A Taste of  Marion Webb-De Sisto

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Author of Paranormal Romance and Fantasy

Samael’s Fall:

The Shekinah stood up and moved in his direction. She observed, "I have offended you. Please let me explain why I withdrew my hands from yours. It was not because I dislike contact with you."

            "That is not necessary, my lady. I understand your feelings. You love Samael and no other being would, or should, attract your interest." He retrieved the emerald from the table and offered it to her: "Here is your green jewel."

                She pushed his hand away, declaring, "I do not wish to keep it with me. I pray you, dear Seriel; let it rest in your home. It brings me too much sadness."

            "As you wish." He placed the emerald back on the table. "Shall I escort you to Inner Chaos? Where do you desire to go?"

"I believe your spiral is the place I should visit. What you have shared has set me wondering about many things."

"Then Seriel's Spiral it shall be." He touched the hilt of his crystal with his right hand and, extending his left hand to Malkura, he told her, "If you are not too aggrieved to do so, then take my hand and I will show you the magic of my light wand."

Without hesitation, she grasped his hand and asked, "What magic will you show me?"

Even as her thought was forming, Seriel was asking his crystal to take them to the spiraling spheres. Instantly, they were there and the Shekinah was looking around in utter astonishment. She exclaimed:

"That is wondrous magic! How did you accomplish such a task?"

            "I did nothing other than to ask my crystal to bring us here. It is an amazing friend. Now, I will take my leave of you. May you remain within our parent's loving thoughts." Seriel attempted to release her hand, but she held on tightly as she told him:

"You have comforted me when I was in the depth of sadness. You also aided Gabriel when he was suffering. The Lord of Sorcery is truly a noble soul and I will cherish a memory of what we have shared while in your home." She gave a gentle smile and, pulling herself close to him for an instant, she thought-whispered, "I withdrew my hands because a strong notion to meld with you had come upon me. I was afraid you might sense my desire. Knowing your feelings about the sanctity of melding, I thought you would consider me to be both shallow and fickle." Malkura released her hold of him and flew deep into the heart of the spiral. Her parting: "May the Source forever bless you!" came back to him as she disappeared between some spheres.
Here's a selection of readers’ comments about Samael’s Fall
 

"...I felt like I was reading a family history... at once compelling and engrossing..."

"...This is a thought-provoking epoch tale that has everything in it: - adventure, romance, drama, tragedy and warfare. I just couldn't put it down!"

"...Samael's Fall had me hooked from page one..."

"...This book is an excellent read, and I am happy to give it my highest recommendation..."

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Abbadon:While Shedim inspected the captives, Samael directed these thoughts to them: “You decided upon leaving my domain without asking for my consent. This has angered me greatly and must not happen again. Perhaps you were misguided into thinking that in this level all is choice as it was within the inner realms. Know now that is not so. I rule Abbadon and when here you will do my bidding.” He paused, and then asked, “What think you, demon?”

“They are not worthy of your pardon, master.”

“Shall we then set an example so that all will remember what I have decreed?”

“Yes, Prince Samael.” The shaitan began moving back toward Mulciber.

“Then choose an angel, Shedim. Show these wayward souls the folly of underestimating my power.” The first archangel sat back down in his ornate chair and folded his wings around his body once more.

The shaitan reached Mulciber and grasped the chain that bound her wings. He pulled her up into a standing position and declared, “I choose this one, master.” Shedim stood as tall as the female angel and was well-able to stare threateningly into her eyes. She looked straight back at him, but there was a hint of apprehension in her expression. The demon leader brought one hand up to her face and slowly dragged a long talon down the side of her cheek. Mulciber winced in pain as a deep claw mark appeared where he had scratched her. A light oozing of essence glistened along the injury line. The shaitan moved his face close to the angel’s cheek and eagerly licked the escaping fluid with his long tongue. He announced:

“This one is definitely my choice. Her essence is truly sweet.” Shedim attempted to lick the wound, again, but the angel pulled back and kicked out at him. In answer to this endeavor, the demon’s long tail uncurled its length from around his leg and quickly wrapped itself about her legs. This forced Mulciber to lose her balance. However, she did not fall because he held her tightly by the arms. Leaning over his victim, Shedim then clawed the metallic tunic away from her shoulder with one hand. He looked toward the first archangel with the eyes that were set in the back of his head and asked:

“Now, master?”

Samael nodded his agreement and Shedim opened his mouth.

And some readers’ comments about Abbadon

"...It is a thick, beautifully edited book which promises a real good read..."

"...Wow! Absolutely no chance of disappointment here!"

"...Marion Webb-De Sisto has created a complete angelic society, just as today's physicists are putting forward the theory that angels created the universe..."

"...Love this one, a fab follow on to Samael's Fall..."

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Final Retribution:

For a while the archangel involved himself in daubing colorful designs across a section of the wall. Then in an untouched area an image began to emerge. It was a picture of Manah, wearing her present attire with her loose hair almost cloaking her body and a face of radiant beauty. Samael asked:

“Is it to your liking?”

The angel stared at the image for a short duration, and then replied, “You are obviously well-able to thought-paint, my lord, but I think you are prone to exaggeration. I am not that beautiful.”

“That is how I see you, Angel Manah.” He continued to give his attention to the wall and a second image took form, standing close by the first. It was of him. His tunic was ragged and torn, he was barefoot and his wings looked battered and lifeless. They were not glorious angelic appendages. Even more startling was the face. Its expression was hard and cruel, the mouth was a thin sneering line and the eyes glared hatred. The arms were extended with claw-like hands poised over the angel’s image, as though ready to seize her. Samael added:

“And this is how you see me.”

Manah was lost for a speedy answer and could only eventually state, “You are mistaken, Lord Samael.”

The archangel uttered a sound of disgust and aimed an explosion of multi-colors onto his ugly representation. He then erased the mess with his thoughts, leaving Manah’s likeness standing alone. Samael declared, “I have no further interest in thought-painting and the resting phase is approaching. You cannot sleep in the chair, therefore, lie down with me.”

Standing up the angel replied, “There is a bed in another room on this floor. I can rest there.”

“That was Kokabel’s room. I do not want you to sleep where such a disloyal and ungrateful angel rested.” He leaned over, grasped her arm and gave it a little tug. “Sleep with me, sweet Manah.”

She wanted to refuse, but knew they had already shared their slumbers together so what would one more occasion matter? The seraph was also concerned because the first archangel might try to physically prevent her from going to Kokabel’s room. Such action would cause strain upon the seals of his wounds. Manah agreed, “Very well, my lord, I shall rest with you, but only because I do not want you to get up and try to stop me from going to your consort’s chamber. You must rest.” She climbed onto the lapis bed and sat down at a distance from his right side.

Samael moved close to her, threw several of the cushions onto the floor and spread one wing so that it completely enclosed both her and him. Then he eased them back into a lying down position.

This act of intimacy should have upset her, but she could not deny the sense of protection and warmth that it gave. She was also feeling sleepy and hoped this would be the last occasion in which she had to share a bed with the first archangel.

No thoughts passed between them as they began to relax, but just before she completely succumbed to sleep, Manah was aware of a surprising admission that Lord Samael made. He thought-whispered:

“Pray stay with me, little angel, I am so lonely.”

Looks like another winner, Marion!

Don't forget Marion has eight published books, including non fiction, all available to BUY at Amazon
Read more about her at her website, blog, Facebook, AuthorsDen and AnAlternativeRead 

A huge thank you for being here, Marion
- it's been a pleasure getting to know you better!

Remember to leave a comment (with email address) and then you'll be entered into the draw for a copy of Marion's latest book,
Final Retribution



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MARION WEBB-DE SISTO

Author of Paranormal Romance and Fantasy

REVEALS...

Marion's imaginative powers are extraordinary, so the first question has to be:
From where do you get inspiration and what inspired you to write Final Retribution, your latest book?

I’m not sure where my inspiration comes from other than to say I have an over-active imagination. J My latest book was not so much inspired as being necessary. Having left my readers hanging at the end of Books One and Two of the trilogy, I needed to give them a conclusion to the story that, hopefully, satisfies them.

Who controls the story – you or your characters?

The characters have definitely controlled what happens within each book. I’m just their ghost writer.

What do you hope your readers come away with after reading the book?

Primarily, my aim is for them to enjoy the story. Also, if personal or career problems are impacting on them, then I hope my book has taken their thoughts away from such matters for a few hours. Other than that, I’m sharing with them my belief in the power of love.

What do you like best and least about writing?

At school, I was always fascinated by English Literature and English Language. Writing fiction and non-fiction books, gives me the opportunity to continue exploring these areas of learning.

I have no actual dislike of writing. I am, however, annoyed when I have to break away from creating my books in order to attend to other necessities within my everyday life.

Do you have a writing routine?

I believe I do my best work in the mornings and early afternoons. I have, on occasion, been prompted to write in the wee hours, too. I do not give myself rigid goals, e.g. so many words and/or chapters per day, a set number of daily hours to be spent on writing, or designating weekday

or weekends for pursuing my written work. Life has taught me not to be a task master.

What is the best writing advice you have ever received?

I’ve never really been given writing advice, but my advice to other authors would be the one I was given about life – keep it simple and have some fun.

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?

I plan to write stories set in the magical world of Cymllon. This is the place where mythical creatures, such as centaurs, lycans, demgels and the faery folk, exist. They will be tales of adventure and romance, and maybe a little horror, too. I also hope to write a non-fiction book about my own and other people’s ghostly encounters and paranormal experiences.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to do gardening and to collect crystals and crystal skulls. Some of my spare time is also filled with reading and watching movies.

What was your favourite book as a child/teen/adult? Are you currently reading anything?

As a child, my most favourite book was The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley. Then in my teenage years, it was The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen {Mr. Darcy stole my heart} and A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. As an adult, I’ve enjoyed many different genres, too numerous to detail, but these authors come to mind: Georgette Heyer, Dennis Wheatley, Ray Bradbury and Stephen King.

At the moment I’m not reading anything. The most recent book I read was Alchemy of Nine Dimensions by Barbara Hand Clow.

What is your culinary speciality?

As a vegetarian, but not a vegan, I never cook meat dishes. My Italian American husband thinks I make a mean eggplant/aubergine parmigiana, a tasty vegetable lasagne and a classic tomato sauce/gravy. I, on the other hand, think my mushroom and spinach omelette is quite special.

Sounds delicious...
Come back tomorrow for an equally tasty excerpt

Read more about Marion on her website : www.marionwebb-desisto.com and her blog :http://marionwebb-desisto.blogspot.com/

Find Marion on facebook on authorsden and analternativeread

Did you know Marion is an accomplished non fiction writer too?
Check out all her books at Amazon 

And leave a comment (incl email address) to enter the draw to win a copy of Final Retribution

A warm welcome to Paranormal Romance and Fantasy Author

MARION WEBB-DE SISTO

First, Marion shares with us a little about her life
Marion Webb-De Sisto was born and grew up in the UK, but spent many of her adult years in the US. She now lives with her American husband in the Greater London Area. This author enjoys creating tales of adventure and romance that are set in the world of angels and demons. She holds a keen interest in the Celestial Hierarchy, as well as in several Fantasy realms and other realities.
Marion has also written five non-fiction books. Two of them detail her contact with the spirit world, while two others give insights into the fascinating subject of crystals and crystal skulls. Another one shares information about the healing Bach Flower Remedies.
Her books have been placed more than once in Amazon’s top 100 sales rankings for specific subjects, e.g. Crystals, Channeling, Herbal Remedies, Fantasy Epic and Divination.

What a great achievment to reach Amazon's top 100!

And now a selection of Marion's books:

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Samael’s Fall: Book One of the Angelic Chronicles

Meet the two angelic brothers, Samael and Seriel. One was the first and most radiant archangel, but is now falling from grace and becoming a dark soul. He’s handsome and charismatic, persuading many to follow him. The other is the loyal and courageous seventh archangel, who defends his brother even when he is betrayed by him. Both celestial siblings are rivals for Malkura’s affection, but she has only ever loved Samael. Now, that devotion is being destroyed by his cruel and devious nature. Will she turn to Seriel for comfort? This is a story of love and hate, angels and demons, goodness and evil. It is a contemporary and controversial portrayal of the heavenly realms.

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Abbadon: Book Two of the Angelic Chronicles

It's hell when you're exiled to Abbadon and are separated from the one you love. This continuing Fantasy tale reacquaints the reader with the first and seventh archangels, Samael and Seriel. The banished brothers are outcasts, condemned to live in a dark and hellish place. They have only fallen angels, demons and a golden dragon for company. Both siblings are separated from their beloved Malkura, but Samael plots to bring her to him. Will she become a prisoner in his crystal palace or will Seriel act against his brother and rescue her? And which sibling will finally win Malkura’s love? Book Two is a tale of adventure, romance and treachery instigated by Samael a.k.a. the Devil

Take a look at Abbadon's wonderful trailer! link

Final Retribution: Book Three of the Angelic Chronicles

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Life as the powerful ruler of Abbadon is becoming intolerable for Samael. The exiled archangel is lonely, embittered and bored. He has lost Malkura's love and even Seriel, his loyal brother, is gone from his side. Now, only fallen angels, demons and tormented humans are his constant companions. Yet into this hellish existence comes the beautiful and compassionate Angel Manah. Will she deny the increasing love she feels for this condemned soul, or can he persuade her to join him in endless damnation? This final book of the Fantasy trilogy explores the ultimate retribution of the archangel, who fell from grace and became the Devil. Is he, like Seriel, restored to his former glory or ruined for all of eternity?

Marion has written an impressive total of eight books,
all of which are avilable on Amazon  Amazon BUY              

Links:Read more about Marion on her website and her blog,  on Authorsden and AnAlternativeRead  Follow Marion on Facebook

Don't miss Marion's interview tomorrow!

Remember to leave a comment, and then you'll be entered into the draw for a copy of Marion's latest book, Final Retribution

A Taste of KAT HOLMES
Artica Lights series book One - Frozen - A Paranormal Erotic Romance

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Groaning, Awni stood and stretched. Her muscles had tightened during the course of the meal. She picked up her glass and walked over to the balcony, but left the door closed. Brent wasn’t dressed for the outdoors.

“Come here, I want to show you something.”

Groaning, she guessed at his own stiff muscles, Brent got up and walked over to where she was. She pointed outside. 

“This is Artica. Isn’t she beautiful?”

Awni held her breath as he took in the view. For some reason, his answer was very important to her. She watched as his eyes widened and he looked out in amazement.

“I didn’t get to see any of this when I first got here, but it’s stunning. You have hills, and forests, and plenty of animals who seem to like the cold weather.”

She smiled. “Yes, this land has been blessed. Life thrives here, and the beauty is unspoiled. It is home.”



He turned to say something to her, but his jacket caught on a hook on the wall and, suddenly, he lost his footing. He fell forward and warm male flesh met her cold, deadly skin. Awni jerked away in horror, causing him to hit the ground hard, and waited for him to turn to ice. She waited…and waited.

Looking down at him as he rubbed his elbow, she gasped. “What in the world? You should be dead!”
Great hook, Kat!

Browse more of Kat's books at  http://museithotpublishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=82





Read more about Kat at her website: http://www.authorkatholmes.webs.com/
and her blog  http://katluvr130.blogspot.com/

Thanks for  being here, Kat - I've really enjoyed getting to know you!

 Leave a comment to enter the draw to win a copy of FROZEN

KAT HOLMES - Author of Stories of Passion and Magic
Reveals...

From where do you get inspiration ? 

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I get inspiration from everywhere. You can just look at something and then you ask that magic question…what if? That’s all it takes to get the Muse working and dreaming up new ideas.

In a couple of sentences, describe the hero’s character. What do you like best/least about him?

My hero Brent Larkin comes from a bad background. His father is a drunk and his mother an enabler. That leaves him pretty much a loner, more happy to surrounded by animals and nature than people. But he’s not a coward and when he sees the woman of his dreams he goes after her and isn’t afraid. I loved Brent and truth be told, there wasn’t anything about I disliked.

 And the heroine? How do you relate to her?

Awni is a woman cursed with skin so cold if anyone touches her they freeze instantly to death. This makes her a lonely woman even though she’s the queen of her world. I don’t have the problem of freezing people but like Awni I’m a solitary person. I understand what it’s like to feel alone even when surrounded by people.

Who controls the story – you or your characters?

My muse actually controls the story. I have no say whatsoever. Whenever I think I know where a story is headed, my muse throws me a totally unexpected curve ball. I think she delights in that.

What do you enjoy about writing romance?

I like introducing two people to each other and watching the relationship unfold. How they deal with the conflicts in their lives in the midst of a budding romance is so much fun.

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?

In June the first book in my Gods At Work series releases titled Working Under Covers. Book 2 will come in August titled Heart Of The Queen. The series is based on the question…what if the money crunch effected the Gods of Olympus and they suddenly found they had to come down to earth and work for a living?

How do you like to spend your free time?

I read a lot and play with my cats. I have two and they are the sweetest little kitties in the whole world. J

What was your favourite book as a child/teen/adult? Are you currently reading anything?

As a child my favourite was The Berenstein Bears. As a teen I was hooked on the Babysitter’s Club. As an adult I have way to many favourites to name. Some of my favourite authors are N.J. Walters, Lynsay Sands, Charlaine Harris, Kresley Cole and Christine Feehan.

What is your culinary speciality?

I make a great homemade white cake with homemade cream cheese frosting. J

Sounds delicious, Kat!

Come back tomorrow for an equally tasty excerpt
Read more about Kat at her website: http://www.authorkatholmes.webs.com/
and her blog  http://katluvr130.blogspot.com/

Browse more of Kat's books at  http://museithotpublishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=82

Leave a comment to enter the draw to win a copy of FROZEN
Kat's latest Paranormal Erotic Romance

A warm welcome to KAT HOLMES
Author of stories of passion and magic
'Let your imagination run free' 

First, a little about how Kat's passion for reading and writing started
I’m a dreamer and a lover of words. Books have been my passion since I listened to my mother reading to me as a child. The love she instilled in me has culminated in my desire to write the kind of stories I have always loved to read. I believe books are the single most important invention mankind has ever created. I started writing when I was only fifteen for my own enjoyment. I still write for my own pleasure, but now I get to share that love with my readers.
Like your mother, Kat, I'm a firm believer that seeds sown at an early age will flourish

And here's the blurb from Kat's Paranormal Erotic Romance FROZEN -Artic Lights series book One

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Brent Larkin came to Antarctica to study penguins. He didn’t come looking for either adventure or romance. But when a freak storm blows in and he loses his way, that’s exactly what he gets. Attacked by some bobbing lights, he suddenly finds himself in a wintry forest surrounded by men with swords pointed at him. The next thing he knows he’s in a dungeon and chained to the wall.

Awni is the queen of Artica, a land of eternal winter. The daughter of a god, Awni’s cursed to never know the touch of another. Her icy skin is death for anyone who dares to touch her flesh. But, when a mysterious stranger shows up in her lands, she finds herself drawn to him. Eager to learn about his world, she invites him to spend time with her only to be shocked when he touches her and doesn’t freeze to death.

But Artica is a land ruled by tradition. Though she longs to keep Brent with her, the laws of the land force her to send him home. But without him, both she and the land begin to suffer. Now, Awni is facing the same peril as one of her ancestors. And if she perishes like her ancestor did, all of Artica will pay the price. Can Brent, returned to his own world, somehow find his way back and save her before all is lost?

ALSO Check out Kat's novel The Lighthouse- A Tale Of Romance And Ghostly Happenings now available From Muse It Hot Publishing and nominated for the PEARL award
Working Under Cover available from MuseItUp in June 2011 and
Heart of the Queen available August 2011
http://museithotpublishing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=82

Read more about Kat at her website: http://www.authorkatholmes.webs.com/
and her blog  http://katluvr130.blogspot.com/

AND COME BACK TOMORROW  FOR KAT'S INTERVIEW
Leave a comment to enter the draw to win a copy of FROZEN

A Taste of  VIVIANE BRENTANOS
Author of Women's Contemporary Fiction

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Written in Stone:

The man standing in front of the reception desk bore little resemblance to the hero of yesterday’s little saga. For one he was dressed and very coolly at that. Black jeans hugged lean thighs while the chest she remembered as hard and smooth against her cheek peeked out from a crisp pale blue shirt. The dark navy velvet jacket slung casually over his shoulder picked out the deep hue of his eyes. Cassie’s pulse speeded up a notch. Those eyes probed and searched, causing her cheeks to flame and most definitely clash with her hair. Hard experience told her that; redheads didn’t fare well when blushing. The tousled ebony mop was now tamed, making him appear younger than she’d first imagined. He was cute and she was insane!

     “Hi.”

     His muted greeting caressed her ear, a gentle refrain against the background of distant London traffic.

     “Hello.” Hands clasped behind her back, she felt about five, gauche and inadequate. “I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on.” As soon as the words tripped from her dry lips, she wanted to die. What an infantile comment! A discreet titter from behind told her the receptionist concurred.

     Mr. Mcwhatever merely grinned, parting full lips and making her want to kiss him.  Goodness but she seemed to be getting over Martin fast.

     “Here.” He produced a small bunch of primroses behind his back. “From Madonna...to say thank you.”

     Cassie stared at his outstretched hand, heart palpitating. It wasn’t as if she’d never received flowers. Throughout their time together, Martin had showered her with so many exotic blooms she could have opened her own nursery. But his bouquets were always flamboyant while this modest posy of butter yellow...well it touched her.

     “Thank you. You needn’t...I mean Madonna shouldn’t have.” She bit her lip. Now she sounded ungracious.

     Full lips curved in an easy smile, morphing him from cute and safe to sexy.

     “I lied. They’re from me. Madonna spent all her pocket money.”

     Cassie swallowed back a bubble of mirth. He was funny. Pressing the flowers into her hand, his fingers curled around her wrist, the light pressure of the tips causing sparks to shoot up her arm.

     “If anything had happened to that mutt, my sister would have had my balls for breakfast.”

      This time a giggle did escape. Delivered in his smooth melodious tone, the crude words sounded alien on his lips.

     “Oh…and here.” He bent to retrieve a plastic bag clutched between his ankles. “Your coat. I took it to the dry cleaners the same time I took Madonna.”

     “You took a dog to the cleaners?” Cassie stared blankly.

     His shoulders came up and he lowered his head but not before she saw cool laughter dance in his eyes. It was infectious laughter, almost a giggle. Captivating. He was captivating.

     “Cute! Forgive me for being inarticulate. Jet lag, you see. No, I meant I dragged her sorry ass to an extortionate doggy stylist. A hundred quid, three bottles of Pantene shampoo later and she’s good as new.”

     “Oh!” Cassie was intrigued, not only by his account but also by his accent. Yesterday she would have pegged him as homegrown Eton but, every now and again, a trace of Eastern Seaboard Atlantic shaded his vowels. “Did you say three bottles? And I thought I had bad hair days.”

     “What can I say? She’s a diva.”  His expression grew somber, as if weighing her up. “Look, I hope I’m not keeping you.  I’m sure you and your hus —”

     “You’re not!”  Her response tripped out, sharp; too sharp obviously because he looked startled.

     “I’m sorry.”

     “Don’t be.” Cassie dug hands deep in her front pockets. “There isn’t any husband.” Amazing! She’d admitted it. More amazing...she no longer cared. “I was stood up.” She met his intrigued stare full on.    

    “Oh. Oh my God.”  Genuine concern shadowed his eyes. “I am so sorry. Only yesterday you said—”

     “I know.” Wrapping her arms around her waist, she forced an ineffectual smile to her lips. “I wasn’t lying. I am on my honeymoon, only without a groom.” She looked down at her feet, the concern in his eyes making her want to cry all over again. “It’s not so dramatic. He didn’t really leave me at the altar. He kindly gave me a couple of days’ heads up.”

     “He sounds like a jerk.”

     There was that Americanism again.

     “Yes. He does, doesn’t he?”  From behind, the receptionist’s curiosity wafted over the desk. The hotel staff believed her ‘husband’ had been unexpectedly called away on urgent business. Well now, at least, she had given them something to gossip over during their tea breaks. Mr. McIntyre read her thoughts. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he guided her out of snoop range.

     “Sorry for being presumptuous but I’ve spent half my life in and out of hotels. They are hardly the most discreet of environments.”

     Cassie shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t care anymore.” Skepticism bounced off him in waves but after her Gwyneth Paltrow of the day before she could hardly blame him. “Look Mr. Mac...Muck –”

     “James.”

     “It’s kind of you to return my coat and the flowers are lovely—”

     “What will you do now?”

     His blunt question caught her square on the chin. “Do?” Confusion fluttered alongside alarm. She stepped away from him. Suddenly, the cavernous vestibule felt cold.

     “I take it you’re alone here in London. It can’t be fun.”

     “I’ll be fine.” She cursed the betraying quiver in her tone and she cursed him also, for making her feel vulnerable; for caring. “I’m sure I’ll be able to amuse myself.” She raised her chin. “There’s plenty to do in London. I’m not a total idiot.”

      “I wasn’t suggesting you were.”

     “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound…”

      For one too long moment, he stared, eyes soft, laden with compassion. Tears stung behind her lids and she just wished he’d go away. He was drawing out every ounce of her hard-won self-preservation, leaving her back where she started. Betrayed and lonely.

“I have to go.” Clutching the dry cleaning bag to her chest, a shield against his too masculine presence, she pulled herself out from under his spell and edged back toward the elevator and emotional safety. “Thank you again, Mr?”

     “James.”

     “James. Please say hello to Madonna.” 

As she reached the gilt doors, his quiet, “And who shall I say says hello?” stopped her.    “Pardon?”

     “Well I don’t know your name.”

     Hand on the call button, Cassie closed her eyes, willing herself to turn back, knowing her damp cheeks betrayed her loss of control. “Cassandra,” she gulped. “Cassie.”

     “Cassandra.” His lips played with her name like a gentle kiss. “Cassie. Will you have dinner with me tonight?”

As if we need any further proof of Viviane's talents, here are a selection of  Reviews: 
Miz Loves Books. Written in Stone – TOP READ http://mizlovelovesbooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/written-in-stone-by-viviane-brentanos.html?zx=2e41a376be2660d8
quote: LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Written in Stone. Unputdownable, lovely, heartbreaking, very funny, wonderful British voice, and just so yum I could read it all over again.

The One Hundred Romance Project.  Written in Stone - Five stars

http://onehundredromances.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-written-in-stone.html?zx=597707b665af7590

quote: Viviane Brentanos has already earned a five-star review on this site for a previous submission. I admit, when I saw her second submission, I selfishly snagged the story because I wanted to see what all

the raves were about. I can see why now. Her writing is very fluid, and very colorful. As a writer myself, and one who loves to try to achieve new twists on old subjects, I was very impressed with her handling of the storyline. She could have easily taken the cliched route, but instead, she created a complex tale where love knows no labels. It just is. It isn't about sex. It isn't about duty. It's about your heart staking claim whether you want it to or not. 

Sizzling Hot Books Reviews.  Written in Stone-Five stars

http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2011/02/written-in-stone-by-viviane-brentanos.html

quote: Written in Stone will take you through the emotional spectrum and leaving you with a new appreciation for those you have in your life. With rich characters who grow through the trials life gives us, Written in Stone leaves you happy and a little surprised in the end (in a good way).

Pen and Muse. Written in Stone. {they don’t award stars but it was a great review]

http://thepenmuse.net/archives/2381

quote: Brentanos creates wonderful torn characters and a wonderful structured story. You will not be dissatisfied with this love story of losing love and finding in the unexpected places.

Buy all of Viviane's books though her website; http://corfu-author.tripod.com/id14.html

Thank you, Viviane, for such an entertaining three days.
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