Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 73
April 4, 2013
First Kiss Friday – Vain by Jill Hughey
Today’s First Kiss guest is Jill Hughey, author of historical romance Vain. Welcome back Jill! Here’s the first kiss between Lily and Theophilus.
This excerpt is from Jill Hughey’s brand new historical romance, Vain, which is book three in the Evolution Series.
Lily, abandoned by her tailor father, has been forced to move out of their shop and into the household of Theophilus, Lord of Ribeauville. Theo loves clothes and is eager to try on a new tunic she has been sewing for him. He has just pulled it on and rushed to his chamber for a mirror. Gusta, the housekeeper, is very suspicious of this merchant girl being in the hall with the master.
BEGINNING OF EXCERPT
Lily remained planted in the dark. Even if he called for her, she would not go into his bedchamber with him. She startled when Gusta emerged from the kitchen. The plump housekeeper paused when she saw Lily in the shadows, then gaped when she noticed the master’s tunic and undertunic thrown across the table.
“What is going on here?” she demanded. Lily began to stammer. Fortunately, her lord saved her.
“Gusta!” Theophilus yelled. “Look at this!” He returned to them, toting the lamp and smiling broadly. “Look at what Lily has been sewing for me.”
The servant relaxed, though she glared one last suspicious warning at Lily. “No one ever doubted her ability as a seamstress,” she declared. “Can I clear the wine?”
“Yes, we are done,” he agreed.
“Then the weaver girl can go to bed,” Gusta suggested. Lily did not like the way she said weaver girl, using the same inflection she might have placed on the term Whore of Babylon.
“Not yet. We have to decide on the hem first,” Theophilus informed her cheerfully. “Go home, Gusta. It is late already.” He bent forward to study the front of the tunic where it trailed down his legs, oblivious to the reluctance of his housekeeper to leave them alone while he was dressing and undressing. Still, she obeyed, quietly gathering the urn and two cups, then retreating to her domain in the kitchen where soon all became quiet. Theophilus straightened. “Thought about it quite a bit and I think I agree the hem should be a tad above the knee.”
“That will be better, my lord,” Lily said, relieved by his decision and the return to interaction she understood between them. She had brought a stub of chalk and some needle and thread from upstairs, just in case, so she knelt in front of him to fold the fabric to the appropriate length. Even with the task at hand, the awareness of him as a man had not completely disappeared. She noticed every inadvertent brush of her fingers against his knees and thighs and was relieved when she could rise to step back to a safer distance. “Will you, uh, check that?” she mumbled.
He stared at her for a moment, as if the request did not make sense, then he went to his room. He returned quickly. “A little too short,” he said.
Having seen him walk in the garment, with the hem hiking up unattractively, she agreed with him but dreaded making the adjustment. What had happened to cause such consciousness of his body, warm and alive right in front of her? Do your job, she reminded herself. She knelt again to tug out the three tacks she’d sewn in place. She tried her best to avoid the contact with him that made her skin tingle as she lowered the hem and sewed through the fabric again. Her hands trembled.
“Are you done?” He sounded impatient.
She glanced up from beneath her lashes. He was looking down, a falcon over a mouse.
“Ah, damn.” He shocked her when he reached down to grip her elbow and pull her upright, searching her eyes with a restiveness that indicated he was indeed feeling impatient with her. His thumb traced tenderly along her jaw and over her lips, sending sparkles of…something…down into her belly. “Did Arn ever kiss you?” he asked thickly as he cradled her chin in his hand.
“Of course not,” she replied, confused. “He is a gentleman.”
Her description annoyed him. “He is a boy and a fool,” he asserted as he stared at her mouth then ran his thumb along her lower lip again. Unfamiliar intensity stiffened his posture. He leaned forward. She should have known what would follow. In her innocence, the light brush of his lips over hers surprised and paralyzed her with its novelty and gentleness. She examined the experience for a moment, liking his kiss intensely, and when his dry mouth and tickly beard pressed against her more firmly, he awakened an unfamiliar passion. Her chin lifted to bring her lips into better alignment with his. They teased one another’s mouths for a few moments. Lily wished she could spin them out forever.
He retreated slightly, studying her from behind hooded eyelids. “A complete fool,” he amended, then he pressed against her in earnest, one hand moving to her neck while the other slid to her hip. His lips caressed hers in a tantalizing motion. Her mouth opened instinctively, letting his tongue slip along her lips and slide against her tongue.
Wine and heat and longing curled through her.
END OF EXCERPT
Vain is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and most other online book stores.
Thank you for letting me visit today, Laurel.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
First Kiss Friday – My Daring Highlander by Vonda Sinclair
Today’s First Kiss Friday guest is Vonda Sinclair, author of historical romance My Daring Highlander. Welcome back Vonda! Vonda will be giving away an ebook copy of My Daring Highlander to one lucky commenter, so be sure to leave a comment! Here’s the first kiss between Keegan and Seona.
In the near darkness, the rattle of Keegan’s belt startled her. What was he about? A moment later, a warm wool plaid surrounded her like a blanket. He pulled it around her and attached it beneath her chin with the brooch that had been fastened at his shoulder.
He had disrobed for her? Her face heated. “I cannot take your plaid.”
“Aye, you can and you will. I’ll not have you freezing to death on my watch.” He belted his weapons about his waist again.
“I wouldn’t freeze this time of year.” Though it was May, late spring in the far north of Scotland was much cooler than it was further south, where she’d grown up.
Keegan still wore a long linen shirt that reached almost to his knees, but to have taken his plaid… she couldn’t be so stingy.
“We could share this plaid,” she suggested.
She could only see an outline of him and the dim glow of his shirt in the night, but somehow she knew he was observing her, or trying to.
“I’m plenty warm,” he murmured, his voice husky. He withdrew his sword from the scabbard and turned his head. “Tell me if you hear anything.”
“Very well.” She knew he needed to concentrate on listening for enemies, but the time they had alone was rare and precious. After several minutes of peaceful silence, she felt it safe to whisper, “Earlier, you were going to tell me what you wished for.” She but wanted to know more about him, to learn who he was on the deepest level.
He turned to face her, his breathing close. She perceived his outline in the dim moonlight, but not his features or expression.
“I shouldn’t tell you,” he finally said.
“Why not?” Now, her curiosity was piqued. She wished to know all Keegan’s secrets.
“I’m not sure you would like it,” he murmured in a warning tone.
“Why? Do you wish to be an outlaw?” Could he have such shocking aspirations?
He gave a brief, low chuckle. “Nay.”
“What, then?”
After a long, tense moment of silence, he stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, then ran it into her unbound hair. He drew nearer still, his breath teasing the skin of her face.
“Seona,” he whispered against her forehead, then kissed her there. “This.” Slowly, he kissed her temple, her cheek. “This is what I wish for.”
All the breath left her and she could not draw more in. The kisses on her face created tingles that spread quickly throughout her entire body.
Lightly, he brushed his warm, tempting lips over hers. Her eyes slid closed for surely she had drifted into a dream world.
With his thumb, he gently stroked her face and jaw line. His lips were firm, but at the same time, soft and smooth. The short, rough whiskers on his chin scratched against her tender skin, but it wasn’t painful; it excited her and made her realize how very masculine he was.
His insistent lips compelled her to return his kiss, though she knew not how. She had never been kissed before, but she followed her instincts, pressing her lips against his and mimicking his movements.
“Mmm,” he breathed and kissed her more firmly. His lips nipped at hers, snatching her thoughts and scattering them to the breeze. When he touched the tip of his tongue to her lips, as if he wanted to taste her, a sound escaped her before she could stop it. Heavens! His tongue felt wicked. She wished he would do it again.
Trying to figure out how kissing worked, she parted her lips. He growled and darted his tongue into her mouth. That sultry move stole the strength from her legs, but she held on around his neck. Her breasts and other, lower, parts of her body tingled with a strange magic. What was happening to her?
Keegan tore his mouth away from hers. “Listen.” He turned his head toward the north.
She held her breath, trying to listen. With her heartbeat thumping in her ears, she could perceive naught.
Finally, she heard it. In the distance, horses’ hooves pounded, louder and louder…
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 31, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #13 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another.” – Marquis De Condorcet
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 28, 2013
First Kiss Friday – Apollo’s Gift by Sandy L. Rowland
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sandy L. Rowland, author of romantic fantasy Apollo’s Gift. Welcome Sandy! Here’s the first kiss between Cassie Priam and Apollo.
Cassie opened her eyes to slits. She hadn’t been annihilated. No thunderbolts streaked across the sky, and no fissure gaped to swallow her whole. Tremors had put her off balance, but they weren’t worthy of panic. Get hold of yourself. This was only a dream. Any minute she’d wake. And since this was her dream, she refused to cower. He floated like a cloud. “I’ve come to give you a gift.”
“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” she murmured. “Thank you for the offer, but I couldn’t possibly accept.”
“It is my will.” Another tremor sent her to all fours and her hand struck rough stone.
“Fine.” She shifted to her bottom and rubbed a red patch on her palm. “What is it?”
He landed beside her, his white robes fluttering in the breeze. “The greatest of all gifts, prophecy.”
She got to her feet and glared at the dream masquerading as Apollo. His warm breath grazed her cheek. “Oh, no,” she argued. “That never turns out well.”
“I admit that in your previous incarnation things didn’t go as I’d planned.” He shrugged one shoulder. “But I’ve negotiated with Hades, and paid a high price so your soul could take form in this body.” He leaned over her. “You’re my Cassandra, Princess of Troy.”
“Whoa! You bought my soul?” She backed up into a marble wall. “Even if I believed I had one, I’m sure it would belong to me. Who said you could buy it?” This was a nightmare. “And this whole prophecy deal, that was a disaster. Apollo gave Cassandra that gift and then cursed her so no one believed her warnings. I think I’ll pass.”
“No, faithless, mortal woman. The curse came by way of your lie. You promised me your virtue and then spurned me.” His honeyed voice had taken on a definite edge.
“Hey, not me.” She threw her hands up in defense. “Cassandra was murdered ages ago and my virtue is not open to discussion. I don’t even believe in gods and prophecy.” Wake up, Cassie. Wake up.
“Hear me.” He stroked her hair with the tips of his fingers sending a tingle over her scalp. She wanted to move away but couldn’t, his soft, seductive tone freezing her in place. “You have a chance to make amends and give yourself to me. Honor your promise and all will be well.”
“For who?” Even for a dream, this was a pretty lame line.
The corners of his mouth twitched. “You are still pure.”
“Well, that’s none of your business.” Heat rushed into her face. She brushed the dirt from her robe and glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
“I am a god and discern that you haven’t known a man.” A satisfied smile spread across his full, perfect lips. “I am pleased.”
“Right,” she grumbled. The man was exasperating.
“You doubt me.”
This had gone on too long. “Enough already. You’re part of a dream brought on by hot sun and a romantic location, nothing to take seriously.”
At least six foot five, he towered over her like an ionic column. He moved closer, pressing her against the wall. Her heart thumped in response. He’s a dream, a deliciously tempting dream.
He leaned in, his mouth a kiss away. His breath tantalized with the scent of nectar. “I’m real and eternally serious.”
She licked her dry lips. Maybe she was wrong and this wasn’t a nightmare but a really, really good dream.
“This is no dream.” He brushed his lips over hers, soft, warm and as addictive as the fabled ambrosia. She leaned in wanting more, but he denied her. “It’s done.”
“What’s done?” she murmured.
“The gift is given.”
“No. Wait.”
“Once given, I can’t take it back.”
Panic tightened her chest. It’s a dream. Damn it. “Take it back.” She sputtered and spit. Something had to rid her of his gift. “I won’t use it. Prophecy or not, nothing can make me tell people.” She wiped her wet mouth on her sleeve.
A beautifully irritating smile spread over his mouth. “Ah, Cassandra, you haven’t changed. The same argument you tried in your last incarnation. I’ve missed this.”
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 27, 2013
Lost Souls: Deception is here!
Episode 3 of my popular urban fantasy series, Lost Souls, is here! Deception continues with the story of Samantha, Ben and Christian, three Souls who are fighting to save humans from the evil Changed.
Here’s an excerpt for you! Enjoy!
Ben looked down at his feet. He didn’t know what to say to Cora. There was no easy solution to her situation, but every moment he was away from her, he thought she might be trying to get more power. He felt obligated to stay with her, to help her resist.
“You know, I was thinking. About that angel. About how to go with her.”
Ben shook his head. “We’ve gone over this, Cora. There’s only one way you can go with her. And making the Jump is out of the question.”
“If I absorb enough power–” Ben continued to shake his head with even more conviction and Cora hurried to continue. “Then she would come for me.” She grabbed his arm. “Listen to me. All I have to do is absorb some power from the Souls, not all of it.”
“No! That’s not going to happen.”
“There’s no other way. You know it. I want it to be over. I want to be done with this unending life. I think that I’ve earned it. Six hundred years!”
“Draining Souls is not an option.”
“I won’t hurt them! They can recharge. I won’t kill them. I just need energy. Just to make the Jump.”
“Into some poor human?”
“No. I’ve really thought about this. It should be into a human who is dying.”
Ben’s gaze swept her face. No Changed wants to Jump into a dying human. What would be the point of that? How could they hurt humans that way?
“Maybe someone in a hospital. Someone sick. I just want the angel to come for me. I want her to…take me.”
Ben sighed. There was no other way for Cora. As a Changed, there was only one way to die. “It would take centuries to build up that kind of energy. The kind of energy you need to make the Jump.”
“I need Souls, Ben. Please, don’t think bad of me. But I need their energy and I need it soon.”
“No. I won’t do that. I won’t help you with that.”
“It’s the only way. I need the energy to make the Jump, otherwise, I’m stuck here.”
Ben shook his head. He wasn’t going to offer up his friends. He didn’t want her draining them. “Don’t ask that of me, Cora.”
“Maybe some of them will help us. Maybe some –”
“You know they would never do that. Not with you…like you are now.”
Cora flinched and then nodded.
Ben saw the glimmer of hurt in her black eyes before she turned away.
“There has to be a way. I mean, we have the Regen Chambers. Eugene has a Regen bed. It’s not like I’ll drain them completely. I’d never do that.”
“They won’t do it. You know that.” Ben couldn’t even tell any of them he had found Cora. The others would come after her. “And I’m not going to ask them to.”
Cora’s brows came together. “If you’re not even willing to consider that option, then you think of something!” She crossed her arms.
Ben opened his mouth to argue with her, but then snapped it shut. It was no use. “I’ll think of something else.”
“There is nothing else!” Cora shouted. She sat back. “I’m stuck here.”
“You’re not alone. I’m here. I’ll help you.”
“You couldn’t help me before. You couldn’t stop me from changing.”
Ben winced at the truth in her words. “Cora –”
She fazed away from him to the tree. “Stay away from me before I drain you.” And then she vanished.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 24, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #12 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.” – Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 21, 2013
First Kiss Friday – An Improper Situation by Sydney Jane Baily
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Sydney Jane Baily, author of historical romance An Improper Situation. Welcome Sydney! Here’s the first kiss between Charlotte and Reed.
“You seem to have no notion of just how appealing you are,”Reed continued. “Not just your fine face,” he said, touching her cheek with his hand, “or your glorious hair,” he added, twisting it around his finger, “but coupled with your admirable intellect, Miss Sanborn, I can only believe the reason you’ve not been plucked off the tree of single womanhood by now is that you’ve hidden yourself in this backward place.”
She opened her mouth to defend Spring City as best she could, but she could think of nothing with him kneeling beside her in the grass. She could hear nothing more for the blood was pounding in her ears, and she could feel her heart beating an excited tattoo in her chest. She was silent, watching this man with his tousled hair, whose handsome face looked so earnestly into her own.
“I’m wondering, Charlotte Sanborn, if right now you’d mind being kissed, because at this moment, I have an incredibly strong urge—no, a compulsion—to kiss you.”
For a long moment, she could not find her voice, staring into his blue eyes, which had become so familiar, whether engaging her across the dining room table or flickering intelligently as they conversed in her study at night.
There was a falling in the pit of her stomach as if she were sailing high on the rope swing she’d shared with her brother as a child.
Reed Malloy was not smiling now; he looked extremely serious and that fact, too, made her tremble. She did, at this moment, want desperately for him to kiss her. But she was ashamed to tell him that she had never been kissed by a man before, that she didn’t know how to or what he expected of her.
Yet when she opened her mouth to tell him this, all she said was, “Yes.”
A fire lit in his eyes, and the expression on his face turned sensuous at her acquiescence, anticipating what would come next. With him on his knees and her on the chair, they were face-to-face. He had merely to lean forward and he did.
Charlotte held her breath a moment, relishing the warm smell of him, the softly spicy sandalwood that always clung to his clothes and the male scent that she recognized as his alone. Her palms were wet and she dropped the comb as his face came closer.
Her eyes locked on his until the last moment when she closed them. She gave herself over entirely to feeling, both her hearing and sight lost in the sensation of his mouth pressing against her own.
His lips were a sweet surprise, firm but gentle, slightly rough—and the roughness was an unexpected delight. His hands did not touch her at all, but enclosed her by resting on the arms of her chair, so she felt enveloped by him. His shirt brushed her arm as he leaned closer, and she shivered.
She wanted this moment to last and last as his kiss grew firmer. He didn’t hold her head, but she kissed him in fervent response, as if pressed from behind. For just a moment, she felt his tongue against her lips, and it sent shock waves that seemed to head directly to her most feminine parts.
Then slowly, lingeringly, he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers as her eyes opened in wonder to look at him. She gasped drawing air into her starved lungs.
“Oh,” she said, still breathing heavily. He sat back on his heels with a mystified look lurking in his glittering eyes, and she noticed his own chest rising and falling rapidly.
“Thank you for the honor, Miss Sanborn.” His voice was honey thick and low, as if it stuck in his throat. Then, in a quick, fluid motion, he was up on his feet and walking toward the house.
Charlotte sat in her chair, stunned by what had happened. It was as if she’d conjured him with all her thoughts that morning. But she half-suspected that he’d hurried off to hide his own turbulent emotions.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 19, 2013
Endings
Endings are so important. I never want my readers to be disappointed at the end of my novel. I create characters and put them through hell so that they can have a happy ever after that will satisfy my readers.
Ending a book can be difficult. You never want to throw something in at the end that wasn’t hinted to or introduced somewhere else in the book. That would leave your readers feeling cheated.
Don’t let your characters do something that isn’t in their personality, or something they would never do, just to wrap it all up. Your readers have invested time with these characters. Don’t cheat them by allowing your character to do something contrary to their nature simply for plot.
Wrap things up. In real life, everything is not neatly wrapped up. But in novels, they are. Don’t leave unfinished business unless your novel is part of a trilogy or a series.
Endings are important. Don’t skimp on this part. Take your time and do it right. Let your reader turn off the ereader, sigh and say ‘that was a great book’.
My favorite television series, Supernatural, has a perfect quote for endings. Chuck the Prophet says, “Endings are hard. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning, but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end, but you never can. The fans are always gonna bitch. There’s always gonna be holes. And since it’s the ending, it’s all supposed to add up to something. I’m telling you, they’re a raging pain in the ass.”
Make your pain in the ass shine!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 17, 2013
Inspirational Quote Monday! #11 of 2013
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
March 14, 2013
First Kiss Friday – A Knight’s Duty by Dana D’Angelo
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Dana D’Angelo, author of historical romance A Knight’s Duty. Welcome back Dana! Here’s the first kiss between Lady Amelie de Calmette and Sir Derrik d’Evant.
His eyes dropped to her mouth, watching her soft tongue dart across her lips.
The corners of his mouth curved upward as if he knew which direction her thoughts had gone, and that she wanted nothing more but to feel his lips brush erotically against hers.
She had seen the servants kiss one another before, but she had never been kissed herself, even though suitors had tried. Indeed, she had never been interested. Until now.
This has to stop, she thought fiercely. Yet even as she considered this, she was helpless to do so. The heat was becoming almost unbearable now, the fluttering in her heart, wild with excitement and aye, she will admit it to herself, fear — a fear that her control of the situation was slipping away fast. It was madness, she knew. She had tight control of her actions. In fact she had spent a lifetime successfully controlling every aspect of her life. Yet this man, with only one melting look, could strip away her barrier, her one protection, and leave her feeling stripped naked, vulnerable, and wanting something that only he could deliver.
Derrik’s hand slipped around her nape, gently cupping the back of her head. His other hand trailed down and lightly clasped her jaw. He then tilted her head ever so slightly to the side.
“What are you doing?” she asked, watching him breathlessly, the blood humming through her veins.
Her gaze settled on his mouth as she became mesmerized by his lips which were inching, closer and closer.
With his lips just above hers, his eyes locked onto her brown ones, and he murmured, “You entice me too much, my lady.”
And she was very enticing. He had kissed a number of women; he had even stolen a kiss from the object of his affection when he was young, but he had never felt this all consuming desire to savor the sweetness from one woman’s lips. His brain told him to stop. He knew that one kiss wouldn’t satisfy the raw hunger that ignited the moment he saw Amelie standing at the foot of the castle steps. But even as his mind told him this, his body continued to act on its own accord.
His eyes followed his long fingers as they traced her jaw line, caressing her smooth, silky skin. They trailed along her throat, feeling the fluttering pulse there. His mouth stretched into a smile to discover that she was not wholly unaffected by his touch. Her breathing was erratic, coming out in short, rapid spurts, as if she was underwater, struggling for air.
But the smile that touched upon his lips faded as his own breath quickened. And as his lips hovered over hers, as their breaths intermingled, the roar of his racing heart drowned out all other sounds. His eyes fastened to her mouth once again and all his thoughts, all his desires zeroed in on her plump, luscious lips.
Like a loaded cart set in motion along a hill, there was no way to turn back; he could only move forward, could only go where temptation beckoned.
And when their lips finally touched, the electricity as powerful as a lighting bolt ripped through his body, awakening, charging it, causing that part of him, which had been asleep, to become fully aroused, fully alert…
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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