Happy Friday! I've been working on Phantom Embrace promo, writing Blog Tour posts and designing new swag—bookmarks, postcards, and trading cards. Here's a sample:
(trading card)
I'll look over the swag one last time this weekend, then order several boxes of each. Can't wait to start giving it away!!
I also wrote a new blurb for Phantom Embrace. This novella (Yuri and Cat's story) was first released in the On the Hunt anthology last year, so the blurb—of necessity—had to be very short. I thought readers who are unfamiliar with either the story or the series would like a little more information, so I wrote a longer blurb:
Born with the ability to see spirits, immortal Yuri Sokolov avoids making contact with them, because such
has always yielded negative results . . . until lovely Cat Seddon
begins haunting his home and his dreams. As a new threat rises against
the Immortal Guardians, Yuri disregards all the rules so he can be with
Cat, even though the consequences are substantial.
For centuries, Catherine Seddon has been alone. When her brother is
forced to join the Immortal Guardians’ ranks, she haunts the primary
home of the powerful warriors to keep an eye on him, and soon finds
herself captivated by Yuri. The handsome Russian immortal swiftly
banishes her loneliness as friendship grows between them and deepens
into love. But can two people who can never touch find a future
together?
“Duvall's hauntingly beautiful novella, set in the world of the Immortal Guardians, portrays the deep love between two people who can never touch, with a wonderfully unexpected ending.”
—Publishers Weekly
Only two months until the release! :-)
Thank you, everyone who has voted for A Sorceress of His Own, which has been nominated for The Romance Reviews Readers Choice Award for Historical Romance. I know I've probably said this before, but I'm so thrilled that my first indie release was nominated. This book in particular means a lot to me, because it inspired my Immortal Guardians' series and introduced me to Seth, Marcus, and Roland. :-)
Voting lasts through Saturday, April 30th. So if you enjoyed Dillon and Alyssa's story and would like to vote, there's still time to do so HERE.
"Readers will appreciate the rich characterizations and kick-butt action of Duvall's "In Still Darkness," as Richard d'Alençon, a 200-year-old Guardian, woos charming Jenna McBride with warmth and passion while keeping his vampire-hunting like secret."
—Publishers Weekly
It's time once more for Favorite Quote Friday! While anticipating Phantom Embrace's upcoming release, I've been thinking about my first novella's solo release, so I thought I would give you a brief excerpt from In Still Darkness today. :-)
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Weaving on her feet, the woman straightened and looked up at him. She couldn’t be much more than five feet tall and he was six foot one. “Y-your eyes are glowing.”
Her pupils were dilated, blocking out almost all of the pale green, leaving only a few flakes of brown.
Richart retracted his fangs. “Yes. I know it looks bad, but—”
She shook her head. “I think they’re beautiful.”
Was that the drug talking? Or did she really think so?
“You saved me,” she said, awe and gratitude in her melodic voice. Loosening her death grip on his shirt, she cupped his face in both hands.
His heart skipped.
When was the last time a woman had touched his face so tenderly?
When was the last time a woman had touched him at all? Other than his sister punching him in the shoulder, doing her damnedest to kick his ass when they sparred, or doling out a hug here or there, he honestly couldn’t remember.
“Thank you,” the woman whispered. Rising onto her toes, she drew his head down and brushed her lips against his.
The contact hit him like an electrical shock. His heart began to pound as she tilted her head and increased the pressure, brushing, stroking. She combed her fingers through his short, black hair, sending shivers through him.
He parted his lips, met her tongue with his when she boldly thrust hers forward.
Pure heat.
She leaned into him, clutched him tighter.
His body hardened. His breath shortened. His arms tightened around her.
Her knees went limp. Her lips tore away from his as her head fell back. Her eyes closed. Her mouth hung open, lips pink from kissing him.
Richart stared down at her as his pulse pounded in his ears.
Yeah. She was out.
Damn it. That had been the best kiss he’d had in at least a century.
______________________________________
I still love these two together. :-)
Have a wonderful weekend!
Dianne
