Pages

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Polar Bared by Eve Langlais Release Day ~Kami

What’s a bear to do when a human has a polar-izing effect? Gene only has one thing on his mind, vengeance, until Vicky crashes into his life. When Vicky accidentally slides into the side of a polar bear, she doesn’t expect to fall in love. Eaten yes, perhaps used as a chew toy, but become the object of a bear’s affection and lust? Crazy! Almost as crazy as the fact the polar bear turns out to be a man. A sexy man. A man who growls, and roars and does everything he can to chase her away. Only to come back. Poor Gene. After the pain and betrayal he suffered in the war all he wants is vengeance against the brothers who left him behind. But he’s confused when instead of wanting to punish him for his evil acts, they offer him forgiveness. As if that weren’t annoying enough, the cutest geek he ever met—with caramel kissed skin covering a lush, rounded figure and wearing the sexiest dark rimmed glasses—won’t leave him alone. Or more like, he can’t seem to stop following her. 

And it isn’t just because someone is out to hurt her.  He wants her. But does he want her more than vengeance?

 Excerpt:

With a growl, he shifted shapes and stood, hands on his hips, glaring down at her.
“What am I going to do with you?” he muttered aloud.
She would, of course, take that moment to flutter her eyes open, blink, take in his appearance, and then, instead of screaming as expected, replied, in a slurred voice, “Wow. Can I suggest you do me?”
Well, that was unexpected. He surely misunderstood. “What the fuck did you say?”
She squinted, her glasses lost or tucked away. “You are naked.”
“Very.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you naked? It’s cold out here.” As if to make that point clear, she shivered. “So cold.”
He held in yet another sigh. “You need to get somewhere warm before you die.”
“You mean I’m not dead yet?”
“Emphasis on the yet,” he grumbled.
“Oh. I guess I’m close then. That would explain why I’m hallucinating a giant naked man is talking to me.”
She thought him a hallucination? That might actually work in his favor.
“This is all a dream.”
A sigh escaped her. “Figures. I never have good ones. Why can’t I have one where I’m on a warm beach? With you naked still of course.” She smiled and giggled.
Gene frowned. Someone was feeling the effects of being out in the cold for too long. It happened. Something about the air, and other mumbo jumbo shit he didn’t pay much attention to. As a shifter he didn’t suffer from normal human frailties.
But she apparently did.
“Do you have a name?” he asked as he bent down to pick her up.
“Victoria, but people usually call me Vicky. Or Trippy. I’m a little clumsy,” she said in an almost whisper, as if confiding in him.
Clumsy was understating it from what he’d seen so far. With her in his arms, he faced the dilemma of how to climb the hill. He solved it the same way he had in the desert with one of his fallen mates. “I’m going to put you on my back. I need you to hold tight around my neck and wrap your legs around my waist.”
“You want me to piggyback you?”
“Yes,” he said, shifting her around his torso.
She clung to him, her chin resting on his shoulder, her limbs snug around him. It warmed him more than it should have.
“Don’t let go,’ he warned as he began to climb.
“I won’t. I can do anything in a dream,” she announced. “I can pretend I’m skinny and beautiful. I can meet strange naked men. I can even kiss them.”
And she did. She planted a sloppy smooch on his neck, and he almost lost his footing.
“What the hell was that for?” he barked.
“A thank you?” she said in a meek voice.
“You don’t need to thank me. This is a dream, remember?” He practically growled the words at her but couldn’t erase the sizzling heat of her embrace.

~ A New York Times & USA Today Bestseller ~ #1 Amazon Paranormal Romance Bestselling Author ~ Top 10 AllRomance Bestselling Author 2013

Hello, my name is Eve. I’m a stay at home mom who writes full time in between juggling my three kids, hubby, and housework, I write really raunchy stuff–usually with werewolves lol.
I am a bestselling Amazon author, ranking often in their top 100 romance authors. But I’m not just popular with Kindle readers. I was one of the top ten selling authors on AllRomance for 2013 and have had numerous of my books hit the top 20 books over all on Barnes & Nobles as well.
I am the first person to admit I am totally boring and lead a mundane life. Seriously. My idea of fun is shopping at our local Walmart lol. I like to play video games, cook, and read. My inspiration, hmm, I guess you could say hubby as he is a total alpha male which means I often want to club him over head with a frying pan. But, despite his ornery, ‘I-am-man’ nature, I love him dearly.
I’m writing romance, my way. I do have a twisted imagination and a sarcastic sense of humor something I like to let loose in my writing. I like strong alpha males, naked chests and werewolves. Lots of werewolves. In fact, you’ll notice most of my multi partner stories revolve around great, big, overprotective Lycans who just want to please their woman. I am also extremely partial to aliens, you know the kind who abduct their woman and then drive them insane…with pleasure of course.
My heroines, they kind of run the gamut. I have some that are shy and soft spoken, others that will kick a man in the balls and laugh. Many of them are chubby, because in my world, girls with curves ROCK! Oh and some of my heroines are a teeny tiny bit evil, but in their defense, they need love too.
Some of my work does push boundaries and cross lines. Good and evil aren’t always clear in my tales, and in some cases, I’ve stomped on well known religious ideologies. Have I mentioned my imagination is a tad bit warped?
I tend to have a lot of sexual tension in my tales because I think all torrid love affairs start with a tingle in our tummies. And when my characters do finally give in to the needs of their flesh? Well, let’s just say, you shouldn’t be reading my stuff at work. The door is wide open, explicit and hot. Really, really hot.
I love to write, and while I don’t always know what my mind is going to come up with next, I can promise it will be fun, probably humorous and most of all romantic, because I love a happily ever after.
purchase links: Barnes and Noble
Amazon


AUTHOR BIO, ETC.

Hello, my name is Eve Langlais and I am an International Bestselling author who loves to write hot romance . I should warn you, I have a twisted imagination and a sarcastic sense of humor and am known for making readers giggle with my stories.

Do you love shapeshifters? I do, especially strong alpha males, the kind who take charge and aren’t afraid to get furry and kick ass for the one they want.

I am also extremely partial to aliens, the kind who like to abduct humans and then drive them insane...with pleasure.

Or do you like something a little darker, more serious? Then check out my cyborgs whose battle with humanity have captivated readers worldwide.

If you'd like to know more, read some excerpts or find out what I’m working on, then please visit me at http://www.EveLanglais.com or sign up for my newsletter at http://www.evelanglais.com/newrelease . I am also extremely active on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eve.langlais.98

Links:

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/eve.langlais.98
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EveLanglais (@evelanglais)
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3431194.Eve_Langlais
Googleplus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EveLanglaisauthor
FB for parties so I can participate: https://www.facebook.com/evel.minion


 
Top 10 Fictional Book Characters of All Time
  1. Lucifer – my version of course. Awful of me to include one of my own characters I’m sure, but I absolutely love his sense of humor—and evil nature lol.
  2. Harry Dresden – He was the first modern day wizard I think I ever read about. I love him and his ghostly friend, Bob. (Written by Jim Butcher)
  3. Edward Cullen – Yeah I am totally team Edward! I read the books and while Bella got on all my nerves, I really liked Edward more so in the book than the movie though. (Stephanie Meyer)
  4. Curan – If you’ve never met this hunk-a-hunk of burning cat shifter, then you’ve missed out. Run, don’t walk to buy Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels series.
  5. Drago. If you love domineering alpha dragons, then you need Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison.
  6. Rachel Morgan kicks demon ass! The Hollows by Kim Harrison is urban fantasy at its finest. Original and constantly evolving.
  7. Anita Blake, in the early days as written by Laurell K. Hamilton. The first seven or eight books in the series had her rocking as a heroine.
  8. Vlad as written by Jeaniene Frost. He is so unrepentantly arrogant and alpha that I just adore him.
  9. Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon. He had the most complex, heart breaking story. But at the same time has proven to be the most fascinating character throughout her Dark Hunter series (which I am woefully behind on lol).
  10. Name your favorite!
Top 10 Vampires in Books
Hottest Vamps on TV & in the Movies
  1. Vampire Diaries - Damon. Damon. Damon. It’s the eyes dammit!
  2. True Blood - Eric. Tall, blonde Viking who’s also evil and bloodthirsty? Love it.
  3. The Original – Klaus. He is so wicked. So unrepentant. So awesome.
  4. The Originals – Elijah. He seems so goody two shoes and then he does something evil. Lol.
  5. The Originals – Marcel. He’s bad, but such a charming flirt.
  6. Buffy – Spike. Anyone remember that blond haired original bad boy?
  7. Twilight – Carlisle . For an old guy he’s pretty damned hot.
  8. Vampire Diaries – Stefan. The new Stefan, who’s got a bad ass thing going on.
  9. Selene – Underworld. She makes the list because I so totally want to be her!
  10. Who’s your hottest vamp?


Sexiest Shifters on Television and in the Movies
  1. Alcide from True Blood. I swear I drool when he takes off that shirt.
  2. Mystique – X-Men movies. Yes, she’s a girl, but damn, for a blue mutant, she has a body I’d kill for!
  3. Derek from Teen Wolf. Need I say more?
  4. Clayton on Bitten. He needs to move on and date someone new. Any volunteers?
  5. Klaus from the Originals – now he’s technically a hybrid, but hey, he’s got shifter blood. He growls therefore he makes the list lol
  6. Jacob from Twilight, too young for me, but daughter swears he’s the hottest thing to ever walk this earth J
  7. Lucien from Underworld. I like them a little evil…
  8. Navarre in the old classic Lady Hawk. She’s a hawk by day, he a wolf by night. A lovely romance with action.
  9. Michael from Underworld. Savage beast with a softness for a certain vampire. Yum!
  10. Name yours!


Top Ten Favorite Movies
  • Star Wars Trilogy! I am a total fan of the original 3 lol
  • Indian Jones. Loved the hat and the whip J
  • Space Balls. I don’t know what that says about me that it makes the list, but I still giggle at the corny jokes.
  • Star Trek (2009) OMG I loved this movie about the young Kirk and the rest of the gang. I wasn’t as keen on the second, but I’m hoping they will make a third, one that’s exploring space…the final frontier.
  • Chronicles of Riddick. Sci-fi story, action, wicked special effects and Vin Diesel, make this movie awesome.
  • Poltergeist. Scary movies with kids freak me out, and this one more than others always stuck with me.
  • Ghostbusters. I hear the music and I’m singing at the top of my lungs. And who could ever forget the giant marshmallow man.
  • Airplane. Yeah, I’m a sucker for silly humor. But I prefer the older comedy version to the newer ones which are more into shock than clever I find.
  • Mr & Mrs Smith. Damn I love that movie. A love story that is so messed up and action packed. The chemistry between them sizzled and hit all my happy spots.
  • War of the Roses. Such an awful movie, yet so damned funny!




If I was A Shifter What Animal Would I Be?
My first choice would be a large cat. There is something about a graceful feline, one who can stealthily creep up and pounce scaring the hell out of their target. I also think the whole purring thing is cool.
My second choice would be a bear. I mean, who would want to be cute and cuddly, while at the same time ferocious.
And my third choice? A giant falcon or eagle. The ability to fly is totally awesome


If I Could Have One Magic Power It Would Be…
The ability to move objects with my mind. Oh no, is the TV remote across the room and I’m too couch potatoed to fetch it? With just a thought it comes zooming into my hand. Did the kids once again wait until I sat down to ask me for ketchup? With a zing of my mind, I fetch it from the fridge. And housework? I can totally handle sitting back and relaxing with a book as the mop swirls around the floor.
My second choice would probably be flying. Imagine the liberty of coasting above the neighborhood, peeking on my neighbors, avoiding traffic jams, saving on ridiculous gas costs. Ooh and dropping water bombs on the jerk who keeps speeding down our street with no regard for kids!
And finally, my third magic power would be…energy. Because I would love to be able to keep up with my kids! Lol
What would your choice be?


Top ten paranormal TV shows
A question I get asked a lot is what do I do in my down time. Well, when I’m not Candy Crushing (curse you level 213!), or reading, I’m a TV addict. I’ve got my PVR (which is Canadian for DVR lol), set to record a ridiculous amount of shows. I’m quite pleased at the supernatural lineup available within the past year. Vampires, werewolves, magic and more are everywhere it seems, and I’m going to share my top ten favorite so we can see what we have in common.
  • Game of Thrones. This is a MUST see for me. My only lament is the season is so short and there’s not enough of Daenerys Targaryen and I still miss Drogo!
  • True Blood, I’ll admit the last season wasn’t my favorite, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still an avid fan. Heck, I’d watch just for Eric and Alcide.
  • Sleepy Hollow. Holy smokes what a fabulous new show! Different. Gory. And can you say Ichabod is sexy?!
  • Being Human, I started out watching this show in the British version, then got hooked on the American one. I’m not sure where this season is going yet, but it’s got a different take on the supernatural that I like.
  • Lost Girl. While I’ll admit I was kind of miffed they brought Lauren back, the Wanderer and the Valkyrie at least make up for it J
  • Haven. Talk about a show taking a twist. It seems Haven isn’t done with its troubles.
  • Teen Wolf – how did I miss the first two seasons of this show?! Totally sucked into it now and will probably have to get my hands on the ones I missed.
  • American Horry Story Coven. Oh. My God. Seriously. Don’t watch this if you’re squeamish. It is disturbing yet riveting. (as is Asylum, the second season. I’ve just recently seen the first season with the haunted house, and yeah, it just reinforces my desire to never buy anything too old lol)
  • Bitten. Damn did I enjoy the first season. Can’t wait for the fall.
  • Vampire Diaries and the Originals because seriously, Damon, vampires, and well, more vampires. What’s not to love?
  • Once Upon A Time – Lost last place because really, the whole Peter Pan thing didn’t do much for me. Hoping it gets better again.
  • My newest favorite is now Supernatural. How did I miss so many seasons of this awesome show?! Thank you Netflix, lol







Monday, November 3, 2014

Dead of Night by Carlyle Labuschagne review ~Kami



Title: Dead of Night
Author: Carlyle Labuschagne
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Romance
Expected Release Date: October 2014
Publisher:
Hallowed Ink Press

MY REVIEW: 
Opel wakes up without any memory of how she got there in a post-apocalyptic, post nuclear fall out world. This is a well-written and fast paced book. There is a lot happening in this book and it jumps around through different characters' points of views and plot points. I had a hard time at first keeping up because the story was moving so fast but towards the middle things started getting really exciting and I was enjoying it more. 4 stars.




Blurb: In a dark and desolated After Earth, love still does exist, but the cost of bearing such a flaw is death.

World War III has left Earth in utter turmoil. People’s beliefs are said to be the cause of the worldwide destruction. After The Clearing new laws are set about - to show certitude in anything besides the law is weak and chargeable as mutiny. To be illogical and have faith in religion is illegal, to be limitless is dangerous. And Illness is seen as a defect – all flaws that are inexcusable.
But to love is the greatest betrayal of all mankind. It is a fault the world has long forgotten and punishable by death, a fatal risk Aecker and Opel are fully prepared to take - because in love there is freedom. But how far can they push back before it claims their lives and of those they care about?

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22400091-dead-of-night-1-an-aftershock-novel



Author Bio:Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African award winning author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her first two books in the Broken Trilogy. Her first young adult dystopian novel "The Broken Destiny" reached top 3 in its YA debut Category. The Sequel Evanescent won YATR literary award for best Sci-Fi book 2013.
Her become a published author prgramme for students launched Feb 2014.
She is not only an author, but works as a marketing manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at College SA.
Carlyle loves to swim, fights for the trees, and is a food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle also writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive – Help Build A Library in Africa Project. And hopes to launch her very own Indie book festival in Johannesburg March 2015.
“My goal as an author is to touch people’s lives, and help others love their differences and one another.”

Author Links:




Sunday, November 2, 2014

Essence (Eve #1) and Enlightened by A.L. Waddington reviews ~Kami

Essence (Eve #1)Essence by A.L. Waddington
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In 2009 Jocelyn is an ordinary teenager going to school, hanging out with her friends and playing volleyball. She then starts remembering a life set in 1878. Or rather she is transported to a life in 1878 when she sleeps. I thought the writing was good but the story was really slow paced and nothing really happened. I like the idea of soul mates and past lives but this book didn't really have a whole lot of conflict or anything going on. 3 stars.

View all my reviews Enlightened (Eve #2)Enlightened by A.L. Waddington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jocelyn's affliction is EVE (Essence Voyager Era), which means her consciousness lives in two worlds, one in the year 2009 and the other in 1878. She discovered this ability when Jackson moved across the street and every time she got close to him she would get sick. In the year 1878 they are in love and getting married. I don't read a whole lot of historical romance and this story is told by jumping back and forth between the time periods. I think those who enjoy historical romance books will enjoy this series a lot. I was liking this book a bit better than the first one. The pacing was better since the first book was mostly just set up for this one. The covers of these books are so pretty. 4 stars.

View all my reviews  https://www.goodreads.com/series/122764-eve

 http://www.amazon.com/Essence-EVE-Book-L-Waddington-ebook/dp/B00HV53LXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414863014&sr=1-1&keywords=essence+al+waddington




https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19279000-essence

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20799156-enlightened

http://www.amazon.com/Enlightened-EVE-Book-L-Waddington-ebook/dp/B00J8OLGUW/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1414962601&sr=1-5&keywords=enlightened



BOOK DETAILS:
Enlightened by A.L. Waddington
(The EVE Series #2)
Published by: Booktrope Publishing
Publication date: April 21st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Continuing where Essence, Book 1, EVE series ended, the barrier between Jocelyn Timmons consciousness continues to dissolve as she better understands the two lives she lives and enormity of her newly discovered inherited gift of EVE (Essence Voyager Era) which allows her to fall asleep on one plane of existence and awaken on another as her soul travels nightly.

In Enlightened, Book 2, present-day Jocelyn uncovers the vast wonderment of the Victorian era but soon learns that life then was not as grand for women as she has read in the classics. Still, she finds comfort in the support of family and friends; a bolstering contrast to her overly hectic, career-oriented family in the twenty-first century. Her love for Jackson Chandler strengthens across time and becomes the light she so desperately needs as the world she has always known no longer makes sense. Yet, the closer she is drawn to Jackson by their mutual ability, the more strain develops amongst those she loves in 2009.

On the other side of Jocelyn’s consciousness in 1878, she remains ignorant of EVE. Her life is crumbling around her, yet she finds herself anxiously awaiting the images that invade her dreams. Jocelyn longs to be the woman she portrays in that world yet her jealousy is unbearable. Miscommunication, betrayal and hidden agendas make trust near impossible. The clearer the visions become the more she questions motives of her closest confidants and foregoes revealing the images that plague her perception. As her life seems to unravel, Jocelyn’s two worlds collide, and she is enlightened as the pieces start to fall into place. But is she strong enough to survive the truth? Is Jackson really her destiny? And can their love transcend time?

Until I Die Again by Gary Caruso review ~Kami



Title: Until I Die Again
Author: Gary Caruso
Genre: Dark YA, Romantic Thriller 15+
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours

MY REVIEWS:

Our Souls to Keep (Our Souls to Keep #1)



Wake makes a deal with Satan to try to save his mother's soul and becomes a human/demon hybrid collector of souls for Hell. I thought the writing was pretty good but the pacing was really slow. I didn't really start liking this until towards the end. The story is really straight forward and unflinching in its violence and horror aspects. I thought a lot of it was really kind of sad but I couldn't find it within myself to forgive Wake for what he was doing. He has his reasons but I didn't think that was enough. It is kind of hard to make a demon a sympathetic character. 3.5 stars.


Until I Die Again (Our Souls to Keep #2)

by
This book begins with Wake being horribly tortured in Hell. This book is scary with all the horrors that are happening to Wake. His character seems more evolved in this story. I still didn't really like him but I didn't hate him either and I didn't want him to fail. The writing is good. The pacing is faster in this book and it is exciting. I was liking this second book better than the first. 4 stars.

Blurb: In Until I Die Again, the highly anticipated sequel to Our Souls to Keep, Wake is alone in Hell, comforted and tormented by the memory of Annemarie. As session after session of torture on Bethany's table moves Wake closer to surrendering the last remaining fragments of his humanity, he receives information from an unlikely source. Nevin tells him that Annemarie's son Jacob is still in danger.
After discovering the true nature of Lucifer's plan for Jacob, Wake is determined to do the impossible—escape the Gates of Hell! He soon finds out that this unlikely task isn’t his greatest challenge. Wake learns the true meaning of self-sacrifice and the ultimate consequence of death as he searches for a way to break his contract with Satan. With an all-out war between Heaven and Hell in the near future, and the destiny of humanity at stake, Wake must decide who to trust as he battles to save a young boy from the powerful forces of Hell.



Author Bio:
Gary Caruso lives in northern Virginia with his wife Jill, but their favorite place is in Ohio with their three beautiful grandchildren. Although Gary is exhilarated when he sits down to write, teaching middle school science is his first love. He’s passionate about empowering students to make thoughtful decisions and positive choices in life. Gary enjoys reading, especially fiction that blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fantasy. He never imagined becoming a writer until an ordinary car ride on a spring day jolted an unlikely thought into his head. Gary’s early experience writing is a reminder that no matter how intimidating the challenge, action and determination are the foundations for fulfilling any dream. Gary has an insatiable love for writing, a blessing he’s excited to share with his readers.

Links:

Preorder

Excerpt:
How much agony can a man endure before he surrenders every precious thought of the woman he holds most dear? I’ve lost count of the successive days of torture. Time after time, long, flat strips of glowing hot iron are pressed onto my exposed arms and legs. They sear away the flesh, layer by layer, almost to the bone, and the pungent smell of charring meat and the crackling of curling skin dominate my senses. I struggle to keep a lucid image of Annemarie’s beautiful smile in mind and remember the gentle touch of her soft fingertips as they glide across the coarse skin of my cheek. It’s the only string of goodness that remains from my vanishing humanity, but the torment of every exposed nerve scratches at my soul, seeking to push me beyond the edges of insanity.
Like a vise clamped on a piece of wood, my teeth clench into my lower lip until they eventually pierce through. I’m repulsed by the sour, metallic taste of my demon blood, but the pain refocuses my determination and keeps me from begging for mercy. The pain will stop if I surrender what remains of my broken humanity. As another bolt of pain tears at my body, I tighten my jaw again. I can’t crumble on Bethany’s table. I refuse to give her the pleasure.


Saturday, November 1, 2014

EGGNOG KISSES by Mireille Chester Cover Reveal ~Kami


Title: Eggnog Kisses
Author: Mireille Chester
Release Date: December 2nd 2014


It’s been six months since Kaley’s fiancé called things off, disappearing with barely an explanation, and the thought of spending Christmas alone is causing feelings of hurt and loneliness to ruin her holiday cheer.  Tall, dark, quiet, and ever the gentleman, her next door neighbor has been sneaking into her thoughts more often than not lately.  When she decides to ask him to go to a Christmas party on a spur of the moment whim, she has no idea she’s about to unleash a whole new dimension on her usually normal life.

Born in Quelondain, Sean is no stranger to a broken heart.  Though it’s been years since the one he loved fated to his best friend, the ache is still present and crossing over to the other world hasn’t helped like he’d hoped it would.  When Kaley asks him to accompany her to a Christmas party his gut tells him to stay away.  It’s not that he isn’t attracted or tempted, but how is he supposed to explain his past and what he is.  Of course, it’s just one evening, right?  What could possibly happen in one night?

Two broken hearts…

Two worlds…

One fate…


She managed to get into her apartment while keeping a curious JJ from escaping.  The fluffy white cat purred and rubbed himself against her ankles.

“Hey, bud.  Did you miss me?”  Kaley went to the cupboard and pulled out a few Whiskas treats for him.  She looked around her small apartment and suddenly, she didn’t want to be there alone.  “I’ll be right back.”


She didn’t bother putting on shoes before closing her door behind her.  Sean answered his door and smiled at the sight of her.


“What can I do for you, neighbor?”


“I…”  This was stupid. 


“So, what brings you over here?”


I just…”  Kaley’s good mood vanished.


His smile softened.  “First Christmas since Gale left?”


She took a deep breath and blew it out of her nose.  “It’s stupid, I know.”


Sean shook his head.  “Not at all.  I know the feeling.  I wasn’t engaged, mind you, but my first holiday after my girlfriend left I was a wreck.  We’d been together four years.”


“I’m sorry.”  She looked at the ground.  “What happened?”


He cocked his head to the side.  “I was just about to have a rum and eggnog.  Want one?”


She was tempted to turn him down, but curiosity got the better of her.  “Sure.”


He held the door opened wider so she could get in and directed her to the couch.  “It was your typical breakup.  We were young and life had other plans for us.”


She watched as he mixed the drinks and brought them over.  “Thanks.”  She took a sip and he took a long swallow of his drink.  “Anyway, it wrecked me when she left.”


“What did you do?”


“I moved here.”  He smiled.


Kaley frowned.  “That worked?  It helped?”


“Not even a little bit.  The only thing that helps is time.”


She couldn’t help the depressed look that took over her face.  “Five years, eh?”


Sean laughed.  “It’s been that long, but it didn’t take that long.  I’ve had a few other girlfriends since, I just haven’t found anyone else I want to settle down with, that’s all.”  He raised an eyebrow at her glass.  “Want another one?”


“Please.”


“So where’s your party at tonight?”


“Mel’s boss is throwing a bash for their office. He rented the Rex Hall.”


“Cool.”


Kaley noticed him glancing at the clock on the wall.  “Do you have something to do?”  She turned toward the door as someone unlocked it from the outside and he stood.


“Sean!”  The dark haired woman dropped her duffle bag and ran into his open arms.  Kaley watched dumbfounded as he hugged her close.  He had a girlfriend.


“I was getting worried.”  He took her coat from her and hung it up.


“My bus was delayed.  There was a crash on the highway and we got caught behind all the traffic.  I don’t think it was too bad.  I mean, there were ambulances and stuff, but the cars looked to be in not bad shape when we were finally able to go by.”


“And you didn’t think to phone?”


She shrugged.  “Ooh! Are you having rum and eggnog without me?”  The woman finally turned her attention to Kaley.  “Since Sean has zero manners, I’m Reese, by the way.”


“Um, Kaley.”


“Let me guess.  He didn’t tell you I was coming?”  She took the drink Sean handed her and settled on the cough beside Kaley.  “And he says I’m forgetful.  You’re getting old, big brother.”


He scoffed.  “And you get more immature the more years you put behind you.”


“Mom’s going to flip when she hears you finally have a girlfriend.  It’s about time you got over that stupid bitch.”


“Reese!”


“Well, what?  By the moons, she was.  None of us could figure out what you saw in her.”


“You were sixteen when we split.  Don’t tell me you gave a shit.”


Reese pounded back her drink.  “Of course I cared.  How many big brothers do I have?”


Sean rolled his eyes.  “Four.”


“Right.  But you were always my favorite.”  She skipped back to her knee high leather boots, slipped them on, and shrugged on her coat.


“Where are you going?”


“I’m meeting Heather.”  She gave him a peck on the cheek.  “I have my key.  Don’t wait up.”


“Just remember I’m leaving at eight tomorrow morning.  With or without you.”


“Yeah, yeah.”  Reese grinned.  “I missed you.”


“I missed you too.  Brat.”


She closed the door with a wave at Kaley.


“She’s, uh… she’s one of those high energy people.”  Sean smiled and went to refill their drinks.


“No kidding.  I had no idea you had a sister.  Or three brothers for that matter.”


“What about you?”


Kaley shook her head.  “Only child.  Your mom and dad?”


“Both alive and running the farm.  You?”


“My parents died when I was fifteen.  Drunk driver.  I went to live with Mel and her folks.”


“But you don’t do Christmas with them?”


“They’re not around since they retired.  Mel gets on a flight tomorrow to join them in Mexico tomorrow morning.  They invite me every year, I just… Christmas needs snow.  You know?”


He grinned.  “I agree.”


Kaley found her gaze moving to his mouth.  He had a great smile.  Had they
really been living next to each other for almost six years?  How had she never noticed? 


“What?”


“Nothing.  I was just thinking that I can’t believe we’ve been neighbors all this time and we know nothing about each other.”


His smile softened.  “Yeah.  I guess that’s life.  Everyone’s too busy.”


She looked at her watch.  “Shit.  I have to go get ready.”


Sean stood and walked her to the door.


“So, you’re just home alone tonight?”  She looked up into his dark green eyes.


“Seems like it.”


“I was just thinking… Mel is bringing a date tonight and I’m going to be the third wheel.  Want to come along?”


“I don’t think…”


“Come on.  I’ll owe you one.  There’s this guy that works there that always gets drunk and hits on me.  You can pretend to be my boyfriend.”  Sweet mother of fuck.  Had she actually just suggested this?  She was thirty four years old for shit’s sakes.  Her face turned a deep shade of red.  “Sorry.  That’s so highschool.  I’m just going to leave before I make myself sound any more stupid.  Thanks for the drinks.”


Kaley rushed out of his apartment and back into hers.  Good god!  How many eggnogs had she had?






Mireille Chester is a stay at home mom of three children and wife to an amazingly supportive husband. Her time is spent playing with the kids, reading, writing, and watching movies with her hubby.

Mireille is a fantasy author who loves to spend time in made up worlds filled with magic. She is a firm believer that no hero is perfect and that all villains are burdened with a tiny shred of humanity. While she writes her Adult and YA novels under the name Mireille Chester, she is now writing a middle grade series under the name M.G. Chester.

Amazon
B&N
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

~~~~~

Presented by





~~~~~