CALLOUS TRUTHS by Taabia Dupree

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CALLOUS TRUTHS

Taabia Dupree

Releasing Sept 25th, 2015

 

 

Blurb

Have you ever loved someone so much that you ignored what was right in front of you?

After a decade of friendship, Zaniel Baker finds himself envious of his best friends, Micheal, Ryan and Trevor. Even with a dark cloud of unspoken tragedy lingering over their friendship, his friends have managed to find everything that Zaniel wants for himself...happiness and love.

Then he meets Anastasia. Love at first sight soon turns to a licentious obsession.

When tragedy strikes yet again, Zaniel's blinders are ripped off, leaving him in a web of lies, deception, and betrayal.

 

Can he come back from something that has turned his life upside down? Will his past be a part of the problem or the solution?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You know the worse part about that day bro?” Zaniel asked Ryan as they sat down at their regular both at Monahan’s.

Ryan sighed and shook his head. “Again with you and memory lane man. All the way here you talked about that day. That was over thirty years ago. Why you have to bring that crap up. You make me look like a pussy every time you tell the story.”

Trevor and Michael laughed as they took their spots at the both. The four men have been friends for over thirty years. They started in kindergarten together and celebrating any one of their birthdays, someone reminds them of their rough past.

“Aw look at him. Zaniel looking a little sensitive not being able to finish his story about our best friend getting killed.” Michael said as he downed another beer.

That time had been a sad time for them all, and Michael was the last one to want to hear about that day.

“Sorry, I was just saying that Pauly is really missed and that’s it.”

“No, you son of a bitch you were going to say if we had listened to Trevor and stayed the fuck away from that store Pauly would be here right now. Blame me still huh Zan?” Trevor grabbed Michael by the arm when he tried to stand. Zaniel looked away and Ryan shook his head again and called the waitress over. “Hey, can we get another couple rounds over here?”

“Trevor man, I have never said anything like that, that you were to blame. If anything we are all to blame. It was a dumb idea and we all went along with it and now it’s over. Look Happy Birthday man, and a cheery toast too many more.” Zaniel clinked everybody's glass. Michael kept tossing his drink back and ignored him.

His teeth clenched together, but Zaniel kept quiet. Especially when Ryan kicked his foot under the table. When he looked over, Ryan did a small shake of his head.

“Hey remember when Mike here, had that girl in his basement? Remember his big brother Kyle came home, and he heard them down there humping and grinding away, and Kyle ran down in the basement naked screaming the house was on fire, and he couldn’t find his clothes?” Ryan chuckled so hard he could barely get his sentence out. Trevor laughed and beer squirted from his nose.

Michael laughed too, but it wasn’t one of those hearty laughs as the guys had. He glanced over at Zaniel and asked, “Hey, if you don’t blame me, how come you stop talking to me that summer. It was both our birthday’s coming up before school and you didn’t say a damn word to me that summer. Why Zaniel? Why you cut out like that man.”

“Come on Mike. We are here to do shots, drink beer and talk shit. Let’s get some food too.” Ryan said as he waved the waitress over to them once again

“Bullshit Ryan. You have always been like that man, ever since we were kids. The fuck’n peacemaker. You break everything in your body and all you got to say is let’s eat, drink and fuck’n be merry.” Michael took the last swing of his third beer and started to stand.”

Zaniel stood and grabbed his arm, “Hey Mike…”

Michael gave him no chance to say anything else because he punched him in the face. Zaniel went backward, and his back hit the both. He swiftly recovered and went after Michael, who had turned to walk away. He grabbed his arm and was about to hit him when Michael moved and jabbed him in the gut. Zaniel went down to his knees.

 

About The Author
Amazon Bestseller Author Taabia Dupree was born in the United States and grew up on the Eastern Seaboard. Her love of books and anything with words came from her parents. As a young person, Taabia read anything she could get her hands on, from cereal boxes, to the Encyclopedia Britannica, to the National Geographic, to the business section of the local newspaper. Yet some of her favorite reads came from writers; L'Amour, Tolstoy, Eddings, Tolkien, Hugo, Wright, Dickens, and Hemingway.

In 1999, Taabia started writing erotic fantasy stories for online story groups. She self-published her first erotic story in 2011.

Today, Taabia Dupree writes poetry and erotic short stories. Her books can be found in several genres, including coming of age, mystery & psychological-thrillers, fantasy, and paranormal. She's currently working on a crime novella and a sci-fi fantasy novella.

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Link to Follow Tour:  
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/08/callous-truths-by-taabia-dupree.html

Goodreads Link:
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26232642-callous-truths

Buy Links:  Amazon

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B013M5FWQG

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/UgfAgniUKzo       

Happy Anniversary - Abby

 

 

I awoke a couple of sleeps ago to the realization that less than three years ago today in 2013 I was a very ill woman. Three surgeries and multiple treatments later, I truly had no idea then how sick I was. But at that moment what knew for sure was that I was totally alone.

There was not one, no not one to stand with me are so I thought. I was slowly proved wrong and I am grateful.

In the shadow of my mind’s eye I can see myself slowing falling into a state of utter and everlasting lifelessness. I can remember standing at so many doors  knocking, asking for help and having most doors not answered and countless others slammed in my face. But then there came a day when so many doors opened I could not handle the help that came my way.

Just thinking about how far I have came and who took the journey with me always makes me misty eyed. Thank you will never be enough for the days I cried and some many who dried my tears not because they had to but they want  to.

I will always be grateful for a handful of people who stood with me, stood for and were by my side through the most difficult time in my life.  The greatest tribute to life is knowing that you have touched someone’s life. Those who touched my life over the past three years make me proud to call them friends.

When I look back at all I been through all I can say is Thank you. Maybe it was the phone calls, the terrible chicken soup, the calls in the middle of the night were I rambled on and on which I later found out were a symptom of my illness or just the silent agreement as I would sit and cry thankful that someone was wiling to listen. Then again it may have been the rides to the doctor that brought me through. Whatever it was, I am most appreciative and will never forget the kindness that was extended to me.

 

Abby

WelcomeFall

Abigail's Pot Pie

My love of chicken pot pie is world renowned. Give a girl a fluffy crust over delicious vegetables and you have a friend for life.

Winter will soon howl in and my appetite for pot pie will kick off into high gear like football season. Soon yummy delicious swirls of chicken pot pie will dance upon my palette as a horn of plenty descends filled with chicken pot pie.

Abby

The Anxious Leaf-From The Child's Story Garden

 

The Anxious Leaf

Once upon a time a little leaf was heard to sigh and cry, as leaves often do when a gentle wind is about. And the twig said, "What is the matter, little leaf?" And the leaf said, "The wind just told me that one day it would pull me off and throw me down to die on the ground!"

The twig told it to the branch on which it grew, and the branch told it to the tree. And when the tree heard it, it rustled all over, and sent back word to the leaf, "Do not be afraid. Hold on tightly, and you shall not go till you want to."

And so the leaf stopped sighing, but went on nestling and singing. Every time the tree shook itself and stirred up all its leaves, the branches shook themselves, and the little twig shook itself, and the little leaf danced up and down merrily, as if nothing could ever pull it off. And so it grew all summer long, till October.

And when the bright days of autumn came the little leaf saw all the leaves around becoming very beautiful. Some were yellow and some scarlet, and some striped with both colors. Then it asked the tree what it meant. And the tree said, "All these leaves are getting ready to fly away, and they have put on these beautiful colors because of joy."

Then the little leaf began to want to go, too, and grew very beautiful in thinking of it, and when it was very gay in color it saw that the branches of the tree had no bright color in them, and so the leaf said, "O branches! why are you lead-color and we golden?"

"We must keep on our work-clothes, for our life is not done - but your clothes are for holiday, because your tasks are over," said the branches.

Just then a little puff of wind came, and the leaf let go, without thinking of it, and the wind took it up and turned it over and over, and whirled it like a spark of fire in the air, and then it dropped gently down under the edge of the fence, among hundreds of leaves, and fell into a dream, and it never waked up to tell what it dreamed about.

The Anxious Leaf-From The Child's Story Garden

Abigails Fall Perfection

 

Fall  

Beautiful perfection just as you are

Abigails Chronicles of The Lone Wolf.

 

She stood at the edge of dawn watching, waiting, praying that the crest of the moon would show.  The night was hers.

She owed her soul to the night. Della called on the wind to blow and cover whispers of the night that were commanding her to run. Rubbing her shoulders she turned and sat down.

The solace of the night wrapped around her and made her warm.  She could almost hear the trees roaring in agony as the ice and snow became one with the branches weighing them down and tormenting there delicate limbs almost breaking them.  

Howling as loud as she could she cried out in to the dark. When no answer came she walking back inside the cabin and closed the door. Tonight she would rest. Tomorrow she would fight.

She was the lone wolf.

 

Abigail's Beauty

Beauty that maddens the soul like wine

Beautiful like Spring’s first rose

Welcoming like a summer breeze

A smile as radiant as a thousand suns

Flawless like a polished diamond

Beauty as rare as a blue rose

Bewitching beauty that passes like a breath

 

Abby

Abigail's Pizza Night

 

I love Deep Dish Chicago Pizza, and I just found the perfect recipe on Chew Out Loud.   While I am not a fan of peperone,  mozzarella, Italian sausage Canadian bacon, hamburger and parmesan cheese delight me to no end.   Now that I can make my own, I look forward to cold winter nights on the patio making homemade deep dish pizza in my stone oven.

Abby

http://www.chewoutloud.com/2013/02/15/deep-dish-pizza-the-real-deal/

 

Abigail's Night

It’s Sunday Morning only moments before the break of down and I am up with a cup of steaming hot chocolate. The crest of the moon is almost floating above the trees preparing to descend and say goodnight. I love the twinkle of night before the dawn. The beauty of the moment never fails to release a sigh of contentment.

I often wonder in the early hours before day break if the night calls to me. I can almost hear my name being whispered on the lips of the night. It a soft whisper that roars and demands I unleash myself and run free of the chains of the forthcoming day.

If only I could run free into the night and rejuvenate my fleeting powers. Sipping my hot chocolate I smile answering the call of the night.

Abby

Abigail's Slice Of Cake

Toffee Pecan Bundt Cake with Caramel Drizzle? Yep, that’s what’s for dinner when you’re a cranky bear.

Abigail's Cute Days

 

I have them. All women have them. Cute Days.  These are the days when you looking so cute and fierce the air around you crackles with electricity. It’s like you walking on air. I love those days.

Cute days are a woman’s treasure. She can do no wrong. These are the days your soul smiles and you wink at the cute guy in the store. I love my cute days.

Abby

Abigail's Blankets, Throws and Comforters

The howling winds of Fall will soon usher in the need for blankets, throws and thick fluffy comforters.  Blankets, throws and comforters have become a wardrobe accessory for the bedroom. Three years ago I joined the movement by purchasing a fall themed bedroom set.  A snowman throw joined a reindeer blanket complete with a fluffy down comforter which during the Christmas season is transformed with a cover into a Christmas comforter.

I can’t wait until the winds of Fall start howling and I can once again pull out my bedroom wardrobe for my bed.

Abby

Nature's Palette

A season to behold

Nature’s palette on display.

A riot of color ablaze

frolic in the fall leaves.

September to remember as the leaves tumble down

Autumn days are here again

The wind moves in wonderful ways through the tree branches as they blow and sway.

Time to finally put the lawnmower away, turn in your sandals for thick socks and boots.

Crisp leaves are falling, bird are calling

for goodness sake, grab a rake!

The Fall Book Of Colors

 

A mosaic of color

Another blanket on the bed

Cozy autumn days, crisp fall nights

Golden leaves flutter gently to the ground

A festival of fall colors abound

Geese migrating south

Wind howling through the trees

Rake, pile, leap!

Fall into autumn

Leaf your worries behind

Take in the beauty of the season

Cool, crisp days of fall

Bare branches quivering in the wind

Foraging squirrels and chipmunks hiding their nuts

Shorter days and longer nights

Watch the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp breeze

 Abby

Abigail’s Winter Coat Dilemma

 

I need a new winter coat. I take that back, I want a winter coat! And for the first time in many years I am considering buying one. Most winters I wear a very thick long or short sweater purchased at Wal-Mart. This year I want a fabulous coat to strut my stuff all winter.

Choosing a winter coat is a tough job. Long short, red, green, purple or blue? It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. The only thing I know is that I want a coat and I looking all over for one.

Abby

Abigail's Needs Cast Iron Skillets

I need a great Cast Iron skillet to make cornbread and I think I found one. The Pioneer Woman just came out with a line of cast iron skillets that have left me drooling.

The Pioneer Woman’s Cast Iron Skillets that are cute and look like fun to cook in. The price is also very attractive. I can’t wait until the holiday season I am putting the Pioneer Woman’s Cast Iron Skillets on my list.

Abby

Abigail’s Winter Vacation

The doldrums of winter always hit around the first of the just after the holidays end. This year I plan to surrey away to St. Maartan for fun in the sun.

For the past month I have tried to find the perfect swim suit and cover.  Over the years I have grown fond of the swim dress. To say it hides a multitude of faults is to say a mouth full.

I look forward to lots of beach time and water activities.

One of the things I am truly looking forward to is spending the day sailing. I have booked a trip to spend the day on the Passaat Schooner sailing and enjoying the beauty of being at sea. Shopping in St. Bart’s is going to be a treat along with a ferry ride to Anguilla.

It’ll be nice to get a little sun after a couple of months of winter. Now I’ve got to get back to finding a swimsuit and locating my passport.

Abby

Abigail Loves Sling TV

Sling TV? I can live with it. I subscribed for a 7-day free trial membership to Sling TV since it was free. I was no expecting to go pass the 7-day trial but low and behold I was quite surprised that instead of cancelling the membership I kept it.

While I have satellite service through Dish Network, I don’t feel that adding additional cost to my bill for on demand TV. Sling TV gives me the advantage of porting my favorite channels with me on my tablet wherever I go and I love it.

Very soon I want to try a 30day Showtime trial, but I am a little apprehensive since they immediately charge you without giving you the chance to actually enjoy 30 free days as advertised before they charge you. Sling allowed me 7days to make a decision.

Anyhoo, what’s a girl to do but flip on her Sling when she’s at the hair salon or doctor’s office?

Abby

No one paid for this but me and my own $20.00 a month

Abigail Loves Teen Wolf

I stopped watching Teen Wolf after the first episode of the second season. While I fell in love with the first season the first episode of the second season seemed to be going down a different path so I opted out and never went back.

I was stuck in the house last Friday and found myself looking for something to watching. The first thing I found on Amazon that caught my eye was the entire Teen Wolf series up to season 5.

As I watched the series from beginning to end I found myself falling in love again with the series. Teen Wolf rocks! While I was sadden by the death of Allison I still love Scott and Dereck.

Abby

 

 

Abigails Obsession: Lunchboxes

I have a unique obsession with lunchboxes. When I was a kid I always wanted to be one of those kids who brought their lunch. My mom preferred I ate the lunch the school provided. So, I never got that Wonder Woman lunchbox I died for as a kid. Instead as an adult I spend needs many a delightful evenings trying finding the perfect lunchbox only to discard it in search of another “perfect” lunchbox.

Yep, it’s just that serious.

Abby

Abigail's Chicken Pot Pie

My love of chicken pot pie is world renowned. Give a girl a fluffy crust over delicious vegetables and you have a friend for life.

Winter will soon howl in and my appetite for pot pie will kick off into high gear like football season. Soon yummy delicious swirls of chicken pot pie will dance upon my palette as a horn of plenty descends filled with chicken pot pie.

Abby

Abigail's Winter Wardrobe

The breezy chilly air of winter 2015 will soon be upon the graceful shores of the United States.  While winter in my neck of the woods never rises to fame of the East Coast and Midwest, we in the South still have occasions to bundle up from the cold.

Winter fashion has always escaped me, until the last couple of years, when found that I have knack for choosing the perfect scarf and incredible boots. This year will be no exception. I’ve reviewed and cataloged my scarfs and boots and I am ready to do battle with mild  winter days.

 

Abby

Abigail Falls For September

Abigail Falls For September

Enchanting winds of Fall slowly build a roaring rust-colored,

pumpkin-flavored, leaf-strewn, harvest.

Wondrous, unpredictable, falling leaves, pumpkin patches galore,

fluttering leaves, snowy mountain tops, harvest moon, chill in the air.

Change of season, time of change, migrating geese.

Hunter’s moon, howling wind, end of summer

Hello September, Welcome Fall

 

Abby