Tuesday, October 09, 2007

COMMENT on this post for a chance to win a copy of Beth and the Dark Prince by M.A. Gonzales.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M.A Gonzales (aka Melinda Gonzales) grew up all over the southwestern United States when she was a child. The daughter of a farmer and a Cotton Gin worker, their family moved with the seasons. From the time she could speak she was telling stories to who ever would listen to her. So, it was only natural that as she got older she began to write those stories down. Writing and being a writer is the only career goal and drive Melinda has ever hand.

She now lives in Northern California with her wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. During school vacations they are blessed with the company of the daughter from her husbands first marriage.


INTERVIEW:

(See interview on previous post.)



ABOUT THE BOOK:

This story is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

BLURB:

“Only one thing is required to break this curse. You must love someone; truly love someone so much that you would be willing to lay down the thing you treasure most, your own life.” Those were the last words Tristan heard before his curse to walk the night as wolf was placed on him. He is searching for a woman to fall in love , so he can break this horrible curse.


EXCERPT:

It was a horrid night, dark and freezing. Outside the warm stone castle the wind whipped and the blizzard grew ever stronger. Tristan sat before the roaring fire in his Library. He sipped his Brandy and paid little attention to the raging storm outside. He was bored and he should not be. He was a prince after all.

Jameson, the butler, cleared his throat from the doorway of the library. "Excuse me your highness, but there is someone here, begging to speak with you."

Tristan came to his feet. "Someone seeking shelter, perhaps." He muttered just before he down the rest of his Brandy. A small smile touched his sensual lips as he walked down the corridor. Yes, perhaps a beautiful young maiden was seeking refuge from the bitter cold. His home could warm her and perhaps in his bed, he could warm her another way.

He smiled, turning on his charm as he walked into the room where the guest were always led, but his smile faded as his eyes fell upon the woman waiting to speak with him. Instead of the beautiful young maiden he had expected, stood an old, ugly woman dressed in tattered rags and worn shoes.

Tristan crinkled his nose at the horrible odor coming from the old woman. "Why did you bring her in?" He scolded, turning his head to look at Jameson.

"I could not leave her out there, your highness. The blizzard could kill a young man in his prime and. . .well look at her." His heart softened at the sight of the old woman.

"Exactly!" Tristan snapped. "Look at her." He looked back at the old woman, disgust on his face. "She is smelling up my castle as we speak."

"Please, your highness." Croaked the old woman. "Offer me shelter from this horrible storm." She reached into her pocked and pulled out a dingy, old necklace with a cross. "I can offer you this necklace as a token of my gratitude."

Tristan turned his nose up at the ugly gift she offered. "No. I am sorry but there is no room for you here." He turned back to Jameson. "Show her out."

"Please, your highness. I beg you not to be repulsed by my appearance. I beg you not to turn me out into the blizzard, where I will surely die."

Tristan did not even consider her plea. Instead he snapped at Jameson. "What are you waiting for?! I gave you my command."

"But, your highness. . ." Jameson stammered.

"Do as I say!" He scolded. "Turn her out." At that moment, the room was engulfed by a bright golden light. Tristan and Jameson turned to where the old woman stood and stared in shock as her ugliness melted away, revealing a beautiful young woman. "An Enchantress." Tristan whispered as he fell on his knees. "Please forgive me."

"Three times, I asked for your shelter and three times you turned me away." She removed her hood, revealing beautiful blond hair. "You have proved that no love resides in your heart."

"Please, forgive me." Tristan pleaded over and over again. "I did not know. . ." but his plea fell on deaf ears. Just as the plea of the old woman.

"It is too late." The enchantress laid her hand on his head. "I place a spell on you, Prince Tristan. By day you shall walk as a man, by night you will turn into the beast you are in your heart."

"No." Tristan whispered looking at his hands which had already begun to change. "Please. . .please." His words faded as the howl of the wolf pierced the air.

The enchantress slid the beautiful locket around his neck. "This cross will allow you to postpone the change but only for a little while. I will have mercy on all those who reside within these walls. They shall not leave the grounds of this castle until the spell is broken." She looked into Tristan's eyes, now a wolf before her. "Only one thing is required to break this curse. You must love someone, truly love someone so much that you would be willing to lay down the thing you treasure most, your own life. She must know the truth about what you are and why. She must love you in return despite all you tell her. Then and only then will the spell be broken." Then, just like that, she was gone.

"Oh, your highness." Jameson whispered as he dropped to his knees in front of Tristan, now a wolf. "What have you done?" He cried. "What have you done?"

As the years passed Tristan lost hope. How could he ever love someone so much that he would be willing to die for them? How could any woman look past the beast he had become and love him?


Beth and the Dark Prince by M.A. Gonzales
Publisher: Twilight Fantasies Publications
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Oct 3, 2007


Purchase Beth and the Dark Prince by M.A. Gonzales HERE!!!