[Jan 12th - 25th, 2015 ]
EVERMORE
By Tmonique Stephens Genres: Paranormal romance
Series: Descendants of Ra #3 Book
Length: 358
Publisher: Tmonique Stephens
Goodreads
There is no such thing as a chance meeting. There’s no room in Avery Nicolis’s life for an obsession, yet why else does he stalk Emeline Gamble. Lurking in the shadows, he hungers for a woman he can’t have. Between the secrets he guards and anarchy roiling in his soul, his only solace are his glimpses of Emeline. He will resist her, protect her from himself, and deny his desire to claim her heart. Emeline Gamble was a Watcher for the Order—a secret society of women charged with monitoring the offspring of the gods. For months, she observed Avery Nicolis, an elite mercenary, Descendant of Ra, and enemy of the Order. Never knowing he had her in his crosshairs. Trapped in a lie, Emeline is forced to accept Avery as her bodyguard. Compelled to spend time with him, she learns to care for his tortured soul and see the hero lurking beneath the assassin’s façade. But every word out of her mouth is a lie. Every action a betrayal. Because to save her family she is forced to accept a new assignment, deliver Avery Nicolis to the Goddess of Chaos, alive… And do not fall in love with him.
Exerpt #1
[accordions ] [accordion title="Excerpts" load="hide"] Tires squealed to a stop. It wasn’t long before a pair of combat boots came into her line of sight. Strong hands scooped her up and cradled her against a broad chest encased in a leather coat. Warmth surrounded her, made her want to burrow closer to his heat. Male musk and a hint of something else, something dangerous filled her nostrils. “I got you.” His voice, guttural and so damn sexy, rumbled through her. No, he was on the hook. And she had just reeled him in. Her teeth chattered from the cold, his heat, her nerves, the lies. Avery opened the passenger door and carefully sat her on the leather seat. He hit the overhead lights and gently took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. Calloused fingers brushed her hair away and angled her face toward the light. “Who did this to you?” Low, his voice promised retribution. “I didn’t get their number.” She tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her. His intensity made her insides squirm. “I’ll take you to the hospital.” “No.” She touched his hand. “It’s okay, not as bad as it seems.” She wiggled her jaw and managed only a slight grimace. He leaned closer. All of him filled her vision. “Are you hurt anywhere else?” Captured by his heated stare, she shook her head. “How many were there?” His finger trailed over her cheek and down her neck. Her thoughts kinda fizzled at his touch. “Who are you?” She remembered to ask again. He gave her a quizzical look, possibly thinking of a lie, she wondered. Her phone rang. Emeline fished it out of her purse and answered without looking. She listened to Zackary pound his chest about hiring a bodyguard for her. He was so proud of himself and expected a reward. The sick hope in his voice almost made her laugh. “Describe him.” She ordered watching Avery. “Big guy, bald, pissy attitude. I wanted his brother, but he volunteered,” Zachary said. “Thanks, Zachary. I owe you one.” “Really? Well—” She pressed end. “So you’re my bodyguard?” Perfect. Zachary finally did something right. “Until I get someone else.” He stepped back and slammed the passenger door closed. Why accept the job only to get someone else? Nerves made her stomach flutter as she watched him walk around the front of the Range Rover and climb into the driver’s seat. “Do you have a name or shall I make up one?” “Avery,” he said without looking at her. The car rumbled to a start. Something loud and angry blasted from the speakers. He clicked it off, though she didn’t mind. She preferred Hip-Hop, R&B, and a little bit of Rap. No love songs, though Luther Vandross could put the most celibate body in the mood. “Emeline,” she offered when he didn’t ask. A giggle threatened to escape, but her bruised ribs would have none of it. ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ Well we are both, well and truly tangled. “Something funny?” He pulled into traffic. He’s observant as a killer or watcher should be. No more lapses. She had to be on guard. Emeline noticed his hands gripping the steering wheel. Big capable hands. “Two men. They wore masks. Tried to steal my purse.” He glanced at the satchel in her lap. Damn, she should’ve insisted they take it. “Two men, one purse?” His gaze locked on hers. “Why do you need protection, Miss Gamble?” She hadn’t told him her last name. She could call him on it, but he’d say Zachary told him, so she let it slide. “I don’t. I’m not the one who hired you.” “Your ex is very concerned about you welfare.” “You know a lot about me in such a short time, Mr.—what is your last name?” The car rolled to a stop at a red light. His head turned to her and she shifted in her seat to keep an eye on him. “Nicolis. Your ex filled in a few blank spots before I caught up to you. Anything else you want to know?” “Yeah. Did he fill you in on where I live too ‘cause we’re real close?” His eyes narrowed and he glanced at the surrounding area. The light turned green. “Your boss said someone broke into your house. Beat up you and your grandfather. Now you’re attacked on the street. Your enemies, who and where are they?” She lives in a big house on Riverside Drive. I will take you straight to her. “I don’t have enemies.” “We all have enemies,” he growled. “Some closer than others.” Ain’t that the truth. [/accordion] [/accordions]
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Exerpt #1
[accordions ] [accordion title="Excerpts" load="hide"] Tires squealed to a stop. It wasn’t long before a pair of combat boots came into her line of sight. Strong hands scooped her up and cradled her against a broad chest encased in a leather coat. Warmth surrounded her, made her want to burrow closer to his heat. Male musk and a hint of something else, something dangerous filled her nostrils. “I got you.” His voice, guttural and so damn sexy, rumbled through her. No, he was on the hook. And she had just reeled him in. Her teeth chattered from the cold, his heat, her nerves, the lies. Avery opened the passenger door and carefully sat her on the leather seat. He hit the overhead lights and gently took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. Calloused fingers brushed her hair away and angled her face toward the light. “Who did this to you?” Low, his voice promised retribution. “I didn’t get their number.” She tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her. His intensity made her insides squirm. “I’ll take you to the hospital.” “No.” She touched his hand. “It’s okay, not as bad as it seems.” She wiggled her jaw and managed only a slight grimace. He leaned closer. All of him filled her vision. “Are you hurt anywhere else?” Captured by his heated stare, she shook her head. “How many were there?” His finger trailed over her cheek and down her neck. Her thoughts kinda fizzled at his touch. “Who are you?” She remembered to ask again. He gave her a quizzical look, possibly thinking of a lie, she wondered. Her phone rang. Emeline fished it out of her purse and answered without looking. She listened to Zackary pound his chest about hiring a bodyguard for her. He was so proud of himself and expected a reward. The sick hope in his voice almost made her laugh. “Describe him.” She ordered watching Avery. “Big guy, bald, pissy attitude. I wanted his brother, but he volunteered,” Zachary said. “Thanks, Zachary. I owe you one.” “Really? Well—” She pressed end. “So you’re my bodyguard?” Perfect. Zachary finally did something right. “Until I get someone else.” He stepped back and slammed the passenger door closed. Why accept the job only to get someone else? Nerves made her stomach flutter as she watched him walk around the front of the Range Rover and climb into the driver’s seat. “Do you have a name or shall I make up one?” “Avery,” he said without looking at her. The car rumbled to a start. Something loud and angry blasted from the speakers. He clicked it off, though she didn’t mind. She preferred Hip-Hop, R&B, and a little bit of Rap. No love songs, though Luther Vandross could put the most celibate body in the mood. “Emeline,” she offered when he didn’t ask. A giggle threatened to escape, but her bruised ribs would have none of it. ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ Well we are both, well and truly tangled. “Something funny?” He pulled into traffic. He’s observant as a killer or watcher should be. No more lapses. She had to be on guard. Emeline noticed his hands gripping the steering wheel. Big capable hands. “Two men. They wore masks. Tried to steal my purse.” He glanced at the satchel in her lap. Damn, she should’ve insisted they take it. “Two men, one purse?” His gaze locked on hers. “Why do you need protection, Miss Gamble?” She hadn’t told him her last name. She could call him on it, but he’d say Zachary told him, so she let it slide. “I don’t. I’m not the one who hired you.” “Your ex is very concerned about you welfare.” “You know a lot about me in such a short time, Mr.—what is your last name?” The car rolled to a stop at a red light. His head turned to her and she shifted in her seat to keep an eye on him. “Nicolis. Your ex filled in a few blank spots before I caught up to you. Anything else you want to know?” “Yeah. Did he fill you in on where I live too ‘cause we’re real close?” His eyes narrowed and he glanced at the surrounding area. The light turned green. “Your boss said someone broke into your house. Beat up you and your grandfather. Now you’re attacked on the street. Your enemies, who and where are they?” She lives in a big house on Riverside Drive. I will take you straight to her. “I don’t have enemies.” “We all have enemies,” he growled. “Some closer than others.” Ain’t that the truth. [/accordion] [/accordions]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tmonique Stephens wrote her first novel about a reporter and a hockey player after the U.S. hockey team won gold in the 1980 Olympics. She loves writing flawed characters who reflect the emotional baggage we all carry. She writes complicated stories for complicated people. Paranormal romances and fantasy novels are her favorite genre. Eternity, Everlasting, and Evermore are the first three novels in her Descendants of Ra series. Currently, she is working a contemporary revenge series and Encore, the fourth novel in the Descendants of Ra series. She will read anything about fairies, demons, or angels. She also enjoys Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Preston and Child. Born in St. Thomas USVI, Tmonique Stephens grew up in The Bronx, New York one mile from Yankee Stadium. She loves SyFy, the History channels, and also Asian cuisine. But her heart and stomach longs for anything from the Caribbean.Website Facebook
Author Interview
Please welcome EVERMORE author Tmonique Stephens to Diane’s Book Blog.
What is your favorite part of the Descendants of Ra Series?
I love writing about the first kiss. So much rides on the first time their lips touch, that first intimate connection. I love the build up to that moment and sharing the intimacy with the characters. I also love exploring each characters reaction to the first kiss. It’s a special moment.
How long did it take you to write EVERMORE?
I wrote Evermore in nine months and spent three months editing. The more I write the shorter time frame it takes for me to complete the manuscript. My first novel took four years. The second novel took eighteen months. I think I’m improving.
If you were stranded on a desert island which of your characters do you want by your side?
I would love all of my Nicolis men with men. Roman, Reign, Avery, EJ, Quin, Thane, and Brayden. Seven men ought to be able to keep from being too lonely.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I started writing Eternity Descendants of Ra Book 1 just as my marriage imploded. I have to say, writing is cathartic. Writing that first book saved my sanity. The first draft wasn’t very good. I spent four years rewriting it, until it was just right. I believed in my characters and the story that much.
What books have most influenced your life?
The first book I absolutely fell in love with was The Black Stallion by Walter Farley. I was in middle school and checked out all of The Black Stallion series from the library. The first romance I fell in love with was Skye O’Malley by Beatrice Small. I still love that novel. It’s a classic!
What's your favorite book-turned movie?
I can’t say that any book I’ve read, the movie has been better. In my opinion, the book is always better than the movie because the author’s words and the reader’s imagination have combined to make a unique experience which cannot be duplicated.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
Rarely do I get writer’s block. Many of my ideas come to me right before I fall asleep. I jot them down and then review what I’ve written in the morning. Whenever I have an idea, not matter how small or crazy, I write them down to incorporate later in a story.
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure. Evermore, Descendants of Ra Book 3, is my current release. It is the story of Avery and Emeline. For various reasons, they have been ‘stalking’ each other. Emeline did it at the behest of The Order, a secret society she is a part of. Avery stumbled upon Emeline in a park and fell in love with her at first sight. Against his better judgment, he followed her for nearly two weeks, until guilt and his conscience caused him to stop. I really enjoyed writing this book. It was a lot of fun.
What do you prefer paperback, hardcover, or ebooks?
I buy the hardcover editions of my favorite author’s novels, but typically, I prefer ebooks. Ebooks are so portable. I have my entire library with me at all time. I love that.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
If you like my novels, please leave a review and thank you so much for your support.
Character Interviews
Please welcome Emeline Gamble and Avery Nicolis from Tmonique Stephens’ EVERMORE to Diane’s Book Blog.
What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Emeline: Sitting crossed legged in a comfy chair, Emeline’s hand shook as she brushed her curly hair away from her face. “My name is Emeline Gamble. My grandfather always called my Eme, but he’s gone now.”
Avery: “I don’t do nicknames.”
What is your hair color? Eye color?
Avery: “I’m bald and my eyes…are changeable.”
How old are you?
Emeline: “I’m twenty six years old."
Avery: “I’m more than legal.”
Where were you born? Where have you lived since then? Where do you currently call home?
Emeline: "I was born and raised in New York. I live in Harlem and have never strayed far.
What is in your refrigerator right now? On your bedroom floor? On your nightstand? In your garbage can?
Emeline: "It’s none of your business what I have on my bedroom floor or my nightstand, but I do some left over Thai food in the fridge and one bottle of Samuel Adams.”
Who are the people you are closest to?
Emeline: A wistful look crossed her face. “My parents died in a plane crash when I was sixteen. My grandfather took me in. I loved that old man.”
Avery: “My little brother EJ and then the rest of the men.”
What is your biggest fear?
Emeline: Her breath hitched, then she looked down at the floor and whispered, “Avery not forgiving me.”
Avery: He flexed his shoulder and darkness crawled over his features.
“There’s a darkness inside me. It wants out. I can’t let that happen.”
What is your most treasured possession?
Emeline: Emeline perked up a little. “My grandfather’s journal. He was a collector, but I always thought he was a hoarder.” She laughed and flashed even white teeth.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Emeline: Her smile faded and her eyes turned stormy. “Avery Nicolis.”
Avery: “Emeline. I live and die for that woman.”
Which living person do you most despise?
Emeline: “Ridley Cross.” She snapped and her hands clenched into fist. “The woman responsible for my grandfather’s death.”
Avery: “Alamut,” he growled. “He was once my brother, now he’s an Other.”
What is your greatest regret?
Avery: “Regret is a wasted emotion. Own your mistakes and move on. Just make sure you don’t repeat them.”
Emeline: “Lying to my bodyguard, and friend, Avery. I only hope he can forgive me.” She shifted in the chair. “How many more questions?”
Just a few more. What do you most value in your friends?
Emeline: “Trust. Though, I haven’t been the most trustworthy person lately.”
Avery: “Loyalty. I got to know you have my back.”
What is the quality you most like in a man/woman?
Avery: “Honesty. I can’t abide a liar.”
Which living person do you most admire?
Avery: “My brother Roman, leader of the Nicolis clan. He took me and EJ in when he didn’t have to. He saved us. For that he will always have my loyalty.”
What was the best part about coming back for a sequel?
Emeline: “I get to kick Ridley Cross’s ass,” she said with precise conviction.
Avery: “Sequel? It’s not bad enough Tmonique has turned my life into a damned book, now you tell me she’s put me in another one. Damn.” The speed of him standing knocked his chair over, and then he was gone.
Avery: “Sequel? It’s not bad enough Tmonique has turned my life into a damned book, now you tell me she’s put me in another one. Damn.” The speed of him standing knocked his chair over, and then he was gone.
In your opinion, who is the funniest character in this sequel?
Emeline: “EJ, Avery’s little brother. That boy could charm Satan and bribe God. Plus, he’s very easy on the eyes. Are we done?”
We are done. Thanks for stopping by!
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