Sexy Cedric Interviews Alyssa from Soulstone by Katie Salidas/Giveaway

Today, my darlings, I have a very special guest! A female vampire, who has won my admiration with her feats of courage in her most recent adventure, Soulstone. Following the interview, there is a review by my authoress, Ms. Verrico.  We also have a giveaway of an ebook of Soulstone and this blog's monthly giveaway of an ebook of my latest adventure, Servant of the Goddess.  That's two vampire tale contest entries for one comment on this post! Winners will be chosen by random drawing.


Soulstone drawing ends 5/17/12 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Servant of the Goddess ends 5/31/12 11:59 p.m. EST

Welcome to Sexy Saturday with Cedric!  Today, I’m very pleased and may I say excited to have a female guest for a change of pace, but as a servant of a powerful Goddess, I do like strong, sexy women.  My darling, I do hope you’ll share a few spicy tidbits.  Settle into my hot seat of love.  Don’t worry--I never bite unless invited. 

Please introduce yourself to the readers.

Hey there Cedric, and of course all of the readers out there! I feel a little like a star right now. All eyes on me. A girl could get used to this! Well, let me start simply. I’m Alyssa, but my close friends call me Lyss. I’m a vampire and I love, love, love it. Of course, I didn’t always love it, but now I can’t remember what life was like before I became a creature of the night.

I see a most lovely vision before me, but why don’t you share a little about your vital statistics with the readers?  What makes you such a mouth-watering object of desire?

Oh Cedric, you are a naughty one aren’t you. Don’t let Lysander hear you talking to me like that, he might get jealous. On second thought, do. It’s fun to rile him up sometimes. But seriously, if I had to pick one thing that really mesmerizes the opposite sex, it’s my eyes. Now, when I was human they were green. Very pretty, but normal. Becoming a vamp though has turned them icy blue. Couple that with my dark auburn hair and you have a contrast that’s just too hard to resist. I dare you to try and avoid looking me in the eyes. 

We could be a matching set, of course my eyes remained green after the change, jade green, like this dragon talisman around my neck that Lord Liu gave me.  Tell me a little about yourself—don’t spare any juicy details.  How did a nice girl like you become such a femme fatale?

Pure accident, I assure you. It was one of those “right place at the wrong time” kind of things. Lysander saved me … and who wouldn’t want to be saved by that man? He’s like the statue of David come to life… What can I say? I’m head over heels for the old man. But you wanted to talk about me. So the story is, I was walking home late one night and (cringe) ran into some really bad guys. They pretty much beat the hell out of me and would have killed me. Then my knight in bloody armor showed up and gave them a taste of their own medicine and me a taste for blood. The rest is history.

You’re a vampire, like me.  Answer the all-important questions: Sparkling on non-sparkling?  Human blood or substitute?  Coffins?  Sunlight?  Special powers?

Sparkling… Uh, no! Not unless I douse myself in glitter. Ha ha. But that gives me an idea for later… Hmmmm.

Anyway, I’m an O positive kind of girl. It’s the real thing, or nothing for me. I tried animals once and it wasn’t for me. My preference, criminals. And the worse crimes they commit, the better they taste to me. Sorry, I hope that doesn’t offend your readers. I forget sometimes that humans get all squeamish when you discuss blood around them. *shrug* It’s my way of life though. Blood drinking comes with the curse (if you want to call it that.) that and the whole sunburn issue. I really hate sunlight, I mean really. It’s just too painful. But I’m sure you know what that’s like. We all have our issues.

I'm strictly a human blood kind of boy myself, but I generally take it bottled.  Too much trouble with the Feds otherwise.  What are some of the unique challenges that face you and your friends?  Do you have an arch enemy?

I can’t talk too much about them right now. I don’t want word getting out of our plans, but the Acta Sanctorum are on the hit list. Me, my clan, and our friends in the Olde Town pack are planning to hunt down and destroy that fanatical bunch of religious nutjobs. We’d have let bygones be bygones but they just keep trying to destroy us, so now they can have a taste of their own medicine.

Do you defer to authority, or are you a take-charge sort of girl?

Well, if I agree with the authority, I defer to them. Problem is I don’t always agree. I think sometimes the “authority” is too cautious. But if you ask anyone else in my clan they would probably tell you I’m just a troublemaker and love to go out of my way to cause problems. *shrug* I am who I am, that’s all I can say.

Yeah, they say the same thing about me sometimes, but someone has to get things done.  Are you a one-man woman or do you play the field a bit? 

Lysander is my man, now and forever. I’d go through hell for him.

What do you look for in your ideal partner?  I’ve had my share of tumultuous relationships, but I must admit, I prefer those that present a challenge.  Do you like someone who lets you take the lead, or do you like strong-minded lovers?  Does a naughty Scottish lad have a chance?

Sorry Cedric, you’re tempting, but I’m a one man kinda girl. Lysander is the mate I need. He challenges me, but also helps to balance me out as well. He’s not afraid to yank me down off of my high horse when I’m too full of myself, and he’s there to pick me up when I need a little help. He knows all of my faults and loves me for them, but also makes me want to be a better vampire and have less faults. He’s my soulmate.

Look at me getting all mushy over here. Yeah, I do love that man of mine!  

I admire your fidelity.  Not many pass on the chance to shag a celebrated adept of the ancient arts.  Your man is very lucky.  What is your idea of the perfect evening out?

This one time, Lysander and I took a stroll through the park in Boston. Winter was almost there. The air was crisp and cool. The stars were out; their twinkling reflected in the lake as we strolled around. It was just Lysander and I. We’d not had a single night alone since I’d been turned. The clan was always around. This night was just the two of us. We walked hand in hand, talked, and kissed under the moonlight. It was the most tender and romantic night we’d ever spent together. That was pure bliss.

They don’t all have to be sweet and simple nights like this, but with how hectic life is for me, sometimes that’s all it takes to find perfection. It’s the simple things.

I agree.  I do love the simple things as well: an elegant wardrobe, a silver Lamborghini and a discreet offshore bank account.  We don't want to be too ostentatious, do we?  Supposing the plan is to stay in.  All great lovers have their trade secrets.  How you create the perfect romantic atmosphere?  Don’t be afraid to spill a few juicy tidbits.

Now for a “nice” night inside, I’d have to start off with some sexy lingerie. I do love to dress for my man. There is something about the way his eyes sparkle when he sees me in something revealing. I think it has to do with the “old” man in him. He really appreciates a well packaged present. So, I like to dress for the occasion. Next, as I said before, we always have the clan around. So I need to separate us from them. As you’re well aware, our hearing is too good at times. So closing the bedroom door doesn’t always cut it. I like to drown out the extra noise with a little mood music. That helps to at least make it feel like we are alone. Once we’re alone… well, that’s between me and Lysander.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

You should come by the row house some time. I think I’ve got a friend for you. Zuri. She’s single and on the prowl, and if I do say so myself, she’s hot!

I’ll leave her number before I go.

But before I do that, I just wanted to say thanks for having me, and to your readers, I hope you’ll take a look at my stories. See for yourself if I’m really the troublemaker everyone says I am.

I will, but don't limit me to Zuri.  If you have any unattached male friends, I'm always game for that as well.  I rather fancy the looks of that Nicholas fellow.  Thanks for joining me today, Alyssa, and if you ever quarrel with Lysander and want to make him jealous, you know where to find me.

My darling readers, please take a look at the review and all the intriguing info my guest has provided, then read her delicious tales penned by the lovely Katie Salidas.


Love and Dark Kisses,


Cedric MacKinnon

Your Host with the Most!

Author Katie Salidas

Review of Soulstone

Denise Verrico

Katie Salidas has another winner in Soulstone, Immortalis #4.  I've been following the series since the beginning and have enjoyed seeing the heroine, Alyssa, grow from a somewhat naive girl into a strong and confident woman.  

In the previous book, Pandora's Box, the Peregrinus Clan had won a victory, but suffered some devastating losses.  Alyssa's lover and progenitor, Lysander, is left lying in a state between life and death, his soul imprisoned in a mysterious stone.  Being the spunky and faithful gal she is, Alyssa can't bear not to do something to help her man. With the aid of a witch, a former agent of her arch enemy Acta Santorum and a reluctant pack of werewolves, Alyssa and her clan set out to free Lysander's soul.  

The book is fast paced with healthy doses of humor and interesting action sequences, and I was excited to see Alyssa taking charge of the situation, despite her companions' trepidation.  An enjoyable read for vampire and urban fantasy fans!

Immortalis Series Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u9MUgd1NMiI

The Immortalis Series:

Becoming a vampire is easy. Living with the condition... that's the hard part. Join Alyssa as she stumbles through the world of the "Unnatural."

Book 1: Immortalis Carpe Noctem  - Rescued from a brutal mugging on the college campus of UNLV, 25 year old Alyssa is initiated into a frightening, eternally dark world she never knew existed. The world of the vampire. Stricken with cravings of blood, and forced leave behind all she knew, Alyssa struggles with the change. And Lysander, her sexy but aloof sire, is the only one who can help guide her. There's no turning back now. It's either, Carpe Noctem, or final death.

Book 2: Hunters & Prey -  Rule number one: humans and vampires don't co-exist. One is the hunter and one is the prey. Simple, right? Not for newly-turned vampire Alyssa. A surprise confrontation with Santino Vitale, the Acta Sanctorum's most fearsome hunter, sends her fleeing back to the world she once knew, and Fallon, the human friend she's missed more than anything. Now she has some explaining to do. However, that will have to wait. With the Acta Sanctorum hot on their heels, staying alive is more important than educating a human on the finer points of bloodlust.

Book 3: Pandora's Box -  After a few months as a vampire, Alyssa thought she'd learned all she needed to know about the supernatural world. But her confidence is shattered by the delivery of a mysterious package - a Pandora's Box. Seemingly innocuous, the box is in reality an ancient prison, generated by a magic more powerful than anyone in her clan has ever known. But what manner of evil could need such force to contain it? When the box is opened, the sinister creature within is released, and only supernatural blood will satiate its thirst. The clan soon learns how it feels when the hunter becomes the hunted.

Book 4: Soulstone -  It’s a desperate time for rookie vampire Alyssa, and her sanity is hanging by a slender thread. Her clan is still reeling from the monumental battle with Aniketos; a battle that claimed the body of Lysander, her sire and lover, and trapped his spirit in a mysterious crystal. A Soulstone. Unfortunately, no amount of magic has been able to release Lysander’s spirit, and the stone is starting to fade. Weeks of effort have proved futile. Her clan, the Peregrinus, have all but given up hope. Only Alyssa still believes her lover can be released. In despair, Alyssa begs the help of the local witch coven, and unwittingly exposes the supernaturals of Boston to unwanted attention from the Acta Sanctorum. The Saints converge on the city and begin their cleansing crusade to rid the world of all things “Unnatural.” In the middle of an all-out war, but no closer to a solution to the dying stone, Alyssa is left with an unenviable choice: save her mate, or save her clan.

All books are available online at:

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Katie-Salidas/e/B003APXXWO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/katie-salidas

Smashwords

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KatieSalidas

Rising Sign Books – Publisher

http://www.RisingSignBooks.net

Sexy Cedric: History of Japanese Courtesans/Final Day to Enter Drawing



Host Cedric Mackinnon's Portrait by Arlie Adams












I hope my darlings are having a Sexy Saturday!  If not, contact me and we'll talk. 
Today, I continue my discussion of courtesans.  If you haven't yet entered to win my story, My Fearful Symmetry, in ebook, please leave me a saucy comment at the end of the post. 

Drawing ends 3/31/12 at 11:59 PM EST.  Winner to be chosen by random drawing from all commenters at this blog throughout March 2012. Please leave an email where you may be contacted. Your choice of format Kindle, Nook or PDF.

Courtesans: Part Two

Japanese Courtesans

Back in February, when I took on this project for the authoress, I realized that my subject is more extensive than I’d anticipated, so I’ve decided to discuss different aspects of the courtesan’s art in their respective countries. Today, I’ll discuss the history of courtesans in Japan.

Oiran, Japanese courtesans, were classified as a type of “woman of pleasure”, but they were distinguished from common prostitutes by the virtue of also being entertainers. The earliest Oiran were actresses who performed in a form of theatre that became the basis of Kabuki. The Oiran’s art arose in the Edo period (1600-1800). They were prized for their beauty, character, education and artistic talent. They were educated in the arts of flower arranging, calligraphy and the tea ceremony, as well as being skilled in conversation. To be pretty wasn’t enough, an Oiran must also be witty and able to write with eloquence. Oiran costumes were elaborate and ornate, with many layers of sumptuous fabrics. They practiced traditional courtly entertainments that were far removed from the tastes of common folk. Formal rituals surrounded the employment of an Oiran. They were never engaged casually, but offered formal invitations from those that wished to enjoy their services. Only then would an Oiran leave her pleasure district with her retinue of servants and process to the waiting client.  The illustration below depicts an Oiran.

*public domain image due to expired copyright

However, another sort of courtesan eventually eclipsed the Oiran. As the Oiran’s art become more and more elitist, the more accessible geisha began to increase in popularity.  The picture below shows a geisha in her lover's room.




*public domain image of an artwork for which no
known copyright exists.


The geisha’s art arose from the custom of hiring dancing girls known as odoriko. These were generally teenagers that performed in the home of high-ranking samurai. The first woman recorded to have taken the name of geisha was a prostitute from Fukagawa in 1750. Kikuya was a talented singer and shaminsen player who quickly rose to celebrated status, paving the way for the rise of the geisha.

The pleasure districts of Japan were severely regulated, and it was outlawed for the geisha to sell sex, as not to compete with the Oiran. The geisha became highly prized as entertainers and erudite companions. When the Oiran finally fell from fashion, the geisha took on the more intimate arts of the courtesan. However, she had the option of deciding whether to become sexually intimate with her clients or not. Still, not all geisha chose the life itself. There were certainly girls sold in indentured servitude to geisha houses prior to the 20th century. Accounts tell of high prices bid for a girl’s virginity.

In the WWII era, the name geisha became a somewhat tarnished term because common prostitutes often used it. Some years after the war, the art was revived, and the geisha returned to her traditional role of skilled artist and entertainer. She still enjoys that status today.

What about male courtesans in Japan? Oddly enough, the first geisha were men, who entertained clients waiting to see the celebrated Oiran--entertained in the sense of music and comedy, not sexually. In 17th century Japan homosexuality was not necessarily taboo, particularly among the priestly classes and the samurai. The samurai, like Greek warriors of the ancient world, prized male relationships and an older man would often take on a younger male companion in order to impart the virtues of samurai manhood. These lovers would often bear cuts on their bodies symbolizing their masculinity and the devotion to their bond. But these youthful love objects could not properly be called courtesans.

However, in the Kabuki theatre, young men and adolescent boys, who played the roles of women, functioned as courtesans offstage.  Literature of the period shows many examples of love letters and poems written by men to other men, many of these were composed or inspired by said stage performers. Kabuki theater started in Japan in 1603 and featured racy storylines and dances.  At first women performed female roles in Kabuki, but because they also practiced prostitution offstage, they were eventually banned and replaced by beautiful adolescent males.  As these young men, or Onnagata, became celebrated for their offstage sexual antics, they were also forbidden and adult men took over the female roles.  Below you can see a depiction of an Onnagata combing the hair of another actor.



*image in the public domain due to expired copyright

 Next week, I'll be back with more sexy tidbits and details about a new drawing for my latest adventure, Servant of the Goddess.  Don't forget to leave a comment so you can be entered in this month's drawing for My Fearful Symmetry! 

Love and Dark Kisses,

Your naughty boy, Cedric MacKinnon

You can win this!

Here is a little bit about my tale:
Only the most gifted and beautiful Immortyls are chosen to serve Mother Kali as adepts of the ancient arts...
For nineteen-year-old Cedric MacKinnon, the promise of eternal youth and celebrity sounds like a dream come true. It becomes a nightmare when a master vampire plucks the boy from the London streets and spirits him away to India. In the fabled ashram of the adepts of the ancient arts, Cedric undergoes the grueling process of training as a temple dancer and courtesan. With the threat of revolution hanging over court, the chief elder employs the boy he names Shardul in dangerous games of seduction and intrigue.



My Blog Tour and Contest to Win My Fearful Symmetry

My blog tour starts on Tuesday at Written in Blood.  I will be giving away an Immortyl Revolution mousepad there.  To enter my book giveaway, please leave a comment at any post on my blog during the month of June!  If you haven't yet become a follower here, please do!

Update on Twilight of the Gods

You can now pre-order Twilight of the Gods at http://deniseverricowriter.webs.com/.  The e-book and paperbacks should be available on Amazon and elsewhere soon.