Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 72
April 22, 2013
Lost Souls: Altercation – Available on Amazon!
The next episode in the Lost Souls series is now available on Amazon! Check out Lost Souls: Altercation! Only .99!
Sam and Christian have mysteriously disappeared. An unlikely group of allies is formed as Damien, Ben and Eugene search for their missing friends. With the calming presence of Sam gone from his life, the urge to make the Jump into a human grows dangerously strong inside of Damien. To add to their anguish, a powerful new menace threatens the destruction of both Souls and humans alike.
Can they find Sam in time to stop Damien from making the Jump? Can they stop this new foe from gaining strength and building a deadly following?
Read Lost Souls – Altercation to find out!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 21, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #16 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – ““People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” – Dalai Lama XIV
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Lost Souls: Altercation – Episode 4 in Urban Fantasy series – IS HERE!!!
Lost Souls: Altercation, the 4th episode in the continuing saga of the Lost Souls, is at Barnes and Noble! Discover what happened to Sam and Christian. Will Damien make the Jump? Find out today!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 18, 2013
First Kiss Friday – On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful – KIRA by Lynda Bailey
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Lynda Bailey, author of contemporary romance On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful – KIRA. Welcome back Lynda! Here’s the first kiss between Kira Schafer and Hunter Rice.
Thanks so much to Laurel for hosting me today on Friday’s First Kiss! This “First Kiss” is from my most recent release, On the Corner of Heartache and Hopeful—KIRA. Here’s the blurb:
When Kira Schafer’s mega-millionaire—and seriously controlling—father insists she marry one his company’s junior executives or get cut out of the will, her decision is an easy one. As much as she loves her dad, she won’t be bullied into a marriage where her needs aren’t met. So she leaves the big city to settle in a small Nebraskan town. And maybe, just maybe, the quiet, country life will calm the deep-seated spanking urges which have plagued her for years.
Hunter Rice has one goal: clear his name of doping charges and resume his boxing career. The only thing worse than not being in the ring is being trapped in Podunk, Nebraska. He’s got a plan to solve his problem, but needs money. Money he doesn’t have until a super rich guy pays him to “convince” his daughter to move back home. When the setbacks to Kira’s business fail to prompt her return, Hunter resorts to kidnapping to ensure father and daughter are reunited.
Kira not only thwarts his plan, she turns the tables. Now Hunter faces attempted assault and kidnapping charges unless he spends the weekend doing exactly as she says. Rock, meet hard place. It isn’t until cloistered in her apartment that he learns about her spanking fetish—and how he’s the one who will administer said spanking. Despite his initial hesitation, he and Kira soar to erotic heights. During their time together, Hunter also learns he likes this woman—a lot. Maybe even enough to reconsider returning to boxing. Maybe small town life won’t be so bad with the right woman. But Kira has a different plan, one that has her going home and Hunter going back into the ring…
This excerpt is for mature readers only!
“Until me?”
“Until you.”
He barely heard her words. “So why me and why now?”
“Now because you owe me. And you because you’re…well…you.”
Hunter slipped his finger under her chin and tipped her face up until she again met his gaze. “What does that mean? I’m me?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, c’mon, dude. You’re a boxer with a killer bod who smells great and has this awesome python tat. I’ve always thought you were hot.”
That jumped his eyebrows. “Really?”
Another eye roll. “Geez, yes. Everyone in this town wants to have your baby. From the high school cheerleaders to the little old ladies. Hell, I’d bet some of the men would volunteer to carry your kid to term. How could I go against all the public opinion?”
A slow grin curved his lips. She returned the smile then her gaze dipped to his mouth and her smile faded. So did his. He brought his hand up to caress her hair.
“Tell me, Kira. When’s the last time you had plain, ole straight up sex?”
She bit her lower lip then slowly released the pink flesh. “It’s been a while. I probably don’t remember how to do it.”
He gently coaxed her to shift upward until their lips almost touched. Her breath tasted like peppermint. “You know it’s just like riding a bicycle.”
“Good thing,” she murmured against his mouth. “Because the way my legs and ass are burning, I think I’ll be the one doing the riding.”
“Fine by me.”
He joined his lips to hers in a tender kiss. She shifted a leg over his and inched her knee up to his bulging groin. She applied just the right pressure for stars to erupt behind his closed lids. He groaned into her mouth, lightly cradling the back of her head in his palm. She slipped her tongue inside to waltz with his.
This kiss was in direct opposition to what they’d experienced before. It made Hunter wonder how many times she’d had sex where a hefty dose of pain wasn’t involved. He realized a fine line existed between pleasure and pain and decided Kira needed to take the lead here. In whatever direction she chose. If she preferred it rough, he’d accommodate her. But it was going to be her call.
Website: www.lyndabailey.net
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/On-Corner-Heartache-Hopeful–KIRA-ebook/dp/B00BE5YDB2/
Thanks again, Laurel, for having me here today!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 15, 2013
Sneak peek at urban fantasy episode Lost Souls: Altercation!
The next episode of my Lost Souls series is coming Monday, April 22nd. I know you’re dieing to know what happened to Samantha and Christian! In the last episode, Christian was caught by Daniel. Ben and Damien, of all people (well, not really since he’s a Changed) were working together to find Samantha. Here’s a sneak peek for you!
The World of the Lost Souls
Souls who refuse to pass into the afterlife become wandering spirits, trapped between the world of the living and the dead. These are the Lost Souls. Some of these Lost Souls have banded together, uniting to fight against an evil endangering both their existence and the safety of the human world they once inhabited. This evil has taken shape in unholy creatures called the Changed, beings who were once Lost Souls but who are now dark, dangerous and disturbed monsters. The Changed feed on the energy of the Lost Souls, growing stronger with each Lost Soul they drain. The ultimate goal of the Changed is to harness enough energy to return to the land of the living by possessing the body of a human. The mission of the Lost Souls is to stop them…
Altercation – Prologue
Pain. Bright spots of white hotness flashed before her closed eyes. Then blackness. Complete blackness. She wasn’t supposed to feel so much pain. She no longer had human flesh. Sam opened her eyes. It was still dark. How could there still be such blackness? Souls could see in the dark. But this was a black like she had never encountered before. A cold, death-like black. Maybe something was blocking her vision. She turned her head slightly.
Her body came alive. Her hands were stretched above her head. She tried to move them, and found she could only move her fingers, something was holding her wrists down. A feeling of dread began to well up inside her, knotting her stomach. She attempted to move her legs, but found her ankles were also bound.
God, no, she pleaded as images came rushing back to her of another time, another place. Her muscles ached in that same familiar way. She had been here before. Exactly like this.
Helpless. Defenseless.
Her stomach twisted tight and panic gnawed at the corners of her sanity. No! No! It couldn’t be. He was dead! They had killed him. Damien had…
Tears sprang to life in her eyes. She twisted her hands, desperately trying to free herself, but no matter how hard she pulled, her bindings held her with an unrelenting bite.
Calm yourself, she mentally said. This won’t help you. Think! She willed herself still. She willed the tears away. She willed the panic back. She was trembling, but she had to focus. She swallowed the fear that threatened her calm.
She could feel the straps of leather across her wrists. They must have been made of iron or she would have been able to free herself. There must also be straps around her ankles. She couldn’t faze. The iron kept her bound and incapable of fazing to a different location. She could feel her leather boots on her feet, so she was still armored. She couldn’t feel her sword at her back. No, she had dropped that in the alley where she had battled the Changed. Yes! The Changed. A small sigh of relief escaped her lips. It was only Changed. She was a prisoner of the Changed. Not his prisoner. The thought of being a captive of the Changed should have alarmed her, but that was much better than the alternative.
Okay. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. What else? What had happened to her?
She had been in an alley with her silver Audi. Four Changed had overcome her. Then why was she still alive? They had not drained her completely. What did they want?
She heard a creaking. She heard something else being scraped across a floor. Something heavy.
Her questions were about to be answered.
Whatever had been blocking her vision was removed from her head, abruptly pulled off. It was a black bag of some sort. A lock of her black hair fell over her lips. She blinked and squinted as the room came into focus. Cathedral ceilings towered above her. To her right on the wall was a large cross. She turned her head, looking around. Statues stared down at her from high above, as if casting judgment with unseeing eyes. She turned her head the other way. Rows of pews lined an aisle. She was in a church.
“Ahh!” A Changed leaned into her view. His brown hair was long and wild, falling about his face like a curtain. His grin was malevolent and anxious.
Sam remembered him from the alley. He was the one who had stood next to the leader.
“So glad you’re awake for this.” He leaned in closer, his hair brushing her face. “It makes it all the more exciting.”
Sam stared at him with impassive eyes. Don’t let him know you’re afraid. She tugged at her wrists. “Why don’t you unstrap me. I’ll show you how exciting it can really be.”
The Changed smiled and looked her up and down. “You’re one of the prettiest Souls I’ve ever seen. I’m going to enjoy this.”
She cringed inwardly. “I can make it even more enjoyable.” With one of my boots to your ass.
He wiped the strand of hair from her cheek, running his finger over her lips before she could pull away from his touch. “I bet you’re just like fire, aren’t you?”
She did her best not to squirm with disgust. “It’s hard to be so hot when you’re tied up.”
He hopped up onto the stone altar she was strapped to, his legs straddling her hips. He leaned close so his lips almost touched hers. “I can’t wait to stick my fist into you, baby.”
Sam turned away from him, grimacing, her teeth clenched tight. She was going to kick his ass but good when she got out. “I hope my energy burns your sick and demented soul.”
The Changed chuckled softly, his body rumbling on top of hers. “You are just one hot little –”
“Off.”
The Changed sat up and looked toward the door at the side of the church.
Another Changed stood there. He was lean and confident, his hands at his side. His short dark hair was peppered with gray. Sam thought of a slick businessman when she looked at him. She had seen him before. The leader in the alley. What the hell was this? Some sort of great big group draining? Great. Just great. How the hell was she going to get out of this?
“Aw,” the Changed on top of her groaned. He ground his hips into her stomach. “She’s too hot not to get attention. Besides, the boss said I could take some of her sweet energy.”
Boss? How many Changed are working together? “How many of you Changed does it take to capture me?”
The business leader Changed ignored her. “He won’t like you abusing her.”
“I was just having some fun.” The Changed on top of her slowly slid his body from hers, making sure he rubbed against her thighs.
Sam clenched her teeth, disgusted.
“She’s not here for fun, Curtis. She’s here for draining. So do it.”
She knew what was coming. She had been in this position before. Strapped down to a table at the mercy of a Changed named Scala. They were going to feed on her energy. Drain her and recharge her so they could keep feeding on her. But there was something more than just that going on here. Sam couldn’t shake the terrible feeling surrounding her. The Changed did not normally work together. They were loners. Who was this other Changed they were talking about? They had said he so it was a man.
Could Scala still be alive?
She mentally shook her head. No, they had killed him. Damien had driven a dagger into the human host’s body, killing both the human and Scala. That was how a Changed was killed. Once a Changed made the Jump into a living human they were vulnerable again. If a Soul killed the human host, the Changed lurking within was also killed. And if Damien hadn’t destroyed Scala, they had also blasted him. She, Ben and Christian had channeled their energies together to blast Scala’s life force into nothingness. It couldn’t be him. It couldn’t be Scala. Besides, the surroundings didn’t match Scala’s MO. Scala preferred barns, not churches. No, this must be some kind of copycat. Still, she couldn’t get that unsettling feeling out of her body that this was too similar to the time Scala held her as his prisoner.
Curtis swiped his brown hair from his forehead, gazing down at her chest with a hungry, lusty grin on his lips. He slowly pulled the string on her black leather bodice, staring down at her.
Sam grit her teeth. She was going to kill him, and she was going to enjoy doing it.
“Curtis,” the other Changed warned.
“I like to drain skin to skin.” His smile was wolfish as he pulled the string and her bodice opened, revealing the curve of her breasts. His gaze dropped to her chest, feasting appreciatively. His finger followed his hungry gaze, traveling over the swell of her breasts.
Sam’s fists clenched. “Why don’t you unstrap me so I can enjoy this, too?”
“Orders,” Curtis whispered. He curled his fingers into a fist, holding it right above where her heart would be if she had been a living human. “I’d much rather have you fighting when I drained you.”
Sam snarled at him.
Curtis slowly pushed his fist into her.
Pain erupted in white hot flashes. Sam’s body stiffened as he shoved his hand in deeper. Her mouth opened in a silent gasp as bolts of agony speared through every nerve of her body.
Look for Lost Souls: Altercation on Monday! Let me know what you think…
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 14, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #15 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one’s who don’t. Believe things happen for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” – Anonymous
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 13, 2013
Visiting with Jill Hughey Today!
I’m at Jill Hughey’s blog today sharing my the first sight between Damien and Aurora in Angel’s Assassin. Please stop by and take a look!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 11, 2013
First Kiss Friday – Thoroughly Modern Amanda by Susan Macatee
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Susan Macatee, author of historical romance Thoroughly Modern Amanda. Welcome Susan! Here’s the first kiss between Amanda Montgomery and Jack Lawton.
“Your stepmother told me she returned to the future after being shot.” He brushed a hand over his chest. “I don’t like that idea much.”
“There must be another way.” She lifted a hand and laid it atop his. “I don’t like the idea of you being shot either.”
Jack held his breath. Her fingers rested over his heart. He grasped her hand, entwining their fingers.
Her face colored. “We should be getting inside. It must be near time for supper.”
“Wait.” Jack grasped her wrist to keep her from pulling away. “What about this Randolph? How do you feel about him?”
“I-I’m not sure. My stepmother says he’s not right for me.” She scowled.
“Because he’s old-fashioned?” Jack guessed.
She lifted her gaze to his. “Why do you say that?”
“It’s what your stepmother told me. Why she doesn’t want you to marry him.”
Amanda smiled. “Yes. He’s boorish and has outdated ideas. He believes a woman is only useful when she’s tending to her home, man, and children.”
“But you work for him.”
“It’s a great opportunity, such that it is.” She shrugged. “What about the women of your time?”
“They can do any type of job they want and are qualified for.” He grinned. “They even get to fly into space with the men.”
Amanda gasped. “You can’t be serious.” She lifted both hands to her mouth. “What a wonderful place to live!” She dropped her gaze and twisted her hands in her skirts. “But I’m sure with all those modern women to choose from, you’d have no interest in an old-fashioned girl like me.”
“Amanda…” Jack took both her hands in his. “I’ve never met anyone like you. When I first saw your photo—”
“My photo?” She frowned. “Where did you see it?”
“It was in the house where you found me, but in the future. It was hanging on the wall at the bottom of the stairs.”
“In the house Randolph is building?” Her lower lip trembled.
Jack leaned forward, unable to stop himself, and lightly brushed his lips over hers. She tasted sweet, like cinnamon and sugar.
She reared back, her lips in a firm line, but then opened, as he enfolded her pliant body in his arms. He stroked his hands around her back and pulled her as close as possible. Her heart beat swiftly, like a delicate, caged bird.
The kiss rocked him to his core. Although he’d dreamed of kissing those lush lips, the reality was so much better. An ache formed in his chest at the thought of going home and never seeing her again.
He finally released her. Her eyes looked a bit glazed, her lips swollen and her hair mussed. He bit his lip, wondering what reception they’d get at supper.
****
Amanda’s knees weakened as a thrill raced through her body. No man had ever kissed her like that. Of course, she hadn’t had much opportunity with other men. And had never allowed Randolph to get so close.
She gazed into Jack’s eyes. His lips twisted into an adorable half-smile, his eyes bright, face flushed. Had he felt the same thing she had?
“Are you okay, Amanda?” His smile turned down into a frown.
“I-I think so.” She touched her lips, the sensation of his pressed against hers still with her. She was also very aware of his male scent. If she didn’t fear someone would discover them, she’d fling her arms around him for another round of kisses.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
April 8, 2013
Marketing for Your Self Published Book
Marketing for traditional publishing is important, but it is so much more important for the indie author. How do you get your name out there? How do you let readers know you have a new book out?
There are some relatively easy ways to do this. A website is a must. A good website. Attractive and reader friendly. You should post something at least once a week, twice is even better. Blog hops are a good way to get readers to visit your website. You can join these at many sites, including:
http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/
Blog Tours are another way to get your name and book out there. Here’s a list of some sites that will set up Blog Tours for you for a price:
http://www.goddessfish.com/tours.htm
http://www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com/
http://www.clpblogtours.com/
http://chicklitplus.com/category/clpblogtours/
http://parajunkee.com/
http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com
http://cblspromotions.blogspot.com/
http://www.blackliontours.com/#!tourpackages/cpu6
http://supagurltours.blogspot.com/p/tour-info-sign-up.html
Make sure you have a Facebook page. www.facebook.com Some authors have a personal page for family and friends and a professional page.
Twitter is important. You can use Hootsuite to manage your tweets. http://hootsuite.com/
Many authors will be willing to host you on their site. I have a First Kiss Friday feature where I host the first kiss from author’s novels. Here’s a simple list, there’s many more out there:
www.laurel-odonnell.com
http://writerwonderland.weebly.com/
http://juliekenner.com/2013/02/hump-day-books-from-terese-ramin-maryann-miller-maggie-marr-karen-mccullough-doranna-durgin-tawny-weber-danelle-harmon-and-melanie-jackson/
http://theloglineblog.blogspot.co.at/p/blog-submissions.html
http://storyfinds.com/
Get your books reviewed! There are sites that will do honest book reviews. There’s no better marketing then someone who likes your book! There are a lot of sites out there. Just make sure that they review the genre of your book.
http://blithelybookish.blogspot.com/p/review-request-guidelines.html
http://www.stormgoddessbookreviews.blogspot.com/p/request-review.html?zx=255ffb354fc3ebd9
http://badbarbsreviews.blogspot.com/?zx=fbc3faa9e6797845
http://mariereadsandreviews.blogspot.co.uk/
You can always take out ads on sites. But make sure they are sites for readers. Find out who their target audience is, if you can, and make sure it’s the same as yours. Here’s some popular sites right now:
http://www.bookbub.com/home/overview.php
http://www.bookgorilla.com/
http://www.romancebooks4us.com/
http://ebookimpresario.com/advertise/
http://theindiechicks.com/advertising-and-collaborations/
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/advertising/
The biggest problem with marketing your book is that what works for one author, may not work for you. So, continue to change up your marketing plan, and continue to try different things.
There are other ways, such as blogging at other sites. But nothing is more important than that next book! So…GET TO WORK! And good luck!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! #14 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” – Albert Einstein
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - 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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