A Gay Ninja Vampire?

Yep! That's what my newest release from MLR Press is about, though technically Isao Nakamura is no longer a ninja. That was centuries ago. Now he teaches mixed martial arts at his own dojo in Boston. And one of his adult students, James, might be just what Isao is looking for.

I always said I would never write a vampire story, but I got sucked in (no pun intended...well, okay, maybe a little) when Kris Jacen of MLR Press asked for authors to write stories about vampire warriors for a March event. The entire month of March is Hot Blood month at MLR, and my novella Sensei is among the first releases. (It came out on March 1.) It is a vampire story; it's a love story; and it's something I hope readers will enjoy.

Here's a little taste:

Over five hundred years ago, Isao Nakamura became ninja. And vampire. Now teaching martial arts in 2012 Boston, Isao is falling for his adult student James, and it's clear James returns his interest. Conflict with the city's vampire clan might lead to James's death--or worse, his turning--if Isao cannot protect him.

EXCERPT:

Water ran in the bathroom. A moment later, Isao emerged. He pulled on his briefs and pants before lying on the bed beside James, who now felt acutely uncomfortable with his own nakedness. “This may have been a mistake.”

“I should have known you’d say that.” No way had it been a mistake. James refused to listen to such bullshit. “Why was it a mistake, Isao? Because I’m your student? Because you have something going with the guy who came to the dojo tonight?”

“Lucian?” Isao’s eyes widened slightly before he composed his expression into its usual neutrality. “No. I have nothing with him. Not any longer.”

“So he was your lover once?”

“Yes.” Isao closed his eyes. For a second, James thought he saw pain in the other man’s face, then that, too was gone. “I do not wish to speak about him. What we just did may have been a mistake because of who I am. Lucian was not there tonight to rekindle old flames, as you might say. He was there to bring me to a man who threatened me. And those around me.”

He opened his eyes again, and James flinched at the intensity in them. “You are in danger. All my students are in danger, but you most especially if I continue to act on the feelings I have for you. And no, I will not deny those feelings. I didn’t come here tonight to have sex with you, but I will not regret it.”

“Even though you just said it might have been a mistake?” James didn’t try to keep his anger out of his tone. “It would really help if you would just say what the hell you mean, Isao. Do you want to go back to being just sensei and student? Do you want me to quit your class so you don’t have to see me again? Fucking talk to me, because I’m not a mind reader like you seem to be.”

“Nor am I.” Amusement and bitterness tinged Isao’s tone. “I do not know what the hell I mean, James. I don’t want to see any harm come to any of my students. And you are not just one of my students.”

“What am I, then?”

“Mine.” Isao stood so quickly James barely saw him move. “There’s too much you don’t know, and I can’t tell you everything now. You are mine, but you won’t want to be when you know the truth. Come to the dojo early for class and I promise to tell you what I can. And then you can make your own decision.”

“I’ve already decided.” James stood too and started to embrace Isao, then decided against it. He was angry, and he didn’t want tenderness getting in the way. “If I’m yours, you’re mine, too. And I don’t give up easily.”

“I have already seen that. Good night, James.” Isao rested his palm briefly against James’s cheek before walking out the door.

New Year's Goals and Vamps with ATTITUDE

Firstly, a very Happy New Year to everyone! 2012 is gone, and 2013 is beginning not so much with resolutions as it is with goals set, and determination to make this a very productive and special year! I decided late in November that once the commitments from 2012 were cleared away, 2013 would be approached differently. So, I’ve got a plan, and it will mean fewer releases, but I hope better ones when they are available. I have three novels in the planning stages, my first YA paranormal, an Historical Western, and a new fantasy tale. Each very unique stories that I hope will be of interest to readers.

The new year’s also kicked off with a bang in that I am currently in the #1 spot on the Predators and Editors Poll for Author of the Year – at least I think that’s what it is? Anyway, here’s a link if you’re inclined to give me a vote:

http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml

One of my most recent books is a return to the dark and somewhat deviant vampires that I really enjoy writing. The book has a touch of Dom/s included, and ménage, plus a pair of very lethal vampire lovers who love what they are and revel in it! That book is Hunters’ Game. It was suggested that the central character of that book would make a great interview, so I’ve interviewed my vampire for you–and damn, he has more attitude than I’d ever want to tangle with–so here we go:

Interview With A Vampire

First, I’d like to thank my friend April, as well as the ladies at my Facebook group and Talking Two Lips for the suggested questions for Demetri deVerieux from HUNTERS’ GAME:

The interview:

What do you and Cliantha look for in a person when you’re looking for a toy for the evening? Do you go for looks or lack of intelligence to make it easier for you to trap your prey and make them compliant?

Demetri: What do we look for? You mean apart from a warm vein? *raising an eyebrow to emphasize the sarcasm* What I look for, and let’s be clear on this, I select the prey, Clia is the bait. Intelligence makes the game more interesting and more satisfying. Anyone can lure a drunk or some poor bastard who’d jump at the chance to breathe in the same air Cliantha inhabits, to entice an intelligent human into coming to us willing is always a victory. Since we’re looking to indulge in an array of passions and hungers, appealing prey is preferred. Compliancy isn’t an issue, willing or not, I control this game and all the players in it.

Who turned you? How old are you? How did you hook up with Cliantha? Are you into the BDSM lifestyle or is it just with Cliantha that your inner caveman comes out?

Demetri: I was turned by Stavros almost 500 years ago. Cliantha is the reincarnation of the only woman Stavros ever loved. Several hundred years ago, I let her be killed to save my own ass, he was more than a little annoyed about it and we parted company for a couple of centuries. Clia is mine now. After I put Stavros in his crypt for the final time, she was broken. I offered her shelter. She’s entertaining, so I keep her.

Inner caveman? If you call a male who takes what he wants and makes it his, then perhaps I am. She knows better than to fight with me, she loses. And then I have to make her aware of who is the master and who is the slave in this relationship. *smiling* BDSM is not a lifestyle to males of my breed. We are masters, and you are our slaves.

What are you going to do about the glimpse of betrayal you’ve seen in Clia?

Demetri: *laughing* Clia is never going to betray me, she knows how painful my vengeance will be if she dares to attempt it. *shrugs* If she feels the need to test my patience, I’m certain it will be memorable for us both.

How did you and Cliantha meet? Are you satisfied with your existence as a vampire? Is there anything you wish were different? What's on your "bucket list"?

Demetri: Clia was devoted to Stavros when I met her, it was simply my wish that she belong to me not him. It took several hundred years, but I get what I want.

*eyes the interviewer and laughs* Satisfied with my existence? I can’t die, I have no laws to obey, can do anything and no one can stop me. What’s not to love? I have no bucket list, because what I want, I take. What I want to do, I simply do.

What is the relationship between you and Stravos? How did it come about? Is it an amicable relationship or strained?

Demetri: I’d hardly call it a relationship. His daughter wanted me as her pet, so he ripped out my throat, turned me and gave me to her. I gave him her heart while it was still warm once I got tired of her. I’d call our interactions strained for some reason.

Was there a time when having a normal life, growing old, having family, meant something?

Demetri: Yes, it meant growing old, getting sick, and dying. I can’t imagine why I didn’t want all that. *stands and smiles* Thank you so much for this fascinating conversation, stay off the streets later if you’d like to continue breathing.

And with the interview ended by our illustrious vampire, if you’d like to know more about him and his partner, check out their story here:

HUNTERS’ GAME

From the PUBLISHER

On AMAZON 

ARe Romance eBooks: 

Bookstrand: 

In modern Toronto, two vampires stalk the night, their hunting a game that is seductive and deadly. In a darkly compelling Goth Club, they find the prey they seek for their pleasures, and the night runs crimson with blood and unquenchable thirsts....

Excerpt:

A flicker of reddish blond hair caught her eye and her vampiric sight pierced the murky atmosphere, saw him smile at her from across the room. Already her body hummed with the knowledge that his hands would soon be on her skin, inciting a hunger that no one else could feed.

She brushed past the few who lingered near the top of the stairs, and skirted the metal bars that gave the place such a distinctive look. By the time she reached where he’d been, he’d vanished. Grinding her teeth, she whirled around and studied the crowd. Again, his pale presence drew her. One arched eyebrow rose in amused challenge.

“Your game is intriguing, love,” she whispered. He’d hear her despite the deafening music.

And which role do you prefer to play? Predator or prey? His answer whispered inside her head, and she grinned.

What does it matter? It always ends the same and I have never objected...

* * * * Leave a comment, or even a question for Demetri, and on Friday, January 11^th I’ll pull a name and send you a copy of HUNTERS’ GAME * * *

Silver Bells - a romantic Duet for the Holidays

Sensual Romance - Historical Western and contemporary

BUY it here 

ARe Romance eBooks: 

Bookstrand: 

Amazon 

Connected by several generations of family tradition, a gift originally given back in 1878 finds its way into the hands and heart of the newest addition to the Hamiltonfamily. The silver bell earrings are an heirloom blessed by love, and once again the magic of the holiday combines with the magic of the heart to unite lovers touched by Destiny.

A Second Chance by Denysé Bridger

(Historical Western romance)

Blurb: Enroute back to his home in Montana, Joshua Hamilton is bushwhacked and left for dead. As stubborn as he is strong, Josh makes his way to the nearest homestead, and meets Sara Grant. Left alone after travelling to reside with her brother and his wife only to lose them to illness, Sara nurses Joshua back to health, all the while trying to deny the tender awakening of love. As the holiday approaches, danger arrives to threaten the future they haven't even begun to share.

A Christmas for Beginnings by Brigit Aine

(Contemporary erotic)

Blurb: Stephanie is worried that starting over, by moving to Wyoming to work for a guy she's never even talked to, might be a bit extreme. Cole doesn't know what to expect from his new cook, but he hopes to take some of the work load off his mom. Together, they learn that fate is at work, and with a little Christmas Magick, all will be well.

Denyse

Denysé Bridger

"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."

** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com

Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com

Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com

Casting characters - ARC giveaway!

How many people “cast” mentally when they’re writing, or reading, a book? I used to have faces in mind when I wrote anything, but these days I hear the internal creation, and rarely “see” a face associated with what I write. Yet, many people ask the question, and I’ve been watching debate over casting choices for movies based on novels for the past couple of months – the diversity of the faces that people envision as perfect for the roles they’re discussing is remarkable. We all read the same words, but do those words ever inspire different visions!

Some of my older work had very defined looks when I wrote them, often I cast an actor in my mind, put his/her name on the outline, and that became the template. My last release from Ellora’s Cave had an actor cast, his name is Steven Bauer as he looked in a movie called Thief of Hearts back in the 80s. In the novel I’m working on now, the villain is cast, but not the hero – you just never know which face will appear in the form of a familiar presence.

I have a new vampire tale coming out in a few weeks at New Dawning Book Fair, and the central character there was created with David Bowie as the template – the way he looked in Labyrinth as Jareth, the Goblin King. It works well, believe me! He’s positively decadent and amoral. The cover artist captured him pretty well, too. I’ll post the cover with this, and you can see for yourself.

Do you prefer obviously recognizable faces on the covers, or is it more fun to “create” your own vision as you read? I’ve noticed a huge trend in cover art recently that is minimalist in appearance, focusing on a symbolic object from the story, rather than a couple or a hero. Which type of cover do you prefer, or does it matter at all?

Here’s a peek at the next release, which is called Hunters’ Game, this is not the final edit:

Moving deeper into the underground nightlife of Goths and thrill junkies, she relaxed. It took only moments to locate the bar Demetri had named earlier in the evening, and she approached it with mild curiosity. She stopped on the sidewalk, immune to the mutters and curses her abrupt halt caused as people stumbled around her. The sign drew her eyes upward. Her mood became wicked, delighted as she read the name: Savage Garden.

He couldn’t have picked a more appropriate place. She didn’t doubt for an instant that she would find him inside; his presence like a flame illuminating the path that would lead her to salvation. Or, more aptly, eternal damnation.

A secretive and seductive curve to her mouth, she answered the siren-song of her lover’s call. A crowd stood outside the entrance and she walked past them, ignoring the mutterings of discontent her audacity incited. The young man at the door, selecting the clientele for the night, stared at her. His smile was like so many she’d seen that night, speculative and calculating and oblivious to the mortal danger his lust for her put him in.

“What can I do for you, darling?” His faint British accent added a pleasant lilt to the insolent query.

He was a nice-looking boy, tall, fair and filled with his own importance.

“Let me go in.”

“Let me go in and you can have whatever you want, sweetheart,” he murmured when he leaned close and his tongue flicked at her earlobe.

“Later.” She locked her gaze with his, penetrating his mind with little effort. “You’re busy at the moment.” She nipped at his bottom lip. She chewed the trapped fullness of his lip and laughed when he jerked back, a droplet of blood staining the corner of his mouth. She leaned close again and licked at the crimson smear, an electric shock of excitement exploding in her veins when the metallic taste lingered on her tongue.

She stepped past him, laughing as she released her mental hold on him and felt his confusion drift out of her awareness.

Inside, the bar was dark and turbid. Her eyes flared for several heartbeats, then her preternatural vision sharpened and defined shapes and shadows with vivid clarity. Demetri had arrived before her. The stairwell echoed weirdly with the hammering beat of the music and she almost floated up into the dark room.

At the top of the stairs she paused again. Unnecessary breaths quickened with excitement and anticipation. The fiery red fixture hanging from the ceiling above her head sent tendrils of light spiraling outward, the crimson streaks of bloody color glinted off chrome, absorbed by the shadows. A powerful strobe turned the dancers into frantic marionettes as the madness of the primal music carried them into their own private darkness.

COMING SOON from New Dawning International Book Fair

CURRENT RELEASE: Jaded Hearts

Read an excerpt here

***** GIVEAWAY *****

I'll grab a random name from the comments at the end of the week, and that person will receive an advance copy of HUNTERS' GAME as soon as I have it in hand! Thanks, everyone!

Denysé

Denysé Bridger
"Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy..."
** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **
WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com
Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com
Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com