Despite the challenge of carving out time for writing and revisions, I actually stopped writing this book a few times. I'd begun it for NaNoWriMo, and right away, the heat level soared off the charts. For me, anyway. Until I realized that much of it was less about sex than about power. Considering that a good bit of it is set in The Underworld, it made perfect sense. And characters always demand their due, and I often cave in.
So be forewarned, this book has some scenes that will scorch your fingers as you hit the 'next page' button. But it's also a very cool dark paranormal, so hopefully it will make you want to keep hitting that button because you can't stop reading. :)
If it tempts you, please wait until the end of the month. I will be making it available for free for a few days, and it would be such a thrill to see it in the bestsellers on Kindle.
Here's an excerpt - you can find another here.
“It’s best to avoid any sort of temptation while you are there.” Especially in the form of a certain archduke. Lily’s virginity was a highly sought prize in the Underworld.
From her tender expression, he knew she understood what he meant. But other temptations might present a greater challenge. One he’d have to trust her to overcome.
He ran his hands up her arms. The way she yielded to his touch ignited a fiery passion, but he quenched it with thoughts of banishment. If his superiors stripped him of his assignment, and his position as Ruling Angel of the Sixth Heaven, Bodie would be powerless to help her in any capacity. He had to stay strong.
“Lily. I will do everything I can to ensure your safety.”
“My safety,” she repeated dully, staring at the ground, then met his gaze to ask, “What if I need more from you?”
He searched her eyes, but knew too well her meaning.
“What about after all this?” she asked.
“I don’t understand.”
“When I return from the Underworld safe and sound, but still a granddaughter of the Prince of Darkness, then what? Will I ever see you again?”
Bodie had no answer. He’d never leave her side; he never had. He’d certainly be able to see her, well enough to torture him for the rest of his existence. But would he be confined to the other realm after completing this task? “I don’t know.”
On tiptoe, she pressed closer. “Can’t you stand up for yourself?”
“Yes, of course.”
She eased down. “So you don’t want to be with me. Not the way I want to be with you.”
“I didn’t say that.” He couldn’t, without lying.
“Wow. Are you sure you’re not the Ruling Angel of Cryptic?”
Rules bound him to silence. He ached to tell her everything. “It may be one of my subtitles.” He quirked his lips, but was fairly certain it didn’t resemble the smile he intended.
“Sooo funny. You may have missed your calling as a standup comedian.”
“No, I wouldn’t be successful at it.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I don’t care what others think.”
“Obviously,” she said on a sigh.
“Except you. You know that, Lily.”
“I don’t know anything anymore.” She toed a pebble, turning to walk away, but then whirled into his arms.
He cradled her, his cheek against her hair. “It will be fine. You’ll go on this journey of self-discovery. Have a brief visit with your family in the Underworld, then realize they’re better left underground. And you’ll return to your life, surreal as it may be.” And I will return to you.
So long as he didn’t lose her to the family who wanted only to ensnare her in their web of deception.
