Monday 30 January 2012

An Ode to Bloggers: A Guest Post by Terri Giuliano Long

Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie, I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.

The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.

Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on.  On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me. 

Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.

Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.

Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution.  Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.

Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world - voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.

Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!

AUTHOR BIO
Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com


This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.

For more information, please visit her website: www.tglong.com/blog or any of these retailer sales. (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)



BOOK INFORMATION

IN LEAH’S WAKE
Terri Giuliano Long

Pages: 368
Format: Paperback, Kindle
ISBN: 1456310542
Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press
Website: www.tglong.com



***Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press***

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah's Wake "a beautifully written and absorbing novel."


When happens when love just isn't enough?

Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place


Praise for In Leah’s Wake



"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."
Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."
Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona


“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”
Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog



“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”
Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book



TRAILER LINK AND VIDEO EMBED CODE

link:  http://youtu.be/Yyfp5tIU_U4


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Monday 23 January 2012

Tuesday Tales 24 - 01- 2012

Another Tuesday, another Tale. Glad you stopped by.The Prompt this week is game. So here's mine. Happy Reading!




In his golden eyes, she saw insatiable hunger that had nothing to do with him lusting after her, and everything to do with her being a mid-lunch snack. Deadly didn't even begin to describe him. She fought hard to hide a smile; he probably didn't realize that she was just as deadly.

Abruptly, he stopped pacing, and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowed to slits as if in concentration. 
She paused as well, eyeing him warily, and fisted her hands to stop the trembling. 


Probably weighing how much I'd fill his stomach. 


"So,  your father sent you? A mere girl, not a day older than Twenty is my guess." 

Selicia bristled, the triumphant feeling of before evaporating at the tone of his voice. "And you know that how?"


His eyes travelled up and down the length of her short height, and chuckled. "Go back, little girl. Tell your employer to send someone more...worthy of my attentions."

“Oh, is that so?”

He laughed. She felt as if each nerve in her body tingled at the quality of that laugh. “Let me guess. I offended your girlie sensibilities.”

Selicia huffed. “Unless you’re scared of a little girl. I suggest you listen to what I have to say.”

The smile on his lips vanished, but the mirth in his eyes lingered. “All right. Let’s hear it.”

She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. Be careful, she reminded herself. You could still lend up on a silver platter.

She stood straighter, not that it increased her 5’3’’ height, but it made her feel confident.“I’m here to speak to Leender.”

“May I ask in regards to what, my lady?”

His lady? She bit back a retort. Who the hell was this person? He hadn’t even introduced himself. Urgh!  If she was to reach the top of the command, it’d better if she pulled the reins onher temper. She cleared her throat. “Unfinished business.”

He clenched his jaw, and narrowed his eyes. “Tell me, or turn around and leave.”

As much as Secilia wanted to do just that, desperation clawed at her. What would her father say when she returned with no message?

“I’m here to collect what he owes my father.”

He dropped his hands on his sides and fisted them. His gold eyes hardened, a vein ticked on his temple. When he spoke, the words felt like nails pelting on concrete.

“We owe your father nothing.” His chest moved up and down, rage rolled around him.

Selicia fought the urge to flee. Even her own power wouldn’t help her in this situation.

Suddenly he lunged at her and snagged her hand. She yelped, but she wasn’t a match for his inhuman speed. He secured an arm around her neck and the other on her waist, he lowered his lips and whispered in her ear, the heat of his breath bristling her sensitive skin on her ear.



“Whatever game your father is playing, tell him we’ll be ready.”

She struggled, but it was of no use. She jerked her elbow back and a thump sounded as it made impact with his ribs. He didn’t even move. There was only one way she could defeat him. But she needed to shorten the distance between their lips. She wiggled, and heard the sharp intake of breath.

“I’m not playing any game, neither I’m I game for whatever your twisted mind thinks my father is involved in.”

He chuckled. “Not from where I stand, Selicia. You are game in all kind of angles.”

Quickly, she twisted around to face him, and just as fast, his arms circled her waist again, pinning her to him.

“Feisty. Makes it worthwhile.”

“Who are you?” She asked, buying more time for him to let down his guard.

He raised a dark eyebrow. “Would you really like to know?”

She nodded, at the same time letting the spell wash over her. She knew when it worked because his eyes glazed over, and he was leaning forward, his lips parted. She slid a hand on his chest, over his shouldered and around his neck, pulling him to her. Her heart beat faster, and she yanked him down. This was her only chance of escape. She'd have to figure out what she was going to tell her father.

There was a throat clearing then, “Master Leender.” 



She cursed, and yanked him to her.

Immediately, he snapped out of the spell, and glanced over his shoulder. Selicia’s heart rattled painfully as she became aware that she had come close to killing the one person who she’d come to see. He swung his head back and stared at her.

“You cunning girl,” Leender murmured, his voice more amused than angry. “You actually would have killed me. And to think I welcomed you in my Den with open arms.” His lips stretched into a smile, his eyes twinkled.

What was wrong with him? She’d just tried to kill him seconds ago. And he was smiling?

“I will be just a minute. And don’t think you can escape. The house is surrounded.” Leender said, as he strolled away from her, then turned to the man who had interrupted them.

Selicia's darted around the hall. Maybe there was a chance he was wrong about escaping. Shadows moved beyond the walls. She shuddered and settled for staring on as the newcomer whispered in Leender’s ear. Leender shifted his gaze to her, and she shivered. Gone was the amusement in his eyes, and instead was replaced by something that shower her with caused goose bumps.

He turned around and faced her. “Looks like you’ll be keeping us company for a while, Selicia.” He walked – no, stalked – towards her and stopped in front of her. “Apparently you father has one of ours. So, I think it is only kind to return the favour. Guards!”

Before she could comprehend what was happening, two extremely huge men appeared. “Lock her up. It looks like her father wants war. And now, let the games begin."



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Wednesday 18 January 2012

Half-Black Soul Blog Tour


Book Title:       Blood Warrior (Alexa Montgomery Saga #1)
Author:            H.D. Gordon
Publish date: 5th September 2011
Source:             Book blog tour

Rating:                5/5 Stars


Description:

When her home is attacked by murderous vampires, 17-year-old Alexa is forced to leave her mother for dead in order to save her sister. She soon learns that she is the last known member of an elite race of supernatural Warriors, and is thrust into a world full of vampires and werewolves who all seem to regard her as some sort of savior. Meanwhile, Alexa battles a monster within herself that seeks to gain control; a monster that seeks blood.

The hidden city she finds herself in appears perfect, but Alexa's instincts tell her that all is not right within its walls. When she is asked to attend a school of fighters, whose exams consist of gladiator-style competitions, she must decide who she can trust among the smiling faces. And, when she meets Kayden, a vampire she feels undeniably drawn to, she must decide if she can trust herself.




Jackson's Character Post



                I still remember the first day I saw her. I was new to Levland high school, and because all teachers seem to love to torture new students, I had to stand in front of the class and introduce myself. So, I stood up there, and said, “I’m Jackson Kane.” The teacher gave me a look that I guessed was supposed to be encouraging, but I didn’t have anything else to say, so I just stood there. Of course, I wasn’t off the hook that easily. When it became obvious that I wasn’t going to offer any more information than was absolutely necessary, the teacher asked the class if they had any questions for me. I had to swallow so that a growl wouldn’t escape my throat.

                I suppressed an eye roll when most of the girls in the class shot their hands up into the air. I stood there watching them all practically drooling in their seats. You’d think they’d never seen a male before. With the way they all were leaning forward in their seats, batting their made-up eyelashes and smiling like they’d just received an unexpected present, it was hard to miss the girl in the back of the class who was reclining disinterestedly while chewing off her fingernails. But, really, it would be hard not to notice her in any crowd.

                I found it hard to take my eyes from her. When she finally looked up, and caught me staring at her, she fixed me with glare that made the wolf in me sit up and take notice. A perky blond in the front row spoke up, and I pulled my attention from the strange girl. “Hi, Jackson,” said the blond, and the way she was looking at me made me want to pull the front of my flannel shirt closed, even though I had a t-shirt on underneath.

                “Do you have a question for Jackson,” asked the teacher, when it became apparent that the blond was just going to keep smiling at me.

                The blond girl flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Yes… Do you have a girlfriend?”

                The girls in the class erupted into giggles. Most of the boys had their eyes narrowed. So that I wouldn’t do something rude, like bare my teeth at the blond, I found the face of the girl in the back of the class. She was a small girl, but I could tell that most of her weight was muscle. She had long, dark brown hair and big brown eyes. Her eyes were what caught my attention. I could tell by looking at her that she was not in what would be considered the “popular” crowd, and I thought that that was probably the way she wanted it. Despite her delicate stature, the look that hid behind her eyes was somehow… intimidating. And, she was smirking at me, seeming to enjoy watching me squirm at the front of the class. The wolf in me took notice once more.

                Apparently, the blond girl’s question wasn’t what the teacher had been hoping for, and she glared at the girl before telling me that I could take a seat. I moved to the back row, and took the empty seat next to the strange girl with the intimidating eyes. Folding myself into the seat beside her, I sat there staring at her like a puppy does a bone. She ignored me for about twenty minutes, and when I kept staring, she finally turned toward me. I smiled. Her beauty was what struck me first. She wore no makeup, and her hair was just thrown up into a sloppy ponytail, but the way her dark lashes framed her dark eyes, and how her cheekbones were set high and at perfect angles, and the way her full lips seemed so inviting, even though the look on her face was annoyed… there really aren’t any other words for it. Just Beautiful.

                “What?” she whispered, and her aggravated tone made my smile widen.

                “I’m Jackson,” was all I could think of to say.

                She turned back to the front of the class, where the teacher was absorbed in her lesson. I waited for her to respond, but when I realized that she wouldn’t, I pressed on. 
“What’s your name?” I whispered.

                Her head whipped back toward me. “Not interested,” she said, and turned back to the front of the class.

                I scratched my head. “Pretty name.”

                When she looked at me again, her face said that I was stupid, but I thought that maybe a small smile passed behind her eyes. Encouraged, I spoke again. “I’m Jackson.”

                She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, good thing you told me again. I missed it the first two times.”

                The smile wouldn’t seem to leave my lips. “No,” I said.

                This finally got a response. “No, what?” she asked.

                “No, I don’t have a girlfriend.”

                This actually made her laugh a little, and the teacher swung around to glare at us. When she resumed her teaching, the girl turned back toward me. “Alexa,” she said.

                I raised an eyebrow. “Alexa… hmm, for a minute there, I thought your parents must hate you.”

                Alexa crossed her arms, and a dark look came over her face. What had I said wrong? I wanted to see her smile again. I wanted to hear her laugh again. Really, I think that I just 
wanted… her. I said the only thing I could think of. “You’re beautiful, Alexa.”

                Her eyebrows shot up. “You’re weird, Jackson.”

                I smirked. “You have no idea, darling.”

                She laughed again. I smiled. Alexa. I was pretty sure I loved that name.

            
After reading Blood Warrior in Alexa's POV, reading Jackson's POV was a real treat as well. :)  
I enjoyed reading how they met the first time, and of course, Jack being as charming as he always is. And just as funny.

My Review:




Blood Warrior has one of the best Chapter One opening and ending  I’ve  ever read. Chapter one begins: "It wasn’t dead when I found it." And ends with “The book fell at exactly the same moment the door opened.” This suspenseful writing continues throughout the book, every chapter ends with a sentence that makes you eager to turn the next page and see what happens next. And trust me, you won't get disappointed.

Alexa's life changes when they are attacked by beings she never knew existed. Then she finds out she is not the person who she always thought she was, but more, and one of her kind. As the story advances, we get to meet other characters, interesting characters, experience her turmoil at the stuff going on around her.
The other thing I enjoyed about this book were the characters, both the main and minor characters. The author did a great job. Alexa is tough girl, who hides her pain from the world and will do anything for the people she loves, and those she doesn’t even know. And extremely witty. I found myself laughing at some of her thoughts and answers.
Jackson, Alexa’s best friend is just awesomely sweet, loves and accepts her. And one of the people Alexa allows to get close to her. And always makes her smile.
Kayden is this brooding guy (don’t we all love those *grinning*) but he has a reason for being the way he is. Upon meeting Alexa - although the story is written in Alexa’s POV - his actions speak what his lips don't. And the fact that she has the capability to make Kayden smile and laugh, these two compliment each other in all ways. The more you read their story the more you discover just deep they are meant for each other. Intriguing.
The ending came so unexpectedly – in a good way- leaving me thirsty for the second book.
I highly recommend H.D Gordon’s Debut novel to all paranormal stories fans.
I am really looking forward to the next novel in this series.

Sunday 15 January 2012

Within Book Tour





Source: From Author
Format: eBook
Published: 13th November 2011
Publisher: Faery Ink Press
My Rating: 5 stars


Synopsis:

Trinity Hartell’s life changed after the accident. Left with irreversible brain damage, she becomes a burden to her mother, a cause for heartbreak for her boyfriend Zack, and a flattened obstacle for her best friend, Ellie.

But then she starts writing. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that the psychotic, murdering protagonist of her novel bears a striking similarity to the charming Wiley Dalton, a mayoral candidate in the upcoming election.

Or, perhaps not...



My Review: 

First of all, I loved the cover! Stunning. 

The novel is written in different POV's. It wasn't easy following the POV's at first, but once I read on, it got better, ready to hop to hop the next POV. In fact it I found it to be a very effective method of showing how each character was affected in what was happening in the story. 

Ellie, Zack and Trinity are involved in an accident that completely changes Trinity's, her best friend Ellie and boyfriend Zack,and parents lives.  The accident leaves her with brain damage which causes her to act younger than her actual age. The worst is she cannot remember who her friends are. They have to deal with the possibility of Trinity remaining in this state permanently. 

I don't want to give much of the story. But what I'd like to say is, if you like a book so emotional, laced with mystery with some dark stuff going on, I'd highly recommend this book. 

Being a fan of books that have a darker tone in them, I'll say I enjoyed this one. I loved the characters, beautifully drawn. Oh, and the emotions in this book! I felt what the characters were going through. Clare C. Marshall has done a good job with this story. And I look forward to reading more stories from this author. 

Thank you Clare for giving me the opportunity to read your book in exchange for an honest review. :)

Tuesday 10 January 2012

Tuesday Tales 10 Jan 2012

Lies and other disasters…like Love

It had always been just that: lies laced heavily with sweet words to resemble love.
Yeah, right. Disasters like love.  Quickly, she yanked the last drawer open, grabbed the lacy undergarments from inside, and shoved them inside her suitcase. After a quick inspection around to make sure she hadn’t left anything, she snapped the suitcase shut, and flipped the locks.

Ha! If Seb thought he was going to lie to her once again, he was in for a surprise. A big fat Yasmin-is-missing-surprise. She brushed angrily at her eyes.

She dragged the heavy suitcase down the stairs. Abruptly, she froze on her tracks, and tilted her head. Just outside the door, tires crunched on gravel. She glanced at the clock. 4 p.m. Her heart rattled around the chest, and her eyes darted around the expanse living room searching for a way to escape. A pointless as the action was. The only route of escape was the door leading to the front porch. Last winter, Seb had locked up the garden door for good after a burglary attempt.

Propelled by her anger, disappointment and her need to escape, she lifted the suitcase from the ground, which had only moments ago weighed like an elephant, and dashed to the kitchen. Quickly she shoved it under the counter and dove after it, trying as much as possible to make herself small. Well as far as her long legs and curvy hips could allow. Which wasn’t much.

There was a sound of keys on the lock, then the door opening and closing followed by silence. From where she crouched low on the floor, Yasmin wrinkled her nose as the smell of freshly polished wood tickled her nose.

The silence was broken by the tap tap of footsteps leading up the wooden stairs. Once again stillness surrounded her. She exhaled, all energy seeping away from her body.

Better get out of her before he comes back.

She stifled a groaned as she unfolded her jeans clad legs from the fetal position, and pulled the suitcase from under the counter. She lifted it in her arms. Now that her relief that Seb was nowhere in the living room, and she could escape him had sucked all the strength, she almost crumbled under the weight.

Oh hell! Maybe I should just leave it and sneak in later, She thought.

“Yasmin.”

She yelped and dropped the suitcase, and in turn it dropped on her feet. She yowled at the pain, and started hopping up and down, trying as best as she could not to fall over while clutching her foot. She tried unsuccessfully to glower at Seb, at the same time blinking back tears and noticed he wasn't wearing an shoes. No wonder she hadn't heard him descend down the stairs.


His eyes flicked to the now open suitcase with her garments sprawled all over the floor, and glanced back at her.


He moved closer,  but she halted him with one her free hand while the other massaged her throbbing foot.


“You’re leaving? Why?” His voice dripped with disbelief, and ...hurt?

Ooh, he wore that innocent look so well. “I can’t stay here any longer.” She tried maintaining her dignity, still hopping. She bit her lip hoping to focus on the pain . Maybe if the pain shifted to her lip, and she’d be able to stand on her own to feet instead of hopping about like a grasshopper. 

“Why?” he asked again, this time his eyes clouding with barely hidden pain. 


Could she have been wrong about him?

“You lied to me, Seb. You could have told me the truth. Was it the money?”

He frowned, confusion mingling with pain. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

Finally, pain subsided but just a notch. Cautiously, she dropped her foot to the floor. “We made a pact. We were suppose to work on the case together. A team.” She poked a finger towards him. “But what did you choose to do? You went ahead and signed the contract. You put my life in danger. My dad will never agree to anything I say.”

Seb snatched her  finger and slowly pulled her to him. “So little faith in me, sweets. You thought I’d hand you over just like that? To the dragon of a woman you call your mother?”


She blinked. “Isn’t that what you did?”

He chuckled. “No. I changed the terms of the contract. I traded the money for you. No amount of money can compare to you, Yasmin.”

Her breathing accelerated, at the same time heat flooded her cheeks. She lowered her gaze. “I guess it’s my turn to feel embarrassed. I had assumed the worst.”

He leaned back, his eyes narrowed and his fingers tips caressing the nape of her neck all the while.“Hmmm. I’d love to hear about it.”

She shifted from one foot to the other, her eyes searching the room, noting how bright the room suddenly seemed. She took a deep breath, and smiled shyly. “Er..um..Lies and other disasters… like Love.” 


Thanks for stopping by and reading.


Please click http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/ to read other wonderful stories from other authors on Tuesday Tales.


Monday 2 January 2012

Tuesday Tales 03 Jan 2012

My best friend Ania and I exit the cafeteria, and stroll down the hall, and towards heavy wood main door leading to the gardens to soak up on the sun.  Suddenly Ania jabs me with her elbow, and I flinch and glare at her, and before I can open my mouth to protest how bony her elbow is, she jerks a thumb towards main door. “There’s your boy, Kat.”
Rubbing my throbbing ribs, I shift my gaze from her to the direction she pointed, searching for Theodor. He is strolling towards us, a confident spring in his step.  I can’t take my eyes off him, and from the murmurs around the hallway, I know that I am not the only one who is mesmerized.
He strolls to a stop in front of me, and I swear my skin tingles just being this close to him.  He murmurs ‘Ania’ to acknowledge my best friend without breaking eye contact with me, scouring my face with his eyes as if he is seeing me the first time ever. His gaze settles on my lips. I shift my weight from one foot to the other, wondering what he’s up to, since it’s unusual to see him this …focused in public. Beside me, Ania murmurs ‘oh my’ but I can hardly lift my gaze from Theodor’s.
“Hello, Kat,” He says in a low voice. He takes a step and closes the distance between us, his stance one of a predatory cat cornering its prey. At least that’s what comes to my mind. I take two steps back, and he paces me until I feel the wall pressing hard on my back. He closes the distance, towering above me and slips an arm around my waist in a possessive hold. By now, my heart’s on a drum roll, loud in my ears like the boom boom of African drums. The world fades around us, and it is just Theodor and me.
He bends low curving his body to mine and I breezy air tickles in my ear, and I almost lose myself.
All I can think is ‘stop him before he does something stupid, like kiss me.’
“Theodor,” I say, fascinated by the specks of silver in his eyes. He tilts his head to look me in the eye, one eyebrow raised. “What are you doing?” I hear the quiver in my voice, at the same time his lips spread to a grin.
He does not answer me, nor does he let up. He just dips his head and begins trailing  kisses on my jaw, lighting, burning, and inflaming my skin where his lips touch. He pauses and whispers in my ear, “Just making a statement as well as an announcement.” And he continues making his statement which takes a torturous route. I groan and plant my hands firmly on his chest to push him away. Instead I end up wrapping my arms around his neck pulling him closer. I slightly avert my face from his, and his lips miss mine by a kiss’ breath.
I should stop this before it goes too far.
Cheering and catcalls run wild around the hallway. Someone yells ‘get a room’ and I catch a glimpse of a flash, perhaps a camera, I’m not sure. One particular voice yank me back to earth: Ania’s hooting and cheering somewhere close. The hallway practically quakes as the clapping gains momentum, having attracted an audience, an ovation of sorts.
This manages to pull Theodor out of the kissing stupor and he turns around. He blinks several times at the crowd, as if the fact that the curious crowd surrounding us is a surprise to him.
 ‘Guess you managed to ward off my league of admirers, Theo,’ I whisper, trying to hide my now heated face, and I thank God for the fact that his shoulders are wide enough to hide my face and the rest of me.
“My aim exactly,” He murmurs back, his words a bit slurred. He lowers his head and brushes a kiss on my lips, teasing, and then turns to the gathered spectators, takes a bow, pulling me along. My step falters as my knees announce the state I am in.
“Should I carry you to class? I wouldn’t mind, you know.” I shake my head quickly, thinking today’s show should have the desired effect he wanted. He places a hand around my waist, and I’m grateful for the support.
“Why the show, Theodor? That is unlike you.”
“Oh, just making sure everyone knows. You know, herding off the foxes and the wolves that have been circling around you.”
Our arrival to class is met with hooting and loud clapping as if we won an award. Theodor escorts me gallantly to my desk, then turns and strolls off to his.
The rest of my afternoon sails by in a cloud of bliss, what with Theodor’s amorous glances that have me quivering in my seat. I can’t help but hope that maybe, just maybe, in my cards full of reds, at last, I’ve drawn a green one.

Please click http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com/ to read other wonderful stories from other authors on Tuesday Tales.

Happy New Year



Happy New Year, Friends! 


Above all things, I am grateful for my friends (both old and new ). Just to let you know I am glad our lives are interwined in many ways and levels. Who knew I would meet awesome 'You' two years ago? You all know who you are. :) *Hugs*


2011 was fun, 2012 is going to be much more fun and exciting for me. My novella 'Truly, Madly, Deeply, You' will be out in March, and will be published by Inkspell Publishing 
I will make a point to complete 'The Grim Reaper's Novice' and then see where things go from there. I don't make resolutions, because I end up breaking them, or throwing my hands up in exasperation, wondering why I made them in the first place. So, month to month resolution it is. Haha.


What are your hopes, wishes, resolutions for 2012? I would love to hear fro you.