I just finished reading Backstreet Hero by Justine Davis. Normally, I view romance novels as the candy of literature and rarely do I turn a critical eye on them. However, lately as #MeToo gains popularity and more women come forward, I began to think that these novels more critically. Because romance novels are so often read quickly and not examined they are shaping the way their readers think.
In Backstreet Hero the message is not particularly bad. In fact, on the surface, and unlike many romance novels, it actively challenges the stereotype of the alpha male and the submissive female. Yet, if we look below the surface it becomes more problematic. The plot is that Tony Alvera, Redstone Security, takes the assignment to investigate a possible assassination attempt on Lilith Mercer. So, while Tony is working to find out who might be trying to kill Lilith he’s acting as her bodyguard. That’s a position of trust and Lilith can’t give consent to a relationship when Tony has that kind of power over her. The advantage to fiction over real life is that we know what they're both thinking. The problem with this type of fiction is that it is so prevalent and makes us think that such actions are okay in real life. After all, everyone knows that the bodyguard sleeps with the girl. She must want it, we read it in novels, and see it in movies such as Bodyguard. Though it is fair to point out that Bodyguard is an old example it set the stereotype in many people’s minds. While fiction is not the real world, it is our reflection and interpretation of that world. I am not suggesting that we stop reading romance novels that present these stereotypes, but I think we need to be aware that they are stereotypes and not real people. One of the main problems that things like affirmative consent and #MeToo face is disbelief and the idea presented in novels that consent can be given in situations where one person has power over another makes this problem worse. Too many people take the lessons learned from novels and movies and apply them directly to their own lives. Zoe Whittal in her recent article “CanLit Has a Sexual Harassment Problem” mentions that often when discussing her recent book The Best Kind of People she gets trapped in these discussions about how teenage girls lie and male teachers are often targets of false accusations. Besides being a very strange way to read her novel, it highlights the level of denial found in the general population. Especially when a male is in a position of authority over a female student, that woman cannot give consent because the man has power over her. This should not be a difficult concept. The message is out there and it is becoming more main stream the trick is to listen and the read between the lines the next time you pick up your favorite Tessa Dare or Elizabeth Hoyt.
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A synonym is defined as two words that mean the same thing. An example of this term is the words autumn and fall which are words that refer to the season between summer and winter. Yet, even in this simple example we find a problem. Fall is a simple one syllable word that suggests leaves falling off trees and fruit falling to the ground. It foreshadows the dormancy of life that is seen in winter.
On the other hand, the word autumn is euphonious. It evokes the beauty of the season. The colors of the leaves that are only seen in autumn. The word evokes the sense of urgency that can be lost in summer’s warmer days. Autumn is a time of plenty. The harvest comes in and all of nature’s bounty is seen. Life not death is showcased. So, with that in mind, do synonyms really exist? I remember my professor in History of the English Language stating definitively that they did not. Each word has its own unique meaning. If you are using a thesaurus to spice up your writing all you are really doing is obscuring your meaning. It is certainly important to use language correctly. Finding the right can mean the difference between persecuting wrongdoers or prosecuting them. So, all of this analysis suggests that synonyms are a social construct. Of course, in many ways language itself can be read as a social construct. Words have meaning because society agrees that they do. Social constructs at this basic level are necessary for society to function. If the geographic group where you live suddenly decided on a different meaning for basic sounds you would have no way to communicate. Yet, synonyms are a few steps above this level. The existence of synonyms suggests that we do not believe we can accurately use language and instead must repeat ourselves. It may be better to view the construct of synonyms as a teaching tool. To children and those learning English we say this word is like this word instead of offering a complex definition. The trick is to move past this simplistic view as we learn more words.
So now you have a degree in the Humanities. Where do you go from here? There are the traditional answers. You can go to teacher’s college. If you enjoy working with children and see yourself shaping the next generation this is a great idea. But if you’re looking for a job in Canada within five years of graduating teaching is probably not the way to go unless you enjoy the far north. Next up, you can get a Master’s. One or two years focused on the subject of your choice. You’ll get to try out the teaching thing and see what its like. You could also try a certificate course. These courses are usually offered by colleges to those who already have a B.A. They offer things like Museum Studies and Publishing. Training at college is more job oriented and a certificate course focuses on training you for a specific job. If you are interested in any of the jobs the courses relate to these certificates are definitely worth checking out as the programs often hook you up with people in the industry and sponsor internships that can lead to full time employment. You could also go to law school… |
His First and Last Ardent Springs, Book 1 Sparks fly when high school sweethearts reunite in this first book in Terri Osburn’s Ardent Springs Series. Lorelei and Spencer thought they’d moved on, but find old flames never really die. But can they let the past go to find their happily ever after? Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble |
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Our Now and Forever Ardent Springs, Book 2 A whirlwind romance landed Caleb and Snow in a Vegas wedding chapel making the biggest commitment of their young lives, but married life isn’t quite what Snow expected. Caleb has spent eighteen months looking for his runaway bride, and now that he’s found her in Ardent Springs, he isn’t about to let her out of his arms again. Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble |
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My One and Only Ardent Springs, Book 3 A desperate teenage mother becomes a common cause for Cooper and Haleigh, who have been friends forever and nothing more. Seeing this as his chance with the girl he’s always loved, Cooper turns on the charm, but Haleigh’s history, as well as her daunting mother, could be too much for even love to overcome. Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble |
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About Terri Osburn
Although born in the Ohio Valley, Terri Osburn found her true home between the covers of her favorite books. Classics like The Wizard of Oz and Little Women filled her childhood landscapes, and the romance genre beckoned during her teen years. In 2007, she put pen to paper to write her own. Just five years later, she became a 2012 finalist for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award, and her debut novel was released a year later. To date, she has released eight novels, two novellas, and one short story. You can learn more about this award winning author by visiting her website at www.terriosburn.com.
Visit the official website of Terri Osburn
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Join the book tour! Get more tidbits, excerpts and other info on Her Hopes and Dreams. Visit all the tour stops for a chances to win $5 Amazon Gift Card on each stop.
November 15
Book Unleashed - Promo, Excerpt
Cali Book Reviews - Review
November 16
Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews - Review, Excerpt
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin' - Promo
November 17
Books According to Abby - Review, Excerpt
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews - Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts
November 18
The Romance Reviews - Review, Excerpt
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November 21
Read Your Writes Book Reviews - Excerpt, Interview
November 22
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Romantic Reads and Such - Review, Excerpt
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December 14
Random Thoughts From a Book Nerd - Promo, Excerpt
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We are pleased to bring you the release of
BEGINNER'S LUCK
by
Corinne Scott
Romantic suspense at its very best!
Beginner's Luck will surely keep you glued to your seats till the very last page.
Grab your copy today. Available at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Series: O'Brien's Series, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense Romance
As eldest son, Eoin O’Brien is expected to take over the management of his family pub, the Lion O’Brien in the Bronx. Despite his da’s disapproval, he has achieved his dream of becoming a police detective. He also longs to have a family, but his wife Vivian left him three years ago to pursue her own dreams of working in an art gallery.
Now Vivian is back from California. When the gallery where she works is robbed and vandalized, their paths cross again. It turns out the attack on the gallery was personal. After Vivian is almost run down by a car, it is clear that she herself is the target, though she can’t think of anyone who would wish her harm.
Eoin and Vivian circle each other warily, each feeling the pull of the past and their still powerful attraction. But there will be no easy reconciliation. First she finds a way back into the O’Brien family’s good graces. Eoin, in turn, sees that he is partly to blame for her flight. Like his father, he is too quick to anger, too domineering. He must learn to give the independent Vivian her space. But above all, he has sworn to protect her. And if he gives her too much space, she may end up dead.
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Beginner's Luck ebook
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Lion O'Brien's Irish pub sign
Amazon Gift Cards
This event is happening today
November 4, 2016, 4 - 7pm CST!
About Corinne Scott
Corinne Scott was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Her parents were teachers, so of course she grew up to be a teacher as well, proving that the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Corinne has a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a master’s from the University of North Texas. She is passionate about books, which led her to her current occupation as a librarian and now author. Beginner's Luck is her second novel, and the first in a series about the O'Briens of New York. Her first novel was Lover's Oak. For more information, go to www.authorcorinnescott.com.
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We are super excited to announce the release of
Picture Imperfect: A Sassy Suspense by Cindy Procter-King!
Special 3-Day Promotion
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About Picture Imperfect
Genre: Humorous romantic suspense, Romantic comedy mystery
Just when she thought she had her life on autofocus...
Photographer Ursula Scott is six short months from buying her boss’s studio and helping her family knock down a massive debt. She can put up with his hairball antics for that long, right?
Right?
But, oh, he makes life difficult. She can barely restrain herself when he hogs credit for her assignments, and now half-naked weirdos are responding to his ad for her first magazine photo spread. On top of that, someone is sabotaging the studio. Worse, she discovers her sexy apprentice is a former cop practicing his newbie PI skills on the case—and she’s a suspect!
Suddenly, Ursula’s dreams and hard work seem about to go up in smoke. In more ways than one.
Well, not on her watch.
When Gabe McKenzie moves home following the shooting that kyboshed his career, he doesn’t expect to get sucked into finding the culprit wreaking havoc at his uncle’s photography studio. He certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Ursula Scott, a long-legged brunette with a definite motive and a desire to play Nancy Drew. Even as he clears her, the sabotage escalates into a bizarre stalking, placing Ursula...and Gabe’s hopes for their future...in danger.
If only he can convince her to stop snooping around and let him do his job as a PI, before an unknown menace threatens not only her dreams—but her life.
Special 3 Day Promotion
Picture Imperfect is available at a special price of $2.99!
(Regular price: $4.99)
This offer is valid until this Friday, October 21, 2016 only
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Giveaway
Join the Picture Imperfect giveaway contest from October 19-21, 2016!
You could be one of three lucky winners of
Two copies of Borrowing Alex eBook by Cindy Procter-King,
or a $5 Amazon Gift Card
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Special 3-Day Promotion
Get a copy of Picture Imperfect now at a special price of $2.99.
(Regular Price: $4.99)
Hurry! This offer is valid until this Friday, October 21, 2016 only.
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About Cindy Procter-King
Cindy Procter-King writes sassy suspense, rollicking romantic comedy, and heart-tugging small-town romance. To sum it up, feel-good fiction! A Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart finalist, Cindy’s mission in life is to see her surname spelled properly—with an E. That’s P-r-o-c-t-E-r. Never, under any circumstances, should you spell it with two O’s (shudder).
Cindy’s novels and short fiction are available as eBooks from retailers all over the world, as well as in trade paperback, library hardcover and large print, some foreign editions, and audiobooks.
Cindy lives in beautiful British Columbia with her family, a cat obsessed with dripping tap water, and Allie McBeagle.
-----
Visit the official Website of Cindy Procter-King:
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Connect with Cindy Procter-King on social media:
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In partnership with
We are super excited to announce the release of
Picture Imperfect: A Sassy Suspense by Cindy Procter-King!
Special 3-Day Promotion
Picture Imperfect is available at a special price of $2.99!
(Regular Price: $4.99)
Hurry! This offer is valid until this Friday, October 21, 2016 only.
Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Barnes & Noble
About Picture Imperfect
Genre: Humorous romantic suspense, Romantic comedy mystery
Just when she thought she had her life on autofocus...
Photographer Ursula Scott is six short months from buying her boss’s studio and helping her family knock down a massive debt. She can put up with his hairball antics for that long, right?
Right?
But, oh, he makes life difficult. She can barely restrain herself when he hogs credit for her assignments, and now half-naked weirdos are responding to his ad for her first magazine photo spread. On top of that, someone is sabotaging the studio. Worse, she discovers her sexy apprentice is a former cop practicing his newbie PI skills on the case—and she’s a suspect!
Suddenly, Ursula’s dreams and hard work seem about to go up in smoke. In more ways than one.
Well, not on her watch.
When Gabe McKenzie moves home following the shooting that kyboshed his career, he doesn’t expect to get sucked into finding the culprit wreaking havoc at his uncle’s photography studio. He certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Ursula Scott, a long-legged brunette with a definite motive and a desire to play Nancy Drew. Even as he clears her, the sabotage escalates into a bizarre stalking, placing Ursula...and Gabe’s hopes for their future...in danger.
If only he can convince her to stop snooping around and let him do his job as a PI, before an unknown menace threatens not only her dreams—but her life.
Special 3 Day Promotion
Picture Imperfect is available at a special price of $2.99!
(Regular price: $4.99)
This offer is valid until this Friday, October 21, 2016 only
Hurry! Grab your copy today!
Giveaway
Join the Picture Imperfect giveaway contest from October 19-21, 2016!
You could be one of three lucky winners of
Two copies of Borrowing Alex eBook by Cindy Procter-King,
or a $5 Amazon Gift Card
Click here to join the Giveaway Contest now!
- - - - -
Special 3-Day Promotion
Get a copy of Picture Imperfect now at a special price of $2.99.
(Regular Price: $4.99)
Hurry! This offer is valid until this Friday, October 21, 2016 only.
Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Barnes & Noble
About Cindy Procter-King
Cindy Procter-King writes sassy suspense, rollicking romantic comedy, and heart-tugging small-town romance. To sum it up, feel-good fiction! A Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart finalist, Cindy’s mission in life is to see her surname spelled properly—with an E. That’s P-r-o-c-t-E-r. Never, under any circumstances, should you spell it with two O’s (shudder).
Cindy’s novels and short fiction are available as eBooks from retailers all over the world, as well as in trade paperback, library hardcover and large print, some foreign editions, and audiobooks.
Cindy lives in beautiful British Columbia with her family, a cat obsessed with dripping tap water, and Allie McBeagle.
-----
Visit the official Website of Cindy Procter-King:
http://www.cindyprocter-king.com/
Connect with Cindy Procter-King on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
In partnership with
We are super excited to announce the re-release of
VIGILANTE MINE by Cera Daniels!
Book One in the Relek City Series, Vigilante Mine is a fast-paced, thrilling, highly recommended read.
Get your copy today! Available at:
Amazon | iTunes | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
About Vigilante Mine
Series: Relek City, Book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Superhero Romance
Internal Affairs be damned, Detective Amanda Werner's ditching protocol to hunt the vigilante whose bullet landed her on the bench. But this is no vendetta. Evidence suggests he's the zealot offing corrupt public officials--the same zealot who's promised to set the city ablaze by week's end--and she'll risk her career and her life to save her hometown. Too bad she can't find anything stronger than Kevlar to guard her heart against her primary suspect: a masked man with a telepathic German shepherd, unstable supernatural hearing, and lips that invite a whole different brand of investigation.
All businessman Ryan McLelas, a.k.a. Klepto, wants is redemption. But even if Amanda could forgive his itchy trigger finger, Ryan still has to convince her that his alter ego's no serial killer. No small task, with syndicate-paid police officers turning up among the dead. He'd better keep his own syndicate ties close to his chest and Amanda even closer, because if Klepto is unmasked while he's hunting the real killer, their passionate affair could mark Amanda as the next dirty cop on the hit list.
Giveaway
Join the Vigilante Mine giveaway contest from Oct 7 - Nov 14, 2016!
Three attractive prizes to be won:
Two $20 Amazon Gift Cards and One $10 Amazon Gift Card!
- - - - -
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About Cera Daniels
Cera Daniels writes paranormal, science fiction, and steampunk romance. Sexy superheroes. Delicious shifters. Infernal machines. Sometimes behind the same cover. Her heroes are broken and often on the wrong side of good, their worlds are crumbling, but the love her characters find in all that chaos stands on an unshakable foundation.
She hails from South Carolina with her own superhero husband, daughter, and three cats who don't think they're cats at all. Life is especially good in her world when there's Game of Thrones, Shadowrun and board games, chocolate coffee, and an overabundance of yarn on tap.
Visit the Official Cera Daniels Website:
http://www.ceradaniels.com
Connect with Cera Daniels on Social Media:
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In partnership with
We are super excited to announce the re-release of
VIGILANTE MINE by Cera Daniels!
Book One in the Relek City Series, Vigilante Mine is a fast-paced, thrilling, highly recommended read.
Get your copy today! Available at:
Amazon | iTunes | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
About Vigilante Mine
Series: Relek City, Book 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Superhero Romance
Internal Affairs be damned, Detective Amanda Werner's ditching protocol to hunt the vigilante whose bullet landed her on the bench. But this is no vendetta. Evidence suggests he's the zealot offing corrupt public officials--the same zealot who's promised to set the city ablaze by week's end--and she'll risk her career and her life to save her hometown. Too bad she can't find anything stronger than Kevlar to guard her heart against her primary suspect: a masked man with a telepathic German shepherd, unstable supernatural hearing, and lips that invite a whole different brand of investigation.
All businessman Ryan McLelas, a.k.a. Klepto, wants is redemption. But even if Amanda could forgive his itchy trigger finger, Ryan still has to convince her that his alter ego's no serial killer. No small task, with syndicate-paid police officers turning up among the dead. He'd better keep his own syndicate ties close to his chest and Amanda even closer, because if Klepto is unmasked while he's hunting the real killer, their passionate affair could mark Amanda as the next dirty cop on the hit list.
Giveaway
Join the Vigilante Mine giveaway contest from Oct 7 - Nov 14, 2016!
Three attractive prizes to be won:
Two $20 Amazon Gift Cards and One $10 Amazon Gift Card!
Click here to join the Rafflecopter Giveaway contest!
- - - - -
Buy Vigilante Mine now! Available at:
Amazon | iTunes | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
About Cera Daniels
Cera Daniels writes paranormal, science fiction, and steampunk romance. Sexy superheroes. Delicious shifters. Infernal machines. Sometimes behind the same cover. Her heroes are broken and often on the wrong side of good, their worlds are crumbling, but the love her characters find in all that chaos stands on an unshakable foundation.
She hails from South Carolina with her own superhero husband, daughter, and three cats who don't think they're cats at all. Life is especially good in her world when there's Game of Thrones, Shadowrun and board games, chocolate coffee, and an overabundance of yarn on tap.
Visit the Official Cera Daniels Website:
http://www.ceradaniels.com
Connect with Cera Daniels on Social Media:
Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads
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Author
Elizabeth Ramsay is English tutor and ESL Teacher.
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