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July 4th, 2009
Laid Bare With Flair Day Two!

Today I’m giving away a copy of Cynthia Eden’s Midnight’s Master!

In case you haven’t tried one of Cindy’s books yet, I highly encourage it. She’s one of the best paranormal romance authors out there right now. Her books are awesome. Sexy, great worldbuilding, well drawn storylines – I haven’t read a Cynthia Eden book I haven’t enjoyed. You can check out Cynthia’s website to read excerpts too.

This one is in her Midnight series with Brava (a fabulous, kick ass series!):

In a world of shadows, desire conquers all…

In this sexy, gripping novel, Cynthia Eden draws readers deeper into the realm of the Others—vampires, shifters, and sinfully attractive demons whose powers are matched only by their dark hungers…

Tall, dark, and formidable, Niol Lapen is the last demon on earth most people would ask for a favor, yet the sexy little reporter who wanders into his club dares to do exactly that. Holly Storm already knows too much about his kind, and Niol has no wish to help her get in deeper over her head. But working alongside her may be the only way to stop a killer, even as it ignites a primal desire unlike anything he’s known.

Holly has seen firsthand what Niol is capable of, but that doesn’t frighten her nearly as much as her body’s instinctive reaction to him, or the wild, fierce passion that would tempt her to follow him through hell itself. Something evil and relentless is prowling the streets of Atlanta. And as Holly’s search leads her into danger that even Niol could never have predicted, she’ll uncover a secret that could rip her world apart….

Unedited Excerpt from MIDNIGHT’S MASTER (Kensington Brava, July 2009)

“No. I’m not one of your demon wannabe sluts, Niol. I don’t want to jump you in the dark so that I can have the thrill of saying I screwed a monster.”

Hit. The reporter obviously understood more than she’d pretended about the human women who came to his bar.

“I don’t want to play—”

“Yes, Holly, you do.” Her heart still pounded too fast, her nipples were still pebbled, and her cheeks were flushed—all from hunger.

Need. For him.

“I’m not going to play.” Her hand dropped. “I’m going to do my job—and find out what happened to Carl. With, or without your help.”

He stared at her. Such a shame. They would have been good together. The sex, well, it would have been pretty phenomenal. All that fire she had—oh, yeah, phe-nomenal.

Pity. Niol shook his head. “Sorry, love, it’s going to be ‘without.’” And then he did the only thing he could do.

He turned around and walked away from her. As he stalked toward the SUV, he felt her eyes on him. His hand lifted, reached for the door.

“Niol.”

Oh, but the woman’s voice could get to him. It was the soft huskiness when she said his name. Like a stroke right over his groin. But he didn’t look at her. Niol opened the door.

“You have to care.” Her voice sharpened. “You play the bastard, but Carl, he was little more than a kid, and one of yours. You have to care—”

The laughter escaped then. He just couldn’t help it. He stepped back and glanced over at her. “Have you forgotten so soon, sweet? The incubus who took you that night—he was one of my kind, too—and I burned him,” the fire had been so beautiful, “from the inside out.”

She flinched.

His lips were twisted in a smile that he knew could chill. “I kill my kind.” The incubus hadn’t been the first, and he wouldn’t be the last. “I don’t go out on a damn crusade to save them…or any humans who are dumb enough to get involved in a world they can’t understand.”

“You’re a cold bastard, Niol.”

So he’d been told.

Tomorrow there’s even more Cindy so don’t forget to check back in!

Today’s question for the paranormal romance lovers: Which is your favorite paranormal creature and why?

I’ll choose a winner from the comments at noon pacific tomorrow, July 5! Good luck

DAILY CONTEST NOW CLOSED FOR ENTRIES

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 4th, 2009 at 3:00 am and is filed under Laid Bare With Flair Contest. You can feed this entry. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

80 comments to “Laid Bare With Flair Day Two!”

  1. Shapeshifters. Mostly due to the fact that they are the dominant characters in my two favorite series. Nalini Singh’s Changeling series and Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series. I also like the fact that for certain creatures, they mate for life.

    by kathy429 July 4th, 2009 at 3:21 am

  2. I love vampires! They are sex and they live forever. Besides, sun is so overrated :D

    by Joy Roach July 4th, 2009 at 4:04 am

  3. I am all for Shapeshifters…. They are sex on stick. They are loyal, passionate, strong, and down right animal in all the right ways. Plus, it doesnt hurt to have that warm body to cuddle up to.

    by Chasity July 4th, 2009 at 4:16 am

  4. “The Beast” from “Beauty and the Beast”. One of the most romantic heroes in all of storytelling. Twas Beauty killed the Beast.

    by Virginia Campbell July 4th, 2009 at 5:19 am

  5. The Vampyre, of course. Evil through and through, and they know seduction. But romantic and tragic would have to be Frankenstein. He is a very sympathetic character. My heart goes out to him whenever I think about the book.

    by Adrienne Bentolila July 4th, 2009 at 6:13 am

  6. Shapesifters would be my favorite. I love the fact that so many of them mate for life. And they are strong…the alpha males all the way!

    Thanks
    amy m

    by Amy Mowers July 4th, 2009 at 6:25 am

  7. I like Shapesifters. They are strong, loyal and much more

    by Gloria T July 4th, 2009 at 6:35 am

  8. My favorite paranormal creature is shapeshifters. I always thought it would be cool to be able to turn into an animal. Plus the most mate for life, and are very protective of there mates.

    by danni July 4th, 2009 at 6:38 am

  9. My favorite paranormal creature are shapeshifters. They are my favorite because they are strong, loyal, very protective of loved ones and when they find the one that they will spend the rest of their lives with, they will stop at nothing to win over that person. Plus it makes you wonder how many of the “wild” animals are really animals???

    Jessi

    by jessi July 4th, 2009 at 6:43 am

  10. It is shapeshifters all the way for me. Nothing seems sexier or stronger than an alpha male shifting into a powerful wolf or cat. YUM!

    by Melissa Conatser July 4th, 2009 at 6:44 am

  11. I have to go with vampires. They are the quintessential paranormal character for me, especially for romance because the whole “I vant to bite you on the neck” thing can be sexy and intimate as easily as it can be horrifying and violent.

    by Michelle July 4th, 2009 at 6:46 am

  12. My fave would have to be Vampires. They have power, never age, and they are just plain sexy. Well, in my fantasies they are.

    by Lisa F. July 4th, 2009 at 7:05 am

  13. It used to be vampires, but recently demons have been my favorites. Apparently I’m unable to resist their wicked natures…

    by Chris July 4th, 2009 at 7:09 am

  14. In paranormal romance, my choice would be shapeshifters! Those presented by Patricia Briggs (Charles and Anna) and Ilona Andrews (Raphael and Andrea) are … just perfect.
    My favorite paranormal characher (not much of a romance though) would be Macchiavelli’s Belfagor, from “The story of a devil who took a wife”.

    by Suzana July 4th, 2009 at 7:22 am

  15. I’m torn between vamps and shapeshifters– Vampire Warrior types win out though I think. Wait, then there are hot alpha werewolves… the choices are too many!

    by Brenda July 4th, 2009 at 7:23 am

  16. I think it used to be vampires but now it’s shapeshifters. As long as they’re not birds. *Shudder*

    by Collette July 4th, 2009 at 7:28 am

  17. I’m listening to a mix I created on play list….But in the car it’s Nickelback they’re latest Dark Horse and the one before it. They’ve definitely improved over time…did I get the postings right or are they visa-versa? Hope I didn’t screw up! Have a great day & thanks…love your books btw, The Chase brothers series is the one that hooked me. Love the southern setting, makes me feel like I’m home again…
    TC, Ivy

    by Ivy D. Truitt July 4th, 2009 at 7:28 am

  18. I was screwed up..
    I love the vampires. They’ve come a long way since Stoker. There seem to be an infinite variety and the things authors do w/ them never ceases to attract me. I read a very interesting take years ago. The Sonya Blue(thing I remember the name right, can’t recall the author) series. I haven’t seen it anywhere since and haven’t a clue what happened to mine. Anyway, that’s why I love the vamps….the variety, the longevity and the never aging doesn’t hurt either!
    Thanks so much & I LOVE your books…I got hooked w/ the Chase brothers series.
    TC, Ivy

    by Ivy D. Truitt July 4th, 2009 at 7:32 am

  19. I love those paranormal heroes and I have a big soft spot for demons!!! Those bad boys with their oh so deliciously evil ways….hehe!!!

    by Valerie July 4th, 2009 at 7:35 am

  20. I’m torn between shapeshifters and vampires. I love them both. Since I have to chose, I’ll go with vampires. I burn to easily and there is just something about them. Have a great day.

    by Roberta Harwell July 4th, 2009 at 8:02 am

  21. I love the paranormal and shapeshifters are definitely one of my favorites.

    by Jeanette Juan July 4th, 2009 at 8:04 am

  22. I enjoy all of them, but if I had to pick I would say Vampires!! That was my first paranormal read.

    by Judy Cox July 4th, 2009 at 8:05 am

  23. I enjoy shapeshifters. It’s such an interesting concept.

    by chey July 4th, 2009 at 8:11 am

  24. Normally I would say vampire because I really like how authors have been changing around the vampire abilities.

    However, I recently read a story by Charlene Teglia “Wicket Hot” where the main female character was a succubus and I totally loved it. I havent read to many paranormals (although I love them) and that was the second time I read about a succubus or an incubus. I have to say, I really like them or shall I say, I really like how the author portrayed the paranormal characters.

    by Michelle July 4th, 2009 at 8:18 am

  25. well, I am steppin out of the box and saying ghosts. They are still earthbound because they have things to finish and sometimes a mortal is just the one to help them out.

    Vampires aren’t bad either. I also agree with Adrienne Bentolila about Frankenstein, all he wanted was to be loved.

    by Lissa July 4th, 2009 at 8:21 am

  26. Favorite paranormal, man this is a hard one!! Vampire or werewolf, vampire or werewolf…. have to say werewolf would win. I just love that whole alpha protective thing :D

    Have a Happy 4th of July with your family and friends Lauren :)

    by Michele July 4th, 2009 at 8:34 am

  27. I have to go with the vampire, because they are so mysterious, so dark and sexy. Makes me blood boil

    by blodeuedd July 4th, 2009 at 8:43 am

  28. I love vampires. They never get sick and never grow old. As an extra bonus, they’re super strong and sexy.

    by Jody F. July 4th, 2009 at 8:43 am

  29. Oh, I’m dying to read this one, Cynthia is great.
    It’s hard to pick just ONE paranormal, Lauren~~but I’m going with the shapeshifter, and the Wolf in particular. I love the strenght and cunning shifters have, and I also love the way they choose and mark their mates. Something so sexy and mysterious about the whole thing.
    And I’m a animal lover, so there you go.

    by Melissa July 4th, 2009 at 8:45 am

  30. Do I have to choose one? I am for shapeshifters, all kinds, wolves, lions, dragons, the lot although vampires are also at the top of the list. Happy 4th! Tamsyn

    by Tamsyn T. July 4th, 2009 at 8:50 am

  31. It use to be Vamps and I do still love them but after reading Psy/Changeling series I am in love with Shapeshifters especially cats!!

    by Jamie July 4th, 2009 at 9:03 am

  32. Hmm… favorite paranormal creature? Shelly Laurenston’s dragon shifters because they make me laugh. (Hey, humor’s important ;))

    by Fedora July 4th, 2009 at 9:05 am

  33. Which is your favorite paranormal creature and why?

    I have a soft spot for vampires. I think its probably one of the first paranormal creatures I’ve read about. And shapeshifting? While cool, just reminds me of other things.

    by Virginia Hendricks July 4th, 2009 at 9:09 am

  34. Just finished the first book in this series the other day. LOVED IT. I have a fondness for shifters. My first role playing character was a shifter (but different)

    by Raonaid Luckwell July 4th, 2009 at 9:16 am

  35. I love the suave, debonair ultra sexy attitudes that seem to be in the Vampire traits…

    However, I also love that beastly…predatorial “Mine” attitude that shifters seem to lean towards.

    I guess I would have to say, depends upon the Author.

    Dana

    by Dana July 4th, 2009 at 9:27 am

  36. I love Cynthia’s writing, too. Can’t wait to read this book.

    My next book will be demons, so right now they’re my fav.

    by Edie July 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am

  37. I like shapeshifters, especially wolf shifters. I like that they’re a little untamed.

    by Jane July 4th, 2009 at 9:40 am

  38. Demons! They are the ultimate bad boys

    by Lillie A July 4th, 2009 at 10:22 am

  39. Sounds great. I loved the excerpt.

    by Donna S July 4th, 2009 at 10:24 am

  40. Vampire’s are my favorite. Something about them is so seductive. I don’t really know why but I’m drawn to them.

    by bridget3420 July 4th, 2009 at 10:28 am

  41. Hi Lauren!

    Happy 4th of July!! :)

    I love demons because they can be written as very unique creatures, i.e. shapeshifers, vampire qualities etc. In addition, I think they are inherently sexy! lol

    Thanks for another great contest day!

    L

    by Lea July 4th, 2009 at 10:43 am

  42. Definitely shapeshifters. Love the magic, the animal strengths that transform humans, the earthiness of the characters, and the amazing variety of shifter storylines.

    by Cathy M July 4th, 2009 at 10:51 am

  43. Toss up between the shapeshifter and the vamp, but there’s something a tad more animalistic about the shapeshifter that’s appealing. Usually, they come across as more alpha because of their animal side!

    by sharon July 4th, 2009 at 10:59 am

  44. Would have to be Vampires. I fell love w/ them way back when I saw dracula on broadway. And though shapeshifters come a close second. Vampires will always hold the top spot.

    by Christine July 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am

  45. My favorites are shapeshifters. It is exciting knowing that danger lurks just under the surface.

    by Crystal B. July 4th, 2009 at 11:43 am

  46. hi Lauren
    Happy 4th.
    so like every one I’m torn between vamp’s and shapeshifter’s demon in them then again doesn’t everyone have a wee bit of demon;evil: in then…..
    have a great holiday weekend

    by alba July 4th, 2009 at 11:47 am

  47. Shapeshifter of all sorts.

    by Estella July 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

  48. Werewolves! Love a good nature boy, even though he may be a little hairy, haha!

    by tea4444rose July 4th, 2009 at 12:24 pm

  49. Cat shapeshifters. I just read Serengeti Heat about lion shifters and now I’m in the mood for more cat shifters. Thankfully, Mercy’s story from Nalini Singh is out on Tuesday.

    by Lisa J July 4th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

  50. I love shapeshifters into wolves! I like reading about people who have the ability to become another creature.

    by Amelia July 4th, 2009 at 12:54 pm

  51. This is a toughie but I’ll say Vampires closely followed by shapeshifters and I like wolves and cats as shapeshifters!!

    by Blanche July 4th, 2009 at 1:14 pm

  52. Hey Lauren,

    I am in love with shapeshifters right now, especially big cats like leopards and panthers. I have a thing for vampires and witches as well though.

    See you tomorrow!
    Andrea

    P.S. Lisa J – I bought Mercy’s story by Nalini Singh the other day from Borders. They had it out early. It was absolutely wonderful!

    by Andrea July 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

  53. I can’t decide between Vamps and shapeshifters.

    by Marjana Kaly July 4th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

  54. Well I love vampires, demons and such but I have to admit my favourite paranormal creature is the shapeshifter.

    To be precise the werewolf, mostly because they are always written as having all the good qualities of the wolf such as love of family, loyalty etc.

    by Ilona July 4th, 2009 at 2:13 pm

  55. I’m so looking forward to this book! I just finished Midnight Sins and loved it!

    I love shifters the best, but I love’em all, vamps, demons, fae, whatever!

    by Sandy M July 4th, 2009 at 2:16 pm

  56. I love all paranormal creatures but i have to say my fav are shapeshifters. In all the books i’ve read their always fiercly loyal to their families and loved ones, always ready to protect and have such a firery passion it sucks me into the story everytime. If only i could find my own

    by Kerry July 4th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

  57. I love vampires…they are dark, mysterious, and hot!

    I love Cynthia Eden’s books and demons are definitely moving up on the list!

    Have a happy and safe Fourth of July everyone!

    by Lori T July 4th, 2009 at 2:58 pm

  58. Shapeshifter! Yum!

    by Diane M. July 4th, 2009 at 3:08 pm

  59. Hi Lauren! Thanks for the contest. And the excerpt for Cynthia Eden’s book sounds awesome! Happy 4th! – Susan

    by Susan Jackson July 4th, 2009 at 3:22 pm

  60. Shapeshifters! They are so intriguing!

    by Susan July 4th, 2009 at 3:32 pm

  61. I have a thing for both shifters and vamps….but demons are definitely working their way up the list. I am love Cynthia’s series! I can’t wait to get a hold of this one :D I love Niol!

    by Natasha A. July 4th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

  62. I’d have to say my favorite paranormal is a dragon shifter; not too many of those around, but I love them anyway.

    by Nancy Gilliland July 4th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

  63. I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT I WOULD LOVE TO BE A LOUP GAROU…ALL THE SUPER HUMAN STRENGTH BUT NOT INCAPACITATED BY SUNLIGHT AS VAMPIRES ARE…

    by ANNA SHAH HOQUE July 4th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

  64. The Vanpire Because there Sexy and Scary and Hot and Seductive.they turn me on.
    sasluvbooks@yahoo.com

    by stacey smith July 4th, 2009 at 5:51 pm

  65. Hmm.. would have to say shapeshifter.. and really like the description of shifters having the ability to take on multiple shapes as opposed to Weres that have one.
    Why ?.. mysterious, incredibly hot, and a propensity to bite w/ out draining you dry…
    Have a happy & safe 4th everyone.

    by iokijo July 4th, 2009 at 6:17 pm

  66. I love vampires, but especially Carpathians. I think it is great that they can be saved by psychic women!

    by Cathi O July 4th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

  67. I prefer Vampires….there is just something so seductive and intriging about being able to live forever.

    by Calila July 4th, 2009 at 7:26 pm

  68. Like many other comments I love shapeshifters, especially animals.

    I guess it’s all that primal instinct or something. I don’t know but I find them facinating and will pick a story with a shifter over a vampire anyday.

    by Booklover1335 July 4th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

  69. I like vampires. They have the whole mind control thing gong for them. They’re kind of sneaky(you would never know they were after you unless they wanted you to know.) Speed, great night vision, good hearing. Most are sexy.

    by Kathy Treadway July 4th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

  70. Three months ago, I would say none. After having glommed Nalini Singh, I’m in love with shapeshifters. Why? Nalini Singh. Ha, the men and women are prime examples of loyalty, passion, strength, smarts, and not to mention the hot mating connection.

    by Tabitha July 4th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

  71. Werewolves,vampires,demons,even Frankenstien has a romantic edge. I just love them all as long as they are hot.
    Debby Creager
    cleo@hbeark.com

    by Debby Creager July 4th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

  72. I like the shifters the best. But Cynthia’s Niol has got to be really hot. I’m looking forward to his story.

    by Janet H July 4th, 2009 at 8:57 pm

  73. That is such a tough question to answer. But, I think I’d have to say wolf shifters. They’re just so alpha and dominant but also soft and sweet, the good ones anyway. But I also really love vampires and demons and every now and then a god or demigod. Acutally I love them all I really can’t decide.

    by Audrey A July 4th, 2009 at 10:45 pm

  74. I’m always looking for new authors and series to read that have anything to do with vampires!

    by Teresa W. July 5th, 2009 at 12:08 am

  75. I’m all about the vampire, shifts, demons, pretty much all paranormal books!!!

    by Erica July 5th, 2009 at 12:52 am

  76. I love dragons. I love there power and possessiveness. I think their strength is the biggest turn on for me.

    by sara hurt July 5th, 2009 at 6:49 am

  77. I’m all for the shapeshifters, especially the cats, though the wolves… those guys are nice too. I like the dominant factor, but there’s also just something to be said for having someone furry by your side.

    by Ley July 5th, 2009 at 7:38 am

  78. It’’s a tie between Ajax and River. I spent more time with Ajax, but worried longer about River :>) They are in Deidre Knight’s Red books.

    by Karin July 5th, 2009 at 9:19 am

  79. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires= traditional, seductive, and sexy. All that forbidden angst- yum.

    by limecello July 5th, 2009 at 11:32 am

  80. wolf shifters , they have some good ones. I also like demons at timea

    by Gloria T. July 5th, 2009 at 1:51 pm


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