Tag: romance

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Guest Blog with Lynn Rush!

Today I have with me my friend and fellow author Lynn Rush who is here to share her latest release with us! Please welcome Lynn and take a moment to find out more about AWAITED, the second book in her Wasteland series. I hope you enjoy this little teaser and take out a moment to check out Lynn and AWAITED.

The voice is a powerful thing

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.

He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate, mute beauty, to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

Add Awaited to your Goodreads to-read shelf

Excerpt

A couple of weeks ago, we had the great cover reveal, which was an exciting time. But now my publisher has chosen a little excerpt that’ll be on their site.

So, I thought I’d give a little sneak peek!

But first, I wanted to thank Caridad Piñeiro for her kind words about Awaited:

From the first action-packed scene, AWAITED grabs you and doesn’t let go until its awesome conclusion. ~~Caridad Piñeiro, NY Times Best-Selling Author


My feet finally found the water’s floor. I tugged the female from Durk’s grasp and hoisted her up into my arms.

The water had washed away the crimson stains, but left her lips thin and blue. Durk pressed his fingers to her neck. “No pulse.”

“Go. Find wood dry enough to burn. We need fire. I’ll start CPR.”

He bolted to his feet and darted away. I settled her on the damp foliage covered floor and ripped her buttoned blouse apart. I rested my ear to her chest. Nothing. Cheek to her mouth. Nothing.

I clamped my hands together and started counting out compressions. “Please. You can’t die. I just found you.”

Her chest caved beneath my weight with each push I offered to start her heart. Pumping it for her. She looked so cold. So small. So fragile. Darkness tainted her lips. I imagined they’d be full and bright red like in my dreams. Her glowing skin was now dull and lifeless.

Please. Michael.

There must have been a reason for me to be on this plane. This time. This date. This instance. Not to let me find someone I’d dreamt about, then to lose her.

I pinched her nose. With my other hand I cradled her neck and opened her mouth to mine. My lips formed a seal around hers, and I blew. Her chest raised. One more breath.

I turned my head, listening. Nothing.

I repeated it for another cycle. Durk returned holding an armful of branches. He ripped open his pack and pulled out a bag.

“Zip lock?”

“Jessica made an appearance at my room while packing.” He held it up. “I thought she’d lost her mind. Matches, magazine, and tiny foil blanket.”

“You didn’t say anything.”

“Told me not to.”

Durk went to work on the fire as I finished the second round of compressions. I leaned down to breathe for her again and paused an inch before contact with her lips. “Please,” I whispered and sealed her mouth with mine.

I breathed into her, then turned and drew in a gulp of air and let it flow into her. A gentle scent of sandalwood and sugar wrapped around me. Coiled me in warmth. The woman flinched beneath me.

Then coughed.

I tilted her to the side and water spewed from her mouth. A tremor rocked her little body. The crackle of a flame, and the scent of burning leaves filled the air. “There you go. Get it out.” I patted her back.

She flopped back and her eyes opened wide.

The same honey irises I’d seen a hundred times in my dreams stared at me. “Can you hear me?”

The lids hung heavy over her dilated eyes, then slid shut.

“No. No. Stay with me.” I patted her shoulder.

Durk joined me, kneeling beside her on the other side. I pressed my finger to her neck.

“She’s got to be in shock. Freezing. Get that fire going.” I peeled my shirt over my head as I stood. “Find all you can to get a small shelter formed around the fire.” I ripped at the belt securing my soggy pants to me. “I’ll warm her up.”

Wasn’t exactly how I’d dreamed I would first lay with a woman, but I’d be damned if I was going to let her die.

She was mine. 

 

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#ManCandyMonday David Giuntoli from GRIMM

It’s MAN CANDY MONDAY and today’s tasty treat is David Giuntoli from GRIMM. But first, take a moment to visit with me at Laura Kaye’s blog! I have a little giveaway for you guys – 1) a tote bag with swag or 2) an ARC of my May release THE CLAIMED! U.S. only! Contest ends midnight EST on 2/23! Good luck!

And now for out Man Candy. If you haven’t watched GRIMM, you are missing an awesome show and a really handsome actor, David Giuntoli. Dark hair and blue eyes, my favorite combo. Thumb print cleft in his chin. Every time I see him I think that he would make a perfect Superman!

Here is a little tour of the set with David for you to enjoy. If you can’t see the video below, you can click here to watch!

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Blog Hop #Giveaways & Release Party

NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP

I’ll be giving away an ARC of THE CLAIMED and a LOST T-shirt to one lucky winner! Just tweet or share this comment on Twitter or Facebook.

The Jersey Shore like you can’t imagine-THE CLAIMED #paranormal #romance May 2012 PLZ RT http://awe.sm/5fSef

Many thanks to Close Encounters with the Night Kind Blog and Natasha Blackthorne for organizing this blog hop.



NOCTURNAL WHISPERS RELEASE PARTY

Don’t forget about the NOCTURNAL WHISPERS Release Party – Feb 1 to Feb 29! Many thanks to those of you who have already downloaded NOCTURNAL WHISPERS and those who have agreed to review it!

To celebrate the release, we’re going to be having a month long release contest. To be eligible to win a $25 Gift card, copies of AZTEC GOLD and THE FIFTH KINGDOM plus a LOST T-shirt and an awesome tote bag, just click here!

NOCTURNAL WHISPERS Excerpt

In case you can’t see the excerpt below, you can cut and past this link:
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/77896155?access_key=key-weo9sowk2o2b574axao

Nocturnal Whispers Erotic Paranormal Romance Excerpt

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Laura Kaye Visits, #Giveaways & Other Great Happenings!

Boy, do we have a lot going on today on the blog! First up I have my friend and fellow author Laura Kaye here to talk about her February Nocturne Cravings release, IN THE SERVICE OF THE KING.

Then it’s the start of the NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP! Look to the bottom of this post for info on my giveaway and where to visit.

Next, visit with me at the Harlequin Paranormal Romance blog as I chat about my February Nocturne Cravings release. NOCTURNAL WHISPERS and have a little giveaway. Also, don’t forget about the NOCTURNAL WHISPERS Release Party – Feb 1 to Feb 29! Many thanks to those of you who have already downloaded NOCTURNAL WHISPERS and those who have agreed to review it! To celebrate the release, we’re going to be having a month long release contest. To be eligible to win a $25 Gift card, copies of AZTEC GOLD and THE FIFTH KINGDOM plus a LOST T-shirt and an awesome tote bag, just click here!

Whew, that was a mouthful! But now, without further ado, here is my friend and fellow author, Laura Kaye!

LAURA KAYE

About In the Service of the King
Book 1 in the Vampire Warrior Kings Series
Harlequin Nocturne Cravings


Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn’t enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn’t want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla’s beauty and poise…and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire–even if it means risking Shayla’s life?

Excerpt:
Standing before Kael again, Shayla’s neck and shoulders tightened as her apprehension increased.

“Shayla, look at me.”

As much as she’d been waiting for his voice, it still startled her. His use of her name. His tender, regretful tone.

She knew she must obey, but was afraid if she did, she’d lose control of her emotions—and she wasn’t sure whether hurt or anger would win out. Neither was appropriate to show, and both were likely to result in tears.

The king stepped toward her until he was easily within arm’s reach. “Young Shayla,” he whispered, coaxing her. A long moment passed. And then he fell to his knees before her, his face tilted upward so their eyes could finally meet.

She gasped and her mouth dropped open. He was more fascinating, more gorgeous, than she had even fully recalled. Fire danced behind his eyes, and flashes of gold shined out through the emerald. He was smiling, and it highlighted the strong masculine angles of his jaw and cheeks so vividly it stole her breath. A reaction amplified by the appearance of the sharp tips of his fangs. Shayla licked her lips.

Despite being on his knees, he radiated such palpable power she could feel it jangling in the air between them.

Oh, God. He’s on his knees. A throaty sigh escaped her as she dropped to her own. She was always to be below him.

“Now I can’t see you again.” The warm, amused tone was back. “Please look at me.”

Taking a deep breath, Shayla finally obeyed. Her gaze raked over his intricate tartan robes before finally settling on his handsome face. When their eyes met, the smile he let loose dazzled her, and she smiled back. His playfulness, the incredible sense of ease now possessing him, made it harder to hold on to her anger.

“Thank you,” he said. She nodded. “I have some things I’d like to say to you. Are you willing to hear them?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Kael frowned for a moment, and Shayla didn’t have time to figure out why before he spoke again. “I hurt you, and I owe you an apology.”

She inhaled to speak, but he cocked his eyebrow and she fell silent. She nodded again instead.

“I don’t just mean for hurting you with the knife, although I am…beyond sorry you had to endure that.” He grasped one of her hands in both of his and her lips fell open. His touch was so warm, so encompassing. “I lost control and it compromised your safety, your well-being, and that is my first responsibility to the Proffered.”

Shayla’s shoulders and gaze dropped as he referred to her title again. She internally reprimanded herself for expecting anything else.

The fingers on his free hand nudged her chin up and beckoned her to look at him.

“Shayla, I lost control because I…I felt something, with you. Something I don’t feel…ever. I…”

She should’ve been focusing, listening, but… Did he just say he felt something for me? With me? Lost control because he felt something…as in, he has feelings? For me?

He chuckled. “Where did you go, young one?”

Shayla shook her head. “I’m sorry, Your Highness.”

He squeezed her hand and dipped his head to look up into her once again diverted eyes. “Shayla, could you please call me Kael?”

Her gaze flew to his and she gaped. “Yes?”

His grin brightened his whole face. “Was that a question?”

“No, Sir—er, Kael.” A blush bloomed hot on her face.

“Mmm, that is lovely. And so fragrant.” He fingered her cheek. “I would like to taste you, Shayla.”

She gulped and shuddered as her heart took off at a mad gallop. “O-okay.”

“Okay,” he whispered as he leaned in.

This wasn’t the wild kiss he’d claimed her with earlier. His lips found hers gently, reverently, as if he was savoring small tastes of a rare gourmet meal. One large hand grasped her shoulder and the other cupped her cheek—both brought her closer to him. He pulled and sucked at her lips, his hair falling around their faces as he rose up over her. She opened herself before he even demanded it of her—her body remembered his exquisite taste and begged for its return.

Their tongues stroked and explored, but she needed more. She pushed forward just enough to suck his whole tongue deep into her mouth.

Sweet fulfillment exploded against her taste buds, dragging whimpers and moans from her. He groaned and her hands flew to his hair. Her left hand found masses of thick silky bronze she gripped and tugged as she held him to her, but her right hand fell on his jeweled braid.

Knowing the significance of it, she yanked her hand back, afraid she’d offended him.

But then his big hand grasped hers where it rested against his chest and pulled it back up to his head. “Hold me,” he whispered against her lips. “Touch me.”

Buy Laura’s Books

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GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate her new release, Laura is giving away one e-copy of In the Service of the King at each stop on her New Release Tour, 1/30 – 2/15! In addition, all commenters from across the tour will be entered to win a prize bag filled with swag and various vampire items, perfect for the vampire lover! RULES: Must leave a comment on this blog with your e-mail address & if you are from the U.S. in the comment. Ebook prizes open to international; prize bag to U.S. only.

About Laura: Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of a half-dozen books. Hearts in Darkness is a finalist for the EPIC eBook Award for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

NAUGHTY AFTER DARK BLOG HOP

I’ll be giving away an ARC of THE CLAIMED and a LOST T-shirt to one lucky winner! Just tweet or share this comment on Twitter or Facebook.

The Jersey Shore like you can’t imagine-THE CLAIMED #paranormal #romance May 2012 PLZ RT http://awe.sm/5fSef

Many thanks to Close Encounters with the Night Kind Blog and Natasha Blackthorne for organizing this blog hop.



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How I met my Valentine!

With it being Valentine’s Day, it seems like a good time to share with you how I met my Valentine and I’d love to hear from you how you met yours!

Here goes…

It was Freshman orientation and I noticed a young man in the group of new students all hanging out during orientation. We exchanged some conversation and names but then got dragged away with friends. Like teenagers do, once I got back to my dorm room, I plopped down with my friends to look through what was known as the Freshman Record to try and find the cute guy I had just met.

The Freshman Record was a kind of like a yearbook which had pictures and basic information about the incoming students. Luckily for me, it wasn’t hard to find the young man who had caught my eye. Also lucky for me, it turned out we had the same major and he was in most of my classes.

A couple of days later, I went to my biology class where the professor had put up a seating chart for the class. I checked it and found out that my little crush was sitting right in front of me in class.

But before I go on, please understand that I had very little experience with guys. I had spent most of my high school days involved with classes, playing the bassoon, and sports, not men. So unlike my kick ass heroines, I was not the kind to take charge and win the heart of the hero. I was not suave and saucy and boy did it show on that fateful day.

I took my seat in bio class and as my cutie came down the aisle, he sat down in the wrong row and chair. He turned around to say “Hi” and I said “Hi” back and proceeded to tell him he was sitting in the wrong place.

DUH! He was a little shocked, but then he grinned and went back to check the seating chart. A few seconds later he returned and sat right in front of me, still smiling. He clearly realized that I had checked him out.

Well, what can I say? I guess it was meant to be from that moment. He was cute and funny and smart and here we are, a long time later.

How did you meet your Valentine? If you haven’t met him/her yet, what would your perfect Valentine be like?

Here’s a picture of me and my Valentine!

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#ManCandyMonday Diego Luna

My daughter and I sat down on Friday night to watch DIRTY DANCING: HAVANA NIGHTS. As sequels that are prequels go, it was a really good movie. Solid basic premise, a wonderful cameo with Patrick Swayze, a flavor of the Cuba of yesterday, and wonderful music.

As for the leads, my daughter just loved Diego Luna although I can’t really seem to get enthusiastic about him. How about you? Does Diego warrant the title of Man Candy on this Monday?

Photo Credit: David Shankbone

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The Cowboy and the Rose Guest Blog with Tess Quinn

I’d like to welcome my dear friend and fellow author Tess Quinn! Tess (also writing as Nisha Sharma) is an award-winning author who was raised in the countryside of northeast, Pennsylvania. With very little to do in a town where the cow-human ratio was 2.5 to 1, Tess filled her spare time with eighties music, Bollywood movies, and a lot of reading. When she ran out of romances to read at her small town library, she started writing sequels to her favorites and she’s been writing ever since.

Tess is here to share her latest release with us and it’s a good one! Take a moment to read to check out this teaser and excerpt! For more information, you can visit Tess/Nisha at http://nisha-sharma.com/.

THE COWBOY AND THE ROSE

A bond from the past, desire steeped in magic, love forged in passion… Gabe Burdock has two weeks to bond his power with April Willow or lose his magic. As a witch, his control over the earth contributes to the success of his vineyard, and he’ll sacrifice anything to keep it…anything except his heart.To escape her abusive father’s control, April is ready to bond with Gabe, even if it means tying herself to a cowboy who claims he can’t love her. But when Gabe and April touch, their passion explodes, and their magical bond cannot be denied. Can they put aside their fears and risk everything for love? Or will two witches lose their chance at happiness?

EXCERPT

April tucked the blanket under her arms and cowered against the wall. Gabe was a man to be reckoned with. His green eyes were wild, the planes of his hard body highlighted in the dim light. He wore a small pair of boxers that left little to the imagination.
“April? What happened?”

“I’m sorry,” she stammered, confused by the overly concerned expression in his face. “I hate storms. The noise frightened me. I’m so sorry. I hate behaving so childishly.” She felt even more ridiculous for goggling at his incredibly bare chest. If she stopped shaking, she could count the definitions in his abs.

Gabe relaxed. “Are you okay now?”

All thoughts of the storm had slipped out of her mind the minute his beautiful body entered her room. “I’m fine,” she said with surprising control. “Thank you for coming.”

“No problem.” He turned to leave when the clock downstairs struck midnight. Her fingertips tingled and her skin flashed hot and cold. Even the storm quieted, as if waiting for the ominous music of time to finish its tune.

“It’s my birthday,” she whispered.

Gabe must have heard her because he whipped around. His face was so expressive. April could see the shock and panic written all over it. She knew he was afraid of the bonding ritual that he didn’t quite believe, and she was slightly amused as she watched the expressions play across his features.

“It’s okay,” she said, leaning back against the headboard. “I’ve read stories about bonding. They’re never clear about what happens directly after midnight.”

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