Monday, June 28, 2010

Take You to Another World Contest Day #9: Livia Dare


Today, the wonderful, talented Sylvia Day is giving away Eve of Chaos by her alter ego, S.J. Day. One of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, the Eve series is fabulous-- and Eve herself is absolutely awesome! So leave a comment below for a chance to win.

In the Flesh by Livia Dare

“Lush, evocative, inventive… Fans of Dara Joy will love this!” — Shayla Black, author of Possess Me at Midnight
* Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award Nominee* 2010 CRW Award of Excellence Finalist* 2010 Write Touch Readers’ Award Finalist* 2010 National Readers’ Choice Award Finalist* 2010 RomCon Readers’ Crown Finalist* 2010 PRISM Award Finalist* 2010 Golden Quill Award Finalist

Blurb:
AN INFAMOUS BEAUTY. A DARING WARRIOR. . .
For five years, Sapphire has been the King of Sari’s most treasured concubine. Independent at last, she refuses to put herself in anyone’s control again. But now another’s meddling has led her into the path of proud, arrogant Wulfric, Crown Prince of the rival kingdom of D’Ashier. . . a man who is dangerous to her in every way.

AND A SEDUCTION THAT COULD DESTROY THEM BOTH
The daughter of Wulfric’s fiercest opponent, Sapphire is a prized warrior in her own right and highly skilled in the sensual arts—in short, Wulfric’s perfect match. A lasting union is unthinkable, but the bargain they strike—to spend one night together, and then part—proves impossible in the face of a desire powerful enough to bring two countries to the brink of war, and two hearts to the point of surrender. . .

Excerpt:

Wulf’s long-legged stride ate up the seemingly endless length of white stone hallway with ease. The guards stationed at various intervals bowed at the waist as he passed, their eyes wide as they stared at Katie squirming and swearing loudly over his shoulder. She had the vocabulary of a hardened soldier and she didn’t hesitate to use it. He’d never been so verbally abused in his life. Coming from Katie, he enjoyed it immensely.

The doors to the seraglio slid open when he approached. He entered to a chorus of eager greetings and sighs at his half-dressed state. As his concubines rushed toward him, he kept them at bay by holding up the hand not currently caressing Katie’s buttocks.
“Your Royal Highness.”
He turned to the elderly woman prostrated just to the right of him.
“Sabine.” He greeted his chamberlain with a smile. Once, she had been his father’s concubine. Now retired, she served Wulf by maintaining order in his harem. “You may rise.”
“Who is that you have there?” she asked, rising gracefully to her feet.
As he started toward the large rectangular pool that dominated the center of the room, she fell into step beside him. Three fountains broke up the tranquil surface of the water, the splashing sounds mingling with the melodious voices of his concubines and the sounds of birds chirping in the various cages that decorated the perimeter. The humid air was redolent with lush hothouse flowers, various perfumes, and luxurious bath oils. Jewel-encrusted doors lined the walls, each portal leading to the private quarters of a concubine. Drenched in the sunlight pouring from the massive skylight above, the expensive and precious gems winked and flashed to glorious effect.
He slid Katie from his shoulder, careful to keep his hold on her while maintaining her confinement within his robes. “Sabine, this is Katie.”

“Sapphire,” Katie corrected testily.
Grinning, he told Sabine, “She needs a bath and suitable garments. I want her body jewelry changed from sapphires to talgorite. I prefer her hair down. When she’s ready, bring her to my rooms.”
Sabine was eying the disheveled Katie appraisingly when the import of his words registered. Her gaze darted to meet his. “Y-your rooms, Your Highness?”
“That’s what I said.” With a flourish, he yanked the voluminous fabric of his robe from Katie, causing her to twirl outward from the enveloping folds.
She recovered her footing several feet away and glared at him. “Afraid to do it yourself, Wulf? We both know I can take you.”
His concubines gasped at her insubordination and her use of his given name, but he laughed.
“Yes. I’m quite taken.” His tone was a husky murmur, his gaze riveted by the sight of her bare body.

Enamored of her beauty, Wulfric watched her gaze roam. Her dark eyes paused briefly on each of the women surrounding the pool, all of whom eyed her back with curiosity and/or suspicion. Her expression grew taut, her hands fisting at her sides. It was only then that he registered his error in bringing her here. To the seraglio. Distracted by lust, he’d considered only the fastest way to get her ready for the long hours of sex he intended for them to enjoy.
He opened his mouth to reassure her, but before he could speak, Katie spun on her heel and fled. #
“Guards!” Sabine sounded the alarm before Wulf could react.
The doors slid open and four guardsmen charged into the room.
“Lock the door,” he roared as Katie leaped through the air to attack the nearest soldier. Naked as she was, the man was stunned and vulnerable to her assault. She kicked him dead center in the chest, knocking him flat on his back, then turned to engage the others.
Wulf raced after her.
“Don’t touch her!” Fear roughened his voice. Images of her injuries from the holo-room knotted his stomach. “Hurt her at your peril.”
Katie’s head turned at the proximity of his voice. Her grim expression betrayed her determination to find another way out.
Almost there…

He was a hair’s breadth away from catching her when she darted out of his reach and deserted the locked exit. He cursed. She backtracked into the room, heading toward the opposite side of the pool. Squeals and screams rent the air as startled concubines scattered out of her way. The birds in their cages cried out their alarm, their wings flapping frantically and littering the air with feathers.
She rounded the corner of the pool. Wulf vaulted diagonally across the small gap, his body stretched out as he flew over the water. He caught her, twisting in midair to absorb the impact when they crashed onto the marble floor and slid several feet.
“Let me go.” She struggled against him. He rolled, pinning her beneath him.

Their chests heaved together; his heart raced with the excitement of the chase. The scent of Draxian lilies filled his nostrils and relief at holding her after her frantic attempt at flight heated his blood. As Katie’s naked breasts pressed to his skin, his focus altered. Desire for her acted like a potent drug in his veins, making his entire body hot and hard.
Wulf lifted his head. “Everyone, out!”
His mind distantly registered the sounds of footsteps fading and doors slamming shut, but his focus was on the woman in his arms.
Taking her mouth, Wulf groaned his pleasure when she returned his kiss with equal fervor. He loved Katie’s body, so strong and lithe. She could fight and injure him—she had the knowledge and stamina—but she touched him with tenderness. She was toned by years of combat training, yet still soft, with generous curves and valleys that fit perfectly against him.

Katie began to struggle again, even as her tongue swirled greedily in his mouth. She didn’t want to want him, but couldn’t resist. That affinity stoked his lust to a fever pitch.
Wulf broke the kiss and buried his face in her throat. “Don’t fight me,” he murmured against her flushed, scented skin. “I’ll make it good for you.”
Gasping, she arched into him. “Release me.”
“I can’t.” He grabbed her wrists and pinned her arms above her head. He drew a taut nipple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue before suckling her with hard, deep pulls.
“Oh!” Katie twisted in an effort to deter him. “No…”
Wulf moved to her other breast, nipping the hard peak with his teeth before soothing the sting with gentle licks. “Stop wriggling,” he rumbled, then he curled his tongue around the straining point of her breast.
Katie tried to buck him off but the movement only forced her legs to spread. His hips dipped between her thighs, settling perfectly into place because she was made for him.
“Wulf. No.”
“Remember last night?” he crooned. “How good it was?” His hips swiveled against hers, rubbing his rock-hard cock against her clitoris. “We were meant for this… you and I.”
As he rocked into her, massaging her pussy with the hard length of his dick, she moaned, “Give me the top.”
Wulf growled, remembering the way he’d felt last night when she plied her trade. “Why? So you can work?”
Holding her wrists with one hand, he reached between them to loosen his drawstring. His wrist rubbed against her and she hissed in pleasure.
“Isn’t that why you stole me?” she challenged. “Isn’t that why I’m here in your seraglio with all your other women? To work?”

Rough and impatient, he shoved his waistband down and his cock sprang free. With a deft twist, he pulled her over him, his legs kicking until he was freed from his pants. “It was a mistake,” he said gruffly. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“You’re not thinking now.” She gasped as he positioned his dick between her petal-soft lips and pushed into the tight, plush clasp of her pussy.
She held herself aloft with her hands on his chest, the slick walls of her sex sucking on the head of his cock.
He forced himself to wait. “Your choice, Katie. You said you could take me. Do it.”
Question of the Day: What plans do you have this summer? I've already been to Orlando with the kids, but am going back for the RWA conference at the end of July. Other than that, I'm hanging out at the pool with my boys, writing two books and enjoying my first break from teaching in quite a while.

43 comments:

  1. What a neat cover and it sounds like a great book!

    We have big plans to finally finish the remodeling we started 2 years ago! It's just the detail stuff that we've been putting off. We are also redoing our front yard!
    We do have a 2 week camping trip planned as well that I can't wait for!!

    PS....Tracy love the Hidden Embers cover!!! :)

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  2. I'm working most of the summer-Boo! But I do plan on sneaking away for a few days and taking my kids to Prince Edward Island to visit Green Gables and a few water parks while hubby golfs...then in August we are heading to the Bay of Fundy for a whale watching trip, can't wait!

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  3. I have plans to work enough to pay for fall tutition and lots of trips down to the shore to be with my friends. No big vacations this summer but it should still be fun.

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  4. No vacation plans. We are doing some remodeling projects.

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  5. I've planning on doing this summer what i've been doing for the last six months; trying to find a job. Other than that i plan on keeping my volunteer job at my local historical society and reading.

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  6. OH man, I am coming over to your place! My summer plans are nothing... What.. no seriously.. that is my summer plans. Daughter is away for school... So, no fun there... Oh well, I will live vicariously though you guys!
    Thanks for the chance!

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  7. I already went to Florida for vacation, so nothing else really! tWarner419@aol.com

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  8. I don't have any big plans this summer but I know I will be spending time at the beach and probably camping.

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  9. going on a 7 day cruise to western carribean and four days in WDW. After that, relaxing by the pool will hubby works to pay it all off!

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  10. I plan to have a "staycation" this Summer. I am going to set up my outdoor furniture in the backyard, which is almost totally shaded now that the trees have grown out their leaves. I will making some cold salads, and preparing some baked chicken and other main dishes which can be also be eaten cold. I have plenty of makings for sweet iced tea with lemon, tons of good reads and a pack of lazy cats. I plan on being a lazy cat myself this Summer! >^..^<

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  11. I dont have plans set up for the duration of the summer. I will jst have to wing it.

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  12. Family and I are going to Florida end of July. When I heard RWA was re-directed to Orlando, I had images of me hijacking the car and driving 5 hours just to be at the convention. Ah, but alas, I won't have a DD to drive my limp body from all the books and cocktail parties.

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  13. I just became unemployed - so in between looking for a job, I'm taking a dip in the pool, visiting theme parks (I live in Orlando) and reading a lot of books.

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  14. I have two more weeks of college summer classes until freedom. So I plan on sticking through with that... and then relaxing and finishing the first draft to my WIP :)

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  15. Actually my summer plans have nothing to do with my children this year.. I started college in May and am taking two classes this summer, so I'll be studying and taking the first exams I've had in twenty years.. Wish me luck, I have two years to go!

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  16. I will move in my new flat :) *wohoo* can't wait!

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  17. I am relaxing from teaching and playing with my kids. We went on vacation to the beach for a week and re currently am at camp and about to go down to the lake to swim.

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  18. Ooh, I need to try Sylvia's Livia stuff!

    As for this summer, we're mostly hanging out at home, but we've got a week in San Diego with friends on the calendar, and another week in Canada for a relative's wedding. The kids are pretty excited about both :)

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  19. Whoo! *fans self* That is something I need to read. Like, yesterday.
    And no Summer plans for me. Kind of taking it as it comes :-)

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  20. Well, Ive already been tot he Celtic Fling in Pennsylvania (love men in kilts!). So now it is back to work for the rest of the summer.

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  21. I'll be visiting family in Michigan.

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  22. I don't have any big plans for this summer. I'm planning on getting through some of my TBR books...work on a container garden for my balcony (will go shopping for plants this week *squeal*) and just try and get a little healthy. I've just recently come off some meds that I've been on for the last 10 years...so I've been physically very shaky...withdrawal is tough but I'm finally ready to try and work it out without medication.

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  23. I was relaxing this summer until I went to hospital for xray of chest and before I left they had me take 3 horse pills that put me in the hospital w/ burn throat/stomach and not a happy camper for a long time. I'm still trying to figure it out.
    Great interview.....
    really sounds likea good book........

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  24. I'm remodeling my guest bathroom. Myself. I'm gutting it and starting over. It's a big project but exciting. My biggest challenge in the remodel is keeping destruco-boy (my husband) away from anything that looks like a tool.

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  25. We just moved into a new house this month so my big plan for the summer is to get all the boxes stacked in my garage unpacked :)

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  26. For the first time in 20 years....I get to stay home and do nothing. My daughter is now 19 years old and has moved out and is living on her own. So I don't have to worry about back to school shopping, play dates, going to the park, amusement parks, the zoo or taking her to any summer school activities. I get to stay home and read, play on the computer, do some scrapbooking, and write some more articles. I get to do what I want for a change. lol

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  27. I will be working for the majority of the summer but I will be taking my best friends daughter is spending the summer in the states with her dad so I will be a good friend and bring her daughter to Germany so she doesn't have to make around trip with her 4 year old daughter. It's a win-win, I get to take a quick vacation in Germany and she gets her daughter back. ;-)

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  28. Unfortunately, I have to work all summer...but I will be enjoying lots of books!

    Thanks,
    Tracey D

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  29. I am staying home and enjoying my flower garden.

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  30. What plans do you have this summer?
    None other than spending time with family and friends and taking some quality time with my immediate family.

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  31. I'm working all summer - saving for a new car and college. I wish I was planning a trip though!

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  32. I have no real plans for the summer, except to read a lot under the ac.

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  33. Holy Moly what an excerpt! looks excellent! no plans for the summer. just chillin and reading!

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  34. My summer will be spent spending time with my grandkids. I have a new grandson so I will hopefully get to spend a lot of time with him. Other than that, I'll just be taking it easy.

    seriousreader at live dot com

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  35. I'm going to take the whole month of July off. We are spending 10 days in SoCal visiting family, then the rest of the month, just a stay-cation at home. We always do big trips in the spring and fall rather than summer so it isn't so crowded.

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  36. I don't really have any summer plans @ the moment, I'm trying to get a job and get some work experience. I'm really just going with flow at the moment.

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  37. I've had family visiting off and on for the last few weeks...the last of them leave tomorrow. After that, I have one wedding to attend and that about does it. No big plans this summer...just enjoy the pool and the warm weather. My hubby and I tend to plan our big getaways in the winter so we can escape the cold.

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  38. well I am having a pretty boring summer. I am a teacher and I didn't do summer school this year so just lazing (?sp) around and I plan to move to a new apartment.

    tinadudley at sbcglobal.net

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  39. I'm going to the beach in just a couple days and then in August I'm going to Barcelona.

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  40. We head to the beach as much as possible during the warm months There is nothing better than a day at the beach with a great book to read.

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  41. I plan on get thing to know me new great nephew that was born in June. and i plan on moving soon but its just down the street from where I'm living now.
    sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com

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  42. I don't have big plans for this summer as I mostly used up my holiday days when I went to Thailand for 2 weeks in February, but I'll spend a few days at our country house by the lake with my family and sisters :-)

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com

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  43. No plans for the summer other than try to straighten the tbr pile.

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