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EXCERPT
Two Excerpts From:
ALL HALLOWS' EVE
© Copyright MANDY M. ROTH AND MICHELLE M. PILLOW, 2005.
All Rights Reserved
An excerpt from A Midnight
Seduction by Michelle M Pillow
"Tick or teat, smell my feet!" a little
voice chimed. Audrey Hayes looked up from the shop counter and smiled. The round
cherub face of a four year old was painted red like a demon, but the big brown
eyes looked better suited to a cute little puppy dog.
"Ew," Audrey flinched, shaking her head
and wrinkling her nose in mock disgust. "I don’t want to smell your stinky feet.
Gross!"
The child giggled and Audrey loaded his
little plastic bucket down with candy. The kid’s dad was a customer and he
smiled kindly, urging the boy to say thank you.
"Tank you!" he chirped, before remembering
he was a scary demon. He held up his hands to make claws as he growled.
Audrey jumped back and pretended to be
scared. "Oh, no! Don’t hurt me!"
The boy giggled and they left. Looking
around her shop, she sighed. She’d owned the Dorian Greenhouse since her mother
died three years before, leaving it to her. Her mother had been a witch, well a
‘naturalist’. Audrey had always teased her that she was a witch. Her mother had
just always smiled and said, "You never know, dear, you never know."
Audrey had been pretty close to her
mother. Clara had been eighteen when she got pregnant with her by the captain of
the football team. She’d never met her father.
Audrey grinned as another group of
monsters and a sorely outnumbered princess ballerina came in for candy. She
liked to stay open late on Halloween for her customers’ children. It was, after
all, her favorite holiday. The kids got a kick out of walking through her spooky
haunted greenhouse out back. She’d hired a few high school students to watch
over them to make sure no one and nothing was hurt--like her plant inventory.
They also rattled leaves around to scare the kids. It was all in good fun.
Outside it was evening. The sun had just
set and she’d be closing her doors in about an hour. Not many kids seemed to
stay out past dusk trick-or-treating anymore. She couldn’t blame the parents. It
wasn’t like when she was little. Neighbors had known each other back then and
there was no ‘razor blades in the candy bar’ scare to contend with. Audrey
wasn’t sure if that was just a myth or had actually happened to someone, but if
she was a parent she’d not take chances.
Frowning, she sighed as a wave of
loneliness rolled through her. She went to reload her candy bowl with
tooth-decaying goodness. What was she thinking? She’d never be a parent--not
unless she met a man with a ready made family or she adopted. Part of her wanted
a baby desperately, but a serious infection when she was little had left her
sterile, so she knew it wasn’t possible. Anyway, with no prospective man in her
life and no love life or sex life to speak of, the idea of a family never seemed
so far away.
The door chime went off and Audrey made
her way back to the counter with the candy. A man stood just behind the front
display, a look of distaste on his handsome face. Brown hair spilled in gentle
waves to his shoulders, framing his dark features. She felt her heart speed up.
His profile was to her as he glanced around--strong European nose, bold lips,
perfectly chiseled features. Her body grew hot and she had to keep her knees
from buckling by leaning on the countertop for support.
Damn! He was gorgeous, like a Greek God
sent down to torment mortal women with his mere presence. Her whole body came to
life just looking at him. It was strange for her to react so strongly to a man,
but she was instantly drawn to him.
Audrey took a deep breath trying to calm
the very wanton sensations causing hot moisture to gather between her thighs.
Her eyes closed and she got the strangest flash of being leaned over the
countertop and fucked by him from behind. It was so real that she could
practically feel his cock inside her.
She shivered. What was she doing? This man
was probably out with his kids and wife! Any second now the happy family would
come trotting through the door, and the wife would be a gorgeous supermodel, and
they’d both speak Italian and….
Her thoughts faltered as he turned and his
gaze met hers. The spark inside her continued to grow at his look and she felt
the strongest urge to jump over the countertop and wrap her arms around him. He
blinked, smiling slightly, his firm lips curling up at the side.
As he came from behind the front display
into view, she saw he wore tight black leather pants. They molded to him like a
second skin. He had tight calves and strong thighs with a large bulge in between
them. His dark shirt was just as tight and Audrey wondered what it would be like
to rip it off him right then and there.
What is wrong with me? Say something
clever, her mind yelled, even as her throat went dry. Say something! Anything!
Just stop staring at him and picturing him naked.
"You’re a little old to be trick or
treating aren’t you?" Audrey forced a laugh, continuing to eye the handsome man.
Her voice wasn’t as strong as she would’ve liked but at least the words came out
light.
"I am looking for Clara," the gorgeous man
stated.
Audrey was disappointed to note his voice
only held the barest trace of an accent. Damn. She’d been so sure he’d have a
strong accent. Still, his voice was wickedly low and smooth enough to give her
chills. Altering the fantasy playing in the back of her mind, she felt a wave of
desire again assault her. Oh, yeah, his voice would do just fine.
"I’m sorry," Audrey answered, doing her
best to keep up the polite smile she gave him. It was hard to talk with her
heart in her throat. Her mind raced for what he’d said, and finally she
answered, "Clara’s not here."
The man came forward and she saw a look of
desperation cross in his eyes. "I must speak with her--tonight. Please, tell me,
where might I find her? She’s … expecting me."
"Listen, I’m sorry. Clara was my mother.
She died three years ago in a car accident," Audrey said, keeping her voice
light. How on Earth did this man know her mother? Clara had looked young, since
this would’ve only been her thirty-ninth year.
"No," he said, more to himself and she
could but wonder at it. He glanced around and then turned to study her. "You own
this place?"
"Yes," Audrey answered with a small nod.
The door chimed and a group of children rushed in. Audrey smiled at them and
then glanced at the handsome stranger, "Excuse me one moment."
"Are … are you like your mother?" he
asked, ignoring the fact that she walked away from him.
Audrey sighed. Great. Just her luck. She’d
finally feel a spark of burning desire for a man and he’d only want to talk
about her mother. It wasn’t the first time. Her mother had always naturally
drawn attention to herself. Couldn’t this one have just been married? She
ignored his question, politely teasing the kids. Peeking through the corner of
her eye, she saw he looked very annoyed by the interaction.
When the kids were gone, he stated, "Clara
never gave out candy and dressed up for All Hallows Eve. It really isn’t a time
to celebrate."
Audrey blinked in surprise, looking down
at her outfit. Her long sleeve black t-shirt had a skeleton on it but she’d
hardly call that a costume. "How do you know that? How exactly did you know my
mother? Who are you?"
His mouth opened to answer and he looked
uncomfortable. He glanced away, before placing his palms flat on the counter.
"I’m Porter. Are you sure it was a car accident that killed her?"
Audrey nodded. The memory of it brought
her pain and she had to fight down the burning of tears. "Yes. Strangely enough
it was caught by a news crew filming a local festival. She was hit by a drunk
driver in broad daylight. It was very … sudden."
"I’m sorry to hear that," Porter answered.
"Very sorry."
"Thank you," Audrey nodded. The whole
affair was a blur. She barely recalled the funeral, except as a bad dream. "Now,
how did you say you knew my mother?"
"I didn’t," Porter returned. He began
walking away from her, craning his neck as he looked around the shop. "Tell me,
do you know why she called this Dorian Greenhouse?"
"Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.
It was her favorite book. That’s what she told me," Audrey answered. "She was
eccentric like that."
"No," Porter said, laughing slightly. "She
named it after your father, Dorian Risdon--Lord Dorian Risdon."
"Ah, I think you’re mistaken, sir," Audrey
chuckled. "My father’s name was Rodger Hayes. He was an all state quarterback at
her high school. Mom was a cheerleader. They dated, along came me, end of
story."
"No," he said, almost absently as he
stopped to look at a pattern of off colored brick on the wall. It formed a
circle with a dot in the middle. A slow smile curled the side of his mouth and
she again had the insane urge to kiss him. He moved to walk past her, stopping
as he drew near. Leaning over, he actually sniffed at her. His lids lowered over
his dark eyes and he murmured almost dreamily, "You smell very good."
"Ah…?" She was at a loss for words.
Pleasure ran through her, choosing to express itself in the most primitive of
forms--by building as cream in her thighs. He smelled wonderful too, very
masculine, almost dizzyingly so.
A small sound started in the back of his
throat and he leaned closer, breathing deeply. Audrey held very still, wide
eyed, as his warmth radiated from his cheek to hers. His eyes closed, he quietly
stated, "Lavender."
"Oh, ah, I have some seeds over there,"
she answered, too stunned by all that she was feeling to pull away. Every fiber
inside her reached for him, as if she knew him. She didn’t move.
Porter cleared his throat and pulled back
as he continued past her to the wall. Speaking as if nothing had happened, he
stated, "Your father wasn’t a quarterback. He is Lord Dorian Risdon, a master
vampire."
He said it so seriously and her senses
still whirled with the potent force of his nearness that Audrey was stunned to
momentary silence. She suddenly began to laugh. "Oh, okay then. That would
explain my mother’s complete obsession with hating Hollywood vampire movies for
being too unrealistic of the vampire species."
"You don’t believe me?" he stated more
than asked.
"Ah, no. I don’t." Audrey moved to where
he stood. Making her tone professional in her annoyance with him and very
irritated with herself for feeling such a strong attraction to him in the first
place, she asked, "Would you like me to show you the lavender, sir?"
"Yes," he stated, briefly shooting a hot
glance down her body to her thighs. "I’d love to taste your lavender as well."
Audrey gasped, unsure if the blood should
rush to or from her face at his bold words. He turned the full force of his
smile on her and she watched him reach towards the wall.
"But, unfortunately, we don’t have time
for that now. Perhaps a rain check?" Running his hand over the patterned brick,
Porter grinned. "And you’ll believe me about your father soon enough. He’ll be
very happy to see you again."
The wall beneath his hand began to swirl
and move, blurring as the pattern began to twist around. Audrey drew back,
blinking in disbelief. Her jaw dropped and still no words came out.
"Sorry," he said, not appearing to be
truly apologetic. He reached to grab her hand. "But if Clara’s dead, you’ll just
have to do."
An excerpt from Fate of the
Heart by Mandy M Roth
France, 1754
Jean-Pierre ran forward, unable to make
sense of the carnage around him. The smell of blood was thick in the air and the
demon within him wanted to rise up.
Who could have done such a thing? Why
would they want to tear his home apart?
"Elise Marie, ma sucré?" Panic ripped
through him as he searched through the destruction. The walls had been torched
and the smell of death clung to the air. Running full force through his home, he
stumbled over the something. He gasped as he looked down to find Elise Marie’s
limp body lying on the cold floor.
Pulling her into his arms, he held her
tight. "Why?" he cried out as he rocked his wife of one night in his arms. She’d
agreed to the turning and he’d been prepared to bring her over to an eternal
life of youth and strength. But it had all been ripped away from him. Stolen, in
just the blink of an eye.
"I swear that I will avenge your death.
All who did this will feel my wrath."
Jean-Pierre let his fangs extend and felt
his eyes shifting colors. There would be no mercy for the ones who had slain his
wife, his sweet Elise Marie. It mattered not that they had most likely come to
slay him--the great vampire who had lived among them in peace for so many years.
His own foolish heart had led him out amongst the living. When he’d seen Elise
Marie’s sweet face, he’d known that she was the one for him. The one that would
be his wife--his life mate.
The townspeople were suspicious of his
affection for one of their own and had come to put an end to him.
"I will find you again, my love. I promise
you that, ma amour."
* * * *
Jean-Pierre stood near the edge of the
large black cauldron. The three hag sisters cackled as they tossed the last of
the ingredients into the mixture. He watched as the lock of hair he’d cut from
Elise was absorbed into their potion.
"Tell me what you see, sisters." He didn’t
want to wait around for their magic to take hold. He needed an answer. He needed
the power of the seers regardless of how touched in the head they were.
Unlike his kind, the hags never went to
the surface, not unless they were forced. They lived in caves and underground
dwellings, rarely venturing out, and almost never coming into contact with
humans. It was bound to drive them insane being cooped up like that for
centuries. They were destined to be twisted in some demented way, but he
couldn’t think about that now. No. Now, he had to find out when he would see his
love again.
"Be silent, vampire," they answered in
unison, as they always did. Each sister was as blind and as ugly as the next
one. If it wasn’t for their supernatural expertise, he’d have never called upon
them for help. He needed their guidance, regardless of how he felt about them.
The cauldron bubbled and the
greenish-brown brew let off a pungent gas. Jean-Pierre coughed and covered his
mouth. "Do it! Assure me that she will return."
"We warn you that you risk the wrath of
the powers that be. Your loved one died and it is not wise to go against fate."
"I do not care about fate or the powers
that be. Elise was stolen from me, and I will not rest until she is in my arms
again. My heart is weak without her."
The cauldron rocked and its contents
spilled onto the floor. The sisters backed away quickly and grabbed one another.
"You have angered the gods. You will have your love back. Two hundred and fifty
years from now, when you have learned to control the demon within you, she will
return. But be warned … your weakened heart is no longer your own to bear, and
the misconceptions of humans will never change."
Their laughter filled the room as
Jean-Pierre turned to storm out.
"I do not care, so long as I have her
returned to me."
"Then so shall it be, vampire." They
laughed in union. "Where do you go now?"
"I go to kill every last man and woman
that took part in her death. They thought me to be a monster before, ha! Now,
they will see what pure evil is."
© copyright 2006, Michelle M. Pillow and
Mandy M Roth
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the
author’s imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living
persons or events is merely coincidence.
REVIEWS
ECataromance
Reviews
5 STARS!
A
Midnight Seduction - Michelle Pillow
What a fun and creative tale! With the vividly drawn
characters, I was pulled into this story and could not wait to see what happened
next. Audrey and Porter were such a spirited and
fiery couple, especially with the sexy banter between them. Their emotions were genuine for their kind, and their personalities were
powerful and determined. The storyline that Ms.
Pillow has penned is imaginative and the love scene is red-hot. There is no lull in this fascinating page-turner, and A MIDNIGHT
SEDUCTION will simply delight readers.
Fate of the Heart - Mandy Roth
This is another powerful and gripping story from Mandy Roth. The characters are
appealing on all levels, and the plot will not soon be forgotten. Jean-Pierre and Elise come alive with their bold yet compassionate
feelings for each other. With such a sexy, French
vampire, this couple’s scenes are always fervent and passionate. And what an emotional ride during this story.
I was happy, fearful, hopeful and even distraught.
FATE OF THE HEART is a skillfully written tale that entertains with sly humor,
deep emotions and a twist thrown into the mixture.
BY Amelia,
ecataromance reviews
Enchanted in
Romance
5 UNICORNS!
"Both
of these stories were very good. A Midnight Seduction by Michelle
M. Pillow has a surprise ending that I loved. I enjoyed reading Audrey’s father
try and convince Porter to be the one who marries her. Fate Of The Heart
by Mandy M. Roth shows us that love transcends all time and boundaries. This is
the first time I’ve read either of these authors and I’ll be reading more of
theirs now."
Kaleen, Enchanted
in Romance
JERR
A Midnight Seduction by Michelle M. Pillow
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: O
Ms. Pillow is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This story is like a
great shot of espresso: hot, eye-opening, and addictive! Audrey is adorable in
her discovery of her powers and Porter is just the sinfully sexy wolf-man to
help her through it. I never knew a Halloween story could be so sexy! These two
are a great match, and although the story moves fast, it definitely warrants the
description of short and sweet. Don’t miss this wonderful quick tale.
Fate of the Heart by Mandy M. Roth
Rating: 4 Stars
Heat level: S
This is a sweet story of reuniting lovers during a different time period and
circumstances. Jean-Pierre’s love for Elise is both humbling and erotic and
readers will like how detailed Ms. Roth is able to get in this short story. She
has also allowed for a possible series, which is always a fun aspect of a story.
Those who enjoy their erotic romance sweet will find this a great read.
J.B. DuBose
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/join
Love Romances
5 HEARTS!
A Midnight Seduction
A Midnight
Seduction is a fast paced tale of two people who finally have
to give in and realise that the fates have laid their plans and they are meant
for each other. Strong characters, a good plot with a twist here and there, the
reader will be kept enthralled while reading this hot tale. The sexual tension
is tight and the love scenes hot, sexy and very passionate. There is a lot
packed into this short story, and Ms Pillow has handled it all very well, in her
usual unique style. Her fans will be very pleased and this reviewer had great
pleasure reading this story.
Fate of the Heart
Mandy M. Roth is best known for her dark stories and this short is no
exception. A delicious tale of lost love found, plenty of action and sensuous
love scenes, the reader will be captivated and will not be able to stop until
the end. A very good plot, great characters and plenty of darkness, these are
the right ingredients for a very gothic Halloween story. The setting and vampire
lore is very believable ... This reviewer enjoyed this
story a lot and fans of Ms Roth will not be disappointed.
Valerie, Feb 2005
Romance Junkies
4.5 BLUE RIBBONS!
Michelle Pillow's
A MIDNIGHT SEDUCTION
is an entertaining and charming story...I loved this story and if you are a fan
of interesting characters (a werewolf, vampire and fairy to be exact), steamy
sexual encounters and twisting plotlines, A MIDNIGHT SEDUCTION will thrill you.
Mandy Roth's
FATE OF THE HEART
is a fantastic story that held me spellbound until the last word. I was captured
by the hero's plight and desperately wanted everything to work out in the hero's
favor. Ms. Roth does an excellent job of creating characters that are easy to
identify with and care for.
M&M PRESENTS: ALL HALLOWS' EVE
is a paranormal duet that is immensely enjoyable. Both stories are great reads,
especially, if you are already among these authors' growing throng of fans. They
are wonderful reads for anyone who enjoys paranormal romance, especially if you
favor werewolves and vampires.
Reviewed by Miaka
The Romance Studio
4 HEARTS!
This book is a perfect Halloween treat and will entertain readers for hours.
Both stories have paranormal aspects and fits right in to the spooky season.
From werewolves to vampires this book covers all bases. Michelle M. Pillow and
Mandy M. Roth have done an excellent job at creating two stories that is sure to
hold the readers attention. They also did an excellent job creating interesting
characters that seem to have an instinctive sensuality. I loved this book and
can't wait to see what both these authors come up with next.
Reviewer: Angel Brewer
http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews.php
Romance Reviews
Today
Get ready for thrills and
chills -- sexy ones that is -- as you read ALL HALLOW'S EVE.
A Midnight Seduction - Michelle M. Pillow
Michelle M. Pillow's A Midnight Seduction is a sizzling tale of romance,
danger, and destiny. Porter and Audrey are fated to be together, and with just
one look, they both know it. The sex is searing and will take your breath away.
Fate of the Heart - Mandy M. Roth
Fate of the Heart by Mandy M. Roth is a captivating romance about a
vampire who loses the love of his life, finds her again and comes close to
losing her once more. Elise and Jean-Pierre are charming characters whose story
will intrigue readers.
With two tantalizing stories, ALL HALLOW'S EVE is the perfect read on a cold,
fall or winter night. Vampire and shape-shifter alpha males and the women who
love them are what this fascinating two story duet is all about.
Sinclair Reid
Romance
Reviews Today
Fallen Angel
Reviews
"4 ANGELS! Once
again, Ms. Pillow and Ms. Roth have written extremely sensual and
fascinating tales. For lovers of the paranormal, you can’t go wrong with this
book." - Reviewed by: Susan T
Sizzling Romances
"4 FLAMES! These two authors have done it again, presented two wonderful
stories that make Halloween about more than just trick or treating, but about
yummy paranormal love." Crystal
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