is Freda and Nicholas's story from Nicholas's POV. Honestly, I didn't think that I could love these characters more, but seeing the story through Nicholas's eyes was wonderful. The scenes that both books share were so much fun to read from the other side. The times I would ask "Nicholas, why?" became clear. Heartbreaking moments this time around were even more so, and the heartwarming moments were just wonderful!

Nicholas's biting wit is definitely a highlight of both books. Getting to hear what goes on behind it, was fantastic. It was almost like I was one of those people that could think of the perfect thing to say at the moment it needed to be said, and be wonderfully shocking in a way I wish I could be in real life at least every now and then.

Learning Nicholas's story from his perspective, finding out his motivations and seeing his struggles and his joys was even better than I thought it would be. Knowing the story, this book was really all about getting to know Nicholas. Learning more about how he got to where he was when we met him the first time, seeing what was behind his bravado, realizing how he felt as the relationship with Fred developed was really just wonderful.

5 Glittering Stiletto Stars

Playlist

About the Author

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Links

LH Cosway's Website

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Twitter

Goodreads

Giveaway

Signed copy of Painted Faces (open internationally)

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8032cec7278/

Painted Faces Links

Goodreads

Amazon

Amazon UK

The Hooker and the Hermit ~~ Cover Reveal

Two of my favorite authors, who happen to occupy top spots in my list of favorite people, are writing a book together! I can't even begin to imagine the levels of awesome that this book will reach. Simply. Can't. Imagine.

The Hooker and the Hermit 

by

L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid

Publication Date: February 2015

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis

THE HERMIT Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New York’s Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actual reality? Not so much. THE HOOKER Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media—social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite… THE PLAN When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggests pairing them together. What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is? The Hooker and the Hermit is a collaboration between authors L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid, is a full length 100k word novel, and is a standalone.

About L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

About Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Shower Inspiration

People get inspired in all sorts of different ways and places. It seems that I get a lot of great ideas in the shower. I write fantastic blog posts in the shower. I get scenes for stories absolutely pitch perfect in the shower. The trouble is that by the time I get out, get dried and dressed, deal with the next thing the kids absolutely positively need my attention for, I forget the perfect blog post and the scene has gone flat. What's a girl to do? I am going to be purchasing some bathtub markers!

It dawned on me the other day that if I could just get the words out while I'm thinking them, before my brain is befuddled by real life demands, that would solve my problem. My first idea was one of those boards that scuba divers use but it would end up falling on my toes in the shower. Then I remembered the shower markers. The added bonus to these is that it would get me to clean the walls in my bathroom more often. Win win! How's that for shower inspiration?