“Too late, you already agreed to come with me. Besides, it’s more than a dungeon area. There’s a main dance floor and a rooftop garden.”
When they first entered the club, the many appraising looks unsettled her. Guys never looked at her like that when she was in uniform. Well, maybe a couple of weirdos.
They descended to the club’s dungeon area where a dark, gothic-sounding song pulsed around them. After scanning the cages with rubber rats and bones inside, Larissa fixed her eyes on the pendulum hanging from the ceiling.
“I don’t think I’m going to find my soul mate down here,” she muttered.
Janie laughed. “Probably not. But it’s entertaining nonetheless.”
“Come on. Let’s grab a drink. Want to go to the dance floor or the roof deck?”
“Roof. I think I need some fresh air after being down here.”
When they’d exited onto the roof and bought drinks, Larissa relaxed in the open atmosphere with a less intense musical sound. The odd prickling sensation hit her again, stronger than it had been at the café earlier that week. She tuned out the music and breathed in the city air, trying to get a read on the source. The problem was that she didn’t see anything, just sensed things. Besides the ambience of a typical nightclub, with the scents of sweaty bodies and alcoholic drinks, nothing came to her.
“I know that look,” Janie said. “Twice in one week.” She clamped a hand over her mouth, then dropped it. “What is it?”
“Not sure.” Searching inside herself for insight, the only word that came to her was change. “I don’t know. It’s just—something is—it’s about change.”
“What?” Janie asked, her face scrunching as she attempted to scrutinize the cryptic reply. “Or for who?”
Probing deeper, Larissa found nothing more. “No idea.”
Janie’s worried expression snapped her back to the present.
Larissa’s insights usually indicated that something was about to happen, which had saved her ass many times in her years as a police officer. And at other times…
This wasn’t the night to dwell on enigmatic physical twinges. Not after all the trouble Janie had gone through to get her here. After all, she didn’t sense any negative vibes. Change simply meant change. It could be a move, a promotion—anything.
“It’s probably all this talk about the moon freaking me out,” Larissa said to pacify her. “We came here to dance. Let’s dance.”
While surveying the city from above, a dark-haired woman on the roof caught Roman’s attention. She stood ramrod-straight and she fidgeted with her glass. Something about her discomfort triggered his gargoyle instincts, making him observe her more closely.
When he scanned her from head to toe, he didn’t gain any insight other than how attractive she was. Her hair was rich and lush, flowing in loose waves over her shoulders. It had a burgundy tone from the various lighting fixtures around the deck. Her wide eyes searched her surroundings. What was she looking for? His gaze traveled down her body, studying how well it was encased in a form-fitting black dress. He lingered on her killer curves, fueling his imagination with sordid fantasies of what it would be like to touch them.
He snapped his eyes away. He was supposed to be gauging what had set off his senses, not visualizing her naked body.
Seconds later, his gaze returned to her, despite his admonition to himself. Her expression turned troubled. A strong reaction rose within him, one he couldn’t read. He rubbed the back of his neck. Something about her put all his senses on edge; he had to keep an eye on her, although he had no indication why.
She spoke to a blonde woman next to her, and he turned his head to focus on their conversation. With all the chatter in the room, he couldn’t catch it, despite his acute sense of hearing.
What troubled the brunette? An instinct to protect her kicked in. The pull toward her was compelling, a sensual onslaught that overpowered him.
Remember why you’re here.
He stepped back, both mentally and physically separating himself from the woman, and shielded himself behind the bar. That compulsion was one he’d never experienced, and not knowing what it meant bothered him all the more. All the uncertainty about tonight had him on edge.
Turning away, he gulped in the cool night air. It invigorated him for only a moment. What hit him next almost knocked him off his feet—a sudden whoosh of energy. It blasted past him with immense force and power, indicative of dark magic.
A gut feeling made him turn to locate the brunette, and he scrutinized her. He sensed something unusual about her than the other humans on the roof. Was she the source of that dark magic? He opened a mental link to communicate with Arto.
There’s a woman on the roof I’m going to keep an eye on.
Is she in danger? Or is she dangerous? Arto asked.
Good question. That’s what I plan on finding out. I sensed dark magic and will investigate further.
His triggers were now on full alert. Whoever she was, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight. Not until he figured out who—or what—she was.
And why she had that effect on him.
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Darkness Rising
Antoine Chevalier harbors a secret. Born a gargoyle shifter, he wants nothing more than to cultivate his art. His hard work pays off the night he completes his greatest sculpture. But the excitement of his accomplishment doesn’t last.
He’s drawn the eye of the wrong group—a clan of vampires. Antoine wakes into darkness, changed. Shattered. His dream of becoming a renowned sculptor is destroyed.
One question remains—how will he ever survive an eternity of darkness alone?
Darkness Rising is part 0.5 of the Chateau Seductions series by USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Carlisle. Readers have requested more on the dark and mysterious Antoine. In this short story, Antoine tells his tale, which continues in the series with Dark Velvet. Dark Velvet is written from Savannah’s perspective as a newcomer to an art colony who is intrigued by the proprietor.
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Dark Velvet
Dark Velvet
Grad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.
Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind.
Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.
“Dark Velvet has a dark eroticism that makes you want to be Savannah. It is a book that is a good, quick and darkly thrilling read.” ~ Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
“…insanely hot chemistry between the female protagonist Savannah & vampire Antoine. Their intensity starts off right away and you’re not a chapter in before it takes off like a rocket!” ~ Paranormal Romance Junkies
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Dark Muse
It takes time before Gina Meiro warms up to people and her shyness is often misunderstood. She hasn’t had to worry about meeting new people at a remote art colony until a new resident arrives—a rock guitarist more suited for a billboard. Her carefree days of painting at the medieval-styled castle on a remote New England island are shattered when she stumbles right into
his welcome gathering.
After a falling out with his band, Dante Riani wants nothing more at Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island than solitude to work on new songs. When a shy young painter asks to paint him at sunset, he’s tempted by the opportunity to be alone with her.
Someone at the colony claims to know what Dante is and asks for his help. Dante fears his plans are coming undone, especially as grows more drawn to Gina. Her scent and vulnerability are too difficult to resist. But he must stay away from her—she would never understand his secret.
While it is a story about struggle, it is also about love; and doing whatever needs to be done to be with the one you are attracted to. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Gina and Dante. This story has the perfect amount of witty banter, sex, and romance.”
~ 5* Review of Dark Muse from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades!
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Dark Stranger
Dark Stranger
Wolf shifters come to Chateau seeking a missing pack member. During an altercation, Cameron Stevens, the manager of the art colony, is separated from the others. He ends up alone with Nadya, one of the female shifters.
Together, in the forests of DeRoche Island, they struggle against conflicting feelings. In addition to battling each other as well as their mistrust, they fight a powerful, inexplicable attraction to one another—one that leaves them irrevocably entwined.
They’re mates? Cameron can’t comprehend or accept such a thing is possible. They’re two different species and their worlds don’t mesh. He can’t fight the heated desire burning between them and her touch is impossible to resist. His heart and mind aren’t on the same page where she’s concerned. One thing is certain—Nadya is stamped on both.
***** FIVE STARS ***** – “I have read the first 2 books in this series and could not wait to get my hands on this one; and I was not disappointed. The thing I love most, is that while this is a story about paranormal creatures, you can still relate to the trial and tribulations that they go through. You can relate to how each character is feeling, even though you are nothing like them.”
~ Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
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Knights of Stone: Mason
Knights of Stone: Mason
Highland Gargoyles series, book 1
Gargoyles, tree witches, and wolf shifters have divided the Isle of Stone after a great battle twenty-five years ago. When Kayla, a tree witch, hears about the unconventional rock concerts in the gargoyle’s territory, she sneaks from her coven and into their territory to see for herself. Night after night, she returns to see one in particular shift into human form and play guitar at these unconventional shows.
For several nights, Mason has kept watch for the pixie-like female. He plans to seduce her, thinking she’s a visitor from another island. When he discovers she’s one of the tree witches, he retreats, attempting to keep his distance. The temptation is strong, but forbidden.
Kayla and Mason attempt to meet in secret, but other elements on the isle command their attention. A magical cloak created by the three clans on the island is thinning, leading to repercussions for all the clans. Kayla and Mason are caught in the middle of it all, and their actions may change the fate for all.
“I love a paranormal book that has multiple beings, in this book there are Gargoyles, witches and wolf shifters. The plot has twists and turns taking you through such a unique and mysterious world… Great story, great characters…… Very unique!”
~ Up All Night, Read All Day Book Reviews
“It is a new way of telling Romeo and Juliet. You cannot be with them because of something their ancestors did, and the kids saying I do not care about that, I want to be with them regardless. A lesson many of us need to learn. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting something a little different from their normal.”
~ 5* from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
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Knights of Stone: Lachlan
Knights of Stone: Lachlan
Highland Gargoyles series, book 2
As the new alpha of his gargoyle clan, Lachlan takes on a leadership role at the historic peace talks between the wolf shifters and tree witches. Cooperation is crucial to their survival. The magical veil over the Isle of Stone is weakening. But unity is hard to achieve when tensions are running high. So is Lachlan’s concentration when a sexy wolf shifter rushes to the talks. Her wild beauty is mesmerizing.
Raina has her hands full with pack problems, from pack mates succumbing to blood lust to animosity toward her species. The source of her problems is clear-the gargoyles. If they hadn’t lured the humans to the island with their unconventional rock concerts, she wouldn’t have to deal with the fallout. She wants nothing to do with them, especially their alpha. His not-so-surreptitious glances are hard to miss. Nope. Not the kind of attention she needs. She’s heard rumors of the rebellious, attention-seeking rockers—and of their endless string of females.
But when humans come to investigate the wolf attacks, Lachlan and Raina must work together to coerce them off the island. And time spent together sparks a forbidden attraction. If unexpected love were their only problem, they’d be able to deal with it. It’s not. Time is running out, for them and their island.
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Knights of Stone: Bryce
Knights of Stone: Bryce
Highland Gargoyles series, book 3
What happens when love interferes with plans, during the most unfortunate of times?
Gargoyle shifter, and the last of her clan, Mairi, is running for her life, desperate to keep hidden. When she spots two winged creatures flying high above her in the Highlands of Scotland, she momentarily panics, thinking they’re the same beasts who murdered her family along with her entire clan. Realizing they’re gargoyles like her, she takes flight and discreetly follows them to an island.
Bryce, beta of his clan and drummer for the Knights of Stone, senses something is amiss on the Isle of Stone. At first, he believes he’s merely discomfited by the rumors of atrocities occurring in the Highlands. However, he discovers an intruder on the magically-concealed island home. Once he ascertains that the flame-haired beauty is the sole survivor of a traumatizing attack, he returns to the Highlands to warn his former clan.
Somewhere between cautioning the clan and realizing the necessity of destroying the beasts that threaten them all, Mairi and Bryce discover an attraction that quickly evolves into a consuming passion. A problem even greater than the murderous fiends becomes apparent – the love they share may not survive the battle.
For a unique shifter romance series with hot men in kilts, read about the brothers in the Knights of Stone today!
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Recalled to Love series
Temptation Returns
Antonio returns from the Marine Corps to begin a new life as a civilian. While visiting Cape Cod, he meets a strange woman who reads his Tarot cards. He doesn’t believe in such nonsense; after all, he’s a Marine. When he returns to Boston, he receives a ticket to a rock club where he runs into the one woman he never forgot.
Lina can’t believe Antonio is back in town, right before her wedding. Being around him again resurrects long-buried feelings. Will she be able to resist temptation in the form of a dark-haired Italian Marine, the same man who once broke her heart?
“This saucy little story hit the spot with interesting characters, some humor, some spice, and a thoughtful NA second chance love story about a returning vet with a few issues.”
“I enjoyed the story, humor, and steam – oh yeah, did I mention the spice? Let’s mention it again just to be safe.”
~ Books and Bindings
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Short Stories
Better than Cake
After the worst fight of their relationship, the last place Stephanie wants to be is a wedding reception. She still can’t get over what happened. Could their five years of marriage be destroyed after a blast of heated words? Johnny suggested separating. Sepa
rating! Now with her marriage on the line, she has to put on a brave face and pretend love is grand.
Johnny doesn’t know why he’d freaked out the way he had and is left with one emotion. Regret. He doesn’t want to lose Stephanie. He must find her and make things right.
Stephanie enters the reception, fearing the end of her marriage. Johnny has something else in mind—a much more decadent proposal that will turn her friend’s wedding into an event they’ll never forget.
“A beautiful short story over how something bad can be turned into something nice.”
“A great short story. I really liked the story, the wedding excited them and I liked how it ended as well. It was fun and a quick witty and naughty story.”
“A delightful short story that shows the impact words can make but how love, determination, and forgiveness can right the wrong.”
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Bed, Breakfast, and Betrayal: A Series of Short Suspense Stories
Betrayed: A Ghost Story
Once thinking it was a curse, Sybil Channing now uses her gift to communicate with spirits as a lucrative way to make a living. She dubs herself a ghost whisperer and plays up her role as an eccentric woman who can talk to the dead. When she receives a call from a bed and breakfast with an issue with a ghost, Sybil thinks it will just be another easy, nice-paying gig. Sure, there’s a bit of a mystery about women becoming ill, but nothing to scare her off. Yet when she arrives, what she encounters is far more dangerous than she anticipated.
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On the Rocks
Heather is looking forward to reconnect with her husband Paolo during a getaway to a bed and breakfast. They’d both been working late and think a romantic weekend on the coast is the ideal way to spend time together. She thinks of walks on the beach, dinners out, and sleeping in. What starts out as a romantic weekend soon takes a dark turn, shattering dreams and expectations.
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Knights of Stone: Calum: A gargoyle and pegasus shifter paranormal romance (Highland Gargoyles Book 5) Page 15
