Demons, Goddesses, and a Supernatural Series – Spotlight on Caitlin’s Book of Shadows

Fellow author Juli D. Revezzo has released the first book of her Antique Magic series, called The Artist’s Inheritance, but she’s now written a supplemental story that gives some additional texture to the tale.  Called Caitlin’s Book of Shadows, it’s FREE for a limited time on Smashwords (linked below), and just $0.99 on Amazon and BN.com.  I applaud Revezzo’s creativity, so if you like things that go bump in the night, this series is for you.  ~ S.G. RogersBlurb:

Something terrifying stalks Caitlin and her beloved Trevor. Something the bits and pieces she left claimed she had to make sense of–or so legend says. When the curator of their collection finds Caitlin’s long forgotten diary, she wonders will it tell the whole tale? Will it tell why Caitlin seemed so determined to tell the difference between reality and nightmare even as she continued the fight to defend her family from evil? Will it explain why she thought her world twisted? If she really became a witch?

Perhaps the answer lies between the lines of her story, one of lessons, struggles, and the hopes she carried like a warrior’s shield.

This is a side (or supplemental, if you will) story in the Antique Magic series, a companion to The Artist’s Inheritance (Antique Magic, Book One).

Download Caitlin’s Book of Shadows at Smashwords HERE  • Buy at Amazon ($0.99) HERE  • Buy at BN.com ($0.99) HERE • To follow Juli’s blog go HERE.

Shadow Eyes – Author Dusty Crabtree

The Inspiration Behind Shadow Eyes

The idea for Shadow Eyes actually first came to me as a screenplay for a Christian horror movie, if there ever was such a genre.  The movie would have been about a cast of intertwined characters going about their lives and making mistakes with dark, creepy shadows (demons) hovering around them, whispering to them, and influencing them to do evil things.  Only the audience would see the shadows.  The characters would be completely oblivious.

A few years after I’d had that idea, my friend suggested I write a novel like the paranormal angel books we’d been reading and loving.  I’d always loved the concept of angels and demons in stories and immediately thought back to that screenplay idea.  I just continued tweaking it until I had the basic concept of Shadow Eyes – a 17-year-old girl who had this special ability to see the shadows and light figures when nobody else could.

~ Dusty Crabtree

Synopsis:

Iris thought she could ignore the shadows…until they went after everyone she loved.

Iris Kohl lives in a world populated by murky shadows that surround, harass, and entice unsuspecting individuals toward evil.  But she is the only one who can see them.  She’s had this ability to see the shadows, as well as brilliantly glowing light figures, ever since an obscure, tragic incident on her fourteenth birthday three years earlier.

Although she’s learned to cope, the view of her world begins to shift upon the arrival of three mysterious characters.  First, a handsome new teacher whose presence scares away shadows; second, a new friend with an awe-inspiring aura; and third, a mysterious and alluring new student whom Iris has a hard time resisting despite already having a boyfriend.

As the shadows invade and terrorize her own life and family, she must ultimately revisit the most horrific event of her life in order to learn her true identity and become the hero she was meant to be.

Excerpt:

I meandered slowly to my locker. Even though I didn’t need anything, I rummaged through it as if I were searching for a tool on a job that paid by the hour. The longer I waited, the less people and, therefore, shadows would be waiting for me when I stepped into the parking lot.

I hated crowds and tried to avoid them as much as possible. Three years of dealing with the visions had taught me how to cope in various ways, but I’d never gotten used to walking among herds of people that were ignorant of the truth I was forced to see. It was like being the only one wearing ultraviolet glasses that unveiled every germ and bacteria around me and having to constantly witness unsuspecting people touching things and getting into things that are disgusting and potentially dangerous. Some people would feel lucky to have such insight. Me? I felt trapped, helpless, and exposed.

Luckily, since it was Friday, everyone wanted to get away from school as quickly as possible. By the time I stepped outside, the parking lot was basically empty. Only a few cars belonging to football players remained.

I began to trek the long distance to my car, which was at the end of the lot due to my near tardiness every day for the same reason I always left late. However, even though the lot was void of people, a couple of dark figures loomed over and around a yellow Camaro to my right. I recognized it as Marcus Beaman’s new car. He was a well-known football player and had been bragging about the birthday present for three months since he got it in June.

Why were these shadows out in the parking lot without any humans around? The bizarreness of it made me pause, and my mind began fabricating all possible explanations—none of which I could do anything about. Lost in my thoughts, I must have peered at them with critical eyes just a tad longer than was safe. One of them stopped, inclined its head to glare at me, and flashed an evil grin. I shuddered, closing my eyes tightly in an attempt to erase the image and pretend the scene away as I cowered toward my car like a timid little girl.

I threw open the driver’s side door, jumped in, tossing my backpack on the passenger seat, buckled my seatbelt, and locked the doors. As if that would help.

Check out Dusty’s blog at http://dustycrabtree.wordpress.com/

Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dusty.crabtree.1

Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dustycrabtree

Buy Shadow Eyes at http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=176

(also available at all major online bookstores)

Fate Worse Than the Guillotine? Character Interview from House of Cards

Author Juli D. Revezzo has released her latest title, House of Cards, just in time for Halloween!  I’ve invited Juli and her main character, Sinjon, for an interview.  Enjoy!

~ S.G. Rogers

Can you gamble with Fate?

A young nobleman escapes the Reign of Terror in 18th century France to find himself dragged into an even worse fate–a hellish underworld wherein he is cajoled and put on trial by a demon tribunal for crimes he never committed. Can he answer thwart his fate — one worse than the guillotine?

Buy links: Amazon, BN.com, Smashwords, and wherever online books are sold.

Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Sinjon. Why do you think Juli D. Revezzo choose you to represent her?

You’re most welcome, Suzanne. Thank you for having me. Why would my authoress choose me to represent her in House of Cards? Well, the Hag is quite freaky. Better to let a man deal with her, don’t you think?

Juli adds: Don’t mind him, Suzanne. He’s never heard of Women’s lib. 😉

Tell us about yourself, Sinjon. First off, is there anything you wish Juli had kept quiet about?

I wish she hadn’t said I was the bastard son of the family.

I can see how that would be awkward.  What is your birth date?

June 1773

Where do you live, and what is it about that area that drew you there?

I live in Paris. I was born there, you see, and the area remains beautiful to me. Really, what better city is there in our world?

I look forward to seeing it someday. What do you wish people to know about you?

That despite my beginnings, I strive to be better than just the unwished for son. I’d like to be a historian if I could, or visit Egypt or the Orient. I just never expected to have to leave home so soon, or in the way I did.

What music do you most enjoy?

Mozart of course, and Joseph Haydn’s “Apponyi” was wonderful.

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the limelight?

That will depend on Juli, for now, though, I think I may deserve a little break, don’t you?

(Juli adds: I might write more about his family. I’m thinking about it)

Sinjon: Not to pry, dear lady, but what did you say? You know it’s rude to whisper in front of others, don’t you?

*Juli gives Sinjon innocent look* I didn’t say anything.

What is your perfect evening?

Reading, studying. Perhaps a night at the opera occasionally. I’m not much for the wild parties my contemporaries throw—threw, that is.

What really pushes your buttons?

The fact that my family betrayed me! I mean really, how could they? Is that any way for a family to act?

Ah, the dysfunctional family is the inspiration for much literature. What are your biggest turn-ons?

A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell, but I have to admit, Suzanne,I have a thing for strong females, and especially blondes.

*Suzanne blushes and clears her throat*

Um…what are your biggest turn-offs?

Hags and people who have the nerve to betray me.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor, chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?

You know, they say George Washington loved ice cream. For me, there’s a cherry flavor I tasted at a friend’s dinner party once that I’m in love with. I’m not sure the recipe survived to your time though, Suzanne, sorry.

*Suzanne sighs and consults her clipboard once more*

What is your biggest fear?

That I’ll never get out of the nightmare that Paris has become! Or the hag’s clutches.

Finally, why should the readers be interested in your story?

If they like stories of mystical intrigue, stories with heroes who use their brains to get out of sticky situations, or heroes who get the best of the things which would frighten even the staunchest person, they’ll like House of Cards.

*Juli pipes up* If you’d like to learn more about my works, you can find me online at:

My blog,Author’s Den Page, Facebook, Goodreads, Google+, on LibraryThing, on Shelfari, and Twitter: @julidrevezzo

Juli: Thanks for having me back again today, Suzanne!

Suzanne: Any time at all, Juli.

Sinjon: Yes, thank you,  Mistress Suzanne.  *Sinjon kisses Suzanne’s hand* It was a pleasure meeting you.

*Suzanne giggles and ends the interview*

Hey, would you like to win an awesome 2″ x 6″ bookmark? 

Leave a comment, below, and Juli will pick a winner November 1st.  Happy Halloween, everyone.

The Artist’s Inheritance – Character Interview

UPDATE: The winner of The Artist’s Inheritance and a bookmark from Juli D. Revezzo’s spooky newest release, House of Cards, is… TheBookLookery!  Thanks so much to everyone who entered. ~ S.G. Rogers.

Enjoy this character interview with Caitlin, from The Artist‘s Inheritance by Juli D. Revezzo… and if you share this post in some way (via Twitter/Facebook/G+, etc. and/or follow Juli’s blog (the link is below), you’ll be entered to win an e-book copy of The Artist’s Inheritance!  Leave a comment to let us know which way you entered, and good luck. (The winner will be selected on Sunday, October 21st) 😀  ~ S.G. Rogers

Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Cait. Tell us, why should readers be interested in your story?

If they like stories with strong heroines, or stories with heroines who ultimately conquer their demons and get the best of the things that go bump in the attic, they’ll like The Artist’s Inheritance, I think.

Things that go bump in the night? So, you believe in ghosts?

Six or seven months ago I would’ve said no; now I have way too much overwhelming personal experience with them to say anything but yes. I mean, come on, how can I answer otherwise with a ghost guardian?

You sound pretty brave. What is your biggest fear?

Losing my beloved Trevor to an untimely demise. *huh* Trevor says his biggest fear is losing that damned chair of his . . . *sigh* Yes, dear. I know. (Don’t mind him. He’s been weird, recently).

Why do you think author Juli D. Revezzo choose you to represent her?

I think… if she chose me to represent her at all, and I’m not saying she did because what does that even mean? (Juli: Never mind, Caitlin. We’ll talk later and I’ll explain. 🙂)  I think if she did choose me to represent her, it’s because she was too shy—or maybe too scared—to deal with what Trevor and I have to deal with. Better to let me do it.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you live, and what is it about that area that drew you there?

My hubby Trevor and I live in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and what drew us here? We took the house over from his sister-in-law. Trevor couldn’t bear to let it go.

Your husband is an artist, isn’t he? Tell us more about Trevor and what drew you to him?

His smile, first and foremost. After that, it was how good he looked on his surfboard. By the time he got me to his gallery and showed me what he could do with his hands, I was gone. *ahem* You know what I mean.

What are your biggest turn ons?

Surfers, and artists. 😀

Turn offs?

Anything imp-like, nightmares, and meddling, snarky bosses.

What music do you listen to?

Mainly rock music, of course—you know, Zeppelin, Sarah McLachlan. But my buddy Sealya’s getting me into more new agey Celtic music too. Trevor likes The Red Hot Chili Peppers and bands like that—when he listened to anything. He’s not listening to much these days, really.

Is there anything you wish Juli Revezzo had kept her mouth shut about?

I wish she hadn’t told anyone I was a witch. Or that I was reincarnated from one. Gods, how insane must that make me look?

😮 Thanks for speaking with us today, Caitlin!

Blurb:

Settling into their new home in Gulf Breeze, Florida, Caitlin finds strange changes coming over her husband Trevor. He seems obsessed with a beautiful chair he’s carving.

When the nightmares deepen and ghosts begin lurking—she knows something’s not right, and not just her newfound precognitive abilities. It’s the damned chair, she’s sure. Could it be just what it seems: a mundane piece of furniture? If so, why is it attracting dark forces—the forces she suspects drove Trevor’s siblings to insanity and suicide?

Before the same happens to Trevor, Caitlin must convince him to sell his art. But armed with only a handful of allies, and little experience of the supernatural, she must proceed with caution against the hellish forces besieging her family.

If she succeeds, she will break the ancestral curse. If she fails, she may lose forever the one thing she cares about most: her beloved Trevor.

The Artist’s Inheritance is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Createspace and Smashwords.

To learn more about author Juli D. Revezzo, follow her on Facebook, her blog, Goodreads, or on Twitter

Author E.H. James on The Fifth Floor

Today I welcome author E.H. James to my blog! She’s talking about her new paranormal short, The Fifth Floor. Who doesn’t like a scary thrill from time to time? Enjoy.

~ S.G. Rogers

When I write short stories they always tend to be about something paranormal or horror, and they can range from the unusual to quite gory, if I feel the story requires it. I’m not sure why I keep going there when I think short story, although I did write one about time travel. My first love of writing is horror/paranormal, an influence of Stephen King. So this short story is about something paranormal.

In The Fifth Floor, you have Jeremy Brogan, a man in his early twenties newly hired to be night watchman at St. Michael’s Hospital. His job is to patrol the empty upper floors every hour of his shift. He assumes this will be easy money, even boring after a while. But a die-hard skeptic of anything paranormal, is something he will not be by the time the night is through. You see, he knows St. Michaels reputation for being the most haunted hospital in the country, but he never gave any of that a serious thought. Maybe he’ll think twice next time someone tells him to watch his back…that is if he makes it through this night.  ~ E.H. James

Blurb:

Jeremy Brogan thought being a night watchman at a hospital would be easy, wandering long, dark, empty halls late at night. It might even get kind of boring after a while…except Jeremy is working at St. Michael’s, the most haunted hospital in the country.

It’s a good thing Jeremy doesn’t believe in ghosts. Everything he sees and hears must have some kind of an explanation, right?

That he had to patrol the fifth floor was bad enough, but never in his wildest dreams did Jeremy think he would wind up in the basement. Now all he wants is out…only the hospital and its inhabitants may have other plans.

Excerpt:

“Is this your first night?” the old man asked, standing up from the desk.  Where he had been sitting, his head just barely could see—or be seen—over a counter that the desk sat behind.  He walked round the counter toward Jeremy.

“Yes, it is.” Jeremy fidgeted with the buttons on his jacket. “I suppose it’s obvious. Isn’t it?” He tried to smile, pressing his lips into a grin. “Actually, I’ve never done anything like this before. I guess I’m a little nervous.”

The old man watched Jeremy for a moment, and then patted him on the shoulder. “You’ll be just fine.” The old man walked back behind the counter to retrieve his metal lunch pail from the desk.

“By the way, my name is Jeremy Brogan.” Jeremy reached over the counter offering his hand.

“Jake.” The old man grasped hold of Jeremy’s hand and gave it a firm shake. “Jake Edwards.”

“Say, do you mind me asking how long you’ve been working here?”

“It’ll be…forty-two years next month.”

Jeremy’s brows moved up on his forehead. “Forty-two years?”

“Yep.” Jake nodded, his gaze wandering. “And not once did I miss a day of work.”

Jeremy leaned his back against the counter. “That’s incredible.”

“Yeah, I guess it is.” Jake shrugged. “Never really thought about it.” He slid his hand over the smooth worn surface of the counter, as he walked back around to the front. “I can honestly say I’m going to miss it.”

“Miss it?”

“I’m retiring next week.” He paused as though thinking on what he just said. “I’ll tell ya, I’ve been looking forward to this day my whole life. Waiting and dreaming about what I’d do when that day came. But now that it’s here…it’s going to feel strange not coming in here every night.”

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15782825-the-fifth-floor

The Fifth Floor – Buy Links:

Musa Publishing: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=355

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Fifth-Floor-ebook/dp/B008VO1V32/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344625235&sr=1-4&keywords=the+fifth+floor

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Fifth-Floor-ebook/dp/B008VO1V32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344635427&sr=8-1

Amazon Italy:  http://www.amazon.it/The-Fifth-Floor-ebook/dp/B008VO1V32/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344636852&sr=8-3-fkmr2

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/213497

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/the-fifth-floor

Omni Lit: https://www.omnilit.com/product-thefifthfloor-907760-241.html

Author Bio:

E. H. James is an author writing novels and short stories in the science fiction, horror, thriller and fantasy genres. Laura, The Visitor’s Room, and The Fifth Floor are paranormal short stories released through Musa, with The Visitor’s Room winning book of the month, for April, in the Mystery category, at Long and Short Reviews.

Contact Links for E. H. James

Blog: http://ehjames.blogspot.com/

Web Page: http://ehjames1.wix.com/ehjames#!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/EHJames1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEHJames?ref=ts

Amaleen Ison Learns to Love Shorts

No, not THOSE kind of shorts. 😀 Short stories.  Novellas.  Novelettes.  UK author Amaleen Ison is my guest today as she blogs about her journey toward appreciating shorter works of literature.  ~ S.G. Rogers

Learning to Love Short Stories – Amaleen Ison

Not every story is a novel.  Some ideas are just not long enough to sustain fifty-thousand plus words. But are short stories or novellas any less interesting or enjoyable because of their length?

Before I started writing I shunned short stories, considering them unworthy of my time or appreciation. They couldn’t be any good because they were…short. Daft, huh? My aversion began in school. Teachers forced me to read and evaluate short stories I had no interest in. I tarred all shorts with the same brush: boring and educational. It never occurred to me they could be read for pleasure. But I’ve discovered from speaking to family and friends that many people feel the same way.

Having read and written numerous short stories and novellas, I’m here to tell you that short tales can be exciting, filled with enchanting characters that tug at your heartstrings and despicable ones that make your insides shrivel. Mrs. Cruickshank, the antagonist from my novelette, The Trouble with Nightingale, is one of my favourite creations. She’s totally disgusting, and yet it’s her awfulness that entices the reader into the narrative.

Excerpt from The Trouble with Nightingale:

“The sixty-something skank with a too-tight pencil skirt, crooked beehive and five-inch stilettos sucked hard on a Marlboro. Smoke hung about her head like a grotty aura. Scarlet lipstick leaked into the creases around her lips, and canary-yellow eye shadow meandered past her squiggly-pencilled brows, giving the impression she’d applied it all without the use of a mirror.”

Designed to read in one sitting, short stories, novelettes, and novellas usually begin close to the tales conclusion and speed towards the final, and hopefully unexpected, revelation. They’re a whirlwind ride of conflict and unexpected consequences that ramp up emotional energy. With a limited number of words at the author’s disposal, the writing tends to be more concise than in a novel. Every word carefully selected, every sentence either developing character or driving the story towards its conclusion. Even descriptions must pay triple duty, setting scene, creating atmosphere, and foreshadowing plot.

Excerpt from The Trouble with Nightingale:

“Millie prodded the lift’s grimy call button and glanced over her shoulder. Shadows thick with movement skulked beneath the concrete stairwell, darting away from each flicker of the orange security light above her head.

She leaned an ear toward the graffiti-scratched doors and listened for the rattle-clunk of the descending elevator. Like the rest of Nightingale Estate after dark, the mechanism remained eerily quiet.”

So when you’re next perusing the pages of an on-line book store, why not purchase a short story, novelette, or novella? They contain the same elements as a novel but in a bite size package, bursting with concentrated conflict to set your heart rate galloping. Like me, you might be surprised at the incredible characters and adventures you discover.

~ Amaleen Ison

The Trouble with Nightingale

When seventeen year old Millie Scrubbings moves to new digs on East London’s Nightingale Estate, she believes she’s finally closed the door on a childhood dictated by strangers. But overnight, her peaceful high-rise turns bonkers, and a series of grisly murders leaves Millie frightened and more helpless than ever. Millie must accept her lead role in rescuing Nightingale from its descent into anarchy, or risk all Hell breaking loose.

$1.99 e-book available at Musa Publishing, BN.com and Amazon.

Amazon Reviewers:

“This story was simply brilliant. All of the ingredients of a fantastic read were there–fast pacing, clever writing, high-stakes, and heavy on the occult and paranormal…” – Michelle

“Mrs. Cruikshank is an absolutely gruesome character, and Fabian is beyond funny. The combination of horror and comedy gave me several laugh out loud moments and quite a few more involuntary smiles as I read.” – Aimee

“There is a definite feel that Millie has many more adventures in her future, and I can see this story spawning something of a series similar to The Dresden Files or Supernatural. I hope the author, Amaleen Ison, explores her further.” – R.C.

To follow Amaleen Ison, visit her blog www.amaleenison.com, Twitter @AmaleenIson, or visit her on Facebook.

Oh, What A Tangled Web

Author Carrie James Haynes is my guest today, talking about her latest release, Daughter of Deceit.  Stay tuned because right below her post is a special offer you won’t want to miss!  ~ S.G. Rogers

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive”~

Sir Walter Scott~ the inventor of the historical romance.

A tangled web impossible to escape is the premise of my newest release, Daughter of Deceit.

For years no one has questioned that Alyce’s father was England’s worst traitor…a spy for the Americans during the American Revolution…selling English guns and gun powder for his own gain. Caught in the web around him, he took his own life. There is only one problem. Alyce doesn’t believe her beloved father was the man the world believes him to have been and she will stop at nothing to prove his innocence. Then strange things begin to happen. Voices call to her…warning her…for now someone wants her dead.

For years Lord Julian Casvelyn has mourned his brother’s death, murdered by England’s most hated man, but one eventful night has changed everything Lord Julian believed about his brother’s death. Never did he suspect the woman he has just saved from certain death is the daughter of that man. Julian is caught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for a woman where he soon discovers he might well want all to remain secret.

Excerpt:

Thankful she could breathe again at least for a moment. She turned to stand by Lissa, but instead she froze upon the sight. The last person she ever expected to see this night stood in front of her.

His wide mouth curved into a vague smile which could easily turn hard she suspected. He looked quite striking, handsome and elegant in his crisp black and white evening clothes. His dark eyes darkened intensely upon her. Before she had a chance to protest, his arm gripped her elbow firmly.

“Oh, no, my dear, I think not,” his utterance carried a hard edge which startled her. “I have long tried to gain an audience with you and have been reputed one way or another. If you choose to make a scene, it will not bode well for you. You may have been hiding in the nest of the Arungdon, but I can guarantee you that legally you are still the ward of my grandfather and I…”

“Please, Lord Casvelyn, you do not have to resort to threats,” she turned her head to see if any other’s attention lay upon them, but none seemed interested. Her gaze shifted back to him. “What, pray, could you have to talk to me? Charles did send his appreciation for you saving me. He assured me he had taken care of the situation and the magistrate…”

“Come. Come. Miss Rufford…or should I say Hythe. I believe there is much we could talk of.”

She glanced back over her shoulder as he edged her along beside him. “Where are you taking me? It will not be proper…”

He cut her words short. “No one will see, I can assure you. I have arranged how I can I say this a few minutes where we will not be disrupted. Then you can rush back to your lordship.”

She watched Lord Casvelyn nod to a man in front of him, a tall man tawny hair and blue eyes. The man nodded back. Immediately, she felt herself being flung into a side door, closing tightly behind her. She could only imagine why Lord Casvelyn thought it necessary to have a guard at the door.

The room was small, quaint in appearance. There was no fire lit nor candle only the moonlit shone in light. He gestured to her to sit upon a settee. She hesitated, but then complied. To her dismay he sat beside her.

She found it difficult to catch a breath with him so near. He stared at her in a manner which made her remember all too well being in his arms with his lips upon hers.

“Now will you please explain yourself so I can rejoin Charles.”

“Ah, yes, the love of your life. I have heard. Unfortunately, I tend to doubt your proclamation of feelings.”

She stared at him and he returned it. He sat close to her, too close. She scooted back but he moved, allowing only her a scant space between her and this man who made her skin shiver with just his touch. “How dare you,” she uttered under her breath. “You don’t know me. Charles and I love each other greatly…”

“Do you?” he asked in a low voice. “Are you in the habit of sharing kisses with another while in the deep throbs of love for another? Come. Do not think I have forgotten having you in my arms. Kissing you, touching you…if not interrupted, perhaps it would have lead to more than…”

She slapped him, hard, and attempted to rise. He thwarted her with his two strong hands, pulling her down to him.

“You are no gentleman!”

“Perhaps,” he answered her, but his voice softened. “Perhaps.”

His hands released her back to her seat. What did he do to her that made her act as if she had not a reasonable thought in her head?

“Tell me, Miss Hythe, what are you up to? What plan do you have? Don’t think your friend, Lord Tregilgas can save you. If I so desire, I can have you escorted out under my care.”

“You make no sense, Lord Casvelyn. You come to me with demands that I return with you. Why should I? True, Colonel Tolworthy is my guardian, but in truth I barely know him. I have been on my own for a great deal of time of my life. Why should I be a burden to him now? It is only a few months more than I will not be.”

“Listen to me carefully, my dear. I had no knowledge that you still resided within England until three weeks ago. In all I find the whole of the situation unacceptable. I’m trying to rectify this. Believe me. I believe you are in danger.”

“Then do not worry about me. Charles has seen to my safety. You may question me, but I trust Charles. He would never allow harm to befall me as I would never allow harm to him.”

“Answer me this. Do you know no matter if you hold your father is innocent, the world does not? No matter if your young Marques holds to you, you are walking into social damnation, fair or unfair. It will not be pleasant. How long do you think it will take for someone to figure out who you are? I would wager it will not be long. And then there is the matter of the threat upon your life?”

“You are mistaken that I am trying to run from my name. I am not. Since my father’s death, I have faced his disgrace. No one thought it necessary to inform me how my father died until I was seventeen. All I knew was that he was dead. Not until Charles told me. He has been my only true friend, my Lord. I have only once visited my father’s grave and it was only through Charles I did so. Do you know what it is like to see your father’s grave ostracized from holy ground for they deem he committed suicide?”

“I know lost. I feel it every day. I dealt with my brother’s death knowing that the fiend that killed him also lay in the ground. But with your words you uttered to me, I find myself questioning all about my brother’s death. And with those words, I questioned the wisdom in allowing you this Season.”

As he spoke, he astonished her with his movement, transforming her back to that night, that room, that embrace. He moved closer, so close it seemed she could no longer claim air between them. His arms encircled her and pulled her face upward toward his. His touch startled her. She looked at him in surprise. She saw his intent, yet made no resistance. Wanting to protest, her body rebelled against the thought.

A gasp escaped her lips as he lowered his head to hers. His lips moved against hers, firm yet yielding. She melted into the sensation his kiss inflicted, the thrilling excitement and warmth flowing through her body. Her mind told her to resist though her body paid no attention to the warning. Instead, she responded to him. Gently he prodded her lips with his tongue to part. Slowly as if giving her time to get used to the idea, he slipped his tongue inside.

Within her a voice called to her to be sensible. He was dallying with her, no more, no less to prove his point. Yet, she ignored the voice choosing instead to surrender to the want within her and parted her lips fully to admit him. An intimacy flowed within her, so wonderful, awakening parts of her body she didn’t know were alive.

His arms tightened around her as pleasure cascaded through out her body. His kiss lingered. He didn’t stop with one. He kissed her again and again, astonishing her and evoking shivers that flowed down her body. A series of pleasurable sensations left her crying for more. He kissed her again, more aggressive, more demanding. Within her she had long lost any rational thought for he had her mesmerized.

She felt his hand move up and down her back. Her skin felt hot with his touch. His hand moved upward until it cupped her nape, caressing her. She could not believe what his meandering touch did to her. His lips descended down her chin to her neck. A cry escaped her when his lips found a sensitive spot which sent vibrations cascading through out her. Sensations she had never known yet desired. She had never been held in this way by anyone. Never had she felt so alive.

The next moment he held her head in his hands as if she was his captive. He ravished her mouth. Shock tensed through her. She could feel the need within him for her submit. Then as if reason took hold, he drew back. His eyes never left her widen eyes. He reached over and in a slow gentle motion caressed her face.

“Tell me now of this undying love you have for another,” he said demanding an answer from her.

Buy: Amazon

Now here’s the SPECIAL OFFER…under the Amazon Kindle Select program, Daughter of Deceit is available for FREE today and tomorrow ONLY.  Don’t miss out on this one!

 

 

Good Versus Evil

The Eternal Matchup

An entire mythology has evolved over the eons about the continuing struggle between heaven, hell, and the creatures that serve at both ends of the spectrum.  I’m over at Amaleen Ison’s blog (HERE) talking about the good vs. evil inspiration for my short story “Apocrypha.” See you over there!

~S.G. Rogers

© Eti Swinford | Dreamstime.com

Interview With a Demon

Demon Jem (Apocrypha) was interviewed over at Musa Publishing last December. (She’s too cool!).  By popular demand, here is the interview in all its glory:

Thank you for coming to chat with us today, Jem. Why do you think S.G. Rogers chose you to represent her?

She’s got the wrong idea about me, just like that old geezer artist—excuse me—gentleman, Greer Richmond. Even though I’m the most awesome demon that ever was, they both seem to think I’ve got a kernel of good inside. Ha! I’ll bet they bite into Tootsie Pops, too.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve got five hundred twelve Earth years under my 22” belt, which is pretty young for a demon.  I suppose that’s why I have so much energy for evil.  I won the award last century for Innovation in Inequity, which cheesed Loqi off (hehe), and I’ve been the reigning Miss Demon Xtreme champion ever since I turned eighteen.

Where do you live? What is it about that area that drew you there?

I have cribs all over the world (and underworld) on account of I don’t trust anyone (my co-workers especially).  I’ve stashed cash, clothes and weapons in airports and train stations across the globe.  But when I take a vacation, it’s Vegas baby, all the way.

What do you wish people would know about you?

Truly magnificent malfeasance takes talent and skill beyond the abilities of most ordinary demons.  I am the DaVinci of Disaster and the Shakespeare of Sin…and I look smoking hot working it.

What music do you listen to?

When I’m in the midst of a caper, AC/DC blasting through a pair of headphones or on the car radio works well.  But I’ve got a softer side too (shh).  I dig classical music, show tunes…and, er, ’80’s pop music.

Will we be seeing more of you or are you stepping out of the lime light?

S.G. Rogers seems to think “Apocrypha” would make a great full-length novel.  She says readers will want to find out if Greer’s grandson Dare and I ever get together.  Dare’s younger brother Rory thinks I’m hot too, so there might be some sibling rivalry happening.  Of course my co-workers are going to want to gum it all up, so things could get interesting.

Is there anything you wish S.G. Rogers had kept her mouth shut about?

Yeah.  No demon likes to feel like they’ve got a soft spot, you know?  If my co-workers ever found out I kind of cared about a human like Greer, I’d have to kick a lot of demon butt trying to live it down. We demons aren’t supposed to play with our food.

Tell us about Dare Richmond and what drew you to him?

(Turns to S.G. Rogers at this point…”Do I have to answer that?”  S.G. Rogers nods).  (Sigh) Okay…first of all, Dare is Greer’s grandson and he’s got his eyes.  And there’s something about Dare’s voice that feels better than a Swedish massage.  He’s just so damned…masculine.  If I had a heart, it would stop beating every time he looked at me.  Don’t repeat this to anyone, but I think I’m a goner.

What really pushes your buttons?

A lot of demons have been sacrificing true skill for the cheap and easy score lately.  That burns my tail.  I think they’ve been influenced by Hollywood movies, where there’s an explosion every fifteen seconds.  Demons need to go back to the basic seven deadly sins, in my humble opinion.  Sin can be original in more ways than one, and the best demons leave no fingerprints.

Do you believe in ghosts?

What, are you kidding me?  I’ve turned more humans into ghosts than I can count.  Those were the lucky ones, though.  Most of my victims wind up in the Heat Hotel, as they say, working for the Boss.

Why should readers be interested in your story?

The question is, are Greer and S.G. Rogers right about my gooey inner core? If you’re into the Good versus Evil thing, or you enjoy watching demons and angels duking it out, you’ll get a kick out of “Apocrypha.” Plus, romance fans will probably *squee* when I melt into emotional fondue over hunky Dare Richmond. Whichever way it goes, readers will have something to root for.

~ S.G. Rogers

Posing with Sword: © Jose Antonio Sánchez Reyes | Dreamstime.com

Romeo’s Spectral Charisma

Read my latest short story…a little light-hearted deviltry, over at Residential Aliens.  What would you do for a little extra Charisma?

http://www.resaliens.com/2011/06/romeos-spectral-charisma/

– S.G. Rogers