Laurel O'Donnell's Blog, page 95
January 19, 2012
First Kiss Friday – The Knight and Maggie's Baby by Lisa Mondello
Today's First Kiss Friday featured guest is Lisa Mondello, author of the The Knight and Maggie's Baby. Welcome Lisa! Here's the first kiss between Jonah Wallace and Maggie Bonelli.
Introductions of his new mother-in-law to be moved from awkwardness to strained silence as they waited in the lobby for their turn with the justice of the peace.
"Is it going to happen here? Right here in the lobby?" Rhonda asked, glancing around the bland surroundings.
"In the office," Maggie said, staring down at the bouquet of white tea roses Jonah had just given her. She looked like an angel, delicately touching the soft petals of a rose.
She wore a simple cream dress that hung almost to her ankles. It was fitting in the bodice, accentuating her full breasts, but not revealing any cleavage, and fanned out, flowing over her hips. She wore her hair pinned back in a twist of some sort, anchored with a large comb decorated with tiny pink and yellow flowers. She was quite a contrast from the woman wearing a dried food stained waitress uniform the day they'd met. He thought she was beautiful then, but it didn't compare to now.
And she was as nervous as he felt. That much was evident by the way she tapped her cream pumps in a staccato rhythm on the beige tiled floor.
Rhonda leaned close to Maggie. "It's not right. You should have married in the church."
"Ssh. Mom, we've been through this."
Rhonda lifted her eyes to Jonah. He would have takenvenom from a rattle snake to the stare she'd cast him.
"It's just not right. A girl dreams of a real wedding. You know, flowers and bridesmaids and…dried baked stuffed chicken at the reception that nobody wanted but her mother." Rhonda rose up high in her chair. "You're marrying my daughter with no church wedding? No honeymoon? Is that how you plan to treat–"
Maggie grabbed Rhonda's arm and stood just as the door to the Justice of the Peace's office opened. "Mom, it's time."
She peered up at Jonah with her blue eyes wild with suddenexcitement and a smile so sparkling it stole his breath away. He had to tell himself tobreathe. It was easy to forget that this was just a marriage for show, that he and Maggieweren't really in love.
And yet, her excitement was so contagious, he found himself getting dizzy. Hooking his arm around hers, Jonah led her into the room.
There was no aisle to walk down, no father of the bride to give her away and that made Maggie's reasons for marrying him abundantly clear. The enormity of what they were embarking on crashed down around him. Was this really worth it? Marrying a stranger just to fulfill the insane wishes of an old man?
They recited their vows in utilitarian fashion, sitting down in front of the desk while the Justice presided. When it came time to kiss his bride, Jonah was struck with a sense of guilt. Everything they were doing seemed so sterile.
Maggie hadn't asked for anything. Although marriage had never played a part in his life plan, he knew weddings were something women dreamed of.Somehow it didn't seem right that he hadn't given her at least something more of awedding for her to remember.
"Well? What are you waiting for?" the Justice said.
Jonah looked at the Justice, then at Maggie.
Standing on the opposite side of Maggie, Rhonda propped her fists on her hips. "It's not legal in my book if you don't kiss the bride."
Jonah couldn't help himself. A quick kiss would have sufficed under the circumstances. But Jonah couldn't help but let his mouth linger on Maggie's full, sweet lips. She tasted of mint and smelled of lilac. But not heavy like perfume, more clean, like the fragrance of soap. No other part of them touched. When he pulled away, he saw that her face was flush as he felt, and he wondered if the temperature gauge in the room had suddenly been turned up to 100 degrees.
"Welcome to the family, Jonah," Rhonda said, her eyes heavy with unshed tears. She lifted her finger and pointed to him, her venom stare slicing through him. "You take good care of my daughter or I'll shoot you."
*****
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January 14, 2012
Free eBook on Amazon for your Kindle
The Bride and the Brute is now free on Amazon
For a limited time, you can now get this medieval romance novella as a free eBook for your Kindle!
This free eBook also contains short excerpts, full chapter previews, books covers and reviews of Laurel O'Donnell's other romance novels as well.
Thanks for all your support and we hope you enjoy The Bride and the Brute
January 12, 2012
First Kiss Friday – Cassidy's War by Susan Macatee
Today's First Kiss Friday featured guest is Susan Macatee, author of American Victorian romance Cassidy's War. Welcome Susan! Here's the first kiss between Cassidy Stuart and George Masters.
She collapsed against him, her warm, soft body inviting his embrace. Careful not to alarm her mother, he brushed his hands over Cassidy's back as she sobbed against his coat, her familiar warmth and scent increased his yearning to have her back in his life again. He turned back to catch Mrs. Stuart's glance. She mouthed, Thank you, then turned away.
"There, there," he said to Cassidy. "You can't blame yourself for what happened."
"But I thought I could be a doctor. I'm nothing but a failure." Her arms tightened around him as if she clung for her life.
"I heard in town the new doc—Madison, I think his name is—arrived afterward."
She didn't speak but didn't release her hold. After a long moment, she lifted her tear streaked face. "Yes, he was there. Too late to help…and he blamed me for all of it."
"The bastard!" George gripped her tightly wanting to protect her. "Pardon my language, Cassie, but I can't abide the man." He wouldn't let Madison allow her to take the blame for something not her fault. "What did he say?"
She frowned as if trying to remember his exact words. "Something about…Ned should have called him. He could have saved them both." She tightened her grip around his waist. "Oh, George! I've never felt this horrible in my whole life. Even during the war…"
"I know…" He kissed her forehead. "Life or death…it's all in God's hands. You didn't do anything wrong. All you did was try to help a patient."
"And I failed." Her face scrunched up. In all the years he'd known Cassidy, he'd never seen her cry like this. Even when he had left her. But once he was gone for parts unknown, she might have fallen into grief. And of course, it had been less than six months since her father's death.
He glanced toward the doorway. Although it was open, her mother no longer hovered there. Had she left to allow them privacy? Lifting Cassidy's chin between his fingers, he tilted her face forcing her to look at him. "Cassie, I know I didn't do right by you all those years ago, but if you'll allow me to help…?"
She frowned. "Help? Help how?"
He leaned down and pressed his lips against her soft, warm ones, tasting her sweetness and the salt of her tears. He moved slow, keeping his gaze on the door.
After a moment, she softened in his arms and responded to his kiss, shooting delightful sensations to his groin. But he had to take this easy. He released her and gazed into her eyes.
He wanted to warn her about Madison but couldn't chance revealing his knowledge about the doctor, even to her. He glanced back at the doorway in case Mrs. Stuart or someone else lingered.
Cassidy drew in a deep breath and wiped her eyes.
*****
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January 10, 2012
Hot New Releases in Historical Romance
Wow. Thanks for the enthusiastic response to The Bride and the Brute!
As of today, it has reached #11 in Amazon's hot new releases in historical romance and #61 in the entire hot new releases in romance category.
Your support truly is appreciated. Thank you!
January 9, 2012
Inspirational Quote Monday! #2 in 2012
It's Inspirational Quote Monday! Here's the quote for the week – "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." – Albert Einstein
January 6, 2012
First Kiss Friday – Surrender to Honor by Jannine Corti Petska
Today's First Kiss Friday featured guest is Jannine Corti Petska, author of historical romance Surrender to Honor. Welcome Jannine! Here's the first kiss between Prima Ranieri and Antonio Massaro.
"Think you I would take your head?"
"Sì," Prima replied boldly. Finally, her heart slowed its furious pace. To her misfortune, her senses returned as strong as a battering ram against a castle gate. She flung herself at the arrogant Massaro son, forgetting her legs had been bound for hours. Her knees buckled, and she started to collapse. Antonio caught her with his arm braced across her back and swung her up. She felt him slip his other arm beneath the crook of her knees, capturing her to his body.
"Know you that a soldier does not attack when he is at a disadvantage?"
Prima struggled; regardless that he was nearly twice her size. Worse, she hated herself for liking the coziness he made her feel.
"Save the fight, piccola. You cannot escape me, not as you are, imprisoned in my arms."
His smooth voice lulled her back to a happier time, but she refused to allow herself that same sense of security he had invoked when she was a child and Antonio had been her protector. No longer did she consider him as such, and she'd do well to remember that.
"I am not a woman who craves the comforts of a man."
"A pity that is."
"Put me down. I can stand alone."
"Sì, I believe you can. But I have been long without a woman, and I fear your nearness has set a fire in my loins that will be long in burning out."
"Then I shall find you a bucket of the coldest water."
Antonio rocked with laughter. "Piccola, it would take more than one bucket to extinguish the flames."
An alien warmth covered Prima's body, heating her from the roots of her hair to the ends of her curling toes. It was a different kind of heat, one that began deep in the pit of her belly and spread throughout her entire being. Had she taken leave of her senses? She'd never give in to Antonio's compelling onyx gaze or his ardent voice. She'd not be lured into his trap as had other maidens. Even her cousin Danila had fallen under his spell, believing he would one day marry her. Strange how that memory renewed the jealousy Prima used to feel when Antonio gave his attention to other women.
She rested her head against his shoulder, thicker, firmer than she remembered, but as comfortable as when she'd been a five-year-old child and had fallen asleep in his arms. She felt safe and protected once again, feelings that had eluded her for years, feelings she refused to succumb to only moments ago. Alas, this newfound security was not meant to last. Her nose twitched and tickled, and she suffered another round of sneezing. "In fifteen years you have not outgrown your intolerance to filth and dust."
Prima stiffened her back. Her eyes bore suspiciously into Antonio's. "How long have you known?"
"It matters not."
He shifted his stance, and she feared he would drop her. Prima clung tighter. Then she felt something hard pressing into her hip.
"You are not the child I once cradled and consoled in these very arms. You are a woman, Prima."
"And you are a briccone."
Antonio grinned. "Is that how you perceive me? Mayhap I should take it as flattery. Agreed, piccola, I am a rogue. But at this very moment, I fear the stench in this dungeon is turning my stomach." He sniffed the air before turning his nose down to sniff closer to her body. "Truly, it is not the dungeon giving off such foul odors."
"Damn briccone." She beat him in earnest, her fists looking small against his broad chest and shoulders.
"Hold, guerrerina. I grow weary of your futile battle. Have you not seen a bath in months? Before you leave this castle, I shall see that you have a clean body, fresh clothes, and—" he squeezed her forearm, seemingly displeased "—a belly full of food."
"I'll not accept a thing from a Massaro."
"The choice is not yours. If you continue to fight me, I shall carry you through the castle upon my shoulder and bathe you myself."
"You would not be so bold!"
"And while you are my guest, you would do best to curb that stinging tongue of yours."
"I'll not!"
He crushed her lips beneath his, silencing her protests. Shock sped like lightning up and down her body, instantly rekindling a fire she shouldn't feel. He pulled back, and she gazed into the lustful sheen in his eyes.
"Briccone," she said on a breathy whisper.
*****
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January 4, 2012
The Bride and the Brute Is Here
The Bride and the Brute is a medieval romance novella, so it is not a full length novel like The Angel and the Prince or A Knight of Honor, but we still think it's an enjoyable story and a nice quick read. We hope you agree. There are some special offers on this novella we think you will like…
Read more about this romance ebook here: The Bride and the Brute
January 3, 2012
Lost Souls on eReader Daily News!
Lost Souls: Resurrection is featured on eReader Daily News today! Please stop by and leave a comment. http://www.ereaderdailynews.com/2012/01/lost-souls-resurrection-laurel-odonnell.html
January 2, 2012
Inspirational Quote Monday! #1 for 2012
Happy New Year to everyone! It's Inspirational Quote Monday. Here's the quote for the week – "The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be." – William James
January 1, 2012
2012
Happy New Year to everyone!
2011 has past. For me, it was an amazing year. I was able to bring my backlist to readers in the form of ebooks. I introduced you to Demetrius Mercer and Jade Smith by releasing my first vampire romance, Immortal Death. I brought you Sam and Ben, the rebellious Souls from my urban fantasy series, Lost Souls.
What's in store for this year? Every year holds surprises and new experiences, but what I have planned is the further adventures of Sam, Ben and Christian in the second episode of the Lost Souls series.
I'm planning to bring the troubled and cursed Draegan of Delavan to you as he fights to save his enemy, Princess Juleen of Harrow, in Cursed With a Kiss.
In the Angel's Assassin, Damien the assassin will do anything to gain his freedom, until his master charges him with killing the only person who has ever been kind to him, the beautiful Aurora of Acquitaine.
I'm hoping to introduce you to these characters in 2012. So, please check back or better yet, subscribe to my website or facebook or twitter pages so I can keep you informed. I will be holding contests, I'll be having more excerpts in my First Kiss Friday feature and printing more romance trading cards for you. I will be at the RT Booklovers convention this year in April. I hope to see you there!
2012 will be an exciting year. Please, join me for the ride!
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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