Adele Downs's Blog, page 13

KISSES FROM LILLITH by Adele Downs – Excerpt #Halloween #shortreads #paranormal

“Adele Downs has presented something fresh and new.” 5 Stars! ~Readers’ Favorite

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Summary:

Hunter receives a unique invitation from a relative to attend a Cave Party in a distant Pennsylvania town. Though his relationship with his girlfriend Rosa has been strained and might be heading for a break-up, he invites her to go, hoping for reconciliation. When the young couple arrives for the event, they are greeted by Hunter’s cousin and an odd group of guests who lead them through the chambers of the ancient cave. Once the party begins, Hunter and Rosa realize they’ve made a mistake, but it’s too late. Their fragile bond is tested to its limits when the powers of love and trust become their only weapons against dark forces gathering strength inside the cavern.

“Wow! For a short story, this was a long, thrilling ride.” 5 Stars! ~Will Work For Books

“Kisses From Lillith…has everything you want in a paranormal romance. I found myself on the edge of my seat. Adele Downs…has a way of bringing a story to life…she always leaves you wanting more.” 5 Stars! ~Girl With Pen

Excerpt:

Chapter One

“It’ll be dark soon.” Rosa Martinez shook out the picnic blanket, and then watched the last carload of tourists exit the Crystalline Cave parking lot in a cloud of cinders and dust. She clutched the blanket to her chest, her big brown eyes tracking their progress until their taillights disappeared.

Hunter Reid glanced at the fading sky then back at his girlfriend. “We have an hour or so to kill before our tour starts.” He shot her a hopeful grin, but the hint faded with his smile as Rosa twisted a corner of the fabric around her finger and hugged the cloth tighter. Did she just…whimper? He took a closer look. Couldn’t be. Rosa was resourceful and tough. She’d grown up with five brothers.

He reached out to touch her shoulder. “We’ll be fine until the others arrive. It’s safe out here in the country.”

She glanced at the surrounding greenery and the trees towering above them. “Yeah, right. There’s probably a serial killer hiding in the bushes.”

Rosa was definitely in a mood, and not the kind that got them naked.

Hunter conceded the argument for the moment and threw their sandwich crusts, organic chips packets, and empty bottles of iced tea in the trash and recycle bins. Rosa brushed a palm down the front of her t-shirt and the back of her jeans, flaking off bits of crumbs and dried clover.

Katydids, tree crickets and cicadas chirped and buzzed in the thick grass and dark woods of the surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. The twilight sounds replaced the din of chattering children and their parents from the ancient cave on the hill, to the familiar comfort of their cars, trucks and SUVs. Almost one hundred fifty years after the cave’s discovery on a family farm, locals and tourists still flocked to the site.

Rosa stared up at the enormous cave and scrunched her nose. “Only your cousin would celebrate her birthday in a creepy place like this.” She clicked her tongue. “Who knows what creatures lurk inside?” She nodded for emphasis and her dark hair swayed around her shoulders. “And who has a party where you bring your own food?”

Hunter tried not to smile, since Rosa was being serious. If she only knew how cute she looked when she made that face, she might never do it again.

Rosa hated the dark and anything remotely otherworldly. She refused to watch fantasy or horror films and detested Halloween. Rosa liked Broadway musicals, TV cooking shows, and Christmas.

Hunter had mollified her with a picnic he’d prepared, but the novelty of his artisan sandwiches on home-baked bread had clearly worn off. “Didn’t we have this fight already? When the invitation arrived, you said you’d come with me.”

His cousin, Angela, had sent invitations through the mail, printed with elaborate calligraphy on expensive-looking faux antique paper, complete with an RSVP card and a wax seal on the back of the envelope. Hunter had to admit the old-school, snail mail method she used looked impressive. The contact was a definite improvement over the impersonal social media invitations that had become popular, though it also made it harder to refuse the request. Maybe that was the point.

Rosa huffed out a breath. “Don’t know what I was thinking.”

***

Buy The Book for .99!

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Lillith-Adele-Downs-ebook/dp/B06XWZV69D/

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/kisses-from-lillith

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1222150135

Nook, Tolino, Scribd  https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OEak

Filed under: .99 Kindle Book, .99 Novella, .99 short story, Book Lovers Event, Kindle Book, Paranormal Romance, Romance Fiction, Romance Novella Tagged: paranormal vampire romance, read an exceprt of chapter one of KISSES FROM LILLITH

Orange Pop by Adele Downs #photography

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Copyright Adele Downs 2017

Filed under: Environment, Flowers and Gardens, Original Photography, Photography, Places in Pennsylvania, Places to Visit in the USA, Seasons of the Year Tagged: Adele Downs original photographs, Longwood Gardens

HOLT Medallion Award WINNER – HER IMMORTAL VIKING by Adele Downs

HER IMMORTAL VIKING won the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award “for outstanding literary fiction in the Romance Novella category” and is one of my most popular books. Have you downloaded your copy? Available at all book outlets.

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HER IMMORTAL VIKING by Adele Downs

Viking Warrior. Immortal Slave. Freed by Love.

A Viking cast into eternal servitude by an angry god is transported to the modern world, but to claim the love of the mortal who called him, Gunnar must find a way to clear his name across the divide of a thousand years.

ONE LONELY NIGHT

Divine intervention. That’s all Penny asks. Freedom from overwork and mountainous debt. She sings songs of praise, chants like a yogi, and rubs her belly like Buddha until the crystal charm on her navel shimmers, all hoping to draw the attention of someone—anyone—“up there.”

In the west, beyond the seas, from the place between Heaven and Earth, an immortal hears Penny’s cries. Once a renowned Viking warrior, Gunnar has been cast into eternal servitude by an angry god. Now, while Penny sleeps, he comes to Earth to grant her wishes. But Penny is about to wake up, and so is every desire she’s ever known. To claim their fairy-tale ending, Gunnar must find a way to clear his name. Not only must his sword arm and courage stay strong, but their powerful love must cross the divide of a thousand years.

Buy The Book on Amazon!

Buy The Book from Smashwords!

Buy The Book from Boroughs Publishing Group!

Filed under: Award Winning, Book Lovers Event, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy Romance, Kindle Book, Norse mythology, Paranormal Romance, Romance Fiction, Romance Novella, romance readers, Romance Writers of America, Romantic Fiction, Vikings, Writing Competition, Writing Contest Tagged: Her Immortal Viking by Adele Downs is a fantasy romance novella based on Norse mythology., Her Immortal Viking by Adele Downs won the 2016 Holt Medallion Award for outstanding literary fiction

Repose by Adele Downs #photography

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Photo copyright Adele Downs 2017

Filed under: Beach Life, Beach Photographs, Beach Vacation, Environment, Foto_Friday, Original Photography, Photography, Places to Visit in the USA, Seasons of the Year Tagged: impromptu scene on delaware beach

Mornings By The Bay: #HurricaneJose2017, Donating Royalties to #AmericanRedCross

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(Photo: Hours before Hurricane Jose moved along the Mid-Atlantic U.S. east coast.)

My husband and I decided to spend most of September at the beach to squeeze out every last ray of summer sunshine, and to finish the DIY bathroom remodel from hell. (More about that later.) For days the weather forecasters told us not to be concerned about Hurricane Jose’s path toward the Delaware peninsula; the storm would probably blow out to sea before it reached us. Because of these forecasts, we decided to stay in our Delaware house on the bay instead of returning home to Pennsylvania when Hurricane Jose moved up the east coast. Then the path changed and New Jersey, New York, and New England became targets of the hurricane, though Delaware would experience high winds and torrential rain. We’d ridden out tropical storms in the past without incident, and remained cautiously optimistic as we headed to the store for supplies.

It seemed as if everyone in town went shopping at once, because the stores were mobbed, and people were stocking up on food and cases of bottled water. We filled our Jeep’s gas tank to enable us to flee at a moment’s notice if Mother Nature changed direction and turned against us. We also expected another gas price hike after the hurricane blew by. Afterward, I made a trip to my favorite bookstore to buy a paperback and a magazine in case of a power outage. Then the weather forecast changed again, and the conditions for Delaware were expected to improve, with the exception of some beach erosion and areas of coastal flooding. We were relieved we wouldn’t live to regret our decision to remain in our house.

As it turned out, we were very lucky, because the Category 1 hurricane that brushed our peninsula from 200 miles offshore remained the weakest of the summer storms. When I think about the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the impact of Jose on states further north, and Maria’s destruction to our neighbors to the south, I’m thankful we were spared. I’m sending prayers and all possible good wishes to those negatively affected by the Hurricanes of 2017.

P.S. I will donate 100% of my royalties for my western romance KISSING HER COWBOY, set in Houston, Texas to the American Red Cross when you purchase the book between now and October 31. This is one of my most popular stories and was an Amazon Top 100 seller in three categories. Since the book costs only .99 and my portion of the sale is much smaller than a dollar, I will match every royalty I receive from my publisher in my quarterly check with a personal donation. You get the book for entertainment and the proceeds go to charity. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Here are the links to buy KISSING HER COWBOY.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSFV2UC/

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/396388

Boroughs Publishing Group http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/kissing-her-cowboy 

Filed under: Beach Life, Beach Photographs, Beach Vacation, Environment, Living At The Beach, Original Photography, Photography, Seasons of the Year Tagged: riding out the hurricane

Lilly Plates by Adele Downs #photography

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Copyright Adele Downs 2017

Filed under: Environment, Flowers and Gardens, Original Photography, Photography, Places in Pennsylvania, Seasons of the Year, Travel

KISSING HER COWBOY by Adele Downs – Donating Royalties to #AmericanRedCross #HurricaneRelief

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma kept me riveted to the TV news as they pummeled Texas, the Florida peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the Caribbean. If you are a resident of the affected areas, my heart goes out to you. My family and I watched with horror and in tears as our neighbors further south lost their homes, their neighborhoods, and possibly their livelihoods. I have many friends in Texas and Florida, and even more readers there. I kept wishing there was something I could do to help my fellow citizens as the devastation unfolded.

Sending a donation to the American Red Cross seemed like the obvious choice, but I wanted to do more. Something personal. That’s when I remembered that one of my most popular books KISSING HER COWBOY is set in Houston, Texas, the epicenter of Hurricane Harvey’s destruction.

I will donate 100% of my royalties for KISSING HER COWBOY to the American Red Cross when you purchase the book between now and October 31. Since the story costs only .99 and my portion of the sale is much smaller than a dollar, I will match every royalty I receive from my publisher in my quarterly check with a personal donation. You get the book and the proceeds go to charity. It’s a win-win for everyone.

KISSING HER COWBOY

“I’ve always been a sucker for a good cowboy story–and this short story had me hooked in the first few pages! There are so many small touches in this story that warmed my heart (sweet tea…sweet lips…). I fell in love with Trey easily, and learning about both his and Daisy’s background stories…gave this book incredible depth that is typically very rare in a story this short. Overall, fantastic and sweet love story!” 5 Stars! ~ Amazon Community Reviewer

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“Prop your boots up on the post and enjoy this read! You can’t go wrong with Adele Downs.” 5 Stars! ~Will Work for Books

About the book:

On a Texas ranch, and with the help of a stallion named Big Blue, an injured cowboy and a cop with a dark past learn to get back in the saddle and find joy—in each other’s arms.

Here are the links to buy KISSING HER COWBOY.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSFV2UC/

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/396388

Boroughs Publishing Group http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/kissing-her-cowboy

Filed under: .99 Kindle Book, .99 Novella, .99 short story, Amazon Top 100 Best-Seller, Contemporary Romance, Contest, Cowboys, Kindle Book, Lasting Love, Prizes, Romance, Romance Fiction, Romance Novella, Romantic Fiction, Short Story, Western Novels, Western Romance Tagged: Amazon Top 100 Western, royalties donated to the American Red Cross

Adele Downs, Newsletter Sign Up! #newsletter #romancenovel #books

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and keep in touch!

Early new release info, deleted scenes available only to subscribers, giveaways for subscribers only, original photos, opportunities to win Advanced Review Copies (ARCs) of my books, and more.

I hope you’ll subscribe!

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http://www.adeledowns.com/newsletter.html

Filed under: Book Lovers Event, Prizes, Romance Fiction Tagged: sign up for author Adele Downs occasional newsletter

Cooling Fountains by Adele Downs #photography

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Copyright Adele Downs 2017

Filed under: Environment, Flowers and Gardens, Original Photography, Photography, Places in Pennsylvania, Places to Visit in the USA, Seasons of the Year Tagged: Adele Downs original photographs, Longwood Gardens

LIP SERVICE by Adele Downs #Paranormal #Romance #PRN #Ghost @BoroughsPubGrp

“Adele Downs weaves together a magical love story.” 5 Stars ~Girl With Pen

If you enjoy small town contemporary romance with a touch of humor and a paranormal twist LIP SERVICE by Adele Downs might be the perfect book to add to your collection. This short novel has just the right amount of sexy and a cast of characters readers say they love. Available in both digital and print formats.

“What an amazing story! Adele Downs nailed it with a unique storyline and unforgettable characters. Jack is a serious hunk, more so because he’s honorable and steadfast. This enthralling read ensures you can’t stop turning the pages till you reach the end!” 5 Stars! ~Phoenix at Reading Alley

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“This story was perfection. It was just right in every way possible. The characters were interesting, flawed just enough, yet smart and funny. The plot was unique, entertaining, and clever. The writing was witty, well-paced, and insightful. And the sensual scenes sizzled and snapped. But most of all, I like that they bested a recalcitrant ghost.” 5 Stars! ~Rockin’ and Reviewing

About the Book:

LIP SERVICE by Adele Downs

Some ghosts won’t take “yes” for an answer.

Jack Harris has loved Legs Anderson since they were kids. Now that he has her in his bed, he has no intention of letting her go. Aunt Ada has other ideas, even from the grave.

GETTING BETWEEN JACK…

Orphaned at a young age, Legs Anderson owes her Aunt Ada everything. The stoic old lady raised her, and Ada’s warnings about men—and the Harris boys in particular—have stuck, even after her death. Of course, that could be because Ada stuck around, too.

…AND HIS LEGS

Patience is not one of Jack Harris’s virtues, and he’s waited too long to start a life with the woman he’s loved since childhood instead of them just knocking boots. Now Ada is interfering from beyond the grave, haunting the old Victorian house she bequeathed to her niece and reinforcing Legs’s fears of commitment. But Jack won’t give up. No matter what trouble may follow, the house will be renovated, Ada will learn to let go, Legs will put her money where her mouth is…and then Jack’ll put his lips everywhere else.

Buy the Book on Amazon!

Buy the Book on Smashwords!

Excerpt:

The roar of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on Rachel’s block and the rev of a throttle in her driveway announced Jack’s arrival. Legs tried to appear nonchalant when he walked through the poolside gate, but the sight of his sun-streaked hair and tanned, muscular good looks nearly knocked her off her seat. She eased her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose to get a better look.

When he stepped into the pool area dressed in black jeans, black biker boots, and a white muscle shirt that framed his pumped-up shoulders and biceps, she caught her breath. Everyone in the group said “hey” and Rachel offered him a cold drink, but his focus had remained on her. He slid his sunglasses on top of his head and nodded in her direction.

Legs remembered his gaze meeting hers before his attention strayed to her gold and black bikini then savored every inch of her skin. An appreciative smirk curled his lips and desire flashed in his beautiful blue eyes. He took a long pull of the soft drink someone handed him and then set the can down on the patio table. He looked her way and said, “Want to go for a ride?”

The invitation came out like a dare. All eyes shifted to her, watching to see what she’d do. They all knew she wasn’t allowed to date Jack Harris. Taking a ride on his motorcycle might not have been the same thing, but there would be hell to pay if her aunt found out.

She stretched her arms over her head and offered a lazy smile. “I guess so.” Though she’d been as nervous and excited as a rabbit, she never let on. She stood and pulled on her shorts and shirt, slid her sandals over her feet, and made her way across the patio to him.

Her aunt’s spies might see her on the road, but she pushed that worry aside. Mere weeks remained before she’d move away to college and the subject would be moot. She’d be gone most of the next four years, and by the time she got back, Jack would probably be married with a couple of kids. Half the women in town had their eyes on him and his brothers.

The idea of Jack marrying someone else made her furious, and more determined than ever to enjoy this rare day alone with him.

His gaze tracked every step of her approach, as if memorizing the lines and planes of her face, learning the shape of her breasts, and tattooing the curves of her waist into his brain. When she reached his side, he smiled at her so intently she almost faltered. Her heartbeat raced when he took her hand. She barely heard her friends say good-bye as they exited the patio door.

His Harley was built in classic style—all black steel and leather with silver chrome, glinting majestically in the sunlight like a god. She ran her fingers over the warm plush seats.

“Ever been on a bike before?” he asked, watching her with eyes so blue she almost missed his question while she stared back.

She pulled an elastic band from her shorts pocket and tied her hair into a ponytail. “Uh. No.” Her hair swung with the shake of her head. He probably knew the answer, but she appreciated the benefit of his question. He hadn’t made her feel like a total geek.

He gave her a tutorial with simple instructions, including the demand that she hold on to him tight and not let go. No problem there. She resisted a fit of giggles, determined to act her age and accept responsibility for her own safety, as tenuous as that might be on the rear end of a motorcycle wearing shorts and sandals.

Yikes. Hormones really did rule the heart.

He slid his sunglasses into place and got on the bike, steadying it with his feet while she scooted in behind him. After shifting her weight to find her center of balance, she wrapped her arms tight around his chest. The solid feel of his body thrilled her beyond anything she’d imagined. He smelled fantastic too, like musk cologne, leather, and sweat tossed with August air and sunshine.

“Ready?” he asked.

Leaning closer for support, she pressed her torso against his back and stifled a gasp at the sensations the friction created. If he never started the engine, and they simply sat together like this, it would have been enough.

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“This is an unusual love story, but it works. The writing is imaginative, humorous and touching.” 5 Stars! ~CJ’s Book Corner

Filed under: Contemporary Romance, Kindle Book, Paranormal Romance, Romance Fiction, Romantic Fiction Tagged: contemporary romance with light paranormal elements, halloween novel, halloween read, small town contemporary romance