Posts Tagged ‘Domestic violence’

The Calm Before the Storm VBT Banner (1)

This is a short story dealing in a dark subject manner, domestic abuse.

Many of us know someone who is in this deadly situation, and some of you may be caught up in one.

Joining this tour and spreading the word is one small step by me towards stopping this plague on women, men, and children.

The Calm Before the Storm is offered free on Smashwords.

Written by the author to raise awareness.

~~~~~

The Calm Before the Storm by Tamaria Soana

The Calm Before the Storm

                        The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn’t have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell.

 

While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm? 

Excerpt:

Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann calling.

“Hey, Joann.”

“Hi, Erica. You busy?”

“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”

“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”

Erica stood up.  Chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just above a whisper.

“He’s getting married.”

The words stunned her.

“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could respond.

“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?

“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they’re getting married in a few months.”

“Wow.” Erica breathed out.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”

“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and Sawyer’s  cousin mentioned  that she’s much younger.”

“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him.  You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.

“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go of the past and live again.”

Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train.  “I have a lot to think about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Let’s get together soon.”

“Sounds great.”

“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend reassured her.

“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all?

FREE on Smashwords

~~~~~

Watch the Trailer:

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQItNvn9QIo]

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From the Author:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart.

 the calm before the storm DVAM

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Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics

  • Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
  • Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.
  • Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

Those facts alone make you want to stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you’re in an abusive relationship or know someone who is please get help by calling the hotline.


National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

Things you can do to make a difference

Donate to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence   NCADV Site

Support your local woman’s shelter by donating money, clothes,  and basic toiletries.

End the Silence on Domestic Violence   Dr Phil’s Site  View  Dr Phil’s Campaign

About the Author:

Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

Author Links:    Site       Facebook Author Page     Twitter

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Tamaria is giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card during her tour.

For a chance to win Just click on the Rafflecopter below.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

Shades of Rose Marketing

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

Grand Finale Celebration!
~
On tour with Prism Book Tours
Feeling forgetful? Can’t remember where the heck you set down your keys? Your glasses?
 
We’ve all been there.
 
But . . . what if you forgot your life?
 
What if that life wasn’t worth remembering?
 
In spite of the happy cover, I HAVE PEOPLE deals with the sensitive issue of domestic abuse. It is about learning to recognize a good man versus a bad one. It’s about second chances and finding love, real love. 
 
The overpowering message behind I HAVE PEOPLE is that verbal, mental, and physical abuse is NOT OKAY! EVER!
 
Check out the tour and then read Holly’s story. It will change your life.

The Book:

I Have PeopleI Have People

by Taylor Dean

Paperback, 366 pages

Published September 19th 2012 by Create Space



Premise:

Missing any memories? 

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM.

It’s been a great Tour, exploring the origins and themes of I Have People by Taylor Dean. In case you missed part of the tour… here it is, one more time:  links to all the great guest posts and reviews with quotes

 
The Grand Finale!!
8 –  Launch!
9 – Snuggling on the Sofa – Amnesia

I vividly remember my favorite high school English teacher sadly telling us that his wife had been in a bicycle accident.

          Sylv Jenkins – The Cover of I Have People

I am a ‘happily ever after’ writer, therefore the happy cover matches the happy ending! I promise!

10 – PauseTime – The Music that Inspired I Have People

I love to share what song goes with which scene in my books. 

11 – TheBroke Book Bank – Ten Things You Don’t Know About I Have People

My heroine’s name, Holly Noel, came from a friend who had a Christmas baby and named her Holly Noel. LOVE

12 – Mel’sShelves – Review; The Worth of a Soul

I was excited to get this guest post, The Worth of a Soul. This is one of my favorite conversations from the book, too.

14 – TheReaddicts – Review; Two Kinds of Love

I Have People was not an easy light read I was expecting but it was a good read none the less.

15 – Paulette’sPapers – A Gentleman Who Says “Gosh” Review

The hero of I Have People is a true gentleman and in many ways the perfect man. He’s kind, soft-spoken, polite to a fault, and compassionate.

          Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review; The Inspiration behind I Have People

I love Taylor Dean’s books. They always feel so real…One minute you’re feeling giddy with happiness and the next you’re filled with dread!

16 – fuonlyknew – ReviewThe Prologue to I Have People

You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll want to kick someone, but most importantly, you’ll want to hug someone.
You’ll want to hug “your people.”

17 – Tressa’sWishful Endings – Review; The Locations Featured in I Have People

I also really liked Holly’s character. She was sweet and still strong. 

18 – LiteraryWinner – Review

I have to say it’s a bit eye-opening that Holly felt that if she wasn’t actually hit by her abuser, then she wasn’t being abused.  I can imagine that this may be thought by other people in similar situations.  

19 – GettingYour Read On – Review; Soooo Cliche!

I.  Love.  I Have People.  This book kept me engaged the whole way

22 –  A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – My Favorite Character in I Have People

The main character, Holly, discovers that she does have ‘people’ in her life who are willing to help her out of a bad situation—she just has to let them. 

 – Beck Valley Books – The Title of I Have People

It was at this moment that I realized, I Have People, and I always will!

23 – Deco MyHeart – Review

This is an emotional story of domestic abuse and recovery, wonderfully written with realistic characters, and it will stay with you long after you finish. How I wish women (and men) that are bring abused would seek help and realize they have “people” too.

          Mrs. Mommy Booknerds Book Reviews – Review

Dean creates a story that is not only engaging, gritty and real

24 – GreenMountain Couple – Review

I cried with Holly and laughed with her too.

25 – icultgen – Friendship

Angela was fun to write. She is funny, blunt, loyal, and loves her ‘girl time.’

  – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  – When is it Abuse

 – That Girl Reads – Review; Two Kinds of Men
26 – Grand Finale Blast!

 

The Author:


Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 

The Giveaways:

5 prize packs to US winners: 1 signed paperback, 1 tote bag, 2 bookmarks, 1 “I Have People” pencil, and 1 “I Have People” pink dog tag necklace.

10 ebooks to US or International winners

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting fuonly and Good Luck!

Feeling forgetful? Can’t remember where the heck you set down your keys? Your glasses?
 
We’ve all been there.
 
But . . . what if you forgot your life?
 
What if that life wasn’t worth remembering?
 
In spite of the happy cover, I HAVE PEOPLE deals with the sensitive issue of domestic abuse. It is about learning to recognize a good man versus a bad one. It’s about second chances and finding love, real love. 
 
The overpowering message behind I HAVE PEOPLE is that verbal, mental, and physical abuse is NOT OKAY! EVER!
 
Read along and learn Holly’s story. It will change your life.

The Book:

23349309I Have People

by Taylor Dean

Paperback, 366 pages

Published September 19th 2012 by Create Space



Premise:

Missing any memories? 

Holly Sinclair is happily married to the love of her life, Gabriel. Young and in love, Holly hopes to have their first child soon. Of course, Gabriel wants to wait till Holly’s health is restored, much to Holly’s dismay. She feels perfectly fine. So what if she just woke up from an eight-month coma? So what if some of her memories are missing? She remembers Gabe and that’s all that matters, right?

That is, until HE enters her life again . . . she forgot about HIM.

The Prologue to I Have People 


When I write, I like to catch the attention of the reader immediately. Hopefully the prologue to I Have People does just that. The prologue begs several questions:

“Who is HE?”

“What happened between HIM and Holly?”

“Why is there a restraining order?”

“Who is the HE who should be there by now?”

“What is it that the perpetrator ‘never meant’ to do?”


Image courtesy of [digitalart] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

One short prologue = five questions–and I’m sure you could come up with even more! With any luck, it’s exactly what’s needed to reach out and grasp the reader’s attention! The greatest compliment an author can receive is when a reader says, ‘I couldn’t put the book down.” Love that!

Below is the prologue to I Have People. Tell me what you think–does it whet your appetite and make you want to read more? Love to hear from readers!

 
A knock on the door startled Holly. He was
early. She smiled to herself, then ran to the door as the knocking became
insistent. Maybe he couldn’t wait to see her, maybe he was just as excited
about tonight as she was. Maybe. She opened the door eagerly, a mid-October
chill meeting her skin.
Her smile died on her face. It wasn’t who
she was expecting. In her excitement, she’d let her guard down.
“Hello, Holly Noel.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Aw, c’mon, I just want to see you, baby.”
“It’s over and you know it. Please leave.”
Fear trickled down her spine. How far would he go this time? Holly began to
slam the door shut, to close him out of her life, to remove him from sight, to
push him into non-existence. If only it could be so. The edge of the door
bounced against his foot and slammed backwards, hitting her directly in the
face. She felt her lip swell as blood trickled down her chin.
Oddly, she thought about the mess it would
make on the carpet.
“See what you made me do? If you wouldn’t
be so unreasonable, these things wouldn’t happen.”
“Please leave. You’re violating the
restraining order. I’ll call the police.”
“You and I both know you won’t do that. You
love me, I know you do.” He pushed his way into the apartment. She didn’t
follow. “I don’t want to fight with you, baby. Why do you always have to make
things difficult?”
Holly knew she was in trouble. She’d known
it since the moment she’d stupidly opened the door without checking to see who
it was. It wasn’t a luxury she could afford. Ever.
 “Don’t do this, it will only make things
worse. If you leave now, I won’t press charges. Just leave, peacefully and
quietly . . . please,” she begged.
His lips formed a wicked leer as he
scoffed. “You’ll always be mine, Holly. Why can’t you see that?”
Holly stepped outside the apartment door
and he followed, standing too close. If she made a mad dash for the stairs,
could she escape him? She wasn’t sure, but she doubted it.
“Stay back! It’s over. I want nothing to do
with you. Just let it go.” Where is he?
He should be here by now.
The expression on his face turned stricken.
“How can you say that? After all we meant to each other. I know you don’t mean
it.”
“I mean it. I hate you. I want you out of
my life,” she told him with steely determination.
“Don’t say that.”
“I hate you! Leave me alone!” she said,
this time louder, hoping to attract attention.
He walked closer and shoved her, making her
stumble. “Stop it,” she warned. They were making a scene on the landing of her
second story apartment and she knew he was very aware of the neighbors opening
their doors and peeking out with curiosity.
A mask of twisted rage contorted his
features. She knew that look all too well.
“I can’t believe you would say that,” he
said through gritted teeth, his face red with anger.
He shoved her again, but she maintained her
footing. “It’s over,” she reiterated bravely. “Leave me alone.”
Another shove, this time hard. Her back hit
the railing with surprising force. Holly knew in that moment he’d finally done
it.
He’d finally killed her.
She felt the railing give way and knew she
was going down and there was nothing to stop her fall.  Even though a blood curdling scream rent the
air, even though her hands flailed wildly in an attempt to grab hold of
anything that might save her from this outcome, a strange feeling of peace
washed over her. In that moment, time stood still. She seemed to fall in slow
motion as her life passed before her eyes.
This wasn’t her fate. It couldn’t be. Where is he?
“Holly!” he screamed when he realized what
was happening. His remorse over his actions always came too late. The damage
was done. And this time it was irreparable. Really, it always had been. He
attempted to catch her, desperately groping the air for any piece of her that
might stop her descent.
It was too late.
He didn’t mean to do it.
He never meant to do it.
~
My Review
From the synopsis and the prologue you get what this book is about, or do you?
Yes, it’s about domestic abuse, about spousal abuse. A tough subject to write about.
Taylor does it as gently as she can. You read about the abuse Holly suffers at her husband’s beefy fists. The physical and emotional terror he inflicts.
You also read about Holly’s courage, her spirit that rises up when she’s had enough.
She awakens from a coma 8 months later and the first thing she says is “Gabriel.”
Where is her angel, her husband.
This is where you discover you don’t quite know where the story is going.
There is a mystery to be delved into. One that Holly’s husband , Gabriel, and her best friend, Angela are keeping hidden from her.
On several occasions, Holly catches them whispering when she enters the room.
I was waiting for her to get mad, to finally yell at them to tell her what they were hiding from her.
She knows they won’t tell her. Insisting she must remember on her own, when her mind is ready.
At first I thought she gave in too easily. But the more I thought about, I could see where she was probably terrified to remember. She knew it would be painful.
One scene I really liked was where Holly was explaining about her imagination and how it worked.
“Well it goes something like this. I’m in the elevator, staring at the back of a woman’s red coat, and I begin to think that maybe I should paint my living room wall red which leads to thinking that I really need to vacuum the living room, which leads to wondering what I’ll do this weekend…….” I’m just like that! My mother always told me, I think too much.
I adore Gabriel. He really is the boy scout Angela accuses him of being.
And who wouldn’t want a friend like Angela. She’s sweet and funny and a loyal friend. I’d like to read her story. And I’d like to get to know her pack of brothers too, especially Dimitri.
Maybe we’ll here from these characters again.
Until then, I urge you to read i have people. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll want to kick someone, but most importantly, you’ll want to hug someone.
You’ll want to hug “your people.”
 5 Stars for i have people
While I received this book to review, I went ahead and bought it so I could read it on my kindle. I have most of Taylor Dean’s books as paperbacks and will soon be adding this one to my bookshelf. Her covers are beautiful and when I love a book I have to be able to hold it. I’ll be adding more of Taylor’s books to my shelves as she releases them. Each and every one:)

The Tour:

8 –  Launch!
9 – Snuggling on the Sofa – Review; Amnesia
          Sylv Jenkins – The Cover of I Have People
10 – PauseTime – Review; The Music that Inspired I Have People
11 – TheBroke Book Bank – Ten Things You Don’t Know About I Have People
12 – Mel’sShelves – Review; The Worth of a Soul
14 – TheReaddicts – Review; Two Kinds of Love
15 – Paulette’sPapers – A Gentleman Who Says “Gosh”
          Christy’s Cozy Corner – Review; The Inspiration behind I Have People
16 – fuonlyknew – The Prologue to I Have People
17 – Tressa’sWishful Endings – Review; The Locations Featured in I Have People
18 – LiteraryWinner – Review
19 – GettingYour Read On – Review; Soooo Cliche!
21 – That Girl Reads – Review; Two Kinds of Men
22 –  A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner – My Favorite Character in I Have People – Beck Valley Books – The Title of I Have People
23 – Deco MyHeart – Review
          Mrs. Mommy Booknerds Book Reviews – Review
24 – GreenMountain Couple – Review
25 – icultgen – Friendship
  – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  – When is it Abuse

26 – Grand Finale Blast!

 

The Author:


Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up. 

The Giveaways:

5 prize packs to US winners: 1 signed paperback, 1 tote bag, 2 bookmarks, 1 “I Have People” pencil, and 1 “I Have People” pink dog tag necklace.
5ab37-ihpgiveawaypic2

10 ebooks to US or International winners

Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Rafflecopter and Grand Finale posts as well as emailed and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Burgandy Ice @ Colorimetry and Prism Book Tours and sponsored by Taylor Dean. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck ya’ll!