Author: Kelly

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Kelly reviews The Best Man by Kristan Higgins

TITLE: The Best Man
SERIES: Blue Heron #1
CHARACTERS: Levi Cooper & Faith Holland
AUTHOR: Kristan Higgins
PUBLICATION DATE: Feb 26, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes the best man is the one you least expect…Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle

REVIEW:
This was a super sweet read. I loved Faith. She is sweet, sarcastic, brave and as you will learn very blind to things that are right in front of her.

Levi is such a stick in the mud at times, but once you know his back story you will understand why. But he really is a great guy.

This was as I said earlier a very good read. I am really happy that I picked up a copy of this book. I won’t go into anymore details of this book as I may inadvertently give away too much. But know this: love sometimes finds you when you least expect it or when you are stuck in a bathroom window.

If you have not picked up a copy of The Best Manyou really should. I can’t wait to see what Kristan has in store for us next in the Blue Heron 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.

4 Hearts

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Spotlight Feature & Giveaway of Lauren Jameson’s Blush

Amazon | B&N

From the author of Surrender to Temptation comes a provocative story of overwhelming passion set free with one exquisite touch.…

Madeline Stone is determined to heal from her tragic past, one difficult step at a time…and she doesn’t need any distractions. Then she meets a mysterious and captivating stranger—and over a glass of outrageously expensive wine, her world turns upside down. Try as she might to banish the wealthy business mogul from her thoughts, Madeline can’t fight Alex’s staggering appeal or his enticing offer of intimate discovery.

Alex doesn’t date—at least, not in the traditional sense. Still, he wants Madeline…and his sexual intensity provides her with a much-needed escape. They embark on a tumultuous erotic affair, one that takes them to the pinnacle of obsession and desire. But underneath each explosive encounter lie dangerous secrets waiting to consume them both.…

Lauren Jameson is a writer who lives in the shadows of the great Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. She also writes erotic romance as Lauren Hawkeye.  Visit her online at www.laurenjameson.com and twitter.com/LaurenHJameson.

 

 Special Giveaway!

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Jennifer reviews Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting

TITLE: Dead Silence
SERIES #: Body Finder #4
CHARACTERS: Violet Ambrose
AUTHOR: Kimberly Derting
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/16/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is, until she acquired an imprint of her own. Now she’s more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to her becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, Violet finds herself pulled into a hunt for a vicious madman with an army of devoted followers–and quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

REVIEW:
Kimberly Derting has written a pulse-pounding story full of suspense with Dead Silence and the stakes are much higher for Violet and her special investigative team. In this installment, Violet is dealing with the recent events that have left her with an imprint of her own. I just want to say that Violet has come so far in her journey from the first novel in the series and finally seems to be coming to terms with her unusual gift. She seems stronger, more grown-up and I was impressed by how well she was handling everything in her life. She is still in limbo in regards to her feelings toward Rafe while having a romantic relationship with her longtime boyfriend, Jay. All this changes when she accidentally finds the bodies of a family and is thrown into a murder investigation where someone she knows becomes the prime suspect.

I really enjoyed this story and I liked how Violet was able to understand more about her gift by finding journals that belonged to her grandmother, who also had Violet’s ability. It helped to provide some answers that she had always wondered about, yet provided more questions as to what her future holds with her fellow team members of the special investigative unit. I was also impressed by her boyfriend, Jay, because all through this series, he has been a great guy that has stood beside her and would do anything to protect her. He doesn’t particularly care for Rafe and knows that Rafe has feelings for Violet but is able to put those emotions aside because they ultimately have to work together. I felt sorry for Rafe throughout this book because of his unrequited romantic feelings toward Violet but I was also glad to see there could possibly be a new love entering his life soon.

The killer in this book was absolutely creepy and I had a hard time with some of the scenes just because of the gore content. Makes you want to double check your locks and get home before it gets dark after reading this.

Kimberly Derting is such a talented writer and I have enjoyed every one of her books in the Body Finder series. I have loved Violet’s transition from being just this young girl with a bizarre talent to a young woman who now wants to help people with her “gift.” I’m hoping that there will be more books in this series because Kimberly has done a wonderful job creating these characters and I can’t wait to see what is next for Violet and her friends.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review. I received this book free as part of the blog tour.

4 Hearts
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Interview & Giveaway with Erin McCarthy

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Erin McCarthy for her first visit to the blog.  We are chatting about picking one book you must read before you die and her newest release TRUE.

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

I’ve been a full time writer for almost ten years now (yay!) and have two almost grown kids, two cats, and a dog.  When I’m not writing, I love live music, martinis, traveling, and randomly moving furniture around in my house.  I love ice cream, beaches, and think fleece is the greatest thing ever invented.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I wanted to be a writer in the first grade, when I won a writing contest.  But I was informed a career writing fiction was not practical, so I went to college to be a lawyer.  Yeah.  So not for me.

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

I’m a tweener… somewhere in between.  Plotters plan everything out for the entire book in advance of writing, right down to each individual scene, whereas pantsers create the story as they write.  I have an overall arch for the story figured out ahead of time and a good sense of the characters, with some scenes worked out.  But I don’t use post-its or charts and I don’t have everything figured out.  There are definitely surprises along the way.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I almost never work at my desk.  I write on the couch, the bed, at the kitchen island.  And I chair dance.  A lot.

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

TRUE is my first new adult story.  Rory is socially awkward and is just looking to have the same sexual experiences as other girls, only she is not prepared for the feelings she winds up having for Tyler.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I don’t know, honestly.  I brainstormed about five new adult ideas with a friend and this is the one that came alive and spoke to me.

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

I am working on a second new adult book, which features the heroine from TRUE’s roommate, Jessica.  Rory and Jessica are total opposites, and while Jessica may have a ton of sexual experience, she has never let a guy into her heart—until now.

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

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet so many fabulous authors!  I’m not sure who else I would chose except for Edgar Allan Poe, and unfortunately yes, I realize he’s dead.  But I am desperately curious to see what he was like in real life.  He would either scare the begeezus out of me or I would fall in love with him.

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

Read everything you can in the genre you want to write in.  It sounds obvious but it is such an education, plus you need to love to read what you want to write.  Join a writer’s group, like RWA to meet other writers, and do lots of online research about the craft of writing.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

I always wanted to jump out of a plane and this summer I am planning to do that with a friend.  It’s possible I will have a heart attack on the way down, but the box will be ticked!

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

Right now I’m reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers, about life in a slum in Mumbai.  I am in a book club with my friends and it’s been awesome to be exposed to books I would never find on my own.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

ONE book?!  That’s like picking a favorite child.  It can’t be done. J

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Summer, hands down.  I love the warm weather, I love dining outside, I love gardening.  Winter is too much work.

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

Right now, I think that the guy who plays Agent Weston on The Following is adorable.  The actor’s name is Shawn Ashmore and if I met him, I would make him monstrously uncomfortable by touching his beard scruff.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me by!

 

Erin McCarthy is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 40 novels and novellas in the paranormal, contemporary romance, and young adult genres.  The author is a RITA award finalist and an American Library Association winner of the Reluctant Young Reader award.  She lives with her family inOhio.

Website | Twitter | Facebook |  Goodreads 

 

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Spotlight Feature of Spank Me Mr. Darcy

Netherfield, infamous for its debauched parties of excess and luxury, has a new Master. 

After finagling an invitation to the ball, Elizabeth Bennet is introduced to the powerful and prideful Mr. Darcy, while her sister Jane has captivated the new owner, Mr. Bingley.  Having contented herself with the pleasurable caresses of her best friend, Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth is intrigued with the sensuality she finds at Netherfield. But it isn’t until her sister Jane is taken ill and Elizabeth stays at Netherfield to nurse her back to health that she finds the dungeons of Netherfield and the man in the black mask who becomes her Master.

By the time she leaves Netherfield, Elizabeth will have become disenchanted with her childhood playmate and obsessed with Mr. Darcy, her Master, who has told her that she would be more marriageable as a Netherfield submissive than as a curious virgin.  Elizabeth holds on to her affront at his callous regard for her until Charlotte marries Mr. Collins and Jane is discarded by Mr. Bingley.  Unwilling to save herself for a man who’ll make a good match and determined not to suffer Jane’s heartbreak, when she meets Mr. Darcy again at Rosings Park, she decides to become his slave and offers him her virginity.

But when she finds out that her cruel Master has destroyed Jane’s chance at marriage with Mr. Bingley, she rejects Mr. Darcy – even as he reluctantly proposes marriage to her. It isn’t until he saves her sister Lydia’s reputation and brings Jane and Bingley together, that Elizabeth realizes that she loves him. If he still loves her, she would be most willing to take her punishment for rejecting him – and live happily ever after. 

Spank Me, Mr. Darcy can be purchased at these fine locations:
My publisher is offering $3 off the book for a limited time, if you order from Riverdale Avenue Books. Just put the code ROMANCE in when you check out.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance Books | Smashwords

 

A Little bit about Lissa:

Lissa Trevor has her stilettos firmly entrenched in the romance community.  Spank Me Mr. Darcy is her debut novel from Riverdale Avenue Books.  She is a frequent reader at Manhattan’s Between The Covers events, where her novellas Wild Oats and Timelash from Coliloquy’s Entwined volumes 1 & 2 have been very popular.  Lissa also created an erotic story template for Coliloquy’s ValEntwined promotion that allowed readers to download a personalized ebook starring themselves and their significant other. You can find her at http://lissatrevor.wordpress.com/

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Guest blog & tour wide giveaway with Laura Wright

Laura Wright is stopping by to promot her new book Eternal Demon.  She is also sharing with us 10 facts about the Mark of The Vampire world you might not know.  I personally love #9 😀

Take it away Laura…..

10 Facts about the MOTV world you may not know

1.Many vampires really do like the taste of food, but they’re ashamed to admit it.

2. Baby vampires (balas) can be born with a full set of very sharp fangs!

3. Learning to flash (air travel) can come easily to some, but for most it takes practice. Many a vamp get stuck mid-flash, or even with a limb still in the place they started from. (no pain, no gain)

4. Fangs can be used for more than bloodletting. Just one recent example: They work really well as a corkscrew.

5. Impure vampires truly have no desire to be Pureblood. All they want is to accepted for themselves.

6. The taste of blood to a vampire, is like the taste of honey to a human.

7. True Mates are no more powerful than True Love. They just make it easier for some to find the one who completes them.

8. Alexander Roman wants so desperately to remove his sister from the credenti she lives in with his parents and bring her to Soho to live, that he has a plan in place.

9.  Nicholas and Lucian Roman have tossed around ideas to form a metal band. (stay tuned)

10. Gray Donohue has been researching mutore, and how it would be possible to become one with injections of animal/Shifter DNA. He has a secret wish and a fantasy to meet Dillon’s jaguar with one of his own.

Hope you enjoyed 🙂

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

 Laura is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

 Grand Prize:  One winner will receive a Kindle ($69.00 Value)

Runners-Up:  FIVE (5) runners up will receive their choice of eBook from either the MARK OF THE VAMPIRE Series or the BAYOU HEAT Series.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

Here is a look at the MARK OF THE VAMPIRE Series

ETERNAL HUNGER

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 1

Amazon / B&N / Audible.com / Tantor Audio

FEAR IS IN THE BLOOD

Alexander Roman wants nothing to do with the controlling rulers of his vampire breed or the family he escaped from a hundred years ago. But as a new threat to the pureblood vampires emerges, Alexander’s ties to the past are forced upon him again, and without warning, he finds himself – disoriented, terrified, and near death – at the door of a stranger.

TRUST IS A RISK

Dr. Sarah Donohue is dedicated to removing the traumatic memories of her patients – like those of the stranger at her front door. But what he tells her of his past is too astonishing to be anything more than the delusion of a madman. Yet she has seen his flesh scarred by the sun and witnessed his inhuman strength. And never more has she felt so conneted to a man, by both fear and seductive excitement.

LOVE IS ETERNAL …

But as their worlds collide, Sarah and Alexander are bound by something even stronger, as one becomes hunter and the other prey. And Sarah’s only chance of survival is to surrender to the final – and most unimaginable – desire of her life.

 *****

ETERNAL KISS

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 2

Amazon / B&N / Audible.com / Tantor Audio

Sacrifice will be their downfall. And their resurrection.

Family is blood.

His father unknown, his mother dead, Nicholas Roman was raised by the vampire Breed with one wish: to live as a normal vampire. But once he’s transformed against his will into a gifted immortal, Nicholas now has one goal: to stop the Eternal Order of vampires from controlling his life and from transforming more males from his bloodline for their vicious reign. Then comes a beautiful stranger with a startling secret.

Vampire Kate Everborne claims she’s sheltering Nicholas’ long-lost son. If this is true, then who is the mother? And how endangered are they if, indeed, Nicholas does possess the bloodline so coveted by the Order? These are questions that with every seductive whisper, every silken touch, draw Nicholas and Kate intimately closer and nearer still to the truth. But aroused too are Nicholas’ fears that this tantalizing woman has even more secrets—both dangerous and provocative—she has yet to share.

*****

ETERNAL BLOOD

Mark of the Vampire E-special, Book 2.5

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

Gray Donahue is crippled by the guilt he feels for his father’s death. An Impure vampire cursed with the ability to hear the thoughts of others, he indulges in blood and sex to stave off the pain of his existence. He is then abducted by the Eternal Order of Vampires, who subject him to a nightmarish ritual. But when he is rescued by the icy pureblood vampire Dillon, he finds something that is worth living for, dying for, killing for….

*****

ETERNAL CAPTIVE

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 3

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Lucian Roman knows he must stay away from Bronwyn Kettler for sanity’s sake. Since feeding her his blood, he can think of nothing else but possessing her—fighting an uncontrollable desire to kill her, if need be, and the vampire she has sworn to wed. 

Bronwyn, a brilliant vampire genealogist, can never escape her connection to Lucian. He sustained her when she was starving. He still rules her dreams. And when the nights get dark enough, she still craves him. Though his essence still courses through her body, she has found a true mate in someone else. 

But when a dangerous enemy threatens Bronwyn, only Lucian—bound to her forever by blood—can save her life. Even if it means sacrificing his own…

 

*****

ETERNAL BEAST

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 4

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Ever since his abduction by the Eternal Order of Vampires, Gray Donohue has finally found his true calling: vengeance. He will stop at nothing to bring his fellow Impure vampires the freedom they deserve. Now if he could just release his primal need for the beautiful vampire who saved his life-and rules his thoughts and desires . . .

After nearly killing the senator she was assigned to protect, Dillon is now in mortal danger. The jaguar within her has been unleashed, and she can no longer control it. Sex is the only thing that can tame her shift. And Gray is the only man who can make her surrender to a passion strong enough to overpower her inner beast. But she doesn’t want to surrender-she wants her life back. Because she is determined never to belong to anyone, especially not Gray-the man who destiny claims is her mate.

 

****

ETERNAL BEAUTY

Mark of the Vampire Series E-special, Book 4.5

April 2, 2013

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

He is captivated by the one who saved him from death—until he finds out who she is…

When his lover is murdered by evil vampire-beast, Cruen, the grief-stricken Synjon Wise believes his life over. Enraged, he flashes her away to a remote spot in South America to give his beloved’s body a proper burial. But when the sun blazes overhead and takes her body before his eyes, Synjon’s mind completely unravels. Mad with the need to join her, he walks into the sun a morphed male, prepared to die.

He awakens to find himself amongst a breed known as Shifters. As he is nursed back to health by Petra, who saved his life, Synjon feels no gratitude—only anger and guilt that he is still alive. But this female is strong and refuses to let Syn waste away. For the bond that will form between them will be enduring: as nurse and patient, male and female, savior and saved.

Betrayer and betrayed

*****

ETERNAL DEMON

Mark of the Vampire,  Book 5

Available:  May 7, 2013

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

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.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of the Bestselling Mark of the Vampire series, Laura Wright spent the early years of her life immersed in the worlds of singing, acting and competitive ballroom dancing. But when she started writing, she knew she’d found her true calling. Laura lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband, two children, three dogs, two frogs and two fish. She’s been thrice nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, and loves hearing from her readers.

Connect with Laura:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

 

 

Laura Wright’s ETERNAL DEMON Blog Tour

5/06 – 5/11

5/05 – Under the Covers

http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

5/05 – Cocktails and Books

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

5/06 – My Secret Romance

http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com/

5/06 – Book Lovers Hideaway

http://booklovershideaway.blogspot.com/

5/06 – Reader Girls

http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

5/07 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/07 – Literal Addiction 

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

5/07 – Books-n-Kisses

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

5/08 – The Reading Cafe 

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/08 – Bookin’ It Reviews

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

5/09 – GraveTells

http://gravetells.com/

5/09 – Wicked Readings

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

5/10 – Froggarita’s Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

5/10 – I Smell Sheep

http://www.ismellsheep.com/

5/11 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

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Kelly reviews True by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Tyler Mann & Rory Macintosh
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but was not in love with it. I do realize that the characters were college age and therefore very selfish and well for a lack of a better word, stupid. But I guess that is how most college kids are. They don’t think before they act.

The sweet, smart shy girl meets the bad boy kinda story.

A couple of my biggest problems was the smoking. I know that people do it but for some reason I don’t want to read about my hero/heroine smoking.

The second biggest problem was that the hero was sleeping with the heroines roommate right before they hooked up. I don’t know this just bugged me the whole book.

But overall it was an okay read for me. Will I grab the next book in this series? I am still on the fence about that.

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.

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My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis……..Read Humane® 2013 campaign

This May, Books-n-Kisses is pleased to support Penguin Group (USA)’s Read Humane® 2013 campaign to fight animal cruelty.  We would like to welcome spokesperson and bestselling author Jill Shalvis to our blog today, where she is sharing with us her family’s animal rescue story discusses her Animal Magnetism series with a piece entitled “Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks!”

Read Humane® is an initiative created by Penguin Group (USA) in 2012 to support our furry friends in honor of National Pet Month (May).  As part of the Read Humane® 2013 campaign, six special edition, animal-themed mass market paperbacks have been reissued featuring the official Read Humane® seal.  Penguin supports the fight against animal cruelty with a $25,000 donation, regardless of sales, to The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team.

For more information, and complete lists of the six participating authors and book retailers, please visit Penguin Group (USA) or view the official Read Humane® Prezi here.

And remember to join the conversation on Twitter with @BerkleyRomance and @HSUS throughout May by using the hashtag #readHumane.  Followers are encouraged to Tweet about Penguin’s animal friendly books, share their own rescue stories, and join in other pet themed conversations.

Jill Shalvis is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her fun contemporary Animal Magnetism series, which promotes animal rescue dogs. Jill is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner, and lover of animals! More information about Jill and her collection of fabulous romance titles can be found at www.JillShalvis.com.

 

***

My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis…

At any point, on any day in the Shalvis abode, there are animals.  All of them rescued, always.  It’s become somewhat of a family tradition, rescuing animals in need, and we’ve found that not only is it a nice thing to do, we get a really great pet out of the deal.

A couple of years ago, our house was fairly full.  Okay, so it was straining at the wall joints.  We had Ashes — our rescue Border Collie/Australian Blue Heeler.  Sadie – our cat who thinks she’s a dog.  Micky – a field mouse rescued from the high school science lab.  And four teenage girls.

Actually, it wasn’t a house.  It was a zoo.

But a year before we’d lost Izzie, our beloved brown lab.  And we missed having two dogs.  Yes, we’re crazy.  Anyway, on that fated day I’m about to tell you about, Alpha Man (my husband) had heard about a yellow lab puppy who needed rescue.

No.  No way.  I was adamant.  I had enough on my plate.  But Alpha Man just wanted to go make sure the lab was okay.

So we left the mountain…

 

And drove…

 

And drove…

 

We were following the sketch directions from a guy who knew a guy who had told us about a woman who lived out in the middle of nowhere, and I mean NOWHERE, and she rescues animals.

The landscape was like something out of a Criminal Minds episode, so we were wary at first.  We had no idea what we were going to find.  A box of puppies, or a meth lab … nothing would have surprised me.  I was a little worried because the kids were with us, but it turned out the place was fifty acres of love.

Any animal in need is welcome.

Even the funny looking ones…

The woman had goats, horses, turtles, geese, snakes, angry chickens … you name it and she had it.  She was rehabbing it, doctoring it, loving it … whatever the animal needed.

We’d gone because of the rumor of the puppies, the yellow labs.  And she did have two puppies.  She’d rescued them out of a horrible situation.

But the yellow lab wasn’t the one who stole our hearts.  Nope, it was her little baby brother.  The runt.

He was filthy and living in a hovel. And the minute he saw us, he came alive. Wriggling, happy, loving. All you had to do was touch him and he writhed in joy and dropped to the floor for a belly rub.

And once he was picked up by the teenagers and loved up by them, he didn’t want to get down.  I tried.  I tried hard.  But the thing had wriggled his way right into my heart.  I remember looking at Alpha Man, laughing and crying at the same time.

“You didn’t want another dog,” he reminded me.

I told him to zip it.  We were taking this dog and that was that.  Besides, there was the little matter of him being in my arms and refusing to be put down.

So we never put him down again.  Meet Frat Boy…

***

 

Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks, by Jill Shalvis…

Now that you know a little bit about my rescue story, I want to share with you some of the inspiration for my Animal Magnetism series.  One of the fun things about writing this series is developing complex and lovable characters… that just happen to be adorable dogs!  Here’s why dogs make great sidekicks…

1. Because when you’re on the mountain trail and you come across an angry mama bear and her baby cubs, your dog will run like hell.  This will warn you to run like hell as well.  Just be careful because if your dog is like my dog, he will throw you under the bus (or in this case bear) to get home before you do.

2. Because when all the cookies are gone you can totally blame your cookie loving dog.  No one has to know that you ate all the cookies yourself.  And your dog can give you dirty looks for blaming him but he can’t actually talk and dispute your story.  Solid alibi.

3. Because if you’ve eaten in a way that disagrees with your stomach, there are never any worries.  Your dog will always, ALWAYS, out stink you.  And if he doesn’t, you can still point the finger at him.  Again, he can’t talk and dispute your story.

4. Dogs are not just great sidekicks but they also make great a really great wingman.  If you’re single, you can totally put your dog to work at charming the person you’re interested in.  Just make sure that person likes dog drool and dog hair all over everything first.

5. There is never a need for a pillow or extra blanket because your dog will always be willing to get into bed with you and share body heat.  Always.  Just be forewarned.  Being a great sidekick is not the same thing as a good bed partner.  They have a habit of being a total bed hog.

 

***

Thank you so much, Jill for sharing your stories with us!  If you have enjoyed Jill’s stories please feel free to show your support in our comments section below and by visiting the other participating websites/blogs…

Read Humane® Blog Tour 2013!

For more information on Read Humane® please visit Penguin Group (USA).  To view more special features from spokesperson Jill Shalvis, please visit the following websites/blogs; each website/blog will feature a unique perspective on Read Humane, so be sure to stop by each for a new and exciting experience!

 

You will be able to buy special copies of these books at these retailers!!

Check out the rest of the Tour stops here.

4/29/2013   USA Today’s Happy Ever After – Special Feature!

4/29/2013     Fresh Fiction -Spotlight

4/30/2013   RT Book Reviews Online– Special Feature!

5/1/2013        Happily Ever After Reads– Spotlight

5/2/2013       Teresa’s Reading Corner-Spotlight

5/3/2013       The Book Reading Gals – Spotlight

5/4/2013       Book Crack-Spotlight

5/5/2013       Love Romances & More– Spotlight

5/6/2013       Books-N-Kisses-Spotlight

5/7/2013       RT Book Reviews Online-Spotlight

5/8/2013       Cocktails & Books-Spotlight

5/9/2013       The Book Pushers-Spotlight

5/10/2013     Kindles & Wine-Spotlight

5/11/2013      My Book Addiction & More -Spotlight

5/12/2013     Eye on Romance-Spotlight

5/13/2013     eBook Obsessed-Spotlight

5/14/2013     My Friend Amy-Spotlight

5/14/2013     Pretty Fluffy-Spotlight

5/16/2013     The Romance Dish-Spotlight

5/16/2013     Pretty Fluffy– Spotlight

5/17/2013      Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind-Spotlight

5/18/2013     Romantic Book Affairs-Spotlight

5/19/2013     Ramblings from This Chick -Spotlight

5/20/2013     Under the Covers Book Blog– Spotlight

5/20/2013     The Romance Studio-Spotlight

5/21/2013     Chick Lit Reviews -Spotlight

5/26/2013     The Reading Café -Spotlight

5/27/2013     Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews  -Spotlight

5/28/2013     Stuff and Nonsense  – Spotlight

5/29/2013     Thoughts in Progress -Spotlight

 

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Interview & tour wide giveaway with Jo Davis

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the awesome Jo Davis!!!!  We are talking about Bon Jovi (sigh) and her newest release Sworn to Protect: A Sugarland Blue Novel.

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

I’m a multi-published author who currently writes under 2 pen names. I’m a mother of 2 awesome almost-grown kids, and I just bought a new home that we’re having fun decorating.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

For as long as I could hold a pencil, I’ve wanted to write. I’ve been writing stories since the third grade, and I used to sell them for .25 each!

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

I’m a pantser (punster?) who was forced to become a plotter. A pantser writes “by the seat of his/her pants” and doesn’t always know where the book is going or how it’s going to get there. A plotter does exactly that—he/she plots out the book so she knows where it’s going all the way to the end. I had to become a plotter because I write for a New York publisher. They like to know where the stories are going if they’re going to buy them—they’re funny like that!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know that it’s interesting, but I’m constantly running dialogue in my head, ALL the time. I was in my 30’s before I realized I was the only one I knew who did this. Then I finally found my local romance writer’s chapter and discovered people like me! What a relief. I’m “normal” after all! LoL.

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

The Sugarland Blue series centers on the heroes of the Sugarland Police Department and is about our men in blue, the dangers they face, and the women who love them. The series kicks off with Detective Shane Ford and his long awaited stories. The first one is a novella, Armed and Dangerous, which is a prequel to the series and has some history of Shane and Daisy. It doesn’t have to be read to enjoy the first full-length book, Sworn to Protect: A Sugarland Blue Novel. Here’s a blurb for Sworn:

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but only manages to alienate him—and winds up going head to head with Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he’s sworn to protect.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The Sugarland Blue series is a spinoff of my Firefighters of Station Five. My readers have wanted Shane’s story for years, so I’m happy to be able to give it to them at last!

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

Right now I’m working on HOT PURSUIT, book 2 of the Sugarland Blue series, which is Detective Taylor Kayne’s story. Then I’m going right to work alternating between a 3-part contemporary novella series that’s already in progress, and book 5 of my Alpha Pack series written as J.D. Tyler, COLE’S REDEMPTION.

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

I’d love to sit down and have a drink with Stephen King someday, and listen to anything he has to say. I think the man is brilliant, and fascinating.

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

If you want to sell to a major New York house and/or get an agent, learn the business and your craft. Then keep submitting and don’t give up! You’re going to hear many “no’s” before you get that one “yes” that will change your life. If you want to self-publish, learn the business and hone your writing craft before you put your work out for public consumption. Coca-Cola began life as a cough syrup, if you know what I mean. The Cola-Cola company does NOT sell cough syrup. Whether you’re new or you’ve written 100 books, your work can be improved. Know that and make it the best it can be. I recently wrote an article about this subject on the Writerspace blog called “Self-Publishing: Learn Before You Leap”. Look it up and get some good advice.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Someday I’m going to travel to Italy and Greece. I’m going to dine in quaint villas and drink the world’s best wines. I’m going to see all the awe-inspiring sights. I’m not going to wait much longer, either. Life is much too short.

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

I am anxiously awaiting the 3rd installment of the CAPTIVE PRINCE series by S. U. Pacat. Brilliant alternative historical, sweeping romance that is everything a book/series should be—breathtaking, gut-wrenching, and sigh-worthy.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

That’s a tough question! I guess I’d have to go with my most-read book of all time: WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls. I still have my old copy of the book on my keeper shelf. There’s just something about this book that starts with an old man who lets in a stray dog to warm himself by the fire, which causes the old man to launch into the tale of the most special time in his boyhood, that’s just awesome. To this day, I can’t read the end of that book without bawling.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

The fall is my favorite time, especially October. There’s something I love about the weather turning cool again, being able to sit on my patio beside the warm chiminea pot and veg out. I love that slow, lazy time just before the holiday rush.

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

Anyone who knows me knows I have to say Jon Bon Jovi! I’d probably freeze up like an idiot and not be able to say a word, in spite of the many calm, sophisticated responses I’ve been over in my brain.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me here today! It’s been great to be back!

Lets take a look at the Sugarland Blue series so far. 

 

ARMED AND DANGEROUS

 A Sugarland Blue Novella, Book 0.5

April 2, 2013

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo

 From the author of the popular Firefighters of Station Five series comes a sizzling new novella about Sugarland’s favorite cop—and the courageous woman destined to steal his heart…

When Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite man in blue, and Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan work together on a dangerous case, they find themselves ignoring their professional instincts and falling hard. But when their romance gets in the way of their job—and puts both their lives in jeopardy—Shane vows to break things off. But as they’re about to discover, this kind of steamy passion is impossible to deny…

Includes a preview of the first book in Jo Davis’ new Sugarland Blue series, Sworn to Protect.  

*****

SWORN TO PROTECT

 Sugarland Blue, Book 1

May 7, 2013

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal…. 

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and by becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but he manages only to alienate him—and winds up going head-to-head with Juvenile Officer Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he has sworn to protect.

Watch for our review of Sworn to Protect.  We loved this book and can’t wait for the next in the series 🙂 

A Littl more about Jo:

National Bestselling author Jo Davis is best known for her popular Firefighters of Station Five series written as Jo Davis, and her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, written as J.D. Tyler. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award in Paranormal. She’s also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.
Jo’s books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on a new contemporary romance series titled SUGARLAND BLUE for NAL/Signet Eclipse, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series scheduled to debut in April 2013 with the kick-off novella Armed and Dangerous. Book 1, SWORN TO PROTECT, is being released May 7, 2013. She’s also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in April 2013 with ONE LAST KISS (learn more at GoodReads). Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.

Connect with Jo:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!

Jo is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

Grand Prize:
$25.00 Gift Card to Amazon or B&N and an autographed paperback of SWORN TO PROTECT

Runners-up:
Eight (8) runners-up will receive an autographed paperback of SWORN TO PROTECT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Jo Davis’ SWORN TO PROTECT

Blog Tour Schedule

5/03 – 5/13

 5/03 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

 5/03 – Buffy’s Ramblings

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

 5/03 – Flirting with Romance

http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/

 5/04 – Romance Junkies

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

 5/04 – Cocktails and Books

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

 5/05 – Reading Between The Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

 5/05 – Darkest Addictions

http://darkestaddictions.blogspot.com/

 5/06 – Books-n-Kisses

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

 5/06 – United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

5/07 – Confessions of the Paranormal

http://confessionsoftheparanormal.blogspot.com/

 5/07 – Nina’s Literary Escape

http://ninasliteraryescape.blogspot.com/

 5/08 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

 5/08 – Page Flipperz

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

 5/09 – Books, Books and More Books

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

 5/09 – Toot’s Book Reviews

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

 5/10 – The Reading Café

http://thereadingcafe.com/

 5/10 – Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

 5/11 – Under the Covers

http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

 5/11 – Mimmi’s Musings

http://mimmismusings.blogspot.com/

 5/12 – Love in A Book

http://loveinabook.com/

 5/12 – Night Owl Reviews

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/

 5/13 – GraveTells

http://gravetells.com/

5/13 – Bookin’ It Reviews

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

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Cover Reveal: Blind Attraction by Eden Summers

Coming on May 28th, the first book in the Reckless Beat rock star series.

He can seduce with a single glance.
Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.
He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

 

Blind Attraction page on Goodreads | Eden Summers Website | Eden Summers Facebook Page |Twitter

 

Giveaway

Eden is giving away three ADVANCED EBOOK COPIES of Blind Attraction. First prize will also receive this gorgeous beaded purse charm valued at $10 and made by Swagmaster Designs.

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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Kelly reviews Sworn To Protect by Jo Davis

TITLE: Sworn to Protect
SERIES: Sugarland Blue #1
CHARACTERS: Shane Ford & Daisy Callahan
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal…

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but only manages to alienate him—and winds up going head to head with Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he’s sworn to protect.

REVIEW:
Sworn to Protect is the 1st book in Jo Davis’ new Sugarland Blue Series. But if you missed it there was a novella released in March “Armed and Dangerous” that takes place before this book. Which you may want to read first it gives you a little history of Shane and Daisy.

In Sworn to Protect we find Shane in an impossible situation. His best friend in the world is dead, he is now the guardian of a teenage boy, the woman of his dreams just walked out on him and someone is pushing some deadly new drug.

Daisy has been in love with Shane since the day she meet him. But he never has noticed her until a few months ago. But then he pushed her away. Daisy is not sure if she can take another risk with her heart. When Shane comes to her for help Daisy can’t say no.

This was a very good story. I loved Shane even when he was being a dummy. And Daisy is no pushover. These two are so sickening sweet!!! But I loved it.

I can’t wait to see what is in store next for the Sugarland Blue 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.

4 Hearts