Victoria Vane | THE DEVIL WHO SPAWNED A SERIES

I think every writer dreams of creating characters who are larger than life, those so strong and intriguing that they can carry an entire series, even if not the primary focus of it. But Ludovic "the Devil DeVere" who began as a rakish sidekick, became all that and more. I never knew when I dreamed up my "HANGOVER" inspired novella that one story would become two, and then three, and then four, all because of one character. And while DeVere is not the hero of the first book in his namesake series (A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE), or even of the second book (THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS), he is an absolutely integral part of both.  His own story is as highly complex as is his character, and took two books to tell. (THE DEVIL YOU KNOW and THE DEVIL'S MATCH).  Hence, the birth of THE DEVIL DEVERE series, four scorching hot  intertwined Georgian era romance novellas involving six main characters all connected through the devious Ludovic, Viscount DeVere. 

Now, without further ado, here is an introduction to the Devil himself!

THE VOLUPTUARY

For surrounded by women and sprawled like a god, or more aptly, a satyr, on the queen's throne, naked as Adam with a floral wreath on his head and phallic scepter in hand, was Ludovic, Viscount DeVere. Lacking any sense of shame, he idly caressed the breast of the woman who held his cup to his mouth whilst another knelt between his knees fondling his manhood. To Phoebe's shock, he seemed to positively glory in the dissolute decadence, as if he were Bacchus incarnate with the entire night tailored for his own sensual gratification. - A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE

THE CHARMER

He flashed her a bedazzling smile. What is your name, my pet?"

"Kitty," she replied.

DeVere threw back his head with a chuckle. "Kitty? How delightfully apropos!" His erstwhile companions forgotten, he patted a muscular thigh. "Come then, Kitty, my sweet little puss. Sit on your master's lap, and I'll stroke you 'till you purr." - A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE

***

 "Should you later grow chilly, dear lady, you need only whisper the word, and I shall command every hearth in this monstrosity be lit. I would rather set my entire house aflame than cover such a magnificent..." His gaze raked over Diana's bosom with an appreciative gleam. "... gown."  -  THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

THE MASTER OF MAYHEM

Ned looked to DeVere. "You are the master of mayhem. Any brilliant ideas?"

"If we want him to leave the gate, we must provide proper motivation." DeVere answered.

"Such as?" Phoebe prompted.

"Let us keep to the basics, my pet. Men are primarily moved by either their stomachs or their cocks. If we cannot tempt the one, it must be the other."

Ned glared. "What are you suggesting?"

"Our little chambermaid can take the blighter off by offering him a hand job."

"The hell she will!" Ned barked before Phoebe could answer for herself. "Think of something else!"

"Come now, Ned. She'll be well compensated for her trouble. He chuckled, "Hell, for a thousand, I might be tempted to do it myself." - A WILD NIGHT'S BRIDE

THE QUINTESSENTIAL MANIPULATOR

Ludovic grinned. "You see, I have thought about my obligation to ensure the propagation of little DeVeres and find I am not the slightest disposed to it. As matters stand, you would inherit all should anything unforeseen befall me. Therefore, Hew, I deem it your onus to get the heir."

"Me? You truly think to put this matter upon me?" Hew was astounded, but not because he was opposed to the notion. On the contrary, unlike his brother who was completely hardened to women, Hew had long looked forward to taking a wife but only his finances had remained an impediment.

"I can surely make it worth your while."

"You would bribe me?" Hew said.

"Let us call it an inducement.

"If you weren't my own brother, I'd think you one heartless bastard."

Ludovic laughed outright. "Don't let the blood connection stop you." He then poured some brandy into his tea and raised his cup in salute. "You already know it's true, little brother; and for the record, it's all the more reason I should not be the one to procreate!"  

"Fifty thousand," Hew countered.

"Done."  Ludovic's smile told him he should have held out for more.

THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS

THE PHILOSOPHER

"Why would you do such a thing?"

DeVere looked annoyed. "Why must everyone always ask "why"?  I do because it suits me to do. I do not adhere to the worldview that one must always have a reason for everything. -THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS

"Do you wish to tell me what it is that sent you to my door, Vesta?"

"Must I have a reason?" she said. "You are my godfather, after all."

He chuckled long and hard. "No my dear, reasons are only for those beings with inferior understanding."  - THE VIRGIN HUNTRESS

THE LOVER

She wanted him too. He could see it in the rapid rise of her breasts. He could smell her budding arousal and would relish bringing her to full bloom. God, how he loved this dance! She had taken the first tentative steps, yet she still fought her desire, refused to give in to it, but he would lead her now. He was a master...and a ruthless bastard.

He moved behind her, taking possession of her waist, his fingers riffled gently through her hair. He closed his eyes to inhale her faint rose scent mixed with womanly musk. He dipped his head, letting his breath tickle her ear. She shivered. He whispered low and sultry. "Do you wish me to name the ways I can please you? I am delighted to comply if that excites you...although it would please me far more to demonstrate." - THE DEVIL YOU KNOW

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A lover of history and deeply romantic stories, Victoria combines these elements to craft romantic historical novels and novellas for a mature reading audience. Her writing influences are Georgette Heyer for fabulous witty dialogue and over the top characters, Robin Schone , Sylvia Day, and Charlotte Featherstone for beautifully crafted prose in stories with deep sensuality, and Lila DiPasqua for creative vision in melding history with eroticism. Ms. Vane also writes award nominated romantic historical fiction as Emery Lee (http://authoremerylee.com)