Thursday, June 9, 2011

Making Hell on Earth Sexy Guest Blog and Giveaway with Sidney Ayers



When people find out that Rafael Deleon, the hero in Demons Prefer Blondes, my debut paranormal romance from Sourcebooks Casablanca, I sometimes get the occasional eyebrow quirk. Aren’t demons evil? How do you write a good demon? To be honest, I personally think there’s a little devil in us all that helps us live life to the fullest. But when I started writing Demons Prefer Blondes, I actually asked myself the same question. How do I believably write a demon hero?


I didn’t think I could realistically write a hero that was in essence evil. If you’re familiar with the TV show Charmed, you saw what happened to Cole/Balthazar. Such a pity. Julian McMahon was so damn sexy in that role. So I decided I needed two sects of demons. The Infernati would be the traditional evil entities that we are used to. The other sect would be Paladins. The unique difference between the two is that Paladins are special demons blessed by angels. Their weapons are also blessed by angels. The Infernati live in Hell and the Paladins reside in Limbo. But the main difference is that the Infernati, even though they may have an attractive outward appearance, smell like a sewer. The Paladins, on the other hand—they’re sexier than hell.


That’s why I love writing paranormal and fantasy romance. You have the ability to make your own rules and create your own world. Whether it’s exploding shampoo bowls or a stampede of men, your imagination can be limitless. Any sort of creature or being can be sexy if you put your mind to it.


Here’s an excerpt from Demons Prefer Blondes


“What do you mean the chest is missing?” Rafael Deleon managed through gritted teeth.

Even though the clacking of boots on the polished black marble grated his nerves, he paced the expansive room anyway. Candlelight flickered and flitted, sending darkened silhouettes darting against the ivory walls.

What about his sister? Jacoba had all but begged to join the guard, even though he’d pleaded with her not to. Unfortunately, Jacoba didn’t need his approval. She won the Fore-Demon Council over, instead.

Dominic Duvane, shrouded in darkness, stood solitary in the corner of the High Council chamber. A forlorn expression etched across his face, adding to the already foreboding mood. The news was worse than Rafael had imagined. Utterly horrible.

Dominic drew in a ragged gulp of air. “The guards were ambushed.”

“Who?” He shook his head. He didn’t even need to ask the question. Belial, the bastard prince of northern regions of Hell.

Blasted Fore-Demons!

“Belial’s Infernati warriors. Have a seat, my friend.” Dominic motioned to the burgundy jacquard and gold gilt divan in the far recess of the room.

His heart sank. Dominic meant to talk to him as a comrade and not a colleague. This didn’t bode well. He clenched his fists. He couldn’t panic. To do so would show weakness. He needed to be strong—or at least appear so.

“What… happened?”

“The Infernati swooped in and torched the encampment.” His friend’s gaze grew somber. “I suggest sitting, Rafe.”

Rafael folded his arms and raised his chin. “I’ll stand.” He’d receive the news like a man, not a coward. “Say whatever you need to say, my liege.”

Dominic growled. “I might outrank you, but I’ll be damned if I let you call me your liege.”

Rafael shrugged. “Too bad we’re already damned, Nic.”

“The chest was to be our salvation.” Dominic blew out an exasperated breath. “Bloody hell, Rafe. Why must you be so stubborn?”

“It runs in the family.”

Dominic grabbed him by the arms, his eyes blazing. “Your sister was captured.”

“She isn’t dead. Our connection isn’t severed.”

Dominic nodded. “Yes, but who knows what tortures Belial has bestowed upon her.” His gaze hardened and he clenched his fists. Jaw ticking, he paced. “I begged her not to join. I stood by you.”

Rafael nodded. “Coby wouldn’t take no for an answer. Even if the council forbade her, she would’ve found a way.”

Fighting the thought of his beautiful sister with her magnificent flowing silver hair and enchanting silver eyes at Belial’s mercy, Rafael crossed his arms in front of his chest. “What happened to her?”

“Coby’s a hero.” Dominic’s jaw ticked, the demon blood tears rimming his eyes. “She managed to send the chest away before the guards could take it.”

A soft smile curved his lips. Leave it to Coby to save the chest instead of saving herself. Despite his despair, he was still proud of his twin sister. However, he wasn’t in the mood for Dominic to avert his questions. His gaze grew stern. “Where is she?”

“I guess I shouldn’t hide the truth…”

Rafe arched a brow and leaned against the wall. “Well?”

Dominic sucked in a ragged breath, sending candles flickering. “This hurts me as much as you, you know.”

“I do.”

His friend nodded. “My sources report she’s in Belial’s dungeon.”

Rafael clenched his fists as he held his anguish inside. Grinding his teeth, he paced. Bloody hell. Only a few of the strongest Paladin warriors had escaped that hellhole, but they were never quite the same after.

“Where did she send the chest?” he managed.

“Earth.” Dominic flashed a halfhearted smile, his eyes wide and alert. “Your favorite place.”

© Sidney Ayers, Sourcebooks Casablanca 2011


For the rest of the story, and how an unsuspecting beautician ends up releasing hello on earth from a mysterious chest… and possibly falling in love with a demon, you’ll have to check out Demons Prefer Blondes! :-)


Thank you to Roxanne for having me on her blog today!



DEMONS PREFER BLONDES BY SIDNEY AYERS – IN STORES JUNE 2011


A Bad Day For A Demon


Rafe Deleon is a senior demon and he resents like hell his assignment to Earth to retrieve the Chest of the Damned before it falls into the wrong hands. But then he meets beautiful, intriguing succubus Lucy Gregory, and she’s just unleashed a whole load of trouble…


Really Sucks For A Succubus


Lucy’s chic suburban beauty salon has suddenly become the Underworld’s center of mass chaos and destruction. The only good thing in a day going rapidly down the tubes is the arrival of a gorgeous demon who’s adamant that he can help her…


But Lucy has quite a few deeply unpleasant—not to mention deadly and hateful—surprises ahead of her, and surely there’s never been a worse time to try out a new boyfriend…



Here's your chance to win a copy of Demons Prefer Blondes


Sourcebooks has offered to give away 2 copies today


If you'd like to win leave a comment on this post with your email


Open to US Shipping Only


Winner TBA Next Wednesday

Sidney Ayers writes light paranormal and erotic romance. Her manuscripts have won or placed in the MORWA Gateway to the Best, the Valley of the Sun Hot Prospects, the Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight, the Heart of Denver Molly, and the Finally a Bride contests. She lives in Michigan where she is working on the next book in the Demons Unleashed series, Demons Like it Hot—in stores December 2011. For more information, please visit http://www.sidneyayers.com/.

35 comments:

June M. said...

This sounds like a great book, love the demons and succubus characters and can't wait to read it. Sounds like it would probably have some humor (hopefully) added. Thanks so much for the excerpt and for the giveaway.

GFC follower: June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

Sidney Ayers said...

Hi June! Yes! The prologue [excerpt] is a little darker than the rest of the book. The humor really kicks in when we're introduced to Lucy. She's pretty snarktastic ;)

Megan@Riverina Romantics said...

I've never read anything by you before Sidney but I enjoyed the excerpt! Thank you for the great post and giveaway!

rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

Escape by Fiction said...

You live in MI - where about? I'm from West MI myself. Your book sounds fabulous. Thanks for the giveaway!!

Good reading ~ Escape by Fiction :)

Margay Leah Justice said...

Oh, how I loved Cole on Charmed!

Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

Margay Leah Justice said...

Oh, how I loved Cole on Charmed!

Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

debbie said...

I like the idea of a good demon. I would love to read the book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

tjbedard said...

This sounds very interesting. I love the idea of a good demon. Thanks for the giveaway.

tjbedard@dejazzd.com

Anonymous said...

That's a cute title, but as a brunette, I like to think some (good)demons don't prefer blondes (bad can like as many blondes as they want). I also like demons in stories who are like people with goodness levels that vary.

GFC Anne38

acm05atjuno.com

Sarah Hoss said...

I am so excited for you Sidney! I have been on this journey with you a little bit thourgh CHRW and I am so glad you are out promoting now. It sounds like a great book and I like the twist of a 'Demon Hero.'

Good luck!

Mary Kirkland said...

I loved the excerpt and would love to win this book. So glad to hear it has some great humor in it too. I always love that. ;)

miztik_rose@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Would love to be entered. The book looks fantastic :)

robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

Anita Clenney said...

Congrats Sidney. This sounds like an incredible read.

Estella said...

I would love to read about a good demon!

kissinoak at frontier dot com

LadyVampire2u said...

I loved the excerpt and am glad to find a great new author for my wishlist. Please enter me for the giveaway and thanks!

LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

SandyG265 said...

Sounds like a good book.

sgiden at verizon.net

Barbara E. said...

Wonderful excerpt, I loved it. I'm looking forward to reading Demons Prefer Blondes, it sounds fantastic.

Barbed1951 at aol dot com

Barb P said...

Hi Sidney! I have been waiting for this book to come out for quite a while now and obviously can't wait to get my hands on it. Thanks for the fantastic contest and hope to be reading Demon Prefer Blonds soon. bpatrick64113@sbcglobal.net

Sidney Ayers said...

@Meggerfly Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the excerpt :)

@Escape I live in the Grand Rapids area. Where in West Michigan are you?

@Margay, I know! He was sexy when he was Cole. Not so much when he was Balthazar. LOL

Sidney Ayers said...

@Debbie and TJ, I thought the idea would be intriguing so I knew I had to go for it. Glad others feel the same :)

@ACM You're in luck. The sequel, DEMONS LIKE IT HOT stars Serah, Lucy's best friend. And she's a Brunette--so not ALL demons prefer blondes :)

Sarah! Thanks for stopping by. It certainly has been a journey. Heck, I still feel I have stuff to learn. You're making strides. I know all your hard work will pay off soon :)

Mary, thanks! I am a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine. Life would be so boring without it :)

Robin! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy the book :)

Sidney Ayers said...

Anita! Thanks for stopping by. It's quite amazing seeing our books finally on the shelves, huh?

LadyVampire, Glad you liked the excerpt. I try to balanace some of the dark with snark, so things get pretty sarcastic in the next chapter.

Sandy, thanks so much! It was a load of fun to write.

Barb P, thanks! I'm thrilled that the book has had good reception. I hope you enjoy the read.

Barbara E, thanks! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it :)

Jen B. said...

Of course, the beauty of writing fiction is that you can decide that there are good demons. I love when an author turns something completely on it's ear. Thanks for the giveaway!
jepebATverizonDOTnet

Meredith said...

Great excerpt! I'd love to read the rest of the book! Thanks for the giveaway!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Stephanie M said...

I love reading about good demons and I love the bit of sarcasm in the excerpt. Thanks for the giveaway.

smccar1 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

This sounds really good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Stacey Smith said...

you have to make your own rules to make a book good and you sounds like you made your own Rule Can't wait to read it!
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

JenM said...

I love the idea of a beauty salon as the setting for all the action. I think that sets the tone right off the bat. Best wishes on the release.

Jen at delux dot com

Tanya1224 said...

I'm hooked. The excerpt was great. As you said in your post...it's cool that authors change the myths a little. Good, blessed demons are nice for a change than evil, ugly ones. A reader would get tired of reading the same traits with every myth. Ecspecially with the vampire craze going on. I love reading about them but I like it when the authors give them something different in each book. So there not all the same. Thanks so much for sharing your book and please count me in. I'd love to see how they get her back.
Tanyaw1224(at)yahoo(dot)com

Scott said...

this storyline reminds me of the Cole/Phoebe saga of Charmed on TV...you don't hear of books like that very often. Sounds like a good read!
Scott
nynekats at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

OOOOOO yes! who doesn't want a fiery demon lover? LOL can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win one!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

latishajean said...

This sounds so good loved what I read can't wait to read more! thank you so much for the great giveaway!
tishajean@ charter.net

Johanna R Jochum said...

Love the sound of this book and love sexy demons! Thanks for sharing with us!

evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

lindalou said...

OMG, this book sounds fabulous! Thanks for the giveaway!!!!!
lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com

wanda f said...

Cant wait to read Demons Prefer Blondes its on my must buy list .Loved the excerpt thank you for the chance win it .

flanagan@mebtel.net

shadow said...

This book sounds good. The cover is eyecatching! Thanks for the giveaway!
shadow_kohler@att.net

 
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