Here’s your chance to post your favorite excerpt. It can be from a work of your own, or from a book, TV show, movie, poem or song. If you’re not a writer, tell us how we’re doing.
My excerpt is from Lady Grace’s Rendezvous. Grace has been caught in a storm while traveling back from an elderly relative’s house, without her maid, and taken refuge at an inn where she and her family are well known.
An hour or so later, she was engrossed in the latest romance from the Minerva Press, when another carriage arrived and the inn door slammed opened. The voice of Mr. Brown and another man, a gentleman, reached her. Her heart skipped a beat. Worthington? She hadn’t heard his voice in four years, but she’d never forget it.
Opening the door slightly, she peeked out. It was him. The man she’d wanted to marry her whole first Season and had never seen again. His dark brown, almost black, hair was wet at the ends where his hat had failed to keep it dry. When he turned, she knew she’d see his startling lapis colored eyes and long lashes. “Could you not ask the traveler in the parlor if I might share it with him?” Worthington asked the landlord.
The kernel of an idea began to form. Swallowing her trepidation, Grace stepped boldly into the hall. “Mr. Brown, his lordship is welcome to dine with me.”
“If you’re sure, my…”
She flashed him a quelling glance. If he said, my lady, there’d be too many questions.
“Ma’am.”
Smiling in relief, she said, “Yes, you may serve us when his lordship has had time to change.” Grace curtseyed to Worthington and returned to the parlor. Closing the door, she leaned back against it. This was her opportunity, maybe her only one and she was going to take it.
“What are you doing, my girl? Are you out of your mind?” Her conscience said.
No one will know. Brown will deny I was here.
“How do you expect to preach propriety to the children when you are…”
Oh, do be quiet. When will I have another chance? Answer me that. Am I to have no joy of my own? I just want one night to last me the rest of my life, that’s all I’m asking.
“Wanton!”
So be it.
Grace’s hands trembled and her stomach lurched.
“So much for your grand plans. You don’t have any idea how do go about this.” Her conscience sneered.
I am sure he’ll help. How hard can it be, after all?
“He’ll recognize you. Then where will you be?”
He won’t. I’m sure he never took a second look at me. I was just one of many girls who came out that year.
Grace took a breath and called for wine. By the time Worthington arrived, she’d calmed her jangled nerves and her conscience had decided to leave her to go to hell in her own way.
Wonderful excerpt Ella! I love how you’ve captured Grace’s emotional reactions to Worthington.
Here’s an excerpt from my current WIP. The heroine, Sophie has just stumbled upon the hero, Emery who is mourning the loss of his twin brother who died when they were children during a tragic kidnapping.
She paused in front of one door, the only door in the long hall that wasn’t shut. The force that whispered silkily in her mind, entreated her to open the door further, to look within. She set a palm against the door and pushed. The door creaked as it opened and revealed the sight within.
Her blood chilled and her heart shot up into her throat.
Emery stood only a few feet away in between two small twin beds. One bed lay empty, the other was strew with toys, knickknacks like small marbles and baseball cards. Sophie held her breath as Emery knelt on one knee and set the single tennis shoe at the foot of the bed that was covered with toys.
It was a shrine. For the brother who’d died.
Without looking at her, he spoke. “A part of me always expected him to come back. I kept our room ready, but…” He bent his head and rested his forehead in his palms. “He’s never coming back. I’m a damn fool for hoping otherwise. He’s dead.”
Sophie was too afraid to breathe or to make a sound.
Finally he got his feet and faced her. Dark circles hallowed his eyes, making his features look gaunt and haunted.
“Don’t you want to know how I know he’s dead?” The edge in his voice was razor thin.
“How?” she croaked out the word in a harsh breath.
“Because I left him to die. Fenn distracted our captors while I escaped. I was halfway across the lawn when the shot rang out.” The raw agony in Emery’s eyes ravaged her soul, but he kept talking, even when she didn’t want to hear anymore.
“You know what they say about twins. There’s a connection. Fenn and I were connected. When the gun fired, I felt it. Like it exploded out of the back of my own skull. The pain was so bad that I tripped and busted my chin on a rock.” He ran a finger over the small scar on his chin, it matched the wound she’d seen in the photograph of him with the policeman when they’d found him.
Sophie started towards him but Emery turned away from her. “It went dark. The little voice in my head, the pulsing light that was my brother. It went dark.”
At his words, her own soul seemed to sink below the surface of a midnight colored sea. It would be so easy to surrender to her own pain, to allow his to join hers and drown them both in a tide of misery.
He raked his hands through his hair and put his palms on the window sill, his head hanging between his shoulders.
“Sometimes I get these flashes, these instant glimpses of someone else, a life so different from mine. It feels like him, but it can’t be. He’s gone. Otherwise he would have come home. I feel like I’m going insane. The world is pulling me apart from the inside out.”
She knew exactly what he meant. There were moments when she felt like an old tapestry with edges frayed and torn. All it would take to unravel her was a tug on the right thread.
“Is that why you locked yourself away?” She inhaled slowly and came towards him. When she touched his shoulder he flinched, but didn’t pull away.
“It’s a fitting punishment. I ran, left him behind to die. Now I wait for a boy that won’t ever come home, a brother who will never grow up.”
Sophie wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against the back of his shoulder. He wasn’t alone anymore and neither was she.
Great excerpt, Lauren.
Great excerpt. I can’t think of an excerpt of mine that doesn’t get “too” descriptive. 🙂
Daryl, Thank you. Could be because you write erotica.
You’re doing great.
Michael, thank you.
My favorite is from Amanda Forester’s Highlander’s Heart. Isabelle has just been ‘rescued’ by her Highlander and offers him a kiss as a boon….I LOVE this book! ;o)
“Would you accept a kiss as a boon? she asked, surprising herself with her own boldness. She had been lost in the woods, attacked by highwaymen, and nearly gored by a wild boar, all valid justifications for this shocking lapse in propriety.
“Aye.” His green eyes smoldered.
With some hesitation, she gently pecked his cheek with her lips. He frowned.
“You do not appear to like my kiss,” said Isabelle, frowning herself.
“I dinna ken ye would kiss like my Aunt Edna, God rest her soul. She used to pinch my cheeks to keep me from running and give me a peck like that. I warrant if I saved good ol’ Edna from a boar, even she might find a wee more passion.”
Isabelle could not suppress a smile. “I do apologize for kissing like Aunt Edna. How dreadful.”
“We’ll ne’er speak o’ it again. And I’ll give ye another chance.”
Heat crawled up the back of her neck. She was acutely aware of all the parts of her that were touching all the parts of him. Very wrong. Very nice. She went up on her toes and lightly gave him a peck on his lips.
“Thank ye, Edna.”
She scrunched her nose. “I am not your sainted aunt.”
“Then stop acting like it.”
She grabbed either side of his head and smashed her mouth to his. She came away breathless. It was the single boldest thing she had ever done with a man. “There! Not Edna.”
He looked up at the sky, considering. “Better, I grant ye. But still with an Edna quality.”
“Oh! You are a wretched man to say so! Pray tell, how would you give a kiss?”
He smiled at her, his eyes gleaming. “Since ye asked, I will give ye some instruction.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers, soft and tempting. He kissed her sweetly on her lips, while massaging his hands up her back to her neck. It was achingly good. She arched her back into his touch and a small ahhhh, escaped from her lips. He kissed her again, caressing her open mouth with his lips, and, shockingly, tongue. She had not known such a thing was possible and leaned into the kiss, the rest of the wold slipping away.
;o) Thanks for letting me participate!
Suzan
Suzan, thank you. I really like the excerpt.
I can’t think of a favorite excerpt. I read too many books. I love the excerpt from Lady Grace’s Rendezvous. I am intrigued and want to read more. Suzan’s post from Amanda Forester’s Highlander’s Heart is great too.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia. Thank you, and thanks for coming by and commenting.
Great excerpt, Ella! Thanks for this opportunity to share. Here’s a little taste from Dashing Druid, book two in my Texas Druids trilogy. Tye and Lil have stopped to drink at a watering hole after a wild ride across the prairie.
Beside her, Tye plunged his head into the water, swished it back and forth vigorously and threw more water over his neck. He came up dripping, shirt half-soaked. Swiping water from his face, he took a breath and slicked back his hair. The wet tendrils immediately sprang back into unruly waves, making Lil long to run her fingers through the glistening black strands.
Tye turned his head and caught her staring. Stunned by the instant leap of desire in his eyes, she gazed into their beckoning depths. Her mouth went dry and her heart pounded wildly.
She still held the wet bandanna pressed to her throat. Shifting to face her, Tye took the wadded up material from her and tossed it aside. She was mesmerized by his caressing gaze, but when he leaned close, panic set in. He mustn’t kiss her again. That would be playing with fire.
“No!” she cried, pushing him away. She jumped up, but before she’d taken two steps, he was on his feet, catching her arms.
“Lily!” he murmured, soft tone imploring her not to run.
This time she couldn’t force herself to stop him as he bent toward her. His mouth settled on hers, courting her with gentle kisses. When his tongue teased her lips, she parted them with a shudder of longing. A groan rumbled low in his throat as he dipped into her mouth, stroking the tender surfaces within, setting her senses ablaze.
Her hands climbed up his muscular chest to the corded column of his neck. Twining her fingers through his wet hair as she’d longed to do, she slanted her mouth across his, kissing him back. He smelled of horse and honest hard work, and that unnamable something that was only Tye. Glorying in his rugged, manly strength, she pressed closer, fanning the flames.
Oooh, very nice excerpt. Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous excerpt, Ella. I really want to read more. Right now!
Hi Ally. Thank you.
Great excerpt, Ella! 🙂
Am posting one from my current WIP, which started out as a New Adult urban fantasy, but may possibly be inching its way into Adult status. LOL We’ll see after it’s finished…
The look in his eyes said he couldn’t wait to hurt her. “I said, get the ropes out.”
“I don’t believe I will.” She stood her ground, closed her eyes and waited for the pain to consume her. For her monster to emerge. A couple seconds ticked by and the only thing she felt was the now rapid beating of her heart.
No, this couldn’t be happening.
She opened her eyes just in time to see his hand slam against her cheek. As she fell to the ground, she heard the demon’s voice, taunting her. I giveth and I taketh away. Never forget who is in control.
“I’m in control,” she screamed. The sound of her own voice made her panic.
“The hell you are.” Suddenly he was on top of her. Smoke billowed from his nostrils as he lowered his face to hers. His breath reeked of sulfur and death.
“Whores like you deserve everything they get.” Then his tongue was in her ear.
“Ouch!” she cried out. He ignored her and glided his tongue down her cheek. When he drew it back in, she caught a glimpse of the pointed fork at the tip.
She had never experienced this side of the game. Never once had she ever been in danger of being the prey. Until now.
Wow, Karen. That’s an excerpt. Thanks for coming by.
I loved the excerpt, Ella!.
Here’s an excerpt from Eternity.
EXCERPT:
“You’re asking me to sleep with you?” Roman said.
“I’m offering to share the futon with you,” Stella corrected.
Standing next to the futon, he whispered, “Why?”
She jumped, her hand stretched out in front of her, searching for him. “Damn, how can you move that fast? I didn’t hear you.”
“Answer the question. Why?”
“I … can’t let you sleep on the floor.” She scooted over and waited for him.
He should resist. The many reasons why ticked by, but the futon creaked as he lay beside her and stilled. Everything he wanted rested inches away.
“Can you see me?”
“No,” he lied, watching her bite her lip. Slowly, she relaxed, believing the darkness covered her. He sucked in a sharp breath when her hand brushed his bare chest.
“Sorry,” but a smile tweaked her lips.
“No boyfriends,” she told McCabe. It was too ridiculous to be true. But … could she be a virgin?
“Roman,” she breathed his name and lust raced down his spine, igniting every nerve ending and wiping his brain clean of every thought, but one. He caught the belt of her robe and followed it up to the knot. A finger slipped in and loosened it.
“Yes.” His breath fanned her face. She tilted her chin up at the perfect angle for his lips to cover hers.
“I’ve never had a man in my home before.”
His finger stopped. What the hell am I doing? She drugged him with her words, frailty and covered body. He had to get out of her bed, her apartment, maybe the city, let one of his men protect her.
She touched him again, ran her palm over his stubbled jaw, then traced a finger over his eyebrows and down the bridge of his nose. She played with the shell of his ear until his chest rumbled with suppressed laughter. Then her fingers found his lips and the laughter stopped.
T’monique, very nice. Thank you for sharing.
This is a great way to let everyone see what’s in the making!
Thanks, Paty. I think it helps promote interest.
Some really exceptional and intriguing excerpts here. Great idea, Ella. Here’s a brief excerpt from the first scene in my NaNoWriMo novel – remember it’s a first draft. LOL!
The noise of the hot, crowded room seemed to fade away as the beating of her heart filled her ears. A satisfied grin teased at her lips when she saw the door to the street so close. But when a large hand suddenly grabbed the front of her patched jacket and pulled at the dirty linen blouse beneath it, that satisfaction vanished. Yanked to a sudden halt from the side, she slammed against something hard. The air in her lungs exhaled in a great whooshing sound.
Ginny Blackwood had been caught. As panic descended on her, every sound disappeared around her. Fear forced her focus on the broad chest inches from her face. A hard wall of flesh over muscle covered in fine embroidered cloth and surrounded by soft, tanned calfskin. Her gaze slowly slid up the façade of the mountain of masculinity standing before her. The scent of sandalwood and soap filled her nose as her eyes caressed fine linen and a neatly tied cravat. Just above the edge of fine fabric, a strong jaw shifted and a full mouth curled slightly. Her eyes widened when a set of smiling dark eyes that looked like melted chocolate surrounded by thick curling lashes came into view. The full shapely lips beneath a straight perfect nose parted exposing straight white teeth. She fought back a smile when the tall man furrowed his black brow slightly before lifting one dark slash as if he was trying to resolve his curiosity about the creature he’d captured.
“What have we here?” The brick wall asked with a chuckle that sounded overly loud in Ginny’s ears. Heat flushed her cheeks and beads of sweat formed on the back of her neck and when a couple of drops slid down her back, she shivered. “Did you steal old Pete’s purse, poppet?”
Amy, I can’t wait to see where this story goes. Thanks for sharing.
Ella, your excerpt was wonderful.
I enjoyed reading all of the excerpts.
My excerpt is taken from my current–unedited– WIP called Prophecy’s Child.
Maybe because her internal walls were still down, or maybe because she was just too exhausted to care, Katherine closed her eyes and whispered, “Why did you leave me? I loved you.”
Kal’s arms tightened around her. “I was stupid—stupid and scared. Not a day passed that I didn’t think about you—about us and what could’ve been. I loved you then and I still love you.”
He cleared his throat. “But I wasn’t completely honest with you. There are things about me you don’t know. I foolishly thought you’d be better off not knowing. I see now I was wrong.”
Katherine held her breath, waiting for Kal to continue. But he stayed quiet as he fiddled with a strand of her hair.
That was it? This was his excuse for leaving her? He was scared?
Oh weeeell, that explains it then. He chose to abandon her because he was scared. And hey, didn’t matter his choice started her descent into hell. It was all good. No harm, no foul
Feeling like the biggest fool alive, Katherine scrambled off his lap.
The walls guarding her heart slammed back into place. “I want you out of my house and never come back.”
Kal jumped up, stalked around the coffee table, and stopped in front of her. “I can’t do that.”
Her eyes narrowed and she leaned forward slightly. “Let me make this crystal clear. I may despise my parents, but I hate you with a passion so intense I’m afraid I’ll explode. As sick and twisted as they are, at least my parents discarded me because they thought they were doing God’s will. You abandoned me because you’re a worthless coward!”
“For Christ sakes, Katherine, there’s more to it than that.” He grasped her arms. “If you’ll stop insulting me, I’ll explain everything.”
“Let me go,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Not until you hear me out.”
“Let me go right now or so help me.” She tried to jerk her arms out of his clasp, but he tugged her closer.
He stared down at her, his blue eyes dark with anger. “You’ll what? Tell me how much you hate me? You’ve done that—repeatedly. I need you to sit down and listen to me.”
With a violent tug, she yanked free. “How dare you demand anything from me? And if you think you have any rights where Ike is concerned then you are more deranged than I thought. Now leave before I call the cops.”
“Let’s get something straight right now. I’m going to be there for my son whether you like it or not.”
Without thinking, she drew her arm back then shot it forward. A sharp crack filled the room as her hand connected to his jaw. His head snapped to the side.
She didn’t see him move. But before she had time to register the burning pain in her palm his body was tight against hers, the hand she’d slapped him with pinned behind her back, and her chin held steady in his taut grip.
His brows pulled low over eyes almost black with an emotion she couldn’t name.
Fear sent her heart crashing against her ribs.
“Don’t do that again, Katherine.”
His hoarse voice and the unmistakable warning fueled her anger again. “Or what? You’ll hit me?”
“I’d never touch you in violence, and it hurts me you’d suggest it.” His face lowered until his lips were a hair’s breadth from hers. “My touch would only bring you pleasure.”
Desire rose up and tried to drop kick fear and anger aside. Neither would budge, so all three fought for supremacy.
Desire won.
His words shot right to the throbbing flesh between her thighs. Her breathing turned to shallow gasps, which brought her breasts in contact with his hard chest. Her nipples hardened.
Come on. Just do it. You’ve pleasured yourself to his memory for ten years. Those memories are old, stale. Why not make a new one to use for the next ten years?
Kal released her chin and then smoothed his hand over her cheek until he cupped the back of her head. His fingers tangled in her hair. “Katherine,” he whispered before his lips claimed hers.
Brenda, very, very nice. Thank you.
This is from a Wife by Christmas. Max Colbert, Ellie’s boss, is trying to get her married off so she will then quit her job (they did that in those days), and leave him and his school in peace. Here he’s invited her to a Christmas concert and bring along a man he wants to introduce her to:
Mr. Colbert stood next to a gentleman of undetermined age. He was pudgy and soft, and reminded her of a stuffed bunny rabbit. His skin was stark white, his nose pink, and his eyes a pale color she couldn’t name. It may have been her imagination, but his unusually long ears seemed to move by themselves. He had a few lengthy whiskers growing on his upper lip. Not enough to be called a moustache, but nevertheless, there they were.
“Ellie, I would like you to meet Homer Snodgrass.” He turned to the man. “This is Miss Ellie Henderson, one of the teachers in Logan County High School.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Henderson. Mr. Colbert has certainly spoken highly of you.” He smiled. His teeth protruded in the front. Definitely a rabbit.
“Very nice to meet you, too, Mr. Snodgrass.” She glanced at Max with one eyebrow raised.
“Well, shall we go?” he said, avoiding her eyes and handing Ellie her coat.
“Have a good time.” Mrs. Beamer waved at them from the door.
Max escorted her and Mr. Snodgrass into the back seat of his motorcar. “Here’s a blanket to stay warm on the ride to the concert hall.” Then he slid behind the steering wheel, fastened his goggles, and cranked the engine.
Max always seemed to have a friend with him—but never the same one. His circle of acquaintances must be huge. She never would have guessed Max Colbert didn’t like to attend public events by himself, but there didn’t seem to be any other explanation. He must need the confidence of another man. Strange.
She relaxed as she settled against the soft leather seat. Even though Max had bullied her into going tonight, she was glad she’d accepted. Several of her friends had already attended the concert and spoke highly of it.
“Miss Henderson, may I say you remind me so much of my dear departed Agnes.” Mr. Snodgrass’s nose twitched.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Your wife?”
“No. My Basset Hound. A true beauty.” He patted her hand.
“Dear God,” Max mumbled from the front seat.
“Yes, a beauty and very affectionate. Spent every night in my bed with me.”
A choking sound came from Max. “Homer, why don’t you tell Miss Henderson about your rock collection?” He turned to glance at Ellie who was biting her lip to keep from laughing. “Mr. Snodgrass has a beautiful collection of rocks from all over the territory.”
The man’s face lit up. “Yes, I do. You should see my collection, Miss Henderson. Every time my dear Agnes and I went for a walk, I would pick up a new rock. She was wonderful at sniffing out the most interesting ones. I remember one time…”
Ellie ignored the rest while he droned on about Agnes and his rocks. Where in heaven’s name did Max find these men? Somehow she couldn’t see him being friends with any of them. It’s almost as if he snatched them from the street and dragged them along for company. Could Max be that uncomfortable in a crowd? She sighed. He was certainly an enigma
LOL. Very funny. Callie, thanks for sharing.
Very funny! ;o)
Suzan, thank you.
This is an excerpt from Saving Casey, my debut novel coming out Nov 16th
Cass was an 80 year old woman who commited suicide to avoid a prolonged death from cancer and inexplicably returns in the body of a 17 yr old troubled teen. She discovers her new parents are billionaires and live in a giant monstrosity she calls Ugly Taraville. In this gigantic house, she is allotted a suite of five rooms. All the walls in her suite are painted either black or blood red. In this excerpt she is talking to the butler, Thornton.
“How do I get these walls repainted?” she asked. If she stayed here, she’d be ready to commit suicide. Again.
“The request will require approval from your father.”
“Do you have guest rooms?”
“Twenty-four of them.”
“May I stay in one of them until I get these rooms changed?”
“That would also be your father’s say.”
“Are there forms to fill out?” she asked, finding it ridiculous everything had to go through her father.
“I will bring you the forms within the hour.”
She choked. “Are you kidding? You actually have forms?”
A faint smile came to his lips. “No, miss. I returned your sarcasm.”
She burst out with a hearty laugh. She never expected the expressionless old butler to make a go at humor. “Well, done, Thornton. Well done, indeed.” She held out her hand for him to shake and after several seconds of hesitation, he grasped her hand, then examined his palm before escaping Batman’s Cave.
Lisa, good job. I’ve enjoyed your YouTube clips. Thanks for sharing.
Here’s one of my favourite scenes from my second novel, “Sound of the Heart”. Hope you like it! Oh, and I’ll post my YouTube book trailer link at the bottom.
“How ye manage to be such a skilled hunter, I’ll ne’er understand,” she said. “I could hear ye breathin’ a mile away.”
“Ye’ve the ears of a squirrel,” he grumbled.
She nodded, then returned to her earlier line of questioning. “What were ye doin’ there?”
“I came to see . . . I was worried that . . . I thought maybe . . .” He winced, realising how pathetic he sounded. He leaned down to pluck a tiny purple flower from the grass and snapped the bloom between his fingers.
“You were worried? About me? Since when? After all ye’ve seen me do, ye’d ken that most of the time I’m just fine on my own, thank ye very much.” She glared at him. “I’m no’ delicate flower, Dougal MacDonnell.” She gestured toward the torn flower between his fingers. “I’m no’ shrinkin’ violet, either. If I’m a flower at all, I’m maybe . . .” She paused and grabbed the crushed flower from Dougal’s grip. “Maybe I’m a thistle. Ye’d best not squeeze me too hard.” She slid her knife back into its sheath, keeping shrewd eyes on him. “Ye know what? I’m sick o’ this, Dougal. O’ the way ye treat me these days. I’m no different, but ye are. What is it wi’ ye? Why do ye sneak around behind me all the time, watchin’? Why can ye no’ be yerself anymore?”
He shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”
“Ye’d best just say it,” she demanded. “For if ye dinna speak yer mind, this will never ease between us an’ it will end badly.”
“I canna say what I am thinkin’, because I dinna ken what it is.”
“Ye do.”
“I don’t.”
She shoved his shoulder and he stepped obligingly back. She came closer and pushed him again, harder this time. He frowned and his backward movement was less.
“That’s right,” she said. Her eyes glittered with anger. “I’m askin’ ye to be the man ye were. The man ye are now isna worth a pot to piss in. Ye dinna speak of anythin’ worthwhile, ye dinna laugh, ye dinna do anythin’! Ye’re dull as a stone!” She shoved him hard again. This time he tripped back, then stepped forward and grabbed her wrist, holding it in place.
“Don’t do this,” he said, almost pleading.
In response, she slapped his face with the hand he wasn’t holding. He shook his head to clear the sting, then grabbed that wrist as well. She leaned toward him, trying to put her face in front of his, but he was a foot taller. She hissed up at him through bared teeth.
“Do somethin’, Dougal MacDonnell. Dinna turn into some ninny. Do somethin’.”
“I dinna have to do anythin’. I’ve no need to prove myself.”
“Oh no? Then why is it ye’re spendin’ so much time talkin’ of things that dinna matter? Why do ye try to do more than ye did before? Ye need to show me what a big man ye are? Is that it?”
“No . . .” he said, but his voice lacked conviction.
She pressed even closer to him. Her voice lowered to a dangerous level, almost a whisper. Almost the sound he’d heard her make in her sleep. “Do ye think I canna take care o’ myself anymore? Is that why ye came out here jus’ now? Well, I can do jus’ fine on my own, sir. I heard ye comin’, an’ I’d hear that lot if they came within a mile o’ me.”
Dougal felt the air buzzing between them, felt the pulse hammering in her wrists beneath his fingertips. Her eyes were furious, glowering at him like blue flames, challenging him.
“What do ye want?” he demanded. “What do ye want me to do?”
“Anythin’! Just be the Dougal ye were, man. Dinna tend to me as if I were a child. I’m still me. Why aren’t you still you? Do something, Dougal. Do something!”
So he kissed her. He dropped her wrists and seized the sides of her face, bringing her lips to his. She pulled instinctively away, but he held on, kissing her mouth, slightly open with surprise. He touched the skin he had longed to touch ever since he’d first found out the truth about her. It was warm, hot even, because she was angry. He felt his own face warm as he sank into the kiss.
She was so small, just like she’d said. Despite what she claimed, the bones he held between his hands were so wee, so delicate, fitting into the palms of his hands like she was made to be there. He slid one hand down her back so it rested on her waist and pulled her snug against him. He felt her body adjust, felt her muscles bunch up in response. Yes! Yes, this was what he’d been wanting. His blood sang, tingling his fingers, dancing in his lips—
And she bit him. He yelped and stepped back, rubbing his lower lip.
“What—” he cried, but she was there first.
“What was that?” she shrieked.
BOOK TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-2tXrvDhIg
Haha. Poor guy. He can’t win for losing.
so true. Poor ol’ Dougal.
Here’s my excerpt. It’s short but I like the description of my secondary character, Nicholas:
His eyes shaded like spilled blood and the veins of his neck beat with the pulse of his hatred.
I like it too, Carole. That’s great. Thank you.
Some AWESOME excerpts here! Here is a scene from The Price of a Gentleman.
“No thank you, Miss Warren.” He dropped her hand and sketched her a bow. “Taking anything, especially money, from the women in this house comes at too high a price. I’ll settle for room and board for Barclay, Hobbs and myself. I’ll find this killer and you do as I say and consider telling me the truth. That will be our little arrangement.”
With his first real grin of the evening, he cupped her shoulders and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead. Before he could pull away, she pushed up on her toes and grabbed the back of his head for what turned out to be a rather clumsy kiss. Cain stumbled back and narrowed his eyes to study her face.
“What if I want more?” she asked softly. “How can I arrange that? I mean—”
“Sorry, love,” he spat out in a bad Covent Garden accent. “I’m out of the business.” He dragged his hand across his lips.
She’d made a terrible mistake. They’d ended up in bed together once, but it meant nothing to him. Or perhaps he simply couldn’t stomach bedding Millicent’s base-born servant.
“Henley Snowe seems to want something from you. Why don’t you make your offer to him? I’m sure he’d be gentle if there was money involved. His performance will be enough to satisfy you.”
She felt sick, but she was angry too. Suddenly she was mad as hell and tired of holding her tongue.
“I’ve spent most of my life with just enough, Lord Ashworth. Life has taught me not to expect more.”
He’d made it to the door, but stopped.
“What Henley tried to do… I couldn’t … I knew some part of me wouldn’t survive if I let him …even if I was starving I wouldn’t …With you it wasn’t like that. With you it was … a feast. I was hungry and greedy and I thought it would be enough … for one day more than just surviving.”
She swallowed hard to push the hurt down into her heart where it belonged.
“I know I can’t have forever. I’m not as foolish as Millicent was. That isn’t what I want. It’s just we’re trapped here together until we find the man who killed her. I think that night I was greedy for a bit of something to call my own. I just thought I could be greedy a while longer … until this is over.”
His face softened ever so slightly. Perhaps the lightning from outside made it appear so. She didn’t care.
“And will that be enough, Sarafina? Can you settle for just enough?” His voice, hoarse and dark, drifted toward her like smoke.
“It will be more than I’ve ever had before, Cain. Just enough is a luxury to me. And if that makes me a greedy jade, so be it. I’ll take it.”
He shook his head. “I can’t—”
“I know you’re not a whore. I didn’t mean to make this about …After what has happened between us …”
A thin cord of something stretched between them. She’d called it many things in the hours she’d contemplated this request. It wasn’t love, perhaps it wasn’t even desire. It was a chance for a moment of wonderful in a lifetime of this is all there is for the likes of you. She raised her head, looked into his eyes, and let him see all she dared.
“I’m an intelligent woman, brighter than most men. I’ve never been one to feed on illusions. I know I’m not pretty. I’m not the sort of woman men desire, not really. No man will want me now except on his terms. I’m ruined beyond any hope of redemption. But according to Mr. Kelsen I do have money. I just thought with enough money you might find me beautiful for a little while, beautiful enough to—”
“Stop it.”
Cain’s entire body appeared to coil. His muscles tightened so violently she saw the ripples just beneath his skin. A fine sheen glittered on his face and throat. She watched him struggle to swallow. He clenched his fists. And in his eyes some barely contained animal peered out at her as if all it wanted was to devour her body and soul. Walls of desire-heated flame washed over her. His or hers it didn’t matter.
“Stop it.” An almost inhuman growl, louder this time and he wet his lips.
Her lungs refused to work. She needed air. She wanted him.
In two long strides he was across the room. His arm snaked around her and slammed her body into his chest. Her toes struggled to reach the floor.
“Stop it,” he breathed. His eyes roamed over her face, seeking and wild.
She gasped just as his lips crashed down on hers.
Louisa, very powerful. Thanks so much for sharing.
Seems like I’m always running late these day, but I’m here! I don’t have an excerpt to share this time, but I loved yours, Ella. I definitely am intrigued to see if Worthington does remember Grace now.
I always love reading everyone’s excerpts. Makes me excited to get my hands on the book when it comes out. 🙂
Thank you, Melissa.
Enjoy an excerpt from Camden, my historical romance novel!
As the day turned into night, Narian snuck out of the palace wearing men’s clothing. Dressed in tattered pants, a man’s shirt, riding boots and a wide brimmed hat to conceal her long hair and her veil to hide her face, Narian ran…for the stables looking around cautiously making sure she wasn’t being followed. She walked into the stable to find her horse already saddled. She knelt down and grabbed the knife she had around her boot. She slowly walked through the stables wielding the knife checking each stall to find they’re all occupied by one of her horses. Narian headed back toward the entrance to the stable. When she heard footsteps approaching, she flattened herself against the wall with her knife ready. Talon walked through the door and Narian lunged out at him.
Talon grabbed the knife, taking it from her, knocking her to the ground to her surprise. She looked up to find Talon standing over her. “How dare you attack me!” She yelled angrily. Upset at having been tossed on her back side. “Forgive me Your Grace…” he said bowing with a huge smile on his face. “But it was you who attacked me.” he said. Angered even further at his smooth and calm demeanor, Narian continued with her heated onslaught of words. “Well you shouldn’t be here!” she yelled again. Talon laughed at her boyish attire. “And you should dressed as a young boy?” he again replied calmly. Talon offered her his hand only to have it slapped away as Narian rose from the dirty stable floor. “You foul horse stench of a man; you forget your place!” Narian yelled. “And you, being Her Esteemed Majesty, will no doubt continue to remind me?” he said mockingly. Adding insult to her injury, Talon curtsied sarcastically. Narian stamped her foot in annoyed anger. “You fail to realize whom you’re speaking with!” she said between gritted teeth. Talon tossed Narian’s little knife to the ground. She watched as it hit the dirt and again turned her attention to Talon. Before she could utter another sound, Talon grabbed her by the arm pulling her to him.
“I was told that you were a spoiled tantrum throwing bitch with a temper the devil himself could not tame.” he said to her in a deep whisper. Talon then lifted her over his shoulder to Narian’s shock. She struggled and pounded on his back as he left the stables. “Damn you! I’ll scream!” she threatened. Taking long strides, Talon carried Narian into the night toward the little pond on the palace ground. “You stupid man unhand me!” She yelled. “The word is please Your Highness.” Talon said lightly. “That is a word of peasants not of royalty! I’m the goddamn queen!” Narian yelled. “Queen or no queen, continue to struggle and your delicate little backside will know much pain.” Talon said. “Where are you taking me?” Narian asked angrily. “To tame that hellish temper you so proudly display.” he said. Narian let out a loud scream and continued to hold it until Talon entered the water. He took Narian from his shoulder and tossed her into the water. Narian came from the water sputtering and gasping for air only to find Talon laughing at her. “You bastard!” she screamed. She splashed Talon in the face and began her swim back to the land. The sound of horses and the voices of her guards caused the smile on Talon’s face to quickly fade. “Would this be a good time to beg forgiveness?” Talon asked lightly. “You may beg until your tongue dries out!” she said harshly. Cirroc, Darus, and four other guards arrive on horseback holding torches. Cirroc dismounted immediately. He handed his torch to Darus before hurrying to Narian’s side. “Your Majesty are you harmed?” Cirroc asked. “No, just wet.” she replied angrily. Cirroc removed his cape and placed it around Narian’s shoulders. “See to it that this nuisance enjoys this night in prison.” she said.
http://www.amazon.com
Very nice. Thanks for stopping by.
Wow! Some great excerpts. I’ll post one of mine. It’s from my indie publication, book one of the Kalaydan Chronicles. I’ve chosen a selection which is tame enough for this venu, i hope, don’t want to offend.
This scene comes from a meeting between Arrinay (The Ruling Mistress) and Matron Maeb. It marks the return, officially, of Maeb to The Household. It also provides a bit of info to the reader.
Arrinay had been in her study for only half a candle before she heard steps approaching the entrance. She glanced around quickly and sighed in relief when she saw that the room with its scrolls and tomes and paraphernalia of rule had indeed been tidied recently.
This thing with Gaya troubles me.
Limiel entered and announced Matron Maeb’s arrival.
“Matron Maeb. Welcome.”
A statuesque woman, whose face suggested the passage of many suncycles, entered the chamber. She was well muscled over a woman’s graceful frame. Her coarse white hair fell freely past her waist, a waist which was still slender and curvaceous. Her blue eyes swirled with silver.
Arrinay rose from her desk and stepped over to greet her old matron with hand’s touch.
“You sent for me, Mistress Arrinay?”
“Yes. I did. Thank you for coming.”
She instructed Limiel to bring chai and sweetmeats.
“I’m always at the service of the House of Boddcae.”
Arrinay motioned to a chair for the matron to sit and resumed her place behind the desk.
“How’s Trendo? Does he still work with you on the training?”
“Yes. He does.”
“Our household has need of your services again.”
“Young Mistress Gayadnae?” Maeb asked with a knowing look on her face.
Arrinay nodded.
“She has the inherent gift of my line. I’ve only noticed her drawing energy for the last half suncycle but suspect she’s been doing it longer. She has had no knowledge that she is able to do so, at least not until we told her today.”
“Not another one of you. Your mother was precocious and so was her mother before her. You were a nightmare and I think most of my white hair and the silver of my eyes came in with you.”
Her expression was filled with a maternal fondness when she looked at Arrinay.
“Was I really so awful?”
“You were a challenge. Your gifts were so strong, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to teach you the discipline you needed.”
“It was hard for me. I couldn’t learn to stopcock because that Banasheen-cursed thing kept shattering in my mind. I couldn’t keep it intact.”
Arrinay smiled ruefully at the memory.
“You were the first and are the only student I’ve had who has ever said the stopcock kept breaking.”
“Imagine the relief I felt when we finally found a solution. I went without sleep for days until we did.”
“And you, poor thing, hadn’t learned to use the stopcock to prevent conception, of course, so we couldn’t send your Kallish to your bed.”
“I was confined to my chambers for weeks it seemed.”
“Any man who had to be around you feared for his virile energy as your appetite for it was stronger than their stopcocks. You were never sated.”
“Just think. I was older than Gaya is now when I started the training. You’ll have your hands full with her for sure.”
“Has she decided on a Kallish yet? I would think Master Bezhyanya would be the best choice.”
“No, she hasn’t. We’re going together to the guild for a meeting. There’s a prospective for her to observe.”
“We made a good pairing for you with Master Bezhyanya. He is the first man in many generations who has survived multiple conductions with his sanity and virility intact. His great strength and unflagging virility are probably responsible. Being an orphan, we’ll never know the truth about his blood lines.”
. . . . .