Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 51
November 24, 2014
Lost in a Kiss Boxed Set of 8 Novellas only 99 cents!
For a limited time only! Lost in a Kiss Boxed set is on sale for only 99 cents! 8 novellas from talented authors featuring characters from past stories! Did you love Angel’s Assassin? Damien and Aurora’s story continues in my novella Cherished Protector of Her Heart, featured in the Lost in a Kiss boxed set! Take a peek! And don’t pass this deal up!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 20, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Stealing Moirra’s Heart by Suzan Tisdale
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Suzan Tisdale, author of the brand new historical romance novella Stealing Moirra’s Heart. Welcome Suzan! Stealing Moirra’s Heart is available in The Scrolls of Cridhe boxed set. Here’s the first kiss between Moirra and John.
Moirra had learned long ago, that words often were not enough to convey the message one might desire another person to understand. In those moments, actions speak louder than words. This was one of those moments.
Without permission or warning, flinging all good and common sense aside, Moirra rushed to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Standing on her toes, she leaned up and looked into his eyes. Surprise flickered momentarily behind his green eyes before understanding finally set in.
Slowly, John bent, wrapped her more tightly in his arms and brought his lips to hers. She thought it a sweet, tender kiss, but that was not what she needed or wanted at that particular moment. For days she had been daydreaming about the moment when he would finally realize that he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. He’d been doing his best to be an honorable gentleman, and for that, she applauded him.
But now, pressed against him in the dimly lit barn, she did not want an honorable gentleman. She wanted a passionate and virile man. She wanted to feel his bare skin against hers. On top of her, under her, sideways, she didn’t care as long as he was inside her, slaking her want and desperation and physical desires. He smelled like hay, earth, soap and leather to the point she nearly felt intoxicated. She could not remember ever having such a heady and exhilarating feeling before, not with any of her previous husbands.
Moirra urged him on by nibbling on his lower lip. He responded by deepening the kiss before running his tongue between her lips. Her heart pounded against her breastbone; her blood ran hot through her veins; warm sensations began to swim deep in her belly. Rather zealously, she ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. Soon she realized she was breathing hard, like an animal that had been chased through the woods. John’s breathing was not any steadier than her own.
Pressed so closely to him, she could feel his arousal and that flamed her own. Leaving his hair, she started to undo his plaid, when his hands stopped her.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. He had an odd expression on his face and she did not know what to make of it.
“What be the matter?” she asked breathlessly.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Moirra, I do no’ ken how much more of yer kisses I can take without hauling ye up to the loft and havin’ me way with ye.”
Gently, she placed her palm on his cheek. “John, ye sweet, stupid man.” Though her tone was playful and her words meant in jest, he still raised a surprised brow. “Why do ye think I kissed ye?”
He stammered, trying to find a good answer.
Moirra giggled and headed toward the ladder that led to the loft. She took the first rung before turning back to him. “Ye best hurry, or I’ll have to start without ye.”
He’d never known such a beguiling, intriguing, bold woman. Momentarily surprised by her apparent challenge, he watched as she climbed the ladder. Her skirts swished and swayed as she made her way up and disappeared into the dark loft.
Start without me? He contemplated her statement for a long moment, his mind conjuring up all sorts of provocative images, which brought a smile to his face. Bloody hell ye’ll start without me!
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 17, 2014
First Knights Boxed Set!
First Knights – A Medieval Collection of First Novels
This is an amazing collection of firsts by eight talented authors! Specially priced at $1.99, this set will be gone after December 31st! You don’t want to miss this one.
My medieval novel, The Angel and The Prince, is in this boxed set.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 16, 2014
12 Lords A Leapin’ Blog Hop and Giveaway!
The holidays are beginning! And for this special time, we offer you a special treat! The 12 Lords A Leapin’ Author Hop! The Hop will run from November 17th – November 28th.
Let me introduce you to my Lord. Sir Griffin Wolfe from My Noble Knight. While Griffin doesn’t do much leapin, he is the most noble, honorable hero I have written. He is a talented jouster and more then willing to save any woman, whether she needs saving or not. Level headed and in control, Griffin prides himself on his ability to remain in charge at all times. Well, until a little spitfire of a woman challenges all he believes in. Enter the heroine, Layne Fletcher.
Here’s a little about My Noble Knight –
Layne Fletcher, the only girl in a family of three boys, has grown up learning to use a sword and joust, but she is not a knight. She and her brothers have been traveling from tourney to tourney to make enough coin to buy their own farm to shelter their ailing father. When her brother is found unconscious before an important tournament, Layne takes his place on the jousting field against…
Griffin Wolfe, the undefeated jousting champion. When he is unhorsed by a slip of a woman who is not a knight, he demands retribution. His honor will not allow him to let a woman be thrown in the dungeon and he has no choice but to pay her fine, ordering her to travel with him until her brothers can repay him. Griffin attempts to educate Layne in the art of being a woman, but finds he is attracted to her exciting personality and uncommon beauty despite her less than lady like ways.
But someone is trying to sabotage Griffin as he competes in the tournaments. Can Layne and Griffin discover who the culprit is while keeping their families safe and their growing attraction secret?
For this Author Hop, I will be giving away a signed copy of my medieval romance, The Angel and The Prince, to one lucky winner. To enter, just leave a comment with your email and tell me whether you prefer chivalrous knights or dangerous warriors.
Be sure to pick up your free copy of The Bride and The Brute.
There are great prizes in this Hop, so be sure to gather up all the 12 Lords A Leapin by visiting each of the 12 talented authors websites. Then, head back to Elizabeth Rose’s page where you will enter the names of the 12 Lords into the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Simple, right?
What are you waiting for? Get going to the next author’s site! And Happy Holiday!
1) Elizabeth Rose 2) Laurel O’Donnell
3) Kathryn Le Veque 4) Tanya Anne Crosby
5) Anna Markland 6) Elysa Hendricks
7) Suzan Tisdale 8) Amy Jarecki
9) Eliza Knight 10) Denise Domning
11) Kris Kennedy 12) Lana Williams
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Inspirational Quote Monday! #39 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Comedy is defiance. It’s a snort of contempt in the face of fear and anxiety. And it’s the laughter that allows hope to creep back on the inhale.” – Will Durst
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 13, 2014
First Kiss Friday – An Impassioned Redemption by Sydney Jane Baily
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sydney Jane Baily, author of historical romance An Impassioned Redemption. Welcome back Sydney! An Impassioned Redemption is only available in Love Historicals presents Lost in a Kiss: 8 Sensual and Sweet Novellas. Here’s the first kiss between Jo Holland and Jameson Carter.
“Are you toying with me?” Jo asked bluntly.
Carter was right at her elbow, leaning close, peering down into the water far below. At her question, he turned to look her in the eye.
“No. I’m not.”
Their faces were inches apart.
“Then what are you doing?” She held her breath, waiting for his answer.
“I don’t think you came all the way across the river to thank me. You could’ve done that the next time I came to The Pork and Swallow.”
She blinked. What should she tell him? Certainly not the truth—that she’d lain awake all night, reliving the shock of how close she’d come to being shot by Frank Hirsch. Her life could have ended without warning, just like that. And with that realization had come a sudden yearning to seek out Jameson Carter. Not to thank him, but rather, perhaps, to start something with him. After all, she was in her mid-twenties, and she wasn’t getting any younger.
But how to approach such a subject, she had no idea.
As it turned out, Jo didn’t have to say a word. He lowered his head, and before she could think about it, his lips were on hers, firm, supple, and warm. Her senses leaped with delight for his kiss proved even more pleasing than she’d imagined, and she had quite a fertile imagination.
He tipped his head slightly and fitted his mouth more closely over hers. Unthinkingly, she parted her lips to welcome him, and his tongue slipped between them to stroke hers. Mm, brandy.
Might as well make the first kiss count. Turning more toward him, she slipped her hands up his chest and around his neck. It had been a while, but she remembered how it all worked. Lacing her fingers in his soft hair, which she’d fantasized about touching, she kept her mouth locked to his.
Longing swelled in her as his hands slid from her waist, palmed her backside, and pulled her hips to his. Her blood flashed to a boil, her body seemed to hum, and her bones liquefied. His scent—a blend of man and bay rum—filled her nostrils.
I could get used to this, she thought, but at that moment, Carter pulled back.
“I’ll admit that I’ve wanted to do that for a while,” he rasped, his gruff voice raising goosebumps along her thighs and arms.
She couldn’t help but smile at his honesty, though she guarded her own overwhelming response, and held back the confession that she’d longed for his kiss since the first time she’d become aware of him in her saloon.
“Now what?” she asked, her own voice sounding breathy to her ears. She cocked her head, realizing she was asking herself as much as him.
His eyes darkened, and she knew the instant he’d decided he wanted to lie with her. Of course, he did! What man didn’t? And it would be so easy to give herself over to the desire swirling between them. But a satisfying coupling, even with a handsome and skilled lover, wasn’t enough anymore.
The unexpected thought made her catch her breath. She wanted something more, something she knew she could never really have. And she wanted it with Carter. What a silly notion, thinking he might view her as someone more than a madam, as a woman worthy of a lasting and loving relationship.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 9, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #38 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Make the most of the best and the least of the worst.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 6, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Dragon Knight’s Sword by Mary Morgan
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Mary Morgan, author of medieval romance Dragon Knight’s Sword. Welcome Mary! Here’s the first kiss between Duncan Mackay and Brigid O’Neill.
Rising slowly, he stepped forward. “I give ye my word I will not have my way with ye. It will get verra cold, and I only have one brat. It would be wise if we shared.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that line before.”
Duncan just shrugged, keeping his focus elsewhere.
She snorted. “Can’t you just build a fire?”
He cocked his head at her, giving her a queer look. “Take a look around ye. Does it look like we can have a fire? Even if we could, I would not take the risk of alerting any others.
Her shoulders slumped. “Do you at least have some food and drink?”
A small smile curved his features. “Just a wee bit, but enough.”
Darkness enveloped them, except for the sliver of the crescent. The ale Brigid drank took some of the chill off, but the food was another issue altogether. Some dried piece of meat, too tough to chew on, and a chunk of stale bread was their meal. He wasn’t lying when he said he only had a wee bit. In the end, she had given up on the meat. He was as still as stone next to her, yet the heat radiating from him was better than a small fire. She caught a glance at his profile within the shadows; strength and power oozed off him. Each time she gazed into eyes of sea blue, she almost swooned.
It was ridiculous to feel this way. Hell! She didn’t even know him. What was she thinking? Behaving like some love-starved girl. She wanted to pinch herself from this dream that was turning into a nightmare, and she started to fidget.
“Do ye need some personal time?” Duncan’s voice was low and soft in the darkness.
“No,” she blew out, exasperated. She was wound so tight, and nowhere to go or even think. “How far will we have to travel tomorrow?” she asked.
“We will reach Cathal midmorning.”
“Hmmm, is he a good friend of yours?” She played with the edge of his plaid.
He muttered something unintelligible under his breath.
“Okay, will he know how to help me?”
Now, he snorted his response.
It was like prying teeth from an elephant, Brigid thought. “Why do you want to ask him about a
dragon?”
“To cleanse the sword.”
Success! She finally got an answer. “Why do we need to cleanse the sword?”
Sweet mother Danu! Would the lass ever stop her infernal list of questions? He did not want words from her mouth. Nae, he wanted to bring forth sweet moans from those rosy lips.
“Well?”
“Bloody hell, woman!” He had to end this now. He cupped her chin and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. Big mistake, Duncan. His mind now screaming at him.
“Hush,” he rasped out. His lips barely grazing hers. The physical contact with her mouth sent shockwaves throughout his body. He released her suddenly and stood. “I’ll be back,” he uttered hoarsely.
Brigid couldn’t move, frozen by his touch. She drew forth her trembling hand to touch her mouth. His lips were like lightning on her body, and she quivered. Who was this scarred warrior, and why did she have this connection? And why did she let him kiss her?
Hugging her part of the plaid more firmly around her, she settled back more into the tree, letting the music of the night soothe her spirits. Within moments, Brigid drifted off to oblivion.
Buy Link Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Knights-Sword-Order-Book-ebook/dp/B00KQPX37Q/
Website: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
November 2, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #37 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Joy is not in things; it is in us.” – Richard Wagner
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
October 31, 2014
Fall Back in Time Special Giveaway!
To celebrate the timelessness of the historical romance novel and the Fall Back in Time event (which I hope everyone is participating in), I’m giving away one ebook copy of my new medieval romance novel, My Noble Knight! All you need to do to be eligible is leave a reply below with your email address. I will pick a winner tomorrow!
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
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