Lily Graison's Blog, page 22
December 11, 2013
Winter Warmers Giveaway Hop
Welcome! The Winter Warmers Giveaway Hop is hosted by Felicity Heaton and Indie Romance Books and will run from December 12th – 16th 2013. My giveaway is International so everyone gets to play.
What are you playing for?
3 winners will receive eBook copies of my Contemporary Holiday Romances, That First Christmas and Blame It On The Mistletoe.
That First Christmas
Lily Graison
Meredith Gunter has always been Daddy’s little girl. Spoiled all her life, she’s never had to ask for anything and expects to get exactly what she wants. When she wrecks her car on the way home from college for Christmas break, she finds herself stranded on the mountain in the middle of a snowstorm, in a one-room cabin with a man she can’t help but want.
Travis Gregory has lived alone on the mountain for the last four years. He has little contact with the outside world and prefers it that way. When he spots a girl on the side of the road, his conscience won’t let him abandon her. The redhead captivates him instantly.
Worlds collide when Travis and Meredith try to co-exist in his one room cabin. Can they fight their growing attraction when the nights get longer and the storm isolates them from the rest of the world? Can two people, from such different worlds, ever truly be happy together?
Read an excerpt…
Blame It On The Mistletoe
Lily Graison
When Macy Carter’s parents order her to bring her live-in boyfriend Sean home with her for Christmas she has no idea that her little white lie is just about to snowball into a fabrication of monstrous proportions. Sean isn’t her boyfriend, he’s her boss. Now she has to reveal the lie she’s been telling her family for the past two years or hastily concoct an elaborate ruse to fool them instead.
When Macy tells Sean Mathis of her predicament he does what any gentleman would – he laughs and then agrees to help her out. Little does he know that one misplaced word in their little scheme will backfire and land them both in the hot-seat.
Secluded in the mountains, surrounded by snow and good will, Sean and Macy can’t help looking like the perfect couple. So perfect that the family decides a Christmas wedding will make it a holiday none of them would ever forget!
How To Enter This Giveaway
1. Sign up for my Newsletter using the form below.
2. Mark the Rafflecopter form confirming your newsletter subscription.
3. If you’d like extra chances to win, feel free to do the additional tasks.
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; width:400px;}
/* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
Subscribe to Lily’s Newsletter
* indicates required
Email *
Name *
var err_style = '';
try{
err_style = mc_custom_error_style;
} catch(e){
err_style = '#mc_embed_signup input.mce_inline_error{border-color:#6B0505;} #mc_embed_signup div.mce_inline_error{margin: 0 0 1em 0; padding: 5px 10px; background-color:#6B0505; font-weight: bold; z-index: 1; color:#fff;}';
}
var head= document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];
var style= document.createElement('style');
style.type= 'text/css';
if (style.styleSheet) {
style.styleSheet.cssText = err_style;
} else {
style.appendChild(document.createTextNode(err_style));
}
head.appendChild(style);
setTimeout('mce_preload_check();', 250);
var mce_preload_checks = 0;
function mce_preload_check(){
if (mce_preload_checks>40) return;
mce_preload_checks++;
try {
var jqueryLoaded=jQuery;
} catch(err) {
setTimeout('mce_preload_check();', 250);
return;
}
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.type = 'text/javascript';
script.src = 'http://downloads.mailchimp.com/js/jqu...
head.appendChild(script);
try {
var validatorLoaded=jQuery("#fake-form").validate({});
} catch(err) {
setTimeout('mce_preload_check();', 250);
return;
}
mce_init_form();
}
function mce_init_form(){
jQuery(document).ready( function($) {
var options = { errorClass: 'mce_inline_error', errorElement: 'div', onkeyup: function(){}, onfocusout:function(){}, onblur:function(){} };
var mce_validator = $("#mc-embedded-subscribe-form").validate(options);
$("#mc-embedded-subscribe-form").unbind('submit');//remove the validator so we can get into beforeSubmit on the ajaxform, which then calls the validator
options = { url: 'http://lilygraison.us2.list-manage2.c...?', type: 'GET', dataType: 'json', contentType: "application/json; charset=utf-8",
beforeSubmit: function(){
$('#mce_tmp_error_msg').remove();
$('.datefield','#mc_embed_signup').each(
function(){
var txt = 'filled';
var fields = new Array();
var i = 0;
$(':text', this).each(
function(){
fields[i] = this;
i++;
});
$(':hidden', this).each(
function(){
var bday = false;
if (fields.length == 2){
bday = true;
fields[2] = {'value':1970};//trick birthdays into having years
}
if ( fields[0].value=='MM' && fields[1].value=='DD' && (fields[2].value=='YYYY' || (bday && fields[2].value==1970) ) ){
this.value = '';
} else if ( fields[0].value=='' && fields[1].value=='' && (fields[2].value=='' || (bday && fields[2].value==1970) ) ){
this.value = '';
} else {
if (/\[day\]/.test(fields[0].name)){
this.value = fields[1].value+'/'+fields[0].value+'/'+fields[2].value;
} else {
this.value = fields[0].value+'/'+fields[1].value+'/'+fields[2].value;
}
}
});
});
$('.phonefield-us','#mc_embed_signup').each(
function(){
var fields = new Array();
var i = 0;
$(':text', this).each(
function(){
fields[i] = this;
i++;
});
$(':hidden', this).each(
function(){
if ( fields[0].value.length != 3 || fields[1].value.length!=3 || fields[2].value.length!=4 ){
this.value = '';
} else {
this.value = 'filled';
}
});
});
return mce_validator.form();
},
success: mce_success_cb
};
$('#mc-embedded-subscribe-form').ajaxForm(options);
});
}
function mce_success_cb(resp){
$('#mce-success-response').hide();
$('#mce-error-response').hide();
if (resp.result=="success"){
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show();
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').html(resp.msg);
$('#mc-embedded-subscribe-form').each(function(){
this.reset();
});
} else {
var index = -1;
var msg;
try {
var parts = resp.msg.split(' - ',2);
if (parts[1]==undefined){
msg = resp.msg;
} else {
i = parseInt(parts[0]);
if (i.toString() == parts[0]){
index = parts[0];
msg = parts[1];
} else {
index = -1;
msg = resp.msg;
}
}
} catch(e){
index = -1;
msg = resp.msg;
}
try{
if (index== -1){
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show();
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').html(msg);
} else {
err_id = 'mce_tmp_error_msg';
html = '
'+msg+'
';
var input_id = '#mc_embed_signup';
var f = $(input_id);
if (ftypes[index]=='address'){
input_id = '#mce-'+fnames[index]+'-addr1';
f = $(input_id).parent().parent().get(0);
} else if (ftypes[index]=='date'){
input_id = '#mce-'+fnames[index]+'-month';
f = $(input_id).parent().parent().get(0);
} else {
input_id = '#mce-'+fnames[index];
f = $().parent(input_id).get(0);
}
if (f){
$(f).append(html);
$(input_id).focus();
} else {
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show();
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').html(msg);
}
}
} catch(e){
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show();
$('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').html(msg);
}
}
}
Click on any of the following blogs for more chances to win!
The post Winter Warmers Giveaway Hop appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
December 10, 2013
A Willow Creek Christmas – #1 Best Selling Western Romance!
The Lawman, book 1 in the Willow Creek Series, made it all the way to #2 in the Bestselling Western Chart on Amazon.com back in March 2012. As excited as I was, I’ll admnit to being a bit disappointed it didn’t hit #1. Every author wants their books to do well and being so close to that #1 coveted spot and losing it was a major downer.
So imagine me bouncing in my seat when I checked Amazon this morning to see A Willow Creek Chirstmas has hit the #1 Bestselling Western chart in a record 2 weeks!
Did I mention its also at #4 on the Historical Romance chart? It’s my first time ranking on the historical charts! Thank you to everyone buying the book and for recommending it to your friends! You have made my year!
The post A Willow Creek Christmas – #1 Best Selling Western Romance! appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
December 2, 2013
Contests, Contests, Contests!
Looks as if December really is the month of giving! There are several Giveaways taking place and to make sure no one misses any of them, I’ll post them all here.
The first Giveaway is my monthly website giveaway. This month I have a host of prizes, the one everyone will want under their tree being the Kindle Paperwhite! Take a look at what’s up for grabs.
Grand Prize: The all-New Kindle Paperwhite (US Only) or $120.00 Amazon Gift Card (International)
1 x Signed paperback of BLAME IT ON THE MISTLETOE AND THAT FIRST CHRISTMAS
1 x Signed paperback of HIS BROTHER’S WIFE
1 x $25.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
1 x $10.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
1 x $5.00 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card
To enter this Giveaway, just head on to my CONTEST page, read the rules, and enter.
The Countdown To Christmas Giveaway is happening over on Facebook. There’s eleven authors participating with over 21 prizes, which include, ebooks, paperbacks, gift cards, audio books, mugs and calendars, up for grabs. You can enter this giveaway by LIKEing Facebook pages. This giveaway ends December 15th, so hurry and get your entry in. Just follow the link to the Rafflecopter form and LIKE some pages for your chance to win one of these prizes.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33427268/
And the last Giveaway is an on-going contest that takes place on my Facebook fan page. For every 50 new “LIKES” the page recieves, I give away a signed, paperback, winners choice, from my available ppaperbacks. To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is LIKE my Facebook page. Simple as that. To enter your name into the signed, paperback giveaway, follow the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/authorLilyGraison/app_190322544333196
Be sure to enter every contest, some of which allow daily entries, and Good Luck!
Oh, and be sure to tell your friends by using the handy SHARE buttons below!
The post Contests, Contests, Contests! appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 29, 2013
Friday First Kiss #25 :: Wolf Christmas by C A Nicks – Historical (Victorian) Paranormal Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from, Wolf Christmas by C A Nicks.
“Go back to your bed, Rowena. My wolf is still up. It can’t be trusted.”
She leaned back slightly, gazing into his eyes as if she’d forgotten she was holding a beast. A beast on the verge of ravaging her at the slightest encouragement.
“You would never hurt me, Christopher.”
This close he could see every tiny blemish on her skin, every fleck of colour in her hazel eyes. Every pore, every hair.
“Hurting you is the last thing on my mind.” He let out a long breath. “What you’re feeling is a combination of the fear, the disorientation, the fact that you’re here, cut off from the world. It plays with the mind. Makes a person do things they might later regret. And you will look back and regret this, Rowena. Believe me, you will.”
He couldn’t make it any plainer to her. With his hands on her shoulders, he pushed her gently away from him.
“Your father paid me to save your reputation. Not add to it.”
“I think I may be beyond saving.” She picked up a lock of her hair, inspecting the tangled strands. “Mama would expire on the spot if she could see me now. I look a fright.”
“You do.” He tried to inject a little humour into his tone. No point in telling her the dishevelled appearance only added to her allure. “I’m sure your mother will understand.”
A sad smile curved her lips. “She will try, and fail miserably. I should be looking forward to going back. But the thought fills me with dread.”
“And yet, you must go.” He wanted to reach out, stroke her cheek. Give her the comfort she’d offered him. Would it be so wrong? Rowena seemed very much to be her own woman, capable of making her own decisions. There would be no taking advantage.
“I must.” She spoke without conviction, staring at the quilt, tracing the outline of one of the embroidered flowers with a finger. “I shall have need of friends, Christopher. Friends who understand. Would you allow me to be your friend?”
He shrugged, a little thrown by her request. Friends were a somewhat alien concept to a mercenary, Lone Wolf.
“I could call on you, perhaps? Here at Hadon House?”
His bark of laughter made her jump, visibly. She lifted her chin in response, some of her earlier spirit returning. “I’m twenty-one years of age, I’ll have you know. Quite old enough to manage my own visiting schedule. Granted, before all this, I would never have contemplated visiting one of the Different, but I am no longer that woman.”
“What? Because you met me?”
“Yes, because I met you. You’ve shown me that not all creatures of the night are the same.”
“How very good of you to notice.” He shouldn’t be angry at her condescending tone, the glib words that sounded charitable but meant very little.
Dipping his head so he was level with hers, he caught her gaze. “Easy to say that when I look like this. But just because I’m back to what you’d call normal, it’s still there. Take a good look. It will always be there. Will you send a card? Come calling with your mother for afternoon tea? I’m a Lone Wolf, Rowena. I don’t have friends.”
She listened more patiently than he deserved to his tirade. Damn, but having her here filled a gap in his life. Whether she stayed or left, things would never be the same again.
He had been about to shift again. To fend her off by inducing revulsion that would have her running from the room. To remind her once again of what he was because she seemed determined not to see it. Before he could, she’d moved, closing the distance between them. Soft lips pressed against his cheek and when she spoke, close to his ear, he actually trembled.
Christopher Hadon never trembled.
“Forgive me if the words came out wrong. Just know that they were sincerely meant and that you do have a friend, Christopher. You have me.”
* * * *
She’d kissed him. A chaste kiss, yes, but now she wanted to do it again. She wanted his hands on her hips, his hair soft on her cheek. Cheeks that were heating at the wicked thoughts coursing through her mind. A small movement and her lips would be on his. Would he taste of the wine they’d taken earlier? Would he think her a brazen hussy for being so forward?
If someone asked her to account for her present feelings, Rowena knew she would be hard pressed to give them an answer they would understand. She didn’t know herself why this man or should she call him creature, drew her to him like no other.
All of his arguments made perfect sense. Alone and trapped here by the storm, bonded by the rescue and escape, she’d unsurprisingly formed an attachment to him. Invested him with virtues and come to rely on him.
And still she wanted to kiss him again.
Perhaps she was even hoping that a kiss would be enough for him to want to keep her here so she never had to return home. What a terrible thought. She chastised herself. Opinionated and domineering he might be, but Papa loved her and would have paid any sum to have her found. Of that she had no doubt. He merely had a strange way of showing his love.
Once home she would never again experience the exhilaration of racing across snow-covered moors in the dark and cold in the arms of a wolf-man
That made these last few hours of freedom all the more precious.
Christopher stiffened all over when she slid her lips to his and pressed lightly. He tasted not of wine, but of something completely indefinable, which she supposed was simply him. She tried again, feeling his lips move ever so slightly under hers.
Groping for his hand, she placed it on her hip, since he seemed to have fallen into shock at her bold move. The wind outside had reached a deafening crescendo, further increasing the sense that here, she could do or be anything she wanted to be. Even if only for a short time.
“Are you sure, Rowena?” Christopher found his voice at last, grasping her elbows with his strong grip. “I’m giving you one last chance. Dammit, you’re still recovering from the abduction. You should go back to your room. If you stay, this doesn’t end with a kiss.”
Wolf Christmas
by C A Nicks
December 1889. Werewolf Christopher Hadon rescues young women kidnapped to work the brothels of industrial Victorian Manchester. But when he meets Rowena Rothwell, he might just have found the first woman he doesn’t want to give back. Rowena knows she must return home, but she needs a little time to come to terms with her ordeal. When she begs Christopher to wait a few days before sending her home, at a time dangerously close to the full moon, her life will never be the same again.
Neither of them have known the joy of a real Christmas, but secluded from the world, at Christopher’s remote, moor-top home, that might be about to change…
BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
Amazon US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | IN | CA | BR
Smashwords
About C A Nicks
I live within sight of the Lancashire moors (where this story is set) with my family, cats and vast collection of musical instruments. Saturday nights are likely to find me in some spooky mansion or castle indulging in my hobby as a paranormal investigator. I love to write romance that’s tightly focused on the main characters and their emotional journey.
I write under two pen names, Alexandra Marell and C A Nicks.
The post Friday First Kiss #25 :: Wolf Christmas by C A Nicks – Historical (Victorian) Paranormal Romance appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving!
I was up at 6am again today. This is becoming a habit, I think, but it gives me time to reflect every morning, especially today when I have so much to be thankful for. My family is healthy and happy, I have great friends who fill my day with laughter and I have all my wonderful readers who inspire me daily. You’re the reason I get up every morning and ‘go to work’…the reason I’m still writing. Without you, what I do would be pointless, so Thank You for reading my stories and telling your friends about my books. Thank you for every review you’ve left, for every kind word on my Facebook and blog and most of all, Thank You for allowing me to continue doing what I do…create stories filled with families, love and happily ever afters.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Lily
The post Happy Thanksgiving! appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 25, 2013
New Release : A Willow Creek Christmas by Lily Graison
It’s finally here!! After many starts and stops, road blocks and character’s just being ornery, A Willow Creek Christmas is now available!
This story kicked my butt. I’m not ashamed to say it. Some stories just…write themselves…and others you have to drag out every word, which was the case for this one. My hero and heroine were a bit damaged so it took a gentle hand to coax them into telling their story.
Since everyone has been waiting for it all year, I’ve set a special release week price of .99cents. The price will increase to $3.99 on December 1st so grab while while the discount is good! I’ll post purchase links underneath the book blurb.
A Willow Creek Christmas
by Lily Graison
Book 6 in the Willow Creek Series
Historical Western Romance
Format: eBook
Length: Novel
Released: Nov. 2013
Running from a life she no longer wanted…
Widowed with two young children, Keri Hilam is desperate to escape her abusive brother in law, going so far as sneaking away in the dead of night in hopes of finding a better life. She never regrets leaving, not even when they find themselves stranded, starving, and alone. Fate brings them to Willow Creek, Montana, where they’re rescued by an unlikely hero, an ex-confederate soldier who seems more monster than man.
Hiding from a past he can’t seem to forget…
The war leaves Noah Lloyd scarred and bitter. When the girl he left behind broke his heart, he turned his back on the life he used to know, and sought refuge in a dusty little town that afforded him the solitude he wanted. Finding a woman and her kids hunkered down in an abandoned line shack in the middle of a blizzard is the last thing he needs. They’re ragged, half starved and vulnerable, but he’s determined to leave the trio in the care of the town marshal.
Can a future together erase all the pain…
But the innocence of a child at Christmas breaks through Noah’s hard exterior and Keri’s tender care allows him to see that life may be worth living. All he has to do is let go of his past and let this unlikely family love him.
BUY THE EBOOK FROM:
Amazon US | UK | DE | FR | IT | ES | JP | IN | CA | BR | MX | AU
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Diesel
Sony
Kobo
Apple iBook Store
The post New Release : A Willow Creek Christmas by Lily Graison appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 22, 2013
Friday First Kiss #24 :: A Willow Creek Christmas by Lily Graison – Historical Western Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from my brand new Holiday Release, A Willow Creek Christmas and is the first Christmas book (and 6th in order of release) in my Willow Creek Series.
Her soft spoken words tore a hole in his heart. How could she act as if it made no difference? Isabelle had cried when she saw him, shook her head as if to deny what she was seeing. Begged him to have someone fix it. But there was nothing to fix. His face was ruined, his body riddled with scars that made the one on his face seem like such an insignificant thing.
But Keri wasn’t flinching or looking away, instead, she was touching him, her fingers warm and soft against his face. A mere caress.
As nice as it felt to have her touch him, he’d never felt so exposed in his life. Fully clothed he felt naked, as if the entire town of Willow Creek was sitting there in his cabin laughing at the town monster who thought he was good enough for someone to love. He kept his eyes closed, not able to bear the pity he knew he’d see if he looked up at her.
Her thumb slid across his cheek again, the small touch leaving a trail of fire behind it. She moved closer, stepping between his legs until the heat from her body warmed him, the scent of that floral scented soap that lingered on her skin filling his senses.
A fluttering touch against his lip forced his eyes open. Keri traced the outer edges with the tip of one finger. The look on her face was his undoing. The disgust he’d seen cross Isabelle’s features weren’t present as Keri looked at him.
The fear of rejection he’d lived with since Isabelle turned her back on him shattered as he looked up at Keri, desire shining so brightly in her beautiful eyes his body jolted, his pulse leaping and dancing under his skin.
She ran soft fingers over his face, smoothed both of her hands over his bristled jaw and looked up, her heart shining in her eyes. “You’ve no reason to ever hide, Noah.” She cupped his face in her hands, her thumbs grazing his cheeks.
Then she kissed him.
His entire body clenched tight at the first touch of her soft lips, the air was sucked from his lungs and he sat there unmoving as she sealed her mouth over his, her tongue darting out to tease his bottom lip. He hardened in an instant, ached to have her with a craving so fierce it burned over every inch of his flesh.
He grabbed her, pulled her flush against him, and slid his tongue inside her mouth, tasting her sweetness as her arms wove around his neck.
Good God, how had he lived so long without the simple pleasure of a kiss? She felt so good, tasted as sweet as the finest wine, and caused his body to pulse with need. Threading his fingers into her hair, he angled her head the way he wanted and used his other arm to pull her flush against him.
She moaned deep in her throat, the sound vibrating through his body as her fingers dug into his scalp, her hold bordering on pain, and it still wasn’t close enough. He wanted to feel her against his skin, to drown in the scent of her. To end the agonizing yearning to sink into a soft, willing woman.
Widowed with two young children, Keri Hilam is desperate to escape her abusive brother in law, going so far as sneaking away in the dead of night in hopes of finding a better life. She never regrets leaving, not even when they find themselves stranded, starving, and alone. Fate brings them to Willow Creek, Montana, where they’re rescued by an unlikely hero, an ex-confederate soldier who seems more monster than man.
The war leaves Noah Lloyd scarred and bitter. When the girl he left behind broke his heart, he turned his back on the life he used to know, and sought refuge in a dusty little town that afforded him the solitude he wanted. Finding a woman and her kids hunkered down in an abandoned line shack in the middle of a blizzard is the last thing he needs. They’re ragged, half starved and vulnerable, and he’s determined to leave the trio in the care of the town marshal.
But the innocence of a child at Christmas breaks through Noah’s hard exterior and Keri’s tender care allows him to see that life may be worth living. All he has to do is let go of his past and let this unlikely family love him.
This book will be available Tuesday, November 25th, at a special release week price of .99cent! Look for it at digital retail sites or sign up for the Lily Graison Newsletter to be notified via email of its release.
About Lily Graison
Lily Graison lives in the foothills of North Carolina with her husband, two high-strung Yorkies, more cats than she can count and the neighbors chicken who thinks he’s part of her family. First published in 2005, she is the author of over a dozen published books in the Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance genres.
When not writing, Lily can be found at her sewing machine creating 1800’s period clothing or participating in civil war reenactments and area living history events. When not portraying a southern belle, you can find her at a nearby store feeding her obsession for all things resembling office supplies.
To see the dresses Lily has created, visit her Pinterest page.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+
The post Friday First Kiss #24 :: A Willow Creek Christmas by Lily Graison – Historical Western Romance appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 18, 2013
ManCandy Monday #18
I’m in the mood for a bit of ink today. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite but just look at these guys. How can you say that’s not hot!?
Happy Monday, y’all!
The post ManCandy Monday #18 appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 15, 2013
Friday First Kiss #23 :: Shrouded in Darkness by H. D. Thomson – Paranormal Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from Shrouded in Darkness by H. D. Thomson.
The scream slapped her awake. She jackknifed up in the bed. Blood pounded in her ears as she sat and listened to the silence. Then she realized that this time the cry hadn’t come from outside but downstairs. She scrambled from the bed and hit the cold wood floor running, almost banging into the side of her bedroom door on the way out. The night was black, illuminating nothing. With questing, outstretched hands, she found the stair’s handrail and fumbled down the steps. Breathing deeply, she rounded the stair post and slammed into something warm and very human.
She opened her mouth to scream.
“It’s me, Jake,” he said from the darkness, holding onto her arms to steady her.
She let out a long, shaky breath. “What was that?” she asked in a hushed voice. “You must have heard it. It sounded so awful.”
“It was your cat.”
“Marmaduke?”
“Yeah.”
“But I could have sworn it sounded more human than—”
“I stepped on his tail.” He cleared his throat. “Scared the hell out of both of us. He took off somewhere. Sorry about getting you out of bed.”
“I’m just glad I found out what it was. But what are you doing up?”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
Relaxing, she glanced up, only to be blinded by the night. Thick, black and total, it draped over Jake and everything around her. His hands, warm and strong, grasped her upper arms. She grew conscious of the coolness of the house, of the silk of her nightgown against her skin, but most importantly of Jake, of the deep woodsy scent of his after-shave and how his hands, minus the gloves, were now slowly sliding up and down her arms. Her toes curled beneath her. He smelled like what she envisioned a man should smell like. Desire lapped against her skin until it seeped through her flesh and took hold of her body.
He slid a hand up her arm and over a shoulder to cup her throat, while the other curled around her waist to press against the small of her back, inching her closer to the heat of his body. She met his lips halfway, opening her mouth beneath his. The kiss deepened, demanded and took. She raised a hand to feel his own against her throat. He had a long fingered, strong hand, the skin smooth and flawless over the tendons and knuckles. She touched his face, his neck, his shoulders. Against her palms, his skin was satin over hard muscle. He was all male, all power.
He hauled her closer, pressing her sensitized breasts against his chest as his tongue mated with hers. His desire thrust against the shallow hollow of her hips. The thick, hardness of him scorched through the material of her gown to her belly and turned her legs to liquid. She slid her hands over the sleek texture of his naked back, over the muscles and tendons, down across the indentation along his spine and lower.
She froze.
He was entirely, absolutely, completely naked, every male inch of him. She whimpered as her breath came out in short, shallow pants, and desire slammed against her, painful in its intensity.
Margot stiffened. Oh, God. Had she completely lost it? Where was her sanity, her morals? She hardly knew this man.
“No!” She dragged in a lungful of air. “This is all wrong!”
Before it was too late, Margot ripped out of his arms, stumbled up the stairs to her room, and slammed the door closed.
* * * *
Grabbing the banister, Jake stepped onto the stairs. Even the cold air against his bare skin couldn’t douse his raging desire. He could run after her and take her. She’d been just as hot, just as hungry. It wouldn’t take much to convince her to let him strip her naked, to touch, to stroke and kiss her until she was writhing and bucking beneath him, to make her come.
He stood under the cover of darkness, trembling, starving, hurting. It had been too damned long. Her skin had been soft, smooth. She’d smelled like heaven. Jake flexed his fingers. He’d finally buried his bare hands into her hair. The strands had felt exactly like he’d envisioned. Like silken water. He’d wanted to bury his face in their waves and drink in their essence.
Jake let her go. This time.
Jake Preston is on borrowed time. If he doesn’t stumble upon a miracle and soon, he’ll end up dead. And even if he does, he still might end up dead with a clever killer hounding his heels. He believes that the one miracle and antidote to save him is in Margot Davenport’s house, across the country and miles away from Boston. Somewhere locked in her home is the key to reversing an experiment that is killing him with each breath he takes.
Margot doesn’t particularly care if she ends up dead. She’s lost everything she’s ever cared for. A divorce and the loss of her job as a corporate lawyer has left her with little faith in herself or in anyone else. Most importantly, she’s lost the one person on this earth she’s looked up to and cherished–her brother, Johnny. His death in a car accident has devastated her, and she can’t find the willpower to pull herself from the chasm she’s fallen into. Her only solace is at the bottom of a wineglass. Having moved back to the small town in northern Arizona where she was raised, she’s made a point of isolating herself both mentally and physically from everyone other than a few chosen friends. Little does she know that her life is going to explode into chaos and the person behind Johnny’s death is coming after her.
Buy the Book From
Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
About H. D. Thomas
Author H. D. Thomson moved from Ontario, Canada as a teenager to the heat of Arizona where she graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Business Administration with a major in accounting. After working in the corporate world as an accountant, H.D. changed her focus to one of her passions-books.
She owned and operated an online bookstore for several years and then started the company, Bella Media Management. The company specializes in web sites, video trailers, ebook conversion and promotional resources for authors and small businesses. When she is not heading her company, she is following her first love-writing.
The post Friday First Kiss #23 :: Shrouded in Darkness by H. D. Thomson – Paranormal Romance appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
November 8, 2013
Friday First Kiss #22 :: When The Music Ends by Simone Beaudelaire – Contemporary Romance
The moment I crack open a new book, I always rush through the beginning, the budding relationship between the hero and heroine, and anticipate that spontaneous moment when one of them makes their move. The First Kiss. The first turning point in every story.
Every week here on the blog, I’ll be sharing First Kisses from my books and those of other authors.
This weeks Friday First Kiss comes from When The Music Ends by Simone Beaudelaire.
“Erin, do you want to dance some more?” Sean asked, scanning the high school gym and the other couples turning slowly in time to the music.
“Not really. Actually, it’s kind of stuffy in here. Would it be all right if we step outside for a minute?”
“Okay.”
Out in the parking lot, the evergreen-scented coolness of an autumn evening quickly washed away the sweaty sensation of a crowded dance floor. The quiet whispering of the breeze through the pines surrounding the back lot of the school sounded sensual, sweet. Erin’s dress was not particularly warm though, and she shivered a little. Sean put his arm around her waist, lending her his heat. She leaned on him, her head against his shoulder.
Neither of them wanted to speak. Both knew they shouldn’t be this close, especially in a semi-private setting, but maybe if no one said anything, maybe it wouldn’t really be wrong. A little gust of icy wind sent Erin even closer into the shelter of Sean’s body. His free arm angled across her back to rest on her shoulder. Her forehead warmed as Sean leaned his cheek against it. She slid her arms around his neck.
Afterwards, neither one was sure who moved first, but suddenly, unexpectedly, they were kissing. It started simply enough, a feather light brush of mouth on mouth. The second kiss was more, much more, harder, sweeter. Another moment passed and Sean’s mouth opened on Erin’s, his tongue pressing her lips. She let him in. He kissed her deeply and she responded with all the innocent eagerness of youth. She wanted this. The amazing thing was that he seemed to as well.
After several long moments, Sean released Erin’s mouth, and they both stood, slightly winded, looking at each other with dazed expressions.
Sean spoke first. “I’m sorry, Erin. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Maybe you were entranced by my stunning beauty,” she said, her voice harshly ironic.
“Don’t put yourself down. You are beautiful. But it’s not right for me to kiss you.”
“Why? This goes a bit beyond trying to do your sister a favor. Am I wrong to say you kissed me because you wanted to?”
“No, you’re not wrong. I did want to. And I didn’t come tonight as a favor to Danny. It was a favor to you. But Erin, you’re too young. I can’t be with you now, even if I really want to.”
Erin looked at him for a moment, considering whether it was worthwhile to ask a question. Finally she steeled herself and said, “Do you?”
Sean sighed. “I do. I mean, you’re a great girl. Anyone would be lucky to have you, but I don’t want to get arrested.”
“I’m eighteen, you know. My birthday was a couple of weeks ago.”
“That’s right, I remember,” he told her, “but I’m not a teen, not anymore.”
“I don’t care.”
“I do. If you’re done dancing, you should really let me take you home.”
“Yes, I think that would be good. Let’s get out of here before the crowd disperses and we’re caught in their wake.”
She walked to the car, telling herself that she really ought to be grateful for that kiss. It was much more than she had expected from this evening, a beautiful bonus for her fairy tale moment. But she wasn’t grateful. She was frustrated. She wanted more, and she absolutely hated the fact that she was still a teenager, still in school, and at the mercy of everyone else’s opinions and decisions. Why couldn’t she just grow up?
Sean was wrestling with his own internal dilemma as he drove toward Erin’s house. Despite the objective knowledge that kissing his sister’s best friend was really a terrible idea, he couldn’t regret it. She had been delicious in his arms, delicate and passionate and so very sweet. He wanted another, several more really. He wanted…Erin, all of her. What was wrong with him that his desire was fixated on this young girl? Even though it might be legal for him to be with her, she was still in high school. It wouldn’t be right.
But she had felt so right in his arms. He wanted her there again. The thought of not holding or kissing Erin anymore caused a greater pang than he had expected. When had this small woman become so important to him that he wanted to claim her for his own? No, more than wanted to, would have to. There really was no help for it. Controversy be damned. Unless she said no, there was going to have to be a good deal more this evening.
He reached across and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips.
“Erin…” he swallowed hard, “that was a really amazing kiss.”
“Yes. I loved it.”
“I want more.”
“Me too. Are you still having a hard time with my being in high school?”
“Yes, but it can’t be changed for a year or so, can it?”
“Not until I graduate.”
“Not soon enough. I want you right now. I’m pretty sure I’ll still want you after you graduate though.”
“What are you saying, Sean?” Erin’s heart was pounding.
“That if you want me to drop you off and leave, tell me now. Otherwise, you had better plan to see me a lot more often in the future.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“So, then, is this a beginning for…us?”
“It is. That is to say, after tonight, there’s going to be an ‘us’, unless you tell me otherwise.”
What is the sound of a broken heart? How does a fated love rise from a pleasant note to a passionate symphony?
Budding musician Erin James knows all too well the noise of neglect and tragedy, and that her infatuation with her best friend Sheridan’s older brother, Sean, is doomed never to blossom into something more. Imagine her surprise when Sheridan plays matchmaker and Sean finds himself drawn to the studious, reserved Erin.
As their love reaches a crescendo, personal tragedies and impossible decisions threaten to end their harmonious, unlikely romance. Will the family approve? How can Erin go far away to college and keep their love alive?
When the music ends, will these troubled lovers find a way to compose a life together?
Buy the Book From
About Simone Beaudelaire
Simone Beaudelaire is the pseudonym for a mild-mannered high school French teacher.
Mme Beaudelaire lives with her husband, three children, and one fat tabby cat in Texas.
In her spare time, she reads romances as fast as she can get her hands on them, and when she isn’t reading them, she’s writing them!
The post Friday First Kiss #22 :: When The Music Ends by Simone Beaudelaire – Contemporary Romance appeared first on Lily Graison - Western, Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.
