Saturday Excerpt: Murder & Magick

Saturday's Excerpt at Slip into Something Victorian will be my story, Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder & Magick. The first in my druids series, and because of that a story close to my heart. This is from the middle of the book, the black moment. Well, one of many. I did say it was my first published story!

Saturday Excerpt

Every Saturday at Slip into Something Victorian we're posting excerpts from our books. Yes, they're mostly Victorian (1837-1901) America, England, wherever, but since we don't always stick to one time frame, there will be others, as well.


Today I'm over there with an excerpt from Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder & Magick. I hope you enjoy!

Leave a comment or ask a question to enter to win a free download of Tryst, the prequel to Murder & Magick!

Monday's Excerpt Murder and Magick

Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder & Magick. This is my first published book, now out for 2 years (seriously, time does fly!) I'm very proud of it and absolutely adore the cover! It's now available for the Kindle for 99¢, but also on Ravenous, All Romance eBooks, B&N, and anywhere else you can think of to buy ebooks.

Oh, and don't forget my Title Contest!

Excerpt:
With another growl, he pulled her across him, boots forgotten, to attack her mouth. “Minx.”

She merely offered a smug smile and drew him closer.

Silken under his mouth, her skin heated from his touches. The cottage lay in darkness. Though he’d have preferred to see his lover in the full light of the sun, he knew her body well enough to bring her to pleasure every time.

She was right of course; things could no longer go on as they had been. Mac didn’t care as he entered her, and that bone-deep satisfaction settled over him, sheathed in her wet warmth.

God, this was heaven. Nothing in this world or, he was certain, the next could compare to being inside Raven. He couldn’t give this up, wasn’t sure how to give her up.

Savoring each thrust, the way she moved against him, Mac let the moment play out, let it stretch into the heated air around them, each of holding the other’s gaze.

And then it snapped. Raven cried his name and rode her orgasm out beneath him, hips grinding against his, a picture of wild and wanton beauty.

His to hold, his to delight in. As his own climax overtook him, Mac’s last coherent thought echoed through him.

Raven was his.

Need won over duty.

Murder and Magick on All Romance eBooks

I just noticed that Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder & Magick is #1 under Historical Other on All Romance eBooks! With a nifty silver star...what does that star mean? Anyone know? I'll have to scour their site.

Historical Other...I guess they got tired of categorizing historicals, there are a lot and they already have Historical--Ancient, America, Gothic, Regency, and Medieval. I'm thinking they should have Historical 20th Century, too. I hate to say it, makes me feel old, but the 20th century is of the past...and enough on that particular topic!

Oh, neat! OK, the silver star means "ARe Best Seller: This means that the title has either been a Category Best Seller or a Top 10 Best Seller"

I'm good with being a category best seller!

Monday Musings

Lots going on in the month of August. Finished up a blog tour for Dark Desires of the Druids: Sex and Subterfuge, went on vacation, and came back to 1 rejection and 1 request.

The rejection was very honest and straight forward, and didn't have anything to do with my writing or with the story, Paranormal Investigations. The rejection was to do with the market, and honestly I can accept that! Paranromals are a very crowded market. Personally, and OK I'm the author:) but I think that Paranormal Investigations is different than most. But hey, I'll keep trying.

Now, from the same editor, the request. It wasn't for Paranormal Investigations, but a story I'd started and set aside to work on the Egyptian contemporary. (Which is completely plotted and 3 chapters in, but alas.) So this new story, a very dark and different Regency, is the goal for this week.

For a limited time only on All Romance Ebooks, Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder and Magick is free. And don't forget to get the free Dark Desires of the Druids: Choose Your Own Adventure.

Murder and Magick free!

For a limited time only on All Romance Ebooks, Dark Desires of the Druids: Murder and Magick is free.

Losing her virginity can mean ruin for a Victorian lady. For Raven Drake, it means freedom to explore her sexuality. As a magicker in hiding, Raven subscribes to her culture’s less prudish philosophy. She wants to experience every erotic sensation imaginable.

Malcolm, Lord Preston, desires her from the moment he sees her, and doesn’t allow society’s rules to stand in his way. More than happy to introduce Raven to the pleasures of sex, he doesn’t expect to fall in love with her.

Their tryst is a welcome distraction from witch hunters and political maneuverings. But can it overcome the weight of another man’s ring on her finger?

Sex and Subterfuge in bookstores now! And don't forget to get the free Dark Desires of the Druids: Choose Your Own Adventure.

Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder & Magick

The first in my Druids series. I began this series oh, 2 years ago or so. Its first incarnation is vastly different from the published version, but I'm much happier with this. And I absolutely adore the cover!
Murder & Magick: Bramhope, England, 1882

From The Tryst, an excerpt from Raven & Malcolm's first meeting:

Laughing, Mac shook his head. He looked down into her bright blue eyes. “Pirate is a bit of an exaggeration. I captained nothing more than a merchant ship. Boring stuff, spices and cloth.”

Raven stopped and turned to look at him. For a moment, she watched him as if she could see all his secrets. “Boring, indeed. Something tells me there’s more to it than that.” She flashed him a smile. “But I won’t pry.”

She turned back to the stream and watched the water rush by. “I must admit I’m quite envious,
Lord Preston. I’ve often longed to go beyond the shores of Britain to see for myself a greater part
of this world.”

“I won’t lie to you,” Mac said and stepped closer. “There are many adventures, many
wondrous sights to see.” He took her arm and turned her to face him. “In the end, there’s nothing as
beautiful as England. This is home.”

“Yes, home” she agreed. Raven’s gaze drifted back to the stream. “If only…”

Mac tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “If only what?”

Offering a small smile, she said, “If only there weren’t so many constraints.”

Surprising him with her boldness, she leaned up to kiss him. Reacting immediately, Mac pulled
her closer and deepened the kiss. Raven slipped a hand around his neck. He felt the other slide
between the buttons of his shirt. Letting his fingers drift along her shoulder, he traced her breasts
along the neckline of her dress.

As abruptly as she leaned into him, Raven pulled away. Breathing heavy, Mac watched her
compose herself.

Reviews:
4.5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews: But there are two terrific twists thrown at you, the reader, that make this a much more compelling story than just a good murder story with sex and magick thrown in.

4.5 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs: What she does is far more than what you expect, and the outcome is not exactly what you would normally read.

4.5 Tombstones from Bitten by Books: Love and responsibility battle in this beautiful, historical tale of suspense.

4 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance: The characters are vividly drawn. and the plot is very well crafted. I loved her twist on Victorian England.

Bitten by Books reveiws

This weekend I received 4 reviews from Bitten by Books. Three for my Druids series, Murder & Magick, Sex & Subterfuge, and Desert & Destiny, and one for Shadow State, my 1934 German werewolf story.


Shadow State first, because my wehrwölfes hold a special place in my heart. 5 Tombstones: My only complaint is that the story was so short; the people and surrounding periphery were intriguing, and I would have loved to get more of it all. I hope Ms. Roman has more of these stories in the works as I’m bound to gobble them up as well. Be prepared to devote all your time to completing this one - it was hard to put down!


Now onto my Druids series. Jennifer reviewed the first 3 so far. Here's what she has to say:

Murder & Magick 4.5 Tombstones
Love and responsibility battle in this beautiful, historical tale of suspense. This was well-written, and the characters are extremely well-developed; the author does a wonderful job of creating strong leads that are still capable of showing emotion for one another.







Sex & Subterfuge 3.5 Tombstones


Now I admit, this isn't my strongest story, but I'm still pleased with her review:
Overall, though, this isn’t a bad continuation of the series. I will definitely continue reading, and hope that the third book goes back to the intensity and quality of the first.








Desert & Destiny 4.5 Tombstones
These books just keep getting and better with each installment. It’s wonderful how the author continues to build upon the characters and situations from book to book, and the romance develops so naturally. Especially when considered how the foundations were purely physical, Ms. Roman does an excellent job of developing the passion into true romance.






About Temptations & Treachery she says: I look forward to reading the fourth in the series!

October

It has a mysticism all its own. October is the month of true autumn, of eerie nights and haunted sightings. It's Halloween with all the connotations that go with that. I don't mind October, though it does get colder and I'm not a fan of the cold, it's also a time for fires and marshmallows and hot chocolate and new shoes. *G*

This October I'm going to have a contest the last 2 weeks of the month. It's something I've been working on since, oh, August. Time has flown, what can I say. Really flown. I have new release this month from The Wild Rose Press, Taming of the Wolf. It's been a long time coming but I'm thrilled with the story and the release.

But that's now what this contest is about, despite the werewolf aspect of that story.

No, this contest is for my Druids series. Each book is different in both tone and characters, dealing with a variety of themes such as duty, grief, forgiving , and taking chances. And each book deals with these themes in its own way.

I'm going to finalize everything on my end this week and then post what's what next week. Be on the lookout!

Murder & Magick
Sex & Subterfuge
Desert & Destiny
Temptations & Treachery

Echo in the Bone and New Review

Manic Readers reviewed Murder and Magick, giving it 4 stars! IvyD had this to say:

The Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder and Magick immediately captured me with its blend of history, romance, suspense and touch of paranormal. Raven is an appealing heroine. Still young, she retains some of the impetuousness of youth while also having quite a load on her shoulders.

Now I've finished Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. Have some mixed feelings about it, but overall am pleased. Since I literally finished it at 11:45 last night, I haven't written a review, but will. We'll see who agrees with me and who doesn't then. :)

New great reviews!

Two Home Shopping Network readers enjoyed my books!

Lizzee from MN had this to say about Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder and Magick

I got the historical package and have found one or two new authors that I'd read again. I can't say I thought all of the books were great, but did enjoy Isabel Roman's Dark Druid

And Christinereader from NJ had this to say about Kiss of Scandal

I started with "Kiss of Scandal", since I don't remember reading a Russian historical. WOW! I could literally feel the weather, almost as a character in the story. I wanted to curl up under a blanket to get out of the cold Russian winter! And it was in the low 80s when I read the story!

She then went on to say she'd read Murder and Magick next. Pretty cool!

Home Shopping Network

I spent a good portion of yesterday watching HSN and online at www.hsn.com. If you missed it, Ravenous Romance made their debut at 8 am, 4 pm, and 3 am selling their trade paperback books, 2 of mine included: Kiss of Scandal and Murder and Magick.

In the randomness that is my mind I bing-ed (as opposed to googled) them and found this article. I don't know why I liked the article, but I did. It's from 2002.

It started with 112 can openers

My favorite part:

Twenty-five years ago this month, in a little strip mall on Hercules Avenue
in Clearwater, Bob Circosta was doing a news talk show on WWQT-AM 1470.An
advertiser called the station. He was short on funds, so instead of money, he
offered up 112 Rival electric can openers. Olive green. (What? It was the '70s.)

"I couldn't believe it," Circosta recalled. "I said, "What?"'

Circosta, who was 27 at the time, wanted to be a news anchor at a major TV
network. Another Cronkite or Brinkley. Not a small appliance salesman.

He sold all 112 in about an hour.

Today: Night Owl Romance

I'm blogging about the difficulties in researching non-traditional historical places over at Night Owl Romance. Specifically Russia 1855 and the research troubles with Kiss of Scandal. Come join me! I'll be giving away a prize, too.

And speaking of Kiss of Scandal...today at 8am and 4 pm EST then again tomorrow at 3 am EST, I'll be one of the Ravenous authors in the Home Shopping Network! Kiss of Scandal and Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder and Magick will be in the Historical package, and Kiss of Scandal will be in the mixed package. Come check us out!

EXCITING NEWS!!

I've been sitting on this news for a while, anxiously jumping up and down, dieing to tell someone!!! And suddenly, finally I've been given leave to do so. Tomorrow, Monday September 14 at 8 am and 4 pm, and Tuesday September 15 at 3 am, I'll be on the Home Shopping Network!

Needless to say, I was shocked. My publisher, Ravenous Romance, inked a distribution deal with HSN for their "Escape with Romance Collection", and included 2 of my stories, Kiss of Scandal and Murder and Magick.

That excited squeal during the day is just me and my fellow authors. I hope you'll be able to catch at least a bit of the time. I'm beyond excited.

4.5 Cherry Review and Civil War

Fabulous review for Murder & Magick at LASR (AKA Whipped Cream Erotic Reviews) 4.5 cherries! Read the whole review here.

Excerpt: But there are two terrific twists thrown at you, the reader, that make this a much more compelling story than just a good murder story with sex and magick thrown in.

And today's the release day for the Northern Roses and Southern Belles Civil War anthology! Join us August 1-6 for our anthology blog tour!

Calendar:

Saturday August 1: Isabel Roman is at Night Owl Romance

Sunday August 2: Jeanmarie Hamilton is at Petticoats & Pistols

Monday August 3: Susan Macatee is at Love Romance Passion

Tuesday August 4: Caroline Clemmons is at Slip into Something Victorian

Wednesday August 5: Mary Ann Webber is at Arkansas Diamonds

Thursday August 6: Jennifer Ross is at Romantic Crush Junkies

Everyone who leaves a comment on the day of the post for each of the six days will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Northern Roses and Southern Belles signed by all six authors!

Great news!

I'm thrilled, honored, excited, and rather giddy today! Romance Junkies chose Dark Desires of the Druids I: Murder and Magick as one of their Debut Titles That Rock! Snoopy dance!

I'm also over at Unbound today, talking about Suspension of Disbelief.

What kind of contest would you like?

Now that all 4 of my Druids books are out I'm thinking of having a contest. My question to you is, What kind? There are a lot out there: scavenger hunts, leave a comment on a blog, those kinds of things. I want something different...but what? Fix the collapsible panels on my website, win a book doesn't sound too intriguing! (Though I'd be grateful, they're driving me bonkers!)

Rules: Must pertain to me, my Druids books, and have a realistic prize. The person whose contest I pick will receive their choice of either a Victorian purse or a box of Godiva chocolates. Their choice. The contest runs from June 26, 2009-July 10, 2009.

Ideas? Leave a comment on my blog, twitter me @Ladyisabel, or email me!
Murder and Magick
Sex and Subterfuge
Desert and Destiny
Temptations and Treachery

If it's Wednesday...

I'm blogging over at Slip into Something Victorian! Today's topic: Victorian Mistresses

Tomorrow, Thursday June 25, the last in my Dark Desire of the Druids series, Temptations and Treachery, will be released from Ravenous. It's Lady Isadore Harrington's story. I originally wasn't going to do a 4th book, but couldn't leave Isadore out! I loved her too much, she's such a part of the series, especially Murder and Magick and Desert and Destiny. Who's the lucky guy for Lady Isadore? You might remember James Blackthorne, Morgana's cousin, from Sex and Subterfuge. Their path is not an easy one, and hidden obsticals lie in wait. Temptations abound, but treachery is never far behind.

Excerpt:
James tried not to stare as he helped his guest out of the carriage. She smiled her thanks, all charm and beauty. The moment he’d seen her, he’d lost all thought. As he did then, now he traced the lines of her curves with his eyes as she started toward the steps of the house. Shaking his head to focus on the moment at hand, he checked his reaction, and wondered how she could be related to Granv—

“Wait.” Takoda slipped past him, jerking his head at the house. James turned sharply. Distracted, it took him a moment to register the reason for concern.

His cousin Morgana’s house lay in darkness. Unusual since they were expected by the servants still in residence. Not a light blazed from the windows. Takoda gestured for them to remain outside as he jogged to the rear entrance. James ushered the ladies to one side of the front door. Still closed, he warily opened it.

“Stay here,” he ordered them.

“I can be of assistance,” Lady Isadore whispered in her proper English voice. The firmness in it wasn’t false modesty, either, he sensed.

James grunted in annoyance, but said nothing to her comment and continued inside. Gathering his magicks to him, he cautiously made his way over the threshold.

This and That

I'm moving along with a new story, another paranormal. Despite my best intentions on writing that hot historical in WIlliamsburg, this one took over my imagination and my muse. I'm not going to ignore it just cause, so will diligently plot it out and move along with that. Williamsburg and my characters from there can wait. For now at least.

I've received a lovely review on Murder & Magick from Cathie at Caffey's Reads:

I so highly recommend this book that it hasn't left me since I finished it and these scenes keep coming back to me. You will even be able to visualize Harrington Manor as most of the book takes place there and in the surrounding grounds. Thanks for a breath taking story Ms. Roman. This is 5 stars for you!

My short story, Whispers, is in Power Play, today's Book of the Day at Ravenous. Jennifer's Random Romance Reviews had this to say: And intrigue abounds in “Whispers” by Isabel Roman when a senator and Department of Justice attorney engage in a forbidden affair and overhear a murder plot (I was intrigued by this story and wish it had been a bit longer).

And finally, I think (think!) my webiste is up, running, and working! I'm pretty excited, it's taken a long time to get it here between lack of wireless, Dreamweaver issues, and connecting to the remote host issues. oy. But please let me know if anything's not working or linking.

Now on Amazon!

Now available in paperback from Amazon.com:

Murder & Magick

"Mmm-mmm delicious! Roman certainly has a way with storytelling."--Love Romance Passion (5 stars)
"A very intriguing story of Gypsies, murder, and a bonding love that will hold for all time." --Literary Nymphs (4.5 nymphs)
"The characters are vividly drawn and the plot is very well crafted. This is the start of an extremely promising new series, and I am going to buy and read every single one of them." --Coffee Time Romance (4 cups)

Sex & Subterfuge

Desert & Destiny