#louisa masters

[sarahsupastar]

*Gasp!* A romance novel acknowledged the existence of aro people!

In classic cliché fashion, the protagonist begins by saying he doesn't ever really get feelings for anybody - essentially describing an aro experience, though he's presumably allo. BUT! Instead of following the cliché by then having him meet "the right person" and finally fall in love, this author had someone immediately clock the aro vibes of that statement and directly ask the protagonist if he's aromantic! And then, instead of just perfunctorily checking the box for acknowledging aro people exist and having him say no and move on, the author has him explain that what he means by "I don't get feelings" is: "I had my heart broken and have since actively avoided developing romantic feelings at all costs" - Not: "I've never experienced romantic attraction before this one special person"

[greymintytea]

Hidden Species Universe

honestly, this whole series and world is just a delight! I am a bit shocked that there is not a lot of fan content on tumblr. I guess it might be the book covers that turns people off?

Love the Demons-In-Law series. It’s just a big chocolate chip cookie. Can we get a short epilogue of everyone’s children? Or weddings? Alistar is suppose to throw the best weddings to end all weddings for him and Aidan.

Asher and Garett can’t be the only ones that got married.

[cattatonically]

Conspiracy of Dragons - Louisa Masters (Here Be Dragons, book 4)

Synopsis

There’s only one person I trust…

It’s no secret that I’m hard to handle. People get annoyed by me. Sometimes they’re amused, but not for long. It’s not easy to deal with a paranoid conspiracy theorist, and I stretch everyone’s patience.

Everyone except Wil. He was there at the beginning, when I left my old life behind, and he’s stuck with me since. He’s been my friend when no one else wanted to. Patiently taught me how to fit in. He’s the one person I know I can rely on.

He’s the only man I can see myself ever being with. The only man I would want to spend eternity with.

But when my past rears its ugly head and the stuff of my nightmares rises from the dead, the hope of a happy future rapidly fades. I need him more than ever, but I can’t risk him. I can’t let anyone use him against me.

Torture doesn’t have to be physical to hurt. And I’m not going to let myself be hurt again.

My Thoughts

When we first met Steffen, I was completely put off. Understanding later that his trauma had affected his actions on such a broad scale, for such a prolonged length of time, I got it. And it was a wake-up call.

We all have shit in our histories that aren’t for others to judge and understand. But the difference between explanation and excuse is the work put into rational decision making and critical thinking. And Stef puts in the work to be rational and critical daily.

Wil also understands this about Stef absolutely. He respects Stef’s boundaries, and understands his paranoia. Wil knows what Stef needs, when he needs it. And Stef can tell what Wil needs when he needs it in return. They’ve built a very solid, very stable relationship for a long time. But the one thing Stef’s paranoia can’t be placated by is the stability of their relationship. Wil can be used against him. And he has to keep him safe.

As Stef’s past comes back to haunt him in a really shocking way, Stef, Wil, and all of their friends step up to the plate in a big way to provide support and care. More of Stef’s past is revealed, and it’s even more hugely apparently that his rampant paranoia – which he works tirelessly to manage – is a manifestation of him being in survival mode for as long as he was.

But in the end, Stef doesn’t let the PTSD win. He pushes forward, and continues to persevere. With the love of his life by his side. They work through it, and handle the situation, and grow stronger and more stable for it. And honestly, having that kind of love, care, and support is the best way for Stef to move forward, and continue his healing journey.

Reaching the conclusion of this series feels a little bittersweet. Part of me isn’t quite ready to let go of this universe (and apparently there’s another spin-off series!), but I also feel like the Dragons have told us their stories, and their happily ever afters are the exact happiness they all deserve.

[bookloveravenue]

Franklin U (book 3): Mr. Romance by Louisa Masters

When you’re clueless, Mr. Romance can help.

Charlie I’m not sure how it happened, but it turns out I’ve unknowingly been dating three people. Friends don’t spoil other friends, apparently. My trust fund means I can afford to, though, and what’s a meal here and there? Or some clothes? Or textbooks? That doesn’t mean we’re dating, right? Others disagree. If I want to get through the rest of college knowing who my friends are, I need help from someone who knows all about dating and can tell me what not to do. Someone like Mr. Romance.

Liam When people look at me, romance is the last thing they think of… but I’m still the first person they call. Need a first date planned? A big romantic moment? Gotta beg for forgiveness? I’m your man. When it comes to romance, I’ve got it handled. Not personally, though. My romantic life is… barren. All I really want is someone to snuggle with and spoil me. What I’ve got is planning dates for people who have no clue about romancing someone. But now I’m somehow Charlie Martin’s anti-romance consultant. Charlie, who’s completely clueless yet the most accepting and friendly person I’ve ever met. Who’s giving and generous. Who’s befriended me and wants me to be happy. I’m supposed to help him stop his friends from falling for him. The last thing I need is to fall for him myself.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61295251-mr-romance

********

January 22, 2023

My Review: 4/5 Stars

After an eye opening and a bit horrifyingly embarrassing moment, Charlie needs help. Turns out, he doesn't exactly know when he is dating people. What is friendly gestures to him equates to dating to others. So when he is rescued from this TikTok worthy moment, his friend Ian brings him to Liam. Mr. Romance. Mr. Romance is known in the area for helping those with romantic gestures and dates. He helps couples plan dates or give advice. He's pretty successful at it too and good at what he does. His romantic heart is put to use. But this is the first time he is asked to help someone not get dates. And boy does Charlie need it. Liam knows it isn't all Charlie's fault. And it honestly really isn't! He may do big gestures like offer to buy lunches and hang out on the beach during a sunset, but never goes he actually say the word date or any kissing or other intimacies that clearly say he is interested. He is just a people person who likes to make his friends happy. So it's up to Liam to teach Charlie the social cues to get him out of some tough situations. While the two of them embark on this mission, the closer the two of them get. Liam sees all the reasons why people fall for Charlie and can't help but feel like he is in danger of falling for him too. Charlie is happy to have a friend who gets him and is patient and willing to help him. But then when they cross the line of being friends with benefits, well it's Charlie's turn to wonder if maybe this time he wants someone more than a friend. Their story was so cute. Charlie is the biggest sweetheart who just can't seem to catch a break. He never wants to hurt anyone and hates the idea of him being oblivious could do that. And Liam is just another sweetie who sets up all the romantic gestures, but doesn't ever end up on the receiving end. They are great together and this story was just a lot of fun to read!

[crystalcisme]

Check out my books

Check out the books I added on Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/friend/i?invite_token=NGRjMGM3ODgtYTdkYi00Y2NiLTg1ZWEtYmZiMmY4Y2VmNDgz

Just enjoying good books.

[more-profound-bond]

Queer Books for Pride Month:

"Mr. Romance" by Louisa Masters

Another book by my beloved Louisa Masters. This time set in the "Franklin U" universe.

I go back to this one quite often. Mainly because of the characters.

Especially Charlie, who's lovable and inteligent, but an absolute idiot when it comes to social interactions. And that's how he ends up with 4 people, who think he's dating them. At the same time!

On the other hand we have a hopelessly romantic Liam, who specializes in organizing perfect dates and romantic moments. For other people and not himself.

The story is utterly hillarious and full of awkward, but really cute moments.

I highly recommend it, especially if you need something easy to read.

[girlzoot]

Hellhounds do have an awesome sense of smell, and my nose is pretty refined even for a hellhound. I’m like the chief sniffer. The sniff leader. The supreme snifferoo. My nose is good. —Louisa Masters/Hijinks With A Hellhound

[hannaedits]

Book Review: Gateway Catastrophe (Ghostly Guardians #4) by Louisa Masters

Read my reviews of previous books in the Ghostly Guardians series: Spirited Situation (#1) | Vortex Conundrum (#2) | Conduit Crisis (#3) Since this book is the conclusion to the overarching storyline of the series, Masters has set pretty high expectations for readers regarding both the urban fantasy and romance elements. I know without a doubt that fans of the series will have no reason not to…

[booksandwords]

Mr. Romance by Louisa Masters

Series: Franklin U, #3 Read time: 2 Days Rating: 4/5 Stars

The Quote: I like his smile. In fact, I like his whole face. It’s not classically good-looking—the angles are too strong for that, not quite put together the way modern beauty dictates—but his strength of character is there, the smart-ass part of him that takes no shit, and the dreamy romantic in his eyes and soft mouth. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a face so perfectly reflect someone’s personality before. — Charlie

Warnings: References to past statutory rape. (the predator was unaware of the age differences)

Mr Romance is the story of Charlie Martin and Liam Rigby, the titular Mr Romance. When we meet Charlie he is being chewed out by three different people for dating them all at the same time, this is not the first time people have thought he was dating them and he was unaware of it. Ian saves him, knowing about his history and feeling sorry for him. Ian is one of Liam's closest friends and takes him to Liam for help, referring to him as a “he’s a sweet, sweet moron.” and later his rescue puppy (because yeah Charlie is quite puppyish). Charlie in particular comes from an endearing place, his family is exceptionally wealthy and that is why so many people this he is dating them, he spends more money on them than is standard for a university student. Liam is a gymnast and struggling university student, but a smart one. Liam has an eye for business and I really like that business. Mr Romance as a concept is fantastic, especially for broke college students. As a die-hard romantic it gives an outlet for his romantic urges and maybe live vicariously a little. "Being Mr. Romance is a dual-edged sword. On the plus side, I get to let all my romantic inclinations fly free and get paid for it. But it also means I plan the perfect dates and never go on them, like an exquisite form of self-torture." Liam is so so smart and hard-working, not only is he juggling Mr Romance and study, that study is a bachelor's and a master's in physics. I like them with their adorable stupidity when it comes to each other.

I feel like this comes from a slightly unusual place plot and concept-wise, particularly for the college demographic. Liam and Charlie follow a fairly basic path, client and advisor to friends with benefits to unknowingly dating. They have the cutest name for their friends with benefits arrangement... full-service friendship. They both get what they need out of it. This goes beyond sex. "It smells good, comforting… a lot like him. Like soap and hard work and good intentions. If those things have a smell. Whatever, I already feel better just being here." (Charlie) It goes to kisses, hugs and comfort. Which is kinda how it starts more than the sex. I don't know how to explain it. It just feels unusual. But an interesting read.

I find this book really hard to review. I found this readable near unputdownable which is unexpected, I anticipated enjoying it but not having this whole I must know how these two get their s**t together. I did have a bizarre reaction while I was reading though. This is one of the few romance books I've ever read that I wish was written from a single perspective. I rarely ever want that but with this, it might have been quite effective. I'd never read the author before but I will likely read more of Louisa Masters. Her paranormals in particular look interesting.

Adding some quotes and comments here.

“Hello, my evil spawn,” she greets me. I scoff. “Please. We all know I’m the angelic child you didn’t deserve.” “I have two words for you: explosive diarrhea.” Yeah, my mom isn’t one to mince words. “It’s not my fault I had intestinal issues when I was an infant. Maybe it was what you fed me.” — It must be said I love Allegra Martin. This is the first time we actually have any interaction with her. Though the first time we have reference to her is within a couple of pages when we find out what she does for a living and her impact on Charlie's life. I just desperately want to see them together on the page. We got that and she is brilliant. (Allegra and Charlie)

“Shitty people rarely admit to themselves that they’re shitty. You’re a good person who’s unfortunately ended up in a weird situation because you’re too sweet.” He pulls a face. “And kind of oblivious.” I sigh and hold out my glass for a refill. “I’ve always been that way. Mom got me tested for a bunch of stuff when I was little, but I’m completely neurotypical. Just not the brightest spark.” — I kinda have a theory about Charlie, his obliviousness and inability to read social queues. He was raised as the child of a jet-setting fundraiser/socialite and the owner of a Fortune 500 company (warehouse and distribution). He was never educated in the correct social queues for various life stages before adulthood. Raised in an adult world as an only child. With that and his familial financial situation, it makes perfect sense. (Charlie)

Eggplanted parma is quite possibly the weirdest euphemism for sex I've read in my life. Like wtf? Matt, Ian and Charlie all use it in a very public space much to Liam's embarrassment. Actually, it might be tied with making a blanket fort, though that one actually makes sense.

then we head for the elevator I only used when moving in. It’s small, slow, and always smells like feet and cheese. But there’s no way we’re getting Charlie up the stairs. “Something’s wrong!” Charlie declares in alarm as the elevator jolts into motion. He lifts his head and looks around with wild eyes. “The world is moving! We’re trapped in a box! Oh no, they have us! The machines rose up!” — Drunk Charlie is freaking adorable. But it is a brilliant way to show exactly how deeply engrained consent and respect are to him.

The airline offered a wheelchair, but that would have meant waiting for everyone else to deplane first, and Ian just wanted to “get off this flying remnant of a hell dimension” as soon as possible. — Ian being completely unable to handle flying, to the point of vomiting multiple times on a very short flight is probably funnier than it has any right to be. For someone who gets sick flying 'get off this flying remnant of a hell dimension' is an apt description for a plane. (Ian)

In a totally random aside, blessed be any author who gifts me a gymnast protag. This is my second in as many years (I don't seek them out) and they are so so different. The other was Lane Becker from Rinda Elliots Remote Access, Lane's a cat burglar more or less. Gymnasts are just fantastic okay? It takes effort and unwavering self-confidence to be a male gymnast. Liam is our cover boy. He has the physique of a gymnast but not Liam's facial features.

A note about my read for the Franklin U series. At this point, I haven't read The Dating Disaster (sorry Saxon). Felix is offputting to me in the same way as Geoffery from Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Eliot's Ward Security/ Unbreakable Bonds series (both of which I highly recommend FYI). I think it's the twink thing, it's never been a trope I appreciate. I'm sure I'll read The Dating Disaster eventually, if only for completionist's sake, but not right now.

As well as the clear introduction the Spencer one of the protagonists of Bet You by Neve Wilder, book four in the Franklin U series we get our first reference to the tattoo parlour on campus. I would suspect this is Indelible Ink, which becomes important later as the tattoo parlour protagonist Remy works in during Making Waves by Christina Lee (book seven). Louisa Masters has chosen to include direct references to characters from her Joy Universe series (specifically I've Got This) and Ghostly Guardians series and a direct reference to Demons do it Better (Hidden Species book #1). Neither need to be known for the book to be enjoyed but it is possible Mr Romance will direct traffic to those series, Ian and Matt are that likeable.

[sognareleggiesogna]

RECENSIONE: Tutta colpa del segugio infernale (Hidden Species, vol.3) di Louisa Masters

Cari Sognatori, Maia ha letto per noi il nuovo capitolo della saga fantasy romance di Louisa Masters, pubblicato dalla Triskell Edizioni!! SERIE Hidden Species, vol.3  GENERE fantasy romance DATA DI USCITA 19 aprile 2023 AUTOCONCLUSIVO Link d’acquisto Ebook TRAMA Sono un segugio da una botta e via… non mi lascio trasportare dai sentimenti… C’era una volta un segugio innamorato, ma la mia prima e…

[freedomforthewin]

Do You Want to Build a Snowman? (Part 2)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Knock knock knock.

“Gale!” John said, a hopeful smile on his face as he called from outside Gale’s room. “It’s snowing outside. Do you want to build a snowman?”

“No, thank you,” he heard Gale answer.

“Oh,” John’s smile faltered. “Okay...um…maybe later?”

No answer.

“Is everything okay? I haven’t seen you in forever.”

No answer.

Just then, Katarina Egan came into the hallway and saw John at Gale’s door.

She had been asleep when John had gotten injured from Gale’s ice magic, and no one had woken her up because they had needed to prioritize getting John medical help as soon as possible. But in the morning, her and John’s parents had caught her up on what had happened and what the new situation between John and Gale was.

She had understood that her parents were trying to keep everyone safe, but she hadn’t been thrilled about how they were deciding to go about it (“They’re best friends. How could you separate them???” she had asked incredulously.). But the Egan parents had refused to budge on their decisions.

———The Morning After John’s Injury———

“What about the witch you had gone to for help with John? You could ask her to help Gale,” Katarina suggested.

“The witch is no where near as powerful as Gale,” Mrs. Egan said. “Her magic isn’t even similar to his; her powers are healing and making potions. She can’t help Gale.”

“And even with milder magic like that, she had to go and live away from society to stay safe,” Mr. Egan added. “If other people find out about Gale’s powers, he won’t be safe either.”

That was true. Magic wasn’t common, and people feared what wasn’t common. And that fear could lead to dangerous consequences.

The witch in the forest kept to herself, and most people didn’t know about her magic. The only reason the Egans knew about her secret was because she was a distant relative on Mr. Egan’s father’s side. They didn’t really know her; they had just been briefly told of her.

Katarina was quiet for a few moments.

“John’s going to have to know about Gale’s powers at some point,” she said.

“No, he isn’t. And you are not allowed to tell him. No matter what,” Mr. Egan stated.

“It’s for his own safety, Katarina,” Mrs. Egan said. “If he knows about Gale’s powers, of course he’s going to want to involve them in their play. Then he could get hurt again.”

Katarina hesitated but then reluctantly agreed.

She asked one last thing:

“How are you going to explain to John why his best friend is going to stay away from him for good?”

They didn’t have an answer.

————————Present Day————————

Katarina looked sadly at the sight in front of her.

“Buck,” John tried again, using the nickname he had given Gale, “what’s going on?”

Silence.

“Come on, John,” Katarina said solemnly, coming up to him.

“I don’t understand,” John said, looking at his older sister. The expression on his face was similar to one of a kicked puppy.

“Let’s go. Just leave him be,” she said quietly, offering her hand to the little boy. He took her hand, and she gently led him away.

———————————————————————

“Vroom, vroom.”

John played with his toy cars, sitting on the floor next to Gale’s room.

Gale heard John play and sighed to himself. There was no need to wonder why John was sitting outside Gale’s room of all places, playing, when John could have been playing somewhere else: John missed him and wanted to play with him. Gale closed his eyes, a pained expression on his face.

John then tried to play that there was a car chase. He tried to make it exciting, with booms and crashes, but it just wasn’t as much fun playing that by himself.

John got up and knocked on Gale’s door.

“Buck, do you want to play cars with me?”

“No, Bucky,” Buck’s voice answered, calling John by John’s nickname. “Please go away.”

John was quiet for a few moments.

“Do you want to play anything with me?” he then asked.

No response.

John’s breath hitched, and his lip began to tremble. Tears started welling in his eyes.

Katarina came into the hallway and stopped at what she saw: her little brother was in front of Gale’s room, looking like he was starting to cry. Katarina sighed.

“Come on, John,” she said quietly, walking up to him and reaching for John’s hand. “He needs to be alone right now.”

“But why?” he asked in a small voice. Katarina had never seen him look this sad.

“He just does,” Katarina said, trying to keep her voice steady.

“But he’s my best friend,” he said, his voice cracking on the last word as he threw his arms around his older sister and buried his face into her shirt.

The 16-year-old wrapped her arms around her six-year-old brother, holding him close to her.

“Come on,” she said after a few moments, her voice solemn. “Let’s go.”

John sniffled and then slowly let go of her. Katarina put her arm around him. They proceeded a few steps before John leaned his head harder into her side, his shoulders shaking and his mouth wobbling. They stopped walking, and she rubbed his side a few times, trying to comfort him. Then they walked away.

Meanwhile, Gale sat with his back to his door, his eyes glassy.

Yes, I want to play cars with you, John, he thought as the tears began to fall.

[cattatonically]

Gateway Catastrophe - Louisa Masters (Ghostly Guardians, book 4)

Synopsis

It only took seconds for my world to change…

I live a simple, small-town life. Helping with the family restaurant, my side gig as a ride-share driver, hanging with my best friend, making the most of the extra time with my ghost grandma. The only exciting thing to happen to me in the past year was when Gabe moved to town—too bad Nonna scared him off. It’s hard to impress a guy when your dead grandmother calls him the devil.

The last thing I expect when I pick up a ride-share client and take him to Mannix Estate is that he’s a demon. An actual, breathing, can-kill-me-with-a-thought demon. That night blows my simple life apart and changes everything. Turns out, ghosts aren’t the weirdest things out there, my best friend and Gabe are both part of this alternate world, and there’s a big bad demon who wants to end us all. What’s a small-town boy to do but roll up his sleeves and join the fight to save the world?

Working side by side with Gabe reminds me just how much I liked him when we first met… and the feeling’s mutual. As the clock counts down and we both struggle with personal issues, it’s good to know there’s someone to lean on. But I don’t know if our tenuous connection can survive the hell that’s coming and see us through to the other side.

My Thoughts

When a very, very handsome demon arrives at Mannix Estate and offers to team up in order to stop the end of the world, things get tense. But when that same demon drops the bomb that certain families within the Collective – the organization that Gabe and Connor have been a part of their whole lives – have conspired with the demons intent on bringing on the end of the world. Well. Things become a little catastrophic.

As they try to come up with a plan to stop the Collective and demons plotting destruction, Tom and Gabe grow closer together. While the timing is a little bad, they do work well together. They support each other, but acknowledge that coming up with a plan of action comes first. But that definitely doesn’t stop them from getting a little action for themselves.

The stronger their relationship becomes, the stronger the Mannix family becomes, too. They’re determined to stop the end of the world, and will accomplish this task by any means necessary. Which they do. Completely.

And while this series comes to an end, with very happy endings for our Mannix family, there’s still shit to take care of at the Collective. And with a new series on the horizon – featuring a very handsome, and helpful, demon – I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s next.

[beforeiread-studies]

What if for my master's dissertation I write something about kdramas that reinterpret Angloamerican Literature classics?

For example,

My Dearest -> Gone with the Wind

Little Women -> Little Women

???

There must be something else for sure

[eating-plastic]

The Sterling Sisters: Just Cute Shit

I'm in the mood to write for the Sterling sisters again. There's no theme here, I just wanted to write cute moments about them and their puppet bfs. Also I just missed my girls, man.

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

Marabelle & Six Shooter:

Night had fallen over the Bodega Bay Inn, leaving the grounds almost dead, save for the few that wanted the peace and quiet that the stars and moon could provide them.

In one little corner of the grounds, however, they would not find such quiet. Because this little corner was filled with music, laughter, and firelight.

What originally started as a large group bonfire, slowly dropped to a party of two as the hours passed. Then again, they all could've easily been driven away by Six Shooter's attempt to play the harmonica.

Marabelle however, in her slightly intoxicated state, found the "music" rather humorous as her boyfriend tried to play along with the song blaring from her phone.

When the song finally ended, so did her giggling fit.

"I don't know why I bought you that," she smirks.

"Cuz you love me," he slurs and takes a swig of his drink.

"Yeah, I'm staring to doubt that," a chuckle escapes her lips before she turns to roast another marshmallow over the flames.

Six puts his drink back down and swings an arm around her.

"Nah, you still love me," he chuckles himself before peppering her cheek in kisses.

"Yeah, I guess I do," Mara laughs, before her eyes fall onto the instrument in his hand. "If you try playing another tune from that harmonica, though, I'm throwing it into the fire."

"Aw, come on, darlin. I thought you liked when I played fer ya," he smirks.

"Only when you play well, Six," she flicks his hat up.

"Alright alright. How about this," he raises the instrument to his lips and plays out a tune he had heard so many years ago, he no longer remembered where he heard it. As such, he made an effort to play it nicely.

Marabelle looks at him fondly as he plays. He really did look handsome bathed in the orange flicker of the flames. In that moment, she couldn't remember a night as pleasant as this one.

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

Angelica & Jester:

When getting ready for bed, everyone typically follows the usual routine of taking a shower, brushing your teeth and hitting the hay.

However, some would add reading to that routine. And then there were some that would add listening to someone read to them.

For Angelica and Jester, they couldn't think of a better way to close the night.

While he read aloud from the book in his hand, she laid curled up by his side clinging to every word.

He was a wonderful to listen to. He knew how to capture the emotions of characters and the mood of the scene. He could portray moments of suspense, sorrow, triumph, and joy perfectly.

Right now though, the scene in the novel was calm. The moment of serenity and gentleness of his voice were making her eyes feel heavy and yawn. Not to mention how comfortable she was.

"Ah, it would seem the story's boring you," Jester smiles at her cute, sleepy face.

"Hm, what? No, I'm just comfy that's all," Angie tries to push sleep away, but another yawn escapes her.

"If you say so," he teases, and continues to read. By the time he got to the end of the chapter, she had drifted off just as he had predicted.

He bites back a laugh, not wanting to wake her, and places a book in-between the pages he left off on and sets it on the bedside table.

He then removes his glasses just as she did before he started reading, almost as if she knew she was going to fall asleep, and places them on top of the book.

With a click, the lamp that bathed the room in a warm glow ceased, and was replaced by moonlight.

Before letting sleep take him, Jester places a kiss to Angelica's sleeping face.

"Sweet dreams, engel."

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

Louisa & Blade:

Despite the rather dark history of the Bodega Bay Inn, it was still very beautiful. Of course, the main reason people found the hotel so breath taking was the cliffside that overlooked the beach and the gorgeous Pacific Ocean.

For Louisa, it was an artist's dream, despite the eerie feeling she got from the hotel the first time she saw it.

That was why she could be found somewhere on the grounds or within, either drawing in her sketchbook or with an easel set up.

Her favorite place to sketch and paint though, was by the gazebo , which now gave her the scene of the dazzling sunset.

Her paint palette was covered in oranges and yellows as she tried to capture it on her canvas, blue eyes occasionally darting between the two. She was in her own little world while she painted. Her concentration blocking out everything that wasn't her art.

It was something that Blade found cute, watching how focused she was. It always made him smile seeing Lou in her element. It also gave him time to set up and surprise her with a nice, romantic date.

He had brought a basket filled with her favorite food and some wine. He took the time to arrange the plates and pour out a glass for the two of them in the gazebo, before making his way over to her.

"It's beautiful, isn't it," he stood beside her, and glanced at her canvas. Louisa jumped a bit, before relaxing when she realized it was just her formerly puppet boyfriend.

"It is. Um...what do you think?" she shyly motioned to her art.

"Stunning as always, meine liebe. Although, I do think it is time for a break."

"Yeah, you're probably right," she nods and removes her apron.

He held his hand out to her, and lead her to the gazebo when she took it. She found it odd at first until her eyes took in what he had set up.

"Aw, Blade," Louisa's face felt warm and her free hand fidgeted with the edge of her sweater. He smiled at her and lead her to her chair, pulling it out for her to sit.

The two of them ate in the golden glow of the setting sun, the rest of the world being blocked out.