“You’re probably right.” He rested his forehead against mine. “We’ll give them a couple of months then. I can’t wait longer than that for you to be Mrs. Anderson.”
“Me neither. It might not be official yet, but our forever starts now,” I said, planting my mouth on his.
“That sounds heavenly. Forever starts tonight,” his words flowed between my parted lips, filling my heart to overflowing.
“Now, take me to bed or lose me forever,” I commanded with a smirk.
“We’ll never lose each other again. Promise.” He smacked my butt then darted for the stairs.
“Let’s make a love song,” he said as he lowered me gently to the bed.
And we did.
♪ I’ll Never Let You Go by Steelheart
THE END
Thank You
Wow. You’ve made it to the end of Izzy and Dawson’s journey (for now). Though I have literally written three novels now, there are not adequate words to tell you, the reader, what it means to me that you have taken a chance on me and my creation. I’d love to hear from you about what you think of Dawson and Izzy’s journey so far.
Though Dawson and Izzy first revealed their love story to me through a pair of letters featured in book 2 seeking advice from the universe, they also revealed the end of their story to me shortly there after. Knowing the ending helped me get through the heart wrenching moments these two dragged me through. I know many of you were angry and skeptical at the end of the other two books about whether or not Dawson truly loved Izzy and deserved a second chance. I hope you have all become convinced of their love and are happy with how things turned out for them.
Thank you for taking this ride with me. Stay tuned to find out what’s next for me and Lyrical Odyssey.
Sneak Peek!
Want to read about one of Dawson’s bandmates? Were there questions you had from Dawson and Izzy’s story that you didn’t get answered? I have more planned for them and the other members of Lyrical Odyssey. I also have a paranormal romance story that I was writing before Dawson and Izzy got so insistent that I write their love story first. Sign up for my newsletter to find out when the next book will be available. In the meantime, here is a very small peek at Book 4 in the Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series. After that there’s a sneak peek of Blood Song.
Lyrical Odyssey Rock Stars Book 4
HER
It was supposed to just be a one-night stand. I wasn't supposed to catch feelings. He's a rock star and having feelings for him would be devastating. And I'm already struggling — no job, no home, no love life. I don't believe in love or happily ever after. Fun and orgasms are more concrete.
HIM
Just one night. Usually just one round. That was all I was good for. It was all I ever wanted. Of course with her, I wanted multiple rounds and the next morning. But when I left that was supposed to be the end of it. So, why can't I get her laugh out of my ears? Her smile from behind my eyelids? Her touch off my fingertips? Her moans out of my dreams?
Synopsis of Blood Song
Toven is a musical genius who’s lived through many lifetimes. His only joy is found in songwriting. He hates what he is and shuts himself away from the world. That worked fine for nearly two hundred years. But the world is no longer content to let him be a recluse, selling his songs in the shadows. It demands he step into the light and join the land of the living.
Celesta is an average girl just trying to finish her degree, until tragedy snatches everything from her. She devises a dangerous plan to sell the only thing of value she has left, herself, to uncover the truth. She must leave one nightmare for another to overcome her misfortune.
Can a monster turn into her dream come true? Can a mere girl inspire new melodies for a world-renowned lyricist?
Excerpt from Blood Song
(unedited and subject to change)
Methodically, I grabbed an empty hanger for my beautiful dress. With sure fingers, I unfastened the button at the nape of my neck. The straps of the halter rested on each shoulder. I reached my arms behind me for the zipper. But I couldn’t quite grab the zipper. I contorted my arms trying to reach the elusive tab of metal. Finally, I trapped it between two fingers on the same hand. I gave a little tug downward. The zipper moved only a couple of millimeters before getting hung. I yanked harder. The more I jerked, the more resistance I felt in the zipper.
OK. Maybe I could slip it down over my hips.
I grabbed a handful of fabric on each hip and tugged down. It didn’t budge at all. Then I tried to pull it over my head. I got it partially lifted up around my torso, but once the slim back of the dress got around my bustline, it wouldn’t budge any further. My arms were trapped above my head. I couldn’t grip the fabric to shimmy it back down.
“Crap.”
How was I going to get myself out of the most gorgeous thing to ever touch my skin without a pair of scissors? Jacque would kill me if I damaged this dress.
Before I could devise a new plan, there was a soft knock on the door. I froze. My ears strained for sound in the hallway.
“Celesta, it’s me. Is everything OK?”
I laughed. “Just a little wardrobe malfunction.”
“What?” he asked in a confused voice.
“Come in. I feel ridiculous speaking to you through a closed door.”
I heard the door open and shut quietly.
“Where are you Celesta?”
I retreated further into the closet, too embarrassed to let him see me.
“I’m in the closet. Trying to get out of my dress.” His feet shuffled towards the closet. “Stay where you are. You can’t see me like this.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m stuck in my dress, and if you see, you’ll laugh at me.” I pouted.
“Maybe I can help. Come out.”
I was going to need assistance getting unstuck. I’d just have to suck it up.
Humiliated, I walked to the closet doorway. He was standing in the middle of the room. The sight of him made my mouth go dry. He’d removed his suit jacket. The lengths of his tie trailed down the sides of his torso perfectly framing the opening made by his unbuttoned dress shirt. The parted white fabric revealed an expanse of smooth, tan skin. Muscles rippled as he strode toward me.
He was fighting a smile and biting his lip to keep from chuckling.
“I heard your frustrated mutterings and thought you might need something. Do you need some assistance?”
“My zipper got stuck. I thought I could get it, but then it grabbed the edge of the fabric, and now it won’t move up or down. So, I tried to slip the dress over my head, but it got stuck. I don’t want to rip the dress. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn.” I made myself shut up because I was rambling. I tended to that when I got nervous or excited. I wasn’t sure which I was at the moment, maybe both.
“Let me see.”
I hobbled over to where he stood. Then I turned and presented my back to him. His fingers reached to grab the zipper. I stood statuesque as he wiggled the metal, trying to free the fabric from the tiny metal teeth. His fingers brushed my skin, which promptly broke out in goosebumps. His warm breath feathered the shell of my ear as he worked on the zipper. My body heated under his breath. He was creating warring sensations within me without even realizing it. I watched him in the mirrored doors of the wardrobe.
Finally, the fabric gave as he freed it. He tugged the zipper down slowly and gently to prevent any further hang-ups. Once the fabric was free to fall open, the dress dropped, baring me down to my waist. He stepped backwards.
I thought having him see me with my arms trapped over my head was humiliating. Meeting his eyes in the mirror as he drank in the sight of my bare skin was disconcerting. My bare breasts were exposed to Toven’s hungry stare. He drew in a noisy breath, which was odd because he did everything barely making a sound normally. So, to hear his breath was unnatural. He licked his lips as his eyes roved over my creamy skin. He seemed to be memoriz
ing every inch of my naked breasts, from the sloping swell to the soft underside to my dark rose-colored areola and my puckered peaks. My nipples hardened further beneath the heat of his gaze.
I moved towards him an inch at a time, my movement barely perceptible. Or maybe he moved towards me. Either way soon there was only a fraction of air separating us. We stared at each other. Our breathing synchronized. Exhaling deep breaths simultaneously caused my nipples to graze his pectoral muscles. The sensation caused us both to moan quietly. Neither of us progressed things.
We stood there frozen in time for a moment, for an hour, I had no idea. But we both seemed too afraid to move. I didn’t want to shatter whatever spell we were under. I wasn’t sure why he didn’t move. I wanted things I didn’t know how to ask for. I had no words to voice them. But for some reason, I felt if I moved, I certainly wouldn’t be getting what I wanted.
After a time, he seemed to come out of a trance. He tore his eyes from me and looked over my shoulder. I followed his gaze. Steam was billowing out of the bathroom.
He moved back. My body cried out in silent protest at the distance he was putting between us.
“I’ll leave you to your shower.”
“Toven,” I didn’t know why I called his name. I just wanted to stop him from going, maybe beg him to stay.
He reached a hand out to brush my cheek.
“Shhhh… go enjoy your shower. Then sleep well, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
I didn’t even try to respond as he turned on his heel and walked quickly out. His pace caused his open shirt tails to flap in his wake.
I stood there a moment later, staring at the closed door. My body wanted to call him back in, to beg him to touch me, kiss me, take me.
About the Author
So, I know these things are generally written in third person as if someone else is talking about me. But I just can’t do it. LOL. It may be “unprofessional” but I’m just me. And I hope that’s OK with you guys.
I’m a Carolina girl, through and through. I’ve lived in North Carolina my whole life. I’m a wife, a mom, a scientist and a freelance editor. And now I guess I get to officially add author to the list of things I am. I still can’t believe it.
For as long as I can remember, reading has been my favorite way to pass the time. I always have a book with me and usually am reading more than one at any given time. Editing for indie authors gave me a unique glimpse into the indie publishing world. It’s a world I’m really enjoying becoming a part of.
Let’s Keep in Touch
I’d love to hear from you guys. Tell me what you think of Dawson and Izzy. Tell me what you’d like to see me write next. Recommend a great book for me to check out. Let me know what typos you found within my pages. Whatever you want, I want to hear from you.
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Acknowledgments
It’s that time again. Time for the most important part of my book, the acknowledgements. So many think this indie author journey is a solitary one. But I am learning nothing could be farther from the truth. My circle of support grows every day. It’s amazing and humbling. As usual, I’m going to try to thank you all, but I’m afraid I might miss someone because the list of people who matter so much on this journey could fill a book.
My wonderful husband is of course first on my list, as he should be. Brian, you love and support me in ways beyond anything I ever really envisioned when I promised you my forever. I know that I wouldn’t continue putting words to paper without your unfailing belief in my ability to achieve anything I put my mind to. To my little buddy, your enthusiasm and fierce defense of my dream means so much. One day you’re going to make an amazing husband. (Many years from now.) I love you and Daddy so much.
To my family, close and extended, your love and support have made me the person I am today.
Leslie (Les-Dog), there are not enough ways to say thank you for all you’ve been in my life. Your help with this story has helped make Dawson and Izzy’s story so much more. I love you.
CJ, thank you again for your help with the musical aspects of my story.
Alora, look what you did. This whole thing started because of you. Because you saw something in my random writing that I didn’t see in myself.
My wonderful friend, Susan, you are amazing. Your talents are so much greater than you realize. Your friendship and loyalty are gifts I’ll never take for granted. And thank you so much for creating perfect faces for my books.
Krysta, Yanette, Jill, Crystal, Heather, Amanda, Marcy, and Michelle, thank you so much for beta reading and helping me make Songs of the Heart even better than I imagined with your help from launching a seek and destroy mission on my typos, giving me additional song inspirations, suggesting scene additions and soothing my fears. It wouldn’t be nearly as good as it is without you.
Ann Marie, thank you for having time to help each time I’ve needed you.
Athena, Crystal, Anne, Kennedy, Sunniva – my rocker romance friends — thank you for inspiring and encouraging me to join the ranks of Rocker Romance Writers.
Nathanie, as always, thank you for making my words shine and for loving my characters.
Silvia, thank you for working with me and polishing my story.
Huge thank you Tyler Rich for allowing me to include your lyrics to “The Difference” in my story. Those words were perfect.
If you paid attention, you’ll have noticed the Easter eggs I planted from other indie authors in all three books so far — other books, fictional bands, characters, tattoo shops. It is an honor to include these little tidbits to authors who I’ve admired for so long. I hope you’ll check their books out.
After We Break by Katy Regenry
Shattered Hearts series by Cassia Leo
Lie to Me by Lee Piper
Dead Silence by KG Reuss
Vail – rockers created by Lisa Suzanne
Darkest Days – rockers created by Athena Wright
Dangerous Noise – rockers created by Crystal Kaswell
Rogue – rockers created by Lara Ward Cosio
Falling Down and Blush – rockers created by Anne Mercier
Warning Sign and Oblivion – rockers created by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot
Thank you to all these amazing authors who allowed me to share a tiny piece of their creations in my story. I have read each of these authors. You should definitely check out their series.
Thank you to Whiff for helping me create something so very unique. Izzy’s special perfume mentioned in the book is an actual perfume that I worked with a perfumer to design. It really is called Happily Ever After, and it’s amazing. If you want your own bottle of it, here’s the link to it HERE.
My ARC team, there are not enough words to thank you for all your help and encouragement. You all mean so very much to me. I think I have the best ARC team out there.
Charli’s Rockin’ Readers, you guys are my safe, happy place. I love hanging out with you all and getting your insights on everything from my stories to music to life. Your enthusiasm and love for my characters is not something I ever could’ve anticipated.
To all the bloggers who shared, read, encouraged — I’ll never be able to thank you enough.
And last, but never least, to all you readers who decided to try out my words, thank you. Please reach out and let me know what you thought of the book If you enjoyed Songs of the Heart, please consider leaving a review on Amazon for it.
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Songs of the Heart: Lyrical Odyssey Rock Star Series Book 3 Page 33