Interview and Giveaway with James and Broderick from Midnight Conquest and Midnight Captive

Fang-Tastic Books –Interview with James & Broderick

James

Escorted by the housemaid Moira, I shuffle into the parlor. James Knightly is leaning his considerable figure against the tall window frame across the room. The breadth of his shoulders is emphasized by his strong arms crossed over his chest. This six-foot-two historical hunk is the hero in Midnight Captive, my second installment of the Bonded By Blood Vampire Chronicles. He stands almost as tall as his father-in-law, Broderick “Rick” MacDougal—the vampire hero of Book 1, Midnight Conquest.

Triceps bulging and jaw twitching, James seems lost in thought as he overlooks the North Sea. Tiptoeing forward, I peer past his shoulders to where his shipping vessel Knightly’s Refuge is moored off shore. The deck is buzzing with activity as his crew is scrubbing decks and performing necessary maintenance.

James turns his sea-green eyes toward me and the corner of his mouth curls in a half-smile. He swivels his muscular body to face me and an ebony curl falls rebelliously over his brow. Tossing his head to right the aberrant lock, which refuses to obey, he advances and extends his hand in greeting. “Welcome! I’m pleased to have you in our home.”

My heart patters in my chest when James plants a modest kiss on the back of my hand, and I understand why Cailin—the heroine of my story—is so taken with this young man. “Am I late? I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.”

“Not at all. I have been rather anxious for this meeting.” He waves to one of two wooden armchairs. “Please, have a seat.”

The cushion on the chair arrests my attention and I study the…interesting embroidery work. Loose threads and awkward figures of people and animals create a scene I can’t quite comprehend.

James chuckles like a summer stream in the sun…warm and soothing to my ears. “One of Cailin’s creations. She curses you for making her so unskilled with the needle.”

I cringe. “I suppose she put these here to bring it to my attention?”

“Aye, m’lady. That she did.” Mischief sparkles in James’s jade eyes and we both sit.

“Tell her I’m sorry.”

“Well, I had to make her that way to serve the story, but tell her I’m sorry anyway.”

He chuckles again and waves his hand dismissively as he leans back and crosses his ankle over his knee. “She’ll relinquish that grudge eventually.”

“You said you were anxious for this meeting?” I’m happy to change the subject and dive into the interview.

He shifts in his chair and his brow creases. Hiding behind his hand, he tugs thoughtfully at his bottom lip before answering. “’Tis a little uncertain about your questions I am.”

James is a pretty private guy, so I’m prepared for this. “Well, considering your personality type, I hadn’t planned on delving too privately. I think you can relax. The main purpose of this interview is for our readers to learn a little about you. Perhaps you can entice them with your charm.”

A sheepish grin overcomes his face and color blooms in his cheeks. GAWD he’s so adorable! “I’m not certain how charming I’ll be, but ask away.”

I flip open my notebook and thumb to the page where I’d jotted questions. “What do you love about the sea? Or more specifically, why did you want to become the captain of a ship?”

An infectious smile splits his face and he drops his hand to his lap. I’m happy he seems obviously at home with this topic. “There’s a sense of freedom in riding the waves of the sea. She’s awe-inspiring and humbling in the way she challenges me with her strength. And she’s not one to be taken for granted, so she keeps me in line.”

 “Would I be accurate in saying that’s how you feel about Cailin?”

The smile drops from his face and he stares at me, slack-jawed. After a moment, he recovers and narrows his eyes, but grins. “Aye, Arial. Though to accurately apply that to Cailin, I would amend my comment by saying I love her loyalty and devotion to those she loves. The sea is not so kind.”

“Agreed.”

Broderick

The door bursts open. “Brilliant answer, young buck!” Broderick MacDougal’s commanding presence fills the doorway as Moira peeks around his towering frame, apologetic eyes pleading for leniency. James rolls his eyes heavenward and shakes his head, then dismisses the housemaid with a wave and a wink. Slamming the door behind him, Rick stomps forward, cocking a fiery eyebrow and devilish smile. James and I both make to rise from our chairs, but Broderick holds up his palms. “Nay, do not rise on my account. You may proceed with the interview. Though you are being far too soft on the boy, m’lady.” He bends forward and kisses my knuckles in greeting, though not quite as modestly as James did. The damned rogue has me flushing with passion…as usual. His deep voice drops to a butterfly-inducing and intimate level. “I remember your questions for me were far more…private.”

“Rogue,” James and I both accuse.

Rick’s soft laughter rumbles around the room like thunder. “Allow me to do your dirty work, lass.” He crosses his arms and stands before his son-in-law.

James remains seated but diverts his annoyed gaze toward me. “Thanks a lot!” his eyes seem to say. I shrug.

“Clever lad,” Broderick says. “You’re wearing the amulet so I cannot hear your thoughts.”

“I had hoped you wouldn’t intrude on this meeting.” James raises a raven brow and smirks. “But I suspected you wouldn’t be able to resist an appearance. It does pay to be prepared.”

Broderick throws his head back and bellows his amusement.

“He is an Aries, you know,” I contribute. “They do love to be the center of attention.”

“As you well know, lass.” My vampire winks at me. Yes, I gave Broderick my birthday. Well, there is an element of the author in each of their characters…and that’s how I chose to infiltrate Rick’s persona. Write what you know, right?

“Back to the interview.” He tilts his head and searches the ceiling for ideas. “Shall we ask him that amusing question about his undergarments? Boxers or briefs, wasn’t it?”

My turn to blush. Not because the oh-so-common question for characters is embarrassing, but because it reminds me that Broderick wears neither.

“I still don’t.” Rick waggles his eyebrows. “Perhaps you should have written an amulet into this interview for yourself, eh lass?”

Honestly! Can my face get any hotter? I’m pretty speechless at this point and James is now hiding his chuckles behind his fist.

Broderick raises his trademark brow and inclines forward. “Tell me, Arial. Did you plan on asking him some of the same questions you threw at me? You talk of seas and captaining a ship. The topics we covered were much more interesting.” He levels his eyes on James. “The young buck can handle them.”

James rolls his eyes and beckons me with a wave of his hand. “Proceed, Arial. The old man thinks he’s backed me into a corner.”

“Ohhh-kaay.” I clear my throat and shift nervously in my seat. “What is your favorite erogenous zone?”

James frowns and his cheeks bloom with color.

Broderick throws his head back and laughs.

Sitting at the edge of his seat, James thrusts his chest out and swallows. “Along the side of my neck.” He absently brushes his fingertips from under his ear to his shoulder.

“I had wondered why you blushed so whenever Cailin tickled you there.” Broderick chuckles.

James scowls at Rick. “Next question, please.”

“You didn’t answer the boxers or briefs question, lad.” Broderick winks at me. 


James cocks an eyebrow and crosses his arms. “I’m not sure I understand the references, nor did I when you first mentioned them. What are they?”

I clear my throat. “Um, boxers and briefs are modern-day undergarments men wear.”

“Considering his time period,” Broderick offers. “I’m sure the lad wears neither.”

When James shifts and avoids eye contact with both of us, Rick grins. “Commando.” 


When James shifts and avoids eye contact with both of us, Rick grins. 

“As I thought. Commando.” He waves a casual hand toward my notebook. “Not sure you need to write that down, but I’m certain our readers would love to know that bit about James.”

James stands and snatches my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Thank you so very much for this…interesting experience.” 

He escorts me to the door, which he promptly opens. “Now if both of you will excuse me, I have a voyage for which I must prepare.”

Broderick stomps toward the door with mischief sparkling in his emerald eyes. “Give Cailin my love,” he says, taking me in hand. “Mistress Arial and I will let ourselves out.”

James grumbles as we leave the parlor.

I will try to coax James into answering some questions, but as you can see, he’s a little shy. 

However, I’m sure Rick would be more than happy to dally with all of you. Everyone who comments will be entered into a drawing for Midnight Captive, Book 2. 


Arial’s Website: http://www.arialburnz.com

Arial’s Amazon Author Page: http://amazon.com/author/arialburnz

Anyone who leaves a question for James, Broderick or me will be entered into a drawing for both Books 1 & 2. 

The more you interact, the more chances you have to win. And thanks in advance for participating!