Welcome back to the third week of The New Authors On The Block! Last week we interviewed Melissa, this week we are sharing an excerpt from her Debut novel Arrows!
This week it is time for an Excerpt!
Chapter 1
Aaryn
We landed at the edge of a high school parking lot, me with two arrows in my pack. Phoebe let go of my hand to scope out the area, appearing indestructible as she lifted her bow.“Okay, Aaryn,” she said. We’d just met five minutes earlier, though she was one of the cupids all the students had heard about. She gestured with her chin. “Them.”
Arcs of light, golden-colored, swam through the arrow she notched into her bow, and when she retracted, the fletching made a dent against her cheek. Her kohl-lined eyes focused on a couple standing by the door of the high school. They had no idea what was coming.
The girl, a short redhead in stilettos, made quick glances at her date, who was wiping his palms on his suit pants. Freakishly tall, that guy.
Phoebe paused. With a snap, a glittery path tore through the air. The arrow disintegrated with a burst of light through the boy’s tie. Phoebe slid a cool glance in my direction.
“Well, Son of Eros—have you ever experienced the arrows like this?” she asked.
“No. Just target practice. Dead arrows.”
She stood beside me, and for a second I felt awesome, getting one of the prettiest goddesses as my proctor.
“How cool is it that we ended up together on Finals Day?” She winked. “You’re just the god I was hoping to get.”
“Oh, uh, really?”
“Mm hm. Tonight is definitely helping my status.”
“Glad to hear it.” I cleared my throat, anxious to get on with the test. She seemed cool, though. Maybe she’d want to get to know me once I graduated.
With a satisfied smile, Phoebe placed a second arrow against the silver wire and brought the redhead into her sights. She did this little square up and hesitate thing with her shoulders. The arrow flew and disappeared. Direct hit.
Things got pretty ridiculous from there. The teens held each other for a long time, the guy bending to her height, smoothing her hair out of the way so they could have an all-out tongue war. And then, the reality of it all struck me.
Love was beginning to unfold out there, actual love. No one else in the world would matter as much to them as they did to each other. Two humans who hadn’t even reached adulthood, who’d barely started to learn about life, and they’d already found their soul mates. In Lakefield, Wisconsin, of all places.
Amber: I don't know about you, but this makes me even more excited for the book!
About Melissa:
Melissa Gorzelanczyk is a former magazine editor and columnist who believes love is everything. She is a proud member of the SCBWI, The Sweet Sixteens and the Class of 2k16. She lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband and family. Her debut novel ARROWS is being published by Delacorte Press on January 26, 2016. She is represented by agent Carrie Howland of Donadio & Olson.
Stay Connected with Melissa:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Goodreads
About Arrows:
Title: Arrows
Author: Melissa Gorzelanczyk
Genre: Mythology, Contemporary
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: January 26th 2016
Hardcover, 240 Pages
Summary:
A modern cupid story set in present-day Wisconsin combining the fantastical elements of Greek mythology with the contemporary drama of MTV’s Teen Mom. People don’t understand love. If they did, they’d get why dance prodigy Karma Clark just can’t say goodbye to her boyfriend, Danny. No matter what he says or does or how he hurts her, she can’t stay angry with him . . . and can’t stop loving him. But there’s a reason why Karma is helpless to break things off: she’s been shot with a love arrow. Aaryn, son of Cupid, was supposed to shoot both Karma and Danny but found out too late that the other arrow in his pack was useless. And with that, Karma’s life changed forever. One pregnancy confirmed. One ballet scholarship lost. And dream after dream tossed to the wind. A clueless Karma doesn’t know that her toxic relationship is Aaryn’s fault . . . but he’s going to get a chance to make things right. He’s here to convince Danny to man up and be there for Karma. But what if this god from Mount Olympus finds himself falling in love with a beautiful dancer from Wisconsin who can never love him in return. This fast-paced debut novel explores the internal & external conflicts of a girl who finds herself inexplicably drawn to a boy who seemingly doesn’t reciprocate her feelings, touching on the issues of love, sex and responsibility, with a heroine struggling to control her destiny–perfect for fans of Katie McGarry’s novels and MTV’s 16 and Pregnant.
Buy Arrows: Amazon / B&N / Book Depository / Indie Bound
What to expect this month:
- January 3rd: Introduction + Giveaway
- January 10th: Q&A
- January 17th: Excerpt
- January 24th: 5 Facts About Arrows
- January 31st: Dream Cast
Giveaway:
Melissa is giving away a signed Arrows book mark and an Arrows Button! US Only.
Eeep, the big mistake scene! Well, "mistake", depending on how you look at it. Everything goes downhill from there! Although again, I guess that's a matter of perspective. :D
ReplyDeleteLovely post, ladies!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Thank you Alyssa!
DeleteI can't wait to read this book!! Each post make me more and more excited!