Define a Hero ~ Early Release

Good Morning,
I'm in bed with the dogs who don't understand the concept of sleeping in. They woke me up before seven and have managed to go outside three times before eight. I guess that just means I'll have an early start this morning? We'll hope I'm more productive than I was yesterday!

Talking about early start I woke up this morning and Define a Hero has already had an ebook sold! I was going to announce this morning that I released Define a Hero a few days early and someone beat me to the race! Thank you person! I hope that you all enjoy the last installment in this Beneath the Scars trilogy. It is bitter sweet to say goodbye to this series, but it is nice to have it finished. Again you do not have to read the three in order, but I would suggest it. Each one is about a different couple. It was a nice change to write in adult mindset instead of young adult, I may go back to that. :)

Define a Hero
A few years ago Riley Nolan saved a young man when his foot got stuck on the hood of a truck. Saving Lucas’ life had forever changed Riley's. On another tour, Lucas, lost his leg and he was discharged. While living with his parents he watches his niece and nephew after school. Thanks to his nephew, Lucas starts to befriend his nephew's teacher. As they get closer Lucas begins to notice that Sonja is in serious trouble. Every time they spend time together, Sonja gets more confused, and further in danger.

Amazon

BN

Smashwords

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

Amazon

BN

Smashwords



Then there is the book that started it all.

Beneath the Scars
Corporal Riley Nolan is back home and out of the hospital after sustaining severe injuries in a skirmish overseas. His physical injuries may be healed, though he is left with horrible scars all over his body. His mind is still healing, and he has almost no contact with the world outside his small dark apartment.

After the death of her parents and being forced to sell their house and move into an apartment in a new town, Eponine is left picking up the pieces while trying to maintain a normal life for her little sister, Genevieve.

Can these new neighbors help each other heal, finding the light and laughter in the world again? Most importantly, can Eponine help Riley see he's not the monster he believes himself to be beneath the scars?

Amazon

BN

Smashwords

Cover Reveal ~ Define a Hero

Good Morning!
There is frost on the ground, the perfect curl up inside and see a cover reveal weather. Don't you agree? Then again I keep thinking I'll be on a beach in Mexico in less than six months. It'll still be the summer here so it won't be an escape from the weather. I am talking about my honeymoon in July. Well, lets get back to the cover reveal on hand!

Beneath the Scars was a book I didn't think would be in a series. I just had the idea and ran with it. Define a Hero will be released February 15! That means a couple of weeks left until it is released. I have the first two discount to .99 so if you haven't read the first two you have the chance. I made sure all ebooks has that discounted price. I hope that you all like the cover as much as I do. I keep thinking I'm going to have a non-blue cover, then another one looks good in blue. Oops! I got the image from Shutterfly.

 Smashwords (Pre-order)
Goodreads

What's next?

Happy Monday!
Last night I finished the epilogue for Mistakes #5. I had finished that awhile ago, but the ending felt unfinished for me, which is one of my issues with short stories to begin with. Then in the midst of editing Call for Help I figured out what I wanted to do. Between all the other edits I put that on hold and finally was just now able to go back to it.

I know each story was a bout a different group and them finally coming together. So i gave each group their own ending in the epilogue. I feel much better with the ending now. Hopefully I can get that and a couple others to an editor soon. My financial situation kind of changed recently and hopefully will again soon so that I can get three stories to an editor soon. Plus getting stuff ready for my wedding in a few months. Wow that was crazy to say!

So until then, what am I going to be working on writing wise you may ask? That is a very good question. I'm debating on fixing up q scifi story I started in high school. After hanging out with some friends they suggested I write a horror story, apparently they thought I had a little sick in the head. I'll have to see what works out attention span wise and keep you all in the loop!

Until then, please come visit next weekend because I will be doing a cover reveal of Beneath the Scars 3, Define a Hero!

Finale

Good morning!
It is almost 8:30am by me but I've been up since quarter to seven because of the dogs. Savannah and Leo usually dont wake me up that early, but it is what it is at this point! I just couldn't go back to sleep afterwards. So instead I'm in bed with the dogs listening to the rain ice mixture coming down in my Minnie Mouse pjs. Because everyone in my family got a matching set!

Sorry for not posting much during the holidays and December. I had some family stuff going on that I was dealing with then my fiance and I were traveling to different family members during the holidays.

Plus we did a little wedding stuff while we were up. I got to see my actual dress for the first time! Back in June I went to a local store by my parents with my mom, sister, Grammy, and my future mother in law. I picked a dress in less than 10 dresses (might have been like the 7th or 8th). However, I got to see my dress which was in my size and correct color. I was a little anxious to see it and was hoping I made the right choice. When I saw it I loved it all over again. It was so hard to come see my fiance afterwards and not tell him anything. He laughed. After knowing each other for 11 years it's hard to withhold from him. My mom and I also decorated a cupcake display for the ceremony. Six months today I will be getting married!!

I'm late with posting the release date, but I will be doing that today. Yesterday I finished up the edits and did most of the formatting on Define a Hero (Beneath the Scars 3). I will be releasing the last in this series on February 15! A little over a month today. Put that date on your calendar because that will be the last Beneath the Scars book to be published. The end of the trilogy. Aren't you curious to meet Lucas Edwards? The man that Riley Nolan had saved all those years ago

I have three other stories that should be released this year, but we'll have to see how I can time that. The finances changed a little in our household so I'll have to see when I can do all that. Keep warm on this yucky day!

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.

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!

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!!

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!

Define a Hero Sample

Today isn't sample Sunday. Though I'm almost done with Beneath the Scars 3, the last one in the trilogy and I'm kind of excited about the story. Wattpad isn't working so I decided to share the sample on my blog first. It isn't completely spoilers for the second one because each Beneath the Scars is about a different guy in Riley Nolan's troop. So they are connected, but separate. I hope that you enjoy the first TWO chapters of Beneath the Scars 3, Define a Hero.

1

Lucas

Shades of reds, oranges, and yellows blinded me. I shot up in bed, my heavy breathing filled my bedroom. Darkness. I wasn’t near any explosions. My hands ran over my face and through my hair. Actual brown strands tangled in my fingers. Years of a closely shaven head I felt shaggy. Taking a deep breath, paused, and let it out slowly. I repeated that pattern until I was breathing regularly. Was I ever going to escape the nightmares?

Using my leg to kick off the sheets as I felt trapped suddenly. When the fabric was moved my heart sank. There it was, the sub where my one leg had once been. The true nightmare that was never going to end. Leaning forward my hand ran over the knob that had been my left leg. My fingers were shaking. The phantom nerves played tricks on me as I could almost feel the leg. My heart pounded against my chest once again. I yelled out as I grabbed my remote and threw it against the wall. I did what I was supposed to do, why did this happen to me?

2

Sonja

Placing my freshly made copies in the plastic drawers behind my desk. A small smile grew on my face. I had my plans done for the first two weeks, copies done for the first, week and all my students’ desks were labeled with polka dotted name tags. The teacher across the hall popped into my doorframe. She was wearing jeans and a t-shirt with the schools logo on the top.

“Good morning.”

I turned to see Mrs. Vanyi, the teacher across the hall. Her big purse was over one shoulder a large cup of coffee in the other hand.

“Good morning,” I grinned and fixed my college t-shirt.

“So, the masses start tomorrow. Are you excited?”

“I am, but also nervous.”

She laughed. “That’s normal.”

“I’d hope so,” I yawned.

“Tired?”

“Yeah, I was working on the lessons last night.”

And texting my ex-boyfriend.

“Just don’t let the kids notice or they’ll pounce on you. Also try to remember we are all on a team, we share materials so don’t feel bad for using what we give you.”

I laughed. “I know.”

I fixed my headband and looked at the clock. Today was going to be a half work day then the rest of the day was ours. Tomorrow the students would be starting and the school year will begin.

“What do you have left to do?”

I spun slowly around my room then stopped at her.

“I feel like I’m forgetting something, but I think I’m ready.”

“Well, I’m working a few things paperwork wise in my room. If you need anything call out to me.”

“Will do.”

She waved at me and I wandered back to my desk. I turned my music on a little louder. I grabbed my marker and started to write my student names on each agenda book to place on their desks. Smiling I hummed to the music and my phone vibrated. I looked up then over to my phone. I chewed the inside of my cheek. I opened up the text message from Sawyer.

Hey Babe

I smiled.

Good morning. What you up to?

Just waking up still in bed

I glanced up at the clock, it was eleven thirty. I sipped some of my water.

How about you?

I totally told him last night that I was working. However, he didn’t have the best memory.

I’m at work but leaving in thirty minutes.

Great maybe we can hang after dinner tonight.

I smiled and I let out a sigh. I had to help cook dinner with my parents. He knew this.

That should be good, I can be ready around 7.

Great

I looked up at the clock. It was time to go. Grabbing my phone and water I draped my purse over my shoulder. Getting up I turned my lights off, taking one last glance at my room before leaving. As I headed down the hall I peeked into Vanyi’s room. She was picking up her purse.

“See you tomorrow!”

She grinned at me. “See you tomorrow! Try to get one last good night’s rest.”

I laughed and made my way down the hall. Other teachers were starting to file out. I signed out in the office and said my goodbyes to the women in the office. As I walked out I felt the warm sun on my face. I grabbed my sunglasses out of the side pocket of my purse. I smiled. I could live in this warm weather forever. I was half tempted to look at schools in another state just to have the better weather. I couldn’t bring myself to leave everyone though.

There sat the white car that got me through high school and college. I loved that car. My friends in high school had a couple road trips. A stain in the backseat from one of the times I babysat one of my cousins. When I got the car I said I would drive it into the ground, and I was eating my words. I figured once I was able to save enough money to get into a place of my own the next thing I would worry about was a new car. I just had to make sure my car lived that long.

Turning it on it took a couple turns to get it to chug on then rolled down my windows. I had a forty minute ride home. After college I was happy I got a job less than an hour away from home. Especially hearing my friends that had already graduated before me were talking about how hard it was to get a job. As I backed out I watched my coworkers stroll out of the school building in clusters. I backed up and pulled out of the parking lot. My fingers rolled and tapped the steering wheel as I drove. At the light a song from high school came on. I smiled and turned it up. The light turned green and I hit the gas.

I started to belt out the words real loud. At the next light I made eye contact with the driver next to me. He raised an eyebrow at me before slowly turned to face forward. My cheeks warmed and turned the music down a couple of notches. When the light turned green the guy sped ahead and I was happy a few feet away I was able to veer right and got onto the highway. As I sped up to merge into the light traffic. With one hand on the wheel I used the other to roll up my windows as the high speeds created the waves of sounds vibrating my eardrums.

I weaved in and out of traffic as I was ready to go home. To enjoy the last bit of freedom before the school year started. Not that I wasn’t excited for my first year of teaching. Only two exists to go and I shifted in the seat. I sped up a little faster and nearly squealed as I turned to get off the highway. Getting off the ramp the town that I had lived in my whole life surrounded me. One light and a few turns then I would be in the neighborhood that I grew up in. The rest of the way was done in a blur. A couple of kids were running through a sprinkler at the front of the neighborhood.

Waving I drove by them. One of the women down the street passed me as she was walking her Golden Retriever, but the dog was pulling and I wondered who was really walking who. My parents’ house was at the end of the cul-de-sac. Their house was in the middle at the circle almost welcoming everyone as my mom’s flowers popped against the brick front of their house. Parking off to the side of the driveway I turned it off. I grabbed my bag and got out. Walking up the driveway the bright sun poked through the tall trees. As I made my way up the sidewalk, passing my mom’s purple and blue hydreas bushes.

My key was already in my hand and I turned the lock to make my way in. the house was quiet. I kicked my shoes off and nudged them off to the side with my foot. Then I climbed the stairs, skipping a few as I went up. Once I was in my room my smile dimmed. There stood my laundry basket, clothes were piled nearly a foot above the room. I was wearing the last clean pair of panties. If it wasn’t my last pair there might be one left. I guess my last day of freedom was going to be done with adulating…yay laundry.

I sighed and turned to look at my dresser. I grabbed my hair tie. I twisted my dark brown hair until I had a bun on the top of my head. My once loose dark brown hair was now in a tower, a few strands poked out. With any luck my hair would be in nice loose curls for when I went to hang out with Sawyer tonight. Glancing in the mirror I thought I’d maybe touch up my make up too before I left, well once a time was actually in stone. I took my phone out of my bag before dropping the bag on the ground. My whole face scrunched, still nothing from him.

Tipping over my laundry bin I started to sort all the materials. There were three piles, whites, colors, and darks. I couldn’t afford to turn my whites pink. My luck would be meeting a parent after dying my whites pink, what parent would that would be professional? Shaking my head I picked up one of the piles and carried it down the stairs. Using my elbow I flipped open the washing machine then dumped the materials into the deep drum. Pouring in the detergent and fabric softener I knew that it was going to be a lame ending of my freedom.

Once the start button was pushed I went back up to my room to wait to switch the loads. When I was back in my room I plopped down on my bed and picked up my phone. I played around online for a bit then got bored. Finally I clicked on Kensi’s text message on my phone.

I’m bored, entertain me.

Grabbing the remote I turned on the TV and started flipping the channels hoping that something would be on during the day. Over the summer I watched my fair share of daytime TV. It was also kind of scary how easily trapped I got with the shows, mindless, but amusing. My phone went off and I saw Kensi’s name lighting up my screen.

Isn’t that my line?

I smiled and slouched against my headboard. I paused for a second and my fingertips started to tap on the screen keyboard.

How does it feel?

You don’t have my flair

I snickered. I didn’t and I wish I had.

Worth a shot. What are you up to?

Ready to pull out my hair, apartment shopping. Rent is crazy, I’m about to ask if they want some blood when we sign

I literally laughed out loud. The poor person showing her apartments.

You still want to rent then?

I’m starting to see why Reed suggested on buying a house…

I raised an eyebrow.

You want to buy a house now?

I didn’t say that and you’re not getting me to say that in writing

Smirking my stomach still dropped. Then I looked around my room. It had a couple posters of countries that I wanted to visit. There was Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Big Ben, Tagma hall, and castles in Scotland in addition to Germany. My sheets and curtains were still a lavender color that I picked when I was twelve. She was ready to move out with her boyfriend.

My luck would be he see that I texted you about a house and go buy one behind my back then hide a ring in there.

I chuckled when she responded to herself.

Would that be a bad thing?

That’s a lot all at once, I want to make sure we can travel together first without me shoving his corpse in a hotel garbage shoot

There’s something wrong with you if that’s where your mind goes

There’s a whole lot wrong with me, where do you want to start?

The washing machine dinged. Groaning I took my time getting up and rolled out of bed. Picking up the next pile I had to bend back down to grab a panty that had dropped. I could not wait to get my own place. Once in the laundry room I dropped the clothes in my arms onto the ground. Then I put the clothes into the dryer that were in the washing machine. After that I put the clothes into the washing machine. The rest of the afternoon I finished up the laundry then started dinner. My mom left out some easy chicken dish recipe that she had gotten from the neighbor and wanted to try.

I put everything together and had it in a pan in the oven when my dad came home first. I was sitting at the kitchen table with my laptop open. He had his computer bag draped over his shoulder. His glasses were perched on his nose. His once dark hair was starting to be sprinkled with salt. He turned around to face me as he came in through the garage.

“Hey, how was your day?” he asked as he placed his bag in the doorway of the kitchen.

He placed his hand on the wall as he kicked off his shoes into the living room.

“Good, I think I got everything ready for the first week.”

He nodded and walked over to the oven. He opened the door then closed it again. He wandered around the kitchen until he had a can of soda and sat at the table with me.

“It feels like not that long ago you were coming home from school and doing your homework at this very table. Now you’ll be the one assigning the homework.”

I smiled. “I know, it’s a little surreal. However, I can’t wait to meet the students that I’ll be working with for this year.”

He took a sip of his drink and put it down. The tier for dinner went off. He got up and pulled the pan out. That was when mom walked through the garage door. Her hair was tied back in a bun, a pencil was sticking out of the side of it.

“I have great timing,” she giggled.

She dumped her pile of papers onto the counter. The papers topped over and spread across the stone top. She pecked my dad on the cheek and went around him to grabbed four plates. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“Mom, we only need three.”

She looked down at the ceramic plates in her grasp. She shook her head.

“That’s right. A week later and I’m still grabbing a plate for your sister.”

“She’s only at school, she’s will come back.”

My mom put one plate back. Dad took the plates from her and dished out the food. I put my laptop on the counter and took a plate from them. The three of us sat at the table and started to eat.

“I hope that she is having a good dinner.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Audrey is at college, not in the slums.”

My mom huffed. I resisted from rolling my eyes.

“I just hope she’s eating a well-rounded meal.”

“She tried eating ice cream for dinner while she lived here, I can only imagine what she’s doing when you’re not around.”

My mom narrowed her eyes. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of.”

I took another bite of food.

“What’s your plan for tonight?” my dad questioned.

I shrugged. “Finish my laundry and take it from there. After all tomorrow is the first day of school.”

The rest of dinner was pretty quiet. Mom talked about her day at the office. Dad talked a little about the finance meeting he had after lunch. I finished and went upstairs to finish folding my laundry. Everything was folded and put away. The clock kept going on, but I didn’t get a text from Sawyer. I kept clicking my phone to see if I made a mistake and missed it. Finally it was time for bed. I sighed and crawled into bed. I guess he got caught up with something and couldn’t hangout after all. I pulled the sheets back and got comfortable. Tomorrow was going to be a brand new day.

My nerves were fully alert and my heart was pounding. I was pretty sure even though I put deodorant on when I left the house I needed to reapply. I took a deep breath. As I let it out slowly I shook my hands. My eyes scanned the room. I had everything done. I knew I was ready for these kids. The bell rang and I went to stand by my door. The hall was still empty. Then it started to fill up with elementary age students getting off the bus. Kids started to go into the other fourth grade classrooms. I felt like a kid again waiting to get picked for a team in gym.

Finally a little boy who was gripping the straps of his blue book bag walked up to me. He had dirty blond hair, olive skin, and dark eyes.

“Good morning,” I greeted him.

“If you say so.”

He went passed me and towards the room. His eyes went from desk to desk before he settled on one closer to the window. He unpacked his stuff, and put his bag into his cubie. More students started to file in. I shook each one hands. They all smiled at me. My eyes kept going back to the one on the other side of the room with his back turned to me.