Hot Halloween Heroes Giveaway Hop

I have to admit my favorite type of romance is the paranormal kind. For me, there's nothing like a hero with a bit of mystery or hidden beast about him, especially when he battles to keep control of it, maintaining his humanity against all odds. It gives me shivers, especially during the hot and heavy scenes in an erotic tale. I also like men with vulnerabilities. No, not emotionally stifled men embittered beyond repair from their past experience, but men that have real issues and challenges they face on a daily basis. Something that plagues them but they've successfully learned to live, like bursting into flames if they go out in the sun. 

As you can probably tell, for me it's not the battle over good and evil that often appears in the paranormal novels I read that enthralls me, it's the inner struggle of each character. The hero battling control of his inner or alternate self, the struggle for acceptance in a human world so different from his own. The heroine, usually mortal or at least a different species of immortal, coming to terms with falling in love with a creature so different from herself. How do they fit together, can this relationship work, will we be accepted by our peers. For me paranormal romance is a reflection of real world issues in an unreal setting, a world of myth and legend. 

Paranormal heroes are the ultimate alpha males, which speak directly into my little submissive heart and soul. Dominance and submission swirl through most pages of the novels I read. Paranormal romances, even if not expressly advocating a relationship often thought of as belonging only within the BDSM lifestyle, reflect the D/s situation well. Claiming or owning a mate, the alpha control and protection of the women he loves, and that word I so love to read in most paranormal books...mine. I swear I tremble just thinking about it. 

Because I love the genre so much it took me quite a while to dip my toe into that pool in a writing sense. I finally did it and at the beginning of October my first paranormal erotic romance appeared in an anthology called Edible Delights,  Vol 3. My novella, A Tasty Little Treat, appears with three other stories by Aussie authors. I've included the book blurb and an excerpt from the story to tempt your taste buds. I hope you like it. 

A Tasty Little Treat by Jan Graham

Faye Redwood won’t be anyone’s tasty little treat, especially not sexy vampire, Owen Ashmore’s. It seems however, Owen is intent on convincing her otherwise.

Faye Redwood is different to other humans. She sees supernatural beings. When it comes to surviving as a Seer, Faye always follows her grandmother’s advice, whatever you do, don’t let them feed on you. As a result, Faye has managed to avoid being any creatures’ dinner for twenty-seven years now. A late night walk through the park and a chance encounter with a sexy vampire is about to change that situation for ever.

After being a creature of the night for the last two and a half centuries Owen Ashmore has become pragmatic about the human race. They are a source of food and a side order of carnal delight if the mood takes him. However, Owens opinion is about to change. Faye Redwood is unlike any human he’s ever met. He isn’t content to simply make her his tasty little treat, Owen is about to help her become so much more.  

Excerpt

Faye breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. After twenty-six years of avoiding the paranormal, keeping her distance, why tonight did her inner voice fail? She picked up her mobile phone and stared at the screen, just rummaging through her bag to find nothing would be too suspicious. With no sixth sense to guide her, only one course of action sprang to mind. She replaced the phone in her bag, then continued on her way. She moved slowly, a few sluggish steps at a time, reluctant to leave the area. The creature certainly posed a threat to her, but would he harm other innocent passersby. Self-preservation finally won the battle with her conscience, so she picked up her pace.

“I know you can see me, little fairy.” Faye spun around, expecting to see the man standing behind her. Instead, she saw nothing. Turning her head, she gazed up at the creature on the roof. He remained there, sitting forward now, his body more alert than before, his eyes fixated on her. “And now I know you can hear me as well.”

Damn it.

Faye spun back around in the direction she needed to head, out of the park, toward home, to safety. The adrenaline of being discovered enabled her body to click into gear, legs finally propelling her forward at a rapid rate. Not that running away did any good. Breath forcefully expelled from her lungs as she hit the solid mass in front of her.

Damn, he moves fast.

Rebounding from the impact, she would have fallen to the ground had his arms not encased her, holding her steady.

“Fuck.” She only meant to curse silently, but the word spilled from her lips along with a groan of frustration as he pulled her against his hard body. She lifted her gaze to his, confirming her suspicions. Black eyes, with a thin red line circling the iris, white pupils staring at her, a structurally perfect face covered in pale pristine skin, his smile exposing a hint of elongated canine. Faye stood wrapped in the arms of a vampire, probably a hungry one at that.

“What a delightful greeting, little fairy, but I think it’s far too early in our relationship to discuss sex, don’t you?” His smile appeared wicked, in a sexy kind of way.

“I think it’s too early to call this a relationship, now let me go.” Faye tried not to wiggle against him, she simply pushed her hands firmly on his chest, hoping he’d take the hint and release her. Her heart rate continued to accelerate as her fear increased, she could feel the pulse in her neck fluttering. Not a good state to be in when facing a hungry vampire, no matter how sexy he looked.

The red rim around his eyes indicated he needed to feed so the last thing she wanted to do was send him into a bloodlust. She stilled, realizing her efforts to push him away were futile. He wasn’t letting go anytime soon especially considering the rim around his irises had noticeably thickened in the short time he’d held her, as did something at his groin.

“I like the feel of you against me, my little fairy, just as I like your smell.” A seductive smile displayed his lengthening canines. “The scent of your arousal while you struggle to free yourself makes me appreciate you all the more.”

“I am not aroused by you. I’m also not anybody’s little fairy, especially yours,” Faye snapped indignantly, then swiftly changed her tone in case her resistance inflamed the situation. “Now let me go…please.”

Her grandmother had taught her many things, one of them being—you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Her final words were therefore sweetly polite, with a hint of vulnerability.

Faye rested quietly in his arms, trying to calm the race of her pulse, deepen the shallow gasps of her breathing and still the strange heat thrilling through her body, which shouldn’t be occurring under these circumstances. Vampires were cold to the touch so being held this close should make her shiver, not flush with heat. Unless, no he couldn’t be correct. Faye adjusted her position slightly, failing to stifle a groan as her erect nipples rasped against the fabric of her bra. His assertion regarding her state rang true, she was aroused.

“As you wish, but only because you asked so politely.” He released her from his embrace, stepping back with a slight bow. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Owen Ashmore.”

“Faye.” She stated nervously in reply, intentionally omitting her last name, Redwood.

As Owen stood once again to full height, a wicked grin creased his lips. Their gazes remained locked through the entire encounter and even though he released her from a physical hold, Faye remained entranced by his intent stare. A chill raced over her body, the night breeze cooling her flesh.

How could she be aroused? Yes, he was stunning to look at, but he wasn’t human. Faye ensured she never became attracted to anything other than a real man. After all, humans were only a source of sustenance to vampires, nothing more. Although some vampires did cohabitate with humans, using them as a meal replacement program until the mortal died, either from old age or being drained in an accidental feeding frenzy. Faye didn’t fancy experiencing either fate.

Blog Hop Giveaway 

For my giveaway you can win a copy of Edible Delights Vol 3 (ebook version in PDF only) simply by leaving a comment and your email at the end of this post. 

Entrants must be over the age of 18 yrs, this giveaway is international, the winner will be selected using via random.org. 

While your hear don't forget to check out the other participants blogs via the linkylist below and see what other great prizes are up for offer.  

This hop was organised by Felicity Heaton and Indie Romance Books, thanks for setting up this wonderful event.