tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58950814628161481802023-11-16T11:47:36.121-05:00A Bear on BooksOne man's take on books, people, object d'art, whatever...Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-66882124391353105992018-08-29T22:14:00.000-04:002018-08-29T22:15:48.244-04:00"A Few God Fish" by Amy Lane<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>"A Few Good Fish"</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amy Lane</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5 Stars</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>A tomcat, a psychopath, and a psychic walk into the desert to rescue
the men they love…. Can everybody make it out with their skin intact?<br />
</i><i><br /></i><i>PI Jackson Rivers and Defense Attorney Ellery Cramer
have barely recovered from last November, when stopping a serial killer
nearly destroyed Jackson in both body and spirit.<br />
</i><i><br /></i><i>But their previous investigation poked a new danger
with a stick, forcing Jackson and Ellery to leave town so they can meet
the snake in its den.<br />
</i><i><br /></i><i>Jackson Rivers grew up with the mean streets as a
classroom and he learned a long time ago not to give a damn about his
own life. But he gets a whole new education when the enemy takes Ellery.
The man who pulled his shattered pieces from darkness and stitched them
back together again is in trouble, and Jackson’s only chance to save
him rests in the hands of fragile allies he barely knows.<br />
</i><i><br /></i><i>It’s going to take a little bit of luck to get these Few Good Fish out alive!
</i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
In this, the third book in the <b>Fish Out of Water</b> series, we pick up where book two left off. Jackson Rivers and Ellery Cramer are both recovering from the physical and psychological injuries sustained when they stopped a sadistic serial killer with ties to the police force, the military and...two old friends from another book. <br />
<br />
The events of "Red Fish, Dead Fish" have left as many questions unanswered as there are problems resolved. Tim Owens, the former military/cop psychopath, is now dead and both Jackson and Ellery are concerned that the men who created the killer and took advantage of his "talents" may not have stopped with just making just one. As they start to dig into the circumstances behind Owens' time in the military, they uncover a link to Sonny and Ace, the two main characters from "Racing for the Sun" and the death of the man who made Sonny's life hell in the service. <br />
<br />
As Jackson and Ellery track down the links between Owens, Sonny and Ace, and US Navy Commander Karl Lacey, the men find themselves in the middle of a far-reaching conspiracy that threatens to take Ellery away from Jackson, something unthinkable and unacceptable. Fighting to uncover the truth, all the players converge in an abandoned military base in the desert and all hell breaks loose. The question is, who will walk away alive?<br />
<br />
I went back and re-read the first two books in the series (as well as "Racing for the Sun") before tackling this one, and man-oh-man, was it worth it. It reminded me of why I adore Amy Lane so much, She has this knack for creating the most wonderfully flawed and broken characters who, against all the odds, find the one person who can help them heal and feel whole. That foundation allows her to throw her guys into the deep end of the crazy pool and allow them to sink or swim, but also shows them, and us, how strong even the most broken among us are.<br />
<br />
And there's a lot of broken here. Jackson, raised by a tragic drug-addicted mother, but who managed to cobble a family together out of friends and hope. Ellery, whose mother is at once demanding, controlling and shrewish while at the same time so protective. Sonny, who is just all kinds of wrong and twisted, sharing a similar background to Jackson but without being able to find a savior as a child. Ace, who is at best a morally gray character but who will kill to save those he loves. And now we have two new men to add to the mix-Ernie, the psychic former foster kid who is targeted for death and thrown away by everyone at every chance, and Burt(on), the black ops assassin who is really a white knight of sorts. Six men, three pairings, and potentially, one big odd family.<br />
<br />
We have the men, we have the romance, and we have the story line. Every action, every character, every line forms a part of the whole and man, what an ass-kicking whole it is. Amy takes all these pieces of yarn and knits them into this vibrant, textured fabric of love, loss, angst, hope, life and death.<br />
<br />
But the best thing? While there's a lot of action here, it's ALL about the characters. All about fear of loss, hope of a lasting love, the grace of family, and simple human contact. Yes, a lot happens and it's a roller coaster ride, but at the end of the day, what we care about and what we want to see is that Jackson and Ellery are healing and trusting and moving past the bad things that happened to them and are together.<br />
<br />
Just so damned well done. As always. Can't wait for book four and to find out about Burt and Ernie.<br />
<br />
Tom<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-54573761245229124862013-12-30T21:09:00.001-05:002018-06-20T14:58:39.024-04:00A Bear on Books Best of 2013<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="color: #4c1130;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Best of 2013, According to a Bear…</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">As</span></span> we get to the end of another year, I am
thankful for a lot of things. Mostly, that the year is almost over and I made
it to the end. As most of you who follow my silly postings know, I’ve been sick
a lot this year, and am working my way through a cardiac issue (FINALLY got a
diagnosis), not working, trying to write, and struggling with family and
personal issues. But…I am so very thankful for my friends, for family and for
the wonderful books that helped keep me distracted, amused and amazed this
year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
So many great talented people published books that
broke my heart, made me laugh, let me visit places I never thought I’d see, and
took my breath away. I wasn’t able to review as much as I did the past two or
three years due to work, writing, and health, but I kept a file going of
favorites, and all I can say is thank God for my Kindle. Most of the books I
want to honor this year were published in 2013, but a couple may be older ones.
My list, my rules. Sue me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
So here we go…</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I can’t quite pick just one book as my favorite of
the year. There are <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">three </span></span>I can narrow it down to, so they get the honors as
co-books of the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Billy’s Bones</i></b> by Jamie Fessenden. A
stunning, heart-wrenching story of love and redemption. Every page was a
revelation. I hurt, I cried, and I prayed for Kevin. Just wonderful.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">King Mai</i></b> by Edmond Manning. The
second in the Lost and Found series. Edmond has a way of wrapping me around his
little finger and lulling me into a nice, easy complacency then WHAM! my heart
is his playtoy. Mai stole my breath away.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Taking Chances</i></b> by John Goode. John’s
Foster High stories are the best YA series, bar none. Now, he tell us the full
story of Matt and the boy behind the red door, Tyler. For every gay man out
there who isn’t a manslut, who believes in love but is scared to death most times,
this is your—my—story. God, I want to write like John. So controlled, tight and
spellbinding.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
There are <span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">seven</span></span> more I want to add, to make a top
ten list. Really, any of these books, plus the three I already mentioned, would
make it to the short list of books I’d want to take with me to a deserted
island if I were going to be stranded. In no particular order, they are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Honor C</i></b> by Carol Zampa. A man who
tries to do the right thing. Honor isn’t dead. Impeccably written. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moving Mountains</i></b> by Laura Harner. Jamie
and Remy. Miggy. I lost my heart and cannot wait for the fourth and final book
in the Separate Ways series.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Memorizing You</i></b> by Dan Skinner.
Months after reading this, I still can’t discuss it without swallowing around a
lump in my throat. One of the best books I’ve ever read. </li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Aftermath</i></b> by Cara Dee. What happens
when a maniac holds you and several other men hostage for months? The bonds
that form, the memories and the aftermath. I was glued to this book, and wanted
more.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The General and the Horse Lord</i></b> by
Sarah Black. A tale of two mature men by one of my favorite authors in the
genre. The writing is solid, the storyline stunning, and the characters sharply
drawn. So very very very good.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christmas Kitsch</i></b> by Amy Lane. Yeah,
I’m Amy’s biggest fan. But read this and tell me if Rusty doesn’t steal your
heart. I wanted to wrap him in cotton, keep him safe and let him know he’s
loved. Silly, I know, but that’s how his story affected me. </li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Superhero</i></b> by Eli Easton. Jordan and
Owen have nothing in common. Except that they’re best friends, and they can’t
imagine not being in each other’s lives. One straight, one not but that doesn’t
matter. Owen can’t just let Jordan not be there, so he searches his heart and
discovers something…more. Top notch.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">My</span></span> heart is a little bigger this year, and able to
hold more than ten books, so these<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #660000;">twenty</span></span> fantastic efforts found a cozy niche
there also.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Running with George</i></b> by Charles
Lunsford. A man who lost his partner of years finds love again.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Judging Jude</i></b> by Havan Fellows.
Strong characters, fantastic writing, had me from the first word.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Strength of the Pack</i></b> by Kendall
McKenna. One of the best shifter stories I have ever read.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">KC, at Bat</i></b> by Tom Mendicino. A young
man falls for a jock, and has a realization at the end that blows him away. The
start of a series, I think. I hope...</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Celestine Room</i></b> by Jared Rackler.
Vampires, sensual writing, great story.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Denying Yourself</i></b> by Silvia Violet. Unhappy
werewolves who find love. Sigh.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Red Sunset</i></b> by Rowena Sudbury. Rowena
writes such beautiful stories. This follow-up steals my heart.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Last Day of Summer</i></b> by JF Smith.
The boys of summer. Be still my heart.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Mormon Victorian Society</i></b> by
Johnny Townsend. A series of shorts about Mormons. So goddamned touching I
choked up throughout the book.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If the Stars Fall</i></b> by Diane Adams.
The last of the Making of a Man series, and the one that took my breath away.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Old Loyalty, New Love</i></b> by Mary
Calmes. Mary always delivers characters I love, and she shot me in the heart
with Roman.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out of the Blackness</i></b> by Carter
Quinn. A horribly abused young man slowly opens himself to love. I was afraid
to breathe sometimes reading this stunner.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Finding Jackie</i></b> by Lou Sylvre. Luki
and Sonny on my Kindle, and my life is good. Some of the best writing I’ve ever
read.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">500 Miles</i></b> by Parker Williams. Broken
soldier, his best friend’s younger brother. Love, plain and simple.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Racing for the Sun</i></b> by Amy Lane.
Intense, hard-edged. One of my favorite Amy books.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dog Tagged</i></b> by James Brock. A love
story set against the backdrop of DADT. What happens when the man you love might
die and no one can know you love him?</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plan B</i></b> by SJD Peterson. Gay-for-you
story that grabs your heart and runs with it.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Forever Promised</i></b> by Amy Lane. The
finale of the Promise Rock series. Deacon, Jon and Mikhail. Comfort food for my
soul.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Great Wall</i></b> by Z. Allora. An
amazing story of love, in a totally unexpected setting. Rockers in China. Z
rocks this one.</li>
<li> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Park at Sunrise</i></b> by Lee Brazil.
Quietly stunning. Three friends who love each other lose one. Can the other two
go on?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">There </span></span>are just too many fine, solid books to leave
off my list. So, here’s<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> thirty</span></span> more, some not published this year but I read
them in 2013. New to me equals new! Again, these are in no particular order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Damaged Angels</i></b> by Larry Benjamin. </li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Still</i></b>, by Mary Calmes.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’ll Be Your Drill, Soldier!</i></b> by
Crystal Rose.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">YES, SIR</i></b> by Ellis Carrington.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Half Moon Chambers</i></b> by Harper Fox.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The House of Silence</i></b> by J.A. Jaken.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Safety Net</i></b> by Keiko Kirin.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Cowboy Heart</i></b> by Z.A. Maxfield.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Play Me, I’m Yours</i></b> by Madison
Parker.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Song on the Sand</i></b> by Ruth Sims.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hunt and Pray</i></b> by Cindy Sutherland.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dex in Blue</i></b> by Amy Lane.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beyond Duty</i></b> by SJD Peterson.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ethan in Gold</i></b> by Amy Lane.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Light and Shadow</i></b> by GL Roberts.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mourning Heaven</i></b> by Amy Lane.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chase the Storm</i></b> by V.M. Waitt.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stealing Ganymede</i></b> by J. Warren.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Brothers Grime: Grime and Punishment</i></b>
by Z.A. Maxfield.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">An Ordinary Boy</i></b> by Brian Centrone.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Black Dog</i></b> by Cat Grant.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reach for the Moon</i></b> by Val Kovalin.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Power Exchange</i></b> by AJ Rose.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Safeword </i></b>by AJ Rose.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Feral</i></b> by Alexa Land.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Touch & Geaux</i></b> by Abigail Roux.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pup</i></b> by SJD Peterson.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rough Canvas 6: Nature of Desire</i></b> by
Joey W. Hill.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Social Skills</i></b> by Sara Alva.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sinner’s Gin</i></b> by Rhys Ford.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">There</span></span> are<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #660000;">three</span></span> books I pulled back off the
archive on my Kindle and re-read. They are too good to just have once. Very
different in nature—cowboys, high school kids, wolf shifters—but all three leap
off the page at me. Especially the first; I read it twice over Christmas just
because…</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">One Marriage and Three Weddings</i></b> by
Jenna Hilary Sinclair. This...this is a slow dance to love, plain and simple. Two cowboys who decide they want to be it for each other after both being married, and how their lived play out. Magnificent.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wrestling with Desire</i></b> by D.H. Starr. Two young high school students who find each other and their bumpy ride to love.</li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Werewolf’s Soldier</i></b> by Kayley
Scott. War, werewolves, and love. All parts done so well, it's magic.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I wish all of you a very Happy New Year. May 2014
bring you peace, happiness and prosperity. My love and thoughts are with
everyone.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Tom</div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-63969286938185597772013-08-14T00:30:00.000-04:002013-08-14T00:30:01.196-04:00"Pitch" and Ten Questions with Will Parkinson<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
text-align:justify;
text-indent:23.75pt;
line-height:150%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">“Pitch”</span>
by Will Parkinson</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Teenage
love, so sweet and so not easy</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></b><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Highly
Recommended</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">High
school is so rough. And it’s especially tough on some kids. Young guys like
Taylor. He’s the average guy—nervous about grades, feeling like he doesn’t fit
in. A little on the chubby side, he thinks. Average looks, average student,
average grades. The only thing that sets him apart, he thinks, is his skill in
drawing. Oh, and the fact he’s gay and in the closet. His best friend, Benny,
is the only person who knows. Benny the straight jock with a brain. They hold
each other’s secrets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">When
Jackson walks into Taylor’s sophomore classroom, it’s like lightening for
Taylor. Only…Jackson is straight, a baseball jock and immediately starts dating
a cheerleader. Still, Taylor can’t let it go. He goes to every baseball game,
and secretly crushes on Jackson. Until the summer after their sophomore year,
when Taylor and Benny act as counselors at a camp for abused kids. There both
his and Benny’s lives are changed forever. He decides to give up on his
helpless crush and maybe date someone else.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">But
will that decision backfire on him, especially when the boy he chooses to date
turns out to be something less than a knight in shining armor? Will being out
make things easier for Taylor, or totally destroy his life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">You
will have to bear with me here. I am a little strange sometimes. But as I read
Will Parkinson’s beautifully written and heartfelt book, I had a song that kept
running through my head. Words from Dan Fogelberg’s “The Netherlands”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I want a lover</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I want some friends</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And I want to live in the sun</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And I want to do all the things</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">That I never have done</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Taylor
is the kid in all of us. And he’s the gay kid that was in me all those years
ago. He wants so much to fit in, to have a boyfriend, to have the boy of his
dreams. All the things that seems so impossible and out of his reach. Sometimes,
he learns, the hardest thing is to have what you want in front of you every
day, right within your reach, and you aren’t able to just reach out and grab
them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I’ve seen the bottom</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And I’ve been on top</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">But mostly I’ve lived in
between</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And where do you go</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">When you get to the end</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Of your dreams?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">What
I really loved about this book was how it captured the essence of how hard and
easy it is to be a teen. How the joy you can feel one moment can change to
despair at the drop of a hat. And how cruel other kids—because, yes, teenagers
are still kids—can be, especially when you already feel different. It’s such a
thin line between normal and outcast, and we see in graphic detail how it
affects Taylor, then Jackson, then Benny and so on. Some might think it goes
over the top. I am here to say, no it doesn’t. I’ve seen it. Worked with abused
kids for ten years. Not only does it—bullying—happen, it happens more than we
as adults like to think. And while some say suck it up, it will get better, to
a child, all there is, is today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">There’s
a quiet desperation, a taste of pain in this book which is so familiar. I think
most of us have felt it. But then, there’s a hint of joy that comes and takes
up to a happier place. And sometimes that’s what’s needed, in real life and in
fiction. Someone to come in, hold us, tell us it’s okay and make it better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Even
if it’s fiction.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Well
done, Will. I am very proud of you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Tom
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><i><b>And now... </b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ten Questions for Will Parkinson…</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">So tell me, boxers or briefs?? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #7030a0;">Um….neither.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Who
in “Pitch” are you most like? <span style="color: #7030a0;">I’m most like Taylor.
I suffered through a lot of the same things he did. I find that there is a
little of me in most of my characters, but for the most part, yeah, I’m Taylor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Do
you put people you know into your writings? <span style="color: #7030a0;">Sometimes.
I’d like to think not so much that people would be able to recognize
themselves, but I do get an idea in my head, ‘Wow, this character seems so much
like that person!’ and my portrayal of them makes me see them as the other
person in my head.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Why YA? <span style="color: #7030a0;">Eden Winters said I had a ‘voice’ for it. I’m not sure how true that
is, but I enjoy writing the stories. Especially working with Harmony. They were
great and helped me not feel ‘too’ nervous about my writing.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I
loved the book. Talk to me about what it was like submitting a book for
publication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #7030a0;">It
was terribly nerve-wracking. I freaked out about it for days. It got
progressively worse as I headed toward the two words everyone seems to enjoy
‘the end’. My friends encouraged me, though. They were amazing when it came
time to do the deed, as it were.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">What
do you want people to know about Will Parkinson <span style="color: #7030a0;">I’m
not the person I play on Facebook. I’m actually pretty shy (okay, fine, very
shy) and don’t do a lot of public things. But I love talking with people on
Facebook. I have made some amazing friends here, including KC Wells who I
co-wrote a book with that just got picked up by Dreamspinner.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Who
do you most want to read “Pitch”? Who are you most afraid of reading it? <span style="color: #7030a0;">I want people who enjoy seeing people succeed read the
story. I like to think I did a decent job with it, and Benny steals the show.
The people who take things way too seriously are the ones I’m afraid of reading
the story.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">We
both seem to agree SJD Peterson is a princess with pink crinoline and a girly
tiara. Tell me, who’s scarier—her or me? <span style="color: #7030a0;">She’s
wearing pink. I really don’t think there’s much scary in that picture. (And you
better damn well protect me when she reads this!)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Who
is your hero? <span style="color: #7030a0;">I have a couple. You. Laura Harner.
Mardee Burnett, and KC Wells. Each of you have spent way too much time
bolstering me and comforting me when my brain goes a little (fine, a lot)
haywire. I’m more grateful to the group of you than you can know.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">What’s next for Will? And are
you still gonna write a BDSM story with me? <span style="color: #7030a0;">Wild
horses with whips couldn’t keep me away. I did a post where I asked about dream
teams for writing. You and Parker were mentioned. And besides, I have learned a
lot from you and look forward to learning more.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Thanks for having me, Sir. It’s been a real pleasure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">The
pleasure was all mine, boy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Tom</span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
text-align:justify;
text-indent:23.75pt;
line-height:150%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-23457595255064285912013-07-26T10:25:00.004-04:002013-07-26T10:25:39.247-04:00Memorizing You<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"<span style="color: #660000;">Memorizing You</span>" by Dan Skinner</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>An Answered Prayer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Highly Recommended</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
text-align:justify;
text-indent:23.75pt;
line-height:150%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
So, usually I start with a recap so
you get a taste of what the book feels like. Then I tell you what worked and
didn’t work, and what touched me. Forgive me if I break a little from my usual
style. This book has me all over the place, in a good way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
David is a regular kind of guy, and
Ryan is a jock. They are both in high school in the sixties, when being gay was
just not okay. They meet, the become friends, then more. Then life and hate and
the times tear them apart. Life goes on. People move on. And yet…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Now here’s the beautiful sadness
that grabbed me in the darkest and most hopeful and cynical places in my soul—life
never takes you quite where you think it will. Yes, we are caught in the
hurricane, but sometimes, just sometimes, it drops you in the most unexpected
places. Sometimes, even after forty years, you look up and holy hell, there’s your
second chance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
I don’t want to spoil anything for
you as you read this incredible book. Dan Skinner, God bless him, has created
characters that I know, that I lived with, played with, grew up with, loved,
lost, cried over and still love. These are the people of my past. This story is
mine, and probably in a lot of ways, Dan’s. Gay men of a certain age (and doesn’t
that sound haughty, and is a simple way of saying, fifty-ish) have a very
different experience of coming to terms with their homosexuality. It might be
difficult now, but for those of us who discovered that part of ourselves in the
sixties and seventies (and early eighties) lived a different life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Here’s the thing, and I’m sorry I’m
all over the place here. This book is a must read. It’s love, life, loss and
joy, pain, sadness and…I am almost lost for words. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The lessons here? L<span class="null">ife
is bittersweet, take your happiness a day at a time, and hope is a fickle bitch
that surprises you when you least expect it. It might take forty years, but
sometimes, God gives you back that which you never thought you would see or
feel or hold again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="null">What a gift. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="null">Read this book. It’s
a prayer answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="null">Tom</span></div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-59515955513333034292013-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:002013-06-29T00:01:23.320-04:00Forever Promised<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Forever Promised" by Amy Lane</span><br />
<br />
Beautiful and loving ending to my favorite series<br />
<br />
Very Highly Recommended<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">There’s this bittersweet feeling that comes with completing something you love. Whether it’s a task at work, a knitting project, building a cabinet—for me it’s usually associated with reading or writing. One of the first books I ever read in the male/male genre was <i>Keeping Promise Rock,</i> and I became an instant Amy Lane fan. She’s who I want to be when I grow up, and now to be able to review the fourth, and last, <i>Promise</i> book overwhelms me.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to do it justice, and I know I won’t be able to, but here’s my best shot.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">At my dad’s house, and I imagine at most family’s homes, there are two special seats. One is for the head of the family. It’s usually the patriarch, like my dad, but sometimes it’s the revered female also. At my house, it’s my dad. He’s ninety years old, and we—all eight of us kids and the grandkids and great-grandkids and now soon to be a great-great-grandson—look to him before we do anything. It’s how it should be, forever and ever, amen.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then there’s the emotional head of the family. Since my mom passed away in 2000, that role has mostly been filled by my sister Diane. Not Big Diane, but Little Diane. See, I have two sisters named Diane. Remember, I am from the south, and everything we do comes with a story here. My mom and dad were both married before—my dad was divorced and has three kids from his first marriage, and my mom was widowed with three daughters before they married and had me and my younger brother. And they both had daughters named Diane, and yeah, the older was Big Diane and the younger Little Diane.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well, in Amy Lane’s world, Deacon is the head of the family. He’s the one that the family turns to, the dad, the sun that all the planets of his collected brothers and sisters circle. He’s been the center of the series, and he’s my perfect man. Stubborn as nails and loyal to a fault, he puts the family first, always.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then there’s the seat at the other end of the dining room table. And most would think it’s Crick, or Benny, but it’s not. In this book, it’s Mikhail. See, I can’t call him Mickey, because I don’t want my arms yanked off like a fly, and I’m not quite family, as much as I want to be. I know it will surprise many, but trust me, here, it’s Mikhail.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Forever Promised</i> opens with Benny, and appropriately enough, ends with Benny. In between, we have love, life, death, marriage, and all the little things that form the fabric of our lives. And oh, have these things been woven into a tapestry that took my breath away. Every single player was represented here. All of this wonderful, beautiful family has their moment in the sun. But three stand out for me.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deacon, as always, has my heart. His family gets to give back to him as they haven’t before. There is one scene with Jon—I had to put my book down and walk it off. It was that…transcendent.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Mikhail. Now I love the little man, and have since I saw his snitty little butt make an entrance on the second book. But here, oh God, he takes my breath away. I fell in love with him so hard, and I wanted to wrap him up in cotton and carry him away.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">And Benny. It’s so clichéd, but our little girl grew up. In such a big, heart-stopping way. And I fell a little in love with her too.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I don’t want to give the plot away, since this book deserves to be savored. I will say, if it has to end, this was the way to do it.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amy Lane has had my heart for a couple of years now, and she broke it a little, roughed it up, but then wrote this love letter to grace and care, love and family, and healed it. Such damned fine writing, and with her hand on the rudder, I’d sail to any port with her.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #623c1b; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #656d79; font-family: Arial, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #623c1b;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazing. Simply amazing.</span></span></div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-30305092897585706632013-04-10T13:44:00.000-04:002013-04-10T13:44:02.697-04:00Bolt Hole<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Bolt Hole</span> by Amy Lane</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Two more fantastic characters</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="justify">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW5UWVoTJu5EK2HgL-wFV-LQcmxY1np2vLZIrZYBInWgTAKhRLpu2ZpZhGFt-3H7FEsLj6NPa3-coVT1F0M4UpSrqbtzqwtpOwzVibbp2mLRIXMO4YPlv18lUkTKYkjoqmCec6T8MlSc/s1600/BoltHole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZW5UWVoTJu5EK2HgL-wFV-LQcmxY1np2vLZIrZYBInWgTAKhRLpu2ZpZhGFt-3H7FEsLj6NPa3-coVT1F0M4UpSrqbtzqwtpOwzVibbp2mLRIXMO4YPlv18lUkTKYkjoqmCec6T8MlSc/s1600/BoltHole.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bolt
hole a funny thing. It’s used as a hidey place, somewhere you can run to
and feel safe when the hounds are after you and you need to get away
from the rest of the world. Terrell Washington—his whole life is a bolt
hole. He’s the shining example of what is heard way too often. He’s
black and poor: his mother left him to be raised by a grandmother too
busy with raising her own kids and grandkids dumped off on her, working,
and her church to have much love or attention for him. </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He’s
too smart for his own good, going to college and getting a journalism
degree that does him no good. And to top it all off? He’s gay in a
culture where that can get you killed. So he crushes it down with all
his other failed dreams and hides in plain sight. He becomes a
bartender, has one-offs, and grows more and more bitter.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Until
he meets Colby Meyers. The two men have absolutely nothing in
common—Terrell is black, poor, embittered and gay while Colby is white,
shiny and funny and straight—but somehow the two form an unlikely
friendship that brings sunshine into Terrell’s life. Then he finds
company in the little bolt hole of his life.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
all changes when Colby takes matters into his own hands and kisses
Terrell. Right as their jerk of a boss is murdered, and he’s the center
of attention. Suddenly, his deepest, darkest secrets are right there on
the edge of being discovered. Is Colby worth taking a step out of the
dark places he’s been hiding in? And if he does, will he be safe before
the murderer strikes again?</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
is a different Amy Lane book, and dammit, I like it. Terrell is cranky,
funny, shy, bitchy and an all-around bear of a guy. Right up my alley!
He’s on the edge of giving up on everything, including himself, and all
it might take is one small push to take him over the edge. That’s where
Colby comes in; the pushy little white boy that makes him—and me—smile. I
love that it wasn’t instalove, and that these two men become friends
first. Their very sweet friendship is wonderful to watch. Sometimes, all
it takes is one person willing to reach out and connect to make all the
difference for a drowning man.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
Colby. Like an onion, we get to see all the layers of what could be a
cliché peeled back. Where he starts as the friend, he becomes so much
more. We think he’s a surfer boy dude, but we see he’s so very much
more. And he’s the perfect match and foil for Terrell’s rabbiting. He
forces him out from the closet—another of his many bolt holes—and has
grand plans for the two of them.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
murder mystery is an essential part of the story, and is fun to watch
play out. The women in this book play a vital role, and we get to see
solid, real females for a change. Once of the very nice things about
this book is the realness of the characters; these aren’t the men and
women you expect from Amy, and it’s great to see her take a different
tact. A very successful one.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Overall, another great effort. I can’t get enough of these solidly drawn, complicated and accessible characters. Fantastic job.</span></span></div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-8920605875927205962013-02-21T11:42:00.000-05:002013-02-21T11:42:34.967-05:00A Bear's Thoughts on GRL 2013...I'm not quite sure how to process this posting as yet. I attended last year as a reader, since I wasn't published at the time I registered, and there really wasn't a Reviewer slot. But my novel was published the day before GRL started, and I had another out co-written with another author. <br /><br />The event itself was fun. I got to fan-boy and meet all my heroes. And that's what the event is about, right?<br /><br />But now I am on the other side of the table. I am a published author and was considering registering as one this year. When I read this, though, I thought, will I be welcomed? I am an amoeba in a fishpond compared to hundreds of other authors, and will my "ranking" be enough to get me in as a writer?<br /><br />The fact the event is in my home town makes me think I may, for several reasons. But I am seeing a lot of commentary from my peer group who are upset about the turn of events. And I can't blame them. I am too. But I like to take a longer view of it, and will make my decision to attend based on my personal ethics and beliefs when the time comes.<br /><br />I am concerned however. This tastes and smells and feels like something I don't want to think about - elitism. It's very well reasoned and rolled out, but so was "All pigs are equal. Some are more equal than others, though..."<br /><br />High school, for me, was over in 1979, and I choose not to revisit it, especially in this arena. I wasn't in the "Cool Kids" group then, and sure as hell am not now. And I can say, I have heard almost the same sentiment from at least ten other authors whose opinions I respect.<br /><br />I just don't know. <br /><br />I DO know that I have seen way too many instances where, in this small community of personalities, a tiny spark erupts into a flashfire, and oftentimes it's ridiculous and over the top. I couldn't write some of the drama that occurs in real life on Goodreads, or if I did, it would get one star. And TPTB may be counting on this announcement burning off before the website is opened to the public and slots sold.<br />
<br />
And have no doubts, it WILL sell out.<br />
<br />
But who will be there? And will it it be the best line-up for the fans, the readers, the reviewers?<br />
<br />
Guys and gals of the committee, I hope it doesn't blow up in your faces.<br />
<br />
One last thought...is this now a RWA event? Because I don't have my Little Orphan Annie decoder ring yet, so where does that leave me?<br />
<br />
Wishing you a happy week. <br />
<br />
Tom<br />
<br />
PS Here's the link to the GRL posting...<br />
<br />
http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2f9594b419e354dd7c4130b97&id=6e12844973<br />
<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-89227266465193061692013-01-20T19:49:00.000-05:002013-01-20T20:39:54.399-05:00If the Stars Fall<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">"If the Stars Fall (Making of A Man)"</span> by Diane Adams</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Warm, electric tinglies to my heart</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Very Highly Recommended</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Alex Ross has loved Jared Douglas from almost the moment <span style="font-size: small;">he met him. <span style="font-size: small;">He was fifteen and <span style="font-size: small;">Jare<span style="font-size: small;">d </span>almost twenty, but the gap was<span style="font-size: small;">, to h<span style="font-size: small;">im, nothing. But to J<span style="font-size: small;">ared it was the difference between consent and abuse, and he made sure Alex was nothing more tha<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">n</span> his friend for the first year<span style="font-size: small;"> of thei<span style="font-size: small;">r relationship.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, s<span style="font-size: small;">ixteen years later<span style="font-size: small;">, the two are partners in all sense of the word. Happily together, living in the home Alex de<span style="font-size: small;">signed for them and happier than Jared ever thought possible, a horrible accident strikes. One that almost takes <span style="font-size: small;">Alex from him a<span style="font-size: small;">nd which rocks <span style="font-size: small;">b</span>oth men to the core.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jum<span style="font-size: small;">p ah<span style="font-size: small;">ead nineteen more years, and it's Alex's turn to b<span style="font-size: small;">e sh</span></span>aken at the potential loss of the other ha<span style="font-size: small;">lf of his soul. Jared hospitalized and ill, and even thirty<span style="font-size: small;">-fi<span style="font-size: small;">ve years of loving the man isn't <span style="font-size: small;">enough. He is Alex<span style="font-size: small;">'s for all time, until the stars fall from the s<span style="font-size: small;">ky...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Both incidents spur <span style="font-size: small;">intr<span style="font-size: small;">ospections <span style="font-size: small;">by thes<span style="font-size: small;">e two incre<span style="font-size: small;">di<span style="font-size: small;">ble men<span style="font-size: small;">. Will they get through the p<span style="font-size: small;">itfalls of health scar<span style="font-size: small;">es intact? How will their lives change? Is their love strong and enduring enough?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In this sentiment<span style="font-size: small;">al, stunning little book, Diane Adams had me on the edge of what Dolly Parton calls <span style="font-size: small;">smiles though tears<span style="font-size: small;"> (her favorite emotion) from <span style="font-size: small;">damn near the first page. I<span style="font-size: small;">'ve been reading this series<span style="font-size: small;"> since <span style="font-size: small;">"</span>Our <span style="font-size: small;">December (Book One)", and have read all<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>fi<span style="font-size: small;">ve books <span style="font-size: small;">plus some other smaller stories. I<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">thought nothing could match Clark's Story. God, was I w<span style="font-size: small;">rong.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is a purity grounded in real life that makes these tales <span style="font-size: small;">of love, care and family so very accessible and memorable. Alex and Jared are soulmates, yes, but they are not without their c<span style="font-size: small;">hallenges. Alex is a d<span style="font-size: small;">rea<span style="font-size: small;">mer, apt to jumping in with both feet before he looks. J<span style="font-size: small;">are<span style="font-size: small;">d</span> is so self-secure and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>solid, but <span style="font-size: small;">also righ<span style="font-size: small;">teous and rigid. Together, they make their fr<span style="font-size: small;">iends sick with their never-ending passion and <span style="font-size: small;">love for one a<span style="font-size: small;">nother.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But Ms. Adams doesn't stop with them being a sappy cou<span style="font-size: small;">ple. No, that <span style="font-size: small;">would be selling them, and us, so very short. Alex's mother, for years and <span style="font-size: small;">years, won't accept her son's homosexuality, and it<span style="font-size: small;">'s like a thorn in his heart for every singe minu<span style="font-size: small;">te of those yea<span style="font-size: small;">rs to him. All he wants is her love, and she withholds is so ver<span style="font-size: small;">y, very cruelly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And J<span style="font-size: small;">ared, his <span style="font-size: small;">whole person<span style="font-size: small;">a <span style="font-size: small;">and identity is built on an image he's carried of his father, and how a man should be. But that base is not quite as solid as <span style="font-size: small;">an outside observer can see; Jared was sexually abused and raped<span style="font-size: small;"> as a teen, even though he refuses to call it that. And it's made for some<span style="font-size: small;"> lonely, harsh days for him. He is <span style="font-size: small;">a class act, though, tryi<span style="font-size: small;">ng to be the rock for ot<span style="font-size: small;">hers when his feet are on slippery ground so m<span style="font-size: small;">uch of the time in his head.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But when these two <span style="font-size: small;">found each other, they tr<span style="font-size: small;">uly bec<span style="font-size: small;">ame more than the sum of the two. <span style="font-size: small;">Ah, and when they looked outside th<span style="font-size: small;">e two of them and <span style="font-size: small;">built their lives <span style="font-size: small;">with th<span style="font-size: small;">eir families, both blood and of the heart, they truly shine.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So when we get to this jewel of a book, and see the two of them struggle, we know it will be okay. They have each other<span style="font-size: small;">, they have Clark, <span style="font-size: small;">Stevie, their families.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And they decide to marry. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">L<span style="font-size: small;">et me tell you a littl<span style="font-size: small;">e story. I<span style="font-size: small;"> love to read, and I hate to drive, so I use my Kindle speech function<span style="font-size: small;">, with ear buds, when I drive back an<span style="font-size: small;">d forth to work and to run errands. So here I am<span style="font-size: small;">, near the end of this damn book, struggling alread<span style="font-size: small;">y to hold my emotions in because <span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">t's just so damned beau<span style="font-size: small;">tiful to read (and you should hear it, trust m<span style="font-size: small;">e) and I get th<span style="font-size: small;">e the scene where Alex and Jared exchan<span style="font-size: small;">ge their vows.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to pull off on the side of the <span style="font-size: small;">r<span style="font-size: small;">oad. I co<span style="font-size: small;">uldn't see to drive thro<span style="font-size: small;">ugh my tears.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">And that's the whole series<span style="font-size: small;">, to me. Seeing t<span style="font-size: small;">wo men fall in love, weather life's storms and come out the other end whole and com<span style="font-size: small;">plete and <span style="font-size: small;">better for the wear. How can th<span style="font-size: small;">at not move you? Isn't t<span style="font-size: small;">hat<span style="font-size: small;"> all of our drea<span style="font-size: small;">ms?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's not perfect, but it's darned close.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trust me, read these <span style="font-size: small;">gian<span style="font-size: small;">t-hearted stories back-to-back. Not many do it better tha<span style="font-size: small;">n Ms. Adams.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tom </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-79549374280160961042013-01-18T11:47:00.000-05:002013-01-18T11:47:09.370-05:00Under the Rushes<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"Under the Rushes"</span> by Amy Lane</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Steampunk meets Batman and HOLY COW!</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #623c1b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">How do you break a man? You take away the things most important to him. Destroy them<span style="font-size: small;">, o</span>r give them back broken.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Ten
years ago, Dorjan allowed himself to believe in his country, his
leaders, and his duty. That childish way of life lead to his leaders
betraying him, using him to hurt and kill innocent persons, and almost
to his own death. Injured, he is used as a scapegoat and barely escapes
with his health and sanity. Unfortunately for his best friend Areau, the
same can’t be said about him.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Dorjan
has loved Areau like a brother for his whole life, and while his friend
isn’t gay, they two couldn’t be closer than most lovers. When Dorjan’s
father risks everything to return Areau home, stealing him from the very
men who hurt and used his son, Dorjan again knows the bitter taste of
betrayal.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Now
Dorjan is working from within the system, trying to affect change. By
day, he’s part of the government. But at night, he’s…something more.
Someone who prowls the night, costumed, helping those who most need him
and battling to keep the streets clean. It’s there he meets Taern. Funny
how fate throws people together again and again, until they get the
message. This time, Taern is a young man working the streets, proud,
funny and strangely hopeful.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">As
Dorjan, in concert with his old friend Areau—now…broken and in a
strange, horrible relationship with Dorjan—strive to take down the
cancer killing their country, Taern is added to the volatile mix. Will
it help? Or will it be the final piece, the straw that breaks the
camel’s back for Dorjan? Will he be forced to pay the ultimate price?</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I’m
not normally a fan of steampunk. I find it a little…too much, too noisy
and busy and just plain weird. But, damn it, Amy Lane has taken the
genre by the short, curly ones, thrown in a liberal dash of <i>Batman and Robin</i>,
added a dash of hot gay lovin’ and given us a dashing, entertaining and
oddly moving and deep tone poem on love, duty, sacrifice and good old
fashioned derring-do.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">I
was by turns laughing and gasping at shocks to my heart with these
characters. Dorjan, whose sense of honor runs so deep he is willing to
give and give to the last drop of blood in his body, was the perfect
hero. He has a heart so huge, and a will to match it. Faced with loss
and heartbreak at every turn, he keeps plodding, one foot in front of
the other, resigned to his fate.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Then
we have Taern, the perfect foil to Dorjan’s seriousness. Sensual, fun,
sexy and stubborn, he is reluctant and wary to give his heart, but
quickly and completely falls for Dorjan. He takes it upon his young
shoulders to carry the extra load of Dorjan’s burden, and makes it his
mission to ensure the big man succeeds, but survives. He is the perfect
companion for the seriousness that is Dorjan.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">But
it is Areau that captivates me. As beautiful inside as he is on the
outside, he is brutally treated by those in power, broken physically,
mentally and spiritually. Dorjan makes it his mission to cobble Humpty
Dumpty back together, but the man that is left…he’s just not the boy
Dorjan knew. What he does, what he has become, broke my heart.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">Ah, but his redemption<span style="font-size: small;">; g</span>lorious.
I think he stands among Amy’s most memorable characters. I adored him,
and grieved for him every moment of the story. What he went through,
what he became, the potential — just heartbreaking. But then…ah, I can’t
ruin the story for you.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">And
that’s the sign of a wonderful story. It makes you want to grab
everyone you come in contact with, and force them to sit and listen to
you rave about it and insist they read it. Kind of like I am doing with
you right now, as I think on it.</span></div>
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div align="justify">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: small;">So quit reading now, go to your friendly bookseller, and buy this epic. Now! What are you waiting for?!?</span></div>
<br />
TomTom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-33304020290067307012012-12-20T23:36:00.000-05:002013-01-15T11:25:24.777-05:00A Bear on Book's Best of 2012<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In which Pooh reads a ton of M/M and tries to narrow it down to his top <strike>10</strike> <strike>20</strike> <strike>25</strike> 50...</span></span></b><br />
<br />
Okay, I can do this. I really can.<br />
<br />
This was a banner year for M/M books. The quality was terrific, there were many bright new names that put out books I laughed at, cried over, sat stunned with, and just enjoy like...well, a bear with a honey jar.<br />
<br />
I really was trying to narrow it to my top twenty, then twenty-five, but I identified about sixty worthy of mention. I could cut a little, so I finally decided on fifty.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado (because I know you really don't want all my prattles, you want to get to the goodie inside the blow-pop), here are <span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Tom's Favorite Fifty Books of 2012</b></span>. My only criteria was that they had to be published in 2012.<br />
<br />
My favorite book of 2012 is:<br />
<br />
<b><i>To Touch the Stars</i> by Jeremy Pack</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414fAVcb2bL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Product Details" border="0" class="productImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414fAVcb2bL._AA160_.jpg" /></a> This book has it all - heart, a fantastic storyline, believable and engaging characters, and that something that just grabbed me by the heartstrings and wouldn't let me go.<br />
<br />
Jeremy Pack wrote his heart out with this stunning story of two men's journey over twenty years and three continents to be together. When I turned the last page, I wanted to burn every page I have ever written, because I can't hope to write anything this beautiful.<br />
<br />
<br />
In no particular order, numbers 2 through 10 in no particular order...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>The Island </b></i>by Lisa Henry. A slow rise of nausea and fear for the first two thirds or so of this book kept me more engaged than almost any book of the year. The tension...*shivers*</li>
<li><i><b>Chase in Shadow</b></i> by Amy Lane. A life almost, almost over too soon. I ached, and this book hit way too close to home.</li>
<li><i><b>Sub Zero</b></i> by Angel Martinez. Nobody build a world like Angel Martinez. But that's the easy part; she then fills it with believable characters who make me think, feel and care.</li>
<li><i><b>I Am Fallen</b></i> by Scarlet Blackwell. This book was damned near perfect. A tragedy in the making, the end blew me away.</li>
<li><i><b>Who We Are </b></i>by TJ Klune. Has there ever been a sequel so anticipated? And delivered so spot on? The Kid, Otter and our very own Bear - mwah! A book for the ages. The dinner party scene? Perfection.</li>
<li><i><b>The Rare Event</b></i> by PD Singer. Slow building, exquisitely told, this was my runner up for book of the year. I sat there after finishing it and had to re-read it immediately. I was afraid I missed a word, a sentence.</li>
<li><i><b>King Perry</b></i> by Edmond Manning. No book surprised me more this year. Edmond and I talked and he asked me to read it. I thought, why not. I had no idea where it was going, and when I did...my heart leapt. This book filled me with hope.</li>
<li><i><b>End of the Innocence</b></i> by John Goode. An important book. Vital and essential reading. Tied for runner up for best book of the year. The tragedy that is caused by hate, played out in a high school. God, it hurt to read this book but I loved every word of it.</li>
<li><i><b>Conner's Courage</b></i> by SJD Peterson. The best of the Whispering Pines Ranch series, and that is no small event. This one was a surprise; it was a slow dance on a Saturday night with your favorite guy, whiskey on the rocks and the stars in an open sky, all rolled into a beautifully told story.</li>
</ul>
Numbers 11 through 25 in no particular order...<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Jack</b></i> by Adrienne Wilder. A huge surprise and a kick in the gut. A transgendered/kinda-sorta m/m story that deserves wide-spread attention. Adrienne Wilder made me forget gender while weaving a totally unexpected love story. Unconventional and worth the read.</li>
<li><i><b>Fifteen Shades of Gay (For Pay)</b></i> by T. Baggins. A coming-out story that made me laugh, think, and most of all, care. This one is fantastic.</li>
<li><i><b>Velvet </b></i>by Xavier Axelson. Known for his atmospheric stories, Xavier gives us a full novel in a medieval world, where being gay is deadly and angering the king more so. This was like a fairy tale for adults, and I wanted more, so much more of it. Anything by Xavier is worth reading, and this - his best.</li>
<li><i><b>(Un)Masked</b></i> by Andrew Gordon and Anyta Sunday. A man whose face reflects back the person you most wish to see. A family curse. Characters that were so real they leapt off the page. Just a damned fine book.</li>
<li><i><b>Mourning Heaven</b></i> by Amy Lane. A powerful story of a wasted life and love found and hearts healed. One of her best. Ever.</li>
<li><i><b>Chaser</b></i> by Rick Reed. A book that makes the reader think, is attraction more than skin deep? And what if the initial attraction is for something society says is wrong...as in to a heavy man. Finally, someone explores an area long untalked about.</li>
<li><i><b>The British Devil </b></i>by Greg Hogben. A quasi-memoir that had me laughing my ass off. But best of all, under the laughter is a story that makes us think about serious issues. Like loving someone from another country, how unfair our laws are, and how religion can tear apart families. </li>
<li><i><b>Yes</b></i> by Lou Sylvre. A Vasquez and James story, and one that had me in tears. The beautiful sadness of nearly losing that someone you love...horrifying, told with care and respect, and a story that I wish I could write so well.</li>
<li><i><b>Missing</b></i> by Drew Braxton. Imagine your worst nightmare - you are visiting someone and your lover disappears. And you can't find him. Then, turn it sideways and squint, and you have this innovative and powerful read. I adored it.</li>
<li><i><b>Tigerland</b></i> by Sean Kennedy. The long awaited sequel to Tigers and Devils, this showcases the humor and love that Sean Kennedy showed in his earlier work. What happens when Dec's ex wants him back? Simon won't stand for it, that's for damned sure!</li>
<li><i><b>Hard Candy, Soft Cream </b></i>by Chloe Stowe. The unexpected follow up to Hard Wood, Soft Heart, this book took my breath away. For real. It's a hard realization to come to that you may outlive your partner, and to see it from both men's views? Stunning.</li>
<li><i><b>Oceans Apart</b></i> by Laura Harner. The second in a four book series about an English detective and his Arizona counterpart who flounder around an attraction while solving crimes. This time, each has another partner...or do they? I adore Miggy.</li>
<li><i><b>A Broken Light</b></i> by Diane Adams. What if you spent your whole life hunting down evil, only to have your brother infected with it? And to then find the man you love may be part of it too? This was a pleasant surprise on the familiar shifter/hunter story. Well written with strong characters.</li>
<li><i><b>Light of Day</b></i> by Sue Brown. The sequel to The Night Porter, one of my favorite books last year. So bittersweet, this one gives us a happy for now that I can live with. I've read these two a half dozen times...</li>
<li><i><b>Whistle Pass</b></i> by DevaK. Post WWII mystery/detective/love story. Two improbable lovers meet and deal with the realities of the time. Well written, strong storyline and characters. So damned solid.</li>
</ul>
See how darned hard this stuff is???<br />
<br />
Okay, and the next twenty-five all could be anywhere above too. It's THAT hard to choose. So...numbers 26 through 50, in no particular order. <br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Frog</b></i> by Mary Calmes. A cowboy in love, a family in need and San Francisco. Can all three merge together? Mary Calmes does this so damned well, giving us memorable men who need each other.</li>
<li><i><b>Stranger in Translation</b></i> by Charles Raines. A ghost story or not? I'm not so sure, and that's what makes this unforgettable tale so good - it's totally off the wall and engaging.</li>
<li><i><b>Geoff's Teddy</b></i> by Havan Fellows. A bear of a man who isn't gay - or might he be? - and the guy who falls for big ol' bears. A story made in heaven and after my own heart!</li>
<li><i><b>Shattered Glass</b></i> by Dani Alexander. A fun and sexy story about a straight guy who suddenly finds having it all isn't quite so satisfying without a certain redheaded guy. Totally came from nowhere and is one of the most fun things I read this year.</li>
<li><i><b>Out in the Field</b></i> by Kate McMurray. A baseball tale that just might happen. One player on the way up, and another ending his career find love. Hit all the right boxes for me - sports, romance, HEA.</li>
<li><i><b>Purly Gates</b></i> by Vastine Bondurant. The unexpected love between a gangster and a mystery man on the beach. Simply told, quiet and respectful and oh-so-good. A pleasure, guilty or not.</li>
<li><i><b>A Hole in God's Pocket </b></i>by KZ Snow. A gay Amish man and a not-so-sure ex-monk. KZ Snow writes like an angel, and this stunning book resonated with me for weeks afterwords. Really, one of the year's best.</li>
<li><i><b>Water Waltz</b></i> by Harley B. James. A crazy tale of devils and demons and men. Easily one of the most creative books of the year.</li>
<li><i><b>The Rebuilding Year</b></i> by Kaje Harper. A hunky straight ex-fireman. A hunky straight groundkeeper. One house. Tension, and self-discovery. And so beautifully told, as only Kaje Harper can, with grace and style and care.</li>
<li><i><b>It's Simple, Simon</b></i> by Lee Brazil. The great re-imagining of fairy tales is hard to do, but Lee Brazil knocks this one out of the ball park. Complete, wonderfully imagined and fun. And sexy.</li>
<li><i><b>Beggars and Choosers</b></i> by Mia Kerick. Two wounded young men begin a quiet dance of respect, friendship and, eventually, love. I LOVED this book.</li>
<li><i><b>Something Like Winter</b></i> by Jay Bell. Telling Something Like Summer from Tim's POV was risky. And it paid off so very well. And gives us more of Tim and Benjamin. So good.</li>
<li><i><b>L</b><b>ove Comes Silently</b></i> by Andrew Grey. A deaf man, a kid with cancer, and what do you have? One of the best imagined, quietly heartfelt books of the year. Amazing.</li>
<li><i><b>Another Dumb Jock </b></i>by Jeff Erno. Twenty years later, we see the old story of jock meets nerd repeat. And it's timeless, and Jeff Erno tells it with the straightforward heart-on-his-sleeve that makes all his works so memorable.</li>
<li><i><b>Daddio </b></i>by Mickie Ashling. Continuing the story of Lil and Grier and their new little family, I was spell bound by how much I cared. Third in a wonderful series.</li>
<li><i><b>An Immovable Solitude</b></i> by S.A. McAuley. The story of a relationship that dissolves before our very eyes, and how it may possibly be salvaged and rebuilt. Stunning.</li>
<li><i><b>Stars and Stripes (Cut and Run) </b></i>by Abigail Roux. The sixth in the series, and in my opinion, the most fun and engaging. I love Ty and Zane, and this one shows them at their best.</li>
<li><i><b>The Mountain </b></i>by Ally Blue. What happens when an agoraphobiac falls for a man who lives down the mountain? Deft handling, interesting and engaging characters make this story shine.</li>
<li><i><b>Let It Go</b></i> by Mercy Celeste. Two antagonistic jerks are forced by a judge to live together and cooperate. Of course it leads to love. But it's a rocky road, and Mercy Celeste drags our hearts around a bit first. Darn her.</li>
<li><i><b>Paradox</b></i> by Chris Quinton. Telling the story of two men across centuries, this book grabbed me from the first page and pulled me in. I read it in one sitting and wanted more. Chris Quinton is the best at laying out impossible situations and making me care. Bravo.</li>
<li><i><b>Bonds of Earth</b></i> by G N Chevalier. Set after WWI, this story of a broken man and the former massage therapist who falls for him is timeless. And told so damned well. The prose was some of the best I read all year.</li>
<li><i><b>Of Dark and Bright </b></i>by Kate Sherwood. The further tales of the unlikely trio of Jeff, Evan and Dan. I fell for all three men, and still can't decide how they would work without each other. I think I am secretly in love with Jeff. No, Dan. Or maybe it's Evan. Damn!</li>
<li><i><b>Inherit the Sky </b></i>by Ariel Tachna. A man with nothing going right in his life moves to New South Wales where his mother inherited a ranch. And promptly falls for the foreman. Sweeping story, beautifully told.</li>
<li><i><b>The Starving Years</b></i> by Jordan Castillo Price. In a world where hunger has been eradicated, three men become privy to a secret that could take it all down. And oh, they all fall for each other. Told with a twist, fun and thoughtful as only Jordan Castillo Price can do it.</li>
<li><i><b>Country Mouse</b></i> by Amy Lane and Aleksandr Voinov. Incredibly thought-provoking short about two men who discover themselves in a one-night stand that grows into more. What's so fantastic is how the characters grow and discover so much about themselves during sex. Amazing.</li>
</ul>
And that's fifty.<br />
<br />
* Addendum * I forgot to add JP Barnaby's <b>Aaron</b>. Somewhere between my handwritten list and typing, I left it out. It's a crime I did - this story about a broken and abused teen's slow re-entry into living broke my heart. Not to be forgotten.<br />
<br />
Holy Hell - I know!!! I had another ten that easily could have made the list.<br />
<br />
And you know, that's what makes this genre go good. The depth, the talent and the diversity.<br />
<br />
I can't wait for 2013.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for checking in.<br />
<br />
Tom Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-244610505889814162012-11-21T08:19:00.004-05:002012-11-21T08:20:31.907-05:00Thanksgiving Recipe Blogswap<div style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Thanksgiving!!!</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UN9gspw8e75wrwBgBGHTPI0l7WQr71o67qF4Cfsps1eLCb6OXWJuUVnwB1tNfZaRuL0dsPg22T0Xgmo72NGIseXmk-aqtOpfsEXZ3rghDGU6v0XbKM6nLdC1YSiQyy9y4hYiLwjhJ2w/s1600/funny-thanksgiving-turkey1-big-bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UN9gspw8e75wrwBgBGHTPI0l7WQr71o67qF4Cfsps1eLCb6OXWJuUVnwB1tNfZaRuL0dsPg22T0Xgmo72NGIseXmk-aqtOpfsEXZ3rghDGU6v0XbKM6nLdC1YSiQyy9y4hYiLwjhJ2w/s320/funny-thanksgiving-turkey1-big-bird.jpg" width="236" /></a>I'm breaking with tradition and expanding my blog to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. In the spirit of foodies everywhere, a few friends and I are swapping our favorite recipes and sharing some love this week.<br />
<br />
Now don't get the wrong idea, I am still the same old grumpy-ass bear you all love to hate, but I must be weak from the fever and all I've had to deal with since I came down with the flu on Saturday. I will be back to normal soon, I promise, and all the damned John men can quit laughing at me and go back to shaking in their boots in fear. Hear that, Travis?<br />
<br />
But while I was laying in bed, thinking about Thanksgivings past, one memory kept coming back each time. I h ad three sets of grandparents. I know, I am a very special guy. No, Mom was married and widowed at an early age, and had three daughters before she was in her early twenties, before she met and married my dad. So my three sisters' grandparents, the Floyds, automatically included me and my younger brother as part of their family.<br />
<br />
A trip to Grandma and Grandpa Floyd's house was always fun. They lived in Pine Mountain, Georgia, which is about a hundred miles from where I grew up in Norcross. Now, to a kid, you would think it was a million miles, but ahhh, when we got there...<br />
<br />
Grandma Floyd has a big open kitchen and we weren't allowed to hang around in there. Mainly, I think, because the sheer number of kids would have made cooking impossible. But the smells coming out of there. Heaven! She made the best strawberry cake, all from scratch. Ham. Sweet potato casserole. But the best thing ever? Her Tea Cakes. Little bundles of love that always mean home and family to me.<br />
<br />
I miss her, and wish her and my Grandpa and all their kids, three children they adopted as babies since they couldn't have any of their own, much love this Thanksgiving. I am counting my blessings, and they are among them. And as always, I miss my own mom this year. She would have liked all of you...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXuS3C6aRrc1vJzXsuVkrBrE80CPl9hchAdvyYthQmbBSFGiax2sFLiblr7e76TkP9CtG3D8IDcWhsFbKVGXRMUWL4ILHvgN5ErrMJhi83559TMcVzbG-ltGBfyhxEEswl06ZsP6j448/s1600/Yummy+Yeast+Rolls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXuS3C6aRrc1vJzXsuVkrBrE80CPl9hchAdvyYthQmbBSFGiax2sFLiblr7e76TkP9CtG3D8IDcWhsFbKVGXRMUWL4ILHvgN5ErrMJhi83559TMcVzbG-ltGBfyhxEEswl06ZsP6j448/s320/Yummy+Yeast+Rolls.png" width="320" /></a>Maybelle Floyd's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes<br />
<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 cup butermilk<br />
1/3 cup butter<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
Flavor with grated orange rind, orange extract or any flavor desired<br />
<br />
Cream butter, sugar and salt together. Mix baking soda, orange extract and beaten egg with buttermilk. Add to butter mixture, alternating with flour. If dough seems too soft, add in a little more flour. Roll to desired thinness, cut, place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 425 until golden.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Guaranteed to chase off that Winter Chill.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fx4p6KfIW21xq4SlOAtHUYy3JZ42jhyphenhyphensPxHf-HpoigyegzyloM_52QFz0DyvmlMaDC70aswjHo84A4dp8HRCwCkEgjV2lP4JSjP_ieJ7hP8QvZe9MJ8OKB5JUlFHiATDuEEaW9jdd9s/s1600/Winter+Heat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fx4p6KfIW21xq4SlOAtHUYy3JZ42jhyphenhyphensPxHf-HpoigyegzyloM_52QFz0DyvmlMaDC70aswjHo84A4dp8HRCwCkEgjV2lP4JSjP_ieJ7hP8QvZe9MJ8OKB5JUlFHiATDuEEaW9jdd9s/s320/Winter+Heat.jpg" width="212" /></a>And to stay warm this week, and away from those Godawful Black Friday sales that are starting on Wednesday this year, order a copy of Winter Heat, make a cup of hot chocolate, and stay in. Trust Dr. Bear, it's just what you need!<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh - and don't forget to visit all my friends and see what yummies they came up with this year too...<br />
<br />
<br />
Angel Martinez - <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freewebs.com%2Fangelwrites%2Fapps%2Fblog%2Fshow%2F20193870-the-thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap&h=QAQEmJNNt&s=1" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freewebs.com%2Fangelwrites%2Fapps%2Fblog%2Fshow%2F20193870-the-thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap&h=QAQEmJNNt&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.freewebs.com/angelwrites/apps/blog/show/20193870-the-thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap</a>-<br />
<br />
Silvia Violet - <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsilviaviolet.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F11%2F20%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap%2F&h=RAQH7JfWF&s=1" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fsilviaviolet.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F11%2F20%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap%2F&h=RAQH7JfWF&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://silviaviolet.com/blog/2012/11/20/thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap/</a><br />
<br />
Havan Fellows - <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhavanshawthaven.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swapleftover.html&h=RAQH7JfWF&s=1" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fhavanshawthaven.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swapleftover.html&h=RAQH7JfWF&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swapleftover.html</a><br />
<br />
Laura Harner - <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flauraharner.com%2Fhp_wordpress%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap%2F&h=XAQGIjCev&s=1" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flauraharner.com%2Fhp_wordpress%2Fthanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap%2F&h=XAQGIjCev&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://lauraharner.com/hp_wordpress/thanksgiving-recipe-blog-swap/</a><br />
<br />
Lee Brazil - <a _mce_href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fleebrazilauthor.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fhappy-thanksgiving.html&h=QAQEmJNNt&s=1" href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fleebrazilauthor.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fhappy-thanksgiving.html&h=QAQEmJNNt&s=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-thanksgiving.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving. Love to everyone.<br />
<br />
Tom <br />
<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-19318170603434155232012-11-20T21:41:00.000-05:002012-11-20T21:41:11.234-05:00"End of the Innocence"<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review - <span style="color: #660000;">"End of the Innocence"</span> by John Goode</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>A Masterpiece</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Very Highly Recommended</b></div>
<br />
***Potential spoilers***<br />
<br />
I'm going to break my own rules here. It's my review, and it that bothers you, I am sorry. Pass this by and go read another one.<br />
<br />
John let me read this book a few weeks ago, and I've sat on it, trying
to think of a review worthy enough. My words fail me here, so please
bear with me as I struggle to find something worthy of this guy's great
big heart and talent. I'm not enough here, but here it goes.<br />
<br />
"End of the Innocence" is more than a work of YA or M/M romance or fiction. It's a statement of pure love. It's an offering of life-blood. It's a cry in the dark, a soul-shattering scream, a nightmare. And it is stunningly beautiful.<br />
<br />
There have been three prior books in the<i> Foster High</i> series dealing with Brad and Kyle, two high school students in a small Texas town. The series deals with their coming out, the repercussions to them personally and to the relationships that they have with their friends, families, enemies and community.<br />
<br />
In "End of the Innocence", we finally deal with Kelly, Brad's jock friend. As we have learned, Brad and Kelly have fooled around in the past, and Kelly is struggling to reconcile his friendship and feelings towards Brad. We also, in a parallel way, explore the boys' relationship with Jennifer, Brad's ex-girlfriend. There are also other gay men in the town we meet, and they play an important role, but the focus is on these four.<br />
<br />
I can't go deeper into the storyline without giving too much away, but the book explores the past and current implications of coming out in Foster. How some current characters on the canvas have dealt with it (or not), and the larger issue of bullying and harassment and, in some cases, outright murder involving those not like their neighbors. It looks at the unlikely friendship formed between Kyle and Kelly and between Brad and Jennifer.<br />
<br />
Read this at your own risk, and forgive me if I give too much away, but there is another outing. It is horrible, unexpected yet completely fated to happen. And the fallout is...devastating.<br />
<br />
I read this book through in one sitting, the words spinning a web around me with a subtle sense of foreboding and dread. No, no, I kept thinking, this can't be going there. And then I hit the last twenty percent of the book and alternated between tears and blank, honest horror. I've seen this, lived this, picked up the pieces after this book happened. I never wanted to relive it, and yet, here it was, laid out for me to bleed over again.<br />
<br />
And damn it, I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
John - I cannot give him enough credit here. The writing is restrained and so very real. His sure hand is on every word, every sentence, and he deftly took me on a journey of pain and discovery, pulled the scab off every wound in that small town and led me around like one of Dickens' Ghosts.<br />
<br />
Because what we are dealing with here, when it's all stripped away, is a very basic choice we all have to make when we come out or are outed. Deal, or don't. Stay, or run. Live, or die.<br />
<br />
And sometimes people choose...no.<br />
<br />
This is an important work for teens, for parents, for teachers, for anyone who has or deals with kids. Hell, it's important for everyone. There are lessons to be learned here - about life, choosing to live, how we treat out fellow companions on the road of life, and how we sometimes bury our heads in the sand. It's also about the cold, hard fact that even when we try out best, we can only save ourselves. It's about guilt, gang mentality, the abuse of power.<br />
<br />
But let's not forget something in the midst of all this. It's about love. Because Brad and Kyle? They were outed, treated horribly, betrayed by those in power. And they still chose love.<br />
<br />
Not everyone does. But they did.<br />
<br />
So did John, thank god. I just wish I could do his beautiful story the justice it deserves. I hope he forgives me for not being enough, because I love him like a little brother and he seems to think my words mean something.<br />
<br />
I want to be like him when I grow up. Thanks for sticking around.<br />
<br />
TomTom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-11848374003612406132012-11-20T20:36:00.004-05:002012-11-20T20:36:29.903-05:00"Burnished by Fire"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review - <span style="color: #660000;">"Burnished By Fire"</span> by Andrew Grey</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Very satisfying conclusion to a hot series</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Highly Recommended</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the third, and what appears to be final, book in the Fire
series, we once again spend some time with Lee Stanton and Dirk Krause,
firefighters and partners. Lee is the gentle giant of the two, a self-assured
mountain of a man with patience for his lover as big as his heart. Dirk has
been slowly coming to terms with being out and proud, and his love for his
younger partner colors all he does. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even when he’s being a huge jerk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the aftermath of a fire which the two men help fight,
three people lose their lives. Even though there was nothing else that could
have been done, Dirk feels responsible. The ghosts of what might have happened,
what he could have done, might have been able to do…they haunt him. So much so
that Lee realizes something needs to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The two men talk and decide a vacation is on order, and book
a week-long cruise, just the two of them. Ah, romance on the high seas, the
crisp ocean air, all-you-can-eat buffets all day and night. They must have died
and gone to heaven.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until they see Dirk’s homophobic father is on the cruise
also.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will Dirk allow him to control his behavior and life one
more time? Is Dirk going to waste this opportunity to spend time openly loving
his man? Or will Lee, and fate, intervene and change their relationship forever?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andrew Grey has brought back two of my favorite characters
and let us have a glimpse of something truly unique – a realistic exploration
of a strained parental relationship that moves forward with integrity. All
three books carry the thread of a “two steps forward and three steps back” sort
of theme between Dirk and his dad. Having seen this in real life, it’s very
true to life. Concessions are made, and understandings arrived at, but then the
ugliness rears its head again and again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What Mr. Grey does here is showcase Dirk, in all his
pig-headed, stubbornly prideful idiocy, and makes us love him. Because at
heart, he just wants his dad to love and accept him. And when he arrives at the
adult realization that he is a grown man, responsible only for his own feelings
and views, he is finally able to bust out of his own frozen emotions and meet
his father man to man.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really like that Lee supported him, loved him, made love
to him, counseled him, but ultimately left Dirk to come to his own conclusions
about his father. And Dirk does, with a little help from an emergency and a new
person who helps his dad see things from a different vantage point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a warm, comfortable read, and it’s perfect for a
cold fall or winter night. Lee is strong, Dirk has mellowed, and we get a
resolution that feels…right. What more can I ask for? Maybe a cup of hot
chocolate?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very highly recommended.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom</div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-52816426109715487452012-11-09T13:29:00.002-05:002012-11-09T13:56:00.245-05:00It's A Bear on Book's birthday and we hit a milestone!<span style="color: #660000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">You guys</span></i></span> all know how I started reviewing. It's out there, and you can look. I wanted other people to see the best of this incredible genre, and I initially used Amazon as the platform, then I discovered Goodreads (for better or for worse). <br />
<br />
A little over a year ago, I started talking to Sue Brown and she said, "You know what? You should put all the reviews you've been doing in one spot. Start your own blog." After hemming and hawing, I did. And on November 1, 2011, I posted my first entry as "A Bear on Books".<br />
<br />
It has been...so much <i><b>more</b></i> than I ever expected. I didn't think it would be more than a ripple in water, because so many people do such wonderful work in reviewing and having professional sites. And here I came along, this Southern guy who thought he might have a little fun.<br />
<br />
A year later, I have over 175 reviews to my name, 160 followers to the blog, and...<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;">20,000</span></b></span></span> page views as of last night!!!<br />
<br />
Wow.<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b>Thank you.</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
And I'm sorry I can't get to all the great books I read every week that deserve reviews. There aren't enough hours in the day. Between my work at Living Room, my attempts at writing, and personal issues with family, health and loss, I just can't do it at the pace I was this time a year ago.<br />
<br />
I'm considering some ways to make this work better, including inviting some guest reviewers in to assist. I will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
But...I want to celebrate the blog's birthday and the milestone 20,000 views! So a couple of friends and I have arranged a weekend giveaway.<br />
<br />
I have copies of six great books to give away this weekend, November 9 - 11, 2012. All you have to do is leave a response here on this blog post, and it will enter you to win. Just leave a quick note to tell me something you might have enjoyed here at the blog, and what books you would like - make sure you leave me an email address. I will draw the winners Sunday night and post them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sound good? I hope so!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b>Here are the prizes:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwwLnCSUpcjbhrUqyNQaag2taNA6FXYvAsbs8vZckWRWj3FtcIcDW6esKsuKps7UsOh1j71dXrNPhnirr0Aj2VSwFKWaZmdLfDPL9vLSG2eOcmQYnpPQ5qh5qYmK3gFkUGhRpglPLk5g/s1600/Risking+it+All.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwwLnCSUpcjbhrUqyNQaag2taNA6FXYvAsbs8vZckWRWj3FtcIcDW6esKsuKps7UsOh1j71dXrNPhnirr0Aj2VSwFKWaZmdLfDPL9vLSG2eOcmQYnpPQ5qh5qYmK3gFkUGhRpglPLk5g/s1600/Risking+it+All.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Risking It All - Lee Brazil</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwNxq-o_QKI7FBHIZ66e4DpxfcHpvKTb95hSCdbRsx06C4rMlduhFqrDgiy2Efr8SOVKNLYWnLpeEkhkfpOgpnS6cDuC6sJMgB2ksVDE4oB5-yPIfAxwcw6elmNPzPGWWXcrJgAA3QsQ/s1600/truth+deeper+than+logic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwNxq-o_QKI7FBHIZ66e4DpxfcHpvKTb95hSCdbRsx06C4rMlduhFqrDgiy2Efr8SOVKNLYWnLpeEkhkfpOgpnS6cDuC6sJMgB2ksVDE4oB5-yPIfAxwcw6elmNPzPGWWXcrJgAA3QsQ/s1600/truth+deeper+than+logic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> Truth Deeper Thank Logic - Lee Brazil</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC1poJ_yFpKP2P6VOhyphenhyphenbNpFn0yNKyYt_apfVWIsQpapLN0BcRxau-QHrjEHBE3zJla3yw3v8R9-dFr6FqvIoQvRSNM2fyIv4BjNjGdiHkbyqQdyOPzcyjDXJhoCbb3htHBC1mt22p2Fc/s1600/geoff's+teddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihC1poJ_yFpKP2P6VOhyphenhyphenbNpFn0yNKyYt_apfVWIsQpapLN0BcRxau-QHrjEHBE3zJla3yw3v8R9-dFr6FqvIoQvRSNM2fyIv4BjNjGdiHkbyqQdyOPzcyjDXJhoCbb3htHBC1mt22p2Fc/s1600/geoff's+teddy.jpg" /></a></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Geoff's Teddy - Havan Fellows</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYDbxhwoo62vSz5uPgAvhbPG8D_7F10-y5kP1koHKgfi5pK2h5svXfCLDWXmtqPIoOXqcO4WFrcoVP7isYICDe_QGNiUDQvLiia5ukK4oxoimoX50TrW5gwox__x7TwmlwNMH30lKjGQ/s1600/hold+tight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYDbxhwoo62vSz5uPgAvhbPG8D_7F10-y5kP1koHKgfi5pK2h5svXfCLDWXmtqPIoOXqcO4WFrcoVP7isYICDe_QGNiUDQvLiia5ukK4oxoimoX50TrW5gwox__x7TwmlwNMH30lKjGQ/s1600/hold+tight.jpg" /></a></b></i></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq31hykyTKndtLxKK38a7NuvtQLT1nf3k4Je33FY3nOnqDy4hE00NJYptW7rhS_9iQwoB19VRjgjO01-oiTe340CxJmPC7iwIdSMb9Dh4cv-QxnwhzCJKLyR7fnXjYBhR14_pEu4Gy9Fw/s1600/ty+hard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Hold Tight - Laura Harner</b></i></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq31hykyTKndtLxKK38a7NuvtQLT1nf3k4Je33FY3nOnqDy4hE00NJYptW7rhS_9iQwoB19VRjgjO01-oiTe340CxJmPC7iwIdSMb9Dh4cv-QxnwhzCJKLyR7fnXjYBhR14_pEu4Gy9Fw/s1600/ty+hard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq31hykyTKndtLxKK38a7NuvtQLT1nf3k4Je33FY3nOnqDy4hE00NJYptW7rhS_9iQwoB19VRjgjO01-oiTe340CxJmPC7iwIdSMb9Dh4cv-QxnwhzCJKLyR7fnXjYBhR14_pEu4Gy9Fw/s1600/ty+hard.jpg" /></a></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Ty Hard - Laura Harner</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq31hykyTKndtLxKK38a7NuvtQLT1nf3k4Je33FY3nOnqDy4hE00NJYptW7rhS_9iQwoB19VRjgjO01-oiTe340CxJmPC7iwIdSMb9Dh4cv-QxnwhzCJKLyR7fnXjYBhR14_pEu4Gy9Fw/s1600/ty+hard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9-QAgW4jYvUdIS8f7S4F7NReVb7O-1czRifu3aP38z8lGssjIbXOjLJ48U_kMaGpTclcLl-jzxgteWuByp0Okh5vUY1dOCbUEUfXynkGYc8O5AsufkcpA3zPlND4qcez37MeXS67ok/s1600/Second+Chances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWS9-QAgW4jYvUdIS8f7S4F7NReVb7O-1czRifu3aP38z8lGssjIbXOjLJ48U_kMaGpTclcLl-jzxgteWuByp0Okh5vUY1dOCbUEUfXynkGYc8O5AsufkcpA3zPlND4qcez37MeXS67ok/s1600/Second+Chances.jpg" /></a></b></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> Second Chances - T.A. Webb </b></i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #660000;">T</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">h</span><span style="color: #f1c232;">a</span><span style="color: #274e13;">n</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">k</span> <span style="color: #20124d;">y</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">o</span><span style="color: #660000;">u</span> <span style="color: #b45f06;">a</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">l<span style="color: #274e13;">l</span></span><span style="color: #073763;">!</span><span style="color: #20124d;">!</span><span style="color: #4c1130;">!</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tom</span></b></span><i><b><br /></b></i><br />
<br />
<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-81503743973658548072012-11-02T12:21:00.000-04:002012-11-02T12:21:29.263-04:00"Beggars and Choosers"<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Review - <span style="color: #660000;">"Beggars and Choosers"</span> by Mia Kerick</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Quirky, harsh and ultimately stunning</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Very Highly Recommended</b></span><br />
<br />
Brett Taylor-<i>Bad News</i> Brett Taylor-is back in town, and hoping to find some peace. He's tired of the logging job the kept him in the woods for the past year, away from showers and indoor plumbing, but it was far away from his mother and high school and, he hoped, his memories. Just having found a job as a busboy, the last thing he thought he'd find was a kid dumpster diving.<br />
<br />
Cory Butana was only looking for some wood to use as a display for his science project in the dumpster, but what he found was a blond god. A quiet, simple guy who makes it his job to take care of Cory.<br />
<br />
As the friendship deepens, both young men fight the attraction underlying their relationship. Cory is out and proud. Brett can't be anything but straight. Or can he?<br />
<br />
Through the years, as Brett makes it his job to be Cory's silent guardian, he begins to notice the hole where his heart used to be pulsing with a new life. And where he swore to never trust anyone or let them in, Cory...well, he is <i>Cory</i>. <br />
<br />
The friendship between the two will be tested in many ways as Cory finally becomes a man, and begins to force the issue. When push comes to shove, will the bonds of trust and love be enough to keep these two broken men together? Or will Brett let Cory go to save him from being with his loser self?<br />
<br />
Ms. Kering has written a hauntingly beautiful story of broken men, new beginnings, trust and hurt. These two men come together in such an unexpected and gentle way, and I don't know who I loved more, Cory or Brett. Their wounded hearts ached for love and connection, and Ms. Kering showed us a skillful hand as she guided this story across years rather than days. Her young men were painfully real, and I was deeply moved by the slow and oh-so-tenuous love that grew.<br />
<br />
This is a heartbreaker of a book, but so worth it. There are no easy answers here, and what we end up relying on is the solid base of the friendship that was built between Brett and Cory to sustain us when the worst happens.<br />
<br />
I loved every word, and hated to see this lovely character play end. Life is messy, horrible and wonderful things happen, and I was <i>so</i> drawn into these young men's lives.<br />
<br />
I cannot wait for what's next.<br />
<br />
Fantastic job!<br />
<br />
TomTom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-62020165295645576462012-10-31T20:33:00.000-04:002012-10-31T20:33:36.021-04:00"An Immovable Solitude"<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review - <span style="color: #660000;">"An Immovable Solitude"</span> by S.A. McAuley</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Beautifully crafted examination of a relationship</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Very Highly Recommended</b></div>
<br />
<br />
The ocean, sharks and Kerry. The three things that make life worth living for Eric Hash. He's inherited his uncle's shark-diving and tour company on the coast of South Africa, and life is wonderful. Except for the small little things that come up. Like Kerry's sister and semi-twin Kelle, who can't stand him. And the distance that he's seen in Kerry's eyes the past weeks. <br />
<br />
When Kerry takes in a gay throwaway and gives him a job and place to stay, it seems to both solidify their relationship and serve as a lightening rod for whatever it is bothering the man. When, on the very night of Kerry's birthday, when Hash is forced to face some cold hard facts about their relationship and how truly scared Kerry is about being out, all hell breaks loose.<br />
<br />
And in the aftermath of the events of that night, Hash finds himself re-evaluating everything he knew-no, <i>thought</i> he knew-about his relationship, his family, his friends and his life.<br />
<br />
What happened to force the actions taken that night? Where is Kerry? And will the two men ever find their way back together?<br />
<br />
This book, this beautiful hymn to men, shows how we love and fear and learn. Ms. McAuley takes a relationship, shows us how it's built on faulty pilings in the water, and makes us watch it slowly and suddenly collapse like a pier in a tsunami. Then she grabs our hand and shows us how, in the rubble of grief, hurt, anger and heartbreak, two men in love can re-cast the underpinings and build something truly beautiful.<br />
<br />
Oh, and it's not just the relationship Hash has with Kerry that undergoes this shock and awe attack, it's every single relationship in his life. He sees, through his pain and growth, how Kelle is not who he thought, and builds a bridge to her. And then Abraham and what he missed seeing with his uncle. Mela, who we see on the fringes and who is more than she appears to be. Even Charlie, and the young man who lit the bonfire of their hurts.<br />
<br />
What Ms. McAuley does so well is show us how a man manages to put the pieces of a shattered life back together. And she knows the key isn't to make it better with a kiss. It's hard work. Time. Grieving. Anger. Fear.<br />
<br />
But mostly? It's love, and want, and commitment. And she lovingly lets us watch Hash as he hurts and rages and slowly heals.<br />
<br />
Amazingly simple, and yet so hard to pull off. Here, it's done in spades.<br />
<br />
Beautifully done!<br />
<br />
TomTom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-84336053244875244852012-10-31T19:11:00.000-04:002012-10-31T19:11:45.762-04:00"Oceans Apart"<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review - <span style="color: #660000;">"Oceans Apart"</span> by Laura Harner</b></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Cool, calm and wow</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<b>Very Highly Recommended</b></div>
<br />
***Disclaimer. Laura Harner is my writing partner with our series <i>Altered States</i>. However, I am a reader and reviewer first, and I put aside all my personal feelings and friendships when I review. This is the second in the <i>Separate Ways</i> series, and I recommend you read <i>Continental Divide</i> prior to reading this book. If not, there are potential spoilers for that book below. Now, let's take a look...***<br />
<br />
Two years after walking away from Lord Jamie Mainwaring, Colt "Remy" Remington has a whole new life. He returned to Arizona with Miggy, his undercover cop friend who lost himself in drugs. Now, he and Remy own a private security business, are foster parents to Toby, the young man Remy teamed with Jamie to rescue from the underground sex trade. They have a home, a business, and a family.<br />
<br />
After reluctantly accepting a job guarding the owner of $15 million in diamonds on a gay barefoot cruise, Remy and Miggy-the very <i>straight</i> Miggy-pose as lovers. And run directly into Jamie and his new partner Ryan, who are also on an undercover assignment.<br />
<br />
Add in an uncooperative client, murder, pirates, and the sudden and unexpected attraction between two friends, and Remy and Jamie are forced to confront their new relationships. Will either man admit what he lost, and what he has? Can the four men safeguard the diamonds and solve the case? Or will they become victims on the high seas?<br />
<br />
This is the second of four books in the <i>Separate Ways</i> series, and Ms. Harner has taken the two heroes and shown then in a very new, and profound light. In <i>Continental Divide</i>, we are left hanging. Remy walks away from the stunned Jamie, and everything is left up in the air. Jamie is ready for a relationship, and Remy isn't. Miggy is an addict, and Toby is somewhere in limbo.<br />
<br />
Now, Remy has built himself a home and an ersatz family without even realizing it. He and Miggy have slowly put themselves together comfortably with Toby as their son, and Remy and Miggy have to deal with the dawning realization that their relationship may be more complex than they first thought.<br />
<br />
And Jamie. He has once again partnered himself with his work partner. He's built a comfortable life with Ryan, but finds himself reluctant to fully commit and say those three words every person wants to hear. Ryan is fully aware of it, and his pain is plain. Jamie comes to realize what is in his way and how he's repeating a pattern he started and duplicated with Remy.<br />
<br />
This is a very mature, thoughtful work, and I loved how we got to see each of our men, broken and healing, examining themselves. There are no easy answers or fixes, and these guys, unlike so many we see, are willing to do the hard cold examination it takes to truly make changes.<br />
<br />
Jamie and Miggy, especially, take very hard looks at themselves, and Ms. Harner gives us glimpses into the men they could and want to be. I already loved Remy, but by the end of this wonderful, literate book, I fell a little more in love with Jamie. And I just can't not want to take Miggy home with me. I am waiting impatiently for book three to see where his story takes him.<br />
<br />
This is a solid, well-conceived and beautifully plotted work in what is shaping up to be one of my favorite must-read series.<br />
<br />
Great job!<br />
<br />
TomTom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-42992490925339477692012-10-11T18:45:00.002-04:002012-10-11T22:20:25.711-04:00"Jess's Journey"<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"Jess's Journey"</span> by SJD Peterson</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lovely, quiet and romantic</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin-top:0in;
margin-right:0in;
margin-bottom:10.0pt;
margin-left:0in;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:.5in .5in .5in .5in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
</style>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
*This is the fifth in the Whispering Pines Ranch Series.
While it is a stand-alone book, it's best to have read the other four so you
have a sense of character. If not, read on anyway!*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once upon a time there was a man named Jess Jenkins. Now
Jess, he had a heart and a smile the size of Texas, but not much luck in love.
When he tried to give his heart away the first time, he fell in love with his
boyhood best friend. That bed was too small, and when his friend didn't return
Jess's feelings, Jess got angry and tossed him out of his life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then Jess fell in love with Lorcan James. That bed was too
big, since he had to share it with not only Lorcan, but Quinn, the man Lorcan
really loved. And that lasted for a while, until Jess was in a terrible
accident and smashed up his legs. Feeling like less than a man, he chased
Lorcan out of that big empty bed, letting him go to the man he loved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Jess tried to recover and heal his body and heart, he had
two men who looked after him. Collin, the younger brother of his childhood best
friend, and Jack, his physical therapist. Both were good men, but would one of
them be the man that had the bed that fit just right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SJD Peterson has finally, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i> given me Jess’s tale, and I have to tell you, it was worth
the wait. This book is as sweet as Jess’s smile, and as warm and comfortable as
your grandmother’s quilt on a cool fall night. While not without some angst,
because Jess is a broken man on the mend, this loving, beautiful book wrapped
around my heart and snuggled its way home. I was enchanted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t so sure, when I started, where Ms. Peterson was
going to go with this. But the crafty woman took me surely along a familiar
path, but under her sure hand, it was shiny and new. Jess was being courted and
cared for by two worthy men. Collin, a sweetly innocent boy with a heart as big
as Jess’s, and Jack, the gruff bear to Collin’s sweet young cub. Either man
would have made a good match for the prickly, broken but ultimately honorable
and vulnerable Jess.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now we have two more men I want to see have their own books.
Collin, who I’d take home in a minute and never let him go, and Troy, Jack’s
counterpart from the hospital.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, and were there any eight more romantic and touching
words to build this fairy tale of a book around? “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You still love me…You still want me”. </i>Oh, hell yes I do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beautiful, masterfully told, and sincere. What more can a
guy want?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom</div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-71937219550774401902012-10-09T15:52:00.000-04:002012-10-11T18:45:51.924-04:00"Stranger in Translation"<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"Stranger in Translation"</span> by Charles Raines</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Unusual, and bloody brilliant</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b><br />
<br />
In what seemed like a great move at the time, a young linguist agrees to spend six months translating a current bestseller from English to French. What better place than Marseilles, right? Romance, French men and great food and scenery. The young man settles into a perfectly adequate apartment and begins. Then promptly gets stuck.<br />
<br />
It seems our unnamed translator hates the book, and feels contempt for the frivolous author. The city's people aggravate him. He's fighting feelings of his ambiguous sexuality, his ennui, and the terrible itchy feeling that something is missing. That his life has no meaning, and this trip is a waste.<br />
<br />
He beings hanging out in a local cemetery, on a small bench facing the gravestone of Maurice Mansour. Soon enough, a handsome and mysterious young jogger begins to meet him there, and a slow dance of seduction begins. Along the way, our narrator has a series of encounters with various men, one-offs and meaningless. But always, the jogger nudges and occupies his attention.<br />
<br />
Just as our young man begins to feel some hope, something solid, something worthwhile...there's a turn, a secret revealed.<br />
<br />
And I can't tell you more without ruining the story and where it goes.<br />
<br />
Charles Raines has captured the restless, scratchy, wrong-in-my-skin unrest that men feel as they grapple with what their place in the world will be. Gay, straight, bisexual - it doesn't matter. As Mr. Raines shows in fascinating and intimate detail is that it's the journey, not the destination, that matters. It's the self-definition and discovery that leads to acceptance and calm, not what others perceive you as.<br />
<br />
This book is at once in-your-face and quietly fascinating. We see the young man's struggle, his restlessness as he wrestles with his own feelings of superiority and snobbery, which fade into a deeply unsettling, to him, revelation of what his place truly is in the world. And how the challenge of changing not only definition of self, but his worldview, makes him settle into himself.<br />
<br />
I really liked that there were no easy solutions for our unnamed narrator. Life is seldom tidy and clean, and the bumpy ride feels...right.<br />
<br />
Mr. Raines has a steady, brutally frank voice that I find intriguing and like a LOT. I can't wait to see where he goes next, because this book is brilliant.<br />
<br />
Great job.<br />
<br />
Tom Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-62739637586870647222012-10-01T11:34:00.000-04:002012-10-11T18:45:39.001-04:00"Dex in Blue"<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">"Dex in Blue"</span> by Amy Lane</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Insightful, amazing character study</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just when Dex Williams finally, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i> took David Worral by the hand and the heart and they
crossed the line from boyhood friends to lovers, something as random as a deer
jumping in front of their truck changed David’s future. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recovering from the wreck and the loss of Dex, David changes
his plans and runs to California, becoming Dex, one of the stars of Johnnie’s,
a gay-for-pay porn site. Always a follower, David becomes Dex, and takes care
of not only the business, but the boys who model for the site.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And one of those boys is Kane. Carlos Ramirez, really, but
he’s Kane to everyone now. Forced to move out of his house, he asks Dex for a
favor. To move in for a while, so his sister can get on her feet away from her
abusive husband and care for her sick baby girl.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s a guy to do? Of course Dex lets Kane move in. The guy
may be a certifiable, looney-tune, muscle-bound meathead, but he’s a friend,
and at heart a sweet guy, Dex figures. But what he doesn’t figure on is that
the friends with benefits arrangement could lead to something more. Something
he had run from since the real Dex’s death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will Kane get past the walls that David built to protect
himself when the real Dex died and left him alone? Can he recapture the
big-hearted boy he was? Or will he lose everything? How much will he be willing
to give up to have everything?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This quietly beautiful character study by Amy Lane takes a
simple premise—who is a man, really—and follows it from the point one person’s
life takes a sudden left turn and is lost, until he finds his way home. And
along the way, I found such scenes of joy and heartache, beauty and ugliness,
and pleasure and pain as make up a man’s existence. David’s life changed that
one fateful day—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moment</i>—and the
choices he made and the man he chose to become make for a wholly remarkable
tale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was truly, deeply and wholeheartedly moved by not only the
journey I took with David and Carlos, but by the humbling way Ms. Lane took me
there. Her prose was restrained, the descriptions so soul-achingly beautiful I
had to go back and re-read them so I could hold them close and savor them, like
new/old friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
David’s grief at Dex’s gravesite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He remembered the
person who had helped him fly with the wind instead of being beaten down by it,
and he cried quietly into his knees, finally knowing how big the sky could be
to make a person feel as alone as a heartbeat in space.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His wonder at how Kane could get to him, and his realization
of what it took to deserve a man’s love.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Maybe before you got
someone who would fight to have you, you had to be ready to kill or die for
them first.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And silent epiphanies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“How many perfect
things did God give you in a lifetime?”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a different Amy Lane, but yet the same. She’s shown
she can move me with devastation, fear, anger, hurt, love, grief. Now she’s
shown me, reminded me, there are quiet joys in life again too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tom</div>
Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-54472422701096897292012-09-06T10:00:00.002-04:002012-09-07T20:34:32.260-04:00"Mourning Heaven" <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:.5in .5in .5in .5in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><b>Review<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>- <span style="color:#660000;">"Mourning Heaven"</span> by Amy Lane</b></span></p> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Beautiful, intense, masterfully done</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Very Highly Recommended</span></b></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">At age ten, Peter Armbruster was brought to live with his Aunt Aileen and his cousin Michael. His mother, bless her heart, wasn’t able to provide for him and thought he’d do better there. It took him a while to blend in, especially when he was taken to church in the small town of Daisy, California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sitting there in in the pews, he looked around and saw the stained glass and thought of the words his mother had told him about small towns and the choices he would have to make and how he chose to live his life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Just look at those windows, he thought. This must be their favorite part of the story. The part where somebody bleeds. Nothing that had happened since that day led him to feel any different.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><br /></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">He did learn to fit in, to an extent, thanks to his cousin Michael. And later, Michael’s friend Bodi, the boy he would love from afar.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But then things kind of exploded and life changed, as it has a way of doing. And six years later, Michael was being shipped home from Afghanistan in a pine box, and Peter was forced to go tell Bodi. And maybe finally claim what he wanted.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">How will Bodi react? Will Peter finally confess his love? And how will the town that hated them all react to the prodigal sons’ return, one in a coffin, the other with Peter?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amy Lane, usually so gentle, took me by the throat and dragged me into this raw and angry stunner and forced me to watch and live and breathe the heady mix of grief and love and redemption. I was moved beyond words, shaken to the core, and ultimately left gentled by her sure and crafty hand.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This book is Amy Lane at her best – broken and betrayed men forced to look their pain squarely in the face, to deal with it somehow, and to confront the loss and acknowledge the new possibilities. There is no room for weakness here, because pain and loss and hurt demand more.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">“You give thanks to the things that save you,” Bodi acknowledged.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><br /></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Peter dominates this book. His seeming passivity and resignation to his life in Daisy gives way to a slow, deep-seated fiery anger at the lies and hurts heaped on him and those he loves. The awakening we see<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in him as he unfolds and reaches for his power – just remarkable.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">And Bodi. Broken, shattered, tossed aside by family, friends and a heartless town, he’s been out of the picture for six long years. Or has he? And his slow climb out of the hell he’s been in – sharp, stunning, powerful.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But it’s Michael, the missing leg of the triangle, who I am most intrigued by. Why he made the decisions he did. How he died a little every day for six years, before he ended up being buried and mourned for all of his strengths and flaws and weaknesses by the two men who knew him best and loved him most. And how he was so much more – and less – than anyone ever expected. A hero with feet of clay.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="">Regret is the sound of the ghosts of our own making. I will live with mine until I die.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><br /></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> </i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There’s no regret for me in recommending this haunting book. Grief and loss by their very nature demand pain, and it’s a beautiful sadness and joy that transforms those emotions to peace and love. Amy Lane has truly outdone herself here, and I’m just glad she invited me along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was magic.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom</p> Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-46562821744582182292012-08-24T10:43:00.002-04:002012-08-24T10:45:46.260-04:00"Tales of Foster High"<span style="font-family:verdana;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Review - <span style="color:#660000;">"Tales of Foster High"</span> by John Goode</span><br /><br />Probably the best YA series out there<br /><br />Very Highly Recommended</b></span><br /><br />This is a compilation of three previously released works about two young men, Kyle and Brad, and their coming to terms with their homosexuality and how it affects their lives when they come out. The works are heartfelt, direct, amazing pieces, and I get chills every time I read them. I have reviewed them individually, and will share them collectively.<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><b>"Maybe with a Chance of Certainty"</b></span><br /><br />"I don't remember the moment I knew I was broken...but I do recall when I started to understand it might be okay. It was the moment I fell in love with the boy with the green eyes."<br /><br />Sigh.<br /><br />Kyle is the loner in school - intelligent, socially awkward, alcoholic abusive mother. Gay.<br /><br />Brad is the star of the baseball team, one of the gods of high school. Popular, beautiful. Unattainable.<br /><br />When Brad asks Kyle to tutor him in history, it sparks a change in both young men that has to be read to be savored.<br /><br />I LOVED this book. And I cannot wait for the sequel.<br /><br />Mr. Goode captures both boys so heartbreakingly well. I found myself aching and crying with the care he invested in these characters. Other writers looking to capture what it is to be a gay man, or a boy, or whatever, should read this and pay close attention to the voices, especially of Kyle. So many don't get it right, that it is scary and unreal and that you feel broken when you realize you are different.<br /><br />I wish I had had this to read with I was a teenager. Or even in my early 20s. At 50, I get it now. But the fragility of these boys' hearts and the fear and the ache and the love. Beautiful.<br /><br />Just...read it. Please.<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><br /><b>"The End of the Beginning"</b></span><br /><br />This fine book picks up where “Maybe with a Chance of Certainty” left off. Responding to Kyle’s being bullied, Brad has outed himself to his classmates to protect Kyle. We find Brad the next day, contemplating what he has done, and doing some soul searching. Did he do the right thing? Can he take it back? What will his friends thinks? His family? Teammates? Can it be undone?<br /><br />In the course of dealing with all this fear, which is ultimately what this book is about – fear, and will Brad master it – he meets a kindred spirit. Tyler, an older and hopefully wiser version of Brad, helps him in a weak moment. He recognizes himself in Brad, and gives him the best advice of his young life - “Trust me, living with a life full of regrets is just about the shittiest way I can think of existing.” God, where was my Tyler when was 16, 17, 18?<br /><br />“I promise you the only thing worse than being a rat trapped in a maze is being aware that you were that rat.” With one simple observation, Brad’s soul is bared to us.<br /><br />Where “Maybe…” was more about Kyle, this is definitely Brad’s story. We find out much more about what makes Brad tick, his fears, his hopes, his family, and most importantly, what he wants out of life. And we see, though his eyes, how very tough it is to be young and gay in a small town. How love can make us vulnerable when nothing else can touch us, and how fear can grab even the toughest of us by the throat and the heart and shake us until we are weak. How even knowing the right thing to do can scare us so badly, we will give up on ourselves and the ones we love to protect what is. Because what might be – no guarantees there, are there?<br /><br />And that, in turn, makes us take a hard look inside. And makes me wonder, if I were in Brad’s position, what would I do? And that, my friends, is the sign of a great writer. Most anyone who writes can tell a competent tale – it takes an artist to make us stop and think. To hold up a mirror and invite us to look, think, feel. And make no mistake, with this book, Mr. Goode is an artist.<br />“At that moment I knew I’d follow him anywhere he took me.”<br /><br />I feel the same way, Mr. Goode. Keep writing like this and take me with you.<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><b><br />"Raise Your Glass"</b></span><br /><br />It's been only two days since baseball jock and school BMOC Brad came out to the school in an attempt to support his boyfriend, nerdy and invisible Kyle. The repercussions haven't really hit either boy terribly hard yet, as they skipped school the day before, and now will have to face the music.<br /><br />The reaction at home has been mixed. Kyle's mother, gone agan, isn't a factor. And Brad's parents are, as usual, fighting over the news. It's at school where the dread will come in. Brad picks up Kyle and, drawing on other for strength, they head in to Foster High.<br /><br />The kids are waiting. The news has spread, the gossip ripe. Whispers greet them everywhere they go. Conversations stop as they walk into their classes. Students once friends now look at Brad like he grew an additional head. For Kyle, it means he's noticed now.<br /><br />But with attention comes conflict, and the underlying homophobia Kyle feared. And it comes out - verbally, physically, emotionally. Even to the point where Brad may not be allowed to play baseball, since he might...become aroused by the bodies around him. Never mind he's been dressing out in locker rooms for years. Never mind he is counting on a scholarship to get the hell out of North Texas.<br /><br />Will the pressures of being out be too much for Kyle and Brad? How will the school, and the school board, deal with openly gay student? And, most importantly, will the boys be together and safe?<br /><br />John Goode has once again delivered the goods. This is an emotionally stunning, powerhouse...gem of a story. The two characters, Brad and Kyle, leap off the page with verve and conviction. They grabbed my attention, my love and my heart.<br /><br />This is a hugely relevant and important series. Nobody else in the genre has captured the pure psychological weight on the shoulders of gay teens, and how truly fragile, yet strong, these kids are. Brad on his own was maintaining, hiding his true self under a self-hating persona. And Kyle was living day-to-day, counting the moments until he was out of school.<br /><br />Ah, but together? These two together have found something special, something that makes them more than just the sum of the two wholes. They found synergy. And with that, they can make it through.<br /><br />There are horrible things that happen along the way in this book - deeds that can't be undone, words that can't be unspoken, hurts that can't be taken back. But alongside all that - there is something more. Something underlying all the pain and the fear and the hate.<br /><br />The unspoken forces that Mr. Goode has given us here are Hope and Love.<br /><br />Hope for these two boys. Hope for at least some of the people in this small Texas town. Hope for their parents, their friends - old and new. Hope for other gay men and women there.<br /><br />And love. The love of a young man for another. A parent for their child. Love of self.<br /><br />This book moved me to tears. Joyful tears that Kyle and Brad will make it. That they are not alone. And that it does get better.<br /><br />Fine job.<br /><br /><br /><br />Read this wonderful series and enjoy!!!<br /><br />Tom<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-25918761109114856242012-08-19T20:36:00.001-04:002012-08-19T20:50:06.600-04:00"To Reach the Stars"<b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></b><a name="_GoBack"></a> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Arial; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Review – <span style="color:#660000;">“To Touch the Stars” </span>by Jeremy Pack</span></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Amazing epic story of love and courage</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Very Highly Recommended</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">From the time he was an almost-teen in the early 1950’s, Nicholas Sullivan was fascinated with flying and the stars. His father, a pilot during WWII, filled the young boy’s ears full of stories of derring-do, and it shouldn’t have come as any surprise when at the age of twelve, Nick was stealing off under cover of night to take his dad’s crop-dusting plane off to try to get as close as he could to the edge of the sky.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">At the same time, young Tait Williams was keeping his eyes much more to the earth. Usually in a book. As his mother noted, both wryly and with wonder, the boy was an old soul and wise beyond his years. His future, even then, was tied to writing and his dreams, while lofty, were fixed on the Pulitzer Prize.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Their lives, even then, took them in such different directions. Young Nick would grow and enter the fledgling NASA astronaut program of the early sixties as part of President Kennedy’s pledge to reach the moon within ten years. And Tait, he would finish college and start his career as a newspaper beat writer and copy editor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Across the backdrop of thirty years – the triumphs and tragedies of the Apollo manned launches, the Vietnam War, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the early days of AIDS, love, marriages, deaths, babies, families – we are introduced to Nick and Tait’s lives. Their families, their friends, their loves, joys and sorrows. We meet Bill, Alex, Eleanor, the Senator, Vannak and Nkeah, Isabella, and Adam.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We see how fate and life hinge on small moments and seemingly minor encounters – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">what ifs</i>. What if an unexpected nudge in the right direction didn’t happen? An offer of a job was missed. A gentle push from an unexpected source went to someone else. Even the unwilling granting of the second chance to make a better impression never materialized.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Will Nick and Tait be the biggest <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">what if</i> – what if the slow, inevitable dance of two people drawn to each other was stopped in its tracks because same-sex relationships are a generation away from being utterly forbidden and career-killing?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Jeremy Pack has written an exquisitely crafted ode to dreams, men and love. He’s taken a deceptively simple puzzle piece – boy meets boy – and gently and lovingly added piece after piece, layer upon layer of subtle grace and power until the complete, stunning panorama is shown. He’s spanned thirty years of almosts, not quites…of close. Of missed chances, of regrets.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This is a truly remarkable book. Mr. Pack keeps his hand firmly on the wheel, never allowing the story to veer, keeping his voice as pure and sweet as any I’ve read. His description of Nick’s exuberance at flying is as controlled and beautiful as is the horror of the Khmer Rouge and the Killing Fields of Cambodia he so hauntingly shows us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This work is a treasure. I stayed up two nights reading it, and longed for more of Nick and Tait when I was finished. These are the men who paved the road for me as a gay man, and in turn my generation – gutted and devastated and maybe a little jaded in the time of HIV – has hopefully blazed a path for today’s gay youth.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:arial;">This is a special book. Buy it, savor it, and fall in love a little. I did.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:arial;">This is quite possible the best book of the year.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Tom</span><a name="_GoBack"></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-15345364338592476712012-08-18T18:15:00.005-04:002012-08-18T23:07:07.074-04:00"Last Dance With Mary Jane"<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;">Review - <span style="color:#660000;">"Last Dance With Mary Jane"</span> by John Goode</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />What if...your dead love could talk to you?<br /><br />Very Highly Recommended</span></b></span><br /><br />Peter isn't handling the death of his partner well. Ah, that's an understatement, perhaps. He's out of his friggin' mind.<br /><br />He's drinking, thinking over and over about the irony of what strength and will it took for Shayne to not only accept his diagnosis of Stage 2 HIV infection and the six or seven year life expectancy, but to actually overcome it and be healthy on the other end. Then, to lose his life in a freak car accident when he had everything to live for.<br /><br />And the worst of his downward spiral is the constant calls he makes to Shayne's cell phone, just to have that one last bit of his man, one small slice of his day where he can hear his voice and everything can be right with the world.<br /><br />But he knows that he's just hanging on by his fingernails. To Shayne, to his sanity.<br /><br />And there are people all around him trying to help - his therapist, a bartender, and his neighbor. Trying to get him to get it all out and move on.<br /><br />And then his life takes the weirdest turn yet when he calls Shayne's phone to hear him one more time...and Shayne answers.<br /><br />What would you do?<br /><br />John Goode has taken this dilemma and turned it inside on itself in this breathtakingly beautiful story about the ultimate second chance. To take my worst nightmare - losing a loved one without being able to say all the important things like "I love you" one more time - and having God, fate, the Universe give me one more chance to talk to that person...is so poignantly gut-wrenching.<br /><br />Mr. Goode took me by the hand and led me along this road of discovery that is at once so self-evident and yet so very hard to grasp. He showed me the slow growth of love and caring, and how the path of love and life takes us through joy and illness and anger and joy. Then the grief of loss, and the stumbling steps we try to take to get back on way to living again.<br /><br />Ah, but it would be easy to stop there. Just to make this another man-gets-over-tragedy story. That's not good enough. Mr. Goode took it one step further, and asked me, if you could make one last call, have one last talk, what would you say?<br /><br />His Peter has to make that choice, and it forced me to wonder for myself, what would I do and what would I say? It's especially relevant as I just lost my partner, but I had the chance to say all the important things, the <i>I love you</i>'s and the <i>you are mine and I am yours</i>' and the <i>goodnight and goodbye</i>'s.<br /><br />But...I would give much - everything - to have one more talk...but I have no regrets.<br /><br />There are fantastic turns and twists here - how Shayne got to be nicknamed MJ, and how Peter used the word "feckless" and who it pissed off, and how the Universe is like a clock.<br /><br />Trust me, read this and find it all out for yourself. Then think about who you need to call tonight and say something to, in case you don't have a tomorrow with them.<br /><br />Just...excellent.<br /><br />Tom<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5895081462816148180.post-70061333476201767442012-08-17T18:01:00.002-04:002012-08-17T18:11:00.678-04:00"Conner's Courage"<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Review - </span><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">"Conner's Courage"</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> by SJD Peterson</span><br /><br />Slow Dancing In A Burning Room<br /><br />Highly Recommended</b></span><br /><br />*This is the fourth in the Whispering Pines Series, and while it stands alone, it is really best to read the books in order. Conner and John are in them all, and to know them is to love them..."<br /><br />For thirty-seven years, Conner Burnett has loved John Price. Now, he's facing the fight all of these years of love have prepared him for. John has inoperable cancer, and Conner won't accept the only sure outcome.<br /><br />Conner first showed up at the Whispering Pine Ranch on the run from yet another flirtation gone bad, and another job crashing and burning. But Cole Taylor, the ranch's owner, sees something in the cocky and brash young man, and decides to take a chance on him and hires him as the cook while his wife Cindy is out of town.<br /><br />The slightly build, young looking Conner immediately draws the attention of John Price, the big bear of a ranch foreman, and his admonishment for him to tone down his dancing around around the kitchen rubs Conner the wrong way. Especially since the sparks the two men have? Could light a fire.<br /><br />So begins a slow, smoldering dance towards romance and love for the two men, a dance that is threatened by John's fears, Conner's anger, and the very real attitude of the times - the 1970's - towards gays.<br /><br />What follows is simply...stunning.<br /><br />SJD Peterson takes us by the hand and leads us to the dance floor with this hauntingly small, intimate story of love and romance and hope. The steps are ones we all know - strong but vulnerable men, broken lives and hearts, and two men starving for love and afraid to reach out and take a place at the table.<br /><br />But oh...then she pulls us close in and wraps her arms around our necks and sings the words to their love song in our ears. A quiet and gentle hymn about Conner's need to be himself, and John's surrender to the power of love. About learning to drop walls and defenses, and trust in the goodness of another person.<br /><br />And the best thing? Ms. Peterson lets us dance with her 'til the song closes with a sweet, sweet ending.<br /><br />This book is amazing. Beautifully written, believably paced and just so honest and true.<br /><br />I loved it. This series just keeps getting better and better. Now, give me Jess's story.<br /><br />Tom<br />Tom Webbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15587305406171087129noreply@blogger.com5