Karilyn Bentley's Blog, page 46
February 19, 2013
1001 Movies to See Before You Die
With the Oscars right around the corner, I thought movies would be a great topic! As I glanced around my cluttered office wondering what to write about my gaze landed on the four-inch book standing at attention on my bookshelf-- 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
I’d ordered this book a while back. When it showed up on my doorstep, I tore open the box with glee and began a two-hour-long perusal. The book is Ginormous. It’s hard back with a dust jacket and 960 pages of Moviedom complete with a handy checklist at the front. This is the October 2008 edition, by the way.
It’s jam-packed with photos, a little synopsis of each movie and opinions by contributions, starting with a silent movie released in 1902: Le Voyage Dans La Lune (aka A Trip To The Moon). I can personally say I’ve never laid eyes on this movie but there are some iconic pictures that are widely recognizable. The Moon with the missile-like spaceship right in its eye, for example. According to the book, the movie “represents a revolution for the time” and clocks in at only fourteen minutes. But at the turn of the century there weren’t movie theaters with stadium seating and THX sound in every major town.
There’s a long list of silence-era movies through the 1920s. But in 1927, cinema history was born again with the first “talkie” – The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. It introduced innovative changes in the industry, revolutionizing Hollywood and changing the way movies were viewed and made. As the 1930s and a Depression-Era world was ushered in, people used the movies to escape their lives. Movies such as Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), 42nd Street (1933), The Thin Man (1934) and so on brought the world imagination, humor, horror, singing, dancing, and romance.
You’d expect to find movies like Casablanca (1942), Gone With The Wind (1939), Captain Blood (1935), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and other classics. Even Disney makes the cut with Snow White, Dumbo and Pinocchio (as well as a few others).
On the list of Movies I’d Forgotten About:
The Red Shoes (1948)Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)The Maltese Falcon (1941)Notorious (1946)
But you’re probably thinking, that’s all well and good, Michelle, but what about more current movies?
You’re right of course. I get caught up in the classics because, for me, they defined the cinema. They made movies what they are today. And sometimes we forget the old and replace it with the new, bigger, better, louder, more visually awesome. The men today are not as dashing and debonair (Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable) and the women aren’t as classically beautiful (Greer Garson, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly) as they were in Old Hollywood.
But I digress...
On the list of Movies I’ve Seen More Than Once After the Year of my Birth:
Star Wars (1977)Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)Blade Runner (1982)Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)The English PatientBraveheart (1995)Terminator (1984)Die Hard (1988)Batman (1989)Lord Of The Rings (2001, 2002 and 2003)Of course, this is merely a partial list. I wouldn’t want to bore you. ;)
Most notably absent from the book: Pirates of the Caribbean, Superman, Star Trek, Excalibur, Sex and the City. How can these not make the cut? Okay, granted Superman was all that spectacular and perhaps Sex and the City is too “girlie” for the big list of 1001 movies. But Star Trek? And Pirates? Not even a mention? I’m disappointed in that.
I can’t say that I’ll see everything in the book – some are too difficult for me to sit through (A Nightmare of Elm Street for one, though I did see it WAAAAY back when it was in the theater. Through my fingers. Does that count?). I do find, though, the book a great challenge for a movie-goer like myself. I would like to check off the movies in the book, for fun, to see how many I really have seen. No, I haven’t yet. Man and I thought it would be a fun thing to do (and he was very happy that Mad Max was in the book as well. Haha)
So – what would be on YOUR personal list of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die?
Michelle Miles is an avid movie watcher, writes romance, drinks coffee and collects shoes. You can learn more about her books at http://www.michellemiles.net .
I’d ordered this book a while back. When it showed up on my doorstep, I tore open the box with glee and began a two-hour-long perusal. The book is Ginormous. It’s hard back with a dust jacket and 960 pages of Moviedom complete with a handy checklist at the front. This is the October 2008 edition, by the way.
It’s jam-packed with photos, a little synopsis of each movie and opinions by contributions, starting with a silent movie released in 1902: Le Voyage Dans La Lune (aka A Trip To The Moon). I can personally say I’ve never laid eyes on this movie but there are some iconic pictures that are widely recognizable. The Moon with the missile-like spaceship right in its eye, for example. According to the book, the movie “represents a revolution for the time” and clocks in at only fourteen minutes. But at the turn of the century there weren’t movie theaters with stadium seating and THX sound in every major town.
There’s a long list of silence-era movies through the 1920s. But in 1927, cinema history was born again with the first “talkie” – The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson. It introduced innovative changes in the industry, revolutionizing Hollywood and changing the way movies were viewed and made. As the 1930s and a Depression-Era world was ushered in, people used the movies to escape their lives. Movies such as Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), 42nd Street (1933), The Thin Man (1934) and so on brought the world imagination, humor, horror, singing, dancing, and romance.
You’d expect to find movies like Casablanca (1942), Gone With The Wind (1939), Captain Blood (1935), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and other classics. Even Disney makes the cut with Snow White, Dumbo and Pinocchio (as well as a few others).
On the list of Movies I’d Forgotten About:
The Red Shoes (1948)Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)The Maltese Falcon (1941)Notorious (1946)
But you’re probably thinking, that’s all well and good, Michelle, but what about more current movies?
You’re right of course. I get caught up in the classics because, for me, they defined the cinema. They made movies what they are today. And sometimes we forget the old and replace it with the new, bigger, better, louder, more visually awesome. The men today are not as dashing and debonair (Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable) and the women aren’t as classically beautiful (Greer Garson, Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly) as they were in Old Hollywood.
But I digress...
On the list of Movies I’ve Seen More Than Once After the Year of my Birth:
Star Wars (1977)Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)Blade Runner (1982)Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)The English PatientBraveheart (1995)Terminator (1984)Die Hard (1988)Batman (1989)Lord Of The Rings (2001, 2002 and 2003)Of course, this is merely a partial list. I wouldn’t want to bore you. ;)
Most notably absent from the book: Pirates of the Caribbean, Superman, Star Trek, Excalibur, Sex and the City. How can these not make the cut? Okay, granted Superman was all that spectacular and perhaps Sex and the City is too “girlie” for the big list of 1001 movies. But Star Trek? And Pirates? Not even a mention? I’m disappointed in that.
I can’t say that I’ll see everything in the book – some are too difficult for me to sit through (A Nightmare of Elm Street for one, though I did see it WAAAAY back when it was in the theater. Through my fingers. Does that count?). I do find, though, the book a great challenge for a movie-goer like myself. I would like to check off the movies in the book, for fun, to see how many I really have seen. No, I haven’t yet. Man and I thought it would be a fun thing to do (and he was very happy that Mad Max was in the book as well. Haha)
So – what would be on YOUR personal list of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die?
Michelle Miles is an avid movie watcher, writes romance, drinks coffee and collects shoes. You can learn more about her books at http://www.michellemiles.net .
February 16, 2013
SWEETHEARTS' CONTEST (DAY 4)
PLOTTING PRINCESSES "SWEETHEARTS' CONTEST"
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Texts and the Single Chica (Liese Sherwood Fabre)
He followed me out the coffee shop. Halfway up the block, my heel caught in a crack in a sidewalk. I stumbled, and Javier's arms were around me in the next instant to steady me. I spun about, still in his embrace.
His eyes narrowed as he studied me. "You okay?" I nodded, unable to find my voice for a second. Could he feel my heart quicken? The heat rising in my face and body? "I'll. . . uh. . . I'll be in , , , t-touch , , , about , , , the pass."
All the time I'd been stammering out my thought, Javier had been moving "oh so slowly" closer to me, his eyes growing larger within my field in of vision. As the two separate irises merged, I closed my eyes, blocking out everything about me as his lips
first contacted mine.
They were as soft and warm as they had been on my cheek. Parting my lips, his tongue traced their edges before passing inside. The tip of his tongue met mine, but his restrained tenderness was not enough for me. I wanted more. I raised my hands and encircled his neck, pulling him tightly to me. He matched my own urgency, and we locked in a deep embrace.
Diary of a Teenage Fairy Godmother (Kathleen Baldwin & Andrea Sisco)
Without using her wings, Lilliana drifted up and up, never looking away from the intensity of Jake’s gaze. He flew the griffin up to meet her high above the trees. She saw nothing but Jake and the fierce adoration in his eyes. Nothing else mattered. Not even the shrieking hordes coming ever closer.
She unfurled her wings and hovered beside him. She wanted to say, do not die today, Jake Harrison.
She wished more than anything she could make him promise it. A futile wish. There were no guarantees of forever. Not with a human. Not with anyone. Even she could not make such a promise.
Did it really matter? Yes, it mattered. She wanted forever with him, and yet...
She had now.
That was something.
Something magnificent.
In that moment, she felt completely full, overflowing, bursting with more happiness than she’d ever felt in her whole life. She might live a hundred lifetimes and never feel this much joy. She no longer cared about time. Or death. All that mattered was the all-consuming goodness of this one moment.
There was only one thing worthy of being said, but words would not do the feeling justice. So Lilliana slipped between Tavari’s neck and wings. Hovering there, she faced Jake and pressed her lips against his.
Jake wrapped his free arm around her, pulling her closer. Time seemed to close its eyes. The world around them faded into a forgotten dream as their lips spoke wordlessly, eloquently of sweetness, joy and longing.
Losing Cassie—Destiny's Desires Series book #2 (Kathy Ivan)
Cassie leaned in resting her fingertips lightly against the scruff on his cheeks. The whisker burn felt good, felt right beneath her touch. He'd always been clean-shaved back in high school, but she liked this new, slightly edgier look. It suited him.
He meant to kiss her. She knew it, wanted it, needed it more than her next breath.
Expecting a brief touch of his lips against hers, instead his mouth possessed hers, branding her with a stark passion-filled merging of lips and teeth and tongues. If his intent was to consume her with need, goal accomplished. Nothing could've prepared her for the total eclipse of her emotions as desire raced through her, a burning deep inside, kindling for the raging fires of lust mixed with the memories of lost love.
If he can do this with a single kiss I don't stand a chance if he wants more.
Because she did—she wanted so much more than just one kiss.
Remember today's the last day until midnight to read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible to win. You could be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Texts and the Single Chica (Liese Sherwood Fabre)
He followed me out the coffee shop. Halfway up the block, my heel caught in a crack in a sidewalk. I stumbled, and Javier's arms were around me in the next instant to steady me. I spun about, still in his embrace.
His eyes narrowed as he studied me. "You okay?" I nodded, unable to find my voice for a second. Could he feel my heart quicken? The heat rising in my face and body? "I'll. . . uh. . . I'll be in , , , t-touch , , , about , , , the pass."
All the time I'd been stammering out my thought, Javier had been moving "oh so slowly" closer to me, his eyes growing larger within my field in of vision. As the two separate irises merged, I closed my eyes, blocking out everything about me as his lips
first contacted mine.
They were as soft and warm as they had been on my cheek. Parting my lips, his tongue traced their edges before passing inside. The tip of his tongue met mine, but his restrained tenderness was not enough for me. I wanted more. I raised my hands and encircled his neck, pulling him tightly to me. He matched my own urgency, and we locked in a deep embrace.
Diary of a Teenage Fairy Godmother (Kathleen Baldwin & Andrea Sisco)
Without using her wings, Lilliana drifted up and up, never looking away from the intensity of Jake’s gaze. He flew the griffin up to meet her high above the trees. She saw nothing but Jake and the fierce adoration in his eyes. Nothing else mattered. Not even the shrieking hordes coming ever closer.
She unfurled her wings and hovered beside him. She wanted to say, do not die today, Jake Harrison.
She wished more than anything she could make him promise it. A futile wish. There were no guarantees of forever. Not with a human. Not with anyone. Even she could not make such a promise.
Did it really matter? Yes, it mattered. She wanted forever with him, and yet...
She had now.
That was something.
Something magnificent.
In that moment, she felt completely full, overflowing, bursting with more happiness than she’d ever felt in her whole life. She might live a hundred lifetimes and never feel this much joy. She no longer cared about time. Or death. All that mattered was the all-consuming goodness of this one moment.
There was only one thing worthy of being said, but words would not do the feeling justice. So Lilliana slipped between Tavari’s neck and wings. Hovering there, she faced Jake and pressed her lips against his.
Jake wrapped his free arm around her, pulling her closer. Time seemed to close its eyes. The world around them faded into a forgotten dream as their lips spoke wordlessly, eloquently of sweetness, joy and longing.
Losing Cassie—Destiny's Desires Series book #2 (Kathy Ivan)
Cassie leaned in resting her fingertips lightly against the scruff on his cheeks. The whisker burn felt good, felt right beneath her touch. He'd always been clean-shaved back in high school, but she liked this new, slightly edgier look. It suited him.
He meant to kiss her. She knew it, wanted it, needed it more than her next breath.
Expecting a brief touch of his lips against hers, instead his mouth possessed hers, branding her with a stark passion-filled merging of lips and teeth and tongues. If his intent was to consume her with need, goal accomplished. Nothing could've prepared her for the total eclipse of her emotions as desire raced through her, a burning deep inside, kindling for the raging fires of lust mixed with the memories of lost love.
If he can do this with a single kiss I don't stand a chance if he wants more.
Because she did—she wanted so much more than just one kiss.
Remember today's the last day until midnight to read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible to win. You could be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
February 15, 2013
SWEETHEARTS'CONTEST (DAY 3)
PLOTTING PRINCESSES "SWEETHEARTS' CONTEST"
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
(Elizabeth Essex)
His low voice was full of a strange sort of gentle, exasperated wonder, and he was regarding her through those dangerous, soot-dipped lashes, with such minute attention, as if she looked as strange and foreign as he. As if she were the map of a place he had forgotten he had visited.
“You’ve dirt,” he murmured, as he smudged something off her skin, “on your face. And you’ve done something to your hair to make it darker and duller. Such a crime. And you are still attiring yourself in that horrid gray. Always gray. But somehow, despite all that, you look so lovely, I have the strongest urge to kiss you.”
That way lay madness. Or at the very least, bad, bad, regrettable decisions.
She squelched it all down—the vanity and whatever unmet longing was attempting to stir itself back to life. “I beg you would suppress it.”
“No.” He shook his head again even as he gave her his one-sided smile, and the corner of his mouth hitched into a single lovely, bittersweet dimple. “I think not. I think I’ve come a deuced long way to find you, and I’ve done with polite, English caution.”
Yet, he took her face in his hands cautiously, slowly and carefully, in the way a man raised a too-full glass to his lips, bringing his mouth to hers. Even as she told herself she should not—she should push him away, and run as fast as she could in the other direction and not stop until she had reached the ocean—she let him come nearer and nearer. She watched, her eyes open wide, searching his face, helpless with the need to reconcile this handsome Englishman with her memories.
The first touch of his lips was soft, almost tentative, as if he, too, were tasting and comparing. As if he, too, were feeling his way across the passage of time and miles. She prayed fervently for a moment that she might be spared, that she might feel nothing for him, that her well of frustrated longing for him might have finally run dry.
But his lips were still the texture of ripe fruit, smooth and taut, and tasting of plums. He pulled back for a moment, his eyes closed, and took in a deep breath, as if he could take her in. As if she was as necessary to him as air.
In response, her own mouth dropped open, parched and thirsty, longing foolishly—so foolishly—for another taste of him. And like a dying woman in a desert who will drink even the deadliest brine, she took another sip, pressing her lips to his.
He slanted his mouth across hers and kissed her more deeply, searching her out, pushing his hands into the tight constriction she had made of her hair, pulling apart the low fist of the bun, scattering pins into the ground. And she was falling or melting, or going somewhere far, far away, dissolving into nothingness, and everything-ness, all at the same time. With his thumbs fanned along her cheeks and his big hands wrapped around the back of her head, drawing her into him, he kissed her with heat and abandon, drawing her out with lips and tongue, and with the very breath from his body, as if she were the very water that fed his tired, dusty soul.
Heard It Through the Grapevine (Lizabeth Lipperman)
Crushing her against his body, Colt pressed his mouth to hers, a guttural moan escaping as his heart pounded in his chest. His tongue first traced the outline of her lips, then forced them open, sending shock waves through his entire body. He felt her shiver in response.
Every logical reason why he should walk away popped into his brain. Every argument why this shouldn’t happen assaulted his senses, the unnerving voice in his head screaming Lainey could never be just another woman.
That scared the hell out of him. But when she moaned softly in his arms, his brain cried “uncle”. She smelled so damn good, like flowers on a windy day. Tasted so damn good, as he possessed her with his mouth.
For the Love of Hades (Sasha Summers )
The catch in her voice moved Hades, forcing his eyes to hers. Under her gaze, he felt something dangerous shift inside him. He felt vulnerable. He felt lonely. He should feel nothing. “You owe me nothing.”
He saw her swallow, heard her whisper, “I do not mind… Truly.”
Her eyes held him. His body responded even as confusion plagued him once more. What did she want from him? Why did she torment him so?
Her fingers were cool upon his forehead, soft as silk. Her wrist, the inside of her arm, was lightly fragrant.
She moved suddenly, swaying, pressing the curves of her chest against him. He shuddered, completely unprepared for the touch of her full lips upon his.
By the Fates, she was warm and lush.
He could not bear it. But he must. His hands fisted, denying the urge to pull her to him. He closed his eyes. He would not catch her hair in his hands, or clasp her curves to him. His hands throbbed, clenched tightly.
But his lips would not be denied. They fitted to hers briefly, hungrily tasting her.
How she threatened his control, enticing him mercilessly. He could not give in to this temptation.
Hell Week (Phyllis Middleton)
“She’s my woman.” JC tucked Mistry behind him and took a defensive stance, raising a finger in Butch’s direction. “Touch her and I’ll take you out.”
“Prove it.” Butch countered. “Prove she’s yours.”
J.C. spun to her, grabbed by the waist and pulled her tight against him. He whispered in her ear. “Play along if you want to stay alive.”
Breathless, she could only nod. But she play along with what? Mistry’s first impulse was to push him away, except his warning filtered through her mind.
The night air was chilly, but his body radiated heat. She drew closer to his warmth and the scent of him triggered a response of longing inside her. He looked down at her, his face showing her gentleness. His lips were on hers. His tongue stroked her lips, demanding entrance. Her mouth opened and his tongue swept in to tangle with hers. Her gut twitched in response. Heat coursed through her, settling deep. His tongue steadily stroked, coaxing hers into play, imitating what she wanted from him. She arched into him and it felt so natural, so right.
Still something wasn’t true. She tried to grab onto thoughts racing through her head. Her career... her friends... what was she doing? A vision flashed in her mind of her turning in her badge, disgraced, but instantly replaced with her lying on top of his naked body. Oh, God, it felt right. And she needed more. More of him. Her hands roamed across his chest aching to touch bare skin. This was no longer a game to deceive his fellow bikers. Mistry knew he wanted her too.
A moan of surrender escaped just loud enough for only him to hear. She pushed closer to him, struggling to find that special place that would satisfy her need.
J.C.’s hand grabbed her thigh, lifting and pulling her into the spot she hunted. His hard-on pressed against her abdomen, and moisture pooled. She was more than ready for him. She wanted him to take her right then and there.
Unexpectedly, he pulled away, his breath heaving. His attitude switched back to biker. The intense connection between them broken, she staggered back. The kiss and his touch were gone, leaving her unfulfilled. Leaving her cold again.
What the hell?
“Satisfied?” J.C. said.
No, I want more. But through her daze, she knew he was speaking to the biker.
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
(Elizabeth Essex)
His low voice was full of a strange sort of gentle, exasperated wonder, and he was regarding her through those dangerous, soot-dipped lashes, with such minute attention, as if she looked as strange and foreign as he. As if she were the map of a place he had forgotten he had visited.
“You’ve dirt,” he murmured, as he smudged something off her skin, “on your face. And you’ve done something to your hair to make it darker and duller. Such a crime. And you are still attiring yourself in that horrid gray. Always gray. But somehow, despite all that, you look so lovely, I have the strongest urge to kiss you.”
That way lay madness. Or at the very least, bad, bad, regrettable decisions.
She squelched it all down—the vanity and whatever unmet longing was attempting to stir itself back to life. “I beg you would suppress it.”
“No.” He shook his head again even as he gave her his one-sided smile, and the corner of his mouth hitched into a single lovely, bittersweet dimple. “I think not. I think I’ve come a deuced long way to find you, and I’ve done with polite, English caution.”
Yet, he took her face in his hands cautiously, slowly and carefully, in the way a man raised a too-full glass to his lips, bringing his mouth to hers. Even as she told herself she should not—she should push him away, and run as fast as she could in the other direction and not stop until she had reached the ocean—she let him come nearer and nearer. She watched, her eyes open wide, searching his face, helpless with the need to reconcile this handsome Englishman with her memories.
The first touch of his lips was soft, almost tentative, as if he, too, were tasting and comparing. As if he, too, were feeling his way across the passage of time and miles. She prayed fervently for a moment that she might be spared, that she might feel nothing for him, that her well of frustrated longing for him might have finally run dry.
But his lips were still the texture of ripe fruit, smooth and taut, and tasting of plums. He pulled back for a moment, his eyes closed, and took in a deep breath, as if he could take her in. As if she was as necessary to him as air.
In response, her own mouth dropped open, parched and thirsty, longing foolishly—so foolishly—for another taste of him. And like a dying woman in a desert who will drink even the deadliest brine, she took another sip, pressing her lips to his.
He slanted his mouth across hers and kissed her more deeply, searching her out, pushing his hands into the tight constriction she had made of her hair, pulling apart the low fist of the bun, scattering pins into the ground. And she was falling or melting, or going somewhere far, far away, dissolving into nothingness, and everything-ness, all at the same time. With his thumbs fanned along her cheeks and his big hands wrapped around the back of her head, drawing her into him, he kissed her with heat and abandon, drawing her out with lips and tongue, and with the very breath from his body, as if she were the very water that fed his tired, dusty soul.
Heard It Through the Grapevine (Lizabeth Lipperman)
Crushing her against his body, Colt pressed his mouth to hers, a guttural moan escaping as his heart pounded in his chest. His tongue first traced the outline of her lips, then forced them open, sending shock waves through his entire body. He felt her shiver in response.
Every logical reason why he should walk away popped into his brain. Every argument why this shouldn’t happen assaulted his senses, the unnerving voice in his head screaming Lainey could never be just another woman.
That scared the hell out of him. But when she moaned softly in his arms, his brain cried “uncle”. She smelled so damn good, like flowers on a windy day. Tasted so damn good, as he possessed her with his mouth.
For the Love of Hades (Sasha Summers )
The catch in her voice moved Hades, forcing his eyes to hers. Under her gaze, he felt something dangerous shift inside him. He felt vulnerable. He felt lonely. He should feel nothing. “You owe me nothing.”
He saw her swallow, heard her whisper, “I do not mind… Truly.”
Her eyes held him. His body responded even as confusion plagued him once more. What did she want from him? Why did she torment him so?
Her fingers were cool upon his forehead, soft as silk. Her wrist, the inside of her arm, was lightly fragrant.
She moved suddenly, swaying, pressing the curves of her chest against him. He shuddered, completely unprepared for the touch of her full lips upon his.
By the Fates, she was warm and lush.
He could not bear it. But he must. His hands fisted, denying the urge to pull her to him. He closed his eyes. He would not catch her hair in his hands, or clasp her curves to him. His hands throbbed, clenched tightly.
But his lips would not be denied. They fitted to hers briefly, hungrily tasting her.
How she threatened his control, enticing him mercilessly. He could not give in to this temptation.
Hell Week (Phyllis Middleton)
“She’s my woman.” JC tucked Mistry behind him and took a defensive stance, raising a finger in Butch’s direction. “Touch her and I’ll take you out.”
“Prove it.” Butch countered. “Prove she’s yours.”
J.C. spun to her, grabbed by the waist and pulled her tight against him. He whispered in her ear. “Play along if you want to stay alive.”
Breathless, she could only nod. But she play along with what? Mistry’s first impulse was to push him away, except his warning filtered through her mind.
The night air was chilly, but his body radiated heat. She drew closer to his warmth and the scent of him triggered a response of longing inside her. He looked down at her, his face showing her gentleness. His lips were on hers. His tongue stroked her lips, demanding entrance. Her mouth opened and his tongue swept in to tangle with hers. Her gut twitched in response. Heat coursed through her, settling deep. His tongue steadily stroked, coaxing hers into play, imitating what she wanted from him. She arched into him and it felt so natural, so right.
Still something wasn’t true. She tried to grab onto thoughts racing through her head. Her career... her friends... what was she doing? A vision flashed in her mind of her turning in her badge, disgraced, but instantly replaced with her lying on top of his naked body. Oh, God, it felt right. And she needed more. More of him. Her hands roamed across his chest aching to touch bare skin. This was no longer a game to deceive his fellow bikers. Mistry knew he wanted her too.
A moan of surrender escaped just loud enough for only him to hear. She pushed closer to him, struggling to find that special place that would satisfy her need.
J.C.’s hand grabbed her thigh, lifting and pulling her into the spot she hunted. His hard-on pressed against her abdomen, and moisture pooled. She was more than ready for him. She wanted him to take her right then and there.
Unexpectedly, he pulled away, his breath heaving. His attitude switched back to biker. The intense connection between them broken, she staggered back. The kiss and his touch were gone, leaving her unfulfilled. Leaving her cold again.
What the hell?
“Satisfied?” J.C. said.
No, I want more. But through her daze, she knew he was speaking to the biker.
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
February 14, 2013
SWEETHEARTS' CONTEST (DAY 2)
PLOTTING PRINCESSES "SWEETHEARTS' CONTEST"
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Wronged (Sylvia McDonald)
Louis placed his hands on her desk, gripping it and leaned in closer to her. "You are a gorgeous woman working in a man’s business. For the last three weeks, I’ve sat across from you and tried my damnedest not to show that I notice how beautiful you are. How your lips beckon me every time you flick your tongue across them. I’ve tried to deny how I feel, but I can’t do it anymore." Her eyes widened and she leaned back away from him.
Louis stepped around the desk, took her chair and whirled her around to face him. He grasped her forearms and roughly pulled her to her feet and toward him until she stood just inches away. Her lips glistened, tempting him not to hesitate, but to do the deed.
"Really, Louis, I’m not falling for this ridiculous attempt to persuade me not to come back," she said, her voice breathy and tremulous.
He smiled. "Good, because this is not an attempt, Marian. This is for real."
He’d only meant to scare her away, but when she called his bluff, he reacted by covering her mouth with his.
Yet the moment he planted his mouth over hers, all thoughts of frightening her disappeared. The sensation of her mouth pressed against his, her breasts crushed against his chest, sent delight spreading through him. Right where he hadn’t anticipated feeling anything for Marian Cuvier.
He sampled her warm, soft lips, suddenly intent on exploring this surprising new sensation. She didn’t resist him as his tongue began a careful exploration of the fullness of her lips. The sweet taste of her mouth left him craving for more than just the taste of her. And as the reason for the kiss vanished from his mind, he was tempted to further his study of her mouth as he savored Marian.
She sighed the sound deep in the back of her throat, just before she pushed him away. She leaned away from him, her eyes wide with dismay as she covered her mouth with her hand.
"Oh," she gasped.
Then before Louis could recover from the kiss and gather his wits about him, she jumped up from the desk. She grabbed her reticule.
"I... I must go. Edward ... is waiting," she said, her voice breaking up.
"Marian," he called, still a little stunned by the impact of her kiss.
"I ... Goodbye!" she said, and ran out the door.
LAST RESORT MARRIAGE (Pamela Stone)
AMAZON
Cocky, independent Aaron would never get caught in a position like this. He’d probably tell Edward to go straight to hell.
As she studied him, an idea took form. Would Aaron go along with it? Either way, she wasn’t about to lose this resort without a fight. But marrying Perry Thurman to keep it wasn’t an option.
Trying not to act awkward, Charlotte sauntered up to Aaron and slipped her arm around his waist. She stared him straight in the eyes and smiled.
“Aaron isn’t an employee, Edward.” Please let him follow her lead. She turned her head to watch the expression on her grandfather’s face. “I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Aaron Brody.”
Edward’s jaw dropped.
She deliberately didn’t introduce Perry as she beamed at her speechless grandfather. She tried to present the picture of calm confidence, but inside her stomach lurched. What now? Aaron surely thought she was a lunatic.
Edward glanced at her bare ring finger, leveled his pointed glare on Aaron, and demanded, “Is that true? Are you planning to marry my granddaughter?”
Locking gazes with Aaron, she silently pleaded with him to back her up. His eyes matched the murky green of the gulf right before a storm, and just as dangerous. She’d heard rumors of wild nights and wilder women. Hopefully he was crazy enough to take the challenge.
His body was a granite statue beneath her arm. Wiping her sweaty palm on the back of his shirt, she continued to hold his stare.
“Why would Charlie lie about a thing like that?” Aaron asked without looking Edward’s way. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
Before she had time to register relief, he bent his head, slid a seductive hand inside the collar of her blouse, and caressed her bare neck. He leaned close, rubbed the tip of his nose against hers, and covered her lips with his.
She felt every thump of her heart, but her lips parted, following his lead. His tongue slowly traced the shape of her mouth. She gazed into sea green eyes and her body temperature rose ten degrees. His mouth was warm and intimate, nibbling and sampling as if her lips were a delectable slice of key lime pie.
As quickly as he’d swept her into his arms, he loosened his hold. A corner of his mouth twitched and a mischievous twinkle lit his eyes. “You left before I woke up this morning. You know I don’t like that.”
STORE WARS (Vicki Batman)
"Sold." As I reached for his outstretched hand, my pant leg caught on something. I felt myself tumbling face-first to meet concrete.
Fletcher caught me before the grand finale. "Whoa, sweetheart. You okay?" Gently, he lifted me to my feet. We stood chest to chest; so close, I could smell lemon, see the golden ring pulsing around his irises. An exchange of synergy zigzagged between us.
As I stared into his eyes, my body barely swayed. All sense of time and place evaporated. My mouth parted. When my eyes closed, I perceived him shifting closer. His grip tightened on my upper arms. When he softly said, "Janie," his breath teased my ear, sending butterfly-like shivers over my body.
The urge to have him hold me, kiss me, love me seized. His mouth found mine. My nose grazed his cheek as I deepened the kiss. His lips dragged and took, sending me out of my mind. He tasted like the Hershey's chocolate kisses Betty from Bath Bubbly had passed around.
When a car honk reached my ear, my Texas sensibility returned. I stepped away, my finger lightly rubbing my lips. Ohmygolly, I just kissed Fletcher Babcock like tomorrow would never come.
His mouth quirked. The same quirk found his eyes. "Nice, sweetheart."
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person commenting between Valentine's Day and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Wronged (Sylvia McDonald)
Louis placed his hands on her desk, gripping it and leaned in closer to her. "You are a gorgeous woman working in a man’s business. For the last three weeks, I’ve sat across from you and tried my damnedest not to show that I notice how beautiful you are. How your lips beckon me every time you flick your tongue across them. I’ve tried to deny how I feel, but I can’t do it anymore." Her eyes widened and she leaned back away from him.
Louis stepped around the desk, took her chair and whirled her around to face him. He grasped her forearms and roughly pulled her to her feet and toward him until she stood just inches away. Her lips glistened, tempting him not to hesitate, but to do the deed.
"Really, Louis, I’m not falling for this ridiculous attempt to persuade me not to come back," she said, her voice breathy and tremulous.
He smiled. "Good, because this is not an attempt, Marian. This is for real."
He’d only meant to scare her away, but when she called his bluff, he reacted by covering her mouth with his.
Yet the moment he planted his mouth over hers, all thoughts of frightening her disappeared. The sensation of her mouth pressed against his, her breasts crushed against his chest, sent delight spreading through him. Right where he hadn’t anticipated feeling anything for Marian Cuvier.
He sampled her warm, soft lips, suddenly intent on exploring this surprising new sensation. She didn’t resist him as his tongue began a careful exploration of the fullness of her lips. The sweet taste of her mouth left him craving for more than just the taste of her. And as the reason for the kiss vanished from his mind, he was tempted to further his study of her mouth as he savored Marian.
She sighed the sound deep in the back of her throat, just before she pushed him away. She leaned away from him, her eyes wide with dismay as she covered her mouth with her hand.
"Oh," she gasped.
Then before Louis could recover from the kiss and gather his wits about him, she jumped up from the desk. She grabbed her reticule.
"I... I must go. Edward ... is waiting," she said, her voice breaking up.
"Marian," he called, still a little stunned by the impact of her kiss.
"I ... Goodbye!" she said, and ran out the door.
LAST RESORT MARRIAGE (Pamela Stone)
AMAZON
Cocky, independent Aaron would never get caught in a position like this. He’d probably tell Edward to go straight to hell.
As she studied him, an idea took form. Would Aaron go along with it? Either way, she wasn’t about to lose this resort without a fight. But marrying Perry Thurman to keep it wasn’t an option.
Trying not to act awkward, Charlotte sauntered up to Aaron and slipped her arm around his waist. She stared him straight in the eyes and smiled.
“Aaron isn’t an employee, Edward.” Please let him follow her lead. She turned her head to watch the expression on her grandfather’s face. “I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Aaron Brody.”
Edward’s jaw dropped.
She deliberately didn’t introduce Perry as she beamed at her speechless grandfather. She tried to present the picture of calm confidence, but inside her stomach lurched. What now? Aaron surely thought she was a lunatic.
Edward glanced at her bare ring finger, leveled his pointed glare on Aaron, and demanded, “Is that true? Are you planning to marry my granddaughter?”
Locking gazes with Aaron, she silently pleaded with him to back her up. His eyes matched the murky green of the gulf right before a storm, and just as dangerous. She’d heard rumors of wild nights and wilder women. Hopefully he was crazy enough to take the challenge.
His body was a granite statue beneath her arm. Wiping her sweaty palm on the back of his shirt, she continued to hold his stare.
“Why would Charlie lie about a thing like that?” Aaron asked without looking Edward’s way. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
Before she had time to register relief, he bent his head, slid a seductive hand inside the collar of her blouse, and caressed her bare neck. He leaned close, rubbed the tip of his nose against hers, and covered her lips with his.
She felt every thump of her heart, but her lips parted, following his lead. His tongue slowly traced the shape of her mouth. She gazed into sea green eyes and her body temperature rose ten degrees. His mouth was warm and intimate, nibbling and sampling as if her lips were a delectable slice of key lime pie.
As quickly as he’d swept her into his arms, he loosened his hold. A corner of his mouth twitched and a mischievous twinkle lit his eyes. “You left before I woke up this morning. You know I don’t like that.”
STORE WARS (Vicki Batman)
"Sold." As I reached for his outstretched hand, my pant leg caught on something. I felt myself tumbling face-first to meet concrete.
Fletcher caught me before the grand finale. "Whoa, sweetheart. You okay?" Gently, he lifted me to my feet. We stood chest to chest; so close, I could smell lemon, see the golden ring pulsing around his irises. An exchange of synergy zigzagged between us.
As I stared into his eyes, my body barely swayed. All sense of time and place evaporated. My mouth parted. When my eyes closed, I perceived him shifting closer. His grip tightened on my upper arms. When he softly said, "Janie," his breath teased my ear, sending butterfly-like shivers over my body.
The urge to have him hold me, kiss me, love me seized. His mouth found mine. My nose grazed his cheek as I deepened the kiss. His lips dragged and took, sending me out of my mind. He tasted like the Hershey's chocolate kisses Betty from Bath Bubbly had passed around.
When a car honk reached my ear, my Texas sensibility returned. I stepped away, my finger lightly rubbing my lips. Ohmygolly, I just kissed Fletcher Babcock like tomorrow would never come.
His mouth quirked. The same quirk found his eyes. "Nice, sweetheart."
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
February 13, 2013
SWEETHEART'S CONTEST AND FIRST KISSES
PLOTTING PRINCESSES PRESENTS: SWEETHEART'S CONTEST AND FIRST KISSES (compiled by Kathy Ivan)
It's Valentine's Day and what better way to celebrate than with a first kiss. That special moment between two people, the attraction sizzling just beneath the surface, nervous, anxious, but needing a physical connection with another. Sometimes it's just a peck or a gentle brush of lips. Other times it's an all-consuming, lust-sparked wildfire.
In celebration of the most romantic day of the year, the authors at Plotting Princesses are gifting you (our very special readers) with a glimpse at the first kiss. These may be from books already published or may be from books in the process of being written, from both published authors and authors on the brink of publication.
Since we have such a plethora of scenes, we're dividing them up. For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person who comments between today (Valentine's Day) and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Only for a Knight (Michelle Miles)
Amazon B&N
“Then you would feel nothing if I kissed you?” A dangerous gleam ignited in his eyes. Elyne could see the beginnings of a faint smile. A teasing smile.
A curious swooping pulled at her stomach. “That’s right. I’d feel nothing.”
“Mayhap I should test that theory,” he suggested. He leaned dangerously close to her, his lips a breath from hers.
Her mind screamed no, but her mouth said, “Mayhap you should.”
Derron cupped her face, his hands warm and gentle. When his mouth connected with hers, her stomach turned into a roaring fire, exploding through her in a burst of heat and flame. Singeing her from the inside out. His lips were like velvet as they lingered on hers, tasting her, sipping her like honey wine. Her head fell back, her body went limp as he pulled her into his arms. She didn’t fight him. She couldn’t. Her arms slipped around his neck as he deepened the kiss, his tongue delving into the recesses of her mouth. She sighed, their breath exchanging as their souls touched.
Never in their long history had he kissed her like this. She wanted it to last forever. She wanted him to proclaim his love for her then and there. She just wanted him.
BATTLE HEAT (Kelly Lee)
Their gazes locked. The beating of their hearts pounded in a single rhythm, and she heard them as loudly as drum beats.
"You're beautiful."
She tilted up her face at his remark, and suddenly realized they had never kissed. The kamikaze part of her brain took over, wanting his mouth on hers far more than she wanted sex. More than she wanted freedom. More than anything.
"Kiss me."
Ares swooped down and covered her lips with his, groaning into her mouth.
Warrior Lover ( Karilyn Bentley)
Bending forward, he placed his lips against hers, pressing gently. And just like that, her nervousness vanished.
Firm lips moved against hers, his tongue licking the seam of her mouth. She parted her lips for him and moaned as he thrust his tongue inside. Tentatively, she tangled her tongue with his, surprised when he thrust deeper, tightening his arms around her waist.
AMAZON
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
It's Valentine's Day and what better way to celebrate than with a first kiss. That special moment between two people, the attraction sizzling just beneath the surface, nervous, anxious, but needing a physical connection with another. Sometimes it's just a peck or a gentle brush of lips. Other times it's an all-consuming, lust-sparked wildfire.
In celebration of the most romantic day of the year, the authors at Plotting Princesses are gifting you (our very special readers) with a glimpse at the first kiss. These may be from books already published or may be from books in the process of being written, from both published authors and authors on the brink of publication.
Since we have such a plethora of scenes, we're dividing them up. For the next four days (Thursday through Sunday) we'll be posting first kisses here on the Plotting Princesses blog. Come back each day, read these wonderful little vignettes and leave a comment.
Why should you leave a comment? Ah, now that's the best present of all. Every person who comments between today (Valentine's Day) and Sunday, 02/17/2013 at midnight EST will be entered in our Sweetheart's contest. The Prize: A brand new NOOK! Yes, you read that right. We'll be giving away a Nook SimpleTouch with GlowLight including a beautiful pink cover, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. That means every single day you have a chance to enter—just by reading the blog post and commenting.
What's sweeter than chocolate at Valentine's Day? A new e-reader so you can read about love, romance, and hope all year long. (Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.)
FIRST KISSES
Only for a Knight (Michelle Miles)
Amazon B&N
“Then you would feel nothing if I kissed you?” A dangerous gleam ignited in his eyes. Elyne could see the beginnings of a faint smile. A teasing smile.
A curious swooping pulled at her stomach. “That’s right. I’d feel nothing.”
“Mayhap I should test that theory,” he suggested. He leaned dangerously close to her, his lips a breath from hers.
Her mind screamed no, but her mouth said, “Mayhap you should.”
Derron cupped her face, his hands warm and gentle. When his mouth connected with hers, her stomach turned into a roaring fire, exploding through her in a burst of heat and flame. Singeing her from the inside out. His lips were like velvet as they lingered on hers, tasting her, sipping her like honey wine. Her head fell back, her body went limp as he pulled her into his arms. She didn’t fight him. She couldn’t. Her arms slipped around his neck as he deepened the kiss, his tongue delving into the recesses of her mouth. She sighed, their breath exchanging as their souls touched.
Never in their long history had he kissed her like this. She wanted it to last forever. She wanted him to proclaim his love for her then and there. She just wanted him.
BATTLE HEAT (Kelly Lee)
Their gazes locked. The beating of their hearts pounded in a single rhythm, and she heard them as loudly as drum beats.
"You're beautiful."
She tilted up her face at his remark, and suddenly realized they had never kissed. The kamikaze part of her brain took over, wanting his mouth on hers far more than she wanted sex. More than she wanted freedom. More than anything.
"Kiss me."
Ares swooped down and covered her lips with his, groaning into her mouth.
Warrior Lover ( Karilyn Bentley)
Bending forward, he placed his lips against hers, pressing gently. And just like that, her nervousness vanished.
Firm lips moved against hers, his tongue licking the seam of her mouth. She parted her lips for him and moaned as he thrust his tongue inside. Tentatively, she tangled her tongue with his, surprised when he thrust deeper, tightening his arms around her waist.
AMAZON
Remember to come back every day through midnight Sunday, read about the first kisses of some amazing characters, and post a comment to be eligible. The more times you come back, the more chances you'll have to be the proud new owner of a NOOK SimpleTouch GlowLight with case.
February 11, 2013
Warrior Lover - #FREE on Amazon on 2/13! by Karilyn Bentley
Yes, you read the title correctly! My latest release, Warrior Lover (the sequel to Magical Lover), is free at Amazon for 5 days starting Wednesday, 2/13. My publisher is trying something new to boost sales on all their books. I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit nervous, but mainly really excited. It’s free! What do you have to lose to try it out? Go on, you know you want to download it to your Kindle. Really. You do. How’s that for a not-so-subliminal message? :)
To celebrate the FREE cost, my blog today is a blurb and an excerpt from Warrior Lover. I hope you enjoy!
BLURB:As a Watcher, a guardian warrior of the Draconi, Enar has never fit in with his kind. When he sees Lily--the ideal Watcher's woman--he instantly claims her, believing she will bring him the acceptance he craves. Falling in love with her was not part of his plan.
As her town's outcast, Lily wants nothing more than to escape. When Enar locks a necklace around her throat and declares she belongs to him, she jumps at the chance to leave. Her excitement soon becomes trepidation when Enar won't tell her what to expect in his world. But even her worry can't overcome her growing attraction to him.
Soon Lily learns what life as a Watcher's claim entails, and refuses to submit. To keep Lily, Enar must turn his back on everything he thought he wanted. Will he choose his people? Or the other half of his soul?
EXCERPT: So why did he want his own woman so badly?
He looked past Keara to the door of her shop and his brain forgot the question. The exquisite woman he saw earlier in the square, the one whose gaze had locked on his, the one he had been thinking about just moments ago, stood frozen in place, eyes wide with fright or wonder. Mine, whispered through his head. The brown tunic, black pants and black cloak she wore made her pale skin glow, highlighting the white hair that streamed down her back. Piercing blue eyes, the same color as his, gazed back at him from an elfin face. Besides those blue eyes, the only color in her face was in her lips. Lush red lips, parted slightly, as if she didn’t know whether to scream or not. He had known many women, lusted after more than that, and yet none of them made him feel the way this one did. What was different about her? Her coloring? That had to be it. All Watchers wanted a woman with pale skin, their ideal beauty, although none of them had gotten so lucky. None but him. His woman. His for the taking. Thoren’s words snapped Enar back to the present. No surprise his friend had just agreed to Keara’s request to take Jamie with them. "Is that one part of your bride price, too?" Enar pointed to the pale-skinned woman. Asking was the polite thing to do. Not that the answer mattered, the woman was his, but if she was included in this ridiculous bride price, it might make things easier on all involved. He had it on good authority that claiming a woman had a tendency to frighten her. "What?" Keara glared at Enar, who paid her no heed as he remained staring at his soon-to-be woman. "No, she’s my friend, Lily." "I see." Goddess’s teeth. That made it harder. And Thoren’s glare wasn’t helping any, either. "What in the Goddess’s name do you think you’re doing?" Thoren threw his hand out, smacking Enar’s chest. "We’re on a mission, fool. You can’t lay claim to her." "She’s mine. I claim her. You don’t have the right to tell me who I can and cannot claim. And she’s mine. Look at her. Exquisite." Thoren’s eyes narrowed, one finger pointing at Enar’s chest. "What are you going to do with her? We still have to find the Halfling boy and we already have a female and a boy. This is becoming a traveling circus, not a reconnaissance mission. We. Do. Not. Need. Another female!"
"Forget you. She’s mine." Enar turned his attention to Lily, who still stood hand on the door, only now Keara stood beside her. "Woman of the exquisite coloring."
Both females jumped, what little color present in his woman’s face bleeding out. He strode across the yard until he stood in front of them. Grabbing Lily’s arm, he pulled the claiming necklace from a pouch hanging off his belt. "Lily of the exquisite coloring, I claim you for my woman." With a quick flick of his wrist, the strand of beads fell around her neck, the ends snapping closed. Magic streamed through the beads, holding the necklace in place until his death, which he had no plans of meeting anytime soon. The magic also kept the woman from running off like she often wanted to do after being claimed by a Watcher. Once he returned Lily to his village, she would remain there, since the magic in the necklace kept her from walking past the village gates. He didn’t know how far she could wander from him before then so he needed to keep her close.
Gathering her stiff and wide-eyed body into his arms, he gazed into her eyes and felt something shift inside him.
His.
He couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across his face.
Get Warrior Lover FREE here on Wednesday, 2/13. And have a happy Valentine's Day! www.karilynbentley.com
February 6, 2013
Plotting Princesses hosts: Addison Fox & The Friends You Take on the Journey
The Friends You Take On the Journey
My thanks to the Plotting Princesses for hosting me today! I have a special place in my heart for the PPs as so many of them are my fellow chapter members in our Dallas RWA chapter. These are an incredible group of women – so generous and giving to the writers’ community – and I’m thrilled to spend the day with them!Since this is a group of women I know pretty well, I thought this post could talk about the friendships you make on the publishing journey. Writing is a challenging profession – there are the inevitable ups and down, the hours spent crafting stories by yourself and the process of dealing with rejection – all of which require an ever-thickening skin and a desire so deep to have the publishing dream that that very same stubborn desire eclipses whatever difficulties get thrown your way.
Because of that, it’s absolutely essential to find good friends for the journey.
Whether you find them through your local RWA chapter or on writers loops, via the Goodreads community or on a common blog, developing strong, trusting friendships to see you through those ups and downs is as important as honing craft, learning the business and building your marketing plan.
It is your writer friends who will pave a path of camaraderie and support on your publishing journey. Your writer friends who understand why revisions induce the need to consume vast quantities of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Your writer friends who understand why that smiley face from your editor in the margin of the manuscript means more than a promotion at the day job.
And it is your writer friends who will humanize the journey to publication, bringing such great love, joy and celebration to your life as an author.
They are necessary. They are beloved. They are invaluable. When you find them, hug them close and refuse to let them go.
Blurb:
CEO Keira McBride has put more than a decade of blood, sweat, and tears into restoring her family’s magazine empire and knows she can handle any business challenge thrown her way…until sexy billionaire and corporate raider Nathan Cooper makes a play for her legacy.
Nathan’s not accustomed to losing and neither is Keira. When an all-consuming attraction threatens to devour them both, Nathan makes it clear he wants to move their relationship out of the boardroom and into the bedroom. Keira knows it’s going to be the negotiation of her life and the stakes have never been higher. This time, her heart is on the line…
Find Tempting Acquisitions at:
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Karilyn Bentley's Blog
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