Taking over the world, one book at a time
E. Jamie
Buy Links: No Boundaries Press / All Romance Ebooks / Amazon / Barnes And Noble
The O’Reiley’s and the Dardano families have always despised each other, turning New York City into a war zone and dividing the loyalties of the biggest families in organized crime. When mob princess Brianna O’Reiley’s husband is murdered under the patriarch Bernardo Dardano’s orders, she vows vengeance on the family that has destroyed hers.
Trying to regroup after her loss, Brianna leaves her young son William with her family and leaves the city to spend some time alone. A snow storm blows in and she crashes into another car on the road. Both she and the other driver are unharmed and take shelter from the storm where Brianna allows herself for just one night, to forget her tragedy in this stranger’s arms.
They part, neither knowing the other’s identity only to discover in a cruel twist of fate that the passionate stranger who helped her through her grief is none other than Alessandro Dardano, the eldest son of Bernardo, returned to New York from running his father’s business overseas to now take his place as Bernardo’s successor.
And Brianna is now pregnant with his child.
Excerpt:
Oh, come on! Her body whimpered. He stood there in black boxer briefs that hugged the tight cheeks of that ass she knew so well. In a tickling fit, she had bitten the right cheek playfully and the noise he had made was so hilarious that it had sent her into a fit of giggles. His lean waist grew into a broad, muscled back. She remembered feeling the shift and bunch of those muscles beneath her fingers, digging into the skin with her nails as he thrust powerfully above her.
He turned and went still when he saw her. His brown eyes held hers for what felt like a breathless eternity. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t look away.
Alessandro took a step towards her, and Bree jerked backwards, coming up painfully against the refrigerator door handle. He winced and moved to her side.
“Are you all right?” He asked, his fingers rubbing the sore spot in the center of her back.
Bree moaned in reply and shifted her body without thought so that his fingers lowered to the small of her back. He pressed there, bringing her body closer to him as a result.
“There?” he asked pressing in firm slow circles.
She nodded silently, feeling too good to ruin it with pesky things like arguing with him and remembering that she didn’t want him to touch her.
“I imagine carrying a baby is hard on your spine, eh?” He whispered, his breath caressing the top of her head.
“Mmm,” she said.
“Here,” he turned her around so that she was facing the wall and moved both hands to her hips, using his thumbs to massage his way upwards along the small bones of her spine.
She practically purred at the luxurious feeling, swaying a little bit so that she fell against him. She felt a very hard bulge against the cheeks of her ass and the memory of his hips snapping with relentless speed against her filled her pussy with wetness and her heart with want.
And her head with panic.
Bree pulled herself away from his fingers and jerked away from his body. Her blood raced and if her face was as flushed as Alessandro’s was, he knew what she had been remembering because he’d been recalling it too.
He lowered his head and shook it from side to side, giving her a rueful smile. “I find it so ironic that someone I think of as sometimes so brave to the point of stupidity could be so terrified of her own happiness,”
Bree felt the shot hit home, and she couldn’t look at him. She ran her finger along the marble topped of the island. “That’s ridiculous. Who in their right mind is afraid of being happy?”
“Someone who has lost too much,” he moved slowly towards her in gentle careful strides as if he was afraid of startling her.
Fair enough, she did tend to attack him when he tried to corner her, but for some reason, Bree just couldn’t tonight. The much too relaxing bubble bath must be making her sluggish.
“Someone who is so used to being told she caused too much pain to others to ever be worthy of happiness herself,”
Bree closed her eyes. “Shut up. Please, Alessandro.”
“No, darling,” A hand came up to cup her face. “I don’t dare shut up because you’re too important to me. What we feel is too important.” He tilted her head up to look at him. “My God, but you are the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen. Don’t you know I would give up everything for you? Anything you wanted would be yours. Even my life, Brianna. I would willingly give up my life for yours. I love you that much,” he ran a thumb along her bottom lip. He lowered his head to hers. “We could be so happy, darling,” he gingerly kissed her, testing her.
Bree’s heart was too full of his words to stop him.
“I never feel half as alive as I do when I’m with you.”
He deepened the kiss for a moment, just enough to make her whimper when he withdrew. His hand moved to her breast, cupping it, running his palm against the too-sensitive nipple.
Bree felt heavy, drugged, open and wet…so wet.
“Let me make you happy, Brianna,” he sighed into her mouth, caressing the seam of her lips with his tongue.
Bree shook with the force of her need for him. Oh God, resisting him was so hard. He was so beautiful, so much stronger than she was, so determined.
And she didn’t feel half as alive when she wasn’t with him either.
She lowered her hand to the bulge in the tight material of his boxers, feeling the warm heat of his cock through the fabric.
Alessandro growled into her mouth and pinched her nipple with his thumb and forefinger.
“Yes…” she sighed arching backwards against the island, cold and hard compared to the warm solid body in front of her.
The only sound in the dark room was their breathing and the low hum of the refrigerator.
Alessandro gave a soft grunt of triumph before capturing her mouth for a thorough, devastating kiss that shook Bree all the way to her toes. His hands dug into her hips and he lifted her onto the island, pushing the robe up her thighs. Her breasts were closer to his mouth at this height, and he watched her eyes as he lowered the material of her robe off her shoulders, waiting for her to stop him. To say no.
Bree didn’t say no. She’d lived in a miserable fog for too long. It was as if Alessandro’s hands on her, his body on hers was the only thing that sent her blood pumping.
She bit back a cry when his mouth took her nipple with delicious, sinful determination. Her sleeping son briefly tickled the edges of her lust hazed mind, and Bree pressed her lips tightly to keep quiet. Her pussy opened greedily, waiting, demanding. Her legs locked around Alessandro’s waist, drawing him closer. He angled his hips so that his cock could rub against her center.
“Brianna,” he groaned against the damp skin of her breast as his hand moved down her swollen belly, caressing it for a moment. They both stopped when a soft flutter responded to his touch. Alessandro met her gaze. “How beautiful to feel one’s own child,” He dropped a kiss to her belly. “I can’t wait to meet you, my baby,”
Oh, God, he was killing her. Her pussy actually gushed a little at the sweet passion in his voice.
Bree wrapped herself in the warmth of his words and the love in his eyes.
At the considerable impediment, he had to pull back. His fingers caressed the soaked petals of her pussy, and he looked up at her hesitantly. “I’m not…sure…If I…well, is it gonna hurt the baby?”
“No. No it won’t. Please…” Bree sighed greedily for his finger to push into her.
He slid a finger into her, and Bree arched backwards so that she was practically laying on the island. He moved slowly, rubbing her clitoris in slow circles.
“Alessandro,” she sighed, putting all of her love and desire into that one name.
He gave a short chuckle as he pumped his finger. “It feels like I’m saying hello to him,”
Bree’s burst of laughter was choked off by the tight hiss of her approaching orgasm. “Oh…” she moaned then bit her fist to keep from crying out when his mouth joined his thrusting finger. He pulled his finger out right before she went over the edge, leaving her panting and desperate. His hands cupped her bottom, lifting her slightly to his mouth.
“Let me know if I’m hurting you,” he whispered before thrusting his tongue into her pussy.
She wished she could reach down and grab his head and keep him there forever, but then she was spinning and falling over the edge and using all her willpower not to scream.
His tongue fucked her with growing speed and his lips sucked at her as he pumped her with his mouth, making her nerves scream in delight.
You love him, you love him. Let yourself love him. Nothing else matters. Tell him you love him. Her heartbeat pounded out the words in quick relentless beat. Let the two of you fight your obstacles together.
“Alessandro, I…I…,” she shivered as panic warred with her soul.
He stepped back and gathered her up against him.
Still, Bree couldn’t say the words. So she did the next best thing, she eased her hand past the waistband of his boxers and ran her mouth along his jaw as she cupped his thick cock. “Your turn,” she whispered in his ear before motioning for him to help her off the island.
Reviews:
“The foreplay between Alessandro and Bree is ongoing with each argument, glance across a room, or thought and the sex between the two boils over as soon as they make physical contact.” –Just Erotic Romance 5/5 stars http://www.justeroticromancereviews.com/book-review.cfm?bookID=988436381&reviewID=8967&sNav=nav03-06&CFID=64317832&CFTOKEN=98067190
“How can these two heal the blood feud and have a normal life together when Bree knows Alessandro’s family killed her husband, the father of her son Will? How can Alessandro keep his somewhat psychotic brother from harming Bree and Will? This is the background for this unconventional love story…”-Manic Readers Reviews 4.5/5 stars http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=25291
About The Author:
E. Jamie lives in Toronto Canada and loves roaming the streets of her vibrant city to feed her muse. She loves penning passionate tales across all erotic sub genres from contemporary to historicals that leave the bedroom door wide open! She’s always thrilled to hear from her readers at her website www.authorejamie.wordpress.com
Lila Hart
Danielle meets handsome African American soldier Kevin and they have an instant attraction to each other. Kevin discovers that Danielle is a shy woman, and he is determined to pull out her sexy side.
A hurricane strikes their town, and he uses that as his chance to protect her and use his handcuffs to show her how much fun being trapped inside during a hurricane can really be.
Excerpt:
“I’ll be right here all night”, he reassured her.
They kissed for a moment before he felt her hands slip under his shirt. He took that cue to take his shirt off, and he loved when she stared appreciatively at his muscular chest and abs. She ran her hand over his chest and he groaned softly. She stepped back for a moment and slipped out of her robe. Underneath she wore black lacy boy shorts and a black bra, which her creamy white breasts spilled out of. His cock was already hard, but everything she did seemed to make him even more aroused.
“Wow”, he said softly.
“Is this ok?” She asked shyly, “I didn’t know what you liked.”
“I love it”, he replied honestly, “You’re beautiful.”
He walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leaned down and began to kiss the back of her neck. She moaned softly, and his hands moved over her stomach to caress her breasts. He nibbled her ear as he whispered in it.
“You must know how sexy you are”, he whispered, “Can you feel me?”
She moved her hand back to stroke his cock, and he sighed with relief. He’d been waiting for her to touch him all night. He turned her towards the bed gently.
“Lie on your stomach”, he said.
He knew that she was confused by his request, but she listened to it. As she lay down, he unhooked the back of her bra and rubbed her back gently. She was so sexy that he planned on taking his time exploring her body. Thunder rumbled through the house, and he felt her body tremble. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or his touch making her tremble, but the thought of her being aroused excited him further.
“It’s ok baby”, he said soothingly.
He moved from rubbing her back to kissing it gently. He ran his tongue slowly from the base of her spine to the back of her neck, and she surprised him by moaning loudly. He licked her earlobe as he heard her voice.
About the Author:
I live in Connecticut, but was born and raised a New Yorker. Writing is both a passion and a way to express myself. Another passion of mine is fitness, and I am a part time fitness instructor. Guilty pleasures are wine tours, dining out, and getting up late when I’m not teaching class. I’m really looking forward to interacting with other writers and readers about my work.
TITLE: For the Love of a Goblin Warrior – Shadowlands #3
AUTHOR: Shona Husk
Characters: Meryn & Nadine Gilbert
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/1/2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Centuries ago, Meryn was thought to be utterly lost–all traces of his soul given up to the ravening goblin horde. But with the curse that enslaved him now broken, he must once again learn to walk in the realm of men.
Nurse Nadine Gilbert likes working the night shift to avoid her disturbing dreams, but her mysterious new patient looks hauntingly familiar. Meryn knows he doesn’t deserve a second chance, but Nadine brings out his long-buried human side. Telling her the truth about his violent past could destroy their fragile trust. Could she ever believe in the love of a Goblin Warrior?
REVIEW:
I liked this book and this series but I didn’t love. I will say when I started this series all I could think about was David Bowie from “The Labyrinth” (if you aren’t old enough google it :D). But sadly this was not like the movie I love so much back in the 80’s. Yes, young people the 80’s were cool. But that might have been a good thing. While David Bowie was dreamy the movie was well kinda bad.
That being said For the Love of a Goblin Warrior was my least favorite of the series. I just never really connected with Meryn or Nadine. I think was too stuck on that darn Goblin Prince Dai. But I did find that I had more questions than answers after reading this book. I am not sure if there will be a book 4, but if there is I hope that Shona will answer more questions about Nadine and her crazy dreams.
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.
Blurb:
Hannah Jamenson has babies on the brain. It seems that her sisters-in-law are expanding their family in the blink of an eye, but Hannah feels left behind. Every time that little test reads negative a little part of her dies and she feels like her Healing powers are failing her. Her mates, Josh and Reed, are doing everything they can to help her deal with their trials and losses, but they too feel like there is nothing they can do.
Just when the lines of what they mean to each other go out of focus, an enemy from Josh’s past is back to prove the things that go bump in the night are real and everything they had held dear is now in jeopardy. In order to fight back and find their way, they’ll need to put everything on the line before they lose it all.
Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 4 and 5 to give you a taste of Reed, Josh, and Hannah. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of the Redwood’s favorite triad.
A little 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:
Books-n-Kisses is super excited to have Cindy Gerard on the blog today to chat about life, her new book KILLING TIME and a bonus to the One-Eyed Jacks series.
Cindy, can you please share with us a little about yourself
As I’ve told other interviewers. I’m pretty boring and lead a fairly uneventful life. I’m a home body. Nothing makes me happier than being with family and friends. I love the water and treasure our family trips to our cabin in northern Minnesota where I’m generally either on the water or on the dock or in the water every day. I love to read but rarely have time for it any more . Adore our 2 cats and our dog who usually keep me company in my office when I work and I’ve recently added a 90 gallon fresh water aquarium to my office for those times when I need some really zen moments LOL
Have you always wanted to be an author?
No. I was a reader. I love to read but one day the bug to write hit me and I’ve been going full steam ever since.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
I write best in my office or our screened porch. So winter finds me inside and at my desk around 8:00 every morning until after 5:00 every day. Weekends too if a deadline is looming. And if I’m on a crash deadline, I’ll work 16 – 17 hours a day for several weeks and live basically on chocolate and cheetos LOL to get the job done.
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
Always coming up with something fresh and exciting is the most challenging. I feel I owe it to my readers to make each book as good as or better than the last one. And I worry, all that time, that, for whatever reason, I won’t make that happen.
Can you please tell us about your latest book, KILLING TIME?
For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different-until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team-which included her husband-in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose? KILLING TIME is a redemption story for both the hero and the heroine. I had so much fun writing this book While the subject matter is grave and of a serious nature, the by play between Mike and Eva had me grinning. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Check out Kelly’s review of Killing Time HERE
How did you come with the idea for this story?
As always, it was a process. I thought I wanted Mike to have his own story when he showed up in WITH NO REMORSE, Book 6 of my Black Ops series. When he wheedled his way into Book 7 – LAST MAN STANDING – too, I knew he had to have a book. So it was all about building a story around him. He was so irreverent and funny … and, I suspected, wounded. And boy, was he.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
Gladly! I had initially planned 2 more books in the series – RUNNING BLIND and TAKING FIRE. I’ve since been given the opportunity to write a 4th book, one that will come out next December (just in time for Christmas!!) that’s a bonus book in the series. I’m so excited about THE WAY HOME, which is what I’m working on now. It’s a homecoming story featuring Tyler Brown (Mike’s brother) and is a little different book than I usually write. Still romance, still suspense, still features our black ops warriors, but THE WAY HOME has a little something extra … something that is leading me on a very special journey as I write it.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
That’s an impossible question to answer as I have so many, some in the romance genre, some not. I cut my teeth on LaVryle Spencer and Sandra Brown and they remain among my favorites.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
Absolutely. I’ve read and reread many of my favorites so many times both for pleasure and to study how they did what they did so beautifully.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening. KILLING TIME: Mike Brown (HERO) and Eva Salinas (Heroine) are racing away from a hotel where there had been an attempt to assassinate them and heading for the airport in Lima Peru to, hopefully out run the bad guys and catch a flight for the US where they hope they can figure out who is after them and why.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I’m always waiting for the next Debra Webb FACES OF EVIL book!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really appreciate the invitation to visit today and hope everyone will give this book a try. Of all the books I’ve written (almost 50) this might possibly be my personal favorite. Of course, I say that (and mean it) every time I finish a book LOL
Publisher: Pocket Books
Publication date: January 22, 2013
Amazon | B&N | Simon & Shuster
An exciting new series featuring Mike “Primetown” Brown, a character from her popular
“Black Ops, Inc.” series.
For the seven years after Operation Slam Dunk went south, Mike Brown got drunk on each anniversary. The eighth year was no different–until he was drugged by a woman and woke up to her questions about what had happened eight years ago in Afghanistan. CIA attorney Eva Salinas has her own theory behind what happened to Mike’s team–which included her husband–in Afghanistan eight years ago, and she’s determined to prove foul play. Though she doesn’t trust him, Mike is the only person she can turn to for help. Under an assumed name, Eva convinces Mike to assemble a new team and go after the traitor who screwed up both their lives. As they track down the rogue who started it all, Eva and Mike discover they can’t live without each other. But can they stay alive while an enemy is still on the loose?
To enter the Grand Prize drawing CLICK HERE!
KILLING TIME Blog Tour Schedule
1/14 – Books-n-Kisses
1/15 – Under the Covers
1/16 – Just Romantic Suspense
1/17 – United by Books
1/18 – Reading Between the Wines
1/19 – – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction
1/20 – Book Lovin Mamas
1/21 – The Reading Café
1/22 – Cocktails and Books
1/23 – Romancing the Book
1/24 – Ramblings From This Chick
1/25 – Sizzling Hot Books
1/26 – Bookworm 2 Bookworm (Review)
1/27 – Bookworm 2 Bookworm (Interview)
1/28 – All Things Books
1/29 – RR@H Novel Thoughts
1/30 – Romance Crush Junkies
1/31 – Pimpin’ Reads
2/01 – The Book Nympho
1.7.13
Kimberly’s review of Lord Stillwell’s Excellent Engagements by Victoria Alexander
1.8.13
Interview & Giveaway with Carly Phillips
Interview & Giveaway with Stacey Kennedy
Interview with Destiny Wallace
Jennifer’s review of How to Misbehave by Ruthie Knox
1.9.13
Guest blogger & giveaway with Sharon Clare
Book Blitz: The Unicorn and the Serpent by Ellie Potts
Kelly’s review of Killing Time by Cindy Gerard
1.10.13
Kimberly’s review of Kissed by a Vampire by Caridad Pineiro
1.11.13
Interview & giveaway with Shona Husk
Kelly’s review of Immortal Cravings by Kendra Leigh Castle
1.12.13
SINsational Saturday Series–
Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege–until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned.
Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father’s betrayal has rocked Serendipity – and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush — the dark, brooding Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he’d own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face to face with Faith–the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge between them.
Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town’s notorious bad boy will only lead to trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity …
Long Lost Love and Second Chances
Elisabetta Gardelli thought she’d spend her days serving coffee and writing obits for the town paper until an unexpected opportunity results in her dream job as a journalist. Now, divorced and determined to make it on her own, Lissa is hired to do a series of interviews about entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark at an impressively young age. First up? Wall Street mogul Trevor Dane — Lissa’s first love. Lissa hasn’t seen Trevor since he left the small town of Serendipity to earn his spot on the right side of the tracks. Ten years have passed but neither has really moved from their super-passionate teenage affair – or the heartbreak that followed. This reunion can be their second chance or it can provide much needed closure. It all depends on Trevor. Can he forgive Lissa or will the past continue to stand in their way?
Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s second choice again. Unfortunately, her undeniably intense desire for Nick Mancini is testing her best laid plans because Kate has carried a torch for Nick since high school– but she’s always been permanently in the friend zone.
Lately, Nick has definitely noticed Kate. Unfortunately he can’t get her to take him seriously. He knows he’s made some stupid moves in the past but he’s determined to get Kate to act on their obvious and mutual attraction. However Kate’s stubborn and she’s been hurt before, which means Nick will have to pull out all the stops in order to convince her he’s not the same boy she used to know, and she’s not second best… she’s everything.
Nash Barron may be cynical about love, yet even he likes a good wedding. But the only good thing about his brother’s wedding is Kelly Moss. Nash can’t help but admire her confidence and beauty, but he’s forced to keep his distance because getting involved with Kelly could destroy his relationship with his newly discovered half sister, Tess…
Kelly came to Serendipity to give Tess–her half sibling as well, thanks to an illicit affair–a second chance at life. She learned long ago not to rely on anyone but herself. Besides, she doesn’t want to upset Tess’s life by pushing for a fling with Nash. Except the more she gets to know him, the more vulnerable she becomes to the kindness beneath his gruff exterior, and the less she’s able to stay away. But she has other reasons for keeping her distance. Like the secret from her past she knows Nash will never forgive…
Police Officer Dare Barron has had a crush on Liza McKnight ever since he was a teenager. But despite his lifelong attraction, the closest he’s ever come to interacting with her is watching Liza regularly bail out her brother at the station. Dare’s dark past with Liza’s brother, Brian, has always kept him from pursuing her. But suddenly Liza finds herself in need of protection and Dare appoints himself as the man for the job. And while the sizzling attraction between Dare and Liza draws them together, the past that Dare and Brian share threatens to keep the two apart forever.
In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?
Always feeling like the odd man out in his family, Michael Marsden wanted to make it on his own. So he escaped Serendipity to become an undercover cop in Manhattan, where the Marsden name wasn’t known. But Michael’s independence is compromised when he returns home to replace his sick father as chief of police. Back in the shadow of his family, he’s as lost and restless as ever, until he’s challenged by someone he never anticipated.
Cara Hartley is the Serendipity cop with whom Mike had a one night stand three months earlier. Neither expected anything more but fate has other things in store. When Mike returns as Cara’s boss, the sexual tension between them is impossible to ignore – and the unexpected emotional connection continues to grow. But Cara’s a small town girl while Mike has a wanderer’s blood in his veins.
Both are convinced a future together is impossible. Until Mike’s real father’s secrets come back to haunt him and he realizes there are some things worth staying and fighting for. Including Cara.
Expected publication: July 30th 2013
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Shona Husk to the blog today to talk about For the Love of a Goblin Warrior
Shona, can you please share with us a little about yourself?
SH: I was an avid reader before I was a writer. I love anything paranormal or otherworldly and I eat more chocolate than I should—which means I also have to do more exercise than I’d like.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
SH: I always wrote as a child, but it wasn’t until I was on maternity leave that I decided to pursue it as a career. While I still have a day job eventually I would like to make the switch to full time author.
Can you share with us your typical writing day. Is there anything you have to have while writing?
SH: I do social media and answer emails in the morning. Then I either go to the day job or I write. In the afternoon and evening it’s family time, although once the kids are in bed I sometimes do some more writing. I don’t need anything special when I sit down to write—just something to write on 🙂
Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?
SH: The most challenging bit is any bit that isn’t working on the day. Sometimes a first draft can be a grind, other times it flows. Sometimes it’s a tricky edit that needs to ferment before being applied. The most rewarding part is seeing my stories in the hands of readers.
Can you please tell us about your latest book, For the Love of a Goblin Warrior?
SH: This is the last of the Shadowlands series. It’s a story of redemption and facing up to hard truths. But also healing for both the hero and heroine, and they are the perfect people to help each other because no one else knows goblins like they do.
How did you come with the idea for this story?
SH: Meryn’s story came out of the events of book one (The Goblin King). Once I knew one of the men had given into the curse I knew that at some point I was going to have to save him and see what he’d become.
Can you share with us your current work in progress?
SH: I’m working on book 2 in my new series about fairies. The first book is The Outcast Prince (July 2013). The series flits between the Court of Annwyn and our world and explores the way the two are intertwined through the power struggle for the throne of Annwyn and the heroes who are trying to prevent damage to both worlds.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
SH: Katherine Kerr; I grew up reading her Deverry series and I’ve been enjoying her UF series as well. Jim Butcher; I love the Dresden files, but I am behind on the series.
Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?
SH: I think growing up reading fantasy novels (and that was all I read for the longest time) certainly gave me a love for creating other worlds, and an appreciation for how complex they need to be to feel real.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
SH: P118. Meryn is dreaming he’s being chased by Goblins in the Shadowlands. He’s running towards a castle hoping to find sanctuary. What he finds is Nadine, the person he least expected to appear in his nightmares.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
SH: My TBR pile is massive. I’m looking forward to reading Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley and Double Time by Olivia Cunning. I’m still working my way through the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher and I’ve also started the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
SH: I had a lot of fun writing my cursed Celtic heroes, and while it’s kind of sad to say goodbye to them I think they really deserve their happily ever after 🙂
BY SHONA HUSK
IN STORES JANUARY 2013
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Chapters/Indigo | IndieBound | Discover a New Love | Sourcebooks
In a Faraway Land…
There lived a man who was trapped—his only companions a horde of goblins consumed by their lust for gold. He thought he was lost forever, thought that no one would ever remember he’d been noble.
A Fearless Warrior…
Now he has been thrust into the human world once again, but so much has changed. How can he ever be rid of the darkness after so long in the Shadowlands?
It Starts with Dreams of a Castle…
And a woman who takes his breath away and makes him forget the pain of his past. He knows he must protect her at all costs. And perhaps in saving her, he can finally learn to love again.
Praise for The Goblin King:
“Steamy, sensual, and dangerous…Dark and delicious.” —Fresh Fiction
“Shona Husk put together an amazing story about loss, love, redemption, and discovery.” —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick
“A wonderfully dark and sensual fairy tale.” —Jessa Slade, author of Seduced by Shadows
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A civil designer by day and an author by night, Shona Husk lives in Western Australia at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Drawing on history, myth, and imagination, she writes about heroes who are armed and dangerous but have a heart of gold–sometimes literally. Look for the other books in the Shadowlands Series, The Goblin King and Kiss of the Goblin Prince, available now. In July 2013, Shona will begin another dark paranormal series with The Outcast Prince! For more information, please visit www.shonahusk.com.
TITLE: Immortal Craving – Dark Dynasties #4
AUTHOR: Kendra Leigh Castle
Main Characters: Tasmin Singh & Bailey Harper
PUBLICATION DATE: 1/29/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .
Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.
The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay’s gentle touch can subdue Tasmin’s inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?
REVIEW:
I really like the Dark Dynasty world. I love the twists and turns that Kendra has put into this book and her vampires. They are not your typical vamps which I really like. I have not been able to get back to book 1 or 2, but I have read book 3 and now book 4. I can say that you can read these books easily as stand alones, but I am going to go back and read the first two.
I loved Tasmin. I love that he has been asleep for the last 4 hundred years and doesn’t know anything about the new world, except for the fact that he is draw for some reason to a human woman who is best friends with the Queen of the Lilim’s. And Bay, she is one tough cookie. She finds herself in an impossible situation and instead of curling up in a ball or running with her tail between her legs she grabs the bull by the horns or the lion by the mane and shows everyone who is in charge here.
I really did like this book. But I would have loved for the battle scene to be a little more, uuummm of a battle. It was over just a little too fast for me. But other than the battle being a bit short I enjoyed Tasmin & Bay’s story. I am looking forward to what Kendra has in store for the Dark Dynasty world.
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.
Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Hanna Marine to the blog today to chat about her newest release A TASTE OF ICE.
Hanna, can you please share with us a little about yourself
Sure! Some random tidbits … I do not like practical jokes or pranks. I was on a competitive college dance team. I can’t stand mixing crunchy foods with soft (granola in yogurt and chocolate chips in ice cream are the worst offenders). I think Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are two of the most romantic movies ever made. I met my husband in a bar.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Always! I remember writing stories and plays in grade school–as early as third grade–and thinking that the only career that would ever make me happy would be a writer. I thought it would be so easy to accomplish. How little did I know! But the sweat and (literal) tears have been worth it.
What is your most interesting writing quirk?
Hmmm. I edit on paper and I have to use a really, really sharp pencil to do it. It’s labor intensive and takes a long time, but it’s the best way for me to really examine the structure of the story, to see where I’ve made all my changes, and to concentrate best on the prose.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
My newest book is A Taste of Ice, the second in my paranormal romance series, The Elementals. Xavier is the last of his race left on Earth. He wants nothing more than to fit into the human world, and to do that he has sworn off magic and women. Enter Cat, a gorgeous artist, who tests his resolve and ignites a desire he never thought he would feel. Only he suspects her of being a water elemental, the very race that held him in slavery before he escaped. Just when they begin to trust each other, a new threat emerges, one that hunts them both and puts their entire secret world at risk.
It’s an emotionally intense story that, at times, wrung me out while writing it. I’m very proud of it.
You can read more about it here (including the first two chapters): http://www.hannamartine.com/taste-of-ice.php
How did you come with the idea for this story?
The world of the Elementals is based on classic elemental magic (earth, air, fire, water), which has always fascinated me. I wanted to write about subversive cultures and hidden worlds mixed in with our own. With Xavier, I challenged myself to write a paranormal hero who wasn’t all muscled out and whose biggest battles were not fought with his fists. For A Taste of Ice, my goal was to heal a man who seemed impossible to reach. I love when opposites attract, find common ground, and lift each other up, so I knew I had to make Xavier’s true love wear the face of his former enemy.
For each Elementals novel, I switch locales and make the story self-contained. A Taste of Ice is set in a snowy mountain town during a big film festival. The setting (ice, snow, etc.) really helped push the plot into areas I might not have considered before.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I am writing my first contemporary romance, Long Shot, which is set against the backdrop of the Scottish Highland Games in the mountains of New Hampshire. It releases October 2013 and I’m really excited about it! It’s about Jen, a big-time event planner in New York City who is called back to the New Hampshire town of her youth to save the local Highland Games. When she returns, she finds Leith, the boy she left ten years earlier to chase her dreams, is still there. A local hero and former athletic champion of the games (throwing giant stones and hammers and long tree trunks carved into cabers), he is finally leaving his hometown to start a new life elsewhere, until the love of his life suddenly reappears, begging him to compete again and kickstarting his heart.
I know I’m not supposed to play favorites with my fictional men, but Leith MacDougall might be up at the top of my list of heroes. It’s all about the kilt, baby.
Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
This is actually a funny story. I did, sort of, meet my favorite author. I adore Jacqueline Carey–her Kushiel series pretty much changed my life–so when I learned she was going to be at WorldCon this past Labor Day (as was I), I got giddy. The day I was set to sign my first book, Liquid Lies, I was approaching the table where the previous signing authors were vacating their spots. Ms. Carey was getting up from her chair right in front of me. She looked right at me, smiled and said hi … and I just said hi back, ducked my head, and shuffled on. Completely starstruck. Completely humiliating. My one good chance and I squandered it. I can laugh about it now. Sort of.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
Find amazing critique partners. This can take some time, but it is so, so worth it to find those precious few fellow writers who not only get you and what you want to do with your writing, but who aren’t petty, who genuinely want to help you, and who are smart as hell. It is important you learn how to take constructive criticism, how to step back and apply it to your writing, and not automatically get defensive.
Can you share with us something off your bucket list.
Go on an African safari! It just seems so incredibly exotic.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
I can’t believe I haven’t yet read Endgame, the final Sirantha Jax book, by Ann Aguirre. It downloaded on my Kindle the day it came out and I have yet to read it. I think I’m scared to finish the series. I don’t want it to end. I want to savor it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I also dabble in erotic romance, and I have a short story out next week in the Cleis Press anthology Only You: Erotic Romance for Women.
Thank you so much for having me! I love hearing from readers.
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There is an untapped world of magic that any man would covet…
Five years ago, Xavier escaped from the Ofarian Plant. Today he calls a Colorado mountain town home. It’s there he buries himself in his work, swearing off magic and relationships—until a woman threatens every promise he’s made to himself.
Cat has always known she is different. Water speaks to her on an uncanny level, and she channels this gift into beautiful painted waterscapes. Now, a gallery is debuting her work in Colorado—and it’ll reveal far more about her than she imagined.
The spark between Cat and Xavier is enough to throw both of them off balance. Every tantalizing moment sends them dangerously close to a rising flood of desire. Dangerous because Xavier comes to suspect that Cat is an Ofarian—his people’s enemy. But they’re both about to discover a far greater, more malicious power at play.
Alexandra and I commissioned the amazingly talented, Tricia ‘Pickyme’ Schmitt to create our Bayou Heat covers. We wanted them to be incredible, sexy, evocative, and have that special something extra that draws readers. And as always Trish produced that and more. I actually told her recently to please start thinking about the next 3 covers in the series because I just love seeing her work J
Cover art, to me anyway, is priority #1 (after a great book, of course) when putting out a novel. It’s the very first thing we see as readers, and it must tell us about what is inside. The very best of what is inside J
So, what do you think?
Does the cover sway you one way or another?
And while we’re at it and for a BAYOU HEAT SWAG BAG
Which Bayou Heat cover is your favorite?
Hidden in the depths of the Louisiana bayous, the Pantera, have become little more than a legend to most humans. It’s rumored that in the ancient past twin sisters, born of magic, had created a sacred land and claimed it as their own. From that land was born creatures who were neither human or animal, but a mixture of the two. Faster and stronger than humans, they have hyper acute senses, and when surrounded by the magic of the Wildlands they’re capable of shifting into pumas. It was also whispered that they possess other gifts. Telepathy, witchcraft, immortality, and the ability to produce a musk that could enthrall mere mortals. Mothers warned young girls never to roam alone near the swamps, convinced that they would be snatched by the Pantera, while young men were trained to avoid hunting anywhere near the protected Wildlands. Not that the warnings were always successful. What girl didn’t dream of being seduced by a gorgeous, mysterious stranger? And what young man didn’t want to try his skill against the most lethal predators?
As the years passed, however, the sightings of the Pantera became so rare that the rumors faded to myths. Most believed the entire species had become extinct. Sadly they weren’t entirely mistaken…
A little about your authors:
About Laura:
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
About Alexandra:
Alexandra Ivy is the New York Times bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity series, the Immortal Rogues series and the Sentinels.
Alexandra graduated from Truman University with a degree in theatre before deciding she preferred to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She currently lives in Missouri with her extraordinarily patient husband and teenage sons.
Connect with Alexandra:
