The Dating Tutor: Matt's Story
by Melissa Frost
Series: The Dating Tutor, #3
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: December 26, 2014
Hi! Thank you for featuring Matt’s Story on your blog. I had a fantastic time writing this installment of the Dating Tutor series, so I hope the readers love it as well. I think I enjoy these characters so much because of the sports element. Writing through the eyes of a hockey thug is an amusing adventure. Only in hockey can these guys get into a fist fight and be rewarded for their actions. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about –
Today I'm thrilled to have Melissa Frost on the blog talking about why she enjoys her characters so much - and as a hockey lover I can certainly see why writing from Matt's perspective would be fun!
“Wendell!”
Matt glanced over at his coach, feeling on high alert. “Coach,” he said in acknowledgement. He was ready and willing to do anything asked of him.
“Number twenty-two. Defense. I have a feeling he’s going to try to start something. See that it doesn’t happen.”
With a brisk nod, Matt hopped over the barrier and onto the ice. “Got it, coach!” He got number twenty-two in his sights and angled in his direction. He watched the puck carefully, but he also watched the player his coaching staff thought might become a problem. Twenty-two was hanging back, but it was obvious he was looking for an opportunity to make something happen.
The opposing team turned over the puck, and he instantly saw the shift in Twenty-two’s eyes. As the player started toward Matt’s teammate with vicious intent, Matt skated in between them, blocking his offensive man from being blindsided by a nasty hit. “Don’t even think about it,” he said in warning.
The player came to a sudden stop, and his eyes lit with fire. “What the hell, man?” His voice was a snarl as he attempted to skate around Matt. “Back off, freshman, or you’re going to get a mouthful of my fist.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?”
Twenty-two had been about to turn around and skate off, but these words pulled him back. He spun on Matt with a snarl. “It better scare you.”
Matt smirked, knowing his expression must look downright cocky. “You gonna keep threatening me? Or are you gonna fight?”
Matt glanced over at his coach, feeling on high alert. “Coach,” he said in acknowledgement. He was ready and willing to do anything asked of him.
“Number twenty-two. Defense. I have a feeling he’s going to try to start something. See that it doesn’t happen.”
With a brisk nod, Matt hopped over the barrier and onto the ice. “Got it, coach!” He got number twenty-two in his sights and angled in his direction. He watched the puck carefully, but he also watched the player his coaching staff thought might become a problem. Twenty-two was hanging back, but it was obvious he was looking for an opportunity to make something happen.
The opposing team turned over the puck, and he instantly saw the shift in Twenty-two’s eyes. As the player started toward Matt’s teammate with vicious intent, Matt skated in between them, blocking his offensive man from being blindsided by a nasty hit. “Don’t even think about it,” he said in warning.
The player came to a sudden stop, and his eyes lit with fire. “What the hell, man?” His voice was a snarl as he attempted to skate around Matt. “Back off, freshman, or you’re going to get a mouthful of my fist.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?”
Twenty-two had been about to turn around and skate off, but these words pulled him back. He spun on Matt with a snarl. “It better scare you.”
Matt smirked, knowing his expression must look downright cocky. “You gonna keep threatening me? Or are you gonna fight?”
If you want to see how this fight plays out, you’ll have to read the book! You can find it here, at Evernight Teen or on Amazon.
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! We're happy to feature Matt's story today! Sounds like a good one - I'm sure "Em" will be asking about getting her hands on this - sounds like something most young adult lovers will enjoy reading!
Matt Wendell is perfectly content in his single life. That is until Sasha walks into it. Being the cousin of his best friend Alec, Sasha is off limits. She’s the one girl he can’t have, and the only one he wants. Even if he wasn't restrained by the ‘friends only’ stipulation, Sasha has put up a wall around her heart that is going to be hard to tear down.
Alec introduces the two under the strict instructions that Matt is to learn how to become friends with a woman. This task proves difficult, as Matt’s only interaction with the opposite sex has been of a romantic nature. As time goes on and their friendship strengthens, things get more and more challenging, because the more he learns about Sasha, the deeper his feelings for her become.
Can this non-committal guy change his ways? And can he convince Sasha that he’s in this for the long haul?
14+ for sexuality and adult situations
“You’re telling me you just walked right out?” Alec’s voice held confusion and disbelief as he repeatedly tossed a hockey puck into the air, catching it each time it returned to hand level.
“I’m telling you, I walked out. No hassle. No fuss.” Matt leaned back against the wall of their dorm room. His hockey stick was in his hands, and he balanced a puck on the blade.
“And you’re okay with that?”
Something in Alec’s tone put him on edge. Shoulders tensing, Matt gave his best friend a dirty look. “Not all of us are looking to meet Mrs. Right at eighteen. I’m just having a little bit of fun. That’s what college is about.”
Alec shook his head with an expression of amusement. “She used you man, plain and simple.”
“Maybe I liked being used.”
“You liked being used?” Alec gave a snort. “No one likes being used.”
Running a hand through his unruly hair, Matt shot Alec a look of frustration. “What would you like me to do? I’m not like you. I didn’t live next door to the love of my life. Meeting the right girl isn’t going to just happen, not like it did for you.”
“Ever wonder why that is?” Alec shot him a pointed look, pausing in his casual game of catch.
“No. But I’m sure you’re about to tell me.”
Alec shot him a crooked grin. “I am.” Clutching the puck tightly against his palm, he pointed his index finger at Matt. “You go after the absolute worst girls. The dumb, giggly, annoying types. Your problem is that you don’t know how to be friends with women. Therefore, you pick the ones least likely to engage you in real conversation.”
“Friends?” Matt couldn’t keep the skepticism out of his voice. “You want me to enter the friend zone?” He shook his head. “You’re delusional.”
“I was friends with Ellie before we hooked up.”
“That’s different!” Matt waved this off. “You grew up together. And honestly, I feel like you two defied the odds. You guys are weird freaks of nature who shouldn’t exist.”
Alec only grinned at this. “Thanks.” His expression grew solemn. “I’m serious though, Matty. I think you just don’t know how to be friends with a woman. I think it’s keeping you from meeting the right type of girl. If you’d only just try it…”
Matt threw up his hands in exasperation. “I just don’t know how, Alec! I wouldn’t even know where to start. I’m used to hockey, and fist fights, and all that stupid shit girls hate. The minute they start talking about lip gloss, I zone out.”
Alec rolled his eyes. “They don’t actually hold many discussions about lip gloss, you know? Not that I’ve seen.” He waved this irrelevant comment off. Then he set Matt with a determined and meddling look. “If I found a girl for you to befriend, would you give it a shot?” He held up a hand before Matt could protest. “I’m not talking about a date. I’m talking about forming a friendship. Just take her to dinner, hang out, and learn to socialize and talk with girls without any pressure to make out at the end of the evening.”
“And where are you going to find a girl willing to waste an evening out with a guy there’s no chance of hooking up with? Seems like a waste of time.”
Alec grinned. “My cousin Sasha goes to school here. She’s a sophomore. She owes me a few favors. Maybe I’ll cash in and make her hang out with you for an evening or two.”
“You’re going to blackmail a chick into hanging out with me?”
“Sure am,” Alec said with a cheeky grin.
The thought was so absurd, Matt nearly laughed. He’d never had any trouble finding himself dates. Girls tended to hang onto his every word, and hang onto his arm too. Having to blackmail a woman into spending time with him was downright ridiculous. But what could it hurt? It was only one evening.
“Fine. You win,” Matt said with a huff. “I’ll hang out with your cousin.”
Alec’s lips spread into a slow grin. “Game on, my friend. Game on.”
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this is a series I have yet to read
ReplyDeleteStill need to read!
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