Anna Windsor’s The Dark Crescent Sisterhood series

Bound by Shadow

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #1

1

Falling for a demon can be hazardous to your heart.

Riana Dumain is a fully trained Sybil, a warrior priestess battling evil whose practical magic keeps her grounded in earthly science–and desires. She knows that gorgeous NYPD detective Creed Lowell is dangerous, and possibly a foot soldier of the evil Legion cult, using his badge and drop-dead looks to consolidate demonic power.

Creed’s low-profile Occult Crimes Unit pulls Riana and her two sister Sybils into the case of a politician’s son, murdered in a ritualistic sacrifice. Soon, Riana’s instincts prove true. Creed, the hottest half-human she’s ever known, a demon in bed and out, is guarding a trapdoor to hell. And unless Riana can find a way to tame her mystery man’s treacherous inner self (and her heart), all of Manhattan may be enveloped by darkness.

*****

Bound by Flame

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #2

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When Cynda gets hot and bothered, things start to sizzle.

Gorgeous flame-haired Cynda Flynn knows fire–its heat, its power, its magic. A fully trained Sybil warrior priestess, Cynda’s weapon is flame. But she’s unprepared for the passion ignited by Nick Lowell, an undercover cop in the NYPD’s Occult Crime Unit. He’s half human, half demon, and hotter than hell, with fathomless black eyes that ignite something buried deep inside Cynda, making her melt in all the right places.

Luckily, Nick has found a way to control his dark side, but he’s done it old-school–through steel-willed self-control. And after five years working secretly within the deadly Legion cult, he’s unbreakable. Or he was, until Cynda came along. Now it’s personal–and even his big bad love may not be enough to halt a terrible new evil snuffing out fire Sybils like Cynda. It’s nasty. And if it can’t be stopped, they’re all going to fry.

*****

Bound by Light

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #3

3

The night holds endless pleasures . . . and hides nameless terrors.

As the broom end of her Sybil triad, Merilee Alexander has the sacred duty as a warrior witch of taking out the trash. Lately, though, she’s been a little overwhelmed: Manhattan is a mess. And her prophetic end-of-the-world nightmares aren’t helped by the waking fantasies of love. Or the fact that the object of her affections, gorgeous Jake Lowell of NYPD’s Occult Crimes Unit, is playing it so cool.

Actually, Jake wants Merilee desperately, every luscious inch of her. Still, he’s holding back. He’s got secrets. Dark, dangerous, demonic secrets. But as Jake and Merilee trawl the city’s supernatural underbelly to out a demonic kingpin who, disguised as a charismatic leader, is amassing dark power, it’s make-or-break time. For their lives, their love, and the world are about to be sucked into the undertow of the tides of an unstoppable evil.

*****

Captive Spirit

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #4

4

Trapped by temptation, bound by desire

Saving humanity from the supernatural has been challenging lately—even for a well-trained earth Sybil like Bela Argos, who must harness the magic of a fractious group of warrior sisters and battle a new wave of paranormal attacks. Another challenge is Duncan Sharp, the hunky NYPD detective who might turn into a demon overnight and devour Bela in her sleep. Still, the darkness taking over Duncan’s body can’t stop the molten heat unleashed by the intense attraction between them.

Duncan has two major problems: First, he has the soul of a suspected serial killer hitching a ride on his vibe. Worse (yes, worse) he’s got a demonic fever raging inside that promises a world of hurt for everybody, especially Bela. Now he’s all about getting even with the demons that put this freak curse in his blood—satanic forces that dare to unleash their savage lust on Duncan’s soul, his city, and the woman he loves.

*****

Captive Soul

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #5

5

She’s definitely getting warmer.

Her flame power nearly extinguished in a battle against the dark forces attempting to control Manhattan, fire Sybil Camille Fitzgerald is down but not out. Joining a new squad of warrior witches, she hopes to reclaim her fighting spirit and, with luck, her pyrotechnic mastery. Two problems on that front: a new army of cannibalistic demons and her superheated lust for John Cole, an unholy blend of demon and U.S. Special Forces agent now working undercover for New York’s Occult Crimes Unit.
John knows he can’t be trusted—hell, he can’t trust himself. His warrior soul has entered a new, supernaturally fit body. Unfortunately, it’s a body belonging to the Sybils’ worst enemy, whose supernasty essence still lingers. But when John’s demon energy seems more alive than dead, it’s Camille whose scorching kiss keeps him human—for now. All he’s got to do is master his dark side and save Camille and the Sybils from an army of satanic hellboys planning their ultimate destruction.

*****

Captive Heart

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood #6

6

Hot, wet, and bothered

As the world’s only fully trained water Sybil, Andy Myles is too busy battling New York’s demonic population and coping with personal tragedy to trust her broken heart to the wrong man. Jack Blackmore, FBI adviser to Manhattan’s Occult Crimes Unit, is Army-tough and rattling Andy’s nerves big-time, criticizing her strategies for attacking the powerful flesh-feasting Rakshasa. She could happily drown Jack with a rogue wave of her water energy—or her kisses. Honestly, when didhating a man become so hot?

Jack’s all human—and he puts his trust in bullets, steel, and fists, not magic. Tough and confident, he’s never met a problem he couldn’t handle. Then again, he’s never fought alongside warrior witches who can kill with a flick of a finger or lost his heart to a wild, unpredictable woman whose kisses taste like sweet southern rain. As a tide of despotic evil sweeps through the streets of New York, Jack’s got one chance to stop a malevolent rampage—and claim Andy’s heart.

Interview with Heather Hiestand

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Heather Hiestand to the blog for the first time to talk about her newest release The Marquess of Cake.  

HeatherHiestandinahatcroppedHeather, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m 43 and live in south Washington State with my husband and four-year-old son. Both of them keep me on my toes. Technically I’m a full-time writer, which means I mostly get to work when my son is at preschool. I first sold in 2004, a mystery short story, then sold my first novel in 2006. Marquess of Cake is my 9th novel (I think). I’ve written many novellas and shorts too, under two names, Heather Hiestand and Anh Leod.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

It started early for me. I wrote my first story at the age of seven. I never stopped dreaming about being a writer, though I was in my mid-twenties before I buckled down and took my dream seriously. I took classes, researched by reading, and put in the hours to do the actual writing.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

If I can get organized before my son wakes up, I can carve out a couple of pages in the morning. He’s unpredictable, though. Then I have a couple precious hours to work in peace while he is at school. I read while he’s entertained at home, especially while he’s in the bathtub. He loves to splash around so I get some solid time then with my Kindle or a paper book for fun or research.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part for me these days is the distraction I feel while waiting to hear if contracts are going to be offered. I’ve had a lot of that lately. I also have trouble powering through scenes if I don’t have enough handle on my setting. Otherwise, I’m not much of a procrastinator and I write fast, when I know what I’m doing. I love when my plot spreadsheet comes together and I know the basic shape of my story, subplots and all.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?The Marquess of Cake eBook300200

The Marquess of Cake is the first in the Redcakes series from Kensington. It is a “Victorian” historical romance, set in 1886 London.

Here’s the blurb:

Coffee. . .tea. . .or a pastry chef sweeter than any confection. . .

Scotch trifle fit for Queen Victoria, scones with clotted cream. . .Alys Redcake knows the way to a man’s heart. Yet she is unaware that with each morsel–and flash of ankle–she is seducing the handsome marquess frequenting her father’s tea shop. Unmarried at twenty-six, Alys’s first love is the family business. But thoughts of the gentleman’s touch are driving her to distraction. . .

With his weakness for sugar, the Marquess of Hatbrook can imagine no more desirable woman than one scented with cake and spice. Mistaking Alys for a mere waitress, he has no doubt she would make a most delicious mistress. And when he finds himself in need of an heir, he plans to make her his convenient bride. Yet as they satisfy their craving for one another, business and pleasure suddenly collide. Will Hatbrook’s passion for sweets–and for Alys–be his heart’s undoing?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

My son had lots of health issues as a baby, and we spent too much time in front of the TV. I became hooked on cooking shows, like the cake decorating ones on The Food Network. The 1880s time period I was working in for steampunk stories and the cake decorating bubbled together in my brain until The Marquess of Cake mixed into a novel, thanks to my idea about the people surrounding a tea shop in Victorian London.bigstock-Wedding-Cake-5989041-1

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I’m busy working on my Redcakes Victorian romance series for Kensington. Book 2, One Taste of Scandal, Judah’s story, is at the copyedit stage, and Book 2, His Wicked Smile, Gawain’s story, is with beta readers. I’m writing a novella, Redcakes 3.5, right now.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I’ve been reading romance since the mid 1990s, so I’ve read a lot of stories. Some of my favorite historical authors, regardless of genre, are Delle Jacobs, Sherry Thomas, Connie Willis, Elizabeth Peters, Rhys Bowen, Karen Ranney, Carla Kelly, Sabrina Jeffries, Mary Jo Putney and Courtney Milan, to name just a few of my current auto-buys.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style? 

I can think of a few. Connie Willis for her questing characters, always trying to figure out where they are and how they are going to fit in. Nora Roberts. Her love of detail about careers and businesses has made me less worried about reader acceptance on these topics. Recently, I have to thank Sherry Thomas, Courtney Milan and Julie Ann Long for expanding the nineteenth century-set historical romance novel due to fresh ideas about plots and characters.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

Michael leapt up, his thigh slamming the edge of his table as he caught her by the apron, then found purchase for his hands around her hips. The tin tray clattered to the floor as he pulled her curvy hips flush against his legs. Her body pressed against him. He scented that delectable perfume of hers. Eau de Redcake’s.

The ladies at the table shrieked and another employee ran toward them, a cloth in her hand. Michael glanced down and saw the cakie’s large brown eyes staring into his, confusion evident.

He blinked at the girl. “How beautiful you look today.” He peered at the black embroidery on her apron. “Alys.”

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

I’m a sucker for Anne Boleyn books, and I just bought The Boleyn King by Laura Andersen. That’s one I can’t wait to read though I don’t know much about it. I’m writing this on May 14th, the day it was released. Also released today was His Majesty’s Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal. I preordered that one months ago!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’ve had so much fun creating my Redcakes world. I love how strong my female characters are, and how unconventional my male characters are, within the framework of the historical romances I love so dearly.

To read about Marquess of Cake go to http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/book.aspx/22722 You can purchase there or find all the links to your favorite etailer.

To learn more about Heather Hiestand and the stories she creates go to: http://www.heatherhiestand.com or http://blog.heatherhiestand.com or http://www.twitter.com/hahiestand

Heather is on a blog tour during the month of July. Check her blog to find out where she is. Many of the blog spots have prizes!

The Entity Within Interview with Cat Devon and Giveaway

Entity Within, the

I am so excited to have Cat Devon here today to discuss her new release, The Entity Within.  I love vampires and witches, so if you love paranormal romance, this is definitely one to pick up.

1. Tell me a little bit about your new release.

SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY came out June 4th and it’s the story of the cupcake maker and…the vampire! Daniella Delaney is ready to open her shop, Heavenly Cupcakes, in one of Chicago’s sleepier districts. But she’s having a hard time convincing the local business association—namely Nick St. George—that she’s a good addition to the neighborhood. Daniella hopes that her famous red velvet cupcakes will be enough to melt any man’s heart. But Nick is no ordinary man. He’s got fangs.

THE ENTITY WITHIN is out July 2nd. Zoe Adams and her grandmother Irma are witches who have been banished from Boston. With nowhere to go, they accept an invitation to come to Chicago…but what they don’t realize is that their new space puts them right in the heart of the most dangerous spot of all: Vamptown. The more vampire Damon Thornheart gets to know the stunning, spirited Zoe, the less he understands about his own true nature. Vamps and witches have always been archrivals in the entity world; surrendering to their passion could mean losing their immortal powers. Is their desire worth the risk?

2. Where did you come up with the idea for Sleeping with the Entity and The Entity Within?

It started with the hero and heroine.  In SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY, I wanted the heroine to be the opposite of the dark and brooding vampire hero.  A cheerful and determined cupcake maker who is immune to vampire compelling seemed the answer.  Plus I enjoyed doing the research on cupcakes at the local cupcake shop in my area!  In THE ENTITY WITHIN, I wanted a heroine who had magic of her own, who knew what it’s like not to fit in the human world, and so I came up with a witch named Zoe.  Not only is she Damon’s opposite, but vampires and witches do not get along.

3.  Have you always wanted to write paranormal romance?

Yes, especially paranormal romance with heat and humor.  Readers have told me that my characters seem very real to them, which is wonderful!  I write a fast-paced book with a lot of dialogue.  The books have been getting great reviews so far.  SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY was described as “Sinfully delicious! 4 Stars” by RT Book Reviews and received a highly-coveted Starred Review in Booklist.  Of THE ENTITY WITHIN, RT Book Reviews wrote, “Devon’s humor and offbeat scenarios give this paranormal pleaser a lighthearted feel that features just a touch of danger. Zoe and Damon’s sexy antagonism is pure delight!”

4.  What are you working on next?

I’m finishing up LOVE YOUR ENTITY which comes out Dec. 31st.  And a few days ago, I finished my Entity e-novella which is coming out this fall. It’s called THE ENTITY WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS.

5. How many books are you planning for the series? 

There are three so far, but there could be more.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I have 3 steps for those who want to write.   1) Just Do It  2) Do It Anyway  3) Yes, I Mean Now.  Also if you are interested in writing romance, then join Romance Writers of America at rwanational.org, where you will find a lot of information for aspiring writers.

7. Do you have specific actors in mind for each of the characters in your book?

For all of the vampire heroes – yes!  Nick in SLEEPING WITH THE ENTITY was inspired by actor Alex O’Laughlin.  Damon in THE ENTITY WITHIN was inspired by Ian Somerhalder.  And Ronan in LOVE YOUR ENTITY by Joe Manganiello.

8. Favorite type of pizza? 

Giordano’s Chicago deep-dish style with extra mushrooms – yummm!!  Pizza seems to show up in several of my books! 

pizza

About the Author:

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Cat Devon is a pseudonym for an award-winning author. A former librarian and confessed bookaholic, she has a weakness for wickedly sexy vampires, imported dark chocolate and decadent cupcakes. She and her family live in the Chicago area.  For more info please visit my website www.catdevon.com or Like me on Facebook www.facebook.com/catdevonauthor or follow me on Twitter @catdevonauthor.

Jennifer’s Review of The Entity Within

TITLE: The Entity Within

CHARACTERS: Zoe Adams and Damon Thornheart

AUTHOR:  Cat Devon

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Is Love Something……

Zoe Adams and her grandmother Irma are witches who have been banished from Boston.  With nowhere to go, they accept an invitation to come to Chicago…but what they don’t realize is that their new space puts them right in the heart of the most dangerous spot of all: Vamptown.

You Can Sink Your Teeth Into?

Damon Thornheart is just that–virtually untouchable when it comes to love.  As Vamptown’s highest-ranking demon hunter, he sees red flags when he meets Zoe and Irma, who unwittingly unleashed a brutal evil upon the community. But the more Damon gets to know the stunning, spirited Zoe, the less he understands about his own true nature.  Vamps and witches have always been arch-rivals in the entity world; surrendering to their passion could mean losing their immortal powers.  Is their desire worth the risk?  Only one thing is for certain: Damon will make it his mission to find out…..

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer            NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: Zoe is a witch that is afraid of using her powers because her mother died while using black magic and Zoe believes that the same thing may happen to her.  When Zoe and her grandmother, Irma, relocate to Chicago, it is a chance for a fresh start but some of the local vampires are concerned that the witches may be in Vamptown to cause trouble.  Especially, the new vampire in town and resident demon hunter, Damon.  He is very skeptical of Zoe and isn’t about to trust this sexy witch to keep out of trouble, especially when Zoe accidentally unleashes sinister forces in Vamptown.  The two of them together seems like a disaster waiting to happen but they find that they just can’t keep their hands off each other.  So now, Damon must deal with sending these demons back to hell while fighting the sexual attraction he has for Zoe.

Zoe was so adorable in this book and I just loved her personality.  She was torn between living up to her magical heritage while trying to protect herself from any type of black magic.  She just wants to lead a normal life but that is hard to do when she accidentally helps to release demons into the city and she is one of the few people that can send them back where they belong.

Damon is one sexy vampire.  With his smoldering eyes and nonchalant attitude, I can understand why he is so popular with the ladies.  He has never gotten over his past betrayal at the hands of a witch and chooses to believe that all witches are evil. Both Damon and Zoe are strong-willed and opinionated and are the perfect match for each other, even though they fight it at every turn.  They also definitely know how to turn up the heat in the sexual chemistry department which makes this book fun to read.

One of the best things about this book is the humor.  Putting Zoe and Damon in the same room together brought out some of the best one-liners that I have read in a while. Cat Devon is an extremely talented author who has created a paranormal world that will not only have you laughing out loud but wanting a sexy vampire of your own. This is one of my favorite books at the moment and I can’t wait to get my hands on Love Your Entity which is out in December.

Giveaway

I have a copy of Cat’s new release, The Entity Within, to give one lucky reader. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight Feature of Pamela Palmer’s Wulfe Untamed

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Brief Synopsis:

Wulfe knows the end-game is approaching.  The Mage are preparing to free the Daemon plague and Wulfe’s own small strain of Daemon heritage has been awakened. Worse yet, the beautiful human he once rescued needs saving again. Though Mage sentinels are the ones after Natalie Cash, Wulfe knows his heart is what she really should watch out for. He’ll do everything he can to protect her…and keep his distance. Running for her life while trying not to fall for this gentle, wounded warrior, Natalie’s world’s been turned upside down. But when the Mage begin to free the Daemons, it becomes clear that the Ferals’ only chance of defeating them is for Wulfe to use Natalie to harness the dark forces-and risk becoming evil in the process. The future of the world hangs in the balance, but can Wolfe endanger the woman he loves to save her?

Excerpt (keep reading below for second, steamier excerpt!!!):

“It’s me, boy. This might hurt, but I’ve got to staunch your wounds.”

Her fingers pressed gingerly, burrowing through Wolf’s fur, as she sought the site of the stab she’d seen him take to the shoulder. Warm blood coated her fingers and she knew she’d found it. As gently as possible, she pressed one of the shirts against the wound, then started searching for any others.

“Poor guy,” she whispered. “You chose the wrong night to come see me, but you probably saved my life.” She needed to get him to a vet. The beautiful animal made no sound, gave no indication of consciousness. He might be alive, but for how much longer?

Something skittered across the floor downstairs, stopping her heart for another moment. Why hadn’t they followed her upstairs? For that matter, how in the heck had she fallen asleep on the guest bed in the middle of an attack on her house? None of it made a bit of sense. The last thing she remembered was hitting one of the nasties with the lamp and the other one grabbing her. Had he hit her, then? She didn’t hurt anywhere. Somehow, she must have stumbled up here and passed out.

As she probed the dog’s side, she felt more warm blood and knew she’d discovered another wound. If only she could see them. If only she had a flashlight. Or…a camp lantern. Yes. Her camping supplies were stored in the closet in this room. Rising, she dug the lantern out of the bottom of the closet and turned it on only a little, bathing the injured animal in a soft glow.

He had blood everywhere. Her gut cramped. How was she supposed to know how much of the blood was his and how much belonged to the men? They’d been dressed so strangely, like some kind of foreign army, in matching blue tunics. And swords.

She pressed tee shirts against the two wounds she’d found so far, knowing she had to find the others, yet wondering what she was going to do with them if she did. She only had two hands. And no telephone or suturing supplies.

“Hang on, Wolf. Just hang on for me. Sooner or later, they’ll leave and I’ll be able to get you to a vet. What are they doing down there?” She heard something roll across the hardwood foyer. Roll. Suddenly she remembered the way they’d broken down her front door and relief left her on a hard exhale.

“It’s not them, it’s the wind. Of course, of course.” Leaping to her feet, she stroked Wolf’s head. “This is going to hurt, boy, but I have to move you if I’m going to get you help.”

She scooted around to his back end and, as gently as she could, lifted his hips and lowered them again a few inches out from the door. Moving to his head, she did the same, back and forth, a few inches at a time until she nearly had him far enough from the door to open it. Once more should be enough.

Sweat beading on her brow, she took a deep breath, squatted at his tail, and lifted his hips one more time.

Suddenly, her hands were empty, the dog just…gone…exploding in a spray of colored lights.

Natalie fell back, landing on her backside, then stared, jaw dropping, as a man appeared out of thin air…a huge, naked man lying on the floor right where the dog had been.

She crab-walked back, the bed catching her in the shoulder blades. This isn’t happening.

                The man groaned and began to stir. Natalie tensed, her heart pounding violently in her chest as she pushed herself to her feet, then sank onto the bed when her legs refused to hold her.

Slowly, the man sat up and leaned back against the door, his muscular body marred by half a dozen stab wounds, one on the shoulder…right where the dog’s had been.

This isn’t happening. Dogs don’t turn into men. They don’t!

But even as the argument roared in her head, her gaze took in the sight in front of her. The man was built, his waist narrow, his abs ripped, his biceps as thick as tree trunks, one adorned with a thick golden armband with what appeared to be the head of a wolf. His shoulders were easily half the width of her sofa. Her gaze continued up, reaching his face, and her heart clenched. Scars crisscrossed the flesh every which way, tugging down one of his lips, cutting across one eye. His body might be prime, but his face was made for nightmares. Within that ruined face, eyelids lifted revealing dark eyes that turned to her, contracting on a sheen of pain, radiating a dismay so raw it almost made her ache.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Natalie.” His voice was low and urgent as he struggled to his feet, grimacing. Towering over her—he had to be a full seven feet tall—he watched her with eyes filled with the same intelligence, the same gentleness she’d seen in Wolf’s. “I would never hurt you.”

She was shaking, her pulse racing, her stomach cramping from shock. But not from fear. Because as she stared into those dark eyes, she saw only truth and honor and kindness. And, odd as it was, she recognized the essence of the dog in the man.

“I would never hurt you,” he said again, his voice throbbing with sincerity and desperation that she believe him.

“I know,” she told him.

And she did.

 

Second Excerpt (if you prefer some steam on a hot summer day!):

“Harder, Wulfe, harder.”

He ground his hips into hers until sweat slicked their bodies, until they were both grunting and groaning, racing to the top of the highest peak. And beyond. Far, far beyond. As they approached that far-flung precipice, their gazes met, locked, and Natalie smiled as her orgasm began to roll through her, an arrow straight to his heart.

With her body contracting around him, her low, sexy cries filling his ears, he came with a roar, the beauty of the moment, the perfection, beyond words, beyond imagining.

And then she began to laugh, that throaty laugh that shot straight to his groin, as he collapsed, spent, on top of her. Not wanting to crush her, he forced himself to roll, taking her with him, still buried to his balls inside of her. Her golden halo of hair flew around her face as he righted, and she laughed again, then covered his mouth with hers, kissing him as if he’d just given her the world.

His heart swelled until he thought it would burst from his chest.

With his hands tight on her sweet ass, he kept them fused below while their mouths joined above. Goddess, he didn’t want to let her go. He wanted to stay like this, just like this, forever. Or at the very least, for days and days and days.

As one hand gripped her soft, perfect rear, his other slid up and down her slender back, love barreling through him, hard and fast. A golden thread began to weave around his heart, a thread that flowed outward to hers. The beginning of a mating bond.

Guest blog & giveaway with Shona Husk

The Truth About Fairies

Fairies are real, but because they don’t live in our world, they live in Annwyn, we don’t see them very often. And when we do see them we can convince ourselves that it was just a person and the magic was track of the light. However, since they are real and can be dangerous here are a few essential things to keep in mind should you find yourself face to face with most beautiful person you’ve ever met.

  1. Check their eyes. Fairies have pale eyes, ice pale and they come in all different colors including odd ones like orange and pink, as well as the greens and blues. Even changelings have pale eyes.
  2. Changelings are mortal, but they are fairy. They have a tendency to love deals and gambling and they always have some psychic ability like psychometry or seeing the future.
  3. Never make a deal with a fairy. It might seem like a really good idea at the time, but it will unravel and you will be left worse off.
  4. Never accept a gift from a fairy. First, that gift will not remain shiny and beautiful. Things made in Annwyn change in our world. Gems will become coal, fine clothes will become course. Second, accepting a gift puts you in their debt. It’s never a good thing to owe a fairy.
  5. Not all fairies live in Annwyn. Plenty live among us. Some by choice, some are exiled and some are banished.
  6. Exiled fairies are the least dangerous. Exile is a social death. They are not allowed to return to Annwyn and lose all social standing but they are still connected to the power, however they don’t want to occur an extra penalty so they are on their best behavior. They often work as Brownies or other roles helping mortals.
  7. Banished fairies are the most dangerous. Banishment is a slow wasting death cut off from the magic that once sustained them. They will do anything to get home, lying, cheating, stealing and generally making trouble. Sometimes they’ll make trouble for fun, after all if they are suffering so should everyone. They are the imps, boggarts and monsters in the closet. Children can often see them (and all fairies), so next time your child says there’s something under the bed they may not be lying.
  8. Fairies need humans. Without a human partner they can’t have children. A child born in Annwyn is fairy, but a child born in our world is changeling.
  9. Fairies are not immortal. But compared to our lifespan they may as well be. Can you imagine what it would be like to live for centuries? To live so long you lost track of time? To have so much time you can literally waste a year playing dice or creating elaborate schemes to bring down your enemy?
  10. Because of their long lives and the way the Court of Annwyn works, they have different morals than us. They aren’t beautiful humans, or harmless beings. They are dangerous and deserve to be treated with caution and respect. That said they are capable of caring and falling in love—which they happen to consider very foolish and one of the most dangerous things a fairy can do.

 

 

THE OUTCAST PRINCE

by SHONA HUSK

The Outcast Prince Cover

JULY 2013

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 Just One Taste Is All It Takes…

This is no ordinary mirror. Caspian caught a hint of color, a whirl of a waltz just past his reflection—a glimpse into the decadent Fairy Court of Annwyn. The home he could never have. It called to him, whispering temptation after temptation…if he could only reclaim his rightful heritage.

To Be Forever Lost…

Caspian has an even stronger reason to stay in the world of humans. He’s just met a woman who captivates him like no other. But loving him has proven to be dangerous. And he will do whatever it takes to protect Lydia from the vicious, seductive world of Court—even if doing so requires the ultimate sacrifice: his soul.

 

Praise for The Outcast Prince:

“Brilliantly unique, beautifully sensual, The Outcast Prince had me spellbound from the first page! Shona Husk’s engaging voice and vivid, creative world-building make every one of her books a must-read!” — Larissa Ione, New York Times bestselling author

“Innovative fantasy… An emotional and engaging tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

Shona Husk Author Photo 2ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold—sometimes literally. Look for the next book in the Annwyn Series, Lord of the Hunt in January 2014. You can find out more information about Shona and her edgy romances at http://www.shonahusk.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @ShonaHusk.

 

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post with Daryl Wood Gerber & Giveaway

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Daryl Wood Gerber is here today to talk about her new release, Final Sentence, and share one of her yummy recipes. I can’t wait to try this myself.

In all my culinary mysteries, I include recipes. I had no idea when I started writing mysteries that I would have to be a cook, too. Luckily, I was. I catered during college. I worked at restaurants. I even subbed for the chef at one restaurant. Now I offer up recipes every week on Mystery Lovers Kitchen with other author pals. All of us like to cook up crime.

In the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, I’ve included cookie recipes. Jenna, the protagonist in the series, loves her sweets. I’ll be sharing some of those recipes on Mystery Lovers Kitchen after the book’s release.

This Five-Cheese Mac  and Cheese recipe is from the Cheese Shop Mysteries. It wasn’t included in the recipes at the back of the book, but a fan wrote me and begged for it. Sure, why not? Then a friend of hers posted the link (it’s on my website) and it went viral!

There is a tavern in town that Charlotte and her pals go to for girls’ night out. Tim, the fun-loving Irish owner, makes some of the best appetizers and sides.  I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a macaroni and cheese to me. [This can be made gluten-free and it’s amazing.]

Five-Cheese Mac and Cheese

mac and cheese plate

Ingredients:

2 cups dried macaroni, cooked to tender (about 4-5 cups cooked)  [You can use gluten-free macaroni]
3 cloves garlic chopped
8 tablespoons butter [a cube]
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup white wine
3 Tbs. rice flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 cups grated cheese (equal parts Cheddars, Smoked Gouda, Parmessan, Monterey Jack, Havarti)

Directions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.  May be made a day ahead.  Note:  Do not forget to drain and set aside.  You do not want the pasta to be “wet.”

In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook about 2 minutes.  Add rice flour and stir.  Cook 1 minute, let boil and thicken, stirring constantly.

Add milk and wine, stir and let boil to thicken.

Remove from heat and add cheeses and seasonings.

Pour sauce over drained macaroni.

Serve with a crisp salad.

QUESTION:  Have you ever shared a recipe via twitter or the Internet or even via email with friends?

About the Author:

Daryl-Wood-199x300DARYL WOOD GERBER aka AVERY AAMES pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series. As DARYL, she writes A Cookbook Nook Mystery series, featuring a culinary bookshop and café owner. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. As an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more. Visit Daryl & Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Check out her recipes on her blog www.mysteryloverskitchen.com And friend her on Facebook

 

Jennifer’s Review of Final Sentence

 TITLE: Final Sentence

SERIES #: A Cookbook Nook Mystery #1

CHARACTERS: Jenna Hart & Aunt Vera

AUTHOR:  Daryl Wood Gerber

PUBLICATION DATE:  07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: In need of a change, Jenna Hart leaves the high-pressure world of advertising to help her aunt Vera open a culinary bookshop and cafe. Back with her family in Crystal Cove, California, Jenna seems to have all the right ingredients for a fresh start–until someone adds a dash of murder.

As a marketing expert, Jenna wants to make sure the grand opening of the Cookbook Nook draws a crowd, and no one is better at getting attention than her old college roommate, celebrity chef Desiree Devine.  But when Desiree arrives in quiet Crystal Cove to do a cookbook signing, the diva stirs up more trouble than business…especially when she turns up dead.

Known for stealing husbands and burning bridges, Desiree left behind plenty of suspects–including Jenna.  Though the celebrity’s life always appeared to be an open book, Jenna will have to read between the lines in order to clear her name, and catch a killer before another body is served cold.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars

REVIEW: This is the first book in a new series and I believe that this series is off to a great start.  Jenna Hart has returned home to Crystal Cove after the death of her husband to start a new life and help her Aunt Vera open a culinary bookstore and cafe.  For the opening festivities, Jenna has asked her friend and famous chef, Desiree Devine, to hold a book-signing event to help bring in customers for their new store.  Instead of a book-signing, Desiree ends up dead on the beach and Jenna is the prime suspect in her murder.  Jenna is now out to clear her name before it is too late and the entire town believes she is responsible for the murder.

Daryl Wood Gerber creates a delightful cast of characters set in an inviting little coastal town that will charm anyone.  I liked Jenna because she was trying to get back on her feet after the death of her husband and was hoping that returning home would help her start a new life.  She was very smart and even though she wasn’t a great cook, she never let her short-comings get her down.  I liked how her family and friends helped rally around her and it will be interesting to learn more about them in other books in the series.  The mystery in Final Sentence will keep you guessing and I definitely enjoyed visiting Crystal Cove.  I’m looking forward to reading more about Jenna and her adventures in the next installment of this delightful mystery series.

 

Giveaway

I have one copy of Daryl’s new release, Final Sentence, to give one lucky reader.  Please leave a comment answering Daryl’s question or let us know your favorite recipe.  A winner will be chosen on July 10th.

Spotlight feature of A Gift of Fate by Layna Pimentel

A Gift From Fate

by Layna Pimentel

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After colliding with a stunning vision in white, retired Staff Sergeant Brent Daniels offers to drive the beautiful stranger to a hotel for the night, but instead discovers he’s with one very lost creature. He’s bewitched by her sinful curves, her dark and mesmerizing eyes, and the pull at his soul with each minute passing. Nevertheless, he can’t shake the feeling she’s hiding something.

Melpomene, daughter of Zeus, finds her handsome rescuer resembles the man who has continuously haunted her dreams. Before long, she’s in his arms, wanting more. Knowing their days are numbered, desperation leads her to reach out for help by an unlikely ally.

Just how far will these two lovers go, and what will they sacrifice to be together?

 

EXCERPT

“My name is Melp—Mel Pomene.” She’d nearly given herself away. Zeus, her father, would have heard had she whispered her name. Her father. Heavens, he’d turn the mortal realm upside down if he suspected she was here. And right now, she desired nothing more than to stay a little longer. With any lucky, I’ll return before he notices.

“Well, Mel, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Your last name is rather unusual. I assume you’re not from these parts?”

His question silenced any thoughts drifting through her mind at that moment. A new kind of tension rose within her. She couldn’t disclose her origins or who she was. Guilt settled in her stomach for leaving her sisters behind, but she wasn’t given a choice. The Fates dropped her here, only mentioning an experience for three days…provided Zeus didn’t find out. Only the Gods knew what he’d do if he found her cavorting around without a proper escort.

“Earth to Mel? Are you all right?”

“Yes, I am. I’m just thinking of home, which is Greece. I’ve come to the United States for an adventure, it would seem.”

He chuckled before she’d finished speaking.

“What is so amusing?”

“The mere mention of seeking adventure after getting lost is rather comical, nothing else, sweetheart.” He removed his right hand from the wheel and petted her knee. The warmth of his hand stirred an unfamiliar emotion within. This was the man from her dream. Those hands had touched parts of her body no mortal would have dared, and here she sat, wishing he’d do more than pat her.

 

WHERE TO BUY

www.secretcravingspublishing.com

www.amazon.com

www.allromanceebooks.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.bookstrand.com

WHAT AM I WORKING ON NEXT

I’m working on the second installment of my Pleasure Garden Follies series, and something super sexy, I hope to announce soon. Make sure to stop by my site for latest updates.

BIOGRAPHY

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters.

Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut. For updates on her upcoming releases, or to leave her a comment, you can find at:

www.laynapimentel.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+

A Gift from Fate

 

COVER REVEAL: Laura Kaye’s Forever Freed

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Amazon Kindle  | Amazon Paperback |B&N (coming soon) | Kobo

A heart can break, even one that no longer beats.

I stalk my new neighbors, a single mother and her child, drawn by the irresistible scent of their joy and love. I crave their blood, starved for some healing respite from my ancient guilt and grief. Now to lure them into my grasp.

But they surprise me. Little Olivia accepts me without fear–talking, smiling, offering innocent affection that tugs at my long-lost humanity. Her mother, Samantha, seeks me out when she should stay away, offering sweet friendship, and tempting the forgotten man within me. They lure me instead.

Ah, Dio, Lucien, run and spare them while you can…

 

NJRW GOLDEN LEAF WINNER FOR BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCE OF 2011
NJRW GOLDEN LEAF FINALIST FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2011

GDRWA BOOKSELLERS’ BEST CONTEST FINALIST FOR BEST PARANORMAL 2012
GDRWA BOOKSELLERS’ BEST CONTEST FINALIST FOR BEST FIRST BOOK OF 2012

Excerpt (Adult):

The bedroom door had barely clicked behind me when Samantha grabbed and shoved me toward the bed. I fell backward, and she was on top of me, clawing at my clothes and ripping off her own. Whatever had been going on with her all day was now clearly finding a release.

“Sam?”

She kissed me roughly and shoved her tongue into my mouth. I groaned and pushed her back. Though we french kissed all the time, I generally kept her out of my mouth.

“Sam?”

Finally, she stilled. With her hands braced on my shoulders, her eyes burned down into mine. Her anger squeezed my chest. Her voice was strained. “Lucien, we’ll talk later. I promise. But right now I want you, and I need you. And I need you to know it, feel it.” Her words clarified little, but I nodded.

She unleashed herself on me, kissing and licking and roughly nipping at my upper body all while maintaining eye contact. I thrust my hips into her when she lingered over my Blood Mark. I finally had to grab her hair and tug her attention away from it.

With a groan, she reached a hand down between her legs and worked herself as she devoured me. When I realized what she was doing, I moaned and gripped her shoulders and rolled on top of her.

I grabbed her hand and pulled it to my mouth, then noisily sucked on her wet fingers. I groaned at the sweet nectar of her arousal.

“You see what you do to me, Lucien? What only you do to me?” she rasped. “Take me, Lucien. I’m yours,” she offered as she planted her feet flat on the mattress and pushed herself up forcefully against my erection.

Her aggression spurred mine, and I grunted. “You want me?” I asked as I ground myself against

her wetness. She ran a hand over the bedspread and found the packet she’d apparently laid out earlier. She slid herself against me as she opened it and then rolled on the condom. “God, yes,” she whimpered.

I plunged forward and filled her in one hard stroke. She screamed and wrapped herself around me. Hard breaths and grunts and strained curses in two languages filled the room as we battled through Samantha’s emotions with our bodies. She kissed me roughly and dug her nails into my flesh. The physical pain mingled with her radiating pleasure to coax what I was sure was going to be one of the most intense orgasms I’d ever experienced.

She came in a frenzy of screams and muscle contractions. And then bit against the taut skin at the base of my neck. Hard.

My fangs and release shot out at the same time. I growled and in a blur turned my head in search of my biceps. I missed the tender skin of her shoulder by a hair as the urge to bite down became irresistible.

Finally, I willed my fangs to retract and licked at the wound I’d made on my arm, then slid down a little and laid my head on her heaving breasts.

“I love you,” I whispered breathlessly.

She hugged my shoulders and combed her fingers through my hair. “I love you, too.” We lay together, panting, for a long time. “Lucien?” I lifted my head off her chest to look at her. “I’m ready to talk now.”

 

Laura Kaye croppedAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

 

 

 

A look at the characters of Forever Freed

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Kissin the week of July 1-July 6th Goodbye

7.1.13

Cover Reveal: Ravenous by Eden Summers

Kelly reviews Alien In The House by Gini Koch

BnK Wants To Know…. The first romance you remember reading!

Interview with Lindsey Piper

Into The Fire Blog Tour with Amanda Usen

Cover Reveal: Origin by Jennifer Armentout

7.2.13

Release Day Madness

Happy Release Day to Rebecca Zanetti

Kelly and Kimberly review Forgotten Sins by Rebecca Zanetti

7.3.13

The Meet Me at the Cupcake Café Sugary Sweet Spotlight & Giveaway Tour

Kelly’s Review of Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger

7.4.13

HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!!

Kelly reviews Werewolf in Alaska by Vicki Lewis Thompson

7.5.13

Interview with Diane Escalera

Jennifer reviews Unbuttoned by Maisey Yates

Laced With Poison Interview with Meg London

7.6.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Brenda Joyce’s Masters of Time Series

Brenda Joyce’s Master of Time Series

Dark Seduction

Masters of Time #1

#1

Malcolm of Dunroch is a newly chosen Master, a novice to his extraordinary–and dangerous–powers. But he has already broken his vows–and a young woman’s death is on his hands. Malcolm is determined to fight his darkest desires, denying himself all pleasure…until fate sends him another Innocent, the beautiful bookseller Claire Camden.

Since her mother’s murder, Claire has done everything possible to make a safe, secure life for herself in a city where danger lurks on every street corner, especially in the dark of night. But nothing can prepare her for the powerful and sexual medieval warrior who sweeps her back into his time–a treacherous, frightening world where the hunters and the hunted are one and the same. Claire needs Malcolm to survive, yet she must somehow keep the dangerously seductive Master at arm’s length. For Malcolm’s soul is at stake–and fulfilling his desires could prove fatal….

*****

Dark Rival

Masters of Time #2

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Highland warriors sworn to protect Innocence throughout the Ages—A golden man, he is called Black Royce—a battle-hardened soldier of the gods. His vows are his life—until he is sent to New York City to protect a Healer from those who would use her powers for themselves. The moment Royce sees beautiful, feisty Allie Monroe, he knows she will be his only weakness—and he is right. Destiny is a dangerous thing Allie Monroe is more than an heiress. She is a Healer, willing to do anything to save victims of the evil that lurks in the city at night. But alone, she can do only so much—until destiny sends her the darkest Highlander of them all. Then evil strikes and Royce is destroyed before Allie’s eyes. Now Allie will do anything to save Royce—even if it means going back in time to a dark, dangerous world. Confronting their enemies could cost not only their lives, but their love—for all eternity.

*****

Dark Embrace

Masters of Time #3

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Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose’s scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her.…

Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary—until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan’s pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption…and his love.

*****

Dark Victory

Masters of Time #4

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A dark, ruthless Highlander, the Black Macleod has refused his destiny. His life is revenge for the massacre of his family. His enemies’ insults—that he is a man of stone—only amuse him. But fate is impatient, and when a woman from another time dares to summon him, he cannot resist her powers—or her.…

A schoolteacher by day, Tabitha Rose uses her magic to protect others by night. When the vision of a dark Highlander, bloody and burned, appears to Tabby, she knows she has been called to help him, no matter how frightening he might be. But what Tabby doesn’t expect is to be taken against her will to his dark, violent time. And when evil begins to stalk her, she realizes she must fight for far more than his destiny—she must fight for her love.…

*****

Dark Lover

Masters of Time #5

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Ian Maclean’s arrogance hides a terrible secret–for decades he was held prisoner by demons. Not a day goes by that he isn’t tormented by his darkest fears of powerlessness. Now he is about to sell to the highest bidder a page he’s stolen from the Book of Power–if one woman doesn’t stop him.

Slayer Samantha Rose’s latest mission is to recover the stolen page–and get payback from the only man who’s ever rejected her. What she hasn’t counted on is the raging attraction between them–or her growing realization of what Maclean has survived. As the powers of the evil from his past gather, Sam will do anything to help him–even if it means following him into time and facing his worst nightmares with him

Laced With Poison Interview with Meg London

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Today I have the lovely Meg London here to discuss her new release, Laced With Poison, the second title in her Sweet Nothings Lingerie series.  If you love mysteries, then you definitely need to pick up this great series.

1.  Tell me about your new release Laced With Poison.
Laced with Poison is the second in my Sweet Nothings Lingerie Series writing as Meg London (I write the Gourmet De-Lite series under my own name, Peg Cochran.)  Once again we follow the adventures of Emma Taylor, her aunt Arabella, their friend Sylvia Brodsky and, of course, Pierre Louis Auguste, Arabella’s French bulldog.  Sweet Nothings is holding a trunk show at the home of socialite Deirdre Porter when one of the women takes ill and subsequently dies.  Tests reveal she was killed by a poison flower used to decorate cupcakes served at the event.  It’s a mystery where the past ends up affecting the present!  I’ve always wanted to write a story like that.

2. Where did you come up with the idea for this series?
I can’t take the credit.  The idea comes from my brilliant editor at Berkley Prime Crime.  I was hired to write the series based on her concept.  She had a big hand in plotting the first book in the series, but this one is all my own as are a lot of the characters.

3. Have you always loved mysteries?
Yes!  Ever since I discovered Nancy Drew as a kid.  I started plotting out my first mystery when I was seven years old.  I even found the perfect place to bury a body.

4. Are any of your characters based on people that you know?

No.  Although my mother is convinced she’s in every book I write!

5. What are you working on now?
I’m taking a bit of a break after writing six books in less than three years!  I’m waiting for revisions for books #3 in the Gourmet series and the Lingerie series.  I’m also waiting to find out if either series is going to be continued.  Meanwhile, I have another  proposal in the works, and I’m thinking about a short story to bridge the gap between Gourmet books #2 and #3.

6. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Don’t give up!  If you really, really want it, don’t quit!  I had 400 rejections on three projects that I was circulating within a two year period (mostly agents) and then finally I go a break.  But I had two other agents before this, and I’ve been really serious about getting published (as opposed to “dreaming” about it) for 15 years.

Thank you so much for being here on Books-n-Kisses. 🙂
Thank you for having me here today at Books-n-Kisses!  I love hearing from readers so stop by my web site www.pegcochran.com and/or www.meglondon.com.  

About the Author:

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Peg grew up in a New Jersey suburb about 25 miles outside of New York City. After college, she moved to the city where she managed an art gallery owned by the son of the artist Henri Matisse. When her first daughter, Francesca, arrive, the new family moved back to the New Jersey suburbs where her second daughter, Annabelle, was born.

After her husband died, Peg remarried and her new husband took a job in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they now live (on exile from New Jersey, she likes to joke). Peg managed to segue from the art world to marketing and is now the manager of marketing communications for a company that provides services to seniors.

Her greatest love though as always been writing – particularly mysteries! She has two cozy mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime: The Gourmet De-Lite series set in Connecticut and featuring Gigi Fitzgerald, who provides gourmet diet meals to a select group of clients, and the Sweet Nothings Vintage Lingerie series, written as Meg London, set in Paris, Tennessee with Emma Taylor who finds murder and mayhem in this quiet country town.

As for pets – she has a schizophrenic cat (really!) named Frazzle and a Westhighland White Terrier, Reggie, who is desperately in need of losing a few pounds. But you know what they say: If your dog is overweight, it means YOU aren’t getting enough exercise!

When she’s not writing, Peg can usually be found cooking, which she loves. When asked to bring a dish to a potluck she invariably opts to bring dessert – partly because she loves making sweet dishes and partly because she and her husband always manage to be late so there’s no point in putting them in charge of appetizers.

 

Jennifer’s Review of Laced With Poison

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TITLE: Laced With Poison

SERIES #: Sweet Nothings Lingerie #2

CHARACTERS: Emma Taylor, Arabella & Sylvia Brodsky

AUTHOR:  Meg London

PUBLICATION DATE: 07/02/13

ORDER LINKS:  Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: You’re invited to the Sweet Nothings trunk show. See what the shop has to offer, taste some wonderful food, catch up with friends, and solve a murder….

Emma Taylor is happy to be drawing in customers at her aunt Arabella’s lingerie shop, Sweet Nothings, but replacing the store’s broken window is going to cost a small fortune.  Hoping to hoist up their sagging profits, Arabella arranges to have a trunk show at the home of a local socialite who will invite all of her friends and take care of the catering.  All Emma and Arabella have to do is show up and show off their wares.  Seems simple enough….

A gorgeous spread is prepared for the event, including delicious cupcakes topped with edible flowers.  But after one of the partygoers takes a bite and winds up dead, the guest list becomes a suspect list.  Now Emma must separate facts from idle gossip before the killer gives the cops the slip.

REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer             NUMBER OF STARS: Five Stars

REVIEW: Laced With Poison is the second novel in the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series and this was a very enjoyable mystery for me.  Things are starting to look up for Emma Taylor when Sweet Nothings is scheduled to present a trunk lingerie show at Deirdre Porter’s house, which could open up more opportunities for the store.  During the festivities, a prominent guest, Jessica Scott, is killed after eating a delicious cupcake that was brought to help cater the event. Now, Emma must use her sleuthing skills to help clear her friend’s name or her cupcake business will be destroyed because of the accusations.

I’m happy to say that this book was a fast-paced mystery with a quirky cast of characters and the right amount of suspense that is bound to entertain any mystery lover.  I really enjoyed learning more about Emma and her aunt Arabella, who each have love interests in this story.  But my favorite character has to be the snarky yet lovable Sylvia Brodsky, who has more spunk than any other character that I have seen before. The mystery was intriguing and well-written and I had a difficult time figuring out the murderer until their identity was revealed at the very end.  I think that this is a great series and I can’t wait to read the next one in the Sweet Nothings series.