Sweet Tooth- short stories by Philip Ellis

Hello All!

How are you doing? I am so ready for Monday to roll around and I can have some free time to write. Having the kids home from school is great and a lot of fun, just not when you have a million things to do and they keep interrupting.

This is a review that has been WAY over due and I apologize for that Philip!

"Everybody wants to be loved; it is the nature of the beast."

Sweet Tooth dives under the skin of the twenty-first century animal to bring you stories of love, loss, desire and revenge. An unearthed diary yields terrible secrets; a lonely young man tells a lie that spirals out of control; a trip to Italy goes horribly wrong for two lovers, and a little girl hears screams from the house next door...
At times funny and poignant, at others chilling and provocative, 'Sweet Tooth' is Philip Ellis's page-turning debut collection of fictional tales that will leave you wanting more.




TITLES:

Black Rabbit
Strange Candy
Changeling
Something Blue
Mouthwash
Anthony's Breakfast
Nine Lives
The Girlfriend
Can't Go Back
Local Haunts
Toffee
Night Light
Brown Eyed Boy
Sable
Nobody's Cub
Vlad

"Changeling" *My favorite!

I was clinging on every word. I needed to know who this girl is, why is the child forbidden and what the heck is going on. I would absolutely love to see this story made into a book or a novella, at least. When I had finished reading it I just stared at the computer wishing there was more. So intriguing. Does what it is supposed to do, keep you wanting more. And that is what it did to me, It definitely kept me wanting more, much more

"Something Blue"

We all know about 'cold feet 'before your wedding, but did you ever imagine for it to come with a ghost too? That is what Fiona goes through the night before her wedding to Carl, but what does this ghost want?

This story had a nice way in showing how people sometimes settle without even knowing it, but will you be strong enough to do what is needed to do?

"Strange Candy"

I loved this story until I got to the end. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I had simply expected a different ending. I felt as if the story kept growing into this darkness that was this girl and the things she did and then, ended a little too fast and with no “WOW” factor. This is another story that I would love to read more about, with a slightly different ending.

*******

"Sweet Tooth" consists of sixteen short fiction anthology stories. I have read them all in one sitting. It is hard to finish a story and not be intrigues on what the next one will bring, to see what kind of trouble his characters will come across.

This is perfect for anyone that loves reading but may not have the time to invest in a novel or a book. The stories are short enough to read before bed, during lunch, or simply while waiting for the kids to get out of school. Whatever your case may be, I guarantee you will love them. Philip Ellis definitely has a little bit for everyone to enjoy.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Philip Ellis is an award-winning British fiction writer. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with an English and French degree, Philip travelled to Canada where he worked as a teacher, before returning home to England. Philip now works as an SEO content writer for a multi-site online retailer but has plans to become a full time author, as this is where his true passion lies.





If you would like to purchase Philip Ellis's Anthology, please click here.

To check out his blog, click here.

His Twitter Acct is @philip_ellis, so go on and stalk him!

Book Review "The Willows: Haven"

“The Willows: Haven… Wow. WOW. Wo-wa-wee-wa WOW.

Yes, that is EXACTLY how I feel right now. I had family over my house this weekend and it was impossible to be on the computer when I was never at home. Lucky for me, I was able to read the entire book on my phone. I could not put it down and I got a dozen dirty looks from my mom which was all very much worth it.

I am the type of person that either gets sucked into a book on the first page and am not able to put it down, or I don’t get into it at all. Sometimes it can be a struggle fighting to try to find a spark, something that will ignite some interest. With Hope Colliers “The Willows: Haven” was instantaneous. The same way a spark creates a fire and spreads steadily over the land, I was all over the story. I craved it and needed it.

“When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.
               Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?”

Hope you kicked YA butt!! I can only wish, when I finish my book, it will be as incredible as this one. This is what reading is all about. Immersing yourself in a different dimension, forgetting about your own world, forgetting to even breathe when the main characters find themselves sharing a very private moment.

In the first paragraph alone there is already mystery and action; you will be one hundred percent mesmerized (at least I was.) I was captivated by the amazing flow of her words and how easy it was to connect with each and every single character. Hope Collier has an amazing way of storytelling. I cannot even remember how many times I fell in love throughout the story, well- it was two actually. My husband should really be jealous right about now! All joking aside, I love all these characters so much now, except for one.. ugh! Kevin, you will forever be in my doo-doo list. It feels as if we have all been acquaintances for a really long time.
I am not one to give anything away, therefore I try to speak about what happens in the story as little as possible. But after tragedy hits Ashton she finds herself driving across country and meeting some special people along the way, especially gorgeous Gabe. Their story evolves into a beautifully written romance that keeps you itching for more. But, if you have one heart to give, one chance to give it.. can you live with yourself if you give it to the wrong person? That is what Ashton must find in her quest for the truth. The truth of who she really is and what exactly she is as well.

Hope Collier gave an amazing spin to mythology and, even though I am not very familiar with it all, it was easy to follow and in the end all made sense. The moment I finished the book I really, really, REALLY *desperate voice* needed more. I certainly hope this is book #1 of many. I already told the hubby I want the paperback for my birthday coming up.. yeah, it is THAT good.

This book gets 5 golden stars!

I was fortunate enough that Hope agreed to do a brief interview!! Please find it below as well as the links to “The Willows: Haven.”

Hope Collier was born in Harlan County, Kentucky. Growing up in the Appalachia, she quickly learned that a good imagination — along with the ability to outrun the neighbor’s cantankerous dog — was essential to survival. Hope wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of six and never stopped writing. She now lives in central Kentucky with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. When not spending time with her imaginary friends, you’re likely to find her stalking other writers on Twitter or searching out new ways of fitting square pegs into round holes.

 

1- I know you have been writing for quite some time, you actually wrote your first book at six years of age. What was it that got you to writing and made you keep going?

Making up stories is something I've always done. I lived in southeastern Kentucky until I was six. Living in the mountains was a breeding ground for my imagination. Everything from the stories my uncles would tell around the campfire to making up my own adventures with my cousins … everything had potential to grow into something more. We moved to "the big city" right after I turned six. My 1st grade teacher told us to put pen to paper, and write our stories down. After that, I just never quit.

2- What or who inspires you?

The thing that inspire me most is music. I admire anyone who can take what's essentially an entire story and squeeze into four minutes worth of rhyming words and a melody. I like the deeper meaning in the lyrics. I like how each instrument sets the scene as if it's a character in and of itself. Music moves me like nothing else.

3- Which authors do you admire and why?

First would be Elizabeth Isaacs. She's my mentor and personal Yoda! Her ability to make the reader truly feel is just mind boggling. I've never really *experienced* a story like I did with The Light of Asteria.

Second is Lisa Kleypas. Her characters in the Hathaway series are flawless in a flawed sort of way. I hope to one day write such distinct ones.

Third would be Janet Evanovich. No one writes relatable like Janet. She can take any situation in a story and make you feel like you're not the only one who bumbles through life. 


4- How was "The Willows: Haven" created?

Haven came about, as cliché as it sounds, after I had a dream. Honestly though, 99% of what I write comes from my dreams. Gabe was the first character to really have a voice. He wasn't doing anything in particular in my dream. I just knew he was this inherently good person, and I got to thinking about him more. Who was he really? What purpose did he serve? Who could he affect with his life? Thus, Ashton was born followed by the rest. I'm not a planner, so the story came to me in pieces as the characters began speaking up.

5-  a) I, personally, fell in love with two of the male characters: Gabe and Kyle. Were they written in reference to anyone you know? And if so, where can I find them? (DM me their number haha)

Haha! They weren't written in their entirety from anyone one person. I think bits and pieces have come from people and experiences I've had with others, but mostly they created themselves. Gabe, of course, came to me in the dream. I didn't have much say in his personality. He's actually quite hard to capture. As for Kyle, when I started the story, he wasn't even a main character. It wasn't until later I realized how important he truly was. At that point, he did the writing for me, letting me in on a need-to-know basis ;)  

b) Have you ever or will you ever, use any personal experiences?

For me, just about everything is personal in some way, even if not in the obvious. A little bit of me or my life goes into most characters whether they have a trait or habit or weakness. Names, features, hobbies … most things in my story have purpose. As far as it goes for being non-human, well, that one is just a fantasy!

6- Will there be a second, third, fourth, fifth... installment? I NEED more!!!!

Without a doubt! I'm currently working on the sequel now. Expected publication is Fall 2012. My plans are for a trilogy, but seeing as I fly by the seat of my pants and follow the characters, that may change. 

7- What can we expect next?

In Book 2, we'll get to explore the world Ashton, Gabe and the others live in. It's a more in-depth look at their origins, history, and abilities. Plus, some of those unanswered questions come to light leaving more mysteries to unravel.

Hope Collier’s Information:

Website: http://www.hopecollier.com/

Twitter: @hopecollier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.hope.collier

To buy the paperback go to:  http://soulfirepress.com/the-willows-haven

Amazon Kindle purchase here.

Barnes & Noble Nook purchase here

 Smashwords purchase here.

Proud Mommy

Hi Guys,

Okay, this past Saturday when I was driving home from Miami my kids decided to have a face-off on the Pledge of Allegiance. I had NO idea my son was so avid at it. Last night I decided the whole world should see it and so, when he went to bed, wearing his American Flagged shirt I recorded him.

Here is the video so you all can enjoy it.

Note: Isn't it cute how he cannot, for the life of him, say "Indivisible"? I love it :) Also, I could not make the sound transition any better in the beginning.. not sure why.

Hope you likey

XOXO

#flashfiction Changes pt2 "Chemistry"

Hi Guys!

I know, I know I have been a little MIA lately. Migraines are no fun. I wrote pt1 to "Changes" last friday for #flashfiction and today, at the very last minute I was able to pull pt2 out of my poopie brain. All i can say is, I sure hope I make sense :)

Changes pt.2

“Chemistry”

I opened my eyes at the faintest movement on my lap. My arms were still clutched around his body. I looked down at his closed eyes and then onto his torn shirt and the dried blood all over him and around us.

“Please wake up Riley. Please wake up.” I silently pleaded to him. I knew this could happen. I knew I could lose him and I still allowed him to talk me into it. What had I been thinking? “I wasn’t thinking. It was not me who did this to him. It was the stupid animal instinct that comes with this new life.” As much as I tried to convince myself I could never come to terms with it if I had killed him. “Please wake up baby.” I closed my eyes once again and a red tear flowed down my face and made its way to him.

“Mmm, that’s tasty.” His voice was hoarse but all that crossed my mind was that he had made it. My arms tightened around him, even when I heard him complain that I was hugging him too hard. “Easy, easy Mia. I told you all would be okay.” I stared into his deep purple eyes and he winked at me. The happiness that filled me was almost unbearable and it made me want him. Yes, I want him now.

“I want you too” flowed his voice inside my head. My eyes widened but the thought didn’t go much further. Before I knew it he was tearing my clothes off. His new strength was really doing it for me. He licked the still wet blood from my face and I realized, between moans, that he must be hungry. I would never forget the burning sensation on my throat when I woke up for the first time. The way it consumed me as I scavenged the forest for something to eat.

          His hands kept tracing my whole body, I moved my head to the side exposing my neck and silently spoke to him, “Feed. You have to.”

His lips where still on my breast, where his hands ferociously traced their way onto my back, pushing me closer to him. “I want nothing more than you.”

“Now Riley. Feed NOW.” I was surprised at how hard my own voice sounded, but I needed him to focus. If he didn’t feed, and soon, he could turn into ashes and forever vanish. He must have seen the thoughts that crossed my mind because he didn’t fight me anymore. One of his hands cupped the back of my head while the other held my arching back closer. His teeth sunk into my skin and where there was pain the first time someone fed off me and eventually changed me, this time it was the most pleasurable sensation I had experienced.  I felt my blood rush out of my body and onto his, there can’t be anything more intimate than this. I moaned and in return he sunk his teeth even deeper.

In one swift and extremely fast movement he had me pinned with my back against my desk; the coldness of the glass on my body was a welcomed change to the intense heat we were both emanating. 

y  B

I looked around and shook my head at the sight of all the blood on the hardwood floor. I walked into the tiny closet in my office and pulled out one of those Swifter mops and got to cleaning while Riley picked up the broken glass table off the floor. Tip for new vampire lovers: glass is just not strong enough anymore.

“What are you going to tell them about the desk?” Riley asked as he put the large pieces on a black industrial garbage bag.

“I don’t know.. That my gigantic piece of ass cracked it won’t work, right?” I gave him a look as if seriously considering such excuse. He shook his head and laughed under his breath. I stopped mopping the floor and turned to him. “How are you feeling?” It was the question no one had asked of me when the total stranger decided to change my life, and I didn't want him to feel as I had in the beginning.

“Alright. You?” He kept working on the pieces of glass.

He can be such a guy sometimes. “I mean, with the change, with everything that comes with it.” I started cleaning the little smudge that just wouldn’t come off.

“I have been reading about them.. err, us, for quite some time. It doesn’t really feel like much has changed other than the fact that well, we will need blood instead of food. Everything else stays the same, right? How did it happen with you?” He looked down and closed his eyes. “I hate the fact that I wasn’t there to help you, to stop or to just be there through it all. I am sorry Mia.”

“Ri, it wasn’t your fault.” I didn’t want him to feel that way. I went on to explain how and where it happened. “I had gone with my brother to a pub by his dorm and well, I am older and get tired more easily now. So I decided to tough out the cold night and walk by myself back to his dorm.” He made a face. “I know, it was stupid. I had almost made it there when I saw someone on the entrance to an alley squirming in pain. I don’t know what crossed my head to make me go check on him, but I did. I asked him if he was okay but he just kept squirming until I saw his eyes, by then he had already grabbed me and taken me into the darkest part of the alley. I called for someone to help me, but he kept his hand over my mouth.” I saw the expression on his face transform and I decided those were enough details for now. “I woke up with the burning sensation you must have woken up to and remembered the guy saying if I didn’t feed I would turn into ashes. So I ran into the forest and after a while I found a deer by the creek. I was disgusted with myself for even thinking about it, but I didn’t want to die.”

“You did what you had to do babe.” He closed the distance between us and took me in his arms. The feel of his skin on my made my insides rejoice. Our chemistry was magnified with the new change. My breaths started coming quicker and I could feel his heart start racing. His hand found the back of my neck and pulled my head back, claiming my lips with his. We were soon lost in lust. Again. With great difficulty I pulled away from him.

“We are going to have to rush home; otherwise we will break every glass window and every desk in this place.”

 Love you all!!!!

XOXO

Lucy

Changes - #FlashFiction

Hello!

I wrote this little piece on Thursday for #flashfiction. I know it is Saturday, but I wanted to go ahead and post it so next Friday I can post the second part.

Now, I sat down on the computer without an idea of what I was going to write. It flowed out and with the help of @Safireblade I was able to fix it up a little. Hope you all enjoy it and comment below with any criticism. You all know me and I do not get easily offended :)

Here it is:

CHANGES

I was still unable to grasp the fact that it needed to be brought to an end. Now. I stared at him through the tall, thick glass that separated my office from the rest of them. From him. Fortunately, he could not see me. I was used to these walls by now. In the beginning, I would always squirm when I was looking at someone and they would look back. The feeling of being caught staring making me blush.

Riley typed intently on his computer; every so often coming up for air. On a few occasions he stole a look my way smiling. His smile was beautiful, just like the rest of him. He usually kept his dark blonde hair loosely pulled back in a ponytail. Today was no exception. His gray eyes captured me every time I dared look at them. As if they were able to keep a hold on me. Melting my insides until there was nothing else to do, but fall into his arms.

I closed my eyes, letting my arms fall down weightless to my side. A long sigh escaped my slightly parted lips as I made my way back onto my black leather chair. I sat down, allowing my mind to wander through the memories from when I first saw him.

“New guy. Three o’clock. Total hottie.” Tina said under her breath as she walked past my cubicle and sat in her chair, directly across from me.

With no intentions of being discreet I looked to my right. Tom, the manager, was standing in the way and I could not get a clear view of this new ’hottie’. I could tell the guy worked out from the way his shirt hung onto his body. Although a little too tight for my liking, it gave away the toned muscles underneath. Tom went on and on, talking about the rules of the office, most likely. I was starting to get aggravated. He wouldn’t move and I had better things to do than spend my day trying to catch a peek at the new guy. I got up, crept up behind Tom and slowly tapped on his shoulder. He jumped at my touch, just enough for me to notice, before he turned around.

“Ah, Mia. How may I help you?” Tom’s bald head shone extra bright that morning against the fluorescent lights that hung over us. I glanced back. Most of the girls were standing up and looking over their cubicles, waiting as I had been, to catch a look at the hottie.

“Well you see. We heard there’s a new hottie working here and everyone is waiting to see him. You are kind of on the way...” I waited as the unsaid words slowly made their way into his brain. He now looked over my shoulder at the rest of the girls. I could hear muffled giggles coming from behind me.

Tom did move and finally gave way for us all to take the new guy in. A total hottie was an understatement. He was absolutely mind boggling gorgeous.

“Riley, let me introduce you to Mia, who as you can see has no shame. Mia, this is Riley.” He was right. I always speak my mind. Everyone knew me for that. Riley walked over and stretched out his hand towards me. Another thing I was really good at? Play games with men.

 I looked at his hand and then back at him, “Nice meeting you kid” I turned on my heels and walked away. I just left him hanging, and most likely, wanting to know more about me. Almost instantly, all my co-workers started IM’ing me about what a bitch I had been to him, but secretly they were all pleased, thinking they would have more of a chance with him. Sure enough, one by one, all the girls took turns introducing themselves, but he just kept looking back at me. Just like I knew he would.

The knocking on the glass door brought me back to reality. I straightened up as Riley walked in. My face lit up every time I saw him. It didn’t matter what was going on in my head or around us. There was an automated mechanism that when I spotted him, even from across the room, I smiled. I blamed him, a few times, for the lines on both sides of my mouth. He filled me with happiness and now, I had to let go of it all.

He walked over to me, slowly picking me up from my seat. His hands slipped around my waist pulling me onto him. I buried my face on his chest. I took a deep breath, inhaling his scent. His warmth radiated off of him and I felt it wrap itself around me. His rough hand found my chin, carefully lifted my face up to look at him, even now, tormented as I was, I smiled at him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. He waited for my response but none came. “You have been different since you got back. Has something happened?” His eyes dug onto mines, as if he could see through them and find the answer I could not give him. After a brief silence, I found my voice.

“Yes” was all my mouth could say. I closed my eyes and a single tear made its way down my cheek. His thumb caressed the skin under my eye, blocking and erasing the stream of tears that were now making their debut.

“Talk to me Mia, please.” The warmth of his breath was directly on my face. The burning in my stomach started. The smell of him taking crept its way taking over my mind completely. Taking over my new and unexplored instincts. My breath began to come in jagged little gasps. I wouldn’t be able to do it, it was too much. Too sweet. I was still brand new to this and did not know exactly what I would be capable of.

“Go away Riley” my voice sounded flat and distorted. I knew there wasn’t much time, I couldn’t hurt him. I kept my eyes shut to hide the truth from him, but he wouldn’t budge. He pulled me closer and kissed the spot below my ear and I moaned as I opened my eyes. The second he pulled away and looked at me, he finally understood what was wrong. His hold on me loosened and a wave of shock washed over his big gray eyes. He shook his head slightly and turned his gaze from my blazing eyes to my mouth, where it too had changed.

            “It’s not possible..” He took a few steps back and I was glad for it. I just wished he would leave, I didn’t want him to see me like this and I couldn’t live with myself if I hurt him.

“Please. Leave.” It wasn’t my voice anymore, I was too gone now. He stared into what I knew were my now purple eyes and closed the gap between us. “What are you doing?” My usual voice asked him in a piercing desperation.

He once again pulled my face up to meet my eyes. “I love you Mia and nothing will ever change that.” He leaned in to kiss me. I shoved him back. Unaware of my new strength, I sent him flying onto the glass wall, luckily, it didn’t shatter. I could feel my whole being burning with the hunger; I knew it wouldn’t be long until it happened.

“I’m sorry” I whispered as he stood up. “But you have to leave. You know what will happen if you don’t Riley and I don’t want to hurt you.” He pulled off his sweater and walked towards me again. This time without holding back his strength he grabbed me by my arms. I closed my eyes and tried to fight through the pain emanating from my body.

“You won’t hurt me. As long as I can be with you, I don’t care what I am.” I opened my eyes and looked at him as he smiled back at me. “Do it.” His voice was so inviting. He cocked his head to the side and the animal inside finally overcame me.

(to be continued…)

© "Changes" by Lucy Swing.