My Vision of Hero Owen Winters
Since you all seem to enjoy the spicier side of life here at Books and Things *winks*, here are the passages from North of Need that make THE BELOW PICTURE OF OWEN the one that was in my head the entire time I wrote:
Exhibit 1:
Even asleep, unconscious, whatever, the guy was ruggedly handsome. Mop of shiny black hair, strong brow, square jaw, fair skin, full red lips. A male Snow White.
Her eyes traced down. Very male.
Exhibit 2:
Peeking into the living room through the bathroom’s connecting door, she called out, “You gonna be okay out there, Owen?”
He was lying on his back, long flannel-pajama-clad legs crossed at the ankle and arm up over his head. Cover off to the side. No shirt. Jeez, his chest was broad and defined, stomach cut with ridges of muscles. He turned a lazy gaze from the fire to where she stood in the doorway. “I’m good. Thank you, for everything.”
Good, indeed. She’d never look at that couch the same way again. She hugged herself. “Okay, well, give a shout if you need anything, or just help yourself. G’night.”
He nodded. “Good night, Megan.”
Exhibit 3:
Hmm, yes, all that sculptured back muscle argued in favor of the stripping down. The way he’d turned in his stool to watch her popped his corded lat muscle out all down his left side. Megan licked her lips. Tried but failed to ignore the desire to taste that lean length of skin.
Exhibit 4:
“Let me look at you.” Big hands stroked her knees.
She trembled, the result of her racing heart and shallow breaths. The adoration on his face gripped her, made her feel safe. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she relaxed her thighs, let them fall open.
His gaze followed her movements, alighted on her most private place like a physical caress. Her arousal spiked, coating the soft folds of her cleft. Owen inhaled deeply, licked his lips. His intense observation set her body on fire, had her wet, needy.
After a time, she pouted. “Don’t tease me.”
He met her eyes. “Never,” he said, as he tugged at the string tie of his pants.
Megan sucked in a breath. He was naked underneath. And huge. Her hips bucked at the sight. She couldn’t tear her eyes away. He was long, thick, swollen with need, veined in ways that made her salivate.
He gripped himself, stroked once, twice. Her mouth dropped open, fascinated. All at once, she understood why he’d looked at her so long.
Annnnnd Exhibit 5:
“Megan.” He swallowed hard. “Look, angel.”
She followed his voice and her gaze drifted to the right. “Oh, God.” The mirror over the dresser framed their lovemaking. Neither could tear their stare away from the erotic image reflected back to them. Megan’s golden waves bounced with his every thrust. Owen’s body curled around her, held her. The muscles from his ribs to his thighs corded as he moved against her. Their eyes met in the mirror.
And hers were absolutely alive with unspoken emotion.
Owen threw his head back and roared out his orgasm.
And what do all those excerpts add up to? Just this, my friends. My version of Owen Freaking Winters:
So, what say you? If you didn’t see Melissa’s pick yesterday, scroll down to yesterday’s post and take a looksee! Then let us know which one you’d like to
Thanks for reading!
Laura Kaye
WANT TO WIN NORTH OF NEED? The North of Need Book Launch Blog Tour runs through November 20. A giveaway everyday!
Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...
Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.
Called to life by Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.
Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.
About Laura Kaye:
A multi-published author of paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance, Laura Kaye’s hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura is the author of the bestselling contemporary romance and award-nominated HEARTS IN DARKNESS and the bestselling and award-winning paranormal romance FOREVER FREED (NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011), as well as an erotic romance novella, JUST GOTTA SAY. Her fourth book, contemporary fantasy romance NORTH OF NEED, is the first in the 4-book Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Romantic Excerpt
The men in her life wanted her to be happy, wanted her to let go of the pain. Wanted her to embrace life. To live.
John couldn’t. But she could.
Owen’s mouth dropped open when she dragged her exploring fingers across the deep red of his bottom lip. So soft.
For now, she’d start with what she knew. “I do want you, Owen. And I need you.” She swallowed. “So much.”
A deep sound of satisfaction rumbled low in his throat and ricocheted down her body. Those soft lips found hers, already open, waiting for his touch. With his kiss, he possessed her. His scent—winter spice and male—filled her senses. His body covered her. She could live on the cool, sweet taste of his tongue. And, God, his little moans and grunts reverberated right down to the wet heat between her legs.
He trailed open-mouthed kisses over her cheek to her ear, sucked her lobe between his lips and flicked it with his tongue. She gasped as goose bumps erupted everywhere and she offered her neck to his exploration.
“I want you, Megan. Be mine. Gods.”
He licked and sucked down her neck. She shivered and grabbed onto the firmness of his sculpted biceps. He nipped at the tendon where neck met shoulder. A moan exploded from her, loud and wanton, but couldn’t be helped. She threaded her fingers into his silky black hair and held him to her. “Again,” she rasped. He teased her with his teeth, then his tongue and lips. “God, Owen.”
She chuckled even as she whimpered at the spine-tingling nips and bites.
“What’s so funny?” His warm breath caressed her bare skin.
“Sorry, it’s just…” She covered her mouth with her hand, humor-induced tears now gathering at the corners of her eyes.
He pulled her hand away. “Never hide your smile from me.”
He pressed kisses to her knuckles, then pinned her wrist beside her shoulder.
She finally reined in her amusement. “I’m sorry. It’s just, I said, ‘God, Owen,’ and then”—the chuckles threatened again—“it hit me that, you know, you really are a god, and all.”
A playful smirk framed Owen’s face. “Are you amused by my godhood?”
She nodded. He thrust his hips into hers, rocking the ridge of his impressive erection against her right where she craved him. Her lips dropped open as she sucked in a breath.
His mismatched eyes blazed. “Still amused?”
She nodded and pressed up against him. Wrapped one leg around his waist and dug her heel into his firm ass. He grunted and ground down on her, just as she hoped he would. Then his mouth crushed against hers again, their tongue intertwining. He drew away with little kisses on the corner of her lips. “I like you amused. Smiling. Laughing. I want to make you feel that way.”
His words wrapped around her heart, mending, binding. She cupped his cheek in her palm. “Sweet, sweet man.” She took a deep breath and a leap of faith. “Make love to me.”
“Gods, yes.” In a flash, he’d pushed up from the couch, lifted her in his arms, and crossed the room.
Butterflies took flight in her stomach. His humor, his gentle kindness, his raw sexuality, his masculine beauty—he appealed to every part of her mind and body. And, maybe, just maybe, her heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Guess what Laura... we had very close visons of Owen. I spotted your guy but could only find one pic and no name. I thought that was so funny if I wasn't drooling so much. ;D However, I couldn't resist Robin Martin's coat with no clothes look. It just "felt" *ahem* so right! LOL
So, would you like to read the whole book after getting a taste? Well, there is one ebook available for grabs to anyone that has an e-mail address!
Also, Laura is giving away:
Perfect for those wishing for a little snow in their area! ;)
(this is only open for US/Can)
So, how to enter?
Via the Rafflecopter form of course! ;D
I am not entering but thanks to a very informative guest post!
ReplyDelete@Anachronist - "informative" ROFL!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa for hosting me today! And totally hilarious that you saw this Owen too! Yours was absolutely delish!
Good luck everyone!
Oh my! I can totally see what Owen was so very inspiring. hehe. Love that pic, and your covers! Congratulations on book 2's completion! Can't wait to have a little downtime to download and read book 1. The blurb and excerpt are very intriguing. :)
ReplyDeleteLoved this post, Laura. And I would love to have a...um...nice conversation with your version of Owen Winters. I'm sure we'd have lots to talk about! :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion? Laura had a question? I think when I saw her version of Owen everything else flew out of my head. I definitely would love to have a long involved conversation with this version of Owen Winters. Can a Snow God cause a conflagration?
ReplyDeletethumbelinda03@yahoo.com
LOL Yes, Linda, yes he can!
ReplyDeleteLoving your fun comments, guys!
Shew!!! The snow is melting!!! LOL
ReplyDeleteLisa :)
Normally I'd bitch and moan about the snow because it means soon it will be too cold here for even that. But I might make an exception for Owen. ;) hehe
ReplyDeleteAhem *blush* *drool*
ReplyDeleteLol, I really liked nr 4 ;)
Oh and I want the guy in this post
I love the excerpts for this book. Have been following along and their have been some good ones. Loved the picture of what you picture Owen as. Very sexy. I would love to win and read this book, so please choose me for the giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletechristinebails@yahoo.com
Oh my! Thanks for getting my afternoon going with a smile. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWell, sign me up. I'd like one of him at my place...Although I'd say hubby might protest a little
ReplyDeleteWOW, these excerpts heated up my office! I can't wait to read about Owen Winters and ... what's her name? Oh that's right, Megan...not me!
ReplyDeleteI love Laura's version of Owen. The cover is dripping melted snow onto my desktop... =D
Thanks for the awesome eye candy and giveaway!
I could almost start wishing for snow if I had guy like that to keep me warm! :)
ReplyDeleteYIkes girl! My needing point is going off the radar! I NEED!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!! WOW.....
ReplyDeletehehe Loving your comments! Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteAlthough both guys are very nice, I have to go with Laura's Owen. The guy on the cover is very nice too. Can we pick all? Plus the guy from your new cover? LOL That way we would stay warm all winter long.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness I'm reading this at home and not at work because my computer almost exploded. Damn!
ReplyDelete*Double sigh* Ok, I changed my mind, can I have this one for xmas...puh-leaze!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry there was a question involved? My mind kinda went blank...hmmmm yes I still have to agree with myself, I want this one to have a "conversation" with!
ReplyDeleteBooks and Things is so WIN! Loving it here today! Thanks for all the great comments, guys!
ReplyDeleteWow, this post certainly help heat up a cold morning. And I'm definitely going with the guy pictured above. Mmmm...
ReplyDeletethe more I read about Owen the more I think I need to meet him and after seeing those pictures (swoon)...;) I think I like the more rugged looking guy.
ReplyDelete@Simcha--Woohoo! Owen's got the goods, baby! ;)
ReplyDelete@Sharon--Yes, you totally need to meet him! NOW! lol
Thanks so much everyone!
Oh dear GOD! Yes please!!! Sign me up! Lol! Sounds freaking fab!
ReplyDeleteI will take them all cause well I can make room in my house! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL You guys are making me chuckle! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to read North of Need, especially now that I have a visual to keep in mind as I read the spicy scenes.
ReplyDeleteWow! If I didn't want to read the book before, now that I have a mental picture of Owen firmly ensconced in my brain, I'm definitely going to read it! Thanks so much for the eye candy:)
ReplyDelete@Anne and Julie--LOL Glad the visual, er, helps you!
ReplyDeleteWhew! It got a lil warm in here!!! Loved the excerpts ;)Now I *really* want to read this book!!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL... thanks again for the great post and excerpts and giveaway!
Have a wonderful weekend everybody!
This sounds like an awesome book and I love stories that are about mythology. Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletemythic021@gmail.com
@erin--hehe Yes, yes it did! Enjoy!
ReplyDelete@Vanessa--Loved your comment!
Thanks so much for all the fun comments everyone!
Laura - Oh. Dear. God.!!!! There are no comments in my head any more after looking at that! Put him on my Christmas Wish List!
ReplyDeleteLOL Awesome Ann! Consider it done! ;)
ReplyDeletelaura's Owen, Yummm!
ReplyDeleteUmmmmm... I am kinda speechless (in a good way though). *Runs off to find a copy of this book* ;)
ReplyDeleteThat is a really tough decision. I like the cover art Owen, but I'm a sucker for a handsome face so I like the first of yesterday's book buddy pics.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book so thanks for the giveaway opportunity. Either way, I'm reading it. Thanks for the teasers.
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
Tamara--yay!
ReplyDeleteAvery--hehe me likey!
Sophia Rose--Hmm...I would say it's more a "hard" decision than a tough one. Ahem. ;) Hope you give it a try!
Thanks for all the fun comments everyone!
HOLY MOLY! I wasn't expecting a wake up post like that. Ummm... Now I really need NoN!
ReplyDelete"A male Snow White. Her eyes traced down. Very male."
Yeah... I think I got the perfect impression of him now. Owen sounds...er... looks like my type. *blushes*
wow the ornament are great and would love to have it on my tree this year and would take a pic of the tree with it on
ReplyDeletethank for the gift and the book
desi theblonde@msn.com
@Missie--LOL Awesome! So glad you liked the pic and the line from the book!
ReplyDelete@desi--Aw, that would be awesome! Good luck!
Enjoying all the comments, guys! Thanks!
So no doubt about it, I'd like to LICK Laura Kaye's pick. This is only because I have it bad for men with dark, dark hair....on their heads...LOL! No, but really, I do. I just want to run my fingers through it. And oh my freaking gee, that body is so cut. Words escape me!
ReplyDeleteOMG.. Getting a little warm in here lol, amazing post and awesome giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI really should not have read this at work! LOL
ReplyDeleteGotta love that picture.
Thanks for the contest.
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
@Jen--Yeah, his hair if half his appeal. Well, okay, maybe not half. I mean, after all, there's his...and his...and his... Oh, I'm sorry, what was I talking about??? ;)
ReplyDelete@Stephalicious--hehe sure is!
@booklover0226--whoops. Is it too late to say NSFW???
Man, I'm loving it here at Books and Things! Good luck everyone!
Blushing here LOL I really am an eye girl and I think I am going to have to go with Owen :) Thank you for the fun today and for the lovely giveaway opportunity. Shall we sing - let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
ReplyDeleteLOL Yes, Denise! Let's do! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the great comments and the fun here!