Sara Curran-Ross's Blog, page 4
August 31, 2011
What Makes A Male Character In A Novel Sexy?
What Makes A Male Character In A Novel Sexy?
I have thought a lot about this question. Questioning some girlfriends about the topic I found that it is a very subjective experience and the answer depends on the readers individual taste. Phrases such as 'a bit of rough' and 'tall dark and handsome' were bandied about. Discussion of what constitutes sexiness in a male character was taken very seriously and produced some varying results that were lively debated!
One thing most of my friends agreed on vigorously was that he had to be dark haired with brown or blue eyes. Personally, I have quite often preferred tall blondes with Scandinavian looks but more recently I have re-evaluated my needs and decided my perfect hero now has to be tall and dark haired. There is something mysterious and captivating about a good looking dark haired man. Most women tend to lean towards that combination. I did go through a time where the Jason Statham and Daniel Craig type did lure me in with their rugged rough good looks but that phase has now past and now I am onto pastures new. It's a girl's prerogative to be able to change her mind from time to time. Guess I am going back to those days when I fell in love with the ultimate tall dark and gorgeous, Pierce Brosnan in Remington Steele in my teens. Lol.
Body type? Now there is a question. Some women prefer big 'n' burly with muscles coming out of their muscles with an arrogant ego the size of Europe and a square jawed angular face. It's a popular stereotype. It's attested to by the numerous romance book covers out there displaying a half clad Conan The Barbarian type usually in a kilt and/ or brandishing a large sword to emphasise his male prowess. But that is a huge turn off for me. I tend to describe my male characters very well dressed with a tall lean but tightly muscled stature that an athlete would be proud to have. My nineteenth century vampire character, Nathan Valancourt possess this type of figure coupled with fine aristocratic features and bearing and I love writing about him. But then that's just my peculiar taste.
Confidence and bravery in a male hero are absolute musts. A weak willed, frightened man is the ultimate turn off. I know some women may find it enduring for the hero to start this way in a book only for him to change and develop a spine as the story progresses but not for me. I want to see the alpha male. He can struggle with issues, problems and emotions but he must never be afraid to face them and acknowledge their presence. I love soldiers, ex-soldiers, bodyguards, police officers and vampires for male characters. They tend to be brave characters by nature and that makes them sexy and quite often dangerous - another potent aphrodisiac in a male character. Every woman likes the thrill of being with a man who continues to surprise them.
Lots of us love a bad boy. It feels as though there is some genetic code forcing us to gravitate towards a man who isn't really good for us. He's dangerous and unpredictable. Vampire heroes tend to fall into this category. There is nobody better at it then Damon in L. J. Smith's Vampire Diaries. Sexy dominating characters like Damon will protect the heroine with their life but there is always that risk that he might just devour her or snap her neck. The female character is powerless against him but for some strange reason the feeling excites her and keeps her coming back for more. It's sexy but strangely and terrifyingly alluring all at the same time. Perhaps it is a way for us to flirt with dangerous men in the safe confines of a book.
My ideal sexy male character in a novel needs to have a powerful presence that he doesn't necessarily have to demonstrate in bed. He just needs to command attention the minute he walks in a room by both women and men in equal measure. My Mr sexy alpha male needs to respect the heroine and treat her with equality yet at the same time not be afraid to take the heroine to task should she recklessly put her life in danger. In my book heroes must above absolutely everything else be fiercely protective of the heroine. No wimps out only for themselves, please. The heroine must be his first and only concern. That conviction makes him incredibly sexy to the female reader.
It is a fine line our modern day hero treads in the equality department especially in erotic romance and BDSM. In these books women are looking for a hero who can act like the perfect Dom in the bedroom, whip the heroine into submission purely to satisfy her blatant sexual desires as well as his own and act like the perfect loving, caring man who cherishes her equality outside it. It's a tall contradictory order for any man let alone a fictional male hero to achieve. But it is one that must be mastered if he is to be a successful sexy hero. I like a sexy dominating character but if he goes too far I like a strong female character who can put him in his place.
My favourite sexy male heroes in novels range from historical rakes such as Lord Vidal in Georgette Heyer's, 'Devil's Cub', the strong silent, noble type, Captain Fredrick Wentworth in Jane Austen's, 'Persuasion', the dashing Lord Percy in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', the brooding vampires in Christine Feehan's Dark Series to the all out action hero, Jason Bourne. Guess I like a bit of everything in my sexy male character. Who is your favourite male hero in a novel? What makes him sexy to you?
I have thought a lot about this question. Questioning some girlfriends about the topic I found that it is a very subjective experience and the answer depends on the readers individual taste. Phrases such as 'a bit of rough' and 'tall dark and handsome' were bandied about. Discussion of what constitutes sexiness in a male character was taken very seriously and produced some varying results that were lively debated!
One thing most of my friends agreed on vigorously was that he had to be dark haired with brown or blue eyes. Personally, I have quite often preferred tall blondes with Scandinavian looks but more recently I have re-evaluated my needs and decided my perfect hero now has to be tall and dark haired. There is something mysterious and captivating about a good looking dark haired man. Most women tend to lean towards that combination. I did go through a time where the Jason Statham and Daniel Craig type did lure me in with their rugged rough good looks but that phase has now past and now I am onto pastures new. It's a girl's prerogative to be able to change her mind from time to time. Guess I am going back to those days when I fell in love with the ultimate tall dark and gorgeous, Pierce Brosnan in Remington Steele in my teens. Lol.
Body type? Now there is a question. Some women prefer big 'n' burly with muscles coming out of their muscles with an arrogant ego the size of Europe and a square jawed angular face. It's a popular stereotype. It's attested to by the numerous romance book covers out there displaying a half clad Conan The Barbarian type usually in a kilt and/ or brandishing a large sword to emphasise his male prowess. But that is a huge turn off for me. I tend to describe my male characters very well dressed with a tall lean but tightly muscled stature that an athlete would be proud to have. My nineteenth century vampire character, Nathan Valancourt possess this type of figure coupled with fine aristocratic features and bearing and I love writing about him. But then that's just my peculiar taste.
Confidence and bravery in a male hero are absolute musts. A weak willed, frightened man is the ultimate turn off. I know some women may find it enduring for the hero to start this way in a book only for him to change and develop a spine as the story progresses but not for me. I want to see the alpha male. He can struggle with issues, problems and emotions but he must never be afraid to face them and acknowledge their presence. I love soldiers, ex-soldiers, bodyguards, police officers and vampires for male characters. They tend to be brave characters by nature and that makes them sexy and quite often dangerous - another potent aphrodisiac in a male character. Every woman likes the thrill of being with a man who continues to surprise them.
Lots of us love a bad boy. It feels as though there is some genetic code forcing us to gravitate towards a man who isn't really good for us. He's dangerous and unpredictable. Vampire heroes tend to fall into this category. There is nobody better at it then Damon in L. J. Smith's Vampire Diaries. Sexy dominating characters like Damon will protect the heroine with their life but there is always that risk that he might just devour her or snap her neck. The female character is powerless against him but for some strange reason the feeling excites her and keeps her coming back for more. It's sexy but strangely and terrifyingly alluring all at the same time. Perhaps it is a way for us to flirt with dangerous men in the safe confines of a book.
My ideal sexy male character in a novel needs to have a powerful presence that he doesn't necessarily have to demonstrate in bed. He just needs to command attention the minute he walks in a room by both women and men in equal measure. My Mr sexy alpha male needs to respect the heroine and treat her with equality yet at the same time not be afraid to take the heroine to task should she recklessly put her life in danger. In my book heroes must above absolutely everything else be fiercely protective of the heroine. No wimps out only for themselves, please. The heroine must be his first and only concern. That conviction makes him incredibly sexy to the female reader.
It is a fine line our modern day hero treads in the equality department especially in erotic romance and BDSM. In these books women are looking for a hero who can act like the perfect Dom in the bedroom, whip the heroine into submission purely to satisfy her blatant sexual desires as well as his own and act like the perfect loving, caring man who cherishes her equality outside it. It's a tall contradictory order for any man let alone a fictional male hero to achieve. But it is one that must be mastered if he is to be a successful sexy hero. I like a sexy dominating character but if he goes too far I like a strong female character who can put him in his place.
My favourite sexy male heroes in novels range from historical rakes such as Lord Vidal in Georgette Heyer's, 'Devil's Cub', the strong silent, noble type, Captain Fredrick Wentworth in Jane Austen's, 'Persuasion', the dashing Lord Percy in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', the brooding vampires in Christine Feehan's Dark Series to the all out action hero, Jason Bourne. Guess I like a bit of everything in my sexy male character. Who is your favourite male hero in a novel? What makes him sexy to you?
August 22, 2011
Blog Talk Radio Interview Tonight
Hi Everyone,
Just to let you know that I am being interviewed on The Writer's Lounge on Blog Talk Radio, 7pm Central Time in the US & 1am UK time. I will be talking at length about my thriller novel on stolen human organs, The Organ Grinder and about my other books. I will also be giving away some e-book copies of Knight of Swords and The Organ Grinder. If you fancy tuning in here is the link.
Sara
Just to let you know that I am being interviewed on The Writer's Lounge on Blog Talk Radio, 7pm Central Time in the US & 1am UK time. I will be talking at length about my thriller novel on stolen human organs, The Organ Grinder and about my other books. I will also be giving away some e-book copies of Knight of Swords and The Organ Grinder. If you fancy tuning in here is the link.
Sara
August 20, 2011
Update
Hi Everyone,
I know there has been a long gap from my last post but I have been snowed under with work. It hasn't been easy to keep everything going when my daughter is currently off from school for the summer holidays. Only two more weeks to go! Bless her! It's just that I am starting to get restless to write more.
I will be doing a post very soon and a review of Nyla Rawlyn's book, Acid Jazz Singer but in the meantime I want to let you know about a blog tour I am doing. This tour has been arranged by my publisher, Solstice Publishing for my thriller novel, The Organ Grinder. The dates of where I will be in the next two weeks are listed below.
It will start Aug. 22nd.
22nd -- Denyse Bridger
23 --Kayden Mccloud's blog
24- Lizzy Stevens
25 -- Mary Duke
26th -- th e solstice blog
27 -- Donna Crocker
28th Danielle Smith
29th -- Mark Covington
30th -- Kayden Mccloud's review site
31 st -- mary Collins
sept 1 -- Penny Estelle
2 -- Suzette Stone
3 -- Jeanne Bannon
4-- Last day David Diamantes
Hope to see you! I will also be appearing on Blog Talk Radio on Monday, 22nd Aug on The Writer's Lounge show for an interview and a discussion about my novels. I will provide a link to it when I get one. Hope you will tune in.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sara
I know there has been a long gap from my last post but I have been snowed under with work. It hasn't been easy to keep everything going when my daughter is currently off from school for the summer holidays. Only two more weeks to go! Bless her! It's just that I am starting to get restless to write more.
I will be doing a post very soon and a review of Nyla Rawlyn's book, Acid Jazz Singer but in the meantime I want to let you know about a blog tour I am doing. This tour has been arranged by my publisher, Solstice Publishing for my thriller novel, The Organ Grinder. The dates of where I will be in the next two weeks are listed below.
It will start Aug. 22nd.
22nd -- Denyse Bridger
23 --Kayden Mccloud's blog
24- Lizzy Stevens
25 -- Mary Duke
26th -- th e solstice blog
27 -- Donna Crocker
28th Danielle Smith
29th -- Mark Covington
30th -- Kayden Mccloud's review site
31 st -- mary Collins
sept 1 -- Penny Estelle
2 -- Suzette Stone
3 -- Jeanne Bannon
4-- Last day David Diamantes
Hope to see you! I will also be appearing on Blog Talk Radio on Monday, 22nd Aug on The Writer's Lounge show for an interview and a discussion about my novels. I will provide a link to it when I get one. Hope you will tune in.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sara
August 12, 2011
The Hanged Man
Hi Everyone,
I've had a couple of false starts with the third in my Victorian vampire series (The Sword Series), The Hanged Man. But I have finally settled on a beginning and introduced a new character. So here it is. This is the final attempt at the start I am going to do. The writing process is in full flow and I wil be showing some more chapters in due course.
Happy Reading!
Enjoy your weekend.
Sara :)
The Hanged Man
Southampton Docks, March, 1893
Nathan
Chapter One
I was cold and alone without her. There was no life for me without Juliet. Her betrayal cut deep into my soul and I feared I would never recover. The physical ache in my temples intensified as she put more distance between us and I watched the ship depart the docks. My mind called out to her in desperation but she was to shut me out and leave me to rot in this dark cold barren world alone. She would not hear me. She would not hear her mate, her counsel, her Knight of Swords. I was banished from her mind like a common criminal. Was I nothing to her now? Did she really prefer the comfort she took with her Lycan suitors?
The demon I allowed free reign of my temperament cursed my beautiful Queen. He threatened her with the promise of violent punishment when he retrieved her. But my human soul that lay trapped beneath his fierce control could only feel despair as I watched the ship edge further and further away.
Could she not understand that if I allowed my true human nature to control my person I would fail her again. The demon could more safely protect her than I ever could from the Taleian knights and the evil that stalked her. I could not lose her or bear to see her hurt again. Why did she refuse to listen to good sense?
The demon wanted to follow her to Venice on the next ship but it was not to leave for two days. He was frantic and destructive in his rage. I lifted the collar on my long black woollen coat to shield my face from the icy air and walked from the docks to make my way to the nearest drinking establishment.
I sat alone in the deserted public house as the night rolled in over the seedier part of Southampton. I had cleared the place with my fighting and my irresolute temper that could find no rest or sympathy. The barman viewed me with fear and kept pouring the gin so that I should not want but it was insufficient to quell the tempest within my soul.
I closed my eyes remembering when the demon part of my soul approached her on the train. The way she looked at him with painful need, despite all that he had done. Every fibre of her being reached out to him calling for their joining. The demon's own need was potent, stronger than I as a mere human had ever allowed myself to feel for anything or anyone. It's strength and limitless boundaries made me fearful. Whenever I indulged in such careless liberty with my feelings I would lose the person to whom they were attached to death itself.
In truth my point had already been proved, my parents, my uncle were dead and my younger brother Xavier was all but headed in the same direction. But Juliet was more precious to me than any other being and as a result she had suffered the worst. I felt my stomach tighten with anger as I remembered her rape at Sebastian's hands and her near death at my own when I was under the witch's power. No, the demon employed a far better technique in ensuring the Queen of Talus's protection even if sometimes his treatment of her was harsh. I desired Juliet more than life itself and if that was the sacrifice I was forced to pay to possess her love then I would endure it. Yet now she rejected the demon out of hand. Why such cruelty? What else could I give her?
With a concurring growl of raging dissatisfaction the demon picked up his empty glass and threw it hard at the bottles of liquor lined up on shelves behind the barman. The man ducked in adequate time to avoid the splinters of glass that burst forth from the explosion as three bottles broke with a loud crash.
'Please, sir,' the barman begged. 'You will do me out of business . . .'
But I was insolent to his pleading. I cared for nothing or anyone at that moment only the rejection and loss that weighed down my soul. I reached over the bar and caught hold of his shirt and brought him to face me. His whiskers were damp with the sweat of anxiety as I held him there.
'Stop your complaining and pour me another one and maybe I will let you live another day,' I demanded.
I knew not why I drank the gin. It had little effect on my body but there was some comfort in old human habits. The man nodded furiously and I let go of him with abruptness so much so that he fell backwards to the floor. I sat back on the stool and watched him scrabble to his feet to pour me another glass with his shaking hands as my finger tapped impatiently on the bar. I glared at him and moved from the stool to sit at one of the wooden chairs. I leant back in it and put my feet up on the table and downed the liquor in one before calling for him to attend me again.
The door opened and a young gentleman of birth carrying a black and silver cane. He took off his top hat and shook the water from it. He ran his fingers through his short light brown hair and turned towards me as he began to undo his winter coat. I was treated to a courteous nod and polite smile of acknowledgement. There was a flamboyant confident air to his frame as he strode towards me He seemed quite undeterred by the ferocious glare I gave him. I did not want visitors and I had no mood for polite small talk. I downed another drink watching him with suspicion as he began to approach me.
He came to sit down across from me depositing his hat and cane on the table. I straightened ready to throw the fool from the table but he put up his hand and spoke before I could make any movement.
'Lord Valancourt, I presume,' he smiled. 'Or perhaps you would prefer to be addressed by your new royal title, Knight of Swords,' he finished in a low voice diverting his somewhat strangely vivid topaz eyes cautiously at the terrified barman standing shaking behind the counter.
'And who is it that asks for me?' I demanded gruffly scrutinising his light countenance and fine chiselled features that gave him an almost angelic appearance.
There was an otherworldly air to this man. He was not human in the strictest sense of the word. Instinct made me reach to breach his mind and confirm my suspicions but I was to be met with darkness and a strong fortified barrier to his thoughts. My suspicions grew stronger. But he was to keep nothing from me.
'My name is Cadell and yes, Knight of Swords I am what you believe me to be.' He gave a wide grin and leaned over to whisper. 'I am indeed an Angelic being and I am here to bring you a message.'
The demon narrowed his eyes. He was interested in what the Angel Cadell wanted to tell him yet he did not fully trust him. He believed he may be being tricked by a harpy or other creature but the human side of me was in awe. Cadell called to the barman.
'Be gone and leave us alone,' he told the man in a commanding voice. 'You will not come to any harm.'
The man did not question him. With wide fearful eyes he fled to his rooms behind the bar in an instant.
'Now, Nathan we can talk freely. It seems you are splintered in your personality. You allow the demon vampiric part of yourself to rule while you condemn the finer wiser human side to your nature in darkness. All, I may add in the name of love and protection,' he said softly.
He leant his elbow on the table and placed his fingers to his lips as though trying to fathom the complexities of my sacrifice. 'You are a worthy being Nathan. Your actions are honourable. but sadly, I have to say, very misguided.'
He gave a small laugh.
'It is not your concern what I decide,' the demon snapped at him.
Cadell gave another small sarcastic laugh of disbelief and sat back in his chair smoothing down his silk black cravat.
'Oh but I am afraid it is most definitely my concern. Your Queen, Juliet is very important. Her birth was no accident, Nathan and neither was yours. She was born to unite your people and help to assist them to live in harmony with the humans. Your role is to assist and protect her as she does that. You are equally important to us Nathan as are all humans. We make no exceptions.'
'Then you are all fools. Not everyone is worthy of love. Juliet has taught me that well,' the demon sneered with contempt.
The Angel's eyes seemed to glow brighter as he watched me.
'Is that self pity, I detect, Demon?' he asked lightly.
I remained silent with guilt.
'It does not serve you well.'
'That's what Juliet always says but she is naive and idealistic in her pursuits for a better nature. I prefer to face the truth. We are all selfish, self piteous creatures who want whatever we can take. It is the way of the world.'
The demon turned to throw his glass behind the counter and smashed another two bottles in his rage.
The angel shook his head and tutted.
'So jaded for such a young person,' he remarked with amusement. He leaned across the table towards me. 'But I know you feel hope that she will still have you. There is nothing you want more in this life. If you do not sacrifice your beliefs and make yourself whole again. You will never possess your beautiful Queen and she will be ripped apart by those seeking to use her to meet their own ends in power and glory and you will be left living and endless life in limbo between one consciousness. You must make the sacrifice and become whole in your being once more. Your queen is in grave danger . . .'
'Then the demon will serve her better . . .' I informed him suddenly afraid of the danger Juliet was in.
His raised hand to halt my speech.
'She needs all of your soul to help her. The enemy she faces alone is devious and cunning. A reckless demon will not be able to outwit him but a human of strong mind and valour coupled with a Taleian Knight of Sword's ruthless power and strength would help her defeat him.'
'Who is it that stalks Juliet?' the demon demanded, a storm brewing in his deep voice once again.
But he was to be ignored.
'I cannot compel you to become whole again. It is your choice. Your will is always your own but know this, if you do not and fail to protect and assist your Queen, the world as you know it will be in more peril than you realise.'
The Demon rose to his feet and grabbed Cadell by the lapels of his coat to pull him up.
'Who dares to take my Queen for himself?' he shouted.
Cadell nodded. He appeared relieved.
'Good, Nathan. Your anger spurs you to action instead of self-pity,' he said with approval, unafraid or distressed by the Demon's behaviour. 'I can help you change if you follow my guidance. I will show you how you cannot function without both sides of your nature operating as one whole being. Let me help you, Nathan.'
'Who, is it? I won't let him live. Tell me or so help me I will . . .'
The Demon shook him. More relief flooded Cadell's features and at last he would answer.
'Juliet's power is so potent the Devil himself intends to take your Queen for a wife and the mother of his child so that he may scorch the world in fire clearing everything in his path and own it for himself and his demons. He must be stopped. Juliet is the only one who can stop him and you must stand by her side and protect her from him.'
I've had a couple of false starts with the third in my Victorian vampire series (The Sword Series), The Hanged Man. But I have finally settled on a beginning and introduced a new character. So here it is. This is the final attempt at the start I am going to do. The writing process is in full flow and I wil be showing some more chapters in due course.
Happy Reading!
Enjoy your weekend.
Sara :)
The Hanged Man
Southampton Docks, March, 1893
Nathan
Chapter One
I was cold and alone without her. There was no life for me without Juliet. Her betrayal cut deep into my soul and I feared I would never recover. The physical ache in my temples intensified as she put more distance between us and I watched the ship depart the docks. My mind called out to her in desperation but she was to shut me out and leave me to rot in this dark cold barren world alone. She would not hear me. She would not hear her mate, her counsel, her Knight of Swords. I was banished from her mind like a common criminal. Was I nothing to her now? Did she really prefer the comfort she took with her Lycan suitors?
The demon I allowed free reign of my temperament cursed my beautiful Queen. He threatened her with the promise of violent punishment when he retrieved her. But my human soul that lay trapped beneath his fierce control could only feel despair as I watched the ship edge further and further away.
Could she not understand that if I allowed my true human nature to control my person I would fail her again. The demon could more safely protect her than I ever could from the Taleian knights and the evil that stalked her. I could not lose her or bear to see her hurt again. Why did she refuse to listen to good sense?
The demon wanted to follow her to Venice on the next ship but it was not to leave for two days. He was frantic and destructive in his rage. I lifted the collar on my long black woollen coat to shield my face from the icy air and walked from the docks to make my way to the nearest drinking establishment.
I sat alone in the deserted public house as the night rolled in over the seedier part of Southampton. I had cleared the place with my fighting and my irresolute temper that could find no rest or sympathy. The barman viewed me with fear and kept pouring the gin so that I should not want but it was insufficient to quell the tempest within my soul.
I closed my eyes remembering when the demon part of my soul approached her on the train. The way she looked at him with painful need, despite all that he had done. Every fibre of her being reached out to him calling for their joining. The demon's own need was potent, stronger than I as a mere human had ever allowed myself to feel for anything or anyone. It's strength and limitless boundaries made me fearful. Whenever I indulged in such careless liberty with my feelings I would lose the person to whom they were attached to death itself.
In truth my point had already been proved, my parents, my uncle were dead and my younger brother Xavier was all but headed in the same direction. But Juliet was more precious to me than any other being and as a result she had suffered the worst. I felt my stomach tighten with anger as I remembered her rape at Sebastian's hands and her near death at my own when I was under the witch's power. No, the demon employed a far better technique in ensuring the Queen of Talus's protection even if sometimes his treatment of her was harsh. I desired Juliet more than life itself and if that was the sacrifice I was forced to pay to possess her love then I would endure it. Yet now she rejected the demon out of hand. Why such cruelty? What else could I give her?
With a concurring growl of raging dissatisfaction the demon picked up his empty glass and threw it hard at the bottles of liquor lined up on shelves behind the barman. The man ducked in adequate time to avoid the splinters of glass that burst forth from the explosion as three bottles broke with a loud crash.
'Please, sir,' the barman begged. 'You will do me out of business . . .'
But I was insolent to his pleading. I cared for nothing or anyone at that moment only the rejection and loss that weighed down my soul. I reached over the bar and caught hold of his shirt and brought him to face me. His whiskers were damp with the sweat of anxiety as I held him there.
'Stop your complaining and pour me another one and maybe I will let you live another day,' I demanded.
I knew not why I drank the gin. It had little effect on my body but there was some comfort in old human habits. The man nodded furiously and I let go of him with abruptness so much so that he fell backwards to the floor. I sat back on the stool and watched him scrabble to his feet to pour me another glass with his shaking hands as my finger tapped impatiently on the bar. I glared at him and moved from the stool to sit at one of the wooden chairs. I leant back in it and put my feet up on the table and downed the liquor in one before calling for him to attend me again.
The door opened and a young gentleman of birth carrying a black and silver cane. He took off his top hat and shook the water from it. He ran his fingers through his short light brown hair and turned towards me as he began to undo his winter coat. I was treated to a courteous nod and polite smile of acknowledgement. There was a flamboyant confident air to his frame as he strode towards me He seemed quite undeterred by the ferocious glare I gave him. I did not want visitors and I had no mood for polite small talk. I downed another drink watching him with suspicion as he began to approach me.
He came to sit down across from me depositing his hat and cane on the table. I straightened ready to throw the fool from the table but he put up his hand and spoke before I could make any movement.
'Lord Valancourt, I presume,' he smiled. 'Or perhaps you would prefer to be addressed by your new royal title, Knight of Swords,' he finished in a low voice diverting his somewhat strangely vivid topaz eyes cautiously at the terrified barman standing shaking behind the counter.
'And who is it that asks for me?' I demanded gruffly scrutinising his light countenance and fine chiselled features that gave him an almost angelic appearance.
There was an otherworldly air to this man. He was not human in the strictest sense of the word. Instinct made me reach to breach his mind and confirm my suspicions but I was to be met with darkness and a strong fortified barrier to his thoughts. My suspicions grew stronger. But he was to keep nothing from me.
'My name is Cadell and yes, Knight of Swords I am what you believe me to be.' He gave a wide grin and leaned over to whisper. 'I am indeed an Angelic being and I am here to bring you a message.'
The demon narrowed his eyes. He was interested in what the Angel Cadell wanted to tell him yet he did not fully trust him. He believed he may be being tricked by a harpy or other creature but the human side of me was in awe. Cadell called to the barman.
'Be gone and leave us alone,' he told the man in a commanding voice. 'You will not come to any harm.'
The man did not question him. With wide fearful eyes he fled to his rooms behind the bar in an instant.
'Now, Nathan we can talk freely. It seems you are splintered in your personality. You allow the demon vampiric part of yourself to rule while you condemn the finer wiser human side to your nature in darkness. All, I may add in the name of love and protection,' he said softly.
He leant his elbow on the table and placed his fingers to his lips as though trying to fathom the complexities of my sacrifice. 'You are a worthy being Nathan. Your actions are honourable. but sadly, I have to say, very misguided.'
He gave a small laugh.
'It is not your concern what I decide,' the demon snapped at him.
Cadell gave another small sarcastic laugh of disbelief and sat back in his chair smoothing down his silk black cravat.
'Oh but I am afraid it is most definitely my concern. Your Queen, Juliet is very important. Her birth was no accident, Nathan and neither was yours. She was born to unite your people and help to assist them to live in harmony with the humans. Your role is to assist and protect her as she does that. You are equally important to us Nathan as are all humans. We make no exceptions.'
'Then you are all fools. Not everyone is worthy of love. Juliet has taught me that well,' the demon sneered with contempt.
The Angel's eyes seemed to glow brighter as he watched me.
'Is that self pity, I detect, Demon?' he asked lightly.
I remained silent with guilt.
'It does not serve you well.'
'That's what Juliet always says but she is naive and idealistic in her pursuits for a better nature. I prefer to face the truth. We are all selfish, self piteous creatures who want whatever we can take. It is the way of the world.'
The demon turned to throw his glass behind the counter and smashed another two bottles in his rage.
The angel shook his head and tutted.
'So jaded for such a young person,' he remarked with amusement. He leaned across the table towards me. 'But I know you feel hope that she will still have you. There is nothing you want more in this life. If you do not sacrifice your beliefs and make yourself whole again. You will never possess your beautiful Queen and she will be ripped apart by those seeking to use her to meet their own ends in power and glory and you will be left living and endless life in limbo between one consciousness. You must make the sacrifice and become whole in your being once more. Your queen is in grave danger . . .'
'Then the demon will serve her better . . .' I informed him suddenly afraid of the danger Juliet was in.
His raised hand to halt my speech.
'She needs all of your soul to help her. The enemy she faces alone is devious and cunning. A reckless demon will not be able to outwit him but a human of strong mind and valour coupled with a Taleian Knight of Sword's ruthless power and strength would help her defeat him.'
'Who is it that stalks Juliet?' the demon demanded, a storm brewing in his deep voice once again.
But he was to be ignored.
'I cannot compel you to become whole again. It is your choice. Your will is always your own but know this, if you do not and fail to protect and assist your Queen, the world as you know it will be in more peril than you realise.'
The Demon rose to his feet and grabbed Cadell by the lapels of his coat to pull him up.
'Who dares to take my Queen for himself?' he shouted.
Cadell nodded. He appeared relieved.
'Good, Nathan. Your anger spurs you to action instead of self-pity,' he said with approval, unafraid or distressed by the Demon's behaviour. 'I can help you change if you follow my guidance. I will show you how you cannot function without both sides of your nature operating as one whole being. Let me help you, Nathan.'
'Who, is it? I won't let him live. Tell me or so help me I will . . .'
The Demon shook him. More relief flooded Cadell's features and at last he would answer.
'Juliet's power is so potent the Devil himself intends to take your Queen for a wife and the mother of his child so that he may scorch the world in fire clearing everything in his path and own it for himself and his demons. He must be stopped. Juliet is the only one who can stop him and you must stand by her side and protect her from him.'
August 5, 2011
Announcement
Hi Everyone,
I am walking on air today. I am signing a multi book contract with Hellfire Publishing. Woohooooooo!!! So my contemporary romance set in a chateau in the Loire Valley and Paris, Sleeping Love is going to be published. Yay! I am just waiting on a date for it's release. Check out the first few chapters on my archive section on here.
Have a great weekend.
Sara :)
I am walking on air today. I am signing a multi book contract with Hellfire Publishing. Woohooooooo!!! So my contemporary romance set in a chateau in the Loire Valley and Paris, Sleeping Love is going to be published. Yay! I am just waiting on a date for it's release. Check out the first few chapters on my archive section on here.
Have a great weekend.
Sara :)
August 4, 2011
Random Update
Hi Everyone,
I have been getting a lot of good reviews for Knight of Swords and The Devil You Know. I will be posting links to them all on my blog in the near future, so watch this space.
I am just finishing edits on my novella, The Kidnapper, formerly known as The Art of Retaliation and getting ready to send it to a publisher for consideration.
I've got a few projects planned. Thought I might try my hand at murder mystery and set it the Lake District. Those hills and quaint slate villages had my mind buzzing with story ideas when I stayed there a couple of weeks ago. You can let me know what you think when I post my efforts on the blog in the future.
It's also high time I updated The Vampire Lover's Diary, Knight of Coins and got The Sword Series finished. So again, watch this space for updates and some new features I am planning.
Before I go, thought I would share a random horror story from my life with you. Lol. I went to bed early the other day but was disturbed by a rustling and a tapping noise. I got up and tried to find out what it was knowing that it came from across the room to the side of the bed. Having no luck and beginning to wonder if there was some weird poltergeist activity going on, lol, I got my husband in to investigate. We sat like lemmings on the bed listening for this noise but it stopped. The moment he left the room having given up, it started again.
I was getting pretty frustrated at this point. I started moving around some shopping bags containing clothes I hadn't unpacked yet to see if anything was underneath them. Nothing. Husband comes back in and moves the bags as well when I decide we should be looking for a moth that's got in the room through an open window.
He picked up my fancy Wolford bag and let out a shriek. 'Don't look, and don't ask what it is,' he shouted flinging the bag away across the foor. I gave a shout and lifted my bare feet on the bed. If he was saying don't ask it could only mean one thing! My worst fear, my worst nightmare SPIDER and by the way he was going on it was massive. He reached for one of my shoes and banged down hard on the floor with it but he hadn't got it because a couple more bangs followed. Finally he stood up and gave a shudder announcing that it was the biggest spider he had ever seen. All of the rustling was the spider tapping on the side of the bag as it moved around inside it. It was so loud it might as well have had clogs on!!!
How was I supposed to sleep knowing that had been crawling around in there next to the bed? What if it had a mate? They always have friends and hunt in twos!!! Thankfully, I haven't seen it's mate yet but I am still watching and waiting in fear with a sturdy shoe to hand.
Sara
I have been getting a lot of good reviews for Knight of Swords and The Devil You Know. I will be posting links to them all on my blog in the near future, so watch this space.
I am just finishing edits on my novella, The Kidnapper, formerly known as The Art of Retaliation and getting ready to send it to a publisher for consideration.
I've got a few projects planned. Thought I might try my hand at murder mystery and set it the Lake District. Those hills and quaint slate villages had my mind buzzing with story ideas when I stayed there a couple of weeks ago. You can let me know what you think when I post my efforts on the blog in the future.
It's also high time I updated The Vampire Lover's Diary, Knight of Coins and got The Sword Series finished. So again, watch this space for updates and some new features I am planning.
Before I go, thought I would share a random horror story from my life with you. Lol. I went to bed early the other day but was disturbed by a rustling and a tapping noise. I got up and tried to find out what it was knowing that it came from across the room to the side of the bed. Having no luck and beginning to wonder if there was some weird poltergeist activity going on, lol, I got my husband in to investigate. We sat like lemmings on the bed listening for this noise but it stopped. The moment he left the room having given up, it started again.
I was getting pretty frustrated at this point. I started moving around some shopping bags containing clothes I hadn't unpacked yet to see if anything was underneath them. Nothing. Husband comes back in and moves the bags as well when I decide we should be looking for a moth that's got in the room through an open window.
He picked up my fancy Wolford bag and let out a shriek. 'Don't look, and don't ask what it is,' he shouted flinging the bag away across the foor. I gave a shout and lifted my bare feet on the bed. If he was saying don't ask it could only mean one thing! My worst fear, my worst nightmare SPIDER and by the way he was going on it was massive. He reached for one of my shoes and banged down hard on the floor with it but he hadn't got it because a couple more bangs followed. Finally he stood up and gave a shudder announcing that it was the biggest spider he had ever seen. All of the rustling was the spider tapping on the side of the bag as it moved around inside it. It was so loud it might as well have had clogs on!!!
How was I supposed to sleep knowing that had been crawling around in there next to the bed? What if it had a mate? They always have friends and hunt in twos!!! Thankfully, I haven't seen it's mate yet but I am still watching and waiting in fear with a sturdy shoe to hand.
Sara
July 29, 2011
Catch up
Hi Everyone,
I have just finished my sexy regency romance novella, formerly called The Art of Retaliation. At last!!! I am thinking of re-naming it, The Kidnapper. I have never written a novella before. If you want to check out some chapters of it you will find them in the archive section on this blog.
It has been a funny old week trying to catch up on everything since returning from my walking holiday in The Lake District here in the UK. Fantastic place with mountains to conquer but it's so wet there!! I got soaked almost every day. LOL.
We were returning from a four hour hike up Walla Crag when the weather increased from light rain to torrential. So bear in mind that before this happened I was already wet through. We had to walk though a forest when the worst of it came down. I decided to put on my lovely flowery kag in a bag (raincoat in a bag - lovely things. Not! Talk about flower power!!) borrowed from my mother-in-law on top of my coat and jumper and shirt. Yes I had all of that on in July. It doesn't feel like summer in the UK. Even the leaves on the trees have given up and seem to have just decided to turn brown now in anticipation of an early autumn and get it over with. Anyway I am digressing.
I was with my eleven year old daughter at the time I tried to struggle into this kag. For some chaotic reason I couldn't get it on the right way and I was getting more and more wet. The rain came down even harder and I suddenly felt as though someone was tipping a bucket of cold water down the back of my trousers! Thankfully we were alone because much angry screaming and cursing ensued from my mouth as I continued to struggle. I don't think I have been that wet in a swimming pool! Eventually with my daughter's patient help despite her laughing I got it on.
Fed up of having this Kag on with a hood that was too big and kept slipping over my eyes so I couldn't see where I was going, I looked to our self imposed intrepid leader, my husband, to lead us out of the maze of forest. More angry screaming and cursing burst forth from my lips when I realised he was taking us round in a circle! Never trust a man with directions!
We were to repeat such a wet day on our walk to Watendlath. I got so teed off I was wondering if I should just roll myself down the hill and give up. If I got hurt then at least they would take me to hospital and I would be warm and dry for the night and hubby couldn't make me do anymore walks in the rain. LOl. I was not a happy bunny.
But as the week wore on and I was placated with a trip to Sarah Nelson's lovely famous gingerbread shop in Grasmere and my spirits lifted. The trip was only marred slightly by light rain and a very low flying RAF jet that I mistook for a rather large bird as it came in directly above our heads over Thirlmere lake when we stopped to look around on the way back to Keswick. I am ashamed to say I was so shocked and afraid of how low it was I cowered behind my husband. LOL. Not usually such a coward I couldn't bear the screeching noise and the possibility that it might be crashing because it was so low. I have been terrified of those jets training amongst the hills in the Lakes since I was eleven. You may laugh but there is something very disconcerting about seeing a jet lower than you when you are on top of one of the hills. :P
The whole purpose of the holiday was to help my balance problems and dizziness. And it has worked. By conquering the heights of Catbells and other fells and hills I began to get my confidence back. Although I did have to draw the line when hubby got us lost yet again and had us walking up a steep precarious path. I knew it had to be the wrong way when he informed me their were people climbing down it above us with rock climbing equipment!
My Neuro-physiotherapist has said that it has greatly helped my symptoms so much so hubby wants to take me back in October and get me to climb one of the biggest hills in the UK, Hellvellyn! (Pictured above here). Nooooooo! Why not go the whole hog and make me do all of The Wainwright walks while your at it??? Not before I have been on another cruise to somewhere warm and dry!
Right I'm off. I will check in soon with news on new novels I have planned. I shall be posting details of some brilliant reviews I have been getting for the Devil You Know so don't forget to tune in.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sara :)
July 26, 2011
Giveaway Contest Winners for The Devil You Know
And the winners are, Darlene, Bookmarking & Carol Marrs Phipps. Congratulations. Please contact me at sara@saracurranross.com with an e-mail address to receive your e-book copy of The Devil You Know.
Sara
July 20, 2011
Interview With Dominic Kane From The Organ Grinder
Hi Everyone,
I am running a new Giveaway contest for my thriller The Organ Grinder. Comment on the blurb, and an interview I wrote with the main character, Dominic Kane to be in for a chance to win a free e-book copy. There are two up for grabs. Check out the great reviews I have received for it on my published work page and the book trailer.
The contest runs from today until Tuesday 26th July.
Happy Reading!
Sara
The Organ Grinder Blurb
Award winning journalist Rebecca Eaton crosses the closed border of a troubled Asian country to interview a Human Rights activist and known terrorist. Three days later, after her reported mysterious disappearance, she turns up at the border tortured, beaten, minus her memory and one kidney.
When an attempt is made on her life in hospital, her employer sends Eaton's estranged ex-lover and security expert Dominic Kane to bring her safely home.
Kane wants Rebecca back in his arms. But before he can entice her into a reconciliation he has to help her expose a worldwide medical conspiracy involving mass murder and the illegal sale of stolen human organs.
Kane has to protect Rebecca from the men sent to silence her and the terrorists who demand she ensures the medical criminals are brought to justice or four suicide bombs will be detonated in London.
Interview with Dominic Kane
The Man Behind The Woman
Dominic Kane is a name that has been on everyone's lips since he helped his journalist girlfriend, Rebecca Eaton blow open an international criminal conspiracy to commit mass murder and steal human organs to proffer them for sale on the black market. The tall handsome, athletically built forty year old Security & Close Protection Consultant sits in front of me, casually dressed in a designer black sweater and trousers in the lounge of the Hotel Intercontinental in Paris, watching me intently with his piercing blue Paul Newman eyes. With his short light brown hair and neat designer stubble many in the media have likened his looks to film star Edward Norton.
I am lucky to get this interview. The couple have been hiding from the public eye and Dominic is at pains to protect Rebecca from further press intrusion so she can recover from her ordeal and injuries in peace. So much so the veteran journalist, Kevin Boyle dubbed him Rebecca Eaton's "heavy man with a posh public schoolboy accent" when he made the mistake of testing Dominic's tough security around Rebecca in the war torn Asian country of North Bundhara two weeks ago.
He gives me a grin, "What can I say? I was sent out there to do a job. He got in the way. Rebecca was lying in a hospital bed with serious injuries and having lost her memory. The last thing she needed was a journalist with a gripe against her hassling her for information. I did what I had to and removed him from the building in a manner he was unaccustomed to. He never came back." He gives me another infectious grin.
Dominic Kane is softly spoken with an accent that does indeed betray an English public school education. He is a man of few words but his tone is firm and commands your full attention. When he speaks people listen. A former Lieutenant-Colonel in the Royal Marines stationed in Afghanistan, Dominic is a man who is clearly aware of his power and doesn't have to shout it out.
He first met Rebecca Eaton when she came to make her BAFTA award winning programme, 'On The Frontline' with his unit in Afghanistan. With Dominic in charge of Rebecca and her camera crew's safety the couple were rumoured to have grown close after the unit came under heavy artillery fire out on patrol one day and Rebecca was injured.
"We were ambushed in a compound. We took some heavy hits and I had no choice but to ask Rebecca to pitch in and help out with the shooting. She'd had training like every other journalist has to before they are allowed on the frontline and I just knew I could trust her to come through. If I hadn't I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you. So yes we became close after that."
I widen my eyes as he leans over to lift his coffee cup from the table and take a gulp. He is a little reluctant to talk about their clandestine affair in Afghanistan and the break up that followed but I persist.
"Rebecca became ill with post traumatic stress. She was forced to shoot at the enemy when we were ambushed in the compound. After that, she was nearly killed in an IED explosion. It was more than enough to effect anyone. She tried to keep it quiet. Being a female journalist she had to fight hard to go to Afghanistan. Any female reporter will tell you how tough it is to build a career in such a male dominated business."
But Rebecca's health was to deteriorate whilst in Afghanistan and she couldn't hide her illness any longer.
"She wasn't eating or sleeping. She lost so much weight. One afternoon I found her inside her tent rocking back and forth on the floor, lost in reliving the explosion. I've seen it happen dozens of times to men on the frontline who've experienced trauma but Rebecca thought she was tougher and could handle it. She needed help from a counsellor but she refused so I had to take action."
There's a hint of frustration in his voice and he talks of the whole affair as though he dealt with it like he would a military operation.
"I rang her station and got them to recall her. I . . . rather naively thought they would understand, just give her some time off so she could get back on her feet. She was pretty annoyed. Told me I'd ruined her career and that was the end of our relationship." He sighs, "And she was right. They let her hang on until she won the BAFTA for them then they sidelined her and eventually pushed her out. She was out of work for a year. No one would take her on because of her illness."
I sense frustration but no regret in his tone.
"I never meant to hurt her or her career but I would do it again. She needed help. Her doctor later told her that I'd saved her from having a full nervous breakdown by making her return home."
I get the impression that Dominic hadn't wanted their relationship to end and it was difficult for him to accept when it did. So it must have been harrowing to learn of Rebecca's disappearance two years later. He must have feared the worse.
"I never believed she was dead. Not for a second. I knew she would find a way to get out of whatever mess she was in. You can't keep a woman like Rebecca down. She's a tough class act," he tells me with pride.
Rumour has it, he was packed and ready to go with his team to locate her and bring her out of the country even before she was found and her employer contracted his company to provide her with security.
He grins, "Yes. It's true."
And by charging to her rescue no doubt he viewed the situation as an opportunity to facilitate a reconciliation. He smiles again but won't go into detail. It's enough to tell me that's exactly what was on his mind.
It must have been difficult to say the least finding her lying in a hospital bed with so many injuries and having lost her memory.
"Yeah it was". And perhaps an advantage, I venture. He merely treats me to another smile.
"She was in a really bad way. For one mad moment I just wanted to throw her over my shoulder, fly her home, bundle her in a car and hide her in my cabin in the Lake District to keep her safe. But getting out of the country proved more difficult than I imagined when South Bundhara decided to invade the North. There were a few hairy moments when I thought we might not make it."
It's an opportune moment to bring up the nickname that Rebecca gave him out in Afghanistan, Captain Caveman. He laughs.
"She gave me that name when I wanted to carry her over my shoulder after she got shot in the Green Zone in Helmand Province. She wasn't impressed with my offer. She didn't want me treating her differently because she was a woman and acting like Captain Caveman coming to the rescue. She says I'm a bit of Neanderthal with her," he laughs again. "But secretly I think she likes it."
He's been credited as the man behind the woman fighting to change the world and halt the medical exploitation of developing nations. How does he feel about that?
"I'm proud of it. I will do all I can to help her. Rebecca needs someone to ground her and keep her in check when she goes off recklessly risking her life."
And is Dominic Kane the man for the job?
He grins. "She tells me I am and she's right."
He's smiling but I can see that like myself and others who know Rebecca Eaton well he's going to have a hard time keeping her behind a desk. She loves to be in the thick of danger and he is going to have his work cut out for him. Still the steely gaze he gives me when I inform him of my thoughts tells me he is determined and Rebecca is going to have a fight on her hands. One Dominic Kane may just win.
July 14, 2011
Giveaway Contest
Hi Everyone,
My dark erotic thriller, The Devil You Know is being released tomorrow on the 15th July by Hellfire Publishing,http://www.hellfirepublishing.com. Beware, it isn't for the faint of heart or pure romance readers. It's scary. It made me scared and I wrote it! Lol.
In celebration of it's release, I am running a Giveaway Contest. Be in for a chance of winning a e-book copy by commenting on the excerpt and blurb of The Devil You Know below or my recent chapter of my romance, Sleeping Love in my previous post.
The contest will run from today until Sunday 24th July.
Good luck.
Sara
Blurb
"You take one step out of that door without me and you are in serious trouble. Leave my side once and you are a dead woman."
Christian Dalban is hired to protect Isabelle Mayer from the violent head of a mafia family who will stop at nothing to force her back into his bed. But Christian is determined that she won't find out why he is the only man capable of succeeding where others have failed. If she knew the reason she would never trust him with her life nor would he blame her. But as their relationship develops into a passionate sexual encounter Christian realises that he is not the only one keeping a secret that could threaten both of their lives...
Excerpt
Christian follows the line of Isabelle's frightened gaze. There is a crowd of tourists being rounded up by a tour guide across the road. In front of them stands a tall figure, dressed in an immaculate well tailored black suit - the kind that was made to order. The words angel of death come into Christian's mind. Declan Mayer is standing staring at them. His dark good looking but cruel features are edged with hardness and slashed with betrayal.
Mayer's brown eyes are narrowed solely at Isabelle. Christian can see her hands shaking like the rest of her body. He reaches out and covers her hand on the table.
"I won't let him touch you," he hears himself tell her fiercely.
He'll fucking break Mayer's legs if he takes one step towards her.
"He won't let you have a choice," Isabelle whispers.
She attempts to rise from the chair, her eyes never leaving Declan's face for a second as if she
wants to keep the enemy in plain sight. Christian makes her sit back down.
"This is where I need you to really trust me. Trust me with your life," he says firmly still holding her hand, his own eyes never leaving Declan.
"I guess I don't have a choice, Mr Dalban."
"No you don't," he acknowledges. "I'm going to pay and we are going to leave and go back to my apartment. Do everything I ask of you and…"
"Don't argue," he hears her whisper under her breath.
He reaches into his inside pocket and casually brings out his wallet, beckoning the waiter over so he can pay the bill. Mayer just stands there watching them. He is as still as one of the sculptures in the Louvre.
Christian sees Isabelle run her hand through her hair once, twice, three times. Time to move. He takes her arm and pulls her up with a jolt to his side. He takes her hand in a firm tight grip that even she can't wriggle out of. She whimpers but he doesn't hear any words of protest as he leads her away from the front of the restaurant towards her tormentor.
Christian can feel his pulse racing along with his heart. He wants to meet danger, face it down and laugh in its face. It's what kept him going all those years in the army risking his life for Queen and country. Maybe he just has a death wish. He doesn't care, his priority is keeping Isabelle out of that bastard's clutches.
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