The Amethyst Dragon series by D.C. Grace #interview

Heads up and check this out.

D.C. Grace, the brilliant mind behind the phenomenal Amethyst Dragon trilogy, is here to share a bit of "art imitating life" with a VERY special interview.

We all know that many writers find inspiration from real life experiences and the people that have influenced or impacted their lives in some way. So today, we're finding out just who inspired one of our favorite characters from The Amethyst Dragon series- AND we're giving YOU the insider's exclusive to one incredible story of true love. A story to withstand the tests of time.

Who is this mystery man? And who did he inspire? Well, we wanted to know this and all the juicy bits, SO, as the inquiring minds that we are, we asked, and D.C. dished.
Sit back and get ready to see how their real life story unfolds and gave birth to the most amazing characters and an unforgettable and magical journey...

Tsk, Tsk: Thanks so much for joining us, D.C.. It's always a pleasure to host you, but today is really special, and we're excited to be able to share something so personal and well, inspiring, with our readers.
So let's get right down to it, shall we?

DC: Ready when you are!

T: Well, first, for any new followers, please tell us a bit about the series. Where did the idea for The Amethyst Dragon come from?

DC: The idea actually came from some artwork in a pack of faery cards. The imagery inspired the character we now know as Tryamon, and everything fell into place from there.
The Amethyst Dragon series is about Dade Blue-Therror, Prince of the Seelie Court, and his rise to the throne with his mortal Chuisle, Shelby.

T: Who IS our Mystery Man? And who did he inspire?

DC: So yea, the "mystery man" is Craig, who actually inspired the character of Marshall... and is now my boyfriend. *insert cheesy grin here*

Craig aka "D.C.'s Marshall"

"Our Marshall"

T: Was Marshall a central character from the beginning?

DC: Yes, I knew early on that Marshall was both central and vital to the series plotline.

T: Is Craig the best parts of Marshall, or does he embody the whole of Marshall's character?

DC: Oh, tough question! Actually, Marshall reflects the best of Craig. When I created Marshall, I gave him Craig's moral fiber and character. In high school, Craig was the embodiment of the "all-American football hero". He was an all-around good guy, and that's who Marshall needed to be. It was very easy to carry over to our now beloved hero.

T: How did you meet? Was it love at first sight?

DC: We actually met in kindergarten. I only really loved Donny Osmond and Barbies then. Hahaha! But in middle and high school, yes, I had a crush.

T: How incredibly sweet. He obviously made a lasting impression. And now several years later... Craig has been immortalized in one of our absolute favorite of your characters. Does he know? And what does he think about it all?

DC: Yes, he knows, though I didn't tell him at first. That's not exactly first date conversation - hey, I created a character based on you in my series. Can you pass the salt? Hahaha!
Seriously, though, Craig is an incredibly humble man. He was very shocked and flattered. And now... wait for it... he's a big Marshall fan!

T: Just slightly awkward. He should be flattered. Really, how could he not be a Marshall fan? He's straight up AWESOMESAUCE!
*ok fangirling over*
And now you've found each other again? How did that happen?

DC: Yes, after all these years, the power of social media brought us together. Thank you, Facebook!
We were friends on Facebook for awhile, but then one day we just started talking, and it grew from there.

*Awwww!!!*
T: Does it seem weird or awkward to be in a relationship with someone that was so instrumental in completing your fantasy world?

DC: Loaded question, haha! No, it really isn't. In all honesty, at first I was nervous. I mean, this was before he knew. But then I got to know him, and everything I knew and/or thought I knew about Craig that went into the character of Marshall was/is true. How can you not love a man like that?

T: How indeed. *we feel another SWOON coming on*
Does it ever feel like your living the fantasy?

DC: It's pretty easy to separate fact from fiction. Craig is real. Marshall is just a compilation of memories and imaginings I had of him years ago. But I'll say this - it's easy to pull the fantasy card if I want to! Hahaha!

T: Ha! Tricky, tricky.Most people know we're all friends, and of course we chat, so Craig has been mentioned a time or two in our conversations... as a friend and great companion. When did you discover he was so much more? *eyebrow wagging*

DC: That's a story I'm keeping to myself... though it may turn up in my next book. Time will tell...

T: Well played... Name one thing you love about both Craig and Marshall (they can be two separate)...

DC: That's easy. It's a character trait they both share - devotion. They're both devoted to the people they love, and will go to any lengths to protect and take care of them.

*Awwww!!!*
T: What is something that bugs you about both? (:

DC: See, now you're just trying to get me in trouble! Hahaha! But again, it's a shared trait - they don't give themselves enough credit.

T: We do our best. Haha! *cheeky grins* And again with the humble. Gotta love that.
Did your love influence how Marshall's life was to be carried out? Were there events that sparked a shift in direction, or was his path clear all along?

DC: First, let me say no, I wasn't Shelby to his Marshall in high school, haha! I was fond of Craig when I wrote the books - that deepened during the creation of the last book, but it didn't change the character's course. I knew what I wanted for Marshall from the beginning. And without giving spoilers for the last book, I knew ultimately only his shoulders could carry the burden in store. Marshall's based on a very strong, intense man!

T: Has Craig read all the books? And is he a fan?

DC: Craig actually went back into Dragon Wings after I told him about Marshall, and started rereading all "his" parts! Hahaha! I love it. And he is without a doubt my biggest supporter.

T: That is so cool and funny. What a wonderful feeling to know you have the full support of those you care about the most.
The Amethyst Dragon trilogy is elegant and intricate. Was it difficult wrapping up the series, or did everything go as planned?

DC: The hardest thing I've ever done was write "the end" at Faery Rings conclusion. Everything fell into place, but it was hard to say goodbye. Of course, we'll still see key players, including Marshall, in The Legacy Chronicles!

*Shelley sobs*
T: Has any part of the story changed how your view your life or your future?

DC: Writing is very therapeutic. In creating Dade's wisdom and views on life, yes, I was also reinforcing my own. My future? Craig's changing that.

T: Pretty profound thoughts.
For those that haven't comsumed it yet, what can the reader expect from the third and final book of The Amethyst Dragon trilogy?

DC: Expect the unexpected. I promise all the loose ends will be tied up and all questions will be answered. We even revisit some blasts from the past, so to speak! But no, you won't expect what I have in store for them. *evil author grin*

T: And speaking of the final book - FAERY RINGS, just released this month. We've, of course, already devoured it. It was beautiful and somewhat bittersweet. And frankly, we aren't ready to say goodbye to these characters and the fabulous world you created. What do your fans have to look forward to? Is this really the end?

DC: This is not the end! The legend will continue this winter with a four book series, The Legacy Chronicles! The next generation of dragon Fae come of age, alongside everyone's favorite Amethyst Dragon characters.

T: Anything else you would like to share?

DC: Just to say I hope everyone enjoys Faery Rings, and that everyone gets a little something they were hoping for in its pages.
And yes, sometimes faery tales do come true!

T: Thank you so much for giving us this treat. *holds hand to ear* Can you hear all the girls swooning? Readers, could you love Marshall and this story anymore? We think not. Get out and grab the books and be ready to be swept away. This is a tale for the ages. Truly very special. And one we'll never forget.

Check below for the deets on D.C., and where to buy all of her books. ♡ K&S

Amazon links:

Dragon Wings

 Pixie Dust

 Faery Rings

D.C.'s Amazon Author Page

Get ebooks or paperback- and explore 

The Amethyst Dragon world: www.theamethystdragon.webs.com

RELEASE DAY BLAST: Five Ways to Fall by K.A. Tucker

 

We are thrilled to celebrate the Release Day Launch of K.A. Tucker's FIVE WAYS TO FALL!! FIVE WAYS TO FALL is the fourth novel in her Ten Tiny Breaths Series, published by Atria Books an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

Sometimes you can’t change—and sometimes you just don’t want to. Discover Ben’s side of the story in this fourth novel by the beloved, top-selling indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths,One Tiny Lie, and Four Seconds to Lose.

Purple-haired, sharp-tongued Reese MacKay knows all about making the wrong choice; she’s made plenty of them in her twenty-odd-years. So when her impulsive, short-lived marriage ends in heartbreak, she decides it’s time for a change. She moves to Miami with the intention of hitting reset on her irresponsible life, and she does quite well…aside from an epically humiliating one-night stand in Cancun with a hot blond bouncer named Ben. Thank God she can get on a plane and leave that mistake behind her.

Football scholarship and frat parties with hot chicks? Part of charmer Ben Morris’s plan. Blown knee that kills any hope of a professional football career? So not part of the plan. Luckily Ben has brains to go with his knockout looks and magnetism. After three long years of balancing law school with his job as a bouncer at Penny’s Palace, he’s ready to lead a more mature life—until his first day of work, when he finds himself in the office of that crazy, hot chick he met in Cancun. The one he hasn’t stopped thinking about.
If Ben truly were a smart guy, he’d stay clear of Reese. She’s the boss’s stepdaughter and it’s been made very clear that office romances are grounds for dismissal. Plus, rumor has it she’s trouble. The only problem is, he likes trouble, especially when it’s so good-looking… 

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Ben 

 I love the angry ones.

Of course, anyone who knows me would argue that I love any and all women, and I can’t exactly disagree. But I love the angry ones the most. They’re a challenge to be conquered, the reason for their fury usually fitting neatly into three buckets: insecure, scorned, hormonal.

And this chick gazing up at me with fire in her caramel eyes?

I’m betting on bucket number two.

“My, what an awfully bright red shirt you have on,” she pushes out between gritted teeth, as if she’s trying to be polite but can’t hide her disdain.

I didn’t know what I was walking into when the punk-rock chick with the crazy-ass muscular body waved us over, but her friend with the purple hair and her back to me had me intrigued. Now that I’m getting a good look at her face, I know who I’m spending my last night with in Cancún. She’s not what some would call traditionally “pretty.” Her eyes are slightly too big and far apart, her nose is slightly too long and slender, and her lips—though nice and wide—are on the thin side. Yet something about all of that put together makes her sexy as hell. Maybe it’s the little nose ring. Or maybe it’s the way her decent-sized tits are pressing up against me, her low V-neck tank top—a casual shirt, telling me she’s not trying to pick anyone up—giving me a fine view of her cleavage. Whatever it is, my dick is certainly pleased. “You like it?” I ask.

An irritated glare flickers to the material. “No.”

I can’t help but chuckle at her candor. “Will you at least give me a head start before you gore me?”

Those thin lip curls into a condescending smirk. “Bulls don’t see color. That’s a myth.”

The only thing I love more than an angry girl is a smart, angry girl.

This is going to be fun.

“Well, how about I solve the problem for you.” I take a step back from her and swiftly yank my shirt off, exposing six days of suntanned skin and an upper body that I know looks damn appealing because I work my ass off to keep it that way. The random catcalls from the tables around confirm it.

And then I simply stand there and grin like the cocky ass that I am as Angry Girl can’t keep her eyes from scanning the muscles I’ve honed since my college football days, her lips parting ever so subtly. I see the shift in her, the moment where she realizes that, though she’d prefer to castrate the entire male species right now, she can’t ignore her attraction to me.

At least, that’s what I want to see.

ABOUT K.A. TUCKER: Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.      

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Don’t forget the rest of the Ten Tiny Breaths Series…

TEN TINY BREATHS

ONE TINY LIE

FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE

...and you can Preorder…

IN HER WAKE: A Ten Tiny Breaths Novella

 

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RELEASE DAY BLAST: Breathe With Me by Kristen Proby

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Kristen Proby's BREATHE WITH ME!! BREATHE WITH ME is a Contemporary Erotic Romance novel and is the 7^th book in the With Me In Seattle Series.

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Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time… 
Mark Williams has loved Meredith since he was seventeen. A successful man with a strong family, he’s worked hard to move on from Meredith breaking his heart all those years ago. When his path crosses with the only woman he’s ever loved again years later, Mark knows there is nothing he won’t do to keep her in his life. But when the going gets tough, will Meredith stick around or will he lose her again? 

 …But true love has a way of finding its way back. 

 Meredith Summers is a dancer. One of the first things she learned in following her dreams is that timing is everything. She has spent the past ten years following her dream touring with mega-stars while trying to forget the high school sweetheart she left behind. Now she’s back in Seattle, running a successful dance studio with her best friend Jax and determined to move on from her gypsy past. Until the day she sees Mark Williams and time stands still. It’s as if no time has passed at all when Meredith finds herself in Mark’s arms again. The chemistry, the bonds and the love are as strong as ever and hearing Mark whisper breathe with me in her ear is a balm to her wounded soul. But will she grab onto this second chance at love, or is the timing all wrong for them again? 

Don't miss catching up with the Montgomery and Williams clans in this latest installment of the With Me In Seattle Series from New York Times bestselling author, Kristen Proby. 

 “There were days that I would have exchanged a year of my life just to touch you one more time.” –Mark Williams

I knock on Mer’s apartment door and shift back and forth on my feet. I haven’t been this nervous since the very first time I picked her up for a date early in our Junior year.

I’ve come a long way since then.

Suddenly the door is wrenched open and Jax is standing there with a wide smile.

“Hey,” he says.

“Hi. I’m here to pick up Meredith.”

“Mr. Delicious is here for your date, tootsie roll!” Jax yells.

“I’m right here, dork,” Meredith says as she slips under his arm out into the hallway. “Ignore him. He has horrible manners.”

“Have fun,” Jax continues, leaning on the doorjamb with his arms crossed and watching us walk to the elevator. I brace my hand on the small of her back and feel the electricity travel up my arm and down to my groin. After all this time, the chemistry is still here. “You have her home at a decent time, now. I’ll leave the light on.”

“Shut up, Jax,” Mer says with a laugh.

“Use condoms!” He calls just as the elevator arrives.

“Oh my God! Shut the hell up, Jax!”

He laughs as the doors close and I can only smile in delight down at her. Her cheeks are pink with embarrassment. Her hair is pulled up in one of her signature messy buns and she’s in jeans and a blue sweater the same color as her eyes.

Jesus, she’s fucking gorgeous.

“You look amazing,” I say and rub a large circle over her slender back.

“So do you,” she murmurs and looks up and down at my plain black T-shirt and jeans. I threw a plaid button down over the T, but her eyes travel to my arms anyway.

She always did have a thing for my arms.

“Thanks for coming out with me tonight.”

“Thanks for inviting me,” she replies with a grin. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

 

And don’t forget the rest of the With Me in Seattle Series…

COME AWAY WITH ME

UNDER THE MISTLETOE WITH ME (Novella)

FIGHT WITH ME

PLAY WITH ME

ROCK WITH ME

SAFE WITH ME

TIED WITH ME

 ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Probyis the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.  

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TRAILER REVEAL: The Fate Series by Heather Lyons

Have you seen this beautiful trailer for Heather Lyons' The Fate Series yet? It's beautiful and stunning! This is one of my all-time favorite series so I am ecstatic to share this with you all today!

The first book in the series, A Matter of Fate, is currently $.99 on Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and iBooks! 

 

 About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

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Books in the Fate Series:

A Matter of Fate, Book 1 Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn’t a normal teenage girl. She’s a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she’s a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she’s to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course. That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to. Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

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Beyond Fate, Book 1.5 There are always two sides to every story . . .  His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother. Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride. * Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella

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 A Matter of Heart, Book 2 No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals’ city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life. After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what’s she’s capable of as a Creator. And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another. But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.  

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 A Matter of Truth, Book 3 Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away. Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.

 *This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.

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A Matter of Forever, Book 4 It all comes down to this . . . Chloe Lilywhite has struggled for years to find her footing in a series of dangerous and demanding worlds. Creator, first tier Council member, and one of the most powerful Magicals in existence, she was little more than one of Fate’s pawns. But now, Chloe is back home and ready to call the shots. She knows what she wants and who she wants to be. Except the Elders never got the memo. Annar and Magical-kind are under attack. The lives of Chloe’s loved ones, and life as they know it, are at stake. Chloe's the key to taking the Elders down, but they won't go quietly into the night. This time, neither will Chloe.

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+.

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COVER REVEAL: Undeniably Chosen by Shelly Crane

Ava has watched her parents, Caleb and Maggie, live the perfect fairy tale, the perfect love story, played out in front of her eyes her entire life. Her family is love, life, and happiness. The Jacobsons are everything a family should be and Ava is loved and well taken care of. But the one thing that’s missing from her life is the one thing she’s waited for every day, the one thing her kind knows will make them complete, the one thing they thought was gone and lost forever.

Her significant.

Seth has lived with the Watsons his entire life. They’re the only family he knows, but he knows that there are things they keep from him. He knows that they lie and they do unspeakable evil, things from when he was a child that he can barely remember that cling to the edges of his memory. He barely remembers his real mother and all he knows is what he’s told. He doesn’t know what to trust. He wants to believe that the Watsons love and care for him, have his best interest at heart, but isn’t so sure of that anymore when he finally—after a lifetime of waiting for her—meets his soulmate, and the Watson’s first act is to try to take her away from him.

The Virtuoso worlds collide, hearts are exposed, humans are endangered, and the lives of Seth and Ava are changed forever. They’ll have to love without judgment or reservation, they’ll have to be wise and accepting beyond their years, they’ll have to forgive for things before they’ve even happened, they’ll have to trust without seeing, have faith without knowing, and they’ll have to light their own way in the dark when everyone else is blind to show them the way. And more than anything else…

they’ll fight like hell to keep each other.

“I don’t know if I can even sleep tonight,” I muttered and rubbed at my arms. They were restless. “I can already feel myself twitching.”

“Tomorrow…” Dad began, but stopped. He sighed forcefully and tightened his fists. “I’ll go find him and make him come here if he doesn’t come on his own.”

“Dad, you didn’t see him. He was…” I bit into my lip hard. Just talking about him was making me ache all over. I closed my eyes and tried to breathe.

I heard Mom say, “Baby, I think we need to stop talking about this. It’s just making things worse for her.”

“I know, but…maybe I should go over there. Maybe I should try to find him and—you know what? No.” I looked up to find him looking down at me. “I’m not going to do that. It has to be his choice until it’s not. I’ll give him until tomorrow to be the good guy. If he doesn’t, then I’ll go get him and make him. I can tell by looking at you that you want to have faith in him.”

“You didn’t see him, Dad,” I reiterated. “He wanted this. He was worried about me. He’ll come. He’ll find me.” I hoped. “If what you said is true, then he didn’t choose any of what happened. He’s not a Watson.”

“But he’s lived with them his whole life,” Mom reasoned. “We have no idea the things they’ve done to him, the things they’ve made him do. We have to be cautious. You have to cautious.” She went into the kitchen and I heard a pill bottle shake before she came back. “Here. Take these. They’ll help you sleep tonight. They were Grans,” she said softly.

I ached as the pills went down. I heard Rodney coming in the back door loudly. Dad went right to him and put his hand on his chest to stop him. They whispered back and forth and Rodney looked at me over Dad’s shoulder. Dad wasn’t going to be able to stop him. He didn’t know that, but I did.

“Come on, Dad,” Rodney said gruffly and looked at him right in his face. “Move.”

He pushed his Champion gently in the shoulder and I watched Dad’s stunned face as he watched Rodney come and sweep we up in his big brotherly arms on the couch. He said low in my ear, but I knew that they still could hear, “Tell me who I have to hurt. Who is this guy and why isn’t he here with you right now?”

I looked at Dad and he looked so amused and bemused all at once. He waved me on and leaned his hip against the counter, pulling Mom into the ‘v’ of his legs so he could wrap his arms around her from behind. I heard her so sigh loud and hated that I was causing them so much distress.

“Seth,” I explained. “Seth Watson,” I said with as much gumption as I could muster.

His eyes rounded. I told him everything and he tightened his arms on me as he listened.

“Okay,” he said and kicked his shoes off the end of the couch. Mom was two seconds from scolding him when he asked, “So where is he? He should be here.”
       Like fate usually worked, there was a knock on the front door. An insistent knock. Dad shot me a look before taking a loaded breath. I started to shake and stood from the couch quickly. It was him; I knew it like I knew my own name.

“Ava, wait,” he told me.

“Dad.”

“You, sit,” he said in his Champion voice. “I’ll answer and let him in. What if the Watsons were planning something and knew you’d run to the door to answer it thinking it was him? We know nothing about him yet. Until we do, we go at this with caution.” I sighed. I hated that I had to look at my significant with anything but reverence, but Daddy was right. I mean, I was the one that had run right out of the coffee shop this afternoon. “I mean it, baby girl,” he said softly.

Rodney turned me to look at him and held my upper arms in his hands. “If he hurts you, I can’t be held account for what I do.”

“I love you, you know that?” I replied and kissed his cheek. I tried to smile, but think I failed epically when he put one arm around my shoulders and tugged me close, as if to shield me from whatever or whoever was coming.

Dad had to know I was anxious—he didn’t make me wait. He went to the door quickly. I could hear them in the other room with deep, urgent tones. My significant.

And then there he was.

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Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in scorching North Florida. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, sight-see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read.

Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, when her best ideas are born.

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