**Sidekick Showcase ~ #54 ~ Celebrating Strong Women ~ Giveaway**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is NOW a monthly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this month's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

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October's Sidekick theme celebrates Strong Women, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

My pick this month:
Elise Flynn
from JA Huss' Rook & Ronin Series

Elise is Ronin's older sister and has been his guardian since he was 10. She, and Ronin, did not lead a charmed life while growing up having an abusive father. Following a tragic turn of events, Elise had to grow up quickly to raise her younger brother. She is such a caring person and took her responsibilities very seriously. Even now, she sees it as her duty to take care of the models who work for her significant other, Antoine, which is how she ends up caring deeply for Clare, Antoine's niece, and for Rook. In fact, Elise is very protective of those she cares about and Rook makes that list quickly. Elise has forged a family for herself, Ronin, and Antoine. And the addition of Rook changes the dynamics but Elise is strong enough to keep them all together.

***

"I've been you, Rook. I don't know the details, but we've all needed a twist of fate at one time or another and Antoine was mine. More than twelve years ago now. So today, I'll pay it back and be yours"
...
"And one day, you'll be in my position and you'll stumble upon a lost girl, and you can help change her fate. And when you do, and she asks you why, you'll tell her about me."
-Elise to Rook, Tragic


"And that's my point, dumbass. This girl is nineteen too, she's had some kind of very recent upheaval in her life, and you're fucking with her head right now. Stay out of her pants, do you understand? Or I will pull you from this project so fast your dick will spin."
-Elise to Ronin, Tragic


*******

And because I love y'all, I have a signed copy of the 
Rook & Ronin Omnibus to give away! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #53**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is NOW a monthly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

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September's themes are Best Friend, Fun, Ball of Energy, Humorous

Sidekick Showcase is now a monthly meme. I'm coming in just under the wire, huh? :)

My pick this month:
Andrea Nash
from Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels Series

Andrea is Kate's kickass best friend who can, well...kick some ass. Her favorite weapon is a gun, and Andrea never misses her shot. Despite being a beastkin, she works for the Order of Merciful Aid. Andrea has the way about her that makes everyone want to spill their life's story. She beautiful but doesn't think so. And she's funny...oh my goodness is she funny. :)

***

"You're touching me," I chided him. 
He caressed my back, sliding his hand down, hitting every sensitive point I hadn't even known I had.
"No, this is touching you. That was just accidental contact."
"Oh? Good to know. If you touch me again and I break your arm off, you can be sure it will be completely accidental."
-Andrea and Raphael, Gunmetal Magic


I have him my Order smile: sweet grin, hard eyes, reached over to my passenger seat, and pulled out my submachine gun. About twenty-sever inches long, the HK was my favorite toy for close-quarters combat. The rider's eye went wide.
"This is an HK UMP submachine guy. Renowned for its stopping power and reliability. Cyclic rate of fire: eight hundred rounds per minute. That means I can empty this thirty-round clip into you in less than three seconds. At this range, I'll cut you in half." It wasn't strictly true but it sounded good. "You see what it says on the barrel?"
On the barrel, pretty white letters spelled out PARTY STARTER.
-Andrea, Gunmetal Magic


"I was a knight," Andrea said. "I'm not just going to start shooting every dickhead who mouths off to me."
"Just making sure."
"Besides, if I shot him, I'd do it so nobody could trace it back to me. I'd shoot him somewhere remote, his head would explode like a melon, and they would never find his body. He would just vanish."
-Andrea and Kate, Magic Slays

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #52**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

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August's themes are Artistic, Musical, Twins, Humanitarians, Adventureers, Has or Should Have a Motorcycle ~ a little something for everyone ;)

My pick this week:
Cole St. Clair
from Maggie Stiefvater's The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series

Cole St. Clair fits a few of these themes. He's artistic and musical. And Cole St. Clair is one dude who should definitely be on a motorcycle. He's a rock star. He's HOT. He's arrogant. He's snarky. He's, at times, narcissistic. He's a bad boy. ;) Oh, he's also pretty lovable and he makes me laugh.

***

"You want to talk? Fine. Talk. Tell me something you've never told anybody else."
I thought for a moment. "Turtles have the second-largest brains of any animal on the planet."
It took Isabel only a second to process this. "No, they don't."
"I know that's why I've never told anybody that before."
-Cole & Isabel, Linger

"You're not that girl," Cole said, sounding tired. "Trust me, I've seen enough of them to know. Look. Don't cry. You're not that girl either."
"Oh yeah? What girl am I?"
"I'll let you know when I figure it out. Just don't cry."
-Cole & Isabel, Linger

"Voicemail #3: "Hi, this is Cole St. Clair. Want to know two true things? One, you're never picking up this phone. Two, I'm never going to stop leaving long messages. It's like therapy. Gotta talk to someone..."
-Cole to Isabel's voicemail, Forever

"Now, I was a fan of the simple pleasures in life: grilled cheese sandwiches without black flecks on the crust, jeans that didn't pinch the better parts of me, an inch of vodka, ten to twelve hours of sleep."
-Cole, Forever

**

I haven't read Sinner yet, which is Cole's book. 
But I CAN'T WAIT!!

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #51**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************

August's themes are Artistic, Musical, Twins, Humanitarians Adventureer, Has or Should Have a Motorcycle ~ a little something for everyone ;)

My pick this week:
Derek Souza
from Kelly Armstrong's Darkest Powers Series

Hmm, I was thinking Derek would serve as a guy who should have a motorcycle. I mean, is a werewolf, and as such, he's tall and broad. And he absolutely looks like he should be in a bike even though he's only 16. But he could also serve as humanitarian for his efforts to save the kids being experimented on by the Edison Group. And in that way, he could also be seen as an adventureer since he has to do some crazy things in order to accomplish that end. 

Derek is extremely protective of his foster brother, Simon, and particularly Chloe Saunders. Actually, he's very protective of anyone whom he loves and would lay down his life for them. But if you don't fall into that group, don't expect him to lift a finger to help you. Derek is super-smart. He's very advanced academically and he's also quite street smart. He has some self-esteem issues since he's been treated like a monster for most his life. But he's also sweet and he can be kinda funny, too.
Bottom line, Derek is pretty awesome! ;)

***

"You saw a ghost, didn't you?" he said.
To my relief, I managed to laugh. "Hate to break it to  you, but there's no such thing as ghosts."
"Huh."
His gaze traveled around the laundry room, like a cop searching for an escaped convict. When he turned that piercing look on me, its intensity sucked the backbone out of me.
"What do you see, Chloe?"
"I -I -I don't s-s-s"
"Slow down." He snapped the words, impatient. "What do they look like? Do they talk to you?"
"Yeah."
I chewed my lip, then lifted onto my tiptoes. He bent to listen. "They wear white sheets with big eye holes. And they say 'Boo!'" I glowered up at him. "Now get out of my way."
I expected him to sneer. Cross his arms and say, Make me, little girl. His lips twitched and I steeled myself, then realized he was smiling. Laughing at me. He stepped aside. I swept past him to the stairs.
-Derek & Chloe, The Summoning

"Here," Derek whispered, pressing an empty Mason jar into my hand. He'd pulled me aside after class and we were now standing at the base of the boy's staircase. "Take this up to your room and hide it."
"It's a...jar."
He grunted, exasperated that I was so dense I failed to see the critical importance of hiding an empty Mason jar in my room.
"Its for your urine."
"My what?"
He rolled his eyes, a growl-like sound sliding through his teeth as he leaned down, closer to my ear. "Urine. Pee. Whatever. For the testing."
I lifted the jar to eye level. "I think they'll give me something smaller."
...
"You took your meds today, right?" he whispered.
I nodded.
"Then use this jar to save it."
"Save...?"
"Your urine. If you give them some of today's tomorrow, it'll seem like you're still taking your meds."
"You want me to...dole it out? Into specimen jars?"
"Got a better idea?"
"Um, no, but..." I lifted the jar and stared into it.
"Oh, for God's sake. Save your piss. Don't save your piss. It's all the same to me."
-Derek & Chloe, The Summoning

"And stop doing that," he said. "Backing away, giving me that look."
"Like you're scaring me? Maybe you are."
He stepped back so fast he wobbled and caught himself, and the look on his face - It vanished in a second, the scowl returning.
"I'd never hurt you, Chloe. You should know--" He stopped. Paused. Then wheeled and started walking away. "Next time? Handle it yourself. I'm done taking care of you."
-Derek & Chloe, The Awakening

"You were just worried about me."
An exhale, relieved that I'd understood. "Yeah."
I turned. "Because you think I'm worth it."
He put his fingers under my chin. "I absolutely think you're worth it."
"But you don't think you are."
His mouth opened. Shut.
"That's what this is about, Derek. You won't let us worry about you because you don't think you're worth it. But I do. I absolutely do."
-Chloe & Derek, The Reckoning

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #50**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************
Wow! This is my 50th Sidekick Showcase post!
I hope y'all enjoy this firecracker of a girl. ;)

July's themes are Patriot, Red-head, or Firecracker

My pick this week:
Sasha Churin
from JA Huss' Slack and her Dirty, Dark, & Deadly Series

We first met Sasha in Slack. I fell for her immediately. She knew how to needle Ford and that is hard to do. Sasha hasn't had the best of luck lately but she doesn't give herself time to feel sorry for herself. This 13 year old girl knows how to handle herself AND a gun. She's intelligent and straight-shooter - both literally and figuratively.  ;)

***

"You friend is buying guns from my dad, doofus. Do I look stupid? I know what you guys do."
-Sasha to Ford, Slack

"Yeah," she says with a sigh. "You guys never have girlfriends. I used to think your work looked exciting, but then I figured out you have no lives. No offense," she says with a shrug.
-Sasha to Ford, Slack

"I know what I'm up against. You don't have to sugar-coat life for me. I'm used to living the lie. I'm used to living with death now."
-Sasha to James, Come Back


"I was never in Cheyenne. Sorry, Smurf."
"No, but you were in Boise that year I turned nine. You bought four FN Five-SeveNs and two thousand rounds of cartridges. That was a nice paycheck for us. We bought that cabin. You know, the one where my father was killed."
-James and Sasha, Come Back

"Can you make sure if I die, then I don't die for nothing?"
-Sasha to James, Come Back

"I tell you what. If you hit that target in this light, I'll let you keep that gun forever. We can trade, huh? I'll take that Glock off your hands and you can have this Five-SeveN."
She gets a wide grin but tries to hide it. "I can hit that target."
-James and Sasha, Come Back

"Are you a bad guy, James?"
I nod slowly. "Yes."
"I'm a bad guy too."
-Sasha and James, Come Back

"Ha," Sasha says from the back seat. "James, you really are the big bad wolf. He was gonna tell Merc wolves ate me out on the prairies if I didn't behave, Harper. You better watch out."
-Sasha, Come Back

"You're wrong. I'm on his side, so if you're not, then it's you who's on the wrong side."
-Sasha to Harper, Come Back

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #49**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************
Sorry, I've sucked this month at getting my Sidekick posts done. It's really sad considering I suggested some of the themes. :) Hopefully, this firecracker of a character will make up for my slacking.


July's theme ~ Patriot, Red-head, or Firecracker 

My my pick this week:
Betsy
from Robyn Jones' Touched Girl Series

Betsy is Anna's 'little' cousin, as Anna calls her. But Betsy is big in personality. She's a pistol, full of piss and vinegar. She always has a snarky comeback or comment. It has to be hard to have a particular social standing at school only to have your cousin arrive to mess things up with her strange twirling and touching. But she's loyal and she loves Anna with her whole heart.


"The short one let out an annoyed sigh and walked into the house. 'She's still weird as ever.'"
-Betsy, Soul Walker

"No more comas, Anna. I didn't like that at all. Even Betsy was worried." 
"Was not. Sleep, talk, walk, stand too close to me, who cares?" 
-Sara and Betsy, Soul Walker

"So, who were the brooding hotties in Ell's driveway?" 
"Peter's cousins."
"Good bloodline."
-Betsy and Anna, Soul Walker

"Um, excuse me. Wives are slapping their husbands, and teenage boys are tossing out their Playboys. Do you think you could not do this crazy hose-down-the-hot-body scene right here on Ella's front lawn?"
-Betsy to Anna, Soul Walker

"Fine, don't chat up the student body. You're eating with us at lunch. I'm not taking twirling for an answer."
-Betsy to Anna, Soul Bender

"I'll work my way up to the whole Ted/porch thing because I think you broke my brain, weird girl."
-Betsy to Anna, Soul Bender

"Yes, Anna, will you please make the girls at the table look good."
-Betsy to Anna, Soul Bender

"What about you, Betsy? Who are you going with?" She looked away.
"No one. I'm not going."
"What? That's crazy. You're so pretty and perfect and flirty. Who doesn't want to go with you?"
"All true words, Anna," Betsy said without her trademark deadpan expression.
-Anna and Betsy, Soul Twister

"The way you think is just out there."
-Betsy to Anna, Soul Twister

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #48 ~ I'll Drive, Thanks**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************

June's theme ~ In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we can celebrate those characters that we love. Also, in honor of Father's Day we can pick dads or characters we think would make good fathers. Also, since summer trips start in June, we can pay tribute to characters we'd hate to travel with or just remind us of summer trips from one reason or another. 

I'm totally cheating this week and choosing TWO sidekicks. They do come from the same books though. :) 
My my picks this week:
Noah & Zane
from Jill Myles' Succubus Diaries Series

I've talked about this series before but I just had to choose these two guys. Noah is an angel and is only awake during the daylight hours. Zane is a vampire and is only awake at night.  And this is the ONLY reason I'd never want to take a trip with them...when the time hits, they're both out cold...dead to the world. That would be mighty dangerous if either of them were behind the wheel. If they were in charge of the music, it'd suck if they were suddenly snoozing. And you know, I like to chat on long drives but I prefer a two-way conversation which doesn't work if you traveling companion is snoring. Of course, if I had them both in the car, there wouldn't be an issue - at least where the sleeping is concerned. However, if they were both in the car, there's no telling what kinds of violence could erupt. ;) 

This quote features Zane and Jackie. This series is just pure fun! Enjoy!

***

"You use me," I said, sliding my hand down his chest, "and I'll use you." His hips fit just right under my own, rubbing against the juncture of my thighs in the most sinful way.

His teeth broke the skin of my wrist, and he was unable to hold back any longer. I felt a soft, gentle pull as he sucked on my skin. Desire flared through me white-hot, and I moaned and rubbed my hips against his harder. His tongue moved against my wrist, and just the barest of sensations drove me wild.

"Zane," I begged, "I want you."

No response.

"I need you," I pleaded.

Still no response.

I pulled my wrist away and leaned in for a fierce kiss.

And a gentle snore came from his lips.

"What the---" I shook Zane slightly, in total disbelief that he'd fall asleep at such a crucial moment. As anger cleared my fog of passion, I realized that sunlight was streaming through the panes.

"Goddamn it! This no-daylight shit is pissing me off."

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #47 ~ Maybe a Good Dad...But Traveling Companion?**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************

June's theme ~ In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we can celebrate those characters that we love. Also, in honor of Father's Day we can pick dads or characters we think would make good fathers. Also, since summer trips start in June, we can pay tribute to characters we'd hate to travel with or just remind us of summer trips from one reason or another. 

I'm mixing it up this week. My choice would probably have made a really good dad at one time, but that ship sailed. And traveling with him would be quite an adventure, I'm sure. 
My my pick this week:
Tex
from Kristen Ashley's Rock Chick Series

I LOVE Tex! I can't even tell you how much I love this character. Every scene he's in...he just steals it. The reason I think he'd have made a good dad is the way he takes care of the Rock Chicks now. Once Indy got him to leave the street he lives on (after like 20 years or something) he's really come out of his shell. And he's uber-protective of the girls. He'll take a bullet for them if he has to. And he's always willing to lend a helping hand or some tear gas, when the girls need it. ;) As for a traveling companion, well, I'm not so sure I'd want to go on a trip with Tex. Or even on a short drive. ;) He can be kinda scary and seems to drive like a bat out of hell. But the tunes would ROCK!

***

I gave a little screech and whirled, not knowing who I'd see. It could be Lee, Wilcox's goons, the shooters, a police officer or Dracula.
Instead, it was Tex standing there with the goggles no longer on the top of his head, but over his eyes. 
He put his finger to his lips then, a scant second later, put his fist through the window.
I stared at the window then back at Tex then back at the window.
"What are you doing?" I whispered.
"B and E, darlin'," he answered casually.
-Tex & Indy, Rock Chick


He tossed me the keys. "Bronze El Camino, parked out back."
I stomped outside, slide into the El Camino and stared in shock at the 8-track player. After a moment, I noticed there was a huge, leatherette case on the passenger side floor and I popped it open.
That's when I hit the mother lode.
I ran my finger down them. Carlos Santana, The Eagle, Heart, War, Neil Young, George Thorogood, Thin Lizzy, The Allman Brothers Band, Molly Hatchet, BTO...it was rock 'n' roll nirvana.
-Tex & Indy, Rock Chick


"Chavez, for fuck's sake, quit flirtin'. Christ, you flirt with anything in a skirt." Tex said (explaining the flirting). "She's tryin' to work and you're embarrassin' her. Can't you see her blush?
-Tex to Eddie about Jet, Rock Chick Rescue


"Been waitin' a long time, Roxie, to give you a hug. A long, fuckin' time."
-Tex, Rock Chick Redemption


"So what d'you need from us?" Tex asked. "Need a partner when you go out? Want to double up on maneuvers. You get seen harassin' one dealer while someone else douses another's car with vegetable oil? Get them all freaked out that The Law can be two places at once? That kind of thing?"
-Tex to Jules, Rock Chick Renegade

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #46 ~ What Makes a Good Father?**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************

June's theme ~ In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we can celebrate those characters that we love. Also, in honor of Father's Day we can pick dads or characters we think would make good fathers. Also, since summer trips start in June, we can pay tribute to characters we'd hate to travel with or just remind of of summer trips from one reason or another. 

I'm going with Father's Day since it's this weekend, so
my pick this week:
Lucan
from JA Huss' I Am Just Junco Series

Lucan is...special. There were so many times throughout the series where I questioned his motives. He did things that made me want to hug him and he did things that made me want to shake him. In the end, he proved to have always loved his Aves - Tier, who was his son for all intents and purposes, and Junco.  

"Gifts before birth are a loophole in the rules. It was the only way to create what I needed. I'd known it since before I was reborn because that's how I was Chosen by my own father.

And I gave Tier the same gift my father gave me.

Unconditional love.

It worked for my father. I never did kill him even though sons killing fathers is almost cliche where we come from. Almost like ti's Destiny. But I cheated and shifted my fate so far, my Destiny slipped and I stopped being the son he made and remade myself over into Lucan.

...

I cheated when I gifted Tier. And this makes me smile, because it was so easy and simple. And it was something my father never understood.

Love is earned, not mandated.
So I loved Tier back.
Fiercely."
-Lucan, Return


"I would rather kill her myself than let my father take her as a punishment in my cycle.
Because that's what love is.
Protection."
-Lucan, about Junco, Return

**Sidekick Showcase ~ #45**

Sidekick Showcase (previously known as Sidekick Saturday) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in this week's type
• Share a picture (if possible) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• Put your link in the Linky thing and comment

**********************************

June's theme ~ In honor of LGBT Pride Month, we can celebrate those characters that we love. Also, in honor of Father's Day we can pick dads or characters we think would make good fathers. Also, since summer trips start in June, we can pay tribute to characters we'd hate to travel with or just remind of of summer trips from one reason or another. 

I'm going with LGBT Pride Month so
my pick this week:
Damien Maslin
from P.C. & Kristin Cast's House of Night Series  

It's been a looong while since I read HoN (I'm only 2 behind though) but I've always been a fan of Damien. I know y'all might be surprised, but I really LOVE his vocabulary! ;) He's nerdy but so cool. And he's the greatest friend a girl could ask for. Damien is very open about being gay. I admire his 'like me as is, or not' attitude.


"Actually, since I'm gay I think I should count for two guys instead of just one. I mean, in me you get the male point of view and you don't have to worry about me wanting to touch your boobies."
-Damien, Marked

"You two are incorrigible."
"Twin, I forget, what does incorrigible mean?" Shaunee said.
"I do believe it means that we're hotter and sexier than a whole herd of corrriges," Erin said, still bumping and grinding.
"You two are dolts, which means you have very little sense."
-Damien, Shaunee & Erin, Chosen

"Why do you have a disposable?" I studied the phone. It looked fairly normal.
"I got it after my parents freaked about me being gay. Until I was Marked and came here it felt like they were grounding me for life from life. I mean, not that I really expected them to lock me in a closet somewhere, but it's good to be prepared. Since then, I've made sure I always have one."
-Zoey & Damien, Betrayed