Favorite Quote Friday—The Lasaran

Hello, all! I hope you and your loved ones are all safe and well. These are trying times, and many of us are feeling anxious. I'm taking the caronavirus situation very seriously. But I know those of us who are staying home as much as possible in an attempt to slow or stop the spread of the virus could use a diversion. For me, books—both reading them and writing them—have always been my favorite escape, so I intend to continue blogging, and writing, and sending you news in hopes of providing you with a distraction.

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To that end, I have something very cool to share with you:

The Lasaran Trailer!

I'm so excited about bringing you this series! 

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Just a reminder: I'll be celebrating the release of The Lasaran with a fun Blog Tour.

Author's Taproom is hard at work planning it. There will be excerpts, interviews, fun facts, a dream cast, a playlist, a character interview, Top 5 lists, and more. There will also be a tour-wide giveaway. So if you're a blogger or bookstagrammer and would like to join the fun, you can sign up HERE.

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An Amazon #1 Bestseller

Coming April 21, 2020

ebook

Kindle • Kobo • Nook • iBooks

AmazonCA • AmazonUK • AmazonFR • AmazonDE

AmazonAU

Audiobook

Narrated by Kirsten Potter

—Coming Soon—

Paperback

—Available on Release Day—

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday! Today I thought I would give you another peek into the pages of The Lasaran. This snippet features Taelon and Lisa, the hero and heroine:

___________________________

Again Lisa drew her thumb across his stubble in a soft caress. After experiencing nothing but pain and humiliation during his long captivity, her touch felt sublime. “So you came here for your sister?”

He nodded. “She’s sweet and innocent. Like you. It tears me up inside to think of the butchers doing to her what they did to me.”

Her lips turned up in a wry smile. “I’m not that innocent.”

He smiled. “And not so sweet? At least not to the soldier you threatened to shoot.”

She laughed. “Apparently outright terror can make me ballsy.”

Familiar with the Earth term, he laughed.

___________________________

I hope you'll enjoy reading or listening to Taelon and Lisa's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Take care!

Dianne

Trailer Reveal, Audiobook Release, and Winners Galore

Happy Friday!  This has been yet another exciting week.  If you don't follow me on social media (or if Facebook has been hiding my posts from you), then I have something fun to share with you:

Rendezvous With Yesterday

Official Trailer

What do you think?  :-)  I finished it just it time for the audiobook's release!

Audible • Amazon • Tantor Audio

That's right.  Rendezvous With Yesterday is now available in audiobook.  It released on November 2nd.  And—thanks to those of you who pre-ordered it or who have purchased it this week—it has hit Audible's Fantasy Romance and Historical Romance bestseller lists.  Woohoo!!  Thank you!  I hope you'll enjoy Robert and Bethany's story.  I plan to start listening to it myself this weekend.  :-)

Thank you again, everyone who joined me on my Rendezvous With Yesterday Blog Tour.  The winners of my tour-wide giveaway are . . .

1st Prize — $50 Amazon Gift Card

Stacy Maynard

2nd Prize — $20 Amazon Gift Card

Barbara Montag

3rd Prize — signed copies of Shadows Strike

and A Sorceress of His Own + swag

Jason Watson

Thank you, too, everyone who joined me and dozens of other authors for the Trick or Treat for Your Next Favorite Read Party.  The winners are . . .

A signed copy of A Sorceress of His Own + swag

Tera Comer

A Sorceress of His Own ebook

Katie Welks

Immortal Guardians and The Gifted Ones Swag Pack

Dakota Palmer

Shadows Strike ebook

Perlent Rodriquez

Shadows Strike ebook

Suzy Fren

And congratulations again to the winners of my most recent Facebook Giveaways:

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Kym Amaral

Immortal Guardians and The Gifted Ones Swag Packs

Lisa Ward

Immortal Guardians and The Gifted Ones Swag Packs

Lisa Helmick

Fantastic reviews continue to roll in for Rendezvous With Yesterday.  I'm so glad readers are enjoying Robert and Bethany's story!!  

Scandalicious Book Reviews gave it such a wonderful review that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to quote from it.  :-)  The reviewer also had this to say:

“The writing is so spot on, the characters are beautifully relatable and larger story is so exceptionally compelling, I strongly urge all of you reading this to get swept away in Duvall’s world and words. In her Immortal Guardians series, she delivers first class paranormal stories with a different spin on vampires that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And the Gifted Ones series is nothing short of perfection itself. I can’t wait to see where she takes us next!”

You can read the full review HERE.

eBook

Kindle • Nook • Kobo • iTunes/iBooks

Amazon Kindle UK • Amazon Kindle CA

Amazon Kindle AU • Amazon Kindle DE
Amazon Kindle FR
Paperback

Amazon • Barnes and Noble • BAM!
Audiobook
Audible • Amazon • Tantor Audio

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  Today I thought I would give Immortal Guardians and The Gifted Ones fans another glimpse of Marcus as a teenager in Rendezvous With Yesterday.

Robert reached out and ruffled the boy’s hair.  “Aye.  I trust you have been lazing the days away, toasting your feet before my fire, consuming every morsel Cook doesn’t keep under guard, and wooing every maid in the castle during my absence.” 

“Of course,” he admitted cheekily, engaging in a brief, mock-wrestle with his lord.  

His eyes fell upon Beth.  Filled with inquisitiveness, they roamed her from head to toe with far more knowledge of women sparkling in them than she thought he should possess at his age.  “And what have you been doing in your absence, my lord?” he asked, never removing his gaze from her.  His meaning could not have been more clear. 

Robert cuffed him on the side of his head.  “Insolent pup.  Hold your tongue.  I have brought an honored guest home with me and expect you to trot out all of those courtly manners I have gone to such lengths to drum into you these past years.  Lady Bethany, I present to you my faithful squire, Marcus, heir of Dunnenford.” 

Straightening his shoulders, Marcus took her hand, offered her a gallant bow, and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles.  “’Tis both a pleasure and an honor to meet you, my lady,” he pronounced gravely.  “I pray you will forgive my earlier impertinence.  I meant no disrespect and would in no way wish to injure the tender feelings of one so comely as yourself.” 

Beth looked up at Robert and fought back a smile.  “I see you’ve imbued him with some of your charm as well.” 

“Mayhap too much of it,” he commented dryly.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Favorite Quote Friday #115

Happy Friday!  We've had the most wonderful weather here the past couple of days.  Lots of clouds, (you know how much I love cloudy days), thunderstorms, and lower temperatures.  Our afternoon temps were actually in the 70's yesterday.  This time of year, we're usually lucky if the over night low dips into the 70's.  So it was a very nice change.  Since we probably won't see temps like again that for a couple months or more, I managed to sneak in some outdoors time.

I've also been working on Rendezvous With Yesterday edits.  I'm going to read through it one more time, then will send it back to my editor.  Did you know that Marcus and Seth both appear in all of my published novels, both Immortal Guardians and The Gifted Ones?  Those two have been with me for quite a long time, so they will always be particular favorites of mine.  :-)

This month has been so hectic that I believe I forgot to formally announce the winners of my Phantom Embrace Blog Tour Giveaway (all of whom have been contacted):

1st Prize — Jeanna M.

2nd Prize — Irma J.

3rd Prize — Bridgett W.

Congratulations!!  And thank you again, everyone who joined me on the tour!

I thought I would begin answering Frequently Asked Reader Questions periodically in my weekly posts.  I'll start with one I've been asked quite a bit this year.

Question:  Will you be making more trailers or videos?

Answer:  Yes.  I still work occasionally on independent film projects.  It's another fun creative outlet for me.  So, naturally, I love being able to work on my own projects.  I don't know yet if I'll be able to make a trailer for Rendezvous With Yesterday.  Even small productions like trailers can be time-consuming, because I approach them like a feature film, casting professional actors, hiring a director and crew, etc.  And time has been in very short supply this year.  But I've been tossing some ideas around with an indie filmmaker colleague of mine.  So, we'll see.  :-)

If you aren't familiar with my trailers and videos, you can find them on My YouTube Channel.  Here is my most recent video, a trailer for A Sorceress of His Own, The Gifted Ones Book 1:

A USA Today Bestseller

Amazon • Audible • iBooks • Kobo • Nook

Amazon UK • Amazon Canada

It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday!  My medieval crew from The Gifted Ones series have been major players in my thoughts this week.  So today I'll share a brief excerpt of A Sorceress of His Own, Book 1, with you:

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Freeing her hand from her robe, Alyssa placed it on Michael’s nose, closed her eyes, and concentrated on mending the breaks.  Heat raced through her body, down to her arm, then to his nose.  Soon her own began to ache.  Bone shifted position beneath her fingertips, weaving itself back together.  Something warm began to tickle her upper lip.

“Cease!”

Startled by Dillon’s abrupt command, she jumped and released Michael, whose eyes remained steadfastly screwed shut.  Her gaze flew to Dillon.

Jaw clenched, he leaned forward around Michael and drew his finger across the skin beneath her nose.  It came away wet with her blood.  “No more,” he ordered in a tone that brooked no argument.

Alerted to his distress by his touch, she nodded and raised her cowl.  

Dillon moved to stand beside her.  “You may open your eyes, Michael.”

Complying, Michael raised a hand to his nose and explored it experimentally.  It was straight once more, no longer bleeding.  The throbbing and much of the swelling had vanished as well.  “My thanks, Healer.”

She nodded.

“Return to the village and aid in the repairs,” Dillon bid him curtly.

“Aye, my lord.”  Standing, Michael bowed respectfully.  He froze for a moment as he started to turn away.  Alyssa saw his gaze go to Dillon’s fingers, still painted with her blood, then fly to her.

In the next instant, he was gone.

Dillon kicked the door shut, then returned to her side and lowered her cowl.  Picking up one of the clean cloths she had set aside to use as a bandage, he grasped her chin and tenderly dabbed her nose with it, wiping away the blood.  “I like this not, Alyssa,” he told her.

“I know.”  Her body had already begun to heal itself.  The bleeding ceased even as he watched.  “’Twould not have affected me at all,” she assured him with a smile, “were I not weary from healing so many other paltry wounds before it.”

Dillon dropped the cloth with a groan and pulled her to him, locking his arms around her as he rested his cheek upon her hair.

_____________________________

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

A Sorceress of His Own Trailer Reveal

Surprise!  I'm very excited to bring you the Trailer for my upcoming release, A Sorceress of His Own, The Gifted Ones Book 1.

A Sorceress of His Own

The Gifted Ones Book 1

An Amazon #1 Bestseller

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. Perhaps because she garners the same fear in others that he does himself.

For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon's side, counseling him from the shadows, healing him with her hands, and staving off the worst of his loneliness while his fearsome reputation keeps others at bay. Blessed—or cursed—with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him beneath umbral robes that lead Dillon and his people to believe she is the same aged wisewoman who served his father.

All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon's life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything—even the wrath of his king—to be with her.

eBook

* Special Pre-Order and Release Week Price — $2.99 *

(50% off Reg. Retail Price — $5.99)

Kindle • iBooks • Kobo • Nook

Audiobook

— Coming June 5th —

Amazon • Tantor Audio • Audible Link Coming Soon

Paperback

— Coming June 2nd —

My big A Sorceress of His Own Blog Tour starts today!  Join me on the stops and learn more about A Sorceress of His Own, The Gifted Ones series, the characters you'll find in it, me, future projects, and more.  And enter to win Amazon Gift Cards and other goodies while you're there.  ;-)  Here's the schedule.  

I hope you like the trailer!  

Dianne

Darkness Rises Video Contest 2

Happy Friday!  I've had a busy week, but spent most of it with Zach and Lisette, so it was a good one.  ;-)

I've been going over Night Unbound (Immortal Guardians Book 5) proofs and am almost finished.  This is the last step in the editing process. Next up will be a box of beautiful ARCs on my doorstep.  I can't wait!!

I also have something special for you again today:  another visual peek into the pages of Darkness Rises, Immortal Guardians Book 4.  (If you missed the first one, you can view it HERE.)

RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance Nominee

Amazon • Kindle • Barnes and Noble • Nook • iBooks • Kobo • Audible • Walmart

Can Immortal Guardian Étienne d'Alençon convince mortal vampire hunter Krysta Linz that not everyone with fangs and glowing eyes is the enemy?  :-)

See it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWOn-Uq-To4

I'm holding another contest over on Facebook that begins today and lasts through Monday, April 28th.  Help me get the video out there by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+,  your blog, or wherever you'd like to share it, then hop over to my Facebook Author page and tell me you did and you'll be entered to WIN a signed copy of Darkness Rises or one of two Immoral Guardians swag packs.   Every place you share it nets you an entry.  :-)

**Note:  If you aren't on Facebook, you can post a comment here instead.

Thank you again, everyone who shared the first one!  You rock!!  I hope you like the videos!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Easter Blog Hop

Welcome to the Easter Blog Hop, sponsored by Mina Carter and Milly Taiden!  There's a giveaway at every stop!  AND the overall hop has two grand prizes:  a digital romance set plus $50 Amazon gift certificate OR a Kindle HD Fire!

For my own prize, I've chosen to give away a signed copy of Darkness Rises, Immortal Guardians Book 4, + swag.  Love paranormal romance that's dark and intense with humor thrown in?  Want to see vampires returned to their evil roots and watch strong heroines fall in love with the powerful immortal warriors who hunt them?  That's what you'll find between the pages of Darkness Rises!

Here's a brief excerpt:

RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance Nominee

He bowed as she turned and entered her bedroom.  He expected her to close and lock her door, not that it could keep him out. 

Instead, she drew back the covers and climbed into bed.

Étienne turned off the overhead light and attempted to stretch out on the futon.  His feet and most of his calves hung over the arm.  One of the metal bars beneath the cushions dug into his back.

He sighed.  He could always wait until Krysta drifted off, then sleep on the floor.  That would probably be the more comfortable solution.

He heard bedding rustle and closed his eyes, trying not to picture Krysta sprawled across the covers under other, less appropriate circumstances.

She laughed.

Opening his eyes, he glanced at the doorway.

She was leaning over in bed peeking at him.  "Comfortable?"

"Yes, thank you."

She shook her head.  "You're lying."

"With good intentions."

Still grinning, she waved him toward her.  "Go ahead and come sleep in here with me."

His body went rock hard at the notion even though he knew damned well she didn't mean it the way he wanted her to mean it.

"I . . ." want to rip your clothes off with my teeth, so I don't think it would be a good idea.  "That's very kind of you, but . . ."  I really do want to rip your clothes off with my teeth and explore every inch of your beautiful body.  "I'm fine."

"Your legs are hanging off the end by a good foot and a half and I can't even sleep on that lumpy piece of crap when I'm drunk."

He smiled.  "I've slept on worse surfaces."

"Have you ever slept in a coffin?"

"Yes, but only as a practical joke."

"What about in a crypt?"

"More than once when it took me longer than expected to track down a nasty vampire and I couldn't find any other shelter before the sun rose."

"Was the crypt more comfortable than my futon?"

He grinned.  "Hands down."

Again she laughed.  "Then get in here.  We're adults.  We can do this."

He couldn't find the strength to refuse.  "Merci."  Rising, he strode into her room and circled the bed.  "I'm surprised you trust me enough to sleep beside me."

"To be honest, I am, too.  You really aren't going to bite me?"

"No."  He settled beside her on top of the covers.

"Any plans to cop a feel?"

Her scent enveloped him as he turned his head to stare at her.  "Would you mind if I did?"

"I'm still considering that one."

Yes.  This was definitely a bad idea.

"What is it about you that makes me want to forget what you are," she asked softly, "that makes me believe you are what you are and not one of the vampires I hate so much?"

"I don't know.  Perhaps the same thing about you that makes me want to believe you won't drive a stake through my heart or chop off my head as soon as I doze off."

Curling onto her side to face him, she raised one hand and drew delicate fingers down his cheek as her gaze roved his face.  "Truce?"

"Truce."

"Good night, Étienne."

Heart racing, he clasped her fingers and brought them to his lips.  "Good night, Krysta."

She fell asleep holding this hand.

Trailer

View the Trailer on Youtube.

Grand Prize
a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Prize

A signed copy of Darkness Rises + a Night Unbound cover flat and Immortal Guardians swag.

Details

The Easter Blog Hop runs from April 21st, 12:01am EST through April 27th, 11:59pm EST.  My giveaway is international.

Mandatory entry for my prize

Follow my blog and leave a comment on this post, telling me you did.  Please include your email address and mention any extra entries.   :-)

Extra entries for my prize

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following, but be sure to mention them in your comment.

+1  Like My Facebook Page.

+1  Follow me on Twitter.

+1  Mention my giveaway on Twitter.

+1  Share it on Facebook.

+1 Pin the Darkness Rises Trailer on Pinterest.

+1 Share the Darkness Rises Trailer on Facebook.

Selecting a Winner for my prize

I will use random.org to choose my prize winner after verifying all entries and will announce it here by May 2nd.  If the winner's email address is included in her/his comment, I will email her/him, too.  The winner will have one week to contact me.

There are more prizes up for grabs at the
other stops on the hop!

Darkness Rises Video & Contest

Happy Friday!  I have something special for you today—a visual peek into the pages of Darkness Rises, Immortal Guardians Book 4.

RT Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Vampire Romance Nominee

Amazon • Kindle • Barnes and Noble • Nook
iBooks • Kobo • Audible • Walmart

If this is your first time hearing of it:  In Darkness Rises, mortal Krysta Linz was once the victim of a vicious vampire attack and has dedicated her life to killing every blood-sucking vampire she can find.  Immortal Guardian Étienne d'Alençon has always admired strong women.  So, when he sees Krysta take on four vampires by herself, he is instantly smitten and vows to convince her that not everyone with fangs and glowing eyes is the enemy.

See it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE4VaGh8axs

I'm holding a contest over on Facebook that begins today and lasts through Monday.  Help me get the scene out there by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+,  your blog, or wherever you'd like to share it, then hop over to my Facebook Author page and tell me you did and you'll be entered to #WIN one of two signed copies of Darkness Rises or one of two Immoral Guardians swag packs.   Every place you share it nets you an entry.  :-)

(If you aren't on Facebook, you can post a comment here instead.)

I hope you like the video!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne