Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 57
April 29, 2014
Magnificent Medieval Men Boxed Set – 99 cents!
My new boxed set, Magnificent Medieval Men, is only 99 cents for a limited time! This set features my medieval romance, The Lady and the Falconer.
Get it before the price goes up!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Magnifient Medieval Men Boxed Set – 99 cents!
My new boxed set, Magnifient Medieval Men, is only 99 cents for a limited time! This set features my medieval romance, The Lady and the Falconer.
Get it before the price goes up!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 27, 2014
My Writing Process – Blog Tour
I know you’ve all been curious about how I write and come up with my amazing characters. Before I let you in on my secrets, I’d like to thank Kathryn Le Veque for allowing me to be part of this blog tour. She is an amazing writer and a very generous person, so go and check out her novels!
On to the secrets! First, you have to give me your solemn vow not to reveal any of these secrets to anyone else. :) Alright, I’m just kidding about that part. Most of what I do, I imagine, is what other authors do. I use my imagination. It’s different for each book and mostly depends upon what is going on in my life at the moment. Do I feel like I need to be strong? I might want my characters to be warriors or knights. Do I feel like I need to be rescued from what’s going on around me? I might make a heroine who pretends to be strong, but needs a hero to help her through it all. Once I have the characters, the plot grows from them. Why does the heroine feel like she needs to be saved? From what? Or from whom?
I enjoy writing in the medieval era because of the turmoil, but mostly because of the romanticism of the era. The knights in shining armor. The grand castles. It was truly a different time. It was a hard time. It was a gallant time. And yet, in some respects, the people of the period were going through exactly the same things we do now, such as worry about their children, worry about their future, and falling in love.
My novels have all of the elements I love in them, the reasons I write about the era. They have a lot of action and adventure to keep the readers turning the pages. And they have love. They are fast paced. My novels incorporate these scenes with twists and turns so you never are quite sure what will happen next.
Right now, I’m working on a novel about tournaments and jousting. But it’s also about family and loyalty. Most of all it is about the love between a man and a woman.
Please don’t forget to subscribe to my website to get the latest news on upcoming releases.
Join me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/LaurelODonnell.author
Next week, please join
Elizabeth Rose – Elizabeth is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. She has been a Sapphire Award finalist, and been nominated by Romantic Times for a Reviewer’s Choice Award. Check her out here – http://elizabethrosenovels.com/
Sydney Jane Baily – Sydney Jane Baily completed her first novel at the tender age of 17, but thankfully, that manuscript currently resides in an undisclosed, secure location. She went on to get B.A. degrees in English literature and in history, and an M.A. in literature with a concentration in Romanticism (clearly, she was not attempting to ever be employable). She writes historical romance and believes in happily-ever-after stories for an already challenging world. Check her novels out here – http://www.sydneyjanebaily.com/
Lana Williams – Lana writes historical romance with mystery, adventure and a pinch of paranormal. Check her out here – http://www.lanawilliams.net/home.html
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Inspirational Quote Monday! #12 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Many people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” – Benjamin Franklin
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 24, 2014
First Kiss Friday – A Masterpiece of Our Love by Nikki Lynn Barrett
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of contemporary romance A Masterpiece of Our Love. Welcome back Nikki! Here’s the first kiss between Becca and Hunter.
Book Blurb:
Two Lives Torn by tragedy.
Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families.
Two Souls Seeking Love.
Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever.
Until he stopped showing.
Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye.
Two Lives Bound by Secret.
Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn’t been back or spoken to Becca in four years.
Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear.
But someone isn’t happy about their reunion…
Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages.
Two Broken Hearts Heal as One.
With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become.
Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?
Scene set up:
Becca and Hunter are taking shelter in a cabin on a small island after a mishap with their boat and a surprise storm. Because of Becca’s brain trauma, there are times she’s not able to speak, so she uses sign language. This kiss scene happens the night they are waiting out the storm.
Excerpt:
Becca took his hands in hers, giving them a squeeze. She opened her mouth, hoping the words would come out this time. All that happened were a few squeaks. She stomped her foot in frustration.
Hunter pulled her in his arms again. She leaned against him and soaked in his warmth.
“Don’t try to force the words if they won’t come,” he pleaded softly. Hunter was one of the only people to be so patient with her. When this happened the first time, the only time it had lasted years, her grandparents had yelled, cursed, and belittled her for it. The therapists, doctors, teachers, everyone had made such a fuss about it. She ended up feeling less of herself when she really had been trying. Did they really think she wanted to be like that? To have a lack of communication? Nobody got it.
Except Hunter.
Tears sprung in her eyes at the memories and she held Hunter even closer. She was content there. She was so glad he came back this year. Despite the few years separation from her friend, she felt right at home with him.
At her sniffle, Hunter tipped her chin up. “You are crying! Aw Bec, why the tears?”
“I think my emotions are going haywire. I’m tired, so I’m a little weepy. I’m so glad you’re back this year.” When she finished signing, his lips curled up in a smile.
“So am I,” he whispered softly. Something in his eyes that resembled longing tugged at her. His hands were still touching her face. He inched closer and parted his lips. Without thinking, Becca reacted. They met midway, his lips crashing over hers. Her thoughts ran a million miles a minute. Did he start this, or did she? What were they doing? No matter how much she wanted this, the last time they almost kissed, he disappeared.
It wasn’t about you. You know this!
It didn’t matter.
She uttered a sound when he deepened the kiss.
His kisses were passionate. So tender. Loving. Inquiring. He drew her closer, tightening his strong hold on her. He held on like he never wanted to let go. A sound escaped his lips, but he didn’t stop. Her heartbeat sped up. She placed a hand on Hunter’s shoulder, then slid it around his neck, running her fingers through his hair. She opened her eyes for a brief second and devoured the sight of Hunter. Then she closed them again, leaning into him. His tongue toyed with her, teasing playfully.
Another loud crack of thunder startled them both. Like kids being caught doing something they shouldn’t, Hunter and Becca pulled apart.
She let out a breath and covered her chest with her hand. She blinked. Hunter stared intently at her.
“I have no idea what came over me. Please know I never meant for that to happen. I don’t want you to think-”
She put a finger to her lips, then started signing. “I’m not sure what that was about, but I’m not complaining. I don’t think anything bad of you. I never have, and I never will.”
Was that a look of relief?
Did he even remember four years ago? Or was she the only one that replayed that week in her mind? She had been the one to turn her head, and even now she couldn’t recall if she’d done it on purpose or not.
“That was an amazing, electrifying kiss. I just don’t know where it came from.” He shook his head. He seemed irritated with himself. She doubted any words would make him feel better right now.
Becca leaned closer and touched his cheek, guiding him to look at her. “I don’t ever remember you being so hard on yourself before.”
“I know. Honestly, you’re the one person I trust. I know you understand me, especially with everything. I just don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of that. I can’t lose our friendship, Becca. I know in the past few years I haven’t shown it, but you mean the world to me.”
“Rest assured, you didn’t take advantage. I’ll always be here for you.” Another yawn escaped her and she grinned sheepishly.
Links
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18690120-a-masterpiece-of-our-love
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2QO8Y2
B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-masterpiece-of-our-love-nikki-lynn-barrett/1118929164?ean=2940149365722
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 20, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #11 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” – Buddha
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 17, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Desiring Lady Caro by Ella Quinn
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Ella Quinn, author of historical romance Desiring Lady Caro. Welcome Ella! Here’s the first kiss between Lady Caroline Martindale and Gervais, Earl of Huntley.
Caro turned and seemed to study him. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
Her eyes were so blue, deeper than usual. His heart seemed to be clogging his throat. There was no way he would not have nursed her. He kept his voice as soft as a caress. “Caro, may I kiss you?”
She stared at him for a few moments, but it seemed like an eternity. “Yes.”
Huntley had never seduced an innocent before. Her rape didn’t count as experience. Opening his senses to her, he took in her faint lavender and lemon scent. He shifted her closer to him and barely touched his lips to the corner of her mouth before lightly brushing them against hers. Hesitantly, she moved her lips on his. He fluttered kisses on her mouth and jaw. Caro sighed. Firming his lips, he moved back to her mouth and ended the kiss. “Thank you.”
Caro’s cheeks were flushed. “I’ve never had a kiss like that. It was as if you really meant it.”
“Perhaps because I did mean it.” He glanced down at her. Was there more to his wife’s resistance than the rape? He tried to keep his tone light. “Have you had many kisses?”
She sighed again. “No, and none that I really liked, except that one.”
“Ah. If you don’t object, I plan to kiss you some more.” She turned to him. Her brows were drawn together and raised, as if she didn’t understand what he was saying. “Not now, but over the course of the next week.”
Her eyes closed and she cuddled next to him. “I don’t understand,” she said groggily, and her breathing deepened as she succumbed to sleep.
Suddenly she seemed to rouse. “But kissing doesn’t fit my plan.”
He raised his brows. Plan? Huntley pressed his lips lightly against her temple again, and she stirred sluggishly. Was she even awake? “What plan, my love?”
“To make you leave me.”
“But you promised me an heir.”
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 15, 2014
Precious Time
Time is so precious to me. There are only 24 hours in the day. And I only spend a portion of those at home. And even less of that is writing time.
Here’s my dilemma. I know I should exercise. But exercising takes away time. Precious time. Writing time. It always comes down to which is more important to me. And writing is more important… until my back hurts or my shoulder aches.
I find myself cutting down my exercise time so I can write more. But then I feel guilty. If I exercise more and have less time to write, I am miserable!
My question to you is what’s the solution? Any suggestions?
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 13, 2014
Inspirational Quote Monday! #10 of 2014
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week - “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” – Oscar Wilde
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 10, 2014
First Kiss Friday – Sink or Swim by Stacy Juba
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Stacy Juba, author of contemporary romance Sink or Swim. Welcome Stacy! Here’s the first kiss between Cassidy Novak and Zach Gallagher.
After lunch, Zach followed Cassidy to her stepfather’s building and escorted her up to the third level. She stopped at the second door down. Glenn wouldn’t be home for another hour.
“Want to come in, cowboy?”
“Wish I could, but I’d better swing by the paper. Don’t make me a liar to your mama, okay? Don’t do anything crazy.” He brushed a strand of red hair out of her eyes. Furrows creased his forehead beneath his dark bangs.
His concern stirred a fountain of emotions inside her. Surprising herself, Cassidy leaned forward and kissed him firm on the lips. Zach pulled her close and melded into the intensity of the kiss. Her fingers explored the rough slope of his chin and the recesses behind his ears. His soft mouth parted hers.
Zach stepped back and held her wrists. “I’d better go,” he whispered. “I’m late for work.”
He retreated down the windowless hall. Breathless, Cassidy spun her keychain at her waist. Did he like her, or didn’t he? She must have been too forward. It was all Adam’s fault. She hadn’t wanted to enter the apartment alone and latched onto Zach in a lame attempt at companionship.
Zach halted halfway to the stairs, turned and tossed her his Stetson. Cassidy caught it with both hands, then perched it on her head.
“What’s this for?” she asked. “You don’t expect me to go barrel racing, do you?”
“So you’ll remember to call me if you need me. Be careful.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Incidentally, I enjoyed that kiss. Hope we can do it again some time.” Zach disappeared around the corner.
Cassidy smiled. Okay then. He must like her a little bit. She pivoted to the door, her smile slipping as she imagined the bleakness beyond.
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sink-or-Swim-ebook/dp/B004GHN6CW/ref
More retailers at: http://stacyjuba.com/blog/books-2/sink-or-swim/
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
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“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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