Today I have an amazing special treat to share, which is awesome because to me, that’s what Valentine’s day is all about: special treats & sharing. In case you hadn’t heard, or even if you had, the talented Charity Bradford has a book coming out this week. Click on the banner to check out her site and grab a copy of this brilliant book.

Charity let me do one of my favorite guest-post type things, she let me sit down with her characters and get their insight on love. And don’t leave right after the interview, Charity has also given us a sneak peak of her book that you’ll want to check out. So without further fanfare, their answers were better than my introduction, so I’ll let you read on.

Today is a special day for us here at Algodova News Net 4413. We have two of the mages responsible for saving us from the Dragumon attack. But not just any two mages, we’ve got the leaders with us today.

Now, I’m sure they’d like to talk to us about this new group of magical people and how they saved us, but I have something else in mind. Since we’ve moved into the second period (time sort of like seasons on Sendek) and every living thing is a flutter with love and life, I’d like to discuss their relationship!

*Talia blushes and glances at Landry*

Landry: That’s not why we’re here.

Of course not, but I’ve got you now. *laughs* Just relax and go with it. It can’t be as bad as those scaly demons you had to fight.

Now, on to our first question. I want both of you to give me an answer. Love at first sight – total bunk, a nice fairy tale, or completely plausible?

Talia: I believe you can have a chemical reaction to someone’s appearance or pheromones, but that isn’t love.

Landry: I believe in love at first sight. That’s what happened when I saw Talia, even though I tried to fight it.

I guess opposites really do attract! Now, flowers, chocolate, or something else?

Talia: Landry knows better than to pick flowers for me, and I’m not sure what this chocolate is that you speak of. However, see this? *shows necklace* Landry gave this to me to replace the one I lost. There really isn’t a more meaningful symbol of love that I can think of.

Landry: This may sound strange, but I love it when she argues with me. Her eyes light up and all I want to do is kiss her.

Major Sutton, you’re just saying that because she made you sound so sentimental.

Describe your perfect romantic evening out – anywhere in the world or universe.

Talia: Laying together under the stars watching the moons travel across the sky. Keeping each other warm as we wait for the healing sunsrise.

Landry: I’ll agree that will be hard to top, but perhaps one of these days I’ll manage it. I’d like to give her those stars.

Awe. Sounds like there’s a story here. Want to share.

Talia: No.

Okay then. How about this? Complete the following sentence: Love is ______

Talia: illusive.

Landry: strength.

I know our time is short, so one more question for you. If all the cards fell right, and you had the chance to make the perfect admission of love to that one special person, what would you say?

Talia: *blushing* I probably did it all wrong the first time, so it would be nice to get a second chance. I’d tell him thank you for saving me, from everything, but especially from myself. For the first time in years I feel safe and whole. Landry, you woke my heart and made me feel again.

Landry: *taking Talia’s hand* You know you saved yourself. You are stronger than any woman I’ve ever met. I would tell you, thank you for keeping me off balance and giving me a reason to fight harder for what I know is right. You complete me and I’ll fight to make you happy until my last breath.

Oh my. So much passion between these two. In fact, if you’d like a hint of what their first kiss is like, the blurb is below. That shared, intimate moment takes on a whole new meaning when the couple can communicate telepathically.

The Magic Wakes

Landry held her hands tightly, but gently. I’m not going to let go.

Their emotions swirled together in a writhing mass of sadness and guilt. As they rode the waves of emotion, Landry leaned forward and, untangling one hand, he lifted Talia’s chin until their eyes met.

There was the pull, the need between them. Talia leaned forward as Landry moved closer. The shock when their hands touched was nothing compared to the sensation of their lips meeting.

The kiss brought Talia’s loneliness to the surface. She shuddered as all the years of solitude and fear burst into flames. She wrapped her arms around Landry and pulled him closer. Everything faded away and all that existed were his arms, his lips.

Landry nibbled on her lower lip and something within Talia broke free as she melted into him. Neither could tell who the whispered thoughts belong to, or whose emotions surged through their veins.

When the saltiness of Talia’s tears reached her tongue, she remembered that this wasn’t a dream. She removed her hands from his hair and half-heartedly pushed him away at the same time her kiss grew hungrier. Her body wasn’t ready to give him up, but the slight pressure had its effect.

Landry pulled away, and they both gasped for air.
Talia touched her swollen lips. Her eyes searched Landry’s face. She couldn’t believe how strong her reaction had been. She wanted to pull him closer, but her mind ruled her body and she leaned away. Her hand moved from her lips to brush the bare spot where her necklace used to rest.

Landry said, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s fine. I—” Talia glanced at her hands, which still trembled. The tears slid quietly down her face.

Landry took her hand. “Talia, forgive me. I never should have taken advantage of the situation.”

Charity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. She lives in Arkansas with her hubby and children, and firmly believes that a smile can solve most problems. The Magic Wakes is her first novel.