Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Big Huge Reader Contest - Day 2!


Blood Claim: Tainted by Selena Illyria
Buy eBook from Loose Id
Multicultural Vampire Paranormal Erotic Romance

Syrus was seeking revenge. Jessye was just trying to adjust to having a new leader. Their desire burns hot, but the past and stubbornness stands between them.

Syrus will claim Jessye as his consort and gain the revenge for the murder of those he loved. Jessye will submit to him. Like hell, Jessye says. She is no one’s consort. She stands on her own and doesn’t need him. But her hunger for him haunts them both between the hunt for a murderer and political games.

Dark magick and blood, anger and desire will bring them together but also push them apart. Love, lust, need, revenge can all be tainted. Forgiveness and acceptance can heal it all.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content and graphic language.


Excerpt

The moon hung full and luminous in the sky as Jessye and her team hugged the western wall of the property. The mission was simple: capture Lorrie, dead or alive. If alive, she would be tried in the high court for the murder of Syrus and Rysen's family.

But only if she was taken alive. Jessye preferred her dead.

Over the past few months, Lorrie had managed to capture and kill too many of Jessye's people. She glanced at Syrus in front of her. Correction: their people. The last one had been taken from one of Syrus's safe houses.

Anger trembled through her before she could gain control of it. Syrus paused in front of her and looked back at her in question. She shrugged. He shook his head and moved forward.

She crept after him. A shiver of unease traced its chilly fingers up her spine as the seconds slipped by. Syrus paused again, his dark head turning this way and that in the pale moonlight. She opened her mouth to ask what was wrong but closed it when she saw him give the signal to keep moving. She blew out a relieved breath and crept along until he stopped again.

“Halt! Who's out there?”

She rolled her eyes. Moron. Like someone trying to break in is going to answer. She shook her head and waited. Her grip on the dagger in her right hand tightened. She wanted revenge, but first they needed to get into the compound.

“Jessye, I'm going to send some people on ahead. You're with me.” Syrus's voice slipped into her mind seamlessly, raising goose bumps over her skin. It still made her uncomfortable having this mental connection to him.

The sounds of a scuffle ahead brought her out of her thoughts. A soft groan floated on the air as she and Syrus moved forward.

“Threat's taken care of.” Adrian, Syrus's second in command, shifted from wolf back to man and returned to the group.

Lights flashed on, and for a second, Jessye was blind. A whip cracked, and pain stung the side of her neck.

A woman encased from head to toe in leather appeared before her, a bright red band on her arm signifying she was one of Raphael's guards. She flicked her wrist, and a sharp crack rent the air. Pain burst on Jessye's neck again. Not too far from her, she heard the sounds of Syrus and Adrian fighting off their own attackers.

Jessye growled and took a step forward. She focused her energy into her hands and threw a burst of power at her opponent. Jessye aimed her power at the woman's wrist.

The whip flew from her hand to the ground. It didn't stop her, though; she flicked her wrist again, and a burst of power hit Jessye on the cheek. With a growl, Jessye rushed her and took her down. Jessye got the upper hand and managed to land a few blows to the woman's face. Her rival finally stopped moving.

All around her, the sounds of fighting filled the air. “Fall back. There's too many of them,” Adrian yelled.

A hole opened up in the enemy line, and Syrus rushed through it.

“Shit.” Jessye ran after him. She refused to have him captured or killed because he'd lost his head in the name of revenge.

“God damn it, Syrus. Get back here!” She didn't care if anyone heard her; all she cared about was getting the team back to the safe house alive. Their footsteps rang across the cobblestoned walkway as he ran around the side of the house. She swore, her legs working overtime to catch up. “Get your ass back here, you meathead. You're going to get us killed.”

Either he didn't care or he couldn't hear her, because he ran faster, climbed up the gate, and went over the top. A soft thudtold her he'd landed.

Jessye grumbled as she followed, tired, her energy nearly spent. She looked around for Syrus and found him a few feet away. “The mission is shot. We need to go, now.”

He stopped moving, much to her relief. “Lorrie's in there. I know she is.”

“And we'll come back and drag her out by the hair, but we need to go now. Think of your people. They need you.”

I need you, she added silently.

He turned around, and for a moment hope bloomed inside her. But the feeling was short-lived. A lithe blonde encased in a pearlescent silk sheath came into view. One pale hand held a wicked-looking curved dagger with serrated edges.

Lorrie.

“Syrus, look out!” She ran toward him and watched in slow motion as Syrus turned around. His face contorted in a mixture of shock and anger. He lunged for the woman and missed, and the blade sank into his side. Syrus tried to reach for her again, only to have her move out of the way.

“I'm going to kill you.” Syrus lifted his arm. A dagger gleamed in the moonlight. He thrust it at her.

Lorrie sidestepped him. “Missed me. Try again, mongrel.”

The dangerous dance happened in flashes of awkward movement. His steps stumbled as she moved with fluid grace out of the way. Syrus tripped and fell to a knee. A cruel smile curved on her lips. The dance slowed down until both parties were standing still: him kneeling, his dagger hand planted on the ground while his arm covered his midsection, and Lorrie standing over him.

Dark red stained his shirt. The blot grew bigger with each movement. Lorrie raised her knife again. The shock wore off. Jessye leaped into action, rushing toward him. Lorrie looked up. A sneer contorted her pretty face. She turned and ran into the darkness. Jessye would have gone after her had Syrus not sunk to the ground, holding his side. Jessye dropped down beside him. Taking him in her arms, she tried to cover the bleeding with her free hand.

“Lorrie… Go after Lorrie.” Syrus struggled to get up.

A quick survey of their surroundings showed that Lorrie had disappeared.

“Shut up and lie still. I'm not leaving you. We'll get her next time. I can't teleport. I don't have enough energy.”

The blood felt hot against her palm. The pungent scent of his liquid life floated through the air and grew thicker with each second. He was losing so much blood that she wondered if he would be able to heal.

She looked around, panicked. Her heart thudded against her chest, and a sense of dread took hold of her. Exposed, in the middle of what appeared to be a driveway, she heard the sounds of a scuffle drift through the night toward her. No help was coming for them.

Sweat soaked her brow and ran in rivulets down her face. Her damp shirt stuck to her like a second skin.

Moving as quickly as she could, she laid Syrus on the ground, shrugged out of her jacket, and wadded it against the wound.

Closing her eyes, she reached out with her mind for help. “Don't you dare die on me.” She hit him in the shoulder with her free hand.

He coughed. “If I didn't know any better, I'd think you cared about me. You've done a damn good job of avoiding me these last few months.”

“I don't care about that,” she lied. She looked around, but no one had answered the call. The sounds of battle continued to drift toward her. “You're the leader of our little motley crew of rebels. I refuse to try and lead them without you. I'd just end up killing them all.”

A light breeze brushed her face, and she shivered. Goose bumps broke out over her skin as the sweat cooled.

“I'm not healing.”

“What?”

“I'm not healing, and I feel odd, like fire is lapping through my veins and swirling around my stomach.” He struggled again to sit up. “My heart is pounding so fast.”

His voice sounded hoarse, as if he had been yelling.

No, no, no. It can't be…

Not voicing her worry, she raised her blood-covered hand to her nose. A light, bitter odor wafted to her nostrils. With great trepidation, she flicked her tongue over her palm. A burst of acid washed over her taste buds, chased by a sickening sweetness.

He'd been poisoned.

“I'm dying, aren't I?” he asked softly.

“Not on my watch, meathead. I'm going to get you out of here if it's the last thing I do.” She gathered as much of her energy as she could and focused on teleporting them. Warmth flooded her body and pulsed through her veins. A sense of floating surrounded her. The sensation stopped. The gates they had climbed over came into view. They had moved only a few feet.

A sense of weariness took hold of her. Panting softly, she tried to push back her exhaustion and gather more energy.

“Sassy, you okay?”

She slapped him on the arm. “Stop calling me that, or I'll have to start calling you sugar britches in front of your troops.”

He chuckled. “What else should I call you? Honey seems to be too sweet for such a firecracker like you. How about I start calling you Sparky?”

She winced. “That's even worse than Sassy.”

“Then Sassy it is. Just as long as you don't start calling me sugar britches.” A fit of coughing cut off his laughter.

Her heart stuttered in her chest. He opened his mouth, but she shook her head and put a finger to her lips.

Voices floated toward them. It sounded as if they were arguing.

Her energy still hadn't recovered. She couldn't move them just yet, but she could shield him. “I'm going to get up. Don't move, do you understand? Regardless of what you see me do, don't move.”

“What are you doing?” He struggled but couldn't sit up.

Jessye moved out from under him and laid his head on the ground. “Don't move. I'm too tired to deal with distractions.” She stood up. Her fangs lengthened, and she bit into her palm. Blood welled up fast, and a pang of pain hit her abdomen. Hunger mingled with a gnawing ache that quivered in waves through her body. I need to feed.

With that reminder, she called on her remaining power and focused on what Blyder had taught her about protection magick and blood.

Apprehension dogged her steps as she began to walk in a circle. She made two complete loops, muttering in the old language, and turned her palm downward to let the blood drop to the ground. With each drop that hit the stone, a small beam of light shot upward to the sky. She continued to walk the third circle until Syrus was completely encircled in light.

“Sassy—”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him try to rise. “Stop moving. If you break the beam of light, it will cut you in two. Besides, I don't want to tell Rysen I lost you.” Her head swam, making concentration difficult.

She muttered the last of the incantation and slammed her palm down onto the ground. When she lifted her hand, what remained was not a bloody bite wound, but a perfect pentagram. She straightened up and swayed on her feet.

“What's wrong with you?”

It took a bit more energy than she had to regain her balance.

“Damn it, Sassy. Answer me. By the laws of blood claim, as I have declared you my consort, I order you to tell me what is going on.”

“I'm fine.”

“Liar.”

“Shut up and stay where you are. If you hurt yourself trying to get to me, I swear I'll kill you. You and Rysen need justice for Lorrie killing your family. Don't let stupidity stop you.”

The voices came closer. She reached down and unsheathed a small knife from her boot.

“Jessye, please.”

“It's okay, ma chère. Just us.” Adrian came into view, and her shoulders sagged in relief. Golden eyes flashed at her. Shoulder-length dark brown hair blew in the breeze. Rips in his black outfit showed off peeks of his muscular body. “The house is abandoned. Everyone fled once they saw the bursts of light coming from this direction. They probably thought bad magick was happening, and frankly, so did I. Glad to see it was just you protecting le capitaine. Temar will take down the barrier. You should lean on me, oui? You look about ready to collapse.”

He held out his hand, and she looked down at it.

“It's clean. I promise you. Washed off the blood before we came over.”

“Don't be stubborn, Sassy. Take his hand,” Syrus said. “And once we get back to the compound, and I'm able to see straight, I'm going to spank your ass.”

She whirled around too fast, and the world tilted on its side. She clenched her jaw and glared down at him. “Try it, and you'll be pulling back a stump.”

Syrus's sapphire blue eyes glowed, making her pause. “You'll do as you're told, Consort, and I'll do as I please.”

Adrian grabbed her biceps and held her back. “Calm down, chérie,” he whispered against her ear. “He is worried is all. Be still and let this pass. Come let us patch you up, then you can proceed to tear each other apart, oui?”

Fire roared through her veins. Warmth seeped into her body. She could feel her energy supply begin to rise. With the surge of power came the tingling reminder of a need for sex and more blood.

“Fine. Wouldn't want to kill my consort before I've had a chance to teach him some manners.” She pulled out of Adrian's arms, but it wasn't anger that made her walk away. Syrus looked so pale that his skin was almost translucent.

She marched off and joined the rest of their mission party. She rested for a bit, and as her power rose, her body mended itself. A few minutes later, she had enough energy to teleport. “I'm going on ahead.”

Not waiting around for a reply, she traveled with her mind to the compound.
© Selena Illyria, May 2010 [All Rights Reserved]

Blood Claim Series from Loose Id
Prelude
Trapped
Tainted NEW!

Selena Illyria WebsiteBlog

AUTHOR GIVEAWAY TODAY
Leave a comment and/or query today for Selena Illyria and your entered in a drawing for a gift credit and fabulous promo pack!


REMEMBER
Commenting and/or asking questions on an author’s blog for the day will enter you into the Big Huge Reader Contest for a Pink Sony eReader or one of three boxes packed full of RT Booklovers Convention goodies. Unfortunately, due to the grand prize being an electronic and weight of the other three boxes, this contest is for US residents only.

70 comments:

Tilly Greene said...

Tainted sounds seriously good, Selena, and I loved this line in the blurb: Love, lust, need, revenge can all be tainted. Yummy!

Paige Purnell said...

Wow! This sounds like a great book!

Unknown said...

Thank You! And Thank you Tilly. :-)

JeanMP said...

I really enjoyed this excerpt, it had me totally engrossed.

Diana Castilleja said...

Booyah!! I made it! *huggles the Se*

Unknown said...

Yaaaay! Thank You Jean. :-)

Diiiii! *Tackle Huggles*

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading the excerpt of the book. Sounds really interesting. I would like to win it and finish the story.
JOYE
JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

April/Psy said...

ooo, Se, another awesome one... loved this line: Wouldn't want to kill my consort before I've had a chance to teach him some manners.

LOVE IT!! Can't wait to read the whole thing.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that was some excerpt....mouth-watering!!

Valerie
valb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany

Ann said...

awesome excerpt, Selena. Can't wait to read the whole book. :)

*yadkny* said...

Selena, you totally had me with the same line blurb Tilly mentioned...
Love, lust, need, revenge can all be tainted.
How did you come up with this storyline?
It has been a while for me since I have heard the use of consorts in a story. I have always liked the idea, but it is rarely used. Very cool!
Your books are currently being shelved (to-read) as we post on my Goodreads profile.
yadkny@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Thank You Joye and Valerie. SQUEEEE! Psyche!*Tackle Hug*

Thank you Ann. :-)

cfisher1504 said...

Selena, I have not read your work yet...and I am thinking I have alot to catch up on!!!!
cfisher1504 at gmail dot com

The Scarf Princess said...

Great excerpt that really pulled me in! I look forward to reading more of it.

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

Cara Marsi said...

Wow, great excerpt. Hot book! The premise, the excerpt, the title, it has all the elements for hot storytelling.

Carolyn Matkowsky/Cara Marsi

Anne said...

I love really long excerpts like this. They give you a much better idea of what the book is about.

Sounds like there's a lot of adventure action in this, which I enjoy.

acm05atjuno.com

Unknown said...

I hope you enjoy it cfisher!

Thank you Joder!

Thank you Carolyn/Cara!

*Grin* I loved writing this book Anne. I've just finished my second Actiony book and turned it into my editor. *Grin*

J Hali Steele said...

Hi *waving* to Se, Congrats and good luck!!!

Stephanie said...

Terrific action-packed excerpt! I'm sure your 2nd book will be accepted without a hitch. How bout a hint about the sl? :D

Unknown said...

JoAnnnnnnn! White Collar's about to start back. Are you ready?

The book I subbed is the third book in my Hades Helmet Series (at Changeling Press). This book as subterfuge, spying and a cyborg. *Grin* For the blurb: http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1405

Cathy M said...

I am always on the look out for a sexy vampire series, and can't believe I haven't started this series yet. Thanks for the great intro to these characters, Selena.

You've got another White Collar fan here too!


caity_mack(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

CATHY! *Tackle Hug* Hiiii! Oh, yeah, wootm another WC fan. Do you adore Neal as much as I do? *Hides from JoAnn.

Unknown said...

Time for a hot chocy break:

White Hot Chocolate
By Paula Deen

Recipe Link:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/white-hot-chocolate-recipe/index.html


Recipe:
Ingredients
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla whipped topping, for garnish
Mint leaf, for garnish
Directions
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir continuously until white chocolate chips have completely melted. Stir in the half-and-half, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally until heated through. Pour into mugs and top with a dollop of vanilla whipped topping and garnish with mint leaf.

Unknown said...

2nd Excerpt from Selena Illyria's Blood Claim: Tainted (Rated R)
“If you want more, you need to ask. And I know you want more.” He pressed the nub down. Pressure began to build as her orgasm coiled tightly in her belly. She needed to be pushed over the edge. The tightness around her nipples contracted, pinched, and released the hardened buds. Pleasure shot straight to her clit. Her pussy tightened. Heat burned through her body with no outlet. She was being consumed by an inferno.
She tried to flex her powers, to no avail. They refused to respond to her. Frustration caused her to break. “Damn it, fuck me!”
He withdrew his fingers. The heat that ran through her body ebbed away. Syrus rose. She watched in fascination and irritation as he lapped her honey from his fingers.
“Is that what you want?” He moved back to show her his hardened shaft. He took hold of it; a single pearl leaked from the slit. She stared as he smeared the precum over the broad cockhead.
“Yes.” That single word came out as a soft hiss of breath. She found herself being pulled down until she was bent over. Invisible hands held her in place as he gripped her hips. She drew in a shaky breath when she felt him run his cockhead over her engorged pussy lips, paying particular attention to her clit. She moaned at the stimulation.
Jessye then felt the wide helmet at her entrance and waited. Anticipation hummed through her body as she waited for his cock to sink into her. Her cunt clenched.
“Say it. Beg me for my cock,” he said hoarsely.
“Fuck me, Syrus. I want your cock. Please.”
“Do you need it?” He pushed forward, sinking only his cockhead inside of her. Her vaginal muscles constricted, trying to draw more of him in. She let out a growl of frustration when he withdrew.
“Yes, I need it. Now fuck me!”
“No, you haven't earned it yet.”
A scream of frustration pierced the air. She struggled against her invisible bindings. The soft kiss against one of her ass cheeks made her pause. He kissed, nipped, and bit the firm flesh. Pleasure rose up with each stinging caress of his mouth. Her pussy quivered. She moaned when she felt the first touch of his tongue on her sex. He lapped up her cream, starting from one side and going to the other. Parting the plump petals, he flicked her clit gently.
Her body jerked as shards of electricity burst low in her gut. When he brushed his fang over the sensitive head, she cried out, squeezing her eyes shut at the intense pleasure. He did it again and again, taking the pearl into his mouth and sucking it hard.
“Oh goddess!”
He bit down on her clit. The pain set off her orgasm and her pussy tightened and convulsed. Liquid heat burst through her. Her fingernails pierced her palms as delicious pleasure washed over her. Bliss—pure, unadulterated sweet satisfaction ran through her. Her toes curled and her body shook as a small orgasm ripped through her.
He scraped his fang over her clit, and she came again. This time the pleasure became more concentrated. His fingers dug into her hips. He moved his attention to her dripping entrance, drinking of her juices. His fangs brushed over her delicate flesh as he feasted on her cream. Each pass of the sharpened teeth sent small bursts of heat through her, adding to the waves of pleasure that washed over her.
Her legs shook with the effort to remain standing. When he sucked her clit back into his mouth, she nearly came again. He sucked, nibbled, flicked, and bit the bud as more of her juices slid down her thighs. His grip on her hips increased to the point of pain; his fingernails dug into soft flesh, piercing the skin. Dribbles of blood mingled with the sweat, coating her body and slipping down her legs.
That only increased the fever running rampant through her.
“Syrus—” she started, not sure what she was saying.
“Not done yet.”

http://www.loose-id.com/Blood-Claim-Tainted.aspx

CrystalGB said...

Your book sounds great. :)

Unknown said...

Thank You Crystal!

*yadkny* said...

There is only 1 word for that 2nd excerpt...

HOT!!!

Selena Illyria where have your books been all my life:) This just made my work day so much better.

Unknown said...

*Grin* Thank you!

Unknown said...

Something to cool us down:

Frozen Hot Chocolate
By Paula Deen


Recipe Link:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/frozen-hot-chocolate-recipe/index.html

Recipe:
Ingredients
3 ounces best-quality chocolate (or a variety of your favorites)
2 teaspoons store bought hot chocolate mix (recommended: Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix)
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups ice
Whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt in a small heavy saucepan or in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until melted. Add the hot chocolate mix and sugar, stirring constantly until blended.

Remove from heat and slowly add 1/2 cup of the milk, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

In a blender, place the remaining 1 cup of milk, the chocolate mixture, and the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and the consistency of a frozen daiquiri. Pour into a giant goblet and top with whipped cram and chocolate shavings.

Deb830 said...

Hi Selena -

Great excerpt. I'll have to add it to my very large TBR piles.

deb ;0)

Diana Castilleja said...

Smokin' hot excerpt!

Unknown said...

Hi Deb! Thank you!

*Passes Di some cold water* Thank You.

LORETTA CANTON said...

I like it, I like it, I like it.

lorettaC
lbcanton@verizon.net

Unknown said...

*Grin* Thank you Loretta. :-)

Amy said...

Second excerpt should not be read in the company of one's offspring... It should be read only in the company of a lover or favorite toy.

Jane said...

Hi Selena,
Congrats on the new release and thanks for the excerpts.

s7anna said...

Thanks for the great excerpt Selena.

*hugs*
Anna

Unknown said...

Hi Jane! Thank you for stopping by and commenting.

Unknown said...

Welcome! Thank you Anna for stopping by and commenting.

booklover0226 said...

Loved those excerpts; they were GREAT AND HOT!

OK, I'm heading over to Loose-ID now!

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

*Grin* Thank you Tracey!

Unknown said...

How about Recipe?

Wicked Hot Chocolate Mousee

BY Giada De Laurentiis

Recipe Link:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/wicked-hot-chocolate-mousse-recipe2/index.html

Recipe:
Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated*
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
4 teaspoons Chili Oil, recipe follows
7 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
Spicy Whipped Cream, recipe follows
Directions
Whisk the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, butter, 1/4 cup of water, coffee liqueur, and chili oil in a large metal bowl to blend. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water); whisk constantly until the mixture is very thick and frothy, about 3 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in another large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form. Remove the chocolate from over the water. Fold 1/3 of the meringue into the warm chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in the remaining meringue.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours or overnight. Spoon the mousse into 6-ounce bowls. Top with spicy whipped cream and serve.

Chili Oil:

2 cups olive oil

4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper flakes

Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat until a thermometer inserted into the oil registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 4-ounce bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month.

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Inactive Prep Time: 2 hours

Spicy Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cocoa powder

Ground cayenne pepper

With an electric mixer, whip cream gradually adding the sugar until soft peaks form. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Inactive Prep Time:

RAW EGGS
*RAW EGG WARNING
Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness. To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

mrsshukra said...

Great excerpt and nice to meet Selena here!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Hi Etirv! It's great to be here. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Yay! I loved this book! The whole series is hot-hot-hot!. Hope to see lots more!

Fiona :-)

Unknown said...

Fiiiiiiiiioooonnnnaaa! *Tackle Hugs* Good to see you here. She's got a hot new book out. :-)

Nicole Morgan said...

Selena,

I loved the excerpt! The book sounds fantastic and a true must buy! And whoever did your cover did a fantastic job! I'm going to have to go check out more of your work. :)

Unknown said...

Hi Nicole! Thank You! Anne Cain did my cover. She did all my covers for the Blood Claim series. I absolutely adore her work. :-)

Judy said...

That was a fantastic excerpt!! It really wet my appetite for more!!
Great cover also..

I copied the recipe, it looks very yummy!!

Unknown said...

Hi Judy!*Grin* Thank you! Anne Cain did the cover. It's one of my favs. I hope you enjoy the recipe. :-)

Unknown said...

How about a nightcap?

Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Schnapps
By Michael Chiarello

Recipe Link:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/hot-chocolate-with-peppermint-schnapps-recipe/index.html

Recipe:
Ingredients
1 quart milk (skim, 2 percent or whole) or half-and-half
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (recommended: Scharffenberger)
9 ounces peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream, for serving
6 peppermint sticks, for serving
Directions
Heat 1 cup of the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add chocolate, stirring constantly, until melted. When the chocolate has melted, increase heat to medium and add the remainder of the milk while whisking rapidly. Do not allow to boil.

Serve in small cups fortified with a jigger (1 1/2 ounces) of peppermint schnapps and a dollop of whipped cream. Add a peppermint stick to stir.

If transporting in a thermos, heat thermos up with hot water to get it warm for 1 minute. Pour water out and fill with hot chocolate.

Nancy G said...

I love Serena and her great stories. This one just went on my tbb list, and near the top.

Unknown said...

Hi Nancy! Thank you so much!

Tilly Greene said...

OMG! I heard there was chocolate being shared and there is, there is! Hot Chocolate and Hot Reads - this is nirvana!

Hugs darllin' - happy hugs!

Tilly

Unknown said...

LOL. *Big Grin and Hugs*
Thank You!

Unknown said...

I'll be choosing a winner n 54 mins.

Unknown said...

The winner is s7anna!

Congrats Anna. Please contact me at selenaillyria.contests@gmail.com with the subject line Big, Huge Contest Winner.

Thank You Everyone and Thank you Tilly! Hugs all around.

Tilly Greene said...

Hugs for the hot read, hot chocolate, and hot thoughts from all! It was a fun day :-)

Tilly

Anonymous said...

Vampires! My number one love since I was thirteen!

Sue A. said...

Congrats Anna!

Suzette said...

Sadly, I've never read any of your books but this series sounds great! I just keep adding books I want to read to my TBR list. Crazy!

Sherry said...

Great excerpt I love Selena's books they're always a good read.

sstrode@scrtc.com

Unknown said...

Wow! More comments. Thank you everyone!

Andrea I said...

I came late to the party, bu wanted to say how much I enjoyed the excerpts. I also love the receipes.

ainfinger@comcast.net

Carol L. said...

I swear I thought I had left a comment. Ohh well.But I did indeed love the recipes and the excerpts.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Lovie said...

What a good story line, Vampires and revenge and sex, who could ask for more. Getting out my charge card and heading over to loose id

Booksrforever123 said...

Wow, you aught to get an award just because you posted the longest excerpt.

Fedora said...

Great excerpt, Se! Thanks for sharing it ;)

f dot chen at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

Love your work :)! This new one sounds like its going to be great - thanks for sharing the excerpt!

Pam S
pams00@aol.com

Nicole Zoltack said...

Great excerpt!

~Nicole
Nicole.Zoltack AT gmail.com