Today, Romy joins us again with her latest book -- The Adonis Touch, book two in the Aphrodite and Adonis Series.
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite and Adonis are the gods of love, beauty, pleasure, desire, and procreation. No better pair to meddle in the love lives of visitors to their country! We first met Aphrodite in The Aphrodite Touch, where she involved herself in the relationship between Carla and Jamie. And today we meet Adonis, as he plies his trade in the effort to bring together Kate and Mike.
Katie Murray lost her husband, Paul, to an untimely death. Once things have calmed at home, Katie decides to holiday on the exotic island of Cyprus, hoping to finally put her sadness behind her. When she meets Mike, new feelings awaken in her, but she still finds it difficult to put the past behind her. Not only because she still has feelings for her late husband, but because she's only ever known Paul's intimate touch. Allowing herself to fall for Mike opens up the reality that if things go far enough with him, he'll want an intimate relationship. As much as she wants that too, and to move on with her life, her past keeps her rooted in place.
Then Katie meets Dita and Donas, Cyprian locals, who befriend her. With their friendship and sage advice, Katie is encouraged to give Mike a chance. Little does she know, Dita and Donas are the Greek gods of love!
As with The Aphrodite Touch, Romy has spun a lovely tale with The Adonis Touch. We're brought into Katie's life and feel the pain of her loss and her hopes for a new future. We feel her apprehension at opening herself up to another man. This is a sweetly passionate story which will have you sighing on one page and chuckling on the next. Romy has also managed to bring Cyprus to life on the page -- one can nearly feel the sun on the skin and hear the lapping of the waves. This is a delightful story and a wonderful sequel to book one. A must read!
Before we get to the blurb and excerpt, remember that we're giving away a copy of this book to one lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your email address for contact.
• • •
When thirty-something Katie Murray agrees to go on holiday to the romantic island of Cyprus with the man in her life, Mike Sinclair, it’s on the understanding they are only friends. Much as she enjoys Mike’s company and hopes it might develop into something more, she is still not over the untimely death of her first husband and only lover, childhood sweetheart, Paul. Can she put her sadness behind her, let go of her inhibitions and learn to love again?On Cyprus in spring time, Aphrodite and Adonis are reunited after two seasons apart and in between renewing their love for each other they watch the influx of tourists to Paphos, choosing the next couple to benefit from their special help. Recognising the sadness in Katie’s eyes and the love Mike waits to share, the mythological couple are determined to do all in their power to ensure the two humans discover the joy that awaits them.
“Do you never become bored with our games, sweet Aphrodite?” Adonis plucked a bloom for the grass and inhaled its perfume while watching his lover.
Aphrodite turned her gaze from the taxis and buses depositing a new intake of guests at the low-level hotel, and smiled through narrowed eyes.
“But it is such fun helping these humans to open their hearts and lives to love. And so many need our assistance.” Leaning across the short distance between them, she took the flower and crushed it in her hand.
As Adonis was about to protest, she silenced him with a kiss. When they drew apart, she held out her hand. “That is how easily they bruise. Why not take what is offered while they have a chance? As we do.”
Adonis watched another couple alight from a taxi as he nodded at her words. Nothing focused the heart as much as the threat of being parted.
“I think we may have found our latest project,” he said. “What do you make of them?”
Aphrodite sat close beside him and followed the direction of his glance. She examined the man and woman paying the driver. “There is a distance between them, yet I feel only warmth and affection from them.”
Adonis continued to study the couple before replying. “The woman, she holds great sadness in her heart, as though something is missing from her life.”
“Or someone,” Aphrodite suggested. “I like the way the man takes her arm and pays her great attention. As a pretty woman deserves,” she added to her lover. “But I sense she is hesitant for some reason. Perhaps they are not yet lovers?”
Adonis scrutinised their every mannerism as the couple walked toward the hotel entrance. “I think you are correct, my love. And I like the woman with the sad eyes. How I should like to fill them with joy again.”
“Ah, my Adonis, remember you always tell me to be careful of their sensitive feelings. But I, too, wish to help this couple. Perhaps we could gently encourage them to explore the pleasures of love on our island.”
Standing with one movement, Aphrodite and Adonis reached the man and woman as they manoeuvred their cases, ready to enter the hotel. The woman saw them first, and Adonis noticed she paused as she watched them approach.
“Good day, and welcome to our island,” he said, holding out his hand to the woman.
Glancing at her companion, whose gaze was fixed on Aphrodite, the woman hesitated. Then, smiling, she placed her hand in his. “Thank you.”
She continued to stare at Adonis as he placed his other hand on top of hers for a second, before raising her small hand to his lips. Adonis felt the quiver of delight that flowed between them and he released the hand. It was enough for now.
“We wish you a love-filled holiday,” Aphrodite said, as she handed a perfect little white flower to the man, before stepping back.
“Thank you for the friendly welcome,” the man said, glancing in puzzlement at the woman beside him.
Adonis opened the door of the hotel as though he was used to ushering guests in, and the couple gathered their cases and stepped inside.
As the door closed, Aphrodite and Adonis turned away from the hotel and returned to their vantage point on the hills.
“That was well done, my love,” Aphrodite said, as she sat beside her lover. “Even I felt the physical jolt of desire that emanated from you when you touched the woman’s hand to your lips. And it must now be assuaged at some point.”
Adonis laughed as he caught her hand and brought it to his lips, slowly kissing each finger. “It is good she has strong feelings inside, although something holds them in check. Do you think the man will release them?”
Looping her hands around the back of his neck, Aphrodite guided Adonis toward her. “I think he truly loves the woman and is trying to convince her of that so they might move on together. But she might need a little more encouragement to find fulfillment with him. Talking of which…”
Aphrodite stopped speaking as Adonis claimed her lips, and they lay entwined on the quiet hillside, exploring their own deepest desires.
• • •
A freelance writer for many years, Romy Gemmell’s short stories and articles are published in UK magazines, in the US, and Online and she has won a few short story prizes over the years. Her first historical novel, Dangerous Deceit, was published by Champagne Books in Canada in May 2011 (as Romy), and Victorian novella, Mischief at Mulberry Manor, was published on kindle in December 2012.
First tween novel, Summer of the Eagles, was published by MuseItUp Publishing in Canada in March 2012 (as Ros) and The Jigsaw Puzzle is now released in April 2013. She describes herself as a butterfly writer, as she writes in so many different genres and different styles. Rosemary is a member of the Society of Authors, the Scottish Association of Writers and the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She indulged her love of literature and history by achieving a BA hons followed by a Masters in Humanities degree as a mature student. Happily married with two grown-up children, she loves to dance!
Find Romy online --
Website
Reading and Writing
Romancing History
Amazon US
Tirgearr Publishing
Grab your copy of The Adonis Touch at Tirgearr Publishing today for just $1.99.
While there, grab a copy of The Aphrodite Touch for just 99c, on sale through June. This is book one in The Aphrodite and Adonis Series.
