Release Date for EARTH Announced!

The official release date for my first book, EARTH, has been set at April 23, 2010 - appropriately enough, the day after Earth Day! I'm thrilled, and I'll be holding some exciting giveaways following the book's release. EARTH is Book One of The Elemental Series, and Kincade and Allyson can't wait to share their story. For now, here's a little taste:

EARTH - by Nicki Greenwood

Once a powerful Earth Elemental, KINCADE MURPHY is about to lose his failing ranch. When he's forced to accept the help of botanist ALLYSON HAMILTON, he's determined to keep his distance. But a discovered plot to force him off his land convinces him he must keep her close to protect her ... no matter how hard she is to resist.

EXCERPT

Kincade swept a hand at the barren ground of the trail. "This look like a good enough spot to stop for more soil samples?"

"Sure," Ally answered, dragging her gaze away from him with a pang of regret.

They slipped from their horses together. Cade led his mount to the edge of the worn dirt trail and tied its reins to a sturdy branch. He turned back to take her horse's reins as she led the animal closer. The motion brought him up short just inches away.

His body went rigid as stone. Time stopped and held its breath with her.

The warmth in her face could have been the sun. The tingle on her skin might have been the light breeze lifting her hair. But only the green, green depths of his eyes caused such a quivering in her belly. Standing mere inches away, he studied her like some ancient mystery.

If she had to go by his eyes alone, she couldn't have said how old he was--but it might have been centuries.

He loomed close enough for his body heat to draw a sharp contrast to the cool mountain air. His gaze dropped to her mouth. She heard the soft hiss of his indrawn breath, and he took half a step closer. Her heartbeat doubled speed. "We shouldn't do this," he murmured.

For once in her life, she didn't care what she should or shouldn't do. Everything ceased to exist but the phantom heat emanating from him. Something in her whispered that she'd never get this chance again. She took a breath to slow her pounding heart and closed the distance between their bodies. "What if I want to?"

A haunted look flashed across his face. Faint lines formed between his brows. "I shouldn't, Ally."

Disappointment speared her. Unwilling to let him see how much his refusal hurt, she turned away.

His warm, rough hand slipped into hers. Surprised, she turned back.

He stepped closer and rooted her to the spot with a heated stare. "I didn't say I didn't want to."

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For more information, stop by NickiGreenwood.com!