Merry Christmas from Clan Dantonville

Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the season

I wish all my lovely readers a very merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous new year.

In my last newsletter I said that the next time you all hear from me will be from my brand spanking new Wordpress website. Alas, life too often has other ideas and interferes with the best laid plans.

Anyone who knows me well, laughs when using my name and technology in the same sentence. So sadly, my Wordpress website is taking a little longer to set up then I anticipated. But, it is coming together and my Home page is done. Here's the link if anyone would like to check it out and tell me what you think of it http://www.timamarialacoba.com 

And if anyone knows how to add a slider to my Book page header, please let me know. I'd be most grateful.

Until then, I'm posting from my old blogger site.

NEWS ABOUT BLOODWISH AND TERENS

I'm thrilled to announce that BloodWish will be released in time for Valentine's Day - Feb 14th 2018. I can't wait to share this final book in Laura and Alec's story. But, that's not the end. I've listened to my readers who've asked for books on the other guys in the Dantonville Can. So, the next book in the series will be on Terens, which is scheduled for Christmas 2018.

And does he have a story to tell! Let me just say that there's more to "Sexy Terry" than what you've read so far.

I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

Since Christmas is practically upon us, I've been baking. My family is originally from the Czech Republic, and the traditional seasonal cookies, cakes, buns and breads are to die for. They're also waistline killers!

But what the heck, it's only once a year, right?

Unfortunately, here in Australia, Christmas is in summer and the temperature can soar way past the hundred degree mark. Without the good old air-conditioning blasting away, there's no way anyone could have a hot oven going. And what's Christmas without turkey, pudding and cookies?

And being the sharing girl that I am (*wink*) here's a plate of my Czech Christmas cookies.

Most countries, and even individuals, celebrate Christmas with a range of traditions. One of the most famous is kissing under the mistletoe. That one's fun.

While writing BloodPledge, the second book in my Dantonville Legacy Series, I needed a particularly gruesome tradition for Terens and Sam, the once former Roman soldiers. So, it couldn't be anything soft, and being vampires, of course, there had to be some blood involved. It also had to be unique and based on something practical.

I had a ball writing it.

Here's the scene: 

‘Don’t you think it’s ironic. Nobody speaks Latin anymore, yet Frisian’s everywhere—in modern English? Maybe it’s just as well I didn’t waste my time learning to speak yours.’

Cal guffawed, reached for the decanter and poured himself another glass of wine. ‘How you gonna counter that one, Terens?’

‘Only one way I know.’ Terens rose from his seat and flexed his right arm. ‘Brand new model.’

‘By all means, test it out.’ Sam’s chair scrapped across the floor as he too, rose and began flexing his right arm. ‘Ready to lose some fingers?’ The two stood facing each other, grinning.

Kari rolled her eyes. ‘Oh no, not this stupid game.’

Alec leaned toward me and whispered, ‘Maybe we should go for a stroll around the deck.’

‘Why?’ I asked. ‘What are they going to do?’

‘Their version of an arm wrestle.’ Alec looked uncomfortable. ‘They do it every Christmas.’

‘It’s gross, Laura.’ Kari grimaced. ‘The loser must chop off a finger and hand it over. The one with the biggest collection wins.’

‘You’re kidding! At Christmas?’

‘It’s the only time they can do it—good way to test the strength of the Ingenii blood. Any lost appendage regenerates in an instant,’ Alec said.

‘Sorry boys, you know I can’t stay to watch,’ Judy said. ‘If anyone wants me I’ll be in my room.’ She wished us goodnight and kissed Luc and Marcus on the cheek. The men rose and bowed as she left the room.

‘Think I’ll do the same,’ I said when I saw Terens move one of the candelabras aside and pull a blade from beneath his trouser leg. ‘No way am I going to watch them cut off fingers, even if it is some weird Christmas tradition.’

‘Allez, ma petite, this is not for a lady’s eyes.’
‘I agree,’ Kari said, and skipped to my side of the table. ‘Let’s join Judy.’

I still had Alec’s Christmas present. This was a good time to slip away and give it to him.

‘Meet you there, Kari. There’s something I need to do.’ I mouthed the words, 'Present for Alec'.

She nodded, and gave me a knowing smile as she left.
I turned to Alec. ‘I accept your offer of a stroll around the deck.’
With his arm around my waist, Alec led me from the dining room just as Sam and Terens took up their position, elbows on the table, hands clasped, steely gazes locked. Two long, menacing-looking knives lay in the centre of the table.

I shuddered and turned away. 

Did I succeed in making your squirm? If you'd like to read the rest, assuming you haven't read BloodPledge yet, read it here: 

Amazon US   Amazon CA   Amazon AU   Amazon UK 

All books are also available on Kindle Unlimited.

Until next time, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Enjoy a Deleted Scene From BloodGifted.

For all my Dantonville Legacy fans here's a deleted chapter from the first book in the series, BloodGifted. It didn't make the final cut, as the book was already well over the word limit I'd set for myself.
The scene takes place in Jenny's house right after Laura walked out on Alec and Matt in the cafe, the day after she and Alec had met.

Enjoy ☺️💕🌸

Jenny

     ‘Stupid men!’ After walking out on Matt and Alec, I made my way to Jen’s place.
     It wasn’t far, only two blocks from the cafe in a quiet, tree-lined street halfway down a steep hill. It was part of a group of lovely century-old sandstone cottages that had escaped the bulldozer in the late nineteen-sixties, when almost all suburban councils were in a frenzy to demolish the old in their haste to construct modern apartment complexes - like mine.
     They got more rates that way.
     I knocked on the familiar glossy blue front door.
     ‘I was about to call you.’ She stood back to allow me to enter, her head cocked to one side as I strode past. ‘Uh oh. I know that look. Man trouble?’
     ‘You have no idea.’
     ‘Kitchen,’ she ordered.
     We strode down the long, book-lined hallway, past the poky bedrooms and into the open living area that was Jenny’s favourite part of the house - her sunny kitchen. I knew it almost as well as my own - welcoming, comforting and far away from the strange, new and dark world Alec represented.
I went straight to the kettle and switched it on.
     ‘That bad, huh?’ She leant against the sink and watched silently as I fetched a tin of tea bags from the cupboard and slammed it on the bench. She rescued the mugs I was reaching for before they met the same fate.
     ‘Laura, hon, tell me.’
     ‘Bloody men!’
     ‘What else is new?’
     Good point. Settling me in a chair, she finished making the tea and placed a steaming cup of Earl Grey into my hands.
     ‘Matt’s angry.’ Misery coated my voice, and as much as I was able, I told Jenny about the new man who’d entered my life - Alec Munro-‘He’s … a family friend … on Aunt judy’s side’ -the meeting in the cafe and my parting words. ‘He nearly started a punch-up in the cafe.’
     Jenny whistled and gave me an incredulous stare.
     My stomach churned at having to avoid the words “vampire”, “blood”, “magic rings” or that Alec was a murder suspect. Yet how could I reveal all that? The biggest secret of my life and I couldn’t share it with my best friend.
     Life had taken a turn for the worse but I promised myself that one day she would know all.
     ‘That’s the action of a man guarding his property,’ she said shaking her head.
     ‘I’m nobody’s property!’
     ‘Men don’t think that way, hon.’
     ‘Tell me about it.’ I gulped down my tea wishing it were something stronger.
     ‘From what you told me, your aunt’s asked you to take her place at this event, this Alec guy as your escort, right?’
     ‘Uh huh.’
     ‘It has to be a Dantonville and you’re the only one available?’
     ‘Y-e-e-e-s.’ Technically true.
     ‘And Matt’s not happy.’ She leaned forward and braced her arms on the table. ‘Describe this Alexander Munro.’
     ‘About one-eighty-centimetres - taller than Matt - lean but muscular, broad shoulders, dark hair.’
     ‘Eyes?’
     I really didn’t want to answer that, but I did. ‘Violety-mauve.’
     ‘You mean lavender? Like yours? That’s incredible.’
     ‘Mmmm.’
     ‘Okay … age?’
     ‘Um … twenty-nine.’ I nearly blurted out Alec’s chronological age.
     Jenny’s eyes never left my face. ‘Laura, on a scale of one to ten, level one being, let’s say bad teeth, no lips, scrawny body, to ten being a regular hottie male-model-make-women-salivate type of guy. Where would you place this Alec Munro?’
     Because I didn’t answer straight away, Jen gave me her suspicious look: lowered head, raised eyebrows and pursed lips.
     ‘Eleven.’
     At that, she threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes. ‘Oh hon, wake up and smell the testosterone! Of course Matt’s reacting, what did you expect? First you tell him you have to meet this guy alone, then accompany him to some plush event where he’s not invited and this morning you’re meeting him for coffee - again - alone. No wonder he bolted down there as soon as he woke up and read your note!’ She looked at me as if I was an idiot. ‘Especially if this Alec looks like, you know, a hottie from heaven.’
     ‘Oh Jen! I was hoping I was wrong, but hearing you say it….’ I buried my face in my hands.
     ‘Tell me, hon, did this guy try to come on to you, you know, hold your hand, lock eyes …? And did Matt see any of that?’
     What the??? ‘I know what coming onto me means. I’m not stupid!’
     ‘No you’re not, Laura, but you can be so naive sometimes it worries me.’
     Blame my emotional stuntedness on my weird genes. I sighed. ‘Alec did take my hand to apologise for - the inconvenience, but that was before Matt showed up.’
     ‘How soon before?’
     I chewed on my lower lip and shook my head. ‘I’m sure he didn’t see anything, and I took my hand away as soon as I could.’
     ‘Honey, Matt’s a detective. He has the eyes of a hawk.’
     I groaned. Lowered my head and banged it lightly on the table. It seemed the most sensible thing to do.
     Jenny’s hand patted the top of my head. ‘Want my advice?'
     I nodded into the table.
     ‘Reassure him. That’s what he needs to hear from you. This Alec Munro’s an unknown and Matt’s worried. Tell him you love him and that you’re only accompanying this guy to do your aunt a favour. After this, you’ll never see him again. Right? End of problem.’
     If only it was that simple. How could I tell her that I’d be seeing Alec for the next fifty years - twice a week?
     Jenny gazed at me, expectant. ‘Laura, this shouldn’t be a problem, you know, unless…?’
     ‘Unless what?’ My head shot up.
     ‘You feel something for this other guy,’ she said softly.
     In that sunny kitchen, a cold chill crept its way up my spine. I was fond of Matt, no, I loved him … I was sure of it. The fact that Alec was beyond good looking had nothing to do with it.
     Then why did my stomach flip when Jen mentioned his name?
     You’re being ridiculous, Laura. I gripped the tea cup and brought it up to my lips. Blast, it was empty. ‘No, I’m not doing that to Matt - ever.’ I rose from the table and rinsed the empty cup in the sink. Jenny’s silence sent an arrow through my heart. ‘Sorry Jen. I didn’t mean that the way it came out.’
      'S’okay, and I don’t blame you. Just don’t make the same mistake I did.’
     Jenny knew the heartache of falling for another man - two weeks before her wedding. The fact she’d broken off the engagement, married the other guy who'd then promptly left her when she found out she couldn’t have kids, was testament to her following her own heart.
     ‘Did you?’
     ‘Still can’t answer that.’ Her usually lively eyes turned sad and I couldn’t bear to see that.
     ‘Ball gown,’ I blurted out.
     ‘What?’
     ‘I need to buy a ball gown.’
     ‘You’re going then?’
     ‘I have to.’
     ‘Okay, but if I can have the last word here? Matt is crazy about you. Rang last week sussing out whether he had a chance. He was worried that you’d hold back because of the age gap between you. I told him to go for it; that he’ll always look older because of your funny DNA. That’s all he needed to know.’
     I was speechless.
     ‘And - did he?’ she asked.
     I nodded. ‘Last night - in the car - coming home.’
     ‘Well then.’ And that was it, her final word. ‘You’d better go and buy that dress. Wish I could join you. Unfortunately,’ she pointed to the pile of marking stacked high in the laundry basket next to the table, ‘got to get them done by Monday.’
     ‘No worries, Jen. I came at short notice anyway.’
     She saw me to the door, and after a peck on the cheek, ‘Make sure you tell me everything afterwards,’ I left to scour the shops to find something suitable to wear to a vampire ceremony.
     Perhaps I should ask the shop assistants? 

Want to read the entire book? Get it here - Amazon eBook Paperback
 

Long Live The Gothic Novel.

Shades of horror, the paranormal, unnatural deeds done in the dark, magic and mystery are embodied in that one word: Gothic. All that is uncivilised, unnatural, macabre, grotesque and even eccentric belong in the world of the gothic novel.

Some of the most well-known classics belong to this genre.

Think Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights - untamed Cathy and wild Heathcliffe rushing headlong into a doomed relationship among the misty moors of Yorkshire. Or, Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre with the eccentric Mr Rochester and a gloomy house hiding a strange secret. Every page is heavy with suspense and sexual tension, capturing readers' emotions as no other books of the time did.
And people loved it.
Couldn't get enough of it.

But the Bronte's did not create the gothic genre. Two-hundred years earlier, Horace Walpole wrote The Castle of Otranto (1765), which became an instant sensation. By the close of the eighteenth century, two more gothic novels were written - The Mysteries of Udolpho and The Monk. So sensational were they, that even Jane Austen succumbed to the trend. But her novel, Northanger Abbey, parodied the genre rather than emulated it.

Over the next century, more gothic novels were published: Frankenstein (1818); and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831), set among the soaring arches of a gothic cathedral, the sad and misshapen figure of Quasimodo swinging from the gargoyles to stare at the inhabitants of Paris below him.
In 1847, Varney the Vampire: or The Feast of Blood was published, which predated the epitome of all gothic novels - Bram Stoker's Dracula, in 1898.

These books were the best sellers of their day, and still are.

My own books, the Dantonville Legacy series, embody those characteristics of the gothic - the mystery of a cursed family waiting two-thousand years to be redeemed.
Love live the gothic novel!

 

Ebook - http://amzn.to/29uk0a1

Paperback - http://amzn.to/2kiYcFs

 

The Dantonville Legacy Series Has All New Covers

It happened so fast that I hadn't had time to boast about my new book covers. I simply updated all my social media headers without a word about it. There were too many other things going on at the same time.
Why change?
Sales had slowed right down and so something needed to be done. Also, although I loved my previous covers, the symbolic images were more reflective of urban fantasy rather than paranormal romance, the genre in which my series of books comfortably sit.
Thanks go to JC Clarke who designed and and created my new book covers.
I love them.

Since I was on a roll, I also updated the book description for BloodGifted, the first book in the series.

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s the key to breaking a centuries-old family curse? Become dangerously intimate with a jaw-dropping vision of male hotness hiding a secret agenda of his own.

Nothing could be simpler.

Or is it?

When primary school teacher Laura Dantonville learns of her family's dark ancestral legacy, she’s propelled into a secret underworld ruled by magic, mystery and murder, and stalked by vampire clans who would do anything to possess her. For her protection, she’s assigned a guardian not knowing that part of her role in ending the ancient curse that has plagued her family for centuries, involves having a child with him.

And she has one day to make a decision.

With only five years left of servitude to his sire, Alec Munro reluctantly accepts to act as Laura’s guardian or risk remaining in slavery forever. But can he maintain a platonic relationship between them when something far more intimate is required to end his sire’s family curse?

With time running out, Laura must decide to either accept Alec or allow her vampire-hating detective boyfriend to end the legacy his way – by eliminating the undead side of her family.

After all, they’re not human are they?

Being unable to age is just the beginning.

I hope that's a great start for 2017 .😊

Come and Join the Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to the 2016 edition of the Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Whether it be creepy or kooky, mysterious or spooky, Halloween is just perfect for all things paranormal.
This scavenger hunt has 15 authors participating. Head on over to ALL participating authors to enter as many giveaways as you can!

My theme is: Fairies/Fae

For your chance to win a signed swag pack (open internationally), an e-book of any of my books and a $10 Amazon Gift Card, all you need to do is:

- Find your birth-month fairy/fae and post a pic (2 points)
- In 30 words or less, tell me what you know of fairies/fae (10 points)
- Who is your favourite fairy and why? (5 points)

Post your answer below in the comments section on my Facebook page to be entered, or on here.

Now, hop over to Montana Ash's facebook page to continue the fun there.

Please Vote For BloodVault in the Summer Indie Book Awards.

I'm thrilled to have my book, BloodVault, nominated in two categories in the Summer Indie Book Awards.
- Best Paranormal Romance Book
- Best Fantasy Book
There are many, many amazing entries, so I need as many votes as possible to keep me in the running.
You can vote EVERY DAY until the end of September.
I'll be so grateful to all those who've read any of my books, and liked them, to please vote.

Sunday Showcase: Meet Paranormal Author Susan Stielow

1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

To feel what it’s like to be young again. That’s why we have so many adults reading YA books these days. To remember what it was like to meet our first love, or first crush. Or to be the underdog who saves the day. Writing YA keeps me young at heart.

2.  If you write a series, how many books can your readers expect?

Three for the Bloodborn Series (Books 1 & 2 are already out) and three to four more in a new series I will be working on after book 3 in the Bloodborn series is finished.

3. How and why did you choose your book cover(s)?

I knew early on that I wanted my covers to match a scene from the books. But since I have an ancient computer, and no clue how to use photo-shop, I sought out the help an amazing cover artist.

4. If you had the chance to spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

That’s easy, Damen Kingston. He’s nice to look at, funny as hell, has the voice of an angel, and let’s not forget, a bad-ass vampire.

5. Are there any books or authors you admire?

Oh, God yes! Too many to list, but a couple of my ultimate favs is J.R. Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Darynda Jones and her Charlie Davidson - Grim Reaper series and of course J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. I mean seriously? Who doesn’t love her.

6. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show?

XFiles I have been a huge fan of for years, but right now Supernatural and Penny Dreadful are my favs.

7. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

Self doubt. That little demon will get me every time. When he creeps in I will stop writing and walk away for a few days and refresh myself.

8. If money was no object and you could travel to any place in the world for your dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

Australia. Steve Irwin is my hero, and it’s always been a dream of mine to visit the Australia Zoo. I balled my eyes out the day Steve past away. It was a very emotional day for me. He was a great man.

9. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

Being a writer isn’t easy. Especially when it comes to publishing houses. I tried traditional publishing first. They can be brutal to a new inexperienced writer. I submitted my query letters, my 3 first chapters, and so on; that the publishers ask for. At first I received no responses. Then the rejection letters starting rolling in. And when they say you need a thick skin for this business, they’re not kidding. Some letters were nice and even gave some advice. While others were downright mean. It was tough to take. I started to doubt my writing and whether my story was even good. It wasn’t until a friend read my book and loved it! So I looked into self-publishing and never looked back.

10. What have you learned as an author since you published your first book that you wish you knew when starting out?

Don’t trust ANYONE! Your book is your baby. Do your research when it comes to editors, cover artists, and so on. There are a lot of scammers out there that unfortunately, I fell victim to. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

Book 1 - Bloodborn

 

Book 2 - Scarlet Butterfly 

 

Buy Links - Amazon 

Get your copy of this fabulous series.

Vampire Chronicles

I was thrilled this year to be asked to contribute to a boxed set of paranormal stories by several best selling authors: AM Hudson, Kia Carrington-Russell and Alisha Basso. Each in their own right has enjoyed success in their genre, so it was an honour when I was approached to add one of my books to this supernatural set.

Since we aimed to offer this boxed set for free, I decided to contribute my novella Laura's Locket, the prequel to BloodGifted. It's a good introduction to my Dantonville Legacy Series and explains the strange connection between Laura and Philippe, and the reason for the tragic climax at the end of Book One. I never intended Laura's Locket to ever be more than 99c, so I really lose nothing offering it free as part of a boxed set.

I absolutely love the cover with its dark, gothic atmosphere and hints of mystery, suspense and romance. If that's what you enjoy reading, go now and download your FREE copy.

 

Buy Links: Amazon  Google Play  Barnes and Noble  

Springtime Author Giveaway

It's that lovely time of the year when, once again, I join a host of other amazing authors in our annual Springtime Giveaway. For those in the northern hemisphere, that is. If, like me, you're in the southern hemisphere, see it as an Autumn Giveaway, a time to start unpacking the winter woollies, switching off the TV and settling down to a good book - or two or three - as the days grow shorter.

So what's the prize I hear you ask?

Check out the promo and all will be answered.

Go on, sign up. What have you got to lose?

Now sign up to the rafflecopter. You have to be in it to win it.

Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner of an Early Ecopy of BloodVault.

Thank you everyone who entered the competition to win an early ecopy of BloodVault.
There was a great response and the majority chose Option 2: the silver key. Seems immortality is a lure few can resist.

Katrina Whittaker said:
                "Who doesnt want immortality - to stay young for ever. Id drink it and not think twice."

I have to agree. Although a few would have happily traded places with Laura.

According to Viki: 

                 "I would choose Laura because I absolutely love her and to live as her for a day would be exciting! And to have a gorgeous hot vampire at my whim would be pretty darn cool too. Especially for a day!"

It was a hard decision to make, so good old Random.org did it for me. Congratulations, Katrina. I'll be emailing you a mobi copy of BloodVault. Apart from my editor and a handful of beta readers, you'll be among the first to read it before its release date.
Enjoy! 

BloodVault Release Date and Pre-Order

It's been a long wait, but BloodVault will be released November 28th. 2015

Only ten days to go, but you can Pre-Order your ecopy now.

BloodVault on Amazon US

BloodVault on Amazon AU

BloodVault on Amazon UK

BloodVault on Amazon CA

Thank you to all those who've told me how many times they've re-read Bloodgifted and Bloodpledge; who've enjoyed reading Laura's and Alec's story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. The wait is almost over. The saga continues...

Here's the complete cover and blurb: 

Over the next ten days I'll be posting giveaways and games in the lead up to the official BloodVault Release Day Party on Facebook. 

I've been overwhelmed by everyone's support and the number of fabulous guest authors who've signed up to do a takeover on the day. Come and join us. It's sure to be a fun day filled with games, and prizes to WIN. Click the link above to join.

Until next time xxxx

The Dantonville Legacy Series Top 100 on Amazon in Gothic Romance

It's not everyday that both books from my Dantonville Legacy series get to rank in three different countries within a few days. I'm thrilled to pieces! Bloodgifted and Bloodpledge were in Amazon's Top 100 in Gothic Romance in Britain, Canada and the USA. What is even more wonderful, is that I hadn't done any paid promotions in months. It's all thanks to my wonderful street team - The Dantonville Devotees - who spread word about my books everywhere. Where would I be without them? I love you ladies! 
It's such a great incentive to see readers enjoying my books, especially as Book 3, BloodVault, is currently with my editor (the dreaded first lot of edits is soon to arrive), and Book 4, BloodWish is on its way - the opening chapter is written.

So thank you to Canada, Britain and America for liking Dantonville.

Bloodgifted #36 in Gothic Romance in Canada

Bloodgifted #82 in Gothic Romance in the USA

Bloodpledge #82 in the UK

Bloodpledge #85 in Gothic Romance in the UK

Please excuse me for revelling in these figures as I don't know when this will happen again.
In the meantime, over the next few days, The Dantonville Legacy series is being featured on the fabulous book blog, Book Friends Forever. The lovely Dzintra Sullivan is displaying my book banner in place of her regular one, and each day people will see a different feature either about me or my books, including soon-to-be-released BloodVault. 
smile emoticon

Another Sunday Snippet from BloodVault.

Sunday snippet time, so here's another tasty little teaser from BloodVault you can sink your fangs into.

Release date: Nov. 27th.

I wanted to purr.
He looked utterly delicious in his clan kilt—the red and black Munro dress tartan and black velvet jacket with silver buttons. The cropped jacket emphasised his broad shoulders, and the smile he gave me hinted at later pleasures.
‘Why can’t I go?’ Dominik stood at his elbow, his jaw dropping as he gazed at Kari.
Since coming here to live with us, Dominik had practically become Alec’s shadow, following him around and even mimicking his mannerisms. If Alec twirled the ring on his finger so did Dominik, even though he didn’t own one. And if I didn’t lock the door to our suite, he’d be there all the time.
‘Two reasons: first, you’re too young, and second, it’s an Elders and Prefects Ball only.’ Alec ruffled his hair as he stepped past him into the room.
‘Not fair.’
‘Life’s not fair, Dom.’ Alec took me in his arms, spun me around and dipped me low to the ground. ‘I’ll enjoy untying that bodice later,’ his voice whispered seductively through my mind.
‘Make sure the door is locked first.’
He chuckled as he lifted me back up, and formally offered me his arm. ‘May I escort you, my lady?’

Sunday Snippet from BloodVault

It's Sunday Snippet time, so here's a tasty little teaser from BloodVault, due out Nov. 27th.

"With dagger in my sweaty palm, I raced up a set of steps leading to a bridge that spanned the frozen moat. I prayed no henchmen would spring into sight. Surely the crunch of my boots on the snow would give me away? Where were the woods? Terens said to make for the woods. A whistle split the silence. My heart leapt into my throat and like a startled rabbit, ran for the nearest clump of trees. Ahead of me, a figure loomed. Alec? I couldn’t tell and I couldn’t risk running directly into the arms of a rebel. I changed direction, caught my heel on a rock, my ankle turned and I went down.
Blood thrummed in my ears as I scrambled to my feet.
Someone grabbed my arm. I screamed, withdrew my knife and stabbed out wildly."

For readers new to Dantonville, I hope this whets your appetite. It's not too late to catch up with the series before Book 3 comes out. Amazon US  Amazon AU  Amazon UK  Amazon CA

 

Until next time ...

BloodVault - Cover Reveal. Book 3 in The Dantonville Legacy Series.

I'm so excited to share with you all the full cover for BloodVault, Bk 3 in The Dantonville Legacy Series. My cover artist has, again, created the most amazing image that captures the essence of the story.
I love the colours and the mysterious gothic atmosphere it evokes. But that's Dantonville.
Not long to go now before the release of BloodVault in August.

 

In the meanwhile, for those not yet familiar with the series, here's your chance to catch up with books 1 and 2—Bloodgifted and Bloodpledge—before the release of book 3.

Go ONE CLICK it now and happy reading.

 

Amazon Smashwords Nook iBooks Kobo

Another Bloodgifted teaser

Since Australia Day - Jan. 26th -  is coming up, I thought to share a bit of whimsy from Bloodgifted. It's a scene in the book entitled Vampire Ball, and Laura is amazed at who she sees there. Enjoy! 

     I followed the direction of his gaze to a young woman dressed in black satin pants and sable bustier with white lace collar and sleeves. Her curly shoulder-length hair bounced as she laughed, presumably at something the man beside her had just said. Something about her face seemed vaguely familiar, yet I couldn't place it. I'd never met her before, of that I was certain. 
     'Amelia runs her own chartered flight company. Flies us wherever we need to go,' Alec said. 
     Then it clicked. I'd seen her picture in a recent documentary on TV. 'Amelia? As in Amelia Earhardt, the American pilot who disappeared in the nineteen thirties? You mean she's … um, one of you?' 
     'Yes, that's right. She arranged her own disappearance to cover up the fact.' He spoke so nonchalantly, I was still processing it when he pointed yet again. 'Over there. Know who that is?' 
     My gaze followed the direction he indicated. A tall, blonde man with flecks of silver in his hair was engaged in an intense finger-wagging discussion with another man.  I gasped. His was a face known to all Australians, for it had been plastered on every newspaper when he disappeared while spear-fishing at a local beach. Most people believed a shark had taken him since his body was never found. After all, it's not everyday a country loses its leader to a ravenous fish! 
     I think my jaw dropped - yet again - as I stared at Harold Holt, Prime Minister of Australia in the nineteen-sixties. This was getting ridiculous. How many other famous people were actually vampires? I began to scan the faces around me in my own version of Spot-the-Celebrity …'

Like to read all of it?   http://amzn.to/1Izdmtl 

Bloodpledge, Book 2 of The Dantonville Legacy Series Is Out!

I'm thrilled and announce that Bloodpledge, Book 2 in my Dantonville Legacy series is LIVE on Amazon—and other online retailers—a month ahead of schedule.
It's the first time everything came together so perfectly, and although I originally scheduled the release date for June 30th, there was no need to delay it. My wonderful readers have been asking for the next instalment in Alec and Laura's story, so here it is.

Here's the full cover, designed by the talented Patti Roberts 

Book Description:

Bloodpledge continues Alec and Laura’s story from Bloodgifted. Having undergone the Ritual and induction into the vampire community, Laura— the prophesised Child of Light and Darkness and last of the Ingenii—takes her place as Alec’s consort and First Lady of the Brethren.

But resentment and anger grow at Alec’s privileged position as daywalker. Among a powerful few, alliances are made and conspiracies formed, threatening a war that could destroy them all and endanger every human on Earth—creatures who would do anything to prevent the curse from ending. Now Alec and Laura must invoke the Pledge, an ancient ceremony that enforces Brethren loyalty to the Principate.

When Laura’s ex-boyfriend, Detective Inspector Matt Sommers, turns up with a threat that could expose Alec, the battle for their world and their lives begins.

I had fun writing this book, and my sincere wish is that everyone will enjoy it as much as I did.

Go and get your copy from any of the online links below. It's also available to buy, right here, on my website. 

Amazon (AU)

Amazon (US)

Amazon (UK)

Smashwords

Apple iTunes/ibooks

Barnes & Noble