Tuesday

Spotlight, Author Interview & Giveaway : Fatal Desire (Guardians #2) by Valerie Twombly


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Book Blurb & Info

Caleb is dark, hot, and commanding in human form. As a dragon, he’s a force to be reckoned with. When he witnesses the slave Lileta being beaten by his Overlord Odage, he nearly comes unglued. Without understanding why, he asks to take the slave as his own, but soon realizes his longing is more than an attraction to a beautiful woman. In a sick twist of fate, the gods have given him a demon as his mate—one he can never touch unless he wishes his own death. His only choice is to grant her freedom.

Lileta wanted to kill Caleb, but when she is freed by this tempting male, her anger turns to a desire that can only prove fatal. Even if she could claim him as her own, her dark past makes her unworthy of his love.

When their paths continue to intertwine, spiraling them to the brink of passion, can they resist the yearnings burning within them, or will they submit to their fatal desire?

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Book Excerpt

Odage stood under the full moon; the desert wind blew through his hair and grains of sand danced past his boots. Finally, he’d found the other half of the amulet of Tobor.

“I am extremely pleased, Odage. You have done well and will be rewarded. However, you know this journey has only begun,” a sinister voice echoed through the night air.

“Yes, My Lord. I’m aware of what is to come next.” Odage sneered. He knew the dark demon wanted the amulet. The harmless stone tucked in his curled fingers would somehow open Hell’s Gate when combined with the blood of a guardian’s mate. His master would then be set free to rain terror on the earth’s occupants.

“Good. Then you will start preparations. I am most anxious to leave this realm.”

“Of course, My Lord.” Odage shoved the amulet in his pocket and headed toward Caleb’s tent. He wondered how the slave Lileta fared with his second-in-command. He’d been surprised when Caleb had asked for the slave himself. Odage planned to kill her for her betrayal but decided Caleb deserved a gift so had agreed. He grinned, knowing the other Draki could be as brutal as he was. She might die yet.

When he reached the tent, he flung open the door and entered. Caleb sat at the table gnawing on a chicken bone. Odage’s gaze moved across the room where Lileta was handcuffed to the bed. Her tight pink T-shirt showed every curve, causing his desire to stir. She pinned him with a death glare. It really was a shame their species were incompatible. She was a beautiful female, with flowing raven hair, golden eyes, and hips that would fit nicely in his grip. Fortunately for her, the gods saw fit to make her species, the Kothar Demon, poisonous to a dragon.

Caleb rose. “My liege, how may I assist you?”

“Sit; finish your meal.”

Caleb took his seat. “May I offer you something? Wine?”

“Yes, a glass of wine is in order.” Odage waited while Caleb got up and procured another glass, filled it halfway with the red liquid then handed it to him. He raised it. “A toast.” Caleb extended his glass. “To finding the amulet.” Odage pulled the red stone from his pocket and placed it on the table.

“My liege, this is wonderful news. I know how long you’ve been searching for it.” He leaned in closer. “What happens next? Do you sell it to the highest bidder?”

Odage smirked. “Perhaps.” He would keep his master’s plans close to his chest, not even Caleb would be entrusted with the information. “But first, we must rid ourselves of the vampires. Prepare to burn down Vandeldor if you must.”

Caleb tipped his head. “Wouldn’t it be wise to find their queen’s murderer? I’d be honored to clear your name.”

Odage narrowed his gaze. “Fuck them. They dare accuse me, Queen Daria’s closest ally, of killing her? You know as well as I that they will never stop hunting me. Even if they were successful in catching me, they wouldn’t stop there. They will massacre our race.”

“Perhaps, but we are stronger than they are.”

“Yes, but I fear they have the gods on their side.”

Caleb furrowed his brows then nodded. “As you wish then. I will devise a plan to take them out.”

“Good, I knew I could count on you.” He raised his glass again. “To the death of our enemies.”

Interview



Hi Valerie,

Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your series, Guardians, your new book, Fatal Desire, and your process for our budding authors as well as fans.

So first off, your newest book is part of your series, Guardians. Let's talk about the series as a whole....

In your own words, what is the Guardians series about?


The Guardians are a group of immortals created by a god named Zarek. Their duty is to protect the human world from evil. The twist is they are vampires (imagine your guardian angel with fangs instead of wings). Now toss in some good demons and bad, a few more annoying gods and my favorite the Draki which are dragon shifters. It’s really quite the cast.

The main plot that continues through the series is we have someone who plans to create a kind of Armageddon.

What inspired the series?

I’ve always had a love for vampires and dragons so wanted to bring the two together. I had a rather large cast of characters and that is how the series started.

What are some of the elements of the world you created?

There are several worlds in the series for one. We have the human realm. A place called Vandeldor where the Guardians live most of the time. Oh and we take a few trips to Hell.

If you had to pick one thing, what is your favorite thing about the world you’ve created for your series?

Oh that is a tough one. I would have to say the Draki. Writing the dragon shifters is a lot of fun. They are most definitely hard core alpha and talk about pushy. I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg with them since they really were not meant to be the main focus of the series. Something tells me though there may be a spinoff series in the future for them. We’ll just have to see.

Can you tell us a bit about the newest book in the series, Fatal Desire?

Well as I said the Draki are pushy. So much so that Caleb who is our star in Fatal Desire demanded that this be his story. It wasn’t in my original plan, but I’m so glad I listened. Caleb discovers his mate is a demon. Lileta is one of the good demons, but her kind is poisonous to dragons. They mate Caleb dies. Lileta also has a past that leads her to believe she is not worthy of his love. Their story was so much fun to write and I learned so much about not only them, but there were a few surprises that popped up along the way.

How did you come up with the title of your newest book in the series and can you tell us its significance?

Oh this title was easy. Their desire for each other is fatal. I think that pretty much sums it up.

How does the new book, Fatal Desire, fit into the series?

Well this book does take a turn in that Caleb is not really a Guardian and was not supposed to have a story. However, some interesting plot twists are revealed (sorry no spoilers). I think readers of book one, Eternal Flame will be surprised at what they learn about our villains. This book will also set the reader up for book 3 and gives just a little more insight into Lucan, who I understand is becoming a fan favorite.

How many books are planned for the series?

I’m a seat of the pants writer so I take them as they come. I’m hoping for a total of at least seven books with a few novellas and possible spin off books as well.

What genre would you say Fatal Desire is and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?

I call it paranormal romance. Reviews of the series have called it a PNR smorgasbord. I think what is setting it apart is the mix of paranormal species. While there are many excellent series out there that also have a mix, not many have dared add dragon shifters. This series is also fast paced and at times a little bit dark.

What was your favorite scene to write in Fatal Desire?

There was a scene where Caleb must choose between saving Lileta or humanity. He is not a Guardian and could easily walk away. His people would be safe no matter what, yet one thing drives him to make a hard choice. I’m not telling what it is.

What was the hardest scene to write for Fatal Desire?

There is actually a part of the story where Lileta has an alternate personality emerge. That was hard to write and I was worried the readers wouldn’t get it. I was so happy when my beta readers came back with an A+.

What is your favorite line or quote from Fatal Desire?

“I lied. I may have set you free, but I will never break our bond. I will find a way to have you and when I do…” Caleb said this to Lileta.

Writing.......

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and what made you decide to pursue it as a career?


I was never one of those little girls who wanted to write when I grew up. I have always had an active imagination, but never dreamed of putting it to paper until my husband mentioned it. I’ve always been an avid reader and he thought that maybe I might enjoy writing. Who knew? I guess he was right so at the age of fifty I published my first book.

What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard?

People in my head, lol. Really I have just fallen in love with it. I enjoy reading so much and telling my own stories is like a bonus. I hope I can take the reader away from reality for just a little while.

What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?

I have to write every day, even if only a couple hundred words. When I feel stuck I step away and pick up my Kindle. It can really help my muse to step out of my world and into one of my favorite authors. I don’t really have any writing quirks, but I just recently learned I can write with my iPod on. When I first started I needed absolute silence.

Are you a Plotter or a Panster?

Panster! I’ve tried plotting and it does not work for me. I do jot down notes of ideas or things I know need to happen. Otherwise I let the story take its own turns and am sometimes surprised at the plot twists.

Have you released anything under a different pen name, and if so, is there any difference between them?

Nope. I publish using my real name.

What's next for you?


Next month I have a second book in my Demon Heat series called Emerald Fire coming out. This series is a paranormal erotica and while it is the second book it is a stand-alone. I’m also working on a story about a Jinn then I’ll move to book 3 of the Guardians.

Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?

I adore you! Really I have to pinch myself on many occasions. To receive emails asking when the next book is coming or to simply say how much they enjoy my work is surreal. I love chatting with the fans.

Personal questions......

Now I know this is like asking you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing characters, who is your favorite and why?


Aidyn. I think maybe because he was the first to come to me, but there is something about him. He and I have a connection. I know when it’s time for his story it will be a difficult journey for me. I hold him very close to my heart and it will be like having a child move away.

Are there any of your stories or characters that hold a special place in your heart?

Well since I’m hardly into the series, I’d have to say at this time it’s Caleb. He was so much fun to write and really this entire book is one of my favorites. I feel like I’ve learned so much more about writing doing this book.

If the book or series had to have a theme song, what would it be?

Hmm, I can’t think of one for the series, but I can share the one song that made me think of Caleb and Lileta. Maroon 5, Harder to Breath. The first time I heard it while writing this book I knew it was their song. I used it often to help inspire me.

Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5 they don't know about the series?

Me:
1. I’m actually a shy person

2. I’m originally from the great state of NY

3. I started writing at the age of 49

4. I have an ice cream addiction

5. I cry at the animal rescue commercials

Book:
1. Who book 4 will be about

2. How Seth came to be a Guardian

3. What plot twists I’ll toss in book 3

4. How the series will end

5. Who will die

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone to read it!

Thank you! I’ve enjoyed our visit.

Author Info

As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother saying, “It will give you nightmares.” She was right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged creatures never waned. She would watch any vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also a member of Coffee Talk Writers and the Coffee Talk website –a site designed to support established writers and foster new talent.

Website: http://www.valerietwombly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly

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4 comments:

  1. Excellent interview :D

    Fatal Desire is a really good read :D :D

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  2. Seth and his battle with the darkness intrigues me. His character's struggle, will he win, will it win? I would love to find out. Also will he find his mate?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The universe you've created sounds intriguing. :-)

    ReplyDelete