Believed Lyrics

As some of you may or may not remember with each MMM book I write song lyrics to go with it, there was Broken with MMM, Faith was named after a song Sam wrote in that book, and there is a song titled Believed of Sam and Jules book...

Believed
I see an angel up above
Streaking the sky in her wake
The stars shine bright trying to garner attention
Though she barely blinks in their wake
I watch her sail amongst the sea
Not realizing how she affects me

I believe in a world of fairies and lights
Until she’s gone from my sight
I believe in souls merging as one
Until she breaks the surface of the sea
I believe in a world of untold lies
Until she says she loves me so
I once believe in everything
But that was before the mist

I pull my angel close at night
Promising to protect her from the world
I hold her tight all night
To wake in the morning alone
I wait each night with my hands held tight
Praying for my love to return

I believe in a world of forevers
Until she’s gone without a thought
I believe in a world of laughs so bright
Until her names a curse from my lips
I believe in a world of dreams and myths
Until I’m left in the cold
I once believed in you and me
But that was before you left

I find her searching for life
All I can do is watch her fall
I find her milky flesh marred
The fingerprints deep enough to scar
I promised her once so much of me
Only to fail to make it that far

I once believed in the world of fairytales
Until daylight shone through cracks
I once believed the moon was made of cheese
Until daylight melted away my naiveté
I once believed in the love of two souls
Until the day you left a cutout in my soul
I once believed
But no more

A MMM Christmas Story

A little info before you read, this is written as Jules POV during the Christmas that happened in Faith, if you haven't read the previous MMM books you may need too to understand what's going on.

A MMM Christmas Story

By Brei Betzold

Copyright © 2013 Brei Betzold

For as long as I have known Devi we have had a tradition.  On Christmas Eve, Devi, Mags, Drake, Cris, Max and I have hung out. We drink too much and eat Chinese take-out.  Once Jaks falls asleep we attempt to put his presents together from Santa Claus while drunk and giggling trying not to wake him up.  This wasn’t difficult since that little boy, after we got him through the colic stage, sleeps like the dead.  Only, a few years ago things changed, I watched my friend go from single mom to a married mother with two kids, and I couldn’t be more happy for her. We’ve had to readjust our tradition some though; instead of everyone piling on Devi’s living room floor waiting for a screeching Jaks to come running out barefoot, now we have a Christmas morning brunch after Santa has arrived. 

This year I stayed Christmas Eve at the Taylor’s so I could help Devi and Ash with preparing for the brunch the next morning.   We drank too much wine and giggled as Seth cursed everything girly.  It was Caits first Christmas, they had bought her a gorgeous, handmade, fully furnished Victorian doll house that I swear was larger than my first apartment.  Jaks had been begging for a violin of his own, which was now lying under the Christmas tree ready and waiting for Jaks to play.  We wrestled items into stockings and arranged tiny furniture in spaces too small for adult hands but finally, we had everything in place for the morning.  

After everything was under the tree we pulled out the Patron until Devi and Seth finally stumbled into their rooms.  I passed out on the couch watching the lights on the Christmas tree twinkle with blurry eyes.  Ash has bailed out earlier saying she had to be up early, she was staying for the brunch then heading off to her parents’ house.  I had dinner with mom tonight then had planned on going over to Max’s parents’ house for Christmas dinner.  Finally, my eyes fluttered closed and sleep pulled me under.

All too quickly I was woken by Jaks jumping on the couch by my feet screaming about Santa had come

 “Shh” I whispered then grunted when Jaks landed on me giggling.

“Jules wake up, Santa was here” Jaks screeched in my ear.

“I heard” I said blandly then flipped us over and started tickling Jaks, his peals of laughter echoed through the quiet house.  “Why don’t you go wake up mommy and daddy” I said when I finally stopped tickling him.

He was off like a shot, running back up the stairs squealing the entire time about Santa coming.  I grinned at his excitement then pushed myself up off the couch so I could make some much needed coffee.  We wouldn’t make it through the morning with a hyper Jaks without a good dose of caffeine.

Jaks ran back down the stairs with a blurry eyed Seth behind him, I stifled my giggle when Seth tripped on the bottom stair nearly falling.  I put together a bottle for Cait while waiting for the coffee to finish.   I filled four cups of coffee, grabbed sugar and creamer and set everything on a tray then headed back into the family room.

“Jules, I think I just fell in love with you” Seth mumbled when I sat the tray down.

“Jaks wait for everyone else” I said watching him nearly drool while staring at the violin.

“But Santa came” he whined.

“Jaks they’re on the way down, mommy had to change Cait’s diaper” Seth told him smiling.

Finally Devi came down carrying a grumpy Cait and plopped down on the couch beside Seth.  I handed Devi the bottle, while Cait let out a sigh of happiness then quickly went to work polishing off breakfast.

“Can I now?” Jaks whined.

Seth looked over at Devi who mouthed “stocking first” as Seth answered with an evil grin.

We sat there watching Jaks tear through his stocking oohing and ahhing along the way.  The little monster had brought in quite a haul. 

After he finished he looked up at us impatiently “now can I see what Santa left?”

“Go for it” Devi said smiling at her son.

Jaks took off and stared reverently at the instrument, running a finger gently across the body “is this for me?” he whispered.

“Yes” Seth said proudly.

Jaks carefully picked up the violin, grabbing a cloth out of the case; he folded it, then tucked both the cloth and violin under his tiny chin and picked up the bow.  He slowly ran the bow along the strings then gave us the widest smile I had ever seen on his face.  He began playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star smiling the entire time.

When he was finished his eyes shined “it’s just what I wanted” he wailed while bouncing on his toes.  He gently put the violin back in its case then turned to us.  “Can we open presents now?”

Devi sat down by the tree with Cait “let Cait look at what Santa brought her first.”

Jaks pouted but climbed up on Seth’s lap and we watched as Devi showed Cait her doll house; then they went through her stocking.  Finally when Cait was finished Devi began passing out gifts.  I sat cozied up in a large chair watching with a smile on my face.  I loved watching this, it was magical and something I never had growing up.  I was getting a picture of what a childhood should be and it was amazing.

Wrapping paper flew; bows soared through the air, amongst squeals of glee and the gurgling laugh of a happy baby.  I wanted this someday, family, laughs, and happiness.  I sat there and smiled while Jaks and Cait experienced the magic of Christmas morning. 

“Jules” Devi gasped.

“Hmm” I answered knocked out of my thoughts and looked over at my friend, my big sister for all intents and purpose.

“This is gorgeous.”

I grinned “I’m glad you like it” I said watching as Devi stared down at the locket I had made for her.  It had a cherry tree enameled on the front then inside was a picture of Jaks, Cait, Seth and finally a picture of all three of them.

“Jules this is great” Seth said looking down at what I had made for him, it was a pick holder that hung from a simple ball chain.  On the back I had etched the logo for My Misery Muse and his name; I’d made one for him, Jaks and Sam each with their name. 

“Jaks has special picks in his” I told him “I remember you saying he was having trouble with holding a regular pick since his hands weren’t large enough.  I made him some then filed them down, let me know how they work?”

Seth nodded looking down at Jaks matching necklace.  He pulled one of the picks out and smiled “this should work great, thank you.”

I shrugged and blushed “no big deal.”

I’d made Cait a charm bracelet, I had plans on adding a new charm to it on Christmas and her birthday each year.  I had made one for Quinn as well. I made Mags a locket like Devi’s only hers had a willow tree on front.  I took great pleasure out of making gifts for my family. 

All too soon the kids were playing with toys while the adults picked up wrapping paper. We had to wrangle it out of Cait’s hands along with the boxes that the toys had come in.  Ash had finally woken up and was in the kitchen getting breakfast for Jaks, which he ignored so he could continue playing with his new toys. 

After everything was cleaned up we started working on getting brunch ready, most of it just needed to be reheated and put out.  We didn’t want to have to spend the morning cooking, well Ash and Devi cooking, I was on cleaning duty.  I wasn’t much help when it came to cooking much to the chagrin of my mom, I never really took to cooking and baking.   

People started trickling in, what was once a small gathering had turned into a large affair.  Everyone in the band showed up along with most of the guys from the tattoo shop and other various friends.  Merry Christmas’s were shouted, hugs were given until finally everyone had showed up.  I sat in the family room with the guys from the tattoo shop laughing while snuggling with a sleepy, warm Cait. 

“XAVIER” Devi shouted from the other room and then X came running around the corner hiding behind the couch.  I giggled when Devi ran in the room looking for him waving around something in her hand.

“Xavier where the hell are you?” she ground out between her teeth.

Walt, one of our tattoo artists pointed over towards the couch and Devi walked around then towards the sound of X whining.  I glanced over to see Devi smacking X with whatever it was in her hand.

“How could you, you fuckwit” Devi seethed.

“It’s creepy” he said while blocking her next blow.

“I know it is, but that didn’t mean you can microwave the bastard” she barked.

I bit my lip to stifle my laughter; I finally realized what she was holding.

“Whoever thought up the idea of the elf on a shelf has something wrong in the head” X said haughtily then keeled over laughing.

I noticed that the head was melted and had collapsed on itself, I couldn’t help myself as I joined X laughing.  “X” I gasped “how long does it take” giggles “to melt the head of an elf?”

“I set it for fifteen minutes, she found it after about five.”

I snorted then giggled when Devi hit him again “my kitchen smells like melted plastic.”

I held Cait against my shaking chest while I laughed at their antics.  Those two were worse than two year olds fighting over the same toy.  Finally Devi through the doll at X then headed back into the kitchen.  I could hear her giggling though as she walked away.

When Drake walked in shaking his head and stomping around like someone ran over his dog I wanted to give him a hug.  I knew things between him and Mags were getting interesting and by the look of their faces when they came in earlier it wasn’t getting any better.  I wanted to kick Mags in the shin for the way she was acting, she had this great guy who loved her and her daughter, and she was fighting him at every turn.  What I wouldn’t give to have a decent guy in my life.

I sighed and Cait nuzzled my neck giving a sleepy sigh, I blinked back tears, I wouldn’t let my shit get in the way today.  Max sat down next to me and I leaned into his body, while he tucked his arm around my shoulder giving it a squeeze.

“You okay?” he whispered in my ear.

“Sure” I said trying to sound chipper.

“Don’t do that, not with me” he growled lowly.

I faked a smile and glanced up at him “it’s Christmas of course everything is great.”

He sighed defeated and nodded “just let me know if you need anything.”

“You’ve already done enough” I told him and leaned up and kissed his cheek.  Just then Sam walked in and I groaned, he looked at Max and me then walked over where Drake, Seth and X were talking.  I tracked him from the corner of my eye, yea Mags was a fucking idiot.  I would give anything to have a guy like one of those that profess their love for me. 

Eventually we all ate brunch laughing and chatting about our plans for the rest of the day.  Xavier and Devi bickered like siblings the entire time, eventually they began the traditional food fight.  I laughed and smiled like I was supposed to the entire time.  I chatted and talked about Christmas’s past but the entire time I was fighting down the green eyed monster as I watched those around me.  Seth and Devi were looking at each other with love in their eyes, Drake and Mags giving each other glares in-between heated looks, Cris and Ash trying to be coy but failing at hiding what was going on between them. 

Once brunch was finished we all flooded back into the family room to sit and watch as we opened presents.  It was a mix of gag gifts and sentimental, laughs and thanks you’s were yelled across the room.  I kept my eyes in the direction of Sam wanting to see his reaction when he opened my gift. 

“Jules” X yelled I looked his way and smiled “thank you” I nodded as he waived around the leather bracelet I had braided for him with an X in the middle. 

“You’re welcome” I murmured.

I opened gifts while dodging balls of wrapping paper when I came to one from Jaks. I looked up at smiled at the precocious five year old.  I unwrapped a picture frame made of popsicles sticks and had to blink back tears, the frame had “My most favorite Aunt” written on it then a picture of me snuggled on the couch reading a book to Jaks and Cait.  I covered my mouth with my hand and tried to blink back the tears.  Once the flood gates opened though I couldn’t stop them, I traced their beautiful faces and looked up at Jaks and smiled.

“Do you like it Aunt Jules?” Jaks asked quietly, I couldn’t speak so I opened my arms and he ran into them.  I hugged him tightly.

“Love you monster” I whispered in his hair.

He looked up at me and gave me a grin just like his dads “I know” then he took off running.

I shook my head at him and wiped my face then put the frame aside but still kept stealing glances at it.  It was by far the best Christmas present I had ever received. 

I went back to opening the rest of my gifts, most of which were things for my jewelry making all while trying to watch Sam.  When he opened my gift he smiled and looked up at me and mouthed thank you to me.  I smiled back and nodded my head. 

After the gifts were opened we once again went to work filling trash bags with wrapping paper.  I had noticed Mags leaving the room earlier then Drake storming out of the house.  I had no idea what that was about, but my friend needed to get her head out of her ass soon or she would lose out on what I was sure would be one of the greatest things in her life.

People once again handed out hugs and kisses before heading out to celebrate with their families.  I stayed and helped clean up before hugging Seth and Devi and dropping kisses on the kid’s heads.  I wanted to go back to the place I was staying but I knew that Max would never allow that.  My best friend wanted me at his parents’ house for Christmas so that’s where I would be.  The thought of spending time with Sam though made that idea sound more appealing.

I drove to Max and Sam’s parents’ house where Cris and mom would also have dinner.  It was a quiet celebration compared to Seth and Devi’s.  More gifts were exchanged and an amazing dinner was eaten.  It was the perfect ending to a fabulous Christmas, I was able to covertly study Sam, or maybe not so covertly since Max had elbowed me in the ribs more than once.  I had to check at one point if I had drool on my chin when he picked up his guitar and started playing Christmas carols. 

Everything was perfect until their father stood up and made an announcement that sucked the joy out of the day.  What had started out as a day of magic quickly turned into a day of grief, I hugged Max tight while he cried, watched as Sam stood there stoic.  Max, Cris and I left shortly thereafter to go back to Cris’s house and to a waiting bottle of Patron.  We all sighed in relief once midnight hit, the day was over.  Though I still worried about Sam, he’d stood there as if everything fine though I could see the pain in his eyes.  I fell asleep on Cris’s couch with Sam in mind and what I wouldn’t give to be able to hug him tight and insulate him from what was to come.

Believed (My Misery Muse 3) Cover Reveal

Synopsis:
Book 3 in the My Misery Muse Series

Once upon a time Jules believed in fairytales, prince charming, and happily ever afters.  The past year
had destroyed those illusions though.  Being plunged into a life she never wanted or planned for has a
way of removing the rose tinted glasses.

Sam always new life was nothing but a struggle, now watching his family fall apart he was taught once
again, there is no such thing as a happy ever after.  It’s best to stay away from entanglements, because
all it ends in is pain for everyone.

Thrust together while facing a past they’d rather forget, and a future built on a deck of cards, can they
find their happily ever after, after all?

Believed on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18591364­believed

Social Media Links:
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http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6584188.Brei_Betzold

One Year Anniversary of My Misery Muse

One year ago today after drinking a lot of shots and a few beers I finally had enough liquid courage to press the publish button for My Misery Muse.  I was a nervous wreck for days, but the overwhelming encouragement I received finally got thru to me.  I was able to take a deep breath for the first time a week later.  I have so many people to thank for helping me with my debut novel, I've dreamt for so long about writing a novel, then one day I did it.  It was a rollercoaster ride I would have never made it thru if it wasn't for all of you.

 

I want to thank Nikki Sparks, Holly Malgieri, Tanya Keetch, and Kim Box Person for believing in My Misery Muse even when it was a file on my computer I was still debating on releasing.    All the authors and bloggers willing to answer questions, help pimp me, and did what they could to help me succeed. I want to thank my readers for supporting me while I achieved one of my dreams. I can’t wait to see what comes next

No Trespassing Cover Reveal

It is officially my birthday, so to celebrate surviving another year without death, dismemberment or incarceration I give you No Trespassing cover and blurb

Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Murphy has plans. After spending four years in the Army he’s headed home. He was ready to settle down, marry his girl and run his ranch in the panhandle of Texas. Only plans change, people change, and what he thought once was is irrevocably changed.

McKenna ‘Mac’ Wyatt should be out making mistakes, living her life as every other 21 year old college student. Instead she’s stuck in a small town where everyone knows her family’s dirty little secrets. Instead of going to college like she once dreamed, she finds herself once again minimizing her mama’s path of destruction.

Can a lost soldier and a small town pariah find a way to make it through their rocky past and see what’s been right in front of them all along? Or will the town’s opinion, mistakes made, and history reliving itself prove they never should have been?

Tribal Cover

The cover reveal for Tribal (My Misery Muse 2.5)

Synopsis:

Can a relationship based on secrets and half-truths really work?  Or will someone end up getting hurt at the end?

Ash has a job she loves, and amazing friends that support her. But she also has a secret relationship on the side. Is the relationship worth the heartache when the man she loves isn’t willing to trust her?

Crispin can't win. Period. The woman he thought he loved went and married someone else to live the perfect life.  His tattoo shop is in the red, and the relationship he thought he had is in jeopardy because he wasn’t willing to confide in his girl.  Will he ever be able to do anything right?

Painted Lines Sequel

So I keep being asked about a sequel to Painted Lines, and here is the honest answer, I haven't thought about it yet, I am currently working on Tribal a My Misery Muse novella.  After thats finished I will give it some thought, what I can tell you is that I don't want to get back into Scout's head. I love that girl but she has some issues I really do not want to relive vicariously again.  So where that leaves me I'm not sure, but once I have something in the works I will let you know.

Taking Orders for Signed Copies starting 4/28 thru 5/11

I've been asked how to get signed copies of my books so I thought I'd give it a try, we'll see how this goes if it work's we can give it another go after Painted Lines is released, so if you cant order now check back in July.

Signed copies of My Misery Muse and Faith will go on sale April 28th thru May 11th, for one book its $15 to buy both it will be $25 a set.  Now how to order email me at mymiserymuse@gmail.com with your name, address and what book(s) you are ordering, then send your money to me at paypal using the email address breibetzold@gmail.com, all orders must be paid by 12a.m. May 12^th or they will be removed.  After all orders are in and paid for I will order the books, I will hopefully have them in by the beginning of June, I’ll let you know when I have a better idea though, I hope to have all signed copies shipped to you by the end of June. U.S. only.

Painted Lines Cover Reveal

Blurb:

Scout has always wanted to follow in her family’s business of custom bike building. Being female never stopped her from getting greasy and slapping on paint with the best of them, and made her work even harder at opening up her own shop someday.

When an opportunity to win $500,000 dollars in prize money presents itself, Scout and her group of misfit friends sign on the dotted line to be filmed for a reality television show to win it. But like anything in life there’s always a catch to free money.

When nightmares of the past meet dreams of the future, Scout is forced to face her demons, or be quickly over run by the memories. In the midst of her inner turmoil, family will come home, and possibly a life she never expected to have could be within her grasp.

Chapter 1

I walked into the garage and took a deep breath inhaling the familiar scents of oil, gasoline and oranges. It smelled the same as any other shop I have ever been in; it smelled like home.  I had grown up in motorcycle shops, garages, and custom paint shops, following my father around his shop and later my grandpa, Saul, learning the trade as well as picking one up of my own.  Which is what lead me here, joining a team of misfits to compete for a cash prize we hoped to win then use to open our own custom bike shop.  We didn’t have big plans, just a small shop that we could perform our own forms of artistry out of, creating one of a kind motorcycles for people who could afford them.  I looked over at the other three members of my team, one being my best friend. We both grew up following our fathers around and later my grandpa.  The other two were relatively unknown, but geniuses we had found along the way, kindred spirits in wanting to pursue this dream with us.  We had all come together and created our own nonconformist family, and now we had finally found a means to an end, or so we hoped.

I looked around the shop we would be creating in for the next six weeks, there were seven stalls one for each team to work in, along with everything we would need to create works of art that would be required of us.  I could build a bike, being taught at a young age had its advantages, but my particular specialty was paint.  Simon, my best friend, could do a bit of everything including running a shop's business aspect.  Kale was an engine expert; he could build or fix almost anything with moving parts.  Then there was Liam, he was a miracle worker with metal, he could craft it, mold it in ways I had never seen before.  I hoped that with all of our combined strengths, knowledge, and luck we would be able to win this competition and then the $500k the winner would receive.

I heard shuffling behind me and peeked over my shoulder, I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face.  In walked a man who I had known since birth, and still called uncle.  He returned my grin and held his arms open for me, which I instantly ran into.

“Scout,” he breathed out hugging me tight.

“Uncle Matt,” I replied.

“What are you doing here, Seraph?” he asked using the name he had called me for as long as I can remember.

I shrugged. “Same as you would be my guess.”

He finally let me go only to wrap his arm around my shoulder. “Simon,” he said giving a nod.

“Dad,” Simon replied.

“So I take it Saul still refuses to help,” he stated, we both knew he would never help me; he was of the old school mind set.  If you wanted something bad enough, you went out and made it happen by yourself so you appreciated it more once you had it.  Not that I could find any fault in his logic, and preferred it this way.

“Yep,” I replied, “but that’s ok, I would rather do it on my own.”

“Oh I know that Seraph, you’ve always wanted to do things yourself.”

I looked over at the other five guys that had walked in with Matt, smiled and waved at the guys that I had also known a long time, they all returned it as they passed by me.

“Heard anything from Cas?” asked Matt.

“Yeah, yesterday actually.”

“How is he?”

“Doing well, ready to come home though.”

“Yeah, I am sure you’re ready for him to come home.”

I swallowed and nodded, my brother Cas was currently in Afghanistan on his second tour with the Marines, and was supposed to be home in a month.  I was beyond ready for him to come home, especially since this would be his last tour; he had decided not to reenlist.

“He still plans on not reenlisting?”

“Told him if he did, he had better beg to be sent back over because it would be better off than having to face me.”

“That’s my girl, and since he’s smart and knows you, he won’t test you on this.”

“Let’s hope,” I muttered.

“I would be more afraid of you, Seraph, even with all his training,” Uncle Matt chuckled giving me another one armed hug before letting go to look around.

I looked over at my team and smiled, they all looked a little shell shocked looking around at who all was there, and I couldn’t blame them.  Other than Simon, my team was newer and didn’t know Matt and his team well, only their reputation, which was well earned.  I knew that we could beat them. They tended to stick to the old school ways, where we tended to pull inspiration from everything.

We continued to stand around and talk amongst ourselves as we watched more groups of competitors walk in, most of which I knew personally or knew of. I noticed Uncle Matt staying near our group, as if to protect me, who knew from what, as far as I knew he wouldn’t be competing with us.  He would never lower himself to competing for money on a television show, plus, in all reality he didn’t need the money like most of us did. 

I noticed a lot of the known shops were here only with the not as well-known builders being the ones to show up.  I could understand that, wanting to make a name for yourself outside of the shop you worked for; this would be the way to go about it.  As we stood around waiting for everyone to show up, I said hellos, and listened to how everyone’s families were doing.  All the while checking out the competition and meeting those I didn’t already know, with one team still not here, we were called into a meeting with the production crew.  We were quickly brought into a group and began listening to the rules, the way it all worked, and all the other info we had already been told. 

I looked around wondering who the last team was. Simon elbowed me in the ribs causing me to look up and finding the producer of the show staring at me.  I decided to focus up front and look around when we were finally finished.

Two hours later, we were finally released after signing all the contracts, agreeing to the rules again, and listening to more people who I didn’t really care about talk.  They still weren’t telling us who the judges would be, which was fine with me, wasn’t really worried about it at this point.  My largest concern was getting to the hotel so I could shower and sleep since I had been awake for over twenty-four hours at this point.  I made my way to my brand new Ducati Diavel Dark, bought for me by my older brother Cas for my twenty-first birthday.  I loved it, though while I loved this bike and its speed, I still preferred my 2009 Sportster Iron 883, that Saul, my grandfather, bought me for my eighteenth birthday.  I was ready for my Harley to be delivered to the house we were renting while in Sturgis, Wyoming for the competition then the bike rally that was in two months.

I hated motels but I could handle one night in the hotel then we would be moving to our rental, but I was not looking forward to living with three guys.  I had lived with Simon, Kale and Liam before, and knew for a fact that they are all slobs. I don’t think it was something Simon’s wife would ever break him of.  Though I was looking forward to his wife, Cameron, coming soon with their infant son. I missed them both, and I am sure it would help Simon’s mood once they got here as well.  I was reaching for my helmet when I heard someone clearing their throat behind me, I glanced over my shoulder and found my Uncle Matt watching me.

“What’s up?”

“Want to go get some dinner?”

“No, not really, I want a hot shower and some sleep.”

“Come on, Seraph, let's go get a burger,” he wheedled.

“Uncle Matt, I am tired, I just got here before we had to meet up for this, now all I want to do is check in and get some sleep.”

He nodded rubbing his hand against his beard that was greyer than the red I was used to. “Come on, Scout, get some food with me.”

I sighed, he wasn’t going to let this go. “Fine, but let’s make it quick.”

“Ok, follow me?”

I nodded and grabbed my helmet, pulled my hair up and tucked it in.  Once my helmet was on, I swung my leg over and started my bike, its low purr vibrating throughout my body. Damn, I loved this bike.  I followed Matt out of the parking lot and through the city streets, pacing myself with him and his chopper.

Once we pulled up in front of the Easyriders Saloon, I pulled up beside him turning off the bike and taking off my helmet.

“So where’d ya get that?” he asked gesturing to the bike.

I smiled. “Cas got her for me for my birthday.”

“What’d ya name her?”

“Angel,” I replied smiling over at him I stroked her tank affectionately I had plans for her.

“She’s all stock?”

I nodded. “Yeah, she’s stock, haven’t had her long.”

He shook his head mumbling something, probably something derogatory about my bike, damn old school bikers.  We walked towards the restaurant in companionable silence I knew he wanted to talk to me about something, but wouldn’t get around to it until he was damn good and ready. 

After we were seated and looking over menus, I couldn’t stand the quiet anymore. I was either going to fall asleep where I sat or throw something at him.  I was currently leaning towards sleep. I really needed to sleep, and I had ridden through non-stop from San Diego to here.  Cas and I shared a townhouse in San Diego, since he was hardly home it was more my house that he paid half the rent on. It worked out well for us since it gave me my privacy as well as a place for Cas to crash when he was in the states. Though I think the main reason he had wanted me to move into the townhouse is he wanted to make sure I was someplace safe.  My eyes were doing the slow blink, like they weren’t sure if they would have the energy to reopen the next time, so when someone cleared their throat beside me I nearly jumped from the booth.

I glanced up and found an irritated looking waitress snapping her gum my direction, I looked over at Matt and found him looking at me expectantly.

“What?”

“Your drink order, ma'am?” she asked sounding annoyed.

I cleared my throat and ordered a cup of coffee. I desperately needed the caffeine.  When I looked over at Matt it was to find him smirking at me, that all-knowing smirk of his that used to get me to fess up to whatever I had done, and he never had to say a thing.

“What?” I grumbled.

“How long since you last slept?”

I squinted in his direction doing the math. “Thirty-six hours or so I think.”

He shook his head at me. “Why?”

“Had things to do before coming here, then there was the ride up,” I responded around a yawn.

“What was so important you couldn’t sleep, Seraph?”

“Had to get things ready for Cam to drive up, get things done around the house for when Cas comes home, and then a couple of things at the shop I’ve been working on,” I said giving the waitress a grateful smile when she plunked the coffee cup down in front of me.  I took a big drink of the hot coffee scalding the inside of my mouth, it burned, but the pain helped wake me up some.

I waved her off after Matt ordered his food, not really in the mood for food.  Just really wanting to find out why Matt had asked me to come out with him instead of letting me go to bed.

“When’s Cas coming home?”

“Next month, then he’s taking leave and then it will be time for his reenlistment.”

“What’s he going to do when he gets out?”

“We’ve talked about him helping me get the shop open then working there, but honestly, I don’t think he really wants to do.”

Matt nodded. “Then what does he want to do?’

“I have no idea and I don’t think he does either.”

“Well, maybe he will help out until he decides what he does want to do. You two always did work well together.”

I shrugged and looked away, we both knew the only reason my dad had taught me anything was because of Cas, so of course we worked well together.

“So what did you want, Uncle Matt?”

“Ace and Lace are competing.”

“Ah, fuck me,” I muttered gulping down the rest of my coffee and getting up to leave.

© 2013 Brei Betzold

Release Date June 18 2013

Cover by Wicked Cool Designs 

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Follow more info about Painted Lines and me at Good Reads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17396742-painted-lines

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6584188.Brei_Betzold

What's Next

So now that Faith is released I am going to focus on Painted Lines, I am hoping to have it released in June.  I cannot wait for you to meet Scout, she is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters.  After that I will focus my attention on Tribal, a novella for the My Misery Muse series, I am trying to get that out by the end of July, but it may be the beginning of August.  I will have more info for you on Tribal as soon as I have a better idea on what is going to happen.  I can't tell you when MMM3 will be out since I have not started working on it, but I am going to try for a fall release.  I have decided there will be five books in the My Misery Muse series and two novella's, though I can't give you a timeline on all of them at this point, or any information since I have ideas about what will happen next but those ideas often isn't whats written.  I have numerous other project going as well and will let you know about them soon, Nothing Is which is listed on goodreads is one of those projects, and I am going to attempt to have it out in 2014.  So that's what I am up to at this time I'll let you know if that changes and when I have more to tell you.

Faith released 3/27

So I had Faith finished sooner than I thought I would and so I released it early, its been a bit of a roller coaster the past few days so I am only now getting to post this.  I am now refocusing on Painted Lines, so excited about this one, and after Painted Lines I will finish a novella for the MMM series.  I am hoping to have both out this summer.

My take on Piracy

Yea I know you are seeing authors complain about piracy all over the place, and you're probably wondering why are we pitching such a fit. You may see it as us whining over the loss of money we could be making, but in all reality its not that. It's the lack of respect this shows for us, its the pain we feel when we see someone take something with no regard to the emotional investment we have put into it. When I first saw My Misery Muse on a torrent site it felt like someone punched me in the stomach, stomped on my toes, and told me I was worthless in one fell swoop. It told me that someone had so little respect for the amount of time, tears, and love that I put into writing a story that they felt the right to take it from me, to lessen what I did, what I accomplished. It is not about the money, because in all reality we don't make a lot of money from this, what we do make is then turn around and put back into developing new stories for you to enjoy, berate, tear apart, love, hate, feel some sort of emotion for even if it is contempt. We do this over and over, we put ourselves out there and in return we are told by these sites that our effort is not worth the small amount of money that we gain. It makes us doubt ourselves, our stories, and makes us rethink is it worth putting ourselves through this if you're just going to steal it, and its not just my bank account that you're stealing from, it my emotions, my heart and my dream.

I thank every person who has purchased my books through legitimate sites, I appreciate the support and respect you have shown me. Those who have chosen to steal something so personal from me or any other author, musician, actor, developer, shame on you for belittling us and telling us that what we do is not worthy of respect.

Faith Cover

Thank you again Okay Creations for another gorgeous cover

Teaser:

“So, about the last time we saw each other…” I started.

He nodded his head. “It was fun; we should do it again soon.”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think we should.”

“Fine, Mags, what do you need to tell me so we can get back to the party?”

“I’m pregnant.”

He stared at me slack jawed then snapped it closed. “Well, it’s not mine, we used a condom.”

Blurb:

Set two years after we left Devi and Seth in My Misery Muse, comes Faith where Drake Porter and Mags Sands’ story unfolds.

Mags is a single mother, running her own business, trying to make ends meet. Drake is an A&R guy for a local indie record company who has been working nonstop for a year. When both finally take a vacation with family and friends, they are forced to finally admit, at least to themselves, that they have feelings for each other.

When they go home, they find it even more difficult to put the past in the past and maintain a relationship strong enough to face the challenges ahead. Follow along as they try to make a relationship work while fighting demons of their own, through circumstances not of their making, and with family and friends trying to help.

Amazon is finally releasing an update for My Misery Muse, you should receive an email if not you can update it by going to your manage your kindle searching by my last name go to actions and choose update if you want the updated version

Painted Lines

Currently working on a new project, Painted Lines, hope to have it out late May or early June.  Heres the blurb on it, more info to come.

Scout has always wanted to follow in her family’s business of custom bike building. Being female never stopped her from getting greasy and slapping on paint with the best of them, and made her work even harder at opening up her own shop someday.

When an opportunity to win $500,000 dollars in prize money presents itself, Scout and her group of misfit friends sign on the dotted line to be filmed for a reality television show to win it. But like anything in life there’s always a catch to free money.

When nightmares of the past meet dreams of the future, Scout is forced to face her demons, or be quickly over run by the memories. In the midst of her inner turmoil, family will come home, and possibly a life she never expected to have could be within her grasp.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17396742-painted-lines

Updated Version of MMM

So some of you may know this, some not but I have been trying to get the option out to all of you for an updated version of MMM, when i published I made a mistake and chose the wrong file, I fixed it as soon as I was able, but still a lot of people purchased the incorrect copy.  Well amazon finally contacted me and told me that MMM does in fact meet their guides to have an updated version released, now waiting to find out when they will do this.

Once again I am sorry for those who purchased the incorrect version, I will let you know on my Facebook  twitter and blog when they will be letting everyone update their version of MMM.

Thanks for understanding,
Brei

Faith Teaser

Completely unedited and could change...RAW material

“So when did this happen?” I asked

“I was asked this morning and decided earlier” Drake answered with a shrug.

“We knew he couldn’t turn us down” replied X

“Really and whys that?” asked Devi

“More chances to get laid, of course” X scoffed followed by a thump and an ouch.

“Seth she’s abusing me again” he whined

“Stop being a prick, and man up by the way” Devi responded before Seth could, Seth just shrugged while everyone else laughed at them.

“I didn’t know you were a masochist, man” X said in mock horror.

Seth shrugged “Whatever floats your boat”

Devi and I groaned we knew what was coming next.

“Whatever sinks your ship” quipped Eli.

“Whatever tickles your pickle” came from Drake.

“Whatever increases your trickle” from Sam, which got some looks.

“Whatever trips your trigger” from Devi, I looked at her and lifted an eyebrow, she gave a look that pretty much said might as well join.

I sighed “Whatever turns your crank”

We all looked at X, scared of what would come from his mouth we didn’t have to wait long.

“Whatever pets your monkey” causing us all to groan.

We all sat back and enjoyed our time together; we really didn’t get enough time together like this.

A note to authors

Ok so I know that I haven't been around as long as some, that I only have one book out that's not topping any charts, but maybe that's why I can see the problem.  I know of one blog that was attacked because of their review, two different bloggers who have made themselves sick, another brought to tears because of an author, this is NOT right.  These women and men who run these blogs do not get paid, they do not expect anything other than for us to treat them with respect and courtesy for doing US a service.  We need to remember that the bloggers have jobs, families, responsibilities that do not revolve around us.  We need to say thank you for reading our books, taking time to review our books good or bad, to set up blog tours, giveaways, pimping us out, so many time consuming activities I'm not even listing and they ask for very little, a little common courtesy would go a long way.  When one tells us no, which I know is rare, they should start by the way instead of making themselves sick trying to do to much, we should understand we are not their obligation, they do not have to read our ARC, they do not have to do any of the numerous things they do, they do not get a cut of our royalty checks so they are NOT our employees.

Just remember the golden rule treat others the way you want to be treated when dealing with people who enjoy reading our books so much that they take time away from their lives to help us reach our dreams.

Faith Blurb

Set two years after we left Devi and Seth in My Misery Muse, comes Faith where Drake Porter and Mags Sands’ story unfolds.

Mags is a single mother, running her own business trying to make ends meet.  Drake is an A&R guy for a local indie record company who has been working nonstop for a year.  When both finally take a vacation with family and friends, they are forced to finally admit, at least to themselves, that they have feelings for each other.

When they go home, they find it even more difficult to put the past in the past and maintain a relationship strong enough to face the challenges ahead.  Follow along as they try to make a relationship work while fighting demons of their own, through circumstances not of their making, and with family and friends trying to help.  

So I probably don't add to this like I should, but here is whats going on currently, I've finished writing Faith and about to start rewrites then ship it off to my editor yay.  Also started a new book not an MMM book but something completely different called Nothing Is, more details on that to come later.   The blog tour starts on Tuesday, just found out that The Subclub is going to have an author's day for me currently scheduled for Feb 4th but I will give you more info on that closer to time, I will tell you that there will be a surprise.

Hmm lets see what else is going on, writing a lot, and I have a schedule for future releases that I will tack on here.  The releases are a not permanent in their times, they are what I am hoping to make and can be changed at any time.

Ok so lets give you an idea on when to expect some books, this is all subject to change btw at any time

Faith - March/April release

Nothing Is - June

MMM Novella - July

MMM3 - Sept

more to come but this is as as far as I am currently planning

Blog Tour Schedule

So excited, it starts a week from today on Jan 8th, there will be lots of fun to be had and interviews with 2 band members, an interview with me, a blog post by one over protective sexy brother, excerpts and a brand new trailer.  I am so excited and can't wait, hope you follow.