tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8164206328702359842024-03-17T23:04:03.831-04:00The Troubled OysterElle Klass Author of As Snow Falls
The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.comBlogger815125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-38004122395927235522023-02-18T12:08:00.000-05:002023-02-18T12:08:11.527-05:00Happy Valentines Day!<p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"> I have a release for you! </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMMQQgsnRogGjcrAP5__3oBN4kO7VwOvmSRZ3K9ihZwO760U4TM2bZwiwLvujHfc2ODFw0nsla6ZBr8ib-bAD6J0B0NgK903o3VOrYSDoUU5JoB34PCTC6iBp6mXhJgrli4Ukmv9hvvte0suBp2T64dvZqbyk7kEzyyJx5rulWCB02Z3kkHW_I2Et/s1080/328109554_2778017335680413_3185779608327468975_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMMQQgsnRogGjcrAP5__3oBN4kO7VwOvmSRZ3K9ihZwO760U4TM2bZwiwLvujHfc2ODFw0nsla6ZBr8ib-bAD6J0B0NgK903o3VOrYSDoUU5JoB34PCTC6iBp6mXhJgrli4Ukmv9hvvte0suBp2T64dvZqbyk7kEzyyJx5rulWCB02Z3kkHW_I2Et/s320/328109554_2778017335680413_3185779608327468975_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/Highschool-is-Hell" target="_blank">Buy here! </a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Highschool is Hell:</b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">High School is Hell! Valentine's Day is the worst. Add in the paranormal qualities mixed with teenage hormones and it's amazing anyone makes it to graduation alive-ish.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Join these paranormal teens as they attempt to survive this holiday!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Enemies may become lovers. The shy become bold. Is it destiny or magic? Fate or fatality?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Find out in this limited edition collection.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Woe is Me by USA Today Bestselling Author C.A. King</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Best Served Cold by USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Time Difference by USA Today Bestselling Author Lily Luchesi</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Love at Frostbite by Elle Klass </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Huntress by Hannah Conrad</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Darker the Blood by Harper Hawke </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Demons Need Love by MK Mancos </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Vixen by September North </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAoRleuKDAx7zp0O25pLIh5ckeqFvrCRcPl4kdR_ZTyIPLSeEE_n5eYehsviz6vc49pxJhgBoa-T80xFzeKu8YAwqViIp6qCWaUZXaiXUCs0h42ht_Z4RCsdWbCEJ8hJac4aENrTR5RvgLLQSTiXsTMWyCe2tf2DAjgww8h55tNVBC0CQfVYhwZnB/s1920/highschool%20is%20hell%20teaser%205.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1920" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAoRleuKDAx7zp0O25pLIh5ckeqFvrCRcPl4kdR_ZTyIPLSeEE_n5eYehsviz6vc49pxJhgBoa-T80xFzeKu8YAwqViIp6qCWaUZXaiXUCs0h42ht_Z4RCsdWbCEJ8hJac4aENrTR5RvgLLQSTiXsTMWyCe2tf2DAjgww8h55tNVBC0CQfVYhwZnB/w400-h235/highschool%20is%20hell%20teaser%205.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Love at Frost Bite is a dark YA romance.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Aurora has never been the diamond in anyone’s eye, and she abhors Valentines Day until this year. Finding sweet surprises at her locker she suddenly has a secret admirer. Her sleuthing skills draw her to one possibility, but it can’t be…or can it? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Tiberius has his eyes on one girl until his heart drops into his chest when he helplessly watches a tragedy unfold before him. As a vampire he has only one choice to save her life and it goes horribly wrong.</span></div><p><br /></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-79549560665644621292023-01-01T11:33:00.001-05:002023-01-05T18:27:47.204-05:00The Land of Lost Souls Cover Reveal!<p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Volume 2 of the Realm Walker Series is here!</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93zRPvX1T5D0nr35SokS3Q77udvaiRd3TbtQ2YVL4vsqklOUEdNhy55LlYiMEioPuAYwOPfZkLkWhw4v3gsCB6IH9lthfEocEmnvlgnaC8Ut5jtnV2__DksezqQ-YZuGSr51g6YHU0UMGha9v04JlE1o8NpNVkX6kNzJLMOckg5ry8hre6tw6EaNR/s2401/Elle%20Klass%202%20ebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2401" data-original-width="1501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93zRPvX1T5D0nr35SokS3Q77udvaiRd3TbtQ2YVL4vsqklOUEdNhy55LlYiMEioPuAYwOPfZkLkWhw4v3gsCB6IH9lthfEocEmnvlgnaC8Ut5jtnV2__DksezqQ-YZuGSr51g6YHU0UMGha9v04JlE1o8NpNVkX6kNzJLMOckg5ry8hre6tw6EaNR/s320/Elle%20Klass%202%20ebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Volume 2 is up for pre-order at a special price. Grab while it lasts!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/3n50nB" target="_blank">Pre-order here</a></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Terra and her adorable sidekick Clyde return!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;">Problems arise and Terra is commissioned by the Tribunal to return to her realm. Their mission is for her to find five commoner candidates from her realm, The Land of Lost Souls, that will be a good fit for the Tribunal. Without hesitation, Terra is more than willing to return home but less than willing to do what the Tribunal asks. She has her own agenda.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;">What she finds as she learns to navigate her magic skills is more than she can explain. She and her friends easily put together the lies the Tribunal has been feeding them all their lives and the mission becomes one of mystery as they maneuver their way through half-truths.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;">Worse than the lies, Clyde is kidnapped by a vampire stalker and used as bait to lure her to Drakonia where she faces the vampire Minister M’ra who has special plans for her. Forced to go along with it as Clyde’s life hangs in the balance, more secrets come to light. Secrets that are far more dangerous and enigmatic than being a hybrid.</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ__AETPVCZHouaTkXipj84kH3qknDVom2swUabZ2-DOOpTsfdzmm5mv8bnVbjJvmlCxK1l86tP94kcm6qwSbFNPFgyWoBhAvmD-FkzZh6PWy-9YxQaSk0Y-2wi21DWdnHiO6pBAra10YrPYWaC3pvuotgA-tqkaLW1RxTYYr_aonaHhCRn8_MQmO_/s1280/RW%20teaser%20both.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ__AETPVCZHouaTkXipj84kH3qknDVom2swUabZ2-DOOpTsfdzmm5mv8bnVbjJvmlCxK1l86tP94kcm6qwSbFNPFgyWoBhAvmD-FkzZh6PWy-9YxQaSk0Y-2wi21DWdnHiO6pBAra10YrPYWaC3pvuotgA-tqkaLW1RxTYYr_aonaHhCRn8_MQmO_/w400-h225/RW%20teaser%20both.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mqEXg8" target="_blank">Grab Volume 1 here!</a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-45163224827433935832022-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:002022-12-13T08:00:00.160-05:00Faeted Mates!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 💖´ *•.¸♥¸.•**💖 Faeted Mates 💖**•.¸♥¸.•*´💖</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">They aren’t nice, and they aren’t trying to get along. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gC3BJMG-UoFEvFfZWyr29qnPMuatyOC-2gvSbrlu9fuewQ77S3bGfE4cFjhQPPEeDdxv1uyftGlryQiUyeyx5GRTQSEwmqooUQIKM9s3SAYZCiouGtuhpXGYlmlq9Ynk0LYa-nAY7ORJGTB5J826pgPns0HozRjEyw71YFgksbwFadVN6BEEDiLY/s940/faeted%20mates%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gC3BJMG-UoFEvFfZWyr29qnPMuatyOC-2gvSbrlu9fuewQ77S3bGfE4cFjhQPPEeDdxv1uyftGlryQiUyeyx5GRTQSEwmqooUQIKM9s3SAYZCiouGtuhpXGYlmlq9Ynk0LYa-nAY7ORJGTB5J826pgPns0HozRjEyw71YFgksbwFadVN6BEEDiLY/s320/faeted%20mates%20blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/FaetedMates " target="_blank">Available Here</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The fae, shifters, and humans of this world are not one big happy family, and in this massive collection of new fantasy romance tales from 19 authors, their worlds are about to collide. There won’t just be danger; there will be an all out war.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whether meeting shifters, witches, engaging in duels, stolen brides and arranged marriages, or navigating the worlds of magic that are at war with worlds of man, these books from today’s New York Times, USA Today, and new and upcoming authors are sure to blur the lines between the seelie and unseelie. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now only one question remains: Can our heroes and heroines prove that love knows no difference between the winter and summer courts before they tear each other apart? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Join the Wyld Hunt and explore the mystic forces of Faery as fate calls unlikely lovers to each other with primal magnetism. This collection includes academy romance, enemies to lovers, urban fantasy, retold classics, friends to lovers, and all new fare. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One thing is certain: these are not your childhood fairy tales. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Scroll up and one-click to secure your copy of Faeted Mates right now. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This fantasy series is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Holly Black, and K.F. Breene and features full-length fantasy romance stories of various heat levels.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/FaetedMates " target="_blank">Grab your copy!</a></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-55909846355989344942022-10-23T18:58:00.002-04:002022-10-23T18:58:28.011-04:00A change in my life...<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">When I got the email I cringed, a tear or two bubbled in my eye and a sigh escaped my lips.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Several years ago now I purchased an Acer Aspire 10 switch running windows 8.1 touchscreen. Its been the best computer I've ever owned and has the flexibility of being my daily writing computer or a tablet for graphics, social media or anything else. It's small with an 11 inch sceen and super lightweight. Windows sent the dreaded email that after January Windows 8 will no longer be supported.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">How do I part with this amazing computer? I haven't yet abandoned it. I did recently buy a new Acer Aspire with a large 15.6 inch screen and all the extra goodies. One would think I'd be super excited to explore it but truth is it has a purpose and hasn't yet taken the place of my switch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The new computer is great for writing, fantastic for writing but I'm writing this blog post using my switch. The new computer is larger but equally as lightweight as the switch yet it has flaws. It's not touchscreen. Too me that's a biggie and because of that I will continue to use the switch for many things. The screen is also super large which most people would love. It's good for writing and formatting but otherwise too big.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Working with graphics is so much easier on a touchscreen tablet and will be the main use of the switch once Windows cuts support. I won't hesitate to say I believe Windows 8 touchscreen is the BEST operating system Windows has yet released.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So what's wrong with Windows 11? Nothing really. It's a heck of a lot better than 10 but not much has really changed. Why does Windows cut off support? I guess they want you to buy the next thing but I didn't want the next thing. I see no reason why they can't continue to put out new operating systems without continuing support on the old. My new computer, no matter how wonderful it is doesn't have the ability to do the things my switch does and it never will.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Yes, as I reformat the Ruthless Storm Trilogy and rework the final rough drafts of Realm Walker books 3 and 4 I will acquaint myself with the newbie. It is a nice computer but I don't think it will ever fully take the place of the switch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-19785052469615012602022-10-04T15:39:00.000-04:002022-10-04T15:39:10.217-04:00Rituals & Runes Release! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYAd3Yvn58zLfZsbdznIph4fznmGGxF1EAtY706H39cpzeHtacQ8ZQuKga1enTge913Qsj4QAdGvq7VHdJGids2yA6x2_tOZqbAtAi5kGzXCNE4OyrozC9XoAtM4ELmcRBjQVc2BNx_3m0_3ruR9C22eZf0-iqf_kWRfVccVbKjXBnC_ZwRbcqICe/s1080/292103024_3348234182076660_3957807633500090289_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrYAd3Yvn58zLfZsbdznIph4fznmGGxF1EAtY706H39cpzeHtacQ8ZQuKga1enTge913Qsj4QAdGvq7VHdJGids2yA6x2_tOZqbAtAi5kGzXCNE4OyrozC9XoAtM4ELmcRBjQVc2BNx_3m0_3ruR9C22eZf0-iqf_kWRfVccVbKjXBnC_ZwRbcqICe/w400-h400/292103024_3348234182076660_3957807633500090289_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The runes are cast, the rituals prepared. Now it's time to break the rules...</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="font-size: medium;">Fall under the spell of swoon-worthy supernatural heroes and magical heroines in fantastical worlds filled with dangerous adventures and epic romances.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Witches, Wizards, Shifters, Vampires, Demons, Devils, and other mythical creatures prowl the pages of this limited edition collection of paranormal romance and urban fantasy tales.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Scroll up and secure your copy of BRAND NEW, unforgettable stories from your favorite USA Today bestselling authors and exciting up-and-coming talent before it’s gone forever!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://books2read.com/rituals" target="_blank">Grab here for .99!</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></b><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwa6KwH1bByrWhSK3vhsMp4wWAy5h_E6IlT6mwgFtpOQ7ZsCusQHFsxC2wfMNWfnjQa6_20KF3x76wW1fItMrBCijNbZC5C0T7wy_5ZeE6oLVGojjbyC8sL2Swxl6IQfYVGLOotdIOVPy88jFwkH1Zl4cs03I019l8QQOWv7gLdqCTzN_WGy772Yc/s940/307143478_3406557689577642_8234819248801600153_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwa6KwH1bByrWhSK3vhsMp4wWAy5h_E6IlT6mwgFtpOQ7ZsCusQHFsxC2wfMNWfnjQa6_20KF3x76wW1fItMrBCijNbZC5C0T7wy_5ZeE6oLVGojjbyC8sL2Swxl6IQfYVGLOotdIOVPy88jFwkH1Zl4cs03I019l8QQOWv7gLdqCTzN_WGy772Yc/w400-h335/307143478_3406557689577642_8234819248801600153_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-66786088843295121882022-09-28T18:38:00.000-04:002022-09-28T18:38:26.689-04:00Midnight Maiden: Midnight Duology Book 1 by Kathryn Marie<div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Midnight Maiden is a bit different than waht I mostly read by had elements that made it entertaining and worthwhile.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Maiden-Duology-Book/dp/B09HZ95CL4?crid=R6TOFF6E9GTN&keywords=midnight+maiden+kathryn+marie&qid=1641051638&sprefix=midnight+maiden%2Caps%2C343&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thetrooys-20&linkId=05cabba67d3706e77b87db2755dad2df&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09HZ95CL4&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetrooys-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetrooys-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B09HZ95CL4" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></p><p><span color="rgba(20, 20, 20, 0.65)" face=""Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">I really enjoted this. The narrator was excellent. Her pacing and range of voices for each character was fantastic. The story was fun. Its a bit different but I loved that a female had some power. Historically that didn't happen as much as it should. Its also a romance. Christiana is titled and holds that title without a man. She is sent to the castle for the summer to find a husband. She also leads a seperate life and prefers being single. The romance is a romance but one of the things I really loved about it is the romance doesn't overwhelm the story. All in all its a great read!</span></p><p><span color="rgba(20, 20, 20, 0.65)" face=""Audible Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3zeazWB" target="_blank">Amazon/Audible</a></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-54421530382131155712022-09-24T16:13:00.003-04:002022-09-24T16:15:28.478-04:00Realm Walker In the Shadows<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg0RvstK4coeIO234Xo7fcBc2CS6PdUqfp2BPDUoswHgke3vIFWgufMYpC8T8ZJ2EmfE2QvVlQj9lTnAyh8HmpG_ivpObqjWrcgKxiyF9GllpkZfj_xLa_tr7RJBf13nLSCZ3SDJ-T8svd_r2JUH4JCp6g2_1UiUymGDwFODhjpD4hzXwLx-El4VO/s3309/Mockup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="3309" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglg0RvstK4coeIO234Xo7fcBc2CS6PdUqfp2BPDUoswHgke3vIFWgufMYpC8T8ZJ2EmfE2QvVlQj9lTnAyh8HmpG_ivpObqjWrcgKxiyF9GllpkZfj_xLa_tr7RJBf13nLSCZ3SDJ-T8svd_r2JUH4JCp6g2_1UiUymGDwFODhjpD4hzXwLx-El4VO/w400-h246/Mockup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Released and available!</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f0729463-7fff-fcad-c330-456cb5b54628"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terra is a testy 17-year-old thrown into a secret world and told she is to act and look like an elf. She has no plans to do anything but be a teen, fall in love, suffer heartbreak, pick herself up, and get the most out of her senior year. When her father dies, none of that is an option. She has to leave her home and best friend to live with an aunt she's never heard of. Clyde, her ferret, is all she has left of a life she once lived as she learns to manipulate whoever she can and plunge into her new reality – feet first.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKUhuv_px-FnH-GiweeRTNYtFxgnesPhU61i8RH-u02GoiGxQRiXJHkflA3KrlcCxSQpnNIZtzpbXPoK6SZVJUaM_X82OrmitVMos_yePffpzGtc0_Jngp5cmePqJbT9Kjqvtd6XdH2Je0VwekXQOv9gzS8we7CGdpADFJ0US-9tjE9wI7Xt1yRuX/s1920/RW%20teaser%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1920" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIKUhuv_px-FnH-GiweeRTNYtFxgnesPhU61i8RH-u02GoiGxQRiXJHkflA3KrlcCxSQpnNIZtzpbXPoK6SZVJUaM_X82OrmitVMos_yePffpzGtc0_Jngp5cmePqJbT9Kjqvtd6XdH2Je0VwekXQOv9gzS8we7CGdpADFJ0US-9tjE9wI7Xt1yRuX/s320/RW%20teaser%206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crazy gets insane when Terra unknowingly walks into Drakonia, the realm of vampires, and saves a young human woman – Tania – from the grasp of Blood River. Bringing her across the curtain between realms, she puts both their lives in jeopardy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On her mission to find a way home for Tania, she learns she is more than was presented to her as she has the ability to travel to other realms. The only explanation is that she is a hybrid, giving her magical abilities different than others. She keeps this secret as it may cause her more distress, and keeping Tania hidden is already a challenge. She must find a way to get Tania home safely without getting killed or banished. Which means challenging the Tribunal and giving away the secret that she is not elfin.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mqEXg8" target="_blank">Grab here!</a></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></div><p><br /> </p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-69448014338343759192022-09-20T18:41:00.008-04:002022-09-20T18:48:19.202-04:00Faeted Mates! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgGp41qSPqxpAPUMuML5RlZdjv3_UDEQAGlWZ-dnkijmFrbOY7VqQI6QICr7UnWXOlMPNDtfz6s0ZQcFP_VR6ZsbVxctbZocgNb4WESzYYb2Dm4lkCvSV2m-oUWHx4G4u6nj-YaNo38XATIVgZ9RUKt3Wsm_YcMkg9ic4egpCNgykfIqQtanEiRrI/s1170/received_1145008469420060.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1170" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgGp41qSPqxpAPUMuML5RlZdjv3_UDEQAGlWZ-dnkijmFrbOY7VqQI6QICr7UnWXOlMPNDtfz6s0ZQcFP_VR6ZsbVxctbZocgNb4WESzYYb2Dm4lkCvSV2m-oUWHx4G4u6nj-YaNo38XATIVgZ9RUKt3Wsm_YcMkg9ic4egpCNgykfIqQtanEiRrI/w400-h223/received_1145008469420060.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">If you're looking for your new favorite boxset you found it! I've ordered my copy and can't wait until Dec! </span></b></p><p>If your like me and can't wait for this, snag the first chapter from 10 of the stories!</p><p><a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/firstchapterpreviews" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Preview Chapters!</b></span></a></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">They aren’t nice, and they aren’t trying to get along.</span></b></p><p>The fae, shifters, and humans of this world are not one big happy family, and in this massive collection of new fantasy romance tales from 19 authors, their worlds are about to collide. There won’t just be danger; there will be an a ll out war. </p><p>Whether meeting shifters, witches, engaging in duels, stolen brides and arranged marriages, or navigating the worlds of magic that are at war with worlds of man, these books from today’s New York Times, USA Today, and new and upcoming authors are sure to blur the lines between the seelie and unseelie. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVDhVzYW4ZDISlXVEBrO8CEDF0MB2Kh2QSejb5PcQAF-2Xh3iBkAfXuOTdiW0Rs_tUSm9q_KpTWVPlnF0WfdgXLgDwgsA14RPjT6W1uxrjFCTZ68LxVyv7fTWtqiphS8mELIV5CksBSowz9gjXln3tPi1T0wAZ-kgjPlqPl0i8vIuDQ7YXIm9YPZR/s1080/received_427456792701250.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVDhVzYW4ZDISlXVEBrO8CEDF0MB2Kh2QSejb5PcQAF-2Xh3iBkAfXuOTdiW0Rs_tUSm9q_KpTWVPlnF0WfdgXLgDwgsA14RPjT6W1uxrjFCTZ68LxVyv7fTWtqiphS8mELIV5CksBSowz9gjXln3tPi1T0wAZ-kgjPlqPl0i8vIuDQ7YXIm9YPZR/s320/received_427456792701250.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Now only one question remains: Can our heroes and heroines prove that love knows no difference between the winter and summer courts before they tear each other apart? </p><p>Join the Wyld Hunt and explore the mystic forces of Faery as fate calls unlikely lovers to each other with primal magnetism. This collection includes academy romance, enemies to lovers, urban fantasy, retold classics, friends to lovers, and all-new fare. </p><p>One thing is certain: these are not your childhood fairytales!</p><p><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mdd9rl" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Preorder here!</span></b></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRw0vb_MwsmO5apXCjKXDFGBCvmY2CNOpMil-0SJ7nftnpPiymdqBd3z53YxenBT0yn4XN5D0DqdP9ADJmAtceg1xskPGVI1iy36I7bVsqLPvAIrCYyfJPdp6cUtnBo0g8qfmNu4cWEqAl2ViaiR3xdkjUqtZ3TtOLTkQM4a-ugC645bP2qb_9oM/s1080/received_1996745877187593.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWfRw0vb_MwsmO5apXCjKXDFGBCvmY2CNOpMil-0SJ7nftnpPiymdqBd3z53YxenBT0yn4XN5D0DqdP9ADJmAtceg1xskPGVI1iy36I7bVsqLPvAIrCYyfJPdp6cUtnBo0g8qfmNu4cWEqAl2ViaiR3xdkjUqtZ3TtOLTkQM4a-ugC645bP2qb_9oM/s320/received_1996745877187593.jpeg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />So many amazing authors have come together to bring you this book!</b></span><p></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1cd971d9-7fff-be10-0e36-1585144351b7"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Faeted Mates features stories by Celia Kyle & Marina Maddix, Reina Torres, Rianne Thaxton, Cassidy Kristi O'Connor, Gracen Miller, Terri A. Wilson, Riley Hunt & Amelia Grey, Jamie Dalton, Christopher D. Schmitz, Channie Cocker, Breezy Jones, Elle J Rossi, Adalynd Grayves, A.M. Mason, Brenda Lore, and Tori Kellett</span></span></p><div><a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/firstchapterpreviews" target="_blank">Sneak peek!</a></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-31312406607534929612022-08-27T09:35:00.001-04:002022-08-27T09:35:55.975-04:00YA not Adult<p> As of recently I've noticed YA and even NA being harshly criticized for the characters acting to young.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGjaL02k1z3yvFRXx37h37ssAe49BGpoAHEqILDGthSI5lRzXf0TOrz0qqVnmIHCtm2x9TeH8nFa6K1pkVxECtcjS8atGqqpkbAU1aOJVjPFb5SNtFtoMWnGJ1Qb_WnK5dLFhohrCGzkeRVFoymtGZlagqxPt32E9ma3wAw5U1jkSzQnc1HxRYYxw/s1100/VND%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="1100" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGjaL02k1z3yvFRXx37h37ssAe49BGpoAHEqILDGthSI5lRzXf0TOrz0qqVnmIHCtm2x9TeH8nFa6K1pkVxECtcjS8atGqqpkbAU1aOJVjPFb5SNtFtoMWnGJ1Qb_WnK5dLFhohrCGzkeRVFoymtGZlagqxPt32E9ma3wAw5U1jkSzQnc1HxRYYxw/s320/VND%20banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>t's a real thing. I've been writing YA for many years and spent twenty years working with children ages 11 to 19. I have a fairly good grasp on how teens act and even think. Recently, I've seen reviews on YA books harshly criticizing how the characters act. They act too young, are too impulsive, make horrible decisions or don't make decisions at all, are to whiny, angsty. You list goes on but you get the picture. I would love to ask these people when was the last time they spent time with a teen or young adult between the ages of 11 and 21.<p></p><p>Teenagers and even college age students are all of the things I listed that readers are complaining about. Young adults have limited knowledge of the world and experiences to draw on. As an author that's one of the things I love about writing YA and even NA. They see the world from a naive set of eyes. Even a street savvy teen has limited experiences although different from a more sheltered teen. They know the world in which they live and that world grows exponentially larger as they experience life.</p><p>As an author I won't be changing my formula. One thing that should be present in a good YA series is protagonist growth. The reader should experience that with the character, and they should develop together. </p><p>The more research I did and the further into the rabbit I went I'm finding adults love YA. That's no secret to me. The majority of readers of my books are adults not teens. It's been that way for as long as I've been writing YA. What's changing is either an adult's perception of what a teenager is in today's world, or they simply want young people with adult thinking. Young people don't think like adults no matter which generation. It's called growing pains.</p><p>If you love YA think about why you love it. If you love growing with the character than it’s a good category for you. If you love the fast pace, slew of supernatural stuff and exploration of that through a young set of eyes than its your category but if you think the characters act too young please look in the adult section not young adult for your books.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07kKzqDRhJl4jxIUBZmxN3YGQzHWjtMLcFEi8tSW6kVQKbyAw6Wcmuh3u1cc9VZNdG77rBVCjZEuKbPeJygXkAA-d8UEyooOzpQwuchHKmDsE4VhGPPp534XupE4Zy0oUU_0TjhzZjzcFgH2e7mhe62fkMwvzHb-ydXYM0NkY_lqqrCAcG0ce4iP1/s875/malnacard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07kKzqDRhJl4jxIUBZmxN3YGQzHWjtMLcFEi8tSW6kVQKbyAw6Wcmuh3u1cc9VZNdG77rBVCjZEuKbPeJygXkAA-d8UEyooOzpQwuchHKmDsE4VhGPPp534XupE4Zy0oUU_0TjhzZjzcFgH2e7mhe62fkMwvzHb-ydXYM0NkY_lqqrCAcG0ce4iP1/s320/malnacard.png" width="227" /></a></div>YA or even NA characters acting too young is an oxymoron. THEY ARE YOUNG! They should act young. My head was left spinning. Think about the character. Are they a sheltered young adult between ages 11 to 25 or a character who had to grow up quickly. Usually there are clues in the story such as my mom is an alcoholic and I never knew my father or dad works two jobs to support us after my mom died of cancer. Whereas you have more sheltered characters who have two parents who go to their footfall and volleyball games, who they can talk with about nearly anything or maybe are focused on getting into a good college regardless of life circumstances.<p></p><p>The point is the author generally gives clues to the characters upbringing and how that has influenced them. Remember young people have limited experiences which impact their life and decision making process. As a reader don't glide over those cues. They are important in the development of the character.</p><p>My latest series Realm Walker centers around Terra. She in impulsive, rebellious and acts out from time to time. She just lost her father, never knew her mother as she died when Terra was an infant. At 17 she has to go live with an aunt and subsequently is thrown into a world filled with realms she never knew existed and subspecies she thought only existed in fairy tales such as lycans, fae, elves, trolls, vampires, dragon shifters and those who reap souls called harvesters. Her mind is blown. She is resistant to her new reality and wants nothing more than to return to the human realm and her friends to finish her senior year. Have you ever relocated a 17 year old away from their life long friends in their senior year? How did it work for you? How did it work for them?<br /></p><p>NA is a new category for me. Once Upon Academy was my first dive into NA and romance. In my first set of OUA books I chose Grenna and Mandevar. Grenna is a hardworking academic from an average middle class family in the US. She wanted nothing more than to get into a good college. Mandevar is a science geek from an upper middle-class family in Persia. Neither of them is street savvy and both have limited understanding of the world. That was done purposely as I was getting my feet wet in two new categories at once.</p><p>My OUA volume 3 story is far spicier because of who the characters are. I'm also far more comfortable with both categories an as author. I have four more romances both YA and NA that will be coming out withing the next couple years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnv9hqov90ZEGoTkMoXH3uNVlbu5jaeKBCRft9ulfTAR-tA_OADhz9eOao8ybtcbrhwZdlGG7y-eouzay7wANBj_xB5dDzQvAMy3WnIE_4oW4OrOENEry1f31ED5OSc-EIjuY86hNiLxhCf0I5hO0kVyny3lLxj5W0bKrLBJaPWUrU2dkSgS2-65E/s875/caytocard.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnv9hqov90ZEGoTkMoXH3uNVlbu5jaeKBCRft9ulfTAR-tA_OADhz9eOao8ybtcbrhwZdlGG7y-eouzay7wANBj_xB5dDzQvAMy3WnIE_4oW4OrOENEry1f31ED5OSc-EIjuY86hNiLxhCf0I5hO0kVyny3lLxj5W0bKrLBJaPWUrU2dkSgS2-65E/s320/caytocard.png" width="227" /></a></div>Getting back to Realm Walker. All four books in the series have been written and will be published one every 6 months for the next couple years. The first book is slower paced as there's a ton of world building that I didn't want to dump on readers so it’s woven into the story. Throughout the series Terra grows, changes and learns. She becomes far more comfortable with the new world she's been thrown into. <p></p><p>Terra's series is the intro into the greater Realm Walker universe. I have five stories written in at least<br /> rough draft form that are not necessarily related to Terra and plans for an entire series that parallels Terra's. The character will be a bit younger, and it will be as much of a romance as it is an exploration of the character falling into an learning the greater world is so much larger than she ever imagined as things like vampires, werewolves, hunters, hybrids and warlocks become a true reality to her. Her story will have no connection to Terra. There may even be a post story to Terra's series that introduces a new character and series.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw5fl4dUmLVJ9pROto-05uQbK3FvU5hR9Th2EI8U5LYxeGS9xm8kPQF2AtcI0l_06lSonCkbAyLVXZJFmR2iKFFfWXuzyXl-o7JEwocSoDX_UiDezk6eL4npKKeu_VTB2gRgB2Ve-SE-i3m5Vd9g54UmaYEbf59nGCk7BoXSsSjiHKBGXaxopzqM1/s1920/RW%202%20teaser%20Aradia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1920" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTw5fl4dUmLVJ9pROto-05uQbK3FvU5hR9Th2EI8U5LYxeGS9xm8kPQF2AtcI0l_06lSonCkbAyLVXZJFmR2iKFFfWXuzyXl-o7JEwocSoDX_UiDezk6eL4npKKeu_VTB2gRgB2Ve-SE-i3m5Vd9g54UmaYEbf59nGCk7BoXSsSjiHKBGXaxopzqM1/s320/RW%202%20teaser%20Aradia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The point in my rambling is that YA and NA authors shouldn't be forced to put adults in teen bodies. The categories were developed to give readers in those age groups characters they could connect with who are experiencing situations such as themselves. Adults can enjoy the categories too just as young adult readers shouldn't be stuck in YA only. It's perfectly OK to read across categories and genres but don't push out the readers the categories were designed for and don't push your life onto those characters. Except them for who they are and understand the life they are coming from.<p></p><p>I will continue to write YA and NA. My characters will be young and make decisions and act like young people. If you as a reader don't like how young people act don't buy YA or NA and if you do don't criticize the book because the characters act too young!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-66778439567759875462022-04-06T19:29:00.000-04:002022-04-06T19:29:03.823-04:00Who will win the homecoming game?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLbVJ_o8jZIex92VgZ7_MmM8f7ALPYJlgjhygvexJllwS8JOfkqEOXxjK0a3FdyylGflxLGTI3351K-1kRQUpwMuAK21ukY5GAKrG8g8hcODehp8dT_Gmbn6Ypz4Ujy8Dy_bSgVNVFS_DFCPqwOH5k0EcOt3ssbwhz73Qym2OA4nhXfUO3IfFWZ2X/s3011/OUA%202%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="3011" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLbVJ_o8jZIex92VgZ7_MmM8f7ALPYJlgjhygvexJllwS8JOfkqEOXxjK0a3FdyylGflxLGTI3351K-1kRQUpwMuAK21ukY5GAKrG8g8hcODehp8dT_Gmbn6Ypz4Ujy8Dy_bSgVNVFS_DFCPqwOH5k0EcOt3ssbwhz73Qym2OA4nhXfUO3IfFWZ2X/w400-h185/OUA%202%20banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Once Upon Academy Vol. 3 is already in the works as well as a rival school. Ever After and Once Upon Academy square off in EA's homecoming game this fall. Be part of it. Vote now and find out in the fall who wins the game!</span><p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyxnImdsrKCsNbJ6aT-Il5iziSBOjTgGCJcYMapPCMDWs1EQ/viewform" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyxnImdsrKCsNbJ6aT-Il5iziSBOjTgGCJcYMapPCMDWs1EQ/viewform" target="_blank">Vote</a></h1><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you haven't started the series yet you are missing out. Volumes 1 and 2 are still on the shelves but Volume will be gone soon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>Welcome to Once Upon Academy where Magic is real and Princesses really do have happily ever afters.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04HW8fXIRXXfjNl8uJmCqrYGDwzVrxoXXoTd8PgroFZYQtMwaRZdaEJpSRE3RKiexQ-DBN9BFppIdsp7C1_PQSIbmazFId_vZH_aSXg6JtSyP0ebAV6lqkeBByJh_s44SEYHowI-c1STqa4RTXkxFSyHRN9wu0zHYHEEqFbVgVm8mPclUgHWhEApw/s855/AnthologyJpeg-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04HW8fXIRXXfjNl8uJmCqrYGDwzVrxoXXoTd8PgroFZYQtMwaRZdaEJpSRE3RKiexQ-DBN9BFppIdsp7C1_PQSIbmazFId_vZH_aSXg6JtSyP0ebAV6lqkeBByJh_s44SEYHowI-c1STqa4RTXkxFSyHRN9wu0zHYHEEqFbVgVm8mPclUgHWhEApw/w226-h320/AnthologyJpeg-cover.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>Once Upon a time, in the realm of Fairytales there is a little known school only the best are accepted to attend. The Academy is deep inside the fantasy forest hidden in plain sight. When those who have not been invited in, they see a normal school, brick and mortar but when the acceptance letter is received it becomes the beautiful estate for those to continue their college education in the magical world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Join the descendants of classic fairytale characters as they navigate through their college lives at the prestigious Once Upon Academy.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Welcome to Once Upon Academy where fairytales are real and princesses really do get their happily-ever-after's.</div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3DLwmXV" target="_blank">Buy Vol. 1</a></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK81tMSmu_O-JkyxQoKmB6c1PQ_GzbkR2R05qZkqCLrNBDeKUqoaiWnniMFnt4FcOQRuAVrTzB_I18-TgfyyOexU3msGszETH4ohqVkzqKOE2xJaJosEJxSgWETtWQIYODrrrkBtKkW_N0wbCtfgdOfHdBk0w-ugF3rgJmikWNZ19X2jajpo4_jkP0/s1273/OUA2Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK81tMSmu_O-JkyxQoKmB6c1PQ_GzbkR2R05qZkqCLrNBDeKUqoaiWnniMFnt4FcOQRuAVrTzB_I18-TgfyyOexU3msGszETH4ohqVkzqKOE2xJaJosEJxSgWETtWQIYODrrrkBtKkW_N0wbCtfgdOfHdBk0w-ugF3rgJmikWNZ19X2jajpo4_jkP0/s320/OUA2Cover.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Winter break is here, and to celebrate, Once Upon Academy is putting on the party of the year: the annual Winter Ball. Join the descendants of classic fairytale characters through five stories of magic, love, and happy endings in a magical winter wonderland. Follow your favorite heroes and heroines as they navigate the prestigious halls of Once Upon Academy, get boujee at the most magical night of the school year, and look for their kiss under the mistletoe.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a night you don't want to miss! <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4ElJRM" target="_blank">Buy Vol. 2</a></div></div></span></div><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-20088076491551431572022-04-04T16:14:00.001-04:002022-04-04T16:14:12.248-04:00Bone Stars Preorder!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF0GQe2N6a5S49elPqfJdi3MQ8jjjES67YRlo-VvqfuO2RiXv1yYOUPEjZYidldoeD2L21zA9tqnIfUNB57Rj-UTVgINpRs2NeGsdu2g9I4vstKYA1p-C6lmqWxquxhx1E7AU6ZOPYi2QwI16zwngd-XS3_9TX6llPCbifqMzj_iuh_YI9X1l8E3R/s4096/81923803_2545351439076571_3873817886879383552_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1664" data-original-width="4096" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF0GQe2N6a5S49elPqfJdi3MQ8jjjES67YRlo-VvqfuO2RiXv1yYOUPEjZYidldoeD2L21zA9tqnIfUNB57Rj-UTVgINpRs2NeGsdu2g9I4vstKYA1p-C6lmqWxquxhx1E7AU6ZOPYi2QwI16zwngd-XS3_9TX6llPCbifqMzj_iuh_YI9X1l8E3R/w400-h163/81923803_2545351439076571_3873817886879383552_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">3,500 more words than the original story published in Once Upon Academy Vol. 1!</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bQyv0w" target="_blank">Preorder</a></span></h3><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> .99 for the ebook until July 23rd.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjIUr0zFNS28Jmo907Yq7wCMrxPYEE2hGhjYfIqpLgpMeK8SkJ27k4N-gBDiI4_ez2JIHqlG1drh98ENrRkyQdif6J3xPdmWnvlb7IdD5IfA1HLzs2zjDcZ_SibdrJqDEN1lCcmMoPtGqz6dnwr36bE-n-AmaR_kS2HwduzMGWIwT_wPYG9x2UE7B/s4050/bonestarscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4050" data-original-width="2842" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjIUr0zFNS28Jmo907Yq7wCMrxPYEE2hGhjYfIqpLgpMeK8SkJ27k4N-gBDiI4_ez2JIHqlG1drh98ENrRkyQdif6J3xPdmWnvlb7IdD5IfA1HLzs2zjDcZ_SibdrJqDEN1lCcmMoPtGqz6dnwr36bE-n-AmaR_kS2HwduzMGWIwT_wPYG9x2UE7B/s320/bonestarscover.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>Grenna isn't happy about attending the prestigious Once Upon Academy. She was hoping for something less magical and more Ivy League. Then she meets Mandevar, a magic physics major who’s hot under his apparent nerdiness, and things start looking up.<br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What can go wrong on a first date in an enchanted forest? A lot! Everything is perfect until the forest has other ideas, and Grenna and Mandevar must combine their wits and intelligence to survive.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ56nMt9kL9YrTRKp0Yv1Yi0_-HUNoqy6Hjs8HSHePl3B95LfqnnSwJaahEyhd6z4G7T8XTN37xXJ4JjxC1KisTjmJ3sYAwwhMWDg7mMQl_ESkCLg16CeoXEnBF6j1DxwZJNPNGy51NWbw7xFQUJRBgc_Peb1wo8CF7mOCu6gXCFow4fcFNOZ6Ye0/s1280/preorder%20bone%20stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJ56nMt9kL9YrTRKp0Yv1Yi0_-HUNoqy6Hjs8HSHePl3B95LfqnnSwJaahEyhd6z4G7T8XTN37xXJ4JjxC1KisTjmJ3sYAwwhMWDg7mMQl_ESkCLg16CeoXEnBF6j1DxwZJNPNGy51NWbw7xFQUJRBgc_Peb1wo8CF7mOCu6gXCFow4fcFNOZ6Ye0/w400-h266/preorder%20bone%20stars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Both the ebook and paperback versions are available for preorder. </p><p>Preorder goodies include Grenna's acceptance letter. To get them screenshot your preorder and email it to booksbyelle10@gmail.com. Be sure to write Bone Stars in teh subject and include your address so I know where to mail them.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-31602173329348180252021-12-23T19:04:00.001-05:002021-12-26T08:47:04.780-05:00Once Upon Academy Anthology The Winter Ball character profile: Mandevar<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing various character profiles for the upcoming release of OUA The Winter Ball. The book releases in early January but OUA Vol.1 is still available for a limited time.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSkxOIVxTUVm5FyUFiDIqN8gzbcdtDw7Ui4RKvOCapQI2ACPw2CYOqxyI2Y_Etz1M2QjMEa4ylcJbq5_IojRYaHa8-fId8hmdNdXYXb3RVx1NrYTSQd4sWvYJrBdyOBVNR3lmk-lrKmqGd0NaV1Se3qvNpAWmCgajWW6eMM5TGY1CdHThAuycpiHZ=s2775" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1838" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSkxOIVxTUVm5FyUFiDIqN8gzbcdtDw7Ui4RKvOCapQI2ACPw2CYOqxyI2Y_Etz1M2QjMEa4ylcJbq5_IojRYaHa8-fId8hmdNdXYXb3RVx1NrYTSQd4sWvYJrBdyOBVNR3lmk-lrKmqGd0NaV1Se3qvNpAWmCgajWW6eMM5TGY1CdHThAuycpiHZ=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Mandevar!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is 21 years old, a junior and majoring in physics in the magic realms.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is 6'1'', slim, long dark hair, dark skin and wears square rimmed glasses over his brown eyes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He has no magical talents but owns a flying carpet.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He grew up in Persia. His dad was a successful businessman and his mom a devoted mother.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">His career goal is to understand better how and why magic works differently between the realms.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Three traits that fit him are: clever, quiet and curious</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Honesty level between 1 and 5. 5 being most honest. He scores a 5.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He wants just once for a romantic evening with his girlfriend to go as planned.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Find out more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/30LcPra">OUA Vol. 1 </a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/b/OUA02?fbclid=IwAR3NTmI8aoD-g5YkCQ8jw9YZZjvcPBg_ujFeKx7fW3iIYorVibz-3VyhLlw" target="_blank">Pre-order OUA Vol.2 The Winter Ball</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to know more and get in the secret release and have some fun join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnceUponAcademy" target="_blank">Facebook group.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank">Grab the Winter Ball chapters!</a></span></div></div></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-11469402636809022142021-12-20T17:54:00.001-05:002021-12-20T17:54:48.080-05:00Once Upon Academy Anthology The Winter Ball: character profile Cindy<span style="font-size: large;">Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing various character profiles for the upcoming release of OUA The Winter Ball. The book releases in early January but OUA Vol.1 is still available for a limited time.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPBcTijfH-GGad4q0LdxjEvQ76vikxpl-kxgmvZsnvvoadYJUe9W4O2H0YJWWPjNuC8guDyk14xEAi0km5pCmJPZYBd1d6wJ6_APF8fAavZmkg8zr_tSpSxSd4KqYtZi7tVFyDb4XTF91Jd9zTglzGJdqh-cn7xpJRY2qMiFpuDwWkkrRL04qepDdH=s1735" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1735" data-original-width="1149" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPBcTijfH-GGad4q0LdxjEvQ76vikxpl-kxgmvZsnvvoadYJUe9W4O2H0YJWWPjNuC8guDyk14xEAi0km5pCmJPZYBd1d6wJ6_APF8fAavZmkg8zr_tSpSxSd4KqYtZi7tVFyDb4XTF91Jd9zTglzGJdqh-cn7xpJRY2qMiFpuDwWkkrRL04qepDdH=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Cindy!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She is 19 years old and is majoring in Fairy Godmothering.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She is 5'6'', tall, slender with blonde hair and blue eyes.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">She has magical talents thanks to her magic wand and charm.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Her mother in the counselor of fairy godmothers at OUA.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Her current career goals are to party hard and enjoy life. Eventually she'll be a fairy godmother.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The traits that fit her are: party girl, cocky and unromantic</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Honesty level between 1 and 5. 5 being most honest. She scores a 5.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Cindy loves college life, says it like it is and is a true bestie!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Get your copy of <a href="https://amzn.to/30LcPra">OUA Vol. 1 </a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/b/OUA02?fbclid=IwAR3NTmI8aoD-g5YkCQ8jw9YZZjvcPBg_ujFeKx7fW3iIYorVibz-3VyhLlw" target="_blank">Pre-order OUA Vol.2 The Winter Ball</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to know more and get in the secret release and have some fun join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnceUponAcademy" target="_blank">Facebook group.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank">Grab the Winter Ball chapters!</a></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-22650916110049156062021-12-18T09:59:00.002-05:002022-01-01T10:46:55.326-05:00Once Upon Academy The Winter Ball Vol. 2: character profile Zeke Wolfson<p> <span style="font-size: xx-large;">Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing various character profiles for the upcoming release of OUA The Winter Ball. The book releases in early January but OUA Vol.1 is still available for a limited time.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKb0L6Lmm2OWhqq7c5eZDaj8kdNp1tkuv22EcGl2-awWyhsjYaWVkUE1LfGxD9iT_1KoG1Tv5S19MKU-Q4wixotGl2Yg6pdZ4hQMAjvBjhDlBPl_5rWAaYwB-9xQZyH92R-LHpgn4upb7490EJbbOInpG790v4Ey59kdkRo67yDqsSOAVewmqMNy0h=s564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKb0L6Lmm2OWhqq7c5eZDaj8kdNp1tkuv22EcGl2-awWyhsjYaWVkUE1LfGxD9iT_1KoG1Tv5S19MKU-Q4wixotGl2Yg6pdZ4hQMAjvBjhDlBPl_5rWAaYwB-9xQZyH92R-LHpgn4upb7490EJbbOInpG790v4Ey59kdkRo67yDqsSOAVewmqMNy0h=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Zeke!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is 22 years old and an ethics major.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is 6'1'' with an athletic build. He's a knockout with short, dark curly hair, a scruffy beard, dark brown eyes and olive skin.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">His best talent is being an enforcer and a dorm RA.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is from the Canadian Yukon region.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">His career goal is to be his own boss.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In his family he was the runt of the litter, always getting picked on by his siblings. He left home to start a pack of his own, but was defeated in battle by a rival, and his alpha status was stripped. Shunned and ostracized by society, he grew up bitter, believing he was a failure. He goes to Once Upon Academy to seek redemption and become stronger.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Three traits that fit him are: loyal, determined and hardworking</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Honesty level between 1 and 5. 5 being most honest. He scores a 4.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is unstable so the head mistress forbids him to leave the school until he does something extraordinarily positive to prove his worth to society. She offered him a job as a dorm RA to help him improve his leadership and social skills amongst his student peers. This seems to make him more bitter - that is until he meets Perle.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Find out more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Get your copy of </span><a href="https://amzn.to/30LcPra" style="font-size: x-large;">OUA Vol. 1 </a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/b/OUA02?fbclid=IwAR3NTmI8aoD-g5YkCQ8jw9YZZjvcPBg_ujFeKx7fW3iIYorVibz-3VyhLlw" target="_blank">Preorder OUA Vol. 2 The Winter Ball</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to know more and get in the secret release and have some fun join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnceUponAcademy" target="_blank">Facebook group.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank">Grab the Winter Ball chapters!</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZjRb9AKQlcgNbSXN2oIldS6zuz35CQHPaSyvuCt9MHzGN8fV98UjDZ0EAy1XRaywI7ee2LudLqJ5e8m0UvwDW_qLq0d5BW_X71nMdlxYEvX3Gieu2vb1LyFLCgQ-6ppOkr5riBbq-8I2CPU6fGo5t7AzHaH_AAunH2QJ0_da228JCvU8-sxUnp4oI=s564" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZjRb9AKQlcgNbSXN2oIldS6zuz35CQHPaSyvuCt9MHzGN8fV98UjDZ0EAy1XRaywI7ee2LudLqJ5e8m0UvwDW_qLq0d5BW_X71nMdlxYEvX3Gieu2vb1LyFLCgQ-6ppOkr5riBbq-8I2CPU6fGo5t7AzHaH_AAunH2QJ0_da228JCvU8-sxUnp4oI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div></div></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-90537066586464317672021-12-18T09:50:00.004-05:002022-01-01T18:31:49.359-05:00Once Upon Academy Anthology The Winter Ball Balen Ravensblood character profile<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing various character profiles for the upcoming release of OUA The Winter Ball. The book releases in early January but OUA Vol.1 is still available for a limited time.</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVY2BsEgaYA/YbUFhICKK1I/AAAAAAAAG7k/TEDQX13i_z4k54Fd9LugSr_V2Fbnj8fFwCNcBGAsYHQ/s610/Strikingly-Sexy-Pictures-Hot-Guy-Taylor-Swift-New-Music-Video.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="608" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVY2BsEgaYA/YbUFhICKK1I/AAAAAAAAG7k/TEDQX13i_z4k54Fd9LugSr_V2Fbnj8fFwCNcBGAsYHQ/w399-h400/Strikingly-Sexy-Pictures-Hot-Guy-Taylor-Swift-New-Music-Video.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Balen!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Balen is 20 years old and is majoring in business.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is is 6'3'', dark and brooding.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He is a shifter; raven and wolf and comes from a land in a dying realm.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He has 3 ravens.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">His mother is deceased and he's estranged from his father.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">His only career goal right now is to survive.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The traits that fit him are loner, mischievious and loyal</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Honesty level between 1 and 5. 5 being most honest. He scores a 3.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Find out more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Get your copy of <a href="https://amzn.to/30LcPra">OUA Vol. 1 </a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/b/OUA02?fbclid=IwAR3NTmI8aoD-g5YkCQ8jw9YZZjvcPBg_ujFeKx7fW3iIYorVibz-3VyhLlw" target="_blank">Pre-order OUA Vol.2 The Winter Ball</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to know more and get in the secret release and have some fun join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnceUponAcademy" target="_blank">Facebook group.</a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank">Get the Winter Ball Chapters here!</a></span></div></div></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-85690227360780713682021-12-15T15:54:00.006-05:002021-12-18T09:49:13.440-05:00Once Upon Academy Antholgy The Winter Ball: character profile Astrid Ironside<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing various character profiles for the upcoming release of OUA The Winter Ball. The book releases in early January but OUA Vol.1 is still available for a limited time.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWrOl177AZypwTIdTcwqLHXEHQRK9P-vyn5uRKIIr8nAtNUddjq8oz14oEeyQWoTceIYiVXVd_ZbKvKJ8viDirihwqquH12qke1GYzOtRJcX54KSBpOXSWgjIGIH0TCh_917yBw2tExoyBfrTFcvIAAlyDUS42MK9E1WWrvvZ5MiQjAFSx4ZNPslvM=s2775" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1838" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWrOl177AZypwTIdTcwqLHXEHQRK9P-vyn5uRKIIr8nAtNUddjq8oz14oEeyQWoTceIYiVXVd_ZbKvKJ8viDirihwqquH12qke1GYzOtRJcX54KSBpOXSWgjIGIH0TCh_917yBw2tExoyBfrTFcvIAAlyDUS42MK9E1WWrvvZ5MiQjAFSx4ZNPslvM=w424-h640" width="424" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meet Astrid!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She is 19 years, going on 20.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She hasn't declared a major yet.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She is 5'8'', auburn hair, brown eyes and wears lots of talismans jewelry.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><span>She is an unlimited shifter</span><span>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">She grew up not far from OUA.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Her father family is descended from The Boy Without Fear and her mother's side is descended from Shrek.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Her current career goal is that she's beginning to think she has a chance at anything so currently undecided.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Three character traits that fit her are fearful, romantic and protective.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Honesty level between 1 and 5. 5 being most honest. She scores a 4.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Get to know her better in OUA Vol. 2!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Get your copy of </span><a href="https://amzn.to/30LcPra" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">OUA Vol. 1 </a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/b/OUA02?fbclid=IwAR3NTmI8aoD-g5YkCQ8jw9YZZjvcPBg_ujFeKx7fW3iIYorVibz-3VyhLlw" target="_blank">Preorder OUA The Winter Ball!</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">If you'd like to know more and get in the secret release and have some fun join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnceUponAcademy" target="_blank">Facebook group.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q" target="_blank">Grab the Winter Ball Chapters!</a></span></div></div></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-34670618743389591542021-11-03T19:19:00.001-04:002021-11-04T15:58:50.725-04:006 more days!<p> <span style="font-size: large;">In just 6 days Chelsea Evan's Girls Vol. 4 will be released!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcQpzaKVyAE/YYMXpp1npvI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/w3sAtydnqZoW8S6zQcyyCpJxtRfaA1CpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Chelsea%2Bebook2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1260" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcQpzaKVyAE/YYMXpp1npvI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/w3sAtydnqZoW8S6zQcyyCpJxtRfaA1CpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Chelsea%2Bebook2.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://books2read.com/u/bwoMGZ" target="_blank">pre-order </a>is available now. This is the longest yet of the Evan's Girls series. Enjoy the couple excerpts. No spoilers :-)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt 1:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We stopped in the business hallway. It was located in the back of the school, several hallways from the crowded cafeteria. In the quiet hallway we settled against the wall, our tushes on the floor. I’d worn shorts and hiked my gown up so it wouldn’t collect the dirt. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was my moment to tell James everything from the last couple days. I wasn’t sure how he’d take it but I needed someone to confide in because I felt like I was about to burst like a balloon. He didn’t interrupt as I spoke, but didn’t hide his emotions either. They were painted all over his face as he narrowed his eyes in skepticism then widened them in concern with an upper lip quiver.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“Have you talked with your foster parents?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now that was a silly question coming from him. A guy who never spoke to his dad or had any confidence in adults. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“No, you know how I am. I’d feel guilty. They’ve taken care of me. Do you know any other foster children that have it as good as me? They’re all packed into houses.” I thought of the trucks again and took a deep breath to force the image away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“But not you. You ever wonder why?” he asked.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No, I never had. Not really. It was just a thing that I got lucky. “I was high maintenance.” It was an easy answer that was my way of diverting the focus.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“All kids are high maintenance and don’t give me the martyr bit. Look, they got paid for having you there.” He rubbed his hands along his jeaned legs, turning away from me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“I guess so.” Silence persisted between us for a few moments before I spoke again. “The other child who got out – Tyrus - I want to meet him.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He sighed and spoke low, “Why? What is he going to tell you?”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pushing a curl behind my ear I said, “I don’t know, but we’re both victims. Maybe he remembers something.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“He was rescued by a killer and you were left outside a burning home. He went back to his family and you to a life of foster care.” His words hit the nail on the head. That was exactly it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I leaned forward and drew circles on the tile. “Yeah. Why him and not me? It makes me angry. I was three years old, drugged and left to die!”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“I get it, Chelsea.” He brought a hand to my chin and lifted my head as my eyes focused on the invisible circles my fingers drew on the tile. I glanced away and into his eyes. “You’re not doing this alone. OK, I’m coming with you.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I gave him a quick hug. It wasn’t the response I expected but it was me and him against the world for a few years now so it shouldn’t have surprised me. If he wanted to find his mom, I’d be right there with him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excerpt 2:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">He handed me the card. “That’s the officer. He asked you to call or come by the station if you saw anything out of place.” His tone one of questioning, as if he knew I spent the evening talking to someone who didn’t belong.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like a stab to my heart. A pointed finger at the young man I’d spent the evening talking with. I didn’t know Leandra well. We’d had a couple classes together over the years and she joined the robotics club her sophomore year but left after a few weeks. We had a running inside joke as school twins because everyone mistook us for sisters, even occasionally mistaking one of us for the other. She had darker hair and neither of us saw the resemblance. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So much for never an incidence at the grad party. I’d spoken too soon. James’s words of warning grew louder in my head. I left early, but what did the dangerously too hot guy I was talking with do? Did he stay? Had he lied to me? Who was he? James was in my head. He’d said something seemed off, like something was in the woods... </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Nonsense. The guy was easy to talk with and I felt good in his presence. Was he the kind of person that would attack someone, and why? What would he have to gain? There was no answer to that question or even a great excuse like those I made for my file not being where it should be. I knew absolutely nothing about him, not even his name, so I had nothing to offer the police.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">“We’re glad you’re OK,” Judy said, her voice sincere and filled with unease.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I cradled the card in my hand. “If I think of anything, I’ll call, but there’s nothing I can think of. It was as normal as an alcohol party with a bunch of gradates could be; loud music, makeshift bars, and dancing.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I got to my room I took several deep breaths. All the little organized boxes in my brain were opening, their contents spilling out in a disjointed fashion. My breathing sped up as I collapsed against the closed door. The bed in front of me, moving closer, the walls closing in. I was having a panic attack.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bwoMGZ" target="_blank">Pre-order</a></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-73750359361210729522021-10-30T11:23:00.003-04:002021-10-30T11:23:27.180-04:00Ashes on the Earth by Sarah Ashwood<p> <span style="font-size: large;">A romance with a great plot!</span></p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Earth-Fantasy-Shifter-Stones/dp/B09HFH9XZ9?crid=17BVAZYDP5WET&keywords=ashes+on+the+earth&qid=1635607155&qsid=132-6618622-4918111&sprefix=ashes+on+the+earth%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1&sres=B08J972NNZ%2C1594039631%2CB07W3HF9H7%2CB08TLB75TZ%2C097086440X%2C0486466280%2C060960967X%2CB011R9ZUKC%2C161649882X%2CB06Y5HPRLC%2C096005670X%2CB018S2773Y%2CB0943DKPT2%2C1847924883%2C0805075917%2C1534640150&linkCode=li3&tag=thetrooys-20&linkId=494fc1cec8b5f7f41d3f2fb9c756c97e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B09HFH9XZ9&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetrooys-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetrooys-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B09HFH9XZ9" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My thoughts:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>This is a romance which I don't generally read but it had great elements of suspense as well as a pervading problem. Ally or Ellie, I'm not sure how its spelled, tries to do something right when she saves a child it backfires in her face. Carter is the guy in charge of her care. I won't give more details and definitely no spoilers. Its a fun story that kept me tuned in. I listened mostly on my way to and from work.</div><div>I love how the author brought various types of shifters into the story. It doesn't focus on a single type and Carter is unique. The story is originial, has a good flow and relatable characters. The narration is top notch. She does a fantastic job!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3bs1Eps">Amazon/Audible</a></div></span></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-84169136819983598712021-10-28T16:06:00.005-04:002021-10-28T16:06:47.475-04:00Fire in Frost by Alicia Rades<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ghosts and the ability to see the them. Right up my alley!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-in-Frost-Alicia-Rades-audiobook/dp/B01MG86XLP?crid=EJGZ3Q7IJQU3&dchild=1&keywords=fire+in+frost&qid=1635451171&qsid=132-6618622-4918111&sprefix=fire+in%2Caps%2C971&sr=8-2&sres=B01MG86XLP%2CB07BN34DSJ%2CB07TMJ1R3X%2CB0839NDRB2%2C0007477155%2CB09K8VDZ3Y%2C0008115435%2C1561230561%2CB06VXR25KZ%2CB000QCS8TW%2C1542016738%2CB09122WS2H%2CB07WDDT3G5%2C0008115443%2CB076FGPP4Y%2CB008673ZAQ&linkCode=li3&tag=thetrooys-20&linkId=97703669f8384ac11a065a5599a179fe&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01MG86XLP&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetrooys-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetrooys-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01MG86XLP" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> My thoughts:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've had this in ebook for awhile but like most people I have far more books than I'll ever read. I chose depending on what I feel like reading. This was an excellent choice. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The storyline is about a young girl who finds she can see and interact with ghosts when a ghost appears to her more than once. She finds the ability runs in her family. The ghost she keeps seeing is trying to get a message to her. She has to decided whether to hep or not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The story has a good flow, a solid plot and we'll developed characters. The narration is fantastic too!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Enrjfi" target="_blank">Amazon/Audible</a></span></p><p><br /></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-55430973811727929042021-10-09T19:48:00.004-04:002021-10-10T10:29:50.006-04:00When life throws acidic lemonade in your eyes<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The last couple weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster. In good ways and bad.</span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I lost a good friend. Someone who always made me laugh, someone who had the best smile and was always herself. She was amazing and not a day goes by I don't think about her. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She was more than friend, almost a business partner. We spent countess hours brainstorming ideas. I've made it a mission to put as many of those ideas out there. I'm probably going overboard and doing too much at once to keep my mind occupied but one thing I learned from her was to do it, just do it. You have nothing to lose.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That's how she lived her life. She went overboard on what she loved and believed in. Sometimes it's difficult to take a chance but in the end its usually worth it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every business decision I make I'll always think what would she do? Would she approve? What would she suggest? </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've been running my business for a few years now but won't make another decision without thinking about her first.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Currently, I've been working on a new series. It encompasses eight realms. She was the first person I told and we discussed for hours the possibilities. She really helped shape the story before I even started writing it. In her honor I will finish it with a dedication to her.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm thinking of designing a character around her. She'd get a kick out of that. Friends leave an impression on our hearts even after they are gone. They aren't forgotten and I'd like to make her immortal. The snarky teenager that does her thing. In essence that describes the main character in my work in progress but I think I can add another snarky teen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the things she convinced me to do was start a Patreon. I kind of knew what Patreon was but she had me create an account and had me check out various creators. We even discussed ideas but nothing quite meshed until about a week and a half ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had this epiphany as I was driving home. First, a chapter came to me. Popped into my head from nowhere. I don't really think it came from nowhere. I'm pretty convinced it was her because immediately following the story idea was using it to design a Patreon around.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Reading and books were a huge part of her world and she adored exclusive stuff from authors; books, swag, anything that couldn't be found anywhere else. That was it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In honor of her and cool exclusive author stuff, the main idea behind my Patreon is to create exclusive stories that can't be found in stores, only Patrons have access to them. To make that even better Patrons get to decide where the story goes. The goal is once each story is done to have a special made book only for Patrons.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not only would she have approved but without a doubt she was talking in my head. I invite readers anywhere, everywhere to subscribe. I promise fun, unique stuff and interactive stories!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I really can't wait to get my first Patron. Readers are a hoot and I need that in my life. Go ahead and click the link.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/join/Elleklass" target="_blank">Patreon</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, we all those we love. We can honor them everyday not only with our thoughts but our actions.</span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-32590554608138203562021-10-09T14:57:00.000-04:002021-10-09T14:57:26.768-04:00Wings of Fire by Stephanie Mirro<span style="font-size: large;">I'm adding this to my all-time favorites list. It's worth a second read or more.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wings-Fire-Kickass-Fantasy-Romance/dp/B0949MX6WT?crid=JWM5SHZPCZBI&dchild=1&keywords=wings+of+fire+stephanie+mirro&qid=1624926371&sprefix=wings+of+fire+stephani%2Caudible%2C207&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thetrooys-20&linkId=c7d911cf6887315b0d0f65e5fec6e984&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0949MX6WT&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetrooys-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetrooys-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B0949MX6WT" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>Wow! The writing, the characters and the plot are all fantastic! If I could give 6 starts I would.</div><div>I love the tension and play with the grim reaper from the DEA. The story is hysterical yet there's a solid mystery and a few twists. The author has the ability to string words together in a fashion that is enteraining and bulds character. This story caught my attention and kept it. I'm not one to read or listen to a story more than once but with this one I just might!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://amzn.to/3jpEd51" target="_blank">Amazon/Audible</a></div></span></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-14401412214534736392021-08-08T11:18:00.000-04:002021-08-08T11:18:19.937-04:00SOS from Florida<p><span style="font-size: large;">What the heck is happening in Florida? To answer the question the Delta variant and lack of leadership.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In Florida just the other day over 20,000 new cases were reported. Most of these cases are unvaccinated or undervaccinated people. Someone outside the US may wonder how this is even possible. We have vaccines a plenty. There's no wait to get one. A person who is old enough can simply walk into a pharmacy and get vaccinated. No appointment needed. We even have a jab option. It is really that easy and simple. Let me explain.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In this state are a large number of people who are against the vaccine. Many of those same people are against wearing masks or social distancing. Children of all ages are getting sick. The young children can't get vaccinated yet. The governor signed an executive order preventing local governments or school districts from mandating masks. Children go back to school this week and next. With that executive order the governor also threatened to pull school funding for counties who defy it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Children are going back to school now. My county starts in a couple days. My county is also less than 40% vaccinated. Duval county home of Jacksonville is less than 50% vaccinated. Florida as a state is at approximately 50%. Take a look at the <a href="https://data.news-leader.com/covid-19-vaccine-tracker/florida/clay-county/12019/" target="_blank">graphics</a>. It's sickening not only because this didn't have to happen but people are getting sick and some are dying.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Children are in the hospital all over the state. Parents, neighbors, friends, family are getting sick and its avoidable. There's no reason for it. There are so many countries that are undervaccinated because they don't have access to the vaccines and people in Florida aren't bothering with it. Florida isn't the only state but we are the epicenter of COVID 19 in the US. Approximately 20% of cases in the US are in Florida.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">According to the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/08/03/florida-schools-mask-mandate/" target="_blank">Washington Post </a>on August 4th a few districts are ignoring the governor and mandating masks in schools. Parents are begging districts to defy the governor and mandate masks. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has recomended that people vaccinated and unvaccinated wear masks indoors. I hope the trend continues and that school districts everywhere in the state mandate masks. It is the very least that can be done. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let's get to another big issue with kids in schools. Classrooms will be full. Teachers can see their class sizes now. I know teachers with 30 students in a classroom. The CDC recomends three feet between students. There will not be three feet in many classrooms. The rooms simply aren't large enough. Florida lost teachers, some to COVID, some went on leave, some retired and others have quit going on to other professions. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I watch as other countries and states cry about lockdowns and restrictions. I wish Florida had some. In my opinion, masks should be mandated in schools for all grades. We should be following CDC guidance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once the vaccines have regular FDA approval I think the COVID vaccine should be mandated as part of a students shot record. It might be as early as this fall when chldren under 12 can start getting vaccinated. The sooner, the better. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Parents have to provide a shot record to enroll a student in kindergarten in the US then an updated one when they start junior high. There are very few exemptions to that. As a country we have weeded out measles, mumps, polio and other illness because of these vaccine requirements.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think healthcare workers would applaud that. They are overworked, fatigued mentally and physically. Literally they are living in a COVID nightmare. I don't know how much more they can take. These are humans who haven't had much reprieve in Florida and a few other states. For them, for children, for those who can't get vaccinated because of medical reasons I follow CDC guidance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">I want people to live! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/desantis-school-districts-clash-masks-covid-19-cases/story?id=79277496">Another article about Desantis executive order and schools from ABC News.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2021/07/30/our-nurses-and-physicians-are-exhausted-adventhealth-pleads-with-community-to-get-vaccinated/" target="_blank">An article from ClickOrlanda about hospitals and COVID</a> in Florida.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">SOS from Florida</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-22428230363591154112021-06-28T20:23:00.006-04:002021-10-17T10:18:34.845-04:00The Yorkshire Dipper by Maria Frankland<p><span style="font-size: large;"> A fantastic, suspenseful and moving thriller!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Yorkshire-Dipper/dp/B094YX8VXD?dchild=1&keywords=the+yorkshire+dipper&qid=1624926012&sr=8-1&linkCode=li3&tag=thetrooys-20&linkId=46ab451619511d93ff86e28d7b292eea&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B094YX8VXD&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetrooys-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetrooys-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B094YX8VXD" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The Yorkshire Dipper has all the elements that make a good mystery/thriller. It was my entertainment on a cross state excursion and made the time goquick as I couldn't wait to fnd out what happened next. The characters and plot was rich. The narrator Naomi Rose-Mock was also great. I thought her voice, pitch ans speed were perfect.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3hjQTbd" target="_blank">Amazon/Audible</a></span></div>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-8669074005916404272021-06-28T20:18:00.001-04:002021-06-28T20:18:18.784-04:00The Florida Hunger Games Part 3<p> <span style="font-size: large;">This post is two an a half months over due.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I made it to one of the FEMA sites and got my first COVID jab. Three weeks later I got the second. Its now June and no problems.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first week of April is when I got jab 2 in the morning about 10:00 a.m. I had the initial arm soreness at the injection site but it didn't last. All day I felt great. Went about m day like normal. That evening I got tired, went to bed and felt pretty tired the next day. By that evening a second wind caught me and I was wide awake.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was it. No real side effects.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A lot has changed since then and anybody 12 and up can get their shot in the US. About 50% of the population in Florida is vaccinated. Some states are much higher and I'm a bit jealous. I'm crossing my fingers in hopes Florida will get to even 60%. Time will tell.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Stay healthy!</span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-816420632870235984.post-85657200290978854892021-03-12T16:28:00.001-05:002021-03-12T16:28:09.717-05:00Hunger Games in Florida part 2<p> <span style="font-size: large;">I did it! I'm half way there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eight days ago I started my hunger games in Florida series. Attempting to schedule a vaccine proved to be impossible and a waste of time. I live close to one of Florida's largest cities and decided to visit one of the federal vaccination sites.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That proved to be a wise decision. It was a bit of a drive but I avoided the freeways and rush hour and still got there in thirty minutes. I walked up. There was a few people in line in front of me but the line moved quickly and I entered the site. Almost immediately I was sent to a table and the worker took my information and asked me a few questions then gave me a sticker to wear and I was sent to another line.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This line was to point people in the right direction for the vaccine they were getting. This site was giving out two types of COVID vaccines. Again, the line was short and I was sent directly to a table and promptly given the vaccine. I was then sent to the 15 minute waiting area.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After 15 minutes I was sent home. It was super easy and no hassle. It took me longer to drive there and home than it did to get jabbed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I won't say the shot was painless but it lasted a couple seconds. My arm has felt a little heavy since and its tender at the injection site but that was to be expected.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In three weeks I return for shot two :-)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm happy that I get to attend my first book event next weekend at least half vaccinated. It will be the first crowd I've been in, in over a year.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My gratitude is to the President and the federal government for making these sites possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'll check back in with you in three weeks after jab two!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Troubled Oysterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05901579873842300816noreply@blogger.com0