Friday, February 4, 2011




One Enchanted Evening

That’s what begins it all in The Yearning, my just-released erotic paranormal romance. The stakes are high for Jasmine and get even higher for Mike, a stranger she meets at a club. Together, they’re in for the ride of their lives, including passion, danger, and a love like nothing they’ve known.

Here’s the blurb and an excerpt to show you what I mean:

BLURB:

To break this curse, they’ll have to turn the heat up. Way up.

Jasmine Dante prowls Key West’s nightlife, fighting a losing battle against a jealous rival’s curse that forces her to seek carnal pleasure, no matter the danger. Weakened from lack of sleep, driven by insatiable lust, she spots a man who stirs her desperate craving, and begins yet another dance of seduction.

Except the dark stranger who returns her direct stare is no ordinary lover. Inside his powerful body lies a raw sexuality that just might be enough to break her curse. There’s only one way to find out: imprison him in her bed and feed on his passion.

Former U.S. Marshal Mike Stearn is many things, but he’s no woman’s sex slave. The deadly telekinetic power he ruthlessly suppresses comes alive again at Jasmine’s touch. Beneath her bold, potent sensuality he senses vulnerability and desperation. He may be in handcuffs, but she’s the one who’s enslaved.

As Mike resurrects his power to free himself so he can find the curse’s source and defeat it, Jasmine revels in his masterful rule. Her ravenous yearning evolves into rapture as she surrenders to his hunger, her darkest needs—and the emotional connection that lies beyond. Unless the curse takes her life first…

Warning: Tons of steamy sex, smoldering passion and a to-die-for love story with a hot Alpha hero who finds himself imprisoned by one sultry and desperate babe.

EXCERPT:

Holding her gaze, his eyes searched. “What’s your name?”
Although it shouldn’t have, the question rattled her. She struggled to remember the fake one she and her sisters had concocted, but all her mind gave up were generic and unbelievable choices like Jane Doe or Mary Smith. Flustered and having to say something, she offered her own. “Jasmine Dante.” She transferred the bottle to her left hand and put out her right. “And you are?”
“Happy to make your acquaintance, Jasmine.” His large hand covered and warmed hers.
A roguish grin crinkled his eyes, mellowing his features.
She liked his effortless confidence and calm strength. It awakened memories of how her father had behaved with her mother. His long fingers squeezed gently. The small intimacy reached her soul, leaving her breathless and lighthearted. “So do you go by Happy or do you prefer the more formal Make Your Acquaintance?”
He chuckled and released her hand. “Call me Mike.”
“Ah, a nickname. I like that, Mike…?” She deliberately made it a question and sipped a bit of the brew, giving him time to add his last name and more.
Still regarding her, he did not.
Faster than she wanted, her pulse quickened. Unease seeped through her previous comfort. Travis had also offered little, only that he owned a body-piercing shop. He certainly hadn’t confided his violent past. No matter her attraction to Mike or her cruel need, Jasmine couldn’t take another gamble on her safety.
Seconds passed as she searched for the right questions to ask to learn as much as she could about him. Perfumed flesh and the smell of beer thickened the air. Animated chatter created a din near the tables. Someone laughed too loud. A woman squealed girlishly. Jasmine handed him the bottle. “Are you a musician?”
He enjoyed a sip and shook his head. “Never came close, not even in high school when it’s more or less required to be considered cool.” He appeared amused. “Why would you think I played?”
“You seemed very interested in the band. Is that why you’re here tonight?”
“I like their sound. What brings you here?”
“I thought going out tonight might be fun.”
A deeper smile tugged the corners of his rich mouth. “It might be. So, tell me about yourself, Jasmine.”
Again, he’d taken command of the conversation. Could he be a cop? He acted like one, never really answering a question. But what about his long hair? Cops didn’t look like that, not even on TV, unless they went undercover in vice. Thoughts racing, she put her forearm on her thigh and leaned nearer to him. “You first. I insist.”
“Why?” His gaze dipped to her breasts, then inched back up. “I’m not half as interesting as you.”
“Let me be the judge. Please.”
Something flickered in his eyes. Confusion? Fascination? At last, he put the bottle on the bar. “My name’s Mike Stearn. I spend my days in front of a computer.”
Jasmine tried not to show her surprise. Of all the occupations she might have given him, none would have called for full-time use of a PC. He certainly didn’t look like a programmer or an Xbox junkie. She hazarded a guess. “You’re a novelist?”
He laughed, an easy, rumbling sound. “I swear I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”
Briefly, she smiled. “Then that only leaves hacker. You’re a computer bad boy?”
As his laughter wound down, his broad shoulders relaxed. Resting his arm on the bar, he considered her. “Hardly. I’m an outside consultant for various federal and state agencies.”
Law enforcement? Had she been correct in her earlier assessment? Her throat tightened. Not wanting to grill him too obviously, she joked, “Please tell me the IRS isn’t included in your work.”
“You cheat on your taxes, Jasmine?”
She gave herself to men she didn’t know to relieve her oppressive hunger, putting herself in danger. Tonight’s plan was supposed to end that. “No—but if you could divulge a few tips on how I might get away with it, I’d be forever in your debt.”


As Jasmine’s plan unfolds, Mike realizes it’s something he never anticipated…and that it will forever change their lives.


The Yearning is available now!!!!

Buy Link: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/the-yearning-p-6248.html

Email: tina@tinadonahue.com
Website/blog: www.tinadonahue.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000458023097

To celebrate the release of The Yearning, I’m offering a contest today. One lucky commenter will have her choice of one of my following books**:

1. Lush Velvet Nights – ebook
2. Adored – ebook
3. Deep, Dark, Delicious – ebook
4. In His Arms – ebook
5. Bad Boys with Red Roses – trade paperback
6. Take My Breath Away – trade paperback

** Winner chosen at random. Winner in continental US has her choice of one of the six. Winner outside continental US has her choice of one of the ebooks

26 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

Hey, Sandy - thanks for having me today!!!

S.Lira said...

Great book, I am looking forward to reading it!

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks, Rawiya!! :)

SusanR said...

Love the excerpt! Can't wait to read it!!

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks, Susan!! :)

Harlie Williams said...

Love it. Finally read it. Awesome book.

Anonymous said...

What else can I say but it's already in the TBB pile (unless I win it, of course). :P

Avril Ashton said...

Great excerpt, can't wait to read!

VenusBookluvr said...

Key West as a location looks fantastic today. Did I mention I'm sick of shovelling.

Tina,
Can't wait to read this one!

Tina Donahue said...

Harlie - so glad you enjoyed it!
Liz - thanks for dropping by!
Avril - glad you liked the excerpt!
Venus - know what you mean about the snow. I don't do snow anymore. :)

Redameter said...

Great going Tina. This book will be a winner, I am sure.

Love and blessings
Rita

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks, Rita - good to see you here!

C. Zampa said...

Nice to meet you, Tina! And loved the blurb and excerpt!

jessica said...

Congrats Tina! Sounds like a very good book. I like seeing the interaction between them. especially the IRS and taxes comment.

jessangil at gmail dot com

-Jessica

Cathy M said...

Hi Tina,

The excerpt had me smiling, I love the easy banter between these two.


caity_mack at yahoo dot com

Carol L. said...

Hi Sandy and Tina,
Another enticing excerpt Tina, thanks. Can't wait to read it. Loving Mike.. :)
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com

Unknown said...

Great book. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

Tina Donahue said...

C.Zampa, Jessica, Cathy, Carol - thanks so much for stopping by. I'm happy you all liked the excerpt. :)

cheralyn said...

Sounds great. I'm definitely going to read it! cheryllynne(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Tina Donahue said...

Hey, Cheralyn - thanks for stopping by!!

desitheblonde said...

hi Tin and Sandy you both are great and hope the book goes good for you and they rock the cover is great

Ike Rose... said...

I've had that "one enchanted evening" romance. It didn't last, but it was great while it was going on.

Tina Donahue said...

Desi - thanks for dropping by - The Yearning has already hit the top 10 bestseller list at Samhain!! :)

Ike - know what you mean - that's why none of us can help falling in love. :)

Layla Hunter said...

Loved the excerpt and have to agree on they easy banter between the two! Looks like a great book!

laylahunter@gmail.com

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks, Layla - glad you enjoyed the excerpt. :)

Tina Donahue said...

Thanks to everyone who came by and commented - I truly appreciate your support.

I've now chosen my winner - at random - and it is (drum roll please)

C. Zampa - yay!!!

I'll be contacting you shortly, C. for your prize.

Everyone: I'm hosting additional contests this month. Please check out my website for more details (www.tinadonahue.com)