C. Desert Rose's Blog, page 12

When hard work outshines negativity.

Morning to you all.

(How do you like my new “me”? I made an Avatar of myself. *giggling*)

This morning I was speaking to two of my favorite ladies; Queen of Spades and Y. Correa. It was one of those moments of reminiscence. Just remembering things past and chatting about it. Something that came to my mind at that moment was what I was told some time ago about my story.

However, in order to get to that, I’d have to share a bit of back story with you. So, that’s what I intend to do.

Please allow me to get personal for a while.

What most of you do not know about me is that I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I lived for 11 years��in an abusive relationship. That is one of the reasons why I hide my “face” if you will. I’m certain that some of you would not understand that. A lot of you will, I’m sure.

During that relationship I was told many things. One of them was “Why are you wasting your time writing? You’re never going to make it. You don’t even have any talent. You’re just wasting your time. You’re a no talent, nobody that is never going to get nowhere.“

I remember specifically;

There was a time, years back, when I attempted to start writing my first story. I had gotten about 4 chapters in, when one day I went to add more to it and the file had been deleted off of the computer. When I asked why he’d done that, the answer I got was “It was junk. Junk gets deleted off of��my computer.” And so went the span of years that I never again put pen to paper, under the assumption that I was simply not good enough and that everything he’d said was true.

Years later, some time after our divorce, I attempted to put pen to paper again. I believe I’ve shared the story with you all before in the post “The Seed that Sprouted the Fate’s Endeavor Series“.

When “If Death Should Love Me” was accepted by All Authors Publishing House, and I spread the news out of unmitigated joy,��one of the people whom thought that I’d never amount to anything said “So what Ghost Writing agency did you hire to write that book for you?“

Some��time has passed since then, and while some scars remain, most of the hurt has been healed.

Yesterday, I received��a fan email and I was so incredibly honored. It read:

“Dear Ms. Rose,

As of late I’ve been making my own homemade ‘posters’ of all of my favorite quotes from my favorite books. Your book is among them. The cool thing was that my dad walked in the room to see what I was doing and read the poster I made of If Death Should Love Me with a quote from Azriel. At first he was going to reprimand me for putting more things on my bedroom walls, but when he read the post he stopped dead in his tracks. He said, ‘Wow. I like that quote.’ Then walked out of the room having said��nothing else.

Attached please find a picture of my poster.

Love,

Simone“

Here is the image she sent me.

I was taken aback, totally flabbergasted … in a good way!

Those ARE MY WORDS! I WROTE THAT! How powerful it is to see your own words as an inspirational poster on someone else’s wall! Words cannot explain the joy that came washing over me.

That ultimately got me thinking about things being said about my work in the last few months.

A few months back I got another fan email with an image attached. This person had a paperback copy of my book, and it was sitting next to a paperback copy of Y. Correa’s book. Not only did this fan own a copy of my book, but��my book was sitting next to Y. Correa’s! Talk about being in good company!

Then there were the reviews left of my book …

I don’t have very many reviews written of my work, but the ones that I have are a combination of humbling, inspiring, and revitalizing.

Who knew that “The one that would never make it” would have gotten this far?

These are the moments when hard work outshines negativity.

Until next time my beloveds.

Rose

Visiting Vicki: “Delectable Things: Special Edition” Character Interview

Hello All!

Today I would like bring you a Special Character Interview from one of my favorite Character from Synful Desire’s “Delectable Things: Special Edition.”

Before we dive into this interview, let’s go ahead and give you a peek at the blurb:

Satisfy your appetite for spicy sensuality and provocative plots with these dishes of erotica.

Main Course: Delectable Things

Sabrina can’t believe her ears. The man she’s been fawning over for far too long now has completely turned on her, leaving her with nothing. Sabrina decides it’s time to get up and get away.

Taking a long over due trip far away from her bane, things steam up really quickly and Sabrina discovers all of the Delectable Things that life has to offer.

Dessert #1: Simmer Sweet

It is said that confession is good for the soul. Does it still ring true when circumstances are complicated? Kesha has finally come clean. She has let Teresa know about her feelings. The only drawback is Teresa’s engagement to Chris. Teresa is forced to make a choice between Chris and Kesha. The fallout will be nothing less than a fire of simmer sweet.

Dessert #2: Handy

Darbi has had her share of bad luck. She is unexpectedly in job purgatory and has no chance of ever getting a promotion. Her online dating profile sat months without any responses. Why should she continue?

As she signed on to delete everything entirely, three responses catch her eye. All are different but each has something about them which makes Darbi want to meet all three. Ade appears to be the guy next door. Boyde looks like a supermodel. Choise looks like the rugged type.

When all is not what it seems, Darbi has concluded that her love life is mating with her job status in purgatory. Will anything come in handy to turn her luck around?

So today, this will be��3 part interview as I’ve invited a few fans of Vicki to stop by and ask her some questions.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

First I have a couple of questions for Vicki, myself …

1) Vicki, it’s very rare that a woman owns an Adult Shop. What prompted you to open one, and in Miami nonetheless that is mostly ruled by men business owners?

Well, first off, I got tired of seeing women products presented from a Male perspective or point of view. The Adult Shops I have seen, not just in Miami, but in other places, are mainly geared to make a man comfortable. Think about some of them that have special booths to look at the pornos. Also, the majority of the porn products are geared towards men. Lingerie, more slutty than sensual. It’s just hard for a woman, particularly a Single Woman, to have a great experience. If she’s in there shopping, and a guy is in there, it’s this automatic assumption that she is lonely or a freak. Why can’t she be invested in her pleasure? Why can’t she shop in peace without judgment?

This prompted me. Contrary to popular belief, not every woman in Miami is coupled to someone. I tested it out and to my delight, there were people who not only liked the concept but were return visitors. I addressed a need that no one was fulfilling.

2) How and when did you come across Evianne and Amber and decide to hire them? Most business owners opt to not hire a couple due to the fact that there might be discord. So, what ultimately led you to that option?

Well, Evianne and Amber were not officially a couple when I decided to hire them. Slightly after Evianne decided to “come out”, the organization she worked for underwent budget cuts and terminated Evianne’s employment. I refused to believe it was a coincidence, since prior to that, that company boasted on how much they were generating in profit. With Evianne’s managerial experience, I rarely even have to be in the store. Amber’s work history has been shaky and I hired her, since she was in a tough situation. They met on the job, and the relationship blossomed from there.

Next my sister from All Authors Publishing House, Da’Kharta Rising has a question or two for Vicki.

1. I’m curious: what is your actual sexual preference?

Um … Da’Kharta, I mean no disrespect but unless you’re trying to date me or we “pal like that”, I don’t think it’s any of your business. That’s like me stepping to you and asking you about your personal life. I don’t think you’d appreciate that type of abrasiveness.

2. What do you do when you’re not at Delectable Things?

Well, I have to do a lot of outside marketing in relation to the business, so there is not a whole lot of “leisure”. I do like exquisite cuisine, fine wine, great literature, and good music.

Lastly the Queen of All Authors Publishing House, the one and only Ms. Queen of Spades, would like to ask Vicki some questions as well.

1. Vicki, what is the biggest misconception (if any) about how you were portrayed in the book?

One of the biggest ones is the possibility that I had any designs on Evianne prior to what transpired. If I had more of a spotlight, I would have wanted the reader to know that just because I love to work doesn’t mean I’m frigid or not a proponent of fun.

2. Do you have plans to open up other ventures, related to or in addition to, Delectable Things?

I do want to open up a Delectable Things book store, dedicated to all types of erotica���including LGBT and mashups. There would also be a lounge where people can just sit and read, even sip some drinks and have small snacks. Nothing overly elaborate.

Well, that was certainly interesting and informative. If you want to know more about Vicki and her spot, Delectable Things, come and check out “Delectable Things: Special Edition” by one Ms. Synful Desire.

Thanks for stopping by!

Rosie

Questions & Answers, Part 3

As promised, today I bring you the 3rd Part of “Question & Answers with C. Desert Rose”.

Today, I’ll be chatting about The Alpha.

The Alpha is the other half of the Higher Sources (or God) from “If Death Should Love Me“. He is the male half.

Last post you learned that The Omega was based on various��Mythological Goddesses. In this post, you will discover that The Alpha was as based on some Mythological Gods.

Imagine for a moment, if you will, combining Father Time, Chronos & Woden, yet making him��not only the embodiment of wisdom and strength, but also giving him something that these three gods seemed to lacked���benevolence.

Father Time is usually depicted as an elderly bearded man, dressed in a robe and carrying a scythe and an hourglass or other timekeeping device (which represents time’s constant one-way movement, and more generally and abstractly, entropy).

The personification of Father Time��is the more friendly version of the Grim Reaper.��Per myth, he��is married to Mother Earth; just as the Grim Reaper, the personification of Death, is married to Life who pictured as a young lady in artwork.

Chronos (Also spelled Cronos & Kronos) is the Ancient Greek version of Father Time. It is from his name that we get the term “chronological”. Chronos was the youngest member of the Greek Titans, which were (per Greek Mythology) the first gods. He��is always depicted with wings and a scythe. These things symbolize 2 things; revere/power and eventual deterioration, or the end of all things.

Chronos wasn’t known as a very nice guy. As a matter of fact, he ate his kids because he didn’t want to give up his thrown. It wasn’t until Zeus, whom had grown up in a cave, was old enough to confront him and subsequently overcome him, that Chronos was brought down.

However,��if Chronos stood for anything, it was for the wisdom��and��power��that only time could bring.

Woden (pronounced Oh-din; also written Odin & Wodan), was considered the God Head of the Norse Gods. Woden��is one of the most complex and enigmatic characters in Norse mythology, and perhaps in all of world literature. He���s the chief of the Aesir tribe of deities, yet he often ventures far from their kingdom Asgard on long, solitary wanderings throughout the cosmos on purely self-interested quests.

He��was known for being��a relentless seeker and giver of wisdom.��He was the divine patron of rulers, and also of outcasts. He was a war-god, but also a poetry-god.��He was worshiped by those in search of prestige, honor, and nobility, yet he was often cursed for being a fickle trickster.��Complex, indeed. He was known for his amazing qualities, but also for not very good ones.

All of these gods were depicted as older men, although I never really saw The Alpha as an old man.��It wasn’t so much their appearance that drew me in, but it was their personalities. They seemed to exemplify all that I imagined��The Alpha to be (excluding the bad things). He is wise, strong, abstract and cryptic. However, in being better than the three aforementioned gods, he is��also the manifestation of love, understanding and kindness. The Alpha��is benevolent.

There is much more to it than this, but if I tell you, then I will ruin the story for you. That I refuse to do. Suffice it to say, that all that they were and represent was pertinent to the story���particularly to the characters of The Alpha and Azriel.

Well, that’s all for now. I hope you enjoyed this installment of Q & A with C. Desert Rose.

Love, love!

Rosie

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, PART 2

Hello my dearies,

Rosie here.

Today, I’d like to take a moment to bring you the 2nd part of “Q & A with C. Desert Rose“

Some weeks back a fan asked me, and I quote …

“Does any element of the Higher Sources and the concept of heaven and hell in ���If Death Should Love Me��� correspond with the King James Version of the Bible?“

So, in my last installment I spoke of what elements I took from the King James Bible in order to create the world of the Fate’s Endeavor Series. Today, I’ll chat with you a bit about what other mythological beliefs��took part in the creation of the Higher Sources.

Let’s talk about The Omega��today.

See what I did there? I put the last as the first. Aha! *giggling*

The Omega is the female half of the Higher Sources. She is Mother Nature, Aphrodite and Isis all rolled up into one.

Mother Nature (sometimes known as Mother Earth or the Earth-Mother) is a common personification of nature that focuses on the life-giving and nurturing aspects of nature by embodying it in the form of the mother.

Aphrodite is one of the most well known gods in Greek mythology. She is known as the goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture.��Aphrodite operated on emotions and fed from them, she could manipulate them at will. Her gift of “love” could enchant the most strong-willed.

Isis was known as Great Goddess, The Divine One and The One Who is in All, those titles are a testament to the power and appeal of this Egyptian Goddess.��She was described as the Goddess of Magic, Great Lady of Magic and Lady of the Words of Power. This was in recognition of her magical gifts and understanding of power of magical words.

To further understand The Omega, you must first understand the proper interpretation��of the��powers these deities were said to have,��through the eyes of Ancients that spoke of them.

The antiquated minds that created these beings could only use a limited vocabulary in to express what they could not understand.

Fist let’s look at Mother Nature.

As a whole, Mother Nature is mostly the entity that is said to nurture the earth and all things on it. She is the creator of the earth and it’s inhabitants. That’s basically it, in a nut shell.

Aphrodite.

She was the goddess of love and beauty. Nothing more, really. Whatever drama was brewing up on Mount Olympus is besides the point. Long story short, Aphrodite stood for all things that we find��beautiful.

Isis.

Magic to the Ancient Egyptians was nothing more than those things of supernatural origin which they could not explain. Science, for example, might have been considered magic back then. So, a female scientist, was something they couldn’t fathom therefore she was a god in their eyes. What this means is that Isis was a strong and intelligent goddess. So strong and smart, in fact, that she even had an upper hand on��Ra.

It was these three female deities that contributed to the creation of The Omega. She is nurturing, beautiful (inside and out), intelligent, strong, tender, and transcendent. Her superiority surpasses human understanding. She is the God Woman, and she stand for all that is feminine, tranquil, righteous, phenomenal and awe striking.

In the Fate’s Endeavor Series, The Omega is one half of God.

Stay tuned for Q & A Part 3 where I tell you all about The Alpha.

Author Visit. A Guest Post by Synful Desire

Hello everyone!

I’m uber excited to bring to you all my sista from AAPH, who is my guest on my blog today’. One Miss. Synful Desire.

Welcome Syn! Thank you for being here!

Today Syn, shares with us an inside view of one of the characters of Delectable Things: Special Edition in the form of a character interview.

Gather around and take a peek at what Sabrina has to say!

Hello. I���m Sabrina Tate, the central character in Delectable Things. I���m very happy to stop by your blog and talk with some of your readers.

So, what lead me to go to Miami?

Despite my yearning for stability, the way things have been for the past few years have been the exact opposite. With relationships, my luck has been lousy���whether I���m dealing with men or women. One of the situations turned toxic, forcing me to relocate. Thanks to my father���s connections, I was able to secure a job at Joynt Enterprises.

Unfortunately, I am not longer working for the company. What lead to my dismissal? It���s a combination of being too trusting with my heart and with my secrets. Back to square one and trying to figure out where to go.

Honestly, Miami didn���t even pop up until Rachel suggested the location. In my opinion, since Miami is a tourist like area, I expected the rent prices to be a lot more than where I was staying. To my surprise, Miami ended up being hundreds cheaper (at least in Rachel’s area), so it was definitely a motivator. Plus, I was stressed due to what my old boss put me through and felt this journey could double as a vacation.

What did I discover during my visit?

I discovered that all was not as it seemed. I can���t go into too much detail without giving away the whole story. I discovered the erotic store Delectable Things and met three ladies who changed my life forever���Evianne, Amber, and Vicki.

Although I have not decided whether to make Miami my permanent home, I do have reasons to keep visiting from time to time.

Thanks for having me.

WOW! Great stuff! Thank you for being with us Sabrina and Synful Desire.

Dear reader, to find out more about Delectable Things: Special Edition go grab your self a copy at Amazon.com!

The Seed that Sprouted the “Fate’s Endeavor Series”

So, I’m sitting here looking at “Twilight: Part 1″ which was just recently added to Netflix’s instant stream, and it brought back tons of memories. The most prominent of them was the day I decided to write “If Death Should Love Me“.

Yes, yes, I know. I wasn’t the first. I know that from the time Twilight became big it “inspired” an ocean of Writers to come out of the woodworks. Most of them looking to accomplish the Great American Dream of having their book hit the Big Screen.

I admit to having read many of those “Twilight Inspired Books”, and truth be told, none of them hit the mark. As a matter of fact, they missed it royally. Call me a Groupie but I love me some Twilight.

There have been outstanding and not so favorable things said about the Twilight Saga, most of the bad things said I think come from haters that believed they could do better, but didn’t.

While the Twilight Saga was the catalyst to the creation of the Fate’s Endeavor Series, my reasons for doing so are very different than most.

Please allow me to share my story with you.

I’ve been a bookish sort since as far back as I can remember. My most favorite hobby was to get lost within the pages of a book.

In 2010 I was sitting at home reading the Twilight Saga for the gazillionth time. I’d recently lost my job and had spent all that morning putting in job applications. I was exhausted and all I wanted was to sit down and read my newly discovered favorite book saga. I’d been consumed by it. I was so into it. The story was like a bubble that took me away from my current troubles and allowed me a vacation from all of the angst of  my daily job search.

October 12, 2010, at about 2 o’clock PM, I was sitting on my couch, curled up with a cup of hot cocoa and finishing the last lines of “Breaking Dawn, The Twilight Saga Book 4″. As I’d done the last 4 times I’d read it, I sighed deeply and thought just one thing “Man … if only … if only!”

Feeling exhausted (the good kind of exhausted that book lovers gets when he/she finishes their favorite book), I suddenly felt the need for a nap.

So, setting my cup of cocoa in the sink, I marched to the bed, and coiled into it’s warmth.

I was half way between awake and asleep when the opening scene of “If Death Should Love Me” just sort of popped into my head. At first, I tried to ignore it. I thought to myself “Rose, you dweeb.” then chuckled at the thought and tried to brush it off.

But, something happened …

The voices in my head grew louder. They became alive. They demanded my attention. I could feel them inside of my mind, and they refused to let up. It was like a drumming in my head that ceased to submit.

It kept going, like a broken record …

A dull roar. That was all I could hear. Souls. That was all I could see. What was this that I was living? If you could call it living at all. I did not see people, but shadows. I did not feel life, but death. I did not feel emotions, but emptiness.

I did not feel… anything.

It was all a blur. Clustered together in an array of colors and shapes. The sound? That dull roar, it was difficult to make out. My thoughts were focused, not so much on the sound as they were on the colors.

So many people. All different. Some good, some bad. Some breathing, some barely breathing. ALL SOULS.

It was funny what you could see when you stood in the middle of the Emergency Room. Who survived, who did not. Who cried, who laughed. Who mourned, who celebrated. Yet, all of them, everyone: a soul. A soul for the taking.

I remember, almost, what it was like when I floated in the middle of this cluster myself. Before my life—or should I say, my death—changed forever. It felt like eons ago.

I did not want this. I never asked for it. Why was I not allowed to be like everyone else? ‘Fate’. This was the answer I was given. ‘Fate’. What a bleak and meaningless word to express something no one can truly explain.

I wanted- No! I needed a change. My vast emptiness had drowned me in a lagoon of unwillingness. In a river of curiosity. A fountain of deception in an ocean of questions. Questions, yet unanswered by the Higher Sources. Questions, that still lingered in the clouds of my destitution.

Why am I? Why do I exist? What is the purpose? When, if at all, would it change?

I had a plan. A strategy to subtly replace myself once again into this world of colorful souls. To persuasively introduce myself, yet again, to THIS my most intriguing temptation. I believe I am who I once was. Though time may have clouded its lucidity. This, was not me. This, was who I was forced to be. Withal I fought. I disputed this unwanted persona that had been involuntarily cast upon me. One day! One day, I would be who I once was. One day, this monster would cease to exist.

So intense was the call of my characters that I had no choice. I HAD to get up and write it. Next thing I know, within a month’s time, I’d finished the story. It truly took on a life of it’s own.

Now, here we are:

The entire Twilight Saga has been turned into movies.
My story came to life.
I’ve been published.
And, now I’m sharing my story with you.

It was the last thing that I would’ve anticipated having happened, from simply reading my favorite book collection.

So, as you can see, I didn’t write If Death Should Love Me to try to prove that my story was better than Twilight, I wrote it because Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, helped awaken Sophia Martino and Azriel.

In conclusion, I’d like to say, THANK YOU STEPHANIE MEYER! Had it not been for your fantastic story, C. Desert Rose, Author would never have existed. If I could shake your hand, I would.

Questions and Answers, Part 1

Hello Readers and Followers, Rose here!

A fan asked me a question which I am truly obliged to answer. It was:

“Does any element of the Higher Sources and the concept of heaven and hell in ‘If Death Should Love Me’ correspond with the King James Version of the Bible?”

I actually love this question. Most people don’t know this about me, but I’m infatuated with all things Mythological, as well as Judeo-Christian History, and all of fundamental beliefs therein.

Every religion has their version of God (sometimes plural), heaven and hell.

In the Fate’s Endeavor Series, I mostly played with the Judeo-Christian perspective of God, heaven and hell, yet twisted it up to fit the story.

In the King James Version of the Bible, it says:

1 John 5:7-8: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

For those of you whom may not be familiar with Judeo-Christian beliefs, “the Word” is another name for Jesus Christ, the Son.

In, “If Death Should Love Me“, for all intended purposes, I tampered with the idea of instead of there being a God Trio, there was a God Duo. I based this on some of the Judeo-Christian names used to describe Jesus Christ.

In Revelation 22:13 it says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Due to the fact that in this verse, only two words are used to describe God, I opted to utilize this idea to create the “Higher Sources”. The Higher Sources are also loosely based  on the idea of “The Universe” and “Mother Nature” and “Father Time“.

Here is an example:

Highest Ground

Current Day

Looking through the Thin Glass of Life can be quite the challenging task. No one ever said the job of the Higher Sources was easy.

“Everything seems to be going according to plan. Do you not think? I believe that we have made a great choice, Alpha.” Her voice rang in the sound of a quiet symphony, a melodic stream of peace.

“Yes dear Omega, I believe that we have,” A look of wryness crossed his august face, “However, I fret that it will be a challenge. Do you believe that they will prevail?” His voice rang of ageless wisdom and majesty. The combination of the two, a perfect and regal musical composition.

“Yes. I trust that they shall.”

“It’s taken many millennia to choose a couple worthy of such an honor.”

They kept watch over all the occurrences. Nothing had escaped their vision. Nothing had been missed. ‘Fate‘, was absolutely in control.

Then there was the idea of heaven and hell.

As per the King James Version of the Bible it states in Deuteronomy 4:39: “Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.“

From this came the idea of the “Highest Ground” as shown in the excerpt above. Since the Bible clearly says that heaven is above, then I created a heaven for the Higher Sources.

Also, in the King James Version of the Bible, it says in Luke 6:39: “He also told them this parable: ‘Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?” This is one verse the Judeo-Christians refer to in order to prove that hell is “below” us, as in the term “hell below”. They get this from the words “fall into a pit”, which implies that things can only fall if that to which it is falling is underneath them. This is obviously a gravity thing, but that’s besides the point.

It is from this that I got the idea of the “Underground“.

“Well my dear, this place has been known by many names. Some call it Hell. Others, the Underworld. Many people know it as the Abyss. You can choose whatever name suits you best.” he let his grip loose, releasing me. That was unexpected.

“Hell? You brought me to hell?” I demanded more than questioned.

“Oh but Sophia, there is no need for that tone.” his charisma was malignant, maniacal even, the kind of chivalry that the bad guy in the medieval movies have. It made me grit my teeth. I spit in his direction. Jumping back before the loogie could hit him, he raised his finger and shook it at me. Stepping back towards me, he said in an evil tone, “Tsk, tsk, little woman. We will have none of that.” There was something about the way he said that, which caused me to panic. I could sense the threat in his words, so I took a couple of steps back.

Now, while other elements take part in the creation of the Fate’s Endeavor Series, to answer your question: yes! Yes, the King James Version of the Bible did play a role in the creation of the fantastical worlds in “If Death Should Love Me“.

However, as I mentioned above, the series is also loosely linked to other spiritual, mythological and historical elements. All of it tightly knit together, in order to produce one unique experience to my readers. Maybe, sometime in the future I will share with you all some of the other elements found in the Fate’s Endeavor Series.

Until soon,

Rosie

IF DEATH SHOULD LOVE ME, FREE FOR ONE WEEK!

FREE FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!


By:
C. Desert Rose

Blurb:

A dull roar, that’s all I could hear. Souls, that’s all I could see… So many people. Some good. Some bad. Some breathing. Some barely breathing. All souls. It was funny what you could see when you stood in the middle of the Emergency Room. Who survived. Who didn’t. All of them, every one, a soul. A soul for the taking.

So begins your introduction to the floating, clustered world of souls that will have such influence on Sophia, the young Puerto Rican-American girl who has just lost her closest ally, her grandmother, “Abuela”. It is just after the funeral, at the cemetery, where Sophia meets the tall, almost angelic man who will play the most unexpected role in her life.

A love story. A fantasy. An adventure. If Death Should Love Me tells a tale of “fate” far beyond the normal meaning of that little four letter word. How else would you explain why Sophia wonders what would happen If Death Should Love Me?

A Little bit about the Author, in her own words:

Thrive and rise everyone!

“Happiness is subjective!”

My name is C. Desert Rose (I keep my first name abbreviated because it isn’t pretty). Well, I am a Youth and Young Adult novelist with an affinity for all things paranormal. My upcoming collection the “Fate’s Endeavor Series” explores the realms of angels and demons and twists it up with love and loss.

My stories are meant to make you laugh, cry, get angry and get happy. I aim to make you exhausted-in a good way-by the time you’ve finished the last page.

My first novel “If Death Should Love Me”, Book One of the Fate’s Endeavor Series will be released October 2014 and represented by All Authors Publishing House. The next novel in the series, Demoness Enchanted will come everyone’s way the following year.

The Highest Ground

Spirit Realm

200 A.D.

“It would seem that it is once again time to choose the next Angel of Death. Have you made a decision on my proposal yet Majesties?” Gabriel’s voice was calm, yet anxiety hid behind his words.

“Yes, we have.” The function of acting as a unit defined them. Therefore, they thought as one, acted as one and spoke as one. This, was their true nature.

“Fantastic. So what be your choice?”

“You are not yet prepared Gabriel.” Responded Alpha, peaceful was his comportment.

“What?” Shock transfixed him, “Why? I have served you faithfully since the beginning of time.” Silent anger, tempered remorse filled him. “What is it about these humans that you must grant them their hearts’ desires? You allow them freedom of will, yet they walk all over you. Even still, you bestow unmerited privileges upon them!” His voice began to slowly rise with the passion of his conviction, then he subdued it once more, attempting to control his internal commotion. “I deserve this much more than any of them.” He pivoted on his heels, pacing with conjecture. “None of them deserve anything.” he concluded.

“We have found him, the chosen one Gabriel. It is our assurance that he shall serve us well. ‘Tis his calling and fate.” Proclaimed decision in their tone.

“Oh. I see.” He proceeded. “Whom, if I may ask?”

“He is called Amari. Go fetch him. His time has come. Tell him what his destiny requires of him.”

“Amari. Well,” having repeated the name with a twist of his lip, he continued, inward anger stirring, “as you wish Majesties.”

Watching as he walked away, Alpha’s thoughts intertwined with Omega’s. “It seems that Gabriel is not very pleased with our decision,” to which they both agreed, “We fear that things will be difficult for Azriel. We must keep watch.”

Sophia Speak: The Road to Death

Hello everyone, Sophia Martino here. One of the main characters of “If Death Should Love Me”.

That’s not really me. Obviously, it’s Christina Millian, but she looks a lot like me. So, there you have it for those of you whom have wondered what I might look like.

C.Desert Rose allowed me the privilege of blogging in her stead today. So … Thanks Rosie! You’re the best!

I’m just stopping by to tell you all a little bit of my story, as I’m certain a lot of you have been wondering how I ended up in “If Death Should Love Me”. So, here goes nothing.

First a little bit about me.

I was born in Yonkers, New York, USA, one frigid cold and snowy day. My mom almost spit me out in the living room for crying out loud. It was the biggest snow storm of that year and there was almost no way of making it to the hospital. Had it not been for my Titi (that’s “Aunti” in Spanish) Jezz’s ingenuity I would’ve been a bath-tub baby or something. Kid you not.

Side Note:

I tend to do a lot of side notes that incorporate random information. Just FYI.

My family is Puerto Rican … as am I, obviously.

Where is Puerto Rico? Here you go, I’ve Wikied it for you.

Gotta love wikipedia.

Puerto Rico (English /ˌpɔrtə ˈriːkoʊ/ or /ˌpwɛərtə ˈriːkoʊ/;[a] Spanish: [ˈpweɾto ˈriko]), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, pronounced: [esˈtaðo ˈliβɾe asoˈsjaðo ðe ˈpweɾto ˈriko], literally the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico), is a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic, and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

Puerto Rico is an archipelago that includes the main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands, the largest of which are Vieques, Culebra, and Mona. The main island of Puerto Rico is, by land area, the smallest of the Greater Antilles. With around 3.5 million people, it ranks third in population among that group of four islands, which include Cuba, Hispaniola and Jamaica. The capital and largest city is San Juan. Due to its location, Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. Its official languages are Spanish, which is prevalent, and English.

We consider ourselves Latino-Caribbeans, by birth. Even those of us whom have been born in the US, still consider ourselves very much a huge part of the culture, and our culture is our pride. You’re never going to meet a Puerto Rican that doesn’t hold pride in their nationality/ethnicity.

In case you’re wondering … YES, I speak Spanish. Had I not learned it, my Abuela (that’s grandmother in Spanish) would’ve rung my neck. It’s a huge no-no to not learn the culture and language.

On with the show, shall we? We shall. ;)

So, one boring day, I’m minding my own business, doing my daily routine (work, family and whatnot), when my grandma passes away.

I can’t even begin to put into words the pain of her passing. She was my world. I truly adored her. I never really knew my grandfather. He passed away long before I was born, and the only things I knew were whatever stories my family told me about him. But, my Abuela, she was everything to me … EVERYTHING!

Losing her killed me, more than that, it changed me. I instantly lost my way. I had no direction. She took it when she left me.

One day, there I am at the funeral, grieving and all of that jazz, when this walks in …

Side Note:

I know that that’s actually Lance Gross, but he looks a hell of a lot like Azriel. Can you say “Yum-a-licious”? Hell yeah!

At first I was a bit bothered by his being there, because I didn’t know who he was. But, as it turned out he was a nice guy. Mysterious, yes. But, nice nonetheless.

One thing led to another, next thing I know I’m all …

Yup. Pathetically in love!

How in the hell was I supposed to know what was gonna happen next? I mean, who EVER knows what’s gonna happen in their life? Right? Right!

It turned out that my Prince Charming, namely Azriel, was much more than I’d expected. MUCH TOO MUCH, MORE!

My beautiful Azriel:

Was none other than the Grim Reaper. “The Collector”.

Um … WHAAAAT??

How in the heck did that happen? I couldn’t tell you for the life of me. The thing was, it was too late. I was already head over heels in love with this man. So, I took the bad with the good, and moved forward.

For all of the joy Azriel brought me, there was also so much pain.

We found ourselves having to fight Fate itself just for the right to be together. Azriel once said, “Fate, what a bleak and meaningless word to explain something that no one can understand.” Boy, was he spot on!

In comes Gabriel. What a freaking bastard that Gabriel was!

Side Note:

Yes, yes. I know that’s Paul Bettany, but the same rules as above apply here. Look-alike and all that.

This dude was hell bent on destroying Azriel, even if that included killing me in the process. Whatever his reasons, I could care less.

I really wanted to be all like “Come here …”

Then punch him in his shit, had I had the chance. But, noooo … I was too busy dying.

Alright, I think I’ve said enough. If you want to find out what happened next, you’re just going to have to pick up the book. It’ll be FREE starting tomorrow, Monday, February 23, and ending Friday, February 27th. So, go get your copy and find out all about why I couldn’t help to think what would happen IF DEATH SHOULD LOVE ME.

With Love,

Sophia Martino

A dull roar, that’s all I could hear. Souls, that’s all I could see… So many people. Some good, some bad. Some breathing, some barely breathing. All souls. It was funny what you could see when you stood in the middle of the Emergency Room. Who survived, who didn’t. All of them, every one, a soul. A soul for the taking.

So begins your introduction to the floating, clustered world of souls that will have such influence on Sophia, the young Puerto Rican-American girl who has just lost her closest ally, her grandmother, “Abuela”. It is just after the funeral, at the cemetery, where Sophia meets the tall, almost angelic man who will play the most unexpected role in her life.

A love story. A fantasy. An adventure. If Death Should Love Me tells a tale of “fate” far beyond the normal meaning of that little four letter word. How else would you explain why Sophia wonders what would happen If Death Should Love Me?

A Deeper Look at Gabriel, The Archangel

Today, I, C. Desert Rose, am so happy to present you all with an Interview with Archangel Gabriel from If Death Should Love Me. The host of today’s interview is All Authors Publishing House’s very own Da’Kharta Rising.

This is a one of a kind, and exclusive interview with the villain of my novel, as he refused to speak to anyone else … not even me.

So that you can get a bit better acclimated with who Gabriel is and what his role is in If Death Should Love Me, here is a small excerpt.

Limbo

Several Hundred Years Prior

Look at him! He looks like a lost puppy. A pet. Why would they choose such a pathetic excuse for a human being? Ridiculousness in the absolute.

He could see as if the light of day shown in this place, even though the darkness seemed to be able to have been cut with a knife. What privileges angels possessed. Even more so, when the angel was an archangel.

This one in particular, had been one of the first to be created, one of the first of his kind to exist. Therefore, he was among the strongest and most gifted.

Even so, what darkness lay inside of his heart. So vile were his thoughts, that the darkness of this place had no comparison. He’d grown tired of serving humanity and following orders. He’d grown exhausted of humanities feeble needs and petty lives. He wanted more than anything, a change. An adjustment to his situation of servitude. Serving the dead would be a refreshing change, he thought. As faithful as he’d been since his creation, it seemed that the Higher Sources begged to differ. Anger bubbled inside of him like the pits of a volcano. He felt ridiculed, insulted with their lack of trust in him.

So there he sat, watching this human. Amari. What could he do that I cannot? Gabriel thought. What does he have that I do not? His thoughts began to deepen, smoldering evil. Well, I will prove them wrong. I will demonstrate to them, that this human—this, Amari, just as any other human—has no place in the business of the supernatural.

Then Gabriel moved forward. Amari seemed confused, disoriented.

“Who are you? Why am I here?” Amari questioned.

“You have been sent here because, you have been chosen to become ‘The Collector’.” Gabriel replied.

“What is ‘the collector’?”

“You would better know it as ‘Azriel Dévas’. The ‘Angel of Death’,”

“What? Why me?”

“I told you. You have been chosen. This is your fate.”

A myriad of years have passed since then, and now it seemed that Gabriel had come across the perfect time to put his plan into action. He could practically taste sweet revenge.

Azriel, in love…

Perfect. Now, it was just a matter of time. In time, he would be given the opportunity to prove his point to the Higher Sources.

Gabriel, sat atop the steeple of his favorite chapel. He was watching humanity pass by unaware. They moved about, here and there, in an almost robotic ambulation. They were puppets. Toys, in the hands of the Higher Sources.

Yet the irony therein was that the Higher Sources were also puppets to humanities’ desires. The Higher Sources, were the genie in the bottle and humans were the hands that commanded it. Equally, the humans were the dogs and the Higher Sources the hand that tossed them a bone.

Why do they take part in such games? Gabriel thought. They call it ‘love’! As if such a thing existed! What fools! What idiocy! No such thing truly exists!

This thing called “love” as it pertained to humans, was nothing more than raging hormones in need. And, as it pertained to the Higher Sources, it was nothing more than the need to feel adored, favored and appreciated; such was his opinion.

What a foolish thing! Gabriel would not allow himself to become corrupt by such an unnecessary emotion.

Yet, he watched and reminded himself that it would be just a matter of time before he would be able to have his way. Just a matter of time, before everything worked out according to his plan.

All right, I won’t make you wait any longer. Without further ado, I introduce to you the exclusive interview of Gabriel the Archangel with Da’Kharta Rising.

1. First off, do you prefer Gabriel or can I call you Gabe? Tell us what you want us to know about you.

I am an Archangel, I do not respond to ‘Gabe’. Nor do I acknowledge petty human epithet. You shall call me ‘Gabriel’.That is my given name.

Since before time itself I was brought forth. Created by the hands of the almighty Higher Sources, to be Their strength. For my name means “God is my strength.”

I was among the first created. Part of the Angelic High Council—the Hierarchy of Angels. T’was I, Michael, Raphael, Lucifer, Metatron and Sandalphon. Each one of us with our purpose under the Sun.

To us, the ‘Sun’ is the Higher Sources, for they have many titles.

Azriel was created later, as part of the next groups of angels, when the Higher Sources realized that there was a need for a Collector of Souls. True, there was not much time between his birth and mine, but, I was indeed first.

2. Out of all of your powers, which is your favorite one to have?

Omnipresence. I am indubitably, a fan of being where I want to be, when I want to be there and taken there as quickly as my thoughts will allow.

It serves a fine purpose, omnipresence.

Suffice it to say that when you can travel in the speed of an eye’s blink, or even open portals that can take you between realms as quickly as a child’s breath, you are able to see and hear many, many things. Things which perchance are quite beneficial.

3. Do you dig crazy chics?

‘Crazy chick’? As in newly born birds which are insane? I did not know that such a thing existed. Of course, if I were to take in account the Higher Sources many mishaps, then said things should not surprise me in the least.

Now, if you are speaking of female humans that are psychotic, then I must assure you, that they are a bit of an enchantment, which peak my arousal. There is a sense of solace in their pungent intensity. They are neither vapid nor mundane and seem to keep my interest.

Would I lay with them…? They would not be able to endure the plenitude of my competence.

4. Why do you seem displeased with your current profession?

Have you seen humans? Been around them? Have you bore witness to their petty needs and imbecilic ambitions?

I assure you, I need not serve them any longer. I detest everything they stand for. Humans are the embodiment of absurdity. They fumble about all day complaining about what they do not have, and when they have it, they do not appreciate it. ‘Tis exhausting and I find it inept to continue to serve a race that cannot see what is right in front of them.

The dead, however…? The dead, look back, and realize that in retrospect they did not have it so bad in life. They become grateful and docile—they become exactly what the Higher Sources intended them to be all along. Humble and meek.

5. Is there anything you envy about mortals? If so what is it and why?

Yes. I deplore mentioning it, yet I suppose I must.

They are loved. Loved more than any other creation on the face of this meager and lamentable planet, or any other realm in existence. I cannot comprehend why the Higher Sources love them so. It is beyond my understanding. They deserve nothing. None of them! For they live a lie, hiding their respectable lies in alleged truths. Even still, they are loved.

6. What do angels do in their spare time? Is time even a factor where you are?

Time is nonexistent. It is a matter of perception and perspective. You perceive time—as you can feel it passing you by—therefore believe it is there. In that aspect, time is real, as it is a drifting moment.

However, for a being such as myself, time comes in the form of several fleeting moments, kept absolute by my memory of them.

Now, what I do in said time is another anecdote altogether. Moreover, I shall not be sharing it with you at this time.

7. What are your feelings about your narrative? Is it accurate? Would you like it changed?

My sentiments matter not in this particular narrative. All that matters, as per human delight, is that the hero and heroine live happily ever after.

I will like to interject, however, that it is not wholly accurate.

I am made out to be a demon. A ravaging monster from the Lowest Ground. As a matter of fact, the Lowest Ground was not even mentioned. Have you asked yourself why? Why were the beasts that resides there not so much as hinted upon?

Yes, the Under World was spoken of, but the Under World and the Lowest Ground are two entirely different places.

Whilst, it is true that I might’ve been a tad jealous of Azriel, it was for good reason. These things were never mentioned. Do you even query as to the lack of information?

I suggest you ponder these things, for they will ultimately lead you to the truth.

8. Random question #1: Black, White, or Red?

What an awkward thing to ask! Why should these things even matter? They’ve no root nor consequence. Black, white, red or otherwise, it is of no significance.

9. What’s your sexual orientation and do you get angels willing to serve you left and right?

Yet another outrageous question. Sexual orientation? Do you realize that angels are A-sexual? What this means is that we have no preference. It means, that we like whatever we like at whatever given moment.

Angels are not willing to serve me in any manner. While we have a Hierarchy, most of us are considered equals. With humans it’s a whole matter altogether. Humans either fear or worship what they do not understand. On a good day, I bask in the latter.

10. The Higher Sources: do the reek of awesomeness or just reek?

You are indeed a curious one, aren’t you? These questions are blatantly irrelevant. Still, if I must, than I must …

The Higher Sources have no scent.

11. What is your favorite sharp object?

My sword.

12. Random question #2: Word you most identify with—vengeance, justice, or rage?

Rage. I identify with that word very well. It defines my resolve. I am, without a doubt, infuriated at the way that I was treated. I am ravaged with abhorrence. My blood flows with the heat of my inner most anger.

More than that, I am certain that one day they will all pay for what they did to me.

13. Do you have a thing for Sophia? Is this really what this whole IDSLM saga is about? (Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. I don’t know about the readers.)

She is a mere child. I’ve no desire for her. She was simply leverage—a pawn in my game—and served her role properly I might add. She is by no means a factor to me.

Azriel and the Higher Sources on the other hand, they are the sole benefactors of my apathy.

And, know this; do not count me out just yet.

Gabriel, I would and could never count you out. There’s so much left to find out. Despite still leaving a bit of mystery, I’m glad for the little bit you did share. But wait, that was part of your master plan all along, now wasn’t it? (sly smile)

All right, I’m heading back to my dark part of the world. Rose thanks for having me and setting up this audience with Gabriel.

Da’Kharta, Gabriel, thank you for joining me on my blog today! It was so great having you here. What an incredible Interview this was.

And to you, my viewing audience, please stay tuned for the upcoming Promotional Week of If Death Should Love Me, being given away for Free on Amazon Kindle all of next week!