Author: Kelly

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Kasey MacKenzie’s Shades of Fury Series

Red Hot Fury 

Shades of Fury #1

Introducing a sizzling new urban fantasy series featuring Marissa Holloway, an immortal Fury who doesn’t just get mad…she gets even. 

As a Fury, Marissa Holloway belongs to an Arcane race that has avenged wrongdoing since time immemorial. As Boston’s chief magical investigator for the past five years, she’s doing what she was born to do: solve supernatural crimes.

But Riss’s investigation into a dead sister Fury leads to her being inexplicably suspended from her job. And to uncover the truth behind this cover-up, she’ll have to turn to her shape-shifting Warhound ex for help.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Green Eyed Envy 

Shades of Fury #2

Jealousy can be a killer…

As a Fury, Marissa Holloway belongs to an Arcane race that has meted out justice since time immemorial. As Boston’s chief magical investigator, it’s her duty to solve any crimes committed by or against supernaturals.

Months have gone by since Riss discovered some unwelcome truths about her past–and managed to stop a supernatural war. Since then things have been quiet. Too quiet. But that all changes when the bodies of Bastai, shapeshifters also known as Cats, begin piling up in Boston’s magical underbelly–even though the legendary shifters are supposed to have ninety-nine lives.

One common thread ties the victims together: all were old flames of FBI Agent Harper Cruz. And since Harper and Riss’s lover Scott Murphy enjoyed a one-night stand before he and Riss reunited, the Fury has twice the incentive to crack the case wide open, before the killer’s green-eyed gaze turns in Scott’s direction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blackhearted Betrayal 

Shades of Fury #3

From the acclaimed author of Green-Eyed Envy comes a tumultuous tale of unrest among the Furies…

As Boston’s Chief Magical Investigator, Riss Holloway has been responsible for solving any crimes committed by or against supernaturals. But now she’s taking a leave of absence from the Boston PD and heading home—to focus on her duties as a Fury: like assisting her mother with an unsettling friction brewing in the Sisterhood, a faction of Furies sworn to serve all the Deities equally. These days, someone is playing favorites, drawing Riss into a tumultuous civil war embroiling every god and goddess. What was once a precept, to stand as a united whole policing arcanekind for millennia, has been divided by something Riss never imagined—and choosing sides could be the most dangerous move she’s ever made.

 

Order Here:

Kasey MacKenzie Amazon Page|Kasey MacKenzie’s B&N Page

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Interview & giveaway with Marina Adair

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome frist time guest Marina Adiar to the blog today to talk a little about her upcoming Christmas story “Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Marian, can you please share with us a little about yourself?

Hi, Kelly! Thanks for having me today. I will give you the ten-second rundown of myself: I am a screenwriter turned romance novelist who has a thing for burgers, beer, and Jane Austin novels—sometimes simultaneously. My relationship with Eggo waffles boarders on unhealthy and I hate mayonnaise. I am also a mother and a wife and I love reading.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Actually, I wanted to be a teacher, then a Marine biologist, then an FBI agent, then an international business woman ( I had no idea what that even meant but I wanted to be one), then a fashion designer … Then I got into high school I realized that I could be all of those things if I was a storyteller. But since writing never came easy for me—my worst subject in school was English—and Claymation wasn’t a booming industry when I was college, I decided to become a cinematographer…until I realized that that cinematographers couldn’t tell the actors what to say or point out if there was a gaping plot hole in the story. So I turned to screenwriting and eventually found my home as a romance writer. And it is the best job in the world.

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

By 9ish my kiddo is out the door and my cats have been properly loved, so I pull out my laptop and get to work. The goal is a solid 5 hours of writing before school lets out. Usually, I get in about two hours before one of my cats decides to take a nap—on my laptop. Which means that I contort my body so I can type around them as not disturb their peaceful slumber. After my daughter gets home I do “other” work related stuff, like social media, blog posts, return emails, etc… I don’t go by hours so much as word count. In order to make my deadlines I have to hammer out at least 10k words a week.

As for the “have to haves”, I am a basket-case when working. I forget, well, everything. So I “have to have” an alarm to remind me when my daughter gets out of school, when she has dance, and she needs to be picked up from a play date. But my biggest “have to have” is my hubby who brings me lunch and reminds me to hydrate.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging part of writing is making sure all of my plotlines not only matter to the overall story, but work in conjunction with one another while working against my hero and heroine. The most rewarding part is when they all synch up.

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

My latest book, KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, is about two sworn enemies, who can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other, living in the same small town where neither is willing to move. Regan Martin is a single-mom looking for a fresh start and Gabe DeLuca is a smooth talking vintner who can’t decide what tops his Christmas List: Regan’s sweet ass swishing right out of his town or waltzing toward his bed in nothing but a red bow. The goal was to see how far I could push Gabe and Regan before they were able to let go of their tumultuous past and give in to the chemistry between them, because I knew that if they stopped arguing long enough they would see how perfect they were for one another.

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

I had a babysitter when I was in grammar school who was the only girl in an Italian family of seven. Her brothers were 100% alpha, extremely over protective, and, since they beat the crap out of anyone who looked at her twice, made dating virtually impossible for her. I loved the idea of writing a series about a big, loud Italian family who were always in each other’s business and even though they irritated the hell out of one another, they were fiercely loyal.

Since KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE is a holiday story, I wanted the theme of family to be at its heart. But I also knew I wanted to contrast the holiday spirit of giving and forgiveness with an enemy-to-lover story. Who could be a bigger enemy to the oldest brother, Gabe, than someone who screwed with his baby sister? And since his family means everything to him, I paired him with a single mom who would do anything to give her daughter the best life.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

I just received edits back on the second book in the St Helena Vineyard series, which is slated for release on April 16, 2013. SUMMER IN NAPA follows renowned chef, Alexis Collins, who had lived her life right—right guy, right college, right career . . . right up until she finds her husband trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey while trying to play hide the baster with her sous chef. Divorced and humiliated, Lexi moves back home ready to rebuild her life and convert her grandmother’s patisserie into her dream bistro—until she realizes that her new neighbor is none other than her ex-husband’s best friend, Marco DeLuca, and he is interested in sampling more than just her cooking.

This book was so much fun to write because my hero and heroine are not only fighting the need to get naked every time they see each other, they are also fighting against their past. So finding a good reason for Marc to break man-law and fall for—and into bed with—his best-bro’s ex was entertaining.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh, I love this question. You already know I swoon for Jane Austen, but I also adore Julie Garwood, Britt Bury, Jill Shalvis, Hannah Jayne, and my absolute favorite, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.

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

Aaron Sorkin definitely! I can hear 30 seconds of dialogue and tell you if it is his or not, that is how amazing and unique he is. His dialogue is fast paced, witty, smart, overflowing with subtext and I think some of the best writing on television since M.A.S.H. His scenes have a million things going on in them, yet I never get lost. He is a master weaver and inspired me to find and embrace my own voice, even if it is quirky and different.

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

As soon as I finish my edits and the final copy is handed in, I am dying to read the last two books in the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. I have saved them as my special treat for finishing book #2.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for having me today, Kelly! Oh, and I love to hear from readers, so please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be found online at:

Website|  Facebook  |  Goodreads  | Twitter: @MarinaEAdair

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Spotlight feature of JD Tyler’s Alpha Pack series

PRIMAL LAW
Alpha Pack #1
 

Founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…

After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.

On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads the Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive…

 

 

 

BLACK MAGIC
An ALPHA PACK novella #1.5
 

An original Alpha Pack novella featuring the sexy sorcerer and panther shifter Kalen Black…

Recruited by the Alpha Pack, Kalen Black is still very much a lone wolf. But when a paranormal creature threatens the life of Dr. Mackenzie Grant, Kalen must use all of his abilities to rescue her. This brush with death excites a passion between them, and after a night of intense pleasure, Kalen leaves Mac with a mysterious gift that just might save her life again.…

 

 

 

SAVAGE AWAKENING
Alpha Pack #2
 

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…

 
After a mission goes wrong, Aric Savage is taken prisoner. Half-dead and despairing, he makes a stunning discovery: his Pack mate Micah Chase, who was reported dead, is a fellow captive. When the Alpha team goes into full-rescue mode, accompanying them is an absolute stunner with sable hair–and a spine of solid steel.

LAPD officer and Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase has one priority: her brother Micah’s recovery. Still, she can’t help but be drawn to Aric, the ruggedly handsome wolf shifter who pleasures her as no man ever has–however fleeting their affair is destined to be. But when Aric’s life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she’s willing to sacrifice in the name of love, for the man fated to be her Bondmate.

 

 

BLACK MOON
Alpha Pack #3
Publication Date:  December 4, 2012
 

Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them–one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.

With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

 

J.D. Tyler is an award-winning, multi-published author who writes for New American Library under three pseudonyms. Whether this is due to an overdose of ambition or a multiple personality affliction, she’ll never tell.

J.D. writes dark, sexy paranormal romance and has a huge thing for shifters, vampires, the Fae, and just about everything else that goes bump and grind in the night. She can’t get enough of those dangerous supernatural heroes, and the fun of creating her own was just too much temptation to resist… so she didn’t. J.D. doesn’t do self-denial.

When she isn’t writing, J.D.’s idea of a good time certainly isn’t cleaning house (sniff), bungee jumping (not in this lifetime, or the next), or camping (her idea of “roughing it” is a slow bellboy). She enjoys reading, being pampered like the diva she is, and spending time with her awesome family. She lives in Texas with her two teenagers.

Connect with J.D. Tyler: Website / Facebook / Twitter

BLACK MOON BLOG TOUR

11/25/12 – 12/15/12

 

11/25 – Ramblings From This Chick

11/26 – Reading Between the Wines

11/27 – Riverina Romantics

11/28 – United by Books

11/29 – Books-n-Kisses

11/30 – RR@H Novel Thoughts

12/01 – The Reading Café

12/02 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

12/03 – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction

            LIVE CHAT – 8-9pm EST (7-8pm CT, 6-7pm MDT, 5-6pm PDT)

12/04 – Book Reader Addict

12/05 – Under the Covers

12/06 – Close Encounters with the Night Kind

12/07 – My Keeper Shelf

12/08 – Reading on the Wild Side

12/10 – Cocktails and Books

12/11 – Paranormal Haven

12/12 – Romancing the Book

12/13 – I Smell Sheep

12/14 – Grave Tells

12/15 – Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies…Oh My!

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Guest Blog & giveaway with Carrie Ann Ryan

Too Much Emotion

I remember the first time I sobbed reading a book. I won’t tell you the book, but I remember crying so hard late at night that my mom woke up and had to console me. Yet I loved it. Makes me weird right? I love getting invested in a book so much that I sob.

I never thought I’d do that as an author.

I mean, I thought it would be nice if someone connected to it, but I thought that was just a long shot.

Well, I sobbed writing Enforcer’s Redemption. Freaking sobbed like a baby. I have no idea why this book tore at me like it did, but it’s my favorite book I’ve ever written. I mean, Adam and Bay hurt me so much that I had to write a happy Christmas story featuring an elf and the sexy Cooper bothers in Santa’s Executive in the Holiday, Montana series next.

I needed a break from the emotions.

Though I still chocked up in the Santa story, something must be wrong with me.

Now, just because I cried as an author, doesn’t mean readers will. Though from the emails I’ve already receive, apparently Adam and Bay’s story will make you cry.

Sorry?

Sometimes we all just need a good cry. Which sounds odd, but I know a lot of people to it. I can read a happy book, a funny one, a suspenseful one at any time.

But sometimes I need the one that tugs at the heartstrings.

What about you? Do you need a book to do that to you sometimes?

 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:

Website | Facebook  | Goodreads | Twitter: @CarrieAnnRyan |

 

Enforcer’s Redemption

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | Kobo

            Adam Jamenson has suffered through the worst loss known to man. The only reason he lives day-to-day is to ensure the safety of his Pack. As the Enforcer of the Redwood Pack, it is his job to protect all in his path, though he was unable to protect the ones he held dear. The war with the Centrals is heating up and Adam must try and grit through it in order to survive. Though the broken man inside of him may not want to…

Bay Milton is a werewolf with a past. And a secret. She’s met the Redwood’s Enforcer only once, but it left a lasting effect. Now she needs to find him or everything he had thought he lost, may be lost again.

Together, they must struggle and find a way to fight their pasts and present in order to protect their future. But the Centrals have a plan that might make their path one of loss and destruction.

Excerpt:

The scent of ice and berries filled Adams nose. He loved the way it made him feel at home, like he belonged. A warm body lay flush against him, and he smiled. His Anna. She’d come home. He rested his hands on the swell of her belly, feeling their child. He inhaled that ice and berries scent again as the fog lifted, and he froze.

His Anna did not smell of those things. No, his Anna smelled of oranges and cinnamon. He cracked open his eyes, ignoring the dull throb in his temples and behind his eyelids, and bit back a curse. Bay lay snuggled in his side, and his erection strained his jeans, rubbing against her. He stopped the movement of his hips and bit back another curse. Flashes of the night before came back to him. Images of Maddox dragging him back to his home and throwing him on the bed mixed with images of the red-haired stranger taking care of him.

She whimpered in her sleep, and instinctively he cradled her face with his hand to quiet her. She rubbed her cheek against his palm and quieted, her body sinking into his like it had a right to be there.

***Giveaway***

Carrie Ann is giving away a swag pack to a commenter.
Be sure to leave your email!

Giveaway ends 12/1

 

 

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Interview & giveaway with Laura Kaye

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have our pal Laura Kaye back on the blog today to chat about her newest book “One Night with a Hero”.  One Night with a Hero is Laura’s second book in her Heroes’ series.  

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

I’d love to! And thanks for hosting me here today! I write contemporary and paranormal romance and am celebrating the release of my ninth book, a contemporary romance called One Night with a Hero (Heroes #2). I am also a wife, mom to two young girls (ages 8 and 6), college history professor, total vampire addict, and Marylander.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not exactly. When I chose college teaching as a career, I knew I’d publish because it’s an expected part of the job. I have published two non-fiction books in history as a result. However, I wasn’t interested in becoming published in fiction until about four and a half years ago. I had a head injury that, once it healed, left me interested in all sorts of creative pursuits. I began my first novel, what became my vampire romance, Forever Freed, shortly thereafter.

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

Plotters are writers who outline a story (to varying degrees of detail) before they begin writing. Pantsers are writers who write “by the seat of their pants”—that is, they tend not to outline or do much pre-writing preparation before they start a story. They figure it out as they go along. I lean toward being a pantser, but once your progress in a writing career to the point where you can sell books on proposal (rather than having to have the entire manuscript completed), you’re forced to do more plotting/outlining because publishers have to have an idea of what the story will be to buy it on proposal. So now I plot some and pants some, too.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmm… The last couple of books I’ve written, I’ve written while listening to the same song on repeat over and over. For One Night with a Hero, that song was Coldplay’s Yellow. For Her Forbidden Hero, that song was Switchfoot’s Your Love is a Song. Currently, I’m writing South of Surrender, the third book in my Greek-mythology-inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series, and the song is Blurry by Puddle of Mudd.

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

Yes! One Night with a Hero is the story of a one-night stand that turns into a lifetime love for two lonely people struggling to overcome difficult pasts. Here’s the blurb:

He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

One Night with a Hero is also the first book I’ve ever had to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists. It was thrilling and amazing and a dream come true.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The idea for One Night with a Hero grew out of the first book in the series, Her Forbidden Hero. From the moment the first images of Marco Vieri, the hero from the first book, came into my mind, I knew he would have a best friend who had gone through everything with him, and that that friend would have his own story. That was Brady Scott.

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

I’m currently writing South of Surrender, the third book in my Hearts of the Anemoi series that comes out in late May 2013. And I’m also about to start writing the third book in my Vampire Warrior Kings series, which will also release summer 2013.

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

I have had the chance to meet several authors who have greatly influenced me, including Anne Rice, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and J.R. Ward. I’d also love to meet Stephen King because I grew up reading his books and he more than anyone helped foster my interest in all things supernatural.

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

Number one would be to write. You can’t revise or sell what you haven’t written. And finishing your first manuscript is hugely confidence-inspiring. Number two would be to do everything you can to perfect your writing—read books on writing, take workshops on writing, get other writers to critique your writing, join professional organizations of writers, etc.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

A lot of my bucket list is travel related. I want to go to Russia, Ireland, Egypt, and somewhere I could see the Northern Lights, for starters.

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

The book I am most salivating for is J.R. Ward’s Lover at Last, which doesn’t come out until March 26. I am a diehard Black Dagger Brotherhood fan and have been yearning for Blay and Qhuinn to get their happily ever after! Right now I am reading Kate Avelynn’s Flawed, and it’s just so dark and compelling.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

My favorite time of year has always been summer. I love the sun and the warmth and the beach. Always have.

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

Oh, geez. Just one??? LOL Chris Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, Hugh Jackman, et cetera, et cetera!!! If I ever met any of them, I would be totally freaking out inside. For real!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just thank you so much to my readers who make it possible for me to do what I love!

 Also, how ‘bout a giveaway? Her Forbidden Hero has recently released in paperback with the new cover that coordinates with One Night with a Hero. To celebrate, I’m giving away a signed print copy of Her Forbidden Hero to one commenter.

What to comment?:

Who is YOUR celebrity crush???

Open to international!

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL!!!!

NO EMAIL???  NO ENTRY!!!!

Good luck!

See the whole One Night with a Hero Tour here and enter Laura’s Pandora Bracelet Giveaway (ends 11/30) here!

 

Buy One Night with a Hero at Amazon | B&N | Kobo

He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

 “Laura Kaye is synonymous with great, sexy romance.”

~NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer Probst

 

About Laura Kaye:

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

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp

 

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Impulse by Dannika Dark Blog Tour~~~ Guest blog & giveaway with Dannika Dark

A day in the Life of Dannika Dark

4:30 am: Alarm clock begins to beep. I slam my hand down on it.

4:50 am: Alarm clock begins to beep. Sigh. I submit, and crawl out of bed.

5:00 am: I sit in the dark living room and begin writing or editing. I seem to have the most creative ideas early in the morning.

6:00 am: I glance at the clock and wonder if I should go to work early so I can get home early.

7:30 am: After writing for two and a half hours, I realize that I’m late for work.

During the drive to work, that’s when ideas start to happen. I’m in the middle of rush hour traffic, or some mad hatter just cut me off, and I get an idea. I carry a notebook in my car and in my purse at all times to scribble down those ideas.

8:00 am – 5:00 pm: These are the hours when I use the left half of my brain to earn my rent. I’m providing technical support to a team of people, developing procedure documents, training, and other duties that make me want to slam my head against a wall.

5:00 – 5:30 pm: I’m usually singing “Born Free” in the car while blasting down the road at 50mph. Well, that’s my Friday song, but when the whistle blows, I cannot get home fast enough.

5:30 pm – Midnight-ish: I have no structured writing schedule because when I truly sit down to write, I do it when I’m feeling inspired. I don’t force myself to adhere to a schedule. That’s something I retain for editing and other tasks. There are a number of things that have to be done: Marketing, editing, writing; while on the other hand, I like to be socially active, dabble in digital art, and look up random things on the internet like “what is a Ding Dong made out of?”

I’d love to give the answer that I sit by a window, staring at a rolling green meadow with jackrabbits feasting on tufts of grass, while I work out in my head the most poetic scene that has ever been penned in a book. But the truth is—I live in chaos. I hold down a regular job, and manage to fit writing somewhere in all that. Before I began publishing my novels, my schedule was manageable, and there were no deadlines. Now I’m finding there are so many more tasks that need to be done, and currently I’m working on my full book cover for “Sterling” to get it paperback ready. I outsourced the interior formatting to a company that specializes in this, because I’m slowly realizing that I need to give up control and stop convincing myself that “I can do it all.”

There are hours in my day I need to claim as my own, so I can retain my social life and not become a hermit. However, writing is a passion, and even if I’m in the movie theater, I get ideas about my stories, and have to write them down. My brain is always working like that.

I had a really interesting conversation with someone yesterday who was of the opinion that writing was just a hobby, and not something that a person should seriously pursue as a career. It’s a pastime, it’s a “filler”, and you shouldn’t waste time focusing on that part of your life when you could be building your career and making more money.

Without imaginative thinkers and artists, we would have no museums.

No libraries.

No radio.

No television.

No movie theaters.

No variety of department stores.

No theaters with dance shows and plays.

If that were the case, then what would we be doing on our weekends? How enriched would our lives be without artists?

So a typical day in my writing life is simply taking advantage of any free time I have to do what I love to do, and hope that others will benefit from it.

Monday, November 12, 2012 – Blog Launch:
Tuesday, November 13, 2012:
Wednesday, November 14, 2012:
Thursday, November 15, 2012:
Friday, November 16, 2012:
Saturday, November 17, 2012:
Sunday, November 18, 2012:
Monday, November 19, 2012:
Wednesday, November 21, 2012:
Thursday, November 22, 2012:
Saturday, November 24, 2012:
Monday, November 26, 2012:
Tuesday, November 27, 2012:
Wednesday, November 28, 2012:
Thursday, November 29, 2012:
Friday, November 30, 2012:
Saturday, December 1, 2012:
Sunday, December 2, 2012:
Monday, December 3, 2012:
Tuesday, December 4, 2012:
Wednesday, December 5, 2012:
Thursday, December 6, 2012:
Friday, December 7, 2012:
Saturday, December 8, 2012:
Sunday, December 9, 2012:
Monday, December 10, 2012:
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 – Blog Tour Closing –

Almost one year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny.

Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.

 Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the content of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries –old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.

In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own? 

EXCERPT

IMPULSE (MAGERI SERIES: BOOK 3)

Both hands cupped my face and his forehead touched mine.

“I was made to protect you, female. I’ve claimed you, whether you accept it or not, and it’s an honor that I take very seriously. If any male lays an unwanted finger on you, I will break it. If you hunger, I will feed you. If you’re cold, then I will warm you with my body. If you’re taken from me, then I’ll track you. Never doubt my devotion to you.” He gripped my head firmly. “I once gave a woman my heart, because that’s all I had to give. But you, Silver, you’re the pulse that keeps me alive. I was a soft man once, but no more. I don’t know if you can accept the man that I’ve become, because all I have to offer you is my life.

 

Learn more about Dannika here: 

Want a chance to win one of the following prizes? 

1 Box Set of The Mageri Series (Sterling, Twist, & Impulse)
Book Cover Cards (4×6) (Sterling & Twist)
1 Set of Key chain
1 Car Charm
1 Surprise Gift from Justus himself.

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Interview with Rachel Lyndhurst

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have Rachel Lyndhurst on the blog today to chat about her newest book The Spanish Billionaire’s Hired Bride

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

I live with my daughter, son and The Exec in Fareham, Hampshire, on the south coast of England and can sometimes smell the sea from my back garden.

I write full-time when my children are at school, but am still proud of my law degree and accountancy qualifications. I’ve worked in the space industry, pharmaceuticals, insurance, a supermarket, a bus station, a railway depot, and a lingerie department among others.

I don’t have a lot of time for hobbies these days, but if I get the chance I do enjoy rummaging through antique shops and visiting famers’ markets. I’m also partial to the odd glass of wine and hoarding expensive lipstick.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Not consciously. I spent my childhood wanting to be many things, including a Concorde pilot, but the writing was always there. I wrote silly stories including my friends and our imaginary adventures in the Maggot Club (don’t ask!), and angsty teenage poems ridiculing boys that I fancied rotten. In my twenties the boring old office job improved when a subversive Viz-style comic came into being – it featured a character that looked like my boss quite heavily. I left that job soon after … During a decade working in as an accountant, I began to think how wonderful it would be to become an author instead.

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

I come back from the morning school runs and log on to my laptop while I make tea and toast for breakfast. I then work until about 3 pm slotting in lunch and playtime with our new kitten. I switch from writing to doing promotional copy and social networking as the need arises. And deal with emails of course. Then the children come home and it’s pretty much game over on the writing front. I have to have my reading glasses nearby these days, I’m afraid, but I’ve two very different pairs to wear depending on my mood. I’m currently wearing my purple leopard print Escadas.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The promotion side of writing is the most challenging for me. I enjoy it and I know it’s an essential part of the job, but it’s extremely time consuming. The most rewarding thing is when people get in touch and say how much they enjoyed reading my book – that’s simply brilliant.

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

Here’s the blurb for my latest book with Entangled Indulgence, The Spanish Billionaire’s Hired Bride:

He bought her with cold, hard cash, but can she stop him from stealing her heart?

Blackmailed to marry against his will, Ricardo Almanza needs a wife before he’s thirty, and time is running out. A notorious playboy, marriage is the last thing he wants, but his stepmother’s sexy, debt-ridden personal assistant is the perfect solution. He makes her a business deal she can’t refuse—one million euros for three months as his wife. He might even enjoy being married to her … if she doesn’t kick the crap out of him again.

Helen Marshall can’t believe she’s considering Almanza’s outrageous proposal, but she must help clear her parents’ debts or they face financial ruin. The small print on the marriage contract changes to read three months as his wife in every way—including in the bedroom. Has she gotten in too deep, or will she need a new contract addendum, extending their marriage forever?

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I saw a spectacular male underwear model on a huge billboard in Marks and Spencers. Nobody in the store (or even marks and Spencer’s HQ in London) could tell me who he was, but we all agreed he looked Spanish. So I had to write a Spaniard, didn’t I? Soon after that I holidayed in Ibiza and fell in love with the White Isle. Watching a very wealthy couple get off their flashy yacht and then dine expensively at a posh harborside restaurant was also a defining moment. I wanted to write about a poor but proud British woman, feed her lobster and champagne, and then plonk a gigantic diamond ring on her finger!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Currently I have a few category length projects going on in varying states of completion. I can’t say too much about those, but they have Sicilian, Australian-Greek and American heroes.  I also have a couple of longer novels simmering away and a head full of inappropriate ideas.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I have so many different favorite writers I’m not sure where to begin but they would include India Grey, Anne McAllister, George Orwell, Salman Rushdie and Howard Jacobson.

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

I don’t think any one author has influenced my writing style but a few editors have certainly helped me hone it! I write more compactly these days, less flowery prose, shorter sentences, snappier dialogue. It works better with short category romance. But I still love beautiful words, Salman Rushdie is very good for that sort of thing, reading his prose is like eating Christmas pudding with ice cream ; a sensory feast of contrast,  rich and delicious.

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

Ha! Easier said than done with an eBook! I have done a random slither with the mouse on the final PDF and …

Farmer’s daughter, Helen, has just had her bottom affectionately slapped by Ricardo Almanza under the sheets of his massive bed on his superyacht. It’s the morning after their Marriage of convenience wedding night. They didn’t get much sleep …

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

My To Read Pile is massive and that doesn’t include all the juicy downloads on my Kindle! I’m desperate to read every single Entangled Indulgence releases, and the Brazens – but time isn’t on my side at the moment. There’s also a big bag of signed books I brought back from a recent romantic fiction festival which are tempting me very badly. Hopefully I’ll be able to get stuck in over the Christmas holidays.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d like to thank you very much for having me here today on Books-n-Kisses. It’s been lovely! I love to hear from readers too, you can find me in the following places:

Website | Facebook | Facebook page | Twitter | Goodreads 

 

 

 Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N

 He bought her with cold, hard cash, but can she stop him from stealing her heart?

Blackmailed to marry against his will, Ricardo Almanza needs a wife before he’s thirty, and time is running out. A notorious playboy, marriage is the last thing he wants, but his stepmother’s sexy, debt-ridden personal assistant is the perfect solution. He makes her a business deal she can’t refuse—one million euros for three months as his wife. He might even enjoy being married to her … if she doesn’t kick the crap out of him again.

Helen Marshall can’t believe she’s considering Almanza’s outrageous proposal, but she must help clear her parents’ debts or they face financial ruin. The small print on the marriage contract changes to read three months as his wife in every way—including in the bedroom. Has she gotten in too deep, or will she need a new contract addendum, extending their marriage forever?

 

 

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Kissin’ the Week of Nov 19-24 Goodbye

11.19.12

Interview & Giveaway with Kim Law

Interview & Giveaway with Stephanie Queen 

Jennifer’s review of Tangled Web by Crista McHugh

Kimberly’s review of That Thing Called Love by Susan Andersen 

11.20.12

Release Day Tuesday 

Cover Reveal: Escape by Kenya Wright 

Interview with LD Hutchinson

Ursula’s review of Inside Bet by Katie Porter

Kimberly’s review of Night Falls Like Silk by Kathleen Eagle

11.21.12

Interview & giveaway with CH Admirand

Kelly’s review of The Passage by Justin Cornin

Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

11.22.12

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Interview with Rachel Carrington

Jennifer’s review of of Loving Lady Marcia by Kieran Kramer

Kimberly’s review of Eva’s Last Dance by Tracy Cooper-Posey

11.23.12

Kimberly’s review of A Christmas Hope by Joseph Pittman

Ursula’s review of Copy of That by HelenKay Dimon

11.24.12

SINsational Saturday Series

Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwolf Pack

 

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Carrie Ann Ryan’s Redwood Pack Series

Order Carrie Ann’s Redwood Pack Books Here:
Redwood Pack Series on Amazon | Redwood Pack Series on B&N

An Alpha’s Path

Redwood Pack #1

Melanie is a twenty-five year old chemist who has spent all of her adult life slaving at school. With her PhD in hand, she’s to start her dream job, but before she does, her friend persuades her to relax and try to live again. A blind date set up through her friends seems like the perfect solution. Melanie can take one night away from the lab and let her inner vixen out on a fixed blind date – a chance to get crazy with a perfect stranger. The gorgeous hunk she’s to meet exceeds her wildest dreams – but he is more than what he appears and Melanie’s analytical mind goes into overdrive.

Kade, a slightly older werewolf (at over one hundred years), needs a night way from the Pack. Too many responsibilities and one near miss with a potential mate made Kade hide in his work, the only peace he can find. His brother convinces him to meet the sexy woman for a one night of fun. What could it hurt? But when he finds this woman could be his mate, can he convince her to leave her orderly, sane world and be with him and his wolf-half, for life?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Taste for a Mate

Redwood Pack #2

 

Jasper Jamenson’s only responsibility to being the Beta of the Redwood Pack, second son of the Alpha, is to protect the Pack from themselves and the human world. After a century of selfless service, his brother’s new found mating forced him into taking a good look into his life. He isn’t sure he wants a mate, but fate may have other ideas.

Willow Delton is a skinny, bakery owner – the type most woman love to hate. Being without family, she finds herself alone to the Greek god with green eyes who saunters into her bakery every morning. Her desire to follow him, to be with him, overrides every rational sense she possessed.

Jasper and Willow are drawn together, despite every nuisance that works against them. But evil beyond even Jasper’s supernatural compensation will make war against him, by going after the only thing in his eternal life he desires – Willow. Is Willow’s heart enough to overcome Jasper’s soul to save her life? A fight he cannot win, but to save her life – he must.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trinity Bound

Redwood Pack #3

 

Hannah Lewis, a rare earth witch, is taken from the only life she’s ever known. Held at her will by a sadistic wolf, she almost gives up hope that she’d ever see her real life again. But as her fellow captive, a werewolf named Reed, tries to calm her fears, she begins to feel a spark of something she never thought she’d feel – love. But is Reed, alone, enough to get her out of this dark basement so she can move on with her life?

Reed Jamenson, the artist of a werewolf Pack of Alpha males, knows instinctually that Hannah is his mate. Thus, despite their imprisonment, he will do all to protect her and then worry about their hearts. But is he strong enough to find a way for both of them to escape? And why does he feel as though something else is missing?

Josh Kolb, an ex-military human, stumbles upon Reed and Hannah and finds he must trust this new world of supernatural beings to survive. But that desire will lead the three to a triangle of attraction that will test the boundaries they all possess and its consequences in defeating the enemy. Can they all trust one another to save themselves and life as they know it? Even at the cost of their own hearts?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Night Away

Redwood Pack #3.5

Kade Jamenson has been mated to Melanie for almost two years. They’ve been through mating circles, battles, loss, misunderstandings, and finally, the birth of their son, Finn. The world is in turmoil around them as the Redwoods engage in war with the Centrals. But for Kade and Melanie, the turmoil is also happening at home. The responsibility of a restless baby and their Pack has taken a toll and they need a break.

Not from each other. But from their Pack. Just for a night.

Kade takes Mel away for a romantic getaway and leaves Uncle Maddox alone with baby Finn. The Omega of the Redwood Pack may be adept at emotions but the idea of a baby may be beyond his immense capabilities.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 3 and 4 to give you a taste of Mel and Kade. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of one of the Redwood’s favorite couples.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enforcer’s Redemption

Redwood Pack #4

 

Adam Jamenson has suffered through the worst loss known to man. The only reason he lives day-to-day is to ensure the safety of his Pack. As the Enforcer of the Redwood Pack, it is his job to protect all in his path, though he was unable to protect the ones he held dear. The war with the Centrals is heating up and Adam must try and grit through it in order to survive. Though the broken man inside of him may not want to…

Bay Milton is a werewolf with a past. And a secret. She’s met the Redwood’s Enforcer only once, but it left a lasting effect. Now she needs to find him or everything he had thought he lost, may be lost again.

Together, they must struggle and find a way to fight their pasts and present in order to protect their future. But the Centrals have a plan that might make their path one of loss and destruction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blurred Expectations

Redwood Pack #4.5

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Forgiveness

Redwood Pack #4.7

An Adam and Bay Novella

Expected publication: May 2013 by Fated Desires Publishing, LLC

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shattered Emotions

Redwood Pack #5

Expected publication: June 2013

Maddox Jamenson is the Omega of the Redwood Pack, the one burdened by emotions stronger than his own. He’s spent his entire life shrouded in the secrets of his “gift” and the price he has to pay to keep it, yet the cost just escalated. He’s known a mate could be in the cards for him, but he can’t have what he wants. Not when the battles he has yet to fight could destroy her.

Ellie Reyes was the Central’s princess, the daughter of the most hated Alpha of all time, yet not prized. No, she’s spent her life as the toy of her brother’s sadistic torture and has endured a pain that no one else should have to even contemplate. Though when she’s rescued, the one person who could help her, her mate, turns his back on her for reasons unknown to her. As each day passes, the strength that everyone sees in her dwindles to a point that there may be no coming back from.

When the Centrals find a new way to attack, leaving Ellie’s only protection a mate that she doesn’t think wants her, they’ll both have to overcome their fears and fight for something stronger than their pain. The war isn’t over and new players are coming that will decide the outcome. Maddox and Ellie’s connection will be tested even as their fragile bond is only newly forming.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Food….

Food……..

Food………..

And More Food………

This year  I am thankful for my health, my job, my family, my friends, and of course books and the author that write them.

But more of all I am thankful for humor.

Here is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving.

And now one does Thanksgiving better then Adam Sandler…

So, sit back and enjoy.

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Interview with Rachel Carrington

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have 1st time guest Rachel Carrington on the blog today

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

Sure! I’m a full-time writer, and I live near the beach on theAtlanticCoast. I drink way too much coffee, work until the wee hours of the morning, love eighties television shows, and am addicted to Youtube, Pinterest, and Twitter.

 

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No. Originally, I wanted to be a teacher. Then, when I was sixteen, life spun me around, and I began writing. I haven’t stopped since.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I was just asked this question in another interview, and I’m going to have to give the same response. I don’t really have any quirks per se. I have written in some interesting places just to get make sure I’ve written that day, and I guess you could call my dogged determination to write in whatever circumstances a quirk.

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

My latest release, Waking Up Immortal, is a science fiction/paranormal blend of romance. Chloe discovers she’s an immortal and, hoping to learn more about what she really is, she sets out to find the father she’s never met. Standing in her way is the warden of the intergalactic prison where her father is being held.

Half-man, half-machine, Kier knows Chloe’s father is as dangerous as he is devious, and he tries to prevent Chloe from getting anywhere near him. Unfortunately, evil has a way of winning sometimes, and Chloe is soon caught between the life she knows and the hell her father inflicts upon her.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I just got the idea for the first line, and the rest of the story just flowed from there. I knew whoever the hero was in the story, he’d have to be a match for Chloe which is why I made Kier a cyborg of sorts.

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

I’m working on the sequel to Waking Up Immortal at present, and I’m a little over a third of the way in. I’m hoping to finish it within the next month or so.

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

I’d love to meet Stephanie Meyer simply because she achieved breakout success from a dream. Most of us dream about breakout success. I think we could have an interesting conversation.

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

I’ve been asked this question so much lately, and I try to come up with new pieces of advice, but I do have to return to one I mentioned a month or so ago elsewhere, and that’s find a mentor. I think every author needs someone who has been in the trenches, someone to guide them through the ups and downs of this industry.

A mentor can cheer you on after your tenth rejection and celebrate even the tiniest of victories. And sometimes, those small wins keep a writer going because it’s easy to focus on a contest you didn’t win rather than the fact that you were a finalist in the contest. Each positive step is a leap toward a career in writing.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Visiting New Zealand. That has been at the top of my bucket list since I first watched Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. I got a glimpse of the beautiful scenery and then I started doing some research that made me want to see it up close and personal. Still do seventeen years later!

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

Book #6 in Sarra Cannon’s Peachville High series. Seriously, this series is addictive.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have a monthly newsletter that I’d like to invite everyone to join. You can sign up by going to the front page of my website, www.dawnrachel.com, and using the subscribe button on the right hand side of the page. I have freebies, excerpts, and more stuff that I only offer to my subscribers.

Readers can also find me on my Facebook page at , on Goodreads at Rachel Carrington, on Pinterest at rcarrington2004, Twitter @rcarrington2004, my website and my Amazon page

Thanks so much for the great interview!

 

 

Waking Up Immortal


I could die today, and it wouldn’t matter. I’d still wake up tomorrow. Some people might consider that a good thing, and the time I took my first bullet, well, I can’t say I complained when I woke up, but that’s the middle of the story.

At first I didn’t want this “gift” which led me to a long search for my father. I thought he could help me. Turns out my father was in prison, and I just happened to get on the bad side of his warden—a huge, cyborg type of guy who could body double for Sylvester Stallone. He didn’t want me to see my father, and he was a pretty big obstacle for me to overcome.

So here I am trying to convince this guy, Kier, to let me see my father when all hell breaks loose. Then I suddenly learn I really don’t want to see dear old Dad after all. My life isn’t in danger, but how I spend the rest of my immortal existence is. The only thing standing between me and certain torture is Kier.

I don’t doubt he’ll protect me, but being so close to him makes me forget about things like safety. And the first time he kisses me turns into heat up the windows type of scene in the front seat of my car.

My immortal existence is safe with Kier. My heart is on shaky ground. Only I could fall in love with a cyborg while my life is going to hell in a handbasket