Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 83

Good Monday Morning!

It was a long weekend here, solo and ensemble competition for son #two. He did great!! One first place, two seconds (and with one, he only received his music the day before the competition... I was amazed he was able to make the glockenspiel [the bells] sound so sweet)...

Okay, since it's Monday... it's time for another edition of...

Today's image as promised is another dragon image, but slightly different, or at least I hope is it!

 

This is another of Luis Royo's images, one I believe called, Dragon Mistress. You have to look close to see the dragon image, but I must admit, I found it amazing!! I'm trying to decide if she carries the spirit of the dragon inside her, if she shifts to release the dragon (how awesome would that be??), or if the dragon is remember as an old friend or mentor... So many possibilities!! I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

As always, the rule remain the same, 350 words (or there about) and come back Friday to post your response.

Have a lovely week!!

(I soon will have time for more participation.. my self imposed banishment is almost over!! My MS is almost complete!! Today or tomorrow should see the words... The End... at least for this story...)

Ciao!!

Desperate Betrayal by Hildie McQueen

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Pages: 270

(Released: September 10, 2011)

From the Cover:

Cynden Frasier (Cyn) is a member of a group of immortal warriors, the Protectors, assigned to protect humans in Atlanta, Georgia, the epicenter of a major uprising in demon activity. When Cyn is approached by a beautiful woman in a dirty alley, he is intrigued by the fact that she can see him for what he is, a terrifying demon slayer, and still dares to approach him.

Emma Blake, a half-demon, has to convince Cyn to help rescue her sister from powerful demons. Terrified that the Protector will kill her if he realizes what she is, she still goes against every instinct and approaches Cyn for help. Despite knowing that she is leading them both into territory so wrought with treachery, neither of them may survive.

Can Cyn and Emma overcome betrayal, the ancient rules that prevent Protectors from taking a wife, unless she is his one true mate? And if they do, will it even matter?

Emma had done some things in her life that she wasn't exactly proud of... and trying to lure one of the Protectors away from safety and into the clutches of the demons was one of them. But, the demons had her sister, Briana, and not just any demon, but their cruel leader, Gerard. Briana was the only family Emma had left. She couldn't leave her to the demons, not even if Briana didn't listen. Not even if she was turned herself, Emma wouldn't or couldn't leave Briana to her fate. But, why did it have to be Cynden?

Cynden has been a Protector for nearly as long as he can remember. When the change came upon him, he had little choice of refusal. His brother, Kieran, struggled against the change, finally giving in to the inevitable. But, it was a good life, Cyn had done well, and he was still alive, him and Blue, his adopted son. He enjoyed what he did, demons were the bad guys, and if he could protect the humans, that much better. Until his life starts to lose focus, all because some woman wanders into his path, Emma, and her captured sister. Roderick, a former Protector and friend, is missing and it's ripping his wife, Rachel, apart.

Now, Emma tells Cyn, she knows where Roderick is, and it just happens to be with the demons. The ones holding her sister.

Desperate Betrayal by Hildie McQueen is an enchanting tale from it's beginnings. Emma becomes a Cyn stalker and an unwilling demon pawn, showing up when he least expects it. Only, he finds himself drawn to the woman, her eyes, his fingers itch to touch her hair and her body, her very scent drives his need. And it sends his Protector senses into heightened response. Life mate screams in his mind, but Protectors aren't allowed to take mates, which is what cost Roderick his place in the fold. Now, Roderick was gone with little hope of finding him, especially alive, and he can't even think it unless he wants Rachel to see it in his thoughts and actions. When Cyn can't leave Emma at the scene of a demon attack, he blindfolds her, drags her to his home on the back of his massive bike. Blue is delighted, but Cyn can't trust Blue's safety to anyone, and now Emma can't be released, not with Protector and his son's security at risk. His brother, Kieran, doesn't understand his need, but Cyn finds he does need Emma, in his life and his bed. When Emma tells him Roderick is being held captive by the demons, he must risk the tentative trust he's willing to give her, only to find betrayal in her heart.

Desperate Betrayal is exactly what the name implies, a desperate betrayal, one not willingly made or easily found. But demons control Emma's actions and she'll do what she has to, not only for her sister, but for the one who has stolen her heart, Cyn. What he sees as betrayal, she knows is sacrifice because she's willing to sell her life for his, even if he can't see it. She has to put an unfeeling tone in her voice, has to let Gerard take her lips in a demanding painful kiss. She only wants Cyn, and he only sees betrayal. No matter what else happens, Cyn must survive, and he only sees it with her sacrifice for Blue. Hildie McQueen gives us an excellent first novel, a story told with passion, desire, and need. When Cyn and Emma come together, the heat pours from the pages. This is the first book, and debut novel, of the Protectors series, and I can't wait to read Kieran's story, and I feel Fallon's may come too. So many great Protectors, so many potential stories to tell. Paranormal romance lovers, urban fantasy fans, and supernatural hero lovers will all want to give this one a try. It's a wonderful read, on my recommend list. Five out of five fairy kisses for this happy reader.

I received my copy from the author, Hildie McQueen, for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Awaited by Lynn Rush

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Pages: 307

(Release Date: May 2012)

From the Cover:

Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.

He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

Russell, friend and protector of Beka, Queen of the Guardians on Earth, and his friend and follower, Durk have been sent on a mission by Jessica, the Merus of the Light, to find and bring back the first female Guardian born in the last two centuries. Jessica's cryptic in her directions, only giving a possible location, and asking Russell to take extra socks and shirts. But, that's just Jessica's way.


Russell and Durk begin their journey, only to get immediately side tracked by an airplane crash and then, by saving a red-headed beauty who has haunted Russell's dreams. She heals quicker than she's supposed to, but is mute without cause. It's a baffling case, one Russell needs to solve if only for his peace of mind. Because, he's sure, Annabelle is destined to be his.


When they arrived at their appointed destination, it's to find the small town overrun with demons. How can they succeed or even survive their mission? How can Russell claim what he needs... Annabelle as his mate... if only death waits for the centuries old Guardian?


Awaited, Book Two, The Wasteland Series by Lynn Rush is a rockin read from the very first page. In Wasteland, we met Russell who was powerful, but needy and ever so slightly lost, a little fractured. It's his mission to protect Beka until her King could be found, but who knew a half-demon/half-human would become that King? David and Beka are the first consorts in a millennia, and now, it's supposed to be Russell's turn. He lost to the dreams of the red-headed woman and yet, he has no idea who or where she is.. until the fateful airplane crash. After saving the young woman's life, Russell and Durk are plagued by demons. No matter how many are destroyed, more take their place. Russell feels he hasn't a chance. And there's an ancient evil waiting to put it's own plan into play. But, who will be sacrificed? Are the Guardians strong enough to withstand the loss?


Awaited is an excellent follow up to Wasteland, and I rarely say this, it's as good if not better than the first book. Amazing. Thought provoking. Wonderfully told. It was easily read in one sitting. As I sat reading into the wee hours of the morning, I kept checking the pages, not because I wondered how much longer the book was, but I didn't want to turn that last page, the one where the story had to be over. The Wasteland series has become like an old friend, and I don't want to see them leave. Lynn Rush tells a compelling story, one that grabs the reader's attention in the first few pages, and doesn't let it go. I'm already anxious for the third book in the series. Crescent Moon Press has been blessed with talented cover artists, and Awaited is no exception. And what I like the most is the covers reflect the story to come, and we all know, that is a rare commodity in the publishing world. Crescent Moon Press is making a name for itself in the ebook publishing community by signing talented authors, and Lynn Rush is no exception. If you like battles between the ancient evil of the Dark and the goodness contained within the Light, this is an excellent addition to your library. Paranormal romance lovers, changed reality lovers, even urban fantasy lovers will want to give this series a try, so good, it is a must read. I would recommend reading Wasteland first, but if you can't wait, Awaited can be read alone, more than enough background information is given for the reader to be drawn in. But then you'd miss the wonderful tale of David and Beka's story, and you wouldn't want to do that, now would you? Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.

I received my ebook copy for review from the author, Lynn Rush. All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday Morning Flash Fiction Challenge, Week 82

Good Monday Morning Flash Fictionados!!

Well, I hope everyone had a great weekend! I got to go prom dress shopping Saturday. Found my son's girlfriend the most gorgeous dress at a little shop in Decatur IL called "It's A Girl Thing". It's a great little boutique, I love it!! This will be my daughter's last prom, her boyfriend graduates this spring. It's my son's second prom... he's a junior this year, but I don't think his girlfriend will let me shop for her again next year... only this year because my daughter needed a dress. I was able to find her an amazing deal, the gowns in It's A Girl Thing are beautiful, breathtaking. It's where we purchase that gorgeous gown my daughter wore last year to prom. I wish I'd found it sooner and that I had more reasons to shop there!

On the downside, my daughter got up Sunday morning with pink eye!! After we went shopping, she went to her boyfriend's house. He had pink eye last week, but he stayed home until the infection was gone. Unfortunately, his nephew must have been infected because she hugged and kissed the little guy who also got up Sunday with pick eye. It's been a really long weekend, lol! Now cleaning everything, wiping door knobs, and making her stay in her room. And lots of hand washing!! Hope no one else picks it up... I so tired of trying to kill off germs....lol...first the flu now pick eye...

Anyway, since it's Monday, it's time for another edition of....

The image for this week will hopefully shake up what we've been doing with our flashes!! LOL I've only attempted a flash with this type of image once. I really liked doing it, but it was really difficult for me to write. If anyone wants to see how I wrote mine, click here. I hope I have time for write for this flash, because I think the image is freaking awesome. And I know what I'd like to write. I just need more minutes, lol

It's a fantasy anime image, and I'll let you decide how to proceed, what the image means....

And for an alternative...

Dragons! (We could see more dragons next week, I found some gorgeous images!!)

Dragons are always great for the imagination, and I found some wonderful images. This one is fantastic with the huge dragon filling sky. Hope everyone finds something appealing with one or both of the images.

Have a great week!!

Ciao!

Peachwood Lake by Susan Berliner

Publisher: SRB Books
Pages: 222

(Released: November 8, 2011)

From the Cover:

On a quiet summer day, 13-year-old Kady Gonzalez sees an armored silver fish leap high in Peachwood Lake. She thinks it's an awesome sight—until, a few minutes later, Kady watches in horror as the same jumping fish savagely attacks a neighbor in his rowboat. That's the start of the malevolent fish's war on the pristine Connecticut lake.

As the casualties mount, Kady, an aspiring writer, is befriended by Monique, a sassy young newspaper reporter. In addition to covering the fish story, Monique counsels the motherless girl on the frightening problems of growing up, especially how to deal with the hurtful taunts of Hannah, a popular classmate.

While the mysterious fish continues to attack anyone venturing into the water, town officials desperately attempt to destroy the demonic creature. Will they succeed without having to sacrifice Peachwood Lake—and will "Fraidy Kady" succeed in conquering her own personal demons?

Kady Gonzalez never wanted to be the girl who saw the fish, all she wanted was a quiet summer, to make some money to help her dad, and to write. Because, most of all, Kady loved to write, but she didn't think she was any good. What she gets is so much more. Things happen for a reason in life either by fate or by design, and it doesn't really matter which. What matters is what you do with friendship, with real life stories, and most of all, love. And to tell the story that needs to be told.

Peachwood Lake by Susan Berliner is a young girl's story wrapped up in a horror story. There's a vicious fish living and hunting in the peaceful waters of Peachwood Lake, the likes of which no one has seen before... ever. Is it some government experiment gone horribly wrong? Or is it some mythological beast, free to hunt within Peachwood Lake? But, along with the horror story that grows in the pages, is also a coming of age story. Kady's family used to be on the right track. That's was before the loss of her mother and her father's deep depression and drinking. Life will never be the same. Or so Kady thinks. Even with the horror of the fish, Kady finds friendship and love both in her father and Monique, an unlikely mentor in the young girl's life. Maybe I should say a likely mentor for young Kady, because Monique has been where Kady is coming from, and she offers Kady a lifeline. Monique is a writer too, but as it turns out, for a tabloid newspaper, the kind in the racks at grocery story checkouts, alien abductions and sightings and she wants to break into the respectable newspapers. She gives Kady back what has missing most in her life, a guiding hand, someone who understands her, someone who accepts her exactly like she is, no mother, a father trying to save his family, a girl without friends. Hannah torments Kady everyday, but she bullies for a reason, and until Kady stands up to her, she'll never understand her.

Peachwood Lake is another winner for new author Susan Berliner. It's a quick read, one sitting, and offers a horrific story in the midst of a young girl's need to find her way. At first, no one believes the stories. Yes, the lake has become accident prone, but a metal armored fish? Not likely. That is until more people start seeing the wicked fish, and more people start dying. Once again, I'm reminded of Stephen King, the master of horror combined with a greater story. And, in Peachwood Lake, Kady's is the greater story. If you liked Stephen King's short story, Cycle of the Werewolf (aka Silver Bullet), you'll like Peachwood Lake, though death doesn't come by the light of the full moon, no light is needed at all. Where else are you going to find a fish horror story that brings a young girl's life into focus? If you'd like a quick little read, a mixture of good YA, horror, and I have to say, fun combined (because Monique's wit and humor, her ability to see beyond the horror story, brings this story to life)... this is the story for you. I have no trouble recommending this book for the pre-teen/YA horror lover. Five out of five fairy kisses for this reader.

I received my copy from the author, Susan Berliner, for review. It's her second book, and a worthy read. All opinions expressed are my own.