Monday, October 1, 2012

Fangs, Fur, and Fey Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the FANGS, FUR, AND FEY Giveaway Hop!
My giveaway will have TWO winners! I'm offering one paperback OR one ebook (reader's choice) of my paranormal romance, Lancaster House, to TWO lucky winners. (Yes, fangs are included in this story!!)
All I ask is that you follow me through GFC!
The rafflecopter is below, after the linky list.
Good Luck and don't forget to keep on hopping with the linky list below!
Thanks for stopping by!





a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Weekend


I had a fun weekend with the fam! No writing, no editing, no blogging, no tweeting, etc. Took a much needed break! In our family, we CAN'T WAIT for the December release of Le Mis, the movie adaptation of the musical. In preparation, we went and saw the local theater's production of Le Mis, just to get us even more fired up over the movie! It was AMAZING! They did a tremendous job!

When writing, if you can capture the emotion contained in Le Mis, you have succeeded! It's a beautiful story and completely inspiring. If you haven't already, watch the movie trailer. Anne Hathaway does an amazing job! Enjoy!

Tell me about your weekend!


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

It's NOT okay!


The resounding message in my newest novel, I Have People, is: losing your temper, blowing up at your loved ones--or anyone for that matter--is NOT okay. It's NOT  okay. It's not acceptable and no one should accept being treated in an abusive manner. And just for the record, yelling is abusive.

Excerpt from I Have People:

Holly had never seen Cal this serious. It took her back. He hadn’t hit her, or thrown her around like she thought he would. “If you can have a conversation without getting angry then, yes, I’ll stay and talk to you. If you lose your temper, I’m outta here. But you have to let me go. I can’t talk to you while you’re holding me down. Either I’m here of my own free will or I’m leaving. It’s one or the other, Cal.”
Cal slowly released his grasp on one arm and then the other. He moved off her and they both sat up. He leaned against the wall and she leaned against the bed frame—facing each other. Secretly, Holly breathed a sigh of relief. She’d thought for sure that Cal would be beating the hell out of her right about now. To her surprise, he wasn’t. He wanted to talk. Go figure.
“I can’t live like this, Cal,” she told him straight out. “I’m scared of you. I shouldn’t be scared of my husband.”
“I would never hit you, Holly. I’m not a monster.”
“But you hurt me, Cal. You pull my hair, you push me around, you’re rough with me. It’s the same as hitting someone. Can you really not see that?”
“I know you’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to do it. I don’t want to do it. I can’t seem to help myself.”
“But that’s just it. You can help it.”
He stared her down, his eyes never leaving hers. “Please don’t leave me, Holly. I don’t want to be alone.”
His heartfelt plea touched her. “Will you get help?”
“Help?”
“Yeah, you know, counseling, anger management, anything that will help you to control your temper.”
Cal scoffed and looked away.
“I’m serious.”
“Will you stay if I agree to get help?”
Holly knew staying with Cal was not a wise decision. In fact, it was as risky as swimming with sharks.
“I love you, Holly. Please.”
He was her husband. Maybe she owed him a second chance. Maybe they could still make this work. She’d married him and she couldn’t give up at the first sign of trouble. “All right. I’ll stay. But only on the condition that you seek help. I won’t stand for being yelled at because you have five ice cubes in your glass or because your fork is the wrong size. Understood?”
“Yeah.”
She wasn’t done. “And if you ever hurt me again, I will press charges, Cal.” A few tears escaped and drizzled down her cheeks. She was losing her nerve. Anger flashed behind his eyes, but he quickly hid it.
“Do you love me, Holly?”
Her hesitation made him blink his eyes heavily. “Yes. I wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t. But, Cal, saying ‘I love you,’ isn’t enough. You have to show it in your actions. And your actions tell me that you hate me and have very little regard for my feelings whatsoever. Your behavior is not okay, Cal. It’s not okay,” she said vehemently.
He was quiet for at least a full minute. Tension filled the room.
“I’m sorry, Holly. I really am.”
“I know you are, Cal. But sometimes sorry just isn’t enough.”
“So you’ll stay?”
“For now. Trial run.”
       “Thank you, baby.” 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Sierra Reviews

So far, the reviews for Sierra have been amazing. I am surprised, yet very pleased. As a matter of fact, I'm thrilled!

I love to post all of my reviews and point you to the wonderful blogs that have so kindly featured my books.

Warning: I LOVE both of these reviews, but, in my mind, they both contain spoilers!  At least, I don't want you to know these things before you read the book. So, if you haven't read it, and would like the story to unfold before your eyes, don't read them!

This first review is from Up All Night Reviews.

Jen's Review:

This book was pretty good. The story line, the adventures, the couple, just great.

In the beginning, we see Alyssa and her husband Sam, and their 2 year old little boy heading home from their family vacation in Tahoe. While driving through the Sierra Mountains (a trip I have taken many times in my youth as well) they were getting antsy. Sam was getting tired, Clay was fast asleep. Alyssa knew she'd be driving a little ways, soon. When Sam pulled into the rest stop to stretch their legs a little, Alyssa couldn't have dreamed her life was about to change forever.

When she met her guys back in the car, she noticed first the man in the backseat with the gun to Sam's head. Then the knife at her throat, and a stern voice telling her to drive.

Alyssa was scared, she was afraid for Sam and Clay, and herself. She thought once they got these guys where they wanted to go, it would be ok.

But that wasn't the case at all. When Adam told her to pull over, and get out, they thought this would be the last they saw of them.
But it just got worse.
All of a sudden she was in a truck, and images of Adam and Clay falling to the ground haunted her.

When Adam and Pa reached their destination, they got out of the truck and started to walk towards the woods. They hiked until they couldn't walk anymore. With a concussion, sore feet and only a few pieces of jerky (with pocket lent on them) and a small amount of water, Alyssa was struggling to keep up. But Adam wouldn't let her fall behind either.
Days went by, after a couple of times of trying to escape, and their beatings, she gave in. She felt numb.

After about 5 days, they were about out of food, and still not where they were supposed to be going. That's when Pa saw the cabin.

Alex lived alone in the middle of the mountains. it was a good 6 day hike to any amount of civilization. and that's how he liked it. He didn't want to be bothered. After 3 years of living in the mountains, with helicopter delivery once a year with his supplies, he was happy.
At least he thought he was happy. Until that one night when the front door burst open, and 2 men with shot guns pointed at him entered his life.

Once he got a look at those big doe eyes begging for his help, he knew then and there the battered, badly beaten woman was about to change his life forever.

Like I said, i really enjoyed the storyline to this book. It was a bit tame from what I usually read. But it was still pretty good. It had more than a few places where I cried. And I'm not talking about those silent tears that come when reading something emotional. I actually had to take a break to get myself under control -

I think the ending was a little rushed, though, as well as a few places in the story where they skipped through time. They spent so much time preparing for those 4 months of being snowed in, but we only got a page or two or what happened during those 4 months :( 


My next review is from Kaisy Daisy's Reviews:

Kaisy's Review:

I loved this book, it was one I hated to put down. I also went through many emotions through out the book.

Alyssa and her family Sam her husband and Clay her two year old son were returning from a wonderful vacation at Lake Tahoe when something unthinkable happened. Two mountain men kidnapped them and made them drive into the mountains. When they finally stopped the two man killed her husband and son, and then forced Alyssa to go with them. This part of the story was so brutal and showed what strong spirit that Alyssa had she continued on to push on escaping a couple times only to be caught again by Pa and Adam. They kept her roped up at night and dragged her by a lease during the day. She was so tired. When trying to find their home they stumbled upon a cabin and a man living out in the wilderness by himself. Alex is a kind man and wants to help Alyssa, he will not let her leave with Pa and Adam.

I do not want to spoil the story so will go into no more detail, but this is a wonderful story about love and second chances. Its about continuing when you thing there is no hope and nothing to live for. It is about finding happiness even through the bleakest moments. I can't wait to read more books by Taylor Dean, she is a great story teller.

A special thank you to Jen and Kaisy for their stellar reviews!




Monday, September 24, 2012

Teaser Excerpt for I Have People


Here's a little teaser excerpt from I Have People! Enjoy!

Holly plated three dinners. She started into the living room, but then stopped just before she was in sight. Angela and Gabe were deep in conversation, their voices slightly hushed as if they didn’t want her to hear what they were saying.
“Has she remembered anything more?” she heard Angela whisper.
“No. Not a thing.”
“Do you think she remembers, but doesn’t want to admit it?”
“Sometimes I wonder, but I don’t think so.”
“What do you mean?”
“The way she looks at me sometimes. It makes me think she knows.”
“Has she said anything?”
“No. To be honest, I hope she never remembers.”
“I don’t think that’s healthy.”
“I feel like I’m living with a time bomb that’s ticking madly and could go off at any moment. It’s always there, lurking in my thoughts.”
“I know what you mean. How are things between you?”
“Perfect. Absolutely perfect. I couldn’t be happier and I know she’s happy too. That’s my only solace.”
“She looks radiant and it’s all because of you, Gabriel. Remember that. You did the right thing.”
“I hope so, Angela.”
Holly entered at that moment, not wanting to hear her husband and best friend speak about her anymore. She handed Angela and Gabe each a plate, not looking them in the eyes, and hurried back to the kitchen, trying to compose herself. What should she be remembering? And why were Angela and Gabe so clearly worried about it?
Gabe walked in then, “Aren’t you going to join us?”
Holly looked at him rather intensely, suddenly feeling as though she was looking at a stranger. She didn’t think they had secrets from one another, but now she knew they did.
“Holly, are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Her gaze shifted away quickly.
He walked over to her and put his finger under her chin, tipping her head up. “What is it?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.”
She could see the love in his eyes. She knew he loved her. But she could see something else there too. Fear. It was fear.
Fear of the ticking time bomb.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Sierra Blog Tour



My next Sierra Blog Tour starts tomorrow! Yes, I'll have two going on at one time!

Here's the schedule so you can follow along:


Sept 24 For The Love of Films & Books Review/Excerpt
Sept 25 Mary Ellen Quigley Guest Post/Excerpt
Sept 26 Whoopeeyoo! :D Excerpt/Guest Post
Sept 27 Amy's Booket List Review
Sept 28 Kindle & Me Excerpt
Sept 30 Amy's Booket List Guest Post
Oct 1 Batty For Books Review
Oct 2 Fictional Candy Guest Post/Excerpt
Oct 3 My Devotional Thoughts Review
Oct 4 My Cozy Corner Review
Oct 6 Mrs. Mommy Book Nerd Author Interview
Oct 7 My Devotional Thoughts Guest Post
Oct 8 Colorimetry Excerpt



Saturday, September 22, 2012

I Have People in PAPERBACK!


It's such a great moment when you get to hold the completed novel in your hands!

One lady on Goodreads left this comment:

I thought the title was I Hate People and loved the juxtaposition of such a saucy title with a color happy cover, but alas, alas, I was mistaken.

I thought that was pretty funny!

It is a color happy cover and I hesitated over using it. Especially since part of the book deals with a very serious matter. But, it's a happy ending, and the overall message is happy, so I stuck with the HAPPY cover. After all, I'm really happy that I HAVE PEOPLE.

But, what if you were born to a mother who left you at a hospital doorstep? What if you never had any people all of your life? How would that make you feel? Isn't having a family a natural birthright, something all of us are born with?

Sadly, not for everyone. I Have People deals with a young lady who faced this very dilemma in her life.

She doesn't have any people.




Friday, September 21, 2012

RELEASED: I Have People





My newsest book, I Have People, has officially been released! It is now available in paperback at the Create Space Estore or on Amazon. Ebook will be available in a couple of weeks. (Sorry it takes a little longer to get the ebook ready! It's currently being formatted for ebook.)

Here's the blurb for I Have People:

Missing any memories? 

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM. 


Win a free copy by entering my Goodreads Giveaway!


Goodreads Book Giveaway

I Have People by Taylor Dean

I Have People

by Taylor Dean

Giveaway ends October 05, 2012.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter to win

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Reviews of Sierra

If you've been following my blog, you know how nervous I was about upcoming reviews of Sierra during my blog tour. Sierra is my personal favorite. It's my baby and I wanted to protect it and shelter it.

However, so far I've received two AMAZING reviews and I'm thrilled, overjoyed, and jumping-up-and-down! I blubber like a baby when a review is good. Seriously. It's a wonderful feeling though.

One review is at Jersey Girl Book Reviews. I was downright giddy after reading it. I couldn't stop half-laughing/half-crying because I was so happy. When you put so much effort into writing a book, a wonderful review is the most rewarding thing in the world! Thanks, Kathleen!

My Book Review:

Sierra is an unforgettable story of loss, hope, survival, love and second chances.

On the way home from a family outing, Alyssa Fontaine's world is turned upside down when her husband and son are brutally taken from her and she is abducted by two mountain men, who take her forcefully into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to start a new life with a new name, Eve.

Alex Kendrick has had a lot of tragedy in his life, and in order to get rid of the ghosts from his past, for the past three years he has called his mountain cabin retreat home. In the mountains he is at peace, he loves the simple solitary life that he has made for himself away from everyone.

Just when Alyssa thinks her life is over, an unlikely twist of fate brings a chance to escape from her abductors, and be saved by an unlikely savior, Alex. For Alyssa and Alex, it is a journey that will forever change their lives.

Every now and then you come across a novel that profoundly takes your breath away, and Sierra is that novel. Masterfully written and told in the third person narrative, Sierra is a story of two people who have known tragedy in their life, who are brought together under very unlikely circumstances to have a second chance at love and happiness. It is an amazingly compelling story of the power of the human spirit to survive tragic life circumstances, it will captivate you and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride while pulling at your heartstrings. Rich in details and vivid descriptions, the author masterfully weaves a tale that engages the reader and draws them into the characters' lives. The reader will feel the palpable suspense, drama, loss, hope and love in this riveting tale that is both heart-wrenching and redemptive.

Sierra is so much more than a romantic suspense story, it is an amazing testament to the resilience and power of the human spirit to survive, have hope and gain a second chance when they are dealt with unexpected life circumstances. This is a story that will resonate with you long after the last words have been read.


RATING: 5 STARS ***** 



Another review is at Little Book Star. Leigh, the reviewer, is only 16 and I love that she loved my book. I figured Sierra would appeal to an older audience.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic


What intrigued me to read Sierra was the plot; I’ve never read a book about two men captivating a woman for a different purpose. These two men did not want any of her fancy stuff, money, or car. They wanted something else, something you wouldn’t think of, and that is why I love this book! I got hooked on to it and I couldn’t predict what would happen next. I usually see movies with men kidnapping a woman or a family, but this time I get to read it! The beginning of the book would have to be my favorite part. I caught myself gasping and surprised because there was so much stuff going on and like Alyssa, the main character, I was shocked with the events that were taking place. I was literally like :O “NOOO WAAAY!” “OH SHOOT!” “OMG ” yeuup. Her family was shot right in front of her guys.

I loved all the characters, well except for the two psychopaths and Alyssa’s father. They were so real and Alyssa is such a great heroine. Man, if I was in her situation I would be shaking like crazy and freak out. She was so headstrong and fought her best to get away from those two retards. For our leading man- Alex – he’s awesome as well! He was very mysterious in the book and that added a little more suspense to the story. You’ll be like “Who is he? How does he even live there? Why is he living there?” I kept asking those questions to myself while reading it and was finally answered towards the end of the book.

The romance part was good! I thought it was cute but sometimes it got just a little bit cheesy. Also I think Alyssa says ‘I love you’ too much and I’m like “girl I get it and your husband just past away…”. Only thing I didn’t understand though was how come Alex couldn’t contact his helicopter to pick Alyssa up? I know there’s no signal when you’re on the mountains but I’m pretty sure Alex and Alyssa can travel and find a signal somewhere, even if it’s 5 miles away, that is, if Alyssa really wanted to go home. It looked like she didn’t though, and I know she was recovering from that leg injury but if I were her and after I recover, I would’ve walked back to my family even though it was far away. She didn’t though.

Sierra is one of those books that gives you something to think about with a lot of romance and sweet stuff thrown in it which I liked! Being trapped for months with the boy you love, that was good stuff for her lol. I recommend this to everyone especially if you like a novel with romance and suspense.

In an author interview, Leigh asked me:

Q: Was there a time that you dreamt about one of your characters?
Alex. Always Alex. To this day, he’s still my favorite of my leading men.
After reading Sierra, my sister said to me, “I can’t stop dreaming of being stuck in a snowbound cabin with a handsome hero!”

Q: If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Well, Alex, of course. But don’t tell my hubby I said that!

In response, Leigh commented:

I’d spend time with Alex too… but a younger version of Alex cause I’m only 16 x)

Too funny! That made me laugh!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway Hop


Welcome and thanks for stopping by! Today I'm offering one paperback or one ebook of my novel, Lancaster House. (reader's choice) The rafflecopter is below, after the linky list.

Lancaster House, a paranormal romance, is a book that will suck you in and keep you glued to its pages! I promise! You won't be able to put it down!

Here's what a few book reviewers have said:

This is one of those books that you just can not put down until you finish, and I can't wait for the sequel! 
-My Cozie Corner

This book sucked me in from the very first chapter. Once I got started I literally put it down one time to make dinner for my family. As soon as dinner was over I was back reading! I probably read it in 3 hours, maybe a little more.
-Dive Under the Cover

I really didn't know what I expected before I read it but once I started it, I literally could not put it down until I was at the very last page!
-Book Liaison

From the opening pages, you're sucked right into the action, wondering what is going on and what will happen next.
-The Thoughts of a Girl

Good Luck! And thanks again for stopping by. Keep on hopping with the linky list below.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sneak Peek of I Have People


A sneak peek of I Have People:

Why was Angela crying? What was going on? “Where am I?” Confusion gripped her, why couldn’t she think straight?
“You’re in the hospital, sweetie. You’ve been in a coma and we’ve been waiting for you to wake up for the longest time. You’re going to be okay, though, you’re just fine. Don’t worry about anything.”
In spite of the comforting words, Holly felt herself panic. Hospital? Coma? “I’m okay?”
“Yes, honey, you’re going to be fine.”
“Where’s Gabe? I need Gabe.” Her throat hurt. Her voice was scratchy and unrecognizable even to her own ears.
Angela’s sobs stopped abruptly. “What?”
“Gabriel. Where is he?” she uttered with extreme difficulty.
“I . . . I’m not sure.”
“Tell my husband I’m awake,” she mumbled through an irritated throat. Angela was quiet and had gone very still. “Tell him, please tell him.”
 Holly wiggled her toes and stretched her legs. She wiggled her fingers and lifted her arms off the bed, proud of herself for being able to accomplish these tasks. She could feel every part of her coming back to life.
 “Why isn’t Gabriel here?” Holly asked again, feeling devastated. Angela was silent for several moments, looking at her as if she didn’t know her. Holly’s head came off the pillow, “What is it? What’s wrong? Did something happen to Gabe? Tell me, Angela, I want to know,” she said in a raspy whisper.
Angela rubbed her arm softly. “Holly, please don’t get worked up. Calm down. Nothing’s happened to Gabriel. He’s perfectly fine.”
Holly let out her breath and collapsed onto her pillow. “You had me worried. Why isn’t he here?” She was tiring quickly. It took all of her strength to utter the words.
“We . . . we weren’t sure when you would wake up, honey. Don’t worry, I’ll call him.”
Holly felt fuzzy and her thoughts were jumbled. “Why am I so tired? What happened to me?”
“The doctor said it was best for your memories to come back to you all on your own. I’m not supposed to tell you anything or . . . or prompt you. The important thing is that you’re going to be okay.”
“Oh, all right.” I’m going to be okay. I’m going to be okay. The words ran through her mind as if a mantra. Holly closed her eyes and tried to think, tried to command her thoughts to return to her. The only thing that wafted through her mind were her memories of Gabriel. His blond hair. His perfect smile. His brown eyes. His kiss. Her worried gaze met Angela’s wide eyes. “I . . . I can’t remember anything. Except Gabriel, of courssssse. I could never forget my husssssband.” Her words were beginning to slur.
Angela’s smile died on her face.
 “Why do you look sssssso upssset?”
“I’m not upset. I just . . . I just wish he was here to see you wake up, that’s all. He’ll be so . . . disappointed.”
Holly’s eyes slowly closed as she whispered, “He’s always late for everything. He’s never in a hurry. Remember that, Angela?”
“Yes, Holly, I . . . I remember.”
Holly quietly fell back to sleep, the conversation, completely wearing her out.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

PROLOGUE to I Have People



Here's a sneak peek of the prologue to I Have People! Enjoy! 


A knock on the door startled Holly. He was early. She smiled to herself, then ran to the door as the knocking became insistent. Maybe he couldn’t wait to see her, maybe he was just as excited about tonight as she was. Maybe. She opened the door eagerly.
Her smile died on her face. It wasn’t who she was expecting. In her excitement, she’d let her guard down.
“Hello, Holly Noel.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Aw, c’mon, I just want to see you, baby.”
“It’s over and you know it. Please leave.” Fear trickled down her spine. How far would he go this time? Holly began to slam the door shut, to close him out of her life, to remove him from sight, to push him into non-existence. If only it could be so. The edge of the door bounced against his foot and slammed backwards, hitting her directly in the face. She felt her lip swell as blood trickled down her chin.
Oddly, she thought about the mess it would make on the carpet.
“See what you made me do? If you wouldn’t be so unreasonable, these things wouldn’t happen.”
“Please leave. You’re violating the restraining order. I’ll call the police.”
“You and I both know you won’t do that. You love me, I know you do.” He pushed his way into the apartment. She didn’t follow. “I don’t want to fight with you, baby. Why do you always have to make things difficult?”
Holly knew she was in trouble. She’d known it since the moment she’d stupidly opened the door without checking to see who it was. It wasn’t a luxury she could afford. Ever.
 “Don’t do this, it will only make things worse. If you leave now, I won’t press charges. Just leave, peacefully and quietly . . . please,” she begged.
His lips formed a wicked leer as he scoffed. “You’ll always be mine, Holly. Why can’t you see that?”
Holly stepped outside the apartment door and he followed, standing too close. If she made a mad dash for the stairs, could she escape him? She wasn’t sure, but she doubted it.
“Stay back! It’s over. I want nothing to do with you. Just let it go.” Where is he? He should be here by now.
The expression on his face turned stricken. “How can you say that? After all we meant to each other. I know you don’t mean it.”
“I mean it. I hate you. I want you out of my life,” she told him with steely determination.
“Don’t say that.”
“I hate you! Leave me alone!” she said, this time louder, hoping to attract attention.
He walked closer and shoved her, making her stumble. “Stop it,” she warned. They were making a scene on the landing of her second story apartment and she knew he was very aware of the neighbors opening their doors and peeking out with curiosity.
A mask of twisted rage contorted his features. She knew that look all too well.
“I can’t believe you would say that,” he said through gritted teeth, his face red with anger.
He shoved her again, but she maintained her footing. “It’s over,” she reiterated bravely. “Leave me alone.”
He shoved her again, this time hard. Her back hit the railing with surprising force. Holly knew in that moment he’d finally done it.
He’d finally killed her.
She felt the railing give way and knew she was going down and there was nothing to stop her fall.  Even though a blood curdling scream rent the air, even though her hands flailed wildly in an attempt to grab hold of anything that might save her from this outcome, a strange feeling of peace washed over her. In that moment, time stood still. She seemed to fall in slow motion as her life passed before her eyes.
This wasn’t her fate. It couldn’t be. Where is he?
“Holly!” he screamed when he realized what was happening. His remorse over his actions always came too late. The damage was done. And this time it was irreparable. Really, it always had been. He attempted to catch her, desperately groping the air for any piece of her that might stop her descent.
It was too late.
He didn’t mean to do it.
He never meant to do it.

Monday, September 17, 2012

REVIEWS!

Do you have any idea how rewarding it is to receive great reviews?

Well, I'll tell you.

It's amazing, it's wonderful, it's thrilling, it's miraculous, and . . . well, you get the idea.

Brandy of Book Worm Brandy gave me two wonderful reviews, one of Sierra and one of Lancaster House. Not only that, she read both books in one weekend, which is a huge compliment!

You can read the review of Sierra here and the one of Lancaster House here.

Or just read them below!

Lancaster House:

Lancaster House is amazingly written and such an original story. I was Zoe and Andre's number one fan from the beginning, they are an amazing couple, and Taylor easily conveys their love in this story.

Taylor made Zoe so likeable and so easy to sympathize with. You just want to tell off all the people who are so adamant about calling her crazy. Of course she's not crazy you want to scream at them! (Or at least I did, but I get really involved in novels if you haven't been able to tell) : )

I really can't say enough about Taylor Dean and this novel. She has created such an epic story of paranormal romance that you don't even realize that it is a paranormal telling. I ended up feeling so bad for Zoe because to me, all she deserves is to be happy and to be with Andre. It is a beautiful love story that you ABSOLUTELY MUST READ!!!

Sierra:

I read Sierra in less than 24 hours. I cried, I laughed, I experienced happiness, anger and envious during my reading. Taylor Dean has become one of my favorite authors and Sierra will forever be added to my list of favorite all time books.

Taylor eloquently writes of loss, love and hope in this book. It is not just 'another romance novel', not by a long shot. The loss that Alyssa endures was so painful to me, yet the turn around that happens in her life made me absolutely giddy. Taylor writes from the heart and you can really tell with each chapter.

I WANT everyone I know to read this book, it is that amazing. I love when I am blown away by a book and I was by Sierra. I didn't want it to end, but I was happy with the way it did. I love happy endings, I won't lie. It's an amazing story that will stay with you for a long time. Taylor Dean is an exceptional writer and one that will be around for awhile!

Wow! Couldn't help but tear up after reading that review of Sierra. Thanks, Brandy!


Lancaster House Review

My last stop on my Lancaster House Blog Tour included another great review!
Thank you to Brenda of WV Stitcher for her thoughts and insights on Lancaster House.

Check it out or just read it here:


My take on this book:
I am a huge fan of paranormal fiction so I was excited to read "Lancaster House" by new to me author Taylor Dean. I found myself drawn into a story that provided several twists that kept me turning the pages to reach the final conclusion.

After breaking up with Connor Gage, twenty five year old Zoe Grayson decides she needs a change in her life, so she sells her successful interior design business in Arizona and heads to California to start over. She decides to look for a house to restore and since she has always loved old Victorian homes she decides to purchase an old 20's Victorian mansion, even though the history of the house has many thinking that it is haunted. As Zoe begins her work of restoring the home to its former splendor weird things start to happen that cause Zoe to question her sanity.

I loved the way this story was written. I was easily drawn into Zoe's story, and because of the way the story starts out I couldn't help but wonder what would ultimately happen with Zoe's character. The story opens up with Zoe meeting Dr. Wade Channing, a new doctor that has been assigned to her, so we learn her story as she tells it to him, but we also get bits of the story from the past. The author smoothly transitions between the two and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.The character of Andre was certainly a twist that I didn't see coming but really enjoyed. The reference to the Winchester House and its many dead ending staircases and secret passages really got my mind to racing as to how the Lancaster House was constructed.

If you enjoy reading paranormal fiction with a twist your certainly going to enjoy "Lancaster House" my only complaint is waiting for the next book in the series. 

TEMPER, TEMPER!


“For every minute you are angry, 
you lose sixty seconds of happiness."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
My sisters and I used to make fun of our little baby brother when he lost his temper. "Temper, temper," we'd tease as if it was funny. A vein in his neck would bulge and his face would turn red.

In reality, it wasn't funny at all.
He grew up to be a wonderful young man. He learned to control his temper. 
But, some don't.
  My newest novel, I Have People, deals with several different concepts:

* Having PEOPLE in our lives who love us, who care for us and are happy to see us at the end the day.
* Finding the right man, while learning to watch for red flags that may tell us the newest man in our lives is NOT  a good person--or not all he appears to be. 
*Memory loss. Replacing bad memories with good ones.
*Finding a good, kind, decent man. Not perfect, but kind.
*Losing your temper. Dealing with anger. Abuse.
The subject of anger and losing our temper is an interesting one. It happens to all of us at different times in our lives. The difference being that most of us know how to control ourselves. Everyone finds different ways to deal with anger. Some are able to cast it aside easily while others blow up. Not just blow up--EXPLODE! Have you ever seen someone lose their temper, I mean really lose their temper? Have you ever seen someone lose control of their selves insomuch that they do things that are unacceptable? It's a frightening experience. 
I was speaking to a friend of mine recently who had read I Have People. She's one of my early readers. She actually thanked me for this book. She had her teenage son read parts of it because he had been dealing with  some bullying issues at school. She said it helped her son to understand bullying so much more.
That was unexpected and something I didn't see coming at all.  She also mentioned that a friend of hers recently lost her father. Her father had a temper and could be very abusive at times. At his funeral, my friend didn't understand how family members all got up, to include his daughter, to say nice things about him. 
But, that's just it! People who have tempers are not filled with anger and rage at every moment of every day. They can be wonderful people who we love and adore. They have a good side as well as a bad side. They can be funny, normal, social people the  majority of the time. And that's what makes abuse so very complicated. We are emotionally invested in the relationship. 
This is what I Have People is all about.