• Contemporary,  What's for Dinner

    What Sherry Evans eats for dinner, from Coming Home: Caveman Creek 2 by Pia Manning @ piamanning3 #RLFblog #romance

    What Sherry Evans eats for dinner, from Coming Home: Caveman Creek 2 by Pia Manning @ piamanning3 #RLFblog #romanceIn Pia Manning’s new menage romance, teacher Sherry Evans want to open a daycare with help from builders Chris, Matt and Eric. But the men’s old girlfriend wants them back and Sherry gone. Can Sherry love three men and build her dream?

    Pia, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

    Coming Home by Pia Manning

    Contemporary

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): X

    Bounced around from place to place as a child, Sherry Evans is seeking a town to call home. She also needs an affordable place to realize her dream of opening a daycare center. What Sherry is not seeking is a romance. But Matt Bauer, Chris Carter and Eric Simmons have other ideas. The men, building contractors, own and operate MCE Construction in Pinecone Creek, Wisconsin. When they meet Sherry, they know she’s the woman they’ve been waiting for. They are more than willing to renovate a building for her daycare – as long as it’s in Pinecone Creek. The men agree that they want a lasting relationship with Sherry and plan a campaign to convince her that they are the only guys for her. But an old girlfriend has other ideas. She wants her men back and Sherry gone. How far will she go to destroy Sherry’s dreams? Can Matt, Chris and Eric convince Sherry to love three men?

    Let’s chat about what to eat

    First, what is your name and how old are you?

    Thank you for having me today. I’m Sherry and I’m twenty-one.

    What is your favorite meal?

    I’d have to say spaghetti and meatballs, but Friday night fish fry with French fries and cheese curds – your basic Wisconsin bar food – runs a close second. Pork chops will make the list once Matt learns to cook them, lol.

    If any, what food do you refuse to eat?

    I’m not fond of broccoli or brussels sprouts.

    What is the worst meal you’ve ever eaten?

    We moved around a bunch when I was a kid, and sometimes the apartments left a lot to be desired. I remember one in particular – whenever it rained, the light fixtures filled with water. We were always afraid to flip any switches or turn anything on. We ate a lot of bologna sandwiches in the dark for a couple of years. I still can’t deal with bologna.

    What is the best meal you’ve ever eaten?

    Definitely spaghetti and meatballs. I do love pasta, but it’s the first meal my husbands cooked for me. Afterwards, they proposed! It’s an evening, and meal, that I will never forget.

    If you cook, what kind of food do you like to prepare?

    If I opened a diner, I’d call it the ‘Comfort Food Café.’ I love making soups, stews and slow cooker meals. Nothing fancy, just good solid fill-you-up food.

    How much coffee or tea do you drink?

    I love coffee. Flavored coffees are okay, but just regular old joe tastes the best! I’m good for six to eight cups a day.

    Who are your favorite people to share meals with?

    I love coming home to dinner and sharing my day with my husbands! You know, sitting around the table, twirling that spaghetti, and simply talking about what’s happened – laughing, joking and sometimes crying. It comes down to sharing your experiences with those that love you most.

    Tell us what your author eats or drinks while writing about you.

    Pia drinks coffee too, and has quite the chocolate habit!

    If your author has a pet, what does she feed the animal?

    Pia gives them anything they want, lol. Seriously, she spoils them a bit! Blondie the dog gets a biscuit per day with peanut butter on it, and a combo of dry and canned food for dinner. The cats get some canned food in the morning, and dry food after that. Oh, and as Gus is still less than a year old, he still eats kitten food!

    Where to buy Coming Home: Caveman Creek 2

    Publisher SirenBookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/book/coming-home-mfmm

    Pia Manning Social Media

    Website https://www.piamanning.com
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71
    Amazon Author page https://www.amazon.com/Pia-Manning/e/B08WYTXRZM

  • Cancer Awareness

    “Blah blah CANCER blah blah” by Pia Manning, author of Finding Home @PiaManning #RLFblog #CancerAwareness

    Welcome to day one of Cancer Awareness posts for 2021 on RLFblog. Today’s guest is Pia Manning.


    "Blah blah CANCER blah blah" by  Pia Manning, author of Finding Home @PiaManning #RLFblog #CancerAwarenessIn 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A routine mammogram found my tumor in the early stages of its development – well before I knew the little bastard had taken up residence in my breast.

    My experience with cancer is not as gut wrenching and difficult as many other women’s. I was lucky. That said, ‘You have cancer’ ranks right up there on the list of horrible things one can hear. I hope none of you have to sit in a cold, white room and listen to those words…

    ####

    His thumb drew circles on the back of my hand. He squeezed my cold fingers. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it,” he reassured me.

    I nodded, not really listening.

    Two soft knocks announced the arrival of the man in the white coat. Let the show begin.

    He leaned against the door and shuffled his feet. His hands clutched a clipboard fat with paperwork. My biopsy and lab results, I presumed. His gaze swept the room, and he made no move to come any closer. I wondered why he stayed beside the door -maybe so he could duck out in a hurry. Not the kind of behavior I expected from someone who delivered the results of life changing pathology reports every day. You’d think he’d be used to tears by now.

    “I have some very bad news, and then some very good news.” The surgeon pushed away from the door and sat down. “You have breast cancer.”

    My husband’s grip tightened and he shifted towards me.

    I stared at a point in space, not focused on anything. Air molecules maybe.

    The doctor then explained the good news. My prognosis: merry and bright. The mammogram had detected my tumor before it had a chance to spread. I was one of the fortunate ones; I’d need a minimal amount of medical intervention.

    I didn’t hear any of it. I never got past, “You have breast cancer.” They tell me that’s a very normal response. They told me a lot of things.

    There are things they didn’t tell me about. Like the tidal wave of anger that swamped me. Not simply a passing emotion, my anger burned brightly for a long time-the kind of fury that keeps one warm at night. This was especially true when, two years later, the man holding my hand that awful day received a cancer diagnosis of his own.

    They didn’t prepare me for the isolation cancer imposes. Other people’s reactions proved to be an interesting study in human behavior. Some simply didn’t know what to say. Uncomfortable, they avoided me. For others, I represented their worst nightmare. Oh! She has cancer! Run! ‘It’s not contagious!’ I wanted to yell. But it didn’t matter.

    My husband and our offspring struggled to support me. Desperate to help me carry the emotional load, they asked, “What can we do? What do you need?” The truth? I didn’t know. While contemplating your own mortality the realization hits that you might lose everything: sunsets, macaroni and cheese and everyone you love. Priorities shift and change. Your world spins on a different axis. That’s a hell of a lot to work through. Lost, I didn’t know how to help them, help me. I will never fully understand how hard they fought to strengthen our bonds and keep our connections alive. I’m just grateful they did.

    My mom, also a cancer survivor, told me that in time I wouldn’t think about cancer every day. She also told me that day would be a long time coming.

    EPILOGUE

    My mom proved correct. I no longer check myself for lumps at stop signs and red lights. I’ve celebrated fourteen cancer free years, and I am grateful for each and every one. During those fourteen years our daughters and son have found their soul mates, and four grandchildren have entered the world. Finding my tumor early gave me those years.

    I worry about my daughters and this awful family legacy they’ve inherited. My mother-in-law, their other grandmother, is also a breast cancer survivor. While it’s true no one can predict with certainty whether they’ll become breast cancer patients too, their odds are certainly higher. At least they’re aware of the risk and have discussed their situations with their doctors.

    There are new treatments, drug and guidelines announced every few years. Also new in the field are better methods of early detection. Figuring out who needs what, when, gets confusing. Talk to your doctor.

    Mammograms save lives. I know. Mine was one of them.

    A mammogram only works if you get one! So, pick up the phone and make that appointment. Know someone else who also should pick up that phone? Hold their hand, nag, whatever you need to do…


    Can new vet Elizabeth Faulkner love two men? In Pia Manning’s new small town menage romance, Finding Home, she must decide if her heart will allow both Brent and Luke Callahan in.

    Pia, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We support all furbabies, real life or fictional. We want to know all about your Fiction Furbaby, but first, please tell us about Finding Home: Caveman Creek Bk 1.

    Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning

    Genre Contemporary, Small Town, Menage Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): NC 17-X

    Newly licensed vet Elizabeth Faulkner only needs two things: New clients for her practice and a decent place to live for herself and her disabled little sister. When her sister inherits an old farmhouse in Pinecone Creek, Wisconsin, Elizabeth thinks at least one wish has been granted. But a greedy land developer will stop at nothing to get her land, and her new clients Brent and Luke Callahan, are more interested in a relationship than her vet skills. Brent and Luke have waited years for their forever woman. They know their wait is over once they see Elizabeth. But can she love two men? Can Elizabeth provide a home for her sister before the little girl becomes lost in the foster system? Welcome to Caveman Creek where the men behave a little like Neanderthals when it comes to their women

    Where to buy Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Publisher SirenBookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/book/finding-home-mfm

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Caveman-Creek-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B096L94M5V

    Pia Manning Social Media

    I live in the northwoods territory of Wisconsin with my spousal unit, Blondie girl, and three spoiled felines. When not writing, I can be found dog walking, reading, playing Clash of Clans or crocheting.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71

     

  • Contemporary

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #Pets

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #PetsCan new vet Elizabeth Faulkner love two men? In Pia Manning’s new small town menage romance, Finding Home, she must decide if her heart will allow both Brent and Luke Callahan in.

    Pia, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We support all furbabies, real life or fictional. We want to know all about your Fiction Furbaby, but first, please tell us about Finding Home: Caveman Creek Bk 1.

    Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning

    Genre Contemporary, Small Town, Menage Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): NC 17-X

    Newly licensed vet Elizabeth Faulkner only needs two things: New clients for her practice and a decent place to live for herself and her disabled little sister. When her sister inherits an old farmhouse in Pinecone Creek, Wisconsin, Elizabeth thinks at least one wish has been granted. But a greedy land developer will stop at nothing to get her land, and her new clients Brent and Luke Callahan, are more interested in a relationship than her vet skills. Brent and Luke have waited years for their forever woman. They know their wait is over once they see Elizabeth. But can she love two men? Can Elizabeth provide a home for her sister before the little girl becomes lost in the foster system? Welcome to Caveman Creek where the men behave a little like Neanderthals when it comes to their women

    Meet Put Furbaby Cleo Book Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Full name: Cleo

    Nickname: n\a

    Gender: Female

    Species: Mix: German Shepherd/Yellow Lab

    Physical description: German Shepherd features with a yellow coat with black points

    Relationship to main character: Her furry friend

    Relationship to the villain/antagonist: none

    Where this furbaby came from: Cleo had been abandoned at a gas station. When Elizabeth stopped for gas, Cleo jumped into her truck

    Fiction Furbaby: Meet Cleo from Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1 by Pia Manning @PiaManning @RobsRescues #RLFblog #PetsWhat inspired you to create this character?

    I’ve worked with animal rescues in the past-I’ve done everything from washing pet blankets to grant writing. It never ceases to amaze me how dedicated rescue workers are. Elizabeth is a veterinarian, so naturally, she loves animals. She encounters Cleo at a gas station and is told the dog had been hanging around for a week, begging. It didn’t take her long to offer Cleo a home after that. While my furbabies are rescues, half are foundling rescues-they were abandoned and found their way to me. The other half are from humane societies.

    What does the main character think about this furbaby?

    Cleo is a trusted friend who rides shotgun to most farm calls with Elizabeth.

    What does this furbaby eat?

    Although Cleo eats kibbled dog food, she’s wouldn’t turn her nose up at table scraps.

    What is this furbaby’s natural habitat?

    Hmmmm, well they bonded over the front seat of Elizabeth’s truck, but Cleo also likes exploring anything outside and sleeping on the bed at night. At the end of the day, Cleo’s natural habitat is wherever Elizabeth happens to be.

    What does this furbaby add to the story?

    Joy and love. Cleo finds joy in almost everything. She loves to have her ears scratched, ride in the truck and explore old barns. (Oh the smells!) Even though she was abandoned, Cleo gives unconditional love to Elizabeth. Rescue dogs are big believers in second chances.

    About Blondie

    This post is called Fiction Furbaby, but perhaps your own pet does not have fur. If you have a pet that has fins, wings, scales, or other features, please tell us about them here.

    Which, if any of the pets in your writing are modeled after your own pets? In what way?

    In Finding Home, Cleo is modeled after my dog, Blondie. They could be twins they look so much alike! Blondie is a rescue from the local humane society. She had been passed around between different homes within the same family before someone decided they didn’t want her and brought her to the shelter. It took me thirty seconds to fall in love with her.

    What do your pets do when you are writing?

    Blondie likes to supervise her domain. This means going upstairs and laying down where she can see as much of the living area as possible. My cats like to lay on me somehow. Failing that, they’ll hang out on the back of whatever chair or couch I’m sitting on.

    What’s the most unusual pet you ever had?

    I’d have to say Mimi, the hedgehog.

    Where did you find your pet?

    Blondie was a humane society rescue, as was one of my cats. The other two cats were foundling rescues. Belle had taken refuge under some chairs on our deck. She was so sick that I didn’t know if she’d make it. Fortunately, we have a great vet! Frieda showed up during a snowstorm and decided to stick around.

    What do you feed your pet?

    The cats share a small can of cat food in the morning. They also have dry food available all day. Blondie has one biscuit after our morning walk, and then half a can of dog food mixed with two cups of dry. And we never (lol pfft) give her table scraps!

    Describe a toy or favorite item your pet loves.

    The cats love anything that moves. And boxes. Blondie has a big stuffed monkey that she carries around. She enjoys making it squeak.

    Where to buy Finding Home: Caveman Creek Book 1

    Publisher SirenBookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/book/finding-home-mfm

    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Caveman-Creek-Publishing-Menage-ebook/dp/B096L94M5V

    Pia Manning Social Media

    I live in the northwoods territory of Wisconsin with my spousal unit, Blondie girl, and three spoiled felines. When not writing, I can be found dog walking, reading, playing Clash of Clans or crocheting.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71

    Shout out to Rob’s Rescues – founded by a 9-year-old animal activist

    Rob’s Rescues is a non-profit organization in Georgia helping people in need care for and feed their pets. It was founded in 2014 by a then nine-year-old boy. Rob’s Rescues is dedicated to collecting pet food for people in need to reduce shelter surrenders, and to advocating for the adoption of shelter pets. Rob writes monthly articles advocating for shelter animals in the Around About Local Media magazine publications. His column was first published in 2014. He also has pet food collection sites for people in need in the community and interviews amazing people. His interviews appear online once they are published in his column.
    Rob volunteers for Pet Buddies Food Pantry, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and Cobb County Animal Control and collects pet food for these organizations and the communities they serve. He also wants to bring attention to smaller, rural shelters. Mostly he wants to get kids to be Rob’s Rangers to teach kids that they can help shelter animals. Rob has also talked to kids in a classroom setting.
    Rob’s Rescues is a Non-Profit Corporation and all donations are tax deductible.
    Website http://www.robsrescues.com/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/robsrescues/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RobsRescues

    Shout out to Stray Feral Rescue

    Stray Feral Rescue is a small volunteer feline foster and cat colony organization with 501c3 standing. They encourage spaying/neutering as well care for abandoned cats, and colonies of feral cats. They work in partnership with other rescue groups in NW Wisconsin and Minnesota. Their official mailing address is: 1360 Riviera Ave. S. Lakeland, MN 55043.

    https://strayferalrescue.org/aboutus.html

     

  • Book Release,  Science Fiction Romance

    Star Brides: Dept of Corrections by Pia Manning @piamanning3 #RLFblog #NewRelease #romance #SciFi

    Star Brides: Dept of Corrections by Pia Manning @piamanning3 #RLFblog #NewRelease #romance #SciFiPia Manning, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

    Star Brides: Dept of Corrections by Pia Manning

    Genre Erotic Romance, SciFi, Action/Adventure

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): NR

    Inmate 1640 would do anything to escape serving her long and well-deserved prison sentence. Anything. Including leaving Earth with Zuntx warrior Kadir, to serve as mate to him and the three other men of his unit.

    Janine Longo was sentenced to twenty years for beating a man who tried to cheat her. Sick of her trouble making ways, prison authorities gave Janine an opportunity to attend a Bridal Fair, find an alien husband and leave Earth. When the pool of available mates dwindles and the guards call her name, Janine hastily agrees to return to Zuntx with Kadir. Besides, if she doesn’t like Zuntx or the men, she can always wander away and blend in with the crowd. Right?

    Scarred and disfigured Kadir, is growing desperate. This is his third time as a Fair participant, and he doesn’t have the money to fund another attempt. So, when the woman in the orange jumpsuit agrees to accompany him, he accepts her offer.

    Shortly after landing on Zuntx, Janine meets the other men in Kadir’s unit: Tero, Kobak and Bakur. Together, they disembark and head for home. Problem is, the thriving bustling Zuntx that Kadir left behind is not the same place he returns to. Riot torn, the planet’s homeless men now wander aimlessly seeking food, shelter and women.

    This is not at all what Janine had in mind.

    Can Janine find redemption on Zuntx? Is this her second chance? Can she learn to love her men? All four? And what about Tero’s little ‘problem?’ Hmmm…

    Will life on Zuntx improve? Kadir has a plan…

    Why did you write this book?

    Kadir’s story kept nagging at me! I met him in Star Brides: Procured, when he was in a tough spot. His views of women and their capabilities needed to evolve. Janine’s not much of a rule follower. Her attitude has gotten her into trouble many times. She needs a second chance at redemption. So, I thought they’d be good for each other, and their journey a tale worth telling.

    What is your favorite genre to read?

    I love reading erotic romances, scifi/fantasy, mystery, suspense, and well, you get the idea!

    Who is your favorite character from fiction (not including your own)?

    I’d have to say Meg Corbyn from Anne Bishop’s The Others series. Bishop manages to weave the paranormal into the normal in such a way as to make it an accepted part of her character’s everyday life.

    What are you working on at the moment?

    Star Brides 4 looms on my horizon, as well as a paranormal/horror novel.

    What books will we see from you in coming months?

    Star Brides 4 will make an appearance in the next few months. I hope readers have enjoyed the Star Brides universe as much as I have enjoyed writing about its characters and their trials and tribulations finding true love. The as yet untitled para/horror novel will also find a release date.

    Where to buy Star Brides: Dept. of Corrections

    Publisher https://www.bookstrand.com/book/star-brides-dept-of-corrections-mfmmm
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KXRTG6/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-brides-pia-manning/1127259708?ean=9781640105911
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=pia+manning

    Pia Manning Social Media

    Pia Manning lives in the deep dark woods of northwest Wisconsin with her spousal unit, two spoiled dogs and three rotten cats. She writes cuz she has to. She writes for herself and all those who need some relief from the day to day, but can’t leave the room.
    Blog https://piamanning.wordpress.com/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Pia-Manning/e/B076PQM3SS/