Can you see discrimination?

April 2nd is World Austism Awareness Day

Fact on Austism: People with autism may demonstrate above average levels of concentration, reliability and accuracy.

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So I'm taking part in RJ Scott’s April Blog Hop, aimed at discrimination and prejudice.  When thinking about what form of discrimination I could write about, it seemed only fair that with my two recent releases, Blind Faith and Through These Eyes, that I approached the discrimination that blind people in our communities face on a daily basis.

As a member of any community in the developed world, whether able sighted or not, we are entitled to basic human rights.  So what are the rights of blind people? It is tempting to reply, no different from those of the sighted. We want a happy childhood; a good education; a satisfying job; a fulfilling family life; enjoyable leisure and social activities, and the chance to take a full part in public life. We want respect; esteem; affection; but above all recognition that we are citizens with full civil and human rights.

More often than not, it’s not the perception of the blind person that they can’t do or perform certain tasks, but the opinions of able sighted people who think blind people aren’t capable.

Many things able sighted people take for granted, are not a sure thing for those who are vision impaired.  Things such as:

Paid employment – probably the most trying. Some statistics I’ve read doing research for this blog post suggest anywhere between 80% – 95% of employers wouldn’t hire a blind person.  Blind people have appropriate qualifications because they go to universities and colleges like anyone else, so why would a potential employer think their abilities to be any different?  Is the fear of the unknown? Do they believe there will be extra needs? Extra cost?

The answer to these questions is generally no.

There are no other requirements or leniencies for blind people as there are for able sighted people, with one exception, which leads me to my next point.

Technology – I think it’s safe to assume there are some jobs, for safety reasons for all involved, that blind people couldn’t/shouldn’t/wouldn’t do.  Like being a driving instructor, or a pilot, or a brain surgeon.  But most other jobs, are perfectly suitable.  Office administrator, teacher, accountants, lawyers, social workers, counselors, academics… the list is long.

The most critical component in making these professions vision-impaired-friendly, is technology.

The aid of different technologies has progressed the ease and proficiency in which blind people can do almost anything.  Such as screen readers, text-to-voice, audio text, computer integrated reading software and Braille note takers.

  

So do employers have to provide such technologies for employees?  Yes, they do. Not all are too expensive and many governments have funding to encourage such employments under the various Discrimination Acts.

But there are still employers who won’t make the concession. Though in many instances, if the employer has less than a certain amount of staff and deemed a “small-business owner”, s/he is exempt from this legal obligation.  This makes it difficult for blind people living in smaller towns.

Renting an apartment – Many blind people have reported discrimination in this regard, particularly if they have a guide dog. There was one instance where a ‘control caller’ phoned some 100 real estate agents and asked about availability of apartments. Then the same agents were phoned again, citing the applicant had a guide-dog, and the differences were alarming.

Two landlords said guide dogs weren’t allowed at all. Three said only little dogs were allowed. (Ever seen a Chihuahua seeing eye dog?) Six said there was an extra fee for tenants with a guide dog. Two said guide dogs were allowed, but only in ground-floor units.

Article can be found here!

 

Using public transport - This is a big one, and one encountered frequently.  Thankfully, times and perceptions are changing. In the 1960’s blind people – even professional, self-sufficient adults - weren’t allowed to travel unaccompanied, insinuating they were child-like and not mentally capable. 

But still, there are issues and regarding safety and accessibility that still exist today. Whether using a cane, or a guide dog, blind people encounter issues pertaining to ignorance and discrimination on a daily basis.

In my two books, Blind Faith and Through These Eyes, the public transport issue is something Isaac encounters.  He works at a school for the blind, so his employment is strictly catered to his needs and there are very limited discrimination issues there.

Throughout the course of the two books, Carter realizes just how much discrimination Isaac, as a blind man, encounters.  Issues with taking a guide dog in public, into restaurants, onto public transport, even shopping. When Isaac needs a new laptop, the sales assistant first ignores Isaac, and then speaks to him slowly and loudly, like he was mentally inept or deaf.

As ridiculous as this sounds, this is something the blind community encounters often.  If you see or encounter a blind person, on the street or in a shopping center who looks a little lost or unsure, introduce yourself politely and ask if you can help. They are, above everything else, just a person.

If, god forbid, you see a blind person who is encountering a form of discrimination, again introduce yourself politely and ask if you can help. Because it’s our right as human beings to speak up for those who are being discriminated against.

So, enough with the serious, and on to the fun stuff.

I’m giving away a copy of BLIND FAITH and THROUGH THESE EYES.  Yep, two books!!

First, we have Blind Faith…

Blurb

Starting a new job in a new town, veterinarian Carter Reece, makes a house call to a very special client.

Arrogant, moody and totally gorgeous, Isaac Brannigan has been blind since he was eight. After the death of his guide dog and best friend, Rosie, his partnership with his new guide dog, Brady, isn't going well.

Carter tries to help both man and canine through this initiation phase, but just who is leading whom?

Then Through These Eyes

Blurb

Six months after we last met Carter Reece and Isaac Brannigan, they're still very much in love. Moving in together, moving forward, life for these two is great until some life changing events occur. Isaac has a frightening setback and Carter's world starts to unravel. Things become even more complicated and start to change for both men when Isaac’s new colleague enters the picture.

As Isaac struggles for what he really wants, it might just cost him what he needs the most.

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Now, something on a little more personal note from me...

I’ve received a fair amount of harsh criticism for Isaac. Apparently many readers think he’s too obnoxious, too bratty, too rude and too cold. Apparently Carter deserves someone who’s nicer and deserves someone who’s capable of love, because apparently Isaac is not. I believe the term “most despised character ever written” has been used a few times.

I don’t mind criticism (if it’s constructive and fair) and to be honest, if someone says they hate the character then that’s more of a compliment than an insult because the reader felt something. Making a reader feel something, in any form of emotional response, is the aim of every writer – it means I’ve done my job. 

But to outweigh that, I’ve also had two reviews and an email, from people who have lived with, loved, married someone who lost their sight, and said the descriptions of Isaac’s anger, resentment and frustrations, and his defensive walls, were spot on. Absolutely 100% correct.

It’s reviews from people who have lived through what Isaac and Carter were living through, and applauded the not-so-pleasant reality that I created, that makes me love Isaac that little bit more.

For your chance to win a copy of Blind Faith and Through These Eyes, please leave a comment stating if you had to lose one of your senses, which would you choose, and why?  I'll be choosing a winner at the end of April (yep, the contest will be up for all of April). 

The link back to RJ's site, and so you can continue the blog hop, is RJ's April Blog Hop!

Release dates!!

Have I told you how  much I love my new publisher?? 

Total e-Bound have truly been so very helpful. They know I'm a little gun-shy when it comes to publishers and contracts now and they have honestly been so nice about all my questions and concerns. 

I love them. 

Okay, so I was looking for some cute love-group-hug gif to go here and an hour later I'm tumblr'ing in QaF and Torchwood gifs. *shrugs*  Jack and Ianto kissing gifs will win over a love-group-hug gif. Every time. JSYK.

I have some (tentative) dates for my books!!!

POINT OF NO RETURN, preorder date 24th June
ELEMENTS OF RETROFIT, preorder date 26th August
TAXES AND TARDIS, preorder date 21st October
THREE'S COMPANY, preorder date 2nd December

And all the sequels, to Point of No Return and Thomas Elkin, will be released when they can be fit in accordingly. 

For every one who has emailed me, pm'd me, messaged me, asking about release dates... Now I haz them!  

Will post more info when I have it!!  

Hope everyone has a GREAT Easter!  

I'm also participating in RJ Scott's April blog hop, so I'll see you again soon!!  

Guest Blogger - RC Bonitz

Nicole- thank you for hosting me today. I love to talk about my books. RC

Tell us about the book you're featuring today.

My title is A Blanket for Her Heart, and the book is available in all formats at the moment. You can get it at Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, or at your local bookstore. See the links below.

Tell us a little about A Blanket for Her Heart --, what inspired you to write it?

A Blanket for Her Heart is the book of my heart- my first full-length novel, about Anne Hoskins and the man who sparks her to give wings to her life. It's a tale of courage and setbacks, about a woman attempting to turn her life upside down despite fear and uncertainty. Some might say she's willing to try for nothing more than a man, but I maintain she's driven by far more than that.

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?

I can't stand to decide every last detail of the plot, but I had to re-write almost an entire book one time when the story wouldn't work out. So, now I plot a couple of chapters at a time by "telling" what happens, as one would in a synopsis. Then I write those chapters, see where I am, and summarize a little more. As long as I keep the ending and a few turning points clear in mind the process works very well.

I usually start with a clear first chapter in mind before I plot anything. A Blanket for Her Heart began as a dream, which I recalled in detail and which became the Prologue and first chapter.

What inspired you to write in your genre? Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?

I've written contemporary romance, played around with historical and suspense novels, (all love stories) since I wrote A Blanket for Her Heart. My most recent book is a contemporary romance titled A Little Bit of Baby. That was published by Silver Publishing, along with A Little Bit of Blackmail, which preceded it. I like happy endings and love stories, so the romance genre choice was simple.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

I actually have a couple. Jessie in A Little Bit of Baby is a mixed up but feisty woman at the start, but she gets her act together and makes sure Ike plays straight with her. Anne, in A Blanket for Her Heart, is an older woman faced with the most difficult decision of her life- whether to retreat into her quiet, withdrawn existence or take chances with her fate. Her choice leads to an unexpected challenges and consequences. She and Jessie are both strong, determined, and lovely women.

Who was the toughest character for you to "get right" that you have written so far?

The answer to this one is Megan, who I am writing at the moment. Her book doesn't have a title yet, but she's got me fully occupied. She's living with a jerk at the start of the book and why she's putting up with him escapes me. Of course, she's had a daughter by the man and worries about Jordan, so-? I go back and forth with her sense of duty towards her daughter, whether or not she fears her boyfriend, and how she decides to leave him for the hero.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

My inspiration comes entirely from my imagination. I sometimes try to relate a character to someone I've met, but I need to know much more about my characters than I know about real people. My funny stories are all fictional I'm afraid. One scene in A Little Bit of Baby cracks me up, but it's at the end of the book so I will not reveal the details. In the new book, Megan fears Wade, the hero, is about to announce he loves her. Not ready to hear that, she dashes from house and wanders down the street, then goes back without a good explanation for her behavior. When he asks why she ran off like that she blurts out, "I had gas."

What do you find the hardest part of writing?

Bringing my characters to vibrant life, without a doubt. But, there's also that little factor one must deal with after publication- Promotion and marketing! I'd much prefer to be in Anne's head, or Megan's, telling their story, living their struggles and triumphs.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

One thing? Hmm. My wife and I have celebrated almost fifty-five wonderful anniversaries together- which tells you I'm a guy and a grandfather! We have four daughters and a son and twelve wonderful grandchildren we love dearly.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

I've had many in my life- guy stuff mostly- sailboat racing, bass fishing on a beautiful lake in an ancient red canoe, but now it's a nice glass of red zinfandel with cheese and crackers on the side while reading a great review of one of my books.

What TV Show are you addicted to?

I'm not much for TV, but I love Downton Abbey and MASH re-runs.

What do you need before you start writing? Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don't flow?

I need an idea for the scene I'm working on. I actually think about the scene for a bit before I put words to paper. I can write with the TV blasting or in silence, early in the morning or late at night. If I have the scene figured out very little distracts me. If I don't nothing helps.

   

Where were you when you got your first contract? What problems did you have getting published?

I received contracts for two books in two days, so I was ecstatic. My wife was the first to hear the news since I was home and at my computer when the word came in. A Little Bit of Blackmail and A Blanket for Her Heart were published within a couple of months of each other, though Blanket took a detour on the way to the bookstores. My second publisher made a policy decision to handle only religious books just two days before Blanket's scheduled release date. Blanket doesn't qualify as a religious book, so they cut me loose! Since I had the cover and edited manuscript ready to go, I chose to indie publish the book rather than go through the submission process again. So, after a brief delay Blanket finally hit the shelves at Amazon.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?

Now there's a hard question. Do fairy tales count? In living memory I'd have to say I read my first Harlequin romance about ten years ago. The heroine was a tow truck driver as I recall- good book

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/ squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?

My friend and mentor, Kristan Higgins, whose book The Best Man just came out.

If you still have one of those pesky non-writing jobs what is it?

It's called "retirement"

Do you have a favorite movie you have seen in the last few months and/or an all time favorite?

My all time favorite is Sleepless in Seattle

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?

As I mentioned above, my current WIP has no title at the moment, but the tale of Wade and Megan is through the first draft. Now the hard work starts- the editing. After that? I may try my hand at re-writing a suspense novel I developed years ago. Or a historical that I played around with once upon a time.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?

I'm actually doing that with my critique partner of many years, Judy Roth. Judy is a busy editor these days and I'm tied up, so our joint book is moving at a snail's pace. But we're working on it.

How do you pick your characters names?

Out of my head. Sometimes I change them halfway through the book if the character doesn't fit the name anymore (in my head).

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?

I write both now, though I believe in love at first sight. I told my wife I would marry her on our first date and here we are more than fifty years later. A Blanket for Her Heart is a love at first sight story, but the love of Wade and Megan in the new book develops slowly.

Anne Hoskins faces the most difficult decision of her life. Will she grab for the brass ring, or choose the safer, more familiar path she's traveled since her youth? Will temptation divert her from the choice she selects? She has much to learn about herself -  and tests galore to overcome.  A BLANKET FOR HER HEART is a story of courage and love, uncertainty and challenges. And an unexpected turn of fate.

Excerpt:

A BLANKET FOR HER HEART- EXCERPT PROLOGUE

  

He checked into the old Victorian hotel, dragged the ancient ten-speed bike from the rack on the Toyota, and headed along the shore, away from town. The route was familiar, ridden many times with his wife long ago. Back then, only two or three boats rocked quietly in the harbor. Now there had to be three hundred, rivaling Newport just across the bay. Shops and restaurants, once part of a sleepy little town, thrived on the bustle of early season tourists.

He cleared the harbor and headed south over the sandy isthmus that held the island together. The land had a name he’d seen on maps, Conanicut Island, but he called the whole place Jamestown, after the town. Passing Fort Getty, he started up the long hill he hadn’t seen since Carol died.

Proud of her riding, she’d always beaten him to the top, except once, that last time. He had teased her, laughing with victory. She had smiled and said it was just a fluke; she hadn’t had her vitamins that day. A first warning, it had gone unrecognized.

That was a long time ago, before he met Ellie and before she dumped him last year. Inactive since then, the last of the climb he had to do on foot.

Back on the bike, he pedaled toward the lighthouse, up and down the rolling hills. The New England air was crisp, but warm enough, and the ancient bike rolled smoothly under one of those clear blue early June skies. Scrub trees and bushes lined the road and an old rock wall, nearly hidden in the undergrowth, followed the pavement, its neglected top missing stones.

The heaviness of his last few months returned with a sudden certainty the island was a lonely place to live, not at all as bright and open as he’d remembered it.      

A bird high overhead caught his attention. An osprey or a hawk soaring, probably seeking prey. He caught his breath as it dove suddenly, flashing downward like a dart.

The bike lurched. His attention diverted, he had drifted into the ditch at the side of the road. Pulling hard to the left, he tried to recover, but the front wheel struck one large rock and then another. As if a spectator, he watched in disbelief as the wheel collapsed, pitching him forward, over the handlebars. The rocky ditch offered a hard greeting.

As his body registered pain, he lay unmoving, hoping someone would come by. But the road was devoid of homes or cars. He was alone.

Raw flesh against the rocks and pavement brought an involuntary cry as he struggled to get up. He lurched to his feet, his left arm crooked, panic clutching at his heart. Sliding his right arm below the left for support, he took a step and groaned in spite of himself.

A single driveway beckoned. It had to be followed, but its slippery, sloshing gravel made each step he took a grim adventure into pain. Finally, a house appeared deep in the woods, barely visible but a very welcome sight. Waves of pain ripped through the arm with each stumbling step, but he goaded himself onward.

"One more step, one more blasted step."

At last, the house. Thick shrubs shrouded the front, extending from the garage around to an L-shaped wing, a castle wall to block his entry. The garage was closed, no car in sight. Silence lay heavy in the air. He stared, numb, his mind uncomprehending. So much effort for nothing.

The deep roar of a motorcycle reached up from the road, unmistakable help gone by, a blow to his belly. Someone had to be home. Three steps toward the garage revealed a path, barely visible in the shrubs. He eased through, trying to avoid branches, and emerged in a sheltered courtyard.

Where can readers find you or your books?

Email   rcbonitz@gmail.com

 

My books are available at:

Goodreads   www.goodreads.com/book/show/16163648-a-little-bit-of-baby 

Amazon at:

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=RC+Bonitz&x=0&y=0

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/RC-Bonitz?keyword=RC+Bonitz&store=book

My blog/website   http://www.rcbonitz.com

Linkedin        http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rc-bonitz/36/b3/668

Facebook    http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sfrm=1  

Once again, thank you Nicole. RC

AJ Jarrett Guest Blogger!!

Happy Saturday everyone!!

Today, I have the very lovely AJ Jarrett on my blog to celebrate release day of her newest book!!

A big hello to everyone! First off I’d like to thank NR for having me today. It’s a pretty big day for me. The Alpha’s Captive releases today and it’s the first in my new series with Siren, the Nehalem Pack.

The idea for this series came about after speaking with my publisher and taking their advice on what I should focus on. It wasn’t a hardship on my part. I love stories set in the paranormal word and my favorite paranormal beings has to be werewolves. I feel they are the sexiest most alluring creatures to read, and to be honest, daydream about.

Beings as it’s a Saturday I’ll keep this short and sweet. I hope everyone has an amazing rest of the weekend and thank you again NR for having me!

Blurb

Hunters have taken everything from Devon Carsten. First, they murdered his parents, and now they’ve taken his brother. With no other options left, Devon decides an eye for an eye, or in this case a brother for a son, is the best course of action, and he takes the son of the man who kidnapped his brother. But his plan blows up in his face when he realizes the man in question is his mate.

Aiden Stefano never imagined a weekend at home would start off with him being kidnapped by men claiming to be werewolves or that he would fall for one. Now he must find a way to convince Devon what they share is worth fighting for and prove to his father that wolves aren’t the monsters he believes them to be. Shouldn’t be too hard, right?

Aiden is the only thing Devon has to bargain with, but can he give up his mate to save his brother?

Adult Excerpt

Aiden pulled one hand free and placed a finger under Devon’s chin lifting up until the man met his eyes. “I don’t blame you.” Aiden’s voice trailed off. Devon was a wolf and his father a hunter, and apparently he hunted these beings and kidnapped them, but for what? Devon wasn’t some ravenous beast when in wolf form, so why would his dad waste his time?

“Thank you.” Devon brushed a kiss across his lips, and Aiden sighed into the moistness of Devon’s mouth. With his hands free, Aiden was finally able to wrap his arms around Devon’s shoulders. The kiss deepened, and Devon tugged him closer. Aiden dug his fingers into the hard muscle lining Devon’s shoulder, trying to climb the man. Devon worked his thigh between Aiden’s, and he started to rub his hardness on the firm muscle.

His orgasm played right beneath the surface of his skin. Sweat broke out across his face, and he pushed harder against Devon’s leg. The rough, dry grind just added to his enjoyment. A bolt of electricity shot through his body and out his dick. Gooey warmth wetted the front of his pants, and he panted for breath as his body trembled out of control.

Aiden took several deep breaths. He buried his head into Devon’s chest, too embarrassed to look at the man who just made him come so hard he saw stars.

“Hey what’s wrong, hon?” Devon took a step back, trying to get Aiden to look at him.

“I’m mortified,” Aiden mumbled. “I’ve never done anything like this before, and it was over before it even began.” He pouted, but he couldn’t help it. He’d kissed a few guys but that was it.

“You’ve never done this or anything before?” Devon asked, his fingers tightening on Aiden’s arms.

“Nothing.” Aiden peeked up at Devon through his bangs. “I’ve just never got around to you know.” He gestured with his hands, unable to vocalize his thoughts.

“Sex.” A smile lit up Devon’s face like a firecracker.

“It’s not funny.” Aiden smacked at Devon’s bare chest. “It’s a big deal to me. I wanted to wait until I met someone special.”

Devon placed both hands on his face, urging Aiden to look at him. “I’m glad you waited for me.”

Devon dropped a kiss to Aiden’s lips. Any protest that he should have been making fell silent. Devon walked him backward until the back of Aiden’s legs hit the mattress. They stumbled back and fell onto the soft bed. Aiden could feel his cock starting to stir again as Devon’s heated body moved over his.

One more searing kiss to his mouth then Devon moved lower, stopping to tease Aiden’s pebbled nipples. Aiden gasped and squirmed at the contact. He never realized how sensitive his nipples were before. It was as if a direct line ran from his nipples to his cock, causing it to fill and lie hard against his stomach.

Aiden fisted his hands in the blanket by his head, unsure what to do. His body wanted Devon to take that luscious mouth lower until it wrapped around his dick. Aiden had never gotten this far before, but he’d seen enough porn to know what would happened next, and he wanted Devon to kiss his throbbing shaft.

“Dear God, Devon,” Aiden cried out.

Devon chuckled against his stomach as he worked his way down. “For a virgin, you’re awfully loud.”

Aiden didn’t respond, he just thrust his hips upward to rub his cock against any part of Devon’s body he could find. Devon’s tongue trailed a wet line down his stomach and traced around his navel. He placed openmouthed kisses along the waist of Aiden’s pants then sat back on his haunches. Aiden’s abdomen quivered as Devon ran his fingertips across his stomach before he worked his fingers underneath the material and pulled Aiden’s pants down. Devon stared at him with an evil grin on his lips as he yanked his pants the rest of the way off.

He felt exposed and moved to cover his erect cock. Devon pushed his hands away and moved to hover over him. “Don’t hide from me.” He kissed Aiden’s neck. “You have the most stunning body I’ve ever seen.”

“You’re just saying that.” Aiden gasped as Devon sucked a mark on his neck. All the air in his lungs rushed out when Devon lowered his body to lie on top of his. The heavy, hot length of his cock burned against his own.

“Do you still think I’m just trying to be nice?” Devon circled his hips for good measure, smearing his pre-cum along Aiden’s length.

“Devon,” Aiden moaned as he grabbed for purchase on Devon’s shoulders. “Make love to me.”

Aiden’s body tensed as Devon ran the back of his fingers down the length of his cock then began to tease the skin behind his balls. This was it. For the first time in his life he was about to let another man enter his body. He was excited, but doubt started to plague his mind. Aiden wanted Devon in the worst way but he didn’t want to be tossed aside afterwards or once Devon got his brother back. “Where did you go?” Devon asked. 

“I…I…” Aiden couldn’t find the words to explain. He didn’t want to insult Devon by assuming what they were about to do meant more than it really did. “I’m fine. Let’s just do this.” He ran his fingers through Devon’s hair and tugged him down, kissing him long and hard. Aiden threw caution to the wind and turned himself completely over to Devon, heart and soul. He could always pick the pieces of his broken heart up after Devon left him because eventually he would. Devon never promised him anything beyond tonight.


Author Bio:

AJ Jarrett currently lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. A lover of M/M romances, she has started writing her own stories for others to enjoy. She loves her characters to be antagonistic toward one another but ultimately find their happy ever after. She believes love can be found in the craziest of places and a little humor along the way never hurt. To her, there’s nothing sexier than two men finding their soul mate and falling in love. When she isn’t chasing around her kids, she can be found sitting on the couch with her trusted laptop giving life to the voices in her head.

Buy Link BookStrand:  http://www.bookstrand.com/the-alphas-captive

Author Links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/aj.jarrett.12

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJJarrett29

Blog: http://ajjarrett29.blogspot.com/

Email: aj.jarrett@yahoo.com

Through These Eyes and Other News

I have news!!  

First of all, I have Through These Eyes cover art!!

By the amazing Sara York!  Isn't it just beautiful?

And to celebrate the soon-to-be-released sequel to Blind Faith, I thought I'd post an excerpt straight from how the story starts.

CHAPTER 1

"Carter, for God's sake, would you hurry up?"

I smiled into the bathroom mirror as I pulled on one of his shirts. "Keep your pants on."

"If you don't hurry the fuck up, I'll be keeping them on," Isaac called back to me from down the hall. "Permanently."

I snorted. "Well, if I had my own clothes here…" I trailed off, waiting for him to bite back, knowing this conversation – one we'd had many times – annoyed him.

"I'll go start the car," I heard him mumble, and I laughed.  Then the front door closed.

Shit.

"Isaac!" I stumbled out of the bathroom door, hopping on one foot, trying to put on my shoe, trying to stop him from getting in behind the steering wheel and starting my car. I almost fell down the hall, with my shoe half on and my jeans undone, to find Isaac still standing inside at the front door.

Looking gorgeous in his pricey jeans, expensive shirt and tight-fitted, designer sunglasses, the self-righteous bastard smiled.  "Thought that might get your attention."

Standing up straight, wedging my foot into my shoe and doing up the fly on my jeans, I looked at my boyfriend.  My blind boyfriend.  Then I looked at the golden Labrador at his feet, his guide dog.  "Well, Brady," I said to the dog. "It seems Isaac thinks he's funny."

Isaac grinned, smugly. "Are you finally ready?" he asked, again. He held out my wallet and keys. "You know my sister doesn't have a baby every day, Carter. I'd like to get to the hospital some time before my niece starts middle school."

Instead of taking my wallet and keys, I took his face in my hands and kissed him. "Shut up and get in the car."

By the time we had Brady harnessed into the backseat and were on our way to Carney Hospital, he was still complaining. "Seriously, Carter. How long should it take?"

"I was at work," I said, again. "I had to get changed! I could hardly turn up in my work clothes." Spending my days as a vet, tending to an array of animals, didn't make for clean work clothes.  I changed gears and weaved through some traffic, looking from the cars in front of me to Isaac. "You know, if I had my own clothes at your place, it wouldn't take so long. I wouldn't have to go through your wardrobe to find clothes that fit me."

Isaac sighed dramatically. "Haven't we had this conversation?"

Yes. Yes, we had. But he didn't want me to move in with him. At all.  It had stung when he'd first told me he didn't want me to live with him. I'd brought it up, considering we'd been together for a year, thinking it was the next step for us, thinking it was what he'd want. But he didn't. He liked his independence, he'd said. He liked things just the way they were.  He didn't want us to be in each other's pockets, he'd said.  It hurt to know he didn't want me to move in, but since then, the subject had now become a bit of a joke between us.

Usually, I'd make a joke of it and he'd sigh or change the subject. Or tickle me. Or throw something at me.

"Yes, we have had this conversation before."

"And how long are we going to continue to have it?"

"Until you agree for me to move in."

"So a long while, then?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "Apparently." I reached over the console and took his hand.  "What time did you get the call about Hannah?"

"Carlos phoned me at work this morning to say she'd gone into labor, but not to hurry, because they thought it'd be hours," he said.  "But then he called me again after lunch to tell me it was all over."

I looked at the clock on the dash, and like he could see what I'd just done, he added, "That was over an hour ago."

I knew he was anxious. His sister meant the world to him, and the new addition to the Brannigan clan was the best news they'd had in a long time.  I lifted our joined hands and kissed his knuckles.

"I did leave work four hours early. I got to your place as fast as I could."

He sighed again, and squeezed my hand.  "It's okay. The bus took forever anyway."

"Why won't you let me drive you to work?"

"Because you don't need to be driving out of your way for me, when you live five minutes from your work," he said. "And I'm a big boy. I can catch the bus to work if I want to."

I looked at the man in the passenger seat beside me, at his dark brown hair, his chiseled jaw and trademark Armani sunglasses. The beautiful, stubborn, completely infuriating man.  "It's hardly out of my way.  It'd take me twenty minutes tops," I started, but he cut me off.

"Carter," he said sternly, in that I-can't-believe-I-have-to-say-this-out-loud tone he gets when he thinks he's stating the obvious. "Brady and I are just fine on the bus, thank you."

I held in a sigh and bit back the exasperated comment that threatened to snap at him.  You'd think after being together for over twelve months I'd be used to it by now.  But no, I wasn't really. I wasn't often offended by his snide comments anymore, but the frustration still weighed in.

Dropping any conversation pertaining to how independent he was, I asked, "So did Carlos tell you what they called the baby?"

"No," he shook his head and smiled softly.  "Just that mother and daughter were doing well."

When I pulled the car over and to a stop, Isaac turned his face toward to me. "Why did we stop?  We haven't been driving for long enough to be at the hospital. Carter, what the hell are you doing? We're late enough!"

I waited for his little tirade to be over. "I'm aware of that, Isaac," I said slowly. "I stopped at a florist so we could bring Hannah some flowers. Is that okay?"

Isaac sighed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I just saw it and decided it was a good idea."

He sighed. "Just don't take long."

"Wouldn't dream of it." I rolled my eyes dramatically, though that silent trait was lost on him.  Two minutes later, I opened the passenger door of the Jeep and handed Isaac the ridiculously overpriced teddy bear and bouquet of pink flowers with matching balloon.  He pulled his face back in surprise, so I kissed his cheek. "Now you can't say I've never given you flowers."

I got back in behind the wheel and Isaac was smelling the flowers. After I'd pulled the Jeep out into traffic and we were nearly at the hospital, he said, "You haven't, you know."

"I haven't what?"

"Given me flowers."

I looked from him to the traffic in front of us, back to him, trying to decide if he was serious… I mean, no, I'd never brought him flowers, but I was trying to decide if he cared.  "Would you like me to? Bring you flowers?"

"Not if I have to ask you for them."

"Then I shall bring you flowers." I chuckled, and shook my head.  "When you don't expect it."

"Well now you've mentioned it, I'll be expecting it."

I sighed out a laugh. "Will I ever win an argument?"

Isaac smiled. "Not if I'm the one you're arguing with."

I laughed as I drove my Jeep into the parking lot of the hospital.  Pulling into a spot, I turned the ignition off.  "Well, come on. Let's go meet the newest Brannigan."

****

In other news, Total e-Bound has said they'd love to have my other books!!!!  

Yes!!  So that means Taxes and TARDIS, Three's Company and Point of No Return will have a new home soon!!

AND

Breaking Point (Point of No Return 2) and Starting Point (Point of No Return 3) as well!!!!

I will be adding about another 10K to PoNR 1, so the new release will be a little longer, but essentially not different. 

I've been waiting for months for this very good news, so I'm very excited to share it with you all!!  

I can't wait to move forward and start my writing career over with a new (to me), exciting publisher such as TEB. 

Thanks for all staying with me, and I hope to have some more news on release dates soon.

Oh, and speaking of which, Through These Eyes (Blind Faith 2) should be up in a few days!!  

THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!