Review - The Darkslayer: Brutal Beginnings by Craig Holloran

Title: The Darkslayer: Brutal Beginnings

Author: Craig Holloran
Series:
Pages: 40
Release Date: September 26th 2017

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: Kindle

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: A menace in the sweltering jungles has been swallowing up the peaceful people and they need a hero that will make the evil ones pay…

The massive City of Bone, ruled by the maligned Royals, is where the fate of the world rests on a pair of unlikely heroes named Venir and Melegal. To the dismay of the city born rogue, Melegal, Venir, wielding a mystic war axe, sets out on a one-man crusade against the insidious race of fiends, called the underlings. Venturing deep into the wasteland’s jungles Venir discovers that the underlings have destroyed a village, slain their people and kidnapped their woman and children. Donning the mantel of power, the ultimate hunter of the Outlands sets out on one of the bloodiest rescues missions of all time. 

The Darkslayer: Brutal Beginnings is a sword and sorcery/fantasy short story that serves as a quick introduction to a much larger fantasy setting in the world called Bish. Set in a harsh climate with two blistering suns, created by a bored immortal, The Darkslayer brings to light everything a fan of science fiction fantasy could hope for, including the full buffet of monsters and races such as giants, dragons, dwarves, orcs, ogres, underlings and worst of all god-like beings that are unpredictable.
Give this action packed short story a try, that is only a taste of two full lengths series that are over16 books and one million words long. 

My Review: Another free book which series I will not be continuing.

          This is only a prequel so you don’t really get much but it is supposed to make you want to read the series and it failed, for me at least.

          The Darkslayer goes off on a journey to kill the Underlings who are these terrible creatures that will kill anything that gets in their way.

Currently Reading: Man's Best Alibi by Tara Meyer
Read in 2018: 15/35

To Read in September

This month I need to read a lot of books to catch up to on my challenge after everything that has happened these last few months.

Just because I have set 4 books this month that does not mean that I will finish all of the books on the list as I do beta reading.

This month I have picked.

1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
2. Dark Waters Anthology
3. Hunted by Mary Duke
4. Warrior by Mary Duke

Reading, Loss and Depression

I know this isn't a book related post and I wasn't going to post this but I felt that I should as I want to keep you all informed as to why I have been quiet and to help people who are suffering like I am.

My dad passed away at the beginning of the month. He was my everything. Always there when I needed him and the only one I ever wanted when I was ill. He went into hospital the day before Fathers Day with pneumonia and he was getting better and he came home after two weeks but the pneumonia must not have cleared as that what he died of.

My dad's death has hit me hard, |I might not be showing it on the outside but its been affecting me mentally and emotionally, as well as having to sort through my dads things (which my mum, sister and brother-in-law have mainly done while I babysat my niece and nephew), and having to deal with my older brother calling constantly, I just haven't felt like reading but my dad wouldn't want me to sit and just eat junk and watch T.V, he would want me to keep reading and get ready for when my course starts in October so I am going to start reading again, I haven't decided what I'm going to read yet but I am going to look on my kindle and pick something even if it is less that 100 pages just to get me back into reading again as I don't want to fall further into my hole of depression.

With all that has been going on and with my course starting soon I am not going to reach my Goodreads challenge this year, currently I am on 16/35 making me 6 behind my goal.

Just a quick note: If you are suffering from depression please seek help as you are NOT alone, more people than you know suffer from depression and 90% of those people suffer in silence because they feel that they cannot talk to someone, I would still be suffering even more than I am now if some friends hadn't suggested I go and see my GP and if an old school teacher hadn't have made the call for me to see my GP.

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.

This website has a ton of websites and phone numbers for you if you are looking for help NHS.

Cover Reveal - Two’s Company by Alice La Roux

★.•*¨*★☆COVER REVEAL☆★*¨*•.★

Title & Author: Two’s Company by Alice La Roux

Release date: 14th September

Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

Cover Designer: Eleanor Lloyd-Jones at Schmidt's Author Services

★✩★AMAZON PRE-ORDER NOW LIVE ★✩★
Link: https://bookgoodies.com/a/B07G7B1FX3

★✩★ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS ★✩★
Link: goo.gl/DghDpJ

★✩★SYNOPSIS ★✩★
Mira Johnson leads a quiet, boring life.
She works in a demanding job that barely covers the rent of the grotty little flat that she shares with her best friend, Jenna. To top it off, she’s unlucky in love. She’s only ever had one serious boyfriend, who left her doubting her own worth.
That is until a steamy office encounter brings Dominic Underwood into her life, but he doesn’t come alone. His live-in girlfriend Katya is part of the package, and Mira finds herself unable to say no to that sinful smile of his. When Dominic starts to push her boundaries, she’s not sure what she’s gotten herself into.
Two’s company, but three’s a party, right?

★✩★Author Links★✩★
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AliLaRoux
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asmadasAlice/
Newsletter: https://goo.gl/qKjNgt​

#romance #menage #three #love #erotica #menageatrois #contemporaryromance #steamy #DominicUnderwood #Mira #Katya #complicatedlove

Review - Man's Best Alibi by Tara Meyers

Title: Mans Best Alibi

Author: Tara Meyers
Series: Secrets of Sanctuary Cozy Mystery
Pages: 159
Release Date: July 2nd 2018

Genre: Mystery
Publisher: 
Source: Author
Format: 

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Something strange is happening in the mountains of Sanctuary. 

Veterinarian Ember Burns makes a grisly discovery and it leads authorities to the body of a man in the woods above her home. Although the circumstances are suspicious, the only witness is her dog and the death's ruled a suicide. 

But things aren't that simple. When Ember looks into the man's local connections, it creates more questions than answers. Including the source of an unusual rock, and what he was really doing in the mountains. 

As a mysterious illness sickens the local animals, Ember's battle to save them leads to a startling discovery. She races to prove both the cause of the animals' symptoms and how the man died, but will it be too late?

My Review: I had been waiting for this book since finishing the first one, so much so that I often sent Ms Meyers messages asking when it was going to be out -along with other books in her series- and I was happy when she messaged to tell me the beta was ready.

Man's Best Alibi starts off with Ember wondering where Deanerys is as she has been missing a while. When Deanerys finally comes home she brings Ember a gift, but it's not a gift anyone would want, she brings back a glove with a hand inside.

Obviously Embers curiosity streak kicks in and she asks Nathan and Sheriff Walker if she can go along with them, the search and rescue team and the sent dog to find out where Deanerys found the hand.

This story is quite sad compared to the last one as the body part belonged to Deanerys' owner and a lot of animals end up really sick or dead and its all down to the man who's death is ruled a suicide.

Ember want's to find out if it was a suicide or not as she want's to know if she is going to lose Deanerys.

The plot is good and the characters have progressed since book one.

I loved that Ember got to keep Deanerys  and her relationship progress between Ember and Nathan and I can't wait to see where it leads. I love Mel and Embers friendship especially Mels movie references. I didn't guess who the killer was but when it was revealed I remembered something that had happened previously and I could have kicked myself for not putting it together.

The only thing lacking from this story was there were no flirty scenes with Aunt Becky and the Sheriff, I did love those in book one, so here's hoping to some more Becky and Ben mischief in book three.

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling, Ragdoll by Daniel Cole and Dark Water by Various Authors
Read in 2018: 16/35

Happy Birthday Jessica Brody

Happy Birthday Jessica Brody.

Happy Birthday Jenna Burtenshaw

NEW RELEASE!

BUY LINK - ONLY .99

Man's Best Alibi

Something strange is happening in the mountains of Sanctuary 

Veterinarian Ember Burns makes a grisly discovery and it leads authorities to the body of a man in the woods above her home. Although the circumstances are suspicious, the only witness is her dog and the death's ruled a suicide. 

But things aren't that simple. When Ember looks into the man's local connections, it creates more questions than answers. Including the source of an unusual rock, and what he was really doing in the mountains. 

As a mysterious illness sickens the local animals, Ember's battle to save them leads to a startling discovery. She races to prove both the cause of the animals' symptoms and how the man died, but will it be too late?

How does a $25 Amazon gift card & 16 eBooks sound?

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Discover the town of Sanctuary!

Book #1, You Can Lead a Horse to Murder is on sale for only .99!

BUY LINK for You Can Lead a Horse to Murder

Author Tara Meyers

At nineteen, I was recruited into a secret government program, where my memory was erased .. wait -- that's the outline for a potential book. Sorry, my real biography isn't quite as interesting, but I'll give it a shot!

I live in the Pacific Northwest, and when I'm not writing, I'm out beach combing with my dogs for sea glass, or hiking in the rugged Cascade Mountains. It's the perfect backdrop to fuel my creative genius. *rubs hands together evilly*

You'll find all my adult romantic suspense and cozy mysteries here, and on my OTHER profile (secret identity ;)) Tara Ellis, I keep my middle grade and young adult books. Check them out, You might like those, too!

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Review - The Beast with no Beauty by Jamie Campbell

Title: The Beast with no Beauty

Author: Jamie Campbell
Series: Fairy Tales Retold
Pages: 43
Release Date: February 13th 2013

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: eBook

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: History is told from one person’s perspective. Sometimes they don’t get it right.

Cursed by a wicked witch, the Handsome Prince is transformed into a Beast. To break the curse, he must have someone fall in love with him.

Belle, the ordinary girl from the village, stumbles across the poor beast and is captured in his castle.

Can the prince make Belle fall in love with him to break the curse? Or will she see through his beastly exterior to the ugly prince inside?

A charming twist to the story of Beauty and the Beast, told completely from the point of view of the beast himself.

My Review: I love these short story retold fairy tales by Ms Campbell. This one is a spin on Beauty and the Beast and is told from the Beast's point of view.

The Beast is portrayed as a self centered jerk who was more interested in his appearance than actually falling in love with Belle to break the curse.

Although the Beast was a jerk it was a good read and the ending was bittersweet which was nice.

I'd love Ms Campbell to write more of these as there are a lot more fairy tales that could be retold.

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
Read in 2017: 14/35

Review - Tranquility by Anya Bast

Title: Tranquility

Author: Anya Bast
Series: OtherKin
Pages: 46
Release Date: September 9th 2011

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: Kindle

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Roane leaves the Fury werewolf pack to make room for his brother, Merrick, and his new mate. A natural alpha, there's nowhere Roane can go in wolf country and not stir up trouble. He settles in a town called Tranquility and immediately raises the hackles of the local pack leader.

Even worse, Roane gets one look at Scarlet, the pack leader's sister, and will do anything to possess her. Scarlet tries to resist him, but his touch inflames desire she can barely control. And that means heaps of trouble for both of them.

This short story is a free title, offered by New York Times bestselling author, Anya Bast. Tranquility is part two of a two part series. Fury is the title of part one. These titles are highly erotic and meant for those 18 years or older.

My Review: I read this book as I hoped that Fury the first book would be redeemed but unfortunately it was not, if anything the second instalment was worse than the first.

          This one focuses on Roane who leaves Fury and his pack so that he did not have to fight his brother for Nikki, he moves to Tranquility as he just wants to be a part of a pack again and he falls in love with the new pack leaders Marcus’ sister Scarlet, Marcus does not like this at all.

          As a short story it blows, I read it in less than 20 minutes.

          The two characters have sex and fall in love as well as fighting with his mates brother. It’s a giant snooze fest.

Currently Reading: The Darkslayer: Brutal Beginnings by Craig Halloran
Read in 2018: 14/35

Review - Rag Doll by Rebecca Scarberry

Title: Rag Doll

Author: Rebecca Scarberry
Series:
Pages: 22
Release Date: December 10th 2012

Genre: Horror
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: Kindle

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: A fascinating short story about a dream of a lifetime. Jeremy Martell takes his four-year-old son, Todd to search for diamonds.

It isn’t a diamond his young son finds in the Arkansas state park. The park becomes a crime scene.

Crime, sex, and mystery make this a very entertaining read.

My Review: I read this book because it was short and because I accidentally bought it when I was looking for a different book with the same title, I read it because I did not want it to be a waste of money

          A man takes his some diamond mining and ends up being blamed for murdering his girlfriend.

          The storyline is not very believable and it has no excitement that makes you want to keep reading like books are supposed to do.

          For a short story it seems to leave holes throughout which I guess if it was turned into a longer story could be worked on.

Currently Reading: Tranquility by Anya Bast
Read in 20178: 13/35

Review - I Love Little Red by Jamie Campbell

Title: I Love Little Red

Author: Jamie Campbell
Series: Fairy Tales Retold
Pages: 50
Release Date: February 13th 2013

Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: eBook

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: History is told from one person’s perspective. Sometimes they don’t get it right.

Sweet Little Red Riding Hood always visits her grandmother to bring her muffins and cheer her up. Once a week she travels deep into the heart of the woods to make the journey.

And she’s being watched.

Will the Woodcutter lives for the days he sees Little Red. He longs for her to notice him. When a plan forms in his mind, he wonders if he’ll be able to pull it off. Just maybe, with the wolf’s help, he might.

The big bad wolf has been accused of eating Grandmother and Little Red for too long. See exactly how he was framed for the awful crimes.

A charming twist to the story of Little Red Riding Hood, told completely from the point of view of the Woodcutter who saved the day.

My Review: This story is the 5th installment of the Fairy Tales Retold series.

This short is a spin on Red Riding Hood. Little Red would always visit her grandmother once a week and the Woodcutter Will would spend all week waiting for her.

Little Red does not noticed Will and one day while he is waiting for her to travel through the deep forest to visit her grandmother Will comes up with a plan to get her to notice him and he needs the wolf's help to get his plan to work.

The Woodcutter's plan is to tell poor Little Red that the wolf has ate her grandmother so that he can save the day by killing the wolf.

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
Read in 2017: 14/35

Cover Reveal - The Devil’s Plaything by Claire Marta

The Devil’s Plaything – Ceasefire Series Book 2

Cover Designer – Alora Kate

Cover Kraze Book Cover Designer

Blurb:

Lust, sex, lies.

I fell in love.

l bled and broke for him.

I foolishly played his game and woke to find he's not done with me yet.

He's dead set on stripping everything I am bare.

I'm nothing but his plaything and he's pulling my strings.

But things are going to be different.

I'm more than an assassin, a monster with a pretty face. I'm his undoing.

I will rise. Seek my revenge. Outwit his deviant schemes.

This time…I plan to win.

*This is a dark erotic paranormal romance and contains certain triggers some readers may not enjoy. Due to scenes of an adult nature, this book is for 18+ ONLY.*

The Devil's Plaything - Ceasefire Series Book 2 Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40138740-the-devil-s-plaything---ceasefire-series-book-2

The Devil You Know Ceasefire series Book 1

99 Cents Ebook!

Available on Kindle Unlimited!

USA: https://amzn.to/2EB2UDB

Amazon CA:  https://amzn.to/2H9g4gB

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2qk7DFn

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2JxCYN7

The Devil You Know - Ceasefire Series Book 1 Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38593254-the-devil-you-know---ceasefire-series-book-1

Where to Find Author Claire Marta:

Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/clairemartabooks/

Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/898725670258533/

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/ClaireMBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairemartawritesbooks/

Website: https://clairemarta.wixsite.com/clairemarta

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Claire-Marta/e/B01KDNYHBQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

To Read in June

So I hardly read anything in May which means I am now 2 books behind schedule on completing my Goodreads challenge of 35 books.

I need to read 23 more this year to finish the challenge which is on average 3 books a month to complete the challenge but I need to read 4 books this month to catch up.

In May I planned on reading 5 books a month, 1 off my shelf, 1 reread and 3 from my kindle but I am now just going to read 3 a month (4 this month so I can complete my challenge).

Just because I have set 4 books this month that does not mean that I will finish all of the books on the list as I do beta reading.

This month I have picked.

1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling
2. Heritage by Tara Ellis
3. Man's best Alibi by Tara Meyers or Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
4. In the House of the Vodouisent by David McMullen-Sullivan

Indie Love Giveaway

The Indie Love Writing Retreat 2018 is drawing closer and we still have some spaces left. Join us and discuss author branding with Sofie Hartley, get creative with Jade West or talk marketing with Nick Lewis in wonderful Wales this September.

To celebrate this bank holiday and share the Love we're having an amazing giveaway!

So, here’s the prize:

X1 Swag Bundle

X1 Mystery signed book

X1 £/$ 15 Amazon gift card

Now how to win:

Like the Indie Love page (1 entry): https://www.facebook.com/Indielovewales/

or

Join the Indie Love group (1 entry): https://www.facebook.com/groups/604660136395629/

Doing both will get you two entries into the draw. It’s that simple!

Giveaway is open internationally and will close at midnight on Monday the 28th (BST)

If you want to sign up and join us this September then simply fill in the form!

https://goo.gl/forms/79vzvBuZcDtDseqs1

Review - Fury by Anya Bast

Title: Fury

Author: Anya Bast
Series: OtherKin
Pages: 57
Release Date: September 9th 2007

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: eBook

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: Nikki is a cougar shifter living in a werewolf world. When she's promised as a mate to a wolf shifter named Merrick, the fur flies. Cats are solitary and proud. No way will she be tamed, not even if Merrick’s touch drives her insane with need.

But Merrick has wanted Nikki for a long time and there's no way he’s letting her go. He’ll use every dark and erotic trick he knows to seduce her body...and then win her heart.

This short story is offered by New York Times bestselling author, Anya Bast. Fury is part one of a two part series. Tranquility is the sequel. These titles are highly erotic and meant for those 18 years or older.

My Review: I really didn’t like this book and I only read it because 1. It was short, 2. I was behind on my goodreads challenge and 3. Because I got this one and book two for free on amazon.

          I almost never finished it, the only reason I did was because I thought that the second book would be better.

          I had not read any wolf stories before but the fantasy genre is one of my favourites so I was very disappointed when this did not live up to what I have hoped it would.

          Nikki the main character is being forced to mate with Merrick or Roane who are brothers, whoever she chooses gets to stay with the pack the other must leave, Roane steps aside so that Merrick can have her.

          Although I am not a wolf expert or an expert on love but I was under the impression that one should be able to fall in love with whom one wants and not be forced into it.

          The beginning of this book was so bad that the last half could not make up for it. It really is awful, I was expecting it to be more erotic rather than full of forced sex scenes. I expected Merrick to go knocking on Nikki’s door once his brother stepped aside to win her over not break into her place.

I am not 100% sure I will read book two if this is how bad book one is.

Currently Reading: Rag Doll by Rebecca Scarberry
Read in 2018: 12/35

Review - Ugly Sleeping Beauty by Jamie Campbell

Title: Ugly Sleeping Beauty

Author: Jamie Campbell
Series: Fairy Tales Retold
Pages: 40
Release Date: March 15th 2014

Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale & Folklore
Publisher: 
Source: Amazon
Format: eBook

Buy it: Amazon

Add it: Goodreads

Synopsis: History is told from one person’s perspective. Sometimes they don’t get it right.

The Wicked Fairy has been wrongly accused of cursing Sleeping Beauty with a fate that would take her life if she pricked her finger on a spinning wheel.

But you haven’t been told the full story. The Wicked Fairy is only doing what she believes is in the best interests of the kingdom.

Now, with Sleeping Beauty coming of age, the fairy has to do something in order to stop her destroying everything. All she needs to do is find the princess.

Can the Wicked Fairy find Sleeping Beauty before everything is lost? Can she convince the entire kingdom of her innocence? And what is Sleeping Beauty really hiding?

A charming twist to the story of Sleeping Beauty, told completely from the point of view of the Wicked Fairy.

My Review: This Retold Fairy Tale is told by one of the fairy godmother Milly.

The fairy godmother's reason for cursing Princess Aurora was because the Princess would cause the downfall of the Kingdom. After cursing Princess Aurora the King had Milly banished from the Kingdom that very day.

Milly regrets not telling the other fairy godmothers about the old mans prophecy but  she thought they wouldn't keep it secret.The Princess is then placed into hiding and Milly couldn't find her but she keeps searching so she can make sure that the prophecy doesn't come true.

Milly finds the Princess the day before her birthday, the Princess is out gathering flowers and berries while talking to the forest animals. Milly eventually finds out that the Princess has been living in the forest with her fellow fairies and she realizes that she missed them. She listened in while the fairy godmother's tell the Princess who she really was and why she was not with her parent's Milly kept watch over night and the next day she followed them as they took the Princess to the palace.

Although Milly felt guilty that the King and Queen missed out in the Princesses first 16 years of life she knew that she had done the right in cursing her, but by accident the Princess pricked her finger and she fell into a deep, deep sleep awaiting her true love to find her and kiss her, the other fairies put the whole Kingdom to sleep until the Princess wakes.

Milly leaves the palace and goes back to the forest to find the boy she had seen the Princess with and takes him prisoner so he cannot kiss her but the other fairies find them and take him to the Princess.

The fairies give the boy weapons as he is actually Prince Philip, his sword is the sword of truth meaning anyone holding it cannot tell lies and when he tells Milly he will make sure that the Princess does not become evil Milly realizes she has made a terrible mistake by listening to the prophecy.

Luckily Prince Philip was the Princesses one true love and she awakes from her slumber after he kisses her.

Princess Aurora and Prince Philip get marries and the princess makes sure that Milly was spared being locked up in the dungeon.

Sleeping Beauty is my all time favourite Fairy Tale and I'm glad that Ms Campbell chose to do a spin on it.

Currently Reading: 
Read in 2018: 11/35

Release Boost - Falling through Darkness by Kira Berger

RELEASE BOOST
Title: Falling Through Darkness
Author: Kira Berger
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: May 4, 2018
 

BLURB
One bad decision changed my life irrevocably.
One night shattered it completely.

Moving to another country was supposed to be a fresh start for me, an escape from my past. A way to heal and live my life. I promised them to find happiness. What I wasn’t supposed to find was him. Dark, handsome, and irresistible.

He wasn’t supposed to break through the walls around my heart. But I wasn’t strong enough to resist.

For a minute, I was happy. But the clutches of my past will never let me go. The evil shrouding my past in darkness has finally found me.

I need to fight it—for him and them. Even if that means letting go of the light.
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36263202-falling-through-darkness

PURCHASE LINKS 
US: https://amzn.to/2raIZa5
UK: https://amzn.to/2HzTgYd
CA: https://amzn.to/2HFuUsi
AU: https://amzn.to/2HYaVs9

Free in Kindle Unlimited
EXCERPTS #1 
Prologue

Damp.
Dark.
Dead.
Words keep flitting through my mind on an endless loop, trying to pull me into the darkness hovering on the fringes of my mind. It would be easy, so easy to let go. To give in, give up…
Stop the endless fighting.
What’s the point anyway?
This time I won’t get out alive. Last time was messy. This time is meticulously planned. The intention clear, I was not to make it out of here alive.
I have always known this would happen and yet, I’ve given in to hope, to love, to the idea of a new beginning for someone like me… Boy, was I wrong.
Duncan.
One name among thousands, but the only thing keeping me sane right now. I should have never given in; I should have been stronger.
But he wore me down. It wasn’t just his looks—even though his resemblance to a Viking god sure helped. Tall and muscular with blue eyes reminiscent of the Australian ocean, or a mountain lake, with his clear and honest stare. The one thing that made me fall hard and fast was his smile. The prefect reflection of who he is—charming, strong, honest, and wickedly funny.
He was the first person who was able to make me genuinely smile with true joy after months of going through the motions.
He made me feel alive again. And now I’ve lost it all… and he doesn’t even know how much he means to me. My last words to him being the cruelest I ever uttered. It’s a good thing I won’t have to live long with myself after what I’ve done.
I picture his face in all its glorious detail. I want the last thoughts I have be of the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The one who healed me, taught me to love, gave me strength to fight, and always believed in me.
The one who taught me how to fly.
While I picture the love of my life holding me in his arms, the door opens slowly and in walks my worst nightmare. I don’t try to fight my restraints. I already did, and there is no way to get out of these handcuffs.
Instead, I keep hold of my saving grace while my grim reaper walks toward me.
I concentrate on how Duncan’s lips felt against mine, how he worshiped my body, my scars.
I tune out the sound of the gun being cocked. I always hoped my ending, when it came, would be quick and painless—at least I will be given that.
I keep my eyes closed and my mind firmly in my fantasy, where I’m loved and happy, and not in this dark and empty prison.
Briefly, I wonder if anyone will ever find my body or if they will have to bury an empty coffin.
Suddenly, my chin is grabbed in a painful and unforgiving hold.
“Did you actually think you’d get away this easily? You fucking bitch, you ruined my life! I was going to have it all before you had to go and fucking leave!”
The pain in my jaw forces my eyes open. They collide with eyes, the deepest brown they look black, staring back at me. But none of the warmth I’ve seen before is present right now. All I see is an abyss of hatred, madness, and cold determination.
I guess it won’t be quick after all. I close my eyes again. Hoping against hope for peace.
“Ah no, darling. You don’t want to miss what comes next. I have plans for you. And I need you present to enjoy them.”
A menacing smile spreads across the face in front of me.
“Let’s have some fun…”
 
©Kira Berger

#2 
Chapter One

I stare at the sunrise above the ocean through the tiny plane window next to me. The beautiful orange, red, and golden glow gives me a sense of peace I haven’t felt in a long time. I watch as the sun slowly bathes the world in its warmth, greeting a new day, a new beginning—seemingly giving me a chance to start anew.
While I watch as in the distance a new day breaks, I muse about what lies before me. I have never been afraid of jumping into the unknown—be it studying abroad by myself, traveling the world, or falling in love. But that was the old me—the young, carefree person who’s never been touched by darkness.
Being from a small town in south-east France, moving to the city or even a foreign country is something everyone fantasized about. I’ve lived in London for years, but the dream has been to live in America, the country my mother left behind as a twenty-five-year-old orphan. I just wish the circumstances of why I’m finally moving weren’t so dire.
Leaving Europe behind is freeing, yet scary nonetheless.
The last month has passed by in a blur. Once I realized I couldn’t stay where I was, I reached out to one of my teachers from an exchange year I spent in Chicago who I kept in touch with. It’s been a whirlwind and for once luck was on my side; he had a friend, who’s a high school principal in a Philadelphia suburb, one who was in dire need of an English teacher. Apparently, the previous teacher suddenly moved away due to a family emergency. While it’s sad for her, for me it couldn’t have been more perfect. And after a two-hour Skype interview with Mr. Harris, I accepted the job offer. I left Europe within three weeks.
The sudden descent of the plane brings be me back to the present. Judging from the seat belt sign blinking on, I guess we’re about to land. Finally. While I love flying, I’m ready to be back on solid ground and out of this flying tin can.
Half an hour later, we safely touch down at the international airport in Philadelphia. Going through customs takes forever, like always.
Most of my stuff fits into two suitcases. Everything with emotional value is in them, along with my clothes and important documents. Everything else, I’ve left behind. They don’t matter since the things killing me not to have with me aren’t earthly possessions anyway.
Another lucky break has been finding an apartment which comes furnished. Mr. Harris has been amazing with accommodating me. Not just with finding me a place to stay, but also having the previous English teacher give me her lesson plans for the first couple of months.
Seeing my two cases come around the belt, I move to the front to grab them. Rolling them back to the cart, I heave them onto it, trying to keep the stupid thing from moving away from me. I really wish they’d have a lock on the wheels to make sure they stay immobile.
Ugh.
When I finally manage to get myself organized with my luggage, I’m breathing heavily. Wow, I guess I should start exercising. One day soon, I tell myself my ever-present lie.
I move toward the exit and walk into the sweltering Pennsylvania summer heat. Fucking hell, why did no one tell me the humidity here is this crazy? One step outside and I’m sweating already.
I am looking around for a cab when I hear my name being called, “Alex!”
Startled, I look around, trying to figure out who yelled my name. I’m shocked to see my old professor stand before me with a cheeky grin on his face.
“What are you doing here, Tom?”
Chuckling, he replies, “I was in the area. You know Luna has family out here, so we thought we’d come out to celebrate Labor Day with them.”
I have to snort at this. It’s rather pathetic how bad of a liar he still is. They came out here so that I wouldn’t arrive and be alone my first weekend; the smirk he can’t hide shows this clear as day. I guess it’s their good fortune they have family in Philly and we can all pretend this is why they’re here.
Makes it easier.
“Of course, you do. How is the wife anyway? How come she isn’t part of this welcome committee?”
I smile at the thought of Luna. While Tom is your stereotypical professor with elbow patches and glasses, his wife is the complete opposite. I guess the best way to describe her is free-spirited. Or a hippie. I’m pretty sure she used to have dreads at some point in her past.
They’re both teachers at the University of Illinois. Tom is the head of the education department, while Luna is the head of Women’s Studies. Quite the pair, but it seems to work perfectly. Luna always used to tell me Tom’s the calm to her hurricane.
I am extremely lucky to have met them, no doubt about it. Luna and I developed a friendship during one of her classes that went beyond the classroom. She ended up inviting me to holidays and weekend excursions. I know, it sounds weird, but when you are alone in a different country you welcome a setting that reminds you of your family. Plus, turkey for Thanksgiving at their place was a lot better than eating alone in my dorm room.
“She’s well. She had a meeting with her publisher in New York today. You know for her new book coming out soon?” At my nod, he continues, “Also, she told me to tell you, she’s insisting you come with us to the party tomorrow.” Lifting a hand, he halts any protests he knows are coming. “Don’t even start, you know she’ll just come and force you to join us anyway.”
I sigh, he’s right. There is no way I’ll get out of this one. “Fine.”
“Great. Now get in here and give me a hug. I haven’t seen you in ages! Skype just isn’t the same.” Without waiting for me to move, Tom steps forward and hugs me hard.
“I’m so sorry, girl,” he whispers.
My arms involuntary squeeze him tight. “I’m all right,” I lie.
I move out of his embrace and clear my throat. I don’t do well with emotions. I was never one of those people who can show them easily to begin with, and the last few years only made it worse.
“Welp, shall we go then, driver,” I joke to defuse the emotionally laden situation.
“Yes, ma’am,” he says with a laugh. “Let’s go. My car is this way.” He points straight ahead.
We walk across the street toward a black Jeep Grand Cherokee. Whistling through my teeth, I tease him, “Damn. An SUV. Do you hate our planet that much?”
“Be nice. It’s what they gave us when we arrived. Not even joking, it was the last one left. Luna wasn’t impressed either. She already gave me shit for two hours afterward. Please, spare me.”
“All right, all right, all right,” I give my best Matthew McConaughey impression, causing Tom to laugh out loud, drawing the eye of the people around us.
“Your impersonation skills have not gotten any better over the years.”
I place my hand over my heart in mock hurt. “Hey! Are you saying my practicing was all for naught?”
“Pretty much. I’m surprised you aren’t talking like some posh snob from England anyway. That’s pretty impressive.” The laughter leaving me at his comment is something I haven’t done in months. I’ve lived in England for six years, so it’s not such a stretch to imagine I’d end up with an accent. “Yeah, I worked hard to avoid sounding like a Brit. My mom spent too much time teaching me one accent to lose it.”
After we load my luggage into the trunk, I move to the passenger door, while admiring the interior.
“You know,” I say while getting comfortable, “while I hate the amount of gas this car uses and the deteriorating effect it has on the environment, it’s a really nice one. I love this leather interior—it’s comfortable.”
“That reminds me, have you figured out what you’ll do about a car? You know this is America, not London.” He smirks at me. “You can’t rely on public transport to go anywhere unless you live in the city.”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m aware. I don’t even know how far the apartment is from work, but I have a feeling I’ll need to drag my ass out of bed tomorrow and go lease one.” I sigh, already dreading the experience.
“How about I come with you. The party isn’t until three anyway. We’ll go to a dealership in the area in the morning. How does that sound?”
“Actually, it sounds amazing. Thank you. I was not looking forward to it. I hate car shopping. So, I appreciate the help.” I smile at Tom gratefully. “Even though I will say it wasn’t necessary; I’m grateful you came out this weekend.”
“We’re family, girl. Luna thinks of you as a little sister, especially after what you did for us—for Luna. We’ll never forget it and will never be able to repay you.”
I avert my eyes, looking out the window while trying to blink back the tears. “I did what anyone would have done. All I did was drive Luna to the hospital and sit with her while we waited for you.”
“Alex,” he says with a heavy sigh and places a hand on my arm. “You did a lot more than just sit with her. If not for you, she’d have been alone, sitting on a cold and empty hospital bed mourning the baby we’d just lost, waiting for me to get there. You were her lifeline, telling her funny stories of your brother and all the shenanigans you two got up to. You were there when she needed someone the most.”
I look at him, my chest filling with emotions I’m unused to. It was a mixture of gratitude, love, and… belonging. “Then I’m glad I was there to give her some comfort during a horrible time.” I try to smile, but I know I fail miserably since I can feel my lip wobbling.
“Me too, honey. Me too. And you know, we’re here in case you need to talk about—”
“I don’t,” I interrupt abruptly, my tone sharp. I don’t ever want to talk about what happened. The past is going to stay buried deep in the abyss of my consciousness. “I’m fine. I don’t need to talk about anything. Let the past stay where it belongs.”
He looks at me for a moment. And by the way he’s rolling his lip between his teeth, and the intensity in his eyes, I can tell he’s trying to see behind my mask. I’m not sure what he sees, but thankfully he lets it go.
Shaking his head, he straightens in his seat and turns the ignition. “Can you program your new address into the GPS? I don’t want to end up getting lost in the hills of suburbia.”
Looking at the gadget in front of me, I decide to give it the good ol’ try. I’m sure it can’t be that difficult. “Sure, let’s do this.”
 
AUTHOR BIO
Kira Berger is a child of the world with a severe case of wanderlust. She’s lived in both North America and Europe. Currently, she’s living in London and enjoys everything the diverse city has to offer.

She’s always been a dreamer and closet romantic. And after obtaining her MA in English and Publishing, she finally decided to bring the stories floating around in her head and distracting her from real life onto paper.

If she’s not writing or working – which is pretty much most of the time – she can be found reading, traveling all over the world to visit friends, cuddle with her cat, or ride on the back of her horse through the countryside, preferably during the winter months.
 
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