tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27368474651492991452024-03-13T19:38:48.257+00:00Meredith Russell AuthorBlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger110125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-75282952894605515192019-05-11T13:26:00.000+01:002019-05-11T13:31:21.893+01:00Meredith Russell has moved to a new website<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To bring my books and art into a single space, I have moved over to a new site. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This blog will now no longer be updated. For information and news please join me over at </span><a href="http://meredithrussell.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: large;">meredithrussell.co.uk</span></a> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-87930922915576079772018-04-16T10:22:00.000+01:002018-04-16T10:22:12.233+01:00Autism Awareness Month Blog Hop<strong></strong><br />
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<strong><em>Autism Fact:</em></strong> Autism is a developmental disability. It’s a difference in how your brain works. Autistic people can have good mental health, or experience mental health problems, just like anyone else. <br />
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RJ Scott has once more put together a month long blog hop in support of Autism Awareness. You can find all the authors and blogs participating <a href="http://rjscott.co.uk/autism-awareness-month-2018" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>.<br />
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This year's theme is our hopes and dreams. Weirdly, I found it quite hard on my poor old brain when I started thinking about what they might be. I mean, there's the big stuff that I sadly can't see happening any time soon such as equality, acceptance and the world moving forward again instead of the scary back steps it seems to be taking recently. Where people aren't discriminated against because of their race or gender or sexuality, because of disabilities or their mental health etc. Where a little bit of kindness goes a long way.<br />
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There's also my hopes for the people close to me, for the health of my family and friends, for my nieces and nephews to grow up loved and able to be happy and successful in who they are and what they want to do.<br />
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When it comes to myself, I'm not sure. My happiness generally comes from making other people happy. As a wife, a sister, a daughter, an auntie, a friend. As an author, as a cover artist. If I can make someone smile just a little then I'm pretty happy. I'm a simple soul. I have a roof over my head, a bed and food, a husband and family who love me despite my flaws and wibbly mental health *shakes fist at my wobbly brain*. So I guess I hope for the bubble that is my life to be one forever filled with smiles.<br />
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<strong><em>Giveaway</em> :</strong> I'd like to offer the choice of an e-book from <a href="https://meredithrussell.blogspot.co.uk/p/books-by-meredith.html" target="_blank"><strong>my releases</strong></a>. Leave a comment on this post with a contact email and tell me something, no matter how small that has made/makes you smile. I'll pick two winning comments next Monday. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-23458404107003626472018-03-12T14:02:00.001+00:002018-03-12T14:02:04.857+00:00Now in paperback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBgMjkrg7HY/WqaHEmXcTRI/AAAAAAAAFrg/y9WkJLGDEP4MijNNuZ6tib-cjSxjcGMIgCLcBGAs/s1600/df%2Bpb%2BFB%2Bpost%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="752" height="277" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBgMjkrg7HY/WqaHEmXcTRI/AAAAAAAAFrg/y9WkJLGDEP4MijNNuZ6tib-cjSxjcGMIgCLcBGAs/s400/df%2Bpb%2BFB%2Bpost%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Super excited that Dead Fall (the sequel to Dead Things) is now available in paperback as well as on Kindle. <br />
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Kindle: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078T1XZ1Y" target="_blank">Amazon (US)</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Fall-Things-Book-ebook/dp/B078T1XZ1Y" target="_blank">Amazon (UK)</a><br />
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Paperback: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Fall-2-Things/dp/1984179314/" target="_blank">Amazon (US)</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Fall-2-Things/dp/1984179314/" target="_blank">Amazon (UK)</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-28100669456839410922018-02-05T15:04:00.000+00:002018-05-25T12:42:26.990+01:00Dead Fall (Dead Things 2) Available Now<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-2sWovk1VI/WnhonwGLyJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/IMD2whCkl3g8_9X2jihPyAHENINGrfRdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Dead%2BFall%2B400x600.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U-2sWovk1VI/WnhonwGLyJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/IMD2whCkl3g8_9X2jihPyAHENINGrfRdwCEwYBhgL/s400/Dead%2BFall%2B400x600.jpg" /></a><em>Blurb</em><br />
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Since the events in Chicago, Devin and Noah dare to believe that a future is possible, and there is hope. For them and humanity.<br />
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Noah struggles to find his place at Devin’s side. Stricken with survivor’s guilt and a driving need to make a difference, Noah leaves his lover to investigate the only lead he has to end the undead. Himself.<br />
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Devin has fought to stay sane in a world of horror for too long and his one shining light is Noah. When Noah heads off on some misguided venture to search for answers, Devin knows he can’t bear to be the one left behind again.<br />
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They are two men who have nothing, and everything, to lose.<br />
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Available at: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078T1XZ1Y" target="_blank">Amazon (US)</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Fall-Things-Book-ebook/dp/B078T1XZ1Y" target="_blank">Amazon (UK)</a> |<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/825516" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-fall-gary-russell/1102328142" target="_blank">B&N</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/dead-fall-3" target="_blank">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/book/dead-fall/id1386155594" target="_blank">iTunes</a> | & others</div>
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<em>Excerpt</em></div>
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Chapter 1</div>
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“Finger off the trigger,” Devin Reid instructed.</div>
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Noah rested his index finger on the side of the trigger guard, and stared down the makeshift gun range. He lowered his head, frustrated by his failure to hit all the targets set out for him.</div>
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“You just need to relax a little.”</div>
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Noah glanced at Devin. “You said to grip it tightly.”</div>
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With a nod, Devin said, “I know. But not so hard your hand shakes.” He pushed away from the front of the car, and came to stand beside Noah. “Grip. Ease off slightly.” He squeezed his hand around Noah’s, then relaxed it as he gave his instructions.</div>
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Devin’s hand was warm and clammy but Noah didn’t care. A small smile curled the corner of his mouth at Devin’s touch.</div>
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Devin’s breath was shaky as he lowered his head.</div>
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Things had been strange between the two of them over the last seven weeks. Both of them were figuring out where they fit in the world, and in each other’s lives. They had spent more time together, though Devin remained somewhat distant, not that Noah blamed him. Devin had lost the man he’d loved at the start of the monster-filled nightmare they found themselves in. He understood that Devin struggled with the lack of closure he still felt, despite knowing there was no coming back for Connor. The man Devin had known was dead. But it was about more than Connor. It was about Devin not thinking himself strong enough to go through that kind of loss all over again. To leave himself open to such grief and despair if he got close to Noah only to lose him as well.</div>
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Noah closed his eyes as he felt the warmth of Devin’s breath on his neck. His heart ached as he longed to have Devin close. He remembered the warmth of Devin’s touch, the lines of his body, and the feel of Devin’s skin on his during the night they’d spent together in Chicago.</div>
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<em>Chicago.</em> He wondered what had become of the people they’d left behind. Were they safe? Was Chicago still able to offer them protection?</div>
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Sometimes he felt guilty that he didn’t care more. It wasn’t as if he knew them, not really. He wasn’t sure he remembered their faces anymore. Them or the people who had died on the journey there.</div>
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<em>The journey for a cure</em>. Had anything come from the blood sample they’d taken from him, of the vaccine or biological weapon against the undead they hoped to create?</div>
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His blood had saved Devin, had created a serum that could battle the infection, but it wasn’t a true solution. It could happen again, to Devin, to everybody.</div>
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Silence fell between them and Noah opened his eyes. Devin was looking at him through his shades, one crooked eyebrow raised above the frames.</div>
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“It helps if you keep your eyes open.” Devin smirked and reached down, taking Noah’s other hand in his. “Support your grip with your left.”</div>
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“Like this?” Noah waited as Devin checked his hold. He shifted his footing, steadying himself as he battled the frustration over only being able to hit the target two times out of five. “I don’t get why I’m doing this. I managed perfectly fine without a gun before you showed up.”</div>
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<em>Has it really only been seven weeks? It feels like longer</em>. A lot had happened since the day Devin had turned up at the Weber family’s farm. Noah remembered the shouting and gunfire, of coming across Devin and his partner, Kerry, desperately fighting off a small group of the undead monsters created by some twisted virus. He hadn’t hesitated when Devin was attacked. Noah had run headlong into the fray, determined he wasn’t going to see anyone die that day.</div>
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<a name='more'></a>“Trust me, I know.” Devin frowned as he nudged Noah’s arms higher. “But if you’re going to be out here with me, then I prefer to cover all bases. You should be able to protect yourself in every possible way.” He stopped and peered over the top of his sunglasses. “I want you safe. You may be immune, but you’re not invincible.” He hesitated, then gently turned Noah’s wrist. They both checked the old scars—jagged marks left by the mouths of hungry monsters. “You could easily find yourself in a situation you can’t fight your way out of with just your bare hands.”</div>
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Tensing his jaw, Noah inspected Devin’s hand on his arm. Devin had scars of his own. With a breath, Noah focused back on the gun. Devin’s words were sobering. He knew he should be taking the training seriously, but all he could think was that they shouldn’t be wasting ammunition for him to practice, not when the bullets could be better spent by giving them to someone who could already hit their mark.</div>
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“Have you been dry firing like I suggested?” Devin leaned in close and looked along the sight of the gun.</div>
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Noah nodded. Devin had given him a snap cap to use to practice his aim. Devin was close enough that Noah could feel the beating of his heart when he leaned his chest against Noah’s biceps. Did Devin realize just how distracting it was to have him near?</div>
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“Good,” Devin said. He stepped back, nudging Noah to raise his arm higher. “You see the front sight? That’s where I want you to focus.”</div>
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Noah didn’t argue the fact he’d already been trying to do that. “Okay,” he agreed with a sigh.</div>
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“This is important.” Devin touched Noah’s forearm and waited for Noah to face him. “Please?”</div>
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Noah closed his eyes and took a breath. “I just don’t like the idea of wasting ammo.”</div>
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Devin shook his head. “What good is ammo if no one’s around to use it?”</div>
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He guessed Devin had a point. Noah’s gaze drifted from the gun sight to his forearm and the bite marks. So many people had died in the last year. </div>
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<em>Why am I still alive? What makes me so special?</em></div>
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“If you want another reason why we’re doing this, then it’s about protecting others. Not just yourself.” Devin cleared his throat and stepped back. “Things can go to shit in the blink of an eye. There’s not always time for you to run in and play hero.”</div>
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Noah glanced along the range to where five splintered wooden boards were propped up about twenty yards away. He knew Devin was right. Time was critical if there was an attack. He eyed the boards and the crudely painted words in red on some—<em>Zombies grrr, Feed me brains,</em> and <em>Romero was wrong</em>. He wondered who had painted the words. He didn’t figure it for something Devin would have done. There was very little Devin found funny. He eyed the third board. </div>
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<em>Romero was wrong.</em></div>
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He’d seen the original movies, groups of shambling undead somehow catching up to and overpowering characters as they stood and stared, and seemed to scream for a full ten minutes before getting their tasty, soft, internal organs devoured. The reality of the dead rising was a little different, or at least it had been in the beginning. The freakish monsters were hungry and fast, and unnaturally strong. It was only now that some of the first to have turned, after severe decay, showed signs of slowing down and immobility. Could they just outlive the monsters? Hide away until they rotted to nothing more than bones?</div>
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“Okay,” he said on a sigh, then set his sights on the center target. He steadied his aim and inhaled. Blinking, he readied himself to release his held breath, but Devin brought up his hand and held it over the gun, halting the practice.</div>
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Noah glanced at Devin, who had set his gaze on the horizon. “What?” He narrowed his eyes and scanned the area. “Did you see something?” </div>
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Although the yard the range was set up in was considered clear and secure, there was no guarantee something might not stray into the area and beyond the protective wire mesh of the fence.</div>
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“I don’t know. I thought I heard…” Devin thumbed the catch of his holster as he surveyed the area.<br />
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The land surrounding the yard was mostly flat and open, ideal for reducing the chances of being caught unaware.</div>
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Devin shook his head. “I guess it was nothing.” He didn’t turn away at first, and eyed where the fence met the edge of an abandoned warehouse. “Let’s call it a day, okay?”</div>
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“Okay,” Noah agreed. He rubbed his stomach as it made a hungry growl. Hopefully, they would make it back to the prison in time for the afternoon meal. They had traveled several miles from the penitentiary to what could have been described as the middle of nowhere, to ensure the sound of gunfire didn’t draw any of the infected monsters to their door.</div>
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Handing Devin the gun, Noah shifted his attention to the building. “This place was cleared, right?”</div>
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Devin held the gun at his side. “A few weeks back.” He ran his hand over his unshaven jaw, then removed his shades, hooking them onto the front of his dark T-shirt.</div>
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Could anything have gotten in since then?</div>
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“The fence was secure. There was no evidence anything had got in or even tried to.” Devin sounded his thoughts. He scanned the yard. “I guess we should check it out.”</div>
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“Really?”</div>
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Devin quirked an eyebrow. “Really.” He set his silver gaze on Noah.</div>
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The intensity of Devin’s stare sent a shiver down Noah’s spine. He would never get over how strange, yet fascinating, Devin’s eyes were. He thought he would miss the clear blue Devin had studied him with when they’d first met, but all he could think about was how grateful he was Devin was here to look at him at all. Devin had been bitten. He’d been dying.</div>
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To Noah they were beautiful.</div>
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“Okay.” Noah shook away the memories of Chicago, trying to ignore the tightening of his chest. He walked to the car, where he took a red-handled fire ax from the trunk. He balanced the weapon in his hands, accustoming himself to the weight and feel of it. Though he felt uneasy, he knew they couldn’t leave without being sure. Neither he nor Devin would forgive themselves if anybody got hurt because they had dismissed their concerns and walked away.</div>
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Together they proceeded to the large warehouse. Clouds slowly drifted across the sky, blotting out the sun and casting a hazy gray glow over the yard. They began their investigation at the corner of the premises, where the fence met the steel shell of the warehouse. Wooden pallets leaned against the side of the building. Old blood stained the light colored wood. </div>
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Devin edged toward the fence and wrapped his fingers in the wire mesh. Arching his neck, he examined the length of the building.</div>
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“I don’t see anything,” he stated. “If this place is compromised, it’s not from this side.”</div>
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Noah walked across the front of the warehouse. He stopped outside the large metal double doors. Idly, he reached out and pulled on the padlock attached to a chain, which secured the doors. “Should we break it?”</div>
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Devin shook his head. “There’s a door round the side.” He pointed to the other end of the steel structure. “Check that first.”</div>
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They made their way to the side entrance. Devin stepped forward and examined the broken handle. He tilted his head and looked grim. “There’s blood.” He took a step back.</div>
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“Do you think it’s one of them?” Noah tightened his grip on the ax.</div>
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“Freaks don’t usually go around smashing locks. But…” He raised his gun and pointed at the dried blood. “If someone was bitten, and sought shelter… They could have turned by now.”</div>
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“Okay.” Noah didn’t know what else to say.</div>
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Devin hesitated, then edged forward, leaning against the door as he listened. “I don’t hear anything—” A crackle of static and Jack Torres’s voice over the radio startled them both. </div>
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“Devin, you there?”</div>
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“Christ.” Devin pressed his hand to his chest and stepped away from the door. He pulled the radio from his belt. “Great timing there, Jack,” he said in a hushed voice</div>
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Noah smirked as Devin shot him a despairing look.</div>
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“Why are you whispering?” Jack asked.</div>
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Devin cleared his throat and moved farther away from the building. “No reason. Just checking something out. Everything okay?”</div>
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“Yeah, just wondered if you guys were heading back soon?” Jack sounded edgy.</div>
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“Is there a problem?” Devin narrowed his eyes. He glanced at Noah as he talked to Jack.</div>
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Quickly, Jack dismissed Devin’s question. “No, no problem. I just need to talk to you about something.”</div>
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“You sure?”</div>
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“Yeah, yeah. It can wait. Come find me when you get back.”</div>
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“Sure. See you in an hour maybe.” Devin secured the radio onto his belt.</div>
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“What was that about?” Noah asked.</div>
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Devin shrugged and fixed his attention back on the busted lock. “Let’s get this over with, then we can find out.” He held his gun in front of him. With his free hand, he pushed. “Something’s behind it,” he said when the door didn’t budge. “Stay sharp, okay?”</div>
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Fear mixed with a rush of adrenaline as Noah flipped the ax over in his hand. He waited as Devin used his weight to shoulder an opening. There was a scraping sound. Whatever had been used to secure the exit was forced across the concrete floor of the warehouse. Eventually, Devin stumbled forward as the barricade fell away with a clatter.</div>
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Noah peered over Devin’s shoulder, noting more of the wooden pallets. The building was dimly lit. Sunlight shone through overhead skylights, illuminating dust that hung in the air. They held off entering the building for a moment, waiting to see if the noise drew the interest of anything nonhuman. When nothing came of their, less than subtle, entrance, Devin took the lead and headed inside.</div>
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The temperature in the warehouse was cooler than outside, and Noah shuddered as he examined the interior of the building. The space was high, higher than it seemed from the outside, and was filled with rows and rows of empty pallets. He looked at Devin who had stopped a few feet in. Noah examined the ground, noting what Devin had already spotted. There was more blood. Someone had been hurt, but not gravely, if the small amount of blood was anything to go by. Gravity had caused circular spatters where droplets had hit the floor, marking a path toward the front of the warehouse. Devin didn’t say anything and followed the intermittent stains.</div>
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The silence was unnerving and Noah checked behind them. Content there was nothing there, he shifted his focus back to Devin and the row of pallets they were following to the front of the warehouse. Devin raised his gun as they neared the end of the aisle, stepping out as he turned the corner. He stopped, seemingly surprised. He glanced at Noah, his expression softening.</div>
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Curious, Noah took the corner, catching sight of a woman and a young boy huddled together on the opposite side of the building. Though frightened, they appeared okay.</div>
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Devin lowered his gun, and raised his other hand. “We aren’t going to hurt you. Are you injured?”<br />
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Noah studied the pair along with Devin. The boy was pale and scared, but there was no obvious sign of injury. </div>
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When neither replied, Devin took a step toward them. “Are you alone?”</div>
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Devin’s question was answered with an angry cry and blur of motion from his left. A man lunged at Devin, wielding a crowbar. Devin barely swerved the attack. The metal edge struck him on the shoulder, and unbalanced, he fell with a grunt to the dusty, hard ground.</div>
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“Stop,” Noah yelled, putting himself between Devin and the desperate man. He raised the ax, aware there was a second person standing in the shadows. “Look, we’re not here to hurt you.” He shifted his weight as a teenage girl stepped forward. She held a dented aluminum baseball bat in her hand. “Devin? You okay?” Noah kept his gaze fixed on the two people in front of him.</div>
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Devin coughed. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He cleared his throat and got to his feet. He rotated his shoulder, then joined Noah in the awkward standoff. He raised his gun and pointed it at the man.</div>
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“What do you want?” the man asked. His voice was shaky. He edged closer to the teenage girl, favoring his right foot.</div>
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“Are you hurt?” Noah said, drawing everyone’s attention to the poorly wrapped bandage above his left knee.</div>
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“It’s nothing.”</div>
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“Were you bitten?” Devin nodded toward the man’s leg.</div>
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“He wasn’t.” The teenage girl jumped to the man’s defense. Her dark hair had been cropped into a short uneven bob, which formed a rough line along her jaw.</div>
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Devin pursed his lips. “He your dad?”</div>
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The girl nodded.</div>
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“How about we all lower our weapons and figure this out, okay?” Devin glanced at Noah, indicating for him to go first.</div>
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Though wary, Noah did as Devin instructed. “Fine.” He loosened his hold, lowering the ax to his side, and stepped back to put space between him and the still-armed father and daughter team.<br />
<br />
“Okay?” Devin returned his handgun to its holster. “We didn’t mean to scare you.”</div>
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<br />
The man glanced at his daughter. “It’s okay, T.” He dropped his weapon, and encouraged his daughter to do the same.</div>
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<br />
“I’m Devin, and this is Noah. We’re sorry if we scared you.”</div>
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<br />
Hugging his daughter close, the man said, “Kirk. This is my daughter, Tatum.” He pointed in the direction of the woman and boy, who were still sitting together. “My wife, Marie, and our son, Samuel.”</div>
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<br />
Devin seemed to relax when the man shared his and his family’s names. He kept his hand at his side. “Have you been here long?”</div>
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Kirk blinked rapidly. “A couple of days. My son is sick. We needed somewhere safe.”</div>
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“Sick?” Noah eyed the boy. “Sick, how?”</div>
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“I don’t know.” Kirk’s shoulders dropped as he gazed at his boy. “He hasn’t eaten properly in days, and when he has, he’s thrown up soon after.”</div>
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“I’m sorry,” Devin offered. He settled his sight on Noah. It was clear that he was considering what to do. Since the incident with Corden, they no longer had the luxury of taking people at their word. They had to be sure of who they were letting into the prison, no matter how adamant people were in claiming they were okay, or arguing that their injuries were from anything other than a bite.</div>
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The father gave a strained smile at Devin’s voiced sympathy. “It’s been hard. No food, no shelter. Always moving. It’s hit him the worst.”</div>
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Each member of the family appeared unkempt, dirty, and tired. Noah sucked on his teeth. These people needed help, help they could offer them. “Devin.”</div>
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Devin raised his head. There was doubt in his eyes.</div>
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“Please.” They were just people. Scared and exhausted people.</div>
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Devin stared at the ground. “How did you hurt your leg?” he asked. “I can help your son, but you have to tell me the truth.”</div>
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“On the fence.” Kirk looked from Devin to Noah. “I swear.” He wrapped his hand around his daughter’s. His face seemed brighter almost, as if he had been gifted with something amazing—the fact that maybe there was some hope and goodness left in the world after all.</div>
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“And the kid? He’s just sick?”</div>
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“Yes.” He nodded emphatically. “You’re part of a group? You have somewhere safe?”</div>
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There was a beat before Devin confirmed they did have somewhere. “We can help. We can look at your leg too, stop it from getting infected. But we’ll have to check you over. All of you. Properly. We can’t risk letting anyone who’s been bitten in. You understand, right?”</div>
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“We understand. Do what you have to do, but please, help us.”</div>
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<br />
Kirk’s desperation cut at Noah’s heart. If only it was just the undead monsters they had to deal with, but even now, despite all the horror and bloodshed, they were faced with the uncertainty of one another, of the danger other human beings still posed to them. Who should they trust? And who should they keep at arm’s length? He had fallen foul of people he thought were his friends, his neighbors. Distrust for others was why he had been alone when Devin had found him and why he had wanted to return to the farm,<em> his</em> farm, and be in a place he knew, not with Devin and the others at the prison. It was the reason he had survived for so long. But now, he couldn’t imagine anything else. He was glad Devin had shown up at the farm that day, even though his arrival had flipped everything he’d known on its head.</div>
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<br />
He had put his trust in Devin.</div>
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Noah looked from one family member to the next, then at Devin. They both knew this was the right thing to do. This was the human thing to do.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-69248108490317195912017-12-19T11:19:00.000+00:002017-12-19T11:41:05.188+00:00Everything (A Just Jack Christmas short)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h3yRmSU0GE/Wjjx7ZG77-I/AAAAAAAAFaA/fXpmRrpiY-oBb8lBPXFRbpx9Q2WQcFJ1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Just-Jack%2BLLB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="980" height="101" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h3yRmSU0GE/Wjjx7ZG77-I/AAAAAAAAFaA/fXpmRrpiY-oBb8lBPXFRbpx9Q2WQcFJ1QCLcBGAs/s400/Just-Jack%2BLLB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><u>Just Jack - Everything</u></em></span></div>
<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>J</em><em>ack.</em><br />
<br />
Ice-filled memories caused a chill to pass over Leo. With a sigh, he curled his fingers around the bed sheet and pulled it more tightly under his chin.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>That’s not right. </em><br />
<br />
Leo opened his eyes as he realized it wasn’t just his dream that had left him cold.<br />
<br />
The lightweight drapes billowed as a cool breeze swept into the room.<br />
<br />
“Jack.” Leo rolled over, and as expected, he found himself alone.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Where are you?</em><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
He eased himself across the bed and settled on Jack’s pillow.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Already cold.</em><br />
<br />
Leo closed his eyes and pressed his face into the pillow, taking a deep breath. The sweet smell of Jack’s cologne brought a sense of peace and comfort, but wasn’t quite enough to replace Jack’s warmth. After rolling back to his side of the bed, Leo pushed himself to sit up. He held the sheet across his shoulder as he leaned over to press his phone.<br />
<br />
“Too early, Jack.” Leo yawned and rubbed at his face. He gave a low groan and leaned over the side of the bed to scoop up his underwear and T-shirt. He dressed, then sat on the edge of the bed to pull on his sneakers. With another yawn, he got to his feet. He dragged the bed sheet with him and wrapped it around himself as a further layer. He raised his shoulders, hugging the cotton sheet close as he made his way to the swaying curtain. Pulling back the sheer material, he eyed the gap in the sliding doors. He shuddered as cold air chilled his out-reached hand. After bracing himself for the early morning air, he slid open the balcony door.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>So cold.</em><br />
<br />
“Morning,” Jack said as Leo stepped outside. Jack was wearing jeans and a thick coat. “Did I wake <br />
you?” He pushed back his fur-lined hood. His dark hair was shaggy and the lengths of his bangs were sticking up in various directions.<br />
<br />
Leo shook his head as he closed the sliding door. “Have you been up long?” He came to stand next to Jack, appreciating how Jack was quick to wrap him in a hug.<br />
<br />
“Merry Christmas,” Jack said in a low voice, pushing his face into the crook of Leo’s neck.<br />
<br />
Jack’s embrace comforted him. “Merry Christmas,” Leo said and rested his head against Jack’s. He looked out across the city and smiled. The manmade lights, which illuminated the buildings, shone brightly in a variety of colors, and despite the coolness of the early morning, warmth spread through Leo. “Are you okay?”<br />
<br />
Jack pressed a kiss to Leo’s cheek. “I’m fine. I was just thinking.”<br />
<br />
“About what?” Leo turned slightly so he could see Jack’s face. Was something troubling him? He gently reached up to touch Jack’s face, stroking his jaw. “Tell me.”<br />
<br />
Emotions and his feelings were still something Jack was getting used to. He didn’t always find it easy to express himself or intuitively know how Leo felt. It was getting easier, but for the two of them it had become a habit to talk about what was going on in their heads. That way they could figure things out together.<br />
<br />
“Nothing bad. I promise. Just...” Jack raised his hand. Slowly, he weaved his fingers in the air, drawing circles above them.<br />
<br />
Leo blinked as a light shower of soft white flakes fell over them. He glanced down at the thin layer of snow as it collected at their feet on the balcony.<br />
<br />
“I think this is it. The last time.” Jack curled down his fingers.<br />
<br />
“What do you see?”<br />
<br />
Jack shook his head. “Nothing.” He smiled. “But I feel it.”<br />
<br />
Leo wrapped his hand around Jack’s. Jack had told him stories of a world he would never see, of its brightness and colors. Those stories were from a time before Leo had met him. Since then everything had changed for Jack. The colors he once spoke of had slowly faded, along with his power to control ice and snow.<br />
<br />
“I’m sorry,” Leo said. A rush of air whipped up around him, chilling his face and he retreated into Jack’s hold.<br />
<br />
“For what?” Jack hugged him more tightly. “For loving me? For having me fall in love with you?”<br />
<br />
With a sigh, Leo lowered his head and pressed his mouth to the thick material of Jack’s coat. “You don’t miss that world?” he uttered into Jack’s sleeve.<br />
<br />
Jack had given up something magical to be with Leo, something, if Jack was right, he would now no longer be part of. Not even in a small way.<br />
<br />
“I guess I do in some ways.”<br />
<br />
Guilt clenched Leo’s heart.<br />
<br />
“But that was then and this is now. I have no regrets. How could I?” Jack pressed his chest firmly to Leo’s back. “Happiness. Warmth. Love. Things I had foolishly given up. You gave me a second chance.”<br />
<br />
Leo closed his eyes and listened to Jack’s silky voice. It was like Jack’s words were wrapping around him, smooth and comforting. Jack wasn’t the only one who had been given a second chance. With a broken heart, his feelings walked over, and love thrown back in his face, Leo had been on the verge of giving up on the same things Jack once had.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>What might I have become?</em><br />
<br />
“I love you,” Jack said. He held his hand out in front of him, his palm upward. “Once more. For you.”<br />
<br />
To Leo’s surprise dim waves of light washed around Jack’s hand. “Is that...” He held his hand above Jack’s and watched the faint threads of blue twist and turned in the space between their hands. He didn’t know what he was seeing, but it was beautiful.<br />
<br />
The snow continued to fall. Stray flakes were sucked into Jack’s palm and spun into the light.<br />
<br />
Leo smiled as the snow and light joined to briefly outline what looked like a heart.<br />
<br />
“It’s yours,” Jack said. When Leo looked up at him, he added, “My heart.”<br />
<br />
Arching his neck, Leo met Jack’s mouth with his own. He breathed in deeply through his nose and slid his hand up through Jack’s hair, holding his head steady as he kissed him.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Jack’s heart.</em> Leo was glad. He parted his lips, pushed the tip of his tongue against Jack’s soft pout. He curled his fingers down behind Jack’s ear, letting out a low, contented sound when Jack’s tongue met his. To Jack, Leo had also entrusted his heart.<br />
<br />
“I love you,” he whispered as they parted.<br />
<br />
A bright smile spread across Jack’s face and he looked up at the sky. The curved lines of light began to fade. They flickered, a soft glow pulsing around Jack’s hand before disappearing.<br />
<br />
Leo glanced upward as the snow lessened. The last of the flakes settled on his cheeks. He looked at Jack.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>He’s still smiling.</em><br />
<br />
“Does that mean...” Leo gripped Jack’s hand. Was he okay?<br />
<br />
With a nod, Jack gently rubbed the wet droplets from Leo’s face. “That was everything I had left. But you saw, right?”<br />
<br />
“I did.”<br />
<br />
“Then I’m fine.” He tapped the end of Leo’s nose. “Let’s go back inside.” He leaned close to Leo, whispering in his ear, “I’ll let you warm me up.”<br />
<br />
Leo laughed as Jack nudged him in the small of his back. “I’ll fix you a hot drink.”<br />
<br />
Jack kneed him in the butt. “Sounds good.”<br />
<br />
They headed back inside.<br />
<br />
“You’re really okay with everything?” Leo said as he sat on the edge of the bed. He toed off his shoes then pulled his legs up.<br />
<br />
Jack unzipped his coat. “Honestly, I am. I’ve been okay for a while now.” He let his coat fall to the floor.<br />
<br />
That’s right. Jack’s powers had lessened a little with each month that passed.<br />
<br />
“Hey.” Jack jumped on the bed beside Leo. He moved forward on his hands and knees until his face was close to Leo’s. “I. Am. Fine,” he said and planted a solid kiss on Leo’s cheek. He moved behind Leo and pulled him down to lie with him on the bed.<br />
<br />
Leo settled against Jack’s chest. Jack was warm, his hold inviting.<br />
<br />
“Do you know why that is?” Jack asked as he kissed Leo’s hair.<br />
<br />
Leo arched his neck to look up at him.<br />
<br />
“Because I have everything I need right here.” Jack pulled hugged Leo close. “Everything.” <br />
<br />
Leo closed his eyes.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Yes, Jack is right. This</em> is <em>fine. This is everything.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>*******</em></div>
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And from now through to February, Just Jack is a Kindle exclusive.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Just-Jack-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B00SL4ZWDM/" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Jack-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B00SL4ZWDM/" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-84451671734288864552017-12-01T09:11:00.004+00:002017-12-01T09:11:58.187+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Now available exclusively for the 2017/18 winter period.</strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-68042381903435885762017-02-16T17:11:00.000+00:002017-02-16T17:11:55.660+00:00Making ProgressI can't believe I let two weeks slip by without making a post. I've been busy finishing up some art work for people and also started back writing.<br />
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I've settled on working on the sequel to Dead Things. I had to put the story aside for a long time as my head was in a dark place for quite a while. The darkness of a zombie apocalypse and Devin and Noah's world sadly wasn't where I wanted or needed to be. But I'm feeling stronger and more positive right now, so ready to try tackling the story again. I've already added just over 3000 words taking the story up to 51K and I've made myself a rough plan of where the story needs to go and covers about 6 more chapters.<br />
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This book has been a long time coming and I hope for people who enjoyed the first Dead Things story, once I'm finally done they don't feel disappointed. I love Devin and Noah so hope I do justice to the next stage in their story.<br />
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I'm excited to be writing again and am grateful for everyone's support these last few years. Thank you.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-64815227566646932132017-01-29T21:11:00.000+00:002017-01-29T21:11:51.477+00:00Getting awayLast week I went away with my husband for a short break. It was nice to put work aside (even if I did jot down a couple of new story ideas, having found inspiration while we were there) and spend some time together. We booked a lovely two person lodge on a holiday park in the Peak District. It had its own little sauna, hot tub and spa bath, so we enjoyed some time lazing around the lodge.<br />
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Throughout the week we visited a few places. <br />
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One of those was Dovedale. The weather was a little on the chilly side, but we wrapped up warm and walked for a couple of hours around the area. Despite the grey weather it was still beautiful and very peaceful :)<br />
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Another place we visited was a wildlife park. It had some great open spaces and areas you could walk through. My husband has gotten into photography and I love some of the pictures he took while we were there. One of my favourites is the adorable otter :)<br />
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One area open to walk through was the wallabies. I was fortunate enough to be able to join in feeding a couple of them, both who had the cutest joeys in their pouches <3 p=""><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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So there we have it, a third post in as many weeks *feels a little bit pleased with myself*<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-11742131281445282102017-01-21T09:56:00.002+00:002017-01-21T10:05:35.255+00:00The Rd to Frosty Hollow in print & Knowles Brook #2 snippetYou're not imagining it, this is another post. That's two in one year. I should be careful not to over do it :)<br />
<br />
So what's new?<br />
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As of this past week The Road to Frosty Hollow is available in paperback. <br />
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Main post to links and stuff <a href="http://meredithrussell.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/the-road-to-frosty-hollow.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
<br />
We've had some great reviews for the story so thank you to every one who has read Frosty Hollow. I'm particularly proud of the story, which was my one and only release in 2016. It was a tough year and some days it was hard to get in Nick and Cameron's heads, so it means a lot, the positive reactions I've seen to the book.<br />
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I've been working on various cover art this last week, including pieces for AE Ryecart, RJ Jones, Amber Kell, RJ Scott and KC Wells (phew), but did manage to jot down an outline of my characters and what their story is going to be for the next book in the Knowles Brook series. I made a brief start (before getting distracted by art again) on the first chapter and look forward to finding more time in the coming weeks.<br />
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Here is the <em><u>very</u></em> short, rough and unedited start of Knowles Brook 2.<br />
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****<br />
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“Mikey, you’ve ten minutes.”<br />
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Mikey glanced at the back of the bathroom door. He parted his lips, but didn’t call back to his brother who he knew would be standing on the other side, waiting, wondering if he was okay. Eventually, there was the dull sound of Jeremy heading downstairs and Mikey released a breath. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror above the sink. Doubt gripped him.<br />
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Could he do this? Or the bigger question, would people let him? Coming home had been good for him, Mikey knew that, keeping himself away from the things and people who could set him back. Maybe no one cared about his past, not really. He was sure people had plenty of things going on in their own lives to be concerned with him and his.<br />
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He met his eyes in the mirror. Problem was, he couldn’t help but feel judged any time he walked into a room, any time he caught someone’s eye and they’d look away.<br />
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<em>It’s in your head</em>. He turned on the tap and held his hands under the cold water. Lifting his head, he pressed his wet palms to his forehead and slowly moved them down his face. Gently he pushed against his eyes, cherishing the sensation of his cool hands. He’d barely slept last night, and his eyes stung as if his lack of sleep had equated to a blow to the face. Apprehension had plagued his night, and he had been unable to switch off his brain, obsessing over how today would go. <br />
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Jeremy would be around to hold his hand. <em>Big brother to the rescue again</em>. It was a pattern they had settled into for almost a decade. Mikey messed up, and Jeremy would dig him out of whatever hole he had fallen into.<br />
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<em>Mess up this time and there’ll be no one to dig you out.</em> If he screwed this up he didn’t think Jeremy would forgive him.<br />
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“Mikey.” Jeremy’s voice was muffled as he shouted up the stairs.<br />
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“Coming,” Mikey called back this time. He grabbed the towel off the side of the bath and dried his hands, before exiting the bathroom.<br />
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“Everything okay?” Jeremy asked when Mikey reached the bottom of the stairs.<br />
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Mikey gave a muted nod. He flinched as Jeremy put his arm around him and gripped his neck.<br />
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“You’ll be fine. They’re good lads. They’ll look after you.” Jeremy leaned in close. “I’ll look after you.”<br />
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Guilt crept along the length of Mikey’s spine and he moved uneasily under Jeremy’s hold. “Are you sure you’re okay about this? What about Marie and the kids?” He had been sleeping on the sofa bed in his brother’s back room for the past two weeks. As much as he appreciated his brother putting him up, he couldn’t help but feel in the way. Despite the constant reassurance, he was pretty sure Jeremy’s wife wasn’t as okay as Jeremy claimed about him being there, and the sooner he found a place of his own, the happier she would be.<br />
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“Hey.” Jeremy scratched a hand through the back of Mikey’s hair. “She’s fine with it. Adrian, too. He loves his uncle Mikey.” He grinned. “Can’t say the same for Grace, but she cries when I hold her too, so don’t go thinking you’re special. You’re just not Mummy.” He pushed Mikey away from him. “Come on. We’re meeting the lads on site.”<br />
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Mikey hesitated and looked down at the company logo on the fleece he wore. <em>Don’t screw up</em>. Jeremy had given him somewhere to stay and a job. He owed it to Jeremy to make this work.<br />
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“Where’s the job?” he asked, following Jeremy out to the car.<br />
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Jeremy stopped. He chewed on his lip. “Knowles Brook.”<br />
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****<br />
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You can find more about Book 1 Alter Ego <a href="http://meredithrussell.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/alter-ego-knowles-brook-1-out-today.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-76488674339710913832017-01-13T15:48:00.001+00:002017-01-13T15:50:26.722+00:00Where I make grand plans I'll probably not stick to.<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PoJ7JD-Kk/WHgVjCGPS7I/AAAAAAAAEQE/OT7IbLlZJP09TJSE0P5S1xJjLQCSTKGewCLcB/s1600/The%2BRoad%2BTo%2BFrosty%2BHollow%2B600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PoJ7JD-Kk/WHgVjCGPS7I/AAAAAAAAEQE/OT7IbLlZJP09TJSE0P5S1xJjLQCSTKGewCLcB/s200/The%2BRoad%2BTo%2BFrosty%2BHollow%2B600.jpg" width="133" /></a>2016 was a quiet year for me on the writing front. I won't go into great detail but the car crash I had the year before still cast a shadow, both in physical hurt and affecting my mental health. My back, my leg, my head seem to take it in turns to cause me discomfort but the frequency is gradually lessening and not getting me down the way it had been. To try and get a handle on my depression and anxiety I took part in some counselling. It was a different experience for me and I'm not wholly sure of how much it helped me. I do struggle to express myself (or at least I think I do despite people assuring me I don't come across like a complete imbecile) and I'm a better listener than I am at speaking. But it was interesting and I got to say out loud how things had affected me and still were, and admitted I knew things had to change. Sitting at the bottom of my pit of misery clearly wasn't working.<br />
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The last few months of 2016 were a lot better. Most of the insurance stuff concerning the crash was finally settled and anything outstanding needs no input from me. Though slow, I did start writing again and managed to release a co-authored book, The Road to Frosty Hollow, with RJ Scott. I've told her before but I'll say it again, I appreciate all of your support and thank you for letting me write the story with you :) And one more good thing to end the year was moving house. We're about settled in, a few bits and bobs to finish up, but I'm happy and so glad we went ahead with the move.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSwakD6nwJs/WHgWDXYp2lI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/IPML9ydgV2kWV_rOy6F9RyZa6HOfWMihACLcB/s1600/Alter%2BEgo%2B600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QSwakD6nwJs/WHgWDXYp2lI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/IPML9ydgV2kWV_rOy6F9RyZa6HOfWMihACLcB/s200/Alter%2BEgo%2B600x900.jpg" width="133" /></a>So, here we are, 2017. I'm going into this year thinking positively. I have plans for the writing projects I'd like to try and complete. Though I have other ideas and stories I'd like to tell, these are the ones I particularly want to focus on this year *crosses fingers*,<br />
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<strong>1</strong>. A second book set in Knowles Brook. The series is intended to be a series of standalone stories linked by the village of Knowles Brook and a few recurring characters. I have an outline for the next book and feel, following Frosty Hollow, it's the type of story I'd be happiest tackling next.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_o-AnTJu6tQ/WHgWDda41RI/AAAAAAAAEQM/i3dNX0hYHicDut_InhNcmYAjSNBYucoFQCLcB/s1600/Just-Jack%2B600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_o-AnTJu6tQ/WHgWDda41RI/AAAAAAAAEQM/i3dNX0hYHicDut_InhNcmYAjSNBYucoFQCLcB/s200/Just-Jack%2B600x900.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiAm1bW93ok/WHgWDCC7DDI/AAAAAAAAEQI/TRtcLkjrjnc0VNyi4UgNo08GS_K1Un55QCLcB/s1600/Dead-Things-600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiAm1bW93ok/WHgWDCC7DDI/AAAAAAAAEQI/TRtcLkjrjnc0VNyi4UgNo08GS_K1Un55QCLcB/s200/Dead-Things-600x900.jpg" width="133" /></a><strong>2</strong>. Dead Things 2. The story currently stands at about 48K and what I'd consider to be 2/3s of the way through. I have outlined the final few chapters, it's just finding the right frame of mind to get lost in zombies and the darker storyline.<br />
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<strong>3</strong>. The rerelease and eventually writing the third book in the Lone Wolf Trilogy. The Good Wolf and The Bad Wolf have both been returned to me and I'd like to find the time to read them through and see if there's anything I'd like to add to the stories. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6nWywiH3FQ/WHgWDd7RtcI/AAAAAAAAEQU/vz5qrS6Ma6Mzygh7pbXk6AFBbzIfZibBwCLcB/s1600/Providence%2BPD%2B1%2BUndercover%2B600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6nWywiH3FQ/WHgWDd7RtcI/AAAAAAAAEQU/vz5qrS6Ma6Mzygh7pbXk6AFBbzIfZibBwCLcB/s200/Providence%2BPD%2B1%2BUndercover%2B600.jpg" width="133" /></a><strong>4.</strong> A follow up to Just Jack about a different Jack Frost and delving a little more into the other creatures that inhabit their world.<br />
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and <strong>5</strong>. Book 1 in a co-authored series with RJ Scott about cops. We came up with the idea a while back and hope to really get things rolling at some point this year :)<br />
<br />
So there we go. What comes of the year, I guess we'll see. But here's hoping it is awesome. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-22496780620584866612017-01-12T22:01:00.000+00:002017-01-12T22:02:15.254+00:00The Road to Frosty Hollow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa0qqiuo-w8/WHf7qzBfO0I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/-LlImBNIobQ-qoA1EQKSdrNzGsDFKYJdQCLcB/s1600/The%2BRoad%2BTo%2BFrosty%2BHollow%2B600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa0qqiuo-w8/WHf7qzBfO0I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/-LlImBNIobQ-qoA1EQKSdrNzGsDFKYJdQCLcB/s400/The%2BRoad%2BTo%2BFrosty%2BHollow%2B600.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<strong><u>Blurb</u></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Nick and Cameron face old demons, and find new love, on a Winter road trip.<br />
</em></strong> Former Marine Nick Sheridan is at a crossroads. With his entire life ahead of him he struggles to find direction and his place in the world. Car sharing to get home for his sister’s Christmas wedding seems like a good idea at first. Spending the time with the man he kissed and left years before, maybe not so much.<br />
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Cameron Bennett lost most of his teenage years to cancer and he now lives every day to the fullest. He decides to drive from Seattle to Vermont for his best friend’s wedding and capture moments of it on film. He hadn’t planned on car sharing with the man who kissed him ten years ago, but somehow he ends up with a brooding Nick by his side.<br />
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Along the way, the men learn that sometimes life plans mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. Love can be found in the most unexpected of ways, and facing your demons head on is sometimes the only way to live.<br />
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<strong><u>Buy Links</u></strong><br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2i6q5yR" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Amazon (US)</span></b></a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/2hQ7dkW" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Amazon (UK)</span></b></a> | <span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/691310" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Smashwords</span></b></a></span> | <span style="color: #666666;">Kobo</span> | <span style="color: #666666;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-road-to-frosty-hollow-rj-scott/1125397593?type=eBook" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Barnes & Noble</span></b></a></span> | <span style="color: #666666;">iTunes</span></div>
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<strong><u>Latest Reviews</u></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.dogeareddaydreams.com/2016/12/review-road-to-frosty-hollow-by-rj.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Dog-Eared Daydreams</span></b></a> - <b>5/5</b> - "....The Road to Frosty Hollow is a heartwarming love story between two men who have known each other for years, have had feelings they believed were one sided, and are now on a cross-country road trip from Seattle, Washington to a wedding in their hometown of Frosty Hollow, Vermont....</div>
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....The Road to Frosty Hollow was a beautifully co-written slow burn romance which not only reiterates why RJ Scott is one of my favorite go-to M/M authors, but that Meredith Russell is as good at being an author as she is a cover designer. This one left me with a satisfied smile on my face and in my heart. Five-plus stars...."</div>
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<a href="http://helenasheat.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/the-road-to-frosty-hollow-by-rj-scott.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">The Way She Reads</span></b></a> - "....I thoroughly enjoyed my road-trip with Nick and Cameron and was rooting for them to come together every mile of the way. Sometimes all I want is a relatively angst free, uncomplicated, yet engrossing story, which is exactly what The Road to Frosty Hollow was—utterly delightful...."</div>
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<a href="http://moonangel23.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/review-giveaway-road-to-frosty-hollow.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Making it Happen</span></b></a> - "....Now see, this is a wonderful example of sweet, sexy second chance holiday romance. It has characters you'll come to care for pretty quickly and want to root on throughout the story, a bit of tension coming from some unknowns in Cameron's life that cause some bumps in the road between him and Nick, and the constant hope throughout the story that everything will work out with a happy ending...."</div>
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<a href="http://sexyforreview.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/sex-review-road-to-frosty-hollow-by.html?zx=5d0ba6ded4a6004c" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #c00000;">Sexy Erotic Exciting</span></b></a> - <b>5/5</b> - "....Scott and Russell delivered a well-developed story of two men on the cusp of much-needed changes and the ability to find a timeless love in each other.</div>
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I immediately connected with both characters and their joyous personalities even in times of despair. </div>
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The Road to Frosty Hollow was a feel good, highly romantic story that brought a warmth to the spirit of love and the holidays...."</div>
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<strong><u>Excerpt</u></strong></div>
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<b>Chapter 1 </b><br />
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“This is crazy, sis. I can’t believe I let you talk me into this road trip.” <br />
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Nick Sheridan sat on the end of the bed and stared at his luggage. He’d been pacing a line back and forth in front of his bedroom window for what felt like hours, but, was really only minutes, and his nerves were getting the better of him. He held his cell phone in front of him, set on speaker phone, waiting for the reassuring sound of his sister’s voice to fill the room. <br />
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“It’ll do you good. It’ll do you and Cameron both some good,” Kaitlin said. <br />
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Her voice held an edge of excitement. She was setting him up, and he knew it, and he was pretty sure she knew he knew it. Cameron Bennett was the last person Nick wanted to share a cross-country drive with, with his dimples, and his smile and his ability to make Nick forget how to speak. <br />
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With a sigh, he scratched a hand though his hair, teasing his bangs to spiky points. “Maybe.” He glanced around his bedroom. He was supposed to have packed everything into boxes ready for the move back home in the New Year, but surfaces were still scattered with mementos of his life and his closet remained full of his clothes. <br />
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Kaitlin asked, “What time did Cameron say he was getting there?” <br />
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Nick rested his phone on the bed and got to his feet. “Anytime now.” He crossed to the window. Lifting a slat in the blind, he looked out on the street below. <br />
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Kaitlin’s voice came from the bed behind him. “You remember what he looks like, right?” <br />
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How could he not remember Cameron Bennett? The man’s face was plastered all over his sister’s social media every time Cam happened to be in the same state as her: Cam and Kaitlin horseback riding along a treacherous mountain trail, or jumping out of a plane, or parasailing. The man took risks that made Nick worry, considering Kaitlin sometimes got involved too. Kaitlin and Cameron had been best friends since any of them could remember. <br />
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Not only that, but Cameron’s face was all wrapped up in memories of one stolen kiss and years of what ifs. <br />
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Not that he was admitting that to his sister. “Shut up,” he said, raising his voice to make sure she could hear him. <br />
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Kaitlin laughed. “It’s so easy to wind you up. But seriously, have some fun, live life, get all thinky about what you want to do.” <br />
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<i>“Thinky?”</i> Nick mouthed the word to the room and smiled. He had been thinking. In fact, he’d done nothing but thinking ever since he received the official invitation to Kaitlin’s wedding a few months ago. <br />
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Sitting on his dresser was the ivory-and-turquoise-decorated card. Nick eyed the names of his sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law, struck by a strange sense of loss. He rubbed at the feeling of emptiness in his stomach. When he had settled in Seattle two-and-a-half years ago, he’d thought that was it. Sure, there might have been a chance he would be called back to active duty, but Seattle had felt like home. He’d had a boyfriend and the promise of a career and finishing up school. It had been a fresh start. True, he and his family lived on opposite sides of the country, but that was okay; he had things to work through, and they didn’t need a screwed-up Marine in their lives. <br />
<br />
Now, of course, the boyfriend was no more, the career was at a grinding halt, and he’d failed his last exam. Yeah, life’s great. <br />
<br />
“Nick? You still there?” <br />
<br />
Nick breathed in deeply and glanced over his shoulder at his phone. “I’m here.” <br />
<br />
Now he was in need of another fresh start, and as far as he was concerned, running back to his hometown in Vermont was for the best. He needed the security of having his family around him, at least for a while until he got his head on straight. <br />
<br />
<i>Then why haven’t you packed yet?</i> <br />
<br />
“I have to go,” Kaitlin interrupted his thoughts. “I’ve got an appointment with the florist. Mom’s coming with me, so wish me luck.” <br />
<br />
Their mom had taken to the role of mother of the bride like it was a military campaign. Kaitlin had even taken the drastic measure of phoning Nick one night, stressed, cursing, and insisting their mom should have signed up with him eight years ago. It was kind of nice she reached out to him, as though he was needed. “So, I’ll wish you a safe journey, big brother, and guess I’ll see you in three weeks. Text me, right? Text me a lot. Photos as well.” <br />
<br />
Yeah, right. Photos of Cameron and his broad, stupid smile and his hazel eyes, standing next to Nick, the battered former Marine. Those were photos she’d love to share on her Facebook page. No way that was happening. <br />
<br />
“Three weeks,” he confirmed. <br />
<br />
Then he shook his head, even though no one could see him. That was a long time to be just him and Cameron. He yawned widely. He’d not slept properly last night; when he’d rolled over on his arm, discomfort had kept him awake. <br />
<br />
“Like I said, it’ll be good for you. Just—” She paused for a moment. “—just enjoy the ride and see where it takes you.” <br />
<br />
Nick chewed his lip. His life had been so regimented throughout his twenties, and though he was all for living in the moment and taking some chances, his default setting was survival and it was difficult to adjust. “I’ll try.” <br />
<br />
“See that you do. Anyway, I have to go. Feel free to give Cam a big hug from me.” Her voice held a laugh as she teased him. <br />
<br />
Shaking his head, he picked up his phone. “Later, sis.” <br />
<br />
“Love you.” <br />
<br />
“You too.” He ended the call and pocketed his phone. <br />
<br />
Blowing out a breath, he checked around the room. Everything he’d put on his list was packed in his case and large backpack. He had three weeks on the road and an undetermined amount of time with his folks for the wedding, Christmas, and into next year. <br />
<br />
His cell phone chimed and he freed it once more from his pocket and eyed the details of the text message. It was from Cameron. <br />
<br />
<i>Getting gas</i>. Be with you in ten. <br />
<br />
<i>OK,</i> he typed. <br />
<br />
He hesitated, wondering if he was supposed to say more. Billy, his ex, added smiley faces to all his texts, even when he was pissed. “I am so out of the loop,” he muttered. With a shrug, he hit Send; he didn’t want to give Cameron a weird message by using the wrong yellow faces. <br />
<br />
“Okay,” he said to his room. “This is really happening.” <br />
<br />
When Kaitlin had suggested he join Cameron on his road trip from Seattle to Vermont, Nick’s first instinct had been to say no. <br />
<br />
He remembered a lot about Cameron; his illness as a kid that kept him in his room a lot, his stupidly cute hair, his thoughtful expressions. And the kiss. He recalled the kiss and Cameron pushing him away in great detail. <br />
<br />
But they weren’t friends like Cameron and Kaitlin were. Being two years older than them meant Nick had always been a step ahead in the checkpoints of life—graduating, going away to college, dropping out to embark on a career in the military. <br />
<br />
<i>Not anymore.</i> Hell, you’re going backward. It was as though his life had been unraveling over the last five months. His relationship had ended, he wasn’t happy at work, and he had no direction, no damn idea what to do with himself. <br />
<br />
<i>At least being a Marine gave you stability and focus. </i><br />
<br />
It had given him other things too. He glanced down at the palm of his hand, then curled his fingers, brushing the faded scars that stretched down to his wrist. The memory of gunfire made his shoulders tense, and just for a moment he was back there, his patrol under attack, and jagged rocks shredding his hand as he scrambled for cover. <br />
<br />
The idea to re-enlist had been a brief one, some knee-jerk reaction to change in his life. But he soon changed his mind; he had done his time, served his country. He wasn’t a career soldier. He needed something else. If only he could figure out what that was…. <br />
<br />
Shaking off the old memories, Nick took the few minutes he had to check over his luggage and the apartment. There was a feeling of unease as he picked up the wedding invitation. In three weeks he would be back in Vermont, back in Frosty Hollow. He hadn’t been home since Christmas two years ago, and that had been a flying visit. <br />
<br />
The sound of the intercom buzzer interrupted his thoughts. Too late to change your mind now. <br />
<br />
He paused at the receiver, his hand hovering over the speak button. The buzzer rang again and Nick took a breath. “Okay,” he said to himself, then pressed the button and spoke into the intercom. “I’ll be right down.” <br />
<br />
After gathering his things, he checked the apartment one last time before heading downstairs. He pushed open the building door with his shoulder and backed outside, turning around to maneuver his belongings through the door with him. <br />
<br />
“You need a hand?” <br />
<br />
He stopped. The door swung shut behind him. “What?” It took him a moment to link the voice to the man standing at the bottom of the short flight of steps leading up to the apartment building. Tall and wide across the chest, with stubble and sunglasses pushed back in his hair, Cameron Bennett looked like a cross between a biker and a model, and he was every bit as gorgeous in person as Nick remembered. He looked a bit pale, white against the dark of his jacket, but hell, he looked good. <br />
<br />
Cameron removed his shades, folded down the arms, and nodded toward Nick’s suitcase. “Your things. Do you need any help with them?” <br />
<br />
Lifting his pack higher on his shoulder, Nick shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks.” <br />
<br />
When Nick didn’t move, Cameron raised one of his neat eyebrows. “What?” he asked with a smile, shifting his weight onto his other leg and looking up at Nick expectantly. “I got something on my face?” His smile widened. The way Cameron’s lips curled made dimples appear in his face. Yep, there they were, the Dimples of Doom. <br />
<br />
“What? No, sorry.” Nick lowered his head. “I just….” He looked Cameron up and down. <i>Cameron Bennett all grown up</i>. “I was trying to remember how long it’s been.” He picked up his suitcase and headed down to the sidewalk, where he met Cameron’s hazel eyes and waited for an answer. <br />
<br />
“Nine or ten years, I guess.” Cameron walked behind him. “Senior year, wasn’t it? My senior year, anyway. You’d come home from college for the weekend, and Kaitlin had that Valentine’s party.” <br />
<br />
Nick didn’t have to try to remember the party, ever since he’d agreed to this road trip he’d had the damn party on his mind. He didn’t want to talk about it, not after making a fool of himself with Cameron, thinking the other man actually wanted to kiss him. But Cameron was looking at him expectantly; waiting for an answer. <br />
<br />
“Alice in Wonderland,” he said, finally. Kaitlin had roped him into decorating the house with strings of hearts and playing cards. <br />
<br />
And he and Cameron had kissed. Don’t think about the kiss. <br />
<br />
“I’m impressed you even remember. You were pretty drunk.” Cameron grinned. It didn’t look like Cameron recalled the kiss, or the awkwardness that followed it. <br />
<br />
“A house full of Mad Hatters is enough to drive anyone to drink.” Nick offered; anything to stop thinking on things that should never have happened. The party had been the night after he’d come out to his parents and told them he was dropping out of college to enlist all in one go. Turned out him being gay wasn’t a problem to his parents. Signing up, however, they hadn’t taken too well. Not at first, anyway. <br />
<br />
“So many sexy Cheshire Cats and slutty Alice’s,” Cameron mused. <br />
<br />
Nick prodded Cameron in the back. “Hey, my sister was Alice. She wasn’t slutty.” He couldn’t help the defensiveness that stiffened his spine. <br />
<br />
“Nicky, I’m kidding.” <br />
<br />
<i>Nicky.</i> The name surprised him. He hadn’t been called that in years. Even his sister had dropped the cutesy version of his name. <br />
<br />
If Cameron noticed Nick’s faltering steps, he didn’t make it evident. Instead he continued. “Seriously, I’m the last person to judge anyone for what they wear.” Cameron spun around, walking backward a few steps as he tugged at the front of the V-necked T-shirt he wore under a leather jacket. The action exposed more of his chest. <br />
<br />
Nick noted the faint dusting of hair across the pale skin of Cameron’s chest and what looked like the edge of a tattoo. <br />
<br />
“My name is Nick, not Nicky.” <br />
<br />
Cameron nodded his understanding, and with a smile, he slid his shades back on and stepped out into the street. <br />
<br />
They stopped by a functional black SUV with snow tires and Nick blinked to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. “Thought you were a muscle car fan? This isn’t quite what I imagined for your grand cross-country adventure.” <br />
<br />
Cameron pulled open the driver side door and rested his arms on top of the frame. He shrugged as he looked over the roof of the black SUV, meeting Nick’s eyes. “Well, I had considered renting a Mustang, maybe. But then I remembered it’s December and we have snow.” <br />
<br />
“Good call.” <br />
<br />
“Anyway, I know you like working with cars, but I didn’t want you having a busman’s holiday every time we broke down.” <br />
<br />
“Thoughtful of you.” Nick was aiming for jokey, but he sounded more sarcastic than joking. <br />
<br />
Cameron looked confused at the tone and he worried at his lip for a moment. “You can still change your mind, you know. I won’t be offended.” <br />
<br />
“About what?” <br />
<br />
“The road trip, three weeks with me. I know Kaitlin can be very persuasive when she wants to be.” <br />
<br />
Shaking his head, Nick said, “She can be, but I want to do this.” He might have been quick to blame Kaitlin for the road trip, but he was really doing it for himself. “I promise you this is my decision.” <br />
<br />
Cameron seemed to consider Nick’s words as he tapped the fingers of one hand on the back of the other. “Okay.” He pulled the door open a little farther. “Put your things in the back and we’ll get out of here.” <br />
<br />
After loading his bags in the trunk, Nick slipped into the car and strapped himself in beside Cameron. “So, what’s the plan?” <br />
<br />
“Spokane.” <br />
<br />
“Sorry?” He raised an eyebrow. <br />
<br />
“That’s where we’re headed, or at least we are, according to Kaitlin. It’s just over five hours from here.” Cameron reached behind the passenger seat and pulled out a map. “Figured we could drive a couple of hours, stop for something to eat at the halfway point, and then do the rest.” <br />
<br />
“What the hell’s in Spokane?” Nick asked. “Kaitlin picked the place?” <br />
<br />
Cameron looked sheepish. “She may have planned the whole trip. Well, I mean, I helped and all, but she was the one who came up with the itinerary.” <br />
<br />
“Right. Okay.” Nick scratched behind his ear. <br />
<br />
“Here.” Cameron opened the glove compartment and pulled out a notebook. Loose, folded sheets of paper stuck out from between the pages. “I printed off what we decided on.” <br />
<br />
Nick folded back the corner of the little book, allowing the paper to flick across his thumb as he slowly released the pages. He rested it on top of the map across his thighs. “I know you asked me about wanting to do this, but are you okay with me being here?” <br />
<br />
It seemed Kaitlin had a much bigger role in the trip than Nick first thought, but he wasn’t entirely sure about Cameron’s reasons for taking the cross-country trip. Apparently, it was some mix of a personal work project and self-evaluation of his life. <br />
<br />
Cameron curled his hands around the steering wheel. “Trust me. You’d know if I didn’t want you here.” He briefly turned to look at Nick. “And you never know—we might actually have some fun.” <br />
<br />
With a nod, Nick agreed, “Yeah, we might.” <br />
<br />
“So,” Cameron said. “Ready?” <br />
<br />
<i>As I’ll ever be.</i> “Sure. Let’s do it.” <br />
<br />
After all, how bad could three weeks on the road with Cameron be?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-27889560952055905582016-01-16T23:19:00.000+00:002016-01-16T23:19:56.692+00:00Happy New Year! Better late than never.It's been a funny old year, as they say. Looking back at 2015, there's been some ups and downs. But it's a new year and I've made plans whereby I want to focus on more of the positive things in my life, my work, to rekindle relationships and sometimes just take a moment for me. So here I'd like to focus on the good stuff of 2015 and my plans for 2016.<br />
<br />
<strong>Releases and writing:</strong><br />
At the very start of the year, Just Jack was released. I grew up reading fairy tales and fantasy stories, watching Disney movies so it was great fun to play in a world of magic and make believe.<br />
<br />
The first half of the year was a bit of a struggle on the writing front, but with support I will be forever grateful for I managed to edit and add a few scenes for the rerelease of Sex and Cocktails with Pride Publishing in July, along with completing Fallout, the fourth book in the HA1710 series written with a group of awesome authors, and also Forever in the Sun, the last in the Sapphire Cay series with RJ Scott (both books released in August). So a little quiet on the release front but to be honest I'm so happy to have been able to write anything the way things have been at times.<br />
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Last January, Dead Things 2 had just crept past the 10K mark. In November, I finally felt ready to pick it back up again. The story currently stands at 40K and I'm looking forward to getting stuck back in this coming week.<br />
<br />
So my projects for 2016 are first to complete Dead Things 2, then work on the second book in my Knowles Brook series, I'd like to write a second book to make Just Jack into a series of Jack Frost stories, and continue with a shifter series idea I've started plotting out. Also this year, with RJ Scott, I'm writing books in the Providence PD series which will be all about cops and bad guys. I'd also like to look at stories to send to Pride Publishing, possibly a series and then completing my Lone Wolf Trilogy that is with Extasy Books. I'd hoped to write the book last year but like Dead Things, the plot involved darker themes than I could really handle at the time. I already felt on the edge so didn't feel able to put myself in my characters shoes. But, 2016 is new and shiny so hopefully this year I can look to make a start on the third book.<br />
<br />
<strong>Art:</strong><br />
Cover art has kept me sane (well as sane as I usually am lol) through 2015. It was great to get back to my desk and be able to lose myself in something creative. There's only so many TV Box sets a girl can go through while laid up. I will do an update on my art blog later this month looking at some of my favourite pieces from last year, but a heartfelt thank you to all the authors I worked with last year :) I look forward to seeing what you have for me this year.<br />
<br />
<strong>Life:</strong><br />
I will say it's been hard to be positive sometimes but I appreciate the people in my life and their support. A few nice things from the year include being hired as a maths tutor after my friend put in a word for me. It's been great and already we've seen some good progress between mock exam papers with her marks. I'm so proud of her and I really needed that to show me I'm not completely useless to everyone at the moment. Also, my sister went back to work after her maternity time for her second child so I am now back babysitting once a week and despite a patchy start with lots of tears, my niece's not mine, she's now one of the favourite parts of my week. She's a funny little thing and she makes me smile constantly.<br />
<br />
I had a few lovely weeks away with my husband, two of those were in different parts of Wales. My granddad was Welsh and going there makes me kind of feel like going home, though the sheep give zero fucks about road safety lol. Also we painted a couple of walls in the house and tidied the garden... well hubby did, mine was more a supervising kind of position lol.<br />
<br />
For 2016 my goals are mostly to focus more, move more, eat better, be brave - especially where driving and leaving the house is concerned, de-clutter my life (I've already done my clothes and shoes) and the house and set up my office properly, laugh more, get out and see my friends, take some time for me and actually do something with that time - TV watching sure, but also find other ways to relax or be creative. Don't hide behind my problems. I want to get some control back in my life.<br />
<br />
So, come Monday I'll be ready to say - Happy New Year!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-41771063396770307402015-11-30T17:02:00.000+00:002015-11-30T17:02:22.927+00:00Cover Reveal - New Lease Of Life by Lillian FrancisHi, Lillian Francis here, and I’ve popped in to show off my amazing cover for my novel, New Lease of Life, coming soon from Dreamspinner Press.<br />
<br />
But first the Blurb.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>New Lease of Life</em></strong> <br />
<br />
Phillip used to laugh a lot, back when his friends called him Pip. However the good deed that left him hospitalized not only marred his body, it stripped him of his good humor too. Ever since, he has pushed his friends away and shut out the world. Donating his vintage clothing to a charity shop should have been the final act in a year-long campaign to sever the links with the man Pip used to be, but the stranger on his doorstep awakens feelings in Pip that he hasn’t experienced since the incident that left him angry at the world and reliant on the cold metal of the hideous hospital-issue crutch.<br />
<br />
Colby forces his way into Pip’s life, picking at the scab of his past. Colby isn’t interested in Pip’s money or his expensive address. He has only one goal: to make Pip smile again. With every moment in Pip’s presence, Colby chips away at the walls Pip has built around himself. Pip knows it’s impossible to fight his attraction with Colby’s sunny disposition casting light into the darkness in his soul.<br />
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<em>Drum roll please.</em><br />
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Presenting <br />
Cover art by Paul Richmond.<br />
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Also to celebrate the reveal Lillian is having a giveaway over at her blog <a href="http://lillianfrancis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/cover-reveal-new-lease-of-life.html">here </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-46383650326083237332015-11-20T13:55:00.001+00:002017-11-29T14:45:15.938+00:00Just Jack NewsI just wanted to share a few bits and bobs about <em>Just Jack</em>.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Join Jack and Leo for a one-off special</strong></em><br />
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This was a short piece (about 500 words) written for Amber Kell's Birthday Bash. It was fun to go back and visit them as Jack talks about celebrating his <em>kind-of-birth</em>-day. You can find this and a small giveaway (running until Sunday) at Amber's blog <a href="https://amberkell.wordpress.com/2015/11/19/welcome-birthday-guest-meredith-russell-2/"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a>.</div>
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<br />
<strong><em>Just Jack is now available in print</em></strong> <br />
I love this cover so much and I'm so excited to see it released as a paperback.<br />
<em><u></u></em><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdPNREgfaHc/Vk8bMWyRKoI/AAAAAAAADLQ/ia7QnC0O6qY/s1600/JJPrintCover%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rdPNREgfaHc/Vk8bMWyRKoI/AAAAAAAADLQ/ia7QnC0O6qY/s320/JJPrintCover%2Bsmall.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em><u>Blurb</u></em></span><br />
<br />
<strong>Can two broken men find love in the chill of Winter?</strong><br />
<br />Leo is having a bad day. Finding his boyfriend in bed with another man was one thing, being the subject of office gossip another, but falling on his ass in the snow in front of a gorgeous man was the final straw. <br />
<br />Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness after betrayal. He swore no one would ever break his heart again, gave up on love, and became something else; Jack Frost.<br />
<br />As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.<br />
<br />When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love conquer everything?<br />
<br />
<br />
My copy came just this morning and I am so incredibly pleased with it. Bittergrace is a good friend and I appreciate the time and hard work she put into doing it for me.<br />
<br />
Buy links: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1515076059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1515076059&linkCode=as2&tag=rjsc-20">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1515076059/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1515076059&linkCode=as2&tag=rjsc-21">Amazon UK</a><br />
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<strong><em>E-book on sale</em></strong></div>
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Between the 27th November and 27th December Love Lane Books is offering the e-book with 25% off. If me as an author and Just Jack is new to you and you're looking for something sweet and warming, but also all about the chilly winter days, now is your chance to pick it up at a reduced price.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE5Duqi8y4s/Vk8oYyurrII/AAAAAAAADL4/pOajsL7dXYo/s1600/JJ%2Bsale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE5Duqi8y4s/Vk8oYyurrII/AAAAAAAADL4/pOajsL7dXYo/s400/JJ%2Bsale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For more details on the book including excerpts, reviews and buy links visit Just Jack's page at Love Lane Books <a href="https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=79"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a></div>
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<strong><em>Future plans</em></strong></div>
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Just Jack had been intended as a one off, but after a few lovely readers planted the seed about further books, well, my mind just keeps going there. I have plans for, certainly, 2 further books. They aren't direct sequels, they will be more about expanding the Jack Frost world and focusing on two other Jack's, so a series. I hope to write the first of those ideas in 2016 *crosses fingers*</div>
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That's all for this edition of Just Jack news. Watch this space for more updates on future books in the series.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-1760831849233900762015-08-14T14:18:00.002+01:002015-08-14T14:19:58.369+01:00Fallout (HA1710 #4)Fallout is the 4th book in the HA1710 series. Details on the other books in this series is at the end of the post.<br />
<br />
This book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone story.<br />
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<strong>Blurb</strong><br />
<br />
Can missing a fatal flight be the wake up call Harrison needs?<br />
<br />
When Harrison Kelley is banned from getting on Flight HA1710, it seems to be the perfect ending to a crappy couple of days. Not only did he wreck a wedding, but he’s drunk way too much and been on the receiving end of the groom’s brother’s fists. Being escorted out of the airport by security was just the icing on the <em>wedding</em> cake.<br />
<br />
Elijah Pettifer has lusted after Harrison from afar for years but Harrison never sees him as anything more than a friend. If he ever saw him at all. While attempting to defend what little honor Harrison has left, Elijah gets caught up in the wave of chaos surrounding his teenage crush. But missing his flight home because of Harrison’s mess might just be the luckiest thing to ever happen to him.<br />
<br />
With a 24-hour ban imposed by the airport, and having only each other for company, the two men grow closer. But will the fate of the airplane they should have been on be the push Harrison needs to walk away from the toxic relationship of his past? And can Elijah make Harrison see exactly what he’s been missing out on because of it?<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>B</strong><strong>uy Links</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010FUSLKA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B010FUSLKA&linkCode=as2&tag=rjsc-20">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B010FUSLKA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B010FUSLKA&linkCode=as2&tag=rjsc-21">Amazon UK</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallout-1841097-149.html?referrer=54bab79fd5871">ARe</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/554139">Smashwords</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fallout-jesse-russell/1112436515?ean=2940151997553">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/fallout-41">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fallout/id1015473798?mt=11">Apple iStore</a><br />
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<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Reviews</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<em>Sexy For Review</em> - 5/5 - "... Ms. Russell wove a tale of life’s adventures, of- you can’t recreate the past, but you can take the good from it and move forward. ... Harrison and Elijah are both beautiful souls finding their way through life and love and Ms. Russell has given them the platform to do it together. Beautifully written, Fallout touched this reader’s heart...." <br />
<br />
<em>Multitasking Momma's</em> - 5/5 - "... Harrison also gets to realize who he is and see what he could become. Elijah finally gets the chance he'd missed out on and will get his chance to claim his man. The road to their discovery of what was clearly in front of them, is the icing on this cakish book. ... Sweet, rough, stupid, romantic. These are the words the come to mind when thinking Elijah and Harrison. Thing is, I realize I want more of them so want more of their story in the future. That need to know more is what makes them my fave couple so far...." <br />
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<em>Rainbow Book Reviews</em> - " ...This is an emotional roller coaster ride between two men transversing the territory between friends and lovers. Wise, honest Elijah just may be my favorite character in the entire series. ... As Harrison began to change, putting Elijah's feelings in front of his own, trying hard to improve himself, he gained my respect. All of the stories in the series are delightful ... If you like stories about honesty, forgiveness, character growth, and hope, you may enjoy this tale. Thanks, Meredith, for the excellent read. ... "<br />
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<em>Prism Book Alliance</em> - 4/5 - "....Fallout is an emotional rollercoaster, both before and after the plane crash, it’s also a beautifully written story of betrayal and friendship, and how sometimes only when things are really dark can you see the light and only then can you look at something with fresh eyes...." <br />
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<br />
<strong>Excerpt </strong>(<em>From Chapter 5</em>)<br />
<br />
<em>The day of the crash</em><br />
<br />
Harrison downed the shot of bourbon and slid the glass across the bar. He glanced at his cell phone as the screen lit up. With a sigh, he spun the phone around and read the message. Throughout the day, Elijah had sent him a series of messages. Where was he? What was he doing? Was he okay? <br />
<br />
<em>Can’t a guy drown his sorrows in peace?</em> <br />
<br />
He sighed when his cell vibrated and Elijah’s name flashed up. The phone danced across the top of the bar. Harrison watched it for a moment. <br />
<br />
<em>Leave me alone.</em> <br />
<br />
He picked up his phone and canceled the call. <br />
<br />
“Wow, that’s kind of rude. Just so you know.” <br />
<br />
Harrison checked over his shoulder. “What are you doing here?” <br />
<br />
“Looking for you.” Elijah took the stool beside him and rested his folded arms on the edge of the bar. <br />
“How did you find me?” <br />
<br />
Elijah shot him a disapproving look as he glanced at the empty glass. “The one text message you did reply to said you were coming to the airport. So I thought to myself where would I go if I wanted to be away from people and wallow in my own self-pity?” He scratched behind his ear and his tone softened. “This was the first bar I looked in.” <br />
<br />
“You shouldn’t have bothered.” He didn’t understand why Elijah cared so damn much. <br />
<br />
“Maybe.” Elijah sat upright on the stool. “I just wanted to check you were okay. After everything that happened.” <br />
<br />
Harrison shrugged. “I’m fine. I just figured it was best to give everybody their space.” <br />
<br />
“You mean Kevin?” There was a flash of something in Elijah’s eyes as he said Kevin’s name. Was that a warning? <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Antony’s brother was a few years older than Antony and his friends. He was fiercely protective of his family, and always seemed to have something to prove. <br />
<br />
“I’m not scared of him,” Harrison said harshly. <br />
<br />
Elijah rested his head in his hand and looked thoughtfully at Harrison. “I didn’t say you were.” His voice was calm but firm. “But I understand you not wanting to get into an argument.” He spun Harrison’s phone around, lighting the screen as he checked the time. “How about we go and get you a coffee? Sober you up a little? Plus we can talk.” <br />
<br />
A coffee sounded like a good idea. He’d been in and out of bars all afternoon. “Okay.” <br />
<br />
Elijah patted his shoulder in encouragement. “Come on.” <br />
<br />
Reluctantly, Harrison slid off his stool. He held the side of the bar to regain his balance, before picking up his flight bag and swinging it over his shoulder. <br />
<br />
“Okay?” Elijah checked. <br />
<br />
Harrison nodded. He was fine. Nothing a coffee wouldn’t straighten out. <br />
<br />
Reassured, Elijah led the way, and Harrison followed. He had foolishly thought himself better off alone, but seeing Elijah now, he realized that was what he’d really needed—a friend. <br />
<br />
As they stepped outside the bar, Harrison squinted against the bright lights. With a sigh, he looked up at the glass ceiling and appreciated the sudden feeling of space. Movement caught his eye to the right of him, and he was surprised by a group of people closing in, led at the front by Kevin. <br />
<br />
“You stupid asshole.” <br />
<br />
“Crap,” Harrison cursed under his breath and scooted a couple of steps back when Elijah and another blocked Kevin’s reach. <br />
<br />
“I’m going to kill you.” <br />
<br />
“Just leave it.” Kevin’s wife was at his side, pulling at the sleeve of his t-shirt. <br />
<br />
Harrison raised his hands. “I’m sorry, okay? What else do you want from me?” <br />
<br />
Kevin made to grab for Harrison again, but was pushed back by Elijah and the others. “You couldn’t see him happy, could you? Had to worm your way back in and confuse him all over again?” <br />
<br />
“You think Antony was confused?” Elijah shook his head in disbelief. Antony was anything but confused about who he was or what he had done. “It takes two to tango last I heard,” he pointed out. <br />
<br />
Disappointment pressed on his chest when he heard Elijah. For some reason he wasn’t entirely sure of, he didn’t want Elijah to think badly of him. So, even Elijah thought they’d had sex? <br />
<br />
It seemed Kevin’s determination to reach Harrison faltered, and he took a step back, putting space between him and the men holding him back. “Oh, so you and him now is it?” He waved a finger between Elijah and Harrison. “You’ve been defending him all day.” <br />
Elijah? Defending me? <br />
<br />
“And you’ve been making out he’s the only one at fault.” <br />
<br />
Kevin lurched at him. “He got inside Antony’s head. I know he did. Antony told me. He was drunk, wasn’t he? You took advantage.” <br />
<br />
“So, what are you saying?” Elijah folded his arms and stood tall. “That Harrison lured Antony to his room? Made him gay for a night?” <br />
<br />
Harrison ran his hands through his hair. Kevin was wrong. It wasn’t Harrison who had gotten into Antony’s head. It was Antony who was in Harrison’s, had been for years. <br />
<br />
“Leave it Elijah,” he said. He couldn’t let Elijah take the brunt of Kevin’s anger. <br />
<br />
“You need to face facts,” Elijah said. “It doesn’t matter if Antony slept with a man, a woman, animal, or fauna. What it comes down to is your brother is a sleazeball and a cheat. Screwing an old fling the night before his wedding makes him anything but the innocent party in all of this.” <br />
<br />
Elijah’s words seemed to hit home, when Kevin straightened up. He looked at Elijah, clearly taken aback that Elijah had stood up to him, and he wasn’t alone. <br />
<br />
Harrison looked from Elijah to Kevin. He felt pathetic, spineless. Elijah shouldn’t be fighting his battles for him. He met Kevin’s eyes. Anger still flickered beneath their cool grey surface. Maybe he should tell the truth, speak up? But was it really any better that he hadn’t had sex with Antony? There were plenty of times it had happened. No, there was nothing more he could or wanted to say. He wouldn’t keep apologizing for something he hadn’t actually done. So he didn’t even try. Instead, he walked away. <br />
<br />
“Harrison.” <br />
<br />
He guessed it was Elijah who called his name, but Harrison didn’t stop to find out if he was right. He walked the length of stores, bars, and restaurants, stopping when he spied the only solution he knew to his problems. <br />
<br />
Alcohol. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Other Books in the Series</strong><br />
<br />
Six books that will change lives.<br />
<br />
When Flight HA1710 crashes killing seven people the after effects are too many to think on. But how does the crash change people’s lives? From the pilot to the guy who missed the plane we chart the stories of those whose lives were impacted by the crash.<br />
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<a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/retrograde-flight-ha1710.html"><strong>Retrograde (#1)</strong></a> ~ RJ Scott<br />
<br />
Co-Pilot Lachlan Donaghue wakes up in hospital, a survivor of the crash of Flight HA1710, with memory loss and the suspicion that he could be at fault for the tragic accident. When everything becomes too much he is taken home to hide, back to the small Irish town he grew up in and to the home he once shared with Rory.<br />
<br />
Rory Kendrick watches the news, sees every hour of the disaster unfold and somehow just knows that Lachlan was in the middle of it all. What he doesn’t know is that Lachlan will be forced to come back home to hide and to heal. Lachlan needs a friend, not a lover, but sometimes the lines are just too blurred to make any sense.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YQ294DC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00YQ294DC&linkCode=as2&tag=wriatthebea-20&linkId=GUNKKJV2APVVBNE4"><strong>Velocity (#2)</strong></a> ~ Sara York<br />
<br />
The crash of Flight HA1710 brings life into focus for Phil Stewart. Before meeting Davin Tierney, love seemed only a myth to Phil, but one night in New York City changed everything, giving him something he didn’t even know existed. But Phil wasn’t comfortable saying I love you. During the crash, Davin suffers a brain injury, leaving him in a coma. Phil wonders how love can be so cruel to give him Davin and then take him away so suddenly.<br />
<br />
Davin never intended to give Phil a second look, but Phil broke through barriers and made amazing overtures before stalling on the word love. The crash changes everything, and he’s no longer willing to play it safe, but can Phil actually change from the playboy Davin first met?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://clarelondon.com/books/novellas/flashbulb/"><strong>Flashbulb (#3)</strong></a> ~ Clare London<br />
<br />
Blythe Harris was taking his first flight to the USA and hopefully a whole new client base for his bespoke upholstery business. An adventure for him, he was both nervous and excited to attract the attention of a handsome steward. Things might have gone further – if Flight HA1710 hadn’t failed.<br />
<br />
Marc Stafford is a self-confessed player, and he used his charm to seduce his cute passenger. But in the aftermath of the crash, he’s struggling to recover his confidence. The TV declares him a hero for saving passengers, but at night his nightmares trigger painful flashbulb memories of the crash.<br />
<br />
In an Irish hospital, Bly realises that although his broken leg will recover, his career may not. And in Chicago, Marc can’t face returning to work. Neither of them can shake off the memory of their brief, sexy encounter. Both of them need to be with someone who understands exactly what they’ve been through. And on middle ground.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://serenayates.com/new-releases/aviophobia"><strong>Aviophobia (#5)</strong></a> ~ Serena Yates<br />
<br />
Richard Abbott finally overcomes his debilitating fear of flying, boards Flight HA1710 bound for Chicago, and when it crashes discovers that aviophobia isn’t the worst of it…<br />
<br />
All his life Richard has been afraid of flying. He has no idea what caused it, but nothing and no one will convince him to get on a plane of any size. His job as a member of a major bank’s IT department in London does not require him to fly—until he gets promoted. If he wants to keep his job, he has no choice but to deal with his worst nightmare.<br />
<br />
Camden Marsh is a certified life coach who enjoys helping people redefine their priorities and their life. He is on his way to Chicago to attend an international conference for coaches and trainers when he begins a discussion with the extremely nervous man sitting next to him. They have ba rely begun to explore their mutual interest when Flight HA1710 crashes and everything comes to a screeching stop.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fracture (#6)</strong> ~ Amber Kell (Coming Soon)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-81700370205285944752015-08-14T12:17:00.000+01:002015-08-14T13:01:11.734+01:00Release Day: Forever In The SunThe final book in the Sapphire Cay series.<br />
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<strong>Blurb</strong><br />
<br />
Feuding families, unearthed secrets, and a violent storm threatens the Cay. Will the idyllic island with her cast of characters make it through unscathed? It’s time for the circle to close on the story of Sapphire Cay, and on the men who have lived and found love on her beaches. <br />
<br />
Join characters old and new as we celebrate Dylan and Lucas’s wedding and delve into the history of Sapphire Cay. <br />
<br />
Connor and Shaun are directly related to Peter and Alfie, a couple whose clandestine lover affair was overshadowed by old prejudices and a world war. Shaun Jamieson is a writer, a romantic and needs to pen the story of the affair’s final secrets; Connor French’s family wants to stop Shaun. <br />
<br />
When the two men step onto the sands of Sapphire Cay, they find more than just the secrets of an old love. They find hope and comfort in each other. But with the past hanging over them, can they ever have what Peter and Alfie could not? Or are they just as ill-fated as their ancestors? <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Buy links</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Forever-Sun-Sapphire-Cay-Book-ebook/dp/B013V70C8S/">Amazon UK</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Sun-Sapphire-Cay-Book-ebook/dp/B013V70C8S/">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-foreverinthesun-1872182-149.html">ARe</a> | ...<br />
<br />
<strong>Excerpt</strong><br />
<br />
Chapter 3<br />
<br />
“Don’t show us up. You got that?” Dylan stood under the shade of the trees at the edge of the beach and looked down at Mutt. The dog looked back up at him, before twisting his head from side to side in an attempt to snag the blue ribbon, which held the small pale gray doggy waistcoat in place.<br />
<br />
Dylan watched Mutt for a moment. He imagined the dog felt as overdressed and out of place as he did. Dylan didn’t do suits and ties, not like this anyway. He stood tall and smoothed his hand over the material of the gray suit he wore, a similar shade to what Mutt was wearing. Why had he let Edward talk him into this?<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>We could always dress Adam, Scott, and Jamie in bridesmaid dresses and have them follow you down the aisle</em>, Edward had said far too seriously.<br />
<br />
Mutt had seemed the lesser of two evils. Besides, the dog was family now. Their boy, their baby.<br />
<br />
With a smile, Dylan affectionately stroked Mutt’s head. He stopped when he heard music echoing from the beach. “Looks like it’s time.” He patted Mutt on the back and encouraged him forward with a pull on his leash.<br />
<br />
Emerging from the trees, Dylan stopped where tufts of long grass made way for hot white sand. He glanced along the aisle. Guests were standing in front of their seats, waiting for him to make his way to the front. The lady registrar stood on a platform, beneath an arch of blue and white flowers. He wrapped the leash around his hand, keeping Mutt at his heel, as they made their way to the stage.<br />
<br />
Dylan glanced from side to side, remembering to smile whenever he met anyone’s eyes. He was relieved when he reached the front. Focusing on the area to his right, he aimed to where Scott was waiting. He handed Mutt’s leash over to Scott, then took his place in front of the registrar.<br />
<br />
Anticipation turned over his stomach and he stared back toward the trees. He wanted nothing more than to see Lucas, to touch him, to kiss him, to catch the slightest of glimpses of the man he would call husband from today. This morning had been close to torturous. He had never been one for traditions or following the rules, but Tasha had insisted they shouldn’t see each other until the ceremony. He might have missed waking up with Lucas but it meant each touch and every kiss, when he did see him would be all the better for it.<br />
<br />
The music faded into a second piece. As the instrumental recording rose in volume, so did the swell of emotions within him. He didn’t think he’d ever felt so happy, nor had he ever loved someone as much as he did Lucas. He looked at his lover and couldn’t help but smile.<br />
<br />
Lucas was wearing a pale blue suit, set off with a dark tie that matched the one Dylan wore. He looked incredible, and Dylan thought back to their first nights together, right here on the beach. Lucas had been a different man back then, they both had. Together they had grown and moved on from what their lives had been. Lucas had found a sense of peace and happiness and realized that sometimes you have to stop, take a breath, and enjoy life. And Dylan? He finally stopped running. For years he thought, if he didn’t stay too long in one place, all the bad stuff and his broken relationship with his dad would get left behind and lost. The thing was, it didn’t work like that. Those things he carried with him always, but with Lucas, he’d taken steps to forgive both himself and his father.<br />
<br />
Arm in arm, Lucas and Tasha walked toward the front. Tasha was in a lightweight sapphire blue dress, tailored to fit her growing belly. Lucas lifted his head, meeting Dylan’s eyes. The smile he had on his face warmed Dylan’s heart and he was sure he had never felt anything like this before—pure bliss, perfect happiness, as he had everything he could ever want.<br />
<br />
Reaching the edge of the platform, Tasha kissed her brother on the cheek and took her place on the left beside Liam. In her hands, she clutched a small posy of white flowers. The stems were wrapped tightly in blue ribbon and a small fabric purse hung from her wrist. She already seemed misty-eyed, and she leaned in close to her husband as she watched her brother with love and pride in her eyes.<br />
<br />
Lucas stepped up to stand beside Dylan. He gently took Dylan’s hands in his, then leaned forward. “I know,” he whispered and pressed a kiss to Dylan’s jaw.<br />
<br />
Dylan looked at his fiancé and narrowed his eyes. “What?” he mouthed.<br />
<br />
“Cake,” Lucas mouthed in return.<br />
<br />
There was no chance to reply as the music faded and the registrar welcomed them and their guests. He half-listened to her words, all the time his attention firmly on his soon-to-be husband. If Lucas was upset about the cake, he wasn’t showing it. He looked happy. Briefly, their gaze met and Lucas reassuringly squeezed Dylan’s hands. The cake didn’t matter. What mattered was they were here, they were together, and they were about to seal their happy ever after with vows and the exchanging of rings.<br />
<br />
And that was everything to Dylan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-25924449152348643112015-07-28T21:32:00.000+01:002015-07-28T21:38:56.083+01:00Sex and Cocktails - Out Now<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzsvbhQbOw/VR143Om7oFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/49aOTHxaffs/s1600/sexandcocktails_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzsvbhQbOw/VR143Om7oFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/49aOTHxaffs/s320/sexandcocktails_800.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Blurb</strong></span><br />
<br />
Cocktails make a one-night stand seem like a good idea, but Daniel and Ty discover one night is harder to walk away from than they think.<br />
<br />
Daniel Rawlings is happy with his nine-to-five life in Chicago. He has an office job, a mortgage and he’s about to turn thirty. He’s happy—or so he thinks. During the last night of a sun-filled vacation in Miami, he meets wild-haired, free-spirited Ty. With the help of some summery cocktails, Daniel and Ty embark on a passionate one-night stand, though neither man really wants it to be just one night.<br />
<br />
The thousand miles between cities may make their relationship harder than either man could have imagined. When Ty visits Daniel in Chicago, they grow closer, and Daniel realizes the two of them could be so much more than just the sex and cocktails of Miami. As their time together draws to a close once again, Daniel and Ty have a decision to make. Is what they have when they're together worth the heartache of saying goodbye over and over again?<br />
<br />
<em>Note: this book was previously published elsewhere, but has been re-edited and additional content added</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Buy links:</strong></span><br />
<em></em><br />
<a href="https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/sex-and-cocktails"><strong>Pride Publishing/Totally Bound</strong></a><em> | </em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sex-Cocktails-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B011IWL96W">Amazon UK</a></strong> <em>| </em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sex-Cocktails-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B011IWL96W">Amazon US</a></strong> <em>| </em><strong><a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sexandcocktails-1859092-149.html">ARe</a></strong><em> |</em><em> </em><strong><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sex-and-cocktails-meredith-russell/1112474693?ean=9781784306519">B&N</a> | <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/sex-and-cocktails-1">Kobo</a> |</strong><br />
<u></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Excerpt</strong></span><br />
<em></em><br />
"Christ." Daniel Rawlings closed the book he had been reading and sat forward on the bed. He gave up. There was no way he could concentrate with the noise coming from the bedroom next door.<br />
<br />
Muffled laughter accompanied the sound of the creaking bed. Did Rick and Steve realize how much he could actually hear? He massaged his brow as the couple fell silent. Were they done?<br />
<br />
He winced as what he assumed was the headboard hit the shared wall, and cursed as his mind went to places he had no intention of going. Shifting, he pulled at the front of his board shorts as heat grew in the pit of his stomach.<br />
<br />
Words muffled by sex echoed around him as the bang of the headboard hit a continuous rhythm. "Fuck, yeah. Oh fuck, hell yeah."<br />
<br />
Daniel wished he had taken Neil up on the offer of a walk down to the beach. But some quiet time with a good book had seemed like the perfect way to spend a couple of hours before the inevitable evening of loud music, gallons of alcohol and his friends trying to set him up with any man they could who still had his own teeth. They were in Miami as a last hurrah before Daniel’s thirtieth birthday. As the eldest of the group, he wasn’t sure what the others thought would happen once he hit thirty—maybe that his balls would shrivel up and his cock would fall off.<br />
<br />
"Oh, oh, oh."<br />
<br />
"Oh, for fuck’s sake." Daniel squeezed his legs together. They were his best friends. Imagining them together just felt wrong.<br />
<br />
Throwing the book to one side, he got off the bed. He stood in the middle of the room. The bang-bang rhythm stalled, but only for a moment. There was a muted cry from the other room. The bed creaked as the men moved around, then a new rhythm started—slow and forceful.<br />
<br />
Idly, he ran his hand over his stomach then lower. He blinked as he caught his erection. Damn. The pace quickened again next door, and he had no intention of picturing their come faces. Grabbing his towel, he headed for the shower. The pitter-patter of water on his head would hopefully drown out the sex sounds.<br />
<br />
He locked the door then quickly undressed. He turned on the faucets and stepped in when the cool water had run off. Closing his eyes, he dipped his head under the warm spray. Blowing the water from his lips, he leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. He ran a hand back over his hair and wiped the wet trails from his face. All he could hear was the drumming of the water as it hit his chest and the plastic base. Taking the shower gel, he lathered his palms. He glided his hands over his body, first his chest and shoulders, then his stomach. He reached lower, his fingers sliding between soapy curls. It only took a touch and he was hard again, his thoughts filled with hot male bodies entwined and fucking.<br />
<br />
He closed his eyes and worked his hand along the length of his dick. He needed this. His friends had tried setting him up throughout the week, pushing him toward men as they danced, cheering him on as he had drunkenly locked lips with men who were most definitely only after one thing. But even when drunk, he was too damn sensible. He didn’t care about sex. Well, okay, he did care, because yeah, he loved sex, but it had to mean something. If he had sex with someone, it was because there was a connection there. It wasn’t because some stranger had grinded against him to a Justin Timberlake song and they had sucked face.<br />
<br />
Sex. Fuck, he hadn’t gotten any in what felt like forever, since his ex had walked out of his life. Biting his lip, he spread his legs a little and leaned his hand against the tiles.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-49201480581073984922015-06-30T19:11:00.000+01:002015-06-30T19:11:35.725+01:00Fallout (HA1710 #4), available for pre-orderThe last few weeks you have been treated to releases from RJ Scott (Retrograde), Sara York (Velocity) and Clare London (Flashbulb), the first three books in the series Flight HA1710.<br />
<br />
The series has 6 books, and though the stories themselves are standalone, they are linked by the events surrounding a plane crash, and how that affects the various people involved.<br />
<br />
Fallout is the 4th book to be released, and is now available for pre-order at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fallout-HA1710-Book-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B010FUSLKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435686735&sr=8-1&keywords=fallout+meredith+russell">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fallout-HA1710-Book-Meredith-Russell-ebook/dp/B010FUSLKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435686830&sr=8-1&keywords=fallout+meredith+russell">AmazonUK</a>, and <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-fallout-1841097-149.html">ARe</a>, and due on general sale at the end of the week.<br />
<br />
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****</div>
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<u>Blurb</u><br />
<br />
Can missing a fatal flight be the wake up call Harrison needs? <br />
<br />
When Harrison Kelley is banned from getting on Flight HA1710, it seems to be the perfect ending to a crappy couple of days. Not only did he wreck a wedding, but he’s drunk way too much and been on the receiving end of the groom’s brother’s fists. Being escorted out of the airport by security was just the icing on the wedding cake.<br />
<br />Elijah Pettifer has lusted after Harrison from afar for years but Harrison never sees him as anything more than a friend. If he ever saw him at all. While attempting to defend what little honor Harrison has left, Elijah gets caught up in the wave of chaos surrounding his teenage crush. But missing his flight home because of Harrison’s mess might just be the luckiest thing to ever happen to him.<br />
With a 24-hour ban imposed by the airport, and having only each other for company, the two men grow closer. But will the fate of the airplane they should have been on be the push Harrison needs to walk away from the toxic relationship of his past? And can Elijah make Harrison see exactly what he’s been missing out on because of it? <br />
<br />
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****</div>
<br />
<u>Reviews</u><br />
<br />
5/5 stars ~ "Sweet, rough, stupid, romantic. These are the words that come to mind when thinking Elijah and Harrison. Thing is, I realize I want more of them so want more of their story in the future. That need to know more is what makes them my fave couple so far...." ~ <a href="http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/2015/06/earc-review-fallout-flight-ha1710-4-by.html?zx=9f8a7f4711f40d62">Multitaskingmomma</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-56676329253921996702015-06-16T16:39:00.001+01:002015-06-16T16:39:19.733+01:00Available now for pre order - Sex And CocktailsMy novella, Sex and Cocktails is now available to pre order <a href="https://www.totallybound.com/sex-and-cocktails">here</a> at Totally Bound.<br />
<br />
It will be available on:<br />
Early download - 30th June<br />
General release - 28th July<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzsvbhQbOw/VR143Om7oFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/49aOTHxaffs/s1600/sexandcocktails_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvzsvbhQbOw/VR143Om7oFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/49aOTHxaffs/s320/sexandcocktails_800.jpg" width="200" /></a>Cocktails make a one-night stand seem like a good idea, but Daniel and Ty discover one night is harder to walk away from than they think.<br /><br />Daniel Rawlings is happy with his nine-to-five life in Chicago. He has an office job, a mortgage and he’s about to turn thirty. He’s happy—or so he thinks. During the last night of a sun-filled vacation in Miami, he meets wild-haired, free-spirited Ty. With the help of some summery cocktails, Daniel and Ty embark on a passionate one-night stand, though neither man really wants it to be just one night.<br /><br />The thousand miles between cities may make their relationship harder than either man could have imagined. When Ty visits Daniel in Chicago, they grow closer, and Daniel realizes the two of them could be so much more than just the sex and cocktails of Miami. As their time together draws to a close once again, Daniel and Ty have a decision to make. Is what they have when they're together worth the heartache of saying goodbye over and over again?<br /><br /> <br /><em>Note: this book was previously published elsewhere, but has been re-edited and additional content added</em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-75378615889581344512015-04-02T18:23:00.000+01:002015-04-02T18:23:06.844+01:00Cover Reveal: Sex and Cocktails (rerelease)Sex and Cocktails has found a new home with Totally Bound and will be (re)released this July with a shiny new cover.<br />
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The book was originally released with Silver Publishing in July 2012 and was my first ever published book. Along with the new cover, the word count has been added to with roughly 3000 words, adding a little more 'heat' to the novella.<br /><br /><strong>Blurb</strong><br /><br />Daniel Rawlings is happy with his nine-to-five life in Chicago. He has an office job, a mortgage, and he's about to turn thirty. He's happy, or so he thought. During the last night of a sun-filled vacation in Miami, he meets wild-haired, free-spirited Ty. With the help of some summery cocktails, Daniel and Ty embark on a passionate one night stand, though neither man really wants it to be just one night.<br /><br />With a thousand miles between cities, it may be harder than either man could have imagined. In the end, Daniel and Ty have a decision to make: Is what they have when they're together worth the heartache of saying goodbye over and over again?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-79139010368728510292015-01-23T00:30:00.000+00:002017-11-29T14:51:58.166+00:00New Release - Just JackReleased today, Just Jack. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dciOQCeSBMg/VIDjlKq_Y1I/AAAAAAAACB4/r7Y1dH0DSrY/s1600/Just-Jack%2B600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dciOQCeSBMg/VIDjlKq_Y1I/AAAAAAAACB4/r7Y1dH0DSrY/s1600/Just-Jack%2B600x900.jpg" width="266" /></a><strong>Can two broken men find love in the chill of Winter?</strong><br />
<br />Leo is having a bad day. Finding his boyfriend in bed with another man was one thing, being the subject of office gossip another, but falling on his ass in the snow in front of a gorgeous man was the final straw. <br />
<br />Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness after betrayal. He swore no one would ever break his heart again, gave up on love, and became something else; Jack Frost.<br />
<br />As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.<br />
<br />When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love conquer everything?<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Excerpt</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 1</div>
<br />
“Not again.” The man gritted his teeth and pulled on the handle of his car door. The door wouldn’t budge, and the man, looking to be in his fifties and carrying a little weight, grew red in the face and wiped at his brow with the back of his gloved hand. “Denise,” he called toward the house and then walked, far more delicately than a man of his build should, down his driveway.<br />
<br />
Winter in Maine was gloriously frosty. A layer of snow had settled on the tops of houses and cars, the trees looked magical coated in white, and it was easy to imagine them shivering in the chilly morning air. Every warm breath taken that cold morning caused a white mist to hang in the air.<br />
<br />
Jack leaned against the lamppost on the opposite side of the street and enjoyed his new game. He didn’t know who the man was, what he did for a living, or care who Denise was to him. For Jack, the man was entertainment on yet another wintry January morning. This was the third morning in a row Jack had walked the street before sunrise, tormenting the man by freezing the door of his seventy-plus-thousand-dollar car. Another day or two and Jack would get bored with his mischief and search out new acts of trickery to see him through the day. Every day so far, the man’s reaction had been priceless and something to call on when Jack’s day needed brightening. But today Jack was left disappointed when the man made his way to the house and back unscathed.<br />
<br />
Yesterday had been far more fun. The man had ended up flat on his back, having slipped on the ice. He had lain on the ground like some up-ended turtle, rocking around in his thick winter coat, unable to bend his limbs in such a way to get himself the right way up.<br />
<br />
Jack grew tired of waiting for something comical to happen. “Maybe tomorrow,” Jack said in a low voice. He pushed off the streetlight, eyed the icy handprint he had left, and then carried on his way.<br />
<br />
It was seven in the morning, barely light. The early risers heading for work were up and out in their driveways, complaining about the cold as they defrosted their cars. The sidewalk was covered in fresh snow, which glistened beneath the man-made lights and was, as yet, undisturbed by human feet, just a spattering of prints from birds and what was possibly a cat. Jack loved the cold, and he smiled as a chilling breeze circled him, carrying with it the fresh scent of the day and the crisp brown leaves that had fallen from the trees. The prickle of cold against his skin was one of his favorite feelings, like a thousand icy fingers pinching at his arms and face. God, how he loved it.<br />
<br />
Opening the top button of his jacket, he savored the cold against his chest and gently traced his fingertips over his chilled skin. He breathed deeply, content with his icy touch and the feel of the cool air whipping up around him. What he wouldn’t give to be wrapped up in a blanket of cold. To slip inside the deliciously chilled wind and zip it up as if it were a sleeping bag made just for him.<br />
<br />
Holding out his hand in front of him, Jack encouraged the breeze into a spiral that wrapped around his arm and caused a delightful shiver to pass through him. The air glowed the most beautiful shade of blue as it danced around Jack, and his chest ached from the knowledge this beauty was only for him—and those like him—to see. Anyone watching would think he was mad. They wouldn’t see the dance of blue and silver, nor would they hear the wind’s angelic song reverberating in the air.<br />
<br />
Jack stroked the breeze as it snaked through his fingers, gently drawing moisture from it and into the palm of his hand. He rotated his fingers, spinning the moisture into a sphere, and then gently teased it with his icy breath until the sphere hardened. The size of a tennis ball, the sphere became a ball of ice, and Jack flicked it into the air and caught it.<br />
<br />
“Perfect,” he said.<br />
<br />
The ball was smooth, flawless, and transparent. He reached out his other hand and dragged his fingers over the hedge he passed. The leaves of the hedge crackled and curled in on themselves beneath his touch, which left them coated in wintry white frost. All he needed now was someone to have a little fun with. He grinned at the thought.<br />
<br />
A dog barked, and Jack looked ahead. “Perfect,” he said again and teased the ball between his finger and thumb.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
A large German shepherd was standing several yards in front of him. The dog was on a leash, and on the other end of that leash was the dog’s owner, a petite woman dressed head to toe in pink with matching accessories. She was talking on her cell phone and looked to be in her forties, dressed in winter clothing, each item seemingly edged in white fur.<br />
<br />
Too old to be playing at Barbie, Jack decided.<br />
<br />
He blew on the ball of ice and watched as frosty patterns formed across its surface. He admired what could only be described as art. Spirals and symmetrical branches merged together in raised icy paths, very much like patterns etched into Christmas tree ornaments. It was all about the details for Jack. If he was going to do something, then it should be perfect and beautiful.<br />
<br />
Content with his creation, he pulled back his arm and bowled the ball toward the dog. The sphere rolled along the sidewalk, leaving only a small line in the snow as it seemed to weightlessly skim its surface. Jack watched and waited, merely encouraging the sphere along its chosen path.<br />
<br />
As if it had a mind of its own, the sphere steered to the left, and as it neared the dog, the ball skipped off the sidewalk and into the street. The dog barked loudly, pulling at its leash as it sought to chase the ball of ice. The woman struggled to hold the large German shepherd and stumbled forward as the dog darted after the ball and into the road. She performed some poorly crafted acrobatics routine as she desperately held onto her dog. But the dog’s desire to chase the ball was greater than any strength she might have had to hold onto him. It was as if she weighed nothing as she was dragged forward by her pet and into the road. Cursing, she eventually gave in as she tripped up the opposite curb. With a yelp, she let go of the leash and landed on her face in the snow-covered grass of a neighbor’s lawn.<br />
<br />
Jack laughed as the woman lifted her head. White covered her cheeks and forehead, and she rolled over to sit on the frozen ground. Her mouth curled down with a pathetic whimper, and she slapped the ground in a halfhearted tantrum.<br />
<br />
“Caesar,” she called after the dog.<br />
<br />
The German shepherd pricked up its large ears and glanced back at his owner. The dog’s tongue hung out the right side of its mouth, all wet and shiny as it panted excitedly. White puffs of the dog’s warm breath filled the air around the animal’s head, and choosing to ignore the woman, the dog ran off down the street.<br />
<br />
“Caesar!” She lowered her head and brushed the snow from her coat.<br />
<br />
Had she seen him? Jack wondered. Jack didn’t know whether she had or hadn’t, and though he claimed to not care, there was always a pang of disappointment in his chest, a need to be noticed.<br />
<br />
Turning away, he walked down the street. He didn’t look back or stop to help her. He never did. It was not in his nature to worry about the misfortunes of humans. They were just something to pass his time.<br />
<br />
A short way down the street, Jack spotted the escaped German shepherd sitting on the sidewalk, seemingly waiting for him. The animal held in its mouth the ball of ice, though the ice was already melting from the dog’s breath. As Jack got closer, the dog placed the ball on the grass and sat upright. Jack smiled and held out his hand, running his fingers over the dog’s coat. He frowned as he stroked the soft fur. Though he knew there should be something more, he felt nothing but the cold.<br />
<br />
“Get away from me,” he said to the dog. “I’m no good for you.”<br />
<br />
The dog simply looked up at him through large amber eyes.<br />
<br />
“Go on. Get.”<br />
<br />
Jack narrowed his gaze and looked down at his hands. The prickle of ice played in his palms. He could show the dumb animal exactly what he was capable of.<br />
<br />
The dog licked his hand, and Jack tempered his desire to strike out. The dog, clearly oblivious to Jack’s nature and wanting nothing more than to have him throw the ball again, just sat and stared up at him.<br />
<br />
“Okay,” Jack said softly.<br />
<br />
The dog nudged at his hand.<br />
<br />
“I said, okay.”<br />
<br />
Jack bent down to pick up the ball of ice. He wrapped his hand around the slippery lump and squeezed. It only took a second and the sphere was solid again, a frosty layer coating its surface once more. He looked over his shoulder in the direction of the German shepherd’s home. The dog had done him no wrong, and as much as he liked to mess with the lives of the humans in the town, he never meant them any real harm.<br />
<br />
“Go home,” he said and threw the ball back up the street.<br />
<br />
Happily, the dog bounded off, its leash trailing on the ground as it chased the ball. Jack worried his lower lip and waited until the dog was out of sight. Hopefully, the animal would be reunited with his owner.<br />
<br />
Cramming his hands in his jacket pockets, Jack looked at the ground, and with the toe of his boot, he drew a circle in the snow. Adding eyes and a smile, Jack admired his masterpiece for a moment. It wasn’t quite right. He crouched and held his hand over the simple drawing. Slowly, he pulled back his hand. The soft flakes quivered. He teased the snow, rearranging the picture, then straightened up. The image’s smile was gone, replaced with a frown.<br />
<br />
“Hello, Jack,” he said to the drawn face.<br />
<br />
With a heavy sigh, he dragged his foot across the image, wiping the sidewalk clear. If only it was that easy to wipe away the morose feeling from inside him.<br />
<br />
He rubbed a hand over his face and took a deep breath. There was a smile on his lips as he looked ahead at the elderly gentleman making his way toward him.<br />
<br />
“Too cruel?” he asked himself.<br />
<br />
Maybe. Jack smiled. Or maybe not. He wiggled his fingers and felt the cold air surge between them. This was who he was—the bringer of mishaps, ice, and mischief, and of the frost on the window panes.<br />
<br />
He was Jack Frost.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Chapter 2</div>
<br />
“This… this isn’t what you think.”<br />
<br />
Leo Marsh stared at his boyfriend in disbelief. <em>Not what I think?</em> How was catching the cheating bastard with his dick in another man’s mouth anything but what he thought?<br />
<br />
“This, here. There’s no explanation you can give me that makes this okay.”<br />
<br />
“Baby, listen to me,” Mac Donovan said as he pushed the other man away and got to his feet. He quickly pulled up his pants. “This is nothing. This is a mistake. This is—”<br />
<br />
“Over,” Leo finished. “You asshole. You’re a fucking liar.” Leo had never hit anyone in his life, but right then, he wanted to slam his clenched fist into his lying asshole of a boyfriend’s face, break his perfect nose, dislocate his manly square jaw.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Why?</em><br />
<br />
Leo had done Mac a favor. He’d been in the office since six a.m. organizing paperwork and displays for a presentation Mac was supposed to be giving to the company directors tomorrow. He’d wanted nothing more than to help when Mac had called in sick. Mac was supposed to be home, suffering and pathetic, taken to his bed. That’s what he’d claimed when he had phoned at one in the morning. Had this other man already been with him when he called? Some little piece of ass Mac had picked up in a bar for a sleepover?<br />
<br />
“It’s so over.” What the hell had he been thinking? For some reason Leo believed bringing his sick boyfriend an early lunch was a sweet, romantic gesture. Finding Mac with his pants around his ankles and some shirtless man nuzzling his crotch wasn’t on Leo’s to-do list for the day.<br />
<br />
“No, no. Don’t say that.” Mac was on his feet and at Leo’s side before Leo’s brain could engage enough for him to plan an escape. “I love you. You and only you.”<br />
<br />
Leo looked at the young man who had stayed kneeling beside the bed. He could have been Leo’s double—short wavy blond hair, the same straight nose and high cheekbones. The only difference between them seemed to be ten years or so in age. Was this some trade-in scheme? Had he really just been cheated on with a younger version of himself? Fuck, he suddenly felt more like fifty than his actual thirty.<br />
<br />
Leo met the young man’s eyes. The man remained unmoved by Mac’s declaration of love for Leo. So, this kid was just a fuck. A morning screw while Leo was at the office. Was that supposed to make him feel better about this whole messed-up situation?<br />
<br />
“You said never again,” Leo reminded him. Yes, Mac had done this before. Twice, in fact, that he knew of.<br />
<br />
“I know. I know. I’m weak. You know that and how hard I fight these feelings because I love you.” He had his hands on Leo’s chest and ran them upward to squeeze his shoulders. “But maybe, maybe it’s time to stop fighting. Maybe this time we could both… You know?” He looked at the young man and directed the next part at him. “I mean, you would be up for that, right? The three of us?”<br />
<br />
The young man pursed his lips as he shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”<br />
<br />
Mac cupped Leo’s face and held him fast, forcing Leo to look at him. His hazel eyes darkened and he looked serious. “See. It’d be good for us. Maybe it’s what we need.”<br />
<br />
Leo closed his eyes. So, he wasn’t enough for Mac anymore? Had he ever been? “No.” He wasn’t going to have sex with some stranger. How the hell would that fix anything?<br />
<br />
“Please.” Mac kissed him, but the kiss left Leo cold.<br />
<br />
Leo stared at Mac’s mouth. How he used to long for Mac’s kisses and his touch. He was everything Leo had ever wanted, and foolishly he’d thought Mac felt the same about him. Now all he felt was repulsion.<br />
<br />
“What’s his name?” Leo asked. Why he wanted to know, he wasn’t sure. He just felt like he should ask.<br />
<br />
Mac opened his mouth but said nothing.<br />
<br />
“You don’t even know his name?”<br />
<br />
“Sure I do. It’s…” He looked at the other man, who was on his feet and getting dressed.<br />
<br />
“Chris,” the young man said and pulled on his T-shirt. “Look, if this isn’t happening, then I have somewhere to be.”<br />
<br />
“It is,” Mac insisted and held up his hand to stop Chris from leaving. He looked at Leo. “It is.”<br />
<br />
Leo shook his head. “No, it isn’t.” He focused on Chris. “You should leave now.”<br />
<br />
Chris nodded and gathered his things. This time Mac didn’t stop him and simply glanced at him as he passed them on the way to the door.<br />
<br />
As soon as the door shut, Leo freed himself from Mac’s hold and put some distance between them.<br />
<br />
“Is this the first time?”<br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
<br />
“Here with him?”<br />
<br />
Mac nodded. “Of course. He came onto me. I’m weak.”<br />
<br />
Leo closed his eyes. He didn’t know why he asked, maybe out of some twisted way to punish himself further for being such a fool, but he did. “How many others?” He opened his eyes and stared into Mac’s. Mac’s eyes clouded with guilt. Leo had really hoped he’d been wrong, that Mac would say this was one little slip.<br />
<br />
“Did you use protection?” he asked. He was angry as hell and wanted Mac out of his sight. But he needed to know.<br />
<br />
“Of course.”<br />
<br />
Leo took a deep breath. He needed to get out of there.<br />
<br />
“We can talk about this.”<br />
<br />
Talk? He wouldn’t give Mac a chance to worm his way out of it this time. The silver-tongued asshole didn’t deserve another chance.<br />
<br />
“I’m done. We’re over.” He made to leave, but Mac had him by the arm.<br />
<br />
“You don’t mean that.”<br />
<br />
“I do.” Leo wished he sounded stronger, but he was tired. He hadn’t gone back to bed after Mac had called that morning, too busy worrying about getting everything right and in place for the meeting tomorrow, in place for Mac. “I’m sick of putting up with your crap.”<br />
<br />
Mac gripped his arm more tightly. “Please.”<br />
<br />
Leo dared to look up into Mac’s eyes. He had always adored the color of Mac’s eyes, a warm toffee flecked with emerald green. There was always such passion and heat in the way Mac looked at him, and before, one glance from Mac would cause Leo to melt. He held Mac’s gaze. He felt nothing now.<br />
<br />
“What do you want me to say? Anything. I’ll do anything.”<br />
<br />
Leo stayed silent. He’d invested three years of his life into their relationship. But enough was enough. Mac wasn’t ever going to change. It had finally come down to this moment, and Leo needed to make the decision that was right for him. No more second chances. Not this time.<br />
<br />
“Move in with me,” Mac said quickly.<br />
<br />
“What?” Had the kid literally fucked Mac’s brains out?<br />
<br />
Mac released Leo’s arm and took both his hands in his. “It’s what you wanted, right? The two of us? Living together?” He leaned forward for a kiss, but Leo turned his head, Mac’s lips making contact with his cheek. He continued, “You can move in here.”<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, Leo would have done anything to hear Mac say those words. How he had longed for them to be more than a toothbrush and a few toiletries in each other’s bathroom. They had been close once. Mac had even gotten him a key made, but then Mac had blown it, just like he had now, and it was like a reset had been hit on their relationship. He never would have expected it, but Leo was actually glad Mac had kept him at a distance. At least this way, Leo could walk away.<br />
<br />
Shaking his head, Leo snatched his hands back. “No. I’m not doing this.” So many times Mac had talked his way back into Leo’s heart, and Leo into his bed. But not this time. This wasn’t Mac confirming Leo’s suspicions and the office gossip about what Mac had done behind his back. This time he had seen it with his own eyes. He’d seen the other man. He’d seen the lies and the cheating. They were done.<br />
<br />
He took his keys from his jacket pocket. Never had the pile of metal felt so damn heavy. Looking into Mac’s eyes, he turned the keys over in his hand.<br />
<br />
“Don’t,” Mac said.<br />
<br />
If only Mac had been able to keep it in his pants. Leo had been happy in his little oblivious world. In his mind, he had been enough for Mac and they had been enough for each other. But he deserved better than this.<br />
<br />
“I love you.”<br />
<br />
“If you really loved me, this wouldn’t be happening. We wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation.” He separated the key to Mac’s apartment from the rest. Was he strong enough to go through with this? He looked at Mac. I deserve better than you. Pressing his mouth in a line, he freed the key from the keychain and held it out to Mac.<br />
<br />
“Keep it,” Mac said.<br />
<br />
Leo looked between the key and Mac. If he stayed, then what? How long would it be before Mac cheated on him again? He had to stick by his decision. For his own sake.<br />
<br />
“I don’t want it.” As Mac wouldn’t take the key, Leo bent over and placed it on the floor. He let his fingers linger for a moment before he straightened up.<br />
<br />
Mac rested his hands on his hips and eyed the key. “You’re giving up on us?”<br />
<br />
“There is no more us, Mac.” He stepped forward and studied Mac’s face. God how he’d loved the man. Mac had been his Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. Where had they gone wrong? “It wasn’t me that gave up.” He kissed Mac on the cheek. “Goodbye,” he said, then turned on his heel and walked away.<br />
<br />
“Leo, wait,” Mac called after him. “Leo. You know you need me, right? You’ll be back.” He paused. “Leo!”<br />
<br />
Leo didn’t stop until he reached the bottom of the stairwell. He glanced upward over his shoulder and listened. To his relief, he didn’t see or hear anything or anyone. If Mac had followed him out of the apartment, he wasn’t sure what he’d have done. His heart and head were all over the place. Three years. Three fucking years he’d just walked away from. Where had they gone wrong? Deflated, he sat on the bottom step. Was it him? Was he unlovable?<br />
<br />
This was all Mac’s fault. Leo needed to remember that. So maybe he wouldn’t win any prizes for being the perfect boyfriend, because who the hell was perfect, but he had never lied to or cheated on Mac. Hell, if anything, he could be accused of trying too hard. With a sigh, he gazed out the apartment building’s doors. Through the glass he could see it was snowing again. Shivering, he rubbed at his chest. He felt like there was a block of ice clamped on either side of his heart, painfully squeezing the organ. Could someone die from a broken heart? Pressing his palm flat, he felt the gentle thump of his heartbeat.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Not completely broken.</em><br />
<br />
The pulse beneath his hand reminded him there were worse things that could have happened to him today, not many, considering how he felt right now, but there were certainly some. A door opened and closed above him, and he heard voices on the stairs. The voices were female, and Leo guessed they belonged to Mac’s neighbors, a mother and daughter who lived across the hall.<br />
<br />
He eyed the entrance. He couldn’t sit here all day, despite the sudden urge to curl into a ball and be damned with everything. He was only supposed to be on his lunch break, and he’d already spent a good amount of time thoughtfully selecting his ex-lover the perfect sandwich and standing in line for his salted caramel mocha. Ex-lover. That sounded pretty damn final.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I should have taken back the damn sandwich</em>.<br />
<br />
He blew out a heavy breath and got to his feet. He’d save the self-pity for the evening and have a full-on Bridget-Jones moment with a tub of ice cream and a breakup playlist. He straightened his tie. Not really his style. More likely popcorn and horror movies. As much as he’d love to see Mac chopped up into little pieces right now, it was never going to happen.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I’d never get away with it</em>. He sniffed a laugh. Watching Freddy or Jason hack up a few people might help a bit, he figured. He sighed. He needed to get a grip, get back to the office, and hope to God nobody asked him how Mac was doing.<br />
<br />
Fastening the button on his suit jacket, Leo prepared himself for the rush of cold. He pushed open the door to the block and stepped outside. Fresh air swirled around him, and he took a moment to appreciate how invigorating the sensation was. Breathing deeply, he stood tall. Despite the solid feeling still lingering inside his chest, he felt somewhat comforted by the chilled world before him. He rubbed at his chest and took the three steps down to the sidewalk. There he stopped as a cold shiver worked its way up his spine toward his collar and beneath his hairline. It was a strange feeling, but one he welcomed. For some reason, it felt right.<br />
<br />
People walked past him, wrapped in their warm coats, hats, gloves, and scarves as they hurried through the snow. A gust of wind caused the white flakes to twist and turn, and Leo narrowed his eyes as a flash of blue spiraled in front of him. Rubbing his eyes, he dismissed the spark of color. He was tired, but he still had lots to do back at the office. If he could, he’d have ditched the presentation in favor of something else, but as it was, not only was the presentation important to Mac, Leo’s future at Harding’s Toys also rested on it.<br />
<br />
He glanced up and down the sidewalk and settled his gaze on a man walking toward him. The man stood out from the other people on the street. He didn’t rush like the people around him, who looked as if they were running from the cold in search of a hiding place. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it. He wore a short coat open over a pale blue shirt and dark jeans. His skin was fair, even more so set against his dark hair, and softened by the trimmed growth across his jaw. Something familiar leapt in Leo’s chest, but he was sure he had never seen the man before. He watched as blue spirals seemed to dance around the man, then their eyes met ever so briefly.<br />
<br />
Clearly, Leo was imagining things, because the icy cold that had gripped his heart since leaving Mac’s apartment made way for sparks of heat. This didn’t happen to him, not like this. Sure he’d ogled plenty of handsome men, some had been downright fuckable, but never had a reaction been so strong to a simple stranger on the street. He was well and truly in lust.<br />
<br />
A smile curled the man’s full mouth, and he looked over his shoulder. Leo’s attention was drawn beyond the man as someone seemingly slipped in the snow. The man’s smile widened as a second person fell on their ass behind him, then a third. Others stopped to help the fallen people, but all the man did was simply glance at Leo as he passed him. Intrigued, Leo stepped out. What happened next was a blur as his feet slipped from under him and he fell forward. His head hit the ground and all he remembered thinking was how shitty his day was turning out.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-70452340023737556772015-01-18T13:26:00.000+00:002015-01-18T13:27:35.339+00:00Guest Author: Lisa Worrall - Follow My Lead<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HVKRkPqz_k/VLuzylcZfKI/AAAAAAAACJM/KAzNxfkVhEo/s1600/10912895_767615353327704_588090208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4HVKRkPqz_k/VLuzylcZfKI/AAAAAAAACJM/KAzNxfkVhEo/s1600/10912895_767615353327704_588090208_n.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a>Welcome to Lisa Worrall and her latest release <em>Follow My Lead</em>. <br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Blurb:</strong><br />
<br />
Hell hath no fury like a boyfriend scorned as sitcom star and comedian, CJ Edwards, finds out when his ex releases a sex tape he hadn't even known was being filmed. Not to mention the headlines on every newstand accusing CJ of being an abusive alcoholic. His career in tatters, CJ's agent manages to get CJ a spot on the Christmas special of <em>Dancing with Stars in Your Eyes</em>. Seeing it as a chance to possibly redeem himself, CJ accepts.<br />
<br />
Lucien Moreau has been a dance professional on <em>Dancing with Stars in Your Eyes</em> for three years, and he loves it. Until the powers that be decide, in view of new marriage equality laws, the show's Christmas special will include a gay couple. Finding out he is being partnered with CJ Edwards hits him like a fist to the gut. Six months ago his brother and sister-in-law were killed in an accident when their car was hit by a drunk driver. How the hell is he supposed to teach a man, not unlike the one who destroyed his family, to dance?<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Excerpt:</strong><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
“What is <em>wrong</em> with you? No, no way. I’m not doing it. Nuh-uh,<em> niet, nein, non,</em> and not in a million fucking years!”<br />
<br />
“So that’s a no then?”<br />
<br />
“Funny is not your strong point, Matthew. Leave it to the professionals.”<br />
<br />
“Well, when I find one, I’ll be sure to do just that.”<br />
<br />
CJ Edwards stopped pacing in front of the fireplace in his living room and glared at his agent, Matt Davis, who lounged against the plump cushions of CJ’s red leather couch. Although Matt had been his friend as well as his agent for almost eight years, CJ had to resist the urge to slap his face and that smug fucking look on it, right off his head. <em>The bastard thinks I’m gonna cave! Well, he can fucking whistle. I ain’t doing it!</em><br />
<br />
“Stow the hairy eyeball, Edwards,” Matt drawled. “We both know that stopped working on me a <em>long</em> time ago.”<br />
<br />
“Fuck off,” CJ bit back childishly.<br />
<br />
“I’d love to, but you keep paying me,” Matt replied. “Look, dude, I love you, you know that, but this is all we’ve got. No comedy store appearances, no club openings, no sitcom renewal.” He tapped his points off on his fingers and CJ winced with each one. “That sex tape cost us big and no one wants to touch us. This is the only thing that’s crossed my desk for almost a year. The fee is enough for you not to have to sell the beach house, and it’ll give you the opportunity to redeem yourself. Let the public see the real you.”<br />
<br />
“I think they’ve seen enough of the real me.”<br />
<br />
“You’re being an ass, CJ. You <em>need</em> this.” Matt ran his hand through his dark hair. “It’s five weeks out of your life. Four weeks initial training, then three nights on the show. It’s a one off special, not a full season. It’ll be over before you know it.” CJ glared at him. “Look, I’d tell you to swallow your pride, but after the number Mario did on you, there ain’t a helluva lot left. For God’s sake, man. If you ever want the chance to salvage even the slightest bit of a career, this is it!”<br />
<br />
“The token homo in <em>Dancing with Stars in Our Eyes</em> is going to save my career?” CJ yelled at Matt in frustration. “You can’t seriously believe that!”<br />
<br />
“I believe it’s better than sitting on your ass all day complaining about how unfair life is!”<br />
<br />
“Matt.” CJ’s shoulders slumped, the fight leaving him. “Please don’t make me do this.” He didn’t miss the twitch of Matt’s lips. <em>Bastard!</em><br />
<br />
“I can’t make you do anything.”<br />
<br />
“Liar.” CJ sighed heavily and all but threw himself down on the other couch opposite Matt. “Alright, alright,” he huffed. “I’ll do it. But if I end up coming off even worse, I will kill you.”<br />
<br />
“Goes without saying.” Matt grinned widely and pulled his cell out of his pocket, already tapping out numbers. “You won’t regret this, buddy. Hey, Linda? It’s Matt Davis. Yes, CJ will be very happy to join the cast of <em>Dancing with Christmas Stars in Our Eyes</em>. Yes…”<br />
<br />
<em>Dancing with Christmas Stars in Our Eyes? Seriously?</em> CJ picked up a cushion and covered his face with it. <em>What the fuck am I doing?</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Buy Links:</strong><br />
<br />
Available from Amazon.com <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S71GSZA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><br />
Available from All Romance eBooks <a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-followmylead-1724297-145.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-17646512934944111642014-12-22T11:37:00.001+00:002014-12-22T11:37:55.667+00:00Three More Sleeps To Christmas<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
Christmas is almost here, and I'm super excited. It's that time of year where I get to act like a big kid, eat too much, and feel all warm and fuzzy curled up on the couch watching TV.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share with you a few things that I enjoy about Christmas and what I'm up to this year.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e6V_5HRO8c/VJf06DNdY5I/AAAAAAAACDw/YUOvpjvhTIQ/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e6V_5HRO8c/VJf06DNdY5I/AAAAAAAACDw/YUOvpjvhTIQ/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="400" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my tree. I've decorated in red and gold for years.<br />
Maybe I'll change it one year. Maybe.</td></tr>
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<strong><em>1. Decorations</em></strong> - I love to get my baubles out :) It's become a rule that on the first weekend in December hubby gets himself up in the roof and finds out the Christmas decorations. He kind of shuns all responsibility after that and it's over to me to throw tinsel over everything, decorate the tree, hang up the fairy light, and line up the cuddly toys. Hubby really loves the ones that dance and sing. No, he doesn't. And what has been somewhat of a tradition, every year in the sales, I buy a new tree decoration for the following year. Luckily, there's still plenty of branches on the tree just yet :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrZsa-cflkw/VJf06T_hv8I/AAAAAAAACDg/AZr7e1lgl_g/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrZsa-cflkw/VJf06T_hv8I/AAAAAAAACDg/AZr7e1lgl_g/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy lights around my fireplace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fzCS9E1vVg/VJf06MQzDYI/AAAAAAAACDc/-hKWSGiHQV0/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fzCS9E1vVg/VJf06MQzDYI/AAAAAAAACDc/-hKWSGiHQV0/s1600/photo%2B3.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of my cuddly toys.<br />
I think it's an addiction.</td></tr>
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<em><strong>2. Wrapping presents</strong></em> - the last few days my living room has looked like an elf threw up everywhere. There was wrapping paper, bows and gift bags all over the place, and it was again time for the great Christmas Sellotape hunt. Seriously, where does that stuff go? I love buying gifts and wrapping them up, taping up every opening, and adding ribbons, bows and tags. It really does make me feel ready for Christmas.<br />
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<strong><em>3. Christmas dinner</em></strong> - sure there are Sunday roasts, but Christmas dinner is always that little bit more special. Time to break out the pigs in blankets, get some fizzy wine, and pull a cracker. Since our siblings started reproducing, my husband and I have started alternating where we spend Christmas. This year we're staying home for what will be the second time so we can visit my family later on the day. I'm looking forward to cooking us something lovely again for lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5e1hmPmu4/VJf35nRxqQI/AAAAAAAACEA/LbC8w7Dufzk/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5e1hmPmu4/VJf35nRxqQI/AAAAAAAACEA/LbC8w7Dufzk/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first go at cooking Christmas dinner (2012).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udj8VihCNCc/VJf36Ev36FI/AAAAAAAACEE/LzegngxKcGc/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udj8VihCNCc/VJf36Ev36FI/AAAAAAAACEE/LzegngxKcGc/s1600/IMG_1088.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It went down well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pcV6syByZQ/VJf36KYi5VI/AAAAAAAACEI/RPj-TXMRnPI/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pcV6syByZQ/VJf36KYi5VI/AAAAAAAACEI/RPj-TXMRnPI/s1600/IMG_1090.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pudding drowned in cream.<br />
Sticky toffee as hubby hates raisins and sultanas.</td></tr>
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<strong><em>4. Christmas tunes</em></strong> - it's weird that there hasn't really been a proper Christmassy Christmas song released in quite some time. The last significant one I remember was Coldplay's Christmas Lights in 2010 and before that, The Darkness's Christmas Time in 2003! My all time favourite is Jona Lewie's Stop the Cavalry, with 2nd place going to Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses, and 3rd Stay Another Day by East17 :)<br />
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<strong><em>5. Christmas movies</em></strong> - there are some movies that are a must for this time of year. There's something for everyone - kids and adults. Some are classics in all their Christmassy glory, and others are great films set at Christmas time. Some of the kid-in-me's favourites include The Santa Clause, Santa Claus The Movie, Home Alone, Arthur Christmas, and Scrooged. And for the action/horror obsessed part of me Die Hard and Die Hard 2, Gremlins, Rare Exports, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands.<br />
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<strong><em>6. The soaps at Christmas time</em></strong> - I can't believe it was 1986 when Dirty Den handed Angie those divorce papers on Christmas day, the scene ending with the iconic Eastender duff-duff-duff. Soaps are generally filled with a mix of super happy and super dramatic storylines - births, weddings, murders, secrets coming out. And on my favourite soaps, Hollyoaks and Eastenders, this year seems no different.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJIgZNj3h5c/VJf6Gvq5y0I/AAAAAAAACEg/DTFabaOFzCU/s1600/soaps-hollyoaks-141214-166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJIgZNj3h5c/VJf6Gvq5y0I/AAAAAAAACEg/DTFabaOFzCU/s1600/soaps-hollyoaks-141214-166.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhLTzG5jIbA/VJf6Gr5KawI/AAAAAAAACEk/eCqtjTn0OlM/s1600/soaps-hollyoaks-141214-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IhLTzG5jIbA/VJf6Gr5KawI/AAAAAAAACEk/eCqtjTn0OlM/s1600/soaps-hollyoaks-141214-14.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uz4U4ATqf7A/VJf6Hus3wMI/AAAAAAAACE0/TiVzagULjuY/s1600/wedding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uz4U4ATqf7A/VJf6Hus3wMI/AAAAAAAACE0/TiVzagULjuY/s1600/wedding1.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Over on Hollyoaks we have my favourite character, John Paul McQueen marrying his boyfriend. The day starts out with both grooms missing from the stag the night before, one stuck in the middle of nowhere, the other in a prison cell after falling off the wagon despite a month in rehab. And though it's been confirmed they marry and the pics from the church look lovely, seems there's a bombshell about to drop at the reception. Is it the fact that John Paul's husband Ste has cheated with a lady mate whilst off his face and knocked her up? Likely ;)<br />
<br />
And over on Eastenders, it's a big episodes for my new favourites, the Carter family. It's been a year since Danny Dyer joined the show as Mick Carter, the head of the family, and what a year - the youngest son came out, the eldest is back from the army and has anger issues/possibly PTSD, the daughter has epilepsy, Mick's lesbian sister was in an abusive relationship, Mick and his wife, Linda aren't actually married but shhh don't tell the kids, Mick doesn't know it yet but his sister Shirley isn't really his sister but is his mother, which means his dad is his granddad, and his other sister is his aunt, and the guy who is his dad is in prison. They recently came across their absent mother (or Mick's grandmother I guess now) who has Alzheimers, and Linda is traumatised having been raped by Shirley's son who is therefore actually Mick's brother, and Linda is pregnant but is it Mick's or his brother's? *takes a breath* Well, this'll be a fun Christmas!<br />
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<strong><em>7. Christmas Poinsettias</em></strong> - such a pretty plant. It's just so beautifully Christmassy and I love to have one in the house :) so has become one of my yearly must haves.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>8. Terry's Chocolate Orange</em></strong> - it's not Christmas unless there's one of these waiting under the tree for me Christmas morning. Hope hubby got the memo :D<br />
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<strong><em>9. Snuggles and woolly jumpers</em></strong> - It's cold and chilly, the fire's on, the TV's on with some classic comedy Christmas special and what's better than being snuggled up on the sofa in a nice cosy jumper? Well, okay for me it'll be my hubby right there beside me and a mug of hot chocolate in my hand :) <br />
<br />
<em><strong>10. The possibility of snow</strong></em> - I'm not sure the last time we had a proper White Christmas, it's more likely a White Valentines these days with snow usually falling in February, but I do enjoy frost and snow. Obviously, it causes chaos a lot of the time, but it looks so pretty and I am a big kid much to my husband's sighs and eye rolling in that I will drag him outside to make a snowman :) I am so channelling Ana if we get a good snowfall this year, sings "Do you wanna build a snowman?"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BvwVHjIZ6o/VJf9vOzs9JI/AAAAAAAACFc/WUknGbV5cC8/s1600/Anna-and-Elsa-when-Anna-wakes-up-Elsa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9BvwVHjIZ6o/VJf9vOzs9JI/AAAAAAAACFc/WUknGbV5cC8/s1600/Anna-and-Elsa-when-Anna-wakes-up-Elsa.jpg" height="143" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He'll give in eventually, and come and play in the snow :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So there you go, some of my favourite bits of Christmas. <br />
<br />
Do you have any traditions? Is there anything you look forward to every year in particular? Anything you always watch on TV? Or have to buy? Or places you go?<br />
<br />
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.<br />
<br />
Meredith xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-53434286094362162392014-12-10T00:30:00.000+00:002014-12-10T12:57:43.824+00:00Guest Post - Lillian Francis - When Love Flue In<u>More? You want more?</u><br />
<br />
Thanks to Meredith for hosting me today. I’m here to talk about my new release ‘When Love Flue In’ and additional content.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~*~</div>
<br />
There are few words that can strike fear into an author’s heart like these from your publisher. “If you could just write an extra scene, nothing huge, 500 words or so.”<br />
<br />
Nothing huge? Just a completely new scene for a story you thought you’d put to bed months ago. Characters you’d consigned to a little box marked <i>Done, unless sequel strikes</i>. And because we carry on writing while we wait patiently for that yes from a publisher, these characters have been superseded by others.<br />
<br />
But you stuck it up because you want this to be the best story you can produce and if your editor thinks the reader will benefit from seeing the rest of that scene from the other characters point of view then that is what they will get.<br />
<br />
“Sure. Which scene?” You send back the question, praying you don’t get the answer you’re anticipating.<br />
<br />
But getting it regardless. “The sex scene.” No!!! <br />
<br />
Yes, those are the actual words that strike fear into my author heart. Especially when coupled with “and I need it back in three days”. Sex scenes take me forever to write unlike some of my friends who write them with relish and gusto whenever the words won’t come or the story is blocked.<br />
<br />
Don’t believe me?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Struggling again today with words sooo another sex scene? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaNoWriMo?src=hash">#NaNoWriMo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amwriting?src=hash">#amwriting</a><br />
— Therese Woodson (@writer_reese) <a href="https://twitter.com/writer_reese/status/529362420876451840">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<br />
And<br />
<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
I figured out how to meet my word count each day. When in doubt, write a sex scene. works.every.time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaNoWriMo?src=hash">#NaNoWriMo</a><br />
— Therese Woodson (@writer_reese) <a href="https://twitter.com/writer_reese/status/529090895631876096">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
Yep, my friend Therese Woodson confirming she can<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/LillianFrancis_">@LillianFrancis_</a> I can bang out (pun intended) a sex scene fairly quickly. hehe<br />
— Therese Woodson (@writer_reese) <a href="https://twitter.com/writer_reese/status/529315304946794497">November 3, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
But, I hear you cry, you write gay romance, of course you need sex scenes. <br />
<br />
Why? <br />
<br />
I don't write erotica, so why does the fact that the protagonists in the relationships in my stories are both two men automatically mean that I need to up the heat rating.<br />
<br />
In truth, I don't. There are plenty of gay romance stories where the sex happens off the page, or where the romance is sweet and sexy but not sexually explicit. But for some reason people not actively involved in our community—and as a genre we are still small enough to be classed as such—cannot see the distinction between gay romance and erotica, to the extent that some publishers can struggle to place a gay romance with non explicit content.<br />
<br />
But I digress. (And to be honest I don’t wish to give that publisher any airtime at all.)<br />
<br />
Once I settled down to write the required scene I realised that my editor had got it spot on. The story needed those extra 1400+ words (yes, yes I know, longer than needed, story of my writing career, yada yada) and I just needed someone to point me in the right direction to make it happen.<br />
<br />
So when you see the following information <br />
<i>Publisher's Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.</i><br />
Know that in this case it is a statement not made lightly and hopefully the story is all the stronger for it.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<u>Blurb</u> <br />
<br />
<em>A soot-haired chimney sweep, an exploding flue and an uncooked turkey. It’s an unholy trinity that may make all of Dominic’s Christmas wishes come true.</em><br />
<br />
Dominic is celebrating his first Christmas since his divorce, and although he’s spending it on his own, he’s determined to have a traditional Christmas morning, including a roaring fire. Unfortunately, Dominic’s chimney is blocked, which is why Reagan, a soot-haired chimney sweep, is head and shoulders up Dominic’s flue. Dominic is just lucky the man had a cancellation on Christmas Eve.<br />
<br />
Unable to take his eyes off Reagan’s low-slung jeans and enticing arse while Reagan sets about the hearth with rods and brushes, Dominic knows five years is a long time to be obsessed with the man who sweeps his chimney every Christmas. This year there’s nothing to stop Dominic from acting on his desires—except his own insecurities.<br />
<br />
An exploding flue provides the opportunity for more than just polite conversation and could be the catalyst for a perfect Christmas. But Dominic will need to stop hiding who he really is before a special sweep can light a fire in his heart.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Publisher's Note</strong>: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing.</em><br />
<br />
<u>Buy Links</u><br />
<u></u><br />
<a href="https://www.totallybound.com/when-love-flue-in" target="_blank">Totally Bound</a><br />
All Romance ebooks<br />
Amazon US<br />
Amazon UK<br />
Kobo<br />
<br />
<u>About the author</u><br />
An avid reader, Lillian Francis was always determined she wanted to write, but a 'proper' job and raising a family distracted her for over a decade. Over the years and thanks to the charms of the Internet, Lillian realized she’d been writing at least one of her characters in the wrong gender. Ever since, she’s been happily letting her ‘boys’ run her writing life.<br />
<br />
Lillian now divides her time between family, a job and the numerous men in her head all clamouring for 'their' story to be told. <br />
<br />
Lillian lives in an imposing castle on a wind-swept desolate moor or in an elaborate ‘shack’ on the edge of a beach somewhere depending on her mood, with the heroes of her stories either chained up in the dungeon or wandering the shack serving drinks in nothing but skimpy barista aprons.<br />
<br />
In reality, she would love to own a camper van and to live by the sea.<br />
<br />
Find Lillian at<br />
Website/Blog: <a href="http://lillianfrancis.blogspot.com/">http://lillianfrancis.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Twitter: LillianFrancis_<br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Lillian_Francis">https://www.goodreads.com/Lillian_Francis</a><br />
<br />
<br />
At the end of the blog tour Lillian will pose a question with the chance to win a copy of the ebook - for details check out the master tour post here <a href="http://lillianfrancis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/announcing-mini-blog-tour-and-chance-to.html">http://lillianfrancis.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/announcing-mini-blog-tour-and-chance-to.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736847465149299145.post-44608845874563123232014-12-10T00:01:00.000+00:002014-12-09T12:08:35.752+00:00Christmas Short Story Tour ~ Jamie and Edward from Under The Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
RJ Scott loves Christmas and she certainly isn't alone. Christmas is awesome! This year, she has invited authors to visit pairings from their previous books and write a short story about them set around Christmas/Winter. A link to her main blog post containing links to other authors' short stories is at the bottom of this post.</div>
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I hope you enjoy revisiting Jamie and Edward, or if you are new to the series, I hope you enjoy meeting our British wedding planner and his ex-Marine boyfriend.</div>
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<em>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.</em></div>
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<br />
<em>Jamie and Edward spend Christmas Eve with Edward's parents.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
"Christ, get off me," Jamie complained.<br />
<br />
Edward scrutinized Jamie's appearance as they stood beside the car on the snowy driveway. "You want to make a good first impression, correct?" Something just didn't feel right. What was wrong with his otherwise gorgeous boyfriend?<br />
<br />
Jamie sighed and batted Edward's hand away. "It'll be fine. We'll all be fine." He gave Edward a firm look. "We didn't fly a million miles to have a terrible Christmas. It'll be fun."<br />
<br />
"A million?" Jamie's comment teased a smile at the corner of Edward's mouth.<br />
<br />
"Okay, maybe two million." Jamie looked at Edward with his beautiful, green eyes, and, as always, Edward relaxed. Just a little.<br />
<br />
"Yeah. You're right. It'll be fun." Drinks with his parents on Christmas Eve, what could possibly be more fun than that? Everything would be fine. He had been on edge all damn day. This was the first time his parents were meeting Jamie, the first time Jamie was meeting them, and Edward just wanted everything to go smoothly. He glanced at Jamie. His parents would adore Jamie, because who wouldn't? Jamie was sweet, and kind, and bloody perfect. Edward chewed on his lip as he considered what was waiting for them inside. It was easy to imagine the worst. He expected his mother would end up having one too many sherries, and being the merry flirt that she was would be draped over Jamie by the end of the evening, his father would be on fine form reeling off awkward dad jokes, and his dry and sarcastic sense of humor would go straight over the top of Jamie's head, and then there was his brother who mostly communicated in grunts and back slapping.<br />
<br />
<em>We're doomed.</em><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
"So, are we going in, or we just gonna stand out here 'til we freeze to death?" Jamie raised his eyebrows and shrugged his fur-lined coat higher onto his shoulders.<br />
<br />
"Maybe you should have gotten your hair cut." That had to be it. Edward ran his fingers through Jamie's hair. Scott and Dylan were clearly bad influences with their beach bum flowing locks. He curled his finger in the back of Jamie's hair where it had grown in dark curls over his collar.<br />
<br />
"I thought you liked it?" Jamie closed his eyes, clearly enjoying the attention Edward was paying to his hair. He breathed in deeply and opened them again.<br />
<br />
Edward pursed his lips and gave a short shrug. "Yeah," he said in a low voice. "I do." It wasn't his opinion he was thinking about.<br />
<br />
"Relax." Jamie wrapped his fingers around Edward's wrist, and gently pulled Edward's hand down and to his mouth. With a smile, he pressed his lips to the back of Edward's curled fingers. When Edward sighed, Jamie pressed his other hand to Edward's cheek. "Okay?"<br />
<br />
Jamie's hand was cool against his skin. "Yeah. Yes," Edward decided. He leaned forward and kissed Jamie. He checked his boyfriend out one more time, unable to resist the urge to straighten the collar of Jamie's shirt. Taking Jamie's hand in his, he walked up the driveway, past his parents' car, and to the front door. Straightening up, Edward glanced at Jamie, then pressed the doorbell. The familiar tune chimed, and after a few short moments his mother answered the door.<br />
<br />
"Eddy, darling." She pulled him into a hug, half dragging him into the house as she laid lipstick kisses on his cheek. "God, I've missed you." She hugged him tightly. "Are they not feeding you out there?" She squeezed his shoulders. "We'll soon fix that."<br />
<br />
"I feed myself just fine, Mum." He kissed her cheek when she released him. He stepped back, glad to be free from her red-sequin and scratchy hold, and looked at Jamie. "Mum, this is Jamie."<br />
<br />
"The soldier?" Her eyes lit up as she looked Jamie up and down.<br />
<br />
Edward went to correct her, but Jamie stepped forward, extending his hand.<br />
<br />
"Mrs McAllister."<br />
<br />
Edward's mother took Jamie's hand in hers. "Elizabeth, please. Come in. Come in. Let's have a look at you. Jonathon, come out here," she called through to Edward's father. She looked at Jamie, and appeared instantly smitten as she combed back a loose strand of gray. "Let me take your coat."<br />
<br />
With a polite smile, Jamie removed his heavy coat and handed it over to her. "Thank you."<br />
<br />
"Thank you," Elizabeth repeated softly. "That accent." She held Jamie's coat to her. "Jonathon, Edward and his young gentleman friend are here."<br />
<br />
Jamie glanced over at Edward. He seemed amused by it all.<br />
<br />
"Boyfriend, Mum. Just say boyfriend."<br />
<br />
Elizabeth dismissed his suggestion and waved her hand at him, indicating she wanted his coat as well. "Your brother isn't coming tonight, so it's just the four of us."<br />
<br />
"What?" Edward cleared his throat. He had counted on Andrew and his fiancé Emily being there to take some of the heat off him and Jamie, to sway conversation away from the two of them as a couple, the inevitable questions regarding marriage equality, their plans for the future, and -- <em>Breathe, Edward.</em><br />
<br />
From the expression on Jamie's face, he knew exactly where Edward's mind had headed, and as had become the standard Jamie reaction, he wrapped his hand around Edward's, then leaned in and kissed him, interrupting Edward's plummet into full on panic attack.<br />
<br />
"Huh," Edward managed. He looked at Jamie, then at his mother who wore a large smile on her face. "That's a shame."<br />
<br />
She shrugged. "He'll be here tomorrow." She beamed. "I have to admit I've missed having a houseful since they moved out." She gave an excited shake of her shoulders. "Oh, it's been too long since I had both my boys here for Christmas."<br />
<br />
"Hello, son." Edward's father stepped into the hall. He was dressed in a comfy looking large brown cardigan over a pale blue shirt. His grey hair was sticking up in various directions. Had he just woken up?<br />
<br />
Elizabeth made a disapproving sound. "Look at the state of you. You fell asleep in front of the fire again, didn't you?" She shook her head and turned her attention to Jamie. "I've been in that kitchen for the last hour, and what does he do? Has a nap."<br />
<br />
"Opening packets and bunging nibbles in the oven didn't need the both of us, Lizzy." He raised his eyebrows, and turned to Jamie. "I do love a warm cocktail sausage roll though." He winked, and held out his hand to Jamie.<br />
<br />
"So do I." Jamie shook Jonathon's hand, then gave Edward a bemused look.<br />
<br />
Edward simply smirked. There was plenty of time to get Jamie acquainted with his mum's party food later.<br />
<br />
"Right, enough standing around. Go make yourself comfortable, and Jonathon will get you a drink." Edward's mum shooed them through to the living room.<br />
<br />
"What would you like?" Edward's father asked. "We have some wine open, or beers, or soft drinks if you prefer. Who's driving?"<br />
<br />
Jamie raised a hand. "I volunteered. But I'll have one of those beers." He sat down on the sofa, and quickly studied the room.<br />
<br />
Edward amused himself imagining Jamie's marine training kicking in and him strategizing the best means of escape. "Wine for me," he told his dad.<br />
<br />
When they were alone, he joined Jamie on the sofa. "That was okay," he said, and blew out a breath. His chest felt a little tight, and he was on the brink of stressy, but it wasn't so bad. He leaned into Jamie when Jamie rested his hand on his knee.<br />
<br />
"They're fine. Stop worrying. Seriously, they seem real sweet."<br />
<br />
"Really?" Edward looked up at the ceiling.<br />
<br />
"Well, they made you, and you're damn adorable." A wide smile spread across Jamie's face.<br />
<br />
Edward laughed. "Ah, see, what if I told you I was adopted?"<br />
<br />
With a sigh, Jamie shook his head. "I'd tell you to shut up." He wrapped his hand around the back of Edward's neck, and pulled him into an open-mouthed kiss.<br />
<br />
Closing his eyes, Edward enjoyed the tender moment. He briefly allowed himself to relax into the kiss, almost forgetting where he was. Not that he thought either of his parents would care about catching the two of them kissing. But just in case... Before he could fully justify to himself why he should end the kiss, Jamie beat him to it. He met Jamie's eyes as he leaned back.<br />
<br />
"Better?"<br />
<br />
Edward nodded. "Better."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
****</div>
<br />
"It's a vol-au-vent."<br />
<br />
Jamie eyed the pastry case. "What's in it?"<br />
<br />
"Well, those ones are prawn cocktail." Edward pointed from one plate to the next. "These are chicken, and the gray-looking ones are mushroom. They're both in some creamy sauce or something." Edward shrugged, then bit into a slice of quiche. He looked over his shoulder, pointing out to his mother, "There's a lot of food here, Mum."<br />
<br />
"Mushroom?" Jamie studied the lumpy looking filling, then added it to the pile on his plate. He moved along the table picking up a selection of things he recognized and a few he didn't. "What's with the cheese and the pineapple, and the... What is it?" <br />
<br />
Edward laughed. "A hedgehog."<br />
<br />
"Funny looking hedgehog."<br />
<br />
"It's a classic party table centerpiece. Get a potato, wrap it in foil, stab a bunch of cocktail sticks in it." Edward waved his fisted hand up and down to mimic stabbing said foiled potato. "Then decorate with cubes of cheese and pineapple. Or, instead, cocktail sausages. I'm thinking of suggesting it to Adam and other caterers." He popped a chicken nugget into his mouth. After a few chews, he said, "I think I'm drunk."<br />
<br />
Jamie snorted a laugh. "Drinking on an empty stomach. I thought you knew better?" He took his plate and headed back to the sofa. When Edward joined him, he gently nudged his shoulder to Edward's. "You okay?"<br />
<br />
"Uh-huh," Edward said around a mouth of food. He held his hand over his mouth. "And thank you."<br />
<br />
"For what?"<br />
<br />
Edward glanced to where his parents were sat together on the opposite couch. "For being nice. For humoring them, and their quirks and questions."<br />
<br />
"They're harmless." He gave Edward a chaste kiss. Considering Edward thought his parents high-maintenance, Jamie had prepared himself for the worst. As it was, the English couple were just as easy to love as their son.<br />
<br />
"Did I tell you Emily has been taking tap classes?" Elizabeth said. "They're putting on a show in the New Year. Shame you'll have gone back by then. She's really enjoying it."<br />
<br />
"Tap dancing?" Edward sounded surprised.<br />
<br />
"I used to tap dance," Jonathon piped up. "But I had to give it up."<br />
<br />
"Really? Why?" Jamie asked.<br />
<br />
Edward shook his head. "Don't do it."<br />
<br />
Jamie looked at Edward confused. "Don't, what?"<br />
<br />
"Encourage him." Edward pursed his lips as he looked straight at his father.<br />
<br />
Ignoring Edward, Jonathon continued, "Yeah, I kept falling in the sink." He sat back with a grin on his face, seemingly pleased with himself.<br />
<br />
Edward groaned. "Nice one, Dad."<br />
<br />
"Falling in the sink," Jamie repeated, then chuckled to himself.<br />
<br />
With a smile, Edward leaned closer. "I warned you."<br />
<br />
At least Jamie had understood the joke. Shuffling back on the sofa cushion, he got comfy. Food had halted the many questions Edward's parents had had for them, including how they met, about his job at Bowyer Industries, lots about Sapphire Cay, and whether he and Edward were thinking of taking things further with their relationship.<br />
<br />
Marriage. They had never talked about it, not properly. Edward had made his opinions clear, well, his thoughts on one particular evening when they were both a little tipsy after another successful wedding at the Cay. For a guy who fifty-two weeks of the year pretty much lived, breathed, and dreamed everything 'wedding', Edward wasn't all that keen on the idea himself.<br />
<br />
"Pass the Twiglets, Jonathon." Elizabeth's voice interrupted Jamie's thoughts. <br />
<br />
Jamie looked at Edward's parents. Did marriage make their relationship any different to what he and Edward had? Did Lucas and Dylan feel any different about one another? He glanced at Edward, his gaze shifting to Edward's ring finger. It might be nice to have that extra something. Maybe. Just, not yet.<br />
<br />
"Are you all right?" Edward pushed his glasses up his nose and narrowed his eyes.<br />
<br />
"Hmm? Oh yeah. I was just thinking."<br />
<br />
"About anything good?"<br />
<br />
Jamie smiled. "Always good, Eddy."<br />
<br />
Edward clicked his tongue in disapproval of his mother's nickname.<br />
<br />
"How about this one?" Jonathon said to his wife. "What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?"<br />
<br />
With a sigh, Elizabeth took a handful of Twiglets from the bowl he held out to her. "I don't know, darling. What do you get?"<br />
<br />
"Tinselitis."<br />
<br />
Jamie smirked. Edward's parents were all right.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Whoops." Edward snorted as he grabbed hold of Jamie when they stepped outside.<br />
<br />
"We could make up the spare room if you like?" Elizabeth turned to her husband. "We should have thought, but with you saying you had the hotel booked, and--"<br />
<br />
"It's fine," Jamie insisted. He'd only had the one beer, unlike Edward and his bottle and a half of wine. They should have just given him the bottle and a straw. "All our things are at the hotel anyway."<br />
<br />
Edward gripped Jamie's arm tightly. "It's fine," he repeated Jamie's words. "We'll be back tomorrow for a proper McAllister Christmas dinner. Show Mr American-Soldier-Boy how it's done." He smirked before leaning up to kiss Jamie on the cheek.<br />
<br />
Extending his hand to Jonathon, Jamie thanked his hosts. "Thank you for a lovely evening."<br />
Jonathon shook his hand, then made way for his wife to wrap her arms around both Jamie's and Edward's necks, and pull them into a warm hug. <br />
<br />
She kissed Jamie on the cheek. "We'll see you tomorrow. Drive safe, and look after him."<br />
<br />
"I will." Jamie gave a short wave, then helped Edward to turn around and get his bearings so they could head for the rental.<br />
<br />
Jonathon and Elizabeth gave them a wave. "Merry Christmas," they said together, then headed inside into the warm.<br />
<br />
"So, you're going to look after me?" There was an edge of seduction in Edward's voice as they got to the car.<br />
<br />
They stood together for a moment. Jamie smiled and reached up to adjust Edward's glasses, which were sitting at a strange angle on his nose. "If by look after you, you mean getting you a glass of water and putting you to bed, then yes."<br />
<br />
Edward blew out a breath. "Fine." He hiccupped. "Ah, bollocks." He hiccupped again, and looked at Jamie with a pathetic expression on his face.<br />
<br />
Grinning, Jamie took Edward's hand in his. He laughed when Edward hiccupped for a third time.<br />
<br />
"It's not funny."<br />
<br />
"It's a little funny." He squeezed Edward's hand.<br />
<br />
Edward's body jerked with another hiccup. Breathing in, he tried holding his breath, but failed as he started laughing instead. "Help me," he whined.<br />
<br />
"Come here." Jamie dragged Edward forward and held his face, drawing the man into a passionate kiss. Having Edward close was all he wanted. Just the two of them. Forever. Licking his lips, he pulled back, smiling as he stared at Edward, who was standing with his eyes shut. "I love you," Jamie said. He smiled when Edward opened his eyes.<br />
<br />
"I love you, too." Edward smiled as he realized his hiccups had gone. He wrapped his hand around Jamie's wrist and turned over his hand to see his watch. Squinting, he read the time. "Past midnight. Does this mean I can open one of my presents when we get back to the hotel?"<br />
<br />
Jamie shook his head. "Who says you've got any presents?"<br />
<br />
"I do, because you value your life. Plus," he said, and jabbed Jamie in the chest, "I have been a very, very, very good boy this year." He pursed his lips in a seductive pout. "And you know it."<br />
<br />
"I see." Jamie hugged Edward's waist. "Okay. You can open one."<br />
<br />
"Yes." Edward as good as fist-pumped the air.<br />
<br />
Jamie didn't think he'd ever seen Edward this drunk before, but he kind of liked it. "Come on. Let's get you back."<br />
<br />
Edward shook his head, refusing to move. "I want you to answer a question first."<br />
<br />
"A question?" Jamie quirked an eyebrow. "Okay."<br />
<br />
"When Mum and Dad asked about, you know, the marriage stuff? What did you think?" Edward gazed at Jamie, and drew his lower lip between his teeth. "I know you said it wasn't something you and us had thought about, but if you had to, what would you think?"<br />
<br />
Jamie looked at Edward. Was there a right and a wrong answer? "I don't know. I guess it would depend on what you wanted."<br />
<br />
"Sneaky, sneaky." Edward rested his hand on Jamie's chest. "You got out of that one didn't ya?"<br />
<br />
"So, what would you want?"<br />
<br />
Edward smirked. "Depends on you."<br />
<br />
Jamie sighed. "Idiot," he softly chided. "Come here." He pulled Edward into another kiss. "I don't care whether you want to get married or not. What I said that time about growing old and wrinkly and bald together, I meant it. I'm happy, if you're happy." He kissed Edward. "So, are you? Happy?"<br />
<br />
Nodding, Edward cupped Jamie's cheek with his hand. "Very happy." They kissed again. "Now, let's go. I want to see what that cylindrical present is."<br />
<br />
"What? You looked?" Jamie walked around to the driver's side.<br />
<br />
"Uh, you need to learn to hide things better." Edward pulled open the car door, and went to get inside.<br />
<br />
"I love you, Edward McAllister."<br />
<br />
Edward stopped and grinned. He looked at Jamie, and told him, "I know." He met Jamie's eyes over the roof of the car. "Happy Christmas."<br />
<br />
Jamie smiled, then got in the car. "Happy Christmas."<br />
<br />
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The End</div>
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Read more stories from the following authors this Christmas.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvtc8tB4g_Q/VIbdozzvlwI/AAAAAAAACCU/3oL9eJG4THE/s1600/banner%2Bnames%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvtc8tB4g_Q/VIbdozzvlwI/AAAAAAAACCU/3oL9eJG4THE/s1600/banner%2Bnames%2B.jpg" height="163" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the stories follow the link below.</div>
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<a href="http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-tour-details.html">http://rjscottauthor.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-tour-details.html</a></div>
<br />
And what is Christmas without a little competition. Answer the following question for a chance to win a copy of the first two books in the Sapphire Cay series, Follow The Sun and Under The Sun (or two of my other books if you already have these).<br />
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What animal do you get if you put together a potato, some foil, cocktail sticks, and cheese and pineapple chunks?<br />
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Leave your answer in a comment along with an email address to contact you on. The competition will close at the end of Sunday 21st December and a winner picked soon after.<br />
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