Get Lost in the Sensual, Mysterious World of Dr. Exeter

There is something about Paris in the fall that brings out the devil in Dr. Exeter...

...and the beast in mild-mannered Mia, whose animal urges transform her into a gorgeous panther at the most inconvenient times. While there is no cure for her condition, there are techniques to alleviate the physical urges and inappropriate behavior. Much to Exeter's distress, it is up to him to help Mia through this difficult time of transition. 

The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter, is the third novel in the Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series. readers who have enjoyed books one and two are well aware that The Moonstone and Miss Jones ends on a cliffhanger––Phaeton lost in an alternate universe known as the Outremer.

In book three, physical reality continues to unravel on both sides of the cosmic rift, and  it is up to the good doctor to extract Phaeton Black from the clutches of a diabolical techno-wizard—or both he and Phaeton could lose the women they love to love…forever. To accomplish Phaeton's release the doctor must let loose forces he has long kept under control, including his attraction to Mia.  Get ready for a moody tale of forbidden passion, romance and daring adventure!

“An arousing erotic romance wearing a skimpy steampunk dress…tension-filled sex scenes in a variety of unusual locations will satisfy readers who like to dog-ear the pages.” 

–Publishers Weekly

Click for a free chapter one, pdf download: The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter.

Jillian Stone is the author of The Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series, which includes The Seduction of Phaeton Black,  The Moonstone and Miss Jones and the just released, The Miss Education of Doctor Exeter. Jillian is also the author of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. She is thrilled that two of the novels, An Affair with Mr. Kennedy, and A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis, are both 2013 Daphne du Maurier finalists!

You have been quoted as saying that the Phaeton Black books are an acquired taste. What do you mean by that?

Jillian: From the day The Seduction of Phaeton Black released I could tell these books were either going to be maligned or praised. Phaeton is a dark, Byronic hero and if readers do not recognize a kindred spirit in Phaeton, then all his humor and charm are lost on them. Romance readers are often looking for a champion––a super hero nice guy. The funny thing is, Phaeton is all of those wonderful things and more, it's just that those traits aren't so obvious––he makes you reach a little to find the hero in him. These books are not romance in the traditional sense, they are immorality plays with a conscience, or wickedly sensual adult fantasies. Even I'm not sure what to call them. Lol!

Are all the Phaeton Black books as sensual as Dr Exeter? 

Jillian: RT lists all the books as scorchers, while other reviews/readers refer to them as erotic romance. All three novels have a number of steamy love scenes, but I have to say that there is an abundance of forbidden erotic tension in The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter. 

This is a tricky love story between Exeter and Mia. What were some of the pitfalls? 

Jillian: Well, the fact that Mia has been his ward since she was a child, makes the love story difficult, but it also gives it tension and a darker edge. Mia has grown into a beautiful young woman who is very much attracted to her guardian, Dr. Exeter. She's loved him since she was a child, but her feelings have shifted in disturbing new ways. As the book opens, Mia struggles with her inner wild cat, as well as her adult feelings for Exeter––is it that cat or Mia or both? 

And what about Exeter?  How does he deal with Mia?  

Mia as panther.

Jillian: Not very well, at first. He is torn between his duties as her guardian, his desire to help her gain control over the panther, and his growing physical attraction to her. 

At least half the book takes place in Paris, France––what kinds of adventures do Dr. Exeter, Mia and the Nightshades encounter there? 

Jillian: There are two parallel worlds in the novels, one circa 1890 and the other is closer to 2013. In The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter, they find out that Paris, has two dimensions as well. I really enjoyed researching the Paris catacombs, the miles of underground quarry and the nightclubs, bistros and couturiers of 1890 Paris! There is also an authentic 1890 fetish party at the climax––but I can say no more! 

Wizardry is a much maligned
profession.

What about this techno wizard, Prospero? Where does he fit into the picture? Prospero is one of my best antagonists yet. And I hope to do a good deal more with him in future novels. He's the tortured messiah of great inter-dimensional empire, but I can't reveal much more than that at the moment. He is going to put readers through a number of changes in the next three books––for awhile readers are not going to know if he's a good guy, a bad guy or just plain mad.

For me, the joy of writing has to do with spinning a tale that reaches into the mythology of the culture. One that strives to be both mesmerizing and enthralling. I don't want readers to be able to guess the ending or know everything there is to know about a character. Maybe I just love surprises, which translates into surprising readers!

Do Exeter and Mia find a way to work it out? 

Jillian: Is there is a happily ever after? I'm not telling! For those of you who hated the cliffhanger in book two, I will say that there is a satisfying ending––though as in all the books, there are hints of more to come.

Presenting the whimsical, often misunderstood covers of the Phaeton Black series. I applaud my editors at Kensington Brava for trying. I think they understood that these books are adult fantasy (for mature audience only).

I have a question for commenters! Do you have a favorite shift creature? Name a shifter by species or by name: Vampire, Edward Cullen, demon, werewolf, Jacob Black, panther, dragon?

My giveaway will have three winners, each winner gets their choice of one book in the Phaeton Black series, either a print or e-copy. If you are new to the series, you can start at the beginning, with The Seduction of Phaeton Black or if you'd rather go directly to Dr. Exeter––go for it! And remember to leave your contact information with your comment to be included in the giveaway raffle.

***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.