I'm with GreenRoots, Joelle...my love for Brandon and Dya with their ensuing drama cause me to just send energy for inspiration your way...may you be blessed...
Author's Response:
Aw, thanks, Jahchannah! You're all sorts of awesome. Your good energy and blessings are much needed and very much appreciated : ) I'm still in a creative cul de sac, but hoping to get out of this rut soon. In the meantime, I'll keep trying and you be blessed.
Reviewer: jahchannah Signed [Report This]Date: November 17 2015 05:38 am
I miss this story Joelle! Here's to hoping that your winds of inspiration are blowing strong...
Author's Response:
Thanks, my dear. No ripples on the water as of yet. But I am feeling a gentle breeze ; )
Reviewer: GreenRoots Signed




Date: November 14 2015 10:37 pm
I've gone back a read some of the previous chapters, and wanted to comment on why I enjoy reading about Diya and Brandon's journey in the development of their relationship. It's pretty much because they both aren't afraid to call each other out on their ish. 😍
Of course, it's expected of Diya, as mouthy as she wanna be (funny as hell). As for Brandon, who is such a sweetheart💖, he isn't too far gone that he can't reign Diya in when necessary. You can still feel caring, love, passion, and chemistry that is their love jones. I love it! 💖💖💖😊
Author's Response:
Thanks Musicluva! So glad you've enjoyed Brandon and Diya's dynamic. Their willingness to call one another to the carpet is a part of what makes these two so fun to write.
Reviewer: Musicluva Signed




Date: October 28 2015 01:44 pm
I'm missing Branny and Diya's crazy self too! 😄💖
Author's Response:
Me too : ) Hopefully I'll get to spend a little time with the two of them today.
Reviewer: Musicluva Signed




Date: October 20 2015 02:33 pm
I hAve been missing Branny Boo
Author's Response:
Me too.
Reviewer: Jovana Signed [Report This]Date: October 18 2015 02:41 am
Oh, I must love this story since I think about it during your hiatus...but I caught this when I first read it, but didn't bring it up, yet I can't let it go...Brandon in this chapter tells Diya he and Marisol kissed while drunk when he was 17...in chapter 5 he tells Diya that he met his love (who got pregnant by another guy) when he was 16, realized he was in love at 17 and had his heart broken after his 18th birthday...yet he made out with Marisol at 17, which suggests an overlap in the relationships...so how does Marisol play into the failure of his first love relationship or does she...the timeline causes me to suspect something but maybe I'm seeing too much...like I said, I had this thought when 1st reading chapter 9 but didn't go there...still I can't seem to let it go, so I seek clarification... sorry to bug you during your hiatus and I hope the time away only strengthens your muse!
Author's Response:
You're not bugging me. I'm taking a break from posting, but I'm more than happy to respond to reviews.
You have a GREAT eye. I can't say much without risking dropping a spoiler or two, but I will say that there was definitely a cause-and-effect set of circumstances surrounding Brandon and Marisol's kiss--one that will affect his and Diya's relationship, and not for the better. Thanks for bringing that up. It plays a major part in how the story progresses and, thankfully, I'm finally making some progress with it.
Thanks for all your support and encouragement, Jachannah. It is infinitely appreciated.
Reviewer: jahchannah Signed




Date: October 14 2015 06:42 am
Thank you.
Reviewer: Mariposa-12 Signed [Report This]Date: September 26 2015 01:44 am
That is 100% understandable. Especially in your case since you write as a hobby, not a profession so it makes it even e personal. I apologize if my approach was tactless. I tend to speak/write before i think and when i read i go into the characters world (that's my escape) so i was a bit frustrated on Di's behalf haha.
Seriously though, i loved that excerpt meant a lot to me. It had me al teared up at work (i read at work when i'm bored lol). I'm Going through a divorce so self-doubt tends to make a lot of appearances in my life right now. Di's little speach hit me straight in the heart. Thanks again.
And last but definitely not least, I do love your writing style and your stories are always meaningful. You're a pretty cool chick ;-).
Author's Response:
Thanks, Mariposa-12. I happen to think you're a pretty cool chick, too.
There's no need to apologize, but I appreciate the fact that you did. I didn't take anything you said as malacious. Quite the contrary. Rather than take a two day vacation in my feelings, I should have made that clear.
I'm praying your strength in this trying time, and that God will grant you grace, favor, and the peace of self-assurance.
Be abundantly blessed,
Joelle
Reviewer: Mariposa-12 Signed [Report This]
Date: September 24 2015 09:49 pm
That Marisol is up to something I don't trust her. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and is Brandon going to fight everyone of Marisols battles, this is a grown *ss women. I'm glad Diya and Brandon had their talk little by little things are coming out about each other. There come a time in your life when you have to stop feeling bad for making a decision about your life that upsets other people. You are not responsible for their happiness, you're responsible for your own happiness. Anyone who wants you to live in misery for their happiness should not be in your life to begin with. Thanks for the double updates JJ
Author's Response:
YW. The side-eye you're tossing Marisol's way is well earned--at least from the outside looking in. Diya picking her battle will be key for the survival of their relationship. But, being that she's new to this, she's bound to muck it up. Brandon and William are both a part of her happiness, and she knows that her relationship with one is likely to cost her the other. More on that to come. Thanks Jacqua!
Reviewer: jacqua43 Signed




Date: September 21 2015 06:48 pm
I'm speechless and that's a first for me. Good job JJ!!
Author's Response:
Thanks Jacqua43!
Reviewer: jacqua43 Signed




Date: September 21 2015 06:19 pm
I love this:
“Meaning, I was comparing two things it’s pointless to compare. The moon has its purpose and serves it with no concern for the sun and all its glory. It will never be a star because it’s the moon; it doesn’t even try. It’s perfectly satisfied with existing in shadow, because the best or worst it will ever be is the moon. Just like the best or worst I’ll ever be is Diya. So, I decided to stop trying to be someone else for the sake of belonging and just be me.”
and you have no idea how much it affects me in this precise moment of my life. Thank you for updating and for writing amazing things that touch people's lives and have more meaning than you might've thought.
Author's Response:
You are very welcome. Sometimes I allow my ego and emotions to get the better of me and lose focus on what's important. This puts things into much-needed perspective. Thank you for that, Mariposa-12, and for reading and reviewing. It really does mean the world to me that you found something meaningful in my words and would take the time to share it.
Reviewer: Mariposa-12 Signed [Report This]Date: September 21 2015 03:04 pm
It seems Marisol has more of an agenda than is obvious. She didn't tell Brandon about the phone call. That was deliberate.
Author's Response:
You just might be right. Thanks Dinndee.
Reviewer: Dinndee Signed [Report This]Date: September 21 2015 02:46 pm
Hmmm...interesting. I can't say I'm surprised that Marisol did not tell Brandon that Diya called, and of course we all know that she didn't forget.
Love that Diya and Brandon did somewhat talk and that they seem to be okay, for now at least. It'll be interesting to see how the Marisol issue will pan out and how Diya deals with it.
Thanks for the background info on Diya and her daddy...sure sheds some light on their relationship. Still doesn't give him the right to try to control her life, but it does shed some insight into their relationship dynamic.
Author's Response:
Dealing with the issue of Marisol, whether real or imagined, will play a significant part in the plot as the story continues, with the focus being on how Diya deals with it and her family--namely her father. Does she keep quiet about her Marisol misgivings and risk losing Brandon, or speak up and still risk losing him to because he feels she doesn't trust him? And will she risk her relationship with her father (the one member of her family with whom she shares a close, loving relationship) or risk losing the man she loves? We shall see. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Amiefuzzy!
Reviewer: Amiefuzzy Signed





Date: September 21 2015 02:29 pm
sublime. amazing. erfect. beautiful - f.yes this just made my day. and the end - brandon's words *sigh*
wow! wow! wow!!
Author's Response:
Thanks Yuukiyanagi!!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Reviewer: Yuukiyanagi Signed




Date: September 21 2015 09:50 am
So good!
Author's Response:
Thanks Michmom!
Author's Response:
Thanks Michmom!
Reviewer: Michmom2 Signed




Date: September 21 2015 06:58 am
Hmmm ... I'm glad that Marisol made it out with only a few bumps and bruises, but I still don't trust her. I think she still has something up her sleeve. Di and Brandon need to have a serious talk about how they plan on doing to move forward with that situation. I think Brandon may be in a bit of denial in how Marisol feels about him. It appears that he's not seeing it, or not trying to see it
Seems Di has some of her own 'family' problems that she's been dealing with. Sounds as if she's come to terms with them somewhat. I agree with the others in that I think she should give Brandon some sort of clue about to what he may be up against if she's really in this for the long haul.
Thanks for the double update!
Author's Response:
Marisol bears watching. And you're right, a talk will have to happen about her, but you know it's not likely to go well. I agree that Diya needs to also have the other "my family is crazy" talk with Brandon sooner rather and later. If only she could be convinced of that. Thanks Musicluva!
Reviewer: Musicluva Signed




Date: September 21 2015 02:57 am
Diya, do ya hear him? In not so subtle woeds, Branny just told you how he feels about you. Girl, you better listent.
As for Marisol, I could give a blue dilly f'ck as to whether she conveniently forgot to relay the message, whether it's because she wants Brandon for herself or she thinks Diya is not the one for him or whatev. That was foul what she did. Foul, I tell ya.
Thanks so much for the 2 chapter update. But you know, I'm a greedy little bugger. It just makes me want more.
Good updates, Chica.
Author's Response:
Yeah, Brandon put his feelings out there, however illusive they might have been. Diya just has to accept them...if she can. Lol @ the "blue dilly f*ck" and the "foul, I tell ya"! Marisol seems both innocent and guilty enough. We'll eventually see which it is. Thanks BellaChica!
Reviewer: BellaChica Signed




Date: September 21 2015 01:06 am
Oh heck no. I officially don't like Marisol , and Brandon is getting on my nerves right now too after the talk they just had about Marisol , he felt he was the only one capable of getting her back to her sister . And need I point out all of the mayhem could have been avoided if 1. She was checking up on Diya's man &&& 2. She listened to said man and been escorted home
Author's Response:
True and very true. Brandon and Marisol go WAY back, and it seems both are having trouble realizing things can't be exactly what they were before Diya entered the picture. Innocent intentions or no, that could very well cost him his relationship with Diya. More on that to come. Thanks Jovana.
Reviewer: Jovana Signed [Report This]Date: September 21 2015 12:09 am
I need the recipe to make me a Branny please! lol. I figured the person was someone Marisol knew and I'm going to try to give her the benefit of the doubt since she'd just went through something traumatic hours before. But half of me still feels like she didnt let Brandon know Diya called because she wanted him to herself for a little while longer. I love that they are both beginning to open up a little bit more even if it was because something like that happened. Can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's Response:
You're right to be suspicious of Marisol's motives. At best, they're a bit intrusive, though understandable (sort of). At worst, they're a not-so-subtle manipulation aimed at reclaiming Brandon's full attention. Either way, our boy seems to be willing to indulge her, which might undo all the progress they made with their talk. More on that to come. Thanks for reading and reviewing, helloWORLD!
Reviewer: helloWORLD Signed




Date: September 21 2015 12:07 am
I can stand Marisol, please write in that he has a fatal accident. Why can't Brandon see Mari wants him? Wake up Brandon! !
Author's Response:
Lol! I don't have any current plans to kill Marisol off, but one never knows when the homicidal might hit me. Thanks Pmgayles!
Reviewer: pmgayles Signed




Date: September 21 2015 12:03 am
Brandon that ho Mari answered your phone and didn't tell you that Diya called, check that *itch!! Why can't you see that she wants you? Please quit being stupid, Brandon! Diya handle your business with your family before you loose Brandon. Good stuff!!
Author's Response:
Lol! Ah, Pmgayles, if only they'd listen.
Reviewer: pmgayles Signed




Date: September 20 2015 11:50 pm
That Brandon has me swooning...this conversation was much needed because their relationship, any relationship, comes down to their commitment to making it work...I'm so glad Brandon asked Diya for honesty...and Diya is so cute that Branny has her whipped...he is amazed that she totally adores him...they adore each other...beautifully written emotional honesty and emotional intimacy...love this couple learning each other...Brandon accepts Diya for who she is...he helps her feel safe...can't wait for more...
Author's Response:
Thanks Jahchannah! This couple has A LOT of ground to cover in the unspoken-truths department, but this was a good start. They're both realizing how much they care for one another, which is good, because they're going to need that connection to survive the days ahead. Stay tuned...
Reviewer: jahchannah Signed




Date: September 20 2015 11:23 pm
Poor Diya, just feels like she can't win..I just hope it's not true...I don't think it's true, but circumstances skew perception...Diya's a good girl that Brandon wants to keep out of the mess...but for Diya looking at her man with Marisol, perception is everything...you are so generous right now and amazing...
Author's Response:
Thanks Jahchannah! Perception is everythinig. Slowly but surely, we'll see if Diya's is right and what having it might cost her.
Reviewer: jahchannah Signed




Date: September 20 2015 10:54 pm
What kind of enimies does Marisol have and if you have those kinds of enemies why is she walking the streets alone???? My goodness. Great chapter. The last chapter was hilarious though.
Author's Response:
Marisol has at least one enemy, but these aren't hers. More on that next chapter. Thanks Dinndee!
Reviewer: Dinndee Signed



Date: September 19 2015 04:42 pm
JJ, you have another winner on your hands here; thoroughly enjoying the tale so far! I understand where Diya is coming from and I get that she is reluctant to have her feelings hurt again, but unfortunately love comes with no guarantees so she will just have to step out in faith.
I wonder what deep, dark secrets Brandon is hiding; he's definitely been through some painful and dark times in the past. I really wish they would both open up and be honest with each other, but I know that is easier said than done.
Yeah, Marisol getting attacked is going to be a negative for Diya, as Brandon will most likely shower her with attention and concern, which may leave Diya feeling like the odd man out. Of course Diya can't object without seeming heartless, so she'll likely be in a tough spot.
Can't wait to see what you have in store for our dear couple...should be very interesting:)
Author's Response:
You're right. Diya will eventually have to take the difficult step of letting Brandon know about her family and them about him. And it'll be better if she takes that step herself rather than to be pushed. Time is not on her side.
Brandon's secrets are...well, I'll just let you read and find out for yourself. I think when you learn them, you'll completely understand why he was so reluctant to share, even if you can't get behind that.
Diya will definitely be in a tough spot in the aftermath of Marisol's attack. The only question is "how tough" and "how long"?
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Amiefuzzy!!! So glad you're enjoying Brandon and Diya's story so far.
Reviewer: Amiefuzzy Signed




Date: September 19 2015 10:19 am