tangled
I’ve been tortured
by the want to tend it all
to leave my lowly mark
upon the world
soothe the heart
and stop the baby crying
for a while

to save the well -
and let the curtains
fall

trusted
with the harvest
buried with the seed
and watered
me the blessings
of the soil
waited
wailed
and wondered
was the first to know
their names
marigold
and venus -
righteous silver
queen

make my bed
of needles -
quartz and lazy pine -
move the night to make
the stars align
stitch my coat with passions
weaved along the way -
when wished I more
than e’er the world
could pay

snow falling leaves a hush in the eve’ng
lying there outside of life in a dream
a time before ever their moments too few
a place far away from any they knew

crystals fall glistening light leaves its mark
cloudy the north star hides in the dark
finding the traveler lost on the way
wonders where sun will rise into the day

what ebony sky has flowed from this start
the closeness of love has held them apart
moon glow and crescents remembered to say
has life’s waters flowing lead them astray

such was the night when diamonds fell down
painted the white that covered the sound
left there a meaning to wonder forever
how stardust and dreams brought them together

Image: Courtesy Google Images

4 out of 5 Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports, Adult Fiction, Erotica

Published: July 2012

Length: 295 Pages

Well written story.  I love sport stories, but my favorite are with cage fighting.  I loved Romeo and I loved Jules and I loved them together.  This romance was a breath of fresh air since they fought the obstacles in their relationship together.

The chemistry is from page one.  You feel it and want it.  My favorite scenes are when they are apart and do what they do to stay “connected.”  *wink*

Yes there is a lot of steamy sex.  However, there is also a story/plot, therefore making it an interesting read.

Romeo Wellings is a Heavyweight MMA fighter that grew up in the streets of New York where he has ties to the mafia.  He wants to cut those ties, but that is easier said than done.

Romeo meets Jules Connor and has one night with her in Vegas only to discover that there are strong, mutual feelings. Jules is a law abiding citizen that practices law and is also a volunteer deputy sheriff.  Being involved with a man who has a record and has ties in the mafia is not what she hoped. Plus, Jules’ twin brother, Wyatt, has always thought Romeo was more trouble than good. Jules loves her brother, but loves Romeo too.

The story does not only focus on Romeo and Julia, but also Romeo’s half-brothers, Valentino “Tino” and Casanoa “Nova”.  Tino and Nova’s father is a mobster.  Romeo wants his brothers to walk away from the mob, but it is harder said than done.   One brother wanting to do right thing, but feeling “stuck” in that world; while the other feels there is no other option but to stay committed.

Did I skim? No.

Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes.

Do I recommend? Yes.

Did I think about the book after I was done? Yes.

Ending/Cliffhanger? It was sweet.  Wasn’t a favorite, but it was nice.

Sequels: Defying the Odds (Battered Hearts #1) Published: December 2011

We met last Christmas. When the rest of the world were caught up in their joyous celebrations, time slowed down for us as we came together. There was no exuberance in the moment that was so perfect that the heart was just too overwhelmed to react. Our first touch, was so exhilarating, yet soft and gentle. Outside, the first snow was just starting to fall and at that moment we truly believed (rather naively) that from then on, every moment was going to be as perfect as at that point in time.

We were inseparable and went everywhere together. At times, that means making compromises, but my desires and comfort were always the priority. The care I received was truly selfless and magnanimous. I was so well taken care of. The cold harsh winds of the winter had no place against us. I felt safe. I felt warm.

Then one day, we were going to a family gathering at Uncle Bernie’s house. It was a nice day, and we all rode in the car together with high spirits. We were young, free, and unstoppable. But sadly, our car wasn’t. As we were driving on the expressway, suddenly the car felt funny. It halted to a stop. We safely pulled over to the side and soon realized we had a flat. 10 minutes from our destination! We were disappointed, but undaunted. We called a tow, and as we got out of the car and huddled together at the side of the road on that brisk winter morning, I will never forget how in the face of setbacks, we had held our own together and kept each other warm. We were truly complete with each other and nothing could ever bring us down.

That night, after many hours of family fun and one too many glasses of Reisling, I was a little dazed and sleepy. Our car was fixed, but neither of us were in the right state of mind to drive home – funny thing is, neither of us were in the right state of mind to make a sound decision either. So I got in the car and made the trip home.

The next morning, I woke up and looked around. Something felt different. Something was off. I can’t figure out what, but I knew I wasn’t alright. I started panicking and throwing stuff around irrationally – intent on figuring out what. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks – I had come home without my companion. I immediately sprang into action to rectify the situation. I contacted the persons involved who could help me (uncle Bernie) – “we will make the exchange – no guns or you will never meet again” basically that was the message I was to take as law.

I was dejected, I was at a loss. So I subjected myself to acting in ways I am not proud of. Whatever it takes, I knew I had to do it. I can’t give up. It was all my fault that we were in this situation and I had to fix it. However, the captors were merciful – and soon, by following their orders, we were reunited again.

The reunion was such a sweet sorrow. Nothing had to be said. We were happy we were back together, and neither of us wanted to speak of or know of what happened while we were apart. I had so much apologies and amends to make, yet none was required. All was forgiven the instant we were back together. The world was perfect again. Yet, it was short-lived.

Today, I left the right hand of my glove on the subway.

Go on, have a great many adventure and don’t look back. It’s your time to fly. You will be missed and I will never forget you. Thanks for the souvenir (the left side), but to be honest, I have no use for it and will probably toss it.

Forth from the ashes groweth now new hope.

Montagues, Capulets, turneth a new leaf,

But without their heirs, they both must cope.

Romeo, Juliet, statues of gold.

Built as symbols of what the feud hath cost.

The Prince will say which house the blame will hold.

Yet all are to blame, and thus all hath lost.

But the Prince shalt have his way, just as fate

Controlled the lives of the star-crossed lovers.

They on the threshold be, of heaven’s gate,

And yet on their cheeks, life’s col’r still hovers.

The Montagues shalt divide up the shame.

While the Capulets distribute the blame.

of dying
I have but a faint
recollection
gathered in pieces
of living before
sometimes a flood
of almost not memories
of people and places
I’ve known
yet I don’t

exactly the moment
but there in my keeping
a moment unsettled
was yet to be dreamed
how is it I’ve passed
into newness
becoming
and kept of the leaving
some worries undone

a flaw in the story
was stumbled in finding
mornings of lifetimes
within the same sun
nights
as the moon
lay on my shoulder
stars – an illusion
I named every one

slowly but surely
threads to unravel -
knotted so many
the charms working free

from all
that we wondered
unchanged by the dying
are faraway traces
still living in me

come
the lights are fading -
last year’s hay is in the barn
lines are drawn
and still I grieve
the comfort
of your arms

come
while yet
the lantern glows
yellow on the fields
rest your heart
against this lowly one

I won’t ask
the reasons -
goodbye was not for long
awaited me a season -
just as strong

as we tarried
with beginning
making moments of our past
forgotten every ending
we had planned

who’s afraid
of dying
when living rides
the fence -
where stillness blows
from long ago
the same

come
the church bells ringing
as they were
for yesterday
we worried for our passions -
debts to pay

stay
but for a lifetime
lest moths consume
the flame
- or ashes
quell the silence -
to wonder why
we came

mercury
is rising
constellations
crowding now
ribbons tied by living -
weave me into you
somehow

beaches, footprints in shifting sands
water flowing through our lives
there are loves we know and knew (still behold)
the story of our soul, written into light
(destiny revealed)
what was the course we took (star crossed)
wondering why, still knowing it is written
in stardust, across deserts (and dynasties)
what were the words, what tongue was spoken
the last time the sun faded (far horizons)
sinking into the west, into a sea (of dreams)
life passes, love endures, unfolds (again and again)
I hold on to the night (shadows, dreaming)
of forests primeval, dark and deep (unforgiving)
cold rain, chills to the bone and shivers
unstuck in time, fear and a fever (wake me)
what time is it? where in time is this?
what place becomes me now
(settled back into life)
to hold onto breath (once more)
I sigh, and with it whisper (a word)
eons of time echo (your name …)

Image: Malibu beach by gfs – 2012

The feeling followed me all day. A nagging trepidation. Completely unbeckoned, it clung to my heels like a leaf stuck in the spur on the back of a worn boot. I fought it for awhile but then decided to let go and flow with it. So many emotions… Hope for a future of my choosing. Triumph of accomplishments not yet made. Fear of inadequacy and disaster. The bitter ache of loneliness. The guilt of looking for a friend yet finding love outside of my marriage. The desperation of a drowning swimmer. It’s staggering. I wish there were two of me so I could explore both avenues. As it stands, I am grateful that change is in my future, no matter how it comes to pass. I cannot continue as I am. Today was filled with giggles and dreams and panic. I wished for life; I wished for the end; I wished for an answer. A solution. Any solution, really… But this isn’t a movie. There’s no resolution at the end of the story. No answers, just confusion.

I love you. I want to be with you more than anything, but I’m afraid. I’m afraid that you’re not what I think you are. I’m afraid that I’m not what you’re hoping for. I’m afraid of hurting the people who love and depend on me. I’m even more afraid of hurting you. I am not afraid of feeling pain myself, but I know that pain will come, no matter what I choose. I want to close my eyes and find that every problem has been solved. I want everybody to be happy and satisfied. But life doesn’t work that way…

What the hell am I supposed to do?

” I miss your smile, XO, XO”

And from 2:38 PM when you texted me that message

Until right now

29 hours later

I have felt like the most delicate pristine dew drop

whipping on the warm breeze

Because in my mind

What I read was,

“Pixie, I have made so many mistakes in my life. One of them being

my inability to see how perfect you are for me a thousand years ago

And now I am keeping my promise…

Remember the promise?

That if neither of us were married by 30

Of course I would come for you…

I’m only 2555 hours behind schedule…

And you waited..

And I love you, XO XO”

Instead of saying back,

“Thats sweet.”

Like I did nearly two days ago-

In my mind,

I picked up the phone and reserved my flight to your town

And I showed up at your door

Heart in hand

Hands and arms extended

Tears flowing

Lips saying,

“Oh Adonis,

You are gorgeous, brilliant and complicated

each of the reasons I love you more and more

every second of the day and time and space

and distance and age will never seem like anything

compared to just one kiss from you

all I wish is that you could see you from the rose tinted glasses 

I look at you through

I’m here now

Our life together can begin.”

The ridiculousness of it all  makes me guffaw

which wakes me up from my delirious haze

and I remember that I still need to complete a few applications

wrap a few presents

write my dad

and re- do my nails.

Thank you Adonis.

For every time you speak to me

I get to go on a well deserved

fantasy vacation

in your arms….

Her eyes had frightened him, he could remember. He had run to her, utterly confused since he had rushed straight there after hanging up. It suddenly occurred to him that he had spoken to her sister on the phone as she urged him to come, and not to herself.

His car screeching to a halt, he had yanked his keys out and barely heard his door slam shatteringly hard behind him as he leapt out onto the paved road. He barely had time to register Vittoria in his path before skidding to a stop right in front of her, his balance uncertain.

Eyes wide, all drained from his mind when he took in the sight of her. The swift and sudden weakness in his knees nearly took his breath away, and he privately cursed this unexpected chink in his carefully constructed military armour  His words caught in his throat, and he could only stare, just a few feet away.

The shoulder of her shirt was torn half off, and the cascade of buttons on the floor bore testament to the violence of what had taken place. Anthony was suddenly acutely aware of how she seemed to look so much smaller. Everything from her tousled, tangled hair to her ruffled clothes conveyed an immovable air of fragility. He felt the sting of the bruises on her cheek and neck, and took in the spidery traces of dried blood on her arm and fingers.

But what shook him was her eyes.

She seemed to peer through him, frozen with her thumbnail in her mouth, unconsciously biting at her nail, eyes red and swollen. For an instant, he had time to feel an incredible horror at her hollow, deadened and defeated look before it seemed to click right before his eyes.

She blinked, recognizing him.

“Anthony?

- Vittoria, what- is everything ok…?”, he asked, his voice as steady as he could make it.

She answered nothing and he became quite aware of the silence weighing heavily around them.

Then it all came together rapidly, as he started to see the seams of her façade come apart, terrifying him, pushing him forward to her. In two quick strides, before he even knew it, he was there.

Gathering her in his arms, he engulfed her trembling body into his warmth, soothing the wild, uncoordinated hand gestures and the soft, incoherent sobbing to give her some relief. His fingers easily nestled her tear-stained face in his neck, and Anthony felt her hot breath on his skin, hitching and rolling as she gave way to both physical and emotional hurt.

Though feeling quite at a loss for what to do, he allowed himself the luxury of simply riding the storm along with her, and letting it guide him. He tightened his arms around her, and closed his eyes, pressing his face into her hair, seeking that intoxicating scent he knew was hers alone, rocking her gently from side to side.

Vittoria was reeling at the fright of what she had just experienced, her thoughts crashing together and her feelings out of any semblance of control. But suddenly Anthony was here, his skin warm against hers, his clean cotton shirt soft to the touch, his chocolate curls falling into his closed eyes and his fine, deft hands protectively lining her body with his. His presence was so calming, his breathing steady in her ear and his wonderful spicy scent surrounding her.

He spoke into her hair, his voice rumbling low and quiet.

“Hey, hey, it’s ok. I’m here.”

~

Yeah, I’m having trouble with names xD It complicates my life, having to censor this. Suggestions?

Paint and brush
to claim me -
red against your black.
Fair to feathers
floating skyward -
words as silence soar.

Breath to warm
each thrill survived -
hope kept in the dark
sits in boxes -
packing
tissue paper hearts.

Forgetting naught
for why it is -
of all I might pretend
- each time we talk -
a time I fall
again.

Forever waits
unbidden -
a schoolgirl once all over -
yesterday don’t matter
where we are.

With thoughts of you
returning -
same old maps
to borrow.
Roads may get me nowhere -
I won’t miss.

Stay the night
and tell me -
of mysteries to know -

like where the wander takes you
when you go.

Mountains fall
to passages between -
here I am
and you a part
of places I am better.

Line by line -
writing in the dark.

solitude
to match my eyes
cappucine and copper
til every truth
is fated by the glass

storms of steel
beyond the pond -
black the swan song singing
blush to pale
in blankets of the morn

wheat to sway
as winds to grieve
the answers unforgiving
times before we passed
are with us now

still the pace
of longing -
drawn to lines of love
reach for me
the part of you
unknown

. . .

I’m delighted to have Paige Bleu here today to talk about her writing and help us to get inside her head a little.

Paige Bleu is an Indie-Author, currently working on publishing and promoting her supernatural, fantasy series-’The Ameryn Chronicles’. Volume 1-’Finding Summerland’-became available in July 2012. This is the first officially published work of Paige’s, who was a ghost writer previously, as well as many other things! Paige is on her own journey of self discovery…learning the ropes of marketing, social networking, and self publishing simultaneously. She shares the experience with followers through blogging…candidly dishing over the perils of juggling work, life, and her passion for writing. Her style is unconventional and unique, reflecting her own eclectic, ‘free bird’ personality.

Right now Paige is working on the second installment of the ‘Ameryn’ series, ‘LivEternal’. Future projects include another young adult, paranormal series, as well as a few short stories and memoirs. Beyond that could be anything…that’s the beauty of being an indie-author…you never know what might come next!

What is your book about?

Follow the journey of two star crossed souls as they explore who they are, and the ties that bind them. Enter a world intentionally forgotten. A place buried by history, where only the chosen are aware of its existence. A place covenants are made and broken. Where myth leads to truth. And forbidden love threatens to destroy, or be destroyed. Becoming just another casualty in their shadow war.

Edgy enough to engage readers who enjoy unravelling a mystery…Sweet enough, to grab onto the hearts of the romance lovers! Stretch the bounds of ordinary imagination…Where legends breathe and dreams are alive.  A ‘trippy’ journey to a new reality…

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

Definitely the past. I’ll see my own future soon enough and to be frank, beyond that scares me! I would go back and see the building of the megaliths and the other wonders of the world. Maybe back even further to when it all began. That would be amazing.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

1-The Dali Lama: He fascinates me

2-Karl Pilkington: He tickles my funny bones

3-Alexander Skarsgrard: YuMmY

4-Nikola Tesla: My hero

5-Neil Diamond: Don’t laugh! I’ve loved that man since I was 6!

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

1-Aquaphor: I hate chapped lips!

2-A Bible: I would want good reading material and I figure you can never read it too many times.

3-Sunscreen: I’m very pale!

What is one book everyone should read?

Jane Eyre. It was written so beautifully. The language, the symbolism, it’s unlike most books you would find today. It’s timeless.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Invisibility. Think of all you would learn.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

This is like a trick question! Only one? Come on….really!! How bout 1/5 rocky road-1/5 chocolate mint chip-2/5 nutty coconut-and 1/5 Oreo. See how I foiled you. Seriously, I would buy that ice cream if it existed!

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

My Grandfather who died before I was born.

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

I never eat breakfast. Coffee is my breakfast. I love the chocolate chip frappes from Micky D’s!! Breakfast of champions. Usually Lucky Charms are my 4 am snack though.

Night owl, or early bird?

I’m psycho in the morning before my frappe and a moment alone. Def a Night Prowler! I write a lot at crazy hours. Some of my best (perhaps full of typos!) work.

One food you would never eat?

Oysters….gross

Pet Peeves?

Lying with no good reason. Everybody lies from time to time but usually for a legit reason…not just for sport. Errr!

Skittles or M&Ms?

M&Ms hands down. I’m a chocolate girl. I’m a vegetarian…I eat enough real fruit!

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

I’ll cry a lot if you don’t and do you really want that on your conscience?

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

LivEternal, the second book in the series is in full swing…hopefully ready for release by December. My goal is to find the time to finish all 5. Then I have another series up my sleeve.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

I always wrote. It was in me when I was born. I was a weird kid who daydreamed a lot and had imaginary friends! Then when I grew up I assimilated for awhile. Now I’m back like a phoenix!

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

An email from my first real fan. She’s a 13 year old girl struggling to become a writer. She said she looked up to me and asked me about my challenges so far…it almost made me cry. Even though I’ve never met her and I’m nobody’s hero, it touched me. Someday I know I’ll be reading her books!

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world which would it be?

Narnia. That would be a trip!

What is your dream cast for your book?

A bunch of raw, Indi artists. People you’ve never heard of. Although I would make Alexander Skarsgard Sabian. He would be too hot to refuse!

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?

Hurt by Johnny Cash. It sums Wes up in book one.

What’s the craziest writing idea you’ve had?

To write a non fiction. I’m very private but I have some truly amazing stories. Don’t we all?!

FOLLOW ME:

GOODREADS:

BOOK PAGE- http://bit.ly/PzxL9v

AUTHOR PAGE- http://bit.ly/SpZeJ7

FACEBOOKS:

AUTHOR FAN PAGE- http://on.fb.me/RSzWR4

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TWITTER:

http://bit.ly/Pzy2t9

BLOGS:

PAIGE BLEU- http://bit.ly/RhMHGi

BLEUS’S REVIEWS- http://bit.ly/TctMif

BUY THE BOOK:

AMAZON PAPERBACK LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477420363?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1477420363&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

http://amzn.to/Qsi6sM

AMAZON KINDLE LINK:

http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Summerland-Ameryn-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B008MINPG8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

http://amzn.to/Rj7d9j

SMASHWORDS:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214058

WEBSITE:

http://paigebleu.wix.com/paigebleu

gather me trumpets -
queen anne
and clover
make of this hour
a memory of bliss
sail me to dream
on the wind of your wishes
wake me to promise -
with naught to resist

roll me in flannel
dress me in cotton
brush to my presence
the damp smell of wheat
one fleeting moment
shall garner eternal
a place on your smile
I was heaven to be