Woohoo! New Reads!

Hello everyone! Ova Veugh here and welcome to the debut episode of Claret Conversations.

Usually, when you think of December, you envision cold weather. Select holidays. The savoring of good home-cooked meals. The exchange of presents. The gathering of people, singing, laughing and expressing what they are thankful for.

However, people also desire warmth.

I am excited to introduce two people who I deem Connoisseurs of Sensual Heat. One is known for his Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity. The other is well-known for her contemporary views on relationships and sexuality. Please give a warm welcome to Authors Adonis Mann and Synful Desire.

Adonis and Desire, it is fantastic to have you as my first guests on Claret Conversations. Before we talk turkey about your latest joint project, I would like to offer you a choice of wine.

Adonis: White, if you please.

Desire: White, please.

I will have a bit of hot apple cider myself. I never conduct interviews while tipsy.

Okay, now that I have handed out refreshments, let’s get the show on the road.

My first question is for Adonis.

How did you come up with your preliminary catchphrase “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity”, and why did that same phrase fit your first short story collection?

Adonis: Well, the “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity” catchphrase was the brainchild of Author Queen of Spades. You see, many months before the birth of S.O.R.I. I was searching for a catchphrase that would encompass my sapient style of writing as well as the flow of my prose. One day, as we had an Author Mentoring Meeting, we brainstormed several variations of a catchphrase that might serve the purpose. A few words thrown around were “Ravishing” and “Intensity” followed by someone saying “But Adonis there is a certain syncopation in your words.” At that very moment Author Queen of Spades said, “That’s it! Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity! That totally describes you, Adonis.” and there you had it.

As it pertains to “Syncopation of Ravishing Intensity”, a.k.a. S.O.R.I., which story is your favorite as it pertains to the following categories:

a. Readability

b. Characters

c. Intensity

d. Resonance

Adonis: My personal favorite story in S.O.R.I. was “Tyronian Rapture”. Apart from being among the very first stories I wrote for the collection, it somehow took with it a piece of my heart. I find that it has all of the aforementioned variables; readability, characters, intensity and resonance. Although the setting is historical, the way the story is told is very relatable and captivating.

Now, Desire, a question for you.

Since you arrived on the scene, you’ve always touted that “Surrender is Liberation”. What has that meant to you? Is the meaning the same from its conception until now? As your writing evolves, have you ever felt pressured to change it?

Desire: To me, although I apply “Surrender is Liberation” to writing, it is actually a concept that is applicable to all walks of life. In order to function as a physically healthy individual, one must surrender to the process of health, to find liberation in the benefit the process provides. This can also work for the mental, emotional, and spiritual in humanity.

I do not want to digress, so I will stick to speaking about me. I was adamant that I did not want to be constrained by what others defined as my writing style.

Although I burst on the scene writing erotica, I never wanted to be known as the “standard” erotica writer or just to be an author who delved into erotica. Erotica is more than just intensity. It involves sensual intelligence, emotional architecture, anatomical symmetry, along with what to say and when to say it. I swear, to hear someone brag that “anyone can write erotica” makes my skin itch. Sure, one can string obscene words together, but that doesn’t exude erotica or sexiness. It is the other components surrounding the words.

Even though I’ve explored a myriad of genres, “Surrender is Liberation” still applies and means the same. I feel no pressure to change it because it still fits my vision of how I see myself and live my life, both as an author and as a person.

As it pertains to your flash fiction anthology “Amoresels”, which story is your favorite as it pertains to the following categories:

a. Readability

b. Characters

c. Intensity

d. Resonance

Desire:

a. In my opinion, readability goes to “Taste on the Move”. I won’t give much away, except food and hunger.

b. For characters, it would have to be the title story “Amoresels”. The interactions between the hosts Maeve and Dawood along with their invited guests were highly entertaining.

c. For intensity … this is a tough one … but I have to say “Full Circle”. Primarily because of the emotional backstory that drove the action.

d. As it pertains to resonance … another difficult decision … I pick “House of Mirrors”. The way the story came together still leaves me in awe.

Now, a question for you both.

Do you take time to read each other's stories? If so, which one is your personal favorite and why?

Adonis: I absolutely do read Desire’s works. As a matter of fact, she is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. There is a fanciful groundedness about her style that appeals to me quite a bit. All of Desire’s stories are charismatic and enthralling in their own rights no matter what she writes. I personally have a soft spot for her newer collections called Amoresels. So much so, in fact, that I wrote the Foreword for that collection of micro-shorts. There is a “fetish” for every personal preference and a savoriness for all taste buds. I highly recommend it. It’s a super fun read.

Desire: I do take time to read Adonis' stories. There is a unique melody to his story writing that soothes me. One of my personal favorites is one of his newer selections "Twin Flame Duplicity". Although it is a free offering, there is a level of intensity and intrigue which packs quite a punch.

What made you two decide to collaborate for the first Simmer book?

Adonis: It was Desire that came up with the concept of the first Simmer collaborative based on the original story called “Simmer Sweet” which was a short story she wrote that was initially being given for free to readers. One day she decided that she would make an extended edition of the story and that was when she invited me to be a part of it. I think that her reason to have me collaborate was because I did not have many publications at the time. But, in all actuality, she tells the story much better than I could ever. Thus, I will let her expand now ….

Desire: Donny, I think you actually covered it fully. Adonis was newer than I, and I believed it would give him great exposure.

Okay, back to you Adonis.

How did you segue from your original tagline to your current one? Was the transition gradual or all of a sudden?

Adonis: It was indeed gradual but had more to do with what was going on around me at the time.

You see, the All Authors Authors seemed to all be growing out of their taglines, if you will. The transcendence that had become our collective storytelling styles seemed to beckon a transitioning of taglines—something that explained where we stood now in our writing careers.

It took me longer than most of my brethren to make the transition as I was having difficulty finding something that truly fit.

One day I decided to call a meeting. The focal point was to come up with a tagline that better suited my growth.

We all went back and forth pitching various lines.

Funny enough it took a collective attempt to come up with just the right string of words. Some people felt that “Whimsical” was a great fit for my style, whereas others thought that I was a “Wordsmith”. Others still believed that my writing style took you from earth to something like a Nirvana. Hence the word “Oasis” was selected. The final product was “Wordsmith of Whimsical Oases”.

I find it fitting. 😃 

How did the idea blossom to do a continuation of Simmer? Would anyone reading Simmer: Sensual & Spicy have to read Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet to avoid being confused or lost?

Desire: Well, our publisher came up with an updated cover concept and interior design for Simmer: Smoothe & Sweet. This gave me a chance to go through the book. I found myself not only back in Kesha and Teresa's world but also Tommy and Spencer's, imaging what was next for all of them. I suggested the idea to Adonis, and well, here we are! Donny, do you have anything to add, as far as origins?

Adonis: Not at all actually, Desire. I think you pretty much covered it. 😀

Desire: I am speaking in reference to my story "The Simmer of Spicy". Since Kesha does a bit of flashback during her narrative, the reading of "Simmer Sweet" is not necessary, but for the full simmering, if you will, I would recommend reading both Simmer books.

Adonis: In my telling of Sensual and Smoothe, it is very important to read the first story in order to understand the second.

Why do you think Whimsical Liberation fit you as a duo?

Desire: I think it encompasses the best of us both: Adonis' way with words and the liberties I take to make the audience "see the emotions".

Adonis: Agreed. The bonus being that it sounded incredibly smooth together, if you would excuse the pun.

Will there be any future projects by Whimsical Liberation as well as any solo ventures? If so, please share.

Desire: We do have a project in the works called “Blinks of Passion”, which will feature works by Donny, works by me, and a fusion of words by us both.

Individually, I have a new story entitled “Rome’s Debris” that is to appear in Concordant Vibrancy 5. I will also be participating in the next installments of Divergent Ink.

The concept of Convoluted Prism has been reimagined, which is why I have not spoken much about it lately, but with the restructure, I am satisfied that it will produce a better product. I am also thinking about expanding the world of Delectable Things as well.

I also have a couple of future writings planned with my contemporary sister-in-write C. Desert Rose, which I am over the moon excited about.

All in all, I will be incredibly busy, but that’s no surprise. With me, there’s never a dull moment.

Adonis: Yes, “Blinks of Passion” is not due to come out just yet, but it is certainly in the works and I am excited to see where that will take us.

As far as any individual projects, I do have the newest contribution to Concordant Vibrancy 5: Extancy completed and submitted. This will most certainly be available when the book is available.

I also have a few things up my sleeve, although, I am not altogether certain when they will be completed. One will be a novel, the others will probably be a combination of short story collections and collaborative works.

I’ve been asked by some fans to create a S.O.R.I. 2 but that won’t be happening. S.O.R.I. was a once in a lifetime book and making a second installment would be doing it an injustice.

Okay, that wraps up this premiere episode of Claret Conversations. Thanks again to Authors Adonis Mann and Synful Desire for carving time out of their hectic schedules.

Alright folks … Ova and out!

IT'S RELEASE DAY!! #FatesEndeavor

It’s been a long time in the waiting … almost a decade.

The question is, was it worth the wait?

Some say yes.

We’ll let you be the judge.

For the first time ever, C. Desert Rose, in conjunction with All Authors Publishing House is proud to present you with the third book in the now dubbed Fate’s Endeavor Experience, “If Death Should Find Me”.

To run or not, to live or die …? Destiny is a bitch and here is why ….

 

Azriel has always been an enigma amongst the Hierarchy of Angels. He was born a duality; human and not. Azirel, for centuries, has been appraised harshly by mankind. Nevertheless, death is of the natural order. All things that live must at some point, die. Azriel is the usher into transcendence.

Such was his purpose and the Higher Sources saw this to be good … yet, things change.

So begins the measure of Travis’ enterprise into the hands of fate. Due to the magnitude of his venture, Travis finds himself caught between life and death. Angels and demons surround him, attempting to influence the paradigm of his fate. The only question in Travis’ mind is, what would happen If Death Should Find Me?

The Fate's Endeavor Series, surpassing the emotional fabric of angels and demons and delving into the delicate threads which infuse Fate's tapestry.

Months Later

Rural Location, Earth

~ Travis ~

Who knows how much time had elapsed. Days, weeks, months, whatever …? I didn't know. Didn’t much care, either. But honestly, it felt like I'd been running forever.

Shortly after leaving my home, while on the road at some crazed point, I sawed off my cast. I couldn’t deal with the damn thing any longer. And, although the memory is a bit foggy, I can somewhat recall that it was in a grimy motel room in the middle of nowhere. My tool of choice was a rusty old hunting knife that had been sitting in my car for ages.

But that day, in that moment I thought to myself, If I am really a fucking angel, then I can probably fix my own damn leg and rib. Right? Right.

I took a deep breath—instantly my rib hurt. Regardless of that, I focused all of my energy onto healing my leg and rib. I put one hand on my broken leg, the other one on my chest.

I closed my eyes, kept breathing deep.

Suddenly, a strange warmth started exuding from my hands. It seeped into the areas I was trying to heal kind of like they were absorbing the energy or something. Out of nowhere, the rush of heat covered me entirely. I could feel it pulsating like a strobe light. Within seconds, I didn’t feel any more pain. It was all gone.

Opening my eyes, I immediately knew that I was better. I moved my leg. It didn’t hurt. I tapped my rib, that was fine too.

Well fuck, look at that—I guess I am an angel, I thought.

But wait, that’s not all!

For your reading pleasure, C. Desert Rose and All Authors Publishing House are also proud to share with you the newly improved “If Death Should Love Me”.

Azriel is appraised harshly by mankind. Humans do not like to face death, therefore, they conjecture it is an ugly and terrible thing. Death is of the natural order. All things that live, must at some point, die. Azriel is the usher into transcendence.

Such is his purpose and the Higher Sources saw this to be good … yet, things change.

A dull roar, that's all I could hear. Souls, that's all I could see... So many people. Some good, some bad. Some breathing, some barely breathing. All souls. It was funny what you could see when you stood in the middle of the Emergency Room. Who survived, who didn’t. All of them, every one, a soul. A soul for the taking.

So begins your introduction to the floating, clustered world of souls that will have such influence on Sophia, the young Puerto Rican-American girl who has just lost her closest ally, her grandmother, "Abuela". It is just after the funeral, at the cemetery, where Sophia meets the tall, almost angelic man who will play the most unexpected role in her life.

A love story. A fantasy. An adventure. If Death Should Love Me tells a tale of “fate” far beyond the normal meaning of that little four-letter word. How else would you explain why Sophia wonders what would happen If Death Should Love Me?

Bed two. The doctor, the running, the yelling. The focus on bringing her back, futile. It was incredibly sad to say that she was just a child. A baby. Five years of age. Why did “fate” find it necessary to take her? She had yet to even commence to live. It was not my choice. I merely followed orders.

Her soul was lovely, just like a little girl's should be. A soft pink. Like a princess, I mused. Beautiful.

"Come child." I extended my hand so that she would take it.

"Where am I going?" She asked. The innocence in her voice was heartbreaking. Or would be, if I had a heart.

"I'm taking you to a safe place. Somewhere where you will never feel pain again. You will be happy there, sweet child."

"Cindy," she said. "My name is Cindy."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl," Her smile seemed as though it could quite literally light up the room. "Well Cindy, do you see that very pretty light just there?" I pointed.

"Yes." She responded with bright eyes.

"Walk into it. Go on, child … Pretty Cindy."

"But why? Where's mommy and daddy? Why do I have to go?" There they were. The questions that always followed once I had collected them.

"Do not worry Cindy, your grandmother is there waiting for you. I promise," I assured her with a soft grip of the hand, then continued, "before you know it, mommy and daddy will be there also." What more could I say to such a young and delicate creature?

"Okay." She replied, not at all convinced that what I was telling her was the truth. She obeyed nonetheless. When she entered she realized that my words were true and secure.

"Nana!" She called with a magnitude of happiness, then ran into her grandmother's arms.

 

I turned.

The mother, yelling. The father, failing at his attempt to be strong. The doctor, saddened. The confusion. The horrified faces. All of it, all too familiar, all too real.

Time for my next assignment.

Stay tuned for the upcoming link to "If Death Should Love Me"

Blog Take Over by Y. Correa

Hey, y'all! Author Y. Correa here.

Hope you're all doing well.

Okay, okay. I'm gonna keep it real.

I procrastinated way too long to finish this chapter in the A.L.O.M. adventure. I know.

Considering that I wrote the very first story in 2014, I should be ashamed of myself for waiting 6 years to write the 3rd part. The worst of it all is that it's a short story! Shame on me! For shame, Y. Correa! For shame!

Okay, now that I have beaten myself with a stick for tarrying on this release ...

It was the year 2014, midsummer.

Lying in her bed was a lowly author who was binge watching Ancient Aliens on Hulu. This was one of her favorite things to do next to binge watching Doctor Who on Netflix.

There she was, munching on popcorn whilst the she lay; the popcorn bowl sitting on her chest. Periodically a kernel would fall in to unmentionable places. She cared not to fish it out. She could save those for later should she get a hankering for a treat.

Soon, her eyelids fluttered with drowsiness, the popcorn bowl teetering, threatening to fall over completely. As she dozed, she heard the prominent voice of the Ancient Aliens narrator as it proclaimed, "Ancient aliens theorists say yes ...!" In that instant her Muse simultaneously tapped her on the shoulders and whispered in her ear, "What if ancient aliens were actually time travelers from the future?"

Raptured with inspiration—and actually quite startled because the lowly author thought she was alone in the room—she jumped to a seated position, a single digit in the air as the epiphany came alive. The popcorn bowl went flying to who knows where.

"Yes!" she trumpeted, "Yes, yes and yessss! That's a phenomenal idea!"

Her parents who were in the other room yelled at her to keep it down.

Cowering, "Oops" she muttered. Shrugging it off she got up, turned on her computer and pecked away at the obnoxiously loud keyboard.

And so it was that "A.L.O.M." the short story saga began.

Blurb:

The year is 2130. Long gone are the days of high definition television and rock and roll. Mankind has entered the greatest age of technology. Vlad Kappel is a man of few words and even fewer desires, one of them being a dream to pilot the world's first time machine which he has helped to invent and build. A fan of the eons old television show Ancient Aliens, Vlad has always been intrigued by the ideas of time and space travel. When he is suddenly and unexpectedly given the opportunity to live out his secret dream the results are astounding ... and none too coincidental.

Blurb:

Vlad’s travel aspirations should have been a dream come true. Yet the reality of his scholars’ teachings concerning the ancients is quite sobering. A.L.O.M. is in need of dire repair and lack of technology, industrial science and language barrier prove hefty challenges for Vlad. Will he gain cooperation from the ancients to save him from this travesty or will the final destination remain Stranded?

And now, without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to "A.L.O.M. Episode 3: Underearth".

Blurb

At this point in his adventure Vlad wants nothing more than to get back home. However, with the advanced technology with which the A.L.O.M. was created, Vlad realizes that he is in a pickle. In order to make the A.L.O.M. run he needs fuel. Not just any fuel. Lava.

With the help of the princess Vlad endeavors to seek exactly that. It is this enterprise that leads him Underearth.

Today and everyday you can read the first three books of the ongoing A.L.O.M. collection for free by visiting the link below. Enjoy!

And ...

HAPPY SHORT STORY MONTH!

A Royal Read: "When Summer Lingers"

Good day everyone! I am Queen of Spades. My main genres are poetry and contemporary fiction. C. Desert Rose has been kind enough to allow me to talk about one of my short story freebies "When Summer Lingers".

Blurb:

Dahna is quite comfortable in her role as an outcast. Her favorite activities are painting her nails and hanging out on the beach. An observation by the quirky Carr leads to an endearing friendship between two unlikely people.

Overall, When Summer Lingers covers the tale of two individuals. Dahna is withdrawn and accustomed to being a loner. Carr is more extroverted and open to making new friends. During the summer, an important message is driven home: to treasure time and the experiences you have with others.

This free short story is available on my website as well as on the Freebies section of the All Authors Publishing House website.

A Royal Read: "Finding My Heart"

Hello everyone! It's fantastic that Author C.  Desert Rose has permitted me his platform to discuss my newest short story offering "Finding My Heart".

Blurb:

Leopold Hawkins Threadbare is revered for his scientific genius, which has blessed him with great fortune. When the lovely Katarina is less than impressed, their disagreement spirals him into unexpected circumstances. Time is of the essence. The treasure is Leopold’s heart. The reward is his life. Discover if Leopold achieves success in Finding My Heart.

Excerpt:

The crackling. It’s what I heard first. Followed by the humming of a tune I didn’t recognize.

Mixtures of colors: red, orange, and yellow. It was the first image I saw once I opened my eyes.

Fire. Fire atop wood. No other colors surrounded it, as if the scene was randomly thrown in.

“It was randomly thrown in,” a voice replied.

I twirled around with my fists raised. “Who said that? Where are you?”

“Technically, I have the ability to be everywhere, but in this particular case, I’m in front of you.”

I rubbed my eyes. Thrice. All remained black.

“I can’t see you. Show yourself!”

The voice scoffed. “Demanding bugger, aren’t you? I’m not revealing myself until you act like you have some manners!”

I lowered my fists. Relaxed my hands. “Mr. Invisible Man, will you do me the honor of revealing yourself?”

“Maybe, but only if you eliminate the sarcasm.”

“You’re being utterly ridiculous!” I yelled.

“You’re the one who’s pressed for time. Not me. I can do this game all day.” The voice resumed its humming.

"Finding My Heart" is available (1) on my website (in pdf form) or (2) via All Authors Publishing House (which also offers epub and mobi, along with pdf).

Thanks for your time,

♠

A Royal Read: "Taint on Religion"

Hello everyone! Queen of Spades here, dropping by Author C. Desert Rose's spot to talk about my earliest short story freebie "Taint on Religion".

Blurb:

Natasha was taught three things: to love God, to love herself, and to always go to church. When a sea of tragedy strikes in her youth, she strays from the path of God. Realizing the error of her ways, she seeks redemption in her adult years. Reverend Jamison and his church looks to be the answer to her prayers. Yet when things in the dark come to the light, Natasha is faced with a tough decision. Does she stay silent with her discovery or does she dare put a taint on religion?

***

With "Taint on Religion" I tackle quite a few subjects. How one processes tragedy and going down an improper path. If a church can truly be forgiving. If a person's intentions are actually pure or have an ulterior motive. The reader goes through all the motions with Natasha but that doesn't mean that each reader will have the same feelings once the story is over.

"Taint on Religion" is available on my website or the Freebies section of All Authors Publishing House.

Thanks for having me.

Brielle: Where Scheduling in Activities is a Struggle

Hello Awesome Visitors! I hope you have had fun thus far during National Short Story Month. So far, a few folks have stopped by to discuss and share information on how to get their freebies.

Guess whose turn it is?

Today I would like to discuss my newest freebie, entitled "Brielle". Although I played around with a few other titles, I decided to settle on my working title, which is rare for me.

Think of Brielle as a bit of a modern-day woman. She is laser-focused on her career goals. Brielle isn't relationship oriented but recognizes that she has needs. Brielle has an interesting way to fulfill said needs. I will let your imagination fill in the rest.

"Brielle" is a mix of relationship reflection, light erotic situations, and comedy. If you remember the vibe of "Handy", then you will get the gist of "Brielle".

"Brielle" is available in my Freebie section of the All Authors Publishing House website.

Until next time,

Rising Speak on Apocawhat?

Hmm ... she taped it on the inside of the mailbox this time. That's a little more secure. Wow, looks like somebody went grocery shopping.

I. SEE. MOVIE. BUTTER. POPCORN!!!

Okay, while that is underway, let me once again introduce myself. I'm lousy at this Intro stuff. I tend to just walk in and start yapping.

It's Da'Kharta Rising, getting my invasion to discuss a freebie that is hot off the presses, called "Apocawhat?"

"Apocawhat?" is a play on the word apocalypse but with a twist. The questioning of "What's going on, really?"

Brother Urvin and Sister Lizzie are preparing for what they believe will be a quiet routine day of stocking up on groceries. When they see the neighborhood grocery store crowded during a day and time when it's usually quiet, they must fight through their insecurities and anxieties to maneuver through the crowd. 

👉For those who struggle with not being accepted in society, you'll be able to relate.

👉For those who get triggered when they are around large groups of people, you will definitely be able to relate.

"Apocawhat?" is not my usual brand of heaviness, but when you read the story, you'll discover it's typical Rising Speak when you least expected.

Well, the popcorn is all done. Make sure to check out "Apocawhat?" on my website or on the Freebies segment of All Authors Publishing House.

A Look Into Fate ...

Hello, one and all. As always, thanks for stopping by.

For us, the lovers of the paranormal, fate is preferably manifested supernaturally. That's because for us, fate being embodied in an otherworldly way brings a sense of excitement, mystery and importance to life.

However, those who believe that fate is real also trust that it takes place in even those things we consider mundane.

Like what?

Every day life.

In celebration of short story month I would like to bring you something old and something new. In both we will find an exhibition of fate as experienced by the characters in the interpersonal enigma that is life. Join me?

First: The Old

Blurb:

Martina Foxworthy only knew one thing for sure in her life ... the Log Cabin.
It was her family's tradition to visit the Log Cabin every year, and every new year was a repeat of the last. Nothing ever changed at the Cabin, Martina's family liked it that way.
But Martina, not so much.
One day, when a fly ball comes out of nowhere and crashes through her bedroom window Martina realizes that there is a lot more to life; the Log Cabin was just the thread that kept it together.

Years pass far too fast. This is something that Martina Foxworthy knows all too well. Sitting in her favorite chair, in her favorite place, Martina recollects her life's journey.

Excerpt

"The spring of her eighteenth birthday, Martina felt like a misfit just as she had her entire life. She’d been told that said feeling would change when she got older. Well, she was older now and nothing had changed. She was, for all intended purposes, now an adult. Eighteen; she could vote, smoke, buy alcohol—although not consume it—even go into a bar if she so desired. And yet, that profuse and innate sensation of not fitting in had become such an all-consuming part of her life that Martina didn’t know how not to feel it. Ever spring, during the Easter Holiday, Martina and her kin took a two-week hiatus in the family log cabin, purchased an umpteenth million years ago by her great grandfather Martin Foxworthy the Second.

If anyone ever wondered how she’d gotten her name, all they had to do was look at the family tree. Her father was Martin Foxworthy who was the fifth in his bloodline. And, since he’d not spawned a son first but a daughter, Martin added an A to the end of the name and blessed their female child with a name that no one would ever want."

I love this story though I don't speak of it much. "Martina's Memories" embodies fate in a relatable way. I feel like most of us could relate to her life trajectory, to her ups and downs and to her ultimate destiny.
Here, in this "old" story, we can see kismet at work through a seemingly banal existence. That is until the bigger picture is revealed.

Lastly, The New

Blurb:

In the famous words of Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” For Angelo, life is like a slice of pizza; juicy, delicious and worth the wait. For Sandalphon, life is an unending cycle of sameness. That is, until she meets Angelo. From staircase to stairway to heaven, Sandalphon has an Angelic Epiphany.

Excerpt

"Angelo Esposito sat on the right hand side of the front porch steps, fourth step up, people watching. On an overcast day, the clouds created a particular shadowy pattern across the passersby faces making them look mechanical. Things like this always entertained Angelo, he never seemed to get enough. Most of the people who strode through the streets were enthralled in their respective cell phones. The rest looked angry at life; emotionless and half-alive. Except maybe for the bum at the street corner who on any given day would assume the job of heralding government conspiracies, or dance for dollars. It all depended on the day.

Sitting on the old and tattered, historically profound New York porch step, Angelo was perfectly comfortable. Entertained and amused; a people watcher at his core. He couldn’t help but think how the persons that walked past were missing out on the knowledge of the rich culture of the avenues which they treaded. Every inch of the firmament, replete with history, depth, despair, glee and the essence of lives now gone.

Being brainwashed by technology has that effect on people. They miss the enriching simplicities of life. The little things that made life worth living like the kids jumping rope, the hum of a busy city street, the scent of pizza in the air. There was nothing like it. Angelo always felt like life was best enjoyed when appreciating small wonders."

This story has become my newest favorite for two reasons. First, it is connected to my Fate's Endeavor Series. Second, it's heart warming, relatable and supernatural. An "All-In-One Punch" if you will.

In this story, serendipity meets destiny. It feels as though the Universe has planned something accidentally-on-purpose and at the end of the day the one who learns the lesson is not the human but the angel.

It is my pleasure to be able to offer these to everyone for free. You can get them in PDF, ePub or Mobi by clicking the link below. No strings attached! Go grab your copies and enjoy the manifestation of providence. 😊