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Monday, April 1, 2013

RIM's Review of Xxxpleasures: Seductive Bliss by Christopher Mainor

RIM's Review of 
XXX Pleasures Seductive Bliss 
by Christopher Mainor






Short stories of an animalistic and sometimes intimate craving are told between the pages of this novel. Each story has a setting that is easily realistic and believable. Scenes vary, from a business trip that has more pleasure than business, to the extreme night of hot uninterrupted phone sex that leads to an explosive climax.

As a reader you are lured in by the desires and details that the author provides about his unnamed characters. Before each story there is a visual aid that helps stimulate the reader for the ride they are about to embark upon.

Simple writing can take away from a great book at times and this is exactly what happens to this novel.  If the book had been written in a consistent voice more could have come from this read.
Grammar and other editorial mistakes did cause a distraction to the reader, but the overall purpose of the novel was shown through the reading between these hot and steamy sheets. 


Rated: 3 Stars
Rated By Patrice Grimball for Readers In Motion Bookclub











RIM's April Author of the Month- Tremayne Moore



RIM's April Author of the Month 


Tremayne Moore





1.     Tell us a little about yourself. 
      Well, I grew up a military brat (for the benefit of those who don’t know what that means, my father was in the military and I moved around a bit). When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a singer because my dad was a very good singer. My parents didn't want me going that route, so I decided to not pursue it. I still sing on the side from time to time. After graduating high school, I enlisted in the Air Force and after completing my 4 years I went to Florida A&M University and received my degree in Accounting.

2.     When and why did you begin writing? 
      I actually was a rapper before I became a writer. At the age of 12, a family member, who was focused on becoming a rapper, encouraged me to write as he worked on his own songs as a way to keep me out of his hair. While I felt rap was vulgar, I tried to blend in. Eventually, I stopped using offensive language and soon after, a close friend introduced me to poetry—that medium was more appealing to me and I embraced it. At this point, I was 16 years old.

3.     Can you share a little of your current work with us? Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
      My current work right now is my latest novel Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid. 

Here’s are two excerpts:

The first excerpt is the intro poem to the story:
Who will cry for the little child that lives inside of me?
Who will cry for the little child dying to be set free?
Who will cry for the little child wounded continuously?
I will cry for the little child, for that little child is Me!

The second excerpt comes near the end of the story:

 “Victims of any form of abuse need to know they are loved, especially if they've been abused as a child. No one is telling them that they're loved, and we as a society are punishing them, and no one is bringing out their God-given talents. Jesus loves even the abuser, and calls him or her to repent, and yes, He loves the abused. He wants to heal the abused, and He does so with love. If we're calling ourselves Christians, we need to LOVE them. The truth is that we don’t love them; we're punishing them, just because they don't meet our fleshly standards. We're killing them with our words, and this is why many abused people are leaning towards suicide. Yes, we're not perfect, but we've got to do better.  If you have been abused, regardless of what type it is, I know you probably feel that you don’t fit into society and no one hears your voice. You have many questions in your mind, such as, “Why did God allow this to happen to me? I thought He loved me?” It’s a mystery that we’ll never understand. Part of me believes that you went through what you did; not because He doesn’t love you, but you are the person who will be able to encourage and motivate someone to go forward with their life. The other reason is that we live in a fallen world, and we are suffering the effects of sin, which brings on every evil work.”

The message I want readers to grasp is this: 
      Don't let there be another Michael in your circle of influence. Someone you can help, someone that you can fight for or intervene for or advocate or speak up for. Many people pointed out that though people knew, no one really pursued criminal charges. This is actually a huge problem in South Africa right now. According to a Time article (March 11, 2013 – Oscar Pistorius & The Death of Reeva Steenkamp), rape is endemic. Two separate surveys of the rural Eastern Cape found that 27.6% of men admitted to being rapists and 46.3% of victims were under 16, 22.9% under 11 and 9.4% under 6--figures that accorded with the high proportion of attacks that occurred within families.

4.     What book are you reading now? 
      I’m currently reading Lies of My Father by Jane Ann Keil-Stevens

5.     Do you see writing as a career? 
      I do now, initially I didn’t.

6.     Who designed the covers? 
       All of my covers were designed by my editor’s husband Robert Charles (founder of ROC Studios International)

7.     What was the hardest part of writing your book? 
       Considering this book addresses child sexual abuse and teenage suicide, you would think writing the entire book would be hard. Writing about child sexual abuse wasn’t hard for me, because I’m a survivor of child sexual abuse and this story is reflective of my real-life abuse. The suicide note was the hardest part because I never experienced a suicide spell in my life. Of course, I would experience it about four months before submitting this book to my first editor. I went through a breakup of a friendship/relationship and I wanted to give up on life. I started writing e-mails for help and was getting rejected. Some would abandon their friendships with me, or tell me to deal with the feelings of suicide on my own.  As I was getting closer to submitting my novel to my editor a lot of those e-mails became my suicide note for the story - with few modifications. 

8.     Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? 
      I learned that many victims of abuse have to do rash things just to be heard. When we say that we’re hurting, we look for someone to ask, “What’s wrong?” What we get instead is finger pointing. Wounds such as domestic abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse don’t heal overnight. To me, speaking words without providing a sounding board isn’t helping abused people. Some are embarrassed that they even need help. We want to run and hide, because something like that is happening in our world. ClichĂ©s are dished out to the abused, because it makes us uncomfortable to get in the dirt and bear other people’s burdens.

9.     Do you have any advice for other writers? 
      Stay true to your writing and always write what you’re passionate about.

10.  Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? 
      First and foremost, thank you for supporting me. It’s my heart’s desire when I write, whether it be a poem or a novel, to cause people to think about their surroundings and how they can encourage someone who’s broken in their soul and spirit. 



Where can your readers stalk you?
My Blog: 
http://mayneman.blogspot.com
My Facebook Page: 
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTremayneMoore
My Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3343357.Tremayne_Moore
Twitter: 
http://www.twitter.com/mayntre

Amazon: 
http://www.amazon.com/Tremayne-Moore/e/B005Z4RIBK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1363909201&sr=1-2-ent
Smashwords: 
http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Tremayne+Moore
Other: 
My website: http://www.maynetre.com
Is your book in Print, ebook or both? 
All of my books are available in both formats with the exception of “The You Can Take It” Series Volumes 1-3 (it’s only available in e-book format).




Saturday, February 2, 2013

RIM's February Author Spotlight: DEREK E. SHELTON

RIM's February Author Spotlight:

DEREK E. SHELTON

Tell us a little about you.
I'm Derek E. Shelton. I was born the 4th of 6 kids on 1/10/59 in Tucson, Arizona without a father in the home and poor. I went on to become a world-class long, high, and triple jumper in track & field, a model/actor/comedian, speaker, humanitarian, health & fitness instructor, coach, and author. I currently reside in Columbia, Missouri, am single and the father of 4 daughters.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
I wrote my bio, JUST SHY OF AMAZING and WORLD-CLASS FITNESS TIPS in '11 and '12. My book is a bio; my story growing up in Tucson and concludes to the present. My health and fitness tips book is just that, my tips on working out, eating right and what has worked for me.

What books have influenced your writing? 
My influences where spurred by all the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. HE would have been my author to meet!!!...

What are your thoughts on book trailers?
Some book trailers are alright, but I've never really gotten into the hype.

What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
The 4 things I never leave home without: my Chap Stick, sunglasses, lotion, and sense of humor!!!

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad.
The thing I like about book reviews is that you can take them or leave them. They can be so subjective. The thing I don't like about them is NOTHING...

Anything you would like to say to your readers?
What I'd like to say to my readers is that I truly appreciate the fact that they purchased my reads ESPECIALLY in such hard times!!!... I would also like them to know I challenge them to ALWAYS be the VERY BEST person they can be... Derek E. Shelton.

Where can your readers stalk you?
My books are available as eBooks, paperbacks, and eBook copies as kindle or nook and mail order signed by me. They are BOTH currently and have been for over a year now 5 out of 5 stars on barnes&noble.com.
Facebook: facebook/derektheauthor
Twitter: @derektheauthor.


























The autobiography of a most-diminutive boy who grows up one of six children without a father and poor in the 60's and 70's in Tucson, Arizona. In spite of his father deserting his mother at just a month old, he becomes an "addict" of achievement and accolades to rub his fathers nose in "someday." Being the kind-hearted, spiritual-natured person he is, he gives up the "grudge" and chip on his shoulder and reaches STARDOM in many arenas. He overcomes obstacle after incredible obstacle including being constantly bullied to become an ULTRA-FIT fitness instructor, World-Class track & field athlete, coach, actor, model, comedian and humanitarian. He becomes the 6th-best long jumper in the U.S. and 8th-best in the World during the 1985 season and ties for the 29TH BEST-EVER JUMP!!!... He is thought to be the best-ever jumper speed-for-speed having just 4.7 seconds 40-yard dash speed. He gets involved with volunteering for the Special Olympics and working with people with special needs and the elderly as a care-giver. He also speaks out against child abuse, bullying and fathers who desert their children. The most-inspirational read you'll find anywhere!... He recently completed his 2nd book entitled, WORLD-CLASS FITNESS TIPS which is also available as a kindle eBook.


 Interview was conducted by Patrice Grimball-Smith, President of Readers In Motion BookClub.

Friday, January 18, 2013

RIM's Review of The Color of Butterflies by Tina Mae Lawson


Review of The Color of Butterflies by Tina Mae Lawson

Butterflies go through a life cycle just like humans. In this novel, poetry is displayed in different situations and periods in life. The Color of Butterflies touches each of those, with references of engagement, heartbreak, even death. Some of the poetry contained makes you think and others make you want to cry.
This novel has a great concept of being solely based on poetry; but in a negative aspect it does not have a  clear or consistent flow . If the author would take a chance and give this novel a little reorganization the rating would go up, as would the entertainment of the reader

Rated: 2 stars
Review by Patrice Grimball
For Readers In Motion Bookclub

RIM's Review of My Woman His Wife 3 by Anna J



Readers In Motion's Review of 
My Woman His Wife 3 by Anna J 

In the third installment of the My Woman, His Wife series, we revisit the lives of Monica, James, and Jazz; A family that has been turn upside down because of the threesome several years ago. An awful car accident has now placed a dent in a family that was finally getting about on its feet after a threesome gone bad. The repercussions of this threesome will be brought to light as the accident reveals more than just physical wounds. 
While Jazz is in a coma, one of the twins needs a blood transfusion to save his life. But something is terribly wrong. Can James assist with the saving of his son’s life or will something or someone stand in the way?
Monica is back and very concerned about the son that she left behind. The checks are not being cashed, the mail is being forwarded, and now the phone calls are not being answered. She travels back home to figure out what is happening; in the process she must deal with the threat of someone trying to kill her. Will Monica get her questions answered about her son’s whereabouts? Who wants Monica dead and why?
Anna J has done it again. The rollercoaster ride starts from page one. The greatest plus with this novel is that you don’t not actually have to read the first two installments to understand this one. Enough background information is given so the reader can process the book. I can’t wait until the next novel is ready.
Rated 5 stars
Review by Patrice Grimball

A Simple Chat with RIM's Founder Author Elizabeth LaShaun

The first interview of the year with 
Vice President Karen Reynolds was heldwith the 
Founder of RIM 
Kim McRae aka Author Elizabeth LaShaun!



Kim spent her holiday with her family laughing, cooking, and eating.

Kim is currently reading Sex in the Sanctuary by Lutisha Lovely. LaShaun states that," its a great book" thus far. She has just finished Waking with Enemy by Eric Jerome Dickey, which is another great book.

What to look out for this year from this author? She is releasing the last book in the Love series titled A Mother's Love. Other projects are pending but no other releases are pending for this year.

If you have not gotten a chance to partake in the Love series please go to http://www.elizabethlashaun.com/ and get caught up on all her works.


Books written by Author Elizabeth LaShaun include:


This interview was conducted by Readers In Motion's Vice President Karen Reynolds. 

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

January 2013 Author Spotlight- Kimani Lauren

Readers In Motion January 2013 Author Spotlight

 Kimani Lauren


1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kimani Lauren Nelson. I was born in Syracuse, NY. I’m the 30 year old mother of 3 boys. I am a living contradiction: a misanthrope who loves and wants the best for human kind. Cooking, people watching, eating, reading, makeup artistry, shoe buying, yoga, spoiling children, and driving their dad crazy are among my hobbies. Writing is my life. I also enjoy finding insane things to watch on TV and A Different World reruns. Food, Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, and cartoons from the ‘80’s and ‘90’s are among my guilty pleasures. I love water and beaches. I’ve been in college forever and will probably be in college until the apocalypse, partially because I’m indecisive but mostly because I thirst for knowledge. Currently I reside in Memphis, TN.
2. When and why did you begin writing.
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing, although I do remember having trouble learning how to write the letter K (go figure). After that, I was always writing something. I wrote my first poem when I was 9 years old after hearing a friend recite Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” When I was 11 I was sitting in the back room of my grandmother’s house, bored because I was the only girl in a sea of boy cousins and my brother, so I cracked open an unused notebook. It felt like there was a whole new world waiting for me to create it. I began shaping it with words. By the end of the summer I had a book written which my uncle published for me. Ever since then writing has been my life. It’s my therapy and my savior.
3. Is there a message in your novel(s) that you want readers to grasp?
My debut novel is the first installment in my series dedicated to bringing an end to teen suicide. Through this series I want to raise awareness about depression in teens. There are people in the world who actually believe that young people don’t get depressed. As a survivor of multiple suicide attempts during my teenage years I want people to understand that depression in teenagers is real and needs to be addressed.
The rest of my books have many other messages. There are a lot of feminist themes in them. I try to tackle issues that tend to be overlooked due to lack of media focus on them. Honestly, I’ve been trying to save the world through my writing for about two decades now, so you’ll always see something deep in my work.
4. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
There are quite a few that I can go to whenever I have a question, like Keith Kareem Williams, and Kenya Mack, who has done more for me than anyone can ever imagine. In my head Mildred D. Taylor is guiding me. In real life Karen E. Quinones Miller has been humble enough to answer every single question I’ve asked her. She’s one of those people who really wants everyone else to do well. I love her for that.
5. What book are you reading now?
“The Sacred Place” by Daniel Black.
6. Who designed the covers? And why?
Kenya Mack did the cover for “Love, Najae.” She also did the editing. Her eye for detail is awesome. She was able to find a model who looked exactly how I pictured Najae in my mind, only a little younger. It was actually kind of eerie when she sent me the first draft of it. I really felt like I was looking at my character’s elementary school picture.
7. Do you see writing as a full-time career?
I would love for it to be. I’ve always wanted it to be. Maybe it will be after my children are grown. Right now I don’t have the time or money it would take to be successful.
8. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Nique Roberson, Keith Kareem Williams, Aaron Bebo, C.M. Spence, Sankofa Rose, Ashara Giles-Golden, Kendall Grey, and R. W. Ridley especially. He writes fantasy/sci-fi, and he is incredible. I don’t particularly enjoy his genre, but he has me hooked on his series. I stalk his website every day hoping he’s going to announce a release date for his next book.
9. Do you have any advice for writers?
Yes. First and foremost, have realistic expectations going into the game. Your friends, family, middle school teachers, and whoever else may have loved your writing, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is going to. The literary game is a lot like the music industry in the fact that the popular people are the ones to have the biggest influence on sales. Also, don’t expect to be able to quit your day job as soon as your book comes out.
Second, don’t compare your book to others when you’re pitching it.
Next, create a budget. People expect these books to sell themselves and pay your bills, but they’re more expensive to put out and market than people really take the time to learn.
Last but not least, don’t get caught up in these cliques. Network as much as you need, but it’s best not to get too friendly with people. There’s not a lot of loyalty in the wonderful world of publishing.
10. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. I love all the love that I have received for my writing. You all truly confirm that writing is what I was created to do. Keep giving me feedback, please, because you make me better. I love interacting with you, and I love doing whatever is in my creative ability to make you all happy.


Kimani Lauren's novel Love, Najae could be found on Amazon Kindle for a great price of  .99 cents. Start you 2013 with this great read.
It’s hard to see your true beauty when not even your own parents can admit that it exists. All Najae  ever wanted was to be loved and to be seen as beautiful. Her parents were preoccupied loathing her existence and regretting the mistake that was her life to see that. She spent her life being her father’s secret, her stepmother’s enemy, and her mother’s lie. It took one terrible event to open everyone’s eyes to the real problem. With an ashamed father, a capitalistic whore of a stepmother, and an almost bipolar biological mother, who is she to trust for the solution?
After spending just one weekend as her father’s daughter rather than a skeleton in his closet things are changed forever. A few skeletons of her own began to seep out. They caused her to run into the arms of the only person who ever made her feel wanted. Could it be true love? Could the attention from one man compensate for fifteen years of abuse and mistreatment? Or could this road to heartbreak be the beginning of a beautiful ending?