Darkness is spreading in the world with only the powerful Agenor family to oppose it. In the guise of a stone gargoyle atop the castle walls, Adrian has protected Philip, the young heir, since birth, watching him grow from childhood into a strong but lonely man without love.
When the clan chief, Philip’s father, is murdered by those he trusted, Adrian resumes his human form to better protect his beloved Philip. And finds his love returned. As lovers, their passion is all-consuming, but as they fight against treachery from within, will their love be enough to stem the dark tide sweeping the land? And will it be enough to keep Adrian’s heart alive…
Guest Post:
My Thoughts on Negative Reviews
Yep, they’re out there and I’m sure most authors have gotten them at one time or another. I’ve certainly seen my share! Do I like getting them? Not so much. I’d prefer it if everyone loved every word I write and bought every story I've ever published.
But in reality, I know I can’t possibly please everyone, as much as I’d like to. So I have to fall back on writing what pleases me and hope others will like it as well.
I do try to be philosophical about them. Not only has this reader spent good money on my book. (Thank you!). But they took time out of their busy lives to not only read it, but to comment as well. Even with the bad review, at least I know I’ve reached them on some level with my story. Which I much prefer over indifference any day.
So, do I like bad reviews? Of course not! But I use them as a chance to improve my writing, see where I might be falling short on plot or character development, what have you.
As the writer of m/m erotic romances, it does tickle me, though, that most of the reviews I receive say that my stories have too much plot and too much sex in them. A curious combination which just might be what sets my stories off from ones by other authors in this genre.
But on the flip side of bad reviews are all the good ones that make up for those few others. My stories always seem to receive their share of both, and one really good review washes away the hurt from the bad ones. If only a few people are entertained and moved by one of my books, then all the work and struggle behind the story is well worth it.
Talking about good reviews, this is the best one I’ve ever received from a reader and I hold on to it when I read something negative about one of my stories.
This is as near as I have come to someone else’s beating heart. -Donald Ford
How can any writer feel bad after that? Take care!
4 stars
Excerpt:
In defiance, he climbed up on the balustrade and opened his arms. The storm seemed to increase in fury. Rain pounded against him, the wind seemed bent on pulling him from the wall. He shouted and shook his fist at the sky.
“If I fell, Gargoyle, would my Watcher catch me?” Rainwater poured from the spouted demons on the towers down to the valley far below. Mother had said he had a Watcher, a protector given to him at birth, but he’d never seen him. Never felt his presence. Alone, bereft, Philip wondered if he shouldn’t step off the edge…
At once a blanket of warmth engulfed him. He was cherished, guarded, needed. And beneath that he sensed love, deep and pure. “Come down.” A voiced thrummed inside him, full of fear. Philip climbed onto the balcony and stood with his back to the storm. He hung his head, ashamed of the childish, dangerous act.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. The knowledge that his protector was near was a balm to his sore heart, and he straightened. He took a steadying breath. “Evil is moving in the world, Gargoyle. Father had gone to see the wise woman in the village to see if she knew who threatened me. Perhaps I should go see her myself, when the storm passes.”
He ran a hand over his face, cold and discouraged. He touched the gargoyle’s arm. “I’m young and naive to the ways of the world. I need guidance, and if you are my Watcher, dear friend, then it’s cruel not to tell me.” Philip sighed when he received no answer and retreated to the empty rooms within the thick walls of his home.
Dianne will be awarding a $10 gift card from All Romance Ebooks to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. So, the more you comment, the better your chances of winning!
November 12: Long and Short Reviews: Erotic Romance Guests
November 19: Black Velvet Seductions Blog
November 26: All I want and more
December 3: Bodice Ripper Novels
December 10: Immortality and Beyond
December 31: Sharing Links and Wisdom
December 31: STOP 2 Ramblings From This Chick
January 7: Dawn's Reading Nook
January 7: REVIEW ONLY Reviews by Molly
November 19: Black Velvet Seductions Blog
November 26: All I want and more
December 3: Bodice Ripper Novels
December 10: Immortality and Beyond
December 31: Sharing Links and Wisdom
December 31: STOP 2 Ramblings From This Chick
January 7: Dawn's Reading Nook
January 7: REVIEW ONLY Reviews by Molly
Author Bio and Links:
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After growing up in California and spending the first ten years of marriage in Colorado, I now live in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with my incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours I spend hunched over the keyboard letting my characters play.
I have to say, Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write my slightly twisted tales. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside, a fire crackles on the hearth inside, and a cup of hot coffee warms my hands which kindles my imagination.
Currently, I work as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for me. When not writing, I can express myself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.
Blog: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4707011-dianne-hartsock
