EM's Review and Interview - I, Kwan by K Hippolite

Retrofuturistic DieselPunk

Date Published: April 4, 2014

      

For over a thousand years, a powerful oligarchy known as the Worldwide Order of Lightnings has oppressed us. With the help of the prying eyes of the chronomancers, the Lightnings have torn us from our homes; have forced us to do their bidding; have stripped us of our rights, even our names. 

I have spent my life in hiding. Please understand that an unrated telepath like me is a commodity, not a person. If it s not the thought-police come to call on me, it s the Lightnings, or worse, a suitor who won t accept no as an answer. 

Peace. Security. Love. They all elude me. When I manage to grasp a little of them in my shaking hands, they are all but snatched away by outside powers beyond my control. My heart groans with black tears from all this folly. 

About the Author

K. Hippolite

Website: www.skyfire.ca/kwan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chroniclesofkwan

Blog: https://plus.google.com/103592622979344357153?prsrc=5

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/I-Kwan-K-Hippolite/dp/1927569087

Interview

EM: Today we have K. Hippolite and Kwan joining us on the blog. K is actually part of my online critique group and contributed greatly to Fate War and DNOTS! He's another person I thank for my growth as a writer. I actually have had the privilege to see Kwan grow from story to story as I returned the critique favors! So let's start with the first question I always ask.

Tell us a little about yourself! (Technically not a question...but you get the drift. ;) )

　

K: Okay. My first initial stands for Kenneth. I live in Southern Ontario Canada and I've been a writer for many years, specializing in technical manuals and academic texts. I've actually written over two dozen books, but only a handful of them have been fiction until recently. I’ll mostly try to stay out of the way so Kwan can speak.

Kwan: As for me, I’m Orionite, which your people would call South-East Asian. I look just like I do in the pictures except I don’t actually have wings. Oh, and that halo is invisible unless I stand near a powerful energy source. I’m age twenty now, have parents who live in the same demesne, and a little brother named Jason.

EM: Very interesting. Kwan says South East Asia, but its not the Asia we know today. Is Kwan from the future, past, or an alternate reality?

K: Let's call it a "co-reality"... as in... a universe that exists in reflection of ours. Major cosmic 

events in our universe (past, present, and future) affect hers. This is why the face of her 

planet looks just like Earth. There are some striking differences. For example, they never had 

dinosaurs.

EM: Kwan, would you like to visit our "co-reality"?

Kwan: In a heartbeat! Especially to try a theme park. We can't have places like that because 

few of us are allowed to travel. I'd crawl into one and live there forever. Oh, and broadcast 

television is another taboo for us. I'd watch every channel if I was on your Earth.

EM: K, who is Kwan most like in your reality?

K: Hmm, she's most unlike anyone I've ever met, so that will be a difficult question to answer. 

One person described her as a best friend, and I think that's very apt. She's my best friend, 

transcribed onto a page. If I had to pick another fictional character, I'd say a young 

"Ambassador Delenn", though Kwan disagrees with me.

EM: Kwan disagrees with you a lot?

Kwan: He gets in the way of what I'm trying to say _all_ the time. It drives me nuts. I confound 

him a little, I think (he thinks I do it on purpose). It's tough work keeping your writer in line.

EM: Don't worry Kwan, I don't think its just you. Women in general seem to confound him. At least judging from some conversations in the critique group! Sorry K, we're ganging up on you! Spill it Kwan, what's the one thing K has done that made you the maddest.

Kwan: Oh, goodness... which one to choose... There's this one part where he (the story) uses me to 

get money for a large project. Highly annoying and very unnecessary. No, I lie about there 

being a lot. For the most part, we get along. I like to believe I'm a very nice alter/character... I

just get to rock the boat a little.

EM: So similar question to K. When has Kwan been the most difficult?

K: I think the worst part is she doesn't have an off-switch. Picture me on a date with a coaching 

team babbling in my head. On the page, she's a nuisance getting her into the few scenes that 

were required (by other books). I think every writer gets this kind of fight from their cast... it's

just that my other characters have less say in the matter.

EM: Besides dating, what other activities does Kwan interrupt? Sports? Music? Fandom group?

Kwan: I make us watch what he calls 'hideous boyband videos' on Muchmusic. I would have
liked that growing up if we had musical acts like this, so it's important character development.
When his friends ask why he can name all the members of NKOTB, he uses the excuse that
it's work-related research. Uh huh!

Types of sports, we agree on. Wrestling, because it's fake (neither of us like seeing people
actually get beaten up). I'm not super keen on sports overall... I only know them by proxy.
And I've widened our selection of books (though he took on romance by himself) since he
liked them dull and spacey until now.

EM: Alright Kwan, let K get a word in edge wise. I have some insider info, but would you like to let readers know what's on the horizon for Kwan's "co-reality"?

K: Sure... the big one is that many of the characters will get a chance to shine. Reiki's part of the
tale is far from done... look for her adventure this summer. With plenty more to come!

EM: Thank you guys for joining my blog today and can't wait to see what you have next!

EM's Review

I, Kwan, is the compilation of novellas centered around a girl in an alternate, steampunkish reality. The story follows her as she discovers, releases, and grows into her awesome powers and grows into a woman.

Khippolite has created an fantastic, rich world with stunning visuals and intricate hierarchy. He melds cool machines and interesting powers to create original battles and warriors. Kwan's world is unlike anything I've ever read.

While I like lots of detail in a story, I hate inner political workings. I think Kwan is with me on this one, but they are a necessary part of the story and I got through them okay. The only other drawback is the heroine herself who is a bit scatterbrained and made me want to slap her...lots. 

But overall, Kwan is a lovable character and her growth, both emotional and in power, keep you glued to the page having to know what mistake she's going to make and what's next for her!

This is a true YA with lots of kissing and angst. As Kwan grows, so do her relationships. Sex is implied but not explicit. There are battles, violence and some blood but it's not gory in the least. The story is beautifully written and I would recommend it for anyone who loves scifi and YA!

Promo - Protostar by Braxton A. Crosby

PROTOSTAR - Week Blitz

By Braxton A. Cosby

Young Adult

Date Published: April 16, 2014

What Would You Choose, love or duty?

On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name. William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target. With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney. As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.

EXCERPT

He leaned in close to her ear. “Please Sydney, give me one more chance. The dreams, they are of you. If only I could have understood sooner, I may have been able to change our fate. But now, I know you have the power to change this. You are more than any normal person. You are the one thing I have traveled across distance and time for.”

A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, slipping past the overlying trees. They kissed Sydney’s face. She gasped, and her lifeless body rose from the dead. Sydney swallowed a deep breath and grabbed William’s shoulders. His many tears drained from his face. The infectious warmth returned.

“I knew you’d return to me. Somehow, I knew it,” he whispered.

“I was lost for a moment in nothing but deep dark space. But I heard a voice calling out to me. It was very familiar to me. Someone I had met before. It was a woman’s voice. She told me it was time to go back. She told me I had a calling to do something great and the time of my awakening was at hand.” Sydney wiped the tears from his eyes. “Then I heard you, speaking to me from the darkness. Your voice guided me as I ran forward, until finally I saw a ray of light and I stepped into it.”

He squeezed her and planted his lips on hers. His solar cells erupted, and Sydney became surrounded in a bright aura that lifted them off the ground. He opened his eyes, amazed by what he saw. He planted another kiss, this time on Sydney’s forehead.

“There’s my signature,” he whispered.

They floated back to the ground and Sydney pulled him close.

 “Sydney, is there any way you could forgive me for what I’ve done?”

Sydney caressed his face. “What’s done is done. Even through all the pain, something inside me knew that you would save me. Love brought you to me and somehow, I knew love would give you the strength to protect me.”

The present situation invaded his thoughts. “And protect you I will. I must explain everything to you, Sydney. Come with me.”

About the Author:

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a passion for inspiring others to love, in spite of circumstance and convenience. His calling to pen a young-adult series that is smart, witty, and thought provoking, has challenged readers to answer the question: What would you choose, love or irrevocable duty? Braxton lives in Atlanta, GA, where he co-hosts a local radio show on WAOK which is a mash-up of current events and health and wellness. He also has a blog where he discusses everything from health and entertainment to spirituality and relationships.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Buy Link
Amazon

Giveaway

Signed Copy of PROTOSTAR

  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal - Descent by Kallie Ross

We are over the moon excited about the cover reveal for Kallie Ross' DESCENT!! DESCENT is a Young Adult fantasy that comes out June 9th!!

Add this one to your Goodreads TBR pile ASAP!

DESCENT Synopsis: Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard… Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.

ABOUT KALLIE ROSS: Over time my love for learning gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. My conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction. I love being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would ever be this fun!

  LINKS: KallieRoss.com Kallie Ross Facebook @KallieRoss Twitter KallieRossWrites Tumblr Descent: A Lost Tribe Facebook Kallie Ross Goodreads

AL's Review - Chronicles: Library of Illumination by C.A.Pack

Young Adult Fantasy

Date Published: April 29, 2014

 

Within the walls of a centuries-old building lies the magical Library of Illumination, a place where books literally come to life. 17-year-old Johanna Charette is the youngest curator ever chosen to oversee the day-to-day operation of the library and she knows, in case of trouble, having an assistant can be invaluable, so she hires 16-year-old Jackson Roth to give her a hand. Jackson gets off to a rocky start, but manages to prove his mettle. Besides, he’s kind of cute and a lot of fun.

Johanna is charming and brilliant—and a natural born leader. She keeps the library operating on an even keel. Jackson is clever and intrepid. He relies on his wits to keep them out of danger when trouble arises. Unfortunately, his derring-do is one of the reasons why they sometimes find themselves in awkward situations. So it shouldn’t be any surprise when his wanton curiosity sparks a journey to a distant realm, where they end up with front row seats in a battle against an ancient foe. 

AL's Review

Chronicles: The Library of Illumination was truly a fun and easy read.  When I was first asked to review this book I thought it was going to be a young adult version of Magic Tree House.  Now don’t get me wrong, I really liked magic tree house.  However, I was very wrong in my assumption.  The Library of Illumination focuses more on the actual library that contains these  living manuscripts and those that manage the libraries.  One of the things that most impressed me was the many classical pieces of literature that kept popping up in this book.  I hope that as young people read this, they might become curious and want to read those classical pieces as well.  The main characters, Johanna and Jackson, are really enjoyable and I hope that in later books we get more details about their lives before the library. I also can’t wait to see how their relationship develops.  I really appreciate how the author kept this book “clean” for the most part. There were two scenes that had a sexual undertone but there was no foul language.  It is definitely a book that I could recommend to the young adult reader.  You will be so surprised at the twist that this book takes.  I wasn’t expecting it at all but, I don’t want to give it away.  Let’s just say that we know books open up the world (or worlds wink wink) to us and you will not be disappointed with what you discover.  My only complaint is that I felt some things were a little rushed in the book.  Especially at the end, but sometimes I feel that way simply because I do not want the story to end. The author leaves you wanting more at the end, and I cannot wait to read the next book.  

About the Author

C. A. PACK, author of Code Name: Evangeline, Evangeline’s Ghost, and the Library of Illumination novelettes, is an award-winning journalist and former television news anchor/writer from Long Island, New York. 

Website: www.chroniclesthelibraryofillumination.com        

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libraryofillumination

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohannaCharette

Blog: www.carolpack.com/blog/index.php

Any Others: www.pinterest.com/carolpack/library-of-illumination/

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hI4DWL

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

EM's Review - Justice Buried by Hilary Thompson

Release date: January 15th 2014

Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:
The people need Justice, but she's not listening. One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to return and save them from their Fates.

Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior - too bad for them she isn't a believer. Trea fights against her false destiny: she rebels against her family and friends, then refuses her arranged marriage to the charming but deceitful Lexan. Learning her life is in danger, Trea is forced to trust Lexan - until she discovers a power she never knew she had, and one he already knew he did.

As betrayal closes every door, Trea decides she must submit to her stars and accept her fate. Then a handsome stranger offers her an unexpected escape and the chance to create her own destiny.

About the Author

Hilary Thompson is an independently-published author who released her debut Young Adult novel, Justice Buried, in January, 2014. Justice Buried is the first in a dystopian fantasy series incorporating mythology and astrology, with the second full-length title due later in 2014.

She also teaches high school English, which gives her some insight into her target audience, and helps her maintain a thick skin.
hilarythompsonauthor.blogspot.com | twitter.com/HilaryLThompson

EM's Review

Justice buried delivers exactly what it's selling. YA Dystopian, complete with a sizzling love triangle! The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, "If City of Ember and Divergent had a baby...." While some of the themes have been done, I enjoyed exploring Ms. Thompson's world and learning about the apocalyptic events of 100 years ago. There are still many mysteries to unravel though, and I'm hoping the next books take us deeper into the past.

The book is fast paced and, though I'm a slow reader, it only took me a couple of days to finish. It's an easy read with good characterization and great action. My only complaint would be the lack of description. I spent most of the time visualizing scenes in a sterile environment because my senses weren't engaged in the writing style. Still, the book is a great read and I can't wait for the next one to come out!

I found the religion based on Zodiac signs to be intriguing and loved the chapter starters from personal journals and religious text giving the reader insight on the world Ms. Thompson created. It's a great touch and made the story feel even more real. 

This is true YA with mild kissing scenes. There is combat, blood, and death though not constant and no where near as intense as say 'Hunger Games'. The heroine is a bit on the flip-floppy, whiny side, but...well...aren't they all? LOL!

This is a great read that will have you itching for the next installment!

Dream Cast

Chloe Mortez as Astrea

Cody Linley as Lexan

Taylor Lautner as Stian

KL Reviews - Summoned by Rainy Kaye

About the Book

Paranormal Romance

Date Published: 3/28/2014

Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker.

Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can't tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn't the type to tolerate secrets.

Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl's ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.

Summoned is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.

http://www.summonedtheseries.comand http://www.facebook.com/summonedtheseries

EXCERPT

           I dislike having to murder someone. Kidnapping is worse. At least when I setup a kill, I know what's coming. No connections, no honesty, no surprises. Everything I say and do are just steps to luring in my victim. Once the victim falls right into the trap, the next move is swift: crushed windpipe, fatal concussion, or a good ol' fashioned headshot.

            Kidnapping, on the other hand, is a little trickier. First, the victim has an opportunity to respond. I don't like this. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they manage to alert the authorities. And sometimes they escape, usually by inflicting bodily harm on me.

            Dead people don't retaliate. Kidnapped ones, well, they're a little more . . . lively.

            The second major difference between killing and kidnapping is my conscience. I get in and out with a kill. We have no chance to bond.

            Abductees require a little more one-on-one. As much as I try to keep the switch turned off, I can't help but listen to their pleas and demands. And I usually realize I'm a jerk.

            That's exactly where I find myself one late afternoon in June. I prefer doing this at night, but moreover, I would prefer not doing this at all.

            Instead, I have a belligerent nine year old girl sitting in the passenger seat of my Honda Accord, shackles on her wrists and ankles and a small stuffed bunny on her lap. She's eying me in a way that makes me self-conscious. Like I'm the bad guy.

            Probably because I am the bad guy.

KL's Review

Review for Summoned

Despite the blatant referral to Disney’s Aladin, this is definitely not your blue funny friend.  Nor is he the three wish giving genie with magical powers and living in a bottle.   Dimitri is just the next in line to inherit the bond to the master of the family that holds him.  He spends his life doing the will of his master who has but to summon him at will and end all requests with “This I wish”.  It might not be such a terrible life except that every wish Dimitri’s master has is to kill or steal in order for him to continue accumulating his enormous wealth.  Though Dimitri is not happy with his life, he has never been ready to walk away until Syd enters his life.  This one night stand becomes the love of his life and his reason for daring to defy the wish of his master. 

I can say that I have never read a paranormal romance about Jinn, and that is what intrigued me to read this book.  It did not disappoint!  I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this mystical realm that takes you way beyond where Robin Williams took genies.  I loved the concept, and there was definitely a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.  I knew there was going to be one and all was going to be “happily ever after”, but I could never figure out how it was going to happen until right when it did.  Sorry for being cryptic, but I hate giving spoilers.  If you want to know, read it for yourself.

I did have a hard time connecting with the characters as I felt they sometimes did or said things they didn’t seem to fit the profile I had envisioned of them.  Some of Dimitri’s wish fulfillments seemed very farfetched, especially considering that he really did not have any special powers.  There were also a few typos, but not anything to make you want to not finish it.

Overall, definitely a fun adult read!  Again, this is not Disney, and there are explicit scenes.  If you are looking for a new and original paranormal romance, then this should be your next read.

About the Author

Rainy Kaye

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rainyofthedark

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rainyofthedark

Blog: http://www.rainyofthedark.com

BUY LINKS

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Summoned-Rainy-Kaye-ebook/dp/B00JAZT88G/ref=cm_rdp_product

Promo - Throbbing Hearts by Sabrina Lacey

Throbbing Hearts 1 - PROMO Blitz

By Sabrina Lacey

Sizzling New Adult Romance

Date Published: March 19, 2014

  

Brendan Clark doesn't know I exist. But tonight, I'm going to change that. For the first time in four painfully long years, he's single. I've been waiting for this, my heart racing every time I see him. I finally have a chance and I'm going to take it. Tonight I will touch those kissable lips... and he'll see it, too - that we're meant for each other. If only I can stop shaking...

EXCERPT

Annie

Totally over stupidity-saturated college parties like this one. Wishing I was back in bed. Still heavy, heavy, heavy in my Goth phase. If you don’t like it you can fuck right off.

________

I ask Corrine, “Why did I come to this stupid thing again?” as she snakes her way through too many faces I pretend not to know. These people are all friends (ish) with her, but with me? Not so much.

“You came because I made you! You can’t stay stuck behind a computer every night, Annie! How are you ever going to get laid?” She throws a look my way that says I should know these things.

“You mean fall in love. How am I ever going to fall in love,” I correct her. Even with the dyed black hair, black lipstick, black wardrobe – I’m a hopeless romantic.

She snorts disapproval and stands up on the toes of her already high-heels so she can peek over the mass of stupid. “I see booze! Come on!”

“I can’t wait.”

My hand gets encased in hers and I am dragged by force. Corinne is the sitting-on-the-back-of-a-motorcycle kind of beautiful. No tiaras for this one. She’ll wear pink, but it’s gotta be hot pink. Her hair isn’t just dyed blonde, it’s platinum. Her jewelry is a little too heavily applied, as is her red lipstick. Makeup around her green eyes is the only thing she keeps low-key. She’s a little bit on the trashy side and I really like that about her. You wouldn’t catch me dead around a pastel-wearing girlie-girl. Corinne’s not afraid to swear, get dirty, and be maybe a lot slutty. Vicariously, I live through her wild side. She’s fine with that, because everyone needs a cheerleader and I’m her biggest. I just cheer from behind a sarcastic grin and dry witticisms, that’s all.

When we get to the multitude of inebriation materials, she turns to me. “Falling in love is an antiquated notion. We don’t need men. They need us. We center them. And from them, we get sex. Hot sex, if we’re lucky. And if we’re not lucky, we move on.”

I watch her grab the gin bottle, and I almost scream, “No! No gin. I can’t even think of gin without vomiting up the last three years of my life.”

She drops it back to the table. “Oh yeah. That was a fun night. If fun equals a nightmare. How ‘bout this?” She holds up a bottle that says Chopin. I lean in closer and see that it’s some highfalutin vodka. “This good?”

I shrug. “Let’s give it a shot.”

“Shots! Yes!!”

“Uh oh.” My tone is as dry as a scone left out for five days and then two more. “We’re doing shots. Great.”

Corinne pours while talking. “Look, you. You’re making Marilyn Manson jealous with that outfit. Your social skills are bested by mutes. We need to loosen you up if we’re going to get you any action – like EVER.”

My tongue plays with the roof of my mouth as I suck on her game plan. “Why do you even hang out with me?”

“Because I love you, Squid. And you make me feel good when I’m around you. You get me, and you don’t judge. Do you know how rare that is?” She calls me squid because of the black hair dye I’m addicted to. I’m naturally strawberry blonde and even though the lowest percentage of the population is born strawberry blonde – I could give a fuck. It’s too puppies, kittens and roses for me.

“That’s very sweet. I may throw up.” We tap our cups together with no celebratory clink bouncing back, thanks to the plastic. Very low end, this party. I vow that when I’m all grown up and have got my own place, I will have enough glassware to throw a party without red plastic cups sullying the classy festivities. I drink the vodka and wince. “Blech… add some cranberry or something?”

With her hand, Corinne shakes her platinum hair and musses it up all sexy style like she’s readying herself for battle against the weaker sex, and I don’t mean women. “Hello. Shots aren’t supposed to taste good. Drink up.”

“Eesh.” I drink it back and cough once. Just once because her laser-beam eyeballs stop me from making a scene. “Sorry.”

 “You’re not a lost cause!” She chuckles. “You’ve still got these.” She points to my eyes, which – I have to admit – are probably my best feature. They’re bright cotton candy blue. I am fond of them. Why do you think I smudge so much eyeliner around them? “And these!” She reaches out and grabs my boobs, which are cleverly hidden behind a baggy shirt and jacket, not to mention several silver stone-pendant necklaces. Each stone has a different healing property: protection, communication and love. I fancy myself a bit of a witch. Or spiritual. Or whatever.

“Anybody besides you touches my boobs and I’ll punch them in the face. And you can let them go now, too.” She laughs and obeys. I’m not into girls. Neither is Corinne. But I don’t really mind her grabbing them. Someone’s got to.

“Hey!” she barks at a girl pushing through to the booze-table. The girl eyeballs her and a silent war is won by neither. Corinne looks back to me. “Does that include Brendan Clark? Would you punch him in the face if he did this?” She grabs them again and giggles.

My heart jumps out and kisses her for saying his name. But then it goes dead all over again and I swat her hands away. “Brendan’s got a girlfriend, remember?”

Corinne leans in and whispers, “Not anymore. Word is, he dumped her right before they were supposed to go away and celebrate their graduation with a good boinking.” She eyes me. “Interesting news, isn’t it?”

See this is the problem with friends. They see things you don’t want them to see. Which means you can’t live in happy denial. I’ve not told anyone how I feel about Brendan Clark, not even her. But somehow she spotted me staring at him with my mouth open one too many times. Ever since, it’s been like dragging Lindsey Lohan to rehab to get her to drop it.

But still my heart pirouettes throughout my insides at the news.

Brendan’s single?

I blink at Corinne, stunned and speechless. Though, Brendan has all of my heart, he has no idea who I am. He is beyond out of my league. I’ve only said “hey” to him once and it was a disaster. I said it because he said it first. But then it turned out he was talking to his buddy Mark who was walking up behind me. Needless to say, I slinked back into the shadows where it’s nice and quiet… and dark enough for me to cry.

I shrug and look away so she can’t see me lying. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you this, Marilyn, but I really don’t care what Brendan does.” She calls me Squid. I call her Marilyn after Marilyn Monroe, thanks to her hair and sexy goddess style. I may have gotten the short end of the nickname stick.

Her eyes narrow and she leans in to see if she can decipher my code. “Really?”

Avoiding her, I mutter without care, “Yeah. I’m not interested.”

“Not at all?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“He’s walking up behind you.”

“Let’s do another shot.”

Corinne laughs hard and turns to shove that girl out of the way. Successful, she starts singing “Shots shots shots shots” by the band LMFAO, and pours way too generously.

I don’t dare look around, but I don’t need to. Before I even lay eyes on Brendan, I hear his voice, low and deeper than most other guys and already my knees feel like noodles. His voice boasts his advanced levels of testosterone, and the place that aches for him between my legs moistens instantly. He’s here. He’s walking up behind me. Now is my chance to talk to him! To let him know I exist. I eavesdrop and hear him talking about Mendocino, something about a…

“Here you go.” Corinne slides a half-full cup back in my hand and I lose the last part of what was being said.

I take it from her, head down, focusing hard on the red plastic. I know that when I turn around, I will be face to face with the man I plan to have babies with. First I should probably tell him my name.

“Thanks.” I drink it before she even has a chance to toast or join me.

She stares at my speed, reads correctly into it, and whoops loudly, “Now it’s a party! Here, have another!”

I don’t argue, holding my cup out. I turn my head, say nothing, and stare at the man I have every intention of marrying. He’s exchanging words with jerkoff Mark and that asshole Tommy, but all I can see is Brendan’s mouth moving like the world just slowed down to make me the happiest girl in it. His lips are so full and pouty, and his teeth are straight from the braces he still had on during the beginning of his sophomore year, the I first time I saw him, three years ago. I was a freshman, and apparently invisible.

About the Author:

Sabrina Lacey is like many women in modern times - she's been a lot of things to a lot of people. A wife, ex-wife, daughter, teacher, stand-up comedienne, wackadoo, loyal friend, fed-up bartender, fashion photographer, lazy bones, bitch, and sweetheart (though less often than bitch). She lives in way too dry Los Angeles where she wishes there was more thunderstorms. Who doesn't love a good thunderstorm...

Pour a nice glass of wine, and enjoy the ride. ;) Cheers!

Author Links

Website | Facebook

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble