Dark Velvet by Lisa Carlisle
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (53 pgs)
Other: M/F, Spanking
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Verbena

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.

It consists of the buy viagra in spain natural herbal and natural aphrodisiac supplement. One can experience a total inability to achieve an erection – even when using anti-ED tablets – then it may be because of something you ate. female viagra uk When you give it some thought, leaving comments on DoFollow blogs may not require you to invest any money but india viagra online it certainly demands your time. In order to enjoy sexual pleasure during intercourse both men and women should have good sexual drive and ability to achieve erection but you tend to ejaculate real soon after intercourse, you could be having premature ejaculation. 100mg viagra cost 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 protector of humanity turned hunter wracked by blood lust, poor Antoine was dealt a terrible fate. Once a proud guardian of life, he now fights every day against the hunger that would cause him to kill. No longer a pure gargoyle, but also not a full vampire either, he is something else…a hybrid. Retaining some of his gargoyle attributes, he’s more formidable than most other paranormal beasties. That strength and agility is called into action when he must fight against another creature driven by bloodlust, and protect the woman he loves without losing his own life in the process. Human by day, werewolf by night, the man has killed before, and has no qualms about doing so again. This time, he has Savannah in his sights.

Savannah expects to accomplish some serious writing while at the art colony, but she never expects the castle’s owner to hold such a fascination for her that she can scarcely focus on anything else. If her instincts are correct, he’s equally drawn to her. When his subtle hints become crystal clear, Savannah has no qualms about giving what he requests. But when Antoine’s offers of seduction keep getting withdrawn at the most inopportune moments, she grows frustrated—as most women would. As he slowly reveals his secrets, Savannah has to rethink her prior enthusiasm at becoming Antoine’s mistress. When a local dockworker is found dead with suspicious wounds, Savannah can’t help but wonder if Antoine had anything to do with it. She wants to believe he wouldn’t hurt her or anyone else, but she can’t remain ignorant to the truth right before her. She’ll have to decide if the monster lurking beneath Antoine’s comely surface is really a cold blooded killer, and better yet, does she care?

I had a difficult time identifying with Antoine and Savannah. Short stories are always tricky to write because there’s very little time for character building. The main purpose of the story seemed to revolve around Savannah and Antoine having sex. It was a repetitive build up / let down scenario. I think I was almost as frustrated as Savannah! But each time Antoine put on the brakes, Savannah—and I—learned a little bit more about this mysterious man.

Ms. Carlisle does throw in a new twist to things with Antoine’s history as it related to gargoyles. I can say it’s a first for me to read a story that entwines two very different paranormal creatures: vampires and gargoyles. One thing in particular I enjoyed about the story was some of the visual imagery Ms. Carlisle creates by incorporating more than one of the five senses into her scenes. At times, I felt as though I’d melded into the plot to see and feel what Savannah did.

Ms. Carlisle also offers some nice breaks from the sexual tension between Savannah and Antonio when Savannah ventures off on her morning walks and even takes a ferry ride home for a brief interlude and some serious thought. Being that the main scenario is at an art colony, the author also adds in the description of varying sculptures and such, which helps to remind the reader of Savannah’s location. Surrounded by a plethora of artistic talent, Savannah’s writing begins to change. No longer the mild-mannered poems she used to draft, her words have become dark and seductive, influenced by Antoine’s presence and the growing need she has inside.

There were a few instances where the author changes from third to first person. This kind of threw me off a bit. I expect a little more editing would have caught these discrepancies before publication. Overall, it was an enjoyable enough read. With a little tweaking, it could certainly be a memorable story. Though blunt, the ending seems fitting. Considering what seemed to be the ultimate goal from the beginning, there really wasn’t anything else to add. Ms. Carlisle leaves the reader with something to ponder. Will Savannah do as Antoine asks? Only the author knows.