Patricia J. Esposito has a new MM paranormal romance out: Beside the Darker Shore. And there's a giveaway.
What might the ethical Governor David Gedden give up for one man's exquisite beauty? It's terrifying to consider when the man is a destructive blood prostitute and David is responsible for the state's peaceful vampire community. Blood sales in Boston are up, blood taxes support a thriving new nightlife, neighborhoods have been refurbished, and deaths by vampires have plummeted. David is assured reelection.
However, the blood addict Stephen Salando has returned from exile with one unalterable plan: to turn the good governor into a vampire. Stephen is an immortal dhampir, whose beauty obliterates reason, who rouses in David a fierce desire he's ignored his whole life. But for David to have Stephen, he must ally with an ancient vampire, the community's seductive archnemesis. To have him, he must become a killer himself.
Will David hold on to his ethical public life? Or will he follow what he most desires, a kiss with a killer to become a vampire himself?
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Cat gives this book 4 Meows with 2 Purr heat index...
There is sexual tension but actually sex is implied or off page. The orgasms come from vampire feeding and the feeding is like sexual feelings, this is why I rated the story 2 for heat.
There are warnings...this story is very, very dark. If suicide (it actually doesn't happen but a vampire tried to walk into the sun which is attempt suicide) and extreme violence and torture bother you it's best to skip this or read with caution.
Having said that, oh wow! This is a fabulous vampire story. You have the darkness, they are evil, yet you can't help fall for them. I was even rooting for Arturo to find what he was searching for.
There is several turns and lots of action. It's quite gripping and page turning and shocking... Yet it's not actually a romance. You could probably say it's a love story in a way.
If you like dark story, great world building, dark vampires, twists and a gripping heart wrenching story this is for you.
Giveaway
Patricia is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour.
Character Interview
The vampire Arturo de Rosa twists the thin gold chain around his neck, the cross hidden in his fingers, as he speaks. Despite the nervous gesture, his deep brown eyes remain steady on me, the interviewer. At times, he releases the chain, self-consciously.
Interviewer: Are you nervous?
Arturo: Yes. Because life goes along, you see—for centuries for some of us—and then we act, and there are consequences to every action.
Interviewer: Deadly consequences sometimes. Are you referring to what you did to Alex Marshall, to his vampire community?
Arturo: Isn’t that why we’re here?
Interviewer: Of course. Then let’s get to the point. Why are you trying to destroy a peaceful, working vampire community?
Smiling, the vampire settles back. For a moment, his intense stare sparks with curiosity. I find myself fidgeting.
Arturo: I care nothing about the community. It will thrive. I’ve no doubt about that. Despite odds, it seems to be working. There are enough “good souls.”
He leans forward, elbows on his knees, and my instinct is to shift back, but I’m frozen.
Arturo: Are you a good soul? Oh, mortal yes. Not a vampire. But how much of your nature have you sacrificed for others?
Interviewer: I don’t kill my own species.
Arturo: You kill others?
Interviewer: We’re not here to discuss . . .
Arturo: Your immorality. Nor the lion’s, nor the hawk’s, nor the killer whale’s. Nor the tornado’s random hit, nor the tidal wave’s demolition. Yes, we’re here to discuss my immorality.
Interviewer: This isn’t about food or forces of nature.
Arturo: Isn’t it?
The vampire looks off to the dimly lit restaurant of patrons murmuring over steak and lobster, sushi and wine. He raises a hand to stop my answer, then gestures to a server pouring wine at the next table. Her smile is tight.
Arturo: Restraint. Do you see it there? How well she holds her instinct? What is her pay here, do you suppose? What do you say? Should those mocking her with their side glances switch salaries with the young woman? Now that would be a sacrifice.
Interviewer: Yes, but . . . You are complicating the issue at hand.
Arturo: Ah, by all means, then let’s simplify it. I’m a vampire, and I kill humans. I don’t kill animals, oddly. Not my taste. Nor do I keep humans lined up in captivity for the kill.
He puts up a hand again to stop my protest.
Arturo: For the time that I’m drinking another human, I feel human. I feel all the wonder and desperation of this finite life, and yet I feel . . . Imagine walking into a cathedral or into the mountains, that wondrous feeling of being part of something large. Part of something . . . There you go. It takes words sometimes for me to understand. I want to be part of something.
Interviewer: Isn’t that the point of the vampire community? To be part of civilization again?
Arturo: I’m not arguing it isn’t. I said a part of something.
Interviewer: What then?
Arturo: Connection, but a natural connection, unrestrained.
Interviewer: Like love?
The vampire looks up, eyes hazed as if in memory.
Interviewer: You’re remembering something?
Arturo: The Great Mosque at Cordoba. Nine centuries ago, as a mortal boy. I felt beauty, grandeur, God perhaps, and all else felt insignificant.
Interviewer: You hold the cross. I thought you were Christian.
Touching the cross, Arturo smiles, but his eyes remain caught in that memory.
Arturo: What’s love but overwhelming humility? What’s pride but resistance?
Interviewer: Are you trying to destroy Alex Marshall out of pride? Resistance then?
Arturo: Why do you ask about pride instead of love? I love Alex. Do you know the legend of the Toltec god Quetzalcoatl? Quetzalcoatl gave humans tools and agriculture, art and song, mining and crafts. He was the creator of humans and society. Yes, you nod—this is like Alex and the community, you say. But the legend has it that the Toltec god of night brought Quetzalcoatl, high in his beautiful tower, the gift of a mirror. Looking into it, Quetzalcoatl fainted because what he saw was a man. He was merely human after all. And we are vampires.
Interviewer: I don’t think you answered my question. Why are you trying to destroy Alex and the community?
Arturo: Why do you call it destruction? I’m only calling him from his tower. To see me.
Interviewer: You don’t have to tear the tower down to do that.
Arturo looks at the server who sneaks a look at her watch.
Arturo: Don’t I?
In a graceful sweep, the vampire is standing, a dark and admittedly beautiful man blocking the restaurant’s glow. His gaze on me is more sad than frustrated, though impatience and defeat seem at battle in him.
Interview: You’re a simple murderer then.
Arturo: Perhaps. Perhaps as simple as undying hunger.
Author Bio
Patricia Esposito lives by the notion Luis Alberto Urrea once expressed: When the world is so dark and bloody, be brave enough to broadcast innocent joy. Dare to be naive. She has written edgy paranormal fiction for most of her life, but always finds beneath it a romantic heart. Her most recent fiction and poetry reflect that enduring quest for love and joy beneath the human struggle.
Patricia has received honorable mentions in Ellen Datlow's Year's Best Fantasy and Horror collections, is a two-time winner of Rhino’s Reader=Writer award, and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. With a Master’s degree in English, she edits law books and textbooks for income and tries to keep up with a retired husband and enjoy time with her two adult daughters—when she’s not off exploring the intoxicating realms of the imagination and chasing muses.
Beside the Darker Shore is her first full-length work of fiction. She welcomes the chance to meet other writers and readers through her website or Facebook page.
Author Website: https://patriciaesposito.com
Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016701095244
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Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@PatriciaEsposito
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Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/patricia-j-esposito/
Liminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/book/beside-the-darker-shore/
Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patricia-J.-Esposito/author/B005Y54YHQ
Thank you so much for hosting Beside the Darker Shore today and for your time in reading and reviewing the novel. I so appreciate your encouraging words. I always learn something new from reviews and that is valuable! After reading about your process in writing Survivor, I had to buy it. I love when characters jump in and begin telling their story! My best to you!
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