Sunday, February 26, 2012

Six Sentence Sunday - Her Devoted Vampire - Bridget Meets Fredrick


Hello, Sixers! I hope your few weeks without my additions have gone well. I've been editing and promoting because my latest release, Her Devoted Vampire, came out on February 22nd from Evernight Publishing. I appreciate all the comments I get and thank you so much for offering them. It makes my day. Several other authors also participate in Six Sentence Sunday and a few of my favorites are Gem Sivad, Zee Monodee, Stacey Kennedy, and Suzie Quint.


In this snippet, Bridget Shanahan has just recently met Fredrick MacGregor, the sexiest man she's ever seen, but she doesn't quite trust him when he offers to walk her home. The first line is hers.

"You might be one of the crazy ones I should be protected from. Thanks, but no.”

He laughed, and it wrapped around her like a warm scarf. “Certainly possible. You got it in one. I’m actually a nefarious criminal seeking illicit contact with a beautiful woman."


Oh, handsome, smart, and sarcastic. Yummy! Thank you so much for stopping by and if you want to read more, Her Devoted Vampire is available now for purchase. Happy reading! :)

Friday, February 24, 2012

#ThursThreads - Week 11 - Winners


Week Eleven of #ThursThreads had some terrific tales! Thanks to all who entered this week. I'm honored to see all of you and read your stories. And it was great to have some new "faces" join us. Huge thank you to judge J. Whitworth Hazzard for reading through all of them.

Entries:
  • Kimberly Gould | @Kimmydonn
  • Gordon Bonnet | @TalesOfWhoa
  • Toni Wyatt | @Toni1777
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
  • Ryan Strohman | @rastrohman
  • Nancy Porter | @ModernBard1024
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
  • Jalisa Blackman | @J_M_Blackman
  • Wakefield Mahon | @WakefieldMahon
  • Wendy Russo | @wendysrusso
  • Jen DeSantis | @JenD_Author
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Jeffrey Hollar | @Klingorengi
  • Revo Boulanger | @RevoBoulanger
  • Charles W Jones | @ChuckWesJ
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
  • Lisa McCourt Hollar | @jezri1
  • Aurora Lee | @AuroraLee

J says: First, thank you so much for asking me to judge, I had a great time reading over the entries with a critical eye. It give you a different perspective on this side of the desk.  :-) There were tons of great entries and they were all entertaining. I narrowed it down to a winner and 3 HMs by the narrowest of margins.

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
J says: One part seduction, one part serial killer, one part zombies, all fun. Sure, it's a shameless attempt at courting the judge's obvious interests, but it worked because it was unique.

David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
J says: This one gets an HM because it was just so damned intriguing. I read it and immediately wanted to know more about everyone in the scene and what the hell kind of "show" this guy puts on.

Wendy Russo | @wendysrusso
J says: This one threw me for a loop when I got to the Easter Bunny. I thought for sure it was a dream or an acid trip until it all fell beautifully and sweetly into place in the last lines.

Week Eleven Winner


J says: When I finished reading this piece, I realized I had a great big fish hook stuck through my cheek. This is fantastic example of setting a hook and reeling in a reader, only to throw them back with a laugh on the last line.  Simple but effective, you clever bastard.

“Oh my God, Ron! She’s dead!”

He was up off his seat in a fraction of a second, bolting into their daughter’s room.

“Ron, oh Ron!” she cried, dropping to her knees.

He stared in horror at the body. Frozen, lifeless, pale. Pushing his emotions aside, he knew instantly that this would not end well in any imagined scenario.

“I think you poisoned her, Mary,” he said, looking forlornly at his wife, who had begun to sob.

“I did not! How could I have poisoned her?”

He shook his head and walked further into the room staring down at the corpse. Turning back to his wife, he said, “Let’s get this over with, and stop being so overdramatic!”

He grabbed the little round fish tank and carried it to the bathroom. He’d leave it up to his wife to explain to Alli that she’d killed her goldfish.

Congratulations TWO TIME WINNER Ryan, Stacy, David, and Wendy! Claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :) 

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here and I hope to see you all back next week for #ThursThreads. :)
 

The Cave #100words for #FridayFictioneers and #FridayPictureShow

Good day to all of you. I know you're anxiously awaiting the results of #Thursthreads, but in the meantime, I wanted to let you know I'm judging #FridayPictureShow this week and offering a chance to win my recent release, Her Devoted Vampire. Since I can't write for #FPS and I wanted to write for #FridayFictioneers, I thought I'd combine the two challenges into one single 100 word entry based on the following two photos.

Nik lay on the floor, staring at the smoking barrels of the shotgun the young idiot had dropped after discharge. Even at point blank range, it hadn’t killed him, only pissed him off. He could feel the skin squeezing out the bits of shrapnel and he gathered his strength to push himself to all-fours.

Bits of fossil bones and gravel dug into his hands and knees, but the pain faded into the background while he gasped for breath.

You might have gotten away this time, punk, but now I’m gonna wear Kevlar.

Shifting into his natural form, Nik went hunting.

Never piss off a werewolf. I hope you enjoyed my little story and if you get a chance, please visit the other #FridayFictioneers' stories on Madison Woods' site. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

#ThursThreads - The Challenge that Ties Tales Together - Week 11


Happy Post-Release Day! Was it good for you? It was pure awesomesauce for me and you can always click on the cover and get your own copy! ;) But now that it's Thursday, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week Eleven of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rules? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week Eleven:

The Geek-For-Hire, biophysics Doc, and fellow flashfiction fanatic, J. Whitworth Hazzard.

 
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

"Let's get this over with."

Away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThread. Good luck! :)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

RELEASE DAY FOR HER DEVOTED VAMPIRE!

Oh my dear friends and readers, today is the date of Her Devoted Vampire's release from Evernight Publishing!


It's out! It's where ANYONE can read it, not just my friends and family! *hysterical giggle*

I've been squeaking and giggling and shrieking this whole morning. Why? Because I'm published! I'm out there! It's a dream come true, proof that if you never give up, you'll get your stories out there. Think this is a fantasy? I'm looking at my cover right now and I'm telling you, this is the real deal!

So, where can you get this wonderful fantastical story (cause everyone can get it now)?

All Romance Ebooks
Amazon.com
Bookstrand.com
Evernight Publishing

And Cara Michaels, my writing twin sister, has me on her blog for an interview where you can find out more about Her Devoted Vampire (and have a chance to win a copy!) Come comment on the Interview with a Vampire...Author. ;)

There will be more interviews and blog posts, and you can find a list on my website: siobhanmuir.com/coming-soon.

Thank you all for supporting me, cheering me on, tweeting with me on Twitter, commenting on the blog. It all means a lot to me, and I'm grateful for your encouragement and

Friday, February 17, 2012

A Story is Born!

As many of you know, I write a lot of flashfiction. I find it helps me tighten up my writing and makes my longer stories that much more believable and crisp.

It also brings new characters and stories into being. In fact, today I just wrote a third piece about a woman named Detective Cassie Tucker. She came into being from a 100 word flashfiction piece on Stevie McCoy's #TuesdayTales challenge. We had the word "legion" and the following photo to write on.

Cassie stared across the humped white backs of abandoned cars in mute frustration. Scuffed footprints marred the pristine snow covered spaces between them. Only the “road closed” sign hung in stiff silence, frozen solid, undisturbed.

She flicked the safety off her Sig and advanced slowly, holding her breath to hear anything in the winter silence. Snow dragged at her feet, thick enough it would take a legion of snowplows days to clear.
Cassie paused beside a silver Lexus and dropped her shoulders, sighing in defeat. No more footprints, not even tire tracks.

The kidnapper and the little girl had disappeared.

My writing twin asked me which WIP Cassie was from and I said I'd made her up just for the flash. But she'd planted a seed, because for last week's #FridayPictureShow hosted by Jen DeSantis, I added another 100 words for Cassie to the following photo.

It emerged from the golden wheat like a breaching submarine, dragging a wake of sunflowers with its heaving body. Cassie paused at the flower show to stare, a smile curling her lips.

“I’ve seen flower beds with head and foot boards, but never a flower caddy.”

“What are you talking about? Isn’t a caddy what the Brits call a cart?” Pierce quipped, laying one hand at her waist. “That’s just a bigger version.”

She laughed, reveling in his touch and the levity. It had been so long since she’d found joy in anything.

“I’d say it’d win best in show.”

Then today, again on #FridayPictureShow, Cassie made another appearance in 100 words to the next photo.

The mannequin lay in the wooden boat, rocking stiffly on the oily surface. Huge bug-eyed glasses reflected the multihued shimmer and brightly striped tights covered the legs under the torn skirt. The model’s hips and legs lay twisted ninety degrees from its shoulders, giving the body a broken look. The nails on the hands had been painted the color of dried blood.

Uniforms waded through the greasy water to retrieve the boat and its grisly contents.

“Shit.” Detective Cassie Tucker snapped her phone shut. “We got another one.”

Detective Daniels raised his eyebrows. “Another mannequin?”

“That’s not a mannequin, Daniels.”

And Voila! A new story is born. Where will Cassie go? How will she find her Happily-Ever-After (I am a romance writer, after all)? And since I tend to write paranormal, what fantastic creature will she encounter? Don't know yet. Have to see what other flashfiction pulls out of her. :)

Just a quick side note: I was the overall winner for #FridayPictureShow for Cassie's Mannequin story. Woo-hoo! Thanks to the judge and host for that one! :)

#ThursThreads - Week 10 - Winners


Week Ten of #ThursThreads had some great tales! Thanks to all who entered this week. I'm honored to see all of you and read your stories. And it was great to have some new "faces" join us. Huge thank you to judge Janie Crouch for reading through all of them.

Entries:
  • Kimberly Gould | @Kimmydonn
  • Nichole Wolverton | @nicholewolverton
  • Ryan Strohman | @rastrohman
  • Cara Michaels | @caramichaels
  • Nancy Porter | @ModernBard1024
  • Wakefield Mahon | @WakefieldMahon
  • Siobhan Muir | @SiobhanMuir
  • Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
  • Sheilagh Lee | @SweetSheil
  • Kat Halstead | @KatDVS
  • Nara Malone | @nara_malone
  • Jen DeSantis | @JenD_Author
  • Charles W Jones | @ChuckWesJ
  • J. Whitworth Hazzard | @zombiemechanics
  • David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
  • Inq | @Inqling-is-lost
  • Mark Ethridge | @LurchMunster
  • Greg Nance | @acenance
  • Nellie Batz | @solimond
  • @LupusAnthropos
  • Aurora Lee | @AuroraLee
  • @Phoenixlavan

Winners Announcement:

Honorable Mentions

David A Ludwig | @DavidALudwig
Janie says: What a great concept about an uncontrollable shadow getting into all sorts of mischief. I hope this is being turned into a full-on story, because I want to read it!

@Phoenixlavan
Janie says: Seriously, what’s not to love about a creature spouting a twisted version of a child’s nursery rhyme while slaughtering humans? Dark. Love it.

Stacy Bennett-Hoyt | @Rowanwolf66
Janie says: HOT! Ménage-a-Thursday! Who came up with the stupid rule about having to stop at 250 words? It was just starting to get really good!! :)

Week Ten Winner


Janie says: You fooled me! Set me up with all the “grease stains” and “slaughtering” talk. Expecting another tale of violence and was pleasantly surprised to find a game of Horse between sisters.  Delightful dialogue!

“How about we talk first, shoot later?” Carrie asked.

"The time for talking is long gone," Margot said. "They won't even be able to clean the grease stains off the floor when I'm finished with you."

"I really don't understand why you find it necessary to be so violent. Why can't we handle this situation in a friendly polite discussion?"

"You can't stop over analyzing things can you? It's quite simple really. We had some very basic rules for our relationship, but you just have to argue and equivocate."

"Ooh Margot's using big girl words."

"I'm going to enjoy slaughtering you."

"I'm sorry. I can't help the sarcasm, it's an a defensive mechanism. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh I understand alright. Let's get this over with. All it will take is one shot and the issue will be settled once and for all."

Carrie sighed. "Fine, take your shot. I'm tired of trying to reason with you."

"Ha! For a smart girl you don't know the difference between reasoning and arguing." Margot took aim.

"Wait. Let me think for a minute."

"Too late," Margot grinned. The shot from half court was nothing but net.

Carrie ran to get the basketball, stood on the half court line and took her shot.

"Oh a brick, H-O-R-S-E spells horse. You've got dishes for the next TWO weeks!"

"You sharked me; that is so unfair," Carrie pouted.

"That's what you get for assuming you're more athletic than me."

Congratulations Wakefield, David, Phoenix, and Stacy! Claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it! :) 

Pass on the great news on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the stories here and I hope to see you all back next week for #ThursThreads. :)
 

Just the Right Guy #100Words for the #FridayFictioneers

Welcome to the 100 words of the #FridayFictioneers hosted by Madison Woods. She offered us the following photo as a prompt and here's a little story that came from my imagination for it. Eloise is a secondary character from my forthcoming novel Queen Bitch of Callowwood, out in May 2012 from Siren Publishing. It seems like my Muse thinks she might get her own story after all. :)


Eloise sat down on the stepped rock and put her bare feet in the cool water.
“Oohhhhh,” she moaned. She closed her eyes and dropped her head back, willing her unhappy thoughts to fade away.
Tommy’s not the right male for you. He might be alpha, but he’s not your True Mate, her Sister self remarked.
She’d always had trouble with the idea of “True Mates” in the werewolf communities. Her parents weren’t true mates and they got along just fine.
And just who do you think is my True Mate?
“Hello, Eloise.”
She opened her eyes and stared into the sexy face of Kyle Howler.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you check out the other stories on Madison's site. Happy reading! :)

Thursday, February 16, 2012

#ThursThreads - The Challenge that Ties Tales Together - Week 10


Happy Post-Valentine's Day! Was it good for you? ;) I'm just glad it's Thursday, so what should you be doing? Writing #FlashFiction, that's what! Welcome to Week Ten of #ThursThreads, the challenge that ties tales together. Need the rule? Read on!

Here's how it works:
  • The prompt is a line from the previous week's winning tale.
  • The prompt can appear ANYWHERE in your story and is included in your word count.
Rules to the Game:
  • This is a Flash Fiction challenge, which means your story must be a minimum of 100 words, maximum of 250.
  • Incorporate the prompt anywhere into your story (included in your word count).
  • Post your story in the comments section of this post
  • Include your word count (or be excluded from judging)
  • Include your Twitter handle or email (so we know how to find you)
  • The challenge is open 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time
  • The winner will be announced on Friday, depending on how early the judge gets up. ;)
How it benefits you:
  • You get a nifty cool badge to display on your blog or site (because we're all about promotion - you know you are!)
  • You get instant recognition of your writing prowess on this blog!
  • Your writing colleagues shall announce and proclaim your greatness on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus

Our Judge for Week Ten:

The writer, runner, general trouble-maker, and fellow flashfiction fanatic, Janie Crouch.

 
And now your #ThursThreads Challenge, tying tales together.

The Prompt:

“How about we talk first, shoot later?”

Away with you, Flash Fiction Fanatics, and show us your #ThursThread. Good luck! :)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Breath of Spring - The Fairy Ring Writing Contest

I was invited to join the Fairy Ring Writing Contest on Anna Meade's blog, and when I dragged my feet, I was encouraged to get my butt in gear and write a short story.

Here's the rules: To win, write a piece of flash fiction (300 words or less) on your (fictional or not) first-person encounter with a faery, goblin, or fantastical being of your choice. Being a paranormal romance writer, that seemed like a good idea. So here's my entry:

Breath of Spring

I finished my coffee and waved at Iris, before ducking out of the Ironwood Café into the windy day. Spring had come to Three Lakes, MI, but the weather gods hadn’t quite gotten the memo. Snowflakes dusted the sidewalk and the front of my jacket. I struggled with the zipper, wishing I’d remembered to wear gloves.
“Sand bars!”
I was so focused on my coat, I didn’t realize anyone stood in front of me until I collided with her. The scents of warm summer rain and sun-baked rocks filled my nose as my unfortunate victim grunted in surprise.
“Sand bars, I’m sorry!”
I looked down to meet the periwinkle eyes of the most delicate and beautiful female I’ve ever seen. The top of her head barely reached my chest, but the power of her presence hit me like boulder.
“Are you all right?” Her voice made me think of the tinkling cascade of crystals. I stood there gaping until I realized she’d asked a question.
“Oh, yes. Yes, I’m sorry.” I closed my mouth. “Forgive me. I didn’t see you.”
She laughed and pleasure zipped up my spine. “That’s because I didn’t wish to be seen until now.”
Her words didn’t make any sense, but I nodded, dumbly. The sun peaked out of the clouds, bathing us in brilliant sunlight and I swear she sparkled. The snow melted under our feet and a soft spring breeze ruffled the mahogany locks of her hair. I reached out to brush it from her eyes, but she caught my hand and laid a feather-soft kiss on the knuckles.
“Very nice to meet you, Bruce Boulderson.”
She released me and darted away, taking the delicious warmth with her.
“Wait! What’s your name?”
She looked over her shoulder, winked, and disappeared into the swirling snow.

(300 words without title)

I hope you enjoyed my little story and feedback is welcome! If you'd like to read the other stories or join in the contest:

Interview with Morgan Kearns and her Heart Ache

Happy Valentine’s Day (one day late). Hopefully it was a good one for you. But if not, you’re in luck. Today I have the great good fortune to speak with my good friend Morgan Kearns, paranormal romance author of Heart Ache. I met Morgan at Arizona Dreamin’ 2011 and stalked spent time with her at the event. She’d just published her second novel and had a short story on the way. I got the inside scoop on that when I got home. ;)
Morgan Kearns

Welcome, Morgan. I’m so glad to have you here today!
Thanks for having me, Siobhan.

Squeee! Okay, fangirl moment over. :D We should probably start with the questions. What got you started in writing?
*blushes* Ya’ll are going to think I’m completely nuts for this story! I started writing Twilight fanfiction because I needed to “fix” Jacob after Eclipse. After a few stories, characters of my own started talking to me, asking for their stories to be told. And the rest, as they say, is history.

What kinds of stories were your favorites growing up? Which genre?  
I didn’t read a whole lot growing up. Weird, I know!

How old were you when you wrote your first story down and what was it about?
The first story I remember writing was in 8th grade. It was an assignment for my English class. When it came back with a bad grade, lots of red marks, and a basic ‘you suck’ notation from the teacher, my dreams of becoming a writer kinda died. I understand now that that was probably not what the teacher said, but *shrugs* that’s what I heard in my thirteen-year-old mind.

What did your family think of you writing? And now?
My family loves that I write, and now that’s grown from a hobby to a career, they’re really proud of me. My kids tell everyone they know. In fact, they asked to give copies of my books to their teachers for Valentine’s Day. I made sure to have the kids tell the teachers “It’s my mom’s book, and the covers are kinda sexy.” HA!

What were you doing before you started writing? What made you switch to fiction?
Before I started writing, I was into doing crafty things and scrapbooking. Big Time! Something had to give though, and now I … write.

Do foods or music, photos or movies, or even smells inspire you in your writing?
The easy answer? YES! Everything inspires my writing. I’ll hear a song on the radio, see an exchange between a couple on the street (without actually hearing it), the kids will say something, Husband will do something…. Anything and everything has the potential of being an inspiration. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be next. *wink*

Eep! ;) Do you only write only paranormal romance or are there other genres you’re interested in? 
I also write contemporary romance. Fade to Black is my debut novel. It takes place in a television newsroom. Lots of ups and downs in this story!

In It To Win It is my second novel. Same newsroom, four years later. Sportscaster Jane Alexander is sent on the road to follow the Rockets on their bid for the World Series. It so happens the guy who broke her heart is their star player. Yeah! Ugh!

I’m so excited about your current release, which came out January 17th, called Heart Ache. That is an awesomely sexy cover, by the way. Tell us a little about the story.
Thanks, Siobhan! I love Heart Ache, and I have to thank you for your help with it!

In my ‘world’ the male vampire’s heart stops beating when he reaches maturity, at about thirty years or so. When he reaches out and touches his girl for the first time, his heart starts beating again. It took Nikolai four hundred years to find Gabrielle. Turns out that was the easy part!

What inspired you to write this story?
There are a lot of vampire stories out there. I wanted mine to be different. I also wanted a reaction to finding their female that was completely undeniable. They might not want to accept it, but they can’t pretend their heart doesn’t beat every time she’s around.

LOL good way to get rid of the “I’m a guy, I didn’t notice” syndrome! What was the hardest thing about writing this story?
Nikolai. He’s a stubborn male! His father took away his mother’s choice, stealing her away from her bed the night before her wedding to a man she adored. She was human and refused to be changed into a vampire. His father took away her choice there, too. So…not wanting to be like his father, Nikolai refuses to take away Gabby’s choice. And fails to give her one.

What was your favorite character to write in this story? Why?
Gustav. Or maybe Stephon. I’d say it’s a toss-up between those two males. Gustav is Nikolai’s playboy brother and his attitude toward his brother makes me laugh. Stephon is a private investigator hired to figure some things out (yes, I’m being cryptic on purpose *insert evil laugh here*). He’s a great character…literally. His story is next and I can’t wait for him to get his act together!

I know Heart Ache is the first book of a new series. How many more stories are planned?
There are at least three more in the series. Maybe four. I’ve had another character step out of the shadows, but I’m not sure if he’ll get a full novel, or if his story will be interspersed between the other ones. Stephon for sure. His is next, followed by Gustav, then Vincent. Brace yourself, Vincent’s story is a sad one!

What other projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently writing Out of Left Field. Meet Matthias Xavier III. If you’ve read In It To Win It, you met him in the locker room and in the parking lot, being a class-A jerk to Jane. I know why he’s an ass, and it makes me love him even more!

What is one piece of advice you can give aspiring authors/writers?
WRITE! Some days you'll only get a few words in, some days you'll write pages and pages, but it's important to write something everyday.

Where can readers connect with you?
SoI love to connect with my readers! Please, please, please join me on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up for my newsletter by stopping by my website http://morgankearns.com.

Thank you so much for being here today, Morgan, and best of luck with your new stories!

If you're interested in grabbing the sexy Nikolai from Heart Ache for yourself, please visit the following links:

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Bound-Touch-Novels-ebook/dp/B006ZBKGQQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327098577&sr=8-1

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-ache-morgan-kearns/1108324189?ean=2940013679016&itm=1&usri=heart+ache+kearns

Other Ebook: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116905

Autographed Paperback: http://morgankearns.com/Paranormal_Romance.html

In addition, there's another way to get a copy, free! Morgan is giving away one ecopy of Heart Ache to a lucky commenter who also joins her on Facebook. Please leave a valid email or Twitter handle in your comment so we can contact you if you win. The contest runs from February 15th to February 28th, and the winner will be announced on the 29th (the day that doesn't exist!). So be sure to congratulate Morgan on her recent release and go like her page on Facebook. Now read a little excerpt of Heart Ache. Happy reading! :)

EXCERPT: 

 THUMP-THUMP.
Thump-thump.
Nikolai rubbed his chest, directly above his beating heart and smiled. He loved the affect Gabrielle Ryan had on him. 
He raised his knuckles and rapped on her door. Again. He knew she was in there. As if his heart wasn’t proof enough, he could sense her.
As another few seconds ticked by, he began to worry. If something had happened to her— He could easily enter her apartment, but would leave that for a last resort.
Another set of knocks, verging on the realm of pounds.
He was just about to bust the damned door down when he heard the lock tumble and the soft squeak of the hinge.
“Niko, what are you…? Pl—” Gabby sneezed. “Excuse me, please come in.”
She flung the door wide and Nikolai stepped over the threshold. White tissues dotted the floor around her coffee table and formed a makeshift snowdrift atop it. A pink fluffy blanket had been thrown aside and a pillow still held a head mark at one end of the couch.
She hurried over to the coffee table and yanked another tissue from the box. After an adorable honking she crumpled it into her hand and began tidying her living room.
“Gabby, it’s okay. I’m not here to inspect your housekeeping skills. I only came by to make sure you were okay.”
She smiled, her eyes red and watery. She sneezed again before melting onto the couch. He took a seat in the large leather chair that interestingly enough matched the one in his office. He reached out and handed her a bag with a Styrofoam container of chicken noodle soup.
“I thought you could use something homemade.”
“You cooked?”
He laughed. “Not exactly.”
The bag crinkled as she pulled it open and stuck her face into it. He grinned at the snuffling that accompanied her deep inhale.
“Oh. That smells so good.” She took another breath and her nostrils whistled. Red splashed her cheeks. She held up the bag. “Thank you, this was very kind of you.”
Kind had nothing to do with what brought him to stand on her doorstep, food in hand. Gabby was his female, his to protect, even if it was only from a flu bug.
“How are you feeling? Better?” He stared into her bloodshot eyes, noting her red nose, and wild disarray of curls barely contained by a rubber band.
Did she have any idea how adorable she was? 
She coughed, sneezed … and farted. Her blush from earlier was nothing compared to the crimson she sported now.
“Excuse me.” She blew her nose and looked up at him. The misery in her watery eyes made him mental. “I hate being sick.”
 “Is there anything I can do for you?” He forced himself to rub his palms against his thighs instead of pulling her to his chest and comforting her for the   duration of her illness.
“No, I’m fine. Just sick of being sick.” She pushed a lock of hair out of her face with the back of her hand and sneezed again.
“Why don’t you sit down and I’ll put the soup in a bowl for you.”
“I can—”
“I insist.” Niko held the bright pink blanket while she settled against the pillows. Tucking her in was one of the greatest pleasures of his life. He resisted pressing a kiss to her forehead, but only barely.
In the tiny, tidy kitchen, Nikolai stared at the closed cupboard doors and took a guess which one would house the bowls. He grinned like a fool when he was right.
A bowl, a spoon, and a splash of soup later, Nikolai returned to her side. She’d rolled onto her side, her face pressed into the pillow, her mouth hanging open. The soft snore and whistle combination made his heart ache.
Goddess, he loved her.
He knelt down on the floor and ran his fingers through the tangles of her auburn hair, traced the subtle lines of her face, caressed the freckles so lovingly sprinkled over her pert nose. He would never tire of looking at her, studying her. She smiled in her sleep, taking on the innocence of an angel, and leaned into his touch.
His thoughts drifted to their first touch, to the warming sensation that blossomed in his chest—a flower opening to replace centuries of emptiness with hope, light, love. In that moment, he’d felt something; something strange, something miraculous, something more than a bit scary. Something that meant she was exactly what he needed.
Forever.