* Legacy: The Awakening
* By Liza Malloy
* (Legacy trilogy, #1)
* Publication date: March 30th 2020
* Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance
College student Jessica craves a stable, ordinary life. But when she meets the alluring and irresistible Aiden, her life takes a thrilling turn. Jessica knows there’s something different about Aiden, but she’s shocked when she learns his secret. The further Jessica delves into Aiden’s world, the more consumed she becomes with him.
Heir to the throne of a secret kingdom of supernatural beings, Aiden yearns to fulfill his destiny. But from their first encounter, Jessica captivates Aiden. Aiden is certain that Jessica is his only chance at true happiness. But Aiden can’t deny that his presence in Jessica’s life threatens to destroy the very things he loves about Jessica—her generosity, compassion and innocence.
As Jessica finds her life filling with peril she never imagined, she must decide how much she’s willing to risk for love. And Aiden must choose whether to embrace his legacy or follow his heart.
Intensely compelling and powerfully gripping, The Awakening is the seductive first installment to the Legacy trilogy, an unforgettable, epic love story.
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EXCERPT:
“So, we’re friends?” I turned to him as I spoke and read the regret on his face.“Jessica, I’m sorry about last night.”
I felt my eyes warming up and willed myself not to cry.
Aiden reached for my hand. “I like you Jessica. Of course we’re friends, but I’m also…” He sighed. “We’re different, you and I, and we’re in completely different places now. It was wrong of me to kiss you.”
We stopped near the dry creek-bed, still holding hands. I glanced over at Aiden and realized he was watching me again, that same look on his face. He wanted me and I knew it, but something was restraining him.
Neither of us spoke for a moment.
“Aiden, the last time we were here, and I made that joke…” I paused.
“About vampires?”
I nodded, my heart racing in anticipation of pushing him away after he’d finally opened up to me. “It was only a joke,” I reiterated. “But I feel like you are hiding something or holding back.” I swallowed audibly.
He inhaled sharply and stepped closer to the water.
I followed him, but kept a few feet between us. “Aiden, I like you, and I want to know you better. I won’t judge you. I just want to know.”
“What do you want to know?” he asked, his voice so quiet I could barely make out his words.
“Everything. I want to know you, Aiden.” I bit my lip to keep from shouting at him, from insisting that he knew exactly what it was that I wanted to know, that I was the one who had no idea what he was hiding.
“What specifically?”
I blew out a sigh. “Why do you move around so often? Why can’t I go in your house? Why do you and your brothers all have long hair? Why couldn’t your sister wear a ponytail?” I held my breath and stepped closer, feeling uncharacteristically brave. “How did you know to get me out of that fire?”
Aiden turned towards me slowly, his head down. “Jessica, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have started anything with you. I just can’t…” He sighed, then made eye contact. “I can’t answer your questions. And we can’t be together, so I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
Without thinking, I leaned into him, pressing my lips into his. He hesitated, but then I felt his mouth respond to mine, his warm lips opening for me, the tip of his tongue gently tickling my lips.
I broke off the kiss before he could reject me again. “I know you care about me,” I said firmly, empowered from my boldness.
“I do,” he agreed willingly. “But that’s why I can’t…”
“Bullshit!” I interrupted. “I’m already involved in whatever it is, so you might as well tell me the truth. What are you hiding? You can trust me.”
Aiden’s eyes quickly darted around, scanning the woods behind me. Apparently satisfied we were alone, he turned back to me, locked his eyes on mine, then tucked his hair behind his ears.
I was so captivated by his stare, with those unnaturally vibrant eyes, that it took a moment for me to register that he was showing me something. I blinked, and refocused on all of him, not just his eyes. And then, I saw it.
Author Bio:
Liza Malloy writes contemporary romance, new adult romance, women's fiction, and fantasy romance. She's a sucker for alpha males, bad boys, dimples, and muscles, and she can't resist a man in uniform. Liza loves creating worlds where the heroine discovers her own strength and finds her Happily Ever After.
When Liza isn't reading or writing torrid love stories, she's a practicing attorney. Her other passions include gummy bears, jelly beans, and the occasional marathon.
She lives in the Midwest with her four daughters and her own Prince Charming.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. During our current crazy situation in the world isn't it fun to escape to another world, if only for a few minutes at a time? Do you think Aiden will give up his legacy for Jesscia?
GIVEAWAY!
I so often yearn to escape to another world. Which is one of the reasons I am a bookaholic and that writers are my heroes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Liza.
Reading is really the best escape!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Liza! She is amazing to balance writing with kids and a career in law!
That's an intriguing mix of romance and speculative fiction, Mason. The characters sound interesting, too. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI bet love wins!
ReplyDeleteA paranormal romance!
ReplyDeleteReading makes life interesting and provides me with an escape which is necessary. Wonderful feature and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSounds exciting!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Thanks so much for including The Awakening! I always love connecting with readers!
ReplyDelete