Sunday, February 13, 2011

How to make a mermaid…

The first kiss my heroine, Ciel, receives from her merman soul mate, is a powerful mix of magic and passion…which transforms her into a mermaid.

Excerpt from Chapter 1, Tears on a Tranquil Lake, fantasy romance

The ‘gator wanted to drown me….make me an easier meal.  A chill passed through my body and I shivered. Feverish heat built up inside me, spreading from my head and torso down my limbs. Eventually the wild drumbeat of my heart obliterated everything. I panicked and tried to move, but lacked control of my muscles. Immobile and helpless, I could only listen. The throbbing pulse dimmed as the lake’s waters claimed my life. I submitted…mind blank to all except the faint thump. For an immeasurably long time I heard its rhythm fading away. Seconds or dozens of minutes, I didn't know; altered perception foiled my judgment. 
            Then, a touch against my face—shattering my delirium.
            Fear engulfed my barely conscious mind. What was it? Death seemed welcome compared to experiencing an alligator attack upon my body.
            Something soft caressed my lips, not at all like hard reptilian scales.           
            My sense of touch heightened. Encouraged by returning consciousness, I struggled against the darkness. My eyes searched, yet still failed to see.
            Soon, I understood the feeling of lips pressing upon mine. Their burning heat made me panic. I tried to jerk back, but had no muscle control, no way to resist. They forced my lips apart, and a fiery tongue thrust inside my mouth.
            In short time my limbs tingled with renewed sensation. Attempting to thrash my arms, I found them both secured.
            The mysterious tongue persisted, searing my own.
            Strangely, the warmth moved across my entire body and I calmed, mesmerized by this unusual kiss. In some curious manner it restored my consciousness. Peacefulness spread over me, and I accepted this connection as my life force. Our kiss grew pleasurable and I slipped my tongue along the other. Waves of passion rippled through my body and I desired whatever being touched me. Wanting to know more, I opened my eyes. Light pained my limited vision.
            A hazy image flashed in front of me.
            I pulled back, ending the kiss and viewed a sweep of dark hair turning away, moving up toward the surface.

Blurb:
What a surprise for a young woman, to find herself suddenly transformed into a mermaid.

Ciel’s first thought – track down the merman who changed her and make him reverse his magic.
Unable to find him, survival in her new world becomes paramount. She eagerly accepts help from a dashing pirate captain who takes a fancy to her, lavishing her with finery. When her merman does show up, he competes for her affection. One look into his eyes makes her life more complex -- he is her soul mate.

Which man will she choose – pirate captain or merman? Which life – human or mermaid? Caribbean adventures and dangers chase Ciel as she searches for decisions and the key to her happiness.

Warning: This book contains Haitian vodou, sultry wenches, foul-mouthed scalliwag pirates, overindulgence of fine Caribbean rum, and amorous encounters on deserted beaches.

Links:
ISBN: 978-1-926931-29-6

9 comments:

Faith Bicknell said...

Love this sort of material and what an intriguing excerpt. Also, what a beautiful cover!

bicknellbrown@sbcglobal.net

Jason said...

I've always thought mermen were sexy. :)

Marsha A. Moore said...

Mermen are very sexy!

Thanks lots, Faith!

Cate Masters said...

Love the mashup of historical and paranormal. Talk about a life-altering kiss! Great excerpt!
cate.masters at gmail.com

doxymom said...

Love the cover. This one's on my To Buy now too.


doxisrcool at aol.com

Marsha A. Moore said...

Yes, I agree Cate, that was a powerful kiss.

Thanks for your interest, Doxymom! :-)

desitheblonde said...

i would like the merman

Justine Darkholme said...

Very nice! I like your voice. :)

Marsha A. Moore said...

Thanks for the wonderful compliment, Justine!