Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 86
July 19, 2012
First Kiss Friday – The Loyal Heart by Merry Farmer
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Merry Farmer, author of medieval romance The Loyal Heart. Welcome Merry! And I’d also like to wish Merry a very happy birthday! Today is her birthday. 
Here’s the first kiss between Aubrey and Crispin.
“You’re awfully quiet,” she broke the silence when they were in the stairwell.
He cleared his throat in vain. “I have nothing to say.” It was true. He didn’t want to say anything.
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed.
They continued up the stairs and along the hallway in silence. When they reached her room Aubrey entered and started to shut the door behind her. He stopped it from closing and stepped inside.
She turned and sighed at his boldness, crossing her arms. “I did not invite you in.”
“Aubrey, I-”
“I thought you didn’t have anything to say.” One eyebrow quirked up over flashing eyes. She stood firm but didn’t order him out.
He left the door open as he approached her. The smooth line of her shoulder stood out in sharp relief against the lightning-split sky. His mouth watered to taste the salt of her skin. “Buxton has agreed to our marriage. He has set a date. Saturday.”
He searched her eyes for panic, fear, rejection. He found steel. “Buxton has given his consent.” She repeated his statement with a flat stare, crossing her arms.
“Yes, he-”
“Buxton.” She blew out a breath and shook her head.
Her hair had dried and spilled over her shoulder in warm brown waves. One curling lock had settled between her breasts as she crossed her arms. He couldn’t remember what she had said. “Is something the matter?”
“Do you have to ask his permission to piss?”
The question withered the coil of heat in his gut. “He gave me land and a position of power and respect.” He couldn’t meet her eyes as he gave his worn excuse.
She took a step towards him. “That’s in the past. How much control does he have now?” He turned away. She didn’t give him time to gather his raging thoughts into an answer. “Could the Council of Nobles really vote to take Windale from you?”
His eyes snapped up to meet hers at the apparent change of subject. Suspicion constricted his throat. “Theoretically the Council could overturn any decision Buxton has made if they have the support of the crown. But it isn’t likely. Buxton has most of the nobles in his pocket and Prince John is his friend.”
“And what about you?” She took another step towards him. The fire in his blood flared again. “Does he have you in his pocket?”
Yes. He did. The truth twisted his stomach.
“No,” he answered her, stepping closer. She was a breath away, eyes flaring up to meet his. He could feel the heat of her anger spark the air between them. “Buxton does not control me.”
“Then do something!” she seethed, gripping his arms as if she could steer the course of the world through his muscles. “Stop placating him. Set my friends free whether he gives his permission or not. Don’t let him-”
His mouth crashed over hers before she could finish. He pulled her against him, one arm tight around her waist while the other cradled the back of her head. Her body was rigid in his arms as he tasted her, curled his fingers in her hair. She shuddered and her fingers dug into his biceps as he softened his kiss, teasing his tongue across hers, nipping at her lips. The hand on her waist caressed lower, splaying on the contour of her bottom, between her legs, pressing her hips up against his. He tipped her chin up and lowered his hungry mouth to her neck, licking her fiery pulse. Her nails burrowed harder and the groan from deep in her throat snapped him to his senses.
Gasping Crispin stepped back, pressing his wrist to his mouth and whipping away from her. “I’m sorry,” he panted, “That was inappropriate.” His voice was gruff with shame as he tore past her.
“Crispin-” She called his name as he fled into the hall, slamming the door behind him.
Link to my website: http://merryfarmer.net
Link to The Loyal Heart on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005R4K75W
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 17, 2012
Angel’s Assassin now available on iBooks!
Angel’s Assassin is now available in the iTunes store and iBooks for your iPad, iPhone and other Apple devices!
You can buy Angel’s Assassin on iTunes/iBooks here.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 15, 2012
Inspirational Quote Monday! #26 of 2012
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Character is doing the right thing when no one is watching.” – J.C. Watts
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 14, 2012
Lost Souls hits the top 10 on Kobo in their Ghost category
Lost Souls: Resurrection is in the top 10 on Kobo in their Ghost category! At least as of today July 14, 2012.
You can follow the link above, or use Kobo’s website navigation to go to Home>Fiction & Literature>Fiction>Ghost
Lost Souls: Imperfection is in the works, so keep an eye out for Book 2 in this new urban fantasy series – coming soon! Thanks to all who have supported the launch of this brand new series. More exciting episodes to follow. And remember you can get each book in the Lost Souls series for only $0.99 cents!
You can buy the ebook on Kobo, or you can click on the book cover to go to the Lost Souls page to see all the other eBookStores where it is also available for purchase.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 12, 2012
First Kiss Friday – Dangerous Talents by Frankie Robertson
Today’s First Kiss Friday featured guest is Frankie Robertson, author of fantasy romance Dangerous Talents. Welcome Frankie! Here’s the first kiss between Cele and Dahleven.
Dahleven waved her into the dimly lit storeroom, then locked the gate and relieved her of the torch. Holding it aloft, he led the way down a dim aisle formed by wooden boxes and hundreds of sacks of grain. The torchlight flickered across hollows and recesses; shadows wavered and jumped.
Suddenly, a blackness shot down from above, landing abruptly at Cele’s feet. A spike of fear shot through her, and she shrieked. Breath jerked raggedly in her lungs, and she jumped back, banging against the boxes. Her eyes, adapted to the dim light, followed the shape as it streaked down the aisle.
It was a cat.
Dahleven swung around, sword drawn, just in time to see the mouser before it disappeared into another hidey-hole. Cele laughed shakily. Her eyes met Dahleven’s in chagrined amusement, and his tight expression returned a crooked half-smile. He chuckled before sheathing his weapon.
Something tight released in Cele. A giggle bubbled to the surface. She shook with it, overcome by the absurdity of startling at a cat after what she’d been through in the last week. Laughter bounced through her, shaking loose from the uncertainty and fear, anguish, and loss. Her breath came in gasps, and she propped one shoulder against the wall of boxes.
Dahleven’s half-smile spread across his face, and his chuckle grew to full-throated mirth. He leaned on the boxes next to Cele, his shoulders quaking with the force of his laughter, then threw back his head and let it pour out of him.
It was a beautiful sound, delightful and rich, and it triggered another gale of merriment from Cele. Tears trickled from the corners of her eyes. The tension poured out of her. Gradually, the wildness of her laugh faded back to giggles.
Close by her, Dahleven’s laughter subsided as he wiped moisture from his cheek. He faced her, left shoulder against the boxes, right hand holding the torch, and smiled into her eyes. He was barely a foot away, and the closeness felt comfortable, bonded as they were by humor and the release of days of worry and fear. When he leaned over and kissed her, she didn’t pull away.
It was a brief and gentle query. Then he pulled back a scant inch.
That small kiss wasn’t enough. Cele turned her face up, seeking Dahleven’s mouth. That seemed to release him, and he took her lips again, caressing them with his own. He stood, pulling away from where he leaned against the wall of boxes, freeing his left arm to slip around her. His hand bumped into her belt-pack, then collided with her backpack before he finally pulled her close. She giggled, and Dahleven snorted his amusement, then bent to kiss her again. Cele’s fingers gripped his shoulders. Every point of contact sizzled over her skin like a Fourth of July sparkler, and each spark threatened to ignite a conflagration. He tasted warm and salty and of something more that was ineffably Dahleven. His beard was soft, and she sighed with pleasure when he trailed little kisses down her cheek and neck.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
Interview at Romance Promo Central!
I’ve been interviewed at Romance Promo Central! Please check it!
http://romancepromocentral.com/2012/07/12/interview-laurel-odonnell-author-angels-assassin/
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 11, 2012
Who Said It Answer! #7 of 2012
The quote was – “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.”
John Smith said it from the movie Pocahontas. Did you get it right? This was a hard one!
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 10, 2012
Who Said It Wednesday! #7 of 2012
Here’s the quote – “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.”
Who said it and from what movie?
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 9, 2012
Inspirational Quote Monday! #25 of 2012
It’s Inspirational Quote Monday! Here’s the quote for the week – “Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you.” – T. A. Barron
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
July 5, 2012
First Kiss Friday – Angel’s Assassin by Laurel O’Donnell
This is the first kiss between Damien and Aurora from my new medieval romance novel, Angel’s Assassin!
Aurora inhaled a slight gasp.
His hands glided through her hair, gently working through any resistance. He brushed her hair away from her shoulder, his fingers softly skimming her neck.
She was not resisting! She stood before him, letting him take down her hair. He would have to move slowly. Slowly, so as not to frighten her. He dipped his head, running his lips along her throat. She tasted salty and smelled of fresh roses.
Aurora tilted her head slightly, giving him better access to her neck.
And he took her invitation, kissing her neck. He ran his tongue languidly up to her nape and then down again. Damien set his hands on her shoulders, gently with a feathery touch, so she wouldn’t even notice. He gently nipped her neck and she gasped in startled excitement as he began to suck her tender skin. His hands slid easily down her arms, arms pressed so tightly against her sides that his fingertips touched the soft globes of her bosom. He pulled her tight against him so she could feel the heat of his body, feel the hardness of his manhood.
Aurora gasped, rolling her head to her shoulder as the tender caress of his mouth moved to her ear, sending shivers of delight throughout her body.
The little nymph even moved her bottom against his manhood. How he longed to take her right there. How he longed to throw up her skirts and have her, but he forced himself to move slowly. He didn’t want to frighten her. He didn’t want her to bolt. Slowly, his fingers began a soft caress of her arms, moving up and down between her arm and the side of her breasts, feeling the soft fullness of them. Her muffled groan encouraged him and he lifted his forefinger to run it over the sensitive tip of her breasts. A gentle intake of her breath allowed him to press a little harder as he slowly traced her nipples. He circled them, moving his fingers round and round them until they were hard pebbles. Then he allowed two fingers to circle her nipples in larger and larger circles.
Aurora closed her eyes as wonderful tremors raced down her body. His lips were working magic on her neck and she could not summon the will to stop him from touching her. Her knees weakened.
Damien moved his hands beneath her breasts, cupping them, allowing his thumbs to take the place of his fingers, rubbing, caressing, gently squeezing.
Aurora felt the change in his caresses then. More demanding. More intense. There was no pretense about what he was doing. His hands moved up to cover her breasts. She whirled out of his hold and backed away.
Damien was not to be put off. A dark intensity burned in his eyes. He stalked her.
Aurora continued to move away until her back hit a tree. She turned to move, but Damien’s arm blocked her path. She whirled the other way, but his other arm was there, trapping her.
“Admit it,” he whispered, his voice husky.
Aurora pressed herself back against the tree and lifted her gaze to meet his.
“You liked it,” he coaxed softly, delight shining in his eyes.
“No,” she answered fervently, again turning to flee.
This time, Damien stepped in close. Their bodies weren’t touching, but he was so close he could feel the heat from her body. “Liar.”
Aurora shook her head, denying his accusation.
“I’ll prove it.” His lips were almost touching hers, so close. “You will lift your lips for me to kiss.”
Aurora shook her head. She looked away, her eyes darting across his bare chest as if searching for a way of escape.
Damien bent his arms, bringing his face close to hers. He moved his lips near her forehead, not touching, but wanting to. He slowly lowered his mouth down over her cheek to hover over her lips. He could feel her sweet breath on his lips. He wanted to taste her, feel her against him. He was so hard he thought he would explode. So close to her.
Her lids drooped over her eyes. “Damien,” she whispered in a shaken voice.
“I know you want to,” he coaxed. “Let me kiss you. Lift your lips to me.”
Her mouth was open, her breath coming in shallow gasps. She lifted her head just slightly but not enough to be a surrender. Her nose touched his, sending tingles of desire through his body. It was such an innocent gesture, so tentative.
His lips skimmed hers. She was so tantalizing. So breathtaking. Just a kiss. One kiss. “Aurora,” he called.
Aurora lifted her eyes to his, lifted her lips to his, giving in to the temptation.
Laurel O'Donnell - Author - Medieval Romance Novels, Paranormal Romance Novels and Urban Fantasy
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Perhaps it was ridiculous, Ryen thought. Men never seemed to have a problem with taking what, ...more
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