Leading Ladies ~ Sonja Bennett

Hello!
We got to meet Lucas Edwards who is lame and doesn't like Star Wars. I know, how lame right? This is the last leading lady for a Beneath the Scars book. I'm sure you all want to throw something at me because I keep saying 'the last time'. I'm sure it's annoying to hear, but it's weird to think that this is the last time that I'm working on with this project. I will have other projects, but I throw myself into each of my stories.

Sonja Bennett

Black hair
Dark eyes
Caring
Teacher
Likes to binge watch movies with sweets with her friend Kensi.
Needs a new car.

My feet were sore and my hips were stiff from standing on my feet the last two days. Today was the second full day and I didn’t know who felt it more, me or the kids. The first week was over. Sitting at my desk my eyes were scanning the desks. I could tell I was going to have to move a few kids around because of the chattiness. Sighing I took my phone out of the top drawer. There was a missed call, I didn’t recognize the number, but they also didn’t leave a voicemail. I swiped the notification off to the side. There weren’t any text messages either. I chewed on the inside of my cheek. Taking a deep breath I clicked on the message icon and clicked on Sawyer’s name.

Hey, what are you up to this weekend?

I shouldn’t contact him after he blew me off the other night. Maybe he was busy? Well I’m busy too. Why did I keep doing this to myself? He and I have known each other since middle school. My phone vibrating broke my train of thought.

Not much, sorry missed you the other night. Had to help my buddy move some stuff.

See he was busy.

You’re fine, I went to bed early for my first day.

Nice, you survive?

One corner of my lips curled up. He sent another message.

I got paid in a case of beer so I’d say I did.

So do you want to do something this weekend?

I stood up and grabbed my stuff. The sun cut through the blinds of my classroom, hitting every laminate surface of the kids’ desks. Pulling my sunglasses out of my purse I perched them on the top of my head. Swinging the bag over my shoulder I marched out of my room. Leaving the building I signed out, I survived the first week. I only had one hundred seventy-seven school days to go until summer break. As I walked out into the warm sunny afternoon, the warmth filled me after being in the building all day. My phone buzzed.

Don’t know haven’t thought that far out, u?

Was kind of hoping that we could hang out

I got to my car and tossed my stuff into the passenger seat. I took a deep breath of fresh air as I made my way around to the driver’s seat. Once I got myself in my seat and situated my phone went off again. Picking it up Sawyer had responded.

Sure we can. Want to show up tomorrow around six at twelfth ave and we take it from there?

My heart fluttered.

That sounds good to me.

Shaking my hands out I was grinning like a fool. Starting my car I pulled out of the parking lot. This week might have been a little rough, but I had a date with Sawyer tomorrow. We were going to the beach as well, which in itself helped restart every fiber in me. That could help me relax for the upcoming week a little. Rolling down the windows a little I turned up the music. I was going to enjoy the fresh air as much as I could.

When I got home I quickly changed into my pajamas and threw my hair into a bun. Tonight I was going to do laundry and relax, tomorrow I was going to have some fun.

Leaning over my mirror I opened my eyes real wide to get each lash with the mascara. My lashes were already dark, but the mascara helped with the defining, at least that’s what I was told. Mixing a couple of shades of eyeshadow I coated each eyelid with the shimmery powder, but made sure not to cover the eyeliner. Grabbing my brush I pulled it through my nearly black mane. The light waves were pulled straight with each action then sprung back to their original form. Gathering the strands I pulled it up and turned my head a couple of times. Scrunching my face I let them fall back down my back. Taking a couple of steps back I looked at the mirror on my dresser.

I pulled on my light pink shirt, then smoothed out my grey and blue striped skirt that came down to a little above my knees. Exhaling I glanced around my room. It was nice to dress for something other than work. Now to go grab my sandals. Opening up my closet I bent over to pick up silver sandals from my shoe rack. Slipping them on, I gripped the straps to my purse. Jogging down the stairs I didn’t want to be late.

“I’m going out with Sawyer, see you all later,” I called out as I ran out the door.

Practically running down the path I went to my car. After going through a couple of radio stations I finally settled on one. Zooming out of the neighborhood I made my way towards the beach. It seemed like I managed to hit every red light on the way. My thumbs drummed against the steering wheel with the beats. As I got closer to the Main Street people were strolling on both sides. Some were still in their bathing suits with a cover up or t-shirt. A couple of kids were running ahead of some adults who were calling for them. I turned down Twelfth Avenue. Driving by the homes, over the summer most of the houses had out of state license plates in the driveways. Now, more of the state that I knew was coming back.

The homes were big, some still with fresh siding on them. Off to the side a group of people around my age were sitting on a front porch with a cooler. The horizon was becoming bluer. The corners of my lips turned in. The meters that were up all summer for right on the beach parking were taken down. Once my car was off, I got out and jumped onto the boardwalk, holding the sides of my skirt down. I sat on a bench as a breeze came through.

Crossing my ankles I leaned back against the wood back. The salty air surrounded me. Taking in a deep breath the week that I had become a faint memory. The sounds of laughter and waves crashing against the sand reached my ears. The hums of the waves were a soothing melody to me. Checking my phone I saw that I was five minutes early. Sawyer was never early.

Sitting on the bench I watched some kids finishing up a sandcastle. An older couple was holding hands as they strolled on the waterline. The woman’s face was towards me, but her eyes were on the man she was with. Tilting my head I kept my eyes on them until they were too far. I wondered if Sawyer and I would end up like that couple. Checking my phone again it was quarter after six. Sawyer didn’t text me. My knee started to bounce. If I hit every red light, maybe he had as well. He usually left his house late to begin with.

The few families that were on the beach slowly dwindled. However, behind me I could hear people sauntering by as their feet hit the boards. Some of the restaurants were getting a little louder. The sky was turning a mixture of orange, purple, and pink. I looked at my phone. It was a few minutes after seven. Sawyer hated when I checked up on him. Picking up my phone closer to my face I clicked on Kensi’s name. She picked up on the second ring.

“Hey, what’s up?”

I sighed. “Hey.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m hungry and have been stood up. I’m at the beach and I’m really regretting my skirt decision.”

“What ave?”

“Twelve.”

“I’ll be right there.”

She hung up before I could say anything else. I slid down the bench and crossed my arms over my chest. Titling my head back I stared at the sky above my head. I was so stupid thinking that this was going to cheer me up. After everything we’ve been through I should’ve known there was a good chance that he wasn’t going to show up. My eyes stung. I kept blinking and took in deep breaths. I was in public.

“Sonja?”

I sat up and turned around. There was Kensi holding a pizza. She was in long pants and a flowy plum color tank top. Her blonde hair was tied in a high ponytail. In her arms was a box of pizza with a brown paper bag on top. I smiled. Using her other hand she tossed me something. Narrowing my eyes I caught it, there were a pair of shorts. I laughed.

“Go put those on in my truck and we’ll eat our feast of champions.”

I shook my head and jumped off the boardwalk to get into her SUV. Climbing in I shut the door quickly. I pulled the shorts on under my skirt, trying to keep low in the backseats. Yanking my skirt off I buttoned her shorts. They were a little tight, but I would take them. I left my skirt in the back and went to join Kensi on the boardwalk.

“Feel a little better?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

We walked down the stairs towards the sand.

“I know that’s not how you planned on getting out of your skirt tonight.” She continued.

“Thanks.” I answered dryly.

“Hey, I brought pizza, cheesy garlic bread, and some desert you should love me.”

I laughed. “I do. How can I argue with an opening like that?”

She plopped down and I mimicked. She opened the box to reveal a pepperoni pizza. Kensi leaned over and pulled out a bottle of water for each of us. I took it and put it in the sand next to me. I took a slice out of the box and groaned as I took the first bite.

“I’m starving.”

She giggled. “I can tell.”

I finished one slice and chugged some water.

“So, now that you have some food in you, care to explain?”

I separated another piece of pizza. The cheese stretched and I had to peel the cheese to let it free.

“Same old story. Kind of crazy first week. Sawyer said we’d meet up tonight here at six and I called you at seven. I haven’t heard from him to explain why he didn’t show.”

She shook her head. “I swear I don’t get why you keep giving him more chances or what you see in him.”

I glanced over at her and swallowed what I had in my mouth.

“I don’t know, it’s kind of hard to explain. He is nice to me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Standing you up, isn’t being nice to you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m aware, but when we do see each other he is nice.”

“You’re a great person,” I shifted my eyes to her as she was talking. “I just wish you’d see that and leave his dumb, worthless, ass behind.”

I lowered the pizza for a moment.

“I don’t know why I can’t.”

She wrapped an arm around me.

“It’s going to be hard to let go of a first love, but I’ll be here for every step. I want you to be happy.” I rested my head on her shoulder. “Lucky for you the first step includes food. I also have a couple slices cheesecake in this bag.”

I laughed and wiped my eyes.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She grinned ear to ear. “Good news for you is that you won’t ever have to worry about that.”

I smiled.

The next day I was tying my hair back as I was jogging down the stairs. When I reached the first level I turned down the hall. Audrey was sitting on the couch eating something for lunch. It looked like part of a quesadilla. When I walked into the kitchen, her quesadilla maker was still on the counter, flipped open. Peppers, onions, cheese, and a few other stuff were spread across the counter top. Every fiber of my being cringed. I kept my head turned away as I went into the fridge to search for something. I sucked in and made some clicking noises. There was some fruit, a couple Tupperware containers, and a package of chicken. Opening one of the containers there was a slice of chicken pie. I heated it in the microwave. Pulling out a drawer I grabbed a fork and made my way back up the stairs, nibbling as I went up.

When I got up the stairs I sat down on my bed, moving around until I was comfortable. Lighting up my phone I checked to see if I had any messages. Taking in a deep breath I let it out slowly. I was not going to give in to text him. Shaking my head I got up to put my phone on the furthest dresser before going back to bed.

Serene Blog Tour

Good Morning,
So, my fiance got me a new computer so this will be the last post on my old laptop. I am going from my Dell to a new HP so it will be interesting. The new computer is also a touch screen, which has been interesting to play around with. I'm excited. However, I noticed that my external hard drive hasn't saved anything since August which makes me kind of worried. So today I will be hand picking documents to put onto my new computer as I try to figure out what's going on with my external hard drive! However, you didn't come here to read about my lack of computer skills. Today I am getting to share the third installment in Diana Nixon's Shattered series! Are you excited? I am, look at that cover! Read that description, I know that I am looking forward to reading it!

SERENE

by Diana Nixon

Shattered Series (Story, #3)

Blurb:
I used to think that my life was a picture of perfection. I had everything a twenty-five-year-old woman could wish for: a loving family, friends, a dream job and a fiancé who thought the world of me.
Until the day I lost it all… Including my ability to see.
The car accident took away not just my vision, but also a part of me that I was sure I would never be able to get back.
And then I met him… Stanley Burke. A kind of a man I thought didn’t exist anymore: understanding, loving, supportive and generally too good to be true.
Without effort, he breathed life into my frozen heart, making it beat faster than ever before. 
He became a light that my eyes would never see again. He made me feel things that were long lost and forgotten.
Only I couldn’t give him what he deserved.
Because in my pitch-dark world, there was no place for love… 
“I’ve never been so scared of losing someone in my entire life… Then again, I’ve never had anyone as important as you are to lose…”

*****COMING DECEMBER 14th*****
Pre-Order with 1-Click:
www.diana-nixon.com/stores


Add on GOODREADS:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38460710-serene


About the author:
Diana Nixon is an International bestselling author of contemporary and fantasy romances. A Master of Law, she never thought she would betray the world of law and dive into fiction. But once her first book – Love Lines – was published, she realized that writing was her true passion. Since then, she has written 19 more books. She can’t imagine her life without her fictional characters and she never stops thinking about the new storylines that haunt her dreams. She’s married and has two daughters - her biggest source of inspiration. She loves music, traveling, coffee and chocolate. She believes that writing is the best cure for everything that can be healed with words. 
​
Diana Nixon's books are being translated into Spanish, German, Russian, French, Portuguese, Italian and Greek.  

Diana Nixon is the founder of Inks and Scratches, a literary magazine  intended to help authors of all genres find readers and spread the news about their writing all over the world. 

 

Website: www.diana-nixon.com

Twitter: @DianaNixon9 https://twitter.com/DianaNixon9

Instagram: @authordiananixon https://www.instagram.com/authordiananixon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authordiananixon/?ref=settings

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diananixon96/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5814368.Diana_Nixon

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Nixon/e/B007PY0IMO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1519224711&sr=8-1

Beneath the Scars series

Good morning,
I have a cold that is trying to kick my butt right now, but considering all the other germs going on right now at work I'll take the cold. I'm finishing up the edits on Define a Hero (Beneath the Scars 3) to send to the editor today! Which is a tad earlier than I was thinking, but I'll take it! There is a huge gap between the first and second, we will call it a trade off? I hope that everyone is enjoying the second one! It is now available for everyone whether you like paperbacks or ebooks.

I loved the first one so much I wanted to go back to that world. I originally started to write a sequel to Beneath the Scars. Jack had a different name, and he was a cop. Faye's character has gone through a few different names, until I came up with Faye Harper and it just clicked. After putting that story on the back burner. Then after a few years, the characters that would become Faye and Jack came to life. About halfway through with writing the story I heard the song 'Greatest Love Story' by Lanco came out, and it made me think of the characters.

Call for Help
Beneath the Scars 2

Jack Corrente was once part of the same unit as Riley Nolan. Now after serving Jack is back in his hometown. On the outside he is working at the same mechanic shop he worked at in high school, he went out with his friends, and helped his mom around the house. On the inside though he is battling the shadows from the past.

One night though his high school sweetheart, Faye Harper, accidentally calls him. His mind becomes swampier with all the other memories. Faye was ready to escape the small town as soon as she saw her chance. She is states away in New York City. She has a job she likes and a fast pace life. However, ever since that phone call she wonders if she made the right decisions in her life.

Goodreads

Amazon

BN

Keep your eyes open, but it looks like the conclusion of this trilogy will be out in the beginning of 2019! It is crazy to type that. I will also be sending End of the Line 2 to the editor (more on that later) and possibly the pirate story that I've been talking about as well.

Happy Readings!

Form is officially open!

Hello!
I told you I would share the form today and here I go. Remember in order to get a free copy of Call for Help (Beneath the Scars 2) you must have posted a review somewhere. That means Amazon, your blog, BN, anywhere. A review doesn't have to be real long. It could be as simple as 'Amazing!' or 'wasn't too bad.' I will check out your link that you share with me and email you an ebook copy of Call for Help! Please do not share the ebook copy illegally. I am giving away free ebook copies. This offer will run until October 30th! Then the form will be gone and Call for Help will be up for sale on November 2!

FORM

Call for Help
Jack Corrente was once part of the same unit as Riley Nolan. Now after serving Jack is back in his hometown. On the outside he looks like his regular self. He is working at the same mechanic shop he worked at in high school, he goes out with his friends, and helps his mom around her house. On the inside though he is battling the shadows from the past.

One night his high school sweetheart, Faye Harper, accidentally calls him. His mind becomes swampier with memories of Faye on top of his tours. Faye was ready to escape the small town as soon as she received notice of her NYU acceptance letter. Now she is states away in New York City. She has a job she likes and a fast pace life. However, ever since that phone call she wonders if she took the current path for the right reasons.

Free early copy of Call for Help

Hello!
The sun is shinning, but it is freezing by me! The sun is giving a false illusion. However, I'm still excited for the upcoming release of Call for Help (Beneath the Scars 2)! Hopefully you are as well. I see many people took advantage of Beneath the Scars being free for ebook users. With that being said tomorrow (Monday) I will share a  form for you all to fill out. You might ask why should you do this?

This form will be for those who have posted a review of Beneath the Scars somewhere online. I dont care if the review is one sentence or a whole page on a blog or on Amazon. If you share me the link of your review then I will verify the link. Then I will email you a copy of Call for Help in any ebook format to you for free!! I will only do this for a short period of time.
Keep your eyes open!

Cover Reveal ~ Bet on Me by Mia Hoddell

Good Morning!

I get the honor of helping Mia Hoddell reveal this beautiful cover! I love the colors and the overall cover. Don't you like how the title pops? Check out this reveal! It is a re-release of her one novel, but she has updated the cover and some added material ;)

* COVER REVEAL + RE-RELEASE *

BET ON ME

by Mia Hoddell

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Standalone

Re-Release Date: September 8th 2018

Pages: 314

Blurb

Alaya

There are three things I want from my life: adventure, freedom, and excitement.

I’m on my way to achieving them as well, having packed up my life to travel.

But then I see him … the man with the haunted eyes.

Cole Ashford intrigues me from the moment I meet him. He isn’t supposed to be a part of my plan, yet for some insane reason, I want to be the reason his life has meaning again.

So I make him a bet he can’t refuse.

The only problem is one bet is never enough, and the stakes are increasing with every wager. My heart was never supposed to be on offer, yet I’m starting to wonder if I’ve put it in danger.

Cole

I’m drawn to Alaya Matthews’ love of life.

I know allowing her to be my light is selfish, but I can’t resist the first person to make me feel more than hollowness in seven years.

With one bet she has me hooked. It doesn’t matter continuing our game makes her vulnerable to a dark world … I want her.

However, my tainted past is catching up with me and my secrets can’t stay hidden forever. It’s forcing me to choose between leaving the best thing to happen to me or clinging to it and risking both our lives.

I know what I should do, but I can’t let go.

*Now includes a bonus, extended epilogue, which was previously only available to newsletter subscribers.*

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

What reviewers are saying:

"One of the best stories I've read this year ... There are plenty of laughs along the way, but if you're an emotional so-and-so like me, there'll be plenty of tears too." - Keren Hughes, Author of More

"If you're looking for an easy romantic suspense with laughter and tears then this book is for you!" - Nerdy Dirty & Flirty​

"It will be your favorite summer read!" - A.L. Van Meter

"Fast paced, highly addictive, action packed and well written." - Cristina Urs

"A story full of suspense, mystery, and romance that had me turning the pages wanting more. I found the characters to be very likable and their chemistry was through the roof." - Alpha Book Club​

"A great book on living in the moment and seizing the opportunities that come to us." - Sassy Southern Book Blog​

"I have to say that it met all my expectations ... A romantic suspense full of intrigue right from the start that had me on the edge of my seat," - Anne @ Bookaholics Reading Haven

Excerpt

He shook his head in despair. “I’m beginning to think I made a mistake trying to save you. You’re not going to make my life easy, are you?”

I clutched my hands to my chest, giving him my best dreamy-eyed swoon. “Aww, you were trying to save me. You’re so sweet! And for the record, no, I’m not going to make your life easy. But hey,” I shrugged, “it was your choice. You could always save me by boxing him against the window and leaving me in peace.”

“Oh really? Maybe I’ll just go to the toilet instead and leave you to fend for yourself.” He kicked one leg out into the aisle, moving to stand. When his body shifted, it gave me another glimpse of the greasy-haired man who watched us from the corner of his eye and reached for his bag, as if ready to pounce as soon as Hazel … uh, Cole moved.

Throwing away all self-respect, I reached out and grabbed his wrist. “No!”

He sniggered and collapsed back against the seat with a smirk. “So you do need saving.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re cruel.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t know me, remember? Don’t sound so surprised.”

My jaw dropped at his words and my gaze shifted nervously around the carriage. Maybe I was better off taking my chances with the other guy. I swallowed hard.

“I’m not your sweetheart.”

“Would you prefer it if I called you Ice Queen or Gingernut instead? Because I didn’t think those would go over as well.”

  

About the Author

International bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.

Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder, Not Enough, and Bet On Me.

Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them. She also designs book covers on her website M Designs 

You can follow Mia on:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | | Amazon

Men of Ottilie ~ Lucas Edwards

Good Morning,
I started back up at work this past week. I'll have to go back to figuring out a way to work and write, yay for back to finding a balance. Got to love adulting. Jenn is moving through Call for Help which I can't wait to share with you all this year! I usually edit a story a couple of times, then have someone else go through it, I go through the story again, then I send it off to an editor. Right now Define a Hero (Beneath the Scars 3) is in the stage of being in someone else's hands. I mailed it to my mom and she is going through it. Apparently she edits while she is going to the city on the train. Whatever works right?
Here is Lucas Edwards. If you read Beneath the Scars, the last name Edwards should look familiar! ;) Tom Holland seems like a nice, funny guy so I was tempted to put him in as Lucas, we'll see what you all think!

Lucas Edwards

Dark Blond (might be switched to brunette)
Hazel eyes
Ex Marines
Wears a prosthetic leg
Watches his niece and nephew after school
Hates Star Wars

The TV was on as I munched on some cereal that I kept in my room. The sheets were still covering my lower half of my body. I was waiting to hear the results of the DNA test. I didn’t understand people. The woman said she loved her boyfriend, but slipped up and swore it was his best friend’s baby. She promised that she had never been with another man except those two guys. The guy on the screen pulled out the envelope. I grabbed another handful of cereal and crunched down. The boyfriend came back as not the father. The boyfriend bent over, covering his face. If I was him I’d take my chance and run off the stage, change my phone number, and make sure never to see the girl again. His best friend leaned forward in his chair. I bet was that he wasn’t the father either. The guy opened up the envelope. He wasn’t the father either. I could make money betting on this show. The second guy jumped up out of his chair, knocking it over, screaming ‘I told you so’ over and over. The woman was sobbing.

There was a knock on my door. The door creaked open. There stood my brother, Cameron. I raised my eyebrow. He opened the door completely and came in. He sat on the edge of my bed. My eyes stayed on him, waiting for the shoe to drop.

“This is seriously what you are watching?”

Quickly I swallowed. “It’s completely mindless, and I can feel my brain dying a little with each second, but at the same time I find myself unable to change the channel either.”

“So I got that job.”

“That’s great.”

I didn’t look at him.

“So I’m going to need some help.”

I raised my eyebrow and looked at him.

“What kind of help?”

“Just for you to get the kids from school and make sure they don’t die until I get home from work at five thirty.”

“Will I have to pick them up from school?”

Cameron shook his head. “Nah, the bus drops them off at the corner and they can walk here together. Just make sure no sweets after school and that they do their homework. You don’t have to leave the house.”

I shrugged. “Well in that case, I will.”

“At some point you will have to see people in public.”

I stared at him blankly. “I’m a grown man, if I don’t want to do something, I don’t have to.”

He shook his head. “Whatever, but you got the kids?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I got them.”

“You will have to leave this room though.”

I turned my head to the other side of the bed where my prosthetic was resting.

“Whatever.”

“You better get a grip soon because you’re starting to affect Hunter.”

I made a noise and narrowed in at Cameron. “I think you’re giving the kids more credit.”

“I think you don’t realize how old they are now.”

I glanced back to the TV. The girlfriend was covering her face as she was crying and ran off stage.

“I think you need to socialize with actual people instead of this real life soap opera crap.”

“Please, those writers wished they could write a script like this.”

Cameron stood in front of the TV. His arms were folded over his chest and his were practically slits.

“I don’t want to come home to the kids downstairs by themselves, or with this in the background as you are so called watching them. It was nearly impossible for me to get full custody against Laura.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Fine.”

“You must be downstairs, at the kitchen table helping Amelia and Hunter with their homework when I walk through the door.”

“Yes, mom,” my voice was deeper.

“When you have kids you’ll understand.”

“I’m not a full man, who the hell is going to have a kid with me?” I barked.

“You’re right, you’re not a man. You’re a child. It’s one in the afternoon now get your lazy butt up. I’m not mom and I won’t coddle you anymore. You’ve been on that bed for nearly a year. We all took turns driving you to therapy sessions. The gloves are coming off now. Your niece and nephew will be home soon since it was a half day. Now I want you showered, in clean clothes, and acting like a human within ten minutes.”

Cameron stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him so hard that it shook in the frame. The people on TV started to yell at each other, their voices only mixed with my groan. I threw the sheets over to the side. On the night stand was my prosthetic sock and socket. My face twisted as I swung my leg over. My one foot rested on the floor while my stub on edge of my bed. I rolled the sock over the nub that was once my leg. I docked in the socket over it. Leaning over slightly I took hold of the prosthetic leg. Hooking it up to the socket until I heard the click. Pushing myself up I felt the weight transfer, my shorts fell over the fake leg, resting over the ball of a joint.

Picking up my leg I started to walk down the hall. I could feel each roll of the foot and knee of my new limb. Once I was out of my room I turned to go down the stairs. My one hand gripped the smooth wooden railing with each step. My pace was measured, just as I got to the first floor it opened. Amelia came bursting through the door. Her arms were wide open with a grin spreading across her face.

“Uncle Lucas!” she giggled and wrapped her arms around my waist.

I placed a hand on her shoulder. Hunter was moseying up the porch stairs with his eyes on the ground.”

“School was awesome!”

“You like your teacher?” Cameron came up from behind me.

Amelia let go and went around me. I heard her sandals clapping against the tile floor. Hunter closed the door behind him. He went past me.

“Hunter, I’ll get a snack ready please take out the paperwork so I can start signing.”

I heard the thud of his book bag on a kitchen chair. I followed everyone else into the other room. Amelia was following Cameron around the kitchen as he was gathering things for a snack. Her short legs were doubling the amount of steps, but that didn’t seem to slow her down.

“Mrs. Jackson she is sooo nice. She has short hair and she likes to sing songs. Oh! Her favorite color is green. She has two kids. Oh! She has toys in the room too. She told us a story today about pie.”

Her voice was going by fast. I was pretty sure that I knew more about this Mrs. Jackson than anyone else in the past year. Hobbling by I sat in a chair at the table. Hunter plopped a folder onto the table then sat in a chair next to me. Cameron placed a table with apple slices in the middle of the table.

“Thank Mr. Mom,” I smirked.

Cameron shook his head. He grabbed a pen off the table and started to go through Hunter’s papers.

“Am I to provide fuel in such a manner?” I asked.

Cameron was reading papers and then his pen scribbled across the paper.

“I prefer chips if you’re taking requests,” Hunter muttered.

He and I smiled at each other.

“We don’t have chips.” Cameron spoke flatly.

“We can go to the store.” Hunter responded as he looked at his dad.

“Your options are fruits or vegetables. If it’s from the ground you’re in the clear.”

Hunter rolled his eyes and slid down his chair.

“Amelia loves her teacher, how was yours?”

“Miss Bennett?” Hunter raised an eyebrow, Cameron glanced up from his paperwork and returned the facial gesture.

As I looked at both of them. Hunter had his mother’s tanner skin and eye color. However, the shape of his eyes, nose, and hair color were all my brother.

“That is your teacher correct?”

“Yeah. She’s new, she’s alright I guess.”

Hunter shrugged his shoulders. Amelia was on the other side of me. She shifted herself so that she was sitting on her knees, she leaned half of her body over so that she could fingertip an apple slice. I nudge the slice closer to her. She picked it up and started to munch on it. She smiled at me and the corners of my lips curled. Amelia scooted back a little. She swung her legs around and she dropped in her chair.

“I love my teacher.”

Hunter’s features fell. “You’re in kindergarten, you don’t know the truth just yet.”

“What truth?” Amelia’s head titled causing her already slanted hair tie to droop more.

“That school is just a building that eats your soul.”

“Is that true?” Amelia’s eyes rushed to me.

Cameron’s head snapped up and his eyebrows were fused together.

“Hunter, where did you hear wording like that?”

Cameron’s eyes then shot at me. My eyes widen.

“Don’t look at me this time.”

“This time,” Cameron muttered.

Cameron put his pen down and turned towards Hunter.

“You need to keep comments like that to yourself. School is fine. I promise it is just another year, and despite what you think I swear you will live through it.”

“I wish I moved with mom,” Hunter growled.

He stood up, shoved his chair into the table and ran up the stairs.

Cameron rubbed his face with both hands.

“Look, I got the kids after school. Don’t worry.”

Cameron’s green eyes caught mine. There were deep circles under them.

“I’ll try.”

A long line

Good morning!
It is technically still before noon so I can still say that! It is Friday! Yes! However, also sad because it is also the last Friday off because I start back to full time on Wednesday. Back to balancing teaching and writing. Did I write everything that i had planned to this summer? No, but i got a lot of editing done which in the long run I knew was coming.

Which brings me to today's post. No it isn't a title of another End of the Line book ;) . It's what I have right now, a long line. So Call for Help (Beneath the Scars 2) is currently with my editor Jenn. She is a good way through. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did writing it. You'll get to meet a couple of the characters on Facebook this week as I do a character takeover this week.

Sadly End of the Line 2 Amy is not able to finish editing and that is fine. Jenn will be working on that within a couple of months. I keep going back and forth with the name I have two ideas for it Walking a Thin Line or Off the Beaten Path. I would love to see it as a trilogy, but i dont want to force anything either.

Talking about series, I went over the last Mistakes story and will be submitting it to an editor next so the werewolf story will be out in time for Halloween! Then Mistakes is done, which is weird to say, the five novella series done. I enjoyed writing paranormal, I don't touch it much as i probably should.

Okay that's three stories that are either at an editor or will be soon. My mom went through my pirate story that I wrote back in high school. I took it and refurbished it. I'm going to tweak the title, but here is another story that is in line for an editor. These characters might be more patient than the next character.

Who would have thought you'd hear the name Abby again? Invisible Bonds is my next for me to go through her edits then send to an editor. It is a little shorter and might end up being a novella instead.

Lastly, I just sent Define a Hero (Beneath the Scars 3) to my mom. We will see what she thinks when she edits it. She liked the second one. We'll see what she thinks of the third and last installment of the trilogy. The ending got me ;)

Haha like I said a whole lot of editing this summer! I started a new project which is a little different, but I'm excited to write again! Despite school starting up I hope to get some writing in as well.

Wow long post I'm sorry. Happy Friday!!

Reviews and a deal

Good morning!
I'm about to open word and work on a story. I'm not sure which one I'm going to work on. We will see what I'm in the mood for, editing or writing. However, I talked to the editor that has Beneath the Scars 2 and she has started. Yay! I hope you all are as excited as me because I can't wait to share more about Jack and Faye.

I'm going to share this deal now since the editing process has started. I'll give you all a chance to have time to read the first one. I will be sharing a form when I get the manuscript back. On this form I'm going to ask a couple of questions such as name. Email, and a link. This link will be the review for Beneath the Scars. For every person who does a review of the first will receive a free ebook copy of the second one!

When I say review it can be many ways. I mean you could post on Amazon, barnes and nobles, a blog, whatever way you choose!

If you go on smashwords right now you will even get Beneath the Scars on discount! Right now they are having their summer sale so Beneath the Scars is 50%. If you take advantage of this deal, post a review that means you get two stories of mine for $1.50. Can you argue with that? Nah, it's a beautiful summer day don't waste it arguing when you can be outside reading!
Have a good day!

Endings

Hello!
I'm currently curled up on the couch with my fuzzy blue blanket and my laptop on my lap. I have "Little Shop of Horrors" playing as I stare at word document that is labeled for End of the Line 3. I've had an idea for it for a while now. Back when I was writing the second one I was thinking dividing that story in two then working in this idea, but that didn't happen.

As I was working on the last installment of Beneath the scars 3 I did get a little emotional. I'd been working on that trilogy for a few years. I take longer than most it seems. I actually felt like I was bye to these characters. I dont know if that makes me sound crazy or not.

The more I thought about it I didn't feel that way about writing the last End of the Line. Do I miss working with Aaron and Lauren? Big time. How could I not? Have you not read Aaron? So I'm not making any promises, but as I'm editing a couple of works I miss the actual writing part. I'm editing like three different stories right now. I like editing, but I want to do a little creating as well.

Truth be told, I love my Beneath the Scars series. I really bonded with these the characters and drove straight into the pages. However, with two of the three in editing mode, and editing Family Ties 2 it was a lot of PTSD for me. It makes me feel a little off so I was happy to take a break and write my Christmas Lites short story. Getting a little out of the funk, but enjoying the writing. Actually I sent the second Beneath the Scars to an editor! Yay! Hopefully Jenn enjoys it.
Have a good night!

Men of Ottilie ~ Jack Corrente

Hello!
I really enjoyed this story. The first was so much fun to write it made writing a second in this series a little hard to write. It was a lot of pressure that I put on myself! I actually started a version, Jack was a cop and the leading female had a different name. She was visiting the town her family had a beach house in. It started to get depressing and honestly I wasn't into writing it. I figured if I was having trouble writing it, people wouldn't want to read it. I took some time off and a new idea came to me. I started to write then not long afterwards I got the story rolling. I enjoyed the characters, some of the lines I was eager to get to. Then again some lines I didn't notice until I was editing.

I love Jack. He was interesting to write. I went back reading the flashbacks and had to tweak a few things in Call for Help. I originally wanted to have most of the story told through phone calls/text messages and flashbacks. I love writing flashbacks. I have I think in this story it helps paint a full picture of Jack and Faye. I wasn't as set on an actor for Jack, so I'm open for suggestions and interested in who you picture for Jack! I like the actor Sam Claflin so I put him, because who doesn't? Look at that smile, so sincere.

Jack Corrente

Blondish
Blue Green Eyes
Was in the Marines
Mechanic
Helps everyone
Puts others first
Great Pool Player

There was a slight breeze, but it was the first night that I could go outside without a coat. The sky was ink black and decorated with pure white stars clear as a bell. I was sitting in the backyard with my feet up on another chair. My head was tilted up, my phone that was on my lap went off. I’d been waiting for hours to hear from Faye. We had discussed going out tonight, but I hadn’t heard from her. I knew better than to blow up her phone. All I did was text her before dinner about asking what she felt like doing.

Don’t feel like leaving.

y?

I had to ask, because the day before she went on about how she needed to get out and do something. That she was bored out of her mind. She needed to do something after the week she had at school.

Just don’t feel like seeing the outside world today.

What are you doing then?

Sitting in bed watching TV.

I raised an eyebrow.

You’re seriously just going to lay in bed tonight?

y not? Long week and mom is out.

I stood up and marched up the deck stairs.

Don’t be lame.

I opened the back door and through the kitchen when my phone went off again.

I just feel eh and don’t feel like doing much.

I grabbed my keys off the hook in the kitchen. Mom got tired of finding my keys all around the house.

“Mom, I’m going to Faye’s for a bit.”

She looked up from whatever she was working on at the kitchen table. The bright colors bounced off the walls creating a warm comfortable feeling.

“Okay, but don’t be out too late. We have church in the morning then we’re with the grandparents the rest of the day.”

I kissed her on the cheek and went out the front door. I practically jumped off the front porch and walked around my mom’s car to reach my truck. It was my mom’s and she gave it to me the day I passed my test. It was a used truck for her and the once vibrant color was now a heathered version of the color. However, working for Lennie helped me keep the truck running like I was the second owner instead of the third or fourth.

Starting the truck I made my way towards Faye’s house listening to the dings of my phone as she was talking until it went silent. She was probably not going to be in the best mood about the fact that I wasn’t responding. Apparently that was a one way street of acceptability. Finally I pulled up her rock driveway. I turned the car off so that silence was in the air and slipped my phone into my pocket as I slid out of the truck. I ran up the stairs and rang her doorbell. After a moment she answered her door. Her blond hair was tied up in a bun. She was wearing plaid pajama shorts and a baggy t-shirt, just further supporting her words of not wanting to do anything.

“I should’ve known that you were driving here since you weren’t responding.” Her voice was flat as she leaned against the door, her hand was still on the side of the door.

I grinned as she let me into the house.

“What else are friends for other than making them do things they don’t want to do.”

Her open hands waved around her shorts. “Once the pajama pants are on, I don’t leave the house. It’s a golden rule that I live my life by.”

I made my way to her room. “That’s fine I don’t have any intention of subjecting the outside world to you tonight.”

“I’m not sure if that is a jab at me or not.”

She crossed her arms as she stood in her doorframe. Her room was a mess, like always. Even though she had a desk her book bag and homework was scattered on her bed. Her soccer cleats and other clothes were littered across the floor. I tried to ignore the clothes as I was sure there was a bra hanging over the foot of her bed. My cheeks warmed as I pushed some of her old assignments away from her speakers and plugged up my phone. I had to focus. I’m pretty sure that she’d kill me if she thought I was looking at any of her underwear.

“What are you up to Jack?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Well, duh that’s why I asked.”

I turned around as music came through the speakers. A corner of her lips curled.

“Time to get out of that funk.” My voice was a little louder to be heard over my music.

I turned the music louder and went over to her. She bit her lips almost to stop the smile from forming. She was not going to give me the satisfaction. She just stood there. I grabbed both of her hands and started to move her side to side. Ethan was going to take away my man card for this.

“Stop fighting our house party.”

“It’s just the two of us.”

“Whoever said a party had to be more than two people?” I asked her still trying to get her to move.

“Every normal human being,” She finally laughed and started to jump up and down.

“Embrace the dorkiness of it all,” I called out.

She broke out laughing real hard. Faye’s face lit up and I could not help the grin on my face growing bigger. She was at ease. It was at that moment I knew that I wanted to make sure there was a smile on her face for the rest of my life.

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

I lifted my head to see Ethan glancing at me through the side of the open hood of the truck.

“Sorry I didn’t really sleep last night.”

“Nightmares again?”

I shook my head and went back to staring at the engine. “Something like that.”

Leaning further into the car I tried to get a better look at the problem. That and hoping that he would get the hint.

“It might be time for you to see some professional help,” Ethan lowered his voice as he came over to stand next to me.

“I don’t need any professional help that’s why I got Bailey,” I shot back and grunted as I tried to unscrew a bolt.

“Did you just say you got a dog instead of seeking out professional help?”

I glanced up at my friend. “Dogs are great listeners and are cheaper in the long run.”

“What were you having nightmares from then?” Ethan continued to ask and started to lean against the car that I was working on.

I narrowed my eyes. I was going to smack him with a tool if he didn’t move.

“Faye-”

“Why am I even hearing that name?” Ethan’s voice came out harsh.

Groaning I got out from under the hood of the car and stood up straight. I took my hat off, gripping it in my hands, then I re-slid it back on my head. The garage’s clatters and buzzes filled my ears, but I could still hear my heart racing in my chest. Her voice came to me once again. The high school Faye was fresh, crystal clear image with that smile still engrained in my mind despite what I wanted. My palms were sweaty already. I wiped them on my jeans pretending that it was because of the grease.

“Because she accidently called me last night,” I muttered and trudged over to my toolbox, making sure not to meet his eyes.

I turned my back and took some sips of my water. His eyes were boring a hole in the back of my head.

“She still has your number in her phone?”

I shrugged and turned around so that my back was against the cool metal of my toolbox. “Apparently. There’s some restaurant near her with the name Jack in the title and she was ordering dinner or she thought she was ordering dinner.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s one of the lamest things that I’ve ever heard of in my entire life.” Ethan’s voice was dry.

“Can we please for the love of God end this conversation? I feel like a middle school girl.”

“The two of you sound like it too,” Joey called over before sliding back under his oil change.

“Answer one thing first.”

I rolled my eyes as I turned to face him instead of Joey. “What?”

“How long was your conversation?”

I scrunched my face and shrugged. “A few minutes, not long.”

He nodded. “Good, I don’t need you running off again because of her.”

“I didn’t run off because of her.” I responded flatly.

“You two broke up, and she was on a plane to New York City two hours later, and then less than a week later you were seeing recruiters for the Marines.”

“That timeline isn’t accurate and you know it.” I grabbed a wrench and raised it. “This will be lodged somewhere if you don’t stop talking soon though.”

He held up both of his hands and took a step back.

“Okay I get it. I’ll drop it.”

“Good.”

I put the wrench back on the top of my toolbox and went back to the car that I was working on.

“You haven’t tried to contact her today have you?”

I just dropped my head and sighed instead of answering him.