Monthly Archives: June 2024

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

How do you find your
true love when the other business of life has always gotten in the way—until
now?

Blurb

As an only child, Frank Slyce is an independent, self-reliant
gay man with a huge creative streak.

Now, at thirty-two, he feels thrown off-kilter by a proverbial
“urge to merge.”

But how does a man like Frank find love when he has
always related best to people older than he is?

Enter David Hawkins, a Unitarian minister who’s similar in
age to Frank. At first, they seem to hit it off. But in their steamy pursuit of a relationship,
they discover individual differences that feel insurmountable.

Then, Frank seeks a business loan to open Slyce! Pies and
Pasta. The hot, charming banker who works with him, Nicolas Beaumont, is eleven years
older than Frank.

Age is not a problem for Frank.

But what is it about Nicolas’ history or personality that
causes the banker to retreat into silence when Frank, for the first time in his life, feels
certainty about love?

A slow-burn, age-stratified, HEA gay
romance.

Excerpt

Once they’d returned to the Round House dock, Frank
helped Nick secure the boat all over again. There was, after their kiss, a certain timidity
between them now. As though they had to process what had just happened at their own
pace. As though speaking of it might somehow wipe what happened out of
existence.

While they worked with the boat, Frank didn’t notice the
arrival of a familiar car.

David’s car.

It was, after all, Nick who filled Frank’s consciousness. He
could smell him. He could hear his rhythmic breaths. He could feel Nick’s body against
his.

It was as though he walked toward the Round House on
autopilot. It was as though he had no idea where he was, the magic still had such a blinding
hold on him.

Then, from the familiar car, Frank heard his name.

A voice he recognized, shouting his name.

He looked up and saw David, a big smile on his face, a hand
waving at him. More eager than ever to spend a day with his chef and their friends. As
though those days of silence and isolation had never happened.

Frank smiled and waved back.

Nick noticed. He noticed and took it all in. He didn’t know
exactly what was going on between these two men, but from his forty-two years on this
familiar planet, he had an idea.

He knew that the best move he could take now was to
make himself scarce.

He bid farewell to Frank, asking him to convey his regrets to
their hosts, before he headed back to his boat. He was no longer feeling well, he said, and
needed to return the boat to the marina, then get himself home and into his bed.

Frank was speechless, though he managed to ask if Nick
needed him to accompany him. To make sure he was okay.

“No. That’s not necessary, Frank,” Nick replied. “I’ll be fine.
It’s just a—thing—that happens from time to time. It’s not serious. Just my body’s warning
that it needs a little rest.”

Nick boarded his boat, then sped away with a perfunctory
wave.

Then, Frank turned back to David.

But David, he saw, was already heading into the Round
House.

David, he knew, was mad as hell.

About the Author

Dann Hazel has been writing
both fiction and nonfiction for more than twenty years.

Besides writing romance, he
has taught high school English and journalism, college psychology and human sexuality,
directed federal grants and worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. His fiction genre
interests include thrillers, horror, literary and gay romance. He has published the Some Like
It Haute Gay Romance Series, including Room
for Dessert, My Own Private Biscuit and
Lonely Diner.

Nonfiction works include
Witness: Gay and Lesbian Clergy Report from
the Front and Moving On: The Gay Man’s Guide for Coping When a Relationship
Ends.

Dann’s personal interests
include reading and writing, cinema, jogging, Broadway, keeping abreast of current events
and travel.

Currently, Dann lives in
Central Florida with his husband, Josh, and their American Eskimo canine,
Flurry.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram

RELEASE BLITZ: “Glow” by Kristian Parker”

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:June 26, 2024
Post category:Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Glow
(Pleasure Seekers, Book 3)

Author and Publisher: Kristian
Parker

Cover Artist: Kelly
Martin

Release Date: June 19, 2024

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Workplace romance, opposites attract, love
awakening

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 50 040 words/214
pages

It is book 3 in the Pleasure
Seekers series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

The books are best read in
order.

Buy Links –
Available in Kindle Unlimited

Series Blurb (Three Books)

Searching can uncover
unexpected truths

Blurb

Scott Fitzgerald is looking for love. Both his flatmates have
met their forever someones—when will his turn come?

Then things at work get hectic after a consignment of
Pleasure Seekers’ finest toys goes missing. There’s a thief in their midst and Scott has to find
out who it is.

Enter Prin Lau, the handsome IT technician who’s escaped
Scott’s notice until now. When they’re thrown together, it’s not just the hunt for the villain
that makes Scott’s heartrate rocket.

But Prin has fled to Brighton to escape family problems.
When he decides it’s time to face them head-on once and for all, where will that leave a
barely begun relationship?

With so much distraction, Scott must keep his eye on the
prize—and come to understand what he’s really willing to fight for…

Excerpt

Prin had taken the table at the rear of the coffee shop. As it
was early for a Friday, there weren’t many other customers other than a group of schoolkids
and a couple of people on their own. The kids were more interested in being the loudest in
the group than anything Prin was up to. As for the others, they were focused solely on their
laptops.

Nervously, Prin sipped his hot chocolate.

The door opened and Scott walked in. Butterflies swarmed
inside Prin. The whole thing had him on edge. Scott’s model looks didn’t help either.

Scott noticed him and came over. “Prin?”

“That’s right.”

Scott dropped his bag and sat down. Prin barely met his
gaze.

Maybe this was a bad idea. It’s too bloody late
now.

He shifted in his seat.

“Can I get you anything?”

“No thanks,” Scott replied. “I’ve got to go home and log on
after this. How did you get out early without raising suspicion?”

“I often work from home so it wasn’t a big deal,” Prin
replied.

Scott looked at him expectantly. For some reason, Prin had
no idea how to begin.

“It’s probably nothing—”

“I hope not,” Scott interjected. “I’ve had a shit day. I’m
banking on you making it a better one.”

Prin had been right. Scott was a self-absorbed queen. He
should never have listened to bloody Colin.

“I…”

Scott held up his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said. “My stupid
mouth. I didn’t mean to sound like an arsehole. The truth is, I have a humdinger of a
hangover. But I have no right to take it out on you. Can we start over?”

Prin’s nanny always used to say to him that he shouldn’t
judge other people’s actions until he had an idea of what they were going through. Perhaps
Prin had Scott wrong after all.

“I’d like that. Are you sure I can’t order you a
drink?”

“Go on then,” Scott said. “I’ll have a flat white. It’ll give me
the final hit of caffeine to get me home.”

Prin caught the eye of the barista. “Flat white,
please.”

“Sure thing.”

Prin turned to Scott.

Fuck he’s too handsome to concentrate.

“Okay,” Scott said. “Let’s have it straight. I promise you it
won’t go any further unless you want it to. I think I signed something when I joined that says
you can sue me if I tell a soul other than a priest or a dog.”

Scott giggled to himself. Prin took a deep breath. This time
he properly regarded the man across from him. His eyes were the most vivid blue Prin had
ever experienced. Something radiated from him that gave Prin the trust he’d needed to
attack this head on.

“My boss is Richard Brammin.”

“You have my sympathy.”

Prin smiled. “His son, Elliott, works in my team. You
probably already know that.”

“Yeah. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with him. Thick and
arrogant. The worst combination going.”

“Agreed,” Prin said, relaxing a little. “Well yesterday he was
booking a holiday. I know there’s nothing wrong in that. I guess his manner caught my
attention. I overheard his conversation. I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything.”

The barista placed a cup down in front of Scott and left
them to it. Prin waited until he was out of earshot.

“He asked his friend to pay and he would give them the
cash. He told them they had to do it now. I don’t know. Saying it out loud it sounds
ridiculous, but he was definitely on edge. Oh yes and he did say that there’s plenty more
where that came from.”

Scott sipped his drink and frowned. “Go on.”

“I happened to mention it to Richard and he got really
stressed. He stormed off to speak to Elliott about this holiday.”

Prin worried Scott would lay into him for wasting his
time.

“It’s not just that,” Prin continued. “Even before that, I
mentioned to Richard about the theft and he told me, in no uncertain terms, that it hadn’t
happened in IT. I wasn’t to bring trouble to his door.”

Scott frowned. “Richard Brammin is on more money than
you and I combined. Why would he want to rob a load of dildos? It
doesn’t make sense.”

Prin stared down at his cup. “I shouldn’t have bothered
you. I’m sorry.”

“No,” Scott said. “That’s not what I’m saying. This is
suspicious as fuck. Problem is, we need a damned sight more before I can take on Richard
Brammin.”

“You believe me then?”

“Of course I do.”

Prin beamed. He had been so sure he was sticking his neck
out only to get it chopped off. Now he’d unburdened himself, he felt so much lighter.

“What’s next?”

“Let me sleep on it,” Scott replied. “Don’t mention it to
anyone. Have no fear, Prin. I will come up with a plan. I always do.”

Scott followed this up with a wink that went straight to
Prin’s groin. Being thrown together with this gorgeous man could be very interesting
indeed.

Pleasure
Seekers is the online store for the nation’s
naughty needs. It caters to all tastes from edible underwear to lube to things that are a little
more niche.

Based in Brighton on the
South Coast, Pleasure Seekers’ mission is to revolutionise Britain’s sex life.

But what kind of person
works in a company like this?

Meet Tyler, Eddie and Scott.
Three men who are about to have the summer of their lives.

Who says taking your work
home with you is a bad thing?

About the Author

I have written for as long as I
could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to
create worlds and characters.

I live in the English
countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario
I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found
anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next
character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is
important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Fac
ebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-
up | TikTok

RECENT RELEASE BOOK BLAST: “In the Dragon’s Lair” by Joy Lynn Fielding. $10.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Included.

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:June 18, 2024
Post category:Book Blast Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

RECENT RELEASE BOOK
BLAST

Book Title: In the
Dragon’s Lair (Wings Over Albion #2)

Author and Publisher: Joy
Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist:
Miblart.

Release Date: June 10, 2024

Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance

Tropes: Shifters; enemy of my enemy; mutual pining; class
gap.

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 75 000
words

It is a standalone book,
though it’s part of a series.

It does not end on a
cliffhanger.

Amazon US | Universal Amazon
link

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling
into the sun.

He’s also the last man I should ever be with.

He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. But
me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think.

I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most
powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every
time I turn around, Nate’s in my way.

Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues.
Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle.
His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic.

And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off
him.

If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could
cost me so much more than just my heart…

Excerpt

“Is there a reason you’re interested in an empty old theatre?” I
asked Nate while Ella was busy taking off her coat.

“I’m researching for a book I intend to write.”

“One about making millions off the backs of others in a
banking empire, I’m guessing,” I said, promptly wanting to kick myself as his eyebrows
raised. I was supposed to be getting close to him, not letting him know what I thought about
his lifestyle. “I mean, what’s it about?”

“Nate’s going to write a best-seller about Jane Austen’s torrid
love affair with the actor Robert Elliston,” Ella said, sliding her arm through Nate’s to press
her cheek against his shoulder.

“I didn’t know Jane Austen had an affair,” I said.

“She didn’t,” Nate said, then paused. “Well, she probably
didn’t. Though I suppose it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility if she was extraordinarily
discreet about it. For my purposes, all that matters is that she’s known to have relished
Elliston’s performances. She was so impressed by him that she worried he might leave Bath
when he inherited some money. Anyway, Ella—you know this place. Lead on.”

We spent the next hour or so wandering around, exploring
thoroughly.

“Do you think Jane Austen was a theatre groupie?” I asked as
we walked into one of the dressing rooms.

Nate’s face lit with humour. Ella’s, however, was full of scorn.
“Don’t you know anything about her?”

I didn’t care what she thought of me. Nate was still grinning,
and it was a good look on him.

“I’m going to have to put that in the book,” he said. “I should
call it Greasepaint and Blowjobs: The Secret Life of Jane Austen.”

“Honestly.” Ella rolled her eyes and stomped off.

That gave me a chance to finally talk to Nate. “Sorry about last
night,” I lied through my teeth. “It seemed the best thing to do in the heat of the
moment.”

He smiled at me, a different sort of smile from his amused
grin, and it sent all kinds of messages to my cock. “Are you really sorry?” he asked,
and for the first time, I understood what people meant when they said someone purred
when speaking. “I’m not.”

“Maybe we should try out something for your book,” I
suggested. “Get some of the groupie logistics nailed down.”

“I hope it’s more than logistics that are going to be nailed,” he
murmured, moving forward, an almost hypnotic sway to his stride.

“Nate!” Ella’s shout echoed down the corridor outside. “You
need to look at this.”

The moment was well and truly broken, though my cock still
hadn’t got the memo.

“Coming,” he yelled back, and then winced. “Or not,” he
added, with a rueful sideways glance at me before heading out of the room.

I followed, enjoying the sight of his arse once again. I didn’t
know what to make of Nate Mortimer. My dick knew what it wanted to make of him, and
that was a sweating, panting, ruined mess. But I hadn’t spent enough time with him yet to
work out who he was. When Charlie had cornered him at the bar, he’d been…vulnerable?
Something other than a smooth entitled banker, anyway. I’d warmed to him when we’d
joked about Jane Austen giving blowjobs. He would be easy to like. And just now, he’d
definitely been open to getting laid.

But he was a banker, so I had no interest in
puzzling him out. I simply needed to get him talking so I could find out why one of the
Mortimer family had been poking about in James Fortescue’s study.

About the Author

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a
small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding
and gardening (though not all at the same time).

She tends to talk a lot about
the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very
patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for
the food to arrive.

Author Links

Blog/Website |
Facebook | Newsletter Sign-up

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter
Giveaway for a chance to win

a $10 Amazon gift
card.

a
Rafflecopter giveaway

AUDIOBOOK TOUR: “Studious” by Leslie McAdam.

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:June 16, 2024
Post category:Audiobook Tour Gay Book Promotions
Post comments:0 Comments

AUDIOBOOK TOUR

Book Title: Studious
(IOU #2)

Author and Publisher: Leslie
McAdam

Narrator: Declan
Winters

Release Date: May 31,
2024

Genre: Contemporary M/M
Romance

Tropes: Love tutor, virgin MC,
reformed rake, nerd-popular, online bet

Themes: Self-acceptance,
triumphing over past hurts, sweet and steamy, heart-warming

Heat Rating: 5 flames

Length: 7 hours and 10
minutes

A standalone story within a
series.

It does not end on a
cliffhanger.

Buy
Links

Audible US | Audible UK

Amazon US |
Amazon UK

Blurb

After a disastrous high school game of spin the bottle, I
gave up trying to get a boyfriend and spent my time studying instead. Now I’m twenty-four,
and I’m not only a virgin, I haven’t even been kissed.

When I meet Danny, a handsome legal hotshot, he catches
my eye. Right before I trip on flat ground. Ugh.

He’s got a massive … reputation. He’s the most popular guy
in the club, a total playboy with a new conquest every night. There’s no way he’d be
interested in me.

But one night after I imbibe too much, he winds up taking
care of me. And when I ask for his help with my travesty of a social life, he agrees to teach
me how to be less awkward with men … if I let him document my progress so he can win a
bet with his best friend.

Even though he’s just my love tutor and I’m just his
apprentice, this starts to feel like more.

Too bad it can’t be anything but a high-level seminar in how
to seduce someone else.

Studious is a
sweet and sexy contemporary opposites-attract m/m romance about a suave attorney who’s
scared to love and the shy, nerdy bookkeeper he’s teaching how to be a player. Cue
makeover montage and a smoldering first kiss. These heroes most definitely are
not
falling in love. (Okay, heartwarming HEA guaranteed.)

About the Author

Leslie McAdam is a California
girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small
orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two children. Leslie’s first
published book, The Sun and the
Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world’s
largest online writing competition. She’s gone on to receive additional literary awards and
has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have
been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but
spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | TikTok | Pinterest

Twitter |
Instagram | Newsletter

NEW RELEASE: “Killian (Twisted Tales of D’Vaire, Book1) by Jessamyn Kingley

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:June 6, 2024
Post category:Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE – NEW
SERIES

Book Title: Killian
(Twisted Tales of D’Vaire, Book 1)

Author and Publisher:
Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of
Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: June 6,
2024

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 96 000
words

It is a standalone story and
does not end on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links – Available in Kindle
Unlimited

For two soulmates, a
single twist of fate can change everything.

Blurb

In 1369, Killian the Dwyer is a young druid still learning to
rule his people. His journey is aided by his peers. Two years ago, Killian accepted an
opportunity to join a council of respected leaders. Which is why, on one fateful day, Killian
and his fellow leaders venture to a castle of dragons.

Their intent is to build an alliance—what they find is death.

But that is not all Killian discovers. Standing alone in a garden is a shy dragon with scales of a
deep dark green—Killian’s favored hue. The shifter’s name is Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis,
and he is Killian’s mate.

Dravyn knows little about the world. At four, he lost his
parents and his uncle made him into a servant. Now, Dravyn is standing across from a
sorcerer, and Killian’s magic scares him and his beast. Although he cannot deny that Killian is
beautiful, Dravyn has no words to convey the mixture of emotions brewing in him.

Hours after Killian leaves the castle, a twist changes
everything. Soon, more than fear separates Killian and Dravyn. Obstacles stand between
them, but Fate has already paired their souls. What are they willing to sacrifice to honor the
goddess and the tug of their hearts?

Excerpt

Killian smiled at the dragon conquering his heart as they
arrived on D’Vaire land, following a quick teleportation spell. They’d spent an unforgettable
night in Killian’s bed, and he couldn’t wait for a repeat experience. Never in Killian’s life had
he known such passion. It was not desire alone either. With no experience as someone’s
devoted partner, Killian had not known how tender he could feel for another person.

But he wondered why he was surprised. Dravyn was a
complex mixture of shy gardener and dragon Duke. In the dark green eyes gazing into his
own was Dravyn’s every emotion. Killian was both humbled and encouraged by the caring he
found there, and he appreciated the wonder too. After so many years apart and their
personal struggles, it was shockingly easy to find accord between them.

It made Killian realize that, while he did not approve of
every twist Fate had put in his life, he was devoted to the goddess because she’d gifted him
Dravyn.

Killian slid an arm around Dravyn’s waist and tugged him
close for a kiss.

“I fear I no longer have the ability to control myself around
you now that I know how delicious you taste,” Killian said against Dravyn’s lips.

“We have kissed for weeks now.”

“I was speaking of the other parts of your body I sampled
last night and again this morning.”

Dravyn’s cheeks filled with color. “Killer, dragons have
exceptional hearing, and what happens between us is private. The house is not so far from
us.”

“I will behave if you promise to be in my bed again
soon.”

“That is not an invitation I would refuse.”

Cupping the back of Dravyn’s neck to tug the tall Duke
toward him, Killian reunited their mouths and allowed his tongue to explore unhindered. In
the bright morning sun, Killian’s prick grew hard and Dravyn’s delightfully large cock poked
Killian’s belly. Seconds away from casting another teleportation circle and pushing the
dragon down to the mattress in his tree, Killian gasped as Dravyn shoved him away.

Dravyn’s eyes darted from side to side, and his entire face
was bright red. Grabbing the edges of his cloak, Dravyn burrowed into his clothing.

“We are here to grow a tree,” Dravyn protested.

“I should allow you to hear the music of your garden. It has
switched from its usual soft melody to a deep thunderous beat. They approve of our union
and expressing what Fate has given us as mates.”

Reaching out, Dravyn patted a nearby cluster of leaves.

“Thank you,” Dravyn whispered to the garden, and in that
moment, Killian fell in love. He’d known he was headed there, but it was the glowing
affection and kindness Dravyn showed his plants that tipped Killian over the edge. Dravyn
was truest to himself in his garden. Like Killian, he understood these weren’t just vines and
flowers. They were living things with emotions.

Startled by the intensity of losing his heart to someone,
Killian stumbled back a step and hoped Fate had a future for them filled with promise.
Obstacles stood before them, and their lives were still separated in many important ways.
Could love conquer all? Killian certainly hoped it would. He wanted it to. So easily he could
imagine an eternity with Dravyn. But did the dragon want the same?

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has
published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary
passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-
reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area,
she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not
writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

Facebook
Profile | Twitter | Pinterest

BOOK BLAST: “The Witch Who Owned Time” by Mia Story.

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:June 3, 2024
Post category:Book Blast Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited
Post comments:0 Comments

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: The Witch
Who Owned Time

Author and Publisher: Mia
Story

Release Date: February 6,
2024

Genres: Contemporary
bisexual transgender romance (MtF)

Tropes: Prostitution,
witchcraft, persecution, evolution

Themes: Coming out,
forgiveness, personal growth, pursuit of happiness

Heat Rating: 3
flames

Length: 446 print
pages

It is a standalone
book.

The book ends on a bit of a
cliffhanger.

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

A transgender witch
survives.

Blurb

Mira has survived climate change and social upheaval. She
lives in a deserted part of a small town in Iowa. Mother Nature has blessed her as have
many spiritual beings. Mira finds a partner and lots of friends. She takes on the cause of

Robot equality mostly because of her experiences as a transgender girl years ago. Due to
climate change the ocean is now very near her town. Mira is instrumental in helping her
community grow and evolve.

Excerpt

But all these thoughts just dissolved as they entered the
water. For awhile Mira and Septa stood on the edge of the water and sand and let the little
waves surge about their feet. Soon their feet were sunk in the sand.

“Why does the sand eat away from under my feet with the
water Mira?”

“That is the tidal action sweetie. Tides are more than that
little action however. They pull the water en masse out to sea and then bring it closer in.
Soon Angelica and Mixy will have to move their umbrella and towel as the water will be
lapping at their feet! You can see Mixy’s little castle is already in danger of wave
invasion!”

Septa glanced over to Mixy and her castle and laughed as
Mixy tried to keep the waves from destroying her creation.

“Maybe we should go and help poor Mixy?”

“No, she is learning about waves and the beach just like
you. Besides it’s time you got wet!”

Mira grabbed Septa’s hand and pulled her out into an
oncoming wave! Septa sputtered as she emerged from the wave breaking over her
head.

“My nose is full of water! It hurts!”

“That is the salt water. Don’t try drinking it!”

Then Mira realized bots did not drink water and paused for
a second. “Mira do you think it is OK if I swallowed some sea water?”

Septa had a desperate look on her face.

“It is OK Septa. I swallow it all the time. And my nose hurts
too when it gets into it. Best to keep mouth closed and breathe out a little when the nose is
covered in water. Why don’t we practice breathing out in the sea?”

Mira dipped her face into the water and made bubbles with
her nose. Septa did the same thing and came up rubbing her eyes.

“Now my eyes hurt!”

“Oh yes, remember to close your eyes in salt water! We will
bring masks and fins next time so you can open your eyes underwater.”

Mira and Septa spent a half hour playing in the shallow
water, dodging the waves and splashing each other.

“OK dear, it is time for your first body surfing!”

Mira and Septa held hands as they walked out into the
heavier surf. The waves looked so large close up! The waves came up as huge walls of water.
Septa noticed that the waves were in groups, starting off little and getting larger, and then
smaller again. One really big wave was coming at them.

“Now watch me closely Septa and then duck under the
wave!”

Both girls could feel the tug of water out to sea as the wave
came closer and closer. It was just about to break when Mira plunged ahead of it with her
arms above her head and her hands coming to a point. The huge wave carried Mira away!
Septa ducked under the wave and watched Mira get pushed into shore. She kept her head
down and her body straight and looked like a human fish! Soon Mira was swimming back
outto Septa.

“Your turn!”

“Oh Mira I’m afraid!”

“I will go with you. Just keep your eyes and mouth closed
and body straight. Everything will be OK. If you get into trouble just stand up! I will help you
if things feel too weird.”

Septa got low in the water. She could feel the tug
backwards as the wave approached. She glanced back at the towering wave high over her
head. She could see the very top was super thin and getting ready to break. Septa put her
arms straight over her head and pushed off with her feet. She remembered to keep her eyes
closed and breathed a small amount of air out of her nose. She could feel the wave catch her
and propel her forward! She felt the wave break on her back as she surged forward! All was
a tangle of water and foam and breakneck speed. But inside she felt calm, like this was
nature speaking to her through the water. She felt like a baby being cradled by mother
ocean! Septa kept her back and legs straight and felt like an arrow speeding to shore. She
could sense someone beside her in the water. Then she felt the water torrent ease up and
become shallow. Septa lifted up her head. She was already on the beach! She turned on her
side and there was Mira lying next to her. They looked at each other and began to
laugh!

About the Author

I have been writing short stories since my children asked for
them. My first was about a skunk family and their interaction with a pig! I suppose my grad
school experiences with art and English charted my course a bit. When I moved to Iowa from
North Carolina I missed the ocean so much I wrote a whole novel about it. About that time I
was studying the Ramayana and wrote a fairy story based on that. My first fairy friend was
Coleste, a fairy that inhabited my computer. She is still with me today. My grandmother
passed down many fairy stories and some knowledge she had inherited from her family. As
best as I can figure it my family was in America to escape the witch hunting in England. But I
could never be certain except for all the clues that were handed to me. Today I am truly
grateful for my spirit friends. They helped me snap out of a downward spiral when my son
died. To believe in fairies and spirits is not something I have to struggle with. It is something
that is just part of me.

Author Links

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