Today I would like to welcome author Deena Remiel to the blog. Deena is currently on tour promoting the release of her newest book RELIC and has stopped by today to share with us. Before I give the floor to Deena lets get to know her a bit. My name is Deena Remiel, and I am an author of paranormal romance and poetry. I also teach language arts to middle schoolers. Curiously, I find myself writing all sorts of correspondence for my family and friends, but they are everything to me, and frequently serve as fodder for elements of my novels, poems, and posts. They take it all in stride, though, and with good humor. So, it's really a perfect give and take relationship! I belong to RWA national and the Desert Rose Chapter of RWA, where there are outstanding people writing fabulous stories.
I grew up in Philadelphia, home of the most amazing soft pretzels, oh and the Liberty Bell. It was incredible to be living there during its Bicentennial celebration. My husband and I began our own family in New Jersey, and just a few short years ago, Arizona called to my spirit and tempted my husband with much better weather! We moved our family, and the rest is history, or the present, as the case may be!
These are a few of my favorite things: writing and reading of course, chocolate, music with lyrics or melodies that speak to me, soaking baths, singing in the shower, dancing with my buds, romantic dancing with my hubbie, scrapbooking, watching my girls enjoy what they love to do, and laughing at jokes.
Besides Jamie Walters having a sexy, smooth as silk voice to sing the song of the same name, he asks a valid question. How DO you talk to an angel? Well, lucky for me, I create them in my paranormal series, The Brethren, and I’ve been talking to them for quite a while now. Let me give you some pointers so the next time you need one or run across one in your travels, you’ll be prepared.
First, say hello! They’re just like us, you know. Okay, that isn’t exactly true. They tower head and shoulders above most of us and are extremely hunkalicious, with wings that reach from their shoulders down to their ankles and bodies that rival the Greek gods. Back to the greeting. They are a friendly lot, and if you’re talking to one, dollars to doughnuts, you’ve needed and called for him. So, say hello and thank you.
They’re never at a loss during a conversation since they’ve been around for a couple of millennia. Some topics the Brethren enjoy more than others. For example, they love to talk about the latest in security technology, healing practices, and self-defense techniques. Not quite your thing? Any topic you can think of, they can discuss with more than a modicum of expertise. That’s not meant to intimidate, mind you, only to say there isn’t a topic you need to stay away from. So take your angel by the hand and find a nice quiet place to sit and talk for a while.
Honesty is very important to the Brethren. They can’t lie, so they expect others to have the same level of integrity. If you’ve done something you’re not proud of, even if you screwed up royally, tell them the truth. They’ll be pissed as hell, but they’ll respect you for stepping up.
Most importantly, to all the romance fans out there… Talk sexy to them in bed! I did NOT just say that, did I? Oh yes I did! And even better… talk with your HANDS! They are quite versed in nonverbal communication as well. *wink, wink*
Now that you know the ins and outs of talking to angels, I invite you to explore the Brethren’s world! TRINITY is the first book in the paranormal romance series, but I’d love to tell you about the latest book… RELIC. It’s the second book in the series, and I’m thrilled to tell you that it’s now available at only $0.99!
**Practice talking to an angel right here! I’ve got my Brethren angels on standby, so say something to Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Nathanael, or Cassiel. The most creative comment will score a copy of Ghost of a Chance, my paranormal short story for the 1-Night Stand Series of Decadent Publishing!**
Raphael, a Brethren Savior, an angel with a forgotten past, has lost his power to heal and is on a self-imposed guilt trip to get it back. If he can’t, his tour of eternal duty as Brethren Savior will be revoked. On his journey, he winds up enmeshed in a web of attempted murder and resurrection all thanks to a woman he’s only seen in a photograph and by chance on an Arizona desert hiking trail.
Serena Sikes is a wanted woman. Desired by “undesirables” for a gift her brother gave her- a stolen relic with suspected healing powers. Hunted down in the Arizona desert and left for dead, she is found by none other than the angel who cannot heal.
Raphael and Serena are inexorably bound together, for locked deep within the relic’s heart had lived the soul of his long lost wife. Now, it resides inside Serena. Evil lurks around every corner as Raphael tries to keep both Serena and his dead wife’s soul alive and lustful temptation at bay.
Three souls bound together by an ancient relic, bound by a timeless gift, and bound by a love that is eternal.
Serena lay asleep in her hospital bed, a small, seemingly fragile wisp of a woman. The way the setting sun cast a glow about her face, she looked enchanting and more like a delicate flower. He could almost smell the sweet scent of a Lily of the Valley in the air. He shook himself free of his musings as he moved into her room and quietly took a seat next to her.
Glancing around the room, he found the sweet-smelling culprit that had captivated him—a small bottle of perfume. Returning to gaze upon his enchantress, he noticed the bruising along her jaw line much more pronounced since he’d first come upon her. A cold, steel anger welled within him. His eyes trailed down to her slender arm outfitted with an IV, and to all the machines with their bells and beeps.
“I’m sorry, Serena,” he whispered. “You wouldn’t have needed all of this if I could’ve done my job properly.” He bristled in frustration and leaned his head against his arms resting on the bedrail. He noticed her stirring in her sleep. She seemed agitated and surprised him by blindly reaching out to grab hold of his hand.
“Mmm…I cannot die. I am immortal. An feidir le heinne cuidiu liom? Can anyone help me? Graim thu, Raphael, anam chara. I love you, my soul mate.” Serena whimpered and fell silent once again.
The chair screeched across the floor as Raphael sprung out of it like a Jack-in-the-box. Her hand stayed firmly gripped around his, and a flood of memories—well-hidden for centuries—came crashing through unbidden. Sirona, Goddess of Healing—the love of his immortal life, his wife—smiled at him as they walked in the mountains. She bathed him in the hot roman baths. She made love with him under the stars. She was lifeless in his arms as he carried her to her temple. He was asking E.L. to wipe his memory clean of all remembrances of her and to harden his heart.
Raphael wrenched his hand away from Serena’s tight grasp, involuntarily backing up to the door. He clutched his chest over his racing heart, now filled with centuries of unresolved anguish, his mind buzzed with too many questions.
Serena’s eyes fluttered open. He must have had a look of utter horror on his face because she raised her hand to her face shielding the bruise. “It appears worse than it feels,” she stated quietly. “Really. Have you come to fix the TV? They told me someone would be coming by this afternoon to fix it.”
“Uh…no,” Raphael croaked. “I, uh…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’ll be on my way.” I have to get out of here. Who the hell is she, some kind of witch? Why is this happening now? And where do I begin to process what I just experienced?
“But wait. Who are you? Why did you come to my room?”
Now she doesn’t know who I am? What gives? “I’m the one who found you and brought you here to the hospital, actually. I was checking to see how you were doing. Now I see you’re doing much better, so I’m going to leave you to your rest.” Raphael headed to the exit.
“Wait! Please, before you go I’d like to say something.” He turned around slowly and stood transfixed by her glittering emerald eyes. “Thank you. You saved my life, and I’m forever grateful.” She smiled, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.
“Make no mistake,” he grumbled. “I didn’t save you. The doctors did. But you’re welcome for bringing you here. Now, I really must go.”
“Hey,” Serena shouted as he walked out the door, “what did you say your name was?”
He stopped but couldn’t face her again. “I didn’t.”
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I grew up in Philadelphia, home of the most amazing soft pretzels, oh and the Liberty Bell. It was incredible to be living there during its Bicentennial celebration. My husband and I began our own family in New Jersey, and just a few short years ago, Arizona called to my spirit and tempted my husband with much better weather! We moved our family, and the rest is history, or the present, as the case may be!
These are a few of my favorite things: writing and reading of course, chocolate, music with lyrics or melodies that speak to me, soaking baths, singing in the shower, dancing with my buds, romantic dancing with my hubbie, scrapbooking, watching my girls enjoy what they love to do, and laughing at jokes.
Places to find Deena:
How Do You Talk To An Angel?
Besides Jamie Walters having a sexy, smooth as silk voice to sing the song of the same name, he asks a valid question. How DO you talk to an angel? Well, lucky for me, I create them in my paranormal series, The Brethren, and I’ve been talking to them for quite a while now. Let me give you some pointers so the next time you need one or run across one in your travels, you’ll be prepared.
First, say hello! They’re just like us, you know. Okay, that isn’t exactly true. They tower head and shoulders above most of us and are extremely hunkalicious, with wings that reach from their shoulders down to their ankles and bodies that rival the Greek gods. Back to the greeting. They are a friendly lot, and if you’re talking to one, dollars to doughnuts, you’ve needed and called for him. So, say hello and thank you.
They’re never at a loss during a conversation since they’ve been around for a couple of millennia. Some topics the Brethren enjoy more than others. For example, they love to talk about the latest in security technology, healing practices, and self-defense techniques. Not quite your thing? Any topic you can think of, they can discuss with more than a modicum of expertise. That’s not meant to intimidate, mind you, only to say there isn’t a topic you need to stay away from. So take your angel by the hand and find a nice quiet place to sit and talk for a while.
Honesty is very important to the Brethren. They can’t lie, so they expect others to have the same level of integrity. If you’ve done something you’re not proud of, even if you screwed up royally, tell them the truth. They’ll be pissed as hell, but they’ll respect you for stepping up.
Most importantly, to all the romance fans out there… Talk sexy to them in bed! I did NOT just say that, did I? Oh yes I did! And even better… talk with your HANDS! They are quite versed in nonverbal communication as well. *wink, wink*
Now that you know the ins and outs of talking to angels, I invite you to explore the Brethren’s world! TRINITY is the first book in the paranormal romance series, but I’d love to tell you about the latest book… RELIC. It’s the second book in the series, and I’m thrilled to tell you that it’s now available at only $0.99!
**Practice talking to an angel right here! I’ve got my Brethren angels on standby, so say something to Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Nathanael, or Cassiel. The most creative comment will score a copy of Ghost of a Chance, my paranormal short story for the 1-Night Stand Series of Decadent Publishing!**
Raphael, a Brethren Savior, an angel with a forgotten past, has lost his power to heal and is on a self-imposed guilt trip to get it back. If he can’t, his tour of eternal duty as Brethren Savior will be revoked. On his journey, he winds up enmeshed in a web of attempted murder and resurrection all thanks to a woman he’s only seen in a photograph and by chance on an Arizona desert hiking trail.Serena Sikes is a wanted woman. Desired by “undesirables” for a gift her brother gave her- a stolen relic with suspected healing powers. Hunted down in the Arizona desert and left for dead, she is found by none other than the angel who cannot heal.
Raphael and Serena are inexorably bound together, for locked deep within the relic’s heart had lived the soul of his long lost wife. Now, it resides inside Serena. Evil lurks around every corner as Raphael tries to keep both Serena and his dead wife’s soul alive and lustful temptation at bay.
Three souls bound together by an ancient relic, bound by a timeless gift, and bound by a love that is eternal.
Places to Purchase:
| Decadent Publishing | Amazon |
**Excerpt**
Serena lay asleep in her hospital bed, a small, seemingly fragile wisp of a woman. The way the setting sun cast a glow about her face, she looked enchanting and more like a delicate flower. He could almost smell the sweet scent of a Lily of the Valley in the air. He shook himself free of his musings as he moved into her room and quietly took a seat next to her.
Glancing around the room, he found the sweet-smelling culprit that had captivated him—a small bottle of perfume. Returning to gaze upon his enchantress, he noticed the bruising along her jaw line much more pronounced since he’d first come upon her. A cold, steel anger welled within him. His eyes trailed down to her slender arm outfitted with an IV, and to all the machines with their bells and beeps.
“I’m sorry, Serena,” he whispered. “You wouldn’t have needed all of this if I could’ve done my job properly.” He bristled in frustration and leaned his head against his arms resting on the bedrail. He noticed her stirring in her sleep. She seemed agitated and surprised him by blindly reaching out to grab hold of his hand.
“Mmm…I cannot die. I am immortal. An feidir le heinne cuidiu liom? Can anyone help me? Graim thu, Raphael, anam chara. I love you, my soul mate.” Serena whimpered and fell silent once again.
The chair screeched across the floor as Raphael sprung out of it like a Jack-in-the-box. Her hand stayed firmly gripped around his, and a flood of memories—well-hidden for centuries—came crashing through unbidden. Sirona, Goddess of Healing—the love of his immortal life, his wife—smiled at him as they walked in the mountains. She bathed him in the hot roman baths. She made love with him under the stars. She was lifeless in his arms as he carried her to her temple. He was asking E.L. to wipe his memory clean of all remembrances of her and to harden his heart.
Raphael wrenched his hand away from Serena’s tight grasp, involuntarily backing up to the door. He clutched his chest over his racing heart, now filled with centuries of unresolved anguish, his mind buzzed with too many questions.
Serena’s eyes fluttered open. He must have had a look of utter horror on his face because she raised her hand to her face shielding the bruise. “It appears worse than it feels,” she stated quietly. “Really. Have you come to fix the TV? They told me someone would be coming by this afternoon to fix it.”
“Uh…no,” Raphael croaked. “I, uh…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’ll be on my way.” I have to get out of here. Who the hell is she, some kind of witch? Why is this happening now? And where do I begin to process what I just experienced?
“But wait. Who are you? Why did you come to my room?”
Now she doesn’t know who I am? What gives? “I’m the one who found you and brought you here to the hospital, actually. I was checking to see how you were doing. Now I see you’re doing much better, so I’m going to leave you to your rest.” Raphael headed to the exit.
“Wait! Please, before you go I’d like to say something.” He turned around slowly and stood transfixed by her glittering emerald eyes. “Thank you. You saved my life, and I’m forever grateful.” She smiled, and her eyes brimmed with unshed tears.
“Make no mistake,” he grumbled. “I didn’t save you. The doctors did. But you’re welcome for bringing you here. Now, I really must go.”
“Hey,” Serena shouted as he walked out the door, “what did you say your name was?”
He stopped but couldn’t face her again. “I didn’t.”
###
**Giveaway**
Deena will be giving away a copy of her book Ghost of a Chance to 1 lucky person. Make sure to leave a comment for Deena or her Brethren Angels and to fill out the Rafflecopter form.
Good Luck =)
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Hi everyone! So happy to be here as it's my final official BLOG TOUR STOP for RELIC! I want to thank Danielle for hosting such a special day for the Brethren and me! Good luck to all!
ReplyDeleteI loved relic, i can't wait to see what is in store next for the angels (Assuming there will be more)... :) i love how the books all tie together with characters but they're each their own little story.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! There are more books to come. Elixxir is up next. I enjoy making sure that each book can stand alone, but sparks interest in the others. ;)
DeleteYou are new author for me, so i want try to read your book. I always like story about angel.^__^
ReplyDeleteAnd you're a new reader to me! So happy you came by here today. :) Please enjoy my angel stories. They're sure to get the heart racing and feed your romantic soul... ;)
DeleteThanks for the blog tour. It's been fun. I have the Brethren series but have not read it yet. Can't wait to start. I would definitely help Raphael with his memory. Sure could be fun. Great post and excerpt.
ReplyDeletee.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Joanne, dahling! It's been great having you travel around with us! I know the boys love seeing you around... ;)
DeleteThis book sounds fabulous! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBrethren’s world sounds so interesting :)
ReplyDeleteIs it easier talking to an angel, human, or demon?
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Humans and demons can be unreasonable at times. so I'm going with talking to angels. They can't tell a lie, so you always know where you stand. ;)
DeleteErin, Na, thank you for your kind words! :)
ReplyDeleteHave read a few of Deena's other books and have enjoyed them. This book Ghost of a Chance sounds great and would love to win and read. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletechristinebails@yahoo.com
I'm also a teacher. How do your students feel about you being a published author? I guess you don't have to stress to them the importance of the writing process. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt makes me want more. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading (almost done) with Trinity. Then on to Relic! So far, I love all of the Brethren introduced. I am wondering if Nathanael will get his own story? I hope so because when I read the Beginning, it made me real curious about his struggle. *Hope I didn't give anything away.*
ReplyDeleteBut, right now, I would like to ask Kemuel a question as he is the most intriguing to me as of yet.
Where does your passion stem from? Is it from being a warrior or are all of the Brethren as passionate as you seem to be? Or maybe it's just part of you? ;)
Thank you for the opportunity to read your stories, Deena!
Sorry to say I am a Deena book virgin. The books sound so good, I now have to put them on my list. *I really need to win the lottery!* Thank you for the chance to get to know your Angels.
ReplyDeleteproudarmymom32(at)yahoo(dot)com
i haven't read anything about the brethren so i'm so glad i came across deena on her blog tour! definitely going on my tbr list now. i can't wait to read more about your angels : )
ReplyDeleteame1184 at gmail dot com
Great excerpt. I read Trinity and look forward in reading Relic.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com