Deidre Knight, Blog Entry 12/15

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My brand new Gods of Midnight series introduces you to a cadre of strong, immortal Spartan warriors dedicated to protecting the human race throughout eternity. Spartans-that word connotes sparse, minimal décor, void of pleasure and self-indulgence. And maybe that's true sometimes.

But not so with Ajax.

This guardian loves life. His eons of existence have taught him the value of sensation, luxury, fancy, joy. All of which makes Ajax an easy target for gifts like barrel-aged Scotch, illicit Cuban cigars, or, for the insanely extravagant gift-giver, a Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Of course Ajax's priorities have recently shifted. With the advent of Shay Angel in his life, he's suddenly concerned with far more than his own selfish enjoyment. And a whole new avenue of gift-giving opens up! Shay's Antebellum family estate in Savannah, Georgia, is plagued by mosquitoes, driving Ajax up the wall. So let's brainstorm a bit: mosquito netting to hang above their bed? Or one of those great bug zappers? They may sport a tacky blue light, and the noise might be annoying, but at least it'll keep our hunk bug free!

Or instead of his sword, perhaps Ajax can summon the touchless solar-powered bug swatter. It might look like a badminton racket, but out on that veranda, late at night, Ajax will be so grateful for the protection from tiny, bloodsucking vermin. Demons shmemons! Ajax hates microscopic beasties even more.

I happen to know that Ajax has been thinking recently that it would be nice to cook Shay a romantic dinner for two. He's partial to the classics: maybe a couple of excellent, well-marbled steaks. He misses the tenderloin he used to get in London's West End. The pork butt in Thunderbolt, Georgia...well, we all know that just won't cut the beef.

It's been a cold winter in Georgia this year, even as far south as Savannah. Ajax got addicted to cashmere when he lived in the UK-maybe now would be a good time to resurrect that passion. Shay definitely agrees; she loves the thought of Ajax swathed in super soft wool. No alpaca for Ajax! It's in everyone's best interest to keep him as hot as possible.

If you're still looking for holiday gift ideas, probably the best thing you can do for any readers on your list is to sign them up for my newsletter. Go to my website or visit me on my message board holiday thread for Ajax and the rest of his Spartan compatriots. Christmas is a time for giving! And nobody understands that better than a Spartan.

Happy Holidays!