Author: Jillian Stone
Genre: Paranormal Romance with Steampunk and Erotic Elements
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Release Date: September 26, 2012
ISBN-10: 075826898X
ISBN-13: 978-0758268983
Number of pages: 300
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Indiebound The Book Depository
Book Description:
The
Moonstone and Miss Jones is the dark and sexy sequel to The Seduction
of Phaeton Black. Phaeton returns to England in time to help Doctor
Exeter and the mysterious deadly Nightshades rescue London once
again––this time from Professor Lovecraft's destructive tinkering. As the threads of existence begin to unravel, the eccentric scientist attempts to save his son’s deteriorating condition by replacing body parts with mechanical apparatus. Ah, but how to power them? The near mad professor believes he has found a way to unleash the arcane energy inside the Moonstone and he needs Phaeton Black to help him do it.
When Phaeton 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––a new business venture MOONSTONE INVESTIGATIONS. No uncommon psychical disturbance refused.
Well, why not mix business with pleasure?
A lone gaslight sputtered above the stair landing. America steadied herself and waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness below. The hansom ride from the Docklands to the West End had been one of the most harrowing in her life––with the possible exception of a rickshaw pulled by Zulu in Durban, South Africa.
She squinted and a few details emerged from the flat below, including a shadowy figure in the overstuffed chair. A soft snore rumbled its way up the stair––it was Phaeton, all right. She ventured further into the room for a better look.
He lounged in the chair with his pelvis forward, legs spread. America angled her head, studying him. There was a rough of whiskers on his chin; could he look anymore dashing? She exhaled a sigh. Only if he opened those liquid brown eyes.
“A little lower, darling.” He mumbled, still asleep. It suddenly hit her. He was safe. He was healthy. The bilge rat.
“Darling, is it?” she whispered. Her gaze trailed down his open waistcoat to the buttons on his trousers. As if in answer to her own lascivious thoughts the buttons began to open.
She grinned at first––was this some new kind of power emerging? Something ancient and primal fueled by lust? She had noticed a marked increase in her abilities these last few months, there was no question they were getting stronger. She reached out and her hand was slapped away––by what she had no idea. She tried again and was flung across the flat onto the lumpy old chaise longue.
America sat up and stared. Something tugged at Phaeton’s trousers––something powerful enough to manipulate the physical world and yet remain unseen. Rising to her feet, she strode across the floor and slapped Phaeton hard across the face.
He groaned, still in a deep trace. “Just the tip, Georgiana.”
She slapped him again. “Snap out of it!”
Jarred awake, Phaeton pushed away from her and blinked––several times. She slapped him again. This time he rubbed his jaw and his eyes watered. “America?” Gradually, between squints and blinks, he came around.
Her fists landed on her hips. “Who is Georgiana?”
Phaeton eased back into his chair, though he regarded her with some wariness. “A rather persistent succubus. And you certainly aren’t one of those––thank God.” If it was possible for a man to have sultry eyes, Phaeton had them. He tilted his chin and studied at her. “Though, I must admit the nasty little vixen has me in some discomfort––would you mind?” He gave a nod to the bulge in his trousers.
“Stuff it, Phaeton.”
“Exactly.” A slow grin twitched on the devilish mouth. “I’m just asking.”
“Goodness––separated for less than two months and I had already quite forgotten how exasperating you can be.”
“You followed me––rather sweet of you. I wasn’t sure you would. I thought you would think I jumped ship and sailed off––abandoned you.”
America’s eyes narrowed into cat slits. “According to your wire, which I received just yesterday, you were shanghaied––in Shanghai.”
Phaeton shrugged. “Old joke, not particularly amusing anymore.”
She stared at him. “You must trust me when I say, it was never comical––in the least.” America shook her head and moved to the pantry area of the flat. She braced herself against the
table edge. “I chased you halfway round the world, Phaeton. I want the truth this time, and not a crafty as you please answer.” She swept an errant curl back into her top knot. “I believe I’ve known eels less slippery.”
Phaeton wore that cajoling half smile. “You’re angry with me.”
“Mad at you? No Phaeton, I’m not angry with you. I’m...I’m furious.” America choked on her own words, or was it the painful and growing lump in her throat that stifled her breath? “I searched for you for in every opium den and every back alley of Shanghai. Only after a great deal of money changed hands was I able to find out you’d cut and run––aboard the Boomerang. Do you have any idea how I worried?”
“I’ve caused you great torment, but I swear to you none of it was my doing. Yes, I was on that ship––in leg irons for more than half the voyage. I was cracked over the head in Blood alley, stuffed in a sack and taken aboard ship. “Phaeton rolled his eyes a bit. “Turns out the captain was a regular chap, with a good supply of whiskey––nightly card play.”
America shook her head. “How lovely for you. I don’t suppose there was any chance to escape––or any way to get word to me?”
“But I did get word to you, love––darling––” Phaeton appeared rather stricken.
The tears that had welled up, were streaming now. “And while we were separated did you…think of me?”
Phaeton rose from the chair. “Every minute.” He strode toward her slowly. “Of every hour.” He caught her up in his arms. “Of every bleeding day.” His gaze fell to her mouth, and her lips parted. Good God, what a hussy––she was sending him an invitation.
“Have I ever told you I love you––outside of the throes of passion?”
America shook her head.
“I love you.”
America pressed her hands to his chest. “Too late, we’re in the throes of passion.”
The Moonstone and Miss Jones
is the second book in the interesting supernatural mystery series that is intertwined with a steamy
paranormal romance. The main plot deals with Phaeton Black, a Scotland
Yard detective who happens to have some paranormal abilities. He helps
out with cases surrounding the occult and unexplained occurrences. By his side is America Jones, the fiery woman who has decided to help with his cases. Phaeton and America rush to London in order to help Doctor Exeter save the city from the evil Professor Lovecraft.
This novel is a fast-paced paranormal romance with a great plot. The setting is a perfect fit for the narrative - Victorian era London seems to be a plausible place for ghosts, evil professors, and general paranormal activity. The romance portion of the book was a bit of a shock to me because I normally don't read that genre, but it was definitely steamy and continued to make the tension between Phaeton and America palpable throughout the novel. The writing is incredibly well done and the characters are believably flawed and exciting to read about. The added mystery and steampunk aspects of the series only heighten the adventure and make it all the more exquisite. Fans of paranormal romance will devour this book and eagerly await the third installment in the series.
Author Links:
Twitter: @gJillianStone
cant wait to get my hands on this book!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather,
DeleteI do hope you enjoy The Moonstone and Miss Jones!
Can't wait to read!!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!! :D
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and good luck!
DeleteThe excerpt was yummy!!! Can't wait to read this! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway! <3
ReplyDeleteMary DeBorde (M.A.D.)
Thanks Mary, and good luck in the contest!
DeleteThis book sounds really good. Thank you for the awesome giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you get a chance to read the Phaeton Black series. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to wish all the commenters good luck and I do hope you get a chance to read the Phaeton Black series!
ReplyDelete