Skin and Bones by Susan Harris
Published by: Crimson Tree Publishing
Publication date: June 7th 2016
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Derek Doyle has been a member of the Paranormal Investigations Team since the monsters revealed themselves to the world. Considering that he thinks a monster is needed to catch a monster, he’s definitely in the right place. As a lone wolf not used to letting many people in, neither man nor beast was prepared for the effect consultant Dr. Ever Chace has on them.
Growing up human in a world of supernatural creatures, Dr. Ever Chace has alwaysfelt a need to be special, to stand out. When asked to consult on a case where teens are being brutalized, she relishes the chance to make a difference and help stop a monster. But working alongside a wolf who she’s so drawn to could be the beginning of something Ever might never have envisioned.
Fate and Destiny have a funny way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. With a murderer on the loose, Ever and Derek will have to put their attraction to one another aside while the hunt continues.
Easier said than done… right?
They left the station and made the short journey to his car. Again, he opened the door for her, and she slid in with an easy smile. He rounded the car and slipped into the driver’s side. Derek started the engine and reversed, edging thecar out of the parking spot before he snuck a peek at Ever.
Her eyes were closed, and the faint sound of her breathing was all he heard as Everfell asleep beside him. He had no idea where she lived, and he was loathe to wake her.Home, take home, the wolf spoke to him, projecting his thoughts into Derek’s human mind.
With little option left, he drove the car to his house close to the airport and parked. Getting out of the car, he went around, opened the passenger door, and very carefully hoisted Ever up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. His wolf howled its approval as the soft heat of her breath dancedon his neck.
He shuddered under the intense feeling of pleasure that rippled through him, instantly feeling guilty because of the horrors the poor teens had been subjected to. But as Ever’s breathing deepened and dusk began to settle on the city, Derek strode into his house, startled by a stunning realization. This woman in his arms called to him on a most primal level and captivated both man and wolf.
Goddamn it—he wanted to keep her.
Interview
with the Warlock.
*May
contain language not suitable for younger readers*
The
time is currently 12.30pm and I’ve been waiting for the bones of a
half hour for my interview subject to turn up. Since I started
cataloguing the lives of the Paranormal Investigations Team from the
side-lines, interviewing members of the team has scared me half to
death. But, as I sit here awaiting the arrival of Richard, “Ricky”
Moore, my nerves have doubled and I consider upping sticks and
leaving.
Just
as I have made the decision to leave, the door swings open and in
strolls Ricky. Dressed in jeans, black boots and a short sleeved
ACDC tee, Ricky looks the epitome of a grunge God- very Kurt Cobain.
His shoulder length black hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail,
with his eyes covered by sunglasses. I can’t help it, my heart
skips a beat as Ricky removes his shades and I get the full Ricky
Moore charm offensive.
Beautiful
moss green eyes twinkle with mischief, the warlock grinning as he
apologizes for being late. I tell him it’s grand and glance down at
my notes, trying to be professional. When Ricky is relaxed, sitting
cross legged in front of me, I begin my questioning.
ME: Hey Ricky, thanks so much for talking time out to chat with me.
RM: No problems darling. Anything for a pretty lady. (his smiles deepens, revealing almost too cute dimples.)
Me: Let’s start easy…What’s your full name? When were you born?
RM: Richard, Spencer, Ignatius, Moore. Born July 9th 1987. If you laugh, I’m gonna be pissed.)
Me: No laughing I swear. (while biting the inside of my mouth to supress a giggle as he pretends to glares at me.)
Me: What religion are you, Ricky?
RM: (With a snort of laughter) The bloody Irish and our religions. Did you get some of your questions from the census? Feel like I’ve answered these questions before. (he flashes me a teasing smile and I return it.) I don't really practice a set religion but if I had to label it, I guess I am kinda sorta wiccan. I definitely try and follow their rede .... I am just not always good at it lol ... sometimes things just need to get done - whatever the cost.
Me: What kind of car do you drive?
RM: Ford Focus RS. She’s a beaut.
Me: What do you most dislike about your appearance?
RM: (Ricky arches his eyebrow.) Nothing. I’m gorgeous. Next question please. (He waves his hand in the air and I can only obey. And agree with him)
Me: What is the quality you most like in a woman?
He scrubs his jaw with his knuckles while he contemplates my question.
RM: Loyalty. You need someone in your life that you can trust. Someone that won’t run out the door when shit gets tough and you know will be there at the end of day, no matter how late you come home.
I’m shocked to hear anger laced in his words. I might not be a profiler, but I pretty sure Ricky’s been hurt before.
Me: What do you most value in your friends?
RM: The same I suppose. You need to know your friends have your back, will be there to catch ya when you fall. I’m lucky to have that…but shh, don’t tell them I said that.
Me: Have you ever cheated on a partner?
RM: People who cheat on their significant other are just plain scum. Next question.
Yup, definitely think he’s had his heartbroken before.
Me: Who are your heroes in real life?
Leaning back in his chair, Ricky folds his arms across his chest and grins.
RM: My team are rock stars. We hunt and apprehend the worst of the worst. Those guys all have their own B.S to deal with, but we are the best at what we do.
Me: That’s very sweet.
RM: You’ll realize I said we right? I’m for sure my own hero.
(Then again maybe not.)
Me: What’s your greatest regret?
RM: I don’t have regrets. You make a mistake and you learn from it. People who live with regrets, always looking back, never experience this big ole world we live in. So nah, I’ve no regrets. I’ve had major fuck-ups, but I’ve learned a hell of a lot from them.
Me: Ricky, what sort of music do you enjoy? Favourite song?
Ricky takes the time to fold his right leg over his knee.
RM: I enjoy most genres of music unless the songs are just utter tripe. Lyrics in songs should have meaning, not just repeats of the same line over and over again. I mean c’mon, anything with the lyrics bitches and hoes, is not real music.
Fave song, easy… Foo Fighters, The Pretender.
Me: We should get to some of the more important questions, if that’s okay?
RM: Sure, I can’t wait to see what you think are more important questions.
Me: Marvel or DC? Fave comic book hero?
RM. (Chuckles) Sweetheart, you know exactly the right questions to ask. Marvel for sure and you just have to go with Captain America for that right? I mean, he is truth, justice and the American way.
Me: So no point asking if you were TeamCap or TeamIronMan for Civil War?
RM: #TeamCap for the win.
Me: (Continuing on with a little geeky smile on my face.) Have you ever been drunk? What are you like when you stay up all night?
RM: Haha…stupid question darling. Hell yeah, I’ve been drunk…you ever tried going for pints with a werewolf and trying to drink him under the table? No, those morning afters are not pretty let me tell ya.
I burst out laughing as the image of Ricky hungover pops into my head.
RM: So not funny like. To answer your question, after staying up all night, I look as handsome as always. You know people pay good money to have that ‘I just rolled outta bed and look sexy as fudge’ look. That’s me for damn sure.
Me: What do you wear to bed? Have you any tattoos or piercings?
RM: Is this for your personal files babe, or something? Shit just got personal.
Me: (Holding up my fingers in the girl guides salute.) I swear these are questions readers wanted to know! Don’t shoot the messenger.
Both his eyebrows go up, and his gaze is so intense I feel my cheeks redden.
RM: Sure babe, whatever you say. Answer to first part; sweet FA. And I sure do, but I ‘aint showing you.
Me: What really moves you, or touches you to the soul?
RM: Disney movies. That shits just heart-breaking. I’m still not over Mufasa’s death.
Me: What are you most afraid of?
RM: Oblivion.
Me: Pardon? (I’m unsure if I misheard or he just quoted one of my fave books.)
RM: Oblivion. And yes, I have read The Fault in Our Stars… don’t put that in the interview…you so will won’t you… Donnie’s gonna take the piss for months now.
Me: I think female readers of this interview will fall a teeny bit more in love with you after reading that.
RM:(He leans forward and winks.) Well, okay then.
Me: You work very closely with Agent Derek Doyle and have done so for many years. What’s it like to work with him, and what’s the worst thing ye’ve done together?
RM: D’s my boy. He’s lightened up so much over the years, but he’s solid. I couldn’t ask for a better person to watch my back. (He bounces his leg on his knee and a mischievous twinkle brightens his eyes.) So this one time, when we were in Clare- we were undercover and had to infiltrate a band of motorcycle criminals and D, he –
The door opens and the gorgeous Derek Doyle pops his head in.
DD: Finish that story Rick and I’ll tell them what happened with the stripper in Liverpool.
RM: Spoilsport.
DD: Sorry for the interruption Ms. Harris. Carry on.
It’s all I can do to nod, as I end up on the receiving end of a rare Derek Doyle smile.
Derek slaps Ricky on the back of the head and turns to leave.
RM: Loves you too honey!
He looks at me and shrugs.
Me: We could talk about what happened in Liverpool?
RM: (Chuckles) Nice try, next question…
In my defence, I tried.
I’m coming close to the end, time running out far too quickly. I’ve notice in my observation the way Ricky looks at the tech girl Melanie, but I’m subtle with my last few questions.
Me: Ricky, would you give a girl flowers or chocolate?
RM: Neither. Chocs and flowers are too obvious. I’d sing a song or go old school. Give a girl a mixtape. Be original; not predictable.
Me: Describe your ideal mate.
Ricky takes his time in answering, brushing a stray wisp of hair from his face. When he does answer though, I totally get the feeling he’s speaking of someone in particular.
RM: She’s gotta be smart and know her own mind. Fiery with a thirst for life. Loyal and trustworthy. Someone who sees me for who I am, and loves me regardless. It’s not about being the ideal person for me; it’s about me being worthy of them.
Me: Ricky, thanks for answering my questions today. I know they’re kind of personal, but that’s why I’m here; to get to know you better. One last question…What is your idea of perfect happiness?
RM: Perfect happiness? For me, I guess, good friends, good music, falling in love with someone who loves me back. Being left alone to be who I am without any inherited bullshit. To be good police and save some lives.
I thank him for his time, shivering as he lifts my outstretched hand and presses his lips to the back of my hand. Ricky lets go of my hand, covers those beautiful eyes with his dark shades and with a big grin strides from the room.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the enigma that is Ricky Moore. He is charming, romantic, and has all the right answers. And memorable, because after leaving the station, heading home and siting down to type up my interview, I’m still left feeling flushed by the charm. And those haunting moss green eyes.
My all-time favourite paranormal romance couples:
I
tried with all my might to write up a piece about romance and being
romantic, but after all my friends laughed at me for having to write
up a piece, I gave up. So instead, here are my favourite paranormal
romance couples!
Naasir
and Andromeda:
Archangels
Enigma,
Nalini Singh. (Guild Hunter)
Naasir become a favourite of mine from way early on in the Guild Hunter series. I was eager to read his story, and I desperately waited to see who could fit the uniqueness of Naasir. Andromeda accepted Naasir long before we discovered what exactly he was. Convinced that Andromeda is his mate, we not only get to see the playful side of Naasir, but also that Andromeda is strong enough to claim that title.
Naasir become a favourite of mine from way early on in the Guild Hunter series. I was eager to read his story, and I desperately waited to see who could fit the uniqueness of Naasir. Andromeda accepted Naasir long before we discovered what exactly he was. Convinced that Andromeda is his mate, we not only get to see the playful side of Naasir, but also that Andromeda is strong enough to claim that title.
Cat
and Bones:
Halfway
to the Grave,
Jeaniene
Frost.
(Night
Huntress)
I love the dynamic between Cat and Bones. Cat starts out hating what she is and what Bones is, but Bones’ ability to teach Cat that not all vampires are like the man who fathered her. Their relationship is hot from the get go, and (SPOILER ALERT!!!) even Cat’s sacrifice to save Bones is a testament to how far their connection has grown. Cat and Bones definitely do prove that there is a fine line between love and hate!
I love the dynamic between Cat and Bones. Cat starts out hating what she is and what Bones is, but Bones’ ability to teach Cat that not all vampires are like the man who fathered her. Their relationship is hot from the get go, and (SPOILER ALERT!!!) even Cat’s sacrifice to save Bones is a testament to how far their connection has grown. Cat and Bones definitely do prove that there is a fine line between love and hate!
Charley
and Reyes:
First
Grave on the Right, Darynda
Jones
(Charley
Davidson) He’s the son of satan; she’s an ADD private
investigator who also happens to be a kinda God. Put them together
and the chemistry is combustible! The might have hell to cross
before they can get a HEA, but we sure enjoy the ride as they do.
Adrian
and Sydney:
Bloodlines,
Richelle Mead. Ahh Adrian
Ivashkov. I first fell in love with Adrian during the Vampire
Academy
series. I never thought that him and Rose were suitable and was
delighted when Mead hinted at a romance between artsy, tormented,
sarcastic and lost Adrian, and bigoted, curious, stick-in- the-mud
Sydney. It may not be as epic a love story like Rose and Dimitri,
but the slow, and realistic way they fell in love, certainly stroke
a chord with me.
Darian
and Tyler:
Shaedes
of Gray,
Amanda Bonilla. (Shaede Assassin) Darian, though one of the
strongest characters I have ever read, is a little bit damaged and
bruised from her past. She has built up a wall around her heart and
Tyler is just the Jinn to stomp through it. Tyler’s need to
protect Darian stems from a much more primal need but when the
object of your affections is the best assassin for hire, how the
hell do you work around that! Bonilla’s series is one of my fave
series and I’m rooting for Darian and Tyler every damn day!
Celaena
and Chaol:
Throne
of Glass,
Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass)
Now, I know, I know… this particular couple (Spoiler alert) are no longer together, but they so need to get back together! I loved them as a couple. Calaena seems to bring out the best out of Chaol, who has the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Calaena almost allows him into her hardened heart, and share her secret with him. Things may have gotten messed up for this couple, but I’m holding out for a reunion… even if it’s false hope!
Now, I know, I know… this particular couple (Spoiler alert) are no longer together, but they so need to get back together! I loved them as a couple. Calaena seems to bring out the best out of Chaol, who has the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Calaena almost allows him into her hardened heart, and share her secret with him. Things may have gotten messed up for this couple, but I’m holding out for a reunion… even if it’s false hope!
Faythe
and Mark: Stray,
Rachel
Vincent. (Shifters)
Faythe Saunders has never met a rule she likes. When someone tells her to do something, she will always do the opposite. Childhood sweethearts with Mark, the pressure of settling down early and being barefoot and pregnant in order to secure the survival of her kind, made her flee from Mark and her life. Thrown back together, they have to deal with all kinds of obstacles-not just Faythe’s stubbornness. I think when you read all the books in the series, those of us who are truly pessimistic, you begin to believe that sometimes, if it’s really meant to be, then it will.
Faythe Saunders has never met a rule she likes. When someone tells her to do something, she will always do the opposite. Childhood sweethearts with Mark, the pressure of settling down early and being barefoot and pregnant in order to secure the survival of her kind, made her flee from Mark and her life. Thrown back together, they have to deal with all kinds of obstacles-not just Faythe’s stubbornness. I think when you read all the books in the series, those of us who are truly pessimistic, you begin to believe that sometimes, if it’s really meant to be, then it will.
Charles and Anna: Cry Wolf, Patricia Briggs. (Alpha and Omega)
Anna has survived a lot in a short space of time. Changed into a werewolf by a crazed wolf, abused and finding her mate would be enough to crush any spirit. But not Anna. She finds some inner strength when she returns home with her new mate Charles and has to get used to her new mate, and her new life. Charles isn’t the easiest man to warm to, to used to being a lone wolf and his father’s hatchet man. He never expected to find his mate, an omega who can calm the wolf who is part of him. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop, slowly and with great emphasis on taking time to get to know one another. They are the perfect balance to each other…and I always look forward to continuing on with their story.
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.Susan Harris is the author of Shattered Memories.
No comments:
Post a Comment