A Valentines Day read for anyone.
Why for anyone?
Because you won’t find the happily-ever-after in each story. You’ll dip your heart into the emotions of the guys and their intense conflict over the girls. You’ll experience a moment of their lives. Maybe it’s the first time they met. Maybe it’s when they realize they can’t be together. Maybe it’s the first time these guys realize they can’t live without the girl.
You’ll have to read these short stories to find out.
Valentines Day is more than just a mushy gushy sentimental sappy feeling. It’s about feeling emotion, the highs and lows. That’s what you’ll find in In His Eyes.
In my short story, The Almost Assassin, you’ll be meet Malcolm. He tries his hand at the family business but his conscience and a beautiful “spy” may be his downfall.
Here’s a sneak peek.
He hated to admit it but there was something mystifying about watching this girl in this beautiful park, her long dark hair teasing him. She seemed sad. Yet she was in Paris, the city of romance and light. He wanted to comfort her, to put an arm around, to play with her hair and bring a smile to her face.
Before he knew it, Malcolm was five feet behind her, then three feet. His breath hitched. He could almost reach out and touch her. So close. He peered over her shoulder, hoping to catch sight of her scribblings.
Hair whipped his cheek as she turned around, her face trapped between rage and fear. “What’s your problem?”
Malcolm froze, every bone and muscle refusing to cooperate. All his training drained from his mind and body. Her eyes, deep and blue, pulled him in and wouldn’t let go.
And this is just the beginning of Malcolm’s rocky road, which continues in A Spy Like Me. (Spring 2012)
Check out the rest of the authors and their stories in the anthology.
99 cents at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Free on Smashwords.
Surprise, Surprise by Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of Glimpse: Half the women in Melody’s family can see the future, which makes it nearly impossible for Raleigh to surprise her. What’s a guy to do for Valentine’s Day when his girlfriend is always one step ahead of him?
First Kiss or First Kill? by C.K. Bryant, author of Bound: Love isn’t always rainbows and kittens, sometimes it can be downright deadly. (A deleted chapter from Bound.)
Shattered by Ali Cross, author of Become: James and Desi use each other in an effort to cling to the darkness in each of them, but in the end they discover that love changes you. (A chapter of Become from James’ POV.)
Before by Jessie Harrell, author of Destined: When a younger Eros is exiled to a land that doesn’t believe in the Greek gods, he finds the first love of his immortal life. Read Eros’ first person account of his romance, and heartbreak, in the time before he met Psyche.
The Qualm Before the Storm by Karen Amanda Hooper, author of Tangled Tides. Yara Jones doesn’t want to be a mermaid. Treygan doesn’t want to be the monster who turns her. You can’t always get what you want. (A short prequel to Tangled Tides.)
Unspeakable by S.R. Johannes, author of Untraceable: When Mo sees a strange girl in the woods, he follows her. He soon realizes they are both in a dangerous position and might not get out alive.
In the Beginning by Katie Klein, author of Cross My Heart: Seth is falling hard for Genesis Green, but the guardian angel is determined not to interfere, until an accident changes the course of their lives forever. (A short prequel to The Guardian.)
A Chance Encounter by Cheri Lasota, author of Artemis Rising: Finnian’s eyes hide a terrible secret. But a girl on the train home, the girl in tears with a secret of her own…She sees right through him. A scene from the upcoming novel, Echoes in the Glass.
Family Bonds by Heather McCorkle, author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Halloween party filled with teens who can channel energy and use it to kill, what could go wrong? For Spruce Knoll fans who are dying to read more about Fane.
Getting Closer by Lisa Nowak, author of Running Wide Open: Megan is smart, hot, and an upperclassman—in other words, way out of Cody’s league. So why did she choose him? (An excerpt of Getting Sideways.)
The Almost Assassin by Laura Pauling, author of A Spy Like Me, releasing Spring 2012: Malcolm tries his hand at the family business but his conscience and a beautiful “spy” may be his downfall.
Mind Games by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds: Raf wants to take Kira—the only girl in school who doesn’t read minds—to the mindware Games, but his friends have other plans. (A short prequel to Open Minds.)
By The Firelight by Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise: When Nate McKenzie asks an unpopular girl to dance on a dare, he’s in for the time of his life.
A Very Alien Valentine’s Day by Magan Vernon, author of How To Date An Alien: After surviving confinement and an intergalactic war for his human half, Alex, now he has to live through the biggest challenge of them all: Valentine’s Day.
Aligned by RaShelle Workman, author of Exiled: A half-Eternal boy and an Eternal girl must free millions of tortured souls from a creature whose been feasting on their pain and suffering.
So are you a mushy gushy sentimental sap on Valentines Day? Or do you think it’s just a big marketing scam?
Thanks for the heads up, Laura. I’m going to get this for my Kindle.
Valentines day is very commercial — but it’s still fun. My students get really excited about it.
Sounds fantastic! Thanks for letting us know.
Definitely buying this today!! 🙂
This truly sounds fabulous!! Thanks for leaving the link to purchase. Off I go…
I purchased it yesterday. 😀
Thanks everyone! I heard Smashwords is down which is why I couldn’t link to them but you download it for free there! We tried to get it to go free on all the sites but it doesn’t look like it’s happening, not today anyway.
Terribly commercial, though not as much – yet – in the UK. But we follow the trends. Love the real Saint Valentine and what he stood for.
Yes! It’s the commercialism about all the holidays that I dislike so much. I feel like a rat running after a piece of cheese in a maze. Don’t like that feeling.
Niiiiice! Off to order!
I just bought my copy, Laura! I’m so looking forward to reading this with several of my friends in it. Your excerpt sounds great! And I see it’s selling well on Amazon. 🙂
I sit somewhere between sap and scam. I always celebrate Valentines Day with my hubby, but we don’t spend a lot of money.
I’ve read a few excerpts now and they all sound great.
Sounds great! Congratulations. 🙂 I’ll order a copy for my Kindle.
I bought this a few days ago via Susan Kaye Quinn, and since then have found how many bloggers I know are represented in it. I’m excited to start reading the stories!
I’ve got my copy waiting for me on my Kindle! Can’t wait to get into it 🙂
I love sappy in books and movies, but in real life I’m way more practical!
I think it’s a big marketing scam, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love a good romance to read. And lookee! It’s an ANTHOLOGY! Lots to choose from. Going to buy my copy now…
FREE????
You picked an intriguing excerpt to tempt us with, that’s for sure. I also want to read excerpts from How To Date an Alien and that one with a young Eros. I love that they are in the male POV. This anthology is a great idea. And… FREE. Off I go.
Laura, your snippet was awesome, and obviously you’re in good company!