We meet an ancient, elegant #vampire on the #romance writers’ blog today, in a #teaser as Sascha rescues the girl who will become the love of his life from the threat of another vampire’s hunger. #paranormalromance #shifter #romance #steamy @elodieparkes The Black Lion

 

When Melissa fleetingly meets Sascha in The Black Lion nightclub, she hopes he will approach her.

Sascha has secrets and it’s a long time since there was a woman in his life. He hesitates, even though he’s drawn to her until...

When she is threatened, he acts. When he is hungry, she hunts.

Unknown to both of them someone watches jealously.

Will this jealousy stop the budding romance between two people who both have something to hide?

A sizzling, paranormal romance, full of surprises.

Read the excerpt: Edited by the author from the 18+ original in the book to PG for this blog

Sascha gazed at the young woman, whose name, Melissa, he’d stored away like a precious jewel. He memorized the heart shaped face, the big green eyes, the dimple in her right cheek. He moistened his top lip with the tip of his tongue as he considered her mouth. I’d love to hold her close, just feel her warmth against me. I’d like more … I bet her hair feels like silk. He sighed as his gaze traced the length of her glossy chestnut hair. It fell around her shoulders and down her back. Sascha longed to grasp a handful, pull her close, and kiss her. He imagined it. He recalled her look in the mirror at the bar. She was interested in him. It was obvious, and his own ineptitude was why he stood staring down at her, instead of grasping her to his form. I could have compelled her. I could give her so much love…

A low voice to his left suddenly invaded his thoughts.

“She’s not for you, brother. I see your scrutiny. I saw her first.”

Sascha prickled with anger at the voice and himself for not hearing the approach, nor scenting this man who leaned casually against the barrier. His fury burned in his chest and he whispered dangerously. “Who the hell are you?”

The man stood straight and so did Sascha.

They faced each other.

Sascha caught the vague smell of vampire heavily disguised by a mix of sandalwood, cedar, rosemary. How could I have missed a vampire in the club? He must have just arrived.

“I’ll ask you again. Who are you? I know what you are.”

The man before him sighed and waved a hand elegantly. “Fonteyn. Pleased to meet you, brother.”

Sascha bristled. “I’m not your brother.”

“Come now, it’s just a greeting, between two of the same kind. I’ve seen you here before. You’re not very careful or perhaps you’re more daring than I am. I thought to make a friend after many years without meeting another … vampire.” His low voice dropped to a conspiring whisper. He mouthed the last word and then grinned.

Sascha ached to slaughter this threat to his happiness. He was far from desirous of a friend. He’d never experienced anything but rivalry from other vampires and didn’t trust any of them, although he stopped short at violence toward them. His life in the early days had been harsh and he knew it could be a difficult life. “You disguise yourself well. I’ve never seen you here.” Sascha decided on a friendlier approach.

“Practice, herbs, and the truth is I’ve only been here a few times before tonight.” Fonteyn glanced away from Sascha’s face and down at the table where the young woman now sat alone watching her friends gyrate on the dance floor a few yards away.

Sascha’s instinct was to back off—pretend he had no more interest in the girl to make sure she wouldn’t be in any danger from this other vampire. “I didn’t realize she was with you, Fonteyn. How long have you known her?” He coated his voice with acceptance, resignation.

Fonteyn looked back at him. His black eyes full of suspicion, and then he changed. His expression told Sascha this vampire Fonteyn believed he was no longer interested in the girl.

“I followed her here. Her fragrant blood drew me like a moth to a flame. The sway of her hips, the shimmer of her hair as she passed me on the corner of the street were like a magnet for me. I fell in love. What a morsel. What a tasty, rare treat she will be when I eat later.”

Sascha was as tall as Fonteyn, but more muscular and healthy. Turned in the early prime of his life, Sascha retained his youthful looks, his beauty enhanced by vampirism. He radiated masculinity, sex. Ancient, his life experience made him gentle.

Fonteyn was older when turned. Still, he was handsome, Sascha reflected. His black hair traced with only a few strands of silver. His black eyes fringed with dark lashes, he had an exotic air.

Sascha gave the slightest nod of his head. “I’ll leave you to it.”

Fonteyn’s dismay at Sascha’s intention to go was apparent on his face.

“Going so soon, brother? Maybe I’ll see you again here.” He almost bowed. It was a weird, old-fashioned movement, and caused Sascha to question what era Fonteyn hailed from.

Sascha shook his head. “I’ve tired of the place. I dropped by tonight out of habit. I doubt I’ll be back.” His lie left a bitter taste in his mouth. He turned and left the place via the balcony. He only stopped shaking with anger when his feet touched the ground below.

Sascha burned with fear for Melissa. He groaned in pain at the thought of her becoming Fonteyn’s meal. A huge shudder went through him. He tore into the nightclub not even a blur to the doorman nor the patrons. His presence like a breeze, moved the frilly cuffs of Goth shirts, ruffled tendrils of long hair, put ripples in satin evening dresses, and he picked the young woman up. He flew with her so fast her hair streamed out behind her, her cry of surprise and fear was lost in the night. The small evening bag on its gilt chain draped across her body, bounced against her hip.

Sascha stopped running only when he was halfway home. He settled on a rooftop and looked around. He held Melissa close to his chest. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“Don’t be afraid. I’m saving you from someone who meant to harm you.” He raised his head and breathed in the night. Identifying smells and sifting through sounds in search of Fonteyn. There was no sign that he’d followed … no sign at all. Sascha placed the trembling woman on the felt membrane of the flat roof. They stood behind a sign. Huge letters cut from wood were anchored to the edge of the roof. Sascha could tell it read, Happy Inn.

“Melissa, please don’t be afraid. I had to do this. My name is Sascha.”

Her eyes wide, she stared at him.

He picked her up and looked around. The next roof had a small table and chairs on it. Strings of tiny, colored fairy lights blinked around a door in a wall. Someone lived over the top of the neighboring business. He leapt to the next roof. Strode to the table and chairs, sat on one and brought Melissa onto his knee. He cradled her there against his chest.

Sascha felt her shaking. His arm tightened around her and with the other hand, he stroked her hair, her cheek. “Shush … shush … you’re safe with me. Safe…” He whispered the words. Even though his breath caught in his throat, as he fought down the need to kiss her—to devastate her with kisses. He swallowed the scent of her now. He sensed only a little fear in her. Something else made her shake. She wasn’t easy to read, unless his heightened emotions were in the way. He rocked her gently. His hand slipped through her hair and he held her head to his chest. “Melissa, I had to do this, please … I’ll explain, but it will be scary. What I tell you will be shocking.” A fleeting thought furrowed his brow, if being carried at enormous speed isn’t shocking enough.

He rocked her.

She put a hand on his chest to push away from him. “Tell me. It’s okay. I’m not afraid.”

Sascha’s eyes closed for a few seconds. A rush of desire tightened his stomach at the sound of her voice and touch of her hand.

“You’re shaking.”

She shook her head. “Not with fear.”

Copyright Elodie Parkes, Hot Ink Press, a division of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

 

Buy the Book

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Lion-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B00LU918A6

Available to read free on Kindle Unlimited

5 stars on Good Reads 

“From the minute I met out hero Sascha, I was intrigued and a bit in love. He has an old world quality that endears you, and when you discover his secret… you understand why. Melissa has her own mysteries. Independent and feisty, she has an instant connection with Sascha. They come together in a dazzling display of lust, possibility, and emotion. Their bond deepens swiftly, and as the story goes on, we begin to really understand why.

Black lion is a fantastic short. Sexy, inventive, and charming, it’s the perfect novella to cuddle up with when you’re looking for a paranormal romp in fantasy land. I highly recommend it.”

4 stars, reviewed by Natasha Jackson for a Readers’ Favorite

 

“When The Black Lion begins we know that a man, who we later learn is called Sascha, is on the hunt. For sex or something else, we aren’t quite sure until he spots a beautiful woman from whom he can feed. But when he spots, well ... smells, Melissa he has a lot more than food on his mind. Melissa is enthralled, but Sascha is gone before he can make a move and so begins Elodie Parkes’ new paranormal tale of love and lust.

When Sascha intercedes to save her from another of “his kind,” Melissa isn’t shocked because she has her own secrets. But before secrets are revealed, the attraction between Sascha and Melissa must be acted upon before the jealous person looming in the shadows can make their move.

From the moment they meet at the The Black Lion club there is a strong connection pulling Melissa and Sascha together, or is it something else? This short story from Elodie Parkes is a perfect fantasy combining love, secrets, and a hidden enemy in just a few short pages. And the love scenes are as hot as I’ve come to expect of Parkes; they are just descriptive enough to make you blush and understand how a couple could so quickly succumb to their emotions. The Black Lion is short but it is well written and the author has a frank voice that cuts to the chase, because why should supernatural beings waste so much time being poetic when they've been talking for centuries? This genre is an acquired taste but Elodie Parkes gets the job done every time.”

 

What surprises her most is how charming the duke can be. Until a mistake on his part makes her question his feelings and his intentions. #newrelease #historicalromance #Regency from @BarnesSophie

 

 

The Gentlemen Authors Series, Book Three

Historical Romance / Regency Romance

 Date Published: October 24, 2023

 

 

She was the last person he ever expected to marry…

 

Callum Davis, Duke of Stratton, never expected to get along with Emily Brooke, but thanks to his ward, he starts to realize she’s pretty good company. The more time he spends with her, the better he likes her. But rather than let their relationship grow at a gradual pace, a pretend courtship leads to a whirlwind romance that quickly collapses when Emily finds out what Callum has written about her. Now he must make every effort to prove his love for her is real, or risk losing her forever.

There is only one person Lady Emily Brooke must avoid at all cost, and that’s the Duke of Stratton. Since her debut, the man has threatened her safety by stepping upon her toes, spilling drinks on her gown, and sending her head first into a fountain. But when he invites her for a walk so the boy in his care can spend time with her dog, she cannot resist. What surprises her most is how charming the duke can be. Until a mistake on his part makes her question his feelings and his intentions.

 

The Gentlemen Authors Series:

A Duke's Guide to Romance

The Gentlemen Authors, Book One

 

A Duke's Introduction to Courtship

The Gentlemen Authors, Book 2

 

A Duke's Lesson in Charm

The Gentlemen Authors, Book 2

Coming October 24, 2023

 

Amazon

 

 About the Author

USA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.

When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.

Contact Links

Website

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Amazon

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For today’s October #supernatural blog visitor we meet #vampire Ethan Ross from #paranormalromance Deep Dream, who tells us when and who turned him @elodieparkes

 

Hello Ethan, thank you for visiting the romance writers’ blog today. 

Thank you for inviting me. It’s a good break from rehearsals with the band.

 

What’s the name of your band? How many band members are there?

 

The band’s name is Deep Dream. (Smiles.) I guess the book is named after the band. There’s Marcus, the bass guitarist, Jolene, the other singer, the twins, Alex and Luke more guitarists, and me, so five.

 

How did you come up with the name?

 

Well, you know we’re vampires. We can all put mortals into a deep dream … should we want to … I mean we don’t. We’re … benign.  There was once, though, where I had to compel sleep on someone. I did it for good reasons but I'm still a little ashamed of it, although the person in question long ago forgave me. (Sighs.)

 

Of course. Ethan can you tell readers who turned you?

 

Yes. It was a long time ago, 1922, but as vamps go, I’m quite young only nearly a hundred years old as a vamp but a hundred and twenty-five if you count my human existence, too. (He grins.)

In those days, living in New York, I frequented a Manhattan speakeasy. I was twenty-five, and I like to think, going places in music and baseball.

The woman who turned me came to the speakeasy one night. The most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, I watched her glide through the crowds, drinking, smoking, and tapping a pretty foot as she listened to the jazz band playing. She noticed me, told me her name was Ruby and lured me into a relationship so sexually charged my head spun continually. 

(He shook his head and heaved a sigh before he continued with his story and I wait silently. Only a couple of questions into the interview and I've started to realize Ethan is no stereotypic vampire.)  

I wrote a song for her, followed her every night through New York, and when she said she loved me, I was hooked.

She brought me to New Orleans to meet her community telling me we’d be married there. I clung to her for the three nights she gave me after taking me to her French Quarter mansion—then she disappeared. (He shrugged.) I never saw her again. I left her place after months of waiting and hoping and made a life for myself without her.

 

Did the experience put you off love? I know in the book blurb it states you swore off love but then…

 

It made me wary. I decided never again to be hurt the way Ruby hurt me. I got away with that for close to a hundred years. Now, I’m a little ashamed to say, I was a bad boy during those years taking what I wanted from women, although I never hurt them…

 

I know you work in a mysterious nightclub can you tell us a little about it?

 

I have to be careful not to give away too many secrets. It’s a magical place. Many supernatural people hang out there. It’s safe for us there. The nightclub is owned by a warlock, Tate. He offers an extra thrill for select private members in the top bar of StarZ. We call the bar the clouds. (Ethan stops and stares at me. Clearly, he’s saying nothing else.)

 

Thank you. 

Tell the readers about the book, Deep Dream.

 

It’s paranormal romance, a sizzler, in fact, but the story of how I fall in love despite my vow not to. The reader will meet the band members, roadies, the warlock, Remy, who to my horror, I can tell you, goes after Anna.

 Anna Prideaux is the girl I fall for. (He smiles.) We do get together … there’s a happy ending. 

Oh, yeah and secrets about the private bar, the clouds, are revealed to the reader.

 

Describe Anna to me

 

She’s great. She’s a journalist for a music magazine. She’s intelligent, talented, and so pretty, in fact stunning. I notice her right away when she visits the nightclub before she interviews me, but I’m rude to her and dismissive. (He sighs.) Yeah, I’m a real asshole. Then things happen. I have to accept my feelings. It’s hard … to begin with.

 

You’ve mentioned Remy. Who is he?

 

Hmm. Remy is a silver-eyed, beautiful, charming sorcerer. He made a pass at Anna right under my nose. She was enchanted by him for a short time and honestly, I can’t fault her there. I, er ... I put paid to that. If I’m honest, it was seeing her with Remy that made me realize I was in love with her. I should thank him. (He laughs then.)

 

Ethan, name some facts about yourself you’d like readers to know

 

That’s hard. I’ll keep the answers low key. Sorry. (He grins, obviously not sorry.)

 

I like vodka, although it doesn’t have much of an effect on me except to settle me down somewhat when I’m upset.

 

I generally wear black jeans because I like them. In fact, I wear a lot of black.

 

I still live in the French Quarter. I have a house a short distance from the nightclub.

 

I play the guitar when I do sole performances, but I sing in the band.

 

I have blue eyes, naturally. My mother gave them to me. They didn’t change when I was turned.

 

 

Thank you for that. Will you choose an excerpt from the book for our readers?

 

I think I’d like to show my softer, more emotional side in the excerpt. I choose the passage where I realize I’m in love with Anna. She’s at my place where I’ve taken her to make up for my horrible actions in the clouds. I’ve told her she fainted, although it was me who compelled her to sleep. (His expression holds sadness.)

 

Read Ethan’s chosen excerpt:

 

Ethan finally admitted to himself that here was a woman he would love forever … if he let himself … if she still wanted him … He yearned to stroke the tendrils of her hair from her lovely skin and kiss her all over. Ethan dragged his thoughts away from sex.

Anna is brave and smart, too. He’d enjoyed her questions in the interview about his band, if he was honest and not putting up a barrier against her. He sighed at his own foolishness and sat beside her. “I’ve been a little offhand with you. I’m sorry about that.”

She turned to face him, pressing her purse onto her thighs to keep her dress down.

“Try more than a little offhand, Ethan.” She looked into his eyes, her expression sincere and took a deep breath. “I wish you’d be more honest with me about StarZ. It seems to me now that you might have been hoping to put me off coming to the club with your manner. Tell me about Remy. Did he just leave me fainted on the floor?” Her eyes searched his face.

Ethan didn’t know what to say. “Remy wasn’t there when it happened. He’d gone off somewhere. He did tell me he likes you very much, but I don’t want you seeing him. He’s …”

Frowning, she interrupted. “You don’t want me seeing him. Who are you, my father? That’s a bizarre thing to say. I’ll see who I want.”

Ethan leaned forward to make sure she saw the honesty in his eyes. “It’s because I like you very much. I wish … I want …”

Anna gazed into his eyes. “Do you?” Her tone held surprise.

Ethan looked away from her face. The truth was he wanted to kiss her so much there was an unfamiliar knot of pain in his stomach. Desperation rose up. “Yes, and it worried me, because I promised myself not to—” He stopped abruptly, aware he was about to say, fall in love. He couldn’t go that far … yet.

Anna nodded slowly. “You have to know I like you, too. I have from the moment we met. Remy is very tempting, but there’s something dangerous about him. I felt drugged by it when he first kissed me. I’m lonely, sort of. I wanted what he offered. That doesn’t make me bad. You were always pushing me away, and I thought you didn’t want to know me. Now it seems as if you’re the only person around here who’s normal. Does Remy practice magic? Is the owner, Tate, a warlock? Is the whole place a cover for some satanic cult?” Her voice fell to a whisper.

Ethan was reeling from her idea he was normal and then when she asked the direct questions he had no idea if he should tell her or not. It occurred to him for the first time that he didn’t know if any ordinary humans knew anything at all of what really went on in the StarZ private bar or if they all believed it was just an elaborate show. I can’t tell her. The truth is unbelievable, but if she believed it she might be horrified, and who might she then tell? Better to let her think its rumor to enhance the club’s appeal.

She took his hand as he sat silently.

It thrilled him and he soaked up the satin feel of her skin as her thumb touched his palm.

She spoke gently. “I really need the truth.”

Tentatively Ethan placed his other hand over hers.

She looked down, but left her hand enclosed in his.

He forced himself to speak as desire and worry vied for first place in his mind.

“It’s not a satanic cult, but there are people there who believe in magic.” He simply couldn’t tell her the truth. His lies discomforted him, but he told himself it was to save Anna from being afraid. “People spread rumors when things seem mysterious. Remy probably hypnotized you to begin with, but he thinks you wanted his kisses tonight. Did you?”

Anna’s eyes widened with a swift flame of anger that Ethan knew his lies had ignited, and then she gave a quick sigh and moved her hand away from his. “Hypnotized—apart from that being outrageous, I did want his kiss, at first, when I arrived at the club tonight.”

A huge dip of disappointment replaced the knot of pain in Ethan’s stomach.

“I told him you didn’t. Sorry, I told him you wouldn’t choose him. He asked to hear it from you.” Ethan stood and walked away to a window at the other end of the room where he stared out at the dark night, and still seeing everything out there, he watched a black cat slink across the tiny manicured lawn.

The sound of Anna putting on her shoes and standing made him turn toward her.

She walked to him.

“Choose him. That sounds as if you told him I was choosing between him and someone else. Who would that be? I want to go home now. I need to call a cab.”

One of the shoestring straps of her dress fell from her shoulder down her upper arm. She was bedraggled and her expression held uncertainty tinged with fear.

Ethan reached out and gently pulled the strap up. Her silken skin under his fingers filled him with an aching need to hold her close. He held himself back from kissing her. The scent of her blood filled his head, but he didn’t want to drink from her, only to make love to her. “I’ll drive you.” He wanted to take care of her and keep her safe. He suddenly, desperately, wanted her love, but just as suddenly, the thought came into his head. She’ll never love a vampire. He gazed into her eyes, his fingers still on her shoulder, and he caressed there softly.

Anna’s eyes filled with emotion.

He recognized it. She’d looked at him like that before in the bar and he’d flicked her off with his sarcasm, now he drifted in the longing clear in her gaze. He bent his head slowly to hers. He rested his forehead against hers waiting for her to spook and withdraw, but she leaned against him with a soft sigh.

The sigh vibrated with pleasure. “It’s you isn’t it? I choose between him and you.”

Ethan closed his eyes and kissed her. The kiss devastated him. He held her head to keep her mouth on his. His hunger for her kisses astounded him, drove him to murmur low sounds and linger against her lips even when he felt her search for a breath. He broke away a fraction to let her breathe.

Copyright Elodie Parkes, Hot Ink Press, a division of Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing

Thank you for visiting the blog today, and thank you for the excerpt.

I enjoyed being here. Thank you.

(He stands and with a soft smile, he leaves. I don’t even see him go so he must have turned on the vampire speed.)

 

If you would like to buy Deep Dream, it’s available on all Amazon sites and to read free if you’re with Kindle Unlimited. See below for links.

 

Here’s the blurb

 

Gorgeous Ethan Ross believes he’s immune to love. He’s a lead member of, Deep Dream, a rock band that often plays at StarZ, an up-market, mysterious, New Orleans rock club and he’s never short of romantic offers, so, he reasons, why bring love into the equation? He also works in StarZ as a bartender, which is great cover for what he really is and gives the ladies the opportunity to flock to him. He’s seen some strange things there, but Ethan isn’t easily shocked, after all, he’s supernatural.

When music magazine journalist, Anna Prideaux visits StarZ to interview his band, she’s drawn to Ethan in a way she’s never experienced before. As she returns to the club time and again in the hope he will ask her out, she slowly becomes aware that the club holds a mystery ... what really happens in the private upstairs bar, for instance?

Anna is ready to give up the idea of ever gaining Ethan’s attention when gorgeous Remy Dubois hits on her.

Sparks start to fly as Ethan feels...what...not a twinge of jealousy, surely?

Who will win Anna’s heart and how low will the two men stoop to do it?

 

(Please note that this story was written before the author knew there was an entertainment broadcasting company with the name Starz. NO infringement is intended. The story and nightclub in the story is entirely fictitious and has no relationship with this entertainment company.)

 

Buy Links.

Deep Dream. Late night, the supernatural people come out to play.

https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Dream-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B01BLO58YQ

https://www.amazon.ca/Deep-Dream-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B01BLO58YQ

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Dream-Elodie-Parkes-ebook/dp/B01BLO58YQ

Search ASIN B01BL058YQ on any other Amazon site

 

 

Pre-order today #steampunk #romanticsuspense #murdermystery from author Mikala Ash and @changelingpress

Steampunk, Murder Mystery, Romantic Suspense

Date Published: Oct 20, 2023

 

London is under attack!

At Allenby Hall the net tightens around Dolly Preston and her gentleman friend, Pascal Baudelaire. Lies abound. Who can she trust?

The chaos in the heart of the empire requires Agent of the Queen, the predatory Miss Clayton, to make an ultimatum. The snowstorm ends, and Molly, caring for the wounded Mr. Allenby, is in for a shocking disappointment as events reveal the truth behind the Lewellen murder.

While London burns, Polly risks her new relationship with the honourable Tom Gold by revealing her extreme carnal desires. The three Preston sisters deal with the threat to their family’s future in their own inimitable styles, but will they succeed?

 

 

About the Author

Aussie Mikala Ash used to be a mild-mannered training & development consultant by day, and a wild sci-fi and paranormal adventure writer by night. Now she is a brazen full-time writer and nature photographer who is concentrating on having among other things, “… bags, and bags of fun!” Mikala can be found on Facebook and on Twitter.

Author on Facebook

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

October is the month for #supernatural visitors to the blog. Read an #Interview with a #Vampire today as gorgeous, fierce Dhruv answers some questions #paranormalromance @evernightpub @ElodieParkes

He’d been sent off course…he thought he was lost…until he found Daisy.

His vampire abilities were special. He belonged to an elite group. Moving home, they are set off course by a storm that lands Dhruv alone, hungry, and desperate in a strange town. That’s where he meets Daisy.

Hi Dhruv, thanks for agreeing to talk to us today.

 

Hi, thanks for inviting me to your blog. I’m not usually around in the day, even though I can be. I prefer the night.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself

 

My name is Dhruv. I don’t use a last name anymore. I’m originally from Norway, but I haven’t lived there in many years. I found a group of beings like me a long time ago and joined their community. We call ourselves a clan, because we are all the same in one special respect. I can’t tell you that, or the author of the book would have a meltdown (smiles). It would be a spoiler. 

I became the clan’s scribe. I love to write and I draw too. I was writing their chronicles, but something terrible happened and I’ve stopped for a while. That event brought me to the place I am at the beginning of the story, A Little Mysterious. 

In my long experience, fate always has a hand in what happens to us all, and happily, for me in this instance, fate brought me where I needed to be.

 

Are you happy with the way people perceive you?

As a vampire, or when they don’t yet know that? Truth is, I don’t know how they perceive me. (Smiles.) I know people used to say I was a little mysterious before they discovered that I’m a vampire, hence the book title. I see fear in some peoples’ eyes even before they know, so I must give off some fierce or dangerous vibes without trying. Do you feel afraid right now in my company?

 

Well, not right now. You seem friendly enough … safe enough…

 

Being a vampire is expressing love difficult for you?

 

I can express love. I didn’t think I’d ever find real love and I guess I expressed some kind of love, maybe a fleeting affection, through sex for a while there.

Sex is important. I think if you love someone, the way I love Daisy, you’re going to make love to them often, want them badly a lot of the time. (Grins)

Well I do, but with Daisy in my life now, I express my love for her through care, caring for her feelings, and needs, so, not just physical stuff but through understanding her, being there for her. (Rubs his forehead.) I hope that’s what I do. (Smiles.)

 

 

If you were taken out of the story, and placed into your author’s world, what would be the first thing you’d do?

I’d free my author from the tyranny of humanity. She’s a compassionate person and I’d like to give her something for telling my story. (Frowns.) Naturally, I’d check first to make sure she wanted to become a vampire.

 

Have you found many people do want to be turned?

 

In the hundreds of years I’ve been around, I’ve found a lot. You’d be surprised how many, but here’s the thing … it’s not something to do lightly and I’ve only done it twice.

 

If you could pull your author into your world of vampires and other supernatural beings, what do you think would happen to them?

 

I think she’d cope well. Again, I’d have to give her a hand to fit in and I’d do that because I like her. Other than the physical aspect of being in my world, she’d be fine. She’s accepting and broadminded. Actually, I can think of a clan member who might be very interested in meeting her. He still hasn’t found his mate…mmm I’ll have to think about this.

 

What was the best sexual experience you’ve had?

(Grins.)

I wasn’t expecting a question like that. Okay, well, I don’t usually kiss and tell, but because it’s you asking, I’ll tell you a little about one of the best times.

I was in a park having sex with this girl, lovely girl, very sexy and warm. The night was dark, dreamy, and cool, when as I came into her, the most shattering thing happened. I regained a memory I’d lost. The connection I felt with her then was incredible. I already felt a lot for her and couldn’t get enough of her so this was … epic.

 

Let’s talk about another character in the book,

For instance, what’s your take on Ivor?

 

Oh, the café owner. He’s a funny guy. You know he gave me a coffee maker as a gift. (Laughs.) He’s kind-hearted and he cares about his staff. I think he hoped Daisy and I would get together before we did. He gave her time off to see me once.

 

If you were to spend a day with a reader, what would you two do together?

 

Whoa, now that would be an experience. I’d have to be careful not to scare the living daylights out of them. I’d show them around my place. I’d ask them what they wanted to do. I’d introduce them to Daisy. You know low key things so they didn’t spook and run.

 

Tell me something about Daisy.

She's waiting downstairs, right now. Why don't we ask her up? (Takes his phone from his jacket pocket and calls Daisy. ) Hey, sweetheart, come and join in. Yes.

This is a surprise. Daisy is welcome, of course.

(She comes into the room, smiling, and sits on the couch next to Dhruv.)

Hi, Daisy, thanks for joining in. Tell us about yourself and the book you star in.

The book is a paranormal romance ... sizzling stuff in places. It's the story of how I meet Dhruv and how we fall in love.  (Turns to Dhruv and smiles.) 

I’m in my early twenties. I work in a café at the time readers meet me. I’m just an ordinary girl.

(Dhruv interjects here.)

What? You’re lovely, Daisy. 

Don’t you think? 

(Asks me this. I nod he’s looking dangerous, now. He continues after taking Daisy’s hand.) 

Readers, she’s pretty, intelligent, creative, sexy. 

(Daisy, leans over and kisses Dhruv.)

You love me so you’re biased.

(Dhruv grabs a handful of her hair and kisses her hard before replying, so I’m just waiting for them. Dhruv lets Daisy go.)

Damn right, I love you.

(They grin at me so I'd better ask another question.)

If you had the chance to have the author change your names what will they be?

(Dhruv widens his eyes.) 

I wouldn’t like that. My name’s Dhruv. Why would the author change it? And Daisy is a lovely name. 

(Now he pulls Daisy onto his lap. She cuddles against him. This is worrying. If they start making out I’m leaving.)

(Daisy smiles as she looks at me.)

I actually like my name. It’s unusual. I don’t think many girls are called Daisy now. 

Okay, Dhruv how about you give up three of your deepest, darkest secrets. 

(He stops tracing his fingers up and down daisy’s arm to answer.)

You’re kidding. Why would I do that? They’re secrets and anyway it could be dangerous to tell you much more than I have already about myself 

(I nod. His ice-blue eyes are boring into me now. Are his nails lengthening? Yikes, I’ll ask Daisy.)

 Daisy, how about you? Any secrets you want to share?

Not likely. 

Oh, okay. I’ve recently found out how great skinny-dipping is. I still eat way too much chocolate. I’m a coffee addict … I still drink it almost nonstop, but then doesn’t everybody?  Well, except my author, she drinks tea, and Dhruv, he drinks…

(Dhruv puts his hand over her mouth, kisses her ear, and whispers something to her. There you go, they do have secrets after all. On to the next question.)

Daisy, what do you love best about yourself?

My hair if it’s a physical thing, and if not, then my compassionate nature.

What do you like least?

I’d rather not say. (Glances at Dhruv who is busy staring at me, and quietly points at her butt.)

What about you, Dhruv?

I’m happy enough as I am. I’ve had a long time to get used to it.

How do you feel about the book you’re in? (Daisy answers.)

I like it for the emotion in it There’s a twinge of sadness in there to begin with when you hear Dhruv’s back story, but he doesn’t dwell on it.

(She kisses his cheek.)

Can you share one of your favorite parts of the book without giving too much away and tell us why you chose it?

Okay, it has to be a love scene for me. Maybe with a little hook for readers to know there's much more to our love story than the sizzling parts. What about you, Dhruv? (Daisy gazes lovingly at him.)

(Dhruv sighs) 

Definitely.

Read their chosen excerpt:

They lay there in the damp grass with the smell of wet vegetation and the occasional sound of a bird fidgeting in the leaves of the trees.

“I think I could be falling in love with you.” 

He felt her words spear his heart. She had said them softly between kisses. He took his lips away from hers. The gentle way she held him made him pulse with emotion close to the one he felt when he thought about his lost clan members. He closed his eyes and rested his cheek against hers briefly.

“Don’t fall in love with me. I’m only passing through.” His voice cracked with emotion as he knelt, sliding from her warmth, and stood to stare down at her.

He helped her up and found her clothes. He watched as she hurriedly put them on. He dragged on his jeans, t-shirt, and jacket.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Daisy. Don’t fall in love with me.” He knew he must have a mate somewhere else, waiting for him to find her.

He took Daisy's hand and led her out of the trees, over the bridge, and down the path.

“How do we get to your place from here?” He put his arm around her shoulders.

“It’s down the high street as we exit the park, second left, and then left again. I’m sorry, about the ‘falling for you’ thing … I don’t mean to crowd you, or…”

He didn’t let her finish the apology because her voice was full of sadness.

He leaned over and kissed her mouth closed. He felt something deep for her, and hid from it. They walked to her place. He held her hand.

At the stairs to her apartment, he moved back a few steps.

“I’ll leave you here.” He wanted to warn her about the love bite he'd given her, in case it scared her when she saw it. “I’m sorry. I sucked a bit too hard on the … love bite. There’s a big mark.” He gestured towards her neck. 

She nodded. “It’ll be okay. Will you be at the bar tomorrow?”

He heard hope in her tone, with a trace of concern. His heart, long dead, felt even more like a stone than usual. He knew she was worried that now they’d fucked she wouldn’t see him again. He wanted to see her again so badly it made him shake.

“I’ll be there.” His voice was a whisper and he turned. He walked quickly away. When he judged he was out of her line of vision, he burst into speed, and fled back to the sanctuary of the trees and the rustle of leaves in the dark.

Copyright Elodie Parkes, Evernight Publishing.  

I smile as I thank them. Thanks for being here and answering my questions.

It's been good. Thank you.

(Dhruv nods his goodbye as he’s standing up. He takes Daisy's hand and off they go. Daisy turns and waves as they reach the door.)

If you'd like to buy the book it's available on Evernight Publishing.

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-little-mysterious-by-elodie-parkes/

Your Amazon http://mybook.to/alittlemysterious

Siren Bookstrand https://www.bookstrand.com/a-little-mysterious-mf

Nook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-little-mysterious-elodie-parkes/1117564301

KOBO https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/a-little-mysterious

Reviews 

 5 stars on a Readers' favorite

" Elodie Parks beautifully crafts the dance between them. Dhruv stares longingly at Daisy throughout her shifts, thinking of all the things he wants to do to her body, and Daisy falls asleep each night thinking of the pleasure to be had between them. A Little Mysterious is a steamy love story guaranteed to burn up the sheets and the story of how Dhruv came to find Daisy was fantastic. Although this is a short story, Parks packs it with all the right details to make us not only care about the characters, but about how their story turns out."

4 stars on Coffee Time Romance