Interview & Giveaway with C.H. Admirand

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome  C.H. Admirand to the blog today 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself
CA: I’ve been married to the man I fell in love with at-first-sight for 33 years. I believe there is the perfect person out there just waiting for each one of us and totally believe in HEAs. I use family names in all of my books and love adding bits and pieces of my Irish ancestry to my characters and plots.

Have you always wanted to be an author?
CA: I wanted to be an archeologist, then a teacher, then an interior decorator—and then I met DJ and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him…no clue what I would do to earn a living so I decided to go to business school…at the time the theory was a secretary would always have a job. Obviously that goes along with the number of years I’ve been married. LOL! It was in 1995 that the writing bug bit me again after running out of romances to read (and re-read) my hubby suggested that I write my own…so I did! The feeling that this is something I was mean to do filled me right down to my soul…it’s definitely a gift to sit down to a blank page and start writing.

Are you a plotter or a panster? And you explain the difference?
CA: I usually start with an idea or a character and then start jotting down ideas longhand. When everything starts to click, I head to my office and start a new file and begin with the synopsis. The early synop will be more general, but as ideas gel and characters start talking to me, I flesh out the storyline and character arc with a 5 to 10 page synopsis. I have an author friend who is a pantser…she sits in front of her computer and starts writing—scary thought if you aren’t hard-wired that way.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

CA: LOL…my family would say it’s that I have the ability to see chickens…I am easily distracted as ideas take hold, something passes by my peripheral vision, or my thoughts just dance off in another direction. This is really useful when writing, but it does take a bit to unravel the threads and weave them where they need to go.

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

CA: My latest release for Sourcebooks is the first book in my second series for them—Small Town USA. The first book is A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE … where love is always in the air and the proof is painted in John Deere Green on the town’s bright yellow water tower. The Mulcahy sisters have taken over the family business, now that their father has retired—family handyman business. They keep the town going, fixing what needs fixing and accepting whatever payment the good folk of Apple Grove have: Mrs. Winter pays with homemade cherry pie, Mr. Weatherbee the windchimes he creates. Meg Mulcahy wonders if she’ll ever see her name up on that water tower, especially since her on again-off again relationship with former high school football hero is transient at best…he plays for the Bengals and breezes into town a few times a year, picking up right where he left off…until Daniel Egan comes to town. He’s the new phys ed. teacher and high school soccer coach who will end up rescuing more than one person in Apple Grove…Meg included…but that would be telling. J

How did you come with the idea for this story?
CA: I have ideas that come to me in the middle of the night, others when I’m sitting with a clean sheet of paper and doodling. Whenever inspiration strikes, be it a character’s name or concept, I jot it down. I have paper idea files and computerized idea files. The paper ones are far easier to find…it’s that chicken-thing…can’t always remember what I saved the ideas under. <sigh>

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
CA: I’ve just turned in ONE DAY IN APPLE GROVE, the second book in the series and am writing the third book WELCOME BACK TO APPLE GROVE. The second book is the middle sister, Caitlin’s story—she’s known Dr. Jack Gannon all of her life—but it isn’t until the night they both end up rescuing a little black puppy that hearts open to the possibility of love and their lives forever change. Welcome Back to Apple Grove is the youngest sister, Grace’s, story…She’s the only sister who can’t wait to get out of Apple Grove…but finds that dreams aren’t always what one envisions them to be. On a visit home she runs into former FDNY firefighter Patrick Garahan and finds herself tangled up in Apple Grove and sliding toward love.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?
CA: I’ve always wanted to meet Judith McNaught and Jude Deveraux. Because I’ve been a member of RWA for years, I’ve already met some of my other favorites: Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Christina Skye, Linda Howard, etc. When our kids were babies, my neighbor suggested I try a few romance authors who were new to me: the three Js: Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, and Julie Garwood…I was hooked! I understand that Jude Deveraux will be attending the 2013 RT Convention in Kansas City, MO…I am so there!!!

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?
CA: NEVER GIVE UP. Keep writing, don’t let anyone talk you out of your dream. Find a writer’s group, I’d recommend RWA and your local RWA Chapter, and attend meetings, workshops, conferences and conventions and learn all that you can about the craft of writing and the industry. Once you’ve finished that first book send it out…if someone says no…keep going! I was rejected 99 times before I sold my first book. NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?
CA: I actually wrote a list of things to do before I hit 30, I revised it for things to do before I hit 40 and have given up because I still haven’t done anything on that darned list and I’m halfway to 60! LOL! I wanted to go to that fab institution in NYC with the red door…Elizabeth Arden and get my hair cut and makeup done; I wanted to eat caviar and sip champagne; I wanted to attend the Opera…preferably seeing la Traviata. The closest I’ve come is writing a book entitled THE LIST, maybe I’ll revise it and see if I can publish it. I almost forgot…I have this need to visit Ireland, but really, really, really hate to fly…so it’s a good thing I haven’t been able to afford it yet. 🙂

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
CA: Because I’m on deadline my TBR pile is getting bigger. Here’s are the first 10 books off the pile: Fool for Love, by Beth Ciotta (fab friend and author!), Marrying Daisy Bellamy, by Susan Wiggs; Stygian’s Honor by Lora Leigh; A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries; The Unspoken by Heather Graham; The Unholy by Heather Graham; Isabel the Invincible by Christine Bush, Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson; Love on Call by Shirley Hailstock, Omid’s Shadow by Hichkass Hamekass. I can’t wait to receive Nora’s last installment in the Boonesboro trilogy: The Perfect Hope; I have it on pre-order 🙂

What is one book everyone should read before they die?
CA: There are so many classics out there that should be read, and at the risk of not being PC, I’d suggest something inspirational—whatever religious inclinations you might have or not have—but something that would give you hope. I know what that choice would be for me, but it wouldn’t be the same for everyone.

What is your favorite time of year & why?
CA: I love early Spring as the Earth is just waking up and snowdrops are poking up out of the snow and early Fall when the Earth is going to sleep preparing for the long winter ahead.

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?
CA: Sean Connery…probably start babbling. LOL!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
CA: Thank you for interviewing me, it’s been a pleasure 🙂

 

A WEDDING IN APPLE GROVE BY C.H. ADMIRAND

IN STORES NOVEMBER 2012

 Amazon | B&N

He’s not so sure about small town life.

She can’t imagine living anywhere else.

Welcome to Apple Grove, Ohio (population 597), where everyone has your best interests at heart, even if they can’t agree on the best way to meddle. When the townsfolk of Apple Grove need handiwork done, there’s no job too small for the Mulcahy sisters: Megan, Caitlin, and Grace.

Specializing in hard work and family loyalty, tomboy Meg Mulcahy has left behind any girlhood dreams of romance. Enter newcomer Daniel Eagan, looking to bury his own broken heart and make a new start. He’s surprised-and delighted-by the winsome girl with the mighty tool belt who shows up to fix his wiring.

But Dan’s got a lot to learn about life in a small town, and when Meg’s past collides with her future, it may take all 595 other residents of Apple Grove to keep this romance from short-circuiting.

 Praise for A Wedding in Apple Grove:

“A terrifically fun read… With quick dialogue and a homey feel, this is a wonderful book to curl up with. Small-town romance at its best!” —RT Book Review, 4 Stars

Raw charm… one to read.” —Publishers Weekly

Sexy and fun… Admirand’s series will be popular, especially with fans of Susan Wiggs and Janet Chapman.” —Booklist

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C.H. ADMIRAND was born in Aiken, South Carolina, but grew up in New Jersey. She has been delighting readers with her Secret Life of Cowboys Series, featuring three cowboy brothers with Irish charm, and is now working on the next books in her small town contemporary romance series, featuring the town and quirky characters of Apple Grove, OH. She lives with her husband, who is the inspiration for all of her heroes’ best traits, in New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.CHAdmirand.com.

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Cover Reveal: Escape by Kenya Wright

 

Escape

Kenya Wright

 

A domina’s only purpose is to birth vampire children for the Quiet King. Brie has been a domina for two years. After witnessing the slaughter of babies, she plans to escape and seeks help from Samuel, a vampire known for aiding many out of slavery.

However, Samuel has only one policy. He won’t help dominas run away from the king. The penalty is too high and their blood triggers powers in him that he doesn’t want released. So Brie is forced to lie and Samuel is lured in by her blood. Something emerges within them that they can’t deny, overwhelming their every cell and igniting an all-consuming hunger that neither can escape.

Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing

Date of Release: January 2013

 

Author Bio:

Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya’s head at night. She is the author of the dark fantasy bestselling books in the Santeria Habitat Series (Caged View, Fire Baptized, and The Burning Bush).

Website – www.KenyaWright.com

Interview with LD Hutchinson

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome LD Hutchinson to the blog today to chat about life and  new book 

Can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m 18 year’s old, as of Dec I’ll be 19. I’ve been writing since I can remember, and gaming too as well as reading. I have two dogs and three cats. I generally write Paranormal, Romance and Occult books.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes, honestly. One thing I always wanted was to be an Author.

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I have to have music on or I can not write, literally I have NO ideas otherwise, and I have to have something on in the background to watch sometimes it’s weird.

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

Well Fang is a Novella that goes to The Renning Chronicles (Book of Curses) and it’s about a character and how he became how he is today.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When writing book of curses it was so hard not to want to write his story. He’s so complex and so misunderstood that I needed to explain him.

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

Right now it’s, The Forgotten Gods Counseling Group. It follows Nyx and Zeus’s daughter Aetina and her struggles, and hardships. You’re going to have to read it Nov. 24th if you want to know more though!

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

Julie Kagawa! She’s my favorite Author, I adore her books and right now I’m getting ready to read The Lost Prince!

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

Don’t give up, and be ready for anything!

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Ah.. well, I want to go to Japan before I die, that’s the most I got – Yet.

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

The Lost Prince as I said, Hell’s Gate, Demon’s Kiss, Hidden, Rage, and several others.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If anyone ever wants to know anything or just has something to say about one of my books I’m always available on face book and my email I adore fan mail so don’t be shy!

Website | Facebook

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008IV5CVA

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SYKW8E

Interview & Giveaway with Kim Law

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to have 1st time guess Kim Law on the blog today to chat a little about her day to day life and her newest release CAUGHT ON CAMERA

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

Sure! I’m a converted cubicle rat…once a computer programmer, now sitting at home writing romances full time. I have dogs and cats and hairballs underfoot at any given time. Oh, and the husband, too.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

As far back as I can remember!

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

My typical day is still taking shape. I just quit my day job a few weeks ago, then was out of town, had a release come out, and just generally haven’t had normal yet. So really, I’m not sure what my writing day is going to consist of, but I sure hope it falls into place soon as I have a lot of deadlines looming!

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Oh goodness…the most challenging is getting new words down on the paper. I am the worst procrastinator when confronted with the tasks I don’t like, and I HATE writing new words. I love having written them, and I love editing them. But it pains me greatly to have to get them out of me the first time.

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

CAUGHT ON CAMERA is my debut novel. It’s a sexy, contemporary romance about a wealthy, well-known, soon-to-be politician who sets his eye on a lovely camera lady. Only she will do anything to stay out of the spotlight with him! Yet…she doesn’t 😉

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I was looking around, trying to come up with something “current”, something that you might see in the real world, and the idea for the story occurred to me. I wanted to see what it might be like for someone on the “other side” of a scandal. The innocent person.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Sure! I’m working on a new book. It’ll be a sexy contemporary, too, only it’ll come out in episodes instead of all at once. It’s a Kindle Serial, and should start releasing in January. I also have a December release coming out called SUGAR SPRINGS. It’s a small-town contemporary about second chances and redemption, with loads of emotions.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Oh, I have a lot, but here are a few: I love Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, Robyn Carr, Stephanie Bond, Victoria Dahl, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, and of course Nora. I’ll read pretty much anything those ladies put out!

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

I’m not sure if they’ve inspired it, exactly, but I do feel like I’m a blend of a lot of them. I write what I love, so it’s only natural for my writing to incorporate the qualities I love most about those other writers. But hey…maybe that qualifies for inspiration J I’m not sure!

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

Oh fun! OK. I opened it and Vega, my heroine, has just found out that if she does not get the interview of JP that she’s after (and he’s highly resisting), then she is definitely losing her job!

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

I haven’t bought it yet (but only because I know I’ll read it immediately and I’m supposed to be writing), but I’m dying to read Nora’s third brother’s book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy. Those books are so good!!! It’s called, The Perfect Hope.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only that I’d love to give away a copy of CAUGHT ON CAMERA to one of your readers! I’ll gift a Kindle version to whoever you pick for me J Oh! And if they check out my website, they’ll find another giveaway, this one for a Kindle Paperwhite (or eCard equivalent)!!! That contest runs through November.

 Learn more about Kim here:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |Website

  

B&N | Amazon

Scandal meets seduction when America’s golden guy falls for a woman with secrets.

Beautiful Vega Zaragoza learned the hard way that sex and the spotlight don’t mix. Now the former model makes her living behind the camera, working as a videographer to escape public scrutiny. But when Vega gets a shot at her dream job, one that puts her back in the public eye, she must choose: continue to play it safe or gamble everything to go toe-to-toe — and heart-to-heart — with the city’s most eligible bachelor.

JP Davenport is the golden boy of American politics, rumored to be the governor’s first choice for Georgia’s open senatorial seat. Charming and gorgeous, he is also fiercely private, with a string of romantic conquests a mile long. Now he wants to add Vega to their ranks. And he will do anything to have her. Vega should know better than to trust a man like him. But kiss by heated kiss, she discovers this man may be worth the risk.

To Enter for a chance to win an Amazon copy of Caught on Camera answer this question for Kim

What some of their favorite authors are and why!

And make sure to leave your email address
*NO EMAIL. NO ENTRY* 
Contest Ends 11/25

 

Interview & Giveaway with Stephanie Queen

Books-n-Kisses is excited to have Stephanie Queen on the blog today to chat about her newest book “The Hot Shots”

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

I’m just a girl with a crown living the romance novelist dream!

Also, I love chocolate, football, funny romances, sappy romances, action-adventure romances…(you get the picture).  Oh, and I like to kid around.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

As a child, my dream was to be a princess. I’ve graduated since then. To keep up my fantasy—err—Queendom, I write novels.

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

First things first – I wake up. Who needs an alarm. I have a cat.

Then words leap from my brain onto my computer. Sure.  Too bad I don’t write Sci-Fi.

If it’s before 10am there are no words in my brain to leap anywhere. The only thing in my pre-coffee brain is dust. Fuzzy dust.

So I have coffee. In my royal cup. It has a crown on it.

Meanwhile, I dress in my royal robe and slippers, wave hello to the subjects below as I pass by the balcony on my way to the royal dining table.

While I fill up on coffee and my brain begins to buzz to life, I watch the news. One must keep up with one’s current events. Plus, you never know what might catch your eye and inspire a novel. (Of course, this would work better if I was not tuned to the cooking channel).

Then I write.  While lounging on my pink velvet divan with my laptop on my lap and a box of chocolates nearby. Hey, it’s breakfast.

After a suitable number of syllables, I instruct  my chauffeur,  Myren (long story) to drive me to the gym where I work off the chocolates. Of course, in the interim, I’ve dressed into appropriate attire for the gym, with dark glasses to throw off the paparazzi. Although sometimes the crown is a give away.

Once I outrun my screaming subjects—they’re such fans—I arrive back home to the castle and take a nap.

Maybe I’ll dream up a plot.

Oh dear, look at the time!  I’ll have to cover my afternoons in another blog. Myren the Chauffeur is waiting.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

Readers are the best part of writing! I’ve discovered I love hearing from my subjects—err, readers and chatting about books and soaking up their enthusiasm!

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

THE HOT SHOTS is available today on Amazon! It’s the second book in a romantic comedy suspense series, the Scotland Yard Exchange Program where blokes from the Yard mix it up with cops from Boston, solve crime, fall in love and make me laugh.

Here’s the snap on the story:

Would you jump off the USS Constitution into Boston Harbor with a perfect stranger?  You would if that stranger was hot shot Scotland Yard detective Chauncey Miller, the usual tall-dark-handsome type, especially since he has an assassin with a score to settle who just caught up with him…

Decorator Sophia Alano’s career gets side-tracked from the moment she meets hot shot  Chauncey. He’s on the run from a madman terrorist out for revenge when Sophia ends up targeted too.  Now he must protect this spitfire while they’re hunted wherever they go. They escape to London to outwit the madman. But once Chauncey catches their would-be killer, how do they go back to the lives they had before?

Amazon Buy Link

How did you come with the idea for this story?

Remember about the brain fuzz from question #3? Well, apparently, this is magic fuzz, and some how when the fuzz clears, a story appears. This is as close as I can come to an explanation, although studies are being done…

What is an upcoming release you can’t wait for?

The next installment from Trish McCallan in her Forged series, anything by Gemma Halliday, Kristine Cayne, Alexa Grace, Sophia Knightly, E. Ayers, JM Griffin…I could go on.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d love to offer a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate to one lucky commenter!

Thank you so much for hostessing me on your fab-blog!

Learn more about Stephanie here:

Twitter:  @StephanieQueen

Website:  www.StephanieQueen.com

Facebook:  Stephanie Queen

 

To Enter for a chance to win a $10 Gift Card.  

Please leave Stephanie a comment or questions along with your email address

*NO EMAIL, NO ENTRY*

Giveaway will end on 11/24/2012

Will will be announced 11/28-ish

Kissin’ the Week of Nov 12-17 Goodbye

11.12.13

Sneak Peek at Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet on Audio & Giveaway

Spotlight feature of Political Affair by Mary Whitney

Kelly’s review of Claiming the Wolf by Michele Hauf

Kimberly’s review of The Accidental Bride by Christina Skye

11.13.13

Spotlight Feature & Giveaway of Tempted by the Storm by Maxine Mansfield

Cover Reveal: Murder on Olympus by Robert B Warren

Release Day Tuesday

Kelly’s review of Hunter’s Season by Thea Harrison

Kimberly’s review of Sleeping with Dogs & Other Lovers by Julia Dumont

11.14.13

Interview with Honey Jans

Kimberly’s review of Fifty Shades Darker by EL James

Kimberly’s review of Hostile Takeover by Joey Hill 

11.15.13

Interview & Giveaway with Tes Hilaire

Interview & giveaway with Kacey Hammell

Kelly’s review of Mark of the Witch by Maggie Shayne

Kimberly’s review of White Swan Affair by Elysa Mady

11.16.13

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Allison Dobell

Typical writing day with Elisabeth Naughton & giveaway

Kelly’s review of The Last Girl by Kitty Thomas

Kimberly’s review of Call Me Wild by Robin Kaye

11.17.13

SINsational Saturday Series

Justin Cornin’s The Passage Series

The Passage Trilogy by Justin Cornin

The Passage

The Passage #1

Amazon | B&N

 “It happened fast. Thirty-two minutes for one world to die, another to be born.”

First, the unthinkable: a security breach at a secret U.S. government facility unleashes the monstrous product of a chilling military experiment. Then, the unspeakable: a night of chaos and carnage gives way to sunrise on a nation, and ultimately a world, forever altered. All that remains for the stunned survivors is the long fight ahead and a future ruled by fear—of darkness, of death, of a fate far worse.

As civilization swiftly crumbles into a primal landscape of predators and prey, two people flee in search of sanctuary. FBI agent Brad Wolgast is a good man haunted by what he’s done in the line of duty. Six-year-old orphan Amy Harper Bellafonte is a refugee from the doomed scientific project that has triggered apocalypse. He is determined to protect her from the horror set loose by her captors. But for Amy, escaping the bloody fallout is only the beginning of a much longer odyssey—spanning miles and decades—towards the time and place where she must finish what should never have begun.

With The Passage, award-winning author Justin Cronin has written both a relentlessly suspenseful adventure and an epic chronicle of human endurance in the face of unprecedented catastrophe and unimaginable danger. Its inventive storytelling, masterful prose, and depth of human insight mark it as a crucial and transcendent work of modern fiction.

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

The Twelve

The Passage #2

Amazon | B&N

THE EPIC STORY OF THE PASSAGE CONTINUES

At the end of The Passage, the great viral plague had left a small group of survivors clinging to life amidst a world transformed into a nightmare. In the second volume of this epic trilogy, this same group of survivors, led by the mysterious, charismatic Amy, go on the attack, leading an insurrection against the virals: the first offensives of the Second Viral War.

To do this, they must infiltrate a dozen hives, each presided over by one of the original Twelve. Their secret weapon: Alicia, transformed at the end of book one into a half human, half viral—but whose side, in the end, is she really on?

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

The City of Mirrors

The Passage #3

by Justin Cronin

Expected publication: 2014

Guest Blog & Giveaway with Allison Dobell

My favourite scene: Alice’s Wonderland by Allison Dobell

Moments later, the brassy blonde was prowling into her office, her long, long legs shown off to full advantage in a micro leather mini skirt and a fresh spray tan. She was the only woman that Alice knew who could wear high-heeled gladiator sandals with the straps wound all the way up to her knees. On most, the effect reminded Alice of a whole lot of B words including ‘bondage’, ‘bulgy’ and ‘big mistake’.  But Tanja looked like a Roman goddess in hers – and she knew it. Her hair was long and peroxide white, her sunglasses oversized and movie star, her leather vest tiny and only just containing her spectacular bosom. If her face was no longer quite young enough to pull off such an extreme look, most men didn’t notice.

I can’t say there was a particular scene in Alice’s Wonderland that was my favorite to write, but any scene with Alice’s business rival, Tanja Thompson (aka the ‘brassy blonde’), was a real highlight for both my co-author and myself.

Every so often, you meet a character who is just a true pleasure to write – a character who makes you laugh out loud with every twist and turn. Tanja is one of these characters (though they’re not always brassy blondes, I had one once who was a very large, very drooly Irish Wolfhound). Tanja is the kind of girl we all wish we could be at some point. Not looks-wise (frankly, peroxide blonde hair and high-heeled gladiator sandals aren’t really for me), but attitude-wise. Tanja is smart and sassy and street-wise and will tell you what she thinks. Every single time. She’s a shrewd businesswoman and cuts a mean deal. But she’s also decent and, when it comes down to the line, fair and kind. Most importantly, she gets all the good lines.

So, were there fisticuffs between my co-author and I about whose turn it was to write a chapter when Tanja was about to make an appearance? Well… if I told you that, we’d be giving all our secrets away, wouldn’t we now?! I think we’d both agree, though, we’ll be writing more Tanja Thompson-types in the future.

 

Allison Dobell is the pseudonym of two Australian writers – both Allisons (Dobell, get it? Double? Huh? Huh?! They’re nothing if not hilarious). Find out more at allisondobell.com.   Allison Dobell’s first novel, Alice’s Wonderland, is out now:  Here

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A Typical Writing Day for Author Elisabeth Naughton

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A Typical Writing Day for Author Elisabeth Naughton

A typical writing day for begins with a mimosa. Fresh cut strawberries on a tray. Breakfast in bed. A masseuse rubbing my feet as I lie there thinking about my book characters. Then, when I finally decide to roll out of bed, I type away all day long in my office with its private view of the rolling Pacific and finish 50 pages before it’s time to load into my limo and head out for dinner on the town.

Okay, that’s the dream. Reality isn’t quite as glamorous.

Even when I’m not writing, I’m thinking about my characters. So I usually go to bed trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with a particular scene. Sometimes I dream about my characters. Sometimes I dream of murdering them. In the morning, I’m often more frustrated than I was the night before, but because I have kids who always need to be fed (why do they want breakfast EVERY morning?!), I roll out of bed and trudge through the morning routine while I look forward to (or dread, depending on the day) the hours I’ll be writing once they’re off to school.

When the house is finally quiet I’m usually faced with two decisions: 1) shower and work or 2) go for a run. Depending on my mood (notice my day is filled with “depending on…”???) I either jump in the shower or throw on my running shoes. Running helps clear my mind, and if I’m not able to work out a scene in my head, running often knocks something loose. When I’m done with one (or both), I head down to my in-home office where I spend the morning doing busy work like answering emails, organizing promo materials, sending out books and the ever-present time suck: posting on Facebook and Twitter.

FB and Twitter are necessary evils, I tell you.  I love interacting with readers on both, but I’m a procrastinator by nature so I can easily waste HOURS here if I’m not careful. I have to physically turn them both off and prepare myself to write or I’ll look up from the clock to find it’s 3pm and I’ve gotten zero words in for the day.

After a snack (or lunch depending on how much I’ve been stuffing my face through the morning), I dive into my current book. I’m a one-step-back-two-steps-forward writer, so this often starts with rereading what I wrote the day before, then moving forward. My goal is 2,000 words per day when I’m not on deadline, closer to 3K when I am on deadline (or 4K or 5K, depending on how much time I’ve already wasted). Sometimes 2,000 words flow from my fingers, and other times every word is painful. I live for the painless days. I run because of the painful ones.

My kids get home around 3:30, so my day is shot then. If I’m on deadline I’ll often escape the house before my afternoon writing session and go to a coffee shop where I can stay as late as I want without being interrupted. (They’re building a Panera Bread near me and I can’t wait until it opens. It’s going to be my new office!) After the kids get home I can edit, FB & Twitter again, but any new words that flow from my fingers at that point are usually garbage. To say my kids mess with my writing mojo is no joke.

In the evenings, if I’m watching TV, I always seem to have my laptop. I’m usually not writing then (even after the kids go to bed…too tired), but I do research and fact check at that time.

And then, around 11pm (or 12 pm or 1 am depending on how wired I am), I shut off the light, think about my book and drift to sleep with my characters foremost in my mind.

The next day, I start all over again.

It’s a viscous cycle. But one I absolutely love.

 

ENSLAVED

BY ELISABETH NAUGHTON

IN STORES NOVEMBER 2012

“Do not miss this series.”—New York Times bestselling author Larissa Ione

GRYPHON—Honorable, loyal, dependable…tainted. He was the ultimate warrior before imprisonment in the Underworld changed him in ways he can’t ignore.

She calls to him. Come to me. You can’t resist. But Gryphon will not allow himself to be ruled by the insidious whispers in his head. And there’s only one way to stop them: kill Atalanta, the goddess who enslaved him. But with so much darkness inside, he can’t be sure what’s real anymore. Even the Eternal Guardians, those who protect the human realms and the gods, want to exile him.

Finding Malea is like a miracle. Somehow he doesn’t feel the pull of the dark when she’s near. And he’s determined to keep her as near as possible, whether she wants him close or not. But she’s a temptation that will test every bit of control he has left. One that may ultimately have the power to send him back to the Underworld…or free him from his chains for good.

 

Praise for Elisabeth Naughton:

“Entertaining and smoldering.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review of Tempted

“Creative worldbuilding and ever-present danger pull the reader into this mesmerizing tale.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ star review of Enraptured

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A former junior high science teacher, Elisabeth Naughton traded in her red pen and test-tube set for a laptop and research books. She now writes sexy romantic adventure and paranormal novels full-time from Oregon, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the RWA RITA© Award, the NJ RWA Golden Leaf, and the RWA Golden Heart. When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ball park, or dreaming up new and adventures. Visit her at www.elisabethnaughton.com and follow her on Twitter, @ElisNaughton.

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Interview & giveaway with Tes Hilaire

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Tes Hilaire to the blog to chat about her upxoming release of “DELIVER ME FROM TEMPTATION”

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

Of course! First I want to say thanks for having me here today at Books-n-Kisses as I kick-off the preliminary round for the Deliver Me from Temptation book tour. As you can imagine, I’m very excited about its upcoming release and just love to share all the goodies and behind the scenes info with you readers. As for me, I personally don’t find myself quite so interesting. I’m your bona fide soccer mom who spends way too much time carting kids around and volunteering for school activities.  All I can say is it’s a good thing I have a healthy imagination or I think I might just have gone crazy by now navigating the kidlet culture!

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Yes and no… I’ve always written short stories and poems and there is not a time I don’t remember having my nose in a book (my parents had a no books at the table rule), but I also had very practically parents who repeatedly encouraged having a “fallback” career. Still, I will never forget the time in middle school when we had an author come in and speak.  I listened to him and was so inspired I went home and started writing a middle grade novel about a cat who decided to go on a walk-about from his two-legged family. Needless to say, his adventure didn’t go so well—probably because I stopped less than half-way through—and after realizing that writing was actually work, and that career success was even more difficult (this from that inspiring author’s own mouth), I decided my parents might have a good idea with that fallback career advice!

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

My day stars with typical mom things: get the kids ready, make lunches, see them to the bus; but after I normally settle in for a good few hours of writing.  It’s a tossup to see if I actually get those hours as there is usually some bit of business that needs to be taken care of, but if I do make it through, I normally take a break for some email, social media, and a get the creative-juices flowing shower (trust me, showers work wonders when you’re stuck) then either take off on mom errands or, if I’m really lucky, get right back to the grind and write some more.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging is when I just can’t see the scene. I know something has to happen to get my hero/heroine from A to B but there is something about the setting or the interaction or even the plot seems off.  Conversely this is also the most rewarding part about writing. When that scene finally does fall into place and you read it over and go “Yes! That’s it!” it gives me some much energy and inspiration to keep on going and finish their story.

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

I thought you’d never ask! 😉  Deliver Me from Temptation is the second book in the Paladin Warriors novels. It is stand alone, but I personally recommend you read book one first as it ties in some various plot threads started there. Not to mention that Logan, the hero, played a pretty prominent part in Deliver Me from Darkness and I don’t know about you readers, but I can never get enough of my heroes 😉  Anyway, this is Logan’s story. He’s the last full-blooded Paladin and has pretty much determined that he’s never going to find his mate.  First there is so much to do he doesn’t have much time to look and second there aren’t that many eligible Paladin women out there. Needless to say it’s a bit of a shocker when he falls hard for a very stubborn and very human cop, especially when she ends up embroiled in the type of mess that is better off left to a Paladin to take care off.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

This story just sort of unfolded naturally after Deliver Me from Darkness. Because this is part of a series, there are always interesting subplots and thread lines that are being developed within each novel. In book one there was a secondary character that met with a pretty final end. The problem was, when his body turned up (between books one and two) our hero from book one, Roland, was the last person to be seen with him.  Logan, being his best friend, and fixer of many messes naturally stepped in to help, and also stumbled upon his future mate in the process!

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Oh!  I’d love too J  I am currently working on book three for the series. Deliver Me from Death will come out sometime next fall and will bring back two characters that I’ve had many upon many requests from readers to see again.  I’m just finishing my first round of edits now but I can tell you that having both Gabriella and Valin on the pages together has been often trying, sometimes explosive, and overall downright fun.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

When I’m looking for dark and intense, Karen Marie Moning, Suzanne Brockman, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Karen Chance are top of my list!

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

Yes!  Those dark and intense authors I mentioned?  Well if you read their books you’ll find them filled with lots of emotion and grit.  For me, writing with that sort of intensity can be hard because I’m always second guessing myself, wondering if this is how the characters would really act or if it’s coming across correctly. In hindsight I realized that in some scenes I just wasn’t meeting the emotional bar I was looking for, so, the one thing I’ve learned from these authors is Don’t Hold Back!  I can always fine tune things later, but it’s really, really difficult to go back and insert intensity into a key scene if it was not there originally.

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

Hmmm… okay, page 127 of Deliver Me from Temptation.  This is where our heroine is seriously questioning her sanity. There has been more than one recent event that she knows occurred that she can’t remember the details of and now there is evidence that someone is going around doing a pretty good imitation of a vampire and chowing on her victims necks…

 …Sighing, she leaned against the hood of her Chevy. She scrubbed a shaky hand over her face, blinking through her blurry vision at the street before her. On top of the aches and pains from her encounter last night, on top of the perpetual exhaustion, the damn headache had returned. She knew why, of course, and it had little to do with her momentary slip into fantasy land. It was because she was here, staring at the same street she must have driven back home on the other night, and couldn’t remember a fucking thing. If this kept up she was going to have to get a damn MRI to find out what the hell was wrong with her fucking mind. Had she actually witnessed something and couldn’t remember? Was the key to their victim’s killer locked up in her foggy brain?

“I’m a mess,” she grumbled.

“Yeah, you are.”

She jumped, spun…

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

Well, a lot of my favorite authors have recently come out with some great things. Gunmetal magic by Ilona Andrews, Iced by Moning, Suzanne Brockmann has another one out to I’m told… The problem is time though! I’m currently in deadline crunch so I’ve been waiting very, very patiently to order my copies as I know I won’t be able to help myself if they are in the house!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes! I wanted to let the readers know that I’m offering up one signed copy of book one Deliver Me from Darkness to one commenter that leaves me a suggestion for the sexiest thing a man could say to his woman! Oh la la 😉

Learn more about Tes here:

Website | Facebook |  TwitterGoodreads  

Interview & Giveaway with Kacey Hammell

Can you please share with us a little about yourself.

I’m a stay at home Mom. Wife. Volunteer within my community. Run a cattle farm, grow my own produce year round. A Jane of all Trades.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No. The need to write my own stories happened about eight years ago. But I tolk some time off due to my dad’s death and couldn’t write for a long time. Now I’m back in the saddle and doing it pretty well.  I wanted to be a teacher and a Mom when I was a young girl.

Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

There are many…Cherry Adair, Jaci Burton, Sara Brookes, Suzanne Brockmann, Sandra Brown, Karen Robards, Nora Roberts. Probably the two biggest idols are Jaci Burton and Cherry Adair…they inspire me a lot.

How did you get into writing in this specific genre?  Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?

I read more romantic suspense/contemporary romances. So I think that plays a huge part in why I write within the 2 genres. I have a paranormal ghost story, which still has a contemporary feel to it. And a trilogy that deals with witches and sensory gifts of the characters (which is taking a lot of research!!)/

I can’t see myself going beyond that. I like to write what I’m most familiar/comfortable with.

What are some of your writing rituals?

A pot of steeped tea, notepad and pen beside me, low lighting, bowl full of M&M peanuts and 3-4 bottles of water. And hopefully some quiet!

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

I’ve had many releases the last couple of months–3 new releases within the “In the Arms of the Law” series, and a contemporary single title. TIED DOWN is a short story that revisits Isabella & Brady (from Illusions). Brady wants a commitment from Bella…he’ll do whatever it takes to get her to decide…one way or another.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

I wanted to revisit the characters. And knowing Brady as I do, I knew it wouldn’t be long before he was anxious to discuss the future with his woman. I had to laugh though at what he put Isabella through. For me, it was her getting some of the payback for being so stubborn when I wrote Illusions. Bella & I didn’t always get along!

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

I have a WIP that is in the “almost ready” stage to be submitted to a publisher. It’s a Contemporary Ménage—a heroine who meets her two heroes and it has a twist in it that the heroes have to come to grips with.

What would you be if you were not an author?

I probably would have gone back to school to get my teaching degree. I might still be working for an online publisher, working with authors, doing critiques and such for authors. Then again, I would be just as happy to remain a stay at home Mom, and be available to my kids/schools.

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

Jaye Wells’ “Red-Headed Stepchild” is sitting on top of my TBR pile and I’m anxious to read it. I’m dying to read the series (Sabina Kane Series) and have waited til I’ve finished some other fave authors and got some writing in where I could read the whole series consecutively without pause.

Website / Facebook / Facebook Author Page / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Pinterest

 

 

Giveaway:

Kacey is giving away a copy of the first book from the “In the Arms of the Law” series—Illusions. One winner will be drawn randomly and will receive a PDF copy of Illusions on November 18th.