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Thank you Holly🧡

You all should know by now, I am a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan. I haven’t posted much about them since coach passed away. 2016 was a tough year for me. I lost the two most important women in my life that year – Pat Summitt in June and my mother in December. I met Pat Summitt only once in my life, but she impacted me greatly. I can only imagine having her as a coach, mentor, boss and close friend like Holly Warlick did.

Well, this past week, Tennessee women lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in history. As a result of the unsuccessful seasons under her belt, and pressure from unhappy fans and alum, she was fired as head coach.

Whether justified or not (That’s not for me to determine), what was NOT justified was all of the hate and nastiness that is circulating throughout social media attacking Holly and her character. I would like to give those people who feel the need to bash this woman, who has been nothing but loyal to the Lady Vols, a different perspective. Bear with me because this is how I see things…

Imagine being in one place from the time you were a teenager. You have given everything to this place. You lost your mentor, who happens to be the best at the job that you are now asked to step in and try to do. You step up to the challenge, despite being consumed with grief. A grief that takes forever to heal because everything around you reminds you of the person you lost. On top of that, you have the added bonus of pressure

from fans, family and admin to live up to their expectations.

You do the best you can at making the program your own, while still honoring the legend who came before you, and still can’t satisfy people. After failing in the position, you are publicly insulted by a member of your team and you are cast out of the only home you know.

I ask, would you be quick to talk about how devastated and disappointed you are? Would you know where to go or what to do next? Please leave that woman alone. Allow her time to finally grieve and attempt to heal. Have some empathy in this situation. NONE of us could do any better. Whoever came behind Pat Head Summitt was in a no win situation. The program was still reeling from her diagnosis and subsequent death. Despite being at her side and learning from the icon, there was only 1 Pat. There will NEVER be another. She was the blueprint. However, fans expected Holly to step right in and be Pat2.0. So unfair, but such is life.

So, now that exactly what should have happened has come to fruition, Holly is being chastised and raked over the coals. In my opinion, Holly deserves better than this. She has lived and breathed Orange all of her adult life. She should be embraced and loved like Pat would have wanted us, The Big Orange Nation, to do. Remember, once a Lady Vol, ALWAYS a Lady Vol. #LV4L

NOTE: After publication, I was informed by Mary McBride Artello-Kneidel that Tennessee lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament once under Pat Summitt, so this would be the second time in school history. Thanks for the fact check.🤗

Happy 5th Anniversary Joe’s Place

Joe’s Place celebrating fifth anniversary with some fun changes for customers and loyal fans

GREENVILLE, S.C. – This month celebrates the fifth anniversary of the opening of Joe’s Place, a downtown bookstore and relaxing spot for wine, food and coffee.

To celebrate, owners Mary and Alix Bernard and their fantastic staff are rolling out some big changes to the way people can sit, sip, read and relax. These include a loyalty card program; an expanded deck for events and networking; games such as bocce and cornhole in the side yard and an expanded wine room that has unique and rare wines from small, family-owned vineyards.

“Anything we do, we’ve always wanted to do well,” said Mary Bernard. “These changes are aimed at bringing in new people as well as giving our long-time customers some exciting twists to enjoy.”

Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of the award-winning downtown Greenville, Joe’s Place is known for its collection of rare, used and new books. However, the two-story location has built an ambiance around the artwork adorning the walls; its baked goods and monthly events ranging from trivia nights to wine tastings to book clubs.

“We’ve learned about what makes people want to come in and enjoy Joe’s Place,” Alix Bernard said. “It’s more than books. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a good wine or taste something new.”

All of this led them to look for some new ideas to celebrate the fifth year. Here is a breakdown of the new additions:

• Loyalty Cards: These are open to any customers. For every $50, a person gets $5 off their next purchase. The cards will be stored on site, so there is no need to remember to bring it with you or fear losing it, Mary said.
• Porch Expansion: Joe’s Place’s porch is being expanded by about one-third its size. This means more people can enjoy the warm spring weather either for meeting friends or attending Joe’s Place events.
• Games: Customers will be able to enjoy some new games this spring and summer as the Bernards have added cornhole tables and will have bocce along the side yard that faces East Washington Street.
• Wine Room: Joe’s Place now has a room devoted to an array of wines. At any time, customers will find Borealis from Montinore Estates and Sailor’s Grave from Michael Pozzan Winery.

Joe’s Place is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can also host special events.

“Joe’s Place is known for its atmosphere. These changes as we head into our fifth-year underscore that,” Mary Bernard said. “We always look at what makes us a unique experience.”

About Joe’s Place:

Joe’s Place is where Greenville residents and visitors come together to Sip, Sit and Read. Located at 2 Williams Street in the Pettigru District of downtown, Joe’s Place offers a wide selection of rare and modern books, local art, coffees and pastries, unique wines and beer, food and much more. Learn what that more is, at joesplacellc.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @joesplacebookstore.

New Book Release!

***NEW RELEASE ALERT***

LaRue “Church Mouse” Simmons is a feisty pain in my ass. I knew I loved her when we met in that biker bar two years ago. She blew me off then, but now she’s back and needs my help. I will do anything to show her she belongs with me. Even help her avenge her father’s death. If I can only get her to curb that attitude and listen, we’ll get along just fine. But, who said love was easy? She’s stubborn, independent and thinks she knows everything. I’m a surly bastard who enjoys the game more than she knows. It’s going to be fun taming LaRue.

***This is Book 2 in The Predator MC Series. Book 1 in this series is a prequel, and is only available to the author’s newsletter subscribers. Click HERE to subscribe

However, The Taming of LaRue can be enjoyed as a Standalone novel.***

A BWWM LoveRotica Tale

Click HERE to purchase The Taming of LaRue!

Calling Romance Authors – Author Takeover Event

L. Loren

In celebration of my upcoming book release, I am hosting an Author Takeover event! Romance Authors, join me in the festivities to launch my MC novel, The Taming of LaRue! Authors will have 30 minute time slots and are required to have one giveaway during their time. Feel free to share with other author friends and in your reader groups.

Event Timing: March 9th, 2019 from 10 AM – 3 PM Est (9 AM – 2 PM Central)
Event Address: I Love Diverse Romance Group on Facebook

Please complete this form to sign-up.

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The Swirl Magazine Interviews L. Loren

L. Loren

Hi Lovebirds,

 

Guess who is the featured author in this month’s edition of The Swirl Magazine? That’s right, if you haven’t guessed from the title of this blog post… it’s me! Check out my thoughts on writing, get an inside peek of my WIP – The Taming of LaRue, and find out some exciting things I have in store for the coming year. Click HERE to read it! Enjoy.

 

 

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E-Book Sale – Black Friday Weekend!

Hi Lovies,

If you are in need of a good fiction story, I have you covered. From now through Monday my e-books will be on sale for $0.99! Be sure to head over to my author page on Amazon.com and pick up:

The Mistreatment of Zora Langston – Zora Langston is nine years old when her father dies, leaving her in the hands of a mother who is anything but loving and siblings who never considered her family. Without her father, she is truly alone. Before the dirt has even settled on his grave, there’s a new man of the house, and he has no interest in being Zora’s father.

Despite her hardships, Zora remains true and allows faith to help free her from this new, horrible life she’s found herself in. She finds solace in her aunt and uncle and, for the first time, starts to discover what it’s like to have a real family. However, just when she thinks she has escaped her tormentors, new abusers emerge, old ones return from hiding and she must find the strength to survive.

Southern Horror Stories – The mistreatment of slaves has caused the captives to fight back. Tired of the mistreatment, the slaves want revenge and blood. Follow six separate stories of betrayal, violence, bloodshed and revenge. These short stories show what can happen when people have been pushed to their limits.

In “Barren Plantation” find out why we use the word barren for people who cannot have children. “Caleb’s Stitches” shows how to turn the tables on a mad scientist. Climb inside the “Mind of Hope” if you think you can survive the insanity. Read about a spooky way station for escaped slaves in “The Underground Hell Road”. “Pirates of Slavery” is a bloody story of revolt, while “Slave Island” will lure you to a dangerous island that you can never leave.

Disclaimer: Not suitable for young children. Contains violence, sexual content and paranormal activity.

The Opposite of Hew – Kay McQueen is a woman who goes against the grain. She wants no part of love or romance. When her beloved aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She meets Heath Novack and discovers they have more in common than either of them think. However, when she learns the truth about who he really is, can she forgive his deception or will she realize she has known the truth all along?

This is not your typical romance. Happily Ever After isn’t always what it seems.
A BWWM Romance

I look forward to reading your reviews!

But wait, there’s more… As a special treat for being a valued reader I am giving away a FREE short story! All you need to do is sign up for my newsletter to receive Accusing Mr. Loving, about a gorgeous charismatic high school teacher who is accused of the unthinkable. Click here to read all about his dilemma. Remember you are joining my newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time, but I hope you will stay.  Either way you get to keep the book.

 

Happy Bookiversary – The Layover is 2!

L. Loren

Hi Lovebirds,

On this day in 2016 I released my first LoveRotica Tale, The Layover and officially became an author in the erotic romance genre. It is one of my most popular stories to date. It is book 1 in a 3 book serial series. I really had no idea how freeing this book and series would be for me. I am so much more open in my sexuality and my willingness to explore new things. Sometimes it is only within the pages of the books I write, but I have always said I live vicariously through my book babes. Since I am in an interracial marriage, I wrote the couple in this story to mirror that; BWWM (Black Woman, White Man) to be specific.

This story stars Lynn Sutton and Connor Wyatt. The two are inseparable even with their seven year waiting period between meeting and dating. Connor goes…

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Book Review – Even Salt Looks Like Sugar

Hi Lovies,

My sister friend, Yecheilyah  Ysrayl has a new book out and it is a good read. The book is available on Amazon so be sure to checking out. I have it 4 stars!

Don’t trust everything you see. Even Salt Looks Like Sugar is a poignant tale of a 16 year old girl named Wanda who was abandoned by her parents and taken in by a neighbor. The story takes place in a rural Louisiana town where everybody knows you and your business. 

The “kindly” neighbor, Miss Cassaundra, had a habit of taking in children who had been abandoned. She would feed and clothe them, but also made them feel trapped. She received money from the government to care for the kids, but she didn’t show they live and affection. In fact, they lived in a brothel, run by Cassaundra, a woman who rarely got off of her couch due to being morbidly obese. 

Wanda wanted out, but the only way she knew to do that was to get a job. Each time she had an interview, Cassaundra found out and threw a wrench in her plans.

Things escalate and eventually Wanda is told the truth about why her father abandoned her, leaving her in a whore house. Wanda’s only saving grace was the young girl who was left in her charge, Abby. Cassaundra was getting money for her, but Wanda was taking care of the child. Things come to a head and secrets are revealed. One such secret ends up saving Abby from Cassaundra’s clutches. 

I loved the dynamic between Wanda and her BFF, Rosa. They grew up in foster care together and had each other’s backs no matter what. 

This was a quick read, more like a short story. It held my attention and gave some good info on the foster care system. I expect nothing less when I read a novel by Yecheilyah.

New Short Story from Lisa W. Tetting

Hi Lovies,

I am excited to announce that I wrote a short story that was included as a part of the Alabama Emerging Writers Anthology put out by Z Publishing Network! The book was released in August, but I waited to announce my inclusion because I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Only 2 chapters of my story were included in the book because I mistakenly exceeded the word count.

However, as a treat to all of my newsletter subscribers, I am sending out the entire story. Currently it is not available anywhere else, but I may release it on other platforms in the coming weeks. To be one of the first to read my story all you have to do is sign up for my newsletter. You can do that here!

In the meantime, here is what the story is all about:

Reid Loving is gorgeous, charismatic and a great person. Because of his job as a high school sociology teacher, he is surrounded by overzealous, hormonal teen aged girls, who are all clamoring for his attention. When he takes an interest in Amelia, a female student with a learning disability, unfounded rumors start to fly.

Shante Jackson has her eyes on Mr. Loving and will stop at nothing to get him. Her jealousy of Amelia causes her to use her popularity for evil in an effort to get rid of her. Unfortunately, her seventeen year old mind cannot phantom the trouble she can cause for Mr. Loving, when she spreads nasty rumors about his relationship with Amelia.

When Mr. Loving is accused of a heinous act, he is raked over the coals, with not only his job, but his freedom in jeopardy. The photographic proof does nothing to prove his innocence. Amelia is the only one who can save him after he is accused of this unspeakable act. The police and district attorney don’t believe Amelia is being truthful, until she provides the smoking gun against Shante. However, it may be too little, too late to save Mr. Loving’s reputation, career and impending marriage.

Thanks for your support over the years and please let me know what you think of the story. I have created a profile for the story on Goodreads for you to leave your feedback. Add it to you TRB list. Click Here.