Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary - REVIEW

​Book review: Lois Lenz, Lesbian Secretary

     As my first traditionally published lesbian book this story will always hold a special place in my heart. That being said, I can't say that it's a book for everyone. 
     The book is about Lois Lenz, a girl who decides to leave her hometown and her first crush for the big city and her chance at a career job. While she's at her all girls boarding house she struggles to not just learn big city life, but that the boarding house has a secret. So does her Boss, Mrs. Pierson. 

     Published in 2007, but it takes place in 1959. That matters because it deals with a lot of cliche topics. It talks about communists in America and women in the work place. I personally believe these tropes are an important part of our history as women and as lesbians. I did also enjoy the retro feel of it overall. 
     It was a quick read for me, and it had a great flow that just took you through the story of Lois coming out and really finding her place in the world. The ending had a little dangerous twist that I seen coming but was still enjoyable.

Final thoughts: 4/5 stars. I wish that it didn't feel so outdated for being such a "newer" book.  

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My Favorite part of writing Just Desserts

When writing there's always one moment while we work that stands out. My first short was no different. For me that moment came when I finally wrapped it all up. When I could see all the little details from the beginning tie into the final moments. It was then that the title even struck me.

I also greatly enjoyed the entire process of re-writing the novel years later. Some people asked why the second version that came out was changed so much and honestly, it was a simple answer. Once I got in there and started touching things up, I realized how far I had come with my personal writing style. So it got updated.

Check it out here:
Warning: saucy lesbian sex

Just Desserts- A History

Every story has a story. It has its own creation. Today I was to remember what made me start writing and a bit about my first published novel.

I had always enjoyed writing small gay things. My step father was my biggest supporter of those early days. He believed that I should get that stuff out to the public. He listened to me when I explained why I would ever want to be a lesbian author. This isn't that story.

He fell sick and while in the hospital things took a turn for the worst. He fell into a coma. I took my chance. I wanted to have a book published for when he came out. I was scared to push myself however, to finish it. In the end I waited too long. He sadly passed away while in the hospital. I published the first version of "Just Desserts" a week later.

Read the book here.
Warning: lesbian erotica. May not be appropriate for all ages.

Working on new covers.

Yup, it will be a process, and one that will take a few rounds, but I am updating my novel covers and soon I will also be starting on Blurbs. So that's super exciting.

NaNoWriMo prep!

It's that time of year again when a ton of us make the bad decision to give up our entire month of November to write a novel. For some it's a challenge, others breeze right through it.

For me, it's always been a struggle. This will be my 4th year doing it, and I have no real hope to win. However, you can bet that I'm still going to do it.

Any excuse to write is a good one. -looks over at the pile of dishes-

Anyway! This year I really want to document my work to you all. I have a few ideas for some stories, all (cept one that I don't think I really want to do for this anyway) of these ideas will be public. I don't always post my actual work online for free, but I feel like this could be fun.

I'll for sure have more details of where it will be posted within the next week or two. For now, I must ready myself.

What's your favorite way to prep for national novel writing month?

Awesome new lesfic

     I was bumming around the other day on Wattpad and came across a new favorite author. I totally got sucked into Dear Mrs. Rose within the first chapter. It wasn't a perfect book, but by the gods it was amazing.

     I personally cannot wait to read more of her work. The characters were relateable, and the situation wasn't too outlandish (like I find a lot of teacher/student fiction). It was just overall really enjoyable and I found myself really sucked into it.

     Go check out what she has! She seems to write a lot of lesfic in different genres.
     Awesome New Lesfic Author!

'Day in June' Stays in the kids section!

The west Chicago library board agreed to keep a book called "This Day in June" on its children's shelf. They held a meeting that drew in more than 150 people. Some residents thought some of its content wasn't appropriate for young readers.

The book was written by Gayle E. Pitman and is described on the library's website as "a wildly whimsical, validating and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, that welcomes readers to experience a prude celebration and share in a day when we are all united".

I personally haven't read it, but you can bet yourself I'm going to now! If you have read it, let me know in the comments below and tell me what you thought!

Witchling Review

Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn.

     Today I want to share with you all the first book in a series that I have very much enjoyed. I sadly have not kept up with the series due to moving and lack of book stores, but I will one day catch up. -looks over at my pile of unread books- One day.

     I really enjoyed how the author made the series revolve around strong female leads. As a girl growing up, those types of books were hard to find. She also is an author who isn’t afraid to show her characters faults. I know a few series that try to idolize them or just ignore that concept. Yasmine embraces them. She lets them struggle with themselves and I personally love it. She created a well rounded world that’s believable. She’s also put many hours into the research of magic and the creatures that surround the characters as well. I know that had to have taken a lot of time.

Three magical kick-ass sisters are faced with an unexplainable murder. They have their hunches that it has something to do with Shadow Wing, the leader of the Subterranean Realms. His plan is to raze human kind to the ground, making it into his own personal playground. The D’Artigo sisters are the only ones willing to step up and stop him, or at least try to.

Some characters to watch:

Camille- A wicked-good witch who’s magic sometimes goes a little astray when she least expects it.

Delilah- A shape-shifter who shifts into a tabby cat whenever she’s under a lot of stress.

Menolly- A newly turned vampire who is still trying to get the hang of her new life.

[Click here to get yourself a copy!]

Daughter of the Bright Moon Review

Daughter of the Bright Moon by Lynn Abbey

This novel was published in 1979, and Lynn Abbey’s first published work. It was also nominated for the “Locus Award” for Best Fantasy Novel.

In a world where men rule and women are expected to be just that, ladies, Rifkind won her freedom, her war-horse, and her own sword. She is a healer who has been graced by the power of her moon goddess. Her destiny well decided for her, she must travel, with her only trusted friend Turin her war-horse, to a new world were and evil sorcerer controls the land.

I’ll try to keep my actual review on this short. It will as always have minimal spoilers if any at all and will be one hundred percent my own opinions. To start off, I will say that I greatly enjoyed this book. It took me about a week to finish and I enjoyed every moment of it. Even to the point where I was sneaking in a few pages even while on the bus on my way to my day job.

I’m going to start off with my biggest gripes about the book, and while I do so, I must keep in mind how old this one is. Yeah sure forty years doesn’t sound like a long time, but it is for a book, and how they have evolved sense then. Some of the writing was a bit confusing, lacking some words that would have been in newer books. A few places where I found myself going back to get the full picture of things and set ups. The battle’s were especially this way for me. I also felt it lacking a bit more background information that I would have personally preferred. It speaks of events that were normal for this woman’s tribe but yet they meant little to be because I felt like I was missing why they were important to her.

Now let’s move on to the things I enjoyed about it, and why you should really read this one. First off, the leading lady is amazing. Far from flawless but to headstrong to need any man. Speaking of, a bit of a spoiler here, I was so happy to see the two main characters stay friends and not hook up. Truly that in itself is an amazing point. Another aspect that truly made me enjoy this book was the research put into the main secondary character, Turin, the War-horse. Lynn made a world that was so well thought out that you understood how the powers worked within it. I always appreciate that.

While it may be a bit harder to find, for sure snag yourself a copy. Great Characters, kick ass woman who can hold her own, and a beautiful world to set it all in.  

Summer Time

     It's that time of year again, school is letting out and summer starts. The downfall, that beautiful teacher that you had a crush on all year, is now gone. Your shot of getting banged on her desk, sadly gone. Here's some good news, you can go check out my series "Lesson Learned" and relive all those juicy moments. It's free for all you Amazon Prime members.

Reading List

Okay, we all know that I have a problem when it comes to books and how I have a ton that I haven’t read, and I still keep buying them. My goal earlier this year was to read more. I believe I aimed for 5 books read this year. I have one down and I have been working on reading another 3. Yes at once.

Normally I try to keep at least two books out at a time. Normally one is fiction, one nonfiction. This time, I’m not sure how it happened, but I have 3 fiction books in progress right now. One doesn’t really count because it’s a collection of Grim Brother’s tales. So it’s a compilation of a bunch of shorts. Still, I really don’t know how I do this to myself.

The other downside is that it’s getting nice outside and I don’t like walking with books in the city, however, my transit ride to work is very long, so I’ll more than likely break down and just start taking a book with me to work. Especially now that I have all of mine at home.  

Last Day for a free book

Pretty girls hooking up. All the lesbian. This is also the last time that this book will be released for free. It's my oldest on the market and is due for an update and after such, will not be at this low price again. Catch it today before it's gone for good.

"Just Desserts"

Free Book for the rest of the week

Hey guys, last chance to read my original debut novel for free! This week only.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WTHCT1K

A Game of Thrones

      I finally finished it! It has taken way too long for me, but I finally found it in myself to get through those last few chapters. Even though I knew what was going to happen I still loved every moment of it.

     Go watch the series, go read the books. Enjoy the world that George R.R. Martin creates for you. It's well worth your time. Please don't forget however, this series is fairly graphic, blood, death, rape, and consented sex. It's not done in poor taste, so don't worry on that, but I do feel the warning should be there.

Rejection and Resubmission

     Well it finally happened, as I expected it to. I got my first rejection letter. It's not going to be a badge of honor. I'm on my way to becoming a writer. Only 999 more before I get a yes.

     On that note, I'm going to submit it to a different magazine and see what happens. This is another reason why I need a beta reader or two.

Still Looking For Beta Readers

     I posted about this last month and sadly I haven't had any bites. I am looking for a small group of people who love to read fantasy and are open minded. This also means you get my stories sooner than they are released to the public, for free. It's super simple. I only really need an email. You also will get every part of my web-series "Silver Mane" sent directly to you so that you won't miss an issue!

Click here to sign up.
Just sign up for my newsletter.

I Have a Problem Finishing a Good Book.

     I don't know about you but I have a problem. As the title says, I always chew through a book really fast, then drag out the last big chunk. When a story is good, it's hard to put down but as I see it coming to a close (or that I need to go buy another book!) something inside me gets all sad and I just have a hard time finishing it. I always do, but it always takes a bit longer.

The next book that I would like to read.

     I read a lot. Some would say way to much, but considering I could be doing meth instead, I think this is a pretty safe hobby. Anyway, I was out and about today and picked up a flyer of Indy novels that are going to be released this month. I thought that was very interesting and I haven't seen it before, so I grabbed a copy. 

     As I read through it, I was excited to see one book on there. "The Bear and the Nightingale: A Novel" By Katherine Arden. With the book came the price and the books description. 

"The Bear and the Nightingale is an enchanting mix of fairy tale, fanasy, and historical fiction set in medieval Russia. (That right there sucked me in!) Nestled between the northern wilderness and civilization is a village where old and new traditions live side by side. Vasya, the last daughter of Pyotr and Marina, is born on the howling winds of autumn. Different from the others in her village, she is destined to be like her grandmother and is gifted with powers by birthright. As time goes by, Vasya is tested. Caught in the conflict between the old spirits and the new religion, Vasya must do everything in her power to save her family and village. Arden's novel is the rich, mesmerizing fairy tale you've been waiting for!"

     I really hope to pick up a copy soon, it sounds like something interesting and right up my alley. If you get it before me, please tell me what you think about it!

~Skadia

Top 5 Favorite Fantasy Novels

     I have lived a thousand lives. Each book I read takes me to a different place. A different time. A different life. It never ceases to amaze me, and it never gets old. Over my many hardcore years of reading I have picked up a few that refuse to get out of my head. If you have read them, then you know what I mean, if you haven't, give them a shot.


1. One of my all time favorite series is the Dragonlance Series by Wies and Hickman. It has strong characters that will stick with you long after the book ends. I still remember things from them and I haven't even looked at the book in years. Dragons, magic, and an ongoing story line that stays interesting.

2. Belladonna. Okay so that's really the second in a series but it's amazing. I bought it first and read it, only to find out that there was something that came before it. I adored the strong female lead who was less than perfect. It was very refreshing for the main character to be almost evil, a bit twisted and definitely dark.

3. Winterwood. This one is a recent read and I can't wait for the next one to come out. I very rarely will buy/read unfinished series. The wait kills me, but I couldn't help myself. Another very strong female lead. Nothing overly special about her but it's a very smooth read and really get's you pulled in.

4. We all knew that this was going to be on here and again it's another series. Harry Potter. I'm a nerd. I like the magic and the creatures and Rowling really has the entire world so fleshed out that it makes it just believable enough that you might start hoping for your own letter to Hogwarts.

5. Witchling. Here again I'm pulling a book that's part of a series but I really think this (and the others in it's set) are worth a spot here. This set is more geared towards romance, but it has plenty of fantasy. It has some pretty awesome creatures and again some beautiful main characters that aren't afraid to show their faults.

     Again, theses are just some of my own personal favorites. There are so many good books out there some days it's hard for me to pick what I love more than others. This small set have just stuck with me over years.


I'm currently reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

Holidays and a Free Book

Wow, the holidays just took over my life this season. Work was slammed due to Star Wars coming out, on top of both jobs and my life just kinda spiraled. For once, I truly even forgot that I had a blog. So here, enjoy a treat for the holidays. A free book. Today only!

Follow Leora in her personal struggled to make it, in a place that really doesn't want her there.

Free Book