Sasha’s future was stolen from her the moment she was bitten. Now she’s on the run from the Nero Organization that transformed her from a human detective into a shape shifting jaguar assassin.

When a rogue bounty hunter threatens her younger sister, she’ll be forced to fight, and with nowhere else to turn, Sasha will need to trust the one man who has every reason to want her dead.

Aren is a werewolf with a secret. While protecting his twin brother and Alpha of the Pack, he found his one mate for life. Sadly she’s also the jaguar assassin who tried to kill them both. Now Aren is struggling between his animal nature to love and protect her, and his loyalty to the Pack.

Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway with Michelle Grave

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome first time guest Michelle Graves to the blog today to talk about her book “See How She Runs”
Book one in the Chronicles of Izzy.

Michelle, can you please share with us a little about yourself:

MG: I am married to my very best friend who also happens to be an Army Infantryman. I have a wonderful daughter we call Squish that lights up each and every day of my existence. Hmm, talking about myself is harder than I thought. What else is exciting about me? I love to craft, bake, read, and I am a total Whovian.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

MG: Honestly, no. I did not even know I could write a book until I sat down and started this past year! I have always written poetry and loved doing research papers, it just never dawned on me to try writing a book until my characters became insistent.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

MG: I am a total Pantser. I have a vague idea of what the main story arc will be when I sit down to write, but the main story just comes out as I write it. The plot twists, the character surprises, they all come to me as my fingers fly across the keys. I am just as surprised as the readers when I get to those points. I have always said it feels a bit like being possessed by my characters. I feel like Izzy uses me as a mouthpiece.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

MG: I send my book as I write it to my beta readers. Completely unedited. Oh, and I can’t go back and read what I have written until I am completely done with the story.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

MG: See How She Runs is about Izzy Boone. She is a seemingly normal girl living in Chicago until one fateful delivery turns her entire life upside down. She is forced to face the truth, that she is a Seer on the run from the Corporation which means to use her abilities to gain profits. She finds out her best friend is not at all who he seemed. Ultimately, it is a story about Izzy becoming who she is meant to be and all of the trials and tribulations she must face on the road to get there.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

MG: It just came to me one day. I knew I wanted it to be about Izzy and Kennan and their relationship. My husband helped me come up with the bad guy bits. I tend to have a hard time thinking like a villain.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

MG: See How She Fights, the second book in The Chronicles of Izzy series, is currently being edited. It comes out on my thirtieth birthday, December 12! I can honestly say that I LOVE this book. It went in a much darker direction than the first book, and the characters that show up in this one are quite intriguing.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

MG: Molly Harper. I have a total author crush on her. She is brilliantly witty.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

MG: Surround yourself with honest and supportive people. You will need both to make it through the emotional turmoil writing can bring.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

MG: I want to visit all fifty states in the United States. I love to travel, and I think it would be an amazing feat to accomplish.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

MG: Penny Reid’s latest, R.L. Naquin’s new Monster Haven book, oh and Rae Carson’s new book coming out this fall.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

MG: Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. I couldn’t decide between the two.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

MG: From Halloween to Christmas. I absolutely love the food, the weather, the sense of family, and the decorations. I may suffer from post-Christmas depression when it is all over with.

Who is your Celebrity crush? And what would you do if you ever meet them?

MG: Any man that has ever played The Doctor on Doctor Who. I would immediately ask them where the TARDIS was and why we weren’t on an adventure yet!?!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MG: Read my book. Only kidding, mostly just read. I think that reading allows us to escape into other worlds and live many lives in one lifetime.

*****

SEE HOW SHE RUNS

Chronicles of Izzy, Book 1

Amazon | B&N

One delivery changed her whole life.
Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.

Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall? Find out in See How She Runs.

A little about Michelle:

Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.

Contact Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Michelle is giving away the following prizes at the end of her tour:

GRAND PRIZE: $25 Amazon Giftcard

RUNNERS-UP: THREE (3) runners-up will each receive an eBook of SEE HOW SHE RUNS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*****

Michelle Grave’s SEE HOW SHE RUNS Blog Tour

Schedule 9/16 – 9/30

9/16- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

9/16- I Smell Sheep (spotlight/review)

http://www.ismellsheep.com/

9/17- Babbling About Books (spotlight)

http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

9/17- Regina May Ross (spotlight)

http://www.reginamayross.blogspot.com

9/18- Just Paranormal Romance (guest post)

http://www.justparanormalromance.com/

9/18- Paranormal Romance Fans Or Life (interview)

http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

9/18- Bookin’ It Reviews (spotlight)

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

9/19- Who’s Reviews (spotlight/review)

http://whosreviews.wordpress.com/

9/19- Froggarita’s Bookcase (interview/review)

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

9/20- Over the Edge (interview & review)

http://overtheedgebookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/20- Coffee Talk (guest post)

http://coffeetalkwriters.com/blog/

9/21- Crazy Four Books (spotlight/review)

http://crazyfourbooks.blogspot.com/

9/21- Mad Hatter Reads (interview)

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

9/22- Literal Addiction (guest post)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

9/22- Dalene’s Book Reviews (spotlight) review after tour

http://www.dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/23- Tome Tender (spotlight/review)

http://tometender.blogspot.com/

9/23- Sassy Book Lovers (spotlight)

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

9/24- Victoria’s Gossip (spotlight)

http://victoriasgossip.com/blog/

9/24- Wicked Readings by Tawania (spotlight/review)

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

9/25- CS Maxwell’s Where’s My muse (spotlight)

http://www.csmaxwell.blogspot.com/

9/25- Romance with Flavor (guest post)

http://romancewithflavor.com/

9/26- Miscellaneous Thoughts of A Bookaholic (spotlight/review)

http://miscellaneousthoughtsofabookaholic.blogspot.com/

9/26- Toot’s Book Reviews (spotlight)

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

9/27- Book Lovin’ Mamas (guest post)

http://booklovinmamas.com/

9/27- Bibliophile Mystery (spotlight/review)

http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

9/28- The Reading Cafe (interview/review) morning post

http://www.thereadingcafe.com/

9/28- Cocktails and Books (spotlight/review)

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

9/29- Romance Junkies (interview)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

9/29- Inner Goddess (spotlight/review)

http://www.innergoddessforum.com/

9/29- Tiffy-Fit’s Reading Corner (spotlight)

http://tiffyfit.blogspot.com/

9/30- Books-n-Kisses (interview/review)

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

9/30- United by Books (spotlight/review)

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

September 30, 2013September 27, 2013

Spotlight tour of Resolution by Teri Riggs

Amazon Decadent Publishing Barnes & Noble

DEA agent Eve Taylor has had her fill of alpha males. When Resolutions’ operative and former lover, Dillon “Mac” McKenna, threatened her hard-earned independence, she ran. On a mission to gather evidence against a Colombian drug-lord, Eve discovers the drug-lord is helping terrorists plan an attack on American soil. Before she can escape with the vital information, she’s captured and comes face to face with her mortality…

As a teen, Mac watched his family fall apart after his mother died doing dangerous U.N. work. The possibility of losing Eve to a mission ignited an overwhelming need to protect her. When he forced her to choose him or her job, she walked away. Two years later, it seems all his nightmares have come true and he’s tasked with rescuing her from a Colombian prison. Mac has never stopped loving Eve, but does he dare risk his heart when he’s so terrified of losing…

On the run, Mac and Eve must learn to trust each other again in order to stay alive.

Excerpt:

Beefy hands wrenched Eve awake from a fevered sleep, pulled her from the cell, and shoved her into a musty-smelling hallway. I’m being moved? A guard pushed her with one hand, keeping a tight grip on an AK-47 rifle with his other.

Her shoulder throbbed in perfect cadence with the pains shooting through her broken wrist, and she had one badass headache from being punched in the face a few too many times. Using her good hand, she walked fingers across one cheek, then the other. The right side was totally numb. Her eye had swollen shut, and she couldn’t see a damn thing out of it. She ran her tongue across her teeth and tasted the tart, copper flavor of blood. Three teeth loose. Well, at least they’re still in place.

In spite of the relentless pain, she stayed determined to survive whatever Mendoza dished out. She wasn’t a quitter. No, sir. Duncan Falls, Iowa didn’t grow quitters. Eve ignored the constant ache in her ribs, courtesy of a guard’s overzealous kick, and took in a deep breath. She willed herself to stay alert, to keep pushing. Escape. Third times the charm.

Eve slapped the guard’s dirty hand. “Hey, Pedro, stop being so damned pushy. Where we going anyway? We got a hot date I’ve forgotten about?”

He looked puzzled then shoved her again.

“Don’t understand English, do you, Diego? Bet you understand this.” Eve drove her elbow into the guard’s face. Thick rubbery cartilage gave, and she whooped triumphantly.

Blood squirted from his nose and he screamed.

Eve stepped back. “Yep, I’m pretty sure you understand that.”

Unable to grab the guard’s assault rifle, she clutched her injured shoulder, and took off in a slow jog, no longer able to push any harder.

Her escape was short lived.

Visit Teri Riggs at www.teri-riggs.com

September 30, 2013September 29, 2013

Cold Blooded Blog Tour and Giveaway

I love the Jessica McClain series and I have the talented Amanda Carlson here to discuss her third book in the series, Cold Blooded.

1. Tell me about your new release Cold Blooded.

It’s full of non-stop action and adventure. If you’re waiting to see what happens to Jess & Rourke you won’t be disappointed! It picks up right were HOT BLOODED left off.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for Jessica and her family?

The first scene of the book played out like a movie clip in my head. It all went from there. Once she was done shifting, I knew she had a family who loved her. Those family ties were really important to me. Jessica is not a dark twisted heroine, she’s well rooted and it helps her navigate the major changes in her life.

3. What kind of research did you have to do for this series?

I do minimal research, except for the mythological beings in the book. I love bringing true myth and history in when I can. Eudoxia was actually the name of Ivan the Terrible’s daughter in history. Selene is the real name of the Lunar Goddess in myth. Lots of my beasties are from myth as well. Try googling some of them!

4. Do you have any influence over choosing the covers of your books? The cover model for Jessica is perfect.

I gave them physical descriptions, but I didn’t have any say. They did a great job with the covers. I feel very lucky.

5. What are you working on now?

I’m working on more books in the series, as well as some “sekrit” projects! Stay tuned. The best place for updates and info on the “up and coming” from me is my author facebook page.

6. Do you envision any actors playing your characters while you are writing?

No, in fact I’m super bad at that game when anyone asks! Each character is really a conglomeration of looks, characteristics and voice all melded into one. Honestly, I like it better that way. Each reader should be able to substitute their favorites in for any of the characters.

7. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep going! This business is all about hard work and persistence. You have to finish the book first. After that you keep editing and querying. Then, while you’re querying, start something new. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket and keep writing. Always keep writing.

Thanks for having me on the blog! Super excited for COLD BLOODED to release next week.

About the Author:

I’m a Minnesota girl, born and bred. I started writing stories about teenage girls and their social missteps when I was in high school. I still have the handwritten spiral notebooks to prove it.

I started writing in earnest after my second child was born. After purchasing our first computer, I thought to myself, what better way to spend my time than e-mailing unsuspecting family members super cute stories about my exceptionally darling children? Isn’t that what computers were made for anyway?

The writer in me stretched and gave a defiant shove. I was hooked.

I jumped into writing classes, joined local writing chapters, organized author book signings, joined critique groups and participated in conferences. I had a blast writing a column in a local food & wine publication, and eventually tied together all my parenting stories into one full compilation.

My first fiction attempt was a contemporary romance, but I couldn’t seem to find the story. After my kids starting bringing home YA urban fantasy, I suddenly knew where my passion for fiction writing had been hiding. It was inside the action packed pages of an Urban Fantasy novel. Reading each new series was so much fun, I quickly realized this genre brought something to the storyline I hadn’t really seen before. It brought a hefty shot of adrenaline combined with a side of female kickass, all combined with that element of “other” I found so intriguing.

After reading YA, I picked up every adult UF I could get my hands on and I’ve been fully immersed in this genre ever since. On occasion I still pick up a “regular” book. But for the most part I find them lacking in superpowers and the excitement of the unexpected.

I started FULL BLOODED because kickass heroines rock and I love shifters of all kinds. There aren’t enough warm-blooded girls to go around, in my opinion. I fell into Jessica’s story and had such a great time writing it. I couldn’t imagine writing anything other than urban fantasy now.

When you’re creating a story in this fantastic genre, it can contain almost any elements you can dream up. Creatively, for me, there’s nothing better.

Now I think it’s about time to share it with all of you.

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of Cold Blooded

TITLE: Cold Blooded

SERIES #: Jessica McClain #3

CHARACTERS: Jessica, Rourke, Tyler

AUTHOR: Amanda Carlson

PUBLICATION DATE: 10/8/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Jessica McClain is on the run…again. Finally reunited with Rourke, Jessica arrives home to find that her best friend has been kidnapped, her father has vanished, and the supernatural Sects–witches, demons, and sorcerers–don’t even have the courtesy to wait until she is unpacked to attack.

Now, mastering her powers as the sole female werewolf might not be enough to save them. Thrown together in a shaky truce with the Vampire Queen, Jessica must show all the different Sects what the true meaning of “the enemy of my enemy” is or her father will die.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: This book is the third in the Jessica McClain series and each book keeps getting better and better. Cold Blooded picks up right after the events of Hot Blooded and Jessica finds herself on the run from demons and sorcerers while looking for her missing best friend, Marcy. Jessica and Rourke are now finally together and looking forward to spending some quality time with one another. But all that has to be put on hold when Jessica is summoned to the Vampire Queen’s home in New Orleans to serve a debt that they owe her and along the way bring an all-out war among paranormal beings to her doorstep. Jessica has to then side with the Vampire Queen to protect the people that she cares about before it is too late.

I have to say that this is one of my favorite series and I look forward to reading every book when it comes out. Jessica is such a great kick-ass heroine who is still coming to terms with her new supernatural powers and has finally been reunited with her mate, Rourke. There is non-stop action from the very first page and the story is so well-written that you feel like you’re watching a movie instead of reading a book. I absolutely love this series and all of its characters and I can’t wait to see what Amanda Carlson comes up with next.

Giveaway

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September 30, 2013September 30, 2013

Ever After Release Day Book Blitz

Find Your Ever After in Under An Hour

Ruby Hill by Sarah Ballance

From her earliest memories, Ashley Pearce has been drawn to Ruby Hill Lunatic Asylum, and she’s not the only one. Decades after the abandoned hospital ended its institutional reign of torture and neglect, something lurks in the shadows. Since she’s a paranormal investigator, it’s Ashley’s job to find out what.

Crime scene expert Corbin Malone doesn’t believe in ghosts. A born skeptic, he has no interest in entertaining the hype surrounding the mysterious deaths at Ruby Hill, but he won’t turn his back while more women die. He agrees to an overnight investigation, never expecting his first encounter would be with the woman he pushed away a year ago. But when he discovers Ashley is a target, he learns his greatest fear isn’t living with his own demons, but losing her for good.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

One Thousand and One Nights by Ruth Browne

Sheri spends her days fighting zombies and her nights chained to a wall, earning her every breath by telling stories to her captor Aleksy—stories that make them both forget the ruined world. Sheri could put up with the conditions—at least she knows her sister is safe in the community Aleksy leads—until she realizes she’s falling for him…even though he wants her dead.

When Aleksy allowed Sheri and her sister into his compound, he didn’t know about the zombie bite on her back. It’s only a matter of time before she turns into one of the rising dead and threatens their existence, but Aleksy has a secret need for Sheri and her stories. For everyone’s safety, he chains her to his bedroom wall, hoping for just one more day. But how long will the community allow Aleksy to ignore his own rule: always kill the infected. Always.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Mercy by Jan Coffey

Julia Klein’s life has begun to unravel—her daughter Amy has been suspended from school, Julia is about to lose her job, and her boyfriend Garrett is being transferred thousands of miles away. Overwhelmed, she and Amy leave for a weekend at a rambling old colonial inn. Julia never suspects that Garrett, desperate to find a way to keep Julia in his life, has decided to surprise her by joining them. Nor does she expect her daughter to befriend a mischievous ghost…or that she herself would be possessed by the malevolent spirit of a long-dead mother.

As a dark secret emerges, Julia, Amy, and Garrett find themselves pitted in a fight for survival against a savage presence that intends to resurrect/repeat/relive a horrible crime committed two centuries ago. And this time, Amy and Julia will be the victims.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Haunted Chemisty by Lindsey Loucks

When bookish college co-ed Alexis heads to the laundry room in her new apartment, she runs into Ian Reese, the chem lab partner she crushed on all last semester. And the guy who stood her up on their first date. But she’s down for an awkward reunion, and no better place than her creepy laundry room.

Ian has every intention of making amends, but just when Alexis begins to trust him again, a new threat calls more than their future together into question. A ghost from the apartment’s past is hellbent on revenge, and if he wants to get his girl, he’ll have to get the ghost first.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Wish Upon a Star by Michelle McLean

Ceri McKinley never stopped wishing that her ex-fiancé Jason Crickett would come back into her life. But when he finally does, he comes with a request that puts them both—and all of humanity—into jeopardy.

Jason only wants two things: to bury his brother properly and to convince Ceri to trust him again after he jilted her. But when Ceri agrees to help him get his brother back, they end up fighting for their lives as a zombie uprising threatens them all.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

Northern Light by E.J. Russell

Nothing gives art fraud investigator Luke Morganstern a bigger rush than busting forgers, the low-life criminals who dare victimize true artists. But when his latest job sends him to a remote cabin in the Oregon Coast Range, he’s stunned to discover the alleged forger is his former lover, Stefan Cobbe, the most gifted painter Luke has ever known.

Stefan, left homeless and destitute after the death of his wealthy partner, doesn’t exactly deny the forgery — he claims he doesn’t remember, an excuse Luke can’t accept.

But Luke’s elderly client suggests Stefan may be telling the truth and presents another possibility – a dark presence in the woods, a supernatural fury simmering for decades. Luke must face down his fear of the uncanny – and admit his feelings for Stefan – if either of them is to survive.

Amazon Barnes and Noble

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September 29, 2013September 26, 2013

Kissin’ the week of Sept 23rd-28th Goodbye

9.23.13

Interview & giveaway with Sasha Summers

Interview with Jamie Schmidt

Kimberly reviews Butterfly Cove by Christina Skye

Review & giveaway of Death of a School girl

9.24.13

Release Day Madness

For the first time all 3 BnK reviewers review the same book…

See what they had to say! Bound By Night by Larissa Ione

9.25.13

Interview & Giveaway with Victoria Roberts

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews Christmas On 4th Street by Susan Mallery

Winter Romance Wednesday (Part 2)! Kelly reviews A SEAL Wolf Christmas by Terry Spears

9.26.13

Guest blog & Giveaway with Theresa Romain

Thursday’s Thought…

Spotlight feautre of Targeted by Katie Reus

Kelly & Kimberly review Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis

9.27.13

Lisa Renee Jones

Kelly & Kimberly review Carved In Stone by Kate Douglas

Kimberly reviews Desired By Shadow by Cynthia Luhrs

9.28.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Larissa Ione’s Demonica Series

September 28, 2013

Interview and Review with Gretchen McNeil

A year ago, my friend Stacee from Adventures of a Book Junkie, sent a book from a new author that she absolutely loved. That book was Ten by Gretchen McNeil. I stayed up all night reading it because it was complex, thrilling and I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. Once I knew Gretchen was coming out with a new book, I jumped at the chance to interview her. Thankfully, she said yes to answer some of my questions here on Books-n-Kisses today.

1. Tell me about your new release 3:59.

3:59 sci-fi doppelganger horror (that’s a genre, right?) about two girls who are the same girl in parallel universes, who discover that their worlds connect every twelve hours for exactly one minute at 3:59. When they decide to switch places, all hell breaks loose. Literally.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

This sounds so cliche’, but I was driving home from work one day, and there was a traffic light turning red. I had a split second to decide: gun it or slam on the brakes. I braked, because I’m ever so responsible like that, then spend the rest of the time at the stop light wondering what would have happened if I hadn’t stopped. The idea grew in my head as I drove home, the idea that there would be two girls who are the same girl but in parallel universes, living out similar but different lives. While I was waking the dog, I started asking myself questions: What happens if these two girls meet? What happens if they switch places? The moment I got home, I emailed my agent.

3. I loved your book, Ten, and I was wondering what got you into writing suspense/horror YA?

I wanted to write the kind of books I loved to read as a teen. I wasn’t exactly a Sweet Valley High kind of girl. I read Victorian ghost stories, gothic novels, mysteries and of course, Christopher Pike. Kind of jumble all that together, and I think that is my writing style!

4. When you write your characters, do you envision a particular actor for each character?

No. In fact, personality comes first for me, and the physical characterization grows from that. Once the book is done, it’s very rare that I picture an actual actor playing one of my roles. For example, the only actor I pictured for TEN was Elle Fanning as Minnie.

5. As a writer, who has had the biggest influence on you?

Agatha Christie

6. What are you working on now?

Next up is GET EVEN, the first book in the Don’t Get Mad series, due out in Fall 2014. I pitched this book as “John Hughes with a body count” which meant I got to write a lot of funny dialogue, but still murder people.

GET EVEN is about four girls at a private school who come from totally different social strata: the student leader, the A student, the drama queen, the loner punk. Publicly, they aren’t friends. Privately, they’ve formed a secret society (Don’t Get Mad, or DGM for short) where they execute revenge missions against bullies, mean girls, and teachers who have wronged their classmates. It goes well until one of their targets turns up dead and DGM is implicated in the murder. The girls don’t know if one of them is the killer, or if someone else knows their secret, and they have to find out what which before someone else turns up dead.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Finish the damn book.

I know that sounds trite, but too often, I hear about authors who just jump from project to project, never finishing a novel. You have to finish it. HAVE TO. That’s the only way you can improve, and the only way you can move forward in publishing!

About the Author:

Author of YA horror novels POSSESS, TEN and 3:59 (Fall 2013) as well as the upcoming YA mystery/suspense series Don’t Get Mad, beginning in 2014 with GET EVEN and continuing in 2015 with GET DIRTY. Gretchen also contributed an essay to the Dear Teen Me anthology from Zest Books.

Gretchen is a former coloratura soprano, the voice of Mary on G4’s Code Monkeys and she sings with the LA-based circus troupe Cirque Berzerk. Gretchen blogs with The Enchanted Inkpot and is a founding member of the vlog group the YARebels where she can be seen as “Monday.” She is repped by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown, Ltd.

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

Jennifer’s Review of 3:59

TITLE: 3:59

CHARACTERS: Josie Byrne, Nick and Madison

AUTHOR: Gretchen McNeil

PUBLICATION DATE: 9/17/13

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Josie Byrne’s life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend, Nick, has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. Just when Josie thinks things can’t get worse, she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time–3:59 a.m.

Jo’s life is everything Josie wants, but Josie knows it’s just a dream…until she wakes to an image of herself in the bedroom mirror. It’s Jo.

The two girls are doppelgangers whose universes overlap every twelve hours at 3:59. Fascinated by Jo’s perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to pass through the portal and switch places for a day. But Jo’s world is far from perfect…In fact, it’s more dangerous than Josie could ever imagine.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: I am always amazed at how Gretchen McNeil comes up with these brilliant ideas for books that leave me spellbound for hours. Her new novel, 3:59, tells the story of Josie Byrne, whose life is falling apart after discovering that her boyfriend, Nick, cheated on her with her own best friend. In the middle of all this, strange occurrences seem to be happening to her at home, where she is experiencing dreams of a girl that is exactly like her. Same name, same life except to Josie everything seems perfect for her other self. These glimpses into this alternate world happen every 12 hours at 3:59 and Josie makes plans to trade lives for just one day to experience how things would be if they were perfect. Once Josie gets her wish, she is faced with a deadly reality and her hopes for returning home are smashed with the ultimate act of betrayal.

I liked Josie because I felt for her when she discovered that Nick was cheating on her and she seemed to be the last person in her school to know. That heartbreak and embarrassment is horrible as a teenager and I could see her wanting a break even if it was just for 24 hours. Once, she changes worlds, she learns that everything that looked so wonderful on the outside was in fact, a living nightmare. Nick wasn’t her boyfriend and never was here, her alternate self was a manipulating bully and there was something dangerous hunting people at night. Then she finds that she can’t return home and may be trapped there forever with no one that she is able to trust.

3:59 is an amazing sci-fi fantasy with a complex storyline that provides such an array of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. Gretchen McNeil has provided an exciting well-written story that I know will have Hollywood knocking. To me, everything that she writes is magnificent and 3:59 has risen to the top of the list.

September 28, 2013September 25, 2013

Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance Series

*note: The Lords of Deliverance is part of Larissa’s Demonica series. Please visit Larissa website (here) for a full list of this series. We will also be featuring the whole series (10 books) in December for the release of Reaver’s book*

Eternal Rider

Lords of Deliverance Book 1

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can’t-or won’t-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman’s safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara’s life.

*****

Immortal Rider

Lords of Deliverance Book 2

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Arik Wagner, a soldier with the U.S. Army’s paranormal unit, the R-XR, kissed a girl and liked it. And then he went to hell as punishment. Where he’s spent weeks being tortured…and plotting revenge.

Limos, Horsewoman of the Apocalypse, isn’t your average girl. She’s immortal, dangerous, and her fiancé is Satan himself. In a moment of weakness, she gave in to her desire and kissed Arik, triggering her fiancé’s wrath – and his claim on her. In order to save Arik, and the world, Limos must make a dangerous pact with her recently turned evil brother, Pestilence. A deal that might just cost her her soul…and her heart.

*****

Lethal Rider

Lords of Deliverance Book 3

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, Regan Matthews, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he’s about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Matthews never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he’s ever wanted-a family.

*****

Rogue Rider

Lords of Deliverance 4

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues – and falls for – a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he’s also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian’s life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian’s neighbors are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he’s putting Jillian in danger. And once it’s revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

September 26, 2013September 18, 2013

Spotlight Feature Katie Reus’ Targeted & giveaway

Targeted

by Katie Reus

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tone: Fast-paced, sexy, suspenseful

Elements/Tags: romantic suspense

Heat Level: Sensual, sexy

Publisher: NAL/Signet

Pub. Date: October 1, 2013

Format: print (mass market) and ebook

Words: 100,000

Hidden in plain sight…

Former Marine sniper and current NSA agent Jack Stone has a new face to go with his new identity. But he still has the same tortured memories—which include the woman he let get away years ago, when they were teenagers. Now his new assignment in Miami will put him so close to the woman he’s never been able to forget, he could reach out and touch her—if only she weren’t under suspicion.

When Sophie Moreno uncovers evidence linking the medical supply company she works for with arms smuggling—and worse—she doesn’t know who to turn to. After a shocking betrayal, she realizes the only person she can trust is a mysterious new person in the company—a man with hauntingly familiar eyes.

As Sophie questions her intense attraction to this man and Jack struggles not to blow his cover, the two of them must race against the clock to stop terrorists from killing scores of people—starting with them.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17707657-targeted?from_search=true

Excerpt:

Targeted: A Deadly Ops Novel
Releasing October 1, 2013

From the doorway of Sophie’s office, Jack watched her walk around her desk. Her slim-fitting skirt hugged her in all the right places. Even though she had on a jacket, her small breasts were outlined perfectly. Nothing about her outfit was overtly sexual, but simply watching her move around her office got him hotter than anything any other woman had ever done. She didn’t just move. The woman flowed with a grace that made staring at her an addiction. Something about the sleek tailored outfit made him wonder what she had on underneath. Plain cotton, or silk and lace? Or maybe nothing at all. When they were seventeen she’d usually worn Brazilian-style bottoms that showed the bottom half of her butt. Those things had driven him crazy, so of course she’d loved to walk around wearing only that when they’d been alone.

At that thought, his entire body tensed. When they were teenagers he’d wanted her so badly he couldn’t think straight most of the time, but this reaction was different. It was . . . more. Intense. Like thirteen years of pent-up need clawing its way to the surface and just begging to be set free. He’d known coming on this mission so soon after that last op was a mistake, but hadn’t been able to force himself to tell his boss no. Not when he’d been dying to see Sophie.

When she leaned over her desk to grab something, her dark hair cascaded over her shoulder and he couldn’t help remembering what it had been like to run his hands through that thick mass as she rode him. Or as he’d taken her from behind. Or as they’d simply held each other and watched the ocean waves. Memories of their short time together had kept him sane during some of his nastier missions. Her smart-ass attitude and sense of humor had kept him entertained back when there wasn’t much bright in his life. She’d been one of the few bright beacons in his world. He’d even categorized his life into “before Sophie” and “after Sophie.” Because after he’d met her, he’d known on a fundamental level that she was meant for him.

Watching her now felt too surreal. The outline of her jaw, the gentle curve of her neck, her dark, intoxicating eyes. Despite the sharp angles of her exotic cheekbones, everything else about her compact body was soft and inviting. Especially her hips. She had just enough curves for a man to hold on to. Well, not any man. Only him. He wanted to bury his face against her neck, between her breasts, and definitely between her legs. God, if she knew what he was thinking now, she’d run. Or maybe not. He’d seen a hint of awareness in her eyes back in Ronald’s office. It had been tempered with almost outright anger at his presence—which made him curious—but he was pretty sure she was attracted to him.

Meet Author Katie Reus:

Katie Reus is the USA Today bestselling author of the Red Stone Security series, Moon Shifter series and Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom’s stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it.

However, she didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing dark paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense. To learn more about her please visit her website, blog, facebook or find her on twitter @katiereus.

Website/blog: http://www.katiereus.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/KatieReus

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/katiereusauthor

Giveaway Details:

One US resident commenter per the total number of stops (11) will win one print copy of TARGETED courtesy of the publisher.

One Grand Prize US resident commenter from the entire tour will win a full signed collection of the following books; Danger in Paradise, Protecting His Witness, Alpha Instinct, Primal Possession, Mating Instinct and Targeted.

Please find the Terms and Conditions on the Rafflecopter widget.

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Tour Stops:

http://events.litconnect.com/romantic-suspense-virtual-tour-targeted-by-katie-reus/

September 26, 2013September 23, 2013

Guest blog & giveaway with Theresa Romain

Researching a Romance Hero

Thanks for inviting me to join you at Book-n-Kisses today!

Ok, I have a confession to make: if I knew how much research IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE would require, I might never have started writing it.

Fortunately, I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to write the story of a Regency soldier wounded near the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Who also happened to be a talented amateur artist—at least, before he lost the use of his right arm.

Once Henry had formed in my mind, though, there was no going back. First I found him a home in the army by researching which regiments took part in the final battles of the Napoleonic Wars. The battle of Waterloo has been a part of many stories—but what about the battles that came just before it? If Henry was wounded just before the victory of Waterloo, that would lend an extra layer of poignancy to his wounds. As it turned out, there was a battle called Quatre Bras (French for “Four Arms”—a crossroads) only a few days before Waterloo. Many British troops weren’t ready for the battle; the leaders had been at a ball celebrating impending victory until the wee hours, and some soldiers ran for battle still wearing their flimsy dancing shoes instead of boots. This real-life celebration and shock became part of Henry’s story.

Once he was back in London, there was more to research. Henry still thinks like a soldier, planning and strategizing, but he also starts to think like an artist again. He laid down his paintbrush to go to war, and now that war is over, he tries to recapture the artist’s way of looking at the world. Because of his injury, he can’t paint as he used to, but he still follows the process of oil painting: a handmade, hands-on art of crushing pigments, mixing them with oil, preparing canvases, cleaning brushes. Today we can buy oil paints in tidy tubes, but during the Regency, an artist was likely to make them himself (or have an assistant help with the process). The names and origins of those paints were fascinating and often hazardous. “Mummy brown” really did include ground mummies (ack!). “Orpiment” is a bright yellow mineral…that contains arsenic. And “Paris Green,” a bright blue-green pigment discovered shortly before 1815 (when IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE takes place), is so poisonous that it was used to kill rats and insects. Painting came with its hazards!

Because the setting in time and place of the story is so specific, I needed to know about particular buildings in London in summer 1815. Where were the Royal Academy and the British Institution located in 1815? If a home didn’t have a ballroom, where would a ball be held? What was a fashionable but not too expensive street in London? What magazine would a fashion-conscious countess have read for pleasure?

Research never stops until I type “The End” on a story. And though it might seem overwhelming looking ahead—or in hindsight—the process is fascinating. The more I can learn about the time and place in which my story is set, the richer that story can be, and the easier it is to bring characters to life.

So here’s a question or two for all of you: have you ever learned a cool tidbit about the past from a historical romance? What’s your favorite time period to read about?

*****

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE

by THERESA ROMAIN

IN STORES SEPTEMBER 2013

Wooing the Wrong Woman…

Henry Middlebrook is back from fighting Napoleon, ready to re-enter London society where he left it. Wounded and battle weary, he decides that the right wife is all he needs. Selecting the most desirable lady in the ton, Henry turns to her best friend and companion to help him with his suit…

Is a Terrible Mistake…

Young and beautiful, war widow Frances Whittier is no stranger to social intrigue. She finds Henry Middlebrook courageous and manly, unlike the foppish aristocrats she is used to, and is inspired to exercise her considerable wit on his behalf. But she may be too clever for her own good, and Frances discovers that she has set in motion a complicated train of events that’s only going to break her own heart…

Praise for It Takes Two to Tangle:

“A delightful romance. Its intriguing plot, replete with unforeseen twists and coupled with a set of passionate characters, quickly turns this into a page-turner.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

A little about Theresa:

Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest and is working on more Regency romances. Please visit http://theresaromain.com/ for more information.

Giveaway Time:

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September 25, 2013August 30, 2013

Interview & giveaway with Victoria Roberts

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Victoria Roberts back to the blog today.

Victoria, can you please share with us a little about yourself.

First, thank you so much for having me today.

I’m a working wife and mother of two. Home is in western PA but would rather be in the Highlands.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I honestly did not find my calling until my late thirties. I’ve always dabbled in writing, but I never pursued that passion until later in life.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

My favorite authors vary, but I’ll name a few: Lynn Kurland, Brenda Joyce, Karen Marie Moning, Sue Grafton and James Patterson.

As far as who influenced my writing, I’d have to say that Lynn Kurland, Hannah Howell and Karen Marie Moning made me crave tales from the Highlands.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I never read a single romance novel until my thirties. Low and behold, I discovered they actually had plots and characterization. The first book I read was a Scottish historical romance and I was hooked.

If I changed to another genre, the tales would still be Scottish-based. I’ve been thinking about paranormal, but my passion for writing historical has not died out. Who knows what the future holds?

What are some of your writing rituals?

I still have a day job so I strive to write 1k words/day or 5k/week. I must have complete silence and the muse must be present. Sometimes the two do not cooperate—at all.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

I think the back cover blurb says it best.

She always wanted to be one of the boys…

Sybella would do anything to prove she’s just as valuable to the MacKenzie clan as her brother is. She’d go on any hunt, take any dare. But her father has a different sort of mission in mind: marriage. It’s simple, he explains. All she has to do is marry Alexander MacDonell and report back on his family’s secrets. It will be easy, he says, as long as she doesn’t do anything foolish…like fall in love.

Until she got a man

As laird of the MacDonells, Alex has a duty to produce an heir. It’s a duty he won’t mind with the lovely Ella as his wife―even if she is one of the dreaded MacKenzies. He’s wooed and won many ladies, but Ella is a challenge like no other. He can tell she’s holding something back. But not for long. Because inch by inch, he plans to expose everything she’s been hiding and claim the ultimate prize: her heart.

How did you come up with the idea for this story?

To Wed a Wicked Highlander is the third book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series. Alex was in the first book, Temptation in a Kilt. He was Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s cousin from Glengarry. Alexander was so determined to make his father proud in the first book that I had to give him his own tale.

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

I sold another series to Sourcebooks called Royal Rebellion. My Highland Spy is the first book in the new series and will be released fall 2014.

Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.

Alex is standing with his Aunt Iseabail over his father’s grave in a private moment.

What would you be if you were not an author?

The wife of a Highland laird.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I have so many books in my TBR pile that I’ve lost count. I really want to read Karen Marie Moning’s new series Iced.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for having me today.

Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter. (US and Canada only, please)

To enter please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

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*****

Sourcebooks |Amazon | B&N

In the third book of this fun, action-packed Highland trilogy, Victoria Roberts introduces her baddest bad boy yet.

Laird Alexander MacDonnell must choose between his duty or
losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his own wife.

Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. When she finds the precious artifact, will she choose the family who raised her, or will she stand with the man who has captured her soul?

Praise for To Wed a Wicked Highlander:

Reviewer Top Pick

“Victoria Roberts knocked it outta the ballpark with this one!!! It is Highland romance at its best, loaded with likable characters, and an engaging plot with lots of angst and heartache that put a few tears in this reader’s eye. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down.”

―Night Owl Reviews

Reviewer Top Pick

“Roberts has created the baddest boy of the Highlands for her third in her series. This action-packed romance has everything Roberts’ fans adore: a strong heroine who meets her match in a to-die-for hero, deception, betrayal, love and redemption. To Wed a Wicked Highlander has all the elements that make readers sigh with pleasure.”

―RT Book Reviews

About Victoria Roberts:

Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and was also a 2012 Reviewers Choice nominee for Best First Historical for Temptation in a Kilt.

X Marks the Scot and To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2 and #3) were reviewer TOP PICKS, and the first of Victoria’s new Royal Rebellion series is scheduled for release fall 2014.

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine Celtic Guide.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature, and antiques. She also drags her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun.

Where to find Victoria

Website: www.victoriarobertsauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/victoria.roberts.395

Celtic Guide: www.thecelticguide.com

September 25, 2013September 24, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: A Late Thaw by Ana Blaze

Title: A LATE THAW
Author: Ana Blaze
Publisher: Entranced Publishing
Imprint: Kissed
Genre: Contemporary romance
Release Date: November 11th 2013

The town’s too small for Kiley St. Claire’s reappearance to be a surprise, still seeing her hits Cole Thomas like a punch to the gut. She ripped his heart apart when she turned to ice and ran away all those years ago. Now that she’s back, Cole’s going to say his piece and move on.
Even if she does look damn good in that uniform.

Kiley St. Claire is back in the small town of Barrett, Vermont, for one reason and one reason only: to earn some cash so she can survive her final semester of grad school. She’s not there for the sexy Christmas tree farmers.
Even the one who once held her heart.

Goodreads

About the Author:

Ana lives just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, Ikea, and cooking. Ana admits to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.

Blog /Twitter /Facebook/ Pinterest

Giveaway

Ana Blaze is giving away a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice) and an e-copy of her contemporary romance novella THE BEST MAN

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Author: Kelly

Cover Reveal of Lisa Kessler’s Hunter’s Moon

Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway with Michelle Grave

*****

SEE HOW SHE RUNS

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Spotlight tour of Resolution by Teri Riggs

Cold Blooded Blog Tour and Giveaway

Ever After Release Day Book Blitz

Kissin’ the week of Sept 23rd-28th Goodbye

Interview and Review with Gretchen McNeil

Larissa Ione’s Lords of Deliverance Series

Eternal Rider

*****

Immortal Rider

*****

Lethal Rider

*****

Rogue Rider

Spotlight Feature Katie Reus’ Targeted & giveaway

Targeted

Giveaway Details:

Guest blog & giveaway with Theresa Romain

*****

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE

Giveaway Time:

Interview & giveaway with Victoria Roberts

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: A Late Thaw by Ana Blaze