Publication date: February 15th, 2021
Publisher: Angela J. Ford
Pages: 262
Synopsis:
A haunted tower, a mysterious instructor and the lure of the music of the night...
After the death of her father, Aria is left penniless and destitute. To avoid working the streets she becomes the ward of a Court and moves to a remote town called High Tower.
High Tower is a gloomy place with one vivid attraction: the theater. Lords and ladies come from afar to be seduced by a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Many are warned to stay away from High Tower's dangerous enchantments, but it's a warning Aria is forced to ignore. Determined to take her life back into her hands, she and the Court make a deal. She can avoid an arranged marriage if she learns to sing for him.
When Aria stumbles across a mysterious man in a dark tower, she begs to learn the power of song from him. Although reluctant, the man agrees to teach her the music of the night. Between midnight meetings and emotional singing lessons, Aria falls in love with her alluring instructor despite his shadowy past.
But something deadly stirs, awoken by the desire of its master.
Evenings reveries become haunted with terror, blood and murder. Rumors claim the man in the tower in behind the madness that haunts High Tower, a truth Aria is loathe believe. For she just gained the desire of her heart.
What she doesn't know is that her haunted instructor intends to use her for his own purposes...
Music of the Night is a complete, stand-alone novel inspired by Phantom of the Opera. Perfect for fans of dark and steamy fantasy romance.
Available at:
Free in Kindle Unlimited!!
You can purchase a signed copy and receive a bookmark & art print here!
Excerpt
Fate mocked me. Ironic, how the dancer I'd admired in the theater appeared on my doorstep. I watched her leave, black hair flying as she spurred the horse down the hill, back toward the flickering lights of the town, back to High Tower Castle and safety. Even though there was no need for concern, I followed her until she crossed the bridge out of my domain. Squeezing my hands into fists, I stood still long after she'd gone, letting the vapid mist sink through my skin, leaving me cold and clammy. It was uncanny how quickly she'd responded to the call. It had been years since I'd been willing to try again, especially after what had happened last time. Still, a flicker of doubt made me wonder if I should proceed with my plan or let matters lie. Nay, it had been too long; it was time for vengeance.
Still musing, I made my way through the silent wood back toward the tower. Although I'd heard the Court sought performers for his theater, I'd forgotten about his new ward, She wasn't what I'd expected. Tall and beautiful with raven hair, gentle curves and those sharp brown eyes, full of life and defiance. I'd tried to frighten her, but she'd displayed her true spirit. Her resolve was unwavering. When I'd pressed up against her, I sensed there was more, a depth of pain or sorrow she kept hidden, yet it lingered under the surface. Which meant she was an ideal student for my designs. Magic needed to cling to a strong emotion to work, and her sorrow would allow me to imbue her with music and magic.
I'd made sure to have her stand in the circle when she'd made the agreement to give me anything. Anything.
An owl hooted in the wood, reminding me of the past, reminding me of what could be if I went forward with my plan. It was her choice, and I had to admit her tenaciousness and lack of fear tempted me. In fact, she'd laughed at the idea of a haunted tower. A smile touched my lips, quickly fading what I recalled what I had to do. Despite my loneliness and longing for companionship, I had to be careful for the situation was fragile. My emotions could not cloud my judgement, and so I banished all thoughts of taking her as my lover. Learning the music of the night would destroy her, but it was a chance I had to take.
Enough blood stained my hands. I had to end it all, take my revenge before he grew strong again.
With a heavy heart, I returned to the tower and opened the trap door. The underground lagoon had once been a mine of a passageway between my tower and High Tower Castle. Back then, a beast haunted the waters, eating the miners who worked there and anyone else brave enough to venture to the watery grave. But the tunnels had since flooded, and the monster had gone to seek food elsewhere.
Kneeling, I pressed my hand against the water and hummed a tune, letting the vibrations roll outward. It was dangerous, calling monsters with the power of song, but I'd sent the events in motion this evening, I had to follow through to the hopeful conclusion.
After a few beats I stood, wiping my wet hand on my pants and climbed the ladder back to the warmth of my lair. Straightening, I eyed the spiraling staircase and ripped off the cloth covering my scars. It was time to write a new song, the best song, combining the heights of my musical prowess into something the orchestra would play for me, and I'd sing. Nay. We'd sing. Together.
Grim smile on my face and faint hope stirring within, I climbed the stairs to compose a melody for Aria to sing.
Angela J. Ford is a bestselling author who writes epic fantasy and steamy fantasy romance with vivid worlds, gray characters and ending you just can't guess. She has written and published over 20 books.
Angela is also a Co-Founder of Booksniffer. A new app for book lovers, plus an effective way for authors to market their books to new readers.
She enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing World of Warcraft with her husband. First and foremost, Angela is a reader and can often be found with her nose in a book.
Aside from writing she enjoys the challenge of working with marketing technology and builds websites for authors.
Angela is passionate about helping indie authors succeed and co-hosts a podcast called Indie Author Lifestyle.
If you happen to be in Nashville, you'll most likely find her enjoying a white chocolate mocha and daydreaming about her next book.
Visit her website for free stories, character art, autographed books and book swag.
Hosted by:
