Charlie Cochet’s Impetuous Afflictions

CCBlogTourBanner

Hullo! I’m Rori! I’m so very excited to be here. When Chance asked me to join in and chat with you all, I admit, I found myself feeling somewhat anxious. I couldn’t decide what to talk about, which I’m certain would surprise any of the fellas at the manor seeing as how I rarely run out of conversation around there. Of course, chatting with strangers is a little different. Chance insisted I not worry and that I should be myself, but then of course I started growing most concerned about my rambling, because I’m afraid I do tend to blather on at a rather accelerated pace when I get nervous. Henry has been awfully wonderful in helping me with that. I also fidget far less than I used to. Chance sat me down and assured me everything would be all right, so here I am.

Have you met Chance? He’s the absolute bee’s knees, not to mention smashing good fun! I’d never met any Yanks before him or the rest of the fellas, who are real swell, but Chance is, well–you promise not tell? I think Chance is dreamy! He was an actor you see, back before he joined the French Foreign Legion. They were going to make him a star. Sadly, things didn’t go as planned, but he still dances and sings, and oh, but he does it so well! He reminds me of Gary Cooper, handsome and with such pretty eyes! I love to see him going all gaga over Jacky. They’re both so dreamy together, like in one of those romantic motion pictures. I love going to the cinema, or anything related to! Hollywood is just so glamorous. Chance gets all sorts of motion picture magazines in from the states and they’re my absolute favorite! I love reading about all the dazzling leading ladies and their handsome heroes. Chance always has the most scandalous gossip and fascinating stories tell about his time in the theatre.

When I’m not working down at the bookstore in town, I can be found in the blue music room with Aubrey–he’s my best friend. You’ll get to meet him at the next stop. I’ll be there with him as he won’t be able to converse with you, but I’m very good at figuring out what he wants to say. He’s awfully shy though, more so than me, but he’s… well, it’s hard to describe Aubrey. I do like having him around. We listen to music together and read together. He likes it when I read to him so we’ll often read from one of my magazines or one his dime novels. When he feels like he might be about to have a fit, he’ll come to me with his favorite dime novel and I’ll read to him. It helps him a great deal. Aubrey loves dime novels especially. Well, I suppose I’ve rambled on quite enough. Thank you for listening to me. I do hope to see you at the next stop. Cheerio!

Blurb:

IAJW200Eight years after leaving the deserts of Africa and the French Foreign Legion behind, Jonathan Wolfe has settled into life at Hawthorne Manor in the English countryside. Johnnie helps his adopted family run the manor and provide a safe, loving home for a new generation of “brats”: boys mistreated and discarded for their homosexuality—something all too familiar to Johnnie.

Although no longer an unruly youngster, Johnnie is as stubborn, foul-mouthed, and troublesome as ever. His recent rash behavior becomes a concern for those closest to him, especially Dr. Henry Young, the only man ever to capture Johnnie’s heart. Instead of soothing him, their closeness brings Johnnie’s insecurities from an unsettling past to the surface, and leads to an explosive situation that threatens to tear them apart. Then Henry’s past catches up to them….

 

Excerpts are in the form of a serial.

Read Part 7 at Michael Rupured’s blog here.

 

Excerpt 8

Turning back, I kneeled down and spoke softly. “Hey, Ellie, I’m sorry. How about I make it up to you two? I’m going to town to bring you and the fellas back a little something. How about if I take your daddy with me? I’ll give him a ride on my motorbike. Will that make you happy?”

Elliot turned to look at me, a big smile spreading across his face. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Okay!” Elliot threw his arms around me, squishing his bear between us, and I couldn’t help but chuckle as I squeezed him back.

“Why don’t you run along inside? But don’t tell the fellas. It’s a surprise, okay?”

“Okay!” He kissed Henry’s cheek excitedly and bounded across the garden and up the steps. He gave us a wave before disappearing inside the house, leaving just Henry and me.

“Thank you,” Henry said, “but you don’t have to take me. I could just make myself scarce for a while. He won’t know.”

I turned to him with a frown. “You want me to lie to him?”

“No, of course not. I’m simply trying to save you the trouble of—”

“Forget it, doc. I told him I was taking you, and I’m taking you. Now get that pretty little keister moving.”

“Well, since you put it that way.” Henry swiped his felt hat off the stone bench, popped it on his head and walked ahead of me with a swish to his hips. He paused to look over his shoulder at me with a naughty smile and flicked the brim of his hat so it angled roguishly on his head. I couldn’t hold back my laugh. And here I was supposed to be the cheeky one. I shoved my hands in my pockets and caught up to him, bumping into him playfully. Not a lot of folks got to see Henry’s mischievous side. I liked that I brought it out in him.

We headed toward the back of the estate to the part of the stables where the manor’s motorcars were kept, along with my prized possession: a brand spanking new Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle I’d had custom made early this year by Mr. Brough himself in Nottingham. There were a very limited number of them in production this year. From what I gathered, mine had been lucky number seven. It even came with a written guarantee from Mr. Brough, stating the motorbike had been timed at over 100 miles per hour, something I could confirm to be true. The engineering was staggering, and boy, was she a beauty. At two hundred pounds, she was worth every penny. I told myself it was my way of contributing to the currently booming British motor industry. Usually I tended to take her out for a ride through the countryside, as I didn’t much like the thought of leaving her out on her lonesome.

“You know, thinking about it, it might be better if we take your car,” I said.

“Oh?”

Aside from not wanting to leave my baby out in the middle of Market Square to get poked and prodded, there was the issue of what I was heading into the square to pick up in the first place. “Yeah, I don’t think carrying a basket full of cakes and pies on the back of my motorcycle is such a great idea.” The way I drove, they probably wouldn’t make it home in the same condition they left in.

“Ah, yes, good point. Shall I drive then? Perhaps you should refrain from doing so for a while.” He cast me a shrewd smile which I chose to ignore.

Part 9 continued on Nov 20th over at Attention is Arbitrary.

***

Available in ebook and print from Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4362

***

Comment prompt: Do you have a favorite type of movie?


About the Author:

CCochet100Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Blog: http://www.charliecochet.com/blog
Email: charlie@charliecochet.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Twitter: @charliecochet | http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet


Giveaway

1st Prize: $15 Amazon gift card + Impetuous Afflictions signed swag pack + signed 8×10 art print.

2nd & 3rd Prize: Impetuous Afflictions swag pack + signed 8×10 art print.

***

To Enter

Just leave a comment on any of the blog posts along the tour, along with a contact email address. **If you would still like to enter the contest but don’t wish to leave your email address in the comment, you can also enter by emailing charlie@charliecochet.com.

Winners will be chosen at random and posted on Charlie’s blog at http://www.charliecochet.com/blog on Monday, December 2nd. Winners will then be notified via email.

***

Contest ends

Sunday, December 1st at midnight, Eastern Time.


Tour stops:

11/9 – Welcome to Hawthorne Manor [Excerpt 1] – The Novel Approach

11/11 – Billiard Room Brouhaha [Excerpt 2] – Author Sue Brown

11/12 – A Trip to the Town of Aylesbury [Excerpt 3] – Author Kim Fielding

11/13 – Time for Tea [Excerpt 4] – Author Lex Chase

11/14 – Stopping for a Pint [Excerpt 5] – Author Andrew Q. Gordon

11/15 – Visiting the Furry Hat Man [Excerpt 6] – Author Eden Winters

11/18 – Meet Gideon Brooks [Excerpt 7] – Author Michael Rupured

11/19 – Meet Rori Curti [Excerpt 8]s – Author Shira Anthony

11/20 – Meet Aubrey Jepson [Excerpt 9] – Attention is Arbitrary

11/21 – Meet Oliver Darling [Excerpt 10] – Hearts on Fire

11/22 – Meet Elliot Young [Excerpt 11] – Author Elin Gregory

11/25 – Meet Connor & Edmund Grey [Excerpt 12]- Joyfully Jay

11/26 – The Devilish Duo [Finale] – Mrs. Condit & Friends

25 comments

  1. Lisa T - Reply

    I think I’m kinda crazy for Rori. And Rori and Aubrey and it’s gonna make my day when I get their story 😉

    Fave movie type? Probably something in an action/scifi sort of deal.

    *no entry – Just sayin’ hi!

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi Lisa! Aubrey was one who grew on me really quickly. I’m certainly looking forward to getting his and Rori’s story told. I’m always up for a good action flick, and I’m loving that new sci-fi TV show, Almost Human! Of course the two leads may have something to do with that! 😉

  2. Trix - Reply

    I’ve always had a weakness for bookstore employees, so Rori sounds wonderful! My favorite movies are all over the place: heartwarming hockey bio (MIRACLE), warped French romance (GIRL ON THE BRIDGE), crazy screwball comedy/docudrama/biopic with lots of gratuitous male nudity (BEEFCAKE), intense Hong Kong psychological thriller (INFERNAL AFFAIRS), deeply flawed Olivia Newton-John roller-disco musical about a muse that is nevertheless irresistible (XANADU)…

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi Trix! I’m like you, I love all kinds of movies and my DVD collection ranges anywhere from classic Hollywood to gritty British films to Musicals and animated Disney movies!

  3. Sarah_Madison - Reply

    Have you met Chance? He’s the absolute bee’s knees, not to mention smashing good fun! I’d never met any Yanks before him or the rest of the fellas, who are real swell, but Chance is, well–you promise not tell? I think Chance is dreamy!

    This totally cracked me up! I can’t wait to read more about this interesting collection of characters!

    Favorite type of movie? I’m torn–much as a love a good sci-fi adventure such as Star Wars or The Avengers, I completely adore the screwball comedy. Bringing Up Baby is a favorite!

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi Sarah! Thank you so much for stopping by! Ooh, I LOVE screwball comedies, and Cary Grant is my all time fave classic Hollywood star! It’s tough to choose which one of his films I love most, but my faves are definitely Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, and Arsenic & Old Lace. Now he was most certainly dreamy! *sigh*

  4. Lynette - Reply

    I love the affection these guys all have for each other. Warms my heart.

    My favorite movies are classic musicals – especially those with Gene Kelly, Fred & Ginger or Judy Garland. I also love old movies in general so it’s not uncommon for me to spend the whole weekend watching the Turner Classic Movie channel.

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi Lynette! I love getting lost in a Fred & Ginger movie. Absolutely stunning! I’m a fan of musical movies, classic and new. When I need to relax, I just pop one on. 😀

  5. Jennifer - Reply

    I am really enjoying meeting all these characters along the tour!

    Favorite type of movie – I like varying types of movies, but tend to lean toward indies or foreign films.

    jen.f {at} mac {dot} com

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi Jen! I admit I haven’t seen enough indie films. I’ve seen quite a few foreign films which I’ve enjoyed, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen one. I think the last one was the original Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I think Brotherhood of the Wolf was one of the first foreign films I saw and I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for stopping by!

  6. Allison - Reply

    I love getting little glimpses into all the characters liike this!

    I don’t think I do have a favorite type of movie, it depends on what I’m in the mood for at the time.

  7. H.B. - Reply

    Great post. Rori is absolutely adorable and funny.

    Favorite film: Underworld and Pride and Prejudice.

    humhumbum AT yahoo DOT com

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      Hi H.B! Somehow when O read that, I got the image of Pride and Prejudice with vampires! lol. Both very good films. I loved Pride and Prejudice! Thanks so much for stopping by!

  8. Laurie P - Reply

    I’m glad the rest of the guys joined this blog. I love romantic comedies of course!

  9. Paul Berry - Reply

    Now Excerpt 8, I have actually falling in love with these characters! I feel like I really know them, sill but it’s so true! My new favourite book on my favourite blog!

    My favourite movie is Maurice, not sure many people will know this movie but it was my first Gay movie and it affected me in so many ways! great movie!
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093512/

    Paulb403@hotmail.com

  10. Jill P - Reply

    I like all kinds of movies, it just depends on my mood. I saw both Thor and Catching Fire recently and swooned between the two Hemsworth brothers. LOL

    jasdarts at hotmail dot com

    • Charlie Cochet - Reply

      OOh! I still haven’t had a chance to watch those and I’m so dying to! Whatever they’re doing in that family, they’re doing it right. Lol Most certainly swoon worthy!

Leave Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.