Calum added, “Even Mum and Da are proud.”
Mason and Kayla approached from higher ground, and she bounded forward. “I’m Kayla. It’s a great island. You’ll love it here.”
“I already do. Plenty of breathtaking scenery.” Mairi stole a quick glance at Bryce and smiled.
“She has one condition,” Bryce said. “We play a Knights of Stone show.”
His brothers hollered and hooted. Any opportunity to play was welcomed with enthusiasm, especially for a new audience, giving them a chance to show off.
After the hoopla died down, during which time they volleyed the particulars on the show, Calum raised his chin. “Who’s going to find his mate next?” He asked Gavin. “You?”
Gavin’s brows rose so high, Bryce doubted gravity could drag them back to their proper spot.
“Me?” Gavin pointed to his chest. “You must be off yer head, mate.” Extending his arm, he added. “I think we can all agree that no matter how many of my brothers have committed to a lass recently, it’s not now—nor will it ever be—in the cards for me.”
“Never say never,” Mason said, wagging his index finger.
“Never,” Gavin repeated in a more determined tone. “I love the lassies.” He cocked a brow. “And it wouldn’t be fair to them not to spread my love around.”
“I’m the youngest,” Calum said. “And far too young to settle down. So, it is not going to be me.”
“Sounds like we should make a wager,” Mairi suggested.
“I’m in on that.” Bryce examined his two brothers. It was a tough call. “I’ll need to think about who I’d pick.”
“Aye,” Mason agreed.
Lachlan whooshed. “Not an easy prediction.”
After leaving his brothers, Bryce ambled with Mairi over the isle. He took her hand, giddy as a groom on his wedding night.
“So I’ve been thinking,” he began in a serious tone. “The last time you were here, we rested in stone.” With a wolfish grin, he added, “But I enjoyed our time in your room in the Highlands so much more.”
“Is that right?” she raised her brow in a suggestive manner.
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. And since there are all those beds in the empty cabins…” He trailed a finger over her soft shoulder, following it with a kiss to her flesh. “I figured we’d try them out, see which one we like best.”
Her voice turned breathy. “That sounds like a tempting proposition.”
He moved his lips over the hint of her breasts visible above the top of her dress. “A welcome to the island.” He dropped his hand under her skirt and trailed his fingers up her thighs. “And all its possibilities.” When he stroked the slick heat between her legs, she moaned in pleasure.
“I missed this.”
He instantly hardened, ready to carry her onto a bed and bury himself deep inside her. He straightened, cupping the back of her neck with one hand and tipping her head back.
“I’m looking forward to the exploration.” Her eyes had darkened with sudden lust.
“Welcome to your new home, Mairi. I hope you’ll be happy here.”
Her eyelids fluttered, her lips moist and parted. “I already am.”
He lowered his head, bringing his lips close to hers. Amazed he ended up the luckiest male on earth, ending up with someone who excited him on so many levels. The space between them pulsed with energy, the way his body hummed with excitement when near her.
No clock ticked, indicating their time might be limited. He was hers, she was his. And he planned on taking his time showing her just how happy they would be together. He kissed along the edge of her lips, licking the seam before pushing in. She dropped her head back, softening in his arms. He tightened his hold on her, wrapping her in a possessive embrace. He deepened the kiss, fueled by their rising passion, claiming her as his.
He’d never let her go.
A Note from the Author
The opening image for book 1, Knights of Stone: Mason, came to me as an idea for a short story. I wrote the story, but then couldn’t walk away. More ideas took form about this mystical island with gargoyle shifters so I went back to Mason and Kayla’s romance. When it was published, I was thrilled by such a fantastic response—readers wanted more of the Knights of Stone! I was more than happy to continue as I love these characters and their world. So the strange, little story is now a series. I plan to write at least five books, one for each brother, and I have a special surprise in store with another character.
Sign up for my newsletter so you don’t miss the next release in the series, which just might be the surprise with the story I couldn’t stop thinking about. You’ll also hear about specials and free reads:
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Read on for more books and excerpts!
Other Books in the Series
Knights of Stone: Mason
Highland Gargoyles series, book 1
Gargoyles, tree witches, and wolf shifters have divided the Isle of Stone after a great battle twenty-five years ago. When Kayla, a tree witch, hears about the unconventional rock concerts in the gargoyle’s territory, she sneaks from her coven and into their territory to see for herself. Night after night, she returns to see one in particular shift into human form and play guitar at these unconventional shows.
For several nights, Mason has kept watch for the pixie-like female. He plans to seduce her, thinking she’s a visitor from another island. When he discovers she’s one of the tree witches, he retreats, attempting to keep his distance. The temptation is strong, but forbidden.
Kayla and Mason attempt to meet in secret, but other elements on the isle command their attention. A magical cloak created by the three clans on the island is thinning, leading to repercussions from all the clans. Kayla and Mason are caught in the middle of it all, and their actions may change the fate for all.
“I love a paranormal book that has multiple beings, in this book there are Gargoyles, witches and wolf shifters. The plot has twists and turns taking you through such a unique and mysterious world… Great story, great characters… Very unique!”
~ Up All Night, Read All Day Book Reviews
“It is a new way of telling Romeo and Juliet. You cannot be with them because of something their ancestors did, and the kids saying I do not care about that, I want to be with them regardless. A lesson many of us need to learn. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting something a little different from their normal.”
~ 5* from Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
Knights of Stone: Lachlan
Highland Gargoyles series, book 2
As the new alpha of his gargoyle clan, Lachlan takes on a leadership role at the historic peace talks between the wolf shifters and tree witches. Cooperation is crucial to their survival. The magical veil over the Isle of Stone is weakening. But unity is hard to achieve when tensions are running high. So is Lachlan’s concentration when a sexy wolf shifter rushes to the talks. Her wild beauty is mesmerizing.
Raina has her hands full with pack problems, from pack mates succumbing to blood lust to animosity toward her species. The source of her problems is clear-the gargoyles. If they hadn’t lured the humans to the island with their unconventional rock concerts, she wouldn’t have to deal with the fallout. She wants nothing to do with them, especially their alpha. His not-so-surreptitious glances are hard to miss. Nope. Not the kind of attention she needs. She’s heard rumors of the rebellious, attention-seeking rockers–and of their endless string of females.
But when humans come to investigate the wolf attacks, Lachlan and Raina must work together to coerce them off the island. And time spent together sparks a forbidden attraction. If unexpected love were their only problem, they’d be able to deal with it. It’s not. Time is running out, for them and their island.
“I started reading this book and in what seemed like minutes I was hooked. I could not put this book down. It was funny, sexy, and fascinating.”
“If you lik
e shifter books, romance, and hot alpha men, you have to read this series. These magical creatures will bring a smile to your face and maybe put you in a happy place.”
~ 5 Stars from Alpha Book Club!
“This is a fantastic story about three different types of beings… the ending is quite beautiful!”
~ 2 Girls Who Love Books blog
“Man do I love these gargoyles! They are hot and Rock Stars and, and…I just love them! I loved rough and tumble Lachlan’s story.”
~ Read Our Thoughts Book Blog
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent heroines. For much of her professional career, she’s written non-fiction — but she’s discovered writing romance is the most fun. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and All Romance Ebooks.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married to a fantastic man, and they have two kids, two kittens, and too many fish.
For more info on books, trailers, playlists, visit:
LisaCarlisleBooks.com
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Dark Velvet
Chateau Seductions Part 1
Grad student Savannah Evans is thrilled to be accepted as a resident to a prestigious art colony. Where else would she be able to focus on her craft of writing poetry in a setting like that of the medieval-styled castle? The remote New England island is a respite from her hectic city life. When she meets her benefactor, a mysterious French sculptor, her expectations for carefree days writing near the ocean are distracted by unprofessional fantasies about her sponsor.
Antoine Chevalier built Les Beaux Arts on DeRoche Island to bring purpose back to an existence that has lost meaning. He’s wandered the earth for decades and finds solace in returning to art. When Savannah applies for a residency, something about her words touches him. After her arrival, a physical attraction grows between them, which he struggles against. She deserves more than someone of his kind.
Antoine proposes they become lovers during her stay. But the situation turns complicated when Savannah discovers his secret. She had suspicions about his identity, but finds the truth overwhelming. Consumed by her desire for Antoine and faced with a tough decision, she is blind to the danger that has arrived at DeRoche Island.
A New Adult Romance
Paranormal gargoyle vampire / shapeshifter
Excerpt from Dark Velvet
Savannah’s fingers traced the cool marble of the god’s muscular back and then the definition in his arm as he drew an arrow to shoot. She pictured Antoine bent over the sculpture, brows furrowed in concentration, losing sense of time as he polished each portion to perfection.
“Do you like this?” A deep voice whispering in her ear startled her. She jumped at the sound of his voice, bumping back into his hard chest, and he caught her upper arms to steady her. Only one man in the castle spoke in that smooth French accent—the sculptor himself.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Antoine.” She fumbled taking a half step forward, away from him. “I shouldn’t have touched it.”
“No, don’t apologize.”
He let go of her arms, but his warm breath tickled her ear. He took her hand, caressing her palm, which sent tingles up her arm. Her bottom lip quivered as he brought her fingers to rest again on the marble piece. She thanked the gods he remained behind her so he couldn’t witness her nervous reaction, and she bit her lip to halt the tremors. This was not the way for a young protégée to behave in front of her benefactor. He owned the castle, created the art colony here where she was attending on a poetry scholarship—she shouldn’t go gaga simply from his touch. Which was exactly what she was doing.
“It pleases me that you appreciate my work.” Leading her fingers down the figure’s chiseled chest, he leaned in closer and added, “I liked watching you admire it.”
His voice alone sent flames rippling through her. Every nerve in her being lit with awareness in reaction to him. In the months since they’d met, they’d never been alone in such proximity. Weeks of heated looks from afar had inflamed her desire so the slightest touch became intimate, strengthening her need for more.
Sounds of approaching voices indicated this evening’s performance in the chateau would soon begin. Several of the musicians in the art colony had collaborated on orchestral pieces they wanted to play in front of an audience for the first time. As fellow artists in residence, they sought the support of fellow residents.
Antoine kissed her hand like a suitor in a bygone era. “I hope you enjoy the concert, Savannah.”
Her lips parted, opening and closing like a fish while she thought of what to say. When she mustered up the courage to turn and face him, he had already left the room, filling her with both relief and disappointment. Unaware she’d been holding her breath, she exhaled deeply.
Several times over the course of the evening, Savannah caught Antoine’s dark eyes watching her. Her emotions roiled in confusion while the performers played Barber’s Adagio for Strings. The way he held her gaze without blinking made her squirm in the burgundy armchair. The rising tension and resolution from the violin and cello underscored her tumultuous emotions. She smiled at him briefly and focused on the musicians, aware of how her heartbeat had escalated.
When she glanced again at Antoine, he still watched her unabashed, as if unconcerned about what the others would think. He took a sip of Porto, nodded her way, and then returned his attention to the musicians. She sat up straighter and crossed her legs at the ankles, then uncrossed them, and crossed them again.
The attraction was becoming more difficult to ignore. In light of how he breached the physical distance by touching her earlier, she feared she’d be unable to keep her desires hidden much longer. She’d developed an instant crush since she arrived at the castle six weeks before. How could she not be? He was a renowned sculptor with a devastating, dark appeal. What was she to him than just another young resident who would be gone in six weeks, replaced by another.
Was she reading more into the brief exchange than was warranted? Adjusting in her seat, she pictured kissing his soft lips, tasting the sweet rich Porto on his tongue. A tingle grew in her nipples. She imagined him touching them, kissing them, as he peered at her with those seductive eyes. An ardent rush of desire flooded between her thighs.
It’s just a look. Only a casual glance my way.
Even as she attempted to fool herself, she knew she was full of shit.
Since she had arrived for her stay at the artists’ colony called Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche, she’d noticed something different about the owner, Antoine Chevalier. And not just the way his eyes bore into hers, shooting shivers through her and making it difficult to breathe. His quiet nature, his preference for seclusion for days at a time, and his still, composed temperament belied an intensity within. Noir eyes that rarely blinked spoke of haunted depth and smoldering passion. He was quite simply unlike any man she had ever met.
Antoine had established an artist’s colony here in the early 2000s. He named it Les Beaux Arts at the Chateau DeRoche in homage both to his native France and DeRoche Island, where the chateau was located off the coast of Massachusetts, but most of the residents referred to it as the castle or the colony. The castle was perched atop one of the rocky cliffs on the tiny and remote island, which made it visible from many locations on land. The island itself was scarcely a mile with no paved roads, streetlights, or cars, and only the diehard were permanent residents. Many residents came to the island by boat during the summer
months and left before winter; Antoine kept the colony open year round.
Although she forced herself to focus on the performance by watching the violinist’s hands before her, her thoughts drifted throughout the rest of the piece. Sensuous images of Antoine kissing her everywhere with those finely sculpted lips flooded her mind. She didn’t dare glance his way again, fearing her flushed cheeks would give her away.
When the music ended and the audience applauded, they drifted out of the salon. Savannah congratulated the musicians who’d played on a job well done. Although it was a cool winter night, her body was aflame with need, and she had to get some air. She strode down the stone hallway bedecked with Renaissance paintings to get to the front entrance.
“How did you like the performance?” Antoine fell in step beside her, and her urgency to get outside dissipated.
She stopped walking and faced him, the heat within her rose. “It was lovely,” she answered, her voice an octave higher than usual. Something about Antoine being so close kicked her body to work at a higher gear. Her pulse raced, she had to remind herself to breathe normally. “They worked so hard putting it together, and it came out wonderfully. I think they’re more than ready to perform it for outside guests soon.”
Stop babbling, Savannah.
Antoine glanced around at the others and then leaned closer. “Come to my library tonight,” he said in such a low sultry voice she barely heard him.
Her heart pounded, and when she glanced at him, his gaze was even more intense than usual. Antoine both excited and terrorized her. The way his hawk-like eyes bore into her incited physical reactions she couldn’t ignore.
“Uh, um—” Taking a deep breath to steady her heartbeat, she said, “For any reason in particular?”
“Yes.” One corner of his mouth twitched in a smile before he continued down the hall away from the residents. He turned back to see her gaping. “Say, ten o’clock,” he added.
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