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Jul
23 2009 | ||
Today’s piece of flair comes via the totally awesome Juliana Stone! She’s created a beautiful bracelet we’ll give away to one of the commenters to this post!
Her book, His Darkest Hunger, will be out in March of next year from Avon and I am DYING to read it!
Blurb for:His Darkest Hunger
They say good things come to those that wait and for shapeshifter Jaxon Castille, the waiting is finally over. He is from a powerful clan of Jaguar shifters- deadly predators whose second nature is to hunt, stalk and kill. It has been three long years since he last laid eyes on Libby Jamieson, his former lover and the woman who betrayed his unit. That betrayal resulted in the murder of fellow shifter and family member, Diego.
Libby disappeared and the hunt began. He has been patient, fueled by a burning desire for revenge, and now, finally, his patience is about to be rewarded. Information has mysteriously landed in his lap, giving him Libby’s whereabouts.
The hunt is almost over.
But revenge is an extreme emotion, and not every situation is so cut and dry. This, Jaxon is about to learn the hard way. For the Libby that he hunts is nothing like he had expected. She is but a hollow shell of her former self. She has been abused, tortured and has no memory of her former life or lover.
When an attempt is made on both of their lives, the stakes are upped considerably. Jaxon and Libby become the hunted. With the help of their former comrades, Declan, Ana, and Cracker, they once more work as a team, to not only unlock the mysteries of her broken mind, but to save their very lives.
His Darkest Hunger, available March 30, 2010 from Avon/Harpercollins
Excerpt from HIS DARKEST HUNGER by JULIANA STONE
Releasing March 20, 2010
Something burst inside of Libby then. She felt the crack, as if a well of emotion that had been bottled deep inside of her had been shaken, and exploded into a storm.
She was pissed off.
Actually, Libby was more then pissed off. She was fucking furious.
Enough!
She wasn’t going to cower any longer.
With a mighty heave, she yelled loudly as she freed the large piece of wood, but the momentum knocked her off her feet and she landed on her back.
Hard.
Her head smacked the soft ground behind her and the breath was knocked from her body.
Libby laid there, chest heaving, willing her body to get up and fight.
But then things changed in a way she’d never expected.
Feet came into view. Not feet exactly, but large paws.
Slowly she lifted her head, and pushed her body up until she was kneeling in the muck, brandishing a piece of driftwood and inches away from the most magnificent animal she’d ever seen.
Time stilled for a few seconds. She was aware of her lungs inhaling air deep into them, as her heart began to pump blood furiously through her body, screaming at her to defend herself.
Warm air blew from the creature’s nose and caressed her face. She shivered at the sensation and found herself mesmerized by the dark intelligent eyes that peered at her from the exotic face of the powerful black cat.
Libby gulped thickly as a low keening growl vibrated deep from its chest.
The animal moved away and began to pace back and forth, its movements agitated but not aggressive. She found herself relaxing slightly and when the animal stopped so close that she could touch it, her hands began to move towards it on their own accord.
Trembling fingers hesitated, then softly began to skim over the thick fur that surrounded its head. The pelt was deep black, but as the sun caressed it, outlines of its rosettes were plainly visible. In fact they shimmered under her touch.
The cat was beautiful, and as she studied the animal her fear left her completely. She had no clue as to what it was. A panther maybe? Weren’t they black?
“What are you?” She whispered and fought the urge to wrap her arms around the beast. That would be crazy, wouldn’t it?
The magical moment was broken as the animal jumped back, barking roughly from its chest. It began to pace once more and Libby was starting to feel nervous. Waves of anxiety began to pummel her and she looked to the wimpy piece of driftwood she’d managed to dislodge.
There was no way in hell that was going to save her if kitty cat decided she looked like a tasty treat.
The animal howled and fear once more crept up her spine. Libby’s mouth went dry and she shivered as fog began to encircle the cat. Long tendrils crept up and over the powerful muscles of its hind legs, until the entire body was shrouded in mist.
She fell back as the animal began to move and shift, fear clogging her mouth, blocking her scream. Her eyes widened in horror as the dark shape began to mutate. Grunts and popping noises reverberated through the small clearing. Libby began to back away, trying to ignore the terror that clawed at her insides.
As long as the animal wasn’t hungry she should be all right. Now was not the time to panic. She needed to keep a cool head.
But that was going to be freaking hard.
Her mouth fell open and she shook her head in denial as a man walked from the mist towards her; slowly, with predatory grace.
A powerfully tall and naked man.
Intricate tattoos glistened underneath the sun as a fine sheen of mist clung to his skin. They shimmered as he walked towards her.
It was Jaxon and his eyes were alive with a fever that hit her hard in the gut.
As Libby’s eyes slowly wandered over the magnificent specimen they widened even more. His straining erection pointed towards her like a weapon and she licked her lips.
Jaxon was hungry all right. And it wasn’t for food.
Whew, okay so today’s question is: what is it that makes shifters so sexy?
A winner will be chosen tomorrow afternoon from the comments! Good luck.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:13 am · Link
Thanks for another great contest day Lauren!
::waving at Juliana::
I think it is that inherent Alpha tendency that makes shifters so sexy. It’s also that predatory mating associated with them that makes shifters to exciting too.
Thanks
L 😀
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:19 am · Link
I think the word “predatory” sums it up beautifully. Who wouldn’t want to be the prey of a sexy man intent on devouring you in the most delicious way? 😉
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:23 am · Link
UUMM, L said it better than I could have. So, I ‘ll go with her answer.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:26 am · Link
I agree about the predatory nature. I also think it is the danger that lurks beneath the surface. You know that he has a wildness about him that may surface at any moment.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 am · Link
I think it’s their primal nature and aggressive sexuality that make shifters so sexy and fascinating. They usually only have one true mate which is a great story element in a romance.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 am · Link
The element of otherness?
The mate thing?
The strength/power of alphaness that is generally defined as shifters and that combined with the fact that they have a family/pack mentality?
The animal characteristics that can be drawn from their shifted side – unlike the human male animal behaviour of the farts and belches??
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:48 am · Link
Damn I didn’t word that one right, that they are sexy alpha family men?
That is probably not much better.. buh
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:52 am · Link
What does it for me is that all of the ones that I have read about shifters, they are so protective and loyal to their mates. Even though they really don’t want a mate to begin with…once they find her, they will never let her go. And I just love a loyal man, shifter…whatever! Very sexy in my eyes.
Have a great day!
Amy M
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:59 am · Link
I think it is the animals that they shift into. I have never yet read of an shifter changing into an elephant or hippo – and please don’t start now!
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 am · Link
It’s the way shifters move and their protective nature. Okay, the fact that they are big-time alphas doesn’t hurt.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 am · Link
yeah, everyone has already summed it up perfectly. The primal, predatory, animalistic nature combined with the loyalty and protectiveness is what draws me in.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:45 am · Link
There is something so sexy about shifters. There alphaness which is so not a word I realize. There protectness of their mate.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:25 am · Link
We are animals deep inside so I think that shifters spark something primal in all of us. Also, animals are more in the moment then humans, less about consequences and more about immediate needs. That can be very sexy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:37 am · Link
I think that there are characteristics about that other form that are so attractive and sometime dangerous, and to have that in one package with the appealing parts of humans, well, that’s irresistible…
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:38 am · Link
I think it has a lot to do with their being alpha and just a little hint of arrogant……in a good way!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:04 am · Link
The alphaness for sure, and that predatory deliciousness…hehe!!
Of course, they are susually ga-ga for their heroines!!! Yum!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:20 am · Link
Thanks for the great contest. For me, shifters represent protectiveness. Also, I like the idea of mating for life. Have a great day.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:30 am · Link
I think they represent something we would like to be or have their same characteristics at times. Also, it depends on what they shape shift into-somehow and elf isn’t as sexy as a wolf or a panther.
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am · Link
The alpha dominance.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 am · Link
I think when shifters are cats (the big kind) they are usually sleek and muscular and have that dangerous quality. I enjoy stories with shape shifters.
Linda Henderson
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 am · Link
That whole possesive ‘Mine’ thing.
Get all tingly when they do that!!!
😈
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:44 am · Link
I think it’s all that dominant, predator alpha-ness. Just yummy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 am · Link
wow sounds good.
lexeetoste at sbcglobal.net
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:48 am · Link
i don’t know what it is about shapeshifters that make them so sexy, they just are. Maybe because they are so animalistic than most men. Sorry about the other post, got distracted on the phone with birthday phone calls.
lexeetoste at sbcglobal.net
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:54 am · Link
*waving madly* Hello, Ms Stone, it was such a pleasure to meet you at Ann’s pj party 😀
What makes shifters so sexy? That you can’t ever be completely sure whether it’s the man or the best in charge 😀
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:54 am · Link
agh! that should have been *beast* not best *face palm*
sowwy…
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 am · Link
OMG, is that an sabolger design? On Lauren Dane’s blog? Donated by Juliana Stone?
I might just freak out 😛
Hi ladies!!!!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 am · Link
I think it has to do with the animal instincts being so close to the surface and bringing it out in those around them…
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am · Link
Their animalistic nature and how alphas are pretty damn sexy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 am · Link
Like everyone else said – the whole animalistic primative thing going on – very basic, very alpha. Yum.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 am · Link
I don’t…just all the muscles..LOL
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:01 am · Link
Shifters have that aggressive, primal sexuality. Its all the animalistic pheromones that just oozes from their being and hones their instincts. 😈
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:30 am · Link
I think they’re sexy because a part of them is untamed and wild.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am · Link
Juliana,
In the context of jaguar shifters, I’d have to say that a lot of their sexiness comes from their inherent feline qualities.
Aggressive, primal…..and purring! 😉
Have fun with the contest and I’m looking forward to your release date! 🙂
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:59 am · Link
I really think it’s the pure animalistic quality that it gives the already alpha-male. It simply adds to the blatant sexiness of him! 😀 BTW, beautiful bracelet!!
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:59 am · Link
I will have to agree with the other’s, but Lea’s answer sums it up the best.
Thanks for another great giveaway. 😀
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:12 pm · Link
Great contest!
I have to agree with everyone’s comments.
Wow what a beautiful bracelet.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm · Link
I think it is the edge of danger they represent.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm · Link
I think because for the most part they are written as being comfortable with their own bodies and their sexuality. They don’t have the hangups that humans have. It is what it is, and that’s sexy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm · Link
i think its all asspects theyr both man and animal the sexy peditor and how hot and steamy or possessive they can be and how beautiful they can be in animal form all has its perks
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm · Link
I think shifters are sexy because they can be human and then transform into something else. I think it’s the thrill of knowing that at any moment, they could look completely different.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm · Link
They are magnificent specimen’s loyal, & by the sounds of the except well endowed ;-}shape-shifters are so sexy marked this on my list
JULIANA & LAUREN the bracelet is beautiful. have a good evening Ladies
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:29 pm · Link
I agree with many of the previously mentioned qualities, the alpha element, never knowing when the “beast” might surface, the types of animals that shift (wolves, jaguars, etc.) Maybe the alpha dominance is the primary thing that makes them so sexy…
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm · Link
I think its because they are always strong charactors, and I love a strong charactor.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:37 pm · Link
Power. All the shifters always have a powerful animal form. You don’t generally see mouse shifters.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pm · Link
I think a lot of it has to be with being Alpha male. Shifters are definitely sexy. I will lean towards shifters before vamps a lot of times.
When I first started reading LKH’s
Anita series I wanted her with Richard but then Richard turned into a whiney little man that I now can’t stand.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm · Link
I think it is the danger that lurks beneath the surface that makes shifters so sexy and fascinating.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm · Link
I like the way the characteristics of the animal comes through when in human form. Power, protective of mate and they’re so sexy! 😀
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm · Link
DEFINTELY THE PREDATOR ASPECT TO THEM , MAKES IT EXCITING AND A CHALLENGE
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm · Link
Shifters exude strength and sex appeal. You just know they’ll protect you because of their alpha tendencies.