Hey y’all! We’ve got Cynthia Eden here today sharing an exclusive excerpt of her upcoming book Angel Betrayed! Which is totally exciting, because it’s out June 26! So we’re getting this teaser a whole month in advance. But not only that, the book releases a measly two days before my birthday! (Cuz we all know what’s important to me here, right? … ME! ;))
Unedited excerpt from Angel Betrayed (by Cynthia Eden, June 26, 2012, Kensington Brava)
Sammael–call him Sam–was an angel once. An Angel of Death. But the dispassionate, watch-from-above thing just wasn’t working for him when it meant watching evil torture innocent souls day in and day out. It might have cost him his wings, but these days he gets to apply the direct method on the bad guys. Problem is, what’s making his life difficult is a bad girl…
Seline O’Shaw needs protection, and with the hounds of hell on her tail, she’s not going to quibble too hard about where she gets it. Sam’s virtue is questionable, but he’s smoking hot, massively powerful, and owes her a favor. So what if she’s getting a little case of angel lust? There are some damn deadly sins after her hide…
A shiver slipped over her at his touch. She hadn’t expected her reaction to Sam. The first time she’d seen him, she’d…wanted him, and that wasn’t the way things were supposed to work in her world. She was the one desired. The one wanted. That was the way she’d been made. She might not like the life she’d been given, but screw the bitching and moaning routine. Seline couldn’t control what she was, but she could use her power.
Sam led her through the crowd and to a small door on the side of the club. The private room. Yeah, she knew the place. She’d been working at Sunrise for a while now, and she’d learned the rules. This room was for the VIPs. A place for them to have quick sex, to run a business deal, or to party the night away. All without having to worry about any prying eyes watching.
Unless you wanted to be watched, because she knew some folks in Sunrise liked that, too.
The bouncer at the door immediately let Sam inside. Figured he’d get instant access because right then, she knew Sam was the most important VIP in the place.
Fear had a way of making certain people very, very important.
The door closed behind her with a soft click. No watching. Seline’s heart did a too-fast kick when Sam turned around and locked his stare on her. “Better now?” he asked with a twist of his lips. Sexy lips. “I’m all yours.” He crossed his arms over his chest and watched her with a gaze that always saw too much.
Oh, damn. She swallowed. Play the game. “I-I…you owe me, Sam.”
His dark brows—black to match his midnight mane of hair—rose. “Do I?” His voice was careless, but she saw the intensity in his eyes.
Seline nodded quickly. “I helped you before. I told you—told you when the shifter wanted you dead.” Who didn’t want him dead? But a few weeks ago, she’d tipped Sam off about the very dangerous coyote shifter who’d been hunting him. That tip-off should give her the bargaining power she needed right now.
His head inclined. “So you did.” His gaze raked her body, and that hot blue stare lingered a bit too long on her breasts and her thighs. The top of her “uniform” plunged right between her breasts, and the skirt barely skimmed the tops of her thighs.
She shifted slightly beneath his stare but quickly caught herself. “You owe me now, Sam,” she reminded him.
That brought his eyes back to hers. His face, that perfect face that didn’t belong on someone so dangerous, tilted to study her. Sam might have the reputation of the devil, but the man’s face and body were pure perfection. All the better to tempt.
Sometimes she felt like everything about the man was a lie. But, fair enough, she was pretty good at deceiving, too.
She pressed, “You pay your debts, right?” He’d better.
“Depends on the debt.”
That wasn’t the answer she wanted.
Sam lowered his arms and stalked closer until only a foot of space separated their bodies. The door was closed behind her, and when he leaned in, Sam slapped both of his palms against the wooden frame and caged her with his arms. “What do you need, Seline?”
She wasn’t surprised that he knew her name. He’d watched her often enough in the last two months. First, he’d watched her at Temptation. Going in as a dancer had been the only way she knew to get close to Sam—and she had to get close.
But when some assholes had torched the joint, she’d had to come up with a real fast plan B. Since she knew Sam spent a lot of time here, she’d taken a waitressing job at Sunrise. All to stay close to him.
It had only been later that she’d learned Sam actually owned Sunrise, too.
“Seline?” His breath feathered lightly over her cheek. “What do you want from me?”
Her chin lifted but she kept her hands at her sides. Don’t touch him. “Protection.”
His brows rose.
“I won’t lie to you, Sam.” Yes, actually, she would. A lot. “I haven’t exactly been living the pure and innocent life.” Okay, that line was one hundred percent true. “I made a mistake a while back, and now there are some people out there that want me dead.”
“Why?”
The door was shut. They were totally alone. She could confess to him. “Because I killed a man.” The words seemed to fall into the thick silence of the room. “I didn’t plan to do it. It-it was an accident—”
“Was it?”
Her hands clenched into fists. Ah, caught me. “No, it wasn’t.” Again, this part was true. The lies would only come later. “He was an asshole who got off on hurting women. He used his fists any chance he had, and I wasn’t gonna be the next body he put in a box.” She wouldn’t be any man’s punching bag.
His eyes studied her. “You’re afraid.”
Only of a few things in this world.
“Is that why,” he continued quietly, “you’re always armed?”
He knew?
“With a gun close by, tucked in your purse or…” His fingers slid up her thigh. Up, up, stroking over her flesh until he found the sheath of her knife, tucked right on the interior of her thigh. “Or why you keep a knife strapped to your thigh?”
“You can’t be too careful,” she whispered, her body tight because he was still touching her—and she liked it. Can’t. Too dangerous. Wanting Sam could make her weak, and lust was a weakness she couldn’t afford right then.
Unfortunately for her kind, lust was like kryptonite. The closer the temptation, the stronger the weakness.
You can also read an additional excerpt on Ms. Eden’s site here.
Wasn’t that such a tease? Ms. Eden also mentioned a signed copy of Angel Betrayed to one lucky commenter here. But, I wouldn’t take that at face value. I’m sure the heat got to her, and she meant to say she’s going to send me a copy and all the rest of you are supposed to congratulate me on my luck. Yes, that’s it. 😛
For those of you unused to my sense of humor… yes, Cynthia Eden is giving away a signed copy of this book. So tell us, what did you think? Do you like paranormal romances or not? Which are your favorite types of paranormal creatures?
Hi limecello ! Yes I love paranormal. My fave would be fallen angel n werewolf because it was told that werewolves are descendants of fallen angel:)
I love werewolves, too! 😉
OMG!!! I cannot wait to read Sam’s story! Meeting him in Angel of Darkness was such a tease. And this…Limecello, is SO not fair! Thank you for the excerpt, but umm, I kind of want more.
Paranormal Romance is my favorite genre! I like any kind of para creature, but my favorite I think is either a Harpy or Phoenixes. And, from what Cynthia said a few months ago, she may be working on a Phoenix story! 😀
Thank you for the opportunity to maybe read this early. Maybe I will share it with you for your birthday. 😉
I am, Tina!! I am working on Phoenxies! 😉 I’ve turned in the first Phoenix book to my editor at Kensington, and I”m hoping to turn in the 2nd book in just a few weeks.
(And thank you! Very happy to hear that you’re looking forward to Sam’s story!)
Woohoo! You will let us know when we can expect that Phoenix book, right, Cynthia?? 😉
Ya’ll may as well go back to bed, because this book is mine! lol 😛
I love paranormal romances, it’s pretty much all I read. I love the shifters, vampires, angels, demons, harpies, werewolves, oh and can I just say I’m a huge fan…:) 🙂
But seriously, what a tease! I love the excerpt and that cover is pretty nice too. Well now that you have me all worked into a tizzy, you may as well just post the rest of the book *and send it to me in an email…I won’t tell anyone…* LOL
LOL, Mary, you are awesome!! And I love all the paranormal characters that you listed–but now you’ve got me wanting to read about harpies!
Great excerpt. I like paranormal books and any kind of creature, like vampires and werewolves.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
I have really enjoyed this series so far. I love paranormal books and all the creatures within.
Thank you! I am so addicted to paranormals. If I go too long without reading a paranormal romance, I get twitchy.
What a great excerpt! Fallen Angels…yum!
I pretty much only read paranormal romances, because I just love the worlds that authors can create from things that don’t exist. I prefer shifters, especially unique ones like coyotes or horses, but I also enjoy all other manner of supernatural creatures.
So glad you enjoyed the excerpt! Thank you!
Thanks so much for inviting me to Teaser Tuesday, Lime!! And happy early birthday! 😉
I am definitely putting her on my list of Authors to Read. I enjoyed the snippit from the book…. to answer your question about favorite paranormal beings…. probably weres…. I tend to like my guys “hot blooded”… 🙂
Those hot blooded guys are awesome! 😉
What a great excerpt! Sam sounds yummy. I also love paranormal romance, especially with werewolves, ghosts and angels, of course. I also like time-travel stories. Well, pretty much anything with hunky heroes. Thanks for the giveaway,
Julie
So glad you liked the excerpt! Thank you! I also like time-travel stories. Do you have any good ones that you’ve read lately?
I love PNR! I’m so glad this subgenre is so popular and I have plenty of books to feed my addiction (though it would be even better if Cynthia would write a little faster ). I’ve always liked dragons and gargoyles though feline and wolf shifters are right up there too.
txbookjunkie [at] gmail [dot] com
Eva, you just mentioned two of my faves–I sure love me some gargoyles and dragons! 🙂
Love Cynthia Eden books!
Thank you!
Can you say Paranomal Romance addict?!? Lol, I can’t seem to ever get enough! Cynthiasnbooks are some of my absolute favorite 😉 I’ve read about 700 books since I got my Kindle 3 years ago and wow, I can’t stop. Favorites include Vampires, Fallen Angels & Werewolves. I love the raw carnality of them, being possessed and lifetime mates. Struggles with their inner beast and nature. Going to jeep on reading as long as these great writers like Cynthia keep feeding my addiction ;)~
Hi, Tina!! I think you and I should get t-shirts that say Paranormal Romance Addict. Cause I am definitely one, too! 700 books? My Kindle is so jealous of your Kindle! (And thank you!)
Great Idea! I forgot to add that the exerpt was awesome, cant wait to see how much more trouble Sam can get into ;)~
First of all I have always loved Ms.Edens books. They capture your attention from page one. I will always try other genres but paranormal romance is my #1. Vamps and Lycans always been my favorite but I must admit after I read Ms. Edens Midnight Masters I totally fell for demons. Niol character just changed my entire view. So from that point on I go for characters themselves not just what species they are. Lol thanks for this chance.
Hi, Mellissa!! Oh, I am so happy that you liked Midnight’s Master–and Niol!! A dark guy, but one that was such a thrill to write. Thank you!
I really enjoy paranormal books. I have just recently started Cynthia books and I have liked every one that I have read. Cannot wait for Sam’s story. He was a bit of a jerk in the last book. 🙂 I am sure he is better in this one.
He was, Heather! But he gets much better this time. Well, hmm…I don’t know if “better” is the right word. Maybe less of an ass? (And if you thought Sam was a bad guy…wait to you see the hero in book 3…)
I do love reading paranormal romance books, always have and always will. I really enjoyed reading the excerpt. I think my favorite characters are Vampires, then werewolves and then Fae. I love all of the world building and special abilities the characters bring to the stories. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Maria! I often wish I had some kind of super cool special ability. Flying would be awesome.
Cynthia,you are hands down the best not only paranormal and steamy but just best author I have read in years. Thank you so much for posting the list of all your books when I requested because there were actually 2 I didn’t have and am in the process of trying to get them from Red Sage publishing co. right now. Last night I noticed Rebbecca Zanetti now has a facebok page and I wrote her and told her that I enjoyed her boks but the reason I bought them was because you endorsed them, When you endorse a book,I but it sight unseen just on your say so, I am on hold for 3 of your books,2 in the fallen angel series and the other is “howl for it” with you and Shelly,keep up the good work, a fan for life, Sharon Chalk
Thank you, Sharon!! You have just completely made my day. I am so happy that you enjoy my stories. Thank you!!!!
Definitely hooked. Now I need to know what happens next. Paranormal romance stories are my favorite. I love shifters, especially dragon shifters.
mythic021@gmail.com
I love dragon shifters, too!! I’ve been hooked on them since I was a kid–and I found out I was born in the year of the dragon.
Ah… great excerpt! Favorite paranormal creatures? I find most of them pretty fascinating, but would probably go with shifters–wolves, big cats, and dragons are my favorites!
And LOL, Lime! Thanks for so sweetly sharing the goods with us when I know how much you’d rather be accepting congrats on your good fortune instead ;p
So glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
Hah – Fedora, thanks, but what good fortune? I have nothing. Nothing! *sobs piteously*
lol – no, seriously though. O_o What good fortune?
I meant that you’d rather have had Cynthia send that signed book straight to you and we could all be envying you instead 😉 (Didn’t say that very clearly–sorry! ;))
I love paranormal romance. Favorite paranormal creatures are shapeshifters: big cats, wolves, dragons and werewolves,
You’ve just listed all of my favorite shifters!
I love to read PNR, just about anything can happen. Fav characters are the shifter, vamps, angels, fae, opps, that’s more that one, but it’s hard to choose.
I’m all for choosing more than one! Sometimes, it’s just too hard to pick a single favorite.
June 26, 2012, – That’s the day after my oldest’s birthday. He turns 14. Ohhhh man
Paranormal Romance makes 80% of what I read anymore. Absolutely love it.. Mm, Favorite creatures: dragons hands down, elvens, fae, angels, demons.
Happy birthday to him! 😉
And, Raonaid, do you have any good elven books to recommend?
Other than Forgotten Realms (never have happy endings) There is Elaine Cunningham’s two books: Shadows in the Darkness and Shadows in the Starlight (never read the latter yet). More Urban Fantasy.
She also has her Forgotten Realm titles. Starlight & Shadows is about a beserker and dark elf. Very sad ending and not a happily ever after.
In my TBR pile I do have Kathryne Kennedy’s three books, promise with elves. Believe some of Cheyenne McCray has a dark elf (drow). Not too many outside of Forgotten Realms * Pouts *
But I loved Shadows in the Darkness
Paranormal is my favorite and I love vampires; close second though, werewolves.
That’s a great top two list!
Paranormal romance is probably my fave genre right now. I love angels and demons, but vampires are always an old fave.
Annie, I sure hope those vamps never go out of style!
Lime, thank you so much for having me over today–it’s been a pleasure! And a big thank you to everyone for all of the great comments. Have a wonderful night!
I like werewolves and angels. This book looks so good!
Thank you, Robin!
I love paranormals. I probably read more of them than anything else. My favorites would probably be vampires because they are my first love of the paranormal genre. But I love shifters, demons, angels, gargoyles, etc. Love ’em all!!!
So many fun paranormal creatures out there!
I love paranormal. I really like shifters and angels. But I think every paranormal creature has something and is interesting. Some more than others 😉
Can’t wait to read the book and I like the cover.
Thank you, Mia! This is one of my fave covers.;)
Hi Cynthia,
My favorite creature is vampire and son of satan (because i love reyes from first to the grave series by darynda jones :))
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I adore vampires! They have always been my favorite 😀
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