#bilow

[dozydawn]

Marina Klimova and Sergei Ponomarenko Compulsory Dance “Blues” 1992. Photographed by Pascal Rondeau and Nathan Bilow.

[sandythereadingcafe]

REVIEW

RUBY SPENCER’S WHISKY YEAR by Rochelle Bilow at The Reading Cafe:

‘cute, fun, lighthearted read’

http://www.thereadingcafe.com/ruby-spencers-whisky-year-by-rochelle-bilow-a-review/

[thereadingcafe]

[fclearcove]

💬

Many years ago, as a small child...

It was the early evening. Finn was curled on his father's lap, their tails intertwined, staring in fascination as they flipped through an old photo album, and his papa softly explained the memory behind each picture.

It was an activity Finn loved. It was his own story time right before bed, even if there were not many stories to tell, since most of the album was blank.

As his father rumbled about a particularly difficult hunt, Finn blinked at a picture he did not remember seeing before. In the picture was a stranger. A face that was unfamiliar. A mystery.

Long dark green hair bilowed around a dark green face, turquoise eyes crinkled by a large, mischevious grin full of sharp teeth. A cookie cutter shark with dark green scales and tail. Like him.

"Papa, who's that? He looks like me."

Finn pointed at the photo, and his father followed his direction. There was a brief pause, a pregnant silence that was heavy and rather unexpected to Finn.

"That's your dad." His father murmured, tracing his claw along that frozen, smiling face down to the necklace of teeth hung around the mer's neck.

Finn's chubby face twisted into a confused look. "But... but you're my dad."

"He's also your dad." Said his Papa patiently. "We both are."

"Oh." Finn frowned. "Where is he?"

The long stretch of silence, to long to be a pause, that followed made Finn wonder if he had said something wrong. He stared at his Papa's furrowed brows and glinting amthyst eyes, contemplating apologising, when-

"He's not here anymore, Finn." Said his Papa slowly. There was something off in his voice. Something sad. "He... passed away."

"..." Finn stared at the picture in silence for a while. "What was he like?" He blurted, the burning curiosity about this mystery dad keeping him from being quiet, like he probably should've been.

His papa sighed and tilted his head to stare at the bottled bioluminiscent algae that functioned as a lamp. He didn't answer for a long time, contemplating what to say.

"Morrigan... your dad... was warm and funny, and clever. Far too mischevious for his own good. He was always so passionate and full of life, and such a talented sorcerer..."

Finn tilted his head to the side as his father's gaze turned distant, shifting to stare out the window at something that wasn't there and reaching up to touch his necklace of orca teeth.

"...He was a smooth talker and an utterly hopeless romantic. He was so brilliant and powerful. He was so excited to meet you..." He trailed off and went quiet, frowning a bit.

"He sounds nice." Finn said as earnestly as a six year old could manage.

"Hmm." His Papa murmured, looking at him with a half smile. He still sounded so... sad. "That's one way to put it."

'Don't be sad,' Finn wanted to say. But the words didn't come. Instead, he reached out to take his Papa's hand with his own and squeezed it. That half smile brightened a little, and the squeeze was returned, and the tail coiled around his own loosened its hold.

"...Alright, Finn, time for bed now." His Papa rumbled, starting to lead him towards his bedroom. "It's getting late."

"W-wait!" Finn pawed at the purple shark's arm, eyes wide. "I wanna hear more."

Another pause. Much more light than before. Less... downcast.

"I'll tell you all about him tomorrow." His Papa said softly. "Anything you want to know."

-End

[knithacker]

Knit a Colorful Kismet Hat Designed By Shaina Bilow: 👉 https://buff.ly/3OF6Ryy

[cauldron-of-oddities]

"okay ummmm ideas

I have some angst

what if you have Jinx stalking Ekko and he thinks it's like because Silco told her to but it's because she killed one of his friends and feels guilty about it and, even if she can't admit it to herself, wants to make sure he's okay"

How dare you make me cry while writing 😭 @letters-to-rosie

So, angst practice it was.

The Way of Things 

It was the way of things - death. You got in the way of a bullet, a bomb, a spear, a bat, a knife, you'd be gone just like that. And it struck one of Ekko's.

The bomb went off right by the ally, the shockwave larger than expected or exactly as made. It was meant to do damage. It knocks some poor sod into a wall.

The blast rings in her ears, success! And then the crack of bone and a dull thud. A ragdoll falling to the floor and the shadow of deep red.

“It's the way of things. It's the way of things.” Silco's voice is cool and calming in her head. 

At least it seemed quick.

Shouts fill the air, some sound torn, others growling. The firelights scatter in the wake. Green lights vanish into the dark streets between the ramshackle houses. To regroup likely, to buzz around again. It's the way of things.

The delivery and the crates of shimmer trades from calloused scarred hands to sickly sticky hands. (She can't say Silco's associates are pleasant.) It's the way of things.

The office is dimly lit, a swirl of smoke from a recently snuffed cigar curling in the air. “Well done.”  It sounds deep, pleased, and praising. Silco affirms her, and it should sooth her. She did good, right? So why does it feel wrong? 

Out again in the hallway, the image of fading glow on the tip of the cigar changes to the retreating lights of the Firelights, and then she's there again. One shout echoed in her mind. A cracking “No!” The image of an owl masks and a bilowing green coat swooping down a hair's breadth too late and the smell of gunpowder in her nose. 

That's not the way of things. He and his have always somehow gotten away. 

She bites her lip, a pit forming in her stomach. The hallway seems too empty, the wrong place to be. Boy Saviour hadn't been in the right place either. She tastes metal on her tongue and sees the red stain again. She rocks from her heels to her toes and back agitation and guilt eating her and finally lets the thought through: Is Ekko alright? 

It won't help to stay here, so she makes her way back. To the roof above the croner of the alley and the eerie quiet street. Weren't there old legends about crossroads being the place of ghosts? She shudders and hears a sob. 

From above, hidden in the shadows, she sees him. His shoulders are slumped, a broken hoverboard on his lap, his own at his back. She moves a bit closer. There's just enough light to reflect off a tear, to see gloved hands clench around crushed metal and the scorch on the ground. 

Stupid Boy Saviour, doesn't he realise he's a sitting duck out here? Silently, she keeps vigil over him. Until his tears dry up, and he stills entirely. 

This is not the way of things. Ekko is bright, not hunched, withdrawn, and resigned. She wants to go to him, she can't go to him. Who would want the comfort of the monster that did this?

Her own eyes sting, and she fails to swallow the sob that escapes her. She slips down to the alley and hunches down between abandoned crates, closer but hidden.

It's the way of things: That she stays in the shadows. She wants to say something, but her voice is stuck in her throat. What would she say anyway. Another small sob escapes her. She's cursed, damned to hurt. A small move and a board by the crates clatters to the  ground, and Ekko's looking right at her.  

He is standing, tense, and snarling.

“Did Silco send you?” He spits. “To be done with the pesky firelights? Because we won't stop. You can't keep hurting people like this!” 

Jinx is frozen, and no words come. Yet something warm blooms in her. There's his fire. It's comforting to witness after his stillness. He's the one light she can't snuff, wants to keep alive, now and in her memory. 

“Well?” He snaps at her. What can she say? His gaze has her trapped, she licks and bites her lip, and the cut cracks open again. 

“Just go, be safe.” A hoarse whisper leaves her. She means: Stay away from Silco, stay away from me, please don't put yourself on my path again. 

“You know I can't do that.” Ekko says shaking his head, she doesn't reply. He looks at her again, tilts his head, and takes a step closer. His hand stretches out to her, and she steps back further into the shadows and looks away. 

Eventually, she hears a huff and whizz of a hoverboard. Jinx wants to follow the fading light, moving further and further away from her so very desperately.  

He's gone. It's for the best, it's the way of things. 

She moves dazed to his spot, hoping something of him lingers. Her arms wrap around herself, nails digging into the bare flesh of her upper arms, desperate for anything to ground herself, needing to hold something. All she has is the ghost of him. 

It's lonely here, too dark, too quiet. It wasn't a good place to die. It wasn't a good place to grieve. 

The empty metal and brick wall of the alley  beacons. She'll remember this death and she'll give the one apology she could. For Ekko. Digging in her pockets for her crayons. Before long, she covers the wall in bright green firelights. They're pretty, she thinks, guiding lights for the departed.

“Be free.” She scrawls amongst the glowing wings, isn't that, after all, what they all wanted?   

It’s the way of things. 

[timchalamet-devoted]

One in a million

This one's lovely and short. ( pure fluff )

Summary: You and Timmy spontaneously go star-gazing together

Pairing: fem reader x Timothée

----------------------------------------------------

Your heels in your hands, your bare feet sunk into the soft bedding of grass, slightly wet from the drizzle a few hours prior.

Your yellow summer dress bilowed behind you as you raced hand in hand to the top of the hill, stumbling over your own legs.

Due to the several drinks you had, you had to admit you were both rather tipsy, heads spinning and wild laughs escaping your mouths.

When you made it to the top, Timmy tackled you the ground, earning a yelp from you, and rolled you over onto your back so that you were facing the midnight sky. He then lowered himself next to you, wrapping an arm around your waist and pulling you into his side.

Looks like you were lucky: there wasn't a cloud in sight, and you could clearly see the millions if stars that peppered the dark sky.

You layed there in silence, your pants slowing down, into calmer breaths. You were always fond of stars, mesmerised by their gentle beauty and intricate patterns. You felt as though you could stare at them for days one end and never get bored. And it was even better with Timmy by your side. You were completely at ease.

You felt his gaze on you, and turned your head to your side, meeting his green eyes. They were soft and filled with love. He smiled at you kindly, before reaching over to grab your hand and raising it along with his into the air. He gently guided yours, tracing imaginary lines in the night sky with your extended finger, naming the constellations he knew.

" You know, there are millions of stars in tis universe, and yet not one shines as bright as you."

His voice spoke quietly into the night, rippling the silence around you.

You tore your eyes away from the glowing orbs once more, and buried your face into the crook of his neck sighing contently at the warmth and safety it provided. Your heart swelled with adoration and joy.

"Mon amour, you are one in a million"

[modernmythic]

Nine People Tag

I was tagged by @mirkwood ! Thanks for tagging me :)

Last Song: Goldmine by Colbie Caillat

Last Movie: fuck it was probably Barbie like...a month and a half ago I am so bad at watching movies

Currently Watching: Only Murders in the Building and Wellington Paranormal

Currently Reading: Reading - Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow and World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatahil, Listening - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Currently Craving: breakfast and my morning tea

Last thing you researched: DragonCon planning for next year (and then I got too stressed out and had to stop lol)

No pressure tags!! @southfarthing @softlypause @twice-told-tales @runawaymun @denzita @chickadee-arts @majestictolkienelves @gefionne @spacegaysss or anyone who wants to do it!!

[stacyalesi]

Spotlight Review: EFFIE OLSEN'S SUMMER SPECIAL by Rochelle Bilow

Spotlight #BookReview: EFFIE OLSEN'S SUMMER SPECIAL by Rochelle Bilow, a compelling second chance, small-town, friends-to-lovers romance set in a fine dining restaurant - I loved it! #RochelleBilow @berkleyromance #mustread #bookstagram #romancestagram

CLICK TO PURCHASE From the publisher: These childhood best friends swore they’d never speak again. But a surprise summer reunion changes everything when it gives them the chance to turn up the heat. Effie Olsen thought she’d never live on the tiny Maine island where she grew up, but she’s returning from sixteen years as a professional chef in far-flung countries for one summer and one summer…

[natashaneha31]

Dua Na Bilow🥥

Sharing stories over a cup of kava and 

dancing to traditional music is more than 

simply a recreational activity in Fiji; it's a

treasured aspect of our culture that 

unites us. Generations come together to 

share laughter, wisdom, and the delight of 

being rooted while the kava flows and 

music fills the space. These occasions serve

as a reminder of the ability of tradition

to uplift the spirit and solidify the ties 

that bind us to one another.

#forFijieverFiji #spreadlove #Fiji

Pic credit: bula kava house fiji news

[the-book-queen]

Hide your wallets, it's that time again! Your daily thread of romance deals is ready, FREE to $1.99!

FREE ✦ Side Effects by Tara Wyatt

Paramedic partners decide on a friends with benefits situation.

Contemporary Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/42xLt3i

FREE ✦ Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant

The son of an Earl goes undercover as a magician while trying to find his sister's killer. The heroine is a tumbler performer.

Historical Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/494EAcs

$0.99 ✦ The Highlander Who Protected Me by Vanessa Kelly

Running from her vicious ex, a pregnant heiress hides out on a remote Scottish estate, where the son of a clan leader agrees to protect her baby.

KU Title

Historical Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/3uopPSF

$1.99 ✦ Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night by Kresley Cole

Temporarily stripped of her powers, a witch must take refuge with her sworn adversary, a jaded werewolf.

TBQ Rec

Paranormal Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/42C77DS

$1.99 ✦ Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow

An American food writer moves to a Scottish village for a year to write a cookbook and starts to fall for a local handyman.

I liked this one.

Contemporary Romance (MF) | https://amzn.to/49mRT7K

Putting these lists together takes time. If you appreciate this content, please consider buying me a Ko-Fi. http://ko-fi.com/danielletbq

[444names]

the entire article on deyanira katrece from uesp

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[elizabeth--reads]

Book Review: Ruby Spencer's Whisky Year

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: 3.5 stars

Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow is a fun contemporary romance about a woman who does what I imagine many of us dream of doing–dropping everything and moving to Scotland for a year. She’s trying to write a cookbook and start a new career, but she ends up finding love instead. 

Contemporary romance isn’t my favorite romance sub-genre, but I found this novel to be charming. I loved the setting of Thistlecross, and I enjoyed Ruby’s sarcasm and positivity, though I can see how other readers might find it grating. I thought it was fun. However, I did not enjoy the novel’s “self-aware” moments as much. There are a few passages throughout the book where Ruby and Brochan joke,“Well if this were a romance novel…” I thought these scenes were overly cheesy to the point of being annoying, rather than being clever. 

These moments were few and far between, though, and I don’t think they get in the way of enjoying Ruby and Brochan’s romance. Brochan is an excellent romance hero. He’s rugged and masculine without being pushy or domineering. Instead, he has an artistic side, and he isn’t afraid to share that with Ruby. I loved the slow build of their relationship; the pacing felt realistic. The two also have great chemistry, though this doesn’t always translate into well-written sex scenes. In fact, I thought the book felt weirdly…prudish? It’s an open door romance, meaning it describes the characters having sex, but Bilow shies away from using explicit language. Not every romance needs to be explicit or open-door, but the reliance on metaphors felt like an odd choice considering Ruby’s declarations about refusing to feel ashamed for her sexual history at the book’s beginning.

Overall, I’m glad I read Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year. It was a fun read, especially for February and Valentine’s Day. I recommend it for contemporary romance fans, or readers who wish they could also drop everything and run away to the Highlands. Fans of super spicy books, though, might be disappointed.

P.S. Readers who love well-written food scenes might also enjoy this book. Ruby loves to cook, and she’s always cooking and experimenting with recipes.

Ruby Spencer's Whiskey Year releases in the US on February 14.

Bookshop.Org | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

[berberanews]

Jabuuti oo dhisaysa Xarun laga diro Dayax-gacmeedyada iyo Gantaalaha.

Jabuuti oo dhisaysa Xarun laga diro Dayax-gacmeedyada iyo Gantaalaha.

Djibouti-(Berberanews)-Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyada Jabuuti ayaa saaka shir gudoomiyay munaasibada heshiis ay ku wada gaadhayeen Dawlada Jabuuti iyo shirkadda Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group. Hawshiiska ayaa bar bilow u noqaanaya inay Jabuuti yeelato xarun laga rido Gantaalaha iyo dayax-gacmeedyada waxaana uu ku kici doona lacag gaadhaysa Hal bilyan oo dollar. Heshiiska waxa ka mid ah…

[sophilozophy]

📚 2023 Book Releases, Part II Here is part II of the book releases I'm looking forward to, which includes what I see as Law & Order: SVU meets The Fifth Element. ▫️Encore in Death, J. D. Robb ▫️Secretly Yours, Tessa Bailey ▫️Seven Faceless Saints, M. K. Lobb ▫️Tethered, Elayna R. Gallea ▫️Ruby Spencer‘s Whiskey Year, Rochelle Bilow ▫️The Neighbor Favor, Kristina Forest ▫️Flowerheart, Catherine Bakewell ▫️The Witch and the Vampire, Francesca Flores ▫️Ana María and The Fox, Liana De la Rosa

[knithacker]

Pattern To Knit A Gorgeous Beaded Necklace, designed by Shaina Bilow: 👉 https://buff.ly/3wVwZiB