In the Moment Before
The Coyote And The Claw
Companion Series Novella, #1
by C.G. Coppola
Date of Publication: December 16th 2022
Cover Artist: Wicked Smart Designs
Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy Romance /
New Adult Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 9798201753146
Word Count: 39,000
BLURB
I hate Grayson Knight with a passion. Ever since he pulled a prank on me as kids, I’ve kept him in the mortal-enemy category, and we both prefer it that way. Now we’re seniors in high school and he’s still the same immature jerk. I avoid him as much as possible, but when an argument turns ugly and lands us in detention together, I know my life is over—especially when my dad, the city’s police sergeant, finds out.
I have no idea how we’ll get through this, so I’m surprised when Grayson comes to my rescue after I’m cornered by a sleazy basketball player. Suddenly, the boy I’ve always hated isn’t the enemy. If seeing him with new eyes isn’t confusing enough, a secret kiss sends everything scrambling, leaving me to figure out what I want, and if I can even have it. Because Grayson isn’t like other boys—and I’m starting to find out why.
Excerpt
“You said none of it was true.” I tighten my arms over my
chest, leaning against the wall, hoping it supports me because this is about to
get tough. “That people were spreading lies.”
“They are
lies. We’re not dating.”
Ouch.
It’s like
I’ve been punched. I know what he’s saying is true, but to hear it from him…and
like that…doesn’t make it feel any better.
“You…didn’t
think we were, did you?” He pops a brow, sliding his hands out of his pockets
as he stands firmly in front of me, his olive hoodie unzipped. Surprise and
confusion and something else brew behind his eyes, like he’s adjusting with new
information.
Can’t show
him I’m hurt.
I press my
shoulders back, trying to project the confidence and strength I need. “That
would mean I stopped hating you—and I haven’t.”
Pain
flickers but disappears a moment later. He sinks his hands back in his pockets,
rolling on the balls of his feet again. “You still hate me?”
“Well,
it’s only physical between us, right?”
“That’s…what
I want to talk about.”
“What?”
“We really
should…stop.”
“Yeah?” I
ask, tightening my crossed arms further. “And why should I believe anything you
say? Last time you said it was a mistake, and you’ve only come on stronger
since.”
“I know.”
He rubs the back of his neck. “It’s my fault.”
I drop my
arms. Is he being serious this time? Does he really want to stop this? Why is
that thought agonizing?
“It’s not
fair to you.”
My chest
constricts, and I can’t believe the words as they tumble out of my mouth. “So,
you don’t want to…anymore?”
He glances
away. He takes a deep breath like he’s still considering everything. “Probably
not smart. We’re enemies, Robin. We had some fun, but—”
“Fine. Get
out.”
He stares
at me. “What?”
“If we’re
enemies, get out.”
“You’re
seriously kicking me out?”
“If you’re
telling me this has all been a mistake—”
“I didn’t
say that. I said it’s not smart.”
“That’s
the same thing.”
“No, the
fuck it isn’t.” He steps forward, raising his voice a little. “I don’t regret
anything, okay? But I also don’t think it’s smart. I don’t do the girlfriend
thing and keeping this strictly physical isn’t going to work. And, on top of
everything, it’s you—”
“What’s
that supposed to mean?”
He huffs.
“It doesn’t make it any easier.”
I push off
from the wall and pace in a small circle, everything inside boiling. “So, what,
we just pretend none of it happened?” I ask, secretly hoping he disagrees.
“Afraid
so.”
Double
ouch.
This hurts
more than I expected it to. Part of me wants to cry, and I hate that he makes
me feel this way, that he’s able to hurt me like this. I stare at him, anger
still fueling my words and actions. And maybe it’s the anger that makes me
brave enough to ask what I’ve been wondering this entire time. “If we’re enemies,
why did you even kiss me?”
He stares back a moment, his face softening.
He’s had the answer ready all along; he just didn’t want to admit it. “I was
tired of wondering what it would be like.”
Author Info
C.G Coppola is the author of the sci-fi adventure series, Arizal Wars, and the contemporary romance series, Better Than This. In addition to stories that explore magic and the paranormal, she writes realistic fiction set in fantastical universes, usually with a lot of kissing. Married with two fur-babies she spoils rotten, C.G. Coppola lives in Florida where she grew up and attend college. When not writing, she can be found decorating the house, bantering with her husband, or dancing to Meghan Trainor—sometimes all at once.
The Book Junkie Reads . . .Reckless Dreams Interview with . . . C.G. Coppola . . .
How would you describe your writing to someone who has never read your work?
Wonderful. The best thing they’ll ever read.
Just kidding…I’d tell any potential readers that I write realistic fiction set in fantastical universes. I enjoy weaving in themes of escape, oppression, and centuries-old magic, but always with a central romantic plot. What can I say—I’m a sucker for happy endings.
Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?
Both. I’ve always had the urge to tell stories. I would use kitchen magnets, crayons, toys—anything that could be characters in whatever scene I wanted to play through. When I discovered writing, it felt even more natural, like I’d found a short cut. But it takes practice. Persistence. Patience. Writing, like any other art form, is a craft and you have to work at it. So, I do.
Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can’t wait to put to paper?
Yes! I have an idea for a project (that I’ll fit into my schedule at some point) that follows two friends from childhood to adulthood and the complications of their homelands and the war that ensues. I’m excited to write both characters, but more so to write the one living in the woods. Since I already know the ending, I can’t wait to see her come alive with prose. It’s amazing when you breathe life into your characters.
What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year?
I’m working on the rest of both series! In The Moment Before is the first novella that introduces readers to the troubled city of Perish, Florida and the vigilantes trying to protect it. In March 2023, the first novel of the main series releases, and every three months, the next novella or novel releases until March 2024 (six books total). So, I’m currently writing the rest of both series and I’m pretty sure that will keep me busy for a while.
Where would you spend one full year, if you co go ANYWHERE, money is not a concern? What would you do with this time?
Easy. Hubby and I would travel. We’d probably go to Amsterdam first because we absolutely adore that city (if you haven’t gone, go. It’s truly magical). After that, we’d travel around the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Life is too short to do and see the same things. Traveling gives you a better sense of yourself and life.
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