Keta's Keep

This Week's Word - Unusual Words - Do U Know Them?

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 13:01:00 +0000

Hey Wordsmiths, Friends and Followers.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.

If you're like me, you love words, unusual words, funny-sounding words and words you've never read or even heard of before.

This week, I chose seven words that are very unusual. I didn't know what any meant when I came across them. Below, I've listed these words. (Definitions are below at the end of this post). Try to guess what they mean or how you could use them in a sentence . . . if you're lucky enough to know their meanings.

Good luck and no cheating (lol).

absquatulate
bobsy-die
decubitus
emacity
kenspeckle
mollitious
pilgarlic
* * * * *

Keta's Latest Thriller:

SEASON, UNFORGETTABLE

Do you love thrillers, mysteries and Happily-Ever-Afters?

If so, you'll love Season, Unforgettable. Yes, it's an unusual title, and it isn't about 'seasons' of the year. Our heroine of the story happens to be named Season.

Here's the blurb:
Finalist Independent Author Network Book Award

Would you forsake your mother to save the woman you loved?

Season Scrimshaw isn't selling the land her parents left her when they died, not even to the gorgeous Rann Brogan who saved her life in the forest. Especially not after she finds out he was in the woods surveying her property.

Rann's mother, Charlotte, owns a large land development company. She wants Season’s property to put up a strip of luxurious, lakefront condos and Charlotte always gets what she wants. She sends Rann on a mission to seal the deal. To say Rann and his mother have had a normal mother/son relationship would be a stretch…a big stretch, but he’s always done her bidding.

This time it’s different. Rann hasn’t been able to get the beautiful Season out of his mind. While on his mission to secure the property, he realizes how much Season loves the land, and…he realizes somewhere along the line, Season has stolen his heart.

He discovers his mother will go to any length to get what she wants…including murder. Lives spiral out of control, secrets and lies take center stage. Rann is forced to choose between his mother and the woman he loves.

And he’s forced to become as dangerous and as lethal as Charlotte.

AMAZON - Read the 35 Five-Star Reviews

* * * * *
Answers to Unusual Words

absquatulate - to leave somewhere abruptly
bobsy-die - a great deal of fuss or trouble
decubitus - Medicine the posture of someone who is lying down or lying in bed
emacity - fondness for buying things
kenspeckle - Scottish conspicuous or easily recognizable
mollitious - luxurious or sensuous
pilgarlic - a bald-headed man, or a person regarded with mild contempt

How many did you guess correctly or come close to? Congratulations if you knew some. Now, don't you feel smarter or at least more well-read?

See you next month for This Week's Word. Hope you enjoyed the post.

Common Mispronounced Words In The English Language!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:00:00 +0000

Hello, and welcome again to Keta's Keep Mispronouncing words is more common than you think. I found several lists of the most mispronounced words in the English language and you might be surprised by those at the top. See if you know how to pronounce the following.

GIF
A computer graphic image; an acronym for Graphics Interchange Format.

How you pronounce it: Is it “giff” with a hard g or “jiff” with a soft one? Steve Wilhite says it’s “jiff” ... and he should know, since he developed GIFs for Compuserve. He chose to pronounce it that way because it sounded like Jif, the peanut butter brand. Now when you see the word, think of peanut butter and you'll recall how to pronounce it.

Mischievous
Correct Pronounciation [MIS-chuh-vus]
Incorrect Pronounciation [.Mmis-CHEE-vee-us]

Literary scholars discovered many people still say it incorrectly. They all fell prey to the “let’s add an i in there and make it four syllables” syndrome, making the word “mis-CHEE-vee-us.” This mispronunciation also lends itself to spelling errors. When people add the extra syllable, they often also add that i when they spell it, writing it “mischievious.”

Niche: A shallow recess in wall for a sculpture or other decorative object; a place or position suitable or appropriate for a person or thing; a market segment.

Correct: The preferred pronunciation was the one used since the seventeenth century ― a soft, long e “Neesh” like the 14-century French word meaning recess for a dog, or kennel. Incorrect "Nitch". Most people super-anglicize it and say “nitch.”

Here's a few more common mispronounced words:

Do say: affidavit | Don't say: affidavid
Even if your lawyer's name is David, he issues affidavits.

Do say: cardsharp | Don't say: card shark
You may be surprised to hear that card shark isn’t a phrase. Its mispronunciation from cardsharp over the years, however, has led to card shark being more popular in America than the original phrase.

Do say: espresso | Don't say: expresso
While I can't express my love for espresso enough, this word was borrowed from Italian well after the Latin prefix ex- had developed into the es- prefix.

* * *
Hope you learned how to pronounce some of the most commonly mispronounced words in the English language. Course, there are hundreds more!

Let us know you visited! In the comment section tell us one of the commonly mispronounced words you've come across. We'd love to hear from you.

If you haven't read my time travel/paranormal novel, Where the Rain Is Made, I'd love to tell you about it. While I wrote it some time ago, I think it's a book that's timeless. If you like paranormal, time travel and/or suspense, I think you'd love the story of Meko and Cesca.

About the Book:

Nominated for Bookie Award by Authors After Dark. Nominated for Best Romance of the Year.

The time travelers chant:

"I walk alone on the edge of time, traveling far and near.
Born of the sun, kissed by the wind, the call of the raven screams in my ear."

A decadent-looking savage has captured Francesca DuVall and her brother Marsh. These days, she spends every waking moment planning escape from the brutal Dog Soldiers' camp.

Ethan Gray is a curator at a national museum . . . until he travels through time to help his beloved People. In the Cheyenne world he’s known as Meko, leader of the most revered and fearsome tribe of the plains.

Two cultures and two hearts battle. Violence and death haunt their troubled roads, but when kindred souls collide, love prevails against the greatest odds. From the windswept plains of Colorado to the placid life of a curator, their love is fueled by passion and kindled by destiny.

RAVES For Where the Rain Is Made:

"Diablo delivered an awe-inspiring novel that made me appreciate the Native American and their way of life. Where the Rain Is Made is a definite keeper that everyone should read. You'll be hooked immediately!" 4.5 Stars, Manic Readers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"This novel has a lot of passion and a gripping, original plot, not to mention well wrought characters. An edgy, compelling story. A very solid tale - one rooted in history." 5 Stars, Pat's Vampire Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"An incredible read and stays with you even when not reading. There were times the description was done so well it made this reviewer a touch jealous as well as quite happy to enjoy it." 4.5 Wings, Classic Reviews ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"This book will remain on my shelf for years to come and be revisited often :) I cringed, flinched, sighed and shed a tear. Any story that can do that has my vote all the way. Ms. Diablo, I look forward to seeing more from you in the future." 9 out of 10, Seriously Reviewed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Download - .99 CENTS

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Please drop by again to see either This Week's Word or more mispronounced words.

Have a great week!

Click Here To Read About My Books

Welcome to This Week's Word!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 06:40:00 +0000

Hi all, welcome again to Keta's Keep or . . . if you’re a first-time visitor, we’re thrilled you stopped by. I usually post a word that you might be unfamiliar with. I call it “This Week’s Word". As a writer and a reader, I’m very fond of words (makes sense, huh?). I especially love words that relate to terrain, landscape, and geography. I come across words, especially in those old western romance stories, and don’t always know what kind of terrain the author is referring to.

Not long ago, I came across the word below. I hope you learn something new by its meaning! Knowledge is power as they say.

This Weeks Word

Malpaís

A term used in the Southwestern United States, Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking regions for a rough and barren landscape that consists of relict and largely uneroded lava fields exhibiting recognizable lava flows, volcanic cones, and other volcanic landforms. This type of volcanic landscape is extremely rough and difficult to traverse. It is characteristic of an arid environment because in more humid climates, lava fields are quickly destroyed by weathering and erosion.

The word 'malpaís' in Spanish translates to "badland," and this describes the area as being extremely rough and difficult to traverse and unusable for crops. Although a malpaís is often another word for the badlands that form by erosion of sedimentary rocks in the same environment, a malpaís is often associated with such types of lava plain terrain as found in a volcanic field.

How to use Malpais in a sentence:

The approach was loose dirt and malpais, which ran off down the gulch in small avalanches under our feet.

Notify Buck Weaver, so he can head them off if they try to cross the Malpais.

This Week’s Book is TRUTH OR DAIRE, a contemporary billionaire romance I wrote not too long ago. Details are below:

Steamy! Sexy! Swoonworthy!

DOWNLOAD HERE

About the book:

When the unthinkable happens and Cagney Kissler discovers her boyfriend, Daire Bembry, is a lying, two-timing cheater, she tosses him out on his a** and heads to Florida to mend her fractured heart.

The Villa Bay Resort is everything her best friend, Lily, told her it would be, and more. But the trendy, popular bar at the resort, known as Sleazy Swallows, is a little more than Cagney can stomach.

On her way out the door, she meets someone who shares her reservations about public sexual-indulgence. Evan might be just what she’s looking for, and even if he isn’t, she’ll show her ex the true meaning of Truth or Daire.

Stand-alone erotic romance. Happy Ending

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed This Week's Word. See you next month!

Merry Chirstmas & Welcome to This Week's Word!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas all,

It's been a tough year for everyone, but a vaccine will soon be here! Woohoo! Here's wishing the very best to everyone in the new year!

~ W.s ~

Nabob

Noun NAY-bahb ]

A person of great wealth or importance.

Nabob gained its extended sense of a prominent person in the late 18th century, when it was applied sarcastically to British officials of the East India Company returning home after amassing great wealth in Asia. The word was perhaps most famously used by Vice President Spiro Agnew, in a 1970 speech written by William Safire, when he referred to critical members of the news media as "nattering nabobs of negativism."

Nabob is worth nine points in Scrabble.

Using Nabob in a sentence

When the nabob walked into the meeting, everyone stood to show respect to him.

I have a western romance for you today with a little Christmas theme and a HEA! This sweet novella was written in my pen name, Cait Braxton.

About Catherine’s Cowboy:

On the run from her vicious Kiowa husband, Catherine seeks shelter from a raging dust storm when labor begins. Fate steps in when retired tracker Elam also seeks refuge from the elements and stumbles upon the same ramshackle dwelling.

Elam helps Catherine deliver her child and a strong bond develops between them. But outside, biding his time until the squall passes, someone evil longs to claim both their lives and take what is rightfully his…the child.

I'm going north where the grey wolf country is.
The wolves might eat or kill me.
I may not come back
Brother, if I don't come back, you will cry for me.

RAVES

“First, I loved the cover of this novella. I really enjoyed reading it as well. It is well written and both sweet and suspenseful. Catherine and Elam have both suffered loss and have the chance at happiness with each other.” – Carol, Goodreads Addict

“Cait Braxton did an amazing job! A white girl, taken by the Kiowa years before, escapes the brutality of her powerful husband while ready to give birth. A tale filled with fear, bravery and honor, the feeling of hope for the future still shines through!” Dianne B. Tome Tender

FREE on KU or .99 Cents!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed Catherine's Cowboy.

Gracias, Keta

Guest Author - Sadira Stone - Christmas Story

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 13:30:00 +0000

Please welcome Author Sadira Stone!

Author Bio:

Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance from her new home in Washington State, U.S.A. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, plays darts (pretty well), plays guitar (badly), and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com.

Visit Sadira on All the Socials!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadirastone/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadiraStone

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18568049.Sadira_Stone

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadira-stone

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Sadira-Stone/e/B07KWK5FBX

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sadira0641/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadirastone/

Author newsletter: https://eepurl.com/dKLMP2

Tell us about what you write (short stories, novellas, novels, non-fiction)?

I write steamy contemporary romance set in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. My Book Nirvana series centers around a quirky bookshop in Eugene, Oregon. Gelato Surprise is a steamy older woman/younger man beach romance novella. The Bangers Tavern Romance series is set in a neighborhood tavern in Tacoma, Washington, where I live—the town, not the tavern! Each story features a holiday celebration in Bangers Tavern: Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, 4^th of July, Halloween, etc. During this sad time when so many bars, restaurants, and other businesses are shut down, Bangers Tavern gives me the chance to virtually share the fun, camaraderie, and bar food I miss so much. And each volume includes tasty cocktail recipes I’ve personally tested and tweaked—a tough job, but I do it for my readers (wink).

Under my own name, I write cozy mysteries and creepy short stories—think The Twilight Zone—but so far only one creepy short has been published. I’ll get to the rest of them eventually, but right now I’m having too much fun writing romance!

Book Spotlight: Christmas Rekindled

Tagline: When two Scrooges unite to save a bar in trouble, a kiss under the mistletoe sparks the sexiest Christmas miracle ever.

Back Cover Blurb:

Bartender River Lundqvist has a damn good reason for hating Christmas. Bangers Tavern is the perfect place to lay low over the holidays—until Charlie walks in. His first encounter with the saucy server nine years ago was utter humiliation. Her reappearance stirs up powerful desires and hopes for a new start. But the timing is all wrong.

Back in Tacoma to care for her estranged dad over the holidays, freelance web designer Charlie Khoury braces herself for the suckiest Christmas ever. A temporary job at Bangers Tavern gives her a chance to escape Dad’s criticism and blow off some steam. But why does the hunky bartender seem to hate her?

A pretend girlfriend is just what River needs to keep his family off his back—until a kiss under the mistletoe flares hot enough to melt the North Pole. When greedy developers threaten Bangers Tavern, River and Charlie must team up to save it. Their sizzling chemistry feels like the real thing—but everyone knows rebound relationships don’t last.

Come to Bangers Tavern for an enemies-to-lovers tale of reconciliation, found family, holiday cocktails, and the sexiest Christmas miracle ever.

Excerpt:

Dawn nudged the bartender. “Kiara, say hi to Charlie. She’s gonna step in for Carla.”

Kiara flashed a bright smile. “Howdy, Charlie. Is it Charlene?”

“Charlotte.” She popped a tot into her mouth. Just as crispy as she remembered. “I’d shake your hand, but—” She waved her greasy fingers. “You all alone back there?”

The bartender rolled her eyes. “River’s late. Again. If he weren’t so charming, Dawn woulda canned his ass long ago.”

“Oho, charming, am I?” A deep baritone voice at her elbow spun Charlie around, but the guy had already slid behind the bar. Tall. Blond. Broad shoulders beneath a crisp black shirt. Lean but muscular, more like a dancer than a football player. His hair flopped into his eyes as he bent to scrub his hands. His short golden beard framed plush lips. Mismatched earrings: a small oval onyx on the left, a silver anchor on the right. Thick brown lashes.

Blue eyes, I’ll bet. Breath held, Charlie waited.

Greenish hazel with flecks of amber. His gaze flicked up and held hers for a moment that seemed to stretch on and on. Then those bright eyes scanned her from top to bottom. One eyebrow flicked up as his lips spread in a devilish smile. “Hello, new girl.”

Happy little fireflies danced in her stomach. Words stuck in her throat.

“Not so new.” Dawn smacked a stack of papers onto the bar.

Totally focused on pretty boy’s dazzling smile, Charlie hadn’t seen her old/new boss approach. She took the pen Dawn proffered, cleared her throat, and began scribbling her contact information.

“Charlie used to work here, about—what was it, hon’?”

“I, uh—started in ‘09, I think. And I left in ‘14.”

In an instant, River’s expression shuttered—brows lowered, eyes narrowed, lips clamped in a tight, straight line. He picked up a bar towel, flung it over his shoulder, and silently turned to the beer taps.

Dawn scowled and elbowed him. “Don’t be rude, River. Say hello to Charlie. She’s taking over for Carla.”

“Hello, Charlie.” His voice dripped icicles.

Kiara hip-bumped him. “Be nice, River. Who pissed in your Cheerios?”

Without further comment, he moved to the far end of the bar where a gaggle of college-age girls awaited refreshment. When River greeted them, they erupted in giggles. His high wattage smile reappeared as he muddled mint and cucumber in tall glasses, his forearm muscles flexing beneath tight sleeves.

Kiara leaned on the bar and sighed. “Real lady killer, that one. Earns more in tips than the rest of us combined.”

“I feel sorry for his girlfriend.” Charlie tilted her head toward the too-pretty jerk.

“Oh, he doesn’t—”

“Enough gossip.” Dawn shooed Kiara away, then leaned closer. “Sorry, kiddo. River’s usually such a charmer. I’ll have a word with him.”

“No worries, boss. I don’t need to join his fan club to work here.” She tilted her chin toward the end of the bar where River whipped out drinks with impressive speed and flair. “And I’ll give him a run for his money on those tips.”

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JKW3XR2

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-rekindled-sadira-stone/1137720901?ean=2940162818212

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1532772664

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/christmas-rekindled

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55430214-christmas-rekindled

Universal book link: https://books2read.com/u/brW5Ok

Bookbub link: https://www.bookbub.com/books/christmas-rekindled-a-bangers-tavern-romance-by-sadira-stone

Thanks so much for visiting today, Sadira. We're wishing you oodles of success in all your writing endeavors!.

Welcome to Keta's Keep and This Week's Word!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Hello Fans and Friends,

I like to post new words for everyone to learn. Whether you're a reader or a writer, we can all extend our knowledge by learning new words. Visuals help too. I hope you'll be able to use This Week's Word in your writing . . . or, if you're a reader, when you come across the word in a book you can say, "Hey, I know what that word means!

Hoise

Verb [hoyz]

Lift, raise, especially to raise into position by or as if by means of tackle.

You'll rarely encounter hoise in any of its regular forms: hoise, hoised, or hoising. But a variant of its past participle shows up fairly frequently as part of a set expression. That variant past participle is hoist. The expression is hoist with (or by) one's own petard, which means victimized or hurt by one's own scheme. This phrase owes it popularity to Shakespeare's Hamlet."For 'tis the sport to have the engineer hoist with his own petar(d)." A petard is a medieval explosive.

Oh, and if you're playing scrabble this word is worth 7 points! How about that.

* * * * * * *

I'd like to share with you one of most recent contemporary romance novellas - TRUTH OR DAIRE.

About the book: (for a few more days, this book is available in KDP

When the unthinkable happens and Cagney Kissler discovers her boyfriend, Daire Bembry, is a lying, two-timing cheater, she tosses him out on his a** and heads to Florida to mend her fractured heart.

The Villa Bay Resort is everything her best friend, Lily, told her it would be, and more. But the trendy, popular bar at the resort, known as Sleazy Swallows, is a little more than Cagney can stomach.

On her way out the door, she meets someone who shares her reservations about public sexual-indulgence. Evan might be just what she’s looking for, and even if he isn’t, she’ll show her ex the true meaning of Truth or Daire.

Stand-alone erotic romance. Happy Ending

AMAZON KDP

Thanks so much for visiting today. Check my post out again next month for another 'This Week's Word". Remember, knowledge is power!

In the meantime, stay safe and most of all, healthy!

Follow me here on the Net

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

Author Home: https://www.ketadiablo.com

Welcome to the STEAMY BLOG HOP #MFRW

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the #MFRW Steam Blog Hop

Be Sure to check out all the other authors participating in the hop. They are listed below and have some fantastic excerpts for you!

Today's excerpt from me is from a trilogy I wrote. The first book in the series is Cardle of Dreams, the secon book, Whisper of Dreams, and the thid book is Scoundrel of Dreams. My excerpt is from the second book WHISPER OF DREAMS (an erotica/BDSM novella).

BLURB:

Sarah must get her son out of New Bern, North Carolina before he succumbs to an epidemic of yellow fever. Yankees have taken over the town and there is only one man capable of smuggling them out—Captain Elijah Fortune. Even though she betrayed him once, she appeals to the champion of her childhood for help. He’s more than happy to accommodate her, but the price of risking his life is steep. And the cost has nothing to do with money.

EXCERPT:

Sarah came to her feet and faced him. “Very well, let us get on with it then.”
He nodded toward the items at her feet. “Choose your poison, nightingale.”
Heat crept up her cheeks and she hoped her sarcasm was not lost on him. “I could not begin to know. I will allow you to choose since you seem to have experience in debauchery.”

“The quirt will do. Think on the bright side, nightingale, you might enjoy it.”

She pinned him with a lethal glare before he bent down and retrieved the riding crop from the floor. Tapping it against the palm of his hand, his eyes had glazed over with lust when they met hers again. “Take down your hair. Sarah.”

Her skin tingled, along with every nerve and cell in her body. His deep, lust-filled voice drew her like a magnet, not to mention his exquisite build sent her libido into tremors. Gone was the gangly youth she remembered. In his place, stood a man who exuded strength and mastery. And he wanted her. Without thought, her fingers fumbled with the pins in her hair. She removed them, allowing her long tresses to tumble over her collarbones and fall to her waist.

Eli’s fixed gaze and quick intake of air left her weak-kneed. “The dress, take it off.”
This can not be happening. In a fog, she walked toward him and presented him her back. “The buttons…I need assistance.”

Find WHISPER OF DREAMS here on KINDLE

Have a great week everyone and thank you for reading about WHISPER OF DREAMS

Please Welcome Awesome Author Daryl Devore!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000

Please help me welcome awesome author Daryl Devore. She's here to tell us about The Dragon Story, which I'm sure you'll love once she finishes her first fantasy book!

From Daryl:

A long time ago, someone said the word dragon and the next thing I knew one started flying around in my head. I’d never written a fantasy. After many starts and stops and rewrites the story was finally completed. Now it is in the final stage of touch ups and hopefully will be released the end of this year or early next year.

Funny enough, today I wrote a quick flash piece for a writing group and I think I just wrote the prologue to my next fantasy romance.

From my to-be-released-later-this-year romance – The Dragon Story (working title)

Evil Queen (I won’t release her name. It’s a spoiler in the book.)

Tagline for the book: A prince. A dragon. An Ancient sorceress. And a heartbreaking secret.

Daryl chose this writing prompt I gave her so she could tell us about her book: .

The evil queen keeps a diary. Write her first entry, her 13th, and then her last.

The Queen's First Entry:

May – Year of our Lord 1015

No one knows. No one suspects. The power is orgasmic. He was a puny pathetic human. He thought I loved him. How could I? He would not even kill his king so that I could be queen. Revenge will be mine.

The Queen's Thirteenth Diary Entry

July – Year of our Lord 1015

Power is so fulfilling. To watch their eyes as they scream in fear. Joy fills my soul. I am evil. Nothing can stop me. I have killed all those who have tried. I await his attempt.

The Queen's Last Diary Entry

October – Year of our Lord 1015

Tomorrow’s entry will be the penultimate of all. I will have won. All will bow to me to or die. I will rule over everything and everyone.

Today, we fight.

Today, he DIES!

Find Daryl on the Net Here

Blog - Romance - Sweet to Heat

Twitter

Bi-monthly Newsletter

MEWE

Thanks so much for completing the writing prompt, Daryl. You did such a fantastic job completing the evil queen's diary entries.

'This Week's Word' is Very Interesting!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 19:25:00 +0000

Welcome everyone! I'm so happy you stopped by again for This Week's Word!

I came across this word in a book I was reading and . . . I had to look it up because I didn't know what it meant. Let me know in the comment section if you knew what it meant before you read below! I'd love to hear from you.

Misanthrope

Misanthropy is the general hatred, dislike, distrust or contempt of the human species, human behavior and/or human nature. A misanthrope or misanthropist is someone who holds such views or feelings. The word's origin is from the Greek words μῖσος (mīsos, "hatred") and ἄνθρωπος (ānthropos, "man, human"). The condition is often confused with asociality.

Misanthropy may be motivated by feelings of isolation or social alienation, or simply contempt for the prevailing characteristics of humanity. Misanthropy is commonly misinterpreted and distorted as a widespread and individualized hatred of humans.

Not only did I learn about the word "Misanthrope" but I could relate the word to a character in
DECADENT DECEPTIONS, and erotic historical novel I wrote some time ago. The book is not only charged with erotic sex scenes between Morgan and Olivia, it's also a THRILLER with lots of suspense.

The character who reminds me of a Misanthrope is the villain, of course. I suppose he has a reason to hate mankind, especially prostitutes from the local brothel, but he has little regard for life.

This villain, in particular, kills because he dislikes human behavior. I think you'd enjoy DECADENT DECEPTIONS if you like the mix of erotic romance, suspense and thrillers!

You can download the novel for .99 cents here:

iBooks/Apple

Amazon

Thanks so much for stopping by! I so appreciate your visits and your support.

Welcome WENDY WANNER & Her Book "A Twist of Karma"

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:59:00 +0000

Hi all,

Please help me welcome Wendy Wanner and her new book "A Twist of Karma".

I can personally attest that this is a great book because I had the privilege of editing it for her. And, indeed, there are a lot of twists. I hope you'll download the book and enjoy it too!

Blurb:

When a grieving mother turns to an ancient Buddhist ritual for solace and mistakenly awakens a vengeful spirit, dark karma threatens to destroy everything she holds dear…

Struggling with depression after the death of her young daughter, Jennifer flees to a healing center in the Sri Lankan jungle. Encouraged to visit the local temple, she finds unexpected meaning in the beliefs of Buddhism. But it’s not long before she becomes entangled in the mystic—and dangerous—world of village folklore, and the slippery, transferable energy of karma.

Still, the jungle works its magic, and Jennifer begins to recover. Returning to Santa Monica, she rebuilds her life through painting, even opening her heart to a new love. But when her deceased daughter appears begging for help, and mounting bodies baffle the police, she battles to repair the shift in karma and free her daughter’s soul.

Excerpt:

Jennifer awoke with a start, trembling with adrenaline and gulping for air. Panicked, she clawed at the cord tightening around her neck, working her fingernails beneath the leather necklace and tugging it back and forth, loosening the string one maddening fraction of an inch at a time. She drew a deep, shuddering inhale and sat up, disentangling the cord from her hair.

She froze, her hand on the coin, an uncanny feeling of being watched prickling her skin. A muted form materialized in the corner of the room. In the moment it took her to turn on the bedside lamp, the presence melted into the gloom like a phantom shadow.

Once Jennifer’s heart regained its normal rhythm, she snuggled beneath her blanket and then laughed at her childish, nighttime fears. Drifting back to sleep, the incident dissipated into the nothingness of lost dreams.

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Thanks so much for visiting today. I hope you love the excerpt!

This Week's Word . . . Do You Know What It Means?

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 23:33:00 +0000

To This Week's Word! I love learning new words, not only because I'm a writer but I love to blow on my fingernails when I'm reading a book and I know what the word means. Woohoo! Let's see if you know this one:

Muliebrity
Noun [myoo-lee-EB-ruh-tee]

Short definition: womanly qualities; femininity

Femininity. "She was one of those women who are waMuliebrity
Noun [myoo-lee-EB-ruh-tee]

Short definition: womanly qualities; femininity

Femininity

"She was one of those women who are wanting in—what is

the word?—muliebrity."

H. G. Wells' 1911 novel New Machiavelli.

Muliebrity has been used in English to suggest the distinguishing character or qualities of a woman or of womankind since the 16th century. (Its masculine counterpart, virility, entered the language at about the same time.) Muliebrity comes from Latin mulier, meaning woman, and probably is a cognate of Latin mollis, meaning soft. Mollis is also the source of the English verb mollify—a word that implies a softening of hurt feelings or anger.

Ways to use Muliebrity in a sentence

The sexy songstress’s muliebrity set her apart from the less feminine women in the club.

As a French woman, Camille embraced her womanly qualities and celebrated her femininity.

Dressing in a way that showed off her muliebrity, the young lady liked to show off her girlish figure every chance she got.

With the many books I've written, when I think of a feminine heroine, I think of Raine Brinsley from SOJOURN WITH A STRANGER. Here's how the hero in the book describes her after their first meeting:

Derek rose from the chair in the sitting room and poured a brandy. An alluring scent of jasmine lingered in the air, growing fainter with every passing moment. He reflected on the lissome woman that had graced the room moments ago. She wasn't an illusion of beauty, she embodied it. Her alabaster skin, delicate features, and a much too kissable mouth lingered in his mind. Almond-shaped eyes—the color of pine needles—had studied him. Tall for a woman and reed-thin, with a line of feminine curves in all the right places, Raine Brinsley exuded sensuality. Mahogany hair had glistened beneath a splash of sunlight pouring through the window. He imagined if she freed the ribbon at her nape, the long tresses would fall to her waist.

A proud aura enveloped her, despite the recent events that had reduced her to servitude. Admirable qualities. Although in command of her tongue, his intense gaze brought a rush of color to her cheeks. An enormous amount of sadness over the death of her parents resided in her eyes, yet something told him she wouldn't collapse under her pain and grief.

About Sojourn With A Stranger

Raine Brinsley is penniless after her are parents drowned at sea. She's sent by the local minister to Stafford House to apply for a job as a servant. Despite the alarm bells going off in her head, she accepts the offer of employment. She has one goal in mind, to return to her beloved grandfather in Maine.

Lord of the Manor, Derek Stafford, has his own dilemmas to worry about. His wife committed suicide some time ago after several babies were stillborn. Derek and his brother, Lyman, race to produce the first male heir of Stafford House. The winner will receive not only the title to the eloquent manor but also an enormous sum of money from their wealthy father.

Derek decides the beautiful Raine will make the perfect surrogate. If only he can convince the young woman that signing a contract to bear his son will serve both their needs: She can return to her grandfather and he'll inherit a life of wealth and luxury.

But dark stirrings are afoot at Stafford House. A ghost haunts the halls of the manor and the spirit is intent on exposing her killer to Raine. Steeped in murderous plots, Derek and Raine face insurmountable odds of achieving their dreams.

And fight the insatiable hunger between them.

* A dark, Gothic novel with spirits, voodoo, mystery, suspense, and murder.

AMAZON .99 CENTS

APPLE .99 CENTS

Thanks so much for visiting today! Look for more 'This Week's Word on future posts! Then . . .you can blow on your fingers. lol

Welcome Guest #Author Christina Lambert

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:16:00 +0000

Please help me welcome Author Christina Lambert and her new release Tiger's Last Chance. Looks like an intriguing book and ya gotta love that gorgeous cover!

For fun, I give a writing prompt to every guest and they complete the prompt. Christina's prompt was: The evil queen keeps a diary. Write her first entry, her 13^th, and her last.

Here's Christina's response:

Journal Entry 1: So, I married this jerk my parents wanted me to marry and his kids hate me. I guess I’m a queen now but the whole country just thinks I’m evil. Setting that bitch on fire was an accident. Geez, how many times do I have to explain that?

Journal Entry 13: I haven’t been great about writing but lately it feels like there’s a reason to write. A reason to hope. Having no social life has given me plenty of time to spy around the castle. I know where the money is. Also, I know what the secrets are. I just have to be patient.

Last Journal Entry ever for this journal: I think I’ve got everything I need for my journey. And this time, the fire won’t be an accident.

Well done, Christina! I loved your answers and I'm sure visitors will too.

And now, I want to tell you about Christina's book: Tiger’s Last Chance (Book 3 in my Stranger Creatures series)

Blurb:

While working a case, Sean Whitman is tortured for information, drugged, and bitten against his will by a shape shifter. The fallout leaves him jobless, friendless, and dumped by his girlfriend. Needing a fresh start, he leaves town and opens a private investigation business. Learning to live life sober isn’t easy, but he makes it to the two year mark.

When Detective Nikki Jackson with the Great Oaks, Virginia Police Department calls him, accusing him of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s house, Sean can’t help but like the sound of her voice, despite her ridiculous accusations. He’s shocked when she calls him back with an apology then asks for his help as a consultant on a case. On the phone, her sweet, slightly Southern voice captivates him. In person, she's unlike any other woman he's encountered, and nearly impossible to resist. But could the sexy detective ever want a man like him?

After Nikki’s last dating disaster, the mountain lion shifter has sworn off men. Then she meets Sean, and with every second she spends around the tall, dark-eyed man, her resolve crumbles. But for some reason, despite the undeniable attraction between them, Sean seems determined to push her away.

An investigation into missing refugees leaves Nikki with more questions than answers. Her refusal to let the matter drop leads her to the discovery of a radical political group’s horrifying plot for dominance. Traitors are embedded within the very organizations meant to keep shifters safe. As the list of people she can trust dwindles, Nikki calls on Sean to help her unravel a web of deceit.

As Nikki and Sean fight for survival, his fear of losing her could become a reality. Will he get one last chance to show her he loves her?

Excerpt:

For the briefest moment, Nikki felt the depth to which Sean might be capable of pushing her. His kiss was crushing and brutal. His tongue pushed past her lips and his grip in her hair tightened. If desire were a vine, it would have wrapped itself around her veins and encased her heart. The heat between them flooded her. There was a sweetness, too, in his kiss, and the sweetness made her burn hotter.

A polite cough from inside the waiting car put a quick end to things. Sean pulled away and met her gaze. No words, but she got the message. She wasn’t alone. Comfort and friendship; he’d probably meant the kiss to comfort her and had gotten carried away in the heat of the moment. He’d carried her away with him, and she wanted to take him so much further into the unknown.

With each second, each step towards the waiting car, she tried to find reasons and more reasons to ignore her growing attraction to Sean. The number one reason to forget about the kiss they’d shared—relationships were trouble. She had plenty of other amazing things in her life, including her career, her volunteer work, and her band, even though the band rarely played anywhere because the members had trouble aligning their schedules. She didn’t need a man. Besides, he was probably still messed up over Sydney. Also, he was a regular. Or mostly regular. Not to mention he lived over a thousand miles away in Texas. She should tell him the kiss was a mistake. One look at him and she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. The kiss they shared had been anything but a mistake.

Find Christina on the Net:

Amazon author page, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter

Find Tiger's Last Chance here

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Google books, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords

Thanks so much, Christina, for sharing your book with us!

Horses and Humans - What a Friendship!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 05:16:00 +0000

I adore horses. I mean I'm heart and soul in love with them. My grandparents owned a farm for many years and boarded horses. When I was young, I'd spend an entire month every summer on the farm. I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning, grab a quick breakfast and spend my entire day with the horses. My cousins and I had our pick of which horse we wanted to ride for the day since they all needed exercise. Grandma had one rule: We had to ride bareback (with a blanket). She was afraid the horse would spook and we'd catch a foot in the stirrup and be dragged to death. Silly Grandma. The closest we came to anyone getting hurt was when we were racing across a pasture and my cousin's horse stepped in a gopher hole. Tossed to the ground, he came out of the melee with a broken arm (my cousin, not the horse).

10 Things That Make Horse & Human Relationships So Unique

    1. Horses Are Family Oriented
    2. Horses Can Read Human Emotions
    3. Horses Can Show Emotion
    4. Horses Can Literally Impact the Human Heart
    5. Humans Have a Natural Respect for Horses
    6. Horses Can Help Humans Improve Physically
    7. Horses Can Help Humans Develop Emotionally
    8. Horses Can Help Humans Recover From Trauma or Disability
    9. Humans and Horses Have Been Friends for Thousands of Years
    10. Humans Naturally Identify With Horses

I'm always reading about horses, often from other countries. Here's an article I stumbled on about the Marwari Horse. I hope you enjoy learning about them.

Marwari Horse

The Marwari Horse is native to the Marwar region of India. It was the war horse of India's elite Rathore warriors. With its long history as a warrior horse, it is adaptable and agreeable in a variety of rugged environments. In the desert, its smaller frame (standing about 14.3 to 15 hands) and light weight help it negotiate uneven and soft desert sand. Most noticeable are the ears with their unusual lyre shape which often appear to meet at the tips. This horse is noted for its exceptional hearing, allowing early warning of impending danger.

It is also famed as a bejeweled dancing horse of formal ceremony and celebration. A strain of the breed, the Natchni, is reputed to be born to dance. Its grace and beauty are in high demand at ceremonial events.

Gray is the most coveted color and demands the highest price. Bright Bay is also very desirable. Albinos are only allowed for religious ceremonies. Chestnuts are a sign of outbreeding and not accepted. Black is undesirable and considered ominous. Piebald and skewbald are allowed.

The Marwari is a very enduring, strong and competitive breed. It is suitable to be used in sports. It is most commonly used in dressage and endurance riding. It is also used as a driving horse in carriages. Its aristocratic disposition makes it ideal for use in various ceremonies including weddings and royal events. It has a very smooth gait and is suitable for leisure riding.

Since I write a lot of western romance, you'll always find a horse or two between the pages.

Comes An Outlaw, Book 1

When a tragic accident claims her husband's life, Jesse Santos must find a way to keep the ranch, the only home her 12-year-old son has ever known. The ranch hands have abandoned her, a gang of cutthroat ranchers want her land and an ancient Yaqui Indian insists a spirit has taken up residence in the house.

After a fifteen-year absence, her husband's brother, Coy, returns to his childhood home. He doesn't plan on staying, and he certainly doesn't intend to settle down with a widow and her son…no matter how pretty she is.

He's an outlaw, after all, and made a decision to put an end to his gun-slinging days long ago. Will his conscience let him walk away from family, or will his heart overrule his head?

COMES AN OUTLAW

Comes A Specter, Book 2

Six months ago, Anya Fleming's ten-year-old son, Willie-boy, found his father hanging in the barn. Traumatized over his father's suicide, the boy hasn't spoken a word since. Now, Willie-boy has come down with a grave, unknown illness and there's only one man who can save him, Sutter Sky, a learned Blackfoot shaman known as Yellow Smoke—a shaman who was once deeply in love with Anya.

But Fate had other plans for Anya and Sutter—she was forced to marry Lewis Fleming, a cruel man who berated her night and day, and brokenhearted Sutter immersed himself in the mystical customs and beliefs of his People and became a shaman.

As if Anya didn't have enough to deal with after her husband's death and son's illness, an evil, sinister ghost is terrorizing their ranch. Anya is convinced the spirit is Lewis, who apparently isn't done making her life miserable.

When she turns to Yellow Smoke for help, will he put aside his bitterness and save Willie-boy? And can the renowned shaman dispel the powerful ghost from their lives and send him back to Hades?

Comes A Specter

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Hope to see you soon!

This Week's Word - Do you know what it means?

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Hi everyone, and thanks for stopping by for this week's word. Hope you learn something new!

Gowpen
Noun [ˈgəupən]

The hollow of two hands held together as if forming a bowl.

Originally the word came from Old Norse, gaupn. It is said it still exists in some modern Scandinavian dialects. When it first came into Britain, probably with Viking settlers before the Norman Conquest, it seems to have referred to a single cupped hand, the idea of a double handful being indicated by gowpens. Some writers continued to distinguish between one and two cupped hands in this way almost down to modern times, though the word now seems to be used only in the singular to refer to both hands.

If you haven't read THREE FOR THE WIN yet, it's a suspenseful contemporary romance (and a love triangle). It's all about small-town, second chance romance.

About the book:

Eli Trace and Hollis Rowan have been best friends in the small town of Barrows since childhood. Their lives are changed forever when Stede Marrow rides in on his big, shiny motorcycle. After Stede saves Eli from drowning in the creek, he meets Hollis.

One look is all it takes for Stede and Hollis to fall in love. Now Eli realizes he just crushed his own dreams of happiness. Stede wonders why he didn't just keep riding down that road to nowhere and Hollis wonders how one can love two men?

Stede's on the run from the law. Telling his new best friends the truth will put their lives in jeopardy, and that's the last thing he wants. Danger has come to the town of Barrows and then twists and turns like a viper.

Not everyone makes it out alive.

DOWNLOAD ON AMAZON

“A great romance, some mystery & plenty of drama. Highly recommend!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Highly recommend for all who like true love." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Not your typical love triangle. Loved it!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks for stopping by. I so appreciate your support for my books!

Fall in Love with a #trilogy! Clean #romance #familysaga - Sky TInted Water

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:30:00 +0000

Welcome to my website.

I’m really happy you stopped by!

While you’re here, please check out my "sweet romance" trilogy below. I think you'll love this family saga.

If you'd like to browse through my all my books, check out my AMAZON PAGE. I write across the spectrum, so you're sure to find something you like (paranormal, historical romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy and gay fiction).

Sky Tinted Water Trilogy (click on banner)

The best part . . . 90% of my books are enrolled in KDP Select so you get to read them for free.

I'd love for you to sign up for KETA'S NEWSLETTER. I don't just promote my books but often include a great recipe, trivia, guest authors and other promotions for FREE or greatly discounted books. I think you'll enjoy my newsletter. If you're on yahoo mail, you might have to whitelist my address so it doesn't go to spam (yahoo is crummy about delivery). ketadiablo@yahoo.com. I don't want U to miss out on some awesome reads.

Thanks again for visiting. I hope you'll check out my Amazon page and sign up for my newsletter! Click on links above.

From way down deep in my heart thanks so much for your support!

Unrequited Love at Long Last - Land of Falling Stars #MFRWSteam

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 11:00:00 +0000

Land of Falling Stars - A Civil War Suspense Romance

About the book:

The United States is torn asunder by Civil War.

Two men, linked together by their love for one woman, Sophia Whitfield, answer the call of duty.

A marriage to Jesse James Grantham has been arranged since Sophia and Jesse were children. When he leaves to fight for his beloved South, Jesse promises Sophia they'll whip those Johnny Rebs in no time and when he returns, they'll get married under her mother's rose arbor.

Sophia's best friend from childhood, Gavin Langdale, enlists to fight for the North. Why does her heart shatter into a million pieces when Gavin says goodbye? She loves Jesse…doesn't she?

After Sophia's parents die in a fire, she struggles to save Arbor Rose. Most of the slaves have run off, the South is in tatters and so is the only home she's ever known. Another blue coat is staggering down the hill, coming to steal the last of her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy has a chance to commit the vilest of acts, she shoots him. And then discovers its Gavin, the champion of her youth.

Dark secrets lurk in Gavin's memory, secrets much darker than the despicable acts of war. He carries a message for Sophia, a missive from Jesse. When he finds the courage to tell her what really happened to Jesse on that bloody battlefield, she'll hate him—hate him until she draws her last breath.

A powerful story of lies, betrayal and a love that burns brighter than all the stars in Heaven.

EXCERPT
Gavin stopped wrestling with the rickety gate and allowed his gaze to wander to Sophia strolling across the field. A long skein of her hair, coiled over one shoulder, swayed against her breasts in perfect tempo with the roll of her seductive hips.

Two weeks had passed since he'd dragged his sorry ass from the invalid bed, and he still hadn't told her about Jesse. He meant to once lucidity returned, but his intentions vanished the moment she turned those dark green eyes on him and pleaded with him to stay. Countless times the words hung on the tip of his tongue, but he had only to look at her, the dark-lashed eyes, the full, pink lips, the freckles across the bridge of her nose, and all logic left him. He shouldn't have come back, should have gone to his people in Massachusetts and be damned with telling the truth, telling her how Jesse really died.

Drawing his scrutiny to an end, and mindful of the tightening in his loins, he acknowledged it didn't stem from abstinence but rather this ravenous hunger he held for her. He'd bedded a bevy of camp followers in the last three years, women from all walks of life, but for every one he'd slaked his lust on, Sophia's lips met his, Sophia's creamy white thighs wrapped him in a cocoon of bliss.

Better men than he had been knocked low by her beauty. Hell, every man who looked at her left a piece of his soul behind. Beyond her loveliness resided an indomitable spirit, yet Sophia had always been a bundle of contradictions—fire and ice, a scorching temptress one minute, an icy bitch the next. And everything about her drew him like a hapless fly on the fringe of a giant spider web.

She stood before him with a checkered napkin in her small hands. He fought an elemental need to crush her against him, devour her mouth, if only to prove the paltry tingling she'd felt when Jesse kissed her paled next to how she would feel when he'd finished with her.

Glancing between him and Ricochet, she shook her head. "You've commandeered my dog, you know."
"Dogs know when they're loved."

Ricochet wagged his tail as if to reward his words.She took her eyes from the dog and studied his face. "You're still a little green around the gills."

He shrugged, took the napkin from her hands and peeked through the loose knot. "Am I going to discover a vat of goldenseal and saw palmetto hiding in here?"

"No," she replied with a laugh. "Rabbit, bread and berries."

He plucked his shirt from the fence post, slipped his long arms into the sleeves and, leaving it open in front, pointed to a gnarled oak a short distance away. "Join me?"

With a nod, she fell into step beside him. Sheltered beneath the tree's dense branches, a fair breeze fanned their cheeks. Gavin opened the napkin and offered her the first bite of rabbit.

She shook her head, and shook it again when he offered her a chunk of bread. "I've already eaten, but if you insist, I'll have a handful of raspberries."

"You always did love them."

"Still do." Nostalgia laced her tone. "Burnside's men trampled the bushes on their way through and few survived."

"I'm sorry."

"Oh well, surrendering one's love of berries pales next to surrendering those you love."

The perfect opportunity for Gavin to tell her Jesse was dead hung in the silent air between them, but before he could speak, she turned to him, her green eyes choking off his airway. Christ, the enormity of it all. "Look, Arbor Rose is in worse shape than I thought. You said you received a letter from your aunt in Illinois."

Her face took on a serious countenance. "My mother's sister, Aunt Phoebe, what of it?"

"Would it be so bad if the bank took Arbor Rose and you took the train to Illinois?"

He knew she'd never consider it, but who did she think she was, remaining here with nothing but two old Negroes and a mangy dog to protect her? He couldn't stay, couldn't stand to be around her day after day, watching her from afar, stifling the overpowering urges to hold her, taste her, feel her thrashing beneath him.

She looked away. "I don't want to talk about it. The blue bellies are gone now and that's all that matters."

"It's not over, and if you still think the carriage turns into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight and there's a Cinderella out there, you're more gullible than I thought." Her eyes turned dark. He had to prepare her, tell her what loomed on the horizon. "What's more, when the war is over, your hated Yankees will take over the South and nothing will remain of the life you once knew."

"If you're trying to frighten me, Gavin, it won't work. I'm not going to Illinois or anywhere else."

"You stupid little fool, I'm telling you―" Ricochet bolted from his side and darted into the woods with a snarl. "Must have seen a critter." He cupped a hand over his brow. "Damn, that dog can run."

"They're known for speed." Sophia plucked a blade of grass from the ground. "And keen eyesight."

"Which brings me back to subject at hand. You need to open your eyes and walk away from Arbor Rose and all its problems."

"I've lost everything, my family, everything we owned, even," she stammered, "my-my dignity and no one's going to drive me from my childhood home."

He had his fill of trying to reason with her, wanted to shake her until that long mane of hair tumbled all about her. "Damn it, Sophia, the South is in ruins! Your parents and brother are dead, and you're not the only one who lost everything. There are things more precious than baubles, fancy manors, and land!"

She bristled. "Is that so, Gavin Langdale, what could be more precious than land?"

He grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her to his chest. Around him, the ground swayed. She stared into his eyes, her gaze so hot and intense he lost pace with his breathing. His lips inches from her erotic mouth, he whispered, "Like your life."

His name fell from her lips and she clung to him like a child. That undid him. His mouth took hers, harsh and demanding and her lips parted. His tongue swept through the sweet depths, eliciting a whimper from the back of her throat. His heart raced and his cock sprang to life. Sophia was in his arms. Venus personified. The scent of wisteria, potent and intoxicating, filled his nostrils. He slid one hand up and cradled her head, forcing her deeper into the kiss. A moan left her lips and shattered whatever reserve he struggled to control. Trembling in his arms, she grasped the sides of his open shirt.
Gavin placed his hands on her shoulders and moved her down onto the soft grass. It was time she learned he wasn't Jesse, and the fairytale world she now lived in had changed drastically.

Christ, she was all tantalizing warmth. No, hot fire. He wanted his lips against her breasts, her belly, on her sex, but if he attempted to undress her and take her like a mad dog under an oak tree, he'd hate himself forever. He intended to give her a taste of what she hungered for, force her into coming to him of her own volition and admit to this stampeding passion between them.

He reached down, grabbed a handful of her cotton dress and shoved it up over her knees. Familiar with the pantalets women were fond of wearing, he untied them and rolled them down with one hand, cupping her breast through the fabric with his other. Beneath his hand, her nipple hardened and her breast grew heavy. She drew a sharp breath when his hand spread her legs apart and touched the soft mound of curls at the juncture of her sex. Instinctively, she drew her knees together.

"No," he said against her mouth.

To his surprise, and his delight, she opened her legs on a pained groan. Ah, his opening. He wasted little time in caressing the outer folds of her sex and the hard, little nub responding to his gentle touch. He slipped a finger inside, exploring and seeking with small, deliberate strokes. She arched her back into his hand and slipped her tongue into his mouth, matching every stroke of his finger inside her. She strained beneath him, opening her legs wider on a contented sigh.

Gavin looked into her dazed eyes and realized she was carried beyond herself with pleasure and desire. He exulted in the way she looked at him. Sophia's body heat slithered around him, under him. The smell of her sex wafted through his nostrils and the black memory of Jesse's bloodless face faded. There was only Sophia, clinging to him, panting into his mouth.

Other than in his dreams, he'd never thought to partake of her exquisite body, feel the sweet inner core of her being. He increased the tempo of his finger. Her gasps became ragged, her sighs, broken. Hot moisture flooded his finger as she convulsed around it. She bore down on his hand and pulled him closer by wrapping her arms around him. He thrust harder and she no longer held back. Deep moans spewed from her throat and she rolled her head from side to side. Beneath his palm, her heart pounded like a drum and she undulated against his hand. Closer, tighter she squeezed his finger and whimpered his name. At last her body stiffened and she grasped at great clumps of grass and pulled them from the earth. Liquid drenched his fingers as she shuddered around him and cried out his name.

Mesmerized by her beauty, her flushed skin, the swollen cherry lips, and dark emerald green of her eyes, he watched warily as she came back to earth. Long moments later, he withdrew his finger, tied her pantalets and pulled the dress back over her slender body.

"Oh, my God." She looked at him, said it again and then bounded to her feet on wobbly legs, much to his satisfaction.

He rose too.

With mouth agape, she stared at him. "Gavin, we must not do that again. We're friends, nothing more, and Jesse . . .."

When her voice trailed off, images of his best friend surfaced. His dead best friend. "God, you're beautiful," he said and meant every word.

Her eyes softened and she whispered his name again.

"No, don't say anything. I must tell you something." His mind reeled from her nearness and he found it difficult to speak. "It's about Jesse." He drew a deep breath. "Jesse is―"

A high-pitched yowl spewed from Ricochet's throat. Their heads turned in unison toward the hound. "Damn, he must have caught his foot in one of my traps."
She turned those almond-shaped eyes on him. "Traps? What traps?"

"Raccoon."

The dog bounded from the line of trees with his tail between his legs. As the dog closed the distance between them, a foul stench reached their nostrils. With a pained yelp, the hound took Gavin by surprise, came in low and knocked him off his feet.

Sophia shrieked and pinched her nostrils. "Sweet Mother of Jesus, he's been skunked!"

Gavin curled up into a fetal position as the dog smothered him. "Call him off me, Sophia!"

"No, I don't believe I will. He hasn't as much as wagged his tail at me since you came back." She picked up the linen napkin and scurried away. "Don't come into the house until you've gotten rid of the stench," she called out over her shoulder. "Man or beast!"

* * * * *

Praise for Land of Falling Stars
“Land of Falling Stars lured me in immediately with its lyrical title and instantly captivated me with the haunting love story of Gavin and Sophia." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"The author pens a story that is unlike any other. The characters are introduced as childhood friends who become adults with very complicated life experiences to deal with. I loved all the sub-stories and the minor characters that were such an integral part of the author's vision. Land of Falling Stars makes you believe in the possibility of retribution and the hope of finding your brass ring in the last place you look." You Gotta Read Reviews 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Keta Diablo has penned a beautiful and haunting love story full of passion, deception, danger and the epic War Between the States that will leave you breathless and longing for more! I loved this story from beginning to end! It’s a true page turner that you will hate to see end. Keta really has a knack for getting you beneath her characters skins. This is one of those rare books that you don’t want to miss!" 4.5 Amazon Reader ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A story that has the ups and downs of a roller coaster and keeps the reader hanging on with bated breath, Land of Falling Stars is captivating. The author has a great knack for weaving words together to bring a vivid picture to the reader's mind." Bookwenches, 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

READ FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED OR .99 CENTS

Thanks so much for stopping by! Don't forget to visit all the other wonderful Excerpts from the #MFRWSteam (blog hop)

The Real Life Jeremiah Johnson #western #movie

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Sun, 09 Aug 2020 22:10:00 +0000

The Real-Life Liver Eating Johnston

The other night, I watched the movie, Jeremiah Johnson, starring Robert Redford.

Caveat: This is probably my 100^th viewing. Curiosity got the best of me and I wondered if the movie was based on a real character. Turns out it was.

There are ‘some’ similarities between Redford and the real-life John Johnston. For instance, Johnston’s wife was a member of the Flathead Tribe who was killed by a group from the Crow tribe. The real-life Johnston spent a lifetime vendetta against the Crow, killing over 300 in his lifetime to avenge his wife.

Read how Liver-Eating Johnston got his name:

Johnston is said to have been born with the last name Garrison, in the area of the Hickory Tavern near the border of what is today Alexandria and Union Townships in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. During the Mexican–American War he served aboard a fighting ship, having enlisted under a false age. After striking an officer, he deserted, changed his name to John Johnston and traveled west to try his hand at the gold diggings in Alder Gulch, Montana Territory. He also became a "woodhawk," supplying cord wood to steamboats. He was described as a large man, standing about six feet two inches in stocking feet and weighing in the area of 260 pounds with almost no body fat.

Rumors, legends, and campfire tales abound about Johnston. Perhaps chief among them is this one: in 1847, his wife, a member of the Flathead Indian tribe, was killed by a young Crow brave and his fellow hunters, which prompted Johnston to embark on a vendetta against the tribe. According to a well-known historian, "He supposedly killed and scalped more than 300 Crow Indians and then devoured their livers" to avenge the death of the wife, and "As his reputation and collection of scalps grew, Johnston became an object of fear."

Evidence says that he would cut out and eat the liver of each Crow killed. This was an insult to the Crow because the Crow believed the liver to be vital if one was to go on to the afterlife. This led to him being known as "Liver-Eating Johnston". The story of how he got his name was written down by a diarist at the time. There were already two Johnstons ("Pear-Loving Johnston" and "Long Toes Johnston"); nicknames were commonplace, and with Johnston's show of eating the liver, he received his name.

One tale ascribed to Johnston was of being ambushed by a group of Blackfoot warriors in the dead of winter on a foray to sell whiskey to his Flathead kin, a trip that would have been over five hundred miles. The Blackfoot planned to sell him to

the Crow, his mortal enemies, for a handsome price. He was stripped to the waist, tied with leather thongs and put in a teepee with only one very inexperienced guard. Johnston managed to break through the straps. He then knocked out his young guard with a kick, took his knife and scalped him, and then quickly cut off one of his legs. He made his escape into the woods, surviving by eating the Blackfoot's leg, until he reached the cabin of Del Gue, his trapping partner, a journey of about two hundred miles.

Eventually, Johnston made peace with the Crow, who became "his brothers", and his personal vendetta against them finally ended after 25 years and scores of slain Crow warriors. The Crow tribe called Johnston "Dapiek Absaroka" Crow killer. In his time, he was a sailor, scout, soldier, gold seeker, hunter, trapper, whiskey peddler, guide, deputy, constable, and log cabin builder, taking advantage of any source of income-producing labor he could find.

The cabin inhabited by Johnston in the 1880s in Montana, was moved to Red Lodge, Montana and on display at the tourism office.

His final residence was in a veterans’ home in Santa Monica, California. He was there for exactly one month before dying on January 21, 1900. His body was buried in a Los Angeles veterans' cemetery. However, after a six-month campaign led by 25 seventh-grade students and their teacher, Johnston's remains were relocated to Cody, Wyoming, in June 1974.

If you haven't read my duet Moon of the Sleeping Bear and Dark Night of the Moon, you're in for a treat (remember, you can read them both for FREE if you belong to Kindle Unlimited).

Both books are set during the Civil War and the Dakota Uprising in Minnesota and include many colorful characters that are themed around twin girls separated at birth. This is a family saga with lots of angst, drama, hope, heartache and, as always, love!

READ BOTH FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Click on covers to go to AMAZON

Wishing you all the very best READS, and don't forget, wear a mask all, and hang in there!

Native American Tribes - "The Flatheads" of Montana

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 21:49:00 +0000

I've always loved western romance stories, especially if they involve the Native American tribes that once roamed wild and free on the plains. I hope we never forget that they were here first and they cherished every part of Mother Nature. My interest in Native Americans led me down a path of researching many tribes. Today I'm featuring The Flatheads who once lived in a large section of Montana.

The Salish Tribe, also referred to as the Flathead, were a large and powerful division of the Salishan family, to which they gave their name. They inhabited much of western Montana centered around the Flathead Lake and valley. They were called the Flathead Indians by Lewis and Clark, when they came upon them in 1806. Though the name is often said to derive from the flat skull produced by binding infant’s skulls with boards, this is a myth. The tribe never practiced head flattening, but instead, were called “flat head” because the tops of their heads were not pointed like those of neighboring tribes who practiced vertical head-binding. The Flathead called themselves Séliš (pronounced SEH-lish) which was anglicized as Salish, meaning “the people.”
The fur trade began in earnest in the area in the early 1800s, after the Lewis and Clark expedition. Trappers eliminated countless animals, profoundly changing the tribe’s way of life. Between 1815 and 1820, the Iroquois came to the territory bringing word of the powerful “Blackrobes,” the Jesuit missionaries who had ministered to them since the 1600s. Earlier, a Salish prophet, Shining Shirt, had a vision of men in long black robes coming to the Salish people to offer different medicines and prayers. The Salish saw the Iroquois stories as a sign and invited the Jesuits to Western Montana. Unbeknownst to them, the Jesuits were on a mission to assimilate tribe through religious conversion. In the next years, the Salish would be forced to abandon much of their culture and spiritual practices. However, Jesuit missionary Pierre Jean De Smet, who in 1841 founded the mission of St. Mary in the Bitterroot valley among the Salish, did persuade the Blackfoot to make peace.

The Salish, along with the Pend d’Oreille and the Kootenai tribes, by the Treaty of Hell Gate on July 16, 1855, ceded to the United States their lands in Montana and Idaho. However, most Salish Indians avoided moving to the reservation until about 1872.

In keeping with my love and adoration of Native Americans, I'm featuring CHASING THE DEAD today, a western romance set in New Mexico.

About Chasing the Dead
“An awesome western romance and action-packed thriller! Hero will make you swoon with his bravery.” 5-Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~1884, New Mexico~

Madrid Arrende has been kidnapped by the Apache. Determined to rescue his daughter, her wealthy father realizes there is only one man capable of bringing her back alive...Deacon Bannister. Deacon doesn't give one whit about the large sum of money Don Erasmos Arrende has offered him to rescue her. Deacon only cares about bringing the woman he left standing at the altar a year ago home.

A ghost is terrorizing the Apache village and the young maiden, Sacheen, has been banished by her People for unleashing Uday's wrath. Now, Deacon, Madrid and Sacheen must flee for their lives across the rugged New Mexico landscape with the evil spirit in hot pursuit.

Will they make it back alive to Madrid's father's hacienda or will Deacon lose the woman he loves forever?

READ FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

OR .99 CENTS

Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you all Happy Reads during this awful Corona virus lock down.

Voyeurism: Twice the pleasure when shared with another #MFRWsteam

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 14:30:00 +0000

Decadent Deceptions is an erotic romance/suspense novel that finaled in the Romance Writers of America Molly Contest. I really enjoyed writing this book, not only because of the roller coaster romance between Morgan and Olivia (they have quite the history) but because a serial killer frequents the pages. There are also several scenes containing 'voyeurism'. Read below to find out more about Decadent Deceptions.

Vo·yeur·ism: the practice of gaining sexual pleasure from watching others when they are naked or engaged in sexual activity.

Blurb:
* RWA Molly Contest Finalist

Olivia Breedlove’s father couldn’t control her while he was alive but continues to try even after his death. Thaddeus’ Will stipulates that in order to inherit her portion of his estate, Olivia must marry a respectable man of means within six months of his death. There’s one caveat, however – under no circumstances can that man be Morgan Gatewood.

It’s been ten years since Thaddeus banished Morgan, a notorious ladies’ man, for kissing a much younger Olivia in the family garden. But now that Thaddeus is gone, Morgan’s back─and Olivia still wants him. She also wants her inheritance.

A bit ahead of her time for 1850’s Savannah, Georgia, Olivia sets out to find a loophole to get what she wants. Her scheme to make Morgan jealous by asking him to help her locate her future husband, i.e., escort her to the local brothel so she may observe and evaluate men with a talent for pleasing women.

Morgan still has ravenous feelings for Olivia but keeps them to himself. He wants Olivia to choose him of her own free will. The stakes are raised with a serial killer on the loose murdering prostitutes in the brothel and it appears Olivia is next on the killer’s list.

Can Morgan save her before the killer finds her?

Excerpt and Setup: Morgan and Olivia visit an elegant brothel together and spy on people having sex.

The man walked to the chair near the bed and settled into it, drawing Annie into his lap so she faced him. He took a breast in his mouth and suckled her, eliciting a strident stream of broken cries from her lips. His hands stroked and caressed her naked buttocks, his fingers entering her from behind. She arched up, bearing her weight on her knees while she straddled him, gyrating above the wicked assault of his fingers inside her as his mouth sucked on her hard, peaked nipple.

Despite his vow, Morgan looked at Olivia, the blood pounding hard in his brain. Her lips parted, she drew a shuddering breath, and her pale, staid face contrasted against the flames of desire in her moist, jade eyes. He wanted to touch her, kiss her, but knew if he did, in the next moment he’d toss her under him and take her, without remorse, without regret. And she would let him. He saw it in the deep fathoms of her pupils, heard it in the decadent whisper of lust enveloping them.

Olivia looked away. Was she terrified she might reveal her innermost fantasies, horrified to think he could see into her exposed soul? Morgan withdrew his gaze, too, and returned to watching the couple in the room. The man clasped Annie’s hips and plunged into her. In a restless state of delirium, her sweat-damp body rode him hard. With a shiver, she threw her head back, her long black hair cascading down to her waist.

Olivia rose from the chair to a stream of fractured moans from Annie, and with the look of a trapped minx, made a bolt for the door. On his feet in a heartbeat and knocking over the chair in the process, Morgan caught her wrist and spun her around.

"Let me go," she said with ragged breath. "I’ve seen enough."

Her unearthly beauty felled him, not to mention the white-hot flames of desire licking every cell and pore in his body. "You’re such a little hypocrite, Liv. Voyeurism is acceptable, providing no one knows you engage in it...or enjoy it, is that it?"

"I must have been out of mind to agree to come here with you."

"Why? Does it strike too close to the heart?"

"Oh, you are a despicable, heartless scoundrel, a lowdown bounder who preys on helpless women."

He couldn’t help the laugh, despite her outraged expression. "You? Helpless? If I remember, you were the one who begged Cain and me to assist you in this sullied endeavor."

"Sullied endeavor! Why is it men can bed every woman from London to Luxemburg—married, maiden, or widowed—and no one bats an eye?" She trembled. "They frequent brothels and gentleman’s clubs, drink far too much, gamble their estates away, and society looks the other way." Stretching her arms out, she gave him a shove. "Huh, why is that, Morgan Gatewood, and, more to the point, how dare you refer to this as a sullied endeavor!"

"Liv, I’m—"

"Turn me loose this instant." She yanked her elbow from his grip. "And thank you very much, I shall find my own way back to the phaeton."

"Find your way back to the phaeton, like hell; not until I’m done with you."

"Done with me?" she whispered.

He recognized fear in her voice amid the desire and rampaging hunger screaming around them. Still holding her wrist, he pulled her to him and crushed his mouth to hers. His hand found the back of her head and pressed her deeper into the kiss, his tongue sweeping through the warm, wetness of her mouth. She whimpered, unleashing a restrained urgency he had held in check for ten long years. The time had come for her to understand he would no longer stand on the sidelines and worship her from afar, would no longer hunger for her like a caged beast.

This woman in his arms with her magnificent green eyes and exquisite body had haunted his every fantasy, walked with him in his dreams, awakened in his bed kissed by morning sunlight. He would stand for no more.

Raves for Decadent Deceptions

“I’m astounded by the author’s writing versatility (having read and loved Where the Rain is Made), and her ability to paint scenes so that the reader lives with the characters. Fizzing with mystery and sizzling with sex, there is never a dull moment in her books and Decadent Deceptions will not disappoint her fans one bit.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Many delicious and explosive elements! Diablo has created in-depth characters, and perfectly illustrates who they are, how they feel and what they desire. With drama and passion this story explodes from the pages & darn it . . . the author has left me breathless and longing for more!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Simply put, I have found myself a new author. I am so surprised she hasn't been picked up by some big publishing companies. She has the talent and the skills to make it big! This is one author I will be watching for new releases in the future." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wlecome Guest Author - Cynthia Terelst!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 12:30:00 +0000

Blurb

Will one of the treasures they find be each other's heart?

It’s been five years since Tara walked out of Shepherd’s life without a word. Since then he’s spiralled through drugs, alcohol and empty relationships, with Tara on his mind the whole time. Now he wants to win her back, and what better way to do it than by creating a fake scavenger hunt? He knows she won’t be able to resist.

Tara’s lost enough loved ones and she didn’t want to see Shepherd added to that count. So, when she saw him high at graduation, she did the only thing she could – she walked away. When she’s teamed up with him for a million dollar scavenger hunt, the feelings reignite. For a second chance at love to work, she needs to be brave enough to open up to him, to tell him everything she withheld the first time around.

Shepherd didn’t realise how much winning would mean to Tara. He now needs to come up with $3 million for her foundation before the hunt is over. If he can’t he will need to tell her its all fake, and he doesn’t know if he can risk that.

Will secrets destroy them a second time around?

Excerpt
Tara

Shepherd and I sat on the couch side by side and watched The Martian while we ate dinner. The warmth from where our arms touched seeped through me. I should have moved away, but I didn’t want to. The spices from the tacos radiated off him. What would they taste like when mixed with the sweetness of him? My eyes were drawn to his lips, the curve of them. I could practically feel their softness.

Shepherd turned his face to mine. My eyes lingered for a moment as I imagined his soft breath brushing my face as he bent his head toward me. My breathing shallowed to the point that it was nearly non-existent, as if I were a starfish. I turned my face away and resumed watching the movie, making sure my hands kept to themselves and my thoughts remained on the man saving his own life on the screen. Matt Damon may have been the most attractive astronaut I’d ever seen, he was nothing compared to Shepherd.

The movie ended and I sat there while the credits rolled. Our closeness suddenly made me feel like we were in a flux capacitor. Time—five years of it—had been starved, and now it was swallowing me whole. Everything about Shepherd felt like home. Everything. And if I allowed it to, this feeling wouldn’t just swallow me, it would become me.

I jerked away from him, my heart racing, my skin cold, while I broke into a sweat. I couldn’t allow this to happen. Shepherd was no longer my solace. He never truly was because he never knew my grief. My grief over my brother. The feelings of loss at my parent’s death.

No, Shepherd was not my solace. Not then. Not now.

Teaser

“You’ve got ketchup—” His thumb reached the side of my mouth and wiped across my lips, leaving them heated. It was such a Shepherd thing to do, so natural, I thought nothing of it at first. But we weren’t Shepherd and Tara anymore. We were no longer a consist that couldn’t be separated, that would be useless apart. We were separated, and for good reason. Just because my lips yearned for his in that moment, it didn’t mean I needed to act on it.

* * *

I looked up at Shepherd. I wanted him to kiss me. My lust was a coiled snake, lifting its head, stretching out towards him. I knew what his lips felt like. I knew what he tasted like. I’d remembered it for five years and now I yearned for it more than ever. Musk from his cologne was sexy as hell. My skin tingled as I breathed it in deeper, drawing it deep into my lungs.

I took a step toward him. As he reached out and curled his hand around the back of my neck, heat surged through my body.

* * *

So, as much as I wanted to stay away from Shepherd, I couldn’t. The chance of winning three million outweighed my wants. How much I once loved him did not matter. I couldn’t afford to think about it. And I needed to rein in any residual feelings…for eighteen more days.

BUY ON AMAZON

Author Bio

Cynthia Terelst is a project officer by day and a writer by night. She is a contemporary romance writer who likes to share a little bit of history, some Australian scenery and a whole lotta love. Cynthia does not shy away from difficult topics, as she feels that they should not be ignored.

She lives in Queensland, Australia, where the sun shines at least 283 days a year.

Social Media Links

Website http://cynthiaterelst.com/

Newsletter https://www.subscribepage.com/p9p9y0

Twitter https://twitter.com/CynthiaTerelst

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/

Facebook For the Love of Words FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/572605370313807/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaterelstauthor/

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cynthia-terelst

Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Cynthia-Terelst/e/B07ZCTX8SB/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/cynthiaterelst

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/cynthiaterelst

Thanks so much, Cynthia, for visiting us today and introducing us to your wonderful book LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE.

Eyewitness Account of Watching A Sin Eater - Know the #hero #vampires #GLBT

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 19:08:00 +0000

Hello, and thanks for stopping by!

When I wrote The Sin Eater's Prince, I was fascinated to read about the profession of sin-eating. Here's an eyewitness account of watching a sin eater plying his trade in Wales, 1825

1825 - Eye Witness Account of Seeing A Sin Eater

A witness reports seeing a sin-eater plying his trade in 1825 living near Cardiganshire, Wales. Most villages in Scotland, Wales and England had a sin-eater. The man was called after a person died to absorb the sins of the dead, allowing the deceased to pass on into the afterlife with a 'clean' soul.

"The corpse being taken out of the house, and laid on a bier, a loaf of bread was given to the sin-eater over the corpse, also a bowl of maple, full of beer. After this was consumed, a fee of sixpence was given to him for taking on the sins of the dead. If he didn’t absorb their sins, it was supposed the dead would wander the Halls of Oblivion forever.”

Abhorred by the superstitious villagers as a thing unclean, the sin-eater cut himself off from all social mingling with his fellow humans because of the life he’d chosen. He lived in a remote place by himself, and those who chanced to meet him avoided him as they would a leper. The sin-eater was held to be the associate of evil spirits, and given to witchcraft, and unholy practices. Only when a death took place did the local villagers seek him out. When his purpose was accomplished, they burned the wooden bowl and platter from which he had eaten or placed on the corpse for his consumption.

If you haven't read The Sin Eater's Prince yet (set in Wales) I think you might enjoy it. The following character card, blurb and cover art might help you decide.

About the book:
Unlike the villagers, physician Andras Maddock has never shunned Owen, the Sin Eater. How can Andras ignore the one man he loves? Owen is stunned when Andras saves him from a gruesome death at the hands of vampire and then wonders how a simple man acquired supernatural powers?

Dagan, Dark Lord of the Underworld, vows to take the mystic sword from Andras, a weapon that allows his vampires to wreak their diabolical havoc in sunlight. Dagan will do anything to avenge his father’s death, and in the process, make the Sin Eater his slave.

Star-crossed love, sorcery, ancient myth and lore collide on a vengeful path where only one side will taste victory.

RAVES

The imagery in The Sin Eater’s Prince gave this reader the shivers. The ultimate in romance played out as the men accepted their fate and came together.” 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Set in Wales, the story is full of action and drama from the superstitious beliefs that will keep you glued to the pages.” 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“The trials of life the sin eater accepted, the love of a 'just' man whose own darkness proved his virtue.” 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A must-read novel if you love man love, vampires, mysticism, and more!." 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ANDRAS MADDOCK (Physician)

Thanks for visiting! See you soon!

A Smoothie with Anti-inflammation Help and #ebooks!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 15:45:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

We're having beautiful weather here in the Midwest. My flowers are going crazy (I love flowers). Here's a pic of a flower cart my eldest son made for me so I could fill it up! It sits on my patio and I love just sitting out there with a book and looking at it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Have a wonderful 4th of July. Happy summer and happy reading! Thanks for your support. It is so appreciated.

Know The Characters!

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SMOOTHIE!

When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system. Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, chronic inflammation may have a negative impact on your tissues and organs. Some research suggests that chronic inflammation could also play a role in a range of conditions, from cancer to asthma.

There are a few ingredients you might not be familiar with, but I promise, most large grocery stores with a "Health Food" section carry them. Otherwise any Natural Food Store carries these products. I love this smoothie and I think you will too. The Smoothie is a great way to fight inflammation anywhere in your body. I get most of my products from a local health food store or Amazon.
Enjoy!

Anti-inflammation Smoothie

Ingredients

1 cup organic coconut or almond milk
1 to 2 tablespoons hemp seed protein
1/2 to 1 cup frozen organic blueberries
2 tablespoons freshly ground flaxseed
1 tablespoons turmeric
1 tablespoons boswellia powder (Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bowelia+powder&i=hpc&ref=nb_sb_noss)
1 tablespoons cinnamon
1 raw date
Pinch of black pepper
1/4 tsp. probiotic powder (Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y894jpyu)

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter to receive more great book deals. Recipe included in every newsletter! Click on link below!

Land of Falling Stars - A Unique Hero #MFRWSteam #eroticrom

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the *1st* Marketing For Romance Steam Blog hop! We hope you'll return the second Tuesday of every month (mark your calendar). We have a lot of great #erotic #romance books to tell you about along with some great discounts!

Today I want to tell you about a book that's always been close to my heart. I loved, loved writing LAND OF FALLING STARS.

If you like love triangles, ghosts, betrayal, revenge and wolfhounds (yep, Ricochet plays a huge part in this story), you're going to love Land of Falling Stars.

It's won several awards and has some wonderful five star reviews. Guess it touched a lot of other hearts out there too!

Meet Gavin Langdale, one of the heroes in the story!

Here's the blurb:
“Land of Falling Stars lured me in immediately with its lyrical title and instantly captivated me with the haunting love story of Gavin and Sophia." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The United States is torn asunder by Civil War.

Two men, linked together by their love for one woman, Sophia Whitfield, answer the call of duty.

An arranged marriage to Jesse James Grantham has been in the works since Sophia and Jesse were children. When he leaves to fight for his beloved South, Jesse promises Sophia they'll whip those Johnny Rebs in no time and when he returns, they'll get married under her mother's rose arbor.

Sophia's best friend from childhood, Gavin Langdale, enlists to fight for the North. Why does her heart shatter into a million pieces when Gavin says goodbye? She loves Jesse…doesn't she?

After Sophia's parents die in a fire, she struggles to save Arbor Rose. Most of the slaves have run off, the South is in tatters and so is the only home she's ever known. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, coming to steal the last of her meager possessions. Before the hated enemy has a chance to commit the vilest of acts, she shoots him. And then discovers its Gavin, the champion of her youth.

Dark secrets lurk in Gavin's memory, secrets much darker than the despicable acts of war. He carries a message for Sophia, a missive from Jesse. When he finds the courage to tell her what really happened to Jesse on that bloody battlefield, she'll hate him—hate him until she draws her last breath.

A powerful story of lies, betrayal and a love that burns brighter than all the stars in Heaven.

RAVES FOR THE BOOK:
"The author pens a story that is unlike any other. The characters are introduced as childhood friends who become adults with very complicated life experiences to deal with. I loved all the sub-stories and the minor characters that were such an integral part of the author's vision. Land of Falling Stars makes you believe in the possibility of retribution and the hope of finding your brass ring in the last place you look." You Gotta Read Reviews 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Keta Diablo has penned a beautiful and haunting love story full of passion, deception, danger and the epic War Between the States that will leave you breathless and longing for more! I loved this story from beginning to end! It’s a true page turner that you will hate to see end. Keta really has a knack for getting you beneath her characters skins. This is one of those rare books that you don’t want to miss!" 4.5 Amazon Reader ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"A story that has the ups and downs of a roller coaster and keeps the reader hanging on with bated breath, Land of Falling Stars is captivating. The author has a great knack for weaving words together to bring a vivid picture to the reader's mind." Bookwenches, 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Will Sophia and Gavin’s passion be enough to see them through the trials that they are about to face or will the truth and circumstances tear them apart? Or will a band of cutthroats kill them both before they ever have the chance to find out? And there is much, much more to this story but you are going to have to buy this one to find out more! BRAVO Ms. Diablo, Bravo!" Night Owl Romance 4.75 Stars!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I loved the romantic and sexual tension between Sophia and Gavin (who is one hunky blue coat) and the scenes between the two of them are really intense and hot." Pearls Cast Before A McPig 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Don't forget to visit the other fantastic authors on the blog hop!

Thanks so much for visiting today. If you read Land of Falling Stars, please consider leaving a review. Reviews encourage us to write more books for you!

Survey: #Readers Want to Know More About #Characters

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:32:00 +0000

In a recent survey, readers were asked what they'd like to see more of in a book or what they'd like to dive into deeper. The number one answer was, "I'd like to know more about the characters".

There's a simple way to give them a little character depth. Here's a three-paragraph meme on the hero, Gavin Langdale, from Land of Falling Stars.

Does this give you an inkling of what Gavin is like or who he loves? Can we detect his fears or inner thoughts? Do you think he's a kind or relatable character, and more importantly, does it make you want to read the book?

Please leave a comment and let me know. I'm intrigued by these character memes and think of it as another way to, hopefully, bring a great book to a reader.

RAVES FOR LAND OF FALLING STARS

"I loved, loved this book! I would give this more stars if they were available. Great read!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

"Land of Falling Stars has the ups and downs of a roller coaster and keeps the reader hanging on with bated breath. A ten-star read!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

“This story makes you believe in the possibility of retribution & the hope of finding your brass ring in the last place you look." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

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Great #Books Great #Promos - Mac & Cheese Recipe! Keta's June Newsletter Is Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Keta Diablo) — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 17:11:00 +0000

Hi everyone and Happy Summer!

I don't know about you but I'm happy to see the sun out and shining every day, especially if it makes it harder for that nasty Corona virus to propagate. Hooray!

I'm introducing two of my favorite books today. I wrote them some time ago, and that's why you can read them both on Kindle Unlimited or pay only .99 cents. I loved, loved writing both books. They are historical romance but vastly different from one another. Land of Falling Stars is about a blind girl and her dog and many reviewers said Ricochet, her wolfhound, was the true hero of this story. He saves her life several times. It's also a bit of a love triangle.

“Land of Falling Stars lured me in immediately with its lyrical title and instantly captivated me with the haunting love story of Gavin and Sophia." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I wrote Where the Rain Is Made when my youngest son was innately curious about American Native Americans and their history. The story of the real-life Dog Soldiers is very sad and tragic, and while there is some sorrow in this book, trust me when I say the ending has a big twist and a happy ending!

"This book will remain on my shelf for years to come and be revisited often :) I cringed, flinched, sighed and shed a tear. Any story that can do that has my vote all the way. Ms. Diablo, I look forward to seeing more from you in the future." 9 out of 10, Seriously Reviewed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'll be thrilled if you read either book and leave a review about your thoughts. I sincerely appreciate it.

PANERA (COPY CAT) - MAC AND CHEESE

Ingredients

· 12 ounces pasta shells or macaroni

· 4 tablespoons butter

· 4 tablespoons flour

· 2 1/2 cups milk

· 8 slices white American cheese cut into pieces

· 4 ounces Vermont extra sharp cheddar cut from a block and shredded yourself

· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

· 1 teaspoon hot sauce

· salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large saucepan and add pasta. Cook to al dente according to package instructions.

2. While pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan. Once melted, add flour. Whisk until combined and golden and cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in milk and bring to a low boil. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in Dijon and hot sauce.

3. Turn off the heat. Add cheese and stir until cheeses are completely melted. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat completely. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Important Notes:

The secret is in the cheeses. You must use white American cheese and extra sharp Vermont cheddar. (Any other cheese will change the flavor and not taste like Panera’s.) The other secret ingredients are Dijon mustard and hot sauce. The mustard adds a sharp tang while the hot sauce adds flavor. Don’t omit it or you won’t achieve the desired results.

Grab a pot and cook pasta shells according to the package directions. I used shells because that’s what my family likes but you can use regular macaroni too just like Panera does.

1. While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce. Melt some butter and add flour to make a roux. Once that’s cooked and golden add milk and simmer it until the sauce is thickened.

2. Add some Dijon mustard and hot sauce for flavor. Then turn off the heat and stir in the cheeses. It’s important to move the pan off the heat at this point to keep the cheese from getting too hot and separating or “breaking” your sauce.

3. Once the cheeses are melted you’re ready to serve!

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