TEMPTED BY BLOOD - Longer Excerpt

Print Feb 21 / Digital Mar 1Just two more days till TEMPTED BY BLOOD hits store shelves in North America! I'm so excited for you to read Jackson and Arianna's story. Because it digs into issues like trust, honor, loyalty and redemption, I had such a great time writing it. Plus, Ventra is back and she's eager to prove herself a worthy leader to the Darkblood Alliance. If you read on an e-reader, unfortunately you'll have to wait a little longer—Mar. 1—for the digital version to be available.


Here's a longer excerpt. Enjoy!

Set-up: Arianna and her cousin, Krystal, have just witnessed Jackson taking out a couple of Darkbloods.

With a swipe of his hand, the man brushed his hair from his face and came toward them. His strides were long and fluid, like a powerful animal's. Arianna subtly moved Krystal behind her and took a half step backward.

Damn her morbid curiosity that always seemed to get in the way of common sense. Why hadn't they left when they'd had the chance? They could've been back home by now behind locked doors. She'd have out her garlic, her crosses, and she'd make sure to tell Krystal not to answer the door. Who knew if any of the vampire myths were correct, but she wouldn't have taken any chances. Too late for that now.

Her mind spun out of control with the incredible event she'd just witnessed. As unbelievable as it sounded, she couldn't deny it. Vampires really did exist in this world. They weren't just made-up stories and fables. They were walking, talking individuals who melted with the shadows and preyed on humans. Thank God, she'd taken pictures and video, otherwise no one would ever believe her.

[spoiler snipped]

"Give it to me." He snapped his fingers.

Her first reaction was to do what he said, and she made a move to hand the phone to him. Wait. What was she doing? This was her only evidence. There was no way in hell anyone would believe her if she didn't provide proof of what she'd just witnessed. She knew that all too well.

And those knives of his…

When he'd pulled one out and raised it above his head, the reflection of the moonlight had flashed along the curved blade, illuminating it from point to hilt. It was as if it were lit from within, drawing power from the man who held it.

She bristled at his commanding tone and yet she shrank away from him at the same time.

"Give what to you?" she asked, quickly finding her courage. She raised the pitch of her voice slightly in an attempt to sound innocent.

She'd been waiting for most of her life not only to see something like this with her own eyes, but also to have undeniable proof that there was something out there beyond the realm of human reason. Shadows did come to life and threaten people. Just as she always knew they did.

"The phone," he growled.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Come on, honey, don't bullshit me. Neither of us have time for this."

Honey? Did he just call her honey?

She straightened her spine and glared at him. Men who threw around fake endearments like candy, assuming it would make a woman cave, were enough to make her break out in hives. It was something her father did.

"For one thing, I'm not your honey. And for another—"

He turned his full attention to her and the words faltered in her throat. Vampire or not, the guy was gorgeous. Probably the hottest guy she'd ever seen in person. Just about anyone could look good, airbrushed in a magazine. He was the real deal.

Amusement flooded his green eyes and he flashed a quirky smile. It was a look that said he knew exactly how attractive he was and the effect he was having on her. This rough, unpolished sexuality was one hundred percent male and it sent shivers down her spine. He was a vampire, for God's sake.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have a camera."

"You were taking pictures, honey," he said pointedly, drawing out the two syllables. Clearly, he knew it pissed her off and yet he did it anyway.

Her face heated with anger. "Too bad. You can't have it." As if she would simply—

In a flash of movement, the phone was suddenly gone from her hand and he was pocketing it.

Appalled, she took a half step back. "What do think— You can't just— That's my private property. Give it back to me."

"Well, it's mine now." He snapped his fingers at her cousin. "You too."


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