9/26/2012

Phaeton and America Part Deux




A Tale of Two Londons

 Jillian Stone



When Phaeton Black is shanghaied in Shanghai, America Jones assumes the worst––that he has abandoned her in the Orient. An angry Miss Jones returns to London, where their spirited partnership takes an unexpected turn. Alarming attacks by strange creatures plague the city, setting the stage for a terrifying future. People and things–well–there's no other way to explain it, but things appear to be unraveling in a parallel, alternate London. With help from the Nightshades, Phaeton and Miss Jones venture into the Outremer to extract the Moonstone and close the rabbit hole between two worlds.








Interview with an Antihero: Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator






Since the release of The Seduction of Phaeton Black,  I've been asked by curious fans and readers the most provocative questions about Phaeton! The most frequently asked question is whether he is a hero or an antihero.

This interview will hopefully answer some of your questions about this enigmatic hero.



Jillian: You are the most misunderstood character I have ever written. Why is that?
Phaeton: I suspect it’s because you wrote me in the fine tradition of the Byronic hero. To quote Lord Macaulay, he is a “man proud, moody, cynical, with defiance on his brow, and misery in his heart, a scorner of his kind, implacable in revenge, yet...” Phaeton adds with a wink, “capable of deep and strong affection."

Jillian: May I finish the thought in Byron’s own words? “That man of loneliness and mystery, scarce seen to smile, and seldom heard to sigh.” I also gave you a strange profession, paranormal investigator––care to elaborate?
Phaeton: One might say it is my only other area of expertise after absinthe and lovemaking. A dubious sort of skill foisted upon me from birth. I am able to communicate with gorgons and goddesses, wraiths and demons, succubae and seraphim, bloodsuckers, shape shifters. I could go on...

Jillian: Why is it, do you think, that I didn’t give you special super powers to battle these creatures?
Phaeton: I am a man who lives more by his wits than his brawn. I have found that one can negotiate with the darker creatures of the underworld as effectively as one can say...do business with a corporate raider. Recently, after receiving instruction from Doctor Exeter, I have learned to manipulate physical universe using potent aether, but I still rely heavily on my ability to communicate with darker side.

Jillian: Are you aware of me, the author, as I get inside your head? I come from another time and place, you know.
Phaeton: A slow smile lifts the corners of his mouth. “I rather enjoy the idea of you poking about inside my head––please do let me know when you find something naughty and arousing. Since The Moonstone and Miss Jones, I’m adjusting to the idea of life in two worlds––a parallel London, that is.”

Big Splash Banner Ad for The Moonstone and Miss Jones running the month of October at Night Owl Reviews

Jillian: “In order to write a love story for you, I tossed a rather unique young woman at Phaeton Black––how are you holding up?”
Phaeton: “Ah yes, Miss America Jones. Enchanting, young Cajun beauty. You introduced us under rather unique circumstances. I was chasing an apparition down a dark alley off Savoy Row, and she was on the run from the filthy, thieving pirates. As I recall, she pressed a knife to my throat and demanded sex...I did my best to accommodate her.”

Jillian: “A rather shocking experience, wouldn’t you say?”
Phaeton: “Some readers do seem to be rather shocked by it. I found it to be most stimulating, as did Miss Jones, by the way. What continues to astonish me is how we find ways to arouse each other in the sequel, as well.”

Jillian: “You have quite a reputation as a lover. How did you become such a master of the amorous arts?”
Phaeton: “It’s simple, really––giving pleasure to women arouses me nearly as much as receiving it. When a woman is arching her back, writhing and moaning my arms––let’s just say I respond readily to such sweet messages.”

Jillian: “There are essentially three plots interwoven into The Seduction of Phaeton Black. There is a blood sucking Egyptian goddess wreaking havoc all over London. Then there is the added task of getting America’s stolen merchant ships returned to her––as well as the love story. Do you have a favorite part of the novel?”
Phaeton: “Besides the love scenes, I’d have to say I liked the mystery of tracking down Qadesh, the Egyptian goddess, a good deal better than being captured and keel hauled by pirates. As the reader, you can to decide for yourself, of course. This first novel in the series is quite a romantic adventure––at least it was for me, but then I play Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator.” 

Jillian: “Which bring us to Phaeton and America, part deux. Without giving too much away, what can you tell me about the newly released, The Moonstone and Miss Jones?”
Phaeton: “As I see it, The Seduction of Phaeton Black as a prequel to The Moonstone and Miss Jones. Book two is a tale of two Londons. There is the dark, often foggy city of 1889, and then there is an alternate disturbing glimpse into future. 
Jillian: I've also introduced a number of new characters in including the Nightshades.
Phaeton: Yes you've written an assortment of horrid creatures, who plague 1889 London. Alternate London is...well, I suppose there's no other way to explain it, but things appear to be unraveling. With help from the Nightshades, Miss Jones and I venture into this alternate London to extract the Moonstone and close the rabbit hole between the two worlds. Plot-wise, this is all I will reveal, but suffice it to say, Miss Jones and I have issues to work out, and the story continues well beyond The Moonstone and Miss Jones...”


Just for Commenters: 

Jillian: “Phaeton, do you have a question for commenters? Something you’ve always wanted to ask the romance reader?”
Phaeton: “I can only imagine the lovely blush of color this will cause, but I can’t resist: Would you prefer a gentleman ask for a kiss or steal one?” 
Jillian: “As a special treat for commenters today, Phaeton Black will be answering your comments––so prepare to blush!” 

To celebrate the release of book #2, I will be giving away signed copies of both The Seduction of Phaeton Black and The Moonstone and Miss Jones to one lucky commenter!  

MY DEBUT AUTHOR BONUS GIVEAWAY:  I am also giving away a copy of The Trouble with Cowboys by Melissa Cutler and Lowcountry Boil by Susan E. Boyer to two lucky commenters. Comment today and tomorrow for two chances to win one of these fabulous new novels!

So what are you waiting for?  ;) Jillian

Two more giveaways to commenters: A copy of Lowcountry Boil and The Trouble with Cowboys to two lucky commenters! 





The Seduction of Phaeton Black
Paranormal Investigator

Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard's secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he's asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he's ever known, America Jones.


 
Jillian Stone is the author of The Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series, which includes The Seduction of Phaeton Black, and the just released, The Moonstone and Miss Jones. The third sequel, The Miss Education of Doctor Exeter, is scheduled to release in July of 2013. Jillian is also the author of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. Watch for A Private Duel with Agent Gunn coming in late November!



Jillian Stone Contact Info: 

 Website  Facebook  Twitter

Stop by tomorrow when I interview Miss Jones. She'll share the girly-girly inside scoop on Phaeton Black and The Moonstone and Miss Jones. 


***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.


36 comments:

  1. Mr. Black - You can ask for a kiss or steal one. I am not a paranormal fan, but I feel sure you could change my mind. Interested in trying?

    yenastone@aol.com

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    1. Tammy,

      Sweet name, are you a sweet girl? I suspect you have a saucy adventurous side since you are open to polite or stolen kisses.

      Give me a chapter or two and I'll have you thoroughly immersed in my historical paranormal world. ;)

      Delete
    2. Mr. Black,

      I am sweet and saucy too. Thanks for saying my name is sweet. That was so kind of you. I will give you a chapter or two (or anything else you might want) I am ready for an adventure with you.

      Delete
  2. Thanks for including my book in the giveaway, Jillian and Phaeton! Cowboy Kellan tips his Stetson at you both.

    Melissa

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your debut, Melissa

      But I wonder...are cowboys more trouble than a somewhat debauched, absinthe drinking paranormal investigator who lives below a brothel in 1889 London? Perhaps Jillian should write a wild wild west sequel....I do so admire the hats and boots,,,,

      Delete
  3. Hello Phaeton! Pleasure to meet you! Friends of Jillian Stone's are friends of mine. :)

    As to the question, I would have to say it depends on who is asking and who is stealing. I had a boy in college who asked all the time and if he tried to steal one, I would have eviscerated him, no questions asked. He was not handsome, not intelligent, and most definitely not charming. Therefore he was NOT for me.

    It's rather like asking what type of pick up line works. It doesn't matter what the line is so long as the man is handsome, mysterious, and charming, does it? And you definitely qualify as all three. (Yes, it is tragic to discover women can be such shallow creatures.)

    So if YOU were asking or stealing, I'd let you have your pick, just so long as I got kissed in the end. :)

    Still, if it wasn't you and we were talking in general, I think a man is better off making the girl think the kiss is her idea. He can get away with much more. I would think that would be the goal, yes?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Ms Hellion...you saucy minx.

      For you, most definitely, the stolen kiss. Although, I might let you drive me crazy for awhile. I do so enjoy the chase...if you know what I mean. ;)

      Delete
  4. a new book again, wow.. congrts Jillian :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Eli,

    The most fun Jillian has had for the past two years is writing me...what can I say?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Steal! It'd be like a surprise prezzie!

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

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    1. ...I think an exotic kiss for you, Ms. Thumbelinda

      Delete
  7. What a great interview, Jill !!

    Congrats on Phaeton's success. Can't wait to get to this series as well as your Gentleman from Scotland Yard.

    HAPPY RELEASE DAY !
    ~Angi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angi,

      Are Texas kisses large and hot? I suspect so. I will forward your congratulations on to my creator. ;)

      Delete
    2. Bigger and hotter than any other place !!
      ~Angi

      Delete
    3. So it's true what they say about Texas.

      Delete
  8. A gentleman is welcome to steal a kiss from me! Of course if he simply asks, no harm done either. I'm not sure what Nightshades are but they sound interesting as does Phaeton's ability to talk to so many types of creatures. I wonder if they'll make an experience in the story. I hope so :)

    Cambonified{at}yahoo{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you saying you'd like one of each? I do hope so, though I must admit, I'm partial to the stolen kiss. But then, that really shouldn't come as a surprise...

      The Nightshades, are the warrior unit of The Gentlemen Shades, a strange organization headquartered in an dodgy East End alley full of opium dens, a Chinese laundry and a brothel that specializes in...best not go into further detail...this blog is rated PG-13

      Delete
  9. Great interview by the way! Hope to read more of Phaeton's adventures soon! Xoxoxo

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    Replies
    1. Sheryl,

      I count three kisses and three hugs. How might I return such a lovely compliment, short of suggesting something that would get my face slapped? Then again...it might be worth a try.

      Delete
  10. Dear Phaeton, I have a question. How was it being created by the fabulous Jillian Stone? Don't get me wrong, you are a sexy enigma and I can't wait to read your explots, but there's something about your creator who can invent such mesmerizing characters. My question would be how is she to work with, and did you generally get your way?

    As for the kiss, I'm a between person. Sometimes I love to give them but the stolen ones work well, also.

    Go Jill!!! Happy Release Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's exploits! Forgive flying fingers :)

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    2. Donnell...lovely unusual name.

      Jillian tells me that I am a character who writes himself. Generally speaking, she puts me in odd situations and then gets out of the way. She says when a character is fully realized enough, he speaks for himself.

      I do enjoy receiving as well as giving kisses. Perhaps we might strike a bargain? One for you and one for me?

      Delete
    3. Happy that you're happy, Donnell ;)

      Delete
  11. I am not sure what it will say about me but I like it if he steals one more. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Darling May, May I kiss you?

      But since you insist, naughty minx, I will sneak a kiss when you least expect it. Perhaps on a lovely afternoon in May?

      Delete
  12. Congrats on the book! I'd say steal one.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Marvelous! My personal favorite: the stolen kiss!

      Delete
  13. Oh Phaeton, if the kiss is coming from you it will have to be stolen. ; ) I may protest, but that is purely for appearances. You never know what I am hiding deep inside. Too bad Jillian did not see fit to give you some paranormal powers of your own *pouting*. But I am sure you can manage to make up for it.

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    1. Lexi H,

      Ah, the demure Lexi plays coy...I do look forward to uncovering what's hiding deep inside. ;)

      Very clever of you to figure out that Jillian gave me other "powers" that are equally enjoyable, particularly in a spicy romance novel...if you get my meaning.

      Delete
    2. Oh do I ever...I was always a sucker for a smart talented man. =)

      Delete
  14. I love that Phaeton is conducting the Q & A!
    Although, absinthe is a vile liquid, Mr. Black, you otherwise sound like an exciting man to be around. How do you take your nasty blue-green drink?

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    1. Ah, Laura,

      Perhaps you would allow me to louche you a glass, as I am rather expert at coaxing the green fairy out of the bottle. Then again, if you don't like the taste of fermented herbs and licorice...perhaps I could interest you in a glass of Talisker single malt whiskey?

      Either way, it could be the start of an amusing evening...

      Delete
  15. A stolen one would be terribly romantic so I pick that one :D
    ariannecruz07 at gmail.com

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    1. Arianne,

      Just for you, I will make it very unexpected. The kind of stolen kiss that makes you tingle.

      Delete
  16. CONGRATULATIONS Na (Cambonified{at}yahoo{dot}com) you have won copies of The Seduction of Phaeton Black and The Moonstone and Miss Jones!

    Congrats also to Adrian Cruz! (ariannecruz07 at gmail.com) You have won a copy of Lowcountry Boil!

    I will be contacting you both shortly!

    ReplyDelete