Search here...
0
TOP
Coffee Thoughts Coffee, Books & a Blog

Excerpt From: An Enchanting Song by Jessica Lauryn

5 Views

Heat danced along Madelyn’s skin.  She tried to stay calm, but a mass of molten lava seemed to be rising inside of her.  “How dare you!”

“How dare I what?”  Sebastian lifted his shifty brows.

 “How dare you do whatever you did to get Evan to cast you as the lead in his play!”

“I’m not sure where you’re getting your information”—Sebastian snaked across the tiled floor—“but Evan cast me in this play because I’m a thousand times the performer that Liam Thompson is.”

“Really?  Then, what was all the shouting about?”  Madelyn eased back.  She continued before he could interrupt her, “You’ve been tailing me ever since I came to Rabourn Theater.  You showed up at the café, the cemetery and now, suddenly you have the lead role in Angelic Vengeance.  If you have questions about me, just ask them, damn you!”

He cast her a curious look and Madelyn bit her tongue.  She shouldn’t have gone that far.  She could lie if he asked her questions—she was getting good at that.  But lies were only going to whet his ferocious appetite.  It was only a matter of time before he started assembling the pieces in the correct succession. 

 “Oh, I have questions, Ms. Bennett, plenty of them.  But I don’t think the inevitability of my learning your deep dark secrets is what you’re afraid of the most.”

 Madelyn swallowed as her costar took a section of her hair and smoothed it between his fingers.  “What is?”

 Sebastian shortened the distance between them, positioning himself so that the two of them were barely three inches apart.  He tightened his hold on her hair and barricaded her exit with his other hand. 

 “You think the thing I’m most afraid of is…you?  Why?”—her face burned—“Because of the way everyone reacted to seeing you at the café?  The way Mr. Masters reacted when you stole Liam’s part in the play?”

“You’re not afraid of me, Ms. Bennett.  Not in that regard, anyhow.  You’re not afraid because of the stories you’ve heard about me or the threat you think I might pose.  You’re afraid because of your attraction to me.”

Madelyn’s heart thudded against her ribs.  Staring at the large hand on the wall beside her, wetting her dry throat in hopes of mustering a voice, she choked out, “Is that some sort of a joke?  I don’t feel an attraction toward you.”

“No?”  Sebastian snickered.  “I’ve been in the acting world a long time, almost my entire life.  The way you reacted to me when we were singing together just now, that wasn’t acting.  Just like you weren’t acting the other night when we were in the graveyard, and I was kissing you.”

Fighting the way she felt, as though someone had doused her in flames, Madelyn took a deep breath and said, “Right.  You kissed me.  Not the other way around.”

“I see.”  Sebastian licked his lips.  “So, if I kissed you again, you wouldn’t be affected by it?”

Madelyn’s insides quaked.  “What?”

“We’re costars, Ms. Bennett.  It isn’t as though we’re going to be removing our clothing and massaging one another with oil, but we’ll be spending long hours together, performing in very close proximity.  Singing, touching, and yes, there will be kissing.  I need to know you’re ok with that.”

Trembling from shoulder to foot, Madelyn said in the steadiest voice she could muster, “Of course I am.”

“Are you sure?”  Sebastian brushed her shoulder, where her dress was sliding around, and her skin had become exposed.  “This is a very erotic play.  It requires a strong degree of intimacy in order to bring its composition to life.  That can only work if its lead actors are comfortable with one another.”

Madelyn nodded, avoiding his eyes.   

 Sebastian slid his palm along her bare skin, causing her breasts to stand at attention, the fine hairs on the back of her neck and arms to rise.  His gaze settling on her mouth, he whispered, “Perhaps if I kiss you again, to be sure you can handle it…”

Panic quickened Madelyn’s breaths.  Her heart slammed, and she suspected it wasn’t doing that out of fear. 

 It was only a dare, wasn’t it?  He couldn’t seriously intend to kiss her when they were just outside the rehearsal room and there were so many people around.  He wanted to scare her, see how far he could push her buttons.

 She lifted her chin.  “Of course, I can.”  

 Sebastian smiled.  She expected him to walk away, her having called his bluff.

 But instead, he leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers.

An Enchanting Song is the fifth story in the Rabourn Theater Series.  I can be read as a standalone.

About Jessica Lauryn:

#1 Bestselling Author Jessica Lauryn has been writing since before she could hold a pen. Her days of storytelling through the art of playing with dolls inspired her to write romantic suspense novels The Romance Reviews describe as having “Just the right amount of passion and romance!” Villains often reform in Jessica’s stories, and just may become heroes themselves! Jessica makes her home in the rural northeast. When she’s not writing, she enjoys collecting antiques and finding beautiful, wooded areas to explore with her family.

Share:

«

»

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me on Instagram

Only days left in our 20th Anniversary Event Win Kindle, a 12-month Kindle Unlimited subscription, or a surprise box of goodies Lots of ways to win! #booklovers #readers #authors #publishers https://bit.ly/CTRmore ...

2 0

Designing the Perfect Romance Cast Register by April 29th and save $5, use code ROMANCECASTKNIGHT2024 at checkout! In this brand-new month-long online class, New York Times bestselling author Angela Knight discusses the importance of creating the perfect cast for the kind of romance you’re trying to write.

A memorable romance cast is more than the sum of its parts. To create an effective book, all the characters – protagonists, antagonists, and minor characters – must work together as a unit. And each must fit the kind of book you’re trying to write. Leatherface of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre does not belong in a Rom Com. Nor do you want minor characters to steal the book.

But how do you create a good cast for this particular book and the audience you’re aiming for?

Angela discusses how to design your heroic couple for each other, along with the minor characters and sidekicks who help make the protagonists three-dimensional.

She’ll also talk antagonists and their henchmen, and how to use them to create tension and excitement.

Next, she’ll explore dialogue, humor and arguments as a way to develop character and conflict.

The result will be a firm foundation for your book so you won’t be flailing in the dark, trying to figure out why the heck your book isn’t working.

Lessons in this month-long online class will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students may email scenes to Angela for her private critique and suggestions.
https://bit.ly/AngelaKnightMay2024
...

0 0

Save $$ on #new #erotic #ebooks @changelingPress for authors @harleyWylde #marteekakarland #wandavioleto https://bit.ly/CPsNewRelease ...

5 2

Check out #marteekakarland #hot #MC series #GrimRoad series. Save at #changelingPress #Rocket #Lemon #Bullet These belong on your #keeper shelf

Rocket: My life pretty much took a hard left a year ago when I first met Lemon. She’s wise beyond her years and as abrasive and sarcastic as they come. The second she busts my VP’s balls -- literally -- I know I’d never be able to forget her. A year later I’m still infatuated with the vicious woman. When she runs off to charge hell with a water pistol, I’m right behind her wondering how we’re gonna get out of this one alive. But I have a smile on my face and a determination to give this woman anything she wants. Even if it means some things in my club are going to have to change.

Lemon: Look. This is supposed to be all about how Rocket caught my eye and I decided I wanted him but there were obstacles and… phfffffff… Forget all that. What you need to know is when people are stupid, they need a kick in the… Crap. I’m not supposed to swear here. Grrrrr! Anyway, this is where I come in. Grim Road needs fixing. I’m not exactly qualified to do club… garbage, but Rocket? Yeah. I might have decided I’ll keep him, so… I’m great at whipping people into shape. Grim Road, meet Lemon. See me, love me, MF’ers.

Rocket: Just pass me the beer and popcorn…

Lemon: I’m settling in at Grim Road in my role as vice president. The men test me, but it’s all in good fun. I think I enjoy it as much as they do. Then, out of nowhere, things go horribly sideways. I realize how much weaker I am physically than everyone else in the club. That weakness can be a horrible liability. Yeah. Things are going great. Until they aren’t. I may have bitten off more than I can chew…

Rocket: My little sourpuss is a force to be reckoned with. She takes everything dished out to her and gives it back in spades. She’s my VP, but she’s also my old lady. Sometimes, I need to take care of her. More importantly, she has to let me. That fact is never more apparent than when a small team of roughnecks think she’s a woman from another club.

Watch for Knox....he`s coming
https://www.changelingpress.com/grim-road-mc-s-674
...

3 1

"I wrote a blurb. Now what?" by Kayelle Allen ...

2 1

@angela.knight.7161 has a new series of books that have genetically engineered warriors @changelingpress Sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/AngelaKnighteNews so you don`t miss a thing Read a has steamy excerpt #erotic #ebooks https://zc.vg/VbgXT?m=0 ...

0 0

Here`s is a cute Instagram reel about how they filmed the models to do the cover for Karen Widdon`s next release Colton Mountain Search. Thanks Harlequin, love this video! https://www.karenwhiddon.com/books.html☕ ...

2 0

#authors #free #advertising every month Sign up for our SPIFFY newsletter full of goodies & author news https://zc.vg/wRytQ ...

9 0

@changelingpress blog day (8th of each month) Win a $10 GC for ebooks! Winners from this blog event and others are announced in our Newsletter We have a ton of events going on this year and prizes galore! April`s Newsletter https://zc.vg/eeLJw?m=0 Don`t miss a thing and sign up today https://zc.vg/R6Ri6 check Changeling author`s blog posts! https://bit.ly/CTRCPBlog ...

0 0

@changelingpress blog day (8th of each month) Win a $10 GC for ebooks! Winners from this blog event and others are announced in our Newsletter We have a ton of events going on this year and prizes galore! April`s Newsletter https://zc.vg/eeLJw?m=0 Don`t miss a thing and sign up today https://zc.vg/R6Ri6 check Changeling author`s blog posts! https://bit.ly/CTRCPBlog ...

0 0

Shield of Fire - Out Now!
Book 4 : The Relic Hunter Series
code DISCOUNT20 (as written) to get 20% the price!
A new relic hunt. A new evil…

Resident Relic Hunter for Deva’s Fae Council is a title Bethany Aodhán never wanted, but it isn’t like she has a choice. And in truth, the appointment might just aid her quest to find her mother’s murderers—because at least one of those responsible is a member of the council, and getting access to their records could give her the connection and their identity.

But before she can be given her first task or even start her behind-the-scenes hunt, a building belonging to Cynwrig Lùtair—the highborn dark elf who is not only her council liaison but lover—is set alight, and they barely escape with their lives.
www.keriarthur.com
...

1 0

Save $$$ on Changeling Press` new releases. Ghost by @danacask changeling by @shelbymorgen Beast by @marteekakarland Darker by @aknevermore Fox Hounds by @liaconnor Raven`s Song by @angela.knight.7161 Lemon by @marteekakarland Tough Love by @Kirastone Cressida`s Betrayal by @Mikalaash Over Their Heads by @alexwinters and Vicious by @marteekakarland ...

3 0

I`ve got a secret and I haven`t told a I`m pregnant to my deadbeat ex-husband and thousands of dollars in debt.

So when the chance comes up to become an escort with Monstrous Deals, I jump at it. After all, it sounds like my dream job. I wear pretty lingerie, I flirt and serve drinks and the perks are I can play with a whole herd of unicorns if I want to? Sign me up!

I`m in my ho era, OK. Gotta have fun while I can.

Only one of the herd won`t stop watching me. Stirling is big and strong and hung like a horse! During the party he makes my pleasure the main attraction and I`m absolutely swooning.

But when he tells me I`m his bond mate and he wants me to join his herd, I run a mile. I`m not looking for anything serious. Not again. Besides, there`s no way he`ll stick around when he learns my secret.
https://ami0099.wixsite.com/ami-wright/copy-of-ancient-myths-and-monsters
...

7 1

Today on our blog the #changelingpress #authors are sharing their latest releases You can win a gift certificate to @changelingpress for your next book
https://bit.ly/ChangelingBlog
...

12 0

Kissed by the Alien is the second book of the Holiday Heartmates series by Julie K. Cohen.

Lexi is amazing! She’s strong, brave, resourceful, fearless, stubborn and feisty. And she has such a kind and compassionate heart. Even more, I loved her courage, determination and confidence to do the things she does and to face any challenges and hardships thrown her way. Lexi is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

And Lutan is such an incredible male! He’s brooding, quiet, fearsome and not very fond of Earth. And he’s also honorable, kind and fiercely protective. But the Zyanthan warrior also carries so much guilt and pain inside his heart. Nevertheless, Lutan is amazing and I adored everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Lexi and Lutan! While on a mission to track down illegal blasters that keep finding their way on Earth, Lutan captures a male who turns out to be no man at all. I loved those two together! I loved their instantaneous attraction and their chemistry was fantastic. Even more, their banters, bargaining and teasing were so much fun to read. Lexi and Lutan might seem to be on opposite sides of the law, but they fit so well together. I loved how protective Lutan was of Lexi and I adored Lexi for standing her ground and never backing down from challenges and danger. And, yet, both had so many things they needed to deal with. Lutan also really did his best to stay away from Lexi, but fate cannot be denied. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another anymore, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! I just love the Zyanthan warriors and all their… extras! Lexi and Lutan were so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they deserved to find happiness and love together!

Overall, Kissed by the Alien is another fantastic addition to the series! It’s filled with suspense, danger, action, drama, angst, twists, betrayals, humor, scorching hot passion and magnificent characters.
https://midnightstemptation.wordpress.com/2024/03/07/kissed-by-the-alien-by-julie-k-cohen/
...

2 0

Author AK Nevermore chats with staffer Tory about lude, books, and other things
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/ak-nevermore/
...

0 0

Meet the love Jennifer Snow thru this months interview with Tory https://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/jennifer-snow/ ...

1 0