Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 53
September 11, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Believe in Me by Lana Williams
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Lana Williams, author of medieval romance Believe in Me. Welcome back Lana! Here’s the first kiss between Lady Cristiana and Sir William de Bremont.
Cristiana looked back to see Sir William’s horse bearing down on her. Panicked, she ran. She couldn’t be caught. Crashing through bushes, past branches that clawed at her cloak, her feet found no purchase on the uneven ground. Still she flew, her muscles protesting with the effort.
The hammering hooves drew closer. Though no match for the horse, she tore through the forest as fast as her legs could carry her. She would not give up.
“Hold!”
But she couldn’t stop.
“Lady Cristiana, hold.”
“Nay!” she cried out. “Leave me be!”
“Halt! Or I’ll do it for you.”
She glimpsed the horse out of the corner of her eye and slowed her pace, her breath coming in gasps from her frantic flight.
The knight slid off his steed and caught her in his arms. “Are you daft?” He gave her a shake. “I feared you crazed before, but this proves it true.”
“If you’d let me—”
“Have you no idea of the dangers that await you in the woods? Both man and beast would do you harm. You’d never make it through the night unscathed.”
Her chin went up a notch. “I’m not ignorant of the dangers that lurk here, but I’m willing to take my chances.”
His gaze burned into hers. “Then you’ll soon follow your mother to the grave.”
Pain stole what little breath she had. Tears threatened. Her throat burned with the effort to hold them back. “Do not speak of my mother again,” she whispered.
The quiet words with all their pent-up emotion struck William. Cristiana’s large brown eyes glistened with tears and remorse filled him. He hadn’t meant to hurt her, only to frighten her into cooperating for her safety and his sanity.
“My lady, it is my duty to see you safely to Bishop Duval.”
“I have no desire to go. What I want should matter.”
Sympathy for her and her predicament pulled at him. “I fear it doesn’t. Not at this moment.”
“I am a woman grown, not a child.”
Those simple words turned his awareness to the shapely form in his arms. A woman indeed and a beautiful one at that. His mouth went dry as he looked at her anew. His hands gentled on her arms. A strand of her hair escaped her braid, and he tucked it behind her ear. “A woman for certain, but I cannot grant you what you wish.”
Those eyes of hers looked up at him, full of emotions and secrets he couldn’t begin to fathom. Her lips parted, her breath still coming fast from her flight through the woods. He hoped his overwhelming desire for her was only because it had been so long since he’d last been with a woman. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have twisted him up like this.
“William, if you’d please listen to me.” Her husky voice resonated deep within him. Her hands rose to his shoulders as though to force him to heed her words.
He watched the movement of her lips as she spoke and felt the heat of her hands near his neck.
And was lost.
With slow, halting movements, he bent his head, her mouth drawing him closer. He put his hand along her cheek, her skin soft and warm. Her flowery scent filled his head. His lips touched hers, his heart thundering in his ears even while his mind told him this was a mistake.
She stilled as though shocked at his forward behavior. Then she responded tentatively before growing more fervent. Her lips tasted sweet, hot, beneath his, and any remaining thoughts he had took flight.
“William?” Henry’s voice from the edge of the trees brought reality crashing back.
With reality came duty.
He lifted his head and his gaze caught hers. Her expression registered the same surprise he felt. “My lady—”
“William!” Henry’s voice sounded closer.
“Here,” William called out. He dropped his hand and stepped back from Cristiana, hoping the space between them would cool his ardor. “Once you meet the bishop, you can tell him what you want. Perhaps he can arrange it.”
Disappointment crossed her face before her expression hardened. “By then, it will be far too late.”
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
September 9, 2014
My Noble Knight Preorder
My Noble Knight is now available for preorder on Amazon. To celebrate, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon GC!
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00N8AIC4K
Synopsis: 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?
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
September 7, 2014
Medieval Monday! My Noble Knight!
Today, I’m going to start the week off with an exceptional feature that the wonderful Ashley York has started. It’s called Medieval Monday! Here’s an excerpt from my upcoming release, My Noble Knight , due out in October! In honor of Medieval Monday, I’ll post about a joust that the hero, Griffin Wolfe, is participating in.
Here’s a quick blurb -
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?
Here’s the excerpt -
Griffin stared down the field of honor at his opponent. Daunger sat as still as a stone, staring at him. He had not been in any other tournament, so this was the first time Griffin or any of the other knights were seeing him joust. He was well known for his participation in the melees, known for being rash and reckless and unpredictable. Despite his inexperience in the joust, Griffin suspected he was going to be a dangerous opponent.
Griffin lowered his visor. He had to stay focused, watch for an opening. But as soon as the visor closed and the cheers of the crowd muted, the image of a woman with glorious blue eyes filled his mind. Why had she been near his weapons? Was she really worrying about him?
He grit his teeth. He couldn’t think of her now. Firmly, he pushed Layne’s image from his mind. But it wasn’t as easy as he would have liked it to be. Her vision haunted his days as much as his nights. Everywhere he went, he looked for her, listened for her laughter. He missed her.
Adonis pranced nervously beneath him.
Griffin tugged on the reins, urging Adonis into a circle to calm him.
Carlton lifted his lance to him.
Griffin took it and spurred Adonis. Through the slit in his visor, he saw Daunger charging toward him down the field. He couched the lance, holding it firmly.
Adonis suddenly slowed and threw his head, balking.
Daunger’s lance struck Griffin hard in the shoulder. His body half turned in the saddle, and if he was any less experienced Griffin would have been unhorsed. His arm was numb and throbbing as he rode to the other end of the field. He tossed down his lance and turned Adonis toward his side of the field. He passed Daunger who had flipped up his visor and was grinning ear to ear.
Griffin did not look at the grandstand where he knew his family watched. He already felt the incredible weight of their presence.
His arm pulsated from the blow, but he pushed the pain aside. He pushed all other thoughts aside. Dispatch Daunger. That was all that was important. Winning this joust.
Griffin grabbed the lance from Carlton and whirled Adonis, spurring him on. No hesitancy. Just letting the horse and the lance become one with him. The roar of the crowd thrummed in his ears, a distance boom of thunder. His heart hammered in his chest.
Daunger came closer. Closer. His lance aimed at Griffin’s chest.
Griffin leaned in slightly. He would not be denied. Not this time. He was rewarded by striking Daunger near his stomach, Daunger’s lance struck his arm, succeeding in aiding the thrust forward. Griffin’s body twisted slightly, enough force behind the strike to throw Daunger up and out of his saddle.
Griffin’s lance pushed him back as Daunger’s steed continued on. Daunger fell back into the dirt and dust as Griffin rode past him.
Griffin rounded the opposite end. When he saw Daunger lying on the ground, he straightened. The roar of the crowd was thunderous, drowning out all else. He lifted his visor and waited until Daunger staggered to his feet.
As he rode forward, his body in rhythm with Adonis, he realized something was wrong with his arm. If he lifted it even a little bit, shooting pain erupted through his limb. He held it against his stomach and left the field of honor.
Here’s the Amazon Pre-order link – http://amzn.com/B00N8AIC4K
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Inspirational Quote Monday! #31 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
September 4, 2014
First Kiss Friday – The Kidnapped Bride by Heather Hiestand
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Heather Hiestand, author of historical romance The Kidnapped Bride. Welcome back Heather! We are extremely lucky to be given this first kiss. The release date for The Kidnapped Bride is September 15th! Here’s the first kiss between Lady Elizabeth Shield and Dougal Alexander.
“Ye are going to do as you are told,” Dougal said. “You have lived one misadventure after another since running away, and that is at an end. I’m taking you back tae your brothers so they can decide what to do with you.”
“My life is none of your business.”
He took her upper arm. “I’ve been paid very well to make it my business, Lady Elizabeth. And home is where you’re going.”
She attempted to wrench her arm away, but his grip was too strong. “Let go of me, you beast.”
He gripped her tighter in response. “My lady hoyden, you will obey. There is no other alternative.”
She swayed in closer to him, unable to resist his grip, then fixed her gaze on him. Something in his eyes softened. Just as he must have thought she’d given into him, she stomped on his foot, hard.
“Ow,” she cried, as the pain from stomping on hard leather reverberated up her unprotected foot.
He glanced down. “It’s no use attempting tae hurt a man wearing shoes when you haven’t any yourself.”
She was still too much of a lady to swear, but she opened her mouth to give him the tongue-lashing he deserved.
Instead of letting her speak, he grinned at her, then kissed her full on the mouth.
His fingers slid up her arm to her shoulder as his mouth pressed against hers. Distracted by his fingers caressing her cheek, she didn’t close her lips fast enough, and his tongue swooped in to stroke hers in a firefly dance.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
September 1, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #30 of 2014
Happy Labor Day! It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” – Henry David Thoreau
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
August 28, 2014
First Kiss Friday – The Rover Bold by Anna Markland
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Anna Markland, author of historical romance The Rover Bold. Welcome back, Anna! We are very fortunate to have this sneak peek! This novel will not be released until September 1st! Here’s the first kiss between Cathryn and Bryk.
Terror rendered Cathryn incapable of movement. She swayed, certain her heart had stopped beating. It surely would when the massive barbarian plunged his knife into her breast. One glimpse of long hair, silvery blonde in the moonlight, a full beard and animal skin clothing had been enough to tell her this was no wandering peasant intent on mischief.
She had never been touched by a man. His hand was warm on her face, and it seemed he was being careful not to hurt her. At least he hadn’t broken her neck. His hands were big enough to snap her like a twig. She decided in an instant biting him wasn’t a good idea.
The dizzying smell of male sweat filled her nostrils, but it wasn’t the acrid stink that clung to Sprig. The heat from the arm gripping her body penetrated the thick wool of her habit.
His voice was deep, but gentle. He was rocking her, which was good because her knees had buckled. Fear must have stolen her wits. How else to explain that she felt strangely safe, held firm against a male body as unyielding as a wall?
He eased her away and looked into her eyes. “No harm,” he rasped.
She had lost her wits. Something in the depths of his brown eyes held her. She quickly nodded her understanding, trusting him.
He removed his hand from her mouth and they stared at each other for what seemed like long minutes.
His frown betrayed his uncertainty as to what to do with her. An urge to beg him to take her away bubbled up in her throat. She never wanted to be parted from the security of his strong arms.
But this man was a Viking—the hair, the clothing, the foreign tongue, the sheer size of him confirmed it. Women taken by Vikings became slaves.
Better a slave to this man than to Mother Bruna.
She shivered when he let go, swaying on unsteady legs until he put his hands on her waist and touched his lips to hers. The softness of his beard surprised her.
She should have been outraged, should have protested, pushed him away, called on her patron saint. But along with the alarmingly wonderful sensations coursing through her body, and a desire to have him breathe his salty breath into her, a ridiculous notion beat a tattoo in her thoughts.
Love at first sight, love at first sight.
He broke them apart, a strange look on his face, as if he too struggled to comprehend the situation in which they found themselves. He tapped his chest. “Bryk,” he rasped.
Her breath caught in her dry throat but she managed to squeeze out, “Cathryn.”
He smiled, sending tiny winged creatures fluttering in her lower belly.
“Cath-ryn,” he repeated hoarsely.
On his lips her name was a song.
But then he put a hand on her back and pushed her gently in the direction of the abbey.
He’s letting me go. I can warn the others.
She gripped his arm, unable to speak.
Don’t let me go.
But he pushed her again, gesturing towards the wall. “Go,” he urged, untying his horse.
She staggered away from him, crying for no good reason. Nearing the wall, she turned for one last glimpse, but he’d already disappeared, swallowed up by the night.
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
August 27, 2014
Cover Reveal for My Noble Knight!
It’s here! The cover for my upcoming October release! What do you think?
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
August 24, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #29 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “All that mankind has done, thought, or been is lying in magic preservation in the pages of books.” – Thomas Carlyle
Laurel O'Donnell - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
August 21, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Caught in Cross Seas by Sharleen Scott
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sharleen Scott, author of contemporary/mystery romance Caught in Cross Seas. Welcome Sharleen! Here’s the first kiss between Clay Masterson and Harlie Cates.
The waiter brought dessert and Harlie returned to her previous topic. “Did I mention I run a food bank and weekly lunch for the impoverished in our area? We’re having a tough time of it though. With the economy in a sinkhole, there are fewer donations. We’ve been the recipient of several food drives over the years. This year we benefited from the mail carriers’ food drive, but the need is so great it isn’t enough.” She took a bite of her chocolate cake. “And to add insult to injury, the senior center says we have to move in a month and we were outbid on the property we want. My challenge now is to find additional funding so I can counter the offer before the deal closes.”
Clay nodded and muttered “uh huh” frequently. He admired her dedication to her cause but he also thought she had great eyes. They were big and brown and gave him the impression of gazing into chocolate heaven. And it wasn’t just her eyes. Man, what a package. A great body she wasn’t afraid to show off and stunning legs. She was everything a woman should be—all sexy curves and soft places. “Uh, huh,” he said. “I’ll bet the economic crunch makes your job harder.” Now, she was telling him another story about several homeless men who died. Professor George was the most recent.
Clay perked up at the mention of a death. “What happened to him? He wasn’t murdered, was he?”
Harlie frowned. “Murder? Here in Angel Beach? No. Natural causes the coroner said. It’s so sad. They live such hard lives. If I get my new shelter going I can offer others a safe and dry place in the winter. Our storms are brutal. So, we’re on the lookout for corporate sponsors or caring individuals who may be willing to help.” She smiled and returned to her cake.
Clay relaxed. If his dad was a serial killer, he hadn’t found a victim here. His attention was pulled away from Harlie by musicians entering the stage. Two guitarists, a bass player, and a drummer took their places. Clay studied them but could see there wasn’t a chance of finding Hunt Masterson among them. They were too young, too short, or too heavyset. Harlie looked at him with stricken eyes.
While Clay and Harlie finished dinner, the band covered a string of country artists including Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, and Hank Jr. When they settled into a soft Keith Whitley ballad, Harlie tilted her head toward the dance floor and asked Clay to dance. He didn’t hesitate to accept. She took his hand and led him to the dance floor, now filling with other couples. She slid into his arms, not shy about the tightness of the embrace as they spun in slow circles. She felt good there, pressed against him. Too good. Thoughts drifted through his mind—spicy thoughts involving Harlie and her sexy red dress. She slipped her hand around his neck and pulled him close. She began with a nibble at the corner of his mouth, teasing and slow. She brushed her lips across his mouth, her warm breath skimming his skin. When she finally laid her lips to his, coherent thought scattered from his brain. The band could have been playing a Souza march for all he knew. He’d stopped listening. His heart’s frenzied beat sent blood cascading through his system. He pressed his hand firmly against her, straying lower until his fingers caressed her lower back.
When the song ended, he released her with reluctance and led her back to the table.
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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