Top Ten Reason to Fall in Love with Kael McQuillan
By Laura Kaye
Today I’m very excited to be at Parajunkee’s View to celebrate the release of my dark vampire romance, In the Service of the King. This book is the first in my Vampire Warrior Kings series from Harlequin Nocturne—definitively not your mother’s Harlequin! *grins* And, since I adore heroes, I thought I’d share the top ten reasons I think you’ll fall in love with mine:
10) Kael’s tortured by the guilt of his wife’s death. In his head, he knows there was nothing he could’ve done, but that doesn’t keep his heart from aching.
9) He is a man of duty and honor. For seven hundred years, he has devoted his life first and foremost to making the world safe for humanity and protecting his vampire brethren. That’s a lot to admire.
8) He’s a man’s man. A warrior who bears the marks of centuries of warfare. A fighter who does what has to be done. A true friend to his band of warrior brothers.
7) He’s tattooed. If you guys know me at all, you know I love heroes with tattoos. And Kael’s body bears multiple fascinating inked marks of his royal status and position. Yum.
6) He has long hair. Long hair on a guy just kills me. And what I love even more about that hair is how much he loves the heroine stroking and tugging it. Gah.
5) He lives in a castle. Dunluce Castle on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, to be exact. I am completely fascinated with castles, myself, and I love the idea of exploring such an ancient, magical place.
4) He’s a king. A freaking king, people. Before you even get to the body or the fangs or the man within, his rank is an aphrodisiac all itself. Plus, he’s an ancient king living in the modern era, and it’s a mix of history and modernity that is so sexy.
4a) He has fangs and he knows how to use ‘em!
3) Despite his rank and position, he so desires to please his woman, he’s willing to make her a meal with his own two hands. And he’s also willing to admit when he was wrong. I adore both traits in him.
2) He’s a skilled lover. Just ask Shayla McKinnon. He brings her to orgasm with one very intense, very long kiss. And that was just to start. Me wants!
1) He’s freaking gorgeous, from his lion’s mane of hair, to his emerald green eyes that flare with preternatural light, to his tattoos, to the incredible muscles covering every inch of his body.
In The Service of the King by Laura Kaye Excerpt:
“Shayla, look at me.”
As much as she’d been waiting for his voice, it still startled her. His use of her name. His tender, regretful tone.
She knew she must obey, but was afraid if she did, she’d lose control of her emotions—and she wasn’t sure whether hurt or anger would win out. Neither was appropriate to show, and both were likely to result in tears.
The king stepped toward her until he was easily within arm’s reach. “Shayla,” he whispered, coaxing her. A long moment passed. And then he fell to his knees before her, his face tilted upward so their eyes could finally meet.
She gasped and her mouth dropped open. He was more fascinating, more gorgeous, than she had even fully recalled. Fire danced behind his eyes, and flashes of gold shined out through the emerald. He was smiling, and it highlighted the strong masculine angles of his jaw and cheeks so vividly it stole her breath. A reaction amplified by the appearance of the sharp tips of his fangs. Shayla licked her lips.
Despite being on his knees, he radiated such palpable power she could feel it jangling in the air between them.
Oh, God. He’s on his knees. A throaty sigh escaped her as she dropped to her own. She was always to be below him.
“Now I can’t see you again.” The warm, amused tone was back. “Please look at me.”
Taking a deep breath, Shayla finally obeyed. Her gaze raked over his intricate tartan robes before finally settling on his handsome face. When their eyes met, the smile he let loose dazzled her, and she smiled back. His playfulness, the incredible sense of ease now possessing him, made it harder to hold on to her anger.
“Thank you,” he said. She nodded. “I have some things I’d like to say to you. Are you willing to hear them?”
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GIVEAWAY! Win In the Service of the King
To celebrate her new release, Laura is giving away one e-copy of In the Service of the King at each stop on her New Release Tour, 1/30 – 2/15! In addition, all commenters from across the tour will be entered to win a prize bag filled with swag and various vampire items, perfect for the vampire lover!
RULES:
- Leave you email address in comments
- Leave if you are US or International in comments
- eBook prize for International winner
- Prize bag open to U.S. Entry only
About In the Service of the Kings
Book 1 in the Vampire Warrior Kings Series
Harlequin Nocturne Cravings
Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires, loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn’t enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate centuries ago. Kael doesn’t want a new companion, yet his resolve is tested when he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon. He is drawn to Shayla’s beauty and poise…and the submission she offers. She is eager to give him anything he wishes, including her innocence, to please him. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire–even if it means risking Shayla’s life?
About Laura Kaye
Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of a half-dozen books. Hearts in Darkness is a finalist for the EPIC eBook Award for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
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You had me at when you said he can admit when he is wrong. What?! *boggle* A man that can do that?! SOLD!! The rest is just icing, baby! lol
ROFL Gena! You’re always such a hoot! Thanks for kicking off the questions!
Long hair, tattoos, and fangs?!?! Yes, please!
I’m in the US.
pinkindle[at]hotmail[dot]com
LOL Angie – great minds think alike, then! Thanks for commenting!
Whoops, sorry, Angie! I have no idea why my mis-type posted…I’d caught myself and deleted! *facepalm*
I can’t wait to read this book! I’ve seen your promotion leading up to the release and I am very intrigued by the premise and excerpts that I’ve read. I’d love to win a copy ♥
hesperialovesbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
US Resident
Alyssa @ Hesperia Loves Books
Yay, Alyssa! I’m glad you’re liking what you’re seeing so far!
A vampire king on his knees? My heart just exploded.
missie the unreadreader.com
Seriously. I couldn’t agree more! Woot! Thanks, Missie!
OK! I am in!! Whew!! I cannot wait to read this book!!! So anyway…fanning self…my email is kewbrca95@hotmail.com and I am from USA…hop that’s all you need:)
Kali Skittles
dontkillkittens8@netscape.net
US
Long Hair! I can’t handle long hair on men. I just assume that they don’t spend hours grooming it and straightening it to make it picture perfect. It takes away from the allure. Fabio pays people to do his hair!
Granted, it’s not a hangup.
I live in the US.
greedy_choke_puppy@yahoo.com
I love reading about vampires. This book sounds really great. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com USA
I can’t wait to read this book, it looks sooooo goood.
Shannon S. calitigerlilly@yahoo.com USA
Yay! Thanks for all the comments everyone! I’m really enjoying reading them!
I fell in love with this book, the moment I saw the cover. US. ladygrace@rock.com Plus I’m a sucker for a good love story. Great contest sweetie. Hope I win. Who wouldn’t want to take home this book.
Aw, yay, Grace! I love the cover, too, I have to say! Good luck!
Everything I love in a man! Lol. I would LOVE to win this book! I have one other by her on my bookshelf and I would love to have another! Laura, your talented.
gothiclove95@hotmail.com
U.S
Hi Brooklynn–thanks for commenting! Glad Kael is sounding good to you!
Damn I love these excerpts. Kael sounds so much like my perfect vamp
. Congratulations on the release.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com USA
Thanks Victoria! Your comment made me squee!
Steamy from the cover to the excert. I gotta read this one!!!
skovach717@gmail.com
US
OMG, Kael sounds soooooo yummy! Me wants to
I’m international.
Thanks for the giveaway, and for pointing out this wonderful book!
Wow what a great giveaway!! =) Thanks so much for the chance to enter! =)
Valerie Long – USA (Topeka, KS)
just.val.1974(at)gmail(dot)com
I love this post! I think Kael is going to be one of those hero alpha males that I just fall for! Congrats to Laura on the release. Can’t wait to read it.
mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com
US
Thank you so much!!!
An orgasm because of a hot kiss?! Sign me up!!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
LOL It’s reeeeeeallllly hot.
This guy is unreal! was the first thought that hit me with those ten reasons and then I laughed realizing the full truth of that statement. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t want to read more especially after that excerpt. (-;
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
US Resident- Sophia
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
So cute, Sophia Rose! LOL Thanks!
lol. “He has fangs, and knows how to use them.” That’s awesome. You had me with “He admits when he’s wrong.” I’m sold.
US Resident. Jennifer Bielman
autumnflower6(at)aol(dot)com
Jennifer @ Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance
Bwahaha! Glad you liked that! I made myself chuckle!
Thanks Jennifer!
The list just gets better n better as I read them from #10 to #1. Can’t wait to read this. From a God (Owen Winters – I so adored him) to a king! Laura you are killing us :p
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
Linda, I love how much you love Owen! Hope Kael will find a place in your heart, too!
Beautiful cover. It captured my interest right away. Book sounds awesome.
Canada
MichelleKCanada
another_look_book_reviews at hotmail dot ca
I honestly cant wait to read this
You are a great writer and I love all your books. And when I read this it makes we want it more. You really know how to create a Sexy Vamp my dear…hehe Hugs
Missie
missie25524 (at) netzero (dot)com
I agree with that list totally! The excerpt was fabulous! I’m off to add to my reads list. Thank you for the chance to win!
USA
sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com
What a list. Tattoos, long hair, fangs a skilled lover. Where can I get mine? I can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the blog tour.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Joanne B (US)
I have this on my TBR pile!! It sounds awesome and I love all thing PNR!! And he is a Vamp King! YUMO!!!
I loved the excerpt but you kinda left me hanging there.. LOL.. I was like “where is the continue reading button!!!!” So I will be getting your book soon!
~Samantha Dacier [US] @ ParaRomParty
samanthadacier @gmail.com
@Michelle–aw, thanks so much! Glad you’re liking!
@Missie–LOL yay!
@DeAnna–woot! Awesome!
@Joanne–yeah, I’m wondering that too! LOL
@Samantha–oops, sorry about that!
I’m enjoying reading all your comments guys! Keep ‘em coming!
WOW, that excerpt is enough to leave you hungry for more. Must have, definitely! Thanks for the giveaway!
Diayll – US Resident
s.diayll(at)gmail.com
Great post and excerpt! I’m really looking forward to reading the book.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
USA
No need to convince me twice. I’m hooked!
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Woohoo! Really enjoying reading all your comments, guys! Thanks so much!
Great post & excerpt!! just making my way through all the Warrior King Yumminess!!!
Thanx for the chance to win!!
Samantha USA
samanthadacier @gmail.com
Kael seems like the most awesome man. His heart aches, he has tattoos, he has long hair. Do you describe his tattoos in the book?
I’m in the US.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
Yes, I definitely do! And there is so much great Celtic artwork for tattoos, too!