July 18, 2011

Do You Believe in Creatures Of The Night?


DO YOU BELIEVE IN CREATURES OF THE NIGHT?

By Faith V. Smith  

The romance industry in the last decade has embraced heroes and heroines who are not mortal. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, immortals, faery creatures, and more have found homes inside romance novels.

Today, I want to talk about some of those characters. I’d like to introduce you to Darach MacRath, a Highlander who gets a second chance at life as an immortal demon executioner. We will also explore the life of Kira Jackson, a vampire, whose family has a long history of being government protectors.

If we can put aside our disbelief of what could only be term our overworked imaginations, then we can explore the possibility that there are creatures in this world that are very different than we are.  Frightening isn’t it?

Yet, I believe we strive as authors to combine the scary aspects with romance for a hoped for can’t stop turning the pages read.

So, let’s see if I can woo you with a dark-haired, dark-eyed immortal with a brogue that will melt your heath and a sword that can instill terror in the slightest of demons. 

IMMORTAL JUSTICE  

Over a millennium ago, Highlander Darach MacRath was murdered. Resurrected by the Archangel Michael to fight demons as an Immortal Executioner, Darach now opposes all evil in the mortal world. His life is solitary—but when he rescues a young woman who not only sees demons but battles them herself, he is captivated by her courage and beauty. Abigail Dupree is not looking for love. But when a tall, dark demon fighter with a sexy brogue intervenes in her hunt, she’s fascinated. She should run away—but then his gentle yet sizzling touch ensnares her heart. When a demon from Darach’s past sets his sights on Abby, Darach will do anything to protect her—but for Abby, losing him would be worse than death. Together they must fight the demons of past and present, and the possibility that evil could destroy them both, before they find the gift of love.

Excerpt

“Ye willna be needing a weapon, I will protect ye.”

His statement irritated Abby, but at the same time a part of her was just a tiny bit thrilled. It seemed immortal or not, a man always had the attitude of protecting the little woman—whether they needed it or not. Of course to be fair, he had saved her butt from the demon, but he needed to know she wasn’t some frightened babe in the woods.

“I beg to differ. If I’d had a knife I could have done some serious damage, and besides, you can’t protect me twenty-four-seven, Darach.”

“Ye will be protected at all times, Abby.”

“You’re missing the point. Maybe I don’t need a keeper. I have managed to take care of myself for over…” Abby decided he didn’t really have to know she was over thirty.
And what about when you’re asleep? You do sleep don’t you?”

Darach frowned, but answered, “Aye, I do sleep, but ’tis usually during the daylight hours. However now I will be sleeping at night in your bed with ye.”
****
Okay, now that you’ve had a look at Darach, let’s explore the possibility of a Vampire Government Protector. Kira Jackson is not just a meek miss, she’s hell on wheels.

PRESIDENTIAL HEAT

Kira Jackson, former Marine and vampire, is close to achieving her goal of becoming a Government Vampire Protector—or she will be if President Gareth Hayes drops his attitude toward women agents. It's a good thing he has no clue what he does to her body. Her physical attraction to the sexy widower is just the enamel off her fangs when Kira discovers Gareth could be her soul mate for eternity.
Gareth is forced to have a protective agent after terrorists target him. But no way will he allow the sexy Agent Jackson to fill that position. However, he changes his mind when White House security is breached. Now Kira is ordering him around, and when Air Force One goes down, she proves she's more than capable of doing her job. But what is he going to do about his growing fascination with her?
Circumstances and the media toss Kira and Gareth into a shady limelight and into matrimony to save their reputations. Kira's secret comes out and both he and Kira must decide if love will be enough to overcome “death do us part” with a vampire.

Excerpt

The heat stinging her cheeks was nothing compared to the liquid fire singeing her feminine core. The man had no idea what he could be getting into.
“I’ll do that.” She reached out to grasp the doorknob and felt a set of strong but gentle hands at her waist. She resisted the urge to turn back and look at the one man who made her heart beat like a time bomb.

“Just one more thing.”

To not look this time would be rude. After all, he wasn’t just Gareth the man, but the head of her country.

“Yes?”

“I’ve never felt this strongly about any other woman before, and I don’t understand the irresistible attraction I feel toward you. Right now I have an uncontrollable urge to kiss you, but I don’t think it would be ethical.”

“Well, then I’ll kiss you.”
Kira leaned in and lightly caressed his bottom lip with her tongue. Gareth pulled her to him, and his lips slid onto hers in a movement so smooth butter would be envious. Her body heated as he took his time exploring the outer rims of her lips before seeking the inside of her mouth. His tongue teased hers and sent a fresh flood of liquid to her sex. Kira’s eyes closed as she gave herself up to the seductive inferno of their kiss.

Never before had she experienced anything like this. Despite her virginal status, she’d enjoyed her share of kisses and some foreplay, but had never felt anything the magnitude of this.

He deepened the kiss, and Kira’s vision went red under her closed lids. She heard the rush of blood through Gareth’s veins—something that shouldn’t be happening. Why now? Why him? She should not be wanting to latch on to his neck and suck for dear life.

She’d tanked up on her injection a few days before and shouldn’t be feeling the hunger.
Yet bloodlust coursed through her body, heart, and soul.

“God above, the woman ignites my blood like a firecracker on the Fourth of July.”

Kira shook her head. Had Gareth spoken out loud? Impossible, his tongue was still deep inside her mouth. So why had she heard his words? A bolt of disbelief forged a river of chill up her spine. The only way she could have heard his thoughts was if he were her mate. A fated mate—something she really never believed she would have. But oh my heavens, he was the president of the United States.

****
So I ask you again, “Do You Believe In Creatures Of The Night?”

I love hearing from readers. You can find me on facebook, twitter, www.faithvsmith.com and www.faithvsmith.blogspot.com.


Faith

2 comments:

Mary Preston said...

After all the books I have read, I don't disbelieve. Who knows what is out there? MAN can be itself a dangerous creature.

Faith V. Smith said...

Amen to the man comment, Marybelle. I'm so happy you stopped by!

Faith