Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 38
February 6, 2016
Valentine’s Day Author Hop! Spend the Week With Your Favorite Hero!
**GIVEAWAY – 12 MONTHS OF KINDLE UNLIMITED**I’m Damien from Angel’s Assassin . I used to be an assassin, but I was changed to a hero by an angel, by the love of my life. Aurora. She thinks I saved her. But really, she saved me. You don’t know our story? Grab yourself a copy of Angel’s Assassin and read all about it!
Our story has garnished numerous awards – Winner of the Happily Ever After Contest, Winner of the 2013 Heart of Excellence Award, Winner of the 2013 International Digital Award.
Here’s what some are saying about it –
This is the quintessential historical romance–practically perfect in every way. – Ruth A. Hill
Angel’s Assassin is how Historical Romance is supposed to be. – D. Ann
Angel’s Assassin is a great read. It brings back the time of knights, their ladies, and a time of chivalry. It’s definitely a keeper. – Two Lips Reviews
I don’t know about that, but what I can tell you is Aurora saved me from a very dark place. She is my light and I love her with all my soul.
So, you want to know a little about me? There’s not much to tell.
What is your strength?
My strength? I was good at killing. I was trained as an assassin, not something I’m proud of. I’m also a pretty good bodyguard. I always trust my instinct, I guess that could be a strength, too.
What is your weakness?
My only weakness is Aurora. I would do anything for her. Anything to keep her safe. Sometimes, her presence is a distraction to me. I could look at her all day, but that distracts me from my duties, whether they are to protect her or help her rule.
What would you like to get on Valentine’s Day?
I could ask for nothing else than what I have. Aurora chose me. And sometimes, I still can’t believe it and I find myself wondering why. What did I do to deserve her? I don’t know, but I don’t ask for anything else. I have everything I could have ever wanted.
What would be your perfect date?
I love the water. So, my perfect date would be a picnic by the water, a lake or ocean, at sunset. Why sunset? Because I could watch the way the light played over Aurora’s hair. And she likes sunsets. So, that would be my perfect date. Alone with the woman I love.
What are you giving the heroine for Valentine’s Day?
She has repeatedly told me that I don’t have to get her anything. But I know Aurora. She would not be disappointed if I didn’t get her anything, but she would be delighted if I did. And I always want to please her. So, of course I am going to get her something. But I don’t know what. I don’t have much time. Can you help me? What do you think I could get her for Valentine’s Day? Maybe I can get an idea. Write it in the comments section below with your email and I will pick one person with the best answer and that person will receive a $10 Amazon gift card.
My brother, Gawyn, said I should give her one magical night under the stars, just the two of us. I didn’t want to tell him, but we already did that.
What do you think? What can I give her?
For those of you that haven’t read our story, I’m giving away a year of Kindle Unlimited. For those of you that have already read Angel’s Assassin, with 12 months of Kindle Unlimited you’ll get the chance to read many more stories of love. That’s unlimited reading from over 1 million books! Unlimited listening to thousands of audiobooks! And you can read on any device.
After you’re done entering to win the 12 months of Kindle Unlimited, hop over to the other authors sites for great prizes and giveaways! Thanks so much for sharing the week with your favorite heroes!
1. Laurel O’Donnell
2. Barbara Devlin
3. Sue-Ellen Welfonder
4. Lana Williams
5. Andrea R. Cooper
6. Cathleen Ross
7. Christy Carlyle
8. Amy Jarecki
9. Kathryn Le Veque
10. Elizabeth Rose
11. Ruth Kaufman
12. Lily Baldwin
13. Eliza Knight
14. Tarah Scott
15. Victoria Zak
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
February 4, 2016
First Kiss Friday – The Dragon and the DreamWalker by Elizabeth Rose
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Elizabeth Rose, author of paranormal romance The Dragon and The DreamWalker. Welcome Elizabeth! The Dragon and The DreamWalker is one of the novels featured in the new boxed set Tall Dark and Medieval!
A bit about The Dragon and The DreamWalker –
Drake of Dunsbard saves Brynn from being sacrificed to Dracus, the dragon of Lornoon. He is shocked to see the dragon’s fire has not harmed her, and realizes she must be the Lady of Fire that the villagers fear and call a witch.
Brynn has faerie blood running through her veins, and while fire cannot harm her and gives her power, water weakens her and can destroy her. She is thrilled to have been saved by a heroic knight, until she awakes and realizes he has brought her to her late father’s castle. She knows at once her savior is none other than the infamous Dragon’s Son. The feared man of all, and also the man who stormed her father’s castle and claimed it as his own. And while their relationship on the physical plane is rocky, Brynn has the ability to dreamwalk, leave her body in her sleep, and their relationship on the etheric plane is much different indeed.
Can two feared people work together to destroy the dragon, or will they be stopped by their haunting pasts as they realize they really fear themselves?
First Kiss in The Dragon and the DreamWalker –
Drake turned slowly back toward her, and by the look on his face, she knew every ounce of his energy had been spent.
Her own realization of just how much he needed her had her backing closer to the fire for strength. She could see it in his eyes. Like a lost soul crying out for help before giving up to defeat, he silently cried out to her, and a part of her wanted nothing more than to take his hand and tell him everything would be all right. Oddly enough, she felt as if she cared for him. She could no longer deny it. She’d looked inside her heart just like Juturna had told her, and saw that what the old woman said was true. Somehow, some way, she felt their meeting was planned from the start.
They stood silently, looking at each other for what seemed like eternity, the fire behind her giving her the strength she needed to face her unspoken confession of attraction. His eyes drank her in, and she felt his gaze heating her body, hotter and hotter.
Then he opened his mouth as if to say something, but his eyes opened wide instead. He ran to her and her heart leapt. He picked up the coverlet on the way, and throwing it around her, knocked her down and rolled atop her upon the floor.
“Get off of me,” she commanded, hitting him with her fists, wondering why he’d done this. Mayhap he was no better than Calais, being vulgar and wanting to mate right on the floor.
“You’re on fire!” he told her, holding her tightly, rolling around the floor with her to put out the flames that indeed had caught her skirt ablaze when she backed too close to the hearth.
With the flames extinguished, he lay atop her, his arms supporting his weight from crushing her. His face was alarmingly close to hers, his hair hanging down and brushing her cheek. She trembled as her body vibrated from his touch.
He didn’t say anything, but his eyes rested on her lips as he brought his mouth daringly closer. She lifted her chin to meet him, closing her eyes as their lips touched. His kiss warmed her down to her belly. She was in a dangerous position, being kissed by The Dragon, but was unable to stop herself from opening her mouth as his tongue entered. She let him in, welcomed The Dragon into her mouth, reveling in the taste of this warrior man invading her with his strength and claiming her as his own. He reached out to run his finger softly against her cheek and she found herself wanting him to run his fingers over the rest of her body as well.
Website: Http://elizabethrosenovels.com
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
February 2, 2016
February 1, 2016
January 31, 2016
Inspirational Quote Monday! #4 of 2016
Here’s a quote that took my breath away! Can you think of a quote from your favorite novel that was uttered by the hero?
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 30, 2016
Free! Can you get a better deal?
Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe they have a secret society? Christian Thompson didn’t either…until he became a ghost.
Read Lost Souls: Resurrection for free!
Only free until February 3rd!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 28, 2016
First Kiss Friday – Arucard by Barbara Devlin
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Barbara Devlin, author of historical romance Arucard. Welcome Barbara! Arucard is one of the novels featured in the new boxed set Tall Dark and Medieval!
A bit about Arucard –
WANTED: DEAD OR ALIVE.
It is the year of Our Lord 1307, and by papal decree, Templar Knight Arucard de Villiers is a hunted man. One of a handful of mariners to escape the Inquisition and Philip the Fair’s treachery, Arucard sets sail for England, where good King Edward II has outlawed torture. While the Crown is more than happy to offer exile and create a new Order to accommodate the famed warriors of the Crusades, such assistance comes with a price. But is the cost one Arucard is willing to pay?
The world in which Isolde de Tyreswelle exists defines her as chattel. Nothing more than a means to an end, she is a puppet in her unscrupulous father’s dastardly play and is thrown into the courtly arena. To further her family’s political aspirations, she is betrothed to a man she has never met and, with her husband, must fight to survive the intrigues and betrayals of her new life. With good reason, she fears men. Can Isolde learn to trust Arucard before they are destroyed by their enemies?
First Kiss in Arucard –
As she scanned the witnesses, she wondered when her groom would arrive. Hoping for an aged, dull, and feeble noble in search of an heir, a chatelaine, and naught more, and possessed of a deep-seated abhorrence for belts, she assessed the spectators, but none met her low but reasonable expectations. Perchance her intended had no penchant for punctuality.
“Now then, as both parties art present, let us begin the ceremony.” Archbishop Winchelsea held up a leather bound tome and cleared his throat. “Prithee, join hands.”
When the tallest, most colossal giant stepped to the fore, a harsh realization dawned, and Isolde emitted a whimper. Uttering a silent entreaty for mercy, as she would never survive one of his lashings, she retreated in panic, but Father shoved her forward, into the enormous arms of her future husband.
“My lady Isolde, art thou unwell?” With tenderness of which she had not thought him capable, her soon-to-be-spouse held her upright. “Dost thou require a moment of rest, as thither is a small bench around the corner, whither thou might take thy ease?”
“What my daughter needs is strict authority to reinforce obedience.” Sneering, Father adjusted his cloak. “Heed my advice, Sir Arucard. Spare not the strap, as she is a willful sort.”
With that she teetered, but the knight extended unshakeable support.
“How very kind of thee to offer sage counsel, Lord Rochester. But whither I come from, we shield our women.” So her new master was called Arucard, and she favored his judgment and his name, as well as his rich baritone. “We do not batter them.”
“That may be, but thou art in England, now.” A telltale red hue spread across Father’s face, as he stuttered and stammered, and she was grateful she no longer shared his house, but she worried about the servants who often bore the brunt of his ire in Isolde’s stead. “And thou must honor our traditions.”
“Allow me to assure thee, I am aware of my locale, Lord Rochester.” Twining his fingers in hers, Sir Arucard peered at her and smiled. “But I would argue thither is little honor in such barbarity.”
“Thank thee for thy concern, my lord Arucard.” In that instant, she decided, were she given a choice between the two, she rather preferred her knight, despite his immensity, as his proclamation did much to soothe her frazzled nerves. And in light of her father’s reliable temper, she opted to hope for a new and better future. “We may commence the service.”
Without further ado, the archbishop flipped through the parchment, until he found his mark. “Dearly beloved friends…”
And in the next hour, Isolde became a wife to a creature she knew not.
In true English tradition, the actual nuptials took place outside the Chapter House. Listening with determination, she made her vows, repeating the archbishop’s pronouncements with care and nary a misstep. With the King in attendance, her husband lifted her veil. For a few minutes, he simply scrutinized her. Then he bent and pressed his lips to hers.
Theirs was not the most romantic kiss, as they were, for all intents and purposes, utter strangers. But she viewed the simple formality as the beginning, of sorts, to a long journey; the destination of which she pledged would end in friendship. Again, she kept her presumptions modest, as never would he love her, and she was not so naïve to set such lofty aspirations that would only result in desolation and disappointment. If they could form an abiding connubial bond based on mutual respect, she would be content.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 26, 2016
Wow! Preorder this Boxed Set for only 99 cents!
Check this boxed set out! Tall, Dark, and Medieval! Only 99 cents. Featuring talented authors Elizabeth Rose, Barbara Devlin, Victoria Zak and Me!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 24, 2016
Inspirational Quote Monday! #3 of 2016
For all of my friends along the East coast who got buried. Be careful!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 21, 2016
First Kiss Friday – Loving the Hawke by Lana Williams
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Lana Williams, author of victorian romance Loving the Hawke. Welcome Lana!
Thank you for having me on your blog, Laurel! I’m excited to share the First Kiss from my latest release, Loving the Hawke, a Victorian Romance.
A bit about Loving the Hawke –
After five seasons as a wallflower, Lettie Fairchild is resigned to spinsterhood. Mostly. Determined to claim more meaning for her life than seeing her younger sisters married, she seeks a purpose. She finds what she’s looking for when she happens upon a book describing seven curses that plague London.
Nathaniel Hawke is attempting to adjust to civilian life after retiring from the military, but his injured leg and memories of his time in the service prevent an easy transition. On his long walks during London’s darkest hours, Nathaniel is appalled by what he sees taking place on the dirty streets and alleyways. He is determined to take action. Coming upon a proper, if rebellious, lady in the desolate area both intrigues and frustrates him.
Nathaniel’s disregard for his personal safety infuriates Lettie even as her heart is touched by his determination to aid the city’s neglected children.
As the two wounded souls stumble upon each other time and again in slums and ballrooms, they realize they fight a common cause—and share an unbridled passion.
Will the curse they fight be their downfall? Or will love win the day?
First Kiss in Loving the Hawke –
“You have no say over me, Mr. Hawke.”
“What would your father say if he knew where you had spent the luncheon hour?”
She gasped. “Are you threatening me?”
“No. I am trying to keep you safe.”
“You don’t know my name. Besides, I am old enough to see to my own safety.”
“And you obviously are quite good at it, since you are now riding in a carriage with a stranger un-chaperoned. Do you have any idea what happens to nice ladies such as yourself in situations like this?” He leaned closer, hoping his presence was enough to frighten her into avoiding such trips in the future.
Her chin went up a notch as she met his gaze. With his next indrawn breath, her sweet scent that held a hint of orchids filled his senses. He’d grown fond of their heady fragrance during his time in India. Why couldn’t she have smelled of roses or something normal like other English misses?
“Nothing untoward ever happens to me.” She said the words with the utmost confidence. Yet they held an underlying hint of something he couldn’t identify. Was it regret?
His gaze dropped to her lips. He could tell the moment awareness of the danger she was in struck her, for she gave a tiny gasp. The pulse just visible at the base of her throat sped. His gaze caught on the dent in her chin before he stared into her eyes once more, telling himself he needed to back away before doing something he’d regret.
But those hazel-green eyes with specks of gold left him no choice. There was a question in their depths. He recognized it as he had one too.
“Damn,” he muttered then took her mouth with his. Any idea of intimidating her fell away the moment his lips met hers. A surge of desire took him under, and he slipped his tongue into her mouth, swirling in its depths.
His entire body quivered at the spicy flavor of her. She tasted as good as she smelled, with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. Then her tongue hesitantly moved against his as though she was unfamiliar with doing so, and he nearly groaned. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss.
Her gloved hand fluttered up to the side of his face, whether to push him away or draw him closer, he didn’t know.
The knock on the carriage door had him jerking back.
“We’re blockin’ traffic,” his footman called out.
Nathaniel shook his head in an attempt to clear it. The woman appeared as startled as he. Indeed, she should be after that potent kiss. He quickly opened the door and exited to assist her in alighting right outside the bookstore she’d named, as promised.
Her hand trembled in his as she stepped down to the street. Rather than please him, as it had been his initial intent to frighten her, it angered him. Now that he’d been successful in scaring her, regret filled him. Somewhere deep inside, he’d wanted her to enjoy that kiss as much as he had.
“Do not venture there again,” he said then cleared his suddenly dry throat. “It’s far too dangerous. Do I make myself clear?”
“Perfectly,” she answered as she looked up at him.
He stared hard at her. Surely that couldn’t be delight in the depths of her eyes or a hint of a smile on those luscious lips. Not when her hand shook so. She pulled it from his grasp.
“Good day, Mr. Hawke.” She turned and walked into the bookstore without a backward glance.
LOVING THE HAWKE is available at Amazon
Connect with Lana at:
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Laurel O'Donnell's Blog
“What do you want from me?”
Perhaps it was ridiculous, Ryen thought. Men never seemed to have a problem with taking what, ...more
- Laurel O'Donnell's profile
- 243 followers
