Blog Tour {Guest Post & Giveaway}: Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Guest Post by Rebecca Ethington

Some of us have scars, somewhere in our bodies. Most of the time, if not always, we cover them up because they're ugly and we're ashamed to be seen with those ugly scars since we perceive them as detractions from our image. Thus, it largely affects our self-confidence and self-esteem. How do we get through them? How does Joclyn go through them?

Joclyn has been scarred both physically and emotionally. First with the mysterious brand on her neck, and then by her father’s abandonment. Her mother throws herself into work, abandoning Joclyn and not giving her the opportunity to move beyond the trauma’s that still haunt her. Joclyn hides the mark, blaming it for her father’s leaving, and not wanting to lose anyone else. She hides herself behind ugly clothes and a bad attitude so no one gets too close. Jolcyn refuses to see what she is doing until her new friend, Wyn, points them out. It is only then that she see’s what she has done, and begins to realize not only that she has to move past them, but how she needs to do that. It’s the realization, as well as the acceptance that opens that door and allows her to become confident, stronger, and even accept and like who she is. In many ways this part of Joclyn’s story is as much a part of the Imdalind series as what goes on around her. Sure there is love, heartbreak, death, life, torture, bad, good, and lots of blood – but the story wouldn’t be there if Joclyn was strong and powerful from the beginning.

Because her emotional and personal journey is so important to the overall plot it was very important that I make this change real and believable. Sure, I bet a lot of people thought Joclyn weak, but you can’t change overnight. It takes months to escape the demons in your past and sometimes we aren’t even able to do that. I see that struggle in my own life, in the lives of those around me. Many people keep themselves hidden; others boisterously bounce around life trying to cover up the pain in their hearts. For Joclyn, she finds her strength in acceptance of her problems in Ryland and as she gains confidence in herself she finds herself changing. It’s acceptance of our faults and problems that really opens up the door to move beyond them. The events around her require to become stronger and she does rise to the challenge.

I think in our own lives, we can follow the same method. When challenges block our paths we have two options, embrace the conflict and hurdle over them, or put on a hoodie and try to find a way around. Readers will see both options in Joclyn’s life, and will be able to relate to her decisions.

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.

The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.

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About the Author

Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then on stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.