Veil of Shadows Seven Deadly Veils, Book 1
Paranormal Vampire Romance, Paranormal Werewolves & Shifters Romance
June 16, 2016
Kindle
328pages
Lord Valadon, CEO of ValCorp and leader of New York’s vampires, has become fascinated with Miranda Crescent, a human woman with powers only Elementals possess. As his enemies conspire against him, he becomes drawn to her, but knows any involvement with Miranda will only endanger her life because within the human population exists the Human Order of Light, a powerful hate group, who would see the eradication of the vampires.
Miranda Crescent is an authenticator of rare works of art who isn’t afraid of danger. Her best friend is the Were Queen and her mentor is a vampire ancient. At first, resistive to Valadon’s charms, she will risk her life to bring him the information he needs to thwart his enemies.
But Valadon’s second, the sexy and sarcastic Remare, believes Miranda is a member of the HOL working to destroy his lord. The chemistry between them quickly escalates as they search for those plotting against Valadon. But Remare’s first loyalty is to his lord. He can’t allow himself to care for someone Valadon has marked as his own…or can he?
2022 RCA Author Interview with Diana Marik
Interview by Sherry Perkins
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Paranormal Romance Guild 2022 Reviewer’s Choice Award nominee Diana Marik. If you’re wondering whether that applies to the drop dead sexy and mysterious creatures in her stories or advice to writers, read on!
My inspiration for Veil of Shadows comes from several sources. I have loved PNR and UF for years, not just books but movies, and TV series as well. My earliest influencers were Sherrilyn Kenyon and LK Hamilton. As a former teacher with a MA in English, I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could write a novel. I joined RWA and attended several cons to perfect craft and when I was comfortable, I wrote Veil of Shadows. I got lucky and worked with a kickass editor who knew how to inspire.
AN EXCERPT FROM 2022 RCA ROMANCE/PARANORMAL/FANTASY/VAMPIRES & SHIFTERS NOMINEE VEIL OF SHADOWS:
Miranda held on to the chicken strap as Abraham careened around cars at an alarming speed. When they sped past the Javits Center, she spotted two cars behind them. She knew she was in trouble. “Abraham, I have another twenty if you get us there in the next five minutes.”
“Not possible, but I get you there in ten.” He hit the accelerator, and they went flying down the highway.
Just get us there in one piece! She used her phone to call Valadon, but reached Remare, instead. “Remare, I need to speak to Valadon. Put him on, now.”
“Valadon is indisposed, and unavailable to take your call,” Remare said in a bored voice.
“Put him on, now!” she screamed. “I’m in a cab on West Side Highway coming to you. There are men in two cars following me. I need to speak to Valadon. It’s urgent! I think they’re HOL.”
Remare sounded incredulous. “And you’re bringing them…to us?”
She heard him utter an expletive as he hung up. Son of a bitch! Was he going to help her or not?
When they passed the sign for the Holland Tunnel she knew they were not far from ValCorp. She checked the rear window again. The cars following them were inching closer. Fuck! Her heart hammered in her chest; they might make it to ValCorp, but she was never going to make it up the stairs to the compound. Before the taxi pulled up to ValCorp, Miranda peeled out four twenties and stuck them in the tray. Then, she removed her shoes, thinking she could run faster with them off.
When the cab came to a screaming halt, she jumped out and heard the screeching tires of the cars following them. She didn’t bother looking back but sprinted up the stairs and across the front area of the building. She saw Remare’s smirk as he stood behind the glass doors.
Goddamnit! He wasn’t going to let her in. I’m so coming back from the grave to haunt your sorry ass. She glared at him as she felt the men closing in behind her. The bastard was actually going to throw her to the wolves.
At the last moment, Remare opened the door, swung an arm out to catch her, and tossed her behind him. He then sneered at the armed men who had pursued her. Through the glass, he said in a loud, commanding voice, “You are on vampire property. Cease your pursuit and return to your vehicles or your refusal will be seen as an act of aggression.”
Scherer and his friends stood their ground, animosity etched deep in their faces. Miranda wasn’t waiting for them to open fire and decided to get out Remare’s guns. She ran her hands up and down his back and sides.
Remare turned his head toward her. “Is there a reason why you are feeling me up?”
“Where the hell are your weapons?” Miranda said breathlessly.
“Search lower.” He smirked as he pulled her arm around his waist and casually stroked her hand.
Miranda dug her nails in his waist and would have slapped him on the side of his head, but at the moment, he was her shield. She held onto him as she put her shoes on, then peered around his shoulder.
“Look up.” He gestured outside and caressed her hand. “Who needs weapons…when you have an army?” He tilted his head to glance at her, his lips only a breath away from hers.
The Torians were stationed along the perimeter of the building. She recognized Morel’s voice as he said, “Continued refusal to vacate the premises is in violation of code. Further delay will result in apprehension and detainment for questioning.”
Scherer raked her with a scathing look. Miranda felt the kiss of evil.
The sneer he gave Remare was hardly amused, but Remare tilted his head as if to say, “Anytime you’re ready. Bring it on.” Then, Scherer’s men put their weapons away and turned to their cars. Scherer mouthed, “You made a serious mistake. Too bad you won’t live long enough to regret it.”
She exhaled a ragged breath. It was too late to think about consequences.
Remare faced her. “I suppose…you will now have to prove him wrong.”
ABOUT DIANA MARIK:
A long-time fan of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, Diana Marik is the award-winning author of the romantic urban fantasy series, The Seven Deadly Veils, featuring fast-paced action, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and smoldering romance. She grew up in New York City and has her MA in English Literature from Hofstra University. A former English teacher and a history buff, Diana loves discovering museums in whatever city she happens to be visiting. Her favorite spots to visit are the American Southwest, but she considers New Orleans her home away from home.
CONTACT DIANA MARIK AND ORDER VEIL OF SHADOWS AT:
Author Page: https://www.dianamarik.com/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaMarik7DV
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