Thank you, Melissa, for letting me visit Books and Things! I’m so excited to be here, celebrating the release of PHANTOM SHADOWS, the third book in my Immortal Guardians paranormal romance series! Bastien and Melanie’s story was so much fun to write! I thought today I would give you a glimpse into their characters through a character interview.
In case you’re new to my Immortal Guardians, I’ll just take a moment to explain that the vampires and immortals in my series are both infected with a rare symbiotic virus that produces the increased speed, strength, and regenerative properties, as well as the photosensitivity and need for blood, that both possess. Vampires are humans who have been infected with the virus. They suffer brain damage that causes them to rapidly descend into madness. Immortals are gifted ones, men and women born with advanced DNA, who have been infected with the virus. Their advanced DNA protects them from the madness and bestows upon them special abilities that help them as they hunt the maddened vampires who prey upon humans.
An extensive network of humans aids the immortals, including Seconds (personal guards). Today a Second by the name of Sheldon will be interviewing Melanie and Bastien.
Sheldon: Thanks for sitting down with me for an interview, guys.
Melanie: Thank you for agreeing to do it. I know Chris Reordon often conducts interviews and didn’t think he would be able to . . . get past . . .
Sheldon: The deep-seated hatred he feels for Bastien?
Melanie: Yes.
Sheldon: His desire to kill him?
Melanie: Yes.
Sheldon: His–
Bastien: We get it. First question.
Sheldon: *clears his throat* Right. So. Melanie, how do you like working with vampires on a daily basis? You’re the first mortal to do so for this length of time.
Melanie: It’s been an amazing experience. And a heartbreaking one, too. The vampires surrendered during Bastien’s uprising and were provided with apartments down at network headquarters.
Sheldon: Right across from your office.
Melanie: Yes. It was a difficult adjustment for them, but they’ve settled in nicely and have really advanced our understanding of the virus and the madness it causes.
Sheldon: Were you scared?
Melanie: I was nervous at first. Who wouldn’t be? But, working with them every day, getting to know them . . . They’re friends now. Family. It kills me that I haven’t been able to help them.
Bastien: You HAVE helped them.
Melanie: I haven’t found a cure. And, even if I did and managed to destroy the virus, they would be left with no viable immune system.
Bastien: You’ve helped them, Melanie. In dozens of ways. And, if anyone can find a solution to this, you can.
Sheldon: *nods* That’s what everyone is saying.
Melanie: That’s a lot of pressure.
Bastien: But you’re handling it beautifully.
Sheldon: *smiles* They say that, too. So, what do your colleagues think of your working hands-on with vampires?
Melanie: I don’t really think about that.
Bastien: *snorts* The men are total wusses and make snide comments because they’re too cowardly to do it themselves.
Melanie: You know about that?
Bastien: Yes.
Melanie: How?
Bastien: The walls at the network aren’t soundproof. The vampires hear EVERYTHING that goes on there and passed it along.
Melanie: *nibbles her lower lip* You didn’t . . . do anything . . . did you? To remedy it, I mean? Because there haven’t been any snide comments of late and I’ve been wondering why.
Bastien: I may have held a conversation with Dr. Whetsman and his cronies.
Melanie: *groans* Bastien, what did you do?
Bastien: *innocent look* Nothing . . . *sly smile* . . . that they didn’t deserve.
Sheldon: *laughs as Melanie groans again* You’d better hope Chris Reordon doesn’t find out. He already wants your head on a platter.
Bastien: I’m pretty sure they won’t tell anyone.
Sheldon: I bet they won’t. Now, Bastien, you seem to spend an awful lot of time at the network visiting the, uh, vampires.
Bastien: They’re like brothers to me.
Sheldon: And it’s purely a coincidence that you usually visit during times they’re working with Dr. Lipton?
Bastien: Yes.
Sheldon: Dude, come on. I saw you kiss her.
Bastien: No, you didn’t.
Sheldon: Yes, I–
Bastien: *eyes flash bright amber*
Sheldon: *swallows* No, I didn’t.
Bastien: *nods, eyes returning to their customary warm brown*
Sheldon: Okay, off the record, I did. Note I said OFF THE RECORD, so you don’t have to hurt me.
Bastien: And?
Sheldon: And she didn’t try to stake you, so she must have been willing. Melanie, when did you first realize you had a crush on Satan?
Melanie: *laughs* You love to live dangerously, don’t you? I was intrigued by Bastien before I even met him. The vampires talked about him often in their early days here. Still do, in fact. And I liked what I heard. Once I met him, *sends Bastien a flirtatious glance* I liked what I saw just as much.
Sheldon: Gag. Bastien, when did you first realize you had feelings for Melanie?
Bastien: None of your business.
Sheldon: Good enough.
Melanie: *laughs again* He isn’t what you think he is, Sheldon.
Sheldon: Right.
Melanie: Bastien is a good man, not the monster so many believe him.
Sheldon: He raised an army of psychotic vampires with the intention of destroying all Immortal Guardians.
Melanie: That was just a misunderstanding.
Sheldon: Uh huh. You’re not going to convince me, so I’ll just change the subject. Melanie, rumor has it you can kick some serious ass.
Melanie: *blushes* Not really.
Bastien; Yes, she can. I’ve seen her in action. Melanie can hold her own against vampires, an amazing feat for a mortal.
Sheldon: Really? I thought only Ami could do that.
Melanie: I’m not nearly as good as Ami.
Bastien: Melanie is a superlative warrior.
Sheldon: But, how is that possible? You’re a doctor, not a Second.
Melanie: Chris wouldn’t allow me to work with the vampires unless I could defend myself with as much skill as possible. I underwent extensive training in weapons and martial arts.
Sheldon: That. Is. Hot.
Bastien: Yes, it is.
Sheldon: I love strong women.
Bastien: As do I.
Melanie: *leans into Bastien’s side*
Bastien: *eyes flash a brilliant amber once more*
Sheldon: What just happened?
Melanie: Bastien can feel the emotions of anyone who touches him and is . . . reacting to something he felt when I leaned into him.
Sheldon. Oh. Ohhhhh. Gross. He’s turned on, isn’t he?
Bastien: Interview’s over.
Sheldon: Hell, yes. Melanie, it was nice to see you again. I have the name of a good psychiatrist if you ever want to have your head examined and find out why you like this guy so much.
Bastien: If you don’t want to get an eyeful of my naked ass, I suggest you leave now.
Sheldon: I’m out.
Bastien: And remember, this was off the record.
Sheldon: Far off the record. So far off the record that the record can’t even be–
Bastien: Sheldon.
Sheldon: Right. *hustles out the door*
Bastien: *caresses Melanie’s face* I still don’t know what you see in me.
Melanie: *catches his hand and presses a kiss to his palm* Don’t worry. You will someday.
Phantom Shadows
Dr. Melanie Lipton is no stranger to the supernatural. She knows immortals better than they know themselves, right down to their stubborn little genes. So although a handsome rogue immortal seems suspicious to her colleagues, Sebastien Newcombe intrigues Melanie. His history is checkered, his scars are impressive, and his ideas are daring. But it's not his ideas that have Melanie fighting off surges of desire. . .
Bastien is used to being the bad guy. In fact, he can't remember the last time he had an ally he could trust. But Melanie is different--and under her calm, professional exterior he senses a passion beyond anything in his centuries of experience. Giving in to temptation is out of the question--he can't put her in danger. But she isn't asking him...
Kindle Contest
Don’t miss my big kindle contest! In addition to the giveaway here at Books and Things, I’m giving away THREE Kindles (or Kindle Gift Cards if you already have one) to celebrate the release of PHANTOM SHADOWS. See my website for details.
Dianne's Website: http://www.dianneduvall.com
Blog: http://dianneduvall.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Duvall/248355201895532
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DianneDuvall
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVcJ9xnm_i2ZKV7jM8dqAgA?feature=mhee
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4400405.Dianne_Duvall
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dianneduvall
Dianne's Website: http://www.dianneduvall.com
Blog: http://dianneduvall.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dianne-Duvall/248355201895532
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/DianneDuvall
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVcJ9xnm_i2ZKV7jM8dqAgA?feature=mhee
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4400405.Dianne_Duvall
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dianneduvall
I hope you’ll enjoy Bastien and Melanie’s story! Thank you for joining us!
Dianne Duvall
Giveaway!
Oh now I hope you see why I enjoyed this one so much. And guess what? Dianne has offered one lucky winner the choice of any Immortal Guardian book! So if you need the first, second or third you can get the one you need! Oh and guess what? It's INTERNATIONAL! Sweet, right? To enter just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
i loved it ^^ especially the end they are so cute together.
ReplyDeletei admit i'm impatient to read bastien story, he had so many difficulties so he deserves a bit of hapiness ( but will he get it when the boss has other priorities....)
Glad you liked it! As soon as they met in Night Reigns, I knew Melanie and Bastien would be perfect together. :-) I hoe you’ll like their story!
DeleteGreat post, thank you. It's always fascinating to hear things from the authors point of view.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Good luck!
DeleteSince this is a new series for me, I'm so intrigued by the interview! Thanks, I can't wait to read them!
ReplyDeleteYay! I’m glad I’ve peaked your interest! I hope you'll like my Immortal Guardians!
DeleteThat was such I fun interview. I think Bastien scared Shelton just enough haha.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it! I actually grew to like Sheldon so much from having him conduct interviews like this one that I made him a more prominent secondary character in the series. :-)
DeleteAHHHH!!!! I LOVE THIS SERIES! I just completely ignored all the work I was supposed to do and sat down to read this one yesterday. So worth it. I love Bastien and Melanie. And Marcus and Ami. And Seth. SETH! I can't wait for his book. And Zach. Clearly, I love everyone:)
ReplyDeleteYay! Thank you, Jenny! I'm so thrilled you liked it! Zach is like Bastien and Ami. He totally surprised me. :-)
DeleteI do love Vampire crazy women... they make the best foils and the best victims. The poor schnuck she has set her cap on will be fighting who knows what, just to keep her safe.... from herself. LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL. Once Melanie decided she wanted Bastien, he didn't have a chance. :-)
DeleteHm, I can't choose between those men, so who would fit me best? (he must like chocolate, lazy days and kitties ;)
ReplyDeleteWohoo international!!!!! And any pick, yay
My Immortal Guardians love kitties. Particularly crazy kitties who pick fights with larger beasts who can best them. LOL.
DeleteVampires are sexy, oh my! Would like to read and review this book. Giveaway/contest.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue! Thanks for joining us! I've always loved vampire romances. :-) I hope you'll enjoy Bastien and Melanie's story!
DeleteI loved this interview and i just cann´t wait for the book, i´ve waited foreeeever ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and Happy Thursday!
//Linda
Hi, Linda! I'm glad you liked it. I love your gravatar or avatar or whatever it's called. :-) It always makes me smile. Good luck! I hope you'll like Bastien's story!
DeleteI love the interview! Thanks for the post and the awesome giveaways!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth! I'm glad you liked it! Good luck!
DeleteI loved it and they are so great together!!! Great giveaway and I soo love the book covers!
ReplyDeleteHi, Jolene! I'm glad you liked it. The book covers, too. :-) Good luck!
DeleteLove the interview. what a fun way to do one!! I will be getting this book asap!
ReplyDeleteHi, Miriam! I'm glad you liked it! I hope you'll enjoy Bastien and Melanie's story! Good luck!
DeleteI love finding new books to read! Thank for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lisa! Thanks or joining us! I hope you'll like my Immortal Guardians! Good luck!
DeleteCan't wait to get my hands on this book!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Muffley! I hope you'll like it! Good luck!
DeleteI loved the blurb about and between your characters, makes me want the book even more than I already did.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane! I hope you'll enjoy Phantom Shadows! Good luck!
DeleteAwesome giveaway! And men are totally wussies. LOL!
ReplyDeleteLOL! Thanks for joining us, Savannah! Good luck!
Deletegreat interview!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joleene! Good luck!
DeleteI loved the interview, it really gave me a sense of the characters. I'm looking forward to getting started on this series more than ever now.
ReplyDeleteHi, Barbara! I'm glad you liked it! I hope you'll enjoy my Immortal Guardians! Good luck!
DeleteI love this series and the character interviews are hillarious. They totally crack me up. I can't wait for the next book, bring it on.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel! I'm so glad! Good luck!
DeleteThanks for the awesome interview and congrats on the newest release ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erin! Good luck!
DeleteVery fun interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm glad you liked it! Good luck!
DeleteLove finding a new book that sounds delicious and decadant! Thank you so much for the wonderful excerpt!
ReplyDeleteErin
Thanks, Erin! Good luck!
DeleteGreat interview! A lot of fun to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteThanx for the awesome giveaway! ;)
Thanks, Nina! I'm glad you liked it! Good luck!
DeleteI had the most fun reading the interview! I laughed and felt all warm and cozy at the same time. I loved the silent communication between Melanie and Bastien! So much fun! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammy! I'm so glad! I love making people laugh. :-) Good luck!
DeleteLoved the interview and can't wait to read the book! Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway too!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kazza! I hope you'll like Bastien and Melanie's story! Good luck!
DeleteGreat interview! Sad that the rafflecopter isn't showing up for me though.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! I'm sorry the rafflecopter isn't showing up. Do you have a different browser you could try? I know some browsers won't let me reply to or post comments on blogs, so perhaps its a browser glitch.
DeleteNever mind, I just needed to refresh the page to get it to show. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Glad to hear it! I didn't see this before I responded. LOL.
DeleteWhat a fun-filled interview. And by reading it, I know book 3 will be a fun and exciting read like the first two.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Hi, Tracey! I'm glad you liked it! I hope you'll enjoy Bastien and Melanie's story. :-) Good luck!
DeleteI'm glad I stumbled upon this post. I got Phantom Shadows at AAD a few months ago but I'm new to the series. This interview helped quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you'll like it. Perhaps you'll win one of the first two books here. :-) Good luck!
DeleteI really look forward to reading this series, I love the covers. Thx for a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteblinkysthebest at aol dot com
Thanks, Lona! I hope you'll like my Immortal Guardians! Good luck!
DeleteI am thinking that Sheldon is going to be in trouble if Bastien sees this post. I am really looking forward to reading PHANTOM SHADOWS. I have the first two books and this has been on my must have list :)
ReplyDeleteJune
manning_J2004 at yahoo dot com
LOL. Sheldon gets into trouble a lot. :-) I hope you'll enjoy Phantom Shadows! Good luck!
DeleteI really enjoy your books- I'm excited that a new one is out!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad! I hope you'll like Bastien and Melanie's story! Good luck!
DeleteCharacter interviews are always so revealing. I loved this thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! Character Interviews have become my favorite kind of blog tour post. :-) Good luck!
DeleteBas and Mel are so sweet together. :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Krissy!!! I knew Melanie would be perfect for him the first time they met. :-) Thanks for stopping by! Good luck!
DeleteI loved character interview.. Looking forward to read this book
ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope you'll like it! Good luck!
DeleteSounds great. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! Good luck!
DeleteThe interview was fun. Love the series and am looking forward to HEA's for all the guardians!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm so glad you're enjoying the series! Good luck!
DeleteHi, Heidi! I'm glad you liked the interview! Nice blog! I meant to join your Something Wicked Comes event, but release week and the weeks leading up to it were so hectic that I forgot. :-(
ReplyDeleteI just heard of the series on here but now I can't wait to get ahold of a copy! Sounds fab :) x
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweat ending to the interview, now I really want to start reading your books. Thanks for the chance to win one.
ReplyDeleteCharacter interviews are a great way to give us, the readers, more insight into the characters. It makes the books even more enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. The interview alone makes me want to read the series.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Great interview. :D Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Sheldon likes to live dangerously. I like Bastien's attitude.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview can't wait to start reading this series :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI love character interviews as we get a closer glimpse of them. This sounds like a series that I'd really like and I can't wait to read them!
ReplyDelete