Saturday, October 22, 2011
October's Paranormal romance Characterfest with Arial Burnz
Originally posted by laurie at bittenbyparanormalromance
Character Interview—Broderick MacDougal
by Arial Burnz
I await Broderick MacDougal—vampire and hero of my debut novel MIDNIGHT CONQUEST. Sitting in the parlor of his fortress, a fire crackles in the hearth, heating my skin. A warm, orange glow flickers along the stone walls and tapestries. The smell of burning wood is heady, soothing, and I can’t resist taking off my shoes.
Gentleman that he is, Broderick does not keep me waiting very long. His six-foot-three frame enters the room, seducing my attention. The corner of his mouth turns up in a smirk. I draw a deep breath to steady my beating heart. Even though I created this guy and he’s constantly in my head, he never fails to get my blood pumping!
His auburn hair shrouds his shoulders and the flames reflect his brassy highlights as he saunters across the room. No, saunters is hardly the word. He glides. With ethereal movements, he stands before me, that tempting dimple creasing his cheek. Cocking a fiery eyebrow, he bends forward, takes my hand and blesses my knuckles with a sensuous kiss that leaves me in a puddle. A warm chuckle rumbles from him and he sits in the vacant chair.
“You’re a rogue,” I accuse. He knows what affect he has on me, and exploits it at every opportunity.
The full smile on his handsome face nearly does me in. Leaning back, he crosses his ankle over his knee and settles in for our interview. “You make it too easy, Arial.” He winks, his deep voice like a drug. Could I possibly melt any more? “You hold the advantage tonight, lass. I must confess, your warning about the topics had me both excited and fearful.” In spite of his words, he maintains his roguish sneer.
“Yes, I have some juicy questions for you to answer, so be prepared to squirm.” I narrow my eyes in a dare.
That same eyebrow rises at my challenge, but he waits for me to begin.
Maybe I’ll be the one who ends up squirming! “Our readers don’t have much time to spare, so I’m diving right in. What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?”
“Two features draw me almost immediately…first, her eyes. I search for that spark of intelligence, a hint of something deeper than her appearance. And then her mouth.” He grins with a dangerous glint as he does just that…gazes at my lips. His deep voice is almost breathy. “Once my eyes go to her mouth, I listen for her heartbeat and her thoughts. If any attraction exists betwixt us, her quickening pulse and forbidden images betray much.”
Yep! You guessed it! My heart’s pattering a mile a minute and he wears the most wicked expression on his face. “You are such a bad boy!”
He tips his head back and his rich laughter fills the room. “’Twas your provocative question, not mine.” He winks again. “Please proceed.” I deliberate over switching to safer questions, but Broderick shakes his head. “Finish what you started, Arial.”
I grumble as soft laughter oozes from his full lips. “Since we’re discussing reading thoughts, nosy… doesn't it get awfully noisy in there?” I tap my temple with the end of my pencil.
“Inside your head? Aye!”
His laughter drowns out my protests, but he lures me into his amusement. I playfully nudge his knee with my toes.
Roguish smile still in place, he nods. “Aye, at first the noise was difficult to control. I, myself, did not realize how much people think…how many ideas ran through my own head…until I heard the constant rambling of it. I have, over time, learned to quiet the thoughts around me.”
“Being a Gypsy fortune teller for so long, and using your immortal gift to read minds, what advice can you give our readers? What wisdom have you gleaned from this experience?”
Broderick leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Most of my clients were women. Men do not fancy holding hands for a palm reading.” The amusement on his face melts into a softness in his emerald eyes that draws me closer. “I am happy for this opportunity to share my thoughts. Ladies, you are all beautiful, unique creatures. Yet you worry about your appearance and your presentation, and though taking care of yourself is not a fault, you betray your beauty by not being yourselves.”
I’m shocked at the whisper of my voice. “Can you clarify that a bit, Rick?”
He nods. “Many women worry more about what other people think, rather than being true to themselves. They alter their behavior based on how they assume others wish to see them, as opposed to allowing their natural personality to emerge. As such, these beautiful creatures hide behind a mask, so they miss the people who would adore them because they are pretending to be someone they are not.” Broderick sits back and rests his elbows on the arms of the chair, steepling his fingers beneath his chin. “I have seen this behavior enough to near break my heart. One can never find true love if they waste their energy on such fruitless pursuits.”
I’m a little taken aback at the heavy warmth in the atmosphere and in his voice. As usual, Broderick MacDougal gains control in unexpected ways. “You’re a guy who tells it like it is, Rick. I've always admired that about you.”
He nods with a hooded gaze and smiles.
“Some of the questions common during most hero interviews don’t apply to you, so I can’t ask them.” I search through my notes to find the ones that do.
“Such as?”
I chortle. “Boxers or briefs?”
He laughs. “Aye, I wear neither. What did you call that?”
“Commando!”
He laughs again. “What other questions?”
“Uh, ok. White, milk or dark chocolate? You drink blood, so I don’t—”
“That does not mean I cannot eat food or do not occasionally partake. I am rather fond of dark chocolate.” That heart-melting dimple emerges beside his lopsided smirk.
I’m a little surprised. After all, he’s my character. “I didn't know that about you.”
“You never explored that part of me before.” He cocks a challenging eyebrow.
I rise to the challenge. “What’s your favorite erogenous zone on your body?” Ha!
Broderick widens his legs a tad and I can’t help but drop my gaze to his groin. Nor can I stop heat from flaming my cheeks as he slides his hands over those powerful thighs, down between his legs…and…uses the pads of his index fingers to trace the crease where his…ahem…package and legs meet. I dart my eyes back to his, and his wicked gaze, I fear, has not left my face the entire time.
My mouth suddenly dry, I reach for a glass of water on the small table beside my chair. After a long drink, I clear my throat. “What’s—” I squeak and try again. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Sapphire blue,” he responds, almost dreamy.
“Ah, the color of Davina’s eyes.”
“Aye.” He sighs. “’Tis a woman who has stirred my blood like no other. I may toy and tease with you, but there will be no other woman like her.” Broderick crosses his ankle over his knee again and strangely enough, I see color bloom in his cheeks. He shifts in his chair and sports a boyish grin.
“Wow, I wish I could read your thoughts right now,” I tease. “I’m sure they’re about her, judging by the way you’re blushing and the, um…” I try to peer around his knee, but he clasps his hands casually across his lap. “What are you hiding there, Rick?”
Broderick opens his mouth as if to respond, but no words come out. He makes two more attempts to bring forth some witty phrase, but resigns to clamping his mouth shut, a crease marring his brow.
I gasp. “The infamous Broderick MacDougal is speechless. An immortal moment indeed.”
He chuckles. “As you are fond of saying, payback is a bitch.”
That it is! After a tense moment with the air fairly crackling with that oh-so-scrumptious sexuality of his, Broderick rises from his chair, steals my hand and sears a kiss on my palm, piercing me with his sparkling emerald eyes. My heart quickens when his fangs graze the tender skin of my wrist. His tongue darts out to taste my pulse and my breath quickens. Such a tease! “As always, your company is entertaining.” He winks, graces me with that lovely dimple and roguish grin, and glides out of the room…leaving me breathless.
Broderick, however, will be available for questions throughout the week, and so will I. We are both standing by with much anticipation. This is a rare opportunity to speak with Rick, ladies, so be sure to take advantage of it! Until then…
That’s my two pence…
Arial 😉
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ADD Midnight Conquest to your TBR list! Or CLICK HERE to get your copy now – FREE for KU subscribers or buy for only 99¢!
And be sure to take the time to read the comments below, made by other readers when this interview was first posted. Rick stopped by and was a complete rogue, so the comments were just as fun as the interview! PLEASE leave your own comments! Rick might even stop by and play for a bit. 😉 RAWR!
44 comments:
- jfort357 said…
- Hi Arail!! Thanks for sharing this great interview with Broderick & providing us with a visual!!!! He is a HOT vamp!!! 😉 Can't wait to read your book!! Added it to my TBR list!!!
Oct 22, 2011 8:20:00 AM
- IreneRJ said…
- Oh yes! Loved the interview with Broderick. He has gone straight onto my wishlist. Ooops I meant your book has gone on the wishlist.
Oct 22, 2011 9:12:00 AM
- Temperance said…
- Thanks for sharing with us:) I really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you for the great giveaway.
Oct 22, 2011 9:34:00 AM
- Vanessa N. said…
- Arial is a new author for me and I loved the interview. The story sounds cool. Thanks for the chance.
Oct 22, 2011 11:50:00 AM
- Cathy Ward said…
- Thanks for the introduction to a new author for me and a most intriguing character. I wouldn't mind having him live in my Kindle.
Oct 22, 2011 1:10:00 PM
- jfort357 said…
- @ Cathy-I so agree!! He can live in my Nook & never leave!!! 😉
Oct 22, 2011 1:15:00 PM
- Yto said…
- thanks for the opportunity to win this book – it sounds intriguing ^^
Oct 22, 2011 1:45:00 PM
- Tanya1224 said…
- well well…I do like the sound of Broderick =) I love the comment about living in my kindle…lol…I so agree =) that's funny. Thank you so much for the chance to win and sharing this new author with me. I'd love to try her stuff and devour her character 😉
Oct 22, 2011 4:28:00 PM
- Barbara said…
- Is it warm in here? I so enjoyed meeting Broderick today! And you just had to give him a dimple, huh? Geeze. Trying to put him aside (!)…the story sounds very good too and I'm placing it high on my lust…I mean list!
Oct 22, 2011 5:46:00 PM
- DarkBloodyVamp said…
- Thanks for this giveaway!
Looks like another hot book that I would mg love to read.
Oct 22, 2011 6:12:00 PM
- BLHmistress said…
- This book and sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity.
Oct 23, 2011 2:40:00 AM
- mnjcarter said…
- That man is stunning!! Between his smirks, winks and dimples, I am hooked!!! Went on over to your website, the cover for this book is beautiful!! I see you have a whole series planned out, very nice!!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Oct 23, 2011 8:49:00 AM
- MaryC said…
- Love these interviews!
Oct 23, 2011 3:59:00 PM
- lindalou said…
- Great interview! OMG, you've certainly pictured one hunk of a vamp! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 4:20:00 PM
- Jen B. said…
- Broderick sounds yummy! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 8:21:00 PM
- books4me said…
- Wowowowowow…the photos are dreamy and this is a great last thing to see before I go to bed!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Oct 23, 2011 10:28:00 PM
- KainsHottie said…
- Never read your work before, but I am definitely interested. So how old is Broderick? If he had decided to eat something (other than blood or female) what would it be? (i.e. favorite food)
Oct 23, 2011 10:50:00 PM
- Anne said…
- There need to be pictures of the hunky heroes with all posts!
Oct 24, 2011 11:37:00 AM
- Maria (pronounced Mariah) said…
- This is the first I have heard of this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. It was very entertaining. If the book is anything like it, I will really enjoy it!
Thanks!
Oct 24, 2011 4:19:00 PM
- Sariah said…
- Great interview. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oct 24, 2011 6:01:00 PM
- PattiP9001 said…
- Great interview. I really want to know where you find all of these awesome books/authors/characters.
Seeing my wish list, I think I'll get nothing but books for Christmas…lol
Oct 26, 2011 8:48:00 PM
- Arial Burnz said…
- Hello, Ladies!!! I apologize for my late response. Life has been crazy and my day job is hogging all my time! So many wonderful responses and I'm jazzed that you all find Rick so dee-lish!
- Due to the late response, I'll be giving away three copies AND a bonus…my erotic vampire short story written under my erotic pen name Kami Cummings: Here's Blood In Your Eye.
- Keep the comments coming! I'll do the drawing at the end of the month.
- Hugs to all of you!!!
- Arial 😉
Oct 27, 2011 3:21:00 PM
- Arial Burnz said…
- OH! And don't forget…Broderick is available for any questions. KainsHottie…I see you've asked a couple. I'll get Rick on to answer your questions and make some comments.
Oct 27, 2011 4:10:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Ladies, I don't believe I have ever blushed so much in my 561 years! You lassies are bold and outgoing…and sweet enough to eat. I am humbled and stirred by your many compliments. Thank you. I encourage you all to ask your questions and I will do my best to please. 😉
Yours eternal,
Broderick MacDougal
P.S. Please…call me Rick. - Oct 27, 2011 4:40:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- @KainsHottie – Greetings, Blossom! I believe my last comment may have addressed your first question, but I shall be more specific here. I was born April 4th, 1450 in Oban, Scotland…making me 561 years old as of today.
As for my favourite food…through the years I have sampled a wide and wild variety of cuisine, so it is difficult to choose a favourite. I especially enjoy Italian, French and recently have come to enjoy Mexican food during my time in the Los Angeles area and my many trips to Mexico. In all honestly, I admit dark chocolate is a weakness of mine. Not just for the bittersweet flavour, but there is so much you can do with chocolate. Let us leave that to our imagination…shall we? 😉
Humbly yours,
Rick
Oct 27, 2011 4:47:00 PM
- AJ Nuest said…
- Oh Rick, I'm soooo glad you're here! I've been dying to meet you, but you know that Arial, she tends to keep you all to herself. Finally, blissfully, we have this chance to chat. Your home sounds just lovely. I'm hoping I get the chance to visit there someday. Is there anything I can bring you? Any delight from this century that holds your interest?
Oct 27, 2011 6:51:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Just the nearness of your presence would be delightful enough, my dearest AJ! The question would be…is there anything I may do for you to hold your interest?
Arial has told me much about you and I am sure we will become fast friends now that we have met. I look forward to future conversations. 😉
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 27, 2011 7:14:00 PM
- Amie said…
- Hottie hottie hot hot hot!! Uhum…can't think of anything to ask yet. Maybe I'll go take a cold shower and see if I can get my brain working…
Oct 28, 2011 7:43:00 AM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- I shall wait patiently for your return, sweet Amie…towel in hand. 😉
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 10:28:00 AM
- Poison Rose said…
- AH yes, Arial final let's her rogue escape, if only too briefly. I have read your tale thus far, dear Rick, and I have always wondered what your initial thoughts were upon seeing your beloved Davina again in your wagon, and in full bloom a child no more?
I look forward to hearing more about how you and all are doing.
Your Playtoy,
Poison
Oct 28, 2011 12:43:00 PM
- Calisa Rhose said…
- Wow… Nice to meet you Broderick! Thanks for sharing Arial! Love his erogenous zone… 😉
Oct 28, 2011 1:45:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Dearest Poison Rose,
Aye, lass, she was quite a site to behold…especially since I just had a randy time with her in my dream! Still aroused from the imaginary coupling, I was ready to take her where she stood. However, though I am a rogue, as Arial reminds me often, I do not believe I am as brash to take advantage of the weakness of mortal women. I prefer seduction as a tool. 😉
The most curious point, though, is Vamsyrians (now known today as vampires) do not dream, and yet with her I did. And dampening that arousal were the images I saw in her mind of my enemy and clan rival – Angus Campbell. Aye, quite sobering to be sure. But I am revealing too much about my tale. I shant spoil the story.
I do hope you are enjoying MIDNIGHT CONQUEST. I will admit, I have never thought to play with a Poisoned Rose. Perhaps there is something I am missing, eh lass? 😉
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 2:31:00 PM
- Poison Rose said…
- Rick,
*nods* Eh, but you made swift to remove those thoughts from her mind for good. And for that I am sure she is eternally grateful.
*grins and laughs lightly* Indeed, you are missing out. I can only admire a man more who is devoted to his love. I shall tease you though, I like to play rough and I'm not afraid to go after what I want in order to get it. *winks seductively*
Your Playmate,
Poison
Oct 28, 2011 3:16:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Sweet Calisa Rhose,
I'm surrounded by precious blossoms with all of you “roses”. It is a great pleasure to meet you, as well. Aye, Arial was a bit daring asking me that question about my erogenous zone. I do enjoy making her squirm, but I am pleased you found such satisfaction learning about such a personal detail. Care to share yours?
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 3:33:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Poison,
Och, woman! Yer enough to boil any man's blood…a tease you are at that! And there's something to be said about a woman who knows what she wants. Never change, lass! Be true to yourself.
Yours eternal,
Rick 😉
Oct 28, 2011 4:19:00 PM
- Calisa Rhose said…
- Oh, Broderick (I do like that romantic version over the short form), you are the word charmer! I wasn't aware this was I'll show you mine if you show me yours period. But if you are brave enough to ask…you need to come spend time with me and find out for yourself. 😉
*I like sharp teeth :-O*
Everlasting,
C. Rhose
Oct 28, 2011 4:51:00 PM
- LaVerne Clark said…
- Hi Arial and Rick,
Whew! *fans self* what an interview! I must admit, I'm not normally a vampire-lover – but you have me completely and utterly under your spell – and its a wonderful place to be : )
I loved your insights into what makes a woman beautiful. Thanks for sharing Broderick with us Arial. It was an incredibly wonderful way to start the morning on my side of the world!
Oh – and here is my email in case I'm the lucky one to spend more time with Rick – [email omitted for privacy]
Oct 28, 2011 5:48:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Miss Calisa Rhose,
A Rhose is not a rose I see. 😉 I do my best to please. As the posting here states, you are entered into the drawing and now Arial is giving away three copies of MIDNIGHT CONQUEST, so you have a better chance of taking me home with you. I wish you all the luck, Blossom!
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 6:15:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Sweet LaVerne Clark,
Thank you for your kind and luscious words. I am moved to be the vampire who seduced you. Perhaps we will spend more intimate moments together if you, too, can take me home.
Lassies, you are all spoiling me. I wish I could go home with you all.
Your eternal,
Rick
Oct 28, 2011 6:20:00 PM
- Arial Burnz said…
- Whoa! I leave the keyboard for a spell and Rick has taken over cyberspace. I'll try to teach this rogue to behave.
Um…actually…I would wager, based on the comments…you ladies are having such a good time, I'd probably get clobbered if I did that. Never mind! Have at it!
I will say that I'm pulling Rick away for a bit. We have a Halloween party to go to. We'll try to check in on the weekend and then we'll have the drawing on Monday – HALLOWEEN DAY. Rick is insisting he be the one to announce the winners.
Hugs to you all!!!! And Happy Halloween!
Arial 😉
Oct 28, 2011 6:28:00 PM
- Anne R said…
- Loved the interview and loved reading the comments even more. Rick sounds like a handful.
Happy Halloween.
[email address omitted for privacy]
Oct 28, 2011 9:22:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Sweet Anne,
I absolutely cannot resist responding to your comment with a cheeky grin…a handful indeed, depending upon what you grab. 😉
Wishing you a very sweet and happy All Hallow's Eve.
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 29, 2011 3:08:00 PM
- Broderick MacDougal said…
- Ladies,
I have the great privilege and pleasure to announce our three winners.
JFort357
Barbara
PattiP9001
Each of you lovely blossoms will receive a copy of MIDNIGHT CONQUEST (full-length novel) and HERE'S BLOOD IN YOUR EYE (short story). Arial will send out the e-mail shortly.
I am honored to have met all of you and I hope we can spend more time together as you enjoy my stories.
Yours eternal,
Rick
Oct 31, 2011 5:23:00 PM
- Arial Burnz said…
- Ok, Gals! The e-mail went out. I do hope you enjoy the story and thank you all again for all your participation!!! What a joy it was to see all your wonderful comments. Looking forward to our next exchange. Until then…That's my two pence…
Arial 😉
Oct 31, 2011 5:35:00 PM
Damn he is hot!! I could almost smell the fire and his manly smell! Thank you and Rick for answering those questions. If you might could you ask him if he has an age of woman he like’s…just wondering. I’m sure they must be of age for anything! But I wonder if he has an age he won’t go under or over.
Also could you ask him what his brother is doing now.
Thanks much and my love to Rick and you!
Hey, Rebecca!
Yeah, he’s some super-hot hunky Scottish Vamp, huh? Of course, I’m a little partial! LOL
Rick is in transit and at a business conference, but he will try to slip in and answer your questions. Thanks for being so patient!! Mwah!
Hugs,
Arial 😀
Um…actually, Rebecca…I was informed by Anthony, Rick’s son, that Rick is indefinitely on a leave of absence! He will not be available for questions and I can’t tell you when he’ll be back. 🙁 I should have an update in November or December though. I’ll keep everyone posted! Sorry for the delay!
UPDATE: Rick is still MIA! But Anthony assures me it’s nothing to worry about. :\ I’ll keep posting updates.
Loved the interview.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thanks for stopping by!
Love it. He’s such a great character and you obviously have a ton of fun writing him. You’re a rock star.
That I do!!! Rick certainly is a joy to write and I love spending time with him in my head! LOL The fun part is his big heart and sense of humor is modeled after my husband! OH, and Rick’s a perv just like my husband, too. Hee hee!
Thank you for your kind comments. YOU’RE a rock star! I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment.
Hugz,
Arial
Great interview I added this to my TBR pile 🙂
EXCELLENT! I hope you enjoy the books and get to know Broderick more! RAWR!
Broderick MacDougal, at a loss for words oh my, believe me there are no need for words with that man around. I blush reading about him, commando? I feel faint. Lol. Love you Mrs. Burns…..
Ahahahahaha! Yes, he is a rogue, isn’t he? I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview.
Loved his erogenous zone. How sexy the way he answered that question. I think I would have fainted. The dimples great. The way he talks just turns you on even if it’s about his favorite color. Wish I could hear his Scottish accent. He can bite me anytime.
I know, right??? My face flushed super hot and red when he did that. Rascal!
You actually CAN hear his Scottish accent. The talented David Monteath did the first three audiobooks for my series and you can listen to a few choice, sexy comments I pulled from the soundtrack. Just CLICK HERE. Enjoy and be prepared to faint!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 😀
Wow! I completely forgot to post some updates.
Okay…so…Rick was MIA for a very long time. Seems he was underground in a crypt!
I won’t spoil the story. Rick shared it with me and I’ve published the complete story and the end to the series in MIDNIGHT REDEMPTION. CLICK HERE to get a copy now >>> https://arialburnz.com/bbb06