Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 44
July 2, 2015
First Kiss Friday – Reluctant Betrayer by Cynthia Owens
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Cynthia Owens, author of historical romance Reluctant Betrayer. This is Cynthia’s brand new release and we are honored to get this sneak peek. Welcome Cynthia! Here’s the first kiss between Aidan Collins and Maura Riordan.
Sweet Mother of mercy, give me the strength to do what I must. Give me the courage to break both our hearts.
“A-Aidan, I-I didn’t see you.” One trembling hand crept to her throat. Oh, plague take the stutter that still dogged her!
“Didn’t see me…or didn’t want to?”
“I—”
“Are you crossin’ the road from me, then?”
Oh, his voice. Low-toned, it was, with hints of gravel and whiskey underneath. And his mouth! Turned down just a wee bit at the corners. Vulnerable. Sensual. Ah, she wanted him to kiss her.
Keep hold of yourself! Don’t think of what might have been. ‘Twill only make it harder.
“Are ye, Maura?”
“N-no. I’m n-not avoiding you, Aidan. Not…e-exactly.”
He moved closer until she could smell the fresh, wind-blown scent of him, feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “You weren’t at our place last night. I missed you.”
Our place. Their special spot, where the River Cashel and the Scath Bradawn River, the river where the salmon spawned, met, merged, and flowed into Galway Bay. Their special place, where they’d talked, laughed, touched, kissed.
Fallen in love.
“I-I couldn’t get away.”
He moved toward her. No! Sweet Mary, no! If he touches me I’ll never be able to say what I must.
She spun away with a cry dragged from the very depths of her soul.
“Maura!” He caught her arm and pulled her against him, molding her body to his lean hard one. His fingers tangled in her hair and forced her gaze up to his. “What’s troubling you, mo gráh?”
Mo gráh. My love. Ah, she could never be his love…not ever again. She must put an end to this, even if it killed her. And kill her it would, the very best part of her.
“Aidan…please…d-don’t.”
“Why?” He caught her mouth with his, devoured it in a long, desperate kiss. She melted against him, her mouth blossoming under his. “Why, Maura?”
“We can’t.” Her arms crept up and around his neck. She buried her fingers in the soft curls at his nape, glorying in his harsh groan. Oh, how she loved this man who could never be hers. “We can’t…” She pressed her body to his, shivering with delight as he caught her close, drew restless circles on her back. “We…ah, Aidan, we mustn’t.”
Oh, how could she end it? They’d had so little time together. Barely enough time to learn each other’s hearts. In a desperate attempt to put off the unthinkable, she pressed closer, molding her body to his, allowing her hands to sift through his rough-soft curls. “Ah, Aidan…Aidan…”
He stamped feverish kisses on her lips, her brow, her cheeks. Oh, the gentle softness of his mouth! His hands roved over her back and down, crushed in the folds of her skirts, clasped her buttocks. His mouth captured her little moans, her soft cries. She cradled his head between her hands, luxuriating in the thickness of his hair. She smoothed her fingers over his face.
Memorizing it. Memorizing him.
Tears stung her eyes. She wanted, needed to memorize Aidan. Needed to have something to remember when she was alone in the loft of her parents’ cottage. Needed to remember Aidan’s tenderness, his passion.
His love.
Finally, reluctantly, he pulled away, and the tears spilled over to stream down her cheeks. “Tell me what’s wrong, my darlin’ Maura. Has something happened to your family? Bad news from Donal in America?”
Would her heart burst in her chest? Would she die right here, in his arms? Would they find her, lost to a broken heart, her body enshrined in this little wood, surrounded by wild mint and heather?
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/554003
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reluctant-betrayer-cynthia-owens/1122202688?ean=2940150847873
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
June 18, 2015
First Kiss Friday – The Lady and The Falconer by Laurel O’Donnell
For this First Kiss Friday, I’d like to share the first kiss in my medieval romance novel, The Lady and the Falconer! Here’s the first kiss between Logan and Solace!
“Who are you?” she asked softly.
“Logan,” he replied.
Solace’s heart pounded, her eyes captivated by the way his lips caressed the word. “Logan,” she repeated dully through the haze of fog that had enveloped her. Her gaze shifted to his silver eyes, eyes the color of glinted steel. She could smell the thick scent of leather and something musky and… masculine. Even though their bodies weren’t touching, she could feel the strength emanating from him, the power. She wanted him to touch her, wanted to feel his fingers on her skin, his lips on hers. The thought frightened her, and she pulled away with such force that her head smacked the plate armor behind her. Even with Logan’s hand on it, it swung backward.
Suddenly, she was swept into his arms, and he turned his back to the suit of mail as it lurched forward, clutching her in his embrace and hunching his shoulders to protect her.
The suit of armor toppled around them, crashing to the floor. Solace hid behind Logan for a long moment after the noise had ceased. Then, realizing what had happened, she lifted her head. His arms were still around her, a fact that was strangely reassuring. But it was in his eyes she found true comfort. There was something tender and caring deep within his orbs, and for a moment Solace thought it was worry as his gaze swept her face, looking for something. So intensely did they search that she believed he could see into her very soul, see the reason why she still clung to him, see the reason for the ease with which her body lay against his.
Embarrassed, she looked away. The scattered pieces of plate mail on the floor caught her attention, and she lowered her eyes to the fallen shield. Blue and gold reflected up at her in the sun’s bright light. There was a crest upon the shield, but before she could look at it, Logan’s hand was at the nape of her neck, turning her head toward his. His lips descended over hers, desperately, warming hers with his, igniting a fire so hot that it threatened to consume her. She clung to him as if he were her only hope at salvation. She tilted her head to his in an innocent mixture of curiosity and relinquishment. His desperation turned into a slow seduction as he gently coaxed her mouth to open to him with gentle touches of his lips and tongue against her soft skin.
She tentatively parted her lips for him, and he urged them wider, entering her mouth with his tongue, exploring the soft recesses. A groan escaped her lips, and she leaned fully against his strong, hard body.
Logan broke the kiss, pulling back slightly. “You shouldn’t be here alone,” he repeated.
His body was pressed against hers, and his arms were still securely around her, binding her to him. Solace stared at him through half-opened eyes. She felt she was floating, caught in a foggy dream.
“It’s dangerous,” he whispered.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
June 11, 2015
First Kiss Friday – The Wicked North by Gina Danna
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Gina Danna, author of historical romance The Wicked North. Welcome Gina! Here’s the first kiss between Jack and Emma.
Gina does not have a cover yet, but you can find out more about her wonderful books at her website.
Here’s a quick blurb –
The Wicked North
(Dark Victorian)
Bound by duty and honor to wear the Union blue, a Southern-born West Point officer fights his own desires and the need to protect the woman he abandoned, he disobeys his orders to find her, as the Army of the Potomac marches toward her family’s home near Richmond.
She has the guts and willpower to protect her home from the hated Yankee aggressors, but when that traitor to the South appears at her door, she’s torn between wanting to shoot him and to be held in his arms again. Can she forgive him for their past indiscretion or does she turn him in to be executed, a traitor to both sides?
In the summer of 1862, her family’s plantation becomes the personal battle ground between them as deceit, betrayal and passion ignite the flames of love and hate that burn brighter than the roar of the guns and rivers of blood surrounding them.
Gina’s first kiss –
Rose Hill Plantation
July 1854
Next was Jack. She walked to his corner, gazing into his glowing emerald eyes.
“Emma,” he whispered.
She heard voices behind her. The others had already finished. She was the last. Turning her head slightly, she looked for Caroline. She caught a glimpse of her sister in her buttercup yellow dress, talking to Abigail, Charles and the twins.
“I’m right here, Emma,” he said, drawing her attention back to him.
He was too handsome. She wanted to both kiss him and avoid him. A tingle in her belly spread up to her nipples.
When Jack smiled his devilish smile, Emma felt as though she would turn into a puddle at his feet. Her mouth went dry as she stood there, frozen.
“Why didn’t you ever write to me?”
The question rattled her, bringing her back to her senses. “I sent you a letter, but I never received one from you.”
He quietly chuckled. “I sent you a letter, hoping you’d respond.”
“I never received any correspondence from you,” she said.
“Hmm, I never got yours either.” His low drawl reached inside, soothing her. “But,” he continued, “I believe you owe me a kiss.”
She opened her mouth, but not a sound came out.
***
Jack stood still. She fidgeted. The silk dress clung to her breasts and her narrow waist. Her cage crinoline maintained a respectable space between them, regardless of how much he wanted her closer. He put his hands at the waist of her skirt and felt her tremble. She bit her lower lip. Oh, how he wanted to soothe that lip.
With a gentle tug, he pulled her closer. The motion unbalanced her, and her hands sought his arms. When she still didn’t lean up to kiss him, he brought her even closer, his eyes fixed on her lower lip as her teeth released it.
He wouldn’t meet her halfway. This could be the only time he’d have the advantage, and he didn’t want to waste it. Because Emma’s feet were slightly lifted from the floor, she gripped his arms tightly.
He brought her to him. As he kissed Emma, his tongue traced her lower lip before his mouth enveloped hers. He wanted her to open her mouth, and he prodded the crease between her lips, coaxing her with his tongue. She parted her lips but pulled her head back as his tongue invaded her mouth.
She tasted like strawberries and wine. It was an intriguing taste and he wanted more. She felt soft and warm against him. He knew he was pushing the limits of the game and propriety, but when he glimpsed her eyelashes feathered on her cheek, he almost growled. Abruptly, Jack released Emma and set her on the floor, his hands remaining at her waist. He could feel her shiver as she looked into his face, her eyes wide open. He smiled.
Within a second, she raced away from him as fast as she could in a ladylike manner. Jack smirked. She had enjoyed his kiss. With his head cocked to the side, he walked to the sideboard and poured himself a brandy.
***
When Emma had stepped away from Jack, she did everything within her power to control her nerves. Her lips felt swollen. His hands had left an impression on her waist—an impression that wasn’t his to make. Her next and last corner was Billy’s. He grinned at her as she tried to maintain a steady gait, but the memory of Jack’s kiss tingled down her spine, making her feel hot and cold simultaneously. Stop it! She gave her head a small shake and stopped, inhaling a large breath before returning Billy’s smile.
But she wanted to kiss Jack.
No, what he did was take advantage of the situation. How vulgar of him! Why did she crave more?
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
June 4, 2015
First Kiss Friday – Morganna by Jackie Ivie
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Jackie Ivie, author of historical romance Morganna. This is one of the wonderful novels included in the Medieval Tales of Romance boxed set on sale for only 99 cents. Welcome Jackie! Here’s the first kiss between Morganna KilCreggar and Zandar FitzHugh.
“Take the knives and put them in the target,” she repeated, and watched a flush go over him, turning those eyes even more intensely blue when he looked over her hand at her.
“I’m na’ good enough,” he replied.
Morgan rolled her eyes. “I’ll do it again, then, but this time, hold to my hand and feel the release. Here.” She turned and backed up until she reached his chest, and put out her arm. “Hold onto the outside of my arm. Zander?”
She waited until he did as she asked, although his shuddering was making a connection difficult. Morgan didn’t dare turn around to see the cause. She was afraid of what made the pressure against her thighs. Zander FitzHugh was every inch a man, and he had a woman in his arms, and he didn’t even guess it? It was amusing if she thought of it.
She didn’t.
“Hold to the back of my hand, Zander. Mold your fingers around mine.”
“Oh, sweet Jesu’,” he murmured into her hair, but he did as she asked, his palm easily covering the back of her hand, and then he was weaving his fingers through hers.
Morgan’s knees were knocking and her breath was coming too shallowly and quick. She swallowed the increased moisture in her mouth and concentrated. “Now, feel how we’re holding the blade in our fingers.”
His answer was too garbled to decipher, and Morgan ignored it and went right on talking. It was the only thing she could think to do.
“We’re going to fling it now. It takes about a one-to-two, finger-length of movement. Ready?”
She didn’t wait to hear his answer, she simply moved her hand as she’d done for years, and his was right there with her. The knife struck dead-center. She moved another blade into place, and felt his fingers moving with hers. Her insides were turning to liquid, and her throat was closing off too much to swallow.
“We’re tossing the other one.”
She flung it, and heard it thump against the wood. She was concentrating on putting the final blade into place and attempting to ignore every nerve-ending in her body that was in contact with his.
It was an impossible chore.
“Are you ready, Zander?” she whispered.
The answer was groaned into the back of her neck. Morgan didn’t have any recourse but to fling the final blade, and she listened to it clang against the others before her entire world was upended and completely and irrevocably changed. Forever.
Zander pivoted her body in the enclosure of his arms, grabbed both sides of her head with his hands, and launched his mouth into hers. Morgan didn’t have time to gasp a denial, or even one of acceptance, before he was marauding about in her mouth, seeking nourishment from her tongue where he sucked on it, and enticement from all her tissues, as he brought her to the brink of heaven and held her there. Morgan’s hands grabbed onto his belt to keep her from falling as he took every bit of sod beneath her and turned it into bog. Her knees no longer worked, her ankles were too far away to matter, and her thigh muscles were trembling with a fire-and-ice combination she didn’t know enough about to name.
His breath filled her nostrils, his taste filled her senses, and his tongue was a driving force not to be denied. Morgan’s mind ceased functioning, her heart ceased beating and her lungs forgot to breathe. All she could hear was the harshness of his breathing.
Then he raised his head and met her gaze.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
June 2, 2015
Find of the Week! Medieval Boxed Set Only 99 cents!
New Release!
4 Full length novels by bestselling authors Suzan Tisdale, Colleen Gleason, Jackie Ivie and Laurel O’Donnell!
99 cents!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 31, 2015
May 28, 2015
First Kiss Friday – Midnight Shadow by Laurel O’Donnell
Here’s the first kiss from my bestselling medieval romance novel, Midnight Shadow! Only 99 cents until the end of May!
Terran seized her shoulders and slammed her up against the blacksmith’s shop. “Enough!” he roared. “Enough of your insults. I have endured them from your father and grandfather, even from Dysen. But I will not tolerate them from you.”
Bria’s mouth dropped open for only a moment before her shock vanished, replaced by fury. She opened her mouth to reply, but Terran slammed his open palms on the wall on either side of her.
“I said enough!”
For a long moment, Bria could do nothing but stare at him. And slowly, a realization came to her. She was alone with him. And he was close — very close. His hands were on either side of her, effectively trapping her. His lips were but inches from hers. Her eyes scanned his face, his rugged square jaw, his sensual lips, his dark eyes. Lightning lit the sky above, but Bria barely noticed except for the reflection in his eyes. Was that remorse in them? Or was she imagining it?
He leaned closer to her until his face was beside hers, almost cheek to cheek. Bria stiffened. What was he doing? But she didn’t protest. His hair brushed and mingled with hers. “I didn’t mean to kill him, Bria.”
She felt a soft wave of hot breath on her neck, but his words were so soft Bria wasn’t sure he’d spoken them at all. She turned her head to try to see him, and he shifted his gaze to look into hers with eyes that seemed a little lost.
In the next moment, he was brushing his lips against hers, seeking, exploring. She was unsure of what to do and found herself frozen, half wanting him to kiss her, half wanting to flee. His touch was gentle, almost soothing. Not at all what she had expected.
He pulled slightly back to look into her eyes, studying them as if waiting for her to deny him.
But she couldn’t. She didn’t want to.
He cupped her neck and pulled her to him, claiming her lips with a more urgent need. A fierce, reckless desire seared through her. His arms pulled her tight against the length of his body.
Her world spun out of control. He coaxed her lips open to his exploration and when his tongue entered her mouth, warring with her own, Bria felt the ground rumble beneath her feet.
He kissed her fully, expertly exploring every part of her mouth. Then he pulled slowly away, ending the kiss, leaving her weak and confused.
He stepped back, taking his strength and support with him.
Bria’s knees buckled and she almost fell, but he reached out to steady her. Humiliated and awed by her reaction to his kiss, she expected to look up and see him laughing at her. But when she gazed into his eyes, she found no laughter there. He appeared just as baffled as she.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 26, 2015
Find of the Week! Medieval Boxed Set for 99 cents!
Wow! 4 full length novels.
Talented, bestselling authors
Only 99 cents!
Medieval Lovers by Catherine Kean, Denise Domning, Eliza Knight and Laurel ODonnell
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 19, 2015
Find of the Week! The Gorgon by Kathryn Le Veque
Only 99 cents
Bestselling author Kathryn Le Veque
Medieval Romance novel
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
May 17, 2015
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Perhaps it was ridiculous, Ryen thought. Men never seemed to have a problem with taking what, ...more
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