Gloria’s Inn
Robin Alexander
Excerpt:
My love life however was a disaster. My ex-girlfriend had dumped me for a woman whom I thought looked like a linebacker. I gave that woman the best year and a half of my life and she did this to me. Not to mention she took half my wardrobe and CD collection with her when she left. That part really hurt.
Therefore, I cooked up a little scheme. I quietly sold my business to one of my employees. Terminated the lease on my apartment, and shipped all I owned to Cat Island in the Bahamas. Then I paid my ex a visit. Well not exactly.
Carla and her linebacker girlfriend were both addicted to working out. It was no surprise to find her car at the gym any given day. That is of course where she met the brute she left me for. What was especially sweet was that Carla always left her car unlocked. Something I continually fussed at her about to no avail.
Two days before I departed for Cat Island, I dropped by the ole gym for one last visit. I had spent the entire day before going behind the neighbor’s cat with a zip loc. Yes, I know it was over the top but Carla deserved the best.
With a baggie full of cat turds I casually walked up to the white Lexus and as expected found it unlocked. When I was sure no one was around I gently emptied the contents of said baggie under the leather-clad drivers’ seat of her precious car. The temperature was already at ninety-eight degrees. Soon the Lexus would be filled with the essence of kitty waste.
Now I know this was disgusting and childish, but the woman broke my heart. Not to mention she was in possession of my entire Melissa Etheridge collection. That alone should be grounds enough.
As I waited for my plane to board I got a phone call. Her voice was so shrill that a dog in a pet carrier several feet from where I sat began to howl. I sat and listened to her tirade with an ear-to-ear grin plastered on my face. Then she put the ox on the phone, who explained in graphic detail how she planned to pull my lungs out through my nose.
Oh did I get cocky! I mouthed off so explicitly that half the airport stopped and stared. I ended the conversation by saying. ‘You know where I live.’ They were probably half way to my old apartment as I was leaving, the country with a smile on my face. Going home was not an option. I was in it for the long haul.
—-
Robin Alexander has written three novels for Intaglio Publications. Gloria’s Inn, Murky Waters, The Taking of Eden and a short story Crossing the Line found in the anthology Romance for Life. Her fourth novel, The Gift of Time is in the works, and is due to be released in September of 2007.
In addition to writing, Robin and her partner Becky Arbogast became the proud owners of Intaglio Publications in January of 2007. Robin spends her days working with the staff of Intaglio, and her nights with her own writings. She still manages to find time to spend with Becky, who she openly admits is the inspiration for the changes in her new works.
—————————————————————————-
Reviews:
When Hayden Tate’s aunt Gloria dies and leaves her niece half interest in an island inn in the Bahamas, Hayden is ready for a change. She’s ready to leave her lawn and landscaping business behind, especially since her girlfriend has dumped her for a woman who Hayden says looks like a Saints linebacker. Hayden tells us, ‘I gave that woman the best year and a half of my life, and she did this to me. Not to mention that she took half my wardrobe and most of my CD collection with her when she left’ (p. 14). In retaliation, Hayden plays one last naughty trick on the ex by leaving her a special ‘treat’ in her car. (I can still smell the odor of cat excrement.) In her defense Hayden says, ‘I know what I did was disgusting and childish, but the woman broke my heart. Not to mention she was in possession of my entire Melissa Etheridge collection. That alone was grounds enough’ (p. 14).
Just the first few pages of this book will tell the reader that the narrator has a wacky sense of humor and that what’s in store is going to be a funny romp. And indeed it is. The descriptions and events of the book made me laugh out loud at times.
Hayden flies in to Cat Island, meets the co-owner, Adrienne, and promptly falls for the tall woman. Adrienne has a few secrets she’d rather not reveal-like the fact that at times she happens to hear other people’s thoughts. This makes for some pretty funny stuff. Before Hayden and Adrienne have even started to get to know one another, a load of guests-women who come for a holiday together every year-show up, and it’s gangbusters. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, but this one’s a romance and a comedy and a drama – with some snakes and scary intrigue thrown in for thrills and chills. Entertaining and recommended for anyone wanting a light-hearted and humorous read.
Lori L. Lake, author of Different Dress, Gun Shy, Under The Gun, Ricochet In Time, and Stepping Out, and reviewer for Midwest Book Review, The Independent Gay Writer, The Gay Read, and Just About Write.
Check for it on:
Details
| ISBN | 1933133014 |
| Genre | Romance |
| Copyright Date | 2004 |
| Publication Date | Sep-04 |
| Publisher | Intaglio Publications |
| Format | Trade Paperback |
| No. of Pages | 198 |
| Series | Cat Island |
| # in Series | 1 |
| Language | English |
| Rating | NotRated |
| Paper Type | Electronic Format Available |
| BookID | 4891 |
