Showing posts with label bestseller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bestseller. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

New Release—THE AKSELI

 I have exciting news!

THE AKSELI is Now Available
in ebook, audiobook, paperback, & hardback!

A #1 Amazon & Audible Bestseller

ebook
Kindle • Nook • iBooks • Kobo
Amazon AU • AmazonCA • Amazon DE
Amazon FR • Amazon UK • Amazon IT
audiobook
(Narrated by Kirsten Potter)
Audible
paperback
Amazon
hardback
Amazon


New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the next stand-alone novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action and humor.

Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires night after night for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space and meeting amazing alien races just as exciting as she'd hoped… until an enemy attacks. Simone saves everyone she can before she's thrust into an escape pod and the ship explodes. Alone, fearing some—if not all—of her friends have been killed, she vows to seek vengeance.

Despite his fierce reputation and propensity for violating the law, Janwar has formed a friendship with strait-laced Prince Taelon of Lasara. When the prince's ship is destroyed, Janwar joins the massive Aldebarian Alliance-wide search and rescue mission and soon locates the Gathendien ship that launched the attack. An odd thing happens, however, as he and his crew stealthily approach it. The lifeforms inside begin to perish, two or three at a time in quick succession. Much to his surprise, someone else has reached the ship first: one of the very Earth women he hoped to rescue.

Fascinatingly fierce, Simone bands together with Janwar and his crew to search for her missing friends and wreak havoc upon those who wish to harm them. She also widens eyes, drops jaws, and sparks laughter and mischief as she banishes the warriors' world-weariness and makes each day seem like a new adventure. The friendship that grows between Janwar and Simone swiftly deepens into love. But the enemy warriors they face are tenacious and boast more weapons in their arsenal than the alliance knows. Can Janwar, Simone, and such a small crew vanquish them?

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —

Excerpt

She laughed as they left the lounge and headed toward the area sporting the crew’s sleeping quarters.
 
Janwar’s heartbeat increased when Simone took his hand in hers and squeezed it.
 
“This has been such an amazing day,” she said, “that I admit I’m sad to see it end.”
 
He was, too. “You must be tired, though, after the big battle.”
 
She tilted her head first one way, then the other, considering it. “Maybe a little.”
 
Their steps slowed as they turned onto the corridor their respective rooms were on.
 
“Do you know what my favorite part was?” she asked.
 
“Of the day or the battle?”
 
“The day.”
 
“The battle,” he answered with a grin.
 
“Nope. Guess again.”
 
Hmm. “The stroll in the park?”
 
“Nope, but that was a close second. Guess again.”
 
He’d thought for sure it would be one of those two. “Visiting a bar full of aliens on an alien planet?”
 
“Nope. But damn, I had a big day today, didn’t I?”
 
He laughed as they halted outside her door. “Very big. What was your favorite part?”
 
She stepped closer, tilting her head back to smile up at him. “The good-luck kiss you gave me.”
 
Surprise swept through him, followed closely by desire as he recalled the feel and taste of her. “What?”
 
“I’m not used to being the aggressor,” she confessed softly. “There aren’t many female Immortal Guardians on Earth. And breaking up with someone you know you’ll run into over and over again for hundreds or thousands of years afterward can be awkward, so we females tend to be very careful not to do anything that would invite amorous attention.” She inched closer. “I haven’t… dated in a very long time, Janwar. I’m out of practice, behind the times, and honestly don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”
 
She was setting him on fire. That’s what she was doing.
 
His heart began to batter his ribs. “What do you know?”
 
Amber light flared to life in her alluring brown eyes. “That I want another kiss.”
 
Srul, yes. Dipping his head, he pressed his lips to hers. Not with the desperation he’d felt the first time he’d kissed her, but with the same wonder he’d seen on her face in the park.
 
Simone—the remarkable woman he already cherished as a friend and whose company he constantly craved—wanted him.
 
Him.
 
Her lips were soft and warm beneath his, the kiss they shared gentle and full of affection.
 
He drew back just enough to break the tantalizing contact and stared down at her.
 
“Magnificent,” she whispered.
 
He chuckled, amused by the description he’d applied to himself earlier to make her laugh.
 
“I am so drawn to you,” she said with a smile.
 
What those words did to him.

Read a longer excerpt on my website.

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —

Review

The first reviews have begun to roll in, and I could not be happier.


Caffeinated Reviewer gave THE AKSELI a fabulous 5-star review. Here's another snippet:

"Simone is a take-no-prisoners kind of gal with a bright, sunny personality... The first meet between her and Janwar let me know I was in for a treat. The chemistry, humor, and admiration were so genuine."

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —

Blog Tour & Giveaway


The Akseli Blog Tour has begun! We're celebrating the big release with excerpts, favorite quotes, a playlist, 5 reasons to love Simone and Janwar, fun facts about THE AKSELI, and more. It also includes a...

TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

2 - $25 Amazon.com Gift Cards

2 - Aldebarian Alliance Swag Packs

Here are the stops we've made thus far:

Join the fun and enter for a chance to win! You can find the Full Schedule—which is updated daily—on My Website.

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —

Thank you, everyone who pre-ordered THE AKSELI and everyone who is purchasing it. You've already catapulted it up the charts to #1 internationally. I had so much fun writing this. I hope you'll enjoy Simone and Janwar's story!

Have a wonderful week!

Dianne

Friday, September 16, 2022

THE AKSELI Audiobook and Other Fun News!

Hello, all! As always, I hope this finds you safe and well. A lot has happened in the month since my last post. A long spate of cloudy, thunder-boomy days finally brought an end to our excruciatingly hot, record-breaking, triple-digit temperatures. (And you know how much I love to write when it's stormy outside.) I dove into my next manuscript. And I have exciting Akseli news! 

Now Available for Pre-Order
on Audible!

THE AKSELI is Now available for Pre-Order in audiobook format! Woohoo!! Kirsten Potter is a fantastic narrator (and fun to work with). So if you've never listened to an audiobook but have been thinking about giving them a try, you might want to dive in with this one. 😉


Releasing October 11, 2022
in ebook, audiobook, paperback, and hardback
A #1 Amazon & Audible Bestseller

audiobook
Audible • Amazon • Audiobooks.com
ebook
KindleNookiBooksKobo
Amazon AUAmazonCAAmazon DE
Amazon FRAmazon UKAmazon IT
paperback
— Available on Release Day —
hardback
— Available on Release Day —

New York Times bestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers the next stand-alone novel in a thrilling new sci-fi romance series full of action and humor.

Despite his fierce reputation and propensity for violating the law, Janwar has formed a friendship with strait-laced Prince Taelon of Lasara. When the prince's ship is destroyed, Janwar joins the massive Aldebarian Alliance-wide search and rescue mission and soon locates the Gathendien ship that launched the attack. An odd thing happens, however, as he and his crew stealthily approach it. The lifeforms inside begin to perish, two or three at a time in quick succession. Much to his surprise, someone else has reached the ship first: one of the very Earth women he hoped to rescue.

Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires night after night for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space and meeting amazing alien races just as exciting as she'd hoped… until an enemy attacks. Simone saves everyone she can before she's thrust into an escape pod and the ship explodes. Alone, fearing some—if not all—of her friends have been killed, she vows to seek vengeance.

Fascinatingly fierce, Simone bands together with Janwar and his crew to search for her missing friends and wreak havoc upon those who wish to harm them. She also widens eyes, drops jaws, and sparks laughter and mischief as she banishes the warriors' world-weariness and makes each day seem like a new adventure. The friendship that grows between Janwar and Simone swiftly deepens into love. But the enemy warriors they face are tenacious and boast more weapons in their arsenal than the alliance knows. Can Janwar, Simone, and such a small crew vanquish them?

— • — •— •— •— •— •— •— •— •

Thank you, everyone who has pre-ordered the ebook. Thanks to you, THE AKSELI catapulted up the charts and hit #1 in multiple categories on Amazon. You rock!! ❤️

— • — •— •— •— •— •— •— •— •

The Akseli Release Tour


THE AKSELI will release in ebook, audiobook, paperback, and hardback on October 11, 2022. We'll be celebrating with another fun Release Tour and Release Day Blitz that will include:

Excerpts
Exclusive Author Guest Posts
Teasers
Author Q&As

+

A Tour-Wide Giveaway
2—Amazon Gift Cards
2–Aldebarian Alliance Swag Packs


and
Participation Incentive
Book influencers who participate in the tour will have the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a $25.00 Amazon eGift Card.

JOIN THE TOUR TODAY!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Crystal at crystal@dianneduvall.com

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • 

Sneak Peek

Here's another sneak peek into the pages of Simone and Janwar's story.

Janwar glanced at Simone.
 
A wide smile lit her features as she peered over the chunks of ice that hid them and studied the frigid surface below.
 
He shook his head as affection welled up within him, dampening some of his concern. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
 
“Absolutely,” she answered, her voice full of enthusiasm. “I have now visited an alien planet and an alien moon. I’ve become an honest-to-goodness space explorer.”
 
He loved this sweet, innocent side of her. If she weren’t wearing a helmet, he would smooth a hand over her hair and lean in for a kiss. “What are you thinking?” he asked, curious to know what thoughts tumbled through her sharp mind as she studied the landscape.
 
“Right now? Part of me is imagining you naked inside that armor.”
 
Surprised, he laughed. Perhaps innocent wasn’t the right word.

Read a Longer Sneak Peek

— • — •— •— •— •— •— •— •— •

I hope those of you who pre-order THE AKSELI will enjoy Simone and Janwar's story!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Friday, September 17, 2021

Favorite Quote Friday & the Latest News

Happy Friday! I hope this finds you all safe and well. Hurricane Nicholas hit us earlier this week, but we ended up on the cleaner side of the storm. We had some hard rains and strong enough winds to strip the bark from our elm tree and litter the yard with tree limbs. But my area didn't flood, and the power only went out a couple of times. So we fared well. I hope everyone else made it through safely.


Thank you, everyone who has pre-ordered my next release: An Immortal Guardians Companion! You made it an Amazon and Barnes&Noble Bestseller! Woohoo!! You rock! I hope you'll enjoy it. If this is your first time hearing about it, it contains 90 pages* of deleted scenes that I think you'll like. There's also a Bonus Scene from Cliff's Descent that I think you'll enjoy. Here's the blurb:

Releasing October 12, 2021
in ebook and paperback

ebook

Kindle | KoboNookApple

AmazonUK | AmazonAU | AmazonCA | AmazonDE | AmazonFR

paperback

— Available on Release Day —


Hello, all!

Your favorite character, Sheldon, here. If you’re an Immortal Guardians fan, I think you’re really going to enjoy this companion. Dianne has packed it with ninety pages of deleted scenes that feature many of the characters you’ve come to know and love plus a bonus scene from Cliff’s Descent that you won’t want to miss.

You’ll also find every character interview Dianne has ever written inside these pages. (Those of you who’ve encountered a few in the past know the ones I conduct are the best.) If you’ve never read one or you missed a few, then pick up a copy, sit back, and laugh while I interview Immortal Guardians and the loves of their lives for the network. Even Chris Reordon and Todd down at network headquarters get in on the action.

I also interview Dianne and ply her with questions I thought you’d like to ask her. Throw in a couple of short stories, what inspired the Immortal Guardians series, and a brief Who Does What Now? list, and you’re bound to enjoy it.

See you on the inside!

Your friend,

Sheldon

Immortal Guardian Richart’s immensely competent Second

And the most beloved character in the Immortal Guardians series (at least in his mind).

*Just a note: that's 90 manuscript pages. In the trade paperback, with its larger page size that can accommodate more words, it may be a little less than that. And in the ebook, the "deleted scenes" page count may be noticeably larger than that. In the past, I've had 430-page books show up as 500+ pages on some ebook vendor sites.


— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Ms. Duvall has provided this reader with everything I could hope for."

Cliff's Descent was voted Book of the Month at Long and Short Reviews!! Woohoo!! Thank you so much!! Reviews continue to roll in for it. And I could not be happier. I'm so thrilled you're enjoying Cliff and Emma's story.


Caffeinated Reviewer gave Cliff's Descent an absolutely fabulous review.

"Thank you, Dianne Duvall. Cliff deserved his own story, and I loved every minute of its telling... Kirsten Potter out did herself with this performance. The emotions, particularly Cliff's, and his immortal friends, were so well done."


Cliff's Descent also received a wonderful review from eBookObsessed.

"Every author dreams of writing a character so beloved that their readers just can't get enough, and Dianne Duvall succeeded monumentally with Cliff. The readers just can't get enough of this brave and noble man."

If you're new to my Immortal Guardians series...

I thought I would share something else Long and Short Reviews said: "Even though it might be coming from the long side of the series, I truly believe that a reader jumping into the Immortal Guardians' world could enjoy this story as a starter. I say that because it is told from Cliff's side. He can only tell us what he heard or experienced from his point of view."

And I've seen other reviewers and new-to-the-series readers and audiobook lovers say the same. So feel free to jump in with this one if the blurb entices you. 😉

— • 
— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • 


An Immortal Guardians Companion will release in less than a month! I can't wait! And Author's Taproom is hard at work, planning a fun Blog Tour and Release Day Blitz to celebrate. There will be author posts, Q&A's, a tour-wide giveaway, and more. I'd love to see you there. So if you're a blogger, bookstagrammer, or book influencer and would like to join the fun, you can learn more here:


— • 
— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • 



This has been quite an eventful week. I'm really looking forward to the weekend, so let's start it off with another Favorite Quote Friday. Today, I'd like to share one of my favorite scenes from Cliff's Descent for those who haven't given it a read or a listen. (If you like audiobooks, I highly recommend you look up Kirsten Potter. She's a fantastic narrator!) It features Cliff and Emma.

___________________________

A loud knock shook her door.

Emma damn near jumped off the sofa. Her neck popped as she jerked her head around to stare at the door with wide eyes. Her heart began to slam against her ribs as fear trickled through her.

Who the hell would be knocking on her door this late at night?

No one she knew would do so without calling first. And deliverymen and -women didn't drop off packages at freaking midnight.

As quickly and quietly as a mouse, she darted into her bedroom and grabbed the 9mm her father had bought her and trained her to use. Flicking off the safety, she returned to the living room and swung by the coffee table to tuck her phone in her pajama pants pockets in case she needed to call 911. Only then did she cautiously approach the door.

Another knock thundered through the house.

Adrenaline spiking, she peered through the door's peephole.

Shock rippled through her. "Oh shit," she whispered. Setting the gun on the coat rack bench beside her, she hastily unlocked the dead bolt, then the knob, and flung open the door.

Cliff stood before her, his big body blocking her view of the yard.

Emma gaped up at him.

He wore the standard blacks of network guards covered with a long black coat similar to that of an Immortal Guardian. His face, neck, and hands were streaked with blood. His clothing glistened with wet patches. And his eyes shone bright amber.

She had never seen them so bright and knew it meant that whatever emotion roiled inside him was intense.

Panic consumed her. "Cliff," she breathed. Stepping onto the porch, she swiftly glanced around, terrified she might see soldiers in black approaching with weapons raised.

When none materialized, she grabbed his wrist and yanked him inside.

Her hands shook as she closed and bolted the door, her fingers leaving little streaks of blood on the white surface.

Spinning around, she stared up at him. "What happened? Are you hurt?" Her gaze swept over him, noting every wet patch on his clothing, every ruby-red splotch on his skin. Was that his blood or someone else's? "How did you get here? Are you hurt?" Closing the distance between them, she began to run her hands over his chest in search of wounds.

Cliff grabbed her wrists to halt her frantic movements. His glowing eyes dropped to the points at which they touched. He drew his thumbs over her skin as if to confirm she was real. Then he met her gaze. "I need your shower," he said, voice gruff.

Heart pounding, she nodded. As soon as he released her, she pointed. "It's through there."

Without another word, he strode toward it. His heavy boots thudded loudly in the quiet as he entered the short hallway, then turned in to the bathroom. The door closed. Water began to pound tile.

Emma didn't move.

Cliff was here. In her home. What the hell had happened?

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dianne

Friday, August 27, 2021

Surprise!! Now Available for Pre-Order...

Happy Friday! I have exciting news to share with you:

My next release
An Immortal Guardians Companion
is Now Available for Pre-Order!

Releasing October 12, 2021
in ebook and paperback

ebook

Kindle | Kobo| Nook| Apple

AmazonUK | AmazonAU | AmazonCA | AmazonDE | AmazonFR

paperback

— Available on Release Day —


Hello, all!


Your favorite character, Sheldon, here. If you’re an Immortal Guardians fan, I think you’re really going to enjoy this companion. Dianne has packed it with ninety pages of deleted scenes that feature many of the characters you’ve come to know and love plus a bonus scene from Cliff’s Descent that you won’t want to miss.


You’ll also find every character interview Dianne has ever written inside these pages. (Those of you who’ve encountered a few in the past know the ones I conduct are the best.) If you’ve never read one or you missed a few, then pick up a copy, sit back, and laugh while I interview Immortal Guardians and the loves of their lives for the network. Even Chris Reordon and Todd down at network headquarters get in on the action. 


I also interview Dianne and ply her with questions I thought you’d like to ask her. Throw in a couple of short stories, what inspired the Immortal Guardians series, and a brief Who Does What Now? list, and you’re bound to enjoy it. 


See you on the inside!


Your friend,

Sheldon

Immortal Guardian Richart’s immensely competent Second

And the most beloved character in the Immortal Guardians series (at least in his mind)


— • — • — • — • — • — • — • —


I want to thank you again for making the release of Cliff's Descent so fantastic. I had to drop offline for a bit, so I'm late telling you that it hit the USA Today Bestseller list. Woohoo!! I also received a very nice email, informing me that Cliff's Descent was Barnes&Noble Press's #7 book the week it released. I've spent countless hours strolling up and down the aisles of Barnes&Noble brick and mortar stores, finding favorite books and new-to-me authors. So this was a real thrill for me.

Thank you, too, for the wonderful reviews. I'm so glad you're enjoying Cliff and Emma's story. (For the audiobook lovers out there who haven't given it a listen yet, Kirsten Potter did another stellar job narrating.)

Here are a few of the outstanding reviews that have been rolling in:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Way to go!!!! This book was funny, sexy, smart and all around entertaining."

—Michelle Frederick


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Emma and cliff light up each other's worlds like a love most of us can only dream of."

—Daryll k


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Fantastic!... Job well done Dianne! Thank you for giving us his full story."

—Shannon Swihart


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"For readers of this series, this book is a must read."

—Lorna


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"What an emotional journey... This book is amazing."

—Stacy Ross


Thank you, everyone who has taken a moment to write a review! I grin big every time I read them.


— • — • — • — • — • — • — • —


The storm heading toward Louisiana looks pretty scary. I hope all of those in its path will stay safe!


Best,

Dianne


Friday, July 30, 2021

Favorite Quote Friday: Cliff's Descent

Happy Friday!

This has been such an exciting week!


Cliff's Descent: A Vampire's Tale released on Tuesday and—thanks to you—hit Amazon, Audible, Barnes&Noble, Apple Books, and Kobo bestseller lists.

If this is your first time hearing about it, here's the blurb:

ebook

Kindle  Kobo  Nook  Apple 

AmazonUK  AmazonAU  AmazonCA

AmazonDE  AmazonFR

audiobook
Narrated by Kirsten Potter
paperback

For the first time, New York Timesbestselling author Dianne Duvall brings readers a novel—set in the "fast-paced" (Publishers Weekly) and "totally addictive" (RT Book Reviews) world of the Immortal Guardians—that revolves around a vampire... one who has become a friend and trusted ally of the powerful warriors.

Every mortal who works at network headquarters knows that vampires reside below them. They were the first to surrender to the powerful Immortal Guardians who hunt them. And they did so, hoping they can be saved, that the doctors and scientists the Immortal Guardians employ can halt the progressive brain damage that robs all vampires of their sanity. Though curious, Emma never thought she would meet any of the vampires who remain under heavy guard several stories beneath her office. Then mercenaries strike, bombarding the building with heavy artillery. The vampires are freed to join the fray... and Cliff saves her life.

From that moment on, she can't stop thinking about him regardless of the restrictions placed on interactions with vampires.When Emma discovers a way to speak to Cliff at network headquarters, she becomes even more fascinated by him. He's smart, charming, and honorable to his core despite the darkness that lies ahead. And he seems to crave her company as much as she does his. Aware of the eyes that watch them, they keep their encounters innocent, limiting them to those of mere acquaintances. Nevertheless, their attraction grows and she soon falls in love with him even as the madness begins to claim him.

Cliff realizes his future is dark. As one vampire friend after another succumbs to insanity, hope that network doctors will be able to find a cure in time to keep him from meeting the same fate begins to dwindle, leaving him little to look forward to... until he meets Emma. Just speaking to her brings him a happiness and contentment he hasn't experienced since before his transformation. And when they finally find a way to be alone together, everything changes. Emma burrows her way right into his heart and quiets the voices. She sparks dreams of a future withher that strengthen his determination to beat back the madness. But as time passes, the voices grow louder and insanity begins to chip away at him until he fears it will eradicate every part of him she fell in love with.

Will the two of them find a way to defy the odds and find their happily-ever-after? Or will Cliff's descent consume him?

— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —


Reviews have begun to roll in for Cliff and Emma's story. And I'm so thrilled that you're enjoying it! Here are some of the awesome things readers are saying:

 

"Wow! Worth the wait! This was truly a beautiful love story."

αи∂у. (o´`o)**

 

"This story was amazing! I laughed, I cried!... I’m ready to read it again!"

—Zina Fritz

 

"OMGosh, what an amazing book and well worth the wait!"

Betty

 

"Wow! Another great story!... Well crafted and deeply moving."

—CYarg

 

"Dianne Duval not only hit the ball out of the park, she hit a grand slam."

—Darla Mundwiller

 

"Outstanding! Dianne DOES NOT disappoint at all!! I DEVOURED this book. Could not put it down for even a second. It has all the feels."

—TJW


— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —




Mrs. Clare’s Book
s

Q&A with Dianne Duvall

 

Lynn’s Romance Enthusiasm

Excerpt from Cliff’s Descent

 

Nerdynovelreviews

Q&A with Dianne Duvall

 

Read All About It

Spotlight/Teaser of Cliff’s Descent

 

Lady with a Quill

Top 5 Reasons to Love Emma from Cliff’s Descent

 

Bury Oneself in a good book

Spotlight/Teaser of Cliff’s Descent

 



The tour also includes a giveaway, so when you join us be sure to enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 Amazon.com Gift Cards (1—$50 gift card and 2—$25 gift cards) that are up for grabs. You can find the full schedule with links that are updated daily at


— • — • — • — • — • — • — • — • —


It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday! Since you might have seen readers mention crying while reading Cliff's book, I thought I would share an excerpt of one of of the lighter moments in the story. It features Cliff and Emma (the hero and heroine) and Sadie, a friend and coworker of Emma's:
_________________________________

“Oh good!” a bright, feminine voice trilled. “You’re here.”

 

Cliff’s eyebrows shot up when an elderly woman stopped beside their table and beamed at him. She didn’t look a day under ninety, had a sweet smile bracketed by wrinkles, skin so pale he could see the veins at her temples, and snow-white hair pulled up into a tidy bun. The biceps left bare by her dress looked thinner than his wrist, and she seemed to weigh little more than the large clear container full of cookies that she carried.

 

Emma offered the woman a warm smile. “Hi, Sadie.”

 

“Hello, sweetie,” Sadie said, then swung her attention back to Cliff. “I’m so glad I caught you today, young man. Here. I baked these for you.”

 

Cliff’s jaw dropped when she held out the container. For a moment he could only stare in stunned disbelief. But the muscles in her bony arms began to tremble, so he hastily took the cookies. “I think you must be confusing me with someone else.”

 

She waved a hand and issued a pshaw sound. “I may be old, but my memory’s as sharp as a tack. You’re Vampire Cliff. Now set that down so I can hug your neck.”

 

What… was happening?

 

He shot Emma a glance.

 

Her lovely lips stretching in a grin, she looked as though she were struggling not to laugh. “You’d better do as she says.”

 

Cliff set the container down.

 

Sure enough, Sadie moved closer, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him a hug. The scents of lavender and vanilla wafted over him. “It’s okay,” Sadie told him cheerfully. “You can hug me back. I won’t break.”

 

Nonplussed, he closed his arms around her and gently patted her back.

 

After a moment, Sadie withdrew with a smile. “As soon as I heard you’d been spotted up here in the cafeteria, I knew I had to bake you some cookies. I hope you like them. It’s a recipe passed down by my Danish grandmother.”

 

“I’m sure they’re delicious,” Cliff said. “Thank you.”

 

Maybe she didn’t understand what a vampire was.

 

Emma smiled at the woman. “Sadie, would you like to join us?”

 

“Oh yes, dear, I would. Let me go get my lunch first.”

 

Cliff watched the woman shuffle over to the serving counter, then looked at Emma.

 

She grinned. “I wish you could see your expression right now. It’s absolutely priceless.”

 

“I have no idea what’s happening.”

 

She laughed. “I know. She’ll explain it when she gets back.” Leaning forward, she nodded at the container. “Sadie treats everyone under the age of sixty like they’re her grandchildren. She’s ninety-three, so to her we’re all just kids.” Her eyes crinkled with mirth. “I even heard her refer to Sebastien Newcombe as that handsome boy with the glowing eyes who caused such a fuss.”

 

He laughed at the description.
_________________________________

Thank you for making this such a great release week! If you haven't read or listened to Cliff's Descent: A Vampire's Tale yet, I hope you'll enjoy it!

Dianne