Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Blog Tour: Guest Post w/ Lisa Mondello!



WELCOME BACK TO THE BLOG, LISA! :)


Lisa Mondello (a.k.a. LA Mondello) has held many jobs in her life but being a published authors is the last job she'll ever have. She's not retiring! She blames the creation of the personal computer for her leap into writing novels. Otherwise, she'd still be penning stories with paper and pen.  Her first book, All I Want for Christmas is You, was the winner of the Golden Quill contest for Best First Book and to date has had over 400,000 downloads worldwide.
She is currently the author of 14 novels under the name Lisa Mondello and LA Mondello. You can find more information about Lisa Mondello at http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com
 
Where to Find Lisa:

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Falling in Love with Your Hero


A great romance starts with an absolutely yummy hero the reader can fall in love with.  That starts with the author falling in love with the hero.  After all, if the author doesn’t feel it, the reader won’t feel it either.

 

Many people ask how an author can create a hero readers can love time and again with each new book.  I say it’s easy.  It starts with identifying the character traits that are uniquely attractive in every hero.

 

Let me start by saying that no man (or woman) is perfect.  Therefore, no hero should be perfect either.  Readers can’t relate to heroes who do everything right all the time and have no flaws.  Aside from it being really unrealistic and intimidating, it’s boring.  Part of the excitement of reading about a yummy hero is being able to route for him. 

 

Readers are really adept at anticipating what will happen next in a book.  As a writer, we need to keep the story interesting and that starts with characters who don’t always do what is expected.  We want to see our hero get into situations that are tough, situations that they have to get out of.  We want to worry about them, cheer for them and be a part of how they get out of every twist and turn we put in front of them as they travel the road toward their happily ever after.

 

In NOTHING BUT TROUBLE, it would have been very easy for me to write Stoney Buxton as the sexy bull rider who does everything right.  Who wants that?  I gave him a little ornery attitute, something his mom tells the heroine, Melanie, he was born with.  There is a scene in the kitchen where Stoney’s mom tells Melanie to cowboy up and to give it back to Stoney as good as he gives.  I love that scene because, although we know at this point that Stoney is HOT, he’s still a guy and human and a challenge for an equally matched heroine. 

 

I love putting hurdles in front of my heroes and I love seeing them jump over them.  Sometimes not so successfully.  Our heroes are tough.  They get bruised and battered on the way to love and romance.  It makes both the author and the reader love these wonderful men even more. 

 

In NOTHING BUT TROUBLE, I introduce a character I fell in love with so much, Mitch Broader, that I absolutely had to write a story about him.  At the time I’d already switched states and gone from Wyoming to Texas when I started my Texas Hearts series with Her Heart for the Asking.  So here is a little tidbit for you.  Mitch Broader moved with me and ended up in Texas in his own story called His Heart for the Trusting.  I hope you take a moment to check out NOTHING BUT TROUBLE and the Texas Hearts series books.  Books 1-3 are already released as ebooks.  Books 4 and 5 will be available in December.

 
~Lisa Mondello

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
 
Nothing But Trouble by Lisa Mondello
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Western)
 
What's a girl to do all alone with a rodeo cowboy for 1 month in the Wyoming wilderness?

Melanie Summers has something to prove! Being a zoologist is her dream and the only thing standing in the way of her going on an African expedition is her father and his fear.

So she strikes a deal. She has to spend a full month in the Wyoming wilderness and show her father she can handle being in a remote area while managing her Type 1 diabetes before he'll agree to fund the expedition to Africa and allow her to go. But her daddy isn't the only one convinced she'll fail...

But she's not about to let any man underestimate what she can do. Especially not the sexy rodeo cowboy she's hired to help get her through the month in the wilderness.

Yes, he knows what he's doing. But so does she! Yes, he's ruggedly handsome...well, he can't help that, can he? But no sexy cowboy is going to keep her down!

Stoney Buxton needs to raise cash fast to save the family ranch after a barn fire injured his father and left the family finances in ruin. Re-entering the rodeo circuit seems like the best way to get the money he needs. That is until Melanie Summers shows up at his ranch flashing easy money.

To everyone else, Melanie's offer seems like the answer to all his prayers. But one look at her long legs and pouting lips and Stoney knows this high society gal is going to be nothing but trouble...for his cowboy heart.


 
 
Where to Buy*:
More Info:
 
 
 
 
Nothing But Trouble by Lisa Mondello
Excerpt


His jaw tightened. Yes, there was something definitely wrong here. And money had nothing to do with it. It had everything to do with this beauty standing in front of him, who was clueless about what she was getting her pretty little hide into. "No," he replied tersely.

"Mr. Buxton, I need your help."

"Tourist season is in full swing. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding someone else."

He turned his back to her and began walking along the fence toward the barn, almost forgetting... Abruptly, he glanced up and saw the charred remains of the barn. The place where all his troubles had started just one year ago. It hadn't taken but a second for him to hear her boots digging into the dusty gravel behind him, jarring him from his thoughts.

"Then I'll do it myself," she said to his back.

His whole body stiffened. He angled back to read her face, to see if she was just being a spoiled rotten rich kid, trying to get her way, or if she was actually serious. Seeing her head held high and her arms crossed in front of her, he realized she was dead serious.

And dead she'd be if she stepped one boot into those mountains alone.

"You'll do no such thing."

Frustration flaring, he lifted his dusty hat and forced his fingers through the thick crop of black hair before returning the hat to his head.

"You just don't get it, do you? You're not asking me to take you on a theme park ride where you'll get to see the wonders of the world at a nice safe distance. This is God's country. The creatures that live up there don't know civilization, and you are no better than them. You could--probably will--get killed if you go out there alone." His lips twitched, taking a good long appraising look at the woman in front of him. "You might even chip a nail on that pretty hand of yours."


 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Thanks for stopping by today, Lisa! :) I love the cover on NBT, and I loved your post--who doesn't love falling for the hero, right? Even without having read this book yet, I think you managed to capture another great hero for the readers to fall for; as you said, no one wants a "perfect" hero (or heroine!).



Okay, dear readers---what makes YOU fall
 
for a hero? I think Lisa would like to know,
 
and so would I!




Enjoy!   


Until Next Time,


 Photobucket


   *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Lusting for Covers (96)


Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!



Once you are ready to join the fun,

please fill out Mister Linky below with

your name/blog name and the direct

link to your Lusting for Covers for this

week!

 







~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here's my candidate for the week:
 


Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin HQN (February 26, 2013)
Series: Angels of the Dark, 2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
"Combining passion, humor, pulse-pounding action and just plain fun, Gena Showalter's books are always a refreshing escape!" -New York Times bestselling author Lara AdrianNew York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with another captivating Angels of the Dark tale, as a tormented warrior is brought to his knees by the most delicate of humans... His name is Koldo. He is scarred, powerful, his control legendary-and he lives only for vengeance, determined to punish the angel who viciously removed his wings. But if he yields to the forces of hatred, he will be kicked from the heavens, eternally damned.

She is his last hope. Nicola Lane was born with a defective heart, yet this fragile human shows surprising strength as demons stalk her every move, determined to end her. She is the key to Koldo's deliverance...and his downfall. Though he fights duty, destiny and his first addictive taste of desire, his toughest battle will be the one for Nicola's life-even if he has to sacrifice his own....
 
  
Where to Buy*:  
More Info:



Why?

Apparently I'm in a "Sexy-Tattooed-Man" rut.

However, I'm not complaining one bit. Nope, not at all. :D

I'm behind on Gena's series, including this one, but I am a huge fan of her work and I think I always will be---great covers, sexy tortured men, and funny quotes everywhere! :) If you have yet to try her novels, I would highly suggest putting them on the top of your list!








 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Blog Tour: "Claimed by Dragons" Promo Spot!


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, AMBER +
 
KATALINA! :)

Amber:
From a very young age, Amber Skyze began making up stories–the only child syndrome. Telling tall tales to all her friends she never dreamed of putting words on paper. In fact if anyone asked her if she would write when she grew up, she’d have laughed.
It wasn’t until raising children and reading all those romances that she decided–hey, I can write these. HA! Easier said than done.
When not crafting hot, steamy tales, this New York transplant now resides in Rhode Island with her husband, four children (who force her to work a day job), and three dogs.
She currently writes for Ellora’s Cave, Loose Id and is self-published.
 
 
Where to Find Amber:



Katalina:
I’m an artist, an author, mother and wife. I write for Loose Id Publishing and Ellora’s Cave. I try to bring a touch of the mystical and a big sense of adventure to everything I write because I believe there’s a bold, kick-ass heroine inside all of us who wants to take a wild ride with a strong worthy hero.
 
Where to Find Katalina:

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 
 
Claimed by Dragons byAmber Skyze and Katalina Leon
Publisher: Loose Id LLC (September 24, 2012)
Series: Bags of Tricks, 2
 Genre: Paranormal Erotica (menage) 

In an odd Wiccan shop in Salem, Jael pulls an unusual stone from a witch’s wish bag. Little does she know her wildest dreams of adventure and a torrid affair with two gorgeous co-workers are about to come true—in spades.

Jael’s dreamy boss, Roarke offers her the assignment of a lifetime: a photo safari to Mount Kilimanjaro. The African scenery is stunning but the unexpected arrival of her two office crushes, Roarke and Kypton ignites her passion. Just as the trio is getting steamy at a beautiful waterfall, danger intervenes forcing the men to reveal their secret. They're dragons. And now, to save her life, they have no choice but to abduct a startled Jael to their mountain lair on Kilimanjaro.

In the dragons' love nest, Jael learns the truth about their origins and explores all the erotic possibilities two eager lovers can offer. Love awakens, but the guys are being stalked by a covert group of dragon hunters and withholding a life or death secret that will push Jael’s courageous heart and commitment to the limits.

Note: This book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find objectionable: anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, menage (m/m/f).
 
 
 Where to Buy*:
Kindle | Publisher | ARe

More Info:
Book Trailer

 
Claimed by Dragons by Amber Skyze & Katalina Leon
Excerpt


(In this excerpt Jael has just pulled a stone from the wish bag in an odd  Salem Wiccan shop.)

“Oh, Jael, that is an odd-looking stone.” Arcona reached for Jael’s hand to tip the sparkling stone toward the light. “It’s beautiful when things you’d never think would fuse together mix.” She stared at the stone in wonder. “The world is full of weird stuff, isn’t it?”

Jael looked from the two-sided stone to her friend. “It is different.” She glanced at Witch Casey to see if she had any advice as to why she’d chosen such a stone.

“Interesting, but not surprising.” Witch Casey shook her head with her lips firmly pinched together.

Jael couldn’t read the woman’s eccentric gesture.

“A dual stone is often attracted to an undecided person,” Witch Casey spoke tersely.

“Undecided?” Jael stiffened and crossed her arms in a defensive manner. She’d been often accused of being indecisive in the past, and it hurt. Obviously Witch Casey had been eavesdropping. “Are you referring to me?”

“Of course I’m referring to you.” Witch Casey planted her fist firmly on her hip as she confronted Jael. “You’re the one holding the dual stone, not me.”

“What do you mean by undecided?” Jael knew where this was going. Witch Casey would now deliver a trite and highly predictable forecast about her future love life. She braced for the safe little clichés she knew were headed her way.

Witch Casey arced her hands dramatically through the air. “Your heart is always in two places at once and refuses to choose a lasting home. Am I right?”

Jael slightly recoiled. Witch Casey was right. The way the woman spoke with utter authority sent a shiver up her spine.

All her life she’d rushed toward one goal when secretly desiring another. She longed for a stable relationship, even a family, but another rogue part of her soul wanted to ditch her responsibilities, pick up a camera, and flee to the exotic wilds of Africa to fulfill her creative dreams. The same went for men. She could never make up her mind. Variety was the spice of life.

“There might be some truth in what you’re saying,” Jael sheepishly answered Witch Casey.

Witch Casey’s eyes flashed. “Might?”

Arcona leaned close to Jael’s ear. “I remember our last semester. You were always dating at least two guys at once and trying to keep it a secret. It never stayed secret.”

Jael silently admitted her love life was a disaster of indecision. She’d never met a man who fulfilled all her needs. Okay, maybe one man—Roarke, the gorgeous guy at her office, was a thrilling date for a friends-with-benefits type of evening, but a more solid relationship never quite gelled. Deep down she knew why.

They were two of a kind. Roarke was almost as undecided and commitment shy as she was. He would pant after her with lustful looks, coax and almost beg her to visit his apartment. When she gave in, the sex was always hot. Roarke was a total turn-on. Her hopes would rise that maybe Roarke was the one, and then nothing would happen for weeks at a time. No pursuit, no invitations back to his bed. It was as if Roarke would deny himself her company until he couldn’t stand it a moment longer; then he would call.

She’d noticed Roarke’s nightstand was fully stocked with condoms and every exotic brand of lube on the market, so she had to suspect he enjoyed other lovers as well, which hurt. She wanted to be someone special to him, and apparently she wasn’t. Obviously there was another.

“Would you like me to do a card reading for you?” Witch Casey interrupted the silence. “It might clarify a few of those undecided thoughts.”

“I don’t know…” Jael’s gaze darted anxiously between her friends. Their visit was nearly at an end. She wondered if her friends would willingly wait while Witch Casey sorted through the confusing details of her elusive love life. Probably not.

“You should do it.” Arcona shot Jael an encouraging smile. “Accept the card reading. Isn’t that why we walked in here in the first place—to get a little insight?”

 
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
Thanks for stopping by, Amber and Katalina! I look forward to trying your books; they sounds very sexy indeed! :D




Enjoy!   




Until Next Time,


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*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Blog Tour: Guest Post w/ Christina McKnight!


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, CHRISTINA! :)


Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since. 
 
In college, Christina took many courses to help develop and enhance her writing skills. She completed a seventy-page dissertation on the need for community policing in American society. Now, she focuses on Historical Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance. Her debut Urban Fantasy novel, Only in Her Dreams, will be released on September 1, 2012.
 
Christina lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, two boxers, two cats, and a Beta fish named Marmaduke.  If she’s not behind a computer screen or book, she’s busy leading her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She is very active in several writing groups and a local book group.

 
 
 
Where to Find Christina:

 
 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
 
 
 
Top 5 Signs You’re Dating a Guy NOT of this World
 
5. He arrives with ZERO baggage
Come on! If he shows up sans crazy ex-girlfriends and luggage the chances he’s been in physical contact with the human world is slim. How to proceed? Be his first girlfriend…and get the guy some pajamas!  Next, remove said pajamas from your HOT new boyfriend.
 
4. He has nothing better to do than watch you while you work
Unless you’re a stripper…this is NOT good. But this can turn into something amazing! Hear me out here, ladies! Even doing dishes is exciting for him because he’s never done it before. Enjoy it while it lasts…and stay off the pole!
 
3. He disappears into thin air and his eyes glow in the dark
Okay, the glowing eyes are a bit of a no brainer…if his eyes turn an iridescent blue at night YOU have a big problem on your hands. Now, the disappearing into thin air is a little trickier. I’m not talking about going out for milk and returning three days later…this guy just has commitment issues and probably another girlfriend tucked away. I’m talking about he’s there, in the flesh, next to you and then he’s gone…poof! Word of advice: locking your doors and windows will NOT be enough to keep him out when he needs to come back.
 
2. He doesn’t drink coffee
Be still my HEART! I know, who doesn’t drink coffee? Starbucks, 7-Eleven, Peet’s, or Dunkin Donuts…pick your poison! And he wants TEA, really? Okay, DON’T panic. This is a blessing in disguise. Look in your kitchen…see the 12 cup coffee pot? You never have to share it and chances are he will become an expert coffee maker just for you!
 
1. The only place you’ve ever seen him is in your dreams!
You thought the last one was the most obvious sign he’s not of this world…so did I! But no…it gets MORE obvious than that! First you must admit to yourself that you’ve seen him before…if ONLY IN YOUR DREAMS. I can’t stress this enough, if your dream guy shows up in the flesh it doesn’t matter if he’s not of this world! You can explain to your family his lack of a past, why they next see him after dark (tell them he’s a vampire…that may be awkward but more believable than the truth), and why he rebuffs your grandmother’s prized Brazilian coffee. Only question left is…what if your family already knows?
 
~Christina McKnight 
 
 
 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 

Only in Her Dreams by Christina McKnight
Publisher: La Loma Elite Publishing (August 31, 2012)
Series: The Oneirol, 1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
 
When Lucessa Sarcona awakes from a recurring dream, she has no idea her life is about to be turned upside down. A stranger, familiar to her dreams, shows up in the flesh, and Lucessa knows she’s either crazy or experiencing something not of this world.

A war ensues between three demigod brothers.  One, trained to rule Erebos, is violently replaced. One forced to return to his homeland and lead the dream-gods of the Oneiroi. And one is charged with the impossible task of protecting Lucessa. How is she linked to the Oneiroi? Why do two brothers seek to keep her hidden and protected? And how does another plan to use her against the two demigods who love her?

Will Lucessa’s dream man have the courage to claim her as his own or will he bow to the command of another, forsaking the one he loves?


Only in Her Dreams is a modern spin on a Greek legend--the new direction of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, moving from angels, demons, vampires, and witches and toward the realm of demigods.
 


Where to Buy*:
 

More Info:

 
Only in Her Dreams by Christina McKnight
Excerpt
 

Chapter One

 

Lucessa stared at her bed. It was time to sleep again, but it was getting harder to succumb to it. She started to think the day would never come when she could abandon herself to sleep without the feeling of being watched. He was always there--haunting her dreams. Her dreams hadn’t been her own in such a long time.

He was always there. Never talking but always watching. Intently. As if he knew her. Security, even in sleep, eluded her.

She’d lost her father and her husband. Her mother was slipping away, battling a memory loss that was progressing daily. Her dreams were the only place she could remember a family, someone who cared. But he insisted on intruding. Every happy memory and every nightmare included his presence. Why did he always show up? How could she get rid of him?

Lucessa tried for the millionth time to find a solution as she climbed under the covers. Who am I kidding? There was nothing she could do. He was a dream! A figment of her imagination. She sighed and resigned herself to another restless night.

 

Lucessa was a child again. The cold, pine-scented wind tangled her hair as she descended the mountain path in front of her parents. Her family’s annual summer camping trip to Yosemite National Park was in its third day, and that meant they’d conquered Half Dome for the third year straight. Ever since her parents deemed her old and skilled enough for the challenge, they hiked it together.  As a family.

She looked back at her smiling parents as they held hands and strolled down the path after her. Her mother, Marie, looked casual in her jeans and the blue “Keep Lake Tahoe Blue” shirt that hugged her frame. Her father wore a San Francisco Giants baseball cap, a wisp of salt and pepper hair showing through. They looked like a couple out of the travel magazine that Lucessa had seen in her father’s study weeks ago.

“Dear, watch where you’re going!”

Lucessa turned back to the trail, nearly colliding with a man lounging against a tree just off the path. Dressed in a thigh-hugging pair of dark pants and a billowy tunic that had to be from at least a century ago, he pushed off the tree trunk and tipped his hat. His blue eyes sparkled with mischief in the evening twilight, letting off a faint glow. The man looked eerily recognizable.

She looked back to reassure her mother that she was okay. Lucessa scanned the woods behind her.

But they were gone. Only the familiar stranger remained.


 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
Thanks for stopping by, Christina! :) I LOVED your list, and I cannot wait to read OIHD!
 
 
Okay ladies--do you have any other "hints" that
 
let you know your man may not be, ahem,
 
normal? :D
 

Enjoy!




Until Next Time,


 Photobucket


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Lusting for Covers (95)


Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.

This meme is hosted by TBQ @ TBQ's Book Palace.

To view complete instructions on how to participate, as well as grab the HTML code for the graphic, see this page first!



Once you are ready to join the fun,

please fill out Mister Linky below with

your name/blog name and the direct

link to your Lusting for Covers for this

week!

 









~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here's my candidate for the week:
 


 
Tidal by Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (April 16, 2013)
Series: The Watersong, 3
Genre: YA Fantasy
 
It's been a month since Gemma returned to Capri, and Penn has made it very clear that time is running it for her. The only bright side is that Penn has been distracted lately. Unfortunately, the thing that finally has Penn's attention is very near and dear to Harper's heart...
 

More info coming soon, including a longer synopsis, excerpt, official release date, pre-order info, and book trailer.

Coming April 2013.
  
Where to Buy*:  
Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK 
More Info:



Why?

Don't you just love this cover? Regardless of whether or not you like YA novels, just look at that cover! Sexy, gorgeous--yum!

And again--tattoo! :D

 I have not read this series, or this author, but I am definitely putting them on my list now! If the story inside is half as good as this cover? *dies* :D




 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Blog Tour: "Shadow of the Blood Moon" Excerpt!


WELCOME TO THE BLOG, ROBIN! :)


 
I'm a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, and author of YA/Urban Fantasy paranormal novels. TIES TO THE BLOOD MOON is book 1 in my series and is available on all digital sites, and also print and audio as well. 
 
 
Where to Find Robin:

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
 
Shadow of the Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 27, 2012)
Series: Blood Moon, 2
Genre: YA Paranormal

Genevieve Labreck is back with a score to settle. Her mom has been kidnapped by Zane, hybrid and all-around monster.  Rumors fly that Gen’s mom is holed away in Prague, a city recognized by humans for its serene beauty and intense culture, but Gen and Will know something humans don’t. Prague is haunted by dark, evil forces.

 
Can Genevieve and William save her mom, or will they be too late?


Some will live, others will fall. At what price do you walk away from those you love?
 
 

Where to Buy*:
More Info:


And now please enjoy this excerpt from Book 3, out soon! :)

Book 3 by Robin P. Waldrop
Excerpt 
  

Chapter 1
 Claw-fingered shadows hung over my bed in the darkness and shredded my skin. I screamed out in terror, blood spewing everywhere. Then, like almost every night since my capture, I woke up. My clothes, soaked in sweat, clung to my body, tears stained my face and I shivered.
I remained under Laszlo’s watchful eye. He needed me, this he’d made abundantly clear. Actually, he needed my blood. Convinced, since I had become a Rafe, that drinking my blood would renew his youth and give him the same power I held. Healing.
After showering, I sat on the couch staring blankly out the window at the darkness. The door slammed and I jumped, then slumped back against the couch, too exhausted to argue with Peter. He entered carrying a tray topped with several blood bags. The same as he’d done each day since shortly after I arrived.
“I told you I won’t drink it,” I scoffed, not bothering to open my eyes and look at him. “You drink it and just tell Laszlo I did.”
“I can’t do that, Genevieve. He is not stupid and will know I am lying,” Peter said, his tone sounded frustrated.
I peaked from beneath one eyelid, watching a he cut open the top of one of the bags. The smell made my mouth water. I was starving, but refused to eat. “I’ll die before Laszlo drains my blood so he can live forever.”
Peter’s muscle’s flexed when he placed the tray on the glass topped coffee table sitting in front of the couch. I swear I felt my insides gnawing at each other. I grew weaker by the day, but I’d never let Peter know.
“I’m not doing this for Laszlo. I’m … I’m worried about you,” he uttered, dropping his gaze.
I wanted to believe him, but couldn’t. Not with him being Laszlo’s ‘nephew.’ “Get out and take the tray with you,” I said, aggressively.
“You are so damn stubborn! I don’t know how William ever put up with you.” Peter snatched the tray off the table, slinging one of the bags to the floor. He didn’t even bother to pick up the stupid thing.
I remained frozen until he slammed the door behind him, then scooted forward and stared at the bag laying on the floor. When I couldn’t stand it anymore, I snatched it up, bit off the top and guzzled it down. “Mmmm,” I moaned, closing my eyes while the sweet nectar ran down my throat.
After I finished, doubt filled my mind. I’d spent the last several months believing I was strong. Physically and emotionally. In reality, though, I was a scared little girl who could throw cars and kill mythical creatures.
I took the bag and squeezed the remaining few drops into the bathroom sink, hoping I could convince Peter I had poured it out.
My head snapped toward the door when I heard someone knock. I glanced back at the mirror and made sure no traces of the blood got left behind. “Who is it?” I snapped.
“It is Dahlia,” she called from outside my door. “Are you okay, Genevieve?” Her voice, soft and dainty, reminded me of my mom’s.
“Yes, I’m just freakin wonderful,” I groaned, opening the door. “Still kidnapped. Still Laszlo’s intended lunch in a couple months. Still no way of knowing if William is coming for me. But I’m peachy,” Sarcasm dripped from my voice as I stepped to the side allowing her entry.
Dahlia’s long flowing golden hair got caught in the door when I closed it, jerking her head back. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to do that. Her hair fell past her waist, nearly the same length as mine. People often told me my hair flickered like fire because of its flaming red color. She always wore a long black robe with hood, which she normally kept her hair tucked inside, but lately she’d been letting it hang loose. Sometimes I found her being William’s mom hard to grasp. She didn’t look a day over thirty but was, in fact, almost two-hundred.
I moved to the couch and plopped down, then sounded like a tire after it sprung a major leak.
“Oh darling,” she said, her head tilted and the corners of her mouth dipped downward. She wrapped me in a hug and stroked my hair. I would have found it weird coming from anyone else, but from her it seemed … right. “Don’t lose hope. I am trying everyday to get word out to Angelica.”
Angelica, another seer and close friend of Dahlia’s had given my twin sister, the Adlet warriors, and me a place to stay while we devised an escape plan for William. Laszlo had taken him hostage in order to get to me and his plan worked perfectly. William and I had simply swapped places.
We both sat quietly, staring out the large tower window. “Will I have to stay locked inside this room until …” I trailed off, thinking about my fate and growing more depressed by the minute.
“Peter and I have both asked Laszlo to let us take you outside of the tower, even in chains, but he won’t budge. Not yet anyway. Give Peter a little time. Laszlo has a soft spot for him.”
I couldn’t see Laszlo having a soft spot for anyone, even if he had been in love with Peter’s mother. She had been dead for a long time. Raped and killed by rogue vampires.
My shoulders sagged and I sighed. “Yeah, whatever,” I mumbled.
After Dahlia left, promising to come back later, I trudged over to a little writing desk, took out pen and paper, and began another letter to William.

Dearest William,
I’m barely holding on to the hope that you will find me before … well, just before. I can’t breathe in this place. Laszlo has me locked inside a tower with tungsten steel doors, locks. It’s even woven inside the windows.
As I said before, all I know is I’m inside a castle tower in the mountains. Where are you? Each day that passes brings me one day closer to my eighteenth birthday and the night the blood moon will rise.
Dahlia says Peter is working on getting Laszlo to let him take me outside. If I can get out, I’m going to gain Peter’s trust and when the time is right, run away. Even if I’m caught and killed it has to be better than what Laszlo has in store for me. Just thinking about such a crazed lunatic makes me want to hurl.
I love you and time is running out. I have even thought of removing my ring. We both know what the end result would be. I’m not giving up on you, just trying to be realistic.
Hurry up and find me … please. I can’t take much more of this.

Love Always,
Genevieve



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Ooh--sounds intriguing! :) What do you think, does this sound like a series you would pick up?




Enjoy!




Until Next Time,

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