Character Interview: Courtland Reese from AFTERSHOCK by Susan Griscom

Courtland Reese, Bio

I’m Courtland Reese. Some call me Court, which I suppose is okay. I was born in a little town called Pleasant Ridge. It’s more small because of the amount of people than it is for its dimensions. Most homes are at least a quarter mile apart and a few spreads are actually wineries. Several of the houses are what’s known around here as horse properties. Pleasant Ridge is located in the sierra foothills in Northern California just west of Lake Tahoe.

I’m looking forward to attending Sac State next fall. Hopefully, with a partial scholarship and working part time, I’ll be able to pull it off, no sense on counting on my Dad for help. Sac State’s not too far from here, but far enough to get away from this town and all the rumors about me and my little talent. 

I’ve always had this gift of being able to communicate with animals. We simply understand each other. I sometimes have the ability to sense certain things about people too, though I like to keep that to myself. Some people think it’s a gift, however, many think it’s sort of freaky. I guess it depends on which side of the fence you’re standing on. See, my mom was a Miwok, that’s a Native American indigenous to these parts. Some ancient ancestors of mine called my gift, “swishing.” I looked it up once. It means to become one mind. At least that wasn’t as freaky as shape shifting or some other wild ability my ancestors claimed to have had. I’m not sure “swishing” can really be referred to as an “ability.” Maybe, if you consider that most people can’t do it, I guess it might be. A lot of people can’t play the piano, I suppose that’s an ability too.

I grew up with just my dad since my mom passed away when I was ten. He might as well have died along with her though. He spends most days with his best friend, Jack, drinking himself into a state of semi-consciousness, you might say I really raised myself. Dad claims it helps him cope with the loss of my mom. 

This odd talent I possess never added anything great to my life. Most people are afraid of me and stay clear. I don’t mind too much, except for Adela. I would love to get to know her better. I’d take her and her family over mine or anybody else’s, any day. Adela is beautiful and kind, though she doesn’t talk to me often, I know in my heart she must be kind and gentle. The few times we have spoken—mostly about her horse since her dad has hired me a couple of times to help out in the barn—she’s been very sweet. Sweet as an angel.

 At least she is when she’s not hanging around with Max. 

A lot of the kids called me a freak when I was growing up. That’s mostly because of Max, though.

Max and I were best friends up until the fourth grade. It was right after my mother died. We had a fight and ended up hating each other. You see, the way it worked out was, I got the dog, but he got the girl. But I plan on changing that.  

Book Synopsis:

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max–her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet–hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents’ wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15796396-allusive-aftershock?ac=1

Purchase: 

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AQ9LF72?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AQ9LF72&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/allusive-aftershock-susan-griscom/1114073115?ean=9780615737898

AUTHOR BIO

Susan Griscom daydreams often. And sometimes her daydreams interfere with her daydreams not to mention real life. Because, let’s face it, her character’s lives are so much more exciting. Sometimes it’s young adult or new adult or just plain old mainstream fiction and sometimes it’s paranormal romance, where her playing field delves into a different milieu than the usual vampires and werewolves. Some day she might write about fangs and fur, but for now she prefers sticking to strong heroes and heroines confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and abilities beyond the norm, mixed with some steamy romance to get the blood boiling.
Susan lives in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and her humongous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and hers; four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, and seven grand angels.
 

Susan loves when a story takes hold and pulls her into the fantasy, that’s magic.
 

You can visit Susan at http://susangriscom.com or email her at susangriscom1@gmail.com. She loves hearing from her fans.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.susangriscom.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4959103.Susan_Griscom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanGriscom

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMGriscom

Giveaways: Grand prize giveaway Prizes:
--One paperback copy + Swag (US only)
--One audiobook copy (INTL)
--One ebook copy (INTL)

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