Thursday, August 4, 2011

Ash and Meghan: Deleted Balcony Scene

"Breathes deep*

Okay, so if you didn't already know, yesterday Ash faced his biggest challenger yet in the YA Crush Tourney; none other then the infamous Patch of Hush, Hush fame.



















Both boys had oodles of fans (a whole army in Patch's case), and loyal supporters on either side. It was a nail-biting fight to the finish, with both Patch and Ash pulling ahead throughout the day. At one point, all seemed lost for Ash, as he was down by over 200 votes. But, amazingly, the Ash advocates rallied and closed the gap, and this morning it was a race down to the wire, in the closest, most exciting battle yet. Sometimes only 1 to 2 votes separated the prince and the fallen angel, as they both pulled ahead or fell behind.

Finally, the clock ran out. And the one to emerge victorious, though tired and bloody and completely exasuasted...

...was Ash.


First off, a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted, tweeted, re-tweeted, and kept the support for Ash going. Without you, Ash definitely would have been defeated.

Thank you to Patch's army for an awesome, exciting battle. It really did come down to the wire, and it could have fallen either way.

And of course, to fellow author Becca Fitzpatrick and her thoroughly terrifying, yet completely swoonworthy Patch. If Ash and Patch ever teamed up for anything, they would be unstoppable. ;)


I am so grateful to everyone who participated in the tourney, Ash's team especially. As a thank you, I promised to post a short deleted scene with Ash and Meghan if Ash emerged victorious. Think of this as Ash's last hurrah before his next match, which will be against...

Jace Wayland.
















Yep, THAT Jace. And here is where Ash's streak will come to an end, I fear. I am under no illusion that he will be able to stand against the reigning YA Crush King; all I hope is that Ash will give him a good fight.

So, with that in mind, here is the deleted scene for Ash's victory. If you enjoy it, and if you're so inclined, remember to vote for Ash in his next match: give him a fighting chance, at least. ;)



Deleted Scene: This is from THE IRON QUEEN, so spoilers ahead for those who have not read it yet. It takes place at Glitch's base, right after Ash has stormed off after having a small spat with Meghan, and she goes to the balcony to find him.

Remember, this is a DELETED scene, one that didn't make it into the final book. Please don't ask me what comes next, because I don't know, lol. (Also, this is YA, just throwing that out there.)

Okay, here we go:

***

Extended Balcony Scene


I stepped close and slipped my arms around his waist, hearing his quiet intake of breath as I pulled him against me. “That was a long time ago,” I murmured, pressing my cheek to his back, listening to his thudding heart. “You’ve changed since then. That Ash wouldn’t protect a silly human girl with his life, or become her knight, or walk into exile with her. Every step of the way, you’ve always been there, right beside me. I’m not letting you go now.”

“I’m a coward.” Ash’s voice was subdued. “If I cared for you as much as I should, I would end my life and the curse along with it. My existence puts you in danger. If I were no longer here—”

“Don’t you dare, Ashallyn’darkmyr Tallyn.” I held him tighter, even as he flinched at the sound of his True Name. “Don’t you dare throw your life away for an unknown superstition. If you die—” My voice broke, and I swallowed thickly. “I love you,” I whispered, fisting my hands against his stomach. “You can’t leave. You swore you wouldn’t.”

Ash’s hands came to rest over mine, twining our fingers together. “Even if the world stands against you,” he murmured, bowing his head. “I promise.”

For awhile, we just stood like that, content not to move, as the wind howled around us and tugged at our hair and clothes. Ash, true to form, was perfectly still. I closed my eyes and lost myself in his quiet breathing, in the rise and fall of his chest, in the beat of his heart. It was hard to believe, sometimes, that this—this beautiful, solemn, immortal prince in my arms—was mine.

“Meghan.”

His voice rumbled in my ear, low and hesitant. “Yes?” I whispered, and he shifted around to face me, taking my hands in his. For a few moments, he gazed at our interlocked fingers, running his thumb gently over my skin, as if gathering his thoughts.

“Be patient with me,” he said at last, furrowing his brow. His gaze finally shifted up to mine, bright and soulful. “It’s…difficult sometimes, to watch you fight, to see you throw yourself into danger again and again.” One hand came up, long fingers gently touching my cheek. “I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you,” he murmured. “I wish I could protect you from everything.”

“I know,” I said, smiling up at him. “But, it’s my turn now. You’ve done so much already, Ash; now it’s my turn to protect you. You and Puck and the Nevernever, and…and everyone.” I sighed and looked past him, at the clouds sweeping over the iron realm. “If I could just figure out a way to do that.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Ash’s voice was resigned, and he drew me closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. Sighing, he lowered his head, soft strands of his hair brushing my forehead. “Just…try not to give me a heart attack when you do.”

“I can’t promise anything,” I whispered back. “But, I’ll try.”

His expression twitched in a faint smile, and he gave a tiny shake of his head. “I suppose that’s all I can ask for—” But before he could finish, I slipped my arms around his neck, leaned up, and took his lips with mine.

He made a faint noise of surprise, before his eyes fluttered shut and he leaned into me, pulling us closer. I savored the feel of his lips against mine, breathing in his scent, that sharp mix of frost and peppermint. He breathed my name, just one simple word, and it turned my stomach inside out and set my whole body on fire. It made me desperate to get closer, made me bolder then I’d ever been. I pressed forward, pushing him against the railing, standing on tiptoe to trail kisses down his neck. He groaned, tilting his head back, hands sliding up to tangle in my hair. I couldn’t get close enough, it seemed. Never close enough.

Ash ducked his head, meeting my lips again, his kisses suddenly crushing, devouring. One arm snaked around my waist, the other cupped the back of my head, pressing us together, like two puzzle pieces that finally clicked. I held him as tightly as I could, feeling the hard, lithe muscles of his back, shifting through his armor. Wishing it was suddenly gone, that I could feel his cool skin under my fingers. His cloak fluttered around us, like the edges of tattered wings, cocooning us both, and I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.

Ash drew back suddenly, breathing deep, trying to control himself. I felt his heart beneath his armor, hammering in his chest. He dropped his gaze, shoulders heaving, though his arms didn’t loosen their grip, and resisted my attempt to pull back.

“Ash?”

The look he gave me was almost frightening in its intensity. “Command me,” he whispered, bringing his face close to mine. His eyes seared into me, challenging and pleading all at once. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”

I gazed at him, well aware that my own heart was doing its best to crash through my ribs. Ash watched me, silver eyes blazing with desire, and love. I reached up and touched his face, and he closed his eyes, putting his hand over mine, pressing it to his cheek, before his gaze flickered to me again.

Waiting. He wouldn’t go any further unless I told him to. He was letting me decide, like he’d promised. I could walk away from him now, and he wouldn’t follow. Or I could tell him to go, and he would. We could stop this, right now, if I wasn’t completely ready.

I swallowed hard, pulled his lips down to mine, and whispered:

“Stay.”

116 comments:

  1. I'm dying here, just saying.... Simply, brilliant!

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  2. OMG!! THAT'S FLIPPING AWESOME!! *HUGS*

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  3. Wowowowowowow!! I loooooove Ash!! He's the best faery ever!! If he can't get Meghan back at the end I'll take her place without even blinking. I'll have to vote twice. Why, oh why do my favorite characters have to compete against each other???

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  4. Gah!! Amazing! Brilliant! Magnificent! Faint-worthy! Julie... Wow!

    I think it's time for me to re-read the books. This was all it took!

    <3

    - Megan

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  5. you are a true goddess.... Just saying~ your words are exactly what every YA or woman would DIE to live!! AWESOME, and THANK YOU FOR SHARING.!
    AS far as JACE....I LOVE him too...I think that will be a tough one. BUT, stay confident. Good things come to people that are positive.

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  6. X.X I'm dead...wow...it was awesome...too bad it ended... I'm needing mooreee *w*

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  7. Megan, I so agree...Time to re-read!!!

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  8. OMG I don't have words!!! The Iron Queen is my fav' book (ok I love The Iron Knight too, so much intense, ♥) This scene is so beautiful!!! Team Ash!!!!!

    So the battle will be rude, This is Jace Wayland.... But Ash is my fav' so far!!!

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  9. Oh my God!! Awsome amazing wonderful !! You never stop surprising me Julie !! Just wow and a biggggg thanks !

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  10. Wow! What else can I say.

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  12. Guh. Blushing like crazy here. I wouldn't have finished Iron Queen if that scene was there, I would've just died!

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  13. Oh my gosh I LOVE this story!!! Julie, you are fabulous. I can't wait for the Iron Knight!

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  14. Best thing ever! I wish it had made it into the book! Can't wait for the Iron Knight!

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  15. I almost want you to write an adult fantasy series because you are amazing with tension!

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  16. Oh I love you. That was amazing. Thank you so so much. And I'm so proud of us for beating Patch! Don't worry, when we face Jace, we'll put up a fight. Ash doesn't go down easily! :)

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  17. Wow I though I loved the books ive already read and now all I want to do is read the Iron Knight

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  18. Amazing!!! I wish there was more :( cant wait til iron night!!

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  19. Amazing scene! It was breathtaking! :) *swoons over Ash*

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  20. wow that was amazing!! Thank you you so much! Boy I so can not wait for the Iron knight!

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  21. Um, HELLO AWESOME! Thank you, Julie!! LOVE!

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  22. I am soo glad Ash won!
    I always liked Patch but after how competitive I got over this tourney I am pretty much sure I started hating him!
    Also Jace might be all THAT but Ash has us loyal supporters too!
    Thanks for the wonderful scene!
    It was stunning! :D
    Yay

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  23. Wow, Thank you so much for the scene. Why was that one deleted??? Crazy!

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  24. I think the entire Winter Kingdom just melted...talk about global warming. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  25. I cant believe two of my most favorite guy characters are competing X<

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  26. This needs to be a movie for real!!!!!!!!!! I'm in :)

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  27. When I heard iron knight was coming gout I was jumping up and down screaming I love these books:)

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  28. Yay for the Ash Arsenal!
    Amazing. Now I leave for work with thoughts of Ash and Meghan. I'll no doubt be daydreaming of Ash all day today.
    Thank you.

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  29. Ash all the way! Forget Jace, Ash is my only love! Iron Knight just sealed the deal for me! Amazing! Julie I wish you would just write more about Ash, that would be great!

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  30. I just love Ash! *sigh*

    He was fabulous in Iron Knight and I'm gonna keep telling you what a masterful story that book is every chance I get. I came to love Ash so much in Iron Knight. He was brilliant I don't think I can vote for anyone over him. Besides, I'm still mad at Jace for City of Fallen Angels. So my vote is gonna be for Ash. =)

    valerie
    StuckInbooks.com

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  31. Oh, it's great!! I never get eough of them!! I love Ash! Thanks a lot!! XD

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  32. Ash and Puck loverAugust 4, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    finished re reading the iron fe series just earlier this afternoon, still wiping away the tears from my eyes. i live for these moments between meghan n ash theyre so good together...still love puck to though!!!!

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  33. Wow. I am completely in love. If that doesn't leave you screaming for more Ash, I don't know what will! The Iron Prince can't come soon enough!

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  34. Wow! Amazing! And Ash....totally swoon worthy! :)

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  35. Wow. Okay ash just made me swoon. I fell as if im going to faint o.o that was just AMAZING! ure one of my fave authors :) team ash all the way :D

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  36. I am on Team Puck, but this is some amazing writing Julie. "Stay."

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  37. how did that get taken out?!!? O_O that is amazing. <333

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  38. That is what you cal BREATHTAKINGLY AWESOME !! Team Ash Forever! <3

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  39. Oooh! This scene, may I say was awesome. Super glad I voted for Ash. This is making me lean more and more towards Ash, lookout Jace.

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  40. Patch or Ash...I just read Hush Hush yesterday and I've loved Ash since book 1, when it was released....I honestly don't know who I would pick. Is that a sign of betrayal???? I love Ash but Patch...dark and edgy...*sigh* Go Ash!

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  41. oh how i love Ash :) i hope he wins the whole crush tournament! and i just wondered, why did you cut out this scene?

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  42. Aaaaaaahhh! I love Ash!So cute :)

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  43. I love Ash! And you are my hero!

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  44. I seriously think I just died a little. Why DIDN'T this scene make it into the final version? This is magnificent! Just Perfect <3

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  45. lovelovelove it!!!!! you are such an AMAZING writer. your way with words throughout the entire series is in a word, poetic :D

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  46. Why is this not in the book?????????????
    This is AMAZING!!

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  47. Thank you everyone! Just so you know, this didn't make it into the final version because...um...the scene in the tent sort of canceled it out.

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  48. Oh Julie... JUST HOW did THIS scene get left out??????? We could have handled BOTH, you know!!! lol!! That's not to take anyting away from the tent scene b/c that was amazing too! I LOOOOOVE it!!! *happy sigh*

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  49. Ooooooooooooh, how awesome!! *o* LOVED, LOVED LOVED IT! Thank you for sharing! <3

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  50. And YAY for Team Ash (beating out Patch)!! Patch is wonderful but Ash is THE best!! And Ash can count on my vote when he's up against Jace! In my world, Ash is just slightly more wonderful (and I ADORE Jace)! ;) Thanks for posting the deleted scene Julie!!

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  51. Thats soooooo cute. but im kinda confused. hahaha.

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  52. That deleted scene was PURE AMAZINGNESS!! ^_^

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  53. Someone check my pulse...I think I just died. O.o
    That was amazing.

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  54. I'm flailing over here! Amazing!!!!!! :)

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  55. AHH...ah...uh...OMG... ahh... There are no words to say that won't come out as excited shrieking or screaming in joy. OMG can't wait for more!

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  56. This is another peice of masterful stroytelling. Thank you, Julie for being such a wonderful and supportive author. We couldn't of done it without you.

    Are you ready for the next round? I see alot of support here. We will not go down without a fight.

    #AshArsenal will prevail!!

    Patricia from Two Chicks On Books (Proud Advocate of Ash)

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  57. I love this deleted scene! :D Seriously amazing, Julie! I'm kind of torn for the Jace vs. Ash battle now...haha love them both! :D

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  58. ASH!!!!
    I absolutely loved this deleted scene!
    Thank you SO MUCH for posting it!!!!!
    Don't worry, my vote will always go to Ash! Even if the opponent is Jace (who I also love), but Ash is still first :)

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  59. .....amazing. no words. just, amazing.

    BRAVO

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  60. AMAZING SCENE! Too bad it got deleted. :((

    Also, as much as I love Ash with all my heart and soul, I still love Patch better. :)

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  61. Why can I find an awesome guy like Ash? Heck, I'd take Puck! Ugh.
    But this was amazingly beautiful, and just like your books, makes me want to read more. The release date for the Iron Knight is too far away! I don't think I can hold out til October!!

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  62. Worth it. This was really worth it with the battle against Patch. I give you, Julie, the highest praise a reader could give to an author.

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  63. Fantastic! Thank you!!!

    And good luck to Ash in his battle with Jace...I feel I must agree with you on your thoughts about that. But I do love Ash.

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  64. that was so freaking AWESOME.
    *Swoons*

    Cant wait for The Iron Knight.

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  65. WOW i think i just shed a few tears that was soo amazing. Can't wait for iron knight.

    ps: ash is sooo getting my vote (sorry jace)

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  66. More please....more! Julie please tell me there's another series of ash meghan and puck.... Please! I'm dying here!!!!!

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  67. Dammmmme! Wish that was a deleted scene women. It's incredible! My vote goes to Ash!
    Thanks for the treat and the smile =D

    Tina~

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  68. Oh bugger!! This got deleted...man....I loved it!!....I was in the moment..then no more...lol!!! Patch had a deleted excerpt too that was awesome...we need to ban hot deletions!!!..hee..hee...

    Michelle

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  69. Hey how do we vote for the tourney thing?

    Also I'm torn between Ash and Jace ... I love them both so much!

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  70. I went Ash crazy on my FB page. hehe I got heaps of people to vote Ash with all his quotes from your books also alot of new people have started reading them too.

    Wow the scene is just amazing! :D

    TEAM ASH!! :D

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  71. Ash x Jace, for this is the anticipated final!
    It will be an epic battle!
    Julie's is amazing! wonderful scene ... Ash ... Ash .... my god he is fantastic.
    I love with him!

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  72. ASH WILL WIN!!!!!!! *shakes fist*

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  73. GO ICE PRINCE! whooot :D

    P.S. I'm betting against Grimalkin *help*, so PLEASE do win... no pressure ;)

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  74. Go Ash! *woot!* Thank you so much for the scene of Ash and Meghan! It was so cute and awesome! Plus is there a way we can vote for Ash in this YA Crush tournament?

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  75. I was considering voting for Jace, but this reminds me how much I looooove Ash!! :)

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  76. That scene left me breathless! It was like eating chocolate and savoring every bite. Will certainly vote to keep this faery prince alive...especially if it involves reading another delectable scene!

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  77. Good lord.

    Why in the world would anyone want to delete that?

    *Fans self*

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  78. Why was this deleted?!?! It was one of the best scenes I've ever read in my life!!! THANK YOU JULIE! <3

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  79. Omg Julie I love ur books! I can't believe u had a tour stop where I live yesterday and I only found out about today! Arggg! So frustrated!

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  80. I think that scene should have been there! Its so romantic and breathtaking! I love Ash. So gorgeous.

    Thanks for sharing Julie! Now, i must go and re-read all three books again until the fourth comes out.

    I dont wanna forget anything...Lol

    i also cant wait for the second series of the Iron Fey! This is my favorite book series I've ever read!!

    You just AMAZE me!! Thanks again! :)

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  81. Please !!!! HAPPY END FOR ASH AND MEGHAN IN THE IRON KNIGHT !!!!!!!! PLEASE !!!!!! I'm Crazy and Desperate !!!!! Please Julie !!!!!

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  82. Omg that would change the whole book completely then! love it

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  83. If THIS, cant get you so into this book, I dont think anything can! The romace, the action, EVERYTHING IS PERFECT!
    P.S. Try thinking about this listining to Stereo Love ;D

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  84. Such a great scene...why was it not in the book? Simply awesome!

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  85. that was perfect...why would that be removed from the book. I just don't understand *shakes head* thanks for that though...it perked up my day ;)

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  86. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soooo AWESOME Julie u r truly an insperation if Ash and Meagan don't get together in iron knight(which they should mind you) i would totally take Meagans place I LOVE ASH Tee Hee too bad he's fey and how in the world did that bit get left out it's gooood GO TEAM ASH

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  87. *reading*squealing*wishing it was a movie*fainting*

    AHHHHHH! That was awesome! I wish it wasn't a deleted scene! I can't wait for the Iron Knight to come out and for some more fey action.

    Thank you! Ash4ever!

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  88. Oh. My. God. AIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  89. Pure amazing. So ready for the Iron Knight to come out!

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  90. I want a love story like this so bad...

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  91. OH MY GOD! Stay the same Julie! Write more stories and make the series a movie sequel! DONT LEAVE ANY PARTS OUT!

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  92. AMAZING!! :) <3 <3 I love it!! <3 <3

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  93. Im so in love with the iron fey series!
    really the only thing i regret is it not being true lol!

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  94. hi my name is kallyn i'm a big fan your an amazing athur

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  96. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  97. OMG - totally awesome! Kagawa is AMAZING!!!! She's magical . . .
    It seems right that she has so many fans :)

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  98. Correct me if im wrong but it looks like you just decided to divide this part into two. You brought the balcony scene to and end but took the last part and wrote into the scene where they were in the battlefield tent. But holy cow would it have been nice for it to happen at that moment!! haha waited forever!

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