Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Book Series Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ The Game Plan Series by Breanna Hayse ~ Contemporary Romance @BreannaHayse


The Game Plan 
The Game Plan Series
by Breanna Hayse

Genre: Contemporary Romance

The Game Plan 
The Game Plan Series Book 1 
by Breanna Hayse 


The book that began the Contemporary Age-Play Phenomenon is Back and it's BIGGER AND BETTER than EVER!
#1 Multi-Genre Best Selling Author Breanna Hayse brings you The Game Plan:
A story of love, hope, healing and discipline under the power of an age-play relationship.
***
After being abandoned by her father, twenty-year old Cassandra Johnson fought against being loved by anyone. Even after her mother married ex-Dolphins Quarterback Big Bill Johnson, she resisted every attempt to become part of her new family. Her resistance includes any interaction with the older Johnson boys who seem to enjoy nothing more than bossing her around. After the sudden passing of her mother, Cassie grows tired of living under the thumb of her dominating family and decides to press for independence. She starts by asserting her obstinate and willful disposition and defying all rules laid out for her. 
When Bill goes to Japan for three months on business, he leaves Rob, the oldest of his sons, in charge. After the deliberate breaking of several house rules and multiple temper tantrums, Rob decides that a change to the "Game Plan" is necessary to bring Cassie under control to prevent her from hurting herself. The first thing on his list is taking the brat for a well-deserved trip over his knee for a bare bottom spanking! 
Over the years, Rob had watched Cassie grow from an awkward little girl to a beautiful young woman. He struggles with his feelings when his interest in Cassie goes far beyond just curbing her naughty behavior. Her dream of having a life free from control is soon shattered when Bryon, the second oldest of the Johnson boys, adds some firm-handed discipline of his own.
The stubborn young woman soon finds herself facing more than just an old-fashioned, over the knee, bare-bottom spanking. She quickly learns that the Age-play lifestyle can lead to the healing of a long-broken and hardened heart. Even though she immerses herself in the joyful role of being Rob and Bryon’s Little girl, she wonders if she is truly wired for the type of relationship that they offer her. She also questions her ability to accept being Rob’s ‘big girl’ and give him what he longs for by becoming a true submissive. 

**Only .99 cents!!** 


Time Out 
The Game Plan Series Book 2 


The sequel to the original contemporary Age-Play book, the Game Plan, is here and bring you more fun and antics of the Johnson family as they grow together in Age-play and BDSM relationships.

You’ll meet Krissy, Bryon’s sweet little girl, as she is introduced to the concept of age play and discovers herself in the process. Suzanne and Glenn are back, and Suzanne explores her own femininity and puts pride aside to face her fears and needs as a Domme. Of course, we can’t forget Rob and Cassie as they grow and indulge in their own D&S lifestyle. Worlds collide as Cassie and Krissy fight over Daddy Bryon, Bryon and Glenn fight over Suzanne, and Rob seems to be the only voice of reason that is heard. And that's just the beginning...

Publishers Note: the Age-Play Dynamic of the BDSM lifestyle is the most trusting and intimate of all. It values innocence, trust and nurturing of consenting adults. If you enjoy this genre, please check out many more of my AP stories, including a nonfiction piece (The General's Little Angel) which shares how I was introduced to the dynamic.
Thank you for reading!

There are more twists and turns, sizzling hot sex, and well-spanked bottoms than this quiet little suburb of Miami can handle! 


The End Zone 
The Game Plan Series Book 3 


The #1 Best Selling Age-Play Author who launched the world-wide contemporary Age-Play Phenomenon with The Game Plan and Time Out, brings you
THE END ZONE
***
Life was like a Chocolate Mousse Parfait for Cassie Johnson—especially since entering the BDSM lifestyle with the two alpha male brothers, Rob and Bryan. Her Dom and her Daddy Dom give her everything her Little heart desires—love, attention, pleasure, guidance and even discipline. They both belong to her, in and out of the bedroom, and her life finally feels stable, satisfying and secure. But then her happiness takes a turn when Daddy Bryon announces the probability that he will make his relationship with his girlfriend, Krissy, a permanent one. Throwing salt on her wounds, Cassie learns that both her Doms are interest in sharing her wonderful world with Krissy!
The Little Green Monster is let loose as the young woman faces the pain of being pushed aside and replaced. Devastated when her Little mode is carelessly ordered to ‘grow up,’ she decides to end BDSM, Age-Play and her engagement to Rob. Nothing, or no one, will change her mind.
Except for Dorian Graye, the Whip Master and the ‘king’ of the BDSM community. 
Distraught by Cassie’s withdrawal, Rob and Bryon decide to take her to meet their mentor. Cassie can’t resist either Dorian’s charm or his raw ability to read into her needs, and instantly sinks into her Little place. The powerful Dom and his beautiful wife, Meredith, take her under their wing to teach her how to release her fears and open herself to play, passion, and freedom. 
Self-doubt disappears in the presence of her new aunt and uncle. Cassie discovers the love of a BDSM family, all of which are equally happy to put her across the knee for a humiliating, bare bottom spanking as they are to spoil her with stuffies and ice-cream sundaes. The more she releases her Little to them, the greater the joy and freedom she receives.
She has only one concern, and that is if the magic spell of Graye Manor will disappear after they return home. There she must face the likelihood that both her Little space and her men will be shared with the other Little girl. Is her Little ready for such a Big step? 


Touchdown 
The Game Plan Series Book 4 


Breanna Hayse, the #1 Multi-Genre Best-Selling author and founder of the contemporary Age-Play Phenomena, brings you BOOK 4 of the beloved Game Plan Series! TOUCHDOWN
****
Following the unannounced departure as the two older Johnson boys take their shared sub on vacation during Spring Break (End Zone, Book 3), Kristina Barker is left feeling abandoned, disposable and hurt. A vague text message from her boyfriend/Dom, Bryon, makes her question the reality of everything she had grown to love—including him. 

Being home alone while the other three explore the pleasures offered at Graye Manor wasn’t what she signed up for when she agreed to become part of the BDSM household. Heartbroken and discouraged, she turns to Domme Suzanne Bichat and discovers that her age-play aunt is also struggling with her relationship with Glenn, the youngest of the Johnson boys.

Both women decide that a change is in order, starting with a no limit/no restriction evening of action and adventure at a local bar—and no boyfriends or alpha males are around to stop them! However, too many drinks and a bout with a stripper-pole results in Suzanne’s ex-husband being summoned to drag the inebriated Domme from the club with little Krissy in tow. Sir Douglas Bichat, a handsome Brit and an honored dominant of The Gentlemen’s Club (TGC), employs his special skills as a loving, but firm, Daddy Dom and brings a sense of security and value to the two hurt girls.

Even while trapped in an unspoken love triangle with his ex-wife, and tormented by his own desire for her, Doug hold true to TGC’s Code of Conduct and places Suzanne’s needs above his own. With Krissy’s help, he finds a way to draw Glenn into the mix and ensure Suzanne’s happiness.

Little does he know that a void in his heart would soon be filled as the four of them grow into a family based on old-fashioned values and loving discipline. With Krissy as a niece, Glenn as his mentee, and, surprisingly, Suzanne as a Middle, Doug’s hands are happily filled with teddy bears, model ships, ice-cream cones, sand castles, and an occasional paddle to be applied to a cheeky bottom.

The week of Spring Break transforms each of them as the past is revealed, the future is uncertain, and the present exposes lust, temptation, unbridled sexual delights, and regrets. With the support of her new ‘parents’ and ‘brother,’ Krissy prepares for Bryon’s return home where he will be confronted with the truth and a decision that could permanently shatter the foundation of love and trust.

YES! There is more!
Be watching for Rob and Cassie’s wedding at Graye Manor, a shocking surprise, and the reunion of two amazing Doms in Book 5- Unnecessary Roughness! 


Unnecessary Roughness 
The Game Plan Series Book 5 


FANS OF THE GAME PLAN SERIES! BOOK FIVE IS HERE!
From the author who launched the contemporary Age-Play Phenomena with the Game Plan, we give you Unnecessary Roughness!
***
Krissy's mind is spinning happily with all the changes in her life. Her family is growing, she's engaged to Bryon, and everyone is content... until a visit to The Playground threatens to shatter the hearts of the family's Littles and enrage the Bigs.
In comes Dorian Graye to the rescue! He and the guys set out to make some permanent changes using the 'Graye Way' while his wife remains back at the house loving on the girls and teaching them every bad habit she can think of!
Well, we know what the boys will think of that, don't we?
Amidst all the confusion and chaos, the Grayes discover that Krissy and Bryon have not had any 'alone' time and, within an hour, the couple is in the company 'copter with some very explicit orders of how to spend their mini vacation.
Meanwhile, back at the house, things are chaotic as always. Little do any of them know, but there's something stirring in the pot that's going to knock all of them to the sidelines!

Note: This book is a stand-alone; however, why eat the sprinkles when you can have the whole cake? 



BDSM/AP lifestyler Breanna Hayse strives to give her readers truth and reality of the BDSM/Age-Play/Total Power and Erotic Exchange lifestyle.
Who am I?
I'm a native Californian gone 'wild', and had the opportunity to travel the globe and discover the world through the eyes of both a Marine Intelligence specialist and a BDSM lifestyler. I left the service to go into hospice nursing and grief counseling, eventually working as a marriage and family therapist for those involved in alternative lifestyle development. This experience has allowed me to gain unique inspiration for my books and offer realistic plots and relatable characters.

In 2004, my husband, John, and I joined forces to work with both submissives and dominants- teaching, training, listening and loving. Our goal was to take the mystery and fear out of the lifestyle and mentor people in safe, consensual and healthy relationships.

My first book, The Game Plan, was published in 2012 and opened the door to the now-booming world of Age-Play literature. Since that time, I've devoted my 'spare' time to writing, researching, community involvement, and private and group pro bono counseling in deviant behavior, alternative lifestyle, and addiction recovery.

I was formally 'dungeon trained' as a Domme before discovering my submissive side when I joined the service. My scenarios are pulled primarily from either personal experience or observation, including spending time in BDSM clubs as the safety/medical officer. My multi-faceted background allows me to glean from many avenues and give a unique and intelligent literary experience through elements of fantasy and fiction. I also discuss the questions and psychology of the lifestyle in a manner that is fun and informative, and based on 'the real deal.'

I live with my husband, musician, and fellow-author, John Hayse, and two border collies in southern California. We practice a 24/7 D&S relationship with speckles of AP (and many trips to Build-A-Bear), and happily spend every moment together that we can. My hobbies include my puppies, hiding my vanilla salt-water taffy where John can't find it, exotic art, collecting inspirational trinkets, and developing my own paddle line. You can also see me as a featured author/instructor in professional conference settings and as a Sexpert for kinkyliterature.com. 


$15 Amazon 

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Book Feature & #Giveaway ~ Renewed (The Matawapit Family Series, Book 4) by Maggie Blackbird ~ Inspirational Contemporary Romance @BlackbirdMaggie


Renewed 
The Matawapit Family Series Book 4 
by Maggie Blackbird

Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance 


When two former enemies fall in love, family secrets threaten to destroy their fragile union and everything they hold dear. 

With their extreme ideas about traditional Ojibway life, the radical Kabatay clan have made enemies in their fight to rid the reserve of Western culture and its religion. Disowned by her family for daring to love the church deacon’s eldest son, Jude, Raven Kabatay longs to put an end to the feud started by her mother, brother, and sisters against the Matawapits…people she’s come to think of as her own since Jude changed her life. 

Jude Matawapit suffered a humiliating divorce after his wife left him for another man, but with Raven, he’s created a beautiful, new sanctuary after losing his previous one, and his new haven is everything he’s ever wanted for himself and his children. Only two things could destroy his pristine bliss: the secret he holds close to his chest, and the vengeance Raven’s family wants to exact on the Matawapits. A secret and vengeance that could cost the unlikely lovers their hard-won, much longed for happily ever after. 

Add to Goodreads * Purchase from eXtasy Books

Sanctified 
The Matawapit Family Series Book 3 
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance 


In the midst of a battle for leadership at their Ojibway community, two enemies of opposing families fall in love… 

After suffering a humiliating divorce, infuriated Catholic Jude Matawapit bolts to his family’s Ojibway community to begin a new job—but finds himself thrown into a battle for chief as his brother-in-law’s campaign manager. The radical Kabatay clan, with their extreme ideas about traditional Ojibway life, will stop at nothing to claim the leadership position and rid the reserve of Western culture and its religion once and for all, which threatens not only the non-traditional people of the community, but Jude’s chance at a brand-new life he’s creating for his children. 

Recovering addict Raven Kabatay will do anything to win the respect and trust of her older siblings and mother after falling deep into drug addiction that brought shame and anger to her family. Not only does she have the opportunity to redeem herself by becoming her brother’s campaign manager for chief—if he wins, she’ll have the reserve’s backing to purchase the gold-mine diner where she works, finally making something of herself. But falling in love with the family’s sworn enemy—the deacon’s eldest son, Jude—will not just betray the Kabatay clan. It could destroy everything Raven believes in and has worked so hard for. 


Redeemed 
The Matawapit Family Series Book 2 
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance 


A single woman battles to keep her foster child from his newly-paroled father—a dangerous man she used to love. 

Bridget Matawapit is an Indigenous activist, daughter of a Catholic deacon, and foster mother to Kyle, the son of an Ojibway father—the ex-fiancé she kicked to the curb after he chose alcohol over her love. With Adam out on parole and back in Thunder Bay, she is determined to stop him from obtaining custody of Kyle.

Adam Guimond is a recovering alcoholic and ex-gangbanger newly-paroled. Through counselling, reconnecting with his Ojibway culture and twelve-step meetings while in prison, Adam now understands he’s worthy of the love that frightened him enough to pick up the bottle he’d previously corked. He can't escape the damage he caused so many others, but he longs to rise like a true warrior in the pursuit of forgiveness and a second chance. There's nothing he isn't willing to do to win back his son--and Bridget.

When an old cell mate’s daughter dies under mysterious circumstances in foster care, Adam begs Bridget to help him uncover the truth. Bound to the plight of the Indigenous children in care, Bridget agrees. But putting herself in contact with Adam threatens to resurrect her long-buried feelings for him, and even worse, she risks losing care of Kyle, by falling for a man who might destroy her faith in love completely this time. 




Blessed 
The Matawapit Family Series Book 1 
Genre: Contemporary M/M Inspirational Romance 


It’s been ten years since Emery Matawapit sinned, having succumbed to temptation for the one thing in his life that felt right, another man. In six months he’ll make a life-changing decision that will bar him from sexual relationships for the rest of his life.

Darryl Keejik has a decade-long chip on his shoulder, and he holds Emery’s father, the church deacon, responsible for what he’s suffered: the loss of his family and a chance at true love with Emery. No longer a powerless kid, Darryl has influence within the community—maybe more than the deacon. Darryl intends on using his power to destroy Deacon Matawapit and his church.

Hoping to save the church, Emery races home. But stopping Darryl is harder than expected when their sizzling chemistry threatens to consume Emery. Now he is faced with the toughest decision of his life: please his devout parents and fulfill his call to the priesthood, or remain true to his heart and marry the man created for him.

This is very erotic book about a spiritual journey. 

**On Sale for only 99 cents at eXtasy Books for the month of February!!**



An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most. 





Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!




Paws For Murder (The Barking Mad Mysteries) by Scarlett English ~ #Giveaway #Review #CozyMystery


Paws For Murder (The Barking Mad Mysteries) by Scarlett English


Paws For Murder 
The Barking Mad Mysteries, Book 1
Cozy Mystery
Independently Published 
January 5, 2020
Print Length: 163 pages 
Digital ASIN: B083JKWXVZ

About the Book:

Welcome to Adlebury where village life can be downright deadly.

Veterinarian Petronella Knight seems to have it all. A job she loves, good friends, and patients who adore her. But when she gets into an argument with dog breeder Gladys Harrington, and she finds the woman dead, she also finds herself accused of murder.

Ella will need all her friends, including the new and very handsome American policeman, and all her sharpest sleuthing skills to figure out who murdered the dog breeder before another dead body pops up.

Paws for Murder contains one enthusiastic amateur detective with a penchant for rescuing animals, a guard duck called George, a large amount of homemade gooseberry wine, and a very confused American who has never met an English village quite like this one.

You’d be Barking Mad to pass this one by.

Read My Review Here:

https://reviewsbysaph.blogspot.com/2020/03/book-review-paws-for-murder-barking-mad.html

About Scarlett English:


Scarlett English is a crazy cat lady who likes solving mysteries. Or actually, make that a dog lady. Much to her chagrin, the police have never sought to consult her, which is why there seems to be so much unsolved crime. Especially—surprisingly enough—in the small English village where she lives. So, armed with curiosity, a penchant for taking in strays, a love of homemade wine and a good gossip, she puts her detecting talents to good use murdering her imaginary friends and neighbors and solving the cases one story at a time.

Purchase Link - Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

February 27 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
February 27 – Sneaky’ s the Library Cat’s Blog -CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
February 28 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
February 28 – TBR Book Blog – REVIEW 
February 29 - Brooke Blogs – RECIPE, SPOTLIGHT 
February 29 - FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT 
March 1 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews – REVIEW 
March 1 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
March 2 – Cassidy's Bookshelves- REVIEW 
March 2 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST 
March 3 – Sapphyria's Books – REVIEW 
March 4 – My Journey Back - CHARACTER GUEST POST 
March 4 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
March 5 – I'm All About Books- SPOTLIGHT 
March 5 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
March 6 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
March 7 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW 
March 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
March 8 – This Is My Truth Now – REVIEW 
March 9 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT 
March 9 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW 
March 10 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 
March 11 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST 
March 11 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT 

Enter the Giveaway:

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Book Release Blitz & #Giveaway ~ Once in a Black Moon by D. Lieber ~ Paranormal/Fantasy Time-Travel Romance ~ @AuthorDLieber @RABTBookTours #rabtbooktours #OnceInABlackMoon #DLieber


Paranormal/Fantasy Time-Travel Romance
Date Published: March 3, 2020
Publisher: Ink & Magick

 photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

About the Book:

Chicago journalist Erin Nichols isn’t about to give up when she’s fired for writing an exposé. But when a combination of murder, magic, and celestial events transports her through time and space to 1900 western Canada, city hall corruption becomes the least of her worries.

But the past isn’t any safer. Awaking to learn she may be the victim of some unknown crime, Erin takes shelter with the local Mountie—the picture of upright Canadian fortitude. As tragedy stalks the nearby First Nation reserve, Erin learns from a Romanian mystic that magic is dying, and the fae are turning to their darker natures to survive.

While the reserved and sexy Mountie helps her navigate a time in which she doesn’t belong, the mysterious and seductive conjurer helps her try to find a way home. As they alight feelings and desires Erin never knew she was capable of, she begins to wonder where she truly belongs.


About the Author:


D. writes stories she wants to read. Her love of the worlds of fiction led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.

When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, crafting, watching anime, Korean television, Bollywood, or old movies. She may also be getting her geek on while planning her next steampunk cosplay with friends.

She lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).

Contact Links:



Purchase Links:

Apple Books (ebook)

Enter the Giveaway:

RABT Book Tours & PR

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway ~ I Know When You’re Going To Die by Michael J. Bowler ~ #YA #Suspense #Thriller @MichaelJBowler


I Know When You’re Going To Die
Michael J. Bowler

Genre: YA Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Michael J. Bowler, Author
Date of Publication: Release date 2/25/2020
ISBN: 978-1-7333290-0-2
ASIN: B07Z48BHH4
Number of pages: 212
Word Count: 81K
Cover Artist: Streetlight Graphics

About the Book:

Leonardo Cantrell is a painfully shy sixteen-year-old who cannot look people in the eye. One night while he’s volunteering at a homeless shelter, an old man forces eye contact and gives Leo the power to see Death.

His best, and only, friend—J.C. Rivera—thinks this new power is cool until Leo accidentally looks into J.C.’s eyes and “sees” his murder, a murder that will occur in less than two weeks. Stunned and shaken, the two boys sift through clues in Leo’s “vision” in a desperate effort to find the killer and stop him before he can strike.

Aided by feisty new-girl-at-school, Laura, the boys uncover evidence suggesting the identity of the murderer. However, their plan to trap the would-be killer goes horribly awry and reveals a truth that could kill them all.

Purchase from:

Amazon      BN       Apple Books      Kobo

Read an Excerpt:

The door to the dorm is open and I step in. It looks like a huge barn with a worn hardwood floor studded with row after row of folding cots. Since it’s dinnertime, all the cots are empty except one.
An old man with surprisingly alert eyes lies atop that cot staring at me. Most of the older people who frequent the shelter have rheumy eyes, always moist and often clouded, because they’ve struggled for so long on the street, and maybe because they have alcohol or drug problems.
“Come here, boy.” His voice is raspy and echoes faintly in the cavernous room.
At first, I don’t recognize him. True, there are hundreds of homeless on the streets every day, but I’ve been volunteering on Skid Row since I was fourteen and after almost three years, like I said, I know most of them. I’m  thinking  that if this guy is a regular, he’s passed under my radar.
And yet…
I have seen him, I think. Not here at the shelter. Walking to my car…?  Yes!  Several times over these past two or three weekends, I’ve noticed him.  He’s caught my eye because, every time, he’s stared at me so intently it made  me shiver. He’d be pretending to rummage through a dumpster, but his eyes would follow me until I got into my car. I confess his gaze made me uncom- fortable, but I let it go. I’ve learned to shrug off such creepy feelings because   so many of the people I meet down here have mental health issues.
I steel myself and walk between the rows of empty cots—each with its  neat bedroll awaiting an occupant—and stop before the stranger  with  the scary eyes. Unlike most of the people, his clothes aren’t especially dirty and he doesn’t smell like someone who’s been on the streets for a long time. Wisps of gray hair stick out from his head at haphazard angles and his face has so many wrinkles I don’t think I could count them if I tried.
I don’t make eye contact, but that’s because I never do. Not here, not anywhere. People tell me I’m the definition of “shy” and they’re right.
“You asked to see me, sir?” I say deferentially, my gaze on his gnarled hands.
He rolls over onto his back. “I been watching you, boy. Seen you on the streets a lot.”
I freeze. So, I didn’t imagine it! “Yeah?”
“Yeah.” The voice sounds like sandpaper scraping along a fence. “Rich boy like you helping out poor folk like me. What gives?”
I’ve been asked this question by all my relatives, so I’m ready with my answer. “I think people like me who are lucky to have a lot should help people who don’t. And I hope I’m making the world better instead of worse. The kids  I know just party and think about themselves all the time. I don’t want to be like that.”
A crooked smile cracks the wrinkled face. “You’re the one, all right.” “The one?”
With effort, he unclasps his hands with their swollen knuckles and holds his right arm out toward me. It shakes, like he barely has enough strength to keep it aloft. “Take my hand, boy.”
Unlike my best friend J.C., who never touches any of the people when he comes with me to the shelters, I usually have no worries about contact. But I hesitate this time. I mean, this guy has been watching me on the streets. But kindness makes me swallow my anxiety and I clasp his hand. He squeezes gently.
“Look into my eyes.”
Ordinarily, I’d just glance into his eyes and then look away. But that com- manding tone compels me. I raise my eyes and focus on his. They’re brown  and alert and they shimmer beneath the overhead lights. We  lock gazes, and     I stiffen. Something I can’t quite pin down swells within me, like a surge of emotion. I suddenly feel… different.
All the tension drains from his face in an instant. Relaxed, he releases my hand, pulling his arm back with great deliberation. He rests both hands across his stomach and gazes up at me with obvious gratitude.
“Thank you, boy. Now I can die.”
I shudder. “Wha-what do you mean?”
The man offers a gentle smile. “I gave you a great gift, boy. Or maybe a curse. Had it so long, I can’t be sure no more. But I couldn’t die till I passed it on.”
I stand frozen in place, my heart thumping, my breathing on hold. A gift?
A curse? “Uh, pass what on, sir?”
He chuckles and it’s a wheezy sound, like he doesn’t have much air in his lungs. “Just you calling an old bum like me “sir” proves you be the one.”
I feel different inside and his words scare me because I know he’s done
something to me. “I’m just a regular kid, sir. Nothing special.”
That chuckle erupts again, wheezier this time. “Oh, you’re more than a regular kid. Like you said, most kids only care about stupid crap like partying. You’ll  use my gift well.” He lapses into a coughing fit that scares me even  more.
“Want me to get some help?”
He waves away the idea with one hand. After a few moments, the hacking ceases. “No need. It’s  my time.” He suddenly looks really pasty and gray in   the face. “When you find someone worthy, boy, pass on the gift to them,” he whispers, his voice very soft and almost inaudible. He closes his eyes and lies still. “Until then, make wise choices.”
Then he stops breathing. Literally, just stops. One second his chest is ris- ing and falling and then the next, there’s nothing. I want to shake him back to life and ask a thousand questions, but instead I run from the room to get help.

About the Author:


Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author who grew up in Northern California. He majored in English/Theatre at Santa Clara University, earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and a master's in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. Michael taught high school in Hawthorne, California, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities. When Michael is not writing, you can find him volunteering as a youth mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and raising his newly adopted son. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, and hopes his books can show young people they are not alone in their struggles.








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