Rachel Rossano's Blog, page 25
March 17, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back! Today's sample is from an older work, The Crown of Anavrea. The first book of the Theodoric Saga, it was only my second finished novella and the first one I published.
~~~~~
Eve covered her head and crouched low in the raspberry patch. She concentrated on not making a sound. The blare of the horn and the cries of the hunters faded. Lowering her hands, she strained her ears. Not even the echo of their crashing in the distance remained. The birds stayed silent, but considering the recent ruckus, they might have all fled.
A groan broke the unnatural silence.
She froze and listened, heart in her throat. A pained, male grunt came from about three feet to her left. Cautiously she turned her head. A stranger stared at her through the tangle of bushes between them.A wild mess of brown hair fell over his dark blue eyes as he regarded her in alarm. Sweat plastered the hair to his forehead. He observed her with more of a feverish glaze than true understanding. Pain etched lines about his eyes.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then shook his head. Falling forward, he then rolled onto his back and lay still.
Eve hurried to untangle the thorns from her tunic.
Free at last, she crept out of the patch and approached him. Fear and instinct screamed she should flee. Instead she paused. If she stopped to help him, she would be beaten. Her master warned her to stay away from the king's men.
Well, the king's men or not, the pursuers were gone. As their prey, he could hardly be one of them. Was he worse?
She inched forward and a twig snapped under her knee.
"Go away and leave me be," he ordered.
"What will become of you?"
He stared into the sky above the trees. "My pursuers return." His chest still heaved from his recent exertion. "I die." Restlessly, his hand clenched and released at his side as though he was fighting the urge to run.
~~~~~
The Crown of Anavrea is available on Amazon and Smashwords for $2.99
For more sweet morsels of fiction, please click here. Thank you for stopping by and reading.
~~~~~
Eve covered her head and crouched low in the raspberry patch. She concentrated on not making a sound. The blare of the horn and the cries of the hunters faded. Lowering her hands, she strained her ears. Not even the echo of their crashing in the distance remained. The birds stayed silent, but considering the recent ruckus, they might have all fled.
A groan broke the unnatural silence.
She froze and listened, heart in her throat. A pained, male grunt came from about three feet to her left. Cautiously she turned her head. A stranger stared at her through the tangle of bushes between them.A wild mess of brown hair fell over his dark blue eyes as he regarded her in alarm. Sweat plastered the hair to his forehead. He observed her with more of a feverish glaze than true understanding. Pain etched lines about his eyes.
He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then shook his head. Falling forward, he then rolled onto his back and lay still.
Eve hurried to untangle the thorns from her tunic.
Free at last, she crept out of the patch and approached him. Fear and instinct screamed she should flee. Instead she paused. If she stopped to help him, she would be beaten. Her master warned her to stay away from the king's men.
Well, the king's men or not, the pursuers were gone. As their prey, he could hardly be one of them. Was he worse?
She inched forward and a twig snapped under her knee.
"Go away and leave me be," he ordered.
"What will become of you?"
He stared into the sky above the trees. "My pursuers return." His chest still heaved from his recent exertion. "I die." Restlessly, his hand clenched and released at his side as though he was fighting the urge to run.
~~~~~
The Crown of Anavrea is available on Amazon and Smashwords for $2.99
For more sweet morsels of fiction, please click here. Thank you for stopping by and reading.
March 10, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back for another Sweet Saturday Sample. This week's selection is from one of my current WIPs, Diaspora (working title), a prequel to Exchange. Since it is a WIP, all of the section is subject to change and/or deletion (not likely at this point) from the final book. It also is a rough draft. Please pardon typos or errors. This is a continuation of last week's section, which can be found here.
(First person POV from Ruhan's perspective)
~~~~~
I crossed to the door and pressed the panel.
She appeared similar to when we last saw her. A head full of yellow curls pulled back conservatively from her forehead. A few more strands had sprung loose to coil near her ears and tightness about her mouth spoke of intense stress. Her simple gray tunic and pant set did nothing for her blue eyes. But their clear depths still spoke of an inner beauty. It puzzled me. I usually didn't pay attention to Earthwarders except to assess how dangerous they were. Something yanked my attention to her whether or not I wanted.
After offering the standard greeting with disturbing ease, she extended a brown disk sleeve to me.
"Come in." I motioned her to move past me.
With a wary glance at me, she complied.
I tapped the panel. The door slid shut. I reached out and brushed her left shoulder with the back of my finger.
The towa jolt took my breath away.
She dropped the disks with a yelp. Pivoting on her back foot, she confronted me, hands raised in a defensive position.
"What did you do?"
Ramend leapt to his feet. "Ruhan? Did I just see …?"
"This complicates things." My heart rate resisted my efforts to slow it. She was too close. I stepped back. The door panels pressed against my shoulder blades.
~~~~~
What did you think?
The sequel, Exchange, is available on Amazon for 99 cents.
For more Sweet Saturday Samples, click here.
(First person POV from Ruhan's perspective)
~~~~~
I crossed to the door and pressed the panel.
She appeared similar to when we last saw her. A head full of yellow curls pulled back conservatively from her forehead. A few more strands had sprung loose to coil near her ears and tightness about her mouth spoke of intense stress. Her simple gray tunic and pant set did nothing for her blue eyes. But their clear depths still spoke of an inner beauty. It puzzled me. I usually didn't pay attention to Earthwarders except to assess how dangerous they were. Something yanked my attention to her whether or not I wanted.
After offering the standard greeting with disturbing ease, she extended a brown disk sleeve to me.
"Come in." I motioned her to move past me.
With a wary glance at me, she complied.
I tapped the panel. The door slid shut. I reached out and brushed her left shoulder with the back of my finger.
The towa jolt took my breath away.
She dropped the disks with a yelp. Pivoting on her back foot, she confronted me, hands raised in a defensive position.
"What did you do?"
Ramend leapt to his feet. "Ruhan? Did I just see …?"
"This complicates things." My heart rate resisted my efforts to slow it. She was too close. I stepped back. The door panels pressed against my shoulder blades.
~~~~~
What did you think?
The sequel, Exchange, is available on Amazon for 99 cents.
For more Sweet Saturday Samples, click here.
March 3, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back for another Sweet Saturday Sample! This week's sample is from one of my current WIPs, the prequel to Exchange. Ruhan, the male lead of Exchange and Diaspora (working title), is the POV character. The excerpt below isn't romantic, but I hope you find it fun.
(Disclaimer - WIP excerpts are subject to change in the editing process. Please overlook any typos or errors.)
~~~~~
"We should eject them out the missile tubes," Ramend advised. An hour after parting ways with the delegates, he was still pacing and ranting.On one level, I couldn't blame him. On another, I was preoccupied with something stranger.Rotating my thickening coffee in my hands, I glanced at the clock. The consultant would arrive with the proposal any moment. Then I could test out the question pressing at my brain."I'm leaving." Ramend strode toward the door."Where are you going?""Somewhere I can expend some of this indignation. The outer loop perhaps.""I need you to wait. Jog in place."Ramend swung around, abruptly exuding brotherly concern. "Something is bothering you.""About time you noticed."He rolled his eyes. "Come off it, Ruhan. Spill.""You have to stay. I need a chaperone.""What?" He laughed. "To defend you from her, the consultant? She wouldn't be able to break your nose. Hey, she can't even reach you nose. Don't lean over and you will be fine.""I'm being serious.""So am I." Ramend flashed a grin before sobering down. "So, what is biting you?"I opened my mouth, but the door chime interrupted. "Stay and watch. If I'm right it will be obvious, if not, I am imagining things and should be knocked upside the head.""I will be happy to oblige." He flung himself into a chair, leg over the arm, and stretched his arms over his head.
~~~~~
Did you enjoy?
For more of Ruhan and Ramend, you can pick up Exchange on Amazon or Smashwords for 99 cents.
(Disclaimer - WIP excerpts are subject to change in the editing process. Please overlook any typos or errors.)
~~~~~
"We should eject them out the missile tubes," Ramend advised. An hour after parting ways with the delegates, he was still pacing and ranting.On one level, I couldn't blame him. On another, I was preoccupied with something stranger.Rotating my thickening coffee in my hands, I glanced at the clock. The consultant would arrive with the proposal any moment. Then I could test out the question pressing at my brain."I'm leaving." Ramend strode toward the door."Where are you going?""Somewhere I can expend some of this indignation. The outer loop perhaps.""I need you to wait. Jog in place."Ramend swung around, abruptly exuding brotherly concern. "Something is bothering you.""About time you noticed."He rolled his eyes. "Come off it, Ruhan. Spill.""You have to stay. I need a chaperone.""What?" He laughed. "To defend you from her, the consultant? She wouldn't be able to break your nose. Hey, she can't even reach you nose. Don't lean over and you will be fine.""I'm being serious.""So am I." Ramend flashed a grin before sobering down. "So, what is biting you?"I opened my mouth, but the door chime interrupted. "Stay and watch. If I'm right it will be obvious, if not, I am imagining things and should be knocked upside the head.""I will be happy to oblige." He flung himself into a chair, leg over the arm, and stretched his arms over his head.
~~~~~
Did you enjoy?
For more of Ruhan and Ramend, you can pick up Exchange on Amazon or Smashwords for 99 cents.
February 25, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back!
Today's Sweet Saturday Sample is from a unpublished novel titled Living Sacrifice. The reason for the selection is a picture a friend of mine posted on Facebook a few days ago. It reminded me of this scene from early in the book. The POV is Zezilia Ilar and it occurs shortly after they meet for the second time.
***Note*** Italicized words in quotation marks are mind to mind communication which comes with a taste depending on the sender (speaker).
Photo credited to Alyssa O'Keefe (used with permission)
"Come, enough of work." He led me back to the path. "I have yet to show you my favorite part of the gardens." I trailed him along the paths that wound among the shimmery cool pools of the water garden. When we reached the other side where the manmade streams emptied into the riverbed, he instructed me to close my eyes. Willingly I did. He took my hand and with gentle coaching led me a ways downstream. The breeze coming off the water rustled something around us and occasionally a feather-light wisp would brush my hair. "Stand right here," he instructed. "Can I open my eyes?" "Not yet. Wait until I tell you." I waited, sensing that he stepped back and away. Just as I began to wonder if he was playing a trick on me, I felt him brush my mind. "Now." I opened my eyes and gasped. I stood in the midst of a canopy of draping fronds. Green and feathered, they danced gracefully in the breeze, skimming the water at my feet and whispering. Flickering through the curtain, sunlight flecked the ground and water in lazy patterns. Sinking to sit on the bank, I leaned my head back so that I could see the branches, gnarled and twisted high above. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked. I glanced around, but he was nowhere in sight. "Where are you?" I asked aloud. "On my way to the palazzo. I just received a summons. Master Silas needs me. Enjoy the willows." "Thank you," I whispered. "You are welcome," he replied and then suddenly he withdrew. I sat in the freckled sunshine and savored the rich taste of his sending on my tongue. Someday I would put a name to that taste.
~~~~
I know I didn't give enough hints, but just for fun. Can you guess his taste?
I hope you enjoyed. For more sweet samples, return here.
Today's Sweet Saturday Sample is from a unpublished novel titled Living Sacrifice. The reason for the selection is a picture a friend of mine posted on Facebook a few days ago. It reminded me of this scene from early in the book. The POV is Zezilia Ilar and it occurs shortly after they meet for the second time.
***Note*** Italicized words in quotation marks are mind to mind communication which comes with a taste depending on the sender (speaker).
Photo credited to Alyssa O'Keefe (used with permission)"Come, enough of work." He led me back to the path. "I have yet to show you my favorite part of the gardens." I trailed him along the paths that wound among the shimmery cool pools of the water garden. When we reached the other side where the manmade streams emptied into the riverbed, he instructed me to close my eyes. Willingly I did. He took my hand and with gentle coaching led me a ways downstream. The breeze coming off the water rustled something around us and occasionally a feather-light wisp would brush my hair. "Stand right here," he instructed. "Can I open my eyes?" "Not yet. Wait until I tell you." I waited, sensing that he stepped back and away. Just as I began to wonder if he was playing a trick on me, I felt him brush my mind. "Now." I opened my eyes and gasped. I stood in the midst of a canopy of draping fronds. Green and feathered, they danced gracefully in the breeze, skimming the water at my feet and whispering. Flickering through the curtain, sunlight flecked the ground and water in lazy patterns. Sinking to sit on the bank, I leaned my head back so that I could see the branches, gnarled and twisted high above. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he asked. I glanced around, but he was nowhere in sight. "Where are you?" I asked aloud. "On my way to the palazzo. I just received a summons. Master Silas needs me. Enjoy the willows." "Thank you," I whispered. "You are welcome," he replied and then suddenly he withdrew. I sat in the freckled sunshine and savored the rich taste of his sending on my tongue. Someday I would put a name to that taste.
~~~~
I know I didn't give enough hints, but just for fun. Can you guess his taste?
I hope you enjoyed. For more sweet samples, return here.
February 18, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back for this week's Sweet Saturday Sample. The selection this week once again comes from my current WIP Duty. This selection falls earlier in the story than the wedding scene. Dialogue can be so much fun to write when the characters interact like these two. The selection is from Brielle's perspective.
~~~~~
His scrutiny made me want to squirm. "I am nothing like my cousin, my lord. I do not scheme or plot. I have lived the simple life of a peasant. My hands bear callouses from laboring alongside the humblest in our village. I am not a delicate woman to be cossetted.""I can see that."I lifted my chin. Men frequently took exception to my size and direct manner. Bracing for a biting summation of my lack of virtues, I met his regard. Instead he smiled. Well, not really. It was more of a lift to the left side of his mouth, as close to a smile as I had seen so far. The slight change warmed his eyes. My stomach fluttered strangely. Looking away, I grasped at my train of thought."I am not the kind of woman a rising noble should have by his side."He stepped closer. The smell of leather and dirt filled my nostrils. He was two hand's breaths from me."I am not a noble."I opened my mouth to protest the obvious, but he stalled me by raising his hand. "I am a soldier, a man accustomed to grueling marches, meager fare, and long, cold nights sleeping in the dirt. Alive by the strength of my sword arm and the speed of my feet, I need a wife who can stand at my side, not cower behind me. The more I know of you, the better suited you appear, my lady. Should you have me, I would willingly take you to wife.""You are giving me a choice?""Aye."
~~~~~
Are you interested?
For more sweet morsels for your Saturday, meander over here.
~~~~~
His scrutiny made me want to squirm. "I am nothing like my cousin, my lord. I do not scheme or plot. I have lived the simple life of a peasant. My hands bear callouses from laboring alongside the humblest in our village. I am not a delicate woman to be cossetted.""I can see that."I lifted my chin. Men frequently took exception to my size and direct manner. Bracing for a biting summation of my lack of virtues, I met his regard. Instead he smiled. Well, not really. It was more of a lift to the left side of his mouth, as close to a smile as I had seen so far. The slight change warmed his eyes. My stomach fluttered strangely. Looking away, I grasped at my train of thought."I am not the kind of woman a rising noble should have by his side."He stepped closer. The smell of leather and dirt filled my nostrils. He was two hand's breaths from me."I am not a noble."I opened my mouth to protest the obvious, but he stalled me by raising his hand. "I am a soldier, a man accustomed to grueling marches, meager fare, and long, cold nights sleeping in the dirt. Alive by the strength of my sword arm and the speed of my feet, I need a wife who can stand at my side, not cower behind me. The more I know of you, the better suited you appear, my lady. Should you have me, I would willingly take you to wife.""You are giving me a choice?""Aye."
~~~~~
Are you interested?
For more sweet morsels for your Saturday, meander over here.
February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day
I discovered this video this week and fell in like. :) It is a bit long (fifteen minutes), but well worth it, especially for those of us who love books, write books, and have a hard time living without books. Yeah, I am a bit infatuated with the written word. Who'd a thought? ;) Enjoy. - Rachel Rossano
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.
February 11, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
This Saturday, I am going to share a bit of my current WIP (work in process) Duty. A wedding seemed a good choice considering the month and the upcoming holiday. For more sweet morsels for your Saturday, go here. As with all WIPs, Duty is subject to change as needed. Who knows if this scene will even been in the final cut, but I suspect it will. ;)
~~~
The music stopped. Around us, voices hushed. The crowd parted, making a path for someone. Lord Irvaine strode toward me. A gold edged tunic of emerald emblazoned with the figure of a hart covered his chest. His dark hair, now dry, curled to his head. He had finally washed his face. He stopped at the edge of the open circle that hastily formed around Loren and myself.
"My lord." Quaren bowed his head.
Loren curtseyed.
I remained standing, meeting his inky-eyed scrutiny. "My lord."
He lifted his right hand, extending it palm up toward me. "It is time. Are you ready?"
I felt Loren's gaze on my face, but I didn't lower my own to meet it. Kurios, give me strength, I prayed. Stepping forward, I lay my hand in his.
Together we walked toward the dais outlined in the glow of ten flaring torches. My hand trembled when I realized we would be standing on it before the village and his men. The officiate, the man with a twisted back from before, stood at the dais edge dressed in a heavily embroidered grey robe. The few hairs on his head danced in the breeze.
Irvaine squeezed my fingers. "I would prefer something more intimate, but the king decreed a public speaking of vows. He intends there should be no mistaking the validity of our marriage."
"A public bedding then." I faltered at the thought.
His fingers tightened around mine. "Leave that to me. I will not see you humiliated."
I opened my mouth to ask how he intended to accomplish it, but our arrival at the dais interrupted. We climbed the single step together and faced each other before the company. The old man wrapped our joined hands with a length of white silk. Beneath the fabric, Irvaine's fingers cradled mine, warm and strong.
"Speak your vows after me. Make sure they are loud enough for all to hear." The old man faced Lord Irvaine first.
"I am Tomas Nirren Dyrease, Earl of Irvaine." Irvaine's rich voice caught me off guard. I frowned up at him in surprise. The officiate had not spoken yet. "I do willingly speak these vows to Brielle Solarius." His eyes locked with mine, an emotion I couldn't name grabbed my attention. "I pledge my sword to your protection, my hands to your comfort, my shoulders to your provision, my children to your body, my heart to your heart." With each phrase, he squeezed my fingers. My stomach tightened. His gaze, black in the torchlight, never wavered from my face. "I take you as my wife." A shiver shot through me. He meant every word.
"Repeat after me." The officiate lead me through my vows.
"I am Brielle Solarius, daughter of Tyranen Solarius, Lord of Wistern. I do willingly speak these vows to Tomas Nirren Dyrease." His name came surprisingly easy to my tongue. "I pledge my hands to your comfort, my body to your children, my loyalty to your cause, my means into your control."
My gaze snapped to his face. I was handing my future to this man. Cold gripped my core as I realized the full implications of my words. I could not speak against him or deny him anything he desired of me. Everything I possessed belonged to him. My hands shook as my thoughts filled with visions of our children. He now held their lives in his hands as well.
"Brielle?" Irvaine's suddenly painful grip on my hands brought my gaze up to meet his. Worry bracketed his eyes in wrinkles. His dark brows lowered, but concern, not anger shone in his eyes. "Breathe slowly and focus. One sentence more."
"I take you as my husband," the officiate prompted.
I only whispered the words, but it was enough for the officiate. "Bring forth the gifts!" He waved dramatically.
My middle ached and darkness edged my vision. I blinked. Perhaps I should have eaten something.
"Brielle?" Irvaine's voice came from far away.
My knees gave out. Someone caught me as I fell, but oblivion took over before I figured out whose arms held me.
~~~
So, what did you think of the vows?
Rachel Rossano's romances are available on Amazon and Smashwords.
(a science fiction romantic short story)99 cents
(a historical romantic short story)
99 cents
(a fantasy/historical romance novella)
$2.99
(a fantasy/historical romantic novella)
$2.99
~~~
The music stopped. Around us, voices hushed. The crowd parted, making a path for someone. Lord Irvaine strode toward me. A gold edged tunic of emerald emblazoned with the figure of a hart covered his chest. His dark hair, now dry, curled to his head. He had finally washed his face. He stopped at the edge of the open circle that hastily formed around Loren and myself.
"My lord." Quaren bowed his head.
Loren curtseyed.
I remained standing, meeting his inky-eyed scrutiny. "My lord."
He lifted his right hand, extending it palm up toward me. "It is time. Are you ready?"
I felt Loren's gaze on my face, but I didn't lower my own to meet it. Kurios, give me strength, I prayed. Stepping forward, I lay my hand in his.
Together we walked toward the dais outlined in the glow of ten flaring torches. My hand trembled when I realized we would be standing on it before the village and his men. The officiate, the man with a twisted back from before, stood at the dais edge dressed in a heavily embroidered grey robe. The few hairs on his head danced in the breeze.
Irvaine squeezed my fingers. "I would prefer something more intimate, but the king decreed a public speaking of vows. He intends there should be no mistaking the validity of our marriage."
"A public bedding then." I faltered at the thought.
His fingers tightened around mine. "Leave that to me. I will not see you humiliated."
I opened my mouth to ask how he intended to accomplish it, but our arrival at the dais interrupted. We climbed the single step together and faced each other before the company. The old man wrapped our joined hands with a length of white silk. Beneath the fabric, Irvaine's fingers cradled mine, warm and strong.
"Speak your vows after me. Make sure they are loud enough for all to hear." The old man faced Lord Irvaine first.
"I am Tomas Nirren Dyrease, Earl of Irvaine." Irvaine's rich voice caught me off guard. I frowned up at him in surprise. The officiate had not spoken yet. "I do willingly speak these vows to Brielle Solarius." His eyes locked with mine, an emotion I couldn't name grabbed my attention. "I pledge my sword to your protection, my hands to your comfort, my shoulders to your provision, my children to your body, my heart to your heart." With each phrase, he squeezed my fingers. My stomach tightened. His gaze, black in the torchlight, never wavered from my face. "I take you as my wife." A shiver shot through me. He meant every word.
"Repeat after me." The officiate lead me through my vows.
"I am Brielle Solarius, daughter of Tyranen Solarius, Lord of Wistern. I do willingly speak these vows to Tomas Nirren Dyrease." His name came surprisingly easy to my tongue. "I pledge my hands to your comfort, my body to your children, my loyalty to your cause, my means into your control."
My gaze snapped to his face. I was handing my future to this man. Cold gripped my core as I realized the full implications of my words. I could not speak against him or deny him anything he desired of me. Everything I possessed belonged to him. My hands shook as my thoughts filled with visions of our children. He now held their lives in his hands as well.
"Brielle?" Irvaine's suddenly painful grip on my hands brought my gaze up to meet his. Worry bracketed his eyes in wrinkles. His dark brows lowered, but concern, not anger shone in his eyes. "Breathe slowly and focus. One sentence more."
"I take you as my husband," the officiate prompted.
I only whispered the words, but it was enough for the officiate. "Bring forth the gifts!" He waved dramatically.
My middle ached and darkness edged my vision. I blinked. Perhaps I should have eaten something.
"Brielle?" Irvaine's voice came from far away.
My knees gave out. Someone caught me as I fell, but oblivion took over before I figured out whose arms held me.
~~~
So, what did you think of the vows?
Rachel Rossano's romances are available on Amazon and Smashwords.
(a science fiction romantic short story)99 cents
(a historical romantic short story)99 cents
(a fantasy/historical romance novella)$2.99
(a fantasy/historical romantic novella)$2.99
February 4, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back for another Sweet Saturday Sample. Today, I selected a passage from Exchange, my science fiction, romantic short story. Its prequel, Diaspora, has been on my mind a great deal. So, here is an intense bit of romance for your first Saturday in February.
~~~
"Myah, look at me."The tone of his voice, low in his chest, touched a nerve deep in my middle. His gaze called me closer. I straightened, suddenly aware of his height and breadth contrasting mine."Say my name.""Ruhan."His mouth parted slightly in a slow, deep smile, eyes half open. "Thank you," he whispered. He spanned the distance between us with a single step. My heart thudded wildly as his hands closed around my face, his fingers laced through my hair, and his thumbs stroked my cheekbones. His mouth found mine in a gentle kiss that set my skin afire with familiar heat. My palms rested on the rough material of his jumpsuit, nerves detecting every thread between them and the firm warmth of his chest. My mind demanded to know how I ever forgot this. He deepened the kiss, our heart rates increasing, before he retreated with a groan.My breath came in short gasps. Every fiber in my body screamed to reach out and beg him to kiss me again.Shaking his head as though attempting to clear it, he turned away toward the door.I shut my eyes.
~~~
Exchange is available for 99 cents on Amazon
For more Sweet Samples go here.
Thank you for visiting. I hope you like it.
~~~
"Myah, look at me."The tone of his voice, low in his chest, touched a nerve deep in my middle. His gaze called me closer. I straightened, suddenly aware of his height and breadth contrasting mine."Say my name.""Ruhan."His mouth parted slightly in a slow, deep smile, eyes half open. "Thank you," he whispered. He spanned the distance between us with a single step. My heart thudded wildly as his hands closed around my face, his fingers laced through my hair, and his thumbs stroked my cheekbones. His mouth found mine in a gentle kiss that set my skin afire with familiar heat. My palms rested on the rough material of his jumpsuit, nerves detecting every thread between them and the firm warmth of his chest. My mind demanded to know how I ever forgot this. He deepened the kiss, our heart rates increasing, before he retreated with a groan.My breath came in short gasps. Every fiber in my body screamed to reach out and beg him to kiss me again.Shaking his head as though attempting to clear it, he turned away toward the door.I shut my eyes.~~~
Exchange is available for 99 cents on Amazon
For more Sweet Samples go here.
Thank you for visiting. I hope you like it.
February 2, 2012
Update Time!
A new month needs a new update on my writing endeavors, right?
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Word & Deed - (short story, Medieval, romance, mystery, suspense) Check this one off the list! The sales have been encouraging since its release mid-January. Hopefully they keep up. Anyone who has read it, please stop by Amazon and give it a review or drop me an email and tell me what you thought. I appreciate any and all feedback. If you haven't read it, Word and Deed is only 99 cents on Amazon or Smashwords.
Diaspora - (short story, science fiction, prequel to Exchange, romance) Hubby hasn't finished it, but he has read most of it. (Hurrah!) He has been asking some great questions and we have been discussing it and the other stories I had planned for the series. I have come to the conclusion that I need to make this one longer. It has transitioned from a how-they-met story to a how-they-got-to-Exchange story. The world is taking on a life of its own and I want to do it justice. So, big changes a head, but not much new writing ... yet.
The King of Anavrea - (novel, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea, romance, fantasy, intrigue, politics) Editing ... editing ... and more editing. The story is changing before my eyes and I haven't even reached the halfway point on my first work through. Yeah, I don't know if those of you who read it in its original form will recognize much of the beginning.
Wren Romany - (fantasy, adventure, romance, Medieval-ish, part of The Romany Epistles) I need to finish writing a scene to replace the lions scene in the beginning. Wren wants to tell it from her perspective. Should be exciting. Then it is a read through and it will be off to the editors.
Duty - (short story, adventure, romance, Medieval, set in the world of The Theodoric Saga, started out as an opening line competition) Brielle now has six chapters (9,762 words) and I still haven't reached the halfway point. Hmm ... I think my novella roots are showing. :) Still I am loving Irvaine. Brielle hasn't been as emotive, though. I am going to have to get some opinions on her. She is showing more Wren-esque qualities than I expected. Mainly Wren's habit of not letting me into her head. I am working on it.
CHARACTERS WHO ARE CALLING MY NAME WHO SHOULDN'T BE
Living Sacrifice (Zezilia Ilar) - She isn't supposed to be in my head. I don't have time to think about her sequel, but my head keeps wandering in that direction. Gr! I wish I had more time. *sigh*
Observations, questions, and comments are welcome. :) Tune in on Saturday for the first of a month of romantic Sweet Saturday Samples. This weeks will be from Exchange.
Oh, if you wish to have more day-to-day updates on my activities, I keep my writing facebook page updated almost daily: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Rossanos-Rambles/240421865704
Until Saturday,
Rachel Rossano
ACTIVE PROJECTS
Word & Deed - (short story, Medieval, romance, mystery, suspense) Check this one off the list! The sales have been encouraging since its release mid-January. Hopefully they keep up. Anyone who has read it, please stop by Amazon and give it a review or drop me an email and tell me what you thought. I appreciate any and all feedback. If you haven't read it, Word and Deed is only 99 cents on Amazon or Smashwords.
Diaspora - (short story, science fiction, prequel to Exchange, romance) Hubby hasn't finished it, but he has read most of it. (Hurrah!) He has been asking some great questions and we have been discussing it and the other stories I had planned for the series. I have come to the conclusion that I need to make this one longer. It has transitioned from a how-they-met story to a how-they-got-to-Exchange story. The world is taking on a life of its own and I want to do it justice. So, big changes a head, but not much new writing ... yet.
The King of Anavrea - (novel, sequel to The Crown of Anavrea, romance, fantasy, intrigue, politics) Editing ... editing ... and more editing. The story is changing before my eyes and I haven't even reached the halfway point on my first work through. Yeah, I don't know if those of you who read it in its original form will recognize much of the beginning.
Wren Romany - (fantasy, adventure, romance, Medieval-ish, part of The Romany Epistles) I need to finish writing a scene to replace the lions scene in the beginning. Wren wants to tell it from her perspective. Should be exciting. Then it is a read through and it will be off to the editors.
Duty - (short story, adventure, romance, Medieval, set in the world of The Theodoric Saga, started out as an opening line competition) Brielle now has six chapters (9,762 words) and I still haven't reached the halfway point. Hmm ... I think my novella roots are showing. :) Still I am loving Irvaine. Brielle hasn't been as emotive, though. I am going to have to get some opinions on her. She is showing more Wren-esque qualities than I expected. Mainly Wren's habit of not letting me into her head. I am working on it.
CHARACTERS WHO ARE CALLING MY NAME WHO SHOULDN'T BE
Living Sacrifice (Zezilia Ilar) - She isn't supposed to be in my head. I don't have time to think about her sequel, but my head keeps wandering in that direction. Gr! I wish I had more time. *sigh*
Observations, questions, and comments are welcome. :) Tune in on Saturday for the first of a month of romantic Sweet Saturday Samples. This weeks will be from Exchange.
Oh, if you wish to have more day-to-day updates on my activities, I keep my writing facebook page updated almost daily: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Rossanos-Rambles/240421865704
Until Saturday,
Rachel Rossano
January 28, 2012
Sweet Saturday Sample
Welcome back to Sweet Saturday Samples. For the rest of the chocolate box, please go here. My offering this week is a bit from my current work in process, Duty. Please excuse any typos and or errors. I haven't edited it yet. (One note, the story is told from the point of view of Brielle in first person, but she doesn't speak until the end of the sample.)
~~~
Taltana, the village midwife and wise woman, took the news of her only son's death without the release of tears. Her face stilled, the light in her eyes dimmed, and she stared at the mud wall over the record-keeper's shoulder.
"Marriage status?" he asked.
"Widowed last spring." Unmoving except her mouth, Taltana's life withered before my eyes.
"Age?"
She flinched and shook her head as though dispelling a dream before looking at the man bent over the leather encased tome. "Thirty-seven summers."
His pen scratched the parchment. "Do you own property?"
"I maintain the western most hovel, the garden beyond, and a one day's plow in Lord Solarius's fields."
The recorder grunted and wrote. Then without lifting the tip of the pen, he asked, "Do you wish to marry or pay the price to remain unwed? Either choice requires you house three men under your roof for the winter season. They shall contribute to the household. If you marry, your husband will protect you."
"What is the cost of saying nay?"
"A month's measure of grain or an animal from your flock or herd."
"How can you put a price on her …" Antano's grip on my upper arm silenced me.
The record-keeper's pen paused, but he didn't lift his head.
"No interference," Antano reminded me softly.
~~~
Thoughts?
Thank you for visiting. Please stop by again. :) Please go here for more sweet samples. Have a wonderful weekend.
- Rachel Rossano
~~~
Taltana, the village midwife and wise woman, took the news of her only son's death without the release of tears. Her face stilled, the light in her eyes dimmed, and she stared at the mud wall over the record-keeper's shoulder.
"Marriage status?" he asked.
"Widowed last spring." Unmoving except her mouth, Taltana's life withered before my eyes.
"Age?"
She flinched and shook her head as though dispelling a dream before looking at the man bent over the leather encased tome. "Thirty-seven summers."
His pen scratched the parchment. "Do you own property?"
"I maintain the western most hovel, the garden beyond, and a one day's plow in Lord Solarius's fields."
The recorder grunted and wrote. Then without lifting the tip of the pen, he asked, "Do you wish to marry or pay the price to remain unwed? Either choice requires you house three men under your roof for the winter season. They shall contribute to the household. If you marry, your husband will protect you."
"What is the cost of saying nay?"
"A month's measure of grain or an animal from your flock or herd."
"How can you put a price on her …" Antano's grip on my upper arm silenced me.
The record-keeper's pen paused, but he didn't lift his head.
"No interference," Antano reminded me softly.
~~~
Thoughts?
Thank you for visiting. Please stop by again. :) Please go here for more sweet samples. Have a wonderful weekend.
- Rachel Rossano
