Giveaway & Dara from "Blood Rage" visits the Brunette Librarian

Blood Rage

The Dream-Walker War, Book 1

By: Tory Michaels

For eighty years since the Great Awakening, humans and non-humans have lived in relative peace together. The peace is threatened when three bodies turn up less than a mile from the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs in Tampa, all bearing the signature of vampires who once terrorized Europe.

The Bureau’s chief liaison to the vampires, Dara MacKechnie, learns that the Tampa victims are not alone when her ex-lover, and head of the vampire’s Great Council, Anthony Caldwell comes calling.

The pair discovers the lie that separated them two centuries ago only banked their passion, not extinguished it. Dara must decide whether she can trust Anthony with her heart a second time as they try to head off the war that threatens all they hold dear.

Dara stopped by the blog to give us her opinions on everything...from Anthony to her favorite foods!  

Dara - Come on, be honest...what drew you to Anthony the first time around?

Leaving aside the facts as to how we met, I would have to say it was how he treated me. We were very much from two different worlds. While my mother’s choice in profession had given me at least a comfortable life to start, it gave me no respectability. He was a very powerful, wealthy, influential duke in England. Despite my background and how we met, he never treated me with anything less than respect. He liked to read and encouraged me to use his personal library whenever I wished.

Did you ever think you would get back together, even at your darkest moments?

Until I learned the truth about his lie, I had no desire to get back together with him. Maybe drive a stake through his (I thought) black heart, or leave him out roasting for the noon day sun while I watched, but not together intimately. I didn’t understand how the good and generous man I had known when we shared time together had become a monster, but I believed his claim that he’d killed my baby brothers.

But yes, every so often, I longed for the man I’d known in England. It doesn’t speak well of me, that I could still yearn for a man I’d thought did me such a horrid turn.

Let's talk about your job - how did you end up with the job of the chief liaison? 

I helped found the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs back in the day. I served five years as its first Director, and then stepped out of the public spotlight. But back in the ‘90’s, the current director approached me about stepping into the role of Chief Liaison between the United States and the vampires. My name still carried a lot of weight from my part in bringing the non-humans into the public eye, and I’ve done a lot over the years to help ease tensions between the species.

I was bored at the time, so I told him yes. Why not? It would get me a salary for something I did anyway (help keep the peace between the species as a mediator at times). He was satisfied with that and we got along well because he knew I wasn’t looking to some day step into his shoes. Government jobs can be very competitive and you wouldn’t believe how many people backstab just to get ahead.

When the old director retired, the current director (Grant Price) stepped in and I somehow got roped into doing more than just act as Chief Liaison. I still haven’t figured out how he talked me into being Deputy Director. Supposedly it was just until he could get someone through the hiring process. That was four years ago, and I’m still officially the Deputy Director as well.

Dara, what sorts of books do you like to read in your spare time?

Mostly the classics of by-gone days, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and Dante. I’ll read books of the modern world occasionally, but most lack a certain lyrical feel that authors of old had.

I do like reading political biographies though. Having been a political figure myself, I find it amusing to read about politicians.

Favorite foods?

::aims a steady look at you:: I’m a vampire. Take one guess.

::grin:: Seriously though, when I care to eat at all (which is getting rarer and rarer, since I can no longer digest food and must therefore dispose of it in a very unpleasant way, if you get my drift), I’m a big fan of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. The New York Chocolate Chunk is heavenly.

Do you have a favorite quote to leave our readers with today?

Ben Franklin: Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

That says a great deal. I obviously never met Mr. Franklin, but he seemed a wise man. I do a great deal of what I do because I’m trying to protect the vampires from losing their liberties and to keep them safe. I failed my siblings, but I can make a difference when it comes to the vampires.

People deserve to grow up in a world with no monsters.

Check out the Brunette Librarian's Review for more information on this great couple and the world they inhabit. 

Giveaway

As a special bonus for spending a little time with Dara today, enter to win below for great prizes. 

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Checkout the other stops on 

Tory Michaels' Tour

18 - Spotlight @ A Passion for Romance

22 – Interview @ Ramblings From This Chick

24 – Review @ Starry Night Book Reviews

26 – Interview @ To Be Read

29 – Blood-Mage Rising Review @ Reviews by Molly

31 – Review @ Intoxicated by Books