Book Review: Drop of Venom by Lisa Edmonds

So, as of late I've been reading many books by spicy authors like Lisa Edmonds, Leisl West, Emma Hamm, and Naomi Lucas. What I've noticed in these books is the journey of healing and I'm in love with the deep rooted message of being unafraid to explore the side of myself that has been shut down all of my life.

My sensual self.

Welcome Lisa Edmonds's latest release--Drop of Venom, a world where a magic user—a witch—is shamed and chased away until she awakens in the arms of a lonely naga who pursues knowledge and truth.

Hazel seeks freedom from oppressive kin but finds death as a brutal lord tackles the wagon she stows onto. Left for dead in a ravine, a curious “monster”’s fine senses detect a strange and intriguing awareness.

What will Hazel discover when she awakens deep within Terolon’s domain? Will Terolon share the secret he’s been guarding for years? Dare she reveal hers?

I love Terolon’s protective tenderness when he finds Hazel, and how she exudes no aversion to him but gratitude. Their respective life stories are deep and well thought out, and our lovely couple blooms pleasantly well as any love story expects.

The question is--is he really a monster and is she really a witch? A striking beast with a gentle heart and a mystical damsel who can heal gardens. I fancy they are fae—two of a beautiful kind and most certainly not to be messed with!

--Drop of Venom by Lisa Edmonds--

As I read on, I hoped for escapism and possessive love. My thoughts as I do:

The writing so far is well done. Whoa! The characters, pacing, and peril in the first chapter are arresting. The tale unfurls with effortless grace. The writing doesn’t disappoint. I am hooked! I do have one dread as I journey the path of Lisa’s words: I don’t want this experience to ever end as I predict it to be quite an immersive one!

 

This book is a very satisfying read. From beginning to middle to end. I love the relationship shared by Hazel and Terolon. I love how he cherishes and nurtures her. I love how he understands her trauma and kindly leads her back to her self. We all need a Terolon in our lives! Le sigh

The passionate scenes are continued in its classy language. The riveting feel of their love is swoonworthy without the bombarding usage of crude descriptions.

I love this book and the message behind it.

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

My Reason for Having Vanished...

I know it’s been a long while since I’ve posted here. Life has been a pretty huge journey the last 6 years, and I’d lost my drive for most anything creative (particularly writing). I was trapped in a 30 year narcissistic marriage that had sapped everything creative out of me. My healing journey after having gotten out has been tough, but I am getting there.

Awaken, as you might remember, was on Amazon’s Kindle Vella program but they shut their platform down a while ago. I didn’t keep up with it and allowed it to go out of the market.

I’m reviving it from the dead and have been hard at work editing it along with creating interior illustrations. I plan to post teasers on my social platforms.

A little something… I am also healing on the softer side of things and am determined to make a double of most of my books with spice. I am telling myself that it’s healthy to explore this side of myself. So, there’ll be a clean version and a spicy version of Awaken. I will release the clean version first.

Enjoy Awaken's book trailer (I need to update the cover and platform)! 

What changes have you experienced since covid? Has it impacted your creative streak? What projects do you have brewing?

 

IWSG: Happy Birthday, to US! HaPpY bIrThDaY to us... Happy birth day happy birthday.....

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IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.

Welcome to mine!

September - The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

Thank you awesome co-hosts: Sonia Dogra, J Lenni Dorner, Pat Garcia, Sarah - The Faux Fountain Pen, and Meka James!


Well, let's see--12 years puts us at about 2011! I joined us roughly around that time, too. Nice, right? That was about when my first book was published, and I dove into the publishing world. The A, B, Cs of April was how I stepped into us, and it was amazing! Do we still do that? I'm so out of touch! Haha...

It has helped me on so many levels. Belonging to something bigger than myself when it comes to books helps to connect with so many like-minded people who share and love the craft of writing.

IWSG is so caring and supportive and doesn't hoard secrets like some other writerly groups do. Honestly, belonging here with the writing trade, there's no "secreting" anything.

I've made long-term friends like Alex! Yay! And it's cool that my publisher is part of us as well. What do you know? We get places! We rock. I love you guys!

If you aren't part of us, please join us. We are a caring community of writers on all levels. It doesn't matter where you are in the journey, we are family!

What about you? Tell me your experience with IWSG. I'd love to hear all about it!

IWSG: Inspiration and Freedom

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IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.

Welcome to mine!

 Thank you, IWSG co-hosts for the July 5: PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre!

Here is July's optional question - 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

JoshuaWoroniecki@Pixabay.com

My daughter shares the same avenue for her story-writing as the author of this month's question. As for me, all my stories are borne from inspiration imagined by scenarios from snippets of movie scenes, someone giving a talk, a person's appearance, an emotion that creeps up on me, an old building--anything... Sometimes my brain will compile an entire scene or image, and I build the story around that.

On another note, July is Independence month! Celebration for independence comes to us in many ways. Life has taken a crazy but good turn for me, and I find myself with a new set of wings that are taking me higher than before.

Andrew@Pexels.com

Sometimes we recognize what holds us back, and it takes special power to cut that part out despite the painful process.

I've noticed a trend in my writing: everyone therein fights for freedom in one way or another, it's fascinating.

One story that stands out is Awaken: A Love Story, where Daemos is thrown into the thick of ugly and finds N'reena recognizes it for what it is. Running away together isn't easy, but there's no turning back...

Please celebrate with us how freedom must be won against the dark secrets that rule their society!

What about you? How does your inspiration visit you? Do you have the original ideas that sparked a best-seller? In what ways are you celebrating Independence Day if at all?

What Would Replace Writing if it Ever Could?

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IWSG: a place where writers and friends share woes or hugs.

Welcome to mine!

Thank you, cohosts Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

June's question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

Well, I have to admit that I have stopped writing, and in the middle of a story, too! It had an outline and everything and I'm a pantser. *sigh*

I'll tell you what I've replaced it with, and it's self-care. There's no creative outlet right now, but I've been filling my life with meaningful relationships and strengthening the ones I already have. It's quite the remarkable journey.

I know that when I'm ready to pick back up on my writing, there'll be no stopping, because I already  know what it takes to get a book off the ground.

What about you? Has writing ever evaded you to the point that you lost interest? What replaced it? If no, what do you think would?

Please enjoy my latest book's aesthetic book trailers!