 MS Kaye has shared with us before about what motivated her to write her Once series. With the release of her second book in the Taken Series, we asked again...This time a poem inspired her books! Here's what she said... A poem written by a woman born in the early 1500s inspired the name of book one, and the second half of the poem inspired the plot of book 2. I love how poetry and prose last forever and continue to influence the world. I hope my stories last forever like this poem. Long-felt desires, hopes as long as vain-- sad sighs--slow tears accustomed to run sad into as many rivers as two eyes could add, pouring like fountains, endless as the rain-- cruelty beyond humanity, a pain so hard it makes compassionate stars go mad with pity: these are the first passions I've had. Do you think love could root in my soul again? If it arched the great bow back again at me, licked me again with fire, and stabbed me deep with the violent worst, as awful as before, the wounds that cut me everwhere would keep me shielded, so there would be no place free for love. It covers me. It can pierce no more. Louise Labe We are excited to see MS Kaye's books last forever... What do you think??  Can Adriane handle Stein’s connection to her past and the truth of his motivations? As Alec and Adriane investigate the reason his father’s old organized crime competitor returned to the city, Adriane eventually realizes Alec is hiding something from her. Will his continued secrecy threaten their relationship? Will the truth of Stein’s motivations rip Adriane away from Alec? EXCERPT: “He didn’t know any exact plans,” Vincent said, “but it’s been decided you have only one real weakness.” Alec waited. Vincent’s gaze flickered to me. Alec’s body tightened until every muscle in his back, chest, and arms rippled. His hand squeezed mine a little too tightly, but I kept holding on. He tremored like a volcano about to erupt. “Alec, baby,” I murmured. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. Vincent centered himself in the doorway, and the others flanked him. “Alec,” I said. “Fuck.” Even his voice shook with rage. I pulled my hand loose and wrapped my arms around him, holding myself to his chest. “Baby,” I whispered. He continued to tremble. I’d never seen him this bad before. My hands shook, but I pressed them to his back to steady them. “Please, Alec.” He wrapped his arms around me, but his body didn’t relax like it usually did. My heart hammered against my ribs. I squeezed him more tightly, but my contact wasn’t working this time. Then I realized he wasn’t just angry; he was holding himself back. Trying desperately not to murder Stein. “I’m here,” I said. “Stay with me.” He wrapped his arms farther around me as if I were a buoy in the ocean. “I need you.” My voice shook. “Please, baby.” His voice barely made sound. “Tell me again.” “I need you. You can’t leave me.” I squeezed tighter and stood on my toes to press my cheek to his. “I need you right here. With me.” He pressed his face into my neck, arms so tightly around me his fingers wrapped around my sides. “I love you,” I whispered in his ear. “I love you. I need you.” Quiet. Only $3.99 |
