Virtual Book Tour: A Good Knight's Kiss by Emily Klein

Good morning! Please welcome author Emily Klein to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to tell us about her new release, A Good Knight's Kiss. Emily will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

A Good Knight's Kiss

by Emily Klein

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GENRE: Historical Romance

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BLURB:

A Good Knight's Kiss is a romantic coming-of-age story.

John's uncanny cleverness and insight, and his red hair, cause his stepmother to fear him, thinking him a devilish daemon.

He sets off, much to his chagrin, to start his new life as page, squire, and then knight to his uncle-by-marriage. As often happens, he falls in love. But it is with his lord's daughter, no less.

John is sensitive, astute and fiery, and his conflicting loyalties and desires are what drive him onwards.

When he's faced with a choice between heeding his father’s decree for a simple life, and his oath to his brother on one hand, and the love of his life on the other, how will he choose? Simplicity or love, honour or happiness?

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EXCERPT:

After about a day's ride, they reached the Earl's hall. Earl Barringar was aging, and his fourth wife had died recently. Even with his large estate and vast household staff, maintaining his many children was a tasking feat, and he was prone to call upon his ladies themselves to take charge. It was difficult to try and control his unruly children’s behaviour, eleven of which were raucous boys, prone to fistfights. Of all the dozen, he had but one daughter, over-protected by her many brothers. A delicate, dainty, yellow-haired damsel, with eyes of palest blue and translucent skin. She resembled her mother—the Earl's third wife—greatly, and was her namesake, Jane.

With the recent death, there was no one left to take charge of her upbringing. He did not think he could wed again at his age. Even with his title, no young bride or even widow could be swayed to undertake such a massive task, and he was, frankly, quite tired of being a husband.

His many sons he was sending, one-by-one, to other lords' service and even to court. But his daughter he feared to send, for her delicacy and childlike demeanour. No, he would have to marry her off, and he summoned his young kinsman, his second wife's nephew, who was well connected, to give advice. Perhaps he could be swayed to wed her himself?

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Emily Klein is an author of historical romance novels set in medieval times. She is a staunch anglophile, with a keen interest in anything and everything British, and a fierce love for the English language and all its dialects. She also has an interest in history, including, but not limited, to medieval history. Emily also enjoys antiques and vintage clothing. In short, if it's part of history, Emily Klein will find it interesting.

In her novels, Emily Klein strives to delve into her characters' thoughts, feelings, and true psychological motives, based on their personalities, pasts, and the societies in which they operate. Finding motives and helping people as they strive to solve their life issues is no strange matter to Emily, who is also a trained social worker.

Emily Klein lives in Israel, with her husband, two young daughters, and her little dog named Tofu.

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Folktalesimagination/

Twitter

@Ekleinfolktales

Blog:

https://writteninlonghand.com

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/73792713-emily-klein

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY8XQV8

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1) What is your idea of how to spend romantic time with your significant other?

My husband and I are foodies, so we like going to a nice restaurant, having a delicious dinner then a stroll. We dress up and go out to a nice place. I also love traveling with him, a stroll in Paris is always romantic.
2) When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot? Usually a scene pops up in my head, where my characters speak to each other. This is usually a proposal or seduction scene. Then I figure out the characters' names, how they look, how thety got there, why they fell in love. Then  I figure out the historical timeframe and the conflicts  they face.
3) If they were to make the story of your life into a movie, who should play you? A younger Kate Winslet
4) Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?
5) Do you have an historical crush and if so, who is it? For romance reasons- Charles Brandon Earl of Suffolk from Henry 8^th court.

6) Do you have an historical crush and if so, who is it? For romance reasons- Charles Brandon Earl of Suffolk from Henry 8^th court.

 For language and cognitive appeal- Shakespeare or Chaucer.
7) Is there a story that you’d like to tell but you think the world isn’t ready to receive it? I'm currently thinking up a story of a love affair between a young woman eager to learn and her professor, and it might be perceived as politically incorrect because they have an unequal status, he's an authority figure, and today that could be construed as problematic. But the times in which this happens were different. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 7 by Tite Kubo

Bleach, Vol 7      

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: May 15, 2005

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Rukia has been confronted by two Soul Reapers, newly arrived from the Soul Society, who have announced their intention to take her back to Soul Society—for her trial and execution—when unexpected assistance arrives in the form of Uryu Ishida. Ishida claims to just be in the neighborhood, going to a 24-hour dressmaking shop. No one’s actually buying that. Meanwhile, Ichigo comes across a trussed-up, smelly Kon behind the toilet. Once freed, Kon tells Ichigo that Rukia is gone and left a note, which they have to decipher. Once the message is read, Ichigo decides to go after her, but he has a problem—he can’t become a Soul Reaper without Rukia’s help! What can he do? Luckily help arrives in an unexpected form, and Ichigo is soon on his way.

He arrives just to time to find Ishida laid out flat. One of the Soul Reapers, Renji Abarai, can’t figure out who or what Ichigo is, and Ichigo isn’t exactly forthcoming on details. The other Soul Reaper is Renji’s Captain (or taichou), Byakuya Kuchiki, and he has heard of Ichigo. Renji has to laugh when he learns that Ichigo has no idea what his zanpaku-to’s name is! Renji has seriously misjudged Ichigo, though. In the ensuing battle, Ichigo is felled, presumably killed, to Rukia’s horror. But you can’t keep a good man down (and seriously, what hero dies at the beginning of a manga?), and Ichigo regains his feet, determined to keep fighting. Rukia has to act fast, so she does, announcing rather loudly that she will return to Soul Society with her brother and Renji.

Ichigo is saved by the same savior as before, who is none other than Kiskue Uruhara, whom Ichigo refers to as Hat-and-clogs. Ichigo expresses his frustration at not being able to get to Soul Society to save Rukia. The enigmatic Kiskue says he knows how, but he’ll only tell Ichigo if he agrees to train with him for ten days. Otherwise, he says, Ichigo will die if he tries to save her. Of course Ichigo agrees. Meanwhile, unknown to him, Orihime and Chad and Ishida end up together, also determined to go to Soul Society to save Rukia. They end up with a rather unusual mentor of their own.

Kiskue’s training isn’t easy. The question is, can Ichigo survive it, or will he turn into his own worst nightmare?

Watching the anime as well as reading the manga gives me a somewhat unique perspective, and lets me pick up on things in the manga that I don’t remember from the anime. This volume is a good example. At one point, when it looks as though Byakuya has killed Ichigo, he comments that he somewhat understands Rukia’s motives, that Ichigo does resemble him. Who’s him? And why wasn’t this in the anime? Or did I miss it? Hmmm, keeping an eye on that one.

I have to say that Rukia, at this point in the manga, isn’t nearly as doom and gloom as she is in the anime. I love how Tite Kubo sets up so many questions, many of which won’t be answered for a long time to come. To keep us wondering, I guess lol One such mystery is Kiskue Uruhara. He obviously isn’t just another shopkeeper, despite his attempts to appear innocuous and innocent. But first off, he knows about Soul Reapers and he sells their merchandise to Soul Reapers in the Land of the Living. So why is he there? What about his mysterious employees – the large Tessai, and the children, Ururu and Jinta? And a talking cat? I know there’s a story there.

This volume is the beginning of the Rescue Rukia arc (not sure what the official name is but that works for me). Forces are gathering, plans are being made, and everyone is preparing to fight the entire Soul Society if necessary in order to save Rukia’s life. This is our first glimpse of Renji and Byakuya. They grow on you, trust me. Especially Renji. The jury’s still out on Byakuya, ‘cause frankly he has a major stick up his backside and an attitude for days. Ishida grows on you too, although right now he’s something of a pain too. But Renji is a pretty good guy. Some of my favorite characters have yet to appear, looking forward to that.

All in all, a good volume, and a good set-up for what’s to come.

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #71 (17.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Liza's unexpected appearance has thrown Ben for a loop, and Ryan is trying to figure out what's going on and keep Ben from getting hurt. See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they've been up to!  Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #71 (17.4)

“You’ll never lose me,” Ryan insisted. “Please don’t cry, Ben.” Alarmed at this display of emotion, Ryan swiped at the mascara-smeared tears that stained Ben’s cheeks. An ache pierced his heart, an unease he fought hard to quell. This evening had just gone incredibly wrong, but he had a feeling there was worse to come. Cameron’s sudden unexpected appearance, followed by Liza’s, was surely no coincidence. But he had no idea what any of this meant, or why Ben was so upset. Or why he thought he was in danger of losing Ryan.

“Just remember that I love you. I always have and I always will.” Ben seemed to be struggling to pull himself together. He drew long deep breaths through his mouth, while still clinging to Ryan.

“And I love you too,” Ryan replied without hesitation. “Please tell me, what’s the matter? What’s got you so upset? It’s Liza, isn’t it? Her being here?”

Ben nodded, not saying anything.  He glanced away from Ryan for a long moment before finally turning back toward him. “I thought I was free,” he said in a barely audible voice. Ryan had to strain to hear him. “Free to be with you. But she found me anyway. I was a fool to think she wouldn’t. She has the money, she has—“

His words ended abruptly, his focus shifting to something or someone behind Ryan. Ryan slowly rotated, never releasing Ben’s hand, to find Liza standing there, her lifeless eyes glaring at them.

“I want to speak you, Ben. Now.” She didn’t so much as glance in Ryan’s direction, as though she’d dismissed him as of no importance to her.

Damned if he was going to let her intimidate him. He wasn’t a kid any more, and he refused to let her come between him and Ben ever again. “You’re not wanted here, Liza,” he said, surprised at how calm his voice sounded, how strong. “Salvation doesn’t need you. Ben’s doing fine without you. You should probably go. Unless you want to stay and listen and hear how great the band is. Your call.”

“Ryan, I have to go in and start the set.” Ben was rising from the bench. Ryan rose along with him, staying between Ben and Liza. When Liza made no response, he turned toward Ben.

“Your make-up…” Ryan’s ministrations had only gone so far. Ben’s mascara still streaked jaggedly down his cheeks.

“Yeah, I figured. I’ll get Abby to do a quick touch-up. I’ll meet you inside.” He pressed a quick kiss to Ryan’s lips, darted a glance at his mother as he skirted her, headed toward the door, but never spoke a word.

Ryan made to follow Ben, but Liza swiftly stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

“You think I don’t know what you were doing with my son all those years ago?” she fairly hissed. 

“It’s not too late to bring you up on charges. How would you like to be branded as a sex offender? A pedophile? You think your writing career is shit now…” Her dark eyes flashed ominously, her smile laced with cruelty.

“Nothing happened between us.” Ryan was appalled at her accusations. “I never… we never… not then. You’re wrong about us.”

“Oh I know that.” Her laugh was as cruel as her smile. “He was very innocent, my Ben. Very naïve. Everything he knows now, I taught him. But nobody would believe you if I said you molested him. Especially once I produced witnesses.”

What was she talking about? Produce witnesses to something that never happened? Was she insane? Delusional?  What? And what did she mean by she taught him. Taught him what?

“Why can’t you just leave us alone? Do you have to hurt everyone in your life? You hurt Dad and you hurt me when you disappeared like that. And you hurt Ben. He’s a grown man now, and he can make his own decisions. Nothing you say, no threat you make, will keep us apart ever again. So you can just go to hell!” Ryan was surprised to find he’d clenched his fist, as if he intended to strike her. But fighting wasn’t his thing, especially not with a woman. Instead, he circled around her warily, before turning toward the club, anxious to make sure Ben was all right.

“I’m taking back what’s mine.” Her voice followed him. “You’ll never keep Ben. I’ll make sure of that. The truth will send him back to me.”

Ryan never turned, never acknowledged her words. He hurried inside the dance club, his heart hammering inside his chest, his pulse racing. He had to find Ben, had to find…

The lights from the stage flashed, followed by a heavy chord from the keyboard. Too late, they were starting their set. He’d have to wait until they were done.

Feeling more unsettled then he cared to admit, he made his way through the patrons and slid shakily into a seat at the table where Marge still sat.  She gave him a shrewd look.

“Something happen, Ryan?”

Before he had a chance to say a word—not even sure what he would admit to—they were joined by someone else who slid into the seat across from Ryan.

“Well hello, cutie,” Cameron said. “Long time no see.”  

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Innocence and Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp

    

Innocence and Carnality

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: April 23, 2019

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/LGBT Romance/350 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Nathan is a bird in a gilded cage. A member of the Deilian aristocracy, his life is proscribed by a series of rigid rules. But something goes horribly wrong when his “inclination” is discovered—that is, his homosexuality. Suddenly he has become the black sheep of his family, and his future looks bleak indeed, as the people of Deilia do not tolerate such behavior. Nathan’s father has him fitted with a chastity belt to keep his virtue intact until such time as he can find him someone who is willing to wed him, sacrificing his very dignity in the process.

Nathan’s father eventually comes up with a husband for his wayward son… enter Lord Rother Marsh Delaga III. He shows up one day and is unlike anyone Nathan has ever met. He is quite open about being gay, and is very obviously interested in Nathan. The wedding takes place right away—this is a man who doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet when he wants something—and he whisks his handsome and innocent young husband off to the strange and seductive land of Marisol.

Delaga House is not what Nathan expected. In fact there’s no way around it, it is a bordello. With some very interesting occupants.  Such as Alexandra, the very competent manager, and Blythe, the rather large bodyguard with a mind of his own and a mouth to match, and Vivian, who has a sharp tongue and an inflated sense of her own importance. Luckily, Nathan has brought his valet Harston with him, with whom he is close, someone to anchor him in this strange land.

Thanks to his strict upbringing, Nathan has trouble adjusting to the sensuality of his new life, but it feels oh so good. And just when he thinks maybe life as a married man in Marisol will be good, he the blinders torn from his eyes. Has he traded one kind of cage for another? Where can he turn and who can he trust? If he doesn’t lost his innocence and learn how to deceive, he will never survive the experience.

Innocence and Carnality is my first book by J. Alan Veerkamp, but it won’t be my last. I’ve been looking forward to reading this ever since I saw snippets of it in our writer’s group. It was well worth the wait. It’s sci fi with a definite steampunk vibe that I love. I especially loved Nathan, and enjoyed reading about his journey, and the things he had to do to survive as he became less and less innocent through necessity. The author has a wonderful writing style that flows easily, and he creates very memorable characters. The sex scenes are very hot and steamy and very explicit.

If there is a lesson one can take away from this book, perhaps it’s that there are no absolutes with good and bad, and what may seem to be good may not be, and what is looked down on as bad might be just a matter of understanding. I think this book would make an awesome movie.

In all good books, a character should grow in some way, not simply exist. Veerkamp has accomplished that with young Nathan, who not only experiences new things, but learns from them and develops as a person. You can’t help but cheer for him and hope he rises above the bad in his life in the end in order to emerge triumphant. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy men having hot steamy sex but are also a romantic heart, and liked it with a touch of sci fi.

Well done, J. Alan, well done indeed!

Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #70 (17.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Everything is going well at Salvation's gig. Ryan and Ben get to dance together on the band's break. That's when Ryan has an epiphany - he wants to marry Ben, but he doesn't want to pop the question inside the club. Ben agrees to leave the club so they can talk, but they run into two unexpected familiar faces. The first is Cameron, who's acting weird. And the second is Ben's mother, Ryan's once time stepmother, Liza. See how this plays out in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #70 (17.3)

What the hell was she doing here was Ryan’s first thought, followed quickly by how the hell did she even find them?  What does she want? Questions swirled through his head, so many he had no idea where to begin. But then he realized how stiff Ben had become. Not to mention he hadn’t said a word and neither had she. The hair on the back of Ryan’s neck felt as though it had just come to attention, as a wave of panic surged through him. He fought to control it, focusing on the silent Ben.

Liza looked surprisingly much as she had when Ryan had last seen her. She was blonde, like Ben, but where his eyes were crystal blue, hers were dark and soulless. He could not remember a single time when she had voluntarily smiled at him, except perhaps in his father’s presence, when she’d put her on loving stepmother act, such as it was. He hadn’t liked her when he was eight, and their ten year acquaintance had done nothing to endear her to him. Especially after she had torn him apart from Ben.

Her gaze was fixed on Ben for a long moment before she glanced up, in his direction. Perhaps gauging if they were together or not. Their linked hands should have been a clue. Ryan stared back almost defiantly. What could she do to him now? Nothing. He was beyond her reach. She had no power to hurt him anymore. But Ben was another story.

At first, her eyes held no interest in him, as though he were of no importance. But then, as he watched, sudden recognition flared, and her lips curled back into her familiar sneer.

“Little Ryan. I didn’t expect to find you here. So it’s true, what I was told. You crawled out of the woodwork, did you? Come back to finish what you started, ruin my sweet Ben?”

Ryan tried not to flinch at her words, even as he wondered what she’d been told and by whom.

“What do you want, Liza?” Ben spoke before Ryan could frame a response. His voice held no warmth. It took a moment for Ryan to realize the words had actually come from Ben. Since when did he call his mother by her given name?

Liza seemed taken aback by his tone as well. Her eye widened as she turned her attention to her son. “What do I want? Do I have to want anything in order to see my only son?

“I think you do. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we were just on our way outside. We only have so long before we need to start the next set. I don’t want to spend that here with you.” Ben tightened his grip on Ryan’s hand. He sidestepped Liza, but she quickly moved to block them.

“Benjamin,” she admonished him sternly. “I will not have you treat me in this way. I gave you your space, let you go out on your own. But if I had any idea you would find this… this creature again”—she cast a contemptuous glance upon Ryan—“I would have called a halt to this foolishness much sooner. I think it’s time for you to come home.”

Foolishness? What the hell? Anger bubbled up inside of him, emotions he’d never been able to display in her presence before, out of deference to his father.

“Don’t you dare refer to Salvation as foolishness!” he snapped. “Salvation is a great band, and Ben’s a great singer. And he doesn’t deserve to have you treat him like this.” Still clutching Ben’s hand, Ryan moved ahead of him, taking the lead. “Like Ben said, we’re going outside. Don’t try to follow us.”

Ryan could tell Liza was seething, by the tightness of her cruel lips, the narrowing of her dark eyes as he maneuvered Ben and himself around her. She followed them with her cold glare.

“You have no idea what’s going on here, Ryan Fremont. You can’t break the bond between us, no matter how you try. No matter what you think you have, Ben is mine and always has been. Ask him about us… I dare you.”

Ryan could feel Ben tremble. He quickly slid an arm about his waist, afraid he was going to faint or something, willing his strength to flow into Ben. Ignoring Liza, he ushered Ben outside. Glancing up and down the street, he spotted a bench a short distance away and guided their steps there.

Ben felt limp as he handed him onto the bench, then took a seat beside him. Ryan pulled Ben to him and held him close. He began to shake again.

“Shh, shh,” Ryan tried to soothe him. “It’s all right, it’s all right, I’m here. I’m here.”

Ben’s tremors grew stronger. Ryan realized, with a start, that he was crying. He held him even tighter until Ben pushed back enough to raise his tear-stained face toward him. “You won’t be,” he whispered. “I’m going to lose you again.”

Ryan’s heart broke at Ben’s words.

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Virtual Book Tour: Kingdom Cold:: The Complete Series by Brittni Chenelle

 Good morning!  Please welcome author Brittni Chenelle to Full Moon Dreaming. Brittni is here to tell us about her new release, Kingdom Cold: The Complete Series. Brittni will be awarding an eBook of the collection to one randomly drawn commenter during her tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

Kingdom Cold: The Complete Series

by Brittni Chenelle

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GENRE:   Fantasy

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BLURB:

Kingdom Cold
The Complete Collection
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Book I: Kingdom Cold
Book II: Kingdom Soul

Book III: Kingdom Untold
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Beware: a binge awaits.
Deliciously dark, romantic and gripping, the Kingdom Cold trilogy now can be yours in a dazzling collection.
Kingdom Cold follows the impulsive, teenage princess, Charlotte, as she attempts to murder her betrothed. But an arranged marriage is only the beginning of her problems, for the world as she knows it is falling apart. Her kingdom faces total destruction at the hands of Merlin and Lancelot, leaders of power-crazed Camelot.
Will wicked King Arthur prove, once and for all, that ruthless deeds create the legend? Can Princess Charlotte sacrifice love to save her home?
Only one can reign.

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EXCERPT:

A thud sounded on my door. My shoulders tensed. I hoped it was one of my maids—I needed to get out of this thing. I hurried to the door and pushed it open. Prince Young stood in my doorway.

"Charlotte," he said. I looked into the hall behind him to see if someone else was passing, anyone who could help me—but it was only him.

"Please pardon me for coming to your chamber. I wondered if I might be able to have a word with you before the—"

Grabbing him by the shirt, I pulled him into my chamber. "Get in here," I said, shutting the door behind him. I took two steps toward the center of my room and said, "Quick, untie it. Help me take this off."

"Well... this is going better than expected," he said, half under his breath.

"Hurry, I can't breathe," I shouted.

Young's hands moved clumsily over the ribbons. "Sorry, I've never done this before," he said, "Uh-uhm. I mean—"

"That's okay. Neither have I," I said without thinking. What did I even mean by that?

"How do I do this?" he whispered.

I said, "Just try to loosen it. I just need a deep breath."

He pulled at the ribbons and I felt a slight release around my waist. I exhaled. "So, what was it that you wanted to talk about?" I asked as he continued pulling aimlessly at strings behind me. He let my question hang there. I wasn't sure if he would answer.

"I wanted to know if you're happy with Emmett."

I opened my mouth to answer. "A-"

"No, that's not what I wanted to say. I guess what I mean is, do you still want to marry me? No, I guess you never really did want to. What I'm trying to say is, I miss Vires."

My heart thudded and I felt my corset tighten.

He continued. "Now that I'm free, I can return there, but for some reason, I can't—and I think that reason is that I want to marry you. Still."

My heart slammed into my ribcage. Was this a proposal? I turned to face him, holding the front of my dress up with my arm. It made no sense. "Why? There's barely a kingdomleft. You know what Emmett will do if I don't go through with this."

"I don't care." He stepped closer. My eyes disobeyed me and my gaze slipped to his lips for a fraction of a second. His eyebrow raised slightly. He'd noticed. As if he was reading my curiosity, he leaned in.

The door swung open, "Brother! Emmett is headed this— Oh," Minseo said, eyeing my half-untied dress. I sprang back from Young in a panic. Minseo grinned. "Wow, that really went better than I expected." My face exploded with heat.

"Minseo, she can't breathe. How do I untie this?" Young said, gesturing to my back. With three quick fluid motions, Minseo untied my entire corset. One thing was clear: Minseo had done this before.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

BRITTNI CHENELLE currently lives in Seoul, Korea which inspires her multicultural fantasy books. Her favorite genres to read and write are Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Romance, Fairytale Retellings, and Young Adult Dystopian novels. She's very passionate about equal representation and makes a point to include characters from different backgrounds and cultures in her Fantasy stories.

Social Media

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/brittnichenelle

Instagram:

www.instagram.com/brittnichenelle

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/InvolutedRRT

Blog:

https://brittnichenelle.blogspot.com/

Website:

www.brittnichenelle.com

Amazon buy link:

https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Cold-Brittni-Chenelle-ebook/dp/B07L87KQLJ/

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

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Wednesday Briefs: In Pieces #69 (17.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Everything is going beautifully at Heavens Above. Ryan is feeling pretty good, and feels this is where he really belongs. He wants nothing more than to be with Ben for the rest of their lives. Maybe they should make their relationship permanent? See what's going on in this week's chapter of In Pieces. Don't forget to check out the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

In Pieces #69 (17.2)

When the first set ended, the band took a break and the dance club switched to a computerized music system. Ryan expected Ben to take a seat at the table he was sharing with Marge and relax before the next set, but apparently Ben had other ideas. Standing in front of Ryan, he reached for his hand as he swung his hips to the rhythm of the music that surged around them.

“C’mon, baby, let’s you and me shake it up a little!’

Ben led him into the crowd until they found an open spot. Ryan didn’t consider himself a great dancer, but tonight he didn’t care. Tonight was perfect, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. He followed Ben’s lead, mirroring his movements carefully. No one else was paying attention to them anyway, he realized. If anything, they were admiring Ben, and that was okay. Expected even.

Ryan wasn’t surprised to spot Deacon and Keanu dancing not too far from them, as well as Aiden and Abby. Abby looked to be in her element. The two siblings moved together as if they’d been doing this all their lives, each twin perfectly in sync with the other. Maybe he and Ben would become that way, someday.

There was so much he wanted to share with Ben, so much to experience. Ryan knew without a doubt that he wanted this to last forever… wanted him and Ben to last forever. For better or worse… come what may…

With a start, Ryan realized he wanted to marry Ben, something he’d never even considered before,  not with anyone else. Take the vows that would bind them together in ways that no one could tear apart. But would Ben feel the same way?

Just at that moment, as if scripted in some romantic film, the fast-paced music gave way to something much slower and sensual. Ben wasted no time in drawing Ryan closer, hooking his arm around Ryan’s waist. “Want to receive my sacraments?” he whispered hotly in Ryan’s ear just before he licked it.

A tingle surged through Ryan. If they were alone, the things he could do and say… but not here, not now. If he gave in to these delicious sensations, his thoughts would be derailed, and he wanted to focus on what he wanted to say.

“Ben…”

“Yes, baby?” Ben was dancing oh so close now, his breath hot on Ryan’s neck, even as his fingers skittered down Ryan’s back, over his buttocks.

Ryan drew back far enough to be able to look into Ben’s baby blues, although they were violet now, due to the contact lenses he wore. “I love you so much,” he said in a voice choked with emotion. “So very much.”

“You know I love you too, you’re everything to me,” Ben said in reply. His lips were so close to Ryan’s that his words vibrated against them. “My life begins and ends with you, Ryan. Always has. Please don’t ever leave me. No matter what.”

Why did Ben sound so… hell, he couldn’t describe what he heard in Ben’s voice.  Deep love, yes, but something more… almost a sense of desperation. But what did Ben have to be desperate about?

They needed privacy, and they needed it right now. This wasn’t the proper place for what he intended to do. “Let’s go outside,” he suggested. “There’s something I want to say to you.”

Ben didn’t make an immediate reply. Ryan’s heart felt as though it might beat out of his chest, waiting for a response, until suddenly Ben kissed him, long and hard, with a fierce passion. Ryan felt himself moan into the kiss, felt Ben’s own moan. And then Ben released him, gazing at him for a moment. He took Ryan’s hand in his, grasped it firmly, then turned, navigating a path through the dancing throng. Ryan noticed with relief that they were headed toward the door. He followed silently, turning over words and phrases in his mind, searching for just the right one.

So focused was he on his impending proposal that he wasn’t prepared to have Ben come to a sudden halt. He ran up against his back before he could stop himself.  As he automatically started to apologize, he glanced up to find a familiar figure standing in front of them. What was Cameron doing here? Was Ben expecting him? Ben’s first words dispelled that notion.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” Ben said. “But we were just headed outside. Catch you in a few.”

Was it Ryan’s imagination, or did Cameron seem kind of jittery? Nervous, even. Maybe he was just surprised at running into them like this. Ryan decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Besides, he had more important things on his mind than Cameron. He wasn’t sure entirely trusted Salvation’s backer, but that wasn’t really his call to make. At least not until he had a tangible reason to mistrust him.

“Then I’ll get a drink,” Cameron announced, giving Ben a quick once-over. “Looking good as always.” He winked somewhat lasciviously before disappearing in the direction of the bar.

Ben turned toward Ryan, frowning. “Something feels off,” he said. “But I don’t know what.”

“I think you’re right but I’m not sure what either,” Ryan agreed.

“Sorry, we were going out.” Ben squeezed Ryan’s hand. At least Cameron hadn’t ruined their plans. Now he could propose to Ben, and hopefully Ben would say yes. The thought was both frightening and intoxicating.

They’d almost reached the door when it opened, admitting new customers. They stood aside to make room for them to pass. All but one made their way into the dance club, laughing and chattering together. Guess they’d have to go around this one to get outside.

But Ben stood frozen before him.

Ryan looked past him with apprehension, staring at the roadblock to their progress. Then his eyes grew wide with comprehension.

Liza!

to be continued

Now go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Virtual Book Tour: Fragments of French, an Unexpected Journey of the heart by Wanda St. Hilaire

Good morning!  Please welcome author Wanda St. Hilaire to Full Moon Dreaming. She is here today to tell us about her new release, Fragments of French, an Unexpected Journey of the Heart. Wanda will be awarding a ribboned beret and Paris coin bag with a eBook of Fragments of French to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the greater your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

Fragments of French, an Unexpected

Journey of the Heart

by Wanda St. Hilaire

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GENRE:  Memoir  (travel)

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BLURB:

After a harsh brush with her mortality, shadowed by a premature divorce, Wanda St. Hilaire pledges to be true to her primary passion—living ardently through travel. On the fateful day her life intersects with Jean-François, a charming Frenchman, on a bustling street in Lisbon, every fiber of her being feels as though she has finally entered the doorway to a magical world that she knew existed since she was a young girl.

St. Hilaire turns a complicated romantic ballet full of missteps into a collage of people, places, and cultures. Fragments of French is an exquisitely detailed travelogue of Portugal, Canada, France, and Mexico, filled with minor characters who delight with their humanity. However, what really makes this tale a standout is a gift for pacing and description to rival Tom Wolfe.

The hero’s journey is not only for the characters of our favorite stories or mythical legends. At some point, each of us receives the call to adventure. Fate summons the hero; we can refuse the call, or step into something that will turn our lives upside down, and potentially change everything we know to be true.

From feeling “completely disarmed, no fortress standing”, to embracing her untethered strength, the author turns this account of living life out loud into lessons for us all.

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EXCERPT:

After his shower, Jean-François invites me to join him at a nearby café he visits each morning before work. He looks squeaky clean and refreshed. We pass a tiny desk in the dim hallway, and a smiling, motherly landlady pops out from a doorway, insistent on meeting me. Although this short conversation is in French and Portuguese, it is clear that she is pleased for Jean-François to have found a woman, and I can see that she has adopted him as one of her own.

The noisy pâtisserie has standing-room-only at the bar, typical for a busy European weekday. Jean-François orders a double espresso and two pains au chocolat, and I my daily cappuccino. The baker pulls a fragrant tray of freshly baked pastries from an oven directly in front of us. As I bite into my croissant, the chocolate still hot and velvety and running down my fingers, I cannot know that this is a moment I will never forget, and one I will seek to relive, to re-taste.

He draws me a map of the way back to Rossio on a small blue napkin, and I leave him only after he boards the bus. Passing businessmen in tailored suits and starched white shirts, I observe the workaday life of the Lisboans from my wistful world, a million miles away from my everyday life—energized by the tender night, twitterpated by the possibility of love, and high on travel. On the way, I plan for a daytrip to Sintra by train today.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Her prime passion is the thrill of travel—of experiencing other cultures, traditions, lifestyles, and languages—thus expanding her perspective.

Wanda St. Hilaire has a predilection and passion for all things Latin, and she believes life is too short not to do what you love, where you love. She spends time writing in Mexico for inspiration, and to escape the frozen landscapes of Alberta.

Through writing, St. Hilaire shares what she’s learned from the high peaks of adventure and love, to the dark valleys of illness and heartbreak. Her mission is to help people overcome the self, and tap into their wise inner guidance system. Her wish is to inspire others to live true to their unique and beautiful nature.

www.fragmentsoffrench.com

Fragments of French on Amazon:   https://www.amazon.com/Fragments-French-Unexpected-Journey-Heart/dp/189433115X/ref=sr_1_1

Companion Poetry Book, Of Love, Life, and Journeys

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Life-Journeys-Companion-Fragments/dp/1894331176/ref=sr_1_3

(Inspired during the story of my travel memoir, this collection of poems and verse was first published in 2004 and became a Canadian bestseller for poetry. This second edition was created as a companion book to Fragments of French,)

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPp3vMOpFFw

The embed code for the book video.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OPp3vMOpFFw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Blog: www.lifebyheart.wandasthilaire.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wandasthilairethewriter/

Twitter: @spicytraveler  (https://twitter.com/spicytraveler

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a Rafflecopter giveaway