Like most of the other Dames, I’m finding it difficult to believe a whole year has gone by since we started this blog. At the same time, I can hardly remember what it was like in the days before I had the Dames at my back. This is one amazingly supportive (and talented!) group of women, and I feel lucky and blessed to be included in their ranks.
To celebrate the Dames anniversary, I’m giving away some prizes. Two winners will receive signed copies of any book in my backlist; and one winner will receive a homemade ARC (advance reading copy) of The Devil’s Playground. Because my publisher did not make “official” ARCs for this book, my homemade ARC will be a printout of the manuscript, formatted for ease of mailing and readability. I will, of course, sign it.
Since it’s a one-of-a-kind, I’d like the ARC to go to someone who’s up-to-date on the series so far and is impatient for the March 23 release date to roll around. Let me know in the comments that you’ve read the previous four books, and I’ll enter you in the drawing for the ARC. All winners will be chosen via random number generator, and will be announced on the Dames site on Sunday, January 31. Good luck!
And now, on to the snippet, from The Devil’s Playground.
***
Reluctantly, I pulled away from Brian’s kiss, though I kept my arms around his neck and my body pressed up against his. His eyes had darkened with desire. He licked the taste of me from his lips, and I had to suppress a groan. Brian could do amazing things with his tongue, and my hormones were screaming that now would be a good time for him to demonstrate. I tried to swallow the desire back down.
“What about Lugh?” I whispered.
The fire dimmed in Brian’s eyes, and he lowered his forehead until it rested against mine. “Couldn’t you just have gone with it?”
I shook my head without breaking contact. “He won’t let me. Now that he’s brought the issue up, he’s not going to leave it alone until we both come to terms with it.”
Brian let go of me, taking a step backward to put some space between us. That single step sent a stabbing pain through my chest. I’d worked so hard to hold on to Brian. If there were any justice in this world, my efforts would be rewarded for it. But justice is a rare and precious thing.
Brian wasn’t making eye contact, but at least he wasn’t retreating any further.
“Have you thought at all about what I suggested the other day?” he asked.
“You mean about finding Lugh a new host?”
He met my eyes now with a look of mild reproach. Of course that was what he meant–what else could he possibly be talking about? But for reasons I didn’t fully understand, I wanted him to verbalize it, so I met his reproach with pure stubbornness. Brian lost the staring contest.
“Yes, about finding Lugh a new host,” he said.
Images of last night’s dream with Lugh flashed through my mind. Heat rose in my cheeks, and I tried to force the images away. The last thing I wanted was to reinforce Brian’s jealousy, and he was too observant to miss the blush. And too smart not to understand what it meant. I did my best to divert him.
“After you suggested it, Lugh stopped talking to me for a while,” I said, not sure telling this to Brian was the smartest move. “He made me realize how . . . comfortable I’ve gotten with having him inside me.” A lump formed in my throat, and I couldn’t for the life of me tell whether it was because I feared losing Lugh, or because I feared losing Brian. Maybe both.
“You of all people know how isolated I’ve been,” I continued. “I used to like it that way, but now . . .” I shrugged, my shoulders tight with tension. “Now I’m not sure I can go back.”
Brian reached out and grasped my shoulders, giving them a firm squeeze. “You don’t have to go back to being isolated,” he told me earnestly. “You’re learning how to open up and let other people into your life.”
I shook my head, picking my words carefully. “I don’t think I can do it without him.” Brian opened his mouth to protest, but I put my fingers to his lips to silence him. He had no idea how much influence Lugh had had on me, how much Lugh had helped me repair the damage I’d done to our relationship. “Think of Lugh as a pair of training wheels,” I said. “With the training wheels on, I can ride like a big girl. But I’m not ready to go without them yet.”
Brian took another step back from me and scowled. “You’re using him as another excuse to keep me from getting too close.”
It used to be that Brian never got angry. Well, not never, but almost never. It used to drive me crazy when I argued with him. My voice would rise to somewhere in the vicinity of a sonic boom, my emotions boiling over, and Brian would respond calmly and logically. He was like a black hole for my anger, sucking it in and letting none escape. Being with me had changed him, hardened him. I hated that.
“I’m not the one using Lugh as an excuse,” I said quietly. “Nothing’s changed for me since the last time we made love. You’re the one who’s looking at me differently.”
The scowl deepened. “You really think nothing has changed? I asked you to consider finding a new host for Lugh, and now you’re telling me you don’t want to. Am I supposed to just take that in stride?”
Jealousy flared in Brian’s eyes, and I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t even tell him he had no reason to be jealous of Lugh, because that would be a lie.
Brian’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, and I had to look away from the pain on his face. I hated seeing Brian hurt, but my first instinct was always to lash out. I’d gotten better at controlling that instinct lately, but my control wasn’t perfect.
“I seem to remember a time when you got mad at me for assuming you’d be jealous,” I said, still not looking at him. “You said I didn’t give you enough credit. It’s beginning to look like I was right all along.”
Brian made a sound of frustration. “That was when Lugh was coming on to you. I can’t be mad at you for what Lugh does. But this . . . This is all you.”
My head flew up suddenly, and it wasn’t because I wanted to look at Brian again. In fact, what I really wanted to do was turn my back, just in case the tears that hovered behind my eyes decided to fall. But when I met Brian’s gaze, it wasn’t me looking out from my eyes, it was Lugh. And he was pissed.
***
I hope you enjoyed the snippet! And as a reminder, The Devil’s Playground hits the bookshelves on March 23.
Related posts:
March 23rd isn’t THAT far away (and just in time for my birthday). I have read the other four and am so excited to see what happens next!
I haven’t had a chance to read the other books, but the series has been on my list!!!
Haven’t read any of your books in this series yet, but have plans to. Loved the snippet!
I would love to get that copy! I have read all the books and have been waiting impatiently for this one!
Hope I win!
Annie
I’ve only read the first 2 books in the Morgan Kingsley series, but i have the other 2 on my wishlist. So count me in only for the signed copies!
Thanks!
I just finished reading the last 3 back to back in December. I can’t wait for March 23rd & can’t wait to read what Lugh has been up to. I am hoping that I don’t have to wait until March 23rd.. count me in the game!
I have only gotten a chance to read book 1, so don’t enter me for the ARC. Although it sounds like an awesome, one of a kind prize.
Congrats again to all of the dames on your one year anniversary!
Ooo. Havn’t read the other books yet, but I definitely want to now. And I just want to say: yay for authors/publishers who make their books available on Kindle when they come out hard copy!
I have not read the series yet, so please don’t count me in for the ARC. I would be pleased as hell to start out the series with a signed copy. Those are the only ones that are safe from removal in my condo.
Snippets make me crazy..well crazier! I don’t have much patience and I really really can’t wait for the next book! ooo if Lugh got another host would she dump Brian for Lugh? I hate waiting! Thanks for the fun.
I have read the previous four books in the series and can’t wait for the fifth one. It was nice to meet you and Kelly at Fiction Addiction Saturday.
Happy Anniversary
Amanda
I haven’t read any of the other books yet, but they are on my list. Congrats on the anniversary and thanks for all the advice.
Julie
I have only read the first in the series, so please don’t include me in the ARC Contest.
Happy Anniverseray!
please count me in,this is a new author and series for me.
I have read all of the books. I can’t wait for The Devil’s Playground to come out! I <3 the Morgan Kinglsey series!!!
Happy Anniversary!
I’m not sure whether to thank you for putting up this awesome excerpt or be upset with myself for reading when I know I won’t get the story until the end of March! It brought up so many things from the last 4 books that I loved, now I just want this book ASAP!
Also, congrats on the one year anniversary mark! They’re so much fun. Please count me in for the ARC! and good fortune to another year on the blog.
I haven’t read the series yet, but I’d be interested in winning one of your books.
And nicely selected snippet.
I suck, because I haven’t got round to reading your series yet, which is ridiculous. I came across the first chapter of the first book a year ago, and was instantly hooked. For some stupid reason, I haven’t read it yet, but I will. Before summer, hopefully.
Anyway, happy Blogiversary!
I’ve only read the first book in the series and I’m looking forward to the rest!
I’ve only read The Devil Inside, but I loved it! Please count me out for the ARC, but I’m in the contest for the signed book! Congrats on one year!
Happy anniversary!
count me in for the ARC, definately.
Amazing spolier, now I’m wiggling about in my seat unable to wait for March 23rd. I’ve read the whole series, I couldn’t put them down. I can’t wait to find out what happens between Lugh and Morgan.
Happy Anniversary! I have read the previous books in this series and cannot wait for the new one! I love the whole triangle with Morgan, Lugh and Brian. Can’t wait to see what happens next! Would love to win the ARC!!!
You had to end it there?! I have been dying to see what happens with Brian, Lugh and Morgan and all I have is this tease?! *sigh* Less than two months to go, I can last. I can hold out. It’s going to be close though. Plus there’s the new relationship with Saul and Barbie. Hopefully he won’t be causing any more problems for Adam and Dom. I love Dom.
Happy 1 Year Blogoversary to you Dame Jenna and I have read the first 4 books in the Morgan Kingsley series and since March 23rd is a hop and a skip away still would love to win your home made ARC. To be quite honest a back list signed book by you would make my day as well, they are all treasures to me if author signed and keepsakes for my own pleasure. A real printout of the actual manuscript signed by you would be a fabulous author keepsake and also would allow me to find that wonderful snippet you gave us and put it in perspective with what comes before and after this segment of the story. The books are getting harder to put down as we get further into the Lugh, Brian and Morgan drama and waiting on each new installment is getting harder!
Jackie B Central Texas
Happy Anniversary to you all!!!!!
I read all the books in the Morgan Kingsley series thus far and when I finished that I immediately looked on Jenna Black’s website to see what was coming up and when. I’m so excited that March is slowly creeping its way here and soon the newest addition to Morgan’s life will be out. I have all the other books on my shelf at home (OK stacked next to it since the shelves are full), so having this one would be AWESOME!!!
GREAT, GREAT, GREAT snippet! After reading that I realized that I wasn’t as patiently waiting as I thought I was. Hurry March, Hurry!!!!!!!!!
Ooh an ARC! Cannot wait to read this one either way!!
[...] Black has added her own snippet for Devil’s Playground at Deadline Dames and I can tell you that it has just made me want [...]
I’ve had my eye on this series, but I haven’t actually gotten around to reading it yet. :X Thanks for the chance to win!
I love Lugh…but I have to say there’s got to be something a bit…weird knowing your girlfriend has another guy living inside of her. I can’t believe this is the last book!
Congrats on the 1 year! Its a great series I loved the first four and I cant wait to read the new one. Especially now that I have read that excerpt.
I’ve read the first 3 and will probably read the next one next week, so I would LOVE to win the ARC. I’ve been putting off reading the fourth just so I wouldn’t have to wait as long for the next one.
I haven’t read the series yet, but I’ll put it on my TBR list. Congrats on the Anniversary!
I read the last 4 books in one week so am deffinitly hanging out for this book been such a long wait but so excited
The time between books kills me when I’m really into a series. And I was hooked on this one with the first book. I’ve read and re-read all the books that are currently out. The opportunity to get an advanced copy is a fabulous prize! Sign me up
No ARC for me, I just wanna start the series
yay for 1 year
Ooh–great snippet. Happy anniversary.
Jenna, Jenna, Jenna, Jenna, Jenna! Okay, first i’m gonig to admit that I haven’t read any of the books. BUT. After reading this snippet, I HAVE to go find and read your books! This snippet is so intriguing. Thank-you for sharing (and getting me hooked on a new series of books to follow
)
Dawn
I’m new to this series but it’s already on my wish list! Looking forward to reading the books. Congratulations on a year of blogging
I have read and loved this series and can’t wait for the Devil’s Playground. Please count me in
Nikki xxxx
I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I have read all of the previous ones!!
It may only be two months until The Devil’s Playground…but it’s going to be a killer. I’ve read all of the others and fell in love with Morgan and the gang instantly.
There goes me hoping Morgan and Brian were going to have smooth sailing in this one, oh well.
Nice snippet. I’m new to this series, but after that – I think I’m gonna have to give them a spin.
I have not read the books yet -sadly- My friend told me about them, and I cannot wait till I read them!
*Excited*
I haven’t had a chance to read the other books, but I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about the series.
Love the snippet
Noooo! I’ve just got to know what lugh is going to say! That was an excellent excerpt, left me wanting more. I’m caught up with the series, and I cannot wait for march 23rd.
Oh that so exciting! And reading the snippets made it even more so!
I really cant wait to read it! I love the series!
So exciting!
Haven’t read your other books (yet!) but the snippet is fantastic! I’m very curious about Lugh now…
Loved the snippet! I have read (and loved) the previous four books
I’m looking forward to the next one so much!!!
Oh this sounds awesome!! I have never read any of your books but I am going to put them on my TBR list now!!
The snippet should have been listed as a Teaser!! I can’t wait till March, I have first 4 books, and I want more Lugh!
I have read all four previous books and let me tell you it never gets old. You think of something genius for every book! Count me in for the ARC
*FLAILS* I have most definitely read all the first four books and am waiting (not so patiently) for the next. I heart Lugh.
That sounds crazy cool! I was so excited when I heard about this!
I personally never read your books (I will, though) but my older cousin is such a huge fan! It’d be amazing if I could win this for her.
Love, Hannah
P.s. I bet she’s in the comments here somewhere… :O)
sorry, I’m behind have not read any (yet).
Really enjoyed the excerpt so I’m especially mad at myself that I haven’t read the other books in the series. They will definitely go on my wishlist now–that’s for sure.
One of the best things about this site, is for one authors fan base getting the chance to be exposed to new authors. I haven’t read any of your books yet, though as others have said, you’ve been in my to-be-read pile for a while. I’m always excited to add new authors book shelf.
haven’t read the series yet, so I don’t need to be entered for the ARC, but would love to be entered for the other signed book, thanks!
I have some of the series on my TBR shelf, but haven’t had a chance to read any of them yet. After reading the snippet, I’m going to have to get started very soon so I’ll be ready in March for The Devil’s Playground.
I have not read your series yet. I just came across this blog courtesy of Rachel Vincent’s blog. I’m having fun finding new authors to follow and books to read.
Wow. That’s all I can say. I’m very much looking forward to the new book. I don’t think they ever come out fast enough for me. I know you write them just as fast as you can, but what takes you months to create only takes me hours to gobble up. Thanks for the great books, and yes I am caught up on the first four.
I am new to the series, but after reading all the great comments here I must have been living under a rock. LOL. Thanks for the giveaway. Happy Dame Anniversary.
Hi Jenna, I’m up to date on the series, and can not wait for Devil’s Playground to come out! I’ve been impatiently waiting forever it seems lol =)
Oh, yes, I’ve definitely read the other books in the series, and I can’t wait for DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND! What a great cover too!
Thanks for the contest!
I have such a love hate relationship with snippets…I want to read the book now!! I have read all the previous books and I am sad that the series is ending!!
I have yet to read the other books in the series Jenna. Happy anniversary!
I haven’t read any of your books : ) hoping to read one soon !
Loved the snippet, but haven’t read any of your books.
I’ve just discovered your books. I finished the first one on the weekend and I’m keen to read more. Can’t wait.
Oh, I’ve read the previous books and would love to win the ARC!
Awesome. My daughter would love this. Count me in.
O.M.G. Sqeeeee!!! I absolutely adore this series. I’ve been reading it from the beginning. I stalked and haunted my local bookstore until they started to stock your books so that I would no longer have to pre-order and possibly not get it until DAYS after the release date!!! Snippet! Snippet! I Would LOVVVE To get this book early. ARC!!!!!
Wow, awesome snippet. I guess I’ll need to get caught up on the series before March!
I can’t wait for March.
OMG an angry Lugh! Wants more please!!!
Still can’t decide if I like Lugh more than Brian…
Is it March already?!?
And yes I devoured all the other books in this series!
And Happy Blogoversary again!
awesome march 23 I have read the other four books and they are wonserful. vbarton24 at gmail dot com
Happy Anniversary!!
I can’t wait for March 23rd!! I have read the previous 4 and I absolutely love them! I love Morgan and her world. I like that you give a different perspective to demons and possession. I also loved your other series Guardians of the Night, Gabriel is one of my favorites! Thanks
I haven’t read the entire series yet
Thanks for the great giveaway and congrats!
I have read EVER single book…and they keep getting better and better! Can’t wait for the next one!
I’m read all the books in this series and I’m waiting for the next book to be published as well as the first book in the new YA series, Glimmerglass.
I loved the snippet and I can’t wait for the rest of the book.
I look forward in starting this series.
Happy Dameversary! Love the series and am looking forward to March 23rd!
Wow! I didn’t see that one coming — Lugh wants to separate? I was just getting use to Saul’s new girlfriend and what that will do with Adam and Dominic. Yes, I have read the series so far, and have already ordered “The Devils Playground” from my local independent bookseller (Bounty Books in Vacaville California). This ARC would be a treasured addition to my book collection! Needless to say I would love it!!
I have to say that I have not read your previous books, but, my curiosity has been caught. I will need to hunt you out at the booksstore the next time I go.
Tine
All four of the books are sitting on my shelf and I’m anxiously waiting for March to roll around. I would freaking LOVE the ARC and regardless, I just have to say that teaser teased way too much! I need it now!
Would like my name to be put in towards backlist as I am not caught up with the series.
I’ve been wanting to read this series for ages. Money has be tight, so most of my books have been coming from the library. And sadly no Jenna Black books to be found there. (Stupid Library!)
So I’d love to win one of the backlist books
Great series and I can’t wait until “The Devil’s Playground comes out on Mar 23rd.
I’ve read “The Devil Inside” and “Speak of the Devil” the only two I could find at my library!
Thanks for a chance to win it!
Jenna! I love this series! I’ve read all the Morgan books and can’t wait for this one! That snippet made it even harder to wait till March for The Devil’s Playground! So count me in.
Happy Anniversary!
I’d like to enter for the becklist, as I haven’t read the MK series yet.
Ooo, sneak snippets are damealicious!
I’m not up to date on the story though.
Happy Blogiversary! COunt me in for either the signed books and the arc. Love the snippet.
Ugh! So many great authors, so little money! lol. Thanks for sharing! My deepest apologies, I am not yet up to date on the series!
ARRGH! I’ve been waiting so long for this book! In fact I’ve re-read the last books over the holidays. I’d love to get my sweaty fan grrl hands on the ARC, but I’ll still be playing Playground when it comes out in March.
Oh, and happy blogversity!
Sweet. My sister, again, is the reader in the household and writer–just not published yet. And yet she still doesn’t have an ARC. Count me in for her!
happy 1 year Anniversary!
im new to your book and really enjoying them.
Congratulations on your one year anniversary and upcoming release Jenna!
I love your books and have been a fan of this series for about two years. I cannot wait for The Devil’s Playground. I would love to get the ARC.
Thanks!
I’m caught up on the books. I really, really loved Speak of the Devil and can’t wait for The Devil’s Playground! Would love to win the ARC. Love the snippet. Poor Morgan, she’s in such a tough place for so many reasons.
I came here through the mention on your website. I have read all four of the books. I’m always ready for the next one as soon as I finish reading the current one.
I would love to win the ARC.
Woah, brilliant snippet! Arg, why does march have to be so far away!
I can’t wait to see more of Lugh – from that teaser, it sounds like things are getting even hotter between him and Morgan – I really want to see where that goes. And I want to know how things go with Morgan and Brian – to be honest, Brian is annoying me a bit. He seems to be so impatient with Morgan, I think he acts like such a jerk to her sometimes.
I would love to read that ARC. Love love love it. So, please count me in!
I absolutely, positively cannot wait for March 23rd. I have loved each book in this series and can’t wait to get my hands on this upcoming book. I can’t wait to see what happens with Morgan, Brian, and Lugh! Definitely count me in the drawing.
I love this series! Thank you so much for the snippet, but it is making that much harder to wait until March! Since the first book, I have patiently (and sometimes not-so-patiently) waited for each subsequent book. The upcoming book is already on my pre-order list, but I would still love to be counted in for the drawing for the ARC. Thanks again!
ARC please. Need demon fix.
I’ve been dying to read this book for so long! This is by far one of the best series I have ever read and it seems the calender on my wall taunts me with the number of days till March 23. I absouletely loved the tension between Lugh, Morgan, and Brian in the teaser, I’m crossing my fingers for that ARC!
I’ve read all the others and I’m dying for Devil’s Playground!! March 23 just seems too far away so please include me for the ARC!
I would love to win this one. I haven’t read the previous books.
this one sounds awesome your kind of new to me so i havent read any of ur previous books so would be cool to win plese count me in happy damivercery!
Waiting for the fifth one with bated breath, it comes out just in time to (hopefully) spend birthday giftcards on. (I have the other four and it will make a great addition to my shelf).
Burning question-does brian finally leave? or does Lugh get the boot into another host? The sample you posted is making me even more antsy.
Crossing my fingers
WOOHOOWEESQUEE!!!! OMG that was an AWESOME excerpt! I cannot wait for the book now!!!!