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Redwood National and State Parks: My Favorite Things

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Every national park has its own unique spirit and will impact visitors in different ways. Redwood National and State Parks? They will change you–almost down to the core of your being. My 21-year-old daughter and I visited recently for book research and to try out our new camper van. As I stared up at the ancient and giant trees, I was suddenly aware that the 50-odd years I’ve spent on this planet were but a tiny blip in the lifetime of these gentle giants. Even so, I felt welcomed. Does that sound strange? Maybe so, but I’m not sure how else to describe it.

Here are some of our favorite things we saw in Redwood National and State Parks.

Photo by Karen Barnett

Trees

Well, duh, right? The trees dwarfed everything else–both literally and figuratively. For the five days we were there, we found ourselves routinely pointing out trees to each other. “Look at THAT one!” You’d think it would get old, but it really doesn’t.

Photo by Karen Barnett

Gigantic ferns and trilliums

We were starting to understand the references to Paul Bunyan. Seriously, they grow things ridiculously large in California. The photo shows a well-named “Giant Trillium: (Trillium chloropetalum) with my hand for reference. In my home state of Oregon, we usually see Trillium ovatum which is about 1/3 this size.

Photo by Karen Barnett

Banana slugs and other crawly things.

After the first few hours of hiking, we finally started looking down as well as up. That’s when we spotted some really cool wildlife in the understory. Banana slugs, Pacific sideband snails, beaded lancetooth snails, and tons of yellow-spotted millipedes.

Photo by Karen Barnett

Elk and deer

So. Many. Elk. We enjoyed seeing elk wandering around our campground (we stayed at a nearby RV park since the state park campgrounds were full) and then seeing many more of them grazing in a meadow at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. While we were observing the elk herd, a large number of black-tailed deer came out to graze in the meadow as well.

Creative Commons Photo, Richard A. Walker

References to Indigenous Peoples

I was impressed by the number of signs paying honor to the local indigenous peoples. The National Park Service doesn’t have a stellar reputation when it comes to its treatment of tribes, but it looks like the current administration of Redwood National and State Parks is making some positive changes. Nearly every building had a sign explaining the names native tribes use to refer to specific locations. My daughter and I also noticed that when displays discussed indigenous tribes, they used present-tense verbs. It’s a subtle difference, but when you write about tribes using only the past tense, you’re planting the idea that they no longer exist (or at least, no longer play an active role). By using the present tense, you’re recognizing that the indigenous people are still here! This type of wording can make a big difference in how visitors think about the situation. I did get a sense that the parks were coordinating their work with several of the local tribes.

What we took home

How does that saying go? Take only memories, leave only footprints? We’re taking home a lot of memories from our time in the Redwoods–specifically, a sense of our place in the world. I’ve been reading a lot about the history of logging and conservation in this region. But as I laid my hand on the bark of one specific tree and stared up at its impossibly-tall trunk, I thought, are we really caretakers of these trees? Were the Yurok and Tolowa before us? This tree has stood here for as many as 1500 years. With any luck, it might stand for hundreds of more years. That’s a humbling thought. I’m thankful that I got to stand at its base and contemplate my place in God’s intricate creation.

Photo by B. Barnett

Photo by Karen Barnett

Blessings!

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آوریل 28, 2025
Iron Flame – Book Review – Author Natalina Reis

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Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of the fragile, bookish girl who nobody believes can survive the harshest of situations and who turns out to be the reluctant savior of, well, everybody, has been told many times. Some times in beautiful, exciting ways, sometimes not so much.

Rebecca Yarros tells that same story beautifully and powerfully. And with dragons!

There are many parallels with other awesome stories I have read in my now-longish life. Hunger Games come to mind. There are no dragons there or venin, but both Katniss and Violet share the same passion for uncovering the truth behind the lies of the few who will repress and control the rest. They both share their love for friends and family, unwavering loyalty to those they love, and willingness to do what’s right even when their own lives are at risk.

Iron Flame is a great story, wonderfully told. I can’t wait to read the third in the series (which I already purchased) and hope it keeps going strong.

On the downside, Yarros tends to be a little too wordy at times and I found myself skimming some scenes and then having to go back and reread them, afraid I might have missed something important. In some cases the details were so “detailed” it distracted me from the story.

Despite this, Iron Flame fully deserves the five stars. Highly recommend it.

View all my reviews

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آوریل 28, 2025
Bad Boys Don’t Date Clumsy Girls by KE Strand

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Our Review

BAD BOYS DON’T DATE CLUMSY GIRLS is book 1 of the Oak Grove High series, a young adult romance by KE Strand.

Ava Landry is hopelessly clumsy, but with her dysfunctional home life it’s no surprise. The only thing that keeps Ava sane are her brother, Joel, and her best friends, Bek and Sam—until bad boy Dylan walks into her safe haven and turns her life upside down.

KE Strand has seamlessly woven themes of familial love, romance, and friendship into this book and ends with a different twist that shows troubled people have the capacity to change. This book will make you cringe, cry, and warm your heart. I highly recommend this book.

Recommended Read

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آوریل 27, 2025
Audiobook Flash Sale – Guardians of Hades Paranormal Romance Series – Only $4.99 Each – Felicity Heaton

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About Felicity Heaton

I’m a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In my books I create detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will love my books too.

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آوریل 26, 2025
Planning to visit National Parks in 2025? Read This First!
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There’s something deeply grounding about stepping into a national park—the hush in the canyons, the scent of sun-warmed trees, the sound of birds calling from beyond the bend in the trail. It’s where many of us go to breathe a little deeper and to appreciate the gift of God’s creation.

But if you’re planning a trip in 2025, you may be worried that things will look a little different. Staffing is down in many parks. Visitor numbers are still high. Services that used to be a given might not be available. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go—quite the opposite, really. With a little extra preparation and a healthy dose of grace, you can still experience the wonder that drew you there in the first place.

Here’s how to plan ahead and visit with both wisdom and wonder in your pack.

1. Do Your Research Before You Go

In years past, you might have strolled into a visitor center and picked up a paper map, chatted with a ranger about trail conditions, or signed up for a program. With lower staffing, those luxuries might not be available.

Before you leave home:

Visit the park’s official website for current conditions, alerts, and any reservation requirements.

Download trail maps and directions—you can’t count on cell service.

Look into apps like AllTrails or the NPS app to cache your route.

If it’s your first time to that park, read up a bit. A well-loved guidebook or a ranger-led YouTube talk can add layers of meaning to your adventure.

2. Expect Limited Services

With fewer hands on deck, you might find closed restrooms, limited hours at visitor centers, and fewer trash pickups. It’s not ideal, but it’s manageable if you plan ahead.

What to bring:
- Your own water, snacks, and lunch (just watch out for the ravens and chipmunks—they’re clever).
- A small bag to pack out your own trash.
- Extra toilet paper and hand sanitizer for backcountry or vault restrooms.
A little preparation here can turn a frustrating moment into just another story for the campfire.

3. Be Your Own Naturalist

While ranger talks and junior ranger programs might be on hold or scaled back, that doesn’t mean you can’t dive deep into the natural world around you. In fact, learning on your own might make it feel even more personal.

Bring along:
- A field guide or plant ID app
- A nature journal (even a pocket notebook will do)
- Curiosity, always
Let the forest be your teacher. Let your questions lead you.

Podcasts and audiobooks about your park can also make for great pre-trip or on-the-road listening. You might even want to check out Guide Along, which offers audio tours for various parks via your phone. We really enjoyed the Yellowstone one on our last trip.

4. Stick to Designated Trails

Trails are the threads that weave us safely through wild spaces. And in times of low staffing, it’s harder for rangers to keep an eye on fragile habitats and off-trail wanderers.

Staying on marked paths:
- Protects delicate plant life
- Keeps you safe from hidden hazards
- Makes it easier for search and rescue to find you—if that need ever arises
Remember: your footprints matter.

5. Pack Your Patience

You may wait a little longer at the entrance gate. You might find the shuttle bus full or the trail a little more crowded than expected. And you might not see a single ranger on your entire visit.

But you’re still there. Among the trees, beside the river, under the open sky. That’s the gift.

When things get frustrating, take a deep breath and offer grace—to others, to the park staff doing their best, and even to yourself

6. Essentials for your 2025 Adventures

Here’s a quick checklist to help you feel confident and prepared:
- Reusable water bottle
- Layers for shifting weather
- Trail map (downloaded or paper)
- Snacks and a meal
- First aid kit
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Small trash bag
- Sunscreen, bug spray, hat
- An open heart
✅ Bonus: Bring an extra map and share it if you see someone looking lost.

7. Seek the Quiet Moments

While the crowds gather at famous overlooks, try a lesser-known trail, a picnic by a creek, or a sunrise walk through the trees.

It’s in those quiet, unscripted moments when you’ll discover a park’s unexpected blessings.

Final Thoughts

Things might look a little different for our national parks in 2025, but the trails are still calling, the trees are still standing, and the parks are still worth the effort. With a little preparation and a good attitude, you’ll walk away with something unforgettable.

Curious which parks show up in my stories? Browse my collection of national park novels and see where the trails take you!

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آوریل 25, 2025
Writing Is Resistance – Author Natalina Reis

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I recently attended a virtual writer’s retreat and was fortunate enough to attend a presentation titled “Writing is Resistance” and for me, this was well worth the price of the whole retreat.

It had been a while since I was fired up about my stories and my characters. It felt like an eternity since I felt proud of my writing. So this presentation hit all the right spots.

Writing IS resistance.

My books might not be at the level of Atwood’s “Handmaid” or Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” . Or more recently, Collin’s “Hunger Games” or Yarros’s “Fourth Wing”, but I write about what’s right even if that means swimming against the tide.

I write about justice and courage under fire. About characters who have been wronged but rise up to beat all odds and be vindicated. I write about characters who do not hesitate to stand up and fight for what’s right.

Writing has always been my voice, the way a quiet introvert who was taught never to interrupt, never to impose, could be heard. I just had never thought of it as resistance, a way to get back at the system that failed me and others, to voice my opinion and my ideas.

That presentation made me realize I too am a rebel of sorts, that this wallflower can be seen and heard. That maybe my stories can make somebody think and maybe, just maybe be willing to change what’s wrong.

I’d like to thank Audrey Hughey for organizing the 2025 Virtual Spring Writer’s Retreat and the fabulous Taryn Noelle Kloeden for the inspiring presentation.

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آوریل 25, 2025
Sapphic books with flirting via text messages

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This week’s Sapphic Book Bingo category covers a fun micro-trope: flirting via text messages.

The characters might exchange some sexy late-night texts, engage in playful banter, or even confess their love via text messages.

15 sapphic books that include flirting via text messages

Below, you’ll find a list of 15 recommended sapphic books in which the main characters flirt via text messages:

Eve Falls First by Fiona Zedde

Teacher Eve Marshall has just crawled out of a bad relationship and has no plans to get twisted up in another romantic mess. Except she never counted on meeting the jaw-dropping Scarlet Hunt.

Yoga instructor Scarlet has been focused on raising her daughter since her ex-wife ditched them both to pursue her Hollywood dreams. The last thing she expects is to stumble into Eve’s adoring gaze. The teacher at her daughter’s school is too young, too cute, and far too interested, so it’d be wildly inappropriate to ask Eve to tutor her daughter. Right?

As the risk of catching feelings hangs over them, a certain sexy Hollywood ex swaggers back into Scarlet’s life, needing one hell of a favor… How much more complicated can life get?

Available at:

Ylva Publishing

Telling Lies Online by Miranda MacLeod

Jamie Richards is a scientist who embraces reason– except when it comes to romance. Tired of her impulsive streak leaving her heartbroken, she’s determined to do everything right the next time she’s in love. But her resolve crumbles when a technical glitch matches her with perfection in Claire, a woman who lives on the opposite side of the country. Who is straight. And under the impression that Jamie’s a guy. But Jamie can’t help being smitten. Would one tiny lie be so terrible if it gets her closer to the woman of her dreams?

Claire Flores is a dreamer and a believer in signs, but she has a secret that keeps her cautious about love. All she wants is a picture-perfect family of her own, but she’s never met a man who attracts her. Until now. Throwing caution to the wind, she goes from Portland to Boston to meet Jay, her online love. Instead she meets Jamie, his work colleague, who befriends her in Jay’s unexpected absence. Claire’s heart is aflutter. Jamie stirs up feelings Claire never knew possible, but how close can she get without having to admit that she’s been lying to herself about her dreams all along?

What starts as a simple fib soon snowballs as Jamie fabricates increasingly ridiculous tales to keep her identity as Jay under wraps, until a comedy of errors threatens to topple the whole charade to the ground. Can true love prevail when it’s founded on a lie?

Available at:

Amazon

Audible

Wrong Number, Right Woman by Jae

Flirting has never been Denny’s strong suit, but so what if she’s too shy to ask women out? She’s content with her simple life, working as a cashier and helping her sister raise her niece.

But then she gets a wrong-number text message from a stranger named Eliza, asking her of all people for dating advice!

Eliza is Denny’s total opposite: witty, outgoing—and straight. Despite their differences, the accidental text sparks an unlikely friendship. Soon, Eliza—self-proclaimed queen of disastrous first dates—would rather banter back and forth with Denny than to keep trying her luck at online dating.

When they meet in person, there’s an instant connection. But what Eliza is feeling can’t be attraction, right? It doesn’t mean a thing that she’s starting to wish the guys she dates would be more like Denny. Or does it?

Can the wrong number lead to the right woman after all?

Available at:

Ylva Publishing

Amazon

Apple Books

Audible

All Things Beautiful by Alaina Erdell

Leighton Vaughn’s prestigious fine art atelier—and her life—appear to be settling down after a messy divorce. She prioritizes her daughter, art, and, teaching—that is until gifted Casey Norford joins the close-knit New York academy.

Casey didn’t receive the artistic education she expected from her bachelor’s degree, but a spot at Atelier Vaughn will remedy that. Even more than the opportunity to study with the famed Leighton Vaughn, Casey wants to give her son a stable childhood that won’t resemble her own. She’s not sure of the true extent of her artistic talent, but she’s keenly aware of her attraction to her instructor, and that attraction appears mutual.

Their sticky teacher-student relationship puts the future of the atelier in jeopardy, the needs of their young children are at odds with their dreams, and Leighton’s obsessive ex tracks her down. Will they sacrifice everything to be together?

Available at:

Amazon

Apple Books

George and Izzie by Charlotte Rowan

At first sight, George and Izzie couldn’t be more different.

George is unabashedly queer, filled with confidence and purpose. Her friends are her family, more than most of her blood relatives ever were. She doesn’t need to know where she’s going, as long as she remembers who she is and what truly matters.

Content with her long-term partner and her loving parents, her cat and her books, Izzie leads a tranquil, quiet life, just as she wanted. She put hard work and determination into getting where she is now, but hopes to go further for the sake of the students she dedicates her days to.

But when George and Izzie’s paths cross, it appears that things aren’t as they seem.

Sometimes, it takes one person to change it all.

Available at:

Amazon

Unbelievable You by Chelsea M. Cameron

Hunter: Things had been going pretty well for me. My time was filled with my jobs and friends, and my parents seemed to have finally given up on bullying me to go to law school. Then everything changes in the blink of an eye. One minute I’m teaching a yoga class, and the next there’s smoke and then fire and with it comes firefighters. One in particular.

Stace: There are only three things that I take seriously—my job as a volunteer firefighter, my work with the animal shelter, and my family. Everything else? Not so much. And then we get a call and I end up carrying an unbelievably gorgeous woman down the stairs and I feel like my entire world has shifted and nothing will ever be the same.

Hunter: She lifted me like some hero from a romance movie and I couldn’t help but notice how good she looked when she took her helmet off and smiled at me. But that’s neither here nor there. I’ll never pursue someone like Stace. Love doesn’t work out for me, not for any member of my family. It’s just not in our genes. Why would I sign up for the inevitable downfall that will wreck my life? I’ll keep my heart whole and intact, thank you very much. Stace is the kind of person who demands all or nothing, and I have nothing for her.

Stace: Hunter is…complicated. Closed-off. A challenge, not to mention she’s so beautiful that she’d make angels jealous. I’ve never met anyone who deserves to be seduced and spoiled by affection more than her. So that’s what I’m going to do. Because I have to have her.

Available at:

Amazon

Audible

So Not My Type by Dana Hawkins

Sophie Black has clawed her way up from coffee runs to project manager at a top Seattle ad agency. She’s laser-focused on her career—until the CEO’s daughter, Ella Northwood, joins the team. Forced to work together on a high-stakes campaign, sparks fly as Sophie’s scrappy determination clashes with Ella’s polished privilege. But there’s more to both women than meets the eye, and, over late nights in the office, their assumptions about each other start to crumble.

When an impromptu hot tub session leads to a steamy night neither can forget, everything changes. The ice-cold chip on Sophie’s shoulder finally starts to melt, while Ella hopes that for the first time, someone might see beneath her trust-fund facade. But as the temperature in the office soars, a shocking revelation threatens to derail everything. Now Sophie and Ella must decide if their feelings are worth fighting for…

Available at:

Amazon

Audible

Temptation at Randy’s by Emily Alter

New beginnings didn’t usually come with a side of temptation.

Arlene

The last thing I would’ve expected when I dared to attend a local munch at my favorite diner was to run into one of my favorite YouTubers. Claude wasn’t part of the munch, as far as I could tell, and they hadn’t posted anything in forever, but they still approached me. Me.

It was a miracle I didn’t lose it right then and there.

Claude

Despite what my friends from LA said, I didn’t regret moving to Boston. It had started as an attempt to run away from a PR crisis I hadn’t known how to handle, but I liked it here. I’d found a safe haven at Randy’s, and people to surround myself with.

People to surround myself with shouldn’t have included a financial advisor with a sweet tooth and gorgeous eyes, but… Here we were.

Available at:

Amazon

Take Two by Stephanie Shea

Being in love is Whitney Dimaano’s favorite past time. Though lately, she can’t seem to get it right. She’s tried—she is trying—but it just hasn’t…clicked, and maybe her time would be better spent focusing on all the things that are actually good in her life. The gym she all but built with her own two hands, the new-found bond with her brother and sister, her friends… Anything but chasing the ghost of how it felt with the woman who left her behind.

Award-winning documentarian Andy Vahn dreamed of being an extraordinary filmmaker. Her recipe for success is a fusion of meticulous planning, diligence, and never letting anything stand in her way. Not even love. When a trip to convince a misanthropic celebrity chef to appear in her docuseries leads her home, Andy knows it won’t be easy. Least of all because she hasn’t been back in six years. Hasn’t seen Whitney in six years. Still, it’s true what they say. You never forget your first.

Maybe Andy’s return is the closure Whitney needs. But what if all it does is reaffirm Andy’s deepest fear?

She should never have left.

Available at:

Amazon

The Summer We’ve Had by Katherine Blakeman

After a nightmare couple of years following the death of her celebrity singer mother, Cass Mulligan is moving down to the sun, sea and shingle of Cornwall for a fresh start. But she soon realises that she’s not the only one in need of some TLC…

Felicia Wilson’s life is one long series of spinning plates. She has Dissociative Identity Disorder, a system of five alternate personalities living in her body, and they all have different hopes, fears and desires.

When Cass is thrown together with Felicia, some beautiful friendships grow, and soon there is substantial mutual attraction between Cass and dominant alter Heather. But if things go wrong, they could go very wrong. Can they build a relationship AND keep everybody happy?

Available at:

Amazon

V.A.M.P.: Book One—Serena & Katerina by Kimberly A. Todd

Is it possible to find a second chance at love?

Being rich, powerful, and thirty years old for eternity has its perks. Being a heartbroken, 800-year-old lesbian vampire, not so much.

Serena Vanderen is chairman and CEO of V.A.M.P. Global. Advertiser by day; scientist, murderer, and cleanup artist for her pharmaceutical client by night.

Since her girlfriend was killed thirty years ago, Serena has been going through the motions of running her advertising agency while grieving and trying to armor her heart against any more pain. But when Katerina Davenport attends her company gala, everything changes.

Can this captivating, gorgeous, sexy redhead help Serena find love again? Will she reignite Serena’s long-dormant sexual desires? Will Katerina be able to accept that she is falling in love with a vampire? What dark secrets does the agency conceal that challenges their love—and Katerina’s safety?

Available at:

Amazon

Back to September by Melissa Brayden

Building a bridge between two worlds can be tricky.

Hannah Shephard likes her life, her job, and her perfectly cozy apartment around the corner from her shop. She’s never been one to take big risks and would much rather stay in on a Friday night with a warm cup of decaf and her favorite mystery novel, so why do her friends insist she needs more? Plus, Hannah has bigger problems to focus on. She’s in trouble. Well, her bookstore is, and if she doesn’t find a way to bring in some more cash, she’ll be closing the doors of A Likely Story for good.

When world famous romance novelist Parker Bristow accepts her request to come in for a signing, Hannah might finally be able to drum up some much-needed attention and save the shop. What she didn’t anticipate was an unexpected evening and a woman she wouldn’t soon forget. A real romance is off the table. Parker is flashy, sought after, and Hannah is just, well, Hannah. But for Parker, it seems like Hannah might be a safe place to fall. The question is, what kind of falling are they doing?

Available at:

Bold Strokes Books

Amazon

Apple Books

Audible

Moon Over the Gateway Arch by Renn Loraine

Sarah knew the elegant blonde in the St. Louis bar was dangerous. She just didn’t know how….

When the woman pulls Sarah aside on the crowded dance floor to tell her she’s not safe, Sarah doesn’t believe her. But as the events of the evening progress – she’s not so sure.

Soon, Sarah realizes that in order to escape, she may have to trust this beautiful stranger. But only Sarah’s wits can save her now – and she doesn’t know how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Available at:

Amazon

In Your Hands by Johana Gavez

After being single for several years, Manuela is eager to end her dry spell. She tries her luck on a dating app where she encounters Sophia, a confident and straightforward woman. Their instant connection leads them from flirtatious messages to steamy exchanges on the app.

“In Your Hands” follows Manuela as she explores pleasure on her own and later the world of sexting, roleplaying and one-night stands that turn into more.

Available at:

Amazon

Apple Books

Ribbonwood by Ruby Landers

Lara Bennett is world-famous in Ribbonwood, population 907. She’s the woman you don’t trust your husband with: a real-life femme fatale. If there’s a scandal in town, she’s at the center of it, ruining businesses, marriages, and egos everywhere she goes, with her sharp tongue and that body that makes you look twice. Besides… didn’t she more or less kill a man?

Ollie Gabrielli left Ribbonwood right after high school, back when Lara was her arch-nemesis. The queen bee and the closeted soccer star: natural enemies. When she comes home for three months it’s to recover from burnout and spend time with her chaotic family, not to reconnect with old classmates. Only somehow, she can’t seem to take her eyes off Lara. How did she only get hotter? And is she really everything they say she is?

Sometimes, there’s a reason you should never try to go home.

Available at:

Amazon

Birthday book giveaway coming up!

My birthday is coming up next week, and like every year, I’ll celebrate by giving YOU gifts! I’m preparing a big book giveaway with different prizes to pick from (signed paperbacks & book candles, ebooks, or audiobooks). I’ll send out a newsletter to let you know when it’s time to enter the drawing. If you don’t want to miss it, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter.

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What sapphic book will you read for the “flirting via text messages” category? Let us know in the comments!

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آوریل 25, 2025
Just Another Love Song | Romance Junkies

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Our Review

Sandy Macintosh grew up loving her high school sweetie, Hank Tillman, in a very small town they both wanted to escape as soon as possible—Sandy to become an artist and Hank to become a singer/songwriter. When he goes away to college, her scholarship falls through, and she’s forced to stay in the town, living at home. When they next see each other, she hears their friends talking about how exciting it is to be experiencing new things. She fears Hank will realize how unhappy she is and come back, thus ruining his future plans—so she breaks up with him.

Fifteen years later, he walks into the grocery store in town. She now owns a nursery and is still an artist but with plants. He’s a famous country singer, now divorced, with his young son in tow. The town is so small, and the residents’ lives so intertwined, there’s no way for them to avoid each other. Now what?

I really liked these two characters, along with all of their friends. The small town residents all seem to be friendly folks who want the best for each other. I was annoyed that Sandy is too afraid to admit, even to herself, how she still feels about Hank. But I was more annoyed to discover this is a sweet romance. When they finally have their big moment, I was hoping to discover just what Hank meant when he said, “I’ve become better at a lot of things since I was seventeen.” Instead, the next page has them eating ice cream out of the container—afterward. WHAT? My mom used to drop-kick books across the room when writers staged a big build-up then gave the reader no satisfaction (no details.) I feel the same way. But if you like sweet romance, you’ll love this book.

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آوریل 24, 2025
Audiobook Flash Sale – Her Angel: Bound Warriors Romance Series – Only $2.99 Each – Felicity Heaton

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My Her Angel: Bound Warriors paranormal romance series is having a flash sale at Chirp, Barnes and Noble, and Apple. All four books in this complete series are currently only $2.99 each until December 27th 2023. That’s over 75% off.

Dark Angel
⚔️ Chirp
⚔️ Barnes and Noble
⚔️ Apple US
⚔️ Apple UK
⚔️ Apple Canada
⚔️ Apple Australia

Fallen Angel
⚔️ Chirp
⚔️ Barnes and Noble
⚔️ Apple US
⚔️ Apple UK
⚔️ Apple Canada
⚔️ Apple Australia

Warrior Angel
⚔️ Chirp
⚔️ Barnes and Noble
⚔️ Apple US
⚔️ Apple UK
⚔️ Apple Canada
⚔️ Apple Australia

Bound Angel
⚔️ Chirp
⚔️ Barnes and Noble
⚔️ Apple US
⚔️ Apple UK
⚔️ Apple Canada
⚔️ Apple Australia

About Felicity Heaton

I’m a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books as Felicity Heaton and F E Heaton. In my books I create detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, Larissa Ione, Kresley Cole, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will love my books too.

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آوریل 24, 2025
Passion’s Pleasure by Valerie Giscard

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Passion’s Pleasure by Valerie Giscard is a 1982 historical romance novel set in Paris and Louisiana. It features a turbulent love story marked by violence and dramatic twists.

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Passion’s Pleasure by Valerie Giscard
Rating:
Published: 1982
Illustrator: Walter Popp
Book Series: Zebra Historical Romance
Published by: Kensington
Genres: Antebellum Southern Romance, Historical Romance, Bodice Ripper, Forced Seduction, Romance with Rape Element
Pages: 380
Format: Paperback
Buy on: Amazon, AbeBooks
Reviewed by: Blue Falcon

TOTAL SPOILER ALERT ⚠

The Book

This review is of Passion’s Pleasure by Valerie Giscard, a 1982 Zebra-ripper historical romance.

Valerie Giscard also wrote two Harlequin Superromances under the name Emily Mesta. Coincidentally, Giscard has the same name as the late French President, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, who also wrote a couple of romantic novels.

Also sharing the name is the President’s daughter, Valérie-Anne Giscard d’Estaing, another author. However, in the latter’s case, in her case, of non-fiction.

Were any of them the same person? I do not know.

The Plot

A Shotgun Wedding

Passion’s Pleasure opens in Paris, where this book’s heroine, Chantele Daladier, and the so-called “hero,” Colin Marquandt, meet at a party. Chantele lives in the city of lights with her parents, Antoine and Veronique; her hateful, spiteful sister, Noelle; and an unseen brother, Claude.

The Daladiers are in severe financial straits and pin all their hopes on Noelle to make a good marriage to save them from poverty. Colin is an American visiting Paris on holiday. He and his family own a plantation, L’Esperance, outside of New Orleans.

Shortly after meeting, Chantele and Colin became lovers.

Then our hero has the bright idea of raping Chantele, which causes her to become pregnant. Her father, Antoine, demands Colin do “the honorable thing” and marry Chantele.

He does so unwillingly, and later, Colin takes his bride to Louisiana to be with his family. At L’Esperance, they live with Colin’s father, Leon, who is gravely ill, his adoptive brother, Robert, and their stepmother, Annette.

Chantele’s and Colin’s marriage is problematic. Adding to that, she suffers a miscarriage and loses her child. Her loss was not a mere tragic accident. A sinister plan has been set in motion by an unseen puppetmaster. This will have a significant impact on both Chantele’s and Colin’s lives.

Heartache and Amnesia

After the miscarriage, Colin sends Chantele to New Orleans to recover. This doesn’t help matters, as their marital issues get worse.

Chantele suffers many misfortunes in this book. She is beaten, raped again, and nearly killed on multiple occasions.

The final blow literally causes her to lose her memory. Fortunately, a kind doctor finds her and nurses her back to health, although her memory does not return. In time, she flourishes and becomes a famous actress.

Chantele, now using the stage names and aliases Victoria Page and Ariane Bentley, also finds passion in the arms of another man. She becomes the mistress of a powerful businessman, Michael Lawrence, who is not entirely above board.

Eventually, Colin finds his long-lost wife. Chantele soon regains her memory.

Ultimately, she finally forgives Colin for all the bad things he has done to her. So the two reunite and have their happily ever after.

The Upside

Chantele is a likable character, and a strong one, to deal with all she deals with.

The Downside

The first half of Passion’s Pleasure is okay. The second half is a hot mess.

Like in way too many books published in the early 1980s, Chantele deals with brutal violence and misogyny. It seems that the unspoken industry rule in 80’s historical romance novels is heroines must experience at least two instances of physical abuse and sexual assault throughout their stories.

In addition, there is a ridiculous storyline where Chantele becomes a famous actress. I found it to be completely illogical. That would have been more suited for a contemporary romance than a historical one.

Furthermore, there was zero setup for this plot.

And to top it all off, none of the male characters are likable. I found it hard to believe that Chantelle loved Colin, let alone forgive him for all the evil things he did to her.

Sex

The sex scenes are relatively mild. The author, Valerie Giscard, does her best, I suppose, to steam them up. Lamentably, her efforts result in mostly hot air.

Heat Factor

The steam in Passion’s Pleasure might be hot enough to press the wrinkles out of a silk shirt. However, as far as romance novels go, that only registers as warm on our heat level scale

Moderately Warm

Violence

Chantele is raped twice in this book and is almost raped a third time. She went through several violent moments at the hands of men. First, she was beaten very badly. Later, Colin assaulted her. Of course, it wouldn’t be a hat trick without the villain trying to murder her.

In the book’s finale, Colin and Michael fight to the death—only Michael’s, unfortunately.

Bottom Line on Passion’s Pleasure

Like with many Zebra romances, the title, Passion’s Pleasure, has nothing to do with the book. There was no passion, nor was it a pleasure to read. The only mildly saving grace about this tedious slog of a story is the heroine, Chantele.

When I read Passion’s Pleasure, used copies were available on Amazon for $36.00. However, nearly new copies were priced at $250.00! Valerie Giscard only published two books under that name, and both were 1-star stinkers.

Good thing I am no fool, as I only paid $4 for the book.

And I still feel like I overpaid for it!

Rating Report Card

Plot
0.5

Characters
1.5

Writing
1.5

Chemistry
1

Fun Factor
0.5

Cover
4.5

Overall: 1.6

coVER POINTS DO NOT COUNT TOWARDS FINAL RATING!

Synopsis

Everything ceased to exist that first moment when Colin claimed the lovely Chantele on the dance floor. She was like a fragile flower in his arms–so delicate, so innocent and so very desirable. The passion she stirred within him burned a fiery path through his limbs. Somehow he’d have to make this rapturous beauty his own…

Abandoning all morals to the wind, Chantele secretly met her beloved each day. He branded her body and mind with his fierce, skillful caressess…

Passion’s Pleasure by Valerie Giscard

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آوریل 24, 2025