The Best Medicine by Dellani Oakes – Part 29

Content Warning: This episode includes sex and is not appropriate for children under 18

"Here now, you. No touching the masseuse!" She smacked him again.

"Listen here, missy! You can't mistreat the customer! I'm an American citizen, I have rights!" He made another playful grab, this time missing her completely, when she dodged out of his way.

"Yes, the right to sit still and behave yourself."

"No, I won't do that. I have the right to have the woman I love kiss me, fondle me and otherwise take my mind off my problems."

"Oh, is that so? And what about my rights?" She was giggling at him as he tried to grab her from a sitting position.

Morgan turned to face her, and pulled her to him, planting a spine tingling kiss on her lips. "You, my sweet, have the right to remain silent as I make fantastic love to you!" He picked her up, carrying her up the steps to her bedroom.

They dropped on the bed, laughing happily. Tanya was glad to have finally gotten his mind off his troubles, if only for a little while. Morgan kissed her all over, tenderly removing her clothing as he did so. He nibbled, tickled and played, enjoying the curves of her body. Never had he been so silly and uninhibited. He made love to her like he hadn't a care in the world, and she was the center of his universe.

He found all kinds of new and delicious things to excite her, working hard to make her happy. He remembered everything she liked, bringing her to the point of orgasm repeatedly, only to ease back and do something else. It was maddening, delightful and amazing! When they finally reached their climax, Tanya felt like the earth moved beneath her, rocking her world. Every part of her body thrilled and quivered with satisfaction. They rolled apart, panting and sweaty.

Morgan cuddled up against her, his head between her breasts, kissing her as he ran his fingers down her spine. Tanya wanted to sing with happiness. Her body delighted in his. It wasn't just the sex that attracted her to him, it was everything. He was witty, intelligent, creative and interested in many unique things. They had so much in common, yet were enough different to add spice and variety to their relationship.

"Why didn't we find one another a long time ago?" he asked her. "So much wasted time, when we could have been together."

"We weren't ready," she told him with sudden insight. "We had to go through what we did, in order to come to this place at this time. Any sooner, we'd never have seen the worth and merit of the other."

"True. I hadn't thought of it that way."

"If Gram hadn't died, and I hadn't changed my mind about what I wanted to do, we probably never would have met."

"We would have eventually," he breathed slowly and deeply, inhaling her scent. "You spent time here visiting your Gram. Sooner or later, you'd have walked into Molly's restaurant, ordered up a steak, and seen me on the other side of the room."

"What would you be doing?"

"Staring at the most beautiful woman in the place, ordering her a drink." He kissed her breasts, nibbling the nipples gently. "Then I'd have sat down, had a few drinks, and asked you to dance."

"And I would have said yes," she told him, bringing his lips up to hers. "I'd have said yes, yes!"

"I love you, Tanya. There's no one else for me, but you."

"I love you, too, Morgan. Thank you so much for saving me."

"What did I save you from?" He looked genuinely surprised.

"From wrapping myself in my work, insulating myself from everyone and everything. You made me see the sun again, when all I could see were the clouds."

They made love again, slowly and sensuously. This time it was Tanya's turn to give Morgan a treat. She had grown more creative and experimental in their time together, doing her best to surprise him, just as he had her. She enjoyed seeing the passion and pleasure grow in his eyes. He was the happiest she had ever seen him, and it was all because of her.

"You're my everything," he whispered as they lay side by side.

"I've never been anyone's everything before." She grinned, snuggling closer to him as he lay behind her with his arm around her. "I like it."

"Me too," he mumbled. His lips brushed against her ear, and he slept.

Tanya stayed awake a little while, just feeling his closeness and watching him sleep. He was completely relaxed and stress free for the first time in weeks. Snuggling into the curve of his body, she fell asleep feeling warm, safe and secure. They had slept a couple of hours when his phone rang. Groggy and disoriented, he picked it up expecting it to be the hospital.

"Morgan," a familiar male voice said brightly and loudly. "Where the hell are you, man? We were supposed to go canoeing. I'm banging on your front door, and no one's answering. Are you even home?"

"Who the f**k is this?"

"Hal! Idiot! I've only been your closest friend for what, close to thirty years? Where are you?"

"At Tanya's house."

There was silence. "Doesn't clear it up a lot, buddy. Who's Tanya?"

© 2020 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

The Best Medicine by Dellani Oakes – Part 15

Tanya is surprised to find herself on an island, owned by Morgan's family, where his brother is getting ready to film a video with his band.

Molly frowned, then sighed deeply. "Morgan's always been impetuous. When he sees something he wants, he goes for it all out."

"Good way to get hurt."

"Yes, a lot. But you've been hurt badly too, haven't you? I can see it in your eyes. You know his pain."

"God, is it that obvious? I thought I kept it pretty well hidden."

"Not when you're around him. You work hard to shove the old pain aside, but it's there." She pointed to the corners of Tanya's eyes. "I don't have to worry about you with him." It wasn't a question, it was a statement of fact.

"No, Molly. We're good together. I never thought I'd find someone I clicked with so fast. And I never, ever thought I'd throw all my inhibitions to the wind, and end up in bed with a man I just met." She reddened. "I'm sorry, I'm saying too much. I forget I'm talking to his sister."

"It's cool," Molly said. "Morgan's never been shy about his sex life. I probably know more about it than I'd like to. He doesn't brag, he's just very matter of fact. Just to me, he won't say a word to the guys. He's a gentleman. I heard in vivid detail, the night he lost his virginity. God, I wanted him to shut up, but he gets really hyper sometimes, it was like trying to stop the river!"

"I noticed the hyper thing. My younger brother is like that, too."

Molly stood silently for a moment, considering something before she spoke again. "I don't suppose he told you the origin of this song."

"He told me he wrote it about the end of his relationship."

Molly nodded. "He wrote it as a suicide note and then he tried to kill himself. He's a doctor, he would have been successful. He cut his wrists. If Cullen hadn't found him...." She shivered. "I never thought he'd get that low. I had no idea he was so depressed. He's always been so upbeat, so full of life. But he's worked through that now, he's himself again."

"Why are they doing this song as their first video?"

"Because it's their biggest hit. The boys are well known locally, even done a few gigs in other towns, and had a short tour opening for a couple bigger bands. They always close with this tune, like they did last night. Cullen pours his heart into this song. It's like he's channeling all that sorrow from Morgan, wait till you see him."

"I heard him sing it last night," Tanya said quietly.

"That was without Morph singing with him. Wait," she said with finality.

The band was coming out from the makeup trailer. She saw Morgan dressed like an Indian, carrying a guitar. The costumes looked very authentic for local Indian tribes who had lived in these woods a few hundred years ago. Tanya was impressed by the adherence to detail. They took their positions and the director started talking to them, telling them what he wanted them to do.

"The sound quality probably won't be that great here," he said. "But we want you really to sing. I can't stand that lip sync shit, you can always tell when a band doesn't know what it's doing. We'll do a studio recording and lay it in, no one will know the difference. Okay, places everyone!"

The bystanders were instructed to move away from the set and be totally quiet. The band started to play. The lead guitar picked out a simple melody, then added some more sophisticated riffs. The drums crept in under the guitar and the bass entered so subtly, Tanya hardly realized he was playing. The keyboards joined with an echoing chord, as the introduction continued for another minute or so.

Once more, Tanya felt herself transported away on the melody, transfixed by the power of it. The vocals started like an eagle's cry in three part harmony. Tanya didn't know how they could make that sound, but it lanced her heart like a knife, leaving her gasping. Cullen's voice rose above the melody, swelling, formless and wordless. Morgan's harmony wound in and around, gradually becoming words.

"In the twilight of my days, I walk alone in endless night. Trapped among these memories, All alone I fight. I can't find the light no more, Your darkness clouds my ways. You're just another memory, That fades into the haze.

"Then why should I stay here, When I'm so all alone? I'm leaving now—I'm leaving, Can't break a heart of stone."

Tanya was in tears before the first chorus ended. The instrumental picked up again, winding around her like a shroud of sorrow. She felt a comforting arm around her and looked up into Molly's face. She had tears in her eyes too. In fact, when Tanya glanced around at the assembly, there were hardly any dry eyes to be seen. Cullen's voice crept back in, picking up the vocal, crooning sorrowfully.

"So now in my misery, I face the world alone. Nothing seems to matter, Can't break a heart of stone. The blood flows thickly from my veins, but I can't seem to care. It's flowing like a river, and pooling round the chair.

"Then why should I stay here, When I'm so all alone? I'm leaving now—I'm leaving, Can't break a heart of stone.

"Did you ever love me? I don't believe it's true. I used to think I loved you, But God knows if I do. As eagles cry unto the sun, As wind cries to the sky, So my heart pours out its pain, This is my last good bye.

"Then why should I stay here, When I'm so all alone? I'm leaving now—I'm leaving, Can't break a heart of stone."

© 2020 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

The Best Medicine by Dellani Oakes – Part 14

After breakfast, Morgan rushes her out of the house, because he has a surprise. He won't tell her where they are headed as he drives out of the city.

Morgan slowed the boat and approached another small dock with care. He tied the boat off, leaped out and lifted Tanya onto the dock. As soon as both feet were beneath her, he grabbed her hand and dragged her after him once more. She could hear voices ahead, nearly drowning out the sound of the river. Shouts and curses filled the air along with the sound of power tools.

"Where on earth are we?"

"Fellowes Island," he told her simply.

"It's your island?" She stopped walking, tugging on his arm as he tried to continue.

"Not mine personally. It was named for my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. No, another great. He discovered this river passage or something. I don't know, it doesn't matter. Someone in the family still owns it, I think it's my Uncle Scott." He started dragging her again.

They walked for several minutes, winding through the woods along a rambling track. Tanya was glad she'd worn her hiking boots and wished she hadn't left her jacket in the car. The air was damp and nippy. Just when she was about to ask Morgan if they could rest, they walked into a large clearing. Ahead of them was a raised platform painted the color of a computer graphics green screen. Band equipment was set up for a concert.

To their right was a huge crowd of people. Tanya saw Molly and Duke along with Cullen and his band. There were cameras, boom mics, trailers and lots of official looking people sitting or standing around eating and drinking.

"What do you think?" Morgan held his arms wide, spinning in a circle.

"What's going on?" She was amazed by what lay before her.

"They band has a contract and they're filming their first video! Isn't this the coolest thing ever?"

"It is incredibly cool! What song are they going to sing?"

He beamed happily, his smile nearly splitting his face in two. "Mine! They're doing the ballad we heard last night!"

"Morgan, that's wonderful! I'm so excited for all of you!"

"There you are," Cullen called when he saw them. "Come on, bro, you're going to be late! Did you tell her yet?"

Morgan grinned happily. "You tell her." He looked on proudly.

"I pulled a little artist's temper tantrum, and Morgan's going to be in the video with us, singing back up and whacking a guitar. I wanted him on drums, but our manager figures it better be Trevor, since he's official and all. But Morph had to be in it, wouldn't have been right without him." He socked his brother hard in the arm and grinned at Tanya, winking wickedly. "You want to be in it too?"

"Me? I can't even carry a tune."

"No, we'll just put you in a tight outfit and let you strut your stuff."

Tanya didn't know whether to be flattered or offended. "Thanks, I'll watch. I'm not the stuff strutting type."

Cullen shrugged, eyeing her seductively. "Too bad. You've got good stuff to strut. Offer stays open. Come on, Morph. We have to get you into costume and make up." He grabbed his brother firmly by the sleeve, but Morgan dug in his heels and stopped long enough to give Tanya a kiss.

"That's so you won't forget about me," he told her.

"Couldn't ever," she replied.

As they walked away, she heard Cullen ask his brother, "So, did you do her?"

Morgan socked his brother on the back of the head. "Mind your manners unless you want a black eye for the video."

They walked off before she heard anything else, but she knew Morgan wouldn't tell Cullen anything. He wouldn't have to, Cullen could probably tell. It didn't matter, somehow it didn't bother her that his family knew they'd been intimate. She felt comfortably at home with his odd assortment of relatives. Tanya made her way over to where Duke and Molly were standing, talking to the director. He was describing his vision for the video. Molly didn't look overly impressed, but Duke's eyes were sparkling.

"So why is the stage painted like that?" Duke was curious and the director was excited.

"Because I've got people down there filming the rapids and we're going to superimpose that footage over this one, so that it looks like they are playing in the middle of the river instead of on land. Cool, don't you think? Since the song is about being carried away by loss, and somewhere in there, there's this line about a river.... You know the one?" He sang in a weak, breathy voice.

"Yeah! Way cool!"

Molly was enjoying her son's enthusiasm. She saw Tanya and walked over to meet her.

"Hi again," she smiled in a guarded fashion. "Can we talk over here a minute?" She led Tanya aside out of the general hubbub.

"What's on your mind, Molly?" Tanya had a feeling the direction this conversation was going to go.

"I'm a direct woman, Tanya. I don't pull punches."

"Ditto, Molly. You're worried about me and Morgan, am I right?"

"Yeah. He's been hurt really bad and I don't want him hurt again. You can understand that, right?"

"I can. I don't intend to hurt him, in fact I have to admit he's one of the most amazing men I've ever met. He's funny, smart, talented.... Since you're his sister, I won't go into details about other ways he's special, but I imagine you were wondering if we'd gotten that far."

© 2020 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

His Soul to Keep (Dark Knights of Heaven Book 1) by TW Knight

Where fallen angels battle Hell’s demons, find their lost souls, and discover love while hunting for a prophecy that holds the key to either their redemption or their destruction.

At twenty-eight, Cassidy Long is happy with her life. She has a job she loves, a great family, and a future open to possibilities. That all changes after she discovers she is the vessel for the immortal soul of an angel cast out of Heaven, and the only way to break the bond is by her death. Spirited away, Cassidy finds herself in the middle of an eternal war and falling for her angel.

Rail is captivated by Cassidy immediately, but fears it’s only the connection to his soul fueling his interest. He’s vowed to never fall in love, but fate has different plans. The more he fights his growing feelings, the deeper in love he falls. Cassidy not only holds his soul, but his heart. Now, he will fight Heaven and Hell to protect her.

Heaven abandoned them, but they did not abandon their calling. Once they were the Watchers, teachers, and mentors to human kind. Now soulless and exiled from Heaven, forced into an endless war, some will fall while others rise to find their destinies. They are the Dark Knights of Heaven.

To Buy His Soul to Keep

Review of His Soul to Keep

Imagine being pulled out of your world. Imagine being taken away from your family, friends, job and everything you love. Cassidy Long knew how it felt and was trying to make the best of it. Never mind that she had been rescued from a real live monster by the most gorgeous man she had ever seen.That man literally swept her off her feet and brought her to his world to protect her. After a few days of frustration and little to do, Cassidy finds the courage and energy to stand up to Rail and his brothers, trying to convince them she can help them in their search for others like them. As she finds her voice, she finds love in Rail , the fallen angel who's soul she holds. Will their love get them through the terror they will face together? Will their love endure all the dark secrets Rail keeps from Cassidy?
I could not put this book down! The story was so well written that I found my self laughing, sobbing, cursing and holding my breath (and that was in just one chapter). Three cheers for T.W. Knight. You have written one of the best books I've ever read! Please don't make us wait too long for book 2!

Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky. 

To Buy Under the Western Sky

Review of Under the Western Sky

Bobby Menendez has it tough, he is a Mexican teenager in a small town that has more than its share of racial tension. On top of that, he is dating Libby Marshal, a blond hair blue eyed white girl. This doesn't go unnoticed by the local bigots who are determined to make Bobby's life and everyone he loves, hell. Betrayed by his best friend, Bobby is left to face his enemies on his own all the while trying to protect Libby.

A plan is hatched and traitors close in on all sides while unlikely allies appear to fight at Bobby's side. Secrets are exposed and the people Bobby thought he knew, reveal their true nature. In an effort to protect themselves and preserve their "perfect" town, it is decided Bobby must die. This is when all hell breaks loose!

Under the Western Sky is a story that could have easily been ripped from today's headlines only it takes place in the 1970's. I could almost hear the hiss from the turntable as the Santana record played while Bobby and Libby danced together. Dellani Oakes does an awesome job at depicting the era as well as the issues that plagued that period.

Under the Western Sky is filled with action, romance and suspense which will leave readers glued to the pages or eReader which ever you prefer. I give it 5 stars.

To Ends of the Earth: High Plains to Patagonia by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

On the road to seek work in the cotton fields of Texas, an old Ford Model T truck breaks down and forces a change of destination that ultimately leads the protagonists to the Argentine Patagonia. Follow the anecdote-driven story of a devoted couple who spent their childhood in the U.S. Southwest during the Great Depression, met and married during World War II, and together undertook a lifelong journey of adventure and service. 

To Buy To the Ends of the Earth

Review of To the Ends of the Earth by Nelda B. Gaydou

Stories of lives well lived is the way that you can summarize the book. To do so would rob you of the intriguing vignettes that dot the landscape as the author shares the trials and travails of the Bedford family from the United States southwest to the Argentine Patagonia at the bottom of the world. Along the way the author sprinkles history in such a captivating way that the reader is seeing the events play themselves out and learning of the interlocking world in which we live without even realizing it.

To the Ends of the Earth: High Plains to Patagonia by Nelda B. Gaydou is the story of a period in American religious history which transformed the evangelical world. It is the story of two people who met, fell in love, responded to God’s call, moved to South America, raised a family, and in between impacted countless lives. This is a story as only an MK (missionary kid) can tell it with love and deep insight into the relationships that brought about the events as nothing else could have done. Although on the surface this is a chronology of a family and their ministry, first in the United States and later in Argentina, in reality it is the story of the love that develops between people as they get to know each other, and, in spite of the differences of language and culture, how that love can transform them and the world around them.

Cross-Ties by Carolyn Bowen

Leah was a rebel. She chose to live her life outside the constraints of 19th century English society. She rebuked any parental control and choose to decide her own fate. From England to the Caribbean and then frontier America, she was loved by family and friends yet still had enemies. Sailing the seas with pirates lurking about helped chisel her character as she created a life of her own near the sea.

Explore the scenic countries with Leah and learn of the native cultures and taste their delicacies. As a mixed race female, she placed prejudices under her feet and learned to recognize and accept love even if it was against the law. 

To Buy Cross-Ties

Review of Cross-Ties

Wow, what an adventure! Admittedly, I’m usually not a big fan of these kinds of books (I tend to stick to the sci-fi and romance genres) but I decided to give “Cross-Ties” a chance and go into the read with an open mind, and I must say that it turned out to be a great decision. I could see early on, within the first few chapters, that the author is truly talented when it comes to weaving words into stories. The prose flows in a very smooth manner while conveying everything in very vivid way – I personally found it easy to visualize many of the scenes and also empathize and understand the feelings of Leah, the protagonist. I highly recommend ‘Cross-Ties’ to readers looking for a genuinely immersive and adventurous read. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases by Carolyn M. Bowen.

Stealing Dallas - Book 2 The Search and Seek Series by Amanda Mackey

Fresh out of a stint in prison, Jagger Reed wants his life back… Finally released from prison after serving only eighteen months of a twenty-year sentence, Jagger is excited to reunite with his disabled brother Dallas. With the help of Rosalind McAllister, the creative writing teacher at the prison, Jagger was given a full pardon and legal guardianship of his brother. The fight to get his old life back has just begun… When Jagger and Rose arrive to pick up Dallas from his temporary foster parent, Lena Radcliffe, they are horrified to discover she has moved out with no known address. Worried that his brother may be in danger, they enlist the help of the local police who discover Lena in Great Falls, Montana. Rose vows to help Jagger reunite with his brother. Jagger is out for blood, and heaven help anyone who stands in his way… Live or die, Jagger will find his brother so they can start fresh. But there’s more to Lena Radcliffe than meets the eye, and suddenly Jagger and Rose are in over their heads. They’re in the middle of something much bigger and more dangerous than a family dispute. The clock is ticking, and they’re running out of time to figure out Lena’s motive for… Stealing Dallas 

To Buy Stealing Dallas

Review of Stealing Dallas

This is the second book that I've read by this author and it is book two of two. I immediately jumped into reading this book, so my reviews are back to back. Which is why I worded it a little funny. I highly recommend these books! Thank you blind date for hooking me up with another great author and books! Since I try my hardest, not to do spoilers, this will be a short review! This book picks up where the first book, Defending Jagger, left off. It is fast-paced, hold on to the edge of your seat, secrets are going to hit you, a who can you trust, emotional roller-coaster! So pick it up and be prepared not to move, until the ride is over!

The Best Medicine by Dellani Oakes – Part 13

When she wakes the next morning, Tanya finds that Morgan has made her breakfast of French Puffs from her grandmother's recipe.

"How on earth did you even find it? I'd never have seen it there!"

"I was checking everywhere I could think of for flour. The color caught my eye." The recipe card had bright blue border.

Impulsively, Tanya kissed his cheek and hugged him. "Thanks, Morgan! This means so much to me, I can't even begin to tell you!" She sniffled, rubbing her tears away with the heels of her hands.

Morgan took her hands down and handed her a napkin. He kissed the top of her head as he stood up to clear the dishes.

"Want a shower before we go?"

"Go where?" She sniffled again, but couldn't help being curious.

"It's a surprise. But dress warm, it's chilly and we're going to be outside."

She finished her coffee and dashed upstairs to find a clean pair of jeans and a sweater. She was dressed and ready to go in less than twenty minutes. Sliding down the lower part of the banister, she hopped off onto the floor, nearly colliding with Morgan who was coming around the corner from the living room.

"Whoa! You about gave me a heart attack! I guess you're ready, I was coming to see."

"All set! Do you need to change?"

"I keep some spare clothing in the car. Working the hours we do, I never know when I'm going to be called for an extra shift."

Tanya understood, she had done the same thing herself, since her internship. By habit, she took her keys and held them in her right hand while she grabbed her purse and sunglasses. She tossed a jacket over her arm and followed Morgan out of the house. She made sure she had her keys in her hand, then locked the door and pulled it shut. He stood watching her, chuckling.

"Okay, Miss OCD, are you ready now?"

"That's Doctor OCD, I'll have you remember. Yes, I am."

They walked to the car and he got her settled before he sat shut the door and went to the driver's side. He tapped the screen of an iPod.

"It's the one thing I added to this beauty. It wasn't even new enough to have a tape player, but I have to have my tunes when I drive. It helps me unwind."

He started the car and the music started to play as he pulled out of the driveway. They drove in silence for a few moments and Tanya listened to the music wind around her head. It was a blend of Southern Rock and Blues that she found very appealing.

"I love this, what is it?"

"Gov't Mule," Morgan replied as he eased onto the interstate. "Great, aren't they?" He pulled into the right lane and got up to highway speed. "In about twenty minutes we will near our destination! This is too cool. I couldn't have planned this well—ever. I just love coincidence, don't you?"

"Coincidence? How so?"

"That I'd meet you, you'd go all wobbly and faint, and that I would invite you to dinner the day before an incredible event! You're going to love this, and I'm not saying any more about it. It's a surprise."

She giggled at his enthusiasm. "You're just like a little kid, you know that?"

Morgan laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Not in everything, I hope."

Tanya flushed slightly, remembering the night before. "No, not everything. But in your enthusiasm, and how excited you get about things. You were so proud of those French Puffs and now this. It's fun watching you."

"You should enjoy life more, Tanya. You've deprived yourself of too much. First you married a jerk, pardon me for saying so. Then you locked yourself away in a dark room with pictures of other people's pain. You need to get out and be happy, let joy wash over you for a change, not despair!" He gestured wildly with one hand as he drove with the other.

"Okay, okay, I get the point, Doctor. I'll take your advice."

"Not advice, it's doctor's orders. You will enjoy yourself today, are we clear on that?"

"Yes, Doctor. And will I get to enjoy you later?" She winked wickedly at him, licking her lips.

"I certainly hope so! I look forward to that as the climax of the day's events, saucy pun intended."

He zipped off the interstate and turned left, heading out into the country. Farms flashed by, along with the occasional tattered billboard. After a few miles, he slowed and pulled off the road onto a gravel track that wasn't more than one car width wide.

"Almost there!" He glanced at his watch. "We're right on time."

They pulled up into an area that had been cleared of trees and covered in gravel. The narrow, gravel road continued curving back further into the woods. Morgan opened the door and grabbed her hand as soon as she was out of the car. They passed what looked like a log hunting lodge, following a rough path down into a shallow valley. She could hear water running nearby and wasn't surprised to step into another clearing by a river. There was a small dock in front of a massive log building. The sign over the door said, Bide a Wee Inn.

Morgan passed the inn and walked purposefully down to the dock. He stepped into a small motor boat near the dock and helped Tanya get in and settled before untying it. They set off across the river to an island. There was another channel on the other side and it looked as if the water ran a lot harder over there. Tanya was glad they weren't braving that in this tiny, aluminum creature. It didn't seem substantial enough for a white water ride.

© 2020 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani's Books

Baubles and Beads – Copper River Book 5 by Cherime MacFarlane

NUMBER 1 Listopia's Books Where The Hero & Heroine Get Married/Engaged

Della Street Jones is everyone’s ‘good little girl’ and is tired of the label. Munk Riley is the skinny little thief she shared her lunch with until the family left the Copper Basin. Riley, caught by the Jones family, is given a chance to redeem himself and earns a diesel mechanic certification.

Munk wants to marry Della and have all the things denied him growing up the only child of an alcoholic mother.

Taking a job without telling her, causes a blow out between them. Embarrassed, Della takes a live-in position at a remote lodge. There she finds something that causes her to send an SOS to her family to get her out. Munk will do anything to get Della home. But does Della belong where everyone else thinks she does? Can they get out without waking the man who controls the underbelly of Alaska? 

To Buy Baubles & Beads

Review of Baubles & Beads

An enjoyable read. Recommend!

This was a very enjoyable read. One of the things I like is reading about areas and peoples that I don't know much about. Baubles and Beads allows me to do that with the story centred on backwoods Alaska and the Athabascan natives of Alaska. The Athabascans have issues with alcoholism, drug abuse, unemployment, discrimination and harassment of their traditional pursuits. Yet, there is still a strong, unyielding, hierarchical control from the elders of the community. In this story, "good girl" Della Jones, just wants to shed her image and make some decisions for herself, before she is too old. She is in love with Munk, a boy who came up the hard way, but is now reformed. Della gets a summer job in an exclusive lodge and finds herself in a mess of trouble over a lost USB drive. It is Munk and his rather tough friends to the rescue. This was a fun, enjoyable read and taught me something about the native Alaskans, which is always a good thing. A sweet, romance with a bit of action/adventure thrown in. Definitely recommend this one.