Hope everyone had a great holiday! I’ve been asked by several readers to post an excerpt from Once Burned, and to show that I can be obedient, here one is :). For those who haven’t read the book’s description, I’m also copying it below. In this scene, Vlad has just
brought Leila back to his house under an agreement she isn’t so comfortable with – and she doesn’t know he’s the “real” Dracula yet. She thinks he has role-playing issues by calling himself Vlad, heh.
Note: The scene in the book is slightly longer. I edited it to take out some spoilers.
She’s a mortal with dark powers…
After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…
He’s the Prince of Night…
Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.
***
The word “house” didn’t begin to do justice to the white and gray structure in front of me. I actually had to tilt my head back to see all the way up to the roof. It was at least four stories high, with additional floors on the triangular turrets that rose dramatically on each corner. A myriad of carvings decorated the exterior, from intricate balconies in front of soaring windows to stone gargoyles that glared down from their perches. They weren’t the only sentinels of this gothic-looking palace; at least a dozen people were stationed in various spots around the house, some standing so still that at first glance, I’d thought they were statues, too. A high stone wall with manned lookout towers encircled the property. Beyond that and the surrounding forest, dark gray mountains acted as a natural barrier, adding to the imposing feel of the place.
“Leila.”
Vlad’s voice jerked my attention back to him. He didn’t bother to hide his grin as he glanced down at my feet.
“Don’t you want to come inside before you catch a chill?”
I followed his gaze as if I needed proof that I was standing barefoot on the icy ground. I’d forgotten about the cold, being so caught up in the splendor around me, but now sharp needles of pain pricked my feet.
“Coming,” I said at once.
Two huge double doors opened and Vlad entered through them, nodding at the men who bowed to him as he passed. This time, the obsequious gesture didn’t seem out of place. Anyone who lived in a palace like this would expect to be bowed to. Hell, it was bigger than some royal castles I’d seen on TV.
I followed after him, unable to keep from looking around like a kid. We were inside an enormous hall with ceilings that were decorated with artful beams, frescos and shields. Off to the right, the ceiling lowered and became domed glass. Below it, an indoor garden with plants and flowers were arranged around chairs, couches, and a marble fountain.
Vlad strode by the garden and I followed, catching glimpses of more magnificent rooms as we continued down the main hall. Finally he stopped in front of a staircase.
“Maximus will show you to your room,” Vlad stated. He turned and began to walk away, but my “Wait!” stopped him.
“I can’t shower until I release all my excess electricity,” I said with a shrug. “Don’t suppose you have any lightning rods here?”
“I’ll get some,” he replied, coming closer. “Until then, use me.”
“I can find something else,” I hedged.
A brow arched. “I insist.”
He grasped my hand with those words. His coppery eyes stared into mine, silencing my next protest before I voiced it. He was so close that I imagined I could feel his unusual heat in the scant space between us. The warmth from his hand was certainly real. It seemed to slip inside my skin, teasing me with memories of what it felt like to be enveloped in his embrace, that hot, hard body pressed along every inch of me.
I cleared my throat to distract myself from the unexpected tightening of certain parts down below. It didn’t help that he stroked my skin as he waited for my response, even that small touch sending more pleasant tingles through me.
“Are you sure?” I had to drain myself in order for this to be effective, and though he was fireproof, it might still hurt.
He leaned down, his long hair brushing my face. Those dark strands shouldn’t have felt like teasing caresses, but they did, and again, I cursed my strange reaction to him.
“I never do anything unless I’m sure.”
His voice was lower, and his fingers tightened on my hand. A bolt slid into him that I hadn’t meant to send, but he didn’t appear to mind. Instead, a slow smile spread across his lips.
“More.”
***
Once Burned releases June 26th. Right now, excerpt chapters are available as sneak peeks in the Magic Graves and The Bite Before Christmas anthologies. As I do with every upcoming book, I’ll post those chapters on my website closer to the release date.
ahhhh Yes please… MORE!!! hehe
ACK yes yes more!! I have to wait until JUNE?! Holy CATS!! I might just explode!!!
I can’t wait! Thank yo so much :).
Absolutely can’t wait. June can’t come fast enough for me! Any chance of a book about Tate?
Oh, my… 😀
yes yes yes!! tate needs a book too
I would love to see a book about Tate and maybe a novella about Juan or Dave (later on). There has been so much between Cat and Tate, that I just want to know more!!!!! He deserves a happy ending 🙂
Wonderful gift for Christmas! Thank you Jeaniene!
Its a shame that you stopped the night prince series at book 4…. I mean what happens to maximus wheres Gretchen and even though hes a misguided mentality unstable adult now what happens to Vlads nephew? I even want to know what happens to Leiote
Drool.
omg!!! amazing…… i just can not wait for more!
I agree “MORE”!
OMG!
That-was-Fantastic!
Amazing work Jeaniene, as always!
I can’t wait to read the rest of it.
Thanks for the post =]
OMG… More indeed!
Thank you so much for the teaser on Vlad’s book. I can’t wait until it comes out. Happy New Year to you and your’s.
Just slap me now! I knew this was going to be good, but this is beyond awesome. I CANNOT wait…it releases two days after my birthday:)
Must write.faster. I’m hooked on this series. I can’t get enough.
mean jeaniene mean, that was just to much and to little for us to get until june =[ i can wait to get my hand on this book i been going crazy sense i read about him in your story and i want a piece of him
Wow thank you for the preview I love all the Cat and Bones books and I am hoping you want end them for awhile.
They are a great read and very awesome and all the other side one to do with this seriers thank
Ah hell….how many more days until June….aggghhhhh!!!
Yes!! Thank you so much for this! I can’t get enough of Vlad. How am I going to wait until June??
Jeaniene you’re such a tease!!! I absolutely loved the excerpt. I can’t wait to get my Vlad fix. Gah! June release. This 6 months is going to kill me.
OH MAN! I can’t wait. Vlad is one of my most fav characters and I was so excited that he is getting his own series!
Ah, Jeaniene. You knew we were going to buy the book anyway! Why did you have to go and make us crazy with excitement! I can’t wait now for Vlad’s story! would you consider writing a story for Juan? i just know a ladie’s man like Juan with a past that got him involved in hunting vampires has a great story waiting to be told. And he just has to be gorgeous to be attracting all those lovely women. think about it. Please. For me.
I can’t wait for the whole book to come out I can’t get enough of Jeaniene writing
omg….I’m too excited to actually form sentences!
*DEAD*
How can i survive till June now?!?!
Vlad is absolutely my favorite, he shares the #1 place with Bones but i think i might like him more xD
Thank you Jeaniene!
Yes, More! I cannot wait until Once Burned is out!
Thank You for the excerpt, Jeaniene 😀
Yes, more please. Your endings are such a killer. These months better go quick.
June cannot come quick enough. It is going to be fantastic. Vlad has met his match. I’m sooooooooo excited.
You gotta love Vlad!!! be still my heart, can’t wait for more!!!!
I can’t believe we have to wait until June 26th. The wait is going to be next to impossible. Thanks for the excert.
I love you… and I hate you ! x)
Seriously, how can we wait thiiiiis long after such a wonderful excerpt ?!
You can’t be serious !
… I know ! You gave us the wrong date and we will be able to buy the book in the following month, am I right ?! (Pleaaaase, say yes !!!! ^^)
But still, thank you so much, because now we know that we don’t wait for nothing ! ^^ (Ok, I already knew that, but still, I really, really, really enjoyed this scene ! ^^)
Ahhhhhhh ! Vlaaaad ! ♥
Wow, I hope you’re right and that’s a wrong date, wouldn’t that be like, super cool?
I think I got electrified from the expert 😀
I love it and the anticipation is killing me , the though of having to wait until june is sheer vamp torture
AWESOME!!! Can’t wait for more!! Vlad seems to be showing a bit of masochism. How interesting ;D It’s quite exciting!! ^_^
Jeaniene I was wondering is this book going to be like the night huntress books with only Leila’s POV or is it going to be like the night huntress world book and we’re going to get to take a peek into Vlads head?
P.S. Are you sure the book can’t come out sooner… like now!!!!
“More” is right! Can’t wait for this one!!
oh my God!!!!! xDDD
more indeed!!
This was amazing Jeaniene! I can’t to read the whole book already!! :DD
GRRR, I want more…like whole book more. But i realise your human, and must sleep eat and occasionly pee. But that was a little cruel. I need more…hell a short story about his past will work. I love Vlad, just cause he pisses off Bones.
That being said GRRRRRRRRRRR
As a after thought I want you to know I threw my poor nook after i read the sneek peak chapters where it it ended in story was grrrr… luckly it landed on a pile of dirty landry.
Just totally fantastic! Jeanine, you are truly such a talented and engaging writer. Just finished your entire series over November and December – happily addicted! Congrats to your life-affirming, joyful style. I have not had so much fun reading/listening to books in years. Your Audible reader is outrageously great too and such an excellent choice – she is also a talent who made your characters come alive. Thanks so much for your natural creative expression that truly captures the imagination and takes one away on a fantastic voyage. I was so sad to see the end of the journey but on the other hand, I have a company to run. Looking forward to summer and thanks for sharing your new art. Forever a new fan!
I am beyond excited about Vlad’s upcoming series! I love Vlad!
Brilliant! Vlad is amazing as always and Leila is a promising character! I really can’t wait and June seems so far away! 🙁
When is set for pre-order? Love Vlad, but I’m a Cat & Bones junky 🙂 I’m jones’n for book 7 and want more then 9. 🙂 I hope Vlad introduces his new lady to his friends! Sorry I have an incredible lack of patients. Congrats on the VH1 listing!
I am so excited about this new series! I was reeeeeaaaallly hoping (and not giving up on) a book for Ian. He’s an ass but I love the cocky vampire. I would love to see his character explored…
I mostly want you to know I am in LOVE with your writing! You really inspire me and make me wish I gave writing a shot over business school… *wistful sigh*
Oh god yes more!
Yes… MORE!
This is sooooo awesome, I can not say how excited I am to read this in its entirety!!! LOVE IT! I have loved Vlad ever since he “slept” with Cat. 😉
Ohh ho ho. Gosh I wonder what Cat will think of her, oh the comic relief, Bones is gonna rail him so bad for this. Heh. I bet’s she’s a lot less timid that she seems for this couple of pages, so I also can’t wait to see her unusual methods of fighting. Can’t wait!
Holy smokes I want this book – so bad! 😀
Happy Holidays to you too. May God bles you and your family.
I have a question please, – Is there anyway possible at least one of the book,Cat and Bones can be both the narrator like you did with Eternal KIss of Darkness? Beecause I really will love to read what’s going on in Bones mind, since Halfway to the grave I’ve been hoping, you give us a glimpse of it. Please, please…
Can’t wait for Once Burned and C&B book 7.
I don’t know if I’ll do a split pov with Cat and Bones. I like the idea, and I’ve thought of it, but it might not work out. I’m not saying it’s impossible, though. We’ll see what happens :).
OMG I can’t wait for this to come out!! Yaaaaaay! I’ve already marked it on my calender that is going to be great! Finally a Vlad novel, and it’s going to be a mini series *does the happy dance* Hmm maybe I shouldn’t read excerpts with coffee.
oh, can’t wait to read Vlad’s stories!
I really expected the next book to be about Ian, but Vlad is a great choice! We have to wait until June? Guess I better start from the beginning and read the released books all over again while I wait!
Please keep writing, I promise,I willkeep reading. Your boooks are coming not fast enough. Thank You for a good read! aLICJA
I love your idea of having Vlad in his own series 😀 I love all of the night huntress series, in fact i can’t wait for the next one. and I’m looking forward to read about Vlad. In my opinion he seems to lonely to me in the huntress series when he has appeared, and I’m glad he may find a new love. 😀
thanks for your awesome books! 😀
who do i have to kill to get this book early?
This sounds so amazing! I am so excited I might just explode! When are we going to get to see the cover?
Thank you!Thank you! Thank you, Mrs. Frost!! I just told a friend I wanted to “see” more Vlad. Vlad, next to Bones of course, has been my favorite character. I can’t wait!! June seems too far off.
“More.”
Super excited! Great excerpt…Thanks. 🙂
Fantastic!!! I Love Vlad!!!
From Argentina with love.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Love all your books, have them all. looking forward for your coming soon ones. Will love if your new releases come sooner.
I truly appreciate this blog article.
Awesome post.Really thank you! Want more.
I loved your article.
Looking forward to reading more. Great article post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Muchos Gracias for your blog. Keep writing.
Thanks a lot for the post.Much thanks again. Will read on…
I really enjoy the blog.Thanks Again. Cool.
Oh God! this is gonna be good. I can’t wait. I hope she’s a badass as Cat.
I am such a huge fan of your work!!! I can not wait for this to come out. Keep up the good work! We are all cheerrIng for you Jeaniene!
please may you post the first chapter
PLEASE POST THE FIRST CHAPTER! I love all your books, Ifeel like I’m going through some sort of detox without your books!
can’t wait till June!
Thankyou Jeaniene for your wonderful books, they are now one of my most favourite books, love the Night Huntress Series and Night Huntress World Books, can’t wait for the Night Prince books too. Bones and Cat are my most favourite characters, along with some others.
I was at a loss when one of my favourite author passed away as I was really into her 8 vampire books and was at a loss at what to read when I came across yours.
So a big thanks to you again.
I loved the book on Mencheres, I wish I had known to read books 1-4 of night huntress and the two world series books and thenn on to books 5&6 on reg. night huntress since the new characters KIRA AND Denise getting married to Spade and the book on them needed to be read before I read your last 2 Night huntress books, I cannot wait for this book on Vlad I just love Vlads character, I hope this new lady of his meets his evil character with flare and flames lol…. I did not see the model on the book meeting what my imagintion created I seen him with more straight hair due to prior description from you. More old world looking this guy looks like a man from todays world but he is HOT… I just hope don’t match up all the vamps cause vamps like Ian are just to slutty to be a one woman man .. lol.. I do have to admit I am addicted to your writing and wish it were all true. I would be in line to join them and I would mail order Bones if possible… Vlad is one of my favorites though, I love the relationship he has with Cat so I do hope this is not lost due to this new love of his… I adore bones jealousy over Cat when it comes to Vald and I hate to loose that wonderful tie they share as friends with hints of more that will never be… but a sweet dream..
LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS AND WOULD LOVE TO BE A ARC READER FOR YOUR UPCOMING ‘UP FROM THE GRAVE’ BOOK, I have pre ordered this new book on Vlad. Your talent for writing surpasses all others. Thanks for sharing your creative writing.. oh.. please more hot lusty scenes, book six with the murdering ghost left me screaming for more hot lust between Cat and Bones… They do it all so well and make us want to try some of these hot scenes in reality lol…
Thanks again and keep writing, I will always buy your books on the NIGHT HUNTRESS & WORLD SERIES…. YOUR FAN.
KAREN
Are the sneak peaks in Magic Graves, The Bite Before Christmas and the current Eternal Kiss of Darkness ebook special the same or are they different? I love all 3 snippets available and can’t wait for Once Burned to become available.
In Magic Graves, the sneak peeks included the first two chapters on The Bite Before Christmas and an excerpt from Chaps 2 & 3 from Once Burned. In the $1.99 edition of Eternal Kiss of Darkness, the entire first three chapters from Once Burned are at the back of the book. So there’s more than the Magic Graves excerpt had.
I cant express how excited I am for this series release!!! I absolutely love Vlad and I can’t wait to read this book in June.
Yay! I can’t wait for the book to come out! June 28th is soooo far away! The suspense is killing me, seriously! I loved the story of Spade and Denise, I’ve read it multiple times and love that they got together. I can’t wait for someone to enthrall Ian. That should be interesting. I think it would be cool if it was an extra character we already know the way Denise was.
Also, please make a story soon, where they are all together. I like it when they all get together, it’s kinda like The Avengers, where all superhero’s come and fight together. =)
You have an AWESOME BRAIN Jeaniene, thank you for sharing! I love your books. Someone said something about having everyone together & That would be COOL! Im very pumped about Vlads book,love him! Well I LOVE THEM ALL!! I hope Tate gets a book also. And then theres Ian, Lol, I REALLY REALLY LIKE HIM!! I hope his woman talks and acts just like him, THATS GONNA BE FUN!
I am a major fan of all of ur books! I just finished reading once burned, I stayed up all night to do so. I wasnt sure were else to post this but i had to post it somewhere because i am going insane. This has got to be ur best book yet i am just dying to figure out what happens. Tons of questions are running through my mind about Vlad and Leila. I am just dying to know the answers too. i dont no if i will last untill 2013 for the next book lol but i guess i will have to. I cant get over how good this book was!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are an amazing author! Keep it up lol!!!!! 🙂 🙂
WOW just reading this small excerpt has me rushing to Amazon to download to my kindle. If the rest of the book is as good as this it will be one of those all nighter reads for me. Awesome job.
I’m leery of new authors (new to me anyway), but based on this excerpt I’m willing to give this book a try. If the whole thing is as good as this little bit…I’ll have a new author 🙂
I loved this book!!! The best part is that Leila is not afraid to stand up to him. I don’t know how I’m going to wait till spring of 2013 to see what happens between these two.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the book. What a surprise to have it start out in Gibsonton when I live not 15 minutes from there 🙂 I started on Cat & Bones just a few months ago and got to enjoy reading everything at my leisure. This wait for Vlad and Leila’s next story is going to be torture!
I loved it… is this a series book?
I must tell you that I really enjoy the book.