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Maybe it’s bad of me, but I can’t think of any Valentine’s gift that stands out on the good, bad, or memorable scale. Does that say something about the romance in my life? I don’t think so, but maybe it does say something about the lack of imagination in both my husband’s and my life when it comes to romance.
Truthfully, what we usually do is wait for February 15th, then we go to the store and buy the chocolate candy boxes when they are all seventy-five percent off. We laugh over this, but it works for us and after fifteen years, it’s now become a tradition. We both come back seeing who got the best deal on the biggest box left. Clearance candy is a steal and we probably shouldn’t be putting the romantic notions of Valentine’s on a budget. But, traditions are sometimes born out of necessity and there was a time in our lives when clearance candy was all we could afford. In itself, our little day-after-Valentine’s tradition is our romantic way of remembering how much we’ve survived together and the love that has kept us together even when the chips were down.
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Description:
The energy might bind them, but their love could save us all…
Energen, Book 1
When Shifter Airiana Draco volunteers to scout the enemy’s compound, her family thinks it’s to prove herself. In truth, she wants answers. Plagued with doubt and a secret shame, she hungers to learn more about the Energens, the people who have opposed the Shifters since the beginning of time. But getting captured wasn’t in her plans.
Energen Loukianos Aeros has always wondered about his exiled older brother who was accused of aiding their mortal enemy, the Shifters, long before Louk was born. Now, the answers Louk seeks are within his grasp when he stumbles upon a beautiful enemy spy right outside his door.
Forced together by the energy, Airiana and Louk are unprepared for the sudden attraction as they struggle to gain the answers they seek. As the danger builds and their lives are threatened, they must learn to trust the energy and each other. But are they strong enough to challenge all they were raised to believe or will the pressure cause them to turn on the one truth they can’t deny?
The time is coming when earth will be changed forever. The dragon is rising and with the joining of The Two, he stirs.
Product Warnings
Mix two opposing forces with some elemental powers, add in a little shove from the energy and you get earth-shattering sex, one angry dragon, and a world that is altered forever.
Excerpt :
The intruder huffed out short gulps of breath and yanked uselessly on the energy collar he’d just snapped around her neck. Loukianos Aeros smirked at the futility of her actions even as he unconsciously admired the creature he had captured.
Creature—because she was obviously a Shifter spy and they were all members of the lowest life form.
However, his gloating was cut short when she spun and took off sprinting over the snow-covered ground. Her arms pumped furiously and the silky black ponytail swayed in rhythm with her quick steps, bobbing behind her like a plumped-up horse tail. His gaze traveled up her long legs that led to a firm, round ass, which was nicely displayed in excellent fitting jeans. Definitely not the body of a horse.
Hell, it’d been so long since he’d had a woman that even a lowly Shifter got him excited. The deep rumbled laugh broke from his chest and echoed the derision he felt. Pathetic. But, that didn’t stop him from watching her a little longer. Running away was about as fruitless an effort as trying to pull off the energy collar. However, he gave her points for effort.
When he’d first spotted her hiding at the edge of the woods just outside the walls of the compound, Louk realized the universe had handed him the opportunity he’d been longing for. Finally, a chance to find out what really happened to his older brother, Damian. A brother he’d never known. Damian was accused of aiding the Shifters and killing their oldest brother in a bloody battle. Being born eight hundred years after the incident left Louk with a mix of broken stories and whispered condemnations.
Now, right before him, was his chance to question a source who would know the other side. Who could give him answers when no one else would. She was the enemy, a member of the Shifter slime that had destroyed his family.
And he would use the opportunity presented. Use her.
Tiring of the game of evasion, Louk used the energy and dissipated out. He solidified about five feet in front of her path, his legs braced and arms spread in preparation. She hit him in the chest at a full run, and he grunted at the impact even as his arms clamped tightly around his prize. He stumbled back a few steps, but held tight to the wiggling form firmly trapped against his chest.
“Let. Me. Go.” She bit out, full of righteous indignation and fight.
He laughed. Hell, it had been a long time since he’d had that much fun. “Yeah, not happening, sweet cheeks.” Unable to resist, he slid a hand down and squeezed the delicious little ass he’d admired moments ago.
A small sound of offense left her mouth, right before a hard, booted toe connected with his shin.
He grunted in response, all thoughts of fun draining from his mind. Louk tightened his hold and brought his boot around to trap her legs between his own. His height and weight gave him the advantage, but she didn’t give in easily. It was a full minute of continued squirming, pushing and swearing before the feisty woman finally stilled.
The heavy sound of gasping breaths punctuated the sudden silence, the small skirmish tasking them both. Her breath pushed hot and moist against the exposed skin of his neck. The sensation stroked over the sensitive area like a lover’s kiss and sent small shivers of desire racing down his spine.
And in that moment, the raven soared. The mark on the back of his hand took off in a flight of pure joy, high on an ecstasy of promise.
Louk sucked in a sharp breath, incredulous. She was a Shifter, his sworn enemy.
Abruptly, he shoved the woman away, swinging her arms around until he grasped her wrists tightly together before her.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
Her arched, black brows came down low and menacing over her chocolate colored eyes. Her face was a striking blend of Asian and Caucasian features. Slightly narrower eyes surrounded by long black lashes, high cheekbones that centered her round face and balanced the broad mouth and sculpted lips. Lips that were currently pulled tight and hard into a thin line of annoyance. Her rounded little chin came up in a move of defiance as she tugged on the grip he had around her slim wrists.
“Like I’d tell you,” she sneered between deep gulps of air.
“Oh, you’ll tell me.” He let a slow smile curl over his lips. “Eventually.”
“Fuck you.”
“Is that an invitation?” He drew her closer, pulled on her arms until her chest was crushed to his once again. He lowered his face into hers, forcing her to arch back to keep her distance. Her breasts pressed invitingly up at him, offered like a gift under her tight, leather jacket and he slowly drew his gaze up over the display to meet her eyes. “Because I can accommodate that.”
It only took one small movement to bring his hips into intimate contact with the juncture of her thighs. Her position left her vulnerable and open, and he made damn sure she knew that.
Her eyes widened. Her breath hitched, and her pretty little mouth opened in surprise. Her lips were red and moist, and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to kiss them. The energy flowed between them, igniting a desire that threatened to scorch his nerve endings. It burned hot, insistent, immediate, and he felt his body responding as it pulsed to life against its resting spot at her thighs.
She froze in her struggles to escape, her eyes widening even more. She felt his desire. And the energy spoke to him; it vibrated through his mind whispering her need. Her sudden hunger, the raw desire.
And a confusion that matched his own.
Over the air he felt the approach of other members of the enclave Guard. The energy around them began to expand, and Louk suddenly knew he wasn’t ready to turn her over. This was the opportunity he had waited for, one that could allow him to learn about his brother. But even more than that, this woman called to him in a way that was stronger than his desire to please his enclave. His family. And he needed to understand why.
In that second, he made his decision. One that could cost him everything.
With the choice made, he teleported out, his captive in tow. His life permanently changed. Forever.
Copyright © 2012 Lynda Aicher
All rights reserved — a Samhain Publishing, Ltd. publication
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I remember when my husband and I were first married. We used to do the same thing. Money was really tight. I can look back on it now and smile. The blurb of this book is intriguing. Can’t wait to read it. I put it on my wishlist.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Hi Lynda,
Unfortunately my family has gotten spoiled with their See’s Candy goodies for Valentine’s Day, and if I don’t order them fast enough, they disappear from the shelves before the 14th.
Thanks for sharing your excerpt, I love these kind of storylines, and their sexual chemistry will make this story a treat to read.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
Oooh! This book sounds wonderful, and just the kind of exciting romance I love. Must go book shopping!
Lyndia, its Marika from the Cafe. Nice to see you over here. GP is a great place to hang out. We buy Christmas candy the day after. I know, we thought we were the only ones that did something like but we aren’t. 🙂 I can’t wait to read this and the excerpt was awesome.
Marika Weber
maw1725@gmail.com
You sound like me and my husband. What started as necessity is now tradition. We see who can get the best deal. Winner gets to pick the night’s “entertainment.” I love it!!!
Sounds like a good book. I will put it on my TBR list.
Thanks,
Mel
The stooge in me is the culprit for the day-after candy buying. Seriously, the price of a box of chocolates at Valentine’s Day is as ridiculous as the cost of a dozen roses that day. This is one instance where the analytic side beats down my romantic side. I think the chocolate even tastes better at 75% off.
Thank you everyone for commenting.
I hope you all get a chance to read my book. Heck, the odds of winning a free one right not are pretty good!
That is too funny and I’ve done it before! LOL
The book sounds great!!
Francesca
Lynda,
Where did this idea come from? Very interesting blurb
I like that tradition. Hey, there is not a thing wrong with it.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
A tradition is a tradition – however it started.
Great excerpt.
I love a good bargain! I’ve been known to buy something after a holiday and save it for the next one! Like you, I can’t think of a bad Valentines gift. I think it’s because I’m always happy to receive a gift because it meant the person thought of me which I consider a gift!
Lol, I like your February 15th tradition! I think that whatever a person decides is their way of celebrating romance is pretty much okay, I don’t buy into the you have to spend this much or you have to do this type of thing – we are all different and somethings are going to make you happy and some aren’t. Liked both the blurb and except for your book. Good Luck with it:)
I’ve never thought about doing after holiday sales for Valentine’s day like I do for Christmas. Sounds like a good idea
I love Godiva chocolate – tastes even better when it’s on sale!
Love the book blurb and great timing as according to the Chinese astrological calender, it is the Year of the Dragon!
Noticed that book 2 is due out in September – how many books are currently planned for the Energen series?
Sounds like my kind of book! Congrats on the new release, Lynda.
Maybe I’m a sinner for this, but I’m somewhat bothered by V-day. I don’t like obligatory romantic gestures. I realize that many people actually mean them, but I’d rather it be spontaneous on any not-particularly-special day. Somehow, it’s even better when it’s unexpected.
Lynda,it’s funny but that’s whatI do- my husband will buy me a bag of doves; then I go shoppingthe nextfor more at half off. I really enjoyed the review and excerpt from the book- looks like it could be quite interesting. Definitely onthe list tobuy.
Oh yes, I’ve done that many times!
The blurb sounds interesting…I’ll have to check this book out. I’m a huge shifter lover. 🙂
I do that,but I buy it for myself.lol.
The Dragon Stirs sounds really great.Adding to the TRB list.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Joy – The idea for this series evolved from the simple question, “What happened to the Greek Gods?” For all of the stories and grandness, in the end they just faded away. No big deaths or battles. Just gone. But what if they weren’t?
The world evolved from that thought. The second portion came in when I stumbled on the theological references to Gog. Threaded through the series is a mix of facts twisted with my imagination. I love to read books that make me think “Wow. That could be true.” So, I tried to put that into the Energen Series.
Trump in that 2012 is The Year of the Dragon and all the pieces fell into place.
MaryC – There are 6 books scheduled in this series. The rest of the books after this one are all novels.
Lynda
Like you, I don’t remember any Valentine’s gift….good, bad or indifferent. My husband usually brings home flowers but he does that whenever he thinks of it throughout the year. I love the idea of a day after candy buying trip.
Our tradition is I buy my daughter fresh chocolate covered strawberrries, can’t get them the day after. BUT when it comes to all other holidays/special days I am all about post holiday clearance sales =)
Congratulations on the release of your debut novel Lynda!!!! The Dragon Stirs sounds really good…loved the excerpt!!!!
Sounds great. I tend to not celebrate on the actual day since I’m a nanny and offer to work that night.
forettarose@yahoo.com
Hey DiDi!
Thanks for hosting me today and for posting my book. It’s been a great and fun day all around.
Good luck to everyone on the contest!
Been there done that! My mom-in-law still does. Not because she has to, but because she LOVES chocolate!! She even freezes it…gotta LOVE her, though…’cause she shares! 🙂
Happy Valentines Day <3
barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com
I love that you use the tradition to remember what you’ve survived together.
Loved the excerpt thanks. Very exciting. We don’t really do the V-Day thing, so I don’t really have any outstanding memories. But I admit to buying myself candy the next day as well when it is on sale. Not the fancy candy, just usually a bag of individually wrapped m & ms, or herseys minatures, or something like that. I like to send out Valentine cards to family members and friends. I try to do this every year.
lol we buy when it’s marked down as well! Really enjoyed the excerpt. Have put this one on my to buy list. Sounds like a good story.
Candy on sale is every bit as sweet and you can buy more of it.
I love End of the World stories. Here’s hoping your heroes save the day!
Love the title and the cover!!!
So fun to hear so many traditions!
Lynda I hope you have had a great release week!
Congratulations to Becky C you won a copy of Lynda’s debut novel!