Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 56

Inspirational Quote Monday! #17 of 2014

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” – Marilyn Monroe

 

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

First Kiss Friday – Once Upon a Montana Christmas by Alanna Lucas

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Alanna Lucas, author of historical romance Once Upon a Montana Christmas.  Welcome Alanna!  Here’s the first kiss between Eva Kenward and “Hunt” Strauss.

Mr. Strauss’s expression turned to stone. It was clear that he was not pleased to see her again, or hear a reprimand. He probably had never had any intention of discussing the matter of Lily with her. Even with that unpleasant expression, Eva thought him to be one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. He had the same shade of green eyes as his aunt and Lily. Set against his dark brown hair, those eyes were even more alluring. He was tall, much taller than any of the men of her acquaintance back in England. His broad shoulders and muscular physique bespoke someone used to hours of hard labor. He was more than the quintessential cowboy. She had always been fascinated with cowboys and the Wild West. Mr. Strauss was the one thing that surpassed even her imagination.

Perhaps she really had inhaled too much smoke.

Aunt Carol approached them, distracting her from her unnerving thoughts, and rubbed the baby’s head. “Shh, don’t you cry, little one. What’s her name?” she asked as she continued to try and soothe the unhappy baby.

“Lily.”

Aunt Carol gave Mr. Strauss a knowing look before turning her attention back to the baby. Laying a hand over her heart, she asked, “May I?”

Eva stood and handed the crying baby to Aunt Carol with a great deal of reluctance. Although Eva knew she wasn’t handing Lily over for the last time, she felt the loss as if it was a stab to the heart.

The older woman pulled the blanket aside and stared at Lily. Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Hunt, she looks just like—”

“Take the baby to the kitchen. I want to have a word with Miss Kenward.”

Eva added rude to his growing list of faults. She was even more nervous than the day she ran away from home and embarked on this adventure. What could he possibly say to her that he hadn’t said already? She stood still, waiting as the seconds dragged out. Only when she heard Aunt Carol’s footsteps fade did she dare glance up into those perfect green eyes.

“Why are you here?” Not waiting for her to respond, he jumped into an interrogation instead. “Where is your jacket? What has happened? Is—”

Eva’s patience snapped. “If you would just shut up and listen,” Eva stopped mid-sentence. “Bloody hell,” she murmured. Losing her temper was not going to help the situation. Rubbing her sore neck, she began to explain, “The hotel burned to the ground. My trunk—” She swallowed hard. She was trying not to sound desperate, but once the words started to flow, she rambled on. “Lily’s clothes, all of our things, my money…everything is gone. I have nowhere to go, and…” She swallowed her pride and uttered the words she never thought would cross her lips. “I would like a job.”

Mr. Strauss stood glaring at her. She could not even guess what he was thinking. But the truth was, she needed him. Her dream of reaching San Francisco by Christmas was shattered. In one night, all her priorities had changed. Surviving the winter was utmost on her mind.

His features softened, and before she knew what happened, Mr. Strauss had closed the short distance between them, pulled her into him, and kissed her.

The moment their lips touched, Eva felt powerless to the onslaught of emotion. She did not know what she had done to encourage such appalling behavior. What started as a harsh kiss quickly turned into something else, something unfamiliar. When she felt his tongue flick her lips, Eva pulled back and slapped him hard across the face.

 

 

 

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Inspirational Quote Monday! #16 of 2014

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lou Holtz

 

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

First Kiss Friday – The Chameleon by Diane Burton

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Diane Burton, author of science fiction romance The Chameleon.  Welcome Diane!  Here’s the first kiss between Jileena Winslott and Laning Servary.

Laning’s sister turned to her. “Look. I know what you are even though the others are pretending you’re just like us. You’re not. You’re even faking your voice. I’ve seen you on the newswaves. I know how you speak. You’re just another rich bitch. Your father made a gazillion credits before he became Chief Rep.”

Jileena ignored the nasty appellation. She’d heard it enough times in school. “A gazillion? He might dispute you on that. Although I wouldn’t know. Maybe he has.”

Filia took a step toward her. “Hurt my brother like that bitch Sadea, and you’ll wish you’d never come here.” Her vehemence took Jileena aback.

“Hey,” Laning called from the back porch. “What are you doing out here?”

“Just having a little chat with your sister. Girl stuff.” In her too big boots, she ran clumsily to Laning and threw her arms around his neck then whispered, “How about a kiss in the moonlight, big guy?”

The kiss nearly knocked off his socks. Laning thought a quick brush of the lips would satisfy her. The sizzle and spark from their lips just touching raced through him. Holy sherd. He wanted more.

Apparently so did she.

She tightened her arms around his neck and leaned into him so close he felt every inch of her small body. Almost against his will, he deepened the kiss. She didn’t need much encouragement as she opened her mouth to accept his questing tongue. He slid his hand down to the small of her back and pressed her closer. She’d have no trouble realizing what she did to him.

By the Exalted One, she kissed like an angel . . . or a demon intent on seduction.

“For the love of quizzard, Laning. If you’re going to bed her, do it somewhere private.” Filia’s words made him realize where he was.

Abruptly, he pulled away. Jileena looked as surprised as he felt. Sherd. If Filia hadn’t interrupted him, he would have laid Jileena down on the filthy ground and mated with her. From her reaction, he didn’t think she would have protested.

He had sherd for brains, for certain. Chief Rep Winslott’s Baby rolling around in the dirt like a common pleasure provider? Beyond belief. Yet . . .

“Sorry, Fil. We get carried away sometimes.” He swatted Jileena on the rump. “This time we have to leave.”

 

 

For buy links, visit Diane’s blog: http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/2014/05/release-day-chameleon.html

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Inspirational Quote Monday! #15 of 2014

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” – Audrey Hepburn

 

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

First Kiss Friday – Love & Vengeance by Gina Danna

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Gina Danna, author of historical romance Love & Vengeance.  Welcome back Gina!  Here’s the first kiss between Marcus and Gustina.

Gustina stood before him, terrified, angry and numb. As the door shut behind her, fear coiled down her back, but she refused to acknowledge it. He was just another man. Like the rest. No better and no worse.

Ah, but he’s so much better looking, her mind teased. Still dressed in the pure white linen cloth, the folds placed so precisely over his cock, his skin weathered from hours spent outside in the sun, muscles rippling over his chest and stomach, he was a god. Apollo or maybe even Hercules. His bare feet rested on the dirt floor, corded tendons and contours ran up his legs. She couldn’t tear her gaze from him. He knew it, just sat and drank her in.

The puckered seam stood out on his chest and the scrape above it. His lower lip puffed slightly, as if he’d been beaten, but it was hard to tell when his square jaw ticked. Those brown eyes, dark, desire brewing at the surface.

The pull to him came from deep within. Her heart skipped a beat, the air in the cell became heavy and she couldn’t breathe. She tried to swallow but her mouth was too dry. Heat spiraled inside her, deep, pooling in her lower stomach. A small voice inside her screamed and fought for control—a control she could no longer maintain.

He exhaled, and she realized his tension matched her own. Strange, for this gladiator, this champion of death, to be tight because of her. That realization gave her strength to struggle from this quagmire of desire. Until he stood and took a step closer.

“I was sent to pleasure you,” she stated as brusquely as she could. Even she heard her voice hitch.

He smiled. Warm and intoxicating, with dimples. She felt like she was drowning. “Truly?” he asked, his voice rich, deep and smooth like good wine.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Dominus said I am to see you satisfied.”

He laughed. Her toes curled at the heat rolling off him, covering her. “And what do you want?” His seductive voice broke her defenses and lulled her into his arms. He bent his head to kiss her.

****

Marcus opened his eyes to find the woman of his dreams standing before him. She smelled of lemons, and her skin glistened from the oil in her bath. Her hair, still partially tied in braids hung loose, draped over her back and shoulders. He longed to run his fingers through it, to grasp the silken threads. Desire filled his body, his cock twitched and hardened with each second.

Saying she was here to pleasure him released his inner monster, his need to bury his shaft deep inside her burned him. She seemed so small and frail in his arms, but he’d seen her strength. For once, he didn’t know how to act. Slowly, he lowered his lips to touch hers. Gently. She stood, accepting them but nothing more. And she trembled against him. Fear gripped him. The man whose whole world had been destroyed, the man who’d been thrown into the pit of the arena, to fight for his life, who now stood as champion of Rome experienced a terror larger than the rest rolled into one.

Her  reaction  to  his  kiss  told  him  she’d  never been kissed without a backlash, without forced submission. He’d seen this result before. Never by his hand had he forced any woman. Not the wealthy matrons who bought his cock or the whores sent to appease him.

But her lips were soft and warm. She submitted, splitting them open for him, but she shivered again. He couldn’t, damn it all. The demon in him slammed into his chest, protesting loudly, but he pulled back from her mouth, his gaze on her face.

Her brow knitted as she slowly opened her eyes. He caught the flash of fear, and saw the color drain from her face. A curse echoed in his head as he let her go and returned to his bed.

“You do not want me?” Her voice quivered.

He snorted. “I do. I have wanted you in my bed ever since I saved you. But not if you do not want it.” Gods, he sounded like a spoiled Roman. Well, he remembered being that—once. Got him here for being so. His gut clenched.

 

Website: http://ginadanna.com
              www.turquoisemorningpress.com

Buylinks:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1f1PV0m


Nook:  http://bit.ly/1fbMvrR


Smashwords:  http://bit.ly/1jIyEXc
Also available on iTunes & Kobo

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Inspirational Quote Monday! #14 of 2014

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down.” – Charles Chaplin

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

First Kiss Friday – The Bull Rider’s Keeper by Lynn Cahoon

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Lynn Cahoon, author of contemporary romance The Bull Rider’s Keeper.  Welcome back Lynn!  Here’s the first kiss between Taylor DeMarco and Jesse Sullivan.

“Three or four time bull riding champion? Now working on owning an art galleryalong with what, one or two working ranches?” Taylor sipped on her drink. “Sounds like a complete failure to me.”

“Look past the trappings. My brother is married to his high school sweetheart with three kids now. My manager just found her soulmate, even though she had to marry the guy twice to realize it.” Jesse wadded his own wrappings up, leaned back, and shot. The paper landed gracefully inside the paper bag. “And I don’t own a speck of land. The place I stay at in Boise is my brother’s. Tell me, who’s the loser?”

“Then get married. Have baby bull riders. There must be a lot of women out there wanting to play that role.” Taylor rolled her eyes. “Like Amanda.”

“I think our taxi driver has his heart set on little Miss Amanda. I wonder if she knows it yet.” He chuckled. “But you’re right; there are plenty of women who want to ‘play’ the part.” He used air quotes to emphasize his words.

“You don’t know who you’ll fall in love with until you try.”

He shook his head. “Now, I think you’re wrong there. You can’t try to be in love. Either it happens, or it doesn’t. Believe me, I’ve tried out a lot of women.”

“You sound like a man whore.” She laughed.

“I probably was.” He stared at her face, noticing the curve that he’d tried so hard to capture that day in class. No, he hadn’t ever been in love. Not before. Now all he could do was think about her. Make excuses to be with her. Even now, sitting so close to her, a bed within arm’s reach, all he wanted to do was reach out and touch her face. To let his fingers trace the curve that had eluded him as he tried to sketch her.

“Now you want true love?” she asked, her voice breathless.

“Would you believe me if I said yes?” Jesse touched her hand, one finger caressing the open palm.

“Tonight? I’d believe you if you told me you were Elvis reincarnated.” She smiled and leaned forward, kissing him over the table, her lips so soft, but so needy. His head swam in images. Taylor laughing at the opening, her thoughtful gaze during the visit to the artist, the wind blowing through her hair on the drive here. Taylor. Something clicked in the back of his mind as if he’d been looking for her all his life. He pulled her closer, wanting more. The smell of cinnamon alcohol broke through the spell.

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

Inspirational Quote Monday! #13 of 2014

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein

 

 

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy

First Kiss Friday – Just A Kiss by Ally Broadfield

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Ally Broadfield, author of historical romance Just A Kiss.  Welcome Ally!  Here’s the first kiss between Charlotte Lightwood and Sebastian Wilkinson, Earl of Marley.

“I meant to tell you, Princess Tarasova mentioned how lovely the bouquet she received from you was. She enjoyed the lilies in particular. You seem to have a penchant for choosing just the right flowers.”

He looked up. “Does that mean you liked your bouquet?”

“Oh, yes. It was gorgeous and required only one small adjustment. Even Elizabeth exclaimed over it until she discovered it was for me.”

He sent her a lopsided smile and went back to the cards. “Ravensdale is a rake. Leathersby won’t do.”

Charlotte sighed in exasperation. “There must be one among them who would suffice.”

He turned to face her and studied her as if he could see right through her to what was inside. “None of them are worthy of you.”

A wave of longing coursed through her. “Then who am I to marry?” When he failed to answer, she turned away and fiddled with the flowers on the desk. “Without the advantage of wealth or status, I’m not exactly overrun with prospects like you are.”

“Perhaps not,” he said softly, “but at least you can be certain the man who marries you did so for love and not because of your wealth or title.”

Charlotte ceased fiddling with the flowers.

He walked up behind her and reached around her to pull a dark red rose from the vase. He drew the tips of the rose petals along the nape of her neck where it was bared by her high coiffure. A shiver surged up her spine. Sliding his hands over her shoulders, he gently turned her to face him. She was certain the heat from his hands branded her with his imprint. When the rose danced over the curve of first one collar bone, then the other, her pulse reached a crescendo. Charlotte placed her trembling hand upon his shoulder, arching her neck as he pulled the rose up the line of her pulse, along her jaw, and across her lips. Exquisite sensation flooded her as the sweet scent of the rose enveloped her. A tremor she couldn’t contain shook her frame. Before the tingle left her, he followed the path of the rose with his lips. He rained dozens of kisses across her collar bones and up her neck, as gentle as the brush of a hummingbird’s wings.

Pausing a heartbeat away from her mouth, he met her gaze. She was certain the desire evident in his eyes was mirrored in her own. Her eyelids fluttered closed when his lips brushed against hers. As excruciating as the torment of the rose petals had been, she was totally unprepared for the feel of his lips pressed against her own.

His fingers slid into her hair while hers moved across his chest. After the initial gentleness, the pressure of his lips grew more urgent. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her against him as he deepened the kiss. He parted her lips, and his tongue swept into her mouth. She vaguely registered his groan of satisfaction before all thought ceased.

Awash in sensation, it took several moments for Charlotte to come to her senses. She slowly pulled away from him and pressed her fingers to her lips. She desperately wanted to stay with him.

Forever.

But since that wasn’t possible, she needed to leave before they went too far. There were so many things she wanted to say to him, but he was so close. Her pulse raced, and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath. Words were beyond her capabilities.

Until voices sounded outside the door and a very inelegant word escaped her mouth.

 

Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy