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Yep, that's my book! So proud of it. Only about three books until release day! So excited! A long time ago, before my fabulous editor, Jennifer Lawler, contracted it for Crimson, I entered Karin Tabke's First Line Contest. You put in your first line, people voted and if you made it through, you added another line and so on. I got through to about the sixth round. I'm still proud of that. It was tough, the competition was fierce. I still wish Karin ran that contest.
At any rate, I'm posting my first couple of lines here.
"Damn,
it's hotter than the devil's backyard out here." Castaña Castillo took one hand off the
steering wheel just long enough to swipe at the trickle of sweat running down
the nape of her neck and adjust the volume on the radio. One of her favorites, "Amarillo by
Morning", wafted from the speakers.
Your turn. I'd love to read the first line or the first paragraph of your WIP, upcoming release, or best seller.
I'll bite. This is from the wip waiting patiently for me to finish Bix, tentatively titled Hometown Armegeddon.
ReplyDeleteI thought I could save the world.
I was wrong. Boy, was I wrong.
Glowing embers punctuate the dark sky like exclamation points.
Stupid!
You! Stupid! Stupid! Cow!
I thought I was smarter than the rest of them. Maybe I was, because I’m still alive.
Or maybe I was the dumbest of them all.
Because I’m still alive.
BTW--loved your first paragraph. Can't wait for the book to be out. And love the cover.
Oh, wow, Margie!
DeleteThanks, Liz :)
DeleteNice one! Hurry up and get Bix pubbed, so you can work on this one!
DeleteGreat idea, D'Ann. Here's my first line from Confessions of the Cleaning Lady, my debut novel:
ReplyDeleteOn Thursday, the faeries went on strike and Shawna should have seen it coming.
Needless to say, it was fantasy. :)
That's a cool line, and I love the title, too.
DeleteGreat first line. Made me smile and want to keep reading.
DeleteLove it, Miriam! Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI like your paragraph and the idea, too, D'Ann. And what a great contest I'll bet that was. Okay, here's from the WIP. And now that I look at it, I'm not crazy about it. Crap.
ReplyDeleteSteven Elliot didn’t lose many patients, especially young ones. This was why, in addition to “gifted young surgeon,” the term “miracle worker” got bandied about in journalistic circles. So did “sexy blond ponytail,” “sexy dark eyes,” and “sexy lean build,” but those were downright embarrassing, so he tried not to give them too much thought. Usually.
I love it, Liz. And, yes, Karin's contest was fun!
DeleteGreat first lines. Here are mine From Lord Beaumont's Bride.
ReplyDeleteThe Earl of Weir scowled. “Damn it, Serena, you can’t back out now. Not after the plans have been made. If you don’t go to London who will you marry? What do you have left here?”
Lady Serena Weir stared out the solar’s window, studying the bleak late February landscape. Snow covered the ground, more gray than white, the trees lifeless and black against the gloom.
Nice job, Ella. The landscape really adds to the scene and the mood.
DeleteGreat opening.
ReplyDeleteI loved Karin's contest. I made through to round 12. It was a blast.
Here's the first line of mine.
If she’d been a bad girl when she had the chance, she probably wouldn’t be dying right now.
Love this. I'd keep reading.
DeleteWow, me, too.
DeleteI see why you made it so far, Cindy! I love this a lot.
DeleteLove all the firsts...
ReplyDeleteHere's mine from my first book, Blood's Voice
Arriving home, I immediately sensed that someone had been in our home. Someone like me! Sitting in the middle of my bed was a note on expensive, ivory parchment and a deep, blood red rose.
Nice one, Anya! You really used senses so well!
DeleteI like your opening lines way better than mine, lol. But here is mine from "Merely Magic", soon to be published.
ReplyDelete“Are you Gillian Winters?”
On hearing his voice, I looked up from where I knelt in the flowerbed, my gloved hands buried in the mulch.
Gloves with dirt on them don’t make a good first impression, but then, I’d lost that inclination to impress years ago.
Valle~
DeleteFantastic! I like this very much!
AWESOME first line! Congrats on the release! I can't wait to read Wild Horses!!
ReplyDeleteHere's the first line of Hard Core, my first publication, due out in October by Lyrical Press: Slade belly-crawled across the jungle floor. Patience and stealth: both were essential if he wanted to survive.
That was fun! Thanks, D'Ann!
Thanks, Jenn! I love Hard Core...and I want the first autographed copy!
DeleteSuch a fun idea D'Ann! Your Wild Horses sounds fantastic. And the others posted are pretty awesome too. Lots of potential reading here.
ReplyDeleteHere's the first line of my first publication, Heart of Deception.
“I’ll just die if I can’t marry you, Andrew!”
Thanks!
Jenna~
DeleteThank you and I love this story! I smile every time I read this line.
Here's the first paragraph of my co-authored work Hot For The Teacher that is contracted by Keith Publications:
ReplyDeleteProfessor Dyani Delacroix sat at her desk at the University waiting for what used to be her best student to come in to discuss the issues he seemed to be having all of a sudden. It was odd to her that after he had aced her class all semester with no issues. And then subsequent classes the prior two semesters something was seriously wrong. With a small huff she looked down at his last two tests and shook her head once more. Yep, it was his score. His bold writing with the name Caleb Tegner screamed out at her, the proof that the tests were no one else's but his.
Nikki
Nikki~
DeleteI love older woman stories. I remember this from Critters! Nice!
Cool idea. I think everyone's seen mine via #SixSunday but here they are for my WIP, Designs of Desire.
ReplyDelete667, 668, 669 . . .
A file landed in front of James, distracting him from his attempt at counting the dots in the ceiling tiles above his desk.
“Think you'll have time to help a new client? I mean, I know you're busy and all,” Brain said, his usual sneer in place. The man just lived to give him a hard time.
Tempest~
DeleteI've missed SSS for the last few weeks. Sorry I have when I see the great stuff I'm missing. Love it!
What fun! D'Ann, the book sounds awesome. What a great opening you have. I'd never heard of Karin's contest, but can see where it would have been a blast!
ReplyDeleteI have a paranormal/time travel called Weathering Rock, being released in October by Lyrical Press *waves to Jennifer* Here's the first line:
The June moon rode a ragged ridge of bone-white clouds, filmy and pale as the translucent skin of an onion.
Thanks, and wishes for much success with Wild Horses, and to all the authors here!
Thanks for coming, Maeclair. Neat name. Karin's contest was soooo much fun. I love this. Boy, you really have the senses charged here.
DeleteHi, D'Ann, I just found you through twitter. Love your first line. I'm kind of hooked on first lines myself. Here's mine for wip Playing House, a contemporary romance. "The question hovered in the air, an ice pick with the power to shatter the fantasy that Kendra Quimby had been entertaining for the last eight years."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tammy!
DeleteNice one! I can see it.
These are some great first lines! I want to read these books.
ReplyDeleteHere's the first line in the first short story of the compilation I'm releasing in June. The first story is called Satisfaction Guaranteed.
If this worked she'd stay twenty-nine forever.
Great first line. Is she casting a spell? I'm hooked.
DeleteThanks, Margie.
DeleteShe's a succubus in training. Her date is her last assignment and if she completes it she'll be an immortal demon.
Wow, Keira! Nice. I def want to find out what happens.
DeleteFrom Bad Boy Blake, coming in November from RLP:
ReplyDeleteWhat the hell?
Blake Bennett noticed what appeared to be a riot in progress as he rode into town on his vintage Harley.
Lorraine~
DeleteThanks for stopping by. I can see this, and he's HOT!
From Titanic Deception, released in April, 2012:
ReplyDelete“Do something!” J. P. Morgan shouted. “I will not tolerate this business lagging behind Cunard. Do something about this, Ismay!” He slammed his fist down on his mahogany desk for emphasis, disturbing the ever present cloud of smoke which enveloped him. J. Bruce Ismay cringed in his chair. “As long as we end up paying for everything, we will never come out on top!” Morgan’s bulk overshadowed Ismay’s slight frame. Morgan would make sure Ismay was the one to take the fall on this, even if he had to lead him to the conclusion he had already come to himself. He allowed himself a small smile when he saw Ismay cower.
Hi, Toni.
DeleteOooh, nice. I'm intrigued.
Love this idea! Here's my first line from 'What a Texas Girl Wants', which is out from Crimson Romance on June 4! This is actually the first paragraph:
ReplyDeleteJackson Taylor’s toes clenched as he came abruptly awake, the left side of his body shivering. The right, however, was delectably warm. A soft weight held his shoulder down, the feel of a woman’s curves pressed hard against his chest. Cold water tickled his feet and wet sand dug into his butt. The tangy, salty smell of the ocean filled his nostrils. Another tickle of water. A slight shiver came from the curvaceous woman beside him before she settled back into sleep.
Great job, Kristi! Your sensory detail is superb!
DeleteWhat fun! Here's my first line from "For the Love of a Sphynx" coming this August.
ReplyDeleteHow do you tell the woman you love that you have to marry another?
Oh, Heather, you broke my heart in one sentence. Nice job.
DeleteSome great first lines! I'm impressed. D'Ann, I really love the cover art for your novel.
ReplyDeleteOkay, here's the opening of DEATH LEGACY, my new romantic suspense mystery thriller from Five Star/Gale:
"Here's the check we talked about."
Michelle Hallam's eyes opened wide as she read the amount. "and we still have no idea who our mystery client is?"
from Death Legacy--request it at your local library
Love it, Jacqueline. I want to know everything, the amount of the check, the client, what they're doing...
DeleteLove your first paragraph, D'Ann.
ReplyDeleteBrenda! Thanks! But where's yours???
DeleteGreat fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm late chiming in, but here are the first few lines from my hot contemporary, Infamous, which is now available for pre-order on Amazon.
It was Carnival in Venice.
Mardi Gras on the corner of Bourbon and Royal.
Tonight was pure Hollywood—and she was buying back in.
Irene~
DeleteThanks for coming by! I am hooked!
Love these kinds of things! Thanks, D'Ann.
ReplyDeleteThis is from "Thrown," my contemporary single title novel, and finalist in this year's Golden Heart contest.
Amanda hesitated before picking up the Emmy. But starting today, her life would be intertwined with Grady Brunswick’s, so what was the harm? Besides, if he didn’t want people touching the thing, he should lock it up. After all, her clients loved to see her grand prix jumping trophies. What did he expect with a freaking Emmy?
Colette~
DeleteI can't wait to buy this book! Love it already!
This is fun.
ReplyDeleteOpening line from my WIP - erotic fantasy - Capri's Fate.
My erotic adventure began the minute he stood next to the crashed private jet and held out my red peek-boo bustier while asking, "Do you own a pair of red fuzzy handcuffs?"
Daryl~
DeleteI LOL. Love it!
Wonderful post and paragraph, D'Ann!
ReplyDeleteMine is from my newest release, Bound by the Mist (fantasy romance).
Cal Warner was lost in the mad house of her mind. Students’ voices buzzed in the sterile hallway of the Wisconsin college and pressed in on her. Glare from the overhead lights flooded her eyes, making her temples pound. Stopping, she gazed at the floor before she shook her head.
Today Bound by the Mist is free on Amazon, too:)
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/Bound-Mist-Mists-Eria-ebook/dp/B0071EY6BW/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3
Lisa~
DeleteLove it. I hope you got nine bazillion downloads today!
There are some really good ones here! How fun! Great idea, D'Ann. Why don't you start a new contest? It seems lots of people are game. I love Amarillo By Morning, too. What's not to like about King George?
ReplyDeleteOk here is my opening line from Taylor Made Life. It's the best i got but there's a lot of stiff competition up in here.
"Mom, I need you to help me find a lover."
Kary~
DeleteLove this ms. It needs a home--now!
Karin would be too hard of an act to follow, but great idea!
Fun!! Live reading these. Okay so this is from a short contemp erotic I've been toying with -
ReplyDeleteHe pulled into the parking pad she called a driveway. Right. He sighed as he stopped the Altima and turned the lights off. Christ, he was beat. One hell if a long week working at the plant in New Jersey - another program launch and all hell broke loose, at night of course. He so wanted to just collapse into bed. His arm throbbed but he wouldn't give into the pain. Not now. She was expecting him.
Gina~
DeleteNice! I'm def intrigued. I want to know more, more, more.
Loved your first paragraph D'Ann...and that contest sounds like it'd be a ton of fun. Great for you to make it to the 6th round.
ReplyDeleteHere is my first paragraph from my release tentatively coming out in July with the Indulgence Line at Entangled Publishing. The book is titled Blind Date Billionaire.
Fifteen minutes ahead of schedule, Jill Adgate pressed her thumb into the beading of her small evening purse until it hurt, then pulled the thin envelope from inside. She should never have accepted Mel’s gift, or allowed herself to be convinced to meet a man whose real last name she didn’t know.
Christine~
DeleteOh, nice. It's never good to take something from a man whose last name you don't know!
Wow, I loved reading everyones!
ReplyDeleteThis is the beginning of my current WIP, Shattered Heart.
"Do you really think that's the answer, Lettie?" Charlotte Delaney's best friend Cara stared questioningly at her, a set of extensive worry lines creasing her forehead. "You can't find another way?"
Jerri~
DeleteSuper! As always!
This was such a neat idea! I really liked yours D'Ann.
ReplyDeleteThis is the beginning of Open House: Pool of Souls. Scheduled tentatively to be released from Ruby Lioness in October.
A deep male voice boomed through her garden. "Aphrodite!" It broke her concentration. Rebecca and Robert’s images were lost. The pool went clear. She turned to face the irate male. “Ditee! Why can’t you just leave well enough alone?”
Aphrodite leaned back against the cool rock and gave him a lazy smile, she had expected Ares to complain. Robert Corvin played a key role in research and weapon development for the United States. No human got into his position without a little shove from Ares, god of war.
Krystal~
DeleteThanks for coming by! Ares, that devil.
Awesome beginning, D'Ann! Congrats on the release. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm finally going to participate in this one.
Lady Arabella de Percy peered over her shoulder at the forty feet or more that loomed below her and expelled a harsh breath.
"Hell."
Melissa~
DeleteYou jumped in! See? Not so bad. I love this opening. It makes me want to find out so much!
What a great first line D!!! Congrats again!! So stoked for you!
ReplyDeleteMart!
DeleteWhere is yours? I know you have one, a super-good one!
What a great creative idea! Love this.. Here's my first paragraph from Harvest Moon.
ReplyDeleteLife begins to end the moment we take our first breath. Once we begin to live we also begin to die; but in death, we will live again. Myra did not remember where she’d heard that sentiment, but the words had followed her for most of her young life. Even now, as the wind tore at her body, the heavy snowfall blinding her, those words chanted through the back of her mind.
Hi, T.M. Marie~
DeleteWow, very powerful. I had a shiver.
Howdy D'Ann!! What a fun blog to participate in. Here's my opening from the next book in my Centaur series, tentatively titled "Trolly Yours".
ReplyDeleteKempor Aleksander was in the midst of bedding the most beautiful female Centaur in all Boronda. And he considered it dull.
Well, Sheri, my friend, since I kind of borrowed from your Friday Flames, I appreciate that.
DeleteI love, love, love this first line.
Congrats on your release, D'Ann!
ReplyDeleteEveryone has such great first lines!
Here's mine from an old manuscript...
Brisk wind blew through Kyla as she stood outside the bar, bringing with it the twang of country music and the beautiful, awful stench of wolf and clan. She took a deep breath, reveling in the taste of something forbidden. The flavor quickly grew sour at what they would do to her if they ever found the truth about her.
Hi, Stacey.
DeleteWow, great imagery and emotion. You should get this out and get it subbed!
Thank you, everyone, who came by today! What fun, and these first lines made me want to read every single one.
ReplyDeletethis is a great idea, D'Ann.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine from my WIP: Blade of Fate
3500 years ago…
The Emerald Isle.
The smoke from burning peat filled the single room of the wooden cottage. The winds moaned and the branches of the trees nearby creaked and groaned. Aghna paced the coarsely woven rug covering the dirt floors, uncaring of the chaos outside, her gaze on the babe in her arms.
Cailín wasn't sick, no fever Aghna could heal, but she seemed to fade, as if she could no longer hold on to this world.
Wow, Lyn_Francis. Very powerful and sad.
Delete