Author Archives: Brenda

About Brenda

I am a writer, lover of sideshows and tattoos. I have kids, a partner, two dogs, a naughty parrot and a life that is full. My life is a circus and I wouldn't have it any other way. I review books, blog about life as a writer with ADHD and publish my photographs on my blog Writing While Distracted . I celebrate my passion for food and cooking on my food blog Quinby Kitchen Sideshow .You can find me on Facebook by clicking here . If Pinterest is your thing, I am there too, and you can find me by clicking here .

Rainbow Snippet September 15- 16

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Hi all, here is this week’s snip. I’ve been hella busy this week with promo and getting the word out about Knotted Legacy. Today I’m going to unplug a bit and recharge. Today’s snip is from my new release Knotted Legacy.

From Knotted Legacy:

Lucia remained kneeling, her head bowed, her hand resting on her cheek where Madame had kissed her. Martha waited until Lucia rose. She kept her head down as she turned away from Martha and left the room, closing the door softly. Martha walked to the window and looked out at the garden. Bees hovered over the late September blooms, a riot of orange and yellow. She chewed her lip as she replayed her meeting with Lucia and Madame. What the hell have I agreed to? This is trouble. She’s trouble. And beautiful. What am I going to do? What are you up to, Madame?

 

 

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group, you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. Or if Twitter is your thing follow me @BMurphySideshow

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Writing-While-Distracted

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Knotted Legacy

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

 

Review Phoenix Unbound

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I found Grace Draven’s books the way I find many of my favorite reads; a friend recommended her book Ediolon. Which, if you haven’t read you need to, but I digress. I follow Grace on Facebook and have been eagerly awaiting this release. To say it was worth the wait is an understatement. Rich world building, strong character ARCs, and an enthralling storyline that kept me transfixed for a long flight. This story examines the bonds of family, loyalty, honor, and love. The romance element is intense but not overwhelming, and the fantasy cultures are believable and rich. Both characters share a history of abuse imposed on them by a vicious empire and family betrayal. The growth of both characters as the story progresses is believable, heart wrenching and well written. One of my pet peeves when reading stories where characters have suffered abuse is the magic penis/vagina scenario wherein the person who has been abused is suddenly okay with sex because they met the right person.  This story handles the sexual tension between the characters with respect and sensitivity. Her approach to the main characters’ attraction to each other and their conflicting feelings as they struggle with their sense of family and kinship, demands of family loyalty, and the political threats to their lives was believable and captivating.

  As a long time reader of fantasy and fantasy romance what I like best about Grace’s books is her ability to deliver both a terrific fantasy story and a great romance in one package. She also writes fight scenes that are some of the best I’ve ever read, and the revenge fight scene in Phoneix Unbound is high up on my list of greatest fight scenes ever.  I am a person who re-reads fight scenes the way some folks re-read sex scenes, and the showdown fight scene in Phoenix Unbound is earmarked for future re-reads. For those of you wondering, Ms. Draven delivers hot sex scenes too. This novel is perfect from the first to the last page, don’t wait, go pre-order your copy of Phoneix Unbound. Be warned, know that you are going to want to read the rest of Grace’s catalog after you do.

Grace Draven is a Louisiana native living in Texas with her husband, kids, and a big, doofus dog. She has loved storytelling since forever and is a fan of the fictional bad boy. She is the winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice for Best Fantasy Romance of 2014 and 2016, and a USA Today Bestselling author.

 

 

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

If Twitter is your thing follow me @BMurphySideshow

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Writing-While-Distracted

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Knotted Legacy

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

 

Rainbow Snippet September 8-9

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Hi all, it has been a crazy week here with the kids back in school, working on my yard and the rental house, and other things to keep busy so I don’t freak out too much about my novel release on Monday. I should just plan this kind of obsessive, can’t sleep, have to keep moving kind of anxiety into my schedule when I’ve got a book coming out. So far I’ve distracted myself by canning 44 pints of crushed tomatoes, 7 pints of zucchini bread and butter pickles, slicing up 10 pounds of peaches for the freezer, mowing, weeding, and tilling three garden beds, and planting my fall vegetables. Not to mention cleaning my office, my house, the basement, and the garage. At least I’m productive in my creating my distractions. This week’s snip is more from Knotted Legacy, available at most book retailers on Monday, September 10th. Wishing you all a fantastic week ahead.

From Knotted Legacy:

“YOU LOOK LIKE hell. Up all night?” Elaine’s smirk made Martha wince.

“No. And thank you, sister dearest.” Martha turned her back to her and bent to slip her boots off, not wanting to discuss what had happened.

“She turned you down? I knew she was a bitch. Why’d you waste your time?”

Martha turned back to face Elaine and quirked her mouth at her. “This is not open for discussion. Please don’t ask.”

Elaine’s taunting expression morphed into sisterly concern. “I won’t. It had to be hard to be there without Octavia.”

“I wanted to have lunch there. And I didn’t expect to have to stay.”

 

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group, you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. If Twitter is your thing follow me @bmurphysideshow 

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

 Rowan House Series

Knotted Legacy 

Both Ends of the Whip

Sum of the Whole 

Other Works

ONE  

Dominique and Other Stories 

Rainbow Snippet Sept 1-2

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Taking a break from canning tomatoes for this week’s Rainbow Snippet. More from Knotted Legacy. The release day is September 10 but is available now for preorder from NineStar Press and Amazon. If you preorder from NineStar be sure to use the code PREORDER and save some cash and get the book three days early.

From Knotted Legacy:

Lucia picked up her menu. She studied it, and Martha took advantage of her distraction and studied her. Her loose curls were pulled back, displaying her long neck, and the low neckline of her dress showed off the swell of her breasts. Her brown skin glowed in the firelight reflecting off the white stone, making her blue-green eyes even more stark in her face.

“It all looks so good. Can we have the tasting menu?” She placed her menu on the table.

“Sounds perfect. It’s what I usually order. They have a wine flight they serve with it. It’s nice to let someone else make the decisions.”

Lucia tilted her head and fixed Martha with her gaze. “It is. As long as you trust the other to make the right choices.” Her voice was the same she had used with Robin, soft yet unyielding, quietly insistent, the voice of a woman so secure in her power she knew her words would be obeyed without question no matter the volume.

Martha’s body responded to her tone. She took a sip of her water before she answered. “Indeed. It only works if it’s so.”

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group, you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

 

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. Or if Twitter is your thing follow me @BmurphySideshow

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

Dominique and Other Stories 

 

Rainbow Snippet August 25-26

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Hi All, I’m back from vacation and ready to rock Rainbow Snippets again. I just sent off the final proof to Knotted Legacy to my editor and all systems are go for the September 10th release. Here is a little more from Knotted Legacy to whet your appetite. 

From Knotted Legacy: 

“How has it worked out? Any conflicts?” Lucia turned back to Martha and looked into her eyes.

Martha met her gaze. “Occasionally we have people who choose to leave, but I’d rather have them leave than be unhappy working here. Our guests deserve to have submissives and Mistresses who are emotionally present and like their work.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you like your work?” She closed the distance and stood in front of Martha, a teasing light in her eyes.

“Very much. I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t.”

Lucia tilted her head and pursed her lips, her expression thoughtful. “Is the bath through there? I need to freshen up after my trip.”

Martha wanted to linger, to continue getting to know this woman who challenged her. “Yes. Would you like me to send up someone to attend you?”

“No. I’m used to attending to myself.”

Perhaps I could help you? Don’t say it. Keep it together.“Would you like a tour of the house? After lunch?”

“I’d like that.” Lucia unbuttoned the top button of her shirt and pulled the hem from her pants. She unbuttoned the rest of the buttons and stripped off her shirt. The saucy black-and-white polka-dot bra with black lace she wore matched the playfulness in her eyes. “Very much.”

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group, you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

 

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

Dominique and Other Stories 

Filling the Well: Oslo and Stockholm

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I’ve written before about using photographs and my travel journals as part of my writing research for books. My most recent trip to Oslo and Stockholm is no exception and I expect to write a least two novels set in each country. I spent much of my time simply absorbing my environment and letting my senses soak up the scents, sounds, sensations, and sights. I enjoyed local food and as always I asked questions of my friends and hosts. The thing I noticed immediately, mostly because I am an avid gardener, were the types of flowers blooming in public and private gardens. As a writer, I work hard to add the little things that lend verisimilitude to my work. The gorgeous flowers I saw everywhere in Oslo and Stockholm will feature in my next novel.  Here are some of my favorite photos from the trip.


Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

 

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

Dominique and Other Stories 

 

Review: The Shape of You

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If you’ve read Georgia Beers’ numerous books, you probably have a favorites list. You know, the list of her books that you re-read when you need a hit of her signature low angst romance, with well-developed characters you become attached to and want to relive their romance again. Well, The Shape of You is going to play all hell with your list, and make you rethink your favorite.  From the opening pages, and the books premise, a woman whose lover signs her up for an exercise class without her knowledge, this books catches you right in the feels and does not let go. It is a must for every person out there who has struggled with self-esteem, questioned their judgment and settled for a less than perfect but safe lover. If you’ve ever been convinced you have to trade passion for emotional safety this book is for you. The lead characters, Spencer Thompson and Rebecca Mcall are well developed and with believable charter arcs.

Spencer’s ability to stand up to Rebecca and the growth of her character over the book made me want to cheer. Spencer is a gem of a character and reminds us all that gentle souls are not weak.  I appreciated Rebecca’s humanity as she struggled with her conflicting feelings about Spencer, her own personal demon’s and finding a way to deal with her insecurities around dating. The pacing was perfect as always. My only complaint: I am greedy, and  I want more of Spencer and Rebecca’s story. So Ms. Beers if you’re listening, please think about it.

About Georgia Beers

Georgia Beers is a Lambda, Foreword Book of the Year, and Goldie award-winning author of lesbian romance. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, she still lives there and loves it (though she’d like winter to be a little shorter). When not writing, she watches too much TV, reads voraciously, goes to the movies as often as possible, and spends time with her mini Aussie, the man in her life. She is currently hard at work on her next book. You can visit her and find out more at www.georgiabeers.com.

 

 

 

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here. Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Rainbow Snippet July 28-29

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Hello all, I’m celebrating this weekend because I am officially finished with my day job as of  August 1. I’m stoked and happy that I will have more time for my creative pursuits. I’ll be finishing another novel in the Rowan House series, working on a paranormal duology with a good friend, and spending more time with my family. Today’s snippet is more from my September release Knotted Legacy, the third book in the Rowan House series. 

From Knotted Legacy: 

The waiter arrived and took their order, and they passed over their menus.

Lucia looked around the dining room. “I want to memorize this room, all the small details so when I think of this meal I’ll be able to close my eyes and remember it. I’ll be right back here. A perfect day. A perfect meal.” She brought her gaze back to Martha’s eyes. “Perfect company.”

Martha flushed. The sincerity in Lucia’s voice fanned the tiny flame of hope in her chest. Could this be more? Does she want more than lunch? I want it to be more. Please let it be more. She focused on the sensuous line of Lucia’s mouth, unguarded, she opened herself to Lucia and let her desire show.

The waiter arrived with their wine, breaking the moment. Martha stifled a groan. She sipped her wine. She held Lucia’s gaze over the rim of her glass. “To more perfect days.”

Lucia touched her glass to Martha’s before she took a sip. She raised her glass. “To unexpected pleasures.” She sipped her wine. She set her glass aside and slid her tongue over her lower lip.

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

Dominique and Other Stories

 

Rainbow Snippet July 21-22

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Hello, Snippet fans! I am sorry I have been absent these last few weeks, I have been up to my elbows in home improvement projects, and preparing for a podcast interview over at WROTE. I had a fabulous time talking with them about handling distractions and writing. Check it out here. Today’s snip comes for my next release slated for September. I love the cover art by the fantastic Natasha Snow and NineStar press.

From Knotted Legacy: Twenty women stood before Martha in the main ballroom. She looked at each of their faces, favoring some of them with a smile. “I will be gone for two weeks. The house is closed to guests. You are all free to go or stay. Those of you who choose to go on holiday, please leave a copy of your plans with Millie. If anyone has any trouble while traveling, please call the main landline.” She inclined her head toward Elaine. “Cook is in charge while I am away.” She didn’t miss the small murmurs and one loud groan from someone in the crowd, or Elaine’s expression of satisfaction. She would never understand her sister’s desire to be the most feared Dominatrix in the house.

Elaine squared her shoulders and focused her gaze on one of the submissives. “You have something to say?” Roxy had been with them from the start and she never tired of pushing Elaine’s buttons. “Oh no, Mistress. Nothing to say.” She rested her hand on her hip and rocked back on her heels and dared to meet her Mistress’s gaze. “Here.” Elaine’s voice took on a warm tone. “Later then.” She licked her lower lip and smiled a tight smile at Roxy.

Rainbow Snippets( https://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets/)is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

 

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

Books available at

Amazon

NineStar Press

Both Ends of the Whip

ONE  

Sum of the Whole 

Dominique and Other Stories

 

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Review Code of Conduct

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Cheyenne Blue’s Code of Conduct is the perfect summer read. Set in the world of professional tennis, filled with memorable side characters and gorgeous settings that come to life as you read, this novel is just right for lazy hot afternoons with a tall glass of your favorite beverage.  Filled with enough angst and plot twists to keep you interested, Code of Conduct is well-written, with strongly believable character arcs, and excellent pacing. The chemistry between Viva and Gabriela, two strong and determined women is heady, and they are the type of the main characters that will stick with you long after you finish reading the novel. The intimate moments between Viva and Gabriela are sensual and lush. Cheyenne Blue has provided us with courtside seats to watch the intense drama between Viva and Gabriela play out. If you are a tennis fan this book is a must-read, if you are not a tennis fan, you will be after you read this book.  Game, Set, Match, Cheyenne Blue, a definite winner with this book.

Cheyenne Blue has been hanging around the lesbian erotica world since 1999 writing short lesbian erotica which has appeared in over 90 anthologies. Her stories got longer and longer and more and more romantic, so she went with the flow and switched to writing romance novels. You’ll find her books published by Ladylit and Ylva Publishing—the latest being a tennis romance Code of Conduct. She loves writing big hearted romance, often set in rural Australia because that’s where she lives. She has a small house on a hill with a big deck and bigger view—perfect for morning coffee, evening wine, and anytime writing. Check her out at www.cheyenneblue.comon Facebook, Twitteror Instagram.

Buy Links

Available from these places:

Ylva Publishing https://www.ylva-publishing.com/product/code-conduct-by-cheyenne-blue/

Amazon.comhttp://a.co/9bcgAr6

Amazon.co.ukhttp://amzn.eu/8oTYQLZ

Amazon.dehttps://www.amazon.de/dp/B07DVP5MSM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_qbXnBb95QV0Q0

Amazon.com.auhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DVP5MSM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_pcXnBbYMCFBS4

Amazon.cahttp://a.co/4RpPMsS

Smashwordshttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/842960

Barnes and Noblehttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/code-of-conduct-cheyenne-blue/1128909758?ean=9783963240300

Kobohttps://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/code-of-conduct-11

Ylva Publishing

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.de

Amazon.com.au

Amazon.ca

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

 

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys.  When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot.  She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted.    You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Website: www.brendalmurphy.com

 

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