Quack and ye shall receive.

Meljean Brook has agreed to give TGTBTU an exclusive excerpt from Demon Night, available February 5.

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Word around blogland is that it is as awesome as Demon Angel and Demon Moon. Brace yourself fangirls, we have the first FOUR chapters!!!! It’s okay, only two weeks until you can get your hands on the rest.

If you haven’t yet been introduced to the world of The Guardians, you can start here. And you can check out her updated “Primer” that will help you get up to speed on her amazing world and awesome characters.

Enjoy the excerpt (that means click here )!

And when you are done, go check out Book Binge where Holly (our often guest reviewer) has a review up of Demon Night.

Lawson’s review is now up for Demon Night!

Demon Moon (The Guardians, Book 4) by Meljean Brook
Paranormal romance released Berkley Sensation 5 Jun 07

Demon Moon is a new novel in Brook’s Guardian series. Colin Ames-Beaumont, a secondary character from Demon Angel and the story in the anthology Hot Spell gets his own story.

Colin is a vampire who is isolated from the rest of the vampire community due to a taint in his blood, but he does what he can to function in the real world that is in general blissfully aware vampires and otherworld creatures don’t exist. One rather dull night Colin recieves an email from Savitri Murry enroute from London to New York.

What transpires after the email, and some cute instant messaging, drags both Savi and Colin into a plot by a displaced demon, some angry vampires and evil nosferatu. Along the way Savi is changed from being human to something slightly more and she has to overcome some personal demons as well as defeat the one currently threatening her life.

I really don’t want to give too much away, so the summary is rather short on this one, but it’s a wonderful book. Savi is a mass of contradictions. She’s forgiving, abhors violence and is very loyal, but she created a card and video game based on the world of vampires, demons and Guardians. She’s got a photographic memory but didn’t finish college (she got a bachelors but that wasn’t enough for her Indian grandmother). She lives on her own and is independent, but she’s emotionally immature. She’s overly curious and due to that gets into lots of trouble.

That is until Colin. She slowly learns too many of the hard things about life from Colin and becomes mature and wonderful over the course of the story. Colin, of course, is wonderful from start to finish and he would be the first one to tell you that. But in spite of his overwhelming vanity and self-worth, he’s someone I want on my side in a battle and in my bed after the battle is done. Is that so wrong?

I grew up reading a lot of fantasy and sci-fi (The Wheel of Time ranks way up there) and this was right up my alley in that department. The world Brook creates is so rich and layered, the reader gets sucked in and can’t breathe until the last page is turned. The best parts are the ties between popular culture of the here and now in the story and the ties to the past though the evolution of Colin and how he realized his blood is tainted.

Brook also uses language and style not unlike those in a fantasy novel. Everything builds throughout the story and there’s little redundancy or distracting overbuilding of the setting. Descrpitions are realistic, moving and not off putting. Characters are three-dimensional, believable and there are no eye-rolling actions. Though long (it’s 470 pages) the time spent reading goes by with such pleasure, you don’t realize you’ve spent as long as you have getting into the meat of the tale.

From a history standpoint, Demon Angel packed more of a punch for me, but emotionally this one was better. And Colin is one of the best heroes that I’ve read in a long time. The cultures and ideas spread subtly also give this story, and perhaps the series, an edge over some other paranormals out there.

I highly reccommend this one for a read, and if you haven’t already, read Demon Angel, you’ll thank all the ducks later.

Grade: A

I am inclined to let him rot in his sickbed. I daresay you will not find such a response acceptable, but that is why I abhor vows — they compel me to action. Both Hippocrates and your Guardian mentor would have done well to leave the hopeless and the cursed alone. Alas; to Greece we go? Perhaps I shall force him to finally admit that I am the more beautiful before I offer him my blood.– Colin Ames-Beaumont to Dr. Anthony Ramsdell, 1824

In vampires, the bloodlust responds to free will – but only the free will of the victim. If the victim does not want the vampire’s sexual attention, the bloodlust won’t force it on them; but if the vampire doesn’t have control over himself, even after the bloodlust has faded, he might force the sex. On the other hand, if the victim wants it and the bloodlust is high…well, once he starts drinking there’s not much for the vampire to do but go along for the ride.

– Savi Murray to Detective Taylor, 2007

One of the decisions I have to make when writing a paranormal series book is how to get out the backstory and the “rules” of the universe in a (hopefully) entertaining way — and avoiding the dreaded infodump and the “as you know, in the last book Heroine One killed the Bad Guy, but in doing so revealed that there was A Really Big Bad Guy that we still need to kill” speeches.

The backstory has to be there — for new readers who aren’t used to the world I’ve created, it’s critical to give them the information so that they know how everything works. But for readers who were there last time, there runs the terrible risk of being (agh!) boring.

In Demon Moon, I considered several ways of doing this. Some of it is in the dialogue — but because both Colin and Savi are “in the know” about Guardians, vampires, and demons, I had to be careful not to fall into that “as you know” trap. Luckily, Colin and Savi have very different ideas about how the universe works, and in their arguments I was able to give out quite a bit of information, all the while revealing their personalities and their beliefs.

Some backstory (like the events in Demon Angel) Colin simply tells — but coming through his voice, it doesn’t feel like such a rehash of events (which it is). Adding a bit of flavor keeps it entertaining, and we get to see how he views what happened.

But there was more. Colin is cursed, but he isn’t the type to a) dwell on the history of that curse or b) talk about it to anyone — which are real problems when I want to introduce as much backstory as possible throughout the book. Colin is not going to offer it up, and if he did, it would be out of character and a cheat. But if I leave it until the last minute, with barely a hint of what happened, then that also feels like a cheat — and will throw the reader out of the story.

Then there are rules about the world (particularly vampirism) that I wanted to lay out as explicitly as possible so that there was no confusion — but people rarely talk to one another in such a direct manner, particularly if they already supposedly know these rules.

I worked with a couple of ideas, until eventually, I thought to myself, “You know, Meljean — you have a really interesting split here between a vampire born in the Regency era, and a modern woman. Why not play with that a little?”

So, at the opening of each chapter (except for the last two chapters, because by then everything I need to say has been said) I alternated between telling Colin’s history through letters that he wrote to his friend Anthony Ramsdell (the hero of the novella in Hot Spell), and Savi’s emails to a woman who had also been newly introduced to the Guardian universe.

And the difference in the medium helped not only to keep each entry distinct, but to convey exactly what I needed them to convey. Colin’s letters tell a story. It’s given in small increments, with each its own little view into his life — but taken together give a picture of him coming to terms with his curse, and moving on from it.

But Savi’s emails are just short bursts of information, linked only by the way the information is given. There’s no thread to follow — no story (which is probably good, because telling two separate stories through those chapter openings would have been far too confusing.)

And it got me to thinking about most of my own correspondence — for the last decade, it’s all been by email. It used to be that I’d write letters, but I think that the last letter I wrote was in 1995, to friends and family after I’d moved to college. But as soon as I got on the Internet, it was bye-bye pen and paper.

It was also bye-bye “I’m telling you everything that’s going on, and what I’ve been thinking about” letters.

I don’t know if any kind of story can be pieced together from my personal e-mails, either. Certainly, there are long conversations that take place, but they are broken up. With letters, I remember making a lot more effort composing one portion of an argument or story, and to make it as self-contained and as fully formed as possible. Whereas with emails, the discussion can go back and forth, developing as it grows … but it doesn’t have to have fully formed pieces. One bit of information can be given at a time, because there’s no lag in receiving a reply.

And I’ll still tell little stories via email — I’ll tell someone about an experience that I had a local grocer or something — but I can’t remember any really long letters I’ve written to one individual, even by e-mail, in years.

On the other hand, I do blog quite a bit. Not always carefully composed posts … but some of them have been. And I know that other bloggers regularly take more care than I do.

So I’m wondering — do you still write letters to anyone? Not just simple notes or cards … but letters? Do you write them by hand, or do you type email letters (carefully composed instead of just shooting off a “hi, how ya doing?” or sending a quick question?)

Do you think private letter writing is quickly becoming a lost art? And do formats like blogging — though more open — fill up some of that writing space?

Meljean was supposed to guest yesterday but a lack of power stopped that and then in a true case of the best kind of irony, the power in my apartment came back on as I left for work. When I got to work… you guessed it… no power. It was a lovely day.

The good news is Meljean was nice enough to agree to guest today! And she will be kicking off a grand summer of guests, interviews, contests, reviews and RWA reports. It is gonna be hoppin’ around here. But more on that later *g*. 

I am always sort of taken back by how many romance readers, bloggers, message board posters and website owners are working on ‘books’. The few book signing I have been to, “I am writing this book”, “I have an idea for a book”, “How can I get my book published” is repeated like a the ol date mantra of “What’s your major?”.

More often than not nothing makes me cringe more than the words – “I just finished my first book, wanna read it?” Why do you ask? Because I do want to read it. And if they are asking because they want my opinion, I am going to give it to them. First time writers can run from needy while trying to put on a brave face to flat out oh-my-god how could you hate my baby! Of course this is while they are telling you that no, be honest, I can take it.

I bought Hot Spell, the first book Meljean’s had a novella in and never read it. It sounded very interesting but it also sounded like there was a potential for way too much religion. I had an ARC of Demon Angel for a long while before I finally said screw it. I want to read this and whatever I think, well Meljean will be fine. And if not I will make her suffer until she gets over being a whiny baby.

I know. You are sitting there wishing you had a friend like me too aren’t you. I stayed up all night reading the book. I think I started annoying her for the next one about 4am that morning as well as I started to hunt for Hot Spell because I couldn’t figure out what I did with it. As much as I loved Demon Angel, I am the first one to say it had issues, which I will post more about later.

I can also say, out of all the authors I have spoken with (there have been more than I could count) and out of all the authors I have given my opinion to (some who sadly no longer come around) no one has listened as well as Meljean. No one has made me feel more valued as a reader for my opinion as Meljean. And no one has made me want to like her books before I even open the cover, because I know if I don’t, it is ok.
Many an author has been ‘adopted’ by websites, newspapers, bookstores and many have tried and succeeded in creating a buzz around them and their books. Not many of those authors can cash that check or can stand up to the buzz. Because at the end of the day, no matter what I say or think it is Meljean’s words, world and characters that will keep you reading and will bring you back.

I had dismissed the mummblings that Meljean was only getting ‘great buzz because she is a blogger’ because the marjotiy of the people who were saying it were the same ones that if they had been first in doing it – it would have been great, grand and wonderful.

But I saw a comment the other day from Xina, who is pretty much my reader twin. If she likes it – even if it is the most off the wall thing – I will try it because our taste match that much. And it stopped me cold because if someone as smart as Xina could think that all bloggers many of who don’t know each other, websites and such got together to love an author cuz she ‘had a great personality’ well that makes me sad. Because Meljean is an author I put JR Ward and Lisa Kleypas. These are books I want anyone and everyone to read. Even if you hate them… because I have such a high amount of confidence you won’t.

I have put Demon Angel into more strangers hands than I can remember. I talk about the books because the world building is smart and clever. The characters have a wit about them that make you love them even as you sometimes hate them. She does a hell of a Lucifer and one hot vampire. Meljean’s love of the genre shines through her books and she can poke fun at it without belittling Romance, the readers or other authors. I can’t recall one time that I even told anyone read this book, check out this author or try this novella because the author has a great personality.

But Colin and Savi have an amazing tale. It is painful as it is loving and you completely feel for these two people. You want them together. You want to take this amazingly and egotistical beautiful man and slap him as you pat his head and say there, there you bes ok.

Most of all, you want them to live happy ever after… so stick around. We will learn more about all things Colin, spend some time with Missy and you too can learn how lacking Meljean is in the personality department *g*.

And of course have a chance to win some books. Well not xina because in a total and complete abuse of power she is our first winner of the day.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ve probably already met Missy. Missy is the girl I used to be, curled up on my little bed with a Harlequin or Johanna Lindsey (and sometimes hiding in the closet at midnight with the light on, because she was supposed to be sleeping, but oh god she NEEDED to know if the arrogant businessman with his arrogant nose and overbearing sexuality married the virgin secretary who loved him! And if there were thighs rubbing together in an erotic rhythm, and peaked sensitive breasts … IT WAS THE BEST BOOK EVER!!!)

MELJEAN: So, Missy … you’re here to offer some advice to authors.
MISSY: Yeppers.

MELJEAN: Because 10-year-olds with two years of romance reading under their Care Bears belts have something worthwhile to say.
MISSY: Yep! (Oh, but it’s a Strawberry Shortcake belt today. It goes with my pink pants.)

MELJEAN: Ah, a fashion maven AND an advice columnist. This should be effing great. So what’s your first bit of advice?
MISSY: Always have sex in your books.

MELJEAN: You’re ten years old, kid. Every person reading this just shuddered in horror.
MISSY: Did you?

MELJEAN: No, but I know I turned out okay. A bit on the OMG SQUEE fangirl wacky side, but still … pretty normal. But that’s not the point.
MISSY: What is? How else should I learn about sex? By doing it?

MELJEAN: *headdesk* It doesn’t have to be an either/or thing. Can we just pretend, for a second, that you didn’t sneak half of those books just because you were hoping for some nookie?
MISSY: Alright.

MELJEAN: And I’m inclined to agree with you — not that a book has to have sex, but that I prefer to read–
MISSY: And the heroines should be virgins. And naïve, so that the experienced hero can show them the true meaning of love and passion and all that stuff, and that an orgasm equals true love. And if they’re widows, they can’t really have loved their first husband. And it’s best if the first husband couldn’t have sex with them … and maybe beat them, so that I feel really bad for them and the arrogant misogynist hero seems that much better in comparison.

MELJEAN: *gag*
MISSY: What? What?

MELJEAN: I’d forgotten what a twit I was. Virgins are okay, as long as there’s a reason for it. Anyway, that’s not the point: your advice is. So, have sex. But not too much sex.
MISSY: Oh no! Have lots and lots and lots and lots.

MELJEAN: There is such a thing as too much.
MISSY: No, there’s not.

MELJEAN: Y–
MISSY: Shut up!!

MELJEAN: …
MISSY: Okay, Missy’s Advice #2: Have lots of explosions.

MELJEAN: Of the, um, seminal kind?
MISSY: That’s dirty! Why are you messing up my advice thing with your dirty talk?

MELJEAN: You were the one saying you wanted a lot of sex!
MISSY: You’re dirty! God, I can’t believe I grow up to be you! *sobs*

MELJEAN: Aw. There there. Explosions, huh? I do like explosions, although I can’t remember many of them in the Harlequin romances I read.
MISSY: No, that’s why I want them. And lots of fighting.

MELJEAN: Because nothing shows how manly a hero is better than his planting his fist in someone’s face?
MISSY: Exactly!! And I also like it when heroes get beat up by the heroine’s brothers who’ve already had their books, so that I can be certain that even though they’re married, they’re still manly! And I also want evil villains.

MELJEAN: Like Cobra Commander?
MISSY: Yes! Or Skeletor! The villains should always be disfigured and have an evil laugh so that we know who they are. Oh, and they should kill their henchmen and torture puppies.

MELJEAN: Yeah, because god forbid anyone has to figure out who the bad guys are. Or the good guys.
MISSY: Right! I like it simple. But with lots of explosions.

MELJEAN: I don’t have any explosions in my book.
MISSY: I hate you.

MELJEAN: Don’t worry, sweetie, it gets worse. I don’t have any virgins, either.
MISSY: *sobs, and with her heart broken, moves on to the next bit of advice* Number Three: It should be fast paced.

MELJEAN: … are you digging at me?
MISSY: What? What?

MELJEAN: … I hate you. I’m getting better! Feedback has helped a lot!
MISSY: Oh, so book number two is shorter? Faster paced? Less dialogue?

MELJEAN: …. *sobs* But I’m getting better!
MISSY: You loser. On to Missy’s Advice #4: The heroine should be sweet and kind. Like me.

MELJEAN: *laughs hysterically*
MISSY: Stop that! You don’t know anything! I want to imagine myself as the heroine so that I can pretend that someone rich and handsome will sweep me off my feet and fall madly in love with my virginal body!

MELJEAN: Oh, he’s handsome … but not rich. Hmm, I think I have some advice for authors, too: marry well.
MISSY: That’s disgusting! You should love him for who he is, not his bank account!

MELJEAN: I do. Believe me, my bank account says that I do…and that he must really love me, too. Anyway, when’s the last time you read a Harlequin Presents where the guy was poor?
MISSY: That’s because he’s always ruthless and arrogant and smart and works hard! You shut up!

MELJEAN: … okay, and to be fair, it’s also part of the Presents line: the powerful and arrogant and rich hero. God, and they’re such a guilty pleasure. I love all of them … oh, crap, did I just say that out loud?
MISSY: Hahaha! Yes! And the book should have horses, too. At least one horse. I love horses.

MELJEAN: You know, it suddenly occurs to me why I read so many historicals. You’ve ruined me, Missy. Ruined me like a fresh young virgin compromised by the profligate nobleman rake in a Regency library with a closed door.
MISSY: I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m sure it’s dirty.

MELJEAN: Probably. Okay, so what’s Number Five?
MISSY: Authors should write something that I want to read.

MELJEAN: So I should write what I want to read.
MISSY: Yes! … Wait! no–

MELJEAN: Ha, you big fat loser! Too late. And that’s advice I can actually agree with, because that energy and excitement comes through the writing. Write what you love. Read what you love. Neither one is easy, writing that book or finding that book … but it’s worth it.
MISSY: And the world will be a better place.

MELJEAN: Yep. For you. And me.
MISSY: Just wait … and seeeeeee!

MELJEAN: … you are not going to get me singing.
MISSY: Dammit.

MELJEAN: I’m so telling Mom that you just said a dirty word.
MISSY: *sob*

….ah, and my day isn’t over until I make my inner child cry.

How have you changed as a romance reader? Is there anything that you used to love that gets on your nerves now? How long have you been reading?

Demon Moon by Meljean Brook

No one would call vampire Colin Ames-Beaumont kind, but they would call him unnaturally beautiful. For two centuries his tainted blood has kept him isolated from other vampires, sustained only by his beauty and vanity — bitter comforts, since a curse has erased his mirror reflection, replacing it with a terrifying glimpse of Chaos.

Savi Murray’s insatiable curiosity had gotten her into trouble before, but she’d always escaped unscathed. Then came Colin. In the midst of Heaven, he gave her a taste of ecstasy — and of Chaos. Deadly creatures from that realm herald the return of an imprisoned nosferatu horde, and Colin and Savi’s bond is their only protection — and their only passion…

I think I have mentioned once or twice how much I adore this book so instead allow me to point you to loonigrrl (wOoT! now with blog) and to Holly, who won the ARC during Meljean’s guest author day in January.

Completely off topic to the post here but Meljean but together a totally cool interview with Jennie. Go look see, well after the excerpt *g*

You can find more info and another excerpt at Meljean’s site.

Here is a look at Chapter 6…

The baseball arced over the tops of the trees, disappearing in the dark and fog. Two hundred yards, at least.

Sir Pup sprinted to fetch his ball, and Savi shook her head in disbelief. Though she wasn’t a complete wimp, she’d long ago accepted she was less than athletically gifted. This was incredible. Even Barry Bonds couldn’t have smashed a home run that far.

The hellhound barked in the distance, and she bit her lip in sudden alarm. Hopefully it hadn’t hit someone on the head or destroyed a car window. But no, there he was, breaking free of the tree line and trotting across the grass.

Oh, shit — Colin was with him. She’d recognize that elegant stride anywhere. Dammit. As if it hadn’t been difficult enough to pretend disinterest when she’d thanked him at his car. She’d spent most of the afternoon building her psychic shields to steel; assuming that she wouldn’t see him again that evening, she hadn’t maintained them.

Breathing slow and steady. Focus. And don’t look at his face. Not right away.

She pasted on a smile and gazed at a point over his shoulder. She probably looked like an idiot — but she felt like one, so it was as well. Smart women ran when they saw a vampire approaching.

And if their hearts raced, it should be from fear.

The point over his shoulder rose higher and higher as he neared her. She lowered her gaze to the pocket of his jacket. Why did he wear it? He wouldn’t become cold. Was it simply because it looked fantastic, as if it had been tailor-made to fit him?

It probably had been.

He stopped directly in front of her, less than an arms’ length away. Too close. “You shouldn’t be alone in the park after sunset, sweet Savitri.” Though his words admonished her, his tone did not. It was low and warm. Seductive.

Her throat was dry. She swallowed and said, “Sir Pup is with me. I’m not being foolish.”

“No, you are not. He’s a fine protector. But you should not be alone.” Colin trailed his forefinger from her ear to jawline, tipping her face up with gentle pressure.

A shiver ran over her skin. She stared at the cleft in his chin. Not too deep, just a lovely shadow.

“Do you know why I’m here, Savitri?”

“To hunt?”

“No.” She heard the smile in his voice. “I prefer not to chase after men and women on the jogging paths.”

“It does seem creepy,” she said. “Like a serial killer.”

His fangs glistened in the fog-muted moonlight; his laughter was soft. “Yes, I imagine it does. I was off to hunt. But I was overcome by the most delicious fragrance.” He slowly bent his head toward hers. A breath away from her mouth, he inhaled deeply. He didn’t touch her lips, but she could feel the warmth from his. “It disappeared when I saw you across the lawn. Why do you think that is?”

“The breeze shifted?”

“I am downwind of you.”

“Perhaps I’m not the source.”

“Perhaps.” He teased the corner of her mouth with a flick of his tongue. She closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing, on standing. What was he doing to her? “Perhaps it is Sir Pup,” he said.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, it must be.”

“How would you test such a thing, Savitri? Send him away? Remove a variable?”

“I’m a variable,” she said.

“But should you leave and Sir Pup stay, no one could protect you from the evil creatures stalking the night.”

She had to smile. Such melodrama. “If he leaves, no one will protect me from you.”

“Castleford believes you’ll be able to protect yourself after you’ve had enough lessons.” There was an edge of anger in his voice now, when it had only been soft.

“You doubt him? You doubt I will?” She finally looked up at him. “Or are you here to teach him a lesson?”

“No.” He watched her with shadowed eyes. “I’m here because he’s taught you well. Ask me why I can’t suggest you sleep, as I did Auntie.”

“I already know. My psychic shields.”

“Then why did you ask before?”

Except for his hand against her chin he didn’t touch her, yet his gaze held her immobile. Another vampire trick? Why had Hugh not warned her? Was it something only Colin could do?

“I didn’t know if you could overcome them.”

“I see.” Sardonic amusement flirted with his lips as he tucked his fingers beneath her chenille scarf, slowly loosening it. Cool air wafted against her neck, sent prickles down her spine. “Because I once drank your blood, you thought I might have bound you to me. Like Dracula and Mina.”

His lashes swept down as he dipped his head toward hers.

Her breath hitched. “Yes.”

“No, Savitri. Only when I drink does your mind open to me.” She began trembling as his mouth skimmed the side of her jaw. He spoke with his lips against her throat. “Invite me in.”

“No.” She gasped the word.

“I’ll make it good for you this time.” He dragged the inside of his bottom lip over her pulse. Hot. Wet. “Please invite me in.”

She didn’t trust the pleading note in his voice; she couldn’t imagine him begging for anything. “No.”

“Then lower your shields.” He raised his head when she stiffened. “That is not a threat. Only that I ask the lesser pleasure if you deny the greater.”

“I have no reason to give you either, or to trust you. Particularly as I don’t know what you’ve done to me now.”

“Do you deny me as punishment for Caelum? Is this a lesson?”

“No.” She wrapped her arms around her chest. Small defense, but she still couldn’t find the strength to move away from him. “I returned that favor in Polidori’s.”

His eyes widened and he let go a shout of laughter. “With an orgasm? With the most bloody brilliant kiss I’ve ever received?”

She forced the rush of pleasure away. It had been good, but so had Caelum until he’d decided to give her a lesson. “You taught me to be wary, and it was what I most needed to learn. I taught you that you’re no better than those you feed from, because that is what you most need to learn.” His amusement faded, his gaze hardened to iron, but she forged on, “I don’t deny you as punishment. I deny you because you taught me too well.”

He stared at her, then lowered his head, his shoulders shaking. But there was little mirth in his voice as he said, “I am fortune’s buggered fool.”

“That’s what Hugh told me, but he said you liked it.” Sir Pup nudged her knee, and she was grateful for an excuse to look away from Colin’s sudden grin.

The baseball dropped at her feet. She threw it with all the force she could muster. Perhaps she could take out all of this pent up frustration in some kind of exercise; at least Colin’s hold on her seemed to have faded. She could move now.

Sir Pup streaked away.

Colin had half-turned to allow her room to throw. His features were curiously blank when he glanced back at her. “What do you think I’ve done to you?”

“That thing with your eyes,” she said. “Keeping me here, though I know I should leave.”

“The thing with my…” He broke off. His gaze roamed over her face. Suddenly, his focus narrowed on her mouth, became sharp and predatory.

She took a step back.

“Oh, Savitri,” he murmured. “You should have left when you had the opportunity.”

WARNING! The sneak peek includes spoilers for Demon Angel (Berkley Sensation)!

No one would call vampire Colin Ames-Beaumont kind, but they would call him unnaturally beautiful. For two centuries his tainted blood has kept him isolated from other vampires, sustained only by his beauty and vanity—bitter comforts, since a curse has erased his mirror reflection, replacing it with a terrifying glimpse of Chaos.

Savi Murray’s insatiable curiosity had gotten her into trouble before, but she’d always escaped unscathed. Then came Colin. In the midst of Heaven, he gave her a taste of ecstasy—and of Chaos. Deadly creatures from that realm herald the return of an imprisoned nosferatu horde, and Colin and Savi’s bond is their only protection—and their only passion…

(Author’s Note: Colin’s not really that bitter.)

Here is the link to a four-chapter sneak peek (it’s a .pdf file – right click and save – don’t just click open) of DEMON MOON, coming in June 2007 from Berkley. It does include spoilers for DEMON ANGEL … you’ve been warned.

Don’t forget you get a chance to win an ARC of DEMON MOON by commenting on any of today’s posts (it will be mailed in April or May, when Meljean gets her ARCs).