Special Feature & Giveaway with DANA MICHELLE BURNETT

Guest Post by Dana Burnett

Why Ghosts? 

First off, thanks so much for giving me a chance to come on the blog and talk about my latest book!

Most people that know me are not surprised that I write paranormal romance. I’ve always been one that loved the dark and creepy side of things, but some people ask me, why ghosts? To most people ghosts are just these spectral bits of nothing floating around, there are always people that ask, what made me chose a ghost as the hero of my story?

Well, because ghosts represent that helpless longing in each of us. It’s not about the scare, it’s about that little part of us that goes on, that won’t let go, no matter what.

When I was writing Possessed and the Spiritus Series, I kept asking myself, what would make me come back? Of course there are only two answers to that question, love or revenge for my death. Then I asked myself, what if they were one in the same?

That was how I came up with the idea for the story, what would happen if a Civil War era ghost returned to haunt the reincarnation of the wife that murdered him? My poor hero Alastor is the very epitome of a ghost, a helpless longing that just goes on, but what drives him? Is his longing for love or revenge?

Possessed Blurb

“Do you believe that love can last centuries? Revenge? Guilt? Well, take your pick and read this book!” ~ Love and Live to Read

The Spiritus Series captured the imagination of readers with the hauntingly romantic tale of a love that refused to die. Now experience the story from the other side!

Every story has two sides...

Alastor truly believed that his life was over the night his wife Becca shot and killed him over a century ago, but now he has returned as a spirit to haunt the reincarnation of his traitorous, murdering wife. Why now? Why Becca after all this time?

When Becca moves into her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana, her life takes a puzzling and thrilling turn when she meets the ghost haunting the halls. As the seductive spirit lures her closer and closer, she learns about her own past and starts to understand that some mistakes are meant to last.

To Becca, Alastor is a seductive spirit that seems to see straight into her soul. To Alastor, Becca is what he has waited a century for--A second chance. But a second chance at what? Love...Or revenge? 

How far will each of them go to rectify the wrongs of the past?

More Praise of the Spiritus Series:

"With a spoon full of romance and a dash of suspense, Spiritus is a wonderful treat."-Jaskirat, See It Or Read It

"If you like romantic and haunting novels, witch characters and a plot that completely draws you in, then I would definitely recommend that you pick up Spiritus." ~ Ink Puddle

"The romantic tension, the tenderness, the bittersweet moments...These are all the things that really caught my attention." ~ Alexa Loves Books

"The writing is beautiful, the scenery is gorgeous.  The emotions in the book...They are heartfelt and sometimes just heart wrenching." ~ Fictional Candy

Q&A with Dana
1. Dana, when did Kieran and Harmony first come to you and share their story with you?

It was about a year ago and of course now things have become even more complicated, but what do you expect when you throw together a member of an ancient tribe of near immortal creatures and a human?

2. Do you basically lead the events as they unfold between Kieran and Harmony, or is it the other way around?

I tend to let the characters lead the story.  There were times I had to give Kieran and Harmony a little push, but for the most part, they were in control the entire time. 

3. Do you find that the information you need from your characters is given easily or do you feel that they hold back sometimes and only tell you, “on a need to know basis only”?
Kieran should be feeling very ashamed at that question!  Harmony is so easy to work with, but sometimes with Kieran he just doesn't seem to want to talk. 

4. Harmony, so glad to see you, last we heard, you were just getting over a gunshot, how are you feeling?
I'm feeling better, but it still seems strange that I was actually shot.  I mean, who expects to get shot? 

5. How are things going at the feed store with all the town gossipers, and Alec, can you tell me if he is still around?
Things are going good at the store, but Corydon is a small town, so there will always be some sort of gossip.  As far as Alec, well, he's still around, but things are very different now. 

6. Do you feel like you are getting a better grip on everything that you are being faced with, or is their still so much to deal with, it is a bit mindboggling?

 At this point Harmony briefly closes her eyes as if giving her answer some thought before she speaks. Kieran gently places his hand on top of hers as he caresses her fingers with a reassuring squeeze. All the time never taking his eyes off of her face.
Try to imagine everything that you have ever known, everything that you thought was true, and finding out that all of it was a lie.  I always believed that you were born, you grew up, fell in love, and grew old together.  That was just the way things went, and now everything is different.

7. Kieran, again so glad you could come today,(at this point I’m not sure he is listening to me because his eyes are still fixed on Harmony, watching her very closely. I clear my throat and continue on with my question) let’s start with your background, can you give us a little more information about the Tuatha De Danann of Ireland?
We were the original rulers of Ireland, known for being peaceful and appreciating beautiful things including the humans in our land.  We all have special powers, but they have weakened over the centuries after our bloodlines have crossed so many times over with human bloodlines.  It's hard to say how many of us remain after we were defeated by the Mileans.  My own ancestors went into hiding after the battle.  If it wasn't for the Irish Travellers taking us in and keeping our secret, none of my family would have survived. 

8. How did your kind become known as dei terreni?
We were given that name by the humans.  Actually, we are believed to be the root of the fairy myths in Ireland.

9. Kieran, what can you tell us about the story that Alec’s uncle told Harmony about your ancestors and the kidnapping of the sons and daughters from the villages?
We never kidnapped anyone, it's not in our nature.  Living as close to humans as we always have, from time to time one of us would fall in love with a human.  If that human loved us as well, they would be given the choice to come live among us.  There was always a choice.

10. One last question Kieran, with your letter to Harmony, it was pretty clear that it was just a matter of time. Time to you could be different than it would be to Harmony. How much time do you think it will be, before you return?
Every minute without her seems an eternity, but when the time is right, I will return.  I won't know when that will be until it is here.

11. Dana, I know you’re on a tight schedule and you have to get Harmony and Kieran back, so before you head back can you tell us about future reads in this new, (and very exciting) GYPSY FAIRY TALE series?
Well, I guess my biggest hint to the future is that sometimes a girl just has to go after what she wants.  I'm just not so sure if
Harmony really understands how far she will have to go.

About the Author:  Dana Michelle Burnett spent most of her life writing short stories and sharing them with family and friends. Over the years, her work was published in numerous commercial and literary magazines including Just Labs, Mindprints: A Literary Journal, Foliate Oak, and many more.  Her short story John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust was include in The Best of Foliate Oak 2006.      Dana Michelle's Spiritus Series introduced the idea of a ghostly romance and became a Kindle bestselling series.  She's an avid reader of anything dark and romantic.  Dana Michelle lives in Southern Indiana with her dancing diva daughter and an assortment of pets.Connect with Dana at:   Website   FB   Twitter

Possessed Excerpt:

It was easy enough for me to go to the school and find the dance simply by following the sound of the music. I floated invisible through the students in their formal attire, searching for Becca.

I found her and the boy standing along the edges of the dance floor. She was taking the paper cup of punch that the boy was offering her. I moved closer when she coughed after taking a sip.

“I’m sorry,” the boy said as he stroked her back. “I should have warned you that a couple of guys from the football team always puts a little something extra in the punch.”

“It’s okay,” Becca said between gasps of air. “I think I’ll just step out in the hall and get some water.”

I followed her, listening to the litany of thoughts going through her mind. She questioned if this was what she was supposed to want. She couldn’t understand why this was so hard for her.

“He’s not me…” I whispered inside her head.

She jumped and looked around.

“Go away,” she said aloud. “Don’t ruin this for me.  Let me have this night.”

I did go away. I left her and went out to where the boy stood waiting for her to return. I looked at his boyish profile, unlined and unworn with adolescent stubble on his jaw. This was my rival. This was the “man” that was trying to take my Becca away.

The boy was speaking with that hateful Ashley girl, but I didn’t hear what he was saying. My mind was already turning to darker things.

So Becca wanted this one night...Well, so did I.

I pulled in my strength, gathering myself small and hard. I rose up above him, glaring down, before blasting myself into his body. There was a dizzy feeling, a sickening lurch to the left, and then I was back on the outside looking at him standing there with Becca at his arm.

I was weak, feeling the darkness trying to reach up and pull me down into the nothingness, but this time I wouldn’t go. I concentrated on the two of them, watching him try to recover just as I was.

The boy swayed a little from side to side as he smiled down at her, “I was just about ready to send a search party out for you.”

"Sorry,” Becca said as she reached up to stop the boy from falling right into her. “Are you okay?”

The boy staggered a little to the right and blinked as if trying to focus, “Yeah that Ashley just gets under my skin. She doesn’t know when to shut up and go away.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about,” she said as she took the paper cup from him and threw it in the trash barrel. “How many of those have you drank?”

The boy blushed and raised his hand to his forehead as he staggered to the right again, “I am so sorry.”

She reached up and grabbed his arm again to steady him, “Are you going to be alright?”

The boy shook his head, this time leaning dangerously to the left. “I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Not really,” the boy said, looking quite sick. “Why don’t I go splash some water on my face?  Will you wait for me?”

“Sure.”

I followed the boy as he lurched off, staying close as he walked out into the hall. I was determined this time. I gathered again, pulling all of my energy before I dove directly into the center of his chest. There was the sickening spin as his consciousness fought mine, but at last there I stood living and breathing again, an interloper in the body of the boy.

There was no turning back now. I walked back out to where Becca was waiting. Seeing her there, looking so beautiful, it seemed impossible that in mere moments I would be able to feel her in my arms again.

“May I have this dance?” I asked, reaching my hand out to her.

It seemed to take an eternity for her to turn and put her hand in mine. My heart leapt the instant our hands touched and I felt her fingers in mine. I pulled her close, holding her against my body and lowering my nose to her hair. I inhaled deeply, there it was, the scent of honeysuckle and vanilla.

Becca...

“My beautiful Becca,” I closed my eyes and whispered against her forehead.

I felt her watching me, but I just stood there holding her close. She tried to shift away, but I held there against me.

“Don’t,” I begged and lowered my lips to hers. I tasted the delicious softness of mouth, so gentle at first, afraid at any moment that I would fade and this moment would vanish.

For a moment, neither of us moved. We stood there with our lips barely touching. I was shaking, near crying myself. This was real...This was happening...

I pulled her closer, this time allowing my mouth to linger over hers, my tongue licking the seam of her lower lip. I felt her tremble, her body pushing against me.

Suddenly she pushed me away and gasped, “Alastor!” 

She looked up at me, searching another man’s face, but still somehow seeing me inside.

“How?” She whispered.

“Please don’t scream,” I said as I pulled her to me again and lowered my face into her hair.

“How did you do it?” She asked, a note of hysteria creeping into her voice.

“Does it matter?” I asked as we waltzed about the floor, “You asked for a kiss and I gave it to you.”

Becca began to tremble, shaking so badly that her teeth began to chatter, “Alastor…I can’t…”

“Please,” I begged. “Please, you asked me to give you this one night.  I’m asking you to give me this one moment.”

Tears filled her eyes, “What do you want me to do?” 

“Close your eyes,” I whispered against her eyelids.

“Now what?”

“Just be,” I said as I lowered my face to hers so that our cheeks touched. “Just be.”

“Kiss me again,” she said without opening her eyes.

I gladly took her face in my hands and brought my lips to hers. She brought her own hands up to cover mine as her own kisses became more urgent.

“I’m sorry,” she whimpered, holding my closer. “I’m so sorry for everything.”

I kissed her again, tasting her mouth like a man starved. The answer was clear...My soul would always belong to Becca...Always... 

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