Sunday, December 8, 2013

The birth of the Royals & Giveaway

The birth of the Royals…
A lot of people have asked me where I came up with the idea for my spin on shape-shifters. I wish I had one simple thing I could point to and say there, that’s where my idea came from. I can’t. A combination of things influenced me. My love of big cats (tigers, lions and jaguars in particular) gave me a start and when I couldn’t decide which one I wanted to write about, I decided to include them all. That got me to thinking. What would it feel like to not only shift into a big predator but to have three of them sharing your body and soul? Talk about internal dilemmas and split personalities. Cats are territorial so having three with their own wants and desires would require a hero that was strong enough to bring them to heel and dominant enough to harness all their instincts.
And that's how my Royals were born...

Royal Pride series blurb
As multi-feline shifters, Royals—the privileged descendants of the gods—live with the wants and demands of the animal spirits sharing their bodies. Everything is more intense for a Royal—their primal drives, possessiveness and lusts. Exotically beautiful and strong, these immortals never lack companionship but once their mating instincts are triggered, nothing sways their devotion or dims their desire.
Their dominant natures demand they claim their female’s body and soul, ensuring their chosen one knows exactly to whom they belong. Once marked as a Royal’s beloved, their women realize how wickedly satisfying life can be with a mate focused on meeting their every need.

Excerpt
The butterflies in Jazz’s belly took flight. The man was a romantic. “You know, I’m starting to enjoy the odd way you talk. It makes me feel as if I walked into a world where princesses wait to be swept away by their knight in shining armor.”
Rafe grinned, the sad look replaced by amusement. Releasing her hands, he slid his around her waist. “You would make a beautiful princess.”
“Would I?”
“One to be fought for.” He twirled a lock of her hair around a finger. “What about me? Would I fill the role of your knight in shining armor?”
She smiled, completely charmed by this man. She ran her hands over his chest, luxuriated in the layers of muscle under her palms. “I don’t know if any horse would be able to carry you for long. I see you more as a warrior, a conqueror.”
“One who demands the bonny ladies as his reward after a battle?” He swept her into his arms. She gasped and grabbed his shoulders. Lust heated his eyes as he mapped her face. “Oh yes, I like this fantasy and in it I get to choose you as my booty.” He bent his head closer so his golden eyes filled her vision. “I think I might keep you, Jasmine.”
Her breath hitched. “I think you have a wild imagination.”
“Or a hopeful one.” He eased back but watched her with that focused gaze she was starting to associate with him. “I want you.”
The lust-hazed glint to his eyes told her exactly what he wanted. For once in her life, she did too—but it couldn’t happen. She had responsibilities. Spontaneity and motherhood did not mesh. The little episode in Josh’s office proved that. She would’ve been mortified if Sara walked in while they were having sex. Everyone in town would’ve known within the hour. The other playgroup moms would find out, maybe shun her or at least look at her negatively. No. Any liaisons she had would have to be planned and kept hidden.
She licked her upper lip. “I haven’t had sex in a really long time, Rafe.” She dropped her gaze and stared at his chin. “What we did tonight wasn’t like me either. I’m not like that. Easy.”
He brushed his lips over her forehead. “I know.” He set her on her feet and took her hand. “Come, let’s get you home.”

Unexpected Find blurb
Royal Pride, Book 1
Since the murder of her best friend, Jazz is stuck in a safe but lonely way of life. She’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep herself and her family safe from the shifter world. The sexy stranger who struts into her friend’s bar changes all that. From the first glance Jazz knows she’s sunk—their chemistry sizzles from across the room, it’ll be undeniable up close.
Jazz is the most beautiful female Rafe has ever seen and he wants her from the second he sets eyes on her. The depth of the need that swamps him every time he’s near her surprises him. It takes every last ounce of his self control not to pounce on Jazz and make her his. Only her distrust of his shifter nature holds him back. He counts it as a win every time his beloved human gives in to their passion and takes him to her bed. But Rafe’s patience isn’t infinite and he’ll do whatever it takes, face any danger—past or present—to ensure that Jazz becomes his. Forever.


2 comments:

Catherine Lee said...

"I get to choose you as my booty"? That line just strikes me as funny!
catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

Beth said...

Interesting take on shifters. Will have to add this to the wish list. Maybe I'll win the lottery one of these days and be able to finally make a dent in that poor wish list. :)

carolcobun @ yahoo.com