Video interview with Donna Grant, 'Soul Scorched' excerpt

HEA jumped at the chance to ask Donna Grant a few questions about the seventh Dark Kings novel, Soul Scorched, arriving June 30. She talks dragons, shifter romances and Outlander.

About Soul Scorched (courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks):

Darcy was floating on a cloud of pure passion. Everywhere he touched, Warrick was leaving a mark on her, forever changing her. She could feel it through her skin and muscle, through bone and into her soul. It was as if he was changing her. And she welcomed it…

Her power is a blessing.

Born on the Isle of Skye, Darcy is a beautiful woman of many gifts. Fortune-telling is her forte, and she remains the only Druid who could unlock the secrets--and desires--of a Dragon King. His name is Warrick. And now that Darcy's seen into his dragon heart, nothing will ever be the same…

His passion is a curse.

Warrick never intended to put Darcy in harm's way. But ever since she revealed a shocking truth, Darcy has been hunted by the Dark Fae, who want to use her powers for their own evil purposes. Now it's up to Warrick to do whatever it takes to keep the woman who sets his soul on fire safe. But protecting Darcy means putting himself--and his entire race--in jeopardy. Is his desperate longing for one woman worth the risk of losing everything…for eternity?

(If you can't see the video here, you can watch it on YouTube).

EXCERPT

Where did you go?" she asked. "You looked by turns concerned then angry, and I know you weren't listening to me because I called your name twice."

Warrick walked past her to the conservatory and clicked off the lights. He checked the spells, making sure they were all still in place.

"You're freaking me out," Darcy said from behind him.

He faced her then. "Have you ever slept here?"

One auburn brow rose. "No. Why are you asking?"

"We have a wee bit of a problem."

"A wee bit?" she repeated. "It can't be wee if it means I can't leave the shop, and that's exactly what you're implying, isn't it."

Warrick walked to her and gently grasped her arm to guide her back into her office area. Once there, he reluctantly released her. "The Dark are here."

"Here?" she asked in a voice that wobbled slightly. "We put up spells."

"Aye, and it should keep them out."

"But I can't get home, to the one place I know they can't reach me."

"I'm afraid so."

"How many are there?"

Warrick knew where she was headed with the question. "Too many. There are ten surrounding this building, and there are more on the way to your flat. We'd never make it."

"They are persistent."

Her quip didn't hide the fear he saw in her fern green eyes. Warrick didn't want her frightened. He wished to see her smile back, to see her gaze alight with mischief.

"I guess it's good I didn't eat all of my sandwich for lunch," she said with a tight laugh. "I'll split what's left with you."

Warrick waved away her words. "There's no need. I'll be fine."

"And if we're here for days?"

"No' going to happen," he promised.

That made her relax. "Good to know. So. What do we do?"

"Anything you want other than going outside."

"Just when I was looking forward to a hot bath and my bed," she said with a grin.

Warrick looked at her mouth as he recalled how close they came to kissing. If only Rhi hadn't arrived, he would know how sweet Darcy tasted.

"How did you know about the Dark outside?" she asked.

Warrick tamped down his desires and focused on her words. "The Kings have a mental link. We can converse that way."

"Do you get tired of always having someone in your head?"

"We have the ability to keep our minds shut, and only allow another in if we want."

"Nice," she said with wide eyes. "Do you have the ability to know who is trying to talk to you?"

Warrick found it hard to believe that he not only didn't mind talking to Darcy, but that he wanted it to continue. He enjoyed her responses, and liked trying to figure out how she might respond to something. The fact she kept surprising him was only a bonus.

"Aye," he answered. "All dragons spoke mentally until the Kings were able to shift."

"It's all so fascinating. A little scary, but intriguing."

His spirits dampened a bit. "So I frighten you?"

She stared at him a moment before she gave a shake of her head. "The idea of the Dragon Kings, a wee bit," she said, using his words from earlier. "But not you."

They were just two steps apart, each on a side of the tiny office. He couldn't remember the last time he wooed a woman.

Darcy was unlike any human he ever encountered. She was smart, sassy, and considerate. She smiled at him, laughed with him, and didn't so much as bat an eye when he grew uncomfortable trying to find the right words.

She was obstinate, tenacious, compassionate, and sexy as hell.

It wasn't just her beauty that captivated him, it was her mind and her conversation. She charmed him from the first moment they spoke, and he hadn't been able to look away since.

He wanted her. Desperately.

He craved, he hungered.

He yearned.

All for her.

Their gazes were locked, the air thick with desire. Warrick closed the distance between them. He rested one hand on her waist and other around her back.

Her lips parted slightly as her hands came to rest on his chest. He lowered his head slowly, her eyes drifting shut just before their lips met.

Find out more about Donna and her books at www.donnagrant.com.