Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Sinful Sirens Giveaway Blog Hop: Nobody's Perfect

I'm still working on Nobody's Perfect and am afraid it won't be published until at least mid June, but here's another UNEDITED excerpt from Chapter One. Not sure I can describe Savi as a sinful siren, poor thing, but she will begin to reconnect with her body once Damian takes her in hand. However, I promise Master Damian is going to heat up your summer--and he's definitely hot as sin! 


After reading my excerpt, look for the link to the Blog Hop and more chances to win prizes at Guilty Pleasures and Under The Covers. Then there are 130 other authors in this blog hop and LOTS more chances to win, too! Read on for a link to the blog hop --and a chance to download a copy of Masters at Arms, the introduction to my series. 


Be sure to comment below for a chance to win a bookmark, Romance Trading Cards, a purple pen, AND an e-book of your choice in the Rescue Me series!


His irritation showed as he leaned toward her and she tried not to let him intimidate her, but he did. “Hey, chica, you just showed up on my doorstep out of nowhere, beaten up and on the run. You’re the one who asked me for help, so don’t go getting all defensive. I’m just trying to figure out what the hell’s going on.”


He took a longer draw on his beer, draining it, and lowered the empty bottle to his crotch. She averted her attention from that part of his anatomy, reaching up to twirl her hair. A wave of discomfort crashed against her. She hadn't been alone in a room with a man for a very long time.

“I felt safer changing my appearance.”

“Marisol’s father?”

Her hand froze on the curl as her heart thudded against her chest, robbing her of even more oxygen. Did he know? She looked up at him again, studying his face for some time. “What about him?”

“Is he the one who roughed you up and sent you running?”

He didn't know. She relaxed into the sofa and took another swig of the soda, buying time as she tried to will her heartbeat to slow down. “No. He’s been out of my…out of the picture from day one.” She'd tried to find Damián when she'd gotten strong enough to function after Mari's birth, but hadn't been able to find him.

“Let me see where you’re hurt.”

She refused to make eye contact. “No. I’m fine.”

“Bullshit, chica.” When she looked up at him again, he held her gaze. “Your choice—me or my friend? Which will it be?”

Anger ripped through her again. She hadn't come all this way to have him expose her to her father's hound dogs by leaving a paper trail, which is what would happen if he involved medical personnel. She glared at him for a moment, but he refused to back down. Leaning forward, wincing at the shortness of breath before she caught herself again, she laid the soda can on top of a magazine on the coffee table.

She sat back against the sofa. “It’s nothing. Really. Just a bruise.”

“I’ll be the judge of that. I have some…expertise with bruising. Remove your jacket.”

She continued to wage a silent battle of wills with him, but after a few moments decided they needed to get beyond this or she'd never get anywhere with getting him to help them. She raised a shaking hand to loosen the belt of her jacket, then tried to control the shaking in her hands as she reached up to undo the top button.

“I haven’t ever hurt you, Savannah. Have I?”

Savi remembered those first few years when she'd fantasized about Damián coming to rescue her. Fantasies of his being a daddy to Marisol. Before she'd shut down emotionally. Still, she'd wanted him to look for her. He'd broken her heart by not doing so.

Don't be ridiculous, Savi. He wouldn't have come looking for you. He'd have looked for Savannah Gentry. And she was dead.

Choosing not to answer the question, she finished unbuttoning the jacket and peeled it off, then leaned against the back of the sofa and pulled the tail of her shirt loose from her slacks. His gaze went to her abdomen and she saw a flash of rage cross his face as his mouth tightened.

“Lie down.”

His words sounded angry and she felt fear clawing at her throat again. She wouldn't let herself be placed in such a vulnerable position with him. “No.” She took a deep breath and stood up, wincing as the movement robbed her of breath. “I’d rather stand.”

He stood as well and leaned closer to her, reaching out his hand. She gasped even before he touched her. When he gingerly touched the bruised area on her left ribcage, below her breast, she held her breath and tried not to move. After a moment he pulled away.

“I need to ask Doc what to do.”

Didn't doctors have to make reports of violent acts to the authorities? She couldn't risk seeing a doctor. But he didn't wait for her to express an opinion as he pulled out his phone and pressed a button. After a moment, someone must have answered

“Sorry to wake you, man, but I need your help.” He paused and glanced at Savi. “A friend of mine has been in…some kind of fight and she has some bruising over her ribs.” He seemed exasperated by the other person's response and wondered what he'd said “Man, this is serious. It’s not from impact play."

How could violent impacts against someone's body be considered play?

"She’s been punched by a fist, it looks like. Under her breast. Where the ribs are. The bruises are still dark in color. Happened at least two days ago.” He looked to her for confirmation and she nodded and held up two fingers. The man apparently did know his bruising. How did someone who wasn't in the medical field become an expert on bruising?

He listened a moment, then shook his head. “Can’t do that."

Do what?

"What’s plan B? What can I do?” Once more, he listened. Savi could hear a garbled voice coming through the phone, but couldn't make out any of the words. After a long while, he said “Hold on” and lowered the phone to the coffee table. Damián looked at her. “Take some deep breaths. Really fill your lungs.”

Lost in his gaze, she did as he told her, then caught her breath and winced again. She'd forgotten to be careful how she breathed. He picked up the phone again and said, “Might be a problem with her breathing, Doc.”

Refusing to appear injured, Savi stood taller. "No, there isn't. I'm fine"

Damián glared at her until she heard the voice coming through the phone again.

"Shoot." He listened to his friend's instructions. “I didn’t take anatomy, Doc.”

What had he asked? Damián's gaze went to her breasts and she grew uncomfortable. Don't look at me like I'm a dirty slut.

“Be right back.” Damián laid the phone on the coffee table and moved closer to Savi, and she fought the impulse to turn and run. “I need to check for a broken rib. Just try and relax.”

Now she did take a step back. No effing way.

“Hold still, querida.” He maintained eye contact with her, but rather than calm her, she felt the need to escape; to go to her safe place.

Savannah ran along the beach, ignoring the broken shells that cut into the bare soles of her feet. Where were her flip-flops?

The cave. She'd left them at the cave. She needed to get back there. After climbing over the sharp rocks, she walked into the opening of the cave, then halted. Instead of her mother, she found Damián leaning against the wall of the cave. No! Where was maman?

Then she remembered how safe she'd felt with him here once upon a time. A very long time ago.

“Savi? Look at me.”

She blinked and found herself transported instantly back into Damián's living room. She stared at him.

“Where’d you go?”

My cave. Wait! He couldn’t know about that. “Go? I didn’t go anywhere. Just check for the broken rib and get it over with.”

Damián placed his left hand in the middle of her back and she jumped.

“Wait! I’m not ready yet.”

“You don’t have to get ready for anything. Just look at me, querida.”

No! Not yet! She tried to convey her fear with her eyes, but he ignored her.

“Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.”

She couldn't do this. Her breathing became shallow, rapid. She tried to force herself to release the tension in her shoulders and neck. I can't do this!

“That's it.”

His words had a slight calming effect on her until he placed his right hand against her chest again. Her breathing became shallow and she felt her heart beat wildly. She drew another breath, sharper this time.

“Just relax. I’m going to press here, but tell me if it starts to hurt.”

He applied an incredible amount of pressure against her chest wall and she cried out in pain. Oh dear Lord, it hurt. She'd always been able to block out pain. Why hadn't she been able to go to her cave? He abruptly let go of her and gave her a look as if she'd just landed on earth from outer space. He reached for the cell phone and picked it up.

“Doc? You still there?”

His tone conveyed he wasn't pleased with her. What had she done wrong? She'd tried not to scream in pain.

Only dirty sluts scream, Savannah.

She should have been able to take the pain without screaming. He wouldn't want to help her if she screamed like that again. If he knew what she was…control yourself, Savan…Savi. I'm Savi!

Damián sighed. “We have a couple problems with that. One is that we need a babysitter.”




Now be sure to head over and check out all the great prizes in the Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop! Good luck!

And now for MY giveaways! First, if you don't have Masters at Arms yet, be sure to use Coupon Code QT34B at Smashwords to get your copy NOW. (Coupon good through May 20. You do not want to read any of the books in this series without this all-important introduction to my first three heroes--Marc, Adam, and Damian.

Comment below about what you're looking forward to reading this summer for a chance to win my bookmark, a set of Romance Trading Cards, a purple pen inscribed with "Ahh, Kallypso...the stories you tell," AND your choice of a FREE e-book in the Rescue Me series.

Good luck and enjoy!

45 comments:

  1. Thanks for the sneek peek at Nobody's perfect. I will have to reread the other books before the end of June.

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  2. This series sounds interesting - I'll be starting with Masters at Arms right away! As for this summer, I think I'm going to start reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  3. I can't wait to continue your books! I keep re-reading Master at Arms! It's my fav!

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  4. I am ready for the new book!!!!

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  5. I'm looking forward to reading Nobody's Perfect! I'm caught up with the rest of the books in the series and can't wait to read what's next! I love them all!!

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  6. I have some time alone so to keep busy I'm going to need LOTS of books so I'm looking forward to reading ALL YOUR books!

    book4me67 at ymail dot com

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  7. I am looking forward to reading so many amazing books that it was hard to just pick a few. The few that I can come up with Cherished, Chaos Burning, and Laid Bare by Lauren Dane. Also, Mine to Hold by Shayla Black, Echoes at Dawn by Maya Banks, and Hot in Handcuffs by Shayla Black, Sylvia Day, and Shiloh Walker. I am also excited to read a few paranormal romances like Eternal Beast by Laura Wright.

    melissalamb(at)musfiber.com

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  8. I have a huge TBR pile that I need to get through for summer reading. Master at Arms is already on that pile, but I'm also trying to get up to date on the BDB series, Lara Adrian's series and Larissa Ione's series.

    Thanks for participating in the hop and for the giveaway opportunity.
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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  9. Hmm, I have a big pile for summer. Tangle of Need by Nalini Singh, Kiss the Dead by LKH, & lots of others.

    isabelli3619 (at) aol (dot) com

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  10. I've read your first book and it was brilliant! This summer I'm looking forward to Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione, Echoes at Dawn by Maya Banks, West of Want by Laura Kaye and catching up on Lothaire by Kresley Cole and Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward.

    Thank you for the giveaway and the chance to win your book and some lovely swag :)

    mwilson(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. I have a massive tbr list to work through but one I recently added was Unbound by April Vine. It sounds hot...it has three meddling aunties that are witches who cast a lust spell on Michelle that goes haywire on the only man to break her heart, Sebastian tries his damnedest to satisfy her needs while winning back the only woman he has ever loved. *sighs* Gotta keep busy till Nobodys Perfect comes out!!!

    andieleah78@gmail.com

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  12. I'm waiting for the new book...loved the first three..:)
    I've also enjoyed "Lover Reborn" , "Divine Phoenix" and "Siren in Bloom".
    foulkes.susan@gmail.com
    Hugs x

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  13. I'm waiting on the new rough riders book from Lorelei James :) Thanks for the chance to win :)

    raynman1979@yahoo.com (i'm backtracking trying to hit all the blogs that weren't up yesterday when i hopped thru..i didn't see a comment from me, sorry if i posted twice)

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  14. Oh Kally!! I can't wait!! I wanna scream at my IPad for the rest of the story!! LOL

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  15. Kally, I haven't read your books yet. I have one on my Kindle waiting for me. Your books sound like they will wrap around your heart and never let go. I can't wait to get started reading them.
    I am waiting to read Captivated. It just came out and my copy should be here for my Bday this summer...LOL
    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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  16. Oh live the excerpt! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Lords of Deliverance series by Larissa Ione.
    Beckerjo at verizon dot net

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  17. Excellent excerpt! I honestly take my Summer to find new authors and books. I do not have anything right now that I'm looking forward to. But I know I will find some new greats :)

    Thank you for a chance to win and for being part of the hop!

    ~Ava~

    dragonlady 029 2 aol . com

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  18. I have so much to look forward to but reading one of your books would be a great way to start the summer off. And to do it by the beach would be even better. Thank you for participating in the hop.

    Happy summer everyone!
    Lynn
    lareynolds0316@gmail.com

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  19. I have a ton of books I need to read right now! But I never have the time LOL. I'm definitely excited to read Bared to You by Sylvia Day. It's been at the top of my TBR list for a while. Thanks for the giveaway!
    laceyblossom1@gmail.com

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  20. I have a rather large pile of books I want to conquer this summer including Embrace Me at Dawn by Shayla Black and Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost. I will admit I have your first book on my nook and I will read it. The series sounds fantastic!!!
    Anne
    areeths at new dot rr dot com

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  21. I have so many series I've started that I just hope to make progress on a few and get caught up. I'd like to start reading Lauren Dane, Shayla Black and Cherise Sinclair among others. This is definitely one I can't wait to read, thanks for the excerpt!
    lfacchini(at)tampabay(dot)rr(dot)com

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  22. I will be workingto catch up on this series. I really want to read these. I have a very long TBR to complete this summer. I will tackle it!
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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  23. Nobodys Perfect, The newest books of the following series: Jayne Rylon's Powertools, Maya Banks' KGI, Cherise Sinclair Dark Haven, Delilah Devlin My Immortal Knight, Vivian Arend Granite Lake Wolves, Mari Carr Misplaced Cowboy, Bella Andre The Sullivans, Cat Johnson Red, Hot & Blue, Jaci Burton Play-by-Play and I'm sure I missed a bunch more. I finish my degree in July and my gift to myself is reading only for pleasure!

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  24. Can't wait to read the next book in this series!! I loved the 2nd and 3rd and have read them both more than once.

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  25. Hmm, hard to pick. Maybe Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews!

    Thanks for the chance!

    Ann
    alltherhage AT gmail DOT com

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  26. I already have Master of Arms downloaded to my Nook. I haven't gotten to it yet, but I know I will love it.

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  27. Can't wait..finished the other three in a weekend....LOVED them.l!!!

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  28. Thanks for the sneak peak. I'm looking forward to reading your new book.

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  29. Looking forward to reading Devi's Bride by Zoe Archer, Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden, Canyon Shadows by Vonna Harper, Waterborne by Katherine Irons, Brody by Emma Lang, and Dream Bound by Kate Douglas. I know there are others I'm forgetting. Thanks for a chance to win. I love trading cards.
    luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com

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  30. I can't wait for the new book Kally! I know it will be emotional and I will have to have a box of kleenex and some chocolate on hand when I read it (not to mention something cold to drink, lol).

    Anyone who has not read these books needs to do it NOW! They are so great!
    June
    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  31. Can not wait to finish up on the BDB series, Joey Hill's Witch series and catch up on the authors who will be at AAD!

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  32. June can't get here quick enough...I WANT Nobody's Perfect!!

    barbbattaglia @ yahoo.com

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  33. Thank you for the Sneak Peak of "Nobody's Perfect", it was a GREAT Excerpt, LQQking forward to it's release.

    I would very much appreciate the opportunity to be considered in your very generous giveaway for a chance to win a bookmark, Romance Trading Cards, a purple pen, AND an e-book of my choice in the Rescue Me Series. Thank You for participating in the Sinful Sirens Giveaway Hop.

    Take care & Stay Naughty,
    PaParanormalFan (Renee’ S.)
    paranormalromancefan at yahoo dot com

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  34. I am being completely honest when I say I CAN'T WAIT TO READ NOBODY'S PERFECT!!!

    I would LOVE to win this book!

    Thanks for this giveaway!

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

    Ollie aka DarkBloodyVamp

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  35. I'm looking forward to reading your Rescue Me series this summer. I have all summer to enjoy them before I go back to work! Thanks for the giveaway!
    suz2(at)cox(dot)net

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  36. New to the series would like book 2 if I win. Thanks for the giveaway :)

    Debi anne
    debi01760@hotmail.com

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  37. Thanks for the giveaway!

    forettarose(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. Great excerpt! I already have my copy of Master At Arms and am going to be starting it either tonight or tomorrow. :)
    There are so many books that I am looking forward to this summer. One is Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. Another is Lusted in Las Vegas by Sandra Bunino. And of course, the rest of the Rescue Me series! ;)
    Thank you for the opportunity to read another one.
    trb0917 at gmail.com

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  39. Well of course, yours is in the summer pile ;) another I'm waiting for is Dana Marie Bells' Cynful, love those shifter stories.

    Eva
    evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com

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  40. Well after reading your post and talking to my friends I am looking forward to reading Masters At Arms. :) Aside from your books I'm looking forward to the next Anita Blake book coming out next month and finishing the third book in Fifty Shades.

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  41. Very nice excerpt. I'm looking forward to all the sunshine. Thanks for the giveaway.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  42. Love love love the rescue me series! Can not wait for Nobody's Perfect to be published. I have been so excited for Damian and Savi's story since I read Masters at Arms! Thanks Kally for the sneak peek!

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  43. Hey everyone! It's Kallypso's Assistant, Leagh. I have chosen our winner.

    Congratulations to Susie J. I have emailed you =)

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