By Lisa Carlisle (Guest Blogger)
I’m
here to share my new release,
Dark
Velvet.
This is the start of a new series of new adult erotic romances set on
a remote New England island. Paranormal aspects, a medieval-styled
castle, and a hot as hell hero.
I’m
intrigued by paranormal heroes—characters who are often isolated
and perhaps misunderstood. I’ve been drawn to dark, brooding
characters for as long as I can remember. Darth Vader was always a
favorite of mine. Heathcliff is Wuthering Heights is another
favorite. And I have such a thing for Alan Rickman playing Severus
Snape, it’s almost ridiculous. Not only is Snape such as
complicated, misunderstood character, but the voice just adds to the
sensuality. ;)
In
Dark Velvet, my
hero Antoine has isolated himself on a remote New England where he’s
established an art colony. An aspiring artist for many years before
tragedy struck, Antoine returned to his love of sculpting after being
a lost soul for many years. The heroine Savannah is a grad student,
somewhat naive, but when she meets Antoine, he encourages her to
explore more about herself—her art, her desires. Like any harried
student bogged down with schoolwork and exams, the laid-back climate
of a retreat without a rigid routine is a respite from daily life.
The
gothic-style setting of the castle on a remote island adds to the
romantic atmosphere. It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit to
work to spend an extended period of time with no obligations other
than to write! But alas, the colony doesn’t exist except in my
imagination.
Here’s
a blurb and excerpt:
Dark
Velvet
Lisa
Carlisle
Chateau
Seductions series
Grad
student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a
prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her
craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled
castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic
city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French
sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean
are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.
Antoine
Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose
back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth
for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah
applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After
her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he
struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind.
Antoine
proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns
complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions
about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her
desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to
the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.
New
adult / paranormal / erotic romance
Excerpt
Savannah’s
fingers traced the cool marble of the god’s muscular back and then
the definition in his arm as he drew an arrow to shoot. She pictured
Antoine bent over the sculpture, brows furrowed in concentration,
losing sense of time as he polished each portion to perfection.
“Do
you like this?” A deep voice whispering in her ear startled her.
She
jumped at the sound of his voice, bumping back into his hard chest,
and he caught her upper arms to steady her. Only one man in the
castle spoke in that smooth French accent—the sculptor himself.
“Oh,
I’m sorry, Antoine.” She fumbled taking a half step forward, away
from him. “I shouldn’t have touched it.”
“No,
don’t apologize.” He let go of her arms, but his warm breath
tickled her ear.
He
took her hand, caressing her palm, which sent tingles up her arm. Her
bottom lip quivered as he brought her fingers to rest again on the
marble piece. She thanked the gods he remained behind her so he
couldn’t witness her nervous reaction, and she bit her lip to halt
the tremors. This was not the way for a young protégée to behave in
front of her benefactor. He owned the castle, created the art colony
here where she was attending on a poetry scholarship—she shouldn’t
go gaga simply from his touch. Which was exactly what she was doing.
“It
pleases me that you appreciate my work.” Leading her fingers down
the figure’s chiseled chest, he leaned in closer and added, “I
liked watching you admire it.”
His
voice alone sent flames rippling through her. Every nerve in her
being lit with awareness in reaction to him. In the months since
they’d met, they’d never been alone in such proximity. Weeks of
heated looks from afar had inflamed her desire so the slightest touch
became intimate, strengthening her need for more.
Sounds
of approaching voices indicated this evening’s performance in the
chateau would soon begin. Several of the musicians in the art colony
had collaborated on orchestral pieces they wanted to play in front of
an audience for the first time. As fellow artists in residence, they
sought the support of fellow residents.
Antoine
kissed her hand like a suitor in a bygone era. “I hope you enjoy
the concert, Savannah.”
Her
lips parted, opening and closing like a fish while she thought of
what to say. When she mustered up the courage to turn and face him,
he had already left the room, filling her with both relief and
disappointment. Unaware she’d been holding her breath, she exhaled
deeply.
Several
times over the course of the evening, Savannah caught Antoine’s
dark eyes watching her. Her emotions roiled in confusion while the
performers played Barber’s
Adagio
for Strings. The
way he held her gaze without blinking made her squirm in the burgundy
armchair. The rising tension and resolution from the violin and cello
underscored her tumultuous emotions.
She
smiled at him briefly and focused on the musicians, aware of how her
heartbeat had escalated. When she glanced again at Antoine, he still
watched her unabashed, as if unconcerned about what the others would
think. He took a sip of Porto, nodded her way, and then returned his
attention to the musicians. She sat up straighter and crossed her
legs at the ankles, then uncrossed them, and crossed them again.
The
attraction was becoming more difficult to ignore. In light of how he
breached the physical distance by touching her so earlier, she feared
she’d be unable to keep her desires hidden much longer. She’d
developed an instant crush since she arrived at the castle three
months before. How could she not be—he was a renowned sculptor with
a devastating, dark appeal. What was she to him than just another
young resident who would be gone in three months, replaced by
another.
Was
she reading more into the brief exchange than was warranted?
It’s
just a look. Only a casual glance my way.
Even
as she attempted to fool herself, she knew she was full of shit.
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1 comment:
Thanks for having me!
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