Lynn Thompson's Blog, page 36

The Infinity Program-Mini Blog Tour/Guest Post with Richard H. Hardy

 

I am pleased to welcome Richard H. Hardy back with us for his guest post and mini blog tour of The Infinity Program.

Visit his blog http://theinfinityprogram.blogspot.com/for more information on the tour dates and hosting.

The Infinity Program Summary

Jon Graeme and Harry Sale are unlikely friends. Harry is a world-class programmer, but his abrasive personality alienates co-workers. In contrast, Jon is a handsome and easy-going technical writer, the low man on the IT totem pole.

Sharing a love of nature, the men set out together, planning to go their separate ways–Jon on a hike and Harry, fly fishing. Three days later, Jon arrives at the rendezvous point, but his friend is nowhere in sight. When Jon finds Harry unconscious on the floor of a cave, Harry claims to have been lying there the entire time. But he is neither cold nor hungry. What Jon doesn’t know is that Harry fell into an underground cavern, where he came into contact with an alien quantum computer.

Back at work, Harry jettisons his regular tasks and concentrates exclusively on inventing new operating language to access the alien system. In the process he crashes his office’s Super Computer and is fired. Jon convinces the company to give Harry a second chance, arguing that the system he has invented will make them millions.

Jon has no idea what havoc Harry is about to unleash.

Guest Post

What experiences that Jon, Harry and Lettie have on the job, did you encounter in the workplace (or at least similar situations that you drew from when writing the book)? How did you deal with them in real life versus on the page?

The characters in The Infinity Program are completely fictional. But I did borrow some elements that I actually experienced in the work place. Jon Graeme, for example has a number of things happen to him that I lifted directly from my own work experience. For example, the head of our programming department often used me as a messenger boy to bring work assignments to a particularly ornery, difficult programmer. “I’m tired of getting my head bitten off,” he said to me. From then on, it was my head that ended up on a platter. Many of the encounters with this ornery programmer found their way into the book. Here’s a short sample from the book that comes right out of my own life:

“As he walked back to his office, Jon felt like he had been mugged in a back alley. He felt no more than an inch high. For the first time he had some insight into what others said about Harry. As he looked ahead at what he would be up against in the coming months, he felt nothing but dread.”

Harry Sale, the brilliant programmer in The Infinity Program, is a composite character with qualities that are derived from many sources. For example, a particularly brilliant programmer I worked with loved to mess around with old automobiles before he came to work. One morning he came to work with motor oil all over his shoes. The night before, new rugs had been installed in the programming area. When the Director of Operations saw those oily footprints, he was ready to fire the guy. But they didn’t because he was such a brilliant programmer.

What Lettie Olsen experiences in The Infinity Program derives from stories I was told by the women I worked with. They told me what it was like to work at some of the larger programming companies in New York and Boston. Their stories were incredible and included sexual harassment, bullying, and the legion of other indignities that women sometimes encounter when they have to work with yahoos and Neanderthals in a predominantly male environment. I remember asking one woman, “Well, why didn’t you take your problem to the Human Resources department?” She said, “I did and the guy told me that if I didn’t like the job I could always quit. And then he patted my fanny on the way out.”

Fortunately, change does seem to be on the way. But for millions of women it just can’t come fast enough. It’s encouraging to know that some of the larger companies are really making an effort. At the end of The Infinity Program, there is an incredible transformation of society. The liberation of the workplace from sexism is definitely implied as a part of this.

 

Richard H. Hardy’s Bio:

Richard H. Hardy was born in Glasgow, Scotland, during a week of relentless bombing raids just before the close of World War II. The day he was born an incendiary bomb fell on the church across the street from where he lived, so he is fond of saying that he entered the world with a big adrenaline rush.

His family later moved to England and then on to America.

After college Richard bounced through a series of temporary jobs as he traveled around the country, wanting nothing more than to write fiction. A job driving a library van allowed him free time to write several short stories and work on a novel.

He and his wife moved to New Hampshire, where he took an entry level job at a software company. He was soon promoted to the technical writing department and ended up producing over 500,000 words of online documentation. After a few years he was promoted to the programming department and ended up as the Senior EDI Programmer, creating EDI maps and writing UNIX scripts and troubleshooting on AIX systems throughout the U.S. and Canada.

After he retired, he started writing fiction again. The Infinity Program is his first published novel.

Formats/Prices: $5.95 ebook, $13.95 paperback

Genre: Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 250

Release: April 1, 2014

Publisher: Camel Press

ISBN: 9781603819336

Amazon buy link

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603819339?tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes and Noble buy link

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-infinity-program-richard-h-hardy/1118958489?ean=9781603819336

Smashwords buy link

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/422304

iBooks buy link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-infinity-program/id849045494?mt=11&uo=4

Kobo buy link

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-infinity-program

The Infinity Program GoodReads page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20794011-the-infinity-program

Richard H. Hardy’s Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/richard.hardy.31924

Richard H. Hardy ‘s Twitter:

https://twitter.com/rhfh944

Richard H. Hardy ‘s GoodReads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7844267.Richard_H_Hardy

Richard H. Hardy’s blog:

http://richard-hardy.com/blog/

Richard H. Hardy’s website:

http://richard-hardy.com/

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186



The Infinity Program tour site:

http://theinfinityprogram.blogspot.com/

 

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Sterling- A Montana Dayton Novel Capter 2

Rise and shine Montana.” My sister said, shaking my arm.

I rolled over onto my back, keeping my eyes shut. My scars burned fiercely this morning and I wasn’t ready to wake up.

“I received a gift to you, from Max.” She said. The grin apparent in her voice.

“What time is it?”

“After 11:00. You were out late last night.”

No, that didn’t sound right; I remembered climbing into bed early. A throbbing pain shot through the scars on my side, a lot worse than usual. I opened my eyes a slit and peeked at Zoë.

“Cup ‘o’ latte, compliments of Max.”

“Is he here?”

“Oh no, he left the espresso machine on our doorstep. We found it this morning.”

Max had this thing for espresso machines. He bought me one for my house in the mountains too, right before he left.

Did that mean he was leaving already?

It would make my life simpler. I took a sip of my latte and sighed, almost as good as Max’s. Why was it my sister and Max could make them, but Chase and I couldn’t?

“He left a note. He’ll be back later.”

I groaned, no such luck.

“Did he say what time?”

“No.”

Great! He’d probably show up any minute. Leave it to Max to be so vague.

“So tell me about him. I can’t believe you didn’t mention him before. Why aren’t you seeing him? I can tell he likes you, he didn’t take his eyes off you during lunch yesterday.”

Anything to get her to go away, I thought. The pain radiated through my side and started throbbing up my arm. Was it because Max was back? Maybe an unconscious reminder?

“He isn’t my favorite husband.” I teased. “I’m waiting for Shawn to see the light and come to his senses.”

Zoë laughed. “He’s one of a kind sis, and he’s mine.”

She was right. She’d found the perfect man.

I smiled; this continued to be an ongoing joke between us. I would never even consider trying to take Shawn away from her, but I was still envious.

“Max and I are complicated.” I told her. “Besides I’m still waiting for Shawn’s twin brother to magically appear.”

“He’s an only child. You know that. Stop giving me excuses and enjoy Max while he’s here. Shawn thinks you should too.”

“We’re incompatible.” Except for in bed, but that wasn’t any of her business.

I would love to just enjoy Max, but I had this whole emotional blocking I had to keep control of. Last winter Max almost made me spontaneous combust, because of the lust between us. I liked living and I didn’t need my life to flip into a crazy spiral again. I didn’t even know for sure if I could keep that boundary between us, maybe it was time to start looking for that ultra boring guy to share my life with.

Like I said it’s complicated.

“Consider it sis, you can’t stay single forever. You two would make the perfect couple.” She sighed. “Now the bad news, before I leave you to get dressed. Shawn, Charlie, and I have to take a flight out tonight for home.”

“Why?” My voice took on a low whine.

“The foreman’s having a problem getting an order in, and the owner of that mansion is being a royal jerk. I told Shawn not to take on this remodeling job. I never liked the guy, but you know Shawn, everybody deserves a chance.”

I grimaced and nodded.

Shawn started his own company with some of the lottery winnings. He works in construction, remodeling, and odd jobs. He loves it because he can still bring in money without taking too much on.

I frowned at the thought of them leaving. This was the second time this had happened when Max showed up. I was going to be alone with him again. I didn’t want to leave Florida, and Max was next to impossible to get rid of.

I waited until the door closed behind my sister before I tossed off my covers and removed my nightshirt. I examined my scars, they were inflamed and red. They hadn’t looked this bad since last winter.

I pulled the salve Doc gave me out of my dresser drawer, rubbed it over the scars, yanked my shirt back on, and stepped out on the balcony for a smoke. I needed to wait a few minutes for the salve to soak into my skin. Then I would shower, reapply, and get dressed.

If they didn’t start healing soon I’d have to ask Max to get in touch with the Doc; hopefully it wouldn’t come to that. If only the Doc had left me his real name and number I wouldn’t have to go through Max.

When I stepped out of the shower and in front of the mirror I noticed the necklace.

Had I been wearing it this whole time?

I fingered it, it didn’t belong to me. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed it before now.

The pendant hung off a thin sturdy gold chain. I lifted it up to examine it better. A huge ruby sat in the center of the pendant and was surrounded by diamonds that almost seemed to float off the ruby. The ruby looked like it resembled the sun; the diamonds resembled the sun’s rays.

I cupped the weight of the pendant; it seemed way too heavy for the slender chain.

When I rubbed my fingers over the big jewel energy sizzled through the ruby, lighting it up, and spreading through the diamonds.

“Where the hell did this come from?” I mumbled out loud. My scars began to pulse and burn, almost in tune with the energy flow. Someone knocked on my door. I put on my black silk robe, quickly took off the necklace, and shoved it into a drawer just before the door opened. Max stood in the threshold.

Had he given me the necklace? I searched my mind. If he did I didn’t remember it.

He entered the room shutting the door behind him.

“Everyone’s downstairs gorging on pizza.”

I didn’t say anything. The first time we’d officially met I was also in my robe. I pushed the memory aside.

“I’ll be down in a couple of minutes.” I glanced at the door, hoping he’d get the hint. He just stood there.

I was about to tell him to leave when he stepped up to me and tugged the belt on my robe loose. I tried to step away, but he grabbed my arm and gently pulled my robe over my shoulder.

He wanted to look at my scars; he’d freak out if he saw them red and inflamed. I tried to yank free but he held me tight. I couldn’t blame him for wanting to see them, after all he was part of the reason I had them.

Max let the robe fall, exposing the left half of my body. His fingers gently caressed each scar, starting with my arm, before sliding down my ribs to the ones on my side.

“The Doc said you still had these. I hoped they’d healed better.” He croaked.

I wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but held it in. The horrible irritation no longer reddened the scarring.

Now if I could get my body under control. Flames licked over my skin from his touch. He lifted his hand and grazed his finger down my chest, between my breasts, leaving a trail of electrical currents behind.

“At least these didn’t scar.”

Max was talking about the spikes from the creature that had torn up my chest and stomach.

Another knock at the door jarred me from the spell he wove over me, giving me the opportunity to slide out of his grasp. I tied my robe on tight, saying a small thank you under my breath. The interruption saved me from throwing myself at Max. He tempted me too much. I walked over to the door and opened it.

“Aunt Tana we’ve been waiting for you.” Charlie said, exasperated. “I can’t have ice cream until you have your pizza.”

She balled her hands into small fists, put them on her sides, and started tapping her foot. “Why aren’t you dressed yet?”

It took everything I had not to laugh at her impatience.

“Why don’t you take Max downstairs and have him help you with the ice cream. I’ll be down in a few minutes for pizza. Okay?”

“Okay. Come on Max.”

I could tell by the look on his face he didn’t want to leave me, but instead of saying anything he put on a big smile, threw Charlie over his shoulder, and left.

I shut the door behind him, hurriedly got dressed, applied a touch of makeup, and wondered fleetingly why my scars were misbehaving.

I arrived downstairs in just enough time to hear my sister grilling Max. I grinned as I veered off to the espresso machine. If I thought Max was being vague with me I was wrong. Somehow he managed to answer my sister’s questions without giving her any vital information at all. I kept my mouth shut and picked at the pizza.

When we finished lunch and we went down to the beach so Charlie could swim. Killer happily barked at her from the sidelines, staying dry. My dog was not fond of water, or snow for that matter.

Max stayed close to me until it was time for my family to pack and get ready to catch their plane.

Introducing–>>Daelynn Quinn

 

As this weeks Featured Author

Daelynn Quinn was born and raised in southern Maryland where she spent her youth exploring and falling in love with nature in the woods behind her house. She graduated the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in dietetics, which she promptly abandoned to pursue writing. Daelynn’s writing is fast-paced and laced with current issues that concern her. Her first dystopian trilogy, Fall of Venus, focused on climate change and the biochemical industries. Her recently-released YA novel, Neverland Academy, delves into child abuse and negligence. Daelynn is excited to be commencing a new series, which will tear into the animal exploitation industries. While she is not reading or writing, Daelynn enjoys brainstorming while mowing her lawn, cooking healthy meals her kids refuse to eat, and watching old episodes of Mr. Bean with her three boys.

url https://www.goodreads.com/DaelynnQuinn

website http://www.daelynnquinn.com

twitter username daelynnquinn

genre Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

 

In the aftermath of a virus that has obliterated ninety-three percent of the population, Pollen McRae, a young woman plagued with a tragic past, finds herself scarred and abandoned in the wilderness, unable to remember the previous weeks. There she meets Marcus, a mysterious man with a similar plight. Together they are determined to escape a trio of bounty hunters and rescue Pollen’s niece, Evie from her imprisonment at the Crimson Survivor Refuge, a refugee camp which serves as a cover for a much more sinister plot.

Meanwhile, a renegade environmental organization is recruiting survivors for a mission that will change the course of human existence forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A fter escaping captivity from the Crimson Survivor Refuge, where the survivors of a mysterious virus were held under the guise of protection, Pollen McRae, her niece, Evie, and Marcus Stygma live peacefully at a botanical research center, where scientists and engineers are building a shuttle to escape the dying planet and colonize its neighbor called A1D3. Pollen’s idyllic life is turned upside down when Glenn, her ex-fiance and former Crimson Enforcer, bursts into the COPS facility. She finds herself torn between her feelings for Marcus and her past with Glenn when a new development arises. There is a spy among them. Plans and components for the shuttle have been stolen and all signs point to Glenn, the newcomer. But before he can be banished Glenn reveals to Pollen that a mysterious prisoner is still being held captive in the solitary level at Crimson. Determined to rescue him, she must find a way back. But how many lives will she put at risk? Content warning: This book contains sexual scenarios and some occasional strong language.

Behind every powerful organization there lies a weakness, concealed in greed and deception.

Inside every young mother there lies a ticking time bomb of indomitable strength.

When 21-year-old Pollen McRae escaped Crimson Survivor Refuge for the third time, she hoped it would be her first and last confrontation with the Trinity, the powerful trio who released the virus that destroyed her world. But now they have captured Pollen’s niece, Evie, in order to extract a portion of her DNA that could change the outcome of human existence. And they are willing to trade her . . . for Pollen and her unborn baby.

Meanwhile, the Trinity will stop at nothing to enact vengeance on the residents of Ceborec for Pollen’s escape and the theft of classified documents. Lives will be lost. Hearts will be broken. A community will be destroyed.

How far will Pollen go to keep her family safe?









Seventeen-year-old Daphne Werring knows trouble. She’s had her fair share of it back in Atlanta, but now that her parents have moved her and her brothers to rural Georgia (more like royal Bored-ga), nothing has changed. A chance encounter with a not-so-ordinary boy leads her to run away on an adventure beyond any she’s ever known. From secret underground tunnels to tales of abuse and imprisonment at the Neverland Academy for boys, Daphne, her new friend, Finn, and his band of ‘lost’ boys embark on a quest to bring the horrific truths to light and to stop the wrongdoings before the headmaster runs them out . . . or worse.

Extended Description:

It was the worst day of Daphne’s life. Not only had her parents moved her from Atlanta to the middle of nowhere, but her boyfriend broke up with her in the middle of a crowded club and her parents grounded her for a month for sneaking out and stealing the BMW. All in one night! If she were back home in Atlanta it would be no problem. She could always find ways of getting around her punishments. But this was rural Georgia. And there was nowhere to go but woods and farmland. That is, until Finn showed up at her window.

Finn was the invincible mascot of Neverland Academy where Daphne’s brothers attended. For the five years since he’d been expelled from the all-boys boarding school, he lived in the old slave tunnels under the former antebellum plantation home. He and his band of outcast boys lived for pulling pranks on the school’s professors, and especially the headmaster, Byron Trappe, who had a personal vendetta against Finn.

Daphne grew to love life under the academy. But there was one problem. She was falling for Finn. Hard. She knew he didn’t want a relationship or anything that resembled growing up. But when the wall she built between them begins to crumble before her eyes, will she stay at the academy and face impending heartbreak? Or will she leave her heart behind and escape the dangers of criminal life, including a perilous encounter with the vengeful headmaster?

Sterling- A Montana Dayton Novel Capter 1:3

“So what business do you have with my sister?”

I glared at Max, if he so much as mentioned anything about last winter I would kill him.

“She’s housing some of my horses. We were supposed to write out a contract for how long, and what the payment would be, but I got called out for work. I don’t like leaving my debts unpaid.”

“You could have called her.”

“I could have, I’d rather conduct business face to face.”

I exhaled a long silent breath. They didn’t need to know Max and Rose already had an oral contract that worked well. Rose took care of my mountain property while I traveled, and Max paid Chase to take care of the horses, including mine, and Roses cat Pumpkin, along with Pumpkins new litter indefinitely. Chase worked for Max.

I’d been to his property. Even though he’d told Rose he was building his own barn, I didn’t see one being built, and no room around his cabin for a barn either. Unless he decided to cut down a ton of trees.

“So what do you do for a living?” Shawn asked.

I was expecting him to say it was classified.

“I’m an independent contractor.”

My eyebrow rose. The last time I’d talked to Max he still worked for the government.

Max grinned at me.

The waiter stopped by our table to take our plates and offer us dessert.

“I’m good.” I said, pushing away my barely touched salad. “We should probably finish up here if we’re going to catch the boat.”

“About that,” My sister said, looking guilty. “We’re going without you this time.”

Max tried to conceal his grin.

“It was a request.” Zoë said, picking up Charlie.

“We’ll see you tonight.” Shawn replied, while watching Max.

I threw some money on the table and followed them out the door. Max caught up to me as I was waving goodbye to Charlie. He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him before brushing his lips over mine.

“We should go back to my place.” He growled softly under his breath.

“No!” I sighed, exasperated. I stepped out of his embrace. I turned toward the beach, kicking off my sandals as soon my toes touched the sand.

What was my problem? He was Hot! He wanted me. He already had me. It was only one night, but it was one unforgettable night! What was wrong with me?

I didn’t trust him, or maybe it was me I didn’t trust with him.

“Montana, we need to talk.”

I shrugged my shoulders and kept walking. We strode side by side in silence, away from the public beach until I veered towards the ocean. My eyes glazed over; all of a sudden I had this deep desire to go for a swim.

Max caught me before I dived into the ocean fully dressed. He threw me over his shoulder and carried me back up the beach. He sat down on a small mound of sand with me on his lap.

“Montana.” He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes. “Come back to me.” He gave me a gentle shake.” Montana.”

It took me a moment to focus on him, instead of the horizon beyond the ocean.

“Montana.” He tilted my face towards his and kissed me deeply.

I kissed him back before I realized what I was doing. I pulled away disgusted with myself. I didn’t want to lead him on.

“How did I end up in your lap?” I somehow lost a couple of minutes in time.

Max searched my eyes. “Did you sense something?”

“How could I? I’ve been fully muted for months now.”

“The Doc taught you well then?”

“Yes. You didn’t answer my question.”

“For some reason you tried to go swimming fully clothed.” He watched me closely.

“Hmm…” I didn’t remember wanting to go for a swim. I looked out at the ocean again before shimmying off Max’s lap.

“Can you still sense anything?”

“Yes, when I open myself up, which isn’t often.”

I used to be a sensitive, or at least that’s what I called it. I had no what to call myself now. I used to be able to get a good read on people, their intentions, and emotions.

When my sister and I won the lottery I started investing in small businesses I knew would thrive. I enjoyed helping people, and because I had this uncanny ability I knew who to invest with. Then I went on vacation and everything fell apart. I’d bought some land in the mountains, had a house built on it, and cruised up there last winter.

My plans were to just hibernate and take a break. Unfortunately, Rose didn’t want me to be alone, so along came Max and Chase. To make a long story short, somewhere in that debacle some men gave me an experimental drug. I still think it was Max’s employers, but they deny it.

Now I can feel other people’s emotions and intentions 100 times more than I could before. The doctor Max hired for me taught me how to mute those feelings. I have ever since. I no longer invest in small businesses though, because opening myself drains me.

“What happened with Blake?” Blake was my nemesis back then.

“He’s dead. He didn’t survive the knife wound.”

I searched Max’s face.

“It’s the truth.”

“Anything on a cure for me?” I really wanted to get back to work.

“No.”

I sighed and stood up. I was suddenly very tired.

“Why are you really here?”

“For you,” he stood up. “Don’t tell me you found that really boring guy that was going to replace me.”

I smirked. I almost wish I had.

“I’d beat him to a bloody pulp.” Max growled.

I swore he read my mind.

“And yes, I really am an independent contractor. I finished my last job then resigned.”

I wanted to ask him what he did as an independent contractor, but I wasn’t sure I was ready for the answer.

“Come on, I’ll walk you home.” He said clasping my hand.

Off the Beaten Path-Bandelier Opera

I was only able to go to the second half of this at the Bandelier amphitheater due to work, but it was a new experience and fun.

Bandelier holds the opera at the amphitheater once a year, and of course I have been trying to get there for last several years. Tis the year for new adventures:) Black Mesa Winery and Don Quixote Distillery and Winery were there serving. So I was able to get myself a glass of DQ’s Cherry Sherry and find a place on a boulder to sit and watch the show. It’s outdoor fun!

Of course, I had no idea what they were singing about because I arrived so late:) But for the ten dollars it costs to get in it’s well worth it!

http://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

 

 

Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to come across this, this year. I’ve seen it before, but it has been a while.

It’s Tarantula Season at Bandelier… http://www.nps.gov/band/naturescience/tarantulas-and-tarantula-hawks.htm

Sterling- A Montana Dayton Novel Capter 1:2

“There’s someone following us.” My sister said after the third shop we’d stopped at.

“There’s always somebody following us, we’re beautiful people.” I mocked, jokingly. I really hadn’t been paying attention.

We had won the lottery a little over a year ago and I’d finally gotten used to people looking at me like I was familiar.

“I’m serious Montana.” She tried to point, but her hands were too full of bags with clothes and shoes in them.

“Don’t point, just tell me where.”

“Really hot, sexy guy on the corner to your left,” She whispered, taking a step back so I’d be able to see, “Black hair, sunglasses.”

I turned my head slightly. My heart dropped into my chest. An electrical bolt sizzled through me.

I normally wear dark lens sunglasses, I was glad I had them on now. They hid the emotions that I’m sure were flitting through my eyes.

“Keep walking. We’re almost to the restaurant.”

“You should go talk to him.”

“No.” If I ignored him he might go away.

My sister’s mouth fell open. She closed it quickly, grinning at me. “You know him don’t you?”

My lips thinned. I thought I’d put a good amount of distance between us when I left the mountains, but his job was tracking down people, and other things, so I wasn’t surprised he’d found me.

“He’s hot!” She exclaimed, blatantly staring at him. “Oh, he’s gay isn’t he?”

I smiled, wishing that was the problem.

“What’s gay mom? What does gay mean?” Charlie had snuck up behind us while my sister stood gawking.

She bit her lip, “Happy honey. It means happy.”

“Who are you staring at?” Shawn asked as he walked up to join us.

My sister nudged me. “That guy over there. He’s been following us.”

Shawn looked over at Max. Yes, Max, the guy I’d been trying to forget about.

Before I had the chance to say “no” Shawn crossed the street and stalked toward Max. Shawn’s a formidable person, but Max was worse.

“Oh shit!” I replied too late. I bit my tongue.

“Auntie Tana, that’s a bad word and you’re not supposed to say it!” Charlie frowned at me while tapping her toe.

“Sorry Charlie.” I put on my best forgive me face, “I’ll never do it again.”

My sister couldn’t keep her eyes off Max and Shawn.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

“Max is inviting himself to lunch.” I grimaced. “And most likely Shawn will let him.”

Max loved to invade my space. Now that he’d been found out I was pretty sure that was going to happen. They both started heading toward us. My first reaction was to turn tail and run, which I would have done if my family wasn’t here with me. Instead I stood firmly, taking in his powerfully built body. Max had this affect on me – I always felt like the proverbial moth being drawn to the flame around him.

“He doesn’t look gay,” my sister whispered as he strode over.

“Montana.” Max drawled.

“Max.” Even with his sunglasses on I felt his eyes linger over my body. I glared at him behind mine.

“Max will be joining us for lunch.” Shawn mentioned. “Max this is my beautiful wife, Zoë, and our even more beautiful daughter, Charlie.”

“Nice to meet both of you,” Max grinned.

I headed into the restaurant, leaving them behind. I needed a beer and maybe a bottle of rum. I’m not really a drinker, but now might be the time to start. How dare he track me down? I’d been having a great time until he showed up. Trouble followed him.

Was he worried about me? He could have just talked to Rose or Chase to know I was all right.

“Table for five,” I told the waiter.

Of course that’s what Max did for a living, track people, things, creatures, but still. How dare he?

Max slipped up behind me as I reached the table, wrapping his arms around my waist, sending goose bumps over my flesh.

“I told you that you belong to me.” He whispered in my ear.

Oh brother. We only had one night together; he left me to heal on my own, and I was his property. I stood still, reining in my control. I wanted to jump him and punch him at the same time.

He stood back and pulled out a chair for me. I sat down and glanced around for my family.

“Bathroom breaks.” Max said.

I looked over at him, was just about to ask him what he was really doing here, when Charlie came bounding up, followed by mom and dad.

“Are you gay?” Charlie asked Max.

My sister’s jaw dropped, Shawn glared at Charlie, and I broke down into laughter.

His eyebrow rose. “No.”

“That’s what I thought. You don’t look very happy to me.” Charlie replied.

I laughed a little harder as my sister gave Max an apologetic gesture.

“Remember your restaurant behavior.” Shawn mumbled into Charlie’s ear as he plopped her down in her seat.

“Yes dad.” Charlie sat up straight, sighing.

We sat in silence until the waiter took our order. I decided to forgo the beer and rum; I’m really not much of a drinker. I ordered coffee, water, and a salad instead. My appetite had deserted me at the first glance of Max.

“So what brought you to Florida?” Zoë asked Max.

“Montana and I have some unfinished business.” Max replied, smiling at me.

“You told me you were her neighbor.” Shawn grumbled, eying Max.

“He is my neighbor.” I agreed. All I needed was for Shawn to get his feathers in a ruffle. Mine were ruffled enough for all of us.

My sister gave me a “he’s your neighbor and he’s not gay” why didn’t you tell me look.

I ignored her.

Introducing–>>Kia Carrington-Russell

 

As this weeks Featured Author
About this author


Kia Carrington-Russell is a young author working on her first series: “The Three Immortal Blades”. Kia began writing at the age of fifteen in high school- finding that all her warped and strange dreams were giving her a fantastic new world- and since then she has never looked back.

Kia was born in a small town in Australia, moving around a lot at a young age until finding a stable town where she finished her schooling. Kia found herself enjoying and expressing herself through poetry, short stories and writing, photography, painting and drawing. All these mediums help Kia express the different world that she is so fond of.

In ‘Senior Art’ Kia focused on feminism and female empowerment; exposing through her wo…more About author:

Kia Carrington-Russell is a young author working on her first series: “The Three Immortal Blades”. Kia began writing at the age of fifteen in high school- finding that all her warped and strange dreams were giving her a fantastic new world- and since then she has never looked back.

Kia Carrington-Russell

Kia was born in a small town in Australia, moving around a lot at a young age until finding a stable town where she finished her schooling. Kia found herself enjoying and expressing herself through poetry, short stories and writing, photography, painting and drawing. All these mediums help Kia express the different world that she is so fond of.

In ‘Senior Art’ Kia focused on feminism and female empowerment; exposing through her work issues and concerns that many people would rather just “sweep under the rug”.

In one art installation, Kia made a bed out of Pokémon cards- the concept being that when she slept a new world would come to life and it was the only one she saw and constantly lived in.

Kia now focuses on her photography, writing and self-help blogs on her website: ‘Precious Living’.

Kia is now keenly working on “The Three Immortal Blades” series knowing that this book has to be shared with the world and that is what she aims to do now.

Kia writes in her Australian home, trying to focus at times on simply what is running through her head, as her cats either terrorize her legs as scratching posts or her puppy barks in her ear for play-time. And as she continues her series, they grow with her book.

Kia is strongly supported by her friends and family and thanks them dearly for being with her along the bumpy road and nothing would please her more than having your support as well.

url https://www.goodreads.com/kia_crystal

website http://www.thethreeimmortalblades.com

twitter username kia_crystal

genre Paranormal Urban Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

 

Three Immortal Blades

Possession of My Soul

The Three Immortal Blades is a captivating story about Karla Grey, an ordinary young woman struggling with a unique ability. Karla is a Shielder; an exceptional fighter born with the rare ability to project a shield for protection. However, Shielders are not the only kind that possesses such a talent. The Shielders battle a war that has been raging for centuries against the Starkorfs, who endeavor to harvest humans and Shielders alike to obtain immortality and power.

Amidst the chaos of war and death that surrounds her, Karla must also confront the charming Elemental Breathers. Powerful and volatile, the mysterious Elemental Breathers are quick to conjure up the element they inherited power over at birth. Unfortunately for the Shielders, the Elemental Breathers also have at their disposal a depth of knowledge unmatched by any living being, making them indispensable to the Shielders in their quest for truth.

Whilst engaged in battle Karla begins to hear a woman’s voice echo in her head and throughout her dreams. Karla faces many new and daunting challenges while simultaneously searching for a reason as to why the unknown woman seeks to possess her body.

Karla must unravel the purpose of her curse. Finding herself embroiled in a bitter war armed with a talent she has yet to gain control over, she fights to find a way to end it all. But first she must learn to never let her shield down. The woman manipulating her thoughts may be dormant for now but she has every intention of possessing Karla. Mind, body, and soul.

Karla must choose between right and wrong: the charming Lucas and the selfless Paul, death and life, lies and truth. Within this new reality the search for the Three Immortal Blades starts.




Sia is a Phantom Wolf. Neither dead nor alive—and rotting from the inside—she is on the edge of her curse. Once a Phantom Wolf has been created, they hunt their blood pack and slaughter all their loved ones. Except for Sia, who woke years after her death to find herself rampaging through the land on a lonely path. She continues to run from the rival pack that hunts her because she is a Phantom Wolf. Attracted to a scent, Sia finds her old best friend, who is now a grown woman. Having once saved Keeley, Sia takes the role of protector yet again, despite Keeley’s involvement with the mysterious Alpha, Kiba, and his kin brother, Saith. An ambush separates the pack and the four of them blindly fight the new warriors that attack them: desperately needing to find out where the attacks are coming from, as Sia has vowed to protect Keeley. But at what cost? Now being chased, Sia finds herself conflicted by the mortal and spirit world while trying to protect her kin. Sia must confront her fears, as well as the human lover who killed her many years before. It is not only survival Sia contends with, but her own façade that must be broken so that she may find peace within herself once more.




After the great fight between Tyran and Misfeata, Karla’s body is recovering. Misfeata has manipulated and possessed her body — now, she lies dormant. But for how long? Paul and Karla continue to venture into the unknown. Karla is in pursuit of her parents, as well as a cure for her body in which Shielder blood now resides. She must find a cure for herself both physically and mentally as she struggles with the morals of this very different world. As Karla tries to avoid the war, she inevitably drags Paul into dangerous circumstances. A rare Elemental Breather is after Karla and out for war, but why? Now, not only combating the Starkorfs, Karla must contend with the Elemental Breathers and her own fighting spirit. In this time of hardship, Lucas comes back into her life. He is also targeted by the strange Elemental Breather, Taskatae, who calls herself ‘Mother.’ After his betrayal, Karla must learn to trust him again as he reminds her who she truly is now. Can she survive the constant battles from not only the physical world but from within? For a while Misfeata is dormant; Karla must try to keep hidden her true feelings. Karla is in turmoil as she faces who may truly possess her heart

 

Sterling- A Montana Dayton Novel Capter 1

“Antana! Antana!” Charlie shouted at me as she barreled down the stairs. “Me and dad are going swimming at the ocean today.”

“First of all that’s ‘dad and I,’” my sister said, grabbing Charlie and swinging her up onto her hip, “and secondly I suggest you make those two words, like ‘Aunt Tana’ or ‘Aunt Montana’. Now give me a hug and go get ready.”

Charlie threw her arms around her mom while shooting me a, “I was just having fun look.” As soon as she ran up the stairs I laughed.

“I’ve got to admit ‘Antana’s a good one.” I said.

Charlie’s my niece, she’s 3 years old, or should I say “almost 4 years old.” She has black hair like her father, blue eyes like her mother, and is very outgoing and happy. She loves people and animals, is as cute as a child could be, but is also hell on wheels.

“Try being called a parental guidance counselor.” My sister said blowing out a breath and smiling. “She tried that one on us last month. We told her to stick with mom and dad. I don’t know where she comes up with this stuff.”

“That’s almost better than Antana. Can I call you parental guidance counselor?”

“No!”

“Aunt Tana!” Charlie screeched running back down the stairs with her dad in tow. “Please come swimming with us. Ittlbefun!”

“Not this time.” I said as I picked her up and tickled her. “Your mom and I are going shopping. We’ll meet you at the Shed for lunch, before we go dolphin watching.”

“Okay.” Charlie said giggling.

Shopping wasn’t the real reason I didn’t want to go swimming. I hate shopping.

Last year I had bought a house up in the mountains. It was supposed to be my winter retreat where I could take time for myself. Unfortunately a government experiment escaped, and in a fight for my life I was left with some massive scars across my upper arm and side. I hadn’t told my family about it and wasn’t sure I wanted to. I like to think of them as my battle scars.

If I mentioned that time of my life to my family I would also have to explain about Max. I was trying really hard to forget about Max.

The scars were easy enough to hide until I decided whether or not I wanted to go through plastic surgery, but I wasn’t convinced all of the poison injected into me from those claws was out of my system. I wasn’t sure if I should have the surgery. My scars still burned periodically to this day.

“Alright, hand her over.” My sister’s husband Shawn said.

Shawn, my favorite husband, is what I usually call him, and Charlie’s father. He’s gorgeous, sensitive, and totally in love with my sister. He would do anything for her. That was the type of guy I wanted if I could ever get myself to settle down. He has short black hair, already starting to gray at the sides, and hazel eyes, along with a nice muscled body from working construction most of his life. He’s the kind of guy that wakes up with a smile on his face every morning, which is kind of disgusting, but can be strict when he needs to be.

I blew out a breath and smiled. This had turned out to be a better vacation then the winter one I’d planned, and it was all because of my sister. She wants another baby. What better way to make one then sun and beaches? I’m happy for them, and much better equipped to be an Aunt than a mom.

“You two enjoy your swim. We’ll see you at lunch.” I said as I gave Charlie a big smooch on the cheek.

I grabbed up my purse and stepped out onto the porch with Zoë behind me. The weather down here in Florida was absolutely fabulous. The perfect amount of heat and humidity warmed up my body. And the water wasn’t too cold either.

“It’s perfect down here.” Zoë said pulling out her sunglasses, “Just perfect.”

My thoughts exactly, not quite summer yet, so not too hot or humid.

“Charlie’s not going to try to ride Killer again is she?” I asked.

Killer’s my chocolate lab/bull-mastiff mix. He’s still a puppy even though he weighs about 100 pounds now. If there’s a mean bone in his body I haven’t seen it yet. Charlie tried to ride Killer like a horse a few days ago, he wasn’t very happy about it. He laid down, and rolled over on top of her, pinning her, but not hurting her.

“She promised she wouldn’t. She didn’t like being stuck under 100 pounds of dog.”

“Good.” Charlie was usually good about keeping her promises.

The house we were staying in was only a short walking distance to the Watercolor Resort and all of its shops and restaurants, but still far enough away for the privacy I craved. We took our time walking to the store front.

My New Office:) Yay!

Finally! House is clean. Check.  Yard is done, until spring. Check. Dump run done. Check. Schedule back to 5 days a week, for now. Office done, and so peaceful I can actually get some work done! Check.

Whoot! I’m so happy:)

Off the Beaten Path-Valles Calderes Bond House

 

I was recently offered a free pass for the Valles Caldera Bond House Tour. Valles Calderes is located in the Jemez Mountains, NM. I couldn’t say no. The Calderes http://www.vallescaldera.gov/ has been open to the public now for a few years and I’ve always wanted to drive into the heart of the volcano and hike around a bit, but haven’t had a chance. The view from the road is amazing, but to actually be on the back side of the Caldera and see the road was awesome.

Yes that is a herd of elk. They were bugling the entire time, celebrating the change of seasons. I wish they had been closer so I could get a better picture of them!

 

Our first stop; the the Bond House. The cabin belonged to an old sheepherder. He lived pretty well back then. It’s now the official Hunting Head Quarters.

 

 

 

Our second stop was the round house. Yes it is round and from what I gather can be rented. Two A-Frames sit up in the hills waiting for guests to take advantage of their cozy warmth. Dubbed the Harry Potter Sorting Hat.

 

From there we took a leisurely drive further back into the Calderes to spot more elk. This was the view back to the Bond House for snacks.

I wish I could fully describe the beauty and vastness of the Calderes in words. And put up all of the pictures I took. But the pictures alone would bog down the blog, and you can drive for days before you leave the Calderes.  Any tour up there is definitely worth taking if your in the area, and you get a great history lessen (though I was too excited to retain much of it). I will be heading back up when time permits for another tour:) This time a hiking tour.