TOR Romance
(January 3, 2012)

Mass Market Paperback
ISBN-10:  0765367580
ISBN-13:   978-0765367587

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*4/4 STARS - ROMANTIC TIMES REVIEWS
*BEST PARANORMAL - READERS CROWN AWARD

Reviews

"The story is well researched, with interesting characters, and you'll be sucked into the novel within the first chapter."

Romantic Times Reviews

∞

“This series (The Curse of the Templars) is explosive, sexy, riveting, and Claire Ashgrove is a master of her craft.”

MAGGIE SHAYNE, New York Times Bestselling Author

∞

“Ashgrove's Templars will steal your heart and her world building will leave you wanting more.”

KARIN TABKE, National Bestselling Author

∞

“Claire Ashgrove weaves complex layers of history, paranormal worlds and romantic fiction seamlessly.”

CATHERINE BYBEE, New York Times Bestselling Author

Interview with Lucan of Seacourt

Taken from the Lovin' Me Some Romance Blog during the Immortal Hope Blog Tour.

Name: Lucan of Seacourt
Profession: Knight Templar
Age: Over 8 Centuries old
Height: 6’1”
Hair: Long Black
Eyes: Silver / Grey

Lucan, what a pleasure to meet you. Thanks so much for taking some time to talk with me today about the Templar problems.

Lucan: Milady, the pleasure is mine. Tell me how I may assist your quest for knowledge.

I want to know more about this seraph thing – where do they come from, how do you know if someone is a seraph, how do you know who the seraph belongs to, and what’s the deal with this armband?

Lucan: (Chuckling) Your questions are not for the faint. Very well, let us see what light I can shed on the matter. Where do seraphs come from – we must go back to the beginning of time. When angels crossed with man and the Nephilim were created. As you are aware, the Almighty frowned upon these unions. He eradicated the Nephilim… but what is not known is all were given a choice. Surrender the power of the angels, live as man, and their blood would carry on to fulfill a greater purpose. One day, when the cause most presented, their gifts would come again. Those who refused were destroyed.

And today’s seraphs are the result?

Lucan: Aye. The torq you speak of identifies them. It is attuned to their divine power and possesses a few… shall we say… quirks as well.

So that’s how they are identified, but how do you know if someone’s a seraph. For instance, am I? Could any one of the women reading this be one?

Lucan: ‘Tis hard to say. Indeed, any woman could be a seraph. ‘Twould not be known until Gabriel presents himself to her and offers the torq of serpents.

The Templar don’t know then.

Lucan: Nay. We are mere men, not privy to the machinations of the most high.

I wouldn’t say you’re exactly mere men. Aside from the whole knight thing, let’s not forget about this dose of immortality or the fact at any moment you might lose your soul and turn. But beyond that – how do you know if a seraph belongs to you? What’s to stop me from walking up to… say you… and saying I’m yours. If I’m a seraph that is. I could go for knights, swords, and living in secret temples.

Lucan: (Chuckling once again.) Milady you would not wish for this life, I assure you. But if you were indeed a seraph, you would possess some sort of physical mark that stands out in your own mind. It would match your intended mate’s. If you wish to see if perhaps you are fated for one of my brethren, you should speak to Anne. She keeps a record of the marks now.

Ah, smart thinking! While we’re talking about seraphs, do you know who yours is?

Lucan: Nay, I do not know if I shall be paired.

What would you do if Gabriel introduced you to your seraph tomorrow?

(As I ask the question, Lucan shifts uncomfortably in his seat, and I’d swear a blush crept into his cheeks.)

I’m sorry. Did I embarrass you?

Lucan: Nay. ‘Tis a subject best left to silence, however. ‘Twould be impolite to discuss something so… personal.

Oh. Oh! I didn’t mean… Well, now that you mention it… that could be quite an entertaining conversation! A little wine, a little seduction—I bet you wouldn’t have to work too hard to get a girl to agree to promise forever.

(His blush deepens, and I decide to steer the conversation to more comfortable ground.)

Okay, one last question before we let you get back to keeping the world safe from Azazel’s ascension. What was your immediate thought when the archangels told you about the revelation of the seraphs?

Lucan’s expression sobers. He looks past me as he answers, at something nondescript on the wall just above my left shoulder. His voice quiets by several decibels.

Lucan: That at last, perhaps, I could shed this accursed suspicion. ‘Tis a poison I cannot escape.

There’s hope though, right? If you’re paired…

Lucan: Let us pray I shall live long enough to know such blessed peace.

I certainly hope so, Lucan. Thank you again for taking a few minutes out of your day to talk to us. I don’t want to hold you up from more important things.

(He rises and offers me a formal bow.) Lucan: Most assuredly, ‘tis my pleasure to spend a few moments in your lovely company, milady.

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