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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Women of War Release Extravaganza! An interview with Ares, God of War!

Today on KB&M I have one of my favorite duos of all time! The wonderful author Lisa Beth Darling and her hero, Ares, the God of War! 
Tag line: (Venture on a Mystical Journey through Time and Secrets Past)
Title: Women of War
Author: Lisa Beth Darling
Series: OF WAR
Genre: Immortal/Paranormal Erotic/Romance
Publisher: Moon Mistress Publishing
Release Date: February 14, 2013
Format: (Print, EBook, or Both) Ebook and Print
Links to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Beth-Darling/e/B002BMDA9I/

Signed paperbacks and hard covers may be ordered by going to http://www.moonsmusings.com

 


Synopsis/Blurb:
Venture on a Mystical Journey through Time and Secrets Past
This story spans four generations of women in Alena's family from her great-grandmother, Shar DraĆ­ocht the last known Queen of the Dark Kingdom. Morrowind, her tortured daughter. Maven, Alena's free spirited mother. And ends the night Alena washed up on Ares' shore. With intensity, lust, fear, and strength these Women of War make their way in the world revealing the hidden truths of the past and Ares true connection to his beloved Wife, Alena.


Interview with Ares!

First off, I’d like to welcome you to my blog, Ares. I’m one of your biggest fans. ;)

It’s always good to meet a fan, thank you for having me here.

Can you tell everyone that might not be familiar with the OF WAR series who you are and briefly describe your story?

Mine is a long, winding, and sultry tale of love, lust, revenge, redemption, and deceit.  As the God of War, I’m not well liked among my Family, the Olympians, as you can probably imagine. But they’re no prizes either. They're always bickering and backstabbing like a bunch of bratty children.

Now that that’s over (Honestly, shame on them for not having read it!), it’s Valentine’s Day! How are you and Alena celebrating?

I don’t know yet, my Wife is a strange woman. She doesn’t care for diamonds or jewels, furs or fast cars so the traditional gifts don’t apply to her even though I would gladly shower her with them and more. But, she’s a bit of homebody, a simple but lustful woman who would rather just spend her time in bed with me. That makes me one lucky God.

Have you ever given anyone a special gift on Valentine’s Day?

No, I’ve never been in love before. Besides Valentine's Day belongs to my Son, Eros, he waits all year for it.  I wouldn't want to step on his wings—most of the time, anyway.

Being the God of War, you’ve not exactly been portrayed as the ‘romantic’ type, but what’s your idea of a perfect date with Alena?

It’s true, I’m not normally portrayed as the romantic type but I do have a heart—contrary to popular opinion.  Any time, I get to spend with my Wife is a perfect date no matter where we are or what we do. Although I did enjoy our honeymoon very much, I would take her back to Boston for Valentine’s Day but, well, it’s not there anymore.

While we’re on the subject of romance, what makes Alena irresistible?

Everything. She’s smart as a whip, sharp as a knife, and strong as an ox. Unlike most people who cower before me, my Wife is never afraid to tell me when I’m being a bit of an ass. I like that. The fact that she’s beautiful with a dynamite little body doesn’t hurt either.

When did you first know you loved Alena?

It sounds corny but I knew I loved her the very first time I saw her. However, it wasn’t until 400 years later that we actually met, when one lonely night, she washed up on the shore of my island, half dead. I brought her back to the cave and while trying to figure out who she was and where she came from she suddenly opened her eyes, kissed me long and deep, told me she loved me and then fell back to sleep. (Ares licks his lips slowly) I can still taste that kiss all these years later. I took her up to my bed, held her in my arms all the night while she slept, and upon waking in the morning I was absolutely smitten. It was such a strange feeling for an old warrior like me. I felt like a schoolboy and I knew I would never let her go.

Inquiring minds want to know: Hard and rough or soft and slow?
What’s wrong with both? (He smirks) I’m a little rough and tumble, very dominant but not cruel, I’m more of a sensual dominant I guess you’d say. Alena likes it when I take charge, she’s a very passionate woman.

Whipped cream or chocolate?

Whipped cream, other than my Wife, I don’t care for sweet things.

Can you tell us anything about the last book in your story, Kingdoms of War?

Not much I’m afraid. At her insistence, Lisa and I are playing this one close to the vest. But I’m sure she’ll offer little teasers on her blog in the months ahead.  I can tell you there will be lots of blood, lust, love, drama, blackmail, and several deaths. Not counting the world population which has greatly succumbed to Major Falls, of course.  By the end of the book the Olympians will be far fewer in number. I just hope I’m not one of them.

I’m curious. I read Lisa’s Blog a lot and I love the conversations y’all have sometimes. Do you talk to her on a daily basis? When did you first pop into her head?

We speak throughout the day every day whether she’s writing for me or not. She says I’m opinionated but the truth is I’m just trying to look out for her. She can get into a lot of trouble. I first made my presence known to her almost twenty years ago but I’d been poking around in her head for a while before that. Getting the lay of the land and the feel of the place, you know.

Last question: Will you be my valentine? Even though you’re married to Alena? *sheepish smile* Just thought I’d ask!

Again, I’m flattered and while one can never have too much love one can have too many women. So I will have to decline. I’m terribly sorry.

Seriously though, last question. Do you believe in happy endings?

I believe everything unfolds the way it is meant to unfold and we all end up where we’re supposed to end up.  We may not take the roads Fate had in mind for us when we were born but eventually it all comes full circle.  If we’re very lucky, when the two ends of the circle meet, it will be joyous.

Don't forget to join the big release event! https://www.facebook.com/events/113548342152605/


To celebrate the release of the "Women of War" I'm making the "OF WAR Anthology" FREE on Kindle February 14-15th. Get the first 4 stories in the series FREE on any form of Kindle (UK, India, Japan, etc.)! US Link: http://www.amazon.com/WAR-Anthology-Novels-1-3-ebook/dp/B00AAKR6DE/


Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of Women of War, I'd like to giveaway 1 eBook copy of "Women of War" to one lucky commenter! Must leave a valid email address to be eligible!


About the author:



I've been married for the last 26 years to my wonderful husband, Roy. We live in my hometown of New London, CT.

My writing career began in junior high, around the 7th grade. A fact that my fellow students adored but often got me called down to the Guidance Counselor's Office to discuss the adultness of my stories. While the experience was never pleasant, I was not deterred by the counselors' worries I was spurred onward by them, as well as by my teachers, and my classmates, I continued to hone my craft throughout those formative years.

Today I bring conflict, passion, love, and suspense to unique couples through full length novels. I'm never one to shy away from the less pleasant things in life, and instead I believe that it is in the Darkness where Character is created, determined, and defined, my heroes and heroines have their love tested by demons from within and without.


My review for Women of War: coming soon!

Happy Reading!
Kristina



BACK COVER BLURB:

T hey Love me enough to give me L ife. 
Imagination is key in any romance. Most romantics will agree that the right   gesture, as simple as can be, is enough to win them over. In this collection, I share the poems written by me for but a few of the many that have touched me in this way. I am alive in their imaginations and in their hearts, and that is more life than I could ever ask for. 


A LITTLE SURPRISE: 
If you are one of the few that has had a poem written for you by David Chios in the past year, your poem will be published in this collection. 

AUTHOR BIO:
David Chios was born into a little girl’s dreams when she was 10 years old—being about the same age as she. Through the years, he resided in the girl’s mind as only a dream. It wasn’t until the birth of the novel Creatura that David set foot in the real world to tell Isis’s and his story. Today, David resides within the reveries of many, working diligently to take over their hearts.
Occasionally, David still drops in to visit Nely Cab in her dreams.


LINKS:
Learn More About  Creatura by Nely Cab:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Reading!
Kristina

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Cover Reveal: The Curse of Romeo and Juliet by Cyma Rizwaan Khan!


Title: The Curse Of Romeo & Juliet
Author: Cyma Rizwaan Khan
Release Day: February 14, 2013
Genre: Adult
Reveal Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Book Description:
Sid and Nancy meets Romeo & Juliet.


Author Bio:
Horror fiction/urban fantasy writer who dabbles in paranormal subjects and romantic fiction. Influences: Gus Van Sant, Matin McDonagh, Bret Easton Ellis, Anne Rice, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Scott Adams. Hopeless romantic and cannot be cured of it regardless of how many bills she has to pay.


Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CymaRKhanAuthor?ref=ts&fref=ts
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550279.Cyma_Rizwaan_Khan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cymarkhan
Amazon Buy Link:

Happy Reading!
Kristina



Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Release Day Blitz: Betrayals of Spring by LP Dover!


Title: Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae 2)
Author: LP Dover        
Release Day: February 13, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, New Adult
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Synopsis:

The smell of rain vastly approaches as we are lying on the ground in a sea of flowers. They surround our bodies while the fresh Spring wind caresses our skin with its soft, gentle touch. Combined as one, we stare into each other’s eyes as we bask in the pleasure of our love and OUR land.

The Land of the Fae has flourished bringing a new beginning and a new court, the Fall Court. Five years have passed since then along with the dreaded day that Meliantha, Summer Court Princess and one of the powerful Four, was betrayed and broken-hearted by the sexy and alluring Winter Prince, Kalen. Spurned by the man she loves, Meliantha has turned and fallen into the arms of the fierce and handsome warrior, Finn, who understands she can never love him, but wants more than anything to mend her broken heart.
The Winter Solstice Ball is approaching, meaning Meliantha will have to face the Winter Prince and make it out of there with her heart intact. But what does she do when Prince Kalen acts as if nothing ever happened and seems more in love with her than ever before?

The dark sorcerer has planned his twisted game of lies and deceit well, and has enjoyed making himself a player without anyone’s knowledge. The game is almost over and the players are exactly where they are needed to be. Will Meliantha figure out his twisted game and save all the players? Or will the dark sorcerer once again obtain the power of the Four and take everything away from her…..even her one true love?

Author Bio:
I am an avid reader that loves my collection of books. Writing has always been a passion of mine and now I am glad that I get to share my passion with the world. I live in North Carolina and I absolutely love being a southern girl. I spent several years in college starting out with a major in Psychology and then switching to dental. I worked in the dental field for eight years and then decided to stay home with my two beautiful girls. I spent the beginning of my reading years reading suspense thrillers, but now I can't get away from the paranormal/fantasy books. I knew ever since then that if I wrote anything it would be in a paranormal aspect. Now that I have started on my passion and began writing, you will not see me go anywhere without a notebook and pen.


Links:
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6526309.L_P_Dover

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LP-Dover/318455714919114
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/L.P.-Dover/e/B00AFVV8TG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360156103&sr=1-2-ent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LPDover
Blog: http://www.releasethepages.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/events/236900776445597/?fref=ts


Happy Reading!

Kristina

Monday, February 11, 2013

Release Day Blitz: Obsession and Sacrifice by Tiffany Carmouche!

Title: Obsession and Sacrifice (Sequel to The Impostor, A Love Story)
Author: Tiffany Carmouche
Expected Release Date: February 11, 2013
Genre: New Adult Suspense Romance
Tour Host: Lady Amber's Tours

Book Description:
Obsession and Sacrifice is the second book in a romantic trilogy about unexpected love and a woman's fight for survival.

When Nichole wakes up in the hospital room from a coma, she has no memory of who she is or how she got there. Only the scars on her body reveal some horrific event took place and she is lucky to be alive…alive…but could she still be in danger?

Her only hope to rediscover her past and avoid a killer's obsession lies in the hands of two men: sexy Dylan, her boyfriend, who used to captivate her and now prays she will remember how much they cared for one another, and Bradley, her charming best friend, who has secretly loved her all along. She feels safe around both men, but to her, they are strangers. Nicole must decide who to trust, not only with her heart, but with her life.

They are rivals--both men want to win her love. But they are allies as well. The two vow to give her a second chance at life and both will sacrifice everything to make sure she survives.


Author Bio:
When Tiffany CarmouchƩ is not writing Romance novels, you can find her sculpting, traveling, teaching, singing, dancing, escaping in music or enjoying her family.
She loves to travel. Sky diving in Alaska, riding camels in Africa, working with orphans in Argentina, dancing salsa in Ecuador, scuba diving in Hawaii, traveling throughout Spain, swimming under the stars in Puerto Rico and walking the cobblestone roads of Assisi, Italy are a few of her adventures. Her most cherished moments, however, have been watching her two beautiful daughters strive to accomplish their dreams.
For many years, she put her passions on hold. She lost sight of who she was and the things that made her truly happy. She says she felt almost defeated, but now she is recommitted to savoring experiences both in the novels she writes and in the life she lives each day. And her secret hope is anyone who is struggling will realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard the fight, no matter how many times you have been knocked down, it is always worth staggering up to your feet and learning to breathe again.



Links:


Links to where Tiffany Carmouche's book(s) are sold :
http://tinyurl.com/cabmnc9 Amazon ebook ****
http://tinyurl.com/dyooebc Barnes and Noble ebook ***
http://www.tiffanycarmouche.com/#!buy-now/c1j7z Buy the books info **** UK etc...

Other:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOaIExYG5YQ Fan made book trailer *****
Tiffany Carmouche
http://tinyurl.com/cabmnc9 Amazon ebook

http://tinyurl.com/dyooebc Barnes and Noble ebook

http://tinyurl.com/cf2vvbt Paperback

http://www.facebook.com/TheImpostorFanClub?ref=hl Fan Club

http://www.facebook.com/TiffanyCarmoucheAuthor?ref=hl Facebook Author Page




https://www.facebook.com/events/451092378278148/?fref=ts


Happy Reading!
Krisitna

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Wynter's Captive Promo Blitz‏

Wynter’s Captive
Novella
Milly Taiden
Paranormal Erotic Romance (Werewolves)




Blurb:
Being held captive for winter never felt so good.
Lili is on her way to her cousin’s wedding when she thinks she hit a man in the road. Leaving the safety of her car to check on him turns out the be a big mistake, and pretty soon Lili is being abducted and held against her will by a super-sexy wolf who her body longs to touch. But just because he’s hot doesn’t mean she’s going to remain a captive.
Cade is not just an alpha, he’s a very wealthy man, used to getting what he wants. So when he attempts to abduct his ex-friend’s fiancĆ©, he doesn’t expect to wind up with the wrong woman. Just how did he wind up with the maid of honor? And why does the woman melt every inch of him? But when she escapes, real danger awaits her beyond his protection. Cade must convince her to see beyond his deception if he has any chance to keep her alive.

Excerpt:
He grabbed her outstretched hand and stood. She twined her fingers into his hair and pulled his head down. Her boldness sparked a roaring inside him. Passionate urgency spread through his limbs. She licked his lips and rubbed her tongue over his. Blood pounded in his ears as arousal swelled inside him.

“Argh!” She growled at his lip and tugged at his shirt, wanting it off.

He grinned, pulled the material over his head, and left his chest and upper body devoid of clothing.

“Yesss,” she moaned. Tracing every line of his chest with her fingertips, she slowly moved her nimble hands down his torso.

“Oh, baby.” He groaned with each kiss of her lips on his chest.

She licked his nipples, first one and then the other, sucked the tiny bud into her mouth and twirled her tongue on the flat disc.

“Lili,” he groaned.

Moving his hands to the table’s edge, she silently commanded him to hang on. He watched her lick, kiss, and nip his pecs, abs, and down to his belly button. There, she dipped her tongue into the hole and bit down while gazing up at him. Aroused amber eyes glittered at him. She was so beautiful. His cock jerked as soon as her hands gripped his base and squeezed. He hissed out a breath.

He held on to the table’s edge so hard he heard cracking of wood. She did a slow pump up his entire length. Then he watched her use the moisture dripping from his slit as lubrication. With one long lick, she worked her way from his balls, up the throbbing underside vein, and to the crown of his cock. Once there she licked his mushroomed head in a circle and followed that by sucking his dick into her mouth.

Suck after suck, she raised the bar on his pleasure. She jerked and licked with enthusiasm, her lips tight and wet around his cock. He loved listening to her soft little moans when he thrust into her mouth. Sparks gathered at his spine.

He drew her off his cock and kissed her swollen lips. Shifting positions, he pulled the pajama top and bottom off her body in quick moves. She leaned back on the edge of the heavy wood table. Warm, curvy flesh filled his hands when he grabbed her by the waist, lifted her to the smooth wood table, and sat her on the edge.

“Lean back, love.”

She glanced over her shoulder, but no dishes sat on that side of the long table. He watched her lean until she was held up by her elbows. She peered at him with passion-dazed eyes.

He did a visual tour down her curvy body to her glistening sex. She spread her legs wide, bending them at the knees and giving him full view of her pink pussy. With a deep inhale, he drew in her scent and growled. Cinnamon and her musky aroused honey filled his lungs. His cock jerked, needing inside her. Moisture dripped from her slit, crawling down to her ass. He glanced up and caught her nibbling her lip. Their eyes locked.

“Lick me, Cade. Make me come,” she pleaded.

Cade pulled a chair and sat down to eat…her. Her pussy sat before him, spread wide open and glistening with honey. He curled his arms around her thighs, moved her legs over his shoulders, and took a swipe up her swollen pussy lips.

She inhaled a sharp breath and moaned. “More.”

He licked up her trimmed curls and sucked on her juices. She whimpered, wiggling her hips in his grip. Unhurried, he licked around the tight pleasure bundle he knew would be her undoing. He swiped his tongue up her asshole and to her sex. Drinking in the honey dripping on his tongue, he plunged his tongue into her cunt. He growled, and she jerked.

“Yesss.” She panted and moaned all the while lying flat on the table.

His cock was rock hard from tasting, smelling, and listening to her. With one hand he grasped his cock. She grabbed hold of his hair and rode his face. Over and over he fucked her with his tongue and jerked himself at the same time. Precum dripped in heavy amounts from his cock. Fuck, she was so hot. Moans, pants, and ragged breathing were all he heard from her.

Her legs shook, breathing hitched, and whimpering increased. “God, Cade. I’m so close…”

Letting go of his shaft, he held her open and sucked down on her clit. She tensed, shuddered, and screamed. Her body bucked and dripped wet heat over his lips.

“Oh my, Cade.” She shook every few seconds. Pleasure filled him at the reverent way she said his name. He chuckled and stood. She peered up at him with a look so hot it almost made him come.

He lifted her off the table and helped her to her feet.

She turned on the table and splayed her upper body over the same spot she’d been lying on. Then she wiggled her ass at him. “Fuck me, baby.”

Buy Links


ARe


Author Bio:

Want to know about me? Milly Taiden (aka April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. She grew up between New York, Florida and Massachusetts. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
She’s addicted to shopping for shoes, chocolate (but who isn’t?) and Dunkin Donuts coffee.
A bookworm when she can get her hands on a good story, she loves reading all Mina Carter, Cynthia Eden, and Dianne Duvall among others.

Contact Info.

Email: millytaiden@gmail.com
Website:  http://www.millytaiden.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/millytaidenauthor

Monday, February 4, 2013

Release Day Blitz: Ashes & Ice by Rochelle Maya Callen!


Title: Ashes & Ice
Author: Rochelle Maya Callen  
Release Day: February 4th, 2013
Genre: Young Adult
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Synopsis:
She is desperate to remember.
He is aching to forget.
Together, they are not broken.
But together, one may not survive.

​Jade wakes up with no memory of her past and blood on her hands.

Plagued by wicked thoughts, she searches for answers. Instead, she finds a boy who doesn't offer her answers, but hope. But sometimes, when nightmares turn into reality and death follows you everywhere, hope is not enough.

LUST. LOVE. LOSS. Sometimes, all that is left are Ashes and Ice


Autrhor Bio:
Rochelle grew up dreaming up stories. When she entered high school, she tucked away her creative side and jumped head-first into academics, work, and service projects. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Political Science and Communication when she was twenty years old. After years away from her writing, Rochelle picked up a pen and started fleshing out a character sketch that she outlined when she was twelve. That sketch was the start of the Ashes and Ice story. Rochelle lives in the DC metro area with her husband and daughter. By day she works as a behavioral therapist. By night, she is a dreamer and is busy tapping out new stories on her keyboard.


Links:
Twitter: rockyiswriting
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ashes-and-Ice-ebook/dp/B00BAFOI02/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1359925497&sr=8-7&keywords=ashes+and+ice

Excerpt #1

Jade

            The girl’s glassy, dead eyes stare into me, through me, pierce me with a fierce urgency, with a wicked accusation. The blood is still on my hands.
            Red hair, blue eyes, a constellation of freckles on pale skin. She was fragile and innocent, a lovely thing. That is what I think until I see the gashes on her wrists and throat. With her blood spilling out, she looks delicious. She’s mine. Possessiveness shocks me, stabs into me. I run, tearing away from a craving I don't understand.
            Breathless, I grit my teeth and run harder, faster.
             
            My feet pound against the earth, away from the lifeless body and toward the lights of the city lingering on the horizon. Rot and death linger in my nostrils. Unscarred skin stretches taut over my freezing bones. Echoes of an empty memory reverberate in my mind, taunting me. The ice chases me, clutches me, and bites at my heels, sending shivers up my spine. The ice wants me back, but I run forward, toward the lights, toward the heat, toward a world that burns me, because I have no other choice.
            The lights are so close. Heat scalds my skin.
            Images race through my mind, paralyzing me. I skid to a stop, my boots digging into the mud. The vision’s blurred edges materialize into solid shapes.
             I gasp.
            A new horror rakes my insides. Desperation propels me forward; the pictures nagging at my seams threaten to tear me apart.
            Scorching fire licks over my skin. In my vision, I contort like a vile, ugly creature, eyes as black as decay. My frame hunches over the small, dead girl, like a demon looming over a defenseless child. Her blood drips from my mouth.
            I lick my lips and taste only salty sweat.
            I run, desperate to trample the vision under my feet, to crush it deep into the ground.
            I refuse to believe the image, refuse to acknowledge the monster within me demanding to be unleashed—and the possibility it has already been unbound. An unrelenting tide of fear washes over me. Past the denial, the fear, and the hope, I think I can still taste her.
            The cold stillness inside me cracks open just as the lights of the city slam into me.

Excerpt #2

Connor

            Tears burn. I never realized it before, but they do. Tears reach down my throat and settle in my gut until the pain cripples me. I clutch my stomach as I look into the casket. His face doesn’t even look the same. Bloated like a Mardi Gras float, discolored like a mannequin. This isn’t my father.
            But it is.
            If I have learned anything in my short life, it is this: funerals are bullshit. People dress in carefully pressed black suits. Parents give me “meaningful” nods as if that could ease the grief. It doesn’t.
            Then there are the kids from school, the ones dragged along by their parents. People drag their kids along as if filling the church was a necessary thing. As if the more pews filled somehow expedite the dead’s trip to heaven. I doubt it does. Maybe some of the girls went shopping to buy just the right outfit so their cleavage to respectability ratio was just right, or  their ass to waist ratio was cinched properly.
            People sit in the pews dressed in their finest let’s-go-pay-our-respects-to-the-dead-guy-we-never-knew wear, smacking the gum in their mouths, cupping cellphones so they can LOL any comment  buzzing in, and drumming their fingers because the pastor is going on too long.  All they want to do is go home, sneak in a make-out session with their girlfriends, eat their dinners, and maybe catch a 7 o’clock movie.
            I hate these kids. The ones who stare at me, roll their eyes, and yawn. The ones who trip me at school and slam me into lockers. The ones who sit in a pew, contributing to the headcount, while I sit up here in front, holding back the tears fighting to make their appearance. I swallow them down. I won’t cry. Not here. Not with these people.
            Dad’s funeral should be an empty church with mom, his three brothers, and me. It should be the five of us having a messy, sloppy, sobbing affair where we cling to each other because we are all we have left. The marble floors should be slick with our tears. It isn’t. We sit here, straight backed, completely composed as if death is just a passing expiration date and our small, insignificant world has not been split open and left gaping.
***
            I’m in my room, staring at the ceiling. The funeral service was hours ago.
            The house feels empty and cold. I hear a stifled whimper from down the hall.
            Mom.
            Probably crying into a pillow so the house can’t hear, but it can. It seems unfair she can’t wail aloud, so loud  the house’s hundred-year-old studs tremble.
            She doesn’t. I don’t either. We cry in our own rooms, remembering a man who will never be here again.
            The house creaks. Maybe it feels the weight of our grief, maybe the floorboards are buckling because the burden is too heavy.
            I ache, desperate to forget the long battle with cancer, the blood sputtering out of his mouth with his last words—what where they? I can’t remember because the fear in his eyes overshadowed anything he said. Now the loss. I don’t want to feel this loss. Some divine entity has taken dull scissors and cut out a piece of my life and now I have jagged scars to remind me I lost too much. Too much.
            I want to forget, because it hurts to remember.
            I bury my head in the pillow, hoping to suffocate the memories, to choke out the pain.

Excerpt #3


“Have you ever been in love?”
            I spill my popcorn on my lap. “I, uh, what?” I say, swiping off the kernels. The question catches me off guard.
            “You know, in love.”
            “No. No, I haven’t.” I shift on the couch, needing more space between us. “What about you?”
            “Nah.” She flicks her hand toward me as if she is brushing away nonsense, but the hard look in her eyes says something different.
            “Why?”
            She points to the TV screen and the couple making out there. “Figured if you had been, then you could explain that to me.”
            The guy sweeps the girl up and carries her into bed before they… you know. “Uh, sex?”
            She bursts out laughing. “That too. But I was talking about what  it feels like to be, you know, in love. Totally, without question. Like, does that,” she points to the screen again, “exist?”
            “Yeah, I think it exists.” I think of mom and dad—the way they kissed every morning, hugged a few moments longer than anyone else, laughed so hard they cried, and cuddled, shutting out the world, looking more content than these fakers on the screen. “It exists. And in real life, it’s better than that crap.” I say, suddenly uncomfortable by the moaning coming from the TV.
            “I thought you said you’ve never been in love?”
            “I haven’t. But I’ve seen it. And I haven’t ever seen anything come close to that in the movies.”
            She opens her mouth as if about to ask a question, but then closes it and smiles, accepting my answer. “Well, it’s good that there may be something in life to look forward to.” She drops a kernel of popcorn in her mouth.
            “May be?”
            “Well nothing is guaranteed. Who knows, I may die an old spinster.” She’s smiling, but her eyes aren’t.
            I think about the movie store guy’s possessive eyes, Jesse’s chair fiasco, and Dominic’s leering, my heart. “I doubt that.”

Excerpt #4

He smiles a bit wider and hands out the pin.
            As, I reach to pluck it from his palm, he snatches my wrist with one hand, my bicep with the other and crushes me against his chest.
            His grip is tight—too tight, it hurts—and the bend of him hovers over me, leaning in. I try to shake him off, but he doesn’t let go. I squirm as I feel his thumb trace circles on the inside of my wrist. The touch sends a skitter of sensation over me. Something tinges the air; a sweet, cool feeling brushes over my skin, making my knees want to buckle. He smells like mint, his breath tickles my face. I pull back, hating the sensations that please my skin and curdle my insides. Bile surges in my throat. I tear myself away from him, glaring.
            “What?” He says coolly as if he hadn’t just bruised my arms with his clutching fingertips.
            “That. Hurt.” I say. I don’t say he smells sweet or his breath is refreshing on my skin or his touch sends chills up my spine, delicious chills. I step away.
            His smile is unnerving. “Don’t worry, Jade.” He winks at me. Damn that wink of his. “One day, you’ll like it.”