← All posts

March 22, 2024 · Blogs

Luka: A Small Look Into Embracing Calla

A look into the romance novel Embracing Calla

 

“If having a wife really matters to you, then why don’t you go home to her? Excuse me.” -Calla

 

“I still can’t get over that asshole tonight, grabbing her like he did. He just confuses me in general. Forget about him. Jeez. It’s my dream, so he doesn’t have to be in it.” -Benedict

 

“To say I got drunk is a complete understatement. I had never drank before, and, well, I don’t remember the rest of that night, but in the morning I woke up with Luka. The story was that I was all over Luka, making Shawn angry. Rose and Luka didn’t trust Shawn, so they both became protective. Rose already knew I didn’t want to go home with Shawn. And Luka said that he had to make sure I was okay and protect me and—oh my God.” -Calla

 

“He was my first kiss, my first everything, except sex. I don’t know how to explain it, but something about him started to make me uncomfortable. When we would start to have sex, I felt pressure to sleep with him. And when he gave me that feeling, I’d shut down. I mean, he made me scared for some reason. The last attempt was the worst. It was the furthest we got, and Luka immediately made me scared. He was digging his palms into my back, pressing me to him. It was uncomfortable, and honestly, it hurt. It felt like all he wanted to do with me was have sex. I couldn’t do it.” -Calla

 

“I’m going to help you out a little. If you live in an apartment and work for yourself, I think someone better than you will come along faster than you expect.” You’re a dick. “Even I wasn’t good enough for her.“ He looks me up and down. “So, get it while you can.” -Luka

 

“Look at me!” he demands. “You think Benedict will ever love you, Cal? I’m the only man who understands you. I’ve always loved you. Even with all the ugly things about you.“ He runs his knuckles down my cheek and my head follows, looking down. “Like those freckles. Thank God for makeup.” -Luka

 

“Look, I know you don’t like me, but I can’t let you leave without telling you what I heard.” He’s looking right at me. He seems upset, the first emotion I’ve seen all night. “I went to change, and I heard Calla in my room with who I thought was you. Obviously, it’s not you, and well, it’s not her either.” -Luka

For more information visit Tamara Mapstead

Get the next chapter first

Cover reveals, sneak peeks, and release-day news from Tamara — straight to your inbox.

Keep reading

Adult Slumber Party for Two In Chapter Six

March 26, 2024

Adult Slumber Party for Two In Chapter Six

***This is an excerpt from Embracing Calla by Tamara Mapstead. Chapter Six Calla: Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 It’s eight o’clock now, and no sign of Benedict yet. I was able to get some things done while I waited for him. I talked to Rose again, about nothing. She just wanted to chat about her boyfriend […]

Read post
Escaping Narcissistic Dynamics

March 23, 2024

Escaping Narcissistic Dynamics

In the romance novel Embracing Calla, scapegoating is a prominent topic throughout the entire book. Luka’s a narcissist so to understand the "Gray Rock Method a discussion about the topic would be sociable. The Gray Rock Method in Escaping Narcissistic Dynamics: In the journey of personal growth and healing, understanding how to navigate toxic relationships—especially those […]

Read post