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Coming Soon
Available April 2008
Excerpt
Hotshot hotel developer Alexa Chandler lusts after the property she’s found off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida--a haunted island complete with an abandoned castle she intends to convert into her premiere luxury resort. Inside, the only furnishing--a captivating portrait of a man--calls to her. With a single touch, she unleashes a phantom who has been trapped within the painting for over two hundred years.

Centuries ago, Damon Forsyth charged into a mysterious gypsy enclave on a desperate mission, but found himself trapped inside a cursed painting by his mortal enemy. Over time, he has contemplated little but revenge and retribution--until undeniable need draws Alexa to his lair. Though she releases him from the painting, Damon remains bound to the castle where the portrait hangs. Damon needs Alexa to break the final barrier. Using the dark magic that enslaves him, he initiates a game of seduction--with his freedom as the ultimate prize.

Unable to resist Damon’s fierce sexuality, Alexa surrenders to his ghostly touch, but soon, she must choose between thwarting the magic that holds Damon in thrall...or her own mortality.

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What is Julie working on next? Click here to find out.

Right now, I’m working on the next book in the Phantom series, but I don’t want to give away a sneak peek when you haven’t even read the first book yet! That would be confusing. So instead, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about how PHANTOM PLEASURES, which will be released in April, 2008, came to be.

Some people might think I’m jumping on the paranormal bandwagon, changing from sexy contemporary novels to ghosts and goblins in order to cash in on the trend. I’m afraid that’s not the case. In fact, this book was conceived of over fifteen years ago.

Does anyone remember Silhouette Shadows? It was a category line back in the early 90s that were called “modern gothics.” I wrote a book called THE PHANTOM OF THORNBRIAR for this series, although it was never contracted. I worked with an editor and had done extensive revisions for her when the line folded. But the story never left me. I loved the characters, the setting and the overall idea. So when I watched paranormal books finally becoming popular, I was determined to sell the story I’d loved so much all those years ago.

Trouble was, my voice had changed exponentially. I’d grown as a writer. THORNBRIAR was my third book. When I wrote PHANTOM PLEASURES, I’d already published over twenty-five projects. I couldn’t tell the story the same way--heck, I didn’t even have the original manuscript in a computer file anymore! I never looked at the original, but wrote the new story with my new voice. It’s much more complex now. But it’s a story I’ve wanted to tell for a very long time, so you can imagine how excited I am that it is finally coming out. Only a few more months to go! Until then, I hope you enjoy the excerpt!




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