• Book Release,  Science Fiction

    London Calling by Dena Garson, Sorcha Mowbray, et al. @DenaGarson #RLFblog #steampunk #romance

    Welcome Dena Garson author of Her Clockwork Heart, a new Steampunk Romance.

    Why did you write this book?
    I love the steampunk culture. I’ve been dying to write a story in that setting for years so when the call for submissions came out I jumped at the chance.
    What is your favorite genre to read?
    Romance – paranormal, sci-fi, historical, fantasy – I love it all!
    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?
    That’s kind of like picking a favorite child! Doctor Who is probably the longest living fictional character in my mind.
    What are you working on at the moment?
    A rock star romance (contemporary) and plotting a follow up story to Ghostly Persuasion for the next volume of Emerald Isle Enchantment.
    What books will we see from you in coming months?
    I have two releases in October – Her Clockwork Heart is part of the London Calling Anthology, and Vordol’s Vow is part of the Cosmic Cabaret Anthology.
    Please tell us about your latest book.
    Genre – Steampunk Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    During her search for her missing brother, Trixie is reunited with Nathaniel, the man she never stopped loving. Sensing that Trixie might be in danger, Nathaniel lends his skills as an investigator to her efforts. Their love is rekindled as they race across the country looking for clues to more than one mystery.
    Publisher – After Glows Publishing
    Amazon http://amzn.to/2gNEIYz
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/london-calling-sorcha-mowbray/1126979054
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/london-calling/id1271410373?mt=11
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/london-calling-38

    Dena Garson Social Media

    Dena Garson is an award winning author of contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi romance. She holds a BBA and a MBA in Business and works in the wacky world of quality and process improvement. Making up her own reality on paper is what keeps her sane.

    She is the mother of two rowdy boys, two rambunctious cats (AKA the fuzzy jerks), and a loving Labrador. When she isn’t writing you can find her at her at the sewing machine or stringing beads. She is also a devoted Whovian and Dallas Cowboys fan.
    Website http://www.denagarson.com/
    Blog http://denagarson.net/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/DenaGarson
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dena.garson.7
    Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/denagarson7
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/dgarson
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Dena-Garson/e/B007ER5E58
    Newsletter https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/v7a2i6

     

  • Character Interviews,  Science Fiction Romance

    Meet Grant: Star Cruise Songbird #PetsinSpace 2 Veronica Scott @vscotttheauthor #RLFblog #SciFi

    Let’s meet Grant Barton from Star Cruise Songbird by Veronica Scott in the Embrace the Romance: Pets In space 2 anthology, a new acifi romance. Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. I’d like to get to know you better. Let’s talk.

    About Star Cruise Songbird

    Genre scifi romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13

    The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors brings you a dozen original stories written just for you! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E. Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!

    10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.

    Star Cruise: Songbird: A security officer aboard a spaceship finds his job complicated by his attraction to the interstellar singer he is assigned to protect and the bird he has inherited.

    Introducing Grant Barton

    Welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. I’d like to get to know you better. Please tell me about yourself.

    Age: We count years differently in the Sectors, as we live longer now than people in your time did. I’m mid-thirties in your way of thinking.

    Gender: Male

    Birthplace: A planet named Qaazamir

    Profession: Served in the Sectors Special Forces, now on medical retirement, working security on the Nebula Zephyr spaceliner

    Ethnicity: Qaazamiri

    Species (for scifi/fantasy characters): Humanoid I believe is your term

    Please provide a physical description of yourself.
    Over 6′ tall, dark hair, hazel eyes. A couple of tattoos. Some scars. Karissa seems to like my face well enough.
    Tell us about yourself, please.
    I served in the Z Corps of the Special Forces, where soldiers with augmented mental abilities serve on teams alongside telepathic animals, like my eagle Valkyr. We did missions behind enemy lines, among other things.
    Who is the significant other in your life?
    Karissa Dawnstar, the interstellar singing sensation. I still have to pinch myself some days that I’ve ended up with her. How fortunate can an ordinary guy like me be, you know? She’s on a whole other level.
    How do you dress?
    On duty, I wear the uniform of a CLC Line Security Officer. The Line’s colors are navy blue, light blue and white. I carry a sidearm (blaster/stunner combo) on the ship. We’re responsible for the safety of over 8000 passengers and crew. Off duty I prefer what you’d think of as T shirts and utility pants. Boots.
    On what special skills do you rely?
    I have a number of top secret implants I received as a member of the Sectors Special Forces. Sorry, you don’t have the right clearance to discuss them. I also have a telepathic bond with Valkyr, my eagle. I’m highly rated at marksmanship, unarmed combat, rated to fly anything up to a fighter craft, skilled in individual aerial combat using antigrav tech. I have leadership and management skills from my military training that I plan to deploy in support of Karissa’s career as we move forward.
    Do you have children?
    Not yet. Karissa and I would like a family but we’ve just gotten together as a couple so it’s too soon.
    Do you care about what others assume about you?
    Not in the least. I care what Karissa thinks of me. I care that my brother soldiers trust me to watch their six (have their back) and know they can rely on me in any situation. I care that Valkyr knows I’d never do anything to hurt him or break our bond.
    Can you keep a secret? Why or why not?
    I carry the highest level of clearance the Sectors military gives and if I told you any more than that I’d have to kill you. (He grins.)
    How emotionally expressive are you to others?
    With Karissa and Valkyr, I can be myself. Anyone else is going to see the tough military guy façade.

    Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Romance-Pets-Space-2-ebook/dp/B073W5WQBH
    Barnes and Noble b https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embrace-the-romance-mk-eidem/1126974793
    iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/embrace-the-romance/id1248937950
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/embrace-the-romance-pets-in-space-2

    Veronica Scott Social Media

    Best Selling Science Fiction, Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author, as well as the “SciFi Encounters” columnist for the USA Today Happy Ever After blog, Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.

    Seven time winner of the SFR Galaxy Award, as well as a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, Veronica is also the proud recipient of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal relating to her former day job, not her romances! She was honored to read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
    Website http://www.petsinspaceantho.com/
    Blog https://veronicascott.wordpress.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/vscotttheauthor
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronica-Scott/177217415659637
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428500.Veronica_Scott
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Scott/e/B006CUCJ92/
    Newsletter http://wordpress.us7.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=2a337b96e2ee1ee1250004b9d&id=7462393c9e

     

  • Science Fiction Romance,  Stressing the Hero

    Stressing Gib from Gib and the Tibbar in #PetsinSpace 2 @jsubject #RLFblog #SciFi #Romance

    Today we’re reading about Gib from Gib and the Tibbar in Pets in Space 2 by Jessica E Subject. Tell us about your book.

    Gib and the Tibbar

    Galactic Defenders Series

    A dedicated Defender to the core, Gib is willing to go to any planet the Galactic Alliance sends him. That is, until he’s sent with his squad to Hemera for their Alorama ceremony, far from any threat of Erebus invasion and with no chance for promotion.

    Vilarra has lived on Hemera all her life, working hard in the kitchens of the royal palace until she achieved lead hand. But learning of the universe beyond her world reveals her insignificance and shreds her sense of accomplishment and purpose.

    With the help of a furry, little tibbar, Gib is determined to win the affection of Vilarra, prove to her how significant she is to him and the people who depend on her. But will his personal mission be cut short before he has the chance to win her heart?

    About the anthology:

    The pets are back! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2, featuring twelve of today’s leading Science Fiction Romance authors brings you a dozen original stories! Join in the fun, from the Dragon Lords of Valdier to a trip aboard award-winning author, Veronica Scott’s Nebula Zephyr to journeying back to Luda where Grim is King, for stories that will take you out of this world! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors S.E. Smith, M.K. Eidem, Susan Grant, Michelle Howard, Cara Bristol, Veronica Scott, Pauline Baird Jones, Laurie A. Green, Sabine Priestley, Jessica E Subject, Carol Van Natta, and Alexis Glynn Latner as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans!

    10% of the first month’s profits go to Hero-Dogs.org. Hero Dogs raises and trains service dogs and places them free of charge with US Veterans to improve quality of life and restore independence.

    Stressing Gib

    Every hero has a story. He has a background, a history, and a past. This interview allows us to meet a hero and get to know him better, by focusing on how he handles being relaxed, as well as how he handles stress.

    Age: approx. 24 Earth years
    Birthplace: planet Mingo
    Profession: Galactic Defender, part of Hotel squad
    Ethnicity/Species: Mingot

    The Hero’s Relaxed Side

    This hero is at a party. Considering his story, describe the party.
    The hero is actually at a celebration banquet during part of the story, but let’s assume this other party is one where he’s not working as a Defender. Because Gib is a Galactic Defender, the only time he gets to leave the Galactic Alliance carrier ship is when he is on a mission. So, if he’s at a party, it would be in the Defender lounge on the carrier. It would be to celebrate the end of a successful mission, and those in attendance would all be other Defenders. Now, the Defenders consist of multiple species from around the universe, though no one from Earth. At least not at this point in the series.
    How does the hero feel about being this particular party, and what body language is he displaying that gives it away?
    Because his squad is still fairly new compared to many of the others, he likely wasn’t part of the successful mission. He would be leaning against the wall somewhere talking to another squad mate about they find it unfair that they don’t get sent on the good missions. While his words would show his frustration with the Alliance, and his jealousy of the older Defenders, inside he would be full of admiration for the more experienced squads.
    Is he more likely to mingle or remain aloof?
    Unless called over by one of the more experienced Defenders, he would stick to those in his squad and others whom he trained with.
    If he drinks, what is his drink of choice at this party?
    The Defenders have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, so there is no drinking of alcoholic beverages on the carrier. But, as you will learn in Gib and the Tibbar, it can happen while they are on a mission.
    How much drink is his usual?
    If he is on duty, or has a rotation coming up, he will not drink. Though, if he does not have to worry about being on duty, he will drink enough to get a good buzz. Never to the point of blacking out.
    The hero figures out where the hiding places are and then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone, or to go drag a friend back to the party?
    In the carrier, he would either go back to his room which he shares with a squad mate. Or, he’d go to the training room to run a simulation. He wouldn’t go to either place to hide, but if he was exhausted, he’d go to his quarters. If he wanted to avoid someone, he’d go to the training room.
    Is he likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her and ignore others, or is he the friend that others latch onto?
    Gib is usually the friend that others latch onto. They like to complain about the unfairness of the Alliance to him, especially Zair.
    If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the hero going to handle it?
    Unless it was someone he knew well, he would not get involved. There are plenty of other Defenders to control their own squad mates and friends.
    Is the hero the one most likely to get tossed out of the party, or the one who does the tossing?
    In his squad, he’d be the one who does the tossing. He can read minds unless someone blocks him. But when someone is angry, they don’t hide their thoughts as well. He’d be able to sense the upcoming conflict before any fists were thrown.
    Will he know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance of himself?
    He always knows when to leave, though with all the thoughts flying around at a party, he’d likely leave early just to clear his mind, or put up his own block.

    The Hero’s Stressed Out Side

    How does the hero handle it if the cops or some other authority figure pulls him aside when he was blameless in a situation?
    Although he would be calm about it, he would not accept blame for something he didn’t do. He would calmly explain the situation and what really happened.
    How does the hero react to hearing a scream?
    If he was on a mission, he would ready his weapon and head immediately to the source of the scream if he wasn’t already occupied.
    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing that crosses his mind?
    He would immediately want to help them.
    If he sees someone being assaulted, what is the FIRST thing he does?
    If not otherwise occupied, he would assess the situation while rushing to them.
    This hero attempts to rescue someone and realizes that he is in over his head. The odds are against him and there is no way out. He is going to get his butt handed to him. What does he do?
    He would fight until the very end, hoping another Defender came to help him out.
    The hero runs into the one person from his past he wanted to avoid. He can’t get out of the situation and must interact with him/her in some way. What does he do?
    Gib would slowly sneak farther and farther away from the person until he found an excuse or opportunity to leave.
    Someone younger than the hero is in charge of the situation, and they are handling it badly, perhaps bungling things. How does the hero deal with it?
    This usually doesn’t happen as Gib is one of the younger Defenders, but if it did, he’s the type who would casually and privately suggest alternative ways to handle the situation. If that didn’t work, he would simply take over rather than put his life and the lives of others in danger.
    The hero is in physical pain but must bear up under it and keep going. What does he tell himself in order to get through the situation?
    When he enrolled in Defender training, he knew pain, injury, and even death could result. He would push through it because he knows that his actions save lives.
    What mentor’s words come to mind in a bad situation?
    “You can’t save everyone, but even if you save one being from the Erebus, it’s worth it.” – What his squadron leader tells all of the members
    What lesson from his past gets him through a stressful situation?
    All of the lessons he learned during training as a Galactic Defender get him through each and every mission, whether fighting the Erebus, or simply interacting with the natives of the planet he is on.
    Where can we find your book online?
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): Each story in the anthology varies, but I believe the highest rating would be R – Restricted
    Genre: Sci Fi Romance
    Amazon: http://bit.ly/EmbraceTheRomance
    Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embrace-the-romance-se-smith/1126723852
    iBooks: http://bit.ly/EmbraceTheRomanceiBooks
    Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/embrace-the-romance-pets-in-space-2
    Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/S_E_Smith_Embrace_the_Romance_Pets_in_Space_2?id=Jp8rDwAAQBAJ

    Jessica E Subject Social Media

    Jessica E Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you could not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

    When Jessica is not reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to go to fitness class and walk her Great Pyrenees/Retriever her family adopted from the local animal shelter. Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com.

    Website http://jessicasubject.com
    Blog http://markofthestars.com/wp/blog
    Twitter http://twitter.com/jsubject
    Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-E-Subject-author/205759796126370
    Pinterest http://pinterest.com/jessicasubject/
    Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959083.Jessica_E_Subject
    Amazon Author Page http://amazon.com/author/jessicasubject
    Newsletter http://eepurl.com/eX1Zw
    Instafreebie (anthology sampler) https://www.instafreebie.com/free/EZz5p

     

  • Science Fiction Romance

    Cosmic Cabaret: Where Hearts Collide by the SFR Shooting Stars @CailinBriste #RLFblog #SciFi

    Cosmic Cabaret: Where Hearts Collide in the Greatest Show in Space

    Come aboard Blue Star line’s crown jewel, the LS Quantum, a luxury starship traveling through space and time. You’ll meet princes and star sultans, solve a murder, track a thief, plan the ultimate jewel heist, and encounter futuristic rock stars on the lam, cirque stars who want the quiet life, and dancers who want fame.
    Join thirteen USA Today, Amazon best-selling, and award-winning speculative fiction romance authors as they twist their own tales on the decks and in the dance halls of LS Quantum. Embark on a journey to fall in love at the Cosmic Cabaret.
    Click and buy right now for $2.99. That’s 13 sci-fi romance novellas, 1340 pages of love, soft and gentle to wildly abandoned.
    Genre Science Fiction Romance, Speculative Fiction
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13 to R
    Publisher SFR Shooting Stars
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755XPYTM
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cosmic-cabaret-sfr-shooting-stars/1127023699
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/cosmic-cabaret
    Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-sAyDwAAQBAJ
    Click Here: https://books.pronoun.com/cosmic-cabaret/
    One Small Step First Chapters – Read all 13 first chapters of Cosmic Cabaret in this companion teaser.
    Instafreebie https://www.instafreebie.com/free/RThtK
    Bookfunnel https://books.bookfunnel.com/firstchapterchallenge
    Pronoun https://books.pronoun.com/cosmic-cabaret/
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755XPYTM
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cosmic-cabaret-sfr-shooting-stars/1127023699
    Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/cosmic-cabaret
    GooglePlay https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=-sAyDwAAQBAJ
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36144442-cosmic-cabaret

    SFR Shooting Stars Social Media

    SFRSS = Speculative Fiction Romance Shooting Stars.
    A collective put together by three authors, Selene Grace Silver, Rosalie Redd and Jayne Fury, SFRSS aims to promote the genre of speculative fiction romance by finding and promoting some of the best SFR authors out there. Our current anthology, which goes on sale October 10, 2017, showcases stories by CJ Cade, Kerry Adrienne, Tessa McFionn, Cailin Briste, Jayne Fury, Rosalie Redd, Selene Grace Silver, Athena Grayson, Kat Vancil, Dena Garson, Blaire Edens, Jenna Lincoln, and Diana Rivis. SFR is more than blue alien sex, it’s beautiful romance set in amazing galactic worlds.
    As the LS Quantum prepares to set off into the great expanse of the universe–loading cargo, checking in passengers, monitoring flight conditions—Traverse with us through our various worlds. The luxury space liner promises adventure, a little chaos, and stories of tender love.
    Website http://www.sfrshootingstars.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/CailinBriste
    Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SFRShootingStars

     

  • Historical

    House of Dark Envy by Juli D Revezzo @julidrevezzo #RLFblog #Victorian #romance

    Today’s featured book is House of Dark Envy, a Victorian Gaslamp romance by Juli D Revezzo.

    Surely, lightning can’t strike twice…

    1888: When Sarahjane attends Lady Morville’s costume party, she never expects to learn her old beau Felix Gryffith is under the illustrious woman’s patronage and stands on the cusp of making a world-changing discovery. Felix, whose lies disgraced her in the eyes of the London elite by labeling her a flirt.

    Felix’s love for Sarahjane has never wavered, despite the scandal that forced them apart. He’s desperate to tell her the truth, if he can convince her to listen.

    Fate lurked in the shadows that night, years ago. Has it returned to grant Sarahjane and Felix their wishes, or terrorize them?

    Genre Victorian Gaslamp romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): G
    Publisher Raven Queen Publications
    Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/House-Dark-Envy-Juli-Revezzo-ebook/dp/B06WWM8T8R
    CreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/6912337

    Juli D Revezzo Social Media

    Juli D Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic mythology and writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of the Antique Magic series and the Paranormal Romance Celtic Stewards Chronicles series, Victorian romance House of Dark Envy, Gothic fantasy romance, Lady of the Tarot, Victorian romance Watchmaker’s Heart, and more. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.

    Website https://www.julidrevezzo.com/
    Blog: http://julismapsroom.blogspot.com/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/julidrevezzo
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/julidrevezzo
    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jewelsraven/
    Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5782712.Juli_D_Revezzo
    Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Juli-D.-Revezzo/e/B008AHVTLO/
    Newsletter: http://bit.ly/SNI5K6

  • Cancer Awareness,  Suspense

    Vicki Batman #NoQuit Last Year was Tough. This Year was Tougher @vickibatman #RLFblog

    Last year, Kayelle asked me to write about Handsome’s cancer journey. (Here’s the link to the post.) I had to end with not-so great news: he would have to have a second go. This time:
    9 surgeries
    16 days in the hospital
    6 weeks living in Houston
    More months to recuperate
    1 tongue that won’t work
    1 gastro feeding tube

    Because Handsome’s first flap surgery a year ago in July (removing right fibula and creating a left jaw bone) wasn’t successful, our doctors suggested we go to M. D. Anderson in Houston, Texas. Our journey began in November when we visited the doctor who was known world-wide for his reconstructive plastic surgery.

    The doctor told us the surgery was the same, utilizing the left fibula, that he would be very careful, and the recovery would be hard, but eventually, Handsome would get through it. We had no choice. Every movement caused the temporary titanium plate to jam into his T M Joint. He could hardly eat and talk. If Handsome wanted to resume having a life like everyone else, he had to have the surgery.

    On February 25th, we left behind work, home life, and our adora-poos in the hands of family and friends. The biggest thing we carried with us was hope.

    Handsome’s surgery began at five-thirty in the morning. He was prepped, procedures signed off, and wheeled away. That was when my heart lodged in my throat as I prayed for the most superior outcome for him. A nurse escorted me to the waiting room to be updated via monitor. #2 son and my sister joined me as did friends. We talked and were kept informed. However, the day went long, and by six in the evening, I sent them on.

    Exactly until twelve-thirty A.M. long. The doctor came out and told me he was pleased and guarded (that the transplant would be successful), and rightfully so. I stayed in the waiting room until one-thirty, long past the cleaning people. The only light burning was the lamp on the side table. My eyes were dry. My head hurt. I could barely do anything. Finally, the recovery nurse escorted exhausted me to him. He’d had: the fibula flap, two donor grafts, one artery graft. Handsome was barely aware as I kissed him and said I would see him the next morning.

    The next day, I looked at his surgical sites. I saw the feeding tube, the tracheostomy, and the swelling. The raw graft on his neck. The myriad of stitches all over his body. I thought “aw shit, not again.” Definitely, a long haul.

    We communicated by paper; sometimes, a wink and a smile. When he choked, the nurses suctioned his trach. (BTW-a shout-out to those amazing people). Staph infections brought surgical washouts along with massive doses of antibiotics and anti-fungal meds.

    At day fifteen, we were discharged to the apartment we’d rented. The hospital nurse tutored us in clearing the trach, cleaning wounds, dispensing meds (including a daily heparin shot), and feeding.

    With skilled help, eventually, we began to cope. He took short walks and slept a lot. Strength returned in small increments. As he improved, the trach was removed, and the nasal tube switched to a gastro tube because his tongue was unresponsive. Finally, we were able to go home.

    We’ve been at home since the second week of April. Occasionally, we go to Houston for check-ups. The titanium plate had to be re-screwed, and the gastro tube replaced. Physically, he has responded well. He is able to swallow a tiny bit of water. His most recent test showed significant tongue strength. His legs have recovered. His posture improved. The flap is perfect.

    They say cancer can be the gift that keeps giving. God, I hope no more for my handsome man. We want to travel more. He wants to eat a great steak. He wants to give inspiring talks to college kids and travel for other speaking engagements.

    We have no idea how Handsome got throat cancer. Most people get it from smoking or chewing tobacco. If you do this, STOP NOW. Live a good lifestyle. You do not want this. You never want this. For anyone. Ever. It is brutally hard.

    The truth remains: cancer sucks. We have also adopted the phrase “it could be worse.” After seeing what other cancer patients encounter, we believe we are fortunate people.

    Know this–I am here for you. Anytime. FMI on esophageal cancer, go to: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/esophagus-cancer.html/

     

    Temporarily Employed by Vicki Batman

    Genre: romantic comedy, cozy mystery
    Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
    New Job. New Love. And Murder.
    Hattie Cook’s dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite Insurance Company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee–the very one she replaced. The last thing she wants is to clash with By-the-Book Detective Wellborn, no matter how much he makes her heart pound.
    Detective Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. When the police determine there’s more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.
    Can the killer be found before Hattie’s time is up?
    The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5829
    Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Temporarily-Employed-Vicki-Batman-ebook/dp/B00N4J5FDQ/

    Vicki Batman Social Media

    Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm–the list is endless.
    Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories to True Love, True Romance, True Confessions, Noble Romance Publishing, Long and Short Reviews, Museitup Publishing, and The Wild Rose Press. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010.
    Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking “What if??”
    Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickiBatman
    Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ipdLkv
    Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
    Google+: http://bit.ly/1zUggDF
    Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4814608.Vicki_Batman
    Amazon Author page https://www.amazon.com/author/vickibatman
    Plotting Princesses: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com