The Ripple Effect
By J.A. Saare
Expected release Summer 2012
There is always a price to pay…
Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.
Until death comes knocking at her door.
When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.
Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.
It’s about getting even.
The Ripple Effect Excerpt from
jasaare.blogspot
Paine moved into my personal space, wrapped his arms around me, and whispered, “Don’t fight me, Rhiannon. Marius is watching.”
Then, he kissed me.
It was a good thing he warned me. Otherwise, I would have fought him.
At least, I think I would have.
Paine’s lips were plush and cool, feathering over mine, just before he opened his mouth and his tongued snaked out. I wasn’t sure how to respond. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to have the same problem. His tongue teased mine, inviting me to play. I followed his lead, kissing him back. The closeness between us brought back memories I wanted to forget, of a different time and place.
He pulled away, and the heat in his gaze made my toes curl. “I’d almost forgotten,” he murmured, licking his lower lip.
“Forgotten?” I asked breathlessly.
“What a woman tastes like.”
More memories arose. He’d said something similar in the future, something that swept aside my reservations. It was impossible not to ache for him—to love him—when I remembered how alone he truly was. That was the reason I didn’t move away from him, why I lifted my hands and placed one on his chest and the other against his face. He closed his eyes and exhaled in bliss, making me feel even worse.
“This isn’t fair to you.”
“Life isn’t fair.” He opened his eyes and looked at me. “We take what we’re given because there isn’t any alternative. Small moments like these can last an eternity.”
He moved away, taking a large step back. I was going to ask him why when I glanced at the door. Disco stood in the entranceway with Marius at his side. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, since his maker undoubtedly had him on his best behavior. Still, I did notice the way his lips thinned and his jaw ticced as he regarded us.
“Marius and I are meeting with the leaders of the other families.” Disco took slow, deliberate steps in my direction. “I wanted to see you before we left.”
This time, Disco was the one invading my personal space, wrapping his arms so tightly around me I held my breath, bringing me toward his chest. One large hand cradled the back of my head, arching my neck so he had access to my lips. His kiss was harsher than Paine’s, more demanding. He didn’t ask for control, he took it, dominating my mouth with swirls and plunges of his tongue. Unable to do anything else, I let him do as he wanted. He lowered his hand and cupped my ass.
This kiss was different—one I ached for, one I dreamed about. Delicious and wild, sending me spiraling out of control. I latched onto his arms, holding him close, breathing him in as he ravaged my lips. The scent of cinnamon and cloves was like coming home, sweet yet earthy, everything I’d missed. The world seemed to settle into place when I was in his arms, coming together as though we’d never been apart. I knew we had an audience, but I didn’t care, riding waves of untainted and pure emotion.
Disco didn’t lift his head as Paine had, shifting a fraction of an inch so I could feel his breath on my face. He gazed into my eyes, the heat from one simple look powerful enough to make my knees weak.
“I’ll be back soon,” he said softly and leaned in, nipping my bottom lip playfully, causing me to shudder.
When he let me go, I stayed in exactly the same place, arms loose at my sides.
It wasn’t the words spoken aloud that had me gasping for air, or the kiss that had scattered my thoughts. It was the words he’d spoken in my mind that echoed over and over in my head, a warning if ever I’d heard one.
“You belong to me, Rhiannon. You belong to me.”
(c) 2012 J.A. Saare
Phew! Is it getting hot in here? All the attention Rhiannon is getting from Disco and Paine? I CANNOT WAIT to read this! This is definitely in my top highly anticipated releases for the year. Whether you love Disco or Paine or both (raises hand), this is bound to be a roller coaster of a ride and I can't wait to see where Jamie takes us!
Release Date: October 7th
