The Water of Love

By Sharon Hamilton

I'm writing a novella to be included in a duet called the Trident Legacy with sister author Kathryn Leveque. We both have characters who are the sons of Poseidon, immortal half-breeds from the union of their powerful but bad boy father and one of his many liaisons over the centuries. Both our characters are, of course, Navy SEALs, and they are nearly as old as the oceans themselves that spawned them.

This is my first venture into the paranormal SEAL genre, something I've longed to do, but until now, hadn't found the right vehicle. Kathryn and I have been brainstorming and bouncing things off each other. It has been a fun collaboration.

So as I was getting into the feel and texture of the story, I came up with an image I call "The Water Of Love." Of course, I recalled the Dire Straits song Water of Love. This haunting melody and the words that match are what I'm listening to nearly 24/7 as I write this beautiful story.

I plan on a big sex scene between the hero and his heroine, who is a mortal woman and may not survive the mating. And yes, it will be water born. As in any truly beautiful love scene, the exchange of hearts and passions can be dangerous, but it is forever altering and life-changing, leaving the couple transformed by their union. I love the idea that he is part God, but grounded by a mother long dead. His heroine becomes part of the missing piece in his life.

I found these images that I've printed and hang all around my computer to inspire me, along with the music. Here's a blurb and our gorgeous cover. What do you think? Do you want to read about an underwater mating scene, a Water of Love story where both parties are forever changed, through the power of their love?

Order The Trident Legacy

Blurb:

We are brothers, the Sons of Poseidon, though our mothers have gone many eons ago. Given special powers, we are required to protect humanity from the dark forces of the universe that coalesce and then plunge back into the inky pit of evil only to rise up again to be defeated. 

My task is to blend in as a normal, common man. But I am not a common man. I bear the mark, and I have worn it proudly, although sometimes I find that calling more difficult than others. However, I’ve never run away from it nor deny the obligation of my birthright.

Oceans and worlds are fully accessible to me. There is only one thing that I am denied: a true love partner. I’ve loved many times, but never for evermore, only for the here and now.

It would be a lonely journey, without mother or family of my own, were it not for my brothers. But the preservation of mankind is a worthy calling, and one I shall do until the end of time, or the end of my time.

I have chosen for these next few years to live as a Navy SEAL, an elite warrior with an elite team of brothers not unlike the Sons of Poseidon. 

This is my story.

Our new venture releases 3/28/17. Can't wait for you to read it. Don't you think love and water mix nicely? 

Guest Blog: Constance Hussey, author of Trusting Lord Summerton #RB4U #Regency

The Healing Power of Love

“Trusting Lord Summerton” was a difficult book to write. Because the heroine has suffered through an abusive marriage prior to the opening of the story, I had to find a way to share some of her experiences without burdening my reader with overly graphic details. It was also a challenge to present the hero in a believable way, since it fell to him to overcome Mary’s fear and distrust of men.

Although spousal violence is a frequent topic in today's world, as unfortunately it is something that occurs all too frequently, it is not a subject I consciously set out to write about. In fact, my musings began with a thought from the other end of such circumstances. Is it possible for a woman who has suffered abuse to ever heal, and what factors would enable her to do so? It is this complex situation that presents Lord Summerton with the most important challenge of his life—showing Mary that with persistence, understanding, and the gentle touch of a lover, she can overcome her fear. Owing to the twisted instruction of her late husband, Mary lacks any comprehension of the true concept of lovemaking—a partnership of mutual desire and concern for each other’s enjoyment. Patiently, and with careful attentions, Colin teaches Mary how delightful intimacy can be when they both share the same objective—giving pleasure to each other.

I’m always been a firm believer in the power of love. Whether it’s between parent and child, siblings and families, or lovers of all persuasions, I feel that love is an absolute necessity for the successful navigation of life’s often difficult path. Love not only makes us stronger, kinder, and more considerate, it encourages the tolerance we all need to have for our fellow travelers. 

Trusting Lord Summerton

 Now that she was free, Mary would never again allow another man into her life. Her battered heart was closed to friend and lover alike—but it was not closed to revenge. As eager as she was to bring down her enemy, however, she could not do it alone. She had to accept help—help which might be more dangerous than anything her foe might contrive. For the outstretched hand belonged to a man she had betrayed—her once fiancé, Lord Summerton, and she feared that deep in her heart lay the long-buried embers of the love they once shared.

            Lord Summerton knew he was a fool to even think of tangling with Mary. She was trouble with a vengeance and he already had enough complexity in his life. Still, to see her so wounded and not offer his aid was beyond him—even knowing that a second betrayal would damage him past mending.

Author bio: For Constance Hussey, it’s all about the history. From the moment she discovered the wonderful stories hidden in books, she was intrigued by all those make-believe worlds of other times and cultures. There she could be almost anyone—intrepid maiden, daring explorer, witch or warrior—and effortlessly travel to exotic places and long-past eras. Naturally, history was her favorite subject throughout school and the love of reading continues to be a mainstay in her life. Constance now lives in Florida with her own personal hero—her patient and supporting husband of 50+ years. When not glued to the computer, she enjoys gardening, cooking, walking and relaxing on the back porch with a glass of wine and a good book. 

Visit her website, http://www.constancehussey.com for more about Constance and her books.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Trusting-Lord-Summerton-Constance-Hussey-ebook/dp/B014FVE9SS

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trusting-lord-summerton-constance-hussey/1122589702

Smashwords: https: http//www.smashwords.com/books/view/569082

  

Can Love Heal? I Believe.... #RB4U @melissa_keir

Can Love Heal?

I have always believed in love and romance. It's a part of the reason I read romance novels. They always feature a happily ever after, no matter what the challenges that the couple faces, whether it's another woman or their own stubbornness. I love to write about my thoughts and feelings. Here's a piece I wrote about love...

Words are inadequate to explain love. If people like Shakespeare struggle with it, who would think that I could? Trust me, I’ve tried and I am not often at a loss for words. The ones that I choose seem to lack the full experience. It is like looking at photograph of cheesecake when you are dieting and starving. It lacks the full experience. I can tell you how he makes me feel. I feel like a whole person. I can be myself and know that even no matter how yucky, he will love and accept me. No matter how tight he holds me, I feel only safe not trapped.  I feel beautiful at 3 am in the morning without my makeup on and my hair sticking up. Rather than dismiss my ideas, he listens, asks questions and is open to what I am saying. When I help him with something, I am a superhero! And yet, with these words, I only scratch the surface. Just by putting the words to paper, I find that it isn’t complete. It is still like trying to catch smoke in your hands…always slipping through your fingers.  

Maybe water is a better way to describe love... No matter how much you have, you can always have more. Everyone deserves and needs it. While it is everywhere, it is hard to hold on to, you have to be adaptable to even grasp a drop. It is powerful enough to light a city or move a mountain and gentle enough to cradle you as you float in it. It cleanses and fills you up. It never really dies but changes forms, passion to comfort. It soothes and comforts you. It nourishes your soul.

Someone recently asked why I write romance... this is why... Love is everlasting and does heal the soul. It's healed mine and I hope through my own stories, it's helped others, whether providing an escape, a second chance or a dream of what might be. If I've brought someone pleasure, friendship or love... it's worth it!

If you enjoy these musings (and recipes and poetry), you can find more in my book- Musings of a Mad-Cap Mind available in ebook and print. 

One woman’s musings become another woman’s courage… 

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you worry about the person you’ve become? Sitting down at the computer, Melissa spent many hours reflecting on her life, family, and relationships. These musings, recipes, and poems tell the tale of one woman's changing thoughts and feelings about life. 
Come along with her as she explores her reflections, using her words which mirror her changes. 

Amazon ebook and print

Guest Blog: Trevann Rogers talks about The Healing Power of Love #RB4U

The Healing Power of Love

Most of us spend our lives trying to live up to the expectations of other people.  First our parents, then friends, and eventually our lovers.  Sometimes we try so hard to please them that we have no idea what would please us.  Sometimes, we lose sight of who we really are.

If we try to become who we want to be, we're often met with resistance.  For example, those in the LGBT community may be shunned by the very people whose love they want most. They are ridiculed in jokes, in their religious practices, and worse.  Some are physically attacked. Many people fear these reactions and resign themselves to burying their true selves—with good reason.

I believe that being truly happy requires being who you truly are. This is the moral of most of the stories I write and certainly the theme of House of the Rising Son. Neither heroe is living the life he wants. Cheyenne, the half incubus/half human son of the ruler wants to play music and be respected for his talent. Alexander  wants to keep the peace and considers acquiescing to his father's demand that he marry someone he doesn’t like—much less love—in order to build their business.

Both men are leading shadow lives, wounded and hiding from their true selves—until they meet each other. Each one gains strength from their relationship, and find in each other the support and encouragement they'd never imagined. Together they are strong enough to put everything on the line to live the lives they desire. Love heals their wounds.

Living After Midnight, Book 1

Cheyenne is a half-human incubus whose star is on the rise in the Unakite City rock scene. His father, the leader of the supernatural races, would prefer he keep a “low profile”, but screw that. Cheyenne has as much music in his veins as royal incubi blood. 

Alexander's future is all set—finish law school, join the family firm, and marry someone who'd be good for business. Not that he has a say in any of it. He's barely met the woman his father expects him to marry. 

As Cheyenne's musical career takes off, his carefully constructed life begins to unravel, exacerbated by an ex-lover who can't let go, a crotchety barkeeper with a dirty mind and a pure heart, a drag queen who moonlights as a nanny, and Alexander—who's not sure if he's falling for the incubus or the rocker. 

Cheyenne denies who he is, while Alexander hides what he wants. Together, they learn that getting what they truly want means being who they truly are.

Warning: Contains hot were-tiger sex, a Thanksgiving celebration that makes the Inquisition look like a tea party, and an incubus who'll rock your world.

Author Bio:

Trevann Rogers writes urban fantasy and LGBT paranormal romances. Her stories incorporate an unquenchable addition to music and her love for vampires, Weres, incubi and rock stars. Like these elusive creatures, Trevann learned long ago that sometimes being yourself means Living After Midnight.

Website http://www.trevannrogers.com

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/trevannrogers

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/trevannr

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/trevannr

Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Trevann-Rogers/e/B00LNP5VVE/

Opals, Marigolds and the healing power of LOVE by Krista Ames

Hi *waves* - welcome to my day at RB4U !!

Today is October 2nd and it's definitely fall in Northern Lower Michigan.

Seems quite unreal to be October already.  The time is flying by too fast for my taste.

Our theme this month is...

Birthstone and Flower
Opal (or Tourmaline) - medical amulet, psychic vision
Marigold (grief, unease)
 Theme
The healing power of love- personal experiences, 

book character’s experiences 

  

Here are my takes on the above :

As far as the Opal...i don't really know anything about them or and i don't have one but let me tell you, i'd love to have physic visions.  Not sure i'd like to see the bad stuff but i'm a true believer of the paranormal.  I watch the shows like Charmed and Vampire Diaries where the person with the psychic ability touches an object or person and has a vision and i really think it might be cool but i could also see where it would be a burden for sure.  (and yes i do know those are just tv shows but i still believe)  Have you ever been or wanted to go to one of those palm or tarot card readers at a carnival ?  I would love to but i'm a little chicken if there's bad news in my future :)

Marigolds.

Now this one confuses me.  I always thought Marigolds were a good thing.  

I never in the past had associated them with grief or unease but now that i'm thinking about it...I have always planted them around the entire perimeter of my garden to keep some of the critters out.  So, i suppose they are creating grief and unease for the bugs :)

The healing power of LOVE.

Now that's one thing i do believe in for sure.  

I don't really like to talk about my personal life and the bad times and I'm sure others have probably  

had worse or more traumatic experiences than me and brought out of it by love.

I was married when i was 23 and after being with him for 20 years with alot of unhappiness, it ended very unpleasantly.  My children were my rock during that time and their love and support kept me going when there were days i just wanted to stay in bed.  They gave me the strength to move on without their dad and by that time, they were ready too.  He hadn't given any of us much choice as he up and left us to fend for ourselves.  Then some time later I met someone and of all things, online.  At the time we were living in Florida and this new someone lived in Michigan.  There's something to be said for online dating and i never thought i'd do it.  It was almost easier than the whole dating scene.  We got to know each other without all the pretenses...the physical nonsense that sometimes clouds judgement.  We talked online, then text and eventually phone calls that would last well into the night, sharing everything about ourselves.  When my children and i moved back North and were finally able to meet him in person for the first time, it felt natural, like we'd known each other for years.  Eventually we moved in together and a few years later got married.

It was an adjustment for sure, for myself and the kids but he loved me for me and accepted the kids unconditionally.  It was such a new thing to have a man want to hold my hand for no reason other than he wanted to be near me or give me a hug and a kiss just because he wanted to.  Not once in my first marriage had we ever 'cuddled' on the couch  to watch a movie.    But oh how wonderful it is :)

My new husband has given me a new lease on life for myself and my children  Of course mixing families...his kids and her kids...it's challenging to say the least and we have our problems like everyone does but i know he truly loves me and never hesitates to tell me often.  

It's a grand thing to be LOVED !

Thanks for stopping by today and i wish you love throughout your life !!!

*    *    *    *    *

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Krista now resides in Northern Lower Michigan.  She is married to a very supportive man, Chip, who allows her to follow her true passion of writing and never complains when she is pirated away on her computer for hours.  He even helps with proof-reading and is her “in-house” editor and her idea sounding board.  She is also a mother of 4 ornery children who keep her plenty busy.  With an addition of 2 beautiful chocolate lab sisters and 2 playful cats, there is never a dull or spare moment in her household. 

Krista has always loved to read and would often sit up for hours into the night not able to put down a book until she was finished.  She still reads when she can but her main focus is creating her own stories to share with the world. 

She loves to communicate with her readers so please feel free to drop her a line anytime at krista@kristaames.com or visit her website,  blog or Amazon Author page.