“The First Kiss” Guest Post by Minnette Meador + Super Giveaway

Strong hands grabbed her shoulders and pulled her out of the bed in one quick movement leaving the blanket behind. Cranston put his fingers on either side of her face and pulled it close. Without warning, his lips crushed her mouth, sending first shock then sudden hot flares of excitement through her back. She tried to fight, but it was useless. Belle had never wanted Mike more. She melted into his embrace. Her body tightened at the middle sending a rush of soft moisture through her. Belle had not felt like this in years. It was like coming home.
~~~~~
Cranston had no idea why he did it. It was an uncontrollable impulse, kindled by Belle’s rare vulnerability and a crushing need to bring back the hunger they had spent six years suppressing. Pulling away, breathless, he said, “Belle, I’m sorry. This isn’t what…”But those gorgeous hazel eyes reached deep into his soul and stopped him. “Please, Mike.” Her winded voice was as soft as snow. “I want you.” The heady statement sent his hormones into overdrive. Consequences flew out the window, restraint lost all cohesion, and he told his better judgment to take a hike. Words like “trouble” and “bad idea” fell to pieces against his impulses and the feel of her hot skin under his hands. He pulled Belle against his body and devoured her. Her mouth glided over his lips, hot and soft, firing bright memories, sensual familiarities. Electric shocks coursed through his body. The urge to rip her clothes off and take her now was overpowering.

THE BELLE STALKER – CHAPTERS 16 & 17

There is nothing as sexy or exciting as that first kiss. The anticipation, the terror, the desire, and the mystery have fueled ballads, books, epic poems, and medieval classics. It has graced giant movie screens and rested at the heart of countless books. It is the beginning, the omega of love. And it might usher in an immutable bond that nothing can break, not even the heart.

More importantly, it is that first touch in a relationship that crosses a defined barrier between friendship and love.

If you look at the history of the kiss, it is interesting to note that the romantic kiss has its roots buried deeply in Western Civilization. Egypt had never heard of such a thing; Japan used a sweet kiss for children only; Ancient Africa had no concept of the idea. How sad for them. Greece, India, Assyria, and Rome used it widely and enjoyed it to the fullest extent possible. Thank you ancient world!

In writing romance, the kiss is the first romantic climax and for me, the most important. Every look, every touch, and every word the couple says to each other needs to be charged with this ultimate first step. I like to mix in missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and misdirection. When the kiss finally comes, I want it to explode off the page…and I hope I do that. Some of the best romances I’ve read make me want to flip to that part in the story just to relieve the tension, but I restrain myself.

I remember my very first kiss: I was eleven or twelve at church camp (aw, so many interesting things happen there, don’t they?). I met a blond haired, rosy cheeked boy of twelve in guimp class. He was GOREOUS! It was love at first site. For five agonizing days we talked and teased, flirted and floundered, until one night, alone outside the dinner hall the boy pushed me against the wall of the building in the shadows and pressed his lips to mine. I was terrified, thrilled, nauseous, and euphoric all at the same time. His lips were stiff (as I’m sure mine were too) but he pulled it off. My head was swimming and I couldn’t walk for bit afterwards. That first instinctual flutter of my heart sparked my first steps into sensuality. Nothing had ever felt so good. Since then I realized that kiss was clumsy, hard, and really quite unappealing, but it was my first; I remember it more clearly than any kiss since then, except the first with my husband of nineteen years.

So, tell us about your first kiss. Was it exciting? Disappointing? Did you swoon or dive in with both lips? I promise, I won’t tell if you don’t!

Minnette :o)

***

THE BELLE STALKER


An Urban Fantasy Thriller


by Minnette Meador



The police have done all they can, but it isn’t enough. When Belle finds the mutilated body of her lover strewn across the furniture she knows only her ex-husband, Homicide Detective Mike Cranston can stop the maniac who has been dogging her steps for over a year. The only problem is the man who stalks her…is not a man at all. Belle plays a dangerous game and only hopes that Cranston can stop the monster before it’s too late.

Amazon

***

Ends 12/23

(Minnette will be giving away a small Kindle ($79) plus a Portland Tote filled with goodies to one randomly drawn commenter, along with daily prizes.  She will do the drawing herself for the daily winners.  The Kindle and tote bag are limited to US and Canada only;  if an international winner, an Amazon GC will be substituted;

TODAY’S PRIZE: Copies of A GHOST OF A CHANCE & THE BELLE STALKER in any eBook format.
Today is my birthday, so to celebrate I will also be giving away a hand knitted scarf in a color of your choice. So make sure you leave a comment!

ALSO:  PLEASE NOTE:  Any reader who sends their name and address to Minnette will be sent a stack of signed swag. Just drop her a note at : mmeador@minnettemeador.com ! Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better yourr chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here

Subscribe to the Reading Romances Newsletter and receive the latest information about giveaways and other events!