Phantom Pleasures - Chapter Four
Welcome back! to anyone who is here for the first time, welcome! Normally, on Jungle Madness Friday, one of the Plotmonkeys posts a fabulous contest. This week, however, I’m continuing my series of excerpts from my upcoming paranormal romance, Phantom Pleasures and today, we’re on Chapter Four! If you’d like to start from the beginning, click here!
But there’s still a contest! If you post a comment, you’re eligible to win a $20 gift card from Amazon.com. The winner from yesterday is posted at the end of this chapter. Enjoy!
-4-
This time, the awakening came slowly.
No rush of air.
No blinding light.
Just the gradual saturation of life into his body, the gentle peeling of his skin away from the moist oil and canvas that had held him captive for what he guessed must have been centuries. The moment his boot hit stone, his vision cleared. The red-headed woman was sprawled on the ground at his feet.
He hoped she wasn’t dead. Pity if such an enchanting female perished only to initiate his freedom.
On bended knee, he reached to touch her, but stopped before his fingers made contact with her alabaster cheek. Her auburn hair, pulled back tightly from her face, gave him pause. How many centuries had elapsed since the gypsy woman had warned him that a woman with flames in her hair would be the instrument of his destiny? Her predictions, thus far, had proved ominous. He’d married his wife, Anne, partially because of her station and dowry, and partially because her burnished tresses garnered renown among the whole of King George’s court. He’d been so curious if the gypsy’s prediction would prove true, he’d sacrificed his bachelorhood.
Yet despite the fire in her hair, Anne had proved cold as the Thames in winter. He’d then found himself with Renata, his mistress, drawn by her passionate mien and crimson curls. Too late he’d learned she used henna the first night they’d met and changed her hair color on whims of fancy. Sweet-natured and warm, Renata had been a welcome distraction during his sojourns to London, but she had not affected his destiny in any way.
Except on the night of his imprisonment, when he’d thought–for a brief, insane instant–that Rogan had trapped her in a painting.
He glanced from the woman on the floor to the portrait on the wall, now devoid of a subject. On the night of his sister’s disappearance, there had been a redhead in the portrait. In a corner shadow. In a doorway that did not exist. She’d lured him and therefore, had yanked him out of his time and in to this new world where machines flew in the sky and women, like the one now crumbled on the floor, ordered men in uniform about as if she were queen.
At that thought, he touched her. A lock of hair had escaped the severe queue she’d tied at the nape of her shapely neck, so he merely brushed the hair aside. She moved, made a sound quite like a cat’s mewling.
He looked up.
No, it was only Rogan’s cursed cat.
Golden eyes ablaze, the flat-faced feline leaped out of the portrait, landing on its paws with a skilled bounce. The infernal animal stared at him accusingly, as if to suggest Damon had once again developed a soft spot for a woman with red-hair.
Despite the animal’s uncanny presence, Damon dismissed its omniscient look. He cared nothing for this woman except that she had somehow freed him.
She was, admittedly, beautiful. And before the force of the magic had knocked her unconscious, responsive. He hadn’t missed how her nipples had hardened beneath her blouse or how her breathing had changed when he’d entered her mind with his sensual suggestions. She might have made a worthy conquest, if not for the fact he had only one thing on his mind at this moment–escape.
“What do you think, beast?” He scowled at the animal, still unsure after all these years if the animal was friend or foe. “Is she the one who shall be the instrument of my destiny?”
The cat replied by licking its paw.
With a frown, Damon stood and assessed his surroundings, his eyes drawn instantly to the door across the great hall.
“Or perhaps, she already has.”
He strode down the stairs, invigorated by the stretch of his muscles, the power in his thighs and shoulders. He breathed in deeply and the smells of the sea were unmistakable. With a backward glance, he noted that the woman who had freed him remained on the floor. A pang of something he assumed was guilt nearly caused him to pause, but he managed to push the intrusive emotion aside and concentrate on his goal.
Freedom.
Nothing would delay him.
Nothing and no one.
Not even the beautiful flame-haired woman who’d freed him from his prison.
At the top of the stairs, the cat howled.
Damon continued to the door.
He grasped the latch, but didn’t yet pull. What manner of insanity existed outside these castle walls? He touched his waist. His sword was long gone. Machines that flew might be just one insignificant hint of how the world had changed. Damon was an educated man, a resourceful man. But even he understood that a man out of time would be vulnerable in ways he might not adequately anticipate.
Still, he couldn’t remain here any longer. Rogan’s castle brimmed with dark, evil magic. Questions ranging from the deep and philosophical to the shallow and mundane coursed through his mind. Were his brothers still alive as he? Had they found his sister? Vanquished Rogan? There was no ocean near Valoren, so he knew the castle no longer existed there. How did one move a castle? And was he now in England? He’d heard the strangers speak as they milled beneath his portrait prison. They did not sound like any of his countrymen, but they spoke the mother tongue. At least, a bastardization of the language. Had his country changed so much over the years?
He pressed down on the latch.
Nothing happened.
He tugged and pulled, bracing his arm on the other side to create leverage. He buoyed all his strength against the lock, straining until sweat broke out on his brow.
From across the hall, the cat hissed.
With a curse, Damon stopped. Apparently, the witch on the landing had only released him so far. What magic did she brew that kept him entrapped?
He crossed the hall in seconds, then took the stairs three at a time, catching her as she raised herself on her arms and groaned.
A sensual sound, even when laced with pain.
“Move slowly, my dear,” he said. “You’ve suffered a great shock.”
She defied him instantly, spinning to face him with a decided bounce on her backside.
A rather lovely backside, truth be told.
“Who are you?” She winced as she smoothed her hand over the back of her head. “Or should I ask, what are you?”
She slid her palm over her forehead, squinting beneath her fingers despite the dim light on the landing. Damon glanced at the torches, unlit for all these centuries. He wondered if there was a way to light them when suddenly, they flamed to life.
Interesting.
“I could ask you the same question,” he said, extending his hand to her.
She looked at him defiantly, her expression crisp with suspicion.
“I mean you no harm,” he emphasized.
“Then explain the knot on the back of my head.”
“A consequence of the dark magic imbued into these castle walls, I suspect.”
“Your magic?” she asked.
He sniffed derisively. “Hardly. I wouldn’t have trapped myself here, would I?”
Though her wary expression did not falter, she accepted his help in standing. Her hand was small in his, but her intrepid comportment compensated for her lack of size. The minute she regained her balance, she yanked her hand from his and stepped back to establish distance.
“I apologize, my lady. As for what I am, I cannot yet say. As to whom, I am Damon Forsyth.”
She popped the tie holding her hair in place, releasing the auburn strands in thick, shiny waves. She sighed. Apparently, loosening her hair alleviated some of the pain in her head. Her jaw relaxed, but only slightly.
“So, Damon Forsyth, are you dead?”
Damon glanced down at his body, examining the course texture of his breeches and the slick leather of his boots. “I do not believe so, madam. Quite frankly, I’ve not felt this alive for centuries.”
“Then what are you?”
“I’m quite certain I do not yet know. Previously, I was the son of John Forsyth, a British Earl and governor of a gypsy colony in a land called–”
“–Valoren?”
Damon gaped. “You know this place?”
She shook her head. “No, I don’t know it at all. Just the name. And you’re not in Kansas anymore, Sir Damon. Then again, neither am I.”
Wavering on her feet, she reached out to find her balance. Luckily, Damon was the nearest solid object. Her hand gripped his powerfully and for a split-second, he imagined those same fingers seizing his naked shoulders or raking across his back.
He cleared his throat and shook the bawdy image from his mind. “What is this…can sis?”
She snickered. “It’s Kansas. Wizard of–oh, nevermind. Okay. You’re not dead. And unlike when I saw you in the window earlier, you are now solid. Which means?”
Damon took a second before he realized he was supposed to provide the missing information to her supposition. “I know not, my lady. My last memory includes a powerful anger toward a dark sorcerer. I must suppose that this anger led me here.”
She blew out a breath and managed to stand solidly on her own. “So, you pissed off some magician who locked you in the painting?”
Damon winced. Such language from a woman of breeding was wholly unexpected, but nonetheless, intriguing. “What makes you think I angered him?”
She broadened her stance in a pose that looked vaguely defensive. “He wouldn’t have trapped his best friend in here in all this time, would he?”
Damon thought of the cat. “I would not be so sure.” Eyeing her skeptically, he wondered at the breadth of their conversation. For a woman who’d just confronted someone whose presence could not be explained scientifically, she appeared mostly unruffled. Did such occurrences happen daily in her century?
“You have no trouble accepting that I am a man out of time?” he asked.
She laughed. Not a tinkling, genteel giggle, but an out-and-out guffaw. “I have a lot of trouble, believe me. But I can’t ignore what is right in front of me.”
Nor could he. She was hauntingly lovely with eyes the color of leaves in spring and skin that despite a natural pale hue, glowed with life. But mostly, she possessed a fire he’d never witnessed in a woman so young, so lonely. She’d reacted to him too easily to be a woman who warmed herself regularly in any man’s bed.
“Perhaps I am not real at all,” he offered, wanting to verify his suspicions, “but a figment of your powerful fantasy?”
Her shock, followed by a quick flash of anger, told Damon more than she intended, he was sure. That she was lonely. That she was in need of a lover. And that she wasn’t happy about it. Not, at least, when someone else voiced her innermost desires.
She pinched him on the arm. Instinctively, he stepped back and voiced his displeasure with a random curse.
Her chuckle infuriated him, but he had to admit, she possessed a wealth of courage. She’d turned the tables, saucy wench.
“You’re as real as the knot on my head,” she insisted. “At least, for my purposes. Question is, why are you here?”
Damon took a deep breath, invigorated again by the rush of air into his lungs. This, coupled with his attraction to this beautiful, headstrong woman, was a sensation he never wanted to forget. “I have no idea, my lady, but I do intend to find out.”
Her hand shot out and grabbed his wrist before he could react. He squelched his instinct to twist out of her grip, startled by the heat of her flesh. She turned his hand and pressed her fingers tightly on his palm. Satisfied by what she felt there, she quickly scratched her nails across his skin.
He winced. “Is this a new form of greeting?”
She pulled his hand closer and watched as nail marks swelled.
“You feel pain, you have a heartbeat and blood flow,” she assessed.
Damon attempted to gently remove his hand from her grip, but she held tight. With no need to demonstrate his power at the moment, he simply arched a brow.
She released him, but showed no repentance at her audacious behavior.
“You have not yet reciprocated,” he reminded her.
“Excuse me?”
Absently, he rubbed the spot where she’d marred his flesh. “Your name?”
“Oh.” She thrust her hand at him. “Alexa Chandler, president and CEO of Chandler Enterprises.”
He glanced skeptically at her hand. He gave her a sweeping bow, then stepped aside.
She pulled her hand back. “You weren’t solid before,” she said, ignoring his obvious faux pas.
“I dare say, you know nothing of who I was before, Miss Chandler. Or it is Lady Chandler?”
She snorted. “I take it you’re from England, originally.”
“We are not in Britain now?”
“You’re in the United States.”
He searched his brain, but found nothing. “Where?”
“Sorry. The colonies. Only we’re our own country now. You are now in the United States of America. But,” she said, her eyes narrowed as she dismissed the information she offered as insignificant, “when your hand went through the window upstairs, you were not solid. Now you are. Care to explain?”
Damon pursed his lips. This woman was incredibly observant, wholly single-minded and didn’t exhibit the least indication of fear in the face of the unknown or supernatural. Either the world had changed completely from when he last lived free, or else she was a remarkable woman of courage. From the painting, he’d watched her command the crew of sailors that had searched the castle for signs of his existence. He’d heard her negotiate and issue orders to the young man who’d shown concern over her safety, which she’d promptly dismissed. Clearly, this Alexa Chandler was a woman of importance and power.
Just the sort of woman who might be able to set him completely free.
“Yes, ‘twas I in the window, but no, I was not solid then as I am now.”
“What changed?”
“You. You unlocked my soul from the portrait.”
“Your soul? You said you weren’t a ghost.”
“I do not believe I ever died.”
“How can you be sure?”
He took a deep breath. “How can a ghost, whose body has perished, take solid form?”
She nodded, chewing on her bottom lip charmingly while she pondered the situation. A thinker, this one. Practical and logical. He wasn’t sure he knew many women of her ilk in his day. Clearly, he was frequenting the company of the wrong women.
“Okay, I’ll give you that one. Ghosts are not, to my limited knowledge, ever solid. Then, what are you?” Her luminous eyes fixed on him, even as her voice pitched with desperation to understand. “Some sort of lunatic?”
He smirked, though he supposed the possibility existed. The whole of the situation teetered on the absurd, but he knew enough about Rogan’s black magic to accept that this situation did not exist within a damaged mind. “I cannot say, but since I’ve proven my ability to fade in and out of view with a mere thought, the onus of sanity would be on you, would it not?”
She nodded. “Right. Can’t argue there. However you became trapped in the painting, you certainly aren’t stuck there any longer.”
His gaze darted toward the door. The reins had loosened, but he was still trapped by Rogan’s curse.
He’d emerged in a different era, but he doubted that outcome had been part of Rogan’s grand design. More than likely, the sorcerer had laid magical traps in his castle to stop anyone from interfering with his and Sarina’s escape. Rogan had known about the coming horde, just as he’d known Sarina’s brothers would come for her. The trap may have not been meant for Damon specifically, but it had been sprung nonetheless.
“There’s so much I don’t understand,” she admitted.
“I’m sure I’d be additionally fearful for your sanity, my lady, if you did comprehend my situation fully.”
She snorted, but he found the sound quite charming.
“Because of the gypsy curse, I have stepped out of my time and into yours. When I was entrapped in the painting, the year was seventeen hundred and forty-seven, a year after the defeat of the Great Pretender at Culloden.”
Her eyes widened.
“What year is this?” he asked.
She bit her bottom lipagain, drawing instant attention to the fullness of her mouth. “Oh, only two thousand and eight. I think I need to sit down.”
Even as she made the confession, he saw no weakness in her. Her skin had bloomed with color. If she swooned now, he’d have to suspect her action was a weak attempt at gaining his sympathy.
Yet why would she need to play such games? As far as he knew, she could leave the castle any time the same way she entered–unencumbered and free to move about at will. But if she left, how would he escape? He needed her. She’d already helped him breech one barrier. Chances were, she could help him progress further once he determined the means she’d used to get him this far.
Unless, of course, her touching the painting had trapped her as well.
“I’m sorry,” he said, gesturing to the empty landing, “there is no furni–”
A chaise lounge appeared a few feet behind them.
She spun around.
“Where did that come from?”
He arched a brow. “I’m not entirely sure,” he replied, glancing at the flames flickering in the sconces.
Rogan had built this castle. On more than one visit, Damon had suspected a common magic allowed the sorcerer to keep the place running with only a small number of servants. Perhaps the magic still existed, now at his beck and call.
What did that mean about Rogan himself?
To the curse?
Anger and confusion surged through him, but Damon held his emotions in check. First, he had to ensure that Alexa Chandler didn’t leave until he was able to follow.
“The chaise looks comfortable enough,” he assured. “Why not have the seat you so desire.”
He allowed his voice to deepen at the word desire, and from the indignant flick of her eyes, she felt the affects of his suggestive tone.
Sharp, this one. And sensitive to sensual hints. She’d either prove woefully easy to seduce, or ridiculously resistant. Either way, he didn’t doubt his ultimate victory. He was, after all, the Forsyth heir. Challenges fed the men in his family with as much nourishment as meat and wine.
At the thought, a table appeared beside the chaise, laden with steaming brisket, a pewter decanter and two matching goblets.
“Stop that,” she ordered, spinning on him with fire in her decadent green eyes.
He crossed his arms tightly over his chest. “I’m afraid that is easier said than done.”
She matched his stance, tilting her chin in a valiant attempt to mask her lack of height. “Why?”
“Because, my dear lady, I have no idea what, exactly, I am doing.”
Alexa Chandler narrowed her gaze, assessing him with cunning worthy of a man, but incredibly alluring when coming from a woman. “I find that incredibly hard to believe.”
His gaze locked with hers in a battle Damon knew could have serious repercussions.
For both of them.
“Then I’ll just have to convince you.”
Want to read more? Click here!
———–
Comment #26, Dixie R! Please email me at julie at julieleto dot com with your snail mail address and I’ll get the gift card to you right away!
The excerpts will continue this weekend, but the server that hosts this website is being transferred, so there might be a few glitches (hopefully, not too many!) If for some reason you post a comment this weekend and it doesn’t show up, pop me an email for your entry–only send it to julieleto at gmail dot com so that it doesn’t route through the server. I’ll remind you all tomorrow!
And remember…the best way to guarantee you can read more of this book come Tuesday is to pre-order your copy either through Amazon or by calling your local bookseller! Happy Reading!
Thanks for the great week of reading!
Comment by Maureen — March 28, 2008 @ 6:15 am
What a fun week! Thank you Julie. These excerpts have been wonderful,and I can’t imagine that anyone would need convincing to buy the book after all this.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Comment by Stacy ~ — March 28, 2008 @ 6:25 am
I’m enjoying the time difference because I am reading the chapters earlier!
Gail
Comment by G — March 28, 2008 @ 6:36 am
Finally they meet!
What happens next?
Comment by Bunny B — March 28, 2008 @ 6:39 am
Another great story Julie! I love this one alread!!
Comment by ev — March 28, 2008 @ 7:08 am
Great excerpt!
Comment by Minna — March 28, 2008 @ 7:13 am
Great idea Julie!! I can’t wait to find out what happens!1
Comment by Laurie G — March 28, 2008 @ 7:18 am
Loved the excerpts!! I can hardly wait to find out what goes down next!!
Comment by Laurie G — March 28, 2008 @ 7:23 am
Wow, you are really keeping us going - you certainly know how to weave the words.
Happy weekend to all.
Comment by Pat L. — March 28, 2008 @ 7:25 am
This is getting better and better. I can’t wait for tomorrow. Thanks for something to look forward to each day.
Comment by Cheryl S. — March 28, 2008 @ 7:30 am
What a fun week Julie! It’s always great to get a sneak peek, but you went above and beyond! Thanks! Happy Friday everyone!
Comment by Carolyn A. — March 28, 2008 @ 7:36 am
I love it when the male lead admits that he has no idea what he is doing!!!!
Comment by Rowena Cherry — March 28, 2008 @ 7:40 am
This story is so good, Julie, I can’t stand it! Thank you for posting all these fabulous excerpts. I can’t wait to read more. I’ve already pre-ordered the book so I will have it in my hot little hands soon. He He He
I love the way you’re slowly building their awareness of each other masterfully mixing it with the conflict. A triumph, my dear, a triumph. I’m so proud.
Have a fabulous Friday all,
Cher
Comment by Cher — March 28, 2008 @ 7:57 am
I’ve got to catch up on this story!!! But Janelle moving to Oregon?? Wow congratulations on that - I think LOL and if you need somebody to do a review for you I still review for FAR so give me a yell if you need me.
Comment by Missy — March 28, 2008 @ 7:58 am
O julie I cant believe the week is over
Can you do it again next week? lol It was so fun getting a sneak peek everyday. I will miss it! Have a good weekend!
Comment by TAMMY — March 28, 2008 @ 8:04 am
I have enjoyed all the great excerpts this week. Have a great weekend everyone.
Comment by Crystal B. — March 28, 2008 @ 8:05 am
Ah…the plot thickens. I love this book, Julie.
My only worry is getting my Amazon order before you stop posting chapters.
I have a question…how many books have you written in this series thus far?
Hint, hint…I’m going want more after this.
Hugs,
Lara
Comment by Lara Santiago — March 28, 2008 @ 8:10 am
Another great excerpt!
Comment by Stacy S — March 28, 2008 @ 8:18 am
We want more.
Enjoy your wekend.
Comment by Dina — March 28, 2008 @ 8:33 am
First, the excerpts will go on this weekend. If it entices any of you to come back this weekend…Sunday’s post comes with a rating and a warning.
I know a lot of you only check in during the week, but you can always come back on Monday and check the archives. In fact, I’ll add a link to the end of Carly’s post for Monday if she doesn’t mind.
Also…once those last two excerpts go up…there’s an eighth excerpt that I’ll announce! It won’t be here, though…
Lara, thanks for asking…I’ve written one more book, PHANTOM’S TOUCH, which will be out in December. I’m also working on the next book after that, KISS OF THE PHANTOM. I’m writing the first chapter now so that it can be put in the back of TOUCH.
Rowena, me, too!
Hi, Missy! Welcome back! You must have received our Plotmonkey newsletter. I’m sure Janelle will be posting about Oregon next week. It looks so beautiful there.
Comment by Julie Leto — March 28, 2008 @ 8:43 am
I can’t wait for the next chapter! One of my bookstores normally puts a few new releases out on Saturday. I will be by there first thing to check.
Comment by Liza — March 28, 2008 @ 8:46 am
Oh, I love the furniture and stuff appearing! Can she open the door? I must know! And if she can, can he follow her out? I’m on pins and needles for the rest! Must get this book!
Comment by Ellie — March 28, 2008 @ 8:57 am
Great reading…love the excerpts and glad to know they will continue through the week-end. I am anxious to find out more.
Comment by Shari C — March 28, 2008 @ 8:58 am
It’s been very hard for me all week to come to your site and not read excerpts from your book since I don’t like reading more than the back cover of a book ahead of time. Somehow I have managed. I am so looking forward to buying this book. Happy weekend everyone!
Comment by Barbara-Jo — March 28, 2008 @ 8:58 am
Ohhh….this is my fist day here this week but I am already intrigued by this excerpt. I will definately be getting this one. I love it! And I have been in a reading funk…thanks for giving me the nudge to get out of it.
Comment by Kelly F. — March 28, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Happy Friday! You certainly have my attention with your daily reads!
Your book sounds intriguing. Have a great weekend…..Thanks,Cindi
Comment by Cindi — March 28, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Thanks for the excerpts. Have a great weekend.
Comment by ruth — March 28, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Hi Julie,
Did I write to tell you I got the box of books from you this week? Just wanted to send you big, BIG thanks for the extras.
Now then, here it is Friday already and I can’t believe I haven’t checked my favorite blog at all this week.
Where does the time go? I haven’t even been that busy.
Comment by Karen H in NC — March 28, 2008 @ 9:22 am
You’re an angel for giving us this sneak peek. Or maybe a devil. You’ve left us hanging again. WTG!! I hope they’re stuck for a while. That could get really interesting. Either way, I want this book. Ya’ll have a great weekend.
Comment by Janet H — March 28, 2008 @ 9:39 am
wow now I am glad I pre- ordered. my only question is what kind of cat was that damon was talking to. A flat face describes a few different kinds. thank you so much for sharing these excerpts with us.
Comment by jaimie — March 28, 2008 @ 9:42 am
This story is incredible! It just keeps getting better and better. When does it come out again? It’s now on my tbr list.
Comment by Margay — March 28, 2008 @ 9:46 am
Jaimie, in my mind, the cat is a Persian. However, I could not verify the year the cats were actually called Persians (they’re a very old breed) so I never actually name it. I posted a picture in comments yesterday about the cat that inspired Dante–my Persian, Miss Kitty, who died a few years ago, but who was with me when I originally came up with the idea for this book.
Margay, the book comes out TUESDAY, APRIL 1! Mark your calendars! (Or better…pre-order!)
Comment by Julie Leto — March 28, 2008 @ 9:50 am
Julie, you are just full of mystery and surprise this week! Thanks
its been fun! And I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s read 
Comment by Tina Martinesi — March 28, 2008 @ 9:56 am
The excerpts have been great! I’m glad we will get more over the weekend. Looks like I’ll be making a trip to B&N on Tuesday!!!
Comment by Kristin Beyersdorf — March 28, 2008 @ 10:05 am
Just read the sneak peek of he book and it is going to be one of those books that will be addictive, not being able to put down. Love the title! Wishing everyone a fantastic weekend ahead!
Comment by Tamara Bennington — March 28, 2008 @ 10:05 am
You know what goes good with chocolate? This book.
Comment by Karen Lingefelt — March 28, 2008 @ 10:12 am
This story keeps getting better and better. Have a great weekend everbody.
Comment by Rebekah — March 28, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Well… it’s my first time to this website (thanks to carly for the bookmarks that led me here) and I have to say I’m thoroughly addicted. I’m thinking I will have to pre-order a couple of these books for some of my customers… seems I have a new author I can get people addicted to
Thanks for sharing, can’t wait until the next installment!
Comment by Nettisue — March 28, 2008 @ 10:17 am
It keeps getting better and better. I’m loving it.
Comment by Vicki — March 28, 2008 @ 10:21 am
[...] Monkeys Testing the Plot Monkey Blog « Phantom Pleasures - Chapter Two Phantom Pleasures - Chapter Four [...]
Pingback by Plot Monkeys » Blog Archive » Phantom Pleasures - Chapter Three — March 28, 2008 @ 10:22 am
April first is a really good day, then - it’s also my niece’s birthday. Would it be horrible of me to buy myself a present, too? Can’t wait!
Comment by Margay — March 28, 2008 @ 10:24 am
ok I am hooked. I am going to have to order the book. I don’t like not knowing what’s going to happen. Congrats on a great book.
Comment by Jen Hall — March 28, 2008 @ 10:34 am
I’m hooked! Just reel me in! I can’t wait to get my copy from Amazon. I have a feeling this will be a book that I will read again and again. Thanks, Julie!!!
Comment by Carol R — March 28, 2008 @ 10:43 am
This book has me hooked. I have to buy it now. Great excerpt!
Comment by Nicole Price — March 28, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I hope everyone runs to their computers and bookstores and buys this book… Its awesome… its been so nice of you to share with everyone.. i know i will be buying a copy..
Comment by Jolene — March 28, 2008 @ 11:04 am
What a great week! I’m so hooked now I’m definitely going to have to buy this book.
Comment by Christy H. — March 28, 2008 @ 11:06 am
They finally meet! Congratulations to Dixie R! I’m so excited about this book - poor guy, all those “pop culture” references and being trapped… I’m hooked!
Comment by limecello — March 28, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Oh wow! Furniture appears with just a thought from Damon. This keeps getting more mysterious. How can he do such things? Using the present as the year he comes out of the painting is going to be fascinating to see how he handles all the changes in the world! I love it Julie! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Comment by Melis L. — March 28, 2008 @ 11:11 am
Congrats to Dixie! And I can’t believe the week is over.
BUT the weekend is here! 
Comment by kriss — March 28, 2008 @ 11:12 am
Another great excerpt, Julie! What will happen next (everyone wants to know)?
Comment by Susan P. — March 28, 2008 @ 11:13 am
What would really be neat is if he could not only think up furniture, but think the place clean
then pass that little helpful tidbit onto the rest of us 
Comment by Nettisue — March 28, 2008 @ 11:16 am
I can’t wait to read the rest of the book!!!
Comment by Claudia — March 28, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Thanks for yet another chapter!
Comment by Lily — March 28, 2008 @ 11:37 am
I have enjoyed reading the excerpts. I have added this one to my TBR list
Comment by JOYE — March 28, 2008 @ 11:54 am
Julie, what a great story. Thank you for sharing, it has been a very enjoyable week.
Comment by Ardie — March 28, 2008 @ 12:07 pm
Great way to into a new book!! Love it!!
Comment by Tiffany — March 28, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Have a great weekend
Comment by Mona — March 28, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Comment by Karen B — March 28, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Wow! Yet another fabulous excerpt! Have a great weekend everyone!
Comment by Cherie J — March 28, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
Another great excerpt! Thanks for the great week of reading.
Happy Friday everyone!!
Comment by Katie B. — March 28, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
I’m enjoying all the excerpts! Have a great weekend everyone!
Comment by Carol — March 28, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Whew! Janelle…we had snow up here today….it’s not sticking in the lower areas (but snowing really bad…nothing like standing waiting for the bus in the snow!), but sticking in the higher areas! :cold: :santawhat: :santahat: :wreath:
mastree:
Comment by katie — March 28, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Thanks for sharing the chapters this week Julie! It’s been a blast. I preordered the book last night.
Comment by Tammie P. — March 28, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
Another fantastic excerpt - I’m hooked!
Comment by Wendy — March 28, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
I’m so ready for the weekend to be here. I’m beat!
Comment by Ashley V — March 28, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Wow - loving it!
Comment by Stephanee — March 28, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Wow very nice. HAPPY FRIDAY ALL!
Comment by nancy — March 28, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Congrats to all the winners so far! great excerpts
Comment by catslady — March 28, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Wow I am enjoying these tidbits alot… after reading this much, I am going to have to read the rest…GREAT STORY!!!
Comment by Colleen — March 28, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
Phantom Pleasures is going to be a huge seller! I know it has been added to my TBB list.
Comment by Susan — March 28, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Phantom Pleasures sounds really good! I have it on my wishlist!
Comment by Amy S. — March 28, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
Wow! After this week & the great reads I think you have a best seller on your hands! You are a winner Julie.
Congratulations Dixie! Have fun with that gift card!
Happy Friday to all.
Comment by Donna M — March 28, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
It has been a wonderful week. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.
Comment by Gigi — March 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Enjoyed the excerpts all week!
Comment by Teresa W. — March 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
Happy Friday everyone! I can’t wait to read the next chapter. I’m going to pick up this book at my local bookstore.
Comment by Janet — March 28, 2008 @ 1:38 pm
thanks for the great reads; we have snow today also but it’s melting almost right away. Have a great weekend everyone.
Comment by RobynL — March 28, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I want to
already. I can’t wait for it to come out and get my copy. When it releases near me I am going run 
to get a copy *g*
Thank You Julie for the awesome excerpts this week. Love the cover and the title as well.
Have A Wonderful & Safe Weekend All.
Hugssss
LindaH
Comment by LindaH — March 28, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
Wonderful, Julie….I can’t wait to see the romance flesh out between Damon and Alexa. If the rest of the book is half as good as the scenes you’ve chosen, you’ve got a hit on your hands!!
Thanks for sharing this week, and I can’t wait to read the whole thing!!
Comment by Melissa — March 28, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Looking forward to tomorrow’s excerpt - I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this week’s readings!
Thanks so very much!!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — March 28, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
What a great week, thanks for posting the excerpts each day, it gives us something to look forward to.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Comment by Joanne — March 28, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
WONDERFUL READING–LOOKING FORWARD TO TOMORROW AND
GETTING THE BOOK.
ALICE IN TEXAS
Comment by ALICE — March 28, 2008 @ 2:13 pm
I’m enjoying everything I’ve read. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!!
Comment by RachaelfromNJ — March 28, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
I’m loving it, Julie! Thanks for getting me hooked. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Comment by Robin — March 28, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
Loving the way the story is unfolding.
Comment by cathy m — March 28, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
Comment by Georganna — March 28, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
I’m thoroughly loving this! And I’ve added it to my book shopping list.
Comment by Tori Lennox — March 28, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Ah… thanks for the next installment, Julie! And congrats, Dixie! Happy Friday, everyone!!
Comment by Fedora — March 28, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
Agh… I have to wait to read more. Great so far, can’t wait to see what happens next!
Comment by Beth — March 28, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
I can’t wait for Tuesday!! Great read
Comment by Jeannine L — March 28, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
The excerpts are great. Can’t wait to read the book.
Comment by Joan Woods — March 28, 2008 @ 4:35 pm
Julie, I haven’t been on the board in awhile due to illness. What a great surprise when I clicked on today and saw what you have done this week with the excerpts to your new book. What a way to capture a person’s interest. You have to go out and buy Phardom Pleasures after the sneek peek that you have given us.
Have a great weekend and good luck to all on the gift card.
Comment by Tina Byrd — March 28, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
Woo Hoo…great excerpt!
Comment by Darla — March 28, 2008 @ 4:46 pm
Can’t wait to read the next excerpt. This is a fascinating story.
Comment by Jane — March 28, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
thanks for the great read!
Comment by Nicky Vo — March 28, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
Thanks for the contest!
Comment by Nathalie — March 28, 2008 @ 5:22 pm
It just keeps getting better and better. You do a great job in making the reader feel the tension between Damon and Alexa. Having them question each other’s sanity was really funny. Of course, I really enjoyed his bafflement when Alexa was checking to make sure he was real and solid.
Having this book to read is just another reason to wish my exam was over already. Of course, I’ll probably have to break into my preparation time over the weekend so I can read the next two chapters you’re going to post.
Comment by Karin — March 28, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
These excerpts are amazing! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Hugs, Zara
Comment by Zara — March 28, 2008 @ 5:37 pm
Julie,
I went to Borders during lunch and preordered my copy!!! yeah!!!!!
Comment by Tricia — March 28, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
Loving this!
Comment by Lis — March 28, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Thanks, Tricia! I’ll be doing a signing at the B&N second Saturday of April. If you can come, bring your Borders copy along…I won’t tell!
Comment by Julie Leto — March 28, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Thanks for the great week of reading
Comment by Cherylann — March 28, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
I have a day off, finally.
What WONDERFUL TREAT to be able to spend the day reading such a
delicious story. I can’t wait for the rest. The book is A MUST BUY for me!
Hugs and Thanks
Comment by jeannie and zoey — March 28, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Jules, I love it…I am so glad that they finally met…Damon ponders some great questions, many of which I ask myself…I can’t wait to see the sparks fly between these two…is Rogan watching everything through the cat? Is the cat friend of foe? Did he really see Alexa in the painting, which prompted his emergence into 2008? I can’t wait to find the answers to these and many more questions…this has been a great week…I can’t wait to see what you show us tomorrow…hopefully my package from Amazon comes very soon, so that I can continue reading this very intriguing story…Have a great night…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — March 28, 2008 @ 7:58 pm
Have a great weekend
Comment by nellymom — March 28, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
just keeps getting better and better!
Comment by sue — March 28, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
Comment by Margaret Adams — March 28, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Julie I have to say excertps are the best way to draw me to an author. I can’t wait to read more or for the book to come out. Thanks for a great week of reading
Comment by erin — March 28, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
Thanks for the week of great excerpts!
Comment by Kathleen — March 28, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
Comment by gypsy — March 28, 2008 @ 10:12 pm
Blessings,
Rhonda
Comment by Rhonda Barnes — March 28, 2008 @ 10:21 pm
OOOO I hope things work this weekend!
Comment by Melissa — March 28, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
Can’t wait to read the rest!
Comment by Yolanda — March 28, 2008 @ 10:38 pm
I want a Damon of my own! Can’t wait for the next chapter and I really can’t wait for Tuesday!! This book is already smoking. Congrats to all the gift card winners
Comment by Terri T — March 28, 2008 @ 10:57 pm
Wow! this book is going to be great. I can’t wait to get ahold of it. In the meantime the excerpts are a great way to end the day.
Comment by Nichole L — March 28, 2008 @ 11:10 pm
It’s been a great week
Comment by Jeanette Jackson — March 28, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
I have enjoyed reading these excerpts. Thank you for giving me something to look forward after a hard day at work. I am waiting for this weekend to read some more.
Comment by Pabast — March 28, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
Awesome!!! I was gone for appt yesterday and all I could think about what reading the next chapter so I got to read two tonight
So good!!! You have a great weekend!
Comment by Caffey — March 28, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
wtg dixie
Comment by kim h — March 28, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Oooooh, I came for the contest but will go back to read the entries!
Comment by Jeanne R — March 29, 2008 @ 1:16 am
This is definitely on my to buy list. Great excerpt.
Comment by Ann M. — March 29, 2008 @ 2:29 am
Loving it!! Best of luck with your writing!!
Comment by Laurie G — March 29, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Enjoyed the excerpts. Thanks for a great read.
Comment by Joan Woods — March 29, 2008 @ 7:55 am
Comment by Margaret Adams — March 29, 2008 @ 10:06 am
that book sounds hot cant’ wait for tuesday to get it
Donna
Comment by Donna — March 30, 2008 @ 2:22 am