Genre: Time-travel/vampire/paranormal
Date of
Publication: March 29, 2013
Number of
pages: 71
Word Count: 35 K
Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry
Book Description:
Alexandria has no
choice. She must flee to the last place she wants to. Straight into the arms of
a vampire she was determined to forget.
Salvator finds this
a clever fix to obtaining the one woman he has always desired, Alexandria.
Together, they must
find a way to evade her powerful enemy, Salvator's brother Luciano. On the run,
they struggle to understand one another. Denied passion ignites. Blood is
spilled. Within the heart of Vesuvius, anything is possible.
When ancient Italy
pulls them back in time, dark secrets are revealed.
All can be
conquered. But will it be? Can wrongs be made right? History is the locked
door. Forgiveness is the key. Time will tell if ancient love can once again
flourish.
It actually came to
me after I wrote the first book in the Forsaken Brethren Series, Darkest Memory. In it, Alexandria is
sister to the hero, Gabriel and best friend to his heroine Calah. I enjoyed her
character so much that I decided she deserved her own story in Heart of Vesuvius.
2. Your title. Who
came up with it? Did you ever change your title?
I came up with the
title based on one of the main settings in the book. The title has always been
the same.
3. Which came first,
the title or the novel?
I had already
written half the story when the perfect title occurred to me.
4. Since becoming a
writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?
I would have to say
hitting #49 in the paid Kindle store a few days ago with my MacLomain Series
Boxed set. It was a pretty fun feeling hitting the top 50!
5. What book are you
currently reading or what was the last book you read?
I’m currently
reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine
Harris. I’m a huge fan of the TV series, True Blood so decided it was finally
time to read the books on which the series is based.
6. What was your first
book that you ever wrote (very first one you wrote, not published)?
*Brace yourself* It
was titled Care Bears in Space. I was
seven and the first second grader in the state of New Hampshire to win The
Young Authors Award. Yep, I still have the book. In fact I recently read it to
my seven year old son. Sort of a, “Look at what mom did at your age!” moment
combined with a “You can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” message.
7. What is your
writing process?
I’m all about
letting the characters lead the way. As long as they show me personal growth as
they deal with their conflict, the book seems to write itself. Research is
typically done as I write versus before.
- Who
are your favorite authors of all time?
I have so many
favorites! Lisa Kleypas and Christine Feehan are right there at the top though.
9. At a book signing,
do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with
stuff to say?
I typically like to
use my reader’s name with a brief note then sign.
- What
is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Probably that I’m a
huge Regency romance fan. Based on what I write, you’d never know it.
11. How do you react to
a bad review?
As a writer, I’m
also a business woman. If the review touches on a genuine problem with my work,
I pay attention. After all, mistakes can be made.
12. How did you
celebrate the sale of your first book?
With my family.
They’ve been my rock since the very beginning so I couldn’t imagine celebrating
with anyone else!
I really enjoyed
this interview. Thanks!
Excerpt:
Salvator smiled,
white teeth gleaming through the darkness, midnight hair brushing his
shoulders. "Now that is where you are wrong." When he stood, she
instinctually shifted back against the headboard. "Clothing never suited
you."
Her nudity suddenly
felt underused and sumptuous. The thin sheet and velvet blanket like a caress
of pure perfection. As he slowly approached her thighs spread, welcoming. She
slammed them shut and refused to scowl.
Salvator dripped seduction.
He walked it, breathed it, spoke it.
She knew better.
"Shhh,"
he whispered. His finger trailed up the bedspread, skimmed along her thigh,
hip, waist, until it left and returned to his side. "I will not seduce
you…yet."
For a split second,
Alex almost said, "Why not?" She caught her tongue. Ancient vampires
were very good at what they did and Salvator ranked amongst one of the eldest.
But she had grown. After all, she had been made eight hundred years ago. Though
not one of the more powerful of her breed she'd paid attention and learned.
"I demand
respect. I'm old enough to request such," she said. His olive-skinned hand
clenched and pulled tighter against his side. She met him eye to eye, did not
shy away from his abnormally pale bluish-gray gaze as she had in the past. He
was to fear, respect and worship. Tall and broad shouldered, inherently smooth,
he owned a room when he entered it.
He had owned her
once, almost.
Not now.
With a flick of his
wrist, she felt the weight of clothing comfort her skin. Salvator hadn't lent
glamour to it to purposely arouse her. He had honored the way of the vampires.
In many ways she was shocked he had lent his aide to her at all. But he hadn't
really. He had lent it to Gabriel, for purposes of his own. Though she would
like to say Salvator was different than most vampires, he wasn't. There had to
be a method to his madness.
She guessed
vengeance.
Alex swung her legs
over the edge of the bed and stood. This put the top of her head at his
shoulders. "You could have dressed me in something more acceptable."
Shifting slightly,
he cornered her between the bed and night table. "Consider yourself lucky
you are dressed at all."
She eyed the
flaming red, form fitting, silk gown minus undergarments and muttered,
"Barely."
Lightning fast, his
hands lay on both sides of her waist. His imposing frame was far too close,
beautifully proportioned face bent. Long, thick black lashes framed his icy
eyes.
"You sought my protection. Your insolence incites
me." His hands squeezed. "To not grant you the respect you feel due
you."
Did he still think
her the quivering novice? She would not pay him an unwarranted price for his
shelter. She'd not be his whore.
With all of her
power, she shot one hand forward. He fell back a few inches. Alex waited calmly
for the expected counterattack, for it would be swift without doubt. Instead of
the wallop she deserved for attacking an elder she witnessed an oddity.
He smiled and said,
"You've changed, uccellino. You
are no longer a cowering beginner."
About the Author:
Sky is the best-selling author of seven novels
and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing
stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature,
romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release
in her books.
Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest
news and releases? Visit Sky's Website, www.SkyPurington.com
to download her free App on iTunes
and Android.
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