New Chapter for Gauntlet
Gauntlet
Melenka122 Reviews | 122 Ratings, 0 Likes, 24 Favorites )
A woman seeking revenge finds more than she bargains for. A man seeking redemption finds more than he had expected.
Start ReadingChapters (36)
About Melenka
Author
Melenka
Member Since 2008 | 20 Stories | Favorited by 82 | 104 Reviews Written | 967 Review Responses
Writer of various fiction, prone to putter in the garden, recovering costumer, dedicated wonk.
Reviews for Gauntlet
wow, that was intense. well, at least nicky did good in this situation. i hope that deira seeing the real cost to someone she loves of that kind of life will make her choose something different. i loved this: "Something inside her had broken, or perhaps been fixed. She could not tell which."
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
For all that Nicky is a criminal (like the rest of them), she is an essentially good person. Deira is going to take all sorts of things away from this. And soon. Only two more chapters to go...
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
For all that Nicky is a criminal (like the rest of them), she is an essentially good person. Deira is going to take all sorts of things away from this. And soon. Only two more chapters to go...
I wonder if their relationship will fizzle out when they get tired of the volatile part in it starts to fade. Sticks was hurt pretty bad, you didn't say if he will pull through. I don't see it happening but you could surprise me. Him dying would definitely throw a wrench in thier relationship. Awesome job.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you. I doubt it will ever be quite this volatile again, considering that neither of them will take the drug by choice. But that was only the catalyst. Some folks need that power struggle to burn away hesitation. Don't worry, you'll get the answer about Sticks.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you. I doubt it will ever be quite this volatile again, considering that neither of them will take the drug by choice. But that was only the catalyst. Some folks need that power struggle to burn away hesitation. Don't worry, you'll get the answer about Sticks.
this was a very compelling and entertaining chapter. when she finally got him to give up a bit of control - whoa! and those last few lines - very intense. excellent work.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
It was just a bit of control, but it was a start. I am delighted that you found it entertaining.And he is nothing if not intense...
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
It was just a bit of control, but it was a start. I am delighted that you found it entertaining.And he is nothing if not intense...
I absolutely love seductive!Deira and the fact that Gage can't fool her. The banter between the two especially when they come out of their skin a bit is priceless. Very well done!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you liked that! Funny how communication changes once there's a little less... frustration, isn't it?
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you liked that! Funny how communication changes once there's a little less... frustration, isn't it?
Some quick thoughts:Sticks is coming to life more here and I like that.I also liked the line: ... he could not keep her out of danger... probably not ever.You kind of throw it away. You certainly don't make a big deal out of it. I love it when people do this -- just throw something really vulnerable in a couple of lines in between something more "interesting" -- it helps with the depth of the story.I have to say I don't really care for where you ended the chapter. It is already emotionally and sexually charged enough to my mind. I'd prefer the next chapter to begin with the "Thank you for dinner" line, but I haven't read it so I'm talking out of my proverbial you know here. ;)I like your story. Keep up the good work! And please don't take my comments too seriously -- its your story and I appreciate your generosity in publishing it on an open forum like this.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you for your feedback. No worries about how I take comments. I like constructive criticism. It helps me become a better writer. I did wonder about ending it there. I blame serial TV. LOL It could definitely be reworked to the beginning of the next chapter. Thanks for the observation. I am glad you like the story. I agree that Sticks is coming to the forefront a little more. I tend to like my minor characters. They are less troublesome than the leads. ;)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you for your feedback. No worries about how I take comments. I like constructive criticism. It helps me become a better writer. I did wonder about ending it there. I blame serial TV. LOL It could definitely be reworked to the beginning of the next chapter. Thanks for the observation. I am glad you like the story. I agree that Sticks is coming to the forefront a little more. I tend to like my minor characters. They are less troublesome than the leads. ;)
great chapter. lots to like. i enjoyed the conversational give-and-take. and the discovery of some of deira's hidden talents. : )
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you. This was a fun chapter to write, partly because she gets to be the expert for once.
Response from kittylefish (Reviewer)
yeah, it was really fun to see her in her element!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you. This was a fun chapter to write, partly because she gets to be the expert for once.
Response from kittylefish (Reviewer)
yeah, it was really fun to see her in her element!
As always, excellent chapter, and the end left me turn the page very fast. *grins*
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you enjoyed it! I had a good time writing Deira in her element.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Glad you enjoyed it! I had a good time writing Deira in her element.
woot!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
LOL Not sure if it was her slapping him around verbally or the murder that made you happy, but I'm glad you liked it.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
LOL Not sure if it was her slapping him around verbally or the murder that made you happy, but I'm glad you liked it.
well, things are definitely heating up, aren't they? as if they weren't hot enough already! this chapter i found a little disturbing, mostly because of the whole discussion about torture ending with that last paragraph, which was chilling. what disturbed me was just that it reminded of the kinds of horrific things that human beings do to each other all the time, that i don't even want to think about. and i feel kind of silly even saying that at this point, in chapter 17, given that it's not like this story is about fluffy bunnies and rainbows in any case. but that is not any kind of negative reflection on your story or writing, which i am still finding very compelling.
Response from kittylefish (Reviewer)
oops, i meant 21 chapters. the other story i just read has 17 chapters.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Considering that he's mostly a good guy, it's easy to forget that he's not a nice man. I think it's to his credit that he would rather have been killed than torture someone, but that wasn't an option at the time. He carried a lot of personal demons out of his homeland, but they have their uses. Fair warning - it will continue to heat up, but the things of which he is capable are not likely to change, and they define him in many ways. I am glad you are still enjoying it.
Response from kittylefish (Reviewer)
oops, i meant 21 chapters. the other story i just read has 17 chapters.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Considering that he's mostly a good guy, it's easy to forget that he's not a nice man. I think it's to his credit that he would rather have been killed than torture someone, but that wasn't an option at the time. He carried a lot of personal demons out of his homeland, but they have their uses. Fair warning - it will continue to heat up, but the things of which he is capable are not likely to change, and they define him in many ways. I am glad you are still enjoying it.
wow. that was really sexy. *fans self* let's see, i know there was other stuff in the chapter. oh, yeah - what is nicky up to?! i'm a little worried after the beginning of this chapter. as always, i eagerly await the next update.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Sadly, I can only tell you to wait and see - in regards to both Nicky's intention and the development of the sexy... Thanks for your continued interest!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Sadly, I can only tell you to wait and see - in regards to both Nicky's intention and the development of the sexy... Thanks for your continued interest!
i enjoyed the exposition in this chapter, and your development of the uncle/niece relationship. (coincidentally, the houseguest i neglected to read your previous update was my uncle.) it was kind of nice to have a break from all that adrenaline rush, and it was interesting to learn more about these characters. bit by bit, you are revealing his character.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I had to slow it down a little and was hoping it didn't seem plodding after all the action. How funny that it was your uncle who sacrificed your company for my story. I do hope he forgives me for distracting you. As for Gage, I reveal as much as he allows me to. :)
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you! I had to slow it down a little and was hoping it didn't seem plodding after all the action. How funny that it was your uncle who sacrificed your company for my story. I do hope he forgives me for distracting you. As for Gage, I reveal as much as he allows me to. :)
This story totally makes me feel like a little kid on the edge of my seat trying to restrain myself. But great chapter. Love that quick thinker Gage! And lovely of Katya to make an appereance.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I appreciate your support and encouragement! I am glad you like Katya. She's a good person - and I don't have many of those in this story!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I appreciate your support and encouragement! I am glad you like Katya. She's a good person - and I don't have many of those in this story!
I read the first 15 chapters all in one sitting last night, and I can't wait for more! I love that Gage and Deira are too blind to see what's going on. I love it, and I hope there's lots more.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
All 15 chapters? Wow. Be nice to your eyes today. :) I am glad you enjoyed it. More is on the way!
Response from greyraine (Reviewer)
I have glasses. They help. and it was definitly worth it. I can't wait for more!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
All 15 chapters? Wow. Be nice to your eyes today. :) I am glad you enjoyed it. More is on the way!
Response from greyraine (Reviewer)
I have glasses. They help. and it was definitly worth it. I can't wait for more!
i've neglected my house guest to read this update - could not wait until later at such a crucial juncture! it was interesting to see his niece spring into action, and of course makes me wonder how much she knows or suspects about her uncle. as always, i wait with baited breath for the next!
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Oh, my! Apologize to your houseguest for me. :) I am glad you enjoyed Katya's appearance. She sticks around for a wee bit, as you will see.
well, i understand better now why she really wanted to go running outside. and i imagine she understands better now why gage didn't want her to! i wonder what his reaction is going to be. you do an excellent job with these action scenes - this was excruciating. i liked the rescue by the jehovah's witnesses. i was really glad none of them ended up getting hurt.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you liked the divine intervention; it was the fun part of a difficult scene.
Your story was a ref by someone else and I think the words used were "underread and undervalued" or something like that but I totally agree. Very intriging begining. Can you explain how to pronounce Deira for me if you get a sec? Thanks a bunch - Keep up the good work
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I am glad you like it! Thanks for the encouragement!Deira is pronounced like Keira, but with a D. I suppose phonetically it would be somewhere between Dee-ra and Dira. I probably just muddied the water there, didn't I?
I love the interaction between Gage and his niece. There is genuine affection in what they say and the way they say it, despite the distance between them.I also like the fact that you have made Gage a very believable character. He is doing the right thing but he is a realist and, lets face it, not a nice guy. He is hard and unforgiving, as one would expect of a trained killer. But at the same time, he is still a likeable character.The stilted quality of the conversation between Gage and Stick, was this a deliberate choice? I look forward to reading the next chapter.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I'm glad you like it! Gage is definitely not a nice guy, but he is complex. I love writing him, but I sure wouldn't want to meet him. Gage was being as vague as he could with Sticks, largely because Sticks is in roughly the same business and it pays to be careful when dealing with guys like that. At the same time, he needed to keep the upper hand while not giving any details of what had happened that night, in case the line was not entirely secure - or he was being taped.
Response from sempra (Reviewer)
I thought so. Nicely done.
Dang, I now have to wait for another chapter. Very, very good story that leaves me screaming for more and more.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I'll see what I can do to cut down your wait time. :)
Very intriguing story. I like lots.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
More to come soon!
Excellent chapter. The plot thickens and I have to rush on to the next chapter.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. Makes me want to write faster. :)
I keep saying that originals are highly undervalued on this site, and your opening chapter is a brilliant proof of that. It is intriguing, exciting, and screaming for more. Well, well done for a first chapter. I'm too tired to read more tonight, but am looking forward to reading more tomorrow.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
I really appreciate you saying that. I am glad you are enjoying the story. I am writing as fast as I can (making my multiple betas nuts) so there should be regular updates.Thank you again for reading. It means a lot to me.
What an intriguing, action-packed beginning! I'm going to save the next two chapters for this weekend.
Response from Melenka (Author of Gauntlet)
Thank you so much! I know it's off-genre for this site, so I wasn't sure if anyone would like it. I appreciate your feedback. :)