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Random Acts of Blindness
Never, in all her days, had she imagined herself in a position like this. Vivid fantasies aside, Rachel had never considered acting on the impulses that invaded her thoughts throughout the day, until her session with Dr. Bass. They were private affairs stored only in some scurrilous alcove of her mind. Yet her mind interacted with other minds, and often, there were fragments of information to be had in decidedly ironic ways. René Bass, for instance, listened to her confession of the scandalous Jaguar masturbation, and fantasy bondage scenarios and produced a copy of the bondage magazine. While not something Professor Rachel Leeds believed would qualify as a "literary device," it was nonetheless pivotal in the events in which she was now participating. Namely, being on her way to a hardware store to find something to use as a whip on the girl who was naked and bound in a hotel room number 66, the Mark-of-the-Almost-Beast.
~
Faith. To believe in things not yet seen, they say. Patrice was faithful a long time ago. Then she communed with the faithless, and their cloying demands. She needed evidence because it made her feel foolish. And faith was lost. But the bitterness left her cold, barefoot, detached from the warmth of love and connection. Then she discovered a different faith. One born of her own power, left untapped for eons, swirling, ebullient, joyful. And now, coming full circle, she found herself wholly unqualified, still, to manifest from faith alone. Yet, perfectly accustomed to crying alone, wishing alone. Hope did not float. It sat on the bottom of a vast sea of isolation, weighted by its own lie.
~
Faith. To believe in things not yet seen, they say. Patrice was faithful a long time ago. Then she communed with the faithless, and their cloying demands. She needed evidence because it made her feel foolish. And faith was lost. But the bitterness left her cold, barefoot, detached from the warmth of love and connection. Then she discovered a different faith. One born of her own power, left untapped for eons, swirling, ebullient, joyful. And now, coming full circle, she found herself wholly unqualified, still, to manifest from faith alone. Yet, perfectly accustomed to crying alone, wishing alone. Hope did not float. It sat on the bottom of a vast sea of isolation, weighted by its own lie.
206 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
3 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Kelli Jae Baeli
122 books145 followers"To me, failing to learn to use the tools one’s craft shows laziness and disrespect for the reader. There are, however, no issues of that sort where Baeli’s writing is concerned. It’s rare to these days to find a writer whose style is technically so nearly perfect, but who’s also a damned good storyteller. I doubt if she is even capable of writing poorly." ~W. Spice
Even after 36 novels, I always try to write the sort of book I would want to read. My favorite thing to do is take a common trope and turn it on its ear. Where you expect a zig, I give you a zag. In my pages, you will find strong female characters, ethical dilemmas, and realistic storylines often filled with adventure and intense pacing, tempered by witty dialog, and happy endings. All are hallmarks of my work.
As a Bestselling Genre-Hopping Indie Author, I’ve enjoyed a sales position in the top 5% of lesbian writers, but I write crossover and mainstream fiction and have authored 26 nonfiction books, as well. All 36 of my FemFic novels have been bestsellers in the genres of domestic suspense, domestic thriller, women's adventure, romantic suspense, apocalyptic, speculative, lesfic, lesbian romance, and science fiction. I’m also a mixed-media artist (mostly clay and abstract painting) and former performing singer-songwriter with over 200 songs.
My wife, Melissa Walker-Baeli, is a budding author in her own right, and we have several co-writing projects coming soon. We live with two dogs, (Noodle and Whatnot) and two cats, (Poppet and Chicklet) on ten acres in the gorgeous Northwoods of Michigan.
Even after 36 novels, I always try to write the sort of book I would want to read. My favorite thing to do is take a common trope and turn it on its ear. Where you expect a zig, I give you a zag. In my pages, you will find strong female characters, ethical dilemmas, and realistic storylines often filled with adventure and intense pacing, tempered by witty dialog, and happy endings. All are hallmarks of my work.
As a Bestselling Genre-Hopping Indie Author, I’ve enjoyed a sales position in the top 5% of lesbian writers, but I write crossover and mainstream fiction and have authored 26 nonfiction books, as well. All 36 of my FemFic novels have been bestsellers in the genres of domestic suspense, domestic thriller, women's adventure, romantic suspense, apocalyptic, speculative, lesfic, lesbian romance, and science fiction. I’m also a mixed-media artist (mostly clay and abstract painting) and former performing singer-songwriter with over 200 songs.
My wife, Melissa Walker-Baeli, is a budding author in her own right, and we have several co-writing projects coming soon. We live with two dogs, (Noodle and Whatnot) and two cats, (Poppet and Chicklet) on ten acres in the gorgeous Northwoods of Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 21, 2021
Not what I expected.... Must read!!!!
I never expected the story. I had second thoughts of reading it but i continued anyway and i am so glad i did. Because i soooo love the story. Self discovery, self acceptance, using your difficult past to be better, following your heart and lots of love. Oh and fluoride is bad?! I have to check on that. Hahahhah. Thank you Kelli Jae Baeli for this smart book. I really loved it!!!!
I never expected the story. I had second thoughts of reading it but i continued anyway and i am so glad i did. Because i soooo love the story. Self discovery, self acceptance, using your difficult past to be better, following your heart and lots of love. Oh and fluoride is bad?! I have to check on that. Hahahhah. Thank you Kelli Jae Baeli for this smart book. I really loved it!!!!
February 28, 2012
This was only the second fiction work by Jae that I've read, and I chose it because of a recent post Jae did on her own blog saying it is "A highly erotic lesbian story of discovery and trust, that also has a plot and characters you can care about". I think the eroticism level was "just right" for me (a la Goldilocks), was done tastefully and professionally, and acts as "icing on the cake" to what is otherwise a novella I praise for the realistic and believable (other reviewers have used the apt phrase, "three dimensional") characters and plot. Baeli now has my attention for her skill, and thanks to this book, I'll be planning to buy and read more of her work.
September 8, 2013
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a fun read with plenty of mystery and drama. As for the erotica, it started out strong with some unique scenes , but as the plot unfolded the intimate moments took a back seat. I don't recall a descriptive love/sex scene pass the 1/2 way point. That said it was still an interesting story to say the least!
This is the first book I have read by this author. It was a fun read with plenty of mystery and drama. As for the erotica, it started out strong with some unique scenes , but as the plot unfolded the intimate moments took a back seat. I don't recall a descriptive love/sex scene pass the 1/2 way point. That said it was still an interesting story to say the least!
May 7, 2013
Love this book. You're probably going to be a bit disappointed if you buy thinking it's an erotica. Don't get me wrong, to a certain extent it is. But to a larger extent, this is a book with a real story line, it's about self discovery and falling in love. A recommended read, maybe it will strike a resonance in you as well.
April 14, 2013
SHARING A REVIEW AT AMAZON-
5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, Clever, Romantic, Dynamic - Again! November 6, 2012
By Vix Reader
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First let me clarify. I cannot be completely objective when writing a review about a book by this author. I have read most of her offerings and have loved every one of them. I read this book some time ago and revisited it a few days ago. Having said that, let's begin.
First of all, this book beautifully flows from mood to mood as the narrative unfolds. The first several chapters were written in a rather formal third person that in my head I heard as an elderly, male English television host. Brilliantly, the action that takes place in these said chapters is hilarious so the writing style works in counterpoint with the narrative.
Rachel Leeds, the rather staid English professor reminded me of Lydia Beaumont from "The Secret Trilogy" in that she always seemed to be a little dazed with what was going on around her and the addition of Patrice to her life seems to confound her even more while at the same time it spurs her on to "fish or cut bait".
Patrice is a fascinating character. I love how Ms. Baeli lets the reader "discover" Patrice. Patrice could have easily been portrayed as some crazy, obsessive bitch. She pulls some really psycho stuff, but the author then follows each situation with backstory that makes the reader say, "Oh, I see."
As always, Baeli has imbued her characters with wit and their dialogue and actions are very original. Some might question that this is one of those "love at first sight" jobs. Well, not really. Patrice has been observing Rachel for quite some time and I think you can fall in love with someone's mind without any personal interaction. Haven't we all had a crush on a teacher? And, I think Rachel had been looking for Patrice for a long, long time.
The novel moves from farcical to romantic to a who-dun-it, seamlessly. All the while Baeli uses her clever humor and superb writing skills to keep the reader in rapt attention. This author always includes a few very hot and steamy sex scenes which never seem gratuitous and always satisfy.
Give yourself a good read. You deserve it.
Pasted from
5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, Clever, Romantic, Dynamic - Again! November 6, 2012
By Vix Reader
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First let me clarify. I cannot be completely objective when writing a review about a book by this author. I have read most of her offerings and have loved every one of them. I read this book some time ago and revisited it a few days ago. Having said that, let's begin.
First of all, this book beautifully flows from mood to mood as the narrative unfolds. The first several chapters were written in a rather formal third person that in my head I heard as an elderly, male English television host. Brilliantly, the action that takes place in these said chapters is hilarious so the writing style works in counterpoint with the narrative.
Rachel Leeds, the rather staid English professor reminded me of Lydia Beaumont from "The Secret Trilogy" in that she always seemed to be a little dazed with what was going on around her and the addition of Patrice to her life seems to confound her even more while at the same time it spurs her on to "fish or cut bait".
Patrice is a fascinating character. I love how Ms. Baeli lets the reader "discover" Patrice. Patrice could have easily been portrayed as some crazy, obsessive bitch. She pulls some really psycho stuff, but the author then follows each situation with backstory that makes the reader say, "Oh, I see."
As always, Baeli has imbued her characters with wit and their dialogue and actions are very original. Some might question that this is one of those "love at first sight" jobs. Well, not really. Patrice has been observing Rachel for quite some time and I think you can fall in love with someone's mind without any personal interaction. Haven't we all had a crush on a teacher? And, I think Rachel had been looking for Patrice for a long, long time.
The novel moves from farcical to romantic to a who-dun-it, seamlessly. All the while Baeli uses her clever humor and superb writing skills to keep the reader in rapt attention. This author always includes a few very hot and steamy sex scenes which never seem gratuitous and always satisfy.
Give yourself a good read. You deserve it.
Pasted from
August 13, 2014
Very Nice and Sexy Too
I chose to read Random Acts of Blindness months ago but only got to this morning. I do not know why I waited so long, foolish move on my part. I liked the concept and Ms. Baeli was a new author to me. I must emphasize was. I know the quality of her work now.... and I like it!
The story is about a newly aware lesbian and her first lover. I liked the story line and the characters. There was the angst and doubt and insecurities that come with your first love, especially with the lead's age and position in her career. There was also some who-done-it mystery as well.
It was well paced and I totally enjoyed the characters and could identify with both leads. The book is a romance so one should not expect long drawn out problems that take forever to resolve. The book is too short for that. I also feel the story's end was a bit abrupt Everything seemed to get wrapped up too neatly too quickly. As I think about what I would have done differently, I can honestly say I do not know. And keeping in mind that this is a romance not a murder mystery, as it were, is is very well done. I will be reading this again.
I chose to read Random Acts of Blindness months ago but only got to this morning. I do not know why I waited so long, foolish move on my part. I liked the concept and Ms. Baeli was a new author to me. I must emphasize was. I know the quality of her work now.... and I like it!
The story is about a newly aware lesbian and her first lover. I liked the story line and the characters. There was the angst and doubt and insecurities that come with your first love, especially with the lead's age and position in her career. There was also some who-done-it mystery as well.
It was well paced and I totally enjoyed the characters and could identify with both leads. The book is a romance so one should not expect long drawn out problems that take forever to resolve. The book is too short for that. I also feel the story's end was a bit abrupt Everything seemed to get wrapped up too neatly too quickly. As I think about what I would have done differently, I can honestly say I do not know. And keeping in mind that this is a romance not a murder mystery, as it were, is is very well done. I will be reading this again.
April 20, 2018
This book was my first experience with Kelli Jae Baeli's writing and I must say...What a FANTASTIC read! I finished it in no time at all (I'm a speed reader so I was quick!). It was THAT funny, sexy and SO FUN!! Definitely on my re-read list!
August 13, 2016
I finished this book the day after I bought it. I don't re-read most books but a year later I found myself not only re-reading it but enjoying it as much as the first time I read it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews