A dark tree shivers against the haunted Victorian mansion as the Ghost Busters Four creak up the steep wooden steps. A full moon glints through the barren tree branches. Several bats soar from their lair, screeching eerily, wings flapping as they hover overhead. The cold winter wind howls, rippling through the ghost busters billowy skirts.
Thrusting out her Triple D chest, fondling the EMT detector firmly clasped in hand, Mary begins to sing along with Ray Parker Jr. as his voice blasts, out of the machine.
“If there’s somethin’ strange in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?”
Grinning, Sharon wiggles her big bubble butt and screams with gusto. “GHOSTBUSTERS!”
Getting into the party spirit, Lyn hurls her giant lace-up boot into a tree trunk and cries out with glee
“If it’s somethin’ weird and it don’t look good, who ya gonna call?”
Grinning, Sharon wiggles her big bubble butt and screams with gusto. “GHOSTBUSTERS!”
Thrusting her twitching biceps at the moon, Patsy bellows
“If you’re seein’ things runnin’ through your head, who ya gonna call?”
Grinning, Sharon wiggles her big bubble butt and screams with gusto. “GHOSTBUSTERS!”
Joining hands, the ghost busters walk straight through the heavy mahogany door, bellowing at the top of their lungs
“I ain’t afraid o’ no ghost I ain’t afraid o’ no ghost!”
But when they cross the threshold, their jaws stop flapping at what they see. A ghostly hand coming down a handrail on the stairs, a shadow going up stairs,
But when they cross the threshold, their jaws stop flapping at what they see. A ghostly hand coming down a handrail on the stairs, a shadow going up stairs,
a spooky face with another behind, at her shoulder, and a shadowy figure of a woman coming down the stairs.
A ghostly man goes up stairs when he returns, it’s Oliver, donned in flowing black cape. He smiles, dazzling white fangs glowing in the dark. Cuddles, Nibby and Hampy skitter off, hair on end.
A coffin buffet is laid out in a stately manner. Chicken wings, hot sausage, meatballs, steak tenders, tortilla chips and salsa, cheese and veggie trays, bowls of fresh fruit
Dessert table has chocolate chips, brownies, chocolate mousse, double dipped strawberries and a devil’s food cake.
Wine chillers, blood-red punch, beer. whiskey and soft drinks abound.
Welcome to the Author Roast and Toast! We are pleased to have our good friend Sky Purington in the house to celebrate the release of
'The Victorian Lure', first of a trilogy.
Looking gorgeous in a Victorian gown of blue silk that swirls around her ankles, Sky sits at the haunted computer, smiling.
For a chance to win a copy of Sky’s book, leave a comment. Here’s a teaser.
THE VICTORIAN LURE
BLURB:
Is it true love or is the magnetic pull just another part of the Victorian's lure?
Dakota Allerton depends on no one but herself, but then she's never needed a ghost hunter. When her dream home becomes a house of horrors that is holding her hostage, her only hope is a Scotsman who investigates the paranormal.
The supernatural is nothing Leathan Stewart can't handle. However, trapped in Dakota's cursed Victorian home, he finds himself falling back in time. Only those who persevere can survive the dark domination.
Fear has a way of drawing two people together but so does the need to be loved. Dakota and Leathan must fight against unknown enemies, discover the secrets of Calum's Curse and defeat a vampire bent on finishing the legacy it began.
EXCERPT:
Leathan grabbed the pans while she opened the dishwasher. For a few minutes they worked together in perfect harmony while the others chatted at the table. She’d never had a live in boyfriend and surely had never spent enough time in the kitchen to share such a domestic scene with a man. The snow fell in heavy, penny-sized flakes beyond the window above the sink. An apple cinnamon scented candle flickered invitingly on the sill.
“Almost feels like we should have some Christmas music playing in the background, huh?” Leathan rinsed off a pan and put it in the washer.
Smiling, she put some plates in next to his pan. “I wouldn’t think folks like you celebrated Christmas.”
“Folks like me?” he said, amused. “I suppose you think we should only recognize Halloween.”
Dakota glanced at him, relieved to see a glint of humor in his eyes. “I’m sorry, I can’t picture you decorating a Christmas tree and singing carols. I suppose that was narrow-minded of me.”
“Not at all.” He flashed his straight white teeth. “I definitely do not sing Christmas Carols. As for the tree, sure, why not?”
A small, unexpected thrill shot through her. It had almost felt like he was saying he’d be more than willing to decorate a tree alongside her. But of course, that hadn’t been what he said. He’d merely expressed he wasn’t above decorating a tree with anyone. Where was her mind going? She didn’t even decorate Christmas trees! At least she hadn’t in a very long time. Sell the idea of vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, creatures of the night, that’s what she did.
Nothing else.
Dakota kept washing dishware while he cleared the plates and silverware off the table. She rinsed a clump of silverware and leaned over at the exact moment he did. They tried to shove silverware into the same slot and their hands brushed.
“Sorry,” he said and shoved his bunch into the next slot.
With a shrug, she wedged the silverware into its holder and got busy cleaning the sink, all the while feeling incredibly hot. Had someone turned up the heat? Out of the corner of her eye she watched him return to the coffee maker and refill his mug. Sweatpants made the firm globes of his backside stand out in a way jeans never could. Was he wearing underwear? She went to swallow, choked instead. Coughing and sputtering, she held a hand over her mouth.
Turning, coffee mug in hand, Leathan arched one brow at her. “You okay?”
Nodding, Dakota continued to cough, convinced she must be turning thirteen shades of red. She grabbed a cup from the cupboard, filled it with water and gulped. At last, the tickle in her throat passed. Thankfully, no one made a big deal out of it but continued chatting. The last dish in, she filled the soap dispenser, shut the washer and turned it on.
“You like coffee?”
Leathan had approached so quietly she jumped but not before a nervous hiccup escaped. She covered her mouth with her palm, eyes round.
“Excuse me!” she mumbled into her hand.
His lips flattened in an obvious attempt not to laugh. “No problem. Maybe an anti-acid would be better?”
Dakota uncovered her mouth, bit the corner of her lip and hid a smile. So he did have a sense of humor after all. “I do like coffee…even better than anti-acids.”
Standing within inches, the smile he bestowed made her grasp the counter behind her. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he must be the poster boy for the Scottish Highlands. Her mind drifted once more to the sight of his backside. Dakota couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever worn a kilt. Did they even wear those there anymore? Probably not. As if she was into guys wearing skirts anyway…please.
“Like it light and sweet?” He asked.
“What?”
“Your coffee.”
Of course that’s what he meant. After all, no such thing as a light and sweet kilt! She chuckled.
He cocked his head. “You should laugh more often, Dakota,” he murmured, still standing close.
“I should?”
“Aye, lass.”
The way he said it─brogue soft and full of encouragement─made her find the counter with her other hand. Full support was needed. Lord. Only ten hours ago, no, two, she had found him obnoxious and overbearing. Now she wasn’t so sure.
“Was I right about the coffee?” he asked.
Coffee? Right, light and sweet. “Yeah, how’d you know?”
His eyes fell to her lips. “Just a feeling.”
“Good feeling,” she said softly. The room faded away. Idle chatter vanished. She liked the sensual cut of his lower lip. The edges curved down a bit, as though he spent too much time frowning. His top lip was carved into strong slopes. She imagined running her tongue between his lips, tracing the smooth edges. Where had that thought come from?
When he leaned across to set his mug on the counter, he came so close she could smell a fresh, soapy spice burn from his skin. Or was that the candle? He was so tall, lips so close. If she only moved forward a fraction, closed the distance, would his lips taste as good as they looked?
Leathan’s eyes rose to hers. She knew as she gazed into their rich depths, he wanted the same. Blood rushed through her limbs, made her lips throb in anticipation. What harm could one little kiss do? Just to see.
Purchase The Victorian Lure (Calum’s Curse: Ardetha Vampyre) through The Wild Rose Press HERE and Barnes & Noble.
Sky’s Sites
Website- http://www.skypurington.com
A Writer’s Mind blog- http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
Paranormal/Syfy Romance- Deep, Dark & Delicious blog- http://paranormalromancedeepdarkanddelicious.blogspot.com/
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/SkyPurington
***GIVEAWAY***
Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.
I'm not scared! I'm not scared! Did you see that? *she closes her eyes* If I can't see it, it's not there! Good Morning Sky - we seem to be visiting quite often these days. Looking forward to the posts and the book sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Patsy, (Lyn hugs her sister hostess)
ReplyDeleteI-I-I'm not scared either! M-much!
I've read Sky's book and it's amazing. Loved it!
Hi Sky, Welcome to your Roast, wonderful to have you here. I hope you've brought Leathan with you to protect us from all the ghosties!
ReplyDeleteHugs Lyn and Patsy, that hand on the staircase grabbed my you know what!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Everyone! It's so wonderful to be here. Love the post. I'll be back in just a bit. I'm off to spread the word about this! :-)
ReplyDeleteHugs Sky, you look beautiful. Congratulations on this haunting book. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Mary runs screaming up to the others and throws herself at them. Voice quivering she exclaims, I saw a ghooosst. It touched me on the shoulder and then, then it grinned at me with big sharp teeth. I am not fond of ghosts!!!
ReplyDeleteSharon laughs, not afraid at all. Lyn gives her a skeptical look and Patsy shakes her head. We're her to catch ghosts what did you expect. Werewolves? Sharon acts as if she isn't scared. Hmmmm. Sky, are you afraid? By the way you look Maaaveloussss!
Hello Sharon dear sister hostess
ReplyDeleteSomething trod on my foot too - Brr. my little toes are freezing. I'm going to get some hot chicken wings!
ICCKKKKK - Green slime is oozing from the walls! I'm terrified! Did I say I wanted to be a Ghost Hunter?????
ReplyDeleteSo not afraid, Mary. *grins* I'm all about the paranormal. The spookier the better! Sky wanders off with her EMF detector.
ReplyDeleteMary dear sister, don't worry, Cuddles and Nibby will protect us!
ReplyDeleteHugs Mary dear, are you aware that one boob has been snatched, oops that hand on the stairs is a sly one
ReplyDeleteYou gotta be kidding. Mampy is in Patsy's pocket. Nibby is behind me and Cuddles, is on your foot Lyn.
ReplyDeleteGreen slime ugh! LOOK! The,the,the, gulp, there's a... Mary passes out!
Ladies ladies, relax my lovelies with a goblet of my smouldering punch. Grin. Ah my pretties, a kiss first. I didn't have my fangs polished for nothing. Sky dear, you first my beauty.
ReplyDeleteHello Oliver dear. I could muuurder a glass of that punch.
ReplyDeleteHmm Mary, I thought Nibby would protect us - doesn't she think she's half wherewolf of something> Hampy is so sweet and furry I don't blame him for hiding in Patsy's pocket.
Get off my foot, Cuddyles, you big wimpy, why don't you do something useful - like flying off to find Mary's missing you know what.
Wonder how Sky's doing with her EMF detector.
Looking for handsome male ghosts I presume. What was that? I hear something. Nibby you cannot get in my pocket like Hampy! Thanks for at least returning my you know what. Now behave we might have children visiting here ya know. Sharon stop poking me. Mary looks up and Sharon is no where near her. She runs to Patsy and jumps into her arms. I don't like ghosts!!!
ReplyDeleteNibby would you please get my hooter off the steps over there. Patsy drops Mary and she lands on her butt. Gosh I coulda used a huge bubble butt like yours Sharon right now. Lyn whats that behind you. Patsy are you shaking. So anyone seen Sky??? Maybe she's been ghost napped. Get it ghost napped. Hmmm.
ReplyDeleteActually Lyn, I've been dragging Leathan around ghost hunting with me. He's too darn sexy to be left alone. ;-)
ReplyDeletePatsy, we do seem to be on the same 'cyberpage' lately. *winks* And what a wonderful addition you make to the lovely group of hostesses here at the R&T!
ReplyDeleteSharon, always fabulous to see you, dear friend!!! I believe you'll be visiting me at A Writer's Mind for Christmas soon! :-)
ReplyDeleteOliver, as always, it's a pleasure to see you m'dear. Handsome as ever!
Must get the little one off to school and grab lunch. Be back!
I'll leave my EVP detector this time. Let's see if any of you can catch a disembodied voice.
That's OK, Sky, you can leave Leathan here while you're away, we'll 'take care of him', won't we, sisters!
ReplyDelete*GRIN*
Lyn my sweet, here is your punch and might I have a little nibble on your neck. Grin
ReplyDeleteCount Oliver vanishes as he glides upstairs. Organ music plays from the walls...
ReplyDeleteSky, right you are. I'll be on your delightful Christmas blog on the 19th and am really looking forward to it. It's always so very festive!
ReplyDelete*Patsy chases Mary's bumping body down the stairway*
ReplyDeleteWake up Mary! We're here for a purpose! Be strong, find ghosts!
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!!!!!
Hey, is everyone missing this. I just saw something that looked like a lady go gliding up those stairs.
ReplyDeleteThere is ghostwriting on the mirror over there.It says Get Out Or Else!
I'm scared. What can a ghost do to us??
Yes, Patsy I tried closing my eyes, but, then I can't see what's touching me in the dark!!! Nibby just ran out the door. Chicken!!!
Oliver! I need something really bracing to bolster my courage!
ReplyDeleteDid you feel that??
ReplyDeleteSister ghostbusters...hmmm. Me thinks we have a problem Houston. Seems the ghosts that are coming out of the woodwork in droves are all barons with grabby hands. The nerve of those baronial creatures. OUCH, stop that!
ReplyDeletePatsy, don't look now but that image in the mirror just flexed his biceps at you. Oh dear, it's OLIVER
ReplyDeleteLyn, best hide that love bite on your neck, my dear
ReplyDeleteNow Nibby, Cuddles and Hampy, don't let Mary see what you did with her hooter. That is not a beach ball. You nasty boys
ReplyDeleteSharon that ain't my hooter, it's half of your butt. Boy that looks funny, one side flat one side, well you know. They are having a hard time getting it down the stairs, it's too big to pass those narrow hallways. Now Nibby, bring Aunt Sharon's butt back. She needs it or she will be wobbly. I thought you were afraid, NOOO don't take it outside. Give it back now...
ReplyDelete"Sigh" a love bite on my neck from the delectable butler, and a hunky ghosthunter at my feet. Aren't I a lucky girl! *wink* Who cares about the ghoooooo-OH-STS!
ReplyDeletehe-elp!
Oh look Mary, the wee ones are bouncing your hooter down the steps like a red rubber ball
ReplyDeleteI see, I have no clue how they got past your butt!
ReplyDeleteGive those back you rotten creatures! Thanks Nibby, good doggie. Now go get Sharon's butt for her...
I've got all of your Maclomain series from Amazon to read Sky, but I don't have this one yet. Soon....?
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds COOL too!
Mary, Lyn, Sharon, Sky - there are grey mists whirling all around us -faces in the mist, claws reaching out, screeches of pain and agony! Hampy, where are you my little darling? *she shivers* It's so cold in here!
ReplyDeleteHampy is on your head. Scared too!
ReplyDeleteI'm a shaking and shivering too, I don't like ghosts!!!!
Hi Nancy! Thanks for joining us. I hope you enjoy my MacLomain Series. Love those yummy Highlanders. Miss them already! No offense to my sexy-as-heck paranormal investigators of course.
ReplyDeleteThe Victorian Lure is available now everywhere. Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well.
Fun fact- A few of the characters from the MacLomain Series make appearances in The Victorian Lure and throughout my Calum's Curse trilogy.
Sky grins at her gracious hostesses...So did anyone capture an EVP while I was gone?
Sure we did. Mary nudges the others. What the heck is an EVP and is it scary???
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy, welcome to Sky's party. So glad you could join us!
ReplyDelete"Whisper" I think it stands for Extra Vehicular parasites - dunno what that has to do with ghosts though - yikes!
Hi Nancy, watch out for hands and creepy things that go bump in the night. LOL
ReplyDelete*Sky chuckles* EVP stands for Electro Voice Phenomena. Those creepy disembodied voices digitally recorded and part of all of the best hauntings.
ReplyDeleteIntelligent hauntings always have the best EVP's. They're the ones that respond on your digital recorder to a direct question. Residual EVP's are pretty much energy that keeps replaying itself. The sound of distant laughter, etc.
I'll be back in a bit! Sky wonders off with her Thermal Camera. :-)
Oooh so now we now. (Lyn shivers as manic laughter follows Sky down the dark corridor.)
ReplyDeleteHey sisters I think we need to stay together it's getting chilly in here and I don't like the whispers coming from that corner.
Cuddles gerroff my foot, go and annoy a ghost or something. Hey why are we hiding girls, we're ghost hunters - we ain't afraid of no ghosts!
Wonder where Oliver went, any ideas Sharon? I wish Sky didn't keep taking Leathan with her. Hey Sky, when you come back how about telling us a bid more about the canny Scottish lad - or better still, let him to the talking, LOL!
I meant 'know' not 'now'. Someone stole my 'k'. Come back with that letter you nasty pilfering ghostie you!
ReplyDeleteIt was Nibby, she can't help herself. She likes k and t and other useful letters.
ReplyDeleteDid any of you just pinch me?
What's that over by the door??It's coming this way!!!! RUN!!! Oh my God! It went into Sharon! Sharon speak to me? Are you possessed now???
Glad you got your butt back and my hooters are in place. But you are looking really odd. What's wrong with you? If she starts speaking in tongues I'm gonna pass out! Patsy open your eyes that doesn't help. And putting your shoes over your ears Lyn, that won't help either. Sharon? SH
I'm here for the coffin buffet and the wine chillers..SNORT!!!
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! Sky!!! Your arse looks devine in that dress! B-e-y-o-n-c-e!!!!!!!
Can't wait to read this book! Oh how I love ghosts mixed in with sexy! Sky always does it right! Awesome Roast and Toast!!
Hi, Lyn! Hugs from across the pond!!
Thanks for the laughs! :)
Everyone does look fantastic! When we can see them that is! Waving across the water!
ReplyDeleteHi Alisha my friend,
ReplyDeleteHow you doing? I think we're in need of all the help we can get here.
Sky does look good in that dress doesn't she - and her book is amazing.
Do you think Sharon needs exorcising - no, no Patsy and Mary I said exOrcising not exERcising, I don't think she appreciates you pumping her arms up and down like that!
I brought along a Shaman who is gonna exorcise Sharon! Are you ready?
ReplyDeletewonder if she'll be different?
well whilst the Shaman does his job on our Sharon, the sun sets on the rest of us and Lyn long ago. I'm going out to the car to sleep, I ain't staying in here all nite!
See you in the morning my pretties!!
You do look hot Sky. Must be why your guest won't stay with anyone but you. Nibby stop nibbling on me!
Yawn! This was exhausting. Scary. Why thanks. Hey, who opened the door!?!?!?
Such a pretty book cover. Loved the excerpt. Sounds really good. What a spooky post. Might have to use some depends. Oliver will protect us; won't he? Look at all the goodies on the coffin buffet. Yummy.
ReplyDeleteSue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Sue
ReplyDeleteNice to see you again, I agree, Sky's cover is lovely.
Yes, dip into the goodies on offer, you can't fight ghosts on an empty stomach!
Good Night Mary, you mean you're actually going to sleep? I hope the house will let you out!
ReplyDeleteWhat's your Shaman done to our Sharon, she looks a little - weird!
Hi Alisha and Sue, yes have some goodies but beware of the hand
ReplyDeleteI need help, I was just walking around a cemetery in London a hundered years ago. Jack was there. I met Jack! Jack strangled me. Who am I
ReplyDeleteOh thank goodness you're back to your normal self, Sharon, dear. What happened - did you feel anything sort of shift through you?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it's good to have you back.
Ooh that hand - reminds me of the Adams family!
Oh no, you were taken over by one of Jack the Ripper's victims? But if you're back to normal - who just spoke?
ReplyDeleteOMG, Alisha, you're too funny! Beyonce!!! In my dreams. LOL. TY for stopping by, girl. They do a GREAT job here at the Roast!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for joining us, Katsrus! Tamra Westberry did that cover. I agree with you. It really is lovely. :-)
ReplyDeleteHostesses of the Roast (and Oliver)... thank you SO much for having me over to celebrate the release of The Victorian Lure with you. As always, it has been an ABSOLUTE blast!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you all a very, very Happy Holiday Season!!!
You too Sky!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being such a delightful guest Sky. Good luck with this GHOSTBUSTER of a book!
ReplyDeleteHUGS
We've loved having you as our guest, Sky,you've been a delight as always, and I join the others in wishing you many, many sales with the Victorian Lure as well as your other amazing books.
ReplyDeleteLadies ladies breakfast is served with a wink and a smile. French toast, pancakes, bacon and sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, Texas toast, coffee and tea. Here we go Sky my pretty, dig in.
ReplyDeleteSky I hope you sell a million copies!!! Thanks for blogging with us!
ReplyDelete