RELEASE BLITZ ~ THE QUEST FOR PERKINS VALE (LEGENDARY ROCKSTARS, #3) BY L.B. DUNBAR

Title: The Quest For Perkins Vale (Legendary Rockstars #3)

Author: L.B. Dunbar

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 22, 2015

Synopsis

I’m not sure I know what to think of the girl I’ve searched for since I was thirteen; she isn’t exactly how I remembered her. I’m twenty-five, a guy and a virgin. Yep, you read that right; I’m still a virgin. Why you ask? Because I met the woman of my dreams when she was still a girl and I’ve been searching for her ever since we met. I’ve saved myself for her, as I believe she saved herself for me. Why again? Because I will love her, like she will love me, when we finally meet, again. I’d like to think it was that simple, but I don’t really know if she will love me. I only hope she will. If she doesn’t, she won’t be the right girl for me, because like I said, I’ve been saving myself for the woman of my dreams. I just don’t know where she is…but I won’t stop searching until I find her. That is my mission. My quest.

Buy The Book

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1eDFsJw

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1JcLM7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1da2BSn

Excerpt

The Quest of Perkins Vale © L.B. Dunbar Perk walked to his bed and sat with a plop on the edge. It was going to be smaller than the king size bed in his home in the city, but if I thought about it, we slept close to each other every night when we were together. The smaller mattress would make no difference. “It seems that everywhere I turn, someone knew you. Someone knew where you were. I’ve been searching for you for twelve years, and I was the only one who didn’t know where you were, while everyone else did.” “Twelve years?” I asked, as I came to sit next to him. He rubbed a hand down his face and told me about a rainy night long ago in a decrypted home. He claimed he saw me, with Elaine and Elliott, at the side of my sick uncle’s bed. It seemed a mystery to me that the same man who found me in the tent, had been the boy I scolded outside my uncle’s manor house. It seemed a bit like destiny that he kept finding me, although I didn’t remember him as clearly. He was a boy at a confusing time. He was a teenager at a time of dismay. Now, he was a man. When his tale was complete, he looked a bit exhausted as if the weight of years got heavier instead of lifting off his shoulders. I was barely dressed as I left the bathroom in one of his large t-shirts. He undressed down to his boxers, which had become his custom and he covered us in his teenage bed. I had to giggle as I snuggled up to face him. “How many girls did you have in this thing?” I laughed, a bit bitterly with hope that the number wasn’t large. “None,” he said immediately. “Come on. No high school crush? Summer love? Stolen night or afternoon while your mother was away?” “No one ever. In this bed.” His words stunned me. Visions of Perk in hallways with women pinned to the wall and barrooms with girls on his lap filled my mind. “Other beds, huh?” I questioned in disbelief. I’d seen his room the first night I stayed. It was obvious someone had slept there with him. “No girl. No bed. Ever,” he repeated, staring up at the ceiling. He had one hand braced behind his head and the other lay between us, which wasn’t our customary position. I lay on my side, watching his body grow rigid with each part of my inquisition. “I saw your room that first night. You’d had a girl there. Maybe not to sleep over, but someone had been there.” Bitterness was fully in my mouth at this point, as I envisioned someone else sleeping with him in the same manner we slept. “No one in my bed. Before you,” he said, blowing out air. I could see his chest rising and falling exaggeratedly. If I didn’t know better, I thought he might be trying to calm himself as if he were about to explode at me. “Perk, honest, it’s okay. I get it. You’re a rock star. Women have thrown themselves at you. It happens, right?” I wasn’t as convinced as I tried to sound, as if this was okay with me. “Hollister, drop it. Please. There’s been no one else.” “It’s fine, don’t tell me. I’m sure you’ve lost count,” I said snippily. Suddenly he turned to face me and the old mattress jiggled under his weight. “I’m only going to say this once; one more time. There’s never been another woman in my bed. There’s never been any woman in any other bed with me. There hasn’t been any one else.” From the glow of the moonlight outside his unshaded window, I saw his chocolaty eyes sparkle. His face was firm as he emphasized each word. “Perkins, it’s okay…” “Hollister, drop it,” he interrupted. “I don’t need to know. I’m just…” “I’m a virgin,” he blurted. The words hung in the darkened room.

About The Author

L.B. Dunbar loves to read to the point it might be classified as an addiction. The past few years especially she has relished the many fabulous YA authors, the new genre of New Adult, traditional romances, and historical romances. A romantic at heart, she’s been accused of having an overactive imagination, as if that was a bad thing. Author of the Sensations Collection, Sound Advice, Taste Test, Fragrance Free, Touch Screen, and the upcoming Sight Words, she is also author of the Legendary Rock Star series, beginning with The Legend of Arturo King. She grew up in Michigan, but has lived in Chicago for longer, calling it home with her husband and four children.

Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Amazon | TSU | Newsletter| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Booktropuloussocial | Blogger Website | Instagram

Buy The Book

Amazon | Barnes And Noble

Amazon | Barnes And Noble

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHARACTER TOUR~~FRAGRANCE FREE BY L.B. DUNBAR

Fragrance Free

by L.B. Dunbar

Character Tour

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

Change your destiny.

As the third child in the Carter family, I always felt a little on the outside of the Carter charm. I worked hard and played harder, but I was getting tired of the same old scene. I was more than Jess Carter’s little sister, I wanted to be me. Pam Carter.

It was time for a change and I wanted to be set free.

I knew it needed to happen. After years of one night stands and too brief sexual encounters, an accident brought Fate to me. To resist his charm was my penance for years of misbehavior. The temptation to give in to my desire haunted me for almost two years, until an uncontrollable situation started the twisted path to test my resolve further.

What would it take to claim my independence and be a new, improved woman?

I worked for Jacob Vincent, horror novelist extraordinaire, as his personal assistant, but I was adamant that the relationship remain professional. Jacob had dark demons and I couldn’t bring him into the light…or could I? Life was springing forth for me; changes were coming. I knew it was time to be set free from who I had been and who I was to start fresh with who I wanted to be. I just didn’t know where to start to change my destiny.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Return to Elk Rapids for the third sensation in the Sensations Collection, Fragrance Free. A standalone contemporary New Adult romance, this novel continues the stories of the Carter and Scott families. Read Sound Advice (Sensations Collection 1) to meet Jess Carter and Emily Post and find out how it all began over some good advice and a broken radio, or Taste Test (Sensations Collection 2) to meet Ethan Scott and Ella Vincentia where the challenge is delicious in more ways than one.

Buy Now

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

  

Jacob Vincent and Pam Carter Interview

Jacob grunts at me. I know he hates to talk about himself and I’m making him answer this interview for The Horror Times, a periodical that highlights mystery, suspense, and all things horrific in writing. As his personal assistant, I make it my mission to keep him on track. It’s what he hired me for at first, but now, things are different.

Jacob, sitting at his desk: Why do I have to do this again? (He swivels back and forth in his chair as I pace in front of the large desk, holding my ipad in one hand and type with the other).

Pam: It’s good publicity. Your novels are doing well and with the upcoming movie, people are curious about you.

Jacob, letting his head fall back: Fine, Lilac. Ask away.

I have to smile when he calls me by my nickname. He gave it to me, and he uses it when he wants something from me. I wasn’t ready to give him what he wanted at the moment. We have work to do.

Pam: First question, can you tell me who or what inspired you to write?

Jacob: Stephen King.

Exasperated, I sigh: Not your standard answer. Something more truthful. More you.

His dark hair falls over his forehead and my hand twitches to brush it back. I can’t touch him yet, or this interview won’t get done.

Jacob, blowing out a breath: Fine. My father inspired me. Not that he was a positive force, or supportive, but because he was a less than encouraging parent who ruled by the fist. Monsters were a daily reality for me.

I stopped pacing. He was more honest than I expected. I blinked at him before I asked another question, but he was looking at the high ceiling of his study. We were back in Michigan for this interview after a long weekend in New York visiting his niece, Ella, and her boyfriend, Ethan Scott.

Pam: Anything or anybody else inspire you?

Jacob leaned forward, the chair stilled and he rested his elbows on his knees.

Softly, Jacob replied: My brother. (His head was bent forward and I crossed around the desk to stand near him. He still held a lot of guilt from what his brother had done in the past and we’d talked about how it wasn’t his fault).

My tone warned him: Jacob.

He looked up at me, shaking his head: Don’t psycho-analyze me, Pam? (When he used my name in that tone, I knew he was getting upset. He was moody, and some days I had to just roll with it. Other days, I fought back.

Pam: I’m not psycho-analyzing you. I’m just reminding you it’s not your fault.

He warned me again, this time with my nickname: Lilac, please. I’m not one of your students. Just ask the questions.

My life had changed because of Jacob. One of those things was a return to school to become a high school counselor. While Jacob loved that I was doing what I wanted, he didn’t like it when I turned my new skills on him. Unfortunately, I believed if someone had used those strategies when he was young, he might not hold all this guilt inside. He also might not be the brilliant writer that he is, either.

Moving on. Pam: Your characters are deep and labelled demented at times. How could you come up with such evil?

Jacob, as he leans back in his chair: Drugs. Alcohol. Evil family members. It wasn’t hard.

It was my turn to sigh. Drugs and alcohol was how I met Jacob. He’d been in an accident and I was the EMT to respond. It was one of many jobs I held. For some reason, he called to me, figuratively, and I did something I’d never done before, I followed up on a patient. That night began the two year relationship of my working for Jacob. Now things were different.

Pam: Can’t tell kids to take drugs and alcohol, Mr. Vincent. That wouldn’t be responsible.

Jacob reached for me as I stood at the edge of his desk and pulled me towards him. I wobbled a bit before I settled to stand between his knees. His hands were on the back of my thighs.

Jacob: When have you ever known me to be responsible? (He tried to use a sinister voice, but it didn’t work. I laughed.)

Pam: Many times. With Ella. With Jacob. With me. With us. (My voice quieted on the last words).

Jacob smiled slowly: Us. (He kissed my stomach and then his hands traveled up to my hips. He stood and lifted me to sit on the leather pad in the middle of his desk. He now stood between my knees).

I continued my interview, even though his hands were smoothing up and down my thighs. A burning sensation trailed behind his touch and I was ready to give in, but not yet.

Pam: It’s often said you are a recluse. What do you have to say to that?

Jacob: I’m a private man. (He leans forward and runs his nose under my jaw. Moaning softly, he whispers.) You smell delicious.

My head tilts to allow him better access and then I cough a little to remind him we need to finish.

Pam: That doesn’t exactly answer the question.

Jacob, pulling back to look me in the eyes: If you want me to mention Ella and how I brought her here to protect her, I’m not going to comment.

That wasn’t what I intended, nor did I think the interviewer wanted that answer. Jacob would never reveal publicly that he thought it best to hide his niece in my small home town in order to help her heal from the horrors of her senior year. I adored Ella and I wouldn’t want to share her situation either.

Interrupting my thoughts, Jacob kissed the other side of my neck: Let’s talk about you.

I giggle as removes the ipad from my hands, then rubs his hands around my neck and under my hair.

Pam: The interviews not about me.

Jacob: Well, the interview is about me, and you are a part of me now. (He kisses me tenderly before making it more aggressive. We can go from zero to one-hundred in minutes and I knew we had to stop or we’d be reenacting a scene from our past on this desk again.)

Pushing Jacob back: What about me, then?

Jacob: What made you fall in love with me? (He was serious but his tone was playful.)

Pam: That won’t be in the interview.

Jacob: Humor me.

Pam: I felt like you were a lost soul. Despite being highly attracted to you…

Jacob interrupting: Highly attracted?

Pam: Yes. (I squeak as Jacob pulls me to the edge of the desk. He’s lined us up even though we aren’t touching. Yet.) I felt like you had secrets deep inside.

Jacob: Deep inside? (He narrows his eyes at me. It’s a trait often reserved for when he wants to make something known he’s serious.)

I sighed: And then when you took care of me. When I was sick. I learned that you were really sweet despite the moodiness.

Jacob, pulling back a bit as he nudged his hips forward: You think I’m moody?

Pam: You know I do. (I laughed.)

Jacob: Let’s go back to those other words. Highly. Deep. Inside. (He leans forward and he knows he’s tempting me. I’m so attracted to Jacob it scares me, but he’s just as drawn to me. He was constantly touching me before anything happened, and now it’s endless.)

Pam: I’d rather hear other words. Love, perhaps? (Jacob’s hands return to my hips and he kisses me on the shoulder).

Jacob: I love you, Lilac. Is that what you want to hear?

Pam: That will do, Mr. Vincent.

Jacob: You know it’s still kind-of hot that you call me that even though you don’t have to anymore. Actually you never had to be so formal with me.

I did have to be that formal, though. It was a way to protect myself. I had to keep our relationship professional. Jacob was too much of a temptation for me in the past and I was tired of being tempted and disappointed by men.

Jacob: When do I get to call you Mrs. Vincent?

I sigh and turn my head to look out the floor to ceiling glass window that holds the most glorious view of Lake Michigan, but he uses his fingers to force me to look at him.

Jacob: Lilac?

Pam: Soon. We have Jess and Emily’s wedding first.

His fingers intertwine with mine and he glances down at my hand. He raises it to kiss my knuckles, then set our hands back on my thigh.

Jacob: I’m a very patient man.

I laugh hard: You are not.

His caramel colored eyes darken and his mouth crooks up on one side: I’ve been known to take my time. (His eyes narrow to emphasize his point. He has learned to take things slow, but he knows I wouldn’t complain if it’s fast either).

Jacob: I think it’s time to end this interview?

Jacob had a way of asking a question that was more a suggestion. He was kissing me again.

Still touching his lips: Want me to set you free, huh?

Jacob: I want to set you free. Free of these clothes.

He was a jokester when things got too serious for him and the interview had been more serious than he cared to share.

Pam: Alright, Mr. Vincent. You’re free.

Jacob: Not yet. (And I heard the clink of his belt unbuckle and the unzip of his jeans). I want to set you free, too, Lilac. (His mouth was against mine again, his tone more serious).

Pam: You already do, Jacob. You already do.

Sound Advice (Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon

Taste Test (Book Two)

Buy Now: Amazon

Touch Screen (Book Four)

Buy Now: Amazon

Newest Series

The Legend of Arturo King
(Legendary Rock Stars Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon

Coming Soon:

The Story of Lansing Lotte
(Legendary Rock Stars Book Two)

Add to Goodreads

About L.B. Dunbar

I’d like to say I was always a writer. I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child. That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing. I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer. But I can’t say any of those things. I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said: Why does it have to be great? Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?

As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn't keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn't allowed to read as a twelve year old.

I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend. Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.

So why writing now? I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn't. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new story line was created. 

I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I've also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.

Stalk Links

Facebook | Facebook Author Amazon | Twitter | Pinterest

Goodreads | Booktropoloussocial

Blog | Website

RELEASE BLITZ~~THE STORY OF LANSING LOTTE (LEGENDARY ROCKSTARS, #2) BY L.B. DUNBAR

Title: The Story Of Lansing Lotte (Legendary Rockstars #2)

Author: L.B. Dunbar

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Synopsis

I get it. I’ve heard the jokes. My name sounds like some medieval character who was a hero. Hell, my best friend’s named Arturo King. Ring any medieval bells? But this is my story and I’m no hero. I also get the jokes. Lancelot is a play on the words lance and lot, and a lance refers to a sword, which is a euphemism for dick. What does a man do with his dick? He fucks. A lot. So if my name is Lansing Lotte, I must be “fucking lot.” Get it? Fucking a lot? Which I’m not saying I don’t, that’s not the point. Another reference to something sexual. Get my point? Huh, I made a punny. But again this is my story, and I haven’t done anything funny. In fact, I’ve killed three women, and only one of them I loved. Yeah, that’s right? Not laughing now. It’s not funny. And I’m definitely no fucking hero.

Buy The Book

BUY LINKS:   AMAZON US   AMAZON UK   B&N   KOBO

Character Introduction: Lansing Lotte Paisley Belle reporting for Guitar Central. Today’s interview is with Lansing Lotte, guitar hero for the award winning rock band, The Nights. Despite the recent tragedy for The Nights, I was able to sit down with Mr. Lotte in a small coffee shop down the street from his historical home in New York City. Perkins Vale, drummer, and Tristan Lyons, bass guitarist, will be joining us soon, but with the few private minutes alone, I begin my inquiry.

Let’s start with how you got into music? L: My mother was the most instrumental in my introduction to the guitar. Pardon the pun. She was what you’d call laid back, a naturalist, almost hippy-like. Music surrounded us and she eventually taught me to play on a 1931 Gibson L-I Flattop. I still have that guitar all these years later.

Speaking of family, we understand you’ve had a rather unusual upbringing. L: (growing fidgety) I don’t typically talk about it, but yes, Vivian DuLac is not my natural mother. Yes, I did inherit Logres Construction. Lansing remains silent for a moment, reflective, and I decide to move on.
Tell me about your nickname: The Lady Killer. L: (flinches at first, but then relaxes, pushing his longer bangs off his forehead) Yeah, well, I’m okay with the ladies (a sly crooked smile begins and those blue eyes sparkle), but I’ve been known to make a few mistakes, break a few hearts. Maybe one too many. (sighs).

Broken hearts, what about being a hero? L: (sitting up straighter and continuing to fidget with the coffee cup in front of him) I wouldn’t say I’m a hero. I did what anyone would do. I have…a connection…to the little girl. I needed to get to her. (Raising my eyebrow) A connection, how? L: (smiling deeper) It’s a long story (laughs).

Well, tell me the story of the band. How did you all come together? L: I met Arturo when we were teenagers; he’s two years older than me. It was a fight over a girl (he looks away for a moment). Anyway, met Perkins in the woods one summer. We just sort of clicked. He’s a natural on the drums. Met Tristan after Arturo went to college. We just gel, a band of brothers. (I soften my tone)

And speaking of brothers, how are you all holding up with the news of Arturo? L: What news? Well, the recent events surrounding Arturo and his… L: There is no news. All we know is Arturo was in an accident. I’m sure you’ve seen the images. Graphic. Disturbing. But we are still hoping for the best. He’s been spotted sporadically, but we don’t have any definite leads. What we do know, is if Arturo King were dead, we would all feel it. Our connection is that strong. If one goes, we would know it. In an attempt to change directions, I ask:

How is Guinevere DeGrance? L: Why? I’m taken aback for a moment and then he continues. L: I apologize. Guinevere is holding up the best she can. Obviously this has all been quite a blow to her. She’s been through a lot, but she’s a strong woman. She’ll make it through this. She has me. She has the band. We are all there for one another.

There for each other, but who is there for you, specifically? (winking) L: (seeming to relax). Someone amazing is there for me. I didn’t see her coming, but she means everything to me. She’s changed my life, literally. It’s a new chapter for me, and I’m looking forward to where this will lead (smiles deeply). I can feel the exciting energy for his unspoken new love interest, but I decide not to pry further.

Okay, can you comment on your world tour being cancelled? L: We had to cancel. We won’t continue without Arturo, so we decided to wait. The fans have been understanding. We are still working on finishing the album, and looking forward to a release tentatively in August. We appreciate everyone’s support for Arturo and we are certain he feels the love they keep sending out to him.

Anything you want to say to your fans? L: We love you. Thanks for your support. We’re sticking together, no worries. You can keep up to date with all things The Nights on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/737318906359166/ At that point, a beautiful blonde woman and a little girl dressed in a ladybug costume enter the coffee shop. Lansing’s attention shifts immediately and the little girl waves to him. He winks at her and she giggles in response. I don’t miss that his eyes wander up to the woman who waits patiently in line for coffee, not acknowledging him. The weight of the Lady Killer’s attention must be too much, because she turns toward us, and slowly smiles at Mr. Lotte. I’ve seen that look before on a few ladies of society. This one definitely has more-than-a-crush on the rock star sitting before me, but I can tell by the look on his face, he feels the same way about her. There’s no sign of Perkins Vale or Tristan Lyons, but I can’t wait to get the nitty-gritty on the quiet member of the band, Perkins. That giant drummer has some secrets, and I can’t wait to learn them next.

Paisley Bell, Guitar Central. 2015

About The Author

L.B. Dunbar loves to read to the point it might be classified as an addiction. The past few years especially she has relished the many fabulous YA authors, the new genre of New Adult, traditional romances, and historical romances. A romantic at heart, she’s been accused of having an overactive imagination, as if that was a bad thing. Author of the Sensations Collection, Sound Advice, Taste Test, Fragrance Free, Touch Screen, and the upcoming Sight Words, she is also author of the Legendary Rock Star series, beginning with The Legend of Arturo King. She grew up in Michigan, but has lived in Chicago for longer, calling it home with her husband and four children.

Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Amazon | TSU | Newsletter| Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Booktropuloussocial | Blogger Website | Instagram

Buy The Book

Amazon | Barnes And Noble

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHARACTER TOUR~~TASTE TEST BY L.B. DUNBAR

Taste Test

by L.B. Dunbar

Character Tour

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

In a modern twist of fairy tales,

what if the beast is a woman instead of a man?

Ethan Scott

I was about to find out when a mysterious job led to the secluded home of a horror novelist. I’d lost everything: my scholarship, my education, and my way. In denial of my family inheritance, I took the unusual employment as a chance out of a hole, but I found myself buried in the unknown trauma of another situation much deeper. 

Ella Vincentia

I had changed my name and my address to keep myself hidden, but my scars were more than physical. Living as a recluse in the woods, I was used to being alone, so I wasn’t happy when a certain someone was always in my space. Our first encounter was less than pleasant and tension continued at every attempt to tame me. 

Secrets

I knew she was keeping secrets and I wanted to help, but she was cutting me down and cutting me off every time she opened her mouth. Our frustration with one another grew until a misunderstanding changed everything. How can I be the next guy after something so tragic? It was a challenge I wasn’t sure I was willing to take.

Buy Now

Amazon | Kobo | B&N

Teasers

  

Ethan Scott and Ella Vincentia Interview

I wake early as I often do in New York. The noises are different here, but it’s also because I’m rather excited to start each day. Ella Vincentia still sleeps next to me, her fall colored hair spilling over the pillow, and I sit up, reaching for my laptop. I have an assignment for my English class to write a personal interview. Seriously, the assignment is interview yourself. I don’t even know where to start and I stare at the spinning icon while the computer comes to life.

Ella, from beside me, mumbling into her pillow: What are you doing up so early? Again.

Ethan: You know I can’t sleep. I’ve got to get this interview paper done this morning before I have to work this afternoon.

I’m working at a restaurant, finally fulfilling my dream to be a chef. It’s a cool set-up as I take classes there during the days in food preparation, and then work at night, learning practical skills in running a restaurant. Unfortunately, when I lost my scholarship and almost flunked out of college before meeting Ella, I failed an English class and I need to make up the credits.

Ella: What are you going to write about? (Her voice is clearer as she’s rolled unto her back and I lose focus as I see her covered in my thin t-shirt. She’s thin as she originally wanted to be a model. I think she’s still the most beautiful girl in the world.)

Ethan: You.

Ella laughs: You can’t write about me. It has to be about you. Here, give me the questions. (She sits up and takes the sheet from me). You can pick any one you want, right?

Ethan: Yep.

Ella: Okay. Start with what was it like to grow up in a small town?

Ethan: It doesn’t say that?

Ella: It doesn’t. It says explain your childhood.

I twist my lips for a minute and begin to answer the question, typing and talking out loud so Ella can hear me.

Ethan: Growing up in a small town was tough. Everyone knows your business. You get in trouble. Everyone knows. It was also hard to live in an older brother’s shadow when he was always so perfect.

Ella: Talk about Gavin.

Ethan: Like what?

Ella: What was it like to have a “perfect” brother?

I blow out air and sigh, running my hands through the wild waves of my own thick hair, before I begin typing and speaking again.

Ethan: Growing up under my brother was difficult, but it took pressure off of me, until he wasn’t so perfect anymore. He was supposed to inherit the family cherry farm. When he left for California and that responsibility fell to me, I resented him at first. I didn’t want to be a farmer. I wanted to be creative in my own way.

Ella: Talk about that. (Here she shifted and leaned over me. As her soft skin brushed up against my arm, I was distracted and I turned to kiss her good morning. I loved waking up next to her. She interrupted my attempts to skip the paper). Ethan, paper. (She can be rather demanding at times).

Ethan, typing: I wanted to be a chef and my father disapproved. I went to school on a scholarship and let things fall apart. When I lost that scholarship I had to come home. The farm seemed destined to be my future, until I met Jacob.

Ella: You’re going to have to explain who Jacob it.

Ethan: Jacob Vincent, is the Jacob Vincent, horror author extraordinaire. He hired me to cook for him and protect his niece.

Ella: I didn’t know you were hired to protect me. Protect me from what? (Her voice was rising in question.)

Teasingly, I answered: Probably him.

Ella: Ha. Seriously? (Her tone softened).

Ethan: You can be a beast at times, Princess.

Ella: I cannot.

Ethan: Yes. You can.

She huffed. Literally, she crossed her arms and pouted. I’d seen it before. She was tough on the outside. She had good reason to be, but I no longer allowed her to be like this with me. I reached for her scarred cheek and traced down one of the gruesome lines, continuing my trail to her neck and inside the t-shirt that slipped off her shoulder. She stilled.

Ethan: You can be difficult, and you know it. But I love you all the same. (I leaned forward and kissed her angry cheek, following the line to her neck. She swallowed hard and I felt it against my lips. I was heading for the inside of that t-shirt when her hands cupped my face).

Ella: Paper, Ethan.

Ethan: What do I get if I finish it?

Ella: Hopefully an A.

I teased again: You’re no fun.

Ella, smiling slowly: Anything you’d like, but you need to finish the paper first.

Ethan: Anything? (I smiled and licked my lips. She knew what I liked to do the most to her).

She looked at me with her best warning glare, but it was lost on her eager face. She liked it when I did those things to her as well and she’d become much better about not denying it.

Ella, pointing at the computer screen: Write about coming to New York.

I sighed again, and began to type: Coming to New York saved me. I wasn’t going to make it in a small town, just like my brother couldn’t take it. I loved my family, but I didn’t plan to spend my life on the farm.

I looked over at Ella who had grown quiet.

Ella spoke softly: Maybe mention your mom?

I swallowed hard myself. My fingers numbing as I typed.

Ethan: My mother has breast cancer. She was in remission, but it struck again, and I felt obligated to help her. We are very close, but she knew I needed to live my dream. She gave me permission to leave, telling me to follow my heart.

Ella smiles weakly at me. She loves my mom, too, and I know she worries that I might be missing out on time with Mum (she’s from England), but I assure Ella that being with her is where I’m meant to be.

Ethan: Hey. Home is here, remember? (I point to her heart beneath the thin shirt and she covers my hand with her own. The bracelet I gave her dangles from her wrist and it amazes me she never takes it off, even when everything else is removed. She nods her head at me, knowing that I mean what I’ve said).

Ethan: What else should I talk about?

Ella: How you have the best girlfriend in the world?

I laugh: You are a princess, Princess.

She laughs as well and moves as if to climb over me like if she’s going to exit the bed.

Ethan: Where do you think you’re going? (I lean over the laptop to stop her once she straddles my knees).

Ella: As long as you’re up, I might as well work on my homework too.

Ethan: Oh I’m up alright, but homework is the last thing on my mind now. (Holding onto one of her hips, I shift to remove the computer from my lap and tug her closer to me).

Ella giggles: Ethan, you need to finish that interview. (Her hands reach for my shoulders to balance her over me).

Ethan: It can wait.

Ella: I’m not giving you anything until that paper is finished.

I tease: Nothing? (I lean forward and take her lips with mine. She fights me as she does at times when she’s not getting her way). Give in. (I mumble against her lips. To prove she’s in control, she takes over and I let her. Suddenly she pulls back).

Ella: Dammit. (She knows she’ll give in).

Smiling in victor, I speak: I’ve told you, quit challenging me, Princess. (My hands slip inside my t-shirt on her).

She whines: Ethan, please. The paper.

I slyly answer: I’d rather please you.

She laughs and it’s the best sound. There was time she hardly laughed or smiled, but now I take pleasure in knowing I can make her do both. She tucks a piece of her brilliant red hair behind her ear, exposing her scars to me, knowing I’m not afraid to kiss her crazy along the lines, which is what I intend to do. Interview over. I have questions to explore on this wonderful girl’s body instead.

Sound Advice (Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon

Fragrance Free (Book Three)

Buy Now: Amazon

Touch Screen (Book Four)

Buy Now: Amazon

Newest Series

The Legend of Arturo King

(Legendary Rock Stars Book One)

Buy Now: Amazon

Coming Soon:

The Story of Lansing Lotte

(Legendary Rock Stars Book Two)

Add to Goodreads

About L.B. Dunbar

I’d like to say I was always a writer. I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child. That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing. I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer. But I can’t say any of those things. I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said: Why does it have to be great? Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?

As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn't keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn't allowed to read as a twelve year old.

I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend. Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.

So why writing now? I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn't. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new story line was created. 

I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I've also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.

Stalk Links

Facebook | Facebook Author Amazon | Twitter | Pinterest

Goodreads | Booktropoloussocial

Blog | Website