Title: Fractured Hearts
Author: Rissa Blakeley
Series: Shattered Lives #3
Genre: Paranormal, Post-Apocalyptic
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Summary:***Warning: For mature (18+) audiences only due to strong language, sexual situations and violence.***
The demons taunted. Feeling imprisoned by the voices in his head, Henry feared he would never be free from their reign. With no regard, he raised the bottle to his lips and relished in the blackness welcoming him like an old friend.
After a child went missing and Henry was unable to aid in the search, he knew it was time to clean up his act. With Gunther’s help and determination, Elaina worked to get Henry back on track to a healthier, more sober lifestyle.
The guilt from the actions of Gunther’s past continued to weigh on him, but through Quinn’s encouragement, he allowed himself to start the healing process. Their steamy relationship tested Quinn’s resolve and their future together. She faced a decision which would close the door to one life, opening another that was full of promise.
More survivors ventured into the small town and were allowed to take up residence at the school. Through love, friendship, and with a sense of community, growth began. But discoveries were made that would bring on devastation.
Faced with a battle of a lifetime, some felt survival seemed more like an option than something for which to fight. More secrets were exposed, lives were lost. But, somehow, a little joy and relief followed.
The question that remained was whose heart would shatter and who would be able to move forward?
My murmur drifted around us as I began feeling sentimental. I slipped off my hoodie and vest, then decided to shed my t-shirt. I was still feeling self-conscious about my body, but I was determined to get it back.
She stripped off her shirt and bra, making my zipper on my pants strain further. I stood, unbuckling my belt and cargoes. They dropped to the floor with a thud. My devious grin came out when she got up and dropped her pants, as well.
Bloody hell. Never has someone so beautiful walked this earth.
She stood before me, her long black hair sweeping over her naked breasts. I stepped back in an effort to soak all of her in. The luscious curve of her waist leading to her hips…
A perfect vision. No one could compare.
I grabbed her hand and made her do a turn, getting a look at the ass I simply adored. My hand had a mind of its own, traveling around, enjoying the feel of her supple skin. I admit it. I was drooling.
I spun her back to face me, wanting a proper dance with my love. Well, as proper as a naked dance could get. I guided her to the center of our room, the cold tile unforgiving under the pads of our feet.
Humming a few bars of a Jon Legend song, I held her in my arms in the middle of our room. With one hand on her ass and the other clasping hers nestled between our chests, we moved effortlessly together.
In sync. As one.
I pulled her closer, singing the lyrics in her ear. Her body broke out into goose bumps. I was so glad I still had that effect on her because I thought I had lost my touch.
I dropped her hand and held her tight as we swayed in the shadow of our former selves. Her warmth wrapped around my body, holding me together as an uneasiness washed over me.
There was so much to fear, so much that she couldn’t even understand. Between the demons, the fresh sobriety, my life status, our future… There were so many things lined up, championing to be number one.
I hated living with a black cloud hovering over me. It made everything difficult…including love. Every minute of what was left of my life, I needed to work to restore her faith that I could be the man she dreamt me to be.
Grabbing her face with both hands, I made her look up at me, continuing to sing softly as I pressed my forehead to hers. With a slight smile, she gazed into my emeralds, enjoying our profound moment.
God, she was beautiful. Her perfect face, sensational eyes, rosy cheeks, pouty lip, the way her hair tickled my chilled skin, her naked body swaying and pressing against mine… It all had me reeling. I couldn’t ask for a better woman to hold in my arms.
Jon Legend had it right on the money. Elaina was my end and my beginning. The end of one tortured, empty life; the beginning of one raptured, satiated life. How could I not be with her standing tall with me? No matter what kind of world we lived in, she was everything to me. My life was only real with her. Without her, I would be coasting to my death, one discordant step at a time.
I love the paranormal genre because of the ability to create an entire world. It’s so versatile and the sub-genres vary so much, it allows the author freedom to explore and push their creativity.
2. When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process(outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)?
My favorite part would be the little whispers, thoughts and ideas that pop in my head to make the plot line go somewhere unexpected. I’m usually just as shocked as the reader.
3. When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
Generally, I only read paranormal in a variety of sub-genres. Once in a while I will throw in something else. Currently, I’m reading Game of Thrones.
4. If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose?
I don’t think I could co-author with anyone. I would probably drive them insane.
5. Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you "later in life"?
Definitely came to me later in life. It’s been a great platform for me to express myself.
Rissa Blakeley is a quirky freelance writer and the author of the Shattered Lives series. She lives a socially awkward life just outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her amazing husband and daughter, four four-legged, furry children, and the many characters poking her brain, looking for more scenes about them in her books. When she isn't writing, she can be found procrastinating on Facebook.
Fractured Hearts #3
Broken Dreams #1
Awakened Desires #2
Thank you for sharing and for the interview!
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