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I am so excited to have Kym Grosso with us again! This time she is here to share her new release Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves from the Immortals of New Orleans series. I absolutely love this series and know you will too, so be sure to leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of any book in the Immortals of New Orleans series.
Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves
Immortals of New Orleans, Book 3
Kym Grosso
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
ISBN-13: 978-1482692396
ISBN-10: 1482692392
Number of pages: Approx. 267
Word Count: 94,000 words
VRB REVIEW
Amazon
An erotic paranormal romance…
Charismatic and powerful Lyceum Wolves’ Alpha, Tristan Livingston, is out for revenge after a devastating attack on his pack. Not only did he survive a building collapse, he orchestrated the rebuild of his chic, state-of-the-art nightclub within a week. Determined to mete out justice, he rescues a beautiful witness who may be the key to helping him find the perpetrators.
Dr. Kalli Williams, dedicated veterinarian, is hiding a secret that endangers not only her own life but the lives of wolves across the country. After being tortured by a savage vampire, she’s reluctantly agrees to help the sexy Alpha in his quest to identify suspects; ones who’d kill her on the spot if they knew she existed. As Kalli places herself in the hands of the dominant wolf, she soon finds she wants nothing more than to submit.
Tristan, committed to ruling his pack as a lone wolf, is inexplicably drawn to the mysterious and enticing woman, who seems more than human, but not quite supernatural. As he discovers her secret, he teaches her the meaning of trust, helping her learn how to be true to her nature. After living a lifetime alone, will he succumb to the visceral need to claim her, acknowledging the soul binding connection between an Alpha and his mate? And will he prevail against the menacing enemy who threatens to destroy Lyceum Wolves?
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/Xk_NQu6h5pY
About the Author:
 Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. Both of her novels, Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1) and Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), are currently available via Amazon, digitally and in print. Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is scheduled for release on April 1, 2013.
In addition to romance, Kym has written and published several articles about autism, and is passionate about autism advocacy. She writes autism articles on PsychologyToday.com and AutismInRealLife.com. She also is a contributing essay author in the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum.
Kym lives with her husband, two children, dog, cat and guinea pig. Her hobbies include autism advocacy, reading, tennis, zumba, traveling and spending time with her husband and children. New Orleans, with its rich culture, history and unique cuisine, is one of her favorite places to visit. Also, she loves traveling just about anywhere that has a beach or snow covered mountains. On any given night, Kym can be found reading her Kindle, which is filled with hundreds of romances.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KymGrossoBooks
Twitter: @KymGrosso
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5785692.Kym_Grosso
My Autism Website: http://www.AutismInRealLife.com
Excerpt
Stunned by her beauty, he could barely breathe. Goddess, the woman was spectacular. The fiery red gown clung to her in all the right places, and he noticed a small smile grow on her angelic face, presumably pleased that she had castigated Alexandra. He needed to get to her, hold her. As he rushed across the room, Mira stopped him with a hand to his arm. She gestured toward an elusive client standing to her left.
Logan laughed, seeing Kalli triumph over the demon spawn who ran the vampires. “Hey girl, I hate to point it out, but man you laid her out…and that growl. What was that?”
“Dance with me, Logan,” Kalli declared, needing to move.
“Your wish is my command.”
They crossed the floor, and Logan swept her into his arms. As amazing as Logan looked, she yearned for Tristan. She could feel he was close. As the music grew louder in her ears, she swayed along to the classical beats, hyper-aware of his presence. Leaning her head on Logan’s shoulder, she finally spied Tristan near the buffet, surrounded by Mira and a short bald man.
His eyes caught hers, and her heart started to race. She wasn’t sure whether it was his pensive expression or aggressive stance, but she could clearly sense he was agitated. Logan spun her, and she lost his eyes only momentarily, then caught them once again. His predatory gaze electrified the room, sending goose bumps over her skin. As he stalked toward them, her breathing hitched. Like a rabbit alert to the wolf, she froze save for the mindless dance steps she made while blindly following Logan. As Tristan came upon them, she forced herself to face him directly. Larger than life, Tristan was sophistication etched in dripping sexuality. His dominance was apparent to every man, woman and supernatural in the room; there’d be no denying him.
Even Logan stopped dancing to respect his Alpha. Lowering his eyes in submission, he bowed slightly. “Thank you for the dance,” he whispered, releasing her.
Before she had a chance to say a word, Tristan wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her tightly to him so they pressed together. She could feel his barely restrained erection nudging her belly. Suppressing a moan, she felt herself grow wet. She clenched her thighs hoping to hide her arousal; every supernatural within fifty feet would know of her excitement.
“Don’t,” Tristan ordered.
“Don’t what?” she managed to ask.
“Don’t try to hide it. Your delicious scent.”
“But they’ll know I …” Kalli’s words trailed off as she lost her train of thought. God, he felt incredible.
“I want them to know. I want them all to know you’re mine.”
“But I thought…I mean you came with her.” Her eyes darted to Mira.
“Business only, nothing more. Still, I’m very sorry I didn’t bring you with me. Clearly I was an idiot to leave you alone with my beta. Every man in this room is looking at you, Kalli.”
“No,” she denied, shaking her head.
“Yes. And they should. Because you’re magnificent. Everything about you from that alluring dress I bought you to your sexy growl. My Goddess, do you know what you do to me? Feel it,” he whispered, grinding his groin against her.
“Tristan,” she breathed. She was on the verge of orgasm from just dancing with the man. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if they made love.
“Did you enjoy dancing with Logan?
“What? Logan?”
“Yes, Logan. Did you enjoy having your sweet body pressed to his?”
“Oh God, Tristan.”
“It’s all right, Kalli. Did you find it arousing? Tell me the truth.”
“Another test?” she sighed.
“Truth?”
“Okay yes, but he’s not…he’s not you. No one I’ve ever met in my life is like you,” she admitted.
“Ah, see how easy it is to tell the truth, ma chérie? Perhaps you’d like to explore two men at once?” he teased with a sexy smile as if he’d thoroughly enjoy it.
She blushed, not denying it.
“Someday we’ll explore that little kink of yours, but tonight you are mine. In fact, I think you’ll be mine for quite a long time.”
“Confident, huh, wolf?”
“Would you ever expect anything less?”
He spun her around, continuing to brush against her. Tightening the grip around her waist, he ran his palm up her arm to her neck, until he reached her face. Caressing her cheek, he ran his thumb across her lower lip. “I want you so much, Kalli. I’m so sorry for everything. I shouldn’t have sent you to Logan’s. I was angry, but damn, I need you.”
She groaned and threw her head back, publicly baring her neck to him. Submission, truth, she’d give it to him all right. But what he needed to learn was that he was hers as well, and after tonight she had no intention of letting him go.
Please welcome James Lyon, author of Kiss of the Butterfly to VampireRomanceBooks.com!
James is a Doctor of Modern Balkan History and has traveled and lived all over the world! James will be with us for the next couple days featuring his wonderful book Kiss of the Butterfly. Be sure to leave a comment or questions for James as he will be giving away two copies of his book!
Welcome, James, and thank you so much for being a guest with us.
1. Please tell us a little more about your travels, and how you wound up in Balkan studies. What
drew you to study Balkan history in the first place?
Even though everybody asks me that question, I’m still not quite certain how to explain it
convincingly. At time even I myself wonder, at which point I scratch my head and feel like
Bugs Bunny when he exclaims “I knew I should’a taken that left turn at Albuquerque”. http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8TUwHTfOOU
But the truth of the matter is that in 1980-81 I spent two years living in Yugoslavia while serving
a mission for the Mormon Church. At first I was shocked by the cultural differences, especially
the large quantities of raw onions that seemed to be served with every meal.
Balkan Fast Food
But I quickly discovered that the people were wonderful, the food was fantastic, and there was
sooooo much history, from Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Turkey, Venice, Byzantium, Ancient Rome
and Greece, and even further back. I guess I just kind of fell in love with the people and the
country and have never looked back. The people here have such an amazing passion for life. And
I’ve grown fond of onions. And Garlic. J
2. How did you make the transition from Historian to Author? Why did you choose Vampires?
I am still active as an historian…at present I am finishing a chapter for an edited scholarly
volume (BIG YAWN) on artillery during the First World War, and I’m writing the chapter on
Serbia. As an historian and political analyst, I write for a living, and have written books, articles,
and policy papers. “Kiss of the Butterfly” is my first foray into fiction.
The Author Explaining His Scholarly Work to an Interested Listener
Vampires? That’s the easy part. I didn’t choose them: they chose me. Most people aren’t aware
that the word “vampire” originated in Serbia, not Romania. We can track the use of the word to
1725 and a specific place (Kisiljevo) and an incident where villagers dug up a suspected vampire
and drove a stake through his heart. So, as a Balkan historian, vampires are everywhere. The
Balkans had their own version of the Salem Witch Trials in the 1730s, but they were about
vampires, not witches. The Austrian Army sent out a military surgeon to conduct autopsies on
suspected vampires in the 1730s. And vampire-related folklore and documents go back to the
1300s, so vampires are hard to ignore around here.
A Gravestone in Kisiljevo
But the reason I chose vampires is because the Balkan folklore vampire – which is very different
from modern pop-culture vampires – makes for a great metaphor to discuss real life problems,
while at the same time telling a ripping good tale.
3. Who are your favorite authors to read?
I like the British authors the best, because they are excellent story-tellers and develop their
characters. Many of the greatest wrote for both adults and children, and their books have stood
the test of time: C. S. Lewis (Narnia), Lewis Carol (Alice in Wonderland), Rudyard Kipling (Jungle
Book), J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), J.R.R. Tolkien (Hobbit), and Kenneth
Grahame (Wind in the Willows), to name but a few. I also love some of the great American
humorists/satirists, such as Mark Twain, Carl Hiaasen, and Dave Berry.
4. If you could write in collaboration with any author, any genre, who would you choose and what
would you write about?
I would write a satirical book about vampire penguins in collaboration with Dave Berry and
Carl Hiaasen. The BBC recently ran a story about vampire bats attacking penguin chicks. http://
www.bbc.co.uk/nature/21534299 Since Dracula and other pop-culture vampires wear tuxedos,
penguins are already halfway there. J
5. In Kiss of the Butterfly, who is your favorite character? Who was the most fun to write?
Everybody says that they liked the enigmatic Marko Slatina, but I liked the old bookstore owner
(Mr. Niedermeier). The paramilitary vampire thug Lynx was also a challenging character to write.
But Slatina is by far the most enigmatic, which makes him difficult both to write and decipher,
especially since he drops clues left and right that are not immediately evident as clues. Steven,
on the other hand, is intended to be a bit of an Everyman character, that is, a sounding board
for other people’s emotions and behaviors, which is why he reacts less and absorbs more.
Although this sometimes frustrates readers, it also enhances their emotional engagement with
the book, as they start getting angry with Steven for not acting the way they would like him
to act in certain situations. It is precisely his humanity and uncertainty that makes “Kiss of the
Butterfly” so real.
6. I’m very intrigued by the Balkan legends of vampires; can you speak more about this? How
much of your story includes traditional legends? Did you embellish on any for your story?
In my spare time I actually go vampire hunting. Here are a couple of blog links of some of my
more recent exploits.
http://thevampirologist.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/vampires-in-serbia-unraveling-fact-
from.html
http://magiaposthuma.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-search-of-peter-plogojowitzs-grave.html
A Gravestone That Plays a Cameo Role in “Kiss of the Butterfly”
I have read extensively about vampires in Balkan folklore, and I can assure the readers that all
the vampires in “Kiss of the Butterfly” are based entirely on authentic traditional descriptions
of “real” vampires as they appear in Balkan folklore. I have been pleasantly surprised by the
positive reaction the book has gotten from leading vampire specialists at universities, including
Professor Elizabeth Miller, the world’s leading Dracula expert. http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~emiller/
ABC News even quoted me and mentioned “Kiss of the Butterfly” in a story on vampires, which
really excited me. http://abcnews.go.com/International/vampire-threat-terrorizes-serbian-
village/story?id=17831327 So not only is “Kiss” a ripping good tale, it’s also historically accurate.
Even now I am planning a new vampire-hunting adventure for next month, which I will blog
about when it is finished. To ensure my survival, I shall hang garlands of garlic around my neck. If
it is successful, I shall start a new cosmetics and fashion line called “GARLIQUE”. J
“GARLIQUE”.
7. It is refreshing to read a dark vampire story, where vampires are not sexualized, but are brutal
beasts that we loathe to find in dark places. How do you feel about the typical vampire stories
of the popular choices? Do you like to read the sexy vampire books?
Everyone has their own taste in books, so I don’t wish to criticize anyone’s favorites. But in my
humble opinion, a vampire book — by its very nature — should not be overtly sexy. Rather, it
should be cloaked in multiple layers of sensuous meaning and draped in diaphanous metaphors
that stimulate the imagination, arouse the senses, and spark the synapses to create a uniquely
individual experience for each reader, depending on their tastes and life experiences. Overtly
sexy attempts at vampires seem to lack the subtlety that makes the genre so tasty.
After all, Bram Stoker’s Dracula didn’t immediately rip off his shirt or any female bodices and
start ravishing women. Rather, he behaved as a perfect gentleman, was friendly and hospitable,
maintained an appropriate social distance, and said “Welcome to my house! Enter freely and
of your own free will!” That one sentence alone contains so many different layers of potential
meaning that it stirs the imagination, sends chills down the spine, inflames the loins, and leaves
the reader gasping for more. And Stoker did all of that without a single sign of lust, teenage
emotions, fiery passion, or overt sexuality.
8. As I was reading Kiss, I was imagining a movie-like scene in my head. I could see the dark
shadows, smell the stench, feel the irritation of dust (it was great!) How do you envision your
settings and scenes when you write?
My wife has often made similar comments about smelling the stench and sensing the irritation
of dust, at which point I know I need to take a shower. J But seriously, they always say that you
should write what you know. Everything I described in “Kiss of the Butterfly” was written on the
basis of personal experiences. The “Kiss of the Butterfly” Pinterest page http://pinterest.com/
kissofthebutter/ has a number of photos from the Petrovaradin tunnels, as well as assorted
photos from some of the places in the book, including Hvar, Belgrade, Budapest, the Drina River
Valley, etc. I hope to add more to Pinterest, but it keeps giving me problems.
Entrance to the Petrovaradin Tunnels
There are also photos on the facebook page, including one album of the Petrovaradin
fortress tunnels. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?
set=a.550825011595708.125795.203838056294407&type=3
9. What are you working on now?
I have written the first chapter of the next volume in the saga, and have outlined the rest of
the book. It will follow the same format as “Kiss”, with interludes and flashbacks. It takes a
tremendous amount of research. I am also translating a scholarly work from Serbian into English
about vampires in Balkan folklore. J
10. I know that you have a second novel in the works to follow up Kiss; can you share some of it
with us, or discuss some of the general plot lines? (I want to know what happens when they all
go sailing away!)
The next volume will take place from spring of 1992 until either the end of that year or early
1993. It will consist of a prelude that continues the subplot of Vlad the Impaler (already written),
and will take place primarily in Bosnia, although there will be scenes in major international
capitals, including New York, Washington, Budapest, London, Vienna, Berlin, etc. There will also
be a surprise element from…SPOILER ALERT… Pennsylvania. The clue for that was given in one
of the interludes Ooooops… I’ve already given away too much.
In the tunnels of Petrovaradin
11. Is there anything you would like to share particularly with your readers here?
I expect a print version to be available in April on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other outlets.
Because I am a bit old-fashioned, each chapter will have an illustration, and there will be a map
to help readers navigate the unfamiliar geography. I have also included an original map of the
Petrovaradin fortress underground tunnels that was created by the Austro-Hungarian fortress
commander.
12. Do you have a dog?
A dog? Funny you should ask. I just happen to have a wonderful little puppy named Leon, who is
a Bichon Havanese. I am training him to sniff out vampires. Although he looks like a four-legged
dust mop, he is cute, cuddly, adorable, and loves to play. My wife assures me that he actually
has eyes under all that hair. And he still isn’t house-trained. So please buy my book so that I can
afford dog-food and diapers for Leon. J
Leon the Vampire-Hunting Puppy
Social Links are:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008O7AAJM
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008O7AAJM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiss-of-the-Butterfly/203838056294407
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15776662-kiss-of-the-butterfly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KissoftheButter
I’m very excited to welcome the fabulous Roxanne Rhoads to VRB! Roxanne is touring with Bewitching Book Tours for her new book Hex and the Single Witch. She has dropped by VRB today to share her new book with us and also written a guest post for our enjoyment.
Be sure to enter for you chance at one of the great prize packs!
Prize Pack 1: A Fang-tastic Tote Bag, glow in the dark gloves, a Bewitching Charm bracelet (made by BookSwag Shop), , Bewitching Broom pen, mini witch hat notebook and various book swag from Bewitching authors. Open to US Shipping Only
Prize Pack 2: Bewitching Charm bookmark (made by BookSwag Shop), Bewitching Broom pen, mini witch hat notebook and various book swag from Bewitching authors. Open to US Shipping Only
Prize Pack 3: Bewitching necklace (made by paragraphic), Bewitching Broom pen, mini witch hat notebook and various book swag from Bewitching authors. Open to US Shipping Only
Prize 4: $10 Amazon Gift Card delivered digitally. Open internationally
Prize 5 (with 5 winners): 5 ecopies of Hex and the Single Witch. Open internationally
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 Hex and the Single Witch
Vehicle City Vampires Book One
By Roxanne Rhoads
Publisher: Bewitching Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 83,000
Anwyn Rose is descended from a long line of powerful witches yet she can barely cast spells young witchlings have mastered. She has one functioning witch gift, the power of knowing, which she puts to good use as a Detective on Flint’s Preternatural Investigation Team.
It’s a new era in Vehicle City, supernaturals are running the town.
The P.I.T has their hands full with paranormal crimes. Top priority is a serial killer, who appears to be a vampire, draining young women in the city.
Anwyn is on the case with her sexy partner Detective Mike Malone. Complicating things is her relationship Galen, a vampire who looks more guilty than innocent, although Anwyn trusts her instincts even if her power is on the fritz.
Mysterious spells, compromising situations, and a possible demon on the loose make it hard to focus on the case, but Anwyn has to make things right before the human police execute the wrong vampire.
Hex and the Single Witch contains magick, a little bit of mystery, a lot of supernatural mayhem, and a sexy love triangle that will leave you wanting more.
Amazon Kindle Smashwords Barnes and Noble Print
About the Author:
Story strumpet, tome loving tart, eccentric night owl…these words describe book publicist and erotic romance author Roxanne Rhoads.
When not fulfilling one the many roles being a wife and mother of three require, Roxanne’s world revolves around words…reading them, writing them, editing them, and talking about them. In addition to writing her own stories she loves to read, promote and review what others write.
Roxanne is the owner of Bewitching Book Tours and operates Fang-tastic Books, a book blog dedicated to paranormal and urban fantasy books.
When not reading, writing, or promoting Roxanne loves to hang out with her family, craft, garden and search for unique vintage finds.
Visit her online
Author blog www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com
Book Blog www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com
Bewitching Book Tours www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com,
Facebook
www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoads
http://www.facebook.com/BewitchingBooktours
http://www.facebook.com/RoxanneRhoadsAuthor
http://www.facebook.com/FangtasticBooks
http://www.facebook.com/FlintFangFest
Twitter @RoxanneRhoads
Roxanne can also be found on Linked In, Goodreads and Google+
Vampires: Dead, Undead, or Something Else
Guest Blog by Roxanne Rhoads
In most myths, legends and even in plenty of popular fiction vampires are described as either dead or undead, sometimes referred to as walking corpses.
No heartbeat, no need to breathe, no need to eat food or drink anything other than blood.
Honestly all that doesn’t make a whole hell of a lot of sense to me.
For me vampires are different and extraordinary creatures- and not dead at all. Just different.
I can understand them being described as dead in the early incarnations. Because before the Gothic literature of the 1800s romanticized vampires early myths and legends portrayed them as monsters- grotesque walking corpses. More like today’s zombies than the sexy, romantic and sometimes sparkling vampires that we often envision them to be.
I see being changed into as vampire as a transformation, not death- at least not completely. It is death and rebirth. A catalyst that transforms a person from human to Other. Changing from human to vampire is the death of the normal human life but not a true death.
I simply can’t wrap my head around the concept of a vampire being dead because of several things.
One they need to feed to “survive”. If you need to survive then obviously you’re not really dead, are you?
Another thing- rapid healing abilities. If you can heal, how can you be dead? Dead things don’t heal.
Other things I don’t agree with are the cold skin and lack of heartbeat and breathing. I think vampires are evolved and don’t need to breath as often as humans and their hearts don’t beat like ours- and the slowness of their heartbeat and breaths has something to do with the whole immortality thing.
And the cold skin… when they get cold that just means they need to feed, if they are fully fed their skin is just as warm as ours.
That brings me to the need for blood. As I mentioned I see vampirism as a transformation, a disease or mutation that changes the human body into something else, something more. It changes the metabolism and the higher functions of the body. To keep these processes going the body burns up its blood supply and constantly needs to be replenished.
The other powers of vampires- the glamour and mind control and all that, even the teleportation and shape shifting that some can do…well that goes into the magic slot.
I think vampirism is one part disease two parts magic.
In many of my stories the vampires defy the normal vampire conventions. They eat, they walk in daylight, they have heartbeats, and they breathe (usually). I try not to describe them as dead or undead and I don’t often stick them in coffins or in the ground.
In my newest book, Hex and the Single Witch, the vampires are all a little different from each other. Some have issues with sunlight, some do not, some have silver sensitivities some do not.
This is because there are many species of Others (fae, demon, shifter, witch, etc) than have interbred with humans over the centuries. When a human is turned into a vampire the dormant powers inside them become active. Most humans will never know they have “Other” blood inside them until the catalyst of becoming a vampire brings that dormant power to the surface. In addition vampires also gain some of their abilities and powers from the vampire that made them, their sire. The result is a species of vampires that have a wide variety of powers and abilities. Which is why they are so hard to track, kill or fight- you never know what you’re going up against when you deal with a vamp.
A 100% human with no “Other” blood inside will not survive the change into a vampire.
In the Vehicle City Vampire series I wanted to take all the myths, legends and variances of vampire abilities, mix them all up and create an explanation as to why vampires are so different. I hope that readers will enjoy my take on vampirism.
We are pleased to welcome P.M. Richter to VRB! She will be offering one lucky winner a set of 4 of her fantastic ebooks!
The Necromancer, Midnight Reflections, The Living Image, Deadly Memories
Make sure to leave a comment or greeting for P.M. and you’ll be entered to win. A winner will be chosen on October 22nd.
The Necromancer
P.M. Richter
Genre: Paranormal
ISBN-13: 978-1478349501
ISBN-10: 1478349506
ASIN: B004AYDGVM
Number of pages: 346
Word Count: 121,705
Amazon Kindle Amazon Print Barnes and Noble
Book Description:
She picked the worst guy to have an affair with! - Evil stalks in Hawaii
Michelle was brutally attacked in her locked hotel room in Las Vegas. The police didn’t believe her and thought she must have lured a man up to her hotel room for a little sexual adventure, which went dangerously out of control.
Michelle sustained visible scars from the terrifying and almost lethal attack, but pure fear motivated the move from her home in California to Hawaii. She’s scared her attacker will come back. She’s sure the next time he’ll kill her. Now she has a successful career and she figures abstinence is an acceptable, if lonely, way to live.
Michelle decides that an affair with a wickedly handsome man who moves into her building might cure her of the humiliating, embarrassing, and uncontrollable anxiety attacks which plague her whenever she finds herself alone with a man.
How could she know she made the worst possible choice?
Omar Satinov, the man Michelle has chosen, is a secret, whispered legend across several continents. His lure is a mystical religion based upon Witchcraft; his hook, the addictive herbal products he sells his followers. But does he really have supernatural powers, as many of his disciples believe?
Short Excerpt
It was just past twilight, almost time for the Crystal Prophesies. Omar leaned his elbows on the penthouse balcony, enjoying the moment. This was a magical time of day and he was a magician. He preferred calling himself a Necromancer to the common titles: warlock, conjuror, magus, seer or wizard. There were subtle variations, but he fancied ‘romancer’ in his title. Necromancer. It described him. He romanced his way into hearts and minds. With the help of a little magic.
As he gazed at the panorama spread out below, the Pacific slowly changed from light blue to a misty topaz. Lush clouds floated on the horizon, and stars began to glow. To his left was the tinsel-tourist Waikiki, and to his right the city of Honolulu was lighting up. Below him, in this very building, he could sense the presence of a remarkable woman.
He turned, gazing through plate glass windows into his new penthouse. Ginger and Samson were inside. Ginger noticed his look and, with a flourish, she uncovered an enormous crystal ball from its leather shroud. She winked at him. Ginger was a disciple, a beautiful tall woman, with long curly red hair. She wore a flowing blue gown for the ceremony.
It was a tradition for the three of them to gaze into the crystal ball to divine their future when they expanded to a new location. They had arrived in Oahu a week ago. Tonight was perfect, the time of the full moon.
Omar went inside and sat down in front of the crystal. The sphere was almost two feet in diameter and sparkled on a base of black onyx. The three were seated in the main living room, beneath a skylight. White rafters crossed the cathedral ceiling. The room was dark except for a cold silvery glow from the candles Ginger had placed around the room.
Omar passed his hands over the crystal ball several times for theatrical effect, principally for Samson, who was watching with curious eyes. Omar’s acolyte, Samson was a gigantic man who would never age mentally. He did remember this ritual. His mouth was open in anticipation.
Omar frowned and leaned closer, gazing into the depths of the crystal. Indeed, the omens were not auspicious. Red forms floated amorphously inside, constantly changing shape. This denoted the substance that controlled all magical rites. Blood was a fluid like the tide; it flowed like the ocean, was coaxed by the moon to move subtly in bodies, causing emotional changes called lunacy. Sometimes it spilled.
The black he observed, swirling around the red forms like a night wind, could be taken as a symbol of his own influence. It was the bright white light clashing there which forced Omar’s dark eyebrows to slide together. White, an opposing force, seemed capable of exerting great influence in these Hawaiian islands. Omar couldn’t tell if it indicated an old curse peculiar to these islands, with their ancient polytheist beliefs, or if it referred to a threatening individual.
The white was glowing, taking over. There was busy movement inside the crystal. It might have been a reflection from the stark white walls, but Omar was not taking chances.
“Who will sacrifice?” he asked, frowning at Ginger and Samson in turn. He took a dagger from the leather sheath that Ginger had placed beside the crystal ball.
The colossal young man cowered away.
Omar shook his head. Samson let out a tiny moan, but Omar swiftly reached across the crystal and pointed the tip of the dagger at Ginger.
“I need heart blood,” Omar said.
Ginger closed her eyes and nodded. He made a small slashing cut above her left breast, above her heart. The cut was superficial, but blood immediately started flowing.
Ginger leaned forward and red dripped on the round crystal ball, and slowly, like wine with good legs, inched down its sides.
Omar recited incantations and waved his long expressive hands. Both Ginger and Samson saw silver sparks extend from his fingertips and enter into the crystal. Ginger thought the effect might have been starlight drifting down from the skylight above. Samson was sure it was magic.
Omar peered into the depths of the crystal and was satisfied. The white light was winking out. The sacrifice had been potent.
His mind again sought the lovely feminine presence he had felt below him in this building. When he found it he smiled. His final aspiration would be fulfilled. The Crystal Prophesy said so.
About the Author
PM Richter is an author living in West Hollywood California. She has a degree in Psychology, from Northridge State University. She has worked as a property manager for Nansay, Corp. a multi-national corporation, been a dance teacher for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. She has five novels available on Amazon Kindle.
The Living Image
The Necromancer
Midnight Reflections
Trifecta
Deadly Memories
Website: http://anauthorsplace.weebly.com/index.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pam.richter.391
Twitter: @pmraven
Please help me welcome our featured Indie Author, Teresa Gabelman. Teresa is the author of Damon, the first book in The Protectors series. Teresa has stopped by and answered some of our questions and if offering 2 lucky winners a copy of Damon.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TERESA AND HER SEXY PROTECTORS!
LEAVE A COMMENT OR QUESTION TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A COPY OF DAMON!
Ladies and Gentleman, I’m happy to introduce our featured indie author for today, Sandra Cox. Sandra is the author of several books and series, both fiction and non-fiction. She has stopped by and answered some questions for us and will be offering a lucky winner a copy of Vampire Bay!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW AND ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BY LEAVING A QUESTION OR COMMENT FOR SANDRA.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m happy to announce our next featured Indie Author, J.E. Hopkins! J.E. is the author of the not to be missed series Misfits of the Lore. J.E. has stopped by and answered a few questions for us about her books, being an indie author, and her life outside of author-dom.
Head over to the interview page and learn more about J.E. and her book and also enter for you chance to win of of 2 copies of her latest release We Shall Rise!
CLICK HERE TO READ THE INTERVIEW AND ASK A QUESTION OR LEAVE A COMMENT FOR YOU CHANCE TO WIN!
**A random winner will be chosen on Tuesday April 10th. One entry per person. Multiple entries will be removed.**
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Kym Grosso is the author of the erotic paranormal romance series, The Immortals of New Orleans. Both of her novels, Kade’s Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 1) and Luca’s Magic Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans, Book 2), are currently available via Amazon, digitally and in print. Tristan’s Lyceum Wolves is scheduled for release on April 1, 2013.
