#NewRelease “Metamorphosis: Worlds of Fire, #2” by Deborah A. Bailey

November 7, 2022November 6, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

book cover

Asira is a member of a high-ranking family of Alchemists who exert control over the libraries that store magical texts. She never believed her acceptance into the coveted position was in doubt. Yet, when she becomes the apprentice of a gargoyle shifter Alchemist who insists on keeping his pet bird with him, she has her doubts that he was the right choice for her final class.

Jaydon is from a shifter group known as the Gigun. As an unconventional but powerful teacher of transmutation at the university, he could have his pick of mentees. It isn’t hard to tell that the last thing he wants to do is mentor a student from a powerful family.

Asira finds Jaydon frustrating but too fascinating for her own good. But she needs his knowledge and guidance when she becomes the target of a classmate’s deception. With Jaydon’s assistance, the two of them uncover a conspiracy that threatens the well-regulated order of the Floating World.

As their feelings for each other intensify, Jaydon must make a life-altering decision which will either bind them together… or permanently force them apart.

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EXCERPT

His deep voice had a slight rasp, and a warmth that made his words much more interesting than they should’ve been. It was as though he was sharing his personal thoughts with her, not reading from a dry alchemy text.

“Would you like me to show you more?” he asked, as he absently flipped through the pages.

“Yes, please.”

He looked up at her and smiled, pleased at her enthusiasm. “Well, let’s look at this chapter. I think this will explain what elements are important to…”

What was happening to her? She’d never had to struggle to focus on alchemy theories before. And none of her previous instructors had had this type of effect on her. Maybe if she’d had more of a social life over all the years of study, she wouldn’t be feeling this way.

“And this element is essential in…”

There had to be a way to ignore the slight aroma of spice if she worked at it. Anise and Bergamot and was that citrus? Maybe it was from the soap he used. That had to be it.

“Now in this chapter, I want you to pay attention to…”

Each time he glanced at her, she smiled and nodded even though she had no idea what he was talking about. It had to be the spices, that was it. She’d read about how they could be combined to induce pleasurable thoughts. This was right out of her Olfactory Alchemy Formulas textbook.

The magister who had written it had been the topic of endless gossip and speculation for years afterwards. In fact, Varen had made one of the elixirs from the text on a whim. He’d never been as popular with faculty and students as he had been that summer.

“Asira?” Jaydon was staring at her. “Are you all right? I was asking if you understood these symbols.”

“Um, yes, of course,” she said, wondering why she was so warm all of a sudden. “I was distracted.” She rubbed her sweaty palms together, though it didn’t help.

“Oh?” He held her gaze as he continued to point to the page. “Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?”

Was he sweating? No, that light sheen on his skin had to be…she had no idea what it had to be. Under the desk, their knees were touching and for some reason she was reluctant to move away.

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Buy links

Amazon, B&N, Apple, Kobo & others

https://books2read.com/Metamorphosis-Worlds

Amazon.com

https://tinyurl.com/2ff4muhw

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Worlds of Fire Romantic Fantasy Series

Featuring worlds of magic and technology, connected by fiery portals created by the mysterious phoenix shifters. Guarded by the winged Night Forces, the portals are gateways to planets inhabited by humans and shifters. Worlds steeped in mystery and intrigue, bound by the secrets in the powerful Books of Fire.

Also Available

Blood Red Moon

Out of the ashes, a new beginning…

When his family and most of their kind were destroyed by the Guild, Derek inherited the position of Vampire Lord. Alchemists held the keys to creating portals to other worlds, knowledge they passed down to phoenixes. Their utopian society was crushed when the Guild invaded, intending to unlock the powerful secrets phoenixes possess. Lovers Derek and Avani met the night their city was sacked and after the city succumbed, they were lost to each other.

Love will be resurrected in blood and fire…

Having lost her memory, Avani became a protégé of the Guild Master, conditioned by magic to believe shifters and vampires were evil. Eventually, she was made Seeker, tasked with finding the Vampire Lord in order to gain access to phoenixes.

When Derek finds Avani, he neutralizes the magic that’s kept her from remembering who she is. However, the Templars have almost certainly made a pact with the enemy of all supernatural creatures, in order to gain access to the portals. Only a phoenix can save the world from utter ruin now, but that was precisely the asking price…

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Author Bio

Deborah A. Bailey Deborah A Bailey’s Romantic Fantasy, Science Fiction and Paranormal Romance novels include suspense, a bit of mystery and a lot of romantic heat.

Her short stories have won awards from the Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and have been published in US1 Magazine and the Sun and are included in, Electric Dreams: Seven Futuristic Tales.

Visit her site https://AuthorDebBailey.com for more information and subscribe to the newsletter here: https://eepurl.com/bokGdX so you’ll be the first to find out about giveaways, book launches and sneak peeks.

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#BookTour “Homeschooling and Working While Shaping Amazing Learners” by L.M. Preston

October 19, 2022October 19, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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Non-Fiction

Date Published: 07-20-2019

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

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Homeschooling and Working While Shaping Amazing Learners is a nuts to bolts guide for working parents who want to groom exceptional learners through the flexibility of homeschooling. Learn to juggle working and homeschooling your kids while maintaining your sanity. Also, use aspects of homeschooling for after schooling when traditional school isn’t working. Single parents are given options for executing homeschooling or after schooling methods that work in practical bits for the busy parent. Learn how to take your child from an average student to an exceptional student by exploring the possibilities shown in the section on acceleration of learning. From pre-K to homeschooling college, open your eyes to the many options in flexibility this approach to learning can give. You can home-school and work to shape amazing learners by exploring the possibilities.

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EXCERPT

When you have a strong-willed child, there is no immediate solution for teaching them the valuable lessons of self-control, respect for authority, keeping destructive reactions in check, and just being obedient when the time dictates it. Your commitment to transform your strong-willed child into a strong man or woman is a journey that will teach you more about yourself than you thought possible. It will test your patience, your ability to hold your temper, your reasoning, your capacity for love and energy. Managing all of this and continuing to work and homeschool will seem nearly impossible. It can be done when you use all the tools shared in this book.

Positive adults and leaders can be born of this tedious work. My husband and I have seen the fruits of this with our four children, all of whom were strong-willed. Truth is, my husband and I were both strong-willed and because of that have done some pretty amazing things in our lives. We just didn’t accept the reality of the status quo. Our motto was, ‘turning the no into our yes.’ We created our own path to reach our goals.

As for our children, we didn’t want to break their wills. We only wanted to give them the tools to operate in their world without becoming a destructive force within it but, instead, to become a positive force.

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FREE companion course

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About The Author

LM Preston is an author, engineer, former college professor, and working mother who’s been married for over twenty-five years. She homeschooled 3 of her 4 children from elementary school and beyond while she and her husband worked outside their home. Three of her kids graduated with degrees by the age of 17 years old.

Her blog: http://homeschoolandwork.blogspot.com/ details her homeschooling while working journey.

Contact Links

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Purchase Links

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#ReleaseBlitz “Brave Women at Work: Stories of Resilience” by Jennifer Pestikas

October 12, 2022October 11, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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Nonfiction / Business

Date Published: October 11, 2022

Publisher: Hunter Street Press

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Brave Women at Work: Stories of Resilience is a collection of real-life stories from women just like you who have been resilient in the face of
difficult challenges. Each of the authors’ stories illustrate how you can face tough odds and still find career success and happiness. Whether it be health challenges, burnout, broken relationships or confidence issues, each author shows us how we all have wells of resilience we didn’t even know we had. Turn to this book as a source of inspiration and hope that you too can rise above your challenges.

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About the Author

Jen Pestikas is a type-A super achiever. She always got straight A’s and was devastated if a B showed up on her report card(s). Jen set the bar high and strove to check all the boxes in what defined a successful life.

Her super achieving nature shaped her career in the corporate world.

After twenty years in corporate, climbing the ladder in financial services from a bank teller to a Senior Vice President in a Chicago land financial institution and doing ‘all the right things’, Jen’s health plummeted. In 2019, her thrusters burnt out, her body stopped functioning, and emotionally, she was a shell of her former self with no passion nor direction.

Jen’s time of healing that followed was an arduous journey and a gift. A gift she had to give herself, her husband, children, and her life.

She was forced to acknowledge that lives weren’t perfect. She did not have to check all life’s success boxes, and she did not have to be super woman. For the first time, Jen finally understood what she wanted. Jen knew she wanted to give back to women so they could avoid the traps of overachieving, perfectionism, and not speaking their truth.

Jen has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Indiana University and is coaching certified from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).

Jen has developed the Brave Women at Work brand, hosts the Brave Women at Work podcast, and offers coaching services to women who are looking to get to the next level in their careers. You can listen to the Brave Women at Work podcast on Apple, Google, Stitcher, and Spotify. Connect with Jen at www.bravewomenatwork.com or via LinkedIn.

Contributing Authors

Hope Mueller, Yalonda Brown, Shelia Higgs Burkhalter, Kim Ellet, Betsy
Gornet, Georgie Komeiner, and Trisha Tayan

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Contact Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIN Jennifer Pestikas | LinkedIn

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Purchase Link

Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#Excerpt “Kairn (Mates of the Alliance Book 1)” by Fionne Foxxe Farraday

August 26, 2022August 17, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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Mates of the Alliance Book 1

Sci-fi / Romance / Erotica

Date Published: May 11, 2022

Publisher: Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Fighting to save a primitive planet targeted by the Alliance’s enemies, Kairn never expected to find the female who haunted his dreams made flesh and blood.

Daria’s life revolved around her work. She had given up on finding romance…let alone love. Earth was now under attack by an evil alien empire—under siege. Daria is trying to do her job as best she can in an upside-down world. Then the cavalry arrives…in the form of giant, gorgeous alien warriors.

These aliens are working toward restoring Earth to the pristine beauty she used to be. In their charismatic leader, Daria finds the most amazing partner. Laughter and love with her devoted alien, what’s an Earth girl going to do but grab on with both hands and hold on tight to enjoy the ride?

After all…what could possibly go wrong?

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EXCERPT

Prologue

Daria at Age 16

Daria scribbled notes in the margins as the teacher highlighted the finer points of calculus. She nibbled absently on the end of her mechanical pencil. The bell rang, sounding the end of the class.

Taking her time, Daria gathered her textbook. She pushed her glasses back up. Her long hair fell into her face. Daria absently pulled her hair back in a high ponytail. The room was emptying quickly of the college freshmen. AP Calc was proving to be a lonely place for a precocious high school junior.

Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, she joined the students in the crowded corridor. She saw pretty college girls flirting with attentive frat boys. Daria mused to herself ruefully. How can it be possible to feel so alone in a sea of people?

Daria glanced down at her comfortable jeans, sneakers, and favorite AC/DC T-shirt. She twirled the ends of her ponytail as she looked at the straightened hair, subtle make-up, and body-skimming clothes of the sorority girls. One of the girls shifted her feet, cocking her hip with a flirty kick of her high heeled foot. Her fresh French manicure peeked out provocatively—from the very pretty torture instruments she sported on her abused feet.

Daria shuddered. I don’t think I’m missing much there.

As Daria watched, one of the boys leaned forward. He tucked a few errant curls behind the girl’s ears with careful fingers. The girl stopped flirting, blushing prettily. The boy…young man really…took the book bag the girl passed to him. Her cheeks heating to a soft rose, she flashed him a shy smile. Offering her his crooked elbow, the pair walked down the hall with their heads tilted close together…oblivious to the rest of the world.

Charmed by their obvious sweet chemistry, Daria glanced after the pair with a wistful smile. The bell rang again, shaking her out of her reverie. I don’t have time for this. Focus, girl. Finish high school…then…college…then med school. Time to stop feeling sorry for myself.

She walked down the hall, hurrying to her next AP class. I do get a little lonely…OK…a lot. I wish I had someone…I want to be close to someone…one day. I hope there’s someone out there just for me.

Daria—present day

The soft-pitched drawl fell pleasantly on her ears.

“I think I’m ready to head home, Ma’am.”

Daria pulled her stethoscope out of her ears. She smiled warmly at the distinguished older gentleman sitting ramrod straight in the bedside chair.

“You sound clear today, Mr. Clark. I do believe you’re right. I’ll get started on your discharge order. If you drive like you usually do, you should be home with your missus for supper.”

A quick grin flashed across his weathered features. He stood politely and bowed slightly as Daria headed toward the door. “I surely appreciate all you did for me. Have a care going home on those roads. Pet your hoss of a dog for me.”

Daria heard Mr. Clark dialing his cell phone before she even turned for the door. She heard him chuckle. “Sweetheart, they’re cutting me loose outta this popsicle stand. I’ll be home with you soon, darling girl.”

She smiled whimsically to herself as she closed the door gently behind her.

She nodded to the charge nurse Jenny. “Mr. Clark is headed out the door. You’d better hurry if you want to keep up with him.”

Laughter rang out around the station. “We’d better get on it before he makes a break for it.”

Dalton Clark was one of her favorite people. She always made a point to finish her rounds with him before she left for the day. Barring any emergencies, he was always her last stop if he was in the hospital. Daria smiled to herself. It was always good to end the day on a high note.

Sneakers squeaking, Daria headed down the back stairs and walked to the parking lot. She tucked her wavy brown hair behind her ears. Daria saw Nils Larsen, a good friend and dedicated surgeon. He was talking with Laura, one of the hospital recruiters. He looked up as the stairwell door closed behind Daria. He grinned and gave Daria a chin lift.

Nils leaned closer to Laura with a smile. Her manicured fingers played with the gold necklace laying in the hollow of her throat. Laura wound a lock of black hair around her finger. They laughed softly; Daria heard him murmur. “Meet you there in an hour.”

Nils put a guiding hand in the small of her back as he walked Laura to her car and helped her in. Nils stared after Laura for a few moments as she drove off.

Daria smiled at Nils as he got into his SUV. She could see the sparks of attraction between them. Daria made a shooing motion. “She’s sweet. I like her. What are you waiting for?”

Nils laughed as he started his engine. As he reversed, he stuck his head out of his window. “Hey Morrissey. Good job today. Thanks for your help.”

He paused, a faraway look in his eyes. His voice was soft. “I like her too.”

Daria took her time on the winding roads home. She had the moonroof open with the cool sea-kissed air blowing through her hair. The stunning views along the mountain curves and the sound of the crashing surf blew the last of the cobwebs from her mind.

* * *

Daria took the nearly invisible turn-off into the winding gravel road leading up to her home. The familiar rumble of her engine brought inquisitive squirrels out to investigate; chittering with excited curiosity, they ran along the crisscrossing branches forming a living archway along the trail.

Excited barks greeted her. The sound of dancing feet on the hardwood floor made her smile and relax even more. Opening the front door, Daria let Molly out for a good run.

With a grin, Daria followed—watching her dog run wind sprints across the meadow as the sun set. She wriggled her toes in the tall grass. With a happy sigh, she headed into her cozy home. She luxuriated in a lovely long as-hot-as-she-could-stand-it bath in the deep old-fashioned copper tub. Fragrant steam filled the bathroom with the relaxing scents of lavender and chocolate. She ate a simple dinner and fed the last of her Reuben sandwich to a hopeful Molly. Who knew dogs would love sauerkraut?

Daria sunk into the comfortably worn sofa, rubbing a lazy foot along Molly’s side. The big shepherd mix wagged her tail lazily in expressive thanks. Leaning back into the soft cushions, Daria cuddled under the over-sized throw. She stared absently into the peaceful room, the soft crackle and pop of the fire lulling her into a light doze.

Daria thought about Nils and Laura. She had a good feeling about them. A sharp pang of loneliness crept over her, foreign and contrary to her usual easygoing happy nature. Her gaze drifted to the large empty spot at the other end of the sofa. Daria let out a wistful sigh. What would it be like to have someone special to share this with?

A soft woof broke the strange spell and drew her eyes to an alert Molly. Once she was sure she was the sole focus of her human’s attention, Molly promptly lolled expectantly onto her back. Daria laughed, sinking down onto the smooth old oak floors to give Molly a world-class belly rub.

Daria was rewarded by a riotous symphony of happy high-pitched yips and whines. She watched with fond amusement as her huge shepherd reverted to puppyhood and crawled into her lap. She teased affectionately. “You spoiled little thing!”

And scratched some more.

Some hours later…

Daria startled awake out of a fitful sleep. Disoriented, she sat up on her makeshift bed…her pulse pounding loudly in her ears. Nails clicked on the wooden floor as Molly growled in her throat, hackles rising as she planted herself squarely in front of the door.

The dying embers in the fireplace cast eerie flickering shadows as her eyes adjusted to the dark room. Daria listened intently, straining her ears. Nothing except Molly’s continued deep growl broke the silence.

She stroked a gentle hand along Molly’s silky ears. “Easy girl. What’s got you all stirred up?”

The large dog shook herself and stared fixedly at the door, hackles standing up along her spine.

Daria didn’t hear anything, but she trusted her dog…implicitly. A shiver ran through her. That was it…they were in her beyond-rustic cabin in the mountains. Secluded and peaceful. But now the usual voices of the night were eerily silent: No owls. No yipping coyotes in the distance. No crickets…It had been a great place to recharge but now it was TOO quiet.

With exaggerated care, Daria swung the heavy door open to avoid its habitual squeak, Molly posting protectively at her side. Easing through the doorway, Daria stared at the red glow highlighting the early dawn sky. Dull menacing booming sounded…repeated…and echoed.

A brilliant light exploded along the horizon…before subsiding into an angry red glare. As far as she could see, the skies were on fire…in the distance, cities were burning.

Roaring sounded over her head as multiple jet engines roared overhead…Daria thought wildly. Please God, let those be our jets!

The powerful unseen craft flew low and fast toward the cities.

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About the Author

Fionne Foxxe Farraday the award-winning author of the 2022 INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD for “Best Romance” novel. She also is a medical
professional working in the area of pulmonary and critical care medicine.

After years of working with patients, Farraday faced medical issues in March 2020 that put her on enforced medical leave without call responsibilities.

An avid reader, she soon exhausted her list of books and found herself bored with TV, leading her to begin outlining the story that would become KAIRN: Mates of the Alliance. Returning to ICU work during the dark days of the first Covid-19 wave, Fionne continued writing as a way to cope with the intense demands and the losses of countless patients. The writing took on a life of its own as Farraday fashioned the fictional happy endings which were in short supply in the ICU full of Covid-19 patients.

With her own background in medicine and family members who served in WWII and Vietnam, Farraday’s books are a salute to all of the medical and military personnel whose sacrifices allow us to do what we do. A mother, grandmother, and animal lover, Fionne Foxxe Farraday lives in Cookeville, TN.

Contact Links

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Purchase Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

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#BookTour “The Abdication” by Justin Newland

July 22, 2022July 13, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 3 Comments

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Crime / Suspense / Thriller

Date Published: 06/07/2021

Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd

The town of Unity sits perched on the edge of a yawning ravine where, long ago, a charisma of angels provided spiritual succour to a fledgling human race. Then mankind was granted the gift of free will and had to find its own way, albeit with the guidance of the angels. The people’s first conscious act was to make an exodus from Unity – they built a rope bridge across the ravine and founded the town of Topeth. For a time, the union between the people of Topeth and the angels of Unity was one of mutual benefit. After that early spring advance, there had been a torrid decline in which mankind’s development resembled a crumpled, fading autumnal leaf.

Following the promptings of an inner voice, Tula, a young woman from the city, trudges into Topeth. Her quest is to abide with the angels and thereby discover the right and proper exercise of free will. To do that, she has to cross the bridge – and overcome her vertigo.

Topeth is in upheaval; the townsfolk blame the death of a child on dust from the nearby copper mines. The priests have convinced them that a horde of devils have thrown the angels out of Unity and now occupy the bridge, possessing anyone who trespasses on it. Then there’s the heinous Temple of Moloch!

The Abdication is the story of Tula’s endeavour to step upon the path of a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.

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EXCERPT

The Acropolis

Tula staggered away from the Temple of Moloch to escape the toxic atmosphere. The air was thin. Her body was sweating, her stomach, knotted. Once in a while, she paused to gather her breath. Her head swirled with conflicting views about the townsfolk. At one turn they were kind and hospitable, but then they seemed to flip into a collective madness, in which they were possessed and intoxicated by a deluded sadistic pleasure.

There were no devils, other than those believed and invested in by people’s hearts and minds. The devils had no power without the freely given will of the people. She did not think this was how the gift of free will was intended to be exercised.

Then there was the bridge, a bridge to the future, away from the past and into the bright lights of tomorrow. Was its true name Via Angelica or the Devils’ Bridge? After Jevros’s fall and the tragic death of his baby girl, she had entertained her doubts. And now Moloch – the terrifying monster.

She needed a quiet place to meditate. The sun was arcing in the sky and sending waves of heat onto the town. The sunlight glinted on the derelict temple columns on Acropolis Hill. On first arriving in Topeth, the old structure had intrigued her. It would be an ideal sanctuary, at least until the gruesome ceremony at the bronze temple had finished.

Occupying the highest point in the town, the old Acropolis had been abandoned to nature, a monumental relic to a past era. She found herself at the head of a causeway leading to the first of three tiered terraces or courts, each separated by a low boundary wall running around the hillside like a girdle. The Acropolis building itself, or what was left of it, stood bleak and proud on the uppermost peak.

On entering the outer court, she scrunched up her nose. The stench was coming from a mound of rubbish. Blotches of weed poked through the gaps in the pile of old rotting clothes, discarded sandals, broken bottles and more of those nearly new children’s toys. The tip had attracted vermin, who, on her arrival, scampered for cover into the tall, thin spindles of dry grass. Schooled both by the adversity of the heat and the rarity of the atmosphere in Topeth, the rats seemed as big as beavers and mountain-ready.

Rats she did not like, neither the four-legged variety nor the two-legged. She had encountered a few of both in her short time on Earth and bore a particular disgust for the latter. Both smelled; the four-legged were putrid and the two-legged, well, they were even worse, since they had free will and therefore had volunteered to act like the four-legged variety.

Then there was the compliance, the serial inability to think for oneself and to follow others as a matter of course. She did not like that either. Yet it was as infuriatingly difficult to spot as to eradicate. Her pet hate was the giving of a name by its parents to a child. Her parents had named her Tula. She had not asked for it, condoned it, or even agreed to it, yet the name had stuck. One day, she would give herself a new name, to mark the beginning of her life-long quest, with a name chosen by her that chimed with her perceived destiny. Now that sounded like the proper exercise of free will.

She was Tula; Tula was she. The name had echoes of the tulip, the flower. Did her cheeks bloom with their fiery reds? Did she smell as nice? Could she smell her own body odour or her own clothes? They mostly smelled of sweat and fear, but on the odd occasion that she found that quiet, listening space in herself, she smelled as sweet as the turban-topped tulip.

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About the Author

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers – that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural.

He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

His Books

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times. ISBN 9781789015829.

‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society.

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.

“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war… filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950.

“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.” – V. Triola, Coast to Coast.

Contact Links

Twitter: @Matador

Hashtag: #Matadorbooks

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Purchase Links

Author’s Website (where buyers can enter a dedication to be signed by
the author)

Publisher’s Website (UK)

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#Excerpt “Adam XY” by Zach Cassidy

July 21, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

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Fiction

Date Published: 4-25-2022

In a world where human males were thought to be a historical curiosity, the first man in centuries is born.

Adam Walsh III, a grandson of Adam, researches the life of his grandfather, the first human male to be born in two centuries. After the wars of the twenty-first century, men were wiped out from the population by a virus. Through the spermification process, women were able to procreate without males and soon, men were a thing of the past.

Until Adam that is. Science has never been able to explain his birth, but from the moment he came out of the womb, Adam found himself under constant scrutiny, equally hated and admired.

Males are now slowly repopulating the planet, but they remain rare and are the subjects of hate crimes and persistent accusations. Through his research, Adam Walsh III seeks to end the bloodshed.

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EXCERPT

INTRODUCTION

I am Adam Walsh the Third.

If not already evident, I am a grandson of Adam.

I am doing this as a way to educate myself primarily, about my grandfather, whose very existence should have been impossible. Few people have impacted the world (for better or worse) the way that my ancestor did, Jesus, Caesar, Genghis Khan, the Prophet Muhammad, and Karl Marx, for example. However, unlike others who have had such an impact, he did it by merely being born, by existing.

It is my intention to interview people close to him, research and otherwise find out about my grandfather’s life. Despite being a direct descendent, I don’t know much more than the average citizen about him. I seek to fix that for myself.

Additionally, it is important to me that the reader get a glimpse, an idea of the lives of modern men, and our particular struggles. Men face a lot in our world, just for being men; I hope to help you, the reader, understand the issues that we face.

Understand what we go through, just for what’s between our legs. As more and more men appear on the face of the earth, we face increased scrutiny.

I will include information gathered from individuals from my grandfather’s life, as well as telling you about the life of the modern man. What we men 1

go through. We live in a world that was not built for us, a world that for decades on decades lived without men. Before my grandfather, most people didn’t even think about men. They hadn’t existed in decades and the disappearance of men was merely a history lesson for most people. Men had become almost a modern legend. So for men to suddenly appear, it’s natural that we would be looked at suspiciously.

As I explore the life of my grandfather, and those around him in his and my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, I will be interviewing them. However, I want my reader to have an idea of what it was like for those that knew Adam, that were affected by him.

There has been a recent resurgence of the hate and prejudice against men in society, due to our rapid increase since the death of my grandfather.

Now that selling sperm is no longer illegal, it’s way more common and so more than 50 percent of men are currently under 18 years old. I have several dozen biological children myself, about half of them boys.

As more of us appear, the hate originally shown my grandfather has increased as people’s initial fears, a world full of men, come to light. Violence is on the rise.

While I have never physically been attacked, I remember as a child having graffiti marked on my home once. As an adult, I have had death threats in public and received mail that ranges from merely mean to psychotic. Even some of my female relatives have issues with this as if being born the old-fashioned way somehow makes them inferior or a part of the problem.

Recently, my cousin Henry who was a leading activist for men was killed. He was fighting against his own and other’s exclusion from specific careers and from top schools and was shot in the back of the head. It’s been over the news a lot lately. My cousin was the best in our family, a certified genius, who worked as an engineer for local wind farms. He had a family and young daughters at home who will grow up without their father. I cannot fix human prejudice, but maybe I can spread understanding.

The hate that was shown my grandfather was more intense than anyone man faces today, primarily because it was all heaped upon ONE person. But it does serve as an example of the experience today.

I also want to be clear that there are SO many allies, most in society do not see me as an abomination, most are supportive or neutral. But there is a small but violent faction that wants us gone, either castrated or killed depending upon the individual. My hope in writing this is that those that are neutral will pick a side, your neutrality is hurting us. Because the truth is that we need you to help us. There is not enough use to protect ourselves on our own.

In addition to this, I want to know about my grandfather, and it is time I get a real job. I have become unsatisfied being a sperm donor and it might make holidays a bit less awkward with my father. My father is an excellent lawyer and leader in the male community, by comparison, I am a failure.

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Purchase Link

Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

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#5DayMiniBlitz “Underrated” by Morwenna Blackwood

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

tour banner

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book cover

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“I stand as close as I can to the Liver Building without looking proper weird and tip my head back. My eyes can’t focus properly, but I can make out a turquoise shape right at the top, so I mouth ’iya to Bella. I’m a bit soft on the Liver Birds. They’re 300-odd feet up in the air, so they should be able to see everything, but they’re chained down…”

A story of the far-reaching effects of unrequited love and drug (ab)use, Underrated follows five lads who are just trying to make things better for themselves. In Liverpool and on the south Devon coast, their lives entangle as they turn to cocaine.

While some people take drugs to escape their circumstances, others deal drugs to escape theirs. But is escape ever really an option?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/underrated

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EXCERPT

Will has rented out the flat above his, to Kayleigh. He’s in love with her, and they’ve hooked up a few times, although she doesn’t feel the same. Will’s fallen into dealing drugs to make ends meet. A new bloke has moved into the building opposite his, and Will has suspicions about him.

I know who shot the crow. It’s that weirdo who lives in the top flat of the building opposite mine. I’ve seen him, up in that protruding attic window, with his binoculars. That’s why I work in the back room, even though it’s dark. He watches Kayleigh. I know he does. I ought to tell the police. I ought to tell the police a lot of things, but if I did, someone would tell them lots of things about me, too, and I can’t have that.

~~~

Author Bio

When she was six years old, Morwenna wrote and endless story about a frog, and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She’s the author of bestselling noir psychological thrillers, The (D)Evolution of Us, and Glasshouse, has an MA in Creative Writing, and can usually be found down by the sea. Morwenna’s third novel, Underrated, was published by #darkstroke on Valentine’s Day, 2022, and she has several works in progress.

She often thinks about that frog.

Social Media Links

Website

Facebook

Twitter – @MorwennaBlackw1

Instagram – morwennablackwood_

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Giveaway to Win PB copies of The (D)Evolution of Us and Glasshouse by Morwenna Blackwood (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfillment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for dispatch or delivery of the prize.

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#BookTour “Anything But Love (California Hearts, Book 2)” by Dalia Dupris

June 29, 2022June 17, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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California Hearts, Book 2

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: 06-15-2022

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Known as the anything but love girl, Morgan Hart has two passions, travelling and having fun. After reassuring her French lover, Marcel, that their relationship will resume unchanged when she returns, she’s ready to begin her Cape Town adventure, only to find that her friend Amber is a no-show at the airport, and Morgan’s stuck with having to travel solo, that is, until she falls into the lap of widowed single father, Dakar Ngosi, whose good looks and charm have her questioning her resolve to living life unattached and carefree.

Dr. Ngosi is beyond annoyed when a seemingly inebriated Morgan slumps down beside him in the airport lounge where he’s waiting with his sister for their flight. When his sister volunteers him to show the lovely American the sites of their country, his irritation grows, but he soon discovers that Morgan is as enticing as she is beautiful, and he must decide if he’ll stick to his vow to never love again or pursue the American woman whose captured his heart.

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EXCERPT

Chapter 1 Lovers & Friends

“We stayed in bed for too long.” Panicked, I peer at my watch for the tenth time in the last fifteen minutes before frowning at Marcel’s profile. His wavy brown hair is uncombed, tufts of it stand straight up in the back, and a stubble of new growth darkens his chin while his periwinkle blue eyes stay focused on the predictably slow-moving Los Angeles traffic. “I cannot miss this flight.” Even at five o’clock on a Saturday afternoon, it’s a sea of wall-to-wall cars. Squirming in my seat and growing more anxious by the minute, I tense, certain that we should have left an hour ago.

“Amber is probably at the airport already.”

Blowing out a puff of air, I know that he’s not the only one who looks like he just crawled out of bed after a wild night between the sheets. I barely had time to shower and grab my suitcases before shoving him out the front door.

“I still can’t believe she decided to join me. Claire and Chris won’t believe that I’m the one running late today.”

Claire, Chris, and Amber are my best friends from high school. Claire’s as dependable as they come, with a solid marriage to her accountant husband, Craig, and two adorable children. Chris is married to Reggie.

Unfortunately, Amber’s relationship with Derrick is drama-filled. Hopefully, this vacation will help her come to her senses, and she’ll figure out that she deserves more than his lies and manipulations.

“Vous n’avez rien à craindre.” Glancing in my direction with a wicked sparkle in his eyes, Marcel winks before refocusing on the road.

“What does that mean?” Folding my arms, I send him a perturbed glare. It’s unfair of him to use the beauty of his native language against me. He knows I’m a sucker for accents—that his seductive utterances weaken my resolve to be irritated.

“You have nothing to worry about.” He shakes his head and smiles. “That, ma cherie, is the translation.”

“Yes, I do.” I rub my hands together. “Please stop using French. It’s a distraction.”

“Je suis désolé.” His deep laughter fills the car.

“What’s so funny?” I rub my hands together harder. If my palms were sticks, they would have already caught on fire. They get itchy when I’m stressed, so I tuck my fingers under my thighs, before my hands are raw.

“Hmm. I remember last night and earlier today.

You weren’t complaining about my French—or anything else.” Removing his hand from the steering wheel, he gently squeezes my thigh. “As for us running late, you are to blame as much as me. When a woman cries out for more, I have a duty to give her what she wants.”

“Okay.” An image of us tangled in the sheets and me gasping out urgent demands flashes in my memory.

“You’ve made your point.”

The man definitely knows his way around a woman’s body. So much so that I had lost track of time as we made love twice this afternoon, totally ignoring my two unpacked suitcases. What was I thinking? Oh, right — I wasn’t. I had allowed myself to be swept up in pure sensual pleasure while the clock kept ticking, and now, here I am, mad at myself for, once again, allowing desire to win out over logic. If only I were more practical like my older sister, Elaine. She’d never lose track of time by succumbing to passion. However, now that she’s married and on her honeymoon, I hope that’s exactly what she’s doing.

Smiling at the thought, I run a finger through my short cap of curls and peer out the window, trying to gage how long it will take to arrive at LAX.

Marcel has been driving his new toy—a candy-apple-red convertible sports car—for over two hours from my small hometown of Santa Lorena, which is sixty-five miles north of Los Angeles. What started out as a beautiful scenic drive overlooking the cresting white waves of the Pacific dramatically altered as we made our way through Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Malibu. At some point, we veered onto the six-lane 405 freeway, where we encountered a sea of slow-moving vehicles. Whenever there is a tornado or hurricane anywhere in the country, more people eagerly and understandably flock to our beach-lined shores. I can’t blame them.

Sighing loudly, I wonder why they all have to be on the road today.

“You have nothing to worry about.” Marcel grasps my hand and gives it what I expect is meant to be a reassuring kiss. “We will make your flight.” He points to a large green sign that spans across the congested lanes. “Culver City, home to the first movie studio.” He gestures to the sign. “It says we are only six miles from the airport.”

“Yes, but six miles in this city is the equivalent of twenty miles anywhere else.”

~~~

About the Author

Dalia Dupris has been a book lover as long as she can remember. She has won two EMMA awards and is a Spectrum Grant recipient.

Dalia’s degrees in English Literature and Social Work, in addition to years of experience as a licensed therapist, contribute to her creation of relatable and complex characters.

In her spare time, she enjoys bike riding with her husband, and hiking with her daughter. She loves hearing from her readers.

To learn more about Dalia and her books check out http://www.daliadupris.com and https://linktr.ee/DaliasBooks.

Contact Links

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Purchase Links

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#ReleaseWeekBlitz “Circle of Roses (The Mystery of Frankenstein’s Bride Series)” by Martha Wickham

June 27, 2022June 26, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

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The Mystery of Frankenstein’s Bride Series

Horror

Date Published: 06-24-2022

Stopping the unstoppable is what Rose Cortez does best.

Terra, Frankenstein’s ex, is using the old electric machine to bring the dead back for fun now. After running into zombies her old psychic Rose must do something about the machine Frankenstein’s Bride can’t give up. Is there a way to get the machine away from her and her terror of lurking zombies? Rose and her band of psychics find out when one of them is found dead.

Rose is a powerful psychic detective and ghost hunter. Revenge is what she wants after the death one year ago of her husband. Now her psychic comrade is dead too and she’s had enough. Terra’s second life can’t last forever.

The way to stop her is not so easy!

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EXCERPT

Fern was excited as she wanted to start immediately. “I’ll be there first thing in the morning!”

***

As soon as Rose opened the doors to the shop the next morning, Fern arrived with boxes of things she needed for readings. She started calling herself a psychic reader and ghost buster and had cards made up. Within a few days, her business was booming, and the other two psychics joined the team. Rose kept her eyes open for Terra and her zombies but didn’t see any until one evening when she and Fern were alone in the shop and they heard a moan and then a dog barking. “I’m sure I heard a zombie,” Rose said. “What has Terra been up to?”

They ran to the window and looked out. There were three long-dead zombies walking down the street to Terra’s house. The two of them looked at each other, then ran into the bathroom and locked the door. “I’m gonna get to the bottom of this,” Rose whispered.

“How can I help?” Fern asked.

“This will be more difficult than a reading. They must be destroyed. Do you know how to kill zombies?” she asked.

“Yes, just shoot them in the head,” Fern answered.

Rose nodded. “Terra won’t go easy. I want to get that galvanism machine from her. It’s in her shed right now, but this will take more than one person. Maybe Lily and Violet will help.”

“And you can’t just call the police. They won’t believe you.”

“When I looked at her through the window the other day, she was different. Old and deader looking. Who knows how long she will last undead?”

“She can’t be that hard to destroy, then,” Fern said.

“I’ll see what my crystals can do. If anything.”

***

The three zombies sat in Terra’s backyard. Her galvanism machine was plugged into her backyard outlet as her creepy old mansion did not have a garage. The zombies then approached the machine and one of them bent the wire back that conducts electricity. Terra did a back-bend and her face wrinkled. “You stupid heap!” She stood up and straightened the wire. Looking a little younger, she brushed the zombies away from the machine as her long gray hair blew in the wind. The neighborhood dogs were barking now and she rolled her eyes.

“Maybe I should lock this thing away,”she said to herself. Then to the zombies, “Curiosity killed the cat! No, I think I’ll lock you away.” She grabbed a pole and started pushing them toward the shed but the zombies managed to grab it out of her hands. They began to hit her with it until she backed into the shed and then they locked her in!

Terra flipped on the shed light, trying to think happy thoughts. She sat down and remembered things about her childhood. Like her father cutting down the Christmas tree and ice skating with her cousins while her mom watched. Thoughts of fireplaces and hot chocolate always warmed her. Zombies were afraid of fire, not her. The fear made her realize the zombies obviously knew her weakness. They could kill her with the machine or by leaving her in the shed.

She created them hoping they would be like Frankenstein, but they never were. Frankenstein was evil at the start. There would never be another. She heard the zombies shuffle away and wondered, How long will I last?

~~~

About the Author

Martha has studied writing with Writer’s Digest. She is the author of many short stories and books and still likes getting writing prompts.

Contact Link

Twitter @MarthaWickham

Purchase Link

Amazon

Smashwords

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#BookTour “You Can’t Hurry Love: Jukebox Collection Book 2” A.N. Verebes

June 25, 2022June 17, 2022 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 8 Comments

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Contemporary Romance

Date Published 03-24-2022

On Sale for $0.99 for a Limited Time

Sometimes love is worth the wait.

Sara Carlisle and Charlie Rhodes are complete opposites. Oil and water. Chalk and cheese.

Before Sara even meets Charlie, she hates him. He’s insulted her best friend -a woman Sara considers family- and that is unforgivable. In person he proves to be just as obnoxious and insufferable as she’d anticipated. And, as far as she’s concerned, the fact that he’s tall and muscular with an accent to die for is not enough to redeem him. Charlie Rhodes is an arrogant A–hole (with a capital A!) and that’s all there is to it!

For his part, Charlie thinks Sara is a conceited pain in the arse. A prissy princess to the nth degree. It becomes his prerogative to get under her skin for the sheer pleasure of riling her up. He feels genuine enjoyment in the face of her frustration, and he makes no secret of it. Besides, she gives as good as she gets!

Fundamentally opposed in every way, it’s obvious to those around them that they’re not going to get along.

But unfortunately, thanks to their respective families, they are stuck in each other’s lives for the foreseeable future. Being civil is as good as it is going to get…or is it?

When their relationship turns from reluctant acquaintances to red hot lovers, they find it’s good.

Really good.

What could possibly go wrong?

In a slow-burn romance that follows hot on the heels of Handle With Care*,
Sara and Charlie discover that you really can’t rush romance.

*Both Handle With Care and You Can’t Hurry Love can be read as standalone
novels in the expanding Jukebox Collection series.

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EXCERPT

Chapter 2

“I had my reasons for avoiding serious relationships,” it seemed Everett wasn’t going to be discouraged, “but what’s stopping you?”

Charlie cast his gaze to the ceiling. “For fuck’s sake.”

“I watched at least five women attempt to get your attention at the airport the other day, so it’s not your looks.”

He knew Everett had always been a little jealous of his taller, broader physique and his naturally golden coloured hair, so he snorted. “Thanks, Rhett.”

“I’m serious, Charlie. You’re forty-two-”

“Please don’t remind me.”

“–and I can’t remember the last time you were seeing someone.”

It was Charlie’s turn to throw his brother a flat look. “One: we’ve not really had the sort of relationship where we talked about this stuff until recently,” he began, counting on his fingers for emphasis, “and two…well, alright, look, I’ve had a bit of a dry spell, but, like you, casual was always my thing. Is my thing.”

“Uh huh.” He hated that Everett didn’t sound convinced.

Scowling, Charlie demanded, “Did Mum put you up to this?”

He knew he was onto something when Everett shifted his gaze.

“I knew it!” Downing the last of his beer, Charlie stood up to deposit the bottle into the recycling bin in the kitchen.

“Shh!” Everett was frowning at him now. “Do you want to wake the baby?”

“If it’ll get you and Mum off my back about fucking settling down?” Charlie asked rhetorically as he ambled back to the couch and dropped down heavily. “Yes.”

“You wake her, you get to look after her.” The other man shot back, before asking, “Is it so wrong that we want you to be happy?”

Charlie blinked back at him, dumbstruck. “Who are you?”

“Oh, shove off.”

“No, I’m serious – you should know better than anyone that I don’t need to be in a relationship or have kids to be happy.”

“I never said you had to have kids.” Everett was standing firm. “You’re getting a bit old for it anyway.”

Despite himself, Charlie cracked a grin at the unexpected ribbing. “Piss off.”

His brother’s expression softened. “Look, I get it. Being alone’s easier, right? Nobody to hurt you or get hurt by, nobody to nag you or whatever. But,” he raised his hand as Charlie moved to interrupt, “and hear me out, alright?” Charlie shut his mouth and nodded defeatedly. “It’s going to sound ridiculous, but you just need the right person.”

Given that he’d already heard all about how effortless and easy Everett thought being with Gemma was, Charlie decided he didn’t need to hear him wax poetic any longer. “That’s probably true,” he acknowledged, “but I am happy as I am right now, Rhett. So lay off, alright?”

His brother pursed his lips and looked as though he wanted to beleaguer the point, but after another moment conceded, “Alright.”

“Thank you.”

“But–”

“Oh, Christ…”

“Just know that you can change your mind about it at any time, yeah?” Everett nudged his shoulder. “It won’t make you any less of a man, you stubborn git.”

Before Charlie could respond, a familiar, obnoxious voice cut in with a laugh. “That’s assuming he’s man enough to begin with.” Sara sauntered into the room, dropping a handful of shopping bags onto the floor beside the kitchen bench. She hopped up to sit on the granite surface, crossing her long legs at the ankle and chirping, “What are we talking about, anyway?”

From between gritted teeth, Charlie responded, “Nothing that concerns you, princess.” His spirits rose at the expression of distaste which flitted across her face. For some reason she despised the moniker, and so he used it frequently.

“Alright children,” Everett interrupted, narrowing his gaze at Charlie, “behave.” He stood up and crossed the room to greet Gemma with a kiss. “Did you lovely ladies enjoy your day?”

It was Jeff who answered, striding in arm-in-arm with their mother. “We did, thanks. It was just what the doctor ordered.”

“That massage was heavenly,” Beatrice agreed. “Worked out all the kinks from that Godawful flight.”

Charlie stretched his neck from side to side at the reminder. “I shoulda’ gone with you, then.”

Sara muttered something that was likely uncomplimentary under her breath, but, at Everett’s disapproving glower, Charlie bit his tongue. He was unused to this dynamic: previously, he’d been the one delivering looks like that in response to Rhett’s antics. He didn’t particularly appreciate being on the receiving end.

“How’d Zoe go?” Gemma asked. Charlie could tell she was attempting to change the topic, too, if the glare she’d sent Sara was anything to go by.

It was still strange to watch his brother switch completely into daddy mode. Everett grinned at his girlfriend. “We went to the park, came home and she tried some pureed sweet potato – she’s a fan, by the way.” At six months old, they were starting to introduce solids. How did Charlie know this? They’d regaled him and his mother with the information over dinner the previous night. His mum had lapped it up. Charlie had been bored as fuck. “And then she had a bottle and went down for her nap without any issues.”

With his mother cooing at his brother, Charlie did his best not to roll his eyes, but let his mind drift. He loved his niece, but he wasn’t all that concerned by the minutia of dealing with an infant. Glancing around the room, his gaze landed on Sara. Still perched on the kitchen bench, she was examining her fingernails, clearly just as interested in the conversation taking place as he was.

Look at that, he thought to himself with droll amusement, we’ve got something in common after all.

The moment was broken as she sensed his stare and looked up to catch him observing her. Her eyes rolled and she made a shooing motion with her perfectly manicured talons, which, he noted, were painted a vivid, cherry red. He flipped her off and looked away, wishing he could point out what a cliché she was.

Vapid cow.

~~~

About the Author

Anita (A.N.) Verebes is a daydreamer and romance novelist. As a professional civil marriage celebrant, Anita makes a living telling other people’s love stories and celebrating real romance! Also armed with a
Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Anita is a qualified -but not practising- High School English teacher who loves to read anything she can get her hands on, including fanfiction. (And, yes, she’s written her fair share of that, too.) Living directly between Queensland’s sunny Gold and Sunshine coasts, Anita spends her days exploring the Great South East with her husband and their two rambunctious sons. When at home, she’s also a slave to two cats and one very spoilt Great Dane X.