Look at this! I’m back for EM. Today I have a new clip from Sweet Disgrace for you. Release date for this one is October 12 from Samhain Publishing. Enjoy!
Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–-just a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above.
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Through her hazy vision, Celeste saw Damael’s shoes step closer, saw him crouch down beside her. More of the world came into view as he pushed the hair from her face, tugging gently as he pulled out bits of leaves and broken twigs. She let her eyelids close when the whirling in her head intensified, but that only seemed to make it worse, so she opened them again. “Th-thank you. For stopping her.”
He didn’t reply, just continued his task. She found it soothing, now that she was oddly confident he would kill any threatening force that came near her. Soothing…until she looked at him. Remnants of his earlier anger was still in his eyes. The black irises were so large there was hardly a ring of white around them.
“Why did you do that?” she asked, not allowing herself to look away. Trying to figure out his motives herself proved too much for her clouded thoughts. “I’d have been one less for your kind to contend with.”
He blinked at her. “Do you think that’s what I want?”
“Isn’t it?”
“Well, there are those of us who would like to strike you all dead on sight, run rampant in the earth and maim and kill and destroy until it’s a wasteland. You just met one such as that. But I, sweet angel, rather like the competition.”
“But I’m no competition, am I?”
He seemed to debate with himself for a moment. “You won the Roman emperor that time. Nailed me on the basic required language I’d been writing for centuries.”
She managed to laugh. “I remember now. You took it with exceptionally good grace.”
It might have been her imagination, but she thought his expression darkened, a haunted shadow crossing his perfect features. For the first time in her existence, it occurred to her to wonder what consequences he faced for failing. She didn’t meet any repercussions except sorrowful embraces and encouraging words that gave no comfort. What did Damael’s masters do to him when he didn’t deliver?
She hadn’t seen him for a long time after that miraculous victory. A long, long time.
Which begged another question that sent a chill through her. Would he really risk whatever hell might be in store for him by releasing Adam if she gave in?
“How do you feel?” he asked, and she realized she’d been staring up at him longer than she should have. Behind him, the sky was black and glittering with stars, but it had to be nearing dawn. She could escape into that great open expanse right now, be done with all of this. Leave Adam to the doom he’d only brought upon himself.
But she wasn’t doing it. And it was becoming more apparent to her that she wasn’t going to.
She shifted on the ground and winced at the sharp pains that crackled along her limbs. There really was no reason to lie to him. “Not well. I still hurt.”
“Shall I make it better?”
“You can?”
“If you’ll allow me.”
Wariness crept through her, and she furrowed her brow at him. “That depends on what I must allow.”
He withdrew his hand from her hair and rested his elbow on his bent knee. Under ordinary circumstances, his smile might have been described as seductive, but at the moment she found it to be merely cruel. “A kiss.”
***
A sound of frustration escaped her, and she turned her face away from him, toward the ground. “You lie. I should have known all of this was leading back to your perverse—”
“It’s the quickest way to draw the energy into myself. Unless you’d rather—”
“Hush. No.”
“Don’t be like that. I can help you.”
“You only want to help yourself.”
“How is that? I’ve offered you everything you want. Adam’s soul. Your healing. I’m a regular good Samaritan here, am I not?”
She gave a bark of laughter and instantly cringed. He couldn’t deny that her vulnerability was tugging at every predatory sense he possessed. She was on the ground, crumpled, helpless. Like a little bird with a broken wing, and he was the cat creeping up on her, step by agonizingly slow step.
Her fingers dug into the ground as another spasm seemed to overtake her, and he made a production of sighing wearily.
“This is needless, I’m telling you. I can take it all away.”
“How long will I be this way?”
“Have you never come under attack before?”
“If I have, it’s been so long I can’t remember.”
“Well, then. You could lie here for days if I don’t help you.”
“And why should I believe that?”
“Because it’s the truth?”
“Ha. Unlikely. You only want me to kiss you.”
“That’s a given. But I’m being sincere as well.”
She glanced at him with a sort of desperation in her blue eyes that left him struggling to conceal compassion he had no business feeling. It made him hope his outlandish scheme to heal her would work, but it always had with humans. Maybe she would be no different. “I want to believe you. So much.” Even as a whisper, her words were strained, agonized.
“What does that say about me? Please, if there is any vestige of selflessness within you, leave me be. Don’t make me into a fool.”
The longer she’d spoken, the more strength her voice had gained, until finally those eyes were blazing at him with righteous anger. He realized his earlier assertion had been off base. Even while wounded, she was not vulnerable. At least not in spirit.
“You’re a worthy adversary,” he told her. “I’ve always thought that. You don’t give up until the end. You deserve more than to be left on the ground, wallowing in pain.” He reached forward and slid his hands beneath her, seeing her eyes fly open wide in alarm. Weakly, she struggled against him, but he was too strong for her at this point. He lifted her and shifted until he was sitting on the ground, cradling her in his arms.
She felt frail against him, insubstantial. The softness of the wings folded tight against her back made his mouth run dry. He’d never touched anything like that before in his life. Hadn’t known such suppleness existed, until she was in his arms.
Her chest was heaving, her hand gripping his jacket even as she stared up at him apprehensively. He couldn’t interpret whether her reaction was from fear or desire or perhaps a combination of both. Sudden frustration engulfed him whole and chewed him up without mercy.
“Stubborn angel, I give you my word, dammit, and I don’t do that often. Let me help you. But I won’t do it without your permission,” he added, hearing the tight, barely leashed desperation in his own voice. “Give it to me.”
_______________________________________________ Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and
be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.
Bryton Haruk sets out on a suicide mission to stop the bloodthirsty Skullmen from terrorizing the war-weary Land of Eldwyn. Consumed by guilt over the death of his wife, Bryton seeks revenge and reunion in the afterlife with his lost love. His purpose is determined, his bravery unmatched, until the queen casts a spell to save Bryton from himself.
Salome is that spell. A bird-shifter, she can harness the earth’s breeze and take the form of a beautiful, innocent woman. Her challenge is to harness Bryton’s pain and guide him to peace. She entrances and irritates him, tempting Bryton from his mission. Even as he gives in to the passion between them, Bryton insists on mounting a solo attack on the brigands’ compound, and Salome fears her love won’t be enough to save him…
Celebrate Summer Solstice.
Salome at Sunrise from Inez Kelley and Carina Press.
Honestly, I figured when I first got this blog that it would be mostly for updates that aren’t important enough for the Home page and too long for Twitter. And sure enough, that’s what it’s turned out to be. I’ll try to keep you guys informed of what I’m working on here, or any new developments, but really Twitter is much more suited for my day-to-day observations and frustrations and triumphs. See, I’m a stay at home mom now, and my toddler keeps me on my toes. I don’t have much time for anything except drive-by Tweets (but everyone’s out of the house right now so I’m taking advantage). So, if that’s more the thing you’re looking for, please check me out at @CherrieLynn. I also love to interact on Facebook. :)
Now, on to updates! Sweet Disgrace will release in about four months. I haven’t yet seen cover art for this one, but I can’t wait. I’ll pass it on as soon as I have the okay. And, of course, I’ll be really excited to hear what you guys think of the story. I love paranormal romance as much as I love contemporary, so you’ll probably be seeing a nice mix of both coming from me. Right now the project on my front burner is the next in the demon/angel series, which does not feature the same characters as Disgrace (oh, Celeste and Damael, how I miss you!), but the same world where demons wreak havoc and angels try desperately to clean up their messes. I think it’s a lot of fun: sometimes scary, sometimes funny, sometimes sweet. But always with hot sex. Aren’t you glad? :P
A lot of you have asked about the next in the Ross siblings series. Yes, I am planning on giving Gabriella her story. Many of you have also asked about a Ghost/Macy spin-off, which I must say I hadn’t considered at all until I received so many requests for one. I do think those two could make for a fun shorter story. And he’s eccentric enough that I could have a lot of fun with that. A lot. Heh heh. I had also mentioned a Brian/Candace free read in a previous post, and I still intend to do that because I love them so much. The problem is now I realize something will be going on with them in Gabby’s book, so I wonder if the free read would best be put off until after that book is done because I want it to focus on their situation from their POV. Or I guess I could just write two freebies for them. Ah, decisions, decisions!
I’m also happy to announce this website will be completely redesigned soon by the wonderful April Martinez. It’s always so exciting to see something new, isn’t it? I’ve seen the design and I can’t stop looking at it. Want a little preview?
Isn’t it purple-icious? I can’t wait to launch.
Other than that, we’re just enjoying the summer here–as much as possible in 100+ degree heat. I hope all of you have a fabulous summer, and, hey, it’s Father’s Day! So enjoy the day with your dads, hubbies, relatives and friends.
As I’m writing this, Rock Me has been holding at #1 at MBaM since Wednesday night, and I’ve noticed Unleashed has peeked back in on the Contemporary bestseller list there. Rock Me is currently #5 in Romance at Mobipocket and Unleashed is #27.
I just want to thank each and every reader who has bought my books. I am so grateful to all of you and I thoroughly hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
And to all the moms out there, have a very happy Mother’s Day!
At long last, it’s here. Rock Me is available today from Samhain Publishing!
This book was a blast to write, and trust me, not all of them are. It’s fun, it’s sexy, it can be funny, sweet, crude… I hope you’ll have as great a time reading it as I did writing it. Brian is probably one of my favorite heroes I’ve ever written, because, well…he’s my kinda guy. (Am I supposed to admit that? lol) Don’t get me wrong, I love all the guys in my pantheon of heroes, but he’s the only one so far I think I could really hang out with and totally be myself.
Look for shout outs to many bands, songs and movies that I love–and to one rock star in particular. ;) I’ve posted the soundtrack to this book before, but here it is again.
“Deep” by Nine Inch Nails — The video is playing when Candace goes to Brian for her first tattoo. The lyrics, along with the toxic dyes in the video… hotness. See below. “My Curse” by Killswitch Engage — One particular line in this song inspired a whole scene. “This Love” by Pantera — Dark, ominous, angry, kind of scary. If you’re a metal fan in Texas, you have to love Pantera. It’s required. “Freak on a Leash” by Korn — Song is about how Jonathan Davis feels in the music industry, but it’s also how Brian feels when he’s dealing with family issues. There’s also a scene at a Korn concert. Since they’re my favorite band, and inspire me on a whole other level, I had to give them a huge shout-out. “Dead Memories” by Slipknot — I meant to include this in a scene in which Brian is reminiscing about a past girlfriend (Candace’s cousin), because it sums up his feelings about it quite well. I never put it in, but it still makes the cut here. “Two Weeks” by All That Remains — Mainly because I really, really like it. And because the story happens over a course of roughly two weeks, and it’s a rollercoaster. This is the song that’s actually playing in the reminiscing scene mentioned above. “Bliss” by Syntax — Because Candace likes it. She thinks it’s sexy. ;) “Cuts You Up” by Static-X — He’s pretty cut up and pissed off about it when this is playing… “Oblivion” by Mastodon — Because sometimes I would hear a song and simply think, “He would love this.” “Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring — Mainly for a fun, blowing-off steam scene I eventually deleted. It’s still a guilty pleasure! “You’re Going Down” by Sick Puppies — Another I never mentioned in the book, but makes me think of a certain face-off that occurs…
And just for fun, the video for “Deep”, which is onscreen in Dermamania when Candace first goes in:
And for “Freak on a Leash”, probably my favorite video of all time, which is on when Brian is contemplating a weekend of debauchery:
So I didn’t come on board with LOST until I watched the season six premiere with its promises of Ian Somerhalder, whose…body of work I’ve come to admire since he began playing Damon on The Vampire Diaries. I realized after watching it that I’ve really missed out on something. I had no freaking clue what was going on, and I wanted to find out. But that meant I had five whole seasons to get through, and part of the sixth. In late February, I began. Really, I expected to make it through season one and lose interest.
Uh…no. That wasn’t what happened at all.
As I became more and more enamored, my goal became clear: I needed to catch up in time to watch the series finale when it airs. I hated the fact that I didn’t begin watching in 2004. But considering that I still find myself confused over who knows what and what happened when, it’s probably good that I watched the entire series over the span of a couple of months, instead of a span of six years. Who knows what I would have forgotten by now if that were the case?
Anyway, I’m happy to announce that I just finished episode eight of season six. I’ve got the next one queued up and I’m about to dive in. I’m well on my way to achieving my goal; in fact, I’ll probably be caught up by Tuesday, when the newest episode airs. It’s been one hell of a ride, and one I’m glad I took.
And I owe it all to Ian Somerhalder, of course. ;)
…I’m going to participate in Excerpt Monday again, and all that fun stuff. :) I really miss it, but the truth is I’m pretty much “excerpted out” at the moment. You can find plenty of Rock Me clips both on its Book page and under my EM category (hint: August and September). Once we get past its release date (May 4! Yay!), I’ll be turning my focus to my October release and the new demon story I’m working on, and hopefully I’ll have more to show you.
Look for me at Samhain’s Spring Showers Promo at Coffee Time Romance beginning next month, where I’ll be giving away an Amazon gift card and an iTunes card–and who couldn’t use that? Also, I do have a treat in the works, in the form of a free read featuring Brian and Candace from Rock Me. But don’t look for it to go up on the site until well after the book’s release, so as not to spoil anyone. Plus…well, I have to finish it. ;)
Hope you’re having a wonderful spring! I’m battling brutal allergies and some cold-type-thing, but as long as it’s warm outside and the birds are singing, I can deal with that.
My fellow Romance Diva, Inez Kelley, is celebrating her first print release today but she’s smack in the middle of moving, and in no-Internet hell. So I’m helping to spread the word about JINXED! It’s a contemporary romantic comedy from the wonderful folks at Samhain Publishing, and it’s on sale NOW. Yes, NOW. So go forth! Buy! Read! I caught it in ebook format, and it’s a keeper.
JINXED by Inez Kelley
When opposites attract, they are screwed three ways from Sunday.
Frannie learned the hard way that a McHottie doesn’t always equal marriage material. She’s happy with her vanilla life. She has friends, a career and a double-D-powered vibrator. Then Fate shoves her, literally, into Prince Charming’s lap. His declaration of love at first sight is cute—and spikes her bullcrap meter into the red zone.
She’s more than willing to give in with her body. But she’s barricaded her heart behind castle walls—and permanently welded the gates shut.
Tragedy taught Jinx that time is too precious to waste, so when a series of uncanny coincidences thrusts Frannie into his life, he holds on tight. He knows she thinks he’s several fries short of a Happy Meal, but he’s determined to breach the fortress around her heart and give her a Happily Ever After.
Even if he has to carry her fanny-first into his kingdom.
Warning: Includes jelly shoes, a narcoleptic cat, and meatloaf. The steamy sex scenes may lead to fogged windows and wet panties, so proceed at your own risk. Do not attempt to read without the following items: tissues, napkins for spewed beverages, and a booty call on speed dial.
Rock Me has a hot new cover. If you didn’t catch it, check it out on the Books page! We’re getting closer and closer to May 4 and I’m sooo excited. And nervous. I really can’t wait.
Is everyone enjoying Spring? I know I am. We’ve had great weather and it’s nice to not have to bundle up the kids every morning. Sundresses and sandals beat sweaters and jackets and socks any day. :-) Hubby recently bought a boat, and while I’m definitely NOT the outdoorsy type, maybe he can talk me into taking a few hours away from the laptop and going for a ride soon. I’m sure I could use the sun. Too bad we can’t tan from the light of our monitors; I’d be rockin’ it.
Tomorrow, if all goes as planned (with kids, especially our kids, plans are always made with a certain measure of apprehension, lol) we’re going to see Clash of the Titans. I *loved* the original as a kid, and while I don’t expect them to top it with the remake, I can’t wait to see it. We love huge CGI-laden popcorn flicks, anyway, so I’m sure we’ll have a great time. And, hey, Liam Neeson releasing the Kraken. How can I not be there for that?
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and, if you celebrate, a very Happy Easter.
Happy news! I’ve just contracted Sweet Disgrace with Samhain Publishing. I don’t have a release date yet, but we’re aiming for October/November. Something else I don’t have is an official blurb, but I can offer this dead-on description courtesy of fellow Romance Diva Inez Kelley, who was kind enough to give me a beta read:
Hell’s bad boy and Heaven’s beauty have been battling for eons over souls and fighting a fiery mutual attraction. Now Damael offers Celeste a devil of a bargaining chip, her body in exchange for a human’s precious soul.
How can Celeste resist the temptation to sample rapture in a demon’s arms?
Damael is willing to risk all the powers of hell for one taste of heaven.
God have pity on them if they get caught.
Isn’t that great? *g* If you’d like to read a juicy excerpt, check out my November EM post here.
This story…oh, it’s been a tough one. I started writing it early last year. I felt strongly about it, loved the concept and really wanted to see it through, but it just wasn’t working for me at the time. Then Brian and Candace from Rock Me took over, and for a few months I focused on getting them their much-deserved HEA.
When Samhain put out a call for demon/angel stories, I knew it was time to pick up Disgrace again. But it still wasn’t working. So I scrapped it and started over from scratch with a few changes, and that made all the difference. It was still slow going, but I felt better about it. I didn’t make the deadline for the anthology, but that’s okay (obviously). I ended up with what I think is a really fun, sexy story and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out. We still have a long wait ahead, but I hope when fall rolls around–and you know it’ll probably be here before we know it–you’ll check it out.
JINXED by Inez Kelley
