Infinite Completion – a little heated snippet

A whirlwind romance neither one was prepared for 📚

As the music changes to a slower beat, the guy moves closer to me. Before I can even move back from him, Phil has moved in between us and I feel Valentine’s hand in mine. I’m pulled away from the group so fast that my head spins, and it takes a moment to focus.

Valentine’s face is ashen. I haven’t seen this look before. ‘Come on, we’re leaving,’ he shouts over the music, pulling me behind him without looking back at me.

‘What? Why?’ I shout at him. He doesn’t answer me.

‘Sam, I’ll call you tomorrow and you can bring me to get the bike?’

‘Yeah, man –for sure! Be good, sis,’ he shouts out over the music with a grin.

I can feel my temper rising. The cold early-morning air makes my head spin, as we step out onto the street.

Valentine leads me to a taxi, opens the door and guides me in. ‘Watch your head,’ he says as he slides in next to me and leans over to put on my seat belt.

‘I can manage my own seatbelt,’ I say, starting to feel really annoyed. He’s dragged me from my friends –and my brother –for what?

‘I want to make sure it’s on properly,’ he says flatly. He’s really annoyed too, but why? He doesn’t sound like Valentine.

‘Where are you going?’ says the taxi driver, looking at Valentine through his rear vision mirror.

‘22 Copper Ave, Lathlain,’ he answers, not taking his eyes from me, doing up my seat belt.

‘What’s wrong with you?’ I say, trying my best to sound compliant. I really don’t like to see him upset. And I hate conflict.

‘That guy was hitting on you,’ he says calmly, as the taxi pulls out onto the road.

The driver flicks on the heater and turns the radio up a little –probably so he doesn’t appear to be listening to our argument.

‘So we leave, because a drunk guy was dancing nearby?’ I keep my own voice low. It’s an honest question.

‘He was dancing very close to you and his eyes were all over you,’ Valentine explains, as though he is explaining why we use an umbrella when it rains.

‘Phil came close to me so the guy would back off. I didn’t need you to pull me away like I’d done something wrong.’

‘You did nothing wrong, Abbie,’ he says.

Now I know I’m in trouble –Abbie –what happened to Princess? He takes a long breath and takes hold of my hand. ‘I’m sorry –I just don’t like it,’ he adds, as though this clarifies everything. ‘It was all under control.’

‘No it wasn’t –what if he’d hurt you?’ ‘He wasn’t even very close –and Phil was there!’ ‘Where I come from, we settle things differently,’ he snaps.

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

He sighs and speaks lower. ‘In my neighbourhood, if a man mistreated a girl, he’d be dealt with before the police even had a chance to arrest him. I’ve been boxing since I was ten and I’ve been fighting for survival since I could walk. I’m sorry, but instinct sometimes gets the better of me and I try to avoid situations where I may be forced to kill a man—’

‘You’d kill a man, because he dances near me?’ ‘I’d kill a bull for you,’ he says flatly.

I can’t believe he’s being so serious. ‘He was just dancing near me! You can’t go around beating people up for dancing too close to your girlfriend!’ I’m so angry that my voice is getting louder.

‘I’m sorry, Princess,’ he whispers and squeezes my hand. ‘I will not share you, even with another man’s eyes or thoughts.’

Whoa! Now here’s a revelation. Does he want to hide me in a tower somewhere? This doesn’t sound like my Valentine at all. ‘You can’t wrap me up in cotton wool,’ I shout at him, a little too loudly. He flicks his eyes to the front of the car briefly to see if the taxi driver heard but then looks back down at my fingers entwined through his. ‘And I left my rose behind,’ I add, realising I left my rose on the bar with my drink.

‘I can get you another rose—’

‘I don’t want another damn rose, I want you to not behave like a teenager,’ I snap.

‘I want to be the beginning and end of your world –with no exceptions. And I don’t want other men looking at you—’

‘I can’t stop people from looking at me… even though they aren’t anyway –you’re not flattering me with this behaviour,’ I say.

There’s silence for a few minutes; except for the song playing on the radio. Radiohead’s Creep. I love this song. Valentine is my creep, and I love him.

‘I know I can’t stop them from looking –I was being silly. I just don’t know how I’m going to cope with you being so damn beautiful and me feeling this way. This is all very new to me –forgive me, Princess?’ he smiles.

I manage to smile at him, but I’m still mad.

‘Good, now let’s go home and make up,’ he grins at me wolfishly. How can I stay mad?

❤ Infinite Completion ~ Amazon link:

http://ow.ly/1FQM309BW3W

Writing Grief – Michelle Dennis

I’ve heard it said, quite often, it takes a tragedy or a dark period in life to truly get to know your Self. I guess this makes perfect sense that a writer would write far deeper when submerged in grief or emotional turmoil, because they’re thinkers. I’ve also heard of writers not knowing they’re writers until tragedy or illness strikes.

For me, this is true. I wrote a medieval adventure for middle-grade kids (and adults who love a good fairytale) – when I injured myself and had nothing better to do while the kids were at school. I was house-bound for months and when reading, housework and midday television wasn’t enough, I started to write down story plots and characters – jotting down things that crept into my imagination. I found it quite liberating; like writing in diary of sorts. I finished two manuscripts by the time my injury had repaired, I discovered there was more to come. I had started writing a romance novel – just for my own eyes and used it to re-discover my young Self. Between school drop-off, studying to be a Library Technician, school pick-up, mum duties and wifey stuff, I wrote a story of love, depression, cancer, bereavement and family. I wasn’t experiencing any tragic periods in my life, but I drew on some of my past and delved into the character of a twenty year old girl on the brink of finding the love and lesson of her life. Infinite Completion was born.

 

Almost two years later my world tipped upside down, with the death of my brother. And whilst I had just started the sequel to my romance novel, it brought out some very dark writing moments, for sure. My heart was shattered, and with this came grief, anger, and a lot of questions.

I wrote a lot. I wrote to complete my sequel, but I also wrote my feelings and muses during the weeks of my brothers passing – like I had to get to out of my head and onto paper – literally written on paper, in scrap books and note books, and any piece of paper I could find. Writing made sense. It helped me see in the dark. I started to take notice of the flaws in people, in our society and of course, my characters. Valentine, my brooding, handsome, singer of a local pub band opened up and boy was it messy. His story was Absolution – something neither of us were ready for.

I’d stumbled into writing kids adventures, with friendly dragons and grumpy knights – and as my newly awakened passion emerged, I found more of my Self as I worte about romance and real life stuff. Then, in my darkest hour, I uncovered a strength to pull apart my thoughts. To take each piece and develop Valentine’s character even further. I wanted to adress social issues and make the reader think. Really think. To say this was hard is an understatement. Writing Absolution drew out my pain and displayed it in someone else’s voice. It was pushing my boundaries and making me work harder. Then, as I had the finish line in sight, my husband had a severe stroke, miles away from home. My world, my children’s world and his world spun on its axis. With months of therapy; for us all, I really felt I’d never write again. I could feel it calling me, but I just didn’t have time. My every waking hour was about my husband, our kids and my Self.

Nonetheless, as time went on, I found time to sit. And think. And write. I was drawn back to Valentine and his world – where I submerged in his grief. I could have drowned myself in alcohol or drugs – at times I felt like it. But, I was a mum and wife. I wasn’t going to give in. I could, however, write without causing any harm to myself or anyone else.

I eventually finished Absolution and on October 10 2016 it went live on Amazon.com.

I am working on another couple of manuscripts, and wouldn’t wish dark times on anyone, but I know writing is my answer to grief and its many layers.

Is this something you do as an artist? I’d love to have some feedback from other writers or artists about what drives their best work.

Valentine’s Day ~ Infinite Completion

❤ Today is the publication anniversary of Infinite Completion ❤

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(¸.•´ (¸.•`   VALENTINE’S DAY ❤

Title: Infinite Completion
Author: Michelle Dennis
Genre: contemporary romance
Release Date: Feb 14, 2015

*** Synopsis ***

On the brink of her twenty-first birthday, Abbie Bennet is finally living the well-balanced life she’s worked so hard for, until Valentine sweeps in.

Like a glorious sunset promising darkness, Valentine is a perfect kind of complicated and Abbie is pushed way off balance.

Her heart and intuition just don’t agree!

Infinite Completion is set in Perth, Western Australia, 1994. Secrets, homosexuality, religious references and adult themes add to this starcrossed romance.

*** ABSOLUTION *** Book II is set for publication on June 23rd

Valentine’s Reads ~ My Top 5

Not everyone can be romanced on a gondola in Venice for Valentine’s Day, but everyone can have a book boyfriend!
I’ve put together my top 5 romantic reads for you. So, snuggle up on the couch or in your favourite reading corner, with a nice glass of wine, tissues and some chocolate ~ and enjoy Valentine’s Day your way.

1. Maid for the Rock Star (Romance Island Resort series) Demelza Carlton
The first in a three book series and it’s is free!

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/B00Y9MUCEO
Apple: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/maid-for-the-rock-star/id1011715116?mt=11
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maid-for-the-rock-star-demelza-carlton/1122195054?ean=2940151990455
Nook: http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/maid-for-the-rock-star-by-demelza-carlton/2940151990455

Synopsis

A maid at the exclusive Romance Island Resort, Audra knows how to handle rock stars, billionaires and celebrities. She keeps their secrets, cleans up their mess and makes sure their holiday is a memorable one. There’s just one rule: no relationships with guests. And Audra never breaks the rules.
Jay Felix is rock royalty and he knows it. When one of his bandmates threatens to break up the band, he goes into hiding at the Romance Island Resort. Looking for a distraction, he sets his sights on the unattainable Audra. But what’s a rock star to do when the girl he wants is the one woman he can’t have?
Welcome to paradise, where the romance is as hot as the weather and the tides aren’t all that’s surging beneath the surface.

2. Contrasting Lives ~ Leah Dempster

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UCD7454/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1455145771&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=contrasting+lives

Synopsis

Detective Matt Pendleton is still reeling after the death of his wife. Now a single father to his four children, time evaporates between working and caring for them. Desperate to make a connection, he takes his friend’s advice and hires an escort. 

Emily Coulter is beautiful, charismatic and the daughter to an influential family. While she has a submissive side, she’s also fiercely independent and determined to make her own way in the world, after escaping from an abusive relationship with a vicious Dom. 

When she and Matt rendezvous for sex, both are blindsided by their attraction to one another. While their initial meeting is a disaster, Matt finds himself incapable of forgetting the beautiful young woman. Can two people with such contrasting lives discover a way to overcome their differences and find love? 

3. The Little Bookshop on the Seine ~ Rebecca Raisin (The Paris Collection)

Synopsis

Bookshop owner Sarah Smith has been offered the opportunity to exchange bookshops with her new Parisian friend for 6 months! And saying yes is a no-brainer – after all, what kind of a romantic would turn down a trip to Paris…for Christmas?

Even if it does mean leaving the irresistible Ridge Warner behind, Sarah’s sure she’s in for the holiday of a lifetime – complete with all the books she can read!

Imagining days surrounded by books, munching on croissants, sipping café au laits and watching the snow fall on the Champs-Élysées Sarah boards the plane.

But will her dream of a Parisian Happily-Ever-After come true? Or will Sarah realise that the dream of a Christmas fairytale in the city of love isn’t quite as rosy in reality…

A deliciously feel-good Christmas romance perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Julia Williams

4. Totally Starcross’d ~ S.D. Wasley

Blurb

“Why does she have to be Romilly Montague? Any other name on the planet. She’d be just as pretty and cute and clever—just as perfect—but she wouldn’t be Romilly Montague. Then I’d have a chance with her.”

Romilly longs for the freedom to live her own life … but her dad is Alan Montague, hot contender for the job of Governor. And the bigger he gets, the more protective of Romilly her parents become.

Could Julian Capulet’s luck be worse? As if being born into the most conservative family in Verona wasn’t bad enough, the girl of his dreams is the daughter of his father’s biggest adversary in the upcoming election. His embarrassing family—especially his troublemaking younger brother—seem set to totally ruin his chances with Romilly.

For Romilly and Julian it’s never been truer that you can choose your friends but not your family. Will this story end in woe—or can there be a happily ever after for this modern-day Juliet and Romeo?

Buy links
99c on Amazon or free read on Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon US and worldwide: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BM44LAC
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BM44LAC
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

5. Snowkissed ~ Lisa Swallow

Sadie’s holiday season is officially off to the worst start ever. After losing her job a week before Christmas and starting a fight in a toy store, she decides to throw in the tinsel and heads to the English Cotswolds early for a quiet Christmas with her family.

She wasn’t counting on the complications caused by her sister’s Christmas wedding. Or the groom’s brother and best man, Jamie. 

The wealthy, charming Jamie is everything Sadie tries to avoid. But the best man has a secret that will change everybody’s Christmas.

In the snow-kissed Cotswolds, will Sadie have a happy holiday after all?

So, these are my Valentine’s Day reads. Happy reading!

Xx Mich

Looking for a Valentine’s gift? Have you met Valentine yet?

My new romance is out for Valentine’s day! It’s the kind of book you can snuggle with…

With the sales of this book I’ll be donating to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. I haven’t been touch directly by breast cancer, but I have so many beautiful women in my life who have. It’s about awareness and finding a cure, but also about support.

Infinite Completion is my gift to these beautiful women…

Abbie’s heart and intuition were getting along quite nicely, until Valentine showed up. Now life is complicated, unbalanced and way too romantic! Is Abbie ready to be a part of Valentine’s world and is he ready to allow her in?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/150757973X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_twi_2?qid=1422746588&sr=1-1&keywords=infinite+completion

xx Mich