Hi, everyone! We’re Laurie London, author of the Sweetblood series, and Erin Kellison, author of the Shadow series. Because our e-novellas come out on the same day (Hidden By Blood by Laurie and Shadow Touch by Erin), we thought it’d be fun to hit the blogosphere together for #DarkTour. Stay tuned, because we’re giving away a lot of cool stuff at the bottom of this post.
Today, we’re talking about the chemistry between the hero and the heroine.
Chemistry in a relationship is the intangible bond between two people which attracts them to each other. It’s how our five senses react uniquely to that other person—how they look, sound, taste, feel, and smell to us.
When we have positive chemistry with someone, the pleasure centers in our brains are stimulated, causing our blood pressure to rise, our skin to flush, our knees to weaken, etc. You feel connected to that person on a deeper level—the two of you seem to just click.
But what happens when it’s someone you don’t want to be connected to? Someone you shouldn’t be with?
The e-novella, Hidden By Blood, is a reunion story between two people who are complete opposites, who share an explosive chemistry that’s both dangerous and forbidden.
Brenna Stewart is a vampire, struggling to control her dark nature, whereas Finn McKentry is a human with a rare blood type that’s addictive to vampires. As a former Army Ranger, he is bold, spontaneous, and fearless. But Brenna works in the medical field and is contemplative and cautious.
Back when they first met, despite being complete opposites, they couldn’t deny their feelings for each other and entered into a passionate relationship. However, during that time, Brenna kept one very important secret from Finn. She was a vampire.
When she almost went too far, she suddenly broke things off with him, fearing she might kill him the next time. For many months, they go their own separate ways until something happens that thrusts them back together again. And that’s when Hidden By Blood starts.
When I read Erin’s novella, Shadow Touch, I knew the moment Ellie and Cam were on the page together that they had this kind of chemistry as well. And how could they not, especially considering that Ellie’s—
Oh wait, I’d better let Erin tell you…
Erin Kellison here. Thanks, Laurie! Readers, I was lucky to read Laurie’s novella early. Take it from me, Brenna and Finn burn up the pages. And the novella is a great intro to Laurie’s Sweetblood world. You’ve got to check it out.
In my Shadow Touch, the chemistry between Ellie and Cam is dangerous and unpredictable. My heroine Ellie has a big problem she hopes scientist Dr. Cam Kalamos can help her with—her flesh and blood self (rational and controlled) is separate from her shadow (who acts on instincts, passion, and knows no shame). Ellie knows her shadow is growing stronger and more assertive. She must get help, and now, before her dark half takes over. It might be too late already. Trouble is, Ellie is attracted to Cam, and therefore her shadow takes the desire to another level altogether.
Cam works at the Segue Institute, a paranormal research center, but nothing can prepare him for Ellie and her shadow. He can’t help but like smart, brave, and enduring Ellie, just as he tries to resist her lusty and curious shadow. No matter what, the shadow will get what she wants. While the situation is both intellectually and personally… provocative, he’s got to make a critical decision.
Who will give in first: the man struggling to unite two halves of one fascinating female; the shadow fighting for freedom to experience the thrill of every emotion; or the woman who is about to discover her own deepest desires?
To read Finn and Brenna’s story, check out Hidden By Blood here:
To check out Cam and Ellie’s story, find Shadow Touch here:
For more information on the Sweetblood and Shadow series, follow Laurie and Erin here:
www.facebook.com/LaurieLondonAuthor
One random commenter will receive a bunch of cool stuff:
Bonded by Blood (book 1 in Laurie’s Sweetblood series),
Shadow Bound (book 1 in Erin’s Shadow series) and a bonus book, a signed copy of Undertow by Cherry Adair. We’ll also add bookmarks and romance trading cards from both series.
To be entered, tell us in the comments who one of your favorite fictional couples is (book/tv/movie) and why. Both of us will be stopping in throughout the day. Good luck!
Note: Contest open to all (international)
Edited to add: Contest open through June 4th.
Jen says
I only get to pick one??
Bones/Booth
Cat/Bones
Kate/Curran
Adam/Mercy
Ethan/Merit
Just to name few!
Erin Kellison says
Adam/Mercy!!! Love them!!
Tori says
My fav fiction character couple is Kate and Curran. Both are tough, no nonsense people of power who get silly when they are together. The chemistry between them is smoking hot.
Caitlin Peterson says
So many to choose from! I would probably have to say my fave couple of all time is Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. I love how much they despise eachother in the beginning of the novel/movie and then overcome it and develop a deep abiding love for eachother. *sighs* Plus, Colin Firth is easy on the eyes! ;-)
Erin Kellison says
One of my favorite all time couples too! Your comment is right next to Thor–very easy on the eyes.
ChrisS says
Congratulations on the releases of Hidden By Blood and Shadow Touch.
Who are one of my favorite fictional couples? Wow.. This is a tough question because each of the hero/heroing couples from my favorite books find a special place in my heart. That’s a part of why they are my favorites. If I had to pick just one couple i would pick my most recent which is Sir Stephen Carleton and Lady Isobel Hume from Margaret Mallory’s Knight of Pleasure. They are both such strong and passionate characters that have earned a spot in my favorites.
Ren Puspita says
My ultimate and everlasting favorite couple is Eve Dallas and Roarke from In Death series by J.D.Robb! Even after so many books, still I adore them ^_^
Miranda says
I have so many favorites it is ridiculous!! I think my all time favorite from way back is Bella/Zsadist from Lover Awakened. There’s chemistry and then there’s Chemistry. I love it when I open a book and become riveted by the couple’s chemistry. When a couple can keep you in to it when they are fighting or making up you know you’ve got a great book on your hands!
Congratulations on your releases ladies!!!!
Amanda Phillips says
Congrats on your new books. I have so many fav couples but if I had to choose it would have to be Toni Davis and Ian MacPhie in “All I Want For Christmas Is A Vampire” by Kerrelyn Sparks. Ian is a super hot scottish vamp who wants to fall in love with a female vamp not a mortal and Toni is mortal and has just learned that vamps are real and wants to marry a mortal but she is falling for Ian. Its hard not to love Ian when he says things like ” i want to help rescue your friend. Please forgive me for being an arse.” and ” you’ve brought sunshine back into my life” and ” I want to see the love in your eyes when I enter you”.
j3nny says
Happy release day!
Hmmm….my all time favorite couple? I can’t just pick one but one that I really love is Barrons/Mac :) Raphael/Elena is another…and I have a few more but I’ll have to stop or else it’ll be a very long list!
Erin Kellison says
Barrons and Mac were on fire!! Fantastic couple. Must go reread….
Viki S. says
Cat and Bones and a new one Dragos and Pia. Both couples have great chemistry.
Laurie London says
Thanks, Smexy, for having us today. And thanks, everyone, for stopping by.
Those are some great ones. How about Sookie and Eric…a girl can dream, can’t she? Or my new favorite Khal and Daenerys. I can’t think of those two with out getting all tingly inside.
Miranda says
Right there with you Laurie Khal and Daenerys sizzle! I get definite tingles…oh my is it Sunday yet?! :)
Amanda Phillips says
they come in my top 3 :)
good choice
Erin Kellison says
Hi Everyone!! A big thanks to Smexy for hosting us!
Some great couples here. Sookie and Eric. Yes!!
Tracy says
I have to sy MY all time fav couple is Wrath and Beth from J.R Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood. This was the second paranormal Book I ever read and it sticks with me>, But the your couples too Laurie!xoxo
Laurie London says
Aw, thanks, Tracy. :-) xxoox
Jessica Aspen says
Congrats on your releases and both books sound fantastic! Nothing like hot steamy couples in brave new worlds. There are too many great couple to choose, but I’m picking Dagan and Roxy in Eve Silver’s Sins of the Heart. I love how strong they are together and how they take on anything and everything with passion.
Irene Jackson says
My most long lasting favourite couple is Eve Dallas and Roarke I have loved and followed them from book 1.Both very strong characters but loving and perfect together.
Angelina says
Sookie and Eric? That would be awesome! But my all time favorite would have to be Jamie and Claire from the ‘Outlander’ series by Diana Gabaldon. Their passion and love reached through time and space.
Meggerfly says
Cat & Bones are my fav couple. They’re just so devoted to each other!
Mandi says
LOL – I was just going to say Khal and Daenerys! Laurie beat me to it :)
A better couple in my mind would be Khal and ME. *Ahem* ;)
Laurie London says
Hahahaha
I am sooo in lust with him, I can hardly stand it. I live for the Khal nakey parts. When I put the link for this on my FB page, I scrolled through and picked the Khal picture from your sidebar, instead of our DarkTour pic. :-P
Aurian says
I was going for Eve and Roarke as well, but to give an original answer: Lev Prakenski and Rikki, from Water Bound by Christine Feehan. One awesome book, with really great characters.
Congrats on the new releases, they both sound very good, but I am truly intrigued with the woman with the shadow problem! That I want to read about.
Barb P says
Hi Laurie and Erin! Wow, What a question! There are sooooo many couples: Elena & Raphael, Booth & Bones (although disappointed in this seasons finale!) , Chuck & Sarah, Cat & Bones. I could just keep going & going. Awesome contest & post, count me in on the contest please.
Mpoykatoyka says
Hello! Well i have many favorite couples! Hmm! My favorite is Raphael and Elena from Nalini’s Singh Guild Hunter series! I also like Andrew and Indigo from Psy/Changelings Series , Dimitri and Rose from Vampire Academy.
They all have such a chemistry and strong reletionships, especially the first one!
Thank you for the review and the contest!
Mikki Mano says
Hmm, one of my favourite couples is Cat and Bones’s. I love who much they love each other and how much they’re willing to do for their relationship. However it’s hard sometimes, but they can accept each other and they can trust in each other, which are the bases of a real relationship, I reckon. I can’t wait to get more of their story :)
Sara says
Hi Laurie! Thanks for introducing me to Erin. I have both of your novellas on my kindle now and I’m excited to read them both. The shadow aspect of Erin’s story sounds intriguing. As to my favorite couple…I agree with many already listed but I’m going with Justine and Packard from Carolyn Crane’s Disillusionists series. They have great chemistry and they understand and accept each other, faults and all.
Estella says
Eve Dallas and Roarke—-I love them!
N Needham says
John Thornton and Margaret Hale from Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel, North and South. If you haven’t seen the 2004 BBC mini-series, and you like historicals, this is a must see! Richard Armitage is tres yummy as Thornton… tall, slim, dark haired and blue eyed. The BEST on screen kiss ever!
Mandi says
Oh Oh!! Yes!! LOVE this mini-series. Richard Armitage is so swoony. And that kiss!!
Erin Kellison says
LOVE that mini-series. Love the ending train scene.
Chelsea B. says
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth! I’m classy like that ;-)
Debbie bussie says
My most Fav couple is Cat and Bones. Because they seem to make it work no matter what happens. Very much in love and devoted to each other.
Danielle Gorman says
Zsadist and Bella from Lover Awakened by JR Ward. I love that Bella loves Zsadist despite his faults and that she is able to bring out the good in him. I love that Zsadist loves Bella with such a fierceness and is so protective of her.
Spav says
My favourite couple is Eve Dallas & Roarke, although I also love Kate & Curran.
Haven Yates says
I like Buffy and Spike! These books must totally be for me!
Laurie London says
Hahaha Thanks, Haven!!!
Erin Kellison says
Love Buffy and Spike. Miss them!
KC Klein says
Ok since Mac and Barrons was already taken I am going to go with an oldie but goodie. Daniel Day-Lewis as Hawkeye and Madeleine Stowe as Cora in The Last of the Mohicans. My fav line is, “Submit, you hear me. Stay alive, I will find you.” Or something to that effect, regardless sends my heart pumping. Yum!
Erin Kellison says
Oh, yeah! Now I have to go find that movie! Too many good ones here.
Kimberly Maloney says
I think it will always be Heathcliff and Catherine for me. I know it’s old school, but the passion between them was so strong that even death couldn’t break it, and THAT is pretty intense! lol
Erin Kellison says
Love Wuthering Heights. Wouldn’t mind if Heathcliff damned me to haunt him.
Micaela says
Why can’t we pick one from every series…soooo many good ones … But the one couple that will stay with me forever is Zsadist and Bella from the BDB…. They seamed like a real couple…breaking up and making up is soooo much fun ;) …They captured me from day one when they met in the training center…Grrrr….Granny Apples anyone????
kara-karina says
Sorry, it has to be Mac and Barrons :))) No competition here…
Jody says
Daemon and Jeanelle from Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series. Yummy!
Throuthehaze says
I was having trouble picking just one until I read some comments mentioning Mac and Barrons and it clicked with me. They are definitely one of my faves because of all they have been through together.
LadyVampire says
In books: Kate and Curran of Iloan Andrews Kate Daniel series. In TV series: Eric and Sookie in the True Blood series.