Monday, July 30, 2018

Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 274 - Arabella The Traitor of Mars by David D. Levine, Paradox by Catherine Coulter

Arabella The Traitor of Mars (Adventures of Arabella Ashby, #3)Arabella The Traitor of Mars by David D. Levine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arabella just cannot keep from putting herself in danger. This time to save Mars. It looks like she and her beloved Captain Singh are on opposite sides. But wait! Will they really fight against each other. It is fun to watch real history and the alternate history that Arabella lives in collide. I think this was the best story of Arabella Ashby's adventures. Read book one and two first so you have the entire world building and back story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.


Paradox (FBI Thriller #22)Paradox by Catherine Coulter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 22 in the FBI Thriller series but it was easy to read as a standalone. While there were mentions of previous cases they did not impact the flow of this mystery. I enjoyed the story even though I knew who and what long before most of the mystery was revealed in the book. A lot of my enjoyment was generated as I got to know the characters and how they reacted to the plot. A nice series and a easy to read story.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Friday, July 27, 2018

Aries' Red Sky by James Young - Book Blast, Review and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. James Young will be awarding a 5x7 print of concept artwork from the Vergassy Universe to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Confederation of Man believes all Humanity should be under Terra’s rule.

The Spartan Republic has spent seven centuries preparing to resist Earth’s tyranny.

The stars will burn as these two mindsets come into brutal conflict in Aries’ Red Sky, the newest novel by award-winning author James Young.

Read an Excerpt:

The problem with making plans is sometimes the universe feels the need to remind you that it has a sense of humor, Nathan thought to himself. He glanced once again at his watch, then at the single wooden door at the end of the long, narrow room. It did not help his mood that the room was gloomy, the only light provided by the floating holograms of ancient documents. These lined the red, carpeted walkway that led through the surrounding blue carpet like a scarlet runway.

The Magna Carta. The American Declaration of Independence. The American Constitution. The Freebooter Articles. All forbidden by the Hassan Empire.

Nathan turned to look at the final hologram hovering above the legislative chamber’s entrance.

All also located here with The Acts of Inception to remind a waiting Executive that they are far from all powerful.

“Mr. President, that door’s not going to open until the Chief Parliamentarian is damn well ready to have it open,” Andrews stated dryly. Despite the security officer’s laconic comment, Nathan could tell the man was not impressed with being in the darkened room.

Three Presidents have died in this location and its predecessor, Nathan thought. Sure, one of them was a heart attack, but no one ever says to the head of security, ‘Oh you poor dear, how could you have known his heart was going to explode?’

“I still can’t believe Porter was the easier of the two of them to find,” Nathan said, giving Andrews a wry look.

“Porter has always been very good about his itinerary,” Andrews stated. “Nikephoros, not so much.”

The Chief Parliamentarian had finally been found with the help of a couple local kibbutzin. He and his two female companions had been far from the beaten path, having discovered a high mountain lake to avail themselves of.

Polyamory should be lethal at his age and that altitude, Nathan thought uncharitably. In either case, I’m sure that’s part of the reason we’re waiting—so he can remind me I’m not the boss of him.

The Spartan Republic’s Acts of Inception incurred a certain…tenseness between Executive and Legislative branches by design. First and foremost was the fact that the former served one six year term, period. Add to that no individual could serve in either branch for more than ten years combined, and it became readily apparent why the latter did not really give much of a shit what the former thought.

Walthers, Brown, and Menoit were no Washington, Marshall, and Madison, Nathan thought. But they got the job done. Longest any Republic has lasted in history.

My short review:

If you like military science fiction this book is for you.  It has a large cast of characters, a well though out back story and very good world building.  All of that adds up to a tension filled story with danger on every page.  

About the Author:
James Young is a Missouri native who escaped small town life by attending the United States Military Academy. After being set free from the Hudson River Valley, Mr. Young spent the next six years of his life in the Army repaying his education the proverbial “nickel at a time.” Along the way he collected a loving, patient, beautiful spouse…and various animals that did not fit that description. Leaving the Republic’s employ, he returned to the Midwest to pursue his doctorate—a process which took twice the time planned but is finally concluded. Having now concluded two of the prerequisites to be a super villain, Dr. Young spends his time waiting for the inevitable origin story, winning writing awards (2016 United States Naval Institute Cyber Essay Contest Winner, among others), and writing an alternate history (Usurper’s War) and military space opera (Vergassy Chronicles) series. His latest book is Aries Red Sky, the first in a new Vergassy Universe trilogy.

James Young’s Blog: https://vergassy.com
James Young’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B00AVKCQZQ

https://www.amazon.com/Aries-Red-Sky-Vergassy-Universe-ebook/dp/B07DTC94MX/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

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Thursday, July 26, 2018

Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 273 - Unchained by Ruby Lionsdrake, Sanctuary by Caryn Lix

Unchained: a science fiction romance adventureUnchained: a science fiction romance adventure by Ruby Lionsdrake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes what you see as punishment is really great opportunity. That is how it worked out for Dr. Skylar Russo. Who knew what she would find when sent to a prison asteroid. This was a fun story with two very interesting men and one ready for a change woman. Look for a surprise at the end.


Sanctuary (Sanctuary #1)Sanctuary by Caryn Lix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sanctuary is the first in a new YA series. It required a lot of backstory and world building before the story really got going. As a result I found the first half very slow moving. The rest of the story did have action, tension and a budding romance. Aliens had arrived and Kenzie had to help lead the people she through were criminal to save the day. There was a solution to part of the problem but I thought there was a lot left out. Of course all of those loose ends can be worked on in the next books in the series.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Short and Sweet Book Reviews # 273 - Space Deputy by Jenny Schwartz, Darik by Veronica Scott

Space Deputy (Interstellar Sheriff, #1)Space Deputy by Jenny Schwartz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the wild west but it is the edge of space and not the best posting for a deputy. Thelma Bach was top of her class but did not get a prime assignment. Instead she was sent to Saloon Sector but all was not lost. She had a plan and it was fun watching her work it. I loved the characters; especially the two AI's. Both added a nice spice to the mix. Of course her boss the very good looking boss, Sheriff Smith, is just an added bonus. Pick this up to find out how Thelma shows everyone that being top of the class was not a fluke and she will outsmart everyone. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.


Darik (Sectors New Allies Series, #4)Darik by Veronica Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another important part of the world building happens in Darik. When Darik sees Nichole James he knows he must rescue her. That leads to a fast paced story line with action and danger. Darik and Nichole are great characters. Nichole is very strong and Darik just what she needs. This is a great addition to the story. It can stand alone but is best if read in order. Now waiting for the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

The Clock Flower by Barbara Casey - Book Blast and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Barbara Casey will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Mackenzie Yarborough, one of the three FIGs—Females of Intellectual Genius—finds herself facing a terrifying death of an ancient evil dragon while in China working on a secret research project and trying to discover the truth of her birth parents.

Read an Excerpt:

Dara knew that once she started researching the ancient writing systems and language of Shandong Province, there was no way she was going to waste her time attending her required undergraduate classes when she could be working on her research. Therefore, with Dr. Chu’s permission and using the syllabi she received on the first day of classes, she simply completed all of the course work in advance and turned it in. Most of the professors only wanted a report anyway. “Now with that out of the way, I can turn my full attention to the Longshan period dating 2500-1900 BC and researching the early writing, language, and human sacrifice at the Shang Dynasty capital of Anyang,” she told Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Carolina during another one of their nightly visits by phone.

“I am so impressed, Dara,” said Carolina. “Not surprised that you could do it, but still impressed.”

Jennifer and Mackenzie agreed.

Dara had something else to tell them. “I was going to wait to talk to you about this once I had all of the details worked out, but since Mackenzie might be going to China over our winter break to visit the Yellow Sea Laboratories, I’d better go ahead and let you know what I am thinking.” Then she told them about Dr. Wu inviting her to the small village of Dawenkou in the Shandong Province over the winter break in order to meet the rest of the archeology team and see the dig site and their research facilities. “I was hoping the four of us could go together—check it out. Dr. Wu said you are more than welcome.” She hesitated, and when no one said anything, “Mackenzie, Dr. Wu said that the Yellow Sea Laboratories is also in the Shandong Province and near Dawenkou where the dig site is.”

“That’s right—Ling told me it is in the town of Puli.”

Carolina interrupted, “Did you say Puli?”

“Yeah, have you heard of it?” Mackenzie asked. “I don’t think it is a very big town—Ling calls it a village. It is located on the Yellow Sea, and it is near Qufu where Confucius lived. That is where her family and ancestors are from although she was born in Hawaii. And other than what I am doing at MIT, that is also where the research on the Clock Flower Project is being conducted.”

“Talk about coincidence,” Jennifer mumbled. “Well, I’m in,” but she couldn’t say anything else. The pounding in her chest, the painful heaviness of the rock, and the brilliance of the bright yellow and red took her breath. As the pain eased, she once again heard the delicate tones of the banhu—a little more distinct this time—a few more notes—another measure to be added to the symphony.

Carolina’s heart started to race, and it felt like all of the air had been sucked out of her lungs. Taking little breaths, she managed to say, “That goes for me, too.” Putting her hand on her chest and taking a deep breath, willing her heart to stop pounding, “I’ve never been to China, and this is too good of an opportunity to miss. Maybe they will let us tour the research lab, Mackenzie. And it will be great fun to see an actual working archeology site, Dara.”

But those weren’t the reasons she wanted to go; she knew when it concerned the FIGs, there was no such thing as coincidence. Larry had told her that he believed Mackenzie’s mother was from Puli and that is where she returned after giving birth. Something was happening which she didn’t understand. She had heard her mother’s warning, and she knew she needed to go to China. She needed to be with her girls. And she needed to protect Mackenzie.

About the Author:
Originally from Carrollton, Illinois, author/agent/publisher Barbara Casey attended the University of North Carolina, N.C. State University, and N.C. Wesleyan College where she received a BA degree, summa cum laude, with a double major in English and history. In 1978 she left her position as Director of Public Relations and Vice President of Development at North Carolina Wesleyan College to write full time and develop her own manuscript evaluation and editorial service. In 1995 she established the Barbara Casey Agency and since that time has represented authors from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Japan. In 2014, she became a partner with Strategic Media Books where she is involved in acquisitions and day-to-day operations and oversees book production.

Ms. Casey's two middle-grade/young adult novels, Leilani Zan and Grandma Jock and Christabelle (James C. Winston Publishing Co., Trade Division) were both nominated for awards of excellence by the SCBWI Golden Kite Award, the National Association of University Women Literary Award and the Sir Walter Raleigh Literary Award. Shyla's Initiative (Crossquarter Publishing Group), a contemporary adult novel (occult romance/mystery), received a 2003 Independent Publisher Book Award and also an award of special literary recognition by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. The Coach's Wife (ArcheBooks Publishing), also a novel for adults (contemporary/mystery), was semi-finalist for the 2005 Dana Award for Outstanding Novel and listed on the Publisher’s Best Seller List. The House of Kane (ArcheBooks Publishing), released in 2007, was considered for a Pulitzer nomination. Another contemporary novel for adults, Just Like Family, was released at Christmas 2009 when it received “Special Recognition from the 7-Eleven Corporation,” and The Gospel According to Prissy, also a contemporary novel written for adults, received a 2013 Independent Publishers Book Award for Best Book in Regional Fiction.

The Cadence of Gypsies, a novel written for young/new adults, was released in 2011 and was reviewed by the Smithsonian Institute for its List of Most Notable Books. In 2012, The Cadence of Gypsies was expanded into a four-book mystery series called THE FIG MYSTERIES: The Wish Rider (2016), The Clock Flower (2018), and The Nightjar’s Promise (to be released in 2019).

Ms. Casey also writes book-length nonfiction for adults. Kathryn Kelly: The Moll behind Machine Gun Kelly was released in 2016 and has been optioned for a major movie. In 2018 her book Assata Shakur: A 20th Century Escaped Slave was released and it has been signed for a major movie.

Ms. Casey's award-winning science fiction short stories for adults are featured in The Cosmic Unicorn and CrossTime science fiction anthologies. Ms. Casey's essays and other works appear in The Chrysalis Reader, the international literary journal of the Swedenborg Foundation, 221 One-Minute Monologues from Literature (Smith and Kraus Publishers), and A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation). Other award-winning articles, short stories, and poetry for adults have appeared in both national and international publications including the North Carolina Christian Advocate Magazine, The New East Magazine, the Raleigh (N.C.) News and Observer, the Rocky Mount (N.C.) Sunday Telegram, Dog Fancy, ByLine, The Christian Record, Skirt! Magazine, and True Story. A thirty-minute television special which Ms. Casey wrote and coordinated was broadcast on WRAL, Channel 5, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received special recognition for her editorial work on the English translations of Albanian children’s stories.

Ms. Casey is a former director of BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Florida, where she served as guest author and panelist. She has served as judge for the Pathfinder Literary Awards in Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Florida, and was the Florida Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators from 1991 through 2003. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and writers’ conferences around the country including the SCBWI Regional Conference, the Harriett Austin Writers Conference in Athens, SIBA (Southeastern Independent Book Sellers Association), Florida Writers Association, and the University of Auburn, Montgomery.

In 2018, Ms. Casey received the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for her extensive experience and notable accomplishments in the field of publishing and other areas. She makes her home on the top of a mountain in northwest Georgia with her husband and Benton, a hound mix who adopted her.

Website: http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com/
http://www.barbaracaseyagency.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/697572.Barbara_Casey
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-casey-a9527667/

https://www.amazon.com/Clock-Flower-FIG-MYSTERIES-Book-ebook/dp/B078HSW97D/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1532012448&sr=1-1&keywords=barbara+casey+the+clock+flower

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Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Love for Sale by Linda Nightingale - Audio Book Review and Giveaway





Love For Sale
by Linda Nightingale

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Sci-Fi Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:


March Morgan still believes in true love, but her faith in finding her soul mate is slowly vanishing. She’s been married but never in love. So, it is a miracle to find that fantasy exists on the last page of a glossy women’s journal. Mayfair Electronics, Ltd., in black and white, offers Love for Sale. The London firm has engineered sentient androids indistinguishable from humans. She flies to England and meets the man she has been searching for her entire life.
Christian requires no programming to love March at first sight. He’s handsome, cultured…absolutely perfect…and a little different from the other androids. He has an unexpected independent streak. March signs on the dotted line, buying her dream man. They return to Houston, but soon her past and his future threaten their Happily Ever After—indeed their lives.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Love for Sale 

Motionless, she watched the parade of beauty, but none of them struck the special chord that would make her heart sing. These men—androids—can be customized, March reminded herself.  Still, it took more than looks to make her fall in love.

Then he strode through the door, and her heart did a double back flip. She inhaled a soft gasp.  He was perfect, no customization needed.  The only programming required was a sense of humor and an intense libido.  Lord, she wanted to touch him, run her fingers through his hair and kiss that luscious mouth.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”  His voice defined musical and played that special chord she’d dreamed of.  “I was on the phone.”

The Special Editions had gathered around her.  The auburn haired woman whispered a laugh. “Is there any need for more than one introduction, Ms. Morgan?”

That someone was speaking barely registered.  March didn’t respond.  She was speechless and couldn’t peel her gaze off the most beautiful man she’d ever seen.  His eyes were crystalline blue, his hair wheat colored.  She’d wanted sparks.  She’d gotten fireworks!  No way in hell was she leaving London without him.

Spellbound, March was drawn one step toward perfection, her willful eyes traveling over his body, pausing at his zipper, sliding down his long legs.  The wasted years looped through her memory, regret stinging her eyes.

Melissa squeezed her hand.  “Ah, you like our blond.”  She beckoned.  “Come, Christian.” 

In tight jeans and a tux jacket with plaid cummerbund and bow tie, her dream man paused in the light of a crystal and gold chandelier.  His shoulder-length hair shone like silk. Mischief sparkled in his eyes. Full lips parted on a smile, his teeth white and even.  March loved a beautiful smile, and everything inside her melted.

REVIEW:

Do You believe in true love? March Morgan does and she goes to extraordinary lengths to find it. The title says it all, Love for Sale. March buys Christian, an android who is programed to love her. Seems that Christian is not your usual android. He can work around his programing and that does cause problems. What does not change is his love for March. The two find that they have more than one obstacle is overcome. Someone is jealous and causes trouble but that is not the worse March and Morgan have to overcome. Look for a surprise ending that will give the two a very long HEA.  Rebecca McKernan does a very good job narrating the story.


Excerpt:

Rhapsody

Art is passion.

Each of us, at some time, wishes to stand naked in passion’s temple and face deepest, darkest desire—to be an innocent victim to lust.  I knew all about lust.  Lust.  Bloodlust.  In the ecstasy of the Kiss and the rapture of the kill, the two fused.

I glided to the sofa, perching on the arm.  Mischief whispered in my ear.

My friend Lucien, head of the Council that governed the Vampyre, would be livid if I endangered our secret. I might even be punished. So what?  For a long time now, I’d faithfully toed the line, giving the powers that be no reason to slap my hand. No one was likely to nominate me for sainthood, and I was tired of being a good man.  Envisioning an outraged Lucien crumpling the newspaper, I laughed aloud.  For days, I hadn’t laughed. I was still chuckling when I dashed off a Men Seeking Women romance ad. 

Vampires were no longer monsters, but fine seducers, purveyors of passion.  Victims abounded. As I sampled the replies, I was disappointed and left fifty beautiful women disappointed as well, thinking me another nut not a vampire.

I failed to find the thrilling vintage I sought and forgot about the ad.
**
“Hello, darlin’.” Her voice was lazy, honey-sweet and sensual. “You look like you could use some company.” 

I took a deep breath of the vintage I had sought. “I could.”

“You got it.”  Manicured red nails dug into my shoulders. “I’ve been waiting for you all my life.” 

A first-class, round-trip ticket to the Turks and Caicos Islands dropped on the keyboard. Another fell beside it. One of the tickets was issued to Morgan Gabriel D'Arcy, the other to Fiona Allman. I had to admire her style, but she couldn’t have come from the ad. Names and addresses weren’t given. 

Fiona was the given.

“What you waiting for? Your bags are packed. We’re leaving on a jet plane.” The enticing voice grew darker, duskier. “To sunshine. No more of this fricking rain.” 

“Fiona, I presume.” 

“It’s me, darlin’, the one you’ve been waiting for.” Soft, warm lips caressed my cheek, her fingers working magic on the tense muscles in my neck. 

The scents of rain-perfumed skin, Italian leather, and blood laced with single malt whiskey teased my six senses.  I hadn’t fed in nights. The craving wrenched my stomach. Saliva broke beneath my tongue. Her fingers stroking my neck awoke another, totally sexual desire. I threw back my head and laughed.  I was in trouble. At last! 

She smoothed the hair back from my forehead. “Come on, pretty baby, get up. We don’t have much time. Heathrow’s a good hour’s drive from here.”

“I can’t go,” I said, not believing my own lie.  I always did exactly as I pleased.  “CD to cut.”

The throaty laugh was as sensual as her touch.  “I’ve checked your schedule. No personal appearances. These dickheads will wait until Lord D’Arcy returns. They have to. You are the show.”

“How did you find me?”  I liked the way she stroked my libido. An image of taking her on the piano heated my blood. “How did you know my name? And my schedule.”

“Does it matter?” She tucked my hair behind my ear and sucked the lobe into her mouth. “I wanna [screw] your brains out.”

“Anytime.”  I was ready. Desire throbbed, hot, taut in my belly and in my [shaft].

It didn’t matter how, only that she had found me. 

REVIEW:

A interesting collection of four stories about Morgan D'Arcy and his long journey through life. Viral mutations of human DNA caused his vampyrism. That in an important factor in the stories. Could there be a cure? Why would he want one. Check this out to find out more? Rebecca McKernan does a good job as the narrator. This is more novella length as it is only 5+ hours long.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born in South Carolina, Linda has lived in England, Canada, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Atlanta and Houston.  She’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer, having bred, trained and showed Andalusian horses for many years.

Linda has won several writing awards, including the Georgia Romance Writers Magnolia Award and the SARA Merritt.  She retired from a career as a retired legal assistant, just joined the Houston BMW Club, and the stars in her crown—two wonderful sons. In a former life, she must have had to walk everywhere because today she is into transportation with fine taste in expensive horses and hot cars! She likes to dress up and host formal dinner parties.


Web Site:  http://www.lindanightingale.com– Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.
Blog:  https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/- Lots of interesting guests & prizes

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Linda Nightingale will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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The Bridesmaid's Checklist: Natalie's Wedding by K. T. Castle - Book Blast and Giveaway


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Kassandra never thought she’d be in another committed relationship, but now she’s living with her boyfriend Josh. Things can’t get any better. But they can get worse.

Natalie has dropped a major bomb on her, confessing she believes her husband is having an affair. Kassandra is always ready to help a friend, but accepting that one of their marriages isn’t working goes against everything she believes about the people she loves. Wanting to help their friend overcome this difficult situation and provide Natalie the support she needs, Kassandra and the girls pull a lot of strings to help Natalie uncover the truth. In the process, Kassandra discovers remarkable similarities between Josh’s recent changes and those in Natalie’s allegedly cheating husband. She’s always been an independent woman who prides herself on her own success, and when she digs up one dirty secret after another, she can’t help but wonder if her man’s womanizing days are really behind him.

Sometimes, love makes us twist reality to avoid hurting those we hold closest to our hearts. Join Kassandra and Natalie as they struggle to reconcile their fears in love with the truth.

Read an Excerpt:

Saturday morning, Josh headed out for a photo shoot he expected to last all day. He didn’t usually work on weekends, but it happened from time to time. It still bothered me a little that his job involved being surrounded by beautiful young women so he could capture that beauty, but whenever I dropped by for a visit, everyone knew who I was and what I meant to him. That made it easier for me, and I knew it made it easier for Josh. He loved working for himself and had grown JAG Modeling Agency from the ground up.

Since I’d be on my own for the day, I decided to take advantage of the situation and invite the girls over for a chat with Natalie. She had asked me not to intervene in her situation with Andrik, and while I respected her wish of me not talking to her husband, I knew she needed support from her friends.

I’d asked them to be at my place around nine and to leave the children at home with their fathers. We needed some girl time alone. Then I tried to cover all my bases with breakfast—fresh juice and fruit in case anyone was on a diet, spinach omelets without cheese for those who avoided dairy, and pancakes just in case someone needed something a little stronger. I also bought some high-quality steak cuts, potatoes, onions, and corn, thinking that if our meeting ran too long, my friends’ husbands would show up and turn our breakfast meeting into a barbecue. Even though all my friends had the space and furniture to throw these get-togethers in their own homes, Josh and I had taken on the role of hosting them every week since we’d moved in together a month ago. I wondered how much longer we’d be able to keep up that kind of consistency.

Marisol and Laura showed up early, and I gave them a small briefing on what the gathering was about. The news shocked them, too, and they wanted to try to convince Natalie that it had to be something else. While they helped me set up, I reminded them that we needed to be delicate and careful not to overwhelm her.

Natalie arrived not much later, looking far less than her normal, glamorous self. Her bleach-blonde hair was now long enough to pull back into a messy ponytail, and I wasn’t sure the look suited her; we were used to seeing her with a little more care given to her appearance. She wore beige capris with a floral, short-sleeve shirt—something much more suited to Marisol in her mommy role. The little changes Natalie made now leaned more toward comfortable and away from posh, and I knew it was because she was unhappy. She’d never let being a wife and a mother distract her from presenting herself as if she were about to make her way down a catwalk. She still looked good, but it wasn’t her.

We sat on my terrace around the glass table Josh and I had added to the patio furniture. I was happy to see that everyone seemed to enjoy the food, and the conversation was amicable. But it didn’t flow or feel comfortable. I guess we were all waiting to see who would bring up the elephant in the room first.

“I still can’t believe you let Josh adopt a dog,” Marisol said as she crossed her legs in her chair, doing her best to avoid the beautiful American Pitbull licking her toes.

“Let?” I asked. “This is his house. How could I say no? Besides, have you looked at this guy? He’s gorgeous!” I called the goofy mutt by offering him a piece of bread. Josh was adamant about only feeding him the holistic dog food and healthy treats, but I couldn’t resist. “Come here, Jagger.”



About the Author: K.T. Castle loves reading, writing, and painting. She's on a quest to find the words, forms, and colors to materialize the worlds and people of her imagination. She loves reading Romance, especially Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, and Paranormal. She never saw herself as an incurable romantic, but lately, that's what she finds herself musing about. Love is found everywhere, regardless of whether it comes from a nice person or an ass—mundane or even vampire.

When she's not busy with work, in front of a computer placing many thoughts in order, she does her best to be creative or relax with a good TV series and snacks. Some of her favorite characters are Lucifer, Jace, Clary, Affton, Cable, Poppy, Zack, Maleficent, and Ariel.

Social media links:

Facebook: @KTCastle.author https://www.facebook.com/KTCastle.author/
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40856502-natalie-s-wedding
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktcastle_author/
Website: http://ktcastle.com/index.html
Blog: https://ktcastle.wordpress.com
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/b8WO99

The book is available for a limited time for only $0.99


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