As I am sure many of you know, I absolutely ADORE Caris Roane.. Her Ascension Series is one of my all time favorites and I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful Blog Tour.
Caris is offering some really wicked prizes so make sure you check out all that she is offering.. but first.. just a little about Caris, in her own words..
BIO
BIO
I was ten when I first
watched an old movie version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and loved it!
Movies led to books, which led to writing and after a good long
while, publishing. I wrote sweet Regency romance for Kensington for
19 years and recently fell in love with paranormal, although I’ve
always had a thing for vampires. I currently write paranormal
romance for St. Martin’s Press but I self-publish as well.
Building an online platform has been an enormous but rewarding
challenge. I think all the changes in publishing will alter how
authors approach the business going forward and I for one am thrilled
to have so many options.
and an official BIO from the books..
Caris
Roane has published over fifty Regency romance novels and novellas
under the pen name, Valerie King. In 2005, Romantic Times gave her a
Career Achievement award in Regency Romance. Having had a long-time
love affair with vampires, Caris tackled the paranormal genre and
built a unique vampire world based on ascending dimensional earths.
Her series is called Guardians of
Ascension.
Her
most recent self-published project, The
Blood Rose Novella Series, launched
in May of 2012 with the first title: Embrace
the Dark.
Currently,
Caris is working on a new vampire series set to launch in the Fall of
2013: WARRIORS IN CHAINS with
the first novel, BORN IN CHAINS.
Caris
lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her two cats, Sebastien and Gizzy.
I know overkill, but I liked both options and hey.. it's my blog *Grins*
Now for the juicy stuff!!!
Hi, everyone!
I want to thank BODICE RIPPERS for having me today as part of my WARM-UP-YOUR-WINTER BLOG TOUR (*grins* you're welcome Caris, we love having you here).
On most of the blogs on this tour, I’ll be revealing excerpts from the sixth book in my vampire series called, GATES OF RAPTURE (12/24). I created the tour with the hope that you might get to know my Guardians of Ascension, who are my most beloved winged vampire warriors. I know the covers have wings on them, but the books aren’t about angels AT ALL…just vampires…with wings. (remember, sizzling, sexy, sensuous and sublime Vampires with Wings!) I also have goodies for you to win, details to follow!
GATES OF RAPTURE is the sixth installment of Guardians of Ascension and features Warrior Leto, a famous, ancient Warrior of the Blood, six-six, long straight black hair, piercing blue eyes, and built to battle death vampires for centuries as well as drive the ladies crazy! Major yummy!
I want to thank BODICE RIPPERS for having me today as part of my WARM-UP-YOUR-WINTER BLOG TOUR (*grins* you're welcome Caris, we love having you here).
On most of the blogs on this tour, I’ll be revealing excerpts from the sixth book in my vampire series called, GATES OF RAPTURE (12/24). I created the tour with the hope that you might get to know my Guardians of Ascension, who are my most beloved winged vampire warriors. I know the covers have wings on them, but the books aren’t about angels AT ALL…just vampires…with wings. (remember, sizzling, sexy, sensuous and sublime Vampires with Wings!) I also have goodies for you to win, details to follow!
GATES OF RAPTURE is the sixth installment of Guardians of Ascension and features Warrior Leto, a famous, ancient Warrior of the Blood, six-six, long straight black hair, piercing blue eyes, and built to battle death vampires for centuries as well as drive the ladies crazy! Major yummy!
If you missed my review yesterday of Gates of Rapture for easy access click HERE
Today, I’m sharing an excerpt of GATES OF RAPTURE in which Warrior Leto, having organized the Warrior Games, is sitting in the stands with his woman, Grace. At times, he wishes he was alone with her and at other times he’s cheering for his best friend: Brynna. Of course, Grace starts feeling jealous about the attention Leto is giving to Brynna, and hating herself for it because she’s never been the jealous-type, but vampire mate-bonding, in this case the infamous breh-hedden, has worked her into a frenzy of desire for Leto. He loves it…of course!
EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 5:
Leto didn’t quite understand what he was feeling, but it was like grabbing at air. He couldn’t pin it down. Happiness? Contentment? A strangling fear that something would happen to Grace? Maybe it was everything; fear, hope, desire, anguish, all combined.
He held Grace against his side, one hand on her bare waist, the long sides of her blouse covering the misdeeds of his fingers as he kneaded her skin, thumbing low into her hip then up to rub the underside of her breast. That her meadow scent kept flowing over him in waves sustained the certainty that he was pleasing her as well as forming a most inappropriate erection. He was hard as a rock and was grateful that the light from the torches and the tall, pole bonfires didn’t exactly reach the depths of their grandstand box.
The shadows were covering all sorts of sins. In particular, he was ignoring how Jean-Pierre had been making out off and on with his breh for the last half hour. He and Fiona had been together for over six months and it was clear the pleasure they took in each other hadn’t dimmed much if at all. He wondered how soon the two of them would take off.
But Leto was enjoying the games, despite the fact that his thoughts were fixed on just how soon he could get Grace back to his house, into his bed, and make love to her again.
Of course, these were unfortunate thoughts because now he was in pain. He gritted his teeth and breathed hard through his nose a couple of times. He pulled his hand out from under her blouse and went back to just offering her his arm.
That she chuckled softly told him she understood. He looked down at her. She looked up.
All I can think about is your bed, she sent.
He sighed. Same here. Soon enough.
He forced himself to look away and it helped that Brynna’s event was up next. The woman had powerful thighs and the log climb was one of her favorite exercises while in training, never mind the contest. But she was also competitive by nature.
He said as much to Grace then sent, She took me under her wing when you left. He shared with her their camaraderie and that he considered Brynna his best friend.
The loudspeakers blared as the introductions were made for all the contestants, including a fiery Aussie from the hidden Brisbane One colony and a Japanese competitor from the hidden colony outside of Kyoto One.
As the warriors took up their places, he realized Grace had grown very still next to him. He looked at her, but her head was bent. She held her hands together on her lap which was a little awkward since her right arm was still wrapped around his.
What is it, Grace?
She shook her head. This is ridiculous. I feel so…angry, but I shouldn’t. I left you and she obviously took care of you.
She was upset about his relationship with Brynna? Jealous? He tried not to smile but he couldn’t help it. And damn, wasn’t he a bastard for liking it.
He tried to explain Brynna’s value to him. She made sure that I didn’t hurt anyone when I turned beast. She would come into the basement with me.
At that Grace looked up at him, her eyes wide and her expression hard. The starting pistol fired at the exact same moment that she said aloud, “She did what?” The last word held resonance, which brought a sort of yelp from Fiona behind him.
Jean-Pierre leaned around Leto and said, “I am sorry, Grace, but Fiona’s ears are sensitive to resonance. If you would go easy with it?”
Grace nodded. “Of course. Sorry.”
When Jean-Pierre shifted back, Leto stared down at her and again his response was way too male. His eyelids felt heavy as he slid his hands down her arms. “So you’re thinking about the basement, huh?”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“Oh, I know what you meant. You’re jealous of Brynna but I love that you’re jealous. I just wish I could get you back there right now, take some of the sting out of the situation.”
When the crowd started shouting, only then did he slide his gaze back to the event, seeking out the nearest screen. Brynna was neck and neck with the Aussie.
He rose from the bench and started cheering her on, punching his fist in the air. Marguerite knew Brynna well, so she joined in. Thorne, too…
Leto didn’t quite understand what he was feeling, but it was like grabbing at air. He couldn’t pin it down. Happiness? Contentment? A strangling fear that something would happen to Grace? Maybe it was everything; fear, hope, desire, anguish, all combined.
He held Grace against his side, one hand on her bare waist, the long sides of her blouse covering the misdeeds of his fingers as he kneaded her skin, thumbing low into her hip then up to rub the underside of her breast. That her meadow scent kept flowing over him in waves sustained the certainty that he was pleasing her as well as forming a most inappropriate erection. He was hard as a rock and was grateful that the light from the torches and the tall, pole bonfires didn’t exactly reach the depths of their grandstand box.
The shadows were covering all sorts of sins. In particular, he was ignoring how Jean-Pierre had been making out off and on with his breh for the last half hour. He and Fiona had been together for over six months and it was clear the pleasure they took in each other hadn’t dimmed much if at all. He wondered how soon the two of them would take off.
But Leto was enjoying the games, despite the fact that his thoughts were fixed on just how soon he could get Grace back to his house, into his bed, and make love to her again.
Of course, these were unfortunate thoughts because now he was in pain. He gritted his teeth and breathed hard through his nose a couple of times. He pulled his hand out from under her blouse and went back to just offering her his arm.
That she chuckled softly told him she understood. He looked down at her. She looked up.
All I can think about is your bed, she sent.
He sighed. Same here. Soon enough.
He forced himself to look away and it helped that Brynna’s event was up next. The woman had powerful thighs and the log climb was one of her favorite exercises while in training, never mind the contest. But she was also competitive by nature.
He said as much to Grace then sent, She took me under her wing when you left. He shared with her their camaraderie and that he considered Brynna his best friend.
The loudspeakers blared as the introductions were made for all the contestants, including a fiery Aussie from the hidden Brisbane One colony and a Japanese competitor from the hidden colony outside of Kyoto One.
As the warriors took up their places, he realized Grace had grown very still next to him. He looked at her, but her head was bent. She held her hands together on her lap which was a little awkward since her right arm was still wrapped around his.
What is it, Grace?
She shook her head. This is ridiculous. I feel so…angry, but I shouldn’t. I left you and she obviously took care of you.
She was upset about his relationship with Brynna? Jealous? He tried not to smile but he couldn’t help it. And damn, wasn’t he a bastard for liking it.
He tried to explain Brynna’s value to him. She made sure that I didn’t hurt anyone when I turned beast. She would come into the basement with me.
At that Grace looked up at him, her eyes wide and her expression hard. The starting pistol fired at the exact same moment that she said aloud, “She did what?” The last word held resonance, which brought a sort of yelp from Fiona behind him.
Jean-Pierre leaned around Leto and said, “I am sorry, Grace, but Fiona’s ears are sensitive to resonance. If you would go easy with it?”
Grace nodded. “Of course. Sorry.”
When Jean-Pierre shifted back, Leto stared down at her and again his response was way too male. His eyelids felt heavy as he slid his hands down her arms. “So you’re thinking about the basement, huh?”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”
“Oh, I know what you meant. You’re jealous of Brynna but I love that you’re jealous. I just wish I could get you back there right now, take some of the sting out of the situation.”
When the crowd started shouting, only then did he slide his gaze back to the event, seeking out the nearest screen. Brynna was neck and neck with the Aussie.
He rose from the bench and started cheering her on, punching his fist in the air. Marguerite knew Brynna well, so she joined in. Thorne, too…
I hope you enjoyed the excerpt! I’ve had an extraordinary time creating and writing this series! Let Guardians of Ascension be a new journey for you. GATES OF RAPTURE releases on December 24th.
To Learn More about Gates of Rapture and to read the opening chapter:
To Learn More about Gates of Rapture and to read the opening chapter:
For links to all the other blogs on the tour: CLICK HERE!!!
The Goodies as listed on the Rafflecopter form are:
- a $10 gift card to Barnes & Noble (or similar for International),
- a replica, antique typewriter key bracelet that spells ‘dream’,
- a signed copy of ASCENSION (the first novel in the Guardians of Ascension series), Romance Trading Cards and bookmarks.
The Grand Prize drawing for a Nook with Glowlight, will take place on January 18th, three days after the tour officially ends! Good luck!
For links to all the other blogs on the tour:CLICK HERE!!!
* * * * * * * * *
TO FIND CARIS ROANE ON THE WEB…
Website Home Page: www.carisroane.com
Twitter handle: @carisroane
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/caris.roane
Email: carisroane@gmail.com
Again, to be eligible for the Nook with Glowlight, leave
a comment below like this: carisroane at gmail dot com! Good luck
to all!
Hi, Everyone!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my Warm-Up-Your-Winter Blog Tour! And thanks again, Shauni, for having me here today. I'll be checking in throughout the day to say hi and to answer any questions that might come up about my uber-sexy winged vampire warriors!
Hugs to all!
Caris
Thanks for stopping by Caris.. You know I love having you.. and when you share those wonderfully sexy Vamps w/wings.. Oh Yeah!!
DeleteGlad I stopped by. I hadn't heard of the series but now have it in my TBR list. Great excerpt. Beck.paloma@gmail.com
ReplyDeletePaloma,
DeleteIt's a series worth reading! This series remains one of my top finds! Make sure you stop in at all the previous blogs so you can get your name in for the Grand Prize!!
Hi Shauni and Caris :)
ReplyDelete*waves* VICKIEANN!!!
DeleteHi, again, everyone!
ReplyDeletePaloma, I hope you get thoroughly addicted to my hunky warriors!
GATES OF RAPTURE was especially fun to write because Leto was one of the bad guys in the first book, ASCENSION! Of course, we soon learn he's not so bad after all and we start to root for him like crazy! So it was fun to give him his well-deserved HEA in Gates!
We have a rainy day here in Phoenix - extremely rare - and I'm about to have my lunch!
Hugs to all!
Caris
It's rained all day here as well! But still a great day because you are here!! Well you are here and my baby comes home from college today!
DeleteReally loved the book! Who is the next warrior who'll have a book? Can I say that I am veeery impatient? :D
ReplyDeletealinutza4u2004[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]uk
Aly,
DeleteI am just thrilled that there will be another book! Caris is too good to us
Aly, after Leto, for the next big book, I'm writing Luken's story. But I've decided before that to continue with several novellas to follow BRINK OF ETERNITY. I'll have a whole new set of wonderful, hunky vampire warriors, all Militia Warriors on the brink of becoming Warriors of the Blood. I've wanted to write this series since I first introduced Gideon in BRINK OF ETERNITY, and the time has opened up for me to do just that.
DeleteThen somewhere during all that fabulous madness, I'll tell Luken's tale...oh, and did I say that we're headed to Third?!? Can't wait!
Stay tuned!
Hugs,
Caris
oh that will be so cool.. I always wanted more of Gideon! and Luken.. yeah who doesn't want to see Luken?
DeleteCan't wait to see more of third.. just hope Endelle finally gets to check it out. That woman seriously deserves a reward!
Love the Ascension series Caris and have the next on on pre order can't wait for this book. Thank you for coming to Bodice Rippers and sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe want to keep our readers happy Fran!! and Caris is the best!!
DeleteI love all your stories, but I'm really looking forward to Leto's story. Thanks for the contest. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLiz,
DeleteCaris does Leto right! He is so awesome and multi layered.. you just feel for him! This was a most excellent book!
Forgot to include my email address.
Deletelizsemkiu at gmail dot com
Another one I have some how missed!!! Shame on me double time! This all seems right up my alley!!! I can not wait to add you to my list of favorites!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa.. this is one you need to put to the top of your TBR list! It is such an awesome series.. but remember to use your email address when you go to the other sites.. so you can win the grand prize!
DeleteStopped by to say my good-night, but I hope to drop by over the next couple of days! Remember to keep working the tour for more chances to win and tell everyone about the Guardians of Ascension!
ReplyDeleteHugs all around,
Caris
Thanks for stopping by Caris.. I love this concept for your tour!!
DeleteNice cover and excerpt.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Caris is leaving a trail of breadcrumbs.. If you go to each blog on this hop.. you will get an excerpt! and no wicked witch at the end of this trail.. just the gingerbread house!!
DeleteThese books are wonderful! Super sexy winged warriors, whats not to love.
ReplyDeleteprushen20@gmail.com
One of the best series out there!!
DeleteHot guys got me flustered. Should read prushen20(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteDuh....
Pam sounds like you need some pillows because these men obviously make you SWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!! good thing we have a swoon room!
DeleteHappy Holidays.Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletedragonkeep62@gmaill.com
Sherry, you have a the best email address!! I want to go to a Dragon Keep!!
DeleteI did enjoy the excerpt thank you. Just wonderful.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Mary.. remember go to ALL of the previous posts and leave a comment.. otherwise you can't qualify for the Nook giveaway!
DeleteI'm excited to read that Luken's story will be next. He's my favorite warrior!
ReplyDeleteparanormalbookreviews@gmail.com
I KNOW!!!!! Luken is great!! And honestly needs someone to love him after all those years of unrequited..
DeleteLOVE your work! PICK ME!!
ReplyDeleteLOL.. great campaigning!!
DeleteSooooo generous of you, Ms. Roane! I own your series, but I've yet to start it. :( Shauni's review was so grand; it's been bumped up to the top!!!
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to ask: Leto....who was your inspiration for the name? Jared??? Swoooooooooooooooon..... ;)
Carmen!!!!
DeleteMake sure you get to ALL of the blogs so you have a chance to win that NOOK!!
Then start reading this series!! It is beyond awesome! BR had Caris visit us last January.. you can check out her interview HERE.. as well as reviews and yes the Endelle's Ensemble contest..
Enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeletebituin76 at hotmail dot com
Welcome to BR Jan.. hope you enjoy ALL of the excerpts!!
DeleteI'm really glad to follow this tour
ReplyDeletethank you a lot! ( yes loyalty i'm still there^^)
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
it's a fun tour isn't it? Just checking out all the different posts!!
DeleteHi! Looking forward to the next installment! Love, love love!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Sandra!! Glad you enjoyed it
DeleteLove the series and wishing you Happy Hoildays!! cano.melissa01@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteIt's a fabulous series, isn't it?
DeleteYes it is, I finished Gates of Rapture on Sunday. I was trying to read it slowly but it didn't happen. I hope we get to read about Zack, Luken, and Santiago, and how they find thier brehs.
Deletecano dot melissa01 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds really good, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletepnrurbfantasyreview @ Hotmail.com
oh it is so worth it! This is an excellent series and I look forward to each book for what seems months..
DeleteHi, again everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm here to announce the Rafflecopter winner! Paloma, congratulations! I'll be contacting you by email very soon.
Remember, you can keep working the tour forward for chances at more prizes!
Hugs all around,
Caris
Congrats to the rafflecopter winner. Count me in for the grant prize, please.
ReplyDeletecatherinelee100 at gmail dot com
Interesting excerpt!
ReplyDeleteI have read this series since book one was released. I absolutely love this new unique world for the vampire genre. Can't wait to see what's next!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excerpt and the chance to win!
ReplyDeletenatasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com
Thanks for the awesome contest!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great series!
thompsonem3 at aol dot com