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Laura Kaye | 5 Words to Describe Zephyros Martius (and the excerpts to prove it!)
August 8, 2012
I'm very excited to be at Fresh Fiction to celebrate the release of West of
Want, Book 2 in my Greek-mythology-inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series.
This book tells the story of Zephyros Martius, Supreme God of the West Wind and
Guardian of Spring, who falls in love with a human woman he nearly kills. I'm
not sure why, but heroes are the characters who always come to me first when
writing a book. They talk to me the loudest and explain themselves to me the
clearest. So I really love writing my heroes, and thought I'd introduce Zephyros
to you today by sharing five words that describe him, with the excerpts to back
them up! Here we go: Tortured This situation was about to become shit meets fan. For gods' sake, he currently
didn't have clothes, and until he warmed he'd be lucky to hold a conversation.
Naked, nearly incapacitated, with no ability to dock the boat, and with a
gravely injured woman on board, he had little likelihood of contriving a
convincing story about how they'd gotten that way. His presence was a liability here. He was useless. Again. As the blue-masted boat neared, the captain called out, asking whether the
True Blue was in distress. No one answered, of course. And it was time for him to go. Zephyros released his grip on the platform and eased the created current until
it dispersed altogether. He sank beneath the surface, shaking nonstop, and
hesitated just a moment. His gut clenched. He hated the idea of not seeing her
to safety. Okay, in truth, he'd done that. But what he wanted was to see
her to health—awake and conscious and warm and happy. Happy? What did her emotions have to do with anything? Fluttery panic ripped through his chest. The fact he was even thinking about her
feelings was a major get-the-hell-out-of-there red flag. Getting involved was
the last thing he needed. Hadn't he learned that? Again and again and
a-fucking-gain? No more. The rescue sailboat came alongside the True Blue. A man's voice rang out
above the water's surface. There. He would make sure she was safe, cared
for, got everything she needed. The thought had Zephyros grinding his teeth in
frustration. In self-defense. In want. No. He wanted nothing and no one. And, in truth, no one wanted him either. So didn't
that work out just perfectly, thank you very much. Passionate "Ella," he groaned and traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. "What do you
want? This time, you tell me. I don't want to make any mistakes here, and
I"—he swallowed thickly—"I can't...I have to..." She whimpered. Heart, body and mind aligned, she didn't need to think about it.
"In me. Need you in me." His weight disappeared. Then so did she. For a split-second, her physical self
seemed to vanish. And then they were on the bed in her room. Dazed and awed, she laughed. "What just happened?" Heavy-lidded eyes traced over her face. "I don't have the patience to act human
right now." "Mmm, I kinda like the sound of that." "Gods, woman, you are driving me crazy." He sat up, straddling her thighs, and
helped her remove her shirt. That flaring light returned in his gaze, and she
swore she could feel it drag over her breasts. She bared them to his
observation, and he caressed them with light fingertips that made her shiver.
"Such exquisite perfection." Her breaths coming in faster, shallower draws, she grabbed the hem of his damp
shirt. "So, you can move us with your mind, but can't remove our clothes? Not an
all-powerful god, then?" Biting the inside of her lip to restrain the threatening smile, she looked up at
him with what she hoped was innocence. He blinked once and the cotton disappeared from her fingers. "Are you
questioning my godhood?" Mouth gaping, Ella dragged her gaze down Zeph's completely naked body. She
couldn't restrain her huge grin. "Not...um, not anymore." Powerful A life force was fading. The sensation tugged at Zephyros's consciousness, embattled as it was as he
raged over the sea. Caught up in his own thoughts, his own pain, his own loss,
he writhed and tossed, howled and lashed out. The wind and rain—nature's
very energy—were his to control, even when he was out of control. But,
still, the wrongness of the sensation tugged at him, demanded redress. In his
elemental form, he felt the call of life and birth and renewal most strongly. He
could ignore it no longer. He forced himself to embrace the calm that had once been the truest
manifestation of his nature. Around him, the clouds dispersed, the rains
thinned, the winds settled to a bluster. The sea, black and roiling a moment
ago, eased into the early spring chop typical of the bay. Sacrificing With a troubled sigh, Aeolus opened his palm and a rolled parchment appeared out
of thin air. He unrolled the scroll and read. "Zephyros Martius, Supreme God of
the West Wind, son of Aeolus, God of Storms and Ruler of the Winds, you are
charged with three counts of unlawful use of divine magic in the form of
healings, unlawful revelation of your divinity, and endangering the Realm of the
Gods with reckless use of divine magic in the human realm." Chrys cursed under his breath. "Why is Zephyros here alone when Eurus's
infractions were the same or worse?" Zeph ground his teeth and hoped Chrys would say no more. While he appreciated
the thought, Zeph didn't need his father thinking of Eurus while administering
his punishment. And, honestly, after the previous conversation, he wasn't nearly
as surprised or troubled by the charges, although the last one seemed a bit
kitchen sink to him. He wasn't certain what it referred to. Maybe
dematerializing in a public place? Who knew. Aeolus glared at Chrys. "I will deal with Eurus." His eyes were blazing when
they cut back to Zeph. "Now, what say you?" "Guilty on the face of it, my lord. But my actions were just." "Is that so? Continue." "The injuries I healed were the result of my own actions, thus I deemed no
sacrifice necessary." "You deemed it so?" Aeolus nodded, his face the picture of skepticism.
"So, what you're saying is there were multiple counts of reckless use of divine
magic." Chrys spat an ancient expletive into the ringing silence between them. Zeph recognized his mistake, but in point of fact it was a more accurate charge.
"Yes, my lord." Aeolus sighed. "You acquiesce too easily, Zephyros." "If a sacrifice is required, I am prepared to make it. That is all." Possessive Zeph's arms gripped her tighter, yanking her fully against him. The rigid line
of his erection pressed into her belly. "No, you don't. You don't understand how
much you intrigue me." His head dropped so his lips caressed her ear. "You don't
understand how much you attract me. You're in my head. All the time. You make my
heart beat faster, my body ache with want." He kissed the shell of her ear and
moved sinuously against her. Her body came alive, tightening, opening, preparing. Ella gasped as he nipped
and licked down her neck. Then he growled. "What is this?" He tugged at the fleece collar around her neck. "What?" she asked, trying and failing to keep up through the haze of lust. "This...is this a man's shirt?" Ella looked down. "Oh, yeah." "I cannot abide it." His mouth dropped open and the dark blue of his eyes
flared. "Please," he rasped. Ella frowned. "I don't understand," she said, but she stepped back enough to
pull the fleece over her head. She tossed it to the futon. "It was just my
br—" Zeph's mouth crushed to hers. His big hands buried in her hair. He pursued her,
devoured her. His passion overwhelmed and overpowered. She stumbled back a half
step here and there, until her shoulders hit the hallway wall. Male spice filled her nose and tantalized her taste buds. Jesus, she couldn't
get enough of him. She met him kiss for kiss, stroke for stroke. She sucked his
tongue until he groaned deep in his throat, and then she did it again. He grabbed her hands in one of his and braced them over her head, against the
wall. He pulled away from the kiss, but kept their faces pressed together. They
were both panting, chests heaving, their clothing wet everywhere they touched.
He stroked her face, her neck. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean...I..." He pressed his
lips to her cheek. "I couldn't stand seeing another man's belongings on you." So, did I make my case? If so, tell me which of the five pieces of evidence you most enjoyed and why!
Oh, and GIVEAWAY!: I'll offer one commenter who leaves their email
address a signed paperback of West of Want. Open to international! Good
luck! And thanks so much for reading! ~Laura Kaye Buy Laura's
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Newsletter SignUp "Laura Kaye's captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have
readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding,
and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans." ~Elisabeth Naughton, author
of the Eternal Guardians series Praise for North of Need, Book 1 in the Hearts of the Anemoi Series: ~FF&P PRISM Award Winner for Best Light Paranormal Romance of 2012! ~GraveTells 2011 Book of the Year! ~Sizzling Hot Book Reviews 2011 Sizzling Read of the Year! About WEST OF WANT: Betrayal is all he's ever known, but in her, he'll find a love strong enough
to be trusted... When Marcella Raines' twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at
sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she's
gravely injured--and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce--Ella
fights to survive. Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the
strongest Anemoi hasn't protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he's sure
his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph's heartbreak whips up a storm that
shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her. Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly
masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming
influence leave Zeph wanting...everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and
Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they
most want--a love that can be trusted. About Laura Kaye: Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers' Choice Awards,
Laura is the bestselling and award-winning author of over a half-dozen books in
paranormal, contemporary and erotic romance. Growing up, Laura's large extended
family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts,
and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with all things
paranormal. A published non-fiction author, Laura's work as an historian and
training as an archaeologist help her create vivid and accurate portrayals of
other times and places. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters,
and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
Comments
46 comments posted.
Re: Laura Kaye | 5 Words to Describe Zephyros Martius (and the excerpts to prove it!)
Hey Laura! Pick one, are you kidding me!! :) Wow, I would
have to pick possessive because it captures his other
qualities as well. He is very passionate with Ella, yet
powerful with the natural energies he controls. Add in what
he's willing to sacrifice and wha-la, he is some kind of
possessive. :). Can't wait to read it!!
(Jill Oswalt 11:24am August 8, 2012)
Hello! :) I would choose sacrificing. :D I'd really glad to
read to this book, so my email is [email protected] if I am
lucky enough to win that giveaway. :)
(Kaie Hein 11:39am August 8, 2012)
Hi Laura,
Thanks for giving away a paperback copy of WOW! I think I
always go with his being tortured but I'm leaning towards
the passion today. Must be the mood I'm in ;). I've said
it before but I just love this little bit, it makes me smile
every time I read it.
He blinked once and the cotton disappeared from her fingers.
"Are you questioning my godhood?"
Mouth gaping, Ella dragged her gaze down Zeph's completely
naked body. She couldn't restrain her huge grin. "Not...um,
not anymore."
Thank you.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
(Victoria Sloboda 11:42am August 8, 2012)
Pick one? Passionate!!! What a hot excerpt, loved it!!! Can't wait to read more :)
bookliaison(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
(Chrystina Williams 11:44am August 8, 2012)
I find it very hard to just pick one piece of evidence. I would have to pick Tortured first because I am such a sucker for the tortured alpha male then possessive comes in a close second because I love Mine moments. I can't wait to read now that I have had a taste. Thanks for the chance to win.
[email protected]
(Rachael McCully 11:46am August 8, 2012)
I really love the words you chose to describe him. Excellent choices ^_^
Im enthralled
(Samantha King 11:52am August 8, 2012)
__________________________________________________
Thanks for all the great comments, guys! I'm really enjoying reading them!
@Jill - LOL! And good choice! Thanks for commenting!
@Kaie - Awesome! Thanks so much!
@Victoria - thanks for mentioning that line! It's one of my faves too! And you're welcome!
@Chrystina - Yay! Thanks Christina!
@Rachael - Ooh, love the way you put that--I love mine moments too! :)
@Samantha - Thanks so much!
____________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 12:06pm August 8, 2012)
Sacrificing has to be my favorite...He was willing to endure the most horrible of punishments for the love of Ella. I winced when I read the actual punishment and was tearing up. He truly loved her and knew that was the only way to appease the gods and their law. my email is [email protected] Thank you for sharing Laura's great book with your readers! ;-)
(Jean Bowden 12:27pm August 8, 2012)
Passionate!! All apply but I made the mistake of reading this while I'm at work!! LOL I don't know how I'll get through this day without thinking of a strong beautiful creature as Zeph! My email is [email protected]. Be assured this is a book I cannot wait to read, win it or not. Thanks for the visual!!
(Teresa Sullivan 1:39pm August 8, 2012)
It's hard to choose just one of the descriptions but I think if I have to choose I will go with possessive although they were all good. Thanks for the giveaway, this sunds like a very interesting book. My e-mail is [email protected].
(Chelsea Knestrick 1:45pm August 8, 2012)
Possession which had a lot of passion in it.
(Anne Muller 2:31pm August 8, 2012)
Passionate, because losing self control at times can be freeing and exciting. Thanks for the giveaway!! My email is: [email protected]
(Tarah Petersen 2:33pm August 8, 2012)
One! Just one do i have to?! oh okay.... I'd have to go with TORTURED I can't resist a tortured hero and when i read that passage i went awwwwwwhhhhhh I wanted to cuddle and comfort Zeph :D I especially loved the line "He wanted nothing and no one. And, in truth, no one wanted him either. So didn't that work out just perfectly, thank you very much." I want him! Lol but I think Ella would have something to say about that :D lol
Thank you Laura for the excerpts I always love reading 5 ways to describe characters :)
[email protected]
(Amiee Ryan 2:37pm August 8, 2012)
I can't believe you're making us pick just one! I thought you
liked us! :) Okay, fine...they're all fabulous but Passionate
does it for me! ;)
Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy!
harlan_michelle(at)yahoo(dot)com
(Michelle Harlan 2:41pm August 8, 2012)
Wow! What a read! I would love reading this one!
(Lori Yost 3:21pm August 8, 2012)
POWERFUL, BECAUSE HE'S AN ELEMENTAL FORM, HE FELT THE CALL
OF LIFE AND BIRTH AND RENEWAL MOST STRONGLY. HE COULDN'T
IGNORE ANY LONGER. HE FORCED HIMSELF TO EMBRACE THE CALM
THAT ONCE BEEN
THE TRUEST MANIFESTATION OF HIS NATURE. I LOVE YOUR BOOKS. I
CAN'T PUT THEM DOWN THEY ARE SO GOOD. I WOULD BE HONORED TO
WIN A THIS CONTEST BY MY FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME. YOUR
BOOKS ARE MARVELOUS. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ WEST TO
WANT ITS WOW SOUNDS GREAT.
[email protected]
(Shelly Caggiano 3:39pm August 8, 2012)
i can't wait to read the rest!! thanks
(Jennifer Beck 4:00pm August 8, 2012)
_________________________________________________
@Jean - aw, yay! So glad that scene got to you! It was hard to write...
@Teresa - whoops! LOL Glad you enjoyed that one!
@Chelsea - glad you enjoyed them all!
@Anne - totally agree! Thanks Anne!
@Tarah - you're so welcome!
@Amiee - yay! Glad you enjoyed! And, yes, that's a very awww set of lines for Zeph! :)
@Michelle - LOL! Too funny! I DO, I really really DO like you! ;)
@Lori - Yay! So glad you liked it!
@Shelly - Wow! Your comment totally made my day! Thank you, Shelly! xoxo
Really enjoying reading all your comments, everyone! Thanks so much!
_________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 4:02pm August 8, 2012)
I am not into tortured or possessive. I prefer honorable, passionate, ethical,
strong and empathetic. This book invites me in in order to prove these
characteristics (sounds good, right?). Oh, let's face it. It sounds like a great
book about interesting characters and a great plot with another character to stir
our dislike. What else can we want!?!
(Sandra Spilecki 4:55pm August 8, 2012)
I just LOVE a possessive hero! The cover of your book is awesome too! Thanks for the opportunity! [email protected]
(Renee Pajda 5:24pm August 8, 2012)
They're all good, but I'd have to pick POSSESSIVE, which captures many of Zeph's other qualities. Great descriptive excerpts, and I look forward to reading WEST OF WANT (sounds smoking-hot)!
(Linda Luinstra 5:38pm August 8, 2012)
_____________________________________________________
@Jennifer - yay!
@Sandra - LOL! Love it! :)
@Renee - I do, too! And thanks for the cover love! :)
@Linda - Agreed! And so glad you liked the sound of it!
Woot! Really enjoyed your comments, guys! Thanks!
_____________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 6:23pm August 8, 2012)
I would have to say, both Passionate and Possessive, pretty much in that order. It's "Questioning his godhood" part that really grabs your attention (so to speak!).
This would be a fun, frolicing read to have!
Many thanks for the contest!!
Later,
Lynn
[email protected]
(Lynn Rettig 6:37pm August 8, 2012)
I would say Passionate! Wow talk about getting my heart racing just from that
blurb. Sounds like a great read. Differently going on my to read list.
[email protected]
(Leanne Jacobson 6:47pm August 8, 2012)
I think the sacrifice one did it for me!
Margay1122ATaolDOTcom
(Margay Roberge 7:14pm August 8, 2012)
Passionate!
What a fantastic idea, to base a story on the winds! They were in so many fairy tales I read as a child. And zephyr is one of my favorite words. I look forward to reading it.
[email protected]
(Lisa Elwood 7:19pm August 8, 2012)
ooooooooooooooo wonderful! I thought it would be passionate as that was AWESOME but then I got down to possessive and yep...that's the fav for sure! hot hot hot!
(Angie Lilly 7:40pm August 8, 2012)
Oh I need a fan!!! Your writing always does that to me, well done Laura!!! Can't
wait for the rest of the directions, South and East!
eyesofblueice (at) gmail
(Lexi Hansen 7:56pm August 8, 2012)
I think I'll pick Powerful - that may help him overcome
obstacles, including his own difficult situations.
(Diane Sallans 7:59pm August 8, 2012)
Sounds like a great read, I'd love to win it.
(Wilma Frana 8:12pm August 8, 2012)
It was a toss-up between 2 of them, but I chose Passionate, because I liked the way Ella questioned Zeph's godhood. The entire passage was both hot and ended putting a smile on your face. I thought all of the pieces of evidence drew me in immediately. You have such a way with words, that I can picture the scene in my minds' eye as if it were going on right in front of me. I can't wait to read the book, and know that it's going to do well. Congratulations on one hot and interesting tale!! I've never known Greek Mythology to be this intriguing!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:29pm August 8, 2012)
Tortured gets it for me... I love this passage:
Zephyros released his grip on the platform and eased the created current until it dispersed altogether.
... because it's all about how your mind creates the imagination behind the saying... suggestive gets me every time.
(Donna Holmberg 9:34pm August 8, 2012)
___________________________________________________
@Lynn - glad you enjoyed that line! :)
@Leanne - yay! Glad your heart was a-racing! ;)
@Margay - Awesome!
@Lisa - that's cool, Lisa! And Zephyr is a fantastic word, isn't it??? :)
@Angie - LOL I love that!
@Lexi - aw, thank you so much!
@Diane - enjoyed your rationale--thanks!
@Wilma - awesome! Good luck!
@Peggy - aw, Peggy, your comment made my night! Thank you so much!
@Donna - aw, I love that! Thank you!
I'm having a hoot here with you guys today! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment!
___________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 9:46pm August 8, 2012)
You certainly do make your case. I loved the excerpt showing Passion!
(G. Bisbjerg 11:00pm August 8, 2012)
Powerful is my pick, because if you want to describe a wind god you had better get the wind right. Showing the elemental nature and powers of the force of the wind is a good way to evoke his personality.
(Clare O'Beara 6:30am August 9, 2012)
Tortured: I am drawn to a man in turmoil. At least in my reading.
(Mary Preston 7:04am August 9, 2012)
So hard to choose just one but I have t go with Passionate. It makes me
swoon by him just asking her what she wants and he just wants to please
her.
(Vanessa N. 8:08am August 9, 2012)
Too many to choose from! But I guess I'm in the mood for a possessive guy today. Thanks for the giveaway and I can't wait to read the book!
(Jennifer Hernandez 9:55am August 9, 2012)
____________________________________________________
@G. Bisbjerg - Yay! I'm glad I made it so well! ;)
@Clare - I like the way you put that! Thanks so much!
@Mary - Yeah, me too! LOL
@Vanessa - three cheers for swooning! :)
@Jennifer - Love it! Thanks so much!
Really enjoyed all your comments, everyone! Thanks and good luck!
____________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 12:31pm August 9, 2012)
I've not read any of your books, though I am pretty excited at
the possibility in starting a new adventure with your characters!
(Candice Duffey 4:13pm August 9, 2012)
For me it's the whole package you presented, lol. It's hard to
pick just one but if pressed it would be passionate with
possessive a close second (in the book). I've heard so much
about your books it would be great to win one :-)
glittergirl54 at ymail dot com
(Lenna Hendershott 5:00pm August 9, 2012)
______________________________________________________
@Candice - awesome of you to say! I hope you enjoy if you give them a try!
@Lenna - Yes! I love that! And so glad you've heard about the books! Woohoo!
Thanks for commenting!
______________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 11:40pm August 9, 2012)
Thanks Laura for coming back on all our comments, it is very nice and interactive to read your reactions.
(Clare O'Beara 6:27am August 10, 2012)
Hmmm, that's a hard question. I think I liked Passionate the best. The excerpt definitely had me fanning myself after I read it.
(Molly Frenzel 11:23pm August 10, 2012)
Passionate....who doesn' t love a passionate man!
(Stacy Wright 3:11pm August 13, 2012)
__________________________________________________
@Clare - you're so welcome! Reading readers' comments is all the fun! :)
@Molly - Yay! Glad to hear it! Hee!
@Stacy - totally agree!
Really appreciated all your comments, guys! Thanks so much and hope you give the book a try! Happy reading!
__________________________________________________
(Laura Kaye 10:26am August 15, 2012)
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