Synonymous with it's name, Bruised Kisses, McDowell's first poetry collection, covers a plethora of topics both sweet and sour with words as light as a feather yet as piercing as the scorching sun. Her poems are just as addictive, exciting and challenging as Sudoku puzzles. McDowell's poetic punch will spark conversations in classrooms and universities across America, igniting dialogue and action in response to her bold inscriptions. McDowell beautifully illustrates her world with apparent and hidden imagery, allegory, allusion and bold references. McDowell honed her craft as an avid lover of poetry critique and has now given America a contemporary poetry collection worth reading. Bruised Kisses is a bold kiss and a must read for homes and classrooms across America.