Dark Desires of the Druids: Temptations and Treachery I admit, this was an additional story. I'd always wanted to tell Isadore's story, but the overall arc of my Druids was a trilogy. Then I realized just how perfect Isadore and James were together. How could I resist? Especially when prim & proper Isadore wanted more--more action, more adventure, more romance? I caved, and James Blackthorne did, too. *G*

Only available in ebook form: here and here (for only $2.49) and anywhere else you can buy ebooks.

Pppssst...have you entered my Title Contest?

Excerpt:
James hovered over Isadore’s chair, feeling protective toward her, and the need to distance Dinshaw from her. When they’d come up with this plan, he hadn’t counted on Dinshaw being taken with Isadore. Or Isadore’s reaction to him.

The council was gone, as was his carriage. Takoda lurked outside, and Irisi was back at Morgana’s house pretending they were all there.

“I think everyone believed our little scene,” Dinshaw said. He grinned at Isadore and James wanted to rip him to pieces.

“You’ve very convincing, Allen,” James said, deadpan. “I almost believed you.”

Dinshaw merely grinned and said to Isadore, “I’ll be at the North American with my business associates. Will the two of you lie in wait?”

“Maybe not lie in wait,” Isadore laughed. James saw red. “But we’ll be here should anyone try to enter your home.”

“Is there anything else we need to do?” he asked, pathetically excited over the entire endeavor.
“No.” James stated. “Wouldn’t want you to be late.”

“No, no,” Dinshaw said, standing, “of course not.” He kissed Isadore’s hand, smiled down at her. James grabbed his arm and hustled him out of the room.

“We’ll be here,” he repeated. “Make sure you protect yourself, don’t go off alone. And don’t come back too soon.”

Dinshaw nodded, gathering hat, cane, gloves. “Oh, I’ll be several hours at least.”

“Excellent.”

James hung back from the door, making sure no one saw him. The entire point of their plan was to make Dinshaw’s house the most appealing tonight.

“I’ll be back late, Alfred!” he called to his butler. James rolled his eyes. The door closed behind Dinshaw with a decisive click.

“There was no need to push him out the door,” Isadore said from beside him.

“Yes there was.”

“Oh?”

“I didn’t like the way he looked at you,” he growled, pulling her to him.

“James,” she chuckled, “he’s a consummate flirt, nothing more.”

“I don’t care,” he whispered against her mouth. “I’ve become very possessive of you.” He pulled back and looked at her. “I hope that isn’t a problem?”

He wasn’t sure he cared if it was. Isadore was his. In their short time together, he’d grown closer to her than anyone in his life. He wanted her more, he needed her more. The only thing stopping him from beating Dinshaw to a bloody pulp was the knowledge they needed him, and his house, for their plan to work.

“No,” she whispered. “But it might be when I return to England.”

“If I let you go.”

Blogging

I'm over at Un:Bound talking about hooks and keeping readers' attention. I'm sure there are plenty of ideas out there, come share yours!

And I'm still over at A Writer's Mind with a chance to win a download of my Druids novel Temptations and Treachery and a $5 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press!



And next week, a return to reviews. Honest!

Dark Desires of the Druids IV: Temptations and Treachry

The final in my Druids series. Though I'm never opposed to adding more to the verse, the arc I set for myself is finished. If I did another story centered around this time and place, it wouldn't have much (if anything) to do with my core characters. I won't rule out to a story set in contemporary times, however. *G*

The story arc was 3 books, this one was added because, well...I wanted Isadore to have a story. Poor woman deserved a happy ending of her own! She deserved love and passion and adventure. James Blackthorne is perfect for her. He's sexy, moritvated, and needs her, which is what Isadore wants to be-needed.

Temptations & Treachery: Philadelphia June, 1884

Lady Isadore Harrington is a well-bred English lady. She's traveled the world in search of magickal artifacts to help her people and has seen the best and worst of humanity. But she's never taken time for herself-never done just for herself. Going to Philadelphia as the magicker emissary between England and the Americas, she intends to rectify that.

Then she meets James Blackthorne. Tall, handsome, witty, commanding, he brings out feelings in her she's always wanted to experience but never has. He makes her want him, makes her forget all else but him. Virginal, but far from naïve, Isadore is tempted to experience everything James has to offer. Cautious by nature, she offers her body to him and discovers all her sexual desires fulfilled.

But the magicker world is far from safe, and Isadore is threatened from many who are jealous and distrustful. Temptations abound, but treachery is never far behind.

With a last look at the door, and fighting the urge to race after the man, James moved next to Lady Isadore.

“Are you all right?” He leaned against the archway, the room spinning around him.

Takoda entered with a light. Jacobs, the butler, looking disheveled, moved behind him already lighting the downstairs rooms.

“I have to admit,” she said moving closer to James. Her hair tumbled down her back, her eyes were grey-blue again as they gazed steadily at him. “I hadn’t expected this kind of welcome.”

Offering a weary smile, James’ hand touched the back of his head, but no blood coated his fingers. Looking concerned at his movement, Isadore circled him and moved her gentle fingers onto the back of his head.

“Were you injured?” she asked, exploring his scalp. “What happened upstairs?”

“Just a bump,” he said. And winced as she tilted his head forward, causing the room to swim again. “I caught him snooping upstairs, for what I don’t know.”

The companion—what was her name—said something to Lady Isadore, who answered in the same language. James had never heard it before, but then her
fingers massaged his scalp and he forgot about it.

“Morgana’s been out of residence over a year,” he said as her fingers moved over his neck.

“Yes,” she laughed, her breath soft on his skin.

Taking her fingers in his hand, he half turned and smiled. He leaned down to help the other woman stand. Takoda appeared, then, with a cloth wrapped around ice. James started to reach for it, but he handed it to the companion instead.

Snorting in amusement, he looked around the area. Smashed bit of pottery and ceramics, broken slabs of furniture; Takoda stood to one side, the companion next to him.

“Not the welcome I expected to give you,” he offered. Her hand was soft in his and James rubbed a thumb over bare knuckles. “I can’t let you stay here. Not tonight at least. It’s probably best for you to stay in my house this evening.”

5 Cherries from Whipped Cream Reviews:
Excerpt: In this fourth book in the Druids series, Isabel Roman takes us back to Philadelphia of the late 1800’s. The characters are superb and complex. Isadore is a strong woman, much like all of the heroines in Ms. Roman’s Druid books. But unlike the others, Isadore is an innocent.

4 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs:
Excerpt: Isabel Roman has done a wonderful job of telling of the treachery by the characters that felt they needed the control. There is a joint effort of the council to staunch the problems that arose so they could try to live peacefully. I am hopeful that this is not the last in this series, and I am looking forward to the other books written by this author.

4 Cups of Coffee from Coffee Time Romance:
Excerpt: Passion, jealousy, greed, power and many more corruptible feelings are all present in this story. The bottom line of the story is that ultimate power corrupts and the author explored the idea that maybe no one person should hold the knowledge of such power. The storyline moves very well and drew me into the plot right away. Worth reading for someone who loves the mythical world of magic.

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

4 Cup Review!

Coffee Time Romance recently reviewed Dark Desires of the Druids IV: Temptations and Treachery and gave it 4 Cups of Coffee! You can read the entire review here, but this is what Delane had to say:

Passion, jealousy, greed, power and many more corruptible feelings are all present in this story. The bottom line of the story is that ultimate power corrupts and the author explored the idea that maybe no one person should hold the knowledge of such power. The storyline moves very well and drew me into the plot right away. Worth reading for someone who loves the mythical world of magic.

Thank you, Delane!

4 Nymph review!

Temptations and Treachery received a 4 Nymph review from Literary Nymphs!

Isabel Roman has done a wonderful job telling of the treachery by the characters that felt they needed the control. There is a joint effort of council to staunch the problems that arose so they could try to live peacefully. I am hopeful that this is not the last in this series, and I am looking forward to other books written by this author.

Read the whole review here.

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

Temptations and Treachery!

Now out! Temptations and Treachery, the 4th and final book of my Dark Desire of the Druids series is out today!

Blurb: Lady Isadore Harrington is a well-bred English lady. She's traveled the world in search of magickal artifacts to help her people and has seen the best and worst of humanity. But she's never taken time for herself—never done just for herself. Going to Philadelphia as the magicker emissary between England and the Americas, she intends to rectify that.

Then she meets James Blackthorne. Tall, handsome, witty, commanding, he brings out feelings in her she's always wanted to experience but never has. He makes her want him, makes her forget all else but him. Virginal, but far from naïve, Isadore is tempted to experience everything James has to offer. Cautious by nature, she offers her body to him and discovers all her sexual desires fulfilled.

But the magicker world is far from safe, and Isadore is threatened from many who are jealous and distrustful. Temptations abound, but treachery is never far behind.

Excerpt:

Isadore woke to find herself wrapped in the arms of Morgana's cousin. She remembered what happened last night, the vision she experienced, James holding her. She smiled as she thought of Lucien's snide comments about him, but dismissed them. James had been nothing but kind to her—sardonic, but she found that charming.

Carefully turning over, Isadore looked at the sleeping man.

She'd never slept with a man in her bed, despite her druidic heritage. The arousal that pooled low in her at the intimacy of their positions surprised her. And aroused her more. Despite that, her body ached from the incessant visions, her throat sore and she hoped she hadn't screamed and embarrassed herself.

Her fingers were light as she brushed his red-blonde hair off his forehead, traced the dark circles under his eyes. Embarrassed at her move, Isadore slipped out of bed. James didn't stir. Splashing water on her face from the basin on the table, she found a brush and ran it through her hair.

Irisi wasn't in the room. Isadore paused as she thought about last night. She remembered James carrying her upstairs, she remembered Irisi bathing her face with a cool cloth, but not much else until she woke this morning. At least not much beyond the horrific visions.

Flushed with embarrassment at not only her position but Irisi seeing it, she pulled the bell cord.

She had to dress before James woke—and there he was.

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.

Relaxin'

Sent in Temptations and Treachery yesterday and today feel really positive about it. None of that oh, I should've...Oh, but if I just added...so far so good.

Except now I realize I need to fix the web page for that book. *sigh* It's never ending.

I'm going to focus on my contemporary paranormal now. Dig into the other aspects of occult phenomena, see what new and interesting things I can come up with. I'm really excited about this story, there's so much I want to do with it!

Dark Desire of the Druids

Today only (June 3) all my books are 1/2 off! And Sex & Subterfuge is the book of the day. Read about the American Magickers, their trials & tribulations, and how one English earl woos and wins the heart of the American master magicker

Also, my cover for Desert & Destiny is up for best cover at Wicked Thorn & Roses. If you like it, please vote for it. :)

I'm 28 pages from finishing my absolutely last, final, you can't make me do it again read through of Temptations and Treachery. I've added close to 11,ooo words, have really focused on Isadore's romance, and feel this makes for a much better book. I'm very happy with it. (Thanks to my editor, Holly, who suggested I do this!)

Happy Memorial Day and Temptations and Treachery

Which sounds odd, since it's memorial. But I think it's important to remember why we have Memorial Day. So in the spirit of remembering and honoring those who fought so I can sit here and type this in my air conditioned condo, I say Happy Memorial Day! And more importantly...thank you.

I'm just finishing adding 10K words to Temptations and Treachery, the 4th (and final) book in my Druids series. My editor, rightly so, thought I fell a little short. The problem was that poor Isadore's story wasn't meant to be this long. It's all good. I feel as if what I added really works with the story AND the characters. In adding those words, I delved deeper into both psyches and (I think) added another dimension to their personalities and motivations. Here's hoping my editor does, too!

Also, I think I finally fixed my website problems. Here's hoping!

Busy, busy, busy!

It's one of my favorite lines from Frosty the Snowman. Yeah, yeah, the Christmas cartoon. Deal. I love it when the evil magician starts jumping up and down like a lunatic and says he's going to be busy, busy, busy!

I have revisions to do for Temptations & Treachery, I just posted my blog on Victorian Literature, I have packing to do for my trip to Colonial Williamsburg, and I 'm meeting with a rep from an alarm company. Plus, work. Can't forget that!

I am tired already. And I haven't even showered yet!

What a month

April seems to be unusually busy for me. I have the 4th book in my Druid series (Temptations and Treachery) due next week, a short story I need to re-read and polish by May 1, lots to do in the working world including an upcoming all day meeting and a 3 day conference that just passed, a short trip to Florida this weekend, there was Easter, tax day is in 2 days, and my annual eye doctor's appointment. I'm exhausted already. And binged out on ham, sweet potatoes, and chocolate.

I'm afraid all the balls I'm juggling are about to crumble in a state of much needed sleep, but I'm still having at it. Anyone have the secret to surviving this eventful chaos we call life? I'd love to know your secret.