Almost a year ago, I shared an excerpt from MIDNIGHT GAMBLE as it was rereleased with its shiny new cover, in e-format for the first time, as well as trade paperback along with the rest of my “Touched by Midnight” vampire romance series. A proud moment, to see a treasured book resurrected and well received. It’s back again, this time discounted to only $0.99 (!) until January 15, so it’s only fitting that I dig up another sneak peek to toast the new year along with this sleek, dangerous couple about to meet in a deadly dance for the tango of their unnatural lives.
Eduard moved closer to the glass, unaware of his own gravitational response, his fingertips pressing to the cool surface between them as if it were the only barrier keeping them apart.
He watched her, mesmerized by the way she crossed the crowded room, a smooth ripple of motion disturbing nothing in her wake as if she moved through a world separate from theirs.
He’d forgotten to continue his pretended breathing as a stillness settled over him, a deep, preternatural calm that could go on undisturbed as centuries swirled by unnoticed. Time, which had lost all meaning within the realm of his existence, ceased altogether as she came up to the glass. There, she stopped, and stared through eyes as green and precious as that valuable Korean porcelain.
Of course, she couldn’t see him, just a coincidence that she appeared to meet his stare with an unwavering, all-knowing directness. And then she lifted her hand.
He thought at first, she would touch her tousled crop of hair to rearrange some errant strand as she looked into her own reflection, but she reached out toward the glass, instead, her own fingertips finding his, matching their spread upon the opaque mirror.
Gasping, he pulled his hand back as if he’d felt her touch at the same moment, hers drew away as if sensing the contact had been broken.
He was breathing now in quick agitated snatches though he required no air to sustain him.
MIDNIGHT GAMBLE has everything I love to read - History (it takes place during the Roaring ’20s!), the paranormal (Vampires!), darkness and danger (she’s a hunter about to play into his deadly game), suspense (a past mystery unfolds to claim a new generation), and, of course, romance (the irresistible, seductive kind). The research was almost as much fun as the writing, especially the chase scene through Coney Island after hours. If you haven’t already partaken, enjoy the nibble and perhaps, take a bite . . .
I must apologize for not visiting everyone last week. After germ-rich family outings with the grandson during his five-day visit, I succumbed to a nasty case of conjunctivitis (They’re not kidding when they call it Pink Eye! I looked like a Killer Bunny horror movie!) that made it painful to do a lot of screen time, and have been really icky sicky all this week. Thank goodness it was an attorney/client free week at work since I was very contagious. Finally, the plague ship has sailed and I can’t wait to see what’s happening with everyone in this brand new year!!
Happy Writing, fellow warriors!
Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.
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Happy New Year, Nancy. Hope you are germ free soon.
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing start! I am hooked ;-)
Thanks, Kim! I'm on the mend . . . finally!
DeleteGreat description! Nice writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cara! Right back atcha!!
DeleteGlad to hear you're better. Kids are such germ carriers. But we love them anyway. Love this excerpt. So vivid.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di!! Little pestilence dispensers. What can you expect from Toy R Us and Chuck E Cheese? A great time was had by all, though.
DeleteSo glad you're feeling better, Nancy, and welcome back!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a powerful scene! This bit made me laugh: 'He’d forgotten to continue his pretended breathing' - Talk about a great hook! Well done! :)
Thanks, Julie!! And yes, it's great to see out of both eyes and not look like something out of 28 Weeks Later.
DeleteRich, evocative writing, as always!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the pink-eye. I used to carry wet wipes or small bottles of hand cleanser around with me at school when we had an outbreak. Still, I contracted it once. Talk about burnt-itchy misery. You have my sympathy! Glad you are well on the way to recovery.
Thanks, Patrish. There is no escape. I get sick twice a year - his spring break and his Christmas break. But it's worth it! Maybe next year I'll get a hazmat suit!
DeleteFabulous last line - breathing in agitated snatches. Great snippet. Tweeted.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Daryl, for the comment and the Tweet!
DeleteFascinating snippet, so gracefully revealed to capture the reader.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charmaine! Like one of those pretty poisonous things.
DeleteWhat a compelling and vivid scene. I wonder how much she sees, or does she just sense his presence? Guess I'll have to keep reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexis! I guess you will!
DeleteA great piece - superb writing. A style that I can only aspire to. Sorry about the illness. I had the same, and my eyes became infected. Horrible. Hope you are fully recovered.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel. I can't believe how much difference a few days makes from Dawn of the Dead to full recovery. Awful business when you have to still take care of business.
DeleteHe's so confident she can't see him, and then she does. A great twist!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica! Heeheehee!
DeleteSomething very creepy going on here!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!!
DeleteGreat imagery here. Intense, curious and so vivid. Drew me in.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen! That's all I can hope for!
DeleteDoes she really not see him? Or does he just think she can't? Mystery.
ReplyDeleteIt's a two way mirror. Sooooo . . . yes, creepy.
DeleteGreat romantic setting. Curious as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Angelica! Curiouser and curiouser!
DeleteHe required no air, eh? That means you can't describe your heroine as breathtaking. Glad you're feeling better.
ReplyDeleteOr heart stopping! Snort!
DeleteWow--I held my breath while I read that--and mine is not pretend. That is excellent writing, Nancy! What a scene. What a description.
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling better. I'm in PA and pink and the flu-like, bronchitis crud is going around here, too.
All the best to you in 2017!
I don't have a post up this week. Just dropping by to see what you're writing these days. :-)
Not sure, but I'm thinking she can see him, and wants to touch him. Not sure if he's excited or frightened by her movements. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteHe feels so isolated, but she clearly has a connection to him. Now all he has to do is reach out again...
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling all better!
Gah! You're writing is so good! Loved all of this. Also, I'm glad you're feeling better. :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool excerpt, I loved the way their fingers matched on the glass. This snippet definitely makes the reader want to keep turning the pages now. Terrific!
ReplyDeleteThough he required none to sustain him! Love it!
ReplyDelete