THE BLACK LOTUS TOUR+GIVEWAY
The Black
Lotus
by Claire Warner
Release Date:June 29th 2014
Summary from Goodreads:
....though I would dearly love to play court to you, I would hurt you more than any other.
It is 1752.
The year that will change the life of heiress Melissa De Vire. As she makes her first fumbling steps into society, she meets the handsome young cad Justin Lestrade and his world tears her perceptions apart. For Justin is more than he appears and his secrets and enemies are manifold. Drawn irresistibly to him, she finds herself sinking into a realm of feuds, magic and old curses and her life will never again be the same.
by Claire Warner
Release Date:June 29th 2014
Summary from Goodreads:
....though I would dearly love to play court to you, I would hurt you more than any other.
It is 1752.
The year that will change the life of heiress Melissa De Vire. As she makes her first fumbling steps into society, she meets the handsome young cad Justin Lestrade and his world tears her perceptions apart. For Justin is more than he appears and his secrets and enemies are manifold. Drawn irresistibly to him, she finds herself sinking into a realm of feuds, magic and old curses and her life will never again be the same.
Buy Links:
About the Author
When I was a child, I made up games and
characters when my sister and I played with dolls. As I grew older, I would
make up scenarios and scenes, fully intending to write them down but never
finding the time. In my late teens, I discovered the world of role playing and
settled into an avid ‘geeky’ life of D&D, comics, sci-fi and fantasy
fiction. Years passed and I finally gave voice to the stories in my head. I
write romance, fantasy, action and adventure. I love tales of steampunk and
history, tales of magical powers and dark curses lurking in the shadows. Though
The Black Lotus is not my first attempt at a novel, it is the first I have
finished.
And some fun facts about me:
I sew.
My favourite Disney film is Atlantis.
I’ve been a film extra and stood 5 feet
away from Sam Rockwell.
Babylon 5 is my fave sci-fi show.
I cried at the end of Toy Story 3.
Author Links:
Excerpt
(1):
“I’m Justin
Lestrade, I’m sure you’ve been told about me.” In his warm voice she could hear
suppressed laughter and she smiled, answering his amusement with some of her
own. Even so she wondered at his hidden laughter for she felt that it was not
directed toward the conversation but at something she couldn’t quite
understand.
“My brother did
mention you,”
“Of course he
would have done,” The amusement thrummed through his voice and she was sure
that he was quite aware of her brother’s warnings. “And you would be Melissa De
Vire? Yes I’ve heard quite a bit about you. You’re the toast of the room.” The
laughter spilled from his voice and spread across his face, it made his
features look less jaded, more human. There was something magnetic about his
voice; it held a confidence beyond the norm for a man his age and a mildly
derisive humour that she couldn’t fathom.
“Only because
I’m a fresh face,” Melissa replied, a soft smile touching her lips. “I got the
impression that I was a shiny new toy.” She took a sip of the sweet wine and
relaxed a little more.
“Well that silk
does suit you well,” Justin responded, the compliment falling easily from his
lips. “Green is your colour,” He beckoned a waiter carrying a laden tray
forward and removed a small glass of canary. Dismissing the servant with a
wave, he turned his attention back to Melissa. “I daresay shiny new toy is the
best description for you at this point. It’s your first night in society;
people are supposed to be curious and intrigued.”
“Intrigued?”
Melissa asked, her eyes shifting from his handsome face with required modesty.
“You are an
unknown. And the unknown is always to be explored.” His eyes sparked as he
regarded her and he smiled. Melissa felt her breath catch as he turned that
devastating smile full on her. There were layers to his conversation, meanings
that she knew were not for a lady or at the least were meant for someone more
versed in the arts of seduction. Ordinarily such a conversation would leave her
tongue tied and stammering, yet he put her at such ease that she felt confident
in replying.
“Perhaps the
unknown is best left a mystery.” She answered finally, her fingers sliding over
the smooth glass in her hands as she stared at him.
“Perhaps,” He
conceded, “but exploring a mystery is a wonderful venture.” He lifted the glass
to his lips and delicately took a sip. Melissa followed the motion, drawn to
his mouth and its sensual twist with an interest that could not be considered
academic.
“What if the
unknown wishes to remain unexplored?” It was a bold question and one she should
not even be thinking of saying, yet his manner seemed to draw it from her. His
rakish smile encouraged indiscretion and for once in her ordered existence she
revelled in the opportunity to be free with her thoughts.
“Does the
unknown have a choice? What if the explorer decides to find out all he can?”
His voice was honey soft and seductive.
She met his
eyes boldly. “Then perhaps the unknown will poison him unexpectedly.” Shock
flickered through his gaze like summer lightning at her daring and for a
second, their conversation stuttered to a halt. Melissa did not drop her gaze
as a modest lady should and they both stared at each other. Melissa’s frank
gaze meeting his startled one as the room gossiped and danced around them.
Justin laughed;
a low chuckle that broke the unnatural silence and relaxed the tension
surrounding them. “This explorer always
treads carefully,” He conceded finally as the chuckles subsided. “And chooses
the safe path,” He sipped the canary and sat back, regarding the girl before
him with more interest than before. “What has your brother imparted about me?”
His eyes laughed as he looked down at her. “All bad I daresay,”
Melissa De Vire is about to make her debut into society and find herself a husband. But Melissa would rather shooting with her brother than attend balls any day. As the pressure of being a young lady who's family's reputation depends on making a good match weighs on her, Melissa starts to hate the hypocritical and voracious gossiping nature of her society, If slapping a lord at her first ball didn't already make her the subject matter of every conversation, catching they eye of Justin Lestrade did. Justin is a handsome and rich young lord with no history and no attachments to any woman despite his constant flirting but Melissa's outspokenness and vivid honesty catches him unaware and what was once a challenge becomes true affection. But Lestrade isn't who he says he is and his secrets will put Melissa's life in danger.
I think my only issue with this book, was the length. It was quite long and had a very slow start and tended to drag on at times. Other than that, the plot did pick up after a while and i can't say much without spoiling everything,.I can say that it was a fresh and unique take on immortality. I know, when you read immortality you think vamps and angels right? This kind of immortality is much darker and less,,,sparkly (Edward ref lol :P)! It's more on the lines of a dark, dangerous curse and people wanting revenge for being victims of the curse! Plus there was this really subtle but present piece of a thriller due to the murders of the young women.
Marcus De Vire, Melissa's brother, is one of my favorite characters! If you've read some of my other blog posts then you might know i'm a total sucker for cutesy and adorable bro-sis relationships! Marcus was so sweet and protective of Melissa throughout the novel. And most importantly, he understood her, he didn't dismiss her problems but went to talk to her about it. He understood that she was sick of being treated like and object and even took her shooting! Yeah LOVE THIS DUDE!
Melissa and Justin were such an awesome pair. Melissa was the fiery, determined and headstrong girl and Justin was the insufferable flirt that could be such a softie sometimes! The setting was perfect! Super well described with all the Victorian feels and balls and visiting old ladies and hearing them rant about gossip-just a perfect representation of the time setting!
Overall, a great and rich tale of love, curses and societal pressures! If you can get past the slow start then you will definitely enjoy this book!
3 comments
I was intrigued when I read "It is 1752" in the synopsis but your review totally won me over. It really sounds like my kind of read so it definitely goes on my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteThat moment when you realise you're never gonna finish your TBR :P
DeleteUgh. Tell me about it. lol
DeleteThanks a million for taking the time to post a comment :)