Fresh Fiction Blog | Shona Husk | That Pre-First Kiss Moment...

I love a first kiss, that sizzle when the characters give into attraction for that first time. The hint at what can be theirs if they get through whatever obstacles are in their way.

However, before the first kiss there is the moment when the hero and the heroine realize that there is attraction and they want that kiss...even if they aren't quite sure how to go about it, or even if that is what the other person is thinking. There's a little heat, a little doubt, a little checking out the other person and weighing them up.

Here's that pre-first kiss moment from FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR, the third book in my dark paranormal Shadowlands Series:

He smiled, and for a moment, she glimpsed a heat in his eyes most men kept well hidden. But Meryn didn't seem to hide behind what was proper. It was nice not to have to work out what were glossy lies for the first date. She already knew, even if she didn't know the details.

She put the last piece of muffin in her mouth and wished they came in bigger sizes so she could have a reason to stay for longer.

"Did you want to meet again tomorrow?" The words were out before she'd thought them through. Did she want to meet him again tomorrow? And if she did, at what point did simple coffee become more? Tomorrow it wouldn't be pre-date coffee; it would actually be a date...wouldn't it?

He nodded slowly as if considering. "I'd like that."

She met his gaze and saw the gray of his eyes soften. The little spark in her chest was fanned by that look and caught hold to become a little flame. Her lips parted, but she couldn't take the invitation back and she didn't want to, even though she knew it was wrong. It didn't feel wrong; it felt fun, as if she were on an adventure and she didn't know where she was going.

Her fingers brushed the back of his hand, then he turned his hand over so the tips of their fingers touched before she pulled her hand away. For a second she was tempted to lean in and kiss him, but she stopped herself. He hadn't given her any indication that he was interested in anything else than coffee—even if she saw it in his eyes. And she had the feeling that when Meryn said coffee, he'd actually mean coffee.

Nadine pressed her lips together and glanced down, but still the heat crept up her cheeks. The desire to kiss him had snuck up on her and now couldn't be dislodged. It wasn't just kissing him that was on her mind. Did he hide other scars under his shirt? She looked up and realized he was watching her with that look in his eyes. On another man she would've called it lust, but with Meryn that label seemed too casual.

She wasn't thinking about coffee.

It was time to go before she did something dumb.

She swallowed and found some composure; men never unraveled her and got beneath her skin. Wasn't that what she wanted though, someone who made her feel alive?

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow." she said as she pushed her chair back and got up.

So did Meryn. He moved easily, each movement the bare minimum required. There was nothing flashy to draw attention. He did that by existing.

"I'll walk you down the road."

"You don't have to."

"I have nothing else to do."

She nodded. Okay then. As he passed the garden bed, he stopped and picked a flower, a pale blue sprig of something. She watched, then her eyes widened as he went to tuck it behind her ear. His hand brushed her cheek, a move that was almost accidental.

Do they kiss? Or does it happen the next time they meet? Ah...that pre-kiss moment is so much fun :)

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR BY SHONA HUSK – IN STORES JANUARY 2013

In a Faraway Land...

There lived a man who was trapped—his only companions a horde of goblins consumed by their lust for gold. He thought he was lost forever, thought that no one would ever remember he'd been noble.

A Fearless Warrior...

Now he has been thrust into the human world once again, but so much has changed. How can he ever be rid of the darkness after so long in the Shadowlands?

It Starts with Dreams of a Castle...

And a woman who takes his breath away and makes him forget the pain of his past. He knows he must protecet her at all costs. And perhaps in saving her, he can finally learn to love again.

Praise for THE GOBLIN KING:

"Steamy, sensual, and dangerous...Dark and delicious." —Fresh Fiction

"Shona Husk put together an amazing story about loss, love, redemption, and discovery." —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick

"A wonderfully dark and sensual fairy tale." —Jessa Slade, author of Seduced by Shadows

ABOUT SHONA HUSK

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth, and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold–sometimes literally. Look for the other books in the Shadowlands Series, THE GOBLIN KING and KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE, available now. In July 2013, Shona will begin another dark paranormal series with THE OUTCAST PRINCE! For more information, please visit www.shonahusk.com.

The Shadowlands

The Summons
Shadowlands
#0.0
August 2011

The Goblin King
Shadowlands
#1.0
October 2011

Kiss Of The Goblin Prince
Shadowlands
#2.0
May 2012

For The Love Of A Goblin Warrior
Shadowlands
#3.0
January 2013

Comment to win FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR US / Canada addresses only!

Comments

So many books about werewolves and vampires, this sounds like it could
be fresh and intriguing. Looking forward to a taste of something different.
(Kelly Knapp 12:54pm January 3, 2013)

I love that excerpt. I must read the rest of the book. It sounds new and different.
(Kathleen Yohanna 2:03am January 3, 2013)

Very nice. Thank you for writing great goblins. So much nicer than they
are normally portrayed.
(Victoria Sloboda 5:45am January 3, 2013)

Good to know about good Goblins.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:04am January 3, 2013)

Yum! I love the excerpt - thank you so much for sharing with us!!!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 7:47am January 3, 2013)

Ooooh, thanks for sharing the excerpt!! Now I'm dying to know
if they kiss or not!
(Elizabeth Haney 8:36am January 3, 2013)

I love anything Dark and delicious and this one hits the spot!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:55am January 3, 2013)

It's great to have a change within the paranormal genre. Plus Ms. Husk has made goblins hot much better than the usual goblins.
(Valeri Davila 10:27am January 3, 2013)

I love that moment! It is something we can relate to...the
insecurity, the heat, even the arrogance of some.
(Karin Anderson 11:03am January 3, 2013)

I heard about this series and can't wait to read it. :)
(May Pau 11:13am January 3, 2013)

I have been wanting to read this series... just have not gotten my hands on it yet.
(Colleen Conklin 11:45am January 3, 2013)

Oh, you definitely have my attention. How original and I can't wait to read!!
I love that moment myself - the build-up and electricity of it all.
(Carla Carlson 12:37pm January 3, 2013)

This series is on my TBB list. I am hoping to move it up ladder because it sounds so good.

Deb T
[email protected]
(Debra Thomas 12:43pm January 3, 2013)

LOVE THE COVER ITS AWESOME AND THE STORY SOUNDS VERY INTERSTING I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT.
(Shelly Caggiano 12:50pm January 3, 2013)

Looking forward to reading this series. Thank you for the chance to win.
(Sally Hannoush 1:30pm January 3, 2013)

Hello Shona Husk, Thank You for the great Contest and it
sounds like a fantastic Book to read too! I wanted to show
You a typo that I found since I used to be a Proof Reader
for Book Authors. It Starts with Dreams of a Castle...

And a woman who takes his breath away and makes him forget
the pain of his past. He knows he must protecet her at all
costs. And perhaps in saving her, he can finally learn to
love again. The word protecet needs to be fixed: Protect
instead Please. Just wanted to pass that along to You and
Happy New Year too! Thanks again, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 1:33pm January 3, 2013)

Happy New Year & thanks for the giveaway! This sounds like a really interesting book & I am adding it to my TBR list.
(Chelsea Knestrick 2:00pm January 3, 2013)

Your book sounds very interesting. Would love to win. Thanks!
(Linda Hall 3:07pm January 3, 2013)

This read sounds very interesting and I love the old and the new!
(Joanne Bozik 5:33pm January 3, 2013)

looks good. i want to read whole book now, thanks for contest
(Debbi Shaw 5:35pm January 3, 2013)

Ugh...Yes, yes, yes...KISS!
Great excerpt!
(Tracie Travis 5:53pm January 3, 2013)

LOL... it looks like I'm not the only one who finds typos and can't help but wish they were corrected. In my case it comes from spending 10 years as a secretary before becoming a social worker.

Books like yours are a great way for me to escape and put the stresses of my daily life behind me. I get drawn into the stories and they help me put myself into a different place for a little while.

Good authors like you... they make a great impact in other people's lives. Thanks for that!
(Donna Holmberg 8:10pm January 3, 2013)

looks interesting.sounds like a great read
(Lisa Fitzgibbons 8:15pm January 3, 2013)

ahhh, it stopped! I wanted to keep reading! Yes, I think
they do kiss! I cannot wait to start on this series, sounds
amazing
(Jolene Allcock 8:19pm January 3, 2013)

Loved this excerpt...love the tension/attraction build! This is tricky...I'm not sure that they kiss now--maybe the next time they meet!
This sounds like a great must read series...I'll check it out! Thanks for sharing!
(p c 8:29pm January 3, 2013)

I have been wanting to read this series. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Jennifer Beyer 8:31pm January 3, 2013)

Great glimpse into For the Love of a Goblin! I think after placing the flower behind her ear and brushing her cheek with his fingers, he should lean in and gently place a kiss on her cheek. Maybe linger there a minute as he inhales her scent and build from there the next time they meet for coffee since they are meeting again!
(Karen Dailey 8:40pm January 3, 2013)

Never thought of Goblins like those on the covers - that bow
caught my eye too.
(Diane Sallans 9:07pm January 3, 2013)

I have been noticing the Shadowlands series. I just haven't read one yet. I love the excerpt and of course, I would like to know more about this series. (OK, I will read the books.)
(Kai Wong 9:09pm January 3, 2013)

I'd love to read this book. It sounds so interesting.
(Mary Hay 9:16pm January 3, 2013)

I love the cover of your book and the series sounds great!
(Renee Pajda 9:20pm January 3, 2013)

this series is on my list can't wait to read!!
(Jennifer Beck 10:32pm January 3, 2013)

I'd love to be entered to win! These books sound really great. Thanks for the chance.
(Martha Lawson 10:46pm January 3, 2013)

love your cover and would love to win a copy of your book...thanks
(Kimberly Hoefs 10:58pm January 3, 2013)

I would love to win your book, sounds like a fantastic read! The cover artwork is awesome. Thanks for a chance in your contest.
(Linda Fast 11:20pm January 3, 2013)

Wow a Goblin King, I can't believe I don't have these books already.
Thanks for letting me know they exist. I need to add them to my TBR list.
(Ann Sheiring 12:29pm January 4, 2013)

Sounds really fun! I love faeries and that sort so think this will be pretty cool!
(Darci Paice 12:32pm January 4, 2013)

I love the whole idea of sexy goblins. Who'd have thunk it?
lol
(Deidre Durance 10:26am January 4, 2013)

That was such a touching excerpt!! I felt like a fly on the wall!! It was written so well, I really felt like a peeping Tom, watching the scene unfold!! Now I can't wait to get my hands on the whole book, so that I can read it!! What a great way to top off my cold Winter- this wonderful book, and a cup of hot chocolate!! I hope you have a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:06pm January 4, 2013)

Only Goblin King I can think of is David Bowie's character in Labyrinth. That's one goblin we could all fall for!
(Clare O'Beara 8:39am January 6, 2013)

The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

Authors To Watch

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Shona Husk | That Pre-First Kiss Moment...

AVAILABLE

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR BY SHONA HUSK – IN STORES JANUARY 2013

Praise for THE GOBLIN KING:

ABOUT SHONA HUSK

The Shadowlands

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

The books of May are here—fresh, fierce, and full of feels.

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Shona Husk | That Pre-First Kiss Moment...

AVAILABLE

FOR THE LOVE OF A GOBLIN WARRIOR BY SHONA HUSK – IN STORES JANUARY 2013

Praise for THE GOBLIN KING:

ABOUT SHONA HUSK

The Shadowlands

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors