[Daph's BBE] Day 4: A Touch Mortal character interview with Gabe!

Welcome to day 4 of my Birthday Bash Extravaganza! It was my birthday on the 17th, and I'm celebrating by hosting a week filled with giveaways and other awesome stuff! Be sure to check out my introduction post to see what else is going on :)

The lovely Leah Clifford is over at the blog today! Leah is the debut author of A Touch Mortal, which is the first book in a trilogy. To read my review, click here. I really really REALLY liked A Touch Mortal so I'm thrilled that Leah and Gabe could find the time to pay my little blog a visit!


A little bit about A Touch Mortal;

Eden didn't expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.

Yeah.

So long, happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.

She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own.

And that's only the beginning of the end.

Sitting here in Milton’s waiting for Gabe to show up, it hits me.  I’m about to hang out not only with an angel, but one of the Bound. Supposedly they’re the good guys, but I mean, they WERE responsible for that whole flooding the Earth thing.  I do trust him; this isn’t my first time hanging out with him.  But the nerves are firing before the coffee starts to kick in and long before Gabe rushes into the coffee shop fifteen minutes late, and completely flustered.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so totally sorry,” he bursts out, slipping into the booth, across from me. 

“No worries,” I manage with a smile, secretly proud not to get all tongue-tied.  Because honestly, he’s gorgeous, like carved-marble-statue-in-a-museum beautiful from the chiseled cheekbones to the golden curls that fly free when he drops back the hood of his jacket.  I remind myself that there’s NO chance.  Not only am I a mortal, but Gabe doesn’t play for my team, if you get my drift.

He snickers suddenly, as if he can read my thoughts and then I remember he can.

I feel my face flush.  “Interview?” I remind him.

“Don’t be embarrassed for giving me a compliment, Sweetheart.” He slides my cup toward himself and takes a sip.  “Question away!”

“So,” I start, taking up my notebook.  I tap my pen against the table, not sure where to go from here. 

“What’s it like to be one of the Bound?” he prods.  “Can I tell you about Upstairs?  Can I put in a good word for you?”  He smiles and points up, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. 

“Actually, I think everyone wants to know about the Suiciders.”

He takes a deep gulp from my cup and pushes it back to me.  When he speaks, he seems almost weary.  “Ah, the Siders.”

“What exactly is a Sider?”

“They were mortals once.  Teenagers or just a little older.”  There’s a sadness in his voice so raw, I regret asking.  “But something changed.  They just started showing up a few years ago.  I’m trying to figure out where they came from.  All we know so far is that they have no path, and that their Touch seems to drive you mortals into a frenzy.”  He draws his finger through some spilled sugar on the table. “Depending on your mood when they touch you, it can mean anything from a manic club night to…well…not so good things.”  He sighs, his grin going forced.  “Next?” 

“Um…”  I look down at the notebook, the few questions listed.  “You’ve been helping Az, who’s half Fallen.  Tell me about him.”

“Az?”  He perks up.  “Az is a good guy.  Stubborn,” he chuckles, “but good.  He’s been struggling not to complete the Fall since things got screwed up with Eden.”

He stops suddenly, his lips pressing together. 

“Eden’s a Sider.  But he started dating her when she was a mortal right?  Did he know what she would become?  Did you?  And Eden’s different than the other Siders because she’s the only one who can kill other Siders.”  I glance up when he doesn’t answer.   “Gabe?”

At first I think the yellow tint to his eyes is a trick of the light, but the longer he stays silent the more his hazel eyes lighten.  “I don’t wanna talk about this.  Next question.”

I’ve never seen him like this, agitated.  Usually he’s a total ball of sunshine and happiness. “Okay, neutral topics.”  I stare down at the cup in front of me.  “Favorite kind of coffee,” I blurt.

His face gives way to instant relief, eyes darkening back to their normal hazel.  “Whatever we're sharing tastes good. Carmel?"

I nod.  “Movie?”

He laughs.  “Oh wow, not a huge fan of movies, but I love plays. Anything on Broadway!”

I grin at him.  “That is SO not surprising.  Okay, last question.  If you could tell the mortals...”  I reconsider.  “If you could tell anyone reading this interview one thing, what would it be?”

His fingers tap gently against the table but his eyes never leave mine.  “I just wish you guys would all be nicer to each other.  I mean, while you’re here, you might as well make the best of it, right?”

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Oh lala, I'm still a little overwhelmed after this interview with Gabe!  *fans herself* Thanks so much to Leah for writing such an amazing character and giving me the opportunity to interview him :)

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Today wouldn't be complete without a giveaway! I'm giving away one (1) copy of A Touch Mortal to one lucky winner. Make sure that Bookdepository ships to your country, as the prize will be shipped out by myself using BD. All you have to do is read the rules listed on top of the form, and fill in the form *HERE*. That's it! 

This giveaway is now closed. Winner TBA

You don't need to be a follower to be able to enter, but it is of course much appreciated if you'd follow the blog :) 

Thanks for stopping by in my EPIC Birthday Week! Be sure to come back tomorrow to see what's up on the fifth day of my Birthday Bash Extravaganza :) 

Todays's question: What is the weirdest gift you ever got for your birthday?