“THE MUSES Calliope (Cal-LIE-oh-pee) Muse of Epic Poetry Clio (CLEE-oh) Muse of History Melpomene (Mel-PAH-muh-nee) Muse of Tragedy Terpsichore (Terp-SIC-or-ree) Muse of Dance Thalia (THAL-ee-uh) Muse of Comedy GODS OF TITANOMACHY Mnemosyne (NEM-AH-suh-nee) Goddess of Memory Ouranos Her Father Gaea Her Mother Cronus Her Brother Rhea Cronus's Wife Themis and PhoebeMnemosyne's Sisters Prometheus and Epimetheus Mnemosyne's Nephews” Greek MythologySistersFamily MembersGreek GodsTitansMusesEnunciation Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Just a year younger than Calli, Clio was an absolute genius! Her intelligence was sometimes mistaken for pretentiousness--- okay, so her sister was pretentious at times--- but her levelheaded approach to life would serve her well. And Clio's seriousness would rub off on the never-serious Thalia soon enough, wouldn't it? Not that there was anything wrong with Thalia's jovial, carefree disposition. Calli admired her youngest sister's ability to see the joy in every circumstance.” IntelligentSistersCarefreeSmart GirlThaliaClioMuse Of ComedyYoungest Sibling Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Every time they shared their talent, they discovered that one of them had a unique gift. Clio had always possessed a keen mind and an ability to remember and recite facts after hearing them only once, but after they performed that skit for Apollo and Hermes, Clio's powerful intelligence had amplified. Just as Thalia's ability to make people laugh and forget their troubles had intensified so much that it cleared the clouds away and brought in sunshine.” IntelligentSistersComedicMusesPersonalitiesTalents And GiftsThaliaClioEnhanced Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Now, what should we call ourselves?" "Well, in the old language, mousa means a source of inspiration," Clio said. "Why don't we call ourselves the Muses?” SistersGroupMusesNamesake Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Suddenly, an ethereal haze formed above their heads, and images of the words they sang began to dance in the sky. The gods all tilted back in their seats, expressions of awe and delight illuminating their already glowing faces. Ree nearly lost track of the lyrics when she glanced over and noticed that same glow radiating from Thalia. Then Mel. Then Calli. Then Clio. She looked down at her own body and marveled at the incandescent sheen covering her skin. She and her sisters all shone like the gods of Olympus.” SistersMusesQuintetGodlike Essence Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Where is our mother?" the one with long, wavy hair asked. Hades could practically smell the fear rolling off her. Goodness, he loved that scent.” FearHadesMelpomene Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“As soon as he entered the house, Bryson dropped to his haunches and held his arms out for Bella, the sable and white papillon who had been abandoned at one of the clinics where he'd done his clinical rotation. She jumped into his arms, gave him the required lick on the chin, then started barking up a storm. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Bryson said, smoothing down the hair on her butterfly-shaped ears. "I told you it was going to be a long night." He plucked a treat from the jar he kept on the table next to the door. He had another in the kitchen and in his bedroom, because if there was one certainty in this house, it was that Bella would get her treats.” DogSpoiledBellaPapillon Book:Pugs and Kisses Source: Pugs and Kisses
“As she waited for the soul-crushing grief to envelop her, an odd thing happened. The grief failed to materialize. Instead, she felt... joy. An overwhelming sense of peace weaved its way around her sadness. Tiana knew she would always miss her daddy, but the hole his passing had left in her heart wasn't as hollow this time around. It was filled with memories of the past year--- the laughs they'd shared, the meals they'd prepared together, and the all-encompassing love they'd experienced every single day. And a true goodbye. Tiana closed her eyes tight, holding onto those memories. They would be with her always. Just as her daddy would be with her. Always.” JoyDaddyTianaAt PeaceAlways With YouRenewed Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“The heart can be as delicate as the petals of a rose, but strength lies in the empathy and kindness it possesses. Empathy. Mel had described sensing what strangers around her were really feeling, and not just the image they projected to the world. That must be her gift.” EmpathyInner StrengthMuseMelpomene Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Ashanti hooked her hands behind his neck, pulled his head down, and pressed her lips to his. She was struck by how soft they felt. Never could she have imagined a hardened Army veteran would have lips that felt like brushed velvet; soft and supple and pliant. But then she realized she must have caught him off guard, because after a moment those gentle lips turned forceful, advancing with purpose as his hands came up to cradle her face. He parted her lips with his tongue and swept it inside her mouth, his tasting like sugary cupcakes they'd eaten. It had been so long since she'd felt this, the intense rush of intimately connecting with another human being. Of allowing herself to be vulnerable enough to share something so deep, so personal. She hadn't even been tempted to share this with anyone in such a long time. Until this man.” KissingAdult RomancePhysical Intimacy Book:Pardon My Frenchie Source: Pardon My Frenchie
“You made quite an impression on the people of Thebes. Even Dionysus noticed, and he's usually so wrapped up in himself that he doesn't pay attention to anyone else." "Dionysus?" Thalia screamed. "He's the fun one!" "Thalia, please," Ree said. "He knows how to have a good time, just like me!” Greek MythologyRelatableDionysusThalia Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Zeus wanted something that would bring healing to the people who had survived the war. In my mind, there was nothing more healing to the soul than the written word, and music, and dance, and comedy, and inspiration. So that is why I decided to create." She looked them each in the eye. "I decided to create you. Each of you would bring joy through your own unique talents, while also singing Zeus's praises for saving the world from the Titans.” MotherGreek MythologyDaughtersMusesThe Arts Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“She'd learned a lot about letting go that past year. About not holding on to the past and embracing what fate had in store. About taking pride in a hard day's work, but also taking time to rest and find peace in the quiet moments of the day. Most of all, she'd learned the importance of spending time with those she loved. She now understood just how precious time was, and that it wasn't promised.” Loved OnesLetting Go Of The PastPrecious TimeTianaTake A Breather Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Her heart thudded in time with the horse's hooves pounding into the ground. The trees that lined either side of the glen looked like green water rushing alongside her. The taste of sweet Scots pine stuck to her tongue as she rode with her mouth open, unable to contain her smile. It was glorious.” GallopingHorseback RidingElinor Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“As people began to congregate around the door, Tiana made her way to the closest window. She gasped at the sight on the other side of the glass. The fog had thinned, but only in the area surrounding their house, and flower petals rained from the sky. They collected on the ground like a colorful snowfall. Tiana closed her eyes, a gentle smile touching her lips. She was at peace, because her daddy was now at peace.” DaddyTianaAt Peace Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Count on Thalia to wrangle a laugh from her, even after the heartbreaking conclusion of their journey through the labyrinth. Her sister continued her humorous musings about Thebes, making fun of the city's less than desirable traits, but in a way that had the local citizens stopping in the middle of their daily routines to listen and laugh. After the day they'd had, Ree was grateful for her sister's ability to turn even the most depressing situations into a reason to smile.” Cheer UpThaliaMuse Of ComedyEnlivening Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“How's it looking out there, Mama?" "Like all the Mardi Gras revelers have converged on this place," Eudora said. "The line of people waiting for tables stretches all the way to the French Quarter. You'd better put on a second pot of gumbo, because you have a whole lot of hungry mouths to feed." "That's just the way I like it," Tiana said as she added a few dashes of Tabasco to the pot. Her daddy's dinged-up pot might not shine like the new copper and steel cookware in her gleaming kitchen, but Tiana refused to use anything else to cook her gumbo.” Success In BusinessRestaurantTianaDream Come True Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“She'd never lost hope that the place would one day be hers. She'd felt it in her bones. And now it was. She would have pinched herself, but she already knew this wasn't a dream. This was real life, and she was embracing it all. Tiana untied her apron from around her waist and went out into the grand dining room. It had taken a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get it to this point, but with the help of her friends, her restaurant looked exactly as she had always imagined it would.” Made ItHelping HandTianaDream Come True Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Tiana peered down in stunned delight at the sparkling white silk draping her body. The rhinestone- and pearl- studded gown she now wore was unlike anything she'd ever owned. When she lifted her head, she gasped at her surroundings. Tiana twirled around in a slow circle, mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of a place she had only seen in her nightly dreams. The old sugar mill she'd had her heart set on buying for years was no longer decrepit and falling apart. The floors gleamed underneath her feet, shining so bright they nearly blinded her. Brilliant crystal chandeliers hung high above her head, illuminating a massive dining room that was crowded with patrons. Men in suit jackets and women wearing their Sunday best sat at cloth-covered tables adorned with extravagant centerpieces and sparkling china. Everyone seemed to be having a grand time, enjoying rich, fragrant dishes that smelled like the food Tiana used to cook with her daddy.” Interior DesignRestaurantTianaDreaming BigWhite Dress Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“She and Addie Mae made quick work of the dishes and had the kitchen looking spotless in no time. Of course, it would be a mess again the next night, but that was how things worked in the restaurant business; she wouldn't have had it any other way.” TianaLove Your JobBusybody Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Even though some of the so-called generosities expounded on were not very generous at all, Mel had a way of making each action seem like the most magnanimous gesture ever performed.” ComplimentaryMelpomeneThoughtful Reflections Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“You know, Mother, there are other reasons that I have chosen to remain in America. None more important than Tiana, of course." "Of course," she said. "But I like the person that I have become over this past year. I learned that I'm really good at selling things and helping others," he said with a laugh. "See Lisette over there? I just helped broker a deal for her to sell her homemade medicinals in the biggest department store in New Orleans. "I like my job. It feels good to know that I can make my own way in this world, and do some good in it, too." Naveen shook his head. "I never thought I would say this, but I want to thank you and Father for cutting me off. It turns out that is exactly what I needed." His mother cupped his cheek. "I am proud of you, son. I always knew you could accomplish anything once you discovered your true heart's desire. Well, at least I'd hoped that would be the case," she amended with a laugh. "Just know there is always a place for you here. You can always come home." Naveen caught sight of a sparkling blue dress out of the corner of his eye. He looked over and saw Tiana walking toward them. "I have found my home," Naveen said.” Better PersonNaveenTiana And Naveen Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Calliope," she spoke into the wind. Her first daughter would be the composed, unflappable leader of the pack; the sister the other girls turned to for guidance. Mnemosyne would give her the gift of storytelling. The thought of another being sharing her love of the written word filled Mnemosyne's heart with unspeakable joy.” MuseEldest DaughterFirstbornCalliope Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Mnemosyne had designed Clio to be inquisitive, and her second daughter did not disappoint. No notion went uncontested when Clio was around. Mnemosyne was careful not to dampen her daughter's thirst for knowledge. It was her best asset. Clio would one day teach the world how to appreciate the history of what had come to pass and how to value all that now surrounded them.” HistorianMuseClio Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Perception will blossom as a thirst for knowledge blooms. Feed it and watch it grow. The word will harvest wisdom if this flower is allowed to glow. "Right here," Calli said. She showed the passage to Clio. "This is you. You are perceptive, and knowledgeable, and wise beyond your years.” IntelligentMuseScholarlyClio Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Perception will blossom as a thirst for knowledge blooms. Feed it and watch it grow. The world will harvest wisdom if this flower is allowed to glow. "Right here," Calli said. She showed the passage to Clio. "This is you. You are perceptive, and knowledgeable, and wise beyond your years.” IntelligentMuseScholarlyClio Book:Be Prepared Source: Be Prepared
“Clio shrugged. "I don't know everything." Then she tacked on in a cheeky tone. "Just almost anything." A few days before, Calli would have called her on her arrogance, but so far Clio's smarts had taken them further than the help they'd received from the gods.” KnowledgeableClioHumble Brag Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“She picked up a fork and used it to flip over the catfish fillet she'd left frying in her daddy's cast-iron skillet. It was flaky, golden, and perfect, exactly as she'd intended.” FryingTianaCatfish Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Do you need a rest, Mama?" Tiana said as she drizzled praline syrup on the order of beignets she'd just made. "No, baby. You know I stopped sewing to embrace the excitement of the restaurant business." "Well, that's not the only reason you're here," Tiana said with a laugh. She rounded the cooking station and enveloped her mother in a hug. "No, it isn't," Eudora said. She and Tiana stared up at the portrait of her daddy that hung on the wall, looking down over the entire kitchen. "I'm here because this is exactly where he would want me to be." "And it's exactly where I want you to be, too. What did that man from the paper call you? The queen of Tiana's Palace?" "Well, he's right," her mother replied with no small amount of sass. Then she and Tiana burst out laughing.” MamaQueenTianaMemories Of Daddy Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Mama Odie had been willing to help both Tiana and Naveen the year before. Hopefully, she would be willing to do so again. Please. Please. Please. The strangeness of having to rely on someone else for help struck Tiana anew. She knew she was independent to a fault. She had lost count of how many times she had wasted hours---sometimes even days---toiling away at some task or another, refusing to ask for help.” TianaIndependent WomanRelying On Others Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“My dad thinks a young lass should be taught the same skills as a lad." "Your dad sounds like a fine gentleman. I think I would like him." "I am counting on it," she said.” FatherMeridaElinor Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“She had changed. When she first came to Freya, she wanted nothing more than to escape her fate. But after observing her mother as a young woman and witnessing how Elinor had put aside personal wants for the betterment of MacCameron Kingdom, Merida became more open to doing the same. She was ready to embrace her duties as a member of Clan DunBroch's royal family in her own way.” ChangedDeterminedPrincessDedicationMerida Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“She had to admit that her mother was right; the pheasant, peas, stewed kale, and oatcakes were best enjoyed hot. She shoveled the food into her mouth, suddenly realizing how ravenous she was after an afternoon of archery.” DinnerHungryMerida Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“I will not be forced to marry!" Merida yelled. She drew a claymore from the display stand, not because she thought she needed the long sword for protection, but because she felt more at peace with its heavy weight in her hand. Her mother had never understood her. She wanted Merida to be like her, a prim and proper royal lady. But Merida had never felt drawn to that life. She wanted to be free. She relished the feel of the wind in her hair as she raced her horse across the glen. Delighted in the exhilaration of hitting a target from fifty paces away with her bow and arrow, or tumbling in the dirt with her three brothers. She was her father's lass, not her mother's proper princess.” TomboyMother IssuesMeridaDaddy S GirlYearning For Freedom Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“I will not be forced to marry!" Merida yelled. She drew a claymore from the display stand, not because she thought she needed the long sword for protection, but because she felt more at peace with its heavy weight in her hand. Her mother had never understood her. She wanted Merida to be like her, a prim and proper royal lady. But Merida had never felt drawn to that life. She wanted to be free. She relished the feel of the wind in her hair as she raced her horse across the glen. Delighted in the exhilaration of hitting a target from fifty paces away with her bow and arrow, or tumbling in the dirt with her three brothers. She was her father's fierce lass, not her mother's proper princess.” TomboyMother IssuesMeridaDaddy S GirlYearning For Freedom Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“It is as if you are the legend of the black bear come to life." Merida's breath caught in her throat. Then Elinor laughed. "Maybe that is what we should tell those who do not believe in our legends. It may scare some into changing their ways. Make them see things from another person's perspective, as the legend proclaims." Merida's heart swelled at the familiar words. She realized just how much she had changed since she had eaten that cake. And not just on the outside. She was not the same girl who thought only about what she wanted, without considering her duty to protect and support her kingdom. After witnessing the way Elinor had been willing to put aside her plans to uncover the threat to MacCameron Kingdom, Merida understood how important this role was. She no longer saw her responsibilities as a burden; they were an honor.” MotherPrincessDedicationHonorableDifferent PerspectiveMeridaElinor Book:Fate Be Changed Source: Fate Be Changed
“The five of you are never more powerful than when you lift your voices together. How many times had her mother spoken those words? Ree now realized that they were not just words; they were a prophecy. There had always been something special about the connection she felt with her sisters when they sang together.” ProphecyDaughtersMusesQuintetMnemosyne Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“But, hey, it sounds as if your mobile vet business has a name." "It sure does," Evie said. She held her hands out, as if pointing at a marquee. "Pugs and Kisses to the Rescue.” Happily Ever AfterBook TitleBrand Name Book:Pugs and Kisses Source: Pugs and Kisses
“Oh my gods, there you are!" Mel slapped a hand over her chest and sucked in several deep breaths, as if she had just escaped the clutches of the nine-headed Hydra. Of course, her sister would have the same reaction if she were to encounter a tiny field mouse. When it came to Mel it was either serene calm or full-on hysteria; there was no in between.” EmotionalMelpomene Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Melpomene, my beautiful melody," Mnemosyne whispered, nuzzling the plump rolls of her baby's neck. The strong feelings this one evoked would never be denied. "You may be prone to dramatics, but that's what makes you so special, isn't it?” EmotionalMuseMelpomene Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“Thank you," Mel said, brushing each stallion's gorgeous mane as she climbed out of the chariot. They all responded with excited neighs. "They like you," Thalia said. "All animals like her," Ree pointed out. "The chickens lay more eggs for Mel than for any of the rest of us." "It's because I take the time to get to know them," Mel said.” CompassionateMelpomeneZoophilistAttuned Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“It's nothing to fear," Mel said. "They are just souls longing for someone to care about them." She put a hand to her chest and closed her eyes, then began a hauntingly beautiful requiem to those floating in the waters below. The wailing eased and the waters calmed. "Oh, Mel," Calli whispered. "Your ability to empathize truly is a gift.” EmpatheticLost SoulsRequiemMelpomeneRiver Styx Book:Bemused Source: Bemused
“She reached into the burlap sack that she kept draped over her shoulder and retrieved a large spray of lavender and bunches of marigold. "To decorate your supper club," Ms. Rose said. "They are the colors of Mardi Gras: purple for justice, gold for power, and the green leaves represent faith." "These are beautiful," Tiana said as she took the flowers. Their coloring was so vivid they looked otherworldly.” ColorsMardi GrasRepresentFlorist Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“No wise sayings today?" Tiana asked. Ms. Rose loved sharing nuggets of wisdom she said were passed down from her mother. The woman's brow lifted. "Actually, I do have one for you: Ti bwa ou pa wè, se li ki pete je ou. The twig you don't see is the one that puts out your eye." Tiana peered at the flowers Ms. Rose had handed her. "Are there twigs in here?" "Be cautious," the woman said. "It means to always be aware of your surroundings.” Words Of WisdomCautionForeshadowingFloristHaitian Proverb Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Why must you make things so difficult?" "Because I don't trust you," she said. "I'm never going to just do something simply because you asked, Doctor Facilier." He grabbed her wrist and turned her hand palm up. He slapped the vial into the center of her palm. "Every single dish, Tiana." She threw the vial directly at his face. He snatched it as if he had been expecting her to do just that. "I don't have to do anything," Tiana said. "I've held up my end of our bargain. You hold up yours.” Sassy HeroineTiana Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Ashanti's pleasurable gasps and mewls weren't making it any easier. Every sexy little whimper was like an injection of fuel, accelerating his need to draw out that response from her over and over again. He wanted to make her cry out in pleasure, to make it so good that she wouldn't even think about limiting this to a one-time thing. Thad hooked his arms under the bend of her knees and angled her hips upward, his own limbs growing weak at the ecstasy of the shift in position it produced. He immersed himself in her, not just her body but her entire essence. He could feel himself becoming more enthralled with every delicious thrust. She intoxicated him. Captivated him, body, soul, and everything in between.” Hot Sex Book:Pardon My Frenchie Source: Pardon My Frenchie
“Sit down," Thad whispered. When she did, he pulled her to the edge of the mattress and lifted both her legs, placing her thighs on his shoulders. Then he dipped his head and read her open with his tongue. She gasped, and sound sent a jolt of sensation straight to his dick. Fuck! He knew she would taste good, but this was so much better than good. He stroked her with his tongue, dragging slow, firm licks from her clit on down, and then back up again. Ashanti lifted her hips, grinding against his mouth as he continued to lap at her. Her cries filled the room, hesitant as they were. Thad wanted her to tell her to let go, to just give in and not hold back. But he didn't want to stop what he was doing long enough to speak. He caught her by the waist and held her down while he wedged his tongue inside her, driving in and out. Her legs moved restlessly against his shoulders, as if she didn't know what to do with herself. He tried to make out what she was saying between her breathy pants and realized it was his name. She was calling his name over and over again. Thad had never heard anything sexier in his entire life. It drove him to keep going until he felt her legs shake and tense. She came against his tongue. But instead of stopping, he ramped up the intensity, closing his mouth over her clit and sucking until she came again and again and again. Her body was limp by the time he lifted her legs and set them back on the bed. He stood. As he stared down at Ashanti completely spent on his mattress, Thad realized his ego would never need stroking again. "Are you okay?" he asked her. "I'm a puddle," she said. "Don't ask me to move, because I can't." Nope. No ego stroking necessary for the newly crowned king of cunnilingus.” Hot SexCunnilingusOrgasmic Book:Pardon My Frenchie Source: Pardon My Frenchie
“If I have to give up Naveen, there are several things I want in return," Tiana said. Even when she had no way out, she still drove a hard bargain. In a way, he could admire that. It was too bad she was such a goody two-shoes. With her gumption, Tiana could help him take over this entire city.” TianaGumptionTough GirlNegotiation SkillsHard Bargain Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“Naveen turned back to her, his penetrating eyes pleading with her to accept his help. "You don't have to do this all on your own. We're here for you. I'm here for you." Tiana hesitated as a blend of uncertainty and gratitude converged. This was her mess. She'd pulled them all into this; she shouldn't expect her friends to get her out of it. But Naveen was right: she didn't have to do this alone. She couldn't. "Okay," Tiana answered. The shame she thought she would feel didn't materialize. All she felt was overwhelming relief at knowing she didn't have to rely solely on herself.” Not AloneTianaRelying On OthersNaveenTiana And Naveen Book:Almost There Source: Almost There
“It's so good to see you, Daddy." "You saw me the day before yesterday." He laughed as he expertly diced bell peppers into uniform pieces. "But it's always good to see you," Tiana said. "It's something I've learned to never take for granted.” DaddySavoringTianaFather Daughter Love Book:Almost There Source: Almost There