Category: interview

Interview: Louisa Mae

This week, we welcome Louisa Mae to the blog. Hello Louisa! To start with, can you tell us why you’re doing this interview?

I’ve got a new release out this week, Voyeur Vol V, and you haven’t interviewed me before –so why not! OOH I’m also part of the trio of authors who run Talking RoMMance with a British Accent and we’re planning an amazing event running through December for our members!

What started you writing?

I’ve always loved reading, and found my way into the world of Fanfiction, and from there decided to have a go at writing. It was a good way to try it out with no expectations or pressure.

Where and when do you write?

Where ever the mood takes me! At the moment in my day job, I’m working from home in the space I had set up as my home office and writing sanctuary, so at the end of the working day, I  just don’t want to spend any more time in there, so at the moment, so I’m finding myself writing sat in front of the telly most days.

What do you like to read?

I nearly exclusively read MM now, but in that genre I love anything that pulls me in and captivates me from the first page. There are some tropes I just can’t get into and don’t “float my boat”, but given the amount of books out there, there’s no shortage of books to read.

What are the three books you’d take to a desert island? Why would you choose them?

Oh, this is a toughie. I’d take Don’t by Jack L. Pyke, it’s honestly a book that when I first read it really made me think and question everything I thought I  knew was happening. Knights to Remember Collection by Nicole Colville, I’m friend with Nicole and was lucky enough to be her beta reader on this. It’s a good combo of humour and angst. The final book would be Stephen King’s IT. It’s such  huge book, I’ve never got around to reading it despite loving the films.

Writing is an intrinsically solo occupation. Do you belong to any groups or associations, either online or in the ‘real’ world? How does that work for you?

I’m not, I have some really good friends who also write and we support each other.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Reading, listening to audio books. I love baking too. Writing is a bit of a rabbit hole, once you go down it, you ain’t coming back out anytime soon. I have a furbaby, Max, who’s a Syrian Hamster, he’s the most stubborn and determined creature I’ve ever met.

When I have some “me” time I end up watching films or TV. Depends what’s on, or what’s been recommended.

Tell me a little bit about your most recent release. What gave you the idea for it? How long did it take to write? What did you enjoy about writing it? What did you hate?

Voyeur Vol V, is as the name suggests part of a series. The first book was a short story for a charity compilation following the Pulse Nightclub shootings. It didn’t make it into the anthology as they were overwhelmed, so I decided to expand it, never expecting it to turn into this series.

Vol V took me about 2 months on and off, it’s a complex backstory and I had to be so careful to track back through four books and make sure everything fitted in. That was tough and I hated it at times. I also went straight on to write the final volume, so they were done back to back.

I enjoyed this one as it’s from a new POV for the series, and this person is so guarded it’s untrue. I’m hoping the readers enjoy it, and forgive me for putting one of the characters through the wringer, again!

Voyeur Vol V

Voyeur Vol V

Nathaniel plays dangerously on the edge of deceit and truth. He’s had to.

But when he walks through the door of the V Lounge and casts his shadow over Joe and Kian’s world, he knows the truth is about to hit harder than the lie. And now, after years of protecting Joe, he might just be the one who tears Joe’s world apart.

Venture once more into the world of Voyeur and watch as deep, dark secrets are played out before your eyes.

Buy Voyeur Vol V

Find Louisa!

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Isabelle Adler: The Wolf & the Sparrow

Today I’d like to welcome Isabelle Adler, on the anniversary of the publication of her The Wolf and the Sparrow!

Hello all! Today I would like to talk about my latest book, The Wolf and the Sparrow. It came out almost a year ago, on November 25, 2020, and I can’t believe it’s been that long!

The Wolf and the Sparrow is a fantasy romance, full of magic, dangerous intrigue, and lots of tender moments. It focuses on two heirs of noble families that enter an arranged marriage for political reasons and are initially less than impressed with each other. But as the plot progresses and the political situation around them threatens to escalate into a full-blown war, they team up, driven by the duty to protect their subjects. Together, they must face sea-raiders, hostile magic-wielders, and old enemies, but the hardest trial of all are the dark secrets from their past that might yet tear them apart.  

What is the significance of the title?

The story takes place in the imaginary realm of Ivicia, which unites many smaller fiefdoms (duchies, counties, and principalities). All the nobles of the Realm bear a heraldic animal on their family crest. Derek, the newly-minted Count of Camria, has a sparrow on his crest, whereas Callan’s family’s sigil is a wolf’s head. The symbolic animals also represent the differences in their personalities and upbringing—Derek is used to a lush, peaceful scenery of fields and forests and his manner is mild and courteous, some might even say soft. Callan, on the other hand, had known strife his entire life, being brought up on the windswept coast, where attacks by sea pirates are a regular occurrence. He’s curt and withdrawn, hardened in the way of seasoned warriors.

But as they learn to get to know one another as partners, they must also delve deeper into their own souls and find that they might not be as different as they initially thought. Derek learns to draw on his inner strength and resolve to save the man he grows to love and admire, while Callan learns to deal with the emotions he’d kept buried for years.  

Can you share something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

There is so much going on in the story, that the blurb barely touches the surface! It was actually rather difficult to choose what to put out there without spoiling too much of the plot and yet make it enticing. However, I don’t think it would be too much of a spoiler if I share that one of the main characters is kidnapped, and the other must come to his rescue—at a great personal risk. And then, of course, things go terribly awry…up until the very (happy) end!

What is the key theme of the book?

The main theme of the book is self-acceptance and how important it is to come terms with the mistakes and failures we all carry with us throughout our lives. It is only when we learn to forgive ourselves and let go of this burden that we find it easier to trust other people to be close to us, and appreciate everything life may still hold in store.

What does the future hold for the characters? Will there be a sequel?

The Wolf and the Sparrow was written as a standalone novel, and I’m quite content with how it came out. Subsequently, I’m not planning on revisiting these characters or make the novel into a series. However, I’m not opposed to the possibility of writing more stories set in the same world. So, I guess we’ll see!

What would be your main characters’ favorite songs?

The Wolf and the Sparrow is set in a fictional pseudo-medieval world, so this is pure speculation! But I think that Callan would absolutely love Warriors by Imagine Dragons! That songs really suits him to the T.

Derek, I feel, would like Skipping Stones by Claire Guerreso, and its lyrical poignancy.

If you could describe each of your main characters in three words, what would they be?

Derek – loyal, smart, compassionate.

Callan – private, dutiful, caring.

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

This is always such a difficult question to answer! Of course, everyone conjures up their own mental image of the characters when reading a book, and it can differ wildly from that of the author (which is perfectly fine!). But if I had to choose, I’d go with a young Gerard Butler for Callan and Eddie Redmayne for Derek.

Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I have a website where I post all the information about my books and upcoming releases, as well as some extra content for my readers. I’m also pretty active on Twitter, talking about books and posting snippets of my works in progress, so if you ever want to chat, follow me there!

The Wolf and the Sparrow by Isabelle Adler

Publisher: NineStar Press
Genre: Fantasy M/M romance
Release date: November 25th, 2019
Book length: 72,000 words
Warnings: Depictions of violence, battle scenes, physical injuries, mentions of torture, allusions to domestic abuse, dealing with grief, death of secondary characters.

Derek never wished to inherit his title as a result of a bloody battle. With the old count dead and the truce dependent on his marriage to the rival duke’s son, Derek has no choice but to agree to the victor’s terms in order to bring peace to his homeland. When he learns of the sinister rumors surrounding his intended groom, Derek begins to have doubts—but there can be no turning back from saying I do.After the death of his wife, Callan of Mulberny never expected to be forced into another political marriage—especially not to someone like the new Count of Camria. Seemingly soft and meek, it’s only fitting that Derek’s family crest is a flighty sparrow, worthy of nothing but contempt.Another war with the seafaring people of the Outer Isles looms on the horizon, and the reluctant newlyweds must team together to protect those caught in the circle of violence. Derek and Callan slowly learn to let go of their prejudices, but as they find themselves enmeshed in intrigue fueled by dark secrets and revenge, their tentative bond is all that keeps their world—and their lives—from plunging into chaos.  

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About the Author

A voracious reader from the age of five, Isabelle Adler has always dreamed of one day putting her own stories into writing. She loves traveling, art, and science, and finds inspiration in all of these. Her favorite genres include sci-fi, fantasy, and historical adventure. She also firmly believes in the unlimited powers of imagination and caffeine.

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Interview: Lin Lustig

Happy Monday, everyone! Today we have Lin Lustig here on the blog, talking about her new release Gilded Lies!

Hey Ally! Thanks for inviting me to jump on your blog and talk shop. 

Because I released my debut novel, Gilded Lies—a romantic, action adventure contemporary sci-fi with X-men-esque superheros—and the journey has been fascinating! Giving an interview over one of my greatest passions was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Tell me a bit more about your recent release. What did you hate about writing it? What did you enjoy?

Gilded Lies took two years to write and edit. Much of that was spent writing three different drafts where I tried to pull all the (admittedly complicated) storylines together. I never seem to be able to take the easy path, but I’m so damn proud of the book that I just can’t even. 

Naturally, writing a book doesn’t come with clear vision and perfect execution. The worst part of writing Gilded Lies was the frustration that came with finding the right editor to whip my book (and me) into shape. It was an expensive and disheartening experience until I finally found the right fit. For most of those two years spent writing, I was plagued with self-doubt and fear of people actually reading my book. I mean, the point is to have it read, so what a ridiculous fear! But I had (and have) such a strong vision of my success as an author that giving up was never an option. I put my blinders on, my head down, and just kept going. And I’m so damn glad I did. 

The best part of writing Gilded Lies was whenever I sank into the flow state. Nothing else existed except for me and the world I was creating. It happened while I wrote. While I edited. Even while I published. Every part of the book-writing process came with frustration and disappointment, but also with moments of elation. But none of it outweighs the pure fracking joy I have at finally seeing the first step of my dream come true.

What genres do you like to read/watch yourself?

I have a major soft spots for reading urban fantasy and paranormal romance. I honestly didn’t mean to write sci-fi, but my editor informed me that, since my “magic system” was based in legitimate science, it would fit better there than fantasy—which to be fair, X-Men does, too, and since I’m basically writing gay X-Men, it works. Both fantasy and sci-fi have made up my personality through shows like Sailor Moon, Doctor Who, Star Trek/Gate/Wars, all things Superhero, Futurama, and a solid dose of Disney. Basically, I’m a big ol’ nerd.

Writing is an intrinsically solo occupation. Do you belong to any groups or associations?

Yes, I do! It’s difficult to reach out and find fellow writers to grow with, but somehow all the writers I’ve known eventually found the right people. My writing tribe—known as The Ponies—is a group of beautifully insane women I met at a RWA (Romance Writers of America) conference. The friendships developed have been irreplaceable. Some of us are indie published, some of us are working with agents to sell first a manuscript to publishers. We’re varied, skilled, and hilarious—but mostly, we’re family.

Now, I hope to build a supportive, nerdy Fan-mily as Gilded Lies invites fellow misfits to find their place within the Frequency Series. Together we can traverse any adventure ahead! 

GILDED LIES

Bound by powers, divided by lovers…

Hiding his bisexuality and supernatural sex appeal, actor John Beechum wants to recapture the spotlight, but when he and his secret boyfriend share unprecedented visions, they realize one of their kind has been kidnapped—and they need help.

John’s empathic ex-girlfriend is no superhero, but she’s exactly what they need. With her murderously protective streak over fellow Abnormals, and resentment towards John for keeping secrets about a corporation experimenting on their kind, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to free one of their own—even if it means admitting her pesky feelings.

Now the three of them must work together—if they can survive their ability-laden love-triangle first. Good thing John knows how to act like a normal, no-ability straight guy who’s totally not losing his shit. But if he’s not careful he’ll have to come out of the closet in more ways than one to save their kind and rescue his love life—that is if either of them can forgive his face-saving gilded lies.

Buy Gilded Lies

About Lin

Lin Lustig’s tenacious nature and love of Disney villains has made her a heroic villain who seeks to support reader well-being through worlds of fierce love, magical adventures, and overdue reveling—so we can all celebrate the hidden parts of ourselves while escaping into a rich reading experience. 

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Interview: Ofelia Grand talks about Soul Eater

Please welcome Ofelia Grand here today, to talk about her new release, Soul Eater!

Thank you so much for having me here today, Ally. I wanted to drop by and talk a little about my book, Soul Eater, that was released on October 31st, so it’s brand new.

Soul Eater is an example of how stories don’t always turn out as planned. I had this idea at around this time last year. I have a sauna in the basement—yes, it’s a Scandinavian thing—and I was down there with a pen and a notepad. I do that when I don’t know what the heck it is I’m doing (or if I have to write a blurb). Sweating helps me think LOL.

Anyway, I was down there, and I was thinking I should write twelve short stories, at 10k tops, and release one a month. I drew a plan for them in my bullet journal, listed my ideas, and I called it A Year of Shadows. I wrote Scary Gary which is a 5k story about a guy who’s fighting his shadow (and it’s free everywhere but on Amazon *wink*) and then life happened, as it often does.

I tucked my ideas away, and back in June when the deadlines for the holiday stories were posted, I figured I’ll take one of my Year of Shadows ideas and turn it into a short Halloween story—you know, 10k or so as I’d planned.

Turns out a wizard summoning a werewolf ghost needed a little more than 10k

It’s close to All Hollow’s Eve, which is when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, but it doesn’t matter because Thaddeus Ezax, our wizard, can’t summon ghosts. He stole a skull from the black market, and the seller claimed there was a werewolf’s spirit trapped in it. It shouldn’t matter because Thad can’t call the dead.

Sandulf Hunter, our werewolf, doesn’t know he’s dead, but he knows he hates wizards. The man who got him out of the skull is a wizard, but he’s also Sandy’s mate. He can’t have a wizard for a mate.

Then we have the whole complication of Thad being a cop, working with Sandy’s brother Ric, and they’re in the middle of solving a serial killer case. So it needed a little more than 10k…51k, in fact!

Buy Soul Eater!

Excerpt:

Had he called a spirit?

No, he couldn’t have. First, he was no sorcerer. Second, only powerful sorcerers could make a spirit sentient, and Thad wasn’t powerful. And third…he couldn’t come up with a third, but there had to be one because he couldn’t call spirits.

Perhaps it was a dream. He’d never steal from the black market. He’d never do something so incautious; he wasn’t stupid. His life might be depressingly dull, but he still liked living it.

“Do you remember how you ended up…” Thad gritted his teeth. “Eh… dead?”

Sandulf stopped, and for a few seconds, everything was quiet. His laugh started slow, like a huff, but it grew into a deep, rumbling belly laugh. Thad watched, stunned. He was magnificent, all tall and broad-shouldered, exactly like Ric except his laugh lit up his entire face, despite it being a bit translucent.

“For a wizard, you’re funny. I’m not dead.” Sandulf gestured at himself.

“So you don’t remember.” Thad nodded. It was for the better. It would’ve helped if Sandulf could point out his killer, but it was best for his sake he didn’t remember.

They didn’t speak as they walked through the city. Could people see Sandulf or did they only see a freaked-out man hugging something to his chest while trying to not draw attention to himself?

Thad took the last turn toward the station, ignoring that Sandulf had stopped to look at a pumpkin and spider web display in the shop window.

How the hell would he tell Ric? Unless this was a dream, he’d brought Ric’s brother back from the dead—or not back from, his spirit had been trapped in the skull this entire time. But how to explain? Saying he’d made a mistake wouldn’t be sufficient in Ric’s eyes.

Nine years. He shuddered and it wasn’t the October cold doing it.

They looked so alike, Sandulf and Ric. Sandulf’s hair was a little longer and he had a bit of a stubble whereas Ric was clean-shaven, but they could’ve been twins.

The skin on Thad’s body prickled, and he had a hard time breathing.

With a swoosh, Sandulf appeared by his side, and Thad sucked in a deep breath as the prickles ebbed out.

“What did you do?” Sandulf snarled at him, sharp canines growing longer as he spoke.

“Nothing.” He hadn’t.

“I was standing there minding my own business, and all of a sudden there is this pain, and I’m forced here.”

“Forced?”

“Yeah, forced. One second, I’m there, the next, I’m being dragged here.”

Thad grimaced. “Weird.” Or maybe it wasn’t. Growing up, Thad had been told a spirit was tied to its skull, and Thad was holding the skull. Spirits couldn’t walk around freely, at least he didn’t think they could.

“Weird? That’s all you have to say?”

Thad sighed. “I don’t know anything about this, Sandulf. I’m not a sorcerer, I know nothing about—” He swallowed his next word. How would Sandulf react to being called a spirit?

“You’re a wizard.”

“I am.” Thad nodded. “I’m a mage. It means I can cast a few spells, using the magic within me.” Though he’d never been powerful, and he’d never managed to connect with another living being which was what mages and wizards did.

Sandulf narrowed his eyes. “The magic within you?”

“Yeah.” Thad grimaced and threw a rain of blue sparks over him. He didn’t react, but his skin got a little rosier.

“You can do fireworks?”

Yeah, it was what it looked like, wasn’t it? Thad nodded and jogged up the small stair to the entrance of Rockshade’s police station. “Okay, we’re here. We have to talk to…the guys.”

“You live here?” Sandy studied the building.

“It’s a police station.”

“You’re handing me in?” He frowned at Thad.

“Is there something you’ve done I should know about?”

Sandulf shrugged and Thad grinned. “I work here.”

“You said you worked with Ric.”

“I do.” Thad rubbed his forehead. How long had Ric been a detective?

Blurb:

Detective Thaddeus Ezax is in over his head. He’s the only wizard in Rockshade’s Paranormal Investigations Department, and it was his name that got him the job. The Ezaxs are known as some of the most powerful wizards in the world, but Thaddeus isn’t your average Ezaxs. Is it any wonder his family shuns him?

When a kidnapping case is dropped into his lap, Thaddeus must act fast. While most five-year-olds can cast a location spell, Thaddeus can’t and is forced to get creative. When he finds himself in possession of a black market werewolf skull with a ghost trapped inside, accidentally releases the spirit, and somehow forms a connection with it, things get even crazier.

Sandulf Hunter doesn’t remember dying, but he remembers the last thing he saw before everything went black—a wizard. All wizards must die! The only problem is, the wizard standing next to him smells too damned good, so good Sandy thinks he might have to keep him.

And since wherever Thaddeus goes, Sandulf finds himself yanked along, he might not have a choice in the matter anyway.

Buy Soul Eater!

About Ofelia Gränd

Ofelia Gränd is Swedish, which often shines through in her stories. She likes to write about everyday people ending up in not-so-everyday situations, and hopefully also getting out of them. She writes romance, contemporary, paranormal, Sci-Fi and whatever else catches her fancy.

Her books are written for readers who want to take a break from their everyday life for an hour or two.

When Ofelia manages to tear herself from the screen and sneak away from her husband and children, she likes to take walks in the woods…if she’s lucky she finds her way back home again.

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Interview: A. M. Johnson

Today, let’s welcome A. M. Johnson to the blog!

Hi!! My name is Amanda or A.M. Johnson. I am excited to talk about my new book, a contemporary, MM, second chance romance, titled Love Always, Wild.

The book starts with the characters Jax and Wilder aka Wild, while they are still in college. Wild is openly out, while Jax is still deep in the closet. Wild and Jax originally meet when Jax needs a tutor, but it isn’t until their junior year that Jax finally gives in to his feelings for Wild. Jax travels home in hopes of coming out to his very conservative parents over Christmas break, but when tragedy strikes, he drops out of school, and basically ghosts Wild. Jax’s radio silence stems from a promise he makes based on what happened when he came home for break. Without giving too many spoilers, the book jumps to nine years later, Wild is an up and coming author, and Jax is still living at home, working construction, and helping his family recover from what had happened that Christmas break. One night, Jax happens upon Wild’s new book and realizes it’s about the relationship they shared in college, but with different names and a different ending. Jax is still in the closet and has been faking his way through life for almost a decade. He’d never fallen out of love with Wild, never forgiven himself for abandoning him the way he did, and after reading the book, Jax makes a choice that will inevitably change the course of both of their lives.

I’m excited for everyone to meet them. This story bloomed from a short I’d written for a group called The Korner. The short sat on my desktop forever. With 2020 being such a dumpster fire, I had a hard time writing to be honest. It wasn’t until June, almost a year since I’d published my last book that I reread the short and fell in love with them all over again. A few long nights chatting and plotting with a few friends, lit the fire inside me, and before I knew it, I had 40,000 words and couldn’t wait to write every night. Finishing off at 91,000 words on August 21, the book became the fastest I’d ever written in my life. I have a few beta readers and they gave me the confidence I needed, and in the end, Love Always, Wild was brought to life.

Whenever I write a new book, I want to say said book is my favorite. And right now, Jax and Wild are my favorite. It’s funny, when I’m ready to start a new project, I almost have to break up with my previous characters. I’ve been writing since I was a teen, publishing since 2015, and each time I start a new book it gets harder and harder to say goodbye to the last. Writing has always been a passion of mine, but I think I wanted to start writing after I read Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. Her writing is profound and alive, and I thought to myself, I want to do this. I want to create a heart that beats from the page.

For me, writing is sort of ritual. I usually have to shower, get settled in and once my three kids are in bed, I hide away in my office and am up until at least 3 am. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I write during the day. I love writing outside if I can. I’m easily distracted and have to be in a quiet place to focus. I usually listen to instrumental or classical when I write.

Reading is an entirely different experience for me. I love reading all kinds of books. From smut to literary fiction. I’m a huge fan of LGBTQ YA. Becky Albertalli is such an inspiration to me. I’m a mom of three, a full time Labor and Delivery nurse, and I know how hard it is to manage all the hats. She seems to excel at hat wearing and write amazing books. Every now and then I’ll read a good book, go through a day of imposter syndrome, then remember every voice is different. Sometimes it’s hard to read as an author, but it’s important, I feel, for craft to always read and read and read.

I will say, though writing is a solo adventure, I have found great joy in the independent community. My reader group on Facebook, AJ’s Crew is almost like my home away from home. Everyone there feels like family and it’s great to be able to share my stories with people. Publishing can be competitive, but I think it’s important to remember there is enough pie for everyone and staying in your own lane is the best advice I’ve ever gotten. I’ve made some amazing author friendships, and in such a fast-paced world, it’s great to have that.

What three books would I take to a deserted island? Hmm… That’s a tough one. Definitely, The Bell Jar, The Fellowship of The Ring, and probably Call Me By Your name or Him by Sarina Bowen. Oh or Want me by Neve Wild. I’ll probably trade up Call Me By Your Name only because it’s sad as hell and Want Me is magic.

When I’m not writing, I’m a hockey Mom. I love to hike, and watch movies, and recently I’m hooked on the Haunting of Bly Manor. I’m an avid LGBTQ ally and am working towards a degree in social work for now. I’ve recently found the academia side of Human Rights and am thinking of changing my major. My goal is to work with homeless gay teens and help to write legislation that will help keep LGBTQ youth/adults protected. It’s important for us to feel safe in our own skin. Out or not.

I’m passionate about a lot of things, and I hope that shows in most of my writing. Most of my books have a social aspect that lends itself to reality. But, as an author, my goal is to offer a happily ever after to those characters who might not always have had the chance, in real life, to find one of their own.

Love Always, Wild

Love Always, Wild is a full-length emotional standalone, HEA, contemporary MM romance featuring second chances, southern accents, a cat named Gandalf, and a sassy best friend who moonlights as a therapist.

Wilder,

When I left that night, I had every intention of coming back to you. To us. But no matter how hard I wish for what I want, there are some things in life that aren’t meant to be. I don’t expect you to understand. You’ve already moved on, living your life. But mine ended that night, nine years ago, and I still can’t let you go. Not sure I ever will. I regret so many things, but hurting you, I’ll never forgive myself. I’m sorry for… everything.

~ Jax

Jax,

If only you could’ve seen it like I did, the way you were when you thought the world wasn’t watching. How you’d change when I looked at you, when it was just us.
But most of all… I wish you could’ve seen how much it hurt me when you disappeared. Regrets are for cowards. It has always been my belief you should chase after the things you want with actions, not words. There is no such thing as never meant to be.
So this apology… not accepted…

~ Love always, Wild

Buy Love Always, Wild!