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.
I only get to pick one??
Bones/Booth
Cat/Bones
Kate/Curran
Adam/Mercy
Ethan/Merit
Just to name few!
Adam/Mercy!!! Love them!!
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.
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! ;-)
One of my favorite all time couples too! Your comment is right next to Thor–very easy on the eyes.
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.
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 ^_^
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!!!!
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”.
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!
Barrons and Mac were on fire!! Fantastic couple. Must go reread….
Cat and Bones and a new one Dragos and Pia. Both couples have great chemistry.
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.
Right there with you Laurie Khal and Daenerys sizzle! I get definite tingles…oh my is it Sunday yet?! :)
they come in my top 3 :)
good choice
Hi Everyone!! A big thanks to Smexy for hosting us!
Some great couples here. Sookie and Eric. Yes!!
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
Aw, thanks, Tracy. :-) xxoox
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.
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.
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.
Cat & Bones are my fav couple. They’re just so devoted to each other!
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* ;)
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
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.
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.
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!
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 :)
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.
Eve Dallas and Roarke—-I love them!
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!
Oh Oh!! Yes!! LOVE this mini-series. Richard Armitage is so swoony. And that kiss!!
LOVE that mini-series. Love the ending train scene.
Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth! I’m classy like that ;-)
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.
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.
My favourite couple is Eve Dallas & Roarke, although I also love Kate & Curran.
I like Buffy and Spike! These books must totally be for me!
Hahaha Thanks, Haven!!!
Love Buffy and Spike. Miss them!
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!
Oh, yeah! Now I have to go find that movie! Too many good ones here.
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
Love Wuthering Heights. Wouldn’t mind if Heathcliff damned me to haunt him.
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????
Sorry, it has to be Mac and Barrons :))) No competition here…
Daemon and Jeanelle from Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series. Yummy!
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.
In books: Kate and Curran of Iloan Andrews Kate Daniel series. In TV series: Eric and Sookie in the True Blood series.