Heart of Vesuvius - Review and *$25 Giveaway*

Once again I'm delighted to welcome Sky Purington to my blog again, with her Time-travel/romance 'Heart of Vesuvius'.  I've just read this and my review is below, after the excerpt.  

Heart of Vesuvius

Forsaken Brethren Series- Book Two

Sky Purington

Genre:  Time-travel/vampire/paranormal

Date of Publication:  March 29, 2013

Number of pages:  71

Word Count: 35 K

Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Amazon

Book Description:

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

Alexandria has no choice. She must flee to the last place she wants to. Straight into the arms of a vampire she was determined to forget.

Salvator finds this a clever fix to obtaining the one woman he has always desired, Alexandria.

Together, they must find a way to evade her powerful enemy, Salvator's brother Luciano. On the run, they struggle to understand one another. Denied passion ignites. Blood is spilled. Within the heart of Vesuvius, anything is possible.

When ancient Italy pulls them back in time, dark secrets are revealed.

All can be conquered. But will it be? Can wrongs be made right? History is the locked door. Forgiveness is the key. Time will tell if ancient love can once again flourish. 

Short Excerpt

Salvator smiled, white teeth gleaming through the darkness, midnight hair brushing his shoulders. "Now that is where you are wrong." When he stood, she instinctually shifted back against the headboard. "Clothing never suited you."

Her nudity suddenly felt underused and sumptuous. The thin sheet and velvet blanket like a caress of pure perfection. As he slowly approached her thighs spread, welcoming. She slammed them shut and refused to scowl.

Salvator dripped seduction. He walked it, breathed it, spoke it.

She knew better.

"Shhh," he whispered. His finger trailed up the bedspread, skimmed along her thigh, hip, waist, until it left and returned to his side. "I will not seduce you…yet."

For a split second, Alex almost said, "Why not?" She caught her tongue. Ancient vampires were very good at what they did and Salvator ranked amongst one of the eldest. But she had grown. After all, she had been made eight hundred years ago. Though not one of the more powerful of her breed she'd paid attention and learned.

"I demand respect. I'm old enough to request such," she said. His olive-skinned hand clenched and pulled tighter against his side. She met him eye to eye, did not shy away from his abnormally pale bluish-gray gaze as she had in the past. He was to fear, respect and worship. Tall and broad shouldered, inherently smooth, he owned a room when he entered it.

He had owned her once, almost.

Not now.

With a flick of his wrist, she felt the weight of clothing comfort her skin. Salvator hadn't lent glamour to it to purposely arouse her. He had honored the way of the vampires. In many ways she was shocked he had lent his aide to her at all. But he hadn't really. He had lent it to Gabriel, for purposes of his own. Though she would like to say Salvator was different than most vampires, he wasn't. There had to be a method to his madness.

She guessed vengeance.

Alex swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood. This put the top of her head at his shoulders. "You could have dressed me in something more acceptable."

Shifting slightly, he cornered her between the bed and night table. "Consider yourself lucky you are dressed at all."

She eyed the flaming red, form fitting, silk gown minus undergarments and muttered, "Barely."

Lightning fast, his hands lay on both sides of her waist. His imposing frame was far too close, beautifully proportioned face bent. Long, thick black lashes framed his icy eyes.

"You sought my protection. Your insolence incites me." His hands squeezed. "To not grant you the respect you feel due you."

Did he still think her the quivering novice? She would not pay him an unwarranted price for his shelter. She'd not be his whore.

With all of her power, she shot one hand forward. He fell back a few inches. Alex waited calmly for the expected counterattack, for it would be swift without doubt. Instead of the wallop she deserved for attacking an elder she witnessed an oddity.

He smiled and said, "You've changed, uccellino. You are no longer a cowering beginner."

About the Author:

Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases? Visit Sky's Website, www.SkyPurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android.

Website- www.skypurington.com

A Writer’s Mind blog- www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com

Twitter- www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook- www.facebook.com/skypurington

Pinterest- www.pinterest.com/skypurington

Playlist for Heart of Vesuvius- http://tny.gs/1054gh4

My Review

This is the second book in the 'Forsaken Brethren' series by Sky Purington,  begun  in 'Darkest Memory' . Both are perfect 'stand alone' reads, although I'll bet if you read one, you'll be desperate to read the other!

The story begins with action and builds to a thrilling climax. It's a fast and gripping read.  Although I have to be honest and say vamps are not usually my favourite beings in fiction, Salvator and Alex  are such charismatic characters I instantly related to them and wanted to know more about them. The two main characters from 'Darkest Memory', Calah, and Alex's brother, Gabriel, are worthy supporting characters in 'Heart of Vesuvius.'   The scenes from which the book takes its title, the destruction of Pompeii, are both powerful and moving and the hapless   Robert, a very minor character to start with, turned out to be far more interesting than he first appeared and I found myself rooting for him too.

The sexual tension between Salvator and Alex sizzles, even while they battle deadly danger in the form of Salvator's evil brother, Luciano.   

If you like a great romantic paranormal adventure, with sex that's sizzling without being too graphic, and mystery and excitement in abundance, I can thoroughly recommend 'Heart of Vesuvius' - a Five Star read!                                        

This is my honest opinion about this book and I although I received a free copy, I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.

http://bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/now-on-tour-heart-of-vesuvius-by-sky.html

Sorry, the Rafflecopter code seems to have gone astray, click on the above link to enter there!

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle

Sky Purington - May 10th -Highland Persuasion and *G*I*v*E*A*W*A*Y

I am delighted to welcome a dear friend and hugely talented author Sky Purington to the Flight Deck today.  I am reading her wonderful new book 'Highland Persuasion.'  I had fully intended to post my Review here today, but due to circumstances beyond my control ( a rift in the space-time continuum but we won't go into that) I promise I'll get this done and posted asap.  In the meantime, here is the gorgeous cover and a tantalising excerpt:

Highland Persuasion

Amazon

The MacLomain Series- Early Years
Sky Purington

Genre:  Time-travel Highlander Romance

ASIN:  B00BURYQHK

Number of pages:   180

Word Count:  61 K

Cover Artist:  Tamra Westberry

Book Description: 

Iosbail MacLomain will do whatever it takes to bring Laird Alexander Sinclair to his knees. Even if it means she has to travel through time to eleventh century Scotland and manipulate a king into marrying her off to the enemy.

What she doesn't anticipate is a bitter rivalry between King Edgar and Alexander Sinclair. It seems the man she just married is by birthright a threat to the throne. Her plans are suddenly hindered when she and her new husband are almost murdered.

Their lives on the line, Alexander and Iosbail are forced to flee across the country. Fraught with risk, adventure and wild, unexpected desire they struggle against overwhelming odds. Only on MacLomain land does justice stand a chance.

Will a true king find shelter so far from his homeland? Can a woman set out for vengeance forgive deeds done wrong?

Better yet, can enemies persuade one another to forgive and perhaps even love?

Find out in a powerful story that leaves no soul untouched... HIGHLAND PERSUASION.

Short Excerpt:

Despite protocol, Alexander’s eyes slid from the king to the lass. While his senses slightly registered that she wore a Broun plaid, they were far too consumed with the rest of her to be rightfully infuriated.

Long and thick, blue-black hair flowed around a figure so alluring it was sinful. When she sauntered his way, Alexander stood straighter, reared up some might say, almost as though he were a wild horse first meeting she who would master him.

He did not like the feeling.

When she stopped before him, Alexander reached for the sword at his side only to realize it wasn’t there. Forced to meet her blazing sky blue eyes and exquisite face, he said not the proper thing but, “You came to steal my soul.”

While clearly she’d been poised to say something haughty her expression wavered—as if as confused as him—but she quickly regained her composure. “I am Iosbail Broun, she who is to be your wife.”

Despite the fact his king watched and tradition said he bow, Alexander did not. Instead he took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips where he made a point of giving it a cherished kiss. His eyes stayed locked with hers. Soft, so that it’d be barely heard, he said, “In name only will you ever be my wife.”

Not fazed by his rudeness, she offered a small smile; thick black lashes lowered, full pink lips curled slightly. With a whisper light word she said, “Sinclair.”

It was if she tasted his name for the first time.

Alexander wanted to catch the single word and hold it against his heart.

Mortified, well aware the Devil was at work, he squeezed her hand a little too harshly. Iosbail’s eyes rounded. He lowered his head but never removed his gaze from hers.

‘Twas all that needed to be said between them.

About the Author:

Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases?

Visit Sky's Website, www.SkyPurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android.

Website- www.skypurington.com

A Writer’s Mind blog- www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com

Twitter- www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook- www.facebook.com/skypurington

Pinterest- www.pinterest.com/skypurington

Playlist for Highland Persuasion- http://tny.gs/YiPyUE

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle

Hidden Gates Book Barrage at Hywela Lyn's Blog

I'm pleased to host this book barrage and GIVEAWAY today.  Enjoy the blurb and excerpt and be sure to read through to the end to find details of the giveawahy  and Rafflecopter entry.  Follow DT Dyllin on the other blogs in the tour as well.  The more comments and entries you make the more chances you have of winning a print copy of this amazing book.

Blurb

For P.J. Stone, being a “Seer” who has never seen anything is less than fun. And P.J. isn’t known for her patience.

To make matters worse, she must choose a suitable mate to continue the Seer bloodline. Duty always comes before her heart…at least that’s what her parents taught her. When she finds herself wanting someone who is considered off-limits, P.J. is forced to question everything she believes.

As if navigating her love life isn’t complicated enough, P.J. finally receives a vision—of a threat to her world that only she can perceive. But no one will believe a fledgling Seer’s warnings. With nowhere else to turn, she may decide to trust a stranger with her life, her world, and maybe even her heart.

Excerpt 

“Rise and shine, my little Seer.” Khol’s raspy voice echoed through my mind.

“No. Go away,” I grumbled, pulling my pillow over my head. But pillows only buffer against noise on the outside of your head, so there was no escape for me.

“You agreed to get back to your life starting today if I left you alone last night. I did, and now you are.”

“I changed my mind.”

“I can come in person to wake you up if you would like.” I could hear the smile in his voice. I lay there for another couple of moments. I’m really not sure how long it was before I started to doze again, the threat of Khol coming in person temporarily forgotten—until my pillow was snatched from my grasp.

“Hey!” I exclaimed, seeing Khol standing beside my bed with my pillow in his hands. His tall frame seemed to take up more space in the light of day, and his dark auburn hair looked like fire in the morning sun. His mere physical presence in the same room as me still caused my body to shiver with excitement. Damn . . . not good. 

Hidden Gates (P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy)

Dragonfairy Press

Heat Level: Sensual

270 pages

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Gates-P-J-Stone-Trilogy/dp/0985023058/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hiddengates-1048629-234.html

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-gates-d-t-dyllin/1112239044

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Hidden-Gates/book-fA4GK-H11U2N5THEp9md6A/page1.html

Purchase Enemy through the Gates: A P. J. Stone Novel (Book 1) at http://www.amazon.com/Enemy-through-Gates-Stone-Novel-Book/dp/1469746980/

About the Author

D.T. Dyllin was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Black & Gold for life, baby!) And now she lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two very spoiled GSDs.

Connect with D.T. Dyllin Website: http://dtdyllin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/D-T-Dyllin/258426047570107
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DTDyllin Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763250.D_T_Dyllin

Giveaway Info: Prize is 7 print copies of “Hidden Gates” (1 each to 7 winners). Due to nature of prize, contest is open to US residents only. Ends Apr 15. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the tour here:http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/04/blogbarrage-hidden-gates-pj-stone-gates.html

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle

News Snippets

As most of you know, I help run a 'fun' guest blog with Mary Ricksen, P L Parker and Mac Crowne, 'The Author Roast and Toast' where we throw a virtual party to promote our weekly guest of honour.  A recent gest, Evelyn  Cullet was kind enough to invite us each to spend a week on her blog and today is my turn.  If you have a moment please pop along to http://evelyncullet.com/blog/  to say hello.  I'll be giving away a copy of my novella 'Dancing With Fate' to one commenter.

I've also decided that much as I love having other authors on my blog and promoting their books, I think it's time I came out of hiding and posted a little bit more about myself. So from Thursday I'll start doing a 'personal' post about me, my animals or my writing, with some sneak previews of my current WIP.

WATCH THIS SPACE! 

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle

No Such Thing As Immortality by Sarah Tranter - a review

I'm delighted to feature the debut novel by  fellow author and friend, and one of my crit partners, the lovely Sarah Tranter. 

I shared her excitement last year when her manuscript was accepted by 'Choc Lit' and when we met up at the Festival of Romance. We actually shared a room, although there was so much going on it was a bit like 'ships in the night' but it was great to meet up again and so thrilling to see this long awaited book actually in print.  (Although the official print release date wasn't until January this year.)

This is a book about vampires - but if the very idea sends shivers through your soul, don't worry.  This is a vampire story like no other, and although it's been compared to The Twilight Series (which I've never seen)  many people are saying it's much better - and I have to confess to being thoroughly besotted by the hero, Nathan Gray.  One of the most honorable, gentle and charismatic characters I have come across in a long time.

First of all I have to confess I am not a 'fan' of vampire romances. I've never quite been able to understand the attraction of a blood-sucking member of the 'undead'. However, Nate's words 'I will protect you until the day I die...forever.' were enough to make me curious to read this novel - and even if I hadn't known and admired the author, I would have still wanted to read it!

Nathanial Gray, ‘Nate',  may be a vampire, but he and his little family group have sworn off feeding on human blood and instead live off the blood of animals - and black pudding! If that last sounds a little humorous, there is a lot of humour in this story, as well as angst, passion, anger and deep sorrow. The incident where Rowan's parked car (with its safety features, 'modified' by Nate without her knowledge) is hit by a double decker bus with disastrous results - for the bus, had me laughing out loud! There were also times when I felt Nate’s passion and his pain and I could not help but empathise with him.

From the moment Nate accidentally rams into Rowan's car he is smitten by her, and his amazing and disturbing connection to her results in him feeling her emotions as well as his own. A vampire 'feels no emotion that is not his choice'.  So what is going on?

 It takes a while for Rowan to return his feelings and the path of their romance is far from easy, with a previous lover and a mysterious and sinister figure, Simeon Frey,  added to the mix and attempting to keep the two apart. Their relationship is also further complicated by the fact Nate longs to tell her what he is, but is afraid that if he does, he will lose her for ever. Rowan also has some secrets in her past, and her Aunt Hetty in particular causes  much speculation and concern to the vampires.  There is something distinctly unusual about her and  in addition, there is the question of the death of Rown’s parents ,  when she and her sister were children, which now appears to have been murder.

Nate has all the charm of Mr Darcy, but is more sensitive and vulnerable. The anguish and fear he feels when his beloved Rowan is in danger comes across the pages as both mental and physical. He is also a perfect gentleman with the type of courtesy that is unfortunately all too rare these days. I am an old fashioned romantic, and a male who opens doors, carries the heroine up the stairs to avoid further injury to her foot, (caused when she kicked his car in fury) and sends her white roses, certainly has the ability to melt my heart. Sarah Tranter has a fantastic ‘voice’ and the scenes were written so vividly I felt I was there, experiencing it all with Nathan, Rowan and the great cast of supporting characters. I love first person narrative and Ms Tranter manages to pull off the male POV very convincingly.

Both Nate and Rowan are very strong characters.  Nate, despite his gallantry has a fierce temper when provoked, especially if he feels Rowan is being threatened, and makes a formidable adversary.  Rowan is feisty and independent , but where Nate is concerned her softer side shows through.

The story is fast paced  and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened next, while at the same time I didn't want it to end. The climax is real edge-of-the seat stuff and although the ending was wonderfully satisfying, it left me with several questions, and yearning for more.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.
(Sarah also has another (unrelated novel) 'Romancing The Soul', due to be published by Choc Lit next year.)


I will protect you until the day I die … forever!
A vampire does not have to feel any emotion not of his choosing.  And Nathaniel Gray has spent two hundred years choosing not to feel.  But when he accidentally runs Rowan Locke off the road, he is inexplicably flooded with everything she’s feeling, and that’s rage, and lots of it.

He is consumed with the need to protect Rowan at all costs including from himself. To Nate, what is happening is unthinkable and is pretty much as unbelievable as the existence of faeries. 

But you see, ‘There is no such thing as …immortality.’

This is Nate’s story …



PURCHASE ON AMAZON
SARAH'S BLOG
SARAH'S WEBSITE
CHOC LIT SITE




















         'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle

Interview with David Russell - author of Self's Blossom

I'm very pleased to welcome a male  writer to my blog today (we don't have too many of those visiting this blog, so you're especially welcome, David.

OK, make yourself comfortable, adjust the artificial gravity and temperature to your own personal liking, get the Nanobots to fetch you your favourite beverage, and let's get started.  First of all, curious minds want to know - What do you do for fun when not writing?

DR: Music; I am a singer-songwriter

HL: Cool! And when did you start writing?

DR: In my early 20s

HL: You've been writing a little while then.  Tell me, what comes first: the plot or the characters?

DR: Definitely the characters

HL:  Oh, I'm so with you there. Now, if someone were to play one of your characters in a movie, which character and what actor would it be and why?

DR: Kate Winslet would probably make a good Selene; I love that nonchalant curl of the lip

HL:  Good choice. Have you a favourite actor/actress? 

DR: There are so many. But Kareena Kapoor, the Queen of Bollywood, is pretty good.

 HL:   Another good choice. What have you learned about writing since you were published that surprised you the most?

DR: That I could elicit response from unexpected areas

HL:  Oh I can certainly relate to that! What’s you’re writing process? Has it changed since writing your first book?


DR: I try to sustain mechanical continuity to keep the process lubricated.

 HL: LOL, I think my nano-bots can relate to that one! :)  Do you listen to music when you write and if so, what kind of music – or do you find it distracts you?


DR: It definitely distracts me

HL:  Do you have a support system? Do you have a writing community? What valuable lessons have you learned from them?


DR: I have an online writing community, with some of whom I exchanged reviews

HL:  I think we all need support from our fellow writers, don't we. What is your personal definition of success?

DR: Feedback from intelligent, sensitive readers.

 HL:   Oh, absolutely.  Can't argue with that one!  (Do have a piece of cake, the replicator produced them especially for my special guests.) What is your favourite source of inspiration?

DR: Works of other writers, films, photos

HL:   I love doing research, and I imagine most other authors do too. What sort of research do you do for your books and what’s your favourite source of information.


DR: Some historical; Google and Yahoo are the best sources

HL:  Oh, Google is so useful isn't it Many authors relate their characters to people they know.  Is this the case with    your characters and do you see yourself in any of them?

 DR: Yes; my characters are fictional composites, containing elements of people I know. Yes; they also  contain aspects of my character


HL: Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

DR: Selene herself, because I would have loved an encounter with her.


HL:  Who is your most favorite character of all time from any book?

DE: Anais Nin talking about herself.

HL: Oh dear, the onboard computer's telling me our time is nearly up. Where can readers connect with   you?

DR: www.britishromancefiction.blogspot.com

HL:  Oh yes, I know it well, although I don't have time to contribute as much as I would like - I did have my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' featured there in October though.  Right, before the shuttle comes to take you back to Earth, is there a question you really, really wish someone would ask, but they never do? If so what would be your reply?

DR :It would be nice if someone I really liked ever asked me if I had a romantic fantasy about her.

HL: Oh I love that answer!Thank you so much for taking time to visit my blog, it’s been a thrill having you here and learning more about you and your writing. I wish you much success now and in the future.  Now let's find out a little more about 'Self's Blossom'

Self's Blossom by David Russell This is about a young woman's self-discovery. Selene is a 'success story', having become a top journalist, while retaining her dazzling looks. However, in the past she has had unhappy relationships, and feels she has missed out on hedonistic fun.  This she obtains, firstly with a young stranger on a beach, and finally with enigmatic Hudson: tryst is preceded by cultural tourism, and careful sizing up of minds. Afterwards Selene returns to her 'I stand on my own' attitude.

While she is on holiday, her mind is free to ramble, often into Selene's chequered past. Flashback blurs into the present, past-rooted interior monologue into direct observation. The dialogue is sparse. Selene is a cautious, premeditative type, in whom thought, reflection and analysis outweigh direct action.
Selene’s subtle, monitoring mind coolly observes and controls all the events. Maybe she is super-confident, or perhaps has a deep, underlying insecurity. She is many things to many readers.

 Extract from Self’s Blossom (Warning, 'Adult' themes)

Six-thirty p.m. in the lounge - the prearranged rendezvous time if things had been normal. Selene was first to arrive. Would Hudson now feel inclined to turn up? Would he be in any state to turn up? She noticed on her way that his key had not been returned to reception. In fact, he arrived at seven, looking incredibly coy, bashful and apologetic - just like Selene felt. He was carrying a gold lacquered gift box. She gave him a nod and a smile, beckoning him to sit down beside her. They kissed tentatively - reticently.

"Oh Selene, I really am sorry I got carried away like that. It was dreadful of me."


Selene patted him on the knee. "Darling, I should be apologising for getting all hysterical like that."

He put the box in front of her. "I went diving, wanted to come to my end in the depths; felt I couldn't live with myself, but I was obviously called to find something. I guess I realised one of my ambitions." He opened the box. In it was an oyster containing a huge pearl. Selene gave him a hug, tearful in her appreciation of his courage. "I've had to reflect an awful lot on my past experiences, you know. I've had to study feminism, and I really feel that if both sides - both sexes open up more, accepting more of each other, then life will be so full and enriching. I know that an awful lot happened between us . . ." he hesitated. "And?" A dreamy glow came over Hudson. "We've got so close, taken plunges together; you were so magnetic in that costume." A lump came to his throat.

 Selene was now aquiver with suspense. They were at the point of that final something for which she had yearned so desperately for so long. Selene took the words out of his mouth. " Let's make everything perfect - the absolute right time, the absolute right place, and in the perfect way. Let's take the bridal suite together for our last night here!" The final overt proposition synchronised absolutely with Selene's memory tensions. A split second before her utterance, she had a vision of being at a ceremonial hair shearing before becoming a nun, and then of a mythical white wedding (the reality of which had never come near her). She thought of the flying buttresses of a cathedral, stained glass tinted in the morning sun, angled to the light of daring love, lifting to heaven. Hudson had at last uttered the key word to the elusive combination of the ideal seduction! This just had to have one fragment of impulse and spontaneity in the context of everything else being utterly premeditated. The peak of experience had been rehearsed to the finest detail. True seduction was total theatre. To hell with all those 'ideals' of 'naturalness'! She had seen through them in that turgid forest. The true ideal lay in laced artifice! Here was the final trigger. Ages ago, they had talked away all thought of marriage and domesticity. But Hudson's superb artistry in taking hold of the last remnant of conventionality for the final act of defiance against it. The flouting, the inversion of all the oppressive concomitants of a straight wedding night, was genius. They went into a torrid clinch nearly upsetting one of the tables in the process. "Oh darling," said Selene in a half-whisper, "you've done everything right; let's go!"

* * * *
The suite was, of course, available, and the deposit no problem for Hudson. The labyrinth of corridors in the hotel did not slow them down. Having located the apartment, they rushed back to their separate rooms for their belongings. Selene was the quickest to pack, but had a little delay with the lift. They arrived at the suite door simultaneously. What a scene of luxury for the denouement. Selene now took firm control. "OK Hudson, you go and take a bath while I get ready, and get fully dressed again when you've finished. I've got some special things in store for you!" Now all of Selene's fantasies came flooding in to her. Tonight she was the greatest actress, singer, ballerina, priestess-demagogue. She would dazzle the universe in the visual sphere, and then go on to the realm of touch. Her mastery of the lovely art of dressing and undressing would now be shown to the full.
In a flash, her clothes were off. As she fitted her cap, she got a tingling premonition of what was to come. When one had meditated on the art of love as deeply as she had, one knew that the extra precautions, far from detracting from the experience, could enhance it, by stretching the partner's anticipation. The outfit to replace her casuals was all in order in her expanding suitcase. First, her brief white satin underwear, then a pale blue body stocking, easy to confuse in the half light with a bathing costume, over it her diaphanous slip, then three petticoats - crisp, archaic, Latin and lusciously provocative, sheer white stockings, and then the purple ball gown in all its splendour. She stepped into a pair of white, lacquered high-heels. A touch of eye shadow and lipstick completed a breathtaking work of art. Hudson had seen her in her other gown, in a bikini, and a variety of outer garments. Now he would know all the stages in between, and then beyond, as she would of him. The bath water lapped mutely in the background. "Ready now, darling." 

 ***

Self's Blossom eBook: David Russell: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

BARNES & NOBLE | Self's Blossom by David Russell, eXtasy Books ...

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/selfs-blossom-david-russell/1028960897
  
BIO

B. 1940, live in London, UK. My romance publications are: Self’s Blossom (novella); Explorations (short story); Further Explorations (short story) – all pub Devine Destinies; My Dream of Madonna/an Ecstatic Rendezvous (2 stories) – XoXo Publishing; Therapy Rapture (short story) due to be published by Devine Destinies. Prickling Counterpoints (poetry & prose) Deadline Books; High Wired On (speculative fiction) JazzClaw Publications. The Musician’s Testament (reflective article) in International Times

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH
            Also available on Kindle

No Such Thing as Immortality - Released today!

I love to share my friends' successes and I'm very excited for one of my UK  friends, Sarah Tranter.  Her debut novel 'No Such Thing As Immortality' is released today by'Choc Lit'  at Amazon (UK) and Amazon USA

The release date for the paperback is 7th January but it's available for your Kindle or E-reader TODAY!

Pre-order Print version from CHOC LIT

I've just read the wonderful reviews for this book on the website above - and can't wait to read the book myself!

BLURB:

I will protect you until the day I die … forever A vampire does not have to feel any emotion not of his choosing. And Nathaniel Gray has spent two hundred years choosing not to feel. But when he accidentally runs Rowan Locke off the road, he is inexplicably flooded with everything she's feeling, and that's rage, and lots of it. He is consumed with the need to protect Rowan at all costs including from himself. To Nate what is happening is unthinkable and is pretty much as unbelievable, as the existence of faeries. But you see, 'There is no such thing as …immortality.' This is Nate's story …

Congratulations Sarah, and I look forward to meeting up with you at the Festival of Romance, later today!

'STARQUEST'    'CHILDREN OF THE MIST'  (The sequel to Starquest)  Dancing With Fate      'Freeread':'A BARGAIN WITH DEATH

                  Also available on Kindle