Mating Rituals by Tina Gayle

Today we jump start egg-cerpt week with an awesome excerpt from Mating Ritual by Tina Gayle


Mating Rituals

Excerpt-

Staring straight ahead, Marohka Taunton avoided eye contact with every man she passed. Moving along the edge of the dance floor, she wove her way back and forth across the assigned path. Her steps, jerky and clumsy, she hid her natural smooth gait. No man, in his right mind, craved an ungraceful wife. At least, she hoped not.

With the stairs a few steps ahead, she tasted victory and allowed herself a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."

A masculine voice in front of her chuckled. "It’s not over yet, princess."

Marohka paused to inspect the stranger. The laughter reflected in his warm brown eyes—surprised, the intelligent focus—intrigued, and the dark spark of interest—captivated.
A foreign response slithered through her chest. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Her heartbeat rang in her ears. Her hands turned clammy. Awareness of the man claimed her senses.

His face, framed by dark brown hair, showed rough lines of strength and fortitude. A crooked nose, a square jaw, and a chiseled chin marked his unique personality. Added together, the sum indicated the man rarely backed down from a fight. He’d stand up for his beliefs and defeat his opponents. His lopsided grin with a dimple at the corner of his mouth teased her.

A silly feature on such a stern face. The little mark claimed her heart and spoke of a rare sense of humor, a trait absent in most men.

A tingle ran down her spine. Her toes curled. Either as an appealing partner or a worthy adversary, the man presented a dangerous combination. Right then, without question, Marohka decided never to cross paths with him again.

"It is for me," she responded to his comment. She lifted her chin a little higher and repaired the chip in her armor with a sassy comeback. "But you’re welcome to any of the girls behind me. I’m sure they’ll enjoy your charm."

Marohka lifted her skirt and swept up the stairs. The sound of his laughter spoiled her intended snub.

ISBN: 978-1-935348-58-0
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Book Length: Novel
Heat Level: Spicy

Find at www.amirapress.com

Monday's Pick-me-up

I don't know about you, but today, I could use a pick-me-up and what better kind than chocolate covered?






Yup, this pictures gives sweet tooth a whole new meaning.

Well, not only is a Monday, it's the first day of a new month! I've set my goals for the month, some of them a little scarier than others, and taken stock of what I did and didn't get accomplished last month.

Later this month I will be participating in Egg-cerpt with the awesome Anita Philmar and Tina Gayle among others. This is a time, between the 17th and Easter, when we will post excerpts of our books on each other's websites. If you'd like to join in, please drop me a line.

This month, Harlequin will have had my short for 8 months... I'm really hoping to hear a yea or a nay (let's hope for a yea) so I can get the ball rolling.

I'm also planning to sub my novella this month. I should be writing that query now... which is probably why this post is so long. *wink*

This month is also Valentines day and to celebrate, the men I feature on Mondays will be especially yummy (note the chocolate, ladies--or is it that mesmerizing gaze that caught your attention?) I will also be posting a few tid-bits on romance and asking for your hints, tricks or advice. I mean who better to give advice on romance than romance writers, right?

I'd also like to start spotlighting authors on my blog. I've kinda fallen behind on the Coming soon and just released announcements. (sorry) If you'd like me to interview you and showcase your newest release, let me know!

So what are you doing for Valentines Day? Are any of you single like me? (I fully plan to buy myself flowers and candy, thank you very much) If not, do you have special plans with your significant other? What are your goals for the month? Do you feel like we're playing 20 questions?

Okay, I'll stop now. Back to the query.