Blog Tour: The Progeny by Ashlynne Laynne

Today is my stop on The Progeny Tour. Keep reading to find more about the book, the author, get an idea of what it's like with an excerpt, and join the giveaway at the end of the post.

The Progeny

“No fate other than the one I choose.” 

The timeless creed, and tattoo, bore by the Rousseau’s— a vampire clan with the purest bloodline of any vampire family. Out of this clandestine group came one who was different, yet the same: Ascher-a half-bloodling— half- human, half vampire. Ascher questions the purpose for his existence and which world he truly belongs to: the human world or the vampire world. Two months from sealing to Ursula— a prearranged union to a woman he abhors — he’s at his wit’s end. He knows if he calls off the sealing, the Romanian clan will strike with deadly force, but he cannot see eternity with a cold empty shell of a woman like Ursula. Just when he thought life was complicated enough, he meets Shauna— a beautiful, bi-racial human Wiccan — and immediately develops an unshakable attraction to her. She makes him feel alive and vital despite his origins and Ascher makes a decision that turns his immortal world upside down.

Where to purchase the book:
Amazon (Kindle) - Amazon (Paperback) - Amazon (Kindle UK) - Barnes and Noble (Nook) - Smashwords - All Romance E-books - Sony e-book

Ashlynne Laynne

Ashlynne Laynne has always had a soft spot in her heart for vampires but grew tired of the garlic fearing, sun-loathing creatures of old. An avid horror movie fan, she tends to enjoy media and music that is of a younger, more eclectic nature. This was the catalyst for her writing The Progeny. The vampire/witch pairing is unique and different when most books pair vampires with werewolves. There is no shortage of romance, steam and surprises in The Progeny Series. These books are for adults and contain adult sensuality and themes. She loves writing on the edge and teetering between the erotica and romance genres, and thinks of Ascher and Shauna as the wicked and damned version of Romeo and Juliet. Ashlynne is currently working on books three and four of her Progeny Series, book one of her upcoming Rocker Series, and an untitled WIP. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her family. She juggles the hats of wife, mother, full time employee and part-time writer, hoping to write full time one day soon. Book one of the Progeny Series—The Progeny—re-released on May 7, 2012. The “revamp” is a second edition full of extended scenes new details and tighter editing. Book two—Blood Bonds—will release Summer of 2012. Ashlynne lives in North Carolina with her husband and teenage son.

Where you can find Ashlynne:
Website - Blog - Twitter - Facebook (Author Page) - Facebook (Progeny Series Page) - Romance Book Club Author Page

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Excerpt:

Ascher felt agreeable, less cranky—a definite improvement over the previous night. It was a clear, cool, cloudless evening, just perfect for viewing fireworks. They found a spot away from everyone and sat on the red and black flannel blanket from his Jeep. An uncomfortable silence hung over them until he broke the ice. “Are you sure you’re not cold? If the cocoa isn’t enough, we can sit in the car. I have another blanket and I’d be glad to get it for you.”

“I’m okay, really.” Shauna laughed and took a sip from the thermos. “Thanks so much for the cocoa. I don’t know what I was thinking forgetting to pack some.” She gave him a smirk. “I was surprised when you asked me out tonight. I would’ve watched the countdown on TV, and then crashed. I always bring in the new year alone.” She gave him a curious stare. “Frankly, I didn’t think we hit it off so well. Have you changed your policy on fraternizing with employees?”

“About last night,” He gave her a warm smile. “I’m so sorry for my rude behavior. Birthdays aren’t my favorite occasions.”

“That reminds me,” She handed him the blue bakery box beside her.

“And what’s this…?”

“Call me, the birthday committee.”

He sat still. Other than mere acknowledgment of the date, his family never celebrated birthdays. For him, they were a painful reminder of his perilous existence. He had the strangest feeling that they would mean more to him after tonight. “You really shouldn’t have---”

“Birthdays are to be celebrated, not loathed.” Shauna pulled a blue cupcake with red sprinkles from the box. “Happy birthday to you,” she sang while taunting him with the confection. “Here, have some, I love their frosting.”

Ascher flinched, remembering what his brother Tristan told him about being inconspicuous around humans. He knew what even a bite of this would do to him, but he had to keep suspicion down. He reached for the cupcake, took a believable bite, and started the mental countdown for getting rid of it. He had a few hours before he’d get violently ill, or be in any real danger.

A firework flashed across the sky, lighting it with brilliant colors and bright flashing lights. His heart skipped a beat as her cold hand brushed his, sending threads of electricity directly into him. She was cold. Before his mind could process the inclination, he grabbed her, unzipping his leather jacket and placing her hands against his bare stomach. “Shauna, you’re hands are chilled. If you don’t want to go to the car, we’ll have to get a little closer.”

“Okay,” she managed to get out through her chattering teeth and leaned into him, snuggling her face against his chest.

“Would you like some of my birthday cupcake?” he asked, offering it to her.

Shauna took a healthy bite and glanced up at him revealing a frosting moustache.

 Ascher chuckled. He couldn’t help it. She was as sexy as she was adorable. “You’ve got some...” He moved his finger across his own lip.

“I know.” She licked her lips and giggled, showing off those beautiful dimples. “Told ya...the best frosting in the world,” She smoothed her hands over his bare stomach as her eyes tunneled into him. “Happy birthday, Ascher.”

He wasn’t accustomed to accepting gifts, so he searched his mind for an appropriate reply. “Thank you for the cupcake. That was really nice of you to do.”

Shauna nodded.

The sky was opaque, filled with swirls of smoke and exquisite pops of color. Her face was pensive but she seemed happy. “I loved fireworks when I was a kid. Our old house wasn’t far from the square. My sister and I would go up to the roof and watch them. Did you like fireworks as a kid?”

“I’m usually too busy residing in my post birthday funk to come out on New Year’s Eve. Father comes out every year, since Rousseau’s sponsors this event.”

Shauna's eyes shifted over him, seeming to take in every minute detail. Her mind was an open book, and he took to reading it.

His face is different tonight. A face that gorgeous should only smile. Look how his features dance against the bursts of light. That’s so strange. He looks like a fashion ad for funeral wear.

Ascher tugged the purple blanket tighter around them. “Are you warming up?”

She nodded, pressing her ear to his chest, while his heart hammered, beating a steady and unchallenged rhythm. He cuddled her closer, his hold awkward and uncomfortable. He didn’t have a lot of experience with being close to anyone.

The warmth of her body was an exciting change from Ursula’s icy skin. Besides Aggie, he’d only been close to vampires. While he loved his brothers and family, their wintry skin was unpleasant. He rested his face against her head, savoring the abundant heat radiating from her scalp. A gentle breeze circulated the floral fruity fragrance of her hair. Ascher knew he shouldn’t, but he nestled his nose into her hair, delighting in her tempting perfume.

 “This is really nice,” she whispered with a sigh in her voice.

“I agree.”

“It’s almost twelve,” she spoke again, with the sighing tone

The M.C. started counting down. “Ten, nine…”

Ascher turned her to him, searching her eyes for any indication that a kiss might be appropriate.

Shauna stared back at him with a blank look.

A kiss was out of the question.

“Eight, seven…”

Desperation filled his racing mind, as he attempted to find a suitable way to mark the New Year without offending her.

“Six, five…”

He channeled her frightened thoughts. She was just as unsure as he was. He glanced around at the other couples to see that they were already embracing and kissing. The flushing feeling grew on his face.

“Four, three…”

Shauna brought her worried face closer.

Ascher couldn’t believe that she was contemplating making the first move. He was stunned by the sudden turn of events.

“Two, one…”

Her potent essence washed over him, as her lips came within inches of his, before abruptly stopping. A hundred sparks lit the night sky.

 “Happy New Year!” The M.C. shouted.

Ascher experienced every thump of her heart as her chest heaved with some emotion—fear, nerves, possibly a combination of both. She leaned in to him, giving him a subtle kiss on his left cheek.

He kissed her forehead and whispered, “You are so incredibly beautiful.” He carefully smoothed his hand down along her face, and watched the blush on her cheeks pool beneath his fingertips. “Happy New Year, Shauna.”

She snuggled into him again, nuzzling her face into his chest. “Happy New Year, Ascher.”

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Now, for the giveaway, Ashlynne is offering an e-copy of The Progeny, and all you have to do, is leave your name & email by commenting on this post. Simple as that! The giveaway will run until June 30th, and the winner will be chosen through Random.org.