Kit Colbana: assassin, thief, investigator extraordinaire. Now broken. She always expected her past to catch up with her but never like this. Haunted by nightmares and stripped of her identity, she’s retreated to Wolf Haven, the no-man’s land where she found refuge years before. But while she might want to hide away from the rest of the world, the rest of the world isn’t taking the hint.
Dragged kicking and screaming back into life, Kit is thrust head-first into an investigation surrounding the theft of an ancient relic…one that she wants nothing to do with. Her instincts tell her it’s a bad idea to just leave the relic lying about, but finding it might be just as bad.
Forced to face her nightmares, she uncovers hidden strength and comes face to face with one of the world’s original monsters.
If she survives the job, she won’t be the same…and neither will those closest to her.
Releases January 2014
Excerpt:
I knew the weight of a weapon in my hand.
Even at sixteen, broken, battered and bloodied. I knew what it was to hold a weapon and realize that I had to fight or be destroyed.
Those last moments were nothing but a blur, but it was a blur of silver and blade and blood.
I left the guards dead in the snow, taking their packs and fleeing into the night, certain my grandmother would seek me out. And all the while as I ran, the blade had whispered to me. I am here now. I am here…
Reaching out, I touched her hilt and drew her from the sheath and stared at the gleaming, liquid length of silver.
“You’re not here now.”
If ever there had been a time when I needed her, it had been when I was trapped up on that mountain. Broken, desperate.
But she hadn’t answered my call.
And she couldn’t come to my hand now, either.
Stroking my fingers down the blade, I closed my eyes…and wished.
Then I turned back to my weapons trunk and went about getting myself ready.
Just what did you take to the party when you were dealing with some ancient, psychotic evil who unleashed holy hell just for the fun of it?
Top 10 Ways to Tell if Your Parents Are Actually Leading Secret Lives
By Gini Koch
Katherine “Kitty” Katt-Martini thought her parents were average. Mom was a consultant and Dad was a history professor. Right. Turned out that her mother was in charge of a high-level, super-secret anti-terrorism unit reporting directly to the President, and her dad actually worked for NASA in their Alien Encryption department. Which worked out, because once Kitty discovered aliens were actually living on Earth, she got to find out these secrets and a whole lot more.
In honor of the release of Kitty’s latest exploits, chronicled in Alien in the House, here’s her good go-to list for how to figure out if your parents are hiding their true callings.
10. Does your mom travel a lot for business? It’s a sham. Oh sure, she’s traveling, but she’s spending time on Air Force One. Snoop around and really take a close look at those airport baggage tags.
9. Your dad’s a professor? But he has his TA’s teach all his classes? Sure tip off that he’s not an academic. See if you can find where he hangs out. It won’t be his office, at least not his office at the university. He’ll be hanging out with NASA or one of the other Alphabet Agencies.
8. Your mom always knows when you’re lying. Always.
7. Your dad is infinitely suspicious of any guy (or girl) you bring home. He claims it’s because he doesn’t think they’re good enough for you. In reality, the background check hasn’t come back yet.
6. Your mom suggests you take a martial art and other self-defense classes, participate in track and field, and can best you at all of these.
5. Your dad gives you and all your friends psych evaluation tests “for fun”.
4. Your mother is a better shot with a gun than Annie Oakley.
3. Your father does encryption decoding as a hobby.
2. Your mother telling someone to back off means they not only do it, but they wet themselves at the same time.
1. Your parents learn you’ve discovered aliens are living on Earth and that you’re dating one of them and instead of freaking out, calmly add this to their list of things they think sets you apart as a great daughter.
AUTHOR BIO:
Gini Koch lives in Hell’s Orientation Area (aka Phoenix, AZ), works her butt off (sadly, not literally) by day, and writes by night with the rest of the beautiful people. She writes the fast, fresh and funny Alien/Katherine “Kitty” Katt series for DAW Books, the Necropolis Enforcement Files series, and the Martian Alliance Chronicles series for Musa Publishing. As G.J. Koch she writes the Alexander Outland series. She also writes under a variety of other pen names (including Anita Ensal, Jemma Chase, A.E. Stanton, and J.C. Koch), listens to all kinds of music 24/7, and is a proud comics geek-girl willing to discuss at any time why Wolverine is the best superhero ever (even if Deadpool does get all the best lines). She speaks frequently on what it takes to become a successful author and other aspects of writing and the publishing business. She is also the Lead Editor at Raphael’s Village, an online, nonpaying ’zine. Because she wasn’t busy enough, Gini’s added on featured guest columnist, reviewer, and webcaster for Slice of SciFi and It’s Comic Book Day. She can be reached through her website at www.ginikoch.com.
TITLE: Eternal Demon
SERIES: Mark of the Vampire #5
CHARACTERS: Erion & Hellen
AUTHOR: Laura Wright
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | BN
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Erion’s son is kidnapped by the evil vampire Cruen, Erion vows to stop at nothing to find his hideaway—including intercepting the traveling party of Cruen’s beautiful bride-to-be. But instead of a vulnerable caravan, Erion is met by a feral band of female demons that includes Hellen, the bride—a creature of dark magic and darker passion.
Though the safety of his son is foremost, Erion can’t deny his unexpected connection to Hellen—inflaming a manic desire as primal as it is irresistible. As their bond intensifies, they move toward an inevitable and terrifying battle. With time running out, Erion realizes he must not only find and rescue his son but protect Hellen from Cruen and the underworld forces waiting to destroy her for her betrayal.
REVIEW:
3.5 Stars This was not my favorite book in the Mark of the Vampire series, but my favorite (Nicky) was in this one more than the last (Eternal Beauty). But while this was not my favorite it was still a good story and a good spin on the Mark of the Vampire world.
I am not sure what it is, but for some reason despite being Nicky’s twin I just don’t feel a connection with Erion like I do with Alex, Nicky & Luca. But as the story went on I got to see a side of Erion that he never shows any one. And I will admit that there were a few tears towards the end of this book.
I do have to say that sometime I really love/hate how Ms. Wright leaves us hanging at the end of her books. Eternal Demon is not different. To say I wanted to yell at the end of this book was an understatement *shakes fist at Ms. Wright*. My second favorite character in this series (Synjon) has turned into a complete asshat after the events of the last two books and novella. But I am looking forward to seeing if he can redeem himself in Eternal Sin. And I want to see what other twists and turns Ms. Wright throws at us in the MOTV series.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Howdy, romance readers! I’m Macy Beckett, author of the Sultry Springs trilogy, and I’m here to share the new-and-improved cover for the third book in my series, SURRENDER TO SULTRY. This is Colton’s story—the wild-as-weeds deputy you met in book two, where he starred in the bawdy reality show, Sex in the Sticks. Colt’s the county sheriff now, and he’s a changed man hoping for a second chance with his first love, Leah McMahon.
Here’s the original cover:
The design team had hoped vibrant fall colors would help the book stand out on the shelf. But between the battling hues of leaves, water, grass, and text, it’s overwhelming. And then there’s the couple. They look nothing like Colt (a long-haired Scots-Irish Cherokee) and Leah, (a petite blonde). It also doesn’t match the general look of the first two covers. So when the publisher asked the team to create something new, I was thrilled.
Which leads us to the final cover…
Isn’t that easier on the eyes, not to mention more consistent with the first two books? And check out that pair of lovers—they could really be Colton and Leah!
I think this is an improvement. What do you say?
A little more about Macy:
Macy Beckett writes hot and humorous romance set in Sultry Springs, Texas: where first loves find second chances. Her debut novel, SULTRY WITH A TWIST, released in October, and book two, A SHOT OF SULTRY, is now available in stores and online. SURRENDER TO SULTRY will release August 5th and is now available for pre-order. Additionally, Macy writes young adult science fiction under the name Melissa Landers. Her debut, ALIENATED, is coming in February, 2014 from Disney-Hyperion. You can learn more about her books—for adults and teens—on her website. http://macybeckett.com/
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Want to win an autographed advance copy of Colt’s book…even if it does have the original cover? Or how about one of two custom “I like HOT BOOKS and I cannot lie” Macy Beckett tote bags? Simply complete the easy-peasy form below, and you’re entered to win. (US/CAN only, please.) Good luck!
Thank you so much for having me today! I’m very lucky to have one of my heroes from Her Warriors’ Three Wishes today. Balin is a demon from hell who isn’t like other demons and because he’s trying to be good, he’s dying from it.
Carrie Ann: Hi, Balin. Thanks for taking the time to sit with me.
Balin: *kisses Carrie Ann’s cheek and sits down* Thanks for having me. It’s a little odd sitting down for an interview without my mates.
Carrie Ann: *still blushing from Balin’s kiss* I totally understand. Usually I do interviews with you, Ambrose, and Jamie, but I thought this time I’d sit down with each of you separately. I’ll be interviewing Ambrose and Jamie a little later for different blogs.
Balin: I don’t mind, now, what did you want to ask me?
Carrie Ann: Tell me what life was like before you met Jamie and Ambrose.
Balin: *frowns* I spent almost three hundred years in the pits of hell. I was either at war with other demon factions or held against my will by my father. He didn’t want me to find my true half so I could live.
Carrie Ann: What do you mean?
Balin: In order for a demon to survive after three hundred years, they have to take souls. Sometimes they can take souls from humans who sacrifice themselves for demons or they take them against their will. I chose not to do that. I didn’t want to be evil. In order for me to live though, I needed another form of energy.
Carrie Ann: And I take it the mating bond helped with that.
Balin: Yes, if it’s done right, our mating bond acts like its own energy source so I don’t die and I also give some of my own powers to my mates.
Carrie Ann: I’m so happy you were lucky enough to find Jamie and Ambrose when you did then. Even if it was under the wire.
Balin: Tell me about it.
Carrie Ann: Tell me more about Ambrose and Jamie.
Balin: *grins* I love them. They literally saved my life and brought me to the human realm.
Carrie Ann: Is there anything special you want to tell me about them? What’s your favorite part about each of them?
Balin: Ambrose is strong—stronger than me I think. He might act like stone to others, but I love when he breaks apart and shows who he can be when it’s just the three of us. Jamie…oh Jamie. She’s everything. She’s the one that holds us together and brings out the best of us. She’s also the one who might look the weakest, but can flatten us all with her inner strength.
Carrie Ann: Okay, now fun ones. Chocolate or vanilla?
Balin: *grins* No one can accuse me of being vanilla.
Carrie Ann: *blush* What is it I hear about you and walls for ah…certain…ah…things?
Balin: *wicked grin* You’ll just have to read and find out.
Carrie Ann: *fans self* Okay, so, ah, I guess I should let you go back to your mates. Thanks for stopping by and readers, if you have any questions for me and Balin, let me know!
Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?
Ambrose Griffin is older than most, if not all, civilizations. As each year passes, he submerses himself into his training, only relaxing around his protégée and friend, Shade. After losing his wife and children in the last Angelic Wars, he guards his heart and has no desire to share it with another.
Bookkeeper and romance novel enthusiast, Jamie Bennett dreams of being swept off her feet by a white knight. However, her life is no romance book. Since meeting Ambrose—a sexy, delicious angel—she’s been twisted inside out and doesn’t know why. Things are happening that she can’t control and now her life is in danger.
Balin Drake is stuck in hell, literally. His life of refusing to take souls, even though it’s part of his demon nature, has caught up with him. He’s dying and now must search for his true half, but even a mating may not save him. When he meets the two people who could fill that part, he’ll need to fight for something he hasn’t felt in over a century—hope.
Warning: Contains a rigid angel who needs a certain sexy woman to help him unwind, a book keeper who finds herself the creamy center of the best cookie ever, and a demon who has a certain taste for pressing them both against walls.
An Excerpt:
Jamie’s skin tightened, and weakness spread through her. She fought off the shakes that normally came with it and she knew she must look pale. “Yeah, that’s it.” Not the fact that she’d felt out of sorts for a freaking year because a certain angel had left her alone in the human realm.
A flash of white caught her eye, and Jamie barely held back a gasp.
Oh, that just figured.
Ambrose, the man she’d tried to forget, walked toward her, a frown on his face. The man—no, angel—seemed to always be frowning, never smiling. His face would probably crack if he ever did show a happier emotion.
“Is everything all right?” he asked, his voice deep. The rough sound shot straight through her system. She was helpless to defend herself against it.
She knew she resembled one of the heroines in the romance novels she loved to read, standing there doe-eyed, falling in love…
Damn the man.
A little more about Carrie Ann:
Carrie Ann Ryan is a bestselling paranormal and contemporary romance author. After spending too much time behind a lab bench, she decided to dive into the romance world and find her werewolf mate – even if it’s just in her books. Happy endings are always near – even if you have to get over the challenges of falling in love first.
Carrie Ann’s Redwood Pack series is an bestselling series that has made the shifter world even more real to her and has allowed the Dante’s Circle and Holiday, Montana series to be born. She’s also an avid reader and lover of romance and fiction novels. She loves meeting new authors and new worlds. Any recommendations you have are appreciated. Carrie Ann lives in New England with her husband and two kittens.
Carrie Ann loves hearing from readers. You can find her at: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan |
***Giveaway***
Carrie Ann is giving away a special swag pack and a copy of her backlist to a lucky commenter. Be sure to leave your email to enter!
TITLE: How Beauty Loved the Beast
SERIES: Underlight Trilogy #3
CHARACTERS: Wesley “Hauk” Haukon & Jolie Benoit
AUTHOR: Jax Garren
PUBLICATION DATE: May 13, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s all been leading to this.
Jolie Benoit has become a skilled agent of the Underlight, relying on her savvy to complete assignments while Sergeant Wesley Haukon was out of commission. But an unexpected clue to the Order of Ananke’s diabolical scheme rattles Jolie, and she turns to Hauk for comfort.
It’s been years since Hauk took comfort from the touch of another person, though his love for Jolie is deep and powerful. Uncomfortable in his skin, scarred by a terrible fire, he is unable to give in to the pleasures that Jolie so desperately wants to grant him.
Meanwhile, the Order is lurking in the shadows—and when they strike, the blow is swift and terrible. Hauk and Jolie scramble to fight for their community, but with the future of the Underlight threatened, no one is safe. And Hauk will never be the same…
REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Hauk & Jolie are so perfect for each other. I am really sad to see the end of this trilogy. I have grown to love Hauk & Jolie so much. They have been through alot over the course of these three books and I don’t want them to go. I could go on and on and on about this book/series. But I try to live spoiler free. So I am just going to say you have to read this series!!!
Jax does an amazing job of twisting the traditional story of Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I truly loved all three of these books. While I am sad to see them go I am excited to see what Jax has in store for us next.
If you have not picked up these books I would highly recommend them. But you really do HAVE to read them in order.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
It’a been a helluva week for Betsy Taylor. First, she loses her job. Then, to top things off, she’s killed in a car accident. But what really bites (besides waking up in the morgue dressed in a pink suit and cheap shoes courtesy of her stepmother) is that she can’t seem to stay dead. Every night she rises with a horrible craving for blood. She’s not taking too well to a liquid diet.
Worst of all, her new friends have the ridiculous idea that Betsy is the prophesied vampire queen, and they want her help in overthrowing the most obnoxious, power-hungry vampire in five centuries – a badly dressed Bela Lugosi wannabe, natch. Frankly, Betsy couldn’t care less about vamp politics, but they have a powerful weapon of persuasion: designer shoes. How can any self-respecting girl say now? But a collection of Ferragamos isn’t the only temptation for Betsy. It’s just a lot safer than the scrumptious Sinclair – a seductive bloodsucker whose sexy gaze seems as dangerous as a stake through the heart.
Nothing can make Betsy Taylor give up her shoe fetish – even dying and rising as the new Queen of the Vampires. Being royally undead isn’t all it’s cracked up to be – there are still bills to be paid. And Betsy is determined to live as normally as possible, even if it means getting a job. A “feet” she accomplishes with panache, landing her dream job selling designer shoes at Macy’s.
Things couldn’t be better – except for her new friends, who keep pestering her while she’s on the clock. As if she has time to socialize when there are deliciously sinful shoes to try on – and buy at a discount. It seems that vampires are being murdered in St. Paul, and they’re all clamoring for Betsy to do something about it. The worse part is she’s going to have to enlist the help of the one vamp who makes her blood boil: the oh-so-sexy Sinclair. Now, she’s really treading on dangerous ground – high heels and all..
Fans can’t get enough of author MaryJanice Davidson and her topsy-turvy world of the undead with its newly-crowned queen, Betsy Taylor. Now, Betsy continues her reluctant reign while being bedeviled by family secrets…
Most women would love to live as royalty, but Betsy has found that being vampire queen has more problems than perks, except for always being awake for Midnight Madness sales. It may be easy to find blood (yuck) in the dark of night, but try finding a strawberry smoothie. And employees at her nightclub Scratch have been giving her nothing but grief since she killed their former boss. Some people…
But Betsy’s “life” takes an interesting turn at a shower for her wicked stepmother, who lets it slip that Betsy has a long-lost half sister. Now twenty years old, this woman just so happens to be the devil’s daughter – and destined to rule the world.
As if she needed yet another reason to shop, Queen of the Vampires Betsy Taylor is in the middle of planning the perfect wedding to drop-dead gorgeous vamp Eric Sinclair. And she’s not about to let little things like death and blood-drinking get in her way.
But all is not bouquets and bridal showers—Betsy is plagued by ghosts who demand her help in rectifying their past mistakes, and a serial killer is on the loose. With his victims all being tall, blond women, Betsy fits the profile exactly
In her fifth outing, Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor has a birthday coming up and she has a lot on her plate, including wedding plans. So when some birthday guests show up uninvited, she gets really cranky. RThink “Sex and the City”–only the city is Minneapolis and it’s filled with demons and vampires.S–“Publishers Weekly.”
Weddings are never easy. But when you’re Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor, they can become downright deadly…
In the days leading up to The Big Day, Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor seems to have a full house – and the wedding guests have yet to arrive. Along with her human buddies, there’s a ghost, a werewolf, and a Fiend crashing at her place. And though her fiancé, Vampire King Eric Sinclair, conveniently disappears when the conversation turns to seating charts and flower arrangements, he does manage to make his oh-so-sexy presence known at other moments.
Betsy knows the next few weeks won’t be smooth sailing – but she never expects just what’s in store for her. Cold feet are no surprise, especially with an undead groom. But when Sinclair truly goes missing – and not just to avoid wedding preparations – along with most of her friends and loved ones, Betsy is frantic. Alone and afraid for the fate of everyone she loves, Betsy can’t trust anyone as she tries to find them and whoever is behind all the disappearances. And what happens next will shake the foundation of the vampire world forever.
Three all-new paranormal stories of lust, laughter, and love from the New York Times bestselling author, including an original novella featuring Undead queen Betsy Taylor.
With her trademark “sassy dialogue, lusty lovemaking [and] irreverent humor”* New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson delighted fans with her wickedly sexy and wildly funny anthology, Dead and Loving It-stories in which the worlds of the Wyndham Werewolves and Undead Queens collided. Now she returns to that sensual and irresistible after-dark realm of werewolves, vampires, and mermaids in three more original novellas–including an all-new Betsy Taylor novella.
Betsy Taylor thought entering the world of the undead was a big adjustment. Being a new bride isn’t much easier. The blush has only been on for two months, and Betsy has a lot to do: set up the new house, finish writing thank-you notes, and raise BabyJon, her half brother and legal ward. Just another happy American family adjusting to marital bliss.
Betsy’s husband, Sinclair, has been perusing the Book of the Dead, and Betsy’s visited by a ghost who’s even more insufferable, stubborn, and annoying in death than she was in life. She not only blames Betsy for her condition but insists she fix it. It’s all just a prelude to the fun and games awaiting Betsy and Sinclair when a pack of formerly feral vampires, hungry for blood and power, pays a visit to the happy couple.
“Ms. Davidson has her own brand of wit and shocking surprises that make her vampire series on of a kind” (Darque Reviews). And heroine Betsy Taylor has problems that only a suburban vampire-queen housewife could possibly understand, such as…
FIFTY THOUSAND ANGRY WEREWOLVES.
That’s what Betsy is facing when she takes her werewolf friend Antonia’s body to Cape Cod, where the Pack resides at Wyndham Manor. Because Antonia died in her service, Betsy is alive and well—and wracked with guilt. She has no idea if the Wyndham werewolves will greet her with fangs or friendship.
While Betsy and her husband, Sinclair, try to make nice, their legal ward, BabyJon, freaks out every werewolf he meets. Meanwhile, Betsy’s posse back at the St. Paul mansion is not LOLing. Increasingly frantic e-mails alert Betsy to her half sister’s increasingly erratic behavior. Looks like the devil’s daughter is coming into her own—and raising hell. All in the name of making Betsy’s life easier, of course.
There’s only one thing Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor hates more than the threat of hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (after all, how traditional is her family?), and that’s trying to get through the Book of the Dead without going insane. Every time she’s tried reading it, she just gets blindsided – until this time, when the devil strikes a bargain. She offers Betsy a chance to get through the cursed (literally!) thing cover to cover and finally discover all its mysteries. There’s just one teensy little catch.
Betsy and her half sister, Laura, have to go to Hell. Just long enough for Laura to finally embrace her dark heritage (after a rebellious youth of charity work and teaching Sunday school) and make nice with her mother, aka Lucifer, by picking up such skills as slicing through time and the universe with a hellfire sword. While such things might sound fun, time travel is proving to be an alarming journey for Betsy and Laura. Not only are they interacting firsthand with their own family’s past, but in doing so, they’re dangerously impacting the future in ways they never anticipated.
Of course, that’s what Mother wanted all along. Damn her.
So this is what being dead feels like. Vampire queen Betsy Taylor has awoken in a Chicago morgue, naked as a corpse. Her last memory is reconciling with her husband, Eric Sinclair, after a time-traveling field trip, including an indirect route to hell (literally), with her sister, Laura. Now she’s Jane Doe #291, wrapped in plastic with a toe tag. Betsy can’t help but wonder, what in hell happened?
Grabbing clean scrubs, Betsy hits the pavement and heads back to her St. Paul mansion to find that her family and friends have been frantically searching for her. And not one of them can explain how she ended up dead and naked – not to mention, in Chicago – until Betsy realizes that she and Laura didn’t time-travel alone. What followed them had a wicked agenda: to kill Betsy in a time when she was still young and vulnerable and end her future reign as queen.
But it’s not just Betsy’s future that’s taken an unexpected detour. Everyone in her circle, alive or undead, is feeling the chill. Betsy can’t let the unthinkable happen. It would be a day in hell if she did.
Betsy’s heartbroken over her friend Marc’s death, but at least his sacrifice should change the future – her future – for the better. But it’s not as if Betsy’s next few hundred years will be perfect. After all, her half sister, Laura, is the Antichrist. Laura’s mother is Satan, and family gatherings will always be more than a little awkward.
What’s really bothering Betsy is that ever since she and Laura returned from visiting her mom in hell, Laura’s been acting increasingly peculiar. Maybe it’s Laura’s new job offer’: Satan’s replacement down under. Unfortunately, the position comes at a damnable price: killing Betsy, her own flesh and blood.
Over Betsy’s dead body. And for that matter, Marc’s, too, since he’s not quite as buried as everyone thought. Now a war has been waged – one that’s going to take a sibling rivalry to a whole new level and a dimension where only one sister can survive.
Betsy Taylor and the Wyndham werewolves are back in three all-new outrageous novellas from New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson.
MaryJanice Davidson “continues to put her own unique spin on paranormal romance” (Fallen Angel Reviews) in these hilarious and sexy new novellas featuring Undead Queen Betsy Taylor as she meets Fred the mermaid, an all-new female superhero, and Lara Wyndham, the daughter of the Pack leader of the Wyndham werewolves.
It’s no surprise to Betsy that her trip to Hell with her sister Laura landed them in hot water. Betsy isn’t exactly sorry she killed the Devil but it’s put Laura in a damnable position: assuming the role of Satan (she may not have the training but she looks great in red)—and in charge of billions of souls as she moves up in the world. Or is that down?
But Betsy herself is in an odd new position as well—that of being a responsible monarch suddenly in charge of all things more earth-bound: like her vampire husband Sinclair who has gone from relieved to ecstatic to downright reckless now that he can tolerate sunlight. And if Sinclair isn’t enough to contend with, Betsy’s best friend Jessica is in her sixth (and hopefully last) trimester. Considering she’s been pregnant for eighteen months, she’s become a veritable encyclopedia of what not to expect when you’re expecting. Oh, the horror…
And speaking of growing pains, Betsy and Sinclair’s adopted little BabyJon is finally starting to walk. And if the increasingly unpredictable toddler is anything like his extended family, precisely where he’s headed is anyone’s guess.
I am happy for Books-n-Kisses to host Victoria Hamilton as part of the Cozy Mystery Book Tour for her new novel Bowled Over. This is the second novel in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery and I am delighted to have Victoria Hamilton here with us today.
Interview with Victoria Hamilton
1 – Tell us about your new release.
Bowled Over is Book 2 in my Vintage Kitchen Mystery series. Jaymie Leighton, the main character, tries to solve a decades old feud between her and her best friend from high school. Things don’t quite turn out how she hoped, and something of hers turns out to be the weapon in another murder in Queensville, Michigan.
2. Where did you come up with the idea for the Vintage Kitchen Mysteries?
You could say it was right in front of me the whole time! I was casting about for a hook for a cozy series, something to tie it all up together, and one thing I love is collecting vintage kitchen utensils and bowls, etc. It suddenly occurred to me, what is more cozy than the kitchen? And so Jaymie Leighton, vintage kitchenware and old cookbook collector, was born.
3. Is there one character in your series that has a similar personality to you or that you can relate to the most? Or are there characters that remind you of people in your real life?
Hmm… you know, I’ve heard it said that every character you create has a piece of you inside them. I think that’s true to some extent. Jaymie certainly is as compulsive about buying vintage as I am. But her sister, Becca, is kind of a know-it-all, and I have to severely curtail that characteristic in me! LOL. Her best friend Valetta is based on someone I knew a long time ago: kindly, spinsterish and fond of odd sweaters and clothes.
4. What are you working on next?
I’ve got a million things on the go! Book 3 of Vintage Kitchen Mysteries, entitled Freezer I’ll Shoot, comes out in November 5th, 2013, but before then I’m really excited for the first book of another cozy series, the Merry Muffin Mysteries. Book One is Bran New Death, out September 3rd 2013. Merry Wynter inherits a castle in Upstate New York and so begins her journey among the quirky residents of Autumn Vale, New York, as she tries to figure out why someone is digging deep holes all over her property… until she finds a body at the bottom of one of them!
I’m also excited about the book I’ve just finished, the first book in another new cozy series, The Teapot Collector Mysteries. Tempest in a Teapot will be out in 2014.
5. What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Believe in yourself and keep trying. I didn’t get the first book I wrote published. Nor the second. Nor the third. If you really want to get published, study the market and write for it. And no, I don’t mean become a hack; I mean find a way to inject your own unique style and personality into something that the market will find sellable. Also, perfect your writing. Good spelling, grammar and punctuation usage will make you appear more the professional, and agents and editors will take you more seriously.
6. Is there any kind of food/drink that you absolutely have to have while writing?
Oh, tea… definitely tea! I drink coffee in the morning, but there usually comes a time about mid-afternoon when I absolutely need… wait, I have to go turn the Keurig on. Okay, I’m back. I need a cup of tea. Sometimes a cookie with the tea will not go amiss!
7. I always like to do a fun question with authors so what is your favorite kind of pizza?
Oh sure, now you get to the really tough question! Kind of deluxe, I guess… I like pepperoni and ham and Italian sausage, but I like mushrooms, onions, green peppers and olives, too!
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here with us today.
Thank you so much for having me at Books ‘n Kisses! I’ve enjoyed it so much.
Meet the author:
Victoria Hamilton is the pseudonym for author Donna Lea Simpson. As Victoria she writes the bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mystery series (Book 2 – Bowled Over – March 2013) and the upcoming Merry Muffin Mysteries, also from Berkley (Book 1 – Bran New Murder – September 3rd, 2013) Victoria loves cooking and collecting vintage kitchen utensils, as well as reading and writing mysteries.
BOOK SYNOPSIS: Stirring up trouble…Vintage kitchenware and cookbook collector Jaymie Leighton has been estranged from her high school best friend Kathy Cooper since they were teenagers, but she never knew what turned Kathy against her. After fireworks at a Fourth of July picnic, Jaymie discovers the body of her former friend in the park. On the ground nearby is Jaymie’s own Depression-era glass bowl, broken in two.
With her fingerprints all over the bowl and a troubled history with the victim, Jaymie suddenly finds herself at the top of the list of suspects. Did the killer intend to frame her for the murder? If so, she is ready to mix it up, because solving crimes is vintage Jaymie Leighton…
REVIEW PROVIDED BY: Jennifer NUMBER OF STARS: Four Stars
REVIEW: I really enjoyed Victoria Hamilton’s first novel, A Deadly Grind, and was very excited to read her new book. Jaymie Leighton has finally settled back into her life after helping to solve a murder involving one of her precious antiques and is taking things slow with her new beau, Daniel Collins. When a recent trip to the Queensville Emporium puts Jaymie face to face with her ex-best friend Kathy Cooper, tempers fly, leaving Jaymie wondering what happened to destroy their once strong childhood friendship. On the Fourth of July, Jaymie makes the decision to confront her former friend and mend their relationship but before she can do this, she discovers Kathy’s body in the park. To make matters worse, Jaymie also finds her glass bowl broken by the dead body. I felt so bad for Jaymie when this happens because she wanted so badly to make amends and find out why her old friend hated her so much. She had no clue what happened and now she would never have that opportunity to patch things up.
I loved this book so much more than Victoria’s first one because I got to learn more about Jaymie and her character is really starting to grow on me. I love small town mysteries, especially ones that deal with cooking and antique collectibles so this was a very enjoyable book for me. The secondary characters were delightful and definitely brought this book to life for me. The mystery was well written and had me guessing until the very end. I can’t wait to read more from Victoria Hamilton and her charming Vintage Kitchen Mysteries because this is a series that can’t be missed.
*****
The Fantastic 4 Cozy Mystery Book Tour Giveaway
Thanks to our wonderful site sponsors and our Amazon Affiliate, we are offering some super fantastic prizes for our FANTASTIC FOUR AUTHORS that are on tour with us this week: Lucy Burdette (author of Topped Chef), Victoria Hamilton (author of Bowled Over), Billie Thomas (author of Murder on the First Day of Christmas) & Marie Moore (author of Game Drive).
There will be four prize packages: Prize 1 (US/Canada only)
* a Kindle Touch
* a $15 Amazon.com giftcard Prize 2 (International)
* a Kindle copy of Topped Chef and Bowled Over
* a $15 Book Depository giftcard Prize 3 (International)
* a Kindle copy of Murder on the First Day of Christmas & Game Drive
* a $15 Amazon.com giftcard Prize 4 (US/Canada)
* your choice of a cozy mystery paperbacks (up to $25 in value)
To enter:
1. Fill in the form here.
2. There is no requirement to follow any of the blogs participating, but we hope you will support these amazing blogs by following them. They do a great job, many of whom host for us every month.
3. Giveaway ends on May 15, 2013 at midnight and the winners will be contacted via email.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Samantha Young to the blog for the frist time to talk about her newest release Down London Road.
Samantha, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Scottish with a hint of nutty, I’m twenty seven years old, born in Central Scotland and a big fan of Edinburgh. I write young adult urban fantasy and adult contemporary romance. My one tattoo is the symbol for Samurai. I have a thing for fajitas, indie rock music, True Romance (the movie… although there’s nothing wrong with the real thing), The Knife of Never Letting Go, my indie hellcats and Biffy—my new A to B star.
I’m also a little bit random.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yeah, I’ve definitely always dreamed of being an author but for the longest time I wrote for fun and not really ever believing that I could make a career out of writing. That all changed in 2011 when I found myself unemployed. I decided there was nothing left to lose and put my all into making my dream a reality.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
My typical writing day: breakfast, answer emails, social media comments etc, run errands, lunch, write, dinner, write, break, write, write write… usually into the wee hours of the morning.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
The most challenging part of writing is writer’s block. It’s incredibly frustrating. Not fun. The most rewarding is the response from readers. I receive wonderful emails and comments every day from readers who want to thank me for my writing. That’s amazing and very humbling.
Can you please tell us about your latest book?
My latest book is Down London Road, the second book in the On Dublin Street series. It follows the story of Johanna (Jo) Walker and Cameron (Cam) MacCabe. Jo is a young woman who bears the responsibility of looking after her little brother and mother. She is incredibly loyal and determined to make sure Cole has everything she never had, even if it means dating men who have money. There are lots of layers to Jo but she has low self-esteem. That is until Cam enters her life and after a few misunderstandings, attempts to show her that there’s so much more to her than she thinks.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
The idea for Jo’s story was just a seed in On Dublin Street, but after ODS was written Jo seemed like the natural next step. She had such a rich story to tell and it really came from the influences of the people around me. I’m lucky enough to know quietly strong women that have an amazing sense of loyalty and self-sacrifice, and I just wanted to put a heroine like that down on paper and experience the pride of watching her grow into herself.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
My current work in progress is the third book in the On Dublin Street series. More on that to be revealed soon!
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh there are lots. Richelle Mead, Rachel Caine, Cassandra Clare, Patrick Ness, Suzanne Collins, Angela Carter, Colleen Hoover, Stacia Kane, Orson Scott Card, Laini Taylor, Stephanie Perkins, and many, many more…
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Yeah. I love the smooth, easy prose of writers like Richelle Mead and Rachel Caine because it immediately pulls you into the story. It’s authentic and real and relaxed. I strive to emulate that in my own prose.
Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.
“A heads-up.” Cam’s deep voice washed over me. “So you’re not too disappointed that Disney lied—no matter how much you wish it, I’ll still be here when you open your eyes.”
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m looking forward to Entwined by You by Sylvia Day. I’ve not read book two in the Crossfire series yet because I’ve been waiting on book three so I wouldn’t have to die of frustration over a rumored cliffhanger.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just a huge thank you to you guys for inviting me on your blog for an interview and also a massive thank you to all my readers for their wonderful support over the last few years. x
New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young is a 27 year old book addict who graduated from the University of Edinburgh. She lives in Scotland.
Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control….
It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.
But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.
Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.
Books-n-Kisses is excited to have first time guest Susan Arden on the blog today.
Susan, can you please share with us a little about yourself.
I’m not very interesting aside from having a vivid imagination. As a child it kept me company. Now as an adult, it’s like watching a free flowing movie that I have to shut off and attend to the world around me.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Yes. And no. I’m ADHD. To compensate I became a special ed teacher, and in the process learned how to help myself. Structure, structure, structure. But to your question, I was afraid of writing or editing really. I never thought I could write page after page. Now, it seems effortless to reach 60,000 words or 200 type-written pages.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I wake up before five generally. Feed my LOUD cats, and patient dogs. My husband is still asleep so I write. I do my promos first thing when I’m fresh. Like checking in on tours, get a post up, respond to emails. Then later I’m doing something along the continuum of writing. It’s never just writing. Brainstorming, laying out scenes, the actual writing, researching, editing…some more editing. MORE EDITING.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Did I mention editing. LOL. I guess you can see I’ve quite the edit-challenged being.
Can you please tell us about your latest book?
Picture Perfect is releasing and it’s a secret baby troupe featuring Carolina (from Tempted by Trouble) cousin, Cynthia “Sam” Cainwright. Chronologically, it the story precedes Tempted. But things do always work out linearly in the world of publishing.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
In NaNoWriMo I began with the idea of two crazy cousins from Miami. They’re best friends and suffer the loss of a parent. They’re both half Cuban, half American, and very close. I’m from Miami, and went to bilingual schools. I adore the Cuban culture. Very similar in ways to the Western Romance premise of fierce loyalty and family values. The heroes are friends, college buddies.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
There’s always something brewing. A new genre for instance. Erotica. A short series. Naughty Nights and the first book is Taken and will be available in May 2013.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Elizabeth Hoyt, Joyce Carol Oates, Gabriel Marquez, and David Sedaris is my absolute favorite for a laugh.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Definitely. All of them. I think each time a person reads, they are changed. Sometimes remarkably, others infinitesimal. We see things from a different perspective. The joining together of words stretches the imagination. Reading is also seeing.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Just opened to page 119. Here’s the summary beginning with Carolina’s question to Matt.
“Yes. What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking I want every part of you. Every inch of you. You’ll be mine. For one night. Mine. Without reservation. Mine to do with as I wish.”
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Yes. I’m happy to report the second book, Beautiful Stranger from the duo Christina Lauren who wrote Beautiful Bastard.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Only that this has been absolutely delightful being here with you and thank you so much for the invitation to share my inner world. XO
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Susan is offering up a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card and a SWAG Pack (T-Shirt, Notebooks & Pen) to one lucky winner that follows the tour.
When a woman is the magnet for the wrong man, it takes a bad boy to break old habits.
Carolina Rodriguez is a large animal veterinarian on a mission to escape South Florida and her overprotective family. Willing to do just about anything, she accepts a job in Annona, Texas over the Internet from a family connection.
At her cousin’s wedding, she runs into Matt, a handsome Texan in the church parking lot. Matthew McLemore is more than gorgeous, he’s Carolina’s new boss, and needs her help to determine why his cattle keep dying. Matt’s instantaneous attraction to Carolina sorely tempts him to push the boundaries of their work contract, but a roll in the hay may prove too volatile to handle. Until she arrives on his ranch and is too hot to resist.
Carolina refuses to admit Matt’s raw sexuality is more than overpowering or that she’s the least bit tempted by this smooth-talking bad boy. But by the time the pathology lab reports comes back, they’ve explored every inch of each other. All of a sudden, this fiery affair is more than just a fling. And when a past flame threatens to overwhelm their new found romance, Matt must find a way to stake his claim to Carolina’s heart before it’s too late.
Warning: Contains a smoking mess of scorching love scenes.
“Would it matter? I signed a service contract that included a non-disclosure agreement. Even if I had a problem, I couldn’t tell a soul and I’ve promised you two weeks of my time.”
He chuckled softly. “Yes, two weeks to do my bidding.”
She almost choked at the thought of doing his bidding. “What the heck have I gotten myself into with you, Mr. McLemore? Exactly what type of office do you run?”
His expression changed. Sharpened. “Strictly business. Look, Dr. Rodriguez, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”
“Wrong foot … the whole body is a problem, sir,” she hissed.
He smiled broadly, reassuring her. “Let’s discuss this later. This isn’t the correct time or place. Don’t you have to help the bride or something?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I do. I don’t know what you think you’ve contracted, but I’ll only supply you with vet services. As long as you understand that fact, there’s nothing more to discuss.”
“Well, there is. In the service agreement, there’s a provision that we need to discuss before you’re allowed access to the ranch barn and stable sites. So, either we can do it later or when you arrive in Texas. But until you and I have a little sit-down and get a few things ironed out, there won’t be any work for you to do directly. I’ve got a ranch to run, and I don’t have time to play games. I’ve already spent enough time finding a vet.” His eyes glittered and dropped to her mouth. “If you think I’m about to waste more time because you’ve got second thoughts, Dr. Rodriguez, the next communication you’ll have from Evermore Ranch will be from my attorneys. Had I known who you were before, believe me, I wouldn’t have … I’d never let the situation get away from me.”
Oh, this was rich. “Away from you. I’d say it got out of control. But that’s on your side of the table. Fine. I’ll honor my service contract. You’re right about one thing. The only thing of interest to me is treating your cattle. Once the job is done, I’ll be only too happy to leave you in peace and we can go our separate ways.”
Up close, his eyes shone sherry-colored. A muscle flexed along his jaw. His masculine scent of leather, smoke, and wood filled her head. The hard set of his mouth didn’t resemble the man from before. He’d done just as he’d promised, shutting one door, and leaving in place a man who didn’t look as if he enjoyed playing games. No this version of Matt McLemore had a locking gaze and if looks could kill, she was a goner.
“I’m glad we understand one another then, Dr. Rodriguez. I expect to meet with you tomorrow at your convenience. Our relationship will be strictly business, if that’s what got you in such a dither.”
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan Arden is a third generation Floridian. She left the field of education in 2008 pursing her dream of writing romance fiction. Currently, she writes hot love stories within the romance genres of contemporary erotic, western, and fantasy/paranormal. Susan also writes under the name of Susan D. Taylor.
Susan currently lives in TN along with husband, two cattle dogs, two crazy cats, a gecko and a corn snake. A mother, RYT200 Yoga Alliance (registered yoga teacher), and avid gardener. You can find her on the mat when she’s not writing her next hot romance novel.
Did I miss your favorite?
