Welcome to Excerpt Monday, January edition. Today, not only is it EM around this blog, it’s also release day for my first book, Flash of Dark! Plus, I’m celebrating release day by having a contest and someone will get a free download copy of the book and some schwag. Don’t forget to enter before you leave, the contest ends a 6pm EST!

Also, I did an interview over at The GeekyBookworm today and I’ll be stopping by off and on to say hi. I talk a little bit about the world I created for my characters and even talk about my next book, Midnight’s Ghost. Be sure to stop by.

How about we get what you came here for, right? Here’s an excerpt from Flash of Dark, and it’s all about first kisses. Who doesn’t like a first kiss? These two certainly do not seem to mind in the least.

Once a month, a bunch of authors get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just an writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site! or click on the banner above.

FLASH OF DARK
Sara Brookes

~*~

Surprise had him stopping in the middle of the path we were following and I stopped as well, turning slowly around to face him. “Most women would take offense to being referred to as ‘turf’”.

I studied his face, his posture and even the way his hands dipped into the pockets of his jacket as if he needed to give them something to do. I understood that sensation all too well. I suddenly wanted to step closer to him and find out if he tasted as good as he looked—though I didn’t have the faintest idea of why. I wasn’t a stranger when it came to sudden bouts of dealing with the overwhelming sense of wanting to kiss someone I was attracted to, but like most people, I tamped down on those feelings. I couldn’t afford them, especially being Fae and surrounded by delicate humans. Sometimes, being around mortals too easily reminded me of my immortality. I pushed the thoughts away, making sure they were buried before I spoke again. He was perceptive and I didn’t want to give him anything that would give him power over me like that. “Good thing I’m not like most women.”

“No, you certainly aren’t.” He surprised me by wrapping his hand around my elbow and pulled me into his embrace while his other hand curved around my jaw, cradling it in his palm. He was obviously experiencing the same pull that I was, but wasn’t bothering to smother the sensations and leaned into me. Before I knew it, warm lips closed over mine and I felt myself being swept away by the sensation of his kiss.

Oh God, he did taste as good as he looked. There had to be some law against that.

The hold I had been keeping on what was prowling inside me for three days burst from the bindings I had carefully erected and flowed through my entire body. Everything that I had suspected about Stark, had read and sensed about him that first night the club, turned out to be absolutely true. He kissed with abandon. Drinking me in like his very life depended on it. As if he simply had to have me whatever the cost. I gave myself over to him, without thought to any consequences, encouraging and enjoying the feel as we both let the kiss shift to something more. The heat that swelled surprised us both and a soft, satisfied groan rumbled in my throat. I had no idea how or why I was reacting this way to a man I barely knew.

A man I had barely talked to for a handful of moments.

A man whose sweltering kiss made me want to strip all of our clothes off and mate, wild and frantic, right here in the middle of the park.

A soft buzzing sounded in my ears but I blatantly ignored it even as energy began humming through my veins. It crackled with renewed energy, immediately taking on a life of its own. I tried not to give into the sensations but the addictive pull was nearly too much to take. I hadn’t felt this sensation in quite some time and the lure of it would haunt me later. I knew this could quickly turn dangerous, but I didn’t seem to care.

~*~

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers

Bria Quinlan, Rom Com (PG13)

and

Alexia Reed, Urban Fantasy (R)

Joining us this week:

Stephanie Draven, Fantasy with Romantic Elements (PG 13)
Danie Ford, Contemporary YA (PG 13)
Babette James, Contemporary Romance (PG 13)
Cynthia Justlin, Thriller with Romantic Elements (PG 13)
Kaige, Historical Romance (PG 13)
Jeannie Lin, Contemporary Romantic Elements (PG 13)
R. F. Long, Fantasy Romance (PG13)
Shawntelle Madsion, Paranormal Romance (PG13)
Debbie Mumford, Science Fiction/ Fantasy (PG13)

Kendal Corbitt, Erotica Contemporary (R)
KB Alan, Erotic Paranormal Romance (R)
Cate Hart, YA Paranormal (R)
Jeanne St. James, Interracial Menage Erotic Romance (R)
Cherrie Lynn, Contemporary Erotic Romance (R)
Michelle Picard, Paranormal/Fantasy (R)
Danielle Yockman, Historical Romance (R)

Sara Brookes, Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy (NC17)
Angeleque Ford, Contemporary, Interracial, Erotic Romance (NC 17)
Elise Logan, Contemporary Romance (NC17)

Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.