Friday 19 June 2015

Please welcome Haley Whitehall today talking about Alpha's Voodoo!





Marie Laveau – Voodoo Queen

Few facts are actually known about the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. When I was doing my research fact often blurred with legend. Marie Laveau was born free in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana in 1801.

Folklore claims she had a snake named Zombi (after an African god), combined voodoo with Catholicism, and at one time worked as a hairdresser, but there is little evidence to support that. She had a daughter by the same name who also followed in her footsteps as a Voodoo priestess.

Both Marie Laveau and her daughter had a large following. They performed lavish ceremonies that drew a crowd of people from all walks of life white, mulatto, and black. Some attended because of mere curiosity as my heroine Violet does, and others truly believed in her power.

While she is minor character in my story it was fun bringing Marie Laveau to life. Since little is known about her I could create her how I wanted!


Blurb:

With her reputation in tatters, debutante Violet Creed is forced to exchange her life of luxury for one of uncertainty. Mark Afton wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as the leader of the Bayou Pack, but he needs a mate. Is Violet Mark’s destined mate, or is their attraction merely Voodoo magic? Haley Whitehall is pleased to present Alpha’s Voodoo, Book 1 of her hot, new, paranormal romance series, Bayou Pack.

Are curses real or merely imagined?

Violet Creed is a colored New Orleans debutante. She was brought up with servants and a strict set of rules regarding propriety, and her papa never approved of her interest in Voodoo. One night she sneaks out of the house and attends one of Marie Laveau’s gatherings—where she loses her virginity and her reputation. Turned out by her papa, Violet is destined for a life on the streets until Madam Dawn saves her.

Cursed to live as a wolf shifter, Mark Afton is a wealthy lawyer and heir to the Bayou Pack. Unfortunately, he can’t take over leadership from his uncle without a mate. Wanting to escape his mother’s endless matchmaking attempts, he accepts Madam Dawn’s invitation to sail on the maiden voyage of the Southern Rose and enjoy the pleasurable company of her ladies.

One of Madam Dawn’s recent hires catches his attention. He is drawn to Violet immediately. Could she be his mate or is their attraction merely Voodoo?

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Excerpt:

New Orleans, Louisiana
1858

Violet struggled to straighten her dress as she ran. Her hair was a tangled mess of sloppy braids, twisted around her head like Medusa’s snakes. She wished she could stop and look at herself in the mirror to properly put her attire to rights, but at this late hour she couldn’t even see her reflection in a store window.

She knew it was dangerous to be out this late unaccompanied. Her pulse roared in her ears, and her shoes clipped on the sidewalk as she strode swiftly home. When she got closer to the Creed estate she slowed her steps, lest she make herself known. She slipped through the gate and hurried up the walk.

The soreness between her legs remained and she feared she looked as wanton as she felt. The night had not gone as she had planned. Well, all except for the sneaking out unnoticed part. The crowd that had gathered to listen to Marie Laveau speak stretched on as far as she could see. Yet, she did not get lost among the many white, brown and black faces. Somehow the Voodoo Queen’s magic had found her.

She swallowed hard, unable to get the picture of the man’s face out of her mind. The white man had seemed drawn to her. He’d kissed her and then as if by magic they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. Her conscience kept telling her it was wrong, but she couldn’t control herself.
Shaking her head, she forced that image to fall away, and continued toward the house. When she saw the lamp burning in the window her heart forgot how to beat.

Where to Find Haley Whitehall



About the Author

Haley Whitehall lives in Washington State where she enjoys all four seasons and the surrounding wildlife. She writes historical romance set in the 19th century U.S. When she is not researching or writing, she plays with her cats, watches the Western and History Channels, and goes antiquing. She is hoping to build a time machine so she can go in search of her prince charming. A good book, a cup of coffee, and a view of the mountains make her happy.

Previous Books:       

Midnight Caller – Moonlight Romance Book 1
Midnight Heat – Moonlight Romance Book 2
Midnight Kiss – Moonlight Romance Book 3
Soldier in Her Lap
Wild and Tender Care

Civil War Valentine

2 comments:

  1. I always enjoy a bit of magic with my romance. I enjoyed reading your post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Shiloh and thanks for hosting me, Layne! :)

    ReplyDelete