Striving Series by B.L. Mooney

Normal. It’s a relative term, or so I thought. It wasn’t until I got caught up with a man who stripped me of my confidence, dignity, and trust that I realized I was no longer normal. I did things and became part of things I never thought I would have. I was content in my shell, living what life I allowed myself to live. Both my best friend and therapist had different ideas. They wanted more for me and saw to it that I wanted more, too... moreNormal. It’s a relative term, or so I thought. It wasn’t until I got caught up with a man who stripped me of my confidence, dignity, and trust that I realized I was no longer normal. I did things and became part of things I never thought I would have. I was content in my shell, living what life I allowed myself to live. Both my best friend and therapist had different ideas. They wanted more for me and saw to it that I wanted more, too. When life started to open new possibilities I thought I no longer deserved, it also brought back old ones I thought would never return. How do I move on from a past that won’t let me go or move into a future I’m not sure I’m ready for? Am I strong enough to go after what I want and say no to those things that try to pull me in again? More importantly, will I ever be at peace with myself as I’m Striving for Normal? Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. less

Second in the Striving Series, but can be read alone. Perfection is a gimmick. It’s something they use to sell you shit you don’t need. The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Photos of that perfect life are all around us, but none of it exists. I know better because I take those photos. It’s all a ruse to make us think that's what we want. Behind closed doors, the house is a mess, the family is fighting, and that loving couple hates each other... moreSecond in the Striving Series, but can be read alone. Perfection is a gimmick. It’s something they use to sell you shit you don’t need. The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Photos of that perfect life are all around us, but none of it exists. I know better because I take those photos. It’s all a ruse to make us think that's what we want. Behind closed doors, the house is a mess, the family is fighting, and that loving couple hates each other. I prefer a different city every week, laughing friends, and a variety of lovers. Until Carl. I’m not sure what I want when he’s around. Perfection is an illusion. It’s something used to make you forget all the bad shit that happens in this world. It’s an unattainable dream not worth the effort. I had the perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect marriage. Or so I thought. That illusion died with my wife and slammed me into reality. Aside from my daughter, business deals and making money is where my heart is now. Until Rachael. I’m not sure what I feel when she’s around. Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. less

We all want to feel accepted, but sometimes we do unacceptable things. When we push it too far and do the unforgivable, are we still allowed to hope for that acceptance? Or are we doomed to accept a life of loneliness? My current bed friend is someone who’s struggling to find his own acceptance. His big crime? He’s following his dreams. His father can’t accept the fact he no longer wants to follow in his footsteps. Should he be shut out because he quit the family business? I don’t think so... moreWe all want to feel accepted, but sometimes we do unacceptable things. When we push it too far and do the unforgivable, are we still allowed to hope for that acceptance? Or are we doomed to accept a life of loneliness? My current bed friend is someone who’s struggling to find his own acceptance. His big crime? He’s following his dreams. His father can’t accept the fact he no longer wants to follow in his footsteps. Should he be shut out because he quit the family business? I don’t think so. But if he should, I’ve got bigger problems. My crime? I cheated on my husband and then killed the man I cheated with. Would you still accept me? Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. less