Nessie Strange
Love’s Not Viral
Twenty-four-year-old bartender Aster Sanderson’s life is turned upside down when drunken Hollywood actor Bradley Stone snaps a picture of her…and tweets to his 12.8 million followers that she’s his fiancee. As the internet blows up with the news and gossip flies out of control, she’s left feeling helpless. This has to be a misunderstanding, right? But when the actor in question shows up on her doorstep, it’s clear he’s unhinged and she soon becomes a prisoner in her own home (literally).
Her savior? Bradley’s handsome—and seemingly normal—older brother, James, who quickly stirs up feelings she never expected. Can they disarm the ticking time-bomb that Bradley Stone has become before any more damage is done? And is their mutual attraction the result of these unusual circumstances…or could it become something more?
About the Author:
Nessie is a Massachusetts native and mother of two who has dabbled in everything from abstract painting to freelance sports reporting. She also loves a good story, whether it’s reading or writing one. Living Dead Girl and Reaper Madness, the first two novels in her urban fantasy Living Dead World series, were published by Etopia press in 2014.
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Publications:
Living Dead World series (Urban Fantasy)
Living DeadGirl –book 1(January 2014)
Reaper Madness—book 2 (November 2014)
Confessions of a Punk Rocker (Release TBA, 2015)
Praise for Living Dead Girl
“Wow! What a thrilling novel! This exciting novel, written by Ms. Nessie Strange, is one that will grab a reader from the first, and much like a roller coaster, not let go.” –Night Owl Reviews
“This book threw me into a tornado of emotions. It took me out of my comfort zone, yet would place me back into it, only to be ripped back out again.” –Book Reads and Reviews
“This is one hell of a ride, and a seriously emotional one at that. I still feel for Jen, and I have so much more I want to say about that, but I really don’t want to give spoilers away.” —Happy Tails and Tails Blog
Excerpt from Love’s Not Viral
He crosses the room and gingerly sits at the opposite end of my bed. At least this brother doesn’t have issues respecting personal space. “What am I helping with?”
“We’re getting to know each other. Passing the time. Also hopefully brainstorming ways to get out of here. Bonus points if we accomplish all three without bodily harm or loss of sanity.”
He chuckles. “You’re a funny girl. So what about you? Are you attached?”
“Well supposedly I’m engaged.” I adjust my legs, tuck them to the side of me, and hug a pillow to my chest. “But Tammy Two-Tits at Gossip Factory World—or whatever the fuck the magazine of the day is called—doesn’t think it will last.”
A pained expression washes over his face. “I’m really sorry that he mixed you up in this.” He’s staring at me again. No, it’s mutual staring. There’s something warm and inviting about him, something genuine, and I can’t help getting caught up in it. “I just can’t even imagine.”
I shrug. “I keep telling myself that I’ll look back on this and laugh someday. I just haven’t gotten to the point where it’s actually funny yet.”
“I don’t know what possessed him.”
“Well obviously he’s completely batshit crazy.” For a second there, I almost forget that this is Headcase’s brother. “Sorry.”
“I think crazy is a little harsh.” He’s chewing on his lower lip.
“I don’t.” Foot in mouth, Aster. I need an ally here, even if he’s from deep within enemy territory.
He sighs. “Bradley’s always been a little impulsive. He’s always had issues with anxiety, but the medication helps calm him down. When he’s stressed, though, and under a lot of pressure, it gets worse. The only explanation I can think of is he must’ve hit his breaking point. I don’t think he means any harm, I just think he’s got a lot on his plate right now, and things have gotten out of control…”
“You know, making excuses for him isn’t going to help anyone, least of all not him.”
He looks at the floor. I feel a twinge of guilt.
“Sorry, I’ve never had much of a filter. I keep forgetting that he’s your brother. I’m being really insensitive, aren’t I?”
“No, you’re right. We’ve always kind of spoiled him.”
Clearly talking about Bradley is not a good topic of conversation for us. I’m getting irritated and he’s more than a little uncomfortable. In fact, the decent vibe we’d started to establish is now off the charts awkward again. “You know what? Enough about him. Let’s watch some TV. A little brainless entertainment never hurt anyone.” I pat the bed next to me. “If you can keep your hands to yourself and take your shoes off, you can sit up here. Probably more comfortable and easier on your back if you’ve got something to lean up against. I know once you hit a certain age, these things can be an issue. At least, that’s what my dad always says.”
He laughs, but it comes out sounding like more of a snort. “I may be over thirty, but I’m not that old.” Still, he kicks off his sneakers and rounds the bed to sit beside me.
“Hey, I’m just being considerate.” I flick on the TV.
“Thanks. I think?”
Kishan Paul 
Thanks for the post, Kish! 😉
You’re welcome hun. I loved your story!