Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 63

Inspirational Quote Monday! #43 of 2013

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairy tale.” – Wale Ayeni

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

 

 

 

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

First Kiss Friday – Master Marshal by Gray Dixon

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Gray Dixon, author of contemporary romance Master Marshal.  Welcome Gray!  Here’s the first kiss between Shane Marshal and Sharon Berger.

Sharon might possibly hate this man if it weren’t for the fact she was drawn to him even more. He had to be the most arrogant, self-righteous bastard she had ever met. She had the suspicion he got some kind of sick enjoyment at seeing her suffer from hard labor. After working with plenty of men in her career, she recognized how Shane Marshal fit the mold as user and heartbreaker. All of the men in her life had the potential to break her heart, if she let them.Call her a hardened woman tired of being used. This devilishly gorgeous man standing before her was dangerous, and he definitely was capable of hurting her. Could she play nice?Even with her guard up, the chances of being hurt bordered on the possible.

Another deep breath before she attempted to speak again, she gave the iciest smile she could put on her face. All she had to do was think of Tony and what he did to her. “Are you going to help me down or stand there staring at me?”

Adjusting his hat further back on his head, he reached up and put his hands around her waist, lifting her from the saddle she slid down his body, into his arms. “There. Better?”

When her feet finally hit the ground, her breath hitched. Why didn’t she give in to his masculine embrace and stop trying to push him away?He was right about breakfast this morning. If not for Tanya knocking on her bedroom door and interrupting her fantasy about him, she might have gotten off. Instead, the rest of the morning was spent getting sweaty from shoveling horse manure, then riding a horse for three grueling hours. Any involvement couldn’t work in the long run no matter how much she craved him. Better to stop a blossoming relationship before it got complicated.

“Better. Thank you. You can move your hand now.” She’d started this vacation, anticipating anonymous play with possible sex. Somehow in the past twenty-four hours, she’d gone to wanting more. The thought of becoming involved with anyone for a couple of days and then going separate ways wasn’t her way anymore. The old Sharon would have done it. Hell, Valentina would have done the same two weeks ago. She didn’t want to be the scared, chubby girl who’d have played with anyone without regard to how she’d process afterward what she done. Neither did she want to be the woman men cheated on. She’d thought she wanted to be free to use men for her pleasure without repercussions, but not anymore.

Shane moved his hand and smirked. “You should know this won’t be the last time I touch you, darlin’.”

“Excuse me?” Was this man really so arrogant to think he could treat her this way? Were there cowboy groupies or something giving him his inflated ego to think all women would fall in lockstep to his dominant proclamations? Yet she had imagined him touching her, taking her, dominating her, and her pussy pulsed with wetness. Damn!

“You heard me. This won’t be the last time I touch you. Next time, you’ll beg me to.”

She narrowed her eyes.“I’m not your property to make claims on me, and I’m not about to beg for anything from you.”

“We’ll see,” he said eventually. “I always get what I want.”

She turned to get out of his sphere of influence and join the others. She had no doubt he’d get what he wanted. Without warning, she was grabbed from behind and spun around. His strong arm gripped around her upper arm and pulled her close. His other hand seized her ponytail, pulling her head back. Lowering his mouth, he kissed her hard, deep and, at the same time, pressed his erection into her belly. She moaned in the back of her throat and pushed into his hardness.

Shane released her just as quickly as he captured her. Still in a daze from his move, she watched him calmly walk away. From his reaction, you’d think nothing happened between them. Standing alone, her body shivered with need. Then, he peered over his shoulder. “I’ll also make you scream my name before the week is out.”

Oh snap!

Sharon paused, conflicted, afraid she’d pushed him too much. She bit her lower lip to keep from saying anything else. Arguing with him was futile. She loved the banter, though it didn’t get them anywhere, at least she didn’t think it did. If she kept on and got more pissed, she might slip up and say something she didn’t want him to know. Like who I am and what I do. She liked him, butwhy would a man, a Dom, want someone like her? Especially after she showed her bitchy brat persona to him.

After lowering her eyes to calm her nerves, she followed him at a slower pace. He really was the most arrogant man she’d ever met. He also made her knees go weak and ignited a fire in her body with the hot kiss.

Would a couple days left in the week be sufficient time to prove to Shane she wasn’t a real bitch and wanted him? Did the kiss prove he was interested despite her sassy mouth? One night under his command would be enough for her. She could return to New York a new person ready to take on the world and her share of personal demons. Smiling slowly, she could not wait for him to make good on his promise. No doubt in her mind he’d take her to places she’d only dreamed about from a Dom. A Master of pleasure.

And a cowboy to boot.Who’d have ever thought? Yee haw!

 

 

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

Inspirational Quote Monday! #42 of 2013

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be.” – Charles Jones

 

 

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

First Kiss Friday – On the 12th Date of Christmas by Nikki Lynn Barrett

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Nikki Lynn Barrett, author of contemporary romance On the 12th Date of Christmas.  Welcome Nikki!  Here’s the first kiss between Robin Sorenson and Jonas Aimes.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue tonight. I felt so much better when you showed up.”

He pulled her into his arms again. “I’m glad I called when I did. Are you tired? Want me to tuck you in?”

Robin laughed and socked him gently on the arm. “You’re funny. You’ve changed, Jonas. I like this side of you.” A wave of longing and past regret slammed into her. Why couldn’t he have been more like this before? She wondered what caused the change. She wanted to get used to this side of him, but the overly cautious side still warned her to keep her guard up.

“You said something the other night about how people change. It’s true that I can’t make up for our history, but I can try to show you what a future would be like if you gave me another chance. And by no means am I pressuring you. While I was away, I saw things that gave me a new perspective on life. And no, I’m not quite ready to talk about them yet, especially after tonight’s events, but I promise I will tell you more. Are you still ready for our first of twelve dates?” A grin spread across his face and his eyes sparkled with humor.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” she replied. And she was. She had no idea what he had in store, but the surprise of it all kept her on her toes and made her wonder what kind of ideas he had rolling around in his mind.

Jonas leaned closer, his face just inches away. His eyes held so much emotion. “I’m glad. So am I. I should probably go and let you get some rest.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “But I’m not ready to let you go yet.”

Robin didn’t want him to let her go either. A nervous pang settled in her stomach. Damn, she was really not winning this battle of keeping her guard up with Jonas. But this new side to him- she couldn’t resist it. Before she knew it and could say anything, his lips found hers. So soft and gentle, he held her face in his hands and kissed her passionately. A moan escaped from deep within her throat and she pressed herself even closer to him.

Jonas pulled back and watched her carefully. “Are you okay? Is this-?”

She didn’t let him continue. Robin stopped his words with a kiss. She needed this, wanted this. So many memories rushed back. This was the Jonas that she had always wished she could find underneath his barriers that he’d kept up. This was what she longed for. Even if only for a moment, she was going to give in to that crazy whim to keep him near, to have a small taste of what could have been. Maybe of what could still be. Holidays were known for both small and big miracles, right? So why couldn’t she have this one thing?

She could. She just had to choose it. Choose to give in to what she felt.

Right now, she felt closer than ever to Jonas.

Heat bubbled below, igniting something in her that she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Jonas’s tongue plundered inside, parting her lips. She practically melted.

He pulled away again, letting out a deep sigh. His breaths were raspy, matching her own. She giggled, not even sure why.

“We should stop,” he said softly. The look of need never faded from his eyes.

She nodded, disappointed. He had a point. As much as she didn’t want him to stop, this wasn’t the right time or place for this. And it sure as hell took a toll on her conflicted emotions!

“Good night, Robin. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in a couple of days for our first date. And be careful.” Jonas leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek again before he pulled open the door and hurried outside to his car, turning to give her one last look.

 

 

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

Re-Release of Reclaim My Heart by Donna Fasano

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Donna Fasano is re-releasing Reclaim My Heart through Montlake Romance.  Take a look!

Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law, and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.

Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.

 

What others are saying about Donna’s books:

“…complex, funny, and realistic…” ~Wilmington News Journal

“Excellent!” ~Bookreview.com

“Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author.” ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon

“…a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!”

~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com

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

Inspirational Quote Monday! #41 of 2013

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” – John Lennon

 

 

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

First Kiss Friday – Boom! Listen to your Heart by Roxanne Rogerson

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Roxanne Rogerson, author of contemporary erotic romance Boom! Listen to your Heart.  Welcome Roxanne!  Here’s the first kiss between Michael Atherton and Jessie Halliwell.

Intro: After a disastrous first meeting, Michael and Jessie meet again on holiday in Panama.

 

He disappeared each time a wave broke over his head, then, to her relief, popped up, his hair plastered to his head, water cascading off his body.

Every time he resurfaced, she hoped for a glimpse as the elastic waistband rode lower and lower on his hips.

Pulling up his shorts, he beckoned, a broad smile on his face. Had he seen her almost drooling at him?

She was content to stay where the waves had spent most of their power. It was safer. There was no way she’d risk going underwater. She shook her head.

He disappeared under another wave, beckoning again when he resurfaced. She shook her head more forcefully.

Michael walked back to her. He took her hand. “Come with me. It’s exhilarating. Trust me.”

A fear she recognized as irrational skittered through her belly. She pulled back.

Michael held fast. “Come with me.”

There was no mistaking the hint of command in his voice. Reluctantly, she moved into deeper water. An enormous wave loomed. She hunched her shoulders, preparing to be swept off her feet. She would flounder, gasping for breath, panicking until her feet hit bottom again.

As the wave crested over them, Michael put his arms around her waist, lifting her to his hard body. He jumped, so their heads remained above the water, then set her down as the wave continued its journey to shore. She was wet from head to toe from the spray, but there’d been no panic, no sense of drowning.

“I told you to trust me,” Michael said, slicking wet hair off his face.

Jessie nodded, blinking away drops of seawater from her eyelashes. “I know. It’s just that I’m afraid of—”

Another wave swept them both off their feet. She flailed about, spluttering and choking, but soon felt Michael’s arms around her again. Relief washed over her.

“Sorry about that,” he laughed. “Wasn’t paying attention. Too busy admiring your boobs. I won’t let go again. Promise.”

His hard erection pressed against her. It felt huge. They bobbed in the waves, chest to breast, her hands gripping his biceps, his arms around her waist.

He was right. It was exhilarating. “I’ll hold you to that promise,” she said.

Gradually, she relaxed. Soon she could predict when he was going to jump without his wink forewarning her, and she pushed off with her toes, feeling completely safe. As one, they set their own rhythm to match the ocean’s timeless flow.

~~~

Michael floated in a primeval dance. He was one with the sea and the woman he held. Though the ocean held the power, he was in control, invincible. If his arms weren’t clamped around Jessie’s waist he’d be beating his chest like a prehistoric caveman.

This felt so right.

Time stood still. He closed his eyes, licking the salty tang on his lips as Jessie lay her head on his shoulder. She too seemed at peace, completely relaxed, willing to let him keep her afloat. She’d surrendered her fear to him.

His cock ached pleasurably in the warm water. Jessie shifted position, winding her arms around his neck, her legs around his calves, their swimsuits the only barrier between her slit and his cock. She’d entrusted herself completely to him. Was that the theme from Titanic she was humming?

“Look at me,” he rasped.

She lifted her head slowly. He wasn’t sure what he saw in her brown eyes—longing, confusion, uncertainty, but not fear. He bent his head to kiss her, brushing his lips against hers. She opened for him immediately, their tongues mating, mingling. Her skin was warm and wet. He tasted salt, and orange juice. He tightened his hold, increasing the intensity of the kiss, plunging his tongue deeper, sucking hers into his mouth, until they broke apart, breathless.

“I want you,” he said. “Come to my room.”

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

Inspirational Quote Monday! #40 of 2013

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – ““I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” – Marilyn Monroe

 

 

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

Winner and Special Deal For You!

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

Angel’s Assassin has won the Historical Romance category of the 2013 Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Award!

In honor of this win, I am giving all those who leave their email address in the comments section of this post, a 50% off Smashwords coupon for Angel’s Assassin so you can read and enjoy this award winning novel.

 

But hurry!  This offer will end November 2 of 2013.

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

Inspirational Quote Monday! #39 of 2013

Laurel O'Donnell - Author

It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Nothing beats a haunted moonlit night on All Hallows Eve…. And on this fatal night, at this witching time, the starless sky laments black and unmoving.  The somber hues of an ominous, dark forest are suddenly illuminated under the emerging face of the full moon.” – Kim Elizabeth

 

Have a very Happy Halloween everyone!

 

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