Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 50
January 11, 2015
Inspirational Quote Monday! #2 of 2015
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “In everyone there is something precious, found in no one else; so honour each man for what is hidden within him – for what he alone has, and none of his fellows.” – Hasidic saying
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 8, 2015
First Kiss Friday – Amazon Sunset by Marie Higgins
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Marie Higgins, author of Historical romance Amazon Sunset. Welcome Marie! Here’s the first kiss between Katrina Landon and Felix Knightly.
BLURB: Katrina Landon’s life is about to change. The wealthy father she has never known wants to meet her, but she has to travel from the slums of Boston through the Amazon rainforest to his plantation. As if that’s not bad enough, her guide is the handsome, self-assured, too confident for his own good, Mr. Knightly, who immediately stirs her temper.
Felix Knightly isn’t looking forward to escorting a spoiled rich girl through the jungle no matter how much her father pays. Yet when he meets her, he finds Katrina’s distracting innocence and charming demeanor unsettling. She makes it nearly impossible to concentrate on his job—a problem he’s never had around women. He’d rather fight off the fire ants, howler monkeys, and crocodiles than risk losing his heart to her, since he’s never met an honest wealthy woman.
As they delve deeper into the shadows of the rainforest, they discover they weren’t just wrong about each other, they were wrong about the dangers of the jungle. Someone wants them dead and they have to find out who and why before it’s too late.
Katrina didn’t know why her body refused to move and her mind declined to function. Although she didn’t want Felix in her room while she wore only a chemise, she secretly hoped he wouldn’t leave. She found it impossible to grasp the words to tell him to get out. Heaven help her, but the energy sparking inside made her feel alive. No other man had accomplished that.
He stalked her like an animal ready to attack its prey. When he finally came to a stop, he was mere inches from her nose. Resting his arm on the wall above her head, he leaned closer.
The breath hitched in her throat. The only thing moving was her heartbeat, and it hammered so fast she feared she’d swoon…and since she’d never swooned, this must be worst.
Without saying a word, his gaze devoured her, slowly moving over her face and neck and down to her hands. His azure eyes turned darker the longer he stared. Fast breaths, smelling like whiskey, exited his parted lips. She prayed he was not intoxicated. That type of man was harder to control.
He lifted his other hand to her face, and ever so gently ran his fingertips across her cheek then lower to her lips. She tried moistening her dry throat with a hard gulp, but it didn’t do the trick.
“So soft,” he whispered. “So tempting.”
At this point she didn’t know what she was more afraid of—him kissing her or her enjoying it and wanting more. But if or when he kissed her, she wanted him sober and alert. She knew what alcohol did to the minds of men.
Cupping her head, he lowered his mouth to her, gently brushing his lips across hers. Tingles danced over her skin, but she fought the sensations, reminding herself she wanted him sober!
She swallowed again and hoped to be able to speak this time. “Mmm….Mmm…” Oh, good grief! She couldn’t even utter the word mister! And why had her voice been so low, sounding so indecent?
A light chuckle shook his chest as he pressed his mouth against hers and sealed the kiss. The palm of his hand dropped from her face and slid down her neck, tenderly stroking her skin. Before she had a chance to react, he moved his hand across her shoulder and arm before sliding it behind her to pull her body closer. The shock of their bodies pressing together so intimately made her gasp. He took advantage of that moment to deepen the kiss. Her gasp quickly turned into a sigh.
Stars danced behind her closed eyes and the sound of harps hummed through her ears. The taste of his mouth wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be considering he’d been drinking. Now she wondered if he had consumed much at all.
With a mind of their own, her palms glided up Felix’s muscular chest. So strong. Curiously, she traveled her fingers up his neck and over his jaw. Indeed, this man was superbly built.
Sighing deeply, she relaxed more, allowing her frame to meld with his. Gently, she continued touching his magnificent body, sliding her palms around the thick cords of his neck. When she slowly moved her hands down his back, a low groan slipped from his lips. His arms tightened around her and he kissed her with urgency.
Heavens, this man could kiss! Never before had a man taken such liberties and shared something so personal with her. Yet it didn’t matter. She enjoyed every second of his attention. But just as she began to participate in the steamy kiss, his body stiffened. Within seconds he released her as if she were hot coals and stepped back.
The absence of his body against hers caused her limbs to shake. She couldn’t help but miss the comfort his hard frame had provided. Soon, the heat from inside her disappeared, chilling her. Embarrassed, she crossed her arms over her chest, trying to bring back a little warmth.
She stared deeply into his striking eyes, not wanting to look anywhere else. As he pushed his fingers through his hair, his expression changed from passion to confusion, and then to anger.
“Mmm…Mmm…Mr. Knightly,” she finally muttered, “I think you should explain yourself.”
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 6, 2015
Unbelievable Deal! Lairds, Lords and Lovers!
10 Full length medieval novels by 10 Bestselling authors! Only $1.99!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
January 4, 2015
Inspirational Quote Monday! #1 of 2015
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote to start off 2015 – “We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives… Some lessons are painful, some are painless… But all are priceless.” – Rita Ghatourey
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
December 30, 2014
Last Chance! Only 99 cents!
Today is the last day you can get this fabulous set! After today, Magnificent Medieval Men will be gone forever. Only 99 cents. Great medieval reads by best selling authors!
Don’t miss this great deal!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
December 28, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! Last Post of the Year!
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the last quote for 2014 –
“This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do, and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy.” – Susan Polis Schultz
Wishing everyone happiness in 2015!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
December 18, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Eruption: Yellowblown Series Book One by Jill Hughey
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Jill Hughey, author of New Adult Contemporary romance Eruption: Yellowblown Series Book One. Welcome back Jill! Here’s the first kiss between Violet Perch and Boone.
BLURB
Violet Perch is in the middle of the perfect college semester, hundreds of miles from Mom, with an awesome roomie and a freshman crush finally becoming a sophomore reality—Hotness! Then the Yellowstone volcano erupts for the first time in 630,000 years. Think that’ll put a kink in her bicycle chain?
FIRST KISS EXCERPT
Leave it to Mia to make sure Boone and I ate pizza shoulder-to-shoulder. We laughed at her description of the opposing teams’ cheerleaders blowing up a stunt that ended with the top girl head down with her skirt around her neck. When my laughter made me lean against him, Boone leaned back into me, sturdy as one of the maple trees ringing the quad.
After one piece of pizza, Mia flitted away.
“I didn’t even notice the cheerleaders at the game,” Boone said.
“Don’t let them hear you say that,” I advised right before taking another bite.
He shook the ice in his cup. “You helped me last year, you know,” he said quietly.
With a mouth full of stringy cheese, I could only chew in helpless ignorance. I finally made a rolling motion with my hand. Keep talking, boy.
“It sounds vain, but meeting someone who didn’t know I played football, had no interest in the game…probably the best thing that could’ve happened.”
I swallowed hard. The lump of cheese slid like a golf ball down my esophagus.
“All day, everyone pitied me. ‘Poor Boone. Poor Boone.’” He tossed a bit of burned crust back onto the pie pan. “I’ll admit it. I moped like Cramer. Then you came along. ‘I don’t know who you are. I don’t know anything about your knee, and I bet you can’t pedal your butt up this hill fast as me.’”
“I never said that.”
“You didn’t have to. Keep up or shut up.”
“I took it easy on you, too, you ingrate.”
“I know.”
I turned sideways on the bench seat to speak to the little bowl at the base of his neck revealed where the stretched-out neckline of his shirt skimmed below the points of his collarbone. “You said before you weren’t sure this was a good day for us to do this. You know, for me to be with your friends and stuff. But, I’m having a good time. And I thought it was really nice you helped Cramer though I busted you about it. And, in the interest of full disclosure, I did know who were last year, when we met on the ride. I knew your name, I mean, not the other parts.”
I screwed up my courage to check his reaction. He smiled, not in a ha-ha funny way, but in a thoughtful, I-think-I-might-like-you way. How I knew that, I’m not sure, since not many guys had exactly gone gooey for me over the years. Or, to be accurate, no guy had ever gone gooey over me.
He reached out to cradle my hand in my lap, under the table, then he leaned in for a kiss. I may have blacked out for a minute ’cuz the noise of the pizza place disappeared, and the next thing I remember is me with my eyes closed, his breath soft on my lips, “I’m having a good time, too, Violet.”
I was a goner.
BUY LINK Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRHAIRO
For more about the author: http://www.jillhughey.com
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
December 15, 2014
Medieval Mistletoe boxed set only 99 cents!
Medieval Mistletoe boxed set features talented authors Catherine Kean, Denise Domning, Eliza Knight and me! We’ve come together to give you 4 brand new novellas for this holiday season! Tired of shopping? These stories are perfect to relax with. My novella is entitled Mistletoe Magic and can only be found in this boxed set.
Medieval Mistletoe is only 99 cents for a limited time! Get yours now!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
December 4, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Dragon Knight’s Medallion by Mary Morgan
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Mary Morgan, author of medieval romance Dragon Knight’s Medallion. Welcome back Mary! We are incredibly lucky to have Mary here today on the release day of Dragon Knight’s Medallion! Here’s the first kiss between Stephen Mackay and Aileen Kerrigan.
Stephen was gathering some food, which Betha had prepared for him understanding he would be away all night. She and Donal had pleaded with him to join in the feasting, but he waved them off rather rudely. He wanted no part of the festivities.
Almost colliding with a couple, he swore softly. Placing the food across Grian, he shifted hesitantly. It was then he spotted…her.
His hand froze on the leather sack. Sweet Mother! What was she doing? And dressed like that? She was a Goddess of the flame. He watched as she was swung up into the air by none other than Brian. Then he dared to slide her down against him.
Dark fury burst somewhere deep inside Stephen. “I’m going to kill him,” he rasped out.
The blood roared in his head, as he stormed across the open field, never hearing those who greeted him in passing—one hand held firm against his sword. He slowed his pace and Stephen waited as any warrior would. Let the enemy show himself, he thought.
When their dancing brought them nearer to him, he darted in front blocking their path.
They never saw him coming.
Aileen’s back slammed into his chest, and his arms grasped her instantly in a firm grip. “Hey, ouch!” She tried to move, but he held her solid against his body.
Brian skidded to a halt. “Greetings, Sir Stephen.” He went to grab for Aileen’s hand, when Stephen let out a growl of warning.
“What is your problem? Did you just growl?” demanded Aileen. She tried to pry herself loose, but he continued to hold her firm.
“Mine,” he snarled.
Instantly, Brian’s face went white. “Thank ye for the dance, Lady Aileen,” Brian clipped out. Giving Stephen a curt nod, he stomped away.
“Bloody. God. Damn. Hell,” Aileen snapped.
Stephen released her, only spinning her around to face him. Something primal within him tore loose. He tried to reason with himself that this was insanity, though his mind and body wouldn’t yield. His gaze dropped to those lips—lips he had fantasized about for weeks.
“Aileen,” he choked out before his mouth took hers in a plundering kiss. His lips moved over hers devouring their softness. The kiss became urgent, pleading in its need. His tongue sought hers, and the dance of desire seared their bodies. Raw passion took over his anger, and she opened fully, drawing him against her body. She took her hands and wrapped them around his head, threading her fingers in his locks and pulling him in deeper. Never in all of his life had he felt so right in someone’s arms.
When he broke from the kiss, his breathing was labored. Her eyes were dark with desire for him, and he shook with such need, it frightened him.
“By the hounds,” he uttered hoarsely. In one swift move, he picked her up. Carrying her to his horse, he ignored the hoots and remarks coming from the crowd. Placing her on Grian, he swung around in back, taking off through a large group of oak trees with only one clear thought in mind.
Website: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 27, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Sinful Passions by Anna Markland
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Anna Markland, author of medieval romance Sinful Passions. Welcome back Anna! Here’s the first kiss between Suannoch and Rodrick.
Great to be back as Laurel’s guest. Thanks for having me.
Today’s First Kiss is from Sinful Passions. While the title may suggest an erotic romance, this is actually the touching love story of Rodrick and Swan, second cousins twice removed, who fall in love. Forbidden to marry by the medieval church’s laws of consanguinity, they are forced to travel to Rome to seek a dispensation from the Pope. The plot is complicated further when Rodrick’s twin sister, Grace, and Swan’s brother, Bronson, also fall in love.
In this scene, Swan is taking her last ride as a free woman, having been consigned to a nunnery by the father of her recently deceased betrothed.
(BTW, Swan is a nickname. Her given name is Suannoch, but she has such a long, graceful neck, the nickname came readily).
Sinful Passions is available from Amazon in digital and paperback.
The light-heartedness fled when neither of Swan’s companions smiled in response to her jest. “What’s wrong? I’m sorry I rode off. I thought you were right behind me.”
Her horse shied nervously when Rodrick suddenly dismounted and came to her side. He put one hand over hers, the other on her bare knee. She glanced at Bronson who had definitely seen their cousin’s unseemly action yet said nothing. Her heart stopped beating as Rodrick’s hand stroked her leg. She managed to squeak, “What’s going on?” out of her dry throat.
“Look me in the eye, Swan,” Rodrick commanded. “I intend to speak to my father to help me devise a plan to keep you out of the convent.”
She stared at him, not comprehending his meaning, but unwilling to douse the spark of hope in her breast. “I don’t understand.”
“Our cousin fancies he’s in love with you,” Bronson explained.
She looked into Rodrick’s eyes, expecting to see amused denial, but her heart leapt into her throat at the sincerity on his face. It broke her heart. Why now? “This cannot be,” she cried. “We are cousins.”
Rodrick reached up, put his hands on her waist and lifted her from the horse. The breath whooshed from her lungs when he pulled her body to his. “We are second cousins, Swan, and half second cousins at that. If you tell me you feel for me what burns in my heart for you, I will move heaven and earth to remove any impediments to our union.”
Her treacherous hips wanted to press against the evidence of his desire. She’d seen her brothers naked when they were children but didn’t recall anything of the size and hardness of the flesh nestled against her mons. Heat flooded her despite the evening chill creeping off the moor. Her knees threatened to buckle. The impulse was to agree, but was it because Rodrick offered a means of escape, slim though the chances were. Did she yearn for him, or for freedom?
The brush of his warm lips against hers dispelled any doubts. She melted into him, opening readily when his tongue coaxed entry. She savored his taste, drank of his moisture, inhaled his breath as their tongues mated.
Bronson cleared his throat. “I take it that’s a yes.”
Rodrick cupped her chin. “Good enough for me,” he breathed.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
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