Forbidden love is one of my favorite types of love stories–the hero and heroine fighting their feelings because they know they shouldn’t have them. I love the stolen glances, the awkward pauses, the fleeting touches that linger in the characters’ minds and hearts. These moments have such tension and can pull the reader right into the scene. What are some of your favorite stories of forbidden love? Let me know in the comment section below!
In my novel LIFE ON THE EDGE, the heroine Emily is a pairs skater, an Olympic hopeful with her partner Chris. Emily and her young coach Sergei develop feelings for each other, a big no-no in their sport. The U.S. skating federation does not approve of a relationship between a skater and coach because of the professional and ethical issues that could arise. But Emily and Sergei continue to be drawn toward each other. How long can they deny their feelings?
Following is an excerpt from LIFE ON THE EDGE. Sergei is attending a dinner party at Emily’s house, and they’ve spent the last few hours talking alone on the terrace.
The wind picked up, rustling the trees and sending my empty cup skittering over the table. Sergei snatched it and noticed the time on his watch.
“Oh, wow, it’s two thirty. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay this late.”
“No worries. I can sleep till noon tomorrow.”
He rose from his chair, stretching his arms. “Do you think they all killed each other downstairs?”
“My guess is they played so hard they passed out at some point. That’s been known to happen.”
I got up and smoothed my skirt. I’d kicked off my sandals hours ago, and the weathered wood of the patio was cool under my bare feet.
Sergei took a step toward me. “Thanks again for the great meal. And the even better company.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you came.”
I stood on tippy-toes to give him a quick hug, but Sergei’s strong arms held me against him, enveloping my small frame. His body exuded warmth. I closed my eyes and breathed in the woody scent of his cologne. We’d shared plenty of hugs at competitions, but this felt so different, like we belonged nowhere else but in this embrace.
After what seemed like both an eternity and a split second, Sergei pulled away, his hands brushing down my back. He glanced downward and gestured to the door.
“I can let myself out.”
My head bobbed weakly. “Okay. I’ll see you Monday.”
“See you.” He held my gaze a moment longer than necessary. Then he was gone.
I stood paralyzed, listening to the blood pulse in my ears. My heart beat so fast I thought it might pound out of my chest. I couldn’t have imagined the electricity I’d felt in Sergei’s arms. It was too real. And I had no idea how I could ever forget it.
LIFE ON THE EDGE is available on:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-on-the-edge-jennifer-comeaux/1108128017?ean=2940013689534&itm=1&usri=jennifer+comeaux
You can find me on the web here:
Author Website: http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com
I soooo can't wait to read this one, Jennifer. I love the idea with the iceskating - used to be glued to the telly watching Denise Billmann (??) and our 'own' Katarina Witt when I was a kid. And the forbidden love sound very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story Jennifer! I'm going to put this one on my TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteThis is the story of forbidden love handled in a beautiful way. You want to help these characters be together with each turn of the page and you're frustrated by the rules and pitfalls that keep them apart. Ms. Comeaux did a wonderful job making characters the reader can fall in love with.
ReplyDeleteWOW - great excerpt, Jennifer! Going on my TBR pile!! I always love to watch ice skating/dancing at the Olympics. Sounds like a great story about the "behind the scenes" action. :-)
ReplyDeleteI watch the weekly Dancing on Ice progam here in the UK, and am blown away by the skill and dedication of the professionals and the celebraties. And this year there are more thrills and spills than ever. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone who stopped by and commented so far! Sherry, one of my favorite female pairs skaters is on Dancing On Ice this season - Brooke Castile. I think she and her partner got voted off already, though :(
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