In this short story, Clementine makes an unfortunate discovery and takes the ultimate sweet revenge on the one who betrayed her.
My Thoughts
At a mere 19 pages, Clementine was an enjoyable read. It's about Clementine and how she finds out a secret her boyfriend has been hiding and how she gets her revenge. I found this read funny and entertaining. I didn’t expect much for such a short read but I was completely happy for what its worth.
Ruth Jefferson is a labor and delivery nurse at a Connecticut hospital with more than twenty years' experience. During her shift, Ruth begins a routine checkup on a newborn, only to be told a few minutes later that she's been reassigned to another patient. The parents are white supremacists and don't want Ruth, who is African American, to touch their child. The hospital complies with their request, but the next day, the baby goes into cardiac distress while Ruth is alone in the nursery. Does she obey orders or does she intervene?
Ruth hesitates before performing CPR and, as a result, is charged with a serious crime. Kennedy McQuarrie, a white public defender, takes her case but gives unexpected advice: Kennedy insists that mentioning race in the courtroom is not a winning strategy. Conflicted by Kennedy's counsel, Ruth tries to keep life as normal as possible for her family—especially her teenage son—as the case becomes a media sensation. As the trial moves forward, Ruth and Kennedy must gain each other's trust, and come to see that what they've been taught their whole lives about others—and themselves—might be wrong.
My Thoughts
Wow, talk about an emotional rollercoaster of a read! I won't do a full review because I feel the synopsis pretty much tells you a lot about what this book is about so I'm just telling you how I felt about it. I was a huge fan of Jodi Picoult but over the years I for whatever reason stopped reading her books. However, I kept hearing about this one and when I saw it was available in audio through Overdrive through my local library I figured why not? I’m so glad I did because this is one book that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.
This is the story of Ruth who is African American and a nurse and one day she is taken off a patient because his parents don't like that fact she is black. When tragedy strikes the newborn Ruth is caught between a rock and a hard place: does she do nothing like she was told or does she help and try to save his life, damn the consequences. She is later charged with a crime and she fights for her freedom and her right to speak her case. On the flip side, we get to hear and know the baby’s parents story and learn how they became racists. We hear their backstory and learn some shocking secrets to learn why they are the way they are today. This book had me from the very beginning and I couldn’t stop listening. It’s a pretty big book but the story never drags and with learning everything about these peoples lives the pages seems to fly by. The end of the book had me really emotional, it shows you how love can conquer all even when you never think it could and how given time some people really can change.
I found this book to be really relative to the times today sadly and this story really made me think about things. I love when a book could do that! I just loved this audio version the narrators were a real treat to listen to and I this is one of the best productions I've ever listened to! Since I’ve finished this read I’ve told just about everyone I could about it and I encouraged them to read it ASAP. I highly recommend this read and I promise this is one book that is a MUST read!
Run Away With Me Mila Gray (Come Back to Me #3) Published by: Simon Pulse Publication date: November 28, 2017 Genres: New Adult, Romance
Emerson Lowe and popular ice-hockey player Jake McCallister have been best friends since third grade but just as their friendship starts to morph into something more, a terrible event occurs that heralds the end of innocence for both of them. Within a week, Jake’s living on the other side of the country and Emerson is left alone to pick up the pieces of her life in a small town determined to paint her as a liar. Seven years on and Emerson is still living on the beautiful Pacific West island of Bainbridge, helping her family run their outdoor adventure company. The last thing she needs is Jake turning up, bringing with him old memories and opening up old wounds. But Jake—even better looking than Emerson remembered and on the cusp of a bright sporting future—seems determined to revive their friendship no matter how much Emerson tries to push him away and soon they’re in the midst of a passionate summer romance that neither of them wants to end. But if they’re to have any kind of future, they’re first going to need to confront the past, a past that most people want to stay buried.
I hear a voice behind me. ‘Need some help with that?’ I spin around. It takes a couple of seconds for my brain to confirm that it’s actually him. That it’s actually Jake McCallister standing in front of me and not a hallucination. My heart does this fierce smash and rebound against my ribs as though it’s been violently woken from hibernation. I draw in a breath so big it feels like my lungs might explode, as if all that air is filling a vacuum and I’ll never be able to let it out again. I hate this feeling. Hate the way the adrenaline floods my blood stream and tears sting my eyes. Hate the way my body reacts in a thousand contradictory ways at the sight of him, as though someone has plugged me into a wrong socket and fried all my synapses. I have an impulse to throw myself at him but I’m not sure if it’s because I want to hug him or beat the living crap out of him. I drop the kayak, my hands fisting automatically at my sides. I watch the smile on his lips fade when he notices the set of my jaw. His expression had started off wary but now I see him swallow and press his lips together, something he always does when he’s nervous. I take note of that and at the same time notice a dozen other tiny, insignificant, monumental details about this new old Jake. I see the faded white scar on his chin—the one I gave him and the new scar cutting across his eyebrow. Then there’s his height – we were always the same height but now he’s tall. . . much taller than me. His dark brown hair is the same, though – unruly, untamed, falling in his eyes. He’s looking at me with the same mix of uncertainty that he looked at me the very last time I saw him. I glance away, down at the sand. My whole body is shaking and I can’t seem to get it under control. ‘Em?’ I hear him say. My head flies up before I can stop it. No one calls me that any more. His voice is deeper, mellower. The inflection though when he says my name is still just the same… and instantly something inside me starts coming undone. Jake always used to say my name like it belonged to him, and only him.
Author Bio: Mila Gray is the pen name for Sarah Alderson, author of Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, The Sound, Fated and Out of Control. Originally from London she has lived in Bali for the last four years with her husband and daughter. As well as writing young adult fiction under the name Sarah Alderson and adult fiction under the name Mila Gray, she also writes screenplays.
Charlotte Walker and Adam Middleton were childhood sweethearts until the day he and his family disappeared. All he left Charlotte was a scrappy piece of paper with a few throwaway words:
‘I’ll never forget you. I promise.’
After eight years of hoping he’d come back into her life, Charlotte can no longer bear the heartbreak of Adam’s broken promise. Retreating to a remote cabin to spend a quiet Christmas holiday alone, Charlotte is determined to push the ghost of Adam into the past and focus on moving forward with the rest of her life.
But when a bearded man knocks on the cabin door on Christmas Eve, could he hold the answer to Charlotte’s years of heartache?
Growing up, Melody Winter showed a natural ability in art, a head for maths, and a tendency to write far too long English essays. Difficult to place in the world when she graduated, she pursued a career in teaching, but eventually ended up working in finance. Melody is convinced that the methodical time she spends working with numbers fuels her desire to drift into dream worlds and write about the illusory characters in her head.
Melody lives in North Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two teenage sons. When not dealing with football, rugby, and a whole plethora of ‘boy’ activities, she will be found scribbling notes for her stories, or listening to 80’s music on her IPod.
Melody has a tendency to fall head-over-heels in love with her main characters, even when they frustrate her and refuse to act the way she wants them to. She is a romance writer at heart and loves reading and writing about anything mythological or magical, as well as exploring the gritty side of love affairs and the complexities of being in love.
Right Gift. Wrong Day Natalie Decker (Offsides, #1.5) Published by: Swoon Romance Publication date: November 24th 2017 Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Tyler Richardson is freaking out! Not only did he invite his new girlfriend to meet his entire family, this is also the day they will exchange gifts. But what do you get a girl after dating for only two weeks? Should he listen to his friends and just give her a card, or should he ask for a second opinion?
Layla can’t believe she agreed to have dinner with Tyler and his family. What if they don’t like her? To make matter’s worse, they agreed to exchange Christmas gifts. The boy already has everything. And what if she gets him something that’s nicer than what he gets her? That would be really awkward. Asking him what he would like is completely out of the question. Maybe she should ask his friends for help.
After a rocky start, Tyler and Layla’s relationship is everybody’s relationship goals. But can Tyler and Layla survive the holidays without losing their cool?
RIGHT GIFT WRONG DAY is a hilarious companion novella to RIGHT TEXT WRONG NUMBER from Natalie Decker.
Author Bio:
Natalie Decker is the author of RIVAL LOVE series and the Scandalous Boys series. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn't her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She's a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she's not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she's off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!
Find out more visit: www.authornataliedecker.com
A MERRILY MATCHED CHRISTMAS Anthology is available now for #99cents and on #KU! Find a new book boyfriend to snuggle up with under the mistletoe this year!
→#Amazon // #KU: http://amzn.to/2hCFdBR
Unwrapping in time for Christmas 2017. Snuggle up with new holiday favorites for a kiss under the mistletoe. From handsome strangers to second chances, this collection will keep your heart warm and toasty this holiday season! So grab some eggnog and a blanket and curl up by the fire with a sexy new book boyfriend!
Includes the following novelettes:
A Merry Matchmaker Mess by USA Today bestselling author Virginia Nelson Veronica “Ronnie” Murray loved fixer-upper projects, and she’d never met one as challenging as her coworker, Elijah Conrad. Eli may be an absentminded and sometimes grumpy genius, but he carries a sadness in his eyes… one she knows love will cure. Eli isn’t looking for love, but he can’t help but notice the feisty little Ronnie’s attempts to play matchmaker. She might be his best friend’s little sister, but Ronnie has something about her… something he would like to explore, if he could get her to stop throwing women at him like snowballs. Can these two opposites find a lifelong love from their stolen Christmas kisses?
Lovers of Christmas Past by USA Today bestselling author Ashelyn Drake Holly Michaels loves managing the children’s center in Sapphire Springs, but she longs to have children of her own. She’s haunted by her decision to leave the love of her life after he declared he didn’t want kids. Nick Masters never got over Holly leaving him at the altar five years ago. Now, he’s volunteered to play the part of Santa at the children’s center’s Christmas celebration to get close to Holly again. Nick is all smiles for the little ones, but will his attitude change when it comes time to hang up his red suit for the season?
A Christmas Prayer by River Ford Newly divorced, Lindsey leaves Idaho for the first time in her life. Abandoned by her husband, she prays that taking her two year-old daughter east to live close to family will give them both the life they deserve. Unfortunately, a car accident leaves her stranded in the middle of Wyoming. Jake's felt like something's missing for a while. He's finally turned to prayer for guidance. Almost immediately, he get's to rescue a beautiful woman and her adorable daughter. Could love be the answer to both of their prayers?
All I Want for Christmas Is My Book Boyfriend by Beth Fred Katie spends all of her time in the OR or re-reading about the Gypsy Eliam Monaj her favorite Regency romance hero. Who needs a real boyfriend when she has a perfect book boyfriend? But when Katie ends up on a Christmas cruise--of sorts--alone with Eledon she finds the mutual attraction hard to ignore. Still a gambling loaf is no match for a conscientious doctor. Can Katie find a real happily ever after or is she destined to live in books?
A Cowboy for Christmas by Cate Grimm Fashionista Sarah Jayne traded in her Laredos for Louboutins and planned to make it big in New York City. But, when her life in the Big Apple falls apart, she comes home to Love, Texas. Cody Hayes is focused on getting his family’s failing ranch patched together and sold so he can return to his wanderlust career as a journalist. He has no intention of embracing his cowboy roots and making Love his permanent home. Until he finds himself distracted by a certain sassy New Yorker who's making him think Texas roots might not be so bad. Will Love, Texas be the perfect place for two people with wanderlust to find a happily ever after?
Merry Mismatch by Lily Vega Stick-in-the-mud Director of Finance Aaron gets under edgy party girl Zara’s skin. His budget cuts jeopardized her project, putting her video game on the company chopping block. Inviting Zara to Windy City Gaming’s holiday retreat to pitch her project seems like the perfect solution. Aaron didn’t count on his ex-girlfriend’s quest to eliminate the competition by getting Zara fired. He must convince his ex of Zara’s value to the company, while keeping his growing attraction wrapped up tighter than a Christmas present.
Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove by Emily Harvale
Published: October 26, 2017
Publisher: Crescent Gate Publishing
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis
Christmas is a time for family and friends, miracles and magic, falling snow and roaring fires, fun, laughter and festive feasts. In Snowflake Cove, it’s also a time for secrets to be revealed. Evie Starr is hoping for more than a sprinkling of magic this Christmas. The family-run Snowflake Inn is virtually empty and the Starr’s financial future isn’t looking bright. But Evie’s gran, Jessie has a secret that might help. Enigmatic, Zachary Thorn is every woman’s dream. He’s also ex-SAS, so his secrets are classified. The Christmas Special of his feel-good, TV show is set in Michaelmas Bay – until a phone call means he’s spending Christmas in nearby Snowflake Cove. Evie’s best friend, Juniper thinks boyfriend Darren has a secret. Evie knows he does. And Evie’s niece, Raven is hiding feelings for Juniper’s brother - who has a secret crush of his own. But the biggest secret in Snowflake Cove is the identity of Raven’s dad. With snow falling thick and fast and secrets being revealed one after another, will everyone be snuggling up by the fire on Christmas Eve, or are some secrets best kept hidden...?
A great Christmas tale set in a picturesque locale that will have you dreaming of a wonderful Christmas time! In Christmas Secrets in Snowflake Cove we meet Evie who helps her family run their inn and is trying with all her might to try to fix up the inn in hopes that a local TV show will feature them and in turn bring a boost financially to the inn.
She has her hands full with the inn and also with her family but she manages to do everything more or less. She is hoping to get the attention of the local TV show and the fact that the host Zachary Thorn is easy on the eyes doesn’t help much when all she wants is to focus on the important things and not fawning over a guy.
I really did enjoy this whimsical tale of fun, secrets and of course a tad of romance. I loved all the characters in this book and it seemed like everyone had a secret it was awesome! Though I will admit with all the characters and their storylines I did get confused a bit but quickly I got things straight and moved on.
This was one of those fun and quick Christmas reads that will definitely make you love the holidays. So if you want something to pass the time this holiday season pick this one up and snuggle up with a hot cup of cocoa and enjoy a very entertaining read.
Author Bio
Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing... and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She's an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Emily says, "I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings." When she isn't writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both.
Elise Jacobs is ready for a change. Recently divorced, she relocates to her hometown of Landover, Maine to operate a bed and breakfast she inherited from her grandmother. After growing up with the fondest memories of her childhood being spent there, she relishes the chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to revive the inn. As summer gives way to Autumn, the inn is returning to its’ grandeur. A handsome guest sets out to challenge Elise at every turn. She knows the type...or does she? Join Elise in finding a renewed zest for life, friendship, and possibly...even...love.
My Thoughts
Autumn at Apple Hill is an enjoyable read about Elise who in an effort to get over her divorce decides to move back to her hometown and take over her late grandmother's inn. The inn means the world to her not only because it belonged to her grandparents but also because she has such fond memories of her childhood there.
With the return of fall, she throws all her efforts into making the inn what it once was and wanting others to realize how amazing it is as well. All until a mysterious man comes to the inn and soon turns her world upside down. Elise didn’t expect to fall for someone right now when her main focus is the inn but life’s unexpected pleasures don’t necessarily have a timetable.
I really did enjoy this read it was cute, funny and an easy read, who doesn’t like a nice cozy story this time of year? So if you're looking for something with a little romance I highly recommend this read for you.
Today is the cover reveal for Something Just Like This by Tracy Krimmer. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.
Something Just Like This by Tracy Krimmer Genre: Romantic Comedy Age category: Adult Release Date: February 14, 2018
Blurb: Love? Second chances? That crap is for romantics, not realists like Juliette. She has a bad attitude about love and an even worse one when it comes to second chances. And she may dress like an elf for a few weeks out of the year, but that doesn’t mean she loves Christmas. Stability? Purpose? Landon is surfing a pleasant wave of both until he's fired. Devastating news from his sister certainly doesn’t help. At least he has the holidays to look forward to. When Landon shows up at the mall and Juliette prevents a disaster, he can’t stop thinking about that sweet elf. Juliette doesn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas, but she can’t help but wonder why Landon was in her line that day. Could Landon deserve one of those second chances she's so unwilling to give?
You can find Something Just Like This on Goodreads
You can pre-order Something Just Like This on Amazon for only $2.99 through February 15.
It will be available in Kindle Unlimited after release day.
Excerpt Something Just Like This by Tracy Krimmer “Don’t be a Grinch!” “Huh?” I lift my gaze and my best friend and co-worker Carly stands in the doorway, the smile so bright on her face it almost blinds me. “What do you mean don’t be a Grinch?” “Oh, you know,” she says as she makes her way into the room, planting herself in my chair. “Like you are every holiday season.” “I’m not a Grinch.” Maybe I am. I try my best not to show it. It’s possible I don’t have a convincing poker face. Poker was never my game, anyway. “You most certainly are. Every Christmas party you sulk at the table drinking gin and tonic and refuse to join in on anything. This year, you are in. You’ll be the life of the party.” “Over my dead body.” “Shit, Jules, your stiff body would be a better time than you are alive at these functions.” She’s right, and I know it. Why is she always right? I want to take offense but it’s no secret I’m not Christmas’s biggest fan. I may be the only elf working at the mall that despises it. The elf job isn’t for me, though. I do it for others. That’s festive, isn’t it? Isn’t Christmas about giving? I do plenty of that. “Leave me alone. And why are you so bubbly? Did you drink a bottle of bubble bath or something?” I grab the container of pens, staples, and paperclips out of the box and place them on the desk. This is much easier to deal with than the picture of my family with our fake smiles. “Oh, I don’t know.” She dots her face with her fingertips, moving them around from one side to the other. Why is she acting so weird? “Wait.” I stop when I see it. “Are you wearing an engagement ring?” She squeals and pops out of the chair, rushing over to show me. Her hand misses smacking me in the face as she shows off her princess cut ring, sparkles and all. “Pretty.” “Pretty? Are you kidding me right now, Jules? This ring is gorgeous and fit for the fairest princess in the land.” “Which is you, I assume.” “What crawled into your pants this morning? Or should I ask who didn’t? Another bad date, huh?” I shrug, not in the mood to discuss my date with Romeo. No joke. My cousin Dana claimed she found the perfect guy for me, and I said yes to a blind date. His name was Romy, like Mira Sorvino in that movie Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. I’d only ever heard the name Romy from that movie. It turned out he used Romy as a nickname for Romeo. Yeah. Dana set me up with a Romeo because of course we’d be Romeo and Juliette. Barf. I don’t even spell my name like the Shakespearean character, and the last thing I would ever do is poison myself over a man. Dana had her fun. I did not. She’s never setting me up again. “Let’s say I got home very early, watched an entire movie, and was asleep by ten.” “Ouch. That is a bad date.”
About the Author: Tracy Krimmer loves coffee, popcorn, Drew Barrymore, and the movie Saving Silverman. She enjoys reading great books (of course) and writing realistic characters for you to enjoy. When she listens to music she prefers the 80s and 90s music she grew up on. In a typical day you’ll find her writing at one of her favorite spots--on the couch, at the kitchen table, or at her favorite hometown coffee shop. You can find and contact Tracy here: - Website - Twitter - Facebook - Reader Group - Goodreads - Amazon - Bookbub - Instagram - Newsletter Giveaway There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Something Just Like This. One winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift card.
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
We are so excited to be bringing you the release blitz for Samantha Chase's A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS! This is the perfect romantic read to get you in the holiday spirit - be sure to grab your copy today!
About A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS
She’s ready to deck the halls… But not with wedding decorations. For the most part, Melanie Harper has made her peace with her negative feelings toward Christmas. Thanks to her fiancé, she’s even learned to enjoy the holiday. But that doesn’t mean she wants to share it with her wedding day! He’s dreaming of a white Christmas… Complete with a wedding! Ever since they first met, Josiah Stone has done his best to show Melanie how magical Christmas can be. He’s gotten her to participate in parades, decorate trees and even celebrate the holiday, but asking her to marry him on Christmas Eve just might be more than she’s ready for. Will this be a very Merry or very Married Christmas?
Add A VERY MARRIED CHRISTMAS to your Goodreads shelfHERE!
“What?” she cried. Josiah knew he was taking a big risk in presenting this to her—after all, Melanie had grown up hating Christmas. Hell, he’d only gotten her to have some good feelings toward the holiday in the last two years! But he knew if she’d just give him a chance, he’d be able to prove to her how a Christmas wedding would be amazing. Jumping to his feet, he looked down at her shocked expression and did his best to keep his tone light and encouraging. “Just…hear me out, okay?” The look on her face said she would, but she certainly wasn’t happy about it. “What could be better than getting married during such a festive time of the year?” he began but didn’t give her a chance to reply. “Think about it—everything, everywhere is already beautifully decorated. Any place we go won’t require much from us because it will already be decorated! The Poinsettias, Christmas trees, the lights…all that work will be done for us.” “Josiah…” “And everyone will be in town already so there won’t be a need for them to make a separate trip.” “Who’s everyone? My dad is already here; he’s the only family I have and your family doesn’t live that far away. It’s hardly like they’d be making a huge sacrifice to come to town,” she countered. “But all of our friends will be here too. You know how most people we know tend to travel either before Christmas or after the new year because they love all the festivities here in town Christmas week.” Melanie let out a small sigh. “Look, I get what you’re saying. I really do. But…you know my feelings on Christmas.” He immediately sat back down at her side. “And we’ve come such a long way, Mel! When we first met, you hated the holidays and everything about them. But after that first Christmas here, you changed. You saw how it all wasn’t so bad and—admit it—you even enjoyed it.” She gave him a sour look. “I know that first Christmas was amazing but only because you made it that way for me. You went out of your way to make up for every single crappy Christmas I’d had since I was five!” “And what about last year?” he prodded. Another sigh. “You proposed last Christmas so of course that’s going to make for a great memory.” “So you see…” “But,” she quickly interrupted, “that doesn’t mean I want to get married during the month of December or anywhere near Christmas!” He silently admitted to himself that he knew there were going to be some challenges in getting Melanie to see his way of thinking, but he was kind of hopeful that she wouldn’t be quite this hostile toward the idea. How was he supposed to convince her that this could be good for them? Great, even? What could he possibly do to show her how wonderful a Christmas wedding could be?
About SAMANTHA CHASE:
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.
Today we have the blog tour for CL Stacey’s Plan B! Check it out and grab your copy today.
Title: Plan B
Author: CL Stacey
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About Plan B:
Every tick of the clock takes something away.
Aryn Andrews is a single father doing the best he can under the circumstances.
When you meet the one you love, you plan for everything but the end—especially an end that comes too soon. After losing his wife during childbirth, Aryn vowed to be the kind of father that his daughter, Ayli, could be proud of. Every decision he makes is to ensure her happiness.
Bethany Michaelson is a victim of life.
Multiple hardships endured, Bethany never fails to find the silver lining in everything. Gracious, loyal, obedient, but above all, she is strong. All she wants is to change her inevitable fate, but in order to do that she has to be the one thing she isn’t. Brave.
Aryn has learned to accept his loss.
Bethany mourns hers every day.
How do you start over with someone who fears a new beginning?
Unlocking the door to my dark home, I push it open and start flipping on lights.
Skipping the rest of my usual routine, I head straight for my room and plop down against the edge of my bed.
A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth when I think back on my day with Ayli. That girl is a huge ball of energy; I’m pooped.
My mind wanders to Carl and Jane, the epitome of perfect parents. I’m not sure how long they’ve been married, but I see how happy they both are, and it makes my heart ache in the best way.
A few times throughout dinner, I noticed the embarrassment on Aryn’s face when his father would joke about something I personally found to be insanely funny. I wonder if he knows how lucky and blessed he truly is.
Being there tonight, at the center of such an intimate setting, I should’ve felt out of place. But it didn’t feel that way at all. They treated me like a cherished member of the family, making the whole night feel like a dream. Like Cinderella at the ball. It made me want things I know are out of my reach. Then I got back into my pumpkin to head back to my much harsher reality.
On my drive home, I thought of the way Aryn’s eyes would catch mine from across the table. Every time I’d look over, there I’d find him, watching me.
Things between us feel different, especially lately.
Caleb was right, and I was wrong.
There is definitely something there. I’ve just been lying to myself all this time.
Needing a reminder of why Aryn and I are a bad idea, I walk over to my closet and pull the unmarked box from the top shelf. Clutching it close to my body, I walk it over to my bed.
Once upon a time, this box used to be filled with memories I’d made with Ben, photos and sentimental items that reflected a much happier time. But, like one does after a breakup, I eventually came to throw away the things I no longer cared to hold onto.
All except for one.
With a shaky hand, I pull the only item the cardboard time capsule now holds. The only item I have left to remember my time with Ben. The only item I could never bring myself to discard.
I stare at the black and white picture with tears in my eyes.
Every tick of the clock takes something away.
Relationships are a fantasy of sorts, a figment of our imagination. They seem promising at first, bleeding you dry of your energy and love, but then they fall apart, leaving nothing but the battle scars you acquire in your fight to the bitterest end.
They say time heals, that over time, you forget, but that’s a lie. When you’re cut deep enough, the pain never truly fades. You will always remember. All of it exists in the furthest, darkest corners of your mind, haunting you.
With a track record like mine, holding on to faith just seems like being led on a merry chase. The last thing I want is to infect someone with my poison, expose them to my curse.
Life and I seem to be rivals. Sometimes it is kind and it gives, but it never forgets to take. No matter how determined I am in my pursuit of happiness, it finds a way to tear me down.
I live a good, honest life, hoping to atone for whatever sins I’m being punished for. I pray every night before I close my eyes and then I wake up in the morning and hope for a good day.
I think back to all the wonderful things Aryn said to me earlier tonight with a sad smile.
Life was kind when bringing that man into my life. I am grateful for it bringing me a friend like him. I have to do everything I can to guarantee he stays in it, and that means ignoring the feelings I feel my heart threatening to develop for him.
Depositing the photo back into the box, I replace the lid with a heavy sigh and close my eyes before saying a small prayer.
About CL Stacey:
CL Stacey is a Florida native, born and raised. She still resides in the Sunshine State with her husband and daughter. Relaxing with any good love story she can get her hands on is her favorite way to end the day.
Today we have the blog tour for Acting on Impulse by Thea Dawson! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!
Acting on Impulse by Thea Dawson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About Acting on Impulse:
She's camera shy. He's a big star. Is love worth the limelight? Thirteen years ago, Chris McPherson drunkenly declared his love for Joy Albright... right in front of her husband. Though her angry rejection still stings, Chris, now a successful Hollywood actor, has never forgotten his feelings for her. When he returns to Silverweed Falls to direct a summer Shakespeare play, he is thrilled--and a little nervous--to learn that Joy will be managing the play. Joy Albright's marriage imploded in a public scandal a year ago when her husband was caught by the press with another woman. All she wants now is to avoid the limelight, but she can't refuse the request of a dying friend to help save the local theater group. Reunited, sparks fly. Joy is desperate to avoid more gossip. Chris comes trailed by the tabloids. But neither of them can deny the temptation to act on their impulses.
“We-ell, look at this.” Chris pulled out the tabloid that Charlotte had bought the other week at Safeway. “Doing your research?”
Joy felt her cheeks start to warm. “That’s Charlotte’s.”
He gave her a knowing smile. “Sure it is. Well, don’t believe any of it. It’s all lies.” He tossed the magazine onto the coffee table in front of them. His face on the cover, so uncharacteristically stern, stared back at them.
“Even the parts about you being charming and talented and extremely good in bed?”
He looked scandalized. “Did that actually say that?” He reached for the magazine again, but she snatched it away with a laugh and opened it up, taking the opportunity to shift away from him so that her back was against the arm of the couch and she was facing him.
“No, but let’s see what they got right.” She gave him a wicked grin.
“No, come on—” he tried to grab the magazine from her, but she pulled it out of reach. He leaned back on the couch, resigned.
She read the headline with an extra dose of drama in her voice. “‘Chris McPherson: Will This Star Keep Rising or Will He Crash and Burn?’” She cleared her throat and began reading the body of the article. “‘He may be Hollywood’s newest bad boy, but Chris McPherson has a flair for the art of charm. He is waiting for me at an outside table at Republique, one of LA’s most popular bistros. With a diffident charm that reminds me of Jimmy Stewart, and the body of a young Brando, his charisma is instantly apparent. But like those stars of yesteryear, Hollywood’s newest darling has a dark side, too.’”
“That article was my publicist’s idea,” he said quickly. He sounded embarrassed. “To use my ‘dark side’—” he made air quotes, “to give me ‘depth.’” More air quotes.
“Body of a young Brando.” She raised her eyebrows in ironic respect. “That’s deep.”
“Put that trash down.” He wasn’t looking at her and no longer sounded amused. “God, I wish I had half Brando’s talent,” he replied, staring into the empty fireplace. “I wouldn’t be worthy of getting the man coffee. “
The raised brows stayed in place but lost the irony. “You’re very talented,” she assured him, surprised at his sudden seriousness.
“Not like Brando talented.”
“Why not like Brando talented?”
He made a snorting sound that was half humor, half exasperation. “I’m a comedian, Joy. I’m pratfalls and snappy one liners. Campground was Yogi Bear meets Cheech and Chong, and Crusaders is all fight scenes and special effects. Sure, they buffed me up for it, but I’m not exactly Stanley Kowalski material.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to tease him but the look in his eyes stopped her. The conversation had suddenly grown serious.
“That’s ridiculous. You could play any role you wanted to.”
Thea Dawson has lived in Rome, Tokyo and London, and spent much of her twenties traveling around the world. Eventually she met the love of her life and settled down in the Pacific Northwest, where she now lives with her husband and three children. After a checkered career which included stints as an English teacher, librarian and editor, she now writes full time, telling tales of romance and adventure.
