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I Want To Thank:
Extasy Books
for this opportunity,
Martine Jardin for making the cover,
my husband for making everything possible, helping me reach my dream and just
being my best friend,
those who supported, encouraged and helped and those who have read or will soon read this book.
The Story Behind The
Story:
Welcome to the story that
haunted me and made research interesting. Dark Hope was my fifth submission, acceptance
and contract that was designated for Halloween/paranormal, but missed the
intended date.
Thought of and very
roughly drafted October 2004, submitted July 2005, accepted August 2005, written
and contracted September 2005, published October 2005. I'm still
ecstatic!
This is my first attempt at a paranormal, but Dark
Hope is a story I learned much from.
Story Meaning:
Nicholas and Angelique
must overcome their curses to welcome their gifts.
Story Introduction:
A powerful vampire cursed by the dark of his own past, a
heavy burden to endure, Nicholas is fascinated by the intriguing angel
fate puts in his path. A blind witch filled with hope and gifted to see
what others can’t, Angelique wishes only to see what others do. United
under the protection of twin guardians, Matt and Zane, Nicholas and
Angelique become ensconced in a battle for their lives and their
worlds.
The Hero:
Six foot five, broad shouldered and cursed with a painful past,
Nicholas is a vampire with a dark tan complexion, brown eyes and
shoulder blade length chestnut hair.
The Heroine:
Five
foot one, slender and blind since birth, Angelique is a witch with a tan
complexion, sapphire blue eyes and hip length golden-blonde hair.
Special Mention:
A wonderful
editor for her immense patience, exquisite teaching, remarkable skill and
extraordinary talent.
Dancing Dragon Tattoos
for the helpful research on the art.
Arravis Zen for research
on the gift of crafting.
Missy, Melynda and Garrett for being the readers who endured all.
Cindy
for the loan of her ‘Twins’.
What's Been Said:
Reviews
Readers
Log Line:
No matter how dark life seems there is always... hope.
Sexual Warnings:
This book contains the following sexual activity:
M/F straight sex, M/F oral sex.
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BLURB
Blind and cursed, Angelique Sterling finds herself drawn into a
world she never knew existed. Cursed and powerful, Nicholas Von
Buren finds himself easily influenced by the unexpected surprise of
an alluring touch he feels.
Embracing each other, their self-proclaimed curses become gifts in
the smoldering eyes of the other. Their souls swirling in a tempest
of want and need, Angelique and Nicholas find something rare and
unique.
Their
time interrupted, their world threatened, this pair step forward to
close the open door leading into a realm most fear to tread. Trapped
between worlds with their fate in the hands of their powers, they
become ensconced in a battle for their lives.
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TEASER
EXCERPT
Ushered into the room’s entryway, Angelique sensed being both drawn
and pushed by a force not her escort. Uncertain, she eased closer
and both forces strengthened as her foot crossed the entrance. Fear
seized and, shaky, she stepped back. An enraged scream resonated
through the room. Brute force rushed forward. She spun, pushed past
him and slammed into the opposite wall. Frantic, she turned for the
stairs. The thud of his boots announced his big strides then his
hand seized her arm.
Nicholas drew her into a protective embrace. “Angelique, what's
wrong? You're deathly pale.”
She
buried her face against his chest, her voice locked in her
throat. His scent washed over her, filled her and intoxicated
her, but didn’t quell her fear.
“Tell me what you saw,” he commanded gently.
“Let me go, please.” Angelique fought the building tears. “Please.”
Unsure of whether to run or use him for a shield, her hands
clutched his shirt and half-pushed, half-pulled. She peered past
him toward the still open door. His body shift granted him a
glance over his shoulder at the open doorway.
Nicholas faced her, his sigh a concession. “I’ll shut the door,
but you must promise not to move. Understand?” Gentle, he
pressed her shoulders against the wall. “If you move, you
will fall down the stairs.”
Her
nod subtle, she shivered at the loss of his protection. The
hinges yielded a slight creak a moment before the door clicked
shut. She eased down the wall, sat on the floor and sensed him
crouch down before her. His concern warmed her, but her
trembling remained uncontrolled.
He
brushed a tear from her cheek with his thumb, his whisper soft,
“The door is closed.”
Angelique shook her head. “It’s still there.”
Nicholas furrowed his brow in puzzlement. “What’s there?”
“A
doorway.”
“I
can’t remove the door without sealing off the room. Such a feat
requires lumber,” he informed gently.
Angelique shuddered. “Not the door to the room. An opening to…
somewhere.”
“We’ll go downstairs and you will explain what you’re telling
me.” Nicholas captured her hands in his and stood with her mere
inches from his body. “Understand?”
She
slumped against the wall. “You know what I’m talking about.”
He
turned her and moved down the steps ahead of her. “What makes
you think such?”
Angelique followed, her hold on his shoulder guiding her steps.
“You’re a witch.” His rich laughter filled her ears, but she
disliked his sudden amusement.
“What makes you so sure?” Nicholas remained cautious of her
footing.
“I
just know.” She missed a step.
His pivot swift, his hands on her waist instantly steadied the
troubled angel. “You’re close, but not on target.”
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Paula Calloway
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