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!

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.

Indie Shine – Erica L. James

In this edition of Indie Shine, a place for rebirthoflisa to ‘Shine’ the spotlight on indie artists, we welcome recording artist Erica L. James!

©Erica L. James used with permission

 

Bio:

A timid nine-year-old decides she will try out for her school’s Glee Club. She is nervous and practices all night, hoping her hard work will pay off. The music teacher calls her name and she walks over to the piano awaiting his note. She sings “Happy Birthday.” He stops playing the piano and she sits down uncertain if she’s made it. After all the auditions, the music teacher stands up and says,”…the following students should remain seated,” and this is where it all began… Erica James is a R&B Hip-Hop artist from Brooklyn, NY. From her days in the Glee Club to high school singing groups, Erica has music vibrating in the core of her being. Her earliest influences were: Mariah Carey, SWV, Mary J. Blige, and HiFive to name a few… Her passion for music doesn’t rest with just singing, but is coupled with her songwriting skills. Far removed from those Glee Club days, now as an adult she shares her love of music, seasoned with the commitment to uplifting her people. Her catchy lyrics flavored with soothing melodies are for those wanting music of substance. Music that people of all ages can listen to. Music that is righteous. Her mission is just one…to create a space where love is safe.

 

Q&A

What do you do and Why do you do it? 

I make music that promotes positive responses to life’s challenges. My destiny is to help people heal themselves. Many of us are hurting and suffering from self-inflicted guilt, shame, and fear. We have enough music about turning up, but my music is about “turning in.” It’s time that we fix ourselves and I truly believe once this happens, the world will be a better place.

Tell us about your most recent work. 

My recent single, “Other Side,” is about using meditation to find peace in stressful situations or to envision success in your endeavors. As a practitioner and teacher of Hatha Yoga, I think it’s important to share the tools I use to create a more balanced life. This song serves as a reminder to take time for yourself unapologetically.

Who inspires you?

My grandmother inspires me greatly. She is, and has given the purest form of love I know. She taught me how to be: (1) assertive but compassionate, (2) adventurous but practical, and (3) confident but approachable. I have several college degrees but my education doesn’t stand a chance against my grandmother’s wisdom. She is the smartest person I know, and her dedication to her faith and family strengthens my very own commitment to my life’s goals.

What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time? 

My “masterpiece” has not yet been created, or maybe it has. It is my hope that my music inspires one person to change something about themselves for the better. If I have done this, then that is my “masterpiece.”

What is your motto in life? 

My motto is: “Nothing is a problem unless you make it one.”

Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.

My wildest dream would be Erykah Badu, Indie Arie, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, and Ibeyi participating in my yoga retreat. We would all sing, eat good food, detox, share, and create a space of power.

What is your favorite quote? 

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~Maya Angelou

When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for? 

I want to be remembered for creating music that changed peoples’ lives. I hope that people will say that I made it cool for music to be spiritual without being gospel.

Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?

My next project is my album, “Always In Love.” Hopefully it will be available to the public next Spring.

Where can fans purchase your work? 

Fans can purchase my songs on iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, and Tidal. In addition, fans can stream my songs on Apple Music, Spotify and Pandora.

Social Media

Website: eljmusic.com

Facebook: @songsbyEJ

Instagram: @songsbyEJ

Twitter:  @songsbyEJ

 

Southern Horror Stories – New Release!

Just in time for Halloween, I decided to release a short story collection of Southern Horror Stories!

Here’s what it’s about:

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.

 

My Southern Horror Short Stories Collection is now available as an e-book on Amazon for $0.99. Click Here to get your copy. It is a 6 story collection of fictitious slave stories. You can read excerpts of Barren Plantation and Mind of Hope by clicking on the highlighted titles below:

Story 1: Barren Plantation

Story 2: Caleb’s Stitches

Story 3: Mind of Hope

Story 4: Underground HellRoad

Story 5: Pirates of Slavery

Story 6: Slave Island

Friday Happy Dance – Janet Jackson

Today’s Happy Dance is in response to the state of the world today. I have chosen to express my angst in a positive manner and thus have decided to share “State of the World” by Janet Jackson. The video is a Lyric video so the words can have more impact.

Couch Convos w/ Lisa W. Tetting – Leila Lacey

Welcome to August’s edition of Couch Convos! Today we welcome Leila Lacey, author of the uber popular “Curvy Goddess Series”. Let’s get started.

Part I

LWT: Welcome to Couch Convos! Let’s get started. The Curvy Goddess Series is amazing! What inspired you to start writing?

©Leila Lacey used with permission

LL: I have always wanted to be a writer. Since I was 9 years old, but I never imagined it was possible especially once I became a mom. But then my best friends challenged me to do a contest, which of course I had to take because well…. I’m no punk. LOL But after writing it, I found out that I could publish myself rather than pray for the mercy of a publisher. And the rest is history.

LWT: Why did you choose to write about curvy women?

LL: I am a curvy woman. I have been plus sized, overweight, curvy, whatever word you decide to use, since I was 7. As a teenager I hated my appearance, but as I have grown in my womanhood, I have realized I am not less beautiful than a woman who looks like she needs a snack pack ASAP or she will fall out. LOL  I wanted to give a voice in romance books to the women who look like me. To remind plus size women, you too can have it all. Your waist line has nothing to do with the love in your life, or anything else.

LWT: That is absolutely true! Speaking of curvy books, what is your favorite curvy romance book?

LL: Big like Texas, by Christa Wick. I mean anything by her really. She is one of my favorite curvy girl authors.

LWT: Your main character in the first book of the series is Vixen and she is one dope chick. Take us through her character arc. How did you come up with her strong loyal personality and everything that came with it?

LL: Well all the Goddess’s are loosely based on women in my life, past and present. So with Vixen, I knew I wanted her to be the center of the group of women. She needed to be able to relate to each of them in her own way. She also had to be strong enough to be the CEO of a very large company in a male dominated world, and to be a plus size woman in that world to boot. The trick with her for me, was keeping her soft but not so soft that Daniel would be able to walk all over her. For some reason people think there are two types of plus size women, mean and angry, or soft and used. So…. I had to make sure to keep Vixen up the middle of those two stereotypes.

LWT: Vixen was cool and definitely the glue that held the girls together, but I have to say I really fell in love with Nya’s character. Who was your muse for her?

LL: HA! You know how many people like Nya, but don’t want to admit it? Nya is in your face, this is me and my views on life and if you don’t like it, too damn bad kick rocks. LOL Nya is based on my best friend who is one of the best ladies that I know. Life has made her protective of her heart, so if people don’t take the time to look past the pistol and the 8” blade they might miss that. LMAO 

LWT: Nya did not play! Your BFF sounds fun. If this book was made into a movie, who would play the divas?

LL: OMG! I have been asked this so many times, and I have thought so hard about it, because that is my life’s goal is to get these women made into a movie.  The hard part is that there are hardly ANY plus sized actresses that could play the roles, and then to add the African American part to it and you are in trouble. So pretending that Hollywood realized that women are beautiful at any size.  Phoenix: Jill Scott, Nya: Regina Hall, Vixen: Tika Sumpter, Camille: Brittney Daniel and Jackie: Gabrielle Union

LWT: Oh, I could see Gabrielle playing Jackie. Yes! What about the men in their lives? Who would play them, especially Sal? He’s my baby daddy in my head.

LL: LMBO… Sal is a nut! He is like THE guy every girl sees, and thinks you are so HOT and funny, you are more than likely a douche. LOL But then Sal is actually a great guy. Let me see who would play the guys, Daniel: Chris Hemsworth, Randy: Liam Hemsworth, Nick: Idris Elba, Sal: Ryan Reynolds and Gavin: Gerard Butler.

LWT: Yes to the Hemsworth brothers and Idris, but I have to respectfully disagree with Ryan Reynolds as my baby daddy in my head. LOL. Do you put a little of yourself in any of your characters?

LL: I try not to.. but honestly there is a little bit of me in all of them. Well except Jackie, she is a hot mess! LOL

LWT: Jackie was CRAZY! I was so mad with you when Daniel and Vixen divorced. Why was it so easy for Vixen to forgive and help Jackie’s trifling tail, but when it came to Daniel she was so stubborn?

LL: I think it’s so much easier to forgive someone you aren’t lying next to in the bed every night. Vixen KNOWS, who Jackie is and expects her bull crap. But with Daniel it was a shock, a betrayal on a higher level. I wanted to convey a true husband and wife situation. Because we trust our husbands with so much of ourselves, it’s really hard to forgive the things they do to hurt us.

LWT: I guess I can see that. Who is your favorite writer?

LL:  Of all time in romance: Diana Palmer. Currently in romance: Beverly Jenkins

 

Part II

LWT: Who designed your book covers and how did you come up with the concept for them?

LL: I get my covers from several people actually, depending on the book, so for the Goddess series I have used HMDFX. I don’t know if that is his business name or what. I found him on Facebook. LOL  One of the hardest things about writing about African American curvy women is finding images to use on the cover. So I really do try and put a curvy woman on the cover, if I can’t find an image to use. I will only use the male. I wish there were more stock images to use for the type of books I write.

LWT: Which social media platforms do you find most beneficial in getting the word out for your books?

LL: Facebook. I really struggle with social media. I am not one of those people that thinks everything about my life is so interesting that five million will want to know what I’m doing every minute of the day.  Then of course I am long winded so Twitter, yeah that is too hard. LOL I’m getting the hang of Instagram though, but it’s still hard. Because I’m not always camera ready. Some days I don’t want to look in the mirror let alone take a picture. LOL

LWT: It can be struggle. Tell us about your writing process. Do you need complete silence or do you work with music? Do you have a little drink while writing or is smoking your thing? Give us the skinny.

LL: Well I have my desk in my bedroom. So I go in there, and I turn my TV on behind me, usually to a romance movie or a lifetime movie… Not too much on lifetime because those ladies be killing people. LOL  A glass of peach tea with small pieces of peaches in there and ice. Honey who? That is so good. I open my laptop, and just let the book tell me where to go. Each one of my books has a soundtrack, songs that run through my head when I am writing the couple, or the scenes,  but I never say anything about that because copyright infringement is REAL! LOL

LWT: That peach teas sounds good. Makes me want some real bad. LOL What does your writing nook look like? If you could make it into anything you wanted, what would that look like?

LL: OMG… If I could have a writing cave that no one could go into. It would have a Paris

©Leila Lacey used with permission

theme, with black, white, gold, and silver, I would have black and white wall paper,  Every wall would have a floor to ceiling book shelves, Eiffel tower lamps with black and white shades, I would have two white fur rugs, with all my covers on the walls in gold frames. A man and PC laptop on my desk, and a painting of my beloved grandmother behind my desk, then pink throw pillows throughout, and a HUGE comfy chair with ottoman for when I want to get comfortable and write.

LWT: What was your editing process like?

LL: I put all my books through Grammarly. Then I have 2 people I trust read it for me. Then I hand it over to my editor, she sends it back and I read it, which I hate doing because as hard as I try NOT to, I end up skimming and missing things. I then send it to the two people I trust again, and back to the editor, after it comes back I send it to the formatter and we are ready to go. Now, I will say this, I learned the hard way about all these steps. I was getting my books edited always but never fathomed my editors could make a mistake, so didn’t re-check it when it came back. I have had some growing pains but I am getting there.

LWT: That sounds intense. Please give other indie writers 3 tips/tricks that you learned and used during your first writing experience?

LL: Edit, Edit, Content edit, and edit again. LOL  I think I would say editing is the #1 thing, really. Content editing is so important too. Make sure the couple hasn’t known each other in the beginning of the book and then half way through are old friends. Stuff like that. You really need promotion for your book to be seen, promo, promo, promo. You can read the reviews some of them can be helpful, but then there will be those that just want to feel like they are hurting someone or holding someone else back. Shake them off and keep pushing. DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, get caught up in the “indie author” drama, and there is PLENTY. It’s not worth it. Run your race.

LWT: That is sound advice. Share one unique thing you’ve done to market your book?

LL: I don’t know if it’s unique or Unique to me. But I have recently started handing out samples (first three chapters) of my books to places like, doctors’ offices, beauty salons, places where people have to wait, car repair places, and I leave them for free. I just started doing that and so far so good. I make sure there are PLENTY of advertisements in the book so people know where to go to get more of my books if they want more.

LWT: Tell the readers the one resource you can’t live without as a writer?

LL: Grammarly, Dictionary, and Thesaurus.  I tried to go without both… yeah those book reviews were not pretty! LOL

LWT: Do you use an outline when writing and do you stick to it?

LL: I outline the characters and their personalities but NOT the story. I let the story flow, and that has worked really well. Those Goddess’s say what they want when they want to, I don’t even attempt to filter them. I will sometimes think, but I have planned for you to… and either Phoenix or Nya say, “Nope! Trust us, this is what we are gonna do” LMBO

LWT: I know that’s right. Do you belong to any writer’s groups or associations? If so, which ones?

LL: I don’t. I just recently applied to RWA. Romance Writers of America. I am waiting for my paperwork before I say I belong to them.

LWT: Will you be participating in any conferences this year? If so, which ones and when?

LL: Unfortunately no. I am planning to do at least 2 in 2018, I just don’t know what ones just yet. But I will announce them on my website when I do know.

LWT: What are you currently working on?

LL: No one knows this yet BUT YOU. But I currently have my new book The Takeover being edited right now. I haven’t written the description yet, but there is suspense, and romance, and comedy, and HOT, DIRTY SEX! You guys are going to LOVE THIS BOOK!

I can’t wait to read it! Well, that’s it another Couch Convos in the can. To purchase the Curvy Goddess Books click HERE to go to Amazon. 

Michigan Author Leila Lacey Excites Readers With Her Innovative Romantic Fiction

©Leila Lacey used with permission

Centering on Women With Curves

Love comes in many shapes and sizes. Rising Michigan Author Leila Lacey writes from the heart about the trials and tribulations of love and romance from a curvy woman’s perspective. With over 12 popular books on Amazon to date, she’s steadily claiming her space as a new romantic fiction author to keep an eye on.

Bow down to the curves. That’s the philosophy that’s motivated romantic fiction author Leila Lacey as she’s wrote over a dozen popular books taking a hot and exciting look at love and adventure from a strong, curvy woman’s viewpoint. The books have been received with enthusiasm, and it’s clear the best is yet to come.

To connect with her please click the links for her Social Media.

Author Website : curvygoddessromance.com

Facebook: Leila Lacey

Twitter: @Leilalacey1

Instagram: @leilalaceybooks

 

Wise Words Wednesday – King

This past weekend some Neo-Nazis took to the street to protest a racist statue’s removal in Charlottesville, VA. In the midst of the stupidity, several people were injured and 3 lost their lives. Though this is not something new to blacks in America, but it may serve as a wake up call to those who have remained silent on the subject. I urge you to get involved!

Being involved does not always look like a protest or screaming at the top of your lungs.  It may be something as subtle as a song, poem or a quote, etc. Whatever way you choose to admonish racism, I encourage you to do so!

Book Review – Renaissance: The Nora White Story by Yecheilyah Ysrayl

It has been a year of Sundays since I did a book review on this blog, but when this book came along, I couldn’t help myself. It gave me so many feels I couldn’t help myself!

Here are my thoughts:

Nora White is a farm girl from Mississippi who dreams of moving to Harlem and becoming a writer. Her biggest wish is to write alongside the legends of the era like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston!

Ok, I must stop here! This book was after my heart. I absolutely love both Langston and Zora! In fact the main character of my first book is named for them. I was swooning when the main character not only befriended, but became a contemporary of these icons! Nora was living the life J would have wanted, had I lived in the 1920s.

The book flashed back and forth between Nora’s family back on the farm and Nora living in NY.

Nora meets Zora while she is working her job as a maid/assistant to the grouchy Miss Charlotte, who insists on being called Godmother. She is a strange and temperamental woman who gives Nora a hard time. Nora is a bit of a Zora fan girl, but managed to keep her composure long enough to procure an invitation to a party where all of the who’s who of Harlem literary society will be.

Nora is overjoyed to meet them all, but makes it her mission to befriend Langston, who she is crushing hard on. That is until she realizes he is same sex oriented, or so the rumor goes.

The author really did her research, touching on the feud between Zora and Langston over a play written by both, but only Zora was given credit. The way she wove Nora into the middle of the feud was genius. It was reminiscent of Forrest Gump a bit.(That, in my world is a HUGE compliment – I love Forrest Gump)

There is no way I wasn’t going to like this book. Zora, Langston, Harlem, a bit of WEB DuBois and a roommate named Lisa! Wow! It turns out Lisa has an agenda at the end, but because the book ended on a cliffhanger we have to wait to see exactly what that is.

There were some serious shenanigans going on and I suspect there is a little mystery hiding just under the surface. I can’t wait to see if my theory is correct. Unfortunately my thirst to solve this mystery will not be satiated until December when book 2 is released.

In the meantime, I have all kinds of scenarios to mill around in my head to keep me busy. This book left me breathless! I want more and I want it now!

That would be a big fat YES – 5 Stars*****

Now that I have you excited to read this masterpiece, I have to drop a little bomb. You ready? It will not be available until July. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a copy as part of EC’s ARC Team.

However, while you wait you can help Yecheilyah spread the word about her book by supporting her Thunderclap campaign. Don’t worry, it doesn’t cost a thing. It just takes a couple of minutes and your approval to share info about this book on your social media. You were going to do that anyway, right? So click here to support her campaign!

 

©Yecheilyah Ysrayl used with permission

Yecheilyah Ysrayl is an Author, Poet, Blogger and Book Reviewer at Literary Korner Publishing.

web. www.yecheilyahysrayl.com

email. yecheilyah@yecheilyahysrayl.com

blog. www.thepbsblog.com

Wise Words Wednesday – Groben

This week’s wise words come from actor Aaron Groben. He was a guest blogger this week on my 50 Days of Loving Series and these words stuck out to me. Thanks Aaron! #www

 

Friday Happy Dance REMIX

OMG! This video just blew my mind. Thanks to my blogger friend Nadine Tomlinson for posting it on her Twitter feed. This is a celebration of 40 Years of Hip Hop mixed by The Hood Internet on Youtube. This brought me back to my days growing up so I had to share.