Character of the Week: Linda from The Mechanic/the Loving Her series

Linda Scott wears her heart on her sleeve, and gives you the shirt off her back. She is an amazing character.

Linda comes from a "traditional" family with her parents, Chuck and Melanie, and her brother Jerry.

Linda was always a tomboy, following very closely in her older brother's footsteps. Her parents - Melanie, especially - had hoped for a more "typical" little girl, but they loved Linda nonetheless.

As Linda was growing up, it didn't take her long to realize that she was gay. Scared and confused, she confided in her older brother. Jerry was a good, supportive brother. As time wore on, he felt that she needed to be brave enough to come out to their parents. He'd tease and encourage her day in and day out. Finally, unable to withstand the pressure of the secret, he finally tells the family at dinner. This is where Linda's story begins.

The pain and disappointment of what follows eats Linda at her core. Her relationship with her parents is strained at best. She lives a quiet life, maintaining a good relationship with Jerry.

Throughout the story, we see how much Linda loves '80s music, '80s television shows, etc. Her obsession with all things '80s comes from her childhood. The music and shows remind her of a time when her family loved and accepted her.

For as much as she has been hurt, she is not one to take things lying down. When she is teased in school by the biggest bully, she knocks him down to size. When she is rear ended by a bigot, life gives her the opportunity to retaliate later on. She refuses to be victimized.



Linda maintains a tough exterior. It's the only way she can protect herself from the pain that resides deep in her heart.

When she meets a gal named Donna, she has no idea that she has met a kindred spirit. Later on, Donna approaches Linda, looking for any kind of camaraderie. What ensues is an incredible friendship.



Linda and Donna truly are two peas in a pod. They're both tough and stoic on the outside, but incredibly tender underneath. They share an understanding and respect that run incredibly deep. When either is in trouble, they know the other is there. They become each other's family. Through thick and thin, they are always there for each other.

When Linda sees Katie for the first time, she sees more than a cute little blonde. She sees someone who exudes compassion and understanding. Without even speaking to her, Linda knew that Katie was like no one else she had ever met before.

The more she learned about Katie, the more she realized that true love did exist. That people could fully love and accept her for who she is. Katie brings her a reassurance and a self-confidence Linda never had.


It is that commitment and that confidence that gives Linda the bravery needed to open the door to having a real relationship with her parents yet again.

Linda is strong, solid, fun, gentle, generous, caring, and sensitive. She is a woman of many layers and many emotions. She is real. Her story came from deep within my heart, and it is sure to touch you deeply as well.

Favorite quote from Linda: "What the hell are you? A sasquatch that you need an hour to shave your hairy legs?!"

Happy reading!
http://www.amazon.com/Mechanic-Loving-Her-Book-ebook/dp/B00GMPBKS8/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1426901979&sr=8-14&keywords=lauren+shiro

Mom's Book Report for The Mechanic

Happy Thursday, everyone!

It's time for...another book report from Mom!


The Mechanic: a book report, by Mom





Best description of a mechanic: "Bob was short, stocky bald man. His dark blue overall suit was tight around his rotund belly."





Beautiful image of a city: "The sky was a jet black blanket with the stars as little shining decorations. A three quarter moon sat like a full, round, content Buddha belly. The Philadelphia skyline was a lighted mountain range, poking in the sky at various heights."






Red Flag: "Like a lion stalking and closing in on it's prey. Brittany inched in closer and closer until Linda backed into the wall."




Lovely compliment #1: "What are you a sasquatch that you need an hour to shave your hairy legs?"




Lovely compliment #2: "So first I use a face cream; Oh, and I have a concealer." "What's that: a paper bag?"





Great car description...even for someone who doesn't love cars: "A dark thunderstorm cloud grey covered most of the car. The hood, roof trunk and wheel wells all boasted this rich, dark intriguing color. A lighter, more misty grey ran the length of the body, covering the lower half of the door. The car's natural curves and chrome accents divided the two shades and enhanced the car's design. White wall tires only continued to enhance the car's appearance. A dusty rose interior completed the perfect, elegant romantic look."




Hope you guys liked this one! :)



Happy reading!!! :)

Linda's Page 69 Trial

Happy Thursday, gang!

For your reading pleasure, here is Linda's page 69 trial. Hope you like it! ;)



After their tasty, though somewhat comical dinner, Katie and Linda were walking through University City District. The night was curiously warm with a cool, gentle breeze that kicked up every so often. The night was clear and the stars seemed brighter than usual.

As nervous as Linda was, holding Katie’s hand somehow felt normal, comfortable, right. They strolled down the sidewalk. There was no world around them. Just a beautiful black sky with diamond stars…and each other.

As they walked in the crisp October night air, Katie’s watch beeped, signaling that it was midnight.
“I should get back. I have class early in the morning.”

“Ok,” Linda said softly.

At Katie’s building, they turned towards each other. They fidgeted awkwardly, waiting for the other to make the first move.
Finally, Linda leaned in, and gently kissed Katie. It was like nothing either one had ever experienced. It was soft and gentle. It was warm and intense. It sent a shock through both of their spines. It was an amazing feeling that neither wanted to end.




Happy reading! ;)

And then there was...

Hey gang! We're changing it up! A blog...ON A WEDNESDAY!!!

Why?

Well because, the ever amazing Vanilla Heart Publishing and I have big news! And who wins? YOU DO!!!!



Instead of waiting two whole months for book #3, we're giving it to you NOW!




Available NOW (officially released TODAY) is...

The Mechanic






This is Linda's story.





The characters of Linda and Katie are really what started this whole adventure in the first place.




I knew who Linda was and what I liked about her.

I will tell you, though, that writing her story surprised me. She survived things that I never thought would happen.




I love that about writing. Things just happen and the characters become so much more than you ever imagined!



As a writer, I want you to read my books. It's true. But as a person who has read this story, I want to share it with you. Not for my royalty check but for what a great story it is. For the surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant. I think you will be amazed and also deeply touched by her story.



So go get your copy now! Tonight, you could be reading the next great Loving Her book, The Mechanic!

The Cast of Loving Her

Happy Thursday, fellow readers!

Today, I am visiting an old favorite.

In the past, you've heard me talk about Storycasting.com I LOVE this website! It is SO much fun to put a cast of actors to the characters in books.

Since I'm redoing all the Loving Her stories, let's re-cast them!

Here are my picks.

Liz

Jessica Chastain


Jen

Rose Byrne



Linda

Katherine Moennig



Donna

Deborah Stewart




Maria

Jenny Gago



Katie

Carey Mulligan


Stephania

Penelope Cruz


Brynn

Evangeline Lilly




What are yours?

Character Interview: Linda

I'm starting a new series, folks! Every Friday until I am struck by lightning, I will be doing an interview with one of my characters from all of my books. So you'll get to know about them beyond what you've read thus far. I really hope you like them!



Without further ado, I'd like to introduce you all to today's guest, Linda, from Loving Her.



Hi Linda! Thank you so much for being here.



Thanks for having me. And the coffee, too. I always need coffee in the mornings, thanks.






Linda, please tell us a little about yourself. We don't really know much about you beyond your career and your relationship with Katie. Who are you, really?





Well, I am the fourth child from my parents with three older brothers. The brother, Michael, who is closest to me in age is also a mechanic. We used to work on junkers together all the time. I learned a lot from him. And every once in a while, I got teach him something too.




It's kind of funny, Michael knew I was gay before I did! We had some very interesting talks over engine blocks. But, you'll read more about that later in my prequel to Loving Her.




Our parents died five years ago, just from age. For people from their generation, they were really accepting of me as a lesbian. I was really lucky.




Other than that, I think I've lived a regular life.





Your devotion to Katie is practically unheard of in these days. You endured so much, and yet your heart was completely dedicated to her. Would you mind talking about that?






Ha! How'd you get that picture? Katie had just dyed her hair brown. She's a natural blonde - and cute as hell! She looks good as a brunette, too, but I still love her blonde hair. And that - that doesn't even look like me!





Anyway, getting back to your question. I don't really talking about some of the things that happened just because I don't want to hurt Katie. Katie is just an incredible girl. She is so sweet and smart. She is a very giving person. Even with two residencies and crazy hours at the University, she'll take the time to just spend quiet time with me or do something really romantic for me. She's like no one I've ever met before. I've been pretty hurt by women in the past, but Katie is different. The trials we endured, we went through together. As hard as things were on me, they were equally difficult on her.





You listen to '80's music every morning before you open the shop. Why is that?





I guess everyone has their vice. I just love music from the eighties. Maybe because it's what I grew up on. I don't know. It's just a good way to start my day.






Your circle of friends is a very interesting mix of people and personalities. Who surprises you the most?




What do you mean?





Who is either the most unique of the crowd or who do you find yourself to be amazed that you're friends with them?





Oh, definitely Steph. I pick on her, but she's really cool. If she hadn't been the model for our first calendar a few years back, there's no way I'd be friends with her. We're very different, but she brings a lot of laughter and enthusiasm to the group.




Who doesn't surprise you, or who would you be expect to be friends no matter what?





Donna. Donna and I just have this incredible understanding of each other. I trust her with my life.




What is one thing you'd like people to know about you that they don't already know.


That I would probably end up like Liz and Jen with 500 cats if it weren't for the fact that I have insane allergies.


Thank you so much for joining us, Linda. For more about Linda and the entire crew, check out Loving Her! :)





Happy weekend reading!

Getting to Know You

Last night, the Mrs. and I had "Getting to Know You" from The King and I stuck in our heads! LOL. I had this idea anyway, but I thought the title was appropriate for today's blog.




This is going to be a brief who's who of my books! :) The celebrity pictures are who I have in mind to play these characters. Don't forget that you can cast my books as well at www.storycasting.com! That site is a blast! Go check it out! ;)






Loving Her























Linda - Linda is a mechanic who owns her own shop in University City District (UCD) in Philadelphia. She's tough, but very gentle and vulnerable. She is extremely dedicated and loyal.











Katie - Katie is a veterinary student at U Penn and works at a local pizza parlor for money. She's young and vibrant, fun and full of energy. She is mature and logical. She loves being in love and fully believes in happily ever after.











Donna - Donna is Philly cop. She is tough as nails and yet as gentle as a kitten. She is extremely insecure. With no family left, her friends are her family and she will go to any length to protect and take care of them.












Liz - Liz is a southern belle who is a ballerina and a motorhead all at the same time. Tall, elegant and regal, she's also very down to earth and loves a loud engine! She dances with the Pennsylvania Ballet and listens to Metallica on her own time. She has only been with one person: Jen - and she plans on spending her forever with her.










Jen - Jen has MS. She used to be the director of a cat shelter, but when she met Liz, she followed her all around the country. She is quiet and introverted, but don't get her gabbing about her woman because she won't stop! :)











Stephania - Stephania is an exotic, multi-racial beauty. A professional model, she is seen globally, but is still very grounded. She is a spitfire and doesn't back down from any fights!











Maria - Maria is slightly older than the rest of the crowd. She is a grounded, stable woman who works for an Hispanic newspaper in Philadelphia. She adores her family, but only from a distance. Though Stephania is a lot to handle, Maria keeps her sound and grounded.













Brynn - Brynn is a little brunette bombshell. A police officer in Doylestown, PA., she is friends with Donna's partner, John, and his wife. Brynn and Donna meet thanks to John and they begin their lives together as two young female officers in love.



















Unbreakable Hostage





























Lareina - Lareina is a Puerto Rican with exotic and enchanting looks. A Ph. D. student in algebra, she's smart and beautiful. She is very close with her family and holds her Catholic traditions very close to her heart. Strong, resilient, intelligent, and determined, she is one Latina who can never be kept down!













Tony - Tony is an overweight brut. He fell over the fine line between genius and crazy a long time ago. He is obsessed with Lareina and lives in his own dark, twisted world.















Marc - Marc is English, but he's been living in the States for some time now. He is lonely and leads a quiet life save for his work as a missing persons detective. He is captivated not only by Lareina's beauty but by her quick wits as well. He is a caring and gentle man who needs to be saved as much as he saves others.


















Imperfect (not yet released)






Carol - Carol is an IT guru. She's intelligent and caring. She takes the world's burdens on as her own. She is loyal, compassionate and extremely insecure.




























Alex - Alex is a woman with a troubled past. Though she is now back on solid ground, she can never full erase her history. She is a true romantic. She is funny and dedicated, but also very demanding at times.




















Ok, there ya go! Hope you liked getting to know some of my characters. If you'd like to know more, go check out my books! :)