Dear Winter, nobody wants you around anymore...

All in favor of kicking Mother Nature in her arse, click like! And while we're at it, give Old Man Winter a karate chop in the throat...

I promise, this has been like the longest, coldest winter ever...

Literary Jewels: Introducing J.L. Sapphire

Author Bio: 

Joyce L. Thomas, also known by her pen name J.L. Sapphire, is a self-publisher and the founder of Lady Virgo Publications. She was born and raised in Arkansas and she still lives there with her husband and two children.

As a single mother for many years, her love of writing took a backseat to parenthood but she continued writing short stories, hoping one day she would be able to publish them. She released her first novella, My Secret Life: Confessions of a Housewife, in May 2014 to rave reviews, where it reached #2 in the the Best Sellers category of African American Erotica and #3 in the Contemporary Urban Fiction category. Her novel Two Can Play That Game was published June 27, 2014 and spent 3 consecutive days at #1 in the Best Sellers category for Contemporary Urban Fiction. Her other titles include Masquerade-Nina's Revenge and What My Wife Didn't Know, an e-short story.

Writing is Joyce's version of Calgon, by locking herself in her room, she can get away from everything & everybody (at least for a little while) and lose herself in the lives of the characters she creates. 

Click link for more on this author>>>> http://literaryjewels.tumblr.com/post/111376952445/introducing-j-l-sapphire

Author Speaks Interview...

Check out my Author Speaks interview with Mz. Jetson...

AUTHOR ♥ SPEAKS

Q01. What inspired you to write All Bets Are Off?
Last year, I wrote a book called Two Can Play That Game. It was meant to be a stand alone title, because I’m not a fan or writing series/sequels. However, I realized I left the ending of that book open…that there could be more to the story; and I had readers ask for a sequel, so I wrote All Bet’s Are Off..the sequel to Two Can Play That Game. It picks up where that book left off.

Q02. How did you come up with the title and storyline?
As I mentioned above, the storyline was a continuation of Two Can Play That Game. I came up with the title because, when people say ‘all bets are off’ that means, there is a game changer…anything can happen; and that’s definitely the case with this book. Readers may think they know what’s going to happen, but there are a few twists and turns that they won’t see coming.

Q03. Is this a standalone novel or apart of a series?
This book can be a stand alone novel; but to fully understand the concept, it’s best to read Two Can Play That Game, first.

Q04. Tell us a little about the main character(s)?
Derek Washington- he’s kind of a hopeless romantic and the younger brother of Gavin (from Two Can Play…) he fell in love with Gavin’s girlfriend, Mya. He’s a good guy who wants to find love and he found it; unfortunately, she happened to be dating his brother in the first book. In All Bets Are Off, he and Mya are now married and living happily ever after.

Mya- Derek’s wife. She had always been unlucky in love, but she’s finally found ‘the one’ in Derek. She’s been hurt a lot in the past, so she has some insecurities, which readers will see.

Jasmine- Derek discovered her at an open mic talent show in Two Can Play…he got her signed to the record label he works at, now she’s one of the hottest female artists in the game. She can have any man she wants…the thing is, she wants Derek, her mentor. But she’ll get him over Mya’s dead body!

Q05. Do you think the cover art of your e-book/novel will persuade readers to read the story inside?
Yes, I do. I feel my illustrator perfectly combined the synopsis of the book with the characters and made it very interesting for readers to be curious enough to want to read.

Q06. How much of the book is realistic?
I would say 100% of it is realistic, especially in this day and time, when people will go to any extreme lengths to get who/what they want, which is what is going to happen in this novel. I read a lot of news stories and as shocking and sad as some of them are, nothing really surprises me…people don’t surprise me anymore.

Q07. Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
No…not this time. Most of my books usually are about some of my own personal experiences, or based on people I know, but not this time. When I love, I love hard…however, I’ve never gone to the lengths these girls are going through, just to get a man…it’s not that serious. LOL! But it can happen…

Q08. What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Other than trying to accurately write this book, to coincide with Two Can Play. I didn’t have any real issues. That’s why I don’t care for sequels, you have to remember everything you wrote in the first one (names, events, dates) because readers pay attention to that and remember all of it. There are a couple of scenes that get a little violent (for me) but I felt were necessary to the story line, though.

Q09. Is there a message in your e-book/novel that you want your readers to grasp?
Yes, definitely. I write most of my book with the intent to have the readers learn something from it. There are several messages in this one that I hope people can read and realize that there are consequences to our actions…even when you move on and you think things are great…the past is always lurking to slap you in the face when you least expect it.

Q10. Is there anything else you would like your/the readers to know about All Bets Are Off?
Only that I hope they enjoy it…and please leave a review after they finish reading. Those reviews really help authors more than they know.

Q11. Where can readers purchase your e-book/novel?
All Bets Are Off can be purchased on both Kindle and Paperback at: Amazon.Com.

1-CLICK – CONTACT THE AUTHOR – SPEAK TODAY!

Fifty Shades of Grey Movie Review...

**Contains Spoilers**

So, I know critics have been slamming E.L. James, her books, and this movie, for quite some time now. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the literary world has drilled it in our heads that it was horribly written, while the BDSM community slammed it for not really being BDSM, but more like a watered down version of it. Then, when it was announced that the actors pictured above would be portraying Christian & Ana, the world (myself included) threw a hissy fit. I mean, he is absolutely NOT the Christian Grey I pictured in my mind while I was reading...the Christian whose gaze into your eyes alone, would have you rushing to the ladies room to change into a fresh pair of panties. I, for one, didn't miss an opportunity to comment on every social media site I saw, that I was NOT happy with the choice for Christian, while other's reiterated how Ana looked much older than she was described in the book.

Once I got to the theater yesterday, I already had my arms folded, my nose turned up, and my lips pouted... before the opening credits even got started good, anticipating that I was going to HATE this movie, if not for the mere fact that Ian Somerhalder (Damon from The Vampire Diaries) wasn't who I was going to see on the big screen, playing the role of Christian Grey. Prior to seeing the movie, I thought Jamie kind of looked like a bug, of some sort; but boy, did he change my mind. As the movie went on, I found my body relaxing, and my pout turning into a smile. Not only did he do really well in the role, the rumors that I'd heard about him and Dakota having absolutely no chemistry onscreen, were false. They interacted really well together, and they damn sure had me believing they enjoyed every last one of those sex scenes. (sidenote- I know Ana was a virgin prior to Christian turning her out, but I did NOT enjoy seeing that big bush between her legs...like, give that girl a razor, some Nair bikini cream, or something...geez)  Also, there were several funny scenes, such as Ana getting a tad bit tipsy at the party and drunk-calling Christian; and the fact that she was using a flip phone in this day and time, was hilarious in itself. I didn't know they even still made flip phones...

Now, Jamie still can't hold a candle to Ian (who just oozes sex appeal out of every pore of his body) but in his own right, he was very sexy. No, his gaze didn't have me squirming in my seat, but that scene where his jeans hung low on his hips and we saw his V, had me mentally saying, "DAMMNNNNN!!! Okay, I see you, Jamie," and a few other inappropriate thoughts that I kept to myself because the hubby was sitting beside me. He has a body-ody-ody on him. For the record, none of the characters looked as glamorous as the books made them seem, and I literally cringed when Rita Ora finally appeared onscreen and she was sporting that awful bob wig, which makes her look like a man. But the supporting characters aren't the reason we wanted to see this movie, anyway. I do have to say, the movie did stick to the book more than I thought it would. The sex scenes weren't as graphic as the books described, but they were tastefully and sensually done, and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the movie a lot more than I thought I would.

This is why I don't pay attention to critics and negative reviewers...because most of them are prudish haters.. ( #NoShade, Lisa Wilkinson). And let me just make this disclaimer: This movie is not about, nor does it promote domestic violence, so please stop comparing it as such. For women- such as myself- who have suffered physical abuse from a man, this is nowhere close to domestic violence. If you haven't read the books, and are only going off the words of E.L. Jame's haters, I can see how you'd think that...but Christian never abuses Ana in any way. He's introduced her to his different lifestyle, and ASKED her repeatedly if she wanted to be a part of it. He let HER make the decisions as to what she would or would not allow (such as their business meeting to discuss his contract) sexually, and otherwise, and if anything, she exercises more control over him, then he does her..but unless you've read the books, you won't know that.

I'm trying not to include too many spoilers, for those who still haven't made up your minds to watch, but overall, I'll give this movie a solid 7.5 out of 10. I took some points away because of that damn flip phone, Ana's wild punany bush, and the fact that I didn't see Jamie naked more. LOL! Congrats to E.L. James on her accomplishment. I'm sure she's having the last laugh right about now, because while her legions of haters (again, #noshade Lisa) are still trashing her and her books, I'm sure she's not bothered in the least bit. She's totally winning, right now. I look forward to part 2!

Hollywood stays throwing shade at the big girls...

So, a few weeks ago, I got up around 6 a.m. to get the kids ready for school. I turned the tv on to TVOne as I do every morning- hoping to catch Eve's old sitcom that used to come on, which I somehow missed back when it was on tv- only to find that Eve had been replaced with The Parkers. I used to love this show too, back in the 90's, so all was well. However, after only a few minutes into the episode, I became totally disgusted...with Nikki Parker. I rolled my eyes so many times, I'm surprised they didn't get stuck as I watched her throw herself at Professor Ogelvee, over and over, while he pushed her away (sometimes literally), and looked and acted as if he couldn't stand the site of her. Yet, no matter how many times,or in how many ways, he told her he didn't want her ass, she kept going back for more.

I literally wanted to jump through the tv, and slap some sense into her while yelling, "Girrrllll...THE MAN DON'T WANT YOU!!!! Have some self-respect about yourself." It's weird that what I used to think was funny so many years ago when I was a teenager, now makes me shake my head in shame and embarrassment. She was breaking into this man's house, fighting every woman (who all happened to be skinny and beautiful) that Stanley- who really wasn't all that to me- started dating...just straight up stalking the man, and it's truly pathetic watching this show now, but there's not a lot on worth watching at 6 in the morning.

Nikki reminds me of so many women I know, who allow horrible treatment from men, just hoping that one day, he'll come to his senses and love her back; or, he'll get jealous when she finds someone else to stalk, I mean love, and she's no longer kissing his ass anymore. Such as the time when Nikki started dating another guy, who I think initially only got with her as a joke or a bet between him and The Professor (again as if the big girls can't possibly get a man to want her unless some type of trickery is involved) but then decided that he really liked her, so she started ignoring Stannnnnley, and only then did he realize that he was in love with her. And in typical fashion, once she broke things off with a man who seemingly adored her, and the professor had her attention focused back on him, he quickly realized it was all a mistake, and he went back to treating her like the annoying crap on the bottom of his shoe...and she willingly allowed herself to act as his own personal doormat to wipe it off on, and keep going. In the end- I mean the very end of the series- the professor finally falls in love with Nikki. It's all quite sad, actually! After years of stalking him, she got her man...and all she had to do was demean, embarrass herself repeatedly, and let him tear her down- destroying any ounce of self-esteem she had- to get him. So, what did she really win??
I mean, I get it! Growing up, I had a low self-esteem too, and I know how it feels to love someone who doesn't love you back, because I've been there...more times than I care to admit. The only difference was, I refused to beg any man to love me or be with me. Hell to the nah.. there are just too many fish in the fishbowl to be doing all that. When my first love up and decided that he didn't want me anymore, as much as it hurt, mentally, I threw him the deuces, and moved on...at least out in public. Now, at home, I cried my eyes out while hoping he'd realize he was being a damn fool and come back to me...but he didn't know that; and we never got back together, THANK GOD! Like Judge Toler on Divorce Court says, "Never let a man tell you he don't want you more than once!" I wish someone had told Nikki Parker that, because I literally cringe every time I hear her say, "Heeeyyyyy Professor Ogelvee!" and I can only shake my head in embarrassment FOR HER when he does any and everything he can do to avoid her at all costs.  Like...it's not funny anymore. 

So in my Carrie Bradshaw voice, I can't help but wonder...why does the big woman always have to play the lonely, insecure, desperate roles on tv shows and movies? If she's not begging some man to love her, she's being portrayed as the funny side-kick (i.e.Nikki's homegirl, Andele and her daughter, the ever delusional, so-dumb-it's-not-even-funny, Kim). 

It's like Hollywood has decided that a woman of a certain size, can't be the smart, sexy, confident woman who won't take crap from a man, and who won't hesitate to get his ass in check (i.e Gabrielle Union or Vivica Fox) Nope, the bigger women are only there to provide the comic relief. For instance, in one of my favorite old romantic comedies, Two Can Play That Game, once again, Mo'Nique is there to provide the laughs, while her three friends stand by and throw shade on the sly (remember the scene in the dress shop when Mo'Nique jokes about being in the skinny girl store and she'd have to sew two dresses together just to be able to fit into one). Whhyyyyy??? Was it too far-fetched to think that she and Vivica could have exchanged roles? Then, you have Melissa McCarthy. I'm not a fan of hers, but I do keep up with my movies, and I know that she's another big girl that the pimps that be in Hollywood, love to exploit. She get's roles like, Tammy (even the previews looks bad) and the lone big girlfriend in Bridesmaids; or Jill Scott (who I love) but I was soooo mad at Tyler Perry for the sad, sappy way she was portrayed in Why Did I Get Married- when her douchebag of a husband was cheating on her with a much younger, prettier, and skinner woman- and cracked jokes about her weight when she tried to surprise him with the lingerie...stuff like that irks the hell out of me. 

Don't get it twisted, smaller women have just as many issues, and some have an even lower self-esteem, than us big girls, so Hollywood, pleeasssseeee stop trying to make it seem like, as long as you're a size two, you'll float through life, totally unbothered when it comes to love and relationships, because that is a big load of you know what. Don't believe me? Well, let's discuss. I love me some Halle Berrrryyyyy, Halle Berry (Hurricane Chris voice) she's still a bad mama jama; however, as beautiful and petite as she is, that girl has the absolute WORSE taste and luck with men. Need I mention that Jennifer Aniston- America's sweetheart- let Angelina straight snatch her husband, and she still hasn't gotten over it. I mean sure, I hear she has a man these days, but who can really replace Brad Pitt??? Exactly! Then there's J. Lo. Nobody can hold a candle to this chick with her big big booty, what you got a big booty (that song is growing on me), but she's looking for husband #4, "allegedly" according to Wendy Williams. As successful and beautiful as these women are, they can't get and/or keep a man for very long either, so please STOP in the name of love, with this notion that big girls are the only women having a hard time with the fellas. 

Unfortunately, I've typed all of this in vain, because my thick sista's seem to by type-casted... anybody over a size 10 are only allowed certain roles, and will always be viewed as less beautiful and desirable, compared to their perfect size 6 counterparts. If Hollywood wasn't stuck back in the old days, the powers that be would know that these days, most men like women with a little meat on their bones; thickness and big ol' butts are in style now (and not just for Black women) and not every man wants a skinny stick figure barbie doll (Meghan Trainor's words, not mine) Oh wait, I'd better retract that last line, because I hear Meghan is catching hell for this song. She's embracing her curves, and people don't like it...go figure. So, let me get this straight- we're supposed to be fat, lonely, and depressed...not voluptuous, beautiful, sexy, and confident, so that skinny women can feel better about themselves? Girl BYE!! A'int nobody got time for that!!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

All Bets Are Off

by J.L. Sapphire

Giveaway ends February 18, 2015.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Shortie: Cupid's Cameo

Got fifteen minutes? Click the link below to read this short story...

http://jlsapphire.blogspot.com/p/shorties-short-stories.html

Coming Soon...

Read the synopsis to the novella, 

Masquerade 2: 

Consequences & Repercussions... 

coming March 2015

All that glitters, definitely ain't gold...

Synopsis: 

Christian had no idea when he met Camille, that she was really his father’s ex-wife, Nina, but after finding out that she’d lied to him about who she was, in addition to finding out that she was cheating on him- ironically, with his father- he snapped. The betrayal from both Nina and Braxton was too much, causing him to shoot his father, nearly killing him.

Fast forward a few years, and Christian has been granted early parole from prison. While on lockdown, he’d shut himself off to everyone on the outside -except his mother- and vowed to never acknowledge or speak to his father, Braxton, again…after all, it was Braxton’s lies and betrayal that set off the spiral of events that landed him in prison anyway. The years in prison have hardened Christian- turning him into a bitter and heartless man- and even though he now has his freedom back, he’s hell bent on getting even with both Braxton and Nina. 

After overseeing a violent attack on his father, which left him once again, fighting for his life, he now focuses his attention on Nina. Hiding behind a fake online identity, he stalks her from a distance until he’s ready to exact his, well thought out revenge plot on his former love. Revenge is sweet, indeed…but in this case, it can also be deadly.